BURNED AREA EMERGENCY STABILIZATION PLAN

CASCADE COMPLEX FIRE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Cascade Complex Fire has burned over 300,000 acres to date in southwest through private and Forest Service jurisdictions. This plan addresses emergency stabilization and rehabilitation of fire effects resulting from the Cascade Complex Fire that burned on the and south of Cox Ranch near Yellow Pine. An analysis area was chosen to include only the portion (209,274 acres) on the Boise National Forest. This area consists of about 155,711 acres within the burned perimeter. The analysis was coordinated with the Payette and Salmon-Challis National Forest (see Appendix IV, Fire Perimeter and Analysis Area Map). The Cascade Complex Fire continues to grow to the north in the areas of Johnson Creek and near Yellow Pine, ID. This plan has been prepared in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Handbook 2509.13, Burned-Area Emergency Rehabilitation Handbook (January, 1995) and Forest Service Manual 2500, Watershed and Air Management, Chapter 2523 (Revised May, 2004). The primary objectives of the Cascade Complex Fire – South End Burned Area Emergency Stabilization Plan were: • To insure the BAER team’s personal safety and provide for public safety during our assignment. • To assess the risk to human life and property from impaired watershed conditions and to recommend appropriate stabilization actions to protect the following values: o Residences and Ranches: ƒ Private residences and ranches of Johnson Creek and ƒ Lodges and residences in the Warm Lake area. o Public and Domestic Water Supplies: ƒ Public water supply for recreation residences at Warm Lake, ƒ Landmark Guard Station, ƒ Paradise Valley residences, and ƒ Warm Lake Project camp o Water Transmission Facilities: ƒ Any known spring developments or irrigation diversions and/or ditches. o Power Transmission Facilities: ƒ Determine risk to public safety and protect future loss of power transmission facilities from erosion or flooding. o Roads and Bridges: ƒ Johnson Creek Road, ƒ Warm Lake Highway, and ƒ South Fork Road ƒ Other major or minor routes as identified. o Campgrounds, Trails, and other Recreation Facilities: ƒ South Fork Salmon River Campground, ƒ Multiple trails, ƒ Administrative sites, ƒ Recreational rental cabins, ƒ Recreational infrastructure, and

iii ƒ South Fork Salmon River Fishing area. • Mine and CERCLA Sites: o Eureka Silver Mine o Other mining sites as identified • To protect threatened Chinook salmon, Steelhead, and Bull Trout and their habitat from unnatural events. • To assess the loss of the nest at Warm Lake. • To assess the risk of increased infestations of noxious weeds • To assess significant historic and cultural sites • To evaluate sub-watersheds with a significant extent of high intensity burns • To coordinate with the NRCS, State, and County on private lands, if appropriate An array of treatment options and/or actions allowable by Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy has been considered to attain the above objectives.

Introduction - The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team has conducted an analysis of fire effects using aerial and ground reconnaissance methods throughout the burned areas. The watershed group worked with local hydrology and soils specialists to assess and map the overall fire impacts on watershed conditions and develop a soil burn severity map. The Engineering group assessed the damages to the road infrastructure and aided the watershed and fisheries assessment groups to recommend protection of that infrastructure. The vegetation specialists worked with local vegetation, range, and foresters to evaluate and assess fire effects and wildland fire suppression impacts to vegetation resources, including mapping noxious invasive weed populations and fire induced vegetation mortality. Archeologists inventoried wildland fire suppression impacts and fire effects to known culturally significant sites to determine if these sites require emergency stabilization treatments to prevent further damage or loss. The wildlife biologist coordinated local wildlife biologists and conducted an assessment of fire effects to Federal Threatened and Endangered (T&E) wildlife and Forest Service sensitive species and their associated habitat. The biologists also evaluated suppression impacts to wildlife species and initiated emergency Section 7, Endangered Species Act consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Boise Field Office as well as the Boise office of NOAA Fisheries. The Team Geographic Information System (GIS) specialists gathered data layers necessary for the plan, coordinated GIS activities, processed data calculations for other resource specialists, and produced maps for analysis, for the BAER Plan and for presentations. Resource assessments produced by these specialists can be found in Appendix I and individual treatment activities proposed for funding and implementation that have been identified in the resource assessments are located in Part F, Description of Treatments by Issue. A summary of treatment costs can be found in Part E, Cost Summary Table. The FS-2500-8 Burned-Area Report is located in Appendix VI for signature and submittal to the Intermountain Region for funding approval. Appendix II is used as a placeholder to document any future decisions or environmental compliance documentation related to analysis or recommendations within the Cascade Complex Fire perimeter. Appendix III contains photographic documentation of fire effects and Appendix IV contains BAER Plan Maps produced to assist with resource damage assessments. Appendix V contains supporting documentation for the plan including the FS-2500-8 Burned-Area Report.

