Shasta-Trinity National Forest Outfitter and Guide Program (2019-2028)

Home , Castle Crags Wilderness, Castle Lake (California), Mount Shasta Wilderness, Trinity Alps Wilderness, Trinity National Forest

Table of Contents Introduction ...... 2 Background ...... 2 Proposed Action (Guiding Locations for Each Activity) ...... 3 Purpose and Need ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Trends ...... 9 Analysis for Capacity ...... 11 Current Resource Protection Measures/Site Specific Requirements ...... 13

Introduction and Purpose and Need Outfitter and guide services provide a great opportunity for people of all ages to get outdoors and recreate on their National Forests. The total amount of visitor days that are spent outfitting or guiding on the National Forest amounts to only a small fraction of the overall recreational use that is occurring but it remains an important part to the visitor, the agency, the resources, and the economy of the communities where outfitters and guides are based. The reasons to allow outfitters and guides in an area are to assure that the public has reasonable access to National Forest opportunities, that the use resulting from it is of the highest quality, that the resources are protected, and that the client learns the unique attributes of the environment.

Outfitters and guides include businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions that facilitate recreational experiences for individuals or groups by providing services, assistance, supplies, and/or equipment on National Forest Lands. If these businesses/organizations charge an entry or participation fee for their goods or services, regardless of whether the activity is intended to produce a profit, they are considered commercial users and require special use permits for operation on National Forest Lands (FSH 2709.11).

Agency policy and guidelines direct managers to permit outfitting and guiding operations where there is a demonstrated agency and public demand for these operations in order to meet the following objectives:

1. Provide for outfitting and guiding services that address concerns of public health and safety and that foster successful small businesses consistent with the applicable land management plan.

2. Facilitate greater participation in the outfitting and guiding program by organizations and businesses that work with youth and educational groups.

3. Encourage skilled and experienced individuals and entities to conduct outfitting and guiding activities in a manner that protects environmental resources and ensures that national forest visitors receive high-quality services.

4. Create an efficient outfitter and guide permit process that will allow us to issue permits in a timely manner. Background The Shasta-Trinity National Forest (STNF) is updating its process for authorizing outfitter and guide permits beginning in calendar year 2019. Under the current process, outfitters and guide services apply for Special Use Permits to operate on STNF during annual Open Seasons (January 1-31 for activities that occur spring-fall and September 1-30 for activities that occur in winter). Review of these applications is then completed by STNF staff

pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and other applicable environmental laws, and permits are issued in the spring or winter of each calendar year.

Under the new process for authorizing outfitter and guide permits, beginning in calendar year 2019, STNF will complete a review of the outfitter and guide program every 10 years, which would include a review of potential locations and activities that might be requested and subsequently permitted under the program. Under the new process, two types of permits will be issued by STNF:

Priority Use Permits - Authorization of use for up to 10-years, based on the holder's past use and performance and applicable programmatic or project decisions to allocate use. Except as provided in 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart E, authorizations providing for priority use are subject to renewal.

Temporary Use Permits - Short-term, non-renewable outfitting and guiding use that is authorized in increments of 50 service days, up to a maximum of 200 service days in a 180-day period.

Priority use permits will be issued to outfitters and guides that intend to operate annually at the authorized location(s) and have completed a minimum of two years probationary period as a temporary permit holder. These permits would be valid from the date of issue (2019) through December 2028. Temporary use permits would be issued to outfitter and guide businesses who apply during one of the open seasons and intend to operate for a short-term duration. These permits would be valid for the duration of the guided activity, not to exceed one year.

In order to improve efficiency, any outfitter and guide service that applies to operate on STNF and also intends to operate at locations on the Klamath (KNF), Lassen (LNF), or Six Rivers National Forests (SRNF) may be issued a single permit by STNF that authorizes outfitter and guide activities at STNF, KNF, LNF, and/or SRNF locations. This situation is dependent on approval from the National Forest’s authorized officer and must have a delegation letter assigning the STNF as the lead Forest for issuing that permit. There are currently several permits that the KNF, LNF and SRNF have delegated the STNF as the lead Forest to issue those permits. This NEPA document takes into consideration these areas for guided activities we currently authorize use on. Proposed Action (Guiding Locations for Each Activity) The STNF has several outfitter and guide opportunities which vary based on the management unit:

• The Shasta McCloud Management Unit currently hosts the following types of guide operations: mountaineering, backcountry skiing/split boarding, metaphysical/spiritual tours, fly fishing, rafting, backpacking/hiking, photography workshops, horseback riding, outdoor education and sight-seeing bus tours.

• The Trinity River Management Unit currently hosts the following types of guide operations: rafting, fly fishing, backpacking/hiking, dunnage/packing, and outdoor education.

• The South Fork Management Unit currently hosts the following types of guide operations: dunnage/packing, backpacking/hiking, and fly fishing.

• The National Recreation Area currently hosts the following types of guide operations: lake fishing, boat tours, lake kayaking, wakeboard/waterskiing, and other lake sport activities.

The outfitter and guide activities that occur and future activities that could be authorized do not include any ground disturbing activities and they also occur where non-commercial/non-guided use of these activities already exists. The STNF is proposing the following:

1. Issue a priority permit “renewal” (to expire in 2028) for temporary outfitter and guide permits that currently exist on the forest and have expired as of December 31, 2018 or will expire within the next 10 years for locations listed below.

2. Issue temporary permits for any walk-in requests that are made between now and 2028 as long as the request falls within the scope of this NEPA review. The locations these permits could be issued for are listed below.

3. Issue a priority permit to a business that requests a priority permit between now and 2028 as long as the guide company has performed acceptably for two years under a temporary outfitter and guide permit. The priority permit in this case would not be a ten year permit but would be issued for the duration of period remaining up to 2028 (i.e. a new guide company can request a permit in 2020, receive a one-year temp permit in 2020, obtain another one-year temp permit in 2021, and then in 2022 obtain a permit lasting until 2028).

