DOCSLIB.ORG

Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report United States Department of Draft Agriculture Forest Environmental Impact Statement/ Service Environmental Impact Report Pacific Southwest Region Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Lake Tahoe Basin South Shore Fuel Reduction and Management Unit Healthy Forest Restoration EIS/EIR R5-MB-177 Forest Supervisor’s Office March 2009 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit South Lake Tahoe, California 96150 South Shore from Heavenly Valley The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/ ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit South Shore Fuel Reduction and Healthy Forest Restoration El Dorado County, California Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service Responsible Official: Terri Marceron, Forest Supervisor Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Information Contact: Sue Rodman, Team Co-Leader Duncan Leao, Team Co-Leader Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 (530) 621-5295, for Sue Rodman (530) 543-2660, for Duncan Leao e-mail, [email protected] Abstract: The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) documents the analysis of three alternatives (1, 2, and 3) to manage fuel reduction and forest health in the wildland- urban intermix (WUI). Alternative 1 proposes no action; fuel loads would continue to increase and urban areas would remain at risk for high intensity wildfire. Alternative 2 would reduce hazardous fuel and improve forest health on 10,671 acres. Alternative 2 emphasizes thinning to change wildfire behavior from high intensity crown fires to low intensity surface fire by removing smaller trees that act as fuel ladders and increasing spacing between trees. Forest health would improve by reducing basal area to attain forest densities with improved resistance to drought, insects, and disease. More acres would use mechanical equipment, including within SEZs and wildlife areas than in Alternative 3. Alternative 3 was developed in response to public comments received on the Proposed Action during scoping to reduce impacts to watersheds and wildlife, while still reducing the risk of high-intensity crown fire. This Alternative reduces hazardous fuel and improves forest health in the WUI on 10,112 acres. Eldorado National Forest Final EIS Table of Contents Executive Summary.............................................................................................i Chapter 1. Purpose and Need for Action ........................................................ 1-1 Document Structure ............................................................................................................ 1-1 Background......................................................................................................................... 1-2 Purpose and Need for Action.............................................................................................. 1-5 Proposed Action.................................................................................................................. 1-6 Decision Framework........................................................................................................... 1-6 Forest Plan Direction .......................................................................................................... 1-7 Public Involvement ........................................................................................................... 1-10 Issues................................................................................................................................. 1-11 Laws, Regulations, and Policies ....................................................................................... 1-12 Permits and Coordination ................................................................................................. 1-15 Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action ....................... 2-1 Introduction......................................................................................................................... 2-1 Alternatives Considered in Detail....................................................................................... 2-1 Alternative 1 – No Action............................................................................................ 2-1 Features Common to Both Action Alternatives........................................................... 2-1 Alternative 2 – Proposed Action.................................................................................. 2-2 Alternative 3 ............................................................................................................. 2-33 Comparison of Treatment Changes Alternatives 2 and 3.......................................... 2-36 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study ......................................... 2-39 Comparison of Alternatives .............................................................................................. 2-45 Chapter 3. Affected Environment & Environmental Consequences .. 3-1 Fire and Fuels...................................................................................................................... 3-3 Forest Vegetation.............................................................................................................. 3-33 Soil Resources................................................................................................................... 3-57 Water and Riparian Resources.......................................................................................... 3-79 Aquatic Wildlife.............................................................................................................. 3-111 Terrestrial Wildlife.......................................................................................................... 3-127 TRPA Special Interest Species ....................................................................................... 3-225 Management Indicator Species....................................................................................... 3-235 Sensitive Plants ............................................................................................................... 3-271 Noxious Weeds ............................................................................................................... 3-287 Air Quality ...................................................................................................................... 3-291 Heritage and Cultural Resources .................................................................................... 3-305 Scenic Resources ............................................................................................................ 3-309 Recreation ....................................................................................................................... 3-315 Transportation................................................................................................................. 3-323 Social and Economic Conditions and Effects................................................................. 3-329 Environmental Justice..................................................................................................... 3-333 Short-term Uses and Long-term Productivity................................................................. 3-333 Unavoidable Adverse Effects ......................................................................................... 3-333 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources ............................................. 3-334 Maps ............................................................................................................................. 3-335 Chapter 4. Monitoring .............................................................................................. 4-1 Consultation and Coordination.............................................................................. 4-7 Acronyms...................................................................................................................... 4-11 Glossary ........................................................................................................................ 4-13 References Cited ...................................................................................................... 4-15 Appendix A Past, Present, and Future Restoration Projects ............................................ A-1 Appendix B Limited Operating Periods for Special Status Species .................................. B-1 Appendix C Best Management Practices..........................................................................C-1 Appendix D Stream Environmental Zone Sensitivity Rating System.................................D-1 Appendix E VQO and Scenic Design Criteria.................................................................................E-1
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems
    Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems OSHA 3256-09R 2015 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 “To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.” This publication provides a general overview of a particular standards- related topic. This publication does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities which are set forth in OSHA standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Moreover, because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements the reader should consult current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts. Material contained in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627. This guidance document is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. It contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan.
