3.1 Forest Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat

Transcription

1 3.1 Forest Vegetation Echo Trail Area Forest Management Project Forest vegetation and wildlife habitat analyses are based on data contained in a Region 9 program referred to as CDS (Combined Data System). CDS includes vegetation information associated with stands that are identified in a Geographic Information System (GIS) coverage. Stand type, size, density and many other attributes are contained in the CDS data base. Districts provide the Forest with their CDS updates on an annual basis. In addition, prior to developing project proposals such as for this project, District personnel make a concerted effort to update the CDS data. In the year prior to scoping the Echo Trail Area project, District personnel reviewed stands using aerial photographs, surveyed stands on the ground and viewed stands from the air using low level helicopter flights. The surveys led to CDS data updates which were incorporated into the analysis for this project. Attachments 1 and 2 include the specific stand treatments planned in the Selected Alternative. Forest vegetation and wildlife habitat analyses were based on the existing stand condition and projected results of the treatments. We are very confident that the CDS data used for the forest vegetation and wildlife habitat analyses is adequate for making our decision. The term, Management Indicator Habitat (MIH), is used throughout the portions of this section that relate to wildlife habitat. MIH are defined as habitats that represent a wide variety of native species, including the majority of Management Indicator Species (MIS) and Regional Forest Sensitive Species that are part of that habitat. Refer to ROD Attachment 10 throughout this section for detailed information on the project analysis for management indicator habitats. The following paragraphs provide additional information on other wildlife terms not only used in the Forest Plan Revision but also in the Echo Trail Area Project. MIS and MIH, as established during Forest Plan Revision and the 2004 Forest Plan, are important indicators for wildlife and wildlife habitat. During Forest Plan Revision, the Forest went through a selection process guided by the regulations, Forest Service manual, and recent case law on MIS. Forest Plan management indicator species were developed to fulfill these requirements. Regulations (36 CFR 219) require the Forest Service to select management indicator species (MIS) in order to estimate effects on wildlife. Forest Service policy (FSM 2621 Management Indicators (WO Amendment )) expands the use of MIS to use of management indicators that can include habitats. The Forest Plan Revision (FPR) EIS analyzed (Chapter to 3.3.3) and the Forest Plan has direction for ten management indicator habitats (MIH) that relate to forest type, three (MIH) that relate to spatial patterns and interior forest, and one (MIH) that relates to lakes and streams. In addition to the 14 MIHs, we have direction for gray wolf, bald eagle, northern goshawk, and white pine as management indicator species. Management indicator species are monitored during Forest Plan implementation in order to assess the effects of management activities on their populations and the populations of other species with similar habitat needs that they may represent. Because of scientific limitations of using individual species to indicate effects on many other species, a limited number (four) of management indicator species were selected (A Critical Analysis on the use of Indicator Species in Management by Niemi, Hanowski, etal, 1997 and Ecological Uses of Vertebrate Indicator Species by Landres, Verner, Thompson, 1988). Management indicator habitats were favored because it was determined that they better reflect the broad spectrum of major wildlife management issues and challenges than individual species. Management indicator habitats represent the major biological communities on the National Forests that are affected by management. In other words, they provide a coarse filter that represents the array of native ecosystems of the National Forests - with emphasis on those that would be most affected by management and whose conditions would vary by alternative. In summary, management indicator habitats were developed to generally encompass coarse filter habitats Record of Decision ROD Forest Vegetation

2 associated with as many species as possible to provide a practical and efficient approach to addressing the thousands of species that are found on the National Forests. Some species may fall through this coarse filter because of their specialized habitat requirements, because of their high public concern, or because of concern for their continued viability on the planning area. Therefore, we selected additional species as fine filter indicators that, although not designated as management indicator species per 36 CFR 219, allow us to address important wildlife impacts or issues not adequately addressed by management indicator species and habitats. Forest Plan Revision indicators 15 (lynx), 18 (107 sensitive species) and (woodcock, deer, and ruffed grouse) were selected because they allow evaluation of individual species identified during scoping as species of high public concern because of their social, economic, ecological importance. They include commonly hunted species, watchable wildlife species, species associated with special habitats, and species of viability concern in the planning area (threatened, endangered, and sensitive species). The individual sections of Chapter 3 of the Forest Plan Revision EIS that analyze these indicators provide more information on rationale for selection. The Echo Trail Project analysis tiers to the Forest Plan revision analysis for vegetation and wildlife habitat. The determination of effects in the Echo Trail Area Final EIS (Chapter 3.8) shows that each alternative provides for viability and distribution of all species consistent with the Forest Plan; however, Alternative 1, No Action, would make it difficult to be consistent with the Forest Plan because young forest would not be created. The remainder of this section provides our rationale for selecting Alternative 3 Modified as it relates to forest vegetation and wildlife habitat resources. Forest Vegetation ROD Record of Decision