4. There is no capacity for the number of permits allowable for outfitter and guide operations except for four locations on the Forest that a capacity was deemed necessary (i.e. Trinity River, Trinity Alps, Mount Shasta Wilderness, and Deadfall Lakes area). Outside of these four areas there is no proposed capacity limit although issuance of a permit will still be discretionary based on the Authorized Officer. A pool of service days above and beyond which will be allocated to the priority permits will be open for temporary permits to apply for during the open season on a first-come first-served basis until the pool of service days are depleted. Further information on the capacity limits for these locations and the amount of service days available for request can be found in Analysis for Capacity below.

5. The STNF has a desire to continue to allow outfitter and guide activities at the locations listed below. These locations are areas that outfitter and guide operations currently occur or could occur in the future if requested.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest Rafting/Kayaking Permits • Sacramento River • Trinity River (main stem) • Burnt Ranch Gorge • Canyon Creek • North Fork Trinity River • East Fork of Trinity River • New River • North Fork of Coffee Creek • East Fork of Coffee Creek • Coffee Creek Fly Fishing (walk and wade) • McCloud River (Upper and Lower) • Sacramento River • McCloud Reservoir • Mumbo Lake • Gumboot Lake • Castle Lake 4

• Cabin Creek to McCloud River Club (formerly known as Squaw Valley Creek) • Pit River (Pit 4 and 5 stretches) • Sacramento River (Dog Creek confluence to Shasta Lake) • Rock Creek • Iron Canyon Reservoir • North Fork of Trinity River • South Fork of Trinity River • East Fork of North Fork of Trinity River • Upper Trinity River (above Trinity Lake) • New River • Coffee Creek • Canyon Creek • Stuart Fork of Trinity River • East Stuart Fork of Trinity River • Trinity Alps Wilderness Lakes/Rivers Fly Fishing (drift boat/raft) • Sacramento River • Trinity River (main stem) Boat Fishing/Lake Kayaking/Boat Tours/Lake Water Activities • Shasta Lake • Trinity Lake • Lewiston Lake • Iron Canyon Reservoir • McCloud Reservoir Hiking/Backpacking • Pacific Crest Trail (non-Deadfall Lakes Area) • Sisson Callahan Trail • Black Butte Trail • Lower Cliff Lake (FS portion) • Cabin Creek Trail • Ney Springs/Faery Falls • McCloud River Trail • Pacific Crest Trail from Parks Creek Trailhead to Deadfall Lakes • Lower Deadfall Lakes Trail to Deadfall Lakes • Great Shasta Rail Trail • Gateway Trails (day use only) • Castle Crags Wilderness • Mt. Eddy Summit • Gray Butte Trail • Trinity Alps Wilderness Trails • Yolla Bolla Wilderness Trails • Durney and Dobkins Lakes (only with public access granted by private land owners) • Bunny Flat Trail/Sand Flat Trail to Horse Camp (with Sierra Club Foundation permission) • Weaver Basin Trail System

Mountaineering • Mt. Shasta Wilderness Rock Climbing • Castle Crags Wilderness • Ney Springs Backcountry Skiing/Avalanche Awareness/Winter Skills Courses/Snowshoeing/Cross-country Skiing • Mt. Shasta Wilderness • Castle Lake Area (FS ownership area) • Mt. Eddy Area • Everitt Memorial Hwy corridor outside Mt. Shasta Wilderness • McCloud River Loop Road (40N44 to jct of 39N13Y, 39N28 (Lower Falls access Road), and 39N30 (Fowler’s CG road) Horse Rides • Sisson Callahan Trail • Ney Springs/Faery Falls • McCloud River Trail (Algoma to Cattle Camp Swimming Hole portion) • Great Shasta Rail Trail • Ney Springs and Faery Falls • Road to Soapstone Ponds • Road to Lower Twin Lakes • Roads and trails on National Forest lands, south of SR 89, T.40N., R.4W., Section 26; Roads and trails on National Forest lands, north of SR 89, T.40N,R.4W, Sections 24 and 25; and T.40N, R.3W, Sections 17 and 18. • Trinity Alps Wilderness Trails • Pacific Crest Trail • Other NFS system roads Dunnage/Packing • Trinity Alps Wilderness Trails • Yolla Bolla Wilderness (Stuart Gap and Rat Trap THs) Bus Tours • Castle Lake (bus size restrictions due to limited turn around ability and crowding) • McCloud Falls • Old Ski Bowl • Bunny Flat Mountain Biking • Gateway Trail • Sisson Callahan Trail • Great Shasta Rail Trail • McCloud River Trail • Eddy Creek Trail • Weaver Basin Trail System

Shuttle Business • All NFS trailheads Photography • Pacific Crest Trail (non-Deadfall Lakes Area) • Sisson Callahan Trail • Black Butte Trail • Lower Deadfall Lakes Trail • Cliff Lake (FS portion) • Cabin Creek Trail • Ney Springs/Faery Falls • McCloud River Trail • Pacific Crest Trail to Deadfall Lakes • Great Shasta Rail Trail • Gateway Trails (day use only) • Mt. Eddy Summit • Gray Butte Trail • Everitt Corridor outside Mt. Shasta Wilderness • Castle Lake • Trinity River • Other locations may be included if they area areas we allow consistent activities Snowmobiling • Tri-forest designated snowmobile trails Spiritual/Metaphysical Activity • Gumboot Lake • Castle Lake • Deadfall Lakes • Lower Cliff lake • McCloud Falls • Wagon Camp Road Area • McBride Springs Campground Area • Area of 40N19YA • 40N16Y and 41N56 road that leads into Cascade Gulch • Old Ski Bowl • Red Fir Flat • Sand Flat • Bunny Flat • Ney Springs/Faery Falls • Green Butte • Black Butte • Grey Butte • Sisson Callahan Trail • Mount Eddy Trail to Summit • PCT • Castle Creek • North Fork Castle Creek 7

