Revised Land and Resource Management Plan United States Department of Agriculture Sumter National Forest Forest Service Southern Region
Management Bulletin R8-MB 116A January 2004 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan
Sumter National Forest
Abbeville, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Saluda, and Union Counties
Responsible Agency: USDA–Forest Service
Responsible Official: Robert Jacobs, Regional Forester USDA–Forest Service Southern Region 1720 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, GA 33067-9102
For Information Contact: Jerome Thomas, Forest Supervisor 4931 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29212-3530 Telephone: (803) 561-4000
January 2004 The picnic shelter on the cover was originally named the Charles Suber Recreational Unit and was planned in 1936. The lake and picnic area including a shelter were built in 1938-1939. The original shelter was found inadequate and a modified model B-3500 shelter was constructed probably by the CCC from camp F-6 in 1941. The name of the recreation area was changed in 1956 to Molly’s Rock Picnic Area, which was the local unofficial name. The name originates from a sheltered place between and under two huge boulders once inhabited by an African- American woman named Molly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1 — Introduction To The Forest Plan
Purpose of the Forest Plan ...... 1-1 Relationship of the Forest Plan to Other Documents Plan Structure ...... 1-1 Plan Structure ...... 1-2 Forest Description ...... 1-2 Summary of the Analysis of Management Situation ...... 1-3 Summary of the Issues ...... 1-3
Chapter 2 — Forestwide Direction
Riparian Area Management, Water Quality, Aquatic Habitats, Soil and Air ...... 2-1 Wildlife Habitat and Vegetation ...... 2-5 Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, Sensitive, (PETS) and Locally-rare Species ...... 2-8 Special Areas, Rare Communities and Old Growth ...... 2-9 Forest Health ...... 2-11 Wood products and Special Forest Products ...... 2-15 Fire Management ...... 2-18 Recreation—Developed, Dispersed and Backcountry ...... 2-21 Roadless Areas and Wilderness Management ...... 2-23 Wild and Scenic Rivers ...... 2-24 Aesthetics/Scenery Management ...... 2-26 Heritage Resources ...... 2-27 Minerals and Geology ...... 2-28 Access and Road Management ...... 2-29 Lands and Special Uses ...... 2-30 Chapter 3 – Management Prescriptions
1A—Designated Wilderness Area ...... 3-1 1B—Recommended Wilderness Study Areas ...... 3-6 2A—Chattooga Wild and Scenic River Corridor ...... 3-8 2A1—Designated Wild River Segments (Chattooga River) ...... 3-13 2A2—Designated Scenic River Segments (Chattooga River) ...... 3-15 2A3—Designated Recreational River Segments (Chattooga River) ...... 3-16 4D—Botanical / Zoological Areas ...... 3-18 4F—Scenic Areas ...... 3-19 4G1—Calhoun Experimental Forest ...... 3-20 5A—Administrative Sites ...... 3-21 5B—Designated Communication/Electronic Sites ...... 3-21 5C—Designated Utility Corridors ...... 3-22 6C —Old Growth Areas managed with a Mix of Natural Processes and Restoration Activities ...... 3-22 7A—Scenic Byway Corridor ...... 3-23 7D—Concentrated Recreation Zone ...... 3-24 7E1—Dispersed Recreation Areas ...... 3-25 7E2—Dispersed Recreation Areas with Vegetation Management ...... 3-26 8A1—Mix of Successional Forest Habitats ...... 3-27 8B2—Woodland and Grassland/Savanna Habitats ...... 3-29 9A3—Watershed Restoration Areas ...... 3-31 9F—Rare Communities ...... 3-32 9G2—Restoration of Upland Oak-Hickory and Mixed Pine-Oak-Hickory Forests ...... 3-37 10B—High Quality Forest Products (Piedmont Only) ...... 3-38 11—Riparian Corridors ...... 3-39 12A—Remote Backcountry Recreation—Few Roads ...... 3-44
Chapter 4 – Management Areas
Management Area 1—Turkey Creek and Upper Stevens Creek ...... 4-2 Management Area 2—Chattooga River ...... 4-5 Management Area 3—Blue Ridge Foothills ...... 4-8 Management Area 4—Piedmont ...... 4-10
Chapter 5 — Implementation
Interpretation of Desired Condition Percentages of Successional Habitat ...... 5-1 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 5-2 Appendixes
Appendix A—Relevant Statues, Regulations, Policies and Agreements
Appendix B—Glossary
Appendix C—Riparian Corridors
Appendix D—Suitability for Timber Production and Timber Sale Program
Appendix E —Monitoring Summary Table
Appendix F—Possible Outputs and Activities for the First 10 Years (Average Annual)
Appendix G—Mining Proposal Evaluation Process
Appendix H—Vegetation Management Practices
Appendix I—Resource Maps Preface
This Revised Land and Resource Management was developed and defines goals, objectives and Plan (Forest Plan) has been prepared according standards. Followed by the specific goals, to Secretary of Agriculture regulations (36 CFR objectives and standards. 219) which are based on the Forest and The “ Management Prescriptions” section Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act provides 27 unique land allocations on the (RPA) as amended by the National Forest Sumter. Within this section, management Management Act of 1976 (NFMA). The Forest prescriptions are defined. Each prescription Plan has also been developed in accordance with includes an emphasis, desired condition, regulations (40 CFR 1500) for implementing the objectives (if needed) and standards (if needed). National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 At the beginning of this section you will find a (NEPA). A detailed statement (Environmental map showing the location of each prescription Impact Statement) has been prepared as required and the acreage. by NFMA (36 CFR 219.10). The Forest Plan The “Management Areas” section provides represents the selected alternative as identified in four unique management areas on the Sumter. the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Within this section, the two types of the Revised Land and Resource Management management areas are defined. Each Plan (FEIS). management area shows existing conditions, The document is divided into six major parts: desired conditions (if applicable), objectives (if the “Introduction to the Forest Plan,” “Forest- applicable), acreage of each management Wide Direction,” “Management Prescriptions,” prescription, and standards (if applicable). “Management Areas,” “Plan Implementation,” The “Plan Implementation, Monitoring and “Monitoring and Evaluation,” and Evaluation” section includes information on the “Appendixes.” how the Forest Plan will be implemented and The “Introduction to the Forest Plan” updated through monitoring and evaluation. provides background information that places the The “Appendixes” section contains more Management Direction into context with other detailed information that may be helpful in management directives or procedures and trends understanding the Forest Plan. Items such as occurring on the Sumter National Forest. The “Laws, Rules, Regulations, Manuals and information includes the purpose of a Forest Handbooks,” “Monitoring Tasks,” and Plan: the decisions made; the relationship of the “Glossary.” Forest Plan to other important documents that also provide management direction; a forest description; a summary of the “Analysis of the Management Situation” and a summary of the significant issues. The “Forest-Wide Direction” section provides management direction that applies to the entire Sumter National Forest. This direction includes an introduction that explains how this direction Chapter 1 Introduction to the Forest Plan
This Sumter National Forest Revised Land and ¾ Multiple-use management prescriptions Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) will and management areas containing desired guide all natural resource management activities conditions, objectives and standards; and set management standards for the Sumter National Forest for the next 10 to 15 years. ¾ Land that is suitable for timber The National Forest Management Act production; (NFMA), implementing regulations, and other documents guided the preparation of this Forest ¾ The allowable sale quantity for timber Plan. Land-use determinations, management and the associated sale schedule; practices, goals, objectives, standards, and ¾ Recommended wilderness areas; guidelines are statements of the Forest Plan’s management direction. Projected yields, services, ¾ Recommended wild and scenic river and rate of implementation depend on the annual status; budgeting process. This Forest Plan provides broad program- ¾ Monitoring and evaluation requirements; level direction for management of the land and its resources. Future projects carry out the ¾ Lands administratively available for direction in this Forest Plan. This Forest Plan mineral development (including oil and does not contain a commitment to select any gas). specific project. An environmental analysis is conducted, when required, on these projects as they are proposed. Relationship of the Forest Plan to In addition to direction found in this Forest Other Documents Plan, projects also are implemented through direction found in the Forest Service directive In addition to direction found in this Forest Plan, system (manuals and handbooks) and other projects are also implemented by direction found guides. (See Chapter 5, “Monitoring, Evaluation, in laws, rules, regulations, the Forest Service Research, and Implementation.”) directive system (A listing is available in “Ap pendix A.”); and the following programmatic Purpose of the Forest Plan decision documents. ¾ Record of Decision, Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Suppression of The decisions made in the Forest Plan include: Southern Pine Beetles (USDA Forest Service, Southern Region, April 1987) ¾ Forest-wide multiple-use goals, objectives, and standards for the forest, ¾ Record of Decision, Final Environmental including estimates of the goods and Statement for Gypsy Moth Management services expected; in the United States: A Cooperative
1-1 Approach (USDA, Forest Service and Forest Description APHIS, Washington DC, January 1995).
Plan Structure The Sumter National Forest includes about 360,000 acres of National Forest System land in The Forest Plan consists of five chapters, and the mountains and piedmont of South Carolina. several appendixes. The forest is divided into three ranger districts located in 11 counties. The Andrew Pickens Chapter 1 introduces the Forest Plan; explains District is located in northern Oconee County. its purpose, structure, and relationship to other The Enoree District is located east of Interstate documents; includes a brief description of the 26 in Chester, Fairfield, Laurens, Newberry, and forest; and summarizes the issues and analysis of Union Counties. The Long Cane District lies east the management situation for the revision. of the Savannah River and J. Strom Thurmond Lake in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Chapter 2 contains the forest-wide management McCormick, and Saluda Counties. direction, including, desired conditions, goals, objectives, and standards.
Chapter 3 contains the management prescriptions and the specific management direction applied at that level, including, desired conditions, goals, objectives, and standards.
Chapter 4 contains the management area direction, including, desired conditions, goals, objectives, and standards.
Chapter 5 gives direction on Forest Plan implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Appendixes provide supplemental information about the Forest Plan.
