Green Mountain United States Department of Agriculture National Forest

Forest Service

Eastern Region

R9-GM-FP Land and Resource February 2006 Management Plan

This document is available in large print. Contact the Green Mountain National Forest Supervisor’s Office 1-802-747-6700 TTY 1-802-747-6765

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Green Mountain National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (2006 Forest Plan)

Eastern Region Milwaukee, Wisconsin February 2006

Responsible Agency USDA Forest Service

Responsible Official Randy Moore, Regional Forester Gaslight Building, Suite 700 626 E. Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53203 414-297-3765

For further information contact Melissa Reichert, Forest Planner Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests 231 N. Main St. Rutland, VT 05701 802-747-6754 [email protected]

Green Mountain National Forest Addison County Bennington County Rutland County Washington County Windham County Windsor County

As the population of the country rises and demands on the timber, forage, water, wildlife, and recreation resources increase, the national forests more and more provide for the material needs of the individual, the economies of the towns and States, and contribute to the Nation’s strength and well-being. Thus the national forests serve the people.

- Edward P. Cliff, Ninth Chief of the USDA Forest Service, The USDA Forest Service – The First Century, FS 650, Washington DC, July 2000.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

List of Tables v List of Figures vi

Chapter 1 – Introduction

Introduction 2 Implementing the 2006 Forest Plan 4

Chapter 2 – Forest-wide Management Direction

Role of the Forest 8 Forest-wide Goals and Objectives 10 Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines 19

Chapter 3 – Management Area Direction

Introduction 46 Diverse Forest Use 47 Wilderness 49 Remote Backcountry Forest 54 Diverse Backcountry 58 Remote Wildlife Habitat 60 Alpine Ski Areas 63 Appalachian National Scenic Trail 66 Long National Recreation Trail 73 Robert T. Stafford White Rocks National Recreation Area 79 Alpine/Subalpine Special Areas 82 Green Mountain Escarpment 86 Existing and Candidate Research Natural Areas 90 Ecological Special Areas 94 Recreation Special Areas 98 Moosalamoo Recreation and Education Area 100 Alpine Ski Area Expansion 103 Eligible Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers 105

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Table of Contents

Chapter 4 – Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring and Evaluation 110

Chapter 5 – Literature Cited

Literature Cited in the 2006 Forest Plan 119

Chapter 6 – Glossary

Glossary Terms 121

Chapter 7 – Index

Index 158

Appendices

Appendix A. Analysis of the Management Situation Summary A-1 Appendix B. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Mapping Criteria B-1 Appendix C. Management Indicator Species C-1 Appendix D. Proposed and Probable Practices and Goods Produced D-1 Appendix E. Relevant Statutes, Regulations, Policies, and Agreements E-1 Appendix F. Maps F-1

Smokey Bear and Fisherman at the Fish Derby, photo courtesy of Scott Wixsom

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Table of Contents

List of Tables

Table Number Page Table 2.2-1: Long-term Composition Objectives for all GMNF Lands 11 Table 2.2-2: Age Class Objectives for Suitable Lands 11 Table 2.2-3: Rotation Ages 12 Table 2.3-1: Protective Strip Width Guide (based on AMPs) 20 Table 2.3-2: Visual Condition Guidelines for On-Site and Off-Site Views 38 Table 2.3-3: Visual Condition Guidelines Related to Timber Harvesting Activities for the 39 GMNF Table 3.1-1: Designated Wilderness 50 Table 3.1-2: Average Rotation Length by Forest Type 80 Table 3.1-3: Existing Research Natural Areas 90 Table 3.1-4: Candidate Research Natural Areas 90 Table 3.1-5: Ecological Special Areas and Related Special Values 94 Table 3.1-6: Recreation Special Areas and Related Special Values 98 Table 3.1-7: Rivers Eligible as Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers 106 Table 4.1-1: Monitoring Categories 111 Table 4.1-2: Required Monitoring Elements 114 Table 4.1-3: Other Monitoring 117

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List of Figures

Figure Number Page Figure 1.1-1 Location of the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont 2 Figure 4.1-1 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptive Management 112

View from Appalachian Trail, photo courtesy of David Lacy

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Chapter 1 Introduction to the Forest Plan

1.1.1. Introduction 2 The Green Mountain National Forest 2 Purpose of the Forest Plan 2 Revising the 1987 Forest Plan 3 Consultation with Tribes 3

1.1.2 Implementing the 2006 Forest Plan 4 Basic Principles of Management 4 Tools and Techniques 4 Site-Level Projects 5 Operational Activities Exempt from National Environmental Policy Act 5 Procedures Budgets 6 Forest Plan Amendments 6

Introduction Chapter 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE FOREST PLAN

1.1.1 Introduction

The Green Mountain National Forest

The Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) encompasses more than 400,000 acres in southwestern and central Vermont, forming the largest contiguous public land area in the State (Figure 1.1-1). Characterized by striking scenery that combines rugged mountain peaks with quintessential Vermont villages, the Forest is an attraction for many visitors. The GMNF signifies a multiple-use ethic through its role of providing ecological and science-based forest stewardship, clean water, diverse vegetation, high-value, high-quality forest products, economical and educational contributions, and trail-based backcountry recreation.

Located within a day’s drive of more than 70 million people, the GMNF is a destination for visitors seeking a variety of recreation opportunities. The Forest includes three nationally designated trails: The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Long National Recreation Trail, and the Robert Frost National Recreation Trail. The Forest also includes three alpine ski areas, seven Nordic ski areas, and approximately 900 miles of multiple-use trails for hiking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and bicycling. In addition to Figure 1.1-1: Location of the Green recreation opportunities, the Forest includes a Mountain National Forest in Vermont variety of species of plants and animals. Northern hardwoods, softwoods, rare and Purpose of the Forest Plan unique plants, fish, birds, and numerous animals of all sizes are part of the attraction for The Forest Plan, also known as the Land and visitors. Resource Management Plan, guides all natural resource management activities for the GMNF. The USDA Forest Service manages the GMNF, It describes Forest-wide goals and objectives, aided by partners, other agencies, and management area desired resource conditions, individuals. There are two Ranger Districts: the standards and guidelines for implementation of Manchester in southwest Vermont and the projects, levels of resource production and Rochester-Middlebury in central Vermont. The management, and the availability of suitable Forest Headquarters is currently located in land for resource management. Rutland, Vermont.

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Chapter 1 Introduction

The purpose of the Forest Plan is to provide (Section 2.1.7) of the Final EIS. The Forest management direction to ensure that Plan is a result of extensive analysis and ecosystems are capable of providing a considerations addressed in the accompanying sustainable flow of beneficial goods and Final EIS. The 2006 Forest Plan completely services to the public. More specifically, the replaces the 1987 Forest Plan. Plan establishes: • How the Forest should look if the Forest Forest Plan Revision in the Future Plan is fully implemented (Goals and Desired Conditions) The GMNF Forest Supervisor is required to • Measurable, planned results that review conditions of the land at least every five contribute to reaching the desired years to determine if the Forest Plan needs to conditions (Objectives) be revised. If monitoring and evaluation • Required action or resource status indicate that immediate changes are needed designed to meet the desired conditions and these needed changes cannot be handled and objectives (Standards) by a Plan amendment, then it would be • Preferable action used to reach desired necessary to revise the Plan. conditions and objectives (Guidelines) • Management Direction that is applicable Forest Service Planning Rules Forest-wide • Management direction that is applicable This Forest Plan revision process was only to specific management areas conducted under the 1982 version of the Forest • Management direction that is applicable Service planning rules as stated in 36 CFR 219. only to specific landscape ecosystems The Forest Service developed revised planning rules that were approved in 2005; however, • Monitoring and evaluation requirements they were not adopted by the GMNF during • Designation of land as suitable or not revision of the 1987 Plan. Subsequent suitable for timber production and other revisions or amendments to the Plan will be resource management activities developed under applicable planning rules.

Land use determinations and management area standards and guidelines constitute a Consultation with Tribes statement of the Plan’s management direction; however, the actual outputs, services, and rates To ensure that the rights of sovereign tribal of implementation are dependant on annual governments are fully respected, the President budgets from Congress. has directed agencies to operate within a government-to-government relationship; to consult with tribal governments prior to taking Revising the 1987 Forest Plan actions affecting resources in which tribal

governments may have an interest; to assess A Forest Plan for the Green Mountain National the impact of plans, projects, and programs to Forest was issued in 1987. The National Forest assure that tribal governments’ rights and Management Act (NFMA) regulations require interests are considered; and, to remove any that Forest Plans be revised every 10 to 15 procedural barriers to working directly and years (36 CFR 219.10). This 2006 Forest Plan effectively with tribal governments. is a result of the revision effort described in the

Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final The Forest Service has been in contact with EIS). tribes throughout the process of preparing the

2006 Forest Plan. Contact is ongoing between Included in the Final EIS are several the Forest Service and the Abenaki Nation of management alternatives. The 2006 Forest Vermont and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Plan is based on the Selected Alternative, the Mohican Nation, Wisconsin. Alternative E, which is described in Chapter 2

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Introduction Chapter 1

Consultation with the Mohican Nation supports Principle 2 Executive Order 13175 (November 6, 2000), which recognizes the sovereignty of federally The Forest Service will coordinate management recognized American Indian tribes and the activities with the appropriate local, State, or special government-to-government relationship tribal governments, as well as with other federal between the United States and American Indian agencies. tribes. Principle 3

1.1.2 Implementing the The Forest Service will actively consult with 2006 Forest Plan tribal governments and collaborate with interested organizations, groups, and The 2006 Forest Plan provides a framework individuals on resource planning and and context that guides the Green Mountain implementation. National Forest’s day-to-day resource management operations. It is a strategic, Principle 4 programmatic document and does not make any project level decisions. The Forest Service will manage the Green Mountain National Forest for multiple uses. The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) The Green Mountain National Forest is open for requires that “permits, contracts, and other any legal public activity or management action, instruments for use and occupancy” of National unless specifically restricted in law, policy, or Forest System lands be “consistent” with the the 2006 Forest Plan. While allowed, such Forest Plan (NFMA 1976). In the context of a activities and actions may require administrative revised Plan, the NFMA specifically conditions review and authorization before they are this requirement in three ways: implemented. 1. These documents must be revised only “when necessary” Tools and Techniques 2. These documents must be revised as “soon as practicable” The Forest will reach desired vegetative 3. Any revisions are “subject to valid conditions through natural ecological processes existing rights” and through utilization of a diverse range of management tools and techniques as per the Basic Principles of Management 2006 Forest Plan.

A set of fundamental principles guides To the extent practical, timber management will management on the Green Mountain National be used to emulate naturally occurring Forest. Direction in the 2006 Forest Plan disturbances, such as windstorms and fire, as qualifies and expands upon these four basic well as to create desired vegetative types. principles. Management practices will include fire, and both even-aged and uneven-aged timber Principle 1 harvesting techniques. Clearcutting will continue to be used on the Forest when it is the The Forest Service will follow laws and optimal method to meet the objectives and regulations as well as policies in Forest Service requirements of the 2006 Forest Plan. The Manuals and Handbooks that relate to Forest Service will also use shelterwood, group managing National Forest System land. The selection, individual tree selection, and other Plan is designed to supplement, not replace, harvest methods to create or maintain even- direction from these sources. aged and uneven-aged stands.

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Chapter 1 Introduction

Prescribed fire will be used alone or with impact statement, or categorical exclusion. An silvicultural treatments to mimic the effects of analysis file or project file is available for public natural fire. Prescribed fire will help maintain, review. Environmental analysis is driven by enhance, and restore natural ecological public involvement and determined issues. processes on the Forest. Environmental analysis of site-level projects will The Forest Service will promote re-growth of use, as its basis, the data and evaluations in harvested or other disturbed forests with a the 2006 Forest Plan and the Final variety of regeneration practices. This includes Environmental Impact Statement for the Forest regenerating forests through tree planting, Plan. The following are some examples of seeding, and natural regeneration. Some areas project-level decisions that may require will naturally change through forest succession. additional environmental analyses and disclosure as the 2006 Forest Plan is Environmentally sustainable management implemented: practices will provide commodity and non- • Timber harvest commodity resources to contribute to the social • Wildlife improvement and restoration and economic stability of local communities. projects Management practices to achieve this include • Prescribed burn projects prescribed fire, mowing, timber harvest, non- • Trail construction commercial and commercial use of forest products, and restoration activities. Recreation opportunities will be provided in a multiple-use Operational Activities Exempt from setting by using management tools such as the National Environmental Policy Act Recreation Opportunity Spectrum. (NEPA) Procedures

Ecological functions of watersheds and riparian Resource inventories, action plans, and areas will be enhanced or restored through schedules do not require additional techniques such as reconstructing or improving environmental analysis and disclosure at the road and trail crossings, or using silvicultural project level. The following are examples of treatments to enhance shade, coarse woody operational activities that do not constitute site- debris recruitment, or bank stability in riparian specific decisions and therefore are exempt areas. from NEPA procedures: • Developing fire-situation reports Site-Level Projects • Scheduling maintenance for developed recreation sites “Implementing the 2006 Forest Plan” means • developing and implementing site-level forest management projects in order to reach the desired conditions established in the Plan.

Project-level compliance with the NFMA is primarily concerned with consistency with the 2006 Forest Plan and the NFMA regulations, as well as disclosure of potential environmental impacts.

Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act involves the environmental analysis process for a specific proposal, proper Beaver Meadows Pond documentation, and public disclosure of effects in an environmental assessment, environmental

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Introduction Chapter 1

Budgets Forest Plan Amendments

Annual Forest budget proposals are based on Proposed activities should be consistent with the activities and actions required to achieve direction in the 2006 Forest Plan. When the desired conditions and objectives of the conditions change, such as a change in public 2006 Forest Plan. Congress reviews and interest or land resource conditions, or allocates Forest budgets on an annual basis, monitoring and analysis shows an error in the which may, or may not be, sufficient to Plan, adjustment to the 2006 Forest Plan would implement proposed annual activities. require an amendment.

The National Forest System appropriation from The need to amend management direction may Congress provides funds for stewardship and result from: management of approximately 192 million acres of federal land and the natural ecosystems on • Changes in physical, biological, social, or that land across the country. These economic conditions appropriated funds are necessary for translating • Recommendations of an interdisciplinary the desired conditions and objectives stated in team based on the results of monitoring the 2006 Forest Plan to on-the-ground results. and evaluation • Determination by the Forest Supervisor that Upon receipt of the final budget, the Forest existing or proposed projects, permits, annually prepares an implementation budget. contracts, cooperative agreements, or This budget is a result of program development, other instruments authorizing occupancy annual work planning, and monitoring and use are appropriate, but not processes. These processes supplement the consistent with elements of the 2006 2006 Forest Plan and make the annual Forest Plan management direction adjustments and changes needed to reflect • Errors in planning found during current priorities within the overall management implementation. Conflicts may be direction contained in the Plan. Therefore, the identified between different sections of funding distribution between program management direction, for instance there components and the intensity or level of could be discrepancies in the selected activities in those programs is a reflection of the alternative map and the narrative Forest Plan as well as the will of Congress. description of the selected alternative. The final determining factor in carrying out the The Forest Plan does not prioritize intent of the 2006 Forest Plan is the level of management direction; therefore a funding, which dictates the rate of discrepancy would need to be resolved by implementation of the Plan. determining the management intent using a variety of information, such as the planning record, Final Environmental Impact Statement, and the 2006 Forest Plan. The Forest Supervisor will determine whether proposed changes to the Forest Plan are significant or non- significant as defined by the National Forest Management Act, to determine the level of analysis necessary to amend the Plan.

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Chapter 2 Forest-Wide Management Direction

2.1 Role of the Green Mountain National Forest 8 2.1.1 Historical Perspective 8 2.1.2 The Role of Today’s Green Mountain National Forest 8

2.2 Forest-wide Goals and Objectives 10 2.2.1 Introduction 10 2.2.2 Goals and Objectives 10

2.3 Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines 19 2.3.1 Introduction 19 2.3.2 Soil, Water, and Riparian Area Protection and Restoration 20 2.3.3 Minerals 22 2.3.4 Timber or Vegetation Management 23 2.3.5 Openings 26 2.3.6 Special Forest Products 26 2.3.7 Wildlife 27 2.3.8 Fisheries 32 2.3.9 Forest Health and Disturbance Processes 33 2.3.10 Fire Management 34 2.3.11 Recreation 34 2.3.12 Trails 35 2.3.13 Visuals 37 2.3.14 Tribal Relations 40 2.3.15 Heritage Resources 40 2.3.16 Interpretation and Education 41 2.3.17 Land Ownership Adjustments 41 2.3.18 Transportation Analysis 42 2.3.19 Special Uses 43 2.3.20 Administrative Facilities and Uses 45

Forest-Wide Management Direction Chapter 2

2.1 ROLE OF THE GREEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST

assembled parcel by parcel from lands acquired 2.1.1 Historical Perspective from willing private landowners. In earlier years, many of these lands had been heavily The Green Mountains form the backbone of the logged, grazed, farmed, and later abandoned. Western Abenaki homeland. Native life was Soils were often highly eroded with streams and thrown into turmoil by contact with French, riverbanks in poor condition. Current federal Dutch, and English societies in the 17th and ownership is now more than 400,000 acres and 18th centuries, reducing their population and comprises 49 percent of the land within the altering their lifestyles. English settlement of 821,000-acre Forest Proclamation Boundary. this area began in the mid-18th century and Due to the natural resilience of Vermont’s flourished after the Revolution. Land-use in the forests and careful management, the USDA 19th century included subsistence farming, Forest Service has worked for more than 70 grazing, and orchard operations, but was years to restore a healthy, productive, and shaped by extractive industries like logging and beautiful forest – one among a system of 155 mining. By the early 20th century, visitors to national forests nationwide. Vermont began considering the mountains a source of beauty and recreation opportunities. 2.1.2 The Role of Today’s The origin of the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) is due in large part to the Green Mountain National persistent effort of committed Vermont citizens Forest and legislators working over a three-decade period in the early 1900s to persuade Congress Straddling the spine of the Green Mountain and the USDA Forest Service of the need for range over the southern two-thirds of the State, Vermont’s own national forest. The tragic flood the land within the National Forest embodies of 1927, with its resulting devastation to much of what is representative of Vermont’s Vermont’s towns and surrounding lands, was a character and quality of life – lush forested key event that finally led to official studies, hillsides interspersed by farms and village proposals, and legislative actions resulting in communities. The Green Mountains serve as President Herbert Hoover’s proclamation of an abiding connection of Vermont’s people to April 25, 1932 creating Vermont’s sole national the land and heighten the strong sense of place forest. The name chosen was in honor of many feel. With the nation’s population Vermont’s namesake, the Green Mountain projected to double by the end of the 21st State. century, the Forest Service owes a special duty to act in ways that help conserve and maintain The proposal that eventually led to the creation Vermont’s landscape, its communities, and of the GMNF spoke of the need to improve and rural economy. preserve local watersheds, offer resources for local wood industries, provide recreation to a Today the GMNF encompasses 6 percent of region with an expanding population, and to Vermont’s land base – roughly 50 percent of “serve as a demonstration area of proper forest the public land within the State. It is the largest management” – reasons still valid today. contiguous expanse of public land in Vermont. In contrast to some regions in the western US, Today National Forest System lands are found where public ownership makes up two-thirds of within 53 towns in southern and central the land, in the New England-New York Region Vermont. Like other national forests in the public land makes up only 17 percent of the eastern United States, the GMNF has been land base. With more than 70 million people

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Chapter 2 Forest-Wide Management Direction currently living within a day’s drive of the wildlife and plant habitat conditions, GMNF, public land is under increasing pressure including those for threatened, endangered, to serve the people of this region in a variety of and rare species. The guaranteed long ways. Coming decades are predicted to bring tenure of ownership of National Forest further urbanization, sprawl, and loss of open System lands allows for trees to be grown space. As such, our management philosophy longer, so that the Forest Service will focus continues to be guided by the belief that public on producing high-quality, high-value land in the Northeast will be increasingly scarce forest products. This activity will be and precious. With each passing decade this directed towards more productive and increasingly involves managing among a host accessible lands. of often competing and sometime conflicting interests. • The Green Mountain National Forest contributes to the economic well being of Although the Forest Service will continue to Vermont by serving as the setting for manage these lands for multiple-use purposes, appropriate small businesses such as we will strive to emphasize the following uses guiding services and large businesses such and interests seeking to provide benefits for as ski areas, as a source of material for the people today, with an eye towards coming forest products industry, and as the scenic trends so as to maintain options and background and setting attractions for the opportunities for future generations: tourism industry. We will collaborate with the State of Vermont, regional • The headwaters of many of Vermont’s rivers organizations, and towns so that our actions flow from the National Forest. The actively contribute towards sustaining foundation of our stewardship the character of Vermont’s rural responsibilities begins by conducting our landscape, fostering vibrant local management activities in a manner that communities and economies. perpetuates an abundance of clean water and the maintenance of productive soils. • The Green Mountain National Forest will strive to serve as a model of ecological • We recognize that local citizens value the and science-based forest stewardship, National Forest as their “backyard” and that where monitoring and evaluation activities visitors are drawn from afar to experience are applied in order to adapt and improve its striking scenery and varied recreational management practices over time. We will opportunities. Our recreation niche will collaborate with other parties to offer focus on the fact that the GMNF’s large, opportunities for research on forest contiguous blocks of land are well suited to ecosystems. The GMNF will serve as a trail-based activities in backcountry demonstration area of various types of settings. The remote nature of much of sustainable management techniques in this land makes Wilderness a special role order to serve as an example for other the GMNF will serve to play. Working in forestland ownerships. partnership with many organizations will continue to be a hallmark of how the Forest • The GMNF will play an increasingly Service provides recreation opportunities to important educational role whereby the public. people may gain a clearer understanding of the origins of the natural resources they use • Our forest management activities will be in everyday life so as to develop a greater especially geared towards providing a conservation ethic and sense of personal diverse range of vegetation ages and responsibility for their actions. species composition in order to enhance

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Forest-Wide Management Direction Chapter 2

2.2 FOREST-WIDE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

2.2.1 Introduction actual implemented progress against the Forest’s desired future condition through monitoring and

evaluation will be used to determine future The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) management actions and resources needed to requires that Forest Plans contain multiple- achieve the goals. use goals and objectives that include a description of the desired future condition of the Forest and the identification of the 2.2.2 Goals and Objectives quantities of goods and services that are expected to be produced or provided during Goal 1: Provide for a wide range of uses and the planning period. Goals and objectives are activities in an ecologically, socially, and conditions and activities that the GMNF is economically sustainable way. working toward but may not be able to completely achieve during the life of the 2006 This is the overarching goal for the Forest Plan. They are not intended to be management of the Green Mountain National construed as requirements. Forest. Because of its broad nature, this goal will be achieved by following the goals and Forest goals are concise statements that objectives listed below. describe desired conditions to be achieved sometime in the future. They are normally Goal 2: Maintain and restore quality, amount, expressed in broad, general terms, and are and distribution of habitats to produce viable and timeless in that they have no specific dates by sustainable populations of native and desirable which they are to be completed. Goal non-native plants and animals. statements form the principal basis from which objectives are developed. Forest-wide Habitat Composition and Structure Objectives: Forest objectives are concise, time-specific statements of measurable planned results or Maintain northern hardwood forests on sites outcomes that are needed to achieve that ecologically support these habitats. established goals. Objectives form the basis for building management programs and Support, and where desirable enhance, the further planning to define the precise steps to natural conversion of northern hardwood be taken and the resources to be used in forests to mixedwood and softwood forests on achieving goals. Objectives generally are sites that ecologically support a higher accomplished by implementing projects or proportion of softwoods. activities, and have a specific timeframe for achieving the desired outcome. The Increase acres of oak-dominated and oak- objectives shared below are expected to be pine forest habitat on sites that ecologically accomplished during the life of the Plan (10 to support these habitats. Maintain, and where 15 years) unless there is a specific stated ecologically feasible increase, the oak timeframe for accomplishment of the component in oak-northern hardwood forests. objective. Increase acres of aspen-birch forest and Managers will use Forest-wide goals and regenerating forest in order to support objectives as a means of measuring progress species that prefer these habitats. achieved by implementing the 2006 Forest Plan. Information gained from comparing

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Maintain, and where desirable increase, Age Class Objectives for Diverse Forest the acres of upland open habitats at Use, Diverse Backcountry, Remote slightly higher than ecological tendencies Wildlife, Escarpment, and Moosalamoo to support species that prefer these Recreation and Education Area habitats. Management Areas:

Increase acres of late-successional and Apply the following age-class objectives old forest habitats through natural (Table 2.2-2) to suitable lands that will be successional processes within lands not managed using even-aged silvicultural suitable for timber management, and systems to provide a variety of habitat through use of extended rotations within conditions for wildlife and create a balanced lands suitable for timber management. distribution of age classes to meet timber objectives. Because balancing age classes to Maintain acres of forested and non- meet objectives takes time, it may be decades forested wetlands, predominantly through before these age class objectives are natural processes. attained.

The following composition objectives Table 2.2-2: Age Class Objectives for (Table 2.2-1) represent long-term Suitable Lands ecological tendencies of Forest Desired Habitat Type Age class landscapes, with adjustments to manage % range aspen-birch, oak, and permanent upland Regen. 0-9 5-10 opening habitats at, or slightly higher than, current levels. Because changes in Northern Young 10-59 30-50 forest composition take time, even with hardwoods Mature 60-119 35-50 management, these composition Old 120+ 5-30 objectives may take decades or even centuries to achieve. Regen. 0-9 5-15 Mixedwoods Young 10-39 15-40 Table 2.2-1: Long-Term Composition and Objectives for all GMNF Lands Softwoods Mature 40-99 35-55 Current Objective Old 100+ 5-40 Habitat Type (% Forest) (% Forest) Regen. 0-9 10-20 Northern 76 30-40 Young 10-39 45-55 Hardwoods Aspen Mixedwood 10 45-55 Mature 40-59 25-35 Softwoods 7 15-25 Old 60+ 3-5 Aspen-Birch 3 1-5 Regen. 0-9 5-15 Oak 1 1-5 Young 10-49 45-55 Birch Permanent Mature 50-79 30-40 Upland 1-2 1-5 Openings Old 80+ 3-5 Wetlands 1-2 1-2 Regen. 0-9 5-15 Young 10-59 45-55 Oaks Mature 60-99 30-40 Old 100+ 5-10 Note: Applies only to suitable lands using even- aged silvicultural systems within the five MAs.

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Forest-Wide Management Direction Chapter 2

Maintain a full range of age classes from Wildlife Reserve Tree Objectives: young to old, including late successional and multi-age conditions, within Reserve snags, den trees, and nest trees, management areas where age class can including trees with exfoliating bark, during be actively manipulated toward goals, timber management activities in sufficient objectives, and desired future conditions. quality, quantity, and distribution to maintain well-dispersed, self-sustaining populations of Manage a minimum of 20 percent of lands snag-tree, den-tree, and nest-tree dependent suitable for timber management using wildlife indigenous to the Green Mountain uneven-age silvicultural systems to create National Forest. multi-age conditions. Manage mast-producing species to increase Achieve the desired amounts and or expand mast productivity where practical. distribution of various age classes for Mast species are nut and fruit producers such different forest types using standard and as hop hornbeam, black cherry, apple, extended rotation ages whereby: hawthorn, shadbush, blueberry, oak, beech, • Lands emphasizing quality timber and hickory. products are managed to Standard Rotation Ages (Table 2.2-3) Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, and • Lands emphasizing recreation, Sensitive Species; Species of Local enhancement of ecological Interest; Rare and Exemplary Natural communities, wildlife habitat, or Communities Objectives: other resource values may be managed to longer rotations, up to Protect critical habitat and key habitat the Extended Rotation Ages features upon which federally listed (Table 2.2-3) endangered, threatened, proposed species, and Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species depend. Table 2.2-3: Rotation ages

Standard Extended Implement established recovery or Forest type rotation rotation conservation strategies for federally-listed age (years) age (years) endangered, threatened, or proposed species Northern within the Proclamation Boundary of the 100 150-250 hardwoods GMNF, according to guidelines from the US Oak 100 150-250 Fish and Wildlife Service. White and red 100 150-200 pine Implement established conservation strategies for Regional Forester’s Sensitive Hemlock 100 150-300 Species where they exist; otherwise, maintain Aspen 50 –1 or enhance habitat conditions for these Paper birch 60 –1 species through the development of specific site prescriptions during project development. Spruce and 80 150-200 larch Coordinate with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Balsam fir 60 –1 Department to maintain and enhance habitat Jack and conditions for the State’s rare species and 50 –1 Scotch pine natural communities. 1 Extended rotation ages not appropriate for these species.

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Maintain or enhance habitat for Species of Goal 4: Maintain or restore aquatic, fisheries, Local Interest, which includes those riparian, and wetland habitats. species for which there is a concern in the State or on the Forest, but which do not Objectives: meet criteria for inclusion in the Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species list. Minimize the adverse impacts on aquatic, fisheries, riparian, vernal pool, and wetland Maintain viable reproducing populations resources from management activities. for all native plant and animal species. For species where the Forest alone Meet or exceed all State Water Quality cannot support a viable population, Standards, including biotic standards. species persistence will be maintained, and the Forest will contribute to Restore and improve aquatic, riparian, maintaining or improving viability where fisheries, and wetland resources. possible. Maintain or enhance riparian areas, including Fisheries Objectives: aquatic features, using a watershed approach. Increase Atlantic salmon populations in streams through stocking and spawning Move streamside riparian area forest activities, in cooperation with the composition gradually towards an increase in Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon mature and over-mature softwood species Commission, as identified in the Strategic where ecologically appropriate. Plan for the Restoration of Atlantic Salmon to the Connecticut River Basin. Restore and enhance fisheries habitat using principles of stream geomorphology and Maintain or enhance fish populations habitat management to provide: through habitat protection, enhancement, • Less than 50 percent substrate and restoration, and stocking programs. embeddedness in spawning and rearing areas, primarily riffle and run Non-native Invasive Species Objective: habitats • Less than 20 percent fine sediment, Minimize adverse effects of non-native sand, and silt in spawning areas invasive species on National Forest • At least 30 percent pool habitat, of resources. Program efforts include which at least one third should be introduction preventing, inventory, Class 1 and 2 holding and resting containment, and abatement. pools • No more than 15 percent of stream Goal 3: Maintain or restore the natural, bank area eroded on the entire length ecological functions of the soil. of stream

Objectives:

Minimize the adverse impacts on soils from management activities.

Restore natural soil processes and functions on degraded soils.

Brook Trout from Little Rock Pond

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Goal 5: Maintain or improve air quality on the Restore and enhance stream ecosystem GMNF. processes using knowledge of riparian/floodplain functions and large woody Objectives: debris (LWD) dynamics for the purpose of improving and connecting aquatic habitats, Continue to provide credible air quality such as those for wild trout and Atlantic and Air Quality Related Value monitoring salmon, promoting stream stability and data to contribute to air quality permit sediment and organic matter storage, or to reviews and Regional Planning increase stream productivity. Stream habitat Organization processes. should be managed to provide: • LWD quantities between 75 and 130 Assess major new sources of air pollution pieces greater than 12 inches to determine if they would have an diameter per mile of stream adverse effect on Air Quality Related • Approximately 100 pieces between 8 Values in the Class I Lye Brook to 12 inches diameter per mile of Wilderness, and advise the appropriate air stream quality regulators. Goal 7: Protect rare or outstanding biological, Continue to manage prescribed fire in a ecological, or geological areas on the GMNF. manner that minimizes smoke impacts on air quality and visibility. Objective:

Goal 6: Maintain or restore ecological Maintain or enhance areas with rare or processes and systems on the GMNF within outstanding biological, ecological, or desired ranges of variability, including a geological features. variety of native vegetation and stream channel types, and their patterns and Goal 8: Provide for a sustainable supply of forest structural components. products.

Objectives: Objectives:

Manage at least five percent of each Provide high-quality sawtimber and other ecological type present on the GMNF for wood products for local economies. old-growth characteristics. Provide sustainable opportunities to harvest Manage oak-pine natural communities on special forest products. the GMNF to maintain their presence and continuity on the Forest, using natural as well as human-caused disturbance processes including fire use when necessary.

Reduce hazardous fuels where needed to reduce threats to private property, threatened and endangered species habitat, or risks to ecosystem components resulting from wind throw, blowdown, ice storm damage, or epidemic disease or insects. Log Truck Loading

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Goal 9: Demonstrate innovative, Goal 12: Provide a diverse range of high-quality, scientifically, and ecologically sound sustainable recreation opportunities that management practices that can be applied to complement those provided off National Forest other lands. System lands.

Objectives: Objectives:

Develop demonstration forestry project Accomplish foreground mapping using areas and areas where state-of-the-art Scenery Management System principles on silvicultural practices are applied. the Appalachian Trail, from the Massachusetts border to Route 140, and from Provide opportunities for public education Route 4 to Route 100. on Forest Service management practices. Maintain or enhance high-quality Increase the use of native seed mixes opportunities for downhill skiing in partnership and/or develop native seed mixes for with private sector. Forest use. Continue to provide diverse, high-quality Goal 10: Provide other resource benefits opportunities for recreation in partnership with through coordinated timber harvesting. private sector by authorizing appropriate activities through special use authorization Objective: and by improving administration of special use authorizations. Increase the coordination among wildlife and fish biologists, recreation planners, Complete construction and designation of fire planners, silviculturists, and other remaining sections of the Catamount Ski Trail specialists in order to utilize vegetation within the GMNF in cooperation with the management to accomplish objectives of Catamount Trail Association. other program areas. The emphasis is using vegetation management as a tool to Complete comprehensive trail planning for accomplish the habitat or setting desired 100 percent of the Forest. by program areas. Increase the effective use of partnerships in Goal 11: Provide opportunities for renewable the improvement, maintenance, and operation energy use and development. of the Forest trails system.

Objectives: Increase the number of miles of trails that are operated and maintained to full standard. Increase opportunities for renewable energy use and development. Reduce the total deferred maintenance on the GMNF trail system. Reduce the amount of energy needed to operate Forest facilities by employing Increase the number of developed recreation state-of-the-art conservation practices and sites that are operated and maintained to alternative heat and electricity sources standard. when constructing new facilities or when modifying existing facilities as Reduce total deferred maintenance on GMNF necessitated for other reasons. developed recreation facilities.

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Increase the number of inventoried Goal 14: Provide a safe, efficient, and effective Concentrated Use Areas managed to Forest transportation system that meets both the standard to reduce health, safety, and needs of the Forest Service and the public. resource impacts caused by unmanaged recreation use in the general forest area. Objectives:

Complete a Forest-wide comprehensive Use design elements and standards that interpretive plan for recreation and trails. permit maximum economy while meeting management direction for resource and Complete comprehensive management environmental protection and user safety. plans that address the enhancement of dispersed recreation activities, non-facility Design roads constructed or reconstructed for related, that occur in the general forest use by the general public in accordance with area. the latest standards using American Association of State Highway Transportation Goal 13: Manage designated wilderness to Officials (AASHTO) Policy on Design of preserve an enduring resource that Highways and Streets section on rural roads represents ecosystems and natural processes and special purpose roads. unique to northeastern forests while providing opportunities for solitude and unconfined Complete comprehensive transportation recreation consistent with the Wilderness Act system planning for 100 percent of the Forest. of 1964 and subsequent legislation. Goal 15: Maintain or enhance visual resources Objectives: such as viewsheds, vistas, overlooks, and special features. Increase the number of acres of congressionally designated wilderness Objectives: areas managed to national standards. Complete a transition from the current Visual Increase the field monitoring of wilderness Management System to the Scenery resource values through scheduled visits Management System. of boundaries, streams, ponds, and areas showing signs of overuse by Maintain or enhance visual quality of special recreationists. areas that contain scenic features.

Increase the annual information and Maintain or enhance visual quality on the education contacts with the public to Forest. improve appreciation of wilderness values and increase understanding of ways to minimize the effects of user visits.

Moosalamoo Vista and Wildlife Opening

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Goal 16: Provide protection and stewardship Goal 17: Support regional and local economies for significant heritage resources on the through resource use, production, and protection. GMNF. Objectives: Heritage Resource Objectives: Increase coordination with communities and Reduce the backlog of unevaluated local businesses to enhance the GMNF’s heritage sites. economic contribution.

Move toward 100 percent heritage Vary the range of project sizes for contracts. resource inventory. Maintain communications with Forest Develop a GIS sensitivity model for communities with regard to Payment in Lieu prehistoric archaeological sites. of Taxes, 25 Percent Fund, and/or Secure Schools and Community Self-Determination Increase the number of partnerships that Act. help accomplish the Forest’s heritage inventory, evaluation, and interpretation Goal 18: Maintain and enhance partnerships with and education needs. communities and organizations.

Increase proper stewardship for the Objectives: Forest’s historically significant buildings and structures. Increase the effective use of partnerships to achieve Forest goals. Improve curation facilities or move curated material to a facility that meets the federal Increase coordination with other federal, standards (36 CFR 79) for heritage State, county, and local agencies and the collections, records, and administrative private sector in the prevention, control, history archives. containment, and monitoring of non-native invasive species. Tribal Relations Objectives: Establish, maintain, or enhance partnerships Maintain relationships with federally with community organizations for resource recognized tribes and tribal groups with planning. historical ties to the Forest by having contact quarterly with appropriate Work with communities in community representatives (for example, meetings, development to enhance social capital and letters, phone calls). economic baseline.

Produce at least one relevant interpretation and education product during the planning period.

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Goal 19: Provide a diverse range of Goal 21: Protect human life, property, and information and education opportunities that facilities from wildland fire hazards. will enhance the understanding of the GMNF. Objectives: Objectives: Provide an Appropriate Management Expand internal and external public Response to all wildland fire. Firefighter and awareness of Forest Service public safety will be given the first priority in management. every fire management activity.

Provide timely, sufficient information Develop and maintain agreements with regarding Forest recreation and outside partners to increase effectiveness and management to internal and external efficiencies. audiences. Reduce hazardous fuels through fire use, Include teacher development in mechanical treatments, and harvest stewardship of living systems in the treatments. educational outreach program. Goal 22: Meet anticipated future needs and Establish two sites, one on the North Half opportunities on public lands and improve of the Forest and one on the South Half of management effectiveness of the National Forest the Forest, for demonstration forests, through adjustment of land ownership. discovery trails, or plots and other “living laboratories” for teacher/non-formal Objectives: educator use. Adjust landownership through purchase, Improve awareness about, and encourage donation, exchange, transfer, interchange, stewardship of, heritage resources by right-of-way acquisition, and boundary delivering interpretation and education adjustment of the National Forest. (I&E) products and public participation projects. Consult with the State and towns in regards to land adjustment program activities. Goal 20: Coordinate Forest planning and implementation with federal, State, and local agencies.

Objective:

Improve communication and collaboration with federal and State agencies, regional commissions, town governments, and other local organizations.

Silver Lake

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2.3 FOREST-WIDE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

desired future plans, analyses, or 2.3.1 Introduction accomplishments that may never happen.

This chapter presents Forest-wide standards and guidelines for the Green Mountain Guidelines (discretionary):

National Forest. These standards and Guidelines are Forest Plan management guidelines apply to all Forest areas for the requirements that are applicable to most purpose of protecting or managing forest situations but can be modified at the project level. resources. Standards and guidelines are To communicate discretionary guidance, designed to achieve the desired conditions, guidelines are permissions, limitations, desirable goals, and objectives stated in the 2006 conditions, or courses of action that should be Forest Plan. They are usually mitigation implemented in most situations. Deviation from a measures that minimize or negate the effects guideline does not require a Forest Plan of a management action or land use. amendment, but it does require that the rationale Standards and guidelines only govern for deviation be disclosed in the project decision management actions implemented under the documents and analysis. 2006 Forest Plan. They do not apply to existing conditions or management actions Guidelines can be forest-wide or management- implemented under previous Forest Plans. area specific. This set of standards and Existing conditions that do not meet the 2006 guidelines is designed to be specific to the Green Forest Plan standards and guidelines will be Mountain National Forest; management area brought into compliance as appropriate and guidelines are addressed in Chapter 3. Laws, practicable based on the need to protect regulations, and Forest Service directives are not resources. The Forest-wide standards and repeated in this section. References to particular guidelines are used in addition to the laws or directives may be included to provide standards and guidelines included in needed emphasis for the protection and management area guidance (Chapter 3). management of specific resources.

Implementation of the 2006 Forest Plan will Standards (non-discretionary): comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and

directives (listed in Final EIS Appendix G). Standards are Forest Plan management requirements that are applicable to all foreseeable situations. Deviation from standards requires an amendment to the 2006 Forest Plan. Standards are mandatory permissions, limitations, desirable conditions, or in some instances required courses of action needed to achieve the goals and objectives of the Plan. Standards can be forest-wide or management-area specific.

Standards should be implementable and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, executive orders, and policies. They should not include factors beyond management control, for example water temperature and pH, budget-dependent items, or any type of

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2.3.2 Soil, Water, and Table 2.3-1: Protective Strip Width Guide (based on AMPs) Riparian Area Protection and % Slope of land Width of protective Restoration between strip between disturbed area disturbed area and Standards and water source water source (ft) S-1: Direction provided in FSM 2526.03.2 and 0-10 50 .5 (05/25/2000, pp. 18 and 19) applies to all 11-20 70 riparian areas, streams (perennial, 21-30 90 intermittent, and ephemeral), wetlands, and 31-40* 110 seasonal pools. *Add 20 feet for each additional 10% side slope S-2: A protective strip of predominantly undisturbed soil (having plant and/or organic matter cover) shall separate soil-disturbing S-3: Heavy construction and logging equipment activities from all water sources (streams, operations shall only occur when soil conditions lakes, ponds, wetlands, and vernal or are such that compaction, rutting, and erosion will seasonal pools). be minimal. Equipment operations shall be • Protective strips (Table 2.3-1) shall be carefully monitored to assure that erosion and applied to all soil disturbing activities sedimentation are minimized. Prompt corrective and impacts, including construction measures shall be implemented if erosion or (examples: campground, parking lot, sedimentation problems arise. or trail construction) and logging. The purpose of the protective strip is to S-4: Sites for servicing and refueling logging and protect the soil’s infiltration capacity, construction equipment must be located outside and to filter out sediment. the protective strip and approved by a Forest Officer. Fuel leaks from such equipment shall be • A minor amount of soil disturbance is repaired immediately. A supply of acceptable allowed in the protective strip provided absorbent materials shall be kept on the job site adherence to FSM 2526.03.2 and .5. (where such equipment is used) for use in the Logging and heavy construction event of a hazardous fluid spill. Acceptable equipment shall only operate in the absorbent materials are those that are protective strip when: manufactured specifically for the containment and Soils are dry, frozen, or o clean up of hazardous materials. covered with sufficient snow to

minimize soil disturbance; or S-5: All permanent stream crossings shall: o Measures are taken to assure compliance with FSM • Be approved in terms of the design, 2526.03.2 and .5; or location, structure type, and size by a Forest engineer. o Local topography eliminates the risk of stream • Be sized to pass water and debris for the sedimentation associated with targeted storm event (for example, a 25- ground disturbing activity (for year storm), and allow free movement of example, if a natural berm in resident aquatic life. The targeted storm the protective strip separates a event shall be determined with stream from soil-disturbing consideration of direction in FSM activity) 2526.03.2 and .5.

