2017… Program of Work

2017… PROGRAM OF WORK. Umatilla National Foresttt

View from Oregon Butte - Pomeroy Ranger District

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Umatilla National Forest 2017 Program of Work

2016 Forest Staff and Accomplishments………………....…….. Page 5

South Zone Program of Work: Heppner Ranger District.………..…………………………..……….….. Page 7 North Fork John Day Ranger District………………………….…..….… Page 21

North Zone Program of Work: Pomeroy Ranger District …………………………..…………………… Page 33 Walla Walla Ranger District…………….……………………………..... Page 41

Forest-Wide Program of Work: Forest-wide projects…………………………………….…………….… Page 55

2016 Program Accomplishment Reports: Botany/TES Program………………………………………………….… Page 67 Invasive Plant Program……………………………………………….… Page 68 Native Plant Program……………………………………………....…… Page 69 Hydrology Program…………………………………………………...… Page 70 Recreation Program…………………………..………………………… Page 72 Wildlife Program …………………………………………..……………. Page 74 Youth/Community/Conservation Education………………….…..….… Page 75

Umatilla National Forest Fiscal Year 2016 Forest Facts, Figures and Accomplishments

FOREST LEADERSHIP TEAM TIMBER OUTPUTS Forest Supervisor, Genevieve Masters Timber Volume Target: 31.88 MMBF Fire & Fuels Staff, Brett Thomas-Acting Timber Volume Accomplished: 31.76 MMBF Natural Resource, Planning *MMBF - Million Board Feet and Administration Staff, Brian Goff Operations Staff, Wynn Avocette BOTANY / SILVICULTURE (see accomplishment reports) Heppner District Ranger, Ann Niesen Tree/ Shrub Planting 319,214 seedlings North Fork John Day Ranger, Ian Reid Native Seed/Forb Planting 2,000 lbs Pomeroy District Ranger, Monte Fujishin TES Plant Surveying 1,500 acres Walla Walla District Ranger, Mike Rassbach Invasive Plant Treatments 6,561 acres Forest Archaeologist, Allen Madril Public Affairs Office, Joani Bosworth Executive Assistant, Myrna Neil RANGE MANAGEMENT Number of Grazing Permits 33 Sheep Allotments 4 TOTAL FOREST ACRES 1,406,245 Sheep Permitted 18,877 Oregon Acres 1,095,048 Cattle Allotments 29 Washington Acres 311,197 Cattle Permitted 32,476

Range Vegetation Acres Improved 18,577 ENGINEERING - Forest System Roads

Roads Designated Motorized 2,266 Miles Closed Roads (Non-Motorized) 2,358 Miles AQUATICS AND WILDLIFE Total Existing Roads 4,624 Miles Number of Wildlife Species 324 Sensitive Wildlife & Fish Species 24 RECREATION MANAGEMENT Threatened & Endangered Species 6 Campgrounds 39 Miles of Stream Habitat: Cabin Rentals 13 Chinook Salmon 158 Designated Wilderness Acres 319,409 Steelhead 900 Maintained Trailheads 38 Resident Trout 1,600 Miles of Trails: Major Fish Passage Improvement Projects 2 Motorized 256 Fish Habitat Improvement 23 miles Non-motorized use 578 Confirmed wolf packs 6 Marked Nordic Ski 33 Habitat improvement, 18,250 acres Snowmobile 181 (Prescribed-wildfire, noxious weed treatment,) Recreational Residences 98 Organizational Camps 7 FIRE AND FUELS MANAGEMENT Downhill Ski Areas 2 Acres of hazardous fuels treated: Nordic Ski Areas 3 Prescribed Fire 5,542 acres SnoParks 7 Natural Fire *59,000 acres Information/Interpretive Sites 14 Mechanical 4,633 acres Visitor Center (Tollgate) 1 Total acres treated 10,175 acres *Grizzly Bear Complex acres reported in 2016 CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT New acres surveyed in 2016 150 Wildfire Management: Acres resurveyed 200 Lightning/undetermined caused wildfires 14 Total number of acres surveyed 765,493 Acres Burned 208 New sites recorded in 2016 0 Number of human caused wildfires 7 Total archaeological sites recorded 2000 Acres Burned 44 Sites stabilized, rehabilitated, monitored or protected in 2016 6

Heppner Ranger District Umatilla National Forest

2017

District Ranger:

Ann Niesen Program of Work (541) 676-9187

DISTRICT PROJECT MAP District Map Pg. 9 Ongoing Project Updates Pg. 11 AQUATICS, WATERSHEDS, FISHERIES Upper Swale Meadow Restoration Pg. 13 INTEGRATED VEG. MANAGEMENT – Fire, Fuels, Timber, Silviculture Bull Prairie Fuels Reduction Pg. 14 Mountain Top Fuels Reduction Pg. 15 Morphine Burn Reforestation Pg. 17

Potamus Prescribed Fire Pg. 18 RECREATION and SPECIAL USES Penland Lake Campground Redesign Pg. 19 FAA Line of Sight Pg. 20

2017 Heppner Ranger District Program of Work Ongoing Project Update (presented in past year’s POW packets) Ann Niesen, District Ranger (541) 676-9187

NEPA Process Project Status and Timeline Aquatics and Watershed Big Wall Creek Road Aquatic EA: NEPA Implementation in 2017 Organism Passage-Forest Rd. 2402 completed in 2012 Range Comment period on the draft EA EA: Expected completed January 2017—finalizing decision in 2017 Tamarack Grazing Allotment the EA for objection period anticipated for March 2017 Integrated Vegetation Management - Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture Project proposed to reforest the CE: signed July burned area by planting 20 to 25 2016 Collins Butte Fire Restoration thousand ponderosa pine seedlings. Status: Implementing Spring 2017. Project proposed to 1) increase the EA: decision signed amount of old forest with a pre- December 2009; dominance of large trees in a single Implementation strata; 2) shift dry upland forests to a planned 2017 more historic species composition; 3) Long Prairie Landscape Burn reduce stand densities; and 4) modify current vegetative stand structures to maintain or move the landscape toward Fire Regime Condition Class I. Status: Implementation planned 2017 Rimrock & Sunflower Bacon EIS: NEPA Continued Implementation 2017 Prescribed Burn completed 2005 EIS: NEPA Rankin Timber Sale / Bull Prairie CG Continued Implementation 2017 completed 2005 Kahler Dry Forest Project- EIS: NEPA Strawberry Timber Sale, Whiskey Continued Implementation 2017 completed 2016 Timber Sale Cat Stew Fuels and Vegetation EA: NEPA Continued implementation 2017 Management Project completed EA: NEPA Integrated Vegetation Restoration completed in 2010 Continued implementation 2016 Thin and Pile CE; NEPA completed in 2009

Project Name: Upper Swale Meadow Restoration

Program Area: Aquatics, Fish, and Watershed Project Contact: Hugo A. Magaña, (541) 427-5305, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: Wall Creek Road and March 2012 2017 Watershed Improvement EA

Location: The Upper Swale Creek Meadow is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Heppner, OR. T5S R28E Sec. 30 & 31. Lat. and Long; 45.097894 -119.376124

Affected Counties: Morrow

Brief Description of Project: Currently, Swale Creek has incised as it passes through a meadow downstream of the 2107 Rd culvert. Erosion has down-cut the stream bed five to six feet below the bank. For the treatments we will be placing whole logs into the stream channel to dissipate stream energy and velocity. This in turn causes sediment to drop out and start accumulating at the log head. After a short period of time (weeks to months) the logs get buried and in turn the water table level rises. We will be installing wells around the meadow and will be measuring water level with a Peizometer prior to initiation and post-project.

Impacts to tribal resources: Enhancing nursery and natural habitat by raising the surface of the channel and increasing water storage duration will enhance habitat for First Foods.

Project Name: Bull Prairie Fuels Reduction

Program Area: Integrated Vegetation Management – Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture Project Contact: Scott Schwartz, (541) 676-2116, [email protected] and Kristen Marshall, (541) 676-2130, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE 01/2018 2018

Location: This project area is located roughly 26 miles south of Heppner, Oregon. The project area straddles both Wheeler and Grant counties in Township 7 S Range 25 E Sections 1,2,3,10,11,12,13,14 and Township 7S Range 26 E Sections 2,6,7,8,9,10,16,17,18. Primary HUC 10 watershed is Wall Creek and the HUC 12 sub-watershed is Wilson Creek.

Affected Counties: Wheeler and Grant

Brief Description of Project: The Bull Prairie Project has been identified as priority area for fuel reduction due to its proximity to Morrow County OHV Park, Bull Prairie Campground, and private lands. The project focuses on public and firefighter safety by lowering the potential for undesirable fire behavior and improving public evacuation routes. The primary activity is an underburn of up to 4,600 acres. Pre-commercial thinning will be used intermittently throughout the entire project area and include the cutting of trees less than 8” DBH, including treatment in the RHCA areas (hand thinning). Stand composition would be altered enough to allow natural wildfire activity that could be safely managed by suppression resources. The project also proposes a 70 acre commercial thin, which will be divided into several smaller units. The commercial thin will target diseased trees. No mechanical thinning will occur in RHCAs or dedicated old growth.

Impacts to tribal resources: Prescribed fire will provide increased forage opportunities for big game.

Project Name: Mountain Top Fuels Reduction

Program Area: Integrated Vegetation Management – Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture Project Contact: Jeromy Wilson, (541) 676-2103, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE 04/2017 2018

Location: Madison Butte Lookout & Communications Site: T5S-R27E-Sec 19, 28, 29, and 30 Black Mountain Communication Site: T4S-R28E-Sec 14, 23, and 24

Affected Counties: Morrow

Brief Description of Project: The Mt. Top Project Area is approximately 232 acres of vegetation manipulation through the use of mechanical and manual treatments, as well as 439 prescribed burn acres located on two different sites. Madison Butte Lookout & Communications Site has a fire detection lookout tower and Forest/Cooperator radio repeaters. Black Mountain Communication Site has Forest and Cooperator radio equipment.