• Military Pass Road • Pilgrim Creek Road

Klamath National Forest Fly Fishing (walk and wade) • Trinity Alps Wilderness Lakes/Rivers Hiking/Backpacking/Photography/Spiritual Activity • Trinity Alps Wilderness Trails • Whale Back Mountain • Deer Mountain Area Horse Rides • Trinity Alps Wilderness Trails Dunnage/Packing • Trinity Alps Wilderness Trails • Marble Mountain Wilderness Trailheads Snowmobiling • Tri-forest designated snowmobile trails Lassen National Forest Fly Fishing (walk and wade) • Pit River (Pit 3 Stretch) • Lost Creek Six-Rivers National Forest Rafting/Kayaking Permits • Trinity River (main stem) • South Fork Trinity River Fly Fishing (walk and wade) • South Fork of Trinity River • Trinity Alps Wilderness Lakes/Rivers Fly Fishing (drift boat/raft) • Trinity River (main stem) Hiking/Backpacking • Trinity Alps Wilderness Trails Backcountry Skiing/Avalanche Awareness/Winter Skills Courses/Snowshoeing/Cross-country Skiing • Horse Mountain Ski Area Horse Rides • Trinity Alps Wilderness Trails Dunnage/Packing • Trinity Alps Wilderness Trails

Trends The following trend data is provided to show the number of permits that have been issued on the STNF as well as the service days1 that have occurred over the past 5 years.

Table 1: Number of outfitter/guide permits issued across each management unit from 2013-2018

Year Total SMMU TRMU NRA SFMU Number of Guide Permits Issued 2013 49 23 21 5 0 2014 46 20 22 4 0 2015 48 22 23 3 0 2016 572 29 23 4 1 2017 61 29 25 6 1 2018 60 28 24 8 0

Table 2: Current outfitter/guide locations authorized and number of permits issued for those locations in 2018 as well as the average number of service days for each location

Location Activity Area Total # of Highest # Average # Management Permits at of Service of Service Unit Location for Days for Days for 2018 2013-2017 2013-2017

Deer Mountain Area (KNF) KNF 1 2 0.4 Marble Mountains Wilderness (all KNF 1 0 0 trailheads) Trinity Alps Wilderness (KNF) (all KNF 8 99 57.2 trailheads) Pit River (Pit 3 Stretch) LNF 13 140 80.8 Horse Mountain Ski Area (SRNF) SRNF 1 27 8.6 South Fork of Trinity River (SRNF) SRNF 6 0 0 Trinity Alps Wilderness (SRNF) SRNF 2 0 0 Trinity River (SRNF) SRNF 12 0 0 Iron Canyon Reservoir STNF-NRA 6 2 0.4 Lewiston Lake STNF-NRA 12 51 33.6 Pit River (Pit 4 & 5 Stretches) STNF-NRA 14 4 2

1 Service Day - A day or any part of a day on National Forest System lands for which an outfitter or guide provides goods or services, including transportation, to a client.

2 The increase in the number of permits from the previous year was due to lifting the moratorium on fishing permits on the McCloud and Sacramento Rivers 9

Sacramento River from Delta to Riverside STNF-NRA 2 0 0 Shasta Lake STNF-NRA 13 92983 2439 Squaw Creek above Shasta Lake STNF-NRA 2 0 0 Trinity Lake STNF-NRA 13 12 4.8 Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness (Stuart STNF-SFMU 4 79 26.2 Gap and Rat Trap Trailheads) Black Butte Trail STNF-SMMU 2 1 0.2 Castle Crags Wilderness STNF-SMMU 3 16 6.4 Castle Creek STNF-SMMU 1 4 1.2 Castle Lake STNF-SMMU 4 309 133.6 Cliff Lake (FS portion) STNF-SMMU 1 3 0.6 Dog Creek STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 Durney and Dobkins Lakes STNF-SMMU 1 87 43.8 Everitt Cooridor – Non-Wilderness STNF-SMMU 4 1514 940.6 Gateway Trails STNF-SMMU 1 65 39 Great Shasta Rail Trail STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 Grey Butte Trail STNF-SMMU 1 17 4.6 Gumboot Lake STNF-SMMU 3 21 5.2 Lost Creek STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 McCloud Falls STNF-SMMU 3 123 43.8 McCloud Reservoir STNF-SMMU 10 29 20.8 McCloud River (Lower Falls to Lakin Dam STNF-SMMU 15 235 209.2 and Ash Camp to Nature Conservancy) McCloud River Trial (Cattle Camp STNF-SMMU 1 2 0.4 Swimming hole to Algoma) Mount Shasta Wilderness STNF-SMMU 3 3722 2947.4 Mt Eddy Summit STNF-SMMU 2 146 74.4 Mumbo Lake STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 Ney Springs and Faery Falls STNF-SMMU 3 143 109.2 North Fork of Sacramento River STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 PCT - Deadfall Lakes Area STNF-SMMU 4 146 82.4 PCT - Non-Deadfall Lakes Area STNF-SMMU 4 96 49.6 PCT (Castle Crags Wilderness Boundary to STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 Toad Lake) Road to Soapstone Ponds STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 Road to Twin Lakes STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 Roads and trails on National Forest lands, STNF-SMMU 1 55 11 south of SR 89 (T.40N., R.4W., Section 26); north of SR 89 (T.40N, R.4W, Sections

3 Sonshine Ministries utilizes about 9,000 service days because they do church camps on houseboats. They typically run about 12 trips for 6 days each with a total 1,534 kids (13 kids/houseboat) over a 3 month period. The remaining about 260 service days are boat fishing or wakeboard/waterskiing trips. 10

