Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Fire Severity, Restoration, and Habitat

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1 This chapter describes the alternatives considered for the Dinkey North Restoration Project, including the proposed action. Alternative 1 (No Action) Alternative 1 authorizes no new actions. All previously approved management activities would continue to be implemented. See Table 3 1 for a list of the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions that are considered in this environmental assessment. Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) Fire Severity, Restoration, and Habitat The proposed action for the Dinkey North Restoration Project is based on a landscape strategy presented in An Ecosystem Strategy for Sierran Mixed Conifer Forests by North et al. (2009), which emphasizes ecological restoration as a guide for forest management treatments. The goal of this strategy is to restore heterogeneity (i.e., diversity in plant size, type, and density) at the landscape scale to approximate but not strictly impose a historical condition and to create a mosaic of density and structure based on ecological processes influenced by aspect, slope position, site productivity, tree species, and unusual micro site conditions. The most important of these historical processes is fire (North et al. 2009). The proposed action includes using prescribed fire both for restoration purposes and to reduce existing fuels and fuels created from previous treatments; tree removal is also proposed to approximate the tree numbers and growing space density specified in the desired condition. Emphasis Areas and Treatment Stands The proposed action would restore tree species composition and vegetation structure and would reintroduce fire consistent with conditions that had occurred historically within the Southern Sierra Nevada forests. Specific forest needs would be addressed through proposed forest restoration and controlled fire activities that give priority to one of the following emphasis areas: public and firefighter safety through reductions in ground/surface, ladder, and crown fuels to reduce the potential for crown fire; key Pacific fisher habitat and restoration of forest structures; and California spotted owl habitat. The proposed action would implement restoration activities for 20 stands according to emphasis area. The treatment stands and emphasis areas are shown in Figure 2 1. Emphasis areas were determined based upon land allocation and habitat considerations as shown in Figure 2 1 and discussed below. Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 1

2 Land allocation in the wildland urban interface (WUI). The Dinkey North project area is located within the WUI, which describes an area where human habitation is mixed with areas of flammable wildland vegetation. Dinkey Creek, located in the project area, is identified as a community at high risk from wildfire (Federal Register, August 17, 2001 [Volume 66, Number 160], p ). The 2004 Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (USDA Forest Service 2004a) identifies the following three land allocation zones for the WUI: Defense Core Zone: The WUI Defense Core Zone includes all treatment stands that contain an urban core (i.e., a community or inhabited structures and immediate environs). The density criteria from the 2004 Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment were used to identify urban core areas in the Dinkey North project area. The Defense Core Zone is located in the Defense Zone and has the highest risk from wildfire. Defense Zone: The WUI Defense Zone is a buffer in closest proximity to communities and human infrastructure. WUI Defense Zones generally extend from the structures in a community out roughly 0.25 mile. Fire control is the primary objective in this zone. Threat Zone: The WUI Threat Zone extends approximately 1.25 miles from the outer edge of the Defense Zone. The objective for this area is to reduce wildfire spread and intensity and to maintain habitat functionality. It should be noted that the width of WUI zones is adjusted based on the distribution of developments, likely rates of fire spread, strategic landscape features such as roads, distribution of fuels types, and topography. The public and firefighter safety emphasis was given to all stands located in the Defense Core Zone. Owl habitat considerations within the remaining project area were used to identify stands with priorities for spotted owl. See Figure 2 1 for locations of the urban core area and structures to be protected. Land allocation for California spotted owl habitat. Over the last 100 years or so, selective logging and fire suppression have reduced the number of large trees, increased the density of smaller diameter classes, and shifted composition toward shade tolerant fir and cedar. These changes are at the heart of the concerns about California spotted owl habitats as outlined by Verner et al. (1992). These authors recommended an interim management approach that has been adopted most recently in the 2004 Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (USDA Forest Service 2004a). Along with an emphasis on reducing the risk of wildfire, the amendment identifies two land allocation units that maintain important habitats. Protection Activity Center (PAC): A PAC is a delineated land allocation comprising the best available 300 acres of spotted owl habitat, which is managed specifically for sustaining nesting habitat for the purpose of maintaining viable populations of spotted owls. Home Range Core Area (HRCA): An HRCA comprises approximately 700 acres (including the PAC) of the best available spotted owl habitat for the purpose of providing foraging habitat. California spotted owl emphasis was given to treatment stands that contain PACs. The remaining stands were identified for restoration and Pacific fisher treatments consistent with meeting objectives to reduce hazardous fuels conditions. Table 2 1 below identifies the number of stands by land allocation and emphasis, and Table 2 2 shows the acreages. Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 2

3 k:\irvine\gis\projects\usfs\dinkey\00468_09\mapdoc\env_assessment\2010may\fig2_1_proposed_trtmnts_dn.mxd SM ( ) Legend Dinkey North Project Area Treatment Stands Proposed Emphasis Areas ### Owl Emphasis Public and Firefighter Safety Emphasis Restoration and Pacific Fisher Emphasis Barren (rock) Urban Meadow Canyons - Habitat Linkages Streamside Management Zone Structures ,000 2,000 Feet Source: ESRI StreetMap North America (2008) Figure 2-1 Proposed Treatments Dinkey North

