AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT of the SOUTH RED BIRD WILDLIFE

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT of the

SOUTH RED BIRD WILDLIFE HABITAT ENHANCEMENT PROJECT Daniel Boone National Forest, Redbird Ranger District As Analyzed by the Interdisciplinary Team for the Environmental Assessment November 2019 This document describes the Affected Environment of the South Red Bird Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project Environmental Assessment (EA) as part of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) NEPA analysis. It 1) defines how the affected environment was compiled for this EA; 2) lists the resources considered but not carried forward for detailed analysis, and 3) describes the South Red Bird Project’s affected environment for each resource that was analyzed in detail. Additionally, individual resource reports are available in the project record.

1 DEFINING THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT FOR SOUTH RED BIRD PROJECT The affected environment of a NEPA document succinctly describes the physical, biological, social, and economic conditions of the environment that could be affected by the alternatives (40 CFR 1502.15) of a project. An affected environment is not required for an environmental assessment (EA); however, we are making it available here as part of the project record to describe the existing condition of the project area, as identified through data collected and analyzed in the planning process. Additional resource-specific details are available in specialist reports in the project record.

The IRMS Process: Since 2004, when the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Daniel Boone National Forest (Forest Plan, 2004) was approved, the DBNF has implemented the Integrated Resource Management Strategy (USDA 2009 Revised), a systematic process for determining existing resource conditions, then developing projects on the landscape with the aim to bring the area closer to the desired future condition (DFC) described in the Forest Plan. The South Red Bird Integrated Resource Management Area (IRMA) is such a landscape-level project area, delineated by the South Red Bird Watershed IRMA boundary, a combination of small sub-watersheds or sixth level Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs): the Upper Red Bird Creek, Phillips Fork, Bowen Creek, and Elisha Creek watersheds. The South Red Bird IRMA encompasses approximately 56,000 acres, of which 32,300 acres are National Forest System (NFS) lands, within the Red Bird River Watershed in Clay, Leslie, and Bell Counties, Kentucky. The entire Redbird River Watershed lies within the larger Upper Kentucky River Management Area, which is described in the Forest Plan. This Management Area lies within the Kentucky River basin and forms the proclamation boundary of the Redbird Ranger District. Activities are proposed and analyzed in the EA, and locations of the activities are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. The Proposed Actions of the South Red Bird Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project.

For the South Red Bird Project EA, the affected environment is the existing condition of each applicable category of the IRMS, which corresponds directly to Forest Plan goals and objectives, plus other resources that are influenced by the existing condition or treatments proposed. During the IRMS process, the existing conditions were compiled through terrestrial and aquatic wildlife surveys; annual bird point surveys; forest stand inventories; multiple wildlife and forest stand datasets compiled over several decades; abandoned mine land sampling and tests; recreational trail condition surveys; road and culvert examinations; fuels management surveys; archaeological surveys and reports; soil and water surveys; and other data collection and analyses across resources. The existing conditions were then compared to the Forest Plan’s goals, objectives, and desired future conditions (DFC) for each resource. Where gaps between the existing condition and desired conditions exist, recommendations were developed to move the resource closer to DFC. Where applicable, these recommendations became the activities proposed for this project. Table 1 summarizes the IRMS process by showing one example of how the IRMS tables were used to develop wildlife habitat enhancement projects. Step 1: Identify a Forest Plan Goal or Objective by category (e.g., wildlifeearly seral habitat for wildlife) and study the Forest Plan’s specified Desired Future Condition for each category Step 2: Determine the existing condition from databases and imagery, and collect new data from inventories, sampling, field reconnaissance, plots, etc. Step 3: Compare the existing condition and the desired condition to determine what would be needed to reach DFC Step 4: Make recommendations and propose actions to help move the existing condition toward the desired condition. If needed, incorporate design criteria into the proposed action to protect specific resources or species. Table 2 provides the land-based statistics of the IRMA, such as the number of acres in each Forest Plan Prescription Area located in the project area, and how much (in acres and percentage) of the IRMA will be affected by the proposed action. The South Red Bird IRMS Synopsis (Calvert 2017) compiled all these statistics, findings and recommendations that helped lead to proposed actions for the EA.

Table 1. Example of the IRMS process.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Category: Attribute; Comparison of Recommendations Description of Desired Forest Description of Existing and  Proposed Condition from the Plan Goal Existing Condition Desired Actions / Design Forest Plan or Conditions Criteria Objective

Vegetation: Maintain 5 to 6 % within As of 2017, no early Desired future Action 1: Early Early Seral each 5th level watershed seral/ young forest 0- condition calls for Seral Habitat— Habitat (0- in the 0-10 age class, 10 years old exists on an additional shelterwood 10 years including the effects of the IRMA. Approx. 3.1% to 4.1% treatments old); catastrophic events. Site- 65 acres will be (2,246-2,971 Action 9: Salvage specific stand conditions established in the acres) of early Objective treatments will determine timing of southern portion of seral habitat to 1K – 1.A harvest. Rotations are the Red Bird River achieve this Design criteria: expected to normally watershed through the Objective within Leave butternut range between 140 and Spring Creek the Red Bird trees and pitch pine 190 years. Stands with a Vegetation River 5th level when harvesting or predominance of trees Management Project, watershed. burning. Use that have a shorter life starting in 2019. directional felling expectancy or are in to protect rare poor condition should communities. have shorter rotations. Stands with a predominance of trees that have a longer life expectancy and are in good condition should have longer rotations.

Table 2. Land-based Statistics of the South Red Bird Project Area

Land Area Approximate Acreage within South Red Bird IRMA

Upper Kentucky Management Area: 682,042 acres

National Forest System Lands:

• Daniel Boone National Forest 708,500 acres

• Redbird Ranger District 145,840 acres

South Red Bird IRMA 55,755 acres (NFS & Pvt.)

• NFS Lands 32,262 acres (4.6% of Forest, 22.1% of District) South Redbird IRMS Sixth Level Subwatersheds:

• 051002030201 - Red Bird Creek - Lick Fork • 051002030202 - Red Bird River - Phillips Fork • 051002030203 - Red Bird River – Bowen Creek • 051002030304 - Red Bird River - Flat Creek 1.A Proposed Research Natural Area – Elisha Creek 161 acres

1.C Cliffline Community 6,212 acres

• Inside 100’ • 2,086 acres (NFS land above the cliff)

• Inside 200’ • 4,402 acres (NFS land below the cliff)

1.E Riparian Corridor 8,721 acres (NFS & Pvt.)