3 3.1.1 Issue #1 Harvest and road management activities would decrease the acres of mature forest, which could impact wildlife habitat. The Final EIS Section 3.8 includes complete analysis of this issue. Issue 1 is addressed in the analysis of mature upland forest (MIH 1) and mature and older red and white pine forest (MIH 7) (FEIS Chapter 3.8.3). Note that upland forest habitat (MIH 1) includes all forest types that occur in uplands (e.g., jack pine, red and white pine, oak); while red and white pine forest habitat (MIH 7) is one part of the upland forest habitat. As such, the upland forest habitat in the Project Area covers approximately 102,000 acres in the Project Area and red and white pine forest habitat makes up approximately 14% of that (about 14,000 acres). About 58% of the upland forest habitat in the Project Area is currently mature or older, while only 6% is young (Figure ROD-6). Harvesting in the Selected Alternative will create young upland forest habitat (FEIS Section 3.8.3). At the same time, it will reduce mature and older upland forest habitat by 6%; however, over half of the existing upland forest habitat will remain mature or older in the Project Area. Therefore, species that prefer young upland forest habitat will benefit, such as ruffed grouse; while species that use mature or older forest may be negatively affected, such as fisher. Figure ROD-6. ROD-X. Change in Young, Mature, and and Old-growth Upland Upland Forest Forest Habitat in the Echo Trail Project Area: Comparing existing and and future future condition (total MIH 1 NFS acres in in PA: PA: 102,094) from from: Echo ET Trail Final Final EIS, EIS, Table Table F-4, F-4, MIH MIH % Percent of of Upland Forest Habitat 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Old Growth multi-aged Old Growth Mature Pole Young (0-9) 0% Existing Condition No Action Selected Alternative Alternative 2 Alternative 4 Record of Decision ROD Forest Vegetation

4 The young upland forest will be primarily conifer, dominated by jack pine forest type, followed by red and white pine and spruce-fir (Final EIS Chapter 3.7.6). The remainder of the young upland forest will be aspen-birch forest. In the short-term (less than10 years), this change in habitat will benefit wildlife species that use young forest, especially those species that use young jack pine and aspen-birch forest types (such as deer, moose, and ruffed grouse). Mature red and white pine forest habitat was of particular concern to the public. (ROD-10 and ROD_11 depict examples of mature pine forest). When all the upland forest habitats are considered together, mature and older forest will decrease in the short term (10 years) (Figure ROD 6). The mature and older red and white pine forest, on the other hand, will increase in the next 10 years (Figure ROD-7) aided by this project s use of commercial thinning as well as non-commercial treatments. We will be restoring or converting about 4,554 acres to white, red, jack pine and white spruce through clearcut and partial cut harvest activities which would provide future mature red and white pine forest habitat. Young Upland Forest (MIH 1) and young forest patches would disappear from the Project Area, unless some natural event/s (windstorms, fire) set back succession in forested areas. The Final EIS concludes that it would be difficult to move toward the desired conditions for wildlife in the Forest Plan if we did not create young forest. Also, not creating young forest could have negative effects on those species dependant on regenerating forests and openings. (Final EIS Chapter ) In general, species that use young forest and edge will benefit, including many game species, and have negative effects on species that use older and interior forest. We are comfortable with this tradeoff because negative effects should be minor and mature forest is still provided in sufficient quantities (at least 50%) across the Project Area (Final EIS Chapter ) and this is consistent with Forest Plan direction. Figure Figure ROD-7. ROD-Y. Red Red and and White Pine Upland Forest Habitat (MIH (MIH 7) in 7) the in the Echo Echo Trail Trail Project Area: Comparing existing and and future conditions from: FEIS Appendix F, Table F-4 F-4 20,000 18,000 16,000 14,000 NFS Acres 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 Old Growth multi-aged Old Growth Mature Pole Young (0-9) Existing Condition No Action Selected Alternative Alternative 2 Alternative 4 Forest Vegetation ROD Record of Decision

