Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Revised Land Management Plan
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Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected]. Francis Marion National Forest Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Revised Land Management Plan Berkeley and Charleston Counties, South Carolina Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service Responsible Official: Rick Lint, Forest Supervisor 4931 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29212 For Information Contact: Mary Morrison, Project Leader 4931 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29212 Telephone Number: 803-561-4000 Abstract: Three alternatives for revision of the 1996 Francis Marion National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (forest plan) are described, compared and analyzed in detail in this draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). Alternative 1 represents no change from the current forest plan. Alternative 2 is the alternative preferred by the Forest Service and is the foundation for the proposed plan. Alternative 3 is a variation of Alternative 2 and considers less prescribed burning near communities and major roads. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such a way that the Forest Service can use them to prepare the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer’s concerns and contentions. The submission of timely and specific comments can affect a reviewer’s ability to participate in subsequent administrative review or judicial review. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, would be part of the public record for this proposed action (40 CFR 1502.10). Send comments to: Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Attn: Francis Marion Forest Plan Revision 4931 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29212 The comment period will end 90 days after the notice of availability of the DEIS is published in the Federal Register. Please visit our website at http://bit.do/FMPlan for more information. Contents Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Proposed Action ............................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Issues Addressed .............................................................................................................. 1 1.3 Alternatives ...................................................................................................................... 1 1.4 Summary of Effects Analysis .......................................................................................... 1 1.5 Scope of the Decision ...................................................................................................... 2 Chapter 1. Purpose and Need ........................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Document Structure ......................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Background ...................................................................................................................... 5 1.3 Purpose and Need for Action ......................................................................................... 10 1.4 Proposed Action ............................................................................................................. 11 1.5 Decision Framework ...................................................................................................... 12 1.6 Public Involvement ........................................................................................................ 14 1.7 Issues .............................................................................................................................. 14 1.7.1 Significant Issues ................................................................................................. 15 1.8 Relationship to Other Documents .................................................................................. 18 1.9 Other Related Efforts ..................................................................................................... 18 Chapter 2. Alternatives .................................................................................................................. 19 2.1 Alternatives Considered in Detail .................................................................................. 19 2.1.1 Alternative 1. No Action (1996 Forest Plan) ....................................................... 19 2.1.2 Alternative 2. Proposed Action (Preferred Alternative) ...................................... 19 2.1.3 Alternative 3 ........................................................................................................ 20 2.2 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study ....................................... 20 2.3 Comparison of Alternatives ........................................................................................... 21 2.3.1 Alternative 1. No Action (1996 Forest Plan) ....................................................... 21 2.3.2 Alternative 2. (Proposed Action) ......................................................................... 26 2.3.3 Alternative 3 ........................................................................................................ 32 Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences ........................................... 39 3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 39 3.2 Physical .......................................................................................................................... 40 3.2.1 Soils ..................................................................................................................... 40 3.2.2 Geology ................................................................................................................ 50 3.2.3 Air Quality ........................................................................................................... 57 3.2.4 Climate Change.................................................................................................... 60 3.2.5 Watershed and Water Resources ......................................................................... 72 3.3 Biological Environment ................................................................................................. 92 3.3.1 Ecological Systems .............................................................................................. 92 3.3.2 Threatened and Endangered Species ................................................................. 131 3.3.3 Species Diversity (Species of Conservation Concern) ...................................... 154 3.3.4 Forest Health and Protection .............................................................................. 193 3.4 Economic and Social Environment .............................................................................. 212 3.4.1 Forest Products/Timber Harvesting ................................................................... 212 3.4.2 Community Wildfire Protection Planning ......................................................... 218 3.4.3 Infrastructure ...................................................................................................... 226 3.4.4 Special Uses, Energy, Minerals ......................................................................... 229 3.4.5 Land Use and Ownership ................................................................................... 231 3.4.6 Outdoor Recreation ............................................................................................ 234 3.4.7 National Wild and Scenic