1-2 Summary of the “Analysis of the populations is on the Andrew Pickens Ranger Management Situation” (AMS) District in Oconee County.
¾ Very little existing old growth occurs on the Sumter National Forest. The “Analysis of the Management Situation” (AMS) for the Sumter National Forest is a determination of the forest’s ability to supply ¾ Southern pine beetle (SPB) has been the goods and services in response to society’s focus of the forest’s insect suppression demand. The AMS provides a basis for efforts from 1985 to present. Activity is determining the need for change in the existing cyclical with outbreaks occurring in 1988-89, Forest Plan and for formulating a broad range of 1992-93, and 1995-96. Since 1996, reasonable alternatives. A draft AMS was approximately 78 percent of the forest’s pine completed in August 1996. A few important stands (young, overstocked stands or stands findings follow: greater than 60 years) are at great risk for SPB infestation. Another outbreak occurred in 2002. ¾ Although water quality continues to improve, many of the streams on the national forest are listed by the state of South Carolina as ¾ The hemlock woolly adelgid poses a long- impaired due to elevated fecal coliform term threat to hemlock on the forest. levels. ¾ The Sumter National Forest represents a ¾ According to South Carolina’s Department of small portion of the timber inventory in Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), South Carolina, but the quality of the no violations of air quality standards have material is generally higher than timber occurred on the Sumter National Forest. found on private land. Following existing state guidelines should allow increased prescribed burning. ¾ Few requests are received for mineral exploration or mining operations. ¾ Within the piedmont, early successional forests covered 16.9 percent and late ¾ There were five roadless areas identified in successional forest covered 4.7 percent in the 1985 Forest Plan. The Ellicott Rock 1996. This trend was reversed on the Andrew Extension was recommended for a Pickens Ranger District where early wilderness study area. Long Creek and successional forests covered 6.4 percent and Ellicott Rock Expansion were placed in late successional forests covered 31 percent general forest management. The remaining in 1996. Since 1996 the early successional two areas were placed in allocations that habitat has declined significantly to 5 percent protected their roadless characteristics (i.e., on the piedmont and 2 percent on the scenic areas). Andrew Pickens in the year 2003. ¾ In 1996, the following streams were ¾ Inventory and monitoring have increased our determined to have outstandingly remarkable knowledge of rare plant distributions, habitat values and are eligible for possible inclusion requirements, and responses to management. in the National Wild and Scenic River The greatest number of rare plant species and System: Brasstown Creek, Cedar Creek,
1-3 Chauga River, Crane Creek, East Fork of the objectives, and desired conditions for the Chattooga River, Tamassee Creek, Stevens Chattooga River Watershed. Creek, and Turkey Creek. ¾ Consider insects and disease in developing desired conditions and in evaluating ¾ Recreational uses of all kinds increased on alternatives and effects. the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River during the last 10 years. ¾ Establish goals, objectives, and desired conditions for recreational opportunities and ¾ Since 1996 there has been a growing use/ experiences. Forestdemand Description for OHV trails. ¾ Establish goals, objectives, and desired conditions for developing minerals. ¾ Increased population growth and development in all counties is changing the ¾ Define the role of timber production when character of the landscape. Continuing developing desired conditions. growth and development is reducing the open spaces that are now farms, forests, and ¾ Update the Visual Quality Objective system pastures. This development may reduce with the Scenery Management System. wildlife habitat, change the scenic character of the landscape, and increase the wildland/ ¾ Recommend to Congress proposed wilderness urban interface concerns. and wild and scenic river designations. ¾ Remove direction from the revised Forest Plan ¾ Many counties are becoming less dependent that is not decided in the forest planning on Forest Service dollars. process, such as that included in the directive system, national policy, and executive orders.
¾ The total forest road mileage has slightly ¾ Link forest-wide and management area decreased since 1985 from 1,110 miles to objectives to desired conditions, rather than 1,053 miles. to specific resource output targets.
A few of the important recommendations derived ¾ Revise the monitoring and evaluation from the AMS follow: direction to include effectiveness monitoring for Forest Plan goals, objectives, and desired ¾ Establish goals, objectives, and desired conditions. conditions for riparian areas.
¾ Establish goals, objectives, and desired conditions that consider the key elements of biodiversity.
¾ Establish consistent management direction across national forest boundaries.
¾ Coordinate with the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina to establish goals,
1-4 Summary of the Issues Wide-ranging Species, Proposed, Endangered, Threatened Species (PETS) Recovery Plans, Old Growth, Semi-Primitive Recreation Public involvement is a key part of the planning Opportunities, Roadless Areas, Special Areas, process. Our goals for public involvement were and a consistent approach to determining lands to ensure that all individuals and groups suitable for timber production), issues common interested in or affected by the management of to all five national forests, and the issues unique the Sumter National Forest had the opportunity to each of the forests. to be informed and participate in the revision The issues developed for the Sumter National process; to reach an informed understanding with Forest follow. Brief explanations of how the the public of the varying interest; and to consider issue will be addressed in the Forest Plan follow these interests in developing this Forest Plan. each issue statement. For further information, see Public comments were used to identify the the Final Environmental Impact Statement, direction management should take in the future. Chapter 2, “Comparison of Alternatives.” This management includes goods and services to be provided, and environmental conditions. 1. Terrestrial Plants and Animals and Many opportunities were provided for people to their Associated Habitats: How should get involved in the planning process and to the national forest retain and/or restore a provide comments. Issues submitted by the diverse mix of terrestrial plant and public, as well as from within the Forest Service, animal habitat conditions while meeting guided the need to change current management public demands for a variety of wildlife strategies. values and uses? The Notice of Intent to prepare an Emphasize habitat conditions that are environmental impact statement was published suitable for maintaining viable in August 1996. In September 1996 scoping populations of all vertebrate species notification was sent to interested and affected native to the planning area. Early members of the public announcing the 120-day successional habitats will be created and comment period and associated listening maintained by a variety of events, sessions. The scoping notification also ask for conditions, treatments, and activities. comments on the draft “Analysis of The Management Situation.” 2. Threatened, Endangered, and A four-phase process was used to develop Sensitive/Locally-rare Species: What alternatives. Based on the issues and public levels of management are needed to comments, four preliminary alternatives were protect and recover the populations of developed. Public meetings were held federally-listed threatened, endangered, throughout the state, and comments were and proposed species? What level of solicited on the preliminary alternatives. Based management is needed for Forest Service on these comments, the five Southern sensitive and locally rare species? Appalachian forests (National Forests in Emphasize the inventory, monitoring, Alabama, Chattahoochee-Oconee, Cherokee, conservation, and recovery of proposed, Sumter, and Jefferson) met and developed an threatened, endangered, sensitive, and additional four alternatives. Finally, a “Rolling locally-rare species or their habitats. Alternative” was created, based on criteria that addressed the Natural Resource Agenda 3. Old Growth: The issue surrounding old (Watershed Health, Recreation, Sustainable growth has several facets. How much old Forest Ecosystem Management, and Forest growth is desired? Where should old Roads), Regional Forester’s Emphasis Areas (Watershed Health/Water Quality, Habitat for
1-5 growth occur? How should old growth be managed? 6. Aesthetic/Scenery Management: The Provide areas where old growth forest issue surrounding the management of conditions are developed over time. visual quality has two facets. What are Protect existing old growth. the appropriate landscape character goals for the national forest? What should be 4. Riparian Area Management, Water the scenic integrity objectives for the Quality, and Aquatic Habitats: What national forest? are the desired riparian ecosystem National forest landscapes have a conditions within national forests, and natural appearing or natural evolving how will they be identified, maintained, character and are managed to maintain or and/or restored? What management enhance their scenic integrity. direction is needed to help ensure that the hydrologic conditions needed for the 7. Recreation Opportunities/Experiences: beneficial uses of water yielded by and This issue includes considering a full flowing through national forest system range of opportunities for developed and lands are attained? What management is dispersed recreational activities needed for the maintenance, (including such things as nature study, enhancement, or restoration of aquatic hunting and fishing activities, and trail habitats? uses). How should the increasing demand Healthy watersheds will be for recreational opportunities and maintained, and degraded watersheds experiences be addressed on the national will be restored to maintain or improve forest while protecting forest resources? water quality and aquatic habitats. Should the forest restrict equestrian use Riparian ecosystems will be essentially to designated routes only? unchanged, except for those actions Provide a spectrum of high quality, needed to restore riparian vegetative nature-based recreational settings and cover and riparian functions and values. opportunities, within the capabilities of the land, which are not widely available 5. Wood Products: The issue surrounding on non-federal lands. the sustained yield production of wood products from national forests has several 8. Roadless Areas/Wilderness facets. What are the appropriate Management: Should any of the roadless objectives for wood product areas on national forest system lands be management? Where should products be recommended for wilderness removed, given that this production is designation? How should roadless areas part of a set of multiple-use objectives not recommended for wilderness be and considering cost effectiveness? managed? How should areas What should the level of outputs of wood recommended for wilderness designation products be? What management be managed? How should the patterns activities associated with the production and intensity of use, fire, and insects and of wood products are appropriate? diseases be managed in the existing Restore and maintain desired wilderness areas? conditions and goals, which produce a Wilderness and roadless areas are stable supply of a variety of wood managed to provide their full range of products including high quality social and ecological benefits. sawtimber on the piedmont.
1-6 9. Forest Health: What conditions are social and ecological benefits while needed to maintain the ability of the protecting the outstanding values of the forest to function in a sustainable manner Chattooga Wild and Scenic River as expected or desired? Of particular corridor? Should the Chattooga River be concern are the impacts of non-native opened or closed to public boating above species and the presence of ecological Highway 28? conditions with a higher level of insect The Chattooga River watershed will and disease susceptibility. be managed to emphasize recreation in Restore and maintain forest association with the Chattooga Wild and ecosystems to provide the desired Scenic River corridor; maintenance of composition, structure, function, and roadless values; dispersed recreational productivity of those ecosystems over opportunities; and improved water time. quality. Boating on the Chattooga is not allowed above the Highway 28 Bridge. 10. Special Areas and Rare Communities: What special areas should be designated, 14. Minerals: What type of restrictions and how should they be managed? How should we place on mineral should rare communities, such as those development? identified in the Southern Appalachian Mineral exploration or development Assessment, be managed? will be compatible with the desired Protect and restore all existing special condition of the appropriate management areas and rare communities. prescriptions or management areas.