24 and 25); and (T.40N, R.3W, Sections 17 and 18). Road 31 STNF-SMMU 0 147 85.2 Rock Creek STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 Sacramento River (Sims, Pollard, Delta) STNF-SMMU 21 331 175.2 Shotgun Creek STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 Sisson Callahan Trail STNF-SMMU 3 4 0.8 Slate Creek STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 South Fork of Sacramento River STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 Squaw Valley Creek from Cabin Creek to STNF-SMMU 5 1 0.2 Bear Trap Creek confluence then on the road back to Cabin Creek TH Trout Creek STNF-SMMU 1 0 0 Burnt Ranch Gorge STNF-TRMU 3 9 4.4 Canyon Creek STNF-TRMU 2 0 0 Coffee Creek STNF-TRMU 3 0 0 East Fork of North Fork of Trinity River STNF-TRMU 1 0 0 East Stuart Fork of Trinity River STNF-TRMU 1 0 0 New River STNF-TRMU 1 0 0 North Fork of Trinity River STNF-TRMU 2 0 0 South Fork of Trinity River STNF-TRMU 0 0 0 Stuart Fork of Trinity River STNF-TRMU 3 0 0 Trinity Aretes STNF-TRMU 0 62 18.4 Trinity Alps Wilderness (STNF) STNF-TRMU 16 2420 1951.2 Trinity River (STNF)4 STNF-TRMU 20 4739 4354.2 Trinity River (STNF and BLM)5 BLM 92 3086 2546.33 Trinity River above Trinity Lake STNF-TRMU 5 0 0

Analysis for Capacity The majority of the areas that businesses and organizations are guiding clients to have low use numbers and are anticipated to continue as such (see Table 2). If any of the guide locations over time start to increase greater than 50% of its highest year the Forest Service will re-evaluate these areas and the current use allocation authorized. The 50% increase was utilized because the outfitter/guide handbook requires the permit allocation to be the highest service day in the past 5 seasons multiplied by 25% or 15% for growth depending on if the highest service day is above or below 1,000 service days. If the amount is below 1,000 service days they can expect an increase of 25% and if the amount is above 1,000 an increase of 15% can be expected. This leaves an additional 25% for temporary use to be allocated. Table 4 below has the four areas which currently receive high usage and new temporary permit requests for these areas will be issued on a first come first serve bases until the service days available to temporary permits have been exhausted.

4 Majority of this use is rafting/kayaking and boaters typically are putting in from Pigeon Point put-in to Cedar Flat take-out 5 Majority of this use is fishing using BLM put-ins/take-outs on the stretch between Lewiston downstream to the USFS Pigeon Point take-out 11

Most of the locations that outfitter and guide activities are currently authorized for (Table 2) were not considered for a capacity as the actual usage is so low and/or the potential guiding areas such as Shasta or Trinity Lakes is so large which can accommodate many people and has multiple access locations. All the locations that had an average of 50 service days or less for the past 5 years were automatically removed as these locations are assumed to be incidental locations for guide operations and there is no necessity for a capacity at this time. We also removed the locations that are on the Klamath, Lassen and Six Rivers National Forests as we are not addressing capacity for areas on different Forests and the majority of the guide use is occurring on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest for the permits we are authorizing. We also removed the Trinity River with BLM administration of the fishing permits as BLM already has a capacity of 100 permit authorizations and we are not addressing the fishing guide capacity any further in this document. Further rationale for why locations were removed from consideration for a capacity limit can be found on the table below:

Table 3: locations currently authorized for outfitter and guide activities and rationale for removing these from consideration of needing a capacity limit

Location Activity Area Rationale for Removing from Capacity Consideration Management Unit

Shasta Lake STNF-NRA There are several access points to the lake with parking and launching facilities and the size of the lake allows for guide activities to spread out Castle Lake STNF-SMMU Castle Lake is a day use only location. The activities that occur at this lake are short in duration as the road and parking lot terminates at the road. There is a short hiking trail that wraps around this lake or people swim or kayak/canoe on this lake. This lake is more crowded in the summer months but short duration usage can be accommodated at this location with the average service days that have been utilized. Everitt Corridor – Non- STNF-SMMU There are several areas along the Everrit Memorial Highway Wilderness (i.e. Bunny Flat, Sand Flat, Old Ski Bowl, Red Fir Flat) that can accommodate many different sizes of groups McCloud River (Lower Falls to STNF-SMMU Monitoring of these areas during fishing season has shown Lakin Dam and Ash Camp to there are many access points to the river and space for Nature Conservancy) fishermen to spread out for the average number of service days being utilized. Mt Eddy Summit STNF-SMMU This location is utilized during backpacking trips in the summer and fall months along the PCT as a day hike. The trail is in good condition and can accommodate the hiking use that is occurring on average. Ney Springs and Faery Falls STNF-SMMU This location is a sightseeing and spiritual destination and usage of it is in short durations. There is not much parking available at this site nor are there any public facilities. The current average amount of service days being utilized in this location can continue to be utilized without a capacity being necessary.

Road 31 STNF-SMMU This road was only utilized for a dog sledding business in the winter months and this business closed in 2016 Sacramento River (Sims, Pollard, STNF-SMMU The majority of this river through private land with Sims, Delta) Pollard and the Dog Creek Delta area being the only NFS access. This river flows are variable from year to year and has provided its own natural capacity due to this reason.