S-6: Drainage structures shall be kept in working order.

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S-7: All stream crossings shall avoid G-4: New structures such as a trail, road, or skid wetlands, including seeps, wherever possible. trail stream crossing may be allowed in the When not possible, stream crossings shall be protective strip provided compliance with FSM at the narrowest point, or at a point that 2526.03.2 and .5. provides for the least impact to resources. G-5: Water bars and other erosion control Guidelines structures should be designed, located, and G-1: To maintain bank stability and provide constructed to prevent sediment from entering for long-term recruitment of large woody streams. debris (LWD) to streams and ponds, tree cutting and/or harvesting should not occur G-6: Revegetation of critical bare soil areas within 25 feet of a perennial stream or high should be completed on all projects as soon as water mark of a pond. Maintain a minimum practical. Mulching may be used alone outside basal area of 50 square feet per acre the growing season, with seeding to follow at the including the retention of large diameter trees start of the next growing season. Critical bare within 25 feet of the bank of intermittent soils areas are soils largely devoid of vegetation: streams. Exceptions to these guidelines • Within 25 feet of water sources (ponds, include: tree removal for public safety; streams, wetlands, or vernal pools) prescriptions to benefit hydrological and/or • On skid roads having a grade over 20 ecological function of associated stream, percent pond, or riparian area; and tree removal • Where dips or ditches empty close to needed to construct and maintain existing water sources roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. • At other locations as identified by a Forest Trees cut or moved in this zone should be Officer used to benefit riparian and aquatic habitat.

G-7: As a general rule, temporary seeding and/or G-2: Application of Acceptable Management mulching of critical bare soil areas should be Practices (AMPs): done when soil-disturbing activities are • Timber harvesting should comply with anticipated to be inactive for more than AMPs. Harvest practices may deviate approximately one month. See Non-Native from AMPs provided that: Invasive Species standards and guidelines for FSM 2526.03.2 and .5 are met; o further guidance. and/or

Forest plan standards and o G-8: Trees or downed wood that have fallen guidelines and special naturally into streams, rivers, or ponds should not mitigation measures are be removed unless they are hazards to people or implemented to provide an structures, or present impassable barriers in extra measure of resource navigable waters. protection or improvement

G-9: In the 25 to 50 foot distance zones of all G-3: Skid road/trail grades should not exceed streams, consider leaving large diameter trees 20 percent beyond a distance of 300 feet. (12 inches or greater), especially conifers to Soils must have sufficient depth, and be enhance achievement of riparian vegetation sufficiently drained to allow erosion control composition goals. structures to be installed. Erosion control structures should be in working order at all times.

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G-10: Within 100 feet of wetlands and 2.3.3 Minerals seasonal pools, activities should be limited to those that protect, manage, and improve the condition of these resources. Acceptable Leasable Minerals activities should be approved on a case-by- case basis. Standards S-1: Lands will be available for exploration G-11: Crossing wetlands with roads or trails provided that surface disturbance does not occur, should be avoided whenever possible. except where prohibited by law.

G-12: When wetlands must be crossed to S-2: Surface disturbing mineral activity is provide access to adjacent uplands, crossings prohibited where specified in Management Area should be located to minimize wetland Standards. impacts, and use should be permitted: • Only under frozen soil conditions; or S-3: Where permitted by law and management • When the ground is covered with area standards, surface disturbing mineral activity sufficient snow to minimize soil is permitted when supported by site specific disturbance; or environmental analysis and an appropriate • When other measures are taken to decision document. assure compliance with FSM 2526.03.2 and .5 S-4: Nominations for the leasing of federally owned oil and gas under National Forest System G-13: An average canopy closure of at least lands are analyzed in cooperation with the 70 percent should be maintained over a Bureau of Land Management. Site specific stream’s length to ensure that stream decisions are based on appropriate temperatures are appropriate for native fish environmental analysis. species. Permanent upland openings may be maintained and established to the water’s Common Variety Minerals edge in accordance with FSM 2526.03.2 and .5. Trees cut or moved in this zone should be Standards used to benefit riparian and aquatic habitats S-1: When supported by site specific when possible. environmental analysis and a decision, exploration and development of common variety G-14: Sites that show signs of advanced minerals is permitted, except where prohibited by deterioration should be rehabilitated, closed, law or Management Area Standards. or relocated. Examples of deterioration include widespread bare mineral soil, obvious S-2: Before development of a site, an operating soil erosion, exposed tree roots, or vegetation plan shall be prepared. The plan will include at that is reduced in vigor or dying. least the following items: • A schedule of activities • An estimate of the amount of material to be removed • Expected use of roads and infrastructure • Rehabilitation measures for stabilizing soil, protecting water quality, restoring vegetation, and protecting visual quality

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Recreational Mineral Collecting G-3: Even-aged silviculture may be used to achieve, but is not restricted to achieving, the Standard following: S-1: Gold panning for recreational purposes • Produce stands in which all trees are may be allowed within stream channels. about the same age; that is, the difference Collection methods not needing a permit are in age between trees forming the main limited to small trowels or similar digging tools crown canopy level will usually not exceed for scooping sediment into the pan. 20 percent of the rotation length • Create diversity of stand types and age Guidelines classes among stands G-1: Except in areas closed for such activity • Regenerate species that are intolerant, or by Forest Supervisor order, the collection of intermediately intolerant, of shade such as mineral specimens for personal use may be aspen, paper birch, and oak allowed without a permit as long as there is • Regenerate high-risk and sparse stands no surface disturbance. • Prevent spread of insects and disease • Salvage stands damaged by insect, G-2: Deciding officials should close areas or disease, or climatic catastrophe, or to stop place restrictions in permits where appropriate the spread of an insect or disease for public safety and/or the protection of outbreak resources. G-4: Uneven-aged silviculture may be used to 2.3.4 Timber or Vegetation maintain: • Recurring regeneration of desirable Management species • Continuous high-forest canopy Selection of Appropriate • Orderly growth and development of trees Silviculture through a range of diameter or age classes Standard S-1: Treatments will be designed and/or G-5: Timber may be cut where financial revenues approved by a federally certified silviculturist. fall below financial costs when the Forest Service determines the resulting non-priced benefits are Guidelines needed, or desirable, to meet the goals of forest stewardship. G-1: Select the most appropriate silviculture system for an area that best fulfills the objectives over time.

G-2: Timber sales may be used to enhance habitats and vegetative diversity, scenic views, and public access. The following non- priced benefit is a major element of the Forest’s stated goals and objectives: • Regeneration of stands to provide young age classes to increase the structural diversity of the forest (see Chapter 2 Forest-wide Goals and Objectives, Tables 2.2-2 and 2.2-3)

Public Meeting mapping exercise

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Application of Even-Aged Guidelines Silviculture G-1: The shelterwood regeneration method may be applied to regenerate species that are somewhat tolerant of shade and to regenerate Regeneration Cuts spruce on wind-firm sites. • Trees left, other than wildlife reserve Standards trees, should be of good quality, wind-firm, S-1: Clearcutting shall only be used when it is and of sufficient size to permit a found to be the optimum method of commercial removal cut within ten years. regeneration, or type conversion, to achieve • Post-sale treatment to remove all the following resource objectives: remaining stems over one inch in dbh that • Salvage stands damaged by insect, are not wildlife trees should be done disease, or climatic catastrophe, or to within two years after the first cut, unless stop the spread of an insect or disease prescribed fire is used. outbreak • Improve the condition of stands which G-2: Shelterwood with reserves regeneration have a high risk of dying within the method may be used to regenerate species that next ten years or which are sparsely are somewhat tolerant of shade in areas where stocked and will be unable to fully the second cut of a standard shelterwood should utilize the site within ten years be delayed beyond 20 percent of rotation years • Regenerate aspen and paper birch to: stands that are intolerant of shade and • Maintain overstory trees in locations of valuable for wildlife habitat and high visual sensitivity or to eventually vegetative diversity convert even-aged stands to uneven-aged • Convert hardwood stands to softwood stands when current stocking is or aspen stands to enhance vegetative insufficient. diversity and habitat for deer, grouse, • Trees left should be of good quality, wind- beaver, and other wildlife firm, and of sufficient number, size, and • Create or convert woodland to distribution. permanent upland openings for better vegetative diversity and improved Intermediate Cuts wildlife habitat • Create or convert woodland to vistas Guidelines and parking areas to enhance public G-1: Release desirable species or individual use and enjoyment of the National trees to: Forest • Increase the proportion of softwoods to

improve deer wintering areas S-2: Remove the remaining overstory, if • Enhance the survival of oak stands on all compatible with other resource objectives, sites where they occur to allow for after the regeneration has been established. continued presence and to maintain

vegetative diversity • Improve tree crop growth and vigor

G-2: When compatible with site productivity and overall resource objectives, use intermediate cuts to improve the existing stand quality and regulate its growth.

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G-3: Stand improvement may be done to Reforestation achieve, but is not limited to achieving, the following non-priced benefits: Guidelines • Maintain vegetative diversity by G-1: Site preparation may be done by manual, ensuring the survival of oak in stands mechanical, biological, prescribed fire, or where a commercial thinning is not chemical methods based on a site-specific feasible analysis. Chemical controls should only be used • Maintain vegetative diversity and when other methods are ineffective. improve stand health by thinning softwood stands in deer wintering G-2: Natural regeneration should be the habitats preferred method. Consider artificial regeneration • Provide firewood when sources of natural regeneration are not • Provide aesthetic benefits along sufficient or where forest-type conversions are roadways and other scenic vistas prescribed.

Application of Uneven-Aged Tree Improvement Silviculture Standard Guidelines S-1: When planting or seeding is needed to meet G-1: Group Selection generally results in resource objectives, the stock will be genetically temporary openings of less than one acre and diverse and of local origin from Vermont or New is appropriate in: Hampshire. • Northern hardwood stands where species intermediately tolerant to Guidelines intolerant of shade are desired G-1: Genetic diversity should be maintained by • White pine and Spruce stands using seed from multiple parents. • Hardwood stands to facilitate the conversion to softwood stands G-2: Seed orchards should include a minimum of • Areas needing small temporary 30 unrelated parents. openings to meet other resource objectives G-3: Collections from stands or seed production • Some even-aged stands to facilitate areas that will be used for reforestation should the conversion to uneven-aged stands include seed from a minimum of 15 parents. • Areas where small temporary • When possible, use genetically diverse openings or gaps in the canopy are sources of local seed that is superior for desirable growth rates, stem quality, pest resistance or adaptability to specific sites. G-2: Individual tree selection is appropriate • Evaluation plantations that achieve in: genetically diverse samples of species • Northern hardwood stands where gene pools and provide information that is shade tolerant species are desired useful for development of seed movement • Hemlock stands or global climate change research should • Areas where maintenance of a be protected and maintained. These continuous forest canopy is desired include yellow birch, sugar maple, butternut and American chestnut.

G-3: A mixture of individual and group selections is appropriate when a combination G-4: Vegetation management techniques should of factors requiring both methods occurs. foster the maintenance of genetic diversity and local adaptation.

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G-3: Temporary openings should: 2.3.5 Openings • Not be created directly adjacent to previously regenerated areas, until the Standard average height of the adjacent area S-1: The maximum size of a temporary reaches a minimum of 15 feet opening shall be limited to 30 acres or less. • Individual exceptions to the maximum size of Not exceed 30 acres in size; exceptions temporary openings may be granted for may include salvage of timber resulting salvage of timber resulting from natural from natural catastrophes caused by fire, catastrophes caused by fire, insects, insects, diseases, ice, or windstorms • diseases, ice, or windstorms. Be separated by manageable stands of at least ten acres in size Guidelines G-1: Permanent upland openings and G-4: New even-aged regeneration cuts should temporary openings should have irregular not be made adjacent to previous even-aged shapes to provide more interspersion with regeneration areas until the average height of the forested lands and to improve visual quality; a previously harvested stand is at least 15 feet tall. maximum of 100 feet around permanent openings should be managed to provide 2.3.6 Special Forest Products vertical diversity and gradual transitions between the opening and surrounding forest. Standard S-1: Permits shall be required for commercial G-2: Permanent upland openings should: gathering of special forest products. • Be created where there are less than 30 to 50 acres of permanent open land Guideline per 1,000 acres of forest G-1: Gathering of special forest products for • Be clustered where possible personal, tribal, or scientific use may require a • Be useable for future management permit. Permits are generally required for activities such as log landings or vistas personal use of Christmas trees, firewood, • Be located where tree reproduction is boughs, and maple syrup. Other products slow, such as frost pockets or considered foods, herbs, medicinals, decoratives, excessively drained soils. and specialty products may require a permit if the • Be located in conjunction with Forest Service determines that collection of these activities that create and maintain products may be at or trending toward open conditions, for example log unsustainable levels. Exceptions can be made landings, utility rights of way, and road for specific arrangement with Native American or trail rights of way tribes. • Be located near streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands • May exceed maximum size, 30 acres, to address site-specific needs such as beaver flowages

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2.3.7 Wildlife Guidelines G-1: Patches of retained trees should be at least

one-quarter acre in size and located to Guideline encompass as many wildlife trees as possible, : Wildlife management should be G-1 including nest or den tees; trees with exfoliating coordinated with the US Fish and Wildlife bark; snags greater than or equal to eight inches Service, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife dbh; other trees with cavities or broken tops; and Department, and other agencies or mast trees such as oaks, bear-clawed beech, hop organizations as necessary. hornbeam, hickories, apple, and black cherry.

Wildlife Reserve Trees – General G-2: Patches of retained trees should be located along the edge of openings or riparian corridors Standards where possible. S-1: Uncut patches totaling five percent of the harvested area shall be retained during forest G-3: Cull material from harvested trees, management activities of five acres or greater especially hollow logs, should be left in the where harvest reduces the basal area of a woods. stand below 30 square feet per acre. G-4: Down and dead material should be retained S-2: At least five wildlife trees shall be during forest management activities to provide retained per acre harvested during forest habitat for small mammals, amphibians, and management activities outside potential reptiles. Indiana bat maternity roosting habitat (as defined below) where harvest will leave basal Indiana Bat Maternity Roosting area above 30 square feet per acre. Areas S-3: Wildlife reserve trees shall include two cavity or snag trees of the largest available Standards dbh, live trees with exfoliating bark, den trees, S-1: All known Indiana bat roost trees on the nest trees, or yellow birch and red maple GMNF shall be retained and protected until such greater than 26 inch dbh considered “cull” or time as they no longer serve as roost trees, for unacceptable growing stock. In areas lacking example following loss of exfoliating bark or such cavity trees and snags, retain at least cavities, blow down, or decay. two trees of the largest available dbh with defects likely to lead to cavity formation. S-2: Protective measures shall be established by developing a management strategy, in S-4: All hard snags and den trees and two cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service mast trees per acre shall be retained within and the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, 300 feet of ponds, lakes, beaver ponds, immediately upon discovery of a maternity wetlands, permanent upland openings greater roosting colony. than five acres, and within riparian zones of all streams as shown on USDA Forest S-3: Potential Indiana bat maternity roosting Service 1:24,000 topographic maps. If hard habitat shall be defined as snags, mast trees, and den trees are not • Lands adjacent to the Champlain Valley or available in these areas, retain at least six in the Valley of Vermont (adjacent to replacement trees per acre. Route 7) that are below 800 feet elevation, and S-5: All shagbark hickory trees shall be • Other areas specifically identified by the retained unless they pose a safety hazard. US Fish and Wildlife Service

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S-4: Timber harvest shall not take place within S-8: Monitoring and evaluation shall be potential Indiana bat maternity roosting conducted before, during, and after management habitat or within 3 miles of a known maternity activities within potential Indiana bat maternity roost site from April 15 through October 30 roosting habitat to ensure that potential roost unless appropriate surveys, conducted in trees are being retained in accordance with accordance with standards and protocols appropriate standards and guidelines. identified by the Indiana Bat Recovery Plan and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, have Guidelines failed to detect the presence of Indiana bats G-1: Wildlife reserve trees within potential Indiana in the proposed project area during the bat maternity roosting habitat should emphasize previous two years. retention of potential roost trees (as described above) and trees likely to develop those S-5: Management activities other than timber characteristics. harvest within potential Indiana bat maternity roosting habitat from April 15 through October G-2: Skid trails should be designed to avoid 30 shall not result in the loss or damage of felling suitable roost trees, as identified in the potentially occupied roost trees unless exit- guideline, above. count, ecolocation, or other appropriate surveys indicate to the maximum extent Indiana Bat Hibernacula possible that Indiana bats are not present. Potentially occupied roost trees are those of 8 Standard inches dbh or greater, including: S-1: Timber harvest within 5 miles of a known • Class 1 and Class 2 tree species (as Indiana bat hibernaculum (as defined in the defined in the Glossary). Glossary) from April 15 through October 30 shall • Trees with exfoliating, rough, be in accordance with provisions of a Forest crevassed, or furrowed bark. Service management plan for that hibernaculum, • Trees with dead limbs, cavities, or which was developed in consultation with the US broken tops. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Timber harvest shall S-6: At least eight wildlife trees shall be not take place within 5 miles of a known Indiana retained per acre harvested during forest bat hibernaculum from April 15 through October management activities within potential Indiana 30 until such a management plan is in effect. bat maternity roosting habitat where harvest will leave basal area above 30 square feet per Snags acre. Guidelines S-7: One-third of all large diameter (>12 G-1: All soft snags should be retained unless they inches dbh) post-harvest snags shall be pose a safety hazard. protected within potential Indiana bat maternity roosting habitat by retaining live G-2: Evidence of wildlife use for feeding, roosting, residual trees adjacent to these snags. Such nesting, or denning should be used to prioritize reserve trees shall be located in groups and snags for retention. along intermittent drainages to provide foraging corridors into harvest areas.

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Den and Nest Trees G-2: Timber stands intended to provide high- quality shelter should include a mixture of species Guidelines within stands. Depending on site conditions, the G-1: Den trees with cavities or openings that following tree species priority is suggested: 1- are not prone to collecting water should be eastern hemlock, 2-red spruce, 3-balsam fir, and retained whenever possible. 4-eastern white pine.

G-2: Raptor nest trees should be retained. G-3: Rotation age for even-aged management in deer wintering habitat may be lengthened beyond Mast Trees standard rotation ages if the quality of shelter for deer is not compromised. Guidelines G-1: The largest available mast trees should G-4: Eastern hemlock and northern white cedar be retained whenever possible, because they are preferred shelter species that should be may fill several functions by providing mast retained in deer wintering areas. and potentially den and snag habitats simultaneously. Species to be considered will G-5: Timber harvest and other management be oaks, bear-clawed beech, hop hornbeam, activities should be designed and scheduled so hickories, apples, and black cherry. that at least six 10-year age classes of trees are represented within a deer wintering area. G-2: Groups of bear-clawed beech trees should be retained in favor of single bear- G-6: Softwood regeneration activities should be clawed beech trees; single bear-clawed designed such that at least half of the cover beech trees exhibiting repeated use should portion of individual deer wintering areas continue be retained where clumps are absent. to provide functional winter shelter.

G-3: Apple trees should be retained and G-7: The basal area removed at each thinning released whenever possible. should be 10 to 40 percent on primary softwood sites and 30 to 50 percent on other sites, Deer Wintering Areas approaching the lower end of the following ranges wherever possible. Standard S-1: Deer wintering areas shall be identified G-8: A minimum cover width of 500 feet for using all available information and tools, shelter portions of wintering areas should be including existing maps of deer wintering maintained to reduce snow depth and provide areas, stand characteristics, and deer good travelways for deer. distribution and abundance data, and in consultation with the Vermont Department of G-9: Red Spruce should be regenerated using Fish and Wildlife. the most appropriate methods to minimize the threat of Armillaria root rot outbreaks. Guidelines G-1: Wintering habitat for white-tailed deer G-10: Even-aged stands in deer wintering areas should be maintained and enhanced on the should not exceed 20 acres to ensure good Forest by retaining and encouraging interspersion of shelter and forage. Cutting in the vegetation conditions for both shelter and center of wintering areas should be minimized. browse using both even-aged and uneven- aged silvicultural systems, as appropriate. G-11: Where several patch cuts are made in a stand, their individual size should not exceed two acres.

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G-12: Summer logging, where it can be Rare and Unique Biological accomplished in compliance with soil and Features water standards and guidelines, should be preferred to minimize disturbance to deer during the winter and to enhance Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, regeneration by scarifying the soil. and Sensitive Species; Rare and Exemplary Natural Communities G-13: Permanent upland openings containing grasses and forbs should be provided Standards adjacent to deer wintering areas to provide S-1: All project sites must be investigated for the forage in early spring. presence of federally listed endangered, threatened, or proposed species, Regional G-14: Newly created permanent upland Forester’s Sensitive Species, and/or habitat for openings within deer wintering areas should these species prior to beginning any authorized not exceed ten acres. ground-disturbing activity at the site. TES plant surveys must be completed for all new ground- G-15: Recreation use in and adjacent to deer disturbing projects, when biologists determine wintering areas may be restricted seasonally TES plant species occurrences are likely. or by area to minimize disturbance to deer during winter and to ensure protection of S-2: The GMNF shall maintain a list of federally habitat. listed endangered, threatened, or proposed species, and Regional Forester’s Sensitive G-16: The construction of new winter-use Species (TES species), which will be updated trails should be prohibited in shelter portions periodically whenever new designations are of deer wintering areas. made by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or Regional Forester. The TES G-17: Opportunities to relocate existing species list shall be available at the GMNF and winter-use trails, trailheads, and associated regional office websites, GMNF offices, and shall facilities out of shelter portions of deer be included in the GMNF annual monitoring wintering areas should be considered. report.

G-18: Surface disturbing mineral activities S-3: Management activities that may influence should not be allowed in lands adjacent to the rare or uncommon natural communities on deer wintering areas from November 30 to the Forest, considered significant by the agency May 1, and not at any time on lands managed and/or the State, shall be limited to those that for winter shelter for deer. maintain or improve the composition, structure, or functioning of the natural community.

Guidelines G-1: Reintroduction of native plant and animal species may be undertaken where local sources of seed or breeding stock have been eliminated, for example American chestnut. Reintroductions should be undertaken in cooperation with research, and/or relevant federal, State, and local agencies or organizations.

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G-2: Habitat that is important to conservation G-2: Forest Service monitoring for Indiana bats of federally listed endangered, threatened, or should be focused within proposed species, or Regional Forester • Five miles of all occupied Indiana bat Sensitive Species, should be retained in hibernacula, Green Mountain National Forest ownership in • 250 acres (1 square km) surrounding any all land adjustments. Indiana bat maternity colony or roost tree, • Three miles (5 km) of any non-maternity G-3: Use restrictions may be implemented to roost tree, protect habitat for threatened federally listed • Areas on the GMNF in potential Indiana endangered, threatened, or proposed bat maternity roosting habitat that are species, or Regional Forester Sensitive planned for timber harvest, both pre- and Species. post harvest, and • Other areas specifically identified by the G-4: Management activities adjacent to US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Special Areas should be designed so as not to compromise the ecological values for which the area is designated. Bald Eagle

Indiana Bat Standard S-1: Prohibit controllable disturbance within

approximately 330 feet of each eagle nest, except Standards as necessary to protect the nest. S-1: Indiana bat hibernacula shall be designated smoke-sensitive areas in order to avoid adversely affecting Indiana bats by Guidelines : Management within 660 feet of an eagle prescribed burns conducted from October to G-1 May. If hibernacula are in the vicinity of the nest should be designed to conserve or enhance area proposed for burning, factors including site conditions, for example structural and compositional integrity. wind direction, speed, mixing height, and transport winds shall be considered in order : In some instances, landform or vegetative to avoid, to the maximum extent possible, G-2 smoke drifting into or near occupied conditions may necessitate expanding protected hibernacula. area beyond 660 feet.

S-2: All monitoring activities for Indiana bats Peregrine Falcon shall adhere to standards and protocols established by the Indiana Bat Recovery Plan Standards and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. S-1: 0-660 Foot, Nest Site Buffer Zone • Non-administrative activities shall be Guidelines prohibited in the buffer zone between G-1: At all sites where Indiana bats are March 1 and September 30 for active documented on the GMNF, habitat use nesting sites. Such activity may be should be characterized and quantified at allowed sooner if it is determined the birds both the local and landscape levels. have left by a specific date.

S-2: 0-330 Foot, Nest Site Buffer Zone • All disturbing land uses will be prohibited except as necessary to protect the site.

S-3: 330-660 Foot, Nest Site Buffer Zone • Permit only activities that are designed to conserve or enhance site conditions

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Guideline : The buffer zone may be extended 2.3.8 Fisheries G-1 beyond 660 feet on a case-by-case basis Standards where necessary to protect nesting birds. S-1: New management activities must not

permanently block fish passage except to meet Jacob’s Ladder prescribed fish management objectives. Replacement of existing road and trail crossings Standard must provide fish passage, unless barriers are S-1: Site protection measures for roadside needed to prevent the expansion of non- populations of Jacob’s ladder shall be indigenous species or strains. maintained based on the most recent conservation assessment and strategy S-2: Fish shall only be introduced after alternative developed for populations on the Forest. measures for native fish management prove unsatisfactory. Fish shall only be introduced with Species of Local Interest responsible State agency’s concurrence.

Great Blue Heron, Northern Guidelines G-1: Fisheries management should be Goshawk, and Osprey coordinated with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Guidelines and other agencies or organizations as G-1: Management within 660 feet of an occupied necessary. rookery or nest site: G-2: The use of native materials, such as • May prohibit non-administrative boulders, trees, and root masses, should be activities between March 15 and emphasized in stream restoration or August 1, or until nesting activities enhancement projects to harmonize with the have been completed. surrounding visual setting. • Should be designed to conserve or enhance site conditions, for example G-3: Trout may be released in streams that: structural and compositional integrity • Are accessible for fish stocking and meet Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife G-2: Management within 330 feet of occupied stocking criteria rookery or nest site may: • Have high public use and demand • Prohibit all disturbing land uses except as • Cannot sustain the fishery with natural necessary to protect the rookery or nest reproduction site G-4: Natural reproduction may be supplemented G-3: In some instances, landform or by stocking in ponds lacking adequate spawning vegetative conditions may necessitate area or impacted by acid deposition but capable expanding protected area beyond 660 feet. of maintaining a productive fishery.

G-5: Pond reclamation may be used where it can be shown that a featured fish species is unable to support angling due to competing species in the same habitat. Emphasize indigenous fish species management, fishing opportunities enhancement, and natural ecosystem restoration.

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2.3.9 Forest Health and Guidelines G-1: For projects that pose low risk of introducing Disturbance Processes or spreading NNIS, basic prevention measures should be implemented. Pests, Diseases, and Non-Native Invasive Species G-2: When treatment of NNIS is undertaken, the Forest Service should:

• Attempt to determine the source of the Standards infestation before treatment begins S-1: The Forest shall incorporate information on the status and threat of non-native • Cooperate with willing adjacent invasive species (NNIS) infestation as part of landowners project development. Methods for • Include restoration of native communities determining risk shall be standardized in where feasible keeping with regional and national guidelines. • Use herbicides/pesticides only when other For projects that pose moderate to high risk of methods are ineffective introducing or spreading NNIS, measures • Consider potential naturally developing shall be identified that can be undertaken to control mechanisms prevent and control the spread of NNIS during project implementation. G-3: Seed mixes or cultivated plants used for any purpose on National Forest lands should not S-2: The Forest shall include in contracts and include species of concern in adjacent states. permits appropriate clauses concerning the This should include checking for obvious signs of prevention or spread of NNIS. NNIS in the root wads of woody plants to be planted. S-3: Seed mixes or cultivated plants used for any purpose on National Forest lands shall G-4: The Forest should use only NNIS-free not include any species on the Forest’s NNIS forage and mulch on National Forest land when list, or any species of potential concern as feasible; this includes forage brought onto identified by the State. National Forest land for the purpose of feeding domestic animals. S-4: In cooperation with the USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection (Durham, G-5: When it is safe and effective to do so, the NH) and the Vermont Department of Forests, Forest should use an integrated pest Parks and Recreation, the Green Mountain management approach to manage NNIS, National Forest shall monitor and report on prioritizing these actions in the following order: forest health conditions including insects, • Prevent introduction of new invasions pathogens, invasive plants, air pollution, and • Prioritize treatment in sites that have the weather-related damage. greatest ability to provide a source of seeds or propagules for other infestations, S-5: Non-native insect and disease such as gravel pits, administrative sites, pathogens shall be managed using trailheads, parking lots, campgrounds, appropriate biological, silvicultural, or and emergency staging areas chemical controls. Chemical controls shall • Protect known sites for TES animals and only be used when other methods are plants ineffective. • Protect Special Areas and Research Natural Areas • Conduct early treatment of new infestations • Contain and control established infestations

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G-6: Composition of seed mixes should be G-4: Best available smoke management prioritized as follows: practices should be used to ensure that • Native species with local genotypes prescribed fire will not result in adverse effects on • Native species with non-local public health and safety, or visibility in the GMNF genotypes Class I air quality area (Lye Brook Wilderness). • Desirable (non-invasive) non-native species (may be preferable in some 2.3.11 Recreation situations that call for rapid regeneration of ground cover) General Forest Area G-7: Biological and/or chemical pesticide use may be allowed after an analysis has been Standards conducted and when deemed necessary to S-1: The General Forest Area (GFA) shall be prevent significant resource value losses. managed consistent with management area direction and the desired Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class to provide a range of 2.3.10 Fire Management dispersed recreation opportunities, while ensuring the balanced protection of social and natural Standards resources. S-1: All ignitions must receive an appropriate management response: suppression, S-2: On-site developments, for example USDA prescribed fire, or Wildland Fire Use, Forest Service installed facilities, shall not be according to a Fire Management Plan. allowed except for basic improvements for site protection only, and shall be consistent with the S-2: Wildland fire use (WFU) implementation ROS Class. criteria must be described in a Fire Management Plan before fire is managed S-3: Pit toilets shall be constructed at least 100 under WFU (Zimmerman and Bunnell 1998). feet away from bodies of water. Wildland fires that do not meet the established criteria shall be managed using S-4: The use of motorized or mechanized the full range of suppression options available vehicles, and saddle, pack and draft animals shall to confine, contain, and control (see Glossary not be allowed off National Forest System roads for fire terminology). and trails in GFAs except for administrative purposes or as authorized by the Forest Service Guidelines in writing. G-1: Fire planning should be integrated into all resource management plans to ensure Guidelines treatment objectives utilize fire in an G-1: General Forest Areas (GFAs) should be appropriate manner from both ecological and managed according to National Quality Standards resource protection standpoints. for recreation to the extent allowed by budgets (National Quality Standards for Meaningful G-2: Fire suppression and prescribed fire Measures http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/measures). impacts should be minimized by implementing Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics as G-2: Geocaching, the maintenance of minor described in the Interagency Standards for registers on mountain summits and similar Fire and Fire Aviation Operations. activities may be allowed if no significant resource problems result from the activity. G-3: Fuel reduction projects should consider the effects on deadwood in relation to wildlife habitat.

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Developed Recreation G-6: Recreation areas, sites, and facilities located on National Forest System lands should Standards complement, and not compete with, commercial S-1: Developed recreation sites shall be public services within communities or on private managed consistent with management area or other public land. direction and the desired Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class to provide 2.3.12 Trails a range of developed recreation opportunities, while ensuring the balanced protection of Standards social and natural resources. S-1: The National Forest trail system shall be managed consistent with management area S-2: Prior to substantial change to an direction. historical recreation structure, it shall be evaluated to determine its eligibility for listing S-2: Regulatory, warning, and guide signs shall on the National Register of Historic Places. conform to standards identified in FSH 2309.18 and EM 7100-15 and other internal trail Guidelines management direction. G-1: Developed recreation sites should be managed according to National Quality Guidelines Standards for recreation. (National Quality G-1: National Forest System trails should be Standards for Meaningful Measures at operated and maintained to National Quality http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/measures/). Standards for trails (National Quality Standards for Meaningful Measures at G-2: Recreation maintenance and http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/measures/). improvements should focus on the reduction of deferred maintenance needs on existing G-2: Trail maintenance and improvement facilities before the development of new activities should focus on the reduction of facilities. deferred maintenance needs on existing trails before the development of new trails. G-3: Developed recreation sites should be managed following policy and procedures G-3: All trails should be monitored for resource identified in the most recent Forest impacts in accordance with an established Recreation Facility Master Plan. monitoring plan. Responsibility for monitoring should be shared by the Forest Service and G-4: Developed recreation site maintenance, cooperators. rehabilitation, and reconstruction should be undertaken based on the following priority G-4: Multiple use trails should be items: emphasized over single use trails where • Correct health and safety problems the uses are compatible. • Mitigate social and/or natural resource problems G-5: Multiple use recreation trails should be • Improve accessibility for people with designed and maintained to adequately and disabilities safely accommodate the most demanding or • Decrease deferred maintenance costs impacting type of use allowed. • Improve operation and maintenance efficiency G-6: Summer motorized use may be allowed for administrative purposes when approved in writing G-5: Decisions to construct, relocate, or by the Forest Service. rehabilitate trail shelters should be made cooperatively with trail management partners.

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Non-Motorized Cross-Country Skiing

Hiking Trails Guideline Standard: G-1: The Catamount Trail should be managed S-1: Consistent with existing agreements, predominately as a non-motorized cross-country the Green Mountain National Forest shall ski trail. Minor exceptions, such as sharing with consult with the Appalachian Trail motorized uses, may be allowed where there are Conference (ATC), and the appropriate no other alternatives. managing trail club (either Green Mountain Club or the Dartmouth Outing Bicycling Club) on management actions that affect side trails to the Appalachian and Long Standard Trails. S-1: Bicycling shall be allowed only on National Forest System trails that are designated for that Guidelines: use. Forest System Roads (Class I-V) shall be G-1: Side trails to the Appalachian and open to bicycling unless posted closed. Long Trails (identified in the Long Trail System Management Plan and Dartmouth Guideline Outing Club Local Management Plan for G-1: Bicycle trails should be identified and the Appalachian Trail) should be managed maintained in cooperation with partners. primarily as non-motorized trails designated for foot travel. Minor exceptions, such as sharing with Saddle, Pack, and Draft Animals

motorized uses, may be allowed where there are no other reasonable Standard : Saddle, pack, and draft animals shall be alternatives. S-1 allowed only on National Forest System trails that

are designated for that use. Forest System G-2: Management of side trails to the Roads (Class I-V) shall be open to saddle, pack, Appalachian and Long Trails should and draft animals unless posted closed. conform to the following documents:

• Long Trail System Guideline Management Plan G-1: Saddle, pack, and draft animal trails should • Dartmouth Outing Club Local be identified and maintained in cooperation with Management Plan for the partners. Appalachian Trail

G-3: Trail facilities (trail shelters, tent Dogsledding and Skijoring platforms, trailheads and similar facilities), located outside AT and LT Management Standard Areas (MA 8.1, 8.2) on side and spur trails S-1: Dogsledding and skijoring shall be allowed identified in the Long Trail System only on National Forest System roads or trails Management Plan are considered a that are designated for that use. component of the overall Appalachian Trail and Long Trail systems. These Guidelines facilities should be managed to be G-1: Dogsledding should be prohibited on trails consistent with direction in the that pass through deer wintering areas. Appalachian Trail Management Area (MA 8.1) and the Long Trail Management Area G-2: Summer training of dogsled teams should be (MA 8.2). directed to closed and gated National Forest System roads.

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Motorized Vehicles 2.3.13 Visuals Standards S-1: The GMNF trail system shall remain Standards closed to motorized vehicles unless S-1: Visual quality objectives shall be determined designated open. when implementing the 2006 Forest Plan on specific areas. S-2: Motorized trail vehicles shall be allowed only on National Forest System (NFS) roads S-2: Visual quality objectives shall be met for all and trails which are designated for that use. activities.

S-3: Jeeps, four-wheel drive cars and trucks, S-3: For the viewshed as seen from the and similar street-size vehicles shall be Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail, but outside limited to open, NFS roads. of the AT and LT Management Areas, activities shall meet a visual quality objective (VQO) of at S-4: Motor vehicle management, including least Partial Retention. motorized trail use and maintenance, shall be consistent with State laws. All motor vehicles Guidelines using Forest trails shall meet State safety and G-1: The Built Environment Image Guide (BEIG) registration requirements, and other (FS 710 December 2001) should be used to applicable State laws. develop the image, appearance, or architectural character of existing or proposed facilities, when S-5: Summer off-road vehicle trails shall be considering rehabilitation, expansion, limited to connecting corridors that link replacement, or the addition of new sections of a larger state-wide, regional, improvements. subregional, or multi-town summer motorized trail system located off NFS lands. G-2: The following tables (Tables 2.3-2 and 2.3-3) should be used as guidelines to determine visual S-6: Trail termini or trailheads for summer quality objectives (VQOs). Table 2.3-2 requires ORV trails shall not be located on NFS lands. use of desired Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) objectives for areas to determine VQOs S-7: An entirely or predominantly contained (see glossary for definitions of terms). summer ORV trail system shall not be located on NFS lands.

Guidelines G-1: Summer off-road vehicle trails should be limited to the minimum distance needed to provide connectors for the trail system located off of NFS lands. Exceptions to this may be granted to provide opportunities to reduce impacts to other resources or enhance the recreational experience (for example, access to a vista).

G-2: New motorized trail proposals should be supported by an organized partner group affiliated with a state-wide entity that is financially and technically capable and willing to assume primary responsibility for construction, operations, and maintenance. View from Glastenbury Mountain

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Table 2.3-2: Visual Condition Guidelines for On-Site and Off-Site Views RECREATION VIEWER VISUAL CONDITION ON-SITE (within ½ VISUAL CONDITION AS SEEN OPPORTUNITY SENSI- mile) and DISTRIBUTION per mile (50 acres) from OFF-SITE at MORE THAN SPECTRUM TIVITY of travel corridor or per 1000 acres of other ½ MILE (ROS) land Primitive Up to 1% of the travel corridor may be Appears natural and unchanged by High PERMANENT PARTIAL RETENTION. humans to the casual Forest visitor. At least 99% of travel corridor should be (RETENTION) PRESERVATION. 100% of area outside of travel corridor should be PRESERVATION. Semi Primitive Up to 1% of the travel corridor may be Appears natural and unchanged by Non Motorized High PERMANENT PARTIAL RETENTION. humans to the casual Forest visitor. At least 99% of travel corridor should be (RETENTION) RETENTION. Semi- Up to 4% of travel corridor may be PERMANENT Appears natural with only occasional Primitive High PARTIAL RETENTION. evidence of human change. On the Motorized At Least 96% of travel corridor should be upper part of the more noticeable RETENTION. peaks and ridges change is not Up to 4% of travel corridor may be PERMANENT evident to the casual Forest visitor. Moderate PARTIAL RETENTION. Up to 10% of travel (RETENTION) corridor may be TEMPORARY PARTIAL On other locations change is RETENTION. At least 90% of travel corridor occasionally noticeable but is should be RETENTION. subordinate to the natural appearing Up to 1% per 1000 acres may be PERMANENT surroundings. Low PARTIAL RETENTION. Up to 8% per 1000 acres (PARTIAL RETENTION) may be TEMPORARY MODIFICATION Roaded Natural Up to 10% of travel corridor may be PERMANENT When viewing these lands from a High MODIFICATION. At least 90% should be distance, some change may be RETENTION. apparent. On the upper part of the Up to 10% of travel corridor may be PERMANENT more noticeable peaks and ridges, Moderate MODIFICATION. Up to 15% of the travel corridor changes may be seen but are may be TEMPORARY PARTIAL RETENTION. At subdued and subordinate to the least 85% of the travel corridor should be surrounding natural appearing RETENTION. landscape. (PARTIAL RETENTION) Up to 1% per 1000 acres may be PERMANENT on other locations, changes may be Low MODIFICATION. Up to 10% per 1000 acres may more noticeable and even begin to be TEMPORARY MODIFICATION. dominate the view but should be in harmony as are most private pastures and croplands. (MODIFICATION). Rural Up to 10% of travel corridor may be PERMANENT Rural areas reflect considerable High MAXIMUM MODIFICATION. changed by humans but are not At least 70% should be RETENTION. acceptable on higher peaks and Temporary alterations should meet RETENTION. ridges. Changes to the lower elevations on National Forest may occasionally dominate the view but should be in harmony with the surrounding natural appearing landscape. (MODIFICATION). Urban High Not normally found on National Forest but may occur on adjacent private lands such as highly If National Forest is involved, apply developed base facilities of major winter sports Rural objective above. areas. On adjacent National Forest use same objectives as for Highly Sensitive Rural Areas. Ski area developments may under-achieve these guidelines. Follow Alpine Ski Area MA (7.1) direction.