• NFS Lands in Riparian Corridor 4,962 acres 1.J Significant Bat Caves 125 acres (2 Rafinesque big-eared bat caves)

1.K Habitat Diversity Emphasis 23,170 acres

Lands Unsuitable for Timber Production 310 acres

Existing Early Seral Habitat 0 acres

Largest age class in IRMA (50-60 years old)

Grasslands/ Wildlife openings (including AML and ROW*) 330 acres

Total Area in IRMA with proposed treatments 12,375 acres (38% of NFS in IRMA)

Total Area in IRMA with no proposed treatments 19,875 acres (62% of NFS in IRMA)

*AML = Abandoned Mine Lands; ROW = Rights of Way

2 RESOURCES CONSIDERED BUT NOT CARRIED FORWARD FOR ANALYSIS Because the intent of a NEPA document is to concentrate on the issues that are truly significant to the action in question, rather than amassing needless detail (40 CFR 1500.1(b)), elements that are not present or would not be affected are not carried forward for analysis in the EA. 2.1 Air Quality: The Redbird area is rural, located in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Kentucky. There are no major metropolitan areas nearby to pollute the air with carbon emissions. Although the South Red Bird Project proposes several activities, only prescribed burning would result in measurable air emissions (smoke). The potential effects of smoke from the Proposed Action have been analyzed in detail in the Redbird Fuels Treatment EA (2012) and can be referenced there.

2.2 Climate Change: When considering the spatial and temporal scale of this project (just over 12,000 acres over 10-15 years), potential impacts from any of the proposed treatments cannot be meaningfully measured. Less than 15% of the IRMA will be cut at varying densities, and none of the units would be completely cleared of vegetation. Reforestation would begin immediately across the area. Initial and follow-up treatments are designed to advance regeneration of native trees. Further, over 62% of the project area will receive no treatment at all, leaving those forested acres to continue sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.

2.3 Congressional Designations (Wilderness, Wild and Scenic River): There are no Wilderness Areas or Wilderness Study Areas in the project area. Also, there are no Congressionally-designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in the South Red Bird Project area. Therefore, no Congressional Designations would be affected by the Proposed Action.

2.4 Environmental Justice: Although low-income and minority populations exist in the area, the proposed action is not expected to have disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on these communities. See Socioeconomics Section below and/or in the project record.

2.5 Human Health and Safety: Potential impacts from the Proposed Action to human health and safety include smoke from prescribed fires, exposure to Herbicides, and miscellaneous risks. All of these risks have been analyzed in previous EAs for the DBNF, such as the Greenwood Vegetation Management Project (USDA 2017), the Spring Creek Vegetation Management Project (USDA 2015), the Redbird Fuels Treatment EA (USDA 2012), the Invasive Non-Native

Plant Treatment EA (USDA 2016a), and others, and thus will not be analyzed in full in this document.

2.6 Inventoried Roadless Areas; Unroaded and Undeveloped Areas: There are no inventoried Roadless Areas or Unroaded/ Undeveloped Areas in the project area. Therefore, these resources would not be affected by the proposed action.

2.7 National Landmarks: The Right Fork of Elisha Creek Proposed Research Natural Area (pRNA) could be considered a National Landmark should it be upgraded from “Proposed” to “Designated.” The pRNA is within the South Red Bird project area; however, no management actions are proposed within the PRNA. In accordance with the 2004 Forest Plan, the pRNA is being managed like designated RNA: that is, for old-growth characteristics and very limited activity allowed within its boundaries. Because no activities are proposed in the pRNA, no impacts from this project to this resource are anticipated.

2.8 National Parks or State Parks: There are no National Parks or State Parks in or near the project area. Therefore, no impacts to these resources would occur.

2.9 Prime Farmlands, Rangelands, and Forestlands: No Prime Forestlands, as described in 7 CFR Ch18, Pt.1940, Subpart G, Exhibit. A, have been designated in the project areas. Therefore, this resource would not be impacted by the proposed action or alternatives.

2.10 Visual Resources: Visual resources were not brought up as an issue during the collaborative or scoping process. We anticipate a fairly even tradeoff between any potential adverse and improved scenic resources with various proposed activities. For example, Action 1 would be mitigated by Actions 2, 9, and 10. Therefore, this resource was not analyzed in detail.

2.11 Wetlands, Floodplains, Municipal Water Sources: There are no Source Water Protection Zones in the South Red Bird Project boundary. Other than an occasional farm pond or artificial pond on the DBNF, there are very few wetlands in the project area. With Forest Plan Riparian Prescription Area standards and low intensity backing fires near the shoreline, these anthropogenic wetlands would be unaffected. Numerous floodplains exist throughout the project area, but these areas should not have adverse effects from the project since they are protected by Forest Plan Riparian Prescription Area standards. They are also not likely to burn due to backing fires and increased soil moisture (Walker and Chalfant 1996).

3 THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT FOR RESOURCES ANALYZED IN DETAIL 3.1 Cultural Resources and Native American Concerns

Forest Service Policy (FSM 2361.3) requires that projects with the potential to affect cultural resources be surveyed for cultural resources to comply with 36CFR §800 – Protection of Historic Properties, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended; the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA 1969), the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA 1990), and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) of 1978.

A comprehensive survey was completed for the South Red Bird Bear Creek and Little Flat Creek timber sales and the Redbird Crest Trail Reroute in 2018. The two surveys resulted in the identification of 11 previously unrecorded archaeological sites and the revisit of 32 previously recorded sites. Eleven sites were recommended as either potentially eligible or eligible for National Register of Historic Places eligible. Four historic cemeteries were also identified. Recommendations from these surveys have been incorporated into the project to protect heritage resources. Federally recognized Native America tribes were consulted about this project. No sacred or spiritual sites are located within the project areas. The Cherokee Nation and the Shawnee Tribe concurred with the district archaeologist’s findings and support the project. There was no response from the other tribes that were consulted. 3.2 Fuels and Fire Management Due to more than 50 years of fire suppression, many fire-intolerant species have persisted in the Appalachians, causing a systemic alteration of plant composition and structure (Nowacki and Abrams 2008). The current Fire Regime Condition Class 3 (FRCC 3) across the South Red Bird IRMA means that the existing environment is at risk of losing key ecosystem components from lack of fire. In upland areas where fire has been absent, shade-tolerant species continue to grow and out-compete less shade-tolerant species. In areas without recent fire, fire-influenced and fire- mediated communities continue to decline and not attain a position of dominance in terms of their advanced regeneration. However, starting around the turn of this century, prescribed fire has become an increasingly valuable tool for vegetation management and improving forest health.

The Forest Plan provides several goals, objectives, and standards for using prescribed fire on the landscape to help achieve the desired future condition of fire-influenced and fire-mediated vegetation communities. For instance, these fire-mediated areas should not contain white pine or other fire-intolerant species, and forests should move from FRCC 3 toward FRCC 2 and 1.

Except for areas that have been affected by wildfire in the past 5 years, the entire South Red Bird IRMA is within condition class 3 and in need of restoration. The South Red Bird Project

proposes to use prescribed burning on 7,500 acres to move those areas gradually into Condition Class 2 or 1. It will take several years, potentially decades, to restore these areas to the desired future condition.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) is defined as a zone of transition between wildland and human development. Communities in the WUI can be at risk of damaging wildfire and their presence can disrupt the ecology of an area. National direction dictates that Wildland Urban Interface locations get priority for treatments to aid in reduction of fire impacts on populated areas.

There are 29,050 acres in the IRMS area identified as Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) as defined by the Healthy Forests Restoration Act Section 101(16)(B (ii))(2003). Of the 11,948 acres of proposed action surface area, 10,706 are within WUI. Approximately 6,593 acres of the 7,500 acres of proposed prescribed burning (Action 8) is located in WUI, with treatments expected to improve the ability of ground resources to suppress wildfires in and around those areas.

