United States Department of Hiawatha Agriculture

Forest Service

2006 National Forest

2006 Forest Plan Forest Terminology Acronyms

AMS: Analysis of the Management Situation NEPA: National Environmental Policy Act ASQ: Allowable Sale Quantity NF: National Forest BA: Basal Area NFMA: National Forest Management Act BFES: Budget Formulation and Execution NFS: National Forest System System NOI: Notice of Intent Bg: Background NPV: Net Present Value BMP: Best Management Practices OG: Old-Growth CEQ: Council on Environmental Quality OHV: Off Highway Vehicle CFR: Code of Federal Regulations OML: Objective Maintenance Level cRNA: Candidate Research Natural Area PILT: Payment in Lieu of Taxes Dbh: Diameter at Breast Height PM: Particulate Matter DC: Desired Condition PNM: Primitive Non-Motorized DEIS: Draft Environmental Impact Statement PSD: Prevention of Significant Deterioration DNR: Michigan Department of Natural R9: Region 9 (Forest Service Eastern Region) Resources (also MDNR) RAP: Roads Analysis Process EA: Environmental Assessment RFSS: Regional Forest Sensitive Species EIS: Environmental Impact Statement RMV: Recreation Motor Vehicle ELT: Ecological Landtype RMZ: Riparian Management Zone EPA: Environmental Protection Agency RNA: Research Natural Area FEIS: Final Environmental Impact Statement RNV: Range of Natural Variation Fg: Foreground ROD: Record of Decision FOFEM: First Order Fire Effects Model ROS: Recreation Opportunity Spectrum FS: Forest Service RVD: Recreation Visitor Days FSH: Forest Service Handbook S: Standard (forest plan) FSM: Forest Service Manual SAF: Society of American Foresters FWS: United States Fish and Wildlife Service SIL: Scenic Integrity Level (also USFWS) SIO: Scenic Integrity Objective G: Guideline (forest plan) SMC: Special Management Complex GIS: Geographical Information Systems SMS: Scenery Management System HUC: Hydrologic Unit Code SNA: Scientific and Natural Area IMPLAN: Impact Analysis for Planning SPM: Semi-Primitive Motorized LAC: Limit of Acceptable Change SPNM: Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized LAU: Lynx Analysis Unit TES: Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive Lb: Pounds TEUI: Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory LCAS: Lynx Conservation Assessment and TMDL: Total Maximum Daily Load Strategy TSI: Timber Stand Improvement LE: Landscape Ecosystem USDA: United States Department of LSC: Land Suitability Class Agriculture LT: Landtype USFWS: United States Fish and Wildlife LTA: Landtype Association Service (also FWS) MA: Management Area VGS: Vegetation Growth Stage Mg: Middleground VIS: Viability Indicator Species MIH: Management Indicator Habitat WO: Washington Office MIS: Management Indicator Species MMBF: Million Board Feet MVR: Market Valued Resource 2006 Forest Plan

Hiawatha National Forest Alger, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Delta, Mackinac, Marquette and Schoolcraft Counties, Michigan

Responsible Agency: USDA Forest Service

Responsible Official: Randy Moore, Regional Forester USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region 626 E. Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 Phone: 414.297.3600 TDD: 414.297.3507

For further information, contact: Dave Maercklein, Forest Planner Hiawatha National Forest 2727 N. Lincoln Road Escanaba, Michigan 49829 Phone: 906.786.4062 TDD: 906.789.3337

Preface „„ Organization of Forest Plan

Table of Contents Page Preface ------P-1 CHAPTER 1: Understanding the Forest Plan Purpose of the Forest Plan ------1-1 Implementing the Forest Plan------1-3 Location of the Hiawatha National Forest ------1-6 CHAPTER 2: Forest-wide Management Direction Introduction ------2-1 1500 External Relations------2-2 2100 Environmental Management------2-2 2300 Recreation Management------2-3 2400 Vegetation Management------2-10 2500 Watershed Management------2-13 2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant Habitat Management ------2-16 2700 Land Uses Management ------2-21 2800 Minerals and Geology ------2-21 3400 Forest Pest Management ------2-22 5100 Fire Management------2-23 5400 Land Ownership ------2-24 7100 Engineering Operations ------2-24 7700 Transportation System------2-25 CHAPTER 3: Management Area Direction Introduction ------3-1 Management Area 1.2 ------3-5 Management Area 2.3 ------3-8 Management Area 4.2 ------3-11 Management Area 4.4 ------3-14 Management Area 4.5 ------3-17 Management Area 5.1 (Congressionally-designated Wildernesses)------3-20 Management Area 6.1 ------3-24 Management Area 6.2 ------3-26 Management Area 6.3 ------3-29 Management Area 6.4 ------3-31 Management Area 7.1------3-34 Management Area 8.1 (Candidate and Research Natural Areas) ------3-35 Management Area 8.2 (Duke’s Experimental Forest) ------3-38 Management Area 8.3 ------3-40 Management Area 8.4 (Congressionally-designed Wild and Scenic Rivers)------3-43 Management Area 8.4.1 (Indian Wild and Scenic River) ------3-52 Management Area 8.4.2 (Carp Wild and Scenic River)------3-59 Management Area 8.4.3 (Whitefish Wild & Scenic River) ------3-65 Management Area 8.4.4 (Sturgeon Wild & Scenic River)------3-69 Management Area 8.4.5 (East Branch Tahquamenon Wild and Scenic River)------3-74 Management Area 8.5 (Grand Island National Recreation Area)------3-78 CHAPTER 4: Monitoring and Evaluation Introduction ------4-1 Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy------4-1 Monitoring Guidelines, Components, Framework and Prioritizations ------4-2 Monitoring Matrix ------4-3 APPENDICES: A. Proposed and Probable Practices, Goods C. Visual Quality Objectives Produced and Other Information D. Seral Class Definitions B. Management Indicator Species and Habitats E. Glossary

Hiawatha National Forest P-1 2006 Forest Plan Preface „„ Organization of the Forest Plan

Preface

The Hiawatha National Forest has prepared the 2006 Forest Plan to establish management direction for forest resources. The Final Environmental Impact Statement accompanies this plan and describes the analysis used in developing the 2006 Forest Plan. The two documents should be reviewed concurrently. If any part or particular application of the 2006 Forest Plan is found to be invalid, the remainder of the Plan and its application will not be affected.

Organization of the Forest Plan

This document is organized into four chapters and an appendix section.

Chapter 1: Understanding the Forest Plan. This chapter discusses the general purpose of the Forest Plan, the forest plan revision process, the relationship of the Plan to other documents and the direction for implementing the Plan. It includes definitions of desired conditions, goals, objectives, standards and guidelines.

Chapter 2: Forest-wide Management Direction. This chapter presents management direction for the Forest as a whole. It describes by resource area, the forest-wide desired conditions, goals, objectives, standards and guidelines that will be used in managing the Forest.

Chapter 3: Management Area Direction. This chapter presents management direction for specific management areas. It includes the purpose of each management area, describes the landscape of each area and describes the specific standards and guidelines that are exclusive to that area.

Chapter 4: Monitoring and Evaluation. This chapter presents a plan for monitoring and evaluating the effects of the management practices.

Appendices: The following appendices are included in this document: Appendix A: Proposed and Probable Practices, Goods Produced and Other Information Appendix B: Management Indicator Species and Habitats Appendix C: Visual Quality Objectives Appendix D: Seral Class Definitions Appendix E: A compilation of forest terminology used in the Forest Plan.

Hiawatha National Forest P-1 2006 Forest Plan

“The vast possibilities of our great future will become realities only if we make ourselves responsible for that future.”

Gifford Pinchot 1st Chief of the Forest Service (1905-1910)

Chapter 1 „„ Understanding the Forest Plan

Understanding the Forest Plan

extensive analysis and developed the four Purpose of a Forest Plan alternatives that were considered in the draft This Forest Plan guides all natural EIS. The Hiawatha used comments received resource management activities for the during the public comment period to prepare Hiawatha National Forest. It describes desired the Final EIS and the 2006 Forest Plan. resource conditions, management practices, This Forest Plan is based on the levels of resource production and alternative the Regional Forester selected in management and determines the availability the Record of Decision. Chapter 2 of the Final of suitable land for vegetation management. EIS has a summary of this alternative. The The Plan provides management direction 2006 Forest Plan will completely replace the to ensure that ecosystems are capable of 1986 Forest Plan and will be implemented 30 providing a sustainable flow of goods and days following publishing of the Notice of services to the public. More specifically, it Availability in the Federal Register. establishes: Once the Forest Plan is in place, the How the Hiawatha should look if the Hiawatha will complete annual monitoring Forest Plan is fully implemented (goals and evaluation reports to determine if the and desired conditions); Plan continues to provide effective management direction for forest resources. Measurable, planned results that contribute to reaching the desired The Forest Supervisor is required to conditions (objectives); review conditions of the land at least every five years to determine if the Forest Plan Required action designed to meet the needs revising. If monitoring and evaluation desired conditions and objectives indicate that the immediate changes cannot be (standards); handled by amendment, then it would be Preferable action used to reach desired necessary to revise the Plan. conditions and objectives (guidelines); Management direction that applies only to Relationship of the Forest Plan specific management areas; to other documents Monitoring and evaluation requirements; Designation of land as suited or not suited Developing the Hiawatha National for timber production and other resource Forest’s 2006 Forest Plan was guided by the management activities. following laws and policies: Land use determinations and standards Organic Administration Act and guidelines, constitute the forest plan’s authorized the creation of what is now the management direction. However, the actual National Forest System. It established outputs, services and rates of implementation forest reserves to improve and protect the are dependant on annual budgets from forests within the boundaries, or for the Congress. purpose of securing favorable water flows, and to furnish a continuous supply of Revising the 1986 Forest Plan timber for United States citizens. Multiple-Use Sustained Yield Act Hiawatha’s Forest Plan was issued in affirmed the application of sustainability 1986. The National Forest Management Act to the broad range of resources which the requires that forests revise their forest plans Forest Service has responsibility. This act every 10 to 15 years (36 CFR 219.10). confirms the authority to manage the The Hiawatha National Forest began its national forests for outdoor recreation, formal revision process when it published the timber, watershed and wildlife and fish Notice of Intent on September 18, 2003. Then purposes. the interdisciplinary team completed

Hiawatha National Forest 1-1 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 1 „„ Understanding the Forest Plan

National Forest Management Act may not be restated in this Forest Plan. (NFMA) requires that National Forest Direction for managing National Forest System lands be managed for a variety of System land comes from a variety of uses on a sustained basis to ensure in levels. National and regional direction perpetuity a continued supply of goods includes laws, executive orders, and services to the American people. It regulations and Forest Service policy. also establishes analytical and procedural Healthy Forest Restoration Act of requirements for developing, revising and 2003 reduces the risks of damage to amending forest plans. communities, municipal water supplies National Environmental Policy Act and federal lands from catastrophic (NEPA) ensures that environmental wildfire; to authorize grant programs to information is made available to citizens improve the commercial value of forest and public officials before decisions are biomass; to enhance efforts to protect made and action is taken. This disclosure watersheds and address threats to forest helps public officials make decisions that and rangeland health; to promote are based on an understanding of systematic information gathering to environmental consequences and take address the impacts of insect infestation actions to protect, restore and enhance the on forest and rangeland health; to environment. Essential to this process are improve the capacity to detect insect and accurate scientific analyses, expert agency disease infestations at an early stage; and input and public involvement—which all to benefit threatened and endangered have been part of this revision process. species, improve biological diversity and The 2006 Forest Plan has been analyzed enhance carbon sequestration. This act and the potential effects of the plan have was another extension of the focus on been disclosed in the accompanying FEIS. implementing the National Fire Plan. Endangered Species Act: One purpose Wild and Scenic Rivers Act: For the of this act is to provide a means to segments of rivers that have been conserve the ecosystems that threatened determined to be eligible for consideration and endangered species depend on. as national wild, scenic or recreational Federal agencies are required to carry out rivers under this act, the Forest Service is programs for the conservation of required to provide for the protection of threatened and endangered species in the river values. The Forest Plan addresses consultation with the U.S. Fish and resource protection, developing land and Wildlife Service (USFWS). facilities, public use and other Federal Threatened and Endangered management practices necessary or Species and Regional Foresters desirable to maintain the eligibility of the Sensitive Species: All federal river segments. threatened and endangered species and The USDA Forest Service Mission critical habitat listed by the USFWS for Statement: “The mission of the USDA the Hiawatha National Forest and all Forest Service is to sustain the health, current Regional Foresters Sensitive diversity and productivity of the nation’s Species lists for the Hiawatha are forests and grasslands to meet the needs incorporated into this Plan by reference. of present and future generations.” Forest Service Directives: USDA Strategic Plan Framework: Management direction in the Forest The Strategic Plan goals and objectives are Service Directive System, including the incorporated into the 2006 Forest Plan. Forest Service Manual (FSM) and the Implementation of the Forest Plan will Forest Service Handbook (FSH), is part of reflect the USDA Strategic Plan forest plan management direction and is Framework and any modifications or not repeated in the Forest Plan. This changes that occur within it throughout direction also includes applicable laws, the planning period. regulations and policies, although they

Hiawatha National Forest 1-2 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 1 „„ Understanding the Forest Plan

Forest Service treaty Implementing the Forest Plan obligations; other Laws and The 2006 Forest Plan provides a regulations of Tribal importance framework and context that guides the Hiawatha National Forest’s day-to-day Forest Service Treaty Obligations: resource management operations. It is a The FS has treaty obligations on NFS strategic, programmatic document and does lands within areas ceded in the treaties of not make project-level decisions. 1836, 1837 and 1842 to the tribes of Lake NFMA requires “permits, contracts and Superior Chippewa Indians. National other instruments for use and occupancy” of Forests in the ceded territory include the National Forest System lands be “consistent” Chequamegon- with the Forest Plan (16 USC 1640(i)). In the Nicolet in context of a revised Plan, the National Forest Wisconsin, the Management Act specifically conditions this Ottawa and requirement in three ways: Hiawatha in 1. These documents must be revised only Michigan’s Upper “when necessary” Peninsula and the northern part of the 2. These documents must be revised as “soon Huron-Manistee in as practicable” Lower Michigan. 3. Any revisions are “subject to valid existing rights” 1966 Natural Historic Preservation Act as amended 1980 and 1992 established a program for the preservation Basic Management Principles of our nation’s historic properties. The A set of fundamental principles guides National Register of Historic Places management at the Hiawatha National Forest. established regulations to maintain and Direction in the 2006 Forest Plan adds to and expand this list and are found at 36 CFR qualifies these basic principles: 60. This act required establishing regulations to provide for curation of Principle 1: The Forest Service will historical properties, and are at 36 CFR follow laws, regulations and Forest Service 79. Further protection for archaeological Manual policies that relate to managing resources is in 36 CFR 296. National Forest System land. This Forest Plan will supplement — not replace — direction American Indian Religious Freedom from these sources. Act of 1978 protects and preserves for American Indians their inherent right of Principle 2: The Forest Service will freedom to believe, express, and exercise coordinate management activities with the their traditional religions. appropriate local, state or Tribal governments, as well as with other federal agencies. 1979 Archaeological Resources Protection Act as amended 1988 Principle 3: The Forest Service will provides protection of archaeological actively consult with Tribal governments and resources and sites which are on public collaborate with interested individuals, groups lands and Indian lands. and organizations. Principle 4: The Forest Service will 1990 Native American Graves manage the Hiawatha National Forest for Protection and Repatriation Act multiple uses. The Forest is open for any legal provides a process for museums and public activity or management action, unless federal agencies to return certain Native specially restricted by law, policy, or by the American cultural items; human remains, Forest Plan. While allowed, such activities and funerary and sacred objects or objects of actions may require administrative review and cultural patrimony to lineal descendants authorization before they are implemented. and culturally affiliated Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations.

Hiawatha National Forest 1-3 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 1 „„ Understanding the Forest Plan

used to enhance shade, coarse woody debris Tools and Techniques recruitment or bank stability in riparian areas. The Hiawatha National Forest will reach The Forest may create new roads and its desired conditions for vegetation through trails if needed for site-level projects or to natural ecological processes and by using a respond to increased demand. The majority of diverse range of management tools and these roads will be temporary and will be techniques. To the extent practical, timber decommissioned after they are not needed. management will emulate naturally-occurring disturbances (e.g. fire and windstorms). These Site-level Projects management practices will include both even- aged and uneven-aged techniques. Implementing the 2006 Forest Plan Clearcutting will be used when it is the means developing and implementing site-level optimal method to meet the objectives and management projects to reach the desired requirements of the Forest Plan. The Forest conditions described in the plan. will also use harvesting methods to create or Project-level compliance with NFMA is maintain multi-aged and uneven-aged stands. concerned with consistency Prescribed fire will with the Plan and NFMA be used alone or with regulations. Compliance with silvicultural NEPA involves the correct treatments to mimic environmental analysis process the effects of natural for the specific proposal, fire. Management- proper documentation and ignited fire and public disclosure of effects lightning-caused fire published in an environmental will help maintain, assessment, environmental enhance and restore impact statement or in a natural ecological categorical exclusion. processes. Minimum When necessary, the impact management tactics will generally be Hiawatha National Forest will perform used in wildland fire suppression and in environmental analysis on site-level projects prescribed fire application to reduce adverse and activities. An analysis file or project file is fire suppression effects. available for public review, but it is not always The Forest will promote re-growth of necessary to document the analysis in the harvested or other disturbed forests with a form of an environmental assessment or variety of regeneration practices. This includes environmental impact statement. tree planting, seeding and natural Environmental analysis of site-level regeneration. Some areas will naturally projects will use as its basis, the data and change through succession. The Forest will evaluations in the Forest Plan and the Forest use environmentally sustainable management Plan EIS. The following are some examples of practices to provide commodity and non- project-level decisions that may require commodity resources to contribute to the additional environmental analyses and social and economic stability of local disclosure as the Forest Plan is carried out: communities. Management practices include prescribed fire, timber harvest and traditional Timber harvest gathering activities. Wildlife improvement and restoration The Forest will provide recreation Prescribed burns opportunities in a multiple-use setting by Watershed improvement projects implementing the Recreation Opportunity Trail or road construction Spectrum. Ecological functions of watersheds and riparian areas will be enhanced or Special use authorizations restored through improving road and trail Land exchanges crossings and decommissioning unneeded roads. Silvicultural treatments or fire may be

Hiawatha National Forest 1-4 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 1 „„ Understanding the Forest Plan

Operational Activities Forest Plan Amendments Exempt from NEPA Most proposed activities will be consistent Resource inventories, action plans and with Forest Plan direction. If management schedules do not require additional actions are found to be inconsistent with Plan environmental analysis and disclosure at the direction, or if site-specific analysis shows an error in the Plan, the Forest Plan or the project level. The following are examples of proposal must be adjusted according to the operational activities that do not constitute site-specific decisions and are exempt from analysis. An adjustment in management NEPA procedures: direction would require an amendment and may result from: Developing five-year wildlife action plans Changes in physical, biological, social or Developing fire-situation reports economic conditions Scheduling maintenance for developed recreation sites Recommendations of an interdisciplinary team based on the results of monitoring Preparing land ownership adjustment and evaluation plans Scheduled road maintenance Determination by the Forest Supervisor that existing or proposed projects, permits, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other Budgets instruments authorizing occupancy and Annual Forest budget proposals are based use are appropriate, but not consistent on the activities and actions required to with elements of the Forest Plan achieve the desired conditions and objectives management direction of the Forest Plan. The Forest proposes a Errors in planning found during budget every two years, but Congress implementation approves an annual budget. The National Forest System appropriation Location of the Forest from Congress provides funds for stewardship and management of all 192 million acres of The Hiawatha National Forest has nearly federal land. The appropriated funds are key 1.3 million acres within its proclamation for translating the desired conditions and boundary. The lands are split between two objectives stated in the Forest Plan to on-the- units located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. ground results. The East Unit was established by Upon receipt of the final budget, the President Teddy Roosevelt in 1909 as the Forest prepares an implementation budget, Marquette National Forest. President Herbert which is the result of program development, Hoover signed a proclamation in 1931 to annual work planning and monitoring create the Hiawatha National Forest in the processes. These processes supplement the central region of the Upper Peninsula. Forest Plan and make the annual adjustments needed to reflect current priorities within the In a February 9, 1962 executive order, all overall management direction contained in lands within the Marquette National Forest the Forest Plan. (East Unit) were transferred and made part of the Hiawatha National Forest (West Unit). Therefore, the funding distribution between program components and the The Hiawatha National Forest touches intensity or level of activities in those three of the five Great Lakes (Lakes Huron, programs is a reflection of the Plan as well as Michigan and Superior). Visitors from the will of Congress. The final determining Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Illinois, Indiana, factor in carrying out the intent of the Forest Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Canada, can Plan is the level of funding, which dictates the easily reach one of the units in a day’s travel. rate of implementation of the Plan. Figure 1-1 shows a map of the Hiawatha National Forest.

Hiawatha National Forest 1-5 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 1 „„ Understanding the Forest Plan

Figure 1-1. Map of the Hiawatha National Forest.

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Hiawatha National Forest 1-6 2006 Forest Plan

Table of Contents Page Introduction------2-1 Forest-wide Management Direction 1500 External Relations ------2-2 2100 Environmental Management ------2-2 2200 Grazing Management ------2-2 2300 Recreation Management------2-3 2400 Vegetation Management------2-10 2500 Watershed Management------2-13 2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant Habitat Management ------2-16 2700 Land Uses Management ------2-21 2800 Minerals and Geology------2-21 3400 Forest Pest Management ------2-22 5100 Fire Management ------2-23 5400 Land Ownership ------2-24 7100 Engineering Operations ------2-24 7700 Transportation System ------2-25

“The national forests are some of the most outstanding places in this country. They serve as America’s outdoor playground and they contain a wealth of wildlife and other natural resources.” Dale Bosworth Forest Service Chief (2001-present)

Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction Introduction

Introduction

The management direction in this chapter Standards are mandatory permissions guides all natural resource management and limitations needed to achieve the goals practices for the Hiawatha National Forest. and objectives of the plan. They are They state the bounds or rules which are applicable to all foreseeable applied to management practices to management situations and deviation accomplish the direction set in the Forest from them requires amendment to the Plan. The desired conditions, goals, objectives Forest Plan. and standards and guidelines apply to all They should be easily implemented and management areas on the Hiawatha. comply with all applicable laws, regulations, The Hiawatha National Forest used the executive orders and policies. Implementing following definitions when developing standards should not depend on future plans, management direction: analysis or accomplishments that may never occur. In addition, a standard should not Goals and Desired Conditions are attempt to regulate factors beyond very similar. Desired conditions set the management control, but it can regulate context for goals and other management activities when certain conditions exist. direction by providing a broad, user-friendly Because standards snapshot of what must be monitored the forest or (36 CFR 219.12(k)), management area they should be will look like when written in such a goals, objectives, way that standards and compliance could guidelines have be verified. been met. Guidelines are Goals are permissions and concise statements limitations that that describes should be desired conditions implemented in to be achieved most situations. some time in the Deviation from future (36 CFR a guideline does not require an 219.3). Goals address Forest priorities and amendment to the Forest Plan, but the issues. They are broad and general in scope rationale must be disclosed in the with no specific timeframe, and can be project decision documents. developed for the entire forest or for specific management areas. If a management practice does not entail sufficient risk to be addressed in the effects Objectives are concise, time-specific analysis, it is probably not necessary to statements of measurable planned results that develop guidelines for that practice. Because respond to pre-established goals (36 CFR guidelines must be monitored (36 CFR 219.3). Objectives are more specific and 219.12(k)), they should be written in such a tangible than goals. Objectives are way that compliance could be verified. measurable, but they are not standards. They are budget-dependent and are subject to forces beyond Agency control.

Hiawatha National Forest 2-1 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Directions 1500 External Relations/ 2100 Environmental Management/2200 Grazing Management

Forest-wide Management Direction

1500 External Relations Tribal Relations

Goals: Objectives: 1. The Hiawatha National Forest will honor 1. Nothing in this Forest Plan or in its U.S. Government trust responsibility and implementation, is intended to modify, treaty obligations towards Indian tribes abrogate or otherwise adversely affect within a government to government tribal reserved or treaty-guaranteed rights relationship. applicable within the Hiawatha National Forest.

2100 Environmental Management Air Resource

Desired Conditions: The air on the Objectives: Hiawatha is of high quality. Forest ecosystems 1. Identify areas at risk for reduced visibility are not impaired by airborne stressors. and acid and mercury deposition. Visitor, resident and employee health are not adversely affected. Visibility conditions do not impair the enjoyment of viewing the forest, Guidelines: and other air quality related values are not 1. Management activities with the potential adversely affected. to adversely affect forest air quality should be coordinated with Seney Wildlife Refuge Goals: and with the State of Michigan, Department of Environmental Quality, Air 1. Management activities will maintain or Quality Division. enhance air quality conditions at a minimum of Class II attainment, as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

2200 Grazing Management

Guidelines: 1. Livestock grazing should not occur.

Hiawatha National Forest 2-2 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction 2300 Recreation Management

2300 Recreation Management

Desired Conditions: The Forest provides a Lakes water trail development, in partnership variety of high-quality outdoor recreational with other resource agencies. Because of opportunities that are designed to meet the natural lake level fluctuations, some inland niche, meet recreation demands and settings, and Great Lake access sites may be minimize user conflicts, while sustaining temporarily or permanently closed. natural resources. The Hiawatha’s Wild and The Hiawatha will continue to develop a Scenic Rivers are managed to protect the motorized route system that connects roads, outstandingly remarkable values for which trails, recreation and service facilities and they were designated in the National Wild and accesses to provide enhanced recreation Scenic River System and to protect their free- experiences. Limited new trail construction flowing nature. will offer additional motorized routes and The Congressionally-designated single use trails. Wildernesses provide remote, undisturbed Hikers, bicyclists, cross country skiers, areas and secluded recreational settings where dog-mushers, snowshoers, horseback riders natural processes function without human and other non-motorized enthusiasts enjoy a interference. Grand Island National variety of looped trails and routes that are Recreation Area’s rocky cliffs, sand beaches connected with recreation facilities such as and network of trails and overlooks offer campgrounds and day use areas. Trails are excellent island recreation opportunities for located in a variety of settings — from roaded hikers, bicyclists, boaters and back country natural to semi-primitive, non-motorized. campers. Some trails are managed for multiple non- The Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway along motorized uses, while other trails are Lake Superior’s south shore provides access to managed for single uses to reduce resource a variety of overnight, day use and interpretive damage and to minimize user conflicts. The recreation opportunities that connect with and Hiawatha will cooperate with the National complement similar opportunities between Park Service in managing the North Country Sault Ste. Marie to the east and Tahquamenon National Scenic Trail. Falls State Park to the west. Off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreationists Heritage areas that have national or tribal have access to a variety of designated roads significance will be identified for special and trails that loop and connect to forest and management. Lighthouse “lookers” seek out off-forest facilities for hunting, fishing and views of and interaction with the six historic touring. Snowmobile recreationists have a lighthouses which stand on the Hiawatha’s variety of groomed trails and un-groomed Great lakes shorelines. areas to ride. Cross-country travel by OHVs is Boaters and anglers can select from a prohibited. range of motorized and non-motorized Much of the Forest is accessible via a road experiences on inland lakes on the Hiawatha. system comprised of native soil “woods Some access sites accommodate larger fishing roads,” as well as paved and graveled, county boats and personal watercraft, while others and Forest Service roads. Some roads are provide for either carry-in access or have no closed and/or obliterated to provide for non- developed access. Canoeists and kayakers motorized recreation opportunities and/or to have a variety of opportunities to access protect natural resources. inland lakes, rivers and streams that afford a Recreation facilities, including variety of skill and challenge levels. campgrounds, trails and boat launches, are The Hiawatha also provides a number of managed in conjunction with the recreation improved Great Lakes boat launches that are setting. Some facilities will be renovated cost-effective to maintain and meet recreation and/or upgraded to eliminate deferred demands. One new boat access may be maintenance and to make them accessible. developed as part of the Whitefish Bay Scenic Other facilities will be decommissioned due to Byway on Lake Superior. Boat accesses and low demand and/or occupancy. forest facilities provide support to a Great

Hiawatha National Forest 2-3 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction 2300 Recreation Management

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

Guidelines: 1. Forest management activities should reflect the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) indicated in Table 2300-1.

Table 2300-1. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Assignment by Management Area Semi-Primitive Semi-Primitive Roaded Management Primitive Non-motorized Motorized Natural Rural Urban Area (P) (SPNM) (SPM) (RN) (R) (U) MA 1.2 „ MA 2.3* „ „ MA 4.2 „ MA 4.4 „ MA 4.5 „ MA 5.1 „ MA 5.1.1 „ MA 5.1.2 „ MA 5.1.3 „ MA 6.1 „ MA 6.2 „ MA 6.3 „ MA 6.4 „ MA 7.1** „ „ MA 8.1 Research Natural Areas and Candidate RNAs do not have assigned ROS classifications. MA 8.2 Recreation use is incidental to this management area. MA 8.3*** „ „ „ MA 8.4**** „ „ „ MA 8.4.1**** „ „ MA 8.4.2**** „ „ „ MA 8.4.3**** „ „ MA 8.4.4**** „ „ MA 8.4.5**** „ „ MA 8.5 Please refer to Chapter 3 for ROS information for this management area. * SPM ROS objectives only applies to the Buck Bay Creek, Delias Run and Boot Lake areas. ** These management areas have two ROS objectives. *** This management area has three ROS objectives — grading from SPNM in the interior core, to SPM and to RN in the exterior. **** Both study segments and designated Wild and Scenic Rivers have three ROS classifications: RN in recreational segments; SPM in scenic segments; SPNM in wild segments.

Hiawatha National Forest 2-4 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction 2300 Recreation Management

Great Lakes and Inland Lakes Access

Goals: 1. A variety of watercraft accesses are Table 2300-2. Percentage of watercraft accesses provided to and motorized/non- managed for non-motorized/motorized and motorized recreation opportunities are personal watercraft on inland lakes available on the Great Lakes and Total % by inland lakes. Managed Setting Setting 2. A variety of related recreational Non-motorized 47% opportunities and are provided to forest lakes and rivers. Motorized, no personal watercraft (PWC) 38% Motorized with personal watercraft (PWC) 15% Objectives:

1. In this planning period, develop up to Table 2300-3. Percentage of watercraft accesses by one additional Great Lakes boat access facility type on inland lakes located along the Lake Superior Total % by shoreline in conjunction with the Managed Access Facility Type Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway. No Access 50% 2. Evaluate launches and make future use determinations for Carp River and Carry-in Access 35% Hunters Point boat accesses. Back-in Access 15% 3. In this planning period, manage Forest inland lakes to achieve the objectives outlined in Tables 2300-2 and 2300-3. Guidelines: 1. Beach and near-shore dredging activities 6. Lakes that have a maximum depth of less on the Great Lakes should maintain a than 5 feet, should be managed for non- supply of sediment to the area that is motorized use. sufficient to prevent shoreline erosion or 7. On inland lakes that are entirely to prevent loss of prominent beach surrounded by National Forest lands, features such as points or dunes. launching and retrieving personal 2. Great Lakes boat accesses that are non- watercraft should be prohibited. However, functional based on historical water levels consideration should be given to current or that incur unreasonable costs to uses and other resource needs and maintain, should be closed (temporarily or settings. permanently) or relocated, unless 8. Launching and retrieving personal partnership funding is provided to support watercraft from National Forest lands the continued maintenance and operation should be prohibited on lakes that are less of the access. than 20 acres in size and/or are shallow 3. On inland lakes, watercraft access should and narrow. generally be restricted to one per lake. 9. On slopes that are greater than two 4. Lakes that do not contain a trout fishery percent, back-in access should be graveled and are less than 10 acres in size, should or paved. be managed for carry-in watercraft access 10. Watercraft operating restrictions should or no access, and for non-motorized use. be enacted on lakes within developed 5. Lakes with a trout fishery that are less campgrounds to provide “quiet hours” than 5 acres in size should be managed for during high-use recreation seasons. non-motorized watercraft use. 11. Lakes with no inventoried access should be managed according to the criteria indicated in Table 2300-4.

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Table 2300-4. Management Criteria for Lakes with No Inventoried Access Motorized Watercraft Use Ownership: Desired ROS Class Presently Occurs Private or NFS Motorized Use RN/SPM Yes Private Yes RN/SPM Yes NFS No RN No Private Yes RN No NFS No SPM No Private No SPM No NFS No SPNM Yes Private/NFS No SPNM No Private/NFS No

Motorized & Non-Motorized Trails Table 2300-5. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trails, Roads and OHV Areas Goals: Type of Access Total 1. A safe and cost-effective road and trail system provides a variety of recreation Maximum miles of trails 75 miles experiences, responds to changing social Maximum miles of ML 3-5 150 miles needs and minimizes user conflicts. The Forest Service roads system includes loops and connections to Maximum miles of ML 2 Forest 2,100 miles access recreation facilities and local Service roads community services. Maximum acres of OHV area 15 acres 2. Trail and route development provide for multiple use, mitigate social conflicts and Table 2300-6. Snowmobile Trails, Roads and prevent natural resource damage. Snowmobile Areas 3. Through coordination with adjacent public land/road management agencies Type of Access Total complementing OHV and snowmobile Maximum miles of groomed 340 miles policies and routes are provided. trails Maximum miles of open, 4. OHV use is restricted to ATVs, MATVs and 373 miles motorcycles unless otherwise authorized on ungroomed ML 3-5 roads Maximum miles of open, the Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Map(s). 2,100 miles ungroomed ML 2 roads Objectives: Maximum acres of snowmobile 15 acres 1. In this planning period, develop three trail area management objective prescriptions per year for existing trails. Table 2300-7. Non-Motorized Trails 2. In this planning period, complete a Type of Access Total snowmobile and OHV trail agreement Maximum miles of hiking trails 135 miles with the State and other Michigan Maximum miles of National Forests. 175 miles hiking/biking/ski trails 3. In this planning period, provide off- Maximum miles of hiking/ highway vehicles trails, routes and areas 115 miles indicated in Table 2300-5. biking/ski/horse trails

4. In this planning period, provide snowmobile trails, routes and areas Note: Reference 7700 Trail and Road indicated in Table 2300-6. Density Table 7700-1 Maximum Trail 5. In this planning period, provide and Road Densities for additional non-motorized trails indicated in guidelines. Table 2300-7.

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Standards: Objectives: 1. Trail management objective prescriptions 1. In this planning period, complete and will be developed for all new trail implement the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway construction. Management Plan. 2. No motorized activities will be permitted 2. In this planning period, complete and on National Scenic Trails, except for implement the Forest Recreation Strategic maintenance, administrative or Plan. emergency purposes, or on those portions 3. In this planning period, develop and of the trail that incorporate roads as part implement the Grand Island National of the route. Recreation Area (NRA) Strategic Plan. 3. Roads will be closed to OHVs unless 4. In this planning period, complete the designated open. Recreation Facilities Master Plan. 4. Cross-country travel by OHVs is 5. In this planning period, reduce the backlog prohibited except in the designated OHV of deferred maintenance on recreation area. facilities by 15 percent. 5. Forest roads within motorized ROS Guidelines: objectives will be open to snowmobile use unless designated closed. 1. Recreation development and facilities should: 6. Cross country snowmobile use is generally Correct health and safety problems allowed within motorized ROS classes unless prohibitions or restrictions are Complement prescribed recreation needed for resource protection to meet opportunities management objectives. Meet public demand Implement the Forest recreation niche Guidelines: 2. The locations of recreation developments 1. Motorized trails and routes should be should be determined with priority given to: located or relocated away from Wilderness Correcting health and safety problems boundaries and semi-primitive non- Protecting the environment motorized management areas. Protecting sensitive species 2. Non-motorized trail systems should be Meeting the experience requirements managed separately from motorized within individual management area activities or trails. direction Recreation Development and 3. Recreation development and facilities should conform to the assigned Recreation Recreation Facilities Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) objectives. Goals: 4. Campgrounds with low occupancy rates 1. A variety of recreation facilities, settings should be reduced in size, decommissioned or converted to dispersed sites. and opportunities are provided which minimize user conflicts. 2. Complementary recreation opportunities Heritage Resources for forest visitors are developed in coordination with other regional Goals: recreation providers. 1. Heritage resources are identified, evaluated, preserved and enhanced. 3. Aesthetically pleasing, safe and healthy vegetative conditions are maintained in Objectives: developed recreation sites. 1. Increase the number of heritage resources that meet USDA Forest Service National Heritage Resource Management standards by an average of five sites per year.

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2. Within three years of Forest Plan approval, complete consultations with federally-recognized tribes regarding a comprehensive agreement for meeting the objectives of the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act. 3. Within three years of Forest Plan approval, complete consultations with the State Historic Preservation Office and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to develop an agreement to improve and streamline the Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act compliance process. Scenery Management 4. In this planning period, decrease the Goals: number of heritage resource sites that do not meet national management standards. 1. The visual diversity and the natural- The order of priority should be: appearing character of the Forest is maintained or enhanced. A. Sites threatened by deterioration, natural disturbance, vandalism or Objectives: recreation use B. Sites on lands being sold or exchanged 1. In this planning period, increase the amount of National Forest lands meeting visual C. Sites potentially affected by Forest quality objectives as identified on the VQO Service management activities Map (Forest Plan Appendix C) or as D. Sites that contribute to implementing otherwise specified within individual the Forest recreation strategy/niche management area direction. E. All other sites

Guidelines: Wildernesses 1. In selecting projects to increase the Goals: number of sites meeting national 1. Wildernesses are managed to protect the management standards, priority should be biological and physical resources and given to: Wilderness values while accommodating A. National Register of Historic Places recreation use. evaluation 2. Wildernesses are maintained so that B. Site protection ecosystems are unaffected by human C. Implementation of agreements with manipulation and influences and plants and outside parties, such as federally- animals develop and respond to natural recognized tribes, the State Historic disturbances. Preservation Office, the Advisory Objectives: Council on Historic Preservation, universities and other parties 1. During this planning period, evaluate the interested in historic preservation need for management plans for Round Island, Mackinac and Delirium 2. In-place protection is the preferred Wildernesses. management strategy for archaeological and traditional use/sacred sites. Rehabilitation and adaptive reuse is the preferred treatment for most historic structures.

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North Country National Scenic Trail Management

Standards: 1. Management of the North Country National Scenic Trail will conform with the National Trail Systems Act and the “North Country National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan for Management and Use” (USDI-NPS, 9/1982, as amended).

Guidelines: 1. The North Country National Scenic Trail should be managed and maintained primarily for hiking and backpacking. 2. As displayed on the Forest Plan Visual Quality Objectives map, five percent of the trail should be managed to achieve preservation in the Wilderness; 37 percent should be managed to achieve retention and 58 percent should be managed to achieve partial retention. 3. Timber activities may be seen along portions of the trail in retention and partial retention. Temporary openings as seen from any point Wild and Scenic Rivers along the trail should generally not be greater than 5 acres in retention and not Goals: greater than 10 acres in partial retention. 1. Designated and study Wild and Scenic 4. Activity fuels or slash occurring from River corridors are managed to maintain management activities should be completely and enhance each river’s outstandingly removed from the edge of the trail for the remarkable values and free-flowing first 25 feet. For the next 25 feet, materials condition. should be reduced to 48 inches within one 2. Components of the aquatic and terrestrial year. ecosystem degraded by past human activities are restored. 3. Aquatic and terrestrial resources are managed based on ecological and landscape characteristics. 4. Opportunities for recreation are provided within the river corridors. 5. Water quality is protected and enhanced. 6. Social settings where the sights and sounds of nature are dominant are maintained. 7. Vegetation is managed primarily for late successional species and/or to protect or enhance the outstandingly remarkable river values.