Cascade Complex Fire Information - The Monumental Fire began with a lightning strike near Monumental Peak on July 16, 2007, and as of September 10, 2007, has consumed 281,000 acres with about 209,282 acres within the analysis area. Due to the large geographic area of the fire, and that considerable fire activity remains in the area northern part of the complex; the fire has been divided, in terms of BAER Assessments. The South End BAER Assessment Area covers the fire perimeter, south of the Cox Ranch in the Johnson Creek Drainage, to the southern end of the fire in the Deadwood Drainage, and South of the confluence of the

iv South Fork of the Salmon River and the East Fork of the Salmon River to the fires most southern point also in the Deadwood River Drainage. All land within the fire perimeter is administered by the Forest Service, with the fire currently residing on the Boise, Payette, and Salmon-Challis National Forests. The BAER team was ordered on September 1st, 2007 and arrived in Cascade and negotiated acceptance of responsibility for preparation of the BAER Plan for the Cascade Complex, on September 4, 2007. An agency in-briefing occurred on September 4th at the Cascade Ranger District office. The emphasis on safety practiced throughout the fire suppression effort continued through the BAER team’s efforts. Team members can encounter hazard trees, rough terrain, hazardous driving conditions, fire activity, and numerous other environmental hazards. A Risk Assessment/JHA was presented to the BAER Team upon arrival and all signed, acknowledging the risks associated with the assignment. Safety briefings were conducted at every nightly team meeting. The Risk Assessment and JHA can be found in Appendix V, Supporting Documentation. The BAER Team closeout was completed on Friday September 14, 2007 at the District Office.

Management and Applicable Land Use Plans - The Cascade Complex Fire South End Burned Area Emergency Stabilization Plan was reviewed and it was determined that actions proposed in the Burned Area Emergency Stabilization Plan within the boundary of U.S. Forest Service lands are consistent with the management objectives established by the Boise National Forest. The existing land management plans and recent and relevant approved NEPA documents (back to 2001) were reviewed and are summarized below. • Boise National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP). Volumes 1 and 2. Boise National Forest, Boise, ID. (2003) • South Fork Salmon River Weir Reconstruction, DN & FONSI (May 2006) • South Fork Wildfire Salvage, ROD (June 2004) • South Fork Salmon River Salmon Fishing Event & Restoration Project, DM (FY 2003)

Emergency Stabilization Issues - The BAER Team delegations of authority, in-briefing, subsequent meetings with FS and regulatory agency representatives, and county officials provided valuable information concerning post-fire conditions and issues that need to be addressed. A set of issues has been evaluated by this BAER team and addressed through risk evaluation and may be further addressed by treating with suppression rehabilitation, emergency stabilization, or long-term rehabilitation. This set of issues can be found in Appendix V, Supporting Documention.

Resource Assessments: Soil and Water – The field data indicated that the majority (52%) of the affected acres received a low severity burn, and 36% of the area received a moderate severity burn. Many downed trees were scorched, but intact, on the soil surface and fine roots and some forest litter remained. High burn severity was of minor extent (4%) in the fire analysis area, and the rest was unburned islands (see Appendix IV). Viable grass and shrub root crowns should allow for natural re-vegetation of the low to moderate severity sites, within 2-5 years. Soils with a high burn severity classification were limited to several scattered relatively small areas and have significantly less viable shrub root crowns. The natural revegetation on these sites is likely to be slower. Field observations indicated that soils with a low soil burn severity had some hydrophobic characteristics. Approximately 80% of the low burn severity sites had moderate to severe hydrophobic conditions in the mineral soil surface (1/4 to 1/2 inch depth). Areas with a moderate soil burn severity were almost 90% moderate-severely hydrophobic, and high burn severity sites were about 70% moderate to severely hydrophobic. The fire-related hydrophobic conditions are expected to dissipate in the 1-3 years following the fire, as rainfall events re-wet the soil.