Besides protecting WUI, one of the primary objectives of prescribed burning for this project is to reintroduce fire to the ecosystem, increase the resiliency of native vegetation, benefit the fuels profile, and moderate potential future fire behavior. Silvicultural treatments resulting in open overstory canopy could reduce fire behavior while restoring shrub and herb vigor by increasing the amount of sunlight that reaches the forest floor.

From 1985 to 2017, there have been 279 documented wild fires in the South Red Bird IRMA, burning a total of 14,735 acres (with overlap of some burned areas). The largest documented fire was 1,175 acres in size. Since 1985, there have been 101 documented fires that intersect proposed treatment areas, burning a total of 5,424 acres (with overlap of some burned areas). The largest documented fire was 542 acres in size. Nearly 98% of the fires were human caused, with 86% being intentional arson fires.

Federal fire suppression policies since the early 1950’s have altered fire regimes, forest species composition, and increased woody fuel loads across the nation. Existing conditions that are in FRCC 3 are at risk of losing key ecosystem components from lack of fire. For example, pine species require fire to open pine cones for re-seeding the soils, and lack of fire on the landscape is one reason that pine communities are diminishing. In upland areas where fire has been absent, shade-tolerant species continue to grow and out-compete less shade-tolerant species. In areas without recent fire, fire-influenced and fire-mediated communities continue to decline and not attain a position of dominance in terms of their advanced regeneration. Due to more than 50 years of fire suppression, many fire-intolerant species have gained purchase in the Appalachians, causing a systemic alteration of plant composition and structure (Nowacki and Abrams 2008). However, starting around the turn of this century, prescribed fire has become an increasingly valuable tool for vegetation management and improving forest health.

3.3 Non-Native Invasive Plant Species

A variety of non-native invasive plant species (NNIPS) occur along roads, trails and grassy openings in the IRMA. Spot treatment of these species with herbicides was analyzed in the 2016 Forest-wide programmatic Invasive Plant Species Treatment EA and is being implemented under the same Decision Notice (USDA 2016a). Design criteria to prevent further invasion of non- natives is included in contracts prior to implementation (see Appendix A-Design Criteria).

3.4 Recreation

Recreation that occurs within project area is primarily dispersed, consisting of hunting, hiking, biking, four-wheeling, horseback riding, photography, and grapevine collection. One of the main recreation attractions on the Redbird Ranger District is the Redbird Crest Trail, a 100-mile motorized trail that offers a wide variety of off-highway vehicle opportunities. The trail is also popular for trail and adventure running competitions. In the past, the trail has been difficult to maintain. However, since 2015, because of its popularity, the Forest has made a concerted effort to improve the maintenance of the Redbird Crest Trail. Basic maintenance needs are being met on an annual basis and trail improvement projects have been identified with some minor projects being completed. During collaboration, a trail reroute was requested by both the public and the ID team, and the proposed action has been developed to satisfy this request (Action 10). There are some trail sections that need either major reconstruction or rerouted completely to mitigate the current erosion and alignment issues. Some trail sections are located on existing logging roads and present safety concerns for trail users and logging operations. Of these sections on logging roads, many would be best served to relocate off the existing road for both trail user satisfaction and safety. Some sections shared with logging roads are not able to be relocated due to terrain limitation or resource concerns. A map showing the planned reroute, and details about the direct and indirect impacts from the proposed action is available in the project EA. 3.5 Roads and Travel Management

A detailed analysis of the National Forest System roads was conducted for each district on the DBNF in 2016 and 2017. This Travel Analysis Plan was prepared for a Region-wide study to determine the status of the roads on NFS lands and to update maintenance levels needed on the Forests’ roads. Geographic information system (GIS) analysis provided a list of roads within 100 feet of a stream and roads on slopes greater than 40 percent. This analysis helps the IDT determine the best prescriptions for certain stands based on access and slope, condition of roads, bridges, and culverts, and helps with resource analysis, such as potential soil erosion and sedimentation into the streams.

The existing road system in the IRMA includes National Forest System Roads (NFSR), public state and county roads, authorized user developed roads (e.g., logging, oil/ gas access roads), and various un-authorized roads such as OHV trails. The condition of existing roads, both authorized and unauthorized, varies greatly. Annual road maintenance is conducted throughout the year on approximately 20% of the NFSRs, primarily focused on Maintenance Level 3-5 roads (Level 3 and 4 being graveled, Level 5 being paved). Roads often receive damage from heavy rainfall due to inadequate drainage features and lack of maintenance. The road system is aging and a large amount of deferred maintenance exists throughout the system, including replacing aggregate surfacing, replacing culverts or other water crossings that are undersized or no longer functioning properly, grading the road surface, and brushing and mowing the road’s edges.

Road inventories were conducted for the South Red Bird Project to determine needs for maintenance, reconstruction, closure, or gating, or whether temporary roads were needed for hauling timber out of land-locked stands (Wilson and Sprinkle 2018). Roads in the IRMA that are not used directly for timber haul may be improved using saved timber receipts, which would provide better, safer access and less environmental impact. Stream fords across the IRMS were surveyed by an IDT of engineers, wildlife and fisheries biologists, and foresters, and recreation personnel who agreed with the following (Action 6): • The crossing at Elisha Creek needs to be hardened with gravel and concrete; • The culvert at Long Fork of Gilberts Creek is sub-standard for haul trucks and needs to be reconstructed; • The crossing at Trace Branch is adequate as is for timber hauling and OHV use--no reconstruction is needed.

Although the South Red Bird Project does not propose to use oil and gas roads for any hauling of timber, some short sections are part of the Redbird Crest Trail. Therefore, oil and gas roads within the IRMA boundary were also surveyed for their current conditions and potential impacts (Sprinkle 2019a). Impacts are analyzed in the EA, and the results of the surveys are in the project record. Roads that receive pre-haul maintenance, specified road reconstruction, or post- haul maintenance (Actions 11 and 12) will be performed to standard for the proposed activity to achieve desired conditions (Sprinkle 2019b). Road condition, including subgrade, aggregate surfacing, and drainage features will be improved in the project area as required by law to comply with the Highway Safety Act. 3.6 Sensitive Plants and Rare Communities

No federally proposed or listed plant species (PET) are known to exist on the Redbird Ranger District. Some uncommon and rare plants have been found on the district, including Regional Forester’s sensitive species (RFSS) and conservation species (CS). Habitat features and individual species that may need to be protected have been identified in the Forest botanist’s Specialist’s Report for Rare or Uncommon Botanical Resources and NNIPS (Taylor 2019), and

design criteria will be incorporated into site-specific prescriptions to avoid or minimize impacts to rare plant species, including possible effects to viability (refer to Appendix A for Design Criteria). Details of the known existence of each species and potential impacts of the project’s proposed activities is provided in the project record. A summary of potential effects is provided in the EA. The following is a list of the findings from the Forest botanist’s report (Taylor 2019):

• No federally proposed or listed plant species (PET) are known to exist on the Redbird Ranger District, though marginal habitat is present in the IRMA. • There is no designated critical habitat for any listed plant species on the Forest. • The Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species (RFSS) list includes twenty-nine (29) sensitive plants that can be found on the DBNF, and two (2) that are known to exist on the South Red Bird IRMA. • One hundred sixty-three (163) conservation species plants (CS) occur on the DBNF, and four (4) are documented on the South Red Bird IRMA and an additional 50 reasonably expected to be present. • The only plant management indicator species (MIS) on the DBNF is pitch pine, which exists in the IRMA.