The purpose of this project is to maintain and protect Heppner Ranger District Administrative Facilities sufficient to serve the public, and accomplish the land and resource management and protection objectives of the Umatilla National Forest.

Treatments are designed to: 1) Improve sight lines from the tower, reduce wildfire hazards around the towers and communication systems; and 2) Provide access to these sites for firefighters and the public.

Impacts to tribal resources: Treatments are designed to minimize ground disturbance and provide increased opportunity for scenic views from the mountain top.

Project Name: Morphine Burn Reforestation

Program Area: Integrated Vegetation: Fires and Fuels

Project Contact: Pam Arbogast, (541) 676-2156, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE 2017 2017

Location: T6S, R27E, Sections 28 & 33

Affected Counties: Morrow

Brief Description of Project: The 2016 Morphine Prescribed Burn showed a higher than expected tree mortality in a few isolated areas within the landscape burn’s footprint. Three units (totaling around 80 acres) will be replanted with 2-yr old ponderosa pine and Douglas fir seedlings later this spring.

Project Name: Potamus Prescribed Fire

Program Area: Integrated Vegetation Management – Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture Project Contact: Bill Schlaich, (541) 676-2120, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE 04/2018 2019

Location: The Potamus Prescribed Fire project is located in: T5S R28E Section 36; T5S R29E Sections 31- 34; T6S R28E Sections 13 and 24; T6S R29E Sections 2-11, 14-23, 27-33. It is approximately 13 miles southwest of Ukiah and 10 miles northwest of Ritter. The project lies on both sides of Potamus creek and incorporates acreage in both the Heppner and North Fork John Day Ranger Districts.

Affected Counties: Morrow

Brief Description of Project: The Potamus Prescribed Fire project proposes to treat approximately 14,100 acres with prescribed fire. The area contains a mix of dry and moist upland forest, as well as grass and shrub plant associations. Non-commercial thinning will also occur along roadsides and critical containment areas in preparation for ignition.

Impacts to tribal resources: Prescribed fire will provide increased forage opportunities for big game.

Project Name: Penland Lake Campground Redesign

Program Area: Recreation Project Contact: Janel Lacey, (541) 427-5394, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE 2017 2017

Location: T5S, R28E, Sec. 22, approximately 30 miles SE of Heppner, Oregon

Affected Counties: Morrow

Brief Description of Project: This campground is set on the shore of Penland Lake, which also abuts private land and land owned by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Penland is popular on summer weekends and offers access to fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. There are seven campsites and two vault toilets on the National Forest portion of the campground, with more campsites located on the adjacent ODFW property.

Currently, a number of user-created roads dissect the upper portion of Penland Lake Campground. A loop road would be defined using the existing user-created roads as much as possible, and roads not necessary for the loop road would be blocked/signed as closed. Anticipated length of the road is about 1 mile. The road would be bladed and graveled, with several traffic control signs installed. Additional campsites would also be defined involving the placement of a picnic table, fire ring, site number post, and gravel parking area.

Project Name: FAA Line of Sight

Program Area: Special Uses Project Contact: Janel Lacey (541) 427-5394, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year:

CE Sep 2017 2018

Location: T4S, R23E, Section 14. 3 miles north of Winlock.

Affected Counties: Morrow

Brief Description of Project: This project proposes to authorize a new corridor outside existing special use permit (SUP). This project would amend the existing special use permit to include the new line of sight. Along the proposed line of sight trees would be cut within a sight path 60 feet wide to remove interference of trees to radar transmissions between the FAA’s Heppner and Fossil radar stations. The FAA estimates about 100 trees would be removed. The pink box on the map below is new line-of-site to be added to SUP, blue line is line of sight currently covered by SUP.

North Fork John Day Ranger District Umatilla National Forest

2017 District Ranger: Ian Reid

(541) 427-5316 Program of Work

DISTRICT PROJECT MAP District Map Pg. 23 Ongoing Project Updates Pg. 25 AQUATICS, FISHERIES and WATERSHED Desolation Gauge Pg. 31 ODFW Fish Trap Pg. 31

2017 North Fork John Day Ranger District Program of Work Ongoing Project Updates Ian Reid, District Ranger (541) 427-5316

NEPA process and Project Name Project Status timeline Aquatics, Fish and Watershed Granite/Desolation Decision memo was signed in May 2016, CE signed May 2016 Roads implementation is ongoing. Replacing these culverts with an OHV bridge or stream simulated crossing structure within the next 1-5 years will not only improve fish passage and open approximately 3.2 stream miles of Junkens and Beeman steelhead spawning habitat, but it may also help CE signed in 2014 for Creek Culvert Removals reduce long term trail maintenance needs. Other culvert removal culverts to be replaced as funding permits. The Forest Service has a partnership opportunity with ODFW for implementation of the lower Junkens site in FY 2018. Olive Lake Dam Project Implementation is ongoing. CE signed June 2013 Maintenance Engineering and Roads

Project expands an existing gravel pit to support the East Birch Creek Road Resurfacing on East Windy Spring Gravel Pit, Birch Creek Road, County Road No. 1378 that was CE signed July 2016 submitted and approved under the 2015 Oregon (Bill Gamble, La East Birch Federal Federal Lands Access Program Request for Grande District Highway Proposals. Ranger) Status: Implementation to happen 2017 Spring/Summer

Integrated Vegetation Management - Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture 4-Corners Commercial Thin Project includes commercially thinning 70 acres of relatively flat forest near roads 5326 and 5327. The prescription thins from below with some skips and gaps, ground-based by skidder-harvester- CE; on Hold forwarder. Activity fuels would be burned in landing piles. Status: Project is currently on hold.

NEPA process and Project Name Project Status timeline Integrated Vegetation Management - Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture (continued) Popple Aspen Stand and Restores aspen stands along stream corridors, Habitat Restoration improving habitat for wild turkeys and other species. Repairs or replaces fences damaged by fire to allow natural regeneration without exposure to CE; decision expected big game browsing. Removes conifers to free up March 2017 growing space and available soil moisture for aspen. Status: Scoping comment period completed November 2016. Specialists are finalizing their input for an anticipated decision in Feb 2017 Switchback Commercial Project includes commercially thinning 70 acres in Thin the area around the district’s horse barn, corrals and pasture along Forest Service Road 10 to improve the horse pasture and remove mistletoe CE decision expected infested Douglas-fir and hazards to area Nov 2017 infrastructure. Status: Team will begin project pre-planning 2017. Scoping is anticipated for spring 2017. Project involves planting areas within the Turner Basin Fire footprint that have fallen below minimum stocking levels with a mixture of Turner Basin Fire CE decision expected ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and western larch. Feb 2017 Restoration Status: specialist have reviewed the project with no resource concerns. Project checklist is complete and awaiting signatures. Project is to reduce the risk of bark beetle caused tree mortality to whitebark pine (listed as a federal candidate species in July 2011.) Verbenone, an Whitebark Pine anti-aggregate chemical paste, has been shown to CE signed June 2016 Verbenone Treatment reduce bark beetle induced mortality and is applied to tree bark by caulking gun. Status: Implementation is ongoing. In planning phase, changed planning area from the Western Route Thinning entire ranger district to several thousand acres CE expected to have (previously Western near Forest Rd. 53. Re-scoping completed in Feb two decisions, Non-Commercial 2016. Specialists are finalizing review and input signature for first Thinning) before finalizing decision documents. Anticipated anticipated Feb 2017 signature for majority of the project in Feb 2017. Tombstone Veg 55 acre commercial thin with aspen restoration. CE signed in 2015 Management Sale awarded, expected to be logged winter 2017 HFRA project, about 3,500 acre project area. EA; on hold, expected Willoughby Fuels Project Project scoping was complete in 2016, but project decision unknown is currently on hold.

NEPA process and Project Name Project Status timeline

Integrated Vegetation Management - Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture (continued) 6,000 acre project area. Approx. 1,290 acres of EA signed in 2014. treatment including commercial and non- Currently Wilkins Vegetation commercial thinning and shelter wood harvest (80 implementing harvest, Management Project acres). Project is about 95 % completed. Volume is assoc. road closures 3.3 MMBF. occurred in 2015 Create a fuel break along and between Forest Service system roads near the community of Granite and private lands adjacent to the Umatilla Ten Cent Community and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. EIS; expected decision Wildfire Protection Status: Draft EIS comment period closed on May 2017 Project December 5, 2016—district is working on finalizing the EIS and drafting the ROD. Objection period is expected to start Feb 2017. Expected to start implementation in 2017. Winter Range Prescribed CE; On Hold; expected Project currently in on hold. Burn Enhancement decision unknown Lands and Minerals The Fee Stubblefield land exchange proposal is a land-for-land exchange in which the United States would convey up to 2 isolated parcels of Federal EA; removed from Fee Stubblefield Land land for 1 large private parcel completely 2017 planning Exchange surrounded by National Forest land. (Approx. 600+ schedule acres to exchange and convey.) Status: removed from 2017 planning schedule The Nash land exchange proposal is a land-for-land exchange in which the United States would convey up to 4 isolated parcels of Federal land for 1 large EA; removed from Nash Land Exchange private parcel almost completely surrounded by 2017 planning National Forest land. (Approx. 400+ acres to schedule exchange and convey.) Status: removed from 2017 planning schedule Twenty eight mining projects are proposed within the Granite Creek Watershed. EIS will cover claims on the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Granite Mining EIS EIS; signed June 2016 Forests. Status: Record of decision signed June 2016. Implementation of project is ongoing. Project in planning phase. Initial scoping was Hidaway Mining Plan of EA; expected decision completed in 2011. Working with TEAMS to draft Operation December 2017 the EA for comment period.