11. Wild and Scenic Rivers:Which rivers are suitable for designation into the The issues are further addressed in a variety National Wild and Scenic River System? of ways throughout this Forest Plan. Those ways How should rivers that are eligible, but include goals, objectives, standards, management not suitable, be managed? prescriptions, management areas, and Manage all existing, recommended, monitoring. and eligible rivers to protect their outstandingly remarkable values.
12. Access/Road Management: How do we balance the rights of citizens to access their national forest with our responsibilities to protect and manage the soil and water resources, wildlife populations and habitat, aesthetics, forest health, and desired vegetative conditions? Provide the minimum transportation system that would supply and improve access for forest road users while protecting forest resources.
13. Chattooga River Watershed: How can the national forests manage the Chattooga River watershed for desired
1-7 Chapter 2 Forest-Wide Direction
The Forest Plan is a strategic document Forest-wide goals, objectives, and standards providing land allocations, goals, objectives, apply to the entire forest unless superseded by desired conditions, and standards that must be specific management prescription direction. met. This chapter outlines the overall Objectives and standards may also be found at management direction for the Sumter National the management area and management Forest within the context of the southern prescription level. Projects are evaluated to Appalachian and piedmont ecosystems. This determine if they are consistent with the direction is organized around the physical, management direction in the Forest Plan. This biological, and social resources of the Sumter, as evaluation is documented in the project-level well as the major issues identified by the citizens environmental document with a finding of who helped develop this Forest Plan. consistency incorporated into the decision Each resource includes broad goal statements document. describing what we want to achieve. Objectives While this direction was being developed, the are concise statements, describing a specific forest identified some additional items that result or condition desired to contribute toward would not qualify as Forest Plan direction but achieving a goal. Objectives express measurable are important for later plan implementation. steps we will take over the next 10 years to Any decisions on projects to implement the achieve our goals and may be accomplished by Forest Plan are based on site-specific analysis in maintaining a desired condition or by compliance with the National Environmental implementing a project or activity. Not all goals Policy Act (NEPA). This environmental analysis require quantifiable objectives. Objectives are is appropriately documented based on direction linked to the monitoring plan. in the Council on Environmental Quality While goals and objectives define where we Regulations For Implementing the Procedural are headed with management of the Sumter Provisions of the National Environmental Policy National Forest, standards define the rules we Act (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508) and the will follow to get there. Standards provide Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook management direction for making decisions, (Forest Service Handbook [FSH] 1909.15). which help achieve the forest’s desired conditions, goals, and objectives. Standards are specific technical resource management Riparian Area Management, directions and often preclude or impose Water Quality, Aquatic Habitats, limitations on management activities or resource uses, generally to protect the environment, to Soil, and Air provide public safety, or to resolve an issue. Deviation from a standard requires a Forest Plan In 1911, Congress authorized and directed the amendment. Adherence to Forest Plan standards Secretary of Agriculture “…to examine, locate, is monitored during project implementation. In and purchase such forested, cut-over, or denuded addition to following standards, the Sumter is lands within the watersheds of navigable streams required to comply with applicable laws, as in his judgment may be necessary to the executive orders, and regulations listed in regulation of the flow of navigable streams or Appendix A. for the production of timber,” through the Weeks
2-1 Law. In 1936, as a result of this Act, the Sumter water impacts. Actively eroding gullies and National Forest was established from these galled barrens are stabilized or restored to lands. Once established, the process of natural conditions where they are vegetated and and managed restoration of those lands began. functioning within the acceptable range of Erosion control projects, tree planting, and fire desired conditions. All activities on the Sumter prevention and control are examples of meet or exceed state requirements for Best management actions began to assist in Management Practices (BMP). Where BMP restorating and protecting the natural forestland have not been formally identified, similar and resources. However, even with restoration measures are applied to protect soil and water efforts, past land abuses have left a legacy on the resources from unacceptable impacts associated landscape of substantial areas with affected soils with soil exposure and surface disturbance. and streams that are still adjusting and needing Practices protect soil productivity and are improvement after many decades. consistent with soil quality monitoring direction. Soil and water conservation measures are Watersheds with critical aquatic habitats, wild necessary to maintain or improve many of the and scenic rivers, municipal water sources, and physical, chemical, and biological conditions on those on the state water quality impaired list will the national forest. Soil properties affect the be given priority consideration for providing processing of rainfall into streamflow and technical, cooperative, and financial assistance provide the basic elements from which plant and when conditions on private lands that prevent animal life exist. Streamflow maintains aquatic achieving desired conditions on the national life, stream channel capacity, recreation, forest. aesthetics, navigable waters, and favorable flow The primary purpose of the channeled conditions. ephemeral stream zone is to maintain the ability Although water quality continues to improve, of the land areas to filter sediment from upslope many of the streams on the Sumter remain disturbances while achieving the goals of the impaired or impacted as identified by SC adjacent management prescription area. In Department of Health and Environmental addition, the emphasis along ephemeral streams Control or the Environmental Protection Agency. is to maintain stream stability and sediment Physical, chemical, and biological decline controls by minimizing soil exposure or contribute in considerations of whether waters disturbance. See “Standard for Channeled are listed as impaired. Fecal coliform, sediment Ephermeral Streams.” or other water quality conditions caused by past Productive soils are critical to the growth and or current activities contribute to impairment. health of fauna and flora. The soils on the Sedimentation in the Chattooga River is an Sumter National Forest vary from the piedmont example of how many activities influence water and mountain topographic regions. The quality (Van Lear et. al., 1995). Past land abuses piedmont soils are formed from crystalline are often slow to recover. Some poorly located rocks, mixed acid rocks, micaceous rocks, and and maintained roads may contribute to Carolina slates. The mountain soils are formed impairment of water quality. Other contributors from colluvial materials weathered from gneiss, include industrial, agricultural, and silvicultural schist rock, and granite materials. The piedmont practices, land development, and other activities. has 63 soil-mapping units and the mountains The Forest Service is responding to water have 22 soil-mapping units. Mapping units have quality concerns. Roads are stabilized and/or at least 50 percent of a primary soil series. improved, and active gullies are treated. Some Soils of the piedmont include gently to dispersed recreational sites within riparian areas steeply rolling hills, many of which have been within the Chattooga and Chauga River severely eroded by past farming activities. Past watersheds have been treated to reduce soil and degradation of many of these soils by erosion,
2-2 loss of infiltration capacity and depletion of streamflow, sediment, and channel adjustment nutrients has resulted in poor soil productivity due to soil disturbance and vegetation change. (Hoover, 1949). Gullies formed in some areas. Air quality is another important element to Some of this land that became the Sumter consider for healthy forest resources.. Sulfur (Shands and Healy (1977). Some gullies, galls, compounds in the atmosphere are primarily and bare soil areas still exist on the Sumter and responsible for the haze that obscures visibility. surrounding lands. Almost all of the piedmont Sulfur compounds and sometimes nitrogen surface soils have been eroded to some extent, compounds can cause acidification of headwater averaging nearly a foot of surface soil lost, streams and cause nutrients to leach out of soils. leaving fewer than 2 inches of soil surface on Ozone causes visible injury to plant leaves, and most of the landscapes. These areas require can also cause reduced plant growth. The some type of treatment to improve soil pollutants originate from many sources over a productivity (McKee and Law, 1985). Efforts to wide geographic area. Therefore, regional reduce the effects of the gullies and severe approaches to air pollution emission reductions erosion that began with the Civilian are necessary to improve air quality and resource Conservation Corps in the 1930s were expanded conditions. It is essential that the Sumter work in the 1980s and continue (Heede, 1976, Yoho, cooperatively with air management agencies and 1980, Schumm, et. al., 1984, Hansen, 1991, Regional Planning Organizations (VISTAS) to 1995, Hansen and Law, 1996). reduce air pollution impacts to resources, and to Soil and water improvement measures are minimize the Sumter’s impacts to air quality. designed to address active severe erosion from gullies, abandoned roads, stream banks, or other Goals and Objectives sources. A combination of soil bioengineering, erosion control, stabilization and restoration Goal 1 Watersheds are managed (and where measures appropriate for the landscape position necessary restored) to provide resilient and result in a marked reduction in soil loss, erosion stable conditions to ensure the quality and and sedimentation. Results improve poor or quantity of water necessary to protect ecological declining soil properties, water quality, functions and support intended beneficial water watershed condition, riparian and/or aquatic uses. habitats. Mitigation measures to limit the temporary effects of treatments are installed to Objective 1.01 Improve soil and water produce rapid erosion control, permanent cover, conditions on 1,500 acres through and site recovery. Limiting sedimentation and stabilization or rehabilitation of actively improving soil properties are emphasized. eroding areas such as gullies, barren Cultivated or disked areas for wildlife areas, abandoned roads or trails, and openings or linear wildlife strips will prevent the unstable stream banks over the 10-year concentrated flow, rill networks, erosion, and planning period. sedimentation. When necessary, alternating vegetated strips will be left on the contour to Goal 2 Manage in-stream flows and water deter soil loss. Soil loss will be held to levels, by working with other agencies if acceptable soil quality guides. possible, to protect stream processes, aquatic and Active areas of ground disturbance will be riparian habitats and communities, and limited in extent and duration within stream recreation and aesthetic values. drainages to reduce the potential for direct, indirect, and cumulative effects caused by Objective 2.01 The in-stream flows excessive changes in runoff, erosion, needed to protect stream processes, aquatic and riparian habitats and
2-3 communities, and recreation and Standards aesthetic values will be determined on 50 streams. Water and Soil Quality
Goal 3 Riparian ecosystems, wetlands, and FW-1 Water quality, soil productivity, and aquatic systems are managed (and where channel structure are protected using best necessary restored) to protect and maintain their management practices to avoid impacts to water physical, chemical, and biological integrity. quality and soils. Where riparian prescription direction differs from BMP, the more restrictive Goal 4 Maintain or restore natural aquatic and or protective prescription will be followed. Seed riparian communities or habitat conditions in mixtures and the removal of large woody debris amounts, arrangements, and conditions to added by harvest activities suggested in the state provide suitable habitats for riparian dependent BMP for Forestry may not be followed when and migratory species, especially aquatic species they conflict with native vegetation and aquatic including fish, amphibians, and water birds habitat objectives. within the planning area. Perennial and intermittent streams are managed in a manner FW-2 Where BMP are not specifically that emphasizes and recruits large woody debris developed for activities, apply similar preventive (LWD). measures such as those published by the SC Forestry Commission concerning forestry which Objective 4.01 Create and maintain avoid, minimize and/or mitigate effects to water dense understory of native vegetation on quality, streamside management zones and soils. 1 to 5 percent of the total riparian corridor acreage during the 10-year FW-3 Major soil disturbances that expose the planning period. soil surface or substantially alter soil properties Goal 5 Maintain or restore soil productivity and such as temporary roads, skid trails, landings, quality. and rutting will not occupy more than 15 percent of forest vegetation management treatment areas Objective 5.01 Improve soil productivity except for chopping, watershed improvements, on 8,000 acres of disturbed, low or other treatments during a rotation designed to productivity, eroded soils with loblolly reforest to suitable species or correct soil and and shortleaf pine on the piedmont water problems. during the 10-year planning period. FW-4 To limit soil and water quality impacts, Goal 6 Cooperate with landowners and other heavy mechanical equipment (dozers, skidders, partners to address watershed needs and feller/bunchers, etc.) will not be used on slopes participate in efforts to identify stream problems, over 40 percent except in designated locations watershed planning, BMP and Total Mean Daily with adequate and timely mitigation. Emergency Load (TMDL) implementation with the South fire lines and soil and water improvements Carolina Department of Health and specifically designed to stabilize or rehabilitate Environmental Control, South Carolina Forestry severe erosion such as active gullies are Commission and other agencies. exceptions to this slope limit.
