United States Department of Agriculture Forest Plan Monitoring and Forest Service Evaluation Report Southwestern Region Fiscal Year 2014
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FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page ii Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction ...... 5 Section 2: Monitoring Summary ...... 7 Fire Management ...... 7 Heritage Resources ...... 11 Insects and Disease ...... 13 Lands ...... 13 Noxious Weeds ...... 13 Range Management ...... 14 Recreation ...... 17 Roads and Facilities ...... 18 Soil and Water ...... 18 Timber ...... 22 Section 3: Progress toward Desired Condition ...... 27 Fire Management ...... 27 Law Enforcement ...... 27 Heritage Resources ...... 27 Lands ...... 28 Noxious Weeds ...... 28 Range ...... 29 Recreation ...... 31 Roads and Facilities ...... 32 Soil and Water ...... 32 Timber ...... 33 Wildlife ...... 34 Section 4: Barriers to Effective Monitoring ...... 37 Heritage Resources ...... 37 Noxious Weeds ...... 37 Range Management ...... 37 Recreation ...... 37 Wildlife ...... 38 Section 5: Emerging Issues ...... 39 Fire Management ...... 39 Heritage Resources ...... 40 Noxious Weeds ...... 41 Range ...... 41 Recreation ...... 41 Roads and Facilities ...... 41 Timber ...... 42 Wildlife ...... 42 Section 6: Recommendations ...... 45 Five “Needs for Change” Topics ...... 45 Alternative Methods for Monitoring ...... 45 Section 7: Certification of Forest Plan Sufficiency ...... 46
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page iii
List of Figures
Figure 1. Fire Season 2014 Energy Release Component for the Prescott NF 10 Figure 2. Monitoring on the Williamson Valley Allotment, Chino Valley RD, Sept. 2014 14 Figure 3. Monitoring Hog Springs in the Upper Ash Watershed. Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 4. In stream flow monitoring site on perennial reach of Cherry Creek 33 Figure 5. Ponderosa pine stand after an intermediate timber harvest treatment. Untreated on the top and treated on the bottom 34 Figure 6. Ponderosa pine stand treated with an intermediate harvest and a prescribed burn. 42
List of Tables
Table 1. Average moisture levels for the Prescott NF weather stations ...... 9 Table 2. Moisture levels recorded at the Prescott NF weather stations during FY2014 ...... 9 Table 3. Moisture levels recorded at the Prescott NF weather stations during FY2013 ...... 9 Table 4. Wildfires on the Prescott NF during 2013 and 2014 ...... 10 Table 5. Wildfires greater than 100 acres on the Prescott NF during 2013 and 2014 ...... 10 Table 6. Annual acres treated by vegetation type 1989 - 2001 ...... 11 Table 7. Annual acres treated by vegetation type 2002 - 2014 ...... 11 Table 8. Allotments monitored for effectiveness of allotment management plan in meeting desired conditions ...... 16 Table 9. Allotments with information collection for allotment management plan revision ...... 16 Table 10. 2014 Campground Occupancy ...... 17 Table 11. 2014 Watershed Restoration Action Plan Monitoring ...... 20 Table 12. Harvest history in pine vegetation types FY1987 - FY2000 ...... 22 Table 13. Harvest history in pine vegetation types FY2001 - FY2014 ...... 23 Table 14. Harvest history in piñon-juniper vegetation types FY1987 - FY2000 ...... 23 Table 15. Harvest history in piñon-juniper vegetation types FY2001 - FY2014 ...... 23 Table 16. Fuelwood sold on the Prescott NF FY2009 - FY2014 ...... 24 Table 17. Management Indicator Species Trends ...... 25 Table 18. Allotments with Range Structures Reconstructed ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page iv
It also meets the intent of chapter 5 of the Section 1: Introduction Forest Plan to "analyze and evaluate the significance of the results of the monitoring What is Forest Plan monitoring? action plan" (p.73)1. Monitoring requirements Forest Plan monitoring is an ongoing process included in the Forest Plan specify the effect(s) that assesses the response of the forest to be monitored, the measurement environment to management activities technique(s) to be used, and the expected undertaken to move the Prescott National future condition(s) to be met for each activity or Forest (Prescott NF) from an existing condition project. They also establish a frequency for to a desired condition, as described in the 1987 measuring and reporting the monitored item Prescott National Forest Land and Resource and the expected precision and reliability of Management Plan (“Forest Plan,” as amended, that measurement. These monitoring and as republished in December, 2004). As requirements are available on the Prescott NF required by the 1982 planning rule, national website2. forests must monitor and evaluate how well Lastly, it provides an important communication their forest plans are being implemented. This link with the public and within the agency. By process includes opportunities for modifying disclosing the effectiveness of the Forest Plan, the forest plan to respond to monitoring the Prescott NF is able to better identify future results. research needs and to shift monitoring activities What is the purpose of monitoring? to more effectively measure overall forest The purpose of monitoring and evaluating the health. In general, monitoring determines: implementation of the Forest Plan is to inform • If the Prescott NF is achieving its the decision maker of the progress that has objectives. been made toward achieving the goals and • If standards are being followed. objectives and following standards and guidelines. This report documents and evaluates the results 1 of the monitoring that occurred during fiscal References to Forest Plan page numbers are for the 2004 year (FY) 2014 (October 2013 through republished version of the 1987 Forest Plan, as amended (version 1.1), available at: September 2014) and describes the rationale http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/prescott/landmanagement/?cid for any changes to the Forest Plan =stelprdb5122087 recommended by the monitoring team. 2 http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/prescott/home/?cid= stelprdb5122087
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 5 • If management prescriptions are • Make a Forest Plan amendment. responsive to public issues and Modify the management prescription or management concerns. assignment of a prescription as a Forest Plan amendment. • If management prescriptions are applied as directed. • Revise the Projected Schedule of outputs. • If the effects of implementing the Forest Plan are as predicted. • Identify research needs. • If management practices on adjacent or It is important to note that this is not a intermingled non-national forest lands monitoring report on individual projects; are affecting goals and objectives. however, results of some individual projects have been considered in the preparation of this How are monitoring results used? report. Based on the evaluation of the monitoring results, the monitoring team makes recommendations to the forest supervisor. These can include:
• No action is needed. Monitoring indicates goals and objectives are being reasonably achieved and standards are being followed.
• Make a recommended action. Refer recommended action to the appropriate line officer(s) for improvement or application of management prescriptions.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 6 Section 2: Monitoring Summary stations located across the Prescott NF. Wildfire indices elevated to above normal conditions Fire Management during May and through June 2014, but timely and above normal monsoon moisture tempered Fire Preparedness conditions from the first week of July forward. Periodic inspections and readiness reviews were By the latter part of July, the monsoon moisture used during FY2014 to validate that the fire moderated the Energy Release Component management organization could function in a (ERC) and was mostly below average through safe and effective manner. September (Figure 1).3 Tables 2 and 3 show moisture amounts received at various weather Ground Conditions stations across the Prescott NF during the Fall 2013 was above average for moisture. The course of FY2013 and FY2014. trend changed to below average moisture Fire Activity through winter and spring 2013-2014. The monsoon moisture from 2013 supported some Statistically, the occurrence of wildfires in 2014 initial growth of all types of plant life including was below average. Also, in terms of the acres grasses, shrubs, and trees but discontinued burned, the fire season was below average. when precipitation diminished and spring Large wildfire activity on the Prescott NF was temperatures began to rise. Also, some limited. The lightning-caused Twin Peaks fire mortality of mid-elevation vegetation occurred started on July 25 in the Castle Creek in portions of Arizona and New Mexico. Some of Wilderness. The fire grew to 148 acres and was this did occur in the chaparral vegetation type ultimately declared out on August 27. The on the Prescott NF, but was not as prevalent as Perkinsville fire was also lightning-caused and some parts of Arizona. started on July 27. The fire grew to 626 acres The Prescott NF implemented Stage 1 campfire and was declared out on August 14. The Twin and smoking restrictions on April 18, 2014. Peak fire required no suppression action and Restrictions were elevated to Stage 2 on May 23 was monitored until out. Fire managers as the fire danger continued to increase. Timely successfully implemented modified suppression and above normal monsoon moisture permitted action on the Perkinsville fire in the Chino East restrictions to be lifted on July 11. Moisture Non-WUI FMU. amounts and the lack of heavy lightning during the summer monsoon season was enough to restrict potential wildfire starts and spread. As a result, suppression efforts were successful for most wildfires after the start of the monsoon period. 3 The Energy Release Component is an index related to Moisture Levels how hot a fire could burn. The ERC can serve as a good Below average winter moisture (January characterization of fire season as it tracks seasonal fire danger trends well. The ERC is a function of the fuel model through March) caused elevated wildfire indices and live and dead fuel moistures. throughout the spring and early summer. Table 1 depicts average moisture levels for weather
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 7 Monsoon activity resulted in 28 lightning- occurrence period. This caused an increase in caused wildfires (Table 4), which is statistically the numbers of wildfires but helped to lessen well below average for the Prescott NF. the fire intensities and severities. Most fire management resources within the southwest, Tables 4 and 5 display the number, size, and including those on the Prescott NF, experienced cause of wildfires that occurred during 2013 above average time supporting management and 2014. The majority of these fires were less and suppression of wildfires during FY2014. than one acre in size. Mechanical Treatments and Prescribed Fire Resource Objectives Both mechanical and prescribed fire treatments The Perkinsville Fire on the Chino Valley Ranger were used to reduce fuel loadings. District was managed for resource objectives. This was due to an ignition (lightning) where A new 15 mile mechanical fuelbreak treatment and when suitable conditions for managing fire around the Prescott Basin was contracted in existed. During FY2009, periodic moisture and FY2014. The work will be completed in FY2015 moderate fire behaviors supported decisions to and will be conducted in stands of ponderosa manage two lightning-caused fires (Hyde and pine, chaparral, and the woodland vegetation Woodchute) with objectives other than full type to manage brush species, improve the fire suppression. These wildfires successfully regime condition class, enhance the ecosystem, accomplished resource benefit objectives and and construct fuel breaks to support future functioned in a manner similar to pre-European prescribed fire activities. Approximately 400 settlement wildfires. These conditions and acres of mechanical treatments were awarded opportunities did not occur during FY2012 or in FY2014. FY2013. Prescribed fire was implemented on Fire Assignments approximately 3,543 acres. This includes 3,383 As a result of fires across the country, fire acres in areas of ponderosa pine and chaparral management resources on the Prescott NF within the wildland-urban interface (WUI). were engaged in management of wildfire with a There was also 160 acres of prescribed fire in focus on suppression, protecting values at risk, areas considered non-WUI. The objectives for and minimizing impacts to the natural resources all prescribed fire treatments included throughout most of the summer. Aircraft, maintenance or restoration of fire as a natural crews, equipment and overhead were process within fire-adapted ecosystems. Within continuously assigned in support of wildfires the WUI areas, objectives also included locally, regionally and nationally. Opportunities reducing the risk of wildfire to life and property. for training and development were realized Tables 6 and 7 display the number of acres frequently during FY2014. treated by year and vegetation type since 1989. Monsoon moisture and lightning-caused wildfires did begin within their historic