4 Table 2 1. Land Allocation and Emphasis Number of Stands Wildland Urban Interface Land Allocation Spotted Owl Land Allocation Public and Firefighter Safety Emphasis Restoration and Pacific Fisher Emphasis California Spotted Owl Emphasis Total Defense Zone Not PAC or HRCA HRCA Defense Core Zone PAC (maintain above 50% canopy cover) Not PAC or HRCA HRCA Threat Zone Not PAC or HRCA 0 4* 0 4 HRCA PAC (fuel ladders and ground fuels only) Total Notes: PAC=protected activity center HRCA=home range core area *One stand is dominated by rock and would receive no tree removal treatment Table 2 2. Land Allocation and Emphasis Acres Wildland Urban Interface Land Allocation Spotted Owl Land Allocation Public and Firefighter Safety Emphasis Restoration and Pacific Fisher Emphasis California Spotted Owl Emphasis Stands Total Defense Zone Not PAC or HRCA HRCA Defense Core Zone PAC (maintain above 50% canopy cover) Not PAC or HRCA HRCA Threat Zone Not PAC or HRCA 0 279* HRCA PAC (fuel ladders and ground fuels only) Total Notes: PAC=protected activity center HRCA=home range core area *One stand or 118 acres is dominated by rock and would receive no tree removal treatment Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 3

5 As shown in Table 2 1, the proposed action includes restoration treatments on 9 of the 20 stands within the project area. Of the other 11 stands, 6 within the Defense Core Zone are identified for public and firefighter safety emphasis, and 5 are in California spotted owl PACs. These 5 also provide important denning and resting habitat for Pacific fisher. Treatment activities for the three emphasis areas and activities common to all emphasis areas are discussed in Treatment Activities below. Design criteria and best management practices (BMPs) are also discussed below. Treatment Activities Proposed treatments for the 16 stands would be prioritized according to emphasis area; however, stands could be treated to meet the objectives of multiple emphases. Table 2 3 provides an overview of treatment activities for each emphasis area, and the discussion that follows provides more detail. A complete discussion of proposed treatments, equipment, and methods is found in Appendix G. Trees would be removed from the stands by conventional ground based machinery such as tractors or rubber tired skidders, and then hauled to processing sites using trucks. Fuels treatments would involve the use of tractors and hand crews to prepare the area for the prescribed burning, including the use of firelines constructed by hand crews and machines to help control prescribed fire operations. Proposed treatment stands are illustrated in Figure 2 1. Table 2 3. Summary of Proposed Restoration Treatments for Dinkey North Emphasis Area Public and Firefighter Safety California Spotted Owl Restoration and Pacific Fisher # of Stands Proposed Treatment Activities 6 reduce ground fuels to reduce flame length reduce tree density to decrease potential for crown fires and torching limit tree removal to diameters <30 inches at breast height remove all hazard trees adjacent to structures and other physical improvements 5 maintain 50% canopy cover in Defense Zone PACs limit treatment to ground and ladder fuels in Threat Zone PACs focus removals on intermediate fir and incense cedar and suppressed trees of all species apply public and firefighter safety and restoration and Pacific fisher treatments when consistent with PAC desired conditions 9 retain key large tree structures needed by Pacific fisher reduce hazardous fuels promote heterogeneity and allocate growing space consistent with historical stand structures emphasize open stand conditions with densities based on aspect and slope position apply public and firefighter safety treatments consistent with restoration and Pacific fisher desired conditions The proposed action would occur over the next 15 years. Tree removals (commercial harvests, small tree thinning), planting, conifer release, and burning are all proposed to take place between the years 2010 and Additional prescribed fire would take place between years 2015 and Planted areas would be evaluated for additional release and replanting in years 2015 to This Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 4

6 range in treatment timing reflects uncertainty from weather and burning conditions. The timing also reflects conformance with air quality emission standards. Both the proposed action and fire severity alternative include a similar treatment schedule. The alternatives differ in the intensity of tree removals and the planting of openings. Table 2 4 reflects the schedule of treatments for the proposed action and Alternative 3. Table 2 4. Treatment Activity Schedule for Each Alternative * Alternative No Action Unplanned events such as insect attack, drought, and severe fire create changes baseline conditions for analysis. Proposed Action Fire Severity Commercial harvests occur (trees 10 to 30 dbh). Commercial harvests occur (trees 10 to 16 inches dbh). Small trees < 10 dbh are removed and small diseased trees cleaned. Hand piling occurs in campground, along visually sensitive roads, and near power lines. Removal of slash occurs in recreation residence areas. Same as above. Slash from logging are tractor piled and hand piled. Same as above. Note: * indicates when severe fire effects are assessed. Burning of slash piles occurs. Underburn occurs. Same as above. Planting regeneration openings, hand and chemical release occur. Burning of slash piles occurs. Burning of slash piles occurs. Planted openings are evaluated for release and replanting. Underburn occurs. No activity. Second underburn occurs. No activity. Public and Firefighter Safety Treatment Activities in Core Defense Stands Six core defense stands are proposed to receive treatments that maximize public and firefighter safety. These stands encompass the Dinkey Creek and Dinkey Bluff Recreation Residence Tracts, the Dinkey Creek Campground, the Dinkey Creek Inn and Store, the Dinkey Creek Ranger Station, and the Dinkey Meadow (Chambers Tract) Recreation Residences. Treatments in core defense stands are designed to maximize firefighter safety during suppression and keep wildfire on the ground. Treatments would reduce ground fuels so that flame lengths would be less than 4 feet. Tree removal would reduce tree density so that the potential for crown fire and torching would be low or unlikely; tree removal would occur throughout all diameters less than 30 inches at breast height; hazard trees of any diameter adjacent to structures and other physical improvements would be removed. Treatments would be consistent with the recreational character Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 5