v About 61,900 acres are identified as having an inherently mod-high to high erosion hazard risk when disturbed and ground cover is removed. The probability that these sites will erode has increased due to the fire consumption of the protective duff layer. The low-moderate severity burn caused by the wildfire did remove much of the forest litter layer providing ground cover. Measurements taken throughout the areas of moderate burn severity indicate that about 80% (n=9) effective ground cover remains on the low severity burn areas, 43% (n=14) ground cover remains on the moderate severity burns, and about 30% (n=5) remains on the high severity sites. The estimated erosion rates will be significantly higher than pre-fire for the next 2-5 years, however, erosion rates should decrease as the area naturally recovers. The anticipated soil loss is expected to be short-term and within soil loss tolerances to maintain productivity. While much higher that pre-fire rates, this predicted level of erosion is not likely to affect soil productivity during the 2-5 year timeframe of increased erosion potential. Water runoff, sediment delivery, and debris flow characteristics are expected to change in several ways. Water runoff is expected to increase particularly in moderate to high severity burn areas. There may be some increase in soil hydrophobicity, although field transects taken during the rapid assessment indicated no substantial increase over natural conditions. Since most of the soil severity in the fire was low to moderate, very little change to soil infiltration rates are expected over most of the fire area. However, the loss of vegetation, duff and litter over the soil on large areas of the fire is expected to increase the movement of runoff and sediment, particularly from high- intensity rainfall events such as during thunderstorm or if rapid snowmelt events. Sediment-producing events are expected to be localized, and should be limited to redistribution from localized steep, upper landscape positions to deposition on toe slopes and on flat meadow areas. It is expected that for two to five years, sediment- laden runoff will likely be observed until vegetation recovers and begins to filter hill slope runoff again. After this period, runoff should start to decline and move towards background levels. Temporary increases in spring flow may occur due to the reduction in interception and evapo-transportation where vegetation was burned adjacent to springs. Through modeling and field reconnaissance, several drainages were identified that have high potential for increased runoff and erosion. These drainages are Bear Creek, three tributaries to the East Fork of Burnt Log Creek, Lodgepole Creek, Camp Creek, Peanut Creek, Rice Creek tributary, and an unnamed tributary to Upper SFSR. These drainages are expected to have a higher watershed response because of a greater amount of moderate and high severity burn. Increases in runoff would be up to 140 percent greater than pre-fire conditions. The runoff model indicates that flood flows will exceed the capacity of culverts located on Peanut Creek (two crossings), Lodgepole Creek, at the lower crossing, Warm Lake Creek at YWAM Camp and Camp Creek. The culverts on the other focused drainages are expected to have the capacity to pass the flood flows estimated by the model. Upper Lodgepole Creek culvert has a 10-foot fill and has a high potential to jam with debris. Debris flows consist of concentrated mixtures of poorly sorted sediment and water that can flow like liquids yet can stop on sloping surfaces and form nearly rigid deposits. Debris flows constitute a significant natural hazard that can cause fatalities, damage structures, and diminish land productivity. Debris-flows naturally occur in localized areas within the upper SFSR but are particularly prominent in the steep first and second order face drainages that drain directly into the main SFSR. Within the focused drainages, modeling indicates that the relative risk of debris-flow is highest in the Lodgepole drainage and to a more moderate degree in the tributary to Rice Creek and Camp Creek. Landslide/Flood Risk - Structures at the YWAM Camp have adjacent steep slopes and may be at moderate risk for landslides in the drainage above them. A stream cross-section was conducted at Warm Lake Creek near the culvert which accesses the camp. It was determined that a modeled flood event would not threaten the structures but could limit access to the camp. No treatment was proposed. Domestic Water Sources and Transmission Lines – The Paradise Valley water source was the only one assessed that may be threatened. Although fire intensity and severity was low in the vicinity of the diversion, above the diversion on Reeves Creek, the north facing hillslope upstream of the diversion burned with high intensity, moderate severity on a 50 percent slope. This slope is approximately 500 feet long and armored with rock outcrops near the top. Effects to this water system may consist of ash and fine sediment clogging the substrate at the diversion. Since the intake is under the substrate,

vi diversion volumes could be greatly reduced or completely stopped by ash in the sand and gravel. This could result in the need for daily to weekly maintenance. Transmission lines for all the water system are underground and were not affected by the Cascade Complex fire. Transmission lines are not located in the channel so increased flows and scour will not result in post-fire damage. Treatments were proposed and can be found in Part F or Appendix I. Soil Productivity - Erosion rates are expected to increase, and there is an increased risk of mass movement. Mountain slopes were determined to be too steep for mulch to work effectively, and therefore treatment was not proposed. Erosion rates may reach or exceed soil loss tolerances in the 2- 5 years following the fire, but long-term productivity is not likely to be negatively affected. No treatment is proposed. Water quality - It is very likely that there will be negative effects to fish within the analysis area due to increased sediment delivery from severely burned areas and increased temperatures from a reduction in stream channel shading. There is a high risk of increased sediment delivery to the 303(d) listed Upper SFSR and other streams within the analysis area. Hill slope treatments such as helicopter mulching were considered but not proposed because the amount of area to be treated would be too extensive. The amount of area that could be treated within the criteria for hill slope mulch (20-60% slopes with less than 50% surface rock content) would be so small compared to the area that would not be treated due to slope or surface rock, that the treatment benefits would not be recognized. Most of the areas burned with moderate and high severity are too steep for mulch to work effectively. Road System - The comprehensive road and stream crossing/culvert reconnaissance performed by the BAER Team Engineers identified many emergency treatments and improvements that will reduce sediment delivery to streams. Several road segments were identified to have potential post-fire road surface drainage problems and/or under-sized culverts unable to handle post-fire stream flows as a result of the anticipated increased runoff. Potential debris-flows hazard was modeled and may also put some culverts at risk for failure. Multiple treatments related to the road and trail system are porposed and can be found in Part F and Appendix I.