NEPA process and Project Name Project Status timeline Range

Project reconstructs an existing spring development and constructs a new fence to protect the source of the spring. It will improve Big Springs-Spring riparian conditions at Big Springs and provide CE; signed July 2016 Reconstruction water for livestock while protecting riparian habitat and the spring source. Status: Implementation began summer 2016, waiting on cultural clearance to finish implementation in spring 2017.

Recreation

Tower Mountain On hold; pending Trailhead (#3156) Removed from 2017 schedule of projects. funding Relocation Special Uses The Bone Point Repeater Placement project would move the Forest Service radio repeater from the Bone Point Radio lookout building to a ground level building CE; on hold Repeater Placement designed specifically for housing and protecting the equipment. Military Training- Ft. This special use permit is renewed yearly, CE; effects evaluated Lewis Touch and Go expected to be implemented Spring of 2017 and decision signed Helispot Permit Renewal (renewal request has not been received for 2017) yearly Military Training- 304th This special use permit is renewed yearly, CE; effects evaluated Para-rescue Survival expected to be implemented Spring of 2017 and decision signed Training Permit Renewal (renewal request has not been received for 2017) yearly Military Training – This special use permit is renewed yearly, Pendleton National CE; effects evaluated, expected to be implemented Spring of 2017 Guard Helicopter decision signed yearly (renewal request has not been received for 2017) Training Permit Pendleton Roundup This special use permit is renewed yearly, CE; effects evaluated Wagon Train Permit expected to be implemented Spring of 2017 and decision signed Renewal (renewal request has not been received for 2017) yearly

Special use permit is renewed every 20 years for Columbia Powerline the existing Powerline servicing the communities CE; on hold Permit Renewal of Dale, Lehman, and Ukiah and surrounding areas.

NEPA process and Project Name Project Status timeline Special Uses - continued The Forest Service proposes to re-issue a Special Use Permit to allow the continuation and maintenance of the current structure. Allowing the occasional removal of the surrounding (non- commercial) trees to maintain a clear path for the repeater and maintenance to the structure. This Tower Mountain CE would also authorize the modification of the CE; expected decision CenturyLink existing telephone communication facility to add a 2017 power generator and fuel source in a protective shed. A 500 gallon propane tank and a 10’ by 10’ shed would be installed at the base of the existing tower. Status: Team is reviewing proposed Special Use Permit application and project proposal.

Project Name: Desolation Gauge Program Area: Aquatics, Fish, and Watershed Project Contact: Richard Cissel (541) 427-5341, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE February 2017 2017

Location: Desolation Cr. above FSR 10 bridge, <100 sq. yards affected (T7S R31E, sec. 1, SE ¼, NE ¼ ¼)

Affected Counties: Grant

Brief Description of Project: In conjunction with CTUIR, we propose to install a pressure transducer- type stream gauge within the bedrock section of channel upstream from the road 10 bridge. In addition, we would install two posts on which to mount a cableway that would be used to measure stream discharge during high flow events. One of the posts may be supplanted by the use of a tree on the south bank. Installation would include drilling holes in bedrock to mount the gauge and the posts, and may include using concrete to level the post mounts. No other permanent alterations are expected. A cultural resource survey is planned in spring 2017 when weather permits access. No impacts are anticipated to tribal resources in implementing this project, but field review of site is scheduled.

Project Name: ODFW Fish Trap Program Area: Special Uses Project Contact: Janel Lacey, (541) 427-5394, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE February 2017 March 2017

Location: T6S, R31, Section 36 and T6S, R32E, Section 29

Affected Counties: Umatilla

Brief Description of Project: Authorize a special use permit to ODFW for the placement of a fish trap at two locations along the North Fork John Day River and a fish release device at two other locations for the purpose of studying fish in the North Fork John Day River system. The selected locations are immediately above Desolation Creek near the Tollbridge Campground. These sites are also near the downstream extent of the Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat that ODFW seeks to represent. The intent is to capture downstream-migrating Chinook salmon smolts for long term trend analysis. Captured fish are marked to estimate their abundance and survival rate. This trap would be operated as a reference site for comparisons to three other trap sites on the NFJD river system. This project has been ongoing in 2009 but not administered under a special use permit. 31

Pomeroy Ranger District Umatilla National Forest

2017

District Ranger:

Program of Work Monte Fujishin (509) 843-1891

DISTRICT PROJECT MAP District Map Pg. 35 Ongoing Project Updates Pg. 37 INTEGRATED VEG. MANAGEMENT – Fire, Fuels, Timber, Silviculture Upper Pataha Pg. 39 Clearwater Commercial Thin Pg. 40

2017 Pomeroy Ranger District Program of Work Ongoing Project Updates (presented in past year’s POW packets) Monte Fujishin, District Ranger (509) 843-1891

NEPA process Project Name Status and timeline Aquatics, Watersheds, Fisheries Continue to provide large woody debris in cooperation with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, NPT and CTUIR and sponsored through Snake River Salmon Recovery Board. Tucannon River Ongoing in 2017. Watershed Projects A feasibility analysis may be initiated to begin looking at potentially rerouting the main Tucannon River road behind the guard station to reclaim floodplain. Integrated Vegetation Management - Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture Project was advertised but did not sell. As of February 1, 2017, discussions with Henderson Grizzly Bear Fire: Logging from Wallowa are ongoing to purchase the Grouse Flats Salvage sale and remove included timber for peeler cores. CE complete in 2016

In addition, identified danger trees will be removed along the haul routes. Begin analysis to review approximately 1,100 acres Godman Commercial of previously burned stands that have similar size Farm Bill CE 2017. Thin and age class distribution, but have begun overcrowding.

Proposed action remains the same, but new alter- Asotin Creek natives have been added to address concerns over CE completed in Landscape Prescribed invasive weed species establishment after burning February of 2017. Burn that may affect sensitive plant species habitat. Partnering with WA-DNR.

Public scoping complete. Next step: develop final EIS; expected Sunrise Vegetation and alternatives, conduct effects analysis and issue draft decision in 2017. Fuels Management EIS. Project was put on hold due to post-fire salvage Project project planning. Litigation completed, currently being implemented. Little George sold. South George Riparian Vegetation and Fuels stewardship in Management Project 2017.

Miscellaneous BAER is an emergency program to identify N/A imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property and critical or cultural resources and, when possible take immediate actions to manage unacceptable risks. The forest received initial stabilizations funds on to install warning signs, place gates for road closures, perform wilderness trail stabilization measures, remove the Grizzly Bear Fire: Crooked Creek bridge to deter unsafe river Burned Area crossings, improve road and pond drainage, initiate Emergency Response storm patrols, perform early detection and rapid (BAER) response to inhibit the spread of invasive weeds, and fell hazard trees to protect infrastructure.

As we move into 2017, the remaining work to be completed is monitoring noxious weed populations, trail stability and access and to complete a feasibility analysis for replacing the Crooked Creek Bridge. Pond, Spring Box and Reduce effects on areas surrounding spring CE’s as needed Log Trough Work developments and potential cultural resources. Proposal expected Project mitigation proposal sent to Washington Big Butte Lookout to be implemented SHPO. Final decision based on funding to place reconstruction in late 2017. Still back on stilts at a lower height and to potentially Proposal looking for funding look at cabin rental program at a later date. sources. Special Uses Big Butte DNR Radio If Big Butte Lookout reconstruction is funded and Tower Permit implemented, this will become moot. Tallow Flat DNR Radio Initiation of Special Use Permit for antenna & Expected decision in Tower Permit associated equipment 2017. Tallow Flat Columbia Initiation of Special Use Permit for existing antenna Expected decision in County Radio Tower and associated equipment 2017. Permit

Project Name: Upper Pataha

Program Area: Integrated Vegetation Management – Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture Project Contact: Johnny Collin, (509) 843-4643, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: EA/CE 8/18 2019/20

Location: Project is located approximately 14 miles south of Pomeroy, Washington in T9N, R42E, Sections 2, 10, 11, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 33, 34 (from Clearwater Lookout north to the Forest boundary).

Affected Counties: Project is located entirely in Garfield County.

Brief Description of Project: Our purpose and need is to look primarily at forest vegetative health and vigor since the Forest Plan management allocation is primarily E2 (Timber and Big Game). There is some C1 (Dedicated Old Growth) on the east side of Pataha Creek, and some C10 (Riparian and Wildlife).

Strategies we will be utilizing to achieve our objectives will probably include vegetative manipulation of stand structure, density and species composition through ground based and cable timber harvest, prescribed fire, pre- commercial thinnings and mechanical density fuels treatments. Additional activities that would include TE fish restoration, road management, fuels treatments, range improvements, wildlife projects, etc., will be considered and analyzed.

Impacts to tribal resources: Cultural resource surveys have been completed in the Pataha Creek drainage after School Fire in 2005. Zone Archeologist will compare survey results with identified potential activity polygons and begin staff-to-staff discussions with the Nez Perce Tribe. Any identified concerns will be protected and if requested a presentation to Council can be scheduled. CTUIR will be notified through these program of work meetings and additional information or presentations may also be scheduled. 39

Project Name: Clearwater Commercial Thin

Program Area: Integrated Vegetation Management – Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture Project Contact: Johnny Collin, (509) 843-4643, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE 8/18 2019

Location: Project is located approximately 15 miles south of Pomeroy, Washington in T9N, R42 and 43E, scattered Sections (primarily Lick Creek drainage)

Affected Counties: Project is located entirely in Garfield County.