7 of the stands. Slash removal would occur within recreation residence and other special use permit areas (e.g., store and cabins) where slash piles would be inconsistent with the recreation character. Within core defense stands, tree density would not vary according to aspect or slope position. Considerations for unusual micro sites and Pacific fisher rest sites and other types of clumps or sites described in Restoration and Pacific Fisher Emphasis Design Criteria, below, would be applied where they do not conflict with hazardous fuels reduction or are necessary to meet BMPs described in General Design Criteria/Best Management Practices. The proposed actions would remove sufficient snags to help ensure hazard abatement and adequate fire line efficacy in the Defense Core Zone and along strategic roads. All snags would not be removed. Some are too dangerous to be felled and others are in inaccessible areas. Outside of these areas, snags greater than 15 inches diameter would remain. Logs (downed woody debris) created from snag operations would be removed if they are within 300 feet of structures and/or other improvements, and 100 feet of forest roads that have been determined to be strategic for fire control operations in the event of a wildfire. The following roads are strategic fire control roads: 10S13, 11S040, FRE2240, 10S24, 10S40, and 10S24C. Restoration and Pacific Fisher Nine stands are proposed to receive treatments that emphasize ecological restoration as guided by the general technical report, An Ecosystem Strategy for Sierran Mixed Conifer Forests by North et al. (2009) and that maintain key Pacific fisher habitat and forest structures. The proposed action would implement restoration treatments that: retain key large tree structures needed by Pacific fisher, reduce hazardous fuels, and promote and maintain heterogeneity. Restoration treatments would allocate growing space consistent with historical stand structures that had generally flat tree distributions (North et al. 2004, Taylor 2004). In addition in these stands, public and firefighter safety would be promoted through reduced tree density, ground/surface fuels, and ladder and crown fuels consistent with restoration and Pacific fisher desired conditions. Consequently, treatments would create varying stand density and structure influenced by aspect, slope position, site productivity, tree species, and unusual micro site conditions. Specifically, the proposed action would emphasize open stand conditions by employing the lowest, lower, and moderate residual basal area per acre targets in Table 2 6 in Proposed Action Design Criteria, on southerly slopes and ridge tops. Dense to moderately dense stand conditions would be emphasized by employing the high, higher, and highest residual basal area per acre targets in Table 2 6 on northerly slopes, in canyons, and in areas with Pacific fisher rest and lower quality dense sites. Tree removal would occur throughout all diameters, up to 30 inches dbh, consistent with the desired condition. Reductions in hazardous fuels and the resulting fire behavior and severity would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (USDA Forest Service 2004a). One application of prescribed fire (underburning) is proposed in the next 10 year period as a second treatment after hand or tractor piling and burning of the piles to reintroduce fire in some stands that are away from structures. Underburns would have average flame lengths less than 4 feet. Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 6

8 California Spotted Owl Habitat Five stands are proposed to receive treatments that emphasize protecting California spotted owl habitat. The proposed action would implement treatments that: maintain above 50% canopy cover within PACs in the Defense Zone (Stands 227 and 275), and limit treatment to ground and ladder fuels within PACs in the Threat Zone (Stands 129, 170, and 197). Treatments within PACs would maintain late seral forest structures and large trees with diameters over 30 inches at breast height, which are needed for nesting habitat (North et al. 2009). High and moderate quality Pacific fisher rest sites located in owl emphasis areas would receive no treatments. Tree removals and prescribed fire in all PACs and HRCAs would be designed to reduce ground and ladder fuels by focusing removals on the intermediate fir and incense cedar trees and suppressed trees of all species. Restoration and public and firefighter safety treatments described above would be implemented when consistent with PAC and HRCA desired conditions. Ground Fuels Management throughout All Emphasis Areas Treatments proposed for all emphasis areas would result in the creation of ground fuels. The proposed action would treat existing and treatment created fuels through the use of prescribed fire (burning hand piles and machine piles) or complete removal in special use permit areas (recreation residences, store, or structures) where hand piles are inconsistent with the recreation character. Underburning as a second treatment is proposed to accomplish restoration objectives and to reintroduce the process of frequent fire. Ecosystem strategies suggested by North et al. (2009) emphasize the use of prescribed fire both as a fuel treatment and as a tool for restoring natural processes. Table 2 5 lists the acres covered by proposed prescribed fire and fuels treatments. Proposed fuels and prescribed fire treatments are shown in Figures 2 2 and 2 3. Hand and machine lines would be constructed to contain prescribed fire. Table 2 5. Fuels and Prescribed Fire Treatments Treatments Fuels Treatment Initial Treatment Lop and scatter only 0 Lop and scatter and underburn 0 Mastication and underburn 0 Underburn only 0 Hand pile and burn piles or removal 178 Tractor pile and burn piles 1004 No fuels treatments 435 Total 1617 Underburn Second Treatment 865 Acres Affected Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 7