Table 4: Capacity limit and service day availability for temporary permits for the four high use areas on the Shasta- Trinity National Forest

Location Activity Area Highes Averag Capacit Approximate 6Servic Managemen t # of e # of y Limit e Days Available for t Unit Service Service (50% Temporary Permits Days Days Increas for for e from 2013- 2013- Highest 2017 2017 Year) Mount Shasta Wilderness STNF-SMMU 3722 2947.4 5583 930.5 PCT - Deadfall Lakes Area STNF-SMMU 146 82.4 219 36.5 Trinity Alps Wilderness (STNF) STNF-TRMU 2420 1951.2 3630 605 Trinity River (STNF) STNF-TRMU 4739 4354.2 7108.5 1184.75

Burnt Ranch Gorge

Burnt Ranch Gorge is a small yet technical section of the Trinity River that has Class VI rapids. This river stretch has historically had a limit of three outfitter and guide permits each needing to provide a minimum of 5 service days. The actual use that has occurred on this stretch over the past 5 years has been very small with the average being 4 service days which is less than the minimum limit per guide company for this stretch. We did not include this river in the capacity limit calculation above as it would not represent the limit fairly since the guide companies that have been authorized for this area have not been utilizing it on a regular basis. At this time this area does not need a capacity and only highly qualified guide applications will be accepted for this stretch due to this stretch needing highly technical experience to run it safely. Current Resource Protection Measures/Site Specific Requirements IN ADDITION TO THE TERMS OF THE PERMIT, the Permit Holder and their guides shall abide by the following rules and regulations. A copy of these rules and regulations will be in their possession and they will advise their clients of them.

A. Rules and regulations which apply to all Shasta-Trinity National Forest lands:

• Consideration to Others:

o Respect the solitude and privacy of others. It is prohibited to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm by making unreasonably loud noise. 36 CFR 261.4(d) and 261.10(h)

6 The service days to be available for temporary permits will be calculated once all the priority permit service days have been assigned. The amount available to the temporary permits and priority permits will not exceed the capacity with 50% increased from highest year. 13

• Developed Sites:

o No developed site can be used by the permit holder without prior approval of the authorized Forest Officer. This includes developed campgrounds, improved trail heads and public corrals.

• Use of Firearms:

o Do not discharge a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:

. In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or

. Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.

. Into or within any cave. 36 CFR 261.10(d)(1-3)

• Parking and Vehicle Travel:

o Motorized access and parking is restricted to authorized routes and areas only as shown on the most current Shasta-Trinity NF, Klamath NF, Lassen NF and Six Rivers NF Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).

o No off roadway vehicle travel is permitted. • Clean Up:

o Any garbage generated during this activity shall be picked up and removed from the site to an approved sanitary landfill.

o Do not cache any gear, equipment or supplies on NFS land. Unattended gear, equipment or supplies may be removed by Forest Officers.

• Private Property:

o This permit does not authorize use of private property. Be aware of private property boundaries while operating. This permit only authorizes use on National Forest System lands and waters.

. This permit does not authorize use of private property. If you are using Sierra Club Foundation Property you must work through them to gain permission to use their land.

. This permit does not authorize use of Castle Crags State Park. If you are using Castle Crags State Park you must work through them to gain permission to use their land.

. This permit does not authorize use of private property. Absolutely no trespassing on the private land (downstream of Pine Tree Hollow and upstream of Ash Camp below PG&E land).

. This permit authorizes parking at Cabin Creek Trail Head and walking and wading fishing down Squaw Valley Creek on NFS lands only. There are no boats authorized for this section. The McCloud River Club has only authorized public use of the 2-mile stretch of 14

road along Bear Trap Creek that completes a loop hike for the Squaw Valley Creek Trail, you are not authorized to walk on the road below the Bear Trap Creek confluence with Squaw Valley Creek.

• Hiking Etiquette:

o Do not camp, hike or enter a spring-fed meadow, except on designated trails.

o Do not short-cut sections of trail or create any new trails.

o Do not use trails during wet and soft conditions where excessive trail wear may occur.

o Yielding responsibility: Pedestrian yield to Horses, Bikes yield to Pedestrians and Horses. Make sure to step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.

• Camping Etiquette:

o Use established dispersed campsites where possible. Keep campsites small and focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

o Camp on durable surfaces which include rock gravel, dry grasses or snow. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

o Camp away from trails and other visitors. • Sanitation:

o Use developed restroom facilities where possible.

o Dispose of human waste at least 200 feet from any lake, stream, spring, campsite or trail. CFR 261.11(b). Dig a shallow hole, 6 to 8 inches, and cover waste with soil and replace sod.

o Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

o No washing and/or discharging soap wastes within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and springs. • Fires, Stoves and Smoking:

o Be aware of fire restrictions as camp fires are not permitted during fire restrictions. Make sure you have a campfire permit before you have any campfires.

o Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are ok to use during fire restrictions.

o Build campfires in already established fire rings where possible.

o Build campfires in safe locations where all burnable material has been cleared and they will not escape and spread. 36 CFR 261.5(f)

o Leaving a fire without completely extinguishing it. 36 CFR 261.5(d)

o Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR 261.52(d)

• Filming/Commercial Photography:

o Filming for other than personal use is not allowed unless authorized by a separate filming permit. • Accident Reporting:

o Call Carolyn Napper at 530-926-9620 or Jennifer Womack at 530-926-9616 within 24 hours of an incident. You can leave a message with a brief description of what happened and what actions were taken. Please follow up with written documentation by emailing Carolyn Napper at [email protected] and Jennifer Womack at [email protected].

o Call Lesley Yen at 530-242-5500 or Jennifer Womack at 530-926-9616 within 24 hours of an incident. You can leave a message with a brief description of what happened and what actions were taken. Please follow up with written documentation by emailing Lesley Yen at [email protected] and Jennifer Womack at [email protected] .

o Call the Joe Smailes at 530-623-1700 or Jennifer Womack at 530-926-9616 within 24 hours of an incident. You can leave a message with a brief description of what happened and what actions were taken. Please follow up with written documentation by emailing Joe Smailes at [email protected] and Jennifer Womack at [email protected] .

Wilderness

Guide Responsibility in Wilderness Areas

It is the responsibility of professional outfitters to set the example for other Forest users regarding Leave No Trace practices, backcountry ethics, and caring for the land and other users. Outfitters are expected to foster awareness knowledge and understanding of designated wilderness, the wilderness preservation system, basic principles of wilderness management and the unique ecosystem characteristics of the Trinity Alps, Yolla-Bolly Middle-Eel, Chanchelulla, Mt. Shasta and Castle Crags Wildernesses.