5 Figure Figure ROD-8. ROD-A. Change Change to to Conifer through Mangement Management Conversion Conversion and and Natural Natural Succession Succe ssion in in the the Uplands Uplands in in the the Echo Echo Trail Trail Project Project from: from: Final Final EIS EIS Chapter Ch NFS Acres Active Management - Conifer Conversion to Conifer Active Management - Hardwood Converstion to Conifer Natural Succession to White Pine 0 No Action Selected Alternative Alternative 2 Alternative 4 In our decision, eight harvest units that are in areas of concern (identified by the public) will be harvested, including areas west of Trout Lake and south of Little East Creek. However no units are included near Wolf Lake. Short-term, harvesting could have negative effects to local individual wildlife species that require mature forest (such as northern goshawk and some warblers). However, the Final EIS concludes that effects should be minimal to these species as other nearby areas provide mature habitat. In the longer term (more than 10 years), the Selected Alternative will beneficially affect species that use large patches of red and white pine forest by linking existing areas of this habitat and forming one large patch (about 1,000 acres) (Final EIS Chapter ). The Selected Alternative would also have temporary (about 10 years) beneficial effect to species that require young forest. Moreover, the Final EIS (Section ) and Biological Evaluation (Determination Sections) do not indicate a trend toward listing for any sensitive or other wildlife species. Additionally, the Biological Assessment determines that the threatened species eagle, lynx, and wolf or lynx proposed critical habitat and wolf critical habitat, would not likely be adversely affected (BA, Executive Summary 5.0, D Sections) and the Fish and Wildlife Service concurs with that conclusion (Jeffrey C. Gosse, Acting Field Supervisor, August 7, 2006). Figure ROD-8 displays the change to conifer through management conversion and natural succession in the uplands in the Project Area. Figure ROD-9 displays the changes to pine forest type in the Project Area in the Jack Pine/Black Spruce LE. Forest types, stand ages, and habitats in the Project Area are a result of natural disturbances (wind and fire), natural succession (forest structure and composition changing over time as stands age), and resource management (primarily timber harvest) over the past 100 years. With the Echo Trail Area Project, we are striving toward desired conditions in the Forest Plan. Desired conditions include providing habitat to support a wide array of wildlife species, maintaining viable populations for all existing native and desired non-native species, and contributing to ecosystem sustainability and biological diversity. Desired Forest Plan conditions for wildlife (D-WL-3) and vegetation (D-VG-5) recognize that vegetation and habitats constantly change through management activities and through naturally occurring disturbances and Record of Decision ROD Forest Vegetation

6 ecosystem recovery processes such as wind, fire, flooding, insects, disease, and vegetation succession. When we make management decisions, we consider the best information available to us at the time. We know that fire and wind also affect stands in the Project Area as we implement the Echo Trail Area project and if those events occur at a large scale (i.e blowdown) we will evaluate whether or not we need to adjust the harvesting in this Project (ROD Section 6 Process for Change during Implementation). Figure Figure ROD- B. ROD-9. Changes Changes to Pine Forest to Pine Types Forest in the Types Echo in Trail the Project Echo Trail Area Project in Area the Jack in the Pine/Black Jack Pine/Black Spruce LE Spruce LE from: Final EIS Ch. Chapter ,000 35,000 30,000 NFS acres 25,000 20,000 15,000 Jack pine Red pine White pine 10,000 5,000 0 Existing Condition (2006) No Action Selected Alternative Alternative 2 Alternative 4 Figure ROD-10 Example of mature pine forest. Forest Vegetation ROD Record of Decision

7 Figure ROD-11 Example of mature pine forest Purpose and Need Increasing young forest and restoring jack pine, white pine, and spruce-fir The Echo Trail Project Area is largely in the Jack Pine/Black Spruce LE (Figure ROD- 12). The Jack Pine/Black Spruce LE in the Project Area makes up more than a third of the LE across the entire Superior National Forest. So it is important that our forest management in this area results in moving toward the long-term objectives for the Jack Pine/Black Spruce LE in the Forest Plan. (Figure ROD 13) Figure ROD-12. Landscape Ecosystem (LE) Figure ROD-Z. Landscape Ecosystem (LE) Distribution in the Echo Trail Project Area Distribution in the Echo Trail Project Area Jack Pine/Black Spruce LE 75% Dry-mesic Red & White Pine LE 6% Lowland Conifer LE 10% Other LEs 9% Record of Decision ROD Forest Vegetation