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 8 Table 1. Average moisture levels for the Prescott NF weather stations
Weather Station Oct 1-Dec 31 Jan 1–Mar 31 Apr 1-Jun 30 Jul 1-Sep 30 Totals
Iron Springs 3.83” 5.59” 1.81” 6.92” 18.15”
Crown King 5.24” 8.64” 1.90” 8.30” 24.08”
Verde 2.81” 3.35” 0.83” 4.84” 11.83”
Cherry 4.06” 4.72” 1.37” 6.13” 16.28”
Table 2. Moisture levels recorded at the Prescott NF weather stations during FY2014
Weather 2013 2014 Station Oct 1-Dec 31 Jan 1–Mar 31 Apr 1-Jun 30 Jul 1-Sep 30 Totals
Iron Springs 2.92” 1.34” 0.42” 12.42” 17.10”
Crown King 5.11” 3.19” 0.26” 16.21” 24.77”
Verde 3.35” 1.15” 0.26” 8.02” 12.78”
Cherry 4.73” 1.72” 0.24” 7.69” 14.38”
Table 3. Moisture levels recorded at the Prescott NF weather stations during FY2013
Weather 2012 2013 Station Oct 1-Dec 31 Jan 1–Mar 31 Apr 1-Jun 30 Jul 1-Sep 30 Totals
Iron Springs 2.13” 2.65” 0.25” 13.19” 18.22”
Crown King 3.00” 5.13” 0.16” 13.22” 21.51”
Verde 1.86” 1.74” 0.16” 10.04” 13.80”
Cherry 2.32” 3.51” 0.00” 8.83” 14.66”
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 9 Table 4. Wildfires on the Prescott NF during 2013 and 2014
2013 2014
Wildfire size Human Lightning Human Lightning caused caused caused caused Totals < 1 acre 14 15 21 21 71
1 – 100 acres 5 4 4 5 18
> 100 acres 1 1 0 2 4
Totals 20 20 25 28 93
Table 5. Wildfires greater than 100 acres on the Prescott NF during 2013 and 2014
Year Name Size Cause
2013 Doce 6,767 acres Human
2013 Eastwood Mesa 400 acres Lightning
2014 Twin Peaks 148 acres Lightning
2014 Perkinsville 626 acres Lightning
Figure 1. Fire Season 2014 Energy Release Component for the Prescott NF
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 10 Table 6. Annual acres treated by vegetation type 1989 - 2001
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Grass 6,000 3,500 2,344 2,500 2,000 1,500 3,200 0 0 0 0 3,000 6,000
Chaparral 1,000 0 1,800 0 1,200 4,800 2,100 1,200 3,492 6,000 7,500 2,500 8,000
Pine 910 1,150 0 75 96 150 110 241 768 0 0 1,100 100
Woodland 152 270 410 1,176 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,000
Table 7. Annual acres treated by vegetation type 2002 - 2014
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Grass 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 160
Chaparral 300 7150 4071 5,483 4,300 3,866 5,885 6,383 9,700 9,850 1,977 1,201 1,230
Pine 288 500 1800 667 5,500 4,518 7,236 3,016 3,800 2,650 1,742 2,241 2,153
Woodland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 301 500 500 0 4,000 0
which usually occurs every few years for those Heritage Resources more accessible and less frequently for sites The Prescott NF manages 36 sites that are listed that are remote. It appears that all 36 as National Register (NR) Properties. A number properties experienced little overall change. of these are Forest Service administrative sites Most of these NR sites are historic properties, that are actively used, and thus are visited and present a different set of issues than throughout the year by heritage resource prehistoric NR sites. management personnel. The NR properties that About 62 heritage resource projects/reports are not used on a day-to-day basis are visited were completed in FY2014 on the Prescott NF. less regularly. The less-visited sites are A few other reports that were done for customarily checked as the opportunity arises, accounting purposes are not included in the
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 11 totals. The breakdown for the projects by improvement projects, mining projects, historic Ranger District are as follows: Chino Valley RD site improvements, and others. Some 19 projects; Bradshaw RD 19; Verde Valley RD monitoring efforts do not get reported because 10 projects; with three projects crossing district they involve quick opportunistic “spot checks". boundaries and five unrelated to any given Single monitoring efforts included the district. Tourtellot Prehistoric site in the Camp Wood area, Parker Flat Prehistoric site, Walnut Creek Of the 62 projects reports, 19 did not have Ranger Station, Walnut Creek Civilian associated archaeological properties and 30 did Conservation Corp(CCC) site, Hyde Mountain have associated archaeological properties . The Lookout, Hayfield Draw Prehistoric site, Palace remaining 13 projects were tied to other Station Maclheany Prehistoric site in the Camp activities that were not related to compliance. Wood area and a number of others. Overall, Projects that had sites associated with them monitoring has been effective and helpful in our were analyzed according to an effect continuing efforts to protect prehistoric and determination, which included no effect, no historic resources. adverse effect, or adverse effect. All no adverse effect determinations required consultation Monitoring also consisted of checking sites with the State Historic Preservation Officer. during non-project opportunities. Typically There were no adverse effect determinations. about 50 sites are visited during non-project- related fieldwork. These sites are located There were 138 new archaeological properties throughout the Forest and consist of prehistoric were recorded for FY2014. Many sites were and historic sites that are listed as NR monitored as part of project activities. There properties or are those that are considered were 137 previously recorded sites associated outstanding historic and prehistoric resources. with proposed projects in FY2014. Many of In addition, some sites are selected for these sites were revisited and/or monitored or monitoring because of new or ongoing threats documented. Any pre-project monitoring that to their integrity even though they may not be was done of these sites consisted of assuring listed as NR properties or are outstanding that sites were brought to the attention of the heritage sites. project manager and that they were marked for avoidance. In some cases, follow-up visits were Over the years monitoring has revealed two conducted to project areas during the project to typical ways sites are impacted. The first ensure that sites were protected. involves environmental factors, typically related to weather events. Rains that come in The following larger projects were monitored "downpours" create sheet and rill erosion, because of the presence of archeological and causing artifacts to be displaced and historic properties: five prescribed burns (36 archaeological features to be compromised. sites), five mastication projects (35 sites), seven Although no quantitative data exist as to how timber related projects (52 sites), two trail work serious this problem is, it is fairly common to projects (10 sites), and grazing allotment encounter site that are suffering from erosion. management (16 sites) The second issue that affects site integrity is Monitoring occurred on several smaller projects direct and indirect vandalism. During FY2014 as well, including trails projects, road
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 12 about six incidences of vandalism were noted, Noxious Weeds and in some cases, certain sites were affected Surveys more than once. Vandalism is typically represented by illegal digging, dumping trash on Noxious and invasive weed species surveys are sites, mining, moving rock walls, defacing rock conducted yearlong across the Prescott NF by art, camping and building campfires on sites, trained personnel from various resource riding off road vehicles through sites and programs. Once these species are located, they various and sundry acts. Vandalism is are plotted and identified with GPS coordinates documented and filed with our archaeological and added to the Prescott NF’s Weed Atlas and site data and with the State of Arizona as part GIS noxious weed layer. This data is loaded into of the Arizona Site Steward Program. the Weed Atlas and is shared statewide in Arizona. Insects and Disease An inventory of noxious and invasive weed Desired Condition species along trails in the eight wilderness areas on the Prescott NF was begun in FY2014. The Prescott NF monitors insect and disease Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) was found in the conditions annually in order to better predict riparian corridor near Apache Springs (Apache future impacts. The desired condition is that Creek Wilderness), in Poland Creek and insect and disease problems will not have Horsethief Canyon (Castle Creek Wilderness), serious adverse effects on the Prescott NF due Chasm Creek and some side canyons (Cedar to an appropriate mix of silvicultural activities, Bench Wilderness), in Granite Basin Lake and treatment of slash, and various other control the north side of Little Granite Mountain, along methods. Mint Wash (Granite Mountain Wilderness), and Bark Beetle near Parson Springs (Sycamore Canyon The Prescott NF and adjacent State and private Wilderness). forested lands were surveyed for insect activity No saltcedar was seen in Juniper Mesa, Pine on September 15 and 16, 2014. Bark beetle Mountain, or Woodchute Wilderness Areas, and activity decreased from 2,489 acres in 2013 to no noxious weeds were found in the Gladiator 161 acres in 2014. Of the 161 acres impacted, Fire burn area in Castle Creek Wilderness. western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis) Treatments activity accounted for 137 acres, and ponderosa pine ips (Ips spp.) activity was mapped on 10 Major invasive terrestrial plant species on the acres. Cedar bark beetle (Phloeosinus spp.) and Prescott NF include: Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria pinyon ips (Ips confusus) comprise the dalmatica), diffuse knapweed (Centaurea remaining 14 acres. diffusa), Malta thistle (Centaurea melitensis), saltcedar, and sweet resinbush (Euryops Lands subcarnosus). Other species potentially There was no right-of-way acquisition during threatening the Prescott NF in the near future FY2014. are bufflegrass (Pennisetum ciliare) and yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). The priority invasive species that the Prescott NF has been
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 13 treating are Dalmatian toadflax, sweet cross the Prescott NF. Several aspects of resinbush, tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) invasive weed mitigation and prevention have and saltcedar. been incorporated into utility corridor management plans. Utility companies keep us During FY2014, 750 acres of weeds were informed regarding their vegetation treated. This includes 105 acres of Dalmatian maintenance associated with utility lines. toadflax that were treated with a biological control weevil (Mecinus janthiniformis), and 135 Range Management acres of sweet resinbush that were hand pulled. There are 62 active grazing allotments on the The Coconino and Prescott National Forests Prescott NF encompassing 1,278,935 acres. Of have focused weed eradication efforts on the the active grazing allotments, 19 are used middle reaches of the Verde River (from Camp seasonally (31 percent) and 43 are used Verde south to Childs) to sustain and protect yearlong (69 percent). Allotments are managed the Wild and Scenic River designation. In using an adaptive management strategy FY2014, 36 acres of saltcedar, Russian olive whereby results from long and short term Elaeagnus angustifolia (Arundo ( ) and giant reed monitoring are used to guide managers donax) were sprayed along the lower Verde concerning yearly stocking rates, pasture River. rotations, and whether other adjustments are On the Upper Verde River, 88 acres of saltcedar needed in order to meet management were sprayed, and 171 acres of toadflax and objectives and desired conditions for Russian thistle (Salsola kali) were mechanically rangelands. treated under utility lines. There were also 209 acres of Russian thistle, kochia (Bassia scoparia), and other weeds chemically treated by the Arizona Department of Transportation along highways on the Prescott NF.