As a wilderness outfitter/guide you have a responsibility to preserve and protect the wilderness resource. Listed below are the characteristics and performance expectations of wilderness outfitter/guides:

• Has an understanding of the Wilderness Act, and the law, policies and local special provisions of the wilderness in which they operate.

• Places the wilderness resource above the ease and convenience of himself/herself and his/her clients.

• Does not sacrifice the wilderness resource for economic gain.

• Has the ability to interpret natural processes, and communicate to their clients.

• Shares with clients wilderness history, cultural background, ethics and values.

• Continually applies and improves on "light-on-the-land" techniques.

• Communicates with clients that natural processes like fire are a part of the wilderness ecosystem, and that natural processes will be allowed to operate freely and that they will change over time

• Emphasizes the value of opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation in the wilderness.

• In his/her advertising, represents the experience as primitive and unconfined recreation, and prepares clients in advance for a "wilderness" experience in contrast with their daily life.

• Ability to practice and teach traditional/primitive skills. (Add local examples like: camping and travel skill, appropriate survival skills).

Rules and Regulations which apply to Shasta-Trinity National Wildernesses:

• Possessing or using motorized equipment is prohibited. 36 CFR 261.16(a)

• Hold pack and saddle stock no closer than 200 feet of any lake, stream, spring, campsite, or trail where the terrain permits, except for loading or unloading.

• A Wilderness Permit is required for the Trinity Alps and Mt. Shasta Wilderness Areas. 36 CFR 261.57(a)

• Using a campsite or a trail by a group of more than ten (10) people is prohibited within the Trinity Alps Wilderness. 36 CFR 261.58 (f).

• No sub-letting of the permit is authorized. All trips must be run by the authorized Holder and/or their guides.

Rules and Regulations which apply to The Trinity Alps Wilderness:

• No stock is to be taken to Sapphire Lake or kept overnight at Emerald or Stoddard Lakes.

• No overnight camping allowed by outfitter/guide or employees of outfitter/guide in the Canyon Creek drainage.

• Stock use not advisable for Canyon Creek Trail during peak summertime use for safety of all users as this trail has high pedestrian use in the summer and on the weekends.

• Camping in a campsite for more than fourteen (14) days per calendar year is prohibited within the Trinity Alps Wilderness. 36 CFR 261.58(a)

For any trips to Caribou Lakes in the Trinity Alps Wilderness (Klamath National Forest-KNF):

• Do not camp at Lower Caribou Lake or Snowslide Lake, camp at the (upper) Caribou Lake, where there is a good sized camp around the east side of the lake.

• No campfires at Caribou Lakes and keeping noise levels reasonable. There are a couple of campsites at Snowslide Lake, the first lake you come to, which are too small for large groups and it’s nice to keep them open for backpackers who arrive really late.

• Stock users are advised to use the Old Caribou Trail, when possible, as a safety measure. There are fewer cliffs and bluffs on this trail and fewer hikers. The most dangerous section of the New Caribou trail is between Brown’s Meadow and Snowslide Lake.

• Keeping stock overnight at Caribou Lakes is discouraged due to high visitor use impacts and lack of feed. Stock users are encouraged to camp overnight at Brown’s Meadow and day-hike to the Lakes.

For the Trinity Alps accessing from the Klamath National Forest:

• The outfitter/guide should not use the East Boulder trail during 2018. The KNF is in the middle of a trail realignment project and haven’t opened the new section. There will be a lot of activity in that area this year, including some trail traffic control and blasting. The trail is open to the public, but please avoid the area. If your trip cannot be planned for a different location, alert the KNF in advance of your planned use of East Boulder Trail.

• Encourage clients to select campsites which are appropriate for group size and type. Try to choose established campsites with good screening from other visitors.

For the Trinity Alps accessing from the Six Rivers National Forest:

• No camping inside of the historic cabin at Trinity Summit.

• No permanent or temporary caches are permitted

• Campsites cannot be reserved.

• New campsites cannot be established.

Rules and Regulations which apply to Shasta Wildernesses:

• All clients will pack out solid human wastes. Holder may collect pack-out bags at the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station prior to the trip during normal work hours. Commercial guides shall not use the supply at Bunny Flat for their commercial trips.

• Wilderness permits are required for every individual entering the Mt. Shasta Wilderness. 36 CFR 261.57(a)

• Summit Passes are required for every individual climbing above 10,000 feet. 36 CFR 261.17

• Each client shall have either a Summit Pass or Annual Pass in their possession during all summit climbs. Guides and clients shall have passes displayed when encountering a Wilderness Ranger.

• Each guided group will spend a maximum of 10 minutes on the actual summit when other people or groups are present. Longer stays are permitted on the summit plateau.

Excerpts from Mt. Shasta Wilderness Forest Order

ORDER NO. 14-59/61-31, SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FORESTS, MT. SHASTA WILDERNESS Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), each of the following is prohibited on lands or forest development trails under my jurisdiction designated on the attached map, known as the Mt. Shasta Wilderness (abbreviated version):

• Disposing of debris, garbage, or other waste. 36 CFR 261.57 (g)

• Shortcutting a switchback on a forest development trail. 36 CFR 261.55(e)

• Discharging a firearm, except for taking game in accordance with State Fish and Game laws. 36 CFR 261.58 (m)

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, except portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel. 36 CFR 261.52(a)

• Entering or being in spring-fed meadows, except on designated trails. 36 CFR 261.53 (b)

• Entering or using a trail, campsite or other area by a group larger than 10 persons. 36 CFR 261.58 (f)

• Camping for more than 7 nights within a 30 day period, starting with the first night of occupancy. 36 CFR 261.58 (a)

• Camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, springs, and trails, or where posted. 36 CFR 261.11 (c)