8 Figure Figure ROD-13. ROD-1. Forest-wide Age Class Objectives for for Jack Jack Pine/Black Spruce (JP/BS) Landscape Ecosystem (LE) (LE) from: from: Superior NF, NF, Forest Plan, Page page 2-61, Table JPB-2 100% Percent of Upland Forest in the JP/BS LE 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Existing (2003) Decade 1 Decade 2 Long-term 100 Year Goal Table ROD-3 Vegetation Composition in the Jack Pine-Black Spruce LE: Comparing Objectives, Existing Condition, and Selected Alternative Upland Forest Type Existing Condition (2006) Forest-wide 1 Objectives 2 for Decade 1 Echo Trail Project Area3 (Acres) Existing Condition (2006) Selected Alternative Jack pine 23% 28% 32,982 33,927 Red pine 9% 10% 6,399 6,812 White pine 4% 3% 7,254 9,965 Spruce-fir 13% 15% 7,761 10,016 Oak 0% 0% Northern hardwoods 1% 0% 1,565 1,565 Aspen 44% 40% 35,026 29,114 Paper birch 5% 5% 3,339 2,878 Total 100% 4 100% 4 94,446 94,446 1 Percent of National Forest System land in the Jack Pine-Black Spruce LE. 2 Superior National Forest, Forest Plan, page 2-61, Table JPB-1. 3 Figures displayed for all alternatives reflect NFS land in year Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Forest Vegetation ROD Record of Decision

9 Over the past 100 years or so, timber harvest has created a patchwork of forest stand ages in the Project Area. As discussed above, if we did not treat these stands, the mature and older stands would continue to age with more and more areas moving into the older age classes, resulting in a disproportionately large amount of stands being 50 years or older. The Selected Alternative will increase young forest, meeting the Purpose and Need for the Project and moving the Project Area toward the Forest Plan objectives (Forest Plan, p 2-61, Table JPB-2; p. 2-76, Table LLC-2a). There is a mix of tree species in the Project Area, with most stands having a mixture of jack pine, aspen, and balsam fir. The Selected Alternative will increase jack pine, red pine and spruce-fir, while decreasing aspen (See Table ROD-3). Therefore, the Selected Alternative will meet the Purpose and Need for the Project and move toward Forest Plan objectives for those species. White pine will also increase which is contrary to Forest Plan objectives. However, the increase is primarily due to stands that are succeeding naturally to white pine. In addition, where management is planned, some stands currently have advance white pine regeneration and/or have conditions conducive to managing white pine. Finally, management of white and red pine patches was a consideration in selecting stands for white pine management. Effects to wildlife are measured by Management Indicator Habitats (MIHs) rather than Forest Types. The Forest Plan has MIH objectives for each Landscape Ecosystem (LE). Table ROD-4 shows the projected change to MIHs in the Jack Pine Black Spruce (JPB) LE (the major LE affected by the Echo Trail project). With this project, all but one of the age class objectives for the three MIHs associated with jack pine, white pine and spruce-fir, would be consistent with Forest Plan direction (ROD Table-4). Young upland spruce fir would fall short of meeting Forest Plan direction to decrease (compared to existing), however, the acres would be well below the Forest Plan 2003 condition (5,700 acres) (EIS Table 3.8-3), from which the objectives were based. ROD Table-4. MIH Objectives Associated with Young Forest, Jack Pine, White Pine, and Spruce-fir (within the Jack Pine-Black Spruce Landscape Ecosystem). Management Indicator Habitats (MIH) Existing condition 2016 projected Acres Forest Plan objective MIH 1 Upland Forest Young 20,730 20,583 + MIH 4 Aspen Birch Young 10,242 5,752 + Young 2,353 2,559 - MIH 6 Upland Spruce Fir MIH 7 Red and White Pine MIH 8 Jack Pine Mature 16,609 13,744 - Old/old growth 8,557 13,512 + Young 3,957 2,630 - Mature 15,501 19,563 + Old/old growth 1,892 3,611 + Young 4,043 9,643 + Mature 11,147 19,329 + Old/old growth 23,562 19,991 - Although this project would create young forest, young Upland Forest (MIH 1) and young Aspen-Birch (MIH 4) are projected to fall short of Forest Plan objectives. It is important to remember that it is very early in the first decade of Forest Plan implementation and there is expected to be future actions on Superior National Forest land in the next ten years that wo uld create more young forest and move this MIH toward Forest Plan objectives. This project did not go further in meeting Forest Plan objectives due to efforts to meet forest-wide spatial pattern object ives for large mature forest patches (MIH 13 ), interior forest (MIH 12), and lynx habitat. To meet Forest Plan Record of Decision ROD Forest Vegetation