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Table 2.3-3: Visual Condition Guidelines Related to Timber Harvesting Activities for the GMNF VIEWER PERCEIVED SIZE AND ACTIVITY SENSITIVITY VISUAL QUALITY AND TIME SHAPE1 (foreground) INDIVIDUAL TREE High Retention upon completion of project Not Significant SELECTION OR Moderate Partial Retention within 1 year. Not Significant THINNING or Low Retention within 3 years Retention upon Openings up to 1/10 acre High Completion of project Irregular shape GROUP Partial Retention within 1 year. Openings up to ½ acre SELECTION Moderate Retention within 3 years Irregular shape Modification within 1 year. Partial Low retention in 3 years. Retention in 5 No Geometric shapes years. Visual enhancement, demonstration projects, and for ecological restoration Must relate to the High must be designed or reviewed by surrounding landscape landscape architect, timber production character. SHELTERWOOD is a secondary objective. WITH RESERVES, Up to 10 acre TWO CUT shelterwood and removal SHELTERWOOD, cut. Road side opening Partial retention 1 year. and up to 400 feet and trail Retention in 15 years from regeneration THREE CUT Moderate side up to 200 feet, with cut. SHELTERWOOD at least 1000 feet between openings. Irregular shapes. Modification in 1 year. Partial retention

in 3 years. Retention in 15 years from No geometric shapes. Low regeneration cut. Visual enhancement, demonstration projects, and for ecological restoration Must relate to the

must be designed or reviewed by surrounding landscape High landscape architect, timber production character. is a secondary objective. Up to 5 acres with islands

and irregular shape. CLEARCUT Partial retention within 1 year. Road and Trail side Moderate Retention within 15 years. opening up to 200 feet with at least 1000 feet between openings. Modification in 1 year. Partial retention Up to 15 acres with Low in 3 years. Retention in 15 years. irregular shapes. VISUAL RESOURCE MITIGATION SHOULD BE DETERMINED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. 1Perceived size and shape of temporary openings (or permanent upland openings where clearcut is used to create them) as seen from the sensitive viewing locations. Actual size may be larger. Wildlife reserve trees that dominate the surroundings may be removed after consultation with the Forest Wildlife Biologist. Residual debris (tree branches, root wads, stumps and other debris) should appear consistent with the VQO.

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2.3.14 Tribal Relations S-2: All proposed undertakings must take into account the effect on any NR-listed, NR-eligible Standards or unevaluated heritage resource within the S-1: The Forest must consult with Tribal Area of Potential Effect (APE) prior to Historic Preservation Offices (THPO) and implementation. The Forest must protect and federally recognized Native American tribes, as manage properties found to be eligible for the appropriate, early in the planning process NR, or which remain unevaluated, as if they regarding proposed management activities in were listed on the NR. order to identify and address tribal interests, either on a case-by-case basis or through a S-3: Discoveries of human remains and programmatic agreement. associated objects must remain in place and protected if encountered, and must be reported S-2: The Forest must consult appropriate THPO immediately to USDA Forest Service Law and federally recognized Native American tribes Enforcement Officers (LEOs) and USDA Forest regarding the discovery of any human remains Service heritage resource specialists; project on the Forest. work in the area of the discovery must cease until LEO and heritage evaluation is completed. Guidelines G-1: The Forest should work with tribes to S-4: The nature and location of archaeological determine whether regulation of the gathering and Native American sacred or traditional use of natural resources and/or special forest sites shall remain confidential and exempt from products for traditional purposes is best done the Freedom of Information Act (36 CFR on a case-by-case basis or through an 296.18). agreement (see Special Forest Products standards and guidelines). S-5: Heritage inventory activities and resulting data shall meet current national guidance and G-2: The Forest should respect, and professional standards, shall be maintained in incorporate in decisions when appropriate, the Forest’s corporate database and mapping concerns expressed by Native American groups systems, and shall be consistent with SHPO and individuals with historical ties to the Forest standards. independent of their federal recognition status. Guidelines G-1: Heritage resources should be evaluated to 2.3.15 Heritage Resources determine their eligibility for listing on the NR

with reference to the State Historic Preservation Standards Plan as appropriate. : Heritage resources management shall be S-1 coordinated with State Historic Preservation : Heritage resource artifact collections and Offices (SHPO), and Tribal Historic G-2 records, and administrative history and archival Preservation Offices (THPO) and federally data, should be curated in accordance with recognized Native American tribes as federal standards (36 CFR 79), and through appropriate, either on a case-by-case basis or consultation with SHPO and other interested through a programmatic agreement. Mitigation parties. plans must include the above consultation, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) when projects might affect resources eligible for the National or State Registers of Historic Places (NR).

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2.3.16 Interpretation and 2.3.17 Land Ownership Education Adjustments

Standards Guidelines S-1: Interpretation and education (I&E) efforts G-1: Lands that become available for purchase shall reflect the integration of the social, by willing sellers and meet one or more of the ecological, economic, and land use history of following will be the highest priority. The more the Forest and region while emphasizing the guidelines a property meets, the higher it will be mission of the Forest Service in managing in priority. National Forest System lands. • Consolidate public ownership to facilitate natural resource restoration S-2: The Forest Service mission and image and conservation, improve management shall remain visible on all I&E products effectiveness, and provide large produced by the Forest Service and its contiguous areas for multiple-use partners. opportunities • Benefit the purposes of the Taconic S-3: I&E efforts shall be executed consistent expansion area with management area direction and the • Are within established Wilderness areas desired Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class. • Conserve rivers, watersheds and significant streams Guidelines • Benefit the Appalachian National Scenic G-1: Visitors should be informed of the Trail and the Long National Recreation distribution, differences, and roles of the Trail systems federal, State, and private lands found in the • Provide administrative and/or public Green Mountain region and the respective access to the National Forest range of recreation and cultural interest • Provide resources for forest products opportunities and facilities available. • Provide wildlife habitat and corridors

• Provide fisheries habitat G-2: Nationally adopted I&E programs, such as • Leave No Trace, should be promoted to Forest Conserve threatened, endangered, and visitors to create a better understanding of the sensitive species habitat • Forest environment and to reduce impacts to Provide recreation opportunities Forest resources. • Have uncommon or outstanding scenic, physical, or biological qualities G-3: I&E efforts should utilize a wide range of • Protect significant historic properties technologies to provide a range of media for the • Resolve occupancy trespass and dissemination of information related to the encroachment onto federal land health, safety, education, and enjoyment of • Consider the goals of towns, regional Forest visitors. planning commissions, and the State of Vermont G-4: The Forest Service should provide • Meet National Forest System resource adequate information for Forest users to take needs on lands outside and adjacent to full advantage of available goods and services. the proclamation boundary

G-5: Internal or external partner development of new I&E products, related to the GMNF, should be reviewed by appropriate resource groups for consistency and quality of messages prior to being finalized.

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G-2: Although the 2006 Forest Plan is the guiding document for land adjustment in that it 2.3.18 Transportation lists the purchase priorities, the Forest Service Analysis may go for years without purchasing acres in any of the priorities, such as acquisition of Standard Wilderness inholdings. This does not mean the S-1: Transportation project proposals shall priorities are being ignored. It means no tracts follow FSM 7712 -Transportation Analysis, with priority characteristics are available for which covers roads analysis, accessibility, purchase. Priorities can only be applied when traffic volumes, economic impacts, road multiple opportunities exist and limited funding management objectives, soil and water requires prioritization. Otherwise, land is impacts, and effects on recreation and timber purchased when it is available if it meets one or management. more of the guidelines. Road Design and Construction G-3: The transfer of lands, or interest in lands, from the Forest Service to other parties should Standards be guided by the following criteria: S-1: Road designs shall follow FSM 7721 and • Lands no longer needed for National FSM 7722, and receive a technical review, Forest System purposes including a plans-in-hand field review by the • Parcels that will serve a greater public District Ranger and the appropriate need in State, county, city, or other interdisciplinary team. federal agency ownership • Parcels isolated from other National S-2: Roads constructed or reconstructed for Forest System lands use by the general public shall be designed in • Parcels having boundaries, or portions accord with the latest AASHTO Policy on of boundaries, with inefficient Geometric Design of Highways and Streets configurations standards section on rural roads and special • Reduction of administrative problems purpose roads. and management costs S-3: New drainage structures shall be located G-4: Newly acquired land should be assigned a and designed to minimize road and ditch management area classification shown on the erosion and to outlet onto stable slopes and 2006 Forest Plan Proclamation Boundary map. drain into areas suitable for trapping sediment.

G-5: On newly acquired lands, existing roads S-4: Stream crossings and other in-stream and trails may be designated and maintained if: structures shall be designed and constructed to • the road or trail is consistent with MA pass water and debris for the targeted storm direction and the DFC event and allow free movement of resident • the road or trail is a necessary aquatic life. component of a larger transportation system or networks S-5: Replacement of drainage structures with known fish passage opportunities must provide fish passage except to meet prescribed fish G-6: Designations should be considered management objectives temporary and should be reviewed when comprehensive transportation planning is completed for the area. S-6: Temporary erosion control devices shall be installed and maintained until disturbed ground has been stabilized.

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Road Operation and Maintenance 2.3.19 Special Uses

Standards Recreation Special Uses S-1: The Forest Service shall cooperate with State and town governments and Standards highway departments in managing town- S-1: Special use permits shall be maintained roadways through the Green administered to standards described in Mountain National Forest. Forest Service Handbooks and Manuals, as well as other internal S-2: Public access shall be controlled to meet management direction. 2006 Forest Plan management objectives such as achieving desired recreation opportunities S-2: Special use permits shall be administered (see Recreation and Visual standards and consistent with management area direction. guidelines) and protecting wildlife habitats (see Wildlife and Fish standards and guidelines). S-3: Existing uses that are not compatible with the 2006 Forest Plan shall be brought into S-3: Road restrictions, year-round or seasonal, compliance upon renewal or re-issuance to a shall be considered when: new holder. • Use causes unacceptable damage to roadbed or soil and water resources S-4: Outfitters/guides shall submit operating • Use causes unacceptable wildlife plans and itineraries as part of their annual conflict or habitat degradation permit applications. • Use results in unsafe conditions • A seasonal public or administration Guidelines need is served G-1: Recreation special uses should be • The area accessed has seasonal need managed to protect the characteristics of the for protection or non-use desired Recreation Opportunity Spectrum • It is necessary to resolve conflicts classification. between users G-2: Special use authorizations should be S-4: Users shall be informed of closures issued only when there are no private land through signing. alternatives, or when the use has a clear and significant public benefit. Guideline G-1: New road grades should generally be G-3: Recreation special use permits should be between 2 and 20 percent. If grades greater denied when it is determined that undesirable than 10 percent are deemed necessary, they social and/or resource impacts occur. should only be considered if other alternatives are too expensive and mitigating measures, G-4: Recreation special use permits should be such as additional drainage control, are denied when permit applications are not possible. received within administratively established time frames or the proposed use cannot be effectively administered.

G-5: Recreation special use allocation studies should be instituted if monitoring and analysis determines that recreation demand exceeds the capacity of the land and/or facility to accommodate such activities.

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Forest-Wide Management Direction Chapter 2

G-6: Permitted activity group sizes should be S-7: All research permits shall include a limited when necessary to provide for safety requirement that the Forest receive a copy of and resource protection, and/or to minimize the the final report or analysis. impact large groups have on others. S-8: Special use permits shall not be approved G-7: Commercial use of summer off-road for new uses where the primary use is storage vehicles should not be approved if the proposal or disposal of hazardous materials including, is primarily dependant on the National Forest but not limited to, landfills and liquid septage trail system. disposal facilities.

Non-Recreation Special Uses S-9: Special Use applications shall be denied if the authorizing officer determines that: Standards • The proposed use would not be in the S-1: Special use permits shall be administered public interest. to standards described in Forest Service • The proposed use would otherwise be Handbooks and Manuals, as well as other inconsistent with applicable federal, internal management direction. State, and local laws, regulations, and special orders that apply to the national S-2: Special use permits shall be administered forests. consistent with management area direction. • The proposed use may endanger public health or safety. S-3: First Amendment group uses, such as • The proposed use would conflict or freedom of assembly and worship, shall not be interfere with administrative use by the denied on the basis that they can reasonably be Forest Service, other authorized existing accommodated on non-National Forest System uses, or uses of adjacent non-federal lands. lands. • The applicant does not, or cannot, S-4: Existing uses that are not compatible with demonstrate technical or financial the 2006 Forest Plan shall be brought into capability. compliance upon renewal or re-issuance to a new holder of an authorization. S-10: Special use permits required by law to provide access to non-federal land shall be S-5: Maple tapping shall require a special use issued. permit in addition to a forest products permit. Guidelines S-6: Military training activities shall be G-1: Special use authorizations should be authorized only after the Department of issued only when there are no reasonable Defense has determined and substantiated that private land alternatives, or when the use has a lands under its jurisdiction are either unsuitable clear and significant public benefit. or unavailable in accordance with the Master Agreement between the Department of Defense G-2: New special use permits for transportation, and the Department of Agriculture that governs utility and communication corridors should be the use of National Forest System lands for co-located with existing corridors to reduce the these purposes. When local supplemental proliferation of separate rights-of-way. agreements with military agencies exist, consult such agreements for additional direction. G-3: Current uses, where the primary use is Activities must be in conformance with storage or disposal of hazardous materials management area objectives. including, but not limited to, landfills and liquid septage disposal facilities, should be phased out.

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G-4: First Amendment group uses may only be G-7: Non-Recreation special use permits denied a permit if the use does not meet the should be denied when it is determined that eight criteria listed in Federal regulations (36 undesirable social and/or resource impacts CFR 251.54). occur.

G-5: Electrical utility lines of 33 kilovolts or less, communication lines, or pipelines should be 2.3.20 Administrative buried unless one or more of the following Facilities and Uses applies: • Visual quality objectives of the area can Guidelines be met using an overhead line. G-1: Existing facilities may be • Burial is not feasible due to geological maintained. hazards or unfavorable geologic conditions. G-2: On roads, trails, and general forest • Greater long-term site disturbance areas where motorized vehicle uses are would result. prohibited, motorized access may be • It is not technically feasible. allowed for law enforcement, • State law governing the use of public emergency, firefighting, maintenance, highway rights-of-way for utility and other administrative purposes. purposes applies. Generally, it applies in cases where land was acquired for G-3: Research activities and facilities National Forest System purposes may be allowed as long as they are subject to an existing public highway consistent with management area right-of-way. direction.

G-6: Agricultural uses should meet the requirement of having a clear and significant public benefit, such as maintaining desirable open space as determined by appropriate analysis. Do not authorize such uses merely to continue a past use on land now part of the National Forest System.

Hapgood Pond, photo courtesy of Donna Marks

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Chapter 3 Management Area Direction

Diverse Forest Use 47 Wilderness 49 Remote Backcountry Forest 54 Diverse Backcountry 58 Remote Wildlife Habitat 60 Alpine Ski Areas 63 Appalachian National Scenic Trail 66 Long National Recreation Trail 73 Robert T. Stafford White Rocks National Recreation Area 79 Alpine/Subalpine Special Area 82 Green Mountain Escarpment 86 Existing and Candidate Research Natural Areas 90 Ecological Special Areas 94 Recreation Special Areas 98 Moosalamoo Recreation and Education Area 100 Alpine Ski Area Expansion 103 Eligible Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers 105

Introduction

Chapter 3 presents management direction for specific management areas (MAs). The management direction that applies Forest-wide, found in Chapter 2, also applies to all management areas. Management area direction is developed to be appropriate for the variety of uses and resources in the management areas.

Each management area has a major emphasis and desired future condition. In addition, each management area has a set of standards and guidelines.

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DIVERSE FOREST USE (3.1)

Major Emphasis Suitable habitat will be provided for a variety of wildlife and plant species. Deer wintering habitat The Diverse Forest Use Management Area will be emphasized within, or adjacent to, identified (MA) emphasizes a variety of forest uses. deer wintering areas. Habitat at the landscape Vegetation management emphasis is level will include a sustainable mix of young and placed on production of high quality mature forests. Permanent upland and temporary sawtimber and other timber products on a openings will occur across the landscape in shapes sustained yield basis. Management actions and sizes that are consistent with visual objectives provide a mix of habitats for wildlife species, in the area. Views, ecological processes, and including deer wintering habitat. Public use management practices will be interpreted at some is managed to provide a full range of vista sites. recreation opportunities, from motorized and non-motorized trails to dispersed campsites Recreation opportunities will be diverse in this MA, and developed campgrounds. The mix of with pockets of semi-primitive motorized to the vegetation conditions and recreation more common roaded natural recreation opportunities across the landscape provides opportunity classes. Recreation management will a mosaic of landscape conditions that be towards the desired ROS class of Roaded strives to be visually attractive to people Natural. Forest visitors will be common in visiting the Forest. developed recreation sites and camping areas along roads in the general forest area. Trail opportunities will be diverse, ranging from hiking Desired Future Condition and bicycling to snowmobiling and potentially

summer ORV riding. Summer ORV trails will be The landscape character will be a mix of limited in scope as described in the Forest-wide deciduous and coniferous forest stands of Standards and Guidelines. Interaction among various types. The stands will vary in size, visitors will be in moderate to high concentrations in shape, height, and tree species. Along road locally popular areas. Impacts from recreation use and trail corridors, large diameter trees of will be evident. diverse species will predominate. Vistas of landscapes with a mosaic of vegetative patterns will be provided along roads and trails. Forest communities that would naturally be present, such as northern hardwoods, aspen, and oak, will be retained and enhanced where feasible.

Management practices will include both even-aged and uneven-aged silviculture systems. As a result, two different conditions will occur among the stands: some stands will consist of trees of about the same age and size; the remaining stands will consist of a mix of tree sizes and ages ranging from seedlings to very large Snowmobiling on the Green Mountain National Forest mature trees. Silvicultural practices will be used to meet timber, wildlife, ecological, visual, and recreation objectives.

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Management Area Direction Chapter 3

Standards and Guidelines for Minerals Diverse Forest Use (3.1) Guideline:

G-1: Subject to valid existing rights, mineral Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. exploration and extraction that causes surface The management area standards and disturbance within this area may be permitted. guidelines are to be applied in addition to

Forest-wide standards and guidelines. In Fire Management case of a conflict between the Forest-wide Guideline: standards and guidelines and the G-1: Prescribed fire may be permitted management area standards and guidelines, the most restrictive standard and guideline shall apply.

Relics and Ruins Field School

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WILDERNESS (5.1)

Major Emphasis ice storms. Vegetation composition will result from natural ecological processes rather than human- The Wilderness Management Area caused activities. Vegetation cover will vary based emphasizes the management and primarily on ecological conditions. Temporary protection of congressionally designated openings, early successional forest, small wilderness areas. The existing Wilderness permanent upland openings, and the wildlife areas include Bristol Cliffs, Breadloaf, associated with these areas may be found but will Joseph Battell, Big Branch, Peru Peak, Lye be uncommon and the result of natural processes. Brook, Glastenbury, and George D. Aiken Components of the natural disturbance regime will (Table 3.1-1). Lye Brook Wilderness is also include individual tree throw, infrequent large-scale a Class I Air Quality Area. Management blow down, very infrequent fire, insect damage, and emphasizes the maintenance of wilderness beaver flooding. Parcels previously maintained as values consistent with the Wilderness Act of early successional units will disappear with the 1964 and subsequent legislation, including: passage of time. • A general appearance of being affected primarily by the forces of Recreation management will be towards the nature, with the imprint of man's desired ROS class of Primitive. There will be little work substantially unnoticeable evidence of human development in Wilderness • Outstanding opportunities for MAs with several exceptions including trails, trail solitude or a primitive and shelters, trail blazes, and limited trail signing that unconfined type of recreation provides onsite guidance to visitors. Interaction between users will vary by wilderness, specific • At least 5,000 acres of land or is of places within each wilderness, and season of use. sufficient size as to make practicable In general, use will be concentrated around trail its preservation and use in an corridors and other popular features. Away from unimpaired condition trails and in low-use wildernesses, evidence of, and • Ecological, geological, or other interaction with, other users will be low. Facilities features of scientific, educational, and designated campsites may be present when scenic, or historical values necessary to protect Wilderness values.

Managerial controls will be kept to a minimum and In order to maintain these values, used only as necessary to protect ecological and wilderness areas prohibit the use of social values. motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, installation of new structures, The Appalachian Trail (AT) and Long Trail (LT) and road development except where pass through Wilderness Management Areas. provided for by law. These trails provide an opportunity for visitors to

experience a Wilderness setting while hiking these Desired Future Condition long distance trails. The unique characteristics of both the wilderness areas and the AT and LT will While Eastern wilderness includes lands be protected and maintained to the greatest extent that have been modified through logging possible. and other human uses over hundreds of years, current natural ecological processes There may be evidence of previous settlement, will be allowed to take place. The such as stonewalls, cellar holes, old roads, or other Wilderness management areas will be a structures or features which will be returning to product of natural succession where large natural conditions. Structures, facilities, or shelters and small-scale changes occur through will occur only where specific exceptions to the natural events such as wind disturbances or Wilderness Act were placed in the enabling

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Management Area Direction Chapter 3 legislation, or where such properties are Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) covering determined historically significant (eligible to Wilderness, include: the National Register for Historic Places) • Title 36 CFR – Part 293 – Wilderness – and consistent with the character of the Primitive Areas wilderness. Individual rustic campsites may • Title 36 CFR subpart 228.15 (Minerals) be noticed, but will not dominate a • Title 36 CFR subpart 261.61 (National landscape. Old roads will be restored to Forest Wilderness prohibitions) natural conditions unless they are Forest Service Manuals – FSM 2320 series designated as trails. Wilderness Management Plans

Areas Congressionally Minerals Designated as Wilderness 5.1 Standard: S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, minerals in Wilderness shall be unavailable for lease. Table 3.1-1: Designated Wilderness

Wilderness Acres Timber Management George D. Aiken 5,060 Standard: Lye Brook 17,718 S-1: Timber management shall not be Peru Peak 7,672 permitted. Bristol Cliffs 3,775 Breadloaf 25,237 Guideline: G-1: Vegetation changes should be left to the Big Branch 6,767 forces of nature except as provided for in Forest Joseph Battell 12,333 Service direction. Glastenbury 22,425 Special Forest Products Standard: Standards and Guidelines for S-1: Gathering of special forest products for Wilderness 5.1 commercial sale shall be prohibited. Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. The management area standards and Range guidelines are to be applied in addition to Standard: Forest-wide standards and guidelines. In S-1: Livestock areas shall be prohibited. case of a conflict between the Forest-wide standards and guidelines and the Wildlife management area standards and Standard: guidelines, the most restrictive standard and S-1: Wildlife habitat improvement projects shall guideline shall apply. be prohibited. Habitat shall be a result of natural processes. Guidance for managing Wilderness is found in: Fisheries Wilderness Acts Guideline: • PL 88-577, September 3, 1964 G-1: Fish stocking may continue in lakes where (Wilderness Act) it has historically been done. • PL 93-622, January 3, 1975 (Eastern Wilderness Act) and Ecological Special Areas and Mount Horrid Amendment PL94-268, April 1976 for Bristol Cliffs Standard: • PL 98-322, June 19, 1984 (Vermont S-1: Ecological special areas and the Mount Wilderness Act) Horrid candidate Research Natural Area • PL 109-382, December 1, 2006 contained within Wilderness shall be managed (New England Wilderness Act) to protect their special ecological values.

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changes and structures should exist at most Guideline: sites (simple rock fire rings). G-1: Recreation and other activities may be restricted or prohibited through area G-4: The minimum tool concept should be used closures to protect the special ecological to guide management actions. values of these areas. G-5: Restoration efforts should be site-specific Pests, Diseases, and Non-Native and small scale, such as rehabilitating Invasive Species campsites or other sites impacted by recreation. Guidelines: G-1: Non-native invasive species may G-6: Numbers of users may be limited to be suppressed where native ecological provide opportunities for solitude and low to communities or TES species are moderate contact with other groups or threatened by their presence. individuals. G-2: Ecosystem restoration should be G-7: Visitor use may be managed by informing considered only if the need is causally visitors of alternative opportunities outside of linked to human-induced changes, and if wilderness, restricting access to the wilderness, those changes pose a significant threat limiting length of stay, limiting group size, to resources outside of wilderness. and/or instituting a permit system.

Fire Management Developed Recreation Guideline: Standard: G-1: Wildland Fire Use may be S-1: Construction of new overnight facilities permitted. shall be prohibited.

Recreation Guidelines: Standards: G-1: Overnight facilities identified in the area- S-1: Storing equipment/materials shall enabling legislation may be retained. be prohibited. G-2: Shelters identified for retention should be S-2: A minimum tools analysis shall be maintained. Native materials are to be used, if completed before undertaking any possible, for maintenance and repair. Non- project. native materials may be used only if native material is unavailable or impractical. Materials Guidelines: are to be replaced in-kind. Any materials used G-1: Education efforts on pre-trip should be durable, and should blend closely planning should discourage group sizes with the natural surroundings. larger than ten people. G-3: An existing facility determined eligible for G-2: Monitor effects of geocaching the National Register of Historic Places may be activities to determine if there are retained if this is the only way to adequately conflicts with wilderness values and preserve and protect its historical or cultural resources. Consider prohibition of significance. geocaching if conflicts occur. G-4: Existing overnight facilities that are not G-3: Whenever practical, campsites identified in area-enabling legislation should be outside of the Appalachian Trail and removed if they can no longer meet health and Long Trail should be managed in ways safety standards without full replacement; if to make them as unrecognizable as they are not needed for resource protection; possible. Only minimal physical and are not historically significant.

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G-5: For shelters that will be retained, exists, the stricter standards shall be every practical effort should be made to followed. minimize the presence of the shelter and its impact on the surrounding area. S-3: The use of horses, pack animals, dog teams, bicycles, and motorized vehicles on Trails the footpath of the AT/LT shall be Standard: prohibited. S-1: The use of horses, pack animals, dog teams, bicycles, and motorized Guidelines: vehicles in Wilderness shall be G-1: Any physical changes and structures prohibited, except for search and rescue should be limited to those needed to operations with Forest Supervisor prevent deterioration of the site by repeated approval, fire suppression with Forest use. Supervisor approval, and motorized access to private in-holdings as G-2: Existing shelters and associated authorized by law and permits. facilities may be maintained on the AT/LT and associated trails. Guidelines: G-1: Cairns, limited scree walls, blazing, G-3: Use of hand-held power tools, such as and directional arrow signs may be used chainsaws, to re-open trails following only when the summer trail tread is not catastrophic natural events may be easily discernible, for resource authorized by the delegated authorizing protection, or to mitigate an unusual or official. extraordinary public safety hazard. G-4: When existing trail shelters deteriorate G-2: Trails may be added or eliminated to the point that they must be replaced or to protect wilderness values. reconstructed, the shelter and shelter location should be analyzed for historic G-3: Trails should be constructed, significance. When possible, relocate relocated, and maintained to a minimum shelters to appropriate sites outside of standard necessary for protection of the wilderness. soil, water, vegetation, visual quality, user safety, and long-term maintenance. Heritage Resources Emphasis should be placed on trails that Guidelines: appear to be part of the wilderness G-1: Archaeological research and excavations environment and not an intrusion upon may be permitted under the condition that they it. will not alter the long-term ecological integrity or wilderness values of the area. Appalachian Trail and Long Trail Standards: G-2: Preservation, maintenance, research, and S-1: Activities shall be planned and interpretation related to significant historic carried out in cooperation with the properties may be undertaken under the appropriate trail management condition that such properties are consistent partner(s). with the character of the Wilderness.

S-2: Management direction contained in the Appalachian Trail National Scenic Trail MA (8.1), the Long Trail MA (8.2) and Wilderness MA (5.1), apply to areas where each respective trail goes through a Wilderness MA. Where conflict

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Transportation Analysis Recreation Special Uses Standards: Standards: S-1: Roads shall be prohibited unless S-1: Permits for competitive or recreation required by law to provide access to events shall be prohibited. private land or easements. S-2: Permits for recreation facilities shall be S-2: Decommissioned roads shall be prohibited. restored to landscape level or converted to trails. Guidelines: G-1: Future development of use zones through Guideline: the LAC process may restrict Outfitter Guide G-1: Historically significant roads may use or not allow use to increase beyond a level be closed, rather than decommissioned, that can be accommodated within the as determined through SHPO. Actions established standards. for closing roads shall follow Forest Service transportation policy. G-2: Outfitter/guide permits should not disperse use from high- to low-use areas.

Non-Recreation Special Uses Standards: S-1: Permits for roads and trails shall not be issued unless required by law to provide access to non-federal land.

S-2: On-the-ground military exercises shall be prohibited in wilderness.

Guideline: G-1: Other non-recreation special use permits may be authorized provided they are consistent with management area emphasis and Desired Future Condition, and they will not threaten or diminish the character or purpose for which the management area was designated, or as directed by the Wilderness Act of 1964.

Lye Brook Wilderness

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REMOTE BACKCOUNTRY FOREST (6.1)

Major Emphasis minimize visual disturbance, and to preserve a sense of wildness. Recreation management will be The Remote Backcountry Forest towards the desired ROS class of Semi-primitive Management Area emphasizes large Non-motorized. expanses of relatively natural landscapes where terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems Changes in vegetation will be predominantly the develop under natural disturbance regimes. result of natural processes. Natural disturbances Management actions are limited to those such as wind, ice storms, or outbreaks of native that help restore or maintain natural insects and diseases will be considered part of processes, natural communities, and these natural processes. Under some associated species within their natural circumstances, management actions that will ranges of variation in the landscape. Public further the desired future condition of this MA may use is managed at a scale and intensity that be appropriate. Management activities may be either helps keep species or processes used to conserve and protect populations of within their natural range of variation, or has threatened, endangered, or sensitive (TES) minimal effect on the area’s integrity. Non- species. Ecological restoration within these areas motorized trail recreational opportunities will may occur through control of non-native invasive be available that provide a relative sense of species, removal of forest plantations, road isolation and remoteness in a predominantly closures, maintenance of deer wintering areas and natural or natural-appearing landscape. bear clawed beech stands, soil stabilization, anadromous and native inland fish stocking, and aquatic habitat restoration. The minimum Desired Future Condition managerial controls necessary will be used to

maintain acceptable ecological and social Extensive areas of mature northern standards. hardwoods and conifers will dominate the landscape. These areas will contain a mix Remote Backcountry Forest management areas of tree sizes and ages, including very large contain a number of ecological special areas not live and dead trees, young trees, and included in the Ecological Special Area MA. The canopy gaps that will occur as a result of unique characteristics and values of both an natural disturbances. This management Ecological SA and Remote Backcountry Forest will area will typically occur in contiguous be protected and maintained to the greatest extent parcels of at least 2,500 acres. There will possible. be little evidence of current human development. Historical evidence of human activities that have become overgrown or Standards and Guidelines for Remote dilapidated may be present Backcountry Forest 6.1

The Remote Backcountry Forest will be Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. The accessible by foot and other non-motorized management area standards and guidelines are to means of transport, such as skis, be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and snowshoes, horses, and bicycles. guidelines. In case of a conflict between the Motorized trails will not be present, unless Forest-wide standards and guidelines and the required by law to provide access to private management area standards and guidelines, the land. Away from trails, evidence of, and most restrictive standard and guideline shall apply. interaction with, other users will be low. Recreational impacts will be managed to protect natural resources such as water quality and rare plants and animals, to

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Minerals Special Forest Products Standard: Standard: S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, S-1: Gathering of special forest products for mineral exploration and extraction that commercial sale shall be prohibited. causes surface disturbance within this area shall be prohibited. Guideline: G-1: Gathering of special forest products may Timber Management be authorized provided it is consistent with Guideline: Management Area emphasis and Desired G-1: Changes resulting from vegetation Future Condition and will not threaten or management activities should be kept diminish the character or purpose for which the as naturally appearing as possible. MA was designated. Vegetation management is typically not permitted. Infrequent vegetation Range management may take place for any of Standard: the following reasons: S-1: Livestock areas shall be prohibited. • Vegetation management activities are needed to improve Fisheries habitat for threatened, Standard: endangered, and Regional S-1: Only native fish species shall be stocked Forester’s Sensitive Species; into waters within this area. restore terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem composition and Guideline: structural characteristics; or G-1: Changes resulting from stream restoration maintain existing unique or activities should be kept as naturally-appearing important wildlife features. as possible. • The cutting, sale, or removal of timber is incidental to the Pests, Diseases, and Non-Native Invasive implementation of a Species management activity. Guidelines: • The removal of vegetation is G-1: Chemical and biological controls may be needed to maintain existing utilized when determined to be less ecologically trails, vistas, and overlooks, or to disruptive than the target pest. establish new trails for resource protection or public safety needs. G-2: Control actions against native insect, • The removal of vegetation on or disease, plant, or animal pests, should only be around heritage sites is needed used when the actions are necessary to protect for preservation, research and/or adjacent resources or Remote Backcountry interpretive purposes. desired future conditions. • The removal of vegetation is needed and appropriate for Fire Management administrative use. Guideline: G-1: Fire use may be permitted. Openings Guideline: G-1: Permanent upland and temporary openings found in the area should be the result of natural processes only; exceptions are permitted for the vegetation management activities noted above in the vegetation section.

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Recreation G-3: Decommissioned roads may be demolished, dismantled, obliterated, or Standard: disposed of to eliminate the deferred S-1: Construction of new developed maintenance needs of the fixed asset. Portions recreational facilities shall be restricted of the asset may remain if they do not cause to those needed for resource protection. problems nor require maintenance.

Guideline: G-4: Motorized heavy equipment may be used G-1: Existing facilities may be for the purpose of road decommissioning. maintained as long as they complement Remote Backcountry objectives, are Recreation Special Uses needed for public health and safety, or are significant historic properties. Standard: S-1: Permits for competitive or recreation Trails events shall be restricted to existing trail and road systems or recreation sites. Standard: S-1: Motorized recreational trail uses Guidelines: shall be prohibited. G-1: Recreational special use permits may be authorized provided they are consistent with Guideline: Management Area emphasis and Desired G-1: The use of horses, pack animals, Future Condition and they will not threaten or dog teams, and bicycles may be diminish the character or purpose for which the permitted on trails as long as such uses MA was designated. do not interfere with MA Desired Future Condition. G-2: Outfitter/guide permits should not disperse use from high- to low-use areas. Transportation Analysis

Standards: Non-Recreation Special Uses S-1: New road construction shall be prohibited unless required by law to Standards: provide access to private land. S-1: Development of, and designated sites for wind and communication towers shall be S-2: Existing roads shall be managed to prohibited. the lowest traffic service and maintenance levels possible, and shall S-2: Development of new utility and pipeline be closed to public motorized vehicle corridors and associated facilities shall be traffic. prohibited.

Guidelines: S-3: Livestock areas shall be prohibited. G-1: Maintenance and relocation of existing trailheads, and construction of S-4: Special use permits required by law to new trailheads, may occur only for provide access to non-federal land shall be resource protection and visitor safety. issued.

G-2: Existing roads should be decommissioned, with the exception of those needed to provide access for resource management or facility maintenance, and access to private land.

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Guidelines: G-1: Expansion of existing facilities and corridors for utility lines and pipelines should be minimized.

G-2: Other non-recreational special use permits may be authorized provided they are consistent with Management Area emphasis and Desired Future Condition and they will neither threaten nor diminish the character or purpose for which the MA was designated.

G-3: Reconstruction, upgrading, or maintenance of existing utility lines, pipelines, and facilities should be designed and implemented to be as compatible as possible with visual quality and management objectives and the Desired Future Condition of the area.

Wood Sorrel

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DIVERSE BACKCOUNTRY (6.2)

Major Emphasis of these areas will be appropriate for a wide variety of recreational uses. Concentration of users will The Diverse Backcountry MA emphasizes generally be low, but there will often be evidence of relatively large landscapes that provide a other users. Recreation facilities may be present mix of backcountry recreational experiences and will complement the desired recreation from low use foot trails to motorized use opportunities. Trail systems will be present and trails. Longer rotations for timber harvesting new trails may be developed. Summer ORV trail of 150 years or more providing a more will be limited in scope as described in the Forest- mature appearing forest are also wide Standards and Guidelines. Away from trails, emphasized. The management area will evidence of, and interaction with, other users will be also provide a mix of wildlife habitats moderate to low. Recreation management will be supplied by more mature forests, early towards the desired ROS class of Semi-primitive successional forests, and both permanent Motorized. upland and temporary openings. A predominantly natural or natural-appearing Timber harvests will occur with constraints such as environment characterizes the area. extended rotations, fewer intermediate treatments, and other modifications to benefit backcountry settings. Some stands will consist of trees of about Desired Future Condition the same age and size while other stands will have a mix of tree sizes and ages. Some areas of This management area will typically occur in undisturbed forest will have many large, old trees contiguous parcels of at least 2,500 acres. with a few scattered temporary openings created by Lands in this MA will have a mixture of tree wind, ice, old age, or other natural forces. The species, sizes, ages, and appearances. primary silvicultural system will be even-aged. Activities such as timber harvesting may be Uneven-aged silviculture may be used where even- evident but will be scattered over time and aged management is incompatible with other space. Temporary openings will occur resources and values. through natural disturbance and timber harvesting. When viewed from a distance, This management area will provide a wider human activity will not be evident on some diversity of wildlife habitats than what would be of the upper elevations of the more expected in areas that have no vegetation noticeable peaks and ridges. Some management. Timber and vegetation management evidence of activity may be noticeable on will provide more clearings and early successional lower levels, but will blend with the habitats in this MA than would occur from natural surrounding landscape. While these areas disturbances. Permanent upland openings and will be predominately natural appearing, orchard maintenance for wildlife values will be evidence of human use may be evident, but maintained. will not dominate.

The area will be predominantly void of roads Standards and Guidelines for Diverse but any remaining roads will be of a low Backcountry 6.2 maintenance standard and unimproved. New temporary roads may be built, but will Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. The be closed and restored at project MA standards and guidelines are to be applied in completion. addition to Forest-wide standards and guidelines. In case of a conflict between the Forest-wide A predominately natural-appearing standards and guidelines and the MA standards environment of moderate to large size trees and guidelines, the most restrictive standard and will characterize these areas. The settings guideline shall apply.

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Minerals Transportation Analysis Guideline: Standard: G-1: Subject to valid existing rights, S-1: New permanent roads shall be prohibited mineral exploration and extraction that unless required for administrative or designated causes surface disturbance within this special uses, or required by law to provide area may be permitted. access to private land.

Timber Management Guidelines: Guidelines: G-1: Segments of old roads or skid trails, not on G-1: Where even-aged management is the Forest Service Transportation System, and appropriate, rotation ages should fall that are not necessary for managed recreation, within the range of extended rotation vegetation, or timber purposes, should be ages provided in the Forest-wide goals closed and restored. and objectives for each forest type. G-2: Temporary roads may be permitted to G-2: Primary silvicultural system should achieve MA Desired Future Conditions. be even-aged in order to reduce the Temporary roads will be rehabilitated after number of entries. management objectives are complete.

G-3: Uneven-aged management should Non-Recreation Special Uses be used where even-aged management Standards: is incompatible with other resources and S-1: Development of wind and communication values such as along certain roads and towers shall be prohibited. trails that have high visual sensitivity. S-2: Development of new utility corridors shall Openings be prohibited, except for existing road edges. Standard: S-1: Temporary openings resulting from S-3: Special use permits required by law to even-aged management shall be less provide access to non-federal land shall be than 20 acres and in accordance with issued. the Forest-wide standards and guidelines for Recreation and Visuals. Guidelines: G-1: New utilities should be placed Guideline: underground. G-1: Permanent upland openings should be less than 20 acres in size. Larger G-2: Expansion of existing facilities and openings may occur naturally. corridors for utility lines and pipelines should be minimized. Fire Management Standard: G-3: Reconstruction, upgrading, or S-1: Prescribed fire may be permitted. maintenance of existing utility lines and facilities should be designed and implemented to be as Recreation compatible as possible with visual quality and Standard: management objectives and the Desired Future S-1: Construction of new developed Condition of the area. recreational facilities shall be restricted to those needed for resource protection.

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REMOTE WILDLIFE HABITAT (6.3)

Major Emphasis species. For example, black bears and bobcats generally avoid humans, as will northern goshawks The major emphasis of the Remote Wildlife during the nesting season, but these species forage Habitat MA is to provide a mix of different- and hunt extensively in early-successional habitats. aged forest habitats, from early succession Deer wintering habitat will be emphasized within, or to old forests, for the primary benefit of adjacent to, identified deer wintering areas. Timber diverse wildlife species, including reclusive and vegetation management activities, including wildlife species. This MA creates diverse maintenance of permanent upland openings and habitats, including permanent upland and deer wintering areas, will occur as needed to temporary openings and brushy areas that achieve habitat goals. complement wildlife habitat management in other management areas. Recreation uses Recreation resources management will be towards are de-emphasized to minimize continuing the desired ROS class of Semi-primitive Non- disturbance to wildlife. motorized. Recreation-related disturbances to wildlife will be minimal. Forest Service system trails will be managed primarily for access on foot and by Desired Future Condition other non-motorized means of transport, such as

skis and snowshoes. Existing Forest Service The Remote Wildlife Habitat MA will create System snowmobile trails will be allowed and may a mix of deciduous and coniferous forest be relocated or closed to enhance the values of the stands of various types. Stands will vary in area. Changes or additions in trail use size, shape, age, height, and tree species designations may be considered where they do not composition. Both even-aged and uneven- compromise the values of the area. New roads will aged silviculture practices will be used to be built and existing roads will be maintained meet wildlife habitat objectives. As a result, primarily for administrative or designated special two different conditions will occur among the uses. Recreation facilities may be present but will stands: some stands will consist of trees of be primitive and complement remote recreation similar age and size; the remaining stands opportunities. Away from roads and trails, will consist of a mix of tree sizes and ages evidence of, and interaction with, other users will be ranging from seedlings to very large, old low. trees. Forest communities that would naturally be present, including those important to wildlife such as aspen and oak, as well as rare or important communities, will be retained and enhanced where feasible.

This MA will maintain or create suitable habitat for a variety of wildlife and plant species. Habitat at the landscape level will include a sustainable mix ranging from early-succession to old forests. Permanent upland and temporary openings will occur across the landscape in shapes and sizes that are consistent with wildlife habitat objectives. These openings and regenerating forest habitats will be critically important to many species of wildlife that are dependant on them, including reclusive Black Bear

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Standards and Guidelines for Openings Standard: Remote Wildlife Habitat 6.3 S-1: Temporary openings resulting from even-

aged management shall be less than 20 acres Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. and in accordance with the Forest-wide The management area standards and standards and guidelines for Recreation and guidelines are to be applied in addition to Visuals. Forest-wide standards and guidelines. In case of a conflict between the Forest-wide Guideline: standards and guidelines and the G-1: Permanent upland openings should be management area standards and less than 20 acres in size. Larger openings guidelines, the most restrictive standard and may occur naturally. guideline shall apply. Special Forest Products Minerals Guideline: Standard: G-1: Gathering of special forest products may : Subject to valid existing rights, S-1 be authorized provided it is consistent with mineral exploration and extraction that Management Area emphasis and Desired causes surface disturbance within this Future Condition and will not threaten or area shall be prohibited. Exceptions for diminish the character or purpose for which the surface occupancy for any mineral- MA was designated. related activity may be permitted for

Forest Service administrative uses. Fire Management Standard: Timber Management S-1: Prescribed fire may be permitted. Guidelines: G-1: Timber and vegetation Recreation management should be the primary Standard: tools for habitat manipulation, including S-1: New recreation facilities (huts, cabins, even- and uneven-aged silviculture, shelters, tent platforms, and associated commercial timber sales, service structures) shall be prohibited. contracts, volunteer activities, and partnerships. Guideline: G-1: Physical and capacity expansion of G-2: Where even-aged management is existing recreation facilities should not be appropriate, rotation ages should fall permitted. within the range of extended rotation ages provided in the Forest-wide goals and objectives for each forest type.