3.7 Socioeconomics

National Forests and Grasslands provide multiple benefits to the American people and to local communities. They provide clean air and water, preserve cultural resources, and conserve lands for the enjoyment of present and future generations. They also support local economies through recreation, timber, energy, minerals, and livestock grazing. In addition, counties with national forests or grasslands receive funds to support schools, road maintenance, and stewardship projects. The Forest Service also invests in such things as the construction and maintenance of infrastructure, environmental restoration, and forest health (USDA 2016b).

The DBNF directly contributes to the local economy by employing about 920 local full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees on the Forest itself, and $36,716,000 in local labor income (USDA 2016b). Jobs supported by the Forest are often in small, rural communities. All seventeen counties overlapping the national forest’s boundaries are non-metro containing less than 50,000 residents. On the DBNF, the largest land use type is forest (93%), of which 99% is timberland and 1% is reserved. Water (6%) and non-forest (1.5%) are the other land use types (USDA 2016b). Therefore, it is clear that the DBNF is an important contributor to economic and social sustainability of the area (see Figure 2).

Many of the comments received during the South Red Bird Project scoping were opposed to commercial timber sales, citing the potential impacts from heavy equipment, invasion of non-

native plant species, and sedimentation into the watershed. Others stated that income from recreation outpaced income from forest products, and therefore, our forests should be used only for recreation and wildlife habitat. However, the following socioeconomic analysis for this project clearly shows that the state of Kentucky relies heavily on the economic contributions of the DBNF, and in particular, its forest products.

Figure 2. DBNF Economic Contribution to Labor Income by Program (USDA 2014). However, recreation does play an important role in the socioeconomics of the state. Recreationists, outfitters, and guides benefit directly from National Forest System land while local businesses benefit from spending by forest visitors. Total spending by visitors to the Daniel Boone National Forest is about $49.0 million annually (USDA 2016b). A 2011 USFWS Survey found that 1.7 million residents and non-residents 16 years old and older fished, hunted, and/or viewed wildlife across the state (USFWS 2013). Fishermen/ anglers spent $807,293,000 in 2011, hunters spent $797,766,000, and wildlife watchers spent $773,222,000, for a total of $2.9 billion for the year in Kentucky (USFWS 2013). Of those state-wide economic figures, contributions of in-state and non-local recreation from the DBNF equals approximately $7,700,000 annually (USDA 2014).

3.8 Soil and Water Resources

Soil and water resources were analyzed in detail in the Cherry and Cotton (2019) specialist report that is available in the project record. The spatial bounds for the soil and water analyses are displayed in Figure 1 and Figure 3. Temporal bounds is typically three years, or the time it takes for soil that has been disturbed to become completely re-vegetated. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) provides soil interpretation ratings in National Soil Information System (NASIS) for all the soil mapping units

13 in the project area. Research reports, field reconnaissance, NRCS soil surveys, NASIS reports, and GIS analysis were utilized to determine existing soil resources and condition in the South Red Bird Project area. Actions that can potentially disturb the soil from this project include heavy equipment use, road and trail maintenance and construction, herbicide use, and prescribed burning. Table 3 describes the subwatersheds analyzed for soil and water, including the WCC score and class. The southern-most subwatershed, Lick Fork-Red Bird River, does not include NFS land, but was considered for cumulative effects. All of the subwatersheds are in the Kentucky River 8-digit HUC sub basin. The description of each of the four watersheds is available in the Soil and Water Specialist Report (Cherry and Cotton 2019). Table 3. Descriptions of the 12-digit HUC sub watersheds analyzed for soil and water, South Red Bird Project, Daniel Boone National Forest, Red Bird Ranger District.

Subwatershed 12-digit HUC Total NFS-owned WCC score WCC Class name watershed land, in % of acres total Lick Fork – Red 051002030201 ND 0 ND ND Bird River Phillips Fork – 2. Functioning 051002030202 13,695 7,203 2.1 Red Bird River at Risk Bowen Creek – 2. Functioning 051002030203 19,851 16,087 2.1 Red Bird River at Risk Elisha Creek – 2. Functioning 051002030204 11,147 8,973 1.7 Red Bird River at Risk HUC, Hydrologic Unit Code; %, percent; ND, no data; *, computed with GIS and accuracy

Hydrology All subwatersheds in Table 3 have impaired streams from E. coli (KDEP 2016b). Two waterways are designated as Exceptional Use waters: Spruce Branch and Elisha Creek. The quality of Exceptional Use waters exceeds what is necessary to support the propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation (KDEP 2016a). Two of the sub watersheds, Phillips Fork – Red Bird River and Bowen Creek – Red Bird River, are priority watersheds (USDA 2011c). No karst topography has been documented in any of the sub watersheds. Soils Soils within the South Red Bird Project area are derived from sedimentary rock, mostly sandstone and shale, with lesser amounts of limestone, siltstone, and coal. The parent rock includes lower to middle Pennsylvanian-aged rocks from the Breathitt Formation. Coal beds are numerous and common in this part of the Breathitt. Soil mapping units for Leslie, Clay, and Perry Counties are described in the Soil and Water Resources Specialists’ Report (Cherry and Cotton 2019).

Figure 3. Spatial bounds of the South Red Bird Project analyzed for water, including HUCs, roads, monitoring sites, oil and gas wells, and priority watersheds, Redbird Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest.

The diversity of parent material produces soils that differ in rock content, erodibility, and depths. Woodland soils are often mapped as complexes or associations. These consist of two or more dissimilar components occurring in a regularly repeating pattern (Soil Survey Division Staff 1993). The project area crosses two soil survey areas, KY051 Clay County and KY633 Leslie and Perry Counties. Approximately 40% of the project activities occur in Clay County and the remaining occur in Leslie County. Soils in the project area are silt and sandy loams that cover a wide range of landscape positions. Gilpin, Rayne, and Latham may be found in the highest landscape positions, such as ridge tops and shoulders. Sideslopes are covered with a variety of well-draining and deeper soils such as Shelocta, Sequoia, and Gilpin, which are good for vegetative growth. Kimper and Cutshin are representative soil series found on lower slope positions, and the floodplains are mapped with Philo, Grigsby, Pope, and Craigsville alluvial soils. The diversity of parent material produces soils that differ in rock content, erodibility, and depths. Woodland soils are often mapped as complexes or associations. These consist of two or more dissimilar components occurring in a regularly repeating pattern (Soil Survey Division Staff 1993). The project area crosses two soil survey areas, KY051 Clay County and KY633 Leslie and Perry Counties. Approximately 40% of the project activities occur in Clay County and the remaining occur in Leslie County. Soils in the project area are silt and sandy loams that cover a wide range of landscape positions. Gilpin, Rayne, and Latham may be found in the highest landscape positions, such as ridge tops and shoulders. Sideslopes are covered with a variety of well-draining and deeper soils such as Shelocta, Sequoia, and Gilpin, which are good for vegetative growth. Kimper and Cutshin are representative soil series found on lower slope positions, and the floodplains are mapped with Philo, Grigsby, Pope, and Craigsville alluvial soils. Erosion The NRCS provides soil interpretation ratings in NASIS for all the soil mapping units in the project area. Erosion ratings indicate the hazard or risk of soil loss from areas after disturbance activities that expose the soil surface. Ratings assume a 50 to 75% exposed, roughened mineral surface layer. Ratings are defined as follows: • Slight - Erosion is unlikely under ordinary climatic conditions. • Moderate - Some erosion is likely; control measures may be needed. • Severe - Erosion is very likely; control measures for vegetation re-establishment on bare areas and structural measures are advised. The erosion hazard for unsurfaced roads or trails in the project area ranges from slight to severe, with the most common soil series having moderate to severe erosion potential, influenced by slope, rock content, and soil texture (Soil Survey Staff 2019). The remaining soils, including complexes that include Rigley and Cranston, have severe erosion potential for unsurfaced roads and trails. This rating reflects erosion that may occur from a road or trail without any cover or water control structures. These roads and trails require frequent maintenance, and erosion-control measures are needed. Slopes within the project area range between 0-60% gradient (Table 4). The mean slope in the project area is 23%.

