Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
United States Department of Environmental Agriculture
Forest Assessment Service
March 2008 Roaring Thin Restoration
Cle Elum Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Kittitas County, Washington
(Sections 27, 28, 29 and 30, T.22 N., R.11E., W.M. and Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35, T. 21 N., R. 11 E., W.M.)
For Information Contact: Rodney Smoldon, District Ranger Cle Elum R.D. 803 W. 2nd Street Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509) 852-1020
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Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
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Table of Contents
Summary ...... 1 Chapter 1: Purpose and need for action...... 3 Document Structure ...... 3 Background...... 4 Purpose and Need for Action...... 6 Proposed Action...... 9 Planning Framework...... 10 Desired Future Condition...... 10 Public Involvement ...... 11 Decision Framework...... 13 Planning Framework...... 13 Environmental Issues ...... 17 Chapter 2: Description of alternatives...... 25 Introduction...... 25 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study...... 25 Alternatives Considered...... 27 Alternative 1, No Action...... 27 Alternative 2, Proposed Action...... 27 Forest Thinning...... 30 Burning of slash piles...... 30 Bridge over Cold Creek ...... 37 Creation of standing dead trees (snags) and downed logs ...... 37 Restoration of areas degraded by logging...... 38 Road Obliteration, Stabilization, and Trail Conversion...... 38 New Cross-Country Ski and Horse/Hiker/Mountain Bike Loop Opportunity...... 45 Lost Lake Restoration ...... 45 Cold Creek Floodplain Restoration...... 45 Invasive Plant Treatments...... 46 Silvicultural Prescription...... 49 Mitigation Measures ...... 65 Why Only Two Alternatives...... 79 Past, Present and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions ...... 79 Comparison of Alternatives ...... 81 Chapter 3: Environmental Consequences...... 89 Forest Management...... 89 Road System ...... 98 Water Resources – Water Quality and Hydrology...... 104 Stream shading and water temperature ...... 108 Sediment Delivery...... 119 Hydrology ...... 127 Soils ...... 137 Invasive Plants ...... 151 Rare Vascular Plant, Lichen, Fungi, and Bryophytes ...... 158 Wildlife and Terrestrial Species...... 163 Fish and Aquatic Species ...... 191 Recreation ...... 213 Heritage Resources ...... 224 Scenic/Landscape Character ...... 231
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Economic Benefits...... 239 Specifically Required Disclosures ...... 240 Chapter 4: Consultation and Coordination...... 243 Chapter 5. Literature Cited ...... 247 Appendix A: Project Maps...... 261
List of Figures Figure 1. Vicinity Map - Roaring Thin Restoration ...... 263 Figure 2. Northwest Forest Plan (1994) Allocations ...... 265 Figure 3. Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990) Allocations ...... 267 Figure 4. Proposed Thinning and Access Roads (orthoquad)...... 269 Figure 5. Proposed Thinning and Access Roads ...... 271 Figure 6. Proposed National Forest Road System Changes (orthoquad)...... 273 Figure 7. Proposed National Forest System Road Changes ...... 275 Figure 8. Lost Lake - Current Conditions...... 277 Figure 9. Lost Lake - Proposed Action...... 279 Figure 10. Soils Map...... 281 Figure 11. Groomed Snow Routes...... 283 Figure 12. Invasive Plant Treatments - Part 1...... 285 Figure 13. Invasive Plant Treatment - Part 2 ...... 285
List of Tables Table 1. Summary of Proposed Action (Alternative 2) ...... 29 Table 2. Predicted Change in Forest Structure ...... 32 Table 3. Proposed Silvicultural Treatments...... 33 Table 4. Proposed Road Obliteration/Watershed Restoration ...... 42 Table 5. Proposed Road Stabilization/Restoration Projects ...... 43 Table 6. Proposed Invasive Plant Treatment Areas...... 47 Table 7. Silvicultural Prescription Summary...... 59 Table 8. Proposed Precommercial Thinning...... 63 Table 9. Alternative Comparison Table...... 81 Table 10. Potential Smoke Emissions from Burning of Slash piles ...... 96 Table 11. Current Road System...... 99 Table 12. Road Maintenance, Management, and Traffic Service Level ...... 102 Table 13. Watershed and Hydrologic Characteristics...... 107 Table 14. Riparian Reserve acres associated with treatment stands...... 112 Table 15. Water temperature vulnerability in Riparian Reserves...... 113 Table 16. Water temperature monitoring...... 115 Table 17. Water temperature- Comparison of alternatives...... 116 Table 18. Sediment delivery map, stands, and hazards ...... 122 Table 19. Sediment delivery comparison measures...... 123 Table 20. Changes in peak flows with vegetation change...... 131 Table 21. Summary of road mile changes ...... 132 Table 22. Current canopy closure of hydrologically immature vegetation ...... 132
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Table 23. Road densities by catchment basins...... 136 Table 24. Erosion from haul roads...... 144 Table 25. Erosion from timber harvest ...... 145 Table 26. Erosion from skid trails...... 145 Table 27. Erosion in tons/acre/year from high severity fire ...... 146 Table 28. Detrimental conditions from summer tractor logging ...... 147 Table 29. Disturbance from skyline and summer logging...... 148 Table 30. Disturbance from skyline and over-snow logging...... 148 Table 31. Prioritized list invasive plants...... 153 Table 32. Forested plant associations ...... 160 Table 33. Forest Plan snag (standing dead tree) guidelines...... 163 Table 34. Forest Plan Course Woody Debris (CWD) guidelines ...... 164 Table 35. Snags and logs in managed vs. unmanaged stands...... 168 Table 36. Wildlife habitat change- Comparison of alternatives ...... 174 Table 37. Wildlife species of federal concern – federal status & habitat associations.. 180 Table 38. Migratory Land Birds – status & habitat association ...... 187 Table 39. Previous archaeological research...... 225 Table 40. Cultural resources in project area ...... 228 Table 41. Scenic integrity levels...... 233 Table 42. Scenic criteria ...... 234
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SUMMARY
The proposed Roaring Thin Restoration includes a variety of projects designed to improve ecological conditions in the Upper Yakima watershed. This project is located on the Cle Elum Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, in Kittitas County, Washington.
The proposed projects occur within an area recognized as critical to the demographic connectivity of species populations in the Pacific Northwest, particularly wide-ranging carnivores, such as wolverine, gray wolf, and fisher, and species associated with old growth forests. These species are at risk due to a high level of habitat fragmentation and high road densities. To reduce these risks the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognized the need to restore ecological conditions in the project area and determined that the acquisition of private land, the reduction of roads, the protection of old growth forest, and the acceleration of old growth forest conditions in plantations was needed to protect the long-term viability of wildlife populations (Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan 1997). The Roaring Thin Restoration projects are designed to meet these objectives. The proposed project includes:
Forest thinning designed to accelerate the development of old growth forest structure and function (427 acres of commercial thinning and 1,400 acres of precommercial thinning), and treatment of activity fuels, Reductions and improvements in the forest road system to improve watershed and ecological conditions (obliteration of 10.07 miles, stabilization of 1.96 miles, and closure of 6.1 miles of road), Restoration of areas damaged by previous logging entries through the strategic felling of logs, and the creation of snags (139 acres), Restoration of 1400 feet of shoreline habitat along Cold Creek and Lost Lake, Treatment of invasive plants to reduce risks to native plant communities and ecosystem functions (100 acres), and Conversion of roads to trails (1.24 miles) and establishment of a new groomed XC ski/horse/hiker route on a closed road (3.59 miles) which links to the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail.
The majority of the proposed restoration projects occur on lands recently added to the National Forest System through the efforts of conservation organizations including the Cascade Conservation Partnership, Sierra Club, Conservation Northwest, Alpine Lakes Protection Society and Mountains-to-Sound Greenway. Restoring lands in the project area is critical to enhancing the effectiveness of crossing structures proposed in the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project. This project, proposed by the Washington State Department of Transportation, includes a significant investment in ecological connectivity, with innovative connectivity structures designed to link wildlife populations and ecological functions on 15 miles of Interstate 90.
The Roaring Thin Restoration project has received authorization to be implemented as a stewardship contract (Public Law 108-7, Section 323) which allows for the value of commercial timber to be used for activities that improve, maintain, or restore forest or rangeland health; restore or maintain water quality; improve fish and wildlife habitat; and reduce hazardous fuels that pose risks to communities and ecosystem values.
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CHAPTER 1: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION
Document Structure ______The Forest Service has prepared this Environmental Assessment (EA) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other relevant Federal and State laws and regulations. This EA discloses the direct, indirect and cumulative environmental effects that would result from implementing the proposed action. The Decision Notice, which is the decision document associated with this EA, is a separate document and is written after public review of the EA. This EA is composed of four Chapters and Appendices:
Chapter 1. Purpose and Need for Action: This chapter includes information on the background of the project proposal, the purpose and need for the project, and the agency’s proposal for achieving the purpose and need. This section also details how the Forest Service informed the public of the proposal and how the public responded. Finally, this chapter lists the issues that were developed in response to the proposed action. Chapter 1 is divided into eight sections:
Background Purpose and Need Proposed Action Planning Framework Desired Future Condition Public Involvement Decision Framework Environmental Issues
Chapter 2. Description of Alternatives: This chapter provides a more detailed description of the agency’s proposed action. The proposed action was developed based on significant issues raised by the public, other agencies, and Forest Service resource specialists. This chapter provides a summary table of environmental consequences associated with the proposed action and no action alternative.
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Consequences: This chapter describes the physical and biological environment (wildlife, water resources, etc.) as well as the human environment (social, economic, etc.) and the affects of the alternatives.
Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination: This chapter lists the individuals, organizations and public agencies that provided input.
Chapter 5. Literature Cited.
3 Appendices: The appendices provide more detailed information to support the analysis presented in the EA.
Additional documentation, including more detailed analyses of project-area resources, may be found in the project planning record located at the Cle Elum Ranger District Office in Cle Elum, Washington.
Background ______The proposed Roaring Thin Restoration Project occurs within the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area (AMA). This area is recognized as a critical area for demographic connectivity of species’ populations in the Pacific Northwest (USDA and USDI 1990; USDI 1992a; USDI 1992b; USDA and USDI 1994; USDA and USDI 1997; USDA 1998). On a landscape scale, the AMA is positioned between a number of important wilderness areas and National Parks and represents the most constricted region – east to west – of public land between northern California and southern British Columbia, and as such presents a “bottleneck” of secured habitat to support wildlife. The proposed Roaring Thin Restoration Project was developed to meet the goals and objectives of the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan. In 1994, the Record of Decision (ROD) for The Northwest Forest Plan was issued. This document identified the lands of the I-90 corridor as a critical link in the north-south movement of the spotted owl and other organisms in the Cascade Range and required the “development and implementation, with the participation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, of a scientifically credible comprehensive plan for providing late-successional forest on the ‘checkerboard’ lands. This plan should recognize the area as a critical connective link in the north-south movement of organisms in the Cascade Range” (Record of Decision D- 16, USDA Forest Service 1994). Following this direction, the Wenatchee National Forest and Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest adopted the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (USDA and USDI 1997). This plan recognized the need to protect late-successional habitat, reduce the number of forest roads and to acquire private land within the AMA. The acquisition of private land in the Snoqualmie Pass AMA was needed for the following reasons (USDA Forest Service 1998, ROD, page 2):
To increase and maintain unfragmented late-successional habitat and critical north/south wildlife connectivity corridor across National Forest System lands in the Snoqualmie Pass AMA of the I-90 Corridor.
To improve efficiencies and economies of access to and management of lands and resources on both National Forest system lands. This includes reduction in the impacts associated with access road development and maintenance across a checkerboard pattern of ownership.
To take advantage of the opportunity for the Forest Service to acquire areas with both high scenic values and lands with high demand for dispersed unroaded recreation use, within the Alpine Lakes Management Unit on the Cle Elum Ranger District.
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Since the AMA Plan was adopted in 1997 the Forest Service has acquired more than 80,000 acres of private land with the help of public groups including, the Cascade Conservation Partnership, the Mountains-to-Sound Greenway Trust, the Sierra Club, Conservation Northwest, Cascade Land Conservancy, Alpine Lakes Protection Society and others. These land acquisitions have increased the Forest Service’s ability to manage roads and habitat within the AMA. In the Roaring Thin Restoration area 3,466 acres (5 ½ sections) were part of these land acquisitions. The following sections were acquired since 1998:
T. 22 N., R. 11 E. Section 27 and Section 35 T. 21 N., R. 11 E. Section 3 (266 Acres), Section 5, Section 11, and Section 13
This project is tiered to the FEISs for the amended Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP).
Stewardship Authority
Stewardship contracting authority was granted for the Roaring Thin Restoration project. Stewardship authorities per section 323 of Public Law 108-7 allows for the value of commercial timber to be used to complete watershed restoration projects. Stewardship contracts may be used for treatments to improve, maintain, or restore forest or rangeland health; restore or maintain water quality; improve fish and wildlife habitat; and reduce hazardous fuels that pose risks to communities and ecosystem values. The commercial timber portion of this project may utilize the stewardship authority or use a traditional timber sale contract. Likewise the other restoration activities may be funded by stewardship or other funding sources.
Location
The Roaring Thin Restoration Project encompasses approximately 8,000 acres in the Upper Yakima watershed. The project is located on the Cle Elum Ranger District, Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest, near Lake Keechelus in Kittitas County, Washington (T. 22 N., R. 11. E., W.M., and T. 21 N., R. 11 E., W.M.). See figure 1 in Appendix A for project location.
Land Allocation
The project area is managed according to the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan which emphasizes late-successional habitat and habitat connectivity (USDA Forest Service and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1997). The AMA Plan recommends thinning in plantations to accelerate late-successional forest conditions and reduction in roads to improve habitat and watershed conditions. The AMA management guidelines apply to the project area except when the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990) allocations are more restrictive. The maps showing land management allocations are found in Appendix A: Figure 2. Northwest Forest Plan Allocations and Figure 3. Wenatchee National Forest Plan Allocations. No Inventoried Roadless areas occur in the Roaring Thin Restoration area.
5 Purpose and Need for Action ______What is the Purpose of the Roaring Thin Restoration Project?
The purpose of the Roaring Thin Restoration project is to improve watershed and ecological conditions in the project area.
This purpose and need is based on a comparison of the existing conditions found in the West Keechelus watershed and the desired conditions provided in management direction and guidance for the area. The desired watershed conditions, summarized later in this chapter, are based on the Yakima watershed Analysis (USDA Forest Service 1996) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (USDA Forest Service and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1997). These analyses recommend:
Forest thinning in plantations to accelerate late-successional habitat conditions, Road obliteration and stabilization to restore watershed conditions and improve fish and wildlife habitat, and Invasive plant treatments to reduce risks to native plant communities and ecosystem functions.
Why do stand densities need to be reduced? The Roaring Thin Restoration project area currently has a large number of plantations, with greater than 50 percent of the landscape harvested in the last 60 years. The high level of timber harvest in the Upper Yakima watershed has resulted in habitat fragmentation and an increased risk of localized extinction and demographic isolation of species associated with old growth forests. The tree stocking and structure of these plantations were established to produce high yields of timber, not to provide for old growth forest conditions. The Roaring Thin project area is highly fragmented from intensive timber harvest from the 1940s to the 1990s, involving mostly clearcut regeneration forest practices. A total of 5,000 acres on National Forest and private land were clear-cut harvested within the 8,000 acre planning area (62.5% of planning area). On nearly all of these managed stands, snags were cut and all downed material was yarded to landings for piling and burning. The new forest planted back after original clear cutting is now 20-75 years old and lacking the snags, downed wood and vertical structure of the indigenous forest. Regeneration stand densities are very high, often with 600 to 1800 trees per acre. Consequences of maintaining high densities of trees include: Declining live crown ratio tree crown canopy Reduced diameter and height growth Elevating height/diameter(H/D) ratios, with a threshold value of 80% Poor recovery of basal area growth after thinning when live crown ratios fall below 40% (Oliver and O’Hara, 1993).
The Snoqualmie Pass AMA Plan requires that silvicultural activities “are beneficial to the creation and maintenance of late-successional forests”. Silvicultural treatments within plantations are expected to achieve the following desired characteristics:
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The desired late-successional and old-growth characteristics that will be created as younger stands change through successional development include: (1) multi- species and multi-layered assemblages of trees, (2) moderate-to-high accumulations of large logs and snags, (3) moderate-to-high canopy closure, (4) moderate-to-high numbers of trees with physical imperfections such as cavities, broken tops, and large deformed limbs, and (5) moderate-to-high accumulations of fungi, lichens, and bryophytes. Although they may not be duplicates of existing old-growth forests, these stands could provide adequate habitat for many species in the long term. (USDA and USDI 1994, ROD B-5).
The Snoqualmie Pass AMA (Upper Yakima watershed) has been an area of concern for terrestrial species dispersal for some time. Species associated with late-successional and old growth forests are at risk due to fragmentation of forests into small isolated patches. As populations within patches become smaller and more isolated they become more vulnerable to genetic, demographic, and catastrophic factors that can increase their vulnerability to localized extinction and extirpation. The AMA Plan (USDA and USDI 1997) requires the protection of old growth forests, the acceleration of old growth forest conditions in plantations, and reduction in road densities, to prevent the demographic isolation of species in the Washington Cascades.
Tree density reductions are needed to put stands on a trajectory towards late successional forest structure.
What restoration is needed to improve ecological conditions in the Roaring Thin area? According to Northwest Forest Plan and Snoqualmie AMA standards, the project area is deficient in downed logs (downed woody debris) and standing dead trees (snags) which are important for wildlife habitat and ecological functions. Many areas within the project area, particularly wetlands and unconfined streams, have also experienced considerable degradation from previous mechanized logging entries. This previous logging resulted in the removal of large coarse woody debris and modifications of drainage patterns and local water tables.
There is a need for additional snags and down logs in uplands, coarse woody debris in wetlands and stream areas, and restoration of drainage patters and local water tables in the area.
The Lost Lake area recently became part of the National Forest System (I-90 Land Exchange 1998). Lost Lake has become a popular and important site for recreational fishing due to the stocking of triploid rainbow trout by the Washington Department of Wildlife. The ability to access the lake has created the demand for dispersed camping. The campsites are user-created along with a growing number of unplanned roads. Unauthorized access roads and dispersed campsites are resulting in resource damage. The haphazard parking of vehicles at times blocks public access to the area used to launch boats. There are no restrooms on site, and unburied human waste is evident in much of the brush surrounding the camp areas. The Washington Department of Fish and
7 Wildlife has stated they would like to emphasize the family oriented recreational fishing opportunities at this lake.
There is a need for protection of the natural shoreline and wetlands from recreational activities in the Lost Lake area.
Access to the Cold Creek floodplain, from Forest Road 5480-115 off the 9070-000 road, has become increasingly popular as an undeveloped campsite and is resulting in natural resource damage. Motorized vehicles have created two parking areas at campsites and have damaged soils and groundcover vegetation, and contributed to the loss of streambank vegetation. Vehicle use in this area has increased detrimental soil compaction within Cold Creek’s floodplain. Campers are also cutting green standing trees and removing woody debris from within Cold Creek. This contributes to degradation of aquatic habitat. Human waste and discarded junk has littered the area. This pattern of disturbance has been increasing over the past 5 years. Continued use of this area would further degrade the streambank and pose water quality risks. Cold Creek provides high quality spawning habitat for resident fish and is recognized as an important stream for the future recovery of bull trout in the Upper Yakima watershed. The Bureau of Reclamation is constructing a structure to restore fish passage at the outlet of Cold Creek to facilitate bull trout recovery.
There is a need to protect the Cold Creek floodplain and important fish habitat from recreational activities.
Why is a change in road management needed?
The current road mileage in the project area exceeds the amended Forest Plan standard. The project area has a road density of 4.08 miles of road per square mile of land. The standard for roads in the project area is as follows: “The Snoqualmie Pass AMA will be managed, over time, for an open road density goal of a maximum of two (2) miles per square mile of road for each subwatershed.” (USDA and USDI 1997, ROD page 4). Many of these roads are resulting in resource damage such as sedimentation into streams, habitat fragmentation, increased incidence of noxious weeds, and decreased wildlife and fish habitat quality. The number of roads in the watershed exceeds the current and projected road maintenance funding levels necessary to protect watershed health and public safety Projected road maintenance budgets will not support the current level of roads in the project area. In addition, many of the roads were recently acquired from Plum Creek Timber Company and may be in excess of National Forest land management needs.
Current funding is inadequate to manage the current forest road system; therefore the Forest Service needs to reduce the road system where feasible. There are many roads that were constructed to access timber resources that are in excess of current Forest Service management needs. Many of the roads are closed roads or roads on recently acquired private lands. The current road system is expected to deteriorate in the future due to the lack of road maintenance funding. Over the past decade, the funding available to maintain roads has decreased substantially. There is an urgent need to find a balance
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between the need for access and the potential environmental risks of a deteriorating road system throughout the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest (USDA 2004). Based on forest averages, it would require approximately $2,295,000 annually to maintain all of the system roads in the Upper Yakima Sub-basin. In Fiscal Year 2000 just over $300,000 (13% of the estimated annual need) was expended for maintenance on these roads (USDA 2004). In 2006 the funding shortage was even more severe, with approximately $150,000 available for maintenance for the entire Cle Elum Ranger District. Budget projections indicate that funding for road maintenance will continue at current levels for the foreseeable future.
There is a need to reduce maintenance costs and resource damage from roads in the project area.
Why is invasive plant treatment needed?
Invasive plants1 are damaging biological diversity and ecosystem integrity within and outside the National Forest. Invasive plants lead to many adverse environmental effects, including: displacement of native plants; reduction in habitat and forage for wildlife and livestock; loss of threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; increased soil erosion and reduced water quality; reduced soil productivity; and changes in the intensity and frequency of fires. Invasive plants can spread between National Forest System lands to neighboring areas, affecting all land ownerships (USDA Forest Service 2005).
There is a need to reduce the adverse environmental effects from invasive plants.
Proposed Action ______What is the Forest Service proposing to do? The action proposed by the Forest Service to meet the purpose and need includes: Forest thinning, including commercial and precommercial thinning, to accelerate old growth forest structure in plantations, treat activity fuels, Restoration activities within plantations to restore hydrologic functions in areas damaged by previous logging entries, Changes in the road system, including road obliteration, road stabilization, road closures, and conversion of roads to trails, to restore watershed conditions and improve fish and wildlife habitat, Construction and re-construction of temporary roads to access commercial thinning stands. These roads will be obliterated immediately after thinning and restoration activities are completed, Restoration of shoreline habitats damaged by unauthorized roads and dispersed camping activities in the Lost Lake and Cold Creek areas,
1 Invasive plants are defined as a non-native plant whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health (Executive Order 13122). Invasive plants are distinguished from other non-native plants by their ability to spread (invade) into native ecosystems (USDA Forest Service 2005).
9 Construction of a bridge to replace an existing ford on Cold Creek. This bridge is needed to access commercial stands and watershed restoration projects as well as long-term access to BPA powerlines. Invasive plant treatments to reduce risks to native plant communities and ecosystem functions. A full description of the proposed action can be found in Chapter 2.
Planning Framework ______What laws and regulations apply to the proposed project?
The laws and executive orders, with implementing regulations, under which this Environmental Assessment (EA) is prepared, are listed in the decision framework section. This project is tiered to the FEISs for the amended Wenatchee National Forest LRMP.
Desired Future Condition ______What should the landscape look like in the future?
The following five objectives would move the Project Area toward the desired future condition in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Forest Plan.
Improve Connectivity for Wildlife To provide quality wildlife habitat and provide a linkage between the North and South Cascades, manage habitat to provide for large contiguous blocks of late-successional habitat and wildlife security habitat. The recommended road density for wildlife security habitat is typically considered to be less than 1.0 mile per square mile within the subwatershed. Some areas may have higher road densities but large blocks of contiguous habitat with few or no roads should be provided throughout the planning area to provide for viable populations on the landscape and facilitate the linkage of wildlife populations in the North and South Cascades. Silvicultural treatments are conducted to protect large trees, maintain tree species diversity, increase diameter growth, and retain sufficient numbers of trees for future downed logs and snags. Existing legacy structures such as large trees, downed logs, snags and root wads are protected during silvicultural treatments. Microsite conditions are maintained around these features. Unique habitats such as talus slopes, seeps, wetlands are protected from disturbance and microsite conditions are maintained.
Maintain and Restore Hydrologic Connectivity and Associated Aquatic Habitats The desired condition is to manage the National Forest transportation system, across the watershed scale (5th field Hydrologic Unit Code), to achieve the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives that pertain specifically to hydrologic connectivity and aquatic habitats. (LRMP, IV-94-95)
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Maintain and Restore Water Quality and the Associated Aquatic Habitats The desired condition is to protect or restore water quality and hydrologic functions (stream, wetland, ground water) by managing the National Forest lands and transportation system to minimize its effect on the rate of soil erosion and the risk of sediment delivery into streams and wetlands. This includes achieving the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives pertaining to water quality and aquatic habitats by implementation of effective Best Management Practices for Water Quality (LRMP, IV- 94-95, Section 307 of the Clean Water Act). Manage the Transportation System to Respond to Administrative Needs and Provide Access for Landowners Adjacent to National Forest Lands The roads needed to manage the National Forest System land will be included in the forest road system and would be maintained according to their assigned maintenance level. Some roads may be periodically closed to specific uses to protect the resources until they are needed for forest management activities or they may be obliterated if not needed in the foreseeable future. Landowners within the National Forest are provided reasonable access meeting the intent of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Section 1323 or other Right-of-Way agreements. Manage Recreational Opportunities in Response to Increased Demand Numerous dispersed and developed recreational opportunities are distributed throughout the project area, providing opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized use. Recreational opportunities are maintained or managed to respond to public desires while not being detrimental to the environment. In addition, improvements to sites would be made where a specific need, resource concern, or opportunity has been identified and the use is compatible or can be made compatible with the environment.
Public Involvement ______How was the public involved in the development of the proposed project?
This proposal was first listed in the Schedule of Proposed Actions published in 2006 and will has been listed since then. Since the project was initiated as a stewardship project it was important to develop the project through collaborative effort with members of the public. The proposal was provided to the public and other agencies for comment during the initial scoping in January 2006 and July 2006. The agency sent letters to the district mailing list and the residents of the Roaring Creek Homeowners Association and Hyak Community (March 2006). The scoping letters invited participation from any interested parties in the development of the project and requested participation in field meetings to help refine and develop ideas. The IDT met with members of public in the field on June 12, 2006 to visit the Lodge Creek Enhancement and Marten project areas and solicit ideas regarding thinning prescriptions for accelerating old growth conditions. The District presented information at the Sierra Club checkerboard outing Day at Hyak on July 29,2006 and a Roaring Homeowners meeting on Oct. 9, 2006. The Interdisciplinary Team met in the field with representatives from Conservation Northwest, Alpine Lakes Protection Society, and Sierra Club on October 10, 2006. The District Silviculturist collaborated with Conservation Northwest on the development of a scientifically based
11 prescription and visited in the field in January 2007. The District participated in field visits with cross-country ski groups interested in the project area in January 2007. The group included a representative from Washington State Parks and members of Washington Ski Touring Club (WSTC), Washington Alpine Club (WAC), The Mountaineers, Snoqualmie Nordic, and Trollhaugen clubs. The District collaborated with the Washington State Parks and Bonneville Power Administration throughout the development of the project to identify management concerns and potential solutions in the BPA powerline corridor and John Wayne Trail areas. The EA was released in July 2007 for a 30 day comment period and the decision was delayed to allow for additional field review with interested members of the public. The silviculturist and timber marking crew worked with Conservation Northwest to review the marking of leave trees in the field in August 2007. The IDT biologist and hydrologist and timber sale officer met with representatives from Conservation Northwest and Alpine Lakes Protection Society members in the field on October 29, 2007 to review proposed temporary roads, restoration activities and thinning. The District Ranger met with representatives from the Kittitas County Grooming Council and the Snowmobile Alliance of Western States in October 2007 and January 2008 to address concerns regarding impacts to groomed snow routes.
Using the comments from the public, other agencies, the Yakama Nation, and the Confederated Colville Tribes, the interdisciplinary (ID) team adjusted the proposed action and addressed remaining non-significant issues through project design and mitigation.
The AMA Steering Committee
Why wasn’t the AMA Steering Committee used to develop this project?
The AMA Plan (1997) recommends that projects within the AMA be developed through an AMA Steering Committee. The AMA Implementation Plan (1998) expected that the Steering Committee would assist the Rangers from the Cle Elum and Snoqualmie Ranger Districts in the management of the AMA. The committee is expected to consist of Forest Service staff and includes at least one member of the Snoqualmie Ranger District. It also may include representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the NOAA Fisheries Service. The purpose of the Committee is to provide guidance, recommendations, and staff support to the line officers (Implementation Plan, page 6). This committee was active for several years after the adoption of the AMA Plan, however, this committee has been inactive for many years. In addition, the team members did not include a representative from the Snoqualmie Ranger District, USFWS, EPA, or NOAA Fisheries. The inactive status of this committee did not allow for the opportunity to use this team in the development of this project. However, the previous AMA Steering Committee team members were sent scoping letters with other members of the public and encouraged to participate in the development of the project.
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Decision Framework ______What management questions need to be answered?
Given the purpose and need for action, the deciding official will review the proposed action and the alternatives in order to determine the appropriate thinning treatments, restoration projects and priorities and road management strategy for the roads examined under this study. The deciding official will answer the following questions to make that determination:
What silvicultural treatments are needed to meet desired ecological conditions? How should stands be accessed and which logging system should be selected to minimize disturbance to ecosystem and hydrologic functions? How will unavoidable impacts from harvest activities be mitigated?
Which restoration projects are needed to improve ecological conditions in the Roaring Thin Restoration planning area?
Which existing roads are necessary for the long term forest management and recreational activities? Can forest service system roads be obliterated to prevent unacceptable environmental impacts and reduce maintenance costs? How will roads be obliterated to minimize ecological impacts? How will forest service roads that are not obliterated be maintained to prevent impacts to ecological functions? How will the recreational community be impacted by the proposed actions? What mitigation measures are needed? Decision Factors What factors will be considered in the final decisions?
In evaluating and deciding upon the Roaring Thin Restoration proposal, the Forest Service is required to ensure that the proposal is consistent with management direction and Standards and Guidelines for the National Forest System lands in the project area. In addition, the factors that will be used in making the decision include all the elements of Purpose and Need described above.
Planning Framework______What Laws and Executive orders were considered in developing this document? What is the management direction that applies to the Roaring Thin Project Area?
Applicable Laws and Executive Orders The following laws and executive orders, with implementing regulations as appropriate, apply to the analysis and implementation of the Roaring Thin Restoration project:
13 American Antiquities Act of 1906 This Act makes it illegal to appropriate, excavate, injure, or destroy any historic, prehistoric ruin or monument, or any object of antiquity, situated on lands owned by the Government of the United States, without permission of the Secretary of the Department of Government having jurisdiction over the lands on which said antiquities are located.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 The purpose of the Act is to establish an international framework for the protection and conservation of migratory birds. The Act makes it illegal, unless permitted by regulations, to “pursue, hunt, take, capture, deliver for shipment, ship, cause to be carried by any means whatever, receive for shipment, transportation or carriage, or export, at any time, or in any manner, any migratory bird, including this Convention. . .for the protection of migratory birds. . .or any part, nest, egg of any such bird” (16USC 703). The original 918 statute implemented the 1916 Convention between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada). Later amendments implemented treaties between the United States and Mexico, Japan and the Soviet Union. Issues.
Multiple-Use Sustained Yield Act of 1960 This Act requires the Forest Service to manage National Forest System lands for multiple uses (including timber, recreation, fish and wildlife, range, and watershed). All renewable resources are to be managed in such a way that they are available for future generations. The harvesting and use of standing timber can be considered a short-term use of a renewable resource. As a renewable resource, trees can be re-established and grown again, if the productivity of the land has not been impaired. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended) This Act requires Federal agencies to consult with American Indian Tribes, State and local groups before nonrenewable cultural resources, such as archaeological and historic structures, are damaged or destroyed. Section 106 of this Act requires Federal agencies to review the effects project proposals may have on the cultural resources in the analysis area. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (as amended) The Council on Environmental Quality implementing regulations at 40 CFR Parts 1500- 1508 and Forest Service implementing policy and procedures issued in Forest Service Manual 1950 and Forest Service Handbook 1909.15 establish the basic process for conducting and documenting environmental analyses, including public participation. Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 (as amended) This Act requires the Forest Service to manage for the recovery of endangered and threatened species and the ecosystems on which they depend. Implementing regulations are found in 50 CFR Part 402. The policy and process for Forest Service compliance with the ESA are found in Forest Service Manual 2670.31. Section 7 of the ESA requires a Biological Assessment (BA) for major Federal construction projects requiring an environmental impact statement and projects that may affect listed species.
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Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act (RPA) of 1974 (as amended) and National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 (as amended) The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, as amended by the National Forest Management Act of 1976, as amended (16 USC 1600 et seq.). The National Forest Management Act of 1976 (NFMA) requires each National Forest System unit to have a land and resource management plan (LRMP). Section 6(i) of NFMA [16 USC 1604(i)] requires that resource plans for the use of National Forest System lands must be consistent with the LRMP for the National Forest System unit on which that use occurs. Sections range from required reporting that the Secretary must submit annually to Congress, to preparation requirements for timber sale contracts. There are several important sections within the Act, including Section 1 (purpose and principles), Section 19 (fish and wildlife resources), Section 23 (water and soil resources), and Section 27 (management requirements). NFMA requirements are carried out through implementation of the Forest Land and Resource Management Plans. Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977 and 1982 (as amended) This Act places primary responsibility for protecting water quality with the States. Section 313 of the Act (33 USC 1323) requires federal agencies to comply with all substantive and procedural State water quality requirements to the same extent as a nongovernmental entity. This Act establishes a non-degradation policy for all federally proposed projects. Clean Air Act of 1977 (as amended 1990) The purposes of this Act are “to protect and enhance the quality of the Nation’s air resources so as to promote the public health and welfare of the productive capacity of its population; to initiate and accelerate a national research and development program to achieve the prevention and control of air pollution; to provide technical and financial assistance to State and local governments in connection with the development and execution of their air pollution prevention and control programs; and to encourage and assist the development and operation of regional air pollution prevention and control programs.”
Executive Order 13112 (invasive species) This 1999 order requires Federal agencies whose actions may affect the status of invasive species to identify those actions and within budgetary limits, “(i) prevent the introduction of invasive species; (ii) detect and respond rapidly to and control populations of such species… (iii) monitor invasive species populations… (iv) provide for restoration of native species and habitat conditions in ecosystems that have been invaded;...(vi) promote public education on invasive species… and (3) not authorize, fund, or carry out actions that it believes are likely to cause or promote the introduction of spread of invasive species…unless, pursuant to guidelines that it has prescribed, the agency had determined and made public… that the benefits of such actions clearly outweigh the potential harm caused by invasive species; and that all feasible and prudent measures to minimize risk of harm will be taken in conjunction with the actions.
15 Other applicable laws and regulations include: Federal Noxious Weed Control Act of 1974 (as amended) American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 Archeological Resource Protection Act of 1979 National Forest Roads and Trails Act National Forest Management Act Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act Executive Order 11593 (cultural resources) Executive Order 11988 (floodplains) Executive Order 11990 (wetlands) Executive Order 12898 (environmental justice) Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990
Management Direction What is the management direction that applies to the Roaring Thin Project Area?
Management direction for the Roaring Thin Restoration project area has been established by the following environmental documents to which this Environmental Assessment (EA) is tiered:
Forest Plan
The Forest Plan guides the management of the National Forest System Land. For this project area the Forest Plan is tiered to the FEISs for the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service1990), the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management, 1994) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (USDA Forest Service and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, 1997).
The Wenatchee Forest Plan was adopted in 1990. The Northwest Forest Plan was adopted in 1994, which amended the Wenatchee Forest Plan. The Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) required a separate Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area (AMA), adopted in 1997, which amended the Northwest Forest Plan. Since this time numerous amendments to the Northwest Forest Plan and AMA Plan have occurred. In addition, in 2005, the Region signed the Record of Decision for the Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants FEIS. The following is a summary of the management guidance changes:
1990 Wenatchee Forest Plan (The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, USDA Forest Service 1990a)
1994 Northwest Forest Plan (Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl and the Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late- Successional and Old-Growth Forest Related Species Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (USDA and USDI 1994);
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1997 Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan amendment (USDA and USDI 1997). 2007 S&M Amendment. NWFP amended by the Record of Decision to Remove or Modify the Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standards and Guidelines from Forest Service LRMPs within the range of the northern spotted owl (USDA 2007). 2005 Invasive Plants Amendment. The NWFP was amended by the Record of Decision for Region 6 Invasive Plant Management (USDA 2005)
What other analyses were considered?
Other landscape level assessments developed under the direction of the Northwest Forest Plan were utilized in this analysis. These include the following, which are incorporated by reference.
Late Successional Reserve Assessments The Forest-wide Assessment for Late-Successional Reserves and Managed Late- Successional Areas (USDA Forest Service 1997b) and the Assessments for Late Successional Reserves and Managed Late Successional Areas, Eastern Washington Cascades province (USDA Forest Service 1997a) determines how to protect and enhance late successional old growth forest ecosystems, and determine what activities are appropriate.
Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest Roads Analysis: Upper Yakima Sub-Basin (March 2004) A sub-basin level road analysis process was completed for the Maintenance Level 3, 4, and 5 and is incorporated into this EA by reference. The objective of the analysis was to identify a road system that is safe and responsive to public needs and desires, is affordable and efficiently managed, has minimal ecological effects on the land, and is in balance with available funding for needed management actions. The analysis is a science- based interdisciplinary process, which addresses the effects of roads on biological, social, and economic factors. The Road Analysis identified opportunities and strategies to move toward the stated objectives.
Watershed Analysis The Upper Yakima River Watershed Analysis (1997) was utilized in the characterization of the physical and biological processes occurring throughout the project area.
Environmental Issues ______What are the significant issues related to the proposed project?
NEPA requires federal agencies to focus analysis and documentation on the significant issues related to a proposed action. The issues are generated by the public, other agencies, organizations, and Forest Service resource specialists. Because the purpose and need and proposed action for this project was developed collaboratively, no significant (or key) issues were raised during scoping that hadn’t already been addressed in the proposed action. However, several issues were raised that were handled through either
17 redesigning the project or adding mitigation to the proposed action and are therefore non- significant issues: Water Resources Problem: Past road construction and associated logging activity has resulted in high road densities and soil disturbance in Riparian Reserves. This has contributed to a loss of shade in riparian areas, disruption of natural flow paths and an increase in soil erosion and sediment delivery risks. Storm runoff has caused accelerated road erosion and sediment delivery, which impacts water quality. . The Clean Water Act and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan’s Standards and Guidelines establish a framework for managing water quality on the National Forest. Water temperature and sedimentation standards, as identified in Chapter 3, apply to all Forest Service Class I, II and Fish Bearing III streams, including non-fish bearing, perennial streams. These standards state the bounds or constraints within which all practices would be carried out in achieving a project’s objectives, and are to be used in formulating the project’s silvicultural and restoration prescriptions. To the extent that practices can maintain or achieve these standards, the project will be consistent with the Forest Plan. At issue is how this project’s activities maintain or restore these water quality standards and thus achieves consistency with the Forest Plan.
Issue: Project activities have the potential to impact water quality.
Problem: Past road construction, logging activity and historic human settlement have contributed to physical alterations in the watershed that have degraded hydrologic connectivity and function. Passive restoration/recovery has been ongoing now for nearly 50 years in some of these areas. Proposed timber management and road construction may contribute further impacts to hydrologic features and functions in the project area, or retard their ongoing recovery. Can these activities be conducted in a way which maintains or restores these hydrologic features and functions consistent with all federal regulations and the Forest Plan?
A combination of Executive Orders and regulatory actions, in conjunction with Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan’s Standards and Guidelines establish a framework for managing hydrologic features and functions within the National Forest. In addition to quantifiable standards and guidelines, stating the bounds or constraints within which all practices would be carried out in achieving the project’s objectives; several of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives must also be evaluated and met at the appropriate scale for any project to be deemed consistent with the Forest Plan. These objectives are identified in Chapter 3 and require interpretation and application of the current state of scientific knowledge regarding these features, their function and responses to land management activities. From these interpretations a project’s silvicultural, fuel treatment and restoration prescriptions are formulated and modified. At issue is whether the proposed vegetation change and ground disturbance
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can be conducted in a way which maintains or restores these hydrologic features and functions in a way which is consistent with all federal regulations and the Forest Plan.
Issue: The proposed activities, including thinning, road management changes and restoration projects are required to maintain or restore hydrologic features and their functions, including the natural flow patterns.
Method of Measuring Effects Temperature Length of streambank or shoreline protected or restored (ft) Road density in Riparian Reserves (miles/sq.mi. of reserve) Sediment Length of streambank or shoreline protected or restored (ft) Road miles and density within Riparian Reserves Miles of road drainage improvement Hydrology Percent change in magnitude of peakflow discharge Road density in Riparian Reserves Acres of restoration addressing natural flow paths and wetland function Rationale for non-significance: The proposed action includes measures to minimize impacts from management activities and watershed restoration projects to improve watershed conditions. The proposed action was designed to protect water quality, hydrologic features and functions, meet federal regulations and achieve consistency with the Forest Plan. The proposed action includes the silvicultural prescription and mitigation measures. The proposed action also includes watershed restoration projects to help restore water quality and hydrologic features and functions. These projects include road obliteration and stabilization, and restoration of shoreline habitat in the Lost Lake and Cold Creek areas. Soils Problem: Detrimental soil disturbance can increase soil compaction, decrease site productivity, accelerate erosion, and increase sediment delivery to streams. Past road construction and timber harvest have contributed to soil disturbance within the project area. The cumulative effects of past road construction and timber harvest with the proposed action could lower soil productivity below desired levels.
Issue: Proposed management activities have the potential to increase soil compaction, decrease site productivity, accelerate erosion, and increase sediment delivery to streams.
Method of Measuring Effects Percentage of acres of the activity area in detrimental soil disturbance after completion of project. Acres of soil rehabilitation
19 Rationale for non-significance: The project was designed to minimize impacts to soil resources through the silvicultural prescription, logging systems, and mitigation measures. Invasive Plants Problem: The project area is heavily infested with invasive plants which create a risk to native plant communities and ecosystem functions. The risk of spread is increased by soil disturbance caused by project activities.
Proposed activities may affect the incidence and spread of invasive plants in the Roaring Thin Restoration project area. Invasive plant species are aggressive, non-native plants which can competitively exclude native vegetation, provide little to no forage value to wildlife, and can adversely impact the biodiversity of an ecosystem. There are a number of invasive weeds currently known within the project areas including, Yellow Hawkweed (Hieracium caespitosum) Orange Hawkweed (H. auranitiacum), Common St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum), Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa), Spotted knapweed (C. stoebe), Scot’s broom (Cytisus scoparius), Tansy ragwort (Tanacetum vulgare), Canada thistle (Cirsium arevense), Bull thistle (C. vugare). The ground disturbing activities associated with timber harvest, road building and obliteration, and restoration projects create suitable habitat for the introduction of new weed species and/or the spread of existing weeds.
Issue: Soil disturbance caused by project activities may increase the risk of invasive plant spread?
Method of Measuring Effects Acres of ground disturbing activities with increased weed risk Acres of herbicide treatment for existing populations
Rationale for non-significance: Mitigation measures are incorporated into the proposed action to minimize the risks associated with noxious weeds. The measures found in the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest Weed Management and Prevention Strategy and Best Management Practices (2002) would be incorporated. This Prevention Strategy incorporates direction from the Region 6 FEIS for Managing Competing and Unwanted Vegetation (1988) and associated Mediated Agreement (1989). These design criteria are also listed as ‘Standards’ in the Record of Decision for the Pacific Northwest Region Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Invasive Plant Program (2005) which amends the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Wenatchee National Forest (1990) as of March 1, 2006. The proposed action also includes the treatment of 100 acres of existing invasive plant infestations adjacent to roads, the BPA powerline, and the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail in the project area to reduce these populations.
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Rare Vascular Plants, Lichens, Fungi, and Bryophytes Problem: Rare vascular plant, bryophyte, lichen, and fungi populations could occur in the project area and be harmed by project activities.
The I-90 Corridor is known to have a number of rare vascular plant, lichen, bryophyte and fungi species. Proposed project activities could negatively impact these species.
Issue: Project activities have the potential to negatively impact rare and uncommon plant species.
Method of Measuring Effects Analysis of effects on rare species
Rationale for non-significance: The only unit with these species was dropped from the proposal. Wildlife and Terrestrial Species Problem: The Snoqualmie Pass AMA is expected to be managed for late-successional forest and is recognized as a “critical connective link in the north-south movement of organisms in the Cascade Range” (Record of Decision D-16, USDA Forest Service 1994). The proposed project may impact wildlife species during project activities and long-term.
Issue: Thinning has the potential to impact wildlife during activities and long-term wildlife habitat.
Method of Measuring Effects Acres of interior forest for species associated with late-successional habitat increased due to road closures Acres of security habitat increased for ungulates/carnivores. Analysis of effects on federal species of concern
Rationale for non-significance: Mitigation measures added to the project would minimize short-term impacts. This project is designed to provide long-term benefits to species associated with old growth forest and species sensitive to high road densities. To prevent impacts to wildlife/fish species; bridge construction, harvest activities and equipment use would be seasonally restricted to protect listed species and species of concern. Habitat for species associated with snags and downed logs would be improved through the creation of the snags and downed logs.
21
Fish and Aquatic Species Problem: The proposed project may impact fish and aquatic habitat both long-term and short-term.
Issue: Proposed project activities have the potential to impact both long and short-term fish and aquatic habitat.
Method of Measuring Effects Analysis of effects on federal species of concern
Rationale for non-significance: Mitigation measures were added minimize impacts fish and aquatic habitats. Harvest activities are designed outside the inner gorge of streams. The bridge construction and restoration activities include conservation measures to minimize impacts to fish.
Recreation Problem: Forest and road management activities may impact recreation both short-term and long-term. Reduction of roads and restoration of Lost Lake and Cold Creek areas could result in the loss of recreational opportunities in the project area. The project area includes groomed cross-country ski and snowmobile routes which may be temporarily disrupted if plowing on groomed routes is necessary.
Issue: Project activities have the potential to impact recreational opportunities.
Method of Measuring Effects Miles of road obliterated/converted to trail Miles of groomed snow-mobile/cross-country ski routes disrupted during harvest activities Duration of groomed snow-mobile/cross-country ski routes disrupted Number of dispersed sites lost due to road closure and/or restoration activities.
Rationale for non-significance: The proposed action is designed to minimize impacts to recreation. No existing groomed routes would be eliminated and a new groomed non- motorized route would be added. Although potential campsites would be eliminated in the Cold Creek area, the Lost Lake area would be improved through the improvement of the camping area (i.e. designated campsites, designated day-use parking, a toilet, and improved boat ramp)
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Heritage Resources Problem: Federal law requires the protection of properties included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to take into account the effect of their undertakings on properties included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. In accordance with Section 106 of the Act (36 CFR 800), a sample survey of the planning area has been completed and ten cultural resources have been documented. Of these, five are potentially eligible (and must be managed as eligible) and five are ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Issue: Project activities have the potential to impact cultural resources. Method of Measuring Effects Protection, avoidance and mitigation of eligible properties
Rationale for non-significance: One unit was changed to winter logging only to protect the only site found inside project activity areas. Scenic/Landscape Character Problem: Thinning activities could negatively impact the view from I-90, the John Wayne Trail, and various trails, and Lost Lake.
Every landscape changes over time, in turn, the landscape vegetative character continues to change whether it is actively managed or allowed to naturally evolve. In the Roaring Thin Restoration Project area, there has been a change in historic vegetative species and vegetation patterns as described in the vegetative conditions narrative. The current vegetative pattern where treatments are proposed consists of an even aged plantation that has resulted in the past from harvesting predominately for timber production. The landscape character of vegetation patterns is a naturally appearing to slightly altered to altered forested environment with a range of scenic integrity levels ranging from low (altered) to moderate (slightly altered) to high (natural appearing). The landscape character goal for the Roaring Thin Restoration Project area is to maintain and restore a natural appearing landscape that expresses predominately natural processes.
23 Issue: Thinning has the potential to impact scenic quality and landscape character.
Method of Measuring Effects How would landscape character be sustained or changed? Are opportunities for enhancement of existing landscape character and scenic attractiveness achieved? What is the resulting scenic integrity level as viewed from the following areas? 1. U.S. Interstate 90 2. John Wayne Trail 3. Areas that are sensitive for recreation and scenic objectives; these areas include the various recreation trails, trailheads, and Lost Lake.
Rationale for non-significance: All project activities were designed to meet the required visual quality objective
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CHAPTER 2: DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES
Introduction ______What is included in Chapter 2?
Chapter 2 describes and compares the alternative considered for the Roaring Thin Restoration Project. The interdisciplinary team developed the proposed action to respond to the purpose and need and the significant issues identified by the public and forest managers.
Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study ___ Federal Agencies are required by the National Environmental Policy Act to rigorously explore and objectively evaluate all reasonable alternatives and to briefly discuss the reasons for eliminating any alternatives that were not developed in detail (40 CFR 1502.14). All alternative courses of action that the ID Team developed were compared with the Purpose and Need statement and the issues for this project, existing management direction, and evaluated for feasibility to determine if they warranted further study. The follow alternatives were considered but eliminated from detailed analysis.
Obliteration of all Level 1 and 2 Roads
An alternative was considered that would eliminate all roads except the maintenance Level 3 Roads (FS #5400 and 9070). This alternative would be the most beneficial from a maintenance cost and for the protection of natural resources. This alternative Cannot be implemented due to legal easements or road use permits. The roads that could not be considered for closure include; 1) legal road easements held by private landowners within the project area, 2) the BPA powerline (FS #5480-115), and 3) Special Use permit issued to the Summit-at-Snoqualmie for groomed XC ski route. All level 1 and 2 roads that do not meet these conditions are being closed in the proposed action. This alternative will not be analyzed further.
Commercial Thinning within the Inner gorge of streams, wetlands and seeps
This alternative would involve thinning within the inner gorge of streams, and areas with wetlands, seeps, and other hydrologically sensitive areas. These features represent unique habitats on the landscape which are characterized diversity of wetland plants, amphibians, mollusks, fungi, etc. Logging equipment and the associated risk of soil disturbance, in the inner gorge of streams would create an increased risk of erosion and sedimentation into the stream, thereby increasing risks to fish and other aquatic organisms. Logging equipment and the associated risk of soil disturbance, in wetlands, seeps and other hydrologically sensitive areas would create an unacceptable risk to the ecological integrity of these sensitive and unique habitats. This alternative would not
25 meet the Purpose and Need of the project, to improve watershed and ecological conditions in the project area. This alternative will not be analyzed further.
Creation of snags and downed logs in all commercial units during harvest activities
This alternative would involve creating snags and downed logs in all commercial units. Although it is desirable to create snags and downed logs, the ID team determined it would be best to assess the need for snags and downed logs several years after thinning is complete, and focus snag and downed log creation in areas that are excluded from commercial entry due to equipment exclusions. This alternative will not be analyzed further but the concept of creating snags 5 years post-harvest was incorporated into the proposed action. Snags and downed logs would be created to meet Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines in all the units within five years after harvest.
Build no new temporary roads
This alternative would involve not building any new temporary roads to access timber. The ID team attempted to avoid any new road construction. However, we found that the creation of one low standard road to access stand G (which is obliterated immediately after harvest) would be environmentally preferable. The other logging system option would involve skyline yarding though an ecologically sensitive wetland area. We determined it was best to determine which combination of logging system and access resulted in the least environmental impact. Dropping the unit along the proposed new temporary road would not meet the purpose and need for this project because Stand G was considered high priority for treatment due to the high stocking and the need to conduct restoration areas damaged by previous logging. This alternative will not be analyzed further.
Conduct thinning activities only during winter over snow
The ID team prefers harvest activities over snow in the project area because it typically results in reduced disturbance to native vegetation and soil organisms. In additions there is a reduced risk of invasive plant occurrence and/or spread. We considered an alternative that would require logging only during winter over snow. However, this alternative was determined to be unreasonable because the variable snow conditions in the area may not provide the appropriate conditions necessary to allow harvest to occur. However, we considered an alternative that would give timber purchasers the option to harvest during winter, if conditions are appropriate.
Conduct thinning activities only during snow-free months to minimize impacts to snow sport activities.
This alternative would not have permitted over the snow logging to avoid plowing roads used for snow sports during winter. This alternative was not further developed because a mitigation measure was added to provide for dual use of groomed snow routes, restrict log truck haul Friday-Sunday and holidays, and only if the Kittitas County Grooming Council, the Central Cascades Winter Recreation Council, and the Summit at Snoqualmie
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agree with measures implemented to avoid impacts to winter sports and protect public safety.
Alternatives Considered ______
The ID team collaborated with members of the public that expressed interest in this project. The ID team met in the field with representatives from Sierra Club, Native Plant Society, Alpine Lakes Protection Society, and Conservation Northwest. We visited completed thinning projects in the Upper Yakima to identify mistakes to avoid and successes that should be applied to the Roaring Thin Restoration project. We also visited the Roaring Thin Restoration project area to address site-specific concerns. The early versions of the silvicultural prescription were sent to interested parties in an attempt to collaboratively develop a scientifically based silvicultural2 prescription designed to accelerate diameter growth and old growth stand structure while protecting the legacy old growth structural components, such as large trees, snags3, and downed logs, and ecologically sensitive areas, such as wetlands and unconfined stream systems. Conservation Northwest provided the greatest input and collaborated with the forest service silviculturist and wildlife biologist to develop the prescription found in the proposed action. This collaborative effort resulted in only one action alternative related to the thinning prescription.
The IDT followed the Roads Analysis Process (USDA Forest Service, 2004) to develop road management recommendations in the proposed action. The ID team met with state parks, and ski and snowmobile groups to incorporate their concerns into the proposed action. Only one action alternative related to roads was analyzed because the IDT found that only one alternative could meet the purpose and need and still provide legal access to private lands and powerline towers.
Alternative 1, No Action ______What is the Purpose of Alternative 1?
The No Action alternative is used as a baseline to compare impacts to Alternative 2, the proposed action. Under the No Action alternative, current management strategies would continue to guide management of the project area. No management activities related to roads, forest thinning or restoration would be implemented to accomplish project goals.
Alternative 2, Proposed Action______What is the Purpose of Alternative 2?
The proposed action is designed to improve watershed and ecological conditions in the project area, through a variety of restoration projects which include forest thinning within plantations, changes in the road system, shoreline restoration, and invasive plant
2 Silviculture is the manipulation of forest stands (Oliver and Larson 1996) 3 Snags are standing dead trees, which provide important habitat for old growth associated species.
27 treatments. The treatments are summarized below and in Table 1. The proposed action is described in more detail in Chapter 2.
To accelerate old growth forest conditions, the proposed action includes the management of 566 acres within 50-60 year old plantations of which 427 acres would be commercially thinned and 139 acres would be treated to increase the number downed logs and snags. To access these stands, 3.19 miles of existing spur road would be reconstructed and .99 miles of new temporary road would be constructed. These roads would be obliterated immediately after proposed project activities are complete.