10 objectives for young, more mature and older aged Upland Forest (MIH 1) (especially aspenbirch, MIH 4) would have to be harvested which could negatively impact large patch and interior habitat and associated wildlife species. Forest Plan standards for management of lynx habitat (Forest Plan, p. 2-30, S-WL-1) state that activities on National Forest Service (NFS) land shall not change more than 15% of lynx habitat on NFS land within a Lynx Analysis Unit (LAU) to an unsuitable condition within a 10-year period. Over 900 acres were removed from further consideration in LAU SNF 5 in order to meet this standard for the Echo Trail Area DEIS. With this project, in the Dry-Mesic Red and White Pine (DRW) Landscape Ecosystem, all of these MIHs would be consistent with the Forest Plan direction (EIS Table 3.8-4). The Echo Trail Area Project accounts for only 4% of the Forest-wide DRW Landscape Ecosystem, therefore the project s influence on Forest Plan objectives for this LE is limited Issue # 2: Harvest and road management activities would change forest type, age, size, and spatial distribution of young forest, which could impact wildlife habitat and associated hunting opportunities. Issue 2 is addressed in the analysis of upland forest habitat (MIH 1), young patch conditions (MIH 13) and acres converted from aspen (MIH 4) to pine within the Project Area (Final EIS section ). As discussed above, there is only a small amount of upland forest habitat that is young in the Project Area. Current forest patch conditions are a result of past limits on harvest size for even-aged management which tended to reduce stand size and increase fragmentation. Clear-cut harvests currently account for 90% of the forest acres managed on the Superior National Forest. This type of management tends to increase edge and favor occurrence of popular game species, such as deer, ruffed grouse, and moose (Forest Plan FEIS 2004). Patches and forest spatial patterns refers to the size, shape, and arrangement of forest types, and ages resulting from natural landscape patterns and from disturbances, both natural and management induced. Forest spatial patterns are important indicators of ecosystem function and habitat quality for some wildlife species. Currently there are around 70 small (<300 acres) young upland patches in the Project Area accounting for approximately 3,700 acres. These patches are largely concentrated in the southwest and northwest of the Project Area, with less than 20 small young patches lying in the eastern half of the Project Area. These patches are mostly the result of recent timber harvesting (mainly projects implemented from the Holmes- Chipmunk EIS and Little East Creek EIS) or the 1999 blowdown. The 1999 blowdown created a concentration of young forest patches in the Little East Creek area. Some of these patches were salvage harvested as part of the Little East Creek Project. All action alternatives would have a beneficial effect on habitat for game species associated with young habitat (such as deer and moose) due to increases in young forest, edge density, fragmentation and acres and number of small young patches, thereby likely improving hunting opportunities. Young upland forest in the Project Area would more than double in all action alternatives. (FEIS ) With the Selected Alternative, we are trying to create smaller patches of young forest (primarily aspen birch) near roads and convert fewer acres to pine than in Alternatives 2 and 4. For instance, stand L (which is between and adjacent to L and L021-15) was not included in Alternative 3 Modified. By excluding L in the Selected Alternative, the result is the creation of two small young patches Forest Vegetation ROD Record of Decision