Strategies we will be looking at are previously harvested and regenerated stands and utilizing primarily hand thinnings, some ground based harvest and mechanical density fuels treatments to achieve our objectives. Prescriptions will focus on vegetative manipulation of stand structure, density and species composition. Additional activities that would include TE fish restoration, road management, fuels treatments, range improvements, wildlife projects, etc., will probably not be considered and analyzed with this project.

Impacts to tribal resources: Cultural resource surveys have been completed in parts of the Lick Creek drainage after School Fire in 2005 and for Lick Timber Sale in 1999. Zone Archeologist will compare survey results with identified potential activity polygons and begin staff to staff discussions with the Nez Perce Tribe. Any identified concerns will be protected and if requested a presentation to Council can be scheduled. CTUIR will be notified through these program of work meetings and additional information or presentations may also be scheduled. 40

Walla Walla Ranger District Umatilla National Forest

2017 District Ranger: Mike Rassbach

Program of Work (509) 522-6290

DISTRICT PROJECT MAP District Map Pg. 43 Ongoing Project Updates Pg. 45 INTEGRATED VEG. MANAGEMENT – Fire, Fuels, Timber, Silviculture High Buck Pg. 49 RECREATION and SPECIAL USES IMESD Buck Creek and Corporation Special Use Permit Pg. 51 Langdon Lake Cistern Stabilization Pg. 52 Tollgate Summer Cabin Septic Tank Special Use Permit Pg. 53

2017 Walla Walla Ranger District Program of Work Ongoing Project Updates (presented in past year’s POW packets) Mike Rassbach, District Ranger (509) 522-6290

NEPA process Project Name Project Status and timeline Aquatics / Fish / Watershed Meacham Creek Restoration Construction completed. Monitoring is ongoing. N/A Project Engineering / Roads Little Phillips Culvert Removal Remove culvert in Little Phillips Creek adjacent EA- scoping Project (Former project title: to Hwy 204. Decommission approximately 0.7 completed Fall, Road 3734 Culvert Removal miles of FR 3734 above culvert. Re-open 2014. Final with Partial Road approximately 1 mile of FR 3734 that is Decision expected Decommissioning) currently closed to maintain access to the area. Summer, 2017 Integrated Vegetation Management - Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture Approximately 80 miles of road involved in this CE; Completed project in the Hoodoo Ridge/Eden Bench Area. The distance of danger tree removal from the Grizzly Bear Fire: Danger Tree road was dependent on the height of the tree, Removal slope, and the potential failure zone as described in The Field Guide for Danger Tree Identification and Response. Status: Implementation is ongoing Approximately 12,000 acres of the Big Hole, CE; Completed Cross Canyon, and Hoodoo areas burned outside the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. The Grizzly Bear Fire: Huntit project salvaged fire-killed and fire-injured Salvage and Reforestation trees. Fire-killed and fire-injured trees were removed on approximately 250 acres within the project planning area. Status: Implementation is ongoing Young stands in this area consist of mixed- Scoping conifer species including grand fir, western Completed Nov, larch, Engelmann spruce, and some Douglas-fir 2016. Draft EA Glass Project: Young Stand and subalpine fir. Western white pine is present Winter 2017. Final Commercial Thinning sporadically. Objective is to reduce forest decision Summer density in this area in order to create more 2018 landscape scale resiliency to disturbance processes. A Forest Collaborative Project.

CE- Decision Grande Ronde Landscape Implementation expected Fall 2017. Memo signed Burn June, 2014 Project will thin stands in strategic locations EIS- NEPA Tollgate Fuels Reduction around the Tollgate community. completed. ROD Implementation began in 2014 and is ongoing. signed June, 2014 Balloon Cabin Landscape Implementation began Spring 2016 and is CE-Decision Memo Burn ongoing. signed Fall, 2013 Forest health improvement and stand density CE- Decision Pinical Vegetation reduction project occurring on 70 acres. Memo signed Management Project Implementation expected in 2017. Spring, 2015 Working with Umatilla Forest Collaborative Draft EA released Group to evaluate young managed stands for Summer 2015; Thomas Creek Young Stand restoration treatments. Final Decision Notice Final Decision Development and FONSI was signed September 2016. Timber Signed Summer, sale expected FY 2017 2016 Project pre-planning underway. See attached EA- scoping High Buck project proposal and description. expected Fall, 2017 Lands and Minerals Pendleton Ranches Land Currently on hold. TBD Exchanges Recreation Nomination for listing on National Register of TBD Hoodoo Lookout Complex Historic Places approved by Oregon SHPO; will Rehabilitation be reviewed by National Park Service. Planning is ongoing Special Uses T-Mobile Wireless Project consists of issuing a new Communications Site Lease communications site lease to T-Mobile Wireless. This site would be in the same location as an existing permit to US Cellular, with new 12’X24’ CE; Completed shed on at the existing cellular facility permitted to US Cellular. Status: Implementation expected in 2017 Recreation residence owners requested to construct a storage shed on the lot. Forest Service directives for recreation residences in Region 6 limit the size of storage sheds to 130- sq. ft. The shed would meet that size limitation Tollgate Recreation CE; Expected to be and nominally be 10-ft x 13-ft as measured on Residence #1 Storage Shed completed in 2017 the outside of the shed. The shed would be built on six 6”x6” pilings set in the ground and anchored in 24”x24” concrete with ramps at either end to facilitate loading and unloading supplies and/or snowmobiles. 46

Status: Implementation is expected in 2017- 2018 The company is proposing to convert their overhead powerlines to underground power Umatilla Electric Cooperative lines in the Tollgate area in phases over the next CE; Completed Underground Powerline several years to reduce large-scale, long-lasting, weather related outages. Implementation was completed in 2016 Jubilee Lake Dam Permit Currently in pre-planning phase. TBD Miscellaneous BAER is an emergency program to identify imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property and critical or cultural resources and, when possible take immediate actions to manage unacceptable risks. The forest received initial stabilization funds to Grizzly Bear Fire: Burned Area install warning signs, place gates for road Emergency Response closure, perform wilderness trail stabilization N/A (BAER) measures, remove the Crooked Creek bridge to deter unsafe river crossings, improve road and pond drainage, initiate storm patrols, perform early detection and rapid response to inhibit the spread of invasive weeds, and fell hazard trees to protect infrastructure. Status: All work was completed in 2016

Project Name: High Buck

Program Area: Integrated Vegetation Management – Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture Project Contact: Carrie Spradlin, (509) 522-6059, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: EIS February, 2019 Summer 2019

Location: 16 Miles Northwest of Elgin, OR. The project area includes portions of T 2 N., R 37 E.; T 2 N., R 38 E.; T 3 N., R 37 E.; and T 3 N., R 38 E.

Affected Counties: Umatilla County and Union County

Brief Description of Project: Mechanical vegetation treatments would be utilized to achieve restoration goals and meet social, cultural, and economic needs while increasing forest resiliency. Treatments would restore the area through mechanical (commercial or non- commercial timber harvest) or hand (manual chainsaw) vegetation management methods, natural and assisted reforestation, post-harvest fuels management, site preparation for natural or assisted regeneration, sub-soiling, placement of large woody debris in streams, and prescribed fire. Silvicultural prescriptions to manage vegetation would vary by stand condition in relation to project objectives. Some units may focus on small diameter tree removal (intermediate type treatments) while others may focus on creating stand heterogeneity through “skip and gap” methods.

A preliminary landscape scale analysis of the project area was completed in 2012 (Thomas Creek Forest Vegetation, dated February 23, 2013). The results are summarized below:

• Project Area is predominantly Moist Forest (about 85%) therefore Range of Variation (RV) analysis was completed only for Moist Upland Forest (MUF). • Ponderosa Pine is well above RV • Western Larch is below RV • Lodgepole pine is well below RV • Stem Exclusion is well above RV • Stand Initiation is well below RV • High Density forest stands across the landscape are well above RV.

Impacts to tribal resources: Cultural interests, including tribal first foods are of importance in the area. Cultural surveys were conducted and data is in the analysis process.

Project Name: Intermountain Education Service District Organization Camp New Special Use Permit – Buck Creek and Corporation

Program Area: Special Uses Project Contact: Larry Randall, (509) 522-6276, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE 9/30/2017 10/31/2017

Location: T.3N., R.38E. Portions of Sec. 16 and 21. Approximately 30 miles ESE of Weston, OR or 32 miles east of Pendleton, OR.

Affected Counties: Umatilla County Brief Description of Project: The Intermountain Education Service District (IESD) has operated the Buck Creek and Corporation facilities as an organization camp to provide a site for the Pendleton School District 5th Grade outdoor school for the past 7 years, and the 2 facilities have been operated by other organizations in the past to provide a site for the 5th grade outdoor school since the 1960’s.

The special use permit for the Buck Creek and Corporation Organization Camp expires December 31, 2017. A new permit will need to be issued by the expiration date in order for the IESD to continue to operate the facilities. The project would issue a new special use permit to the Intermountain Education Service District to operate the Buck Creek and Corporation facilities for a term of 20 years.

Project Name: Langdon Lake Cistern Stabilization

Program Area: Special Uses Project Contact: Larry Randall, (509) 522-6276, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE 8/31/217 10/1/2017

Location: T.4N., R.38E. Langdon Lake is in the Tollgate area.

Affected Counties: Umatilla

Brief Description of Project: The Langdon Lake Water Cooperative operates a water system that serves the private cabins around Langdon Lake. The water system draws water from 2 springs on National Forest lands, Frigid Springs and Morning Sun Springs, and a spring on private land across Highway 204 from the lake. The Langdon Lake Water Cooperative has water rights for all 3 spring sources.