The ford on Cold Creek would be replaced by a bridge to provide access to commercial stands. This bridge would be either a temporary or permanent bridge depending upon available funding. A permanent bridge is preferred for protection of aquatic habitat since this creek crossing is also used by BPA to access the powerline corridor and towers. An additional 1400 acres within 15-25 year old plantations would be pre-commercially thinned. These silvicultural treatments are designed to accelerate old growth forest structure while protecting sensitive areas such as, wetlands and seeps, and existing legacy structures, such as old growth trees, snags and large downed logs.
To improve wildlife habitat and watershed conditions, and reduce road maintenance costs, the proposed action would reduce the density of roads in the project area, including 10.07 miles of road obliteration, and 7.34 miles of road closures and/or conversions to trail. Existing access to private lands, recreational facilities, and groomed snow routes would be maintained. An additional 1.96 miles of road would be improved to stabilize the road, prevent erosion, and improve drainage.
To restore floodplain and shoreline habitats degraded by dispersed recreational use, the proposed action would include habitat improvements along the shoreline of Cold Creek and Lost Lake.
To reduce risks to native plant communities and ecosystem functions, the proposed action would include 100 acres of invasive plants treatments along roads.
The proposed action includes two different options for the timing of harvest. The harvest could occur a) only during the late/summer fall or b) during late summer/fall or winter.
The proposed action is presented in more detail in the following section. The proposed action is summarized in Table 1. The maps of proposed management activities are found in Appendix A.
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Table 1. Summary of Proposed Action (Alternative 2) Forest Management (Fig. 4 & 5, App. A) Commercial thinning to accelerate old growth structure in 55-75 year old 427 acres plantations. Creation of snags (6-8/acre) and downed logs (4-6/acre). Utilize strategic 139 acres felling of trees in areas where hydrology damaged during previous logging. Restoration of areas with damage from previous logging entry. Restore 10 acres hydrologic functions through the obliteration of old road beds/skid trails. Pre-commercial Thinning (15-20 year old plantations) 1400 acres Road Management Roads to private land, trailheads and groomed snow routes would remain open. (Fig. 6 & 7, App. A). Obliterate roads 10.07 miles Convert to trail obliterate road 9070-801 and convert to summer trail (.15 mile)obliterate road 9070-124 and convert road to winter groomed XC ski trail 1.24 miles (1.09 miles) Stabilization/Improve drainage (prevent erosion, improve drainage) 1.96 miles Road Closures (Closed to motorized public access) Close BPA access road 5480-115 to public motorized access. Manage road as a non-motorized trail. Create loop with John Wayne (groomed cross-country ski + 6.1 miles horse/hiker/mountain bike trail). (3.59 miles) Close BPA spur roads to powerline towers to public motorized access (2.51 miles) Temporary Road: To access commercial stands, re-construct existing logging road (obliterate after thin with the exception of .25 miles which would be retained 3.19 miles as groomed XC ski connector trail) Temporary Road: To access commercial stands, construct temporary new .99 mile logging road (obliterate after thin) Bridge: To access commercial stands, provide access to BPA powerlines, and 1 bridge (60- replace ford, construct bridge over Cold Creek on 115 road (temporary or 120’) permanent bridge constructed depending upon funding) Watershed Restoration (Fig. 8 & 9, App. A) Cold Creek. Close dispersed campsites. Obliterate access roads. Restore 2 acres 2400 feet of of shoreline habitat. shoreline Lost Lake. Designate campsites, parking and access routes. Close unacceptable (3 acres) campsites and access routes. See Fig. 8 & 9, App. A. Invasive Plant Treatments (Fig. 12 & 13, App. A) Roadsides, powerline corridor, John Wayne Trail. 100 acres
29 Forest Thinning ______Thinning of plantations- restoration of old growth forest structure
The proposed action includes 566 acres of thinning in second growth stands which were clearcut 55-75 years ago. See Figure 4 & 5, Appendix A. The objective of the thinning is to accelerate old growth forest structure. Of this 566 acres, 427 acres would be commercially thinned and 139 acres would be treated to increase the number of downed logs (downed woody debris) and standing dead trees (snags). Table 2 below summarizes the results of Forest Vegetation Simulator/Stand Visualization System (FVS/SVS) growth and yield modeling with and without treatment (this data represents an average of all stands).
With the proposed treatments, it is expected that stands would reach an average DBH of 21” in 84 years rather than 161 years expected with no treatment. The thinning is also expected to create more large trees in a shorter period of time. In 90 years the stands would have an average of 23 trees per acre greater than 30” DBH rather than an average of 14 trees per acre expected with no treatment. The silvicultural prescription, logging systems, and restoration activities associated with stands are described in more detail in Appendix B.
A temporary road (.99 mile) would be constructed and existing spur roads would be re- constructed (3.19 miles) to access the stands. See Figure 4 & 5, Appendix A for temporary road locations. These roads would be obliterated and rehabilitated after the completion of the thinning activities. This includes the removal of culverts, scarification of the road, seeding to prevent erosion, and closure by an earth berm, use of rocks and logs, and/or reshaped to natural contours. However, approximately 0.25 miles of spur road would be retained as a groomed XC ski connector trail linking the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail to the 5480-115 road.
In addition, about 1400 acres of plantations that were clearcut 15-20 years ago would be precommercially thinned. The description of stands and thinning treatments are summarized in the silvicultural prescription.
Burning of slash piles______
Fuels created through thinning activities would be burned in piles within landings. The piles would be allowed to dry and later burned in fall/early winter.
Impacts to air quality in Class I air-shed (Alpine Lakes Wilderness) would be mitigated by burning on days when ventilation and atmospheric mixing is good, and when prevailing westerly wind directions are favorable to disperse and transport smoke away from the sensitive receptors. Smoke mixing conditions would be evaluated in a cumulative air-shed analysis by coordinating burning through the smoke management permit system with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WADNR)
30 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment division of smoke and fuels management. Burning permits are likely for approval only under conditions of good atmospheric mixing. All burning of harvest residue is reported to the WADNR and amounts over 200 tons require approval from the WADNR prior to ignition. WADNR takes into account values at risk, other burning in the area, and weather conditions prior to giving approval to burn.
These conditions are likely to occur in the late fall under wet or snowy conditions when visitor use in the area is low and when summer cabin owners have left the area. By burning in the late fall, emissions would be reduced through more complete and efficient combustion of fuels due to prolonged drying over the summer months. In addition, burning the materials in a pile form, makes smoke production easier to control due to the ability to limit the number of discrete piles ignited at any one time and by reduced resi combustion.
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Table 2. Predicted Change in Forest Structure (Forest structure based on FVS/SVS modeling) TPA=trees per acre, DBH=diameter at breast height, RD=relative density Trees Per Average Stand Average Years needed for Development of Stand Acre Diameter Post number of the average Shade Tolerant Vigor/Growth, Net Action trees 30”+ diameter of all Under stories Growth Cubic DBH @ trees in the stand Feet/Ac/Yr. stand age 150 to reach 21” DBH (Rx Thin from below years Treatment (>5”DBH) up to 19.9”DBH) (Douglas-fir only) (Accretion-Mortality) 464 TPA 7.9” DBH@ Age At age 172, 64 Cubic No Action 9.5” DBH 14 TPA 161 years (>5” DBH) 103 Feet/Ac./Yr. Proposed 83 TPA >5” 12.7”DBH@ Age At age 172, 78 Cubic Action 16.1” DBH 23 TPA 84 years (22-28% R.D. DBH 103 Feet/Ac./Yr. Thin)
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Table 3. Proposed Silvicultural Treatments Stand Harvest Riparian Buffers (above those described in Restoration needed concurrent with Temp. Existing Systems general RX guidelines) and other LSR Harvest Activities roads spur mitigations. (miles) roads (miles) A Approx. 90% Riparian Reserve RXs: A1, B, C. Obliteration of temporary roads, and re- 0 1.45 Skyline and 10% 4-5 perennial streams. Cold Creek=no cut in inner constructed spur roads. Spur road at north end (151.6 Ground based. gorge and 1 site potential tree from the top of the of stand, obliterate and create trail for acres) gorge (use high terrace or 1 site potential tree horse/hiker/mountain bikes/XC skiing. whichever is greater). Layout with Hydrologist to Maintain a trail accessible by 30’ snow- exclude wetland complexes, unconfined streams, groomer. etc. Need temporary or permanent bridge @ Cold creek- do not use ford. Directional felling. Where Use small-tracked tractor to restore natural flow practicable retain 0-7.5” tree class. Retain skyline path and position by obliteration/recontouring lift trees, rub trees, girdled trees, leave standing. old skid trails and roadbeds prior to closure of TSO: Fall stand before approving skyline roads. temporary or access roads. Leave legacy snags and downed wood undisturbed where practicable. If tailholds outside of stand are Treat weeds on John Wayne Trail and 5480- needed leave standing or as DWD 1 Thin from 115 prior to harvest activities (unless activities middle. occur during winter).
Create snags (6-8/acre) and fall logs (4-6/acre) in ground equipment exclusion zones (riparian, wetland, etc.). R Skyline. Below Riparian Reserve RXs: A2, B, C Obliterate temporary & spur roads. 0 .18 road 9070 Mill Creek=no cut in inner gorge and ~ 50' vertical Treat weeds on 9070 and 5480-115 prior to (18.6 directionally fall distance from top of gorge. No cut in talus areas. harvest activities (unless activities occur during acres) to road. Light thin (110 TPA) scheduled for a second winter). thinning in 20 years. DXD candidate. Thin from Create snags (6-8/acre) and fall logs (4-6/acre) below. in ground equipment exclusion zones (riparian, wetland, etc.). No ground based equipment
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Stand Harvest Riparian Buffers (above those described in Restoration needed concurrent with Temp. Existing Systems general RX guidelines) and other LSR Harvest Activities roads spur mitigations. (miles) roads (miles) O Skyline/SW Riparian Reserve RX: A2, B, C Obliterate 9070-124 Rd—maintain snow- 0 0 portion ground Riparian Reserve on North side of stand no cut in groomed route. (36.9 based inner gorge and ~ 50' vertical distance from top of Treat weeds on 9070 prior to harvest activities acres) gorge. Stand “O” is a priority thinning stand with (unless activities occur during winter). ongoing needle rust related mortality. This stand Create snags (6-8/acre) and fall logs (4-6/acre) should NOT be a DXD candidate. Thin from below. in ground equipment exclusion zones (riparian, Utilize existing skid trail system. wetland, etc.). N Ground based Riparian Reserve RX: C Obliterate spur roads 0 .43 using winch line Numerous benches and patchy stocking for thinning. Treat weeds on 5480 prior to harvest activities (39.9 pulling DXD candidate. Patch thinning. Utilize existing (unless activities occur during acres) skid trail system. winter). Create snags (6-8/acre) and fall logs (4-6/acre) in ground equipment exclusion zones (riparian, wetland, etc.) M Skyline (up hill) Riparian Reserve RX: C Obliterate temporary roads & spur roads. 0 .43 Western boundary has major stream and waterfall. Treat weeds on 5480 prior to harvest activities (18.6 No cut buffer in the inner gorge + 50' from top of (unless activities occur during winter). acres) gorge at terrain break. DXD candidate. Thin from Create snags (6-8/acre) and fall logs (4-6/acre) below. Utilize existing skid trail system. in ground equipment exclusion zones (riparian, wetland, etc.). No ground based equipment. H Skyline or ground Riparian Reserve RX: C Treat weeds on 5480-115 and spur prior to 0 0 based Open skid road into stand off the powerline ROW. harvest activities (unless activities occur during (13.7 Landings above powerline. DXD Candidate. Thin winter). acres) from below. Utilize existing skid trail system. Create snags (6-8/acre) and fall logs (4-6/acre) in ground equipment exclusion zones (riparian, wetland, etc.).
34 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
Stand Harvest Riparian Buffers (above those described in Restoration needed concurrent with Temp. Existing Systems general RX guidelines) and other LSR Harvest Activities roads spur mitigations. (miles) roads (miles) E 80% Skyline 20% Riparian Reserve RX: C Treat weeds on 5480-115 and spur prior to 0 0 ground based. Numerous class IV, buffer, yard uphill where harvest activities (unless activities occur during (74.7 practicable to powerline access road. Thin from winter). acres) If over snow, middle. Utilize existing skid trail system. Use small-tracked tractor to restore natural flow 50% ground path and position by obliteration/recontouring based, 50% old skid trails and roadbeds prior to closure of skyline. temporary or access roads. F Ground Based Riparian Reserve RX: C Treat weeds on John Wayne Trail prior to .19 0 during winter. No silvicultural treatment or equipment operation harvest activities (unless activities occur during (14.8 within 150 feet of the Ordinary High Water Mark of winter). acres) the lake. Thin from middle. Utilize existing skid Obliterate temporary road and create trail for trail system. horse/hiker/mountain bikes/XC skiing. Maintain a trail accessible by 30’ snow- groomer. Treat weeds on John Wayne Trail and 5480- 115 prior to harvest activities (unless activities planned during winter). L 80% Skyline 20% Riparian Reserve RX: C Treat weeds on 5480 and spurs prior to harvest 0 0 ground based ~75 ft. no cut buffer around wetland and stream. activities (unless activities occur during (20.6 Some cases the buffer is wider due to wetlands and winter). acres) seeps(Marked with flagging). DXD candidate. Thin Create snags (6-8/acre) and fall logs (4-6/acre) from below. Utilize existing skid trail system. in ground equipment exclusion zones (riparian, wetland, etc.).
35
Stand Harvest Riparian Buffers (above those described in Restoration needed concurrent with Temp. Existing Systems general RX guidelines) and other LSR Harvest Activities roads spur mitigations. (miles) roads (miles) G 100% Skyline. Riparian Reserve RX: B, C Obliterate temporary road and spur road. Use .80 .44 See hydrologist map. Thin uphill to existing skid small-tracked tractor to restore natural flow (177.2 If over snow, road. Layout with hydrologist path and position by obliteration/recontouring acres) 85% Skyline, old skid trails and roadbeds prior to closure of 15% ground temporary and spur roads. based. Treat weeds on 5480, spurs, and John Wayne Trail prior to harvest activities (unless activities occur during winter). Create snags (6-8/acre) and fall logs (4-6/acre) in ground equipment exclusion zones (riparian, wetland, etc.). Total .99 2.93 (566 acres)
36 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
Bridge over Cold Creek ______Stand A would be accessed by a temporary or permanent bridge, or by the reconstruction and hauling on FS road 9070-125. This may require a cat/skidder assist vehicle to help pull logging trucks up steep grades. The existing ford on Cold Creek would not be used for harvest activities. The bridge site is located where a bridge was located in the past. Bridge construction would follow mitigation measures found in Mitigation Measures section to reduce impacts to fish and fish habitat.
If a permanent bridge is constructed: An excavator would dig the footings on the rock outcroppings, just upstream of the existing ford. The excavator would cross the stream at the existing ford, complete all work on the right bank, and cross back (consistent with the WDFW MOU). It would be washed before coming on site. All fueling would take place in a designated area, on the terrace above the floodplain. Silt fencing and weed-free straw bales would be used to prevent erosion. The footings would be poured concrete, and would most likely be placed on the rock outcroppings, above the channel. Piles might be driven as the foundation if the rock is not suitable. Coffer dams may be installed to dewater the areas where piles are driven. Concrete would be poured using a boom arm, and the cement truck would not cross the creek. No work would be done in the creek other than equipment driving through it. The clearing would be 30 feet upstream and 30 feet downstream of the crossing to allow the equipment to swing. The pre-fabricated bridge girder would be launched from the left bank to the right using a crane and roller without contact with the water.
If a temporary bridge is constructed: The temporary bridge would have wood planks or concrete pre-cast footings. Minor excavating would be done above the high water mark to place the footings. The bridge would be lifted into place with a crane. Aggregate would be laid at each end of the bridge on the road surface. The clearing would be 30 feet upstream and 30 feet downstream of the crossing to allow the equipment to swing.
Creation of standing dead trees (snags) and downed logs______The proposed action includes the protection of all existing snags and downed logs. In addition, the microclimate (shading, moisture, etc.) around large snags and logs greater than 30” DBH would be protected. The proposed action also includes the creation of 6-8 snags/acre and 4-6 downed logs/acre within the stands, on approximately 139 acres. The creation of these features would occur within areas excluded from commercial entry, such as riparian areas, areas with unconfined streams, seeps, and wetland complexes. These areas include approximately 24.5 % of the stands, with varying amounts of exclusion areas in each unit. Where appropriate, trees would be strategically felled to restore natural floodplain and wetland flow paths (discussed below). A hydrologist, wildlife and fish biologist would help identify the appropriate trees (size, species, and locations) to meet ecological objectives. The creation of snags and downed logs would improve habitat conditions for species associated with snags and downed wood. This
37 activity would also increase tree diameter growth and increase light necessary for understory development.
Restoration of areas degraded by logging ______Restoration to increase downed woody debris, drainage patterns and water tables
The proposed action includes restoration within stands to restore hydrologic functions damaged by previous logging entries. Areas with old skid trails and road beds would be obliterated and recontoured. The creation of downed wood, discussed in the previous section, would include strategically felling trees in damaged areas to restore natural floodplain and wetland flow paths. This restoration would protect the ongoing recovery of hydrologic features by restoring the on-the-ground coarse woody debris component important in dissipating streamflow energy, increasing hillslope retention time of snowmelt, and storing and recharging local shallow aquifers. This restoration would also increase tree diameter growth within the Riparian Reserves. Road Obliteration, Stabilization, and Trail Conversion __
The proposed action was designed to respond to the following issues: Which roads are necessary to meet management needs? Which roads can be eliminated to reduce maintenance costs and improve ecological and watershed conditions? Can some roads be converted to a trail?
Road obliteration/stabilization
The proposed action includes the obliteration of 10.07 miles of road and the stabilization of 1.96 miles of road. See Figures 6 & & 7, Appendix A for road locations. Stabilization measures include drainage improvements to stabilize eroding soils and restore natural flow paths. The road density would be reduced from 4.08 miles per square mile to 3.28 miles per square mile. The road density could not be reduced further without eliminating access to trailheads, important recreational sites, groomed snow routes, powerline towers or access to private land. The goals of the obliteration/stabilization include:
Restoring the natural flow paths for water within the watershed. o Stabilizing soils associated with the road from accelerated surface erosion and mass wasting. o Restoring the site productivity and encourage native plant establishment on the road prism by reducing soil compaction, incorporating organic matter (rootwads, logs, branches, etc.) onto the soil surface and eliminating noxious weeds. o Placing the road in a self-maintaining drainage condition; requiring no future drainage improvement or culvert cleaning for water quality protection. o Preventing motorized use from traveling on the road and across the restored areas.
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Road to trail conversion
The proposed action includes managing FS road 5480-115 (powerline access road) as a trail to create a loop with the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail. The road would be managed to be compatible with the John Wayne Trail, therefore, the road would be used as a groomed XC ski trail in the winter, and horse/hiker/mountain bike trail the rest of the year. Approximately 100 feet of connector trail would be created from the temporary road used to access to stand F and ¼ mile of road created from the spur road at the north end of stand A. Obliterate the 9070-801 road (.15 miles) and convert to a summer only non-motorized trail. Obliterate the 9070-124 road (1.09 miles) and convert to a groomed XC ski trail.
Restoration Goals and Categories
There are four (4) distinct categories or levels of road restoration which would be applied within the Roaring Thin Restoration project area. The complete list of which category applies to each road proposed for obliteration/restoration is summarized in Table 4. Each category reflects subtle differences in the long-term objectives for the road and the extent to which heavy equipment would be used to accomplish these objectives. Deciding which roads fall under each category was determined by considering the short and long-term environmental objectives and hazards which the road poses, the desired public use in the area and the economic feasibility of the restoration work. Five primary objectives have been identified for all road restoration work; however, they apply to a greater of lesser degree depending upon which category a specific road falls into. These objectives include:
1) Restoring the natural flow paths for water within the watershed 2) Stabilizing soils associated with the road from accelerated surface erosion and mass wasting 3) Restoring the site productivity and encourage native plant establishment on the road prism by reducing soil compaction, incorporating organic matter (rootwads, logs, branches, etc.) onto the soil surface and eliminating noxious weeds. 4) Placing the road in a self-maintaining drainage condition; requiring no future drainage improvement or culvert cleaning for water quality protection. 5) Preventing future motorized use from traveling on the road and across the restored areas
39 Restoration Categories
The four categories and a brief generic description of the necessary work within each category are provided below.
Category 1 This represents the most comprehensive level of obliteration. It involves the removal of all culverts and associated fill materials at all stream crossings and ditch line cross drains. Soils would be excavated at stream crossings to provide an adequate floodplain width to match the naturally occurring floodplain width and stream channel gradient occurring at either side of the road. Road fill, on either side of the removed culverts, would be excavated to construct streambanks at approximately a 1:1 slope or flatter for adequate streambank stabilization. Coarse woody debris and rock, from the surrounding area, would be placed in the excavated floodplain and stream channel, to construct a semi- natural streambed and provide energy dissipation.
Ditch relief culverts and associated fill materials would be removed and the road surface outsloped at culvert locations. In addition, any cut and fill road construction which had intercepted springs and groundwater seeps would be recontoured to remove fill, outslope the road, disconnect drainage from the ditchline and re-establish natural flowpaths across the road bed.
Decompaction of the roadbed soils would occur over 50% of the total road length, to a minimum depth of 24 inches to allow for restoration of the soil’s water balance and establish effective tree root penetration. All available organic materials adjacent to the road, which may be reached by the equipment operator without leaving the roadbed, would be pulled onto the decompacted soils.
To effectively close the road to future motorized use, obliteration would include recontouring the roadbed to as close as possible to the original topography of the adjacent land. This would extend for a distance representing the sight distance of a driver traveling the open road. Recontouring would be concurrent with the soil decompaction work and consist of pulling soil and organic materials from the fill slope onto the road bed. Construction of a berm and placement of large rocks would finish the closure.
Category 2 Obliteration objectives consist primarily of restoring site productivity, eliminating noxious weeds and effectively closing the road to all future motorized travel. These objectives include reducing soil compaction, using methods discussed under Category 1, and establishing a late-successional forest structure over the restoration area. Some crossdrain culverts may need to be removed to effectively restore natural flow paths through the road prism and minimize long-term road maintenance costs. Examples of this category include roads which exhibit few stream crossings, a low mass wasting hazards and few opportunities to collect and concentrate water; particularly low gradient roads and those along ridgelines or short spur roads. Roads would be closed to future motorized use, using a combination of physical barriers and native vegetation.
Category 3 Restoration objectives include restoring site productivity to the roadbed to a level which allows for the establishment of an early seral plant community and forest structure (down woody debris) across the roadbed. The road would be closed to all non-winter motorized travel. The goal is to disguise the roadbed to prevent use by non-winter motorized users.
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Obliteration would be limited to only those actions which would not interfere with snowgrooming and snowmobile operations in the winter. Restoration work would include decompacting soils, constructing effective self-maintaining crossdrains in the road surface and felling and placement of small diameter, limbed trees (<10 inch DBH) in flush contact with or embedded in the roadbed. Stream crossing culverts would not be removed, however, additional crossdrains may be added across the roadbed and downslope of the culvert to discharge any flow associated with a blocked or partially blocked culvert. Work would include the installation of a gate at the appropriate location to prevent non-winter motorized use. Table 4 lists the roads proposed for obliteration or conversion to trails and summarizes the restoration categories.
Category 4 This category represents roads which would remain open for public use. Restoration work would include road drainage improvement to stabilize eroding soils and restore natural flow paths, including groundwater and wetland hydrology. Practices would vary depending on each road’s season of use, but would include a combination of adding surface drainage features to relieve snowmelt and storm runoff, adding culverts to relieve ditch flow before it reaches a stream crossing, and finally removal of road drainage or small stream crossing culverts which are prone to plugging with debris and replacing them with drivable armored drainage dips. Emphasis would be placed on minimizing both the risk of drainage feature failure and long-term maintenance costs of ditch and culvert cleaning.
41 Table 4. Proposed Road Obliteration/Watershed Restoration Watersheds Route Number Management Miles Restoration Proposal Categories1 Roaring Creek 5480114 Obliterate 0.1 - Roaring Creek 5480117 Obliterate 1.4 1,2 Roaring Creek 5480118 Obliterate 2.6 1 Roaring Creek 5480119 Obliterate 0.5 2 Roaring Creek 5480-126 Obliterate 0.9 2 Roaring Creek 5480-240 Obliterate 0.3 2 Roaring Creek 5480-242 Obliterate 0.1 2 Roaring Creek 5480-248 Obliterate 0.1 - Roaring Creek 5480-803 Obliterate 0.1 2 Roaring Creek 5483-117 Obliterate 0.5 2 Roaring Creek 5483-119 Obliterate 0.4 2 Cold Creek 9070-122 Obliterate 0.7 1 Cold Creek 9070-135 Obliterate 0.2 1 Cold Creek 9070-230 Obliterate 0.4 - Cold Creek 9070-615 Obliterate 0.2 - Cold Creek Acquired Land NW 1/4 Obliterate 0.3 1 Sec 34 Cold Creek Acquired LandSW 1/4 Obliterate 1.3 1 SEC 27 Cold Creek Acquired Land westside Obliterate 0.1 2 Sec 27 Roaring Creek T22 R11, SE1/4, SW1/4 Obliterate 0.3 2 SEC 34 unclass. road Total 10.4 Cold Creek 9070801 Convert to 0.1 3 trail-summer Cold Creek 9070124 Convert to 0.7 3 trail-winter Total 0.8 Roaring Creek 5480-000 (seg.24, 52, 58) Stabilization 0.2 4 Roaring Creek 5480-112 (seg. 47, 48, Stabilization 0.6 4 15) Keech. Front 5480-115 (seg. 6, 46, Stabilization 0.2 4 106) Roaring Creek 5480-117 (seg. 17) Stabilization 0.2 4 Roaring Creek 5480-125 (seg.66, 68) Stabilization 0.2 4 Roaring Creek 5480-126 (seg.7) Stabilization 0.2 4 Roaring Creek 5480-212 (seg. 5) Stabilization 0.06 4 Cold Creek 9070-000 (seg. 88, 90, Stabilization 0.2 4 98) Cold Creek 9070-125 (seg. 94) Stabilization 0.1 4 Note: 1 see previous text for definitions of Total2 1.96 Restoration Categories and descriptions of specific stabilization work. Dashed lines indicate roads that are included in the INFRA database, but were not found on the ground.
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Table 5. Proposed Road Stabilization/Restoration Projects Road Segment #'s Length Current Status Restoration Description2 Priority Total Cost Number (feet) (maintenance Code1 level) 5480-000 24 500 3 4 Additional cross drains to handle ground and stormwater runoff. Install 2 rocked drivable 3 $2,500 dips each 20' L, as seasonal low water fords
5480-000 52, 58 400 3 4 Additional cross drains to handle ground and stormwater runoff. Install 2 rocked drivable 2 $2,500 dips each 20' L, for perennial groundwater and low water fords. 3 culverts for perennial flow and winter travel could be installed as an alternative for $4,500
5480-112 47, 48, 15 3000 2 4 install 18" dia. x 30' L CMPs to relieve ditchflow prior to it reaching stream channels, as 2 $12, 500 many as 8 - addt'l.CMPs
5480-115 106, 6 600 2 4 Add cross drains to relieve snowmelt and stormwater runoff from road surface prior to 1 $4,000 Cold Creek crossing. Improve stream crossings to prevent capture of streamflow on road through a combination of additional waterbars and or armored drivable dips.
5480-115 45 600 2 4 add additional crossdrains for restoring groundwater connectivity and provide ditch relief 3 $5,000 crossdrains (drivable dips)prior to stream crossing approaches
5480-117 17 1000 2 4 ditch and culvert inlet clearing, remove stream crossing culvert and replace with rocked 2 $7,500 ford, add drivable dip surface crossdrains on both approaches to stream crossings and every 100 ft on grades>10%.
43
Road Segment #'s Length Current Status Restoration Description2 Priority Total Cost Number (feet) (maintenance Code1 level) 5480-125 68, 66 1000 2 4 ditch and culvert inlet clearing, remove stream crossing culvert and replace with rocked 3 $5,000 ford, add drivable dip surface crossdrains on both approaches to stream crossings and every 100 ft on grades>10%.
5480-126 7 1000 2 4 ditch and culvert inlet clearing, remove stream crossing culvert and replace with rocked 2 $5,000 ford, add drivable dip surface crossdrains on both approaches to stream crossings and every 100 ft on grades>10%. At seg. 66, remove segments of fill to restore upland connectivity to wet meadow
5480-212 5 300 2 4 add drivable draindip at top of road grade break 1 $750
9070-000 88,90,98 1000 3 4 Install 4 - 18" dia. x 30' L CMPs to restore road prism hydrologic connectivity for 1 $7,500 wetland connectivity
9070-125 94 500 1 (gated) 4 Additional culverts and armored drivable dips, as cross drains to handle ground and 1 $4,000 stormwater runoff. Runoff exceeding capacity of existing road drainage design. Road prism slumping Totals 9900 $43,750
44 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
New Cross-Country Ski and Horse/Hiker/Mountain Bike Loop Opportunity ______Forest Service Rd 5480-115 is a power-line access road that runs parallel to the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail. This alternative proposes to close this road to motorized traffic and create a groomed XC ski and horse/hiker/mountain bike trail. Small linking trails would be created connecting the 115 road to the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail. See Figure 11, Appendix A, for location of proposed trail. This creates the opportunity to create a loop system with the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail. The use of this trail would be compatible with activities allowed on the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail in both summer and winter. Existing parking at the Crystal Springs Sno-park and Hyak Sno-park would serve as the primary parking access. Grooming the 115 road is compatible with the adjacent 9070 road that is part of the groomed cross-country ski trail network under permit to the Summit-at-Snoqualmie ski area. The trail would dovetail with the future goals of Washington State Park’s 2013 Centennial plan to improve trail access opportunities out of the Crystal Springs and Hyak Area. Lost Lake Restoration ______The proposed action includes restoration of the Lost Lake area while maintaining access for camping and boating. See Figures 8 & 9, Appendix A for existing situation and proposed changes. The restoration work proposed would follow the “Respect the River” approach to riparian restoration which combines well-designed recreation with intensive public education (information available at fs.fed.us/rtr). It would involve: stream bank restoration; placing rock or other barriers such as fences to block vehicle access; gravel surfacing to designate access routes and parking; ripping or sub-soiling sites no longer to be used to remove compaction; planting shrubs and trees; clearing new sites to provide for displaced use or projected new use and relocating recreation sites outside of Riparian Reserves; reducing or clearing noxious weeds; hardening stream access sites; and installation of toilets. The map of the current situation and proposed campsite plan are found in Appendix A. Four campsites with fire rings and parking would be designated. An additional four, day-use parking spaces would be designated and a toilet would be installed. A small ramp which allows users to launch rafts, small row boats and canoes would be installed. Cold Creek Floodplain Restoration______Cold Creek provides high quality spawning habitat for resident fish and is recognized as an important stream for the future recovery of bull trout in the Upper Yakima watershed. The Bureau of Reclamation is constructing a structure to restore fish passage at the outlet of Cold Creek to facilitate bull trout recovery. We propose to close the campsites and access routes and restore the area to protect aquatic habitat and water quality in Cold Creek. Restoration includes decompacting damaged soils to a depth of 20 inches, scattering organic materials from the surrounding forest floor, as groundcover to encourage native plant establishment, and close these campsites to future public access.
45 This proposal would prevent further expansion of soil degradation. The proposed action would restore streamside shade levels sufficient to protect water temperatures, and streambank stability to reduce soil erosion. All of these actions are important for restoring water quality and fisheries habitat. The gate proposed at the junction of the 9070-000 and 5480-115 road would prevent further access to this area. Invasive Plant Treatments ______Invasive plant infestations have been inventoried on almost every road in the Roaring Thin project area. Infestations are present in some of the proposed treatment polygons. It is therefore necessary to include an integrated invasive plant management plan as part of the design criteria for the proposed action for the Roaring Thin project. This integrated invasive plant management plan includes chemical control (the use of herbicide), cultural control, and manual and mechanical control methods.
The proposed action includes the treatment of 100 acres of existing invasive plant infestations adjacent to roads, the BPA powerline, and the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail in the project area to reduce these populations. See Figures 12 &13, Appendix A, for proposed treatment areas. These treatments would also reduce the risk of infestations created by the proposed project activities. These treatments are only proposed for the lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service. The areas and types of treatment are found in the Proposed Invasive Plant Treatment description.
The Roaring Thin Restoration Project would implement the measures found in the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest Weed Management and Prevention Strategy and Best Management Practices (2002). This Prevention Strategy incorporates direction from the Region 6 FEIS for Managing Competing and Unwanted Vegetation (1988) and associated Mediated Agreement (1989). These design criteria are also listed as ‘Standards’ in the Record of Decision for the Pacific Northwest Region Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Invasive Plant Program (2005) which amends the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Wenatchee National Forest (1990) as of March 1, 2006. The full list of BMPs is found in the following section.
The risk of herbicide treatments to the public are considered minimal. An analysis of risks to public health is found in Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants FEIS, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region FEIS April 2005, pages 4-66 to 4-92. The following mitigation measure would be followed: o Provide a minimum buffer of 300 feet for aerial application of herbicides near private residences and private land (unless otherwise authorized by private landowners. o Prior to implementation of herbicide treatment the Forest Service system staff will ensure timely public notification. Signs will be posted in treatment areas to inform the public and forest workers of herbicide application dates and herbicides used. If requested individuals will be notified in advance of spray dates.
46 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
Table 6. Proposed Invasive Plant Treatment Areas Legal road location Species common name Herbicide T. 22. N., R. 11 E., Section 2 5480-122-212, along entire 212 Hypericum perforatum Common St. John's wort picloram 5480-125, along entire 125 spur Hypericum perforatum Common St. John's wort picloram Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye-daisy clopyralid Cirsium vulgare bull thistle clopyralid Hieracium caespitosum yellow hawkweed clopyralid begin 5480-112 to jct with 5483 Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye-daisy clopyralid Hypericum perforatum Common St. John's wort picloram Centaurea stoebe spotted knapweed picloram Cirsium arvense Canada thistle chlorsulfuron Cirsium vulgare bull thistle clopyralid T. 21 N., R. 11 E., Section 11 2.7 miles up 5480 Cytisus scoparium Scot's broom glyphosate T. 22 N., R. 11 E. 5480-115, full length of spur Hieracium aurantiacum Orange hawkweed clopyralid T. 22 N., R. 11E., Section 2 5480 to above Lost Lake Hieracium aurantiacum Orange hawkweed clopyralid Hypericum perforatum Common St. John's wort picloram Centaurea diffusa diffuse knapweed picloram Centaurea stoebe spotted knapweed picloram Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye-daisy clopyralid Cirsium vulgare bull thistle clopyralid T. 22 N., R. 11 E., Section 28 9070-124, entire length of spur Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye-daisy clopyralid Cirsium vulgare bull thistle clopyralid Hypericum perforatum Common St. John's wort picloram T. 22 N., R. 11 E., Section 28 9070 - 125 -126, 126 spur Hieracium aurantiacum Orange hawkweed clopyralid T. 22N., R. 11 E., Section 28 9070 Hieracium aurantiacum Orange hawkweed clopyralid Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye-daisy clopyralid Hypericum perforatum Common St. John's wort picloram Tanacetum vulgare common tansy metsulfuron Centaurea stoebe spotted knapweed picloram
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Legal road location Species common name Herbicide T. 22 N., R. 11 E. 5480-118, entire length of spur Hypericum perforatum Common St. John's wort picloram Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye-daisy clopyralid Tanacetum vulgare common tansy metsulfuron T. 22 N., R. 11 E 5483 to jct w/5483-112 Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye-daisy clopyralid Cirsium vulgare bull thistle clopyralid Centaurea diffusa diffuse knapweed picloram T. 22 N., R. 11 E 9070-122, entire length of spur Hieracium aurantiacum Orange hawkweed clopyralid Hypericum perforatum Common St. John's wort picloram Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye-daisy clopyralid Centaurea stoebe spotted knapweed picloram T. 22. R. 11 9707-135, entire length of spur Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye-daisy clopyralid Cytisus scoparius Scot's broom glyphosate T. 22 N., R. 11 E. and T. 21 Powerline & John Wayne Trail All weed species discussed All weed species discussed above All 4 herbicides N., R. 11 E. above
48 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
Silvicultural Prescription ______Landscape Condition: The project is located in a heavily managed landscape in the Upper Yakima River Watershed. Historically the project area had a checkerboard ownership pattern, with each odd numbered square mile section owned by Plum Creek Timber Company (formerly Burlington Northern). Most of the private land has become part of the National Forest System. Land in sections 3, 11, and 25, T. 21 N., R.11 E., W.M. and Sections 27 and 29, T.22 N., R.11E. W.M. are lands that became part of the National Forest System due to the I-90 Land Exchange (1998).
Intensive, even-aged clear-cut forest regeneration practices have been employed extensively in the watershed. Approximately 39% of the landscape is managed stands <80 years of age. The maritime influenced plant communities, such as found in the Roaring Thin Restoration project area, have long fire return intervals, ranging from 100- 600 years (USDA and USDI 1997). Fire has played a minor role in regenerating the area in recent decades; the only recent fire is the 612 acre Lost Lake fire which occurred in 1985. This stand was heavily salvaged and re-planted. The project is entirely contained within the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area (AMA). The desired future condition is mature and old-growth forest.
The landscape contains stands beyond precommercial thin age and immature for commercial thinning. About 400 acres of mid-stem exclusion aged stands fall into this category, these stands would remain thick and dense.
Ingrowth of young stands that would become commercial thin size is expected over the next 20-30 years. About 2000 acres of young stands would grow into the commercial thin size class.
Forest Structure: Old-growth forest structure (Franklin et al. 1996) exists only in unmanaged stands. However, some stands contain large legacy trees, snags and downed logs. Approximately 4,800 acres of unmanaged native forest cover growth exists in the project area.
Even aged, young managed stands are proposed for commercial thinning in the Roaring Thin Restoration project. These stands consist of a mixture of western red-cedar, western hemlock, western white pine, Pacific silver fir, noble fir, Douglas-fir and a minor amount of mountain hemlock. In general, Douglas-fir was the dominant tree planted and the other seeded in naturally beneath Douglas-fir or remnant whips after clearcutting. These whips are now 24” DBH isolates, or groups of isolates.
Treatment stands are located in forest stands in the Pacific silver fir vegetation series, and one stand (N) is located in the mountain hemlock series.
Harvest History: Clearcutting created even aged stands, using a combination of railroad, ground based tractor, highlead, and skyline logging.
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Current Condition: Commercial thinning is needed in the Roaring Thin Restoration Project area because:
The stands are all overstocked (Drew and Fluelling, 1979), based on stand exams conducted in 2004. The average stand condition based on these exams all show a stocking level of over 55% relative density, a density that would promote stand stagnation and declining growth. This is the point where intra-tree specific competition is high enough to induce density related mortality. Growth rates in all the stands are declining and most trees are growing at less than 1”/decade, a threshold value for insects and disease. (Hall, 1987).
Proposed Action: The proposed action includes 566 acres of silvicultural treatment in 55-75 year second growth plantations within the mid-stem exclusion structural stage of forest development (Oliver, Larson, 1980) to accelerate old growth forest structure. Of this 566 acres, 427 acres would be commercially thinned and 139 acres would be treated to increase the number of downed logs (downed woody debris) and standing dead trees (snags). The commercial thinning stands, logging systems, and restoration activities in each stand are summarized in Table 3. The stands would be harvested in the late summer, early fall, or during winter over snow, with the exception of stand F, which would be harvested during winter over snow to protect cultural resources. In addition, about 1400 acres of suitable precommercial thinning is proposed.
Silvicultural Effects of the Proposed Action Table 2 in Chapter 2 summarizes the results of FVS/SVS modeling with and without treatment (this data represents an average of all stands). This demonstrates the effects of a 30% relative density versus the natural self thinning and mortality that might occur through time. Stands are compared on a common year or age. With the proposed treatments it is expected that stands would reach an average DBH of 21” in 84 years rather than 161 years expected with no treatment. In addition, with the proposed treatments in 90 years, the stands would have an average of 23 trees per acre greater than 30” DBH rather than an average of 14 trees per acre expected with no treatment. These modeling effects are extracted from the FVS output summary table (Table 2).
The summary of commercial thinning stands, proposed restoration activities concurrent with harvest, and riparian buffers are summarized in Table 3.
In addition, about 1400 acres of plantations that were clearcut 15-20 years ago would be precommercially thinned. The description of stands and thinning treatments are summarized in the silvicultural prescription.
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The project is designed to meet the following objectives:
Thinning Objectives: Move stands from stem exclusion into understory re-initiation structural stage (Oliver, Larson, 1980). Protect all existing downed logs and snags. Buffer all large (30” DBH or larger) snags and logs to protect the microclimate around these features. Create 4-6 downed logs/acre and 6-8 snags/acre in equipment exclusion zones (approximately 139 acres). Minimize soil disturbance and compaction to protect soil ecosystems and species associated with soils, such as fungi, mollusks, amphibians, small mammals, etc. through Best Management Practices in Mitigation Measures later in the chapter. This would also reduce the risks associated with invasive plant infestations. Speed development of and restore large diameter tree structure, required for old growth structure. Accelerate the development of Spotted Owl nesting, roosting, foraging habitat (NRF) and nesting habitat for marbled murrelet. Maintain dense patches with little or no understory development to provide horizontal diversity. These areas (skips) would occur in equipment exclusion zones (riparian inner gorge areas, seeps, unconfined stream systems, wetland complexes) as well as buffers around all large (30”DBH+) snags and downed logs. The number of skips would vary by stand with between 20 and 30% in stands G, E and R. Improve forest health and indivi tree growth using silvicultural practices of density management. Conduct only one thinning entry where there is an opportunity to obliterate roads. The thinning schedule in Stand “R” would be planned for a two entry thinning since the thinning stand would be accessible by an open road in the future. The timing of a second entry would depend on stand conditions, and would be a future NEPA decision. Increase crown depth and vertical stratification (multiple canopy layers) in the stand through time by reducing crown recession on overstory trees, maintaining and releasing existing understory and mid story strata, and creating openings to initiate understory regeneration. Restore vigorous growth conditions that abate epidemic insect and disease threats for 20 years. Create a variable understory light environment on the forest floor that stimulates forb and shade tolerant conifer growth in patchy manner throughout the stand. Utilize stewardship authority for reinvestment of commercial thinning revenues to complete critically needed watershed restoration projects (road obliteration/stabilization, floodplain/shoreline restoration, etc.) and precommercial thinning. Provide second growth wood products to local mills using ecologically sound forest practices.
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Prescription Methodology/Process
Stand exams were conducted in a sample of potential commercial thin stands during fall of 2005. Prescriptions are based on site specific stand exam information. The Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) model (Crookston, Stage, 1982). The west Cascade variant was used, and a locations file on the Mount Baker Snoqualmie forest was selected. This is because the moisture regimes, site productivity, and vegetation cover type is closer to a west Cascade condition, than an east Cascade condition. The model used in this analysis was calibrated in the computer to match actual growing conditions on the forest site.
A target relative density index of 28-30% for the overstory was selected to release the stands for 20 years of vigorous growth and promote the development of large trees over time. As the majority of the understory and midstory strata would be left, actual resi density would be higher. As multi-cohort stands have a higher carrying capacity, this would allow enough growing spacing for 20-30 dominant, overstory trees to grow vigorously for many years, while simultaneously allowing a portion of the under and midstory layers to develop. New seedling recruitment of shade tolerant species is expected.
Proposed Action – Harvest Systems and mitigation measures
Felling, Skidding/Yarding and Landing Construction
The harvest method, location of landings, layout of skid trail pattern and mitigation measures would help to reduce the level of soil disturbance, damage to the resi stand and impact on the designated riparian areas, wetland complexes, unconfined streams systems, seeps, etc. within and adjacent to the stands proposed for commercial timber harvest. Logging systems are summarized in Table 3)
A combination of logging systems would be used to remove timber from the proposed stands. In general, a short span skyline system would be used on slopes over 35% and a ground based harvest system would be used on slopes under 35% during the dry season or winter (over snow). The normal operating season in the contract would be from August 15 through February 28. Slopes range from 0-60%. Skyline corridor and tractor skid trail layout would be designed in such manner to remove logs in a direction away from riparian equipment exclusion zones. Landings would be located in a manner to facilitate the skidding away from the riparian zones. Landings would be located on or immediately adjacent to existing Forest System Roads and logging spurs.
52 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
Skyline corridors and tractor skid trails would be flagged by the purchaser after felling operations are complete. These corridors and skid trail locations would be approved by the Forest Service prior to yarding and skidding operations. Skyline corridors would be 100-300 feet apart and tractor skid trails would be located approximately 150-200 feet apart, in a layout manner that bests protects the resi stand and designated riparian equipment exclusion protection zones. One end suspension would be required in all areas where skyline yarding is designated. Winch line pulling of logs for a distance up to 100 feet would be required in the areas designated tractor skidding.
Landings would be between ¼ and ½ acre in size, and would be constructed in existing cleared areas along the roads. At the end of the project, some areas along open roads would be open to woodcutting for one season, after which time the remaining slash would be piled and burned. The landing would be rehabilitated by soil scarification to reduce compaction and then seeded with native vegetation.
All falling operations would be conducted before layout of skid roads and skyline corridors to make best use of marked and natural openings and to avoid any additional removal of trees or snags. Locate skid trails and corridors outside of buffers established to protect the large snags and downed logs.
Downhill yarding for skyline systems on slopes over 35% would occur outside the normal spring sap flow seasons (May 1- July 31), to avoid excessive tree bole damage.
Where practicable, work with fallers to ensure an understanding of the silvicultural objectives in the field during the start of the operation.
Where practicable, in feller buncher operations or mechanized felling, use delimbed material on the surface of skid trails to disperse machinery impact due to soil compaction.
Where safe and practicable, leave isolated damaged skyline lift trees, tailhold trees, or root sprung trees.
Fuels Disposal Conservation Measures
Burning of landing piles would occur during and just before incoming weather fronts for maximum smoke dispersion. Landing piles should not be placed under or near power lines due to potential for heat damage to lines or electrical arcing. Handpiling of precommercial thinning slash would be accomplished adjacent to private property and disposed of in a timely manner. Landing piles would be considered for firewood prior to disposal.
53 Prescription and Marking Guide
In multi-sized, multi species stands, (A,E,F,G,R) thin from the middle favoring co- dominant and dominant, well formed shade tolerants (western redcedar, western hemlock, silver fir) or western white pine, and dominant Douglas-fir. Grand fir retention is a lower priority. Retain a percentage majority of understory and midstory shade tolerants. Retention of minor species and defective resi trees with basal wounds is desirable for LSR/AMA objectives.
Retain minor species in the stand after thinning independent of spacing.
Variable density thinning to meet LSR/AMA objectives. Because the spacing of trees in the stand is not even, and minor species exist in the stand, marking would vary across the stand. The goal is to release 20-30 dominant trees per acre for a future large tree component and thin the rest of the trees to a tighter spacing, while varying species selections. For example: Where Douglas-fir crop trees exist near well formed shade tolerants, vary the spacing, leave both, then widen the spacing out to upper limits prescribed, adjacent to these dense areas to make up for the group. Another option is to favor a shade tolerant in one situation, favor Douglas-fir in another, or leave both and make up the spacing in a different locale. Variability in the marking prescription is the rule, treating the same situation consistently is undesirable. A factor of 20-30% spacing variance is allowed for to retain the best species/form of trees in the stand. High Diversity Stands:
For stands A, B, E, F, G, and R, thin from the middle. This would entail leaving all understory (0”-7.5”DBH) and 30 TPA midstory shade tolerants (7.5”-10”DBH), in addition to 70 TPA in the dominant or co-dominant crown position. Small clumps of 3-7 trees in the 7.5”-10” class is desirable. Retain dominant and scattered smaller trees along roads is desirable for visual diversity and to cut down sight distance. Variable spacing is employed to meet the overall TPA, the TPA is a minimum target.
Stand R is located adjacent to and surrounded by open roads which would be kept open in out-years. This stand is scheduled for two thinnings. The stand would be variable density thinned from below to 110 TPA, to allow for a second thinning. Height/Diameters are over 80 for this stand because it was never pre-commercial thinned. A power line centenary issue in this stand would require isolated thinning from above, under low points of the power line curve, to avoid future power line damage as stand R grows.
54 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
Low Diversity Stands:
For single storied stands H, L M, N, O, thin from below to a range of 70 TPA, in addition to retention of shade tolerant conifers as isolates or in groups in addition to the understory. Thin stands to meet a variable density spacing of 23’X23’, with 15% variance, 20-25’, and retain some shade tolerant. All these stands except stand O should be considered for a Designate by Description (D X D) marking because they are simpler. Stand O has a needle rust fungus in it and should not be marked D X D because it is essential to remove the needle rust infected trees and it is impossible to tell with DXD if the best crowned trees are left.
Riparian Reserves: Utilize a hydrologist to assist in interpreting riparian prescriptions, including unit boundary delineation, wetland delineation, riparian “no entry” areas and skid trail layout. Commercial thinning would avoid all inner gorges along defined stream channels, including intermittent and ephemeral streams. Lateral yard away from riparian areas. Thinning outside of inner gorges and still within the interim Riparian Reserve widths would maintain the entire canopy closure within 50 ft along all perennial streams, as measured from outermost channel, with exception of Cold Creek in which the distance is one site-potential tree from the top of inner gorge. This avoids increasing water temperatures in Cold Creek, Roaring Creek and Keechelus Reservoir and their tributaries.
Riparian Reserve Prescriptions for Sustaining Riparian Canopy Cover Density and Shade Allocations:
RX A1 – No commercial thinning within 200 feet (one-site potential tree length) from the top of the inner gorge of Cold Creek (Class I stream). RX A2 – No commercial thinning within 50 feet of the top of the inner gorge of Class III streams (Unnamed Tributary to Lost Lake) Thinning in the 50’-120’ zone would maintain a 50% crown closure.
55 Rx B1- Features: perennially flowing streams (some may be perennial at the top, steeper slopes and intermittent at bottom as grade flattens). Intent: to protect water temperature by maintaining minimum 60% canopy closure and providing streambed and bank stability. Marking: Mark all leave trees immediately along top edge of inner gorge along confined stream channels as leave trees. Beyond these edge trees and within 25 foot horizontal distance from the top of inner gorge, or from outermost channel, mark all dominant and codominant trees as leave trees, removing only suppressed or intermediate trees which would not affect or change canopy closure. From 25 foot to 120 foot horizontal distance, begin feathering the marking by leaving sufficient dominant and codominants to maintain 60% canopy closure at 25 feet, feathering to 50% canopy closure at 120 feet. Rx B2- Features: for intermittent streams both confined and unconfined (braided- multi-channels) Intent: to provide streambed and bank stability, and large wood (>20 inch dbh) recruitment. Marking: Mark all leave trees immediately along top edge of inner gorge stream channels as leave trees. Beyond these edge trees begin feathering the marking by leaving sufficient dominant and codominants, to maintain a minimum of 50% canopy closure within 50 foot horizontal distance. Rx C- Features: for marking around unit boundary where riparian edge and boundary are common, or groundwater seeps and wetlands occur within the boundary. Intent: to maintain shade and thermal refugia by protecting relative humidity. Marking: Mark all trees along edge of unit boundary which is common to riparian area, or along edge of hydrology feature within unit, as leave trees. Beyond these edge trees and within 50 foot horizontal distance mark all dominant and codominant trees as leave trees, removing only suppressed or intermediate trees which would not affect or change canopy closure.
All Stands:
Retain all Western white pine because of unknown blister rust resistance.
Retain Western red-cedar >10” DBH. In low diversity stands ( H, L M, N, O) where it is a minor species, ignore red-cedar as a minor species. In high diversity stands A, B, E, F, G, and R, thin out 0-10” cedar on a 50% count towards spacing requirements, 50% mark to leave in additional.4
Retain most of the largest trees in stand. Create the widest spacing around the largest trees.
Retain 0-7.5” trees by contract.
4 Changed on the 07/30/07 field trip with presale/tree markers.
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Defective tree structure is missing in most stands. Retain most of the wolfy, large branched resi trees (typically left after clearcutting in the 1940s). Conduct spacing off of these trees. Retain all resi trees, where practicable, with broken tops, stem decay, mechanical defects, or horizontal structure, when they are a minor component of the stand. Ignore/space off of defective trees 50% of the time.
Promote stratification of the stand by retaining a proportion of intermediate and all suppressed understory shade tolerants (0-7.5”DBH), where practicable.
Retain most trees >24” DBH, except where necessary for skyline corridors, landing guyline trees or safety. In units A & B (only), where two or more trees>20” exist within 10’ of each other (face of tree to tree), the smaller tree can be cut 50% of the time provided the fullest crown tree is retained. Leave some groups of largest trees unthinned when within 10’ of each other as a large tree cluster. For example, two large trees would be retained where removing one of the trees would leave a ½ crown on the single leave tree left.
Forked trees with a common root collar are treated as one tree.
Where practicable and where safety concerns can be mitigated, retain all existing downed woody debris on the forest floor.
Skips
Skips include prescribed riparian buffers, woody debris buffers, and snag buffers, the total should average approximately 30-35% of the entire proposed treatment stand area. Skips would be randomly distributed across the treatment stands. Skips are a separate prescription than upland thinning.
Snags/Downed Logs: For microclimate protection, where practicable, retain shade over (first tree) 30” DBH or larger snags and downed logs (decay class I, II, and III).
Stumps: Retain shade or first tree over classic/ cedar with spring board), +,- sound stumps, first tree shade, then feather back into the stand.
Talus, rock outcrops: For microclimate protection, retain a 50’ no-thin buffer.
Perennial Unconfined Channel Streams/Wetlands RX: For small perennial stream, unconfined flow and ground water areas: retain 60% crown closure on wetlands, 50 foot boundary feathered thin, with 90% tree retention 1st tree feathered back to 50% crown closure from 50’-120’. The intent is to keep machinery off soft soils.
57 Perennial Streams – Confined Channel RX: Protect all of the inner-gorge from any ground disturbing equipment treatment or equipment for disturbance of 1 -2 tree width t from water or top of inner gorge, whichever is greatest. Thin the rest of riparian buffer width to 50% crown closure.
B-1 Intermittent –maintain 50% crown closure over channel.
B-2 Perennial – permanently flowing, temperature sensitive, maintain 60% crown closure over channel.
Intermittent Streams- Unconfined Channel RX: Retain first tree on channel in contact or top of the incised channel with scour and deposition.