Vegetation – The following discussions summarize the findings specific to the issue-related components of the vegetation that have been or may be affected, and describes their pre-fire and post-fire conditions and vulnerability. Plantations – Prior to the Cascade Complex Wildfire, over 4,900 acres of plantations occurred within the perimeter of the analysis area. Post-fire field reconnaissance indicates that of these 4,900 acres of plantations, fire-induced mortality was high (>75 percent) on roughly 2,694 acres. Forested Stands PVGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 - While the majority of the acres within the wildfire perimeter occur at the higher elevations and were dominated by subalpine fir and/or lodgpeole pine prior to the widlfire, approximately 30,000 acres of forested stands occurred within PVGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Douglas-fir was the predominant species on these sites with a mixture of ponderosa pine and grand fir depending upon the site’s aspect. Western larch was also abundant in some stands located near Kline Mountain and within the Two-bit/Six-bit drainages. The Cascade Complex Wildfire burned at such intensity on an estimated 10,793 acres of these sites that a viable ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, or western larch seed source is not present to facilitate natural regeneration. Barring any reforestation efforts, brush and grass species such as shinyleaf ceanothus, bitterbrush, mountain snowberry, Oregon grape, elksedge, and pine grass would be expected to become established on these sites. The presence of these grass and brush species in combination with the lack of a viable seed source would inhibit the establishment and growth of natural conifer regeneration. Whitebark Pine - Prior to the wildfire, an estimated 10,000 acres of mature and immature whitebark pine occurred in isolated locations primarily along high elevation ridges within the analysis area. These whitebark pine trees generally occurred in mixed stands with subalpine fir and lodgpeole pine rather than large homogeneous stands of pure whitebark pine. This acreage figure is based on Landsat Imagery and considered an overestimation.

vii Based on the limited post-fire field reviews an estimated 298 acres of stands with a substantial component of whitebark pine burned at a high or moderate intensity and occur in an area considered accessible. Aspen - Based on Landsat Imagery an estimated 2,000 acres of this cover type occurred within the analysis area prior to the wildfire. However, immature aspen was known to be a common component in many stands and was not likely reflected on the pre-fire Landsat Imagery. Therefore the total pre-fire acreage of aspen within the analysis area, as projected by Landsat, was likely underestimated. In general, given the absence of competing conifers in many locations, aspen would be expected to flourish within the analysis area over the next few decades. Riparian Habitats – In general, most of the riparian habitats along the numerous streams in the analysis area consisted of mature conifer species prior to the Cascade Complex Wildfire. These conifer species, in combination with shrubs and brush species, provided valuable shade which assisted in regulating stream temperatures. The conifer species also served as potential sources of large woody debris recruitment to adjacent streams. In most locations the predominant conifer species were Englemann spruce and lodgpeole pine, with lesser amounts of subalpine fir. Given the intensity of the Cascade Complex Wildfire, riparian habitats previously characterized as mature conifer forests experienced high levels of tree mortality in some locations. Based on a comparison of stream locations and wildfire intensities, and field reconnaissance, the stream shading previously provided by mature conifers is now absent on roughly 1,146 acres (71 miles of stream) and unlikely to quickly regenerate. Forest Insects - A variety of forest insects exist within the analysis area. The majority of these insects were present in low levels prior to the Cascade Complex Wildfire and were not significantly affecting forest health or vigor at that time. Others however, particularly bark beetles, constitute an existing or potential threat to forest health and are discussed in detail below. The insects include the Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) and the Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae). Events that weaken trees, such as wildfire, often prompt insect activity to some degree. With the mountain pine beetle population already shows signs of being relatively large, additional mortality associated with this insect could be expected, particularly in those mature lodgepole pine stands relatively unaffected by the wildfire. The same would hold true for the Douglas-fir beetle, although to a lesser extent since populations are not currently high. Tree mortality resulting from this beetle would be most likely observed in large diameter Douglas-fir exhibiting signs of fire-induced stress, but not directly killed by the wildfire. Although it is difficult to predict if and when populations of insects will increase in any given area, or to what level they will increase, the wildfire has increased the potential for expanding beetle populations, thus resulting in the infestation and mortality of additional trees within and adjacent to the fire perimeter. Noxious Weeds – This portion of the Cascade Ranger District is still relatively weed free, especially compared to the southern half of the Boise Forest. Documented weed infestations within the analysis area are limited to spotted knapweed. However, populations of rush skeletonweed, Canada thistle, musk thistle, oxeye daisy, and sulfur cinquefoil have been documented on major travel corridors into the area from the west, southwest, south and southeast, as well as in the Gold Fork area. Canada thistle and bull thistle have been observed during botanical surveys in the Johnson Creek drainage. District personnel report spotted knapweed and toadflax in the Icehole Campground area. Given the presence of noxious weeds within the analysis area and along travel routes used by suppression forces, the introduction of noxious weeds into the analysis area likely occurred during suppression activities. In addition, given the fire-induced loss of vegetative ground cover, populations of noxious weeds previously existing within the analysis area are likely to expand.