The cistern for Morning Sun Spring is a concrete vault about 16' x 25’ in size and was constructed in 1966. The Morning Sun cistern is starting to leak at the one exposed corner. The permittee is concerned that if not stabilized the cistern will continue to deteriorate and ultimately fail at the exposed corner.

The project would bring in clean fill material and place the fill along the exposed sides of the cistern and to within about 1-ft of the top of the cistern. The fill will be brought in from the Forest Service Bald Mountain pit and from other private rock sources. The fill work will require that water flowing from the overflow be piped to carry the water away from the cistern and clear of the fill material. The fill material will be erosion seeded with an approved seed mix and straw mulched with certified weed free hay, and with straw wattles if necessary.

Project Name: New Septic Tank Special Use Permit

Program Area: Special Uses Project Contact: Larry Randall, (509) 522-6276, [email protected]

Decision Estimated Estimated Project Type: Decision Date: Implementation Year: CE 5/15/2017 6/1/2017

Location: T.4N., R.38E., Section 32. The cabin that this permit applies to is located in the Tollgate area.

Affected Counties: Umatilla

Brief Description of Project: The cabin has been sold to a new owner. The septic tank permit is not transferable and terminated with the sale of the cabin, so a new special use permit needs to be issued.

This project would issue a new special use permit to the new owner of the cabin for a term of 20-years. The permit would not authorize any new ground disturbing activities or the installation of new improvements on National Forest System lands.

Forest-Wide Projects Umatilla National Forest

2017 Forest Supervisor: Genevieve Masters

Program of Work (541) 278-3752

Ongoing Project Update Pg. 57 CULTURAL RESOURCES and HERITAGE PROGRAM Protecting Sacred Sites Pg. 61 ENGINEERING / ROADS Travel Management Rule Update – Subparts A, B, C Pg. 63 FOREST PLAN REVISION Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision Update Pg. 64 INTEGRATED VEG. MANAGEMENT – Fire, Fuels, Timber, Silviculture Blue Mountains Eastside Restoration Update Pg. 65 2016 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORTS Botany/TES Program Pg. 67 Invasives Plant Program Pg. 68 Native Plant Program Pg. 69 Hydrology Program Pg. 70 Recreation Program Pg. 72 Wildlife Program Pg. 74 Youth, Volunteer and Community Engagement Pg. 75

2017 Forest-wide Program of Work Ongoing Project Updates Genevieve Masters, Forest Supervisor (541) 278-3752

NEPA process Project Name Project Status and timeline Aquatics, Watersheds, Fisheries The Umatilla Aquatic Restoration Project EA; Decision in 2017 includes a number of individual actions that when grouped together, represent a comprehensive watershed and fish habitat Umatilla Aquatic Restoration restoration program that may occur at Project many individual sites across the Umatilla National Forest. The specific restoration actions can occur on a routine basis or sporadically and over an extended period. Engineering / Roads Perform maintenance that is needed to Most of these needs address critical safety and resource cannot be addressed, Annual Road Maintenance protection needs on 567 miles of roads due to lack of funding. that are subject to the Highway Safety Act. Integrated Vegetation Management - Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture Ongoing data collection and refinement This product provides for: 1) providing key information about decision support for values at risk and vegetation treatment development of the 5- strategies to incident management teams year program of work during fire events, 2) providing decision Umatilla Landscape Wildfire support in the development of the Forest Strategy 5-year program of work (POW) in integrated vegetation management. The current Forest POW process identifies the landscape wildfire strategy as the top priority for integrated vegetation projects. The personal-use and commercial CEs firewood Programs on the Umatilla National Forest fulfill a major economic and recreational need in Eastern Oregon Personal/Commercial-Use and SE Washington. It allows the general Firewood (2 Decisions) public opportunities to obtain firewood on National Forest lands as stated in the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960. Firewood season opens May 1 and closes November 30.

Integrated Vegetation Management - Fire, Fuels, Timber and Silviculture (continued) The personal-use and commercial program CEs offers opportunities for the public to obtain posts/poles on National Forest lands, as stated in the Multiple-Use Personal/Commercial-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960. Areas Post/Pole (2 Decisions) selected for cutting include overstocked and suppressed lodgepole pine stands. Post and Pole season is generally from June 1 to November 15 Annual weed treatments began in the Umatilla National spring of 2011 and will resume in spring of Forest Invasive Plants 2017. Maps of proposed treatment areas Treatment Project are made available to the CTUIR, CTWSIR Final Environmental and Nez Perce and posted on the website Impact Statement Invasive Plant Treatment for public information and notification. (FEIS) July 2010 Project Additional notifications are made to Staff members each time the forest begins working in a new treatment area. All treatment sites are tagged with bright green tags listing site number, species treated, and herbicide used and roadside signs are posted for weeks after each herbicide treatment CE; expect signature A new herbicide, Aminopyralid in time for use in 2017 (tradename Milestone), has recently become available. This herbicide is much less poisonous than many others to both human applicators and the environment. It is also very selective about which species of plants it kills. It reduces adverse Addition of Aminopyralid to ecological impacts, especially when Forest Plan compared to picloram and clopyralid. These two currently approved herbicides are used to treat 90% of infestations on the Umatilla National Forest. This project will amend the Forest Plan to add the ability to use Aminopyralid to control non- native invasive plants on all lands administered by the Umatilla NF.

Youth and Community Engagement 2017 marks the fourth year of partnership with the Mt. Adams Institute and AmeriCorps. It’s a collaborative initiative that builds upon the knowledge, leadership experience and training of those who served in the armed forces, retraining them and refocusing their mission to protecting and restoring our public lands. The Umatilla Veteran Crew is intended to accomplish targeted thinning The Veterans Green Corps for restoration while employing veterans and providing career opportunities. Targeted restoration activities will lead to creating broader prescribed fire opportunities; increase the capacity for the forest to manage wildfires while reducing the risk to firefighters, the public and our neighbors. We will do this by capitalizing on the individual skills developed by veterans during their military service so they can be realized, incorporated and enhanced in aiding in the evolution our federal workforce.

Project: Protecting Sacred Sites

Program Area: Cultural Resources and Heritage Program Project Contact: Allen Madril – Umatilla NF, (541) 278-3719, [email protected] Sarah Crump – Wallowa Whitman NF, (541) 523-1249, [email protected] Don Hann – Malheur NF, (541) 575- 3081, [email protected]

CTUIR Board members have recently expressed concern with the lack of a clear policy and process to manage and protect sacred sites on Forest Service lands. The National effort to address this issue has slowed down and the CTUIR and local Forests believe that sacred sites protection is too important to wait for National consensus. We agreed to begin technical discussions between the CTUIR Cultural Resources Committee and Staff and the respective Forest Heritage Program Managers to develop an appropriate process. Links to documents concerning National policy and the current status of National interagency planning were shared by email on October 17, 2016. https://www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations/sacredsites.shtml

The following definitions and confidentiality discussion from the National Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding Interagency Coordination and Collaboration for the Protection of Indian Sacred Sites and related documents may be useful as a starting point for developing a locally relevant sacred sites policy.

Executive Order 13007 of May 24, 1996 defines a sacred site as: any specific, discrete, narrowly delineated location on Federal land that is identified by an Indian tribe, or Indian individual determined to be an appropriately authoritative representative of an Indian religion, as sacred by virtue of its established religious significance to, or ceremonial use by, an Indian religion; provided that the tribe or appropriately authoritative representative of an Indian religion has informed the agency of the existence of such a site.

This definition was retained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding Interagency Coordination and Collaboration for the Protection of Indian Sacred Sites (effective December 4, 2012) with some important additions: Such sacred sites may also be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as historic properties of religious and cultural significance to Indian tribes.

Sacred sites often occur within a larger landform or are connected through features or ceremonies to other sites or a larger sacred landscape. Agencies should consider these broader areas and connections to better understand the context and significance of sacred sites. Sacred sites may include, but are not limited to, geological features, bodies of water, archaeological sites, burial locations, traditional cultural properties, and stone and earth structures.

This at least partially addresses a couple issues brought forward by the CTUIR and other American Indian tribes during the National “listening sessions”:

• For sacred sites where listing on the National Register of Historic Places is appropriate they are potentially eligible as historic properties of religious and cultural significance to Indian tribes. This provides the clearest and most enforceable legal protection to the sites but may conflict with CTUIR members need to limit the dissemination of sacred information. 61

Protecting Sacred Sites (continued)

• “Sacredness” is often difficult, if not impossible, to limit to “specific, discrete, narrowly delineated location{s}” as called for in the definition provided by Executive Order 13007. The 2012 MOU recognizes this complexity by noting that specific sacred sites are often components of larger sacred landscapes.

Confidentiality of information about sacred sites provided by the CTUIR to the Forest Service is an important concern. The Policy Statement on the Confidentiality of Information about Indian Sacred Sites dated July 2015 offers guidance to Federal Agencies on how to approach this issue: When consulting with tribes to determine whether culturally sensitive locations may be affected by federal actions, federal agencies shall respect tribal desires to keep information about such locations confidential to the extent legally possible. Many tribes cannot disclose, for cultural reasons, information about the location, the significance, and even the existence of traditional religious and cultural properties and places. Federal agencies must respect and recognize tribal ownership of information.

Agencies should seek to preclude, to the greatest extent possible, the possibility that disclosure of sensitive information may be required by the Freedom of Information Act or other authority. To that end, agencies and their contractors should request and record only that information about sacred sites that is absolutely necessary to support required administrative decisions.

If a sacred site is determined to be a historic resource or an archaeological resource, then the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) may offer some protection of information. If, however, neither ARPA nor the NHPA apply, federal agencies may find it impossible to keep information about a sacred site confidential, and should so advise the Tribe or religious leader prior to requesting sensitive information.