    [Show full text]
  • A Preparedness Guide for Firefighters and Their Families
    A Preparedness Guide for Firefighters and Their Families JULY 2019 A Preparedness Guide for Firefighters and Their Families July 2019 NOTE: This publication is a draft proof of concept for NWCG member agencies. The information contained is currently under review. All source sites and documents should be considered the authority on the information referenced; consult with the identified sources or with your agency human resources office for more information. Please provide input to the development of this publication through your agency program manager assigned to the NWCG Risk Management Committee (RMC). View the complete roster at https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/risk-management-committee/roster. A Preparedness Guide for Firefighters and Their Families provides honest information, resources, and conversation starters to give you, the firefighter, tools that will be helpful in preparing yourself and your family for realities of a career in wildland firefighting. This guide does not set any standards or mandates; rather, it is intended to provide you with helpful information to bridge the gap between “all is well” and managing the unexpected. This Guide will help firefighters and their families prepare for and respond to a realm of planned and unplanned situations in the world of wildland firefighting. The content, designed to help make informed decisions throughout a firefighting career, will cover: • hazards and risks associated with wildland firefighting; • discussing your wildland firefighter job with family and friends; • resources for peer support, individual counsel, planning, and response to death and serious injury; and • organizations that support wildland firefighters and their families. Preparing yourself and your family for this exciting and, at times, dangerous work can be both challenging and rewarding.
    [Show full text]
  • Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide
    A publication of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide PMS 210 April 2013 Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide April 2013 PMS 210 Sponsored for NWCG publication by the NWCG Operations and Workforce Development Committee. Comments regarding the content of this product should be directed to the Operations and Workforce Development Committee, contact and other information about this committee is located on the NWCG Web site at http://www.nwcg.gov. Questions and comments may also be emailed to [email protected]. This product is available electronically from the NWCG Web site at http://www.nwcg.gov. Previous editions: this product replaces PMS 410-1, Fireline Handbook, NWCG Handbook 3, March 2004. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) has approved the contents of this product for the guidance of its member agencies and is not responsible for the interpretation or use of this information by anyone else. NWCG’s intent is to specifically identify all copyrighted content used in NWCG products. All other NWCG information is in the public domain. Use of public domain information, including copying, is permitted. Use of NWCG information within another document is permitted, if NWCG information is accurately credited to the NWCG. The NWCG logo may not be used except on NWCG-authorized information. “National Wildfire Coordinating Group,” “NWCG,” and the NWCG logo are trademarks of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names or trademarks in this product is for the information and convenience of the reader and does not constitute an endorsement by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group or its member agencies of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.