Goal 7 Provide good air quality for people’s FW-5 Water is not diverted from streams health and the health of the forest environment. (perennial or intermittent) or lakes when an in- stream flow needs or water level assessment indicates the diversion would adversely affect 2-4 protection of stream processes, aquatic and small woody debris (logging slash) should be riparian habitats and communities, or recreation removed when its entry is a result of activities. and aesthetic values. FW-14 Trees and native vegetation on the Channeled Ephemeral Stream Zones stream bank should not be removed except at designated crossings. The following standards apply to 25 feet on each side of a channeled ephemeral stream. See the FW-15 Soil active herbicides are not broadcast Glossary, Appendix B, for a definition of a within channeled ephemeral stream zones. channeled ephemeral stream. Stream zones are identified before treatment, so applicators can easily avoid them. FW-6 Skidders will only be allowed within the channels at designated crossings. FW-16 Pesticide mixing, loading, or cleaning areas are not located within the channeled FW-7 For cable logging, at least partial ephemeral stream zone. suspension is required when yarding logs over ephemeral streams. Air Quality
FW-8 Skid trail crossings will be located in a FW-17 Comply with South Carolina smoke manner that minimizes stream channel and bank management guidelines and Forest Service disturbance. Region 8 smoke management guidelines.
FW-9 Fire lines are not constructed along the length of stream channels. Wildlife Habitat and Forest Vegetation FW-10 New motorized trails are prohibited within ephemeral stream zones except at designated crossings or where the trail location The Sumter National Forest lies within both the requires some encroachment, for example, to Blue Ridge and the piedmont physiographic accommodate steep terrain. provinces, where variations in elevation lead to differences in the vegetation that grows there. FW-11 Stabilize disturbed soils at channel The Andrew Pickens Ranger District is located crossings. along the Blue Ridge. There is a mixture of shortleaf pine with various hardwoods on low FW-12 New mineral, oil, and gas leases will elevation ridges and south-facing slopes. Pitch contain a controlled surface use stipulation for pine and table mountain pine are found on high channeled ephemeral stream zones. ridges. Mesic oak-hickory forests are found on lower and north-facing slopes. Mixed FW-13 Removing large woody debris from mesophytic and white pine–hemlock forests are within the channeled ephemeral stream zone is located in forested coves. allowed if the woody debris poses a significant The Long Cane and Enoree Ranger Districts, risk to stream flow or water quality, degrades in the piedmont, are predominantly loblolly pine habitat for riparian dependent species, or poses a forests interspersed with patches of upland threat to private property or National Forest hardwoods, including sweetgum, white oak, infrastructure (e.g., bridges). The need for southern red oak, hickories, yellow-poplar, red removal is determined on a case-by-case basis. maple, and various other oaks. Bottomland When needed to protect water quality, excessive 2-5 hardwoods along streams dissect these upland conjunction with other identified management forests. indicators described in chapter 3 of the FEIS Vegetation on the Sumter National Forest has (“Biological Elements” section), and other been greatly modified by human activity over the Forest Plan monitoring items to assess effects of last 200 years (Bates, 1993; Barden, 1997; Platt alternatives and to help monitor effects of and Brantley, 1997; Frost, 2002). When the implementing the selected alternative. The MIS Sumter National Forest was established in 1936, selected and their related objectives can be it was comprised primarily of abandoned found in Chapter 5. farmland. Early European explorers, beginning As shown in Table 2-1, mixes of with Hernando DeSoto’s 1540 expedition, found management prescriptions are allocated to fire-maintained prairies, savannas, and provide for a variety of habitat conditions. The woodlands in the uplands, created and following goals, objectives and standards are maintained by the Native Americans who had designed to protect, restore, maintain, and occupied the land for at least 12,000 years. enhance wildlife and plant populations and Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), warm-season communities while maintaining flexibility to grasses, and hardwoods dominated the uplands, manage other resources. and the bottomlands were mosaics dominated by bottomland hardwoods, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), canebrakes, beaver ponds, beaver marshes, and successional thickets. aT elb .1-2 eroF s t eitinummoC s yb D si .tcirt Land clearing, and intensive cultivation, eroF s t 2 0 0 2 tcirt si D si tcirt noitidnoC primarily in cotton, lasted from the late oC ytinumm ercA s 1700s through the early 1900s followed by erdnA w D-yr ciseM O ka Fsero t ,51 6 9 9 extensive planting of loblolly pine, initially kciP e sn tsero F tsero ,1 7 20 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. During )sniatnuoM( -yrD cireX O ka the 1960s, loblolly pine largely replaced the dnaldooW - native shortleaf pine forests on the ,yrD -yrD ciseM Ftsero ,9 9 5 5 piedmont, since many of the existing O ka dna O -ka enip Wdnaldoo - shortleaf pine stands were susceptible to tsero F tsero ,82 4 82 littleleaf disease, which is prevalent on ,yrD -yrD ciseM severely eroded clay soils (Oak and Tainter, eniP dna -eniP kao dnaldooW - 1988). National forest management dexiM cityhposeM 3 6 6 ,02 ,02 6 6 3 activities have perpetuated the loblolly pine tseroF forests we see today. yllolboL P eni ,6 9 63 The Sumter National Forest is charged e eronE eronE e D-yr ciseM O ka Fsero t 92 , 18 7 with creating and maintaining habitat dna conditions suitable to maintain viable F tsero ,1 7 32 enaC gnoL gnoL enaC -yrD cireX O ka populations of all species native to the P( )tnomdei dnaldooW - planning area, and where appropriate ciseM -yrD ,yrD ,yrD -yrD ciseM Ftsero ,2 2 3 9 support desirable levels of selected species. enip -ka O dna ka O ka dna O -ka enip National Forest Management Act Wdnaldoo - regulations, adopted in 1982, require F tsero ,112 5 58 eni P yllolboL yllolboL P eni selection of management indicator species dnaldooW - (MIS) during development of forest plans dexiM cityhposeM 4 2 8 ,1 8 2 4 (36 CFR 219.19(a)). Thirteen species have tseroF been selected as MIS for the Sumter ,dnalmottoB ,dnalmottoB National Forest. They will be used in ,82 8 57 tseroF tnorfreviR tnorfreviR tseroF 2-6 Goals and Objectives bearing trees (cherry, black gum, persimmon, etc.) over the 10-year Goal 8 Maintain and restore natural planning period. communities and habitats in amounts, arrangements, and conditions capable of Objective 8.06 Restore more diverse supporting viable populations of existing native native communities on 1,000 to 2,000 and desired non-native plants, aquatic, and acres currently occupied by white pine wildlife species within the planning area. stands. Prioritize xeric to intermediate sites over the 10-year planning period. Objective 8.01 Restore 2,000 – 6,000 acres of native communities on sites Goal 9 Provide habitats to sustain the diversity occupied by loblolly pine on the Andrew and distribution of resident reptile and Pickens District over the 10-year amphibian species as well as breeding, planning period. wintering, and migration staging and stopover habitat for migratory birds in ways that Objective 8.02 Provide 8,000 – 11,000 contributes to their long-term conservation. acres of woodlands in the piedmont and 4,000 – 5,000 acres of woodlands on the Objective 9.01 Construct or restore mountains on dry-xeric sites in wetlands on 600 acres in the riparian woodland, savanna, open grassland, or corridor on the piedmont over the 10 shrubland conditions with fire associated year planning period. rare communities preferred over the 10 year planning period. Standards Objective 8.03 Create conditions to restore dry-mesic oak, oak-pine, and FW-18 Standing snags, bird peck trees, and pine-oak forest communities on 20,000 living den trees will not be cut or bulldozed acres currently in loblolly pine in the during vegetation management treatments piedmont over the 10-year planning unrelated to timber regeneration treatments, period. unless necessary to provide for public or employee safety. Objective 8.04 Increase shortleaf pine and shortleaf pine/oak communities on FW-19 Forests dominated by eastern hemlock 2,000 to 10,000 in the piedmont. This are not subject to regeneration harvest during will be done on sites with low risk of this planning period. littleleaf disease. FW-20 During silvicultural treatments in all Objective 8.05 Increase structural forest types, patches of hemlock greater than diversity by creating canopy gaps in 1 to 0.25 acres are retained. 5 percent of closed canopy mid- and late- successional mesic deciduous forest FW-21 Oak forests on mesic sites are not (including mixed mesophytic and mesic converted to pine forests. oak forests). Gaps are defined as small openings smaller than 2 acres in size and FW-22 For all timber regeneration treatments, are designated to release mast producing including salvage activities, two or more snags species, particularly hard mast (oak, per acre from the larger size classes will be hickory, walnuts, etc.) and soft mast
2-7 retained. Live den trees will not be cut unless endangered and threatened species, when necessary to provide for public or employee available. All PETS receive additional safety. Distribution of retained snags may be consideration in biological evaluations/ clumped. assessments prepared during project-level planning. FW-23 On the Andrew Pickens, potential black bear den trees will be retained during all vegetation management treatments occurring in .2-2 elbaT elbaT .2-2 eF ed yllar soporP e ,d habitats suitable for bears. Potential den trees are hcihw s eic ep S d en eta erhT ro ,d er egnadnE egnadnE er ,d ro erhT eta en d S ep eic s hcihw those that are greater than 20” diameter at breast r etmu S eht no rucc o ot yl e kil era ro rucco rucco ro era kil e yl ot o rucc no eht S etmu r height (DBH) and are hollow with broken tops. t s eroF lanoita N lanoita eroF s t tcirt si D si tcirt FW-24 In the piedmont, hardwood inclusions eF ed sil-yllar et d sut atS atS sut som t kil e yl (1/2 acre in size or larger) in pine stands S ep eic s dominated by hard and soft mast producing trees ot rucco (i.e., oaks, hickories, walnut, black gum, black dlaB elgaE dna eer onE onE eer dna cherry, persimmon) will be retained. laH( ai ee t su denetaerhT ena C gnoL gnoL C ena )sulahpecoocue l )sulahpecoocue Proposed, Endangered, C anilora rettilpsleeH rettilpsleeH Ederegnadn gnoL C na e Threatened, Sensitive, (PETS) and L( msa anogi Locally-rare species taroced )a adirol F adirol yrrebesooG yrrebesooG Tdenetaerh gnoL C na e The Sumter National Forest provides habitat for sebiR( several federally proposed, endangered, or enihce l )mul threatened species, Forest Service sensitive P tnetsisre muillirT werdnA werdnA species (PETS), and locally rare species. The rT( il l mui deregnadnE snekci P snekci federally proposed, endangered, or threatened srep is t )sne species listed in Table 2-2 were identified tcileR muillirT through coordination and consultation with the rT( il l mui Ederegnadn gnoL C na e USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. See Appendix er l )muuqi E of the FEIS (“Biological Assessment/ delrohW llam S llam delrohW Biological Evaluation”) for a complete listing of werdnA ainogo P ainogo (I tos r ai denetaerhT all PETS and their habitats, and Appendix F in P snekci the FEIS for a complete listing of all viability m )sedioloede concern species and their habitats, including S om hto P elpru PETS and locally rare species. C rewolfeno werdnA deregnadnE deregnadnE Habitats for all PETS and locally rare species E( aecanihc P snekci are provided through forest-wide goals, veal tagi )a objectives, and standards recommended below, dooW S krot dna eer onE onE eer dna and emphasized in forest-wide, management cyM( t re ai deregnadnE ena C gnoL gnoL C ena prescription, and management area-wide ma re i )anac direction associated with rare communities, riparian areas, and forest communities. The Sumter follows recovery plans for all federally-