The Farm Bill states: § 3056. Prohibition on disclosure (a) Nondisclosure of information (1) In general The Secretary shall not disclose under section 552 of title 5 (commonly known as the ‘‘Freedom of Information Act’’), information relating to—(A) subject to subsection (b) (l), 1 human remains or cultural items reburied on National Forest System land under section 3053 of this title; or (B) subject to subsection (b) (2), resources, cultural items, uses, or activities that—(i) have a traditional and cultural purpose; and (ii) are provided to the Secretary by an Indian or Indian tribe under an express expectation of confidentiality in the context of forest and rangeland research activities carried out under the authority of the Forest Service. (2) Limitations on disclosure Subject to subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall not be required to disclose information under section 552 of title 5 (commonly known as the ‘‘Freedom of Information Act’’), concerning the identity, use, or specific location in the National Forest System of— (A) a site or resource used for traditional and cultural purposes by an Indian tribe; or (B) any cultural items not covered under section 3053 of this title.

For more information, please visit the Forest Service-Tribal Relations: Sacred Sites webpage: https://www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations/sacredsites.shtml

Umatilla National Forest Travel Management (Subparts A, B, C: Travel Management Rule)

Program Area: Recreation/Engineering/Roads Project Contact: Lonnie Ruchert, (541) 278-3779, [email protected], Larry Randall, (541) 522-6276, [email protected],

The 2005 Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212) contains several parts that address the forest transportation system and it is divided into three separate, but related sections: • Subpart A - addresses forest analysis of a sustainable forest transportation system. This travel analysis will look at what is needed to maintain a sustainable road system and what that sustainable road system might look like. • Subpart B - addresses Designation of Roads, Trails, and Areas open to Public Motor Vehicles (Motor Vehicle Use Maps); and • Subpart C -addresses Use by Over Snow Vehicles

Current Status: Subpart A - The Umatilla National Forest completed the Travel Analysis Report in the fall of 2015 as directed in Subpart A. This analysis and documents are available online at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/umatillatar. Note: The travel analysis report is not a decision document; no roads will close as a direct result of completing the analysis. It will serve as a tool to facilitate discussion about roads during future site-specific project analysis. It will identify road system impacts to watersheds, fish, plants and wildlife, as well as address access benefits and opportunities to improve open route connectivity. Site-specific projects will require the appropriate NEPA and provide a public involvement process.

Subpart B -The forest completed Subpart B in 2009, by publishing the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs). The 10th annual edition of MVUM Maps will be printed in the spring of 2017 and posted online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/home/?cid=stelprdb5414334

Subpart C -The Over Snow Vehicle Rule became final on February 27, 2015. The final rule preserves existing decisions made under prior authorities with public involvement. The forest is currently reviewing existing decisions regarding over-snow vehicle use that were implemented during the mid-1990s Access and Travel Management Process or by Forest Order. To complete the intent of Subpart C, the forest will develop an over snow vehicle use map (OSVUM), and provide public notice of the maps availability. No timeline has been set for completing this project.

NOTE: In February 2015, Regional Forester Jim Pena directed the three Blue Mountains forests to pause on Subpart B & C Travel Management Planning until Forest Plan Revision is completed.

Forest Plan Revision: Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, Malheur National Forests Project Contact: Victoria Anne, (541) 523-1264, [email protected]

Overview: We are in the process of finalizing the Forest Land Management Plans (LMPs) for the Umatilla, Malheur, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. These LMPs will guide how the Forest Service manages approximately five million acres of public lands in eastern Oregon and southeastern Washington State. In early 2014, we published a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and received over a thousand letters during our public comment period.

In 2015, we followed up with a series of 24 public listening sessions in communities across the Blue Mountains region. In response to public input, we decided to analyze two new Forest Plan Alternatives in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).

2016 Accomplishments • Two new Forest Plan Alternatives: The Forest Plan Revision Team has developed and is analyzing two new Alternatives in response to formal public comments, listening-session input, and revised recommendations by Forest Service resource specialists. Both Alternatives emphasize forest restoration and seek to move larger portions of the forested landscape toward Desired Conditions. • Blue Mountains Aquatic and Riparian Conservation Strategy (Blues ARCS): To maintain and improve the resiliency of watersheds while supporting multiple uses of NFS lands, such as livestock grazing, the Forest Plan Revision Team adapted the Region 6 ARCS into the Blues ARCS and incorporated it into the Blue Mountains Forest Plans – in collaboration with the USFS Pacific-Northwest Region. • Continued public engagement: The Forest Plan Revision Team delivered on its commitment to “continue the conversation” about the Blue Mountains Forest Plans with a variety of citizens and external stakeholders – even as we have worked internally to finalize the Forest LMPs. We have provided updated information through our website, newsletters, conference calls, social media, and in meetings with a host of federal, state, and local government officials. In partnership with Libraries of Eastern Oregon, we also launched an innovative video and social media project called Voices of the Forest, through which diverse citizens shared short videos illustrating why the Blue Mountains are important to them.

The Finish Line The final products of this Forest Plan Revision process will include three separate Forest LMPs – one for each of the Umatilla, Malheur, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. These three LMPs will be supported by a single Final Environmental Impact Statement, which we currently plan to publish in the winter of 2017.

Before the LMPs can be finalized, the National Forests will need to work through Endangered Species Act and Tribal consultations, publish a Notice of Availability for the Final Environmental Impact Statement and the three Forest LMPs, and then work through the Objection process. After these steps have been completed, the Regional Forester will sign each Forest’s Record of Decision. We are currently aiming to have the Records of Decision and Final Forest Plans signed by the Regional Forester in December 2017.

To learn more visit: http://fs.usda.gov/goto/BlueMountainsPlanRevision

Blue Mountains Forests’ Eastside Restoration Strategy Contacts: David Hatfield, (541) 278-3875, [email protected], Darcy Weseman, (541)278-3755, [email protected]

Background: The Blue Mountains Restoration Strategy is part of the Forest Service’s broader strategy to accelerate the pace and scale of forest restoration in eastern Oregon and Washington to provide both healthy forests and healthy communities. This effort originated from a regional analysis that showed the Blue Mountains have more than 2.3 million acres of dry forests that are overcrowded and vulnerable to unusual outbreaks of insects, diseases, and wildfires. Current forest restoration efforts are not keeping pace with forest growth. Forests have become denser, ladder fuels have increased, and the abundance of fire-tolerant tree species has declined. The Pacific Northwest Region hired a dedicated interdisciplinary team to address this critical issue. This team has been charged by the regional forester to work at a large landscape scale, explore and develop new methods for planning and analysis, and to work closely with local tribes, governments, agencies and interested public groups, all aimed at increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration in the Blue Mountains.

Since the planning team was formed in 2013, it has undertaken two large landscape planning efforts, the Lower Joseph Creek Restoration Project on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and the Forest Resiliency Project, which covers large portions of the Ochoco, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests.

Current Status: The Team released the Lower Joseph Creek Restoration Project Final Environmental Impact Statement and two draft Records of Decision on July 15, 2016. Since then, the team has been working closely with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest through the pre-decisional administrative review process to resolve objections and work toward signing a final decision on the 98,000 acre project.

The Forest Resiliency Project aims to return the Blue Mountains to healthier conditions, reduce the risks of unusually large and severe wildfires, and reintroduce the natural role of fire to the landscape. The proposed action was released on February 5, 2016, for a 60-day scoping period. This proposal included approximately 610,000 acres of vegetation treatments (logging and thinning) and prescribed fire treatments across the three National Forests in areas with the greatest restoration need, including: • 118,000 acres of treatment on the Ochoco National Forest • 212,000 acres of treatment on the Umatilla National Forest • 280,000 acres of treatment on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

The scoping period resulted in 184 comments. During the scoping period, the Forest Service hosted eight public engagement sessions in communities surrounding the project areas to share information about the proposed action and identify key concerns from the public to consider in project development. More than 170 people participated in these sessions. Additional engagement efforts during scoping included presentations at collaborative meetings, meeting with staff from three Tribes, and meeting with other interested stakeholders. The team is currently refining the proposed action and developing alternatives within the proposed treatment areas based on comments received during the scoping period.

Blue Mountains Forests’ Eastside Restoration Strategy (continued)

Tribal Relations: The Forest Service recognizes that any projects planned on treaty or ceded lands will impact Tribal rights and Tribal culture. The planning team will continue to uphold our Federal Trust Responsibility to enter into government to government and staff to staff consultation with our tribal neighbors. It is imperative our decisions are informed by environmental analysis that recognize and consider Tribal Rights, values, interests, concerns and land stewardship goals.

The planning team has been working with the Tribal Natural Resources staff before, during and since scoping. During these meetings, the Forest Service heard concerns from the Tribe regarding:

• Protection of First Foods • Cover for bighorn sheep • Protection of cultural resources • Interest in the development of a • Quality of elk habitat monitoring strategy • Road densities on the National Forests • Concerns with definition of restoration • Managing for huckleberry habitat • Concerns with the accelerated timeline

As the planning team refines the proposed action, the team is also meeting with the Tribes to discuss their issues and concerns, developing alternatives or measuring the effectiveness of these alternatives in protecting what the Tribes value (this includes First Foods, such as elk and huckleberry).