    [Show full text]
  • Media Kit Vs1 DRAFT
    Jan Brewer Arizona State Forestry Division Governor Office of the State Forester 1110 W. Washington St., Suite 100 Scott Hunt Phoenix, AZ 85007 State Forester (602) 771-1400 For Immediate Release Contact: Carrie Dennett, PIO Sept. 28, 2013 (602) 399-3078 State Forester Releases Yarnell Hill Accident Investigation Report PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Arizona State Forester today released the Yarnell Hill Fire Serious Accident Investigation Report, which analyzes the circumstances leading to the June 30 entrapment and deaths of 19 firefighters of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew. The report and accompanying documents are available at https://sites.google.com/site/yarnellreport/. The State of Arizona convened an accident investigation team July 3 to review the conditions and events leading to the tragedy. The investigation team visited the site of the accident, reviewed audio and video files, interviewed individuals associated with the incident, reviewed fire weather and behavior data, and examined available records and physical evidence. The resulting report contains the most complete information available about the accident. “Our mission was to find out what happened and to discern the facts surrounding this tragedy to the best of our ability,” said Jim Karels, investigation team lead and the State Forester for the Florida Forest Service. “We also hope this report facilitates learning within the wildland fire community in order to reduce the likelihood of repeating actions that contributed to the loss of life.” The 116-page report includes a fact-based narrative of the incident and offers the investigation team’s analysis, conclusions and recommendations. It also includes a discussion section that is meant to facilitate understanding and learning by exploring various perspectives and issues that arose during the investigation.
    [Show full text]
  • Water Tender and Engine Typing NWCG/NIMS/FIRESCOPE Changes November 2012
    FIRESCOPE Task Force January 1, 2013 TO: California Fire Service CHARLES BUTLER, Chair Battalion Chief Los Angeles FD FROM: Kim Zagaris, Chief/California Emergency Management Agency, KIRK WELLS, Vice- Chair Battalion Chief, Orange Executive Coordinator/FIRESCOPE County Fire Authority BRAD DARBRO, Secretary RE: NWCG and NIMS Equipment Typing Changes Battalion Chief, Santa Clara County FD STEVE WINTER On June 5, 2008, the National Wildland Coordinating Group distributed a memorandum, detailing changes Battalion Chief Ventura County FD adopted to the national standards for the typing of engines and water tenders. This information was widely distributed to the California fire service, through the Regional and Area coordinators to ensure that the MIKE LOCOCO changes were universally known. Assistant Chief, Cal EMA, Fire and Rescue Branch Subsequent to this, it was determined by FIRESCOPE during the actions to revise the FIRESCOPE Field WOODY ENOS Division Chief, Santa Barbara Operations Guide (FOG), ICS 420-1, that some differences were noted to the ability of water tenders in County FD California to meet these standards. During several review sessions by the FIRESCOPE Task Force, DAVE STONE meetings of the Operations Team, and meetings of the Board of Directors, these differences were identified Assistant Chief, Los Angeles and noted by footnoted asterisk in the equipment typing charts within Chapter 13 of the 2012 FOG Guide. County FD SEAN FRALEY The decision by NWCG to split the typing of water tenders into Tactical and Support categories is based on Battalion Chief a sound rationale and further helps to define their roles between tactical/line functions and non- Kern County FD tactical/support functions.
