Robinson Integrated Resource Project

Transcription

1 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service April 2017 Robinson Integrated Resource Project Scoping Information Green Mountain National Forest Rochester Ranger District Towns of Rochester, Hancock, Chittenden, Stockbridge, Pittsfield, Goshen, Granville, Braintree and Bethel Addison, Windsor, Orange, and Rutland Counties, Vermont Kings Pond in Robinson (West Rochester), Vermont For Information Contact: Jay Strand Green Mountain National Forest 99 Ranger Road Rochester, VT (802) (ext. 5522) Responsible Official: Christopher Mattrick District Ranger Rochester/Middlebury Ranger Districts Green Mountain National Forest

2 In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA s TARGET Center at (202) (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C ; (2) fax: (202) ; or (3) program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. This document can be made available in large print. Contact Jay Strand (802) , ext. 5522; or jstrand@fs.fed.us

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION Background Purpose of Scoping Pre-decisional Objection Process Project Timeline Robinson Project Area Forest Plan Direction PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION Forest Habitat Timber Resource Fisheries and Water Soil and Wetlands Recreation Visual Quality Wilderness Transportation (Roads and Infrastructure) Heritage Resource Special Uses Communication Sites PROPOSED ACTION Forest Habitat and Timber Resources Timber Harvest Treatments Other Forest Habitat Treatments Fisheries and Water Soil and Wetlands Recreation Visual Quality Wilderness Transportation (Roads and Infrastructure) Heritage Resources Special Uses Communication Sites Appendix A1. Proposed Timber and Forest Habitat Treatments... A1-1 Appendix A2. Proposed Wildlife Habitat Treatments... A2-1 Robinson Integrated Resource Project i

4 SCOPING INFORMATION Robinson Integrated Resource Project USDA Forest Service Green Mountain National Forest, Rochester Ranger District April INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background The United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service is proposing the Robinson Integrated Resource Project on the Green Mountain National Forest, Rochester Ranger District. The project area is within Addison, Windsor, Orange, and Rutland Counties, Vermont primarily within the towns of Rochester, Hancock, Chittenden, Stockbridge and Pittsfield, but also includes small portions of Goshen, Granville, Braintree and Bethel. The Robinson Integrated Resource Project (Robinson project) includes a variety of proposed management activities to achieve multiple resource goals, objectives and desired future conditions as provided by direction in the 2006 Green Mountain National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, or Forest Plan. The Robinson project proposal must follow regulations established by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) prior to proceeding with any activities. Compliance with NEPA includes public participation, the disclosure of environmental effects of proposed activities, and preparation of a decision document that provides specific direction for project implementation. The environmental analysis for the proposed Robinson project management activities will be documented in a site-specific environmental assessment. 1.2 Purpose of Scoping We are soliciting your comments on all aspects of the proposed Robinson project during this scoping period. Your thoughtful input will help us identify issues related to the proposal, determine whether any alternatives need to be considered in detail, focus our effects analysis on resources of concern, and document the results in the environmental assessment as the basis for the Responsible Official to decide how to implement the project. 1.3 Pre-decisional Objection Process The proposed Robinson project implements a land management plan and thus is subject to subparts A and B under the Code of Federal Regulations part 218. These regulations provide for a project level predecisional administrative review (objection) process. In order to be eligible to object to the draft decision notice for this project prior to implementation, you will need to submit timely specific written comments during any period designated for public comment. The following opportunities for the public to submit written comments for the Robinson project include: 1. Scoping Period: Comments submitted during this scoping period from April 17, 2017 through May 17, Environmental Assessment 30-Day Comment Period: Comments submitted during a 30-day period for the Robinson project environmental assessment anticipated to begin in August 2017 Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 2

5 1.4 Project Timeline The Forest Service anticipates addressing any comments received during the environmental assessment 30-day notice and comment period in a final environmental assessment by November A draft decision notice based on the assessment will trigger the objection period for the project. The timing for the final decision notice will depend on whether any objections are received but is not anticipated to be later than early Implementation may begin after the final decision notice is signed by the Responsible Official. 1.5 Robinson Project Area The Robinson project area consists of approximately 59,400 acres located in several sub-watersheds of the White River in central Vermont. The project area boundary is defined by the following features (see Figure 1, Project Vicinity Map (below); and Map 1, Existing Condition (enclosed)): North boundary: the ridgeline along Monastery Mountain, Philadelphia Peak and Hancock Mountain West boundary: the spine of the Green Mountain between Worth Mountain and Farr Peak South boundary: the ridgeline along Round Mountain and Wilcox Peak; and VT Route 100 East boundary: the Braintree Mountain range ridgeline along Mount Lympus, Rochester Mountain and Mount Cushman Figure 1. Project vicinity map The project area consists of multiple land ownership and management responsibilities including the Forest Service, State of Vermont, Towns and private entities (see Table 1). Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 3