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2400 Vegetation Management

Desired Conditions: Provide a diverse, young stands are evident to meet vegetation productive, healthy and sustainable forest that age diversity objectives. is resilient to natural and human-caused Undesirable non-native invasive plant and disturbances. Non-native invasive species are animal species will be excluded or at least kept at low levels and do not alter ecosystem from spreading on the Hiawatha. Vegetation processes. Vegetation composition and on the Hiawatha will contribute to local and structure provide plant and animal species regional healthy forests and gene pools. habitats, timber products and settings conducive to recreation activities. Vegetation Management The Forest contributes to the health of soils and water resources. It has a diverse mix Goals: of species, tree sizes and hardwoods and 1. Native vegetation communities are conifers. Vegetation constantly changes diverse, productive, healthy and resilient. through management activities and through 2. Vegetation conditions contribute toward naturally occurring succession and ecosystem sustainability and biological disturbances. Vegetation is present in diversity. amounts, distribution and characteristics that 3. Vegetative conditions represent native allow contribution to a sustained yield of species in age, size and successional states timber and pulpwood products. that support native wildlife and fish The Forest has a mix of even and uneven- species and other uses of the forest. aged northern hardwoods. The uneven-aged shade tolerant hardwoods, such as sugar Forest Products maple and beech are managed for quality sawtimber. Within-stand diversity is Goals: maintained or increased by encouraging long- 1. Commercial wood products are provided lived conifers such as white pine and hemlock. for mills in the upper Great Lakes Region. Uneven-aged forests will also provide a desirable setting for dispersed recreation. 2. The Forest contributes toward satisfying Even-aged hardwoods such as red maple, the demand for special forest products on birch, basswood, oak and cherry are evident. National Forest System lands. They will provide habitat for wildlife species 3. Harvest activities occur at sustainable that require temporary openings or closed levels. canopy and open understory in later years. White pine is an important species on the Objectives: Hiawatha as a result of planting and natural 1. Provide opportunities for gathering succession. Established red pine stands are special forest products. maintained through appropriate rotation Note: For vegetation objectives, please see lengths, being regenerated through both the Chapter 3 (management area shelterwood and clearcut systems. direction) and Appendix A. Prescribed fire mimicking natural fires is used as a tool to establish regeneration in Harvest Methods/Practices these types where appropriate. Early successional forest types such as balsam fir Guidelines: and aspen will provide habitat for a variety of 1. Cedar harvest should be limited to sites game and non-game species. Jack pine and where a high probability exists for savannas will be evident on xeric ecosystems successful regeneration. to provide habitat for Kirtland's warbler, sharptail grouse and other associated species. 2. Management activities should be designed to minimize adverse impacts on recreation Lowland conifer and cedar stands are use and wildlife populations. primarily in older age classes; however some

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3. In partial harvests, damage to residual 5. Live trees retained in regeneration stems should be less than three percent. treatments should be free of insects and 4. Log decks should not be located diseases that could spread to other reserve immediately adjacent to collector and trees or affect regeneration. arterial roads. 6. Where harvesting occurs, regeneration harvest methods in Table 2400-1 should be followed.

Table 2400-1. Type of Timber Management Practices by Forest Type Group Clearcut** (Including Shelterwood/ Forest Type* patch or strip cut) Seed tree** Selection Aspen „ Balsam Fir „ „ „ Black Spruce „ Cedar „ „ Hemlock „ „ Jack Pine „ Lowland Hardwoods „ „ Northern Hardwoods „ „ Oak „ Paper Birch „ Red Pine „ „ Spruce-Fir „ „ „ Swamp Conifer „ „ Tamarack „ „ White Pine „ „ * Type to be regenerated either through maintenance of an existing type or conversion from another forest type. For example, conversion of hardwoods to aspen would utilize harvest cutting methods for aspen. ** Includes intermediate cuts during the rotation of the stand.

Old Growth Objectives: 1. Maintain a 52,000 acre old growth Goals: system. 1. An old growth system is maintained that is Standards: comprised of lands which will become late successional ecosystems. The system will 1. Designated old growth stands will be be characterized by older, larger trees, unsuited for timber production. native species, low road and trail densities Guidelines: and minimal human disturbance. 1. Vegetation management (such as timber 2. Old growth structural diversity that harvest, prescribed fire, etc) should includes multi-layered canopies, canopy enhance old growth objectives or control gaps, tip-up mounds and an accumulation the spread of a non-native pests or of dead woody material is maintained. pathogens that threaten the old growth 3. Old growth tracts vary from small, isolated character/potential. forested areas to larger landscape 2. Permits for gathering special forest complexes. The tracts may include products should not be issued. ecologically important non-forested 3. Prescribed fires and natural prescribed openings, younger patches produced by fires should accomplish specific old natural disturbances, wetland and water growth objectives. bodies.

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4. Fire control should protect public health Reforestation/Silvicultural and safety and result in minimal disturbance. Practices 5. Old growth stands affected by catastrophic Guidelines: natural disturbances (such as fire, blow downs, insects and disease, etc.), may be 1. An ecological classification system, soil reclassified as suited for timber resource inventory or on-site soil production. Replacement stands will then investigation information should guide be reclassified to maintain the amount of opportunities for species conversion. designated old growth acres. 2. Reforestation of harvest areas through natural regeneration or seeding should be Temporary Openings emphasized. Interplanting to restore components of the ecosystem which are in Standards: decline or absent should be allowed. 1. The maximum acre limits will not apply to 3. Silvicultural prescriptions should salvage harvest resulting from incorporate genetic improvement catastrophic events such as fire, insect and principles and practices. disease outbreaks or blow down. 4. Even-aged management should be used

Guidelines: where vegetation objectives emphasize less shade-tolerant species such as ash, 1. A temporary opening should be birch or cherry. considered forested when the re- established stand has reached a height 5. The timber rotation ages defined in that is greater than 20 percent of the Table 2400-2 should be followed for forest height of the surrounding trees. management activities. 2. Openings should be separated by a stand of at least the minimum stand size, normally 10 acres.

Table 2400-2. Timber Rotation Ages (in years)1 Paper Northern Jack Balsam Black White Red/White Aspen Birch Hardwoods2 Pine Fir Spruce Spruce Pine Cedar MA 1.2 35-70 45-100 80-160 40-70 40-70 70-150 70-110 80-160 80-160 MA 2.3 45-70 50-70 80-120 40-60 40-60 70-150 70-100 80-120 80-120 MA 4.2 35-70 45-100 80-160 40-70 40-70 70-150 70-100 80-120 80-120 MA 4.4 35-70 45-100 80-160 40-60 40-60 70-150 70-110 60-160 80-160 MA 4.5 35-70 45-100 80-160 40-70 40-70 70-150 70-110 60-160 80-160 MA 6.13 35-70 45-100 120-200 50-70 50-70 70-150 70-110 60-160 120-160 MA 6.2 35-70 45-100 120-200 50-70 50-70 70-150 70-110 60-160 120-160 MA 6.4 35-70 45-100 120-200 50-70 50-70 70-150 70-110 60-160 120-160 MA 7.13 35-70 45-100 120-200 60-80 60-80 70-150 70-110 100-200 120-160 MA 8.1 35-70 45-100 80-200 50-70 50-70 70-150 70-110 60-160 80-160 MA 8.2 Rotation age depends on objectives of study MA 8.3 35-70 45-100 120-200 50-70 50-70 70-150 70-110 60-160 60-160 MA 8.4 35-70 45-100 120-200 50-70 50-70 70-150 70-110 60-160 60-160 1 Rotation ages are not applicable to MAs 5.1 and 6.3 because timber harvests are not allowed. 2 Rotation ages do not apply for northern hardwoods that are managed for uneven aged. 3 MAs 6.1 and 7.1 do not have programmed timber harvests, but do allow vegetative treatments.

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2500 Watershed Management

Desired Conditions: The Hiawatha National 2. Healthy watersheds: Forest has healthy watersheds that are Meet the needs of current and future resilient to natural disturbance events such as generations and are resilient to natural floods, fire and drought and are capable of and human disturbances absorbing the effects of human-induced disturbances. Healthy watersheds absorb rain, Provide for federal, state, tribal and recharge groundwater, filter sediment, local beneficial uses provide cleaner water, increase soil fertility Provide for unique plant and animal and decrease erosion. communities, special habitat features, They provide high quality wildlife and fish habitat linkages and wildlife corridors habitat that allows for the conservation of 3. Beaver abundance and distribution are native and desired non-native species. The managed in cooperation with Michigan Forest will provide habitat to support a quality Department of Natural Resources to recreational fishing experience that includes a sustain important wetland ecosystems variety of fish species and access to lakes and while minimizing adverse effects on high streams. Within ecological capability, riparian quality coldwater fish habitat, rare species corridors consist of older, late seral species and road and trail stream crossings. providing shade and woody debris to the site. 4. Riparian corridors are managed for A multi-layered forest canopy may also be riparian-dependent resources by restoring present. Super canopy trees provide nest sites and enhancing the riparian ecological for riparian-associated species. function. High quality aquatic habitat supports 5. Water quality is maintained to the diverse and productive biological standards identified by the state of communities in streams and lakes. The Michigan. diversity and abundance of native and desired non-native aquatic flora and fauna are 6. Riparian areas are managed to meet maintained or restored in a manner that is Forest designations for warm, cool and coldwater streams. consistent with the ecological capability of the water body. Exotic species are not spreading Objectives: or adversely affecting native flora and fauna in riparian and aquatic areas. The diversity and 1. In this planning period, obliterate, function of wetlands are maintained or relocate or improve 20 segments of roads restored over time. They provide for diverse and trails in riparian corridors. plant and animal communities, flood 2. In this planning period, improve road and retention, economic value such as timber, trail crossings of streams and wetlands (as recreation and other uses. needed), to facilitate flow, sediment Long-term productivity and hydrologic transport and/or passage of aquatic function is maintained. The physical and species. biological functionality of seasonal pools is 3. In this planning period, restore maintained. approximately 300 acres of impacted wetlands ecosystems. Watershed Management 4. In this planning period, assess conditions and identify improvement opportunities Goals: in all Forest sixth level watersheds. 1. Watersheds are protected and improved to Stratify assessments by fifth level provide sustained water quality and watersheds where feasible. quantity for intended beneficial uses and 5. In this planning period, improve the conditions necessary to support proper condition class in 10 percent of fifth level ecological function of streams, lakes, watersheds where classification is less riparian areas and wetlands. than optimal.

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6. Treat 10 acres per year for non-native 2. Excavated soil material (including spoils, invasive species in riparian areas. drilling mud, etc.) should be deposited in 7. Implement 100 acres per year of upland locations. vegetation improvements to enhance 3. Stream and river crossings should be riparian function. designed to span bankfull width, maintain channel morphology and allow for aquatic Standards: fauna passage. 1. Management actions on National Forest 4. On lakes where there is less than System land will not increase the total 20 percent of lake shoreline in public combined acreage of upland young forest ownership, new activities or developments (younger than 16 years) and upland that may reduce the natural function of openings to exceed 60 percent of the total riparian areas should not occur. area (all ownership) of any sixth-level 5. The number of road and trail stream Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) watershed. crossings should be minimized. 2. A determination of coastal zone 6. When obliterating roads, remove bridges, consistency will be completed for all culverts and fill material from streams, activities occurring within one-quarter floodplains and wetlands to re-establish mile from the Great Lakes high water natural drainage and to restore wetlands. mark. 7. Aspen regeneration should not be Guidelines: prescribed within 500 feet of designated 1. Small forest seeps and springs should be portions of cool- and coldwater stream protected from ground-disturbing systems tributaries and spring ponds. activities. 2. Logging slash in woodland ponds should Aquatic Ecosystem not be allowed. Standards: 3. Clear cutting should not occur adjacent to 1. Stream habitat improvement projects will woodland ponds. be designed to preserve or enhance 4. Individual tree harvests that emphasize natural stream processes and to stabilize retaining shade, cavity and nest trees, may channel morphology. occur adjacent to woodland ponds. Guidelines: 5. Landings and roads should be located to 1. Coarse woody debris should not be avoid erosion and the contribution of removed from streams and lakes unless it sediment into woodland ponds. presents a hazard to people or structures 6. Woodland ponds should be adequately or creates an impassible barrier to frozen before allowing operation of heavy watercraft. Remove only the amount equipment on them. necessary for safe passage, but it should not exceed half the channel width. Riparian Ecosystem 2. Control beaver and remove beaver dams as needed to protect ecologically sensitive Standards: areas or to prevent capital improvements 1. Wetland roads or trail crossings will (roads recreation areas or buildings) from preserve cross drainage. flooding.

Guidelines: 3. Long-term maintenance of in-channel sediment basins should not occur where 1. The state of Michigan “Water Quality the same results can be achieved by other Management Practices on Forest Land” methods. (BMPs) should be implemented as a minimum standard for managing forest 4. Natural-appearing materials and resources on Forest System land. techniques that allow natural river processes to occur should be used when restoring eroded river/stream banks.

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Soil Resources

Desired Conditions: The Hiawatha’s soils will be physically, chemically and biologically resilient to human and natural disturbances. Soil productivity will be maintained or enhanced and will contribute to ecological sustainability of the Forest. Soil water percolation and infiltration rates will be within the range of natural variability for the soil.

Goals: 1. The minimum threshold values for soils defined in the Region 9 Soil Quality Standards are met. Guidelines: 2. Soil productivity is restored, maintained 1. Equipment operation (except in or enhanced. emergency operations or where the ground can be appropriately stabilized to Objectives: avoid compaction, puddling or rutting), 1. In this planning period, on a project level will only occur when soils are capable of basis, identify soils that fail to meet supporting equipment without incurring Region 9 soil quality standards or where detrimental compaction, puddling or soil erosion or compaction is contributing rutting. to an overall decline in watershed 2. In areas managed for timber production, condition or ecological function. whole-tree timber harvest methods should 2. In this planning period, inventory the not be used on sites with inherently low Forest for areas where soil-hydrologic fertility and low organic matter reserves function is impaired by past management (ELT 10/20, phase 0, 1 and 2; Grayling activity (roads, railroad grades). and Rubicon soil series). Evenly distributed slash across the site. 3. In this planning period, on a project level basis, identify areas of ELT 10/20 where 3. Within the context of the vegetation soil organic matter has been lost due to management objective, prescribed burns past land use and wildfire. Where on ELT 10/20 (phase 0, 1 and 2; Grayling practicable and not in conflict with other and Rubicon soil series) the burning management objectives, seek to restore prescription should consider the objective organic matter on these sites through of maintaining or restoring organic matter long-term vegetation management on the site. objectives. 4. Heavy equipment should not be operated on slopes greater than 35 percent Standards: gradient. 1. Areas maintained as open areas 5. Equipment operation on coarse textured (savannas) will have defined vegetation (sand) soils during dry periods should goals and objectives that will maintain the avoid soil displacement. productivity of the land within the ecological context and management 6. Within the ecological context of the site, objective for the site. activities on sand dunes should minimize the exposure of sands (soil displacements) to prevent wind erosion.

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2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant Habitat Management

Desired Conditions: The Hiawatha National 3. In this planning period, annually conduct Forest provides habitats that support viable fishery resource inventories on 7 to 10 populations of a wide range of existing native lakes and 5 to 8 streams to assess the and desired non-native wildlife and plant capability of habitats and fish populations species. Aquatic and terrestrial wildlife to meet the public need. habitats on National Forest System lands Vegetation Management Standards: contribute to ecosystem sustainability and biological diversity of the Great Lakes region. 1. Vegetation will be managed within the ecological capabilities of the forest. The Forest provides wildlife habitat with corridors and contiguous tracts to allow for Vegetation Management Guidelines: greater distribution of wildlife species. 1. The maximum size of temporary openings Management activities contribute to the for sharp-tailed grouse and Kirtland's conservation and recovery of federally-listed warbler management should not exceed threatened, endangered and sensitive species. 1,100 acres. In Kirtland's warbler The Hiawatha monitors four management management areas, the 1,100-acre indicator species and other species of interest temporary opening guideline may be to ensure that necessary habitat are exceeded by harvesting adjacent blocks maintained or enhanced to support these after the appropriate stocking density species, as well as associated species. (determined in consultation with the Goals: FWS) is achieved and after the third-year stocking review. 1. Diverse, healthy, productive and resilient habitats for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife 2. Deeryards and adjacent uplands should be are provided. managed to provide winter thermal cover and browse. 2. Ecological conditions are provided to sustain viable populations of native and 3. Vegetation management activities should desired non-native species and to achieve encourage intrastand diversity and mast objectives for management indicator producing species. species. Structural Guidelines: 3. Habitat for resident and anadromous fish 1. When determining reserves for even-aged is maintained or enhanced. managed stands on ELTs 10/20, method A 4. Habitat for resident and migratory wildlife or B, or a combination of both should be species is maintained or enhanced. used. For all other ELTs, either method A 5. Provide for self-sustaining populations of or method B should be used. desired fish and other aquatic species. A. Two to four live trees with diameters 6. Desired fish populations in lakes and greater than or equal to the average streams are achieved through cooperation stand diameter per acre should be with the Michigan Department of Natural reserved. Preference should be given Resources (MDNR), Tribes and U.S. Fish to live den trees. and Wildlife Service (FWS). B. Variable size reserve islands/clumps that total up to a half-acre for every 10 Objectives: acres should be reserved. 1. In this planning period, annually restore 2. For uneven-aged managed stands: or enhance 9 to 13 miles of riparian and in-channel stream habitat. This will A. Up to five live den trees per acre include 7 to 11 miles of coldwater and should be reserved, unless they coolwater habitat annually. present a safety concern. B. Live den trees felled for safety reasons 2. In this planning period, annually restore should be left as coarse woody debris. or enhance conditions for warmwater fish communities in 3 to 5 lakes.

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3. For reserve snag and down logs in C. Two or more down logs per acre that managed stands: are equal to or greater than 10 inches A. Two to 10 snags per acre should be in diameter and 8 feet long, should be reserved, except where additional maintained. In stands where tree snags would be beneficial to rare diameters are less than 10 inches, species or unless they present a safety down log diameters equal to or greater concern or interfere with mechanical than the average stand diameter site preparation. Additional snags should be provided. should be recruited from live trees Plant Management Guidelines: where there are fewer than two snags 1. Indigenous plants of the Hiawatha NF per acre. seed zone or those non-native plants B. Snags felled for safety reasons should identified at project level, should be used be left as coarse woody debris. in all planting or seeding operations. Federal Threatened and Endangered Species (T&E) and Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) Goals: after consultation with the U.S. Fish and 1. The Hiawatha National Forest contributes Wildlife Service. to the conservation and recovery of federal 2. All known populations of threatened and threatened and endangered species and endangered plant species and wildlife nest works cooperatively with U.S. Fish and and denning sites will be protected. Wildlife Service, Tribes, other state and Guidelines: federal agencies and recovery teams to update and implement threatened and 1. Conservation approaches for regional endangered species recovery plans and forester sensitive species should be management strategies. implemented. 2. The Hiawatha National Forest contributes 2. Non-native invasive plants within element to the conservation of Regional Forester occurrences of threatened and endangered Sensitive Species and works cooperatively and Regional Forester Sensitive Species with state and federal agencies to complete should be eliminated or controlled. and implement conservation assessments 3. Adverse impacts to known occurrences of and strategies. Regional Forester Sensitive Species should Objectives: be avoided, minimized or mitigated. 1. In this planning period, complete 10 4. Prior to implementing management conservation assessments of Regional activities, surveys should be conducted for Forester Sensitive Species. federally listed species and Regional Forester Sensitive Species where suitable 2. In this planning period, establish at least habitat exists. one new population of: 5. For all threatened and endangered species, Downy sunflower (Helianthus mollis) special closure orders may be used to Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus protect known breeding areas, nests and heterolepis) denning sites. Douglas hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) 6. Deference should be afforded to implementing conservation measures for Lakeside daisy (Hymenoxys herbacea) federal threatened and endangered species Standards: when and where they conflict with 1. Signed federal recovery plans for conservation measures for unlisted species. threatened and endangered species will be implemented. Deviations specific to the Hiawatha National Forest may be allowed

Hiawatha National Forest 2-17 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction 2600 Wildlife, Fish & Sensitive Plant Habitat

2. Vegetation is managed to provide for foraging habitat in proximity to denning habitat in amounts sufficient to provide for lynx. 3. Sufficient habitat connectivity is maintained to allow for lynx dispersal and movement. The Forest participates in cooperative efforts to identify, map and maintain or restore, where feasible, linkage areas that provide habitat connectivity sufficient to allow lynx to disperse between disjunct blocks of lynx habitat at larger landscape scales. 4. Well-distributed denning habitat is American Bittern & Yellow Rail (RFSS) maintained or promoted. Goals: 5. The natural competitive advantage of 1. Graminoid/sedge marshes are maintained Canada lynx in deep snow conditions is or improved to provide suitable habitat maintained. Snow compacting activities conditions. (such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing and dogsledding) are planned and American Peregrine Falcon (RFSS) accommodated in areas best suited to the activity while maintaining large, inter- Guidelines: connected areas of habitat with little or no 1. Design management activities to protect snow compacting, recreational activities. active and historic nest sites and to Guidelines: minimize disturbance in primary and secondary zones. 1. Sufficient habitat connectivity within east and west units should be maintained to Black-backed Woodpecker (RFSS) allow for lynx dispersal. Guidelines: 2. Following a disturbance on National Forest System land greater than 20 contiguous 1. Patches of mature forest should be acres (such as a blowdown, fire, insect or retained around known black-backed disease) that could contribute to lynx woodpecker breeding sites. denning habitat, generally retain a minimum of 10% of the affected area on Black Tern, Common Loon NFS land unless salvage or prescribed fire and Trumpeter Swan (RFSS) is necessary to address human health, safety or scenic integrity. Guidelines: 1. Inland lakes should have seasonal 3. Where additional designated trails for restrictions to protect active black tern, snow compacting activities are desired loon and trumpeter swan nests. within lynx habitat, proposed routes should be planned to protect or improve Canada Lynx (Threatened) the habitat’s integrity and minimize snow compaction. Trail design should strive to: Goals: Move recreational use away from more 1. Vegetation is managed to retain, improve, sensitive or better quality lynx habitat or develop habitat characteristics suitable Concentrate use within existing for snowshoe hare and other important developed areas rather than developing alternate prey in sufficient amounts and new recreational areas in lynx habitat distributions so that availability of prey is Be located within the right of way of a not limiting lynx recovery. currently used road and trail system

Hiawatha National Forest 2-18 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction 2600 Wildlife, Fish & Sensitive Plant Habitat

4. Where existing unplowed roads and vegetation exceeds the suitable size regularly-used snow-compacted trail and criterion for Kirtland’s warbler breeding, route densities coincide with lynx habitat, unless such activity maintains or enhances and are greater than 2 miles per square Kirtland’s warbler habitat on the forest, as mile (at the LTA scale) where possible or determined in consultation with the U.S. feasible, reduce density through seasonal Fish and Wildlife Service.

restrictions or decommissioning to maintain or improve the natural Lake Sturgeon (RFSS) competitive advantage of lynx in deep Goals: snow. If reduction of road and/or trail density is not possible or feasible, the 1. The Hiawatha National Forest cooperates density should not be increased above with State, Tribal and Federal agencies to current levels. restore lake sturgeon in the Whitefish and Sturgeon Rivers. 5. Denning habitat should be maintained in patches larger than five acres that Northern Goshawk and comprise at least 10% of lynx habitat. Red-shouldered Hawk (RFSS) Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly Guidelines: (Endangered) 1. Best available science recognized by Forest Standards: biologists, should be used to protect active and historic breeding territories, nesting 1. Known Hine’s emerald dragonfly breeding areas and post-fledging habitat. sites will be protected. Piping Plover (Endangered) Kirtland's Warbler (Endangered) Goals: Goals: 1. Nesting habitat is improved by providing 1. Provide for Kirtland's warbler nesting structure and controlling non- management within forest-wide vegetation native invasive species. goals. Standards: 2. Provide a minimum of 6,700 acres of jack 1. Known active piping plover nest sites will pine in the appropriate size class (K2), as be protected with area closures and determined in consultation with the U. S. predator control if necessary. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), striving to achieve desired Kirtland's warbler stocking Guidelines: levels on ELT 10/20 in MAs 4.4 or 4.2. 1. Recreation activities should be discouraged Objectives: near active and historic piping plover 1. Regenerate an average of 670 acres of jack nesting sites. pine per year in MAs 4.4 or 4.2 on ELT 10/20 to provide Kirtland's warbler habitat. Guidelines: 1. For Kirtland's warbler management, strive to regenerate jack pine stands with the appropriate stem density and non-forested openings, as determined in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2. Pre-commercial thinning or release of jack pine should not occur in areas managed for Kirtland's warbler prior to vegetation achieving the suitable size criterion or until

Hiawatha National Forest 2-19 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction 2600 Wildlife, Fish & Sensitive Plant Habitat

Sharp-tailed Grouse (RFSS) Lakeside Daisy (Hymenoxys herbacea) (Threatened) Objectives: 1. In this planning period, maintain Guidelines: permanent openings within vegetation 1. Management in the Alvar community goals for habitat suitable for sharp-tailed should be designed to protect Lakeside grouse. daisy element occurrences.

Dwarf Bilberry Pitcher’s Thistle (Vaccinium cespitosum) (RFSS) (Cirsium pitcheri) (Threatened) Guidelines: Guidelines: 1. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) should not be sprayed in the vicinity of dwarf bilberry 1. Management in Great Lakes shoreline sand populations due to the host relationship dune/sand beach communities should be with the northern blue butterfly. designed to protect Pitcher’s thistle element occurrences. Dwarf Lake Iris (Iris lacustris) and 2. The biological controls used to control Houghton’s Goldenrod (Solidago non-native thistles should not be used houghtonii) (Threatened) unless it is determined they have no negative effect on Pitcher’s thistle. Guidelines:

1. Management in Great Lakes shoreline sand dune/sand beach, cobble beach, interdunal wetland communities should be designed to protect element occurrences of Dwarf lake iris and Houghton’s goldenrod.

Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium v. americanum) (Threatened) Guidelines: 1. Management within Niagara escarpment community should be designed to protect Hart’s tongue fern element occurrences.

Hiawatha National Forest 2-20 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction 2700 Land Uses Management/ 2800 Minerals and Geology

2700 Land Uses Management

Goals: Objectives: 1. Provide and maintain special use permits 1. Within this planning period, identify and in accordance with resource management correct recreation residences that do not direction and to meet identified Forest meet local safety, health and sanitation and public needs. requirements. 2. Provide for utility transmission corridors 2. Within this planning period identify and and communication sites in accordance correct any special use permits that are with resource management direction and not in compliance. to meet identified Forest and public needs. Standards: 1. No new recreation residence tracts will be developed. Guidelines: 1. Roads and utility distribution systems should be located within existing corridors where possible. 2. New construction, upgrades and replacement of existing utility distribution lines should be buried where possible. 3. Applicable BMPs should be implemented during to protect wetlands and water quality during utility construction and maintenance operations.

2800 Minerals and Geology

Goals: 3. In this planning period, on a project-level 1. Process requests for oil, gas and mineral basis, identify and determine management permits to provide within ecological strategy for geological features on the capabilities, resource management Forest. direction and to meet identified forest and Standards: public needs. 1. Caves eligible to be designated as 2. Unique geological features on the Forest significant caves, will be managed to are protected. ensure that the cave resources are 3. Common variety minerals are provided for protected. Forest and other uses in a cost-efficient manner, and subject to availability for Guidelines: non-Forest uses. 1. Maintain, to the extent feasible, geologic 4. Non-native invasive species are controlled special areas and natural karst processes in gravel pits. while providing for other land uses as appropriate. Objectives: 2. Sand and gravel extraction below seasonal 1. In the next decade, complete pit water table within ¼ mile of designated management plans for all operational pits. cool and cold water streams should be 2. In this planning period, inventory avoided. significant geologic features.

Hiawatha National Forest 2-21 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction 2800 Minerals and Geology 3400 Forest Pest Management

3. Surface occupancy for mineral extraction Known dispersed recreation areas will not be allowed on lands with federal Developed recreation areas mineral ownership and the these Organizational camps resources or uses: Winter deer areas of less than 1,000 Sensitive wildlife nesting/mating acres areas Lakes, streams and rivers Designated trails Wetlands and floodplains of 15 acres Recreational residences or less Cultural resource areas Designated old growth areas Threatened and endangered wildlife and plant habitats Special management areas (such as experimental forests, research natural areas, cRNAs and areas having unique geological features) Forest management areas designated for non-motorized use Wild and scenic river corridors

3400 Forest Pest Management

Desired Conditions: Reduce the impacts Objectives: from invasive species by restoring the forest’s 1. In this planning period, identify and map health in order to be resilient to the effects of areas of non-native invasive species invasive insects, pathogens, plants, animals concentration on the forest. and other pests. 2. Annually treat 40 acres of identified non- native invasive species. Goals: 1. Work with state, local, tribal, other Guidelines: agencies and organizations to discourage 1. Integrated pest management methods the spread of undesirable non-native should be used to minimize the effect or species. prevent the spread of insect and disease 2. Missing ecosystem components are infestations. restored and maintained to improve 2. Promote spatial diversity of vegetation ecosystem resiliency. and age classes guided by the ecological 3. The spread of existing non-native invasive characteristics of the landscape to reduce species is controlled using permissible the risk of insect and disease damage. mechanical, biological and chemical 3. Prescribed burns may be used to prevent controls. the spread of non-native invasive species. 4. Educational materials about controlling 4. Gravel and topsoil should be from a source and/or reducing the spread of non-native where weed reduction practices are being invasive species are developed and used. distributed at appropriate locations including boat launches, trailheads, etc.

Hiawatha National Forest 2-22 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction 5100 Fire Management

5100 Fire Management

Desired Conditions: The Forest has a Wildfire Prevention reduced risk from catastrophic wildland fire due to healthy forests and increasing resilience Goals: to the effects of wildland fires. Accumulations of natural and activity fuels are treated to 1. Wildfire prevention activities emphasize enhance ecosystem resiliency and to maintain joint efforts with state, Tribal, local and desired fuel levels. Prescribed fire is present on other federal agencies. the landscape, restoring or maintaining Objectives: desirable plant community attributes, 1. In this planning period, the Forest will processes and functions. Wildland fire is work with other agencies to prevent actively suppressed, where necessary, to wildfires through: protect life and valuable resources. Unified state-wide interagency reporting system Prescribed Natural Fires Fire prevention education and training Goals: Public information development and dissemination 1. Natural fires are allowed to occur within prescribed parameters within designated Grants and agreements old growth, wildernesses, research natural Community at risk protection plans areas and candidate research natural areas. 2. In this planning period, develop Objectives: community wildfire protection plans for 1. In this planning period, develop prescribed three high risk communities. Work in natural fire plans for all wildernesses and cooperation with other governmental research natural areas. agencies and private property owners.

Fuel Management Fire Suppression Goals: Goals: 1. Fires are managed in a safe and 1. Prescribed fire, mechanical treatments and economically efficient manner giving other tools are used to establish, maintain consideration to the effects on resource or improve vegetative conditions. values and risks to life and property. 2. Vegetation is treated in high fire hazard Objectives: areas within the wildland/urban interface areas to reduce the risk from wildland fire. 1. Prior to the fire season each year, update the Hiawatha Fire Management Action 3. Fuels are reduced and vegetation in the Plan. understory of stands that have historically had natural occurring low intensity surface Guidelines: fires is controlled. 1. Minimum impact management tactics 4. Hazardous fuel loads are reduced where should be used on wildland fires and catastrophic disturbances such as prescribed fires to reduce adverse fire windthrow occur. suppression effects. Objectives: 2. Delivery of chemical retardant, foam, 1. In this planning period, reduce wildfire additives or gray water to surface water risks by fuel management of an average of should be avoided. 1,000 acres per year.

Hiawatha National Forest 2-23 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Management Direction 5400 Land Ownership/ 7100 Engineering Operation

5400 Land Ownership

Goals: 1. Land adjustment activities should strive to meet five basic goals: A. Protect or enhance habitat for federal threatened and endangered and sensitive species, watershed function, research and unique ecological and geological features B. Consolidate ownership to provide blocks of National Forest System land of sufficient size to meet management area objectives C. Reduce amount of property lines D. Improve legal access to National Forest System lands E. Acquire parcels needed for specific management purposes, including private lands within Wildernesses 2. Land adjustments with local communities, governments and Tribes are considered to meet their needs for land from Hiawatha National Forest tracts. 3. Surface and subsurface mineral ownership is consolidated.

7100 Engineering Operations

Guidelines: 1. All management areas (except those noted below), should use Class A property line marking standards. 2. The following management areas, should use Class C property line marking standards: Candidate research natural areas Research natural areas Wild and scenic rivers Wildernesses

Hiawatha National Forest 2-24 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Standards and Guidelines 7700 Transportation System

7700 Transportation System

Desired Conditions: The Hiawatha National Guidelines: Forest provides a system of roads to accomplish required management activities 1. Road reconstruction should follow the and meet the needs of a variety of uses. The existing corridor alignments. transportation system is designed to consider 2. Road use should be restricted when the environmental, social and health concerns conditions would cause damage to the of the public. Roads will be maintained at a road, structures, other resources and for level commensurate with the use planned. safety reasons. Goals: 3. Forest roads should be managed per 1. A road system is provided that is direction contained in the Road structurally adequate, safe, Management Objective. environmentally sound and appropriately located to provide transportation that is Road Closure/Decommissioning responsive to public and management needs. Goals: 2. The Forest Service road system provides a 1. Road closures are effective and seamless interface with other public road appropriately signed. agencies. 2. Roads that are not needed for public or 3. New arterial and collector roads are not administrative use or are causing resource constructed. Existing arterial and collector damage are decommissioned. roads are retained. Objectives: Objectives: 1. In this planning period, during project 1. In this planning period, reconstruct an planning, inventory classified and average of 10 miles of arterial/collector unauthorized roads for decommissioning. roads per year. 2. In this planning period, decommission an 2. In this planning period, construct and/or average of 5 miles of roads per year. reconstruct an average of one bridge per Standards: year. 1. Temporary roads will be obliterated and 3. In this planning period, replace an average reclaimed for natural resource purposes in of two major culverts per year. accordance with R-9 soil standards. Guidelines: 1. Classified and unauthorized roads that are not needed for long-term access should be decommissioned. 2. Decommissioned roads should be reclaimed for natural resource purposes in accordance with R-9 soil standards.

Hiawatha National Forest 2-25 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 2 „„ Forest-Wide Standards and Guidelines 7700 Transportation System

Trail and Road Density

Guidelines: 1. When determining trail and road densities for forest management activities, guidance in Table 7700-1 should be followed: Table 7700-1. Maximum Trail and Road Densities. Miles of Miles of non- Miles of Management Motorized Trails per motorized Trails System Roads per Area Square Mile1 per Square Mile Square Mile2 MA 1.2 1 Not Specified 3 MA 2.3 1 Not Specified 4 MA 4.2 1 Not Specified 4 MA 4.4 1 Not Specified 4 MA 4.5 1 Not Specified 2.5 MA 5.1 No motorized trails allowed Not Specified No roads allowed MA 6.1 No motorized trails allowed 3 2 MA 6.2 1 3 2.5 (1.5 open) MA 6.3 No motorized trails allowed 3 0 MA 6.4 1 3 2.5 (1.5 open) MA 7.1 .5 No Limit No Limit MA 8.1 Not Specified Not Specified 1 MA 8.2 Not Specified Not Specified 4 MA 8.3 Not Specified 3 2 MA 8.4 Not Specified 3 Not specified MA 8.4.1 Not Specified 3 Not Specified MA 8.4.2 Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified MA 8.4.3 Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified MA 8.4.4 Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified MA 8.4.5 Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified MA 8.5 Specific guidance for this management area is located in Chapter 3, MA 8.5 1 The motorized trail density identified in the table will not exceed this average across the management area. 2 There are several units assigned to each management area. None of the individual units may exceed the road density assigned to the management area. 3 Long-term road densities may average 4 miles per square mile or more over the entire management area, as needed to accommodate research activities.

Hiawatha National Forest 2-26 2006 Forest Plan

Table of Contents Page Introduction------3-1 Management Area 1.2 ------3-5 Management Area 2.3------3-8 Management Area 4.2------3-11 Management Area 4.4------3-14 Management Area 4.5------3-17 Management Area 5.1 (Congressionally-designated Wildernesses) ------3-20 Management Area 6.1 ------3-24 Management Area 6.2------3-26 Management Area 6.3------3-29 Management Area 6.4------3-31 Management Area 7.1 ------3-34 Management Area 8.1 (Candidate and Research Natural Areas)------3-35 Management Area 8.2 (Duke’s Experimental Forest) ------3-38 Management Area 8.3 ------3-40 Management Area 8.4 (Designated wild and scenic and study rivers) ------3-43 Management Area 8.4.1 (Indian WSR) ------3-52 Management Area 8.4.2 (Carp WSR)------3-59 Management Area 8.4.3 (Whitefish WSR) ------3-65 Management Area 8.4.4 (Sturgeon WSR)------3-69 Management Area 8.4.5 (East Branch Tahquamenon WSR)------3-74 Management Area 8.5 (Grand Island National Recreation Area) ------3-78

“As the population of the country rises and demands on the timber, forage, water, wildlife and recreation resources increase, the national forests more and more provide for the material needs of individual, and the economy of the towns and states and contribute to the nation's strength and well-being.”

Edward P. Cliff Forest Service Chief (1962-1972)

Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Introduction

Introduction

This section describes the management Management direction for each direction that is specific to each management area includes: management area on the Hiawatha National Forest. Locations of all the management Purpose of the management area; areas are shown on the maps on pages 3-3 Goals/desired conditions for the and 3-4. A management area (MA), is a management area; specific geographic location on the Hiawatha National Forest, where specific Standards and guidelines specific to the management direction will be applied. management area (if any). For example, there are several MA 1.2 Table 3-1 provides a brief summary of areas on the Forest and the same the management areas and acres assigned to management direction will be applied to them. Each management area should be each area. Maps have been included at the studied in detail to understand the beginning of each management area section standards and guidelines that apply to each that show where each management area is area. located on the Hiawatha National Forest.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-1 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Introduction

Table 3-1. Summary of Management Areas. Acres of MA Emphasis Summary NFS land Aspen management for fiber production and deer and grouse habitat. 1.2 45,891 Dispersed recreation. Older forest management for uneven-age hardwoods and high quality 2.3 208,874 sawlogs. Dispersed and developed recreation. 4.2 Conifer management for sawlog production and non-game wildlife. 126,128 Conifer management for fiber production and upland wildlife species 4.4 113,166 habitat. Dispersed and developed recreation. Older forest management for conifer sawlogs, wetland plant 4.5 communities, deeryards and upland and lowland wildlife habitat. 116,065 Dispersed recreation. 5.1 Congressionally-designated Wildernesses. 37,020 Semi-primitive non-motorized (SPNM) recreation and undisturbed 6.1 11,486 wildlife species habitats. Semi-primitive motorized (SPM) recreation and access to fishing and 6.2 canoeing areas. Even and uneven-aged timber management and game 17,511 and non-game wildlife habitats. Semi-primitive non-motorized recreation and non-game wildlife 6.3 2,606 habitats. Game and non-game wildlife habitat; waterfowl and wetland habitat. 6.4 SPM recreation and access to hunting and fishing areas. Even and 46,603 uneven-aged timber management. 7.1 Developed recreation areas. 1,086 Candidate and Research Natural Areas (protected areas of significant 8.1 16,078 biological, geological or cultural features). 8.2 Forest research activities in concentrated areas. 5,573 Even and uneven-aged timber management, wetland plant 8.3 103,964 communities, secluded wildlife habitat and dispersed recreation. 8.4 Congressionally-designated Wild & Scenic Rivers. 29,841 8.5 Direction for the Grand Island National Recreation Area. 13,421 Total National Forest System Acres 895,313

Hiawatha National Forest 3-2 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Introduction

Figure 3-1. Management Area Map of the East Unit of the Hiawatha National Forest

Canada Lake Superior

!(123 6.3 7.1[_ Sault 2.3 6.2 St Marie 6.3 6.3 [_2.3 6.2 6.2 7.1 6.2 2.3 ¨¦§75 [_ 2.3 6.1 2.3 2.3 Piatt 2.3 2.3 Lake 6.1 8.1 2.3 4.4 !(221 4.5 !(28

8.4.5 4.5 8.4.5 4.5 4.5 2.3 129 4.2 [_7.1 !( 4.5 4.2 !(8 8.4.5 4.4 4.2 8.3 5.1 6.4

8.1

4.5 Rudyard 4.4 8.3

4.5 8.3 48 4.5 !( 1.2 ¨¦§75 Carp 2.3 Lake 8.3 4.2 1.2 East 2.3 Lake 1.2 2.3 2.3

6.4 4.2 4.5 6.1 6.4 129 8.4.2 5.1 !( 6.4 6.1 8.4.2 1.2 6.4 4.2 8.1 4.5 8.4.2 1.2 134 6.4 8.4.2 !( 6.2 Cedarville ut2 7.1 [_ Brevoort Lake 6.4 8.1 7.1[_ !(123 5.1.1

Round 8.1 Lake 6.3 6.4 Hay Government Lake Island 6.4 8.1

Lake Huron Chain St Ignace Lake Lake Michigan

5.1 . ¨¦§75 Round Island

0510 Miles Mackinaw City

The Forest Service uses the most current and complete data available. GIS data and product accuracy may Management Areas vary. They may be developed from sources of differing accuracy. Using GIS products for purposes other than Management Areas Lakes (larger than 150 acres) those, for which they were created, may yield inaccurate or misleading results. The Forest Service reserves the National Forest Boundary right to correct, update, modify, or replace GIS products East Unit [_ MA 7.1 sites and data without notification. For more information contact the Hiawatha National Forest GIS coordinator, 2727 North Lincoln Road, Escanaba, MI 49829 Hiawatha National Forest (906) 786-4062.