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Table 7. Silvicultural Prescription Summary
Stand Current Average Post Treatment Average Spacing of Trees>10” Post Thin Post Thin Volume/acre TPA/DBH Average TPA/DBH2 DBH w/15% Variance Crown Relative Removal Closure Density1
A, E, F, G,R 350-427 TPA/ 12.4 70 TPA/ Codom/Dom. Thin from the middle. 45% 30% 10-13 MBF/ac. DBH 30 TPA 7.5-10” or mid 294ac. story shade tolerants, Meet or exceed 70 TPA Dom./ 3.38 MMBF where present. Retain alll Codom. 25’X25’ +-20% 20’-30’ TPA <7.5 DBH. widest spacing around the largest trees. Equals Approx. , 120 2 ft.B.A. Target Total 100 TPA /ac.,, Average overall 21” X 21’. Meet or excced 30 TPA shade tolerant in 7”-10” DBH class or mid canopy shade tolerants, 38’X 38.’ Clump where possible to protect from logging and facilitate logging. . Shade tolerant are clumped (75%) and scattered (25%)
H,L,M,N,O 290-379TPA/ 9.1” 75 TPA/ 13.1” DBH 23’X23’ +-15% 19’-27’ . Equals 42% 29% 8 MBF/ac. DBH Approx. 120 2 ft. /ac. Dom./Codom,, 81ac. All TPA <7.5 DBH 648 MBF SELECT AGAINST THIN, WHISPY CROWNS DF, = Infected with Rhabdocline NEEDLE RUST
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Stand Current Average Post Treatment Average Spacing of Trees>10” Post Thin Post Thin Volume/acre TPA/DBH Average TPA/DBH2 DBH w/15% Variance Crown Relative Removal Closure Density1
R 380 TPA / 9.6” DBH 110 TPA/ 14.1” DBH 21’ X 21’, +,-15% 25’-18’ Equals 50% 35% 6 MBF/ac Approx. 140 2 ft. /ac. Dom./Codom. 12ac. All TPA <7.5 DBH 72MBF.
All ALL ACRES 4.10MMBF
387ac.
1Post Thin densities are exclusive of planned wildlife tree topping or DWD felling, up to 5 TPA; topping would deform tops but leave 2/3 of a green crown on topped trees, trees would fork, branch or deform not contributing to a crown closure loss. 2Spacing is independent of skyline corridors or skid trails which are necessary to cut for skyline corridors, landings or skid trails. Up to a 2% loss in crown closure is planned for sale administration activities, post thinning crown closure would be a minimum of 40%.
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Diverse Stand Summary A, E, F, G, R
At least 70 TPA Dom./ Codom. Trees (DF, or other species), where available, Avg. 25X 25’ spacing. The variance is for tree spacing (20% , 20-30’) to meet OR exceed a target of 70 TPA. The spacing is designed to be flexible to retain the best formed trees. Dominant shade tolerant species can count towards the large tree component of the Rx.
At least 30 TPA shade tolerant trees 7”-10” or mid story shade tolerants, where available. Avg 38’ X38’ spacing if shade tolerants are perfectly spaced (not); clump where possible to protect from logging damage, (75% clumped to 25% scattered is desirable). Widen spacing if clumped.
Wildlife “W”, trees not counted towards the spacing or TPA.
Implementation
Implementation of this prescription would require installation of randomly located systematic 1/20th ac. sample plots, during and concurrent with the marking.
Precommercial Thinning Stands The precommercial thinning stands in the Roaring Planning area can be classified as ripe or perishable. Ripe stands are plantations that were clearcut and reforested 15-20 years ago. These stands are ready to precommercial thin and would generally not require felling of trees over 7” (6.9”)DBH to meet target stocking levels.
Perishable stands are older stands on higher sites and were clear-cut and reforested up to 25 years ago. In perishable stands there may be isolated instances where an 8.5” DBH tree may need to be cut to release a 9.5” dominant tree. The final spacing would average 130-150 TPA post precommercial thinning. In these older plantations, it may appear that removal of trees greater than 7” DBH violates utilization standards in Table IV-19 in the Forest Plan (1990). Thinning without tree removal for trees over 7” DBH is justified because:
Wenatchee National Forest Standard and Guideline IV-19 (1990) applies to commercial sales and mature stands. None of the Roaring precommercial stands can be implemented at a profit, therefore Standard and Guideline IV-19 does not apply.
Slopes are generally long and steep and many acres are over 200’ from existing roads. If the 7”-9” material could feasibly be removed, it would cause excessive damage to thinned bark reproduction in the resi stand.
Failure to accomplish precommercial thinning in the perishable size class would delay attainment of size suitable for commercial thinning to age 55-60 versus age 40-45 if precommercial were accomplished. Potential for commercial volume yield would be reduced if not treated.
61 Leaving the small quantity of merchantable stems in the 7”-9” class meets a soil productivity need and LSR direction.
A diversity of silvicultural prescriptions that would meet LSR objectives (NWFP S & Gs, B-6, pph# 1), "stocking was established in many stands for high yields of wood, not to provide for old-growth-like forests" i.e. they are very different outcomes .
In situations where the road would remain open, ground is flat, and material can be hand carried to the road or pulled to the road with a winch line up to 75’, the cut material may be sold and utilized as a forest product.
Bough and leaf foliage may be utilized after thinning specifications are met.
Fuel loading from 7”-9” would quickly decompose and compact under heavy snow loads.
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Table 8. Proposed Precommercial Thinning
Precommercial Stands/acres TPA Species Retention Height Rx Priority Thin Strata Priority
Ripe bb, dd, ee, ff,hh,ii,,kk,ll, 700-1200 Western red cedar, 14-20’ Best height growth, High mm,nn,oo, Western white pine species diversity, (Retain all WWP), Noble deep crown, fir, Douglas-fir, Pacific 20’X20’, +- 20% silver fir, lodgepole pine. 16’-22’. Up to 9”DBH removal.
Perishable cc,jj,pp,qq,rr ,ii,ss. 2500 Western Red Cedar, 18-25’ Best height growth, Perishable Western white pine species diversity, (Retain all WWP), Noble deep crown, fir, Douglas-fir, Pine, 20’X20, + - Pacific silver fir, 25%15’-24’Up to lodgepole pine. 9” DBH removal.
There may be inclusions of 7”-9” stems to be cut in any stand listed, Table 8 represents the two major strata.
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Mitigation Measures ______The following list of measures is included in the proposed action.
Forest Management
The BMPs, Conservation and mitigation measures associated with commercial and precommercial thinning are found in the silvicultural prescription.
Watershed Management
The following BMPS would be implemented to protect water quality and hydrologic functions:
Best Management Practices for Water Quality -Sedimentation Road Reconstruction, Construction and Decommissioning: Avoid using any level 1 roads, temporary roads and skid trails in locations which currently occupy wetlands, groundwater seeps and springs, draws and ephemeral stream channels. Areas of concern include road segments in Stands A, E, F, G and R. Consider constructing short segments of new temporary road to move locations toward sidehill or onto bench topography to avoid and protect these features and improve the ability to drain road surface through a vegetative filter before reaching a stream channel. Stand G temporary road would avoid utilizing culverts with the exception of those confined stream crossing points, as soil creep and slumping is expected on new cutslopes which may block culvert inlets and result in runoff captured on the road surface, resulting in higher mass wasting and sediment delivery risks. When building new temporary roads, locate road junction with existing road outside of the Riparian Reserves of perennial, intermittent and ephemeral stream channels and at least 150 feet from the confluence of any two tributary streams. Do not re-open existing spur roads which cross wet meadow and wetlands as they would require filling and degrading small wetlands and increase sediment discharge into waterbodies (e.g. stands R and O) Upon completion of road use, reconstruct all pre-existing road closure berms which were removed to gain temporary access into stands (e.g. stands N and M). All new stream crossings structures should be designed or selected to pass the 100 yr. flood flow and associated debris, as well as provide aquatic organisms passage, consistent with the AMA Plan. This includes the temporary or permanent bridge construction on the 5480-115 crossing at Cold Creek. Utilize the district hydrologist in designing the proper size structures for the stream channel characteristics.
65 Maintain 90% effective groundcover5 by using erosion control measures on soils adjacent to all stream crossing installations and removals during restoration to protect streams from surface erosion and sediment delivery. This includes the inner gorges along all ephemeral, intermittent and perennial streams. Installation of new stream crossing structures (culverts) would include the installation of erosion control matting or weed free straw (applied at an equivalent rate of one, 3-strand bale/400 ft sq.) over all bare mineral soil surfaces. Stream crossing location and road alignments should be perpendicular to the streamflow velocity and located to minimize disturbance to wetlands, disruption of unconfined streamflow and groundwater emergence and recharge. Road drainage structures would be installed to route water runoff through a vegetative filter strip prior to road approach reaching stream crossing structure. Add appropriate road surface drainage structures (drivable drainage dips) on all temporary roads and the following system roads (see Table 6) to control non-point source sediment pollution. These include roads accessing stands A, E, G, F, and R. Drainage should be in place prior to hauling, maintained throughout logging, and reconstructed or obliterated as part of post-haul maintenance. Decommissioning and closing of temporary roads, following project activities, would be completed by the purchaser/contractor. All temporary roads are to be obliterated to a standard which prevents use by all motorized vehicles including OHVs. Work includes: o Decompact 30-50% of road surfaces to a depth of 20 inches, o incorporate logging slash and native coarse woody debris scattered over decompacted surface o install self-maintaining drainage structures in the road surface at the proper spacing and orientation, to prevent concentrated ditchflow and provide for restoration of natural runoff paths o remove stream crossing structures and fill materials from flood prone width of channel (at elevation of 2 x bankfull depth), recontouring streambanks to a stable angle, grass seed and/or erosion control mats installed on all bare mineral soil surfaces. o road closure structures would consist of recontoured cut and fill slope or berming soil material against the cutslopes and extending to the fillslope or road shoulder. Recontouring would occur for an appropriate road length (sight-distance) to disguise the roadbed. Logging slash and native coarse woody debris would be scattered over the closure structure and it would be grass seeded. o Where roads are located along valley bottoms and toe slope, drainage structures would be installed through the road prism every 100 ft with a shallow excavated dip, extending from toe of cutslope and bottom of
5 Effective Ground Cover- may include all surface rock fragments, organic materials and live vegetation.
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ditch, across the road prism to the fillslope side, to relieve runoff and restore flowpaths. Where vegetation buffers are narrow (less than 50’) between road and stream, a minimum of 2 weed free strawbales would be staked at these drainage structure outlets to dissipate energy and trap suspended sediment. o Timing of road decommissioning work would be completed during late summer or early fall during baseflow conditions, following completion of project activities. Appropriate conditions would be determined by the District Hydrologist. Roads opened or constructed for commercial logging would be managed “closed” to public use, following completion of logging. Where subsequent, short-term access needs are deemed necessary for public firewood collection or fuel reduction activities, roads may be administratively managed “open” for some discrete period of time in those locations where it is consistent with Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives. Permanent road obliteration would follow and be coordinated and implemented through contract administration. .
BMPs for Landing Construction and Rehabilitation: Landing construction locations would avoid seeps, springs and wetlands, as well as draws, and intermittent and ephemeral stream channels. A native vegetation filter strip or concentrations of logging slash would surround the perimeter of all landings located within Riparian Reserves to serve as a sediment trap. There would be no landings located within areas excluded from commercial harvest. Landings would be rehabilitated using the same standards for temporary roads.
BMPs for Felling and Yarding: Directionally fell trees away from streams, swales, draws and wetlands in all stands where these conditions exist. Detrimental compaction of these features would accelerate overland flow, soil erosion and sediment transport. Skid trails would not converge downslope into swales, draws or ephemeral stream channels. Where ground-based yarding systems are used, locate skid trails outside of the influence zone of these features. Maintain 90% groundcover within the inner gorges along all ephemeral, intermittent and perennial streams to protect streams from surface erosion and sedimentation. Avoid downhill yarding onto roads located in Riparian Reserves from either ground or skyline yarding corridors in order to prevent soil movement into Riparian Reserves. If necessary to yard across streams and wetlands, full-suspension of logs (50’on either side of the channel for stand G, and 25’ for all other stands) would be necessary to minimize disturbance to existing coarse woody debris functioning as channel and wetland grade control, and to minimize detrimental soil compaction from weight of skidded logs.
67 Install waterbars on skidding corridors upon completion of yarding operations. Utilize district hydrologist in skid trail layout to avoid detrimental compaction and displacement of unconfined streamflow channels. This would sustain ongoing recovery of soil stability within Riparian Reserves of Class IV streams and protect wetland complexes from sedimentation.
Best Management Practices for Water Quality – Hydrology BMPs for Road Construction, Reconstruction and Decommissioning (see additional measure in Sedimentation section) BMP for winter logging: o Logging is restricted to periods where there is an undisturbed snow pack of 20” deep for a period of one week and overnight temperatures below 250 F and daytime temperatures no exceeding 350 F OR frozen ground to a 6” depth approved by District hydrologist. BMPs for Felling and Yarding: (see Water Temperature and Sedimentations section Felling and Yarding BMPs) Avoid downhill yarding and skidtrail layout converging into Riparian Reserves, particularly where skidtrails converge onto a road surface within the reserve. This action increases the risk of capturing and concentrating overland flow and storm runoff and delivering it to streams, which affect peakflows downstream. Skidding corridors would be located beyond 50 feet of the outermost “active” channel to protect channel migration and shallow aquifer recharge zones. Active channel is defined as that channel which carries water during annual peak snowmelt and stormflow events. (stands G, A, and R) Where it is necessary for equipment to cross Riparian Reserves, outside of established road crossings, equipment crossings would be limited to locations which are deemed acceptable by the district hydrologist and oriented perpendicular to the flowpath to avoid capture and diverting streamflow and runoff onto equipment tracks. Designated skid trails at a minimum of 150 foot spacing to minimize risk of overland flow. Recruit large (>12" dbh), coarse woody debris onto unconfined stream channel floodplains to restore floodplain roughness, where felling it from the existing stand doesn’t degrade average canopy closure densities to less than 55 to 60%.
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Soil Resource BMPs
The Wenatchee National Forest ground based harvest policy (USDA 1996) would be followed to protect soils. Also see BMPs under watershed management.
Invasive Plant Protection Plan BMPs
The following BMPs are based on the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest Weed Management and Prevention Strategy and Best Management Practices. June 2002 and the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program, Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants (USDA Forest Service, ROD, 2005). These BMPs would be implemented to prevent the spread and establishment of invasive plants:
All mud, dirt, and plant parts would be removed from all off-road equipment before moving into project area. Cleaning would occur off National Forest System lands. (This would not apply to service vehicles that stay on the roadway, traveling frequently in and out of the project area.) (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP I-5.1, BMP III-2.2, 7.3, 10.3, 22.2; Standard 2) All equipment would be cleaned prior to leaving the project site, if moving to uninfested areas. (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP I-5.2, III-2.2, 7.3, 10.3; Standard 2) When equipment is moving from one portion of project area that is weed infested to another portion that is weed free, it would be required to be cleaned as described above. A District Noxious Weed Coordinator or District Botanist would provide locations of weed-infested treatment units on project maps. Forest personnel would inspect, remove, and properly dispose of weed seed and plant parts on their clothing, equipment, and vehicles. (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP I-3.4; Standard 2) Native material would be used when available and where appropriate. A seed mix would be used that includes fast, early season species to provide quick, dense revegetation. To avoid weed contaminated seed, each lot would be tested by a certified seed laboratory against the State noxious weed list and documentation of the seed inspection test provided. (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP I-4.3, III-4.1, 10.2, 23.2; Standard 13) Weed free plant materials and mulch would be used for revegetation and site stabilization. (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP I-4.5, III-7.4, 10.2; Standard 3) Native species would be optimal choices for revegetation. Non-natives would be used in situations where locally collected natives are not available and/or where interim measures are needed. Seeding and/or planting would occur at the appropriate times in the spring or fall where needed to reduce erosion, prevent weeds from re-invading, or to hasten recovery of non-weed species. (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP I-4.6, III-10.2; Standard 13)
69 The time between completion of an activity and rehabilitation of a site would be minimized by: (1) open and timely communication between all departments involved in creating and restoring disturbed areas, (2) requiring seeding within 10 days of activity completion and (3) monitoring disturbed areas for compliance. (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP I-4.7, III-10.2) Revegetation efforts would be monitored and evaluated. (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP I-4.9, III-10.2; Standard 12) Road brushing would be avoided on heavily weeded roads once seed has set. (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP III-7.5; Standard 8) Road maintenance activities would be coordinated with invasive plant treatment (hand pulling, mowing, herbicide application, planting) to maximize efficacy. (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP III-9.1; Standard 8) Treat weeds on roads used by timber sale purchasers. (USDA Forest Service, 2002, BMP III-22.3; Standard 8) Application of herbicides to treat invasive plants will be performed or directly supervised by a State or Federally licensed applicator. All treatment projects that involve the use of herbicides will develop and implement herbicide transportation and handling safety plans (USDA Forest Service 2005, ROD Standard 15). Provide a minimum buffer of 300 feet for aerial application of herbicides near private residences and private land (unless otherwise authorized by private landowners (USDA Forest Service 2005, ROD, Standard 21). Prior to implementation of herbicide treatment the Forest Service system staff will ensure timely public notification. Signs will be posted in treatment areas to inform the public and forest workers of herbicide application dates and herbicides used. If requested individuals will be notified in advance of spray dates (USDA Forest Service 2005, ROD Standard 23). Use only adjuvants (e.g. surfactants, dyes) and inert ingredients reviewed in Forest Service hazard and risk assessment documents such as SERA, 1997a, 1997b; Bakke 2002. USDA Forest Service 2005, ROD, Standard 18) To reduce or eliminate direct or indirect negative effects to non-target plants, terrestrial animals, water quality and aquatic biota (including amphibians) from the application of herbicide, use site-specific soil characteristics, proximity to surface water and local water table depth to determine herbicide formulation, size of buffers needed, if any, and application method and timing, Only consider those herbicides and herbicide mixtures registered for aquatic use when evaluating herbicide use near streams or surface water (USDA Forest Service 2005, ROD, Standard 19).
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Rare and Uncommon Plant, Lichen, Fungi, and Bryophyte/ Wildlife and Terrestrial Species Management
The following conservation measures would be implemented in the event that a rare species is detected during project implementation: If rare species of plants, bryophytes, lichens, or fungi (proposed, threatened, endangered, or sensitive species) are found during implementation of the project, a botanist would establish protection measures so these species are not impacted. During implementation of harvest, road construction/obliteration, or restoration activities; if an active raptor nest, rare carnivore den, or deer/elk calving, or mountain goat kidding area are detected, a wildlife biologist would identify measures needed to avoid disturbance. Project activities (with noise above ambient levels) within ¼ mile of the known spotted owl site are restricted during the nesting season (March 1- August 30). Fish and Aquatic Species Management The following BMPs, mitigation and conservation measures would be implemented to minimize impacts to fish and fish habitat. Bridge Construction—Required Conservation Measures Adapted from: USDA Forest Service. 2003. Biological Assessment for USDA Forest Service Fish Passage Restoration Activities Affecting ESA-listed Animal and Plant Species found in eastern Oregon and the whole of Washington. Available from: Cle Elum Ranger District, 803 West 2nd Street, Cle Elum, WA, 98922.
1. In-Water Work Window In-stream work would take place between July 1 and July 31. If this work window is not feasible, the Cle Elum RD would work with USFWS and WDFW to determine the appropriate time for project activity.
2. Fish Handling and Transfer Protocols If capture, removal, and relocation of bull trout are required, follow these steps: a. Isolate Work Area – Install block nets at up and downstream locations and leave in a secured position to exclude fish from entering the project area. Leave nets secured to the stream channel bed and banks until fish capture and transport activities are complete. If block nets remain in place more than one day, monitor the nets every four hours to ensure they are secured to the banks and free of organic accumulation. b. Fish Capture Alternatives i. Collect fish by hand or dip nets, as the area is slowly dewatered. i. Seining – Use seine with mesh of such a size to ensure entrapment of the residing bull trout.
71 ii. Minnow traps – Traps would be left in place overnight and in conjunction with seining. iii. Electrofishing – Prior to dewatering, use electrofishing only where other means of fish capture may not be feasible or effective. The protocol for electrofishing includes the following: a. If fish are observed spawning during the in-water work period, electrofishing shall not contact spawning adult fish or active redds. b. Only Direct Current (DC) or Pulsed Direct Current (PDC) shall be used. c. Conductivity <100 use voltage ranges from 900 to 1100. Conductivity from 100 to 300 then use voltage ranges from 500 to 800. Conductivity greater than 300 then use voltage to 400. d. Begin electrofishing with minimum pulse width then graly increase to the point where fish are immobilized and captured. e. Do not allow fish to come into contact with anode. Do not electrofish an area for an extended period of time. Remove fish immediately from water. f. Dark bands on the fish indicate injury, suggesting a reduction in voltage and longer recovery time. c. Storage and Release – Bull trout must be handled with extreme care and kept in water the maximum extent possible during transfer procedures. A healthy environment for the stressed fish shall be provided—large buckets (five-gallon minimum to prevent overcrowding) and minimal handling of fish. Place large fish in buckets separate from smaller prey-sized fish. Monitor water temperature in buckets and well-being of captured fish. After fish have recovered, release fish upstream of the isolated reach in a pool or area that provides cover and flow refuge. Document all fish injuries or mortalities and include in annual report.
3. Pollution and Erosion Control Plan (PECP) and Supporting Measures Develop a PECP for the project, one that includes methods and measures to minimize erosion and sedimentation associated with the project. The PECP elements shall be in place prior to and at all times during the appropriate construction phases. The following conservation measures would assist in the creation of a PECP. a. Follow State Water Quality Guidelines - All project actions would follow all provisions of the Clean Water Act and provisions for maintenance of water quality standards as described by the Washington Department of Ecology. b. Spill Prevention Control and Containment Plan (SPCCP) – The contractor would be required to have a written SPCCP, which describes measures to prevent or reduce impacts from potential spills (fuel, hydraulic fluid, etc). The SPCCP shall contain a description of the hazardous materials that would be used, including inventory, storage, handling, and monitoring. c. Minimize Site Preparation Related Impacts – Site preparation would be completed in the following manner: i. Flag boundaries of clearing limits associated with site access, riparian crossings, stream crossings, staging and stockpile areas to minimize overall disturbance and disturbance to critical vegetation.
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ii. Establish staging areas (used for construction equipment storage, vehicle storage, fueling, servicing, etc) along existing roadways or turnouts beyond the 100-year floodprone area in a location and manner that would preclude erosion into or contamination of the stream or floodplain. iii. Minimize clearing and grubbing activities, if required for preparation of staging or stockpile areas. Stockpile large wood, trees, riparian vegetation, other vegetation, sand, and topsoil removed for establishment of staging area for site restoration. iv. Place sediment barriers around disturbed sites where potential erosion may enter the stream directly or through road ditches, which are connected to the stream. d. Minimize Heavy Equipment Fuel/Oil leakage – Methods to minimize fuel/oil leakage from construction equipment into the stream channel and floodplain include the following: ii. All equipment used for instream work shall be cleaned and leaks repaired prior to arriving at the project. Remove external oil and grease, along with dirt and mud. Inspect all equipment before unloading at site. Thereafter, inspect equipment daily for leaks or accumulations of grease, and fix any identified problems before entering streams or areas that drain directly to streams or wetlands. iii. Equipment used for in-stream or riparian work shall be fueled and serviced in an established staging area. When not in use, vehicles would be stored in the staging area. iv. Two oil absorbing floating booms appropriate for the size of the stream shall be available on-site during all phases of construction whenever surface water is present. Place booms in a location that facilitates an immediate response to potential petroleum leakage. e. Minimize Earthmoving Related Erosion – Methods to minimize sedimentation resulting from earthmoving construction activities include the following: i. Minimize amounts of construction debris and soil falling into stream by installing appropriate erosion control barriers prior to construction. Such barriers should be maintained throughout the related construction and removed only when construction is complete. When possible, remove debris or large earth spills that have fallen into the channel. ii. In-stream blasting is not covered by the programmatic BA; however in-stream rock splitting by chemical expansion rock splitting or shot-shell powered rock splitting is permitted. iii. Delineate construction impact areas on project plans and confine work to the noted area. Confine construction impacts to the minimum area necessary to complete the project. iv. Keep a supply of erosion control materials (e.g., silt fence and straw bales) on hand to respond to sediment emergencies. Use sterile straw or “weed free” certified straw bales to prevent introduction of noxious weeds. v. Cease all project operations, except efforts to minimize storm or high flow erosion, under high flow conditions that result in inundation of the project area.
73 vi. Stockpile native streambed materials above the bankfull elevation for later use in project restoration. To prevent contamination from fine soils, these materials shall be kept separate from other stockpiled material, which is not native to the streambed. f. Minimize Stream Crossing Sedimentation – Methods to minimize turbidity and sedimentation resulting from use of stream crossings and access roads include the following: i. No equipment is permitted in the flowing water portion of the stream channel except at designated stream crossings. ii. Where temporary stream crossings are essential, crossings shall be identified on project plans, designated at the project site, shall not increase risks of channel re-routing due to high water conditions, and avoid potential spawning areas when possible. iii. Stream and riparian crossings shall be minimized and conducted at right angles to the main channel where possible. iv. Existing roadways or travel paths would be used whenever reasonable. g. Minimize Sedimentation through Dewatering – To minimize project related sediment introduced into the stream and to help meet state turbidity standards, methods to isolate the in-channel project include the following: a. Divert flow with pumps or structures such as cofferdams constructed with non-erosive devices, such as sandbags, bladder bags, or other means that divert water. Diversion dams constructed with material mined from the stream or floodplain are not permitted. b. The temporary bypass system may consist of non-erosive techniques, such as a pipe or a plastic-lined channel, both of which must be sized large enough to accommodate the predicted peak flow rate during construction. In cases of channel rerouting, water can be diverted to one side of the existing channel. c. Dissipate flow at the outfall of the bypass system to diffuse erosive energy of the flow. Place the outflow in an area that minimizes or prevents damage to riparian vegetation. If the diversion inlet is not screened to allow for downstream passage of fish, place diversion outlet in a location that facilitates safe reentry of fish into the stream channel. d. When necessary, pump water from the de-watered work area to a temporary storage and treatment site or into upland areas and filter through vegetation prior to reentering the stream channel. e. Any water intake structure (pump) authorized under the Programmatic BA must have a fish screen installed, operated and maintained in accordance to NMFS’ fish screen criteria (NMFS,1995) (http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/1hydrop/hydroweb/ferc.htm h. Flow Reintroduction i. Slowly re-water the construction site to prevent loss of surface water downstream as the construction site streambed absorbs water and to prevent a sudden increase in stream turbidity. Look downstream during re-watering to prevent stranding of aquatic organisms below the construction site. j. Site Restoration – Methods to minimize sedimentation through site restoration include the following:
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i. Upon project completion, remove project related waste. Initiate rehabilitation of all disturbed areas in a manner that results in similar or better than pre-work conditions through spreading of stockpiled materials, seeding, and/or planting with native seed mixes or plants. If native stock is not available, use soil- stabilizing vegetation (seed or plants) that does not lead to propagation of exotic species. ii. Reconstruct the stream channel cross-section and gradient within the area formerly occupied by the ford in a manner that reflects more natural conditions found up and downstream. Large wood and/or boulders may be placed in the reconstructed stream channel and floodplain. iii. No herbicide application would occur as part of the permitted action (but see discussion of noxious weed treatment elsewhere in EA). Mechanical removal of undesired vegetation and root nodes is permitted. iv. When necessary, loosen compacted access roads, stream crossings, stream channel within the dewatered work area, staging, and stockpile areas. v. In-stream or floodplain restoration materials—such as large wood and boulders—shall mimic as much as possible those found in the project vicinity. Such materials may be salvaged from the project site or hauled in from offsite but cannot be taken from streams, wetlands, or other sensitive areas. Use cable in project design sparingly and only when conditions do not exist to anchor large wood naturally between riparian trees or to protect downstream structures. vi. Do not fell conifers in the riparian area for restoration purposes unless conifers are fully stocked or if necessary for safety. If necessary for safety, fell trees toward the stream and leave in place or place them in the stream channel or floodplain. This does not apply to conifer removal in areas necessary for project completion—staging and stockpile areas, road fill around culverts, and access roads. vii. When necessary, use steep-slope terracing. viii. Complete necessary site restoration activities within five days of the last construction phase.
Dispersed campsite restoration conservation measures, taken from:
USDA Forest Service. 2002. Programmatic Biological Assessment for selected Forest Management Activities on the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests. Available from: Cle Elum Ranger District, 803 West 2nd Street, Cle Elum, WA, 98922.
Tables and other references are available in the full document, which is filed in the Roaring Thin project file.
Conservation Measures (only includes measures that apply to the Roaring Thin Restoration Project): a) All work would abide by the Master Memorandum of Agreement for Hydraulic Projects between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and USDA Forest Service, Region 6.
75 b) Project consistency with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) based upon the environmental baseline and recreation effects determination described in the appropriate watershed biological assessment needs to be documented. If a project maintains degraded conditions without moving towards consistency with ACS, retards recovery or is otherwise inconsistent with the ACS using the environmental baseline and assessment of on-going activities, the project would not be consistent with this biological assessment and a separate biological assessment would need to be completed. c) Projects would include a documented erosion control plan, including treatment of exposed soils at project completion to prevent erosion and noxious weed invasion. d) Trees which could fall into aquatic habitat are not to be felled unless they are a human safety hazard, or in the rare case when a tree or trees need to be felled to open a new site to compensate for a closed site. e) New sites within an existing campground or maintenance of existing sites in such areas must allow for periodic flooding, including protecting vegetation in the campground and in overflow channels. The Lost Lake area is not an existing campground but it is a concentrated use area. The proposed campsite design would meet this measure. f) New dispersed sites and steps should not be built adjacent to bull trout or upper Columbia spring chinook spawning areas. These two species are highly visible when spawning, making the potential for poaching or harassment high. If a dispersed site is to remain adjacent to bull trout or chinook spawning areas, management of the site would not increase human use, and access to the stream needs to avoid spawning gravel. The Cold Creek dispersed recreation area would be closed and restored to meet this measure. g) Hardened sites and access barriers would be more than 25 feet or 0.3 site- potential tree distance, whichever is greater, from the edge of the bankfull stream channel and outside the flood prone area. The distance of 25 feet should be adequate protection for root strength of vegetation immediately adjacent to the stream channel and important to maintaining bank stability. The distance applies to side channels. Barriers and designed areas of concentrated use would be located at least this distance as well. (NFP 2002). This measure would be implemented at Lost Lake. h) Any subsoiling (or soil decompaction activities) would be 25 feet or 0.3 site potential tree height distance away from the bankfull channel. Sub soil on grades < 8 percent. Straw bales or other erosion control measures would be implemented to prevent sediment delivery to streams until the sub-soiled surface is revegetated. (NFP 2002). i) Floodplain rehabilitation often entails acquisition and strategic placement of logs in areas that do not meet the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. Use available downed logs or if possible, acquire logs from nearby hazard tree reduction activities. Do not fall green trees unless they are hazards at the new site. j) Re: New Toilet Installation
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i. An approximate area of 225 square feet may be cleared for the new toilet site. ii. No trees may be felled within one site potential tree height distance from the bankfull channel or floodplain, whichever is greater, to prepare/clear the site. iii. Beyond one site potential tree height distance from the bankfull channel or floodplain, whichever is greater, trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 12 inches may not be felled to prepare/clear the site. k) When equipment noise levels are above ambient, implement appropriate Conservation Measures in Table D-1. l) Design sites to assure new sites are in location that does not degrade habitat for fish and wildlife. m) If a site is restored and use is planned to continue in that site, restoration activities should not result in an increase in human capacity. If a site(s) is restored and capacity is redirected to a new site(s), the capacity level at the new site(s) would not be greater than the capacity level at the previous site(s). n) For heavy equipment use, refer to Tables D-1 and D-2. o) For use of explosives in topping hazard trees, refer to p.58 and Table D-3. p) An education component would be established at key locations along with the restoration activity (refer to Respect the River).
Noxious Weed Treatment Standards pertinent to fish habitat (see standards under invasive plants)
Recreation Management
The following mitigation measures would be implemented to minimize impact to recreation, aesthetics, powerline safety and private homeowners that live within or adjacent to the project area: During harvest activities logging trucks would be traveling through these communities. The timber sale administrator would work with the purchaser to reduce speeds through these areas and use dust abatement measures. Harvest activities would be planned to minimize impacts to recreational users on John Wayne Trail, groomed routes, etc. Cooperate with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to manage recreational use at Lost Lake. If harvest activities occur during winter, plowing of groomed routes would not occur unless the Kittitas County Grooming Council, the Central Cascades Winter Recreation Council, and the Summit at Snoqualmie agree with measures implemented to avoid impacts to winter sports and protect public safety. At a minimum to following measures would be adopted: o Plowing impacts would be of the shortest duration possible, o Plowing would allow for dual use with four inches of snow left on the road surface,
77 o During winter, log truck haul would only be allowed Monday thru Thursday, between 5 AM to 5 PM. Log truck traffic would be prohibited on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Federal Holidays to reduce impacts to winter recreation.
Heritage Resources
In stand F the boundary was adjusted to avoid cultural site. Winter logging with 20 inches or more of snow is required.
Scenic Resources Design Criteria/BMPs The following design criteria would be implemented to protect the scenic quality of the project area: The Forest Landscape Architect would work with the district personnel on treatment prescriptions and marking guides, specifically in areas where proposed treatments fall within foreground scenic view allocations. Critical areas are U.S. Interstate Highway 90 and the John Wayne Trail. Mechanical evidence created along the immediate foreground of the John Wayne Trail would be rehabilitated to appear natural. Complete removal of ribbons, tags, stakes where visible from travel routes and The John Wayne Trail. Designated cut or leave trees would be painted on the backside along seen areas (foreground) of designated trails. When closing roads, blend earth mounds and large boulders with the landscape in visually sensitive areas. Plant native grasses and vegetation. Slash would be removed in a manner that appears natural and appropriate to the site. Skyline corridors would be located at an angle to avoid linear effect as viewed from the travel routes of I-90 and the John Wayne Trail. The corridors would be kept as narrow as possible. A skyline ridge of trees with varied clumping and spacing of leave trees would be maintained. Landings would be located outside of visual areas or screened by vegetation. Corridor edges would be feathered and efforts would be concentrated on open areas adjacent to corridors and dense unthinned corridors would be avoided. Thinning along the John Wayne Trail is designed with special markings with variable spacing of leave trees, clumping of a variety and diversity of tree species for textures to emulate a natural appearing forest environment. Trees would be pulled away from trail corridor, and the temporary access road to Unit F would be completely closed and rehabilitated. Pre-commercial thinning near the Pacific Crest Trail. All slash would be pulled 100’ away from a ¼ mile section of Pacific Crest Trail, and no visible markers (paint or flagging) would be visible from the trail.
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Why Only Two Alternatives ______The Forest Service originally evaluated eight alternatives; 1) Obliteration of all Level 1 and 2 Roads, 2) Commercial Thinning within the Inner gorge of streams, 3) wetlands and seeps, 4) Creation of snags and downed logs in all commercial units during harvest activities, 5) Build no new temporary roads, 6) Conduct thinning activities only during winter over snow, 7) the Proposed Action, and 8) No Action. All but the No Action and Proposed Action were eliminated from detailed study. The reasons for not carrying these alternatives forward in detailed analysis have been explained on Page 23, Alternatives Eliminated from Further Study.
Past, Present and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions______Discussion of the environmental effects of the proposed action (Chapter 3) considered the relevant past, present and reasonably foreseeable actions in the Upper Yakima watershed. This section summarizes the past present and reasonably foreseeable activities. Past Activities The upper Yakima watershed has a long history of management and development activities including timber harvest, road construction, intensive recreation, railroad development, transmission line and other utility development, and development of large reservoirs for water storage. Several land exchanges and land acquisitions have occurred resulting in over 75,000 acres of land moving from Plum Creek Timber Company ownership, to USFS ownership within the Snoqualmie Pass AMA since 1998. Additional activities within the last 5 years include: The completion of the Keechelus Safety of Dams Project which removed about 70 acres of mature forest near the Lake Keechelus dam. The implementation of Plum Creek Road closures (USFS 2005). This project involves the closure of roads on lands acquired from Plum Creek Timber Company. The roads targeted for obliteration are either completed or under contract. The completion of Cold Creek fish passage project in fall 2006. However, flooding in November 2006 appears to have taken out much of fish passage structures. Reasonable Foreseeable Actions The additional clearing of 30-40’ of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) corridor to prevent fires caused by the power lines. The Right-of- Way (ROW) easement across National Forest Land is 150’. The BPA has kept approximately 110’ cleared or in an immature forest condition. The clearing will all occur on the north side of the ROW. More private lands put into conservation status (Cascade Land Conservancy) in the Gold Creek and Swamp Lake areas due to Section 6 Habitat Conservation Plan grants. The expansion of the Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area and addition of 400 acres of National Forest System land in the Mill Creek drainage. The expansion of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Gold Creek (Wilderness Evaluation as a result of I-90 Land Exchange, 1998)
79 The expansion and reconstruction of Interstate 90 from Hyak to Easton. The preferred alternative for this project includes the construction of ecological connectivity structures to connect habitats and facilitate species movement. The first phase of the project, Hyak to Keechelus Dam, is anticipated to begin in 2010. An increase in private development in the Hyak and Easton areas. There is only limited road construction and rural housing development on private land within the National Forest boundary expected. The extent and timing of effects are unknown at present An increase in the number of recreational forest users during all seasons. The reintroduction of Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) into the Yakima River and development of supplementation or acclimatization facilities to support this program. The sale of lands previously owned by the Plum Creek Timber Company, and covered by their Habitat Conservation Plan, to new owners that may pursue land management practices that differ from those contained in the Habitat Conservation Plan. The continued acquisition of private lands and transfers to the National Forest System, other public ownership, or land conservation organizations.
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Comparison of Alternatives ______This table summarizes the environmental consequences based on the measurable criteria identified in Chapter 1.
Table 9. Alternative Comparison Table Alternative 1 (No Action) Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Forest Structure-Overstocked plantations How can we achieve the goals of the Snoqualmie Pass AMA to accelerate old growth/ late-successional forest structure in plantations to meet the Purpose and Need? Stand Age at Attainment of 21” (Ave. Age 161 Age 84 DBH) Development of Shade Tolerant At age 172, At age 172, Understories. (Cubic Feet/Ac./Yr) 64 Cubic Feet/Ac./Yr. 78 Cubic Feet/Ac./Yr Management effect on the number of 7.9” DBH@ Age 103 12.7”DBH@ Age 103 decades supporting tree growth >1”/decade. Horizontal and vertical diversity as a Horizontal diversity will remain Horizontal diversity is increased in short run and long run. result of management activities unchanged in the short run due to an This is because thinning will create a mosaic of young extended period of self thinning; long variable density forest structure in a matrix of dense term horizontal diversity will be second growth forest and mature forest. dependent on disturbance events. Vertical diversity is unchanged in the short run and Vertical diversity will remain increased in the long run as tree strata are set up to unchanged in the short run and differentiate into a two storied or three storied stand over stratification of the forest over the long time in 4-5 decades. run will be dependent on fine scale disturbance.
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Forest Structure- Standing dead trees (snags) and downed logs How will snag and downed log habitat be restored in the project area to meet the Purpose and Need? Acres treated to increase downed logs 0 139 acres (during harvest of units) and snags (to meet Forest Plan 427 acres (5 years post-harvest) Standards).
Forest Structure- Areas degraded by previous logging How will areas degraded by previous logging be restored to increase downed debris, drainage patterns and local water tables to meet Pupose and Need? Acres treated to improve coarse woody 0 139 acres debris and drainage conditions Road System How will the road system be managed to meet the Purpose and Need? Miles of roads obliterated 0 10.07 miles Miles of road converted to trail 0 4.83 miles (Roads 9070-801, 9070-124, 5480-115) Miles of road stabilized (improved 0 1.96 miles drainage, reduced risk of erosion) Change in road miles and road density 51.08 miles 41.01 miles (4.08mi./sq.mi.) (3.28 mi./sq.mi) Change in open road miles and road 51.08 37.30 mi. density (4.08 mi./sq.mi.) (2.98 mi./sq.mi.)
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Water Resources- Water Quality and Hydrology How will the project area be restored to meet the Purpose and Need? What are the project activities impact water resources? Temperature, Sediment, Hydrology Length of streambank or shoreline 0 2400 ft. protected or restored (ft) Road miles and density within Riparian 15.71 mi. 12.6 mi. Reserves 3.8 mi/sq. mi. 3.0 mi./sq.mi. Miles of road drainage improvement 0 1.96 mi. Percent change in magnitude of 0 <1% peakflow discharge Acres of restoration addressing natural 0 10 flow paths and wetland function Soils How would soil resources be impacted by proposed management actions? Percentage of acres of the activity area 5% 8% in detrimental soil disturbance after completion of project. Acres of soil rehabilitation 0 22 acres (road obliteration) Invasive Plants How will the project activities impact invasive plants in the project area? Acres with increased weed 0 600 acres risk/preventative measures implemented
Acres of herbicide treatment for 0 100 acres existing populations Rare and Uncommon species of Vascular Plants, Lichens, Fungi, and Bryophytes How will rare and uncommon species be protected during project activities? Complete surveys conducted. No rare species found except Lobaria linita (lichen) found. The area with Lobaria was dropped from the thinning unit. See chapter 3 for more information.
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Wildlife and Terrestrial Species How will wildlife habitat be changed in the project area to meet the Purpose and Need? Acres of second growth thinned to 0 391 acres accelerate late-successional habitat Increased interior forest due to road 0 3.81 sq. miles closures (sq. miles of habitat) Increased interior forest due to road 0 2,438 acres closures (acres) Increased carnivore/ungulate security 0 6.24 sq. miles habitat (sq. miles of habitat) due to road closures Analysis of effects on federal species of Short-term: no change Short-term: impact on nesting birds during project concern (see chapter 3 and wildlife Long-term: negative effect on species activities. If nesting raptors detected during biological assessment) of concern due to lack of old growth implementation, activities will cease until nesting forest and high road density. complete. Long-term: beneficial to species of concern due to acceleration of old growth conditions, increased snag/downed logs, reduced road densities, and reduced habitat fragmentation Fish and Aquatic Species How will fish and other aquatic species be impacted by thinning, bridge construction and restoration? Analysis of effects on federal species of Short-term: no change Short-term: increased risk to water quality and habitat during concern (see chapter 3 and fish Long-term: negative effect due activities (particularly bridge construction). biological assessment) to high road density and Long-term: beneficial to species of concern due to reduced road degraded conditions at Lost density and improved habitat conditions at Lost Lake and Cold Lake and Cold Creek Creek. If permanent bridge constructed @ Cold Creek ford, long- floodplain. Continued term benefit to aquatic species and habitat. degradation of stream habitat @ Cold Creek ford.
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Recreation How would recreational opportunities be impacted short and long-term? Miles of road obliterated 0 10.07 miles
Miles of road converted to trail 0 .15 mile summer trail 1.09 miles groomed XC ski New trail opportunities 0 3.59 miles Loop trail with the John Wayne Trail New groomed XC ski, horse, hiker, mtn. bike trail New facilities 0 Restroom @ Lost Lake Available dispersed camp sites @ outlet 10 6 of Lost Lake Available dispersed camp sites on Cold 2-4 0 Creek floodplain Duration of groomed snow- 0 2-3 Months mobile/cross-country ski routes impacted during harvest activities (impacts mitigated by mitigation measures)
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Scenic/Landscape Character How will the scenic quality and landscape character of the area be impacted? Can negative impacts be avoided or mitigated? How would landscape character be No changes to landscape I-90: Landscape character changes would be seen as thinned out stands sustained or changed? character or enhancement of trees and a more open forested canopy character. Most of the of scenic quality. commercial thinning would be done with skyline based systems along Are opportunities for enhancement of the foreground of Keechelus Lake. Skyline corridors would possibly be existing landscape character and scenic Watershed restoration seen in some areas as viewed from I-90, but would be kept short and attractiveness achieved? projects closing and narrow with feathered edges to soften the linear effect. The mosaic obliterating old roads and character of the area would meet the established Retention VQO with a What is the resulting scenic integrity restoring to a natural High Scenic Integrity. level as viewed from the John Wayne condition and John Wayne Trail: Approximately ½ of the trailside zone would be Trail, I-90, and other sensitive areas? rehabilitation of dispersed either commercially or precommercially thinned, mostly on the west camp site impacts would side and upslope. There would be a temporary road crossing the John not be done. Wayne Trail to access Unit F, there would be short term effects to the trail until the road is rehabilitated and time softens the visual impact. Where thinning is proposed there would be more stumps and CWD in the short-term. Scenic integrity changes would be seen as a variation of mixture of densities of tree spacing intermixed and blended across the landscape. The proposed treatment meets Retention VQO and a High Scenic Integrity Level. Sensitive Areas: Forest Road 9070 would have skyline commercial thinning along approximately ½ mile of the foreground near the lower elevation of the project boundary. Forest Roads 5480 and 5480-112 would have precommercial thinning along most of the foreground and around Lost Lake. There would be some commercial thinning near the foreground of Lost Lake on Forest Road spur 5480-124 where dispersed camp sites are located. The dispersed camp sites would be redesigned to reduce resource and visual impacts to the setting. Watershed restoration projects of closing and obliterating approximately 4.94 miles of old roads and restoring the landscape to a more natural condition and rehabilitation of dispersed camp site impacts would be done.
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Heritage Resources How will effects on heritage resources be avoided or mitigated? Analysis of effects on heritage resources No change Sample survey complete. Adverse impacts will be avoided by (see chapter 3) project design. If new site discovered during project activities, all work in vicinity will cease. Forest Archeologists will be notified and work will not continue until site is assessed and impacts are mitigated. Economic Benefits How can this project contribute to the local and national demand for wood products? Value of commercial harvest (millions 0 4.10 MMBF of board feet or MMBF)
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CHAPTER 3: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
This section summarizes the physical, biological, social and economic environments of the affected project area and the potential changes to those environments due to implementation of the proposed action. It also presents the scientific and analytical basis for comparison of alternatives presented Table 9.
Forest Management ______How can we achieve the goal of the Snoqualmie Pass AMA to accelerate old growth/late- successional6 structure in plantations?
Regulatory Framework The Forest Plan guides the management of the National Forest System Land. For this project area the Forest Plan incorporates the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990), the Northwest Forest Plan (1994) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), for more information refer to Chapter 1.
The Northwest Forest Plan (USDA and USDI 1994) and Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (USDA 1997) provide specific guidance regarding silvicultural7 activities. The Northwest Forest Plan identifies the following goals: “Desired late- successional and old-growth characteristics that would be created as younger stands change through successional development include: (1) multi-species and multilayered assemblages of trees, (2) moderate-to-high accumulations of large logs and snags, (3) moderate-to-high canopy closure, (4) moderate-to-high numbers of trees with physical imperfections such as cavities, broken tops, and large deformed limbs, and (5) moderate- to-high accumulations of fungi, lichens, and bryophytes. Although they may not be duplicates of existing old-growth forests, these stands could provide adequate habitat for many species in the long term.” (USDA and UDSI 1994, B-5).
The Northwest Forest Plan established the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area (AMA) along with 9 other AMAs in the Pacific Northwest, to “. . . encourage the development and testing of technical and social approaches to achieving desired ecological, economic, and other social objectives. . .the primary social objective of adaptive management areas is the provision of flexible experimentation with policies and management.”
6 Late-successional forest are forests or stands of trees with structural attributes that support biological communities and processes associated with old-growth and/or mature trees. 7 Silviculture is the manipulation of forest stands (Oliver and Larson 1996)
89 Analysis Methods Stand exams were conducted in a sample of potential commercial thin stands during fall of 2005. Prescriptions are based on site specific stand exam information. The Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) model (Crookston and Stage, 1982) was used to model data. Walk through stand exams were used to compare and validate growth rates in thinned versus unthinned stands. The west Cascade variant was used because the moisture regimes, site productivity, and vegetation cover type are more closely aligned with the conditions found west of the Cascade crest than an east Cascade condition. The model used in this analysis was calibrated to match actual growing conditions on the forest site. Thinning densities were selected to release the stands for 30-40 years of vigorous growth. A target relative density index of 22-30%, was selected, this is a “sudden old-growth” thinning regime, where indivi tree growth, and future stand structure is favored over total volume growth (Long 1985).
The project is located in the Lost Lake sub-drainage, and Cold Creek sub-drainage. Land in sections T. 21 N., R.11 E., Sections 3 (west ½), 11, 13 and 25 and T.22 N., R. 11 E., Sec. 27, 29, and 35 are private lands that were conveyed to the U.S. Forest Service. The forested stands within the Upper Yakima River watershed have been intensively managed, with even-age, clear-cut forest regeneration practices employed extensively. Approximately 47% of the landscape include managed stands <80 years of age. Fire has played only a minor role in regenerating the area. The only recent fire was the 612 acre Lost Lake fire which occurred in 1985. The fire area was heavily salvaged and re- planted. The project is entirely contained within the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area (AMA). The desired future condition, described in Chapter 1, focuses primarily on creating and maintaining contiguous mature and old-growth forest. Thinning is needed in both 15-20 year old plantations and 55-75 year old plantations. Thinning in the 55-75 year old plantations can result in a commercial timber, whereas thinning in 15-20 year old plantations would not produce a commercial product.
Even-aged young clear cuts dominate a landscape once typified by mature and old growth forest structure. Restoring this landscape would require thinning of high density plantations to re-create the large tree structure. Stand densities control diameter growth. Diameter growth in plantations is important for restoration of mature forest condition; features such as downed wood sources, snag longevity, riparian wood structure, and multi-layered forest stands are all dependent on tree size. Failure to complete thinning can result in very high density stands with height diameter (H/D) ratios over 80, very tall trees with small diameters. In stands with high H/D ratios, the trees lack stability and blow down is more likely, further delaying development of late successional forest structure.
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Thinning is the key to conifer growth in young clear cuts and is needed to put forest stands on a trajectory towards old growth (Franklin, 1982). Thinning should occur while trees still have at least a live crown ratio of 40%. Below 40% crown ratio, stands would have a delayed response to thinning because trees grown in partial shade need more time to convert shade leaves to sun leaves. Sun leaves are needed for vigorous photosynthesis and diameter growth. Stands which are successfully pre-commercially thinned can attain a commercial thin size by year 45, as opposed to 80 years without thinning.
The creation of economically viable thinning sales is important to achieving our goals. An adequate transportation system of roads is needed to reduce costs. Without an infrastructure of roads, our thinning systems are limited to more costly helicopter yarding. Commercial thinning of managed stands with helicopter yarding systems may not result in a viable sale and/or generate adequate funds to conduct other non- commercial activities such as pre-commercial thinning.
Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects
The environmental consequences of the proposed action versus the no action alternative based on Forest Vegetation Simulator/Stand Visualization System (FVS/SVS) growth and yield modeling are summarized in Table 2. This data represents an average of all stands. Figures 4 & 5, Appendix A display the proposed thinning units and access roads. Alternative 1 (No Action) Criteria 1: 21” DBH target threshold With no action the high stand densities would persist. Thinning would be dependent on fine scale disturbance agents such as bark beetles, root rot, or wind throw. Density related mortality would occur slowly. High stand densities would suppress diameter development. Natural thinning would delay stand development due to the high density of trees. With natural thinning, in 90 years the stand would have approximately 14 trees per acre that are greater than 30” DBH. In 161 years, the stand would have an average tree size would be 21” DBH.
Criteria 2: Development of Shade Tolerant Understories Development of shade tolerant understories would be delayed because a lack of sunlight reaching trees in intermediate and suppressed crown positions. Shade tolerant species may persist for a long period in high shade levels, but need sunlight to develop crowns and diameter. Shade tolerant understories would average a diameter of 7.3”DBH at age 103.
Criteria 3: Stand Vigor/Growth, and Net Growth Cubic Feet/Ac/Yr. Stand growth would produce 64 cubic ft./ac./yr. At age 172, the stand would continue to grow, but at declining rates.
91 Criteria 4: Tree growth >1”/decade. All but the most vigorous dominant trees in the Roaring Thin Restoration stands are growing at rates less than 1”/decade. Diseases such as root rots and needle rusts, would continue to thin stands at slow rates. These thinning agents would only release isolated trees for accelerated growth.
Criteria 5: Horizontal and Vertical Diversity Natural rates of thinning would not create enough light in the stand to enhance tree crown depth. Horizontal diversity (gaps, clumps and general heterogeneity of stocking) would not be changed. All stands would remain in a tight canopy state with little if any light reaching the forest floor. Both horizontal diversity and vertical diversity would remain unchanged.
The indirect effect of alternative 1 is that the significantly sized sources (>21”DBH) of downed woody debris, snags, riparian wood, and big tree structure would be delayed 77 years.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The proposed action is to commercial thin approximately 427 acres of 55-75 year old second growth stands. Approximately 139 acres excluded from commercial thinning within stands would be treated to increase downed wood (4-6 logs/acre) and snags (6-8 trees/acre). All of these acres originated from clear-cut logging, burning and intensive artificial reforestation practices. The silvicultural prescription is found Chapter 2. Figures 4 & 5, Appendix A display the proposed thinning units and access roads.
Criteria 1: 21” DBH target threshold Variable density commercial thinning would enhance diameter development faster than natural thinning processes. The proposed thinning prescriptions would be “from below” in less diverse, single species, single size class stands; and thinning “from the middle” in the more diverse stands. The less diverse stands (H, J, K, L, M, N, O, and R) would be variable density thinned to 75-110 trees per acre (TPA). More diverse stands (A, E, and F) would be thinned from the middle to 110 TPA, retaining about 70 TPA in the overstory and 40 TPA in a lower crown position. Tree retention in all thinned areas would be clumpy, with up to 20% variance in spacing. Variable density thinning prescriptions would leave older legacy tree structure where it currently exists, riparian buffers, woody debris buffers and snag buffers. An average of 30% of the treatment area would remain untreated in dense second growth forest.
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With the proposed treatments, it is expected that areas thinning within stands would reach an average DBH of 21” in 84 years rather than 161 years expected with no treatment. The thinning is also expected to create more very large trees in a shorter period of time. In 90 years the stands would have an average of 23 trees per acre greater than 30” DBH rather than an average of 14 trees per acre with no treatment. Downed woody debris sources would be enhanced in both the short term and long term. Approximately 139 acres of woody debris felling and snag creation is planned in riparian no-commercial thin zones, for short term input. Thinning would create new sources of suitable size (21”) woody debris in treatment area for recruitment of large snags and downed logs.
Criteria 2: Development of Shade Tolerant Understories Development of shade tolerant understories would be augmented because higher levels of sunlight would reach the forest floor. Shade tolerant species occurring in the understory such as western red-cedar, western hemlock, and Pacific silver fir would benefit from thinning by the increase in sunlight. Shade tolerant understories would attain an average diameter of 12.7”DBH at age 103 with the proposed thinning and 7.9 “ DBH without thinning.
Criteria 3: Stand Vigor/Growth, and Net Growth Cubic Feet/Ac/Yr. Stand growth would produce 78 cubic ft./ac./yr. At age 172, the stand would continue to grow, but the growth plateau would be extended 30-40 years due to the growing space created by thinning.
Criteria 4: Tree growth >1”/decade. Variable density thinning activities would release dominant and co-dominant trees in the stand for diameter growth. Growth rates in thinned stands would exceed 1”/decade for at least 10 decades as a result of management activities.