Table 4. Slope classes within the South Red Bird Project area, Redbird Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest. Slope % 0 – 10% 10 – 20% 20 – 30% 30 – 40% >40% Project Area % 9.5 23.1 48.6 17.5 1.3

BMP Monitoring Required annual BMP monitoring (USDA 2012) of timber sale landings, skid trails, prescribed burn fire lines, and trail improvements by DBNF Watershed staff indicate that BMPs have been implemented and continue to be effective at limiting the amount of erosion on projects across the forest. See Cherry and Cotton (2019) for results of BMP monitoring across the Forest. Annual monitoring of timber sales and other activities in dicates that erosion is being managed within these limits, with few exceptions. One large exception occurred in a nearby IRMA (North Red Bird) within the last 2 years: Granny’s Branch. A full-bench skid road was constructed on slopes that exceeded 35%. The soil scientist was not informed until after the sale was finished. Repairs were made using soil and water funding. Erosion occurred in this location but it was arrested once the area was seeded and mulched. Communication could have kept this from happening, and the leadership, staff, and district all understand that Granny’s Branch was an unacceptable situation. That is not expected to happen again. 319 Grant Work In 2010 the DBNF initiated a project in the Red Bird River Watershed that culminated in a Watershed-Based Management Plan (WBP). This involved multiple local citizens, non-profits, and government agencies. Using the WBP, the forest applied for an EPA 319(h) grant, which was awarded in 2016. The Kentucky Division of Water administers these federal grants. The grants are awarded to address non-point source pollution in impaired waters, such as the Redbird River and its tributaries. The WBP funded water quality monitoring results that revealed the primary pollutants in the river and watershed. E. coli was the most pressing issue in the water to be addressed. We also focus on reducing sediment within the watershed through trail and road work. With the grant funds we have been able to install 16 septic systems in target sub watersheds, clean up 50 acres of trash, hire a local Watershed Coordinator, educate numerous children and adults on the importance of clean water, and conduct water control work on approximately 20 miles of the Red Bird Crest Trail. This grant is going to be extended for another 3 years with the same objectives. 3.9 Vegetation, Silviculture, and Timber Resources

Vegetation Communities: Oak regeneration, and especially oak recruitment into the canopy, is considered one of the main issues that need addressing from this project. Oaks provide mast (acorns) that a wide variety of wildlife rely on for sustenance each year. From inventory data collected within the project area,

17 current circumstances reveal mostly oak-dominated stands. However, data also reveal stocking levels throughout the project area that are currently too dense to successfully recruit oak regeneration to a position of dominance. There are currently 14,380 acres of dry-mesic oak forest and 519 acres of dry-xeric oak forest types in the South Red Bird IRMA, with both oak forest types meeting the desired condition. This suggests that the oak component is still regenerating, but is losing its competitive edge because of lack of recent disturbances. Our upland oak species, currently present in the overstory of mature forests, are considered disturbance dependent (i.e, fire, stochastic events, or human-caused). Oaks regenerate by dropping acorns or from stump sprouts, both methods requiring sunlight and relatively bare soil caused by disturbance. Likewise, seedlings and saplings require high light levels to compete into mature trees. Fire has been a critical component of upland oak ecosystems in eastern North America for thousands of years (Brose et al 2013), but modern fire suppression, along with the absence of other disturbance regimes, has contributed greatly towards an oak regeneration problem (Nowacki and Abrams 2008). Disturbances have been lacking in many of our mature oak- dominated stands in the South Red Bird project area, with the exception of some localized wildfires or prescribed fires. Where a lack of disturbance in recent decades has allowed fire- intolerant, shade tolerant species to continue growth into the upper canopy positions, oak decline and shortleaf pine mortality have provided small gaps for red maple to gain overstory prominence. These largely undisturbed stands are creating conditions unfavorable for successful oak recruitment into the canopy of mature forests. Essentially, the upland oak-dominated forests are actively experiencing mesophication. Nowacki and Abrams (2008) define mesophication as the process by which historically fire-adapted lands are being converted to closed-canopy, fire- intolerant forests due to fire suppression and lack of other disturbances. With red maple being the primary species benefitting from mesophication, stands inventoried in the project area show a common theme of red maple intrusion and oak attrition. Red maple, regardless of age-class, has the tendency to favor the conditions present in the closed-canopy, densely-stocked stands throughout the project area. Oaks in the youngest age-classes are lacking. Data analysis and field observations reveal that available sunlight has been shown as the limiting factor for the successful recruitment of oak seedlings and reproduction into the canopy. The existing basal area and canopy cover inhibits many oak seedlings from reaching maturity due to lack of available sunlight. Research clearly show that silvicultural treatments such as shelterwood harvests, prescribed fire, and other disturbance regimes will increase oak recruitment. Proposed silvicultural treatments such as shelterwood regeneration, midstory removal, and thinning treatments would increase the competitiveness of oak recruitment (Dey et al. 2015), and prescribed fire treatments would reduce the litter layer to provide a receptive

seedbed for oak seedling establishment (Royse et al 2010, Stambaugh and Muzika proceedings 2007). Therefore, to encourage oak regeneration and recruitment in the South Red Bird IRMA, 2,300 acres of early seral habitat and site preparation would be conducted under the Proposed Action (Action 1). Further, midstory removal with herbicide (Action 3.A), group selection treatments (Action 3.B), commercial and non-commercial thinnings and releases (Actions 1.C, 4, and 5), salvage removals (Action 9), and prescribed fire (Action 8) would all help reduce competition and aid recruitment.