G-3: Patches of early-successional habitat should be at least 2 acres in size. Patches larger than 5 acres will be emphasized, however.

G-4: Patches of early-successional habitat smaller than 5 acres should be created only in close proximity to other patches of regeneration habitat.

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Trails Recreation Special Uses Standard: Guideline: S-1: Motorized use shall be limited to G-1: Recreational special use permits may be winter use of designated Forest Service authorized provided they are consistent with system trails. Management Area emphasis and Desired Future Condition and they will neither threaten Guidelines: nor diminish the character or purpose for which G-1: Designation of new trails should be the MA was designated. prohibited, unless designation would have a neutral or beneficial effect on the Non-Recreation Special Uses values of the Management Area. Guideline: G-1: Non-recreational special use permits may G-2: Relocation of existing trails may be authorized provided they are consistent with occur only for resource protection and Management Area emphasis and Desired visitor safety. Future Condition and they will neither threaten nor diminish the character or purpose for which G-3: Incomplete segments of existing the MA was designated. trails may be designated where other alternatives are not suitable or practical, provided they do not compromise the values for which the area was designated.

Visuals Guideline: G-1: Visual condition guidelines should meet Roaded Natural objectives.

Transportation Analysis Standards: S-1: Construction of new permanent roads shall be prohibited unless required for administrative purposes including timber harvest and designated special uses, or required by law to provide access to private land.

S-2: New roads shall be closed to motorized access by the public.

S-3: Temporary roads and skid trails shall be permitted.

S-4: Temporary roads and skid trails shall be closed at the completion of their intended uses. Moose Calf, photo courtesy of William and Barbara Hyde Guideline: G-1: Existing Forest Service system roads should be managed primarily for administrative or designated special uses.

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ALPINE SKI AREAS (7.1)

Major Emphasis maintained consistent with the ROS Class. Year- round recreation use that is appropriate on NFS The major emphasis of the Alpine Ski Areas lands is desirable and encouraged at winter sports Management Area is to provide alpine sites. Each alpine ski area will be authorized by winter sports opportunities and year-round Special Use permit. The permit will be a legal recreation opportunities at the three alpine document that defines the area, describes ski areas managed by the private sector management of the full range of recreation under Special Use permit authority. The activities provided by the area, and incorporates Alpine Ski Areas Management Area and the resource protection requirements. Appalachian Trail MA (MA 8.1) and Long Trail MA (MA 8.2) do not overlap. Standards and Guidelines for Alpine Ski Areas 7.1 Desired Future Condition Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply to the These areas will be highly developed. extent possible. Deviations from Forest-wide Bromley, Mount Snow, and Sugarbush Ski standards and guidelines may occur in order to Areas are in close proximity to substantially provide for the major emphasis of the Alpine Ski urbanized environments on adjacent private Area only when the appropriate level of lands. Large numbers of users may be environmental analysis has been completed. The present, sights and sounds of human management area standards and guidelines are to activity will be readily evident, and the be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and interaction between users will be moderate guidelines. to high. Facilities will be designed for use by a large number of people. Facilities Soil, Water, and Riparian Area Protection and including parking lots, structures, and Restoration utilities will be evident, and will be designed Standards: to be compatible with the values that make S-1: All alpine ski area permit holders shall the area attractive to the users. have a Forest Service-approved erosion control, drainage, and revegetation plan for all Management and operating practices will be regular maintenance activities and special aimed at enhancing permitted recreation projects. activities of the area while protecting the natural resources and visual characteristics. S-2: A Forest Service engineer shall approve Although there is no overlap of the Alpine dams for impoundments and snowmaking Ski Areas MA and the AT (8.1) or LT (8.2) ponds, which shall be inspected and monitored MAs, management actions at the ski areas consistent with federal and State regulations. will not create adverse impacts to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail or Long S-3: Design and engineering of facilities such Trail. Vegetation, while generally of native as dams or impoundments in geologic hazard species, will be intensively managed to zones (such as liquefaction subsoils) shall be ensure compatibility with the intended use. subject to the review and approval of a Forest Service engineer. Recreation management will be towards the desired ROS class of Rural. In some cases, adjacent private land development can be significantly urbanized. Facilities should be designed, constructed, operated, and

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Guideline: endangered, and Regional Forester’s sensitive G-1: No more than approximately 600 species. total slope feet of contiguous exposed mineral soil should occur on any ski trail, G-2: Mowing or clearing of trails and trail edges pipeline corridor, or other utilities. should not occur between May 1 and August 1, except where the mowing is used as part of a Minerals program to control invasive species. Standard: S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, all Fire Management lands within the boundaries of ski area Standard: permits are withdrawn from disposition S-1: Prescribed fire shall be implemented within under all mineral laws (Omnibus Parks the requirements of the Special Use permit and and Public Lands Management Act of in accordance with operation, safety, and 1996). development plans.

Timber Management Recreation Standard: Guideline: S-1: Timber management shall be G-1: Buildings and structures may be approved implemented within the requirements of to support recreation management objectives. the Special Use permit and in accordance with operation, safety, and Trails development plans. Standard: S-1: Management actions at Alpine Ski Areas Guidelines: (MA 7.1) shall not create adverse impacts to the G-1: Timber harvesting and vegetation Appalachian National Scenic Trail or the Long management may be used to meet ski Trail. area desired future conditions and to manage habitat for TE&S species. S-2: Motorized trail vehicles except snowmobiles shall be prohibited unless G-2: Vegetation may be intensively required by law to provide access to private managed for purposes including ski land or for administrative uses. area development and management, visual enhancement, and safety. Guideline: G-1: The recreation values of the Appalachian G-3: To promote forest regeneration in National Scenic Trail and Long National areas designated for tree skiing (glade Recreation Trail should be considered in skiing), the use-cycle approach should management actions at the ski areas. be used and protective measures implemented as described in a Visuals vegetation management plan. Guideline: Regeneration areas should be protected G-1: Agriculture Handbook 617, National Forest with strong and visible barriers. Landscape Management, Volume 2, (Chapter 7, Ski Areas) should be used for direction on Wildlife how landscape management techniques and Guidelines: principles can be used in the planning, G-1: Permanent upland or temporary designing, and building processes to achieve openings found in Alpine Ski Area MAs and maintain desired visual conditions. should be related to operation of the alpine ski areas or the result of natural processes; exceptions are permitted for maintenance of habitat for threatened,

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Transportation Analysis Non-Recreation Special Uses Guideline: Standard: G-1: Permittees may develop an on- S-1: Special use permits required by law to mountain transportation plan for roads provide access to non-federal land shall be and parking on the National Forest to be issued. approved by the Forest Engineer and line officer. Guidelines: G-1: Designated communication sites may be permitted.

G-2: New communication use permits may be authorized on a case-by-case basis.

Winter Ski Area

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APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL (8.1)

Major Emphasis land mapped as the foreground area visible from the AT footpath and associated trail shelters, The Appalachian National Scenic Trail overnight use sites, viewpoints, water sources, and (Appalachian Trail) is administered by the spur trails. This MA has a minimum width of 500 Secretary of Interior in consultation with the feet on either side of the AT footpath for protection Secretary of Agriculture, and managed as a from social, aural, and other impacts. The partnership between the National Park minimum width will apply to areas on either side of Service (NPS) AT Park Office, USDA Forest the Appalachian Trail where the mapped Service, local Appalachian Trail Clubs, and foreground area is 500 feet or less. Although the the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC). AT may travel through or near the following MAs, The Appalachian Trail (AT) includes all trails the AT MA does not overlap with the Wilderness designated by the National Trails System Management Area (MA 5.1), the Alpine Ski Areas Act, as amended (P.L. 90-543), that occur Management Area (MA 7.1), Robert T. Stafford on federal lands managed by the Forest. White Rocks National Recreation Area The AT also includes spur trails to shelters, Management Area (MA 8.3), Ecological Special overnight-use sites, viewpoints, and water Area Management Area (MA 8.7), or Wilderness sources. Study Management Area (MA 9.5).

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail has Outside the Proclamation Boundary, the AT MA been designated as a special area because includes all the lands acquired by the National Park of its uncommon and outstanding values. Service for the AT in the State of Vermont and The intent is to protect the qualities of the administratively transferred to the USDA Forest AT that make it a part of the National Scenic Service under a Memorandum of Agreement. They Trail System. are “… managed for the protection and enhancement of the Appalachian Trail and also in The major emphases of this management accordance with this agreement” as part of the area are to: Green Mountain National Forest, “subject to the 1. Manage the segments of the National Trails Systems Act and laws, rules, and Appalachian National Scenic Trail on regulations pertaining to the National Forest federal lands that traverse the State System.” These NPS-acquired lands are of Vermont and the Green Mountain commonly referred to as “transfer lands.” National Forest. 2. Provide for the conservation and This management area includes the section of the enjoyment of the nationally Long Trail which is co-aligned with the Appalachian significant scenic, historic, natural, National Scenic Trail. This co-aligned section and cultural qualities of the land begins at the Vermont-Massachusetts State border through which the AT passes. and ends at “Maine Junction,” approximately one 3. Provide opportunities for high quality mile north of US Route 4, a distance of outdoor recreation experiences, approximately 105 miles. including a sense of “wildness.” 4. Recognize and strengthen the level Desired Future Condition of partnership, cooperation, and volunteer efforts integral to AT Because of the linear nature of the AT, this management. management area will encompass a great variety of physical features. These will range from remote, Within the Proclamation Boundary of the natural-appearing settings having a mixture of tree Green Mountain National Forest, the sizes and forest types, to agricultural landscapes, Appalachian National Scenic Trail to locations where developments are noticeable. Management Area is the National Forest Although there is no overlap of the Alpine Ski Areas

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MA (7.1) and the AT MA, management primitive and natural recreation setting possible. actions at the ski areas will not create Careful land acquisition and trail design will allow, adverse impacts to the Appalachian and has allowed in the past, an appearance of a National Scenic Trail. The management more primitive setting than the ROS would predict. area will be primarily forested, with Facilities and trailheads will be designed with permanent upland and temporary openings sensitivity to scale and character to set a tone that and grassy areas, particularly in eastern is consistent with the desired ROS classification. Vermont. The AT will traverse a variety of Associated structures will be in harmony with the landscapes, including higher elevation lands surrounding environment. Recreation use will be along the Green Mountains, and evident although the type and intensity of use may predominantly pastoral lands in the vary by season. Control and information signs may Connecticut River Valley. be present. The AT will provide non-motorized trail opportunities for those on foot and pedestrian This management area will retain a natural, means, such as skis or snowshoes. forested, or pastoral appearance shaped by both natural and human processes. Roads and designated motorized trail crossings will Management practices will recognize the be the only evidence of motorized use. Recreation nationally significant aesthetic and impacts will be managed to protect cultural and recreational values of these lands. Low- natural resources and to minimize visual intensity vegetation management will be disturbance. The minimum managerial controls appropriate to maintain the long-term necessary will be used to maintain acceptable desired future condition of the AT social and ecological standards. Management Area. Vistas and desirable open areas will be created and preserved Standards and Guidelines for through management actions. Areas of high ecological value, such as high Appalachian National Scenic Trail 8.1 elevation ponds or sites for rare plants, Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. The occur within the corridor. Management management area standards and guidelines are to actions will conserve and enhance the be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and values of these places and the species guidelines. In case of a conflict between the which inhabit them. Forest-wide standards and guidelines and the

management area standards and guidelines, the Facilities will include the AT footpath itself, most restrictive standard and guideline shall apply. including trail bridges, and limited recreation facilities such as trail shelters, tent platforms, designated campsites, fire General towers, privies, trailhead parking areas, and Standards: Management of the AT shall follow the information boards. The AT and associated S-1: National Trails System Act, as amended (P.L. facilities will be designed, constructed, and 90-543). This Act is implemented according to: maintained for foot travel only, and to wear • lightly on the land. Associated structures Comprehensive Plan for the will be in harmony with the surrounding Protection, Management, environment. This management area will Development, and Use of the traverse a range of Recreation Appalachian National Scenic Trail Opportunities Spectrum (ROS) classes. • Various Memoranda of Agreement, Recreation management of the AT setting Memoranda of Understanding, and will be towards the desired ROS class of policy statements between the Semi-primitive Non-motorized. USDA Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Appalachian Recreation management will be designed to Trail Conference provide a variety of opportunities in the most • Forest Service Direction (FSM, FSH, and supplements)

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S-2: Consistent with existing G-2: The Forest Service should report law agreements, the Green Mountain enforcement incidents on the AT to the National National Forest shall consult with the Park Service AT Park Office, the ATC, and local Appalachian Trail Conference, the AT clubs. Green Mountain Club, and the Dartmouth Outing Club (local Minerals Appalachian Trail Clubs) on Standard: management actions that affect AT S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, mineral values. exploration and extraction that causes surface disturbance within this area shall be prohibited. S-3: Where the AT is within Wilderness, Alpine Ski Areas, Robert T. Stafford Timber Management White Rocks NRA, Ecological Special Standards: Areas, and Wilderness Study Areas, S-1: Commercial timber management shall be both the AT standards and guidelines prohibited within this management area unless and the other Management Area required by privately held outstanding timber standards and guidelines apply. If there rights. is conflict in management direction, the more restrictive standards and S-2: Salvage operations shall be prohibited. guidelines apply. Guideline: Guidelines: G-1: Vegetation management activities may be G-1: Management should conform to permitted to protect Threatened, Endangered the following documents. When these and Sensitive species, provide for public safety, documents are amended, they will conduct trail reconstruction or relocations, or provide updated guidance and as such maintain existing fields and vistas. will not require Forest Plan amendments. Openings • Appalachian Trail Guideline: Conference. Appalachian G-1: Existing fields and permanent upland Trail Design, Construction, openings along the AT may be maintained as and Maintenance (ATC openings. Stewardship Manual, second edition, 2000) Pests, Diseases, and Non-Native Invasive • Appalachian Trail Species Conference. Overnight-Use Standard: Management Principles S-1: Chemicals shall only be used as a last • Appalachian Trail resort. Conference. Checklist for the Location, Construction Guideline: and Maintenance of G-1: Control methods for Non-native Invasive Campsites and Shelters on Species should have the least adverse impact the Appalachian Trail on AT values and should be compatible with AT • Local Management Plans for management values. the Appalachian Trail • The Knoxville Follow-up Report, 1992 • Appalachian Trail Conference Local Management Planning Guide (revised 1997)

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Fire Management G-4: Management actions, such as trail Standard: locations, improvements, or increasing S-1: Prohibit heavy equipment line developments, should not result in a change construction on the AT footpath. along the ROS scale from less to more developed. Changes from more to less Guidelines: developed should be permitted. G-1: Prescribed fire may be permitted. G-5: Consistent with ROS standards, sufficient G-2: Wildland Fire Use may be signing should be provided to inform hikers of permitted when consistent with adjacent significant features and distances to major road MAs. crossings.

Recreation G-6: Where the trail is located on Standards: decommissioned roads, the tread should be S-1: Dispersed camping shall be permitted to revegetate to normal AT tread permitted unless restricted to address widths. social or resource concerns. Implementation of closures shall be G-7: Use of trail structures such as steps, through Forest Supervisor’s Orders. cribbing, and bridges should be minimized. Closures shall be coordinated with the Where necessary, the simplest rustic design, ATC and local AT clubs. with the least disturbance, should be used.

S-2: The Optimal Location Review G-8: Open surface water sources may be Process in the Appalachian Trail improved only to the minimum necessary to Conference Local Management Planning allow for collection of water. Guide (1997) shall be used to initiate the decision-making process for trail relocations. Developed Recreation Standard: Guidelines: S-1: Occupancy limit for shelters shall be two G-1: Management actions such as trail consecutive nights. relocations, improvements, or development of additional facilities, Guidelines: should minimize or avoid damage to G-1: Maintenance and construction of threatened, endangered, or Regional backcountry facilities may include trail bridges, Forester’s Sensitive Species, or trail shelters, tent platforms, signage, significant natural communities. These designated campsites, fire towers, privies, actions may be used as an opportunity trailhead parking areas, information boards, and to consider moving the trail to avoid associated amenities such as spring boxes, these special areas or habitats. registers, and other facilities agreed to by the Forest, ATC, and local AT clubs. G-2: Printed public safety messages and signs (other than directional Trail G-2: Design and management of the signs) should be located primarily at backcountry facility system should consider the trailheads or visitor centers; they may be needs of all overnight hikers. used at backcountry locations in unusual or unique circumstances.

G-3: Use may be regulated to address social or resource issues.

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G-3: New shelters, tent platforms and Hiking Trails designated campsites may be Standard: considered where there is a S-1: Consistent with existing agreements, the demonstrated need. They should be Green Mountain National Forest shall consult located 100 feet or more from the main with the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) trail and should not be located within and the appropriate managing trail club (either two miles of an existing road open to Green Mountain Club or the Dartmouth Outing motor vehicles. Club) on management actions that affect side trails to the Appalachian and Long Trails. G-4: Shelter sites that are not needed, or that cause unacceptable Guidelines: environmental damage and G-1: Side trails to the Appalachian and Long management problems, may be Trails (identified in the Long Trail System removed. A site’s historic status should Management Plan and Dartmouth Outing Club be taken into consideration. Local Management Plan for the Appalachian Trail) should be managed primarily as non- Non-Motorized Trails motorized trails designated for foot travel. Standards: Minor exceptions, such as sharing with S-1: On all NPS-acquired transfer lands, motorized uses, may be allowed where there the use of horses, pack animals, dog are no other reasonable alternatives. teams, and bicycles shall be prohibited except at designated crossings. G-2: Management of side trails to the Appalachian and Long Trails should conform to S-2: The use of horses, pack animals, the following documents: dog teams, and bicycles shall be • Long Trail System Management prohibited on the AT footpath and within Plan 500 feet of the trail except where it • Dartmouth Outing Club Local crosses or is located on National Forest Management Plan for the System roads, state highways, or town Appalachian Trail roads. G-3: Trail facilities (trail shelters, tent platforms, Guidelines: trailheads, and similar facilities), located outside G-1: Horse and pack animal use in the AT and LT Management Areas (MA 8.1, 8.2) on MA may be permitted only for side and spur trails identified in the Long Trail administrative purposes when approved System Management Plan are considered a in writing by the Forest Service. component of the overall Appalachian Trail and Long Trail systems. These facilities should be G-2: New horse, pack animal, dog team, managed to be consistent with direction in the and bicycle crossings should be Appalachian Trail Management Area (MA 8.1) minimized, except as approved in and the Long Trail Management Area (MA 8.2). consultation with the Forest, ATC, and local AT clubs. Motorized Trails Standards: G-3: Trail users should be informed and S-1: Motorized use, both recreational and non- educated about closures and guidelines recreational, on the AT footpath shall be limited for using the trail, especially regarding to those portions of the AT which cross or are horses, pack animals, dog team, and located on Forest system roads; state, county, bicycles. or town roads; and authorized designated crossings. Motorized use on other portions of the AT footpath shall be prohibited.

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S-2: Motorized use, both recreational G-2: Education and information delivery should and non-recreational, in the MA shall be be concentrated primarily in visitor centers, limited to existing Forest system roads; classrooms, guide books, and other off-Forest state, county, or town roads; authorized locations; to a lesser degree at trailheads; and designated crossings; or during the to an even more limited degree at backcountry snow season on existing designated locations. National Forest system snowmobile trails. All other motorized use within the G-3: Users should be educated on Leave No management area shall be prohibited. Trace skills and ethics.

S-3: New motorized trails, including G-4: Trail users should be informed and snowmobile trails, in this management educated about closures and guidelines for area shall be prohibited except for using the trail, especially regarding motorized designated crossings. use.

Guidelines: Lands G-1: Administrative motorized use, Guideline: either on the AT footpath or within the G-1: Interests in the remaining privately owned MA, may be permitted only when tracts of land along the AT should be acquired. approved in writing by the Forest A corridor at least 1,000 feet in width is Service. desirable to manage and protect trail values.

G-2: New snowmobile or motorized Transportation Analysis crossings of the MA should be Standard: minimized, except as approved by the S-1: New roads, permanent or temporary, shall Forest Service in consultation with ATC not be constructed to cross the AT footpath and the local AT clubs. unless required by law to provide access to private lands. Visuals Standards: Guidelines: S-1: This management area has a G-1: New roads, permanent or temporary, Viewer Sensitivity Level of High, and should not be permitted within this management shall be managed following the Forest- area unless required by law to provide access wide standards and guidelines for the to private lands. New roads are permitted only ROS class of Semi-primitive Non- if they are the only feasible and prudent motorized. alternative, and after impacts have been mitigated to the extent practical. S-2: The AT is a Concern Level 1 Travelway. Refer to Forest-wide G-2: Where the AT follows National Forest standards and guidelines for Visual System roads, road maintenance may be done Management for activities in the as needed on drainage structures, closure middleground and background as devices, and the roadbed. Grass may be viewed from the AT. permitted to grow in local roads at maintenance levels I or II. Interpretation and Education Guidelines: G-3: Trailhead Parking: To maintain a discrete G-1: The Forest should develop and trail experience, new parking facilities should be distribute information about the AT and located where the AT can be accessed by a appropriate use of the Trail in spur trail rather than locations where the trail cooperation with the ATC and local AT footpath crosses a road. clubs.

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Recreation Special Uses S-4: New utility lines, pipelines, or rights-of-way Standards: shall be prohibited unless they represent the S-1: The Forest shall coordinate only feasible and prudent alternative to meet an recreation special use permits on the AT overriding public need. in partnership with ATC and the local AT Clubs. S-5: Impacts to the AT from new utility corridors shall be sufficiently mitigated to protect trail S-2: Competitive and fundraising event values. permits shall be prohibited. Guidelines: Guidelines: G-1: Communication uses to benefit trail G-1: Recreation special use permits on operations, or for temporary emergency use, the AT should be denied when social or may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. resource conditions warrant (for example, if crowding or overuse G-2: New approved utility lines or rights-of-way negatively affects natural resources or a should be co-located within existing rights-of- specific experience objective). way, for example roads and utility lines, where practical, and should be limited to a single G-2: If monitoring and analysis of social crossing of the AT. and resource conditions determines that recreation special use capacity along G-3: Agricultural special uses may be permitted the AT has been reached, a process only when used to maintain open spaces and should be developed to assign user only if consistent with wildlife habitat days. requirements, cultural needs, and visual management objectives. G-3: Group size may be limited when necessary to provide for safety and G-4: Authorizations for research activities may resource protection or to minimize the be permitted if implemented consistent with AT impact of large groups on others. values and Desired Future Condition.

G-4: Outfitter Guide permits for commercial uses should be minimized, but may be considered if there is a strong educational or service component.

Non-Recreation Special Uses Standards: S-1: New special uses shall be issued only where there is an overriding demonstrated public need or benefit. Special use permits required by law to provide access to non-federal land shall be issued.

Goddard Shelter S-2: Designated communication sites shall be prohibited.

S-3: Commercial wind towers shall be prohibited.

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LONG NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL (8.2)

Major Emphasis The entire Long Trail extends from the Vermont/Massachusetts border north to the The Long National Recreation Trail (LT) is Canadian border. For much of the portion in administered by the Forest Service and southern Vermont, the trail is shared with the managed in partnership with the Green Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This Mountain Club. The Long Trail was management area includes the segment of the designated a National Recreation Trail by Long Trail that is not shared with the Appalachian the Regional Forester on October 15, 1986. Trail. This segment begins at “Maine Junction,” The Long Trail is the oldest long-distance approximately one mile north of US Route 4, and hiking trail in the country and is designated ends as it exits the Green Mountain National Forest as a special area within the 2006 Forest near Mt Ellen. This trail segment is a distance of Plan to protect the uncommon values approximately 54 miles. For management direction associated with the trail and its history. of the Long Trail in areas coinciding with the AT, see the Appalachian Trail Management Area The major emphases of this management description and standards and guidelines. area are to: 1. Manage the segments of the Long Desired Future Condition National Recreation Trail on federal lands within the Green Mountain Because of the linear nature of the Long Trail, this National Forest. special area will encompass a wide variety of 2. Provide for the conservation and physical features. These will range from remote, enjoyment of the significant scenic, natural-appearing settings having a mixture of tree historic, natural, and cultural sizes and forest types, to locations where qualities of the land through which developments are noticeable. Although there is no the LT passes. overlap of the Alpine Ski Areas MA (7.1) and the LT 3. Provide opportunities for high-quality MA, management actions at the ski areas will not outdoor recreation experiences, create adverse impacts to the Long Trail. The LT including a sense of “wildness.” will traverse a variety of landscapes, primarily 4. Recognize and strengthen the level forested, including higher elevation open lands and of partnership, cooperation, and peaks along the main Green Mountain Ridge. volunteer efforts integral to LT management. This management area will retain a natural, forested appearance shaped by both natural and The Long Trail Management Area includes human processes. Management practices will be the Green Mountain National Forest lands modified to recognize the significant aesthetic and within 500 feet either side of the footpath recreational values of these lands. Low-intensity and associated trail shelters, overnight use vegetation management will be appropriate to sites, viewpoints, and water sources. maintain the desired future condition of the LT MA. Although the LT may travel through or near Management activities needed to preserve or the following MAs, the LT MA does not create vistas and desirable open areas will be a overlap with the Wilderness MA (5.1), the high priority. Alpine Ski Areas MA (7.1), Alpine/Subalpine Special Area (8.4), Ecological Special Area MA (8.7), or the Wilderness Study Area MA (9.5).

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Facilities will include the LT itself, including General trail bridges, and limited recreation facilities Standards: such as trail shelters, tent platforms, S-1: Management of the Long Trail shall follow designated campsites, privies, trailhead the National Trails System Act, as amended parking areas, and information boards. This (P.L. 90-543), following guidance provided for management area will traverse a range of National Recreation Trails. This Act is Recreation Opportunities Spectrum (ROS) implemented according to: classes. Recreation management of the LT • Various Memoranda of Agreement, setting will be towards the desired ROS Memoranda of Understanding, and class of Semi-primitive Non-motorized. policy statements between the USDA Forest Service and the Green Mountain Recreation management will be designed to Club provide a variety of opportunities in the most • Forest Service Direction (FSM, FSH, primitive and natural recreation setting and supplements) possible. Careful land acquisition and trail • The Establishment Report for the Long design will allow, and has allowed in the National Recreation Trail dated 10/15/86 past, an appearance of a more primitive setting than the ROS would predict. S-2: Consistent with existing agreements, the Facilities and trailheads will be designed Green Mountain National Forest shall consult with sensitivity to scale and character to set with the Green Mountain Club on management a tone that is consistent with the desired actions that affect LT values. ROS classification. Associated structures will be in harmony with the surrounding S-3: Where the LT is within Wilderness, Alpine environment. Recreation use will be evident Ski Areas, Robert T. Stafford White Rocks although the type and intensity of use may NRA, Alpine/Subalpine Special Area, Ecological vary by season. Control and information Special Areas, and Wilderness Study Areas signs may be present. The LT will provide both the LT standards and guidelines and the non-motorized trail opportunities for those other Management Area standards and on foot and other pedestrian means, such guidelines apply. If there is conflict in as skis or snowshoes. Roads and management direction, the more restrictive designated motorized trails crossings will be standards and guidelines apply. the only evidence of motorized use. Guidelines: Recreation impacts will be managed to G-1: Management should conform to the protect cultural and natural resources and to following documents. When these documents minimize visual disturbance. The minimum are amended, they will provide updated managerial controls necessary will be used guidance and as such will not require Forest to maintain acceptable social and ecological Plan amendments. standards. • Appalachian Trail Conference. Appalachian Trail Design, Construction, Standards and Guidelines for and Maintenance (ATC Stewardship Long Trail 8.2 Manual, second edition, 2000). • Green Mountain Club, Long Trail Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. System Management Plan, applicable The management area standards and sections for LT north of Maine Jct. guidelines are to be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and guidelines. In G-2: The Forest Service should report law case of a conflict between the Forest-wide enforcement incidents on the LT to the Green standards and guidelines and the Mountain Club. management area standards and guidelines, the most restrictive standard and guideline shall apply.

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Minerals Recreation Standard: Standards: S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, S-1: Dispersed camping shall be permitted mineral exploration and extraction that unless restricted to address social or resource causes surface disturbance within this concerns. Implementation of closures shall be area shall be prohibited. through Forest Supervisor’s Orders. Closures shall be coordinated with the Green Mountain Timber Management Club. Standards: S-1: Commercial timber management S-2: The Optimal Location Review Process in shall be prohibited within this the Appalachian Trail Conference Local management area unless required by Management Planning Guide (1997) shall be used privately held outstanding timber rights. to initiate the decision-making process for trail relocations. S-2: Salvage operations shall be prohibited. Guidelines: G-1: Use may be regulated to address social or Guideline: resource issues. G-1: Vegetation management activities may be permitted to protect Threatened, G-2: Management actions, such as trail Endangered and Sensitive species, locations, improvements, or increasing provide for public safety, conduct trail developments should not result in a change reconstruction or relocations, or along the ROS scale from less to more maintain existing vistas. developed. Changes from more to less developed should be permitted. Pests, Diseases, and Non-Native Invasive Species G-3: Consistent with ROS standards, sufficient Standard: signing should be provided to inform hikers of S-1: Chemicals shall only be used as a significant features and distances to major road last resort. crossings.

Guideline: G-4: Where the trail is located on G-1: Control methods for Non-native decommissioned roads, the tread should be Invasive Species should have the least permitted to revegetate to normal LT tread adverse impact on LT values and should widths. be compatible with LT management values. G-5: Use of trail structures such as steps, cribbing, and bridges should be minimized. Fire Management Where necessary, the simplest rustic design, Standard: with the least disturbance, should be used. S-1: Prohibit heavy equipment line construction on the LT footpath. G-6: Open surface water sources may be improved only to the minimum necessary to Guidelines: allow for collection of water. G-1: Prescribed fire may be permitted. Developed Recreation G-2: Wildland Fire use may be Standard: permitted when consistent with adjacent S-1: Occupancy limit for shelters shall be two MAs. consecutive nights.

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Guidelines: G-3: Trail users should be informed and G-1: Backcountry facilities may include educated about closures and guidelines for trail bridges, trail shelters, tent using the trail, especially regarding horses, platforms, designated campsites, pack animals dog teams, and bicycles. privies, trailhead parking areas, information boards, and associated Hiking Trails amenities such as spring boxes, Standard: registers, and other facilities agreed to S-1: Consistent with existing agreements, the by the Forest and the Green Mountain Green Mountain National Forest shall consult Club. with the Green Mountain Club (GMC) on management actions that affect side trails to the G-2: Design and management of the Long Trail. backcountry facility system should consider the needs of all overnight Guidelines: hikers. G-1: Side trails to the Long Trail (identified in the Long Trail System Management Plan) G-3: New shelters, tent platforms, and should be managed primarily as non-motorized designated campsites may be trails designated for foot travel. Minor considered where there is a exceptions, such as sharing with motorized demonstrated need. They should be uses, may be allowed where there are no other located 100 feet or more from the main reasonable alternatives. trail and should not be located within two miles of an existing road open to G-2: Management of side trails to the motor vehicles. Appalachian and Long Trails should conform to the following document: Long Trail System G-4: Shelter sites that are not needed, Management Plan or that cause unacceptable environmental damage and G-3: Trail facilities (trail shelters, tent platforms, management problems, may be trailheads and similar facilities), located outside removed. A site’s historic status should AT and LT Management Areas (MA 8.1, 8.2) on be taken into consideration. side and spur trails identified in the Long Trail System Management Plan are considered a Non-Motorized Trails component of the overall Appalachian Trail and Standard: Long Trail systems. These facilities should be S-1: The use of horses, pack animals, managed to be consistent with direction in the dog teams, and bicycles shall be Appalachian Trail Management Area (MA 8.1) prohibited on the LT and within 500 feet and the Long Trail Management Area (MA 8.2). of the trail except where it crosses or is located on National Forest System, State, or town roads.

Guidelines: G-1: Horse and pack animal use in the MA may be permitted only for administrative purposes when approved in writing by the Forest Service.

G-2: New horse, pack animal, dog team, and bicycle crossings should be minimized, except as mutually agreed on by the Forest Service and the Green Mountain Club.

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Motorized Trails Interpretation and Education Standards: Guidelines: S-1: Motorized use, both recreational G-1: Printed public safety messages and signs and non-recreational, on the LT footpath (other than directional trail signs) should be shall be limited to those portions of the located primarily at trailheads or visitor centers; LT which cross or are located on Forest they may be used at backcountry locations in system roads; State, county, or town unusual or unique circumstances. roads; and authorized designated crossings. Motorized use on other G-2: The Forest Service should develop and portions of the LT footpath shall be distribute information about the LT and prohibited. appropriate use of the Trail in cooperation with the Green Mountain Club. S-2: Motorized use, both recreational and non-recreational, in the MA shall be G-3: Education and information delivery should limited to existing Forest System roads; be concentrated primarily in visitor centers, State, county, or town roads; authorized guide books, classrooms, and other off-Forest designated crossings; or during the locations; to a lesser degree at trailheads; and snow season on existing designated to an even more limited degree at backcountry National Forest System snowmobile locations. trails. All other motorized use within the management area shall be prohibited. G-4: Users should be educated on Leave No Trace skills and ethics. S-3: New motorized trails, including snowmobile trails, in this management G-5: Trail users should be informed and area shall be prohibited except for educated about closures and guidelines for designated crossings. using the trail, especially regarding motorized use. Guidelines: G-1: Administrative motorized use, Land Ownership Adjustments either on the LT footpath or within the Guideline: MA, may be permitted only when G-1: Interests in the remaining privately owned approved in writing by the Forest tracts of land within the GMNF proclamation Service. boundary along the LT should be acquired. A corridor at least 1,000 feet in width is desirable G-2: New snowmobile or motorized to manage and protect trail values. crossings of the MA should be minimized, except as approved by the Transportation Analysis Forest Service in consultation with the Standard: Green Mountain Club. S-1: New roads (permanent or temporary) shall not be constructed to cross the LT unless Visuals required by law to provide access to private Standard: lands. S-1: This management area has a Viewer Sensitivity Level of High, and Guidelines: shall be managed following the Forest- G-1: New roads (permanent or temporary) wide standards and guidelines for the should not be permitted within this management ROS class of Semi-primitive Non- area unless required by law to provide access motorized. to private lands. New roads are permitted only if they are the only feasible and prudent alternative, and after impacts have been mitigated to the extent practical.

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Non-Recreation Special Uses G-2: Where the LT follows National Standards: Forest System roads, road maintenance S-1: New special uses shall be issued only may be done as needed on drainage where there is an overriding demonstrated structures, closure devices, and the public need or benefit. Special use permits roadbed. Grass may be permitted to required by law to provide access to non- grow in local roads (maintenance levels federal land shall be issued. I or II). S-2: Designated communication sites shall be G-3: To maintain a discrete trail prohibited. experience, new parking facilities (trailheads) should be located where the S-3: Commercial wind towers shall be LT can be accessed by a spur trail prohibited. rather than locations where the trail crosses a road. S-4: New utility lines or rights-of-way shall be prohibited unless they represent the only Recreation Special Uses feasible and prudent alternative to meet an Standard: overriding public need. S-1: Competitive and fundraising event permits shall be prohibited. S-5: Impacts to the LT from new utility corridors shall be sufficiently mitigated to protect trail S-2: The Forest Service shall coordinate values. recreation special use and Outfitter/Guide permits on the LT in Guidelines: partnership with the Green Mountain G-1: Communication uses to benefit trail Club. operations, or for temporary emergency use, may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. Guidelines: G-1: Recreation special use permits on G-2: New approved utility lines or rights-of-way the LT should be denied when social or should be co-located within existing rights-of- resource conditions warrant (for way, for example roads and utility lines, where example, if crowding or overuse practical, and should be limited to a single negatively affects natural resources or a crossing of the LT. specific experience objective). G-3: Authorizations for research activities may G-2: If monitoring and analysis of social be permitted if implemented consistent with LT and resource conditions determines that values and Desired Future Condition. recreation special use capacity along the LT has been reached, a process should be developed to assign user days.

G-3: Group size may be limited when necessary to provide for safety and resource protection or to minimize the impact of large groups on others.

G-4: Outfitter/Guide permits may be permitted but may be restricted to address social and environmental concerns. Long Trail Sign

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ROBERT T. STRAFFORD WHITE ROCKS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA (8.3)

Major Emphasis picnic area. Wallingford Pond and other ponds will provide opportunities for summer non–motorized, The Robert T. Stafford White Rocks water-oriented activities. Recreation management National Recreation Area (NRA) was of the Robert T. Stafford White Rocks NRA will be established by Public Law 98-322 for the towards the desired ROS class of Semi-primitive purpose of preserving and protecting Motorized. “existing wilderness and wild values and to promote wild forest and aquatic habitat for The Appalachian Trail will pass through the Robert wildlife, watershed protection, opportunities T. Stafford White Rocks NRA. The trail will provide for primitive and semi-primitive recreation, an opportunity for visitors to experience the NRA and scenic, ecological, and scientific setting and recreational features while hiking the values.” The Robert T. Stafford White long distance trails. The unique characteristics and Rocks National Recreation Area also values of the Robert T. Stafford White Rocks NRA includes the Big Branch and Peru Peak and the Appalachian Trail will be protected and Wilderness areas. The emphasis of this maintained to the greatest extent possible. The management area is to attain the purpose of NRA and AT setting will provide opportunities for the public law in the lands that are not high-quality outdoor recreation experiences, and included in Wilderness. provide for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, and cultural qualities of the land. Desired Future Condition

The Robert T. Stafford White Rocks NRA contains The Robert T. Stafford White Rocks NRA a number of Ecological Special Areas not included will provide a predominantly deciduous and in the Ecological Special Area MA. These are Lost coniferous continuous canopy cover Pond Bog, White Rocks Cliffs and Ice Beds, and six dominated by mature to old forest. Small high elevation ponds – Griffith Lake, Big and Little temporary openings will be created by Mud Ponds, Wallingford Pond, Little Rock Pond, various forms of vegetation management and Fifield Pond. The unique characteristics and and by natural disturbances. A mix of values of both an Ecological SA and the NRA will wildlife habitats will be managed including be protected and maintained to the greatest extent interior areas for reclusive species and deer possible. The Ecological Special Areas and NRA wintering areas. setting will provide opportunities for high-quality

outdoor recreation experiences, and provide for the A range of recreational opportunities will be conservation and enjoyment of geological, provided in a predominantly roadless botanical, zoological, and ecological values of the setting. These opportunities will include foot Forest. and other non-motorized means of transport such as skis, snowshoes, horses, and The outstanding scenic qualities of the Robert T. bicycles, as well as winter motorized uses. Stafford White Rocks NRA will be maintained and A number of trails, including the enhanced through scenic protection and vista Appalachian Trail, side trails, and the creation and maintenance. snowmobile trail system will be maintained to provide a range of trail experiences and access to key features. Some recreational facilities may be provided to enhance the visitor experience at specific attractions, such as the Robert T. Stafford White Rocks

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Standards and Guidelines for G-2: The average rotation age for managed Robert T. Stafford White Rocks forest stands is shown in Table 3.1-2. National Recreation Area 8.3 Table 3.1-2: Average Rotation Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. Length by Forest Type The management area standards and Forest Type Rotation Length guidelines are to be applied in addition to Aspen 60 years Forest-wide standards and guidelines. In Northern 120 years case of a conflict between the Forest-wide Hardwoods standards and guidelines and the Softwoods 100 years management area standards and guidelines, the most restrictive standard and Openings guideline shall apply. Standard:

S-1: Temporary openings created by Robert T. Stafford White Rocks NRA clearcutting shall be less than five acres in size, Management Objectives and Direction and narrow and irregular in shape. (1986) provides the basis for the Robert T.

Stafford White Rocks NRA S&Gs. Guideline: Standards and guidelines for Robert T. G-1: Permanent upland openings should be Stafford White Rocks NRA do not apply to maintained every 5 to 10 years. Peru Peaks and Big Branch Wilderness

MAs. Fire Management

Guideline: Minerals G-1: Fire use may be permitted to develop and Standard: maintain permanent upland openings for wildlife S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, habitat and recreational uses. Public Law 98—322 withdraws all lands

from all forms of mineral leasing or Recreation extraction, including geothermal leasing. Standard:

S-1: Boats with motors shall be prohibited on all Timber Management lakes and ponds. Standard:

S-1: Commercial timber sales and other Trails vegetation management activities shall Standards: only be conducted to achieve the S-1: The Appalachian National Scenic Trail following: Management Area shall be managed consistent • Maintain and enhance the with the standards and guidelines for that recreation environment management area. • Maintain habitats for threatened, endangered or rare species S-2: Motorized trail vehicles except • Maintain or create desired snowmobiles shall be prohibited unless wildlife habitat conditions for required by law to provide access to private reclusive species in interior land. areas and edge species along roads and uplands • Maintain or create vistas

Guidelines: G-1: Changes resulting from vegetation management activities should be kept as naturally appearing as possible.

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Transportation Analysis Non-Recreational Special Uses Standards: Standards: S-1: Forest Roads 10, 20, 31, 60, 253, S-1: Construction of wind and communication and 301 shall be open to public travel. towers or any other non-recreational facility Forest road 30 shall be open to Lake shall be prohibited. Brook. All other roads shall be closed to public travel but may be used for S-2: Construction of new utility corridors shall administrative purposes. be prohibited.

S-2: New road construction shall be Guideline: prohibited except for relocation of G-1: Two existing pipelines within the NRA may portions of existing roads for be maintained. environmental reasons or building turnouts.

