Project. Memo. Decision. Green. Middlebury. Agriculture. Forest Service. Eastern Region. August Rochester and.

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1 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Eastern Region August 2012 Catamount Trail Relocations Project Decision Memo Green Mountainn National Forest Rochester and Middlebury y Ranger Districts Towns of Goshen, Lincolnn and Warren Addison and Washington Counties, Vermont For Information Contact: Holly Knox Recreation and Trail Coordinator Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts Green Mountainn National Forest 99 Ranger Rd. Rochester, VT (802) (ext. 530) hknox@fs.fed.us Responsible Official: Christopher Mattrick Acting District Ranger Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts Green Mountainn National Forest 99 Ranger Rd. Rochester, VT (802) (ext. 513) cmattrick@fs.fed.us

2 This document can be made available in large print. Contact Holly Knox (802) ext. 530 or The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family 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) (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC or call (202) (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

3 Catamount Trail Relocations Project Decision Memo USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region, Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts Towns of Goshen, Lincoln and Warren; Addison and Washington Counties, Vermont I. SUMMARY As District Ranger for the Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts of the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF), I am approving the implementation of the Catamount Trail Relocations Project. The project includes relocating approximately 1.0 miles total of the Catamount Trail, in three separate locations. The trail relocations include: an approximate 0.2 mile relocation near the Spruce Lodge in Lincoln, VT; an approximate 0.5 mile relocation in the Lincoln Gap area of Lincoln and Warren, VT; and an approximate 0.3 mile relocation along Vermont Route 73 in Goshen, VT. Activities authorized as part of this decision include vegetation removal, installation and maintenance of water drainage structures, and installation of blazes and signage. The project is located on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Towns of Goshen, Lincoln and Warren; Addison and Washington Counties, Vermont on the Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts of the GMNF (see attached maps). II. DECISION TO BE IMPLEMENTED A. Background and Project Area The Catamount Trail is a managed cross-country ski trail that traverses Vermont from the Massachusetts border north to Canada. The Forest Service works with the Catamount Trail Association to manage the portions of trail that cross NFS land. In August of 2011, record rainfall from Tropical Storm Irene produced severe storm damage on the GMNF. Many roads, trails, bridges, recreation sites, and watersheds were damaged. Several sections of the Catamount Trail (CT) experienced washout during the August 2011 storm. Both the Spruce Lodge and Lincoln Gap sections of the CT were damaged: Catamount Trail Spruce Lodge Relocation: An approximate 0.2 mile section of the CT in Lincoln, Vermont lost connectivity when a large culvert washed out during the August 2011 incident. Catamount Trail Lincoln Gap Relocation: An approximate 0.5 mile section of the CT in Lincoln and Warren, Vermont sustained tread washout. Spruce Lodge CT Section Catamount Trail Puss N Kill Extension Relocation: Currently, a portion of the Catamount Trail in the town of Goshen, Vermont, travels along the shoulder of Vermont Route 73 for approximately 0.3 miles, mixing pedestrian and motorized traffic. Vermont Route 73 is a State highway with a posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour. Due to limited east-west connectivity in the area, Route 73 has consistent year-round traffic. Lincoln Gap CT Section Winter traffic is often concentrated on the Route 73 corridor due to closure of the Lincoln Gap Road, an east-west connector to the north of Route 73. Decision Memo Catamount Trail Relocations Page 3