• Washing and/or discharging soap wastes within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and springs. 36 CFR 261.57 (g)

• Depositing bodily wastes within 100 feet to lakes, streams, springs, campsites, or trails. 36 CFR 261. 57 (g)

• Storing or leaving unattended any equipment, personal property or supplies for a period in excess of 24 hours. 36 CFR 261.57 (f)

• Entering or being in the area with a dog(s). 36 CFR 261.53(e)

Rules and Regulations for Rock Climbing in Castle Crags and Ney Springs - Peregrine Falcons (eyrie):

Peregrine falcons are a fully protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA) and are a fully protected species under California State Law. In the interests of climber safety, meeting the Forest Service responsibilities under the Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for Promoting the Conservation of Migratory Birds (2016 MOU), meeting the Forest Plan standards and guidelines, and to limit the potential for adverse effects to breeding individuals, eggs, nestlings and young, the permit holder authorized under this permit shall:

1) Contact the USFS at 530-964-3771, or by email at [email protected], if a peregrine falcon eyrie (nest site) observation occurs, or if agitated peregrine falcon behavior is observed, as this behavior typically signifies there is an eyrie in proximity. Information on the general location, time of day, any visual observation of an eyrie or birds acting defensively, shall be provided to the USFS (UTMs as feasible, landmarks, directions, etc.).

2) Notify their clients of the potential for nesting falcons and young to be present between March 1 and July 15 in climbing areas,

3) Describe the potential for adult agitation and their typical behavior (described below) to their clients, and

4) Adjust climbing routes accordingly to avoid close proximity to eyrie locations. If eyrie locations are known, this information will be provided to the permit holder by the USFS at the beginning of the season or as feasible.

Harassment of reproducing adults can cause abandonment of the eyrie (adults will stop incubating eggs, or will stop protecting or feeding hatched young), and it can also cause the parent birds to expend needless energy defending their eyries and young. As most climbers are likely aware, parent behaviors include screeching, and dive- bombing with potential injury to climbers.

The critical breeding period in this area begins March 1 and extends through July 15, typically when nestlings/chicks fledge from the eyrie. If nesting adults and young are not disturbed by climbers/climbing activities, climbing areas can remain open. If USFS or State Park monitoring shows ongoing adult agitation or eyrie or young abandonment, which results in nesting or parenting behavior being significantly and adversely affected, closures of climbing areas and permit timing restrictions shall be instilled. 19

These aforementioned protection measures are in accordance with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) standards and guidelines for peregrine falcons, the 2016 MOU, State guidance for fully protected species, and the MBTA. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest thanks you for your cooperation, continued education of clients, and for contributing to the protection of this species. Horses and Stock

To meet water quality objectives:

• Trail use on trails within wet meadows areas should be limited to dry season and it is recommended that alternate routes be considered where available to prevent exacerbating damage.

• Pack animal use of trails crossing or adjacent to wet areas needs to insure that no lingering or prolonged periods of use occur in these areas.

• Avoid contaminating wet areas by controlling human and animal wastes to the extent feasible. If extended time must be spent in or near wet areas it is recommended that a pack it in and pack it out waste control system is utilized.

Feed:

• The holder shall use only hay, grain, straw, pelletized feed, or mulch certified as noxious weed-free or noxious weed seed-free by a State Department of Agriculture or other authorized county official. The holder shall provide documentation of that certification to the authorized officer.

Safety:

• Loose herding is not permitted except on hazardous sections of trail. Boat Fishing

Resource Protection Measures for the lake fishing activities:

1) Check and adhere to the current California Fishing Regulations to determine limits and any other restrictions.

2) For Green Boating Guidelines, see http://www.dbw.ca.gov/pubs/abc/Green_Boating.pdf

3) New Zealand mud snails were discovered in Shasta Lake in September 2007.

a. Boaters should wash down their hulls after spending time on Shasta Lake.

b. Anglers should put their waders in a deep freeze or let them dry out completely after fishing in Shasta Lake.

4) Didymosphenia geminata or didymo (rock snot) is found in Sierra Nevada mountain streams/rivers, the north- central part of the state, portions of the Feather River and the South Fork of the American River.

a. The best method to reduce the potential for didymo spread to the McCloud Reservoir, Shasta and Trinity Lakes (and the downstream rivers and streams) is to clean and wash boating and other equipment (shoes/waders/pets) before transporting it.

b. Hull, vehicle and equipment washing after use at each lake/reservoir will also reduce the potential for spreading other invasive aquatic plants and weeds between these areas and to the different lakes.

5) As of 2014, there are no known infestations of quagga or zebra mussels in Trinity Lake, Shasta Lake or the McCloud Reservoir. Regardless, boaters should anticipate watercraft inspections at launch ramps around the state. Please note that the State Department of Fish and Wildlife is not responsible for these inspections. Complete the Self-Certification Form and Display the Placard

a. For information on boating restrictions and inspections, please contact the waterbody manager directly.

b. Remember to always Clean, Drain AND Dry. For podcast and a detailed information flyer on the zebra and quagga mussels, see the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/stnf/alerts-notices/?aid=1672

c. For more information on Quagga/Zebra mussels, see https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Quagga-Mussels

d. For Guides on Cleaning Boats of Quagga/Zebra mussels, see http://www.dbw.ca.gov/PDF/BoatingQuaggaGuide.pdf

e. Visit www.dbw.ca.gov for even more information on quagga and zebra mussels or call (866) 440-9530.

Help prevent the introduction and spread of non-native species from one body of water to another by Cleaning, Draining and Drying your boat and by taking these steps:

a) Avoid chopping vegetation with your boat’s propeller

b) Inspect your boat and remove aquatic plants or animals before you leave any body of water

c) Inspect all exposed surfaces. Small mussels feel like sandpaper to the touch

d) Wash the hull of each watercraft thoroughly

e) Drain all water and dry all areas

f) Drain and dry the lower outboard unit

g) Clean and dry all live-wells

h) Empty and dry any buckets

i) Dispose of all bait in the trash

There are specific drying times that need to be calculated by each boater. Please refer to www.100thmeridian.org/Emersion.asp to calculate. Please report any new infestations of non-native aquatic species to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (209) 946-6400.