2-8 Goals and Objectives with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The protection zone extends a minimum of 1,500 Goal 10 Contribute to the conservation and feet from the nest or roost. Activities that modify recovery of federally-listed species and take the forest canopy within this zone are prohibited. necessary actions to maintain viable populations All management activities not associated with of all species thereby avoiding the need to list bald eagle management and monitoring are those species. prohibited within this zone during periods of use (nesting season is October 1 to June 15; roost Objective 10.01 Maintain or restore at use periods are determined through site-specific least 8 self-sustaining populations for monitoring). Where controlled by the Forest smooth coneflower and if possible, given Service, public access routes into or through this the technical expertise, 4 populations for zone are closed during the seasons of use, unless small whorled pogonia on the Andrew they are major arterial roads. Pickens, including the habitat to support them. FW-29 In artificial impoundments used by foraging wood storks, water levels are managed Objective 10.02 Maintain or restore at to provide for and encourage annual use by this least 8 self-sustaining populations for species. Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) and 1 population for Special Areas, Rare Communities Florida gooseberry on the piedmont And Old Growth districts, and the habitat to support them. Special areas on the Sumter include those with botanical zoological characteristics, and scenic Standards areas. Following an evaluation, special areas are allocated to specific prescriptions 4.D. FW-25 Permits for the collection of listed (Botanical Zoological Area) and 4.F. (Scenic Regional Forester’s sensitive species are not Area). issued, except for approved scientific purposes Rare communities are assemblages of plants or propagation. and animals that occupy a small proportion of FW-26 Where forest uses are negatively the landscape but contribute significantly to affecting federally-listed species, or species plant and animal diversity. The list of plant and where viability is a concern, sites or uses are animal communities considered rare within the modified to reduce or eliminate negative southern Appalachian and piedmont forests impacts. undergoing forest plan revision were identified by the Southern Appalachian Assessment and FW-27 Non-native species are controlled where refined using the International Classification of they are causing adverse effects to federally- Ecological Communities (NatureServe, 2001). listed species, or species where viability is a The following groups of rare communities are concern. Non-native invasive species are not recognized as occurring on the Sumter National intentionally introduced near these species or Forest. individuals. Bogs, Seeps, and Seasonal Ponds FW-28 Protection zones are delineated and Riverine Vegetation maintained around all bald eagle nests and Table Mountain Pine Forest and communal roost sites, until they are determined Woodlands to be no longer suitable through coordination 2-9 Basic Mesic Forests Cliffs and Bluffs Conifer-Northern Hardwood Forest Rock Outcrops Mixed Mesophytic Forest Glades, Barrens, and Associated River Floodplain Hardwood Forest Woodlands Dry-Mesic Oak Forest Canebrakes Dry and Xeric Oak Forest, Woodland, Mines and Savanna Xeric Pine and Pine-Oak Forest and Conditions to promote old growth forest Woodland development are needed to address various Dry and Dry-Mesic Oak-Pine Forest social, biological, recreational, and spiritual Eastern Riverfront Forest issues in South Carolina. Theforest will adhere to the “Guidance for Conserving and Restoring Old Growth Forest Communities on National Goals and Objectives Forests in the Southern Region” (1997), in defining old growth community types on the forest, and in describing inventory and Goal 11 Those areas with special scenic, monitoring needs. To date, few old growth botanical, and/or zoological characteristics will inventories have been conducted on the Sumter, be managed to protect those characteristics. though very little existing old growth is thought to occur here, particularly on the piedmont Goal 12 Protect or restore the rare communities districts (Jones, 1988; Carlson, 1995; White and found on national forest lands. Lloyd, 1998). Paul Carlson assessed the old growth forest resource on National Forest lands Objective 12.01 Restore 500 to 2,500 in the Chattooga watershed, and found 4 percent acres of table mountain pine forest over (of a total 122,000 acres) in existing old growth. the 10-year planning period. Consistent with the old growth guidance, a possible old growth inventory was developed for Objective12.02 In the piedmont, restore the Sumter National Forest in 1997, and rerun in 1 to 5 percent of the riparian corridor on 2002. It was considered in prescriptions slopes less than 8 percent into the allocation in this Forest Plan. This Forest Plan canebrake community over the 10-year will provide conditionsto develop a network of planning period. small, medium, and large patches of future old growth, through prescriptions which are Goal 13 A variety of large, medium, and small “unsuitable for timber production,” including old growth patches will be managed (through wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, special areas, restoration, protection, or maintenance activities) old growth, dispersed recreation (unsuitable), to meet biological and social needs. remote backcountry recreation, riparian corridors, and rare communities. Additional Standards small patches of existing old growth (10-100 acres in size) will be identified through Rare Communities sitespecific surveys, and will be protected. The old growth report contains operational FW-30 Rare communities as described in this definitions for 16 old growth community types, Forest Plan are managed under the Rare of which 8 occur or have the potential to occur Community Prescription (9.F.) wherever they on the Sumter National Forest, including the occur. following:
2-10 FW-31 Project areas are surveyed for rare controlling agent, and their unchecked spread communities before implementing projects that can wreak untold damage to native ecosystems have potential to adversely affect them. and forest communities. Chestnut blight has reduced the American chestnut from the FW-32 Table mountain pine will not be cut dominant hardwood tree species in the during vegetation management activities to mountains to a minor understory component of maintain future restoration opportunities. today’s forests. Other important non-native pests Exceptions may be made where needed to include hemlock wooly adelgid, littleleaf provide for public safety, protection of private disease, butternut canker, and dogwood resources, or insect and disease control/ anthracnose. Gypsy moth will probably reach the prevention or where needed to improve the Sumter within the next few decades. habitat for PETS species. INon-native invasive plant species can spread into and persist in native plant Old Growth communities and displace native plant species, posing a threat to the integrity of the natural FW-33 Existing old growth as defined in “Old plant communities. Some of the non-native Growth Guidance for the Southern Region,” invasive plants known to severely impact native when encountered, will be managed to protect plant diversity on the Sumter National Forest the old growth characteristics. include Japanese and Chinese privet (Ligustrum spp.), kudzu (Pueraria lobata), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Japanese honeysuckle Forest Health (Lonicera japonicum), Chinese wisteria, (Wisteria sinensis), Japanese stiltgrass Insect and disease organisms are important (Microstegium vimineum), tree of heaven components of forest ecosystems. Native (Ailanthus altissima), autumn olive (Elaeagus organisms contribute to many ecological umbellata), multiflora rose (Rosa mulitflora), processes of forests including nutrient cycling, mimosa (Albizia julibrissin,) and China Berry plant succession, and forest dynamics. In most (Melia azedarach). cases, these native organisms are recognized as The high percentage of relatively older (age an integral component of forest health. In a few 70-120) forest communities in the mountains instances, however, these organisms cause poses challenges in addressing forest health unacceptable resource damage or loss, and issues. These large areas of mature forests are adversely affect ecological, economic, or social particularly vulnerable to both native and non values. In these cases, the organisms causing the native forest pests. Oak decline is a primary damage are referred to as pests. Principal native concern in mature oak forests. In the piedmont, insect pests on the Sumter National Forest the Sumter National Forest has large acreages of include the southern pine beetle and a variety of loblolly pine that are mature, making them more defoliators. Primary native disease problems susceptible to littleleaf disease, and southern include oak decline, annosum root disease, and a pine beetle. variety of other decay organisms affecting living In 2002, the Sumter experienced a southern trees. pine beetle (SPB) epidemic, resulting in Throughout the past 100 years, a variety of substantial mortality to pines. SPB infestations insects, diseases, and plant species have been have grown especially fast in dense forests. introduced to the United States and spread into Higher stand densities make pine stands much the Sumter National Forest. These non-native more susceptible to SPB attack. This fact points organisms are often pests because they often to the need for maintaining these stands at have no natural enemies or other naturally moderate densities.