DATE: 1/3/2006 FILE: C:\1gis\projects\FP_Revision\Maps_for_documents\FEIS_FPlan_Maps\fplan_Ch3_MAs_East_8x11.mxd

Hiawatha National Forest 3-3 Final Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Introduction

Figure 3-2. Management Area Map of the West Unit of the Hiawatha National Forest

8.1

8.5 Lake Superior Echo Lake

(!28 2.3

6.1 7.1 2.3 [_ 2.3 Au 5.1.3 Train Munising [_Lake 8.1 2.3 8.2 4.2 (!94 (!28 8.2 4.2 8.1 Cleveland Cliffs Basin 8.1 Lily 8.3 Lake t41 (!67 4.2 7.1 8.3 u 4.2 2.3 2.3 2.3 8.4.1 [_

8.4 [_ 6.2 5.1.2 8.4.3 Grassey [_ 8.1 2.3 Lake Lake Stella 4.2 2.3 2.3 6.1 8.4.1 4.5 6.2 8.4 4.2 2.3 Round 2.3 Corner Lake 4.4 (!94 8.4.3 Lake 4.5 8.4 2.3 8.1 4.5 4.4 8.4.3 Thunder 4.4 Lake 4.5 2.3 2.3 8.4.3 Ý13 2.3 8.4.4 Chicago [_ 2.3 Lake 4.5 2.3 2.3 8.4.1 4.2 8.4.3 8.3 4.2

(!35 8.1 (!149 8.4.4 ut41 4.4 4.5 1.2 Rapid 8.4.3 River 4.2 1.2 4.5 4.5 Moss ut2 Lake 4.4 ut2 4.5 4.5 8.4.4

4.5 8.1 Gladstone 8.1 4.4 7.1 [_ 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 Garden 4.5 8.1

t41 ut2 u Escanaba 4.5 (!35 . 8.1 0510 7.1 [_ Lake Michigan Miles

The Forest Service uses the most current and complete data available. GIS data and product accuracy may Management Areas Management Areas Lakes (larger than 150 acres) vary. They may be developed from sources of differing accuracy. Using GIS products for purposes other than those, for which they were created, may yield inaccurate National Forest Boundary or misleading results. The Forest Service reserves the [_ MA 7.1 sites right to correct, update, modify, or replace GIS products West Unit and data without noti fication. For more information Major_Highways contact the Hiawatha National Forest GIS coordinator, 2727 North Lincoln Road, Escanaba, MI 49829 Hiawatha National Forest (906) 786-4062.

DATE: 1/3/2006 FILE: C:\1gis\projects\FP_Revision\Maps_for_documents\FEIS_FPlan_Maps\fplan_Ch3_MAs_West_8x11.mxd

Hiawatha National Forest 3-4 Final Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 1.2

Management Area 1.2

Figure 3-3. The locations of Management Area 1.2 are shown in dark gray.

Suited Uses: To manage aspen for fiber Due to the proximity to the northern end production to the regional economy; to of Lake Michigan, windthrow is the dominant provide habitat and hunting opportunities for natural disturbance factor in these LTAs. The wildlife species such as deer and grouse; and wet, fine textured soils of the Pine River to provide dispersed recreation. Patterned Wetlands and Rudyard Clay Plain Landscape Description: This area consists of LTAs cause shallow rooting of trees, which relatively flat to rolling topography. Slopes are exacerbates the windthrow potential. typically less than 5 percent but range up to Pre-settlement vegetation information 25 percent. Glacial landforms include clay lake indicates aspen was not uncommon in this plains, lake plains, bedrock controlled ground management area. moraines and a few areas of wet beach ridges. Desired Conditions: Aspen is common, Soils are typically finer textured with although northern red oak, paper birch, relatively high productivities. The soil balsam fir, jack pine, red maple, red pine and moisture regime is wet-mesic. Wetlands white pine are also found. Vegetation occupy about 46 percent of the area. management is directed at providing age Major landtype associations (LTAs) diversity in aspen stands, which range from include: Fishdam Embayment, Isabella 10 to 25 acres. Regenerated aspen stands will Remnant Moraine, Pine River Patterned be thick and may contain a variety other tree Wetland and Niagara South. Minor LTAs species. A mix of aspen, hardwoods and include: Cooks Moraine, Cooks Outwash, conifers will be managed to provide diversity Rudyard Clay Plain and Niagara II. for a variety of wildlife species.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-5 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 1.2

Deer, snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, Table 3-2 provides the vegetation woodcock and golden-winged warbler use the composition and structure goals for this aspen stands for food and cover. Down, dead management area. Vegetation goals apply to or diseased trees remain within the forest, suited for timber production. offering additional habitat diversity. For some vegetation classes, Decades 1 During timber harvest activities, the sights and 2 vegetative objectives will exceed the and sounds of heavy equipment may be desired condition goals for that vegetation obvious. Logging trucks and decks of class. These short-term deviations are pulpwood may be seen frequently. Individual necessary to create conditions to move openings created by timber harvests will vegetation into other condition classes. Some generally be obscured within a few years vegetation conditions will require several because of the rapid aspen regrowth. decades to achieve desired conditions because The road network provides access to a of the time it takes for forests to grow and variety of recreation activities such as succeed to other seral conditions. dispersed camping, sightseeing, hunting, Upland openings are classified as skiing or hiking. Off-highway vehicle use unsuited; however the goals for upland occurs on designated/ posted trails and roads openings are expressed as a percentage of within this management area. Snowmobile suited land. If an ELT had less than 1,000 use generally occurs on groomed trails and acres, no vegetation goals were developed. Forest roads. Closed roads will provide Any management activities in these ELTs opportunities for non-motorized recreation. should focus on moving toward the desired condition. Vegetation Composition Goals: These goals reflect the desired condition over the planning The table is divided into three major horizon (100-150 years). The Hiawatha sections: ecological landtype classes, tree size National Forest will manage vegetation using classes and species groups. The figures in the ecological landtype (ELT) classifications. An boxes are the minimum and maximum ELT is a framework that allows natural percentages of each species by size class that resource managers to identify, describe and will comprise the ELT. These ranges set the map units of land with similar physical and goals for managing species composition and biological characteristics at scales suitable for structure. natural resources planning and management.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-6 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 1.2

Table 3-2. MA 1.2 Vegetation Composition and Size Goals by Ecological Land Types Openings Aspen Jack Pine Mid Seral Late Seral Size Max Max Max Max Max ELT Class Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % 0 1 3 1 2 6 2 6 0 3 1 4 10 2 8 18 5 12 1 3 3 12 20 3 10 18 5 20 2 4 3 12 4 0 3 1 5 8 20 5 0 1 3 1 4 10 2 10 2 14 25 6 15 30 3 17 30 7 15 4 12 4 0 5 8 20 5 13 5 2 10 3 12 0 40 1 4 10 1 5 2 10 20 2 8 5 10 50 3 17 25 3 10 10 20 90 4 4 10 6 10 6 16 5 3 13 0 1 3 1 5 10 1 10 2 25 35 2 15 1 5 60 3 30 40 3 18 5 15 4 0 5 5 20 4 15 5 1 12 2 12 0 1 3 6 1 7 1 10 2 15 20 7 15 3 12 70A 3 20 30 6 15 5 15 4 0 10 6 15 5 0 1 3 8 2 15 30 70B 3 20 30 4 0 10 5 80A, 80B: There are no vegetation goals for these ELTs.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-7 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 2.3

Management Area 2.3

Figure 3-4. The locations of Management Area 2.3 are shown in dark gray.

Suited Uses: To provide quality sawlogs for Wetlands occupy about 20 percent of the lumber and veneer to the regional economy; area and are located along streams and in ice- to manage northern hardwoods for wildlife formed depressions (lowlands). habitat for species such as northern goshawk, Dominant landtype associations include: red-shouldered hawk, American marten and Munising Moraine IV, Onota Channelized redback salamander; and to provide dispersed Moraines, Munising Disintegration Moraine, and developed recreation. Boot Lake Plain, Au Train Bedrock Controlled Landscape Description: This area consists Moraines, Steuben Segment, Niagara of rolling to steep topography with slope Escarpment I, Sand/Clay Transistion North gradients ranging from about 6 percent to and Haymeadow Buried Moraine. Other LTAs 40 percent with some steeper areas in the include: Lake Stella Complex, Trenary Till wave cut lake plain landform and in minor Plain and Lake Superior Plains. areas of the ice contact landforms. Glacial Due to well-drained soils and deep rooted landforms include bedrock-controlled ground trees, individual tree or small gap windthrow moraines, ground moraines, ice margin is the dominant natural disturbance regime. complexes and small areas of clay lake plains Northern hardwoods is the dominantly forest and outwash plains. type and presettlement vegetation data Soils range from productive sands to indicates northern hardwoods was the loamy sands and silt loams. Soils are dominant forest type present in 1850. dominantly productive uplands, with wetlands developed in kettle areas and along streams and lake margins.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-8 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 2.3

Desired Conditions: Northern hardwoods, Vegetation Composition Goals: These goals such as sugar maple and beech, dominate this reflect the desired condition over the planning area, although red maple, cherry, yellow birch horizon (100-150 years). The Hiawatha and basswood are also found. In addition, National Forest will manage vegetation using white pine and hemlock will be interspersed ecological landtype (ELT) classifications. An within the hardwood stands. Areas appear ELT is a framework that allows natural largely unaltered for long periods of time and resource managers to identify, describe and the forest canopy appears continuous over map units of land with similar physical and large areas. Generally, trees biological characteristics at from seedling to sawtimber scales suitable for natural size grow within the same resources planning and stand. Areas of even-aged management. hardwoods and early seral Table 3-3 provides the species are evident. Down, vegetation composition and dead or diseased trees structure goals for this remain within the forest, management area. Vegetation offering wildlife habitat. goals apply to suited for timber Black bear, black-throated production. blue warbler, northern For some vegetation goshawk, red-shouldered classes, Decades 1 and 2 hawk, wood thrush, veery, vegetative objectives will exceed American marten, redback the desired condition goals for salamander and barred owl that vegetation class. These are found in this area. short-term deviations are During timber harvest necessary to create conditions activities, the sights and to move vegetation into other sounds of heavy equipment condition classes. Some will be obvious. Logging vegetation conditions will trucks and decks of require several decades to pulpwood and sawlogs may achieve desired conditions be a common sight. Narrow because of the time it takes for single lane roads used for forests to grow and succeed to logging may be blocked by other seral conditions. equipment during harvest Upland openings are operations. classified as unsuited; however the goals for The road network in this management upland openings are expressed as a area serves in transporting timber products percentage of suited land. If an ELT had less and provides access for recreation activities. than 1,000 acres, no vegetation goals were Driving for pleasure, camping at dispersed or developed. Any management activities in developed recreation sites, skiing, hiking, these ELTs should focus on moving toward viewing fall colors, hunting, fishing, trapping, the desired condition. horseback riding and berry picking are some The table is divided into three major activities enjoyed in this area. sections: ecological landtype classes, tree size Off-highway vehicle use occurs on classes and species groups. The figures in the designated/posted trails and roads within this boxes are the minimum and maximum management area. Snowmobile use generally percentages of each species by size class that occurs on groomed trails and Forest roads. will comprise the ELT. These ranges set the Some roads may be closed to protect goals for managing species composition and wildlife habitat or when they are not needed structure. for forest management activities. Closed roads will provide opportunities for non-motorized recreation.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-9 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 2.3

Table 3-3. MA 2.3 Vegetation Composition and Size Goals by Ecological Land Types Openings Aspen Jack Pine Mid Seral Late Seral Size Max Max Max Max Max ELT Class Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % 0 1 5 1 0 1 10 2 1 3 3 1 4 1 5 10 20 20 4 0 5 2 5 20 30 5 10 20 0 1 0 2 2 5 2 5 2 2 8 7 15 7 15 30 3 2 10 6 15 6 15 4 0 5 11 20 10 20 5 4 10 3 10 0 0 1 40 1 0 1 2 1 3 50 3 1 4 90 4 0 2 5 10 20 30 5 50 60 0 1 2 5 2 8 15 60 3 10 20 4 0 5 10 20 15 25 5 5 10 15 25 0 1 1 2 2 5 10 70A 3 6 10 5 10 4 0 1 5 10 25 35 5 20 30 0 1 1 5 2 5 10 70B 3 6 12 5 25 2 10 4 0 5 5 25 12 30 5 6 20 0 1 2 80A 3 5 20 2 10 4 5 20 12 30 5 6 40 0 1 2 80B 3 5 30 2 10 4 5 30 12 30 5 6 40

Hiawatha National Forest 3-10 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 4.2

Management Area 4.2

Figure 3-5. The locations of Management Area 4.2 are shown in dark gray. Suited Uses: To provide conifer timber Carp/Ozark Creek Wetlands LTAs are products to the regional economy and to common. The Watson Till/Wetland complex manage conifer for wildlife habitat for species occupies a small part of the LTA. such as red squirrel, American marten, Desired Conditions: Red pine is the most Kirtland's warbler and pine warbler. common species, although jack pine, oak, Landscape Description: This area aspen, white pine and northern hardwoods predominately consists of gently sloping to are also found. A mixture of conifers and rolling topography. Slope gradients in most hardwoods are evident along lakes and landtype associations (LTAs) are less than streams. The area is managed for conifer 15 percent, but range up to 50 percent on the production, which is favored by wildlife steep faces of the sand dunes in the species such as red squirrel, American marten, ridge/swale LTA. Kirtland's warbler and pine warbler. Landforms include: lake plains, outwash During timber harvest activities, the sights plain lowlands, pitted outwash plains, bedrock and sounds of heavy equipment will be controlled ground moraines and dune capped obvious. Logging trucks and decks of lake plains. Soils are dominantly sands that pulpwood may be a common sight. Narrow range from wet to very dry. single lane roads used for logging may be Wetlands occupy about 26 percent of the blocked by equipment during harvest area. Wetmore Outwash, Wetmore Outwash 2, operations. Harvest sites may be cleared in Beaton Lake Outwash, Ridge/Swale Complex, preparation for reforestation projects. Steuben Outwash/Moraine, Lake Superior Temporary open areas created by timber Highlands, Strongs Outwash Hills and harvest may be evident.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-11 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 4.2

The road network in this management Table 3-4 provides the vegetation area serves in transporting timber products composition and structure goals for this and provides access for recreation activities. management area. Vegetation goals apply to Driving for pleasure, camping at dispersed or suited for timber production. developed recreation sites, skiing, hiking, For some vegetation classes, Decades 1 viewing fall colors, hunting, fishing, trapping, and 2 vegetative objectives will exceed the horseback riding and berry picking are some desired condition goals for that vegetation activities enjoyed in this area. class. These short-term deviations are Off-highway vehicle use occurs on necessary to create conditions to move designated/posted trails and roads within this vegetation into other condition classes. Some management area. Snowmobile use generally vegetation conditions will require several occurs on groomed trails and Forest roads. decades to achieve desired conditions because Some roads may be closed to protect wildlife of the time it takes for forests to grow and habitat or when they are not needed for forest succeed to other seral conditions. management activities. Closed roads will Upland openings are classified as provide opportunities for non-motorized unsuited; however the goals for upland recreation. openings are expressed as a percentage of Vegetation Composition Goals: These goals suited land. If an ELT had less than 1,000 reflect the desired condition over the planning acres, no vegetation goals were developed. horizon (100-150 years). The Hiawatha Any management activities in these ELTs National Forest will manage vegetation using should focus on moving toward the desired ecological landtype (ELT) classifications. An condition. ELT is a framework that allows natural The table is divided into three major resource managers to identify, describe and sections: ecological landtype classes, tree size map units of land with similar physical and classes and species groups. The figures in the biological characteristics at scales suitable for boxes are the minimum and maximum natural resources planning and management. percentages of each species by size class that will comprise the ELT. These ranges set the goals for managing species composition and structure.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-12 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 4.2

Table 3-4. MA 4.2 Vegetation Composition and Size Goals by Ecological Land Types Openings Aspen Jack Pine Mid Seral Late Seral Size Ma ELT Class Min % Max % Min % Max % Min % Max % Min % Max % Min % x % 0 2 6 1 0 2 3 8 4 10 10 2 2 4 5 12 8 15 3 2 4 10 20 7 15 20 4 1 5 25 40 5 7 15 0 1 6 1 0 2 0 1 4 10 1 5 2 0 2 0 2 8 15 4 10 30 3 0 2 0 2 11 17 3 8 4 0 2 15 40 5 25 5 22 40 7 25 0 0 4 40 1 0 2 1 5 0 5 2 0 4 3 10 1 5 50 3 0 5 6 15 2 7 90 4 0 2 8 15 34 45 5 1 10 25 40 0 0 2 1 1 5 0 2 1 5 1 5 2 3 10 0 5 5 10 4 10 60 3 4 12 0 5 5 10 5 10 4 1 5 0 2 11 18 18 30 5 5 15 8 20 0 1 1 5 0 1 1 5 2 5 10 0 2 6 15 70A 3 6 10 0 2 7 15 8 15 4 0 2 20 30 5 0 1 1 5 1 5 1 5 2 5 10 3 10 2 10 70B 3 6 12 3 10 7 25 4 0 5 7 25 5 0 0 5 1 1 5 1 5 2 3 10 2 10 80A 3 3 20 7 30 4 7 40 5 0 1 1 5 1 5 2 3 10 2 10 80B 3 3 10 7 25 4 7 25 5

Hiawatha National Forest 3-13 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 4.4

Management Area 4.4

Figure 3-6. The locations of Management Area 4.4 are shown in dark gray.

Suited Uses: To provide wildlife habitat for Farm, Raco Sand Plains North and Raco Sand Kirtland’s warbler and other upland species Plains South. such as sharp-tailed grouse, sandhill crane, Desired Conditions: Jack pine is most and black-backed woodpecker; to provide common tree species, although oak, aspen, conifer timber products to the regional paper birch, lowland hardwoods, red pine and economy; and to provide dispersed and white pine are also found. Blueberries may be developed recreation. found throughout the management area. Landscape Description: This area primarily Kirtland’s warbler habitat will be consists of nearly level to gently sloping developed and maintained by incorporating topography. Slope gradients in most areas are large areas of densely stocked young jack pine less than 5 percent. Glacial landforms include: across the landscape. Sharp-tailed grouse, outwash plains, outwash plains lowlands, upland sandpiper, northern harrier, sandhill pitted outwash plains, lake plains and minor crane, American kestrel, bluebird and black- areas of disintegration moraines. backed woodpecker habitat will be provided Soils are dominantly dry sands with low to through large openings/savanna complexes. moderate productivity. Due to the dry, sandy Pockets of densely stocked aspen or jack pine soils and jack pine and red pine forest types, will also be found throughout the complex. fire is the dominant disturbance regime. Mature trees will be left to provide snags Wetlands occupy about 15 percent of the area. and coarse woody debris or could be Dominant LTAs include: the Whitefish Delta, commercially harvested to maintain the Steuben Outwash, Indian River Upland, Mint desired stocking densities and opening

Hiawatha National Forest 3-14 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 4.4

characteristics of the complex. The large biological characteristics at scales suitable for adjacent temporary openings from jack pine natural resources planning and management. harvest will provide additional open land Table 3-5 provides the vegetation habitat. As these stands regenerate and composition and structure goals for this mature, the jack pine will provide habitat for management area. Vegetation goals apply to Kirtland’s warbler and spruce grouse. suited for timber production. During timber harvest activities, the sights For some vegetation classes, Decades 1 and sounds of heavy equipment may be and 2 vegetative objectives will exceed the obvious. Logging trucks and decks of desired condition goals for that vegetation pulpwood may be a common sight. class. These short-term deviations are The road network provides access to a necessary to create conditions to move variety of recreation activities such as vegetation into other condition classes. Some dispersed camping, sightseeing, blueberry vegetation conditions will require several picking, hunting, fishing, skiing or hiking. decades to achieve desired conditions because Off-highway vehicle use occurs on of the time it takes for forests to grow and designated/posted trails and roads within this succeed to other seral conditions. management area. Snowmobile use generally Upland openings are classified as occurs on groomed trails and Forest roads. unsuited; however the goals for upland Some roads may be closed to protect openings are expressed as a percentage of wildlife habitat or when they are not needed suited land. If an ELT had less than 1,000 for forest management activities. Closed roads acres, no vegetation goals were developed. will provide opportunities for non-motorized Any management activities in these ELTs recreation. should focus on moving toward the desired condition. Vegetation Composition Goals: These goals reflect the desired condition over the planning The table is divided into three major horizon (100-150 years).The Hiawatha sections: ecological landtype classes, tree size National Forest will manage vegetation using classes and species groups. The figures in the ecological landtype (ELT) classifications. An boxes are the minimum and maximum ELT is a framework that allows natural percentages of each species by size class that resource managers to identify, describe and will comprise the ELT. These ranges set the map units of land with similar physical and goals for managing species composition and structure.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-15 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 4.4

Table 3-5. MA 4.4 Vegetation Composition and Size Goals by Ecological Land Types Openings Aspen Jack Pine Mid Seral Late Seral Size Max Max Max Max Max ELT Class Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % 0 11 15 1 0 2 7 12 0 3 3 5 10 2 1 3 11 20 1 5 6 10 20 3 1 4 25 35 2 5 6 10 4 0 10 2 5 8 15 5 0 0 3 1 1 5 1 5 2 5 0 5 2 4 10 2 5 8 15 0 5 30 3 5 10 3 5 10 15 1 5 4 1 5 1 5 14 20 2 5 5 10 20 10 15 40, 50, 90: There are no vegetation goals for these ELTs 0 1 5 1 0 2 5 10 1 3 0 5 2 1 3 20 25 3 8 0 5 60 3 1 4 25 30 6 12 0 5 4 0 2 1 5 8 14 4 10 5 3 10 3 15 0 1 5 10 0 3 1 3 2 20 30 0 3 3 7 70A 3 20 30 1 4 5 10 4 0 3 2 10 5 70B, 80A, 80B: There are no vegetation goals for these ELTs

Hiawatha National Forest 3-16 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 4.5

Management Area 4.5

Figure 3-7. The locations of Management Area 4.5 are shown in dark gray. Suited Uses: To provide older forest habitat Dominant LTAs include: The Whitefish/ for wildlife and wetland plant communities; to Au Train lowland, Stonington Till Plain, provide conifer sawlogs to the regional Nahma Lowlands, Mid-Sturgeon Moraine/ economy; and to provide dispersed recreation. Wetland, East Tahquamenon River Drainage, Tahquamenon River Drainage, Wilwin Landscape Description: This area consists of Wetlands and the Lower Carp River Complex. gently sloping to rolling topography with infrequent steep areas where bedrock controls Desired Conditions: Lowland conifers are the the topography. Slope gradients typically most common species, with cedar, hemlock, range from 5 percent to 20 percent with a few spruce and tamarack also widely available. steeper areas. Landforms include glacial Aspen, red and white pine and hardwoods drainage channels, lake plains, bedrock may be mixed in the swamp conifers or found benches and ground moraines. It also includes in separate stands. minor areas of outwash plain, beach ridges Vegetation management provides and dunes. direction for upland and lowland habitat for Soils are dominantly wet mineral and deer and other wildlife species associated with organic. Limestone bedrock often occurs at more remote, older coniferous forests. These relatively shallow (less than 40 inches) depths. forests also provide winter cover for white- The primary disturbance regime in this tailed deer. Bobcat, snowshoe hare, American management area is windthrow. Wetlands marten, Canada lynx, Connecticut warbler, occupy about 68 percent of the area. Cape May warbler and black bear also find suitable habitat in this forest.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-17 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 4.5

Down, dead or diseased trees remain Table 3-6 provides the vegetation composition within the forest, offering habitat for a wide and structure goals for this management area. variety of animals and birds. Timber harvest Vegetation goals apply to suited for timber activities will generally occur in the winter production. season. For some vegetation classes, Decades 1 The road network consisting primarily of and 2 vegetative objectives will exceed the narrow, single lane roads will generally be desired condition goals for that vegetation travelable only in winter after the ground is class. These short-term deviations are frozen. Many roads may be impassable or necessary to create conditions to move closed to vehicle use, which provides vegetation into other condition classes. Some protection for remote wildlife habitat. Two vegetation conditions will require several lane roads may occur adjacent to or pass decades to achieve desired conditions because through the area to provide access to of the time it takes for forests to grow and dispersed recreation opportunities such as succeed to other seral conditions. hunting and fishing. Upland openings are classified as Off-highway vehicle use occurs on unsuited; however the goals for upland designated/posted trails and roads within this openings are expressed as a percentage of management area. Snowmobile use generally suited land. If an ELT had less than 1,000 occurs on groomed trails and Forest roads. acres, no vegetation goals were developed. Vegetation Composition Goals: These goals Any management activities in these ELTs reflect the desired condition over the planning should focus on moving toward the desired horizon (100-150 years). The Hiawatha condition. National Forest will manage vegetation using The table is divided into three major ecological landtype (ELT) classifications. An sections: ecological landtype classes, tree size ELT is a framework that allows natural classes and species groups. The figures in the resource managers to identify, describe and boxes are the minimum and maximum map units of land with similar physical and percentages of each species by size class that biological characteristics at scales suitable for will comprise the ELT. These ranges set the natural resources planning and management. goals for managing species composition and structure.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-18 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 4.5

Table 3-6. MA 4.5 Vegetation Composition and Size Goals by Ecological Land Types % Openings Aspen Jack Pine Mid Seral Late Seral Size Max Max Max Max Max ELT Class Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % 0 1 0 3 2 5 1 5 10 2 2 4 5 15 3 10 3 2 5 7 15 3 10 20 4 2 5 5 10 15 25 5 10 25 0 2 4 1 2 5 2 5 1 5 2 7 12 6 12 2 5 30 3 9 15 6 12 3 8 4 2 5 8 15 14 20 5 8 15 10 20 0 1 2 40 1 1 2 2 1 3 2 5 2 8 50 3 2 5 3 8 8 15 90 4 2 5 5 10 15 25 5 1 5 17 25 0 1 2 6 0 1 1 5 2 8 12 2 4 2 5 7 15 60 3 10 15 3 10 2 5 6 15 4 2 5 0 2 4 10 10 30 5 1 5 17 40 0 1 1 5 1 5 2 5 2 5 10 5 15 3 8 3 6 70A 3 6 10 5 15 5 10 8 15 4 0 2 1 5 1 5 15 25 5 17 25 0 1 2 5 2 10 15 70B 3 12 18 5 10 4 4 8 5 25 10 30 5 15 35 0 1 2 80A 3 20 40 4 30 50 5 0 1 1 5 2 2 10 80B 3 20 40 4 30 50 5

Hiawatha National Forest 3-19 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 5.1(Wildernesses)

Management Area 5.1 Congressionally-Designated Wildernesses

Figure 3-8. The locations of the Hiawatha’s six Wildernesses are shown in dark gray. Suited Uses: To protect and perpetuate 62 percent of the area. The primary landtype Wilderness character and values including, associations are: Sand/Clay Transistion but not limited to, opportunities for scientific North, Sand Clay Transistion South, Niagara study, education, solitude, physical and Escarpment I and Niagara South. Round mental challenge and stimulation and semi- Island lies in the Mackinac Breccia LTA. primitive non-motorized recreation Horseshoe Bay Wilderness has nearly level experiences. to gently sloping topography, with slopes ranging from 2 percent to 10 percent gradient. Landscape Descriptions Landforms include bedrock controlled ground Delirium, Mackinac and Round Island moraines and outwash plain lowlands. Soils Wildernesses are characterized by nearly are dominantly poorly drained mucks and level to gently rolling topography, with slope peats. The primary natural disturbance factor gradients ranging from 2 percent to is windthrow. About 85 percent of the area is 10 percent. Landforms include outwash plain mapped as wetland. Most of the Wilderness lowlands and Clay Lake plains with minor falls within the Huron Lake Beds LTA. areas of bedrock controlled ground moraine Big Island Lake Wilderness has gently and Beach Ridges and Dunes. Soils are sloping to rolling hills with slopes ranging typically wet sands and clays. The primary from 5 percent to 30 percent gradient and lies disturbance regime is individual tree and on a disintegration moraine landform. Soils small gap windthrow. Wetlands occupy about are dominantly sands and sandy loams and

Hiawatha National Forest 3-20 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 5.1(Wildernesses)

the soil moisture regime is mesic and dry human interference. The Forest landscape is mesic. The primary disturbance regime is natural appearing. Opportunities to individual tree or small gap windthrow. experience solitude and self-reliance exist. Wetlands occupy 16 percent of the area. Most Foot trails exist where needed to control use of the Wilderness lies within the Steuben patterns. Dispersed recreational opportunities Segment LTA. for hiking, hunting, snowshoeing and backpacking may be found. Little evidence of Rock River Wilderness is characterized by human intrusion into the area is apparent. rolling topography deeply dissected by two Down, dead or diseased trees remain, offering glacial drainage channels. The glacial drainage habitat for a wide variety of mammals and waters downcut through the sandstone birds. Aquatic ecosystems function naturally bedrock, leaving two channels with extremely without human interference. steep sides and cliffs up to 100 feet high in some areas. Slopes range from 10 percent to Big Island Lake Wilderness: Remote, 60 percent gradient. The Wilderness lies undisturbed areas offer a secluded setting. within the bedrock-controlled ground moraine Visitors will find rolling hills, lakes, islands, and glacial drainage channel landforms. marshes, bogs, wetlands and quiet secluded Soils are dominantly loamy and the soil forests. Access may be by foot, canoe, skis and moisture regime is mesic. Organic and wet watercraft as specifically allowed in mineral soils that are shallow to bedrock, are accordance with the Michigan Wilderness Act present on the bedrock benches and terraces of 1987. Facilities, such as wilderness toilets in the drainage channels. Wetlands occupy and fire rings, may be present, and are about six percent of the Wilderness. Most of normally limited to very low visual impacts the Wilderness is located within the Onota recreation sites. Foot trails exist where needed Channelized Moraine LTA. to control use patterns. Dispersed recreational opportunities for Desired Conditions hiking, hunting, fishing, snowshoeing, Delirium, Mackinac and Round Island backpacking and canoeing may be found. Isolated fishing areas may be found on Wildernesses: Remote, undisturbed areas interior lakes. Little evidence of human offer a secluded setting. Visitors may find intrusion into the area is apparent. rolling hills, rocky outcrops, old lakeshore dunes, lakes, islands, marshes, bogs, wetlands Old roadbeds are allowed to naturally and quiet secluded forests. revegetate except for those needed to provide Facilities may be present when necessary a trail system. Interaction between visitors to protect the wilderness character of the area. will be minimal. Motorized use is prohibited Foot trails exist where needed to control use on National Forest System lands, providing patterns. Dispersed recreational opportunities consistency with Wilderness values. The for hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking and Wilderness is designated Class II Air quality. primitive camping may be found. Isolated Down, dead or diseased trees remain fishing areas may be found on interior lakes or within the forest, offering habitat a wide streams. Little evidence of human intrusion variety of mammals and birds. Ecosystems into the area is apparent. Interaction of function naturally with minimum human recreation users is at a minimum. Motorized interference. A diversity of tree species, age interior travel is not permitted. and size class is found in this natural Down, dead or diseased trees remain appearing forest. The experience is that of within the Forest, offering habitat for a wide quiet, secluded wild woodland. variety of animals and birds. A diversity of Wildlife species that may inhabit this tree species, age and size is found in this forest include moose, black bear, gray wolf, natural appearing forest. The experience is bobcat, otter, fisher, American marten, mink, that of quiet, secluded wild woodland. raccoon, porcupine, red squirrel, bald eagle, Horseshoe Bay Wilderness: Remote, common loon, great blue heron, pileated undisturbed areas offer a secluded setting woodpecker, and various songbirds. where natural processes function without

Hiawatha National Forest 3-21 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 5.1(Wildernesses)

Rock River Canyon Wilderness: Remote, Visual Quality Objectives: In this planning undisturbed areas offer a secluded setting. period, increase the amount of NFS lands Wilderness values are given primary meeting preservation VQO. importance over convenience, comfort, economic and commercial value. Visitors will find steep hills, cliff-lined river canyons, river, Standards & Guidelines waterfall, lake and wetland resources and dense secluded forests. 1600 Information Services Access may be by foot, skis and watercraft Guidelines: as specifically allowed in accordance with the 1. Leave No Trace and Wilderness awareness Michigan Wilderness Act of 1987. Facilities, training tools should be used to inform such as wilderness toilets and fire rings, are current and potential Wilderness users not found in Rock River Canyon. Foot trail about Wilderness ethics and to protect exists for access to Rock River Falls, but no Wilderness resources. other trails are evident. Dispersed recreation opportunities for orienteering, snowshoeing, 2100 Environmental Management hiking, hunting, fishing and backpacking may be found. Isolated fishing areas may be found Guidelines: on interior lakes. Little evidence of human 1. Use of pesticides (herbicides) should occur intrusion into the area is apparent. when necessary to prevent the loss of Old roadbeds are allowed to naturally significant aspects of the Wilderness, or revegetate. Interaction between visitors will be where necessary to prevent significant minimal. Motorized use is prohibited on losses to resource values on private or public lands bordering the Wilderness. National Forest System lands. Down, dead or diseased trees remain within the forest, offering for a wide variety of mammals and 2300 Recreation Management birds. Ecosystems function naturally with Recreation Opportunities Guidelines: minimum human interference. The 1. Recreation use should be managed under Wilderness is designated Class II air quality. a semi-primitive non-motorized A diversity of tree species, age and size Recreation Opportunity Class. class is found in this natural appearing forest. The experience is that of quiet, secluded wild 2. Random camping should not occur where woodland. Wildlife species that may inhabit it could affect waterbodies, designated this forest include moose, black bear, gray campsite(s), trails or portages. wolf, bobcat, otter, fisher, American marten, 3. Campsites should be closed as necessary mink, raccoon, porcupine, red squirrel, bald to protect threatened, endangered and eagle, common loon, great blue heron, Regional Forester sensitive species. pileated woodpecker, white-tailed deer and 4. Big Island Lake Wilderness may have various songbirds. designated campsites. Vegetation Composition Goals: There are Party Size Guidelines: no vegetation management goals for MA 5.1. 1. Group size may be restricted for camping or travel to maintain/promote Wilderness settings and experiences. Fire Guidelines: 1. Campfires may be prohibited or restricted to protect Wilderness resources. Mechanical Devices Guidelines: 1. The use of mechanical devices (other than wheelchairs) should not occur.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-22 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 5.1(Wildernesses)

2400 Vegetation Management 4063 RNAs and cRNAs Guidelines: Reference MA 8.1 for Research Natural 1. The gathering of miscellaneous forest Area and candidate RNA management. products for commercial and/or personal Standards: use (other than on-site personal 1. If conflicting management direction exists consumption and use) should not be between MA 5.1 (wilderness) and MA 8.1 permitted. (RNA and cRNA), then the most 2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive restrictive of the two directions apply. Plant Habitat Management Guidelines: 1. Non-manipulative research and Guidelines: monitoring activities that are dependent 1. Stocking of native species may occur, on a Wilderness environment should be where this practice occurred prior to allowed. designation of the area as Wilderness 2. Research parties should be limited to 8 and it is people with no more than 1 group in the accomplished by area at any given time within the non-motorized Horseshoe Bay RNA. means. 3. Educational use of the area should be 2. Wildlife species allowed as long as the use supports, may be introduced promotes or does not degrade and fish species Wilderness/RNA resource values, and stocked to does not disturb on-going research perpetuate or activities. recover a 4. Campfires and collecting firewood should threatened or endangered species, or to not be permitted within RNAs. restore native species eliminated or reduced by human influence. 5100 Fire Management 3. Habitat may be manipulated to correct Guidelines: conditions resulting from human 1. Wildfire suppression tactics and holding influence or to protect threatened or lines for fires should mitigate damage to endangered species. Wilderness (e.g. RNA, WSR, etc), visual 2700 Special Uses quality objectives, threatened and endangered species, and cultural sites, Guidelines: unique to the area. 1. No new utility corridors should be 2. Water should be used instead of fire allowed. retardants whenever possible.

3. Prescribed natural fire and human-ignited 4000 Research prescribed fire should occur to protect Guidelines: Wilderness values.

1. Temporary research and monitoring devices should be installed and operated 7700 Transportation System only when the desired information is Guidelines: essential and cannot be obtained from a 1. No roads should be provided except those location outside the Wilderness or RNA, authorized to access private lands within and the proposed device is the minimum the Wilderness. tool necessary to accomplish the objective safely and successfully. 2. Maintenance on authorized roads should be consistent with Wilderness values.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-23 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 6.1

Management Area 6.1

Figure 3-9. The locations of Management Area 6.1 are shown in dark gray.

Suited Uses: To provide semi-primitive non- Lake Superior Plains, Niagara South and the motorized (SPNM) recreation activities. Carp River Complex. Provide a natural setting for long-lived trees. Desired Conditions: Forests are dominated Species benefiting from this wildlife habitat by a mix of hemlock, red pine, white pine, include: pileated woodpecker, fisher, gray cedar and northern hardwoods. Forests will wolf, American marten and Canada lynx. generally appear older and serene with large Landscape Description: This area consists stately trees. Little evidence of human of a wide variety of ecological settings and influence is apparent. The older, mature forest conditions. Topography is generally rolling, will provide the isolation needed for wildlife but includes steep areas in the Grant Creek species such as the American marten, bobcat, and Pendills Creek watersheds. Slopes range Canada lynx, fisher, gray wolf and pileated from 5 percent to 15 percent in most areas, but woodpecker. are up to 60 percent in the upper part of Grant Management activities will be designed to Creek and Pendills Creek. The landforms retain the remote setting. Timber harvest represented include moraines, wave cut lake activities will generally be of small scale, plains and clay lake plains. infrequent entries, short duration and Soils are dominantly loamy or sandy and scheduled seasonally to protect recreation have mesic soil moisture regime. Wetlands values and wildlife habitat areas. occupy about 27 percent of the area. The LTAs Roads are closed to motorized vehicles, include: the Au Train Bedrock Controlled although seasonal motorized uses may be Moraines, Steuben Segment, Embayment, permitted for forest management needs.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-24 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 6.1

Roads may border the management area to provide access for remote/secluded recreation activities. Recreational experiences may include hiking, skiing, bicycling, viewing scenery, berry picking, nature study, hunting and fishing. Interaction of recreation users is low, and low impact facilities include dispersed campsites and horse trails. Non-motorized trails within the management area will emphasize looped trail opportunities. Vegetation Composition Goals: There are no vegetation management goals for Management Area 6.1.