9 Restoration of Native Species Composition throughout All Emphasis Areas Restoration of native species composition is proposed through the regeneration of pine species; the retention of existing shrubs, pine, and oaks consistent with the desired condition; the enhancement of growing conditions of existing pine; and the eradication of noxious weed species. Both younger shrub age classes and pine regeneration are proposed for restoration in existing openings. The proposed action emphasizes maintenance of small brush openings (up to 10% of project area) consistent with historic conditions. Pine would be regenerated in areas with existing openings in parts of stands dominated by pine and in excess of the 10% needed to meet shrub expectations, or in parts of stands dominated by white fir. Treatment Activities Pine regeneration would occur through mechanical site preparation (e.g., tractor piling), thinning of larger trees from the southeast to southwest edges of existing openings to increase sunlight received, planting seedlings, and spraying Accord herbicide (glyphosate) or hand releasing following planting to control vegetation that competes with seedlings for soil moisture and nutrients as specified by the Release Decision Tree in the Dinkey North and Dinkey South Treatment Priorities document provided in Appendix B of the Vegetation and Silvicultural Specialist Report for the Dinkey North Restoration Project (USDA Forest Service 2010a). Other specific treatment activities that would restore native species composition would include the following: Existing younger pine regeneration would be promoted through thinning and reorientation of openings. Marking guidelines would emphasize retaining pine and oak species and enhancing growing conditions for both species. Tree removals would focus on incense cedar and white fir. Patches of forest (5 30 acres) currently dominated by pine would be thinned to promote the growth of pine species. Eradication of noxious weeds would occur on 4.7 acres. Treatments for noxious weed eradication include hand pulling on 0.9 acre and directed herbicide spray on 3.8 acres (Accord and R 11). The following noxious weed infestations would be eradicated: an infestation of lens podded hoary cress located near the Dinkey Pack Station, one infestation each of bull thistle and cheat grass, two bull thistle infestations near streams, and a woolly mullein occurrence across from the Dinkey Pack Station. Transportation Access (Roads) The proposed activities listed above would not require any new road construction. The following maintenance, reconstruction, and temporary roads are needed: Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 8

10 k:\irvine\gis\projects\usfs\dinkey\00468_09\mapdoc\env_assessment\2010may\fig2_2_fuel_trtmnts_dn.mxd SM ( ) Legend Dinkey North Project Area Treatment Stands Proposed Emphasis Areas Owl Emphasis Public and Firefighter ### Safety Emphasis Restoration and Pacific Fisher Emphasis Fuel Treatments, First Burning Hand Pile, Burn Piles Tractor Pile, Burn Piles No Treatment, No Burn ,000 2,000 Feet Source: ESRI StreetMap North America (2008) Figure 2-2 Proposed Fuel Treatments & Burning of Fuels First Entry Dinkey North

11 k:\irvine\gis\projects\usfs\dinkey\00468_09\mapdoc\env_assessment\2010may\fig2_3_second_trtmnt_dn.mxd SM ( ) Legend Dinkey North Project Area Treatment Stands Proposed Emphasis Areas Owl Emphasis Public and Firefighter ### Safety Emphasis Restoration and Pacific Fisher Emphasis Underburn No Burn ,000 2,000 Feet Source: ESRI StreetMap North America (2008) Figure 2-3 Proposed Burning of Fuels Second Entry (5 to 15 Years after Entry 1) Dinkey North

12 Road Maintenance Road Reconstruction Temporary Road Construction 12.1 miles 2.8 miles 4.5 miles The temporary roads would be restored to conditions prior to their use to the greatest extent practicable, in order to avoid adverse effects from disrupted drainage patters or potential soil erosion. See Appendix E for a table listing the roads associated with the project implementation. Proposed Action Design Criteria The following design criteria have been developed for the proposed action and further define proposed treatment activities for emphasis areas. General design criteria and BMPs that would be applied throughout all stands are also provided. Public and Firefighter Safety Emphasis Design criteria related only to the public and firefighter safety emphasis are as follows: SAF 1 Within core defense stands, remove fuel ladders, treat ground and surface fuels, and open crown canopy. Remove trees throughout diameter classes and emphasize removal of 80% of trees with diameters of 0 10 inches at breast height, 40% of trees inches at breast height, and 20% of trees inches at breast height. Design criteria related to restoration and Pacific fisher treatments described in Treatment Activities, would be implemented when consistent with public and firefighter safety desired conditions. Design criteria related to all emphases to improve public and firefighter safety are as follows: SAF 2 SAF 3 SAF 4 SAF 5 SAF 6 Conduct treatments to reduce ground fuels, ladder fuels, and crown density consistent with the aspect, slope position, site productivity, tree species, and unusual micro site conditions described above in Treatment Activities, for Pacific fisher, California spotted owl, and restoration objectives. Treat existing and treatment created ground/surface fuels to reduce their volume to desired conditions. Treatments would include hand piling or removal of slash, tractor piling slash, underburning, and burning piled slash. Protect structures outside defense core by treating a 200 foot buffer feathered to 300 feet around structures to reduce ground fuels, ladder fuels, and separate crown fuels. This treatment emphasizes fuels reductions over maintaining dense canopy conditions for Pacific fisher and California spotted owl habitat or restoration objectives. Remove hazard trees near structures and developed sites. Leave large trees for downed wood ecological requirements after felling unless fuels standards are triggered. Apply the following marking priorities: a. Reduce fuel ladders. b. Remove trees that provide fuel ladders to larger trees to create conditions suitable for underburning and reduce the potential for torching. Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 9