Community Involvement
The Prescott NF is actively involved in working with Arizona Department of Transportation and their weed spraying program on highways that cross the Forest and participates in a yearly Figure 2. Monitoring on the Williamson coordination meeting with them. The Forest has Valley Allotment, Chino Valley RD, Sept. 2014 a partnership with the Verde Watershed Range Vegetation Improved Restoration Coalition (VWRC) enabling In 2014 there were two projects that treatment of weeds along the Verde River both contributed to improved rangeland condition. on private and public land. The Prescott NF also Both involved the thinning of juniper to participates in Western Yavapai Weed enhance the grassland component of the Management Area monthly meetings. There are ecosystem. The Wagontire Juniper Treatment approximately 294 miles of utility lines that Project accomplished thinning on 2,796 acres
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 14 on the Chino Valley Ranger District, and the Ranger District had 566 acres treated in 2014. Cienega Juniper Treatment Project on the Verde Livestock Numbers process and are incorporated into Allotment Management Plans. In 2014 the authorized stocking level was about Vegetation and watershed health 74 percent of permitted livestock numbers on attributes that may be evaluated the Prescott NF. This represents an increase of include plant frequency, species about eight percent from 2013 due to favorable composition, canopy cover, and surface growing conditions for forage in both 2013 and ground cover. 2014. • Annual range allotment inspections The number of cattle authorized in 2014 was 99,675 Head-Months compared to the These determine the short-term needs permitted use which is 134,412 Head Months. A for adjusting the authorized livestock ‘Head Month’ is one month’s use and numbers stocked within each occupancy of rangeland by a single animal, allotment. The amount of forage regardless of class of livestock, i.e. bull, cow and removed by livestock after the use calf, or yearling all count as one “head”). period, or grazing intensity, is evaluated to determine if the stocking level and The authorized use in 2014 was equivalent to amount of time in a pasture is in need 8,306 adult cattle yearlong, although many of adjustment. Yearly evaluations of allotments on the forest only operate on a forage production and plant vigor are seasonal basis. Most grazing allotments are used to guide future stocking cow-calf operations, meaning that the cows and determinations. bulls are kept as a breeding herd and calves are raised and sold each year. • Allotment Management Plan revisions Data collected via numerous monitoring Range NEPA methods for the assessment of existing There were two grazing decisions completed resource conditions and the per the National Environmental Policy Act determination of desired conditions (NEPA) in 2014; the Hassayampa Allotment on within allotments. This data is used to the Bradshaw RD and the K Four Allotment on determine future courses of allotment the Chino Valley RD. management, and is part of the NEPA analysis process. Grazing Capacity Grazing capacity and management success of Effectiveness monitoring to determine plant grazing operations is monitored in numerous frequency, ground cover, and plant species ways: composition was conducted on the allotments listed in Table 8 in 2014. Allotments where • Effectiveness Monitoring information was collected in 2014 to determine Monitoring of the effectiveness of existing conditions for allotment management grazing management in meeting the plan revision is shown in Table 9. desired conditions that were established through the planning
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 15 Range permit compliance monitoring for range use livestock on the allotment; monitoring the allotments “administered to standard” livestock use on forage vegetation; ensuring evaluated a total of 413,521 acres of rangeland pasture rotations were timely and followed; in 2014, representing about 32 percent of the monitoring the maintenance of structural range acreage on the entire forest. This monitoring improvements. included: accounting for the authorized/actual
Table 8. Allotments monitored for effectiveness of allotment management plan in meeting desired conditions
Allotment Name Acres evaluated
Coyote 11,592
Juniper 6,144
Sand Flat 22,258
West Bear/Del Rio 5,230
Yavapai 3,545
Table 9. Allotments with information collection for allotment management plan revision
Allotment name Acres evaluated
Quartz Wash 7,000
Smith Canyon 18,125
Williamson Valley 25,166
Yolo South 1,264
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 16
Recreation Table 10. 2014 Campground Occupancy Camping Annual Campground use decreased slightly in fiscal Campgrounds Occupancy year 2014 as compared to FY2013. Lynx Lake Recreation Area Campgrounds continue to be Horse Camp ∗ 19.5 % very popular on the Prescott NF with occupancy rates averaging between 40 and 50 percent. Hilltop 37.1 % Table 10 depicts occupancy rates in developed Yavapai 12.8 % campgrounds across the forest. Use data was not available for Potato Patch and Mingus Lower Wolf Creek 19.3 %
Mountain Campgrounds. * Lynx 51.3 % Overall Forest visitation figures were not Mingus Mountain Not Available available for fiscal year 2014 due to a lapse in data collection for overnight campgrounds and White Spar Summer (61 sites) 23.5 % day use areas at some facilities. White Spar Winter (12 sites) 44.0 % Designated Dispersed Camping Alto Pit OHV 9.1 % There are 109 designated dispersed campsites within the Prescott Basin. These sites do not Hazlett Hollow 10.3 % have any facilities (trash, toilets, water, etc.) Potato Patch Not Available and no fee is required. Forest-wide dispersed site monitoring is conducted from April through Group Campgrounds October each year by Fire Prevention, Forest Protection Officer and Recreation Technician Upper Wolf Creek 38.8 % patrols. From November to March there are little or no patrols of dispersed camping sites. Eagle Ridge 37.8 % When Prescott NF employees patrol and monitor these sites, they concentrate on fire Turney Gulch 13.3 % prevention, camping stay limits, compliance, and education. Volunteer camp hosts clean and maintain camp sites, and report anything they feel is unusual about the condition or use of the specific area. Yavapai County Probations assists the Prescott NF in maintaining and monitoring dispersed camping sites.