Standards & Guidelines 2700 Land Uses Management

2300 Recreation Management Guidelines: Special uses should only be permitted for Guidelines: 1. those uses that do not detract from the 1. Trailheads should be located on the semi-primitive environment. Permits may perimeter or outside the management also be allowed for access needed to area. supply utilities to private land, recreational facilities or administrative 2400 Vegetation Management sites.

Guidelines: 7700 Transportation System 1. Vegetation management should be allowed for resource enhancement, insect Standards: and disease treatments and/or to promote 1. This management area is closed to all old growth characteristics. motorized use except for administrative purposes or those authorized by permit or contract.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-25 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 6.2

Management Area 6.2

Figure 3-10. The locations of Management Area 6.2 are shown in dark gray.

Suited Uses: To provide semi-primitive Segment, Steuben Outwash, Lake Superior motorized (SPM) recreation with access to Plain, Paradise Embayment, Huron Lake Beds fishing and canoeing areas. To supply even and St. Martin Bay Wetlands. and uneven-aged timber products to the Desired Conditions: The area has a mix of regional economy. To provide a natural setting northern hardwoods and conifers such as for long-lived trees to provide habitat for sugar maple, beech, oak, hemlock, yellow loons, gray wolf, barred owl, pileated birch, white and red pine, cedar and aspen are woodpecker, bald eagle and black bear. found. The Forest appears largely unaltered Landscape Description: This area consists for long periods of time. of a wide variety of ecological settings and Vegetative management enhances the conditions. Topography is generally rolling recreation values and creates wildlife habitat and slopes range from 5 percent to 15 percent for American marten, loon and black bear. gradient. It includes portions of disintegration The gray wolf, Canada lynx, barrel owl, moraines, bedrock controlled ground pileated woodpecker and bald eagle also moraines, beach ridges and dunes and benefit from the vegetative diversity and older outwash plains. forest. Harvest activities will generally be Soils are typically well-drained sands, but scheduled to avoid impacts on recreationists. include poorly drained lake deposits and The road network in this management organic soils near St. Martin. Wetlands occupy area serves in transporting timber products about 20 percent of the area. Dominant and provides access for recreation activities. landtype associations include: the Steuben

Hiawatha National Forest 3-26 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 6.2

Two-lane arterial roads may be adjacent to or pass through the area to provide access for recreation activities. Recreational experience afforded by these areas may include hiking, skiing, viewing scenery, camping (rustic cabins, dispersed sites), berry picking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and horseback and bicycle riding. Off-highway vehicle use occurs on designated/posted trails and roads within this area. Snowmobile use generally occurs on groomed trails and Forest roads. Many roads may be closed to provide a semi-primitive setting for recreation activities, for wildlife habitat protection, and when not needed for forest management activities. Any management activities in these ELTs should focus on moving toward the desired Vegetation Composition Goals: These goals condition. reflect the desired condition over the planning horizon (100-150 years).The Hiawatha The table is divided into three major National Forest will manage vegetation using sections: ecological landtype classes, tree size ecological landtype (ELT) classifications. An classes and species groups. The figures in the ELT is a framework that allows natural boxes are the minimum and maximum resource managers to identify, describe and percentages of each species by size class that map units of land with similar physical and will comprise the ELT. These ranges set the biological characteristics at scales suitable for goals for managing species composition and natural resources planning and management. structure.

Table 3-8 provides the vegetation composition and structure goals for this Standards & Guidelines management area. Vegetation goals apply to suited for timber production. 2300 Recreation Management For some vegetation classes, Decades 1 and 2 vegetative objectives will exceed the Guidelines: desired condition goals for that vegetation 1. Recreation facilities should be constructed class. These short-term deviations are to meet Recreation Development levels 1 necessary to create conditions to move (primitive) and 2 (semi-primitive) vegetation into other condition classes. Some standards. vegetation conditions will require several decades to achieve desired conditions because 2700 Land Uses Management of the time it takes for forests to grow and succeed to other seral conditions. Guidelines: Upland openings are classified as 1. Special uses should only be permitted for unsuited; however the goals for upland those uses that do not detract from the openings are expressed as a percentage of semi-primitive environment. Permits may suited land. If an ELT had less than 1,000 also be allowed for access needed to acres, no vegetation goals were developed. supply utilities to private land, recreational facilities or administrative sites.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-27 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 6.2

Table 3-7. MA 6.2 Vegetation Composition and Size Goals by Ecological Land Types Openings Aspen Jack Pine Mid Seral Late Seral Size Max Max Max Max Max ELT Class Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % 0 0 7 1 0 6 10 2 10 15 3 10 15 20 4 30 60 5 20 30 0 1 2 30 3 4 15 50 5 15 50 0 0 2 40 1 0 1 2 0 3 50 3 0 3 90 4 20 50 5 20 50 0 0 1 1 0 3 0 2 2 1 5 1 5 60 3 1 6 1 5 4 1 5 15 30 5 20 50 70A, 70B 80A, 80B: There are no vegetation goals for these ELTs

Hiawatha National Forest 3-28 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 6.3

Management Area 6.3

Figure 3-11. The locations of Management Area 6.3 are shown in dark gray.

Suited Uses: Manage for quiet, secluded regime is mesic. About 31 percent of the area forests that provide isolated habitats for is mapped as wetland. The area occurs only on wildlife such as osprey, bald eagle, loon and the Forest’s East Unit and lies on the Lake black bear. Provide dispersed semi-primitive Superior Plains, Paradise Embayment, non-motorized recreational opportunities Munising Moraine IV and Huron Lake Beds such as fishing, hunting, kayaking and landtype associations. snowshoeing. Desired Conditions: Quiet, secluded Landscape Description: This area consists forests are dominated by hemlock, white pine, of rolling topography along the Lake Superior spruce, tamarack, oak and northern shoreline and Government Island. Slopes hardwoods. Forests are older and serene, range from 5 percent to 30 percent gradient. often with large stately trees. Natural Government Island is on a bedrock controlled vegetative succession slowly changes the area ground moraine landform. Areas along the to mixed forests. Rolling hills, big trees, Lake Lake Superior shoreline are on the beach Superior shoreline, open meadows and ridges and dunes landform and the outwash forested lowlands exist in this area. plain landform. Older mature forests provide isolation for Soils are dominantly sandy in this area wildlife species such as the osprey, eagle, and areas along the Lake Superior shoreline American marten, loon, black bear, and support northern hardwoods. Soils on bobcat. Fish and wildlife habitat management Government Island range from well-drained maintains the isolation of the area. Timber gravelly sands to muck. The soil moisture harvests generally do not occur in this area.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-29 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 6.3

Dispersed recreational opportunities include hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking, 2700 Land Uses Management snowshoeing and skiing. Old road corridors may be evident, but are being revegetated. Guidelines: 1. Special uses should only be permitted for Vegetation Composition Goals: There are those uses that do not detract from the no vegetation management goals for semi-primitive environment. Permits may Management Area 6.3. also be allowed for access needed to supply utilities to private land, Standards & Guidelines recreational facilities or administrative sites.

2300 Recreation Management 5400 Landownership Guidelines: Standards: 1. Trailheads should be located on the 1. National Forest System lands in this perimeter or outside the management management area are not available for area. exchange.

2400 Vegetation Management 7700 Transportation System Standards: Standards: 1. Vegetation management will be allowed 1. This management area will be closed to all for resource enhancement, insect and motorized use except for administrative disease treatments and/or to promote old purposes. Roads will be decommissioned. growth characteristics.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-30 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 6.4

Management Area 6.4

Figure 3-12. The locations of Management Area 6.4 are shown in dark gray.

Suited Uses: Provide even and uneven-aged Desired Conditions: Cedar, black spruce, timber products to the regional economy. hemlock, aspen, red and white pine and Provide habitat to benefit species such as: lowland hardwoods dominate this area. bobcat, American marten, black bear, raccoon, Forests have many older, dense conifer stands marsh wren, otter and mink. Provide semi- with openings interspersed throughout the primitive motorized recreation with access to low rolling hills, old lakeshore dunes, forested hunting and fishing activities. wetland, lowland brush, marshes and sedge Landscape Description: This area consists meadows. The forest appears largely of nearly level to gently rolling topography. unaltered for long periods of time. Slopes typically range from 2 percent to Vegetative management is designed to 15 percent. Landforms include outwash plain enhance wildlife habitat for species such as lowlands, outwash plains, clay lake plains, American marten, otter, mink, muskrat, black beach ridges and dunes, bedrock controlled bear, raccoon and marsh wren. Young aspen ground moraines and ground moraines. and hardwoods will provide habitat for deer The soils range from well-drained sands and snowshoe hare. Harvest activities will and loams to poorly drained organics. generally be scheduled seasonally to avoid Wetlands occupy about 64 percent of the area. impacts in wildlife habitat areas and It lies on the Betchler Marsh, Huron Lake recreation use. Beds, Huron Outcrop, St. Martin Bay Wetlands, Moran Complex, Mackinac Breccia and Brevort-Point Aux Chenes LTAs.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-31 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 6.4

For some vegetation classes, Decades 1 and 2 vegetative objectives will exceed the desired condition goals for that vegetation class. These short-term deviations are necessary to create conditions to move vegetation into other condition classes. Some vegetation conditions will require several decades to achieve desired conditions because of the time it takes for forests to grow and succeed to other seral conditions. Upland openings are classified as unsuited; however the goals for upland openings are expressed as a percentage of suited land. If an ELT had less than 1,000 acres, no vegetation goals were developed. Any management activities in these ELTs should focus on moving toward the desired The road network serves in transporting condition. timber products, firewood gathering, access to recreation activities and general forest The table is divided into three major management. Two-lane arterial roads may be sections: ecological landtype classes, tree size adjacent to or pass through the area. classes and species groups. The figures in the boxes are the minimum and maximum Many roads may be closed to provide non- percentages of each species by size class that motorized areas for recreation activities, for wildlife habitat protection, and when not will comprise the ELT. These ranges set the goals for managing species composition and needed for forest management activities. structure. These closed roads will provide opportunities for hiking, skiing, and hunter walking trails. Open roads will serve in providing access for a Standards & Guidelines variety of recreation activities, transporting timber products, firewood gathering and 2300 Recreation Management general forest management. Off-highway vehicle use occurs on Guidelines: designated/posted trails and roads within this 1. Recreation facilities should be constructed management area. Snowmobile use generally to meet Recreation Development levels 1 occurs on groomed trails and Forest roads. (primitive) and 2 (semi-primitive) standards. Vegetation Composition Goals: These goals reflect the desired condition over the planning 2700 Land Uses Management horizon (100-150 years).The Hiawatha National Forest will manage vegetation using Guidelines: ecological landtype (ELT) classifications. An 1. Special uses should only be permitted for ELT is a framework that allows natural those uses that do not detract from the resource managers to identify, describe and semi-primitive environment. Permits may map units of land with similar physical and also be allowed for access needed to biological characteristics at scales suitable for supply utilities to private land, natural resources planning and management. recreational facilities or administrative Table 3-9 provides the vegetation sites. composition and structure goals for this management area. Vegetation goals apply to suited for timber production.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-32 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 6.4

Table 3-8. MA 6.4 Vegetation Composition and Size Goals by Ecological Land Types Openings Aspen Jack Pine Mid Seral Late Seral Size Max Max Max Max Max ELT Class Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % 0 3 6 1 0 1 0 2 10 2 0 3 0 6 3 0 3 0 6 20 4 0 1 0 2 10 30 5 10 30 30: There are no vegetation goals for this ELT. 0 40 1 2 5 2 3 8 1 5 50 3 3 8 3 10 90 4 2 5 7 15 10 20 5 10 20 0 1 2 5 1 5 2 8 12 3 8 60 3 10 15 6 12 10 20 4 3 8 10 20 10 20 5 70A: There are no vegetation goals for this ELT. 0 1 1 5 2 5 10 70B 3 6 12 4 1 5 15 20 5 5 10 80A: There are no vegetation goals for this ELT. 0 1 1 5 1 5 2 80B 3 4 5

Hiawatha National Forest 3-33 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 7.1

Management Area 7.1

Figure 3-13. The locations of Management Area 7.1 are shown as dark gray stars.

Suited Uses: Developed recreation facilities with associated boat launches, picnic areas that are planned to manage at different or and trails are encountered by the visitor. inconsistent development levels with the The design and type of construction surrounding MA direction. materials used in facilities blend with a Landscape Description: The areas have woodland environment, however the facilities gently rolling topography around recreation are highly visible and designed for high- sites and campgrounds. Slopes are typically density-type uses. The variety of recreational less than 15%. They are located on riparian opportunities include: swimming, hiking, areas around lakes and streams. Soils are interpretive tours, fishing, bicycling, historic generally well-drained uplands and support and natural studies, boating, sailing and water late successional hardwood and conifer forest skiing. Facilities may be operated by a types. Wetlands occupy about 8% of the area. concessionaire. Roads may be high standard and high density to serve recreational needs. Desired Conditions: The landscape offers a mosaic of vegetation, including conifer and Vegetation Composition Goals: There are hardwood forests and may often be dominated no vegetation management goals. by a variety of recreational facilities or Facilities: Au Train, Bay Furnace, Bay View/Big structures. A big tree atmosphere is evident in Pines Picnic Area, Brevoort Lake, Camp 7 Lake, some areas; however, a variety of stand types, Colwell Lake, Lake Michigan, Monocle Lake, shape, sizes and arrangements may exist. Pete’s Lake and Soldier’s Lake campgrounds. Vegetation treatments may address safety Peninsula Point, Point Iroquois & Round Island needs or to enhance recreational values. Lighthouses. Bay de Noc Recreation Area and Destination-type recreational developments Clear Lake Education Center. such as lighthouses, modern camping facilities

Hiawatha National Forest 3-34 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MA 8.1: (Candidate and Research Natural Areas)

Management Area 8.1 Candidate and Research Natural Areas

Figure 3-14. The locations of Management Area 8.1 are shown in dark gray. Table 3-9 has additional information about the names and the features of each RNA and CRNA.

Suited Uses: To preserve and maintain areas sands on unstable dunes where wind and for ecological research, observation, genetic active sand movement is the primary natural conservation, monitoring and educational disturbance factor, to very poorly drained activities. To provide areas that serve as a organic soils that are underlain by limestone reference for comparison to similar bedrock at shallow depths. Wetlands occupy ecosystems which are subject to a wider range about 74 percent of the area. of management activities. To provide Portions of the landforms include: lake management direction for candidate RNAs plains, clay lake plains, beach ridges and until evaluated for establishment as RNAs. dunes, bedrock benches, disintegration moraines, bedrock controlled ground Landscape Description: This area consists moraines, ground moraines, outwash plains, of relatively pristine representatives that outwash plain lowlands, outwash fan and typify a variety of ecological habitats. They are perched outwash plain. diverse and to some extent includes rare habitats and geological formations. The Portions of the LTAs include: Brevort- topography is typically gently rolling, but Point Aux Chenes, Moran complex, St. Martin ranges from nearly level in some areas to steep Bay Wetlands, Huron Lake Beds, Betchler on the sides of some of the large dunes in Marsh, Sand/Clay Transistion-North, other areas. Soils range from well-drained Munising Moraine IV, Shingleton Fen, Lake Stella Complex, Mid Sturgeon Moraine,

Hiawatha National Forest 3-35 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MA 8.1: (Candidate and Research Natural Areas)

Haymeadow Buried Moraine, Trenary Till 4. Allow only non-motorized use on the trail Plain, Grand Island-Au Train-Wood Island- within the Grand Island RNA from April 1 Williams Island Bedrock Controlled Moraines, to December 31 and allow snowmobile use Ridge-swale Complex, Stonington Till Plain on the trail from January 1 to March 31. and Nahma Lowlands. 5. Camping will not be allowed within the Desired Conditions: Research Natural Areas Grand Island RNA. and Candidate RNAs are chosen as Guidelines: representatives of ecological communities 1. Motorized use should be prohibited except found on the forest. They vary in size from less for emergency or administrative than 100 acres to more than 1,000 acres. situations. In general, they exhibit minimal evidence of human disturbance, with vegetative 2400 Vegetation Management composition resulting primarily from natural ecological processes rather than human- Guidelines: caused activities. Vegetation reflects the full 1. Vegetation management should occur only diversity of native upland and lowland if the desired vegetation type would be lost communities in the areas and is generally or degraded without treatment. unaffected by non-native invasive species. Natural ecological processes and disturbances 2. Hazard trees may be cut but not removed. shape the landscape. 3. Gathering special forest products and Components include gap replacement/ firewood should not be allowed. individual tree throw and infrequent larger scale blowdown, fire, insect damage, beaver 2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant flooding and variations in Great Lakes levels. Habitat Management Vegetation management activities do not Guidelines: occur. Recreation use may occur, but is not emphasized in these areas. Roads are closed, 1. Wildlife management activities should but there may be some evidence of old road occur only where compatible with the unique values of the area. corridors. Vegetation Composition Goals: There are 2700 Land Uses Management no vegetation management goals for MA 8.1. Standards: 1. Special use permits (including utility Standards & Guidelines corridor permits) will not be issued in designated RNAs. Exceptions may be 2300 Recreation Management made for research or educational activities on a case-by-case basis. Standards: 1. New or expanded recreation use or Guidelines: facilities that conflict with the RNA and 1. Motorized equipment may be authorized cRNA objectives or purposes is prohibited. for utility corridor maintenance and/or construction. 2. Permit a bridge over North Light Creek at the historic location within Grand Island 2800 Minerals and Geology RNA. Any new crossing structure will be built for passage of a single snowmobile. Standards: Bridge design will be rustic and blend into 1. Common variety mineral pits will not be the existing landscape. developed. 3. Within the Grand Island RNA, designate 2. Mineral exploration activities that disturb up to two paths from the trail east and one the surface will not be permitted. path west of the North Light Creek to the sand beach.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-36 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MA 8.1: (Candidate and Research Natural Areas)

5100 Fire Management 7700 Transportation System Guidelines: Guidelines: 1. Wildfire suppression tactics and holding 1. New roads should not be constructed. lines for prescribed fire should protect the 2. Existing roads should be decommissioned unique features being managed in the and obliterated where not contributing to area. management objectives or where other 2. Prescribed fire and prescribed natural fire feasible alternatives exist. should be used where it is part of the natural disturbance regime and necessary to protect or maintain RNA or cRNA values.

Table 3-9. Hiawatha National Forest Research Natural Areas and Candidate RNAs Designated RNAs Ranger District Type of vegetation featured Mesic northern forest, northern white cedar, black ash, Dukes Munising 1. conifer and hemlock 2. Grand Island Munising Mesic northern forest Wet cobble beach, ridge swale complex and phragmites- Horseshoe Bay St. Ignace 3. red ash marsh Candidate RNAs Ranger District Type of vegetation featured 1. Dukes RNA (expansion) Munising Northern white cedar, rich conifer swamp 2. Lake Stella Bog Munising Patterned fen 3. Rock River Canyon Munising Moist non-acid cliff and mesic northern forest 4. Scott’s Marsh Munising Patterned fen 5. Shingleton Bog Munising Patterned fen Red pine, paper birch, northern white cedar, black Eighteen Mile Lakes Rapid River 6. ash/American elm/red maple 7. Upper Eighteen Mile Lake Rapid River Northern fen 8. Lake Sixteen Rapid River Paper birch, northern white cedar Paper birch, northern white cedar, black ash/American 9. Nahma Rapid River elm/red maple, northern red oak; Great Lakes coastal dune complex 10. Ogontz Bay Rapid River Paper birch, northern white cedar Ramsey-Lost Lakes (now Red pine, Sand ridge-lake plain complex (wooded dune 11. Rapid River includes Ogontz Lake Plain) and swale) Lower Sturgeon River Hardwood floodplain with strong southern element 12. Rapid River Floodplain (southern flood plain forest) Northern white cedar, black ash/American elm/red Upper Sturgeon River Rapid River 13. maple Paper birch, northern white cedar; Great Lakes coastal 14. Wedens Bay Rapid River dune complex 15. Betchler Tamarack Flats Sault Ste. Marie Tamarack 16. Little Waiska Basin Sault Ste. Marie Red maple; dissected clay lake plain Northern red oak; Lake Superior wooded dunes; Lake Oak Ridge North Sault Ste. Marie 17. Nippising escarpment 18. Point Aux Chenes Bay St. Ignace Interdunal wetland 19. St. Martin’s Point St. Ignace Web cobble beach, fen-like wetlands 20. Summerby Swamp St. Ignace Northern fen

Hiawatha National Forest 3-37 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MA 8.2 (Dukes Experimental Forest)

Management Area 8.2

Upper Peninsula (Dukes) Experimental Forest

Figure 3-15. The locations of Management Area 8.2 are shown in dark gray.

Suited Uses: To provide forest research hardwood management activities demonstrate activities for the Upper Peninsula (Dukes) the response of various hardwood silvicultural Experimental Forest. treatments through time. These activities may be readily apparent as evidenced by tree Landscape Description: This area consists numbering systems, uniform tree of gently sloping topography with dominantly arrangement, presence of research equipment between two and 15 percent gradient. It lies on or public information signs. the Fluted Ground Moraine, Till Floored Roads may be frequent, with densities Lakebed and Bedrock Controlled Moraine variable and dictated by research needs. They landforms. The soils are dominantly sandy may be closed as needed to accommodate loam but range to sands. The soil moisture research requirements. Where not restricted regime is mesic. by research projects, recreation use may Wetlands occupy about 27 percent of the include activities such as hunting, fishing, area. It lies on the Watson Till/Wetlands berry picking and motorized recreation. Complex, Trenary Till Plain and Big Hole Moraines LTAs. Vegetation Composition Goals: There are no vegetation management goals for Desired Conditions: Northern hardwoods are Management Area 8.2. the primary tree species. Stand size and shape may be varied and irregular. Wildlife species such as squirrels and song birds may inhabit or pass through the area. A variety of

Hiawatha National Forest 3-38 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MA 8.2 (Dukes Experimental Forest)

Standards & Guidelines

1900 Planning Standards: 1. Vegetative composition objectives will be based on research needs.

2300 Recreation Management Guidelines: 1. Recreation use should be incidental to management area objectives. 2. Motorized trails should not be located in this management area. 3. Construction of non-motorized trails should be consistent with management area objectives.

2400 Vegetation Management Guidelines:

1. Vegetation management may include any method, depending on the research 2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant objectives. Habitat Management Guidelines: 1. Wildlife management practices should occur only where compatible with the goals and objectives of the Experimental Forest.

2700 Land Uses Management Guidelines: 1. Permit only utility corridors that are required to serve administrative facilities.

2800 Minerals and Geology Guidelines: 1. Common variety mineral use should not be developed.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-39 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.3

Management Area 8.3

Figure 3-16. The locations of Management Area 8.3 are shown in dark gray.

Suited Uses: To supply forest products to the Desired Conditions: Cedar, black spruce, regional economy. To manage for older, hemlock, tamarack, white pine, lowland secluded forests that provide remote habitats hardwoods and open wetlands dominate this for wildlife such as gray wolf, American area, which is also interspersed with old dunes marten, moose, bobcat and snowshoe hare. To and low rolling hills. Lowland brush, marshes provide dispersed recreation activities. and sedge meadows may cover vast areas. Landscape Description: This area consists Management will retain the remote, primarily of nearly level to rolling topography. secluded setting. Older mature forests will Slopes are typically between 5 percent to provide the isolation needed for wildlife 20 percent gradient. It lies primarily on species such as the gray wolf, American outwash plain lowlands, outwash plains, lake marten, bobcat, black bear and Canada lynx. plains, clay lake plains and on dune capped Vegetative management will provide lake plains landforms. diversity in forest structure and composition. The soils are dominantly wet outwash Inclusions of early seral species may be sands and lake deposits. Wetlands occupy present to provide wildlife habitat. Some about 64 percent of the area. It lies on four wetland areas may be managed for wetland landtype associations: Shingleton Fen, West associated species. Timber harvest and Branch Manistique, Sand/Clay Transition thinning operations are generally small scale, South and Interior Wetlands. with infrequent entries, short duration.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-40 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.3

Motorized use occurs in this area, however there are large blocks that remain non- motorized. Recreation activities include fishing, berry picking, hiking and hunting. Some local roads may be closed to protect wildlife habitat. Vegetation Composition Goals: These goals reflect the desired condition over the planning horizon (100-150 years). The Hiawatha National Forest will manage vegetation using ecological landtype (ELT) classifications. An

ELT is a framework that allows natural resource managers to identify, describe and Standards & Guidelines map units of land with similar physical and biological characteristics at scales suitable for natural resources planning and management. 2300 Recreation Management Table 3-10 provides the vegetation composition and structure goals for this Guidelines: management area. Vegetation goals apply to 1. Recreation facilities should only be suited for timber production. constructed for safety or resource For some vegetation classes, Decades 1 protection. and 2 vegetative objectives will exceed the desired condition goals for that vegetation 2400 Vegetation Management class. These short-term deviations are Guidelines: necessary to create conditions to move vegetation into other condition classes. Some 1. The maximum size of temporary openings vegetation conditions will require several should not exceed 25 acres. decades to achieve desired conditions because of the time it takes for forests to grow and 2700 Land Uses Management succeed to other seral conditions. Guidelines: Upland openings are classified as unsuited; however the goals for upland 1. Special uses should only be permitted for openings are expressed as a percentage of those uses that do not detract from the suited land. If an ELT had less than 1,000 semi-primitive environment. Permits may acres, no vegetation goals were developed. also be allowed for access needed to Any management activities in these ELTs supply utilities to private land, should focus on moving toward the desired recreational facilities or administrative condition. sites.

The table is divided into three major 7700 Transportation System sections: ecological landtype classes, tree size classes and species groups. The figures in the Guidelines: boxes are the minimum and maximum 1. Maintenance Level 2 roads in this percentages of each species by size class that management area should be closed when not will comprise the ELT. These ranges set the needed to provide access for management goals for managing species composition and activities. structure.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-41 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.3

Table 3-10. MA 8.3 Vegetation Composition and Size Goals by Ecological Land Types Openings Aspen Jack Pine Mid Seral Late Seral Size Max Max Max Max Max ELT Class Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % Min % % 0 1 5 1 0 2 1 5 0 5 2 10 10 2 2 4 2 5 0 5 4 10 3 3 5 3 7 0 5 4 10 20 4 1 3 0 5 0 5 15 20 5 0 5 15 25 0 0 3 1 1 5 1 7 1 5 2 4 10 3 10 2 10 30 3 5 10 4 10 2 10 4 1 3 7 15 3 10 5 20 30 15 25 0 0 1 40 1 1 5 2 3 2 3 7 4 8 50 3 4 7 4 8 90 4 1 5 30 40 5 30 70 0 0 2 1 2 5 1 10 2 10 2 8 15 2 10 6 15 60 3 10 18 3 10 8 20 4 1 5 4 15 20 30 5 6 15 4 10 0 1 1 3 1 10 2 5 10 3 10 70A 3 3 10 5 20 10 20 4 1 2 5 20 25 40 5 5 10 0 0 1 1 1 5 1 5 1 7 2 6 10 3 10 2 10 70B 3 7 13 7 20 5 10 4 0 5 5 10 20 30 5 1 5 0 0 1 1 0 3 4 15 2 1 5 7 15 80A 3 3 10 10 20 4 5 10 5 0 0 1 1 0 3 1 5 2 1 5 2 10 80B 3 3 10 3 15 4 10 50 5

Hiawatha National Forest 3-42 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MAs 8.4; 8.4.1; 8.4.2; 8.4.3; 8.4.4; 8.4.5

Management Area 8.4 Designated Wild & Scenic and Study Rivers

Figure 3-17. The locations of the designated and study segments of the five Congressionally- designated wild and scenic rivers are shown in dark gray. Note: Unless stated specifically for a certain Suited Uses: Protect and perpetuate wild and classification of river, the following standards scenic river values (and study river eligibility) and guidelines apply to all classifications while allowing the use and enjoyment of these (study, recreational, scenic or wild). Where rivers for current and future generations. management direction for certain river(s) supercedes the direction below, the Vegetation Composition Goals: There are appropriate direction is listed in that river’s no vegetation management goals for MAs 8.4; specific standards and guidelines. 8.4.1; 8.4.2; 8.4.3; 8.4.4; 8.4.5. Visual Quality Objectives: In this planning River Corridor Acres: period, increase the amount of NFS lands MA 8.4.1 (Indian): 11,068 acres meeting these visual quality objectives: MA 8.4.2 (Carp): 6,019 acres In recreational and study segments: MA 8.4.3 (Whitefish): 10,281 acres Modification MA 8.4.4 (Sturgeon): 8,268 acres In scenic segments: Partial Retention MA 8.4.5 (East Branch Tahquamenon): 3,007 In wild segments: Retention acres

Hiawatha National Forest 3-43 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MAs 8.4; 8.4.1; 8.4.2; 8.4.3; 8.4.4; 8.4.5

Guidelines: Standards & Guidelines 1. Recreation developments should be managed with priority given to: 1600 Information Services a. Correcting health and safety problems Guidelines: b. Protecting threatened, endangered 1. An education, information and signing and sensitive plant and wildlife plan should be developed with the communities and archaeological objectives of: resources a. Improving awareness and c. Protecting the environment understanding of low impact d. Complementing prescribed recreation behaviors and recreation activities opportunities b. Implementing “leave no trace” e. Easing maintenance, site durability, practices and outdoor ethics behaviors etc. c. Improving understanding of and f. Protecting streambank integrity visitors’ expectations about the g. Protecting water quality. recreation experiences, activities and 2. The Recreational Opportunity Spectrum opportunities they are likely to (ROS), Forest Service policy and design encounter in the river corridor guides should guide opportunities for d. Developing an understanding of and accessibility. appreciation for natural bio-physical 3. River recreational use levels should be river processes managed to maintain the prescribed e. Discouraging collection or disturbance (ROS) and within carrying capacity of sensitive plant and animal species allocations. and archaeological resources 4. Facilities should be screened with native 2. Interpretation of river values, the natural vegetation to make them less evident. environment, heritage resources and management activities at developed river Developed Camping Standards: accesses and in recreational information 1. No new developed recreation areas (e.g. guides should be permitted. campgrounds) will be constructed in the river corridor. 1900 Planning Dispersed Camping Standards: Guidelines: 1. Dispersed camping will be allowed 1. State, county and local regulations apply throughout the corridor in accordance on private lands. The Forest should with forest policy. continue to work with counties to enact or 2. Camping will be restricted where needed apply comprehensive zoning regulations to prevent resource damage and to that are compatible with river encourage use of designated campsites management objectives. within the corridor.

2300 Recreation Management 3. At designated sites, 2 vehicles and a total of 8 persons are permitted at each site. Standards: Dispersed Camping Guidelines: 1. User-developed river access sites where 1. In recreational, study and scenic resource damage is occurring will be segments, minimal amenities, such as fire rehabilitated or closed. rings and primitive toilets, may be 2. Facilities will be constructed using constructed where compatible with ROS designs, materials and tones that blend and needed resource protection. with the natural setting (e.g. simple forms, low silhouette, muted earth tone colors and dark roof areas).

Hiawatha National Forest 3-44 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MAs 8.4; 8.4.1; 8.4.2; 8.4.3; 8.4.4; 8.4.5

Canoe Trails Guidelines: Snowmobiles: 1. A canoe trail should not be maintained 1. In recreational, study and scenic except as noted in individual river segments, snowmobiles are permitted on management direction. designated routes and on forest roads in 2. Cutting of debris and canoe slots in large accordance with forest policy. woody debris should be permitted to meet 2. In recreational, study and scenic forest management objectives and to allow segments, post and/or close snowmobile canoe passage. trails within the corridor where negative effects to the river values may occur. River Access Guidelines: 1. Priority should be placed on rehabilitating 3. In wild segments, snowmobile use is prohibited. and correcting areas where resource damage may be occurring over the 2400 Vegetation Management construction of new access sites. Recreation Facilities Guidelines: Guidelines for Recreational, Study and Scenic Segments: 1. In recreational, scenic and study segments, simple recreation facilities 1. The ecological characteristics of the should be provided for user comfort and landscape should guide the location, scale, convenience at developed campgrounds; frequency and intensity of vegetation for resource protection at developed management. access points; or to protect the 2. Vegetation management activities should outstandingly remarkable values and to be designed to minimize disruptions to prevent site deterioration. recreation uses. Trails Standards: 3. Compartment inventory should be 1. In recreational, study, scenic and wild performed as needed to gather information segments, existing or user-developed trails supporting ecosystem management will be reconstructed, obliterated and/or activities, such as the enhancement of realigned as necessary, to prevent public recreation, scenic quality, game and resource damage or for safety non-game wildlife, fisheries and the considerations. protection and enhancement of biodiversity and TES species. Motorized Use Standards 4. Non-native invasive plants within the river Personal Watercraft: corridor should be eliminated or controlled. 1. In all river segments, launching or retrieving of personal watercraft (jet skis), 5. Vegetation should be managed primarily jet boats, or air boats from federal lands for late successional communities such as within the corridor is prohibited. hemlock, white pine, red pine, northern hardwoods, cedar and white spruce. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs): 6. Openings and early successional 1. In recreational, study and scenic communities may be managed to achieve segments, OHVs are permitted on other objectives based on the ecological designated routes and on forest roads in characteristics of the corridor landscape. accordance with forest policy. 7. White birch should be managed, where 2. In recreational, study and scenic appropriate, to enhance visual quality. segments, roads and trails will be posted and/or closed to OHV use within the 8. Salvage treatments should be used to corridor where negative effects to the river reduce fire hazard and to manage insect values occur. and disease infestations so that the river values are maintained or enhanced. 3. In wild segments, OHV use is prohibited. 9. Pine plantations throughout the corridor should be managed to achieve a more naturally-appearing condition.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-45 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MAs 8.4; 8.4.1; 8.4.2; 8.4.3; 8.4.4; 8.4.5

Timber Management Standards: 2. Native insects and diseases should be 1. In study, recreational and scenic recognized and tolerated as part of the segments, activities will be designed to natural cycle unless outstandingly move stands toward larger, long-lived remarkable values or lands outside the species or to enhance the visual quality of corridor are threatened. the corridor. Individual trees may be cut 3. Pest management should be utilized more for public safety or for incorporating large aggressively when exotic species are woody debris (LWD) into the river. encountered. 2. In wild segments, timber management 4. Spatial diversity of vegetation and age activities will not occur. classes should be promoted and guided by Open Lands Standards: the ecological characteristics of the landscape in order to reduce the risk of 1. New permanent openings will not be insect and disease damage. created. Forest Health Guidelines – Wild Segments: Open Lands Guidelines: 1. Insect or disease outbreaks should not be 1. Existing openings should not be controlled unless to prevent unacceptable maintained except for those associated damage to resources on lands outside the with recreation sites or for user safety and boundary or an unnatural loss to resource protection. resources due to exotic pests. 2. Existing openings should be allowed to naturally succeed. 2500 Watershed Management Reforestation Standards: Guidelines: 1. In study, recreational and scenic 1. Seeps, springs, wetlands and other water segments, native species will be planted in influence zones important to fish, rare conjunction with streambank stabilization plant communities and management of and habitat improvement projects. These the wild and scenic river, should be projects will be used to enhance visual protected. quality and/or to restore components of the ecosystem which are in decline or 2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant absent. Habitat Management 2. In wild segments, reforestation activities Standards for all Segments: will not be allowed. 1. Habitat improvement structures will be Reforestation Guidelines: designed to maintain the free-flowing 1. Reforestation of harvested areas should character of the river. emphasize natural regeneration or Guidelines for Recreational and Scenic seeding. Segments: 2. Underplanting should occur to restore 1. Habitat improvement projects to protect, components of the ecosystem which are in rehabilitate or enhance river area decline or are absent. resources should be allowed. Forest Health Guidelines – Recreational, 2. Aquatic and riparian habitat projects Study and Scenic Segments: should consider river morphology and free 1. Pests should be managed by integrated flowing characteristics. methods to minimize the effects or 3. Projects should be located and designed to prevent the spread of insect or disease complement natural river characteristics infestations throughout the corridor. and function. 4. Habitat improvement projects should be allowed at a location, scale, intensity and frequency guided by the ecological characteristics of the landscape.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-46 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MAs 8.4; 8.4.1; 8.4.2; 8.4.3; 8.4.4; 8.4.5

5. Habitat improvement structures should Sediment Basins Standards: not substantially interfere with existing or 1. Construction of new sediment basins will reasonably anticipated recreational use of not be allowed within the river corridor. the river. 6. Important habitat for riparian-dependent Streambank Stabilization Standards: wildlife species should be maintained 1. In wilderness segments, streambank throughout the corridor. When planning stabilization will not occur. habitat improvement projects, Streambank Stabilization Guidelines: consideration should be given to the 1. Native vegetation should be used to habitat needs of riparian dependent establish ground cover on stabilized species. Certain eroded streambanks streambanks. Weed-free annual grasses which provide quality nesting habitat may be used to establish ground cover should be left untreated or treated less where necessary to prevent erosion. intensively. 2. Stabilization of eroded streambanks Beaver dam removal should occur to 7. should occur only on moderately to protect or enhance the outstandingly severely eroded stream banks corridor remarkable values of the river. and/or to protect existing structures or 8. In the absence of natural nesting developments in recreational and scenic structures, artificial nest structures such segments. as nest boxes should be placed in suitable habitat. Attention should be given to the Placement of Spawning Gravel and appropriate densities for the species and Boulder Groups Standards: to maintaining the visual quality of the 1. Placement of spawning gravel and boulder river corridor. groups in the mainstem and tributaries throughout the corridor where channel Aquatic Ecosystem Management gradient, substrate, VQO and morphology Guidelines: supports this activity will occur. 1. The Forest should coordinate with the 2. In wild segments, placement of spawning Michigan DNR to set levels of fish gravel in the mainstem or tributaries in stocking and to develop a self-sustaining the river corridor will not occur. coldwater fishery. Large Woody Debris Standards: 2700 Land Uses Management 1. Placement of large woody debris (LWD) Utility Corridor Standards: throughout the river will be permitted 1. New or expanded existing utility corridors where sparse. If adequate vegetation is not will be permitted only if there are no other available for incorporation immediately feasible alternatives available and the adjacent to the site, use of species from effects on management area objectives can off-site or nearby locations will be be mitigated to protect the outstandingly permitted. remarkable values. 2. The use of tree drops and other LWD Utility Corridor Guidelines: recruitment methods will be allowed. 1. Permittees should be required to use 3. Large woody debris will be secured to the underground construction methods for all streambank or streambed to prevent new communication lines and power lines transport during normal high water up to and including 34.5 kilovolts except events. where burying is proven to be infeasible 4. Placement of LWD will accommodate because of bedrock. canoe passage on the river. 2. Maximum use should be made of existing 5. In wild segments, placement of LWD in rights-of-way along roads, bridges, the river will not be allowed. railroads, utility lines, etc. Accumulation of LWD will occur naturally.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-47 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MAs 8.4; 8.4.1; 8.4.2; 8.4.3; 8.4.4; 8.4.5

3. Special use permittees should submit a 2800 Minerals and Geology vegetation management plan for existing and future projects. Manage vegetation for Standards: wildlife habitat, visual quality and other 1. New common variety mineral pits will not resources where compatible with the be developed within the river corridor. objectives of the management area. 2. Common variety mineral pits within the 4. Open cut construction across the river corridor will be closed and rehabilitated channel should not be allowed. where conflicts with the river values and 5. Upgrades and replacement of existing effects cannot be mitigated and/or the pits distribution systems should be considered are not needed to meet resource new construction and be required to be management objectives. constructed underground, except where 3. In recreational and scenic segments, infeasible because of bedrock. surface mineral extraction activities will 6. Existing towers and poles should be be managed to minimize and/or prevent removed when eliminating existing above- negative effects to the river values. ground facilities. Guidelines: 7. Directional boring should be the preferred method for executing river crossing 1. Reserved and outstanding mineral rights construction. should be acquired when opportunities arise. Other Special Uses Standards: 2. Surface-disturbing exploration (including 1. When issuing special-use road permits to core drilling) should be permitted in areas property owners, require maintenance of where reserved and outstanding mineral the road surface commensurate with the rights exist. Exploration on federally permittee’s use and to Forest Service administered mineral rights should be standards. permitted on a case-by-case basis and Other Special Uses Guidelines: where rights have been previously granted. 1. Special use permits should not be issued for satellite dishes, outbuildings, fences, 3. Mineral “withdrawal from entry and landfills and/or other similar uses that do exploration” requests for developed not enhance the values of the river. recreation sites within the river corridor where mineral rights ownership is within 2. Consideration should be given to the public domain and subject to claim of acquiring reciprocal rights-of-ways for prospect should be completed and landowners and public access to National submitted. Forest System lands along the river where feasible. 4063 Research Natural Areas (RNAs) 3. All other special-use requests should be and Candidate RNAs considered only if no other feasible alternative exists on private lands or on Reference MA 8.1 section for additional public lands outside the river corridor. RNA and cRNA management direction. Outfitting and Guiding Guidelines: Standards: 1. Outfitting and guiding services should be 1. If conflicting management direction exists permitted to meet a demonstrated public between MA8.4 direction and the RNA or need for services within established cRNA direction, then the most restrictive carrying capacities and in accordance with management of the two applies.