13 1) Protect larger trees from underburning to maintain stand structures that would contribute to future habitat diversity. 2) Reduce canopy layering by accentuating age classes (e.g., a 10 inch diameter tree among 30 inch diameter trees would be removed to accentuate the 30 inch diameter class). c. Retain pine and black oak for restoration to increase resilience and to reduce wildfire and prescribed fire severity. 1) Ensure that marking priorities emphasize pine and oak retention both in clumps and across aspect/landscape zones. 2) Ensure that restoration treatments emphasize pine and oak growth enhancement though reductions in growing space allocated to fir and incense cedar. 3) Reduce tree density in areas dominated by pine (mixed conifer pine or Jeffrey pine) to improve the growth of residual pine trees. 4) Reduce growing space around vigorous black oaks (no current cavities) to enhance black oak growth. Prioritize retention of black oak over retention of pine species. Restoration and Pacific Fisher Emphasis Stand wide criteria related to the restoration and Pacific fisher emphasis are as follows: RPF 1 Remove trees for restoration purposes on nine stands with 765 gross acres consistent with the residual basal areas shown in Table 2 6 for each zone. Create landscape heterogeneity through: a. varying residual growing space based upon four aspect and slope zones: northerly, southerly, ridge, and canyon; b. applying a relative scale of tree density keyed to aspect, slope position, and site productivity that sets the range of basal area per canopy cover for any location from lowest density found on ridge tops to highest density found in canyons; and c. removing trees throughout all diameter classes up to 30 inches at breast height. RPF 2 Pacific Fisher Habitat Linkages. Maintain canopy cover within canyons at the highest relative basal area level. Canyons provide habitat connections and linkages for Pacific fisher along creeks. Canyon linkages, Pacific fisher rest sites across all aspect and slope position zones, dense PAC conditions, and north slopes provide for a diffuse network of linkages with old forest characteristics. In addition, canyons provide protection for riparian vegetation and moderate stream temperatures. Table 2 6. Residual Basal Area (Square Feet per Acre) for Slope/Aspect Zones Slope/Aspect Zone Ridges Southerly Slopes Northerly Slopes Canyon Site Index Forest Type Lowest Lower Moderate High Higher Highest 90 years Mixed Conifer Fir Mixed Conifer Pine Jeffrey Pine Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 10

14 Slope/Aspect Zone Ridges Southerly Slopes Northerly Slopes Canyon Site Index Forest Type Lowest Lower Moderate High Higher Highest 90 years 90 years 90 years 90 years 90 years Mixed Conifer Fir Mixed Conifer Pine Jeffrey Pine Mixed Conifer Fir Mixed Conifer Pine Jeffrey Pine Mixed Conifer Fir Mixed Conifer Pine Jeffrey Pine Mixed Conifer Fir Mixed Conifer Pine Jeffrey Pine Mixed Conifer Fir Mixed Conifer Pine Jeffrey Pine Percent Remaining Mixed Conifer Percent Remaining Jeffrey Pine Notes: Mixed conifer fir <15% pine species Mixed conifer pine >15% pine species Jeffrey pine >50% pine species Site indexes and basal areas are based on Dunning and Rieneke 1933, except for Jeffrey pine basal areas, which are based on Meyers Site indexes and basal areas are applied at the aspect and slope position zone or smaller scale. Stand level basal area targets are the result of area weighted basal area for each aspect and slope zone. RPF 3 Pacific Fisher Rest Sites and Other Types of Clumps or Sites. Vary treatment of tree sites and clumps tied to recognizable topographic conditions (e.g., aspect, canyons, and ridges), micro site locations (e.g., meadows and large trees), species composition, site productivity, and tree density conditions to create a fine grain (fine scale) heterogeneity. The variable treatment of clumps to promote oaks and pine and the variable treatment of dense clumps with snags or suitable Pacific fisher rest sites promote heterogeneity at a fine scale. Clumps or sites will vary in size depending on the particular micro site at a scale of 5 trees (high quality Pacific fisher rest sites) to 0.5 acre (other types of clumps or sites). Adhere to the following clump and micro site guidelines, listed in order of greatest importance to the restoration and Pacific fisher emphasis, to create this fine grained forest structure: a. High Quality Pacific Fisher Rest Sites. These sites are found rarely across the Dinkey area and tend to be located on steeper slopes and within 300 feet of water. High quality Pacific fisher rest sites are composed of clumps of five or more conifer trees that have Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 11