Chelsea at the Green Mountain National Forest fish derby

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ALPINE/SUBALPINE SPECIAL AREA (8.4)

Major Emphasis use areas of the alpine zone and low-use seasons will be managed to maintain their low use. Use will The Alpine/Subalpine Special Area not be dispersed from high to low-use areas. emphasizes recognition, conservation, and Evidence of human activity will primarily be limited interpretation of the alpine and subalpine to hiking trails and associated facilities. Away from zone, and its associated ecological values, trails and facilities, and in the winter season, along the northern Green Mountain evidence of and interaction with other users will be ridgeline. This habitat is particularly fragile low. The Long Trail and its character and values and vulnerable on the National Forest. It will be maintained within this area, while represents the southern-most extension of recognizing the fragile nature of the alpine these communities in Vermont, and is of communities through which it passes. limited extent. The Long Trail will pass through some of the Alpine/Subalpine Special Area. The trail will Desired Future Condition provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the

Alpine/Subalpine ecological values while hiking this Low-growing alpine and subalpine plants long distance trail. The unique characteristics and mixed with bedrock, talus, or gravel will values of both the Alpine/Subalpine Special Area dominate the landscape character of this and the Long Trail will be protected and maintained area. At elevations greater than 3,500 to to the greatest extent possible. 4,000 feet, the frigid climate will cause soil to be churned and rocks to break apart. Emphasis will be placed on increasing awareness Broad vegetation groupings will include and stewardship of the alpine zone through heath barrens and heath-krummholz. increased education and interpretation of this Changes in vegetation will primarily be the special environment. The focus of education and result of natural processes. Species that interpretation will be on alpine wildlife, plants, and are unique to these habitats, such as communities in the Green Mountain National Bigelow’s sedge and Bicknell’s thrush, will Forest, as well as human behaviors that minimize be found here. Management of the alpine impacts to the alpine zone. An alpine ethic will be and subalpine areas will recognize and emphasized to promote protection of plants and conserve the cultural values of Native proper disposal of trash and human waste. Americans inherent to these lands.

Recreation management will be towards the Standards and Guidelines for desired ROS class of Semi-primitive Non- Alpine/Subalpine Special Area 8.4 motorized. Evidence of human activity will primarily be limited to hiking trails. Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. The Recreation, transportation, and management area standards and guidelines are to administrative facilities, such as ski trails, lift be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and lines, roads, and towers, will be limited. guidelines. In case of a conflict between the Unique biological, cultural, and aesthetic Forest-wide standards and guidelines and the values in this area will be managed by management area standards and guidelines, the having goals and thresholds in place to most restrictive standard and guideline shall apply. prevent their degradation. Areas of the alpine zone with high recreation use will be managed to recognize their value as sources of inspiration for the large surrounding populations, while also having standards to mitigate their impacts. Low-

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Minerals Rare and Unique Biological Features Standard: Standard: S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, S-1: If monitoring indicates declines in alpine mineral exploration and extraction that communities because of human use or the causes surface disturbance within this effects of nonnative invasive species, actions to area shall be prohibited. reduce these impacts shall be taken.

Timber Management Guideline: Standard: G-1: Changes in habitat should result primarily S-1: Management for commercial from natural processes. Structures, such as timber products shall be prohibited. scree walls or rock cairns, however, may be placed and habitat manipulation may occur to Guideline: protect sensitive or unique habitats, and G-1: Vegetation management shall be threatened, endangered, or sensitive species. permitted only when needed to maintain the character or purpose of the area or Pests, Diseases, and Non-Native Invasive protect and maintain the Long Trail. Species Guidelines: Openings G-1: Control actions against native insect, Guideline: disease, plant, or animal pests, should only be G-1: Openings found in the area should used when the actions are necessary to protect be the result of natural processes only; adjacent resources or the area’s values. exceptions are permitted for maintenance of habitat for threatened, G-2: Chemical and biological controls may be endangered, and Regional Forester’s utilized when determined to be less ecologically sensitive species, or unless needed to disruptive than the target pest. maintain the character or purpose of the alpine/subalpine zone or existing Long Fire Management Trail vistas. Guideline: G-1: Wildland Fire Use may be permitted. Special Forest Products Standard: Recreation S-1: Gathering of special forest products Standards: for commercial sale shall be prohibited. S-1: Wood or charcoal fires shall be prohibited year-round. Guideline: G-1: Gathering of special forest S-2: Camping shall be prohibited unless on two products may be authorized provided it feet or more of snow cover. is consistent with Management Area emphasis and Desired Future Condition S-3: Construction of new recreation facilities and will not threaten or diminish the shall be restricted to those needed for resource character or purpose for which the MA protection. was designated. Guidelines: Range G-1: Geocaching that does not cause surface Standard: disturbance may be permitted. S-1: Livestock areas shall be prohibited.

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G-2: Existing recreation facilities may be Interpretation and Education maintained as long as they complement Guidelines: the area’s Desired Future Condition, are G-1: Signing for resource protection or public needed for public health and safety, are safety may occur within the alpine zone but significant historic properties, or are should be minimized. needed to maintain the Long Trail. G-2: The emphasis for interpretive and G-3: Physical and capacity expansion of educational signing should be at trailheads and existing recreation facilities should not inside existing facilities. be permitted. G-3: The Forest should coordinate with G-4: Hikers should be encouraged to volunteer, government, and non-government stay on trails year-round, except for groups on alpine education. specific activities authorized in Special Use permits. G-4: The Forest should emphasize the use of volunteer and Forest Service alpine stewards to Trails provide education and interpretation. Standards: S-1: Motorized use shall be limited to G-5: Education should be emphasized outside emergencies unless required by law to the Forest, reaching potential visitors before provide access to private land. they come to the Forest. Administrative motorized use shall be timed to minimize social and ecological Transportation Analysis impacts. Standard: S-1: Roads shall be prohibited unless required S-2: Trail use by horses and pack by law to provide access to private land. animals, dog teams, bicycles, and other non-foot-related uses shall be Recreation Special Uses prohibited. Guidelines: G-1: Recreational special use permits may be Guidelines: authorized provided they are consistent with G-1: Maintenance and relocation of Management Area emphasis and Desired existing trails should occur only for Future Condition and they will not threaten or resource protection and visitor safety. diminish the character or purpose for which the MA was designated. G-2: Existing trails should be maintained at the lowest possible maintenance G-2: Recreation special use permits should not standard. be authorized for off-trail use except on two or more feet of snow. G-3: Management direction for the LT (Management Area 8.2) should apply to the LT within the alpine zone. Where direction differs, the more restrictive standards and guidelines apply.

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Non-Recreation Special Uses Guidelines: Standards: G-1: New communication use permits may be S-1: Development of and designated authorized on a case-by-case basis if they are sites for wind towers shall be prohibited. co-located with the existing facilities at Lincoln Peak, and are consistent with the area’s S-2: New designated communication Desired Future Conditions. sites shall be prohibited. G-2: Communication use permits not attached S-3: Development of utility and pipeline to existing facilities may be permitted as long as corridors and associated facilities shall they are within the confines of the existing be prohibited. Lincoln Peak site, and as long as there is either no change or inconsequential change in the S-4: Special use permits required by law amount of habitat occupied by communication to provide access to non-federal land facilities in the management area. shall be issued. G-3: Other non-recreational special use permits may be authorized provided they are consistent with Management Area emphasis and Desired Future Condition and they will not threaten or diminish the character or purpose for which the MA was designated.

G-4: Existing special use permits should be phased out when feasible.

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GREEN MOUNTAIN ESCARPMENT (8.5)

Major Emphasis commercial tree harvesting, and fire. A variety of traditional and experimental silvicultural practices The Green Mountain Escarpment for management of the forested natural Management Area emphasizes communities will be evident. management of natural communities along the Green Mountain escarpment. The Recreation management will be towards the Green Mountain escarpment is a landscape desired ROS class of Semi-primitive Motorized. that falls between the eastern edge of the Both non-motorized and motorized dispersed use Champlain and Vermont Valleys and the will be permitted. Motorized trail use will be limited crest of the cliffs and steep slopes that form to the winter months, and will be confined to trail the western edge of the Green Mountains corridors. Interaction between users will vary by and the Forest. Several natural season. There will be obvious evidence of trail communities found in this landscape are signs, grooming, and snowmobiles on motorized rare or uncommon, and provide habitat for trails in the winter. Some evidence of motorized trees, herbs, and ferns considered rare or use, such as noise, may go beyond trail corridors. uncommon on the Forest or within the In summer, use will be concentrated on trail State. Emphasis is on management to corridors. Away from trails and in low-use portions maintain natural community diversity and to of this management area, evidence of and maintain or enhance populations of rare or interaction with other users will be low. uncommon plant and animal populations. Standards and Guidelines for Green Desired Future Condition Mountain Escarpment 8.5

This management area will provide a Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. The diverse array of natural communities and management area standards and guidelines are to stages of vegetation development. Steep be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and cliffs and outcrops frequently will dominate guidelines. In case of a conflict between the this management area, and their scenic Forest-wide standards and guidelines and the quality will be maintained. Oaks and management area standards and guidelines, the hemlock mixed with northern hardwoods will most restrictive standard and guideline shall apply. form the dominant vegetation. Areas of large older trees will be interspersed with Soil, Water, and Riparian Area Protection and regenerating areas, as well as with small Restoration patch communities of forest, woodland, and Guideline: open types, including such rare and G-1: Use should be dispersed and controlled to uncommon types as pitch pine-oak-heath- prevent excessive damage to the thin soils in rocky summits, temperate calcareous cliffs this management area. and outcrops, natural red pine forests, dry oak forests and woodlands, and dry oak- Minerals hickory-hophornbeam forests. The variety Standard: of natural communities will be reflective of S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, mineral the diversity in the terrain, and the mix of exploration and extraction that causes surface calcareous and acidic bedrock along the disturbance within this area shall be prohibited. escarpment. As several rare species and uncommon habitats in this area require limited shade, vegetation management to maintain some of these communities will require the use of commercial and non-

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Timber Management G-5: Hazard trees may be cut but not removed. Guidelines: G-1: Emphasis in this management area G-6: Natural regeneration should be used to should be to perpetuate natural develop species composition when feasible. communities including: mesic red oak- northern hardwood forests, dry oak- Openings hickory-hophornbeam forest, mesic Guidelines: maple-ash-hickory-oak forest, red pine G-1: New openings found in the escarpment forest and woodland, dry oak forest and should be temporary in nature; exceptions are woodland, pitch pine-oak-heath rocky permitted for maintenance of habitat for summit, and temperate cliffs, outcrops, threatened, endangered, Regional Forester’s and talus. sensitive species, and species of local concern, and where needed to maintain the character or G-2: Silvicultural prescriptions should be purpose of the escarpment. designed to maintain and enhance the natural community diversity in the area. G-2: Existing permanent upland openings In particular, prescriptions should be should be maintained. designed to enhance regeneration of pine and oak-dominated communities. Special Forest Products Guideline: G-3: Prescribed fire in association with G-1: Gathering of special forest products may mechanical means, including timber be authorized provided it is consistent with harvesting, should be used for Management Area emphasis and Desired regenerating oak and pine dominated Future Condition and will not threaten or natural communities, and when diminish the character or purpose for which the maintaining or establishing fire- MA was designated. dependent species. Fisheries G-4: During regeneration harvests Guideline: within forested natural communities: G-1: Changes resulting from stream restoration • Retention of long-lived conifers, activities should be kept as naturally appearing such as hemlock and white pine, as possible. and long-lived oaks, should be emphasized. Pests, Diseases, and Non-Native Invasive • Four to nine live trees per acre Species larger than 11 inches in diameter Guidelines: should be reserved. Focus on G-1: Control actions should only be employed the largest trees available. against endemic insects, diseases, or plant and • Trees larger than 24 inches in animal pests when the action is necessary to diameter should be developed protect adjacent resources or escarpment and retained to increase the desired future conditions. probability of natural gap formation and tip-up mounds. G-2: Chemical and biological controls may be The number of reserve trees utilized when determined to be less ecologically larger than 24 inches in diameter disruptive than the target pest. should be included within the four to nine live reserve tree G-3: Non-native plant species should only be total. Large white pine, hemlock, used when they are needed to prevent and red oak are preferred for irreversible resource damage. retention.

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Fire Management Guidelines: Guideline: G-1: Maintenance and relocation of existing G-1: Fire Use may be permitted. trails may occur only for resource protection and visitor safety. Recreation Standard: G-2: Construction of new trails should not be S-1: Recreational use shall complement permitted except for education and the Desired Future Condition and interpretation enhancements or for protection of management objectives of this MA. escarpment desired future conditions.

Guidelines: G-3: Trail use by horses, pack animals, dog G-1: Geocaching that does not cause teams, bicycles, and motorized vehicles may be surface disturbance may be permitted in permitted as long as such uses do not interfere this area. with Escarpment desired future conditions. Opportunities to relocate existing motorized G-2: User-developed trails that are trails outside of the Escarpment should be causing resource damage in this area considered. should be closed and rehabilitated. Transportation Analysis G-3: Construction of new developed Guidelines: recreational facilities should be G-1: National Forest System roads should be restricted to those needed for resource managed at the lowest traffic service and protection. maintenance levels possible.

G-4: Existing facilities may be G-2: New roads should not be constructed maintained as long as they do not unless they protect or contribute to Escarpment threaten or degrade escarpment values, desired future conditions, or are required by law or are needed for public health and to provide access to non-federal land. safety. G-3: Maintenance and relocation of existing G-5: On-site interpretation that trailheads may occur only for resource increases awareness of the area’s protection and visitor safety. unique ecological and heritage features and management activities that are G-4: Construction of new trailheads should not maintaining these features should be be permitted except for education and provided. interpretation enhancements or for protection of Escarpment values. G-6: Fixed anchors for climbing routes should be prohibited unless an Recreation Special Uses established route with permanent Guidelines: anchors is needed to mitigate resource G-1: Recreational special use permits may be impacts. authorized provided they are consistent with Management Area emphasis and Desired Trails Future Condition and they will not threaten or Standards: diminish the character or purpose for which the S-1: New motorized trails shall be MA was designated. prohibited. G-2: Outfitter/guide permits and permits for S-2: Motorized trail vehicles except recreation events should not disperse use from snowmobiles shall be prohibited unless high- to low-use areas. required by law to provide access to private land.

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Non-Recreation Special Uses Guidelines: Standards: G-1: Expansion of existing facilities and S-1: Development of and designated corridors for utility lines and pipelines should be sites for wind and communication minimized. towers shall be prohibited. G-2: Reconstruction, upgrading, or S-2: Development of new utility and maintenance of existing utility lines and facilities pipeline corridors and associated should be designed and implemented to be as facilities shall be prohibited. compatible as possible with visual quality and management objectives and the desired future S-3: Special use permits required by law condition of the area. to provide access to non-federal land shall be issued. G-3: Other non-recreational special use permits may be authorized provided they are consistent with Management Area emphasis and Desired Future Condition and they will not threaten or diminish the character or purpose for which the MA was designated.

G-4: Existing special use permits should be phased out when feasible.

Green Mountain Escarpment

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EXISTING AND CANDIDATE RESEARCH NATURAL AREAS (8.6)

Major Emphasis will be by individual site designation, and campfires will not be permitted. Recreation management will The emphasis for an existing or candidate be towards the desired ROS class of Primitive. Research Natural Area (RNA) is preservation and protection of ecologically Existing Research Natural Areas: significant natural features, high-quality representative ecosystems, and/or unique Table 3.1-3: Existing Research Natural areas. In combination with other RNAs in Areas the nation, these form a national network of Research Natural Special Values ecological areas for research, monitoring, Areas education, and maintenance of biological The Cape High quality mature diversity. A broad representation of natural and old growth communities is included in this MA. In this enriched northern document, the term RNA will refer to both hardwood and red Existing and Candidate Research Natural spruce-yellow birch Areas. forest.

Desired Future Condition Candidate Research Natural Areas: RNAs will be chosen as high-quality representatives of ecological communities Table 3.1-4: Candidate Research Natural found on the Forest (Tables 3.1-3 and 3.1- Areas 4). In general, they will exhibit minimal Research Special Values evidence of past human disturbance, and Natural Areas will contain all or most species characteristic of that community in the region. They may Blue Ridge Fen High quality rich fen range in size from less than 100 acres to wetland community at thousands of acres. These management a high elevation areas will be generally well buffered from surrounded by forest. incompatible activities on nearby lands in order to preserve the integrity of the area for monitoring of baseline ecological conditions. RNAs will aim to include a representation of upland, wetland, and aquatic ecological types across the Forest. Forest composition and structure will primarily be the result of natural ecological processes rather than human-caused activities. These areas will provide excellent opportunities for many kinds of long-term monitoring and non-manipulative research.

Recreation use will be incidental and will not be encouraged in RNAs. Additional hiking trails will not be added and roads will be absent within RNA boundaries. Camping

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Standards and Guidelines for Special Forest Products Standard: Existing and Candidate S-1: The gathering of special forest products for Research Natural Areas 8.6 commercial sale shall be prohibited.

Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. Guideline: The management area standards and G-1: Gathering of special forest products may guidelines are to be applied in addition to be permitted for scientific use on a case-by- Forest-wide standards and guidelines. In case basis, and for incidental gathering. case of a conflict between the Forest-wide standards and guidelines and the Range management area standards and Standard: guidelines, the most restrictive standard and S-1: Livestock areas shall be prohibited. guideline shall apply. Wildlife Minerals Guideline: Standard: G-1: Management for plant and animal habitat, S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, including TES species, should be permitted mineral exploration and extraction that only when species or habitat for which the area causes surface disturbance within this is established would be lost or degraded area shall be prohibited. without treatment, or require restoration to move the area toward a more natural condition. Timber Management Standard: Fisheries S-1: Management for commercial timber Guideline: products shall be prohibited. G-1: Management for fisheries should be permitted only when species or habitat for Guidelines: which the area is established would be lost or G-1: Vegetation management should be degraded without treatment, or require permitted only when needed to maintain restoration to move the area toward a more or restore the unique feature(s) or natural condition. vegetation type(s) for which the RNA was established. Management practices should approximate the vegetation and processes that govern natural succession.

G-2: Hazard trees may be cut but not removed.

Openings Guideline: G-1: Openings found in RNAs should be the result of natural processes only, unless they are the result of other activities permitted elsewhere in this guidance.

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Pests, Diseases, and Non-Native Trails Invasive Species Standard: Guidelines: S-1: The use of horses, pack animals, dog G-1: Control actions against native teams, bicycles, and motorized vehicles on insect, disease, plant, or animal pests, RNA trails shall be prohibited. should only be used when the actions are necessary to protect adjacent Guidelines: resources or RNA values. G-1: Signs, new trails, or other improvements may be permitted only when they contribute to G-2: Control actions may be permitted RNA objectives or area protection. against non-native invasive species when such species are known to disrupt G-2: Existing trails should be maintained at the natural ecological processes, TES lowest possible maintenance standard. species, or the features for which the area was designated. G-3: Management direction for the LT (Management Area 8.2) should apply to the LT G-3: Chemical and biological controls within or adjacent to RNAs. Where direction may be utilized when determined to be differs, the more restrictive standards and less ecologically disruptive than the guidelines apply. target pest. Heritage Resources G-4: RNAs should be monitored Guideline: annually for non-native invasive species G-1: Archaeological excavations may be to ensure that new outbreaks are permitted only when they will not alter the long- identified early and control methods can term ecological integrity of the RNA or diminish be implemented when they are likely to its purposes. be more effective. Land Ownership Adjustments G-5: Use of non-native plant species for Guideline: restoration or recovery purposes should G-1: RNA boundaries should be clearly only occur when needed to prevent identified in the field. irreversible resource damage. Transportation Analysis Fire Management Standard: Guideline: S-1: Construction of new roads or motorized G-1: Fire use may be permitted. trails shall be prohibited.

Recreation Guideline: Standards: G-1: Decommissioned roads may be S-1: Recreational use that threatens or demolished, dismantled, obliterated, or interferes with the objectives or disposed of to eliminate the deferred purposes for which the RNA was maintenance needs of the fixed asset. Portions established shall be prohibited. of the asset may remain if they do not cause problems nor require maintenance. S-2: Geocaching shall be prohibited. Recreation Special Uses Standard: S-1: Permits for recreation special uses shall be prohibited.

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Non-Recreation Special Uses Guidelines: Standards: G-1: Expansion of existing facilities and S-1: Development of and designated corridors for utility lines and pipelines should be sites for wind and communication minimized. towers shall be prohibited. G-2: No additional structures should be S-2: Development of new utility and permitted unless needed for RNA objectives. pipeline corridors and associated facilities shall be prohibited. G-3: Special use permits may be permitted for research or educational activities, or when S-3: Special use permits required by law mandated by law or agreement. Phase out to provide access to non-federal land existing special use permits when feasible. shall be issued.

Biologist Rob Hoelscher addresses Antioch students

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ECOLOGICAL SPECIAL AREAS (8.7)

Major Emphasis AT/LT will be protected and maintained to the greatest extent possible. The Ecological SA and Ecological Special Areas (SAs) are AT/LT settings will provide opportunities for high- characterized by physical or biological quality outdoor recreation experiences, and provide features of Forest-wide or regional for the conservation and enjoyment of geological, significance. Areas that may be designated botanical, zoological, and ecological values of the as Ecological SAs include locations that Forest. provide examples or representatives of geological, botanical, zoological, and Natural disturbances and occasional management ecological values (Table 3.1-5). activities will shape the landscape-level and site- Management emphasizes the protection of level vegetation composition. Components of the these values and opportunities for public natural disturbance regime will include individual use and interpretation. Ecological SAs may tree throw and infrequent larger scale blowdown, also provide opportunities as reference sites ice storms, infrequent fire, native insect and for research and monitoring. disease damage, and beaver flooding. Management activities will be generally limited to light disturbances such as trail clearing and facility Desired Future Condition maintenance, as well as habitat maintenance for

rare plants and animals or restoration of natural Ecological SAs will exemplify the special communities. values for which they were designated.

They will display a high level of integrity, while providing opportunities for public use and awareness. Ecological SAs will Areas Designated as Ecological represent many physical, biological, and Special Areas: cultural conditions across the Forest, and therefore will include a wide variation in Table 3.1-5: Ecological Special Areas and vegetative cover and communities. This Related Special Values variety of ecosystems and the quality of Ecological Special Values special values will make Ecological SAs well Special Areas suited as benchmarks for research and Rattlesnake Point Rare temperate monitoring. Some of these areas will have calcareous cliff habitat important recreation values in addition to with a large number of their biological values for which they are associated rare species, designated. As a result, evidence of human as well as representative activity will range from substantially landforms of glacial unnoticeable to very evident, and road processes such as networks will vary from not evident to quarrying and ice evident. Recreation management will be plucking forested with towards the desired ROS class of Semi- oak forests. primitive Non-motorized. Beaver Meadows Wetland complex and and Abbey Pond pond with rare plants and The Appalachian Trail and Long Trail great blue heron (AT/LT) will pass through some Ecological rookeries. SAs. The trail will provide an opportunity for Grout Pond Natural shoreline, warm visitors to experience the Ecological SA’s water fisheries habitat, setting features, while hiking long distance and habitat for rare or trails. The unique characteristics and uncommon plant and values of both the Ecological SA and the animal species.

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Stamford Stream Poor fens and rare Standards and Guidelines for Wetland Complex plants, nested within wetland complexes. Ecological Special Areas 8.7

Stamford Dwarf shrub bog within a Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. The Meadows wetland complex management area standards and guidelines are to Beebe Pond Softwater pond with be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and several rare plants. guidelines. In case of a conflict between the Stratton Mountain Subalpine vegetation that Forest-wide standards and guidelines and the provides habitat for management area standards and guidelines, the several uncommon most restrictive standard and guideline shall apply. species. Somerset Fen Poor fen nested within a Minerals wetland complex. Standard: Branch Pond High elevation softwater S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, mineral pond exploration and extraction that causes surface French Hollow Old northern hardwood disturbance within this area shall be prohibited. and hemlock forests. Mt. Tabor Work Rare calcareous red Timber Management Center Swamp maple-tamarack swamp Guidelines: and associated rare or G-1: Vegetation management and commercial uncommon plants. timber harvesting may be permitted only when Peabody Hill Mature northern needed to maintain the character, purpose, or hardwood forest with desired future condition of the Ecological SA. uncommon plants. Dutton Brook Rare northern white G-2: Timber salvage may be permitted only Swamp cedar swamp and when there is a threat to human life, resources, associated rare or structures, or adjacent lands. uncommon plants. Bryant Mountain Mesic and enriched oak- G-3: Hazard trees may be cut but not removed. Hollow northern hardwood forest with an abundance of Openings rare or uncommon Guideline: plants. G-1: Openings found in Ecological SAs should Elephant Cliffs, outcrops, and oak, be the result of natural processes only; Mountain northern hardwood, and exceptions are permitted for maintenance of hemlock forests, with habitat for threatened, endangered, and associated rare species. Regional Forester’s sensitive species, or unless Texas Falls Series of low falls and needed to maintain the character or purpose of cascades flowing through the Ecological SA, or to maintain the vista on a small gorge that was the summit of Stratton Mountain. scoured primarily by sediment-laden glacial meltwater

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Special Forest Products Recreation Standard: Standard: S-1: Gathering of special forest products S-1: Recreational use shall complement the for commercial sale shall be prohibited. desired future condition and management objectives of this MA. Guideline: G-1: Gathering of special forest Guidelines: products may be authorized provided it G-1: On-site interpretation may be provided, is consistent with Management Area where appropriate, to increase awareness of emphasis and Desired Future Condition the botanical, ecological, geological, and and will not threaten or diminish the zoological resources of the areas. character or purpose for which the MA was designated. G-2: Facilities should not be constructed unless they protect or contribute to Ecological SA Range purposes and values. Standard: S-1: Livestock areas shall be prohibited. G-3: Existing facilities may be maintained, replaced, or reconstructed as long as they Fisheries complement the values for which the Ecological Standard: SA was designated, are needed for public S-1: When stocking waters within this health and safety, are significant historic area, only native fish shall be used. properties, or are needed for resource protection purposes. Guidelines: G-1: Restoration activities may be Trails permitted when they will not alter long- Standards: term ecological integrity or diminish the S-1: New motorized trails shall be prohibited. character or purpose of the Ecological SA. S-2: Motorized trail vehicles except existing snowmobiles shall be prohibited. G-2: Changes resulting from stream restoration activities should be kept as Guidelines: naturally appearing as possible. G-1: Development of new trails or trail systems, and relocation of existing trails may occur only Pests, Diseases, and Non-Native for visitor safety, resource protection, or for Invasive Species education and interpretation enhancements. Guidelines: G-1: Control actions against native G-2: Trail use by horses, pack animals, dog insect, disease, plant, or animal pests, teams, bicycles, and motorized vehicles may be should only be used when the actions permitted as long as such uses do not interfere are necessary to protect adjacent with Ecological SA objectives. Opportunities to resources or Ecological SA values. relocate existing motorized trails outside of Ecological SAs should be considered. G-2: Chemical and biological controls may be utilized when determined to be G-3: Management direction for the AT less ecologically disruptive than the (Management Area 8.1) and the LT target pest. (Management Area 8.2) should apply to the AT/LT within or adjacent to Ecological SAs. Fire Management Where direction differs, the more restrictive Guideline: standards and guidelines apply. G-1: Fire use may be permitted.

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Heritage Resources Non-Recreation Special Uses Guideline: Standards: G-1: Archaeological excavations may be S-1: Development of and designated sites for permitted under the condition that they wind and communication towers shall be will not alter the long-term ecological prohibited. integrity of, or diminish the purposes of the Ecological SA. S-2: Development of new utility and pipeline corridors and associated facilities shall be Interpretation and Education prohibited. Guideline: G-1: Research may be permitted if it S-3: Special use permits required by law to does not compromise the values for provide access to non-federal land shall be which the area was designated. issued.

Transportation Analysis Guidelines: Guidelines: G-1: Expansion of existing facilities and G-1: New roads should not be corridors for utility lines and pipelines should be constructed or relocated unless they minimized. protect or contribute to Ecological SA values, or are required by law to provide G-2: Reconstruction, upgrading, or access to non-federal land. maintenance of existing utility lines and facilities should be designed and implemented to be as G-2: Construction of new trailheads and compatible as possible with visual quality parking areas, and relocation of existing objectives and management objectives of the trailheads and parking areas, may occur area. only for visitor safety, resource protection, for education and G-3: Special use permits may be permitted for interpretation enhancements. research or educational activities, or when mandated by law or agreement. Existing G-3: National Forest roads should be special use permits should be phased out when managed at the lowest traffic service feasible. and maintenance levels possible.

G-4: Decommissioned roads may be demolished, dismantled, obliterated, or disposed of to eliminate the deferred maintenance needs of the fixed asset. Portions of the asset may remain if they do not cause problems nor require maintenance.

Recreation Special Uses Guidelines: G-1: Permits for recreation events or facilities may be permitted as long as the activity supports MA objectives.

G-2: Outfitter/guide permits and permits for recreation events should not disperse use from high- to low-use areas. Texas Falls

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RECREATION SPECIAL AREAS (8.8)

Major Emphasis Recreation Special Areas 8.8:

Recreation Special Areas (RSAs) are Table 3.1-6: Recreation Special Areas characterized by recreational values that and Related Special Values require special management prescriptions Recreation Special Values to sustain (Table 3.1-6). Management Special Areas emphasizes the protection of these values Blueberry Lake Opportunity for water- and opportunities for public use. based recreation in an easily accessible area Desired Future Condition that is largely unimpacted by RSAs will provide opportunities for public motorized trail uses or use focused on the specific special value or timber harvesting. values identified. The public will use these Robert Frost National Recreation areas for a variety of recreational activities. Interpretive Trail Trail that passes through serene, Management activities will focus on wooded and open maintaining the character of these areas places often evoked in and providing high-quality recreation Robert Frost’s poems. opportunities for the public. Management The special area activities may include, but are not limited to: includes 60 acres that • Trail and recreation facility preserve the construction and maintenance foreground • Maintenance of vegetation to appearance and provide for both species diversity include a variety of and a variety of vegetation types via vegetation prescribed fire, mowing, limited tree communities and harvesting, or other methods successional stages. compatible with the character of the area Standards and Guidelines for • Construction and maintenance of Recreation Special Areas 8.8 roads, parking areas, and other facilities that are compatible with the Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. The area management area standards and guidelines are to • Interpretation for recreational be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and purposes. guidelines. In case of a conflict between the Recreation management will be towards the Forest-wide standards and guidelines and the desired ROS class of Semi-primitive management area standards and guidelines, the Motorized. most restrictive standard and guideline shall apply.

Minerals Standard: S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, mineral exploration and extraction that causes surface disturbance within this area shall be prohibited except for administrative purposes.

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Timber Management Recreation Guidelines: Standard: G-1: Vegetation management and S-1: Geocaching shall be prohibited in the commercial timber harvesting should be Robert Frost Interpretive Trail RSA. permitted only as needed for recreation or to maintain the character or purpose Guideline: of the RSA. G-1: Facilities may be maintained or constructed if they complement the values for G-2: Timber salvage should not be which the RSA was designated and are needed permitted unless there is a threat to for public recreation. human life, RSA resources or structures, or adjacent lands. Trails Standard: G-3: Native plant species should be S-1: Motorized use of trails shall be prohibited used for restoration activities. Use non- except for administrative uses approved in native plant species only if they are writing by the Forest Service. needed to prevent irreversible resource damage. Guideline: G-1: Trails, trailheads, and associated facilities G-4: The vegetation in the forested area may be maintained, constructed, or relocated if of Robert Frost Interpretive Trail RSA they complement the values for which the RSA should be managed in an uneven-aged was designated and are needed for public condition. recreation.

Openings Non-Recreation Special Uses Guideline: Standard: G-1: Permanent upland openings may S-1: Development of wind and communication be maintained if needed for recreation towers shall be prohibited. or to maintain the character of the RSA. S-2: Special use permits required by law to Special Forest Products provide access to non-federal land shall be Standard: issued. S-1: Gathering of special forest products for commercial sale shall be prohibited. Guideline: G-1: New utility lines and pipelines should be Fisheries buried unless ground conditions do not allow. Guideline: G-1: Restoration or enhancement activities may be permitted when they will not diminish the character or purpose for which the RSA was designated.

Fire Management Guideline: G-1: Prescribed fire may be permitted.

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MOOSALAMOO RECREATION AND EDUCATION AREA (8.9)

Major Emphasis opportunity to educate visitors and local residents, including school children, through service learning Recreation and Education Special Areas and other volunteer programs, and through have uncommon or outstanding demonstration of sustainable forest management, recreational, scenic, cultural, or historical wildlife habitat enhancement, and other practices. significance. The intent of this management Research has found that the way to encourage area is to emphasize the educational and people to take conservation actions is by bringing recreational values for present and future them first to the resource, and once they have generations. discovered and appreciated the resource, they will want to conserve what they have come to value. The Moosalamoo Recreation and Education Area is characterized by an outstanding Recreation and trail opportunities will be diverse in combination of outdoor recreation the Moosalamoo REA. Trail opportunities will opportunities, aesthetic attractions, and the range from hiking and bicycling to snowmobiling proximity to potential users. The area has and cross country skiing. A number of trails, historical, archaeological, pastoral, wildlife, including the Long Trail, side trails, and the and other values contributing to public snowmobile trail system, will be maintained to enjoyment. Due to easy access, the provide a range of trail experiences and access to Moosalamoo area provides numerous key features. Motorized trail use will be limited to opportunities to provide on-site education the winter months and will be confined to trail and interpretation of the natural corridors. Recreational facilities may be provided environment and resource management to enhance the visitor experiences at specific activities. attractions. Recreation management will be towards the desired ROS objectives of Roaded Management emphasizes public use, Natural. interpretation, and education, and the protection of the special values and Management practices will be designed to provide attributes of the area that contribute to opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation public enjoyment. General objectives experiences, preserve and strengthen the role of include: 1) Providing a showcase for volunteers and volunteer organizations, and National Forest multiple use management, provide for the conservation and enjoyment of the 2) Providing outstanding educational and recreational, scenic, historic, and natural qualities interpretation opportunities in the areas of of the area. Where consistent with management ecological processes and forest area values, on-site interpretation of activities will management, 3) Providing for public be completed using a variety of methods. enjoyment of the area for outdoor recreation and other benefits, and 4) Managing for the The landscape character in the Moosalamoo REA other resource values present in the area, in will be a mix of agricultural and open lands, and a manner that is consistent with public deciduous and coniferous forest stands of various recreation values and other special types. The stands will vary in size, shape, height, attributes of the area. and tree species. Along road and trail corridors, large diameter trees of diverse species will predominate. Vistas of landscapes with a mosaic Desired Future Condition of vegetative patterns will be provided along roads

and trails. All forest communities that would The Moosalamoo Recreation and Education naturally be present, such as aspen, paper birch, Area (REA) will exemplify the special values and oak, will be retained and enhanced where of recreation, interpretation, and education. feasible. Activities such as timber harvesting may The Moosalamoo REA will provide a unique be evident but will be scattered over time and

Page 100 Green Mountain National Forest Chapter 3 Management Area Direction space. When viewed from a distance, Standards and Guidelines for human activity will not be evident on some of the upper elevations of the more Moosalamoo Recreation and noticeable peaks and ridges. Some Education Area 8.9 evidence of activity may be noticeable on lower levels, but will blend with surrounding Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. The landscape. management area standards and guidelines are to be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and Management practices will include both guidelines. In case of a conflict between the even-aged and uneven-aged silvicultural Forest-wide standards and guidelines and the systems. As a result, two different management area standards and guidelines, the conditions will occur among the stands: most restrictive standard and guideline shall apply. some stands will consist of trees of about the same age and size, while the remaining Minerals stands will consist of a mix of tree sizes and Guideline: ages ranging from seedlings to very large G-1: Subject to valid existing rights, mineral mature trees. Silvicultural practices will be exploration and extraction that causes surface used to meet timber, ecological, visual, and disturbance within this area may be permitted. recreation objectives. Timber Management Suitable habitat will be provided for a variety Standard: of wildlife and plant species, including S-1: Forested lands within this management Peregrine Falcons on cliff faces. Deer area shall be part of the suitable timber base. wintering habitat will be emphasized within, or adjacent to, identified deer wintering Guideline: areas. Habitat at the landscape level will G-1: Native plant species should be used for include a sustainable mix of young and restoration activities. Use non-native plant mature forests. Permanent upland and species only if they are needed to prevent temporary openings will occur across the irreversible resource damage. landscape in shapes and sizes that are consistent with visual objectives in an area. Wildlife Views, ecological processes, and Guideline: management practices will be interpreted at G-1: Vegetation may be managed to provide vista sites. both species diversity and a variety of major vegetation types, such as grasslands, The foreground of the Long Trail (LT) will shrublands, and forests. encompass a portion of this management prescription. Within the foreground of the Fisheries LT, management practices will be designed Guideline: to protect the LT experience. Activities G-1: Restoration or habitat improvement within the LT foreground will be planned and activities may be permitted when they will not carried out in cooperation with the diminish the character or purpose for which the appropriate LT management partner(s). Moosalamoo REA was designated.

Pests, Diseases, and Non-Native Invasive Species Guideline: G-1: Chemical and biological controls may be utilized when determined to be less disruptive to recreational and educational values than the target pest.

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Fire Management G-3: Decommissioned roads may be Guideline: demolished, dismantled, obliterated, or G-1: Prescribed fire may be permitted. disposed of to eliminate the deferred maintenance needs of the fixed asset. Portions Recreation of the asset may remain if they do not cause Guidelines: problems or require maintenance. This may G-1: Recreational use shall complement include blocking the entrance, revegetating and the management objectives and desired installing waterbars, removing fills and culverts, future conditions of this MA. establishing drainage ways, and removing unstable road shoulders or full obliteration, G-2: On-site interpretation should be recontouring, and restoring to natural slopes. encouraged. Recreation Special Uses G-3: Facilities may be maintained or Guideline: constructed as long as they do not G-1: Permits for recreation events or facilities threaten or degrade the values for which may be allowed as long as the activity supports the Moosalamoo REA was designated MA purposes and values. and are needed for public education, recreation, or are significant historic Non-Recreation Special Uses properties. Standard: S-1: Special use permits required by law to Trails provide access to non-federal land shall be Standard: issued. S-1: Motorized trail vehicles except snowmobiles shall be prohibited unless Guidelines: required by law to provide access to G-1: Expansion of existing facilities and private land. corridors for utility lines and pipelines should not be encouraged. Interpretation and Education Guideline: G-2: Reconstruction, upgrading, or G-1: The recreational and educational maintenance of existing utility lines and facilities values for which this area was should be designed and implemented to be as designated should be interpreted where compatible as possible with visual quality this can be done without causing objectives, management purposes, and values damage to the values. for the area.

Transportation Analysis Guidelines: G-1: Roads may be closed to public motorized use. The types of vehicles or season of use may be restricted for public safety, to prevent resource damage, and to protect wildlife.

G-2: New road construction may be allowed when needed to meet MA objectives. Teachers involved in a Forest for Every Classroom

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ALPINE SKI AREA EXPANSION (9.3)

Major Emphasis guidelines, the most restrictive standard and guideline shall apply. The Alpine Ski Area Expansion Management Area recognizes the potential Minerals need for ski area expansion, and manages Standard: the land so as not to preclude future ski S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, mineral area development. exploration and extraction that causes surface disturbance within this area shall be prohibited.

Desired Future Condition Timber Management

Guideline: Although adjacent to heavily developed G-1: Forested lands within this management alpine ski areas, these lands will generally area shall not be part of the suitable timber appear natural, with little evidence of base; however, trees may be removed to meet management. Existing roads and trails may management area desired future conditions. provide access. If specific proposals for ski area expansion were approved consistent Openings with the National Environmental Policy Act, Guideline: the ultimate desired condition would be the G-1: Existing permanent upland openings may same as for Alpine Ski Areas (Management be maintained for wildlife. Area 7.1). These lands will be contiguous to existing ski areas and range in size from Fire Management 40 to 1,000 acres. Guideline:

G-1: Prescribed fire may be permitted. Recreation management will be towards the desired ROS class of Rural. A variety of Recreation land characteristics will occur in ski area Standard: expansion lands. In the lower and middle S-1: Campgrounds and day-use areas shall not elevations, extensive stands of northern be constructed. hardwoods will dominate the landscape.

Conifers, such as red spruce and balsam fir, Guidelines: will be mixed with hardwoods at mid- to low- G-1: Dispersed recreation activities may occur elevations and dominate at higher within this management area as long as the elevations. The stands in this management activity is compatible with the overall purpose of area will include a mix of tree sizes and potential alpine ski area expansion. ages and will tend to be visually dominated by large mature trees. G-2: Existing foot trails may be maintained until alpine ski area development of the area. Standards and Guidelines for Alpine Ski Area Expansion 9.3 G-3: Existing motorized trails may be maintained until alpine ski area development of Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. the area. No new motorized trail construction is The management area standards and permitted. guidelines are to be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and guidelines. In case of a conflict between the Forest-wide standards and guidelines and the management area standards and

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Transportation Analysis Guideline: G-1: Existing roads unnecessary for management area objectives and desired future conditions should be closed and re-vegetated.

Recreation Special Uses Standard: S-1: Any special use facility development shall be prohibited until an area is assigned to a different management area.

Guideline: G-1: Outfitter/guide permits may be permitted.