∗ Horse Camp and Lynx 2014 occupancy reflects a combination of non-reservation and reservation data.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 17 Roads and Facilities Off-Highway Vehicle Use The Prescott NF has two developed off highway Road Improvements vehicle (OHV) areas: Alto Pit (in the Prescott Within the Prescott NF, 100 miles of National area) and Hayfield Draw (in the Camp Verde Forest System (NFS) roads were maintained to area). Revenue for both sites totaled the designated maintenance standard, and 6.5 approximately $4,600 for FY2014, about $900 miles of user created routes were less than FY2013. This decreased revenue can decommissioned. Efforts continued to be attributed to a shortened operating season implement the Travel Management Rule, by at Hayfield Draw OHV Area from September 1 inventorying and signing NFS roads and to May 31. The 3 month closure (June-August) installing signs to prohibit cross country results in more efficient use of personnel motorized travel. resources to other areas when Hayfield Draw receives little use due to summer heat. Facility Improvements The Prescott NF maintained 40 buildings to Shooting Areas standard. The Forest also addressed health and Dispersed shooting areas have been observed safety issues by conducting a forestwide forest wide by Forest personnel, volunteers and Environmental Compliance Audit. The Forest forest visitors every year. Some dispersed followed up with a major forest wide cleanup shooting sites are lightly used while others are effort to properly dispose of heavily used and are very popular for gun abandoned/unknown hazardous and non- enthusiasts. Often in the more popular sites, hazardous waste stored on Forest plus the trash is dumped and used for target shooting. removal of accumulations of bulky waste Heavily impacted dispersed shooting sites have throughout the Forest. The Forest made inroads been cleaned up and are monitored by to reduce operating and fixed cost by volunteers. implementing energy efficiency improvement projects, reducing the facilities inventory, and Verde Wild and Scenic River by removing one obsolete quarters buildings. The Prescott NF manages 41 miles of the Verde Wild and Scenic River in cooperation with the Soil and Water Tonto and Coconino National Forests. Twelve Monitoring related to soil, water, and riparian river patrols were conducted in FY2014 . resources in FY2014 was primarily associated with Watershed Restoration Action Plans Trails and Wilderness (WRAP). Each WRAP has identified Essential In FY2014 , Forest Service personnel, volunteer Projects that need to be completed in order for groups, and individuals worked on projects and a watershed to trend toward functional status. Adopt-A-Trail programs to maintain Cherry Creek, Black Canyon, and Upper Ash 6th approximately 130 miles of trail to Forest Code Watershed have been identified as Service standards on general forest lands and in priority watershed landscapes and subsequent wilderness areas. monitoring of their Essential Projects has been completed. In addition, monitoring was conducted to assess existing conditions for the
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 18 upcoming WRAP for the Oak Wash Watershed. Specific inventorying was conducted to identify and develop Essential Projects associated with this WRAP. Many facets of monitoring have been implemented as part of pre-existing and compilation of future WRAPs. This include inventorying of specific existing conditions and identifying design features, measuring short- term indicators to determine how specific management actions maybe influencing Figure 3. Monitoring Hog Springs in the conditions, and conducting implementation and Upper Ash Watershed effectiveness monitoring to determine what management actions were conducted and Table 11 identifies the type of monitoring and determine if the actions achieved the desired acreage by Priority Watershed and Essential outcome. Project. Many types of monitoring occurred as part of Qualitative soil condition assessments were assessing Essential Projects progress and conducted on the Old Camp, Hitt Wash, and assimilation. Soil condition monitoring entails Yolo South Allotments for upcoming Rangeland assessing soil quality standards using a Analysis. Soil condition assessments entailed combination of qualitative and quantitative evaluating the soils hydrologic, stability, and measurements to determine how the soil is hydrologic functions. These assessments were functioning. The point intercept and Ecological used to determine if Regional soil quality Inventory (E. I.) 1/10th acre monitoring protocol standards were being met and if Forest Plan have both been used to assess vegetation desired conditions. Rangeland NEPA design conditions including vegetation cover, feature’s identified adaptive management composition, and diversity. Measurements of measure to retain and achieve soil desired spring and riparian ecosystems have included conditions. Soil condition assessments was the use of qualitative procedures and conducted for approximately 8,958 acres. quantitative measurements in the Multiple Indicator Monitoring System (MIMS). It includes assessing bank alteration and herbaceous stubble height.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 19 Table 11. 2014 Watershed Restoration Action Plan Monitoring
Monitoring Elements and Methods
Priority -
- term
Plot
Watershed Site
. I WRAP Short indicators Soil Vegetation Riparian Point Intercept MIMS E . Qualitative Acres miles
Cherry EP 19: Bottle 190 Allotment TEUI acres X X X X X 476 Key Area Monitoring
Cherry EP 8: FSR 240 9004B Access X X X acres closure
Cherry EP 11: 5 Sunnybrook acres X X Dispersed Recreation Site
Cherry EP 12: Powell 1 X X X Spring acre
Cherry EP 18: Cherry 20 Creek Riparian X X acres Exclosure
Cherry EP 18: Goat 60 Peak Allotment acres TEUI 476 Key X X X Area Monitoring
Black EP 29: 160 Recreation – acres X X X X X Verde River Inlet
Black EP 21: Jerome 164 Allotment TEUI acres X X X X 382 Key Area Monitoring
Upper Ash EP 5: 1 Strawberry X X X acre Spring
Upper Ash EP 5: Hog 1 X X X Spring acre
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 20 Monitoring Elements and Methods
Priority -
- term
Plot
Watershed Site
. I WRAP Short indicators Soil Vegetation Riparian Point Intercept MIMS E . Qualitative Acres miles
Upper Ash EP 5: Boiler 1 X X X X Spring acre
Upper Ash EP 5: Ash 1 X X X Canyon Spring acre
Upper Ash EP 3: Upper 1 Ash Creek mile X X X Riparian Monitoring
Upper Ash EP 21: TEUI 80 X X X X 370 acres
Oak Wash EP 1: Ox Bow 1 X X X X X Wetland acre
Oak Wash EP 2: West 15 X X Mingus Landfill acre
Oak Wash EP 3: FR493- 150 Dispersed X X X acres Shooting
Oak Wash EP 5: Christina 300 Draw Gully X X X acres Restoration
Oak Wash EP 6: Christina 10 Draw FS Route acres X X X 9710 E Restoration
Oak Wash EP 7: 110 Slaughter acres X X X House Gully Maintenance
Oak Wash EP 18: TEUI 1,540 407 Prescribe X X acres Fire
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 21 Riparian monitoring for rangeland analysis Timber occurred on the Williamson Valley Allotment. Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) assessments Timber Harvest occurred on a number of riparian reaches and The acreages of intermediate harvest, spring ecosystems. Riparian and spring regeneration harvest, and removal harvest is ecosystems assessed include: monitored to measure the attainment of treatment prescriptions and the effects of • Horse Wash implementation. The desired condition is a • Horse Wash Spring more balanced age-class distribution, appropriate growing stock levels, and provision • Rock Spring for wildlife habitat needs. The number of • Hitt Wash harvested acres for pine and piñon-juniper • Pine Creek vegetation type from FY1987 through FY2014 is depicted in Tables 12 through 15. • Cottonwood Wash PFC assessments were conducted using an Sawtimber and Fuelwood interdisciplinary team that assessed three Federal regulation requires the Forest Service to primary components which include: hydrology, annually measure and report the amount of vegetation, and erosional/ depositional sawtimber offered for sale. In FY2014, the processes. Assessments are qualitative and is an Prescott NF offered and sold 2,472 CCF of inventory process to determine of riparian sawtimber and sold 4,394 CCF of fuelwood. The ecosystems are functioning. Key areas along Forest Plan identifies that the amount of each riparian reach were assessed which fuelwood made available each year will be represented an inventory of approximately 14 reported every five years (Table 16). miles of riparian assessment.
Table 12. Harvest history in pine vegetation types FY1987 - FY2000
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Regeneration Harvest 0 8 256 42 0 0 12 20 0 0 92 0 0 162 (acres)
Intermediate Harvest 116 604 931 570 146 304 0 92 0 0 478 0 0 1,082 (acres)
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 22 Table 13. Harvest history in pine vegetation types FY2001 - FY2014
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Regeneration Harvest 0 0 0 0 5 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 30 (acres)
Intermediate Harvest 530 0 0 613 738 451 504 1,065 328 279 485 733 170 337 (acres)
Table 14. Harvest history in piñon-juniper vegetation types FY1987 - FY2000
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Regeneration Harvest 0 0 32 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (acres)
Intermediate Harvest 0 0 47 166 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (acres)
Removal Harvest 0 239 211 44 70 202 240 120 212 247 256 256 256 250 (acres)
Table 15. Harvest history in piñon-juniper vegetation types FY2001 - FY2014
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Regeneration Harvest 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (acres)
Intermediate Harvest 0 0 0 0 0 0 45 120 80 314 599 375 400 0 (acres)
Removal Harvest 255 250 55 55 40 67 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (acres)
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 23
Table 16. Fuelwood sold on the Prescott NF FY2009 - FY2014
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total
Fuelwood sold 7,644 7,768 5,617 5,601 5,634 4,394 36,658 (cords)
(PACs) on the Forest, from Mingus Mountain on Wildlife the Verde Ranger District to the Prescott Basin Bald Eagle and Crown King on the Bradshaw District. Three In January 2014, Prescott NF employees and of the Mexican spotted owl PACs monitored for volunteers monitored bald eagle winter roosts occupancy in 2014 were active. The Mt Pines in the Prescott area, including one site on the PAC fledged three nestlings, Mt Tritle fledged Forest and three sites on lakes associated with three and Payoff fledged two. City of Prescott Parks. One adult was seen near Northern Goshawk Lynx Lake. Two adult bald eagles were seen at Willow Lake. No bald eagles were seen at The Prescott NF monitored two goshawk post- Watson Lake. At Goldwater Lake, one adult and fledging areas (PFAs), Mingus and Mingus one immature bald eagle were seen. Springs on the Verde District. Mingus Springs was active in 2014 and fledged 3 young. For breeding bald eagles in FY2014, two separate but simultaneous efforts occurred to Peregrine Falcon monitor nesting bald eagles on different parts The Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain of the Forest. The Prescott NF continued its territories on the Bradshaw RD were informally annual Challenge Cost Share Agreement with monitored in 2014 by volunteers with no the Arizona Game and Fish Department conclusive results. (AZGFD) to implement seasonal closures Peregrine closures were put in place at Thumb around bald eagle breeding areas on the Verde Butte and Granite Mountain on February 1st. River and to monitor their behaviors. In The breeding status of both pairs was unknown. FY2014, the Ladders breeding area was monitored through the Nestwatch program. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher The Ladders, Perkinsville, and TAPCO areas laid Suitable habitat at one site along the Verde eggs and failed during incubation or shortly River on the Prescott NF was surveyed to thereafter. The Coldwater and Towers nest protocol by the U.S .Fish and Wildlife Service. sites were unoccupied. The Lynx Lake Breeding One adult bird was detected in one survey Area successfully fledged one young. period but was considered a migrant through Mexican Spotted Owl the site with no subsequent detections. In 2014, the Prescott NF monitored all fifteen Mexican spotted owl protected activity centers
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 24 Yellow-billed Cuckoo Gila Trout The Prescott NF did not monitor any populations A site visit was made by AZGFD to Grapevine or habitat for the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Creek in September 2014 to monitor the Gila trout population introduced into the stream in Spikedace 2009. Trout were observed throughout the The Prescott NF did not monitor any stream reach. A supplemental stocking of 250 populations or habitat for the spikedace on the Age-0 fish was made by AZGFD in fall of 2014. forest. Northern Mexican and Narrow-headed Gartersnakes Gila Chub The Prescott NF did not monitor any Gila chub habitat conditions were monitored by populations or habitat for the Northern Prescott NF personnel in portions of Indian and Mexican and narrow-headed gartersnakes on Sycamore Creeks in FY2014. Aquatic conditions the forest. continued to be altered in all occupied Gila chub habitat affected by the Cave Creek Management Indicator Species Complex Fire of 2005. Large woody debris in the A Management Indicator Species Report was stream channel coupled with high bedload updated in FY2011. Habitat and population material have filled in pools and reduced trends are depicted in Table 17 below. habitat. Gila chub populations are present in all stream systems but at reduce numbers due to diminished habitat.