Forest Service policy. 2. Outfitting and guiding should be permitted to the lowest level of service day capacity.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-48 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MAs 8.4; 8.4.1; 8.4.2; 8.4.3; 8.4.4; 8.4.5

5100 Fire Management 7. Activity fuels should be treated to a level commensurate with the allowable fire Guidelines: intensity, rate of spread and fire effects Prescribed fire should be used as an that meet management area objectives. 1. opportunity to introduce a simulated natural disturbance process into the 5400 Land Ownership landscape. Standards: 2. Restoration or maintenance of vegetation 1. Land ownership adjustments within in the recreational segment should be designated river corridors, cannot result accomplished with fire after the ecological in a decrease in National Forest System characteristics and fire effects on the land ownership within the corridor. outstandingly remarkable river values 2. Land acquisition will not exceed an have been evaluated. average of 100 acres per river mile 3. Suppression strategies, practices and acquisition in fee title to lands within the activities should be limited to those with river corridor. minimal effects on the outstandingly Guidelines: remarkable river values. Protection of highly visible areas associated with roads, 1. Highest priority acquisitions are for those trails, recreational developments, tracts that: outstandingly remarkable river values, a. Are inconsistent with the goals and riparian vegetation diversity, and objectives of the wild & scenic rivers sensitive, threatened and endangered corridors species should be considered during all b. Would enhance river values suppression activities, including an c. Are needed for, or enhance, the escaped fire situation analysis. recreational use and enjoyment of the 4. Roads and natural features such as wet river areas, ridges and changes in vegetation d. Would jeopardize the free-flowing type should be used as fire breaks. condition of the river 5. Light-handed tactics of fire suppression 2. Scenic easements on private lands within should be used whenever possible. Fire the corridor should be purchased or retardants should be directed in a manner acquired when/if development or that prevents entry of chemicals into the activities would substantially benefit or river and associated wetlands. detriment the maintenance and protection 6. Any land alterations created with fire of the river values, water quality or free- suppression activities (such as firelines, flowing condition. safety zones, staging areas, helispots, etc.), 3. First priority for acquisition should be on should be discouraged within the river a willing seller, willing buyer basis. corridor. However, if no other alternatives are available, they should be rehabilitated 4. Acquire through exchange subsurface to blend closely with the surrounding mineral rights with the State where landscape. feasible. Establish federal claims based on the State Dormant Minerals Act where the law can be applied to free leasable minerals. Acquire subsurface mineral rights in other cases.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-49 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MAs 8.4; 8.4.1; 8.4.2; 8.4.3; 8.4.4; 8.4.5

3. All toilets should be located a minimum of 5500 Landownership Title Mgmt. 100 feet from the high water mark of any waterbody within the corridor. Guidelines: 1. Encroachments should be resolved 7700 Transportation System through permit, removal or exchange for other lands within the river corridor Standards: where there will be no net loss of total 1. Roads will be closed or obliterated and acres in National Forest land ownership revegetated where resource damage is within the wild and scenic river corridor. occurring or the road is not necessary for Only the minimum land (with zoning resource management or river access. All setbacks) possible in the corridor should structures such as culverts and fill be exchanged. material will be removed.

7100 Engineering Operations Guidelines: 1. Within the recreational segment, roads Guidelines: open to public travel (passenger cars) 1. When conducting landline surveys, should be maintained to maintenance priority should be given to visual quality levels 3, 4 or 5 dependent on existing or when cutting and marking landlines, by planned traffic volume, vehicle mix and limiting clearing for site distance and road surface. removing flagging within view of the river. 2. Within the scenic segment, most roads 2. Where possible, survey lines should be should be maintained to maintenance offset in the riparian zone to mitigate the level 2, to permit passage of high clearance linear viewshed along the survey line. vehicles. Higher levels of maintenance may occur when consistent with existing 7400 Public Health and Pollution traffic. Control Facilities 3. Emphasize erosion and sediment control on all open and closed roads. Standards: 4. Traffic restrictions should be applied and 1. Lands within the river corridor will not be seasonal and extended closure may occur considered for landfills or waste disposal for sediment and erosion control, sites. protection of special areas, protection of Guidelines: the roadbed and to reduce user conflicts during the recreation season. 1. Restrooms, vault toilets, wilderness toilets and/or trash collection facilities should be 5. The Forest should coordinate and placed at high use areas within the cooperate with the counties, state and corridor. High use sites include trailheads, private landowners to eliminate resource access sites and high use campsites. damage (such as sedimentation into the river or tributaries) and to assure long- 2. The Forest should work with local health term protection and enhancement of river authorities to ensure all septic systems values. meet permit and local code regulations within the river corridor. River Crossings Standards: 1. Additional permanent river crossings will not be permitted in wild segments . 2. Existing culverts and structures will be removed when roads or trails are abandoned.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-50 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MAs 8.4; 8.4.1; 8.4.2; 8.4.3; 8.4.4; 8.4.5

River Crossings Guidelines for Study, 3. In recreational, study and scenic Recreational and Scenic Segments: segments, temporary roads should be closed and obliterated following resource 1. When replacement is necessary, bridges management activities. should be designed as single span structures and span bankfull width where 4. In recreational, study and scenic feasible. segments, roads should be located in well- 2. Wooden structure (such as glue laminated screened and as inconspicuous areas as members) should be used where feasible possible, as seen from the river. to enhance the visual quality Road Reconstruction of the river corridor. Concrete Guidelines: bridge abutments are 1. Road reconstruction permitted. should occur with 3. All bridges should be emphasis placed on evaluated as to their necessity controlling erosion, and as part of the overall area stream sedimentation, transportation system prior enhancing free-flow to replacement or characteristics and/or reconstruction. supporting resource 4. When replacing existing management activities. culverts, the design should 2. In wild segments, no road provide for a natural reconstruction should streambed under the culvert. occur. The diameter should Signing Guidelines: approximate bankfull width. 1. The number of signs 5. Bridges or open bottom throughout the corridor structures are preferable; should be minimized, however, pipes may be used commensurate with the provided they are set below specified ROS class. Signs the streambed elevation to should provide information allow accumulation of native for resource protection, travel material in the bottom of the pipe. management, and information 6. Additional permanent river crossings dissemination (e.g. identifies designated should not be permitted. campsites, portages, access sites, etc.). Road Construction Standards: 2. All signs should have a consistent style 1. For scenic segments, no permanent road and color. construction will occur. 3. Additional signing should be provided to 2. For wild segments, no permanent or interpret key heritage resource sites and temporary road construction will occur. opportunities. Road Construction Guidelines: 4. Signing associated with wild and scenic 1. In recreational and study segments, rivers should be integrated with the forest permanent road construction should occur travel management program. commensurate with the resource 5. Wild and Scenic River designator signs management goals and objectives for the should be placed at the boundaries of the river. corridor where they intersect with major 2. In recreational, study and scenic access roads. segments, temporary road construction should occur in association with resource management activities.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-51 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.1 (Indian WSR)

Management Area 8.4.1

Indian Wild & Scenic River

Figure 3-18. The location of the Indian Wild and Scenic River corridor is shown in dark gray.

Landscape Description: This area consists of include: the Wetmore Outwash, Wetmore the Indian River and its riparian area. The Outwash 2, Steuben Segment, Steuben topography consists of nearly level outwash Outwash, Beaton Lake Outwash, Indian River plains but includes some steeply dissected Uplands and Camp Eleven Ridge-Swale. riparian slopes. Most of the area is nearly level Desired Conditions: This statement describes but slopes range up to 60 percent along the a future vision of the Indian River corridor. It banks of the river. was developed using current Forest Plan Landforms bisected by the river corridor direction, issues identified during the public include pitted outwash plain, disintegration involvement process and by analyzing the moraine, perched outwash plain, outwash corridor landscape. plain lowlands and lake plains. Soils are For ease of review this section is divided dominantly sandy and well-drained and the into resource categories, however, many of soil moisture regime is dry mesic. these resources are interdependent. The high infiltration rates of the soils Alternatives for managing the Wild and contribute to the cold groundwater recharge Scenic River corridor represent varying levels that feeds the river and is one of the and combinations of proposed activities that outstandingly remarkable values. Wetlands address issues and move the existing condition occupy about 38 percent of the area. The toward the desired condition. landtype associations bisected by the river

Hiawatha National Forest 3-52 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.1 (Indian WSR)

Collaboration between the Forest Service equilibrium with the ability of the stream to and local, state and federal agencies may be move it. Healthy aquatic invertebrate required to achieve some elements found in the populations, more spawning areas and pools, desired condition. and greater habitat diversity to support all As required by the Wild and Scenic River components of the aquatic ecosystem are Act, all management activities within the wild present. and scenic river corridor will protect, maintain Large woody debris is common throughout or enhance the outstanding remarkable values the corridor providing channel stability, (river values) identified for the river corridor. structure and habitat complexity that enhances aquatic and riparian habitats. A Corridor Ecosystem — Ecological: Natural healthy and diverse riparian plant community disturbance patterns (fire, insects and disease, maintains stable river banks, and provides windthrow, erosion), or management activities thermal cover to the riparian system. which mimic natural disturbance, are The Indian River based on the is in a state of landscape context dynamic equilibrium (moraine, outwash with continuing plain, lake plain, natural erosional and ridge-swale complex) depositional in which the processes at the local vegetation scale. Natural community is found. changes in the stream channel occur, Late successional resulting in eroding communities with streambanks which long-lived species provide habitat for such as sugar maple, those species cedar, hemlock, red dependent on such pine and white pine disturbance, and keep are dominant but include areas of early the energy of the river in balance with its successional communities, with short-lived gradient and channel morphology. species such as jack pine, aspen, white birch Stabilization and other aquatic habitat and balsam fir as an integral part of the management allow natural river processes to corridor landscape. Noxious weeds are absent continue and are designed to blend with or present at very low levels. natural landscape. Populations of game species are at levels which balance ecological and recreational Social: The river provides for a social setting needs. Several rare, threatened or sensitive where individuals, families and groups species, such as bald eagle, American marten, experience the sights and sounds of nature. wolf, common loon, osprey or wood turtle, find Traditional use by local residents such as quality habitat within the corridor. The river hunting, fishing, trapping, canoeing, picking corridor serves as a linkage between areas berries and mushrooms, and recreating exists outside the corridor that are managed as in the river corridor. Family “camps” along the habitat for species requiring seclusion. river are important gathering places for family Water quality in the Indian River is an and friends and blend in with the natural important component of the riparian character of the river. ecosystem. In general, water quality meets or Numerous opportunities exist in the exceeds the standards set by the Michigan Indian River corridor for the recreationist. Water Resources Commission. Camping, canoeing, fishing, hunting, hiking, The river provides quality habitat for snowmobiling, and pleasure driving are resident trout populations that are maintained important activities in the river corridor. primarily by natural reproduction. The Visitors perceive the Indian River corridor as amount of sand the river transports is in an area to “get away from it all,” where the sights and sounds of nature dominate.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-53 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.1 (Indian WSR)

Economic: Management activities associated users is higher than in the scenic segment. with the river corridor (e.g. camping and other (Hovey Lake to Fish Lake). recreational opportunities) provide for Facilities in the corridor are limited to contributions to the local economy. Visitors those necessary for protecting river values help support small family-run retail stores and while providing a degree of comfort and resorts. These businesses supply gas, food, convenience for visitors at access points. All boat rentals, lodging, etc. Local residents facilities appear rustic, and are designed to benefit economically through subsistence compliment the natural setting. Natural gathering and gathering of incidental forest materials and colors that blend in with the products such as mushrooms, berries and surrounding natural landscape predominate. firewood. Limited timber harvest, designed to Privately owned facilities and resorts protect or enhance the outstanding river outside the corridor may provide a much wider values, provide a minor benefit to the regional range of amenities and a more developed economy. recreation experience. Recreation: Visitors to the Indian River Developed Forest Service campgrounds corridor enjoy a variety of recreational and dispersed sites provide opportunities for experiences in natural appearing settings. camping within the river corridor. Developed Recreation activities, management practices, campgrounds may have amenities (such as access, use levels, and development are running water, toilet buildings, hardened consistent with the identified Recreation paths, etc.) designed to provide for sanitation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classification. and protection of the river resources. Visitors may encounter both motorized, and Dispersed sites, with some sites accessible non-motorized use on land and lakes within only by water or trail, provide visitors with a the corridor while predominately non- more primitive, isolated camping experience. motorized recreation use is encountered on the Dispersed campsites maintain ground river channel. vegetation and site Subtle on-site visitor characteristics which do not management controls and increase sedimentation, regulations help protect erosion, or negatively affect the the recreation facilities, outstanding river values. sensitive areas, and ORV Fishing within the Indian features from excessive use River and associated lakes is a and degradation and popular recreational activity. minimize visitor conflicts. Much of the river offers a good, Recreational activities self-sustaining fishery for trout. are directed away from Lakes in the system provide a areas of known sensitive good fishery for a wide variety plants and animals to of warm water fish such as minimize disruption to panfish, bass, pike, and walleye. their life cycles or habitat. Conflicts between anglers Certain activities (such as and other recreationists are watercraft use and minimal. The Forest Service camping) and commercial and Michigan Department of uses may be limited or Natural Resources controlled. Education, cooperatively manage the marketing and visitor information play an fishery resource and habitat of the Indian important role in influencing visitor behavior, River in accordance with existing policy and enhancing the recreational experience, and agreements. protecting river resources. Canoeing and other watercraft use is an Due to more river access and development important recreational activity on the Indian in the recreation segment (Fish Lake to Indian River. The Indian River is moderately Lake), the likelihood of encounters with other challenging for canoeists. Minimal clearing of large woody debris allows for canoe passage in

Hiawatha National Forest 3-54 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.1 (Indian WSR)

many areas. Encounters with other canoeists development and modification of the may be frequent, particularly on weekends and landscape in the recreation segment than in holidays, but the sights and sounds of nature the scenic segment. rather than humans dominate the experience. Viewers continue to see some eroded The length of floatable water throughout the streambanks as the natural erosion process year provides opportunities for multi-day continues. Stabilized streambanks are canoe trips. revegetated and blend in with the surrounding Other recreation activities such as hiking, landscape. Recreational and residential hunting, trapping, sight-seeing, picnicking, developments scattered throughout the bicycling, watching wildlife, and socializing are corridor blend in with the natural appearing commonly enjoyed by visitors. In the winter landscape and are mostly screened from the visitors enjoy Nordic skiing, ice fishing and view of recreationists on the river or lakes. snowshoeing, while snowmobilers pass Management activities, including signing, are through the corridor on designated trails, or subordinate to the natural appearing unplowed forest roads not designated closed. landscape. Commercial outfitting and guiding is regulated through special use permits. These activities Heritage Resources: Historic and prehistoric are such that the desired social setting is sites within the Indian River corridor are maintained or enhanced, as well as protection protected from degradation and impacts of other river values. caused by recreational or management activities. On site interpretation of sites is Access/Transportation System: County and minimal, with interpretation being Forest Service roads and bridges are accomplished through river guidebooks, maintained to protect river resource values and brochures and Forest Recreational allow safe passage to river access points, Opportunity Guides (ROGs). Traditional sites camping areas, and private lands. Travel routes used by Native Americans on federal and in the corridor not necessary to the above ceded lands are managed consistent with needs or resource management may be closed Forest policy. and restored. The effects of sediment entering Traditional treaty rights are respected and the river at bridge and culvert approaches are consistent with forest or region wide minimized. Key access points are located agreements with the Tribes. The Forest Service throughout the corridor and are developed to a and the Tribes work cooperatively to assure level commensurate with use. that the outstandingly remarkable values of the Bruno's Run and Pine Marten are popular river are protected. The Indian River retains a non-motorized trails that pass through the high level of cultural significance for local corridor. Existing trails are maintained and residents. Individuals, groups, and new trails are designed to minimize resource communities maintain traditions and strong impacts, avoid user conflicts, and protect and ties to the river and its setting. enhance the outstanding river values. Designated trails for motorized recreational Private Property: Private property rights are use pass through the corridor, but do not recognized and respected. Information is parallel the river. provided to private landowners, upon request, to assist them in managing their lands to Scenic Quality: The Indian River is known for better protect the river's values. Private its outstanding and diverse riverine scenery. holdings that adversely affect (or potentially Throughout the corridor, large older affect) the river values may be acquired on a hardwoods, hemlock, cedar and pine are willing seller, willing buyer basis. predominant in the riparian zone visible from National Forest lands are consolidated as the river but may be interspersed with early opportunities arise. Zoning by local units of and mid successional communities. government is supportive and complimentary Visitors may experience evidence of human to river protection and management, while development, however the natural appearing allowing for a range of traditional uses on characteristics of the landscape dominate. private lands within the river corridor. Visitors will experience more human

Hiawatha National Forest 3-55 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.1 (Indian WSR)

Vegetation Composition Goals: There are 2. In key or popular areas, designated no vegetation management goals for MA 8.4.1. campsites within the river corridor should be located adjacent to the river or lakes. Visual Quality Objectives: In this planning 3. One-quarter of the designated dispersed period increase the amount of national forest sites should be accessed only by water or land meeting these visual quality objectives: by trail. In recreational segment: Partial Retention 4. Non-designated sites should be obliterated In scenic segment: Retention when use within the corridor shifts to designated campsites. Standards & Guidelines Canoe Trails Standards: 1. Maintain a canoe trail from Fish Lake to 2300 Recreation Management CR 449 (8-Mile) bridge access. Developed Camping Guidelines: Canoe Trails Guidelines: 1. At the Widewater Campground: 1. Clearing and cutting of channel a. Reconstruct/rehabilitate Widewater obstructions for canoe passage along the Campground and provide 35–40 designated canoe trail should be managed campsites to achieve a level consistent with novice to intermediate canoeing skills and provides a Design shoreline area to enhance visual b. low to moderate level or risk, adventure quality and self-reliance. c. Develop 1–2 walk-in campsites 2. The canoe trail should be managed for the d. Consider group campsites in novice level from Fish Lake to Forest campground design Highway 43 and intermediate level from e. Consider rustic play equipment in FH-43 to County Road 449 (8-Mile). campground design 3. Large woody debris should not be cleared f. ROS class is Roaded Natural or cut in areas outside the designated g. Development level #3 canoe trail except for minor clearing to h. Evaluate and stabilize user-developed allow canoe passage where resource river access from individual campsites damage is occurring (e.g. erosion from i. Discourage user damage to riparian portages or leftovers). vegetation River Access Sites Standards: 2. At the Indian River Campground and 1. No more than 15 designated canoe/boat Picnic Area: launch sites will be provided throughout a. Convert campground to dispersed the river corridor. camping area within 10 years 2. The river access sites at Fish Lake, FR- b. Provide 5–11 dispersed campsites 2258, FH-43, Indian River Campground c. Obliterate Indian River Picnic Area and CR 449 will be rehabilitated/ within 10 years reconstructed to provide user conveniences d. Retain and enhance river access. such as parking, canoe launches/takeouts Provide small (4-5) car parking area for and sanitation facilities commensurate river users with use. e. ROS Class should be Roaded Natural River Access Sites Guidelines: Dispersed Camping Guidelines: 1. Existing access sites should be retained 1. Throughout the river corridor, 12–16 within the scenic segment. dispersed campsites should be designated. 2. The East and West Pine Marten Run Use of these sites should be encouraged. trailheads should be combined with river access sites at FR-2258 and FH-43.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-56 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.1 (Indian WSR)

3. Fish Lake and Widewater boat launch sites 2400 Vegetation Management should be reconstructed to prevent erosion. Guidelines: 4. River access should be discouraged at FR-2213 bridge in Steuben. 1. Individual trees may be cut to enhance public safety or for incorporating large Trails Standards: woody debris (LWD) into the river. 1. No new motorized trails will be 2. Temporary openings should not exceed constructed within the river corridor. 5 acres in areas with retention VQO or Trails Guidelines: 10 acres in areas with partial retention 1. New non-motorized trails may be VQO. constructed within the river corridor, but 3. Uneven-aged management silvicultural should not to exceed a trail density of 3 systems should be favored for northern miles per square mile. hardwoods. 2. New trails may be 4. Timber harvest will developed in emphasize individual tree conjunction with selection, group selection, campground thinning, shelterwood, reconstruction. seedtree, and smaller patch clearcuts as appropriate to 3. Non-motorized manage the desired trail uses within vegetational communities in the river corridor the river corridor. Stand should be clearcutting will be used maintained and where it is appropriate and monitored for user when it is the optimal method conflicts and/or to enhance river values. resource damage. Open Lands Standards: Motorized Use Standards: 1. New permanent openings will not be created in the scenic 1. OHV use will be segment. prohibited on trails and closed forest Open Lands Guidelines: roads within the river corridor (with the 1. Permanent or temporary openings in the exception of the Haywire Grade). recreational segment should be managed at Motorized Use Guidelines: a frequency and intensity that is consistent with the natural disturbance regimes of the 1. Efforts to establish state or local landtype. There should be a maximum of 5 regulations that would prohibit the use of acres in areas of retention VQO and 10 personal watercraft (jet skis), airboats acres in areas of partial retention VQO. and/or air boats on waters throughout the corridor should be pursued. 2. Existing upland openings that are consistent with the ecological 2. A Semi-primitive Motorized ROS setting characteristics of the landscape should be should be maintained from Hovey Lake to maintained using fire, hand or mechanical Fish Lake (scenic segment) and from methods at a frequency and intensity that Indian River Campground to Indian Lake is consistent with the natural disturbance (recreational segment). regimes of the landtype. 3. A Roaded Natural ROS setting should be 3. Permanent openings should be located maintained from Fish Lake to Indian River along stand type lines. Campground (recreational segment).

Hiawatha National Forest 3-57 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.1 (Indian WSR)

2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant Sediment Basins Guidelines: Habitat Management 1. Existing sediment basins should be maintained on the mainstem and Guidelines: tributaries within the corridor. 1. Surveys for potential wood turtle nesting Lake Structures Standards: sites should occur when designing projects and management activities in the corridor. 1. New spawning reefs will not be constructed Mitigation or relocation of activities may within the river corridor. be needed. 2. The structures will be constructed of native Streambank Stabilization Standards: materials but may be anchored using non- native materials. 1. Streambank stabilization will be accomplished using wood structures, Lake Structures Guidelines: bioengineering and vegetation. 1. Fish habitat structures should be allowed 2. The use of rock for streambank in lakes in the corridor. stabilizations will be limited to maintenance of existing rock structures or 2700 Land Uses Management to protect culverts or bridges in the river corridor. Standards: 1. No new structures will be allowed in Streambank Stabilization Guidelines: recreation residence (summer home) 1. Streambank stabilization structures should special use permit areas. Allow only for the be designed to blend visually with the expansion, external remodeling or surroundings. reconstruction of existing structures consistent with maintaining the rustic, 2. Streambank stabilization structures should natural and historic character of the be periodically maintained to prevent them corridor. from becoming visually obtrusive or safety hazards. Existing structures that have Outfitting and Guiding Guidelines: fallen into a state of disrepair should be 1. Outfitting and guiding permits for water- rehabilitated. Repair should be done in a based services (e.g. canoeing and fishing) manner that maintains the scenic character should not be permitted within the scenic of the river and does not contribute to river segment. future streambank erosion. 5100 Fire Management Guidelines: 1. Fuel breaks should not be constructed or maintained in the river corridor except in high risk areas, where timber sale area design may provide for natural fuel breaks to be created in conifer inclusions.

7700 Transportation System Guidelines: 1. The Forest should work with Schoolcraft County Road Commission to prevent erosion problems on FH-43 between Steuben and the Indian River.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-58 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.2 (Carp WSR)

Management Area 8.4.2

Carp Wild & Scenic River

Figure 3-19. The location of the Carp Wild and Scenic River corridor is shown in dark gray.

Landscape Description: This area consists of however, many of these resources are the Carp River and its riparian area. The interdependent. As required by the Wild and topography is gently rolling and slopes Scenic River Act all management activities typically range from 2 percent to 15 percent. within the Wild and Scenic River corridor will The river corridor bisects the outwash plain protect, maintain, or enhance the outstanding lowlands and the clay lake plain landforms. remarkable values (river values) identified for The soils range from sandy to clayey and the the river corridor. soil moisture regime is wet mesic. Wetlands Ecological: Natural disturbance patterns occupy about 52 percent of the area. The area (windthrow, insects and disease, erosion, fire), bisects five LTAs: Carp/Ozark Creek Wetlands, or management activities which mimic natural Niagara South, Lower Carp River Complex, disturbance, are based on the landscape Huron Lake Beds and St. Martin Bay Wetlands. context in which the vegetative community is Desired Conditions: This statement describes found. Late successional communities with a future vision of the Carp River corridor. It long-lived communities such as cedar, mixed was developed using current Forest Plan swamp conifer and mixed swamp hardwood, direction, issues identified during the public northern hardwood and conifer are dominant. involvement process and by analyzing the It also includes some areas of early and corridor landscape. For ease of review this mid successional communities, with short- section is divided into resource categories, lived species such as tamarack, aspen, white

Hiawatha National Forest 3-59 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.2 (Carp WSR)

birch, and balsam fir as an integral part of the Social: The river provides a social setting corridor landscape. Components such as where individuals, families and groups hemlock and white pine are restored to the experience the sights and sounds of nature. ecosystem where appropriate. Noxious weeds Traditional use by local residents such as are absent or present at low levels. hunting, fishing, smelting, trapping, canoeing, Management activities are directed away from picking berries and mushrooms and recreating areas of known sensitive plants and animals with family and friends exists in the river where possible to minimize disruption to their corridor. Numerous opportunities exist in the life cycles or habitat. Carp River corridor for the recreationist. Game species populations are at levels Fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing and which balance ecological and recreational hiking are important activities in the river needs. Several rare, threatened or sensitive corridor. Visitors perceive the Carp River species, such as bald eagle, American marten, corridor as an area to “get away from it all,” wolf and osprey, find quality habitat within the where the sights and sounds of nature corridor. The river corridor serves as a linkage dominate. The river provides the primary between areas outside the corridor that are means of access to the Mackinac Wilderness managed as habitat for species requiring Area. River users do not degrade the seclusion. Forest structure includes large Wilderness resource. woody debris which is an important habitat Dispersed, non-motorized recreation component for small mammals. activities are predominant in Segments A-E Water quality in the Carp River is an (from the Forest boundary to McDonald important component of the riparian Rapids). Developed, motorized recreation ecosystem. In general, water quality meets or activities tend to be concentrated in Segment F exceeds the standards set by the Michigan (from McDonald Rapids to the mouth). Due to Water Resources Commission. more river access and development in the The Carp River provides quality habitat for recreational segment (McDonald Rapids to the anadromous salmonids and resident trout mouth), encounters with other users is likely to populations that are maintained primarily by be higher than in the rest of the river natural reproduction. Healthy aquatic (Segments A-E). invertebrate populations, spawning areas and Economic: Management activities (e.g. pools and habitat diversity to support all camping and other recreational opportunities) components of the aquatic ecosystem are may provide for contributions to the local present. Sea lamprey are absent or present at economy. In general, businesses are located low levels. Large woody debris is common in outside the river corridor but management of the river to provide channel stability, structure the river may enhance these businesses. and habitat complexity that enhances aquatic and riparian habitats. Visitors to the area help support small family-run retail stores and resorts which A healthy and diverse riparian plant supply gas, food, boat rentals, lodging, etc. community maintains stable river banks, and Local residents benefit economically through provides shade to the river. subsistence gathering and gathering of The Carp River is in a state of dynamic incidental forest products such as mushrooms, equilibrium with continuing natural erosional berries and firewood. Limited timber harvest, and depositional processes at the local scale. designed to protect or enhance the outstanding Natural changes in the stream channel occur, river values, provides a minor benefit to the resulting in eroding streambanks which regional economy. provide habitat for those species dependent on such disturbance and keep the energy of the Recreation: Visitors enjoy a variety of river in balance with its gradient and channel recreational experiences in natural-appearing morphology. settings. Recreation activities, management Bank stabilization and other aquatic practices, access, use levels and development habitat management allow natural river are consistent with the identified Recreation processes to continue and are designed to Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classification. blend with natural landscape.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-60 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.2 (Carp WSR)

Dispersed, non-motorized recreation Education, marketing and visitor activities are predominant in Segments A-E information play an important role in (from the Forest boundary to McDonald influencing visitor behavior, enhancing the Rapids). Recreationists in Segments A-E recreational experience and protecting river experience more challenge and risk and higher resources. levels of self-reliance. Developed, motorized Facilities in segments A-E are limited to recreation activities tend to be concentrated in those necessary for protecting river values Segment F (from McDonald Rapids to the while providing a degree of comfort and mouth). Recreationists in Segment F convenience for visitors at access points. experience less challenge and risk than in Facilities in segment F may be upgraded to Segments A-E and are provided with more user accommodate existing and increasing use. services, facilities and opportunities to All facilities are designed to appear rustic socialize. Interpretive services are and complement the natural setting. However, concentrated in Segment F. paved roads, parking areas or other facilities Visitors may encounter both motorized and necessary to manage increased use may be non-motorized use in segments A/B, D and F. evident in segment F. Natural materials and Non-motorized recreation use is primarily colors that blend in with the surrounding encountered in segment E and only non- natural landscape predominate. motorized use is allowed in segment C Privately-owned facilities and resorts (Mackinac Wilderness). outside the corridor may provide a much wider Subtle on-site visitor management controls range of amenities and a more developed and regulations help protect the recreation recreation experience. facilities, sensitive areas and outstandingly The Carp River Campground and dispersed remarkable features from excessive use and sites provide opportunities for overnight degradation and minimize visitor conflicts in camping within the river corridor. The Carp segments A–D. In segment F, visitor River Campground may have amenities (such management controls and regulations may be as running water, toilet buildings, hardened evident. Certain activities such as watercraft paths, etc.) designed to provide for sanitation use, camping and commercial uses may be and protection of the river resources. limited or controlled to maintain a quality Dispersed sites, with some sites accessible only recreational experience or to maintain and/or by water or trail, provide visitors with a more protect the ORVs. primitive, isolated camping experience.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-61 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.2 (Carp WSR)

Dispersed campsites maintain ground groups and communities maintain traditions vegetation and site characteristics which do not and strong ties to the river and its setting. increase sedimentation, erosion or negatively affect the outstanding river values. Private Property rights are recognized and respected. Information is provided to private Fishing is a popular recreational activity. landowners, upon request, to assist them in Much of the river offers a good, self-sustaining managing their lands to better protect the fishery for anadromous salmonids and resident river's values. Private holdings that adversely trout. More fishing pressure is expected in affect (or potentially affect) the river values segment F due to smelting opportunities at the may be acquired on a willing seller, willing mouth and steelhead fishing at McDonald buyer basis. National Forest lands are Rapids. Conflicts between anglers and other consolidated as opportunities arise. Zoning by recreationists are minimal. The Forest Service local government units is supportive and and Michigan Department of Natural complementary to river protection and Resources cooperatively manage the fishery management, while allowing for a range of resource and habitat of the Carp River in traditional uses on private lands within the accordance with existing policy and river corridor. agreements. Canoeing and kayaking are important Vegetation Composition Goals: There are recreational activities. The Carp River is no vegetation management goals for MA 8.4.2. moderately challenging for canoeists. Water Visual Quality Objectives: In this planning flows during spring runoff provide the most period, increase the amount of national forest challenging canoeing. Low water flows during lands meeting these visual quality objective: some years make canoeing difficult during the summer and fall. Minimal clearing of large ƒ In the Mackinac Wilderness segment: woody debris allows for canoe passage in many Preservation. areas. Encounters with other canoeists on the river is infrequent in segments A-E, but may be Standards & Guidelines frequent, particularly on weekends and holidays in segment F. The sights and sounds 2300 Recreation Management of nature rather than humans dominate the experience. The River provides opportunities Developed Camping Guidelines: for multi-day canoe/camping trips. 1. The rehabilitation of the Carp River Heritage Resources: Historic and prehistoric Campground should include: sites within the Carp River corridor are a. Developing 1-2 walk-in sites protected from degradation and impacts b. Considering group campsites in design caused by recreational or management c. Considering rustic play equipment in activities.In segments A-E, on site design interpretation of the sites is minimal. Interpretation is accomplished through river d. Assigning a Roaded Natural ROS guidebooks, brochures and forest recreational e. Assigning a Development Level 3 opportunity guides (ROGs). Interpretation of f. Designing rustic-appearing heritage resources such as signs or displays campground facilities may be evident in segment F. Dispersed Camping Standards: Traditional sites used by Native Americans on federal and ceded lands are managed 1. At designated sites, two tents or one consistent with Forest policy. Traditional RV/trailer and one tent maximum with a treaty rights are respected and consistent with total of eight persons will be permitted at forest or region wide agreements with the each sites. Tribes. The Forest Service and the Tribes work Dispersed Camping Guidelines: cooperatively to assure that the outstandingly 1. Up to six dispersed campsites throughout remarkable values of the river are protected. the river corridor should be designated and The Carp River retains a high level of cultural use of these sites should be encouraged. significance for local residents. Individuals,

Hiawatha National Forest 3-62 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.2 (Carp WSR)

2. Designated campsites within the river River Access Sites Guidelines: corridor should be located adjacent to the 1. In recreational and scenic segments, the river or lakes in key/popular areas, and at existing access sites within the river least 50 feet from the water’s edge. corridor should be retained with the Canoe Trails Standards: following improvements: 1. In the recreational segment, a canoe trail a. Define the access at M-123 will be designated from M-123 to St. b. Define the access at the Mackinac Trail Martin Bay. Bridge 2. In the Mackinac Wilderness, only non- 2. In wild segments, no new access points motorized methods will be used to clear should be developed. canoe passage through channel Recreation Facilities Standards: obstructions. 1. In scenic and wild segments simple Canoe Trails Guidelines: recreation facilities area permitted to 1. In the recreational segment, clearing and protect the values of the river area and cutting of channel obstructions for canoe prevent site deterioration from current use passage along the designated canoe trail and expected use. Facility location , design should be managed to achieve a level and construction will be compatible with consistent with novice to intermediate the designated ROS. canoeing skills. It should provide a low to 2. In the Mackinac Wilderness recreation moderate level or risk, adventure and self- improvement and/or site modification is reliance during non-peak flows. permitted only as needed to protect Wilderness and environmental quality or public health and safety. Trails Guidelines: 1. A new snowmobile trail that passes through the corridor in the recreational segment and an OHV trail on the old railroad grade adjacent to M-123, are the only new motorized trails that should be developed in the corridor. 2. New trails may be developed in 2. In the scenic and wild segments, clearing conjunction with the Carp River and cutting of channel obstructions should Campground reconstruction. be managed for canoeists with 3. Non-motorized trail uses within the river intermediate to advanced skills along the corridor should be maintained and canoe trail. It should provide a moderate monitored for user conflicts and/or level of risk, adventure and self-reliance resource damage. during non-peak flows. 4. The Old Carp River Road between River Access Sites Standards: McDonald Rapids and the East Lake Road 1. In the recreational and scenic segments, should not be designated as a trail. designated canoe/boat launch sites will be 5. In the Mackinac Wilderness, the Carp established at: M-123; East Lake Road; River Trail through the Wilderness should McDonald Rapids Access; Carp River be maintained and signed to Wilderness Campground (FR 3445 bridge); Mackinac trail management level 1. Trail Bridge and at the fishing access site at the mouth.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-63 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.2 (Carp WSR)

Motorized Use Standards: 2700 Land Uses Management 1. In scenic segments, the launching and retrieving of motorized watercraft will be Outfitting and Guiding Guidelines: prohibited from federal lands within the 1. Outfitter and guiding permits for fishing corridor. should not be issued within the wild and 2. In the Mackinac Wilderness, the use and scenic river corridor.

operation of motorized equipment and watercraft is prohibited. Lamprey Weir Note: All management direction within the Carp Wild and 2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant Scenic River Management Plan document has been accomplished. Habitat Management Guidelines: 5400 Land Ownership 1. Beaver dam removal should not occur Guidelines: within the Mackinac Wilderness. 1. Land adjustment activities should strive to Streambank Stabilization Guidelines: meet four basic objectives: 1. In recreational and wild segments, a. Consolidate ownership to provide stabilization of eroded streambanks should blocks of national forest land of occur only in areas where there is ongoing sufficient size to meet management human activity exacerbating erosion area objectives and/or to protect existing structures or b. Reduce amount of property lines developments. c. Improve legal access to national forest 2. On the Mackinac Wilderness, streambank lands stabilization is not permitted. d. Acquire parcels needed for specific Sediment Basins Standards: management purposes

1. Sediment basin maintenance will not be 7700 Transportation System permitted in the Mackinac Wilderness. Sediment Basins Guidelines: Guidelines: 1. In recreational and scenic segments, 1. No new permanent road construction existing sediment basins within the upper should occur within the recreational valley segment should be maintained when segment of the river. analysis of sediment transport and biological effects indicate that maintenance River Crossings Note: The need for an is beneficial. additional snowmobile river crossing has been Placement of Spawning Gravel and addressed through the I-75/M-134 Red Creek Boulder Groups Standards: snowmobile bridge project. 1. In the recreational and wild segments, placement of spawning gravel will not be permitted in the mainstem or tributaries within the river corridor.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-64 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.3 (Whitefish WSR)

Management Area 8.4.3

Whitefish Wild & Scenic River

Figure 3-20. The location of the Whitefish Wild and Scenic River corridor is shown in dark gray.