15 diameters greater than 30 inches at breast height or oaks with diameters greater than 20 inches at breast height. The tree density is greater than 240 square feet per acre, and the sites contain Pacific fisher rest structures (large legacy trees, cavities, and rarely downed logs). These clumps not only have high density, but also have deep canopies. The size of the large trees, deep crowns, location near water, and canopy cover, in addition to rest structure(s) makes these sites particularly useful to Pacific fisher. Canopy is typically split between upper and lower canopy layers. 1) Limit treatments to the edges or to removing limited layering to keep the dense character of these sites. b. Moderate Quality Pacific Fisher Rest Sites. These sites consist of clumps of dense trees (greater than 240 square feet per acre) with large snags (conifer snags with diameters greater than 35 inches at breast height or oak snags with diameters greater than 25 inches), legacy trees, or suitable large rest structures (snags and damaged or diseased trees with diameters greater than 20 inches at breast height). These rest sites are common across the project area. They are characterized by the density of trees over 240 square feet per acre and the presence of one or more suitable rest structures. A rest structure is typically a large, older legacy tree with large branches or a tree with a deformation that provides rest platforms. Higher value rest sites are found near water. Growing space (leaf area, canopy) is split between an upper and lower canopy layer. Canopy foliage composed of upper and lower layers can be stacked or more often found adjacent. 1) Promote heterogeneity, focusing on retaining and promoting pine. Remove trees around edges to protect from fire and to promote pine growth. 2) Maintain tree densities of 240 square feet per acre or more in most clumps with structure. Leave clumps untreated near streams or meadows. Focus removals on suppressed and intermediate trees, especially near meadow and wet area microsites. Retain integrity of areas adjacent to water by limiting removals to edges. Keep all snags that are not hazards. c. Lower Quality Dense Sites. These sites consist of high density clumps that are greater than 240 square feet per acre. These clumps are composed of dense single layered trees with diameters generally greater than 24 inches at breast height. This single layer of dense canopy is found high above the forest floor. While snags may be found in these clumps, the size of snags or decay class offers few resting platforms. Despite their large size, live trees offer few resting platforms. 1) Retain tree densities of 240 square feet per acre in these clumps, except when clumps have scattered pine. Use decision priority that focuses tree removal on providing growing space for scattered pine. 2) Retain large tree structure and density. d. Pine Clumps or Sites (areas where 50% or more of the basal area per acre is pine). Maintain and develop pine clumps as small as 0.25 acre by thinning that may result in some pine as well as other species being harvested. Promote growth and health of the pine by thinning through the clumps, using the following ranges: Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 12

16 1) north slope: 60 75% (high higher) of normal basal area (for what land can support), 2) canyon: 80% (highest) of normal basal area (for what land can support), 3) south slope: 55 60% (low moderate) of normal basal area (for what land can support), and 4) ridges: 40 55% (lowest) of normal basal area (for what land can support). e. Lowest Quality Clumps or Sites. These sites consist of either high density clumps that are greater than 240 square feet per acre and have trees with diameters that are less than 24 inches at breast height, or that are clumps with densities less than 240 square feet per acre. While some clumps are dense, they have few Pacific fisher rest platforms. These clumps are found commonly throughout the project area. Clumps often have poor growing fir and incense cedar that dominates clump structure. Pine is found at a low frequency in these clumps. The nature of the tree size and the crown cover found in a single canopy layer make these areas of low value regardless of location or proximity to water. 1) Promote heterogeneity among clumps by emphasizing a single canopy layer of the dominant tree type within a clump and by varying the resulting different types of clumps across the stand to create a future multi storied stand. Remove intermediate fir trees, incense cedar trees, and poor growing, suppressed trees of all species. 2) Retain all vigorous pine. Increase openness around single pines or small clumps of two or three. In larger clumps, having 50% or more basal area per acre in pine, reduce density to the basal areas specified in Table 2 6 for Jeffrey pine. Focus removals on fir and incense cedar. f. Existing Young Pine in Small Areas or Clumps (approximately 8 acres). Promote growth by thinning larger trees from southeast to southwest edges to reorient existing pine regeneration small areas or clumps to increase sunlight received. Thin within the sites to give spacing to small trees. g. Existing Openings with Good Soil. In forest types dominated by fir, promote the growth of pine species by planting pine seedlings in existing openings greater than 0.25 acre up to 10% of stand acreages. Plant pines with multiple seedlings per spot and space them consistent with site quality to reduce fuels continuity. 1) Prior to planting, prepare the site for planting by tractor piling brush and burning piles. Spray with Accord herbicide (glyphosate) or hand release following planting to control vegetation that competes with seedlings for soil moisture and nutrients as specified by the Release Decision Tree in the Dinkey North and Dinkey South Treatment Priorities document provided in Appendix B of the Vegetation and Silvicultural Specialist Report for the Dinkey North Restoration Project (USDA Forest Service 2010a). h. Small Canopy Openings with Shrubs and Pine/Oak Regeneration in Forest Types with Mixed Pine. Maintain shrubs as habitat, reduce fire risk associated with shrubs, and promote regeneration of pine. Historically, shrubs likely would have covered 10 25% of the project area. The objective is to have 10% of the mixed pine forest type in Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 13

17 shrubs. Do not create openings or plant shrubs to achieve the 10% coverage goal. Adhere to the following conditions to enhance small openings with shrubs: 1) If a shrub patch is less than 0.25 acre and mostly living, do not treat it. 2) If a shrub patch is less than 0.25 acre and consists of mostly dead branches (roughly greater than 30% is dead), consider burning or masticating to regenerate shrubs. 3) If a shrub patch is greater than 0.25 acre but the shrubs are less than 10% of the treatment area, then do not treat the living shrubs and consider burning or masticating shrubs composed mostly of dead branches (roughly greater than 30% is dead). 4) If a shrub patch is greater than 0.25 acre and the shrubs are more than 10% of the unit area, remove shrubs and plant pine if the slope position is favorable to pine. If the slope position is unfavorable to pine, then consider burning or masticating the shrubs for regeneration. 5) Prior to planting, prepare the site for planting by tractor piling brush and burning piles. Spray with Accord herbicide (glyphosate) or hand release following planting to control vegetation that competes with seedlings for soil moisture and nutrients as specified by the Release Decision Tree in the Dinkey North and Dinkey South Treatment Priorities document provided in Appendix B of the Vegetation and Silvicultural Specialist Report for the Dinkey North Restoration Project (USDA Forest Service 2010a). RPF 4 Large Trees. Increase the proportion of large trees by retaining trees with diameters larger than 30 inches at breast height (with the exception of hazardous trees) and removing trees mostly having diameters less than 10 inches at breast height. RPF 5 Plantations. Maintain tree vigor and growth and retain shrubs in areas currently managed as plantations by masticating stands to reduce shrub volume and tree densities to trees per acre while maintaining 15% of the area in shrubs. Shrubs should be clumped. Following mastication, treat 85% of the plantation to control vegetation that competes with trees for soil moisture and nutrients as specified by the Release Decision Tree in the Dinkey North and Dinkey South Treatment Priorities document provided in Appendix B of the Vegetation and Silvicultural Specialist Report for the Dinkey North Restoration Project (USDA Forest Service 2010a). RPF 6 Black Oak Micro Sites. Reduce tree densities around oak micro sites to less than 100 square feet per acre, consistent with objectives for Pacific fisher and California spotted owl. California Spotted Owl Emphasis Stand wide criteria related to the California spotted owl emphasis are as follows: OWL 1 Protect key California spotted owl habitat by maintaining post treatment canopy density above 50% in PACs in the Defense Zone (two stands). OWL 2 Limit treatment to ground and ladder fuels within the PACs in the Threat Zone (three stands). Increase crown base height to 15 feet. OWL 3 Within HRCAs, implement design criteria related to restoration and Pacific fisher treatments described in Treatment Activities. Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 14