Wildlife – The decrease in bear forage habitat as a result of the fire will likely lead to bears searching for food at campgrounds, summer cabins and lodges in areas within and outside of the fire perimeter. Multiple bear sightings occurred throughout the Cascade Complex Fire before and during the BAER Assessment. The frequency of bear sightings and locations of those sightings indicated that bears were roaming more than usual for this time of year. The lack of a quality berry crop this summer due to

viii drought in addition to the large loss of habitat for bears within the analysis area will likely cause bears to seek alternative food sources, including campgrounds and dispersed camping sites, lodges, summer cabins and other human gathering spots. Reports from the Warm Lake area of bears entering summer cabins and the North Shore Lodge further supports the rationale that bears will be going to more extreme measures to find food sources. The loss of a Bald Eagle nest tree and alternative nest trees at Warm Lake is considered an important issue to the wildlife resource. The fire consumed the Warm Lake bald eagle nest, nest tree, and other potential nest trees at the south end of Warm Lake. Nesting opportunities are somewhat limited in the Warm Lake area due to the high levels of human activity on the west and north sides of the lake, the general lack of nesting habitat on the east side of the lake, and past wildfires at the south end of the lake (Bear Creek 1989). The Warm Lake nest had been occupied since 1997 and was an important fixture in the Warm Lake area. While it is not known if the pair will attempt to renest in the Warm Lake area or along other potential habitat along the South Fork Salmon River (SFSR), treatments were developed to promote nest tree development at the south end of Warm Lake and to monitor how the Warm Lake nesting pair responds to the loss of the nest beginning in the spring of 2008. The vegetation recommendation of planting within PVGs 1-6 that do not contain a seed source for natural regeneration. Please reference the Vegetation Assessment for a more detailed description of where the stands targeted for replanting occur within the analysis area. The fire consumed a significant amount of lynx suitable habitat within East Mountain, Needles, Warm Lake, Burntlog, Bulldead, Landmark and Warm Lake Lynx Analysis Units (LAUs). Analysis at the broad scale using LandSat data found that approximately 43,000 acres of suitable lynx habitat was made unsuitable by the fire within the analysis area. Significant portions of the Needles, East Mountain, Burntlog, Bulldead, Landmark and Warm Lake LAUs were affected. There was a loss of large amounts of suitable habitat within PVGs 1-6 for R4 Sensitive species such as flammulated and great gray owl, goshawk, white-headed woodpecker, fisher, and Boise National Forest MIS species such as pileated woodpecker. Approximately 30,000 acres of forested stands occurred within PVGs 1-6. Douglas-fir was the predominant species on these sites with a mixture of ponderosa pine and grand fir depending upon the site’s aspect. Approximately 10,793 acres of PVG 1-6 source habitat where a viable seed source is not present to facilitate natural regeneration was identified across the analysis area. PVGs 1-6 provide source habitat for numerous Region 4 Sensitive and Boise National Forest MIS species including great gray owl (nesting), flammulated owl (nesting and forage), bald eagle (nest and perch trees), northern goshawk (nesting and forage), white-headed woodpecker (nesting and forage), spotted and Townsend’s big-eared bat (forage), fisher (denning and forage), and pileated woodpecker (nesting and forage). The fire opened up large areas of conifer-dominated habitat such that the suppressed aspen clones are expected to vigorously resprout without early competition. Reconnaissance through burned areas during the field-going portion of the assessment found that once highly suppressed aspen clones were quite visible. Aspen stands provide many species with high quality nesting and forage habitat, including neotropical migrant birds, cavity nesters, woodpeckers, , and , turkey and other game birds, porcupine, black bear, rabbits and hare and many other small mammals. Most sources report nearly a 70 percent decline in aspen within Idaho, primarily due to the lack of fire on the landscape. After the loss of such a large amount of habitat for so many wildlife species during the Cascade Complex Fire, the influx of aspen in areas where it was highly suppressed before the fire will offer wildlife forage and hiding cover habitat within a relatively short period of time. Approximately 85,265 acres burned with moderate to high intensity. The loss of above-ground vegetation in such a large area will greatly increase the vulnerability of elk to stress from and predator pressure. Road and trail closures, whether temporary, short-term or long-term, will help reduce elk vulnerability within the analysis area. Potential areas identified for closures include the Stolle Meadows area, including the Lodgepole Creek drainage, North Fork Dollar Creek, and areas in the Burntlog drainage. All three areas, especially the North Fork Dollar Creek, have road networks that were grown in by vegetation and were no longer accessible by motorized vehicles. The fire has burned some of this vegetation off of the roads, potentially allowing unauthorized motorized access to these areas. In areas such as the Warm Lake and Stolle Meadows areas, the landscape is flat enough that

ix the lack of vegetation could allow off-road travel by motorists nearly anywhere. Treatments have been proposed to limit or control access.