2-11 trout and other aquatic species. Recent and Pitch pine (Pinus rigida), shortleaf pine (Pinus projected trends in air pollutants show sulfur echinata), and table mountain pine (Pinus compound emissions decreasing over the life of pungeus) are declining in abundance throughout the Forest Plan, whereas nitrogen compound the southern Appalachian mountains because of emissions are projected to remain relatively flat. age, southern pine beetle outbreaks, lack of fire, Ozone pollution is negatively affecting the and limited amounts of disturbance. health of susceptible forest tree species, black Fire has historically played an important role cherry (Prunus serotina) for example. Ozone is in shaping the species composition of the Sumter formed through chemical reactions in the National Forest. Historically, relatively frequent atmosphere between nitrogen oxide (from fires have maintained and restored many vehicles and coal fired power generation) and forested communities across the piedmont and volatile organic compounds (from industrial and southern Appalachians, especially xeric pine and natural sources) in the presence of sunlight. pine-oak forest; dry and xeric oak forests; and Ozone levels are highest during the summer. dry and dry to mesic pine-oak forests. Without Recent studies suggest that competitiveness fire or other vegetation management actions that between tree species is changing over time approximate fire’s effects, many communities because of elevated ozone levels. Tree species may show dramatic reductions in distribution that are not susceptible to ozone will out and/or abundance in future years and shift compete more sensitive species over time. towards shade-tolerant and fire-intolerant Significant reductions in ozone pollution over species. In the mountains, the absence of the life of the Forest Plan are not anticipated somewhat frequent fire has allowed fire because nitrogen oxide emissions are not dependent table mountain pine to shrink in expected to decrease significantly. distribution and is now considered a rare Integrated Pest Management (IPM) bridges community. several of the following forest health goals. IPM Forests and streams located in areas of base- is the maintenance of destructive agents, poor bedrock (sandstone and granite) and with including insects, at tolerable levels, by the elevations above 3,000 feet are being negatively planned use of a variety of preventive, affected by historical and current levels of acid suppressive, or regulatory tactics and strategies deposition. The two primary acidifying that are ecologically and economically efficient compounds are sulfates and nitrates. The sources and socially acceptable. Within the constraints of of acidifying compounds are generally located Forest Plan standards and desired conditions, off national forest lands, with coal-fired electric forest insects and diseases are controlled using generation facilities and vehicles accounting for IPM if necessary to prevent unacceptable the bulk of sulfur and nitrogen emissions. When damage to resources on adjacent land, or prevent nitrogen is deposited in excess of forest nutrient unnatural loss to the forest resource or to protect needs, some nitrate will leave the soil and take threatened, endangered, and sensate species with it essential nutrients that impoverish the soil resource. When nutrients are leached from soils, growth of vegetation can be reduced. Goals and Objectives Sulfur deposition can cause the same effects on soils when the capacity to absorb sulfur is Goal 14 Manage forest ecosystems and exceeded. Sulfur and nitrogen compounds in the associated communities to maintain or restore soil also cause acidification of high elevation composition, structure, function, and streams, which can alter the solubility, mobility productivity over time. and effect of aluminum and other chemicals, thereby endangering the habitat of native brook
2-12 Goal 15 Minimize adverse effects from non FW-38 To limit soil compaction, no mechanical native invasive species. Coordinate with private equipment is used on plastic soils when the landowners and land managers as needed to water table is within 12 inches of the surface, or address influx of non-native invasive species when soil moisture exceeds the plastic limit. Soil and treatments needed to protect the National moisture exceeds the plastic limit if the soil can Forest resources. be rolled to pencil size without breaking or crumbling. Objective 15.01 Control non-native invasive plants on, at a minimum,1,000 FW-39 All trails, roads, ditches, and other acres by the end of the 10-year planning improvements in the project area are kept free of period, emphasizing management logs, slash, and debris. Any road, trail, ditch, or prescriptions where biodiversity or other improvement damaged by operations is restoration is a primary objective. promptly repaired.
Goal 16 Maintain or restore native tree species FW-40 Herbicides and application methods are whose role in forest ecosystems is threatened by chosen to minimize risk to human and wildlife insects or disease. health and the environment. No class B, C, or D chemical (defined in Glossary, Appendix B) may Goal 17 Manage forest stands so they are less be used on any project, except with Regional susceptible to insects and disease. Forester’s approval. Approval will be granted only if a site-specific analysis shows that no Objective 17.01 Improve forest health other treatment would be effective and that all on 10,000 – 50,000 acres of pine forests adverse health and environmental effects will be by reducing stand density. fully mitigated. Diesel oil will not be used as a carrier for herbicides, except as it may be a component of a formulated product when Standards purchased from the manufacturer. Vegetable oils will be used as the carrier for herbicides when FW-34 Apply pesticides according to label available and compatible with the application instructions, Forest Service policies and other proposed. federal regulations. FW-41 Areas are not burned under prescription FW-35 Areas treated with pesticide are signed. for at least 30 days after herbicide treatment.
FW-36 Seeding with invasive non-native species FW-42 Weather is monitored and the project is (listed on the Regional Forester’s invasive suspended if temperature, humidity, or wind species list) shall not be conducted. becomes unfavorable as follows:
FW-37 Healthy (full crowns and free of littleleaf FW-43 Nozzles that produce large droplets disease) shortleaf pine will not be cut on the (mean droplet size of 50 microns or larger) or piedmont during vegetation management streams of herbicide are used. Nozzles that activities in order to maintain future restoration opportunities. Exceptions may be made where needed to provide for public safety, protection of private resources, or insect and disease control, or thinnings.
2-13 produce fine droplets (mean droplet size of less skin are not cleaned in open water or wells. than 50 microns) are used only for hand Mixing and cleaning water must come from a treatment where distance from nozzle to target public water supply and be transported in does not exceed 8 feet. separate labeled containers.
FW-48 Herbicide mixing, loading, or cleaning W dni eT m ep -ar areas in the field are not located within 200 feet Huidim yt ( ta s erut erut s Le s s egrat t ) of private land, open water or wells, or other r ehgiH ehgiH r nahT nahT G er eta r sensitive areas. nahT nahT nahT nahT :dnuorG :dnuorG FW-49 No herbicide is aerially applied within ecafrus tucdnaH tucdnaH ecafrus )( N A N A N A 300 feet of any threatened, endangered, proposed, or sensitive plant. Buffers are clearly 0 rehtodnaH rehtodnaH )( 89 F %02 51 hpm marked before treatment so applicators can :lacinahceM :lacinahceM easily see and avoid them. Ldiuqi 9 50F30 %01 pm h Gralunar NA NA 01 pm h FW-50 No herbicide is aerially applied within :laireA :laireA 100 horizontal feet of lakes, wetlands, or diuqiL diuqiL 09 0F %05 5 hpm perennial or intermittent springs and streams. ralunarG ralunarG N A N A 8 hpm FW-51 No herbicide is aerially applied within 200 horizontal feet of an open road or a designated trail. Buffers are clearly marked FW-44 A certified pesticide applicator before treatment so applicators can easily see supervises each Forest Service application crew and avoid them. Contracted crews will be supervised by a licensed pesticide applicator. Crewmembers are FW-52 Pine straw or any other mulching trained in personal safety, proper handling and material will not be sold (as mulch or for any application of herbicides, and proper disposal of other purpose) from areas treated with empty containers. clopyralid.
FW-45 People living within ¼ mile of an area to be treated aerially are notified during project planning and shortly before treatment.