To learn more, please visit: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/bluemountainsforestresiliency

Umatilla National Forest

2016 Botany Program Accomplishments

The Botany program on the Umatilla National Forest provides support to all other departments. These include integrated vegetation management, range, aquatics, recreation, and engineering. In addition, they assist the districts with their native plant and invasive plant programs. All work is accomplished with a staff of two. Botany input for NEPA projects included two EIS’es (Ten Cent Community Wildfire Protection, and Granite Mining), and two EA’s (Tamarack grazing and Thomas Creek restoration). Input was provided for an additional 15 CEs. Significant work was done to facilitate three CE’s in the Grizzly Bear fire area. Salvage areas were surveyed and Figure 2. Blue Mountain onion (Allium dictuon) known populations of sensitive plants were revisited, flagged Photo from only known site in Oregon, in Grizzly Bear fire for avoidance from activities, and re-documented. One new sensitive plant and one strategic plant population were 2016 Accomplishment Highlights found. These were also protected from activities. Monitoring for the federally-threatened species Spalding’s Surveyed approximately 1,500 acres of potential rare plant catchfly (Silene spaldingii) was continued. habitat. Provided input to 19 projects overall. Worked with Wallowa-Whitman staff on an ISSSSP project to Documented two new species of rare mushrooms survey for and document the sensitive plant Shepherd's (Albetrellus avellaneus and Pseudorhizina californica). biscuit-root (Lomatium pastorale). Surveyed 355 acres and Neither were previously suspected for the forest. documented many hundred newly discovered plants in 65 Discovered two populations of the strategic species midget acres on the Umatilla NF portion of the project. quillwort (Isoetes minima). This species also was not In cooperation with the heritage program, initiated a project previously suspected on the Umatilla NF. to monitor the impacts of logging on big huckleberry. Nine new populations of sensitive species were found, and Received Forest Health Protection and ISSSSP funding to two new populations of strategic species were found. inventory whitebark pine and to apply bark beetle repellant Eight populations of previously documented sensitive to trees in the Vinegar Hill area. Was project lead for the species were revisited and data was updated. required NEPA. Botany department and North Fork John Day RD staff applied repellant to 441 trees over 140 acres. Rare Care volunteers revisited populations of the green- banded mariposa lily (Calochortus macrocarpus var. maculosus) and Douglas’ clover (Trifolium douglasii) to confirm that the Grizzly Bear fire did not negatively impact the populations. Partners/Cooperators: Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR); ISSSP program, Washington Rare Care

Contacts: Paula Brooks 541-278-3931, Forest Botanist Mark Dararch 541-398-3706, Assistant Botanist

Umatilla National Forest

Figure 1. Kate Popescu applying beetle repellant to 72510 Coyote Road whitebark pine in the Vinegar Hill area Pendleton, OR 97801 Umatilla National Forest

2016 Invasive Plant Accomplishments

• Inventory and Treatments were focused on priority species and locations across the Forest. • A total of 6,561 acres were treated. This included 21 new sites (475 acres) treated under EDRR. • Heppner District worked with YCC crew to inventory and pull hound’s tongue. Also surveyed 100 acres with ODA and Morrow County to try to relocate a historically reported site of Orange hawkweed. None was found. • Two Whitman college interns assisted Walla Walla and Pomeroy with inventory, monitoring and treatments (five weeks of work). Figure 1. Umatilla staff spraying in Grizzly Bear fire area • Used BAER money to conduct inventory and treatments in the Grizzly Bear fire area. 2016 Accomplishments • Rare plant botanist taught Pomeroy applicators how to Invasive Plants Treated = 6,561 acres identify rare plants that are growing with invasives. All areas that were treated were also in effect • Targeted species include rush skeletonweed, common inventoried and monitored. This included bugloss, spotted and diffuse knapweeds, Dalmatian documentation of 22 new populations and 255 miles toadflax, leafy spurge, scotch thistle, hound’s-tongue, and of roads inventoried on the north zone. meadow hawkweed. Monitored yellow starthistle biocontrols with Forest • Integrated or partnership projects – Partnered with Health Protection staff and County cooperators the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Wallowa Conducted NEPA to add Aminopyralid as an approved Resources, Umatilla, and Wallowa Counties, and the Tri- herbicide for the forest. County (Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties, OR) Cooperative Weed Management Area. Funding Base Invasive Plant Program (NFVW) = $ 269,000 • Worked with multiple cooperators to treat the Wild Additional NEPA (NFTM)= $ 5,000 (aminopyralid) and Scenic Grande Ronde River corridor (mostly by boat). BAER treatments = $58,000 • Worked with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Partnership matching funding = $10,000 Indian Reservation to procure funds for planning and Stewardship (SC061413) = $10,000 treatment on the reservation. Partners/Cooperators • Used retained timber receipts (stewardship) to work Oregon Department of Agriculture, Wallowa with cooperators to treat over 15 acres of newly Resources, Tri-County (Baker, Union, Wallowa) discovered common crupina using pack stock. CWMA, Umatilla and Wallowa Cos., Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, City of Ukiah • Walla Walla District arranged for a county cooperator tour of a railroad right-of-way. This area has high Forest Contact: potential for new invaders from out of the area. Paula Brooks , Forest botanist • Education/Outreach – Participated in watershed field and Invasive Plant Program Manager, (541) 278-3931 days for Umatilla County. Gave a field presentation on invasive plants and biocontrols to 700 5th grade kids. Umatilla National Forest • In cooperation with BLM, initiated a program for 72510 Coyote Rd. public engagement/education along the Grande Ronde Pendleton, OR 97801 River. Umatilla National Forest

2016 Native Plant Material Accomplishments

The Umatilla National Forest native plant materials program continues to be a leader in the collection, propagation, and planting of genetically appropriate native species for projects that require seeding or planting of cuttings. Staff at the supervisor’s office work closely with district personnel.

Coordinated with Umatilla tribe and other cooperators to hire Chris Hoag (wetland restoration specialist) to conduct an interagency three day riparian restoration workshop.

Native Seed produced purchased in existing increase fields: • Purchased approximately 2,000 lbs. pounds of native grass seed produced by Benson farms.

• Purchased caging supplies and weed-free straw for the Heppner and North Fork John Day RDs. Figure 2. Robin Harris And Eric Pfeifer of Walla Walla RD mixing seed Native Seed Inventory, Collection, and cuttings: • Whitman college interns surveyed and documented potential collection sites for Wyeth’s buckwheat along Funding: 30 miles of road on the Walla Walla RD. Legacy roads and trails (CMLG): $ 10,000 Vegetation/Watershed (NFVW): $23,000 • Collected seed of arrow-leaf balsamroot, Wyeth’s Stewardship contracting (SSCC): $2,003 buckwheat, Blue Mountain buckwheat, skyrocket gilia, Hazardous Fuels reduction (WFHF):$5,000 columbine, and bee balm. Sent to USFS Bend extractory Supervisor’s Office Expenditures: $ 40,003 Total for cleaning and storage. Will be increased and used for pollinator habitat enhancement and erosion control. Integration: Other BLIs and grants including Title II funds contributed to accomplishments as a result of • Collected seed of several wetland grasses, sedges, program integration esp. the Watershed and Aquatic rushes, and forb species. These will be grown locally and Restoration Program. used for riparian meadow restoration on the North Fork John Day RD. Partners/Contractors: Benson Farms, Dorena Genetic Resource Center, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Planting/Restoration Project Implementation: Indian Reservation (CTUIR) • Planted native grasses and forb seed in timber sale areas, decommissioned roads, fish passage projects, Forest Contacts: and other disturbed sites. Paula Brooks 541-278-3931 (Supervisor’s office) Eric Pfeifer 509-522-6022 (Walla Walla and Pomeroy) Kate Popescu 541-427-5313 (North Fork John Day and Heppner Districts)

Umatilla National Forest 72510 Coyote Road Pendleton, OR 97801

Figure 1. Buckwheat seed was collected in 2016 Umatilla National Forest Riparian Fence Maintenance Project

• Integrated habitat management project between wildlife, fish, hydro, and range • Partnered with CTUIR to reconstruct 2 miles of fence to protect riparian habitat • Excluded livestock on 32 acres and 1 mile along two streams • Photos (below) from 1987 to 2016 displays recovery of riparian habitat and the value of the fences • Benefits include: improved water quality and enhances Yellow warbler; one of many wildlife species habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species that benefits from riparian restoration efforts • Total Project Cost = $10,000 (50% match by CTUIR) which provides cover, forage, quality water, and breeding habitat for many species. 1987 2016

Steelhead; this project benefits steelhead and Umatilla National Forest other aquatic species by reducing erosion and 72510 Coyote Rd run-off, decreasing water temperatures, and improving overall water quality. Pendleton, OR 97801 Contact: Lizzy Berkley @ 541-278- 3814, [email protected] FY16 Umatilla National Forest - Upper North Fork Touchet River Watershed Restoration Action Plan Completion

The Upper North Fork Touchet Subwatershed is located in the Blue Mountains within southeastern Washington. A small population of migratory bull trout spawns and rear in the North Fork Touchet River. Mid-Columbia steelhead spawn near the Forest Boundary and rear throughout the system. Both species are listed as threatened under ESA. Road crossings have caused partial and total migratory barriers over the years and bank stability and sedimentation are affecting bull trout spawning habitat. Major investment in restoration has taken place on this system in the last decade including the replacement of four undersized and partial barrier culverts with bridges and the removal of another during road decommissioning. An Essential Project in the WRAP was the Removal of the last aquatic barrier in Upper NF Touchet watershed in FY13. The Watershed Condition Framework (WCF) was implemented across all National Forests to improve the Forest Service approach to watershed restoration by establishing a consistent methodology for condition assessment, and targeting the implementation of integrated activities in watersheds identified as priorities for restoration (USDA, 2011). The NF Touchet River subwatershed was chosen as one of the Umatilla’s WCF priority areas for restoration in 2012. This year the forest completed the last two essential projects identified is our restoration plan, the replacement of an ATV trail bridge and installation of barrier rocks prevent vehicle and campsite encroachment on the streambanks. Excluding ATVs from the river and riparian area, reducing dispersed camping and installation of a bridge for motorized trails have all contributed to improved condition of the riparian area and reduced erosion and sedimentation into the river and on spawning gravels.