Criteria 5: Horizontal and Vertical Diversity Thinning would decrease crown closure to 43-45% on 427 acres. Elevated light levels in the mid story and understory would stimulate tree needle growth and retention, and longer crowns on resi trees. This would increase the crown depths through time in treated stands. Horizontal diversity (gaps, clumps and general heterogeneity of stocking) would be enhanced due to the random nature of the prescription. Gaps due to the thinning prescription would increase side light and direct sunlight in the stand. Light, in the form of shafts, would travel across the forest floor as the sun tracks across the sky. Skips or leave clumps in riparian, or around downed wood and snags, would enhance horizontal heterogeneity across the canopy of the forest when combined with the variable density thinning prescription.
93 The indirect effects of alternative 2 are: Commercial thinning using stewardship authority would generate funding to complete critically needed restoration work, including pre-commercial thinning on 1400 acres of 15-20 year old plantations. Completion of this work is needed to move dense forest into a free-to-grow state.
The proposed road obliterations have the potential to limit access to some areas for special forest products and may increase pre-commercial thinning costs. Crown closure reduction in thinned areas would create new forage for wildlife and potentially collect snow in small gap openings. Small gaps may function as snowpack collection zones.
Activities would be restricted during spring sap flow season (May 1-August 1) to avoid most stand damage in situations with downhill cable logging on slopes over 40%. Thinning activities conducted during winter is preferred. Thinning in late summer or fall would result in more soil disturbance during yarding, falling and skidding of logs than thinning activities conducted over snow during winter. Logging during winter over snow provides greater protection of forbs and resi trees due to the protection afforded by snow cover and frozen bark. Thinning during winter is also beneficial for reducing the risk of noxious weed spread.
Fire and Fuels Effects
Disposal of activity fuels will occur in association with the roaring thin restoration project, this is planned to occur under a pile/burn scenario, where material is piled, allowed to dry and later burned in late fall/early winter . This burning has the potential to impact a class I air-shed (The Alpine Lakes Wilderness), a major east -west interstate HWY (I-90) as well as vacation properties, and the communities of Easton, Cle Elum, Rosyln and Ellensburg through smoke incursions. These impacts will be mitigated by burning on days when ventilation and atmospheric mixing is good, and when prevailing westerly wind directions are favorable to disperse and transport smoke away from the sensitive receptors. Smoke mixing conditions will be evaluated in a cumulative air-shed analysis by coordinating burning through the smoke management permit system with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WADNR) division of smoke and fuels management. Burning permits are likely for approval only under conditions of good atmospheric mixing. All burning of harvest residue is reported to the WADNR and amounts over 200 tons require approval from the WADNR prior to ignition. WADNR takes into account values at risk, other burning in the area, and weather conditions prior to giving approval to burn.
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These conditions are likely to occur in the late fall under wet or snowy conditions when visitor use in the area is low and when summer cabin owners have left the area. By burning in the late fall, emissions will be reduced through more complete and efficient combustion of fuels due to prolonged drying over the summer months. In addition, burning the materials in a pile form, makes smoke production easier to control due to the ability to limit the number of discrete piles ignited at any one time and by reduced resi combustion.
Pile burning will occur in all commercial harvest units at landings. Yarding of tops attached to the “last log” is a cost item appraised for in the timber sale contract, this activity is the mitigating measure for cleaning up activity fuels in treatment stands.
Some landing piles may be open to firewood cutting, which would reduce particulate tonnages produced in pile burning operations.
Smoke particulate is a potential public health hazard, health concerns include small sized particles, generally less than 10 microns (PM-10) which can be easily inhaled. Smaller sized particles, generally less than 2.5 microns (PM-2.5) are capable of being lodged in alveoli in the human lung. During the pile burning process it is inevitable that some of these particles are released into the atmosphere.
The table below illustrates the potential smoke emissions created through burning of hand piles and machine piles at landings. Commercial machine pile tonnages are based on removing an average of 366 trees per acre, and thinning from below down to an overall average of 75 TPA.
95 Table 10. Potential Smoke Emissions from Burning of Slash piles Treatment Type Avg. Estimated Acres Total tons Total PM <2.58 DBH/TPA created fuel Treat particulate microns/Total removal (slash) liberated PM <109 (cut trees) consumed microns tons of tons/acre particulate Precommercial 4.0/400 Hand piles 14011 1400 ton 63 tons <2.5 Thin& 50ac. micron/ 74 tons Handpile/Burn 10 tons/ac.10 <10 microns Handpiles Commercial Thin/ 11.1/366 Landing Piles 566 30, 168 ton 254 tons <2.5 Yard Tops 566 ac. with microns/ 299 Attached/Burn 53.3 tons/ac. tons< 10 Landing Piles consumed12 microns.
Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects are described in Chapter 2. Historical harvest activities, up to 80 years ago, have affected about 3800 acres, or 47% of forest in the planning area (see further discussion in silvicultural prescription in Chapter 2). Many of these affected forest stands are well past a full state of hydrologic recovery (see discussion in Water Resources- Water Quality and Hydrology section). The following lands were added to the National Forest System in the project area since 1998: T. 22 N., R. 11 E. Sections 27 and 35 T. 21 N., R. 11 E. Sections 3 (266 Acres), 5, 11, and 13
Most of these lands were clearcut harvested prior to moving into the National Forest System. Other recent projects that have reduced mature and old growth forest in or near the project area include the Keechelus Safety of Dams Project which removed about 28 ha (70 acres) of late-successional habitat near the Lake Keechelus dam. Reasonably foreseeable future actions that may impact mature and old growth forest in or near the project area include loss of forest habitat due to private development in the Hyak and Easton areas as well as some private inholdings, the Summit-at-Snoqualmie ski area expansion, the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project, and the harvest of trees within the BPA powerline corridor to prevent trees from damaging the transmission lines.
8 P.M. 2.5, particulate matter (tons/ac.)less than 2.5 microns in size. 9 P.M. 10, particulate matter (tons/ac.)less than 10 microns in size. 10 10 tons/ac. based on district experience. 11 Handpile acres based on 10% of area in roadside or adjacent to private land . 12 Consumption based on FFE-FVS FIRE/FUELS extension PILEBURN.
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Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) This alternative does not meet the intent of the Snoqualmie Pass AMA Plan to accelerate late-successional habitat or find innovative ways to achieve ecosystem goals.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The proposed action meets all management direction in the Wenatchee Forest Plan, Snoqualmie Pass AMA Management Plan, and The Northwest Forest Plan.
97 Road System______Which roads are necessary to meet management needs?
Regulatory Framework The Forest Plan guides the management of the National Forest System Land. For this project area the Forest Plan incorporates the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990), the Northwest Forest Plan (1994) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), for more information refer to Chapter 1.
In 2001, the National Forest System Road Management Policy required science-based transportation analysis to be developed for every National Forest, consistent with changes in public demands and use of National Forest resources. The focus of this direction is on assuring that construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of roads minimize adverse environmental impacts; that unneeded roads are decommissioned and restoration of ecological processes are initiated; and the additions to the National Forest System road network are only those deemed essential for forest resource management and use.
The objective of road analysis is to identify opportunities and strategies for moving toward the goal of an affordable, efficient road system that meets the needs of the public and the Forest Service with minimal impact on the environment. A Forest-wide road analysis was completed for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, assessing Maintenance Level 3, 4, and 5 roads, including within the Upper Yakima Watershed (USDA 2004). The road analysis for this project focuses on the remaining maintenance level 1 and 2 roads in the project area.
Analysis Methods Road analysis was conducted for this project using the analysis tool developed in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests Road Analysis: Upper Yakima Sub-basin (March 2004).
Affected Environment Existing Transportation System
Road analysis was conducted for this project using the analysis tool developed in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests Road Analysis: Upper Yakima Sub-basin (March 2004). This analysis determined that the current road system does not meet the standards of the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (USDA Forest Service and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service1997) and the goal of an affordable, efficient road system (USDA Forest Service 2004).
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The open road system in the project area was primarily constructed to access timber. Many of the roads are closed roads or roads located on recently acquired private lands. The current road system is expected to deteriorate in the future due to the lack of road maintenance funding. Based on forest averages, it would require approximately $2,295,000 annually to maintain all of the system roads in the Upper Yakima sub-basin. In 2000 just over $300,000 (13% of the estimated annual need) was expended for maintenance on these roads (USDA 2004). In 2006 the funding shortage was even greater, with approximately $150,000 (7% of the estimated annual need) available for maintenance for the entire Cle Elum Ranger District. Budget projections indicate that funding for road maintenance would continue at current levels for the foreseeable future.
Within this project area, there are 51.08 miles of road, with a total road density of 4.08 miles per square mile (mi./sq. mi). There are 45.53 miles of Forest Service roads with a road density of 3.6 mi./sq. mi. Many of these roads have legal easements to private land intermingled with the National Forest System land. In addition to the National Forest System Roads, another 2.36 miles of non-system road (constructed logging spur roads) exist within the project area. The majority of the roads have been barricaded or blocked, and have some stage of vegetation recovery occurring on the roadbed. Private roads total an additional 4.43 miles. Table 11 lists the existing Forest Service System road miles and road density of each type within the project area.
Table 11. Current Road System Project area=12.5 SQUARE MILES OR 8000 ACRES Types of Road Miles within the Project Road Density (Miles/Sq. Area Mile) All System Roads 45.53 3.6 (Open and Closed) Arterial 1 0.0 0.0 Collector 2 31.12 2.5 Local 3 0.0 0.0 Closed System Roads 7.11 .57 Arterial 0.0 0.0 Collector 0.0 0.0 Local 7.11 .57 Non-System Roads (Logging Spur Roads 10.8 .86 With Constructed Road Beds) (0.3 miles open) State Highway and 4.43 .45 Private
99 Arterial: Arterial roads are authorized roads providing service to large land areas that are usually developed and operated for long-term land and resource management purposes and constant service. They connect with other arterials or public highways.
Collector: Collector roads are authorized roads serving smaller land areas than arterials, which collect traffic from local roads and usually to forest arterial roads or state and county highways. They are operated for either constant or intermittent service depending on land use and resource management objectives.
Local: Local roads connect terminal activities (e.g. trailhead, log landing, dispersed camping site, etc.) to collector resource activity rather than for travel efficiency. They are often gated to restrict motor vehicle use. The construction standards for these roads are determined by the requirements necessary for the specific activity.
Roaring Thin Restoration Project System Roads
This list of roads and assigned maintenance level is found in Table 12.
1. Management
Long Term Constant Service (LTC) - A long-term facility developed and operated for continuous or annual recurrent service.
Long Term Intermittent (LTI) – A road developed and operated for periodic service and closed for more than one year between periods of use. The road can be stored for future use by removing culverts and improving drainage so the road causes minimal damage to watershed/ecosystem health until it is reconstructed.
Short Term Intermittent (STI) – A facility developed and operated for a limited period of time which would cease to exist as a transportation facility after the purpose for which it was constructed is completed, and occupied land is reclaimed and managed for natural resource purposes.
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2. Traffic Service Level A: Free flowing, mixed traffic; stable, smooth surface; provides safe service to all traffic. B: Congested during heavy traffic, slower speeds and periodic dust; accommodates any legal-size load or vehicle. C: Interrupted traffic flow, limiting passing facilities, may not accommodate some vehicles. Low design speeds. Unstable surface under certain traffic or weather. D: Traffic flow is slow and may be blocked by management activities. Two-way traffic is difficult, backing may be required. Rough and irregular surface. Accommodates high clearance vehicles. Single purpose facility.
3. Maintenance Level Level 1 - Closed more than 1 year. Level 2 - High Clearance Vehicles. Level 3 - Passenger vehicles-surface not smooth Level 4 – Passenger vehicles-smooth surface. Level 5 – Passenger vehicles-dust free; possibly paved.
101 Table 12. Road Maintenance, Management, and Traffic Service Level Route Miles Maintenance Functional Surface Management Traffic Number Level Class Type Level Service Level 5480000 5.48 3 C AGGREGATE LTC B 5480112 2.73 2 L NATIVE LTC B 5480115 3.55 2 L NATIVE LTC D 5480117 2.77 2 L NATIVE LTC C 5480118 2.91 2 L NATIVE LTC D 5480119 0.48 2 L NATIVE LTI D 5480122 0.45 2 L NATIVE LTI D 5480124 0.21 2 L NATIVE LTI D 5480125 3.40 2 L NATIVE LTC C 5480126 0.91 2 L NATIVE LTI D 5480127 0.44 2 L NATIVE LTI D 5480128 0.22 1 L NATIVE LTI D 5480212 0.24 2 L NATIVE LTC D 5480240 0.28 1 L NATIVE LTI D 5480242 0.13 1 L NATIVE LTI D 5480248 0.13 1 L NATIVE LTI D 5480630 0.48 1 L NATIVE 5480801 0.33 1 L NATIVE LTI D 5480802 0.14 1 L NATIVE LTI D 5480803 0.04 1 L NATIVE LTI D 5483000 2.77 2 L AGGREGATE LTC B 5483114 1.54 2 L AGGREGATE LTC C 5483117 0.74 1 L NATIVE LTI D 5483119 0.38 1 L NATIVE LTI D 5483124 2.49 1 L NATIVE LTI D 9070000 3.51 3 C AGGREGATE LTC C 9070122 0.73 1 L AGGREGATE LTI D 9070124 3.24 2 L AGGREGATE LTI D 9070125 2.31 2 L AGGREGATE LTC C 9070126 1.48 2 L AGGREGATE LTC D 9070135 0.17 1 L NATIVE LTI D 9070230 0.43 1 L NATIVE LTI D 9070615 0.18 1 L NATIVE LTI D 9070801 0.14 1 L NATIVE LTI D
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Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 1 (No Action) Management of the Forest Service road system would remain the same. The current road density is 4.08 miles per square mile. Road analysis determined that the current road system does not meet the standards of the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997) and the costs of maintenance exceed current or projected budgets.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The summary of proposed changes in the road system is summarized in Table 1 in Chapter 2. The map displaying the proposed temporary roads and roads proposed for obliteration or conversion to trail are shown in Figures 6 & 7, Appendix A. The road density would be reduced to 3.28 miles per square mile from 4.08 miles per square mile. This reduction would result in improved resource protection. The cost of road maintenance would also be reduced. However, this reduction although it is an improvement would not meet the AMA goal of less than 2.0 miles per square mile. This number of roads would also continue to exceed current and projected road maintenance funding levels.
The proposed action would include the reconstruction of 3.19 miles of existing spur roads. This reconstruction would require primarily vegetation clearing and additional drainage features. Approximately 0.99 miles of new temporary road would be constructed to facilitate harvest activities. The temporary roads are displayed in Figures 4 & 5, Appendix A. These temporary roads would be narrow, low standard logging spurs to access landings. They would be rehabilitated (drainage structures removed, water barred, scarified, and erosion seeded; they would be closed to vehicle traffic by an earth berm, use of rocks and logs, and/or reshaped to natural contours) at the completion of timber sale activities.
Approximately 1.24 miles of road would be converted to trails, and 10.07 miles of road would be obliterated. Management of the Forest Service road system would remain the same, with stabilization and drainage features added where needed. Approximately 1.96 miles of road would be stabilized with additional drainage features (see Table 5).
103 Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects on road management include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects are described in Chapter 2. The Upper Yakima watershed has experienced recent increased road construction on private land, particularly in the Roaring Creek and Hyak areas. Many forest roads in the project area have been obliterated or are currently under contract for obliteration (USFS 2005). Due to lack of funds for road maintenance the Forest Service road system is expected to deteriorate resulting in increasing negative natural resource impacts.
Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) This alternative is inconsistent with the Northwest Forest Plan and AMA Plan (1997). It does not meet the intent of the Snoqualmie Pass AMA Plan to reduce roads to less than 2 miles per square mile in each subwatershed. This alternative also does not meet Forest Service guidance regarding road management.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Alternative 2 reduces the road density and the cost of road maintenance. However, this alternative does not meet the Northwest Forest Plan and AMA Plan goal of less than 2.0 miles per square mile of road. This requirement could not be met due to the number of roads with legal easement that access private lands and powerline towers. This alternative also does not fully meet the regional guidance regarding road management. This level of roads exceeds the current and projected road maintenance budget.
Water Resources – Water Quality and Hydrology______How would the proposed project’s activities maintain or restore water quality standards to be consistent with the Forest Plan? How would roads be managed for Watershed Restoration? What watershed restoration projects would be implemented to improve watershed conditions? How would the proposed activities, including thinning, road management changes and restoration projects, maintain or restore hydrologic features and their functions, including the natural flow patterns, in a way which is consistent with all federal regulations and the Forest Plan?
Introduction
The analysis of Watershed management-water quality and hydrology is divided into three sections: Stream shading and water quality, Sediment Delivery, and Hydrology.
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The project is located in the Keechulus 6th field HUC subwatershed (17010003111C) in the Upper Yakima River 5th field HUC watershed. The analysis area was determined based on the geographic scope of the proposed action, aggregating the three 7th field catchments, in which commercial thinning activities had been proposed, into one boundary representing approximately 12.5 square miles. The road mileage estimates in the Water Resources sections may differ from other sections due to a slightly different analysis area. While together they represent an analysis area, the environmental effects would be analyzed at the catchment scale as this is where the effects manifest themselves. While all three drain into Keechelus Reservoir, only Cold and Roaring Creek represent discrete watershed catchments with distinct watershed divides and drainage areas that cumulatively form a stream which discharges into the reservoir. The Keechelus Front Facing catchment is a non-discrete area surrounding the reservoir shoreline, draining the front-facing slopes directly into the reservoir from a number of 1st order, perennial and intermittent streams, and wetland complexes, with no single mouth from which to quantify cumulative discharge or water quality.
The analysis area includes Cold Creek and Roaring Creek; two USFS Class I and II perennial streams (2nd order) with their mouths located at the confluence with Keechelus Reservoir. All other streams are small Class III or IV streams, and are also tributary to Keechelus Reservoir. Stream densities are relatively high in both Cold and Roaring Creek catchments, with both exceeding 4 miles of stream per square mile of land area and have evolved in response to the moderately high erodibility of the soils (Washington DNR 2002), high average annual precipitation and rain-on-snow storm regime.
Cold Creek and Roaring Creek have steep headwater slopes, leading downslope into hanging cirque basins occupied by small to moderate sized lakes (< 1 acre - 195 acres) followed by moderate to steep stream channels which have incised into bedrock and glacial outwash and till along the lower toe slopes. Stream channel gradients range from steep (>25%), confined, stable channels with boulder /bedrock bed and banks in headwater streams, transitioning to 3-6% channel gradients in lower reaches of Cold and Roaring Creek. Streams draining the Keechelus Reservoir front-facing catchment are predominantly unconfined channels, with lateral migration, frequent overbank flooding and multiple stream channels. Stream morphology in these lower front-facing slopes has been influenced by soil mass movement, debris flows, large downed woody debris accumulation and groundwater emergence.
105 Glacial outwash terraces and till deposits dominate areas within the Keechelus Front Facing catchment areas, occupying both steeper slopes (40-65%) and more gentle slopes 5- 30%. The Soil Resource Inventory (SRI) identified glacial deposits on slopes of 5-25% (SRI Map Stand 25) as typically glacial outwash terraces with high groundwater conductivity, perched water tables and wetland complexes which regulate baseflow and summer maximum water temperatures (USDA 1976). These areas are relatively stable slopes and have low soil erodibility. The contact layer between compacted and uncompacted till causes perched water tables and lateral groundwater movement. This may cause piping and mass wasting hazards. Glacial till slopes above 40% (SRI Map Stand 30) increases the mass wasting hazards due to this piping of lateral groundwater above the compacted till layer, which begins as shallow as 30 inch depth. In addition, Map Stand 30 has higher surface erosion potential and sediment delivery risks than MU25. Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) Draft Soil Survey of Kittitas County has mapped the dominant soil types to include 187, 188, 254, and 306 (USDA 2006).
National Wetland Inventory (USDI 1991) is the basis for landscape scale wetlands mapping, however, on-site investigation identified a considerable number of additional unmapped smaller wetland complexes of 1/8 to 1/2 acre in size. These areas would need to be avoided and protected during felling and yarding operations. Delineated prior to timber sale stand layout and cruising is necessary to establish a more accurate stand boundary thinning acreage and volume.
Previous logging and human settlement have caused extensive and severe soil disturbance including the disruption of natural flow paths in many of the areas of the Keechelus Front-Facing catchment. Hydrologic features in this area (Class IV streams and wetlands) are in various stages of passive restoration and recovery. Forest roads bisect and disrupt natural hydrologic processes in wetland complexes and unconfined stream networks in Keechelus Front and Cold Creek catchments. High percentages of roads in Riparian Reserve contribute to detrimental hydrologic and water quality effects by disrupting the natural flow paths of surface and groundwater from the toe slopes of watershed to the riparian areas and floodplains. In addition, roads intercept, concentrate and accelerate runoff from snowmelt and storm runoff often resulting in road surface erosion, sediment delivery and concentrations of peak discharge in stream channels. Roads are susceptible to flood discharge damage due to the volume of water generated from rain-on-snow storm events and insufficient capacity to handle these volumes. Generally, this results in episodic high sediment discharges into streams. Road drainage features are inadequate in number and locations to sufficiently connect natural flow paths and handle the discharge from the 100 year flood events.
Water quality is generally high with water temperatures only briefly exceeding Forest Plan Standards during a few days of sustained peak summer air temperatures. Water temperatures are regulated predominantly by cool, groundwater discharge. The high percentage of watershed drainage area above the 3600 ft. elevation and the heat exchange capacity of Keechelus Reservoir may contribute to a lower overall sensitivity of streams to increasing water temperatures.
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Suspended fine sediment levels observed to be relatively low during annual bankfull runoff events. Road surface, streambank erosion from undeveloped recreation sites, and mass wasting are the greatest cumulative threats to water quality.
Table 13. Watershed and Hydrologic Characteristics Analysis Min- Ave. % of Road % of Catchments Area Max. Annual Stream Area in Density Roads in (7th field (sq.mi.) Elevation Precip. Density Mature (mi/mi2) Riparian HUC) (ft). (inches) (mi/mi2) Canopy1 Reserve Cold Creek 4.1 2520- 110 6.2 98.2 2.5 45% 5560 Roaring 5.3 2520- 100 5.6 91.3 4.2 26% Creek 5240 Keechelus 3.1 2520- 90 4.4 77.4 5.3 32% Front 4920 Totals 12.5 1=Hydrologic maturity is defined as a canopy closure of generally greater than 70% and a stand age class of approximately 30 years.
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Stream shading and water temperature ______
Regulatory Framework The Forest Plan guides the management of the National Forest System Land. For this project area the Forest Plan incorporates the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990), the Northwest Forest Plan (1994) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), for more information refer to Chapter 1.
The Clean Water Act (CWA), as represented collectively by The Water Quality Act of 1987 (PL100-4), The Clean Water Act of 1977 (PL95-217) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, is reflected in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Plan Water Quality Standards and Guidelines (USDA, 1990). The CWA characterizes the nature of water pollution from forest land-use activities as non-point- source pollution, describes the use of “best management practices” (BMPs) as the most effective means of preventing and controlling non-point-source pollution, and establishes the state’s role in water-resource classification, development of water quality standards and identification of waters that are unlikely to comply with those standards. The state is required under Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) implementing regulations (40 CFR 130.7) to periodically prepare a list of water bodies in which beneficial uses are impaired and prepare an analysis called a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). This list, known as the “303(d) list”, is prepared by the Department of Ecology (DOE) and the purpose of the TMDL is to identify the sources of pollutant and ensure that the water body would attain the water quality standards.
The Forest Plan has incorporated the State of Washington’s Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters of the State of Washington (WAC, Chapters 173-201A), as direction for conducting land-use activities and protecting water quality. Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines for the protection of water quality (USDA, 1990, pg. IV-94) outline a process of planning, application, and monitoring of BMPs, to comform with the Clean Water Act federal regulations and guidance.
Within the analysis area boundary, there are currently no streams listed as “water quality impaired” for water temperature on the 2004 Washington State Department of DOE’s 303d list. The State’s water quality standards have been revised as of November 2006; moving water quality standards to a use-based standard, versus the water body class criteria which is reflected in the Forest Plan (DOE, 2005). The standard that was in effect at the beginning of this analysis was “Water temperature shall not exceed 60.8 deg. F (16 deg. C) due to human activities. When natural conditions exceed 16 deg. C, no temperature increases would be allowed which would raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 3 deg. C.”
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In 2003, DOE completed a TMDL technical report, “Wenatchee National Forest Water Temperature Total Maximum Daily Load” (Whiley et. al, 2003). This report establishes the pollutant reductions necessary (allocations) to achieve the water quality standard for a particular stream channel classification and site potential vegetation. Using this technical report for determining the shade allocation, Cold and Roaring Creek, located in the Upper Yakima Basin Geologic Subsection (M242-Co), with their drainage areas sizes, stream classification and vegetation group (c) are determined to have a TMDL Allocation of Effective Shade of 69% canopy cover. This is the minimum recommended percent of effective shade for streams in the analysis area, considering topography and vegetation, which is necessary to reduce water temperatures to the water quality standard.
In addition to quantitative water quality standards, the Forest Plan identifies Standards and Guidelines for Riparian Reserves for Timber Management, Recreation, and Roads Management. These standards address water temperatures qualitatively through an explicit goal of attainment of Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) Objectives (see below for applicable objectives). The following standards and guidelines are applicable to water temperatures:
Timber Management
TM-1. Prohibit timber harvest, including fuelwood cutting, in Riparian Reserves, except as described below. Where catastrophic events such as fire, flooding, volcanic, wind or insect damage result in degraded riparian conditions, allow salvage and fuelwood cutting. Salvage trees only when watershed analysis determines that present and future coarse woody debris needs are met and other Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives are not adversely affected. Apply silvicultural practices for Riparian Reserves to control stocking, reestablish and manage stands, and aquire desired vegetation characteristics needed to attain Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives. Recreation Management RM-1. New recreational facilities within Riparian Reserves, including trails and dispersed sites, should be designed to not prevent meeting Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives. Construction of these facilities should not prevent future attainment of these objectives. For existing recreation facilities within Riparian Reserves, evaluate and mitigate impact to ensure that these do not prevent, and to the extent practicable contribute to, attainment of Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives.
RM-2. Adjust dispersed and developed recreation practices that retard or prevent attainment of Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives. Where adjustment measures such as education use limitations, traffic control devices, increased maintenance, relocation of facilities, and/or specific site closures are not effective, eliminate the practice or occupancy.
109 Road Management RF-2. For each existing or planned road, meet Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives by: Minimizing road…locations in Riparian Reserves. Minimizing disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths, including diversion of streamflow and interception of surface and subsurface flow. Avoiding wetlands entirely when constructing new roads. RF-3. Determine the influence of each road on the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives through watershed analysis. Meet Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives by: Closing and stabilizing, or obliterating and stabilizing roads based on the ongoing and potential effects to Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives and considering short-term and long-term transportation needs.
The ACS objective pertaining to water temperature, referred to in each of the above standards, is to “Maintain and restore the species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and wetlands to provide adequate summer and winter thermal regulation….”
Analysis Methods The analysis involved assessing the current water temperature regime and the risk of water temperature increases due to modifying canopy cover in Riparian Reserves. Water bodies were stratified into two distinct types for conducting water temperature monitoring, including; 1) confined Class I through III streams, which were primarily fish bearing or tributary to fish bearing waters, and 2) unconfined streams and wetland complexes. The first grouping included such streams as Cold Creek, Roaring Creek and tributary streams to Lost Lake. These are streams associated with planned commercial thinning of stands A, M and R . The second group was represented by smaller Class IV streams, both confined and unconfined and wetland complexes in lower Cold Creek, Keechelus front-facing and to a lesser extent, Roaring Creek catchments. Hydrologic features in this group are associated with stands A, E, and G, and to a lesser extent F, L, N and Q.
Utilizing both the Wenatchee National Forest geologic subsection mapping, completed in 1994 and explained in the “National Hierarchical Framework for Ecological Stands” (Davis, 1994), and the Soil Resource Inventory (USDA, 1977), landforms were evaluated to establish water temperature vulnerability based on the relationships between soils, landforms and water temperatures. The Upper Yakima Basin subsection (M242-Co) is a glaciated landscape with high precipitation and glacial outwash terraces and glacial till. Outwash terraces may have stratified impermeable deposits, at depth, overlain with soils with higher permeablility. Glacial till can be differentiated in the soil horizon into a substratum of compacted till overlain by “uncompacted” deposits. In either case, this subsection, including areas along lower Cold and Roaring Creeks and toe slopes along the front-facing Keechelus watershed are characterized by “near surface groundwater, seeps, and springs on lower slopes” which “help maintain base flows and low stream temperatures” (Whiley, 2003). In addition to the geology, stream channel characteristics,
110 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment vegetation communities and canopy cover were evaluated on-site for each stand (see Table 13).
Water temperature monitoring has been conducted within the analysis area and within the Keechelus subwatershed (6th field HUC) of the Upper Yakima River Watershed. Continuous data recording of water temperatures was conducted on Cold Creek during the 2006 water year, within the analysis area, and 2 other sample sites outside the area but on similar landforms in soil and flow characteristics to the Roaring Thin area. Cold Creek has been identified as the only perennially flowing, fish bearing stream within the project area which is currently recognized for its potential bull trout habitat (Wassell, 2006). This beneficial use makes it particularly vulnerable to increases in water temperature. Other perennial streams flow from the analysis area and potentially influence water temperatures in Keechelus Reservoir, a known bull trout refugia. However, each of these streams have a predominant groundwater discharge component; making these water bodies less sensitive to water temperature increases due to ambient air temperature changes. Water temperature monitoring for wetland and groundwater discharge sensitivity was conducted in an area of groundwater discharge from a similar elevation and landform type immediately adjacent to the Roaring Thin Restoration project area. Table 15 summarizes the sites, maximum water temperatures and number of days in which the water quality standard was exceeded.
Examination of maximum water temperatures in conjunction with maximum air temperature identifies water temperature vulnerabilities to increases in air temperature and reductions in canopy density. Surveys of disturbance within the Riparian Reserve have linked undeveloped recreation uses to detrimental soil compaction, riparian vegetation damage and reductions in riparian forest canopy closures and stream shading. Existing road locations in Riparian Reserves have removed mature forest canopy and sustain an artificially low canopy cover within these areas. Miles of road in Riparian Reserves can serve as a relative indicator of vulnerability of a waterbody to sustained higher water temperatures during seasonal maximum air temperature and short-wave radiation.
Affected Environment Water temperatures within the analysis area are generally low due to the strong groundwater influence and possibly the heat exchange capacity associated with Keechelus Reservoir and its effect on moderating summer air temperatures. Lower water temperatures are illustrated by fewer days of exceedance of water quality standards than other streams within the Upper Yakima River 5th field watershed. Table 15 summarizes the monitoring data. Cold Creek exceeded both the 58 deg. F and 61 deg. F. standards by 6 days and 11 days, respectively. Qualitatively, there are local areas along Lost Lake and Cold Creek where the ACS objectives are not being achieved.
A relatively high canopy density within the Riparian Reserves and landform contribution of higher proportions of groundwater to surface water help buffer the effects of high summer ambient air temperatures and its effect on increasing water temperatures. Seeps, springs, wetlands, and unconfined surface flow during runoff, recharge shallow aquifers
111 and sustain late season baseflow which buffers water temperatures from maximum summer water temperatures.
Stands being considered for commercial thinning contain a high percentage of their total area in Riparian Reserves. Table 14 summarizes total Riparian Reserve acres within each stand and the percentage of the stand in these reserves. These percentages average approximately 30% of stands identified for commercial thinning, and range from a low of 3% for Stand H and reach a high of nearly 42% in Stand O.
Overstory stands within Riparian Reserves consisted of mature, second growth conifer forests. Canopy closure density in Riparian Reserves was consistently above 60% on all streams, with values dropping to near 50% over wetlands that were 1/8 acre or larger with hardwood riparian plant communities. Canopy closures ranged from a high of 98% to a low of 54%, with an overall average of 10 sample sites of just over 65%.
Table 14. Riparian Reserve acres associated with treatment stands Stands Riparian Reserve Total Acres % Acres in Riparian Reserves Acres
A 55.0 151.6 36.3% E 13.3 74.7 17.8% F 3.9 14.8 26.4% G 59.8 177.1 33.8% H 0.4 13.7 3.0% L 6.9 20.6 33.4% M 2.8 18.6 15.0% N 4.9 39.9 12.3% O 15.4 36.8 41.8% R 9.6 18.6 51.4% Total 171.9 566.4 30.3%
Stream channel size or class, baseflow source, channel types, and canopy closure provided by the vegetation community regulate a water body’s vulnerability to water temperature increases. Cold Creek (class I), along the north side of Stand A and south side of Stand R, as well as the unnamed tributary to Lost Lake at the north end of Stand M are both incised into deep glacial till deposits. These deeply incised channels (40-50 ft), when combined with a mature riparian forest canopy, provide an added level of protection of surface waters from short wave radiation. Table 15 summarizes the characteristics, by stand, which influence the hazard, and provides a prescription for commercial thinning within Riparian Reserves.
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Table 15. Water temperature vulnerability in Riparian Reserves Interim Boundary Layout, Dominant baseflow Water Temp. Stream Class Dominant Channel Type Riparian Marking Stand source (ground Hazard 1 or Feature (confined/unconfined) Reserve Prescription vs.surface water)? (L, M, H) Width (A, B, C) A I / IV groundwater confined, unconf. M-H 300 ft. A1 B I / IV groundwater unconfined L 300 ft. A1 E III / IV groundwater unconfined L 150 ft. C F wetland groundwater shoreline M 100 ft. C G IV / wetland groundwater conf. / unconf. M 150 ft. B/C L IV/ wetland groundwater confined L 150 ft. C M III surf. / ground. conf. / unconfined M 150 ft. A2/C N wetland groundwater NA L 100 ft. C O IV / wetland surf. / ground. conf. /unconfined M 150 ft. B 1= Description of riparian descriptions A, B, and C found in the Silvicultural Prescription in Appendix B.
113
Undeveloped recreation disturbances have been observed and linked both directly and indirectly to higher water temperatures including: physical damage and removal of riparian vegetation resulting in less shade, soil compaction from user-created motorized travel routes and foot travel adjacent to streambanks and the removal of large woody debris. Continuing expansion in existing campsite sizes, combined with the frequency and intensity of dispersed campsite use have all led to detrimental soil compaction and physical damage to riparian vegetation along the shoreline of Lost Lake and along Cold Creek.
Detrimental soil compaction in the Riparian Reserve has resulted in the loss of young shade tolerant conifer trees in the understory. This loss also affects future riparian stand structure and shade. Due to the damage many areas have only one age class of conifer in the riparian stand; stands consisting primarily of mature large conifers. With root rot already affecting mortality and loss of overstory canopy in Lost Lake area, this absence of a young stand and multi-aged stand structure in conjunction with root rot mortality in the mature conifer overstory increases the risk of large scale loss of riparian overstory and shade.
Cold Creek, while not as strongly influenced by groundwater contributions as areas along the Front-Facing catchment, still demonstrates the marked buffering effect that groundwater discharge had when compared to the station on the Yakima River. The Keechelus Dam air temperature station, located approximately equidistant between Cold Creek and the Yakima River, and approximately the same elevation was used to evaluate each water body’s response to a maximum summer heating periods. There were three distinct heating periods during the sampling season and included July 20th through July 24th, August 6th through 13th, and August 20 through 28th. Maximum daily air temperatures ranged from the high 80 deg. F to near 100 deg F, with the two highest temperatures recorded as 98 deg F on July 21st and 89.4 deg F on August 28th. Table 16 shows that while the Yakima River recorded nearly 30 days of water quality standard exceedance, Cold Creek had only 6 days of exceedance of the 61 deg. F. standard observed.
Lower elevations within all three catchments contain large areas of unconsolidated glacial till over a substratum of compacted till. This geologic influence produces perched water tables with wetland complexes and groundwater emergence and discharge as streamflow. In Table 16, the Hudson Creek water temperature monitoring station, while located several miles downstream on the Yakima River, was specifically used for this analysis to represent the water temperature regime in this geologic setting. The unconfined streams in the Keechelus Front-Facing catchment, in project analysis area, represent a similar hydrologic system as Hudson Creek, as they both are located on the same geologic landform, same elevation, and under similar canopy cover. The data from the Hudson Creek station shows that streams on these landforms show both a lower vulnerability to maximum daily air temperature changes which illustrates their importance in regulating cooler summer water temperatures. Water temperatures remained relatively constant in the mid to upper 50 deg F. range even as air temperatures
114 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment in the geographic area reached into the upper 80 deg to upper 90 deg. F. range. Notice that air temperatures within one meter of the water surface never exceeded 77 deg. F. under the 70-100% canopy cover of the Riparian Reserve of Hudson Creek.
Table 16. Water temperature monitoring Maximum Water Temperatures (0F) Days Exceeding Water Temperature Sampling Sites Standards
2006 2005 2004 Cold Creek, above Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail (2540 ft. elev.) Maximum Temperatures Daily 62.8 NA NA 7-Day Average 62.0 NA NA Air Temperature 98.1 at dam (93.6) Days Exceeding Standards Daily Maximum < 61 deg. F 6 NA NA 7-Day Average < 58 deg. F 11 NA NA
Hudson Creek (2515 ft. elev.) Maximum Temperatures Daily 55.6 55.9 NA 7-Day Average 54.5 55.4 NA Air Temperature 77.0 NA NA Days Exceeding Standards Daily Maximum < 61 deg. F 0 0 NA 7-Day Average < 58 deg. F 0 0 NA
Yakima River, below Keechelus Dam (2160 ft. elev.) Maximum Temperatures: Daily 66.9 71.1 71.1 7-Day Average 66.2 70.6 70.4 Air Temperature 87.4 Days Exceeding Standards Daily Maximum < 61 deg. F 29 68 47 7-Day Average < 58 deg. F 31 88 63
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Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects
Management Activities Which May Potentially Affect Shade and Water Temperature: Commercial thinning Restoration actions Restoration of soil and vegetation conditions associated with undeveloped recreation sites at Lost Lake and Cold Creek Roads obliteration, road stabilization and drainage improvement Road management changes for commercial logging access Temporary or permanent bridge installation Fuel reduction
Table 17. Water temperature- Comparison of alternatives Measures for Alternative Comparison
Road Change in Shade Allocation Length of streambank or Density in in Riparian Reserves shoreline (ft.) protected or Riparian (<60-70% canopy density) restored Reserves
Existing 0% 0 3.8
No 0 3.8 Action Declining Trend
Proposed 0% 2400 ft. 3.0 Action
Alternative 1 (No Action) With no action, there would be no commercial thinning to reduce canopy cover within Riparian Reserves. Reductions in mature canopy closure would continue to occur in localized areas along the Riparian Reserve of Cold Creek, and headwater areas within Roaring Creek due to undeveloped recreation expansion. Furthermore, no restoration efforts would be initiated for protection of riparian values either by designating appropriate dispersed campsites or modifying and obliterating motorized access routes. Observed growth of new sites and expansion of existing sites has been widely variable over the past 10 years, depending on the popularity of each site. The most popular areas, such as those areas at the east and west ends of Lost Lake have experienced 50-100% expansion in total area disturbed in 10 years. With a continued growth in the public’s demand for this type of camping experience, it is expected that areas such as Cold Creek would experience both a direct and indirect effect of an increased long-term trend in loss
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of riparian vegetation and increased streambank disturbance, with a corresponding decreasing trend in effective shade. Expansion in the total area of disturbance is expected to spread further, longitudinally, along the river banks. Soil compaction is expected to increase stresses on overstory conifer stands resulting in increased root rot mortality and loss of shade. Furthermore, wetlands and shallow groundwater aquifers /discharge areas would be further degraded, representing a loss of those features important in regulating water temperatures.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Applying the commercial thinning prescriptions in the Riparian Reserves, as specified in the Water Temperature section, would result in maintaining a 60-70% shade allocation over all water bodies within the project area. These prescriptions may reduce treatment acreage of certain stands on slopes of 5-30% containing wetland complexes, unconfined stream networks and high stream densities. Stands which may experience this reduction in treatment acres include G, E, A, and lower elevations of R.
Reduction of road miles within Riparian Reserves would result in long-term increases in mature riparian canopy density at stream crossing and valley bottom slopes. The high use dispersed campsite areas which are affecting shade would be closed and rehabilitated. These indirect effects would increase shallow groundwater infiltration and water storage within Riparian Reserves, as an indirect response to closing these areas and restoring soil infiltration capacity by removing detrimental soil compaction. This would contribute to recharging localized water tables, increase hyporheic flow and discharge cooler influent groundwater flow into Cold Creek, Roaring Creek and Keechelus Reservoir. Long-term, early seral native vegetation would become established and lead to the development of a mature overstory conifer and hardwood stand along the streambanks and floodplains. The closure would slowly restore the amounts and distribution of coarse woody debris within streambanks and across unconfined floodplains.
There are benefits in the reduction in the area of detrimental soil disturbance within Riparian Reserves by the elimination of unclassified roads and parking spots. These improvements would contribute cumulatively to reduced runoff, increased shallow aquifer recharge from infiltration of snow melt water and result in cooler water delivery to the rivers. The area would see improved success in restoration of young conifer understory, important in establishing future overstory stands, sustaining the long-term canopy closure, and meeting effective shade targets along Cold Creek. Elimination of motorized access would contribute positively to the long-term retention of large coarse woody debris which would improve floodplain storage of water during overbank flooding.
Best Management Practices for Water Quality – Water Temperature The list of BMPs, conservation and mitigation measures have been incorporated into Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) are listed in Chapter 2.
117 Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects related to stream shading and water temperature include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects and activities are described in Chapter 2. The Upper Yakima watershed has experienced road construction, logging activities, recreation, and development on private land in the past. All of these activities lead to greater risks associated with increases in water temperature and loss of stream shading. The recent private lands transferred to the National Forest System and the increased ability to manage the land, road system, and recreational uses would likely improve conditions long term. The cumulative effects on specific hydrologic resources are discussed within the direct and indirect effects.
Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) This alternative is consistent with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Plan standards and guidelines for water temperature but may not be consistent with the standards and guidelines for Recreation Management and Roads Management in Riparian Reserves, as the practices are not moving the watershed toward attainment of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) This alternative would accelerate movement toward achievement of Effective Shade Targets (> 60% on the Cold Creek) in those areas where riparian canopy closure has been removed due to roads and dispersed camping. It strategically focuses on protecting and restoring those Riparian Reserve areas functionally important for shading streambanks and conserving surface and groundwater for shallow aquifer recharge and water temperature regulation. This alternative fully meets all standards and guidelines for water temperature, as well as standards for Recreation Management in Riparian Reserves. This alternative meets the standards and guidelines for Road Management in Riparian Reserves more fully than Alternative 1, and is consistent with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Plan.
The ACS objective pertaining to water temperature is: “Maintain and restore the species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and wetlands to provide adequate summer and winter thermal regulation”. This objective will be met at both the site-specific and watershed scale.
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Sediment Delivery ______
Regulatory Framework The Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest Plan has incorporated the State of Washington’s Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters of the State of Washington (WAC, Chapters 173- 201A), as direction for conducting land-use activities and protecting water quality. Included in these are Sediment Management Standards which identify the following standard for turbidity:
Turbidity standards for Class AA water bodies, shall not exceed 5 NTU over the background turbidity when background levels are 50 NTU or less.
In addition to the adoption of DOE’s water quality standards for Class AA water bodies, the Forest Plan’s Standards and Guidelines for the protection of water quality (USDA, 1990, pg. IV-94) outline a process of planning, application, and monitoring of BMPs, to comform with the Clean Water Act federal regulations and guidance.
The following standards and guidelines for Riparian Reserves affect rates of soil erosion and sediment delivery. These are to be used in conjunction with the specific Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives for this issue. Those objectives which are specific to erosion and sediment delivery have been identified immediately following these standards and guidelines.
Timber Management: See standards and guidelines listed under the Temperature and Shade section TM-1.
Recreation Management: See standards and guidelines listed under the Temperature and Shade section RM-1 and RM- 2.
Road Management: RF-4. New…stream crossings shall be constructed , and existing…stream crossings determined to pose a substantial risk to riparian conditions would be improved, to accommodate at least the 100-year flood, including associated bedload and debris. RF-5. Minimize sediment delivery to streams from roads. See standards and guidelines listed under the Temperature and Shade section RF-2 and RF-3.
The ACS objectives pertaining to erosion and sediment delivery, and referred to in each of the above standards, include: Maintain and restore the sediment regime under which aquatic ecosystems evolved. Elements of the sediment regime include the timing, volume, rate, and character of sediment input, storage, and transport. Maintain and restore the species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and wetlands to provide...appropriate rates of surface and bank erosion…to sustain physical complexity and stability.
119 Analysis Methods Factors effecting the production and delivery of sediment include soil erodibility, extent and percentage of groundcover, intensity and duration of storm events, slope of ground, and proximity of disturbance to a water body. Sediment can originate from areas of soil and vegetation disturbance external to the river or stream, and from within streambanks of rivers and streams. Analysis involved review of surface and mass wasting hazards, identified for soil types in the proposed stands, using the GIS spatial analysis of NRCS Draft Soil Survey of Kittitas County (NRCS, 2004). In addition, the Federal Road Analysis Process (USDA Forest Service 1999) was used to evaluate road networks, using GIS spatial analysis and field investigations for determining the soil erodibility hazards in those areas. Furthermore, on-site investigations evaluated ground cover, landforms, streambank stability, and watershed disturbance elements which included abandoned skid trails, closed and open roads, stream crossing structures and road surface cross-drain structures and undeveloped recreation sites. The GIS transportation coverage was updated by the forest Information Resource Management staff during 2006 using orthophotos and field knowledge of unclassified roads to more accurately represent the road system in existence within the watershed.
Affected Environment Soils are sandy loam textures derived from a combination of in-situ weathering of glacially deposited materials and exhibit a relatively thick organic horizon from accumulation and decomposition of organic matter. Organic soil horizon development processes are relatively rapid in the analysis area, given the availability of biomass and temperature and moisture regimes which aid in decomposition and incorporation of organic matter into the upper soil horizons. Organic horizons range in depth from 1 to 4 inches thick and protect surface soils from erosion and loss of productivity. Table 18 identifies the surface and mass wasting risks of soils.
Suspended sediment, as measured by turbidity, has been observed to spike above state standards during peak storms and rain-on-snow runoff events. This is generally tracked to road erosion from either insufficient frequency of road drainage features or failure of a particular feature to function during those events. A combination of the magnitude of these events, in conjunction with high road densities and percentages of road length in the Riparian Reserve (26-45%) contributes to increased erosion and sediment delivery efficiencies.
Table 23 illustrates road densities by watershed catchment and shows the high percentage of roads in Riparian Reserves. When the soil erodibility factors are combined with moderate to high road densities and insufficient annual road maintenance budgets to maintain road drainage BMPs, erosion potential and sediment delivery risks are elevated. The project interdisciplinary team conducted the Federal Road Analysis Process (USDA Forest Service 1999) evaluating the effects of roads on aquatic and hydrologic resources.
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Mass wasting and debris flow hazards are HIGH on fill slope constructed roads which exist on steep slopes with high stream densities and numerous stream crossing culverts. Signs of vulnerability include partially block culverts and tension cracking or slumping of fill materials along shoulder of roads, piping of groundwater which undermines and destabilizes road subgrades, and concentrated runoff captured on road surfaces. Examples include 5480-000, 5480-118, 9070-225 and unclassified acquired roads in sections 27 and 34, south of Cold Creek.
Where compacted glacial till transitions in slope from 5-30% to slopes >40% (SRI Map Stand 30), mass wasting risk hazards increase from stable conditions to very unstable conditions. This is due to the perched water table and lateral water movement which contributes to piping of groundwater. Mass wasting is typically in the form of deep seated soil creep. These circumstances were observed along the slope transition in Stand G, but can be expected in other areas where SRI map stand 30 occurs. In Cold Creek, high stream densities combined with road densities of 2.5 miles/sq.mile with high percentages in Riparian Reserves and high intensity snowmelt runoff events from rain-on-snow storms all combine to produce localized areas of HIGH sediment delivery hazards. Roaring Creek’s discontinuous stream network (no outlet channel at Lost Lake), hanging cirque basin, lower percentage of roads in Riparian Reserves, but high mass wasting risk yields a MODERATE-HIGH overall sediment delivery hazard. The Keechelus Front-Facing catchment has localized areas of HIGH sediment delivery around Stands A, E, and G, but the lower gradient toe slopes (5-30%), unconfined stream networks and wetland complexes provide considerable sediment storage and water quality buffering capabilities. These factors in conjunction with a lack of a single stream channel to concentrate basin discharge, contributes to an overall sediment delivery risk of LOW-MODERATE. Hanging cirque basins, such as those occupied by Lost Lake and Twin Lakes act as sediment storage basins and disrupt the routing of sediment transport downstream to lower stream reaches and into Keechelus Reservoir. As such, the cumulative road and hillslope erosion effects on water quality in Roaring and Cold Creek catchments can be segregated between those areas upslope and tributary to cirque basins, and those areas downslope. This doesn’t lessen the hazards of direct and indirect effects of roads and hillslope erosion on any single stream reaches but does lessen the downstream cumulative effects of watershed disturbances.
High undeveloped recreation use areas represent moderate to high streambank erosion hazards include the Lost Lake shoreline (west and east ends) and the banks of Cold Creek along the 9070-115 road ford of Cold Creek.
In-channel erosion risk varies by channel gradient and extent of previous logging disturbance. Slope above 25% generally have steep, confined channels with narrow floodplains and large rock and downed wood which dissipate erosive energy. The exceptions to this are areas such as Stand G where the slopes above 25% have a high mass wasting risk where historic debris flows have established steeper channels with alluvial fans at mid-slope. This contributes to frequent unconfined overbank flooding which could accelerate hillslope erosion if groundcover is disturbed and overbank
121 flooding is captured on historically compacted ground. Most stands are void of large downed woody debris due to removal during previous logging entry. This has left the streams with insufficient large wood to dissipate stream energy and maintain stream channel stability and complexity. Hillslope areas within stands experienced severe soil displacement and detrimental compaction during past logging entries; 50 years ago.
These areas experienced extensive mechanized soil disturbance, ranging from soil trenching to artificially stream channelizing of ground and surface water, to capture of runoff on abandoned haul roads. Much of the area is still in a degraded condition but trending toward recovery of groundcover and downed woody debris for energy dissipation, however the largest coarse woody debris component has not recovered, leaving the soils adjacent to the unconfined stream vulnerable to accelerated soil erosion. Stands G, E and A exhibit these disturbances in areas where slopes are 5-30% gradient.
Table 18. Sediment delivery map, stands, and hazards Dominant Soil Map Surface Erosion Mass Wasting Stands Stands Hazard Hazard (NRCS) A medium-low stable, 187 unstable 187, 213 sandy loam when disturbed E 301 medium stable G medium to high unstable on slopes 306 >25% L 241 medium stable M high unstable to very 188 unstable O high unstable to very 188 unstable R medium stable, unstable when 187 disturbed
Road high unstable to very 187, 181, 188 Obliteration unstable Lost Lake medium stable, unstable when 187 Campsite disturbed
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Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects Riparian prescriptions, for meeting Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives during commercial thinning in Riparian Reserves, are found in the silvicultural prescription in Chapter 2. In addition to water temperature objectives, these prescriptions would provide for hillslope, streambank and floodplain soil stability and minimize erosion and sediment delivery hazards. Table 19 summarizes the range of road obliteration activities and drainage improvement restoration work. Measures for alternative comparison for sediment delivery include the change in road miles and density within Riparian Reserves, miles of road drainage improvement and linear distance of streambank and shoreline protection and restoration.
Table 19. Sediment delivery comparison measures
Road Miles of Road Density Drainage Length of streambank or shoreline in Improvement (ft.) protected or restored Riparian
Reserves
Existing 3.8 0 0
No Action 3.8 0 0
Proposed Action 3.0 1.96 2400 ft.
Alternative 1 (No Action) No commercial thinning would occur so the surface and mass wasting risks associated with 0.99 miles of temporary road construction to access Stand G under the Proposed Action, would not be necessary. In addition, reconstruction or reopening of “existing roads” to access Stands A, G, F, L, M, N, L and R would not be necessary and so this alternative would avoid any increased short-term risks of surface erosion and sediment delivery. Less road surface drainage improvement work would be completed, due to limited financial resources, and so chronic non-point source sediment pollution would continue to occur from a high density of roads in Riparian Reserves. Long-term, road densities in Riparian Reserves would be sustained at the current high levels of 4.1 miles/square mile of reserve area with a total of 53.2 miles of road susceptible to erosion and sediment delivery. Some of these roads pose both chronic and episodic mass wasting risks from extreme storm events.
With this alternative, there would be no restoration actions initiated to eliminate known sediment sources from roads and undeveloped recreation sites, nor would actions be take
123 to protect vulnerable riparian areas from further degradation. Furthermore, no restoration efforts would be initiated in designating appropriate dispersed campsites or modifying and obliteration of motorized access routes for protection of riparian values. Popularity of the streambank areas are expected to result in the direct and indirect effect of an increasing, long-term trend in loss of riparian vegetation and increased streambank erosion rates and sediment delivery. As stated in the Water Temperature section, observed growth of new sites and expansion of existing sites has been estimated to be 50- 100% expansion in total area disturbed in 10 years. Expansion in the total area of disturbance is expected to spread longitudinally, along Cold Creek’s streambanks.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The road analysis process yielded road management recommendations which included obliteration of road segments and improvements in road drainage to reduce risks to water quality and aquatic resources and reduce road maintenance costs. The road mileage estimates in the Water Resources sections may differ from other sections due to a slightly different analysis area. Road miles would temporarily increase from 49 miles to 53.2 miles during commercial thinning of stands in the project area, with these levels expected to be sustained for at least 5 years until work is completed and stewardship restoration work begins. A portion of this temporary increase, approximately 3.2 miles, consist of reconstructing “existing” roads, some of which had been previously closed with soil berms and/or overgrown with vegetation. In addition, approximately 1.0 mile of new temporary road construction would occur. These short-term changes may increase the indirect, short-term sediment delivery risks, particularly in Stands A, G, and F; especially in those areas of unstable slopes. Following road obliteration, road miles decrease to 43.6 miles across the analysis area. Completion of road obliteration work would yield the following percentage decreases in road densities in Riparian Reserves, from the current conditions:
Cold Creek 25% reduction Roaring Creek 20% reduction Keechelus Front-Facing 16.7% reduction
These reductions in road miles within Riparian Reserves, in conjunction with appropriately applied road obliteration BMPs, are expected to reduce surface erosion and mass wasting risks, reduce or eliminate non-point source sediment pollutions from forest roads and move the watersheds toward attaining more natural erosion rates and sediment regimes in streams and waterbodies.
Additionally, restoration would include road drainage improvement work to disconnect surface and ditchline runoff from stream crossings and add sufficient culverts and self- maintaining road drainage. Cold Creek would have a temporary or permanent bridge installed on forest road 9070-115, in place of the existing ford, and would have drainage improvement on 250-300 feet of surface to disrupt current sediment delivery directly into Cold Creek. Gates would be installed on either end of the 115 road, to close the road and the Cold Creek ford from public use to eliminating direct sediment discharge from vehicles fording the creek.
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Commercial thinning, to 40% canopy density, is expected to retain sufficient rootmass on hillslopes to avoid initiation of deep seated soil creep and debris flows or increasing mass wasting hazards.
Closure of some areas to motorized vehicle access to streambanks of Cold Creek, Roaring Creek riparian areas and Lost Lake shoreline for dispersed camping would result in a substantial indirect effect of improving the distribution and vigor of streambank vegetation, increasing root mass and streambank stability; reducing the future risk of further streambank degradation and accelerated bank erosion. This alternative would result in the protection or restoration at least 2400 feet of streambank or shoreline, over the next 10 years. Active restoration of soil productivity would increase the density and distribution of shrub and conifer vegetation on disturbed riparian soils. Retention of downed coarse woody debris in conjunction with this understory vegetation would function to dissipate overbank flooding and mitigate the risk of in-channel erosion.
BMPs are expected to be effective in mitigating both the short-and long-term risk of non- point source sediment pollution from the range of proposed activities. See Chapter 2 for list of BMPs for water quality-sedimentation that would be followed which address 1) road reconstruction, construction and decommissioning, and 2) landing construction and rehabilitation, and felling and yarding.
Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects related to erosion and sediment delivery include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects and activities are described in Chapter 2. The Upper Yakima watershed has experienced road construction, logging activities, recreation, and development on private land in the past. All of these activities lead to greater risks to water quality and hydrologic function. The recent private lands transferred to the National Forest System and the increased ability to manage the land, road system, and recreational uses would likely improve conditions long term. The cumulative effects on specific hydrologic resources are discussed within the direct and indirect effects.
125 Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) This alternative is not consistent with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Plan standards and guidelines for erosion and sediment delivery nor is it consistent with the standards and guidelines for Recreation Management and Roads Management in Riparian Reserves, as the practices are not moving the watershed toward attainment of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives.
Attempts in the past to adjust dispersed recreation practices using boulders as barriers has not been effective as work has not been maintained and properly signed and enforced. This has resulted in an inability to achieve many of the standards and guidelines mentioned above, specifically RM-2, as well as the ACS objectives. Insufficient road maintenance resources prohibit many BMPs from being implemented to address non- point source sediment pollution from roads.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) This alternative initiates restoration actions which move Cold Creek, Roaring Creek and the Keechelus Front-Facing catchments, and consequently the 6th field Keechelus Reservoir HUC, toward attainment of the Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines pertaining to sediment and water quality. By closing portions of degraded Riparian Reserves from continued unauthorized motorized access and dispersed recreation disturbance the long-term objectives of restoring natural sediment regimes is expected to be accomplished sooner than under the “no action” alternative.
The ACS objectives pertaining to erosion and sediment delivery: Maintain and restore the sediment regime under which aquatic ecosystems evolved. Elements of the sediment regime include the timing, volume, rate, and character of sediment input, storage, and transport. Maintain and restore the species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and wetlands to provide...appropriate rates of surface and bank erosion…to sustain physical complexity and stability. These objectives will be met at both the site-specific and watershed scale.
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Hydrology ______
Wetland and floodplain function, and cumulative change in peakflow and baseflow stream discharge
Regulatory Framework Executive Order 11990 Wetlands This order, signed by President Carter (May 24, 1977), establishes the responsibility of the Forest to “…take action to minimize the destruction, loss or degradation of wetlands, and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial values of wetlands in carrying out the agency’s responsibilities…(3) conducting Federal activities and programs affecting land use…”
Executive Order 11988 Floodplains
The order, signed by President Carter (May 24, 1977), establishes the responsibility of the Forest “…to avoid to the extent possible the long and short term adverse impacts associated with occupancy and modification of floodplains and to avoid direct or indirect support of floodplain development wherever there is a practicable alternative..” Section 1. explicitly states that “Each agency…shall take action to reduce the risk of flood loss, to minimize the impacts of floods on human safety, health and welfare, and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains in carrying out its responsibilities for…2)providing Federally undertaken, financed, or assisted construction and improvements;…” Furthermore, Section 2 places the responsibility on the Federal agencies to “…evaluate the potential effects of any actions it may take in a floodplain…”
Standards and Guidelines Specifically Related to Floodplains and Wetlands
Forest Plan Standards and Guideline contained within the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area (SPAMA) Plan include the following (USDA, 1997):
Ecosystem Function and Hydrology
Protect and/or improve riparian soil physical conditions by reducing soil compaction and vegetation disturbance patterns. Manage the floodplain roughness elements to enhance soil health and function. Elements include coarse woody debris and riparian vegetation. Manage the stream channels and hillslope influences to provide for conditions of dynamic equilibrium within the channel and across the floodplain. Minimize increases in magnitude and frequency of flood risk, providing sustained streamflows, reduced surface…erosion risks and provide for site productivity and floodplain function through the distribution and structure of vegetation. Road drainage designs and floodplain road segments would be managed to maintain natural flow paths and energy dissipation.
127
Soil Productivity and Function
Components necessary for soil development and function include: An organic soil layer Downed large organic debris (>12”dbh) in various decay classes Loose, friable soil structure Retention of the mineral soil horizon for soil-micro-organism habiatat Rapid permeability and uncompacted conditions Connection of streamflow to floodplain during peakflows for overbank recruitment of fine sediments Soil temperature and moisture conditions to support microbial life Bacteria and fungi populations Populations of invertebrate soil organisms
Restoration Measures Relating to Recreation Activities Restricting firewood collection in dispersed…campgrounds Delineating access routes in camping areas for both dispersed and developed recreation. Felling and leaving hazard trees on the ground Delineating acceptable numbers of sites in an area to control levels of detrimental soil disturbance Using barriers (natural) to control vegetation disturbance Rotating use between sites to allow soil and plant recovery.
Timber Management: See standards and guidelines listed under the Temperature and Shade section TM-1.
Recreation Management: See standards and guidelines listed under the Temperature and Shade section RM-1 and RM- 2. Apply silvicultural practices for Riparian Reserves to control stocking, reestablish and manage stands, and acquire desired vegetation characteristics needed to attain Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives.
Road Management See standards and guidelines listed under the Temperature and Shade section RF-2 and RF-3.
The ACS objectives pertaining to floodplains and wetlands referred to in each of the above standards is to: Maintain and restore the sediment regime under which aquatic ecosystems evolved. Elements of the sediment regime include the timing, volume, rate, and character of sediment input, storage, and transport. Maintain and restore in-stream flows sufficient to create and sustain riparian, aquatic, and wetland habitats and to retain patterns of sediment,
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nutrient, and wood routing. The timing, magnitude, duration, and spatial distribution of peak, high, and low flows must be protected. Maintain and restore the timing, variability, and duration of floodplain inundation and water table elevation in meadows and wetlands. Maintain and restore the species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and wetlands to provide...appropriate rates of channel migration and to supply amounts and distributions of coarse woody debris sufficient to sustain physical complexity and stability.
Analysis Methods On-site field investigations included the classification of stream channel types and characteristics, validation of soil characteristics, identification of wetland features and shallow perched aquifers and conditions of these features. A GIS spatial analysis of road densities and forested canopy cover was developed utilizing the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest transportation and vegetation coverage (vegcurrent). The vegetation coverage was modified by the district silviculturist to reflect field data on canopy densities in each vegetation class. Weighted average canopy cover values were developed for each catchment for calculation of peakflow discharges at various flood recurrence intervals, utilizing the USGS rational runoff equations. Watershed disturbances from previous logging and the current road networks in Riparian Reserves were evaluated, including disruption of natural flow paths, floodplain function, stream channel stability, coarse woody debris accumulation and function, and wetland conditions and function. The effects of canopy cover on snowpack accumulation and potential peakflow magnitude changes in the context of the landforms and precipitation regime. The list of roads and restoration projects identified in the proposed action (listed in Table 4 and Table 5) were developed to reflect actions necessary to meet the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives and SPAMA Standards and Guidelines.
Affected Environment Cold Creek and lower Roaring Creek are Forest Service Class I streams, with a Rosgen C3 classification. The last period of glaciation, 10000 to 15000 years ago, and the glacier retreat left behind broad U-shaped valley bottoms with glacial till and outwash deposites along the valley margins. These catchments and their floodplain development have been strongly influenced by the geologic processes that shaped the watershed and high annual precipitation levels; both continuing to influence the density of stream channels and their physical characteristics. Compacted till at approximately 40 inch soil depth functions to hold up a perched water table, contributing to the high stream density and wetland complexes along the lower elevations of the analysis area, on slopes of 5-25%. This is best illustrated in the Keechelus Front-Facing catchment which is drained by numerous Class IV streams within Stands G, E, F and R. This area is underlain by compacted till with stream densities of greater than 4 miles per square mile. In portions of stands G, E and A, numerous 1st order streams can be found flowing parallel to one another and consistently spaced 150 feet apart.
129 “Floodplains” have been defined as the lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining inland waters… including, at a minimum, that area subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year (Executive Order 11988, May, 1977). Floodplains and wetlands (palustrine and riverine) are important in dissipating runoff and flood energy, and may contribute to minimizing the rate of change to the natural environment, and prevent damage to forest roads. During flooding, healthy functioning floodplains allow overbank flooding to occur along the stream margin, allowing water velocity to dissipate, slowing and storing floodwaters and sediment. Water detained and stored in shallow ponded depressions and wetlands infiltrates into the riparian soil along streams. Ultimately the water is utilized in the growth of riparian vegetation and some returns to the streams, lakes and reservoirs as shallow groundwater influent flow. As a result, this water sustains higher river flows and cooler water temperatures during summer months. In addition, deposits of sediment, nutrients and contaminants occur and are filtered out of the water body by these floodplains and wetlands, providing improved water quality to downstream uses. Streamflow and thermal regulation are important to site specific areas immediately adjacent to the river, used as refugia by aquatic life, as well as to downstream water uses, including irrigators and recreationists.
Historic disturbances to wetland and unconfined stream channels have occurred during previous logging operations in Stands G, E, A, and R; affecting the health and function of floodplains and wetlands. Disturbance originated with low standard logging roads and skidtrail construction into riparian areas and wetlands to access timber. These disturbances involved removal of large down trees which had accumulated along the these channel types, soil excavation and soil compaction which intercepted shallow groundwater and drained wetlands and near surface aquifers and accelerated runoff. Currently these abandoned logging roads continued to disrupt natural hillslope flow paths and have resulted in gully formation in localized areas in Stand G and E.
2006 field inventory of wetlands indicated between 20 and 30% of stands G, E, and R occupy wetlands or unconfined stream channels and floodplains.
Created openings in conifer stands due to commercial tree harvest can increase snowpack accumulation on the forest floor and, under certain storm events, lead to accelerated snowmelt rates that contribute to elevated peak flood discharges. Over 90% of the Cold and Roaring Creek catchment area is currently in a hydrologically mature forest canopy condition of > 40% canopy closure (see Table 20). The Keechelus front facing catchment currently has 77% of its area in hydrologically mature forest. In addition, Lost Lake, in the Roaring Creek catchment has a high storage capacity for runoff and buffers any downstream routing of changes in peak flood discharge. These factors indicate that current openings and canopy closures pose a relatively low risk that peakflow discharges and cumulative channel effects are currently being altered by past logging.
Road densities, however, are 3.8 miles/sq.mile in Riparian Reserves, and when linked to high stream drainage networks these factors can combine to create circumstances which may affect peak and baseflows discharges by:
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Altering natural flow paths, intercepting groundwater, bisecting ephemeral streams and converting these flows to surface runoff and streamflow. This accelerates velocities, shortens the residence time of water within the watershed and decreases subsurface water storage in shallow aquifers. Extending stream drainage networks by collecting precipitation and convert it to surface runoff and route it to a stream channel. Lowering localized water tables and shallow aquifers which support wetlands. Accelerating surface erosion of roads and in-channel erosion of streambanks. Accelerating the time of concentration of runoff velocities. Decreasing the water available in watershed to sustain summer baseflow discharges and temperatures Riparian prescriptions, for meeting Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives during commercial thinning in Riparian Reserves, are found in the silvicultural prescription and in Table 3. In addition to water temperature objectives, these prescriptions would provide for continued wetland recovery and protection, as well as restoring natural flow paths.
Comparison of alternatives would examine cumulative changes in the magnitude of peakflow discharge due to commercial thinning, changes in riparian road densities, and discussion of site specific differences in restoration of natural flow paths and wetland function.
Table 20. Changes in peak flows with vegetation change Subwatersheds: Cold Creek Roaring Creek Drainage area (mi2): 4.1 5.3 Average Annual 110 100 precipitation (inches): Weighted average Existing Proposed Existing Proposed percent canopy cover: 76% 73.7% 59.4% 58.5% Flood % chg peakflow from existing % chg peakflow from existing Recurrence conditions conditions Intervals 5 yr 0.65 0.32 10 yr 0.71 0.35 25 yr 0.77 0.38 50 yr 0.83 0.41 100 yr 0.90 0.44
131 Table 21. Summary of road mile changes Changes by HUC 7. Post Project Road Miles - Total and Riparian Reserves Watershed Existing Total Interim Obliterate Conversion to Trail Post Stewardship Total RR Total RR Total RR Total RR Total RR Front 111CF 16.56 5.25 18.97 6.35 3.4 1.96 0 0 15.57 4.39 31.7% 33.5% 28.2% Roaring 111CR 22.06 5.78 22.93 5.93 3.9 1.26 0 0 19.03 4.67 26.2% 25.9% 24.5% Cold 111CG 10.39 4.68 11.28 4.89 2.1 1.3 0.15 0.05 9.03 3.54 45.0% 43.4% 39.2% Total 49.01 15.71 53.18 17.17 9.4 4.52 0.15 0.05 43.63 12.6 32.1% 32.3% 28.9%
Table 22. Current canopy closure of hydrologically immature vegetation Watersheds Analysis Area Lake and Pond Non-Forested Total Acres Forested Area Acres Roaring Cold Front Total2 Total Acres 3085 2151 3666 8902 2609 567.2 12078 Immature 274 46 835 1156 Acres1 % of 7th HUC 8.7% 1.8% 22.6% 13.0% 1Forested canopy density < 40% 2Total is net all lakes, ponds, rock and non-forested vegetation acres
132 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 1 (No Action) Canopy cover densities would remain high within the analysis area, with no commercial thinning. This alternative retains all 53.3 miles of road surfaces within the analysis area and sustains high road densities in Riparian Reserves; representing 4.1 miles of road per sq. mile of riparian area. This would continue to alter natural flow paths and likely sustains higher peak flow discharges and lower baseflow discharges. Higher peakflows likely result in continued infrastructure risk and damage during more extreme snowmelt and runoff events. Road damage would contribute to trigger episodic water quality problems and may contribute to cumulative bank erosion downstream. In areas where historic logging caused considerable degradation of riparian areas, recovery would continue at a slow rate relying on soil recovery and recruitment of large woody debris onto the forest floor within the Riparian Reserves of unconfined stream networks and wetlands. Where closed and abandoned roads and skidtrails bisect or disrupt flow paths associated with wetland and floodplain water tables, natural flow paths would continue to be disrupted and artificially routed until sufficient coarse woody debris is recruited to physically block the artificial paths which drain these landscape features.
The increased detrimental soil compaction would restrict or prevent the infiltration of snow melt and overbank flooding and reduce the shallow groundwater storage potential within the Riparian Reserves. This storage is important for buffering summer high water temperatures and augmenting streamflow in rivers and side channels during the late summer and early fall.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Commercial thinning, utilizing the Riparian Reserve prescription in the Water Temperature section, would result in no measurable direct or indirect effect on peakflow discharges, at any of the flood frequencies (see Table 17). Reducing canopy cover from a current value of 60-100% to approximately 40% on 427 acres, over an area of nearly 8000 acres, produces less than a 1% increase in peakflow magnitudes.
This alternative reduces total long-term road miles to 41.01 miles of road surfaces within the analysis area and reduces high road densities in Riparian Reserves from 3.8 miles of road per sq. mile of riparian area to 3.0 miles/sq.mi. Road obliteration would lower road densities in Riparian Reserves, across the three catchments, from between 17 – 27% of pre-project levels. Many of these roads are in areas of high stream density where ditchlines have concentrated and accelerated runoff delivery to stream channels. Table 20 summarizes changes in road miles while Table 23 summarizes the changes in road densities, by watershed catchment, across the life of the project.
Short-term ground disturbance, including temporary road construction and skidding and yarding methods are not expected to degrade either the wetland soil characteristics, wetland function, or unconfined floodplain characteristics, including distribution of
133 downed woody debris, detrimental soil compaction and displacement or groundcover removal within the Riparian Reserves.
As coarse woody debris is recruited from standing dead trees, blowdown or transported into areas floodplain connectivity and natural flow paths would be restored, flood energy would be dissipated on the floodplains, stream channel complexity would be improved and processes would be restored to provide more natural rates of runoff, concentrations of peakflow, recharge of shallow aquifers and sustained baseflow discharge.
Wetland complexes would be fully protected under this alternative when Riparian Reserve prescriptions are appropriately applied. These areas would experience slow recovery with increased water infiltration from snowmelt and stormwater in the soils surrounding the wetland.
Active and passive restoration of soil infiltration and site productivity would provide localized improvement in reductions in detrimental soil compaction in Riparian Reserves of Cold Creek and Lost Lake shoreline. Motorized campsites and roads, currently located within and degrading Riparian Reserves, would be closed and relocated to higher elevations and areas where motorized access can be effectively restricted. Reductions in detrimental soil compaction in riparian soils along Cold Creek and Lost Lake shoreline would substantially improve localized soil infiltration, accelerate recovery of understory seral shrub and conifer species and increase retention of large coarse woody debris. These actions would reduce runoff, increase snow meltwater infiltration and soil/water storage within the Riparian Reserves and provide improved shallow aquifer recharge. This storage is important for augmenting streamflow in small streams and creeks during the late summer and early fall. Localized areas within the reserve which historically represented small palustrine wetlands may experience slow recovery with increased water detention on-site.
Best Management Practices for Water Quality – Hydrology See list of BMPs (Chapter 2) for water quality-sedimentation that would be followed which address 1) road reconstruction, construction and decommissioning, 2) landing construction and rehabilitation, and felling and yarding.
Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects related to water quality-hydrology include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects and activities are described in Chapter 2. The Upper Yakima watershed has experienced road construction, logging activities, recreation, and development on private land in the past. All of these activities lead to greater risks to water quality and hydrologic function. The recent private lands transferred to the National Forest System and the increased ability to manage the land, road system, and recreational uses would likely improve conditions long term. The cumulative effects on specific hydrologic resources are discussed within the direct and indirect effects.
134 Roaring Thin Restoration Environmental Assessment
Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) This alternative is consistent with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Plan standards and guidelines for hydrology and soil productivity but leaves some roads and undeveloped recreation sites inconsistent with the ACS Standards and Guidelines for Recreation Management and Roads Management in Riparian Reserves, at the project scale.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) This alternative is consistent with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Plan standards and guidelines by providing several restoration opportunities to move some roads and undeveloped recreation sites into consistency with the ACS Standards and Guidelines at the project scale, for Recreation and Roads Management in Riparian Reserves. This alternative meets the full range of standards and guidelines and executive orders. By engaging in active restoration of soil and riparian vegetation, the long-term objectives are expected to be accomplished and the work is expected to be achieved with greater effectiveness.
The following ACS objectives pertaining to floodplains and wetlands:
o Maintain and restore the sediment regime under which aquatic ecosystems evolved. Elements of the sediment regime include the timing, volume, rate, and character of sediment input, storage, and transport. Maintain and restore in-stream flows sufficient to create and sustain riparian, aquatic, and wetland habitats and to retain patterns of sediment, nutrient, and wood routing. The timing, magnitude, duration, and spatial distribution of peak, high, and low flows must be protected. Maintain and restore the timing, variability, and duration of floodplain inundation and water table elevation in meadows and wetlands. Maintain and restore the species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and wetlands to provide...appropriate rates of channel migration and to supply amounts and distributions of coarse woody debris sufficient to sustain physical complexity and stability. These ACS objectives will be met at both the site-specific and watershed scale.
135 Table 23. Road densities by catchment basins Road Density Changes in Project Area and in Riparian Reserves Catchments Existing Total Interim Post Stewardship Total Miles Density RR Miles Density Total Miles Density RR Miles Density Total Miles Density RR Miles Density Keechelus Front 16.56 5.3 5.25 5.4 18.97 6.1 6.35 6.5 15.57 5.0 4.39 4.5
Roaring 22.06 4.2 5.78 3.4 22.93 4.3 5.93 3.4 19.03 3.6 4.67 2.7
Cold 10.39 2.5 4.68 3.2 11.28 2.8 4.89 3.3 9.03 2.2 3.54 2.4
Total 49.01 3.9 15.71 3.8 53.18 4.3 17.17 4.1 43.63 3.5 12.6 3.0
This analysis is based on watershed scale rather than the project area, therefore overall road miles and density may be different than other analyses in this EA.
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Soils______How would soils be protected?
Regulatory Framework The Forest Plan guides the management of the National Forest System Land. For this project area the Forest Plan incorporates the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990), the Northwest Forest Plan (1994) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), for more information refer to Chapter 1.
Soil quality is maintained when soil compaction, displacement, puddling, burning, erosion, loss of organic matter and altered soil moisture regimes are within defined standards and guidelines.
Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) soil standards and guidelines (USDA, 1990, IV-96), Wenatchee NF Ground based Harvest Policy and R6 Supplement 2500-98-1 gives direction for management activities, “Leave a minimum of 80 % of an activity area in an acceptable soil quality condition,” in other words not more than 20 percent of an activity area maybe in a detrimental soil condition following management activities. Detrimental soil conditions are detrimental compaction, accelerated erosion, puddling, detrimental displacement and severely burned soil (USDA 2500-98-1).”
Wenatchee National Forest Ground Based Timber Harvest Policy Management Strategy –D Suspension, Oversnow OR Designated skid trails, Other harvest methods.
Forest Service Manual 2500- Watershed and Air Management, R6 Supplement 2500-98- 1, Chapter 2520- Watershed Protection and Management provides additional guidelines for fine organic matter, coarse woody material and soil moisture regimes.
Region 6 Soil Quality Guidelines (applicable to this project) Detrimental Surface Erosion can be avoided by providing effective ground cover. Minimum percent effective ground cover to prevent detrimental surface erosion to soils in the project area should be 20 -30% the 1st year and 30 – 40% the 2nd (USDA, 1998). Organic matter should be maintained in amounts sufficient to prevent short or long term nutrient and carbon cycle deficits and to avoid detrimental physical and biological soil conditions. Fine Organic Matter (FOM) is plant litter, duff and woody material less than 3 inches in diameter. FOM should be the same thickness as undisturbed sites of the same ecological type in the area. Coarse Woody Material (CWM) is woody material greater than 3 inches in diameter. Adjust the minimum logs, or branches, per acre according to potential for ecological type, or groups of similar types.
13 7 Soil Moisture Regime Plan land management activities so that the soil moisture regime remains unchanged (except for activities that restore natural water tables). Detrimental conditions are changes in soil drainage classes (USDA 1993) or aquatic conditions (USDA 2003) that are incompatible with management objectives.
Past road construction and timber harvest have contributed to soil disturbance within the project area. Harvesting timber can cause detrimental soil disturbance from increased soil compaction, decreased site productivity, and accelerated erosion.
Method of Measuring Effects: Percentage of acres of the activity area in detrimental soil disturbance after completion of project.
Rational: Not more than 20 percent of an activity area maybe in a detrimental soil condition following management activities (R-6 Supplement 2500-98-1).
Analysis Methods Investigation of soil and site characteristics include but are not limited to; air photo interpretation; traverses through sites with visual observations of plants, ground cover, down woody material and erosion; low intensity transects including systematic or random sampling, soil pits, ground cover measurements, shovel test of compaction (Tepler field notes, 2006). Detrimental disturbance amounts are calculated by the percent of the acres of the activity area in disturbance. (eg. for roads and old skid trails: (Length)(15 ft Width)(5280ft/Ac)/(43560ft2/Ac), new skid trails: 7% of area tractor harvested/total acreage (Oregon State Univ. Ext. Serv., 1993), landings: (1 landing for every 10 acres)(1/2 Ac per landing)). For soils rehabilitated 70% of acres rehabilitated (landings) is used because the entire area is usually not returned to productivity the first year.
Affected Environment Geology of the project area is composed of pyroclastic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks which have been modified by alpine glaciation. Major landforms are glacial troughs and glacial trough valley bottoms. Glaciation has created U-shaped over steepened valleys making them susceptible to mass wasting. Field visits and soil investigations determined major soil types fit the range of characteristics of the Vabus and Chinkmin soil series. Soils are composed of coarse glacial till deposits with an admixture of volcanic ash over compacted dense till. This topsoil is susceptible to compaction. The subsoil having a slower infiltration rate than the topsoil allows water to surface usually November thru July. These soils are in Stability Class II and III. Past logging created trails in some of the activity areas. However, most of these when examined have recovered from the affects. Ground cover of the activity areas is controlling accelerated erosion. Coarse woody debris (CWD) is meeting R6 guidelines. None of the activity areas has detrimental disturbance exceeding 20 percent R6 standard.
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Geology/Geomorphology
Geology of the project area is composed of pyroclastic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks which have been modified by alpine glaciation and fluvial down cutting. This alpine glaciation carved out and over steepened stream valleys. Stream valley drainage features are U shaped from the glaciations.
Glacial Troughs
This landform occurs on till mantled slopes of glacially eroded U-shaped valleys. Some narrower glacial trough delineations include the valley bottoms of glacially eroded U-shaped valleys. Alluvial fans, glacial moraine deposits are common along the lower slopes associated with the valley bottoms. Lower sideslopes are commonly concave, upper slopes are normally straight. Slope gradients range from 35 to 90%. Troughwalls are dissected by a high density of perennial to intermittent low order streams in a trellis drainage pattern. Tributary channels are often weakly defined with moderate to high gradients. Avalanche chutes and debris tracks are common and associated with low order channels. Seeps are common along lower slopes
Glaciated Trough Valley Bottoms
This landform occurs in the valley bottoms of glacially eroded U-shaped glacial troughs. These glaciated trough valley bottoms occur in wider valley bottoms in which scale allows separation from K landform stands. Slope gradients are gentle (<30%) and planar to undulating where debris and alluvial fan deposits occur. This landform was shaped by glaciers advancing and receding in glacial valleys intermittently eroding and depositing material and subsequent glacial-fluvial processes and finally, fluvial processes. Glacial till deposits, debris fan deposits, outwash deposits, and overridden bedrock all occur. Channel types range from meandering above gradient “niche” points forming wetlands to moderate gradient and confined by bedrock or glacial deposits.
The upper ridges of these troughs are composed mostly of exposed bedrock, which collect a large amount of precipitation but have little potential to store or regulate runoff. Runoff from upper trough walls is concentrated into the dense pattern of first order streams. Shallow landslides (debris flows) are a significant source of sediment delivery and often originate from these first order drainages along the interface between glacial till deposits and scoured bedrock. These debris flows have deposited numerous debris fans in the valley floor. As these fans coalesce, they cause stream confinement and streams become bounded by alluvial fans altering stream alignment and gradient. Debris flows
13 9 can deliver sediment directly into stream systems. Likely a more important sediment delivery mechanism is the degree of stream scour along lower fan margins as streams adjust to the confinement. Most of the generated sediment from these shallow landslides (debris flows) is coarse textured.
General Soils and Existing Condition for Activity Areas General soils in the project area are composed of moderately deep and deep glacial till with an admixture of volcanic ash. They typically have a coarse textured surface of loamy sand and sandy loam (volcanic ash) with 0 to 5 % rock fragments by volume. This type of topsoil is highly compactable however this is the upper 3 inches of soil where freeze thaw action should help negate the compaction. Also the soil structure, organic matter, plant roots help negate compaction. The subsoil layers are composed of coarse compacted/dense and/or cemented till with 15 to >60 percent rock fragments. These type of subsoils with their quantity and size of rock fragments mitigate the effects of harvest machinery (Miller and Anderson 2005). Drainage class is moderately well drained with water perched above the till usually in November thru July ( Draft Kittitas Soil Survey, Tepler Field Notes, 2006). Slopes range from 0 to 60 percent. Steep slopes with south and southwest aspects are naturally highly erodible. These soils have andic properties as defined in Keys to Soil Taxonomy 9th Edition, 2003 putting these soils in the sensitive category of the Wenatchee NF Ground Based Harvest Policy. Andic soils with low percentage of rock fragments have a weak load bearing capacity are prone to deep rutting and displacement (Miller and Anderson, 2005). Compaction hazard of these soils is low to high. After compaction these soil types can increase production of trees by having a higher water retention value (Miller and Anderson, 2005).
The soil moisture regime is xeric, defined in Keys to Soil Taxonomy 9th Edition, 2003. No soils are rated in Natural Stability Class V. Ground cover is effectively controlling erosion. Fine organic matter thickness ranges from 1 to 4 inches. A or E horizon (topsoil) thickness is 1 to 6 inches (Draft Kittitas Soil Survey, Tepler Field notes 2006). Coarse woody debris exceeds R6 guidelines of 5 to 10 tons/acre (Tepler Field Notes, 2006). Mass wasting is not degrading water supplies. No soils are detrimentally burned.
Major soil types with similar horizons in arrangement and characteristics are the Chinkmin series, a medial-skeletal, amorphic Andic Duricryods, and Vabus series, an ashy-skeletal, amorphic Andic Haplocryods (See Figure 10, Appendix A for map of soils in the project area.
Past timber harvest has occurred and created trails/roads in the activity areas. Examinations of soils in these trails/roads indicate they have recovered from the disturbance. Indicators of recovery are; subangular blocky structure of soil horizons, medium roots 4 inches deep in soil profile, organic matter accumulation on soil surface (Tepler Field Notes, 2006).
No activity area exceeds Regional detrimental soil disturbance standards.
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Activity Areas
Stand A Soils found in this stand fit the characteristics of the Chinkmin soil series. Slopes range from 10 to 30 percent. Compaction hazard is moderate when dry but severe when near field capacity. Natural stability class is III (USDA, 1976). Ground cover approximately 90 to 100 percent (Tepler Field Notes, 2006). Coarse woody debris approximately 5 to 10 tons/acre. Small wetlands occur from capture of streams by old roads (Tepler field notes, 2006). Disturbance from past logging confined to old road prisms.
Approximately 4.5 acres of detrimental disturbance of soils in road prisms exist or 3 percent of the activity area.
Stand E Majority of soils of this stand fit those of the Chinkmin series. A minor but important portion (because of slope) fit those of the Vabus Stony Sandy Loam 45 to 65 percent map stand. Slopes range from 5 to 45 percent. Compaction hazard of these soils is low to moderate. Natural stability class is I and III for these soils (USDA, 1976). Ground cover 90 to 100 percent (Tepler Field Notes, 2006). Coarse woody debris measured at 6 tons/acre (Tepler Field Notes, 2006).
Approximately 2 acres of detrimental disturbance of soils in road prisms exists or 3 percent of the activity area.
Stand F Soils consist of moderately deep glacial till with a mix of ash over dense till (Vabus). Drainage class is moderately well drained. Minor components include areas moderately shallow to shallow to bedrock soils with some bedrock outcrops (Nagrom series). Upper horizons have 5% to 35% pebbles (>2mm to 3in) the subsoil has >25% pebbles and cobbles by volume. Fine organic matter thickness ranges from 1 to 4 inches. Slopes range from 0 to 50 percent. Ground cover is 90 to 100 percent. Compaction hazard of these soils is moderate. Coarse woody debris exceeds guidelines of 5 to 10 tons/acre (Tepler Field Notes, 2006). Natural stability class is I for these soils (USDA, 1976).
Approximately 2 acres of detrimental disturbance of soils in road prisms exists or 3 percent of the activity area.
Stand G Vabus Stony Sandy Loam is the major soil series of this stand. Slopes range from 5 to 25 percent. Past logging has occurred. Small wetlands less than 1 acre exist. Some streams have been channelized to capture subsurface water. Compaction hazard of these soils is low to moderate. Natural stability class is II and III for these soils (USDA, 1976).
Approximately 3 acres of detrimental disturbance of soils in road prisms exists or 2 percent of the activity area.
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Stand H Vabus Stony Sandy Loam is the major soil series of this stand. Slopes range from 45 to 65 percent. Compaction hazard of these soils is low to moderate. Natural stability class is III (USDA, 1976).
Detrimental disturbance from roads is approximately 0.5 acres or 4 percent of the activity area.
Stand L Thetis Gravelly Sandy Loam is the major soil series of this stand. Slopes range from 25 to 45 percent. Compaction hazard of these soils is low to moderate. Natural stability class is II and III for these soils (USDA, 1976).
Approximately 1 acre of detrimental disturbance of soils in road prisms exists or 5 percent of the activity area.
Stand N and M Soil fit the range of characteristics of the Chinkmin soil series. Slopes range from 5 to 60 percent. Wetlands less than 1 acre are found in the stands. Compaction hazard of these soils is low to moderate. Natural stability class is II and III for these soils (USDA, 1976).
Approximately 4 acres of detrimental disturbance of soils in road prisms exists or 5 percent of the activity area.
Stand O Soil fit the range of characteristics of the Chinkmin soil series. Slopes range from 5 to 60 percent. Wetlands less than 1 acre occur in this stand. Compaction hazard of these soils is low to moderate. Natural stability class is III (USDA, 1976). An existing previously used landing/gravel pit contains approximately 2 acres of detrimentally disturbed soils.
Total acreage of detrimentally disturbed soils is 3.5 acres or approximately 10 percent of the activity area.
Stand R Soil fit the range of characteristics of the Chinkmin soil series. Slopes range from 5 to 30 percent. Compaction hazard of these soils is low to moderate. Natural stability class is II and III for these soils (USDA, 1976).
Approximately 1 acre of detrimental disturbance of soil in roads exists or 6 percent of the activity area.
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Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects
No new detrimental soil disturbance would occur from Alternative 1 (No Action) therefore all stands would still be under the threshold standard of 20%. Current levels of disturbance would diminish over time. CWD would continue to meet forest plan guideline for the short term and new debris accumulation would most likely from existing trees. Ground cover would remain sufficient to control accelerated erosion. Soil moisture regime would remain unchanged.
Skyline logging usually only impacts soils where the logs are dragged causing organic matter disturbance and at landings, temporary roads and haul roads that displace and compact soil, the major disturbance. Generally this is only 8 percent of the activity area acreage (Megahan, 1980). Summer tractor logging compacts and displaces on skid trails and landings. Wenatchee ground based harvest policy requires 150 ft. spacing between designated skid trails. This spacing would impact 7 percent of the activity area (Oregon State Univ. Ext. Serv., 1993) less when using 200 foot spacing and or existing trails. Landings would add more disturbance. When all management activities and rehabilitation of temporary roads and landings have been completed no activity area would exceed the R6 standards and guidelines. Skyline and over-snow tractor logging would have less of an impact than skyline and summer tractor. However, wetlands would be harder to avoid and seeps would create snow conditions that would be unacceptable for winter tractor logging, in most units. Obliterating roads would increase erosion the first season after ripping then reduce it to natural soil levels. Landslide potential would be decreased on roads with full re-contouring. Rehabilitating campsites, noxious weed treatments and conversion of roads to recreational trails would improve the affects from cumulative soil disturbance in the watershed. The Proposed and the No Action Alternative would meet the WLRMP Goals, Standards and Guidelines, and the Regional Direction and would protect soil quality and productivity.
Careful logging that follows BMPs can disturb soil surfaces as little as 8 percent, while careless logging practices can disturb soils as much as 40 percent (Golden et al., 1984). The effects these activities have on soil productivity from detrimental soil disturbance is analyzed, evaluated and disclosed for the activity areas in this section. Detrimental soil disturbance is defined in FSH 2500-98-1. On-site field visits along with soil characteristics were used to determine how soils in the analysis area could be affected. The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model was used to predict erosion rates.
Timber Harvesting Timber harvest activities have the potential to cause soil compaction, soil displacement, puddling and expose soil surfaces to erosion (Meeuwig, 1975, Stone, 1977). Summer tractor logging must use 150 foot trail spacing as per Wenatchee Ground based Harvest Policy. Using this spacing detrimental disturbance particularly compaction from skids trails would be 7 percent of the activity area (Oregon State Univ. Ext. Serv., 1993) less when using existing trails. This compaction on the soil types here would increase the risk
14 3 to tree growth (Miller and Andersen 2005). Detrimental displacement and puddling of soil from my experience monitoring harvest stands would be less than 1 percent of the activity area acres. Over-snow tractor logging has less of an effect Forest monitoring indicates the disturbance would be less than 1 percent of the activity area.
Road Construction Soil displacement and erosion occurs during, construction and reconstruction of natural surfaced roads and skidding of logs (Rice et al 1976, Reid and Dunne 1984, Vincent 1985). Detrimental soil displacement is defined as, “the removal of more than 50 percent of the A horizon from an area greater than 100 square feet, which is at least 5 feet in width.” Reopening closed roads and constructing temporary roads would increase erosion, through the actions of re/construction and truck traffic. Megahan (1987) stated that long-term accelerated erosion tends to continue on roads in direct proportion to traffic use. Foltz found that roads with logging truck traffic produced 2 to 25 times as much sediment compared to those with no traffic. The reopened roads may also invite new Off-Highway-Vehicle (OHV) user built trails that can detrimentally impact soil quality. This reduces soil productivity, water holding capacity, organic matter of the soil.
Obliterating roads when project is completed would lessen these detrimental impacts. Road removal creates a short-term disturbance which may temporarily increase erosion. However, long-term monitoring and initial research have shown that road removal reduces chronic erosion and the risk of landslides (Swaitalski et al, 2004).
Table 24. Erosion from haul roads Erosion prediction based on WEPP Model
Soil Texture Road Traffic Road Length (ft) Width (ft) Road Prism Surface Level Gradient Erosion % slope Tons/acre/year
Sandy Loam Native High 20 300 15 70
Sandy Loam Native High 15 300 15 48
Sandy Loam Native High 10 300 15 26
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Road Obliteration/Closing Luce (1997) found that ripping of compacted roads increased hydraulic conductivity enough to reduce risk of runoff but did not restore the natural hydraulic conductivity. The loosened surface deters further vehicle access, improves the seedbed, which enhances vegetative recovery. Vegetation in turn, maintains infiltration capacity, stabilizes the road prism and protects against erosion.
Erosion Tree cutting by itself does not cause significant erosion and timber harvest operations usually cause less erosion per stand area than roads but the area of timber harvest is usually large relative to roads so that total erosion from timber harvest operations may approach that from roads (Elliot et al., 2004). Most erosion comes from skid trails (Robichaud et al., 1993). Erosion generally decreases productivity of forests by decreasing the available soil for forest growth and through nutrient loss in eroded sediments (Elliot, et al, 2004). When the amount of soil erosion reaches a level where loss does not equal natural soil formation (Soil Loss Tolerance) productivity is harmed. Over time if erosion continues soil productivity is lost. Soil erosion in an undisturbed forest is extremely low, generally under 0.5 tons per acre per year (Elliot et al., 2004). Soil loss tolerance for the soils in the activity areas is 5 tons/Acre. The WEPP model predicts that erosion from harvesting would not exceed the 3 tons/Acre for these soil types when the ground cover is greater than 70 percent as should be the case based on my professional experience monitoring timber sales on the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF. For skid trails and landings the range is that of an undisturbed forest if slope gradient is under 20 percent (See project file WEPP print outs).
Table 25. Erosion from timber harvest Erosion prediction based on WEPP Model Soil Texture Gradient % Ground Cover Length (ft) Erosion Tons/acre/year1 Silt Loam 30 100 400 0.67 Silt Loam 30 85 400 0.37 Silt Loam 30 70 400 2 1Erosion from a predicted 6 year return interval storm
Table 26. Erosion from skid trails Erosion prediction based on WEPP Model Soil Texture Gradient% Length Cover Erosion T/Ac Silt Loam 20 100 20 0.12 Sandy Loam 20 100 20 0
Alternative 1 (No Action) No new detrimental soil disturbance would occur therefore all stands would still be under the threshold standard of 20%. Current levels of disturbance would diminish over time. CWD would continue to meet forest plan guideline for the short term and new debris
14 5 accumulation would most likely occur from existing trees. Ground cover would remain sufficient to control accelerated erosion. Soil moisture regime would remain unchanged. Detrimental effects from wildfire to the soil would be varied depending on the time of year the weather at the time and the efforts to halt the fire. Accelerated erosion would occur for the first year but return to normal levels in following years. This erosion might reduce soil productivity. Table 27. Erosion in tons/acre/year from high severity fire Erosion for a 6 year return interval storm Prediction based on WEPP Model. Below the thick line erosion is no longer considered accelerated. Slope % Year 1 Year 2 Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover Ground Cover 45% 55% 60% 65% 60 8.0 4.5 3.5 2.0 50 6.5 3.5 3.0 1.5 40 5.0 2.5 2.0 1.0 30 3.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 20 2.0
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Summer tractor logging on slopes <30 percent With summer Tractor logging using 150 foot trail spacing the percent of area in detrimental disturbance from skids trials would be 7 percent of the activity area (Oregon State Univ. Ext. Serv., 1993) less when using 200 foot spacing and or existing trails. This compaction would increase the risk to tree growth (Miller and Andersen 2005). Disturbance from landings would be additional. Detrimental displacement and puddling of soil from my experience monitoring harvest stands would be less than 1 percent of the activity area acres. Table 28 below shows detrimental soil disturbance expected for each activity area.
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Table 28. Detrimental conditions from summer tractor logging Percentage of Disturbance by Activity Activity Existing Disturbance Disturbance Disturbance Minus Total % of Area Disturbance from New from Skid from Rehabilit Activity Area % Roads %1 Trails %2 Landings ation %4 in %3 Disturbance A 3 0 0.0035 5 3.5 4.5 E 3 0 0.0035 5 3.5 4.5 F 3 0 7 7 5 12.0 G 2 1 0 5 4.5 3.5 H 4 0 0 7 5 6.0 L 5 0 0.0105 10 7 8.0 M 2.5 0 0 10 7 5.5 N 2.5 0 7 5 3.5 11.0 O 10 0 0.0175 5 3.5 11.5 R 6 0 0 10 7 9.0 1(Length)(15 ft Width)(5280ft/Ac)/(43560ft2/Ac) 2 7% of area tractor harvested/total acreage 3(1 landing for every 10 acres)(1/2 Acre per landing) 4 70% Rehabilitation of roads and landings acres
Span Skyline logging Megahan's (1980) ranking of yarding techniques describes skyline as one of the lowest techniques in terms of detrimental disturbance (8 percent average). Thinning mixed conifers with a harvester-skyline system disturbance was light and bulk density increases averaged less than the 20 percent increase threshold determining detrimental disturbance (Landsberg et al, 2003).
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Table 29. Disturbance from skyline and summer logging Activity Area Total % of Activity Total % of Activity Total % of Activity Area in Disturbance Area in Disturbance Area in Disturbance from Skyline logging1 from Summer logging A 8 4.5 12.5 E 8 4.5 12.5 F 0 12.0 12 G 8 3.5 11.5 H 8 6.0 14 L 8 8.0 16 M 8 5.5 13.5 N 0 11.0 11 O 8 11.5 19.5 R 8 9.0 17 1=18% of skyline acres
Table 30. Disturbance from skyline and over-snow logging Activity Total % of Total % of Existing Minus Total % of Area Activity Area Activity Area Disturbance Rehabilitation Activity Area in in in % % Disturbance Disturbance Disturbance from Skyline from Over- logging1 snow tractor logging A 8 >.01 3 3.5 7.5 E 8 >.01 3 3.5 7.5 F 0 >.01 3 5 0 G 8 >.01 2 4.5 5.5 H 8 >.01 4 5 7 L 8 >.01 5 7 6 M 8 >.01 2.5 7 3.5 N 0 >.01 2.5 3.5 0 O 8 >.01 10 3.5 14.5 R 8 >.01 6 7 7 18% of skyline acres
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Over-snow tractor logging Over-snow tractor logging requires that design features in the Wenatchee Ground Based Harvest Policy be followed. Monitoring of winter logging on the Wenatchee has shown that 1 percent of the activity in addition to landings and temporary roads is the average detrimental disturbance (See Table 30 above).
Burning Slash piles Soils under slash piles would be disturbed however the percent of the activity area effected would be less than 1/10 of 1 percent of the area.
Pre-Commercial Thinning Stands Cutting trees by hand crews would not create any detrimental disturbance. However for the short term high intensity wildfire potential would increase. See Table 27 of Erosion in Tons/Ac/yr from High Severity Fire (above) as predicted by the WEPP Model for effects from wildfire. This erosion may reduce productivity.
Road Obliteration Literature on the effects of road obliteration vary on it’s effectiveness. Road removal creates a short term disturbance which may temporarily increase erosion. However, long term monitoring and initial research has shown that road removal reduces chronic erosion and the risk of landslides. Subsoiling increases infiltration and reduces erosion in the short term but has mixed results long term. In the boreal forests of west-central Alberta, Canada, ripping substantially reduced bulk density immediately following treatment (Switalski et al, 2004). Luce reported (1997) that hydraulic conductivity increased immediately following the subsoiling of Idaho logging roads but a number of roads returned to their original bulk densities after three simulated rainfalls. However, Switalski (2004) reviewed several papers and concluded: Incorporating topsoil helps increase revegetation sometimes. Subsoiling increases the rate of revegetation. Subsoiling may reduce the risk of weed invasions especially in locations with high precipitation. Full road contour reduces landslides. The erosion immediately following obliteration may be detrimental but in the long term would be beneficial to the soil resource.
All harvest stands and pre-commercial thinning stands (activity areas) whether using skyline and summer logging or skyline and over-snow would meet Wenatchee LRMP and R6 goals, standards and guidelines for the soil resource.
Dispersed Campsite Restoration Closing campsites and restricting access to them in the future would improve soil productivity. Designating specific areas would reduce impacts to soils.
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Invasive Plant Treatment Treatments would not cause any detrimental disturbance and may help reduce erosion by establishing native plant communities.
Road Conversion to Trail Improvements would reduce erosion and number of acres in the watershed in detrimental disturbance.
Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects related to soil resources include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects and activities are described in Chapter 2. The Keechelus watershed was selected for the analysis area of cumulative effects related to soils. It was chosen because it is the area the proposed project would have the greatest effect upon.
Past, Present and Foreseeable effects Past effects to the soil resource are from roads, road maintenance, recreation, timber harvest, private housing. Roads are the largest contributor to detrimental disturbance. Recreational user-created trails and campsites have compacted and eroded soil. The amount of erosion and area taken out of the productive soil base is a very small percentage of the watershed. Timber harvesting has caused effects like described in the Environmental Consequences section. Private housing takes soils out of the productive soil base.
Present activities to the soil resource are roads, road maintenance, and recreation. These effects are not having a substantial impact and are a very small portion of the watershed.
Foreseeable activities are widening of power corridor, roads, road maintenance, recreation and private residences. No new roads are to be built but they continue to erode. Road maintenance causes a spike in erosion at the time but diminishes over time. Recreation activities would increase as the population of the area increases. These effects would not have a substantial impact and are a very small portion of the watershed.
The no action alternative would not have any cumulative effects to the watershed. However, it would not improve watershed conditions. Erosion and potential for landslides from Plum Creek roads and dispersed camping would continue to impact soils.
The proposed action when combined with past, present and foreseeable future effects would not have any cumulative effects to the watershed. However, it would improve the conditions of the watershed. Erosion and potential for landslides from Plum Creek roads and dispersed camping would be lessened.
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Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) Alternative1 is consistent with the Wenatchee Land Resource Management Plan (WLRMP) and Regional Direction.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Alternative 2 is consistent with the Wenatchee Land Resource Management Plan (WLRMP) and Regional Direction. Previous projects of this type that have had substantial effects on soil productivity (e.g. average past detrimental disturbance 33%). However tractor piling of slash that removes the fine organic matter and A horizon(s) has NOT been allowed since it was determined to be the major factor in the disturbance. This project would meet the WLRMP Goals, Standards and Guidelines, and the Regional Direction and would protect soil quality and productivity.
Invasive Plants ______
Regulatory Framework The Forest Plan guides the management of the National Forest System Land. For this project area the Forest Plan incorporates the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990), the Northwest Forest Plan (1994) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), for more information refer to Chapter 1.
The Wenatchee Forest Plan requires an invasive plant assessment for all ground disturbing project activities to determine the risk of introducing invasive plants. The Wenatchee Forest Plan also requires a prevention plan for all activities to prevent introduction of invasive plants on moderate and high-risk sites. The prevention plan is located in Chapter 2 as design criteria and incorporates relevant portions of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests Weed Management and Prevention Strategy and Best Management Practices (USDA, 2002) as well as standards provided by the Region 6 Invasive Plant Management EIS (USDA, 2005a).
Direction requiring control of invasive plants on National Forest System lands can be found in the Federal Noxious Weed Control Act of 1974 (as amended 1990, 36 CFR 222.8b) and the1999 Executive Order on Invasive Species (Clinton 1999). In November of 2005, the Record of Decision was signed for the Region 6 Invasive Plant Management Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (USDA, 2005b). This document amends the Wenatchee Forest Plan as of March 1, 2006, improving invasive plant prevention and providing new tools to control the current invasive plant infestations.
Analysis Methods Effects of invasive plants in the project area are measured by the amount of ground disturbance and acres of current known invasive plant infestations and the relative location of proposed project activities.
151 Affected Environment Invasive plants are non-native, aggressive species that colonize disturbed areas and have the potential to competitively exclude desirable native plant species, provide little to no forage value to wildlife, and can adversely impact the biodiversity of an ecosystem. Disruption of native plant communities can result from invasive plant infestations (Olson 1999).
A number of invasive plants are designated as noxious weeds. The term 'noxious' is a legal designation that varies by state and by county and all landowners are required to control noxious weeds. Surveys conducted for the Roaring Thin Restoration project identified the occurrence of eleven invasive plant species designated as noxious by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Established invaders are invasive plant species that occur in large numbers and are widely distributed such that seed production cannot be prevented in the Roaring Thin Restoration project area. The majority of invasive plant species inventoried in the project area are established invaders (Table 31). Priorities have therefore been set based on their relative extent in the project area. Priority plants, Dalmation toadflax, Linaria dalmatica, Scot’s broom, Cytisus scoparius, Orange hawkweed, Hieracium aurantiacum are highest priority for treatment.
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Table 31. Prioritized list invasive plants Infested Invasive species Noxious weed Common name Scientific name Treatment Herbicide active ingredient (plant code) class Acres Dalmation picloram/gly(aq) within 100’ of Linaria dalmatica LIDA B designate .1 toadflax water clopyralid/gly (aq) within 100’ of Orange hawkweed Hieracium aurantiacum HIAU B designate 2.4 water Triclopyr Scot’s broom Cytisus scoparius CYSC4 B .3
picloram/gly(aq) within 100’ of Ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare LEVU B 2.71 water clopyralid/gly (aq) within 100’ of Spotted knapweed Centaurea biebersteinii CEBI2 B 6 water clopyralid/gly (aq) within 100’ of Diffuse knapweed Centaurea diffusa CEDI3 B .9 water St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum HYPE C 28.5 picloram/gly(aq) within 100’ of water clopyralid/gly (aq) within 100’ of Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare CIVU C 1.3 water Common tansy Tanacetum vulgare TAVU C .2 Clopyralid clopyralid/gly (aq) within 100’ of Canada thistle Cirsium arvense CIAR4 C 2.7 water picloram/gly(aq) within 100’ of Yellow hawkweed Hieracium sp. .2 water
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In addition, there are other invasive plants not currently listed as noxious which can also colonize disturbed areas and make it more difficult for native species to return such as dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), salsify (Tragopogon dubius), and English plantain (Plantago lanceolata).
The relationship between transportation systems and the spread of invasive plants in forest ecosystems is best understood from published literature. A synthesis of causal mechanisms is found in Kimberling et al. (2004). The association of current invasive plant infestations in the Roaring Thin Restoration project area with the road system provides more evidence for this relationship. Lack of vegetation, disturbed soils and increased erosion increase opportunities for weed spread and invasion, eventually reducing the ability of native vegetation to develop.
Roads increase light availability and opportunities for dispersal of invasive plant species. The construction of new roads opens up newly disturbed ground and if a seed bank is present from already existing invasive plant populations, the risk for spread is inherently high. The risk is even higher when a closed road already infested with an invasive plant species is opened up for project activities. In this case, the seed bank is already present and the newly disturbed ground would be suitable for weed establishment.
Environmental Consequences
Direct and indirect effects
Alternative 1 (No Action) Current management strategies would continue to guide management of the project area. No management activities related to roads, forest thinning or restoration would be implemented to accomplish project goals.
Under Alternative 1, none of the proposed ground-disturbing activities associated with building roads, opening closed roads, constructing landings, and/or yarding cut trees to landings would occur in the Roaring Thin Restoration project area on National Forest System lands. Therefore, invasive plants would not have newly disturbed open ground to allow for spread. However, recreational uses of mountain biking, motorbiking, and ATV use would likely continue at their current rate. The powerline corridors would continue to be maintained via access roads, and motorized vehicles would likely continue to use the open roads. As a result of these continued activities in the project area, the current infestations of invasive plants would continue to spread over time and the risk of new invaders would remain moderate.
Under Alternative 1, the Invasive Plant Management Plan would not be implemented and the risk of spread of invasive plants would continue to be moderate.
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Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The proposed action includes the treatment of approximately 100 acres along existing roads, the BPA powerline corridor, and the Iron Horse/Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail. These treatments would help control existing populations and help prevent spread into the project activity areas.
The proposed action also includes treatments associated with ground disturbing project activities which include commercial and precommercial thinning, road construction, road obliteration and stabilization, and restoration activities. This proposal includes the commercial thinning and pre-commercial thinning of 427 and 1,400 acres, respectively. An additional 139 acres within stands would be excluded from commercial entry and treated to increase the number of downed logs and snags. To access the commercial stands 3.19 miles of existing spur roads would be used and 0.99 mile of new temporary road would be constructed. These roads would be obliterated and restored after tree removal.
Ground disturbance associated with restoration activities, road construction, landing construction, skyline yarding or any kind of movement by heavy equipment across the landscape disturbs the native vegetation and creates suitable habitat for invasive plant species. The seed bank from noxious weed species in and adjacent to the project area is a ready source of invaders for any patch of newly exposed ground. The noxious weed risk assessment conducted for this project indicates that the risk is moderate given the current level of infestation.
The proposed action includes activities that would create suitable habitat for invasive plants. The potential for weed establishment is relative to the amount of disturbance, particularly the amount of road construction and the amount and type of logging system proposed for each stand. The more area that is disturbed, the more suitable habitat for invasive plants is created and the potential for establishment or spread of invasive plants increases.
Logging systems vary in the amount of associated ground disturbance. Skyline yarding can create disturbed ground by dragging one end of logs during in-haul. With helicopter yarding the logs are completely lifted off the ground, creating a negligible amount of ground disturbance (Klock 1975). Tractor wench logging creates disturbed ground with skid trails whereas ground based logging over snow creates a negligible amount of ground disturbance. Proposed skyline yarding and tractor wench logging with total acreage and estimated respective actual ground disturbance acreage (excluding landings and roads) are estimated to be approximately 600 acres.
Harvest activities conducted over snow are preferable due to less soil disturbance, less disturbance to native plant communities and less risk of noxious weed infestations.
All restored areas (closed and obliterated roads, landings, restoration areas) would be seeded with an appropriate seed mix.
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Invasive Plant Management Plan The Roaring Thin Restoration Project would implement the measures found in the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest Weed Management and Prevention Strategy and Best Management Practices (2002). This Prevention Strategy incorporates direction from the Region 6 FEIS for Managing Competing and Unwanted Vegetation (1988) and associated Mediated Agreement (1989). These design criteria are also listed as ‘Standards’ in the Record of Decision for the Pacific Northwest Region Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Invasive Plant Program (2005) which amends the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Wenatchee National Forest (1990) as of March 1, 2006. The full list of BMPs are found in Chapter 2.
Invasive Plant Risk Assessment The Forest Plan requires a noxious weed assessment for all ground disturbing project activities to determine the risk of introducing invasive plants.
Management direction is to develop preventive management measures for the proposed project to reduce the risk of introduction or spread of undesirable plants into the area. Monitor the area for at least three consecutive years and provide for control of new infestations. The Roaring Thin Restoration Invasive Plant Management Plan is found in the project file.
The likelihood of undesirable plant species, including noxious weed species, spreading to the project area is moderate because there are undesirable plant species located immediately adjacent to the project and conditions are favorable for weed establishment and growth. Control measures are essential to prevent the spread of undesirable plants or noxious weeds within the project area.
The consequence of undesirable plant establishment in the project area is moderate. Possible adverse effects on site and possible expansion of infestations within the project area could occur. Site conditions in the project area are favorable for weed establishment and growth because of the increase in light and disturbed, open soil. Cumulative effects on native plant communities are likely.
The majority of invasive plant infestations are located along roadsides, powerline corridors and unauthorized trails. See maps of invasive plant infestations in the District Botany Files. Roads and trails have been identified as a primary vector for weed invasion in the current published literature reviewed in the white paper on causal mechanisms of noxious weed spread (Kimberling et al. 2004).
The Best Management Practices (BMPs), conservation and mitigation measures which have been incorporated into this project to minimize the risks associated with invasive plants are listed in Chapter 2.
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Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects related to invasive plants include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects and activities are described in Chapter 2. The Upper Yakima watershed has experienced road construction, logging activities, recreation, and development on private land in the past. All of these activities lead to greater risk of invasive plant introduction and spread. The recent private lands transferred to the National Forest System would likely help reduce the long term incidence of invasive plants due to an increased ability to reduce the number of roads and management of the forests for late-successional habitats.
Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) Alternative 1 (No Action) is inconsistent with the goals for controlling existing populations of weeds on National Forest land, including the Federal Noxious Weed Control Act of 1974 (as amended 1990, 36 CFR 222.8b), the Executive Order on Invasive Species (Clinton 1999) and the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Management (USDA, 2005b).
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The proposed action is consistent with the Federal Noxious Weed Control Act of 1974 (as amended 1990, 36 CFR 222.8b), the1999 Executive Order on Invasive Species (Clinton 1999), and the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Management (USDA, 2005b).
15 7 Rare Vascular Plant, Lichen, Fungi, and Bryophytes ______
Regulatory Framework The rare species include the proposed, endangered, threatened, sensitive (PETS), or rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) plant species and native plant communities. The Wenatchee Forest Plan (USDA, 1990) requires that all projects with potential to alter habitat of Proposed, Endangered, Threatened or Sensitive (PETS) plant species, be inventoried to determine if PETS plants are present in the project area. The environmental analysis for the project must evaluate the effects of the project on PETS plants and their habitat. In the event that federally listed Proposed, Endangered or Threatened plant species are present in the project area, a biological assessment must be prepared and consultation procedures followed with U.S. Fish and Wildlife. In the event that Sensitive plant species are present in the project area, actions would be taken to assure that project activities would not jeopardize the continued existence of a sensitive species, and a biological evaluation must be prepared.
The Northwest Forest Plan, as amended, includes requirements for a number of rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) vascular plant, bryophyte, fungi and lichen species. In the event that rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) are detected in the project area, actions would be taken to assure that project activities would not jeopardize their habitat and/or continued existence.
Analysis Methods The analysis area used for Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Sensitive, rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) plant species and native plant communities includes the treatment areas, haul roads, and roads to be closed. The analysis area used for Noxious Weeds also includes the main roads leading into the project area, powerline corridors and the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail/Iron Horse State Park. Forested plant associations were determined during surveys using the Field Guide for Forested Plant Associations of the Wenatchee National Forest (Lillybridge et al, 1995).
The Wenatchee National Forest Botany Database and the Washington Natural Heritage Program Database were consulted and show no known sites of federally listed Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Sensitive, or rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) plant species within the vicinity of the proposed project. Surveys were conducted for these species within the project area by qualified botanists between August and September 2006 and none of the listed plant species were found in the project area.
As required by the Court order in Northwest Ecosystem Alliance et al. v. Rey et al (January 9, 2006), the 2001 ROD Compliance Review form for all rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) known or suspected to occur on the Cle Elum Ranger District was completed and can be found in the analysis file for this project.
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Affected Environment Effects on PETS and S&M plant species were analyzed by: 1) Reviewing historic records, and 2) Surveying for the sensitive plant and S&M species known to occur in the project area as well as surveying for other sensitive and S&M species with potential habitat in the project area.
There were no Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Sensitive plant species found within the project area. The Survey and Manage lichen Lobaria linita was found in two locations inside the proposed project boundary; the boundaries were changed to avoid those locations and the sites would not be impacted by the project.
Table 32 describes the forested plant associations with in the project area. Some areas had multiple plant associations due to various conditions such as aspect, cold air drainage, and slope and soil type.
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Table 32. Forested plant associations Environment Plant Association Scientific Names Abbreviation cool, wet, Pacific silver fir/ Abies amabilis/ ABAM/OPHO maritime devil’s club Oplopanax horridum cool, moist, Pacific silver fir/ Abies amabilis/ ABAM/ACCI maritime vine maple Acer circinatum cool, moist Pacific silver Abies amabilis/ ABAM/ACTR maritime fir/vanilla leaf Achylys triphyla
Pacific silver fir/ Abies amabilis/ cool, maritime ABAM/VAAL Alaska huckleberry Vaccinium alaskaense
Pacific silver fir/big Abies amabilis/Vaccinium cool, dry, ABAM/ huckleberry-sidebells membranaceum-Pyrola maritime VAME-PYSE pyrola secunda Pacific silver fir/big Abies amabilis/Vaccinium cool, dry, ABAM/ huckleberry-queencup membranaceum-Clintonia maritime VAME-CLUN beadlily uniflora moderate, moist, Western hemlock/ Tsuga heterophylla/ TSHE/ASCA3 maritime wild ginger Asarum caudatum warm, moist, Western Tsuga heterophylla/ TSHE/ACTR maritime hemlock/vanilla leaf Achylys triphylla
The rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) lichen Lobaria linita is located a good distance away from roads where the native vegetation is intact and none are located near the invasive plant sites that occur near roads. As a result, the potential threat of herbicide drift onto sensitive plant species would not occur. Since noxious weeds can invade and compete with native plants, the habitat now supporting Lobaria linita would be protected from invasion by the prevention measures proposed. The Best Management Practices (BMPs), conservation and mitigation measure incorporated into alternative 2 (Proposed Action) to reduce risks to rare species are listed in Chapter 2.
Environmental Consequences
Direct and indirect effects
Alternative 1 (No Action) No management activities related to roads, forest thinning or restoration would be implemented to accomplish project goals.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action)
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The only rare species found in the project area was the rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) lichen, Lobaria linita. The stand boundary was changed to protect the habitat associated with this species from commercial harvest.
Lobaria would also not be impacted by invasive plant treatment due to proposed treatment methods and BMPs. The potential threat of herbicide drift is low due to its location away from existing weed populations, roads, and proposed treatment areas.
Since noxious weeds can invade and compete with native plants, the habitat now supporting Lobaria linita would be protected from invasion by the prevention measures included in the proposed action (Appendix B).
All workers, contractors, Forest Service employees, or volunteers, would be educated to only hand pull or spot apply herbicide to the target weed species. The use of all appropriate measures for handling, transporting and storing herbicides as described on the product labels, the Material Safety Data Sheets, and the Region 6 Vegetation Management EIS would minimize the likelihood of an accidental spill occurring. . There would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative impact to any PETS or rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) plant species with either alternative because none were found during surveys.
Harvest activities conducted over snow are preferable. Harvest over snow results in less soil disturbance and impact to native plant communities.
If any Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Sensitive, or rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) plant, bryophyte, fungi, or lichen species are found at any point in time prior to or during implementation of this project, work would stop until the District Botanist is consulted and necessary mitigation measures are enacted.
Logging systems vary in the amount of associated ground disturbance. Skyline yarding can create disturbed ground by dragging one end of logs during in-haul. With helicopter yarding the logs are completely lifted off the ground, creating a negligible amount of ground disturbance (Klock 1975). Tractor wench logging creates disturbed ground with skid trails whereas ground based logging over snow creates a negligible amount of ground disturbance. Proposed skyline yarding and tractor wench logging with total acreage and estimated respective actual ground disturbance acreage (excluding landings and roads) are estimated to be approximately 600 acres.
Roads that are created temporarily in addition to roads to be closed after the project is finished would be seeded with and appropriate seed mix.
Invasive plant treatments, thinning to accelerate late-successional habitat conditions and restoration activities would provide long-term benefits to native plant communities.
161 Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects on rare species include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects and activities are described in Chapter 2. The Upper Yakima watershed has experienced road construction, logging activities, recreation, and development on private land in the past. All of these activities lead to loss of unique habitat for rare species. The recent private lands transferred to the National Forest System would help protect unique habitats and species from development.
Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) The no action alternative is consistent with the Wenatchee Land and Resource Management Plan (1990), The Northwest Forest Plan (1994), and The Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), including all amendments.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The proposed action is consistent with the Wenatchee Land and Resource Management Plan (1990), The Northwest Forest Plan (1994), and The Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), including all amendments. Inventories were completed for PETS plant species and the effects analysis above determined that there would be no effect. Surveys included rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) listed in the Annual Species Review (USDI and USDA 2003). As required by the Court order in Northwest Ecosystem Alliance et al. v. Rey et al. (January 9, 2006), the 2001 ROD Compliance Review form for all rare and uncommon species (previously survey and manage) known or suspected to occur on the Cle Elum Ranger District was completed and can be found in the Analysis File for this project.
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Wildlife and Terrestrial Species ______How would wildlife habitat change on the landscape? What is needed to achieve the goals of the Snoqualmie Pass AMA to protect late-successional forest structure and reduce the density of roads? What is needed to restore late-successional forest structure in plantations?
Regulatory Framework The Forest Plan guides the management of the National Forest System Land. For this project area the Forest Plan incorporates the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990), the Northwest Forest Plan (1994) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), for more information refer to Chapter 1.
Wildlife on National Forest System Land in the project area are managed according to the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (USDA and USDI 1997), the National Forest Management Act (NFMA 1976), the Endangered Species Act (ESA 1973), and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA 1918).
Recovery plans, regulations, conservation strategies, or management guidelines have been developed for the federally threatened Canada lynx (Ruediger et al. 2000, USDA and USDI 2000d), gray wolf (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2003), grizzly bear (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1993, 1997b), northern spotted owl (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1992a, USDA and USDI 1994), Forest Plan Management Indicator Species (MIS), and migratory landbirds (executive order 13186, 2001).
The species of management concern, their federal and state status, their habitat associations, and suspected presence in the project are listed in Tables 35 and 36.
The Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997) adopted snag and downed log guidelines derived from and consistent with the Late Successional Reserve and Managed Late Successional Area Assessment, Wenatchee National Forest (1996). The project area occurs primarily with the Pacific silver fir series. The guidelines that apply to the Pacific Silver fir, Mountain Hemlock and Western Hemlock vegetation series are found in Table 33 and Table 34.
Table 33. Forest Plan snag (standing dead tree) guidelines Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Guidelines (USDA 1997) Snag DBH Class # Snags per Acre 10”-14” DBH 13-26 15”-19” DBH 3-6 20”-24” DBH 3-4 25”+ 2-4 Total 21-40
16 3 The AMA guidelines require 540-720 linear feet of Down Course Woody Debris (CWD) within the Pacific Silver fir series. The size classes of logs should be distributed to fulfill short and long-term ecosystem functioning:
Table 34. Forest Plan Course Woody Debris (CWD) guidelines Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Guidelines (USDA 1997) Coarse Woody Percentage of stand Linear Feet Debris size class (Logs must be at least 16’ in length) 9”-16” DBH 10% 54-72 16”-24” DBH 30% 162-216 24”-36” DBH 30% 162-216 36”-40” DBH 20% 108-144 40” + DBH 10% 54-72
Analysis Methods Species presence/absence determinations were based on habitat presence, wildlife surveys, recorded wildlife sightings, and observations made during field reconnaissance. Formal wildlife surveys were not conducted for most species. Effects on habitats are discussed, with the assumption that if appropriate habitat is available for a species, then that species occupies or could occupy the habitat. Each alternative is analyzed assuming continuous long-term use of roads, trails, and campsites.
Vegetation patterns and structure are based on the Cle Elum Ranger District vegetation maps (Geographic Information System database). Habitat classifications were validated through aerial photo interpretation and/or field visits. Road densities were calculated using the district access travel and management database. The scale of analysis varied according to species, and often extended beyond the project area boundary.
The analysis of snag and downed wood is based on the DecAID analysis tool (Mellen et. al. 2006). DecAID is a summary of current knowledge and best available data on dead wood in Pacific Northwest ecosystems. DecAID includes a synthesis of information on ranges of snag and down wood amounts under natural and current conditions based on forest inventories, research studies, and other sources. Forest inventories include: the Current Vegetation Survey (CVS), conducted by USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, on National Forest lands; the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA), conducted by USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, on nonfederal lands; and the Natural Resource Inventory (NRI), conducted by USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on BLM lands in western Oregon. DecAID wildlife habitat types were identified in the Upper Yakima watershed based on plant association groups (PAGs) for the Wenatchee National Forest.
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Affected Environment This section describes the wildlife species found in the project area. This discussion addresses only those impacts related to the significant issues. The species groups at risk from degradation of habitat in the project include species associated with old growth/late- successional habitat, species associated with riparian and/or unique habitats and species sensitive to human disturbance and high road densities. Migratory landbirds are also discussed. Rather than addressing all wildlife species, discussions focus on threatened, endangered, and sensitive species, Forest Plan management indicator species (MIS), and migratory landbirds. Section 7 (a) (2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as amended) requires all federal agencies to review actions authorized, funded, permitted, or carried out by them to ensure that such actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of listed species. A Biological Assessment (BA) was prepared for this project covering federally proposed, threatened and endangered species, for consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The BA is on file at the Cle Elum Ranger District. The species considered, their habitat associations, and their sighting history in the project area is found in Table 37 and Table 38.
Wildlife species associated with Late-successional Forest (Northern spotted owl, bald eagle, fisher, marten and bat species)
The species of federal concern, their habitat associations, federal and state status, and presence in the project area are listed in Table 37 and 38. The project area is located in the Snoqualmie Pass AMA, where management emphasis is on the creation and maintenance of late successional habitats (USDA and USDI 1997). The Management Indicator Species which may occur in the project area associated with late-successional habitat include marten, pileated woodpecker, red-breasted sapsucker, downy woodpecker, Williamson’s sapsucker, downy woodpecker, and northern flicker. The project area also occurs within northern spotted owl critical habitat (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1992) where management emphasis is on the conservation and recovery of the species. In addition to spotted owl, there are 51 species associated with late-successional and old growth forests documented to occur in the AMA (USDA and USDI 1997). Many of these species have also been found to have a high risk of localized extinction (Lehmkuhl and Ruggiero 1991).
The amount of mature and old growth forest within the Yakima watershed is currently around 40% (USDA and USDI 1997). The distribution and size of forest patches is essential to the intent of the Northwest Forest Plan to “maintain a functional, interactive, late-successional and old growth forest ecosystem”. The combination of timber harvest and forest roads contributes to the fragmentation and isolation of forested patches. The actual loss of habitat associated with forest roads is several times larger than the “footprint” of the actual road (Harris 1994; Ranney et al. 1981; Reed 1986; Fahrig 1997; Forman et al. 2003) or dispersed camping site. Roads and campsites result in an additional loss of habitat through the creation of “edge”. The “edge effect” in forested habitats often includes decreased soil moisture and humidity, increased soil temperatures, and increased penetration of light and wind (Marsh and Beckman 2004). The “edge
16 5 effect” also increases the risk of parasitism and predation (Wilcove 1985; Temple and Cary 1988). Brittingham and Temple (1983) recorded cowbirds’ parasitism on breeding bird nests as far as 1,000 feet in from an edge.
The project area is identified as a potential nesting territory for the bald eagle within Wenatchee National Forest Species Management Guide (Rees 1989). A portion of the project area also occurs within Northern Spotted Owl Critical Habitat (CHU WA-33). Many species associated with old growth forests are present in the project area including spotted owl and northern goshawk. There is potential habitat for bald eagle, fisher and marten however these species are not known to occur within the project area.
Snags/Downed Logs. Decaying wood is a critical element of late-successional habitat which is essential to proper ecosystem functioning. The DecAID Advisor guide provides a thorough review of scientific information on wildlife species associated with different elements of decaying wood including forest snags, down wood, litter, duff, mistletoe brooms, dead parts of live trees, hollow living trees, bark and tree cavities. More than 80 species of wildlife use snags and/or deformed or diseased parts of living trees for nesting, denning, roosting, or foraging (Mellen et. al. 2006). Many of these species nest or den in tree cavities excavated by resident species of woodpeckers. The resident woodpeckers present in the Upper Yakima based on the Breeding Bird Atlas (2006) include; Williamson’s sapsucker, pileated woodpecker, Downy woodpecker, red-breasted sapsucker and hairy woodpecker. These woodpecker species each uses a particular size, species and decay class of snag (or range of classes), in a specific forest setting or range of settings.
DecAID analysis of data includes the project area within montane mixed conifer forest (Chappell et al. 2001). Within this forest type 75-90% of stands have at least 2.8 large trees (approximately 20” DBH or larger) per acre. Also between 82-99% of stands have at least 10 medium size trees (10-20 inch DBH) trees per acre. Approximately 45% of unmanaged stands had greater than 2% cover of large logs (Mellon et. al. 2006).
The Alpine Lakes wilderness provides an example of unmanaged forest conditions within the Pacific silver fir series, the same forest series found within the proposed thinning stands. The distribution of large snags and logs within the wilderness, the Upper Yakima watershed, and the proposed thinning stands were analyzed. The results are summarized in Table 35.
Stands within wilderness were found to contain an average of 3.1 and 12.8 large snags and logs (20” DBH or greater) per acre, respectively. Stands within the Upper Yakima watershed were found to contain 1.9 and 9.7 large snags and logs per acre, respectively. And stands within the proposed thinning stands were found to contain 0.11 and 9.1 large snags and logs, respectively. This data shows that the Upper Yakima watershed and the thinning stands are deficient in large snags and downed logs relative to similar stands within wilderness. The Snoqualmie Pass AMA guidelines suggest managing for between 5-8 large snags per acre and 540-720 linear feet of downed logs of which around 90% is large. Therefore, the available data would suggest that downed logs and snag habitat is
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likely deficient within the project area and thinning units based on comparison of similar unmanaged stands in the area and based on Forest Plan standards and guidelines.
16 7 Table 35. Snags and logs in managed vs. unmanaged stands Estimates of Snags and Downed Logs > 20” DBH in Pacific Silver Fir Series for Alpine Lakes Wilderness (Unmanaged stands), Upper Yakima watershed, and Roaring Thin Restoration Stands Snags (Dead Standing Trees)/Acre Alpine Lakes (Unmanaged) Upper Yakima Roaring Thin Restoration Stands Pacific Silver Fir Series Pacific Silver Fir Series Pacific Silver Fir Series Tree Class Analysis Mean Tree Class Analysis Mean snags Harvest Mean acres snags/acre acres per acre Stand acres snags/acre small 1,587 3.2 small 13,564 1.3 medium 18,115 2.7 medium 26,681 1.6 large 17,046 3.1 large 13,378 2.2 Total 19,632 3.1 22,921 1.9 576 0.11 DWD (Downed Woody Debris): Downed Logs/Acre Alpine Lakes (Unmanaged) Upper Yakima Roaring Thin Restoration Stands Pacific Silver Fir Series Pacific Silver Fir Series Pacific Silver Fir Series Tree Class Analysis Mean logs/acre Tree Class Analysis Mean Harvest Mean logs/acre acres acres logs/acre Stand acres small 1,587 17.5 small 13,564 9.7 medium 18,115 13.0 medium 26,681 10.5 large 17,046 11.5 large 13,378 9.4 large plus 11,761 9.0 Large plus 3,016 9.1 Total 19,632 12.8 22,921 9.7 576 9.1
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Northern Spotted Owl The northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) was listed as threatened in 1990 (USDI Fish and Wildlife 1990). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated critical habitat on federal lands in Washington, Oregon, and California in 1992. Later that year, the Service also prepared a Draft Recovery Plan. The Northwest Forest Plan was approved in 1994 and established a system of large reserves where owl habitat was to be protected and restored, the planning area occurs within one of these reserves.
The northern spotted owl can be found throughout the west and east slopes of the Washington Cascades typically below elevations of 5,000 feet (Thomas et. al., 1990). The preferred habitat of this species consists of closed-canopy coniferous forest with multi-layered canopies dominated by mature and/or old growth trees. Suitable habitat provides opportunities for spotted owls to nest, roost, or forage. Nesting habitat also provides roosting and foraging habitat, however, not all suitable roosting and foraging habitat provides suitable nesting habitat. Roosting and foraging habitat consists of coniferous forests with closed canopies that are sufficiently open to allow spotted owl movement through and below the canopy, and provides limbs large enough for roost sites. Depending upon the site and stand history, roosting and foraging habitat can be provided by a stand with an average dbh of 20 inches. Spotted owls nest in cavities, old goshawk nests, or mistletoe platforms in the eastern Cascades within the vicinity of the I- 90 Corridor (Buchanan et al., 1993). The primary prey species is flying squirrel (Richards, 1989; Thomas et. al., 1990; Sovern et. al., 1994). Carey et al. (1992), found that flying squirrels were twice as abundant in old forest as in young forest in Oregon. Carey (1991) also found that fragmentation of old forest reduces overall flying squirrel numbers, which appears to be linked to reduced densities of large, moderately decayed, snags and reduced availability of food (sporocarps of hypogeous ectomychorrizal fungi) within early and mid-seral stands.
The median home range within the eastern Cascade Mountains of Washington is 7,124 acres (USDA and USDI, 1994). For management of owl sites, a 1.82-mile radius circle is established around each spotted owl site center. The removal of suitable habitat below 40 percent (2,663 acres) of the area within 1.82 miles of a site center is considered “incidental take” under the Endangered Species Act.
Maintaining the geographic distribution of northern spotted owl populations through the Pacific Northwest reduces the risk of extinction. Therefore, species conservation efforts have focused on creating a network of reserve areas designated to protect habitat sufficiently able to support a number of breeding pairs of owls, which are distributed to allow for genetic interchange. Recovery Plans (USDI, 1991; USDA 1992) have identified areas of concern within the range of the species. These identified areas of concern encompass portions of the spotted owl range that impose a high risk of isolating populations, or that act as critical links or barriers between populations. The I-90 Corridor was identified as one of the areas of concern. The I-90 Corridor, North Cascades and North Cascades East are areas of: (1) poor distribution and quality of existing nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat; (2) high levels of natural and human caused fragmentation; (3) small population size; (4) variable reproductive success; and
16 9 (5) competition with barred owls and localized deficiencies in habitat connectivity (USDA, 1992, Vol. 1 3&4:28-31).
The risk of habitat fragmentation and demographic isolation of spotted owl populations in the Snoqualmie Pass AMA were a major contributing factor that led to exchange/acquisition in the corridor (USDA, 1997; USDA, 1999). The future viability of the spotted owl in the area is more certain today due to the I-90 Land Exchange (USFS, 1998) and land acquisitions by the Mountains-to-Sound Greenway, Cascade Conservation Partnership, I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition and Cascade Land Conservancy. However, a recent status review of the species concluded that the northern spotted owl continues to warrant protection as a threatened species (USDI Fish and Wildlife 2004). The 5-year review based largely on a compilation of information from Courtney et al. (2004) considered all the information that has become available since the original listing of the northern spotted owl. The recommendation to remain listed as “threatened” was based on the following points: 1) the rate of habitat loss on Federal lands has been substantially reduced, however, habitat loss from harvest continues, especially on private lands, and uncharacteristic wildfires appear to be removing habitat at an increasing rate; 2) demographic data collected over 15 years document declining populations across the species range with the most pronounced declines in British Columbia, Washington, and northern Oregon; 3) the continued decline of northern spotted owls in the northern portion of the range, despite the presence of a high proportion of habitat on Federal lands, suggests that effects from past habitat loss and modification have not yet responded to habitat protection on Federal lands; 4) the nature, magnitude, and extent of barred owl effects on northern spotted owls remain uncertain; and 5) the new threats of West Nile virus and Sudden Oak Death are potentially severe and imminent, but uncertain.
There is only one known spotted owl nest site in the project area. This site has been monitored intermittently for the past 20 years, and owl pairs have been confirmed most years.
The low number of spotted owl sites in the Yakima watershed is primarily due to high levels of timber harvest and habitat fragmentation that occurred prior to the listing of the species. As the forest on the landscape matures, and fragmentation is reduced, the Yakima watershed would likely be re-colonized by spotted owls. At this time most spotted owl populations occur in drier forest types to the east (Teanaway, Cle Elum, Taneum/Manastash, and Swauk). These forests historically had more frequent fires. The suppression of fires in these areas has resulted in unhealthy stands with an increased risk of catastrophic loss. The Yakima watershed, with higher levels of precipitation and lower fire return intervals, is an area with a higher likelihood of sustaining spotted owl populations in the long-term. Thinning to accelerate late-successional habitat in more mesic forest types such as the project area is important for the long-term recovery of the species.
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Northern Spotted Owl Critical Habitat Northern spotted owl critical habitat was designated in 1992 in California, Oregon and Washington (USDI 1992). The purpose of designated critical habitat stands is to protect those habitat features essential to the conservation and recovery of the northern spotted owl. These features include, but are not limited to the following: space for indivi and population growth, and for normal behavior; food, water, or other nutritional or physiological requirements; cover or shelter; sites for breeding, reproduction, rearing of offspring; and habitats that are protected from disturbance or are representative of historical geographical and ecological distribution of the species.
The project area is recognized as an important demographic linkage area, due to its location between critical habitat stands to the east, south and west. The northwestern portion of the project area occurs in Critical Habitat Stand WA-33.
Wildlife species associated with riparian habitats or unique habitats (beaver, harlequin duck, ruffed grouse, Cascades frog, tailed frog, western toad, mollusks and Plethodontid salamanders)
The species of federal concern, their habitat associations, federal and state status, and presence in the project area are listed in Table 37 and 38. The species of regional and local concern at risk from degradation of riparian forest habitat in the project area include, harlequin duck, Cascades frog, tailed frog, western toad. The Management Indicator Species associated with riparian habitat include the beaver and ruffed grouse. No rare or uncommon mollusk or amphibian species (previously Survey and Manage) are expected to occur in the project area, however all potential habitats were surveyed to protocol. Larch Mountain salamander and Cryptomastix devia are the only rare and uncommon amphibian and mollusk species (previously Survey and Manage) known to occur on the Cle Elum Ranger District after extensive surveys of potential habitats. Both species appear to be closely associated with talus (Krupka, et.al. 2006). No talus habitat occurs within the project area.
Wildlife sensitive to human disturbance/high road densities (gray wolf, grizzly bear, Canada lynx, mule deer, Rocky mountain elk and mountain goat)
The species of federal concern, their habitat associations, federal and state status, and presence in the project area are listed in Table 37 and 38. Populations of wide-ranging carnivores and ungulates are at risk in areas with high road densities. The management of motorized access is considered one of the most important factors affecting habitat security for carnivores and ungulates. The wide-ranging carnivore species of concern include, the grizzly bear (endangered), gray wolf (endangered), Canada lynx (threatened), wolverine and fisher. History has demonstrated that these species occur in areas where human contact is low. Numerous studies have documented the effects of road-associated factors on carnivores including roadkill, poaching, displacement and avoidance behavior, habitat loss, and loss of habitat connectivity (McLellan and Shackleton 1988; Brody and
171 Pelton 1989; Kasworm and Manley 1989; Thurber, et. al. 1994; Noss et.al. 1996). The Management Indicator Species in the project area include deer, elk, and mountain goat. Many studies have documented the road associated factors that affect these species including hunting, poaching, roadkill, habitat avoidance, habitat loss, and habitat connectivity (Rost and Bailey 1979 ;Grover and Thompson 1986; Wisdom et. al. 1999; Singleton and Lehmkuhl 2000). The management of motorized access is considered one of the most important factors affecting habitat security for carnivores and ungulates. A road density of less than 1.0 mile/square mile is considered preferred habitat for most carnivore and ungulate species.
The current road density in the project area is 4.08 miles per square mile. This level of roading and associated human activity results in little security habitat for wide-ranging carnivores, deer, and elk. This level of roads does not meet the AMA plan goal of less than 2.0 miles per square mile in each subwatershed.
Landbird Conservation Strategy Species
The Landbird conservation species, their habitat associations, and presence in the project area are listed in Table 37 and 38. National Forest System land has responsibility to address landbird conservation in NEPA documents (USDA Forest Service Landbird Strategic Plan and a Presidential Executive Order) and where practicable to mitigate to reduce the potential for unintentional take. The species identified in the Landbird Strategic Plan involve primarily neotropical migratory birds, although many year-round resident birds are also included. Neotropical migratory birds include those species that breed in continental North America and winter regularly south of the Tropic of Cancer (latitude 23.5 degrees N), usually in Central and South America (Sharp, 1992). Severe population declines in species of forest-dwelling neotropical migratory birds were observed between the late 1940s and the late 1980 (Askins et al., 1990). Two main factors are believed to explain these recent and dramatic declines in forest –dwelling species of neotropical migratory birds: (1) fragmentation of forest habitat of breeding grounds in North America, and (2) severe deforestation on wintering grounds south of the border (Terborgh, 1992). These declines, both locally and nationally, have resulted in policy direction to evaluate proposed actions that may affect the nesting habitat of these species.
One hundred and eighteen species of neotropical migratory birds breed in Washington, including many common passerine songbirds, hawks, and owls (Andelman and Stock, 1994). The Landbird Conservation Strategies that apply to the project area include the conservation strategies for landbirds in coniferous forests of western Oregon and Washington (Altman 1999) and the east-slope of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington (Altman 2000). The focal species and species with significant population declines and their habitat associations are summarized in Table 38. The vast majority of species known to occur in the project area are associated with mature and old growth forests and/or unique habitats. The species with significant declines known to occur in the project area include the olive-sided flycatcher, Vaux’s swift, and rufous hummingbird.
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Management Indicator Species
The species of federal concern, their habitat associations, federal and state status, and presence in the project area are listed in Table 37 and 38. The species recognized as Management Indicator Species in the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990) which may occur in the project area include mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, mountain goat, marten, beaver, ruffed grouse, and woodpecker species. The woodpecker species known or suspected to occur in the project area include pileated woodpecker, red-breasted sapsucker, Williamson’s sapsucker, downy woodpecker, northern flicker, and hairy woodpecker. The MIS species are discussed in the previous sections according to the habitats they are associated with. The mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and mountain goat are discussed under Wildlife sensitive to human disturbance/high road densities, pine marten and the woodpecker species are discussed under Wildlife associated with riparian habitats, and ruffed grouse and beaver are discussed under Wildlife species associated with riparian habitats.
Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 1 (No Action) The implementation of this alternative would not help restore late-successional habitat, reduce habitat fragmentation or reduce the road density on the landscape. This alternative is inconsistent with the goals and objectives of the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan to provide for the creation and maintenance of late-successional habitat and the reduction in roads. This alternative would also not meet the expectations of the northern spotted owl draft recovery plan (USDI Fish and Wildlife 1992). The current road density is 4.08 miles per square mile. This level of roads results in a high level of habitat fragmentation and provides little security habitat for wide-ranging carnivores, deer and elk.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The Best Management Practices (BMPs), conservation and mitigation measures incorporated into alternative 2 (Proposed Action) to minimize risks to wildlife and habitat are listed in Chapter 2.
17 3
Table 36. Wildlife habitat change- Comparison of alternatives Alternative 1 Alternative 2 (No Action) (Proposed Action) Total open roads 51.08 miles 37.30 miles
Open road density in the project area 4.08 mi./sq.mi 2.98 mi./sq.mi. Road obliteration 0 10.07 miles Roads converted to non-motorized 0 4.83 miles trails Increased carnivore/ungulate security 0 649 acres habitat due to road closures2 Increased interior forest due to road 0 928 acres closures1 Years needed for the average diameter 161 years 84 years of all trees in the stand to reach 21” DBH Average number of trees 30” DBH or 14 trees per acre 23 trees per acre greater @ stand age of 150 years (80 years) 1The improvement in interior forest conditions is based on GIS analysis of the road system and assumes an increase of 1000 ft. of habitat from the edge of a road (Brittingham and Temple 1993). 2The improvement in security habitat assumes an increase in security habitat of 0.31 mile from the edge of the road (Mattson et al. 1987; IGBC 1988).
Wildlife species associated with Late-successional Forest
The proposed action was designed to benefit species associated with old growth forests long-term. The proposed action would accelerate old growth forest structure while protecting all existing legacy structures (large remnant trees, snags, and downed logs) and unique habitats. The proposed thinning would accelerate diameter growth and create more large trees, snags, and downed logs in a shorter period of time. The average diameters of all trees in the stand would increase and the number of very large trees per acre would increase relative to the no action alternative. See the Forest Management section of chapter 3 for expected changes in forest conditions. The obliteration of roads would reduce forest fragmentation and increase interior forest conditions. All species associated with late-successional forest, including bald eagle, spotted owl, fisher and marten would benefit.
This alternative is expected to accelerate late-successional forest structure on 427 acres of older plantations, reduce tree density on 1400 acres of young plantations, and increase interior forest conditions on an estimated 928 acres due to road obliterations.
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Snags/Downed Logs. The available data would suggest that downed logs and snag habitat is likely deficient within the project area and thinning units based on comparison of similar unmanaged stands in the area and based on Forest Plan standards and guidelines. The proposed action is designed to protect all existing large snags and downed logs within the 427 acres of commercial units. However, some snags may be lost due to safety concerns. Snags (6-8/acre) and downed logs (4-6/acre) will be created on 139 acres in untreated areas adjacent and within commercial thinning units to meet Forest Plan standards. The 427 acres of commercial units are expected to remain below Forest Plan standards. These stands will be reviewed five years post-thin and snags will be created to meet Forest Plan standards.
Wildlife present within the project area during project implementation may be negatively impacted and/or displaced due to noise and human activity. In addition, some species may be negatively impacted and/or displaced by more open forest conditions created by thinning. Although some indivis may be impacted, the long-term population benefits outweigh any short-term impacts. The Best Management Practices (BMPs), conservation and mitigation measures that are incorporated into the proposed action include measures to protect nesting spotted owls and other raptors during project implementation.
Wildlife species associated with riparian and unique habitats
The proposed action would benefit species associated with riparian and unique habitats through long-term habitat and water quality improvements. The implementation of the road obliterations and watershed restoration projects would benefit species associated with riparian and unique habitats such as, beaver, harlequin duck, ruffed grouse, Cascades frog, tailed frog, and western toad, all known to be present within the project area.
Larch Mountain salamander and Cryptomastix devia may be present within the project area in talus slopes. No management is proposed in or near these areas.
Wildlife present within the project area during project implementation may be negatively impacted and/or displaced due to noise and human activity. In addition, some species may be negatively impacted and/or displaced by more open forest conditions created by thinning. Although some indivis may be impacted, the long-term population benefits outweigh any short-term impacts.
The proposed thinning was designed to minimize impacts to riparian habitats, wetland complexes, legacy structures, and unique habitats. See Silvicultural Prescription in Chapter 2.
17 5 Wildlife sensitive to human disturbance/high road densities
The implementation of this alternative would benefit species sensitive to human disturbance and high road densities. This alternative would obliterate 10.07 miles of roads, and convert 4.83 mi of road to non-motorized trail. Carnivore/ungulate security habitat would be increased by 649 acres. See Table 36 for summary.
The proposed action would reduce road densities; however, this alternative would not fully meet the goal of 2.0 miles per square mile. All roads were considered for obliteration; however, due to private inholdings with legal road easements and powerline access roads, the road density goal could not be met.
Wildlife present within the project area during project implementation may be negatively impacted and/or displaced due to noise and human activity. In addition, some species may be negatively impacted and/or displaced by more open forest conditions created by thinning, while other species such as deer and elk may benefit from increased forage. Although some indivis may be impacted, the long-term population benefits outweigh any short-term impacts.
Landbird Conservation Strategy Species
The direct and indirect effects that can result from this project on migratory landbirds are similar to those discussed in species associated with late-successional and/or riparian habitat. The vast majority of the Migratory Landbirds are associated with mature/old growth forests and/or unique habitats (Table 38). The implementation of the proposed action would benefit migratory landbird habitat through increased interior forest conditions, improved late-successional habitat and improved water quality.
Migratory birds present within the project area during project implementation, particularly during nesting, may be negatively impacted and/or displaced due to noise associated with restoration activities. Harvest activities will be restricted to late-summer through winter which will prevent the impacts to nesting birds. Some species may be negatively impacted and/or displaced by more open forest conditions created by thinning while species that prefer more open forest conditions would benefit. The project is designed to protect snags and downed logs which would minimize the impacts to those species associated with these habitat elements, such as Vaux’s swift. Although some indivis may be impacted, the long-term population benefits outweigh any short-term impacts.
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Management Indicator Species
The MIS species are discussed in the previous sections according to the habitats they are associated with. The mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and mountain goat are discussed under Wildlife sensitive to human disturbance/high road densities, pine marten and the woodpecker species are discussed under Wildlife associated with riparian habitats, and ruffed grouse and beaver are discussed under Wildlife species associated with riparian habitats. Rocky mountain elk, mule deer, and mountain goat habitat conditions will improve due to road closures and increased habitat security. The habitat for species associated with late-successional habitats including marten and woodpecker species (pileated, downy, hairy woodpeckers, red-breasted sapsucker, Williamson’s sapsucker, and northern flicker) will improve due to the acceleration of old growth structure. The number of snags in the project area will increase due to snag creation, 6-8 snags/acre on 139 acre in untreated areas within the units. The thinning prescription is also designed to protect all existing large snags, however, some snags may be felled during harvest activities if they are deemed a safety hazard. The thinning units will be reviewed five years post-thin to determine if additional snags are needed to meet Forest Plan standards. The proposed project activities may impact indivi birds or mammals, but will not lead to a trend toward federal listing of the species.
Impacts associated with Invasive Plant Treatments Under the proposed action, invasive plants would be treated with one of four herbicides: picloram, clopyralid, metsulfon, and glyphosate. The wildlife species the most vulnerable to negative impacts from these treatments are mollusks and amphibians. Treatment with these herbicides was analyzed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program: Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants (USDA, 2005). It is unlikely that the use of herbicides proposed would cause mortality to aquatic or terrestrial animals at the concentrations of the active ingredients likely to occur. Mortality to aquatic or terrestrial amphibians, mollusks or other wildlife species are not expected, or likely, from operational use because dilution, degradation, adsorption and other factors reduce the amount of herbicide in the environment quickly.
Harvest Timing
Harvest activities conducted over snow rather than during the late summer/fall are preferable for wildlife. Winter logging is preferable for the following reasons: Reduced disturbance to soil and native plant communities. Reduced disturbance to organisms associated with the forest floor, such as amphibians, reptiles, mollusks, and small mammals, and Reduced impact to animals during their nesting, fawning, and denning seasons.
Cumulative effects Cumulative effects on wildlife include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified
17 7 in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects and activities are described in chapter 2. The Upper Yakima watershed has a long history of timber harvest on private and National Forest System land with less than 40% of the forest in mature or old growth condition. The following lands were added to the National Forest System in the project area since 1998: T. 22 N., R. 11 E. Section 27 and Section 35 T. 21 N., R. 11 E. Section 3 (266 Acres), Section 5, Section 11, and Section 13
Most of these lands were clearcut harvested prior to moving into the National Forest System. Recent projects that have reduced mature and old growth forest in or near the project area include the Keechelus Safety of Dams Project which removed about 70 acres of late-successional habitat near the Lake Keechelus dam. Reasonably foreseeable future actions that may impact mature and old growth forest in or near the project area include loss of forest habitat due to development in the Hyak and Easton areas as well as some private inholdings, the Summit-at-Snoqualmie ski area expansion, the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project, and the harvest within the BPA powerline corridor to prevent trees from damaging the transmission lines.
The increased clearing of the BPA corridor (to prevent trees from hitting transmission lines) within the project area would increase the “edge effect” and habitat fragmentation. The increased private timber harvest and development on lands adjacent and intermingled with the National Forest System would further reduce habitat quantity and quality for late-successional species. The recreational use outside the project area on National Forest land is expected to increase with increased developed and dispersed camping and use of roads. However, the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project would benefit species through an increased opportunity to link populations of species associated with late-successional forests in the North and South Cascades. Recent efforts to acquire private land for conservation by the I-90 Wildlife Bridge Coalition, Cascade Land Conservancy, Washington Department of Wildlife, Washington Department of Transportation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Forest Service would help protect habitat for wildlife species. Large, contiguous, and interconnected blocks of late-successional habitat and unroaded areas are needed on the landscape to prevent localized extinctions of species. For viable animal populations and their persistence over time, animals need to be able to move through the landscape, move among populations, disperse freely, and recolonize lost areas (Forman et al. 2003).
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Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) Alternative 1 is inconsistent with the goals of the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (USDA and USDI 1997) to reduce road densities and accelerate late-successional habitat conditions in plantations.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) is consistent with the intent of the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (USDA and USDI 1997) however; this alternative would not fully meet the goal of 2.0 miles per square mile. All roads were considered for obliteration; however, due to private inholdings with legal road easements and powerline access roads, the road density goal could not be met. Alternative 2 is consistent with the National Forest Management Act (NFMA 1976), the Endangered Species Act (ESA 1973), and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA 1918). The proposed action is also consistent with all recovery plans, regulations, conservation strategies, or management guidelines have been developed for the federally listed species including, bald eagle (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1986, Rees 1989), Canada lynx (Ruediger et al. 2000, USDA and USDI 2000d), gray wolf (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2003), northern spotted owl (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1992a, USDA and USDI 1994), and migratory landbirds (Executive Order 13186, 2001.
17 9 Table 37. Wildlife species of federal concern – federal status & habitat associations Late-successional Forest Associated Species Habitat Presence in Project Area USFWS USFS WA State Marbled murrelet Old growth forest. Trees with large lateral Potential habitat in project area. Murrelet Threatened (Brachyramphus marmoratus) branches for nesting (Hamer and Cummins, presence detected in Gold Creek 1993. 1991) Northern Spotted Owl Mature and old growth forest, with multiple Habitat present in project area. Known nest Threatened Endangered (Strix occidentalis caurina) canopy layers and large amounts of dead and site in Cold Creek. Nest site is monitored down woody material (USDA 1993) most years and has been occupied for 20+ years (Sovern and Taylor, pers. comm..). Bald eagle Mature and old-growth forests near water; Nesting/roosting habitat present adjacent to Threatened Threatened (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) lakes, reservoirs, and rivers (USDI, 1996) Lake Keechelus, Gold creek, and Yakima River. Closest nest sites located at Lake Cle Elum and adjacent to I-90 near Cle Elum. Northern goshawk Large stands of multi-layered old growth Habitat and known nest sites present in Concern Candidate (Accipiter gentiles) forest containing small openings (Johnsgard, project area. 1990) Great gray owl Mature forest stands (80+ years( with greater No confirmed presence on the Cle Elum RD. Sensitive (Strix nebulosa) tan 60% canopy cover within 1,000 feet of a natural opening or meadows larger than 10 acres (USDA and USDI., 1995) Pacific Fisher Dense mature forest; second growth with Habitat present in project area. Species Concern Sensitive Candidate (Martes pennanti) adequate cover; require snags and downed documented at Lake Keechelus during logs; low to mid-elevation forest (Johnson railroad surveys (Hall 1932). Unconfirmed and Cassidy, 1997). Sensitive to roads and sighting at Lake Keechelus in 1986 (George human activity (Heinemeyer and Jones Green USFS, pers. comm..) 1994). Pine marten Mature mesic forest with complex physical Species documented in Snoqualmie Pass area MIS (Martes americana) structure near the ground (course woody (Singleton and Lehmkuhl 2000). debris, large talus, low hanging branches. Generally avoid cleared or open areas (Buskirk and Ruggiero, 1994) . Pileated woodpecker Mature and old growth forests (O’Neil et. al. Species present in mature/old growth forest in MIS Candidate (Dryocopus pileatus) 2001) project area. Documented in BBA 2006. Vaux’s swift Mature and old growth forest. Nests in snags. Species present in project area. Documented Candidate (Chaetura vauxi) in BBA 2006.
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Species sensitive to human disturbance (high road densities) Habitat Presence in Project Area USFWS USFS WA State Gray wolf Remote, undisturbed habitat; isolation from No denning/rendezvous sites documented in Threatened Endangered (Canis lupis) human disturbance for denning (Paradiso and project area. Confirmed or high reliability Nowak, 1982) sightings have been documented north and south of the project area (Almack and Fitkin 1998). Grizzly bear Vast areas of remote, undisturbed habitat; a No presence documented in project area. Endangered Endangered (Ursus arctos) variety of habitats including meadows, wet Confirmed or high reliability sightings have areas, open slopes with huckleberries (USDI been confirmed north of I-90 (Almack et.al 1993) 1993). Canada Lynx High elevation forests—Engleman spruce, No presence documented in project area. Threatened Threatened (Lynx canadensis) subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, aspen. Recent unconfirmed sightings documented in Associated with deep snow pack and areas Swauk, Stampede Pass, and Rachael Lake. with abundant snowshoe hare (Koehler Suitable habitat present in the project area at 1990). Genetic data suggests lynx will travel higher elevations. great distances through unsuitable habitat (Schwartz 2002) California Wolverine Variety of habitats including tundra, taiga, Historically present in project area (Couch Concern Candidate (Gulo gulo) boreal forest, high-elevation mixed conifer in 1928). Tracks documented on Amabilis Mtn. alpine and sub-alpine zones. Distribution near I-90 in 1999 (Singleton and Lehmkuhl dependent on availability of large ungulates 2000). Sightings also documented in last 5 (Banci, 1994; Johnson and Cassidy, 1997) years at Crystal Springs Campground (Roberson USFS pers. comm.), Cabin Creek area (Dwayne and Fudascz USFS pers. comm..) and Gold Creek area (Paz UDFS pers. comm..). Rocky mountain elk Combination of forest and open habitats. Present in project area during summer and MIS (Cervus elaphus) Seclusion from human disturbances fall. important for calving (Thomas and Toweill, 1982). Mule deer Typically inhabit higher elevations in the Present in project area during summer and MIS (Odocoileus hemionus) summer and lower elevations in the winter. fall. Benefit from mix of forest and open foraging areas. Riparian areas important for fawning. (USFS, 1998). Mountain goat Steep, rocky cliffs, pinnacles, ledges, and Populations located north and south of I-90 MIS (Oreamnos americanus) talus slopes. Dense conifer stands, including at higher elevations. During fall and winter mature and old-growth, may be important in mtn goat are found at lower elevations. Goats providing winter forage and thermal cover observed commonly during fall and winter in (USDA, 1990; WDFW, 1999) Gold Creek, Kachess Campground and Amabilis Mountain.
181 Riparian Forest Associated Species Habitat Presence in Project Area USFWS USFS WA State Beaver Streams and lakes with trees or alders on Habitat present in streams and wetlands MIS (Castor canadensis) banks throughout project area. Harlequin duck Summer habitat is fast flowing streams with Harlequin ducks documented in Gold Creek Concern Sensitive - (Histrionicus histrionicus) cobble to boulder substrate; vegetated banks. and Cold Creek. Potential nesting habitat Usually found in areas of mature and old- present in Mill Creek. growth cover (Lewis and Kraege, 1999; Cassirer and groves, 1994 in Lewis and Kraege, 1999) Ruffed grouse Multi-story coniferous forests used for Present in project area (Breed Bird Atlas MIS (Bonasa umbellus) breeding and escape cover (Johnson and 2006) O’Neil, 2001) Downy woodpecker Lowland riparian woodlands and broadleaf Present in project area (Breed Bird Atlas MIS (Picoides pubescens) forests (Wahl and Paulson 1991) 2006) Cascades frog Highly aquatic; closely associated with edges Habitat and species present in streams and Concern Sensitive Monitor (Rana cascadae) of seeps and other wetlands (Leonard et al., wetlands throughout the project area. 1993) Common in Cold and Mill creek.
Columbia spotted frog Most common in cool, permanent water such Habitat present; species not known to occur Concern (Rana lutieventris) as slow moving streams, rivers, marshes, within Upper Yakima (Darda and Kelly srings, pools, and margins of small lakes. 1992, Garvey-Darda et. al. 2002) Found in more diverse habitats than the Oregon spotted frog (Stebbins 2003) Tailed frog Turbulent mountain streams; has been found Habitat present in fast, cold streams in Concern Sensitive Monitor (Ascaphus trueii) as high as 7,000 feet elevation (Leonard et project area. Species documented in Cold al., 1993) and Mill creeks. Western toad Breed in lakes, ponds, and wetlands; adults Habitat present in ponds in project area. Concern Sensitive Candidate (Bufo boreas) utilize a variety of habitats including forest, Breeding populations documented at Lost brushy areas, and meadows (Corkran and Lake, Mardee Lake, and Swamp Lake. Thomas, 1996)
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Species Associated with Unique Habitats (species closely associated with talus, snags, or other habitat elements) Habitat Presence in Project Area USFWS USFS WA State Sharp-tailed snake Usually found in talus at forest edges or open Not known to occur in project area. Closest Sensitive Candidate (Contia tenuis) meadows. Specializes on slugs. (Storm et. confirmed population found near Cle Elum al.1995). adjacent to the Yakima River. Larch mountain salamander In Eastern Washington only detected in talus Habitat present in project area. Closest Sensitive (Plethodon larselli) adjacent to mature/old growth forest habitats. occupied habitat is found near Amabilis All sites found on Cle Elum RD (Krupka et. Mtn/Hudson Creek, north and south of I-90 al. 2006). (Project surveys for I-90 in 2004 and Hudson Thin 2005, McQuery and Garvey-Darda, respectively) Van Dyke's salamander Forest with large, woody debris within the Habitat present. Species not documented to Sensitive (Plethodon vandykei) wetted edge of streams and seeps (Leonard et occur in Eastern Washington. Project al., 1993). Not found in eastern Cascades but surveys throughout upper Yakima watershed found sympatric with larch mountain have not detected this species to date. salamander in other parts of its range. Moist forest with hardwood component Habitat present in project area. Species not Evening field slug documented on Wenatchee NF. Extensive (Deroceras hespeium) surveys in Upper Yakima did not detect species (Garvey-Darda et. al. 2002) Relatively moist and undisturbed coniferous Habitat present in project area. Species not Sensitive Warty jumping slug forests, seeps and springs. documented on Wenatchee NF. Extensive (Hemphillia grandulosa) surveys in Upper Yakima did not detect species (Garvey-Darda et. al. 2002) Relatively moist and undisturbed forest, Habitat present in project area. Species not Keeled jumping slug seeps and springs. documented on Wenatchee NF. Extensive (Hemphillia glandulosa) surveys in Upper Yakima did not detect species (Garvey-Darda et. al. 2002) Moist forest types Habitat present in project area. Species not Panther jumping slug documented on Wenatchee NF. Extensive (Hemphillia pantheria) surveys in Upper Yakima did not detect species (Garvey-Darda et. al. 2002) Moist forest types Habitat present in project area. Species not Oregon megophix documented on Wenatchee NF. Extensive (Megomphix hemphilli) surveys in Upper Yakima did not detect species (Garvey-Darda et. al. 2002) Moist relatively undisturbed forest. Habitat present in project area. Species not Sensitive Blue-gray taildropper documented on Wenatchee NF. Extensive (Prophysaon coeruleum) surveys in Upper Yakima did not detect species (Garvey-Darda et. al. 2002)
183 Species Associated with Unique Habitats (species closely associated with talus, snags, or other habitat elements) Habitat Presence in Project Area USFWS USFS Puget Associated with talus and mature/old growth forest. Only one known Habitat present in project area (same as Larch Mtn. salamander). May Sensitive Oregonian population known in Eastern Washington, near Peoh Pt. Found in talus occur in suitable habitat. in habitat also occupied by larch mtn. salamander (Krupka et. al. 2006) snail (Cryptomastix devia) Small-footed Forages aerially above most forest structural conditions, often over Forages aerially above most forest structural conditions, often over Concern myotis open water. Breeds providing that suitable roost sites (e.g., rimrock, open water. Breeds providing that suitable roost sites (e.g., rim rock, boulders, talus, cliffs, caves) are available. (Johnson and O’Neil, boulders, talus, cliffs, caves) are available. (Johnson and O’Neil, (Myotis 2001) 2001) subulatus) Long-eared Forages aerially above most forest structural conditions, often over Forages aerially above most forest structural conditions, often over Concern MR myotis open water. Breeds providing that suitable roost sites (e.g., large open water. Breeds providing that suitable roost sites (e.g., large stumps, logs, hollow trees, mines, caves) are available.(Johnson and stumps, logs, hollow trees, mines, caves) are available.(Johnson and (Myotis evotis) O’Neil, 2001). O’Neil, 2001). Fringed myotis Forages aerially above most forest structural conditions. Breeds Forages aerially above most forest structural conditions. Breeds Concern MR (Myotis providing that suitable roost sites (e.g., snags, cliffs, caves, rock providing that suitable roost sites (e.g., snags, cliffs, caves, rock crevices) are available. Forages over and drinks from open water. Little crevices) are available. Forages over and drinks from open water. Little thysanodes) data is available for this species for Oregon and Washington (Johnson data is available for this species for Oregon and Washington (Johnson and O’Neil, 2001) and O’Neil, 2001) Long-legged Forages aerially above mature forest and open meadows, often over Forages aerially above mature forest and open meadows, often over Concern MR myotis open water. Breeds providing that snags or live trees within or above open water. Breeds providing that snags or live trees within or above the canopy and greater than 14 DBH are present. May also roost in the canopy and greater than 14 DBH are present. May also roost in (Myotis volans) cliffs and caves6. cliffs and caves6.
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Species Associated with Unique Habitats (species closely associated with talus, snags, or other habitat elements) Habitat Presence in Project Area USFWS USFS Yuma Myotis Forages aerially above most forest structural conditions, often over Forages aerially above most forest structural conditions, often over Concern (Myotis open water. Breeds providing that suitable roost sites (e.g., caves, open water. Breeds providing that suitable roost sites (e.g., caves, mines, loose bark and bark crevices) are available (Johnson and mines, loose bark and bark crevices) are available (Johnson and yumanensis) O’Neil, 2001) O’Neil, 2001) Silver-haired bat Forages aerially mostly above mature forest, often over open water. Forages aerially mostly above mature forest, often over open water. MR (Lasionycteris Breeds providing that suitable structures are available (e.g., snags) Breeds providing that suitable structures are available (e.g., snags) .(Johnson and O’Neil, 2001) .(Johnson and O’Neil, 2001) noctivagans) Townsend’s big- Forages aerially above forest and meadows, often over open water. Forages aerially above forest and meadows, often over open water. Concern Sensitive/ eared bat Breeds providing that suitable roost sites (e.g., caves, mines, cliffs) Breeds providing that suitable roost sites (e.g., caves, mines, cliffs) MR are available (Johnson and O’Neil, 2001). are available (Johnson and O’Neil, 2001). (Corynorhinus townsendii) Pallid bat Forages aerially above mature forest, young open forest, meadows Forages aerially above mature forest, young open forest, meadows Threatened MR (Antrozous and often over open water. Closely Associated (C) with this and often over open water. Closely Associated (C) with this condition condition for breeding and roosting only when large old remnant for breeding and roosting only when large old remnant trees or other pallidus) trees or other roosting sites (e.g., snags cliffs, caves) are available. roosting sites (e.g., snags cliffs, caves) are available. (Johnson and (Johnson and O’Neil, 2001) O’Neil, 2001) Hairy Conifer forest (Wahl and Paulson 1991) Present in project area (Breed Bird Atlas 2006) MIS woodpecker (Picoides villosus) Red-breasted Mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, and lodgepole pine near riparian Present in project area (Breed Bird Atlas 2006) MIS sapsucker areas. Need large diameter dead and decaying trees. Nests in snags (O’Neil 2001) (Sphyrapicus ruber) MIS=Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990), Management Indicator Species. MR=Northwest Forest Plan (1994), species may need additional conservation measures
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Table 38. Migratory Land Birds – status & habitat association Migratory Landbirds (focal species-mixed conifer East-slope Cascades) Forest condition/Habitat USFWS USFS WA attributes State Brown Creeper (L) Late-successional forest; large trees Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird 2006 Williamson’s sapsucker Late-successional forest; large snags Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird 2006 Flammulated owl Interspersion grassy openings and Landbird dense thickets Hermit thrush Multi-layered/dense canopy Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird 2006 Olive-sided flycatcher(L,R) Edges and openings created by Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird wildlife 2006
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Migratory Landbirds (focal species-coniferous forest Western Washington) Forest condition/Habitat USFWS USFS WA attributes State Vaux’s swift (L,R) Old growth forest; large snags Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird 2006 Brown Creeper Old growth and mature forest; large Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird trees 2006 Red crossbill Old growth and mature forest; Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird conifer cones 2006 Pileated woodpecker Mature forest, multi-layered; large Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird snags 2006 Hermit warbler Mature forest, multi-layered; closed Landbird canopy. Young forest; closed canopy Pacific-slope flycatcher Mature forest, multi-layered; Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird deciduous canopy trees. Young 2006 forest; deciduous canopy trees Varied thrush (R) Mature forest, multi-layered; mid- Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird story tree layers 2006 Hammond’s flycatcher Mature forest, multi-layered; open Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird mid-story. Young forest; open mid- 2006 story Black-throated gray warbler Young forest; deciduous canopy Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird trees 2006 Wilson’s warbler Mature forest, multi-layered; Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird deciduous understory. Young forest; 2006 deciduous understory Winter wren Mature forest, multi-layered; forest Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird floor complexity. Young forest; 2006 forest floor complexity Hutton’s vireo Pole forest; deciduous Landbird subcanopy/understory Olive-sided flycatcher (L,R) Early-seral forest; resi canopy trees Present based on Breeding Bird Landbird Atlas 2006
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Migratory Landbirds (focal species-coniferous forest Western Washington) Forest condition/Habitat USFWS USFS attributes Western bluebird Landbird Early-seral forest; resi canopy trees Orange-crowned warbler Early-seral forest; deciduous Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird vegetation 2006 Rufous hummingbird(L,R) Early-seral forest; nectar producing Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird plants 2006 Band-tailed pigeon Forest inclusions/unique habitats; Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird mineral springs 2006 American pipit Forest inclusions/unique habitats; Landbird alpine Black swift Forest inclusions/unique habitats; Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird waterfalls 2006 Lincoln’s sparrow Forest inclusions/unique habitats; Present based on Breeding Bird Atlas Landbird high elevation meadows 2006
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Fish and Aquatic Species ______How would fish species be impacted by the thinning, bridge construction, and restoration activities?
Regulatory Framework The Forest Plan guides the management of the National Forest System Land. For this project area the Forest Plan incorporates the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990), the Northwest Forest Plan (1994) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), for more information refer to Chapter 1.
The Roaring Thin Restoration project area is within the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area, as described in Chapter 1. The management of fish habitat is guided by the Standards and Guidelines found in the Snoqualmie Pass AMA Plan (USDA, 1997). Of particular relevance to this project are the following Riparian Reserve Standards and Guidelines for Timber Management (TM), Road Management (RF), Recreation Management (RM) and General Riparian Area Management (RA):
TM-1: Prohibit timber harvest, including fuelwood cutting, in Riparian Reserves, except as described below… …c. Apply silvicultural practices for Riparian Reserves to control stocking, reestablish and manage stands, and acquire desired vegetation characteristics needed to attain Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives (ACSO).
RF-3: Determine the influence of each road on the ACSO through watershed analysis. Meet ACSO by: …c. Closing and stabilizing, or obliterating and stabilizing roads based on the ongoing and potential effects to ACSO and considering short-term and long-term transportation needs.
RF-4: New culverts, bridges and other stream crossings shall be constructed…to accommodate at least the 100-year flood, including associated bedload and debris…
RF-6: Provide and maintain fish passage at all road crossings of existing and potential fish- bearing streams.
RM-2: Adjust dispersed and developed recreation practices that retard or prevent attainment of ACSO…
RA-3: Herbicides, insecticides, and other toxicants, and other chemicals shall be applied only in a manner that avoids impacts that retard or prevent attainment of ACSO.
These Standards and Guidelines are designed to ensure that projects are consistent with the nine objectives of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy, listed below:
1. Maintain and restore the distribution, diversity, and complexity of watershed and landscape-scale features to ensure the protection of the aquatic systems to which species, populations and communities are uniquely adapted.
191 2. Maintain and restore spatial and temporal connectivity within and between watersheds. Lateral, longitudinal, and drainage network connections include flood plains, wetlands, upslope areas, headwater tributaries, and intact refugia. These network connections must provide chemically and physically unobstructed routes to areas critical for fulfilling life history requirements of aquatic and riparian-dependent species.
3. Maintain and restore the physical integrity of the aquatic system, including shorelines, banks, and bottom configurations.
4. Maintain and restore water quality necessary to support healthy riparian, aquatic, and wetland ecosystems. Water quality must remain within the range that maintains the biological, physical, and chemical integrity of the system and benefits survival, growth, reproduction, and migration of indivis composing aquatic and riparian communities.
5. Maintain and restore the sediment regime under which aquatic ecosystems evolved. Elements of the sediment regime include the timing, volume, rate, and character of sediment input, storage, and transport.
6. Maintain and restore in-stream flows sufficient to create and sustain riparian, aquatic, and wetland habitats and to retain patterns of sediment, nutrient, and wood routing. The timing, magnitude, duration, and spatial distribution of peak, high, and low flows must be protected.
7. Maintain and restore the timing, variability, and duration of flood plain inundation and water table elevation in meadows and wetlands.
8. Maintain and restore the species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and wetlands to provide adequate summer and winter thermal regulation, nutrient filtering, appropriate rates of surface erosion, bank erosion, and channel migration and to supply amounts and distributions of coarse woody debris sufficient to sustain physical complexity and stability.
9. Maintain and restore habitat to support well-distributed populations of native plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate riparian-dependent species.
The Forest Service’s management of fish habitat in the project area is also under the direction of the Endangered Species Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Section 7 (a) (2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as amended) requires all federal agencies to review actions authorized, funded, permitted, or carried out by them to ensure that such actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of listed species. Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), currently listed as a Threatened species, are found within the project area. In addition, the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires federal agencies to consult with the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on activities that may adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat (MSA Section 305(b)(2)). There is no Essential
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Fish Habitat within the project area. A Biological Assessment (BA) was prepared for consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The BA is on file at the Cle Elum Ranger District.
The Regional Forester sensitive species list consists of rare plants and animals which are given special management consideration to ensure their continued viability on the national forests. Species on the sensitive species list are considered sensitive for every forest where they occur in the Region. Three sensitive fish species, interior redband trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss ssp.), cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi), and pygmy whitefish (Prosopium coulteri) are found in the project area.
Analysis Methods The elements of the Roaring Thin Restoration Project alternatives that may impact fish are: Road and landing construction, Falling and yarding, Construction of the bridge on FS Road 5480-115, Treatment of noxious weeds in riparian areas, Road decommissioning, and Restoration of dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek and Lost Lake.
Precommercial thinning, when done in accord with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest’s Programmatic Biological Assessment for Selected Forest Activities (2002), would not impact fish or fish habitat.
In analyzing the effects of the alternatives on fish, we consider how the alternatives would affect the following items: water quality, habitat access, habitat elements, channel condition and dynamics, flow and hydrology, and watershed conditions (USDA et al., 2004). Within the category of water quality, we are concerned with water temperature, suspended sediment, and chemical contaminants. Key habitat elements include substrate character and embeddedness, large woody debris, pool frequency and quality, large pools, off-channel habitat, and refugia. Channel condition and dynamics elements include average wetted width to maximum depth ratio in pools, streambank condition, and floodplain connectivity. Flow and hydrology concerns include change in peak and base flows and increase in drainage network. Watershed conditions include road density and location, disturbance history, Riparian Reserves and disturbance regime.
This analysis reviews the proposed action against the ACS objectives through the analysis of cumulative effects. The existing watershed condition is described and the short-term and long-term impacts of the proposed actions are evaluated. The Upper Yakima Watershed Analysis was consulted in the analysis and design of this project.
The major streams within the project area are Cold Creek, an unnamed stream in the Mill Creek drainage and Roaring Creek. Fish habitat within the project area is also provided by Keechelus Lake, Mirror Lake, Cottonwood Lake, Twin Lakes, and Lost Lake.
19 3 Numerous tributaries impact fish habitat throughout the project area (Project Area Map is located in Appendix A).
In 1992 the Cle Elum Ranger District surveyed Cold Creek using the methods of Hankin and Reeves (1988) as modified in the Region 6 1992 Stream Inventory Handbook, version 6. Aquatic habitat in the project area was also analyzed by the Plum Creek Timber Company in the Keechelus Lake and Mosquito Creek Watershed Analysis (Cupp and Teske, 2002).
Affected Environment The Roaring Thin Restoration Project is located in the Upper Yakima watershed and the Headwaters Yakima River subwatershed (6th field HUC 17030011101). Under an older version of watershed classification, the project area would be entirely within the Keechelus subwatershed (6th field HUC 17010003111C), and encompass portions of the following 7th field catchments: 111CB, CD, CE, CF, CG, and CH. The streams in these catchments are all tributaries to Keechelus Lake, which is the source of the Yakima River. Keechelus Lake and its tributaries have been cut off from the rest of the Upper Yakima watershed since the completion of Keechelus Dam in 1917. The dam raised the natural lake level by 97 feet and drowned the lower portions of several tributaries. It is a complete barrier to fish passage, and thus there are no anadromous fish in the project area.
Fish Species Native fish species within the project area include bull trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, pygmy whitefish, mountain whitefish, burbot, dace, chiselmouth, redside shiner, northern pikeminnow, sculpin and largescale sucker (Cupp, 2002). Eastern brook trout and kokanee have been introduced into the watershed for angling opportunities.
Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) The Columbia Basin Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of bull trout was listed as Threatened by the USFWS on June 1, 1998. The bull trout inhabiting the Yakima River drainage are included in this population segment.
Bull trout numbers in the Upper Yakima watershed are low. There are small isolated populations in Kachess and Keechelus Lakes, and a remnant population in the mainstem Yakima River. In Keechelus Lake, adult bull trout migrate into Gold Creek to spawn, and in Kachess Lake, they utilize Box Canyon Creek and the Kachess River (Mineral Creek). Reiss (2003) compiled redd survey data and reported an average annual redd count of 19 in Gold Creek, 15 in Kachess River, and 8 in Box Canyon Creek. The Upper Yakima mainstem (RM 202.5 to 214.5) bull trout population is considered “essential for recovery” in the Bull Trout Draft Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2002).
Bull trout are found in a variety of habitats ranging from small headwater streams and large rivers to lakes. Some fish may remain in headwater streams, migrating short distances to spawning sites. Other fish may migrate relatively long distances into small streams to spawn from rivers or lakes. These fish may spend two to four years in their
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natal streams before migrating into larger rivers or lakes. Dams and associated dewatering of headwater streams isolate bull trout subpopulations. Bull trout populations in the Kachess and Keechelus watersheds are genetically similar (Reiss 2003), suggesting that there was genetic exchange between the populations prior to the construction of barrier dams.
Currently, a perched culvert under the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail prevents bull trout passage from Keechelus Lake into Cold Creek. In 2005, the Bureau of Reclamation began work on a rock structure to facilitate migration between the lake and the stream. During construction, an adult bull trout was trapped at the outlet of the culvert, and released into the stream above the work area. The passage structure was destroyed in a flood event in November of 2006, and plans for its reconstruction were not known at the time of this writing. Cold Creek is considered to be bull trout habitat.
Westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi): Westslope cutthroat trout are common throughout the Upper Yakima watershed. It was previously thought that westslope cutthroat trout were native to the Methow River basin and the Lake Chelan basin, and introduced in the rest of their range in Washington (Wydoski and Whitney, 2003). In analyzing cutthroat allele frequencies, Howell et al. (2003) found that it is unlikely that fish sampled from the Yakima basin originated from Washington State’s Twin Lakes Hatchery, and that the allele frequencies present “compelling evidence that they are representative of native westslope cutthroat populations in the Yakima. . . subbasin. . .” Thurow et al. (1997) estimated that westslope cutthroat trout are utilizing 85% of their potential habitat within their historic range in the Columbia River basin.
Pygmy whitefish (Prosopium coulteri) Pygmy whitefish are small, cigar-shaped salmonids found in deep oligotrophic lakes. Pygmy whitefish historically resided in at least 15 deep lakes in Washington, and currently reside in nine, including Lake Keechelus, Lake Kachess, and Lake Cle Elum in the Upper Yakima watershed. The fish are considered vulnerable because of their limited distribution, and are threatened by nonnative fish introduction, use of piscicides13, and declining water quality (Hallock and Mongillo, 1998). Their populations in the Upper Yakima watershed are thought to be stable.
Rainbow/ redband trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss gairdneri) Rainbow trout are common in the mainstem Yakima River and its tributaries. In areas where they share their habitat with steelhead, they often interbreed (Karp, 2003). It has been hypothesized that rainbow populations are elevated in this basin as a result of decreased competition, resulting from the depression or extirpation of anadromous stocks (Hockersmith et al., 1993). Between 1991 and 1996, surveyors found average rainbow trout densities in the Yakima River between Roza Dam and the Cle Elum River to range between 262 and 392 fish per kilometer (Pearsons et al., 1998). In 2002, the density was reported as 359 +/- 76 fish /km (Pearsons et al., 2002).
13 Substances applied with the intent of killing fish.
19 5 Habitat
Cold Creek The 1992 survey of Cold Creek found that the creek’s substrate was dominated by cobble, with sand codominant near the reservoir bed and boulder codominant above. There were 54 pools in the 2.8 miles surveyed, and surveyors counted 59 large pieces of wood. In the summer of 1992, stream temperature ranged between 36 and 62º F. Surveyors reported that most of the stream traveled through forest in a “small-tree” successional stage. There were only four side channels reported.
In preparing the Keechelus Lake-Mosquito Creek Watershed Analysis, Cupp and Teske (2002) surveyed 26% of all possible stream segments with less than 20% gradient (thought to be a cut-off for fish habitat). They indicated that Cold Creek provides habitat for bull trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. In the segments of Cold Creek surveyed, large wood that influenced the bankfull channel was found at a frequency of 0.7 (near reservoir bed) to 7.5 pieces per 100 feet. Wood acted to form pools, trap sediment and form steps. The minimum diameter of wood that formed pools ranged from 12 to 25 inches, while the mean diameter of wood that formed pools was 24-27 inches. Cobble dominated the lower segments, while boulders dominated the substrate in the upper segments. There were no areas with subdominant fines or highly embedded substrate.
The mean bankfull width was 35 feet in the lower segments, and 25-28 feet in the higher segments. The channel slope was 3% at the creek’s mouth, and increased to 7% below Twin Lakes. In the lower segments, pools were found every 1.2 to 2.9 channel widths, and had mean maximum depths of 18 to 31 inches. In the upper segments, pools were found every 1.6 to 2.1 channel widths and had mean maximum depths of 19 to 27 inches. Near the reservoir bed, pools were primarily formed by rock banks, but in the more- naturally flowing segments large wood and boulders formed pools. Bedrock played a role in the segment just below Twin Lakes.
Unnamed Creek parallel to Mill Creek Within the project area, a short, unnamed tributary to Lake Keechelus provides fish habitat and was surveyed by Cupp and Teske, who indicated that this creek provides spawning habitat for kokanee, and hosts resident cutthroat. The creek is located between Mill Creek and Cold Creek.
Cupp and Teske found that in this creek, 8 pieces of large wood influenced the bankfull channel every 100 feet, and the wood acted to form pools, trap sediment, form steps and armor the banks. The minimum diameter of wood that formed pools was 6-12 inches, and the mean diameter of wood that formed pools was 18-22 inches. In the lower surveyed segment, fines dominated the substrate, with large gravel subdominant. In the upstream surveyed segment, boulders were dominant and comprised 86% of the streambed. Fifty-seven percent of the lower segment was considered to have highly embedded substrate.
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The mean bankfull width was 6-8 feet, and the channel slope was 3-8%. Pools were found every 4.6 channel widths in the lower segment, and the frequency decreased to every 16 channel widths in the upstream segment. The mean maximum pool depth ranged between 8 and 11 inches. Pools were formed exclusively by wood in the lower segment, and were formed in equal proportion by wood and boulders in the upstream segment.
Lost Lake Lost Lake is a popular fishing destination, and hosts predominantly non-native fish stocks. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks it with triploid rainbow trout to promote a trophy fishery. It also contains resident rainbow trout, cutthroat, eastern brook trout and kokanee. Habitat in the lake is degraded by unmanaged recreation on its shores and poor drainage on the roads that surround it.
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Roaring Creek Roaring Creek hosts cutthroat trout (Cupp and Teske, 2002). There are no data available on habitat conditions in the creek.
Keechelus Lake Keechelus Lake is a large (157,900 acre-feet storage capacity), glacially-formed lake that has been impounded and operated as a reservoir since 1917. It is Critical Habitat for bull trout, and also provides habitat for R6 sensitive pygmy whitefish, westslope cutthroat and rainbow trout. In analyzing effects on habitat in Keechelus Lake, we are most interested in the littoral zone, which is that area located between the high and low water marks. The shallow water, abundant light, and nutrient-rich sediment in this zone provide ideal conditions for plant growth. Aquatic plants, in turn, provide food and habitat for fish, frogs, birds, mammals, insects, and mollusks. The littoral zone also provides spawning habitat for fish.
19 7 Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects
The proposed action is as described in Chapter 2. As stated above, the elements of the proposed action that have the potential to impact fish and fish habitat are: Road and landing construction, Falling and yarding, Construction of the bridge on 5480-115, Treatment of noxious weeds in riparian areas, Road decommissioning, and Restoration of dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek and Lost Lake.
In discussing the effects of the Proposed Action on the indicators of fish habitat, project elements are only included if they have a potential to affect the indicator.
In analyzing the effects of the alternatives on fish, we consider how the alternatives would affect the following items: water quality, habitat access, habitat elements, channel condition and dynamics, flow and hydrology, and watershed conditions (USDA et al., 2004). Flow and hydrology concerns include change in peak and base flows and increase in drainage network, and are analyzed in the Water Resources section of this document. They are not discussed further in this section.
Water quality Within the category of water quality, we are concerned with water temperature, suspended sediment, and chemical contaminants. Water temperature and suspended sediment are discussed in the Hydrology section of this document.
Habitat Access The Keechelus Lake Dam is a barrier to all fish species. Within the project area, the seasonal drawdown of the lake impedes fish passage into many tributary streams. The culvert at the FS Road 5480 crossing of Roaring Creek is also a barrier, although there are natural barriers to fish passage further downstream. The ford on the 5480-115 road may act as a barrier during low flow conditions.
Habitat Elements Key elements of fish habitat include substrate character and embeddedness, large woody debris, pool frequency and quality, large pools, off-channel habitat, and refugia. Cupp and Teske (2002) found substrate in Cold Creek to consist of cobble and boulders, and found none to be embedded. In the unnamed stream, substrate is highly embedded near the reservoir bed.
Historic logging has deprived streams of large wood in the Upper Yakima watershed. In the sections of Cold Creek and the unnamed creek surveyed by Cupp and Teske, wood seems to be functioning appropriately. The 1992 survey of Cold Creek found it to be
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deficient in large wood. The discrepancy between the two surveys is due to the size of wood that was counted as “large”. Dispersed camping along Cold Creek is retarding wood recruitment to the creek, and the recreational activities along Lost Lake are removing wood from the lakeshore.
Wood is the major agent of pool formation in these stream systems, so a decrease in wood recruitment would lead to a decrease in pool frequency and quality, and a corresponding decrease in the availability of large pools. Off-channel habitat is not abundant in the project area, due to a combination of natural conditions (slope) and loss of large wood. In some parts of the project area, stream channels were straightened and relocated for historic logging projects.
Refuge habitat for salmonids is provided by areas that are not subject to large variations in flow and temperature, such as groundwater-fed side channels and deep pools. In the project area, Cold Creek offers high quality pool refuge habitat.
Channel condition and dynamics Channel condition and dynamics elements include average wetted width to maximum depth ratio in pools, streambank condition, and floodplain connectivity. There are no data on width to depth ratios in pools in the project area. An increase in the width to depth ratio is often linked to increased sedimentation. Potential sedimentation resulting from the project elements is discussed in “Substrate character and embeddedness”, above, and in the Hydrology section of this document.
Within the project area, streambanks are generally stable. The dispersed campsite above the 5480-115 road crossing on Cold Creek has created a short length (<50 feet) of eroding bank. The banks of Lost Lake are degraded by extensive recreational use.
Floodplain connectivity in the project area has been degraded by the creation of the reservoir, roading, channel straightening, and historic timber harvest.
Watershed conditions Watershed conditions include road density and location, disturbance history, Riparian Reserves and disturbance regime.
The Roaring Thin landscape is highly fragmented from intensive even-aged clear cut harvesting in the 1940s-1990s; most of this harvest involved clearcut regeneration forest practices. A total of 3200 acres of young even-aged stands on historical or newly conveyed Forest Service lands were created. In addition, approximately another 1280 acres of land were clearcut on private land, for a total of about 5000 acres. On nearly all of these managed stands, snags were cut and all downed material was yarded to landings for piling and burning. The new forest planted back after original clear cutting is now 20-75 years old and lacking the snags, downed wood, and vertical structure of the indigenous forest.
19 9 Within the project area, the construction of the railroad bed and reservoir also altered the landscape. The railroad bed disrupted the tributaries on the west side of Keechelus Lake. Construction of the reservoir involved the removal of a large riparian forest from the area to be inundated. The dam has blocked fish passage for nearly a century, and as a result, the ecosystems above it are deprived of marine-derived nutrients.
Currently, the 12.5 sq. mi. project area contains 51.08 miles of road, for a road density of 4.08 miles/sq. mile. Several of these roads are located such that they contribute fine sediment to streams, influence stream flow, interfere with floodplain function or interrupt wetlands.
Riparian Reserves in the project area are currently functioning well in some respects and poorly in others. The streams are well-shaded by the dense young forest that dominates most of the project area. The small-diameter trees in these stands, however, are not able to provide the large wood necessary for the formation of pools and off-channel habitat. In some areas, riparian soils have been compacted by historic logging activity, and the ability of water to infiltrate and be stored is impaired. The high road density in the project area has created artificial stream channels and disrupted the function of riparian forests.
The project area has an infrequent fire return frequency, and it is likely that the stands have not missed a fire through human actions. Disturbance through flooding, however, has been altered through harvest, road construction, and reservoir management. In immature stands, a greater portion of precipitation makes its way to the ground, and runoff volumes are greater. Road construction has increased the drainage network and confined channels, leading to greater peak flows. The management of the reservoir has altered the function of streams in their lowest reaches. Alternative 1 (No Action)
Direct Effects on Fish Under this alternative, none of the project elements would be implemented. There would be no road and landing construction, and no falling and yarding. The crossing of the 5480-115 road over Cold Creek would remain as a ford. There would be no treatment of noxious weeds. Dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek and the banks of Lost Lake would continue to degrade aquatic habitat.
The ford on FS Road 5480-115 poses a threat to fish in Cold Creek. The road is currently used by Bonneville Power Administration for powerline access, and by the public for hunting and recreational access. Each time the ford is used, there is a potential for direct fish mortality through disturbance to the substrate.
Indirect Effects on Fish
Water quality: Under this alternative, there would be no effects on chemical contaminants in any of the water bodies within the project area.
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Habitat access: Under this alternative, all of these barriers would remain in place.
Habitat elements: Under the No Action alternative, we would not expect to see any change in substrate character and embeddedness. The paucity of large wood in the streams and the littoral zones of the lakes would continue, and might worsen as unmanaged recreation expands. Decreased wood recruitment from the existing dispersed campsites along Cold Creek is insignificant on the scale of the creek, and thus no change in pool frequency and quality or the availability of large pools is expected under the No Action alternative. Under the No Action alternative, there would be no change in the existing condition of refugia.
Channel condition and dynamics: Under the No Action alternative, these degraded conditions would worsen.
Watershed conditions:
Alternative 2 (No Action) Under the No Action alternative, there would be no work toward restoring the watershed. Conditions would remain degraded. There would be no restoration on roads, and they would continue to degrade habitat conditions in the project area. There would be no work toward restoring Riparian Reserve conditions, and these conditions would remain degraded. There would be no change in the disturbance regime.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action)
Direct Effects on Fish
Bridge construction:
Currently, FS Road 5480-115 crosses Cold Creek through an unimproved ford. As a component of the proposed action, a bridge may be constructed over Cold Creek. The bridge might be a temporary structure, used just for the duration of project activity, or a permanent structure.
If a temporary bridge is installed, the channel would likely not need to be dewatered. Wood planks or concrete precast footings would be installed, and only minor excavation would be required. The bridge would be lifted into place by a crane. Heavy equipment would cross the creek in the existing ford in order to install the footings. There is a potential for direct disturbance or crushing of fish from the equipment crossing. This risk would be mitigated by installing block nets up- and downstream of the ford prior to bridge installation. District fish personnel would electrofish the blocked-off section of the stream and relocate fish upstream of the project area.
201 Permanent bridge construction would follow the design parameters and conservation measures described in the “Biological Assessment for USDA Forest Service Fish Passage Restoration Activities Affecting ESA-listed Animal and Plant Species found in eastern Oregon and the whole of Washington” (USDA, 2003) and the Memorandum of Understanding between Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region Regarding Hydraulic Projects Conducted by USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region (January 2005). In accord with these documents, the minimum distance between the bridge footings would be equal to or greater than 1.2 times the bankfull channel width plus 2 feet. The bridge construction would be expected to directly affect fish in the following ways (USDA, 2003):
Occasional mortality and injury to indivi fish (primarily juveniles) due to collection and relocation Mortality to indivi fish (primarily juveniles) that may not have been removed prior to construction Short-term stress to indivi fish due to removal or relocation from work area Short-term loss of potential habitat to fish in the project vicinity Partial or complete blockage of fish passage during construction Short-term displacement of fish due to turbidity, human/machinery presence, activity, noise, and water quality
With a permanent bridge in place, fish species would benefit from the reduction of direct disturbance due to vehicle crossing, and from a reduction of sediment input to the stream.
Treatment of noxious weeds in riparian areas:
Under the Proposed Action, weeds in riparian areas would be treated with four herbicides: picloram, clopyralid, metsulfon, and glyphosate. Treatment with these herbicides was analyzed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program: Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants (FEIS) (USDA, 2005). Herbicides used to control terrestrial invasive plants can enter water through atmospheric deposition (from large scale agriculture operations), spray drift, surface water runoff, percolation, groundwater contamination, and direct application. With the application guidelines provided in the FEIS (USDA, 2005), the amount of herbicides or chemicals expected to reach water are expected to be very low, but the Forest Service cannot conclude with certainty that the levels of chemicals that could potentially reach streams with aquatic organisms would be zero.
It is unlikely that the use of herbicides proposed would cause fish kills at the concentrations of the active ingredients likely to occur in water. Mortality to fish is not expected, or likely, from operational use because dilution, degradation, adsorption and other factors reduce the amount of herbicide that could enter a water body. In rare circumstances, high concentrations of herbicides could wash into streams from rainfalls shortly after herbicide application along road ditches or other surfaces that rapidly generate overland flows, or as a result of an accidental spill. In such instances, localized
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fish kills are plausible in small tributary streams or small, enclosed water bodies where contaminated flows would not be readily diluted.
Road decommissioning:
None of the roads to be decommissioned or obliterated cross fish-bearing streams, and thus there would be no direct effects on fish.
Restoration of dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek and Lost Lake:
The restoration work proposed would follow the “Respect the River” approach to riparian restoration. It would involve: stream bank restoration; placing rock or other barriers such as fences to block vehicle access; gravel surfacing to designate access routes and parking; ripping or sub-soiling sites no longer to be used to remove compaction; planting shrubs and trees; clearing new sites to provide for displaced use or projected new use and relocating recreation sites outside of Riparian Reserves; reducing or clearing noxious weeds; hardening stream access sites; and installation of toilets. Campsite restoration work along Cold Creek would be timed to avoid potential spawning periods for bull trout, and thus no direct effects on fish in that stream are anticipated. On the shores of Lost Lake, the noise of construction activity would not exceed the noise typical of a busy summer weekend on the lake, and would not directly affect fish.
Indirect Effects on Fish
Water quality
Treatment of noxious weeds in riparian areas: As discussed above, weeds in riparian areas would be treated with four herbicides: picloram, clopyralid, metsulfon, and glyphosate. Treatment with these herbicides was analyzed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program: Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants (USDA, 2005). Herbicide treatment of invasive plants is expected to result in a low risk of water contamination because of the new Forest Plan standards included in the FEIS, and the additional site-specific mitigations developed at the project level. Mitigation for the Roaring Thin project will apply Standard #19, which provides direction for reducing or eliminating adverse affects: “…use site-specific soil characteristics, proximity to surface water and local water table depth to determine herbicide formulation, size of buffers needed, and application method and timing. Only those herbicides and herbicide mixtures registered for aquatic use would be considered when evaluating herbicide use near streams or surface water.”
20 3 Habitat Access:
Bridge construction
The construction of the bridge on FS Road 5480-115 would follow the design parameters laid out in the “Biological Assessment for USDA Forest Service Fish Passage Restoration Activities Affecting ESA-listed Animal and Plant Species found in eastern Oregon and the whole of Washington” (USDA, 2003). As a result, it would have no negative impacts on habitat access. As the channel is allowed to reshape itself at the former ford, the thalweg may carve a deeper route through the area, and the ford may be more accessible to fish during low flow conditions.
Habitat Elements
Road and landing construction: Roads and landings would be constructed with the protection of water features in mind. See Best Management Practices (BMPs), conservation and mitigation measures incorporated into the proposed action in Chapter 2. With the proper application of the BMPs, we do not expect to see increased sediment delivery to streams from road and landing construction, and thus there would be no effect on substrate character.
Roads and landings would not be constructed within the identified riparian buffers and sensitive areas.
Falling and yarding
In those stands with permanently-flowing streams, there would be no timber harvest within the inner gorge of the streams, and for a variable distance upslope from the inner gorge.
With these buffers in place, we won’t see a reduction in large wood recruitment to the streams or lakes. In areas where trees are selectively felled to provide large wood for streams, we would see an increase in the availability of large-diameter trees to the creek.
By strategically falling trees in areas where streams are deprived of large wood, we may accelerate pool formation. Consequently, there may be an increase in pool frequency and quality, and in the availability of large pools. This would increase the availability of refuge habitat for fish, and might enhance off-channel habitat by increasing the connectivity of creeks with their floodplains.
Falling and yarding has a potential to affect small streams (non-fish-bearing) when skyline corridors or skid roads cross the channels. If crossing is necessary the crossing would be perpendicular and mitigation such as corduroy or full suspension would be applied.
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Restoration of dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek and Lost Lake:
The habitat improvement activities along Cold Creek and the banks of Lost Lake would increase site productivity at those areas. In Cold Creek, approximately ¼ acre along the banks of the creek would be rehabilitated. Over time, trees would grow in the restored areas, and there would be a slight increase in wood recruitment to the creek. In Lost Lake, the restoration of lake shore habitat would increase downed wood availability in the littoral zone, and would improve fish habitat.
Bridge construction:
Substrate embeddedness may increase during bridge construction, and degrade fish habitat in the short-term. With the construction of a permanent bridge, project-related sediments would flush-out during high flow events, chronic inputs of sediment from the ford and its approach would be removed, and cars would no longer drive over the substrate. In the long-term, the construction of a permanent bridge would improve substrate character and reduce embeddedness in Cold Creek.
If a temporary bridge is installed, there would be some disturbance to Cold Creek’s bed as the bridge is placed and anchored. For either type of bridge, the required conservation measures found in Chapter 2 would minimize deleterious effects on fish habitat.
Road decommissioning: Substrate character could be impacted by the introduction of fines into creeks through erosion. The Programmatic Biological Assessment for selected Forest Management Activities on the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests (USDA, 2002, p. 108-109) gives a thorough review of the effects of road decommissioning on erosion:
“… road obliteration has the potential to cause short-term sediment delivery and turbidity to streams during or immediately after treatment until the soils stabilize. The potential sediment from treatment should be much less than if left untreated. Monitoring of decommissioned and obliterated roads on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest reported that from 1967 to 1983, 17 road-related landslides deposited 191,000 cu.m. of sediment into streams during four episodes of rain-on-snow run-off with recurrence intervals of 2 to 5 years. After decommissioning work only one road-related landslide occurred during the record rain-on-snow runoff of 1989 and 1990, and none of its sediment reached a stream (Harr and Nichols 1993). . .
Road decommissioning and obliteration should provide long term benefits to protected fish by restoring more natural watershed flow and sediment routing processes, reducing sediment input and mass wasting potential from roads and in some cases reducing human access. Restoring stream crossings, backfilling the prism to a more normal slope configuration and revegetating exposed soils can prevent most future erosion from the road (Furniss et al. 1991). Road obliteration with Conservation Measures should only result in insignificant amounts of sediment being generated…”
20 5 Restoration of dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek and Lost Lake: The restoration and closure of the dispersed campsite along Cold Creek would protect an expanse of high-quality spawning substrate from direct disturbance and sediment input from eroding banks. The slight increase in large wood availability in Cold Creek may lead to an insignificant increase in pool frequency in the creek, which could lead to an enhancement of refuge habitat.
Channel condition and dynamics
Road and landing construction: Road and landing construction would avoid seeps, springs and wetlands, as well as draws and intermittent and ephemeral stream channels. By foll owing the BMPs in the Water Resources discussion, above, road and landing construction would not increase sedimentation to streams or degrade streambank condition. There would be no effect on width to depth ratio. Careful placement of roads and landings would avoid disruption of floodplain connectivity.
Falling and yarding: Streambanks would be protected in the falling and yarding element of this project by the buffers and conservation measures (See Silvicultural Prescription and BMPs, Conservation and Mitigation measures in Chapter 2). In wetlands, small perennial streams, and unconfined flow and groundwater areas, the project would protect microsite conditions and avoid overbank flow that accelerates erosion due to project activities. Trees that hold soil in these zones would not be cut, and there would be a 50’ buffer adjacent to these features where 50% canopy closure is maintained. The operator would fall trees away from these features, and would avoid soil disturbance in these areas. If crossing is necessary the crossing would be perpendicular and mitigation such as corduroy or full suspension would be employed.
The no-harvest buffers, in combination with site-specific equipment exclusions, would protect floodplain soils from compaction and maintain floodplain connectivity in the project area. The potential for soil compaction is discussed in the Soils section of this document.
Construction of the bridge on 5480-115: Bridge construction would result in site specific degradation of the banks of Cold Creek, when footers are installed. Thirty feet of streambank upstream and thirty feet of streambank downstream would be cleared of vegetation to facilitate equipment operation. This degradation would be small in scale, and would have no effect on the stream as a whole.
Treatment of noxious weeds in riparian areas: Herbicide treatment could impact streambanks if target weed species were the dominant vegetation on the banks. In the project area, weeds are primarily found along roads and in the power line corridor. Treatment would not remove vegetation that anchors streambanks.
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Road decommissioning: None of the roads to be decommissioned cross fish-bearing streams. The removal of culverts on small channels would result in lengths of raw streambank. Road fill, on either side of the removed culverts, would be excavated to construct streambanks at approximately a 1:1 slope or flatter for adequate streambank stabilization. Coarse woody debris and rock from the surrounding area would be placed in the excavated floodplain and stream channel to construct a semi-natural streambed and provide energy dissipation.
Road decommissioning would restore floodplain connectivity in areas where roads have bisected floodplains. Ditch relief culverts and associated fill materials would be removed and the road surface outsloped at culvert locations. In addition, any cut and fill road construction which had intercepted springs and groundwater seeps would be recontoured to remove fill, outslope the road, disconnect drainage from the ditchline and re-establish natural flowpaths across the road bed.
Restoration of dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek and Lost Lake: The restoration of the dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek would improve streambank condition along the creek. Restoration activities at Lost Lake would improve lakeshore conditions. At least 2400 feet of streambank or shoreline would be protected or restored over the next 10 years.
By reducing soil compaction and increasing floodplain roughness near Cold Creek and Lost Lake, floodplain connectivity would be enhanced. The effect at Cold Creek would be very localized.
Watershed conditions
Road and landing construction: The proposed action includes the construction of 0.99 miles of temporary road, which would temporarily increase the road density in the project area to 3.73 mi/sq. mile. A bull trout watershed that is “properly functioning” has <1 mi/sq. mile of road (USDA, 2004).
Falling and yarding: The proposed action for this project is designed to move the treated stands toward Late Successional Habitat conditions. The silvicultural prescription (Chapter 2) was written with the goal of restoring the treated stands to a condition that mimics where they would be if they had not been harvested in the past. The proposed thinning prescription and conservation measures would move toward restoring the disturbance history in the project area.
Riparian reserves (beyond the inner gorge and additional buffer) would be commercially- harvested, according to the silvicultural prescription in Chapter 1. The prescription is designed to move the stands toward Late Successional Habitat conditions. By doing so, the project would move toward the restoration of “the species composition and structural
20 7 diversity of plant communities in riparian areas”, as outlined in the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACSO #8), and would “restore habitat to support well-distributed populations of native plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate riparian-dependent species” (ACSO #9).
With the inner gorge buffers in place, the project would not alter the ability of the riparian reserves to provide shade or large wood to creeks.
Treatment of noxious weeds in riparian areas: Noxious weeds have displaced native vegetation in the project area. The treatment of noxious weeds would help to restore the species composition of plant communities in the riparian areas.
Road decommissioning: At the close of harvest activities, the 0.99 miles of temporary road would be obliterated. In addition, the proposed action includes the obliteration of 10.07 miles of road, the conversion of 1.24 miles of road to trail, and the gating of 6.08 miles of road. The proposed action would result in a reduction of the road density in the project area to 3.28 mi/sq. mile (41.01 mi./12.51 sq. mi.). The decommissioning of roads that currently interrupt floodplains and flow paths would improve the condition of riparian reserves in the project area.
Restoration of dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek and Lost Lake: By decompacting soils and reducing travel routes, restoration activities would improve the condition of riparian reserves along Cold Creek and around Lost Lake. An improvement in site productivity would improve the ability of the reserves to provide shade, large wood, nutrients, and filtration.
Summary Alternative 1 (No Action) The ford on FS Road 5480-115 poses a threat to fish in Cold Creek. The road is currently used by Bonneville Power Administration for powerline access, and by the public for hunting and recreational access. Each time the ford is used, there is a potential for direct fish mortality through disturbance to the substrate. Under the No Action alternative, the paucity of large wood in the streams and the littoral zones of the lakes would continue, and might worsen as unmanaged recreation expands.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Road and landing construction Roads and landings would be constructed with the protection of water features in mind, as specified in the BMPs in the Water Resources discussion. With the proper application of the BMPs, we do not expect to see increased sediment delivery to streams from road and landing construction, and there would be no effect on stream habitat. Roads and landings would not be constructed within identified riparian buffers and sensitive areas. The proposed action includes the construction of 0.99 miles of temporary road, which would temporarily increase the road density in the project area to 3.73 mi/sq. mile. A
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bull trout watershed that is “properly functioning” has <1 mi/sq. mile of road (USDA, 2004).
Falling and yarding Riparian reserves (beyond the inner gorge and additional buffer) would be commercially- harvested, with a prescription designed to move the stands toward Late Successional Habitat conditions. This would move the toward the restoration of “the species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas”, as outlined in the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACSO #8), and would “restore habitat to support well-distributed populations of native plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate riparian- dependent species” (ACSO #9). With the inner gorge buffers in place, the project would not alter the ability of the riparian reserves to provide shade or large wood to creeks. The selective felling of trees within the inner gorges would help to restore the role of large wood in the creeks.
Construction of the bridge on FS Road 5480-115 Of the project elements, bridge construction would have the greatest effects on fish, both positive and negative. Bridge construction is a major activity on a creek, and would create short-term sediment delivery and substrate disturbance in Cold Creek. Fish would be removed from the project area prior to disturbance, and could be harmed through capture and handling. When the bridge was in place, it would be a significant improvement over the existing ford. Chronic substrate disturbance would be eliminated, and sediment delivery from the approaches to the ford would cease. The potential for direct fish mortality would be removed.
Treatment of noxious weeds in riparian areas Weed treatment would be designed to protect aquatic features, but the risk of herbicide contamination in creeks can not be fully eliminated. The Cle Elum Ranger District would guard against contamination by evaluating weather conditions, applicator experience, and site conditions before approving weed treatment.
Road decommissioning At the close of harvest activities, the 0.99 miles of temporary road would be obliterated. In addition, the proposed action includes the obliteration of 10.07 miles of road, the conversion of 1.24 miles of road to trail, and the gating of 6.08 miles of road. The proposed action would result in a reduction of the road density in the project area to 3.28 mi/sq. mile (41.01 mi./12.51 sq. mi.). The decommissioning of roads that currently interrupt floodplains and flow paths would improve the condition of riparian reserves in the project area.
Restoration of dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek and Lost Lake. By decompacting soils and reducing travel routes, restoration activities would improve the condition of riparian reserves along Cold Creek and around Lost Lake. An improvement in site productivity would improve the ability of the reserves to provide shade, large wood, nutrients, and filtration.
20 9
Pre-commercial thinning Pre-commercial thinning, when done in accord with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest’s Programmatic Biological Assessment for Selected Forest Activities (2002), would not impact fish or fish habitat.
Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects related to fish and aquatic habitats include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed, as described in Chapter 2. The incremental effects of all of these actions work together to determine the watershed’s progress toward meeting ACSO, as described in the beginning of this discussion.
The Roaring Thin landscape is highly fragmented from intensive even-aged clear cut harvesting in the 1940s-1990s; most of this harvest involved clearcut regeneration forest practices. A total of 3200 acres of young even-aged stands on historical or newly conveyed Forest Service lands were created. In addition, approximately 1280 acres of land were clearcut on private land, for a total of about 5000 acres. On nearly all of these managed stands, snags were cut and all downed material was yarded to landings for piling and burning. The new forest planted back after original clear cutting is now 20-75 years old and lacking the snags, downed wood, and vertical structure of the indigenous forest. BPA continues to manage their powerline corridor to prevent fires.
The proposed action for this project is designed to move the treated stands toward Late Successional Habitat conditions. The silvicultural prescriptions were written with the goal of restoring the treated stands to a condition that mimics where they would be if they had not been harvested in the past. If the prescription is implemented accurately and conservation measures are observed, the project would move toward restoring the disturbance history in the project area (consistent with ACSO#1, 8, and 9). Noxious weeds have displaced native vegetation in the project area. Treatment of these weeds would move the project area toward a native species composition (consistent with ACSO#9).
Within the project area, the construction of the railroad bed and reservoir also altered the landscape. The railroad bed disrupted the tributaries on the west side of Keechelus Lake. Construction of the reservoir involved the removal of a large riparian forest from the area to be inundated. The BOR dam has blocked fish passage for nearly a century, and as a result, the ecosystems above it are deprived of marine-derived nutrients. The Roaring Thin project will not alter these conditions, but will not impede any future effort to attain ACSO #2, spatial and temporal connectivity within and between watersheds.
Road and landing construction and bridge construction would have no effects on the disturbance history in the project area. With conservation measures in place, these activities will be consistent with ACSO #4 (maintain and restore water quality necessary to support healthy riparian, aquatic, and wetland ecosystems) and ACSO#5 (maintain and restore the sediment regime under which aquatic ecosystems evolved). Campsite restoration would have small positive effects on watershed conditions, but would not
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address the legacy of clearcutting in the watershed. The small improvement in bank conditions is consistent with ACSO #3, maintain and restore the physical integrity of the aquatic system, including shorelines, banks, and bottom configurations.
More than 10 miles of road, most originally constructed for timber harvest, would be obliterated at the completion of this project. This would significantly reduce road density in the project area (see road density discussion, above), and would address the legacy of historic timber harvest in the watershed. This reduction in road density is consistent with ACSO#4, 5, and 6, although the location of the roads to be obliterated is such that we don’t expect to see any effects to sediment regime or peak or base flow.
Floodplain inundation and water table elevation in meadows and wetlands have been impacted by the history of disturbance in this watershed. Roads bisect wetlands, and compacted soils have impaired floodplain function. The reduction in road density and efforts to restore floodplain function associated with this project are consistent with ACSO#7, maintain and restore the timing, variability, and duration of flood plain inundation and water table elevation in meadows and wetlands. The operation of Lake Keechelus as reservoir, however, is a dramatic departure from the natural condition of floodplains in the watershed. Our incremental improvements are dwarfed by the magnitude of alteration from reservoir drawdown.
Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) Alternative 1 (No Action) is not consistent with the Standards and Guidelines relevant to fisheries found in the 1997 Snoqualmie Pass AMA Plan (USDA, 1997), as listed in the Regulatory Framework section of this discussion. In particular, taking no action on the dispersed camping areas on Cold Creek and Lost Lake violate RM-2. Failing to treat the roads issue in the project area would be inconsistent with RF-3.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) of the Roaring Thin Restoration Project is consistent with the Standards and Guidelines relevant to fisheries found in the 1997 Snoqualmie Pass AMA Plan (USDA, 1997), as listed in the Regulatory Framework section of this discussion. The alternative is also consistent with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives. The silvicultural prescriptions are designed to move the stands toward Late Successional Habitat conditions, and thus harvest in the Riparian Reserves, outside the designated buffers, is consistent with TM-1. Roads analysis was completed for the project area, and more than 10 miles of road are proposed for obliteration, in keeping with RF-3. The ford on FS Road 5480-115 would be replaced with a bridge, and the bridge would be designed according to regional standards (RF-4 and RF-6).
Dispersed camping areas along Cold Creek and the banks of Lost Lake would be rehabilitated to enhance site productivity (RM-2). Noxious weeds in riparian areas would be treated in accord with regional standards (RA-3).
211 The proposed action could have negative effects on federally-threatened bull trout and Region 6 sensitive rainbow and cutthroat trout through bridge construction and noxious weed treatment. The construction of the bridge is likely to result in:
Occasional mortality and injury to indivi fish (primarily juveniles) due to collection and relocation Mortality to indivi fish (primarily juveniles) that may not have been removed prior to construction Short-term stress to indivi fish due to removal or relocation from work area Short-term loss of potential habitat to fish in the project vicinity Partial or complete blockage of fish passage during construction Short-term displacement of fish due to turbidity, human/machinery presence, activity, noise, and water quality
While the construction activity would be detrimental to fish, the bridge itself would be an improvement over the existing condition. Fish would suffer less substrate disturbance and sediment delivery than they do at present if the ford were replaced with a bridge.
With the application guidelines provided in the FEIS (USDA, 2005), the amount of herbicides or chemicals from weed treatment expected to reach water are expected to be very low, but the Forest Service cannot conclude with certainty that the levels of chemicals that could potentially reach streams with aquatic organisms would be zero. In rare circumstances, high concentrations of herbicides could wash into streams from rainfalls shortly after herbicide application along road ditches or other surfaces that rapidly generate overland flows, or as a result of an accidental spill. In such instances, localized fish kills are plausible in small tributary streams or small, enclosed water bodies where contaminated flows would not be readily diluted. The Cle Elum Ranger District would guard against such eventualities by evaluating weather conditions, applicator experience, and site conditions before approving weed treatment.
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Recreation______How would recreational opportunities be impacted?
Regulatory framework The Forest Plan guides the management of the National Forest System Land. For this project area the Forest Plan incorporates the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990), the Northwest Forest Plan (1994) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), for more information refer to Chapter 1.
The Wenatchee Forest Plan goals provide for a well-balanced array of recreational opportunities across the breadth of recreation opportunities spectrum (ROS) in accordance with resource capability, public demands, and expectations for outdoor recreation. The ROS framework, which is used for inventorying, planning and developing recreation opportunities, is based on the concept that there is a range of opportunities that may be provided, depending on the physical setting, type of activities, and the experienced desired (USDA 1986). The ROS setting in the project area consists entirely of Roaded Natural. This setting is described as primarily natural in appearance but within a half-mile of roads.
By policy, the National Forests have been managed as “open” to dispersed camping, meaning unless other restrictions are specifically in place, camping is allowed anywhere on the forest. This direction has been true for the project area. By comparison, the opposite is true of the National Park system, which typically manages the parks as closed to camping unless specifically designated as open. Groomed snowmobile/multiple use and cross-country ski routes are designated by the Forest Service, and funding is provided through Washington State Parks, which collects user fees to pay for plowing of sno-parks and grooming of routes. The groomed cross-country route located on FS road 9070 is operated by the Summit-at-Snoqualmie under a special use permit. There is also a groomed cross-country ski route on John Wayne/Iron Horse Trail which is operated by Washington State Parks.
Analysis Methods The dispersed campsite and trail descriptions below were provided by field-going Forest Service employees whose duties include winter and summer patrolling for public contacts, litter removal, trail maintenance, and enforcement of regulations. Statements are based on their impressions from years in the field working directly in these areas. When there is a statement that sites or routes are “very popular” that indicates sites were busy almost every warm summer weekend or for winter activities they were heavily used on weekends with good snow conditions.
Affected Environment The lands within the Roaring Thin Restoration area have a variety of recreational uses. For both urban and local area recreationists trying to easily access National Forest System lands, this area is desirable. It is located approximately 60 miles from Seattle,
21 3 with access directly from Interstate 90. This highway is the main east-west travel corridor in the state. Along with the commercial access this route brings, it also provides easy access for area and regional residents seeking outdoor recreation opportunities.
Year-round recreation activities occur in the project area. Summer activities focus on dispersed car-camping and tent camping, hiking, fishing and day use especially near lakes occur in the analysis area. Numerous forest roads are used for driving for pleasure and sight seeing, berry picking, hunting and also for access to the dispersed campsites.
Winter recreation is also an important component of the recreation scene in this area. The Cle Elum Ranger District and Washington State Parks work closely together to provide quality snowmobile and cross-country ski trails as well as plowed Sno-Park access for winter recreationists. The Summit-at-Snoqualmie ski area, administered by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, is located at the northern edge of the project area.
Recreational Opportunities:
Miscellaneous and Day Use Recreational Opportunities:
These activities include driving for pleasure, viewing natural scenery, fishing, exploring, berry picking, hunting, and Christmas tree cutting. These are typical of the opportunities provided in most areas of the ranger district. There are several locations within the project area where topography allows both for vehicle parking and lake or river access, but without camping opportunities. These sites draw day-use visitors seeking opportunities to gather for swimming, sunning, picnicking and socializing on beach areas next to the water. There are no facilities, life guards, or other services provided by the Forest Service.
Un-roaded Area:
There is a portion of the northwestern section of the project area that is unroaded, with the exception of one old road segment, Rd #9070-122, that is mostly brushed in. This is an area of roughly 1,870 acres that contains the summer hiking trails discussed in the following section. The main recreational activities occurring within the area include day- hiking to various lakes, through-hiking or horseback riding on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCNST) and climbing of the various peaks.
Most of the area is covered by a dense blanket of silver fir and hemlock, with Douglas-fir and western red cedar at lower elevations. In the Cold Creek drainage, trees older than 700 years have been documented. Between 4,000 and 5,000 feet elevation, the forest canopy transitions into a subalpine forest, dominated by subalpine fir and mountain hemlock. Timber line in the area is near 5,000 feet; higher peaks in this area just poke above it. The area is largely an island of naturally-functioning ecosystems, centered on Humpback Creek.
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Winter use varies from occasional non-motorized use of Cold Creek Trail to small numbers of cross-country snowmobile users at Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes. Silver Peak is a regular destination for backcountry skiers.
Summer Trails:
The Roaring Thin Restoration project area includes National Forest System hiking trails, none of which are open to motorized use. Trailheads for these trails tend to be small, with little development beyond a sign and sometimes a bulletin board. The Pacific Crest Trail #2000, one of the most well-known routes in the country, traverses through the northwest portion of the project area for approximately three miles. This trail is a National Scenic Trail and horses and hikers are allowed, but the route is closed to mountain bikes and motorized users. In Section 5, T. 21, R. 11, E., W.M., an old spur road has recently converted from a road to a summer access trail that connects to the PCNST (USFS 2005).
Several hiker only routes interconnect in the same northwestern portion of the Roaring Thin Restoration project area, including Mt Catherine Trail #1348, Cold Creek Trail # 1303, Mirror Lake Trail # 1302, and Silver Peak Trail #1300. These are all popular, relatively high use, non-wilderness trails, within easy access of the Puget Sound.
A major trail route within the project area is a portion of the John Wayne/Iron Horse Trail, managed by Lake Easton State Park. This old railroad grade, following the shoreline of Keechelus Lake, is open to hikers, horses and mountain bikers. The trail is managed by Washington State Parks under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Forest Service where it crosses National Forest System lands. As it crosses lands that were originally owned by Plum Creek Timber (prior to acquisition by the Forest Service), Washington State Parks still owns the original railroad strip.
Camping Opportunities:
Camping is the most popular summer recreational activity in this area.
Developed Campgrounds: There are no developed campgrounds within the project area. The closest developed campground, Crystal Springs, is approximately three miles from the southern project area boundary.
Dispersed Camping: The project area contains numerous dispersed campsites, which are user constructed and without facilities. Dispersed camp areas within this project area have not had Forest Service provided portable toilets, dumpsters or drinking water provided. These dispersed campsites may be accessed either by a Forest Service System road, or just as commonly by an un-authorized road.
Parking at Site: Many of the dispersed campsites have a bare soil area where one or more vehicles park within the camp area, ground that can accommodate one or more tents, and
21 5 a user-constructed rock fire ring. Vehicles used to reach these campsites vary from low clearance family sedans, to high-clearance trucks, trailers or RVs and motor homes.
Walk-in Camping: A number of these dispersed sites are located along short walk-in trails that lead away from areas where campers park. In these cases, campers use tents and carry supplies into the camp area. Their vehicles may or may not remain within view from the campsite.
A very common draw to dispersed campsites is the attraction to water bodies, both lakes and streams. It is fairly uncommon to find routinely used, popular dispersed campsites located in a “dry” location, more than a few hundred yards from water. Combine a water-based location with flat ground and easy road access and there would likely be a dispersed campsite.
In a typical summer, campfire restrictions would be put into effect due to high fire danger. When fire closures occur, there are extra late evening patrols of the project area to enforce the campfire ban. These patrols require forest protection officers and fire prevention patrol crews to drive the project area’s maze of roads in the dark in order to contact campers and enforce the fire orders.
These dispersed camping areas are considered part of the general forest and have not had specific regulations written to modify user’s behavior or to provide site-specific resource protection. However there are numerous forest-wide regulations that may be enforced in these dispersed camping areas. These include prohibitions against damaging vegetation, illegal discharge of gray water, harming a natural feature, failure to bury human waste, littering, failure to fully extinguish a campfire, firing a weapon across forest roads, trails or bodies of water, and possession or discharge of fireworks. Many dispersed campsite users are drawn by the lack of fees, lack of onsite hosts, and greater freedom to arrange vehicles into parking configurations that allow groups to “circle the wagons” closer together. While some campers seek large camp stands for multiple families to gather together, others seek small openings surrounded by trees and shrubs to provide privacy.
While many roads in the project area may have a campfire ring that is used at some point during the season, the concentrated areas of dispersed camping are described below.
Outlet of Lost Lake:
This area is accessed from Forest Service System road #5480, just beyond its junction with road #5480-112. This site was acquired from Plum Creek Timber Company in 1999. Plum Creek had allowed the public to access the lake from this area, and campsites were user-created along with a small system of very poor roads, now deeply rutted. The easy access to the lake has created the demand for camping.
The dispersed sites were mapped in the summer of 2006, and there are currently ten rock fire rings/sites created by users. The map of this area is found in Appendix A. The road system becomes congested on weekends, with no organization to the parking. Vehicles
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also park along Road 5480 and users walk down into the area for day use. There is an old gravel roadway, once blocked and now re-opened by users, that creates a small boat launch ramp, usable during high lake levels. Much of the narrow roadway is rutted, and vehicles pull off and park in the low lying vegetation and on top of tree roots. There are large areas of “browned out” bare soil, and according to managers this has been expanding as more users try to create camp sites in this small parcel of land. There is a steep rocky grade at one end of what would be a loop road, now too damaged for vehicles to drive across to exit. The haphazard parking of vehicles at times blocks the boat access point and even some of the camping areas. The shoreline is lined with washed up logs, so beach access can be difficult if campers have blocked access routes to the water. There are no restrooms on site, and unburied human waste is evident in much of the brush surrounding the camp areas. It has been hard to enforce the year-round ban on fireworks and also on campfires, (during those times of prohibitive closures) in this area. Although there is lake access here, the area is used more by overnight campers than it is by anglers. The Washington Dept of Fish and Wildlife stocks this lake with triploid rainbow trout and has stated they would like to emphasize family oriented recreational fishing at this location.
Western Shore of Lost Lake:
This area of concentrated dispersed camping is accessed from Forest Service System road #5480-124 across the lake from the outlet camping describe above. The road terminates in a turnaround clearing, on a bench above the lake, with room for 8 to 10 vehicles. The Forest Service blocked the rutted spur roads that led from this parking area down steep slopes toward the water, but the barricades, boulders and logs, have been repeatedly removed. Recreationists have driven down these steep, brushy, single-width and rutted spurs, in order to get as close to the lake’s edge as possible. This activity is illegal and violators can be cited. Rain and snow melt have followed ruts created by vehicles, causing erosion. There are approximately six walk-in campsites in the area, with user trails in addition to the spur roads accessing the area. There are no restrooms, human waste is evident, and the area tends to attract party groups rather than anglers or family groups.
Cold Creek:
This area is recognized as an important area for resident fish and potential recovery of bull trout. See further discussion in the fish and aquatic resources section. There are two dispersed camp areas accessed from Forest Service System road #9070. One area is located west of the Forest Service System road #5480-115, along Cold Creek, with room for two to three vehicles. The other area is located east of the #5480-115, on a terrace above Cold Creek. It also has room for two to three vehicles. Resource damage in these areas is evident, with bank erosion from vehicles parking close to the edge of the creek; green trees have been cut, and down wood has been removed from in the stream. There is a large amount of trash and improperly disposed human waste present. These sites are both used less often than those adjacent to Lost Lake.
21 7 Winter Recreation:
Crystal Springs Sno-park, regarded as the busiest sno-park in the State of Washington, is located 1.5 miles to the south of the Roaring Thin Restoration project area. Some roads leading out of this sno-park enter the project area and in the winter are managed as designated groomed snowmobile/multiple use routes, and designated groomed cross- country ski trails. Multiple use for groomed snowroutes is defined as snowmobile, dogsled, cross country ski and snowshoe use.
Designated groomed motorized snowmobile routes include the main Lost Lake Road #5480, which intersects with Forest Road #5480-112. Snowmobilers then leave these groomed routes and use un-groomed areas for cross country travel.
Designated groomed cross-country ski routes include the portion of the Iron Horse/Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail that travels through the project area. This route is for skiing and snow shoeing only, (dogs are prohibited), and the grooming is maintained by Lake Easton State Park. The sno-parks used to access this trail are Hyak and Crystal Springs. This is a very popular ski trail, and an easy drive for Puget Sound visitors. This trail is designed as an easy route, and is heavily used by family groups.
The Summit-at-Snoqualmie grooms Forest Service System road #9070 for winter cross- country ski use, administered under permit by the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This road is part of a larger system of Nordic skiing trails immediately adjacent to the project area, (Hidden Valley trails). Forest Service System road # 9070 is used primarily as the return route to base camp for cross-country skiers who have taken a lift ride up to the adjacent system of ski trails. Forest Service System road #9070-124 is also groomed, and it serves as a loop route from the upper groomed system of trails in the Hidden Valley area, back to the base area.
Dog sledding has emerged as a popular use in the Crystal Springs area. There are no groomed or designated dog sled areas in the Roaring Thin Restoration project area.
Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 1 (No Action) Changes in Amount and Types of Opportunities for Unroaded Recreation:
Under this alternative, Forest Road #9070-122 would not be closed or restored. This road intrudes into acres that are otherwise unroaded. Although overgrown, the road bed and cuts are still discernable and its existence intrudes on some recreationists ability to get away from roads to enjoy a more “backcountry” feeling. There would be no vegetation treatments, new road construction, or changes to trails under this alternative. No action would preserve the status quo for most recreational use of the area. Changes in Amount and Types of Opportunities for Summer Trails:
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Under this alternative, there would be no changes to summer trails. No action would preserve the status quo for summer recreational use of the area.
Changes in Amount and Types of Opportunities for Miscellaneous and Day Use:
Under this alternative, there would be no changes to roads in the project area. No action would preserve the status quo for the kinds of miscellaneous recreational uses, including hunting, berry picking, driving for pleasure, and Christmas tree cutting in the area. Road access is useful for most of these activities, although many hunters prefer closed roads when hunting. Driving for pleasure would continue on existing roads, however the roads would degrade over time due to lack of maintenance, leading to fewer types of vehicles able to negotiate the rougher road conditions. There would also be no tree thinning projects, which may lessen opportunities for hunting and berry picking. More sunlight hitting the ground after thinning may enhance berry growth and new vegetation for browsing by deer and elk. Day use that is attracted to water destinations would not change, as roads would remain open, except for the increasingly poor road conditions as noted above.
Changes in Amount and Types of Opportunities for Dispersed Camping in Concentrated Use Areas:
Outlet of Lost Lake: Visitors would continue to use campsites that were created by other users, and were not designed or designated by the Forest Service. There are no restrictions on locations of camp areas other than scattered past attempts by mangers to place rock barriers to limit access to some sensitive areas. Sites would continue to expand each summer, as campers continue to spread campsites boundaries further from previously established area. Bare soil areas would continue to grow as vehicles crowd into the small road system and continue to park on top of vegetation which is eventually killed. The small road acting as a boat ramp would continue to erode, as vehicles drive into and out of the access ramp on a steep slope to the lake. Improper disposal of human waste would continue due to lack of restroom facilities. Anglers and day users would continue to have limited access to the lake, as campers would dominate parking opportunities.
Western Shore of Lost Lake: Vehicles would not be allowed past the parking area even with the no action alternative. Vehicles that drive beyond the parking area down the steep slopes may be cited for resource damage. Erosion damage would continue in areas where vehicles illegally traveled in the past. Walk-in sites would continue to be available.
Cold Creek: These sites would continue to have problems with erosion, damage to vegetation, improper disposal of human waste, and degraded water quality.
21 9 Changes in Amount and Types of Opportunities for Winter Recreation:
Groomed snowmobile/Multiple use Routes: There would be no changes to the designated groomed snowmobile/multiple use routes, Forest Road #5480 and Forest Road #5480-112, within the project area.
Groomed Cross-Country Ski Routes: There would be no changes to the designated groomed cross-country ski trails in the project area, the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail, Forest Road #9070 and Road #9070-124. The 5480-115 would not be added to the groomed system. Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The proposed action includes BMPs/mitigation measures to minimize impacts to recreational users and local residents, see Chapter 2.
Changes in Amount and Types of Opportunities for Unroaded Recreation:
Under this alternative, Forest Road #9070-122 would be obliterated and the area restored. Obliterating this road would enhance conditions for those that enjoy a more “backcountry” experience. The action alternative would enhance the unroaded character of this section of the planning area.
Changes in Amount and Types of Opportunities for Summer Trails:
Under this alternative, approximately 0.2 miles of Forest Road #9070-801 would be closed to motorized use, restored and narrowed to trail width. A new trailhead parking area, suitable for approximately four vehicles, would be built at the start of the new trail section. The type of use allowed on the trail would not be changed. The addition of 0.2 miles of trail would not be expected to alter the amount of use the trail receives, but would provide more defined and adequate parking.
The FS Rd 115 is a power-line access road that runs parallel to the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail. This alternative proposes to close this road to motorized traffic and create a groomed XC ski and horse/hiker trail. This creates the opportunity to create a loop system with the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail. The uses of this trail would be compatible with activities allowed on the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail in both summer and winter. Existing parking at the Crystal Springs Sno-park and Hyak Sno-park would serve as the primary parking access. This new trail would add to the opportunities currently provided by the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail by adding an area with beautiful views and challenging terrain.
Changes in Amount and Types of Opportunities for Miscellaneous and Day Use:
Under this alternative, 10.07 miles of exiting road would be obliterated and the area restored. In addition, 7.34 miles of road would be closed to public motorized access and either converted or managed as non-motorized trails. None of the roads proposed for obliteration or closure provide access to trailheads or other popular destinations. The
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proposed action would lessen the access for recreationists who enjoy driving gravel and dirt logging roads, even those with no specific destination. These roads were designed for logging access, but are used by people exploring, hunting, berry picking or looking for an isolated dispersed camp area. A large number of roads would remain in the planning area but users seeking specific motorized access may find their access by vehicles is not available. Day users seeking water destinations would be limited in their ability to drive to the embankment of Cold Creek on Forest Road #5480-115, and to the western shoreline of Lost Lake off of the end of Forest Road #5480-124. Both areas would remain accessible by foot.
In the short term, during thinning operations, a variety of roads may have temporary summer closures. This would be a temporary inconvenience.
Changes in Amount and Types of Opportunities for Dispersed Camping in Concentrated Use Areas:
Outlet of Lost Lake: Proposed Restoration: The maps of the current situation and proposed campsite plan are found in Appendix A. Four campsites with fire rings and parking would be designated. An additional four day-use parking areas would be designated and a toilet would be installed. No user created campsites would be allowed. A steep eroded roadway, that is no longer drivable, would be closed and the traffic flow redesigned. The current roadway used as a boat launch would be closed. A ramp that allows users to walk alongside rafts, small row boats and canoes would be installed. This would continue to allow boats to reach the lake, but without vehicle access on the steep slope. Restoration of the browned out and eroded areas would take place. These actions would decrease erosion.
The dispersed camping area would be reduced from ten to four sites. This would displace some campers to other areas, either in the Lost Lake area, or to other camp areas in the vicinity. The amount of day use and fishing would likely increase, as four parking sites for those users would now be available. There may be a decrease in large groups and parties that use the area, as they could no longer park and camp wherever they choose. As funding becomes available, a vault toilet would be installed. This would decrease the improper disposal of human waste.
Western Shore of Lost Lake: The steep spur roads that lead from the parking area down to the lake would be obliterated and the are restored to a hiking path width. Any user created trails that do not lead to a camp area or directly to the lakeshore would also be obliterated and restored. These actions would reduce erosion into the lake. The parking lot would be designed to accommodate vehicles, and campfire rings would not be allowed in the parking area.
Cold Creek: These camp areas would no longer be accessible by vehicles, as Forest Road #5480-115 would be closed by a gate. Eroded and browned out areas would be restored, reducing
221 erosion. Campers could still walk into the sites, but they are likely to become used much less.
Changes in Amount and Types of Opportunities for Winter Recreation: Groomed snowmobile/multiple use Route: This alternative would not change long-term groomed snowmobile/multiple use routes. However, there may be a short-term disruption of grooming due to the need to plow during harvest activities. There are two different possibilities in the seasonal timing of this alternative. The logging activities could be restricted to the late summer/fall or allowed to occur late summer/fall and during winter over snow. If logging activities are allowed to occur during winter it would be necessary to plow the groomed cross-country ski and/or snowmobile routes. The harvest of stands E, F, G, H, L, M and N would cause the Forest Service System roads #5400 and #5480, groomed snowmobile/multiple use routes, to be plowed. This plowing would potentially disrupt activities on these groomed routes for 2-3 months.
Groomed Cross-Country Ski Routes: This alternative would add a new groomed cross-country ski route and maintain the Forest Service System road #9070-124 as a groomed cross-country ski route. The FS Rd 115 is a power-line access road that runs parallel to the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail. This alternative proposes to close this road to motorized traffic and create a groomed XC ski and horse/hiker trail. This creates the opportunity to create a loop system with the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail. The uses of this trail would be compatible with activities allowed on the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail in both summer and winter. Existing parking at the Crystal Springs Sno-park and Hyak Sno-park would serve as the primary parking access. Grooming the 115 road is compatible with the adjacent 9070 road and its network of groomed cross-country ski trails under permit to the Summit-at-Snoqualmie. The trail would dovetail with the future goals of Washington State Park’s 2013 Centennial plan to improve trail access opportunities out of the Crystal Springs and Hyak Area. This route would not be open to dog-sleds.
In addition, Road #9070-124 (1.09 miles) would be closed to summer motorized travel, but narrowed down to cross-country ski width still suitable for winter grooming.
The proposed action would increase opportunities for cross-country skiing long-term; however the groomed route on the Forest Service System road #9070 may be plowed during harvest activities. There are two different possibilities in the seasonal timing of this alternative. The logging activities could be restricted to the late summer/fall or allowed to occur late summer/fall and during winter over snow. If logging activities are allowed to occur during winter it would be necessary to plow the groomed cross-country ski and/or snowmobile routes. The harvest of stands A, O, and R would cause the Forest Service System road #9070 groomed cross-country ski route (under permit to the Summit-at-Snoqualmie) to be plowed. This plowing would potentially disrupt activities on these groomed routes for several months.
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Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects on recreation include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects are described in chapter 2. The Plum Creek Acquired Road Restoration project (USDA Forest Service 2005) obliterated 4.94 miles of forest road on lands recently acquired from Plum Creek Timber Company, which reduced vehicle access to these lands; although these lands remain open to the public. The Upper Yakima watershed has seen an increase in private development as private timber companies have sold their timberlands. As these lands are sold, private landowners can prevent access to adjacent National Forest System lands, if legal easements on roads or trails that cross the private land are not present. The Upper Yakima watershed has experienced continued increases in the number of people visiting this area for recreation. As the population in the Puget Sound and Kittitas County increases, the number of users would likely increase. With more people recreating in a variety of activities, user conflicts and law enforcement problems are expected to increase.
Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) Alternative 1 (No Action) is inconsistent with the Standards and Guidelines for Recreation Management in the Riparian Reserve (USDA and USDI, 1994).
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) is consistent with the Standards and Guidelines for Recreation Management in the Riparian Reserve (USDA and USDI, 1994). Closing areas to dispersed camping is consistent when resource degradation is occurring.
22 3 Heritage Resources ______
Regulatory Framework Cultural resources are the material remains of human history and in many cases these remains are our only link to the past activities and lifeways of indigenous and nonindigenous (e.g., Euro-American) settlers. On the Wenatchee National Forest, a cultural resource site is defined as a locus of purposeful and interpretable human activity that contains physical manifestations of that activity (i.e. one or more features with or without artifacts; one or more formal tools found in association with other cultural materials; diverse cultural materials in densities beyond the level of one or a few lost artifacts; or physical manifestations of human activity that in the professional opinion of an archaeologist are indicative of purposeful human activity. A physical manifestation of human activity that does not appear purposeful and does not meet any criteria for designation as a “site” is defined as an isolate. Isolates are understood to consist of one or a few accidentally lost or randomly discarded artifacts. Traditional cultural properties (TCP) are cultural resource sites that have religious and cultural significance to American Indians and other groups.
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 established the Federal government’s policy and programs on historic preservation, including the establishment of the National Register of Historic Places. Section 106 of the Act (36 CFR 800) requires Federal agencies having direct or indirect jurisdiction over a proposed Federal or Federally-assisted or permitted undertaking to take into account the effect an undertaking may have on historic properties listed on or eligible for the National Register, and it affords the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) an opportunity to comment on such undertakings (16 U.S.C. 470f). The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) headed by the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the ACHP are the state and federal agencies respectively that are responsible for overseeing the management and protection of historic properties in compliance with the NHPA. Cultural resources that are listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register are called historic properties. Historic properties, and cultural resources that have not been formally evaluated per National Register criteria ( Bulletin 16; E.O.11593), are given consideration in planning for licensed, approved or funded Federal undertakings.
Analysis Methods
The full extent of prehistoric and historic use within the Roaring Thin Restoration Planning Area has yet to be determined. Previous surveys within the project area resulted in valuable information however (Table 39). Each survey was conducted in accordance with the Forest’s archaeological sampling strategy which requires the examination of 100 percent of high site probability, 35 percent of moderate site probability and 5 percent of low site probability landforms in a given planning area. These probability levels were developed from a combination of cultural and environmental factors and indicate the relative potential for cultural resources to be present. The survey model is based on four
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assumptions: people who lived within the boundaries of the Forest used resources in a non-random manner; some of their activities would have left traces upon the landscape; some of this evidence is likely to have been preserved; and at least some indication of these activities should be visible.
Field survey methods included the use of cultural resource technicians and/or archaeologists who intensively inspected the landscape using 10 to 30 meters transect spacing, as well as meandering transects. Survey results within the planning area indicate a low occurrence of prehistoric sites and a high historic site count.
Table 39. Previous archaeological research Report # Report Name Research Author Methods 1979-02 Roaring Ridge Cost Share Roads Survey Steve Griswold 1980-07 Chilly Timber Sale Survey Dallas Van Horn 1981-10 Lost View Timber Sale Survey Dallas Van Horn 1982-02 Roaring Flat Timber Sale Survey Dallas Van Horn 1989-04 Whisper Timber Sale Survey Matt Zweifel 1989-20 AT & T Line Survey BOAS 1990-23 AT & T Line Survey BOAS Puget Power Line Survey AHS 1990-24 & 1990-25 1996-06 WorldCom Line Survey Northwest Arch. Assc. 1997-05 Olympic Pipeline Survey HRA 1999-14 Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail Survey AHS
Previous surveys had identified five (5) cultural resource sites within this planning area. These properties include a historic trail, a saw mill, a flume and penstock, a lookout, homesteads, and several railroad-related properties.
The inventory specific to the Roaring Thin Restoration Project was completed during the months of August and September 2006 by one cultural resource technician with oversight by the Forest Archaeologist. Much of the area had previously been inventoried. Only 250 acres required inventory (190 acres with high site probability, 50 acres of medium site probability and 10 acres of low site probability). As a result of this survey, five new sites were recorded and five previously documented sites were relocated and documented. The total number of documented cultural resources in the planning area is ten. Site types include historic railways, a lookout, a sawmill, a historic trail, homesteads, and a penstocks and flume (Madden 2007). All ten sites were formally evaluated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Affected Environment While most cultural resources are discovered before a project is implemented, there is always the possibility that an undocumented site or isolate may be impacted. Logging activity, the development of landings, road rehabilitation and blading for road maintenance all have the potential to disturb cultural resources. In the timber sale
22 5 contract, Standard Contract provision BT6.24 Protection Measures Needed for Plants, Animals, Cultural Resources and Cave Resources, address this issue. This provision allows the Forest Service to automatically modify or cancel portions of the contract to protect an area or a cultural resource site if discovered while the project is underway. In the event that new sites are exposed by project activity, all work in the vicinity of the site would cease and the Forest Archaeologist would be notified in order to fully assess the nature of the discovery. Assessments could involve site documentation, testing for the purpose of evaluation, consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer and local tribes, and development of a site mitigation plan. The report on the findings as well as mitigation measures would be submitted to the proper agencies for review before any further project-related activity could resume in the vicinity of the discovery.
Logging: The two types of logging prescribed within the planning area are: skyline (with full or partial suspension), and ground-based logging (both summer and winter over- snow). Tractor logging has the most impact due to the high degree of ground disturbance associated with this method. Partial suspension methods also disturb the ground, but the total disturbance is limited to narrow corridors. Steeper terrain is generally correlated with low probability for the location of cultural resources. Sites with above ground features such as building remains are susceptible to even modest amounts of ground disturbance.
Skyline logging methods cause less ground disturbance than tractor yarding, as ground disturbance is usually limited to skyline corridors. However, partial suspension, with logs dragging has the potential to disturb buried sites by exposing and disturbing soil stratigraphy.
Roads: Road reconstruction and road rehabilitation are all ground disturbing activities with the potential to affect cultural resources. Roads in areas with slopes greater than 15 percent are generally of little concern, while roads on relatively flat ground need to be inspected closely before reconstruction and obliteration. As the number of miles of road scheduled for construction increases so to does the likelihood of encountering sites
Intensive fuel reduction techniques of hand-piling slash, (Timber Stand Improvement)TSI and hand-pruning trees have a low potential to effect cultural resources. These techniques would have minimal ground disturbance associated with them. Fuel reduction and the prevention of intense fires may contribute to the preservation of fire-sensitive sites (e.g. cabins). Low intensity fires do not often consume the remains of historic buildings and other features or contribute to unstable soils, while hot fires consume all flammable remnants and alter prehistoric remains to a greater extent.
Overall: Opening the area for timber harvest, road obliteration and construction, construction of a cross country ski trail (using existing openings and possible temporary road location), possible installation of a bridge and restoration activity around Lost Lake, may leave some sites more accessible by the public and susceptible to soil compaction, erosion and vandalism.
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Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 1 (No Action) Effects to documented historic properties would be limited to natural processes of weathering and erosion. Under the no action alternative, there would be no new risk to cultural resources. Sites would not be exposed to any potential impacts from project activities.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The proposed action would consist of ten stands comprising 427 acres of commercial thinning and 139 acres of treatments to create snags and downed logs (all former clear- cuts dating back to the 1960s or before); 1400 acres of pre-commercial thinning and 10.07 miles of road obliteration (munching of the road surface using a backhoe excavator and placement of a berm at the beginning of each road). If funding allows, a temporary or permanent bridge may be built at an existing modern bridge abutment that crosses Cold Creek. It would be used during logging but if permanent, it would be gated and used by the BPA to access their power lines. Logging would occur during the summer/fall and winter. Winter operations would occur over at least 20 inches of snow or frozen ground.
Recreation-based aspects of the project would include cross country ski trail construction (using existing openings and possible temporary road location) and restoration activities at Lost Lake. A cross country ski trail is proposed through the northern portion of timber Stand A. The trail would tie two trails together because there is no access across Cold Creek. The trail would be 30 feet wide and would be built following timber harvest to take advantage of Forest openings created by thinning. A few trees may still need to be removed for the trail however. At Lost Lake, one (1) mile of road would be converted to a trail and restoration work is planned in two areas that have been damaged due to recreational use and sprawl. Restoration work would involve designating areas with rocks/logs and planting of new vegetation.
Skyline and tractor harvest methods would be used in logging. Most activity would take place on terrain with moderate to low site probability but as the number of treated acres increases, so does the potential for disturbing a site or isolate not discovered during the sample survey. Developed landing sites pose a potential risk to cultural resources due to the extensive amount of ground disturbance required to construct them. Cultural resource surveys prior to clearing the areas have eliminated this risk. Requiring winter logging over 20 inches of snow or frozen ground in stands requiring ground-based skidding would help protect cultural resources. Maintaining and re-opening roads is low risk because this is associated with roads built on moderately steep ground and in previously disturbed areas. Road obliteration after use poses little risk to cultural resources in this particular landscape.
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Table 40. Cultural resources in project area Property National Action Alternative Alternative Management No Register Recommendations Status 03-09 Ineligible Site is outside any Site can and would be avoided but as proposed disturbance. an ineligible resource it requires no further management consideration. 03-10 Ineligible Site is outside any Road obliteration would not affect the proposed disturbance. trail. Site can and would be avoided but as an ineligible resource it requires no further management consideration. 03-14 Ineligible Site is adjacent but Site can and would be avoided but as an outside a proposed ineligible resource it requires no further harvest stand. management consideration. 03-15 Ineligible Site is outside any Site can and would be avoided but as an proposed disturbance. ineligible resource it requires no further management consideration. 03-16 Eligible A skid trail would cross a Stand boundary would be adjusted to portion of Feature 1. avoid the site; 20 inches of snow or frozen ground required to skid over Feature 1.
03-636 Site is outside any Site can and would be avoided. Road Eligible proposed disturbance. obliteration would avoid site. 03-637 Site is outside any Site can and would be avoided. Eligible proposed disturbance. 03-638 Outside any proposed Site can and would be avoided Eligible disturbance. 03-639 Site is adjacent to a Stand boundary would be adjusted to Eligible proposed harvest stand A avoid the site. 03-640 Outside any proposed As an ineligible resource it requires no Ineligible disturbance. further management consideration.
Mitigation Measures for Action Alternative except Current Condition
Under the action alternative, treatments are proposed during the winter within the boundary of cultural resource site 03-16. The site lies outside a thinning stand but the district proposes to use the railroad spur (Feature 1) as a skid trail. The railroad spur (Feature 1) is overgrown with 8 to 30 inch DBH trees and there are no artifacts or features present within the grade. Tie impressions are visible in places but the ties themselves have long since been removed. The site is eligible for the National Register but Philipek’s (1985) research on the effects of winter logging on archaeological deposits, indicate that a snow depth of 20 inches (or frozen ground as proposed), should
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provide sufficient protection to archaeological deposits. As such, the site should not be adversely affected by proposed treatments.
If recommended protection measures cannot be implemented or are not successful, appropriate mitigation would be undertaken. Mitigation may entail data recovery through limited excavation/testing. Inspections of properties in the planning area would continue and project and site monitoring reports would be compiled to document accomplishments and inspections. Provided these stipulations are followed, the implementation of the Roaring Thin Restoration project under the action alternatives would have no effect on documented or undocumented historic properties that are listed on, or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Reserved Indian Rights and Forest Service Trust Responsibility
The Roaring Thin Restoration Project Planning Area is located on lands ceded to the U.S. Government under the 1855 Yakima Treaty. As such, members of the Yakama Indian Nation retain certain rights and privileges. These “reserved” rights are still excised by tribal members today under tribal regulations and remain enforceable under the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution until extinguished by Congress. Article 3 of the Yakima Treaty defines those rights as follows: The exclusive right to take fish in all streams, where running through or bordering said reservation; The right to taking fish at all usual and accustomed places, in common with the citizens of the Territory, and of erecting temporary houses for curing them, together with; The privilege of hunting, gathering roots and berries, and pasturing their horses and cattle upon open and unclaimed land
The Roaring Thin Restoration Project would in no way affect the rights and privileges of the Yakama Nation. The Colville Confederated Tribes have no treaty rights within the project area but it is within their tradition use area.
Trust responsibility is the U.S. Government’s permanent legal obligation to exercise statutory and other legal authorities to protect tribal land, assets, resources, and treaty rights, as well as a duty to carry out the mandates of Federal law with respect to American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes. For the Forest Service, fulfillment of trust responsibility requires consultation with tribes. With respect to this project, both the Yakama Nation and the Confederated Colville Tribes were consulted via formal government-to-government letters that defined the project and solicited their concerns and knowledge regarding resources of interest to them within the planning area. No comments were received.
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Scenic/Landscape Character ______How would the scenic quality and landscape character of the area be impacted?
Regulatory Framework The Forest Plan guides the management of the National Forest System Land. For this project area the Forest Plan incorporates the Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990), the Northwest Forest Plan (1994) and the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management Area Plan (1997), for more information refer to Chapter 1.
The Wenatchee Forest Plan (1990) has designated scenic quality objectives and recreation setting objectives for the Roaring Thin Restoration Project Area. The Visual Quality Objectives, VQO, are allocated as follows: The Interstate 90 viewshed is allocated as Scenic Travel 1 (ST-1) Retention VQO foreground, and the middleground is allocated as Scenic Travel 2 (ST-2) Partial Retention VQO, General Forest (GF) Modification VQO, and Special Interest 1 (SI-1) Retention VQO. Foreground is defined as views up to ½ mile distance; middleground is seen from ½ to 4 miles from viewing area. In the project area, other travel routes of importance for recreation, scenic values and access to private landowners adjacent to National Forest System lands are forest roads #5480, #9070 and several routes off these main roads. These roads are used for year round access to dispersed campsites, high mountain lakes, trails, trailheads, groomed snowmobile/multiple use routes, and groomed cross-country ski trails. The GF designation implies that management activities can dominate and alter the existing natural appearing to slightly altered landscape character. However, wildlife objectives are generally compatible with scenery objectives, and meeting higher scenic quality objectives (than Modification) are obtainable.
In areas designated as Retention VQO, all foreground landscapes shall have the visitor perception of natural appearing and would have HIGH scenic integrity. HIGH scenic integrity refers to landscapes where the valued landscape character “appears” intact. Deviations may be present but must repeat the form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the landscape character so completely and at such scale that they are not evident. (Landscape Aesthetics Handbook 701, p 2-4).
In Partial Retention VQO areas the visitor would perceive a natural appearing to slightly altered landscape viewed in foreground and middleground areas and would have MODERATE scenic integrity. MODERATE scenic integrity refers to landscapes where the valued landscape character “appears slightly altered”. Noticeable deviations must remain visually subordinate to the landscape character being viewed. (USDA FS, 1995, Landscape Aesthetics, p. 2-4).
In areas designated as Modification VQO, human activities would be visually evident, but should blend into the landscape by utilizing naturally established form, line, color and texture of the natural landscape. Modification areas would have LOW scenic integrity. LOW scenic integrity refers to landscapes where the valued landscape character “appears moderately altered”. Deviations begin to dominate the valued landscape character being
231 viewed but they borrow valued attributes such as size, shape, edge effect and pattern of natural openings, vegetative type changes or architectural styles outside the landscape being viewed. They should not only appear as valued character outside the landscape being viewed but compatible or complimentary to the character within. (USDA FS, 1995, Landscape Aesthetics, p. 2-4).
Analysis Methods The analysis area in the Roaring Thin Restoration Project is analyzed in the context of the surrounding landscape. The following are criteria for measuring changes to the existing landscape character: Amount of changes seen on the landscape, shape, size and arrangement of vegetation management stands and harvest methods, location and amount of new roads constructed in visually sensitive areas, and location of stands in a given viewshed or from fixed viewpoints. Enhancement of existing landscape character and scenic attractiveness, amount of existing roads obliterated or converted to trails, riparian habitats restored and visual impacts from dispersed camp sites are rehabilitated. Consistency with Forest Plan standards and guidelines; the resulting scenic integrity level in the short and long term (based on how well Vegetative treatments and Restoration activities meet the established VQO as viewed from U.S. Interstate 90, The Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail and areas that are sensitive for recreation).
The landscape character goal for the Roaring Thin Restoration Project area is to maintain a naturally appearing to slightly altered landscape character that expresses predominately natural processes in the scenic viewsheds. The current vegetative character where treatments are proposed consists of an even aged plantation that has resulted in the past from harvesting established to produce high yields of timber and not old growth forest conditions. A transitional approach to move the high density stands towards a lower density species pattern and variety in composition is desirable for the landscape character. Retaining large trees, unique habitats, and water features that provide viewing opportunities from travel routes, trails, and viewpoints is desired. Restoration activities of closing roads would benefit the scenic resource by reducing linear contrast in the viewsheds. From a scenery enhancement approach, ecologically sound landscapes can also be aesthetically pleasing as well as sustainable, being reflective of the inherent natural disturbance regimes that are in scale to the appropriate vegetative type.
Affected Environment Scenic quality is an important amenity in our lives. People’s interests and expectations regarding ecosystems help establish desired aesthetic conditions for the varied landscapes. All naturally established existing landscape patterns throughout the forest are to be maintained with changes that would not degrade the existing character. Where unnatural landscape character exist from past management practices, these areas can be improved through rehabilitation or enhancement to promote landscape character that are scenically and ecologically attractive. Local residents, recreation users and tourists all value the scenery within the Roaring Thin Restoration Project area.
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Existing Scenic Integrity
Scenic integrity is the amount of human caused deviation in form, line, color, and texture of a landscape. Scenic integrity serves as a frame of reference for measuring scenic integrity levels based on the valued attributes of the existing landscape character being viewed. The degrees of integrity vary from very high to very low. The degree of scenic altered condition depends on the amount of changes seen from identified viewsheds. Table 41 displays the 5 scenic integrity levels and conditions associated with each level. Table 41. Scenic integrity levels Scenic Integrity Level Condition (Forest Plan Visual Quality Objectives) Very High (Preservation VQO) Unaltered High (Retention VQO) Appears Unaltered Moderate (Partial Retention VQO) Slightly Altered Low (Modification VQO) Moderately Altered Very Low (Maximum Modification) Heavily Altered
The Roaring Thin Restoration project area has a range of existing scenic integrity levels from Low to Moderate to High, naturally appearing to slightly altered or moderately altered based on vegetative characteristics. The scenic integrity levels meet the Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines for a natural appearing foreground viewed from the designated travel routes. Some areas of the middleground appear slightly altered to altered as a result of past timber harvest activities and extensive roading.
Important Interactions
Thinning trees and harvest systems can affect the scenic resource by altering the naturally established form, line, color, and texture in a given viewshed. The natural landscape character of the landscape and the existing scenic integrity level (condition) would be affected. Scenic impacts of the change depend on the interactions of the following: Access to stands by existing roads and skid trails. Treatment methods for mechanical thinning. Slash disposal methods. Shape, size, and arrangement of thinning stands. Topographical relationship to viewer’s position and duration of view. Existing landscape character and scenic integrity. The ability of the viewshed to absorb change.
Visual absorption capability (VAC) indicates the relative ability of any landscape to accept human alteration without loss of landscape character or scenic integrity level. (USDA FS, 1993, Landscape Aesthetics, D-1). The ability of a particular viewshed to absorb change is based on several factors including, but not limited to, soil color, texture of vegetation, slope, and percentage of existing alteration to the viewshed. Other factors used in VAC analysis include viewer’s perception of expectations, viewer’s position in the landscape, duration of view, distance, and proposed activity in terms of scale, size, shape, and distribution. Using VAC it is possible to rate the project on how easy or
23 3 difficult it is to blend the activity into the surrounding landscape. VAC is rated in terms of high, medium, or low; high being the easiest to accomplish, low being the most difficult. In general, the Roaring Thin Restoration Project has a medium to high VAC rating due to the amount of existing roads from past management activity, the mosaic texture of the vegetative patterns, and diverse landform of the project area from the allocated ST-1 route of U.S. Interstate 90. The dissected landform in the Roaring Thin Restoration Project area has several stream lined valleys that rise to the surrounding ridgelines.
Table 42. Scenic criteria The following Scenic Criteria were developed for analysis of Environmental Consequences HIGH Landscape Character and Mosaic landscape patterns, less uniformity. Scenic Condition High diversity of structures and variety of (Concept for all foreground areas) spaces. Light treatment to the landscape. Alterations emulate natural appearing patterns. Open spaces with variety of patterns. Areas of dense, mosaic, and clumpy arrangement of textural patterns. Interesting landscapes.
MODERATE Landscape Character Combination of Mosaic and Uniform landscape and Scenic Condition pattern. Some diversity of structure. Some (Preferred in other landscapes) variety of spaces. Moderate treatment to the landscape. A variety of natural to slightly altered to altered conditions. A variation of natural patterns. A variation of interest in the landscape. Some textural patterns are retained.
LOW Landscape Character and Uniform landscape patterns. Low diversity of Scenic Condition structures, little variety of spaces, sameness. (Not desirable in any landscape) Heavy treatment to the landscape. Dominate scenic conditions of roads, skyline corridors, and mechanical disturbances. Alterations do not appear natural, heavily altered conditions. Natural patterns are destroyed. Boring, bleak, barren and sparse landscapes.
The Roaring Thin Restoration Project area is divided into three landscape areas for scenic analysis based on landscape visibility and sensitivity levels, the U.S. Interstate 90 Viewshed, The Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail Viewshed, and the General Forest viewshed.
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U.S. Interstate 90 Viewshed Retention VQO Foreground, Partial Retention VQO/Middleground
The project area is seen as foreground and middleground from U.S. Interstate 90. I-90 follows the north east shore of Keechelus Lake, the Roaring Thin Restoration Project is located directly on the south west shore of Keechelus Lake and up to the surrounding mountain ridge lines. Keechelus Lake is a distinct landscape feature located along Interstate 90 that is a readily identifiable water body framed by a variety of conifers, riparian habitat and steeply dissected landforms creating the backdrop with a forested landscape. The elevations range from 2,475 at Keechelus Lake to the first landform break of Roaring Ridge with a peak of 4,988. High mountain peaks and ridgelines form the backdrop ranging from Yakima Pass at 3,575 to Tinkham Peak at 5,395 and Silver Peak, approximately 5600 feet in elevation. The viewshed is in a mixed state of altered to slightly altered to natural appearing forested environment. In the past, the land was managed by a mixture of public to private landowners with a variety of different land management objectives. As a result, some of the landscape areas have a “checkerboard” appearance where lands were clearcut and now have even aged stands with a high amount of roads. In the high elevation areas the landscape is natural appearing and unroaded creating a contrast between the managed and unmanaged landscape. Other alterations to the landscape include a powerline corridor in the lower elevations following the southwest edge of Keechelus Lake and an old Burlington Northern Railroad corridor that has been converted to a trail (The Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail). Winter use in the area is along groomed trails and in open areas of the forest setting for snowmobiles and cross-country skiing.
The Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail Retention Foreground The Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail follows the west side of Keechelus Lake along the valley bottom of the project area. The foreground area is natural appearing from these areas. There may be places viewed in the middleground of the Roaring Thin Restoration project area that appear slightly altered to altered from past management activities.
General Forest areas those sensitive for recreation and scenic objectives Travel routes of importance for recreation, scenic values and access to private landowners adjacent to NFS Lands are Forest Roads 5480, 9070 and several access routes off these main roads. These Forest Roads are used for year round access to dispersed camp sites, high mountain lakes, Lost Lake, trails, trailheads, groomed snowmobile/multiple use routes, and groomed cross-country ski trails. The landscape appears altered to natural appearing from past management activities.
23 5 Environmental Consequences
Direct and Indirect Effects Alternative 1 (No Action) In the short term, the landscape would remain as a mosaic pattern of natural appearing to slightly altered and altered landscape character and scenic condition as it currently exists. The vegetative component of the landscape would continue to grow as an even aged stand of plantations. The highly textured tree density patterns would continue to dominate the landscape character. The opportunity to enhance scenic quality, improve the forested setting and enhancement of large tree character would not take place. A transitional approach to managing the even aged plantations to accelerate late- successional forest conditions would not take place. Watershed restoration projects of closing and obliterating old roads and restoring dispersed campsites to a natural condition would not take place.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Forest Road 9070 would have skyline commercial thinning along approximately ½ mile of the foreground near the lower elevation of the project boundary. Forest Road 5480 and 5480-112 would have precommercial thinning along most of the foreground and around Lost Lake. In addition, there would be some commercial thinning near the foreground of Lost Lake on Forest Road spur 5480-124 where dispersed camp sites are located. The dispersed camp sites would be redesigned to reduce resource impacts and visual impacts to the setting. The thinning would enhance the forested environment; expose larger trees for viewing, and contribute to a higher scenic quality. A transitional approach to managing the even aged plantations to accelerate late-successional forest conditions would be done. Watershed restoration projects of closing and obliterating approximately 10.07 miles of old roads and restoring the landscape to a more natural condition and rehabilitation of dispersed camp site impacts would be done.
Management activities of commercial or pre-commercial thinning would have an effect on the landscape character and scenic integrity (condition). There are two primary aspects that can affect scenic quality; vegetation treatment and project implementation (primarily logging systems).
Landscape character changes would occur similarly to the scenic integrity. Landscape character is the naturally established landscape patterns that make each landscape identifiable or unique. For this analysis, focus would be on the vegetative element of the landscape character and the visual effects that would result from proposed thinning and reducing tree density, obliterating roads, restoring unique habitats, floodplains and rehabilitating dispersed camp sites at Cold Creek ford and Lost Lake.
Scenic integrity changes would be seen as the result of changes to landscape character caused by implementation of the management activities and amount of ground disturbance or vegetation removal in foreground areas (such as roads closed, new skid trails and skyline corridors, new tree stumps and slash, disturbance to the ground from mechanical activity of cutting trees, and changes to the highly textured landscape seen as
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more coarse texture patterns). The degree of scenic altered condition depends on the amount of uncharacteristic changes seen from identified viewsheds. Overall, the thinning to enhance large tree growth on the landscape would benefit long term scenic quality. The proposed action would retain a moderate to high landscape character and range of low to high scenic integrity (condition). The proposed action would maintain a mosaic composition of form, line, color and texture patterns on the landscape.
Important design measures to reduce the unavoidable visual effects include: Using special markings with variable spacing of leave trees Leaving vegetative texture along the identified travel routes and trails Rehabilitating ground disturbed areas where they would be seen in foreground Locating skylines at angles to avoid linear effect from viewpoints Cutting stumps low to the ground in seen areas Locating landings outside of seen areas along the travel routes and trails and/or leaving vegetative screening Blending earth mounds and large boulders adjacent to the existing landscape for road closures in visually sensitive areas
The Roaring Thin Restoration Project area is divided into three landscape areas for scenic analysis based on landscape visibility and sensitivity levels. The following summarizes effects for the three areas identified.
U.S. Interstate 90 Viewshed Retention VQO Foreground, Partial Retention VQO/Middleground The I-90 corridor is fairly open with views of Keechelus Lake open on the west side of the road and steep mountainous landform on the east. The proposed treatment would occur on the west side of Keechelus Lake along the entire length of the lake, approximately 4 ½ miles. The commercial thinning would be predominately in the foreground and pre-commercial thinning would be in the southern half of the middleground outside of the unroaded area. The stands would be broken up with some areas of no thinning, leave clumps in treatment stands and variable marking and spacing of trees. This diverse landform allows much of the treatment to blend into the landscape. The tree removal would be done with ground based logging systems and skyline logging systems. Landscape character changes would be seen as thinned out stands of trees and a more open forested canopy character. Most of the commercial thinning would be done with skyline based systems along the foreground of Keechelus Lake. Skyline corridors would possibly be seen in some areas as viewed from I-90, but would be kept short and narrow with feathered edges to soften the linear effect. The mosaic character of the area would meet the established Retention VQO with a High Scenic Integrity as viewed from along the foreground of the U.S. Interstate 90.
23 7 The Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail
Retention Foreground The following stands are located along the foreground of the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail; A (151.6 acres), E (74.7 acres), F (14.8 acres), cc and G (177.2 acres). Approximately ½ of the trailside zone would be either commercially or precommercially thinned, mostly on the west side and upslope. All the commercial treatments would be skyline logged with trees being pulled away from the trail. There would be a temporary road crossing the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail to access Stand F, there would be short term effects to the trail until the road is rehabilitated and time softens the visual impact. The scale of treatment in context to the surrounding landscape would not be dominant and the activity would be subordinate along the trail side zone. Scenic integrity changes would be seen as a variation of mixture of densities of tree spacing intermixed and blended across the landscape. In the short term, coarse woody debris would be slightly visible until it is treated (piled and burned or removed) and forbs and understory grows in. Large trees would be more dominant for viewing in areas where they exist and more open views into the forested setting would be seen. Where precommercial thinning is being proposed, there would be more stumps seen and a more open appearance as the smaller trees are removed. Viewing larger trees where they exist would be beneficial for scenic opportunities. The proposed treatment meets Retention VQO and a High Scenic Integrity Level.
General Forest areas those sensitive for recreation and scenic objectives Travel routes of importance for recreation, scenic values and access to private landowners adjacent to National Forest System lands are forest roads #5480, #9070 and several access routes off these main roads. These forest roads are used for year round access to dispersed camp sites, high mountain lakes, Lost Lake, trails, trailheads, groomed snowmobile/multiple use routes, and groomed cross-country ski trails.
The BMPs designed to protect the scenic character that would be incorporated into the proposed action are found in Chapter 2.
Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects on scenic resources include those activities associated within the Roaring Thin Restoration project and other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects identified in the Upper Yakima watershed. These projects and activities are described in Chapter 2. The Upper Yakima watershed has experienced road construction, logging activities, recreation, and development on private land in the past. All of these activities impact the scenic quality of the landscape. The recent private lands transferred to the National Forest System would help protect scenic quality from the negative impacts of development.
Consistency Finding Alternative 1(No Action) and Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) are consistent with the Wenatchee Forest Plan (1990) designated scenic quality objectives and recreation setting objectives for the Roaring Thin Restoration Project Area.
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Economic Benefits ______
Regulatory Framework The Northwest Forest Plan established the Snoqualmie Pass Adaptive Management area along with 9 other AMAs in the Pacific Northwest, to “. . . encourage the development and testing of technical and social approaches to achieving desired ecological, economic, and other social objectives. . .the primary and social objective of adaptive management areas is the provision of flexible experimentation with policies and management.” The use of stewardship contracting is an approach which provides the opportunity to provide multiple objectives of the AMA by providing timber products, improving late- successional habitat conditions, and conducting watershed restoration activities.
Alternative 1 (No Action) This alternative would result in a net present worth of $0.00. Employment opportunities would not be generated by commercial thinning, precommercial thinning or restoration activities.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) This alternative would thin a total of 427 acres of second growth forest and produce a volume of approximately 4.10MMBF. A net present value of approximately $38,000.00 would be generated after restoration projects are completed. Using regionally developed employment multiplier factors, a total of 9 person years per MMBF would be created. As a result, alternative 2 would generate 36 person years of employment in the commercial thinning activity. Restoration jobs would also be created. Restoration work for commercial thinning would create 1.4 person years of employment. Combined restoration work for all other watershed improvement projects would create 3.0 person years of employment. A total of 40.4 person years of employment would be created.
Cumulative Effects The Lodge, Whitmar, and Hudson Thins on National Forest land in the upper Yakima have produced wood products and jobs in the last 5 years. Harvest on private land is expected to decline in the future due to conversion of commercial forest to urban development.
Consistency Finding Alternative 1 (No Action) Alternative 1 (No Action) does not meet the intent of the Snoqualmie Pass AMA Plan to find innovative ways to provide wood products for local and regional communities.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The proposed action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Snoqualmie Pass AMA Plan to find innovative ways to provide wood products. The combination of providing wood products and jobs, thinning to accelerate old growth conditions, and watershed restoration activities meets multiple objectives of the AMA plan.
23 9 Specifically Required Disclosures ______
Civil Rights and Environmental Justice
The proposed actions would include work accomplished both by Forest Service employees and Forest Service contractors. Under Executive Order 11246, companies with Federal contracts or subcontracts are prohibited from job discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in its employment practices based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status.
Executive Order 12898 (59 Fed. Reg. 7629, 1994) directs Federal agencies to identify and address, as appropriate, any disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority populations and low-income populations.
Alternative 1 (No Action) There would be no effect on civil rights issues or on low income or minority communities.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) This alternative would not initiate the collection of fees for camping, however, due to the addition of facilities (i.e. toilets, fire rings, designated roads), a future decision could result in the addition of fees for overnight camping. Any overnight fees would be minimal and not expected to be a prohibitive cost to displace most users, including those with low incomes. Fees would be very modest as there would be few facilities in place to charge for. There would also continue to be dispersed camping areas in the Lost Lake area that would not have any fees in place, offering similar recreation opportunities. If work is contracted, then employment would be created and contractors/subcontractors are prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Some contracts related to the proposed action could be offered under Small Business Administration or 8A authorities, which could result in positive employment benefits to minority populations.
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Reserved Indian Rights and Forest Service Trust Responsibility The project area is located on lands ceded to the U.S. Government under the 1855 Yakama Treaty. As such, members of the Yakama Indian Nation retain certain rights and privileges. These “reserved” rights are still excised by tribal members today under tribal regulations and remain enforceable under the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution until extinguished by Congress. Article 3 of the Yakima Treaty defines those rights as follows:
The exclusive right to take fish in all streams, where running through or bordering said reservation; The right to taking fish at all usual and accustomed places, in common with the citizens of the Territory, and of erecting temporary houses for curing them, together with; The privilege of hunting, gathering roots and berries, and pasturing their horses and cattle upon open and unclaimed land.
Alternative 1 (No Action) There would have no effect on treaty rights and privileges.
Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The Roaring Thin Restoration project would not affect the rights and privileges of the Yakama Nation. The planning area is within the traditional use area of the Yakama Nation and the Confederated Colville Tribes but the project would not affect or preclude their use of the area.
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CHAPTER 4: CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION
This section provides a list of the interdisciplinary team members, agencies, and members of the public that provided input during the development of the Roaring Thin Restoration project. Interdisciplinary Team Members:
Team Member Interdisciplinary Team Role Floyd Rogalski NEPA Coordinator Patricia Garvey-Darda Interdisciplinary Team Leader, Wildlife Biologist John Agar Silviculturist Mary Jo Bendickson GIS Specialist Barry Collins Engineer William Ehinger Hydrologist Powys Gadd Archaeologist Barbara Jackson Landscape Architect Shan Madden Culturals Specialist Rebecca Wassell Fisheries Biologist Pam Novitzky Recreation Specialist Todd Stiles Winter Recreation Specialist Randy Tepler Soil Scientist Kim Larned Botanist
24 3 Federal and State Agencies Consulted:
Individuals Agencies Donald F. Atkinson Bonneville Power Administration Richard H. Heredia Bonneville Power Administration Clint Bostwick Bonneville Power Administration Katie Rodd - Bonneville Power Administration Ken Bevis Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Brent Renfrow Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Jeff Tayer Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife John Easterbrooks Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Tim Schmidt Washington State Parks-Easton State Park Colleen Holly Washington State Parks-Easton State Park Jeff Krupka U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Judy DeLaVergne U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Carrie Cordova U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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Members of the public and/or interested groups providing input:
Howard Briggs Kittitas County Grooming Council Bruce Parker C-N-I Locates, Ltd. Melissa Calvert Muckleshoot Wildlife Program Jen Watkins Conservation Northwest Derrick Churchill Conservation Northwest Phil Kazanjian Sierra Club Charlie Raines Sierra Club Kevin M. Geraghty Alpine Lakes Protection Society, Board of Trustees Janet Nelson Kittitas Audubon Society Hal Lindstrom Kittitas Audubon Society Michael Marsh Washington Native Plant Society Joanna Bould The Wilderness Society Dave Hurwitz Snowmobile Alliance of Western States J. Steven Griswold Plum Creek Timber Company Lorena M. Larrigan Roaring Creek Property Owners Association Peter V.C. Hickey Roaring Creek Property Owners Association Chris L. Caviezel Snoqualmie Nordic Club/ Chairman Central Cascades Winter Recreation Council Gary Harris Washington State Snowmobile Association Roger V. Young Ski-For-Light Puget Sound Charlie Cornish Washington Ski Touring Club and Seattle Mountaineer Foothills Branch Al Berg Trollhaugen Lodge/Ski For Light Don Brooks Kongsberger Ski Club Richard Johnson Roaring Creek Property Owners Association Andrea Cronogue Roaring Creek Property Owners Association Donald/Amy Roosa Gordon Blossom John Jackson Carl Magnuson Charlie, Donna, Dustin, and Alicia Little Vern D. Ahlf Dave Helgeson Enid M. Gilbert Ronald L. Miller Bill Lowery Dick Burrows Chris DeSisto Charles Hawkins
245 246
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APPENDIX A: PROJECT MAPS
Figure 1. Vicinity Map - Roaring Thin Restoration ...... 263 Figure 2. Northwest Forest Plan (1994) Allocations ...... 265 Figure 3. Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990) Allocations ...... 267 Figure 4. Proposed Thinning and Access Roads (orthoquad)...... 269 Figure 5. Proposed Thinning and Access Roads ...... 271 Figure 6. Proposed National Forest Road System Changes (orthoquad)...... 273 Figure 7. Proposed National Forest System Road Changes ...... 275 Figure 8. Lost Lake - Current Conditions...... 277 Figure 9. Lost Lake - Proposed Action...... 279 Figure 10. Soils Map...... 281 Figure 11. Groomed Snow Routes...... 283 Figure 12. Invasive Plant Treatments - Part 1...... 285 Figure 13. Invasive Plant Treatment - Part 2 ...... 285
261
262
Figure 1. Vicinity Map - Roaring Thin Restoration
26 3 264
Figure 2. Northwest Forest Plan (1994) Allocations
265 266
Figure 3. Wenatchee National Forest Plan (1990) Allocations
26 7 268
Figure 4. Proposed Thinning and Access Roads (orthoquad)
26 9 270
Figure 5. Proposed Thinning and Access Roads
271 272
Figure 6. Proposed National Forest Road System Changes (orthoquad)
27 3 274
Figure 7. Proposed National Forest System Road Changes
27 5 276
Figure 8. Lost Lake - Current Conditions
27 7 278
Figure 9. Lost Lake - Proposed Action
27 9 280
Figure 10. Soils Map
281 282
Figure 11. Groomed Snow Routes
28 3 284
Figure 12. Invasive Plant Treatments - Part 1
Figure 13. Invasive Plant Treatment - Part 2
28 5 286
287