11 of aspen (L021-13: 8 and L021-15: 38 acres) rather than one larger patch with all three stands (68 acres). These actions would provide a landscape with a greater mix of small young and large mature forest patches. These actions would be favorable to species which use small, young forest (such as game species) and would have negative effects to species who utilize large patches and interior forest. The Selected Alternative will also convert fewer acres from aspen to conifer forest types than Alternatives 2 and 4. This will benefit species that use aspen forest, including many game species, and have negative effects on species which prefer conifer habitats. (FEIS ) As discussed above, the Selected Alternative will convert some aspen dominated forest types to conifer forest. Initially (in the next 10 years), this would have positive effects on species that use young forest (including many game species) and negative effects on species that require interior forest (such as Blackthroated blue warbler and fisher). In the long-term (longer than 10 years), this could benefit species that use conifer forest but may have negative effects to species that use aspen forest. Some game species may benefit in both respects by using the conversion areas initially for foraging and later for cover. Management Induced Edge (MIH 11) Impacts to habitat and hunting opportunities were also considered in relation to edge density (MIH 11). Edge density (miles per square mile: mi/mi 2 ) provides a measure of habitat fragmentation resulting from forest management and a measure of management intensity. A higher edge density means more fragmentation. The EIS analyzed the edge density of young forest (age 0-9 years for upland and 0-19 years for lowlands) (Final EIS Section 3.8.4). Currently, in the Project Area there is 0.75 mi/mi 2 of management induced edge in the uplands and 0.69 mi/mi 2 in the lowlands. A Forest Plan objective for edge density is to reduce the amount of forest edge created through vegetation management activities to benefit those species needing conditions such as interior forest and large areas of mature habitat, while still retaining a range of small patches and edge habitat. The Selected Alternative will benefit habitat for game species in the Project Area due to increases in edge density and fragmentation (see Figure ROD 14). Fragmentation in lowlands will decrease (Figure ROD 14). Forest-wide, however edge density is projected to decrease in uplands and lowlands (EIS Table 3.8-7). We believe these actions provide a landscape with a better mix of small young and large mature forest patches for wildlife and hunting opportunities. Record of Decision ROD Forest Vegetation

12 Figure ROD -14. Density of Management Induced Edge (MIH-11) in the Echo Trail Project Area Comparing existing condition to future condition from: Final EIS, Table miles per square mile Upland Lowland No Existing Action Selected Alternative Alternative Condition Alternative 2 4 Forest Vegetation ROD Record of Decision

13 3.1.4 Purpose and Need Promote multi-aged forest and create or maintain large young and old patches A desired condition of the Forest Plan is to have landscape spatial patterns that more closely emulate the landscape scale patterns that would have resulted from natural disturbances and other ecological processes. This desired condition includes having a diversity of size, shape and distribution of both young and old patches, including large patches of both. As mentioned earlier, our decision will cumulatively result in two MIHs (upland forest MIH 1, and aspen-birch, MIH 4) exhibiting trends contrary to Jack Pine Black Spruce LE objectives (Final EIS Table 3.8-3). This is a resource trade-off being made in part to meet Forest-wide objectives for large mature forest patches (MIH 13) and mature/old interior forest (MIH 12). Specifically, in order to meet Forest Plan objectives for MIHs 1 and 4, more mature and older Upland Forest (MIH 1) (especially aspen-birch, MIH 4) would have to be harvested in order to decrease these older forests and increase young forest. However, currently mature upland patches (MIH 13) and interior habitat (MIH 12) are largely comprised of aspen-birch forest, so increased harvest of this forest type to meet Forest Type and Age MIH objectives would likely conflict with Forest Plan objectives, to minimize decrease of large mature upland patches (Forest Plan O-VG-24, pg.2-27) and to maintain or increase amount of interior forest habitat (Forest Plan O-VG-22, pg.2-26). When current younger upland conifer forest is of sufficient age to provide more large mature patches across the landscape, future vegetation management projects could better meet Forest Plan objectives for Forest Type and Age MIHs by harvesting mature and older aspen-birch forest. Amount of Upland Mature/Old Forest Interior Habitat (MIH 12) Management Indicator Habitat (MIH) 12, the amount of mature upland forest interior habitat is an indication of habitat quality and the extent of large forest patches in a landscape (Sachs et al. 1998). Figure ROD-15 displays a comparison of existing and future condition of mature and older forest interior habitat (MIH 12) in the Project Area. Refer to Map ROD 2 on page ROD for a comparison of the existing condition and future condition of the alternatives for MIH 12. NFS Acres (uplands) 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 Figure ROD-15. Mature and Older Forest Interior Habitat (MIH-12) in the Echo Trail Project Area Comparing existing to future condition from Final EIS, Table No Existing Action Selected Alternative Alternative Condition Alternative 2 4 Record of Decision ROD Forest Vegetation