Table 17. Management Indicator Species Trends
Species Habitat Trends Population Trends
Aquatic macro-invertebrate Riparian, aquatic, late seral - Stable Stable
Goshawk Ponderosa pine, late seral - Decreasing Decreasing
Hairy woodpecker Ponderosa pine, snags - Increasing Stable
Juniper (Plain) titmouse Piñon/juniper snags - Stable Decreasing
Lucy’s warbler Riparian, late seral - Increasing Increasing
Piñon/juniper, early seral - Stable Mule deer Decreasing Chaparral, early seral - Increasing
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 25 Species Habitat Trends Population Trends
Pronghorn antelope Grassland, desert shrub - Stable Decreasing
Pygmy nuthatch Ponderosa pine, late seral - Decreasing Stable
Spotted (Rufous-sided) towhee Chaparral, late seral - Decreasing Decreasing
Tassel-eared squirrel Ponderosa pine, early seral - Increasing Stable
Turkey Ponderosa pine, late seral - Decreasing Increasing
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 26 Section 3: Progress toward emphasizes good public education, better Desired Condition employee training, more employee field presence, increased line manager Fire Management accountability, and increased public assistance.” "Provide for fire management support services (Forest Plan, p. 14) necessary to sustain resource yields while Law Enforcement employees on the Forest have protecting improvements, investments, and extensive field presence and emphasize providing for public safety. In as much as education through the use of the Forest possible, return fire to its natural role in the Protection Officer program and with Fire ecosystem.” (Forest Plan, p. 14) Prevention Technicians. Most law enforcement Resource Objectives activity is related to fuelwood harvest, Travel Management Rule violations, and failure to pay Prior to August 2006, the Prescott NF Forest fees in developed recreation areas. Plan allowed naturally occurring wildfires to be managed for the objective of resource benefits Heritage Resources only in designated wilderness areas. During August 2006, the Forest Plan was amended "Heritage resources represent an opportunity (Amendment #16) to include additional areas for research, education, understanding and outside of designated wilderness to allow this. enjoyment that enhances their stewardship and protection." (Forest Plan, p. 12) During FY2009, two lightning-caused wildfires were managed with objectives that included In general, budgets and staffing for heritage resource benefits. These were the Hyde Fire resources management are focused on project (255 acres) located south of Hyde Mountain on implementation. This involves direct on-the- the Chino Valley Ranger District and the ground fieldwork as well as consultation with Woodchute Fire (779 acres) located in and federal and state agencies, and Native American adjacent to the Woodchute Wildness Area on Indian tribes, communities, and nations. On- the Chino Valley and Verde Ranger Districts. In the-ground work includes the inventory, 2014 the Perkinsville Fire(626 acres) was documentation, and protection of prehistoric managed for resource benefit objectives. and historic sites. Consultation typically concerns the Arizona State Historic Preservation Natural Role of Fire Office and, to a much lesser extent, the The Prescott NF is becoming successful in Advisory Council on Historic Preservation returning wildfire to its natural role in various (ACHP). For 2014, no consultation took place ecosystems, even with the complexity of with the ACHP. implementing this strategy at a larger scale. Use Information sharing with Native American of prescribed fire is expected to continue with tribes, communities, and nations occurs on a success in vegetation and fuels management to regular basis. While no reservation lands restore wildfire-adapted ecosystems. boarder the Prescott NF, six Native American Indian Tribes have expressed affiliation with the Law Enforcement Forest. Some information to the Tribes is “Improve the forest’s law enforcement program disseminated through electronic means, while by taking an aggressive posture that
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 27 at other times; information is shared through electronic media can be explored that highlights sending paper copies and meetings. historic mining and historic railroads. Currently, the Forest Archaeologist is Lands designated as the Tribal Liaison. However, the Prescott NF is moving toward Line Officers "Conduct landownership adjustment, right-of- (Forest Supervisor and District Rangers) taking way acquisition, landline location, and special- the lead in consultation. This has not been fully uses programs to promote efficient implemented as yet, but the Prescott NF is management." (Forest Plan, p. 14) heading in that direction. The Prescott NF Lands staff continues to Due to pressing matters concerning project implement efficient land management practices implementation and consultation and a lack of through the effective use of land exchanges, discretionary heritage resource funding, special-use permits, small tracts, boundary heritage resource personnel were not able to survey and posting, and when necessary, spend as much time as desired working on encroachment resolution with the help of law research, outreach, education, and enforcement. Other accomplishments worth enhancement activities. Prescott NF personnel noting are the mark and post and maintenance did participate in several presentations. of ten miles of boundary to facilitate projects by the fire/fuels and vegetation management The Prescott NF heritage section has a very programs, and the assistance provided to law active volunteer program. Through these enforcement on three trespass cases. dedicated individuals we have been able to focus efforts on several research topics and to Out of 411 land use special use permits forest- monitoring a number of prehistoric sites. These wide, a total of 71 improvements received include rock art recording and oral histories. inspections and were administered to standard. Volunteers contributed close to 1,700 hours to Fees to the government were billed and the heritage resources program. processed for all existing special use permits, 50 expiring permits were reissued, and five new The Prescott NF has numerous prehistoric and Corridor Management Plans were implemented historic sites that are extremely visible and for transmission lines on Forest land. easily accessible. While the vast majority of sites are important from a research and The Prescott NF facilitated 18 miles of Verde traditional cultural property standpoint, most Ditch improvements for the community of Camp do not lend themselves to capital investment Verde to improve water delivery. The Lands staff for the purposes of interpretation. On the other also issued a long-term special use permit to the hand, opportunities for interpretation do exist, City of Prescott and Salt River Project in support particularly for some of the larger sites and of the Big Chino sub-basin project. The permit those that fit into a particular thematic authorizes the installation of four stream category. Clearly, the opportunity for cameras and a flume. interpretation can focus on broad patterns of history or prehistory. For example, driving Noxious Weeds routes that can be support by brochures or “Prevent any new noxious or invasive weed species from becoming established, contain or
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 28 control the spread of known weed species, and Range eradicate species that are the most invasive and pose the greatest threat to biological diversity "Provide forage to grazing and browsing and watershed condition.” (Forest Plan animals to the extent benefits are relatively Amendment #14, Final Environmental Impact commensurate with costs, without impairing Statement for Integrated Treatment of Noxious land productivity, in accordance with or Invasive Weeds, January 2005, p. 265) management area objectives. Cooperate with other agencies and private range landowners to Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests reduce impacts of livestock grazing. Identify and Completion of the Noxious Weed manage areas that contain threatened and Environmental Impact Statement for the endangered species of plants." (Forest Plan, Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests p.12). was beneficial in that it has helped the Prescott The nine allotments that were monitored in NF manage the ever-increasing invasive weed 2014 showed fair to good overall conditions of species populations. the vegetation and were attaining or making There are 27 noxious weed species found within progress towards desired conditions for the three national forests and 4 additional vegetation, soils, and watershed condition species on other adjacent lands. The desired (Tables 8 and 9). Due to the staffing level on the condition is to prevent any new plants from forest, effectiveness monitoring can only be becoming established on national forest lands. performed on a portion of the active allotments Controlling these plants would promote each year. It is desirable to determine progress ecosystem health and prevent losses in the towards desired conditions for each allotment productive capacity of the land. at least once in a 10-year period.
Treatments Drought Conditions and Indicators The Coconino and Prescott National Forests Authorized livestock numbers in FY2014 was 74 have focused weed eradication efforts on the percent of term permitted numbers. This is middle reaches of the Verde River (from Camp partially in response to the ongoing effects of Verde south to Childs) to sustain and protect 15-years of repeated drought conditions and the Wild and Scenic River designation. the effects that has on overall plant density and production. Monitoring of vegetation on a Monitoring of 400 acres of past treatments in yearly basis is used to adapt stocking levels so 2014 revealed that biological treatments (e.g. supply and demand of forage remains in insect releases) have been only moderately balance while sustaining productive capacity. successful, while herbicidal and hand-labor Livestock numbers forest-wide increased 8% treatments were effective and successful. from 2013 to 2014 due to improvements in forage production shown in areas with adequate rainfall. Grazing permittees are actively involved in range inspections and surveys.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 29 Forest research and range scientist have Range Structural Improvements documented for years that climatic cycles of Range infrastructure includes fences, water drought and wet periods often have more developments, corrals, and other handling effect on vegetative ground cover than resource facilities necessary for the successful management activities (i.e., livestock grazing). management of livestock on the allotment. The monitoring assessment noted that the Table 18 shows the range structures that were climatic drought conditions over the last 15 built or reconstructed in 2014. years have reduced the frequency and density of vegetation particularity among the grasses and grass-like plants.