Winter Landscape

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ELIGIBLE WILD, SCENIC, AND RECREATIONAL RIVERS (9.4)

Major Emphasis characteristics and ORVs for each of the identified stream segments located on federal The emphasis of this management area is to land. All eligible rivers will be essentially free protect and enhance the “outstandingly flowing. Desired Future Conditions for each remarkable values” (ORVs) that led those rivers River classifications are: and streams within this management area to be determined as eligible Wild Scenic, and Wild Segments Recreational Rivers. Included in this MA are Eligible river segments with a potential river segments and their associated corridors classification of wild are primarily found within that are eligible to be further considered for existing Wilderness MAs. Wild segments will addition to the National Wild and Scenic River be primarily managed for the same values that System (Table 3.1-7). Once determined are found within designated wilderness, will be eligible, river segments are tentatively classified undeveloped, and will show little sign of human for study as either wild, scenic, or recreational activity. based on the degree of access and amount of development along the river. Management Wild segments within this management area under this MA retains a river’s eligibility for the may contain a few campsites or trail shelters, stated potential classification. River corridors but these will be limited. Natural forces will contained within this Management Area are dominate. The natural range of flooding, one-quarter mile on each side of the stream. beaver dams, wind throw, and meandering stream channels will occur. Vegetation will be River classifications as defined by the Wild and influenced only by natural processes and Scenic Rivers Act are: existing ecological components. Visitors will normally encounter few other people, and the Wild River Classification – Rivers, or sections of setting will provide habitat for wildlife needing rivers, that are free of impoundments and remote areas. Recreation management will be generally inaccessible except by trail, with towards the desired ROS class of Semi- watershed or shorelines essentially primitive primitive Non-motorized. and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America. Scenic Segments Eligible river segments with a potential Scenic River Classification – Rivers, or sections classification of scenic usually will be more of rivers, that are free of impoundments, with developed than wild and less developed than shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive recreational. Scenic segments will be and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible by road, but they generally will not accessible in places by roads. include long stretches of conspicuous and well- traveled roads closely paralleling the riverbank. Recreational River Classification – Rivers, or sections of rivers, that are readily accessible by Management will be towards the desired ROS road or railroad, that may have some class of Semi-primitive Motorized. Visitors may development along their shorelines, and that see sights and sounds of human activities, but may have undergone some impoundments or these will not dominate the area. Encounters diversions in the past. with others may be higher on weekends, but Desired Future Condition few encounters will be expected mid-week, off- season, or away from trails. The landscape The Eligible Wild, Scenic and Recreational character will be “natural appearing” with Rivers MA will protect classification predominantly high scenic integrity. Facilities will be minimal and primarily for visitor safety

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Management Area Direction Chapter 3 and access, and to protect river resources. corridor. Existing fields or permanent upland Facilities may include parking areas, trailheads, openings may be present and maintained for rustic campgrounds, interpretive kiosks, rest wildlife. Density of open roads will remain near rooms, motorized and non-motorized trails, and the current level throughout the planning period signs. Facilities will be understated in with only small increases or decreases. appearance and will be designed to complement the natural environment in scale, Rivers Eligible as Wild, Scenic, and character, and color. Recreational Rivers

Management of vegetation may be evident within the river corridor. Existing fields or Table 3.1-7: Rivers Eligible as Wild, permanent upland openings may be present Scenic, and Recreational Rivers Potential and maintained for wildlife, but no expansion of Name Classificati Description ORV openings or creation of new permanent upland on openings of this type will be encouraged. Battenkill Recreational From NY/VT Historic, Density of open roads will remain near the River state line to Geologic, current level throughout the planning period. Arlington Scenic Battenkill Recreational Arlington to Fish, River Manchester Historic, Recreational Segments Wild Eligible river segments with a potential Big Scenic Confluence Heritage classification of recreational usually will be Branch of Otter Creek to Ten more developed than scenic segments. Kilns Brook Recreational segments will often have parallel Bolles Scenic From last Wildlife or crossing roads, railroad accesses, or Brook bridge to transportation facilities that parallel the river for headwaters Bolles Recreational From Wildlife long stretches. Brook Roaring Branch Management will be towards the desired ROS Walloomsac class of Roaded Natural. The sights and Brook to last sounds of others will be evident, and bridge crossing opportunities to encounter other visitors will be Bourn Wild From Botanical/ moderate to high. Visitors seeking solitude may Brook wilderness Ecological find that difficult to achieve, particularly in peak- boundary to use seasons. Trails may be highly developed, headwaters including hardened trail surfaces. Bourn Recreational From Botanical/ Brook confluence Ecological of Otter Ck The landscape character may range from to natural appearing to transitional-mixed use. wilderness There may be substantial evidence of human boundary activity along the shores of these rivers. City Recreational Confluence Wildlife Stream Roaring Visitors will encounter a natural-appearing Branch setting with a range of human-made Walloomsac developments. Brook to Woodford Deerfield Scenic Searsburg Hydrologic These river corridors will provide for a diversity River Reservoir to , Wild of habitats and successional stages for a wide headwaters variety of species that favor, or are tolerant of, habitat edges and human disturbances. Leicester Scenic End of FS Botanical/ Hollow Rd 243 to Ecological Vegetation will be influenced by both natural Brook headwaters Leicester Recreational Neshobe Botanical/ processes and humans. Management of Hollow River to end Ecological vegetation may be evident within the river Brook of FS Rd.

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243 Lye Brook Wild From Fish, Rock Recreational Confluence Geologic, wilderness Historic, River of West Recreatio boundary to Wild River to the n, Scenic, headwaters end of Lye Brook Recreational Confluence Fish, Sherman of Battenkill Historic, Road (TH- to Wild 18), in wilderness Dover, to boundary headwaters Mad River Recreational From Recreatio Stamford Recreational Confluence Botanical/ Folsom n Stream of City Ecological Brook to Stream to headwaters Woodford North Recreational From Botanical/ and Branch confluence Ecological Stamford Middlebur of town line y River Middlebury Wardsbor Scenic Confluence Recreatio River to o Brook of West n, Scenic confluence River to first of Alder bridge Brook upstream on New Recreational Within Geologic VT100 in Haven proclamation Jamaica River boundary Town Ottauquec Recreational From Recreatio Wardsbor Recreation First bridge Recreatio hee River Woodstock n o Brook upstream on n, Scenic to the VT100, in headwaters Jamaica, to Otter Recreational From Hydrologic headwaters Creek Emerald West Scenic Bridge on Recreatio Lake to East River VT100 just n, Scenic Ck in east of JCT Rutland VT155/VT10 Roaring Recreational Confluence Fish, 0, in Branch of Battenkill Historic, Weston, to (including River to Wild headwaters a section Branch Pond White Recreational Stony Brook, Fish, of Warm River in Historic, Brook and Stockbridge, Scenic, Branch to Pond headwaters Brook) Winhall Wild End of Recreatio Rock Scenic End of Geologic, River Kendall n, Scenic River Sherman Recreatio Farm Road Road (TH- n, Scenic, to 18), in headwaters Dover, to Winhall Scenic Confluence Recreatio headwaters River of West n, Scenic River to end of Kendall Farm Road

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Management Area Direction Chapter 3

Standards and Guidelines for Wildlife and Fisheries Guideline: Eligible Wild, Scenic, and G-1: Fish and wildlife habitat improvements Recreational Rivers 9.4 may be permitted provided they do not affect the free-flowing characteristics of the Forest-wide standards and guidelines apply. river and are consistent with the Desired The management area standards and Future Condition of Eligible Wild Rivers. guidelines are to be applied in addition to Forest-wide standards and guidelines. In case Recreation of a conflict between the Forest-wide standards Guideline: and guidelines and the management area G-1: New trail bridge crossings may be standards and guidelines, the most restrictive restricted for resource protection and visitor standard and guideline shall apply. safety.

Management of Eligible Wild Scenic and Trails Recreational Rivers follows FSH 1909.12 Standard: Chapter 8.12 Interim Management of Study S-1: New motorized trails shall be Rivers. prohibited.

Minerals Visuals Standard: Standard: S-1: Subject to valid existing rights, mineral S-1: Vistas and permanent upland openings exploration and extraction that causes shall not be maintained. surface disturbance within this area shall be prohibited. Utilities Standard: Fire Management S-1: New corridors for utility lines or Guidelines: pipelines shall be prohibited. Expansion of G-1: Prescribed fire may be permitted when existing facilities and corridors shall be compatible with the outstanding remarkable prohibited. values for each river. Roads G-2: Wildland fire use may be permitted Standard: S-1: New permanent and temporary roads Standards and Guidelines for shall be prohibited unless required by law to Eligible Wild River Segments provide access to non-federal land.

Timber Management Standards and Guidelines for Standard: Eligible Scenic River Segments S-1: Commercial timber harvest and non- commercial felling of trees shall be Timber Management prohibited except when needed to maintain Guidelines: a primitive recreation experience, such as G-1: A wide range of silvicultural practices clearing trails for user protection, or to may be conducted, as long as water and protect the environment, such as for fire visual quality and other management control. objectives of the corridor are met.

G-2: Uneven-aged management should be emphasized to maintain an essentially unbroken canopy of trees and a natural- appearing river corridor.

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Wildlife and Fisheries Management Areas through which the Guideline: stream passes. G-1: Fish and wildlife habitat improvements may be permitted provided they do not Wildlife and Fisheries affect the free-flowing characteristics of the Guideline: river and are consistent with the Desired G-1: Fish and wildlife habitat improvements Future Condition of Eligible Scenic Rivers. may be permitted provided they do not affect the free-flowing characteristics of the Recreation river and are consistent with the Desired Guideline: Future Condition of Eligible Recreational G-1: Facilities should not be visible from the Rivers. river. Recreation Trails Guideline: Guideline: G-1: Public use facilities such as G-1: New summer off-road vehicle use campgrounds may be permitted provided should be limited to trails needed to cross they do not affect the outstandingly the river segment and corridor. remarkable values for which that river segment was determined eligible. Utilities Standard: Utilities S-1: New corridors for utility lines or Standard: pipelines shall be prohibited. Expansion of S-1: New corridors for utility lines or existing facilities and corridors shall be pipelines shall be prohibited. Expansion of prohibited. existing facilities and corridors shall be prohibited. Roads Guideline: G-1: New roads may be allowed, as long as they are well-screened from the river and are short and inconspicuous.

Standards and Guidelines for Eligible Recreational Classification Segments

Timber Management Guidelines: G-1: A wide range of silvicultural practices may be conducted, as long as the water quality and other management objectives of the corridor are met.

Fishing in the GMNF G-2: The choice of even-aged or uneven- aged silvicultural systems will depend primarily on the objectives of the

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Monitoring and Evaluation Chapter 4

Chapter 4 Monitoring and Evaluation

4.1.1 Introduction 111 4.1.2 Adaptive Management 112 4.1.3 Monitoring and Evaluation Components 112 4.1.4 Monitoring Plan 113 4.1.5 Required Monitoring 114 4.1.6 Other Monitoring 116 4.1.7 Biennial Monitoring and Evaluation Report 118

Rain Gauge Monitoring in Lincoln, Vermont Bat Monitoring

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4.1 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

1. Evaluate the validity of assumptions 4.1.1 Introduction used in Forest Plan development, 2. Verify the effectiveness of Forest Plan The Green Mountain National Forest Land standards and guidelines, and Resource Management Plan (Forest 3. Assess program and project effects on Plan) provides management direction in terms resource conditions in relation to of desired conditions, goals, objectives, management goals and desired standards, and guidelines at the Forest and conditions, and Management Area scales. Monitoring and 4. Determine when desired conditions, evaluation are separate, sequential activities goals, objectives, standards, or required by the National Forest Management guidelines need to change. Act (NFMA) to determine how well this management direction is being met, and to The Forest Plan monitoring program falls provide a basis for the periodic evaluation of into three general areas of focus, the Forest Plan. The Green Mountain depending on whether they examine the National Forest monitoring and evaluation implementation or effectiveness of plan (Chapter 4 of the Forest Plan) describes management actions, or the validity of the what we will monitor and what we expect to underlying assumptions on which learn from that monitoring and subsequent management is founded (Table 4.1-1). evaluation.

Monitoring is the systematic collection of Table 4.1-1: Monitoring Categories Monitoring information about resource conditions, Purpose management actions, and emerging issues in Focus a way that will reflect changes in conditions Is the overall direction in the Forest Plan being and relationships over time and space. The implemented? This includes objective of a plan monitoring program is to: goals and objectives, desired conditions, 1. Enable the Responsible Official to Implementation standards and guidelines, determine if a change in Forest Plan and management area components or other Forest Plan content direction. may be needed. Or, “Did we do what we said 2. Inform the management of resources we were going to do?” through means such as testing relevant assumptions, tracking relevant changes, Are the standards and and measuring management guidelines working? Are there significant changes in Effectiveness effectiveness and progress toward productivity of the land? achieving or maintaining the Forest Plan’s Or “Did it work?” desired conditions or objectives. 3. Support an adaptive land management Are the assumptions and planning process that includes social, predicted effects used to economic, and ecological evaluations. formulate the Forest Plan accurate? Evaluation is the analysis and interpretation of Validation Or “Were we right in our the information collected during monitoring. initial understanding of the Evaluation results form the basis for situation? Did we look at the right things?” adaptively managing National Forests because they:

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These three areas of focus are interwoven with the monitoring program as a means of Using results from monitoring and measuring the Forest Service’s success in evaluation as a guide, the Forest Service achieving Forest Plan goals and objectives, can develop amendments to management and applying Forest Plan standards and direction as necessary. In this way, guidelines. Monitoring design and data monitoring and evaluation help keep the collection follow accepted national standards. Forest Plan dynamic, relevant, and Monitoring is not performed on every activity, responsive to changing issues. nor is most of it expected to meet the statistical rigor of formal research. 4.1.3 Monitoring and Implementation monitoring is done primarily at Evaluation Components the project level and is completed on a day to day basis. It occurs hundreds of times each An integrated and comprehensive year and includes activities such as timber monitoring and evaluation program sale inspections, interdisciplinary project includes four phases or components: reviews, backcountry observations by Wilderness rangers, and construction 1. Monitoring Plan inspections. Effectiveness and validation 2. Monitoring Implementation Guide monitoring are more programmatic; Forest- 3. Annual Monitoring Schedule wide monitoring that is done annually or every 4. Biennial Monitoring and Evaluation few years to track long-term progress and Report effects. Monitoring Plan 4.1.2 Adaptive The Monitoring Plan, which is contained in this chapter, provides the conceptual Management framework for specific monitoring and evaluation elements. It establishes Knowledge gained through monitoring, questions to be answered, timeframes for evaluation, and associated research provides reporting, and indicators for required the basis of adaptive management. The monitoring topics. Monitoring Plan process creates a feedback mechanism direction is broad and ties directly to (Figure 4.1-1) whereby Forest Service staff decisions made in this Forest Plan. can compare observed results and trends with desired goals and outcomes, or examine Monitoring items and questions included or test the scientific appropriateness and here are intended to provide the basis for validity of assumptions used in the more specific and focused monitoring development of the Forest Plan. items to be included in the Monitoring Implementation Guide. Changing the Monitoring Plan requires an Administrative Assess Problem Change to the Forest Plan (36 CFR 219.13). Evaluate & Design Adjust Monitoring Implementation Guide The Monitoring Implementation Guide (Guide), sometimes referred to as the Monitoring Guide or the Implementation Monitor Implement Guide, is a procedural document that is external to the Forest Plan. It describes the Forest Service’s monitoring program Figure 4.1-1: Monitoring, Evaluation, in its entirety. The Monitoring Guide is and Adaptive Management founded on guidance contained in the

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Monitoring Plan, expanded into greater detail. from the broader-scale strategy. The The Monitoring Guide contains specific purpose of the biennial report is to: monitoring elements, along with methods, protocols, and analytical procedures to be 1. Make the information obtained from followed. The Monitoring Guide incorporates monitoring available to the public in a direction found in the Forest Service form that is readily understandable. handbook, technical manuals, scientific 2. Transform monitoring data into literature, or other sources. information that supports adaptive management so the Responsible Program managers responsible for Forest Official can determine whether Plan implementation are involved in updating changes to the Forest Plan, the Monitoring Guide. The list of monitoring management activities, or the items is beyond that normally funded; final monitoring program are warranted and selection of the items to be monitored in a whether a new assessment may be given year is primarily based on available needed. funding and staffing, and the priorities and timing provided in the Monitoring Guide. 4.1.4 Monitoring Plan The Monitoring Guide is intended to be a flexible component that can change as new The Green Mountain National Forest methodologies and techniques are Monitoring Plan consists of a set of developed, or to be more responsive to monitoring questions to evaluate whether changing needs and new information. The plan components are effective and Monitoring Guide can be modified without appropriate, and whether management is amending the Forest Plan. effective in maintaining or achieving progress toward desired conditions and objectives for the plan area. A monitoring Annual Monitoring Schedule question is not necessary for every The Annual Monitoring Schedule outlines desired condition, objective, or other monitoring items, time frames, roles, and Forest Plan component. The scope, scale, locations for the upcoming year. The annual and priorities for Forest Plan monitoring monitoring schedule will be linked directly to must be within the financial and technical both the Forest Plan and the Monitoring capabilities of the administrative unit. Implementation Guide. The Forest Service will prepare and revise this schedule annually As stated previously, the primary as part of the annual work planning process. objectives of this Monitoring Plan are to Some elements of the Guide will be enable the Responsible Official to performed or measured annually, whereas determine if a change in Forest Plan others will be scheduled with other time content is needed, and test assumptions, intervals that are determined necessary or track changes, and measure management appropriate for timely and effective effectiveness and progress toward evaluation. The Forest Service’s annual work achieving or maintaining the Forest Plan’s planning process also will establish or revise desired conditions or objectives. priorities for the monitoring schedule.

Much of the monitoring identified in this Biennial Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring Plan is intended to help Report answer these questions, which will be Every two years, the Forest will produce and evaluated and discussed in the biennial make available a Biennial Monitoring and monitoring and evaluation report. Evaluation Report that shares new Additional implementation and information gathered through the plan effectiveness monitoring is done at the monitoring program and relevant information project level, with Forest-wide reporting to track overall Forest Plan implementation.

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219.12(a)(5)) requires that the Forest Plan 4.1.5 Required monitoring program include at least one Monitoring monitoring question and associated indicator(s) for each of eight monitoring The National Forest System Land elements (Table 4.1-2). Management Planning Rule (36 CFR

Table 4.1-2: Required Monitoring Elements Required Element Monitoring Question Indicator and Measurement 1. Status of select What is the existing Indicators: watershed status of watershed • Water quality, biological, and physical attributes conditions. biological, chemical, and physical integrity on Measurements: the Forest, and how are • Water quality: dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrite, our management nitrate, total nitrogen, phosphate, temperature, E. coli, turbidity, conductivity, and total dissolved activities affecting solids them? • Biological: macroinvertebrate community biometrics, macroinvertebrate percent community composition by major orders, and macroinvertebrate community functional group composition • Physical: stream bankfull channel dimensions (width and depth), substrate composition, substrate embeddedness, canopy cover, streambank condition, immediate upstream use, stream color condition, and wetland hydrology

2. Status of select To what extent are Indicators: ecological conditions management actions • Forest structure including key and natural processes • Management actions with forest structure characteristics of leading to increased objectives terrestrial and structural diversity aquatic ecosystems. within forested stands Measurements: • Number of acres and proportion of each forest and across forested type in each age class landscapes, moving • Number of acres and proportion of harvest areas toward desired acres treated with uneven-aged management objectives identified • Number of acres treated explicitly to enhance under Goal 2 of the early successional characteristics Forest Plan? • Number of acres treated explicitly to enhance late successional characteristics • Number of acres treated with various methods to explicitly enhance the health, longevity, and/or structural diversity of forested stands at the stand and landscape scales

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Table 4.1-2: Required Monitoring Elements Required Element Monitoring Question Indicator and Measurement 3. The status of focal Does the headwater Indicator: species to assess streams ecosystem • Brook trout the ecological provide a full array of conditions required riparian and aquatic Measurement: under § 219.9. communities and • Number of wild brook trout per stream mile stream channel types supported by the varied physiographic conditions across the Forest?

4. The status of a What are the population Indicator: select set of the trends for sensitive • Population trends for plants listed as Regional ecological conditions plants on the Forest Forester Sensitive Species required under § and to what extent is 219.9 to contribute to management sustaining Measurements: • the recovery of or enhancing habitat Number of ramets or genets • Percent reproductive federally listed conditions for • Spatial extent of population threatened and populations? • Number of populations of a species endangered species, • Ranked condition of populations conserve proposed and candidate species, and maintain a viable population of each species of conservation concern.

5. The status of visitor Is the Forest moving Indicator: use, visitor toward the desired • Recreation opportunity settings satisfaction, and future condition for progress toward Recreation Opportunity Measurement: meeting recreation Spectrum (ROS) • Trends toward desired future condition objectives. settings?

Are we providing high Indicator: quality recreation • Visitor satisfaction from National Visitor Use services that meet the Monitoring (NVUM) expectations of the public? Measurement: • Mean visitor satisfaction compared to mean importance to visitor

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Table 4.1-2: Required Monitoring Elements Required Element Monitoring Question Indicator and Measurement 6. Measurable To what extent are the Indicators: changes on the plan vegetation components • Tree health area related to of ecosystems changing • Ecosystem complexity climate change and over time in the context other stressors that of climate change, acidic Measurements: • may be affecting the deposition, and non- Biomass productivity, incremental growth, tree survival, and tree decline (foliage density, plan area. native invasive species? dieback, crown density) • Changes in vegetation composition, cover, and structure over time

Are insect and disease Indicator: levels compatible with • Insect or disease infestations objectives for maintaining healthy Measurements: forest conditions? • Number of outbreaks by species • Acres affected by species

7. Progress toward How close are actual Indicator: meeting the desired resource outputs and • Projected outputs for resource activities or conditions and services to those practices listed in Table D-5 in the Forest Plan objectives in the plan, projected in the Forest including for providing Plan? Measurement: • multiple use Actual annual outputs for resource activities and practices listed in Table D-5 in the Forest opportunities. Plan

8. The effects of each How are soil quality and Indicators: management system productivity changing in • Soil sustainability to determine that they response to forest • Hydrologic function do not substantially management? • Soil productivity and permanently impair the productivity Measurements: • of the land (16 U.S.C. Amount of forest floor impacted • Amount of topsoil displacement 1604(g)(3)(C)). • Severity of rutted, burned, or compacted soil

• Severity of platy/massive soil structures, or puddled soil

standards and guidelines are being applied. 4.1.6 Other Monitoring In addition, general monitoring will evaluate the effects and effectiveness of The general requirements for Forest Plan management prescriptions contained within monitoring pertain to the implementation management area direction. Whereas and effectiveness of Forest Plan these elements in the Monitoring Plan management direction. General monitoring represent a general assessment of provides a tool for periodic, broad-scale management effects, the Monitoring Guide assessment of the effects and effectiveness provides monitoring questions that examine of management practices. General management effects in greater detail. The monitoring requires evaluation of how well broad monitoring questions that address objectives are being met and how closely

Page 116 Green Mountain National Forest Chapter 4 Monitoring and Evaluation implementation and effectiveness of the are based on broad goals from the Forest Forest Plan on a regular basis include: Plan. The questions highlight additional detail from monitoring the effectiveness of 1. To what extent have Forest Plan the Forest Plan and validation of objectives been attained? assumptions underlying the Forest Plan to 2. To what extent have Forest Plan assist with adaptive management. The standards and guidelines been applied? questions provide a foundation for the 3. What are the effects of management Monitoring Guide which include practices prescribed by the Forest Plan? supplemental questions that collectively respond to the goals and questions included The monitoring goals listed in Table 4.1-3 in this table.

Table 4.1-3: Other Monitoring Monitoring Goal Monitoring Questions

To what extent do Forest Service management activities contribute toward restoration and Maintain and restore quality, amount, and maintenance of habitat for native and desirable non- distribution of habitats to produce viable and native species? sustainable populations of native and desirable non-native plants and animals (Goal 2) To what extent are Forest Service management activities contributing toward population viability for native and desired non-native species?

Monitor air quality and the effects of To what extent are air quality and atmospheric atmospheric deposition on the forest deposition affecting sensitive components of the forest ecosystem (Goals 2-8, 12, 13) ecosystem?

Maintain or restore the natural, ecological Are the effects of Forest Service management resulting functions of the soil (Goal 3) in significant changes to productivity of the land?

To what extent are environmental stressors and Forest Maintain or restore aquatic, fisheries, riparian, management affecting water quality, quantity, flow vernal pool, and wetland habitats (Goal 4) timing, and the physical features of aquatic, fisheries, riparian, vernal pool, and wetland habitats?

Provide a diverse range of high-quality, sustainable recreation opportunities that Is the quality of the Forest Service trail system being complement those provided off National Forest improved through operation and maintenance? lands (Goal 12)

Manage designated Wilderness consistent with How are Wilderness areas trending to meet the the Wilderness Act of 1964, and subsequent national Wilderness stewardship performance? legislation (Goal 13)

In what way is the Forest Service providing information Provide a diverse range of information and and education opportunities that enhance the education opportunities (Goal 19) understanding of the Green Mountain National Forest?

Manage eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers To what extent are eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers consistent with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act managed to preserve their outstandingly remarkable and subsequent legislation. values?

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Table 4.1-3: Other Monitoring Monitoring Goal Monitoring Questions

Provide protection and stewardship for To what extent have objectives been obtained and significant heritage resources on the Green Standards and Guidelines applied for heritage resource Mountain National Forest (Goal 16) site protection and management?

3. Does the Forest Plan need to be 4.1.7 Biennial changed? (Validation) Monitoring and Every two years, the Forest Service Evaluation Report will summarize what monitoring has been completed and the most recent Monitoring forms the basis for continuous evaluation results. At a minimum, the improvement of the Forest Plan and provides evaluation must: information for adaptive management. Biennial evaluations use monitoring to 1. Enable the Responsible Official to develop information that helps the assess if there have been Responsible Official determine if and where significant changes in the changes are needed in Forest Plan condition of the land or the components, other Forest Plan content, and demands of the public that projects and activities. Monitoring also indicate a need for changes to the provides feedback to prioritize and improve Forest Plan, management the plan monitoring program and broader- activities, or the monitoring scale monitoring strategy. program. 2. Be used to inform adaptive The biennial evaluation of monitoring is management of the plan area. intended to collect, evaluate, and report on 3. Provide a basis for determining new data or results. The report does not management effects. need to evaluate all questions or indicators 4. Consider how well goals, on a biennial basis but must focus on new objectives, outputs, and services data and results that provide new information have been met and how closely for adaptive management. Data collected in standards and guidelines have accordance with the Monitoring Plan must be been applied. evaluated and interpreted before they 5. Assess the effects of specific provide useful information. Evaluation of types of vehicles off roads on monitoring data addresses three basic National Forest System lands. questions: 6. Assess consistency with the requirements of the National 1. Is the Forest Plan implemented properly? Forest Management Act, (Implementation) including maintenance of forest 2. Is the Forest Plan achieving the productivity. desired outcomes? (Effectiveness)

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Chapter 5 Literature Cited

5.1. Literature Cited in the 2006 Forest Plan 120

Stone Farm Cemetery

Green Mountain National Forest Page 119 Literature Cited Chapter 5

5.1 LITERATURE CITED IN THE 2006 FOREST PLAN

Appalachian Trail Conference. 1997. Appalachian Trail overnight use management principles. Appalachian Trail Conference, Use-Problem Work Committee, Harpers Ferry, WV.

Appalachian Trail Conference. 1997. Local Management Planning Guide. Appalachian Trail Conference, Harpers Ferry, WV.

Appalachian Trail Conference. 1992. Strengthening the A.T. partnership for the future: The Knoxville follow-up report. Appalachian Trail Conference, Harpers Ferry, WV.

Birchard, W., Jr. and Proudman, R. D. 2000. Appalachian Trail design construction and maintenance, (second edition). Appalachian Trail Conference, Harpers Ferry, WV.

The Green Mountain Club, Inc. 2002. Long Trail system management plan, local management plan for the Appalachian Trail, (second edition). Waterbury Center, VT.

National Forest Management Act. 1976. Public Law 1600. 16 U.S.C. 1640(i).

Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996. 1996. Public Law 104-333. Title VII, Section 107(j).

Proudman, R. 1989. Checklist for the location, construction and maintenance of campsites and shelters on the Appalachian Trail. Appalachian Trail Conference, Harpers Ferry, WV.

Rommé, R.C., K. Tyrell, and V. Brack Jr. 1995. Literature Summary and Habitat Suitability Index Model, Components of Summer Habitat for the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis). Federal Aid Project E-1- 7, Study No. 8. Report submitted to Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Bloomington, IN.

USDA Forest Service. 2001. Built Environment Image Guide. FS-710

USDI National Park Service. 1981. Comprehensive plan for the protection, management, development and use of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Appalachian Trail Project Office, Harpers Ferry, WV.

Zimmerman, Thomas and David Bunnell. 1998. Wildland and Prescribed Fire Management Policy: Implementation Procedures Reference Guide. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Boise, ID

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6.1 GLOSSARY

Abbreviations and Acronyms GIS Geographic Information System GMNF Green Mountain National Forest AA Analysis Area GPS Geographic Positioning System AASHTO American Association of State I&E Information and Education Highway and Transportation Officials IDT Interdisciplinary Team ADA Americans with Disabilities Act LAC Limits of Acceptable Change AMP Acceptable Management Practice LNT Leave No Trace AMS Analysis of the Management LRMP Land and Resource Management Situation Plan (“Forest Plan”) APE Area of Potential Effects LT Long Trail ASQ Allowable Sale Quantity LTA Land Type Association AT Appalachian National Scenic Trail MA Management Area ATC Appalachian Trail Conservancy MBF One Thousand Board Feet ATV All-Terrain Vehicle M&E Monitoring and Evaluation BA Biological Assessment MMBF One Million Board Feet BE Biological Evaluation MIS Management Indicator Species CE Cumulative Effects MUSY Multiple-Use and Sustained-Yield CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Act Response, Compensation, and NEPA National Environmental Policy Act Liability Act NF National Forest CEQ Council on Environmental Quality NFMA National Forest Management Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations NFS National Forest System CMAI Culmination Mean Annual Increment cRNA Candidate Research Natural Area NNIS Non-native Invasive Species NOI Notice of Intent CUA Concentrated Use Area NRA National Recreation Area DBH Diameter at Breast Height NRHP National Register of Historic Places DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement ORV Off-Road Vehicle DFC Desired Future Condition PAOT People At One Time EIS Environmental Impact Statement PILT Payment in Lieu of Taxes ELT Ecological Land Type PNV Present Net Value EPA Environmental Protection Agency RAP Roads Analysis Process RARE Roadless Area Review and ESA Endangered Species Act Evaluation FEIS Final Environmental Impact RD Ranger District Statement RFSS Regional Forester Sensitive Species FR Forest Road PPM Parts Per Million FS Forest Service RN Roaded Natural FSH Forest Service Handbook RNA Research Natural Area FSM Forest Service Manual ROS Recreation Opportunity Spectrum FY Fiscal Year ROD Record of Decision GFA General Forest Area RSA Recreation Special Area

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S&Gs Standards and Guidelines ACCEPTABLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES SA Special Area (AMPs) – AMPs are a set of measures SHPO State Historic Preservation Office implemented during the course of logging, to prevent or minimize discharges such as mud, SMS Scenery Management System petroleum products, and woody debris, from SPM Semi-primitive Motorized getting into streams, ponds, lakes, and rivers. SPNM Semi-primitive Non-motorized They are also meant to maintain natural water SUP Special Use Permit temperatures by requiring that trees be left SVE Species Viability Evaluation along streams and other water bodies. TES Threatened, Endangered, and Vermont has 14 AMPs. (Acceptable Sensitive Management Practices for Maintaining Water Quality on Logging Jobs in Vermont) TEPS Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, and Sensitive ACQUISITION – Obtaining land through TSI Timber Stand Improvement purchase, exchange, and donation. TDD Telecommunication Device for the Deaf ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT – A type of natural TTY Teletype resource management that implies decisions USDA United States Department of are made as part of an on-going process. Agriculture Monitoring the results of actions will provide a USDI United States Department of Interior flow of information that may indicate the need to change a course of action. Scientific findings USFS United States Forest Service and the needs of society may also indicate the USFWS USDI Fish and Wildlife Service need to adapt resource management to new USNPS USDI National Park Service information. VIS Visitor Information Services VMS Visual Management System ADMINISTRATIVE USE – Use of National Forest land, interests in land, or other VQO Visual Quality Objective resources, by the Forest Service, or an WFU Wildland Fire Use individual or entity authorized by the Forest WSR Wild and Scenic River Service, for purposes incidental to the ZOI Zone of Influence protection, administration, or management of the National Forest.

Terms The following definitions and/or descriptions AERIAL LOGGING – Removing logs from a clarify terminology used in the 2006 Forest Plan timber harvest area by helicopter. Fewer roads and Final Environmental Impact Statement. are required, so the impact to an area is References are cited within parentheses. minimized. Where a reference is cited, it served as the primary source of the definition/description for AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT – The natural that particular term. Where no reference is environment that exists at the time an area is cited, the definition/description was developed being analyzed. for this Plan Revision from a variety of sources. AGE CLASS – An age grouping of trees The descriptions and definitions are in according to an interval of years, usually 20 alphabetical order. years. A single age class would have trees that are within 20 years of the same age, such as 1- [A] 20 years or 21-40 years.

ABIOTIC – Non-living. Climate is an abiotic AIRSHED – A geographic area that shares the component of ecosystems. same air.

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ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV) – Any ANALYSIS OF THE MANAGEMENT motorized, off-highway vehicle 50 inches or less SITUATION (AMS) – Using Resource in width, having a dry weight of 600 pounds or Assessments and the existing Forest Plan as less that travels on three or more low-pressure background, the AMS determines the ability of tires with a seat designed to be straddled by the the area covered by the Forest Plan to supply operator. Low-pressure tires are 6 inches or goods and services in response to societal more in width and designed for use on wheel demands. The AMS speculates on the rim diameters of 12 inches or less, utilizing an expected results or potential problems should operating pressure of 10 pounds per square the existing Forest Plan direction continue; inch (psi) or less as recommended by the discusses whether or not these problems need vehicle manufacturer. to be resolved; and determines the potential to resolve them in a Plan revision. If the Plan ALLOWABLE SALE QUANTITY (ASQ) – The revision can resolve potential problems, the amount of timber that may be sold within a AMS proposes a range of values within which a certain time period from an area of suitable possible solution may occur. land. The suitability of the land and the time period are specified in the Forest Plan. ANNUAL MAINTENANCE – Work performed to maintain serviceability or repair failures during ALPINE ZONE – Elevated slopes above the year in which they occur. Includes timberline, characterized by low, shrubby, slow- preventive and/or cyclic maintenance growing woody plants and ground cover of performed in the year in which it is scheduled to boreal lichens, sedges, mosses, and grasses. occur. Unscheduled or catastrophic failures of components or assets may need to be repaired ALTERNATIVE – Alternatives provide options as a part of annual maintenance. for meeting the purpose and need of a Plan revision process by emphasizing reasonable APPROPRIATE MANAGEMENT RESPONSE – ways to resolve management issues as though Specific actions taken in response to a wildland each alternative were a separate Forest Plan. fire to implement protection and fire use While all alternatives provide a wide range of objectives (Zimmerman 1998). multiple uses, goods and services, they respond to the issues needing change in AQUIFER – A body of rock that is saturated different ways and describe a different desired with water or transmits water. When people future condition. drill wells, they tap water contained within an aquifer. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) – Law requiring that persons with disabilities not AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECT (APE) – The be denied access to the programs provided to spatial extent of a proposed project’s possible all other people by state and local governments, impact/effect, including non-contiguous areas public accommodations, public transportation, like borrow pits, log landings, or equipment and commercial establishments, solely because storage areas, within which significant Heritage of their disability. The ADA does not apply to Resources should be identified and protected. the programs and facilities of federal agencies This term was established in the regulations with the exception of designated wilderness pertaining to the National Historic Preservation (ADA Title V Sec. 507(c)). Act.

ANADROMOUS FISH – Species of fish that ASPECT – The direction a slope faces. A mature in the sea and migrate into streams to hillside facing east has an eastern aspect. spawn.

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ASSESSMENT (Resource Assessment) – A BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (biodiversity) – The compilation of background material on the variety of life forms and processes within an status of a particular resource area, on a local, area. Included in the consideration of diversity regional, or national scale. A Resource are genetic variation, number and distribution of Assessment describes the present condition of species, and the ways in which the variety of a particular resource and speculates on the biologic communities interact and function. future condition of the resource based on current and expected trends. Assessments BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION (Threatened, address management problems, new policy and Endangered, Proposed, and Sensitive Species) direction, monitoring results, and the existing – The use of a variety of tools, including review condition of the resource on the forest. of existing literature and data, field survey, and data gathering and analysis, to determine the [B] presence of, and effects of activities on, threatened, endangered, proposed, and BACKGROUND – A term used in the sensitive species (FSM 2670). management of visual resources or scenery. It refers to the visible terrain located four miles to BIOMASS – The total weight of all living infinity from the viewer. organisms in a biological community.

BASAL AREA – The cross-section area of a BIOME – The complex of living communities tree stem including bark, in square feet, and maintained by the climate of a region and commonly measured at breast height (4.5 feet characterized by a distinctive type of above ground). This parameter is often used in vegetation. Examples of biomes in North silvicultural equations and/or models for America include the tundra, desert, prairie, and determining growth and yield of forest stands. the western coniferous forest.

BENCHMARKS – (benefits, costs, and values) BIOTA – The plant and animal life of a Benchmarks define the maximum and minimum particular region. levels of output. These limits take into account land capability, projected resource demands, BIOTIC – Living; for example, green plants and and cost efficiency. The benchmark process soil microorganisms are biotic components of demonstrates the Forests’ ability to respond to ecosystems. timber harvesting issues and management concerns represented in the problem BOARD FOOT – A measurement term for statements. lumber or timber. It is the amount of wood contained in an unfinished board 1 inch thick, BENEFIT – Inclusive term used to quantify the 12 inches long, and 12 inches wide. Often results of a proposed activity, project, or used variations are MBF (thousand board feet) program; expressed in monetary or non- and MMBF (million board feet). monetary terms. BROADCAST BURN – A prescribed fire that BIG GAME – Large mammals, such as deer burns a designated area. These controlled fires and moose, that are hunted for sport. can reduce wildfire hazards, improve forage for wildlife and livestock, or encourage successful BIOLOGICAL CONTROL – The use of natural regeneration of trees. means to control unwanted pests. Examples include introduced or naturally occurring BROWSE – Twigs, leaves, and young shoots of predators such as wasps or hormones that trees and shrubs that animals eat. Browse is inhibit the reproduction of pests. Biological often used to refer to the shrubs eaten by big controls can sometimes be alternatives to game, such as moose and deer. mechanical or chemical means.

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BUFFER – A land area that is designated to CAPITAL INVESTMENT – An input that block or absorb unwanted impacts to the area increases the stock of natural or manmade beyond the buffer. Buffer strips along a trail resources (assets) needed to maintain or could block views that may be undesirable. increase the flow of outputs in the future. Buffers may be set aside next to wildlife habitat Benefits resulting from capital investments are to reduce abrupt change to the habitat. normally recouped in excess of one year.

[C] CAVITY – A hole in a tree often used by wildlife species, usually birds, for nesting, roosting, and CABLE LOGGING – Logging that involves the reproduction. transport of logs from stump to collection points by means of suspended steel cables. Cable CHEMICAL CONTROL – The use of pesticides logging reduces the need for the construction of and herbicides to control pests and undesirable logging roads. plant species.

CANDIDATE RESEARCH NATURAL AREA CLASS 1 TREE – Those species of trees most (cRNA) – An area that has high potential for likely to exhibit exfoliating bark, either as living designation as a research natural area, and is trees or when dead, that are most likely to being recommended for protection until it has provide suitable roost sites for Indiana bats, as undergone formal evaluation and it has been defined by Rommé et al. (1995). Class 1 trees decided whether to designate it as an RNA (this include silver maple, shagbark hickory, authority rests with the Regional Forester, with shellbark hickory, bitternut hickory, green ash, concurrence of the Research Station Director) white ash, eastern cottonwood, red oak, post or to manage the area under another oak, white oak, slippery elm, and American elm. management area prescription. CLASS 2 TREE – Those species of trees of CANOPY – The part of any stand of trees lesser value than Class 1 trees, but that may represented by the tree crowns. It usually provide potential roost sites for Indiana bats, as refers to the uppermost layer of foliage, but it defined by Rommé et al. (1995). Class 2 trees can be use to describe lower layers in a multi- include sugar maple, shingle oak, and storied forest. sassafras.

CAPABILITY – The potential of an area of land CLEANING – Form of release cutting that to produce resources, supply goods and removes trees the same age as the young services, and allow resource uses under an stand (FSM 2470). assumed set of management practices and at a given level of management intensity. Capability CLEARCUT – Even-aged cutting method in depends upon current conditions and site which the entire standing crop of trees from an conditions such as climate, slope, landform, area is removed at one time (FSM 2470). soils, and geology, as well as the application of management practices, such as silviculture or COARSE FILTER MANAGEMENT – Land protection from fire, insects, and disease. management that attempts to address the needs of a majority of native species through CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT – The construction, management of natural landscapes and installation, or assembly of a new fixed asset, or communities (see fine filter management). the significant alteration, expansion, or extension of an existing fixed asset, to COHORT – A population of plants or animals accommodate a change of purpose. having approximately the same age.

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COLLECTOR ROADS – These roads serve small land areas and are usually connected to a COMPOSITION – The types of organisms and Forest System Road, a county road, or a State environmental features present in a particular highway. area.

COMMERCIAL FOREST LAND – Forest land CONCENTRATED USE AREA – A relatively that has not been withdrawn by the Congress, undeveloped area, outside of developed the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Chief of the recreation sites, where management is invested Forest Service, and is producing, or is capable because recreation use there leaves evident of producing, crops of industrial wood without impacts. irreversible damage to soils, productivity, or watershed conditions, and with reasonable CONCERN LEVEL – Similar to Viewer assurance that adequate restocking can be Sensitivity in the Visual Management System. attained within five years after final harvesting. Concern levels are a measure of the degree of public importance placed on landscapes viewed COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS (SALES) – from travelways and use areas. Concern levels Using timber sales for cost effective vegetation are divided into three categories: levels 1 management on lands that are not part of the (high), 2 (moderate), and 3 (low). timber base. CONCOMITANT – Events that are coincident in COMMERCIAL THINNING – Thinning time and so clearly related that one probably is operation where the material cut can be sold on a direct result of the other. the market as opposed to a pre-commercial thinning. CONGRESSIONALLY DESIGNATED WILDERNESS – see Wilderness COMMERCIAL USE (SPECIAL USES) – Any use or activity on National Forest System land CONIFER – A tree that produces cones, such where (a) an entry or participation fee is as a pine, spruce, or fir tree. charged, or (b) the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, and in either case, CONNECTIVITY (of habitats) – A condition in regardless of whether the use or activity is which the spatial arrangement of land cover intended to produce a profit (36 CFR 251.51). types allows organisms and ecological processes (such as disturbance) to move COMMON VARIETY MINERALS – Earth across the landscape. Connectivity is the construction materials including rock or stone, opposite of fragmentation. sand and gravel, pumice aggregate, pumicite, cinders, and soil materials suitable for CONSTRAINT – A qualification of the minimum compacted earth structures. or maximum amount of an output or cost that could be produced or incurred in a given time COMMUNITY (Natural Community) – An period. interacting assemblage of organisms, their physical environment, and the natural CONSUMPTIVE USE – Resource use that processes that affect them (Thompson and reduces the supply, such as logging and Sorenson). mining.

COMMUNICATION SITE – A developed area CONTOUR – A line drawn on a map connecting with a structure sufficient for placement of points of the same elevation. antennas for the transmission or reception of electronic intelligence at the proper height; a CONVERTIBLE PRODUCTS – Timber building or cabinet, a power line or onsite power products that can be measured in cubic feet of supply, and an access route. Most are served solid wood (FSH 2409.18, sec. 87). by telephone or fiber optic lines.