Landscape Description: This management Resource Assessment (January 1999) and by area consists of the Whitefish River and its analyzing the river corridor landscape. For riparian corridor. The topography is gently ease of review, this section is divided into rolling in the valley bottom, but the eastern resource categories; however, many of these sideslope is typically steep. Slopes range up to resources are interdependent. 15 percent on the valley floor and up to As required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers 45 percent on the eastern sideslope. The Act, all management activities within the wild landform is a glacial drainage channel. and scenic river corridor will protect, or The soils on the valley floor are typically enhance the outstandingly remarkable values loamy and shallow to bedrock. The eastern (river values) identified for the river corridor. slope soils are typically sandy. Wetlands Collaboration between the Forest Service occupy about 63 percent of the area. This area and local, state and federal agencies may be is located entirely within the Whitefish-Au required to achieve some elements found in Train Lowland LTA. the desired condition. Desired Conditions: This statement describes Ecological: Natural disturbance patterns a future vision of the Whitefish River corridor. (windthrow, insects and disease, erosion, fire), It was developed using issues identified or management which mimic natural during the Forest Plan revision public disturbance, are based on the landscape involvement process, the Whitefish River context in which the vegetational community

Hiawatha National Forest 3-65 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.3 (Whitefish WSR)

is found. Late successional communities with Social: The river provides for a social setting long-lived species are dominant. It includes in which individuals, families and groups areas of early successional communities, with experience the sights and sounds of nature. short-lived species, as an integral part of the Traditional use by local residents such as corridor landscape. Non-native invasive hunting, fishing, trapping boating and species are absent or present at very low canoeing, picking berries and mushrooms and levels. recreating with family and friends exists in the Game species populations are at levels river corridor. Opportunities exist in the which balance ecological and recreational Whitefish River corridor for the recreationist. needs. The river is recognized as an important Dispersed camping, canoeing, fishing, producer of resident trout in its upper reaches hunting, hiking and snowmobiling are and warm water species downstream. The important activities in the river corridor. river hosts one of the better runs of wild Economic: Activities associated with the steelhead and chinook salmon on the forest. Whitefish River (e.g. driving for pleasure, Steelhead reproduction is occasionally hunting and fishing) provide minor supplemented by stocking hatchery-reared contributions to the local economy. Visitors to fish. Several rare, threatened or sensitive the area help support small family-run retail species such as bald eagle, American marten, stores and resorts, which supply gas, food, fish wolf, moose (infrequently), osprey, or wood and hunting licenses, lodging, etc. Local turtle find quality habitat within the corridor. residents benefit through subsistence The corridor serves as a linkage between areas gathering of incidental forest products such as outside the corridor. mushrooms, berries, boughs and firewood. Water quality is an important component Limited timber harvest, designed to protect or of the riparian and aquatic ecosystem and is enhance the outstanding river values, provides also important for supporting the a minor benefit to the economy. outstandingly remarkable values. In general, water quality meets or exceeds the standards Recreation: Visitors to the Whitefish River set by the Michigan Water Resources enjoy a variety of recreational experiences in Commission. natural appearing settings. Recreation Healthy aquatic invertebrate populations, activities, management practices, access, use spawning areas and pools and habitat levels and development are consistent with diversity to support all components of the the identified Recreation Opportunity aquatic ecosystem are present. Large woody Spectrum (ROS) classification. debris, though not common, provides channel Subtle on-site visitor management stability, structure and habitat complexity that controls and regulations, help protect the enhances aquatic and riparian habitats. recreation facilities and sensitive areas from A healthy and diverse riparian plant excessive use and degradation, and minimize community maintains stable river banks and visitor conflicts. Recreational activities are provides thermal cover to the riparian system. directed away from areas of known sensitive Biotic and aquatic habitats are suitable for plants and animals to minimize disruptions to sustaining lake whitefish runs. their life cycles or habitat. Certain activities such as watercraft use, camping and The river is in a state of dynamic commercial uses may be limited or controlled. equilibrium with minor amounts of natural erosion and deposition occurring at the local Facilities in the corridor are limited to scale. Natural changes in the stream channel those necessary for protecting river values occur, resulting in eroding streambanks which while providing a degree of comfort and provide habitat for those species dependant convenience for visitors at access points. All on such disturbance, and keep the energy of facilities appear rustic and are designed to the river in balance with its gradient and complement the natural setting. Privately- channel morphology. Bank stabilization and owned facilities and resorts outside of the other aquatic habitat management allow corridor may provide a much wider range of natural river processes to continue and are amenities and a more developed recreation designed to blend with the natural landscape. experience.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-66 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.3 (Whitefish WSR)

Dispersed camping opportunities exist permits. Outfitter/guide activities provide a within the river corridor. Dispersed sites, with public service and are such that the desired some sites accessible by water or by trail, social setting is maintained or enhanced, as provide visitors with a more primitive, well as protection of the outstandingly isolated camping experience. Dispersed remarkable values. campsites maintain ground vegetation and site characteristics which do not increase Access/Transportation System: County, sedimentation, erosion or negatively affect the state and Forest Service system roads and outstanding river values. bridges are maintained to protect river resource values and to allow safe passage to Fishing within the Whitefish River river access points, camping areas and private corridor is a popular recreational activity. lands. Travel routes in the corridor not Much of the upper reaches of the river offer a necessary to the above needs or resource good, self-sustaining and hatchery management may be closed and restored. The supplemented fishery for trout. The lower effects of sediment entering the river at bridge section offers a quality warm water fishery. and culvert approaches are minimized. Steelhead and salmon provide good seasonal fisheries throughout the river. Conflicts Key access points are located within the between anglers and other recreationists are corridor and are developed to a level minimal. The Forest Service and Michigan commensurate with the ROS and resource Department of Natural Resources protection. The Bay de Noc-Grand Island Trail cooperatively manage the fishery resource and is a popular non-motorized trail which passes habitat of the Whitefish River in accordance through the corridor. Existing trails are with existing policy and agreements. maintained and new trails are designed to minimize resource impacts, avoid user Canoeing and kayaking are important conflicts and protect and enhance the boating activities on the Whitefish River. outstanding river values. Recreational opportunities are significant during the spring months, with flows Scenic Quality: The Whitefish River is augmented by runoff. The Whitefish River known for its outstanding and diverse riverine provides challenges for canoeists of moderate scenery. Visitors may experience evidence of to advanced levels. Motorized boating is human development, however the natural- primarily confined to the recreational segment appearing characteristics of the landscape of the river. The Whitefish provides dominate. opportunities for multi-day canoe/camping trips, dependant on water levels. Heritage Resources: Prehistoric and heritage sites within the Whitefish River corridor are Other recreational activities such as protected from degradation and impacts hunting and trapping, caused by recreational or sightseeing, picnicking, management activities. On- bicycling, hiking, OHV site interpretation is use, watching wildlife minimal, with and socializing are interpretation being commonly enjoyed by accomplished through river visitors on the guidebooks, brochures and Whitefish River. In the Forest Recreational winter, visitors enjoy Opportunity Guides. Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, while Traditional sites used snowmobilers pass by Native Americans on through the corridor federal and ceded lands are on designated trails or managed consistent with unplowed forest roads that are not designated forest policy. Treaty rights are protected. The closed. Forest Service and the Tribes work cooperatively to assure that the outstandingly Commercial outfitting and guiding is remarkable values of the river are protected. regulated through issuance of special use

Hiawatha National Forest 3-67 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.3 (Whitefish WSR)

The Whitefish River retains a high level of 2. In recreational segments, a new cultural significance for local residents. snowmobile trail crossing over the river Individuals, groups and communities (near U.S. Highway 2) may be constructed maintain traditions and strong ties to the river within the corridor, commensurate with and its setting. the requirements of protecting and/or enhancing the river values. Private Property rights are maintained. Information is provided to private landowners, upon request, to assist them in 2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant managing their lands or to better protect the Habitat Management river’s values. Private holdings that adversely affect (or potentially affect) the river values Streambank Stabilization Guidelines: may be acquired on a willing seller-willing 1. Streambank stabilization should be buyer basis. National Forest lands are accomplished using wood structures and consolidated as opportunities arise. Zoning by bioengineering techniques whenever local units of government is supportive and possible. complementary to river protection and management, while allowing for a range of 2. Streambank stabilization structures traditional uses on private lands within the should be periodically maintained to river corridor. prevent them from becoming visually obtrusive or safety hazards. Vegetation Composition Goals: There are no vegetation management goals. Streambank Stabilization Guidelines for Scenic Segment: 1. Streambank stabilization should be Standards & Guidelines permitted on moderately to severely eroded streambanks and/or to protect the 2300 Recreation Management outstandingly remarkable values. Consideration should be given to sediment River Access Sites Guidelines: transport. 1. Provide river access sites on the East 2. Streambank projects should be designed Branch at CR 00-3 at Trout Lake, two sites to enhance or preserve stable river at FR 2236 (one for each the east and west morphology. branch), at U.S. Highway 2 or at the end of CR I-15. Construct access site at or near Sediment Basins Guidelines: the vicinity of the Haymeadow gravel pit. 1. Existing sediment basins should be Recreation Facilities Guidelines: maintained on tributaries within the corridor. 1. All vault toilets should be located a minimum of 100 feet from the high water 2. The spoils should be disposed of and mark of any waterbody within the revegetated in a manner that meets the corridor. visual quality standards (VQO) and permit requirements. 2. Primitive toilets with no vaults should be a minimum of 200 feet from the high water mark. 7700 Transportation System Trails Standards: River Crossings Guidelines: 1. In scenic segments, no new motorized 1. A new snowmobile bridge crossing over trails will be constructed within the the river (near US-2), may be constructed corridor. within the corridor, in accordance with the Trails Guidelines: requirements of protecting and/or enhancing the river values.

1. Trails within the river corridor should be monitored for user conflicts and resource damage.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-68 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.4 (Sturgeon WSR)

Management Area 8.4.4 Sturgeon Wild & Scenic River

Figure 3-21. The location of the Sturgeon Wild and Scenic River corridor is shown in dark gray. Landscape Description: This area consists (January 1999) and by analyzing the river of the Sturgeon River and its riparian area. corridor landscape. For ease of review, this The topography is typically gently rolling with section is divided into resource categories; slopes ranging from 2 percent to 15 percent. It however, many of these resources are is within the glacial drainageway, outwash interdependent. plain and lake plain landforms. The soils in As required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers the corridor are commonly sandy but include Act, all management activities within the wild finer textures in some areas that are remnants and scenic river corridor will protect, or of a glacial drainage feature. Wetlands occupy enhance the outstandingly remarkable values about 63 percent of the area. The area lies (river values) identified for the river corridor. with these LTAs: Mid-Sturgeon Moraine/ Collaboration between the Forest Service and Wetland, Steuben Segment, Steuben Outwash local, state, and federal agencies may be Moraine and Nahma Lowlands. required to achieve some elements found in the desired condition. Desired Conditions: The desired condition statement describes a future vision of the Ecological: Natural disturbance patterns Sturgeon River corridor. It was developed (windthrow, insects and disease, erosion, fire), using the issues identified during the Forest or management which mimic natural Plan revision public involvement process, the disturbances, are based on the landscape Sturgeon River Resource Assessment context in which the vegetational community

Hiawatha National Forest 3-69 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.4 (Sturgeon WSR)

is found. Late successional communities with Social: Traditional use by local residents such long-lived species are dominant, but include as hunting, fishing, trapping, canoeing, areas of early successional communities, with driving for pleasure and recreating with family short-lived species as an integral part of the and friends exists in the river corridor. corridor landscape. Non-native invasive plants Numerous recreation opportunities exist in are absent or present at very low levels. the Sturgeon River corridor. Camping, fishing, Populations of game species are at levels hunting, canoeing and snowmobiling are that balance ecological and recreational needs. important activities. Dispersed, non- The river is recognized as an important motorized recreation opportunities can be producer of resident trout and also hosts an found primarily in the scenic segment. More annual steelhead trout and salmon run. developed, motorized recreation activities Several rare, threatened or sensitive species tend to be concentrated in the recreational such as bald eagle, American marten, wolf, segment below the Fourteen Mile Bridge. osprey or wood turtle find quality habitat Economic: Activities associated with the within the corridor. The river supports lake Sturgeon River (e.g. camping, driving for sturgeon. The river corridor serves as a pleasure, fishing, hunting and other linkage between areas outside the corridor. recreational opportunities) provide minor Water quality in the river is an important contributions to the local economy. Visitors to component of the riparian ecosystem. In the area help support small family-run retail general, water quality meets or exceeds the stores and resorts, which supply gas, food, standards set by the Michigan Water game and fishing licenses, lodging, etc. Local Resources Commission. The river provides residents benefit through subsistence quality habitat for anadromous salmonids and gathering of incidental forest products such as resident trout populations that are maintained firewood, mushrooms and berries. Limited through natural reproduction and stocking. timber harvest, designed to protect or enhance The amount of sand transported by the river is the outstanding river values, provides a minor in equilibrium with the ability of the stream to benefit to the economy. move it. Healthy aquatic invertebrate populations, Recreation: Visitors to the Sturgeon River spawning areas and pools and habitat enjoy a variety of recreational experiences in diversity to support all components of the natural appearing settings. Recreation aquatic ecosystem are present. Large woody activities, management practices, access, use debris is common in the river providing levels and development are consistent with channel stability, structure and habitat the identified Recreation Opportunity complexity that enhances aquatic and riparian Spectrum (ROS). habitats. A healthy and diverse riparian plant Subtle on-site visitor management community maintains stable river banks and controls and regulations help protect the provides thermal cover to the riparian system. recreation facilities and sensitive areas from The Sturgeon River is in a state of excessive use and degradation and minimize dynamic equilibrium with continuing natural visitor conflicts. Recreational activities are erosional and depositional processes at the directed away from areas of known sensitive local scale. Natural changes in the stream plants and animals to minimize disruptions to channel occur, resulting in eroding their life cycles or habitat. Certain activities streambanks which provide habitat for those such as camping and commercial uses may be species dependant on such disturbance, and limited or controlled. keep the energy of the river in balance with its Due to lesser channel obstruction and gradient and channel morphology. Bank more river access between the 14 Mile Bridge stabilization and other aquatic habitat and Flowing Well, the likelihood of encounters management allow natural river processes to with other users is higher than in other continue and are designed to blend with the sections of the river. natural landscape. Facilities in the corridor are limited to those necessary for protecting river values while providing a degree of comfort and

Hiawatha National Forest 3-70 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.4 (Sturgeon WSR)

convenience for visitors at access points. All forest roads. Dog sledders can also be found facilities appear rustic and are designed to using the many forest roads and trails. complement the natural setting. Commercial outfitting and guiding is Privately-owned facilities and resorts regulated through issuance of special use outside of the corridor may provide a much permits. Outfitter/guide activities are such wider range of amenities and a more that the desired social setting is maintained or developed recreation experience. enhanced, as well as protection of other river The Flowing Well Campground and other resources. dispersed sites along the river, provide Access/Transportation System: County, opportunities for overnight camping within state and Forest Service system roads and the river corridor. The Flowing Well bridges are maintained to protect river Campground may have amenities (such as resource values and to allow safe passage to running water, toilet buildings, hardened river access points, camping areas and private paths, etc.) designed to provide for sanitation lands. Travel routes in the corridor that are and protection of the river resources. not necessary to the above needs or resource Dispersed sites, with some sites accessible management, may be closed and restored. The only by water or trail, provide visitors with a effects of sediment entering the river at bridge more primitive, isolated camping experience. and culvert approaches are minimized. Dispersed campsites maintain ground vegetation and site characteristics which do Key access points are located throughout not increase sedimentation, erosion or the corridor and are developed to a level negatively affect the river values. commensurate with use. The Nahma Grade and Big Bay de Noc snowmobile trails pass Fishing within the Sturgeon River corridor through the corridor. Existing trails are is a popular recreational activity. Much of the maintained and new trails are designed to river offers a quality, self-sustaining fishery minimize resource impacts, avoid user for anadromous salmonids and resident trout. conflicts and protect and enhance the Conflicts between anglers and other outstanding river values. recreationists are minimal. The Forest Service and Michigan Department of Natural Scenic Quality: Viewsheds along the Resources cooperatively manage the fishery Sturgeon River are very confined due to the resource and habitat of the Sturgeon River in heavy streambank vegetation. Consequently, accordance with existing policy and the natural-appearing characteristics of the agreements. landscape dominate. Visitors experience Canoeing on the Sturgeon River occurs minimal evidence of human development in but is infrequent and only practical during the scenic segment and slightly more human high water conditions in the early spring and development and modification of the possibly in the fall, following significant rain landscape in the recreational segment. events. Logjams are always present in almost Visitors continue to see some eroded all sections of the river. Numerous logjams streambanks as the natural erosion process require considerable effort to canoe, due to continues. Stabilized streambanks are the number of liftovers and portages. The revegetated and blend in with the surrounding frequent logjams combined with very limited landscape. access require that paddlers be highly skilled Heritage Resources: Heritage and and self-reliant. In return, they can experience prehistoric sites within the Sturgeon River a fairly remote and primitive setting. corridor are protected from degradation and Other recreational activities such as impacts caused by recreational or hunting, fishing and trapping, sightseeing, management activities. On-site interpretation picnicking, bicycling, hiking, off-highway occurs, with additional interpretation being vehicle use, watching wildlife and socializing accomplished through river guidebooks, maps are commonly enjoyed by visitors. In the and brochures, and Forest Recreational winter, snowmobilers pass through the Opportunity Guides (ROGs). corridor on designated trails or unplowed

Hiawatha National Forest 3-71 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.4 (Sturgeon WSR)

Traditional sites used by Native Americans on federal and ceded lands are managed consistent with forest policy. Treaty rights are maintained. The Forest Service and the Tribes work cooperatively to assure that the outstandingly remarkable values of the river are protected. The Sturgeon River retains a high level of cultural significance for local residents. Individuals, groups and communities maintain traditions and strong ties to the river and its setting. Private Property: Private property rights are recognized and respected. Information is provided to private landowners, upon request, to assist them in managing their lands to better protect the f. All campground facilities should be river’s values. Private holdings that adversely rustic appearing. affect (or potentially affect) the river values g. Evaluate and stabilize user-developed may be acquired on a willing seller-willing river access from individual campsites. buyer basis. National Forest lands are Steps may be constructed to provide consolidated as opportunities arise. Zoning by access and to protect the streambanks, local units of government is supportive and as well as bank stabilization structures complementary to river protection and to reduce erosion into the river. management, while allowing for a range of traditional uses on private lands within the h. Encourage longer-lived tree species. river corridor. Open up the canopy to provide more sunlight into the campground while Vegetation Composition Goals: There are retaining adequate vegetation to no vegetation management goals for screen the campsites and other Management Area 8.4.4. recreation facilities from the river.

i. Discourage user damage to riparian Standards & Guidelines vegetation. Canoe Trails Guidelines: 2300 Recreation Management 1. Clearing or cutting wood should not occur Developed Camping Guidelines: within the channel except for minor 1. At the Flowing Well Campground: clearing to allow canoe passage on the river and where resource damage is a. Future site improvements should occurring (e.g. erosion from portaging or focus on accessibility (50% of sites will liftovers). be accessible), remedying health and safety concerns and resource River Access Sites Guidelines: protection. 1. Provide river access sites at the CR 442 b. Retain the day use area for picnickers bridge; FR 2229 (Hayes Dam) and/or and canoe/angler access to and from Fourteen Mile Bridge; the Tenmile Rapids the river. pull-off; the Flowing Well Campground; c. Reduce the number of campsites from U.S. Highway 2 (south of the highway), 10 to 7. and at the CR 499 bridge (west of the river). d. Manage for Roaded Natural ROS. e. Manage the campground at the lower end of development level 3.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-72 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.4.4 (Sturgeon WSR)

Recreation Facilities Guidelines: 3. Consideration should be given to sediment transport relative to oxbow formation. 1. All vault toilets should be located a minimum of 100 feet from the high water 4. Streambank projects should be designed mark of any waterbody within the to enhance or preserve stable river corridor. morphology. 2. Primitive toilets with no vaults should be Sediment Basins Guidelines: located at a minimum of 200 feet from the 1. Existing sediment basins should be high water mark. maintained on tributaries within the Trails Standards: corridor. 1. In scenic segments, no new motorized 2. The spoils should be disposed of or trails will be constructed within the revegetated in a manner that meets the corridor. visual quality standards (VQO) and permit requirements. Trails Guidelines for Recreational and Scenic Segments: 2700 Land Uses Management 1. In recreational and scenic segments, Other Special Uses Standards: construction of new, non-motorized trails should be permitted. 1. No new structures will be allowed in recreation residence (summer home) 2. In recreational and scenic segments, trails special use permit areas. should be monitored for user conflicts and resource damage. 2. The expansion, external remodeling or reconstruction of existing structures will 3. In recreational segment, new motorized be consistent with maintaining the rustic, trails may be constructed. natural and historic character of the

corridor. 2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant Habitat Management 7700 Transportation System Streambank Stabilization Guidelines: Road Construction Guidelines: 1. Streambank stabilization should be 1. Additional permanent river crossings accomplished using wood structures, should not occur within the corridor. bioengineering and vegetation whenever possible.

2. Streambank stabilization structures should be periodically maintained to

prevent them from becoming visually

obtrusive or safety hazards. Streambank stabilization should be permitted on moderately to severely eroded streambanks and/or to protect the outstandingly remarkable values.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-73 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MA 8.4.5 (East Branch Tahquamenon WSR)

Management Area 8.4.5

East Branch Tahquamenon Wild & Scenic River

Figure 3-22. The location of the East Branch Tahquamenon Wild and Scenic River corridor is shown in dark gray.

Landscape Description: This area consists For ease of review, this section is divided of the upper reaches of the East Branch into resource categories; however, many of Tahquamenon River and its riparian area. The these resources are interdependent. topography is nearly level with slopes Collaboration between the Forest Service predominantly less than 5 percent gradient. and local, state, and federal agencies may be The dominant landforms are lake plain and required to achieve some elements found in outwash plain. Soils are dominantly poorly the desired condition. As required by the Wild drained sands and organics. Wetlands occupy and Scenic River Act, all management about 57 percent of the area. It falls within the activities within the wild and scenic river East Tahquamenon River Drainage and the corridor will protect, maintain or enhance the Lake Superior Highlands LTAs. fisheries and hydrologic outstandingly Desired Condition: This statement describes remarkable values (river values) and the free- a future vision of the East Branch flowing condition of the river. Tahquamenon River corridor. It was Ecological: Natural disturbance patterns developed using the issues identified during (windthrow, insects and disease, erosion, fire), public involvement efforts, and by analyzing or management which mimic natural the corridor landscape. disturbances, are based on the landscape context in which the vegetational community

Hiawatha National Forest 3-74 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MA 8.4.5 (East Branch Tahquamenon WSR)

is found. Late successional communities with management is designed to maintain chemical long-lived species such as cedar, mixed swamp and physical water characteristics in support conifer and mixed swamp hardwood are of the outstandingly remarkable values. dominant along the river, but include areas of early successional communities, with short- Social: The river provides for a social setting lived species such as tamarack, aspen and in which individuals experience relative balsam fir as an integral part of the landscape. seclusion on forest lands. Along the river, the sights and sounds of nature dominate however Beyond the floodplain and outside the the sounds from nearby roads and private banks of the river, communities of hardwoods, lands are sometimes audible. Visitors perceive softwoods and mixed swamp conifer species the river corridor (outside the private lands) may be found. Non-native invasive plants are as relatively undeveloped and an area to “get absent or present at low levels. away from it all,” where the sights and sounds Populations of terrestrial game species are of nature dominate. at levels that balance ecological and recreational needs. The river corridor provides Economic: Management activities associated habitat for species such as timber wolf, white- with the East Branch Tahquamenon River tailed deer, bobcat, sandhill cranes and black (e.g. fishing and other recreational bear. The river corridor provides seclusion opportunities) provide for limited habitat and serves as a linkage to areas outside contributions to the local economy. Local the corridor. Beaver activities are to a residents benefit economically through minimum, in order to maintain water subsistence gathering and gathering of temperatures needed incidental forest for the outstandingly products such as remarkable fisheries mushrooms, berries resource. and firewood. Limited timber harvest, Water quality designed to protect or meets or exceeds the enhance the standards set by the outstanding river Michigan Water values, provides a Resources minor benefit to the Commission. Water economy. temperature, pH, hydro-geological Recreation: source and Traditional use such as productivity of the hunting, fishing and river are important trapping occur in the components of the aquatic ecosystem. river corridor and are the primary recreation Healthy aquatic invertebrate populations, activities along the river. Snowmobiles in spawning areas, pools and habitat diversity to winter months cross through the river support all components of the aquatic corridor and continue on the designated ecosystem are present. Large woody debris is snowmobile route. Visitors to the East Branch common in the river and provides channel Tahquamenon River enjoy a natural appearing stability, structure and habitat complexity that setting. Recreation activities, management enhances aquatic and riparian habitats. A practices, access, use levels and development healthy and diverse riparian plant community are consistent with the identified classification maintains stable river banks and provides of the river and the desired ROS setting. thermal cover to the riparian system. Subtle on-site visitor management controls The river is in a state of dynamic and regulations help protect sensitive areas equilibrium with continuing natural erosional from excessive use and degradation and and depositional processes at the local scale. minimize visitor conflicts. Aquatic habitat management allows natural Facilities in the corridor are limited to river processes to continue and is designed to those necessary for protecting river values blend with the natural landscape. Riparian while providing a degree of comfort and

Hiawatha National Forest 3-75 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MA 8.4.5 (East Branch Tahquamenon WSR)

convenience for visitors at access points. Heritage Resources: Heritage and Facilities appear rustic, and are designed to prehistoric sites within the East Branch complement the natural setting. Dispersed Tahquamenon River corridor are protected campsites may provide visitors with a more from degradation and impacts caused by primitive, isolated camping experience. recreational or management activities. On site Dispersed campsites and angler trails interpretation of sites is minimal, with maintain ground vegetation and site interpretation being accomplished through characteristics which do not increase river guidebooks, brochures, and Forest sedimentation, erosion or negatively affect the Recreational Opportunity Guides (ROGs). outstanding river values. Private Property rights are recognized and The Forest Service and Michigan DNR respected. Information is provided to private cooperatively manage the river’s fishery landowners, upon request, to assist them in resource and habitat in accordance with managing their lands to better protect the existing policy and agreements. Commercial river’s values. Private holdings that adversely outfitting and guiding does not occur within affect (or potentially affect) the river values the river corridor. may be acquired on a willing seller-willing Access/Transportation System: County, buyer basis. National Forest lands are state and Forest Service system roads and consolidated as opportunities arise. bridges are maintained to protect river Zoning by local units of government is resource values and allow safe passage to river supportive and complimentary to river access points and private lands. Travel routes protection and management, while allowing in the corridor that are not necessary to the for a range of traditional uses on private lands above needs or resource management, may be within the river corridor. closed and restored. The effects of sediment entering the river at bridge and culvert Vegetation Composition Goals: There are approaches are minimized. no vegetation management goals for Management Area 8.4.5. Scenic Quality: Visitors may experience evidence of human development on private lands and within the recreational segment, however the natural-appearing characteristics of the landscape dominate.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-76 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction MA 8.4.5 (East Branch Tahquamenon WSR)

Standards & Guidelines

2300 Recreation Management Trails Standards: Dispersed Camping Standards for 1. In the wild segment, do not construct new Recreational Segment: motorized or non-motorized trail access. 1. A maximum of two tents should be Trails Guidelines for the Recreational permitted at designated sites, with a Segment: maximum total of eight persons at each 1. No new motorized trails should be site. constructed within the corridor. Dispersed Camping Guidelines for 2. Non-motorized trail access should be Recreational Segment: maintained and monitored for user conflicts or resource damage. 1. A maximum of six designated dispersed campsites should be developed within the corridor to protect river resources. 2400 Vegetation Management 2. Designated campsites should be located Guidelines: away from private lands in key/popular 1. In recreational segments, vegetation areas within view of the river, yet set back treatment activities should be designed to from the shoreline. maintain the river’s water temperature so River Access Standards: it does not fall below the critical temperatures for brook trout production. 1. In the wild segment, no new recreation access will be developed. 7700 Transportation System River Access Guidelines for Recreational Segment: Standards for Recreational Segment: 1. Easements from private landowners for 1. Additional permanent river crossings will river access at M-123 (Eckerman Road) not occur within the corridor. and H83 should be acquired. 2. Parking, signing and improved access should be developed to the river, consistent with the ROS setting in the recreational segment. Recreation Facilities Standards: 1. In the wild segment, no recreation facilities will be developed.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-77 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.5 (Grand Island NRA)

Management Area 8.5

Grand Island National Recreation Area

Figure 3-23. The location of the Grand Island National Recreation Area is shown in dark gray.

Suited Uses: Provide a range of recreational ROS class on the main island south of Echo opportunities while protecting threatened and Lake; with the semi-primitive motorized ROS endangered species and other natural and class northwest of Echo Lake; and with the cultural resources. semi-primitive non-motorized ROS class northeast of Echo Lake and on the Thumb. Landscape Description: This area consists of Grand Island. The topography is gently Winter: Feature primarily those activities rolling to steep with cliffs up to 200 feet high and facilities generally compatible with the forming the northeast shore of the island. semi-primitive motorized ROS class on the Slopes range from 10% to 7 % gradient. Soils main island and tombolo; and semi-primitive are dominantly loamy and depth to bedrock non-motorized ROS class on the Thumb. varies from a few inches to several feet. Vegetation Composition Goals: There are Wetlands occupy about 10% of the area. The no vegetation management goals. entire area falls within the Grand Island-Au Train-Wood Island-Williams Island Bedrock Visual Quality Objectives: In this planning Controlled Moraines landtype association. period increase the amount of national forest land meeting these VQOs: Desired Conditions — Summer: Feature primarily those activities and facilities Retention VQO for all areas of Grand Island generally compatible with the roaded natural that are visible from Lake Superior or the mainland (off-island views).

Hiawatha National Forest 3-78 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.5 (Grand Island NRA)

For on-island views (not visible from Lake 2. All recreation developments will be Superior): Retention VQO in semi- planned and executed in accordance with primitive non-motorized areas; the Design Criteria described in the Grand Partial retention VQO in semi-primitive Island Record of Decision. motorized and roaded natural areas. 3. Only one carry-in boat landing at Echo Lake and one carry-in boat landing at Duck Lake will be allowed. Construction of Standards & Guidelines back-in boat landings will not be allowed. 1600 Information Services 4. An overnight boat docking facility with no more than 14 slips will be allowed. Guidelines: 5. Personal watercraft will not be permitted 1. A visitor contact station near the ferry to land on or be transported across Grand landing, consistent with the roaded Island. natural recreation opportunity spectrum 6. No more than seven designated shoreline class, should be allowed. access points will be developed. 2. Interpretive signing, programs and 7. Rock climbing, horses and rappelling will development, commensurate with the not be allowed. Ice climbing and summer recreation opportunity spectrum rappelling on ice during the winter will be class, should be allowed. permitted. 3. A moderate level of interpretative 8. Portable generators will not be allowed, programming should be allowed. except for use by islanders or for medical

1900 Planning needs. 9. Firewood collection will be prohibited on Guidelines: the tombolo. 1. Vegetation should be managed to protect 10. Fires will be allowed only in Forest Service and/or enhance: provided fire rings. a. Endangered, threatened and sensitive 11. A shelter near the public ferry landing for species people waiting for the ferry/public b. Recreation, wildlife, visual and transportation will be provided. cultural resources Recreation Development Guidelines: c. Facilities and private property from 1. Toilet facilities should be made available pests and fire for designated sites, group campsites, the 2300 Recreation Management rustic campground and primitive cabins. 2. Low impact vistas should be developed. Heritage Resources Standards: 3. Recreation opportunities and facilities 1. Metal detectors will not be allowed except should be made accessible in accordance for authorized use. with the development level, character and Heritage Resources Guidelines: experience of the setting (ROS class). 1. A moderate level of interpretation of Camping Standards: cultural resources consistent with the 1. Designated Campsites: No more than summer recreation opportunity spectrum 25 designated campsites will be allowed. class should be allowed. At designated sites, no more than 2 tents 2. Up to 30 acres of permanent openings on and 6 persons will be permitted. the main island should be rehabilitated a. Simple shelters (primitive Adirondack and/or maintained for cultural resource style, for example), will be substituted management. for the designated campsites if they Recreation Development Standards: are appropriate. If shelters are used, 1. Domestic animals will be on a leash or they will accommodate no more than 6 otherwise confined, except while being persons. used for hunting.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-79 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.5 (Grand Island NRA)

b. All designated campsites and group No more than two such cabins will be campsites will be at least 100 feet from located in the summer semi-primitive the waters of Lake Superior or cliff non-motorized ROS class and none will be edges, unless it is necessary to locate located on tombolo. such sites closer to protect resources. 7. Random Camping: No more than six c. Designated campsites (single site), persons and two tents per random designated group campsites and campsite will be allowed except during the primitive cabins will be separated by winter when there is at least six inches of at least 150 feet in semi-primitive non- snow. Random camping will not be motorized areas; 100 feet in semi- allowed on the tombolo and less than 100 primitive motorized areas; and 75 feet ft. from: in roaded natural areas. a. The waters of Lake Superior or cliff d. When camping at a designated site, edges equipment will be kept within 15 feet b. Other campsites and recreation of the number post designating that development site. c. Private property 2. Murray Bay: No more than 3 designated d. Trials and roads campsites or no more than 2 designated e. Inland lakes campsites and 1 group campsite will be f. Named creeks allowed. The designated campsites will g. Research Natural Area contribute toward the limit of 25 designate campsites; the group site will contribute Camping Guidelines: toward the limit of 2 group campsites. 1. Permits for all camping should be 3. Tombolo: No more than 4 designated required. A limit on the number of permits campsites, each with a maximum of 2 should be established if the need arises. tents and 4 persons will be allowed. The 2. A campsite reservation should be designated campsites will contribute developed if the need arises toward the limit of 25 designated 3. Campsite location and design should campsites. Group campsites will not be consider access for kayakers and boaters. permitted. Trails Standards: 4. Group Camping: No more than 2 designated group campsites 1. No more than 18 miles of hiking-only accommodating up to 25 people each, trails island-wide and no more than 30 located in the summer semi-primitive miles of combined hiking/bicycling trails motorized or road natural ROS classes will on the main island and tombolo only will be allowed. Designated group campsites be allowed. will not contribute toward the limit of 25 2. Public use of bicycle trails on the Thumb designated campsites. Designated group will not be allowed. campsites will not be permitted on the 3. Bicycles will not be ridden off trails. tombolo. 4. Other than islanders, the public will be 5. Rustic Camping: One rustic allowed use of special use roads for hiking campground with no more than 10 walk-in and bicycling only, unless posted sites, each site accommodating no more otherwise for resource protection, islander than 6 persons will be allowed. The rustic privacy or administrative reasons. campground may be located in the summer roaded natural ROS class only, Trails Guidelines: but not at Murray or Trout Bays. No 1. Hiking-only and hiking/bicycling trails vehicles will be allowed except those with should be native surfaced. Other trail accessible vehicle parking permits. surfacing should be used as needed for 6. Primitive Cabins: No more than 7 interpretive trails, or where necessary for primitive cabins with occupancy for no resource protection and safety. more than 8 persons each will be allowed.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-80 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.5 (Grand Island NRA)

2. Existing old road and trail corridors 2. Administrative use of the island’s timber should be used when siting the proposed resources for the construction of facilities trail system. should be allowed. Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Standards: 3. Removal of hazard trees by the Forest 1. The use of non-native, vegetative Service is allowed. agricultural products (e.g. apples, beets, 4. Property owners should be permitted to carrots) for attracting wildlife will be gather firewood (dead and down material) prohibited. The use of vegetative for personal use primarily from vegetative agricultural products for trapping fur management projects. bearers is allowed. 5. Allowable timber removal should be 2. Dragging of roads connected with tracking carried out using the prescriptions for and hunting is prohibited. individual tree selection and group selection. Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Guidelines: 6. Reforestation should be primarily through 1. The Forest should consult with the natural regeneration. Michigan DNR to address hunting bears with dogs. Openings Standards: 2. Areas of the island may be closed to 1. Temporary openings for purposes other hunting, trapping and fishing by Forest than those listed under 2400 Vegetation Service order for reasons of public safety, Management will not be created. administration, the protection of non- 2. Temporary openings will not exceed game species and their habitats, or public 5 acres in size. use and enjoyment. Michigan DNR will be 3. The cumulative amount of temporary consulted prior to implementing such openings (both human-created and closures. natural), will not exceed 230 acres. Snowmobiles Standards: 4. Temporary openings on the tombolo or 1. Allow no more than 50 miles of designated immediately adjacent to the Research ungroomed snowmobile trails on the main Natural Area, will not be allowed. island and tombolo. Openings Guidelines: 2. Snowmobiles will not be allowed on the 1. Temporary openings should be separated Thumb. by a minimum of 660 feet. 3. Snowmobile trails will not be groomed. 4. Snowmobiles will be allowed on 2600 Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive Plant designated trails only. Habitat Management Snowmobile Guidelines: Standards: 1. Administrative use of snowmobiles off 1. No more than 15 acres of open canopy designated trails should not be allowed. along roads and trails will be maintained 2400 Vegetation Management for the management of rare plant habitat. 2. A five chain (330 feet), no activity buffer Timber Management Standards: zone will be created around known, above- 1. Vegetation management will be used to ground stems of goblin fern (Botrychium enhance recreation, scenic quality, wildlife mormo). habitat and protection and enhancement 3. Permanent openings will not be of threatened, endangered and sensitive maintained to achieve wildlife objectives. species. Guidelines: Timber Management Guidelines: 1. A strategy should be developed for 1. Use, salvage, or removal of trees damaged managing the conflicts between visitors or downed due to natural disturbance, and bears. should be allowed to further the purposes of the National Recreation Area.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-81 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.5 (Grand Island NRA)

2700 Land Uses Management Allowable Developments Standards: 1. Dumping or fueling services for docking Other Special Uses Standards: facilities will not be allowed. 1. Revegetation or rehabilitation of areas 2. Economic development will not be disturbed by the construction or allowed on the tombolo. maintenance of special use roads will be required. 3. Concessionaire-owned, operated and maintained facilities will be allowed, but 2. Property owners will be required to must be consistent with the Design maintain their special use permit roads if Criteria described in the Grand Island these access routes are closed to public Record of Decision. motorized transportation. 4. The following concessionaire-owned, Other Special Uses Guidelines: operated and maintained developments 1. Gated access should be allowed to reduce will be allowed: the impact of use on the area. a. Rustic lodge with no more than 10 Recreation Residences on Federal Land sleeping rooms if located at the Standards: feasible site near Williams Landing or 1. External construction, reconstruction or the feasible site near Mather Lodge, or modification of structures (including with no more than 20 sleeping rooms surface treatments), will be authorized by if located at a feasible inland site in the the District Ranger prior to commencing summer roaded natural ROS class. work. (See Grand Island FEIS, Appendix C 2. Design Criteria described in the Grand for feasible sites identified thus far). In Island Record of Decision will be used to addition, no more than two existing, determine consistency with the rustic, government-owned structures may be natural and historic character of the used for lodging with a combined total island. of more than 10 sleeping rooms from such structures. 3. New structures will not be allowed in recreation residence special use permit b. No more than one restaurant attached areas. Only the expansion, external to or adjacent to the lodge and with remodeling or reconstruction of existing seating capacity of no more than 30 structures, consistent with the Design persons. Criteria described in the Grand Island c. Store will be located in the lodge or at Record of Decision will be allowed. an inland site in the summer roaded 4. Construction of a community storage natural ROS setting out of view from facility for permit holders on the island Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. will not be allowed. d. Motorized and non-motorized 5. Recreation residence permits will be re- equipment rental located at an inland issued for successive 20-year periods as site in the summer roaded natural long as the applicant is in compliance with ROS setting out of view from Pictured Section 3(b)(8) of Public Law 101-292. Rocks National Lakeshore. 6. Only non-commercial recreation 5. Motorized equipment rental will include a occupancy will be permitted. maximum of three OHVs and a limit of four horsepower motors for watercraft. Off Private Landowners Guidelines: highway vehicles will only be rented 1. The Forest should work closely with the during those time periods specified in Alger County Zoning Commission or Traffic Management (7700). appropriate authority on any developments on private land to ensure that developments are compatible with the Design Criteria described in the Grand Island Record of Decision.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-82 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.5 (Grand Island NRA)