4 The Catamount Trail Relocations Project is within the Diverse Forest Use, Diverse Backcountry and Remote Backcountry Forest Management Areas (MA) as identified in the 2006 GMNF Land and Resource Plan (Forest Plan). B. Purpose and Need The purpose and need for this action is to implement the 2006 Forest Plan s Forest-wide Guideline stating that the Catamount Trail should be managed predominately as a nonmotorized cross-country ski trail. Minor exceptions, such as sharing with motorized uses, may be allowed where there are no other alternatives (Forest Plan p. 36). An additional purpose for this action is to implement Forest Plan Goal #14 to Provide a safe, efficient, and effective Forest transportation system that meets both the needs of the Forest Service and the public and Forest Plan Goal #12 to Provide a diverse range of high-quality, sustainable recreation opportunities that compliment those provided off NFS lands (Forest Plan, pps 15-16). In addition, the proposal addresses the management objective to reduce the total deferred maintenance on the GMNF trail system and to increase the number of miles of trails that are operated and maintained to full standard (Goal 12 Objectives, Forest Plan p.15). Finally, this project provides for the effective use of partnerships in the improvement, maintenance, and operation of the Forest trails system (Goal 12 and Objective, Forest Plan p. 15). Catamount Trail Spruce Lodge and Lincoln Gap Relocations: In multiple locations, trail infrastructure and culverts were damaged during Tropical Storm Irene. While maintaining trail connectivity is desirable, following historic routes often designed to meet logging needs is neither desirable nor cost effective. By designing the trail routes, we can avoid water crossings that require bridge or culvert infrastructure, improving the cost efficiency of implementation and long-term maintenance. We can also select routes that are more sustainable, less prone to erosion, and more resistant to heavy rain events. Catamount Trail Puss N Kill Extension Relocation: Removing a portion of the Catamount Trail from Vermont Route 73 would reduce the safety risks involved with mixing motorized and pedestrian traffic in an area where the motorized traffic can reach high speeds. C. Description of Decision My decision is to authorize the relocation of three trail segments of the Catamount Trail in order to repair damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene and reduce the mixed motorized and pedestrian recreation traffic on Vermont Route 73. The CT Spruce Lodge project will relocate an approximate 0.2 mile trail section to a more sustainable trail location that will not require the construction of a new bridge or replacement of a washed out culvert. The CT Lincoln Gap project will relocate approximately 0.5 miles of trail to a more sustainable trail location that traverses the slope and does not follow the fall line. The CT Puss N Kill Extension project will relocate an approximate 0.3 mile section of the CT. The relocation will travel parallel to Vermont Route 73 with a visual barrier of trees remaining between the highway and the new trail corridor. The relocations will total approximately 1.0 mile of new trail construction on NFS land. All design features for new construction will meet Forest Service Handbook (FHS) Standard Class 2 for cross-country ski trails. Construction activities associated with this standard include removal of vegetation within the trail tread to a trail width of 2-4 feet in addition to installing drainage structures as needed. All vegetation cut will be dispersed leaving no visible slash piles. In addition, blazing and signage will be installed at appropriate locations along the trail. Due to the low impact winter use of this trail, little to no ground and soil disturbance will occur. In addition, Decision Memo Catamount Trail Relocations Page 4

5 my decision is to remove approximately 1.0 mile of trail that poses long-term maintenance and/or ecological concerns. These trail segments will be closed to recreational use and erosion control measures (such as seeding and mulching) will be put in place where necessary or as funding is available to revert the trails to a more natural state. Work will be completed utilizing hand and power saws in coordination with GMNF partner organizations, the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and the Catamount Trail Association. This decision is based upon an environmental analysis conducted by Forest Service personnel, and responses to public scoping. This information is located in the project planning record located at the Rochester Ranger District office. III. REASONS FOR CATEGORICALLY EXCLUDING THE DECISION Decisions may be categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) when they are within one of the categories of actions found at 36 CFR 220.6(d) or (e), and there are no extraordinary circumstances related to the decision that may result in a significant individual or cumulative environmental effect. A. Category of Exclusion Based on the environmental analysis included in the project planning record and on experience with similar activities on the GMNF, I have concluded that this decision can be appropriately categorically excluded from further analysis and documentation in an EA or EIS. I have determined that the selected action is a routine activity within the following category of exclusion found at 36 CFR 220.6(e)(1): Construction and reconstruction of trails. B. Relationship to Extraordinary Circumstances Resource conditions that should be considered in determining whether extraordinary circumstances related to the proposed action warrant further analysis and documentation in an EA or EIS may be found at 36 CFR 220.6(b)(1). The degree of any potential effect from the proposed action associated with these resource conditions determines whether extraordinary conditions exist. The mere presence of one or more of these resource conditions does not preclude use of a categorical exclusion. I have considered the potential effects from the project associated with the resource conditions listed at 36 CFR 220.6(b)(1), and conclude that there are no extraordinary circumstances related to the decision that may result in a significant individual or cumulative effect on the quality of the human environment. My conclusion is based on information presented in this document and the entirety of the project planning record. A summary of the project s potential effects on each resource condition is as follows: 1. Federally Listed Threatened or Endangered Species or Designated Critical Habitat, Species Proposed for Federal Listing or Proposed Critical Habitat, or Forest Service Sensitive Species A Biological Evaluation (BE) was prepared in August 2012 to assess the likelihood of occurrence, habitat needs, and determination of findings regarding Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive (TES) wildlife species in the project area (Burbank August 6, 2012). Based on the analysis in the BE, the likelihood for occurrence of any threatened and endangered (T&E) species in the project area is low. The GMNF has historic occurrence records of three T&E species (eastern cougar, gray wolf, and Canada lynx), and current occurrence records for one species (Indiana bat). There are no known T&E wildlife species Decision Memo Catamount Trail Relocations Page 5

6 occurrences currently in any of the areas. There is no potential or critical habitat within the project area, and because the project areas exceeds elevation of 800 feet, the potential for Indiana bat maternal roosting habitat is low (Forest Plan, p. 27). As a result, there will be "no effect on T&E wildlife species or critical habitat (Burbank August 6, 2012). Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2670 direction requires analysis of potential impacts to sensitive species, those species for which the Regional Forester has identified population viability is a concern. These species are listed as Regional Forester s Sensitive Species (RFSS). Based on the low level impact of activity, marginal RFSS habitat conditions, limited occurrence of RFFS or potential habitat and the seasonal timing of activities, this project would have "No Impact" on any of the RFSS or their preferred habitats or their preferred habitats (Burbank August 6, 2012). A BE was prepared in August, 2012 to assess the likelihood of occurrence, habitat needs, and determination of findings regarding TES plant species in the project area (Deller August 6, 2012). Based on the analysis in the BE, the authorization of the Catamount Trail relocations will have no adverse effect on species or critical habitat for Threatened and Endangered Species; since there are no federally listed plant species on the GMNF. In addition, authorization of this project will have "no impact" on all plants on the RFSS list or their preferred habitats with the exception of Carex aestivalis, Galium kamtschaticum, Platanthera orbiculata, and Polemonium vanbruntiae. For these species, implementation of the project may impact individuals or habitat but is not likely to contribute to a trend towards Federal listing or loss of viability. This determination is based on the potential habitat for these species. The type of work proposed poses minimal threat to these species, and will not change habitat. As a result, implementation of this project is not likely to lead to loss of viability or trend toward federal listing for any rare plants on the RFSS list (Deller August 6, 2012). 2. Floodplains, Wetlands, or Municipal Watersheds The project is not located within or directly adjacent to any floodplain, wetlands, or municipal watersheds. This has been validated by map and site-review. As a result, no effects associated with these resources are expected from this project (communication with staff specialist April 10, 2012). 3. Congressionally Designated Areas, such as Wilderness, Wilderness Study Areas, or National Recreation Area Wilderness: Congressionally designated Wilderness is allocated to the Wilderness Management Area (MA) in the Forest Plan (Forest Plan, pp. 49 to 53). The project is not within or directly adjacent to any Wilderness MA. This project, with effects limited to the immediate area of activity, will have no effects associated with the Wilderness resource (communication with Recreation Planner April 10, 2012). Wilderness Study Areas: There are no Congressionally designated Wilderness Study Areas on the GMNF. National Recreation Areas: The GMNF contains two National Recreation Areas: the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area and the Robert T. Stafford White Rocks National Recreation Area. The project is not located within or near these areas as validated by map and site-review. As a result, there will be no effects associated with the National Recreation Area resource expected from this project (communication with Recreation Planner April 10, 2012). Decision Memo Catamount Trail Relocations Page 6

7 Appalachian National Scenic Trail: The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) traverses across the GMNF and is designated and managed as a special area because of its uncommon and outstanding values (Forest Plan, pp. 66 to 72). The AT is not near or within the influence of the project. As a result, no effects associated with the AT are expected (communication with Recreation Planner April 10, 2012). Wild and Scenic Rivers: Although the GMNF does not contain any Congressionally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, there are many river segments that are eligible to be further considered for addition to the National Wild and Scenic River System. These river segments and their associated corridors are within the Eligible Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers Management Area (Forest Plan, pp. 105 to 109). The project is not located within or near these eligible river segments as validated by map and site-review. As a result, no effects associated with the outstandingly remarkable values identified for any eligible Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers are expected from this project (communication with Recreation Planner April 10, 2012). 4. Inventoried Roadless Areas or Potential Wilderness Areas The project is not within any inventoried roadless area (2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule or 2006 Forest Plan inventoried roadless areas). As a result, no effects associated with the inventoried roadless area resource are expected from the project (communication with Recreation Planner April 10, 2012). 5. Existing and Candidate Research Natural Areas There are no existing or candidate Research Natural Areas (Forest Plan, pp. 90 to 93) within or directly adjacent to the project area. This project, with effects limited to the immediate area of activity, will have no effects associated with any existing or candidate Research Natural Area resource (communication with staff ecologist April 10, 2012). 6. American Indian and Alaska Native Religious or Cultural Sites See Item 7 below. 7. Archeological Sites, or Historic Properties or Areas There are no cultural or historic resources within the influence of the project. As a result, no effects to these resources are expected (concurrence from Forest Archeologist April 10, 2012). C. Other Resources In addition to resource conditions that could lead to extraordinary circumstances, I have also considered the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects to other resources such as soil, water, fisheries, visuals, recreation, and vegetation. The project is not expected to result in any adverse effects associated with these resources, particularly because all applicable Forest Plan standards and guidelines will be implemented (communication with staff specialists, April 10, 2012). Decision Memo Catamount Trail Relocations Page 7