Forest Age Diversity: A. Young forest/ early seral habitat (Stands 0 to 10 years old) Wildlife species that rely on young forest habitat are white-tailed deer, elk, quail, ruffed grouse, turkey, bear, and various small game and non-game species. Management Indicator Species (MIS) identified in the Forest Plan that require early aged forests include eastern towhee, yellow breasted chat, and prairie warbler. A mosaic of forest age classes and types is currently present, but is weighed toward older stands with limited herbaceous forbs and browse. Deer and elk often select early seral habitat, open thinned stands, stands with less midstory density, and grasslands and fallow fields. Ruffed grouse need early seral stands, open thinned stands, stands with less midstory density, and old-growth. Figure 5 shows the disparity between the existing condition of the age class structure in the IRMA and the desired condition, particularly the lack of young forests in early seral condition. The comparison of age classes in SRB on 10-year intervals between 1996 and 2019. Showing the movement of age classes 31-50 to a majority of 50 years and older. Note that in 2019, there are no early seral (0-10 year old) stands, and since 1996 there is a marked increase in stand age due to lack of active management. The Forest Plan DFC calls for 5-6% of the Forest to be in the 0-10 age class. The North Red Bird (2008) and Spring Creek Projects combined account for 1.9% of early seral habitat in the Red Bird River Watershed. To meet DFC, an additional 3.1% to 4.1% (2,246-2,971 acres) of early seral habitat is needed. Action 1, Young Forest Habitat, and Action 9, Salvage treatment would create 2,300 acres and 600 acres of young forest, respectively.

Acreage by Age Class in SRB IRMA 14000

12000

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

0 0-10 11-30 31-50 51-70 71+

1996 acres 2009 acres 2019 acres

Figure 4. Forest Age Classes in the South Red Bird Project Area.

B. Old-growth Several stands in the South Red Bird IRMA were examined for old-growth characteristics. Old growth defined in 1997 R8 report, in accordance with the Guidance for Conserving and Restoring Old-Growth Forest Communities on National Forests in the Southern Region: Report of the Region 8 Old-Growth Team, June 1997 (USDA 1997). This guidance states that old- growth status must meet five characteristics: 1) community type, 2) age, 3) past disturbance, 4) basal area, and 5) diameter at breast height (dbh). While some of the stands we examined met some of these criteria, no stand in the IRMA met all five characteristics. An in-depth old-growth analysis was conducted for the SRB project. Based on that analysis, the Proposed Action does not designate any new stands of old-growth because 1) there is already 1,800 acres of Designated Old-Growth in the North Red Bird IRMA, which is part of the Red Bird River Watershed; 2) there are thousands of acres in the IRMA that will receive no action and allowed to continue to age; and 3) 160 acres of the Right Fork of Elisha Creek Proposed Research Natural Area has been set aside in the Forest Plan to be managed as old-growth. The Right Fork of Elisha Creek Proposed Research Natural Area (pRNA) consists of 160 acres of second-growth forest in the South Red Bird IRMA and much of it falls within riparian and/or cove habitats. The area is currently forested with a community of large oak, beech, and maple, but mainly regenerating in beech and maple. If the pRNA becomes a designated RNA, the Southern Research Station would then assume responsibility for its management and research investments. Until that time, however, its stands will be inventoried and allocated into Prescription Area 1.I., Designated Old-Growth, in accordance with the Forest Plan (p. 3-4).

Forest Structural Diversity: A. Thinned Habitat of Varying Age Classes and Densities Forest stands in certain age classes and thinned to a specific basal area (BA) are needed to enhance habitat for certain Management Indicator Species (MIS). The Forest Plan points out chipping sparrows and summer tanagers, which both require upland hardwood or mixed hardwood/ yellow pine stands greater than 50 years old. Chipping sparrows need a BA less than 30 BA and with a grassy layer, while summer tanagers prefer a BA of between 30 and 60. There are nearly 12,000 upland acres in this 50-year old age class, but basal area for most of these stands is unknown. However, given the large number of acres in this age class, it is reasonable to assume that, if some stands are thinned to the appropriate basal areas, adequate habitat would be available for populations of chipping sparrows and summer tanagers.

Similarly, cerulean warblers require a wide variety of contiguous habitat, but notably upland hardwood or mixed hardwood/ yellow pine older than 60 years old with an average 70-90 BA to support their populations. Over 17,800 acres of this type in upland hardwood or mixed hardwood-yellow pine exist in the IRMA, providing large areas of contiguous forest, but the basal area is largely unknown. Although half of that acreage is less than 60 years old and not ideal habitat for cerulean warblers, nearly 9,000 acres of forest greater than 60 years old are available for them. Objective 2.1.A. in the Forest Plan calls for the relationship of basal area, number of trees, and average tree diameter to be below the 80% stocking level. The DFC Forest-wide is 5% in stands with 60-70 BA. To calculate BA across the IRMA, we stratified stand data by age, then took the average for basal area (Table 5). The average basal area of the NFS lands inventoried for the South Red Bird IRMA is approximately 106 ± 4.5 BA (of 140 stands sampled), exceeding DFC, and indicating a need to thin (decrease the basal area) stands across several age classes to improve forest health and wildlife habitat. The table represents approximately 10% of the total acreage within the Red Bird River 5th level watershed.

Table 5. Basal Area by Age Class in the South Red Bird IRMA

Age Class Average BA Age Class Average BA Age Class Average BA 0 - 10 0 51 - 60 103 91 - 100 98 11 - 20 33 61 - 70 97 101 - 110 98 21 - 30 53 71 - 80 92 111 - 120 105 31 - 40 89 81 - 90 91 121 - 130 105 41 - 50 93

The South Red Bird Project proposes Action 1.C –Mid-density thinning, Action 4- Commercial Thinning, Action 5- Crop Tree Release, and Action 11.C- Roadside thinning, silvicultural

prescriptions that reduce the density of selected forested stands, reduce heavy overstory canopy, and provide more daylight along roadsides.

B. Closed Canopy Midstory is defined as trees that are intermediate species or whose crowns are overtopped by taller trees. This creates a relatively open stand with a closed canopy high above the forest floor. The DBNF Forest Plan calls for two types of closed canopy: with and without a midstory. The DFC for the first type of desired closed canopy habitat is 10% of the area that is at least 60 years old with dense shrub/sapling layer, but with little to no midstory. This would equate to 5,040 – 5,220 acres--or about one-third of the existing condition—to meet DFC. The DFC for the second type of desired closed canopy is described as 30% of the area, at least 70 years old, and in a relatively closed canopy with midstory and shrub/sapling layers. One-quarter of this 30% should be in blocks of at least 620 acres for interior wildlife species. Each block can include up to 200 acres from adjacent cliff and riparian areas, and up to one-third of each block can be at a 60 BA. All stands inventoried in the project area contain a midstory layer of intermediate species such as red maple and beech that is overtopped with taller hardwoods. The Redbird Ranger District has the hardiest beech stands on the forest, and therefore carries the burden of support to retain beech communities. Nearly 17,000 acres of mixed mesophytic forest with beech-dominated forest type are present in the South Red Bird IRMA. Although beech is considered a somewhat undesirable midstory species, the South Red Bird Project will identify beech as a leave tree in stand prescriptions in the design criteria for our proposed actions. For closed canopy habitat with little to no midstory component, midstory removal treatments (Actions 1.C, 3.A, and 3.B) are proposed for approximately 2,400 acres the project area, as well as between some of the shelterwood units. These treatments would include cut-surface herbicide application and potentially prescribed burning to reduce brushy re-growth. The second type of desired closed canopy would be achieved through the combined prescriptions of the other project activities. Approximately 60% of the IRMA would not be affected by a proposed activity, thus leaving large swaths of forest with a midstory of shrub and sapling layers.