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CORRIDOR – A landscape feature that allows [D] animal movement between two patches of habitat or between habitat and geographically DECISION CRITERIA – The rules and discrete resources. standards used to evaluate alternatives to a proposed action on National Forest land. COVER – Any feature that conceals wildlife or Decision criteria are designed to help a decision fish. Cover may be dead or live vegetation, maker identify a preferred choice from the array boulders, or undercut streambanks. Animals of alternatives. use cover to escape from predators, rest, and/or feed. DECOMMISSION – Demolition, dismantling, removal, obliteration and/or disposal of a COVER FORAGE RATIO – The ratio of hiding deteriorated or otherwise unneeded asset or cover to foraging areas for wildlife species. component, including necessary cleanup work. This action eliminates the deferred COVER TYPE (Forest Cover Type) – A maintenance needs for the fixed asset. descriptive classification of forestland based on Portions of an asset or component may remain existing tree species in a given land area (Eyre if they do not cause problems or require 1980). maintenance.

CRITICAL HABITAT – Areas designated for the DEER WINTERING AREAS (deer yards) – survival and recovery of species listed as Land parcels that include two basic habitat threatened or endangered under the federal components required by white-tailed deer Endangered Species Act. during winter: shelter and browse. • Softwood stands with high crown CROWN HEIGHT – The distance from the closure create cover, which provides ground to the base of the crown of a tree. shelter and protection from snow depth, wind, and cold temperatures. CULMINATION MEAN ANNUAL INCREMENT • Mixed hardwood and softwood (CMAI) – The point in the growth of a tree regeneration should provide accessible where mean annual increment (total tree browse for food. volume at any point in time divided by total age) The quality of deer wintering areas is is at a maximum. This “culmination point” for determined by elevation, slope, aspect, soil mean annual growth is regarded as the ideal types, and forest stand characteristics, harvesting or rotation age in terms of most including species composition, maturity, canopy efficient volume production. closure and height. Deer wintering areas may be classified as primary or secondary sites: CULTURAL RESOURCE – see Heritage • Primary sites typically are in forests with Resource poorly drained silt or loam soils that are high in organic matter on flat or gently CUMULATIVE EFFECTS – Effects on the rolling terrain. environment that result from separate, • Secondary sites typically are in upland individual actions and that, collectively, become forests or abandoned agricultural lands significant over time. with well-drained, sands, gravels, or tillable soils on gentle slopes, rolling terrain, or side hills.

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DEFERRED MAINTENANCE – Maintenance DESIGNATED COMMUNICATION SITE that was not performed when it should have (SPECIAL USES) – An area of National Forest been or when it was scheduled and which, System land designated through the forest therefore, was put off or delayed for a future planning process. It may be limited to a single period. When allowed to accumulate without communications facility but most often includes limits or consideration of useful life, deferred more than one. A designated communication maintenance leads to deterioration of site provides the leaseholder more flexibility to performance, increased costs to repair, and manage other communication facilities on the decrease in asset value. Deferred maintenance site. needs may be categorized as critical or non- critical at any point in time. Continued deferral DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION – Land or of non-critical maintenance will normally result resource conditions that are expected to result in an increase in critical deferred maintenance. if goals and objectives are fully achieved.

DELAYED SHELTERWOOD – Even-aged DEVELOPED RECREATION – Recreation cutting method in which most of a stand of trees activities that are dependent on the presence of is removed through a cutting designed to constructed features or facilities. Examples regenerate a new crop with seed and protection include camping in a campground or using a provided by a portion of the stand. No removal picnic area. cut is implemented. The remaining portion of the stand is retained at least for 20 percent into DEVELOPED RECREATION SITE – An area the rotation of the new stand, but usually 40-60 with a concentration of constructed features or years. facilities managed primarily for the enhancement of recreation activities. Examples DEME – A locally interbreeding population of include campgrounds, picnic areas, interpretive organisms. sites, and trailheads.

DEN TREE – A live or dead tree, at least 10 DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (dbh) – The inches dbh, containing a natural cavity in the diameter of a tree 4 and 1/2 feet above the main stem or with exfoliating bark used by ground on the uphill side of the tree. wildlife for nesting, brood rearing, hibernating, roosting, daily or seasonal shelter and escape. DISPERSED RECREATION – Recreation that does not occur in a developed recreation site, DEPARTURE – A schedule which deviates such as hunting, backpacking, and scenic from the principle of non-declining flow by driving. exhibiting a planned decrease in the timber sale and harvest schedule at any time in the future. DISTURBANCE – Any relatively discrete event A departure can be characterized as a in space and time that disrupts ecosystem, temporary increase, usually in the beginning community, or population structure and decade(s) of a planning period, over the base changes resources, substrate, or the physical sale schedule that would otherwise be environment (White and Pickett 1985). established, without impairing the future of a Forest’s long-term sustained-yield capacity. DIVERSITY – The distribution and abundance of different plant and animal communities and species within the area covered by a land and resource management plan.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (DEIS or Draft EIS) – The draft version of the Environmental Impact Statement that is released to the public and other agencies for review and comment.

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[E] ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT – An approach to the management of natural resources that EARLY SUCCESSIONAL FOREST – The biotic strives to maintain or restore the sustainability (living) community that develops immediately of ecosystems and to provide present and following the removal or destruction of forest future generations a continuous flow of multiple vegetation in an area. For instance, grasses benefits in a manner that is harmonious with may be the first plants to grow in an area that ecosystem sustainability. was burned. ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION – The process EARLY SUCCESSIONAL SPECIES – Those of reestablishing, to the extent possible, the plant or animal species characteristic of early structure, function, and composition of successional forest stages. ecosystems. EASEMENT – The right of use over the property of another owner. ECOTONE – The transition zone between two biotic communities, such as between a wetland ECOLOGICAL APPROACH – An approach to and adjacent forest, or between a northern natural resource management that considers hardwood forest type and a spruce-fir forest the relationships among all organisms, type. including humans, and their environment. EDGE – The margin where two or more ECOLOGICAL LAND TYPE (ELT) – An area of vegetation patches meet, such as a permanent land hundreds to low thousands of acres in or temporary opening next to a mature forest size, with a well-known succession of forest stand, or a northern hardwood stand next to an species on unique soil materials. Ecological aspen stand. Land Type classification is based on geomorphic history, nature of soil substrata, ELEMENT (of ecosystems) – An identifiable and potential natural vegetation. component, process, or condition of an ecosystem. ECOLOGY – The interrelationships of living things to one another and to their environment, ELIGIBILITY – Qualification of a river for or the study of these interrelationships. possible inclusion in the national Wild and Scenic River system through determination that ECOREGION – An area over which the climate it is free-flowing and with its adjacent land area is sufficiently uniform to permit development of possesses at least one outstandingly similar ecosystems on sites that have similar remarkable value. properties. Ecoregions contain many landscapes with different spatial patterns of ENDANGERED SPECIES – A plant or animal ecosystems. that is in danger of extinction throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range. Endangered ECOSYSTEM – A dynamic arrangement of species are identified by the Secretary of the living organisms interacting with each other and Interior in accordance with the Endangered their non-living environment. Living organisms Species Act of 1973. include plants and animals. The non-living environment includes soils, landforms, weather, ENDEMIC PLANT/ORGANISM – A plant or and disturbances. animal that occurs naturally in a certain region and whose distribution is relatively limited geographically.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS – An analysis of EXPLORATION (MINERALS) – Establishing alternative actions and their predictable long the location, size, grade, or reserves of a and short-term environmental effects. mineral or energy resource by gathering direct Environmental analyses include physical, evidence of the resource. Direct data gathering biological, social, and economic factors. techniques may include drilling holes or digging pits to sample or test a known suspected zone ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – A brief of interest. version of an Environmental Impact Statement. EXTANT – Still in existence; not extinct, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT destroyed, or lost. (EIS) – A statement of environmental effects of a proposed action and alternatives to it. The EXTIRPATE – Eradicate, or cause the EIS is released to other agencies and the public extinction of, a plant or animal species on a for comment and review. local or regional scale. For example, eastern cougars and gray wolves were extirpated from EPHEMERAL STREAM – A stream, or portion Vermont by 1900 because of loss of habitat and of a stream, with a recognizable streambed, directed killing for predator control. typically consisting of stones, cobbles, or bedrock, that flows only in direct response to EXTIRPATION – Eradication or extinction of a precipitation and receives little or no water from plant or animal species on a local or regional springs and no long-continued supply from scale. melting snow or other sources. Its channel is at all times above the water table. EXTRACTION – The process of mining or removing mineral deposits, oil, or gas from the ERICACEOUS – Pertaining to or like plants of earth. the heath family, which are low growing woody plants with small evergreen leaves and small, [F] bell-shaped, pink or purple flowers, common in nutrient-poor environments like bogs. FAUNA – The animal life of an area. Examples include heather or cranberry. FEATHERING – Partial cutting of trees along EROSION – The wearing away of the land an edge to create a transition in heights surface by wind, water, ice, or other geological between areas and/or a transition in stand agents. density between stands of different densities (FSH 559). ESCAPE COVER – Vegetation of sufficient size and density to hide an animal, or an area used FELLING – Cutting down trees. by animals to escape from predators. FINAL CUT – The removal of the last seed EVALUATION PLANTATION – A planting of bearers or shelter trees after regeneration of genetically superior trees to compare the new trees has been established in a stand performance of trees or families of trees, and to being managed under the shelterwood system provide a source for future reforestation efforts. of silviculture.

EVEN-AGED SYSTEM – Silvicultural system FINE FILTER MANAGEMENT – Management that produces stands in which all trees are that focuses on the welfare of a single species, about the same age; that is, the difference in or only a few species, rather than the broader age between trees forming the main crown habitat or ecosystem (see Coarse Filter canopy level will usually not exceed 20 percent Management). of the rotation length (FSM 2470). FIRE CYCLE – The average time between fires in a given area.

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FOREST COVER TYPE – see Cover Type FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN – A strategic plan that defines a program to manage wildland and FOREST HEALTH – A measure of the prescribed fires and documents the Fire robustness of forest ecosystems. Aspects of Management Program in the approved land use forest health include biological diversity; soil, plan. The plan is supplemented by operational air, and water productivity; natural disturbances; plans such as preparedness plans, preplanned and the capacity of the forest to provide a dispatch plans, prescribed fire plans, and sustainable flow of goods and services for prevention plans (Zimmerman 1998). people.

FIRE REGIME – The characteristics of fire in a FOREST MATRIX – The least fragmented, given ecosystem, such as the frequency, most continuous pattern element of a predictability, intensity, and seasonality. landscape; the vegetation type that is most continuous over a landscape. FIRE USE – The combination of wildland fire and prescribed fire application used to meet FOREST PLAN – see Land and Resource resource objectives (Zimmerman 1998). Management Plan

FISHERIES HABITAT – Streams, lakes, and FOREST PLAN REVISION – A formal reservoirs that support, or have the potential to modification of an existing Forest Plan used to support, fish. address changes in the natural, social, and economic environment. The Plan Revision FIXED ASSET – A constructed feature such as takes into account new information and a building, dam, bridge, road, campground, trail, scientific knowledge about resources on and off or other item of infrastructure. Real property national forests that shed new light on the improvements. Facilities in the general sense. assumptions of the existing Plan, and make the These are things for which we have a predicted impacts of the existing Plan less responsibility. accurate and/or acceptable.

FLOOD PLAIN – A lowland adjoining a FOREST ROADS AND TRAILS – Roads and watercourse. At a minimum, the area is subject trails under the jurisdiction of the Forest to a one percent or greater chance of flooding Service. in a given year. FOREST SUPERVISOR – The official FLORA – The plant life of an area. responsible for administering National Forest System lands on an administrative unit, usually FORAGE – All browse and non-woody plants one or more national forests. The Forest that are eaten by wildlife. Supervisor reports to the Regional Forester.

FORB – A broadleaf plant that has little or no FOREST VEGETATION SIMULATON (FVS) – woody material in it. A national computer model used for growth and yield projections. FOREGROUND – A term used in management of visual resources or scenery. The part of a FRAGMENTATION – The physical division of scene or landscape that is nearest to the contiguous areas into progressively smaller viewer, generally found from the observer up to patches of increasing degrees of isolation from one-half mile away. each other.

FOREST – When used with a capital “F,” this FROST HEAVE – A land surface that is pushed term refers to the Green Mountain National up by the accumulation of ice in the underlying Forest. soil.

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FUELS – Plants and woody vegetation, both living and dead, that are capable of burning. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) – a navigational system using satellite signals to fix FUELS MANAGEMENT – The treatment of the location of a receiver on or above the fuels that would otherwise interfere with earth's surface. effective fire management or control. For instance, prescribed fire can reduce the amount GOAL – A concise statement that describes a of fuels that accumulate on the forest floor desired condition to be achieved sometime in before the fuels become so heavy that a natural the future. It is normally expressed in broad wildfire in the area would be explosive and terms and is timeless in that it has no specific impossible to control. date by which it is to be completed. Goal statements form the principle basis from which FUELWOOD – Wood cut into short lengths for objectives are developed. Goals serve as a burning. blueprint for the Forest Plan and lay the groundwork for the rest of the Plan. FUNCTION – All the processes within an ecosystem through which the elements interact, GOODS AND SERVICES – The various such as succession, the food chain, fire, outputs, including on-site uses, produced by weather, and the hydrologic cycle. forest and rangeland resources (36 CFR 219.3). [G] GROUND FIRE – A fire burning along the forest GAME SPECIES – Any species of wildlife or floor that does not affect trees with thick bark or fish that is harvested according to prescribed high crowns. limits and seasons. GROUND WATER – The supply of fresh water GENERAL FOREST AREA – National Forest under the earth's surface in aquifers and soils. System lands outside of Developed Recreation Sites and trails, and excluding designated GROUP SELECTION CUTTING – Uneven- wilderness, that typically contain a wide aged cutting method in which small groups of spectrum of recreation settings and trees, usually no more than one acre in size, opportunities. are removed to meet a predetermined goal of size distribution and species in the remaining GEOCACHING – A sport where individuals or stand. organizations set up caches, using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, and GUIDELINE – A guideline is a preferred or share the locations of these caches on the advisable course of action that promotes the Internet. GPS users can then use the location achievement of Forest Plan goals and coordinates to find the caches. objectives. A project-level analysis and a signed decision (by the responsible official) are GEOMORPHIC PROCESSES – Processes that required in order to deviate from an established change the form of the earth, such as volcanic guideline. activity, running water, and glacial action. GUIDING – Providing services or assistance GEOMORPHOLOGY – The science that deals (such as supervision, protection, education, with the relief features of the earth's surface. training, packing, touring, subsistence, interpretation, or other assistance) to individuals GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS or groups, in their pursuit of a natural (GIS) – GIS is both a database designed to resource-based outdoor activity, for pecuniary handle geographic data as well as a set of remuneration or other gain. The term "guide" computer operations that can be used to includes the holder's employees, agents, and analyze data. instructors.

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[H] HIBERNACULUM – A shelter, such as a cave or abandoned mine, occupied during the winter HABITAT – The area where a plant or animal by a hibernating animal, such as an Indiana bat. lives and grows under natural conditions. A known Indiana bat hibernaculum is one in which Indiana bats have been found hibernating HABITAT CAPABILITY – The ability of a land during any winter since 2000/2001. area or plant community to support a given plant or animal species. HIGH RISK STAND – Stand that will not survive another ten years or will have a net loss of HABITAT DIVERSITY – The number of timber volume in the next ten years. different types of plant or animal species habitat within a given area. HORIZONTAL DIVERSITY – The distribution and abundance of different plant and animal HABITAT DIVERSITY INDEX – A measure of communities, or different stages of plant improvement in habitat diversity. succession, across an area of land; the greater the numbers of communities or successional HARD SNAG – Snags composed essentially of stages in a given area, the higher the degree of sound wood on the outside. horizontal diversity.

HAZARDOUS FUELS – Naturally occurring HYDROLOGIC CYCLE – Also called the water vegetation, both live and dead, that given a cycle, this is the process of water evaporating, wildfire occurrence would present a higher than condensing, falling to the ground as normal resistance to control. Hazardous fuels precipitation, and returning to the ocean as run- may be measured by tons per acre, fuel off. arrangement, and/or continuity or burning characteristics. HYDROLOGY – The study of water on the surface of the land, in the soil and underlying HEALTHY FOREST – A condition wherein a rocks, and in the atmosphere. forest has the capacity, across the landscape, for renewal, for recovery from a wide range of [I] disturbances, and for retention of ecological resiliency, while meeting current and future IGNEOUS ROCK – Rocks formed when high needs of people for desired levels of values, temperature, molten mineral matter cools and uses, products and services. solidifies.

HERITAGE RESOURCE – Historic landscapes, IMPLAN® – An economic impact assessment archaeological sites, buildings, structures, modeling system. IMPLAN allows the user to features, artifacts, Native American Traditional easily build economic models to estimate the Cultural properties, and/or related clusters of impacts of economic changes in their states, these (referred to as “districts”). They are counties, or communities. deemed “significant” if they meet, or may meet, the criteria for eligibility to the National and IMPOUNDMENTS – Structures used to collect State Registers of Historic Places (NR). Any and confine water, as if in a reservoir. Heritage Resource that is considered significant (NR-eligible) may be referred to as a “historic IMPROVEMENT CUTTING – Intermediate property.” cutting made in stands that are past the sapling stage, for the purpose of improving the HIBERNACULA – Plural form of hibernaculum. composition and quality by removing trees of undesirable species, form, or condition, from the main canopy (FSM 2470).

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INDIANA BAT POTENTIAL MATERNITY INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) – ROOSTING HABITAT – lands where Indiana A process for selecting strategies to regulate bat maternity roost sites are likely to occur, forest pests in which all aspects of a pest-host including: system are studied and weighed. The • Lands adjacent to the Champlain Valley information considered in selecting appropriate or in the Valley of Vermont (adjacent to strategies includes the impact of the Route 7) that are below 800 feet unregulated pest population on various elevation (after Watrous et al., in press), resources values, alternative regulatory tactics and and strategies, and benefit/cost estimates for • Other areas specifically identified by the these alternative strategies. Regulatory US Fish and Wildlife Service. strategies are based on sound silvicultural practices and ecology of the pest-host system INDICATOR SPECIES – A plant or animal and may consist of a combination of tactics species related to a particular kind of such as timber stand improvement plus environment. Its presence indicates that selective use of pesticides. A basic principle in specific habitat conditions are also present. the choice of strategy is that it be ecologically compatible or acceptable. INDIGENOUS (species) – Any plant or animal species native to a given land or water area by INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM – A team of natural occurrence. individuals with skills from different disciplines that focuses on the same task or project. INDIVIDUAL TREE SELECTION – Uneven- aged cutting method in which selected trees INTERIOR FOREST – An area of late from specified size or age classes are removed successional or old growth forest that is large over the entire stand area to meet a enough, and of an appropriate shape, to predetermined goal of size or age distribution provide conditions that minimize predation, and species composition in the remaining stand parasitism, and microclimate fluctuations (FSM 2470). associated with forest edges. These interior forest conditions provide habitat for a diversity INFRA – An integrated data management tool of wildlife and plant species. where Forest managers enter, manage, and report accurate information and associated INTERMEDIATE CUT – The removal of trees financial data in an inventory of constructed from a stand sometime between the beginning features on the land (such as buildings, dams, or formation of the stand and the regeneration bridges, water systems, roads, trails, developed cut. Types of intermediate cuts include recreation sites, range improvements, thinning, release, and improvement cuttings administrative sites, heritage sites, general (FSM 2470). forest areas, and wilderness). The database also includes information on permits and INTERMITTENT STREAM – A stream that contracts that alter Forest land. flows: 1) part of the time, such as after a rainstorm, during wet weather, or during part of INSTREAM FLOW – The quantity of water the year; 2) only at certain times, when it necessary to meet seasonal stream flow receives water from springs (spring fed) or from requirements to accomplish the purposes of the some surface source (surface fed), such as national forests, including, but not limited to, melting snow in mountainous areas. fisheries, visual quality, and recreational opportunities. INTERPRETATION – Communication and education that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the inherent meanings in the resource.

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INTRADEME INTERACTIONS – Interactions • Cultural/Land Use – Practices that like breeding and dispersal within a locally discourage initial infestation of invasive interbreeding population of organisms or deme. species. Includes, but is not limited to, seeding, planting, and retaining brush INVASIVE SPECIES – A species that is: 1) and tree canopy cover, and minimizing non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under the extent and duration of exposed soil consideration, and 2) whose introduction during management actions. causes, or is likely to cause, economic or • Physical/Mechanical – Hand or environmental harm or harm to human health. mechanical labor to physically remove all or any part of the plant. Includes, but INVASIVE SPECIES, APPROACHES: is not limited to, hand digging, mowing, • Contain – Prevent the spread of the tilling, and burning. invasive species beyond the perimeter of patches or infested areas. Tolerate IRRETRIEVABLE – One of the categories of invasive species within established impacts mentioned in the National infestation areas, but suppress or Environmental Policy Act to be included in eradicate outside those areas. Environmental Impact Statements. An • Eradicate – Totally eliminate an invasive irretrievable effect applies to losses of species from the Forest or location. production or commitment of renewable natural Eradication methods may include the resources. For example, while an area is used following, either individually or in as a ski area, some or all of the timber combination: production there is irretrievably lost. The loss of • Suppress – Prevent reproduction timber production during that time, however, is throughout the target area and reduce not irreversible, because it is possible for timber the area coverage of the invasive production to resume if the area is no longer species. Prevent the invasive species used as a ski area. from dominating the area, but accept low levels. IRREVERSIBLE – A category of impacts • Tolerate – Accept the continued mentioned in statements of environmental presence of established infestations and impacts that applies to non-renewable the probable spread to ecological limits resources, such as minerals and archaeological for certain invasive species. Use sites. Irreversible effects can also refer to preventive practices to preclude new effects of actions that can be renewed only after infestations. a very long period of time, such as the loss of soil productivity. INVASIVE SPECIES, METHODS OF CONTROL: ISSUE – A subject or question of wide-spread • Biological – The deliberate introduction public discussion or interest regarding and establishment of natural enemies to management of National Forest System land. reduce the target species' competitive or reproductive capacities. Includes, but is [L] not limited to, insects and pathogens such as fungi. The purpose is not LADDER FUELS – Vegetation located below eradication, but to reduce densities and the crown level of forest trees that can carry fire rate of spread to an acceptable level. from the forest floor to tree crowns. Ladder • Chemical – Direct and broadcast fuels may be low-growing tree branches, application of approved herbicides, shrubs, or smaller trees. following EPA label requirements, USDA policy, and Forest Service policy LAND ADJUSTMENT – Changing National and direction (FSM 2150, FSH 2109.11, Forest System land ownership through FSH 2109.12, and FSH 2109.13). acquisition, exchange, or disposal of land or interest in land.

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LAND USE PLANNING – The process of LAND ALLOCATION – The commitment of a organizing the use of lands and their resources given area and its resources to the compatible to best meet people's needs over time, combination of goods, services, and uses according to the land's capabilities. specified by a regional management goal or by a past management prescription. LAND TYPE ASSOCIATION (LTA) – Areas of common ecosystem characteristics that LAND CAPABILITY – Tendency of a land area generally number in the thousands of acres. to grow a particular natural community (such as LTAs are defined by similarities in general hardwoods, spruce-fir) due to various topography, geomorphic processes, geology, environmental factors like soil or climate, if soil, and potential plant community patterns. management were not applied. In many places on the Forest, the current community is different LATE SUCCESSIONAL FOREST – A forest from land capability (as indicated by the beyond the age of economic maturity, generally Ecological Landtype) for the same area beyond 100 years of age. These forests are because past management altered the older, have larger trees, and have more vegetation on the site. Given enough time structural complexity than mature forest, and without additional management, the vegetation they are either in the process of or have may revert to the community indicated by land developed old growth characteristics. They capability. may exhibit evidence of past human or natural disturbances. These forests may exist as entire LANDFORM – A natural feature of the surface stands or as smaller patches within younger of the land; includes such features as slopes, stands. (see Succession) valleys, plateaus, and ridges. LEASABLE MINERALS – These include coal, LANDING – Any place where cut timber is oil, gas, phosphate, sodium, potassium, oil assembled for further transport from the timber shale, and geothermal steam (FSM 2811.2). sale area. LEAVE NO TRACE – A program supported by LANDLINE – National Forest System boundary the non-profit Leave No Trace Center for lines. Outdoor Ethics, in partnership with public and private land managers, to promote and inspire LANDSCAPE – A large land area composed of responsible outdoor recreation through interacting ecosystems that are repeated due to education and research. Four federal land factors such as geology, soils, climate, and management agencies, including the USDA human impacts. Landscapes are often used for Forest Service, actively promote the Leave No coarse filter analysis. Trace principles of responsible, low-impact use to build awareness, appreciation, and respect LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT for our wildlands. PLAN (LRMP) – Formal name for the Forest Plan, the LRMP is a document that guides all LIBERATION CUTTING – Form of release long-range natural resource management cutting that removes older, larger trees that activities for a national forest. It is a roadmap overtop a more desirable younger stand (FSM and tool for reaching a collective vision for the 2470). future. It is a living, flexible document and can be amended to a variety of changing conditions LIFE HISTORY – The sequence of changes over time. The Plan establishes goals and making up the span of an organism's life. management standards and guidelines for all management programs and practices, resource uses, and resource protection measures.

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LIMITS OF ACCEPTABLE CHANGE (LAC) – A planning framework that established explicit MANAGEMENT ACTION – Any activity measures of the acceptable and appropriate undertaken as part of the administration of the resource and social conditions in recreation National Forest. settings, as well as the appropriate management strategies for maintaining and/or MANAGEMENT AREAS – Areas of the achieving those conditions. National Forest designated in the Forest Plan as having similar management objectives. LITTER (forest litter) – The freshly fallen, or Similar to city planning zones. only slightly decomposed, plant material on the forest floor. This layer includes foliage, bark MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – A statement of fragments, twigs, flowers, and fruit. multiple-use and other goals and objectives, the associated management prescriptions, and LOGGING RESIDUE (slash) – The residue left standards and guidelines for attaining them. on the ground after timber cutting. It includes unutilized logs, uprooted stumps, broken MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES (MIS) – branches, bark, and leaves. Certain amounts A wildlife species whose population will indicate of slash provide important ecosystem roles, the health of the ecosystem in which it lives such as soil protection, nutrient cycling, and and, consequently, the effects of forest wildlife habitat. management activities to that ecosystem. MIS species are selected by land management LONG-TERM SUSTAINED YIELD – The agencies. (see Indicator Species) highest uniform wood yield from lands being managed for timber production that may be MANAGEMENT PRACTICE – A specific sustained under a specified management activity, measure, course of action, or intensity consistent with multiple-use objectives. treatment.

LOW-QUALITY STAND – Stand made up of MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTION – trees that have a poor potential to produce Management practices and intensity selected timber products. and scheduled for application on a specific area to attain multiple-use and other goals and [M] objectives.

M – Thousand. Five thousand board feet of MASS MOVEMENT/WASTING – The down- timber can be expressed as 5M board feet. slope movement of large masses of earth material by the force of gravity. Also called a MACRO-CLIMATE – The general, large-scale landslide. climate of a large area, as distinguished from the smaller scale micro climates within it. MAST TREES – Species that provide nuts and fruits. These include the oak group, American MAINTENANCE – The act of keeping fixed beech, hop hornbeam and black cherry. assets in acceptable condition. It includes preventive maintenance, normal repairs, MATURE TIMBER – Trees that have attained replacement of parts and structural full development, especially height, and are in components, and other activities needed to full seed production. preserve a fixed asset, so that it continues to provide acceptable service and achieves its MEAN ANNUAL INCREMENT OF GROWTH – expected life. Maintenance excludes activities The total increase in size or volume of aimed at expanding the capacity of an asset or individual trees. Can also refer to the increase otherwise upgrading it to serve needs different in size and volume of a stand of trees at a from, or significantly greater than, those particular age divided by that age in years. originally intended.

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MECHANIZED VEHICLES – Any contrivance MINIMUM TOOL ANALYSIS (MINIMUM TOOL which travels over ground, snow, or water on CONCEPT) – The second step in the Forest wheels, tracks, skids, or by floatation, and is Service process, Minimum Requirements propelled by a living power source contained, or Decision Guide (MRDG) that is used to identify, carried on or within, the device. analyze, and select management actions that are the minimum necessary for wilderness MESIC – moderately moist administration. The Minimum Tool Analysis and the MRDG are applied to decisions that METAPOPULATION – A group of locally involve the 'prohibited uses' listed in Section interbreeding populations, or demes, each 4(c) of the Wilderness Act. The concept is isolated in a patch of habitat. The persistence frequently referred to as determining the of the metapopulation is dependent on the minimum “tool” but includes any type of activity, persistence of the demes and movement of method, or equipment. animals among demes to exchange genes. MISSION (of the USDA Forest Service) – "To MICRO-CLIMATE – The climate of a small site. Care for the Land and Serve the People." As It may differ from the macro-climate of the area set forth in law, the Forest Service mission is to due to aspect, tree cover (or the absence of achieve quality land management under the tree cover), or exposure to winds. sustainable multiple-use management concept to meet the diverse needs of people. MIDDLEGROUND – A term used in the management of visual resources, or scenery. It MITIGATION – Actions taken to avoid, refers to the visible terrain between the minimize, or rectify the impact of a land foreground and background in a landscape. management practice. The area is located from one-half to four miles from the observer. MIXED STAND – A stand consisting of two or more tree species. MINERAL – Inorganic material that includes sand, gravel, and stone. MONITORING AND EVALUATION – The periodic evaluation of forest management MINERAL MATERIALS, COMMON VARIETY – activities to determine how well objectives are Also referred to as Salable Minerals or Mineral met and how management practices should be Materials; includes construction and adjusted. (see Adaptive Management) landscaping materials (cinders, sand, gravel, boulders, loose rock, and common clay) and MORTALITY – Trees that were merchantable minerals of similar occurrence commonly used and have died within a specified period of time. as aggregate, rip-rap, ballast, borrow, or fill. The term mortality can also refer to the rate of death of a species in a given population or MINERAL RIGHTS – Owning minerals beneath community. the surface of the ground; often it is someone other than the owner of the surface. MOSAIC – Areas with a variety of plant communities over a landscape, such as areas MINERAL SOIL – Soil that consists mainly of with trees and areas without trees, occurring inorganic material, such as weathered rock, over a landscape. rather than organic matter. MOTORIZED VEHICLES – Any contrivance which travels over ground, snow, or water on wheels, tracks, skids, or by floatation and is propelled by a non-living power source contained or carried on or within the device.

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MULTIPLE USE – Managing national forest NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TRAILS – resources in a manner to best meet the needs Those trails wholly or partly within, or adjacent of the American people, recognizing that not all to and serving, the national forests and other uses can occur on all acres and that changing areas administered by the Forest Service that needs and conditions over time will change the have been included in the Forest Transportation combination and intensity of use. Productivity Atlas (36 CFR 212.1 and 261.2). of the land and sustainability of ecosystems is maintained, and the interrelationships among NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) – The resources and the effects of use are monitored agency of the US Department of the Interior and evaluated. Multiple-use management does responsible for the administration of National not necessarily prescribe the combination of Parks, Monuments, and Historic Sites. The uses that will give the greatest dollar return or NPS is distinct from the USDA Forest Service the greatest unit output. both administratively and by mission.

[N] NATIONAL RECREATION AREA – Congressionally designated areas that have NATIONAL AND STATE REGISTERS OF outstanding combinations of outdoor recreation, HISTORIC PLACES (NR) – Listings of historic aesthetic attractions, and proximity to potential properties (or heritage resources) that meet the users. They may also have cultural, historical, criteria of significance established by the archaeological, pastoral, wilderness, scientific, National Historic Preservation Act and the wildlife, and other values contributing to public Vermont State Historic Preservation Act. enjoyment.

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS – The level OF 1969 (NEPA) – Congress passed NEPA in of quality the Forest Service expects to provide 1969 to encourage productive and enjoyable the public at recreation sites and trails. These harmony between people and their standards form the baseline for estimating the environment. One of the major tenets of NEPA total cost of providing quality opportunities for is its emphasis on public disclosure of possible recreation visitors and customers’ desires. environmental effects of any major action on public lands. Section 102 of NEPA requires a NATIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM (National statement of possible environmental effects to Recreation Trail System/National Scenic Trail be released to the public and other agencies for System) – A national system of recreation, review and comment. scenic and historic trails established in order to provide for the ever-increasing outdoor NATIONAL FOREST MANAGEMENT ACT OF recreation needs of an expanding population 1976 (NFMA) – NFMA is the primary statute and in order to promote the preservation of, governing the administration of national forests. public access to, travel within, and enjoyment NFMA requires the Secretary of Agriculture to and appreciation of the open-air, outdoor areas assess forest lands, develop management and historic resources of the Nation. The programs based on multiple-use and sustained Appalachian Trial and Long Trail are yield principles, and implement a Land and components of this system. Resource Management Plan for each national forest. NATURAL BARRIER – A natural feature, such as a dense stand of trees or downfall, that will NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM ROADS – restrict animal travel. Those roads wholly or partly within, or adjacent to and serving, the national forests and other NATURAL DISTURBANCE – see Disturbance areas administered by the Forest Service that have been included in the Forest Transportation Atlas (36 CFR 212.1 and 261.2).

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NATURAL INTEGRITY (a.k.a. ecosystem integrity) – The capability of an ecosystem to NON-DECLINING YIELD – A level of timber support and maintain the structure and function production planned so that the planned sale characteristic of its particular location. and harvest for any future decade is equal to or greater than the planned sale and harvest for NATURAL RANGE OF VARIATION – see the preceding decade. Range of Variability NON-GAME – Wildlife species that are not NEST SURVEY – A way to estimate the size of hunted for sport. a bird population by counting the number of nests in a given area. NON-NATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES (NNIS) – An organism that has been purposefully or NEST TREE – Tree containing large nests, built accidentally introduced outside its original by crows, herons, or hawks, that from the geographic range, and that is able to proliferate ground resemble a platform of sticks and are and aggressively alter its new environment, two to three feet in diameter. These may be causing harm to the economy, environment, or used by owls, which do not build nests, or they human health (Executive Order 13112). may be re-used by crows, herons, and hawks, among other species. NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION – Pollution whose source is not specific in location. The NET PUBLIC BENEFITS – An expression used sources of the discharge are dispersed, not well to signify the overall long-term value to the defined, or constant. Rain storms and nation of all outputs and positive effects snowmelt often make this type of pollution (benefits) less all associated inputs and worse. Examples include sediments from negative effects (costs) whether they can be logging activities and runoff from agricultural quantitatively valued or not. Net public benefits chemicals. are measured by both quantitative and qualitative criteria rather than a single measure NON-RECREATION SPECIAL USE PERMITS or index. The maximization of net public – A general definition other than the recreation benefits to be derived from management of the class of special uses. These include National Forest units is consistent with the agriculture, community and public information, principles of multiple-use and sustained-yield energy generation and transmission, management. communications, feasibility, research, training, cultural resources, and historical classes, NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE – The most likely among other uses. condition expected to exist in the future if management practices continue unchanged. NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCE – A resource whose total quantity does not increase NON-COMMERCIAL VEGETATIVE measurably over time, so that each use of the TREATMENT – The removal of trees for resource diminishes the supply. reasons other than timber production. NORTHERN HARDWOODS – Primarily sugar NON-CONSUMPTIVE USE – The use of a maple, yellow birch, and beech. May include resource that does not reduce the supply. For red maple, white ash, black cherry, red spruce, instance, bird watching is a non-consumptive and hemlock. use of wildlife. Boating and fishing are non- consumptive uses of water. NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) – A notice in the federal register of intent to prepare an NON-CONVERTIBLE PRODUCTS – Timber environmental impact statement on a proposed products that do not have a common standard action. conversion to cubic feet of solid wood (FSH 2409.18).

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NOXIOUS WEED – A plant species generally OLD GROWTH FOREST – A patch of relatively considered detrimental to the environment, old forest of at least 5 to 10 acres that has crops or other desirable plants, livestock, land, escaped catastrophic or stand-replacing or other property, or to be injurious to public disturbance associated with the prevailing health. Noxious weeds can be native or exotic, natural disturbance regimes of the Forest. invasive or non-invasive. Such old growth stands exhibit a long history of continuity and a demonstrated future via NUTRIENT CYCLE – The circulation of replacement dynamics. chemical elements and compounds, such as carbon and nitrogen, in specific pathways from ON-SITE VIEW – A term used in management the non-living parts of ecosystems into the of visual resources. see Foreground organic substances of the living parts of ecosystems, and then back again to the non- OPENING – An area where crown closure of living parts of the ecosystem. For instance, vegetation is less than 50 percent and height of nitrogen in wood is returned to the soil as the vegetation is less than 20 percent of that of the dead tree decays. The nitrogen again becomes surrounding trees. See also “permanent upland available to living organisms in the soil and, opening,” “temporary opening,” and “wetland upon their death, the nitrogen is available to opening.” plants growing in that soil. OPERATIONS – Activities related to the normal [O] performance of the functions for which a fixed asset or component is intended to be used. OBJECTIVE – A concise, time-specific Includes tasks such as janitorial services, vault statement of measurable and planned results toilet pumping, grounds upkeep, and law that respond to pre-established goals. An enforcement patrols. objective forms the basis for further planning by defining both the precise steps to be taken and ORGANIC SOIL – Soil at least partly derived the resources to be used in achieving identified from living matter, such as decayed plant goals. Objectives identify quantities of items material. within the 15 year Forest Plan time frame. OUTFITTING – Providing, through rental or OFF-ROAD VEHICLE (ORV) – Any motorized livery, any saddle or pack animal, vehicle or vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country boat, tents or camp gear, or similar supplies or travel on, or immediately over, land, water, equipment, for pecuniary remuneration or other sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other gain. The term "outfitter" includes the holder's natural terrain; except that such term excludes employees, agents, and instructors. (A) any registered motorboat, (B) any fire, military, emergency, or law enforcement vehicle OUTSTANDING MINERAL RIGHTS – Rights when used for emergency purposes, and any owned by a party other than the surface owner combat or combat support vehicle when used at the time the surface was conveyed to the for national defense purposes, and (C) any United States. vehicle whose use is expressly authorized by the respective agency head under a permit, OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE VALUES – lease, license, or contract. The identification of outstandingly remarkable values is one of the primary bases for OFF SITE VIEWS – A term used in determining Wild and Scenic River eligibility. management of visual resources. The view The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act defines these beyond foreground, includes middleground and values as those characteristics that make the background views. river worthy of special protection. Outstandingly Remarkable Values can include scenery, recreation, fish and wildlife, geology, history, culture, and other similar values.

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PERENNIAL STREAM – A stream that contains OVERMATURE TIMBER – Trees that have permanently present surface water and where attained full development, particularly in height, water flows occur throughout the year except and are declining in vigor, health, and possibly during extreme drought or during soundness. extreme cold when ice forms (FSM 2526.05).

OVERSTORY – The upper canopy layer; the PERMANENT UPLAND OPENING – An plants below comprise the understory. opening dominated by perennial grasses, forbs, sedges, and shrubs, that has less than 16 [P] percent stocking of trees and less that 10 percent tree cover. Vegetation in permanent PARENT MATERIAL – The mineral or organic upland openings is periodically cut or burned to matter from which the upper layers of soil are prevent vegetative succession and tree growth. formed. Most permanent openings on the GMNF are one-half to ten acres. Permanent upland PARK-LIKE STRUCTURE – Stands with large openings may be designed primarily for single scattered trees and open growing conditions, or multiple uses, including but not limited to usually maintained by ground fires. wildlife habitat, recreational uses, or scenic vistas. PARTIAL RETENTION – A visual quality objective which, in general, means human PERSONAL USE – The use of a forest product, activities may be evident but must remain such as firewood, for home use and not for subordinate to the characteristic landscape. commercial use.

PASSERINE – A bird of the very large and PERSONAL USE OF MINERALS – diverse taxonomic order Passeriformes, Recreational mineral activities which contribute sometimes referred to as perching birds or, less to the personal enjoyment of mineral collecting accurately, as songbirds. More than half of all as a leisure activity and not for the purpose of living species of birds are passerines, including realizing personal financial gain either through species as varied as chickadees, crows, jays, the sale of the material or through an exchange wrens, thrushes, swallows, warblers, and for other goods or services. The exchange of sparrows. mineral specimens, and/or the fabrication by the collector of functional or decorative items PATCH – An area of vegetation that is similar in from the collected material, and the disposal of structure and composition. same, are not considered to constitute a commercial activity as long as the motive for PATCH CUT – A clearcut that creates small doing so is the further enjoyment of a leisure temporary openings in a stand of trees, usually activity and not for profit. between 1 to 15 acres in size. PEST – A plant, animal, or environmental PEOPLE AT ONE TIME (PAOT) – A recreation stress which the land manager determines to capacity determination expressed as the be detrimental to achieving resource number of people a recreation site, facility, or management objectives area can accommodate at one time. PLANNING AREA – The area of National PERCOLATION – Downward flow or infiltration Forest land covered by a Regional Guide or of water through the pores or spaces of rock or Forest Plan. soil. PLANNING PERIOD – The time frame for which goods, services, and effects were projected in the development of the Forest Plan.

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PREPAREDNESS – Activities that lead to a PLANTATION – A forest crop or stand raised safe, efficient, cost-effective fire management artificially, either by seeding or planting of program in support of land and resource young trees. management objectives through appropriate planning and coordination (Zimmerman 1998). POINT SOURCE POLLUTION – Pollution traceable to a discharge of pollutants from a PRESCRIBED FIRE – Any fire ignited by discernable, confined, and discrete management actions to meet specific conveyance, such as a discharge from a objectives. A written, approved prescribed fire sewage treatment plant. plan must exist and NEPA requirements must be met prior to ignition (Zimmerman 1998). POLE/SAPLING – The stage of forest succession in which trees are between 3 and 7 PRESCRIPTION – Management practices inches in diameter and are the dominant selected to accomplish specific land and vegetation. resource management objectives.