Table 18. Allotments with Range Structures Reconstructed
Allotment Name Range Structure
Bottle Reconstructed one mile of fence
Blue Bell / Reconstructed one mile of fence; replaced ½ mile pipeline and added storage tank Wolf Creek at spring
Brown Springs Reconstructed four stock tanks
Camp Wood Rebuilt one mile of boundary fence
Contreras Reconstructed trick tank; reconstructed two miles fence; replaced pump at well
Grapevine Reconstructed ½-mile of fence
Limestone Reconstructed one mile fence; repaired two stock tanks; replaced ½-mile of pipeline and added storage tank at spring
Muldoon Repaired stock tank
Peck Canyon Replaced one mile of pipeline at water developments
Rice Peak Reconstructed ¼-mile of exclosure fence
Smith Canyon Added storage tank to existing water development
Squaw Peak Reconstructed ½-mile of boundary fence
Sycamore Rebuild one mile of boundary fence to wildlife-friendly standards
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 30 Allotment Name Range Structure
Toohey Rebuild corral; added two storage tanks; replaced trick tank apron
V-Bar Reconstructed one mile of fence
Verde Installed two ATV cattle guards; added storage tank at existing well
West Bear/Del Rio Repaired four earthen stock tanks
Williamson Valley Reconstructed corral and holding facility; repaired two earthen stock tanks
and cabins to group sites. Specialty areas Recreation include: two designated Off Highway Vehicle “Recreation users enjoy a full spectrum of (OHV) areas and an equestrian campground. experiences and benefits in appropriately Managing 41 miles of the Verde Wild and Scenic managed facilities and other forest settings. All River in cooperation with the Coconino and recreation sites are managed at a capacity of Tonto National Forests provides additional use level that ensures that the natural resources recreation opportunities for those visitors who wish to float the Verde River. National Visitor Use Survey Based on the 2012 Prescott NF National Visitor Recreation Planning Use Monitoring Survey (NVUM), completed Recreation planning efforts seek to provide every 5 years, visitors surveyed gave the diverse recreation experiences. A mix of Prescott NF high marks for visitor satisfaction in multiple uses and motorized and non-motorized all major categories: Developed Day Use and trail opportunities is the primary focus for the Overnight Sites, Wilderness, and General Forest next few years. The Prescott NF recreation team Areas. A current round of NVUM surveys was has been involved with the development of a completed in 2012, results are available at Sustainable Recreation Strategy. The team has http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/nvum/ collaborated with different agencies (e.g., Yavapai County, Bureau of Land Management, Recreation Opportunities public interest groups) to include future The Prescott NF continues to actively pursue recreational opportunities that “overlap” deferred maintenance of developed facilities county, city, and forest boundaries. These infrastructure and has a strong multi-agency recreation opportunities would construction/reconstruction program in place benefit Yavapai County community members. for trails. The recreation team continues to rely heavily on volunteer help. Interpretation Diverse camping opportunities exist throughout Interpretation of forest recreation resources is the Prescott NF at designated dispersed, described by a series of brochures, Recreation undesignated dispersed and developed sites. Opportunity Guides (ROGs), and interpretive The forest offers a variety of reservation panels at various developed facilities and along opportunities ranging from family campgrounds several trails.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 31 Patrols and Volunteers replacing two HVAC units with improved Volunteers continue to be a major factor in efficiency units, and remodeling a restroom helping to reduce the maintenance backlog on with low flow fixtures and an on-demand hot trails, designated dispersed campsites and at water heater. Water systems are a priority and developed sites such as trailheads and picnic are safe and maintained to standard. All of the areas. The Over the Hill Gang and Back Country occupied buildings are safe for employee use. Horsemen of Central Arizona continue to be major volunteer contributors to the trail Soil and Water program. “Protect and improve the soil resource. Provide for long-term water flow needs through In the eight wilderness areas of the Prescott NF, improved management technology. Avoid 63 staff patrols were completed by the adverse impacts to the public, Government wilderness ranger March through October (31 facilities and all uses in floodplains and fewer than FY2013 due to fewer personnel field wetlands. Restore all lands to satisfactory resources). watershed condition.” (Forest Plan, p. 13-14) Roads and Facilities “Give riparian-dependent resources preference “Maintain a transportation system to support over other resources. Improve all riparian areas resource goals. Construct, maintain and and maintain in satisfactory condition.” (Forest regulate use of Forest Service facilities to Plan, p. 14) protect natural resources, correct safety Best Management Practices hazards, reduce disinvestments, and support management activities.” (Forest Plan, p.14) Administrative monitoring of BMPs affiliated with mining operations, prescribed fire and fuel Road Maintenance and Improvement management, range allotment NEPA, rangeland The Prescott NF manages to maintain level management, timber harvests, roads, and three, four, and five roads to meet highway special use permits continue to be safety standards. In general, the base funding implemented. In 2014, seven National BMP level only allows the Prescott NF to address monitoring evaluations were conducted for safety and the most critical resource protection projects including; trails, timber harvest, needs. Additional restoration funds in FY2014 communication sites, mechanical vegetation allowed for implementation of best treatments, roads, and disbursed recreation. management practices (BMPs) on an additional Findings from this monitoring are ongoing and 29 miles of road. User created routes were will be used to make adjustments to ensure the identified, closed, and monitored on 6.5 miles protection of the watershed resources. in FY2014. Quantifiable monitoring of surface water resources included continued operation of Facilities Maintenance and Improvement automated stream stage data recorders on Budgets for facilities remain static. The Prescott streams selected for instream flow rights. These NF reduced the deferred maintenance backlog streams are Cherry Creek, Upper Ash Creek, and made progress to reduce operating costs by Cienega Creek, and Big Bug Creek. decommissioning one obsolete building,
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 32 site-specific environmental analyses." (Forest Plan, p. 13)
Fuelwood and Timber Harvest In general, the Prescott NF is moving towards desired conditions for age class distribution and productivity, although this is occurring at a rate that is slower than it could be. The Prescott NF continues to supply fuelwood sufficient to meet Figure 4. In stream flow monitoring site on perennial reach of Cherry Creek existing demand.
Additional project monitoring was in the design During the first six years of Forest Plan and planning stage to monitor Gila Chub habitat implementation, the number of ponderosa pine on Sycamore Creek. acres treated by intermediate and regeneration harvests was relatively constant. From 1992 Monitoring of groundwater resources included until 2000, treatments were sporadic, and only inspections and evaluation of water supplies for the Maverick, Schoolhouse, Dearing, and mining projects including the Gold Basin, Goldwater Timber Sales were offered. Since Riverbend, and Western Resources 2000, the Prescott NF has offered and sold one Development, placer gold projects. timber sale per year. Prescott NF participated in several watershed The 1987 Forest Plan identifies 130,350 acres groups in the local area including the Prescott within the Pine Management Area Creek Watershed Improvement Council, The (Management Area 4 or MA 4). Approximately Upper Agua Fria Watershed Partnership, ADEQ 61,651 acres are tentatively suitable lands and (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) 30,653 are considered commercial timberlands. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), ADEQ An estimated 2,962 acres of commercial annual coordination meetings, and others. timberland in the Woodland and Chaparral Management Areas (MA 2 and MA 3) is also Timber listed. Between 1987 and 2011, approximately "Provide for non-declining sustained yield of 40 percent of the commercial timberlands have timber. Establish improved balance in age-class been treated. distribution through silvicultural prescribed stand management. Focus on reducing Forest Health Emphasis constraining components of stand strata. In 2006, the timber program moved toward a Protect existing old-growth stands. Improve green tree harvest program that is typically stand productivity through management. found within the region. The objectives of a Provide green and dead firewood and other green tree harvest program are to improve forest products on a sustained yield basis. forest health and wildlife habitat by thinning Timber harvest will be used as a tool to overstocked timber stands and to move the accomplish multiple resource objectives when it forest toward a more balanced age-class is identified as the optimum method through distribution. Another important objective is to restore fire to its natural role in the ecosystem.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 33 The shift in management emphasis from Maintain and/or improve habitat for threatened harvesting timber for commodity production to or endangered species and work toward the harvesting timber for the purpose of restoring eventual recovery and delisting of species or improving forest health has facilitated the through recovery plan implementation. protection and recruitment of old trees. Integrate wildlife habitat management activities into all resource practices through intensive coordination. Support the goals and objectives of the Arizona Wildlife and Fisheries Comprehensive Plan, as approved by the Southwestern Regional Forester and the Director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department." (Forest Plan, p. 13)
Benefits of Wildland Fire Treatments Changes to wildlife habitat from wildland fire treatments have resulted in an increase in areas
of early or younger seral stages with more open canopies and increases in herbaceous vegetation and forage quality. Habitats in chaparral, woodland, and pine forest vegetation communities have had the majority of wildland fire treatments. Local wildlife populations are expected to key into the changed habitats for the increased habitat diversity and forage quality.
Benefits of Forest Health Treatments Improvements to wildlife habitat from forest Figure 5. Ponderosa pine stand after an health projects are beginning to be realized as intermediate timber harvest treatment. Untreated on the top and treated on the residual stands of trees begin to respond to bottom treatments with more open canopies, more diverse understories, and increased herbaceous Wildlife vegetation. "Manage for a diverse, well distributed pattern Wildlife populations are expected to shift of habitats for wildlife populations and fish accordingly to reflect these changed habitat species in cooperation with states and other conditions; wildlife species composition will shift agencies. Cooperate with Arizona Game and toward those species that favor open forests Fish Department to meet or exceed with diverse age classes. As vegetation moves management goals and objectives in the Arizona towards a multi-age class distribution and Cold Water Fisheries Strategic Plan. structure, it will inherently support a more diverse array of wildlife species.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 34 Habitats in ponderosa pine and piñon-juniper Wildlife and Partners vegetation communities will become more Working with partners including National Wild diverse than before, with open areas on south Turkey Federation, Arizona Game and Fish aspects and ridges. The open areas provide a Department , Mule Deer Foundation and Spider greater diversity of understory vegetation and Ranch, Coconino Rural Conservation Corp, and habitat for small mammals, birds, reptiles, and Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition has insects that use early seral stage plant species. enabled the Prescott NF to improve native By improving plant species diversity in the riparian vegetation along the Verde River, understory, the increased habitat diversity pronghorn corridors, several springs, meadows, provides a greater abundance of prey species for and water developments in addition to larger predators. Pockets of dense forest will improving the herbaceous understory remain in steep canyons and on north facing component of juniper habitat for a variety of slopes. These areas provide habitat for those species in all the respective habitats. wildlife species needing higher tree densities Threatened and Endangered Species associated with later or older seral stages. The de-listing of the bald eagle continues to be Benefits of Watershed Restoration Action Plans successful because of management practices Improvements to wildlife habitat from that are meeting the viability needs of the watershed restoration projects have mainly species. resulted from the closing user created routes The listing of the northern Mexican gartersnake, and installing spring/wetland fence exclosures. narrowheaded gartersnake, and yellow-billed Installing barriers to effectively close routes cuckoo and proposal of critical habitat for these (non-system roads or trails improves wildlife species will add another facet to the habitat by reducing vehicle disturbance, habitat management of those aquatic and riparian fragmentation, and also the potential to spread areas where they occur on the Prescott NF. noxious and invasive weeds. Fence exclosures of Increased attention on the management of important spring and wetland habitat is similarly Sonoran desert tortoise and their habitats on improved by the exclusion of livestock and all- Prescott NF lands adds an additional layer of terrain vehicles (ATVs) from the sensitive and complexity for some projects in the desert unique habitat. scrub habitats.