Fisheries – Direct effects as described in this report refer to mortality or disturbance resulting in displacement or harassment of chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout. Indirect effects refer to modification of habitat and/or effects to prey species. There are approximately 137 miles of designated critical habitat for chinook salmon and steelhead within the burned area. Populations of chinook salmon and steelhead have been documented in the S.F. Salmon River and Johnson Creek. The burned area includes Stolle Meadow, which is a primary spawning area. Populations of bull trout were documented in Bull Creek, Upper Deadwood River, Rice Creek, Burntlog Creek, East Fork Burntlog Creek, Peanut Creek, Tyndall Creek, Sixbit Creek, Dollar Creek, Cabin Creek, Buck Creek, and Lodgepole Creek within the analysis area prior to the Cascade Complex Fire. There are approximately 31.8 miles of occupied bull trout spawning and early rearing habitat within the burned area. Westslope cutthroat trout exhibit two primary life history strategies in the S.F. Salmon River and Johnson Creek. Fluvial stocks occupy larger mainstem habitats and spawn in smaller tributaries. Resident forms inhabit smaller tributaries and headwater areas for their entire lives. There are at least 150 miles of fish-bearing (westslope cutthroat trout) streams within the Cascade Complex Fire – South End. One mortality was discovered on a tributary to Burntlog Creek on September 9th, 2007. The location (high-intensity burn adjacent to stream), timing, and circumstances of this finding indicate that the mortality may be a direct result of high water temperature or toxic gasses generated by the fire. No direct mortality to chinook, steelhead, or bull trout was observed within the analysis area. However, the rainbow trout mortality indicates that in areas of high-intensity burn adjacent to occupied bull trout, steelhead, or chinook habitat there may have been some direct mortality, either to salmonids or their prey base. Based on field reconnaissance and information provided by Resource Advisors (READs) assigned to the incident, the effects of all fire suppression actions to date (summarized in Section A) were consistent with those described in the programmatic consultation (USDA 2006). Only one retardant drop was known to be located within an RCA, which was done to protect structures in the Stolle Meadow area. Although located in an RCA, there was no direct delivery to surface water; no effects to aquatic organisms were observed, and none are expected. The Cascade Complex Fire burned through the Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs) on nearly all streams within the fire perimeter. There are approximately 37 mi2 of RCAs within the Cascade Complex fire perimeter; high burn severity affected 18%, an additional 38% burned with moderate severity, and low severity burns occurred on 26%. Approximately 18% of the RCA within the perimeter of the fire remains unburned. The RCA burn severity was roughly proportional the fire area as a whole. Large woody debris (LWD) influences channel morphology and plays a pivotal role in aquatic habitat development and in-channel sediment storage. Reconnaissance of the Cascade Complex Fire indicates that fire consumed little of the LWD in portions of the RCA that burned at moderate to high burn severity. Additional LWD was recruited to streams within the burned area during the fire. Over time, additional fire-killed trees will be recruited to stream channels in the Cascade Complex Fire area, replacing what was lost and increasing the LWD loading compared to pre-fire conditions. Increased LWD in streams occupied by bull trout, chinook, steelhead, and westslope cutthroat trout within the fire perimeter are expected to maintain or improve pool quality and cover in the temporary, short-term, and long-term timeframes. Moderate to high intensity burns within RCAs have significantly reduced stream shade throughout the analysis area. Increased exposure to solar radiation is expected to result in elevated stream temperatures (FAE). These changes will vary by stream, depending on the remaining riparian canopy, topographic shading, aspect, channel width-to-depth ratio, discharge, and other variables. To the

x extent they are able, bull trout, chinook salmon, steelhead, and westslope cutthroat trout within the burned area may disperse to avoid increasing water temperature. Moderate to high severity burns are expected to result in accelerated soil erosion and sediment delivery to surface waters within and downstream of the Cascade Complex Fire perimeter, especially within focus drainages identified in the Soil and Watershed Assessment. Increased soil erosion and sediment delivery is expected to result in elevated fine sediment in stream substrates (FAE). These changes will vary by stream, depending on the soil cover, the length, gradient and roughness of the burned slopes, and the timing and intensity of precipitation events. Sediment will be stored to some degree in the tributary channels and delivered to main channels over time. Elevated fine sediments reduce both salmonid egg survival and their macroinvertebrate prey base (Spence et. al. 1996). To the extent they are able, bull trout, chinook salmon, steelhead, and westslope cutthroat trout within and downstream from the burned area may disperse to avoid increasing fine sediments.