POLE TIMBER – Trees at least 5 inches in PRESENT NET VALUE (PNV) [a.k.a. Net diameter, but smaller than the minimum size for Present Value (NPV) or present net worth] – sawtimber. The difference between the discounted value (benefits) of all outputs to which monetary PRE-COMMERCIAL THINNING – Removing values or established market prices are some of the trees from a stand that are too assigned and the total discounted costs of small to be sold for lumber or house logs, so managing the planning area. that the remaining trees will grow faster. PROCLAMATION BOUNDARY – National PREDATOR – An animal that lives by preying Forest boundary as proclaimed by the on other animals. Predators are at or near the President of the United States. tops of food chains. PRODUCTIVE – The ability of an area to PRE-EXISTING USE – Land use that may not provide goods and services and to sustain conform to a zoning ordinance but existed prior ecological values. to the enactment of the ordinance. PROTECTIVE STRIP – A portion of land that PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE – Chosen from provides largely undisturbed soil to separate among the alternatives developed to address soil-disturbing activities from streams, ponds, the range of solutions to the Forest’s wetlands, and seasonal pools. The purpose of management problems. The Regional the protective strip is to protect the soil’s Forester, using the Decision Criteria, selects infiltration capacity and to filter out sediment. the preferred alternative that he/she feels best resolves management problems within the PUBLIC LAND – Land for which title and control context of the mission and priorities of the rests with a federal, State, regional, county, or Forest Service. This Alternative then becomes municipal government. the basis for the Forest Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT – The use of appropriate procedures to inform the public, PREPARATORY CUT – The removal of trees obtain early and continuing public participation, near the end of a rotation to open the canopy and consider the views of interested parties in and allow the crowns of seed-bearing trees to planning and decision making. enlarge. Improves seed production and encourages natural regeneration. (see PULPWOOD – Wood suitable for Rotation) manufacturing into wood pulp for paper products.

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RECREATION EVENTS SPECIAL USE [R] PERMITS – A special use designation within the Recreation Special Use category of “Facility RANGE – Land on which the principle natural Related Activities.” Recreation events include plant cover is composed of native grasses, organized events of a temporary nature, such forbs, and shrubs that are valuable as forage as animal, vehicle, or boat races; fishing for livestock and big game. contests; rodeos; adventure games; and fairs

RANGE MANAGEMENT – The art and science RECREATION OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM of planning and directing range use; intended to (ROS) – A formal Forest Service classification yield the sustained maximum animal production system designed to delineate, define, and and perpetuation of the natural resources. integrate outdoor recreation opportunities in land and resource management planning. ROS RANGE OF VARIABILITY (a.k.a. natural range classes are used to describe all recreation of variation, range of natural variability, historic opportunity settings, from natural, undisturbed, range of variability) – The variability in and undeveloped to heavily used, modified and composition, structure, and dynamics of developed. ROS designations attempt to ecosystems before EuroAmerican influence, describe the kind of recreation experience one including the variation of physical and biological may expect to have in a given part of the conditions within an area due to climatic National Forest. The ROS classes include: fluctuations and disturbances of wind, fire, and • Urban – This setting is characterized by flooding. a substantially urbanized environment, although the background may have RANGER DISTRICT – The administrative sub- natural-appearing elements. Affiliation unit of a National Forest that is supervised by a with individuals and groups is prevalent, District Ranger who reports directly to the as is the convenience of sites and Forest Supervisor. opportunities. Large numbers of users can be expected, both on-site and in RAPTOR – A bird of prey, such as an eagle or nearby areas. Facilities for highly hawk. intensified motor vehicle use and parking are available. Regimentation RARE OR UNCOMMON (NATURAL) and controls are obvious and numerous. COMMUNITIES – Natural communities defined • Rural – This setting is characterized by by the Vermont Nongame and Natural Heritage a substantially modified natural Program (VNNHP, Thompson and Sorenson environment. Sights and sounds of 2000), which are assigned ranks of "S1,” "S2,” humans are readily evident and the or "S3" by VNNHP. These ranks represent the interaction between users is often State or "subnational" conservation status of moderate to high. A considerable each community, and are defined by number of facilities are designed for use NatureServe (http://www.natureserve.org). by a large number of people and are S1 - critically imperiled often provided for special activities. S2 - imperiled Facilities for intensified use and parking S3 - vulnerable to extirpation or extinction are available. Motorized use may be present on designated roads and trails RECHARGE – The addition of water to ground and off-road (where not restricted). In water by natural or artificial processes. this setting the probability for experiencing affiliation with individuals RECORD OF DECISION (ROD) – An official and groups is prevalent, as is the document in which a deciding official states the convenience of sites and opportunities. alternative that will be implemented from a Opportunities for challenges, risk taking, prepared Environmental Impact Statement. and use of outdoor skills are generally unimportant. Management activities and

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designed roads or highways may acres). Interaction between users is low, dominate the natural landscape. but there is often evidence of other Structures are readily apparent. users. Motorized use is generally not • Roaded Natural – This setting is present. In this setting there is a high characterized by a predominately probability of experiencing isolation from natural appearing environment with the sights and sounds of humans and moderate evidence of the sights and self-reliance through the application of sounds of people. Interaction between outdoor skills in an environment that users may be low to moderate, but with offers challenge and risk. Management evidence of other users prevalent. activities mimic natural occurrences. Opportunities for both motorized and Primitive roads may be present and non-motorized forms of recreation are structures are rare and isolated. possible. Motorized use may be present • Primitive – A classification of wilderness on designated roads and trails, and off- and recreation opportunity. It is road (where not restricted). In this characterized by an essentially setting there is an equal probability of unmodified environment where trails experiencing affiliation with other user may be present, but structures are rare, groups and experiencing isolation from and where it is highly probable to be sights and sounds of humans. isolated from the sights and sounds of Challenge and risk opportunities people. associated with more primitive types of recreation are not very important. ROS CLASS, DESIRED – Management tool Natural settings may have modifications used to describe the desired array of recreation that range from being easily noticed to settings across the Forest. Desired ROS strongly dominant; roads and/or classes guide recreation management and highways present; structures readily describe the desired condition of the Forest in apparent. the future. All management areas have an • Semi-primitive Motorized – This setting associated Desired ROS class to guide is characterized by a predominately recreation management. natural or natural-appearing environment of moderate to large size ROS CLASS, INVENTORIED – An inventory (generally greater than 2,500 acres). tool used to describe the existing array of Interaction between users is low, but recreation settings for lands within the Forest there is often evidence of other users. boundary. Inventoried ROS describes the Motorized use may be present on existing condition of the Forest. (See also designated roads and trails and off-road Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) and (where not restricted). In this setting Desired ROS Class.) there is a moderate probability of experiencing isolation from the sights RECREATION RIVER – Wild and Scenic and sounds of humans and self-reliance Rivers Act Usage: Classification applied to through the application of outdoor skills rivers or sections of rivers that are readily in an environment that offers challenge accessible by road or railroad, that may have and risk. Management activities mimic some development along their shorelines, and natural occurrences. Primitive roads that may have undergone some impoundment may be present, but structures are rare or diversion in the past. and isolated. Snowmobile use is possible. • Semi-primitive Non-motorized – This setting is characterized by a predominately natural or natural- appearing environment of moderate to large size (generally greater than 2,500

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RECREATION SPECIAL USE PERMITS – A RELEASE TREATMENT – Intermediate class of special use permits for recreation uses treatment or cutting designed to free a young that serve the public, protect public health and stand (not past the sapling stage) of desirable safety, and protect the resource. These include trees from the competition of undesirable trees such categories as outfitting and guiding, group that threaten to suppress them. Cleaning and use, facility related activities, and winter liberation cutting are types of release (FSM recreation. Within each of these categories 2470). there could be several “designations” of special use permits (FSM 2720). REMOVAL CUT – The removal of the last seed bearers or shelter trees after regeneration is REFORESTATION – The restocking of an area established. with forest trees, by either natural or artificial means, such as planting. REPAIR (OF ASSETS) – Work to restore a damaged, broken, or worn-out fixed asset, REGENERATION – The renewal of a tree crop component, or item of equipment to normal by either natural or artificial means. The term is operating condition. Repairs may be done as also used to refer to the young crop itself. annual maintenance or deferred maintenance activities. REGENERATION CUTTING (Harvest Cut) – Includes four basic cutting methods used to REHABILITATION (OF ASSETS) – Renovation regenerate a forest: clearcut, seed-tree cut, or restoration of an existing fixed asset or any shelterwood cut, and selection cut. Trees are of its components in order to restore the removed from the stand to create conditions functionality or life of the asset. Because there that will allow the forest to renew or reproduce is no significant expansion or change of itself. This is accomplished under either an purpose for the fixed asset, the work primarily even-aged management system or an uneven- addresses deferred maintenance. aged management system. REPLACEMENT (OF ASSETS) – Substitution REGIONAL FORESTER – The official of the or exchange of an existing fixed asset or USDA Forest Service responsible for component with one having essentially the administering an entire region of the Forest same capacity and purpose. Service. REPLACEMENT TREE – A live or partially REGIONAL FORESTER’S SENSITIVE dead tree left to become a hard snag and SPECIES – Those plant and animal species eventually a soft snag replacement. identified by a Regional Forester for which population viability is a concern, as evidenced RESEARCH NATURAL AREA (RNA) – A by: physical or biological unit in which current • Significant current or predicted natural conditions are maintained insofar as downward trends in population numbers possible. These conditions are ordinarily or density. achieved by allowing natural physical and • Significant current or predicted biological processes to prevail without human downward trends in habitat capability intervention. Under unusual circumstances, that would reduce a species existing however, deliberate manipulation may be used distribution (FSM 2670.5). to maintain the unique feature that the RNA was established to protect. Research natural areas are part of a national network of ecological areas designated in perpetuity for research and education and/or to maintain biological diversity on National Forest System lands. RNAs are intended for non-manipulative research, observation, and study (FSM 4060).

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RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEM – A transitional RESERVE TREES – Trees left for wildlife in ecosystem between the aquatic ecosystem and areas where timber is being cut. See snag, the adjacent terrestrial ecosystem; identified by den, and mast trees. soil characteristics or distinctive vegetation communities that require free or unbound RESIDUAL STAND – The trees that remain water. standing after an event such as selection cutting or thinning. ROAD – A general term denoting a facility for purposes of travel by vehicles greater than 50” RESILIENCE – The degree, manner, and pace in width. Includes only the area occupied by of restoration of the structure and function of the road surface and cut and fill slopes the original ecosystem after disturbance (FSM2355.05). (Westman 1978) ROAD DECOMMISSIONING – Activities that RESOURCE ASSESSMENT – A compilation of result in the stabilization and restoration of background material on the status of a unneeded roads to a more natural state. particular resource area, on a local, regional ROAD DENSITY – Quantity of road mileage per and national scale. The Resource Assessment unit area, commonly measured as miles of road describes the present condition of a particular per square mile of land area. resource and speculates on the future condition of the resource based on current and expected ROAD IMPROVEMENT – Activity that results in trends. an increase of an existing road's traffic service level, expansion of its capacity, or change in its RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL – The Forest original design function. Service employee who has been delegated the authority to carry out a specific planning action. ROAD MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE (RMO) - Defines the intended purpose of an individual RESTORATION (of ecosystems) – see road based on management area direction and Ecosystem Restoration access management objectives. Road management objectives contain design criteria, REVEGETATION – The re-establishment and operation criteria, and maintenance criteria. development of a plant cover by either natural (FSH 7709.55) or artificial means, such as re-seeding. ROADLESS AREA REVIEW AND RIPARIAN AREAS – Riparian areas are three- EVALUATION II (RARE II) – A national dimensional ecotones (an ecological transition inventory of roadless and undeveloped areas zone) where functional and process interactions within the National Forests and Grasslands that take place between terrestrial and aquatic was completed in 1979. ecosystems. Riparian areas extend down into the groundwater, up above the canopy, outward ROAD MAINTENANCE – The ongoing upkeep across the floodplain, and up the near-slopes of a road necessary to regain or restore the draining water from the terrestrial ecosystem, road to the approved road management and along the water course or feature. Riparian objective (FSM 7712.3). areas are geographically delineable, highly variable in width, and include the water feature: stream, wetland, pond, or seasonal pool (Paraphrased from Riparian Management in Forests of the Continental Eastern United States, p.29).

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ROAD OBLITERATION – Process of removing • Level 4 (Passenger vehicles; smooth a road from the landscape. Obliterations are surface) – Assigned to roads that used on system and temporary roads, which provide a moderate degree of user are to be removed from service comfort and convenience at moderate (decommissioned). Obliteration can include traffic speeds. Most roads are double removing evidence of any access points; lane and aggregate surfaced. Some removing any structures from the roadbed roads may be single lane, however. (such as culverts, bridges, signs, guide rails, Some roads may be paved and/or dust etc.); and restoring wetlands and riparian areas. abated. • Level 5 (Passenger vehicles-dust free; ROAD OPERATION MAINTENANCE LEVEL possibly paved) – Assigned to roads (ROML) – The level of service provided by, and that provide a high degree of user maintenance required for, a specific road (FSH comfort and convenience. These roads 7709.58). are normally double lane, paved • Level 1 (Closed for more than 1 year) – facilities. Some may be aggregate Assigned to intermittent-service roads surfaced and dust abated. during the time they are closed to vehicular traffic. The closure period ROAD, PRIVATE – A road under private must exceed one year. Basic custodial ownership authorized by a Special-Use maintenance is performed to keep Authorization, or a road that provides access damage to adjacent resources to an pursuant to a reserved or private right. acceptable level and to perpetuate the road to facilitate future management ROAD, PUBLIC – Any road or street under the activities. Roads receiving maintenance jurisdiction of and maintained by a public Level 1 may be of any type, class, or authority and open to public travel. construction standard, and may be managed at any other maintenance ROAD, TEMPORARY – Road authorized by level while they are open for traffic. contract, permit, lease, other written While being maintained at Level 1, they authorization, or emergency operation, not are closed to vehicular traffic, but may intended to be part of the forest transportation be open and suitable for non-motorized system and not necessary for long-term uses. resource management. • Level 2 (High-clearance vehicles) – Assigned to roads open for use by high ROAD, TRAFFIC SERVICE (LEVELS) – clearance vehicles. Passenger car • A: Free-flowing, mixed traffic; stable, traffic is not a consideration. Traffic is smooth surface; provides safe service to normally minor, usually consisting of all traffic. one or a combination of administrative, • B: Congested during heavy traffic, permitted, dispersed recreation, or slower speeds and periodic dust; specialized uses. Log haul may occur accommodates any legal-sized load or at this level. vehicle. • Level 3 (Passenger vehicles; surface • C: Interrupted traffic flow, limited not smooth) – Assigned to roads open passing facilities, may not accommodate and maintained for travel by a prudent some vehicles. Low design speeds. driver in a standard passenger car. Unstable surface under certain traffic or User comfort and convenience are not weather. considered priorities. Roads in this • D: Traffic flow is slow and may be maintenance level are typically low blocked by management activities. speed, single lane with turnouts and Two-way traffic is difficult, backing may spot surfacing. Some roads may be be required. Rough and irregular fully surfaced with either native or surface. Accommodated high-clearance processed material. vehicles. Single purpose facility.

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ROAD, UNCLASSIFIED – Roads on National and objectives, to monitor the scenic resource, Forest System lands that are not managed as and to ensure high-quality scenery for future part of the forest transportation system, such as generations. unplanned roads, abandoned travelways, and off-road vehicle tracks that have not been SCENIC RIVER – Wild and Scenic Rivers Act designated and managed as a trail. Includes Usage: Classification applied to rivers, or those roads that were once under permit or sections of rivers, that are free of other authorization and were not impoundments, where shorelines or watersheds decommissioned upon the termination of the are still largely primitive and shorelines are authorization (36 CFR 212.1). largely undeveloped, but accessible at places by a road. ROTATION – The number of years required to establish and grow timber crops to a specified SCOPING – The ongoing process to determine condition of maturity. public opinion, receive comments and suggestions, and determine issues during the ROUNDWOOD – Pulpwood and fuelwood environmental analysis process. It may involve prepared in the round state. public meetings, telephone conversations, or letters. RUN-OFF – The portion of precipitation that flows over the land surface or in open channels. SEASONAL POOL (a.k.a. vernal pool) – A seasonal pool is a contained basin depression [S] lacking a permanent above-ground outlet. In the Northeast, it fills with water with the rising SALVAGE CUTTING – Intermediate cutting water table of fall and winter or with the melt- made to remove trees that are dead or in water and runoff of winter and spring snow and imminent danger of being killed by injurious rain. Many vernal pools in the Northeast are agents (FSM 2470). covered with ice in the winter months. They contain water for a few months in the spring SANITATION CUTTING – Intermediate cutting and early summer. By late summer, a vernal made to remove dead, damaged, or susceptible pool is generally, but not always, dry. trees to prevent the spread of pests or A seasonal pool, because of its periodic pathogens (FSM 2470). drying, does not support breeding populations of fish. Many organisms have evolved to use a SAPLING – A general term for a young tree temporary wetland where they are not eaten by more than a few feet tall and an inch or so in fish. These organisms are considered diameter that is typically growing vigorously. connected to, or indicative of, vernal pools because they use a vernal pool for various SAWTIMBER – Trees that are nine inches in parts of their life cycle. In New England and diameter at breast height or larger that can be New York, the easily recognizable connected made into lumber. species are the fairy shrimp, the wood frog, and salamanders of the genus Ambystoma (for SCALE – In ecosystem management, it refers example, spotted, Jefferson, marbled, and blue- to the degree of resolution at which ecosystems spotted). The Green Mountain and Finger are observed and measured. Lakes National Forests will define Seasonal Pools as those seasonally filled basins that are SCENERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SMS) – occupied for breeding purposes by one or more A systematic approach for determining the of these connected species (Kellogg et al. relative value and importance of scenery in a 2004). national forest. SMS is to be used in the context of ecosystem management to inventory and analyze scenery in a national forest, to assist in establishment of overall resource goals

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SECOND-GROWTH FOREST – An area of SIDE TRAIL (SPUR TRAIL/CONNECTING forest that has established after some kind of TRAILS) – Side trails and connecting trails human intervention that has removed some or provide additional points of public access to all of the previous forested area. national recreation, national scenic or national historic trails and connections between such SEED TREE CUTTING – Even-aged cutting trails. Spur trails may intersect a national trail method in which most of the mature timber from and provide passage to points of interest or an area is removed in one cut except for a facilities within the trail corridor. small number of desirable trees retained to provide seed or shelter for regeneration. SILVICULTURAL SYSTEM – Entire process by which forest stands are tended, harvested, and SEEP – A common but small wetland replaced. It includes all cultural practices community associated with groundwater performed during the life of the stand, such as seepage. They occur on benches, in coves, regeneration cutting, fertilization, thinning, and on or near the bases of slopes in upland improvement cutting, and use of genetically forests. A layer of bedrock or hardpan often improved sources of tree seeds and seedlings. forces groundwater to flow horizontally rather than down, discharging water at the ground SILVICULTURE – Application of principles surface and creating the wetland conditions underlying the growth and development of associated with seeps. single trees and of the forest as a biological unit, to control forest establishment, SENSITIVE SPECIES – see Regional Forester composition, structure, and growth. The Sensitive Species selection of an appropriate silviculture system for a management area depends on the stated SERAL – Any stage of the sequence of resource objectives. changes in plant and animal communities on a site over time (see Succession). SINGLE TREE SELECTION – see Individual Tree Selection SHADE TOLERANT SPECIES – Term used to describe plants that prefer to grow in the shade SITE PREPARATION – The general term for (for example, sugar maple or hemlock). removing unwanted vegetation, slash, roots, and stones from a site before reforestation. SHADE INTOLERANT SPECIES – Term used Naturally occurring wildfire, as well as to describe plants that prefer to grow in sunny, prescribed fire, can prepare a site for natural open conditions (for example, aspen or paper regeneration. birch). SIZE CLASS – One of the three intervals of tree SHELTERWOOD CUTTING – Even-aged stem diameters used to classify timber in the cutting method in which a stand of trees is Forest Plan database. The size classes are: removed through a series of cuttings designed Seedling/Sapling (less than five inches in to establish a new crop with seed and diameter); Pole Timber (five to seven inches in protection provided by a portion of the stand diameter); Sawtimber (greater than seven (FSM 2470). inches in diameter).

SHELTERWOOD WITH RESERVES – see SKID ROADS (a.k.a. tractor roads) – Roads Delayed Shelterwood constructed for the purpose of transporting cut trees to a landing. They are ordinarily constructed by ground clearing and/or excavation (FSH 2409.15).

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SKID TRAILS – Trails constructed for the SOIL PRODUCTIVITY – The inherent capacity purpose of transporting cut trees to a skid road of a soil to support the growth of specified or landing. The resultant ground disturbance plants, plant communities, or a sequence of created by skidding logs on the ground by all plant communities. Soil productivity may be skidding and yarding methods. Skid trail expressed in terms of volume or weight/unit construction normally does not include ground are/year, percent plant cover, or other excavation or clearing (FSH 2409). measures of biomass accumulation (FSM 2509.18, 2.05; Effective 9/3/91). SKIDDING – Hauling logs by sliding with a cable, not on wheels, from stump to a collection SOIL QUALITY – The capacity of the soil to point. function within ecosystem boundaries to sustain biological productivity, maintain or enhance SKIJORING – A winter sport in which a person water and air quality, and support human health wearing skis is drawn over snow or ice by a and habitation. dog. SOUND WOOD – Timber that is in solid, whole, SLASH – The residue left on the ground after good condition. Sound wood is free from timber cutting or after a storm, fire, or other damage, decay, or defects. event. Slash includes unused logs, uprooted stumps, broken or uprooted stems, branches, SPECIAL AREA (SA) – National Forest System bark, among others. lands (except wilderness) that contain outstanding examples of plant and animal SLUMP – A landslide where the underlying rock communities, geological features, scenic masses tilt back as they slide from a cliff or grandeur, or other special attributes. SAs can escarpment. be designated by the Forest Service or by legislation. SAs are managed to emphasize SMALL GAME – Birds and small animals recreational and other specific related values. normally hunted or trapped. Other uses are permitted within SAs to the extent that they are in harmony with the SNAG – Includes standing dead or partially purpose for which the area was designated. dead trees that are at least six inches in diameter at breast height (dbh) and 20 feet tall. SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS – Products or (see Hard Snag and Soft Snag) natural resources that are not the traditional timber and fiber products. Examples include SNOWMOBILE – A motor vehicle that is such products as floral greenery, Christmas designed exclusively for use over snow and that trees and boughs, mushrooms, transplants runs on a track or tracks and/or a ski or skis. (trees, shrubs or herbaceous plants), cones, medicinal plants, cuttings, herbs, fuelwood, tree SOFT SNAG – Snags with wood, especially sap, nuts, berries, lichen, fungi, decorative sapwood, in an advanced stage of decay. wood, and pitch.

SOIL COMPACTION – The reduction of soil SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATION – An volume. For instance, the weight of heavy authorization issued to an individual or group by equipment on soils can compact the soil and the USDA Forest Service for use of National thereby change it in some ways, such as in its Forest land for a special purpose. Examples ability to absorb water. might be a Boy Scout Jamboree, a water system serving private land, or a bicycle race. Authorizations can be in the form of permits, easements, or leases.

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SPECIES OF LOCAL INTEREST – Species having State, or local, importance. These may STRUCTURE – How the parts of ecosystems be species with declining populations, are arranged, both horizontally and vertically. appearing on State lists but not Federal Structure might reveal a pattern, mosaic, or Threatened and Endangered or Eastern total randomness of vegetation. Region’s Sensitive Species lists; they may be locally abundant species presenting SUCCESSION – The sequence of changes in extraordinary opportunities. plant and animal communities on a site over time. SPECIES VIABILITY EVALUATION (SVE) – A qualitative process for gathering information on SUCCESSIONAL STAGE – see Seral species for which viability may be a concern now or during the next 10 to 20 years. The SUITABILITY – The appropriateness of certain process includes identifying at-risk species, resource management to an area of land. compiling literature and unpublished information Suitability can be determined by environmental on those species, and using that information to and economic analysis of management develop and analyze Forest Plan revision practices. alternatives. SUITABLE FOREST LAND – Forest land that SPECTRUM – A specific linear program model constitutes the land base for determining the designed for Forest Service planning. allowable sale quantity (ASQ) and is managed for timber production on a regulated basis. Also STAND – A group of trees that occupies a see Unsuitable Lands. specific area and is similar in species, age, and condition. SUMMER OFF-ROAD VEHICLE – All off-road vehicles except snowmobiles. (see Off-Road STANDARD – A required course of action, or Vehicle) level of attainment, that promotes the achievement of forest plan goals and SURFACE RESOURCES – Renewable objectives. Standards found in a forest plan resources that are on the surface of the earth, impose limits on natural resource management such as timber and forage, in contrast to ground activities, generally for environmental water and minerals which are located beneath protection. the surface.

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION SURFACE RIGHTS – Ownership of the surface OFFICE(R) (SHPO) – The National Historic of the land only; right to use the surface of the Preservation Act establishes an oversight role land. for this office/position vis-à-vis federal agencies operating within the states. Thus, the SHPO SUSTAINABILITY (ecosystem sustainability) – must concur with federal agency decisions The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its which have the potential to affect NR-eligible structure and function, and to remain resilient, properties (a.k.a. “significant Heritage in order to continue to support its biological Resources”). diversity and productivity over time (see also Resilience). STEWARDSHIP – Caring for the land and its resources to pass healthy ecosystems on to SUSTAINABILITY (general) – The ability of an future generations. ecological, economic, and/or social system to maintain structure and function, and to remain STOCKING LEVEL – The number of trees in an resilient, in order to continue to support area as compared to the desirable number of biological diversity (including humans and their trees for best results, such as maximum wood social and economic organization) and system production. productivity over time.

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THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND SUSTAINABLE – The yield of a natural SENSITIVE (TES) SPECIES – Plant or animal resource that can be produced continually at a species that are federally listed under the given intensity of management is said to be Endangered Species Act as Threatened or sustainable. Endangered, or are listed by the Regional Forester for Region 9 and the Green Mountain SUSTAINED YIELD – The yield that a National Forest as Sensitive. renewable resource can produce continuously at a given intensity of management. THREATENED SPECIES – Those plant or animal species likely to become endangered [T] throughout all or a specific portion of their range within the foreseeable future as designated by TARGET – A National Forest's annual the US Fish and Wildlife Service under the accomplishment goals for natural resource Endangered Species Act of 1973. programs. Targets represent the commitment the Forest Service has to the Congress to TIMBER CLASSIFICATION – The classification accomplish the work that the Congress has of forested lands into land management funded and are often used as a measure of the alternatives according to how the land relates to agency's performance. management of the timber resource there.

TAXON (TAXA) – A group of organisms at any TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT (TSI) – level of the taxonomic hierarchy. The major Actions to improve growing conditions for trees taxa are the species and genus and the higher in a stand, such as thinning, pruning, prescribed taxa, including the family, order, class, phylum, fire, or release cutting. and kingdom. Minor taxa include subspecies and varieties. TRACTOR LOGGING – A logging method that uses tractors to carry or drag logs from the TEMPORARY OPENING – An opening created stump to a collection point. by silvicultural treatment (for example, clearcut or shelterwood cut) or natural event (for TRAIL – A designated path or travelway of example, wind throw, ice damage, pest varying width which is maintained for varied outbreak), that is intended and allowed to be recreational uses. reoccupied by young trees. Temporary openings are dominated by tree seedlings and TRAIL VEHICLE – Vehicles designed for trail saplings and, with time, will grow into a wooded use, such as bicycles, snowmobiles, trail bikes, stand. trail scooters, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

TEMPORARY ROAD – Road needed only for TREATMENT AREA – The site-specific location short-term use, such as by timber purchasers of a resource improvement activity. for access to a single timber sale. TREE IMPROVEMENT – The science of THERMAL COVER – Cover used by animals dealing with the causes of resemblances and against weather. differences among trees related by descent. It considers the effects of genes and the THINNING – Intermediate cutting made to response to environmental factors. stimulate the growth of the trees that remain and to increase the total yield of useful material TYPE CONVERSION – The conversion of the from the stand (FSM 2470). dominant vegetation in an area from forested to non-forested or from one species to another.

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[U] USE-CYCLE APPROACH – Periodically UNDERBURN – A burn by a surface fire that moving users between ski areas; the use cycle can consume ground vegetation and "ladder" approach involves generally allowing much of fuels. the overstory to grow and mature naturally, concentrating management on the UNDERSTORY – The trees and woody shrubs intermediates (thinning to enable tree skiing), growing beneath the overstory in a stand of while protecting and encouraging reproduction. trees. Use-cycling would be dependent on the desired timing of regeneration as well as the health of UNEVEN-AGED SYSTEM – Silvicultural the overstory. With this approach, it appears system involving manipulation of a forest to possible to achieve the continuous uneven- simultaneously maintain: a) continuous high- aged forest cover and desired stocking level forest cover, b) recurring regeneration of objectives by working primarily with the desirable species, and c) orderly growth and intermediate height class. development of trees through a range of diameter or age classes to provide a sustained UTILITY CORRIDOR – A linear tract of land of yield of forest products. Cutting methods that varying width, forming a passageway through develop and maintain uneven-aged stands are which various commodities such as oil, gas, single-tree selection and group selection (FSM electronic intelligence, and electricity may be 2470). transported.

UNREGULATED HARVEST – Tree harvest that [V] is not part of the allowable sale quantity (ASQ). It can include the removal of cull or dead VARIETY CLASS – A way to classify material or non-commercial species. It also landscapes according to their visual features. includes volume removed from non-suitable This system is based on the premise that areas for research, to meet objectives other landscapes with the greatest variety or diversity than timber production (such as wildlife habitat have the greatest potential for scenic value. improvement), or to improve administrative sites (such as campgrounds). VEGETATION MANAGEMENT – Activities designed primarily to promote the health of UNSUITABLE LANDS – Forest land that is not forest vegetation for multiple-use purposes. managed for timber production because: (a) the land has been withdrawn by the Congress, the VEGETATION TYPE – A plant community with Secretary of Agriculture, or the Chief of the distinguishable characteristics. Forest Service; (b) the land is not producing or capable of producing crops of industrial wood; VERNAL POOL – see Seasonal Pool (c) technology is not available to prevent irreversible damage to soils, productivity, or VERTICAL DIVERSITY – Stand diversity that watershed conditions; (d) there is no results from different canopy layers or tiers of reasonable assurance that lands can be vegetation. adequately restocked within five years after final harvest, based on existing technology and VIABLE POPULATION – A population that has knowledge, as reflected in current research and the estimated numbers and distribution of experience; (e) there is at present, a lack of reproductive individuals to ensure the continued adequate information to respond to timber existence of the species throughout its existing management activities; or (f) timber range within the planning area (FSM 2670.5). management is inconsistent with or not cost efficient in meeting the management requirements and multiple-use objectives specified in the forest plan.

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VIEWER SENSITIVITY – Amount and and utility line clearings; Areas where expectation of viewers determined for all areas use primarily has little dependence on of the National Forest using the definitions scenic viewing. Use examples include described below: hunting or gathering of fuelwood and High Viewer Sensitivity Locations: federal or Christmas trees. State highways; Roads averaging at least 150 vehicles per day; Roads VISUAL CONDITIONS: primarily providing access to highly • Permanent – A visual condition is being sensitive recreation sites; National maintained over time. Permanent Scenic or National Recreation trails alterations include but are not limited to including side trails; Heavily used wetland and permanent upland seasonal trails through areas with openings, scenic vistas, parking areas, recognized scenic attractions; eligible roads, trails, signs, ski facilities, towers, and designated Wild, Recreational, and and other structures. Scenic Rivers that provide outstanding • Temporary – A visual condition is or substantial scenic values; Riparian allowed to recover over time. areas with heavy fishing, boating, Temporary alterations include but are swimming, and other uses highly not limited to timber harvest. dependent on viewing scenery; • Enhancement – A visual condition is Wilderness; Recreation Special Areas; improved by increasing positive scenic Ecological Special Areas with unique attributes in the landscape. scenic features; Town centers or • Rehabilitation – A visual condition is concentrations of residences; improved by removing existing visual Developed recreation sites except for impacts. trailheads within moderately sensitive locations; White Rocks Cliffs and Ice VISUAL QUALITY OBJECTIVE (VQO) – A Beds in the Robert T. Stafford White desired level of excellence based on physical Rocks NRA; Observation sites along and sociological characteristics of an area. highly sensitive travelways. Refers to degree of acceptable alteration of the Moderately sensitive locations do not qualify natural-appearing landscape. The five levels of as highly sensitive but get more than VQO are: twice as much use as general (1) Preservation – Alterations are caused by undeveloped areas that provide the ecological changes only. same recreation opportunity. (2) Retention – Alterations made by people Moderately sensitive locations include are not visually evident to the casual the following areas: Roads and trails forest visitor shown on National Forest recreation (3) Partial Retention – Alterations made by maps except those described as least people must appear subordinate within sensitive; Concentrated use areas and the surrounding natural appearing observation sites along moderately landscape. sensitive travelways; Eligible and (4) Modification – Alterations may dominate designated Wild, Recreational and the original surrounding landscape, but Scenic Rivers that provide locally constructed facilities must be compatible common scenic values; Riparian areas with the landscape. receiving low to moderate use which is (5) Maximum Modification – Alterations double that of adjacent undeveloped dominate the original surrounding lands; landscape to a high degree, and do not Least sensitive locations are all areas not relate completely to natural-appearing qualifying as having high or moderate form, line, color, or texture. sensitivity. They include: Travelways maintained primarily for non-recreation purposes such as timber access roads

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VISUAL RESOURCE – A part of the landscape WETLAND OPENING – Includes open and important for its scenic quality. It may include a shrub wetland areas dominated by mosses, composite of terrain, geologic features, or herbaceous plants, and shrubs of varying vegetation. heights. Trees are absent or sparse, generally representing less than 25 percent of the cover. [W] Wetland openings on the GMNF include beaver meadow complexes, shrub swamps, open WATCH LIST – A list of plant and animal peatlands (including bogs and fens), marshes, species that may be of concern to the Forest sedge meadows, wet upland meadows, and Service, but which do not meet criteria for wet shores. Most open wetlands on the GMNF inclusion in the Regional Forester’s Sensitive are associated with rivers and are influenced by Species list. These species could include those recent beaver activity; few are old and stable that are not known to occur now on the Forest wetlands like peatlands. See also “wetland.” although they may have historically been here; species that may not be of viability concern on WHOLE TREE LOGGING – The process of the Forest but are rare or listed in the State; felling and transporting the trimmed bole in one species that are exhibiting population trends piece to a landing. The bole is then separated that are starting to be of concern, but not to the into wood products at the landing that include point where viability on the Forest is at sawlogs, pulpwood, firewood, and/or tops for moderate or high risk; or species that are new wood chips. to the Forest and have not yet been evaluated for viability. WILD RIVER – Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Usage: congressionally designated rivers, or WATERSHED – The entire region drained by a sections of rivers, that are free of waterway or into a lake or reservoir. More impoundments and generally inaccessible specifically, a watershed is an area of land except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines above a given point on a stream that essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. contributes water to the streamflow at that point. WILDERNESS – The Wilderness Act of 1964 defined a wilderness as an area of undeveloped WATER TABLE – The upper surface of federal land designated by the Congress that groundwater. Below it, the soil is saturated with has the following characteristics: (1) It water. generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the WATER YIELD – The runoff from a watershed, imprint of man’s work substantially including groundwater outflow. unnoticeable; (2) It has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and WETLAND – Those areas that under normal unconfined type of recreation; (3) It has at least circumstances are inundated by surface or 5,000 acres of land or is of sufficient size as to ground water with a frequency sufficient to make practicable its preservation and use in an support a prevalence of vegetation or aquatic unimpaired condition; and (4) It may also life that requires saturated or seasonally- contain ecological, geological, or other features saturated soil conditions for growth and of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical reproduction. Wetlands generally include value (Wilderness Act, Sec. 2(c)). swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas such as seeps, sloughs, potholes, wet WILDLAND FIRE – Any non-structure fire, other meadows, river overflows, mud flats, and than prescribed fire, that occurs in the wildland natural ponds (FSM 2527.05). (Zimmerman 1998).

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WILDLAND FIRE SUPPRESSION – An appropriate management response to wildland fire that results in curtailment of fire spread and eliminates all identified threats from the particular fire. All wildland fire suppression activities provide for firefighter and public safety as the highest consideration, but minimize loss of resource values, economic expenditures, and/or the use of critical firefighting resources (Zimmerman 1998).

WILDLAND FIRE USE – The management of naturally ignited wildland fires to accomplish specific pre-stated resource management objectives in predefined geographic areas outlined in Forest Fire Management Plans. Operational management is described in the Wildland Fire Implementation Plan. Wildland fire use is not to be confused with “fire use,” which is a broader term encompassing more than just wildland fires (Zimmerman 1998). (see Fire Use)

WILDLIFE HABITAT DIVERSITY – The distribution and abundance of different plant and animal communities and species within a Prescribed Burn specific area.

WINDTHROW – Trees uprooted by wind.

WIND TOWERS – Includes individual wind towers for wind energy testing and monitoring facilities (small individual site-specific meteorological towers and instrumentation facilities) as well as wind energy development projects (includes wind turbine facilities, as well as access roads, electrical and transmission facilities, and other support facilities).

WOOD FIBER PRODUCTION – The growing, tending, harvesting, and regeneration of harvestable trees.

[Z]

ZONE OF INFLUENCE (ZOI) – The area influenced by Forest Service management activities.

Green Mountain National Forest Page 157 Index Chapter 7

7.1 INDEX

This index contains a list of key words used Indiana Bat: Pages 18, 27-29, 31, 41-42 throughout the document. While it is not an exhaustive list, it is a tool for using this Interpretation and Education: Pages 9, 15, document. For each term, pages are listed on 17, 18, 41, 71, 77, 84, 88, 96, 97, 98, 100, 102 which either the term is used substantively or the topic is discussed substantively even Land Acquisition and Adjustment: Pages 18, though the term is not used. A range of pages 42, 74 may indicate a long discussion or separate uses of the term on each page. Long Trail: Pages 2, 36, 37, 41, 49, 51, 52, 63, 64, 66, 70, 73-78, 82, 83, 84, 94, 100, 101 Air Quality: Pages 14, 34, 49, 118 Management Indicator Species: Pages 114, Appalachian National Scenic Trail: Pages 2, 116, 139 15, 36, 37, 41, 49, 51, 52, 63, 64, 66-72, 73, 76, 79, 80, 94 Monitoring: Pages 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 20, 28, 31, 33, 35, 43, 51, 53, 72, 78, 83, 92, 94, 111-119 Bicycling: Pages 2, 36, 47, 52, 54, 56, 70, 76, 79, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100 Non-Native Invasive Species: Pages 13, 17, 21, 33-34, 50, 54, 55, 68, 75, 83, 87, 92, 96, Campgrounds: Pages 20, 33, 47, 103, 106, 101 109 Prescribed Fire: Pages 5, 14, 24, 25, 34, 48, Communication Sites or Uses: Pages 44, 45, 59, 61, 64, 69, 75, 87, 98, 99, 102, 103, 108 56, 59, 65, 72, 78, 81, 85, 89, 93, 97, 99 Public Involvement: Pages 4, 15, 16, 18, 115, Deer Wintering Areas: Pages 24, 25, 29-30, 120 36, 47, 54, 60, 79, 101 Recreation: Pages 2, 9, 15-16, 18, 23, 30, 34- Even-Aged Management: Pages 4, 11, 23, 24- 37, 38, 41, 42, 43-44, 51-53, 56, 59, 60, 61-62, 25, 26, 29, 47, 58, 59, 60, 61, 101, 109, 115, 63-81, 83-84, 88, 92, 96-97, 98-104, 106-108, 132 118

Fire Management: Pages 4, 5, 14, 18, 24, 25, Recreation Opportunity Spectrum: Pages 5, 34, 48, 51, 55, 59, 61, 64, 69, 75, 80, 83, 87, 34, 35, 37, 38, 41, 47, 49, 54, 58, 60, 63, 67, 88, 92, 96, 98, 99, 102, 103, 108 69, 71, 74, 75, 77, 79, 82, 86, 94, 98, 100, 103, 105, 106, 118 Geological Resources: Pages 14, 15, 22-23, 30, 45, 48, 50, 55, 59, 61, 63, 64, 68, 75, 79, Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species: 80, 83, 86, 91, 94, 95, 96, 98, 101, 103, 106, Pages 30, 33, 50, 54, 91, 92 107, 108 Research: Pages 9, 30, 44, 45, 52, 55, 72, 78, Heritage Resources: Pages 17, 18, 40, 52, 55, 90-93, 94, 97, 100, 111, 119 88, 92, 97, 106 Research Natural Areas and Candidate Horse Use: Pages 2, 52, 54, 56, 70, 76, 79, 84, Research Natural Areas: Pages 90, 127, 148 88, 92, 96 Riparian and Aquatic Habitats: Pages 20, 63, 86, 118, 149

Page 158 Green Mountain National Forest Chapter 7 Index

Roads: Pages 16, 42-43, 53, 56, 59, 62, 65, 71, 77, 81, 84, 88, 92, 97, 102, 104, 108, 115, 133, 141

Snowmobile: Pages 60, 71, 77, 79, 100 153

Soil Resources: Pages 13, 20-22, 63, 86, 118, 153

Special Areas: Pages 82, 94, 98, 153

Special Uses: Pages 43-45, 53, 56, 59, 62, 65, 72, 78, 81, 84, 88, 92, 97, 99, 102, 104, 128, 142, 146, 148, 153

Suitable Land: Pages 11, 154, 156

Summer Off-Road Vehicles: Pages 37, 44, 109, 143

Threatened Endangered and Sensitive Species: Pages 12, 30, 155

Timber or Vegetation Management: Pages 10-12, 14, 23-25, 50, 55, 59, 61, 64, 68, 75, 80, 83, 87, 91, 95, 99, 101, 103, 108-109, 111,

Trails: Pages 35-37, 52, 56, 62, 64, 70-71, 76- 77, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 99, 102, 108-109

Tribal Relations: Pages 17, 40

Uneven-Aged Management: Pages 23, 25, 156

Visual Resources: Pages 16, 37-39, 62, 64, 71, 77, 108, 157-158

Water Resources: Pages 13, 20-22, 86

Wetlands: Pages 13, 158

Wild Scenic and Recreational Rivers: Pages 105-109

Wilderness: Pages 9, 16, 49-53, 158

Wildlife Habitat: Pages 27-32, 50, 60-62, 64, 91, 101, 108-109, 118

Wind Towers: Pages 72, 78, 84, 159

Green Mountain National Forest Page 159