FW-46 With the exception of permittee treatment of right-of-way corridors that are continuous into or out of private land and through Forest Service managed areas, no herbicide is broadcast applied (as opposed to directed sprays) within 100 feet of private land or 300 feet of a private residence, unless the landowner agrees to closer treatment. Buffers are clearly marked before treatment so applicators can easily see and avoid them. FW-47 Application equipment, empty herbicide containers, clothes worn during treatment, and
2-14 Wood Products And Special Forest quantity. The allowable sale quantity for the forest is 139 million cubic feet (MMCF) for all Products decades, or an average of 13.9 MMCF annually. Management of the Sumter National Forest Lands suitable for timber production provide a balances the ecological value of leaving dead, planned periodic harvest of wood products. dying, and damaged trees as part of the Suitable lands are managed to influence tree ecosystem, with aesthetic desires, visitor safety, species composition, control stocking, ensure and the economic value of this resource for adequate reforestation, harvest trees, and protect wood products if removed before deterioration. the productivity of the site while providing for a During southern pine beetle outbreaks, salvage healthy vigorous forest within the growth harvest is an important tool for preventing capabilities of the sites. Maintaining a mix of further spread of infested spots. Only a relatively successional habitats and/or a desired species small portion of the mortality across the Sumter composition is a primary objective for most of is removed through salvage operations with the these lands on the Sumter National Forest. remainder providing organic matter, nutrients, Trees and the products derived from them are tree cavities, large woody debris, etc. a highly valued forest resource, managed Appropriate regeneration methods are used to through a timber program for multiple-use perpetuate desirable tree species. Decisions on objectives. Wood products contribute to the specific harvest methods are based on site- social and economic well being of the people specific project level analysis. living in the area. Forest products vary from high quality veneer for furniture and flooring to construction timbers to small diameter pulp logs used in the production of paper. Lands not suitable for timber production may provide additional wood products. However, no yields of forest products are planned from these lands. Any such harvests are either driven by resource objectives other than forest products, or are a result of insect/disease control or salvage operations. All of the acres in Table 2-3 are approximate. Management prescription 11 is estimated based on stream order, slope, and soil type. Actual area will be based on ground conditions. A map that accompanies this Forest Plan shows the allocation of management prescriptions on the Sumter. The allowable sale quantity includes estimated timber volume from timber sales on lands suitable for timber production. The estimates are based on site quality, tree growth rates, habitat and environmental adjustments. When salvage occurs on these lands, the salvage volume is considered part of the allowable sale quantity. Salvage on lands unsuitable for timber production is not part of the allowable sale
2-15 no i t cudorP r ebmiT rof e l bat i u snUdna e l bat i u S s ercA . 3-2 e l baT baT le 3-2 . ercA s S ui bat le snUdna ui bat le rof ebmiT r cudorP ti no s ercA ercA s ercA s l atoT atoT l tn emegana M emegana tn snU ui bat le S ui bat le rof no i tpi rc s e D e s rc tpi i no ercA s n o i tpi rc s erP erP s rc tpi io n rof ebmiT r ebmiT r no i t cudorP cudorP ti no cudorP ti no 1A Dse i ang t de iW l senred s 2, 58 5 2 , 58 5 1B Rdednemmoce Wi l senred s1, 79 1 1, 79 1 21A Dse i ang t de iW ld iR ev r 3, 92 03 , 92 0 22A Dse i ang t de S nec ic iR ev r 22 4 22 4 23A Dse i ang t de rceR ae ti ano l iR ev r 97 7 79 7 4D Bto na i ac l looZ go i ac l rA ae s 4, 73 9 4 , 73 9 4F Snec ic rA ae s 9, 79 9 9 , 79 9 41G Cal nuoh repxE nemi ta l F ro se t 908 3, 11 1 4 , 0 19 5A Aimd ni s t r a t i ev iS te s285 82 5 5B nummoC i ac ti no S it e s4 4 5C Util i t Cy ro ri rod s 2, 84 02 , 84 0 6C Old tworG h 1, 26 0 1, 26 0 7A Snec ic awyB y 2, 57 4 2 , 57 4 7D C necno tr a t de rceR ae ti no enoZ s 235 32 5 71E Di reps des rceR ae ti no rA ae s6, 45 56 , 45 5 72E Di reps des rceR ae ti no rA ae s51, 83 1 15 , 83 1 t se r o F l ano i s seccu S fo x iM x fo S seccu si ano l F o r se t 1A8 1A8 35, 232 53 , 32 2 s t a t ibaH ibaH ta t s 82B Wldoo rG/sdna sa sl S/sdna annava s 6, 36 0 6 , 36 0 93A Wat re dehs seR t ro at i o n 9, 46 69 , 46 6 9F Rra nummoCe it i *se 622 26 2 -ka Odna l pU fo no i t a ro t seR seR t ro at i no fo pU l Odna -ka 2G9 2G9 iH okc yr dna iM dex iP O-en -ka 36, 844 63 , 44 8 s t se ro F yr okc iH okc yr F ro se ts 10B Hi Qhg au li t y roF se t cudorP t s161 , 68 5 611 , 68 5 11 Ri rap i Cna ro ri rod s55, 65 3 55 , 65 3 1A2 Rtome e nuockcaB t yr rceR ae ti o n4, 14 3 4 , 4 13 Wat re 1, 67 1 1, 67 1 B5 ,A5 fo ed i s t uo t se r o f -no N -no fo r se t uo ts i ed fo ,A5 B5 2, 276 2 , 76 2 C 5 dna dna 5 C Tato l 130 , 35 7295 , 13 3 263 , 58 0 i f i ceps -e t i s fo no i t a t neme lpmi eh t h t iw den i fe r eb l l iw rebmun s i hT* hT* is rebmun iw ll eb r fe i den iw th t eh lpmi neme ta t i no fo si t -e ceps if i c i nevn t ro i se .
2-16 Goals and Objectives (Five years after final harvest means 5 years after clearcutting, 5 years after final overstory Goal 18 removal in shelterwood cutting, 5 years after the Provide a sustainable supply of wood products. seed tree removal cut in seed tree cutting, or 5 years after selection cutting.) The new stand Standards must meet the minimum stocking levels as described in Table 2-4. These standards apply to FW-53 Special forest product collections are not both artificial and natural means of stand allowed in botanical areas and rare communities, regeneration. Where natural means are used and except for research or propagation. stand reestablishment has not been accomplished within 3 years after committing the stand to FW-54 The maximum size of an opening regeneration, the stand is re-examined for further created by even-aged or two-aged regeneration treatment needs. treatments is 80 acres for southern yellow pine and 40 acres for all other tree species. FW-57 Sell no more than 138.7 MMCF of Exceptions to these acreage limitations may be chargeable timber from lands suitable for timber permitted following review by the Regional production during the 10-year planning period. Forester. These acreage limits do not apply to areas treated as a result of natural catastrophic FW-58 No timber harvesting shall occur on conditions such as fire, insect or disease attack, lands classified as not suited for timber or windstorm. Areas managed as permanent production except for salvage sales, harvest openings (e.g., meadows, pastures, food plots, activities necessary to protect other multiple-use rights-of-way, woodlands, savannas, and values, or harvest activities needed to meet other grasslands) are not subject to these standards and (non-timber) desired conditions of the are not included in calculations of opening size, management prescriptions established in this even when within or adjacent to created Forest Plan. openings. The 80-acre limit will not apply to the elbaT M.4-2 mumini s kcot ediuggni s loblolly pine forest type on the Andrew Pickens f o r ebmuNmumini M ebmuNmumini r o f Ranger District. These stands have a desired epyT t s eroF eroF s t epyT S e e ld gni s rof condition of more native species composition, gni kcotS etauqedA etauqedA kcotS gni and many are more than 80 acres with the largest stand being 290 acres. Leaving loblolly pine Lyllolbo enip 002 rep rca e trees on site would provide an unwanted seed S faeltroh p hctip/eni erca rep 002 002 rep erca source and would work against restoration enip activities. 001 rep lliw(erca rucco htiw sdnats dexim ni dexim sdnats htiw enip etihW etihW enip FW-55 An even-aged regeneration area will no rehto senip ro longer be considered an opening when the rah d doow )s certified reestablished stand has reached an age rep seert elbarised 001 001 elbarised seert rep of 5 years. owdraH sdo erca erca FW-56 Regeneration harvest on lands suitable Tba el niatnuom enip 001 rep rca e for timber production must be done under a dexiM sdnats regeneration harvest method where adequate drah( oow enip/d ro 001 rep erca stocking of desirable species is expected to ip )doowdrah/en occur within 5 years after the final harvest cut. 2-17 Fire Management Fire and Aviation Management, Washington, DC. FS-590. August 1996.) Three Condition Classes define the degree of Historically, fire may have been the most departure from historical fire regimes, resulting common form of natural disturbance on the in alteration of key ecosystem components. landscape now managed as the Sumter National (Reference A Collaborative Approach for Forest. Fire has played an important role in Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities developing and maintaining southern yellow and the Environment, 10-Year Comprehensive pine ecosystems and appears to be a major factor Strategy, Implementation Plan May 2002.) in the developing oak forests. (Reference Southern Appalachian Assessment “Terrestrial Condition Class 1: Fire regimes in this Report” page 94-96). For additional discussion fire condition class are within historical on fire’s role in forest health, please refer to ranges. Vegetation composition and “Forest Health.” structure are intact. Fire dependent For purposes of fire management, ecosystems ecosystem components are maintained by have been classified into five fire regimes. desired fire regimes. Thus, the risk of losing key ecosystem components from Group 1—(0 to 35 years) low severity. the occurrence of wildland fire remains Group 2—(0 to 35 years) stand relatively low. replacement severity. Group 3—(35 to 100+ years) mixed Condition Class 2: Fire regimes on severity. these lands have been moderately altered Group 4—(35 to 100+ years) stand from their historical range. A moderate replacement severity. risk of losing key ecosystem components Group 5—(more than 200 years) stands has been identified on these lands. Fire replacement severity. frequencies have departed by one or more return intervals. Vegetation Fire regimes are generalized descriptions of the composition has been moderately altered. role fire plays in an ecosystem. (Discussion of fire regimes can be found in the FEIS, Chapter 3, Condition Class 3: Fire regimes on “Prescribed and Wildland Fire.”) The Sumter is these lands have been significantly dominated by fire-adapted and fire-dependent altered from their historical return ecosystems characterized by short return interval interval. The risk of losing key understory fire regimes with low to moderate ecosystem components from fire is high. intensity ground fires that generally are non Fire frequencies have departed from lethal to the dominant trees. historical ranges by multiple return Fire exclusion, primarily by suppression, intervals. Vegetation composition, disrupted the pattern of fire intensity and structure, and diversity have been occurrence on the Sumter. The effect of the significantly altered. Consequently, these changes in the vegetation eventually leads to a lands verge on the greatest risk of regime shift on the continuum. Almost all ecological collapse. significant forest health problems and many of the most destructive wildfires occur in these The Sumter National Forest is characterized ecosystems, where fire has been excluded for by short return-interval fire regime 1, and all prolonged periods and the natural fire regime has three condition classes. shifted. (Reference Land Management The hazardous fuels reduction program Considerations in Fire Adapted Ecosystems: focuses on maintaining land in existing Conceptual