Guidelines: 2800 Minerals and Geology 1. Public transportation system: Guidelines: a. The public transportation system 1. The Forest Service may allow lessees and should operate on Forest Service permit holders to use small amounts of System roads only. stockpiled sand and gravel for use in their b. The public transportation system lease and permit areas. should operate scheduled trips only. No separate chartered shuttle services 5100 Fire Management will be allowed. Standards: c. No more than 8 scheduled trips daily in the summer roaded natural ROS 1. The Forest Service will be responsible for class and no more than 2 scheduled wildland fire suppression, but not for the trips daily to the north end of the fire protection of privately-owned island will be allowed. (A trip is structures. defined such that if two vehicles Guidelines: traveled together on the road, it would 1. Prescribed fire should be used if it is still be counted as two trips, one per ecologically and/or historically consistent vehicle.) and if it meets the purpose of the National d. Public transportation vehicles should Recreation Area. be no longer than 21 feet, plus capacity to haul equipment. 5400 Landownership 2. Gasoline storage facilities on the island Guidelines: should be allowed only in conjunction 1. The Forest Service should acquire all with a public transportation system, for property on a willing seller basis following rental equipment and administrative use. the right of first refusal outlined in Public 3. Reasonable storage facilities required for Law 101-292. equipment rental and public transportation should be allowed. 7300 Buildings & Other Structures 4. Minimum requirements for “rustic Standards: lodging” should include: 1. All buildings and structures constructed a. Potable running water (a hand pump by the Forest Service, must meet the is not enough, but showers are not design criteria (Grand Island NRA ROD, required) Appendix E). b. Heat and light sources Guidelines: c. Two sleeping rooms with locking doors 1. Buildings and structures should be constructed and/or maintained by the d. A bed, but not necessarily bedding Forest Service in order to support resource e. Furniture (table and chairs) management objectives. f. Food service or accommodations for 2. Existing historic structures under cooking government ownership should be g. Sanitary facilities renovated to provide sites for interpretive opportunities, public use, public lodging 5. Use of public address or other sound and/or administrative use. amplification systems on the public transportation system should be allowed only if the Forest Service deems that the vehicles provide adequate soundproofing.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-83 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.5 (Grand Island NRA)

2. Minimum standards should be used when 7700 Transportation System construction, reconstruction or relocation Roads (General) Standards: of roads is required. 1. No more than 22 miles of designated 3. Temporary roads should be allowed for Forest Service System road will be allowed purposes specified in Section 2400. in the summer roaded natural and semi- 4. To the extent feasible, construction, primitive motorized ROS classes. reconstruction and maintenance activities 2. No more than 8 miles of special use roads should be scheduled during times of the will be allowed. year that minimize impacts on islanders, recreation users and plant and animal 3. In the summer semi-primitive motorized populations. ROS class, roads closer than ¼ mile from the edge of the island will not be Traffic Management Standards: constructed or reconstructed, except as 1. No cars or trucks will be permitted on the necessary for access to private property. island from January 1 to April 15 during Also, no more than two spur roads off the the following times: north/south corridor road in the summer a. Prior to the initiation of the public semi-primitive motorized ROS class, transportation system ending no closer than 500 feet from the b. If no such concession ever develops island’s perimeter will be allowed. c. During the operational off-season of 4. In the summer roaded natural ROS class, the public transportation concession no more than 4 miles of road closer than ¼ mile from the edge of the island will be 2. No more than 10 cars and trucks will be allowed. These 4 miles will contribute permitted at any one time and no OHVs toward the 22 miles of designated Forest on the island from April 16 to September System road. 30 during the following times: a. Prior to the initiation of the public Roads (General) Guidelines: transportation system 1. Roads should not be cleared of snow, If no such concession ever develops except as necessary for operation of the b. lodge concession. c. During the operational off-season of the public transportation concession Road Maintenance Standards: 1. At a maximum, roads will be maintained 3. No more than 10 cars, trucks and OHVs to maintenance level three and traffic will be permitted on the island at any one service level C if passenger car travel is time between October 1 and December 31 intended. during the following times: a. Prior to the initiation of the public Road Maintenance Guidelines: transportation system 1. Except for open canopy along roads maintained for management of rare plant b. If no such concession ever develops habitat [2600(I)], all roads should be c. During the operational off-season of allowed to develop closed canopies. A few the public transportation concession exceptions may be made for scenic Cars and trucks will be permitted on overlooks. designated Forest Service system roads 2. When closing or obliterating roads or only. OHVs will be allowed on designated trails, native species and material should Forest Service system roads. be used for revegetation. 4. Private cars, trucks and/or OHVs will not Road Design & Construction Guidelines: be permitted during the on-season 1. At a maximum, roads should be single operation of the public transportation lane, primarily native surfaced, with turn- concession on the island, except outs. Gravel should be used where snowmobiles, vehicles allowed by permit necessary for resource protection. or contract, and vehicles needed for administrative purposes.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-84 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 3 „„ Management Area Direction Management Area 8.5 (Grand Island NRA)

5. OHVs (no limit) will be permitted from Traffic Management Guidelines: January 1 to April 15 for access to Trout 1. Existing roads may be gated, barricaded or Bay only. obliterated to provide more remote areas, 6. The tombolo and Thumb will be closed to to protect wildlife or fragile resources public OHV use and the Thumb will be from disturbance by motor vehicles, closed to public bicycle and snowmobile OHVs, snowmobiles, bicyclists or hikers use – except that property owners on a and for public safety. bicycle or snowmobile, or with a daily 2. Administrative use of motor vehicles motor vehicle permit (daily permit), may beyond the designated road system for travel the special use roads on the management and law enforcement uses, tombolo and Thumb in order to reach the year-round should be permitted. main island roads and trails. 3. Road and trail use should be restricted as 7. Motorized watercraft will not be needed for resource protection or for permitted on T47N, R19W, Sections 14 public safety. (NW corner and NE corner) and 11 (Duck Lake). 4. Vehicle access for contractors and other 8. Watercraft with motors over 4 horsepower workers associated with the maintenance will not be permitted on T47N, R19W, of property owners’ property should be Section 3; and T48N, R19W, Section 34 allowed. (Echo Lake). 5. A designated area should be provided near 9. Property owners will only be allowed use the ferry landing where property owners of special use roads and the designated can park their vehicles while on the Forest Service system roads for access to mainland. their property and to visit other property Access (General) Standards: owners. A Property Owners Seasonal 1. Through concessionaire or otherwise, Permit will be issued annually for these water-based passenger and vehicle ferry types of access, and use of these permits transportation to and from Grand Island will not be applied toward the limit on the will be provided as the primary means of number of vehicles allowed on the island public access, unless, and until, it is at any one time. For other vehicle travel deemed unsafe because of weather or (e.g. car, truck, OHV), such as that in water conditions, or it is not operationally pursuit of recreation or hunting or economically reasonable. Fees may be opportunities, property owners will be charged for providing the service. required to get a Daily Motor Vehicle Permit (Daily Permit). In these situations, 2. Construction and maintenance of no more islanders will be allowed use of special use than two docks for administrative roads only to access the Forest Service purposes in addition to the one used as system roads; special use roads are not landing by the passenger/vehicle ferry will available for recreational driving. Use of be permitted. Daily Permits by property owners will 3. Dredging around the ferry and/or barge apply toward the vehicle limit. dock will be permitted in accordance with 10. Access for property owners’ caretakers permits and law. will be formalized in an agreement Access (General) Guidelines: included in their special use permit. 1. A concessionaire or Forest Service docking 11. Guests of property owners will be allowed facility for ferry and/or barge required for the same privileges as the general public public access should be allowed where and in terms of motor vehicle use; however, as feasible. guests may use hosts’ permitted vehicle to 2. The ferry and/or barge landing should be access the residence only upon arrival and signed to indicate that private boaters are when departing. allowed to use that landing for loading and unloading only.

Hiawatha National Forest 3-85 2006 Forest Plan

“A major determinant of how well American forestry prepares for the 21st century will be cooperation in resources management. This means cooperation among federal, state, and private ownerships… and cooperation with new and different arrangements of people and organizations.”

John R. McGuire Forest Service Chief (1972-1979)

Chapter 4 „„ Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Monitoring Plan

Introduction The monitoring program must be efficient, practical and affordable, and not duplicate the Monitoring and evaluation determines collection of data already underway for other how well the Forest Plan is working. It is purposes. Monitoring tasks are scaled to the designed to answer the following questions: Forest Plan, program or project to be monitored. Each of these entails different Did we do what we said we were objectives and requirements. going to do? This question addresses how well the Forest Plan direction is being Monitoring is not performed on every implemented. Collected information is single activity, nor does it need to meet the compared to objectives, standards, statistical rigor of formal research. Budgetary guidelines and management area constraints will affect the level of monitoring direction. that can be done in a particular fiscal year. If budget levels limit the Forest’s ability to Did it work how we said it would? This perform all monitoring tasks, then those items question addresses whether the specifically required by law would be given the application of standards and guidelines is highest priority. achieving objectives; and whether objectives are achieving goals. Monitoring Methods Is our understanding and science and Questions correct? This question addresses whether the assumptions and predicted effects Monitoring methods categorize how used to formulate the goals and objectives precisely and reliably we measure monitoring are valid. items. Monitoring questions were developed by an interdisciplinary team to address Forest The aim of monitoring is to be able to Plan management goals, objectives, standards, respond to current conditions or to make guidelines, assumptions and science. The appropriate changes based on new annual monitoring plan identifies which items information or technology. Depending on the will be measured and how the monitoring answers to the above questions, the Forest questions will be answered. The monitoring Plan may be amended or revised to adapt to and evaluation report analyzes and new information and changed conditions. summarizes the monitoring results. This chapter provides programmatic Monitoring is divided into two methods direction for monitoring and evaluating Forest which are based on their relative precision and Plan implementation. reliability: Method A: These methods are well- Monitoring and Evaluation accepted for modeling or measuring the Strategy resource or condition. The methods are appropriate for modeling or quantitative Monitoring and evaluation are separate measurements. Results have a high degree of activities. Monitoring is the process of repeatability, reliability, accuracy and collecting data and information. Evaluation precision. The cost of conducting these analyzes and interprets the information and measurements is higher than other methods. data collected from monitoring. Method B: These methods or A key requirement of a monitoring measurement tools are based on a variety of strategy is that the public be given timely, techniques. Tools include project records, accurate information about Forest Plan communications, on-site visual estimates or implementation. This is done through the less formal measurements such as informal release of an annual monitoring and visitor surveys, air photo interpretation and evaluation report. other similar types of assessments.

Hiawatha National Forest 4-1 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 4 „„ Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Method B is often qualitative in nature, In addition, monitoring must also: but still provides valuable information on the 1. Meet the legal requirements of the status of resource conditions. Reliability, planning regulations; accuracy and precision are lower than Class A methods, but still provide valuable 2. Be consistent with corporate data information. standards and protocols; 3. Be developed by an interdisciplinary team Monitoring Guidelines and that addresses the ecological, social and economic dimensions of forest Components management in an integrated manner. Monitoring Framework: Monitoring and Table 4-1 identifies the four components evaluation is a complex process that takes on that the Hiawatha National Forest will use as many forms and applies to many programs. part of the monitoring framework.

Deciding what resources to monitor, how, why, how often and by whom, requires consideration of several important guidelines.

Table 4-1. Monitoring Framework Monitoring and Evaluation Annual Monitoring Annual Monitoring Forest Plan Monitoring Implementation Guide Schedule Evaluation Review Broad and strategic Focused & technical Specific, technical Specific, technical and prescriptive and prescriptive Provides the monitoring Describes how, where requirements in the and when to Identifies precisely The Forest Forest Plan itself. accomplish the what will be Interdisciplinary Focuses on what is monitoring prescribed monitored, where, Team will review the needed to monitor the in the Plan. when and by whom current year’s Forest Plan. Provides the specific for the current or monitoring and upcoming year. evaluation results at Provides the overall methods, protocols and analytical procedures. Is tied to the Forest the end of each monitoring strategy calendar year. including specific Is flexible and can be Plan and Monitoring questions that need to modified in response to Guide. The ID team will be answered; what will new information, recommend to the be monitored; updated procedures, Forest Leadership timetables for reporting emerging issues and Team necessary and other information. budgetary changes (if any) to considerations without the Forest Plan or amending the Plan. Monitoring Guide.

Monitoring Prioritization Is there a high degree of uncertainty associated with management assumptions? The level and intensity of monitoring and (management significance). analysis will vary with the budget, information Is there a high degree of disparity between gained during previous years and other forest existing and desired conditions? priorities. The following list of potential criteria may be used to set monitoring Are proposed management activities likely priorities: to affect resources of concern? (ecological significance). Is monitoring of a particular question or resource mandated by regulation or court How do monitoring items fit into national order? and regional priorities? Will monitoring respond to a key issue? What are the consequences of not knowing resource conditions?

Hiawatha National Forest 4-2 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 4 „„ Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Evaluation and Interpretation of Data: immediate guidance to ongoing management. Evaluation is the process of transforming data This evaluation is tied specifically to the into information. It is a process that brings questions identified for each monitoring together values, judgement and reason with element. monitoring information, to answer selected questions. Successful adaptive management Monitoring Matrix depends on this information to move the Forest towards desired conditions. Monitoring direction is outlined in the The Forest interdisciplinary team will matrix. The more prescriptive standards and review the current year’s monitoring and guides will be addressed in the Monitoring evaluation results at the end of each calendar and Evaluation Guide. The focal point for each year and make recommendations for changes monitoring item will be the monitoring to the Forest Plan or changes to the question. Each monitoring question is derived Monitoring Guide. from one or more monitoring drivers (legal requirements, desired conditions. objectives Monitoring and Evaluation Report: This etc.) Table 4-2 defines the components of the report provides an opportunity to track monitoring matrix. Not all monitoring drivers progress towards the implementation of the will be monitored each year. Drivers that best revised forest plan decisions and the answer the monitoring question for each effectiveness of specific management resource area will be identified during the practices. The focus of the evaluation is more annual monitoring schedule process. internal to the Forest Service in providing

Table 4-2. Definitions of Components in the Monitoring Matrix Component Definition Resource Area A quantitative or qualitative parameter that can be assessed. Specific monitoring question(s) developed to ensure that monitoring and evaluation addresses information essential to Monitoring Question measuring the Forest Plan. These questions relate to the different purposes and rationales for monitoring. There may be more than one monitoring question per resource area. Measurement Frequency Describes how often monitoring information is collected. Evaluation and reporting Describes how often monitoring information is evaluated and Frequency. reported. Precision and Reliability Two categories of precision and reliability are appropriate at the forest plan scale: Class A: Methods appropriate for modeling or quantitative measurement. Results have a high degree of repeatability, reliability, accuracy and precision. Class B: Methods based on project records, personal communications, ocular estimates, pace transects, informal visitor surveys and similar types of assessments. The degree of repeatability, reliability, accuracy and precision are not as high as Class A methods, but they still provide valuable information.

Hiawatha National Forest 4-3 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 4 „„ Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Monitoring Matrix

Table 4-3. Monitoring Items. Evaluation/ Precision Driver (Law, Forest Plan Measurement Reporting and Resource Area Monitoring Question(s) Management Direction) Frequency Frequency Reliability All How close are projected outputs A quantitative estimate of performance, 1-5 years 1-5 years A and services to actual? comparing outputs and services with those projected by the Forest Plan. Forest Plan Appendix A All How close are project costs with Documentation of costs associated with 1-5 years 1-5 years A actual costs? carrying out the planned management prescriptions compared with costs estimated in the Forest Plan. Insects and Are insects and disease Destructive insects and disease organisms do 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B Disease populations compatible with not increase to potentially damaging levels objectives for restoring or following management activities. maintaining healthy forest Vegetation Management desired condition 1; conditions? Forest Pest Management desired condition 1 Insects, Disease To what extent is Forest Destructive insects and disease organisms do 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B and Disturbance management managing not increase to potentially damaging levels Processes undesirable occurrences of fire, following management activities. Pest insect & disease outbreaks? Management guidelines 1-4 Recreation Motor To what extent is the Forest Off-road vehicle use shall be planned and Annually 1-5 years A/B Vehicles providing OHV opportunities? implemented to protect land and other resources, promote public safety and minimize conflicts with other uses of the National Forest What are the effects of OHVs on System lands. Forest planning shall evaluate the physical, biological and social the potential effects of vehicle use off roads environment? and classify areas and trails of National Forest System lands as to whether or not off-road How effective are Forest vehicle use may be permitted. management practices in Motorized/Non-Motorized Trails goals 1- 3; managing OHV use? objectives 2 & 3 Social & To what extent do output levels, A quantitative estimate of performance 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B Economic location of timber harvest and comparing outputs and services with those Stability mix of saw timber & pulpwood projected by the Forest Plan. Forest Plan compare to those levels? Appendix A

Hiawatha National Forest 4-4 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 4 „„ Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Monitoring Matrix

Table 4-3. Monitoring Items. Evaluation/ Precision Driver (Law, Forest Plan Measurement Reporting and Resource Area Monitoring Question(s) Management Direction) Frequency Frequency Reliability Soils Are the effects of Forest Documentation of the measured prescriptions 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B management, including and effects, including significant changes in prescriptions, resulting in land productivity. significant changes to the 2500 Watershed Management – Soil productivity of the land? Resources goal #2 Timber Are harvested lands adequately Lands are adequately restocked as specified in 1-5 years 1-5 years A restocked after 5 years? the Forest Plan. Timber To what extent is timber Lands identified as not suited for timber 10 years 10 years A management occurring on lands production examined at least every 10 years to suitable for such production? determine if they have become suited; and that, if determined suited, such lands are returned to timber production. Forest Plan Appendix A – Suitability Timber How much even-aged Maximum size limits for harvest areas are Years 5 & 10 Years 5 & 10 B management (especially clear- evaluated to determine whether such size cutting) should be used? limits should be continued. Forest Plan 2600 – Wildlife, Fish and Sensitive In what forest types should it be Plant Habitat Management. used? 2400 Vegetation Management guideline 1 Wildlife: Are habitat trends of MIS Management indicator species will be 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B Management consistent with Forest Plan monitored and relationships to habitat Indicator Species expectations? changes determined. This monitoring will be done in cooperation with state fish and wildlife agencies, to the extent practicable. Forest Plan Appendix B – Management Indicator Species Treaty Rights How are the MOUs between the Nothing in this Plan or its implementation is 1-5 years 1-5 years B Forest and Native American intended to modify, abrogate, or otherwise Tribes being implemented? adversely affect tribal reserved or treaty guaranteed rights applicable within the Hiawatha National Forest. 1500 – External Relations objective 1

Hiawatha National Forest 4-5 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 4 „„ Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Monitoring Matrix

Table 4-3. Monitoring Items. Evaluation/ Precision Driver (Law, Forest Plan Measurement Reporting and Resource Area Monitoring Question(s) Management Direction) Frequency Frequency Reliability Transportation To what extent is the Forest To construct and/or decommission roads to 1-5 years Every 5 A/B meeting its transportation system bring all management area road densities in years objectives? line with Forest Plan guidelines. Increase safety of Forest roads by accomplishing critical maintenance items, reconstructing segments which are below standards for safety and creating a more seamless system. 7700 – Transportation system guideline 1 Wetlands To what extent are wetlands being Plan objectives to restore soil-hydrologic 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B protected and wetland functions functions. EIS analysis that identifies a data being restored? gap in our understanding of the role of fire in wetland ecosystems. Fish/Watershed To what extent are ecologically Wildlife objectives 2, 3; 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B healthy and productive aquatic Watershed goals 3-8; ecosystems being restored? Watershed desired condition. Non-native How effective is the Forest at Watershed desired condition; 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B Invasive Species treating and controlling the Pest Management goals 1, 3, 4; objectives 1 & spread of NNIS? 2; guidelines 1, 2, 4; Eastern Region NNIS Strategy; HNF NNIS Strategy. Water Quality How is the Forest complying with Clean Water Act 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B the Clean Water Act Watershed desired condition. requirements? Social and Has public demand for Vegetation Management, Forest Products goals 10 years 10 years A/B Economic commodity uses and non- 1-2; Land Uses Management goals 1-2; Sustainability commodity opportunities Minerals and Geology goals 1, 4; changed? Recreation, Great Lakes and Inland Lakes Access goals 1, 3; Recreation Development and Recreation Facilities goal 1.

Hiawatha National Forest 4-6 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 4 „„ Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Monitoring Matrix

Table 4-3. Monitoring Items. Evaluation/ Precision Driver (Law, Forest Plan Measurement Reporting and Resource Area Monitoring Question(s) Management Direction) Frequency Frequency Reliability Vegetation To what extent is the Forest Vegetation Management desired condition 1, 2; 1–5 years 5 years A/B meeting the vegetative goals 1- 3 composition objectives? Vegetation To what extent is the Forest Vegetation Management desired condition 1-3; 5 years 5 years A/B Ecological maintaining or restoring goals 1- 3; Processes conditions that result from or Fire Management desired condition 3; emulate natural ecological processes ? Heritage How are Heritage properties 36 CFR 79; 36 CFR 800; 43 CFR 3; 1-5 years 5 years A/B being protected from damage or 43 CFR 7; 43 CFR 10. disturbance? Will also be used to comply with 36 CFR 219.11 (d) at 5-10 year intervals. Inland Lakes: To what extent is the Forest Great Lakes and Inland Lakes Access goal 1; 1-5 years 5 years A/B Access types and providing and maintaining a objective 2. settings variety of inland lake watercraft accesses in motorized and non- motorized settings? Recreation To what extent are Forest Recreation Development and Recreation 5 years 5 years B Opportunity management activities achieving Facilities goal 1. Spectrum (ROS) semi-primitive ROS objectives? Wildlife: Diversity To what extent is Forest TES goals 1, 3; 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B management providing ecological Vegetation Management guidelines 2, 3; conditions to maintain viable Wildlife structural guidelines 1-3. habitat of native and desired non- native species? Threatened and To what extent is the Wildlife goal 5; 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B Endangered management of the Forest (HNF) TES goals 1, 3; standards 1, 2; Species contributing to the conservation guidelines 1-4; of threatened and endangered and sensitive species? Land ownership goal 2; Eastern Region Sensitive Species Framework.

Hiawatha National Forest 4-7 2006 Forest Plan Chapter 4 „„ Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Monitoring Matrix

Table 4-3. Monitoring Items. Evaluation/ Precision Driver (Law, Forest Plan Measurement Reporting and Resource Area Monitoring Question(s) Management Direction) Frequency Frequency Reliability Wildlife: To what extent is the Forest Wildlife goal 5; 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B Threatened and maintaining the amount and Canada lynx goal 1; guideline 1; Endangered juxtaposition of Canada lynx TES standards 1, 2; guideline 4. Species foraging and denning habitats? Coordination with To what extent is the Forest Wildlife TES goals 3, 4; guideline 1. 1-5 years 1-5 years B other agencies working cooperatively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state and other federal agencies to update and implement recovery plans and conservation assessments for TES? Snowmobiles To what extent is the Forest Motorized/Non-Motorized Trails goals 1-3; 1-5 years 1-5 years A/B providing snowmobile objectives 2 & 4. opportunities? What are the effects of snowmobiles on the physical, biological and social environment? How effective are Forest management practices in managing snowmobile use? Research Natural To what extent are RNAs and Land ownership goal 2; 10 years 10 years B Areas (RNAs) and cRNAs being managed to protect Prescribed Natural Fire goal 1; objective 1; Candidate their unique values and how are Land Ownership goal 2. Research Natural they contributing to research? Areas (cRNAs)

Hiawatha National Forest 4-8 2006 Forest Plan

Table of Contents Page

Appendix A: Proposed and Probable Practices, Goods Produced and Other Information...... A-1

Appendix B: Management Indicator Species and Habitats ...... B-1

Appendix C: Visual Quality Objectives...... C-1

Appendix D: Seral Class Definitions...... D-1

Appendix E: Glossary...... E-1

APPENDIX A Proposed and Probable Practices, Goods Produced and Other Information

Allowable Sale Quantity (ASQ) During Decades 1 and 2 (the first and second 10 years of Plan implementation), The allowable sale quantity (ASQ) is the the ASQ is 1.09 billion board feet (1.90 maximum amount of volume that may be billion cubic feet). offered and sold during a given decade of The amount of timber that may be sold Forest Plan implementation from land annually may exceed 109 million board feet identified as suited for timber management. as long as the decadal ASQ is Figure A-1. Total Volumes that can be harvested on a long- not exceeded. Figure A-1 shows term sustained yield capacity. the volumes that can be harvested in each decade on a 120,000 long term, sustained yield 100,000 capacity. Decadal volumes vary by less than five percent and 80,000 differences are considered to F 60,000 be negligible because of the MB 40,000 accuracy of data and yield estimates. 20,000

0 12345678910 Decade

Projected Pulpwood Projected Sawtimber

Table A-1. Timber Land Suitability Selected Land Classification1 Alternative 1. National Forest Lands. 895,313 2. Non-Forest (includes water and permanent openings. 93,254 3. Lands withdrawn from timber production by Congress, the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Chief of the Forest Service. Includes wildernesses, Dukes Experimental Forest, 57,178 research natural areas, Grand Island National Recreation Area, designated roadless areas and the wild segments of wild and scenic rivers. 4. Forest lands not capable of producing crops of industrial wood. 0 5. Forest lands physically unsuited. o 6. Forest lands – inadequate information. 65,795 7. Tentatively suited forest lands. 679,086 8. Forest lands not appropriate for timber management. (Includes lands managed as openings, not cost-effective, candidate research natural areas, special areas, semi- 100,625 primitive non-motorized areas, and designated old growth in Alternatives 2-4). 9. Unsuited Forest Lands (Items 2+3+4+5+6+8). 316,852 10. Total Suited Lands (items 1 – 9) 578,461 1Acres represent a top down approach to eliminated double counting.

Hiawatha National Forest A-1 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix A „„ Proposed and Probable Practices, Goods Produced, and Other Information

Timber Land Suitability Table A-2 Forest Wide Harvest Treatments (acres) Land identified as suitable for timber Summary management includes producing timber as st nd part of multiple use direction. These are lands Forest Cover Types & 1 2 that contribute to the timber sale program on Harvest Treatments* Decade Decade a regularly scheduled basis. Table A-1 shows Openings Maintenance how acres of these lands compare to the total Prescribed Fire 0 10,400 acreage of National Forest System land. Aspen Treated Proposed (Decade 1) and Regeneration 18,900 6,000 Probable (Decade 2) Thinning 9,600 3,900 Management Practices Jack Pine Treated Regeneration 12,100 9,000 Tables A-2 and A-3 list the proposed and probable silvicultural practices that would be Thinning 2,300 300 used to move toward the vegetative and other Mid Seral Treated multiple-use desired conditions and objectives Regeneration 2,500 10,300 of the Forest Plan. The tables display the amount of each Thinning 37,300 25,100 harvest treatment for the first two decades of Late Seral Treated plan implementation based upon modeling. Regeneration 17,700 35,600 Actual treatments during plan implementation may vary from these modeled Thinning 44,200 28,300 outputs. Improvement/Selection 38,200 39,200 Regeneration treatments set the tree stand Totals Treated back to age zero, meeting the seedling class objectives for each landscape ecosystem. Regeneration 51,100 60,900 Uneven-aged treatments are intended to Thinning 93,400 57,600 create and maintain an uneven-aged Improvement/Selection 38,200 39,200 condition. * Regeneration harvest treatment includes clear cuts, shelterwoods, shelterwood removal and seed tree methods. Thinning harvest treatments in aspen and jack pine forest cover types remove the aspen and jack pine trees while retaining the mid or late seral tree component converting the forest to another type.

Hiawatha National Forest A-2 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix A „„ Proposed and Probable Practices, Goods Produced, and Other Information

Table A-3 Forest Wide Harvest Treatments by ELT (acres) Ecological Land Type (ELT) 10 / 20 30 40 / 50 / 90 60 Forest Cover Types & 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Harvest Treatments Decade Decade Decade Decade Decade Decade Decade Decade Openings Prescribed Fire 0 10,300 0 300 0 100 0 0 Aspen Regeneration 5,600 1,200 2,600 400 4,900 3,200 2,800 0 Thinning 3,200 400 1,000 0 2,500 1,900 2,900 1,600 Jack Pine Regeneration 6,900 6,900 900 100 0 0 2,600 1,300 Thinning 0 0 400 0 0 0 1,500 300 Mid Seral Regeneration 0 0 400 5,500 300 700 1,500 3,400 Thinning 1,300 5,400 23,100 9,200 5,600 1,100 3,200 7,200 Late Seral Regeneration 7,200 20,100 2,300 1,100 4,000 8,100 600 1,700 Thinning 30,000 13,500 900 2,800 6,000 7,500 6,800 2,500 Improvement/Selection 3,300 1,500 200 700 33,700 33,400 800 2,800 Totals Regeneration 19,700 28,200 6,200 7,100 9,200 12,000 7,500 6,400 Thinning 34,500 19,300 25,400 12,000 14,100 10,500 14,400 11,600 Improvement/Selection 3,300 1,500 200 700 33,700 33,400 800 2,800

Hiawatha National Forest A-3 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix A „„ Proposed and Probable Practices, Goods Produced, and Other Information

Table A-3 (cont.) Forest Wide Harvest Treatments by ELT (acres) Ecological Land Type (ELT) 70 A 70 B 80 A 80 B Forest Cover Types & Harvest 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Treatments Decade Decade Decade Decade Decade Decade Decade Decade Openings Prescribed Fire 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Aspen Regeneration 500 0 2,400 1,200 100 0 0 0 Thinning 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Jack Pine Regeneration 1,700 700 0 0 0 0 0 0 Thinning 400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mid Seral Regeneration 200 600 0 0 100 0 0 100 Thinning 100 100 4,000 2,100 0 0 0 0 Late Seral Regeneration 0 600 100 700 100 100 3,400 3,200 Thinning 300 300 200 1,700 0 0 0 0 Improvement/Selection 100 100 100 700 0 0 0 0 Totals Regeneration 2,400 1,900 2,500 1,900 200 100 3,400 3,300 Thinning 800 400 4,200 3,800 0 0 0 0 Improvement/Selection 100 100 100 700 0 0 0 0

Hiawatha National Forest A-4 2006 Forest Plan Appendix

APPENDIX B Management Indicator Species and Habitats

This appendix lists Management Indicator Species, the habitat conditions they are an indicator for, and their associated species.

Management Habitat Conditions and Species Associated Indicators Species with Management Indicators Species

Sharp-tailed grouse Habitats: Open land and early-successional of jack pine Associated Species: black-backed woodpecker, eastern bluebird, Kirtland’s warbler, meadow jumping mouse, short-eared owl

American marten Habitats: Late-successional of northern hardwoods and conifer dominated forests Associated Species: eastern chipmunk, gray wolf, northern goshawk, pileated woodpecker, woodland jumping mouse

Ruffed grouse Habitats: Early-successional of aspen Associated Species: American woodcock, golden-winged warbler, indigo bunting, snowshoe hare, white-tailed deer

Brook trout Habitats: Coldwater stream Associated Species: blacknose dace, brook stickleback, longnose dace, mottled sculpin

Hiawatha National Forest B-1 2006 Forest Plan Appendix

APPENDIX C Visual Quality Objectives

Maps C-1 and C-2 provide visual quality objectives for the Hiawatha National Forest.

Note: Individual stand changes to VQO are not reflected at this mapping scale. Please reference the Final EIS Visual Quality Section and specific stand database(s) for additional information.

Hiawatha National Forest C-1 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix C „„ Visual Quality Objectives

Figure C-1. Hiawatha National Forest Visual Quality Objectives map for the East Unit

Hiawatha National Forest C-2 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix C „„ Visual Quality Objectives

Figure C-2. Hiawatha National Forest Visual Quality Objectives map for the West Unit

Hiawatha National Forest C-3 2006 Forest Plan Appendix

APPENDIX D Seral Class Definitions Vegetation composition goals are based on ecological land type (ELT) and seral class. The five seral classes used on the Hiawatha are: open, aspen, jack pine, mid and late. Each ecological land type has a unique mix of species that define the seral classes within that ELT. Table D -1 provides a crosswalk between forest cover type and seral classes by ELT.

Table D-1. Forest Cover Types Representing Seral Classes by Ecological Land Type Jack ELT Open Aspen Pine Mid Seral Late Seral 91, 92, 93, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 41, 47, 02, 03, 04, 05, 71, 76, 79, 10/20 98, 99 01 94, 95 48, 49, 55, 83 81, 84, 85, 86, 89

91, 92, 93, 02, 11, 16, 41, 47, 48, 49, 03, 04, 05, 76, 81, 82, 84, 30 98, 99 01 94, 95 55, 83 85, 86, 89 91, 92, 93, 02, 03, 11, 16, 19, 41, 49, 04, 05, 71, 76, 79, 81, 82, 40/50/90 98, 99 01 94, 95 55, 83 84, 85, 86, 87, 89 03, 04, 05, 12, 14, 17, 71, 91, 92, 93, 02, 11, 15, 16, 18, 19, 41, 60 97, 98, 99 01 76, 79, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 94 48, 49, 55, 83, 95 87, 89 91, 92, 93, 03, 04, 05, 12, 14, 17, 71, 70A 97, 98, 99 01 11, 15, 16, 18, 19, 95 94 76, 79, 84 91, 92, 93, 03, 04, 05, 12, 14, 17, 71, 70B 97, 98, 99 01 11, 15, 16, 18, 19, 95 94 76, 79, 84 01, 11, 18, 91, 92, 93, 94, 03, 04, 05, 12, 14, 15, 17, 80A 97, 98, 99 N/A N/A 95 19, 71

11, 15, 16, 18, 19, 91, 92, 03, 04, 05, 12, 14, 15, 17, 80B 97, 98, 99 N/A N/A 93, 94, 95 19, 71, 79

The following forest cover type codes were used to define the seral classes: Code Description Code Description 01 ---- Jack pine 79 -----Mixed lowland hardwoods 02 ---- Red pine 81 -----Sugar maple - beech - yellow birch 03 ---- White pine 82 -----Sugar maple - basswood 04 ---- White pine-hemlock 83 -----Black cherry - white ash - yellow poplar 05 ---- Hemlock 84 -----Red maple (dry site) 11 ----- Balsam fir - aspen - paper birch 85 -----Sugar maple 12----- Black spruce 86 -----Beech 14----- Northern white cedar 87 -----Sugar maple - beech - yellow birch - red 15----- Tamarack spruce 16 ---- White spruce - balsam fir - Norway spruce 89 -----Mixed hardwoods (maple, basswood, white 17----- Upland black spruce ash and paper birch) 18 ---- Mixed swamp conifer 91 -----Quaking aspen 19 ---- Cedar - aspen - paper birch 92 -----Paper birch 41----- White pine - northern red oak - white ash 93 -----Bigtooth aspen 48 ---- Jack pine - oak 94 -----Balsam poplar 49 ---- Red pine - oak 95 -----Aspen - white spruce - balsam fir 55 ---- Northern red oak 97 -----Lowland brush 71----- Black ash - American elm - red maple 98 -----Upland brush 76 ---- Red maple (wet site) 99 -----Open

Hiawatha National Forest D-1 2006 Forest Plan Appendix

APPENDIX E Glossary of Forest Terminology

The variety of technical terms and ALLOWABLE SALE QUANTITY (ASQ): The inevitable acronyms used in the planning quantity of timber that may be sold from the process can make for some confusing suited lands identified in the Forest Plan for a specified time period. For the Hiawatha National reading and even more confusing Forest, the time period is 10 years. The ASQ is conversations. The following collection of usually expressed on an annual basis as the definitions and descriptions should clarify “average annual allowable sale quantity.” The some of the terminology used in the quantity is a ceiling. It is not a future sales level planning documents. The descriptions and projection or a target, and it does not reflect all of definitions are in alphabetical order. the factors that may influence future sale levels. ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV): A type of off-highway vehicle that travels on three or AAA---BBB more low-pressure tires; has handle-bar steering; is less than or equal to 50 inches in ACCESS: The opportunity to approach, enter width; and has a seat designed to be straddled and make use of public or private land. by the operator (FSH 2309.18 zero code). BACK-IN ACCESS: Sites where vehicles ANALYSIS OF THE MANAGEMENT carrying or towing a boat have to back into the SITUATION (AMS): Using the resource water to unload. Back-in ramps are native assessments and the Forest Plan as background, vegetation, sand, gravel or concrete and the AMS: generally include a single-lane ramp. Parking is provided. Documents existing Forest Plan direction for a particular resource concern CARRY-IN ACCESS: Either a footpath or a canoe/boat slide is present. Parking may be Speculates on the expected results should the available. existing direction continue NO ACCESS: No visible access for watercraft Evaluates the kinds of problems which may exists. occur should the existing direction continue ACCESSIBILITY: Refers to striving to be in Discusses whether these problems need to be compliance with the Americans with Disabilities resolved Act (ADA), section 504. Determines the potential to resolve them in a AIR QUALITY: The composition of air with Plan revision. If the Plan revision can resolve respect to quantities of pollution therein. Used the problems, the AMS proposes a range of most frequently in connection with the standards values where a possible solution may occur of maximum acceptable pollution concentrations. ARTERIAL Air quality classes (I, II or III) are designations for ROADS: Roads the level of protection given to geographic areas of that provide service the country. This classification denotes the to large land areas increment above which deterioration of air quality and usually would be regarded as significant and consequently connect with public not allowed. highways or other Class I allows the least deterioration. National forest arterial parks, monuments and wildernesses larger roads to form an integrated network of primary than 5,000 acres in size are designated as Class travel routes. The location and standard often are I areas. determined by a demand for maximum mobility Class II is much less restrictive than Class I. and travel efficiency rather than specific resource The Hiawatha National Forest has been management service. It is usually developed and designated as a Class II area operated for long-term land and resource management purposes and continual service. Class III is the least restrictive

Hiawatha National Forest E-1 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

ATTAINMENT AREA: A geographic area in irreversible damage to soils productivity or which levels of a criteria air pollutant meet the watershed conditions; health-based primary standard (national ambient Existing technology and knowledge as reflected air quality standard) for the pollutant. An area in current research and experience, provides may have on acceptable level for one criteria air reasonable assurance that adequate restocking pollutant, but may have unacceptable levels for can be attained within 5 years after final others. Thus, an area could be both attainment harvesting. and non-attainment at the same time. Attainment areas are defined using federal pollutant limits set COMMON VARIETY MINERALS: Generally by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). common building materials including sand, stone and gravel. BENCHMARK: A set of estimates used to establish standards to compare alternatives. CONNECTIVITY: Condition in which the spatial Benchmarks include the minimum level, arrangement of land covertypes allows organisms maximum timber harvest and maximum present and ecological processes (such as disturbance) to net value (PNV). move across the landscape. BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: The variety of life COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL forms and processes within an area. Included in QUALITY (CEQ): An Executive Office of the the consideration of diversity are the complexities President whose members are appointed by the of genetic variation, the number and distribution President. CEQ recommends national policies to of species, and the ways in which the variety of promote the improvement of the quality of the biologic communities interact and function. environment. BOAT SLIDE: A constructed surface to slide a COARSE WOODY DEBRIS: Stumps and fallen boat along to access a lake or stream. trunks and limbs of more than six-inch diameter at the large end. CROSS-COUNTRY TRAVEL: The use of OHVs, horses, mountain bikes and snowmobiles, CCC---DDD etc. off designated trails, roads or routes. CANDIDATE RESEARCH NATURAL AREA CULVERTS (Major): A culvert that provides an (cRNA): An area which has the potential for opening of more than 35 square feet (3.3 m²) in a designation as a Research Natural Area, but needs single or multiple installation. It may consist of a formal evaluation. single round pipe, pipe arch, open or closed- CANOE TRAIL: A identified/designated water bottom box, bottomless arch, or multiple route used by canoes and kayaks. The route may installation of these structures placed adjacent or be on a stream, a river or on a lake. contiguous as a unit. CARRYING CAPACITY: In terms of recreation CULVERTS (Minor): Any culvert not classified use, physical carrying capacity is the maximum as a major culvert. amount of use that can take place without DECISION CRITERIA: The primary rules or unacceptable ecological change, soil compaction, standards for evaluating alternatives and selecting erosion, water pollution, littering and destruction a preferred alternative. of vegetation. Social carrying capacity is the DEFERRED MAINTENANCE: Maintenance maximum amount of use that can occur without that was not performed when it should have been unacceptable conflict and interface among visitors. or when it was scheduled and which, therefore, CDS (Combined Data System): Forest Service was put off or delayed for a future period. database system that contains information about DESIGNATED: To reference or identify an area, stands in the Forest. facility, road, trail or travelway identified for COMMERCIAL FOREST LAND: Forest land specific use or uses by means of Forest Order, that is producing or is capable of producing crops signing, recreation map, law, policy or regulation. of industrial wood and: DESIGNATED ROAD, TRAIL OR AREA: A Has not been withdrawn by Congress, the National Forest System road, trail, or an area on Secretary of Agriculture or the Chief of the NFS lands that is designated for motor vehicle use Forest Service; pursuant to 212.51 on a motor vehicle use map. Existing technology and knowledge is available DESIRED CONDITION: See Goal/Desired to ensure timber production without Condition.