Fishing requirements for the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake:

• Notify Special Uses Administrator for any scheduled trips on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake from the McCloud Bridge Campground to Hirz Bay.

National Recreation Area (NRA) – Shasta Lake, Trinity Lake, Lewiston Lake

Rules and regulations which apply to Shasta, Trinity and Lewiston Lakes:

• Being in the waters of Shasta, Trinity (Clair Engle) or Lewiston lakes within two hundred (200) feet of any boat launching ramp except to launch or retrieve a vessel. 36 CFR 261.58 (k).

• Operating any watercraft in excess of a posted speed limit 36 CFR 261.58 (e).

• No parking of houseboats or camping within 200 yards of a developed campground. Fisherman’s Point Day Use Site may only be used for no more than 2 hours in the mornings and evening times and parking of houseboats shall be away from swim beach and trail. Preferred camping locations include beach on west side of Big Backbone Creek and Monday Flat in the area formally known as the Squaw Creek Arm.

• A campfire permit is required for any campfires on the shoreline.

• When swimming in open water and main channels of Shasta Lake, swimmer must be accompanied by a vessel manned by a competent operator (County code 12.24.160).

• Amplified sound is not allowed on Shasta or Trinity Lakes 36 CFR 261.10 (i), (j). We will allow the use of the PA system only to bring together the groups.

• No flood light use is authorized from 10pm-6am.

• Guide companies must have an agreement with a permitted Marina to use their launch ramps. If you are not launching from a permitted marina you must gain permission from Shasta Recreation Company (concessionaire that manages the public boat ramps) and purchase an annual pass to use public boat ramps.

Excerpts from the NRA Forest Order

ORDER NO. 14-56/58-7, SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FORESTS, Whiskytown-Shasta-Trinity NRA

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), each of the following is prohibited on any area under my jurisdiction on the Shasta Lake and Weaverville Ranger Districts. The prohibitions will apply to both Ranger Districts, except as noted (abbreviated version):

(2) Being publicly nude within the Shasta or Trinity units of the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. This is in addition to the prohibitions in Order No. 14-2. 36 CFR 261.58(j)

(3) Waterskiing in the following areas:

a. On the Pit River arm, the area above Browns Canyon. On the Sacramento Arm, in the Salt Creek Inlet, and above Lakehead from Middle Salt Creek Inlet.

b. Within 200 feet of any boat launch facility, floating comfort station, floating information facility, moorage facility, or other similar improvement on the Shasta Lake Ranger District.

c. Within 200 feet of a designated swimming area on Clair Engle Lake.

d. In any area temporarily closed by Shasta County Ordinance or emergency declaration of the Sheriff, due to unusual boating conditions. 36 CFR 261.58(o)

(4) Using public boat ramp courtesy docks for any activity other than the loading or unloading of passengers or cargo, or, in any case, using the dock for a period in excess of 15 minutes. 36 CFR 261.58(b)

(5) Storing or leaving any vessel unoccupied in excess of 24 hours at other than in a Forest Service approved moorage site. 36 CFR 261.58(p)

Rafting/Boat Fishing on the Sacramento and Trinity River

Rules and Regulations which apply to the Sacramento and Trinity River:

• GROUP SIZE. The maximum group size for the main stem of the Trinity River shall not exceed 30 people, including guides, and shall not exceed 25 people, including authorized guides for the Burnt Ranch Gorge section of the Trinity River and the lower gorge of the New River. Groups of more than the maximum allowed for that particular segment shall be split into smaller groups. Outfitters with more than one group on the river on a particular day must maintain a separation of at least 30 minutes between groups.

a. Two (2) Large Group Requests annually are permitted with prior written authorization. A request must be submitted in writing at least two weeks prior to the trip. A copy of the written authorization must be kept with the large group trip.

• BOAT IDENTIFICATION. All boats or rafts shall be painted with letters at least six inches (6") high and of a color which contrasts with the color of the boat or background. Both sides of the holder's boat will be labeled in such a manner that the holder's identity is readily ascertainable by persons on the river or on the adjacent shore line. Specific methods may vary but must be acceptable to the local Forest Officer in charge. No raft, canoe, kayak, etc., will be permitted on the river if it is not in compliance with this clause.

• FIRE PANS. Along all rivers, at any location or campsite outside of designated recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas), all campfires and charcoal fires must be contained at all times within a fire pan. Ashes are to be packed out and disposed of as required of other unburnable refuse.

• OVERNIGHT CAMPING. On the Trinity River there are several areas available by reservation only for overnight group camping for whitewater boaters. To obtain current information, contact the Weaverville Ranger Station at (530) 623-2121.

• TRIP DOCUMENTATION. All operators with permits for the Trinity and Sacramento Rivers and/or tributaries of these rivers must file a Trip Documentation Card which can be found at the following drop boxes located at: Bagdad launch on BLM (also known as the North Fork put-in), Pigeon Point Campground, Big Flat Day Use Area, Hayden Flat Campground and Cedar Flat Picnic Area. These must be submitted BEFORE the trip. Cards may also be picked up or submitted to the Forest Service River Ranger in Weaverville in person, any time prior to the start of a trip. Cards can be requested by phone or through the mail.

For the Sacramento River, cards may be filed at the permit box at the Sims put-in site or at the Mt. Shasta Ranger District office the day of the trip. Cards can be requested by phone or through the mail. The cards for each office may be used interchangeably. Estimates are not acceptable.

• TISH TANG ON SIX RIVERS NF. No access authorized on Tish Tang through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest permit. Requests for this area must go through Six Rivers National Forest on the Orleans District Office.