Engineering – The reconnaissance of the roads during the field investigations found several issues pertaining to emergency stabilization and an issue each for fire suppression rehabilitation and management recommendations. The issues associated with the findings requiring emergency stabilization included burned section of guardrail and warning signs, road drainage problems (i.e. plugged culverts, filled in catchment basins and ditches, ruts in the road, etc.), and undersized culverts having a high potential of delivering large amount of sediment to streams containing critical fish habitat. Most of these issues are typical of what is found on or above roads within the fire perimeters. These issues pertaining to most of the roads are a result of the roads template and location. To further elaborate, the roads template is insloped and the alignment is constructed on steep mountain terrain which crosses steep side ‘V’ channels. Roads that are insloped and not maintained eventually have their catchment basins and ditches filled in from sediment that is washed down from normal storm events and spring runoff. The ‘V’ shape channels contain channel bottoms and side slopes with grades ranging 50º to 75º. These steep grades are able to deliver high erosive runoffs which can carry large amounts of sediment and debris in a short time span. With the landscape now burned, the runoff flows will be greater in intensity and more debris is available for transport above these crossings. Many roads cross over tributaries that contain critical fish habitat and directly empty into either the South Fork Salmon River or Johnson Creek. The issues pertaining to these individual culverts are explained in more detail below. Roads 447 & 447E1 are grouped together because the culvert under each road is within 50 feet of where the roads intersect. The stream the roads cross is Peanut Creek which contains critical habitat for fish. The culverts are approximately 30 feet apart and the rust line for each is approximately 44% of the pipe height. The average fill height over the pipe under FR #447 is 10 feet. The burn severity in the watershed above these culverts is mostly moderate to high. The predicted runoff event for post-fire conditions exceeds the calculated maximum flow for each pipe. Road 473 crosses over Lodgepole Creek. The fill height over the culvert is approximately 5 feet and the rust line is approximately 35% of the pipe height. The burn severity in the watershed above this culvert is mostly high. The road is designated in the INFRA data base as being closed along with all the roads branching off from it. Road 474.2 crosses over Camp Creek and over Lodgepole Creek. Each of these streams empties directly into South Fork Salmon River which contains critical habitat for fish. The Camp Creek crossing has a relatively flat road grade and has an approximate fill height over the pipe of one foot. No rust line was measured but the water flowing through the pipe appeared to be stagnant. The burn severity in the watershed above this culvert is mostly high. The predicted runoff event for post-fire conditions exceeds the calculated maximum flow for this pipe. The Lodgepole Creek contains two culverts. The road at the crossing has a relatively flat road grade and the approximate fill height over both pipes is approximately 1-1/2 feet. The rust line for one of the pipes is 25% and the other pipe is 45%. The burn severity in the watershed above these culverts is mostly high. The predicted runoff event for post-fire conditions was near the same as the calculated maximum flow for these pipes combined.

xi Road 495 crosses over North Fork Dollar Creek. The location of this crossing is within approximately 1,000 feet of Dollar Creek which contains critical habitat for fish. Dollar Creek also empties directly into the South Fork Salmon River. The fill height over the culvert is 15 feet and the rust line is approximately 35% of the pipe height. The burn severity in the watershed above this culvert is mostly low to moderate. This culvert has plugged and overtopped in the recent past. Additional findings, not specific to any road or location, pertained to burned directional signs found during the field investigations. There were many sites with burned signs, but not yet recorded. In general, these signs are located at road intersections.

Recreation – South Fork Salmon River Campground, located next to the South Fork of the Salmon River along Warm Lake Highway near milepost 57, was the only developed recreation site damaged by the fire. Findings are summarized in the table below:

Damaged Fee Station Sign Scorched, partially burned on one leg Barrier Logs 2 partially burned, but already rotted off Garbage Can 1 paint scorched Lost Entrance Sign Completely burned Entrance Gate Warped metal gate, burned locking posts Unit markers 6 burned Prevention/regulation signs 2 burned – 4x4 post w/bird back Vegetation/Trees 50% total mortality immediately around campground - 100% in units 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, & 14 User developed trails Loss of vegetation will result in increase run-off and slope instability near units 6, 7, & 14

Several motorized and non-motorized trails in the assessment area were damaged by the fire. Damages include many bridges and trailhead facilities. The trail drainage and tread location is not adequately designed in some location to process the changed runoff and flow estimates. The South Fork Salmon River Fishing season attracts over 3,000 fishermen into an 8 mile corridor. This resulted in numerous user developed trails from the road down to the river bank. Use of these trails eroded the bank and channeled sediment directly into the river. These stairs were installed to reduce sediment delivery to the South Fork Salmon River. Many of these stairs are at least partially burned.