18 OWL 4 Use the upper end of the residual basal area ranges in Table 2 6 (moderate or higher relative density)to maximize canopy cover in stands within HRCAs that are in the restoration and Pacific fisher emphasis area and all PACs for the purpose of increasing Pacific fisher habitat over time. OWL 5 Within all PACs, prioritize maintaining canopy cover over restoration treatments. Conduct restoration and Pacific fisher treatments described in Treatment Activities, when they are consistent with maintaining PAC objectives of canopy cover and protecting the nest site buffer. General Design Criteria/Best Management Practices General design criteria implement BMPs that: limit or eliminate adverse effects on water, air, soil, wildlife breeding, introduction of noxious weeds, and disturbance of heritage sites; reduce erosion from roads and the effects of heavy equipment used during treatments; and limit the amount and duration of smoke and particulate matter produced with prescribed fire. Botanical Resources The following project design measures protect threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant species and prevent the introduction and spread of noxious weeds. Rock outcrops and associated gravel soils are included in these measures. BIO 1 BIO 2 BIO 3 Identify, flag, and avoid areas with sensitive plants prior to performing mechanical treatments. Avoid falling trees or driving equipment or vehicles on rock outcrops or on thin, sandy, or gravelly soils. Avoid hand thinning of shrubs on rock outcrops or associated gravelly soils between mid February and July. BIO 4 Follow noxious weed management goals identified in Forest Service Manual (FSM) , which include the following: a. Prevent the introduction of new invaders. b. Conduct early treatment of new infestations. c. Contain and control established infestations. d. Clean all equipment of soil and plant parts before bringing onto the National Forest or beginning work in a new management unit to reduce the potential spread of noxious weeds. e. Survey disturbed areas for noxious weeds for 2 years after vegetation treatments occur in a unit. f. Promptly remove any weeds found to stop seed set. g. Continue treatment for as long as necessary to eradicate any occurrences. h. Coordinate with botanist prior to layout of final road locations. Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 15

19 i. Treat known noxious weed sites as described in unit descriptions before treating these areas or beginning road construction or reconstruction. BIO 5 Follow herbicide use design measures when herbicides are used in pine regeneration areas or noxious weed eradication. Design measures include the following: a. Do not apply glyphosate within streamside management zones (SMZs) of flowing streams to protect water quality. b. Apply glyphosate by hand within 5 feet of dry stream channels. c. Do not apply glyphosate between the first frontal storm system after October 15 (i.e., a system that results in greater than 0.25 inch of rainfall) and April 15 to minimize impacts on amphibian species. d. When using glyphosate, avoid plants of significance to Native Americans (such as deergrass, sourberry, redbud, elderberry, and willow). Consult local Native Americans regarding the protection of additional specific plants or areas from treatment. e. Follow all applicable pesticide laws and label restrictions to ensure human health and safety. Follow all applicable BMPs (Appendix A). Cease application of glyphosate when wind speed exceeds 5 miles per hour or as soon as drift is visually observed (BMP 5.13) to avoid affecting non target plants and aquatic habitats. Install signs at all areas treated with glyphosate, warning that herbicide has been applied and that products should not be gathered for food or medicine for 30 days to help ensure that no effects would occur to human health and safety. Protection of Wildlife Habitat Elements in Proposed Treatment Areas WLD 1 Within PACs, maintain a limited operating period, prohibiting vegetation treatments within approximately 0.25 mile of the activity center during the breeding season for California spotted owl, great grey owl, and northern goshawk, unless surveys confirm that birds are not nesting. If the location of the nest site or activity center is uncertain conduct surveys to establish or confirm the location of the nest or activity center before implementing activities within or adjacent to PACs or goshawk territories (USDA Forest Service 2004b:60, 61). WLD 2 Include contract clause C(T)6.25 Protection of Habitat of Endangered Species or similar contract language, with a limited operating period being implemented within 0.25 mile and for a time period that would depend on the needs of the species in question. Limited operating periods are: a. California spotted owl: March 1 August 15, b. northern goshawk: February 15 September 15, and c. great gray owl: March 1 August 15. The limited operating periods may be waived for vegetation treatments of limited scope and duration when a biological evaluation determines that such projects are unlikely to result in breeding disturbance, considering their intensity, duration, timing, and specific location. Where a biological evaluation concludes that a nest site would be shielded from planned activities by topographic features that would minimize disturbance, the limited operating period buffer distance may be reduced (USDA Forest Service 2004b:60). Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 16