    [Show full text]
  • OPR Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory
    Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory General Plan Technical Advice Series 2020 Update Public Review Draft – November 2020 Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory State of California Gavin Newsom, Governor Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Kate Gordon, Director Agency Information Interagency Working Group Members Address Board of Forestry and Fire Protection 1400 10th Street Edith Hannigan Sacramento, CA 95814 California Department of Forestry and Fire Phone Protection (CAL FIRE) (916) 322-2318 Brian Barkley Carmel (Mitchell) Barnhart Website Gene Potkey www.opr.ca.gov Jeff Hakala Raymond Martinez OPR Project Manager Shane Vargas Erik de Kok, AICP California Natural Resources Agency OPR Report Contributors Jennifer Montgomery Beth Hotchkiss Debbie Franco Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Elliott Pickett Victoria LaMar-Haas Nikki Carevelli Nuin-Tara Key California Department of Housing and Community Development Paul McDougall California Public Utilities Commission Koko Tomassian California Department of Insurance Mike Peterson California Department of Justice Christina Bull Arndt Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Public Review Draft – November 2020 2 Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory Table of Contents Table of Contents .................................................................................................................... 3 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4 2020 Update ...................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • W05 Emergency Water Supply for Firefighting
    Emergency Water Supply for Firefighting Water is a critical resource in firefighting, both for suppressing structural fires and for defending structures from wildland fires. When firefighters arrive at a home, they need a dependable and ready supply of water. But in most rural and mountainous areas of Boulder County, unlike urban areas, there are no high-pressure water mains and fire hydrants to deliver the water. Instead, fire districts must rely on equipment and personnel to move water from local water sources to the fire. This can be a slow and time-consuming process that requires coordination of many resources. Water sources are all too often a long distance from the fire, and it can take a great deal of time and effort to transport the water to where it is needed. Additionally, transporting water requires equipment and personnel that could otherwise be utilized for fighting fire. The lack of readily available water can seriously impair the ability of firefighters to do their job in a safe and effective manner. If firefighters are unable to maintain an uninterrupted supply of water on the fire, the result can be a relatively unchecked spread of the fire, leading to the complete loss of Boulder County structures or an extension of the fire beyond the capabilities of the emergency personnel involved. To help mitigate this situation, Boulder County is requiring the Community Planning & installation of individual and community emergency water storage and delivery systems Permitting Publications in rural and mountainous areas. Individual Fire Cisterns One of the most basic and reliable means for storing large amounts of water for firefighting is an individual fire cistern.
    [Show full text]
  • Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST) Policy
    Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST) Policy Purpose The main purpose of the Firefighter Assist Search Team (FAST) is to provide immediate assistance to any firefighter(s) in imminent danger as well as rescue a missing, lost, or trapped firefighter. Response When dispatched as the FAST unit, the dispatched department(s) shall respond with the apparatus they have designated as their FAST apparatus. This vehicle shall carry the necessary equipment listed under the equipment portion of this policy. All personnel responding on the team shall be qualified FAST members, meeting all of the requirements listed under the Team Member Qualification section. The minimum staffing for FAST Teams will be: 1. House Fires: One (1) FAST team will be dispatched with a minimum staffing of Four (4) Interior FAST members, One (1) being Team Leader and Three (3) Team Members. a. Optimum staffing Six (6) with One (1) Group Leader, One (1) Team Leader and Four (4) Team Members. 2. Building Fires: Two (2) fast teams will be dispatch with a minimum staffing of four (4) each for a total of Eight (8) Interior FAST members. One (1) Group Leader, One Team Leader and Seven (7) Team Members. a. Optimum staffing Ten (10) with Interior FAST members. One (1) Group Leader, One (1) Team Leader, and Eight (8) Team Members. Not having the minimum number of members at the time of response should not prevent the unit from responding with the members it has. However, the Team must initiate the response and advise Broome County Communications they are short staffed. This will be relayed to the incident commander who can request another team or may fill the team with other firefighters whom are FAST Qualified already present at the scene.
    [Show full text]
  • NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS
    A publication of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations PMS 430 March 2019 NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations March 2019 PMS 430 The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations standardizes procedures and expectations for Wildland Fire Modules (WFMs). These standards are to be used by staff, supervisors, specialists, and technicians for planning, administering, and conducting WFM operations. These standards will also be used as a measure of WFM qualifications, capabilities, and expected performance, for both Type 1 and Type 2 WFMs. Individual home units shall provide direction, support, and review processes that ensure WFM operations are safe and effective and meet the WFM operations standards as outlined in this document. Any individual host unit may assemble, and make available for mobilization, a WFM meeting the minimum standards described in this document. Only those WFMs meeting the standards and having completed the WFM certification process will be available for mobilization. Prior to implementing activities and operations under the standards in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, local units must have ensured compliance with agency policy. In addition, an approved local employee or module handbook must be in place and identify how the module interacts with the local unit. The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations meets requirements of Federal Fire Policy Guiding Principle #91: Standardization of policies and procedures among federal wildland fire management agencies is an ongoing objective. This principle promotes common language and unified direction or guidance for agency or bureau manuals, directive handbooks, and guidelines. 1 Guidance for Implementation of Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy, February 13, 2009 The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) provides national leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local partners.