6 Table 1. Land ownership and management within the Robinson project area Owner/Manager Acres 1 Percent of Total USDA Forest Service 30, State of Vermont Town Private 28, Total 59, Approximate 2 Les Newell Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Mt. Cushman, Riley Bostwick Wildlife Management Area 3 Rochester School Forest, Rochester Town Forest, Town of Hancock 1.6 Forest Plan Direction The Robinson project is guided by management direction in the Green Mountain Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) approved by the Regional Forester in February The Forest Plan is a programmatic document that identifies the desired balance of multiple uses to meet public needs while providing the management framework for protecting, restoring, and enhancing our natural resources. The Robinson project management activities that together define the proposed action have been designed to move the existing condition of National Forest System lands within the project area toward the desired future conditions for each resource as defined in the Forest Plan. Each Management Area as defined in the Forest Plan has a major emphasis and desired future conditions while providing management direction to meet Forest Plan goals and objectives. Table 2 and Map 1, Existing Condition (enclosed) displays which Management Areas are included within the Robinson project area. Table 2. Management Areas within the project area Management Area Acres 1 Percent of Total Diverse Backcountry 3, Diverse Forest Use 15, Long National Recreation Trail Remote Backcountry Forest 1,045 3 Remote Wildlife Habitat 4, Wilderness 2 5, Total 30, Eligible Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers 3 1,204 n/a 1 Approximate 2 Joseph Battell Wilderness 3 The White River is an Eligible Recreational River; the Management Area applies to 1/4 mile each side of the river which overlays and runs through all other Management Areas thus the acres are not reflected in the grand total 2. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION The Forest Plan goals, objectives, and management direction for the desired future condition of resources are the primary drivers for defining the purpose of the Robinson project proposed action. The need for action is determined by the difference between the existing condition and desired future condition within the Robinson project area. The following resource sections provide the purpose of the Robinson project proposed action according to Forest Plan direction, and the need for action based on the gap between the existing and desired conditions within the project area. Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 4

7 2.1 Forest Habitat Managing forest habitat for diversity is important to improve and maintain forest health. Diversity of habitat is critical to the many wildlife species found across the project area on both National Forest System and non-national Forest System (private, state, and town) lands. The project area also includes known wildlife travel corridors that connect large areas of habitat across various ownerships. Forest Plan Goal 2 is to maintain and restore quality, amount and distribution of habitats to produce viable and sustainable populations of native and desirable non-native plants and animals (Forest Plan, page 10). In order to contribute to this goal, the Forest Plan identifies forest habitat type composition and age class objectives to ensure that diversity of composition, structure, and function is maintained or increased on the Green Mountain National Forest (Forest Plan, pages 10-12). While some of the composition and age class objectives can be met through natural processes, vegetation management is often used to restore and enhance diversity of habitat types and structure (Forest Plan, page 15). Vegetation management is also used to enhance habitats and features of particular value to certain plant and animal species where that habitat is uncommon in the forest, such as aspen, upland openings, hemlock, and oak. Within the Robinson project area, vegetation management actions would primarily occur within the Diverse Forest Use, Diverse Backcountry, and Remote Wildlife Habitat Management Areas where timber harvesting is allowed (Forest Plan, page 11). A habitat management unit analysis completed for the Robinson project area applies Forest Plan habitat type composition and age class objectives at the site-specific scale. Specific habitat management unit objectives take into consideration the current condition and overall Forest Plan objectives, as well ecological conditions and long-term tendencies of ecosystems found in the project area. The difference between the current condition of the composition and age class and the specific habitat management unit objectives is the basis for identifying potential management activities to achieve desired conditions within the project area. Tables 3 and 4 illustrate the following important gaps between the current and desired future condition for habitat composition and age class within the Robinson project area: An absence of regenerating age class (0-9 years old) across all habitats on suitable lands for timber management A significant imbalance in desired composition among northern hardwood, mixed-wood, and softwood habitat types, with mixed-wood and softwood habitat significantly under-represented A low abundance of aspen and birch habitat within areas suitable for management of this early successional habitat An absence of oak forest habitat, although oak trees are present in some areas The presence of non-native softwood plantations of red pine and Norway spruce Permanent upland openings maintained for meadow and shrub wildlife habitat are at the minimum composition objective of one percent Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 5

8 Table 3. Comparison of important existing habitat composition conditions with habitat management unit objective ranges within the project area Habitat Type 1 HMU Objective Existing Habitats (all Existing Habitats (all NFS lands) NFS lands) (suitable lands) 2 % acres acres % acres % 3 Northern ,520-3,040 14, , Mixed-wood ,300-24,340 13, , Softwood (spruce/ fir and hemlock/ white pine) ,040-4,560 1, Aspen/Birch <1 Oak Upland Opening Total 30,295 19,400 1 Wetland habitats are excluded from the list of habitats presented here as they currently meet the desired future condition for composition in the project area 2 Represents habitat type abundance for all National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Robinson project area suitable for timber management; shown for context, as some habitat types (such as Upland Openings) require timber management to exist at the levels defined by the Forest Plan and Project objectives 3 Percent of all NFS acres that are suitable acres of this habitat type Table 4. Comparison of the existing regenerating age class (0-9 years) with habitat management unit objective range; and existing age class distribution for remaining age classes within the project area Age Class (Includes All Forested Habitat Types) HMU Objective 1 Existing Condition (all NFS lands) 2 Existing Condition (suitable lands) 3 acres acres % acres % Regenerating (0-9 years) 579 2, Young 1,965 6,556 3, , Mature 3,960 8,496 16, , Old 563 5,953 9, , Acre range represents potential natural vegetation of suitable National Forest System (NFS) lands assigned to an even-aged management status (60 to 80 percent of suitable lands), adjusted for conversions to or maintenance of existing aspen, birch, and openings 2 Condition across all forested NFS lands within the Robinson project area 3 Applies only to NFS lands suitable for timber management and assigned to an even-aged management status prior to project development In addition, there are other habitat features and conditions within the project area that present opportunities or needs for management. These opportunities include: Improve structural diversity and tree longevity in areas with extended rotation requirements Enhance deer wintering areas Manage old apple orchards and trees Increase snag tree component to provide potential summer roost habitat for bats Wildlife habitat improvement on non-national Forest System lands The following section provides a discussion for each of these components related to habitat composition, age class, features or conditions that are in need of action to maintain and improve habitat diversity within the project area: Regenerating/Early-Successional Habitat There is a need to create regenerating age classes (0-9 years) across all forested habitats suitable for management. Currently, there are no stands in the regenerating age class that are at least an acre in size within the Robinson project area. Early-successional habitat represents an extremely important component of wildlife habitat. Various timber harvesting methods can create temporary openings in the Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 6

9 forest canopy that provide early-successional habitat for up to 20 years that is important to many wildlife species. It also contributes to the vertical and horizontal structure across the overall forest landscape. /Mixed-wood/Softwood Habitat Enhancement of softwood seedlings, saplings, and small poles in areas with tendencies toward softwoods is needed to increase habitat diversity and help restore a more ecologically appropriate forest composition. There is a significant imbalance in the proportion of northern hardwood, mixed-wood, and softwood habitat types compared to the long-term composition objectives for the project area. Mixedwood and softwood habitats are substantially under-represented compared to what would be expected within the range of natural variation. Aspen Habitat There are currently only 27 acres of aspen stands known within the project area that are at least one acre in size; and only about half of these acres are on lands suitable for harvesting. There are also small groups of aspen trees embedded within other habitat types widely scattered within the project area. Active vegetation management is needed to increase the abundance of aspen within forest stands where small groups of scattered aspen trees are embedded within other habitat types. If mature aspen clones are not managed, the clones can become less productive and die, removing this important habitat feature from the landscape. Oak Habitat There are no oak stands in the Robinson project area, although a few stands, generally in Compartment 9 near Mayo Meadow and along the Contest Trail, are known to have scattered oak trees in them. There may be potential to expand the abundance of oak in these areas, particularly with warmer and drier summer conditions. Prescribed fire in conjunction with timber harvest methods that allow more sunlight to reach the forest floor is an effective means to maintain and regenerate oak where it does occur. Without vegetation management emphasizing oak, this relatively unique habitat may eventually disappear from the project area. Non-Native Softwood Plantations There are approximately 94 acres of softwood plantations, including red pine and Norway spruce, in the Robinson project area. There is a need to restore native mixed-wood and softwood habitat or increase early successional habitat where these non-native species dominate. These stands were planted historically to stabilize soils and provide habitats, and have now become mature and have the potential to decline in health. While these non-native plantations and their decline can and do provide habitat characteristics desired by some native wildlife, their replacement by native habitat types can enhance habitat diversity for a greater suite of species. Extended Rotations Management direction for the Diverse Backcountry and Remote Wildlife Habitat Management Areas include a guideline emphasizing the use of extended rotation ages for stands managed using even-aged silvicultural systems (Forest Plan, pages 59 and 61). Extended rotation ages range from 150 to 300 years depending on forest type (Forest Plan, page. 12). Currently about 75 percent (6,065 acres) of these two Management Areas is considered suitable for harvesting; with 96 percent of that amount (5,805 acres) consisting of either mature or old (mostly mature) conditions. While some of these stands are relatively healthy and may respond to thinning treatments, others have poor quality and less productive trees. Depending on conditions, thinning or regeneration of these unhealthy stands is needed in order to enhance the longevity of mature and old stands. Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 7

10 Permanent Upland Openings There is a need to create and maintain permanent upland openings within the project area. Currently, only about one percent of lands within the project area provide permanent upland opening habitat. This includes 23 upland openings that are maintained, totaling about 313 acres and ranging in size from two to 56 acres. Contrasting with temporary openings created by timber harvests, permanent openings offer important wildlife habitat over the long-term through a wide range of vegetative conditions from grassforb meadows to openings with young, shrub-scrub, woody vegetation. It also provides higher quality habitat for pollinators. Openings can be maintained in early-successional habitat conditions through regular mowing, other mechanical treatments, and prescribed fire. Deer Wintering Areas Management direction includes a Forest-wide emphasis to maintain and enhance wintering habitat for white-tailed deer by retaining and encouraging vegetative conditions for both shelter and browse (Forest Plan, pages 29 and 30). Wintering habitat for deer is emphasized within, or adjacent to, identified deer wintering areas. Permanent upland wildlife openings containing grasses, forbs, and shrub growth should be provided adjacent to these areas to provide forage in early spring. Management of stands containing softwood vegetation is needed to provide thermal cover for deer and other wildlife. The creation of hardwood regeneration that provides browse (food) for deer is also needed to create an important component for winter survival. Apple Trees Forest-wide management direction for wildlife includes retaining and releasing apple trees whenever and wherever possible (Forest Plan, pages 27 and 29). Individual apple trees and remnant orchards are an important source of wildlife food and are historical features of the Green Mountain National Forest. Apple trees are located at numerous sites in the Robinson project area. As the forest matures, other tree species encroach upon and shade apple trees, which become less productive in the reduced light of the understory and eventually die. Removal of over-topping trees immediately around the apples invigorates their growth and promotes fruit production. Occasional pruning of these apple trees is also needed to redirect production from vegetative growth to production of fruit. Snags, Replacement Snags and Potential Bat Roost Trees Standing dead and dying trees provide habitat for a variety of species including northern long-eared bats, a federally listed threatened species. Several sites have been identified where potentially viable summer roost trees for northern long-eared bats could be increased. There is a need to induce individual tree mortality where there is less than three snags per acre (Forest Plan, Wildlife Reserve Trees General, Standard S-3, page 27) in occupied northern long-eared bat territory. Wildlife Habitat Improvement on Non-National Forest System Lands Many wildlife species occur across large habitat ranges that span across all land ownerships within the project area. State, private and town lands that are adjacent to the National Forest include important habitat that provide food and shelter for many of these species. The project area also includes known wildlife travel corridors that connect large areas of habitat. There is an opportunity to collaborate with private landowners to help develop and fund habitat improvement activities on their land that would achieve common management objectives across ownership boundaries. 2.2 Timber Resource Timber harvesting is the primary tool to achieve Forest Plan objectives for creating and maintaining healthy, productive forests and quality habitats (Forest Plan, page 15). Providing high-quality sawtimber and other timber products on a sustained yield basis is also an important Forest Plan objective (Forest Plan, page 14). A wide range of even-aged and uneven-aged silvicultural harvest methods are available to Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 8

11 achieve these objectives. Inventory shows that a number of timber stands in the Robinson project area are low quality as a result of trees with poor form, declining vigor, insect, disease or physical damage. Other stands are now mature or over mature; and desired tree size, age and quality have been achieved, or growth levels have dropped off. These stands are now ready to be harvested before saw-log quality is reduced, or the trees decline in economic value. There is a need to use a variety of timber harvest methods to achieve desired forest habitat conditions, maintain forest health, and provide forest products for local and regional economies. There are three Management Areas suited to timber management in order to create a diverse range of vegetation composition and age classes that enhance wildlife and plant community conditions within the project area (Forest Plan, page 11): Diverse Forest Use (Forest Plan, page 47), Diverse Backcountry (Forest Plan, pages 58 and 59), and Remote Wildlife Habitat (Forest Plan, pages 60 and 61). 2.3 Fisheries and Water Forest Plan Goal 4 is to maintain and restore aquatic, fisheries, and riparian habitats (Forest Plan, page 13). Principles of stream geomorphology and habitat management are used to restore and enhance fisheries habitat (Forest Plan, page 13) while knowledge of riparian/floodplain functions and large woody debris dynamics are used to restore and enhance stream ecosystem processes. A majority of stream habitat within the Robinson project area lacks the quantities of large woody debris that would naturally be found in upland streams. Large woody debris in streams is critical to creating diverse stream habitats for fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. In addition, free passage for native brook trout and other aquatic species within streams that cross roads is important to improve habitat conditions. Currently, there are existing culverts blocking free aquatic species migration along streams where they cross multiple roads within the project area. Channel stability and stream function, and related riparian health along the White River are also not at desired levels to provide for optimum aquatic habitat conditions. In addition, Bingo Brook has the potential to erode or jump the bank where it passes Kings Pond which could lead to the failure of the pond. This could compromise the pond impoundment and fail catastrophically, impacting downstream landowners, habitat, and road infrastructure. 2.4 Soil and Wetlands Forest Plan Goal 3 is to maintain or restore the natural, ecological functions of the soil. Important ecological soil functions include regulating nutrient and water cycles, including the processes of water flow, energy transfer, nutrient uptake and release, carbon transfer, and chemical processing. Associated objectives are to minimize the adverse impacts on soils from management activities and restore soil processes and functions on degraded soils (Forest Plan, page 13). Forest Plan Goal 4 is to maintain or restore wetland habitats (Forest Plan, page 13). The existing soil and wetland conditions show undesirable effects of acid deposition, the presence of invasive earthworms, and erosion of some roads (old and currently used), skid roads, and trails. There is a need to address ongoing resource impacts to improve soil productivity and restore wetland functions where degradation of these resources is occurring. 2.5 Recreation Forest Plan Goal 12 is to provide a diverse range of high quality, sustainable recreation opportunities that complement those provided off National Forest System lands (Forest Plan, page 15). The Forest Plan also provides for a diversity of trail uses within the Forest s settings including snowmobiling, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and dog sledding (Forest Plan Record of Decision, page 19). Recreation resources within the Robinson project area include trails, developed recreation sites (such as campgrounds, shelters, and picnic areas), and dispersed recreation activities (see enclosed Map 1, Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 9

12 Existing Condition). The Forest Service completed a Comprehensive Trail Strategy in July 2015 that provides guidance and recommendations for the sustainable management of non-motorized and motorized trails across the National Forest. The strategy includes recommendations for future actions related to decommissioning, adding, or altering the management of trails. National Forest System Trails: The project area contains National Forest System trails offering a wide range of uses including 6.6 miles of the Long Trail, and trails included in the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers snowmobile trail system. Overall, there are nearly 63 miles of existing National Forest System trail uses within the project area (see Table 5). Table 5. Total trail miles in the project area by managed use Managed Use Miles Snowmobile Bike Hike Horse 0.00 Cross Country Ski Snowshoe Fat Bike 2.30 All Trails Total trail mileage is not a sum of all managed use miles as some trails offer multiple uses Developed Recreation: These are recreation activities that are dependent on the presence of constructed features or facilities. There are 12 developed recreation sites within the project area (see Table 6). Table 6. Developed recreation sites by type in the project area Campgrounds/Shelters Interpretive and Observation Sites Trailheads Bingo Brook Campground Peavine Chittenden Brook: Campground Chittenden Brook Campground CCC's Camp Chittenden Brook: Forest Road 49 Long Trail Sunrise Shelter Riverbend Chittenden Brook: VT Route 73 Mt Horrid Overlook Liberty Hill Long Trail Brandon Gap Other existing recreation within the project area includes backcountry skiing/boarding in the Brandon Gap area. There is a desire to improve the overall recreation resource to provide a full range of diverse opportunities across the project area. Currently, there are limited opportunities for specific trail uses such as mountain biking, fat biking and horseback riding. There has also been an expressed desire for water trails. Demand for additional backcountry ski/board access is also high. At the same time, the inability to maintain existing trails and facilities to desired standards increase health and safety risks as well as potential damage to resources such as soil, water and fisheries. The following action is needed to improve the recreation opportunities within the Robinson project area: Reduce deferred trail/developed recreation maintenance through increased partnership opportunities, trail relocations, trail decommissions, infrastructure replacements, or other opportunities Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 10

13 Increase recreation resources for those activities in high demand with limited opportunities 2.6 Visual Quality One of the most popular public activities on the Green Mountain National Forest is viewing scenery provided by established vistas (Forest Plan Environmental Impact Statement, pages and 3-306). Forest Plan Goal 15 is to maintain or enhance visual resources such as view sheds, vistas, overlooks, and special features (Forest Plan, page 16). Management activities are needed to provide new vistas, and maintain existing vistas especially along the Long Trail and along the Ash Hill Trail west of Liberty Hill. 2.7 Wilderness Forest Plan Goal 13 is to manage designated wilderness to preserve an enduring resource that represents ecosystems and natural processes unique to northeastern forests while providing opportunities for solitude and unconfined recreation consistent with the Wilderness Act of 1964 and subsequent legislation (Forest Plan, page 16). The 2006 New England Wilderness Act designated the 12,333 acre Joseph Battell Wilderness in 2006 of which about 42 percent or 5,457 acres is within the Robinson project area. A communication radio repeater and associated infrastructure is currently located atop Philadelphia Peak within this congressionally designated wilderness. The New England Wilderness Act contains no special provision to retain or manage the Philadelphia Peak repeater site and it is not required for wilderness stewardship. The Forest Service Manual directs us to maintain communication structures only as necessary for administration and protection of the wilderness. There is a need to remove the Philadelphia Peak repeater infrastructure from the Joseph Battell Wilderness to be consistent with the Wilderness Act and Forest Service policy. 2.8 Transportation (Roads and Infrastructure) Forest Plan Goal 14 is to provide a safe, efficient, and effective Forest transportation system that meets both the needs of the public and the Forest Service (Forest Plan, page 16). A Forest-wide detailed travel analysis completed in August 2015 resulted in a report that recommended a minimum road system needed for safe and efficient travel and for administration, utilization, and protection of the National Forest System lands. The transportation system provides access for public and administrative uses. Its presence can also have negative effects on the natural and cultural resources of the Forest. Currently, there are about 25 miles of system roads within the Robinson project area under Forest Service jurisdiction. The following action is needed to improve transportation opportunities within the project area: Provide a road system that meets public access and management needs in a sustainable manner Construction of new roads for improved access for timber management Reconstruction of existing roads for improved access to the National Forest Decommission roads that are no longer needed for management of the National Forest. Installation of gates to control access to roads during periods of closure Replacement of road stream crossings for improved flood resiliency and aquatic organism passage Explore new opportunities to increase Road Cooperative Agreement participation with the Towns within the project area 2.9 Heritage Resource Forest Plan Goal 16 is to provide protection and stewardship for significant heritage resources on the Green Mountain National Forest (Forest Plan, page 17). There is a need to provide protection for heritage Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 11

14 resource sites, and increase their visibility and stability within the project area through coordinated management activities Special Uses Forest-wide Standard S-10 for Non-Recreation Special Uses states that special use permits required by law to provide access to non-federal land shall be issued (Forest Plan, page 44). The Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act of November 12, 1980 requires that the Forest Service authorize access sufficient to allow reasonable use of surrounded private land. In addition, Forest Plan Goal 17 is to support regional and local economies through resource use, production, and protection (Forest Plan, page 17). One means to provide resource use and production is through a forest products permit or special use permit. There is a need to provide access to private landowners where necessary throughout the Robinson project area by issuance of special use authorizations. There is also a need to consider opportunities to provide for forest products such as maple tapping and address other non-recreation permit issues Communication Sites The existing Philadelphia Peak radio repeater provides 2-way radio communication for natural resource management of National Forest System land as well as for law enforcement and search/rescue personnel across ownership boundaries totaling about 12,900 acres. An essential component of the Forest-wide radio system will be lost if the communication site is removed from its current location within the Joseph Battell Wilderness. A radio coverage analysis determined that two sites together (Corporation Mountain & a site along the Braintree Mountain Range) provided adequate replacement radio coverage. There is a need to establish a radio repeater facility at each site to provide radio coverage before the Philadelphia Peak radio facility is removed. Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 12

15 3. PROPOSED ACTION The proposed action consists of management activities developed to meet the purpose and need for the Robinson project. A series of maps (enclosed) have been prepared to support the description of each activity included in the proposed action: Map 1, Existing Condition displays the project area boundary, Forest Plan management areas, and road, trail, and other infrastructure as they currently exist Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities displays the proposed vegetation and wildlife treatment activities Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities displays the proposed recreation and transportation activities (including road and trail projects); it also displays proposed activities for communication sites Map 4, Proposed Action Watershed, Soil, and Other Activities displays the proposed activities related to the aquatic and soil resource restoration as well as other miscellaneous activities The following sections provide a detailed description of proposed management activities for each resource category. These activity descriptions collectively define the proposed action. 3.1 Forest Habitat and Timber Resources The Forest Habitat and Timber Resources have been combined into one section because of their close interconnected relationship. The proposed action includes a variety of activities designed to address the purpose and need related to these resources (see Table 7; Appendices A1 and A2; and Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities). These activities would enhance habitat for wildlife, promote healthy forests, and provide forest products to the local and regional economy. Habitat diversity would be increased by improving the composition and age class structure of forest stands; enhancing key habitats such as oak, aspen, and apple orchards; and providing a mix of open areas. Table 7. Summary of proposed management activities relative to forest habitat and timber resources Management Activity Amount Proposed Timber Harvest Treatments Uneven-aged harvest method 1 Group selection with improvement cuts Total uneven-aged harvest Even-aged harvest method 1 Regeneration - Shelterwood Regeneration - Seed tree Regeneration - Clearcut Total regeneration harvest treatments Intermediate Thinning and improvement cuts Total intermediate harvest treatments Total even-aged harvest Grand Total Timber Harvest Treatments (Uneven-aged Plus Even-aged Totals Above) Other Treatments Prescribed fire and mechanical treatment to enhance oak habitat Land clearing to convert forest to permanent upland openings 2 Land clearing to expand existing permanent upland openings 2 Softwood release for deer wintering habitat improvement 2 Release and prune apple trees 2 Enhance northern long-eared bat habitat 2 2,803 acres 2,803 acres 1,793 acres 27 acres 450 acres 2,270 acres 4,287 acres 4,287 acres 6,557 acres 9,360 acres 110 acres 29 acres 41 acres 560 acres 14 sites, 145 acres 130 acres Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 13

16 Management Activity Timber stand improvement Post-Harvest Treatments Site preparation for natural or artificial regeneration Tree planting Maintenance of permanent upland openings (existing and newly created) 2 Amount Proposed To be determined 1 Appendix A1 lists the proposed harvest treatments, number of harvest acres for each Compartment/Stand, and the actual treatment acres proposed for each harvest method 2 Appendix A2 lists proposed treatments designed to primarily benefit wildlife habitat 5,073 acres 450 acres 319 acres Timber Harvest Treatments Timber harvest treatments proposed within the project area include a total of 9,360 acres of uneven-aged and even-aged harvest treatments using a variety of silvicultural methods. These various harvest treatments are designed to increase the amount of regenerating/early successional, mixed-wood and softwood forest, aspen and oak habitats throughout the project area (see Appendix A1; and Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities). There are 2,803 acres of uneven-aged harvest treatments proposed using group selection cuts There are 6,557 acres of even-aged harvest treatments proposed including regeneration cuts on 2,270 acres (shelterwood, seed tree, and clearcut) and intermediate cuts on 4,287 acres (thinning and improvement cuts) The timber harvest activities would be implemented with commercial timber sales: o There would be multiple timber sales of various sizes implemented within a 5 to 7 year period o There would be an estimated 69,700 hundred cubic feet (CCF) of sawtimber and pulpwood harvested from the proposed timber sales; the breakdown of wood products is about 27,900 hundred cubic feet, or 16.7 million board feet of sawtimber; and 41,800 hundred cubic feet, or 52,900 cords of pulpwood Forest Habitat Composition and Age Class Distribution The 9,360 acres of timber harvest treatments proposed are designed to address forest habitat composition and age class distribution objectives. Specifically, these treatments would: Increase regenerating/early successional habitat through shelterwood, seed tree, and clearcut on 2,270 acres Enhance and increase softwood habitat, and enhance structural diversity through approximately 2,803 acres of group selection with improvement cuts in hardwood, mixed-wood, and softwood stands Enhance late successional habitats in the Diverse Backcountry and Remote Wildlife Habitat Management Areas through 603 acres of thinning to extend the growth and longevity of trees in areas of extended rotations of 150 to 200 years Remove non-native Norway spruce or red pine plantations: o Clearcut 75 acres of non-native softwood plantations to convert to native softwoods o Land clear 25 acres of non-native softwood plantation to convert to permanent upland openings, mostly adjacent to existing small openings (part of the 70 acres of new permanently upland openings proposed, see other forest habitat treatments below) Increase and enhance the aspen/birch and oak habitats: o Clearcut 41 acres to regenerate and increase aspen habitat o Enhance oak habitat on up to 110 acres through shelterwood, group selection, and intermediate harvest treatments within two separate areas (near Mayo Meadows and Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 14

17 Contest Trail); harvests would be in conjunction with proposed prescribed fire and mechanical treatment activities (see other forest habitat treatments below) Timber Stand Improvement Upon further field investigation, the proposal may include timber stand improvement (pre-commercial thinning) on stands that may need treatment to improve the composition, structure, condition, health and growth of young even-aged stands: Within these stands, crop trees of desired species would be selected on a spacing of about 16 x 16 feet Less desirable competing trees touching the crowns of the crop trees would be cut away to allow for better growth of crop trees selected to become part of a future commercial harvest Transportation Network A comprehensive road system was designed as part of timber harvest planning to determine areas where log landings, skid routes and other transportation infrastructure may be established to implement timber harvest activities (see Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities; and Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities). Specifically: The existing National Forest System, town and state road system would be used for log truck access and logging equipment access to log landings Construction of new system roads and temporary haul roads would be needed to complement the existing road system to access timber stands proposed for treatment (see the Transportation proposal for details) Existing log landings and skid roads/trails that meet current Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines would be used again for harvest activities New log landings, and skid roads/trails would be constructed in locations needed to access all areas being considered for harvest; landings are typically between one-quarter and one-half acre in size Post-Harvest Activities The following activities are proposed as connected actions after completion of initial timber harvest treatments to address forest habitat and timber resource needs: Site Preparation for Natural or Artificial Regeneration There are 5,073 acres of site preparation proposed to provide for natural or artificial regeneration of stands proposed for harvest using the shelterwood, seed tree, clearcut, and group selection methods: Eliminate or reduce competition from residual vegetation from one to six inches diameter at breast height that may be bent or broken, not commercially valuable, or less desirable: o Cutting saplings with hand tools would be the primary site preparation treatment option o Cut-stump application of herbicide such as glyphosate or triclopyr to control beech regeneration may be considered as another site preparation option o Prescribed fire may also be used to diminish competing species in pine, oak, aspen/ paper birch, and blueberry habitat o The use of fire or herbicide alone or in combination with hand tools would be considered on a stand by stand basis depending on residual vegetative conditions following harvest of merchantable trees Treatment implementation would be within one year following the harvest of the stand Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 15

18 Tree Planting Tree stocking surveys would be conducted on 450 acres in stands proposed for clearcut following the first and third year of harvest to monitor regeneration success. If stocking surveys determine natural regeneration is not adequate in any of the regenerated harvest treatment areas, tree planting by hand would be necessary: Plant a mix of native softwood species on 8 x 8 foot spacing in areas proposed for regeneration to softwoods or mixed-wood Other Forest Habitat Treatments The proposal includes a wide variety of other treatments that would provide additional habitat diversity to benefit wildlife across the project area (see Appendix A2; Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities). Enhance Oak Habitat with Prescribed Fire and Mechanical Treatment The project would include treatments to maintain and improve red oak communities on up to 110 acres on multiple stands within two separate areas (Mayo Meadow and Contest Trail). Prescribed fire would be the method to regenerate oak followed by mechanical treatment of beech and maple to reduce competition where it is favorable to increase the oak vegetation. The boundaries for these treatments would take advantage of topography and other features such as trails to maintain prescribed fire control lines. These treatments overlay where some shelterwood, group selection, and intermediate harvest treatments are also proposed. Increase Permanent Upland Openings The proposal includes the initial harvest or mechanical mastication of trees to convert existing forest to permanent upland openings on a total of 70 acres: Create five new permanent upland openings for a combined total of 29 acres Expand six existing openings for a combined total of 41 acres The initial timber harvest would be followed by further clearing to complete the process to convert areas of forested stands to permanent upland openings for early-successional habitat: o Remove all timber vegetation including small non-merchantable trees with the intent of not regenerating trees o Leave stumps in the openings and pile and /or burn slash o Create a diversity of habitat for wildlife in the cleared areas by leaving interspersed patches of uncut trees Maintenance of Permanent Upland Openings The proposal includes the maintenance of existing and newly created permanent upland openings to promote early successional habitat on 319 acres within the project area: Existing openings (15 separate stands) totaling 249 acres, and new and expanded openings totaling 70 acres; maintenance would include: o Cutting saplings one to six inches diameter breast height that are not retained for wildlife o Conducting maintenance of newly created permanent openings through mechanical mowing or mastication; cutting with chainsaws, brush saws, or hand tools; prescribed burning; or a combination of these treatment methods o Treating openings one to three times over a period of five to seven years Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 16

19 Deer Wintering Habitat Improvement (Softwood Release) The proposal includes the non-commercial thinning of hardwood trees to release softwood species at three deer wintering areas (east of Corporation Road, south of State Garage Road, and east of Tupper Terrace) totaling about 560 acres. The treatment would use chainsaws to remove low quality hardwoods that are suppressing groups of softwood saplings and poles. Maintain Apple Trees The proposal includes the release and pruning of apple trees at 14 known sites covering about 145 total acres within the project area. If more apple trees are discovered during project planning and implementation, they would be included for release and pruning. Treatment would include hand tool removal of over-topping trees that shade the apples, as well as small saplings and pole-size trees near or under the canopy of individual apple trees. Bat Habitat Improvement The proposal includes the creation of snags on 130 acres of northern long-eared bat summer habitat where there is less than three existing snags per acre. Three treatment areas are located along the White River. The types of snags and damaged trees used as roosts by northern long-eared bats vary in size and species. Trees chosen for snag creation would be mechanically girdled by chainsaw. Rochester School Forest A deer wintering area comprised of young Norway spruce spans across the Rochester School Forest and National Forest System lands past Flanders Hill Road along Bingo Brook. The proposal includes collaborating with the Rochester School and VT Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct habitat improvement activities to encourage existing, but marginal, deer winter habitat. This would entail removal of competition species through single tree or group selection (hardwood, pine) providing a reduction of hazardous fuels that have built up along this Wildland Urban Interface multi-use area. Working across land owner boundaries with selected management activities would provide for: Conservation education to the Rochester School highlighting forestry and wildlife management A more resilient and healthy forested landscape The reduction of hazardous fuels 3.2 Fisheries and Water The proposal consists of treatments designed to improve aquatic habitat including the placement of large woody debris in streams, providing aquatic passage through culverts, restoration of the White River channel and associated riparian areas, and channel stabilization along Bingo Brook (see Map 4, Proposed Action Watershed, Soil, and Other Activities). Placement of Large Woody Debris Total large woody debris placement would be done in approximately 62.3 miles of stream within the project area (see Table 8): Increase existing instream large woody debris amounts to between 75 and 130 pieces per mile (greater than 12 inches diameter), and 100 pieces per mile (between 8 to 12 inches in diameter) Trees along each stream would be used as a source of large woody debris; of the trees to be felled, about half would be a minimum of 12 inch diameter at breast height with the other half between 8 to 12 inches diameter breast height The primary placement of trees would be accomplished through directional felling with chain saws Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 17