14 The current amount of Mature Upland Forest Interior Habitat (MIH 12) in the Project Area is 18,113 acres. Forest Plan direction for MIH 12 is presented by three Spatial Management Zones that have been identified across the Forest. The Echo Trail Area Project falls within Spatial Zones 1 and 3 with the majority (97 percent) of the Project Area in Zone 3. Forest Plan objectives for interior habitat in Spatial Zone 1 are to maintain or increase the amount of interior forest habitat, and in Spatial Zone 3, to strive to minimize the decrease in interior forest habitat. The Selected Alternative will decrease the interior forest from existing conditions but will result in the most interior habitat of the action alternatives (1,685 acres more than Alternative 2 and 50 acres more than Alternative 4). (Figure ROD-15) Forest-wide, interior habitat is projected to increase. Size and Amount of Large Forest Patches Mature/old (MIH 13) Management Indicator Habitat (MIH) 13 is a measure of the size and amount of large (300 acres or larger) mature/old (based on MIH 1-9 mature and older) upland and lowland forest patches. The Project Area currently contains all or part of 36 large (> 300 acre) mature upland patches (2 in Spatial Zone 1, and 34 in Spatial Zone 3) and no large mature lowland patches. Forest Plan objectives for MIH 13 in Spatial Zone 1 are to maintain or increase the acres and number of patches of mature or older upland forest in patches > 300 acres. In Spatial Zone 3, Forest Plan Objectives are to strive to minimize the decrease in acres and numbers of patches of mature or older upland forest in patches > 300 acres. The Forest Plan Objective for mature lowland patches is to maintain a representative array of large patches (>300 acres) of mature or older lowland forest. When compared to existing conditions, and like the other action alternatives, the Selected Alternative will decrease mature and older patches (Figure ROD 16), while increasing young forest patches in the Project Area which would benefit species that use young forest patches including many game species. Forest-wide, large mature patch habitat will increase. s NFS Acres (Upland 50,000 F Figure ROD-G. ROD-16. Large (greater than ac.) ac.) Mature and and Older Forest Patches Patches (MIH (MIH 13): 13): Comparing Comparing existing existing/future and future condition conditon From: Final EIS, Table from: Final EIS, Table ,000 Figure ROD-16. Large (greater than 300 ac.) Mature and O36 lder Forest Patches (MIH 13): Comparing existing and future condition 40,000 from: Final EIS, Table , ,000 25, , , ,000 5, Existing Condition No Action Selected Alternative Alternative 2 Alternative s Number of Large Patche Acres Number of Patches Forest Vegetation ROD Record of Decision

15 Conclusion of Spatial Pattern MIHs Of the action alternatives, the Selected Alternative will result in the least amount of management-induced edge (1.77 mi/sq. mi.) and the most acres of interior forest (14,831). While mature and older forest patch conditions would decrease from existing in both number of patches and acres (Figure ROD 16), the Selected Alternative will likely have the most benefit of all the action alternatives to those species that require interior habitat and the most negative effects to species that utilize edge habitat Purpose and Need - Tree Species Diversity Tree species diversity is the structural diversity and distribution and abundance of different tree species within a stand. Some stands in the Project Area are dominated by a single tree species and a single age while most of the stands include a mixture of species, such as jack pine with aspen, jack pine with balsam fir, and aspen with pine. The Selected Alternative will enhance within stand and structural diversity by planting white pine, red, and white spruce throughout forested stands. This will promote multi-aged forests by restoring the diversity of tree species, tree age, and vegetation layers In addition, vegetation direction for the General Forest Longer Rotation, Recreation Use in a Scenic Landscape, and Semi-primitive Motorized Recreation Management Areas emphasize a large tree and old forest character. Many stands within these management areas in the Project Area have reached rotation age and are succeeding without an adequate number of longer-lived species. In those areas within the recreation related MAs, opportunities (in areas generally not visible from common public use sites) were identified to introduce long-lived conifer species for diversity Threatened and Endangered Species We consulted with the US Fish and Wildlife Service throughout the project and received concurrence on August 7, 2006 that the project will not likely adversely affect the federally threatened bald eagle, gray wolf or gray wolf critical habitat, or the Canada lynx or Canada lynx proposed critical habitat. This project meets the habitat requirements listed in the Northern States Bald Eagle Recovery Plan, Eastern Timber Wolf Recovery Plan, the Lynx Conservation Assessment and the Forest Plan standards and guidelines for bald eagle, wolf, and lynx. The Selected Alternative will likely result in the most beneficial effects for Canada lynx and gray wolf by decommissioning 31 miles of open roads and decreasing miles of roads open to RMVs by 39 miles through road decommissioning. Projected forest-wide long term decreases in fragmentation would also benefit these species. (Echo Trail Area Project Biological Assessment.) Increases in red and white pine forest and a decrease of 10 miles of open roads within ½ mile of lakes and streams would improve future bald eagle habitat. Record of Decision ROD Forest Vegetation