Guidelines. USDA Forest Service, 2-18 condition class 1, and treating the fuels hazard in midstory and ground cover), and the presence of condition classes 2 and 3 to bring them into insects and disease. Regeneration harvests over condition class 1. Priority is in the wildland the past 20 years have resulted in a mosaic of 0 urban interface (WUI), followed by maintaining to 20 year-old pine stands. Fires starting in and restoring fire adapted ecosystems.The reproduction stands are harder to suppress than current prescribed burning program for fire in open stands with light fuels. These stands hazardous fuels and resource management treats have a greater potential of increased mortality to about 20,000 acres annually. Approximately the overstory with increased potential for stand 18,000 acres of the average are burned for replacement fires. A recent infestation of the hazardous fuels reduction and 2,000 acres for southern pine beetle has dramatically increased other resource management. It is important for the amount of fuel present, both on the ground forest health, threatened and endangered species and standing. Treatments include salvage sales habitat, and reducing the risk in the wildland in the piedmont and cut-and-leave activities in urban interface to maintain the forest currently in the mountains and piedmont. Both types of condition class 1 and restore as much of the treatment will increase hazardous fuels on the condition class 2 and 3 to a lower class if ground, and add complexity and hazard to possible. suppression efforts and wildland fire use. Fire behavior and its effects vary within the Much of the Sumter is in dispersed Sumter National Forest. The piedmont is ownership and can be classified as wildland characterized by gentle rolling hills. Steeper, urban interface.This wildland urban interface longer slopes characterize the mountains, and places the private structures at increased risk affect fire behavior and fire size more from wildland fires and vice versa. If fire is dramatically than the topography found in the excluded from these areas, fuel loadings will piedmont. Consequently, the mountains have increase, resulting in increasingly greater risk for the potential for larger fires. larger and more intense fires. The hazardous The Sumter National Forest suppresses an fuels reduction program strives to reduce this average of 30 wildland fires annually, which risk. burn approximately 200 acres of National Forest The National Fire Plan – A Collaborative land. Humans cause 94 percent of these fires: Approach for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to most are intentionally set or escaped debris Communities and the Environment 10-Year burning. Lightning causes 6 percent of these Comprehensive Strategy Implementation Plan fires. Most fires, 86 percent, are 10 acres or established four goals for Forest Service Fire fewer. Management (and other federal and state The Sumter may expect 40 to 50 days of high agencies). Theese goals provide the framework fire danger and 1 day of very high to extreme for developing the Sumter’s fire management fire danger, annually. Most fires occur during program. These four goals follow. the high fire danger periods with flame lengths of 3-5 feet. Severe and extreme droughts occur 1. Improve Fire Prevention and periodically, usually beginning in the spring and Suppression may continue through November. During these 2. Reduce Hazardous Fuels periods the Keetch-Byrum Drought Index 3. Restore Fire-Adapted Ecosystems (KBDI) may reach 700+. In the past 25 years, 4. Promote Community Assistance the Sumter has had 17 escaped fires (over 100 acres), an annual escape fire frequency of 0.68 The appropriate management response will and an average of 234 acres burned per year. be used for suppression strategies. These Major factors affecting forest fuels are strategies range from direct attack to minimizing dominant vegetation type and age (overstory, acreage burned and resource value loss, to
2-19 indirect attack where firefighter and public Standards safety is always the primary consideration. (Reference “Federal Wildland and Prescribed Wildland Fire Fire Management Policy” 1995, and amendments.) FW-59 The safety of firefighters and the public The “Fire Management Plan” (FMP), a is the first priority in all fire management strategic document based on and in support of activities. this Forest Plan, provides comprehensive guidelines for both the suppression and the FW–60 Suppress human-caused fires. prescribed fire programs in relation to other management activities and geographic areas on FW-61 Wildland fire use, the management of the Sumter. The “Fire Management Plan” does naturally ignited wildland fire, is allowed with not document fire management decisions; rather an approved “Fire Management Plan” and a it provides the operational parameters whereby specific “Wildland Fire Implementation Plan” fire managers implement the goals and for the area. objectives in the Forest Plan or land management decisions.” (FSH 31 FW–62 Wildland fire use of naturally-ignited 5109.19 CH 50, 52.1) wildland fire in wilderness is allowed with an approved “Fire Management Plan,” a Goals and Objectives “Wilderness Fire Plan,” and a specific “Wildland Fire Implementation Plan” for the area. Goal 19 Protect life, property, and resources Prescribed Fire from unacceptable damage by fire through improved fire prevention, suppression, FW-63 Prescribed fires will be implemented hazardous fuel reduction, and promoting following the direction found in FSM 5140. community assistance. FW-64 Prescribed burns are done so they do not Goal 20 Maintain and restore fire-adapted consume all litter and duff and/or alter structure ecosystems by reducing hazardous fuels through and color of mineral soil on more than 15 the use of prescribed fire and mechanical fuels percent of the area. treatments. FW-65 On severely eroded forest soils, any area Objective 20.01 Maintain condition with an average litter-duff depth of less than ½ class 1 by restoring historic fire return inch or duff less than ¼ inch will only be burned intervals and reducing the risk of losing at low intensity. ecosystem components to wildfire on approximately 250,000 acres over the 10 FW-66 Use existing barriers, e.g., streams, year planning period. lakes, wetlands, roads, and trails, whenever possible to reduce the need for fire line Goal 21 Emissions from prescribed fire will not construction and to minimize resource impacts. hinder the state’s progress toward attaining air quality standards and visibility goals. FW-67 All managed burns will comply with Smoke Management Programs (SMP) for South Carolina.
2-20 FW-68 Conform with the “State Implementation interspersed with pastured lands, croplands, Plan” for any prescribed fire planned within industrial timberlands, and small communities. EPA-designated “non-attainment” and National forest lands in this area are not “maintenance” areas. consolidated and often are adjacent to private lands. The recreational resources include campgrounds and primitive camps, rifle ranges, Recreation—Developed, trails for a variety of uses, interpretive Dispersed, and Backcountry opportunities, hunting and several recreational fishing lakes. The statewide Palmetto Trail will cross this district when completed. Rose Hill The Sumter National Forest consists of three State Park, a historic state park, is located in the ranger districts, the Andrew Pickens, Enoree, middle of the district. An emphasis of this and Long Cane. Each district is unique in its district is a premier network of trails for riding recreational offering as well as its landscape. OHVs, horses, mountain bikes, and hiking, as The Andrew Pickens Ranger District well as abundant opportunities for hunting and (85,500 acres) is located in the northwest corner wildlife viewing. of the state, bordering both North Carolina and The Long Cane Ranger District (117,500 Georgia. The district is also rural in nature. acres) is located on the western edge of the state, Apple orchards and small residential complexes near Abbeville, Edgefield and North Augusta. are common sights. The district’s land base is The district also has a rural setting and an much more consolidated than either the Enoree unconsolidated land base. Small towns and or Long Cane Ranger Districts. National forest communities dot the landscape. Forested lands, land dominates the landscape with some pastures and private residences and industrial occasional private lands. The recreational timberland coexist. The recreational resources resources include developed campgrounds, on this district include developed campgrounds, primitive/seasonal camps, several types of trails, primitive/seasonal camps, rifle ranges, trails for including the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River, a variety of uses, interpretive opportunities, a rifle range, hunting and fishing opportunities. hunting, and fishing opportunities. There are Hotspots on this district include the recreational several state parks located within the forest use associated with the Chattooga Wild and boundaries, including Baker Creek State Park, Scenic River. The river is one of the main Hamilton Branch State Park, and Hickory Knob attractions of this area and people flock to see it. State Park. Also, there are several Corps of River boating approachs 100,000 per year. There Engineer projects along the Strom Thurmond is one state park within the forest’s boundaries, Lake, which borders the Long Cane to the west. Oconee State Park. Another large state park, A state scenic highway (state highway 28/81) Devils Fork State Park is located just a few runs through the district. Also, a National miles to the east of the forest. This district is Heritage Corridor also runs through the district. located on the state line for North Carolina, An emphasis of this district is a premier network South Carolina and Georgia and borders both the of trails for hiking and riding OHVs, horses, Chattahoochee and the Nantahala National mountain bikes, as well as abundant Forests. These national forests also provide opportunities for hunting and wildlife viewing. recreational settings and opportunities that affect Although the opportunities for outdoor supply in the area. recreation are extensive and the public demand The Enoree Ranger District (161,500 acres) for these opportunities is seemingly endless, the is located in central South Carolina, between Sumter’s capability to meet these demands is not Spartanburg and Columbia. The district has a endless. Visitor preferences can shift over time. very rural setting with National Forest lands Both changing financial limitations and
2-21 environmental impacts must be considered. In Goal 24 Enhance opportunities to provide order to maximize value to the public with the backcountry (semi-primitive motorized and non- limited resources available, the forest will focus motorized/remote) recreational experiences that on providing those opportunities that are unique are generally not available on other land or of exceptional long-term value in a manner ownerships. that focuses on maximizing visitor satisfaction within financial and environmental limitations. Goal 25 Provide a range of accessible recreation facilities and trails. Goals and Objectives
Goal 22 Provide a spectrum of high quality Standards nature-based recreational settings and opportunities that reflect the unique or General exceptional resources of the Sumter and the interests of the recreating public on an FW-69 Limit OHVs and mountain bikes to environmentally sound and financially designated routes. sustainable basis. Adapt management of recreation facilities and opportunities as needed FW-70 Prohibit camping stays over 14 days, to shift limited resources to those opportunities. unless permitted.
Goal 23 Where financially and environmentally FW-71 No new OHV routes in the Turkey, feasible, enhance the following opportunities: Stevens, Chauga and Chattooga Watersheds.