Wildlife and Project Work Progress toward improving habitat for threatened and endangered (T&E) fish species Wildlife habitat considerations are on the Prescott NF is uncertain. Habitat for incorporated into the design and endangered spikedace and other native fish in implementation of most projects including the upper and lower Verde River has been wildland fire, fuels reduction, forest health, protected for several years from impacting livestock grazing, road use permits, small activities, specifically livestock grazing and OHV tracts acts, and recreation special use recreation. permits.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 35 Beneficial effects to native species have not The greatest short-term need for improving been observed in locations where established habitat for threatened, endangered, or sensitive populations of non-native predatory fish are fish species is the control and/or removal of present. This is also the case in the lower Verde non-native fish species from historical and River where reintroductions of Colorado current habitat. The Prescott NF has been pikeminnow and razorback sucker have not involved in strategic planning for native fish been successful in spite of annual stockings restoration in the Verde River Watershed and since the early 1990s. Streams on the Prescott for Gila chub recovery plan activities with the NF with Gila chub populations such as Sycamore Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish Creek and Little Sycamore Creek have and Wildlife Service, other entities. Another experienced diminished populations and less major concern is the increasing human occupied habitat due to the presence of non- population growth in the areas surrounding the native predatory fish. Prescott NF and the expected increase in water demand. Long-term efforts to manage fish habitat should focus on maintaining a natural water flow regime in key streams on the Prescott NF.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 36 Section 4: Barriers to Effective As such, there is less available opportunities for Monitoring in-field monitoring activities and proactive efforts to manage heritage resources. Heritage Resources Monitoring is recognized by Forest personnel as Budget constraints, workload, and a lack of a necessary, though this reality is not always personnel have prevented comprehensive reflected in current funding levels, staffing, or monitoring of all sites eligible for and listed as planning. With that said, over the past decade National Register sites. The overall number of there has been a trend for more monitoring sites monitored in FY2014 was slightly less than support, which has led to more time in the field FY2013. Criteria used to determine which protecting heritage resources. projects will be monitored include the density of sites in or near a project area, the magnitude Noxious Weeds of the project, the likelihood of vandalism, and Administrative Barriers the National Register eligibility of the sites. Budget constraints and the lack of a full-time Forest Plan monitoring has been effective by Prescott NF weed program manager position showing that overall protective actions have inhibited the monitoring and treatment of worked. Successful site protection begins early noxious and invasive weeds. The need for this in project planning by making sure that position was identified during a recent protection measures are woven into the workforce assessment process, and the position planning process. Also, it is important to include was filled during FY2014. personnel from heritage resources throughout the planning phases. Range Management
Although good planning is the most effective Administrative Barriers way to protect sites, some mishaps have Budget constraints limit the number of range occurred in the past. The biggest cause of this is management specialist personnel that are a lack of communication or the failure of a site available to conduct monitoring of range to be identified. Fortunately, this rarely conditions. The Southwest Region and the happens. Prescott NF has made range Rescission Act NEPA Funding has, and will probably continue to be, for permit reissuance a priority and, an issue with monitoring. As project work plans consequently, administration and monitoring are developed for the upcoming Fiscal Year, have not been as extensive as desired. When funds for monitoring need to be included. funds are available, seasonal employees are Significant time and effort has been focused on hired to conduct monitoring in the spring and pre-project planning, coordination with the summer. project manager, consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office and Native Recreation American Indian tribes, communities and Time Interval for Visitor Monitoring nations, and follow-up record keeping. Individually and collectively these are necessary The establishment of the National Visitor Use activities, however they do require a lot of time. Monitoring (NVUM) program as a national
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 37 standard has provided data for day-use To be effective, monitoring needs to be simple developed areas, overnight use developed and easily implemented while providing a true areas, wilderness, general forest area use, and picture of progress toward an objective. There is view corridors. The Prescott NF completed its a need to adapt monitoring so that changes can third NVUM survey in 2012. Results became be made in on-going programs/projects as soon available in November of 2013. Limited staffing as potential problems are identified. confines most activity to day to day operations. Legal Requirements Wildlife The requirements for environmental documentation have become very complex for Ineffectiveness of the Forest Plan wildlife and change frequently. In addition, As in previous years, the items identified in the litigation-inspired legal interpretations of the Forest Plan for monitoring are not always requirements for Management Indicator relevant to determining progress in meeting Species analysis and migratory bird analysis Forest Plan goals. Monitoring non-game birds, (added by Executive Order in 2001) continue to as a measure of determining the health of add to the environmental analysis workload. riparian associated species, is probably not useful in measuring the accomplishment of Alternatives for Accomplishing Monitoring Prescott NF goals. Barriers to effective monitoring primarily include Wildlife population monitoring is a challenging lack of funding. A potential tool to overcome task as cause and effect relationships are hard to this obstacle is partnering with groups or determine because of extrinsic factors (e.g., entities that have the skills and resources to do neo-tropical migratory bird populations may be the monitoring. Partnering with outside entities influenced by factors in other states or to accomplish monitoring would provide a larger countries). Such an undertaking needs to be perspective and more comprehensive relevance closely coordinated at a larger geographical when considered with monitoring beyond our scale involving other entities. boundaries.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 38 Section 5: Emerging Issues • increased treatment opportunities and needs with a limited budget Fire Management • varying levels of expectation by the Widespread Issues public with some wanting aggressive A combination of circumstances has made the treatments adjacent to their public very aware of fire management actions neighborhoods and others wanting little and practices on lands managed by Federal and or no treatment state agencies across the Nation. This level of • reduced numbers and types of awareness has been extremely prevalent in all resources that are available for wildfire communities within and adjacent to the suppression and fuels management Prescott NF. These circumstances include: actions • an increase in vegetation and fuel loads Smoke Emissions resulting from the lack of wildfire in its natural role in fire-adapted ecosystems Smoke generated by prescribed fires has become one of the most challenging issues. • the effects of a long-term drought Smoke emissions from all prescribed burns • an increase in the number of homes during FY2014 were permitted and monitored and human access (wildland-urban by the Arizona Department of Environmental interface) in and adjacent to national Quality (ADEQ). forest lands Prescribed burns in FY2014 were managed with • recent, high-profile catastrophic objectives and techniques designed to reduce wildfires in Arizona and across the smoke intensities and the length of time that Nation where lives and homes have smoke was present. These techniques included been threatened and lost (e.g., Indian size and locations of burns and timing and days Wildfire in Prescott in 2002, Lane 2 of continuous burning in any single airshed; Wildfire in Crown King in 2008, however, smoke issues did and will continue to Gladiator Fire in Crown King in 2012, persist. and Doce Fire in Prescott in 2013.) Prescott sits in a low-lying area (Prescott Basin) that attracts and holds smoke as do the Challenges to Managing Wildfires communities located within the Verde Valley. The threat of large, high-severity wildfires has This smoke can come from various and multiple substantially increased public awareness of fire locations and smoky conditions can linger for management practices and actions with an several days following the completion of a expectation that efforts will be made to protect prescribed fire or unplanned wildfire. lives and homes. This increased interest has Even at low concentrations, smoke can reduce provided many opportunities to work with visual qualities and may cause health problems, individuals, groups, and other agencies to especially to those with breathing disorders or reduce these threats, but it has also created hypersensitivity to smoke. Smoke in the air or many challenges. These challenges include: even notification through the media that burning is planned generates numerous phone
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 39 calls to local Forest Service offices. Keeping the Population increase public informed about fire activities and As the population of Yavapai County continues potential smoke concerns is a major part of to climb, so does use of the Prescott NF. As managing both prescribed burns and wildfires. such, chances are heightened that sites will be impacted either through direct acts of Heritage Resources vandalism or through collateral damage. Sensitivity to Tribal Values Indications are that the increased use of ATVs is contributing to the damage of sites. And, while Native American Indian Tribes, Communities, we have seen this sort of effect in the Prescott and Nations receive notices of Prescott NF NF, we do not have adequate data to show how projects and occasional meetings. Native large the problem might be. It is doubtful that Americans have not only shown interest in this activity is ever directed at damaging sites specific sites that are ancestral, but also in large wantonly; more likely these machines are areas where certain cultural practices took capable of going virtually anywhere and forest place. The future challenge for the Prescott NF users simply are not being aware (or care) that is to work effectively with Tribes, Communities, they can damage sites. Clearly, the machines and Nations so that these areas can be allow forest users to access remote locations of identified and managed in a sensitive way. It the Prescott NF, thereby allowing them to visit behooves this Forest to move toward in sites that were once protected by their completing ethnographic studies for those inaccessibility. Tribes, Communities, and Nations that claim affiliation with the Prescott NF. Interpretation and education efforts As noted previously, contact with Native In addition to providing greater access to American Tribes, Communities, and Nations is heritage sites, ATV use and mountain biking has initiated by the Forest Archaeologist, spawned new, user-created trails (also called designated as the Forest’s Tribal Liaison. The social trails) around the Prescott NF and, in Prescott NF is currently moving toward Line some cases, altered existing trails. When new Officer (Forest Supervisor and District Rangers) unauthorized trails are created or when existing direct involvement in the consultation process. trails are altered, heritage resources are in It is expected that this will enhance the Prescott danger of being affected. Travel Management NF’s relationship with Tribal communities. Regulations and education may help improve Presently, the Prescott NF consults with six this. Native American Tribes. While none of these One of the ways to increase the appreciation of tribes have lands bordering or within the heritage resources is through interpretation. Prescott NF, they have expressed cultural There is a need to augment our interpretation affiliation with the Forest. In some cases these of heritage resources and to spread the tribes are tied ethnographically to the Prescott message about the protection of prehistoric NF, while in other ways, they are associated and historic resources. Disseminating through oral tradition and the material remains information to the public about heritage left long ago. resources can be a key component for
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 40 protecting against direct and indirect impacts to amounts of dispersed recreation activities are prehistoric and historic sites. occurring in the upper Verde River watersheds including camping, picnicking, and off-highway Noxious Weeds vehicle use. Several roads that were frequently used by motorized recreationists near segments Increased Spread of the upper Verde River have been closed and Noxious weed populations continue to expand patrolled. These efforts have been successful in annually over the Prescott NF. Additionally, dramatically reducing illegal motorized use in critical habitats, wilderness areas, and wild and this area. scenic river designations across the Prescott NF are threatened by the spread of noxious weeds. Recreation Special Uses Ocular weed presence surveys were completed Demand for recreation events and in all eight of the wilderness areas on the Outfitting/Guiding operations on the Prescott Prescott NF to create a baseline for this National Forest has increased with interest in emerging issue. Granite Basin, the Prescott Circle Trail and roads in the Mayer/Dewey/Humboldt and Crown King Range areas.