    [Show full text]
  • Water Ejectors for Use in Wildland Firefighting
    United States Department of Agriculture WaterWater EjectorsEjectors Forest Service Technology & Development forfor UseUse inin Program 5100—Fire Management December 2002 Wildland 0251 1205—SDTDC Wildland EST SERVI FOR CE DE E P A R R TMENT OF AGRICUL T U FirefightingFirefighting Water Ejectors for Use in Wildland Firefighting Lois Sicking Mechanical Engineer USDA Forest Service San Dimas Technology and Development Center San Dimas, CA December 2002 Information contained in this document has been developed for the guidance of employees of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, its contractors, and cooperating Federal and State agencies. The USDA Forest Service assumes no responsibility for the interpretation or use of this information by other than its own employees. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official evalution, conclusion, recommendation, endorsement, or approval of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc,) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Mountain Home Ridge Fuels Reduction Project 5182-07 HMGP WA Chelan County, Washington October 2020
    Draft Environmental Assessment Mountain Home Ridge Fuels Reduction Project 5182-07 HMGP WA Chelan County, Washington October 2020 Federal Emergency Management Agency Region X Department of Homeland Security 130 – 228th Street SW Bothell, WA 98021 This document was prepared by Contract No.: HSFE60‐15‐D‐0015 Task Order: 70FA6019F00000024 Table of Contents SECTION 1. Introduction ................................................................................... 1-1 SECTION 2. Purpose and Need ........................................................................ 2-1 SECTION 3. Alternatives ................................................................................... 3-1 3.1. No Action Alternative .................................................................................. 3-1 3.2. Alternative 2 – Proposed Action.................................................................. 3-1 3.3. Additional Action Alternatives Considered and Dismissed .......................... 3-3 SECTION 4. Affected Environment, Potential Impacts, and Mitigation ......... 4-1 4.1. Resources Not Affected and Not Considered Further ................................. 4-1 4.2. Soils and Topography ................................................................................. 4-2 4.3. Air Quality and Climate ............................................................................... 4-4 4.4. Surface Waters and Water Quality ............................................................. 4-5 4.5. Wetlands ...................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Fireterminology.Pdf
    Abandonment: Abandonment occurs when an emergency responder begins treatment of a patient and the leaves the patient or discontinues treatment prior to arrival of an equally or higher trained responder. Abrasion: A scrape or brush of the skin usually making it reddish in color and resulting in minor capillary bleeding. Absolute Pressure: The measurement of pressure, including atmospheric pressure. Measured in pound per square inch absolute. Absorption: A defensive method of controlling a spill by applying a material that absorbs the spilled material. Accelerant: Flammable fuel (often liquid) used by some arsonists to increase size or intensity of fire. Accelerator: A device to speed the operation of the dry sprinkler valve by detecting the decrease in air pressure resulting in acceleration of water flow to sprinkler heads. Accountability: The process of emergency responders (fire, police, emergency medical, etc...) checking in as being on-scene during an incident to an incident commander or accountability officer. Through the accountability system, each person is tracked throughout the incident until released from the scene by the incident commander or accountability officer. This is becoming a standard in the emergency services arena primarily for the safety of emergency personnel. Adapter: A device that adapts or changes one type of hose thread, type or size to another. It allows for connection of hoses and pipes of incompatible diameter, thread, or gender. May contain combinations, such as a double-female reducer. Adapters between multiple hoses are called wye, Siamese, or distributor. Administrative Warrant: An order issued by a magistrate that grants authority for fire personnel to enter private property for the purpose of conducting a fire prevention inspection or similar purpose.
    [Show full text]