Hiawatha National Forest E-2 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

DESIRED NON-NATIVE SPECIES: Species of Level 5: Urban setting with extensive site plants or animals that are not indigenous to an modification. Facilities are mostly designed for area, but are wanted for their contribution to high the comfort and convenience of the users and social, economic or cultural value. usually include flush toilets and may include DEVELOPMENT LEVELS (RECREATION): showers, bathhouses, laundry facilities and A formally established criterion which prescribes electrical hook-ups. Synthetic materials are commonly used. Extensive use is made of the intensity of development (site modification) of an area. The recreation development levels used formal walks or surfaced trails. Regimentation on the Hiawatha National Forest are: of users is obvious. Access is usually by high- speed highways. Development density is 5 or Level 1: Almost no site modification. Rustic or more family units per acre. Plant materials rudimentary improvements are designed for may be foreign to the environment. Formal protection of the site rather than the comfort of interpretive services are usually available. the users. Use of synthetic materials is Designs are formalized and architecture may excluded. Minimum controls are subtle. There be contemporary. Mowed lawns and clipped is no obvious regimentation of users. Spacing shrubs are not unusual. is informal and extended to minimize contacts between users. Primary access is usually over DEVELOPED RECREATION ACTIVITIES: primitive roads. Outdoor recreation activities that occur in a relatively small but defined area where Level 2: Minimal site modification. Rustic or concentrations of users are evident such as picnic rudimentary improvements are designed areas, campgrounds, trail heads and ski areas. primarily for protection of the site rather than the comfort of the users. Use of synthetic DEVELOPED RECREATION SITES: materials is avoided. Minimum controls are Improvements or facilities that provide recreation subtle. There is little obvious regimentation of opportunities in a particular area. Facilities might users. Spacing is informal and extended to include roads, parking lots, picnic tables, toilets, minimize contacts between users. Motorized drinking water, ski lifts and buildings. access may be provided or permitted. Primary DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH): access is over primitive roads. Interpretive The diameter of the stem of a tree measured at services is informal, almost subliminal. breast height (4.5 feet from the ground). Level 3: Moderate site modification. Facilities are designed equally for protection of the site DISPERSED CAMPSITE (also, known as a and for comfort of the users. Contemporary/ primitive campsite or rustic campsite): A campsite rustic design of improvements is usually based that is approximately 600-750 square feet in size. on use of native materials. Inconspicuous Development of a dispersed site may range from vehicular traffic controls are usually provided. no site improvements to minimal improvements Roads may be hard-surfaced and trails designed to protect the natural resources of the formalized. Development density is about 3 site or area. family units per acre. Primary access may be DISPERSED RECREATION ACTIVITIES: over high standard roads. Interpretive services Recreation that does not occur in a developed is informal, but generally direct. recreation site, such as hunting, backpacking, Level 4: Rural setting with heavily modified OHV trail riding and scenic driving. Dispersed sites. Some facilities are designed strictly for recreation activities may require facilities for the comfort and convenience of users. Luxury safeguarding visitors and protecting resources. facilities are not provided. Facility design may incorporate synthetic materials. Extensive use is made of artificial surfacing of roads or trails. EEE---FFF---GGG Vehicular traffic control is usually obvious. Primary access is usually over paved roads. ECOLOGICAL LANDTYPES (ELTs): A Development density is 3 to 5 family units per framework that allows natural resource managers acre. Plant materials are usually native. to identify, describe and map units of land with Interpretive services are often formal or similar physical and biological characteristics at structured. scales suitable for natural resources planning and management. (See Appendix I in the FEIS).

Hiawatha National Forest E-3 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

ECOSYSTEM: A community of living plants and growing and how much has died or has been animals interacting with each other and with their removed in recent years. physical environment. A geographic area where it FOREST PLAN: The Land and Resource is meaningful to address the interrelationships Management Plan is a document that guides all with human social systems, sources of energy and natural resource management activity and the ecological processes that shape changes over establishes management standards and guidelines time. for a national forest, embodying the provisions of ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION: The process of the National Forest Management Act of 1976. reestablishing, to the extent possible, the FOREST PLAN REVISION: A formal structure, function and composition of modification of a forest plan to address changes in ecosystems. the natural, social and economic environment; ELEMENT OCCURRENCE: Population of a new information about resources on and off species or an example of a natural community or national forests; and new scientific knowledge natural feature occurring at a specific, ecologically which shed new light on the assumptions of the appropriate location. existing plan, and make the predicted impacts of the existing plan less accurate and/or acceptable. ENDANGERED SPECIES: Federal planning regulations require the Forest Official designation by U.S. Fish Service to revise a forest plan every 10-15 years. &Wildlife Service applied to any species that is in danger of FOREST ROAD: A hard-surfaced travelway, extinction throughout all or a gravel or dirt road, fire lane, abandoned railroad significant portion of its range. right-of-way, logging road, or a way capable of travel by a four-wheeled vehicle. EPHEMERAL PONDS: Ponds that occur as the direct result of FOREST TRANSPORTATION ATLAS: A rainfall or snowmelt. display of the system of roads, trails and airfields of an administrative unit. EPHEMERAL STREAMS: Streams that flow only as the direct result of rainfall or snowmelt. FOREST TRANSPORTATION FACILITY: A They have no permanent flow. forest road or trail or an airfield that is displayed in a forest transportation atlas, including bridges, EVEN-AGED MANAGEMENT: The culverts, parking lots, marine access facilities, application of a combination of actions that safety devices, and other improvements results in the creation of stands in which trees of appurtenant to the forest transportation system. essentially the same age grow together. Regeneration in a particular stand is obtained FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE (4WD): A during a short period at or near the time that a full-sized vehicle with four-wheel drive, which is stand has reached the desired age or size for registered with the state and is legal to operate on regeneration, and is harvested. public highways. Any sport utility vehicle would fall in this class, although a 4WD may be a EXTIRPATED SPECIES: Species that formerly modified vehicle intended primarily for off- occurred regularly in an area but have highway use. disappeared and are not expected to recur without human assistance. This differs from extinct FRAGMENTATION: Breaking up of contiguous species which have disappeared entirely from the areas into progressively smaller patches of planet. increasing degrees of isolation from each other. FS VEG (Field Sample Vegetation): Forest Service database system that is replacing CDS. It FFF---GGG---HHH contains plot information about forest stands. FUTURE USE DETERMINATION: A facility FAUNA: The animal life of an area. evaluation of whether the use of a facility and/or FLORA: The plant life of an area. its improvements should be continued; whether the facility or improvements should be made FOREST INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS available for use by others, and if so, under what (FIA): The FIA Program collects, analyzes, and condition. reports information on the status and trends of America’s forests: how much forest exists, where it GAME SPECIES: Those wildlife species that are exists, who owns it, and how it is changing, as well commonly hunted, trapped or fished. as how the trees and other forest vegetation are

Hiawatha National Forest E-4 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Shelterwood: A regeneration cut to obtain SYSTEMS (GIS): Computerized method used natural regeneration by seeding from leave for inventory and analysis, which can overlay large trees and by providing shade from leave trees. volumes of spatial data to identify how features Strip Clearcut: A regeneration cut of strips interrelate. through the stand with widths not more than GOAL/DESIRED CONDITION: A statement twice the general stand height. that describes a desired condition to be achieved Thinning: An intermediate cut designed to some time in the future (36 CFR 219.3). Goals enhance the growth and quality of the address forest priorities and issues. They are remaining trees. broad and general in scope with no specific timeframe, and can be developed for the entire HYDROLOGIC UNIT CODE (HUC): The forest or for specific management areas. In either United States is divided and subdivided into case, they set the context for management successively smaller hydrologic units which are direction by providing a broad, user-friendly classified into four levels: regions, sub-regions, snapshot of what the forest or management area accounting units and cataloging units. The will look like when goals, objectives, standards hydrologic units are arranged within each other, and guidelines have been met. from the smallest (cataloging units) to the largest (regions). Each hydrologic unit is identified by a GUIDELINE: Permissions and limitations that unique hydrologic unit code (HUC) consisting of should be implemented in most situations. two to eight digits based on the four levels of Deviation from a guideline does not require a classification in the hydrologic unit system. forest plan amendment, but the rationale must be The first level of classification divides the disclosed in the project decision documents. nation into 21 major geographic areas or regions. HABITAT: The environment in which an The Hiawatha is located in Region 4 - the Great organism (plant or animal) lives. Lakes Region: The drainage within the United HARVEST METHODS: States that ultimately discharges into (a) the Great Lakes system, including the lake surfaces, bays, Clearcut: A regeneration cut where all and islands; and (b) the St. Lawrence River to the merchantable trees in the stand are cut. Riviere Richelieu drainage boundary. Improvement: An intermediate cut to The second level of classification divides the develop uneven-age structure in an even-aged 21 regions into 222 sub-regions. A sub-region or two-storied stand. The objective is to includes the area drained by a river system, a develop uneven-aged stands from even-aged reach of a river and its tributaries in that reach, a stands. closed basin(s), or a group of streams forming a Patch Clearcut: A regeneration cut of all coastal drainage area. merchantable trees on areas from one-fifth of The third level subdivides many of the sub- an acre to 10 acres. Patches are areas too small regions into accounting units. These 352 to be delineated as separated stands. hydrologic accounting units nest within or are Removal Cut: An intermediate cut to remove equivalent to the sub-regions. the overstory from an area regenerated by the shelterwood or seed tree method. The cutting The fourth level of classification is the activity should be used where the remaining cataloging unit, the smallest element in the overstory is to be removed in only one cut. hierarchy of hydrologic units. (Efforts are underway to add further levels of subdivisions.) A Seed Tree: A regeneration cut to obtain cataloging unit is a geographic area representing natural regeneration by seeding from leave part of all of a surface drainage basin, a trees. The seed cut retains enough trees to combination of drainage basins, or a distinct provide about half or more shade on the hydrologic feature. These units subdivide the sub- ground. regions and accounting units into smaller areas. Selection: An uneven-aged regeneration There are 2,150 Cataloging Units (sometimes cutting method where the objective is to called watersheds) in the nation. maintain a multi-aged structure by removing The fifth level HUC are watershed between some trees in all size classes either singly, in 40,000 to 250,000 acres. small groups or in strips. The sixth level HUC are watersheds between 10,000 to 40,000 acres.

Hiawatha National Forest E-5 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

LEAVE NO TRACE: A program that promotes and inspires responsible outdoor recreation III---JJJ---KKK through education and research. LONG-TERM SUSTAINED YIELD (LTSY) INHOLDING: Non-federally owned lands or CAPACITY: The highest uniform wood yield interest in lands located within the boundaries of from lands being managed for timber production a National Forest System Unit. that may be sustained under the goals and INTERIOR FOREST: An area of late objectives of forest plans. successional or old growth forest that is large MAINTENANCE LEVELS (Roads): Each enough and of an appropriate shape to provide Forest System road is to be maintained to a level conditions that minimize predation, parasitism, commensurate with the planned function and use and microclimate fluctuations associated with of the road. The intended level of maintenance to forest edges. Interior forest conditions provide be received by each road is termed the Objective habitat for a diversity of wildlife and plant species. Maintenance Level (OML), which are divided into JET SKI: See personal watercraft (PWC). five levels of maintenance intensity. OML-1 is the KARST: Geological landforms most often lowest level and OML-5 is the highest level. characterized by caves, underground streams, ML-1: Intermittent service roads during the steep valleys and sink holes. time they are closed to vehicular traffic. Basic custodial maintenance is performed to keep damage to adjacent resources to an acceptable level and to perpetuate the road to facilitate LLL---MMM future management activities. ML-2: Roads open for public uses or LAND EXCHANGE: A discretionary, voluntary permitted by high clearance vehicles. transition involving mutual transfer of land or Passenger car traffic is not a priority. interest in land between the Secretary of Agriculture acting through the Forest Service and ML-3: Roads open and maintained for travel a non-federal entity, for the conveyance of federal by a prudent driver in a standard passenger land and acquisition of non-federal land. car. User comfort and convenience are not considered priorities. LAND TYPE ASSOCIATION (LTA): An ML-4: Roads that provide a moderate degree ecological unit that describes areas of common of user comfort and convenience at moderate ecosystem characteristics and generally (but not travel speeds. Some roads may be paved always) numbering in the thousands of acres. and/or dust-abated. LTAs are defined by similarities in general ML-5: Roads that provide a high degree of topography, geomorphic process, geology, soil and potential plant community patterns. user comfort and convenience. These roads are normally paved. LANDSCAPE PATTERN: The spatial MANAGEMENT AREAS: A specific geographic arrangement of forest patches composed of location on the forest where specific management different species or successional stages. It may direction will be applied. The Hiawatha is divided also be applied to patches of different land uses, into 21 potential management areas. such as residential, commercial or agricultural. A landscape is a heterogeneous land area composed MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES of a cluster of interacting ecosystems that is (MIS): Species or habitats identified in the repeated in similar form throughout. planning process that are used to monitor the LARGE WOODY DEBRIS: Large pieces of effects of management activities on populations of wildlife and fish species, including those species wood in stream channels or on the ground, includes logs, pieces of logs and large chucks of that are ecologically, socially or economically wood; provides streambed stability and/or habitat important. complexity. Also called coarse woody debris or MAST PRODUCING TREES: Trees that down woody debris. provide nutrition in the form of fruit and nuts. LEASABLE MINERALS: These include MITIGATION: Action taken for the purpose of deposits of zinc, copper, gold, coal, sulfur eliminating, reducing or minimizing non- phosphates, oil shale, sodium potassium, oil and desirable impacts of management activities on the natural gas. environment.

Hiawatha National Forest E-6 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

MONITORING: The process of collecting Trail Class 4: Highly developed trail information to evaluate whether the objective and Trail Class 5: Fully Developed trail anticipated or assumed results of a management NATIVE SPECIES: With respect to a particular plan are being realized, or if implementation is ecosystem, a species that historically occurs in proceeding as planned. that ecosystem. Native species do not include MOTORCYCLE: A two or three-wheeled motor species introduced by humans. vehicle, which has a gasoline engine with more NON-NATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES (NNIS): than 50 cubic centimeters (cc) piston Any species that occupy an ecosystem outside its displacement and two brake horsepower and a top historical range. Invasive species are any non- speed over 30 miles per hour. A motorized two or native species whose introduction does or is likely three-wheeled vehicle which meets or exceeds to cause economic or environmental harm or these specifications is classified as a motorcycle harm to human health. Invasive species are those even if it has a working pedaling system. species that spread from their original native MOTOR VEHICLE: Any vehicle which is self- habitat to one that is not their native habitat. propelled, other than: 1) a vehicle operated on NNIS explode in population because they are not rails; and 2) any wheelchair or mobility device, in their original ecosystem where they were kept including one that is battery-powered, that is in check by many factors, such as parasites and designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired predation. These species are frequently aggressive person for locomotion, and that is suitable for use and difficult to manage. NNIS differ from noxious in an indoor pedestrian area. weeds in that NNIS can be animals or plants and MOTOR VEHICLE USE MAP: A map they are strictly non-native species. reflecting designated roads, trails and areas on an NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI): A formal administrative unit or a Ranger District of the statement by the Forest Service informing the National Forest System. public of its intent to revise the existing Land and MULTI-PASSENGER (UTILITY) ATV Resource Management Plan. The NOI is published (MATV): Any motorized , off-highway vehicle 80 in the Federal Register. inches or less in width, having a dry weight of NOXIOUS WEED: Any plant or plant product 1200 pounds or less that travels on 4 or more low that can directly or indirectly injure or cause pressure tires with multiple seating for up to 4 damage to crops (including nursery stock or plant persons, and a 700 cc or less engine, as designed products), livestock, poultry or other interests of and sold by the manufacturer. agriculture, irrigation, navigation, the natural resources of the United States, the public health or the environment. NNN---OOO---PPP OBJECTIVE: A concise, time-specific statement of measurable planned results that respond to NATIONAL FOREST VISIT: The entry of one pre-established goals (36 CFR 219.3). Objectives person upon a national forest to participate in are more specific and tangible than goals. recreation activities for an unspecified period of Objectives are measurable, but they are not time. A national forest visit can be composed of standards. They are budget-dependent and multiple site visits. subject to forces beyond agency control. NATIONAL FOREST VISITOR USE OBLITERATION: The act of eliminating the MONITORING (NVUM): A program designed functional characteristics of a travelway and re- to provide estimates of recreation and other establishing natural resource production visitor use on national forests. capability. The intent is to make the corridor NATIONAL TRAIL CLASS: A chronological unusable as a road or a trail and stabilize it against classification of trail development on a scale soil loss. ranging from Trail Class 1 to Trail Class 5. Each class is defined in terms of applicable tread and OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV): Any traffic flow, obstacles, constructed feature and motor vehicle designed for or capable of cross- trail elements, signs, typical recreation country travel on or immediately over land, water, environment and experience: sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain. Unless otherwise authorized on Trail Class 1: Minimal/undeveloped trail the Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Map, OHV use on Trail Class 2: Simple/minor developed trail the Hiawatha is restricted to ATVs, multi- Trail Class 3: Developed/improved trail passenger ATVs (MATV) and motorcycles.

Hiawatha National Forest E-7 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV) AREA: A PESTS: Insects, diseases or animals that interfere discrete, specifically delineated space that is with objectives for managing the forest. designated for OHV use that is smaller, and in PLANNING HORIZON: In the planning most cases much smaller, than a Ranger District. process, the overall time period that spans all OFF-ROAD VEHICLE (ORV) – any motorized activities covered in the analysis or plan, and all vehicle designed for or capable of crossing cross- future conditions and effects of proposed actions country travel on or immediately over land, water, that would influence the planning decisions. sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other PLANNING PERIOD: The time period before natural terrain (Travel Management Rule) the Plan is reviewed for revision — 10 to 15 years. OLD GROWTH FOREST: Ecosystems where Management direction pertains to this timeframe. natural biological processes predominate and are PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE: The alternative characterized by older larger trees, native species, favored for implementation by the Forest Service. and minimal human disturbance. Old growth It is selected by the deciding official as the best structural diversity includes multi-layered way to manage the forest. The decision is based on canopies, canopy gaps, tip-up mounds and an relative merits including physical, biological and accumulation of dead woody material. Old growth economic considerations and agency statutory tracts vary from small isolated forested areas to missions. The selected alternative then becomes larger landscape complexes that may include the basis for the draft Forest Plan. ecologically important non-forested openings, PRESENT NET VALUE (PNV): The measure younger patches produced by natural of the economic value of a project when costs and disturbances, wetlands and water bodies. revenues occur in different time periods. Future OPENINGS: revenues and costs are “discounted” to the present PERMANENT UPLAND OPENING: A by an interest rate that reflects the changing value specific area where shrubs, forbs, grasses of a dollar over time. PNV is used to compare and/or sedges predominate and which is project alternatives that have different cost and maintained in the open state either naturally or revenue flows. through active maintenance. A permanent PROBLEM STATEMENT: A concise summary opening would include maintained openings, of the management concerns for a particular small barrens communities, frost pockets and resource area, as identified in the Analysis of the other natural openings. Management Situation (AMS). The problem TEMPORARY OPENING: An area of statement identifies the specific concerns and a grass/forbs and shrubs usually resulting from range of possible solutions. The Plan Revision timber harvest that will be replaced by tree establishes goals and objectives to resolve the saplings over a period of a few years. problem statements; Plan Revision alternatives and the standards and guidelines identify the OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE means to resolve the problem statements. VALUES (ORV): River-related resource values that are rare, unique or exemplary, and are significant at a regional or national level. Usually associated with rivers that are part of the National RRR---SSS---TTT Wild and Scenic Rivers program. RARE II (ROADLESS AREA REVIEW AND OVER SNOW VEHICLE: A motor vehicle that EVALUATION): The national inventory of is designed for use over snow and that runs on a roadless and undeveloped areas within the track or tracks and/or a ski or skis, while in use national forests and grasslands which was over snow. completed in 1979. PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC): PWCs RECREATION FACILITY: Any building, are commonly referred to as “jet skis,” “air boats,” structure, trailhead, campground, parking area, etc. A PWC is an inboard boat that is less than 16 Picnic ground, fishing pier or boat launch feet in length and powered by either a 2-stroke or constructed and/or managed for the purpose of 4-stroke engine. The engine drives a jet pump that providing recreational use. pressurizes water to propel and steer the craft. With regard to management on the Hiawatha NF, RECREATION RESIDENCE: House or cabin “PWC” also includes amphibious machines (water permitted on NFS land for recreational use of the to land and back) and hovercraft. owner, but not as a primary residence.

Hiawatha National Forest E-8 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

RECREATION OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM RURAL (R): An area that is characterized by (ROS): A formal Forest Service process designed a natural environment, which has been to delineate, define and integrate outdoor substantially modified by development of recreation opportunities in land and resource structures, vegetative manipulation or pastoral management planning. ROS classes are used to agricultural development. Resource describe all recreation opportunity areas – from modification and utilization practices may be natural, undisturbed and undeveloped to heavily used to enhance specific recreation activities used, modified and developed. ROS designations and maintain vegetative cover and soil. Sights describe the kind of recreation experience one and sounds of humans are readily evident, and may have in a given part of the national forest. the interaction between users is often Classifications include: moderate to high. A considerable number of PRIMITIVE (P): An essentially unmodified facilities are designed for use by a large natural environment of fairly large size. number of people. Facilities are often provided Interaction between users is very low and for special activities. Moderate user densities evidence of other users is minimal. The area is are present away from developed sites. managed to be essentially free from evidence of Facilities for intensified motorized use and human-induced restrictions and controls. parking are available. Motorized use within the area is not permitted. URBAN (U): The area is characterized by a substantially urbanized environment, although SEMI-PRIMITIVE MOTORIZED (SPM): the background may have natural-appearing A predominantly natural or natural-appearing elements. Renewable resource modification environment of moderate to large size. and utilization practices are often used to Concentration of users is low, but there is often enhance specific recreation activities. evidence of other users. The area is managed in Vegetation cover is often exotic and such a way that minimum on-site controls and manicured. Sights and sounds of humans are restrictions may be present, but would be predominant on site. Large numbers of users subtle. Use of local, primitive, or collector can be expected, both on site and in nearby roads with predominantly natural surfaces and areas. Facilities for highly intensified motor trails suitable for motorbikes is permitted. use and parking are available with forms of SEMI-PRIMITIVE NON-MOTORIZED mass transit often available to carry people (SPNM): A predominantly natural or natural- throughout the site. appearing environment of moderate to large RECREATION VISITOR DAY (RVD): A size. Interaction between users is low, but recreation use measurement defined as one 12- there is often evidence of other users. The area hour visit for the purpose of a selected activity on is managed in such a way that minimum on- the Forest. It may consist of one person for 12 site controls and restrictions may be present, hours, two people for 6 hours, or any combination but would be subtle. Motorized recreation use that totals 12 hours. is not permitted, but local roads used for other resource management may be present on a RESEARCH NATURAL AREA (RNA): Areas which are permanently protected and maintained limited basis. Use of such roads is restricted to minimize impacts on recreational experience in a natural condition and which include: opportunities. Unique ecosystems or ecological features Habitat for rare or sensitive species of plants ROADED NATURAL (RN): Predominantly and animals natural-appearing environment with moderate High-quality examples of common ecosystems evidence of the sights and sounds of humans. Such evidence usually harmonizes with the The national network of RNAs helps to protect natural environment. Interactions between genetic, species, ecosystem and landscape level users may be moderate to high, with evidence biological diversity. RNAs that represent natural of other users prevalent. Resource condition, common ecosystems, serve as a modification and utilization practices are baseline or reference areas which can be evident, but harmonize with the natural compared with similar ecosystems undergoing environment. Conventional motorized use is silvicultural or other management prescriptions. allowed and incorporated into construction standards and design of facilities.

Hiawatha National Forest E-9 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

RESOURCE ASSESSMENT: A compilation of NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM ROAD: A background material on the status of a particular classified forest road under Forest Service resource area on a local, regional and national jurisdiction. The term “National Forest System scale. The resource assessment describes the roads” is synonymous with the term “forest present condition of a particular resource, and development roads” as used in 23 USC 205. speculates on the future condition of the resource PUBLIC ROAD: Any road or street under the based on current and expected trends. jurisdiction of, and maintained by, a public RIPARIAN AREAS: Riparian areas include authority and open to public travel (23 USC aquatic ecosystems, riparian ecosystems and 101(a)). wetlands. They are three-dimensional: PRIVATE ROAD: A road under private Longitudinal (extending up and down ownership authorized by an easement to a streams and along the shores) private party or a road that provides access Lateral (to the estimated boundary of land pursuant to a reserved or private right. with direct land-water interactions) UNCLASSIFIED ROADS: Roads on NFS Vertical (from below the water table to above lands that are not managed as part of the forest the canopy of mature site-potential trees) transportation system. It includes unplanned roads, abandoned travelways, off-road vehicle RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEMS: Areas that are tracks that have not been designed and adjacent to aquatic ecosystems and extend away from the bank or shore to include lands with managed as a trail; and roads that were once direct land-water interactions. Interactions may under permit or other authorization and were not decommissioned upon the termination of affect abiotic and biotic structure, function and composition. As a minimum, this will include all the authorization (36 CFR 212.1). lands that are adjacent to surface water and which TEMPORARY ROADS: Roads authorized by have hydric soils or distinctive vegetative contract, permit, lease, other written communities that require free or unbound water. authorization or emergency operation not intended to be part of the forest transportation RIPARIAN CORRIDORS: A site-specific area system and not necessary for long-term with boundaries established to define limits of management activities, and associated standards resource management (36 CFR 212.1) . Length and guidelines, within riparian areas. Size and is generally less than ½ mile. placement of riparian corridors will be determined ROAD CLOSURE: Process of closing a road to by management objectives for riparian areas and public vehicle traffic. Closures are used on system may not include all of the riparian area. roads (roads intended for future use) to limit or prohibit particular types of travel. ROAD: A motor vehicle travelway over 50 inches wide, unless designated and managed as a trail. A ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Activity that results road may be classified, unclassified or temporary in the addition of forest classified or temporary (36 CFR 212.1). road miles (36 CFR 212.1). CLASSIFIED ROADS: Roads wholly or partially ROAD DECOMMISSIONING: Activities that within or adjacent to National Forest System result in the stabilization and restoration of lands that are determined to be needed for long- unneeded roads to a more natural state. term motor vehicle access. It includes state roads, ROAD DENSITY: Measure of the degree to county roads, privately-owned roads, NFS roads which the length of road miles occupies a given and other roads authorized by the Forest Service land area. For example, one mile/square mile is (36 CFR 212.1). one mile of road within a given square mile. FOREST ROAD: As defined in Title 23, ROAD OBLITERATION: Process of removing a Section 101 of the United States Code (23 USC road from the landscape. Obliterations are used 101), any road, wholly or partly within, or on system and temporary roads which are to be adjacent to and serving the NFS and which is removed from service (decommissioned). It can necessary for the protection, administration include removing evidence of any access points; and utilization of the National Forest System removing any structures from the roadbed (such and the use and development of its resources. as culverts, bridges, signs, guardrails, etc.) and restoring wetlands and riparian areas.

Hiawatha National Forest E-10 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

ROAD RECONSTRUCTION: Activity that SKIDDING: Hauling logs by sliding from stump results in improvement or realignment of an to a collection point. existing classified road as defined below: SLASH: The residue left on the ground after ROAD IMPROVEMENT: Activity that timber cutting, a storm, fire or other event. Slash results in an increase of an existing road’s includes unused logs, uprooted stumps, broken or traffic service level, expands its capacity or uprooted stems, branches, bark, etc. changes its original design function. SNAG: A standing dead tree. ROAD REALIGNMENT: Activity that results in a new location of an existing road or SNOWMOBILE: A motor vehicle that is portions of an existing road and treatment of designed exclusively for use over snow that runs the old roadway. on tracks or skis. ROUTE/TRAVEL ROUTE: Used to specify a SOIL COMPACTION: A physical change in soil travelway for hiking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, properties that results in a decrease in porosity horses, bikes, canoes, snowmobiles, OHVs, etc. and an increase in soil-bulk density and strength. “Trail” is used when there is a specifically constructed travelway for an assigned use/uses. SOIL PRODUCTIVITY: The capacity of a soil to “Route” is used when the travelway uses existing produce a specific crop. Productivity depends on means such as rivers (for canoes), or OML 2-5 adequate moisture and soil nutrients, as well as forest development roads and trails, in favorable climate. combination, for hiking, dog-sledding, horses, SOIL QUALITY: The inherent capacity of a bikes, snowmobiles, OHVs, etc. specific soil, as determined by its inherent RUSTIC FACILITY: Facility designed to blend physical, chemical and biological characteristics, with the surroundings and prevent resource to perform its biologic, hydrologic and ecological damage. Usually providing minimal necessary functions (FSH 2509.18, 2002). amenities and a minimum level of design SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS: Goods and complexity and may be rustic in appearance. products resulting from use of the forest. These RUTTING: Depressions in the soil surface may include timber, firewood, plants, berries and caused by animal, foot or mechanical traffic that forage. alter the soil structure causing reduced infiltration SPECIAL USE PERMIT: An authorization that of air and water into the soil. provides permission, without conveying an SAWTIMBER: Any tree capable of yielding logs interest in land, to occupy and use National Forest of a size and quality suitable for lumber System lands or facilities for specific purposes. production. Special Use Permits are both revocable and terminable. SENSITIVE SPECIES: Plant and animal species designated by a Regional Forester for which SPECIES AT RISK: Federally-listed threatened, population viability is a concern. endangered, candidate or proposed species and other species for which loss of viability, including SERAL STAGE: The stage of succession of a reduction in distribution or abundance, is a plant community that is transitional. If left alone, concern within the plan area. Other species at risk the seral stage will give way to another plant may include sensitive species and state-listed community that represents a further stage of species. succession (climax). SPECIES OF CONCERN: Species mentioned by SIMPLE FACILITY: See Rustic Facility. the public for which they have some concern SIZE CLASS: about the species’ population or status. These Size class 0: Open lands species may or may not be of viability concern (threatened, endangered or sensitive), but other Size class 1: Less than 4.5 feet in height issues have been raised with respect to them. Size class 2: From 4.5 feet to 4.9” diameter at breast height (DBH) SPECIES VIABILITY: A viable species consists of self-sustaining and interacting populations that Size class 3: From 5” to 8.9” DBH are well-distributed through the species’ range. Size class 4: From 9” to 17.9” DBH Size class 5: Greater than 18” DBH

Hiawatha National Forest E-11 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

SPECTRUM: Computer software developed by SURFACE RIGHTS: Ownership of the land the Forest Service’s Ecosystem Management staff, surface only; right to use the surface of the land. in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Forest SUSTAINABLE: The ability of an ecosystem to and Range Experiment Station. The model maintain ecological processes and functions, optimizes management area prescriptions and biological diversity and productivity over time. allocation and schedules activities and outputs. It chooses among alternative solutions, given a set of SUSTAINED YIELD: The achievement and constraints and an objective such as maximizing maintenance in perpetuity of a high-level annual income or timber volume. The model evolved or regular periodic output of the various from the FORPLAN optimization model that was renewable resources of the NFS without used in the initial round of forest planning. impairment of the productivity or the land. Sustained yield refers to the orderly, planned and STAND: A contiguous group of trees that recurrent harvest of living trees and is calculated occupies a specific area and is similar in species, considering only those acres deemed suitable. age and condition. THREATENED SPECIES: Official designation STANDARD: Mandatory permissions and by USFWS applied to any species which is likely to limitations needed to achieve the goals and become endangered throughout all or a significant objectives of the Plan. They are applicable to all portion of its range within the foreseeable future. foreseeable management situations; deviation from them requires an amendment to the Plan. TIMBERLAND: Forest land that is producing or capable of producing, in excess of 20 cubic feet STOCKING LEVEL: The number of trees in an per acre per year of industrial wood crops under area compared to the desirable number of trees natural conditions. for best results, such as maximum wood production. TIMBER PRODUCTION: The purposeful growing, tending, harvesting and regeneration of STREAM GEOMORPHOLOGY: The study of regulated crops of trees for cutting into logs, bolts, water and earth forces that form stream channels, small roundwood or chips for industrial or drainage patterns, floodplains and explain consumer use. For purposes of forest planning, erosion, transportation and deposition of timber production does not include fuelwood or sediments moved by water. harvests from unsuitable lands (FSM 1900). SUB SURFACE RIGHTS (MINERAL TOTAL ROAD/TRAIL DENSITY: The RIGHTS): Ownership of or right to use resources measure of all roads/trails per unit area, whether and improvements under the surface of the land. open or closed to identify uses. SUCCESSION: A series of dynamic changes by TRAIL: Any constructed corridor on the land which organisms succeed one another through intended exclusively as a pathway for travel by plant community (seral) stages leading to a foot, stock (i.e. horseback) or trail vehicles - such potential natural community or climax. In the as bicycles, snowmobiles and OHVs. A route 50 forest plan revision process, these are generally inches or less in width or a route over 50 inches referred to as early, mid and late successional wide that is identified and managed as a trail. stages. Stages are transitory in nature, and describe a plant community from its earliest TRAIL MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES growth condition to a condition of full maturity. (TMO): Objectives that guide the management of each trail and tier off of Forest Plan direction. SUCCESSIONAL STAGE: A stage of plant These objectives account for trail uses, user community development as it moves from bare preferences, settings, protection of resources and ground to climax. In the plan revision process, other management needs. these generally relate to seral and size classes. TRAFFIC SERVICE LEVEL (TSL): A SUITABILITY: The appropriateness of applying classification system developed by the Forest certain resource management practices and uses Service to describe a road’s significant traffic to a particular area of land, as determined by an characteristics and operating conditions. These analysis of economic and environmental levels are identified as a result of transportation consequences and the alternative uses foregone. A planning activities and include the traffic unit of land may be suitable for a variety or characteristics that are significant in the selection individual or combined management practices. of design criteria and describe the operating SUITED FOREST LAND: Land to be managed conditions for the road. These characteristics are for timber production on a regulated basis. described in FSH 7709.56, Chapter 4.

Hiawatha National Forest E-12 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

TRAVEL MANAGEMENT ATLAS: An atlas a corridor). Viewsheds are accumulated seen- that consists of a forest transportation atlas and a areas from highways, trails, campgrounds, towns, motor vehicle use map or maps. cities or other viewer locations. VISUAL QUALITY OBJECTIVES: This is also known as “scenic integrity objectives” and is a UUU---VVV measure of the degree to which a landscape is visually perceived to be complete. The ratings are: UNEVEN-AGED MANAGEMENT: The application of a combination of actions needed to PRESERVATION (P): Management simultaneously maintain continuous forest cover, activities where only ecological changes take recurring regeneration of desirable species, and place. Only very low visual impact recreation the orderly growth and development of trees facilities are allowed. through a range of diameter or age classes. This RETENTION (R): Management activities are can be applied to a specific stand of trees or an not visually evident. Activities may only repeat entire ecosystem. form, line, color or texture should be accomplished during management activities or UNSUITED FOREST LAND: Forest land not immediately thereafter. Enhancement and managed for timber production because: rehabilitation projects are given highest Congress, the Secretary of Agriculture or the priority for implement in retention foreground. Chief of the Forest Service has withdrawn it PARTIAL RETENTION (PR): Management from suitability; activities remain visually subordinate to the It is not producing or is capable of producing characteristic landscape. Reductions in crops of industrial wood; contrast to line, form, color or texture should Technology is not available to prevent be accomplished within the first year or as irreversible damage to soils productivity or soon as possible after project completion. watershed conditions; Partial retention areas are second in priority for implementation of enhancement and There is no reasonable assurance based on rehabilitation projects. existing technology and knowledge, that it is possible to restock lands within 5 years after MODIFICATION (M): Management final harvest, as reflected in current research activities may dominate the original and experience; characteristic landscape. These activities must borrow from naturally established form, line, There is presently a lack of adequate color and texture to appear natural or information about responses to timber compatible to the natural surroundings. Few management activities; visual enhancement or rehabilitation projects Timber management is inconsistent with or will be planned in modification areas. not cost-efficient in meeting the management MAXIMUM MODIFICATION (MM): requirements and multiple-use objectives Management activities of vegetation and stated in the Forest Plan. landform alterations which may dominate the NFMA allows timber harvest on lands designated characteristic landscape. However, when as unsuited for other reasons such as salvage or to viewed as background, the visual protect or meet other multiple use objectives and characteristics must be those of natural values. (36 CFR 219.27 (c) (1)). occurrences within the surrounding area or USER DEVELOPED: An access pathway or character type. When viewed as foreground or structure developed by users or through use and is middleground, they may not appear to not part of the Forest management system nor completely borrow from naturally established maintained by the Forest Service. form, line, color or texture. Alterations may also be out of scale or contain detail which is UTILITY CORRIDOR: A tract of land of incongruent with natural occurrences as seen varying width forming a passageway through in foreground or middleground. which various commodities such as oil, gas and REHABILITATION: A short-term electricity are transported. classification used to restore landscapes to a VIEWSHED: Total visible area from a single desired visual quality objective. observer position (e.g. an overlook), or the total visible area from multiple observer positions (e.g.

Hiawatha National Forest E-13 2006 Forest Plan Appendix Appendix E „„ Glossary of Forest Terminology

2. It possesses outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of WWW---ZZZ recreation. 3. It is an area large enough so that continued use WATERCRAFT: will not change its unspoiled natural condition. MOTORIZED WATERCRAFT: Boats and WINDTHROW: Trees uprooted by wind. canoes powered by internal combustion motors, includes personal watercraft (PWC). WOODY DEBRIS: Dead, natural woody material greater than 10 cm in diameter and NON-MOTORIZED WATERCRAFT: longer than one meter, usually composed of boles Boats, canoes and kayaks without internal and large branches. Various terms, such as large combustion motors but may have an electric woody debris (LWD), coarse woody debris (CWD), trolling motor. and large organic debris (LOD), have been used to PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC): describe this material.

PWCs are commonly referred to as “jet skis,” “air boats,” etc. A PWC is an inboard boat that is less than 16 feet in length and is powered by either a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. The engine drives a jet pump that pressurizes water to propel and steer the craft With regard to management, on the Hiawatha National Forest, “PWC” also includes amphibious machines (water to land and back), and hovercraft. WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY DEVICE: A device, including one that is battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion, and that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area. A person whose disability requires use of a wheelchair or mobility device may use a wheelchair or mobility device that meets this definition anywhere foot travel is permitted. (Forest Service Manual 2353.05 and ADA Title V Section 507c). “Designed solely for use by a mobility- impaired person,” means that the original design and manufacture of the wheelchair was only for the purpose of mobility for a person who has a disability. This does not include after- market retrofit of a motorized unit to make it useable by a person who has a disability. “Suitable for indoor pedestrian use” means useable inside a home, mall, courthouse, etc. WILDERNESS: The National Wilderness Preservation Act of 1964 defines wilderness as an area of undeveloped federal land designated by Congress that has the following characteristics: 1. It is affected primarily by the forces of nature, where people are visitors who do not remain. It may contain ecological, geological or other features of scientific, educational, scenic or historical value.

Hiawatha National Forest E-14 2006 Forest Plan Appendix

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202.720.2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 800.795.3272 (voice) or 202.720.6382 (TDD).USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer