United States Department of Agriculture Monitoring and Forest Service Evaluation Report

Willamette National Forest Pacific Northwest Fiscal Year 2003 Region

Detroit Lake, Willamette National Forest MONITORING AND EVALUATION REPORT CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1 This report focuses on the monitoring A brief overview of the Forest Plan monitoring process and how it was accomplished on the Willamette NF this past year. and evaluation process described in Chapter V of the Forest Plan. Though SUMMARY OF MONITORING FINDINGS 2 not all the questions posed in Chapter A review of the monitoring activities, findings and results for the fiscal V of the Forest Plan is evident in this year 2003. This section is organized in five major headings: document, each question is addressed Physical Resources………………...…..…… 2 over the course of the year. Biological Resources……………...…..……... 4 Resources and Services to People …..…...….… 7 Social and Economic ………………..….…. 11

BUDGET 12 If you have not received a copy of the 2002 Fiscal Year 2003 expenditures displayed. Annual Report and would like a copy, please IMPLEMENTATION MONITORING 13 contact Patti Rodgers (541-225-6305) or A summary of the results from Implementation Monitoring of the Forest write: Willamette National Forest; PO Box Plan and the Northwest Forest Plan. 10607; Eugene, OR 97440. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 15 A list of selected accomplishments in fiscal year 2003 and the cumulative results after many years of Forest Plan implementation compared with the projections in the Forest Plan.

STATUS OF FY 2003 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 16 A narrative explanation of the follow-up actions based on monitoring findings from FY02 monitoring.

EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 17 A narrative explanation of the follow-up actions based on the Monitoring Findings, Forest Supervisor and District Ranger Implementation Monitoring, and Northwest Forest Plan Monitoring.

FOREST PLAN AMENDMENTS & UPDATES 18 A list of all amendments and updates to the Forest Plan.

List of Contributors

Deigh Bates Hydrologist Cindy McCain Ecologist Ken Byford Wildlife Biologist Phil McCulley Fire and Fuels Doris Tai Recreation, Lands, Minerals Staff Officer Kristie Miller Forest Products Program Lead Neal Forrester Interdisciplinary Team Leader Allison Reger Analyst (Economics) Cathy Lindberg Archaeologist Patti Rodgers Public Affairs Specialist (Social) Jennifer Lippert Botanist Palmer Utterback Civil Engineering

Forest Supervisor’s Letter I am pleased to present the Willamette National Forest’s 13th Despite these changes, the Forest More information is available by Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Plan is a dynamic document, contacting the Forest or by visiting Report for your review. our website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette. The climate in which we began implementing the Forest Land and Your continued interest in the Resource Management Plan in 1991 Forest Plan is just one way for you has changed considerably. The to stay current with activities on largest change occurred in 1994 your public lands. when the Northwest Forest Plan amended our Forest Plan by Sincerely, establishing new land allocations.

We have since experienced a great designed to adapt to changing deal of change due to continuing circumstances. I am proud to say reductions in the Forest's operating DALLAS J. EMCH that the Forest has kept it promise to budget. Forest Supervisor change as the world changes to keep Willamette National Forest our plan fresh and responsive.

Introduction and Background

The Land and Resource practices producing the desired Management Plan (Forest Plan) for The Forest Plan also specifies results?” the Willamette National Forest was monitoring and evaluation approved by the Regional Forester requirements to provide information Validation Monitoring is used to in July 1990. We began necessary to determine whether determine "Are the planning implementing the Forest Plan in promises are being kept, and to assumptions valid, or are there September, 1990. assure assumptions made during the better ways to meet Forest Plan Forest Plan analysis are still valid. goals and objectives?" The Forest Plan designates areas for Monitoring coupled with evaluation resource management emphasis provides a control system over Evaluation is the analysis and based on the capabilities of these management activities on the interpretation of the information. areas to provide differing levels of Forest. Evaluation provides a feedback goods and services. The Plan also mechanism identifying whether established Standards and Our monitoring is accomplished there is a need to change how the Guidelines (S&Gs) that direct the with three categories of monitoring: Forest Plan is being implemented. management of these areas. Implementation Monitoring is The Monitoring Questions In April 1994 the Forest Plan was used to determine "Did we do what addressed throughout the year can amended by what is referred to as we said we were going to do?" be found at the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP). www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/manag The amendment established Effectiveness Monitoring is used e/fpmr/2002/mon_questions.pdf additional management areas and to determine "Are the management S&Gs.

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Physical Resources

Water quality 10.0°C for Bull Trout waters. The above the Oregon State Water The Willamette National Forest station recording the highest 7-day temperature quality standard of 64F. conducted water quality monitoring maximum value was the Lower Mill at 130 stations during 2003. station on Mill creek with a reading Turbidity Monitoring was done in of 21.7°C on August 1. The cooperation with the USGS. One McKenzie River just above significant event was measured in Trailbridge Reservoir had a the North Santiam River on October Forest watershed personnel closely maximum 7-day average value of 21, 2003 when Milk Creek, a follow the Oregon Department of 7.1°C. tributary, was loaded with glacial Environmental Quality (ORDEQ ) silt. No increased turbidity was protocols and, because of this, we detected below the dams at the can be more confident than ever that Niagara gauging station on the the data we have is of the highest North Santiam River. quality, is accurate and is credible. No additional streams were listed The Middle Fork RD monitored a on the Detroit R.D. nor Sweet total of 67 sites this year primarily Home R.D. in the Oregon DEQ for water temperature which was 14 303(d) list of Water Quality more sites than 2002. Ten of those Impaired Waterbodies from the stations either had equipment fail or 1998 to 2002 list. were vandalized. The maximum of the 7-day moving average for water Additional Monitoring Activities: temperature varied from site to site, In 2003 two sampling locations in some sites recording a reduction in Waldo Lake were monitored under The Sweet Home RD deployed 6 the value and others an increase contract with Cascade Research water temperature measuring from the previous year. The Group. Both sites were monitored 4 devices in Quartzville Creek, a maximum increase recorded was times using strict sampling 303(d) listed stream. All of the 2.56°F on Winberry Creek @MP protocols. Chemical analysis was instruments failed to record any 1.8. The maximum value occurred conducted by the Cooperative temperatures. No other water on July 27. The maximum decrease Chemical Analytical Lab in quality data was collected on this recorded 2.83°F on Gold Creek at association with Oregon State District. The District has contracted the mouth. Of the 57 stations University. Information and data with Oregon State University to monitored, 32 recorded increases in can be found at the following web analyze turbidity and flow data on the Moving Max 7-day average that site: the Moose Creek watershed that were less than 1.0°C, and 10 http://www.cascaderesearch.com was collected from the mid-1980’s recorded decreases from 2002. to the present time. An interpretive Other stations were new so that In conjunction with the above report is expected in the last quarter comparisons could not be made or sampling the Center for Lakes and of 2004. the data was not comprehensive Reservoirs at Portland State enough to make a solid comparison. University began extensive The Detroit RD monitored a total of implementation of a Science Plan 21 sites, 7 sites less than in 2001. The McKenzie River RD monitored for Waldo Lake which includes Seven of the sites were monitored in a total of 36 sites this year primarily both the physical, chemical and conjunction with the City of Salem for water temperature. This is a biological aspects of the watershed and the U.S. Geological Survey. similar number of sites monitored in and will ultimately allow Multiple parameters are collected at the past. Of the 36 stations management decisions to be based the Cooperative sites. The other monitored in 2003, 15 stations had on the best science available for the sites are primarily monitored for Max 7-day average readings in lake. In addition, a bulk water temperature. Of the 21 sites, excess of established water quality precipitation collection station was only Blowout Creek, at the Road 10 standards for the stream in question. established and snow pits dug and Bridge, had a 7-day moving average In some cases the standard is samples analyzed at two locations

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Physical Resources in the Waldo Lake watershed. This attaining success towards desired work was done in cooperation with Smoke related monitoring: conditions. the US Geological Survey Western In FY2003 there were no deviations Snow survey group from Denver, from the Oregon State Smoke • Current management practices CO. Management daily forecast nor did using the Standards and intrusions occur in designated or Guidelines for Water Quality Blue-green algae blooms continue smoke-sensitive areas in 2003. The have been as follows: on the reservoirs and lakes on the Forest also monitors Class I • Current practices for road Forest and Forest Service and US Wilderness air quality impairments. location, design and construction Corps of Engineer personnel in There were no reported or measured are effective. conjunction with Oregon impairments of visibility standards • Current practices for road Department of Health Services in Class I areas on the Willamette reconstruction are effective in personnel monitor the extent and National Forest in fiscal year 2003. eliminating, reducing or potentially toxic nature of these Measurements were based on mitigating existing mass blooms. The following web site visibility monitoring by fixed movements. link will lead to information posted detection sites on the Forest. • Current practices for site-specific by OR Dept. of Health Services. Impairments, due to wildland fires slope stabilization and post- burning in and around the Class I stabilization mitigation have Air quality areas, did occur during the summer been effective. The Willamette National Forest has restriction period. • Maintenance practices have been been part of a multi-Forest, effective where applied. coordinated program to monitor air Fire & Fuels However, there is still a concern quality with lichens. From 1994- The Forest met or exceeded the over the lack of funding to 1997 lichen survey and tissue harvest related fuel treatment levels perform this work to the extent analysis data were collected on predicted in the Forest Plan for needed. nearly all of the 3.4 mile CVS plots. 2003. Numbers, however, continue Decomissioning projects have been In 1998 and from 1999-2000, lichen to show a downward trend in acres effective. tissue data were collected every two of fuel treatment. The downward months in the vicinity of the trend is primarily due to changes in The large earthflows that were NADP station on the H.J. Andrews harvest types needing fuel treatment monitored in 2003 continued to Experimental Forest. In 2002 no and the decrease in the harvest move, but at a decreased level new data was collected. All level, all reducing the amount of compared to the previous year. resources were focused on analysis fuel treatment needed. of the data collected from 1994- 2000. Nearly all Willamette NF air A total of 25,008 acres burned as a scores fell within the two best air result of wildfires in 2003 . More quality categories. Only 10 of the than 18,000 burned in Wilderness 235 plots, or <5% of plots, had air marking a very active fire season. scores in the fair range. Fair is a Acres burned exceeds what was borderline air quality score in which expected in the Forest Plan sensitive lichens may still be predictions. present but often are not. In contrast, about 14% of the total land Soils and Mass Movement area of western Oregon and A positive trend continues in Washington was rated fair and 24% minimizing and controlling mass was given a worse pollution rating. movement. Of the 17 sites monitored in 2003, only 7 were A more in-depth discussion on 2003 moving, the others were stable. Of Air Quality Monitoring can be those moving, only “Boundary” on found on the Willamette web site at: road 1133 at milepost 14 was not http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/aq.

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Biological Resources

Fish trout and salmon spawning habitat. forest/meadow edges, in-filled Forest fish monitoring has focused In addition, the district has meadows, and open meadows. on the Oregon chub (an endangered identified roads to be closed and The location, density, and size of species) and bull trout (a sensitive culverts to be replaced. Some of oaks have shifted over the last 150 species_ habitat and populations. these road closures will benefit bull years. The largest ponderosa pines The Forest is also concerned about trout by reducing fine sediments are also in decline. the proportion of winter steelhead and restoring hydrologic and Chinook smolt numbers as a connectivity. More field data on the site will be result of land management collected next summer, and a final activities. The primary method used to report will be available. monitor bull trout populations is Chub habitat areas on the forest are redd surveys. Based on redd survey Special Habitat Monitoring sites: being monitored with surveys and results, it appears that bull trout A small wetland was monitored in population estimates. Of the 6 populations in Anderson Creek and 1999 after a green tree retention ponds monitored, four show Roaring River are somewhat buffer was designed to protect the decreasing trends, especially reduced. Srveys of Olallie Creek, special habitat from an adjacent Oakridge Slough. Concerns about South Fork McKenzie and Trail clearcut. The wetland appeared to the recent decline in the Oakridge Bridge population show stable or be unchanged; no blowdown was Slough population has led to a plan increasing populations. detected. Only one exotic weed was of habitat restoration. In order to found. Heavy elk use was very evident. Increased light on the site strategically plan for future Biological Diversity appears to have stimulated growth restoration, a study of the Oakridge Among last year’s special habitat in vine maple and red alder. Young Slough and several other ponds with monitoring topics were oak/pine western hemlock along the margins stable populations is being planned habitat restoration and revisiting of the wetland are significantly to determine the limiting factor. previous special habitat monitoring taller than in 1999, and may be The study is expected to begin in sites to assess non-native invasive more of a protective screen than summer 2005. impacts. before. The adjacent clear cut had

several exotics, including Canada According to surveys conducted by Oak/Pine habitats: thistle, bull thistle, and Himalayan ODFW, habitat work by the Forest Dr. Bart Johnson (University of blackberry. The buffer appeared to in Roaring River and the South Fork Oregon) has installed several have been successful in preventing McKenzie above Homestead transects in the 683 acre Jim’s alteration of the composition of the Campground has increased adult Creek area to study succession from wetland and change in hydrology. bull trout populations. Adult oak savannah with scattered large mortality has also decreased ponderosa pine and Douglas fir to a Landscape monitoring of special through fishing regulation changes. forest complex dominated by young habitats require an adequate Wood placement to create quiet dense Douglas fir. Initial results inventory of these sites. As a result water habitats will continue to suggest: the Forestwide GIS layer for special bolster bull trout populations. • the distribution of Oregon white habitats is being upgraded, with Based on what has been learned by oak and ponderosa pine on the more sites to be included. The new the work in Roaring River and the site has changed. South Fork above Homestead, bull GIS layer includes point data, • Oak and pine appear originally to polygons from the Forest vegetation trout habitat improvement projects have been widely distributed are planned in the mainstem mapping, lakes and other water across the study site. bodies, and glaciers. The Forest McKenzie River. • Oak and pine attained their largest special habitat classification and sizes on more mesic sites mapping has been used as a model Bull trout habitat improvement (moister, cooler, deeper soils). projects were completed in the by the NW Oregon Ecology group, • Oaks are now becoming more Middle Fork Willamette River in initiating an integrated special restricted to the harshest, driest watershed upstream of Hills Creek habitats map and database for the sites with shallow soils and/or Reservoir in 2003 to improve bull rock outcrops such as 4

Biological Resources

Willamette, Siuslaw, and Mt. Hood Primary cavity excavators (PCEs), lower elevations, deer hair loss NFs, and Eugene and Salem BLMs. which rely on dead and decaying disease has caused a decline in local trees and another MIS species, have populations. been the subject of a long-term study to understand if the snags Wildlife being provided persist on the Plants The Forest provides diverse habitat landscape as planned and if those Botanists completed surveys on supporting over 260 wildlife snags are used and contribute to a 3777 acres for sensitive and survey species. A select number of species, viable population. Habitat for PCEs and manage plant species this requiring a diverse degree of habitat appears to be adequate to meet spring and summer. Major finds needs, were chosen to be managed forest level objectives. However, included Corydalis aqua-gelidae for their required habitat which in recent regional modeling efforts on McQuade Creek. a totally new turn assured other species’ needs indicate historic snag and down sensitive species for the Forest, are met. These selected species wood levels much higher than forest Lycopodium complanatum, from were termed Management Indicator level objectives for most time Sweet Home, and a confirmation of Species (MIS). periods. Through a multi-year Carex livida (formerly only monitoring project for created snags suspected on the Willamette) in the Two of the species are the Bald the following was found: Three Sister’s Wilderness. Also of Eagle and Peregrine falcon. • Of 1200 snags, 82% were used note were the addition of two sites Habitat occupied and potential for by woodpeckers for foraging for Bridgeoporus nobilissimus in the Bald Eagle is adequate. Site • Woodpeckers preferred dead Wildcat and Three Creeks RNA. specific problems still exist on sites created snags over living Two populations of Castilleja at Middle Fork RD, specifically created snags for foraging rupicola were also confirmed on the habitat disturbance issues. • Woodpeckers preferred dead Middle Fork (located by Native Monitoring indicates, habitat created snags equal to natural Plant Society members) adding a conditions for peregrine falcon are snags for nesting second new sensitive species to our adequate. All known sites are being • Mortality rate for created snags list this year. monitored which meets and exceeds was lower than predicted the national delisting requirements. A total of 20 botanical days were With respect to deer and elk dedicated to monitoring 7 sensitive populations, we are likely below plant species: Cimicifuga elata (6), management emphasis level goals Ophioglossum pusillum (2), in all high and moderate level areas Botrychium minganense (2), due to high road densities and Botrychium montanum (2), decreasing forage. We may be Corydalis aqua-gelidae (4), Arabis meeting goals in some low hastatula (2) and Aster gormanii emphasis level areas, but no data is (2). This monitoring is directed by conclusive on this assessment. Conservation Strategies to ensure Based on hunter statistics and selected population’s health and annual census counts by ODFW, vigor remain stable. This population trends of both deer and monitoring is focused on species elk are down forest-wide, especially that have Conservation Strategies to deer. Elk populations may be ensure selected population’s health holding steady in some basins. and vigor remain stable. The Causes for the decline in big game Botrychium montanum at Sweet populations is likely due to a Home, which has been visited combination of factors. Lack of yearly since 1991, exhibited very adequate forage primarily and poor recruitment this year so will be

Pileated Woodpecker, adequate security cover (open road a focus for next year. On Detroit a Dryocopus pileatus densities are still too high) is a population of Aster gormanii was concern on the forest. In addition, at burned by a prescribed fire, so the

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Biological Resources effect of fire on this species will be 1 acre of each treatment- black documented in future visits. An ongoing Cooperative Cost Share plastic and competitive planting. (CCS) project with Cascade The Botany program initiated Mycological Society was completed This year is the first year of a several cooperative agreements this year. In this project, 600 acres systematic effort to prevent weed including: were surveyed for Bridgeoporus spread during timber sale and road Our first cooperative project, with nobilissimus on the Sweet Home construction activities. Weed the University of Oregon and Detroit RD’s over the course of prescriptions by the district Department of Landscape 3 years. They succeeded in finding botanists inform the contracting Architecture, is to evaluate oak-pine one specimen near Gordon Lakes officer representatives of noxious distribution and conditions in on the Sweet Home RD. This site is weed locations, and where and relation to site physiography and interesting because it is the only when off road equipment needs to vegetation in the Jim’s Creek conk on the district to be found on a be washed before moving to another drainage on the Middle Fork Ranger live noble fir, rather than stumps watershed. District. and snags.

Our second challenge cost share A total of 526 acres of noxious was with Carex Working Group weeds were treated in 2003. The (CWG), who rewrote our Forest overwhelming majority, 454 acres, sedge key for use in identifying, were treated manually. An sedge species, resulting in many additional 30 acres were chemically Lobaria hallii new species being added to our controlled. Forty acres were Regional Forester’s Sensitive Plant mechanically treated with mowing, list.

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Resources and Services to People

Timber TSI accomplishments of thinning, Of greatest concern is the damage The volume of timber products release, and fertilization totaled reported under violations of the from the Forest is measured by 8,513 acres. Accomplishments are Archaeological Resource Protection including green timber sales, well below predicted plan. A Act (ARPA) where Law salvage sales, and miscellaneous significant backlog of plantations in Enforcement investigations are convertible products such as need of thinning is building on the underway . This consists of firewood and Christmas trees. In Forest. criminal activity directly focused on addition, the Willamette is site destruction and artifact theft. responsible for providing Insect & Disease: Monitoring of These damages can be quite Alternative Volume in response to insect and disease activity on the extensive and nearly impossible to Public Law 104-19, Section 2001 Forest is completed each year. No mitigate against. Additionally, (k)(3) commonly known as the significant or increasing insect and vandalism at historic buildings Rescission Act. In Fiscal Year disease activity was noted. There continues to be a problem. Aside 2003 the Forest offered 55.3 MMBF was however, an increase in black from the ARPA case, for the most in green, and salvage products. The bear damage, which continues to be part, it appears that site-specific Forest also offered 5.7 MMBF in a primary agent of tree mortality impacts were relatively minor. Alternative Volume sales. The low totaling approximately 15,607 Field archaeologists reported that accomplishment, relative to the acres. previous mitigation prescriptions Forest Plan’s Probable Sale had been successful at several sites Quantity, was due to offering less visited, while most sites had no volume in green and salvage sales Cultural Resources prior mitigation requirements. based on the allocated budget. The Forest cultural resource Additional protection or some form inventory reflects a resource base of of new mitigation, including more over 2,200 recorded historic monitoring, was recommended for other sites. A programmatic Silvicultural Practices properties. During FY2003, the approach for protecting sites from Growth responses from timber stand Heritage staff reported monitoring various recreation activities is still improvements (TSI) are consistent visits to 110 sites with several sites needed. with expectations in the Forest Plan. receiving multiple visits do to their

Genetically improved stock is being vulnerability. New impacts were Monitoring was reported for 20 used as planned and will maintain noted at 7 of the sites monitored, historic structures and several or exceed the growth of natural though only 4 were considered historic structures were repaired in seedlings. significant. Significant effects FY 2003; Some are being prepared include vandalism reported at two for the Recreation Rental program. Of the 1,161 acres of regeneration historic sites and continuing impacts Several important historic structures harvest in FY98, 1,096 acres (94%) noted in at least 2 recreation sites were protected during the large fires were certified stocked by FY03. which overlay archaeological sites. in the late summer of 2003, The reasons for the remaining 65 Additional looting was discovered including Santiam Lodge and acres (6%) not achieving 5-year at one site where Law Enforcement Independence Prairie. On going regeneration are: 16 acres were on a has taken immediate and continuing studies are assessing the effect of harsh site that burned by wildfire. action including site surveillance. the wildfire on other archaeological The site was replanted several times sites. to meet minimum stocking Several sites exhibit cumulative requirements; 14 acres was impacts of on-going adverse replanted needs 1-2 more years to conditions. These include, ensure minimum stocking is well- recreation use, illegal artifact Specially Designated established; 35 acres did not meet collection, ORV use, reservoir Areas the certification within 5-years due inundation and or water erosion. “Specially designated areas” is a to delays in planting and Lack of adequate maintenance and broad term that includes certification surveys. weathering continue to cause Wild&Scenic Rivers (W&SR), damage to many historic structures. Research Natural Areas (RNAs), Old Growth Groves (OGGs),

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Resources and Services to People

Special Interest Areas (SIAs), and established for the assigned class day and overnight uses continue to Roadless Areas. setting. increase each summer season.

RNAs: Three RNAs (Wildcat, The Marion Lake area, the Jefferson The Cougar Recreation Area Three Creeks, and Middle Santiam) Park area, and the Eight Lakes continues to require a great deal of were visited in 2003. No Basin/Duffy Lake area areas where federal protection officers and law management related-disturbances the Forest continues to be enforcement presence to monitor were observed nor expected to be concerned about levels of use and user behavior and site degradation present in 2003. Invasive species consistency with W&RS class during the summer months. In the continue to persist in the Middle settings. The District continues to winter, more vandalism and garbage Santiam but seem to be confined to monitor resource effects in these occur due to the lack of Forest the gravel bars in the river. areas and continues public Service presence. A new recreation education and information efforts in fee designed for Cougar will allow Wild & Scenic Rivers: Wild & preparation for the implementation for increased presence. Scenic Rivers (W&SR) are being of additional control measures protected in accordance with the proposed by the Jefferson The Elk Lake area occasionally Wild & Scenic River Act, though Wilderness Focus Group several exhibits use levels and party sizes or there are isolated cases of increased years ago. Among the additional user activities that are inconsistent loss of riparian vegetation. Some control measures, during FY03, the with the designated ROS setting. sites may need to be closed to allow first year’s implementation of the Since FY01, increased Forest for revegetation. Several boat Marion Lake campfire ban already Service presence has been used in launches on the Mckenzie River produced noticeable positive effects the Elk Lake area to reduce or limit will be reconstructed to on user behaviors within the these inconsistencies. Use that is accommodate current user demand. concentrated use areas adjacent to inconsistent with the ROS setting Marion Lake and Lake Ann. for Elk Lake still occurs The Forest’s newest W&SR, Additional Limited Entry Areas occasionally despite the increased Elkhorn, will have a management (LEAs) may be necessary. presence. Barrier posts have been plan as funding becomes available. installed and have generally proven In Diamond Peak, Waldo Lake and to be effective to keep four-wheel Roadless Areas: Both numbers and the southern portion of the Three drive vehicles on main access roads acres of unroaded areas and Sisters Wildernesses, use limits are at Elk Lake and meet Standards and inventoried roadless areas are within the limits established for the Guidelines for this management within the Forest Plan predictions. management plans for each WRS area. class. Campsites were constructed Wilderness Areas: Review of outside the designated sites, and There have been encroachments by Wilderness permits for the Mount some of the rehab sites were snowmobiles in the Semi-Primitive, Washington, Three Sisters, and Mt. damaged because of over camping Non-motorized area off the Waldo Jefferson Wilderness areas indicate in the areas. The percentage of users road. Illegal bike use in wilderness a steady increase in overall use. Use not using designated sites increased areas continues to occur, but is numbers for the Obsidian Limited at least 7%. There was a 2% noticeably reduced from recent Entry Permit system in the Three decrease in dogs being brought into years observations. Sisters remain stable with some the wilderness areas seasonal fluctuations due to field Fall Creek Corridor Special Interest conditions. Recreation Area has been a popular place for The Santiam Pass Dispersed hiking and camping (both Detroit District continues to monitor Summer Recreation Planning developed and dispersed) for a use within the Pamelia Limited Use Project has been started to provide number of years. Use of this area Area (Mt. Jefferson Wilderness) an appropriate level of recreation has been increasing for some time. where there had been concerns opportunities and positive Recent observations and about the use exceeding limits recreation experience for visitors in consideration of the experiences we an area where unmanaged dispersed are providing have resulted in the

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Resources and Services to People realization that the use of this area ongoing for several years appears to No new trails have been constructed is not entirely consistent with the have abated. and new construction is on hold Forest Plan standards which are to Rigdon Ranch Special Interest Area indefinitely until funding is provide a physical setting that meets - Heritage sites were monitored and available. or exceeds the Roaded Natural ROS found no change in status. class in Special Use areas. During Deadhorse Rock Shelter Special high use periods, generally summer Interest Area - Heritage sites were Developed Recreation weekends, visitors to the Fall Creek monitored and found no change in Larger campgrounds operated by area experience numbers of social status. concessionaires are being managed encounters inconsistent with an Eagle Creek Special Interest Area and maintained to standards higher ROS of Roaded Natural. An general condition was monitored; than would be possible if operated environmental analysis currently this area receives virtually no use, by the Forest. underway will address this issue. likely due to lack of access. Horsepasture Cave Heritage sites Bedrock campground and nearby Other Unique Areas were monitored and no changes trails along Fall Creek were closed The forest monitors for adverse were found. and seriously damaged during the affects from human use or Gold Lake Old-Growth Grove Site 2003 Clark Fire. Rehabilitation management activities to any was monitored and no change in work is proceeding as funding special area on the Forest. In FY02 status was noted. allows. forest personnel visited 11 special Johnny Creek Old-Growth Grove areas. Some observation include: This area burned by the Clark Fire Vandalism is a growing problem in and no longer qualifies as old- developed sites causing the Forest Fall Creek Special Interest Area- growth. The associated nature trail to divert limited dollars to repair or Continue to find less trash, fewer and parking area, which is replace facilities. Developed sites homeless camps and improved wheelchair accessible, remain are being used as designed, however vegetation regeneration. A relatively unaffected but all signing there are growing conflicts between considerable number of potentially was destroyed and several bridges day users and overnight campers hazardous trees exist in portions of slightly damaged. near Detroit Lake campground near this area as the result of the 2003 the boat ramp areas. There is Clark fire. An analysis has begun to demand for more sno-play areas. determine how we should respond Trails Plans are underway for more areas to the effects of this fire. Trails and trail corridors are being but funding is an issue. Increased Hardesty Mtn-.Trails in the area maintained and managed for a use of dispersed areas will received more use during wet variety of uses and experiences necessitate some action to prevent weather, widening them around wet consistent with public demands on increased resource degradation. areas. Mountain bike use on wet the Forest. Some mountain bikers soils created troughs on switchbacks use infrequently traveled trails in Off Road Vehicle Use: In general and along the fall line. the Waldo area as single track race ORV use is occurring in areas OCRA- Visited, no new effects course training, which is not designated for such use. A new noted. We have been receiving a consistent with other user strategy is being developed and will few complaints regarding ATV use expectations or with current ROS provide new guidance to the Forest in the OCRA. As far as we have settings. In winter we continue to in 2004. ORV use both in summer seen, ATV use remains restricted to receive complaints from and winter are showing signs of the trail system, but other users are snowmobilers of rutted snow increased use. Huckleberry Flats not accepting of this legal use. covered roads caused by large 4x4 Motorcycle Trail System is being Constitution Grove - The site was vehicle early in the winter months. considered for OHV users. monitored. Because of easy access In the summer some people Traditional parking areas during from Forest Road 19, litter is complain about motors on Waldo weekends and holidays are at generally found at the site. The Lake. Others complain about capacity resulting in visitors parking overstory mortality that has been mountain bikes on the Waldo Lake on vegetated areas. trail.

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Resources and Services to People

The area north of Camp 6 continues accurate recreation use data, the Until the resurvey is done, a large- to be used by ORV’s motorcycles, National Visitor Use Monitoring scale trend cannot be quantitatively and pickups. They drive on road project was developed at the determined. cut banks and through timber, National level and is being destroying vegetation. No direct implemented by all National Scenic Resources wildlife harassment has been noted. Forests. This process provides a The effects of individual land The use of ORV’s on the mud flats consistent methodology for alterations --within areas defined in on the upper end of Hills Creek scientifically credible, repeatable, the Forest Plan as having high Reservoir has the potential to reliable, and defensible set of scenic quality--are monitored disturb bald eagle on adjacent recreation use data. The Forest will through project design and Forest System Lands. It may also be resurveyed every five years. The implementation to insure that they disturbed buffleheads, which are Willamette National Forest are consistent in design and prey for the eagles. Blockage of participated in this project in FY implementation with scenic quality access roads to the mud flats has 2002. standards set by the Forest Plan. eliminated ORV use of that area but has moved the problem upland with Recreation use on the forest for Large scale scenic quality the potential for disturbance of the fiscal year 2002 at the 80 percent monitoring including monitoring of turtle basking and nesting activities confidence level was 1.5 million the cumulative effects of projects in the reservoir. national forest visits +/- 12.9 and management, within different percent. There were 2.1 million site landscapes and landscape views, visits, an average of 1.3 site visits Recreation Use was not done in 2003. " No per national forest visit. Included in Anecdotal evidence strongly cumulative effects from the site visit estimate are 45,256 suggests that recreation use is management activities have Wilderness visits. increasing, particularly in dispersed resulted. areas. In response to the need for

Transportation The forest is prioritizing Policy changes in the last several maintenance on arterial routes and years have had a profound effect on other key forest roads. how roads will be managed in the future. In the past the primary purpose for road construction on the Willamette was to STATUS OF THE FOREST’S TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM enable timber harvest. Most of these roads exist in areas where timber harvest is no Road Construction and Miles of road removed longer an objective. The forest Reconstruction now receives approximately Miles of road constructed 2.9 Miles of road decommissioned 0.0 one-third of the funding Miles of road reconstructed 87.2 Miles of temporary road closed No longer necessary to maintain the reported current road system. This has resulted in a backlog of Road Suitability Traffic volumes unfunded road maintenance. Roads Suitable for Passenger Cars 1,562 It generally appears that traffic volumes are increasing The situation is duplicated over time on the Forest’s arterial routes. Traffic Roads Suitable for High Clearance 4,228 across the Nation prompting Vehicles generated by recreation use, which has increased 10 the Forest Service to initiate fold since 1950, is the likely cause for the upward trend Closed Roads 762 the new Roads Management making these routes a high priority for annual Policy that shifts our focus Total Miles 6,563 maintenance and repair. away from developing new roads to managing the existing road system. 10

Social and Economic The values of many of the Forest’s some other export-related sectors. the 2000 Census and are available outputs are determined by trends in However, there is some basis for on the Forest. public preferences, changes in hope that the cause of the ripple timber availability, and effects may be abating. Based on 2002 population counts understanding the community the Manufacturing lost only about 200 for incorporated cities in Oregon, Forest influences. By monitoring jobs in the first 11 months of 2003, upland communities continue to these parameters we can begin to while non-manufacturing lost an lose population while urban and answer the larger question “How additional 5,900. Job gains between lowland rural communities near I-5 are social and economic conditions August and November, along with corridor continue to gain. changing over time and what are the improving national economic consequences of that change? How indicators and job trends, provide The following items represent the are these changes distributed?”. some hope for broader job recovery most significant changes in over the coming year or two. direction and policy for 2003. Social Oregon's employment trends were Even with job recovery, Oregon's The Healthy Forests Initiative weak in 2003. All-industry unemployment rate is likely to (HFI): The President introduced employment fell in the first half of remain well above the nations for at the Healthy Forests Initiative in the year, and then began to rise in least a year or two. Factors likely to August 2002, aimed at August. This resulted in a net loss keep it high include the prospect of accomplishing high priority of about 6,100 jobs in the state slow adjustment and recovery in the thinning and restoration projects. during the first 11 Healthy Forests months of the year. Population 16 % in Females 16 % in Restoration Act of The loss was yrs and over Labor yrs and Labor 2003 (HFRA): On substantially milder County Force over Force November 21, than the severe Lane 258,327 64.3 132,623 58.3 2003, Congress passed HR 1904, downturn of 2001, Linn 79,582 63.0 40,723 54.8 but worse than in the Healthy Forests Marion 215,834 63.7 108,049 57.6 2002 and weaker Restoration Act of than national and Table 41.1 Employment Status in 2000 (source: USBC, 2000) 2003. The regional legislation provides employment trends. state's export-related industries, the new tools and likelihood of a delay between job additional authorities to restore Accompanying the job loss was gains in export-related industries more acres more quickly. Oregon's very high unemployment and the ripple effects in other For more information on the rate. The state started 2003 with an industries, the presence of many Healthy Forests Restoration Act of unemployment rate estimated at 7.6 people within Oregon who are 2003 and the Healthy Forests percent. By June, the rate had risen likely to return to the labor market Initiative, visit to 8.5 percent, but then dropped to when job growth resumes, and the http://www.fs.fed.us/projects/hfi/ or 7.3 percent by November. Oregon's prospect of continued net in- http://www.doi.gov/hfi/newhfi/ rate was as much as 2.1 percentage migration of people, at least some points above the nations during of whom are job-seekers. While the timber industry expects 2003. It was the highest state rate in this direction to increase the flow of the nation each month from January With respect to changes in our timber from national forests, much to September of 2003, and tied with population, the Forest is expanding media attention has focused on Michigan's rate for highest in monitoring in this area by looking environmentalist’s assertions that October. in more detail at the demographics HFI/HFRA will result in an of the area. Questions examined accelerated liquidation of old- Job loss was caused partly by ripple include: How is age distribution growth and further degradation of effects of more than two years of changing, gender and race? Details natural resources. The degree of steep declines in the manufacturing on the baseline were collected from intensity of this issue is assessed as sector and additional job losses in very high.

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SocialBudget and Economic

Budget Fiscal Year 2003 final expenditures FISCAL YEAR 2003FINAL EXPENDITURES displays:

Funds appropriated by Congress for Description FY03 the management of National Forest lands, and Facilities Capital Improvs & Mtce 5,091,799 Permanent and Trust Fund monies. Forest Products 4,625,350 Grazing Management 1,616 Funds appropriated by Congress are Inventory and Monitoring for specified purposes such as Activities 668,147 wildlife management, timber, or Knutson/Vandenburg Funds1 3,062,7821 general administration. The Forest Land Management Planning does not have the authority to spend Activities 86,163 money appropriated for one type of Land Ownership Management 510,982 activity on some different activity. Law Enforcement 10,000 As a result, even if there is a surplus Minerals and Geology Mgt 175,411 in one type of fund, that surplus Payment to Counties 3,169,542 cannot be used to make up a Recreation/Heritage/Wilderness shortfall in another type of fund. Activities 1,429,540 Roads Capital Improvs & Mtce Permanent and trust funds are fees Activities 889,947 collected for specified forest Senior Program 104,754 projects such as timber sales, State and Private Forestry salvage sales, and road use. The 219,566 funds are used for activities Trails Capital Improvs & Mtce 478,868 associated with these projects such Vegetation and Watershed Mgt 815,414 as slash disposal, preparation and Wildland Fire Management / Fuels administration of salvage sales, Treatment 19,969,833 reforestation, and road maintenance. Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat Mgt 1,073,609 Working Capital Fund 2,234,732 The budget presented includes TOTAL 44,618,055 $16,680,486 of non-reocurring 1 Knutson/Vandenburg Funds are funds used for post harvesting improvement activities. expenditures for wildfire Primary beneficiaries of these funds are Reforestation, Recreation, Watershed , Wildlife, suppression. and Fisheries Management

Forest Receipts Payments to States

Fiscal Year 2003Receipts….$4,236,673 Fiscal Year 2003 $38,748,006

Forest Plan Est. Payments $42,632,374

Forest Plan estimated receipts are no County Breakdown longer calculated. It is quite clear the Clackamas $11,525 Forest’s receipts are only a fraction of Douglas $1,201,217 the Forest Plan estimate. Jefferson $3,085 Lane $23,935,609 Linn $10,884,972 Marion $2,711,598 12

Implementation Monitoring

The Forest completes all mechanical treatments were items documenting changes during Implementation Monitoring at two limited to flat areas or gentle slopes. implementation in other areas were scales. Each asks the same basic Riparian or wet areas were missing and will be added. question. “Is the Forest protected. Also observed were implementing the Forest’s standards several areas that had been fertilized There were five units that were and guidelines (S&Gs) as stated in and seeded following the brush monitored in the field. Standards the Forest Plan and in the Northwest crushing/mulching. Western red for wildlife prescriptions were met Forest Plan?” Forest Plan cedar plugs and willow/cottonwood and more often exceeded in all the implementation monitoring is cuttings had been planted. units. All remaining S&Gs were conducted by the Forest Supervisor met except in one area that will be whereas the Regional Ecosystem This project exhibited good corrected. A couple of units were Office (REO) conducts the collaboration among people from larger than the original layout. This Northwest Forest Plan monitoring other agencies. All S&Gs were was a case of there being fewer trips. Each trip consists of a review met. riparian areas than anticipated. This the environmental documents and will need better documentation in then a review of the project on-the- Carmen Air Quality Site: The the project file. ground. purpose of this projects was to clearcut trees for the function of an air quality monitoring station. This Forest Plan Implementation project began by requiring a land Monitoring allocation changed. This area was In the course of conducting Forest original located in a scenic area and Plan monitoring the forest reviewed was corrected to be a part of a three projects, special use area. All the Power Line Vegetation documentation for that change was Management and Site Clean Up at present. Detroit RD, Carmen Air Quality Site Project at The district collaborated closely McKenzie River RD, and finally with EWEB. Coordination with Prairie ATV Timber Sale on Sweet DEQ and EPA was facilitated by Home RD. the RO which caused some confusion for the District. The Power Line Vegetation district was assured by the RO that Management This project entailed we were meeting standards. in part mechanical brush crushing and chopping, seeding and Wildlife trees designated for fish fertilizing and planning. All habitat exceeded standards. The required surveys were completed timber was scheduled in stages to prior to the line officer’s decision, protect the trees designated for fish only native seed mixes were used, habitat. Necessary precautions such and the Decision Memo and all as pressure washing ground- supporting documents were disturbing equipment were adequate. Last date of owl surveys implemented to prevent the spread noted in the wildlife report was not of noxious weeds. consistent with protocol to determine non nesting. Prairie ATV Timber Sale: It was Recommendations were made to noted during review of the solve this problem in the future. documents that the projected monitoring plan, timber sale A field review of the project contract and map, and the KV showed no excessive soil impacts, section were very well done. Small

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Northwest Forest Plan Monitoring

Creek Watershed Analysis all on Creek LSR, is neither beneficial NWFP Monitoring the Middle Fork RD nor neutral to the creation or No new roads were built and no maintenance of late successional roads were decommissioned in Salmon Creek Watershed habitat. key watersheds in 2003. Analysis written in 1996 met all the requirements established to The Heart Timber Sale met all In Fiscal year 2003 two timber that date. No negative issues the requirements set for with the sales and one watershed analysis were raised; however, non-native exception of two areas where standards were not met: the ROAD SYSTEM CHANGES WITHIN KEY WATERSHEDS stand was not cut as heavily as SINCE 1995 prescribed in the EA nor as Miles of Miles of road Current net described in a REO exception Key Watershed road built decommissioned change letter.

Little North Santiam 0.00 0.30 -0.30 The Mule Thinning Sale project met all its standards but Upper North Santiam 0.41 4.80 -4.39 not without much discussion. Upper McKenzie 1.12 11.21 -10.09 Overall the group agreed this project met all the standards. South Fork McKenzie 0.00 20.22 -20.22 Dissenting opinions stated NF MF Willamette 1.70 12.00 -10.30 sediment delivery to streams Horse Creek 0.00 0.00 0.00 was not minimized, because some of the native surface "Chub" Watersheds 0.00 0.00 0.00 roads were left open for two or more winters with no were monitored for meeting the species present included noxious stabilization, and therefore, did standards set forth in the weeds, brook trout, barred owl, not meet the Aquatic Northwest Forest Plan. The three etc. which out-compete native Conservation Strategy objectives. projects monitored were Mule species. This presence of non- . Thin, Heart Sale, and Salmon native species in the Salmon

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Accomplishments

The following table compares the closest comparison to the Forest basis for significant modifications actual accomplishment of selected Plan averages, which are based on a to land allocations and to Standards Forest Plan objectives during the 10-year planning period. and Guidelines. With these changes fiscal year 2003 (FY03), October Outputs may vary annually for coupled with declining budgets, 2000 through September 2003) with many reasons including year-to- notable differences between Forest the predictions in the Forest Plan year scheduling decisions, market Plan projections and subsequent (Chapter IV, pages IV-10 to IV-12). conditions, budget appropriations, accomplishments are evident. The Also shown are the cumulative and even weather conditions. Thus, following table (Summary of outputs and accomplishments since comparison of a single year may not Program Accomplishments) reflects the Plan was implemented. The provide enough information for an adjustments to the Forest Plan cumulative results are expressed as adequate evaluation. projections for timber related average annual. This provides the activities; however, no other The Northwest Forest Plan was the projections were altered.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Projected FY 2003 Cumulative Avg. Units Forest Plan Output or Activity Accomplishment Accomplishment Level Units Units % Units % RECREATION AND WILDERNESS Developed Recreation Use Visits 2,056.0 2,142.0 104% 1,741.5 85% Nonwilderness Dispersed Recreation MRVDs 1,770.0 ------Wilderness Recreation Use Visits 342.0 42.0 12% 183.8 54% Trail Construction/Reconstruction Miles 78.0 4.0 5% 26.5 34% Developed Recreation Construction PAOT 327.0 -- -- 69.7 -- Developed Recreation Reconstruction PAOT 844.0 -- -- 332.7 -- TIMBER MANAGEMENT Timber Sale Program MMBF 136.0 61.0 45% 71.3 52% Timber Harvest Treatments Regeneration Harvest Acres 3,144.0 82.0 18% 875.3 28% Commercial Thins Acres 2,808.0 418.0 15% 1,473.5 52% Other Acres --- 58.0 Timber Stand Improvement Acres 18,100.0 8,513.0 47% 11,395.6 63% Reforestation Acres 3,144.0 1,096.0 35% 2,967.9 94% Fuel (Slash) Treatment Acres 3,144.0 552.0 18% 1,841.9 59% ROAD MANAGEMENT Road Construction Miles 40.0 2.9 7% 3.8 9% Road Reconstruction Miles 174.0 87.2 50% 110.0 63% Roads Closed Miles 890.0 751.0 84% 723.9 81% Roads Suitable for Passenger Car Miles 1,580.0 1,562.0 99% 1,745.2 110% Roads Suitable for High Clearance Vehicles Miles 4,530.0 4,250.0 94% 4,525.4 100% FISH / WATER / WILDLIFE / LIVESTOCK Watershed Improvement Acres 533.0 31.0 6% 228.5 43% Anadromous Fish Habitat Improvements Miles 6.0 8.0 133% 9.2 -- Resident Fish Habitat Improvements Miles 5.8 1.0 17% 3.9 68% Wildlife Habitat Improvements Structures 451.0 433.0 96% 432.4 96% Livestock Grazing (AUMs) AUMs 200.0 0 0% 70 35% 15

Follow up on Recommended Actions

In the previous year Monitoring and Weed Treatment Recreation Evaluation Report, the following The 1999 Environmental In FY01 the Waldo Lake Basin actions were recommended based on Assessment for Integrated Weed Plan was rescinded. This has Forest Plan monitoring results and Management states the Forest will been a long standing and well below is our response to the evaluate a full range of treatments documented area with ROS recommendations.. and use herbicide treatments as a activities inconsistent with its Fish Populations last resort when no other means intended use. The Forest Monitoring of fish populations on of control are available and it is recommends an effort to establish the Forest, specifically the Oregon economically viable to do so. a new plan for Waldo Lake. Chub and bull trout, has The Forest recommends an evaluation on our success in documented decrease populations. There is a Waldo Lake proposal to With no known limiting factor, the preventing or controlling invasive species under this plan. rework the earlier plan. Issues to recent decline in the Oakridge be addressed include dispersed uses Slough population of Oregon Chub Preliminary data suggests 15% of of the lakeside zone, outfitter uses has raised concern. The Forest the populations have been of the basin, and the motorized recommends a study to isolate the eradicated and we will be boat use of the lake. limiting factor for this population. conducting further analysis in chemical control effectiveness The bull trout populations over the next year. specifically in Anderson Creek The forest increased its have also raised concern. The recreation monitoring by Forest recommends close surveying recreation use across monitoring of this population to Monitoring Plan Review the Forest and will continue determine if this is only a The Forest Plan has been updated every 5 years. The Forest fluctuation or the beginning of a since implementation in 1990. recommends an evaluation of downward trend. With the adoption of the the data to determine the Northwest Forest Plan and other consistency of the new data For the Oakridge chub population, significant changes the Forest with land allocations and ROS a project to raise the open water recommends an evaluation of settings established in the Forest level and maintain inundation of monitoring questions to look for Plan. aquatic vegetation longer into the opportunities to improve the 2004 summer season will be overall Monitoring Plan while The Forest participated in implemented in 2004 to increase still maintaining the objectives surveying recreational use in reproductive success and adult inherent in the Monitoring Plan. FY2002. Though data is now survival. The limiting factor for The Forest conducted an analysis available, funding for a separate this population is currently looking at the applicability and study looking at the compatibility unknown. In order to plan for importance each monitoring of these numbers to forest plan land future restoration, a study of the question fulfills and how well the allocation is not available. Oakridge Slough and several other question is and can be addressed. ponds where the Oregon Chub are Improvements have been proposed doing well is being planned. This to questions pertaining to cultural study is expected to begin in 2005. resources, plants, social, and economic questions. The next step The reduction in Anderson Creek is an amendment to incorporate redd numbers was monitored these improvements into the Forest closely in 2003 and will continue Plan Monitoring Report. into 2004. More monitoring will be necessary to determine if this was an isolated fluctuation or the beginning of a trend.

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Evaluation and Recommended Actions

This section of the monitoring report was traditionally reserved for Recommended Action items. Recommended Actions items are developed as a result of our monitoring efforts over the year. This section proved to be invaluable source for progress during the first several years of plan implementation. Recommended Action items resulted in the correction, where needed, of estimates in the Forest Plan, changes to management practices as needed to comply with the Forest Plan, needed clarifications to the Forest Plan, and many other adjustments needed such as various Forest Plan amendments.

The Forest has been implementing the Forest Plan since 1990. The Forest personnel routinely follow all standards and guidelines (S&Gs). In review of this Monitoring Report we did not note areas that needed attention that could be accomplished with a Recommended Action item. This is not to say improvements to the Forest Plan are no longer needed. Many changes are needed, but primarily due to the Plan’s age, this would result in recommendations that cannot be completed within a year or two (the expected timeline for results from Recommended Action items).

The Forest IDT agreed that a better use of limited resources is to focus on Forest Plan revision scheduled to begin in FY2008.

Items that will be our focused will include:

• Develop a scientifically credible process to determine a Natural Range of Variation by plant association.

• Review all resource databases developed for flora, fauna, tessestrial ecosystems, vegetation, field sampled plots, forest infrastructure, and recreation information.

• Conduct a retrospective evaluation of all past Monitoring Reports to identify trends developed in resource areas that will need attention in the Forest Plan revision. Past reports will also highlight issues best addressed with a holistic view of long-range forestwide plan

The Forest will continue to monitor and look for areas that can be improved without the need for a Plan revision.

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Forest Plan amendments

Your Forest Plan is a dynamic document that can be amended in response to:

Errors and/or discrepancies found during implementation. New information. Changes in physical conditions. New laws, regulations, or policy that affect National Forest management.

We frequently learn about the need for amendments through monitoring.

Since first published in the summer of 1990, there have been 43 nonsignificant amendments to the Willamette National Forest Plan. In addition, during 1994 the Northwest Forest Plan was completed and amended all Forest Plans in the range of the Northern Spotted Owl including this Forest. Because all Forest Plans were amended at the Regional level, the amendment did not receive a number.

The following summarizes the amendments to the Forest Plan:

Implementation Amendment Type of Change Date

1 10/30/1990 Vacates Regional Guide for spotted owls. 2 12/10/1990 Allows snowmobile use in certain parts of Santiam Pass area. 3 08/05/1991 Corrects errors and omissions in Forest Plan (errata). Requires roadside brush management methods be consistent with scenic resource 4 08/05/1991 needs and allows machine mowing. 5 08/05/1991 Corrects mapping error in boundary of Diamond Peak Wilderness. Changes and clarifies direction about retention of downed wood to better meet 6 08/05/1991 functional and operational objectives. 7 03/22/1992 Established Management Plan for the McKenzie Wild and Scenic River; Establishes Management Plan for the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette 8 03/22/1992 River Wild and Scenic River. Changes official Forest Plan Map from manually drafted management areas to a digital 9 02/20/1992 version on Forest’s Geographic Information System. Changes about 67 acres in Spring Butte area (Rigdon) from General Forest (MA-14a) to 10 03/14/1992 Special Habitat Area (MA-9d). Changes about 65 acres in Beaver Marsh area (Rigdon) from Special Interest Area 11 03/14/1992 (MA-5a) to Special Habitat Area (MA-9d). Adds Habitat Conservation Areas (HCAs) for northern spotted owl and adopts the 12 04/04/1992 standards and guidelines recommended by the interagency Scientific Committee. Makes initial allocation of about 640 acres of land acquired by land exchange not far 13 07/29/1992 from the South Pyramid area on the Sweet Home Ranger District to General Forest (MA-14a). Changes about 51 acres in the Long Ranch area, Sweet Home Ranger District, from 14 07/29/1992 Dispersed Recreation - lakeside Setting (MA-10f) to Special Habitat Area (MA-9d). Adds standard and guideline MA-1-20a to clarify that the visual quality objective for 15 07/06/1992 wilderness is Preservation, and deletes FW-059. Establishes new Management Area, Integrated Research Site (MA-3b) to support 16 07/29/1992 research on long-term site productivity and moves a pileated woodpecker site within the area. Also, relabels the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest as MA-3a.

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Forest Plan amendments

Implementation Amendment Type of Change Date

Extends deferment of timber harvest and road construction in the Opal Creek area for 17 02/17/1993 up to an additional two years. 18 Clarifies direction in Forest-wide standard and guideline FW-018 to provide more site- 02/17/1993 specific and objectives. Relocates about 1,100 feet of Bornite Brook and 900 feet of Vanishing Creek, and by so doing interchanges the actual location of affected lands between MA-14a and MA-15. 19 06/02/1993 Upon reclamation of the bornite project’s tailings impoundment, creates about 5 acres of wetlands converting that acreage from MA-14a to MA-15. 20 05/17/1993 Adds S&G to require an integrated management approach for weed management for the most effective control methods, based on site-specific conditions. Makes initial allocation of 123 acres acquired through land exchange on the Blue River 21 06/23/1993 RD, 59 acres allocated to MA-5A (Gold Hill SIA); 64 acres allocated to MA-11d near Blue River Reservoir. Allows temporary reduction in availability of elk cover in Mill Creek and Anderson Creek 22 11/24/1993 High Emphasis areas (McKenzie RD) to allow stand management practices which will accelerate the development of high quality cover. Establishes the Forest’s Special Forest Products Management Plan, including 23 01/05/1994 implementing direction through several new Forest-wide S&Gs. Establishes land allocations and S&Gs as described in the Record of Decision for 05/20/1994 Amendments to the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management management plans. Changes 1/2-acre in the Westfir area from Scenic-Partial Retention (MA-11c) to Special 24 09/29/1994 Use-Permits (MA-13a). Modifies the S&Gs for riparian reserves, wildlife tree provisions, and fueling loadings in 25 05/26/1995 MA-3b and AMA Long-Term Ecosystem Productivity project. This was a nonsignificant amendment to the Forest Plan. Modifies the S&Gs for visual objectives, big-game management, and the retention of 26 05/17/1995 large woody material. This was a nonsignificant amendment to the Forest Plan. Designates approximately 110 acres as MA-9d, Special Wildlife Habitat, in the Heart 27 06/22/1995 Planning Area on the Oakridge RD. Designates the electronic site as a Special-Use-Permits area (MA-13a). Prior to this 28 11/29/1995 decision the site was located within Scenic-Modification Middleground (MA-11a). For specifics see Santiam Cellular Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice. Expand the current Special-Use-Permit area (MA-12b) from 732 acres to 802 acres. Master Plan provides for improvements to the alpine ski facility, as well as adding other 29 01/12/1996 year-round recreational opportunities. For specifics see the Hoodoo Master Plan FSEIS and ROD. Within the Browder Cat timber sale boundary, decreases riparian reserve widths to 50 feet for both sides on four intermittent streams within and adjacent to harvest units and 30 04/17/1996 establishes riparian reserves of 175 feet for both sides on two perennial non-fish bearing streams adjacent to a proposed unit. 31 05/15/1996 Established the Rigdon Point RNA. Decreases the interim Riparian Reserve widths 21 acres for Class IV streams and 5 32 09/04/1996 acres for Class III within the Augusta Timber Sale Planning area located in South Fork McKenzie Tier 1 Key Watershed.

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Forest Plan amendments

Implementation Amendment Type of Change Date

Assigns a management area to recently acquired land in the following way: 13 acres to 33 01/23/1997 McKenzie River Wild and Scenic River corridor (MA 6d), 11 acres to Scenic Partial Retention/ Middleground (MA 11c) and .25 acres to Special Interest Area (MA 5a). Changes approximately 1,900 acres of land from Scenic Modification/Middleground (MA 34 01/23/1998 11a) to General Forest (MA 14a) and removes 275 acres of inventoried roadless area on the Middle Fork Ranger District. Temporarily reduced winter range cover for elk in a high elk emphasis area below the 35 5/17/1997 0.5 Habitat Effectiveness rating required by S&G FW-149 in the Robinson-Scott project area. Establishes new S&Gs for four sensitive plant species; Gorman’s aster, Aster gormanii; 36 07/08/1997 Common adders tongue, Ophioglossum pusillum; selected populations of tall bugbane, Cimicifuga elata; and selected populations of Umpqua swertia, Fraseran umpquaensis. Assigns initial allocations for about 2,180 acres of acquired lands located on Detroit and 37 05/19/1997 Sweet Home Ranger Districts. Changes management emphasis to provide for a proposed action to build a replica fire 38 01/21/1998 lookout station museum on the Lowell Ranger District. Establishes two new communication sites on the Sweet Home Ranger District. The 39 06/01/1998 development involves less than 1/4 acre. Establishes the 2,877 acre Torrey-Charlton Research Natural Area (RNA). The RNA 40 07/13/1998 spans over both the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests. Establishes two new communication sites on the Detroit Ranger District. The 41 08/24/1998 development involves less than 1/4 acre. Allows the Forest to continue a program of noxious weed treatment based on the type of 42 08/30/1999 infection. Changes, in Christy Basin, approximately 1,060 acres of MA 14a (General Forest) to 43 02/15/2000 MA 9b (Pileated Woodpecker habitat). Also a slight modification of MA 10e (Dispersed recreation) with no net change in acreage. Established the Waldo Lake Management Plan which addressed management issues in 44 12/21/2001 and around the lake. This decision has since been rescinded.

WHITE BREASTED NUTHATCH, Sitta carolinensis

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Forest Plan updates

Forest Plan Amendments (discussed above) change decisions made by the Forest Plan, consequently, they also require environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). From time to time other changes to the Forest Plan are needed which are not intended to affect earlier decisions or Plan objectives. Examples of such changes include corrections; clarification of intent; changes to monitoring questions; and refinements of management area boundaries to match management direction with site-specific resource characteristics at the margin. We call these types of changes “Updates.” Since they do not change any Plan decision, they do not require NEPA analysis.

There have been ten updates to the Forest Plan:

Implementation Update Type of Change Date

Makes two minor management area boundary adjustments on the Oakridge Ranger 1 07/06/1993 District (RD). 2 10/18/1993 Clarifies the Forest-wide S&Gs for prescribed fire in nonwilderness. Updates and reprints the Forest’s Monitoring Tables from Chapter V of the Forest Plan. 3 10/18/1993 Eliminates duplication, improves clarity, and refines data, and analysis requirements to better address monitoring concerns. Special Forest Products (SFP) Table IV-32a shows a type of collection allowed by a management area. To clarify that the exclusion of commercial SFP collection applies 4 10/17/1994 only to the large, mapped Late-Successional Reserves (LSR) and not to all of the owl activity centers that are now 100-acres LSRs. Clarifies the role of natural fires in Wilderness. Insures direction for prescribed natural fire is consistent with Wilderness policy through adjustments to the Forest Management 5 12/15/1995 Goals, Desired Future Condition, Forest-wide S&Gs, Management Area prescriptions, and Monitoring Questions. Updates the Forest Plan Map of Record with changes to Swift Creek (MA 10f); 6 01/23/1997 corrections to 100 acre Late Successional Reserves (MA 16b), an AMA designation correction (MA 11f to MA 17), and a Hoodoo Master Plan boundary correction (MA 12b). Updates the Forest Plan Map of Record with refinements to the LSR222 boundary, establishment of MA 13B for the Middle Fork Ranger Station, the incorporation of Pileated Woodpecker and Marten areas, changes to 7 owl cores on the McKenzie RD 7 08/31/1998 and one on the Lowell Ranger District, the location of the already established Huckleberry Lookout (MA 13b) onto the Map of Record, the assignment of management allocations to newly acquired private land, refinements to the boundary of the McKenzie work center. Updates the Forest Plan Map of Record with RNA boundary refinements, the creation of Ma 1 for Opal Creek Wilderness and MA 2C for Opal Creek Scenic Area; an update that finalizes the boundary of the North Fork of the Middle Fork Wild and Scenic River, small 8 04/03/2000 refinements of the Forestwide wilderness boundaries, an LMP layer adjustment to reflect private land changes, adjustments to the boundary of Hills Creek LSR to allow scenic enhancement activities, and the creation of a MA 6b for the Elkhorn Wild and Scenic River.

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Forest Plan updates

Implementation Update Type of Change Date

Documents the change of Inventoried Roadless Area maps from paper copies to an 9 04/09/2001 electronic Geographic Information system layer in the Forest Planning records. Updates the Forest Plan Map of Record with a Guistina Land Exchange of 173 acres for 237 acres; correct Shadow Bay campground from 12a to a 12b; vertical integration of administrative boundaries; update with the Finberry Timber Sale, correct the Three 10 10/17/2002 Creek RNA boundary; change land allocation from 11c to 13a at Carmen Air Quality Monitoring Site; reflect the Drury Land Purchase of approximately 28 acres; add names of special features into the layer, change an allocation from 14a to 12a on Timber Butte Lookout; and finally add the boundaries of the seed orchards.

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R6–WILL–012-04

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, or call 1-800-245-6340 (voice) or 202-720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer. Printed on recycled paper

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