Forest Health: Since 2008, 2,236 acres have been damaged by wildfire. Drought conditions in 2016 and early 2017 led to widespread wildfires across the southeast region. In 2016 alone, more than 600 acres were burned and damaged (Figures 6 and 7). These damaged trees are merchantable for about 5 years, after which their value declines rapidly. A healthy unburned forest of fire- resilient species is needed to regenerate the damaged stand. See the EA for more information.

Figure 5. Repeated arson fires above Steel Trap Mine have Figure 7 The interior of the damaged stands at Steel Trap. resulted in damaged stands, making them susceptible to Note the scorched earth and burn scars from repeated insects and disease. human-caused wildfires.

3.10 Wildlife Resources

The following is a summary of the findings and concurrences conducted for this EA, with full analysis available in the project record.

Protected, Endangered and Threatened Species (PETS), Regional Foresters Sensitive Species (RFSS), DBNF Conservation species, Management Indicator Species (MIS), migratory birds, and sensitive aquatic species all exist in the project area. Designated critical habitat exists in the project area for Kentucky arrow darter. A biological assessment and evaluation (BAE) has been conducted to determine potential impacts to PETS species from the Proposed Action, and consultation will occur with USFWS in accordance with the Endangered Species Act (Swilling 2019). Data collected during the IRMS process found wide gaps between the Forest’s goals and the existing condition of the project area. The Proposed Action has been designed to create and maintain a mosaic of forest age, composition, and structure to help achieve the variety of DFCs outlined in the Forest Plan. The Redbird Ranger District has three PETS bat species known to occur or potentially occur: Virginia big-eared bat (endangered), northern long-eared bat (threatened), and Indiana bat (endangered). Four bat species are listed as sensitive: Rafinesque’s big-eared bat, southeastern myotis, eastern small-footed myotis, and tri-colored bat. Potential impacts to all bat species are similar. The Significant Bat Caves Prescription Area includes significant bat caves and a ¼-mile radius around each opening. Two documented maternity sites for Rafinesque’s big-eared bat caves/trees are located either within or adjacent to the IRM analysis area. The ¼ radius around these two caves contains a mix of private and NFS land. Indiana bat hibernacula are typically found in karst

topography, which is absent in the IRMA. No significant Indiana bat hibernacula are known to be present within the Redbird Ranger District.

Action 4, Commercial thinning, mid-density upland forest is a modification to the original proposed action, developed to protect potential bat maternity sites and/or hibernacula. Forest Plan Standards will be adhered to during project implementation, including but not limited to a) avoiding fire activity in known Indiana bat roosting areas between May 1 and July 31 (DB-Fire- 8), b) leaving existing forest cover undisturbed unless it improves habitat for PETS and Conservation species, and c) remove suitable roost trees greater than 5 miles from a known roost site that are 6 inches dbh or greater only from October 16 through March 31 unless they have been checked for bats. The Forest Plan outlines restrictions which aim to reduce the impacts to bat species, specifically Indiana bats, with regards to vegetation management. These guidelines establish timber marking protocols that ensure minimal impacts to roosting and foraging habitat, and dates for restricted activities are outlined in Table 2-1 on page 2-23 of the Forest Plan. These guidelines combined provide protections for other bat species and should result in decreased risk for all bat species.

A. Prescription Area 1.J: Significant Bat Caves The Significant Bat Caves Prescription Area includes significant bat caves and a ¼-mile radius around each opening. Two documented significant bat roosts (maternity sites or hibernacula which contain current or observed historic populations of five Virginia or Rafinesque’s big- eared) bat caves are located either within or adjacent to the IRM analysis area. The ¼ radius around these two caves contains a mix of private and NFS land. Indiana bat hibernacula is typically found in karst topography, which is absent in the IRMA. Therefore, no significant Indiana bat hibernacula are known to be present within the Redbird Ranger District.

B. Riparian and aquatic habitat Populations of Acadian flycatcher need adequate riparian habitat greater than 80 years old. In the South Red Bird IRMA, approximately 970 acres of 81+ year-old stands are located in the Riparian Corridor Prescription Area (1.E), and are classified as not suitable for timber production. Some of the existing stands within the Riparian Corridor display old-growth characteristics. Clear, fresh water is also important to wildlife, as well as to the public. Studies revealed that sediment, along with E. coli, are elevated in five tributaries in the project area. Although no commercial treatments are proposed for riparian areas, other activities could be conducted to improve habitat conditions for riparian wildlife species and aquatics. For example, Action 6, Improve riparian habitats, would enable us to replace aquatic organism passages and improve water crossings in the IRMA to improve water quality and mobility for aquatics such as Kentucky arrow darters and several mussel species that have designated critical habitat within the project area. Further, Action 10 plans to reroute several miles of the Redbird Crest Trail out

of riparian areas and up onto ridgetops and rehabilitate steep OHV tracks along the existing route to reduce sedimentation and disturbance in those sensitive ecosystems.

C. Cove habitat The black-throated green warbler is just one species that needs adequate dense cove and lower slope habitat of hemlock-white pine communities greater than 80 years old to support their populations. There are nearly 3,300 acres total within the IRMA that include hemlock and white pine components in stands of other forest types. The DFC for cove and lower slope habitat is met within the IRMA. However, several of the objectives listed in the Forest Plan for pine stands are not applicable to the Redbird Ranger District due to limitations of landtype phases: hardwood/ pine forest types are more common. Moreover, many hemlock stands are in decline due to infestation of hemlock wooly adelgid. Treatment for the adelgid is ongoing through other decisions outside the scope of this project.

D. Additional Wildlife Resources Hunting is important to the culture and economy within the project area. The project area provides hunting opportunities for a wide range of species including whitetail deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbits, black bear and elk. South Redbird lies within the Kentucky Elk Restoration Area which supports a growing elk herd. Elk hunting is a high demand sport which is regulated by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources Department through a lottery hunt. Hunters successfully drawn for the hunt use National Forest Lands to pursue elk. While forested habitat with hard mast is available, there is a lack of young forest and grassland habitats to provide grazing opportunities and hiding cover on forest lands. Ruffed grouse populations have declined since the 1980s which correlates to an overall increase in forest age. Other factors such as increased predation from invasive coyotes may be a confounding factor. Public feedback indicates the demand and interest for grouse hunting opportunities remains high.

4 REFERENCES Arthur, M.A., H.D. Alexander, D.C., Dey, C.J. Schweitzer, and D.L. Loftis. 2012. Refining the oak-fire hypothesis for management of oak-dominated forests of the eastern United States. J. For. 110(5):257–266. Brose, Patrick H., Daniel C. Dey, Ross J. Phillips, and Thomas A. Waldrop. 2013. A meta- analysis of the fire-oak hypothesis: Does prescribed burning promote oak reproduction in eastern North America?. For. Sci. Vol. 59(3), 322-334. Online: https://doi.org/10.5849/forsci.12-039 Calvert, J. 2017 South Red Bird Integrated Resource Management Area Landscape Assessment Summary. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 29 pp.