Cultural Resources – Field assessments were conducted on September 5-9 and September 11 of the eighty-four (84) sites within the analysis area. Forty-five (45) of these sites were located outside the fire boundary and received no adverse impacts from suppression activities. This includes all the small mining cabins on the lower Deadwood River, Deadwood Mine, Landmark Guard Station, sites around the remains of the Pen Basin Ranger Station, Gold Fork Cabin, the Summer Homes at Paradise Valley and Warm Lake, North Shore Lodge and Warm Lake Lodge. Fuels reductions and the use of sprinkler systems had no adverse effect on five (5) of these unburned sites (Landmark G.S., Deadwood Mine, North Shore lodge, Paradise Valley Summer Homes and the Warm Lake Summer Homes). The fire resistant wrapping and the staples used to attach it to the structures at Landmark Guard Station will be removed by fire crews during fire suppression rehabilitation. Thirty-nine (39) sites were located within the fire boundary. Of these 39 sites, twelve (12) sites were unburned or otherwise not impacted, nineteen (19) sites were substantially impacted by the fire, and

xii eight (8) sites were not examined due to difficult access, safety, and the unlikelihood that they would require any BAER treatments. This report does not address any traditional cultural properties (TCPs) that may be of importance to Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, or Shoshone-Paiute Tribes. Consultation with the tribes would be necessary to identify this type of cultural resource. This report only addresses prehistoric and historic archaeological sites.

Consultations – Scoping meetings were held in the town of Cascade. On September 4, a scoping meeting was held with the BAER team and representatives of the Forest Service. Representatives from the NOAA Fisheries and Fish & Wildlife Service in Boise, Idaho were also invited to attend the in-brief meeting. Beginning on September 5 and continuing until September 12, daily conference calls were established to invite other agency representatives to participate in the team’s development of issues and treatments. These meetings served to bring the interdisciplinary team along by incorporating cross-coordination between resource areas, local experts, and regulatory agencies. Three of the interested agencies, Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, and Idaho Fish & Game joined our team for overflight and field data gathering to help guide treatment development. On September 10th, one of our local team members met with the Valley County commissioners to discuss potential treatments within this BAER plan as well as regular Cascade Ranger District business. This meeting helped guide the development of solutions regarding road concerns that should, in part, meet the direction provided by the commissioners. Throughout the assignment, the team leader coordinated with the BAER coordinators on the Payette National Forest and the Salmon-Challis National Forest. It was agreed that plans would be developed separately per National Forest, however, our team would model watershed response for any selected points representing values at risk. A couple points were identified for road protection near Yellow Pine, however, because the fire was so active, we could not model watershed response. The Salmon-Challis NF identified no need for watershed response modeling on September 13th, however, our team did assess and recommend treatments for the road system travelling into the Frank Church Wilderness. Our team held a closeout briefing with all of the interested agencies or organizations on September 14th. This briefing was attended by NOAA Fisheries, Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Fish & Game, Cascade Complex Incident Commander, Boise National Forest line officers and staff, and the Payette National Forest BAER coordinator. Clarification of some of the road management recommendations was requested, however, no changes to the plan were made as a result of this meeting. All treatments were summarized on a phone call with the Intermountain Regional Coordinator on September 17th and clarification for some of the treatment narratives was incorporated following this discussion. This assessment has captured input up to September 17th from all interested parties. For more specific consultations, refer to resource assessment section in Appendix I.

Emergency Stabilization Recommendations - Based on aerial and ground surveys the BAER Team identified the treatments for implementation for USFS managed lands. The following treatments recommended for USFS lands are in accordance with Forest Service Manual 2523 and Forest Service Handbook 2509.13, Burned Area Emergency Response Policy and include:

1. Road drainage reconstruction 8. Cutslope stabilization 2. Stream crossing removal and 9. Paradise valley water source protection replacement 10. Public safety advisory 3. Road and trail warning signs 11. Critical habitat recovery protection 4. Guardrail replacement 12. Headgate removal bank protection 5. Patrols for storm-induced road hazards 13. Noxious weed monitoring and treatment 6. Knox Ranch chimneys safety mitigation 14. Trail structure stabilization and 7. Bear-proof garbage container replacement installation

xiii 15. Restricted-use signs 18. South Fork Salmon River stair 16. Protect recreational infrastructure replacement 17. Trail drainage rehabilitation

The BAER Team conducted a closeout presentation to the Boise National Forest, Incident Management Team Whalen, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, and the Idaho Fish & Game on September 14, 2007, providing issues, observations, findings and recommendations. The BAER Team provided detailed information of the proposed emergency stabilization treatments to the agency administrators and staff. The Team recommends hiring of a project manager (implementation leader) as soon as possible to ensure treatments are initiated as quickly as possible.

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