8 IV. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT This project was presented to the public for a 30-day comment period following the release of a legal notice placed in the Rutland Herald on June 5, In addition, communication with the Catamount Trail Association regarding the projects has occurred. This project was internally scoped with Forest Service staff on April 10, Finally, this project was listed in the quarterly Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) beginning in April, 2012, and will remain in the SOPA until the project is authorized for implementation. No internal or external issues have been identified. V. FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OR RELATED TO OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS My decision will comply with all applicable laws and regulations. I have summarized some pertinent laws and regulations in this section. National Environmental Policy Act The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires public involvement and consideration of environmental effects. The entirety of documentation for this decision supports compliance with this Act. Forest Consistency (National Forest Management Act) The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) requires development of long-range land and resource management plans, and that all site-specific project activities to be consistent with direction in the plans. The GMNF Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) was completed and approved in 2006 as required by the NFMA and provides direction for all management activities on the Forest. The Catamount Trail Relocations Project implements the Forest Plan, and its consideration is guided by direction for the Diverse Forest Use, Diverse Backcountry and Remote Backcountry Forest Management Areas (Forest Plan, pp , 54-59). My decision is based on the best available science, including a review of the record that shows a thorough review of relevant scientific information, a consideration of responsible opposing views, and the acknowledgement of incomplete or unavailable information, scientific uncertainty, and risk. As required by the NFMA Section 1604(i), I find this project to be consistent with the Forest Plan including goals, objectives, desired future conditions, and Forest-wide and Management Area standards and guidelines. Endangered Species Act The Endangered Species Act requires that federal activities do not jeopardize the continued existence of any species federally listed or proposed as threatened or endangered, or result in adverse modification to such species designated critical habitat. In accordance with Section 7(c) of this Act, a report of the listed and proposed, threatened or endangered species that may be present in the project area was reviewed. See Section III, Item B.1 of this decision document. Clean Water Act The intent of the Clean Water Act is to restore and maintain the integrity of waters. The Forest Service complies with this Act through Forest Plan standards and guidelines, specific project design criteria, and mitigation measures to ensure protection of soil and water resources. Decision Memo Catamount Trail Relocations Page 8

9 Wetlands (Executive Order 11990) Executive Order directs the agency to avoid to the extent possible the adverse impacts associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands, and to avoid support of new construction in wetlands wherever there is a practical alternative. See Section III, Item B.2 of this decision document. Floodplains (Executive Order 11988) Executive Order directs the agency to avoid to the extent possible the adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains, and to avoid support of floodplain development wherever there is a practical alternative. See Section III, Item B.2 of this decision document. Wilderness Act The Wilderness Act established a National Wilderness Preservation System to be composed of federally owned land designated by Congress as wilderness areas. These areas are administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness. The Act provides for the protection of these areas, the preservation of their wilderness character, and for gathering and dissemination of information regarding their use and enjoyment as wilderness. See Section III, Item B.3 of this decision document. National Trails System Act The purpose of the National Trails System Act includes the designation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to help institute a national system of trails for the ever-increasing outdoor recreation needs of an expanding population. It also promotes the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of outdoor areas and historic resources of the Nation. See Section III, Item B.3 of this decision document. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act institutes a national wild and scenic rivers system that includes selected rivers which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values. It provides for them to be preserved in a free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments will be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. See Section III, Item B.3 of this decision document. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act addresses the discovery and protection of Native American human remains and objects that are excavated or discovered on federal lands. The Act encourages avoidance of archaeological sites that contain burials or portions of sites that contain graves through in situ preservation, but may encompass other actions to preserve these remains and items. See Section III, Item B.6 of this decision document. National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to take into account the effect of a project on any district, site, building, structure, or object that is included in, or eligible for inclusion in the National Register. It also requires federal agencies to afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment. See Section III, Item B.7 of this decision document. Decision Memo Catamount Trail Relocations Page 9

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11 Catamount Trail - Lincoln Gap North - Trail Relocation Clay Brook INFERNO RD WEST HILL EXT 2700 Bradley Brook Current Catamount Trail FT Warren 2300 W HILL RD Proposed Trail Relocation Current Catamount Trail / CARLETON RD 1600 HANKS RD S HOLLOW RD Miles

12 Catamount Trail - Spruce Lodge - Trail Relocation Washed Out Culvert/Catamount Trail Lincoln Current Route of Catamount Trail & Proposed Trail Relocation FT258 Blue Bank Brook FR 54 / S LINCOLN RD Miles

13 2000 Catamount Trail - VT 73 Crossing Relo 2500 Joseph Battell Wilderness Catamount Trail Relo North of VT 73 Goshen Neshobe R iver FT Miles