Calvert, J. 2019. South Red Bird Habitat Enhancement Project: Methods Used to Develop the Proposed Action. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 2 pp. Cherry M. A. and C.A. Cotton. 2019. South Red Bird Project Soil and Water Report. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 25 pp. Coons, A. 2017. South Red Bird Project Fire and Fuels Analysis. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 3 pp. Coons, A. and D.D. 2017. Adaptive Management Prescribed Burn Matrix for the South Red Bird Project. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 2 pp. Dey, Daniel C.; Guyette, Richard P.; Schweitzer, Callie J.; Stambaugh, Michael C.; Kabrick, John M. 2015. Restoring oak forest, woodlands and savannahs using modern silvicultural analogs to historic cultural fire regimes. In: Proceedings of the second international congress of silviculture. 2014 November 26-29; Florence, Italy. Florence, Italy: Accademia Italiana di Scienze Forestali: 116-122. Johnson, P.S., S.R. Shifley, and R. Rogers. 2009. The ecology and silviculture of oaks, 2nd ed. CABI Publishing, New York. 580 p. Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, 2016a. Kentucky Integrated Report to Congress on the Condition of Water Resources in Kentucky. Kentucky Division of Water. Frankfort, Kentucky. Available at: https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental- protection/Water/Monitor/Pages/IntegratedReportDownload.aspx. Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, 2016b. 2016 IR 303(d) List – Excel Format. Available at: https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental- Protection/Water/Monitor/Pages/IntegratedReportDownload.aspx Lane, J.D. 2017. Shamrock/ Steel Trap Mine Complex Site History. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 2 pp. Nowacki, G.J.; Abrams, M.D. 2008. The demise of fire and the mesophication of forests in the eastern United States. BioScience. 58(2):123-138. Royse, J.R., M.A. Arthur, A. Schorgendorfer, and D.L. Loftis. 2010. Establishment and growth of oak (Quercus alba and Quercus prinus) seedlings in burned and unburned forests on the Cumberland Plateau. Forest Ecology and Management. 260:502-510. Soil Survey Division Staff, 1993. Soil survey manual. United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC. 437 pp. Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2019. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for the Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky. Available online at https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. Accessed August 20, 2019. Sprinkle, J.W. 2019a. South Redbird Oil and Gas Road Inventory. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 2 pp.

Sprinkle, J.W. 2019b. South Redbird Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project Transportation Plan. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 25 pp. Stambaugh, Michael C.; Muzika, Rose-Marie. 2007. Successional trends of six mature shortleaf pine forests in Missouri. In: Kabrick, John M.; Dey, Daniel C.; Gwaze, David, eds. Shortleaf pine restoration and ecology in the Ozarks: proceedings of a symposium; 2006 November 7-9; Springfield, MO. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-15. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 59-67. Swilling, W.R. 2019. South Red Bird Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project Biological Assessment and Evaluation. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 43 pp. Taylor, D. 2019a. Baseline Information for Proposed, Threatened, Endangered, Regional Forester Sensitive Species, and Conservation Species, Daniel Boone National Forest. 225 pp. Taylor, D.D. 2019b. Specialist’s Report: Rare or Uncommon Botanical Resources and NNIS. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 59 pp. USDA Forest Service. 1997. Guidance for conserving and restoring old-growth forest communities on National Forests in the Southern Region. Report of the Region 8 Old- Growth Team. R8-FR-62. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Region. Atlanta, GA. USDA Forest Service. 2004a. Land and Resource Management Plan for the Daniel Boone National Forest. Management Bulletin R8-MB 117A. Winchester, Kentucky. 286 pp. USDA Forest Service. 2008a. Group One—Red Bird River Project Environmental Assessment. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. Online: https://data.ecosystem- management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=6538 USDA Forest Service. 2008b. Elisha Creek Stream Restoration Environmental Assessment Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 32 pp. USDA Forest Service. 2009 Revised. Integrated Resource Management Strategy. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. USDA Forest Service, 2011a. Watershed Condition Classification Technical Guide. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. FS-978. 39 p. USDA Forest Service, 2011b. USDA Forest Service Watershed Condition Classification - Region 8 Ratings based on assessments of National Forest System land in sixth-level watersheds May 12, 2011. Available at: https://www.fs.fed.us/naturalresources/watershed/pubs/maps/R08_WCC_FS_Lands_v2.pdf. USDA Forest Service, 2011c. NRM WCATT National Watershed Condition Web Map User Guide. Available at: https://www.fs.fed.us/naturalresources/watershed/pubs/maps/wcatt-nat- web-map-user-guide-10-11.pdf. USDA Forest Service, 2012. National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on National Forest System Lands. Vol. 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. FS-990a. 165 p.

USDA Forest Service. 2012. Redbird Fuels Treatment Project Environmental Assessment. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. Online: https://data.ecosystem- management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=29063 USDA Forest Service. 2014. Daniel Boone NF Job and Income Contributions for 2014 At A Glance. Online: https://www.fs.fed.us/emc/economics/index.shtml. Accessed 8/23/2018. USDA Forest Service. 2015. Spring Creek Vegetation Management Project Environmental Assessment. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. Online: https://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=28443 USDA Forest Service. 2016a. Invasive Plant Species Treatment Environmental Assessment. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. USDA Forest Service 2016b. Daniel Boone National Forest Jobs and Income Economic Contributions in 2016. At a Glance. https://www.fs.fed.us/emc/economics/index.shtml. Accessed 10/16/2019. USDA Forest Service. 2017. Greenwood Vegetation Management Project Environmental Assessment. Stearns Ranger District. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 73pp. Online: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44085 USDA, Forest Service. 2017. Natural Resources Information Systems. FS Veg (Field Sampled Vegetation) Database. Common Stand Exam (CSE) Portable Data Recorder (PDR) Application. Version 2.3.0. Deployed Oct 2017. Access at FS_PUBLIC_0802@iwebdb. USDI. U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. 2007a. FWS #07-B-0580; Revised Final Biological Opinion on implementation of the revised Land and Resource Management Plan and its effects on the Indiana bat, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky. 128 pp. USDI. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2013. 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation-Kentucky. FHW/11-KY (RV). 94 pp. USDI. U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. 2015. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; threatened Species Status for the Northern Long-Eared Bat with 4(d) Rule. Federal Register. 80, 63:17974-18033. Walker, J.A. and G. Chalfant, 1996. The effects of prescribed fire on soils and riparian areas. Daniel Boone National Forest, Winchester, KY. Wilson, G.L. 2019. South Red Bird Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project Vegetation Report. Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky. 33pp. Wilson, G.L. and Sprinkle, J.W. 2018. Travel Management Analysis for the South Red Bird Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project. Daniel Boone National Forest, Winchester, KY. Witt, E. L., C. D. Barton, J. W. Stringer, D. W. Bowker, and R. K. Kolka, 2013. Evaluating Best Management Practices for Ephemeral Stream Protection following Forest Harvest in the Cumberland Plateau. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 37:36-44. Yoho, N.S., 1980. Forest management and sediment production in the South—a review. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 4: 27–36.