Drought Conditions Wilderness Concerns Effects of the extended 15-year drought on The number of visits to the Prescott NF’s eight Prescott NF rangeland conditions are still designated wilderness areas may increase as present, although the summers of 2013 and more people move to Yavapai County. Impacts 2014 brought average or better precipitation to natural resources within wilderness areas will across most of the Forest. In the arid need to be documented, monitored, and Southwest, however, it is only a matter of time maintained continuously. The presence of until precipitation levels fall below normal noxious weeds in wilderness areas will also averages, and forage production is negatively need to be documented. Wilderness education impacted. Adaptive range management has been recognized as a way to help prevent practices, effective communication, and timely negative impacts to wilderness, and a actions to balance stocking levels with forage wilderness education plan has been established supplies is essential in managing during to address this need. drought. Roads and Facilities Recreation Decreased Funds I ncreased Demand and Use Trends in the roads budget indicate that the Population increases within Yavapai County Prescott NF will do less maintenance for continue to create pressure for additional resource protection on level one and level two diverse recreation opportunities. There is a roads. Most of the funding will be used to need in the north Williamson Valley area for maintain levels three, four, and five roads to more recreation opportunities in the Walnut highway safety standards and to only address Creek/Camp Wood area. Similarly, increased critical safety concerns on the remainder of the
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 41 inventory. The Forest is trending toward a Public Awareness minimum road system needed for safe and Cultivating public awareness and acceptance of efficient travel and for administration, the need to use timber sales as a way to treat utilization, and protection of NFS lands. Efforts hazardous fuels and improve forest health in will increase to seek additional funding sources the wildland-urban interface continues to be a and development of partnerships to maintain vital aspect of the timber program. As such, the the transportation system. wildland-urban interface is an increasingly Trends in the facilities budget indicate that the important geographic area for natural resource Prescott NF will be challenged to maintain interpretation and public information efforts. facilities in a safe manner. Given the aging Figure 6 displays the results of an intermediate infrastructure, the deferred maintenance may harvest followed by a prescribed burn. increase faster than the capability to make improvements. The Forest will continue to reduce inventory and emphasize energy and water conservation improvements in existing facilities.
Motorized Travel Efforts continue to enforce, educate, and engineer the implementation of the MVUM, it is expected that there will be increased use of the designated road and trail system and decreased cross-country travel and resource damage.
Figure 6. Ponderosa pine stand treated with Timber an intermediate harvest and a prescribed burn. Excessive Fuels The most critical resource issue facing the Wildlife Prescott NF is the density of overstocked Status changes, reviews, and proposed critical ponderosa pine stands. There is a continued habitat for several species need to treat these stands to prevent extensive Two riparian associated garter snakes and the insect infestation, reduce the potential for yellow-billed cuckoo were recently listed as crown fires, and improve overall forest health. threatened and critical habitat has been The existing timber industry infrastructure has proposed for all three species. These legal allowed for the purchase, removal, and changes in status and habitat create a ripple utilization of the wood that has been offered effect of paperwork to re-assess ongoing for sale, and it is critical that this infrastructure projects in areas where these species and remain intact. habitats occur. While the listed species and habitats may have been analyzed in the original NEPA analysis, different legal process requirements under the Endangered Species
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 42 Act creates unplanned work for the limited be managed to maximize all opportunities that wildlife staff on the Prescott NF. may benefit pronghorn. On a similar note, an effort to keep the Sonoran Restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems desert tortoise from being listed is also (including the grasslands) is a high priority for contributing to unscheduled work with short the Prescott NF. Future plans for the grasslands timeframes. Fortunately, the review process is include the reduction of juniper density and the revealing that there are several resource use of prescribed fire to keep grasslands open protection measures in place that would be and free of invasive woody species. expected to provide for Sonoran desert tortoise and its habitat needs. Native Fish and Stream Habitats The conservation and restoration of native Pronghorn fishes in Arizona is beginning to gain Pronghorn continue to receive increasing momentum as coordinated projects are attention statewide as their habitats decline. implemented throughout the state. Restoration Habitats on the Prescott NF are becoming more efforts have focused on: (1) construction of fish important as threats continue to increase barriers and/or (2) chemical renovation of across their range. These threats include: streams with non-native fish populations and restocking with native species. The • Habitat fragmentation and population management for native fish and sport fishing isolation as a result of increased opportunities requires strategic planning to transportation infrastructure and meet the needs of the species as well as expanded road and travel systems. advocates and users. • Housing developments on private land, Another continuing issue is the increasing with subsequent roads, fences, and population and urbanization on private lands other associated amenities continue to surrounding the Prescott NF and inholdings reduce the quantity and quality of within the Prescott NF and how this has led to optimum pronghorn habitat. increasing pressure on threatened and • Human disturbance is increasing on endangered species’ habitats (e.g., groundwater both private and public lands. pumping and recreation activities), especially in • Forage conditions are affected and along the Verde River. Collaboration with adversely by weather patterns. city, county, state, and other federal agencies is ongoing and is needed to prevent impacts to Pronghorn populations are indicators of stream systems on the Prescott NF. Increased management activities that affect grassland public awareness and outreach is also critical habitats. Adjacent grasslands on private for keeping the non-consumptive, historical property are being lost due to urbanization; values that native fish and flowing streams making conservation of the remaining provide to the arid West. grasslands on public lands very important. The
Prescott NF manages only a small proportion of the grasslands; it is important that these areas
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 43 Other Issues • The pumping of groundwater on Other emerging wildlife issues include: private lands may impact flows in the Verde River. • The incidences of noxious weeds are expanding and could eventually impact • Unmanaged recreation, including illegal a variety of key wildlife habitats. off-highway vehicle use, on some areas of the Prescott NF threatens wildlife • Timing and intensity of potential and fish species and their habitats. wildfires, as a result of increases in fuel levels, could threaten Mexican spotted owl and Northern goshawk habitats and populations on the Prescott NF.
• Designing and implementing projects is a challenge because of the complexity of land ownership patterns in the wildland-urban interface and the increased resource objectives for fuels, vegetation, and forest health.
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 44 Section 6: Recommendations Alternative Methods for Monitoring Budget limitation was the item listed most Five “Needs for Change” Topics often as a barrier to effective monitoring. The Of the topics listed in Section 5 (Emerging Prescott NF should expand its efforts at Issues), five were identified as “Needs for monitoring by increasing involvement of Change” during recent reviews and revision of volunteers in the monitoring program. This the 1987 Forest Plan: could be especially effective in the area of 1. Restore vegetation structure, noxious weed identification and inventory, and composition, and desired for monitoring management indicator species. characteristics of fire to selected ecosystems while using adaptive management to respond to citizen concerns related to smoke emissions. 2. Maintain and improve watershed integrity to provide desired water quality, quantity, and timing of delivery. 3. Provide sustainable, diverse recreation experiences that consider population demographic characteristics, reflect desires of local communities, avoid overcrowding and user conflicts, and minimize resource damage. 4. Provide desired habitat for native fish species. 5. Enhance the value of Prescott NF- provided open space by defining visual character within areas near or viewed by those in local communities
FY2014 Monitoring and Evaluation Report Page 45 Section 7: Certification of Forest Plan Sufficiency I have reviewed this annual Forest Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Report for Fiscal Year 2014 and determined that:
• While management activities on the Prescott National Forest continue to lead toward desired conditions, Forest Plan Needs for Change should be addressed during the revision of the 1987 Forest Plan.
• The report is responsive to monitoring information as identified in chapter 5 of the 1987 Forest Plan. The monitoring plan and monitoring activities conducted by the Prescott National Forest are based on National Forest Management Act regulations and Forest Service Manual guidance. Therefore, I have determined that the 1987 Forest Plan, as currently amended, remains sufficient to guide implementation activities over the next fiscal year until revisions to the 1987 Plan are completed. A Record of Decision for the revised Land Management Plan is expected in July 2015.
X, 2015_ Teresa Chase, Forest Supervisor Date
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