20 WLD 3 Allow mechanical treatments in California spotted owl PACs located in WUI Defense and Threat Zones, but prohibit such treatments within a 500 foot radius buffer around a California spotted owl activity center (50 acres surrounding a nest) within the designated PAC. Instead, conduct prescribed fire within the 500 foot radius buffer. Prior to burning, conduct hand treatments, including hand line construction, tree pruning, and cutting of small trees (with diameters of less than 6 inches at breast height) as needed to protect important elements of owl habitat. For treatments in the remainder of the PAC, use the forest wide standards and guidelines for mechanical thinning. WLD 4 Pacific Fisher: a. The Pacific Fisher protection measures listed below would be followed: 1) Increase retention of stands with greater than 60% canopy cover following treatment. 2) Protect important habitat structures such as large diameter snags and oaks, patches of dense large trees (typically acres), large trees with cavities for nesting, and coarse woody material. 3) Use firing patterns or place fire lines around snags and large logs to minimize effects of underburning. 4) Use the Fisher and Priority Sites Marking Guide Kings River Project to identify the most suitable individual trees and groups of trees for retention. 5) Retain all oaks unless they are a hazard to operations. b. Establish 700 acre buffers around occupied or discovered Pacific fisher den sites. c. Allow prescribed fire and pile burning during the limited operating period for mechanical activities within the den buffer (March 15 to June 15). Prescribed fire treatments would result in low intensity underburns. 1) Proposed treatments of low intensity and duration such as planting, hand release, hand thinning, and hand piling can occur during the limited operating period. WLD 5 Goshawk: Conduct surveys when activities are planned within or adjacent to a PAC. Use of Heavy Equipment HQ 1 HQ 2 HQ 3 Use conventional tractor methods to remove logs on 1,034 acres. Apply and secure encroachment permit prior to operating within county easements. Apply contract clauses to protect young pine and oak regeneration. For logging activities, avoid damage to designated existing pine regeneration during felling, skidding, and landing operations. During logging operations, employ techniques such as falling to the lead, stage falling, using designated skid trails, and advanced flagging of pine regeneration needing protection. Cultural Resources Site specific design criteria is described in Dinkey North Restoration Project, Cultural Resource Inventory Report, High Sierra Ranger District, Sierra National Forest, R (Marsh 2009). Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 17

21 CR 1 CR 2 CR 3 Avoid historic properties during ground disturbing activities (i.e., the use of ground based mechanical equipment, planting, piling, fire line construction, etc.). (Typical implementation of the Standard Protection Measures is the practice of flag and avoid. ) Allow certain non ground disturbing activities within site boundaries. Certain proposed activities lack the potential to adversely affect the character of historic properties. Implementation of these activities would help reduce the isolation of a site from its surroundings and is consistent with the regional programmatic agreement (PA) (USDA 2001a): a. Archaeological resources may not be resources of interest for prescribed fire (in accordance with the provisions of the Interim Protocol for Non Intensive Inventory Strategies for Hazardous Fuels and Vegetation Reduction Projects [USDA 2001a]). The standard resource protection measures of the Interim Protocol would be applied only to those historic properties defined as at risk from the use of prescribed fire treatments. b. Mechanical shredding or removal of fuels inside of site boundaries with an articulated boom shredder/harvester would not affect the archaeological materials, provided the tracked or wheeled equipment stays outside of the delineated site boundary and the machine head does not contact the ground surface or site features (Interim protocol, Measure V.B.11). Removal of fuels by hand (manual thinning with chainsaws) would not affect archaeological materials (Attachment A, II.C) (USDA 2001a). c. Chemical applications for reforestation (treatment of vegetation for site preparation and release) and noxious weed control would not affect historic properties where the application meets the intent of the Regional PA Stipulation III.E, specifically Attachment A, II.E, Application of Pesticides That Do Not Have the Potential to Affect Access to or Use of Resources by Native Americans (USDA 2001a). d. When hazard trees are located within sites, ensure that they are felled away from significant features. Then remove the trees by rubber tired loaders with full suspension where openings are large enough to accommodate this type of equipment. Where openings are smaller, use rubber tire heelboom loaders or leave the trees in place with no further action to remove them. Conduct this activity under the direct supervision of a forest heritage resource specialist. Non Archaeological Heritage Resources: Traditional cultural properties, locations of contemporary Native American gathering, and other such cultural resources identified through consultation with Native American tribes and individuals would be protected through avoidance by project activity or managed through project implementation and consultation to enhance the resource. For example, planned prescribed fire can have positive effects to regenerate growth in certain plant species used by Native Americans in basketry or traditional food preparation. a. In the event of inadvertent effects or new discovery during implementation, comply with the stipulations of the regional PA (V) (USDA 2001a). Riparian Conservation Areas and Aquatic Species Habitat Protection Canyon zones, perennial creek streamside management zones, meadow, and seep buffers emphasize retention of tree density and soil cover. Pacific fisher rest sites that receive no or little treatment are emphasized in riparian conservation areas. Tree removals would occur within riparian conservation Dinkey North Restoration Project 2 18