Barrier installation to prevent dispersed camping Replacement of ATV trail bridge. impacts.

USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

United States Department of Agriculture

Umatilla National Forest Pat Di Geronimo, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Recreation Fee Program Accomplishment Highlights 2015 2014 Share the Experience

Forest Service

Northwest Youth Corps Valuable Work for Valuable Experience The Forest partnered with the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps to provide valuable work experience to local youth. The crew of five replaced old rotted and broken parking barriers with new wheel stops and bollards at 33 campsites.

Youth build a horse corral at Welch Creek Campground

The Forest partnered with the Northwest Youth Corps to provide teens with outdoor experiences Youth install new parking barriers at Jubilee Lake Campground and to accomplish much needed campground backlog maintenance. The crew of six painted Forest Revenue & Expenditures picnic tables and bulletin boards, installed grills and performed other maintenance in six Revenue* Amount campgrounds. They even built a horse corral at Recreation Fees $182,760 one of the campgrounds! Special Uses $9,448 Interagency Passes $3,730 Recreation Fee Dollars Total $195,938

Recreation fee dollars are an investment in outdoor Expenditures Amount recreation. They support and enhance: • Public safety Repair & Maintenance $56,178 • Recreation site maintenance and improvements Visitor Services $42,491 • Educational experiences Law Enforcement $15,637 • Informational wayside exhibits Habitat Restoration $4,491 • Youth programs and partnerships • Interpretive programs Fee Agreements $0 Current and future generations will benefit as 80- Cost of Collections $28,983 95% of the funds are reinvested in the facilities and services that visitors enjoy, use, and value. Total $147,619

*Carryover funds will be used for large projects and the following season’s startup costs. Accomplishment Highlights 2015 Pacific Northwest Region

Additional Accomplishments • Operated, maintained and patrolled over 20 campgrounds. Provided presence in most developed sites seven days a week during peak season. Also operated 12 rental cabins. • Staffed campground hosts at busiest lakeside campgrounds: Jubilee Lake, North Fork John Day and Bull Prairie campgrounds. Hosts also took care of additional nearby campgrounds. • Inspected and removed hazard trees as needed at all developed sites. • Conducted drinking water testing. • Collected garbage at campgrounds. • Pumped toilet vaults at over 20 sites. Contacts Constructed a horse corral at Welch Campground, • Umatilla National Forest replaced fire rings at eight sites in two campgrounds and installed fire rings and picnic table pads at Gold Recreation Fee Program Contact Dredge campground. 509-522-6276 • Provided a part time caretaker at the Fremont Powerhouse Complex, who also conducted tours. Email: [email protected] Online: www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla Regional Contact Youth Conservation Corps member 503-808-2411 painting signs. Email: [email protected] The USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Pacific Northwest Region Map Regional Revenue & Expenditures

Revenue* Amount

Recreation Fees $8,937,597 Special Uses $950,614 Interagency Passes $794,329 Total $10,682,540 Expenditures Amount Repair & Maintenance $4,252,920 Visitor Services $2,322,206 Law Enforcement $335,340 Habitat Restoration $9,517 Fee Agreements $13,011 Cost of Collections $1,046,559 Total $7,982,553

*Carryover funds will be used for large projects and the following season’s startup costs. Umatilla National Forest 2016 Wildlife Program Accomplishments

In 2016 the Umatilla National Forest successfully implemented several integrated projects that provided benefits to wildlife and completed wildlife surveys and monitoring.

Accomplishment highlights include: . Assisted ODFW with wolf monitoring . Bald and golden eagle monitoring . Mid-winter bald eagle surveys . American marten monitoring (2 camera traps) . Enhanced habitat for big game forage and other wildlife on 1,464 acres through prescribed fire and fuels reduction projects . Improved wildlife habitat by treating approximately 6,050 acres of noxious weeds Marten visiting a camera trap on the Walla Walla RD in April . Improved 704 acres of wildlife habitat through pre-commercial thinning and hazardous fuels reduction 2016 Accomplishments . Built wildlife friendly fences around riparian Acres Fund Code Activity habitat to exclude cattle; affecting 32 acres . Build fence around 1 acre of mountain 1464 WFHF Prescribed fire mahogany and 4 acres of aspen 6050 NFVW Noxious weed . Installed 7 escape ramps on water treatment developments 704 NFTM Thinning 37 NFRG, Riparian, aspen, NFXN, KV mahogany fence 1 NFWF Escape ramps ~10,000 WFSU Grizzly Wildfire 18,250 TOTAL

Partners/Cooperators ODFW, WDFW, USFWS, Blue Mountain Elk Initiative, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, CTUIR, Hells Canyon Initiative (big horn sheep).

Umatilla National Forest Thinned stand on the Walla Walla RD. A good example of 72510 Coyote Rd “light touch” management – opening up the stand and Pendleton, OR 97801 reducing the risk of crown fire but leaving ample wildlife Contact: Lizzy Berkley @ 541-278-3814 habitat and fire resistant species (larch) in place. [email protected] UmatillaU National Forest

2016 Partnerships, Volunteers, Youth & Community Engagement

Overview: Over the last ten years, the Umatilla National Forest has built a diverse and wide-ranging Youth and Community Engagement program- and 2016 was no exception. Through continued partnership development, increased volunteerism and the consistent dedication of Forest employees, the Umatilla is creating positive and long-lasting connections in the communities we serve in both Oregon and Washington.

In 2016 we continued to reinforce existing relationships while making new connections with partners that helped strengthen current programs and led to the creation of additional outreach and education with big impacts. These partnerships have equated to significant increases in capacity to reach the youth and communities that live nearby and visit, recreate and support our Forest. 2016 Accomplishments:

• The Umatilla recorded nearly 20,000 contacts at 28 different events this year. Although these numbers reflect the reported events and direct contacts made, we know that our true impact is much wider and broader than this conservative figure and can be difficult to measure. • Tri-Cities Sportsman Show – This event allows us to reach out to a large population who frequently use the National Forest for recreation and to educate about appropriate recreation and how to take care of their public lands. Over 1,100 youth visited the Umatilla booth during the 3- day event. • College & High School Recruitment Events – The Umatilla National Forest has had a presence at over 40 career fairs and recruitment events throughout the communities we serve and at college and universities in our region. The Forest involvement with these career fairs has resulted in reaching thousands of 7th grade through college-aged students. • Outdoor Schools – Six area elementary schools attended overnight outdoors schools on the forest. A variety of employees taught interactive lessons on subjects ranging from soil studies to macroinvertebrate surveys and fire prevention. Over 1,500 students were reached during the events. • Watershed Field Days - Watershed Field Days is a partnership field day event aimed at increasing student understanding of watershed ecology while connecting them with nature in an outdoor classroom. Macroinvertebrates, Plant ID, Wildlife, First Foods, Stream Bank Rehabilitation & Water Quality taught hands-on and interactive lessons to over 900 5th & 6th grade students from Umatilla and Morrow counties. • Youth Conservation Corps – Umatilla National Forest hosts two YCC crews each year, on the Pomeroy Ranger District and the Heppner Ranger District. Crews are made up of two females and two males each. They conduct project work while gaining valuable hands-on training and experience in a variety of natural resource career options. • Northwest Youth Corps – NYC Youth Corps programs combine education, job skill training with outdoor adventure for ages 16 to 19. With the guidance of experienced field staff, youth crew members work on conservation, reforestation, and recreation projects while learning to become stewards of our public lands and developing lasting friendships. Two crews were hosted for a total of 16 weeks. • 9th Annual Fire & Fuels Career Camp – 21 high school juniors and seniors from area high schools attended weekend camp where they learned about careers in Fire & Fuels Management. Students participated in hands-on interactive activities taught by members of Umatilla NF employees, Blue Mountain Rappellers, and Oregon Department of Forestry fire personnel. To date, nearly 40% of program participants have been hired into wildland fire, recreation, timber and range seasonal positions on the Umatilla and Wallowa Whitman National Forests. • Volunteer Program – In 2016, the forest recorded over 41,000 hours of volunteer service with an estimated value close to $1 million ($968,000.)

Project: August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse

Contact: Wynn Avocette, Umatilla National Forest Staff Officer, 541-278-3848, [email protected]

We are eagerly anticipating, and planning for, the August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse here on the Umatilla National Forest. Early predictions project up to 10 million visitors to the state of Oregon and the majority of hotels and reservation campgrounds within the path of totality have already been booked.

The path of totality will graze the southern borders of the Heppner and North Fork John Day Ranger Districts and we’re expecting a large number of visitors who plan to experience this historic event from a forest vantage point. Our goal is to provide up-to-date information to all of our visitors for a safe and enjoyable experience while protecting our natural and cultural resources.

Though it’s difficult to predict how many visitors we’ll see on this forest, we are discussing plans to highlight specific “viewing opportunity” areas, which will concentrate visitor use and can safely handle larger crowds. We are exploring opportunities and costs associated with staging temporary services such as portable toilets and garbage dumpsters.

Planning efforts at the regional and NE Oregon level are underway that include participation of NIMO (National Incident Management Organization), ODOT, County Emergency Management, Tribes, Law Enforcement, Federal and Oregon State agencies, tourism, and others.

Early public outreach will include general messaging for trip planning (i.e. travel management maps, potable water sites, campground and dispersed camping opportunities, best sites to view the eclipse and a strong focus on fire prevention.) As the event draws near we will refine our messaging to site specific or time sensitive information such as local wildfire activity, smoke management, and area/road closures.

The week prior to the event we plan to increase employee presence on the ground to patrol and engage visitors on fire prevention and leave no trace practices.

Our plans will build in flexibility with the probability of a busy wildfire season, and a reduced number of employees available to support the eclipse event.