16 3.1.7 Regional Forester Sensitive Species and Management Indicator Species We recognize that there will be impacts to some individual plants and animals from planned and on-going activities. There is no indication that these effects will result in significant adverse effects to any sensitive species or Management Indicator Species. Timber harvest prescriptions, design criteria and mitigation measures will effectively limit the overall negative effects to these species and will create or maintain the type of habitat needed by the desired native and non-native wildlife species on the Forest. The effects on wildlife habitat and individual wildlife species are acceptable and will be offset by creating better conditions and more suitable habitat for some species than if no management actions are taken. All alternatives provide varying levels of habitat for Management Indicator Species (gray wolf, bald eagle, northern goshawk and white pine). See section on Threatened and Endangered Species above for discussion of gray wolf and bald eagle in our decision. We recognize that the Selected Alternative will reduce the amount of suitable habitat for the northern goshawk. However, over 57% of the upland forest will remain in suitable conditions. White Pine will be increased throughout the Project Area through maintaining the existing pine and planting pine in harvest units and in other areas suitable for pine regeneration Non-native Invasive Species We recognize the concern and need to reduce the risk of spread of non-native invasive species (NNIS). While there is a risk of non-native species spreading under the Selected Alternative, the risk is small because mitigation measures and the use of winter harvest in stands most susceptible to NNIS will effectively lessen the threat of spread within harvest units. Monitoring will determine how successful the treatments are and if additional mitigation measures are necessary to reduce the risk of spread of nonnative invasive species for future projects. The overall benefits of the Project are greater than is the risk of spread of non-native invasive species Purpose and Need Reduce Fuels Although there are other ways to emulate natural disturbance, the Echo Trail Project will use timber harvesting to alter condition classes. Timber harvesting helps forests remain healthy, improve condition classes, and reduce hazardous fuel conditions. The Selected Alternative will improve the fire regime condition class on 14,194 acres (Table ROD-5). Hazardous fuels will also be reduced as a result of harvesting. (Final EIS, Chapter 3.14) Forest Vegetation ROD Record of Decision

17 Existing Condition Class Table ROD-5. Acres of Treatment that would Improve Condition Class 1. From: Final EIS, Ch 3.14, Table Future Condition Class Selected Alternative 3 1 8, , ,094 Total 14,194 1 Acreage figures reflect only those stands in Project Area that are proposed for treatment. Condition classes categorize land areas based on departure from their natural fire regimes. Condition Class 1 - Fire regimes are within the natural (historical) range, and the risk of losing key ecosystem components is low. Vegetation attributes (species composition, structure, and pattern) are intact and functioning within the natural (historical) range. Condition Class 2 - Fire regimes have been moderately altered from their natural (historical) range. Risk of losing key ecosystem components is moderate. Fire frequencies have departed from natural frequencies by one or more return intervals. Vegetation attributes have been moderately altered. Condition Class 3 - Fire regimes have been significantly altered from their natural range. The risk of losing key ecosystem components is high. Fire frequencies have departed from natural frequencies by several return intervals. Vegetation attributes have been significantly altered. Clearcut harvests remove more vegetation than partial harvests. More equipment is typically used in a clearcutting operation versus a thinning operation. An even-aged management prescription, such as clearcut with reserves and partial cut leaving 30 basal area, returns stands to Condition Class 1 because the majority of the vegetation, except leave islands and seed trees, is removed. This process would change stand age and alter fuel loading and fuel arrangement within the stand. This increase in equipment on the site and the dragging of whole trees to landings reduces hazardous fuels by crushing small balsam fir trees and compacting timber slash to the ground to facilitate the rotting of this material. Partial harvesting does lower the condition class of stands by one condition class, but sometimes this is only temporary depending on the amount of balsam fir within the stand. Uneven-aged management prescriptions, such as commercial thinning, return stands to one condition class lower. This results from some of the vegetation being removed, which restores some of the components to the stand. In addition, some stands will receive noncommercial vegetation treatment which is not enough stand disturbance to change the stands current condition class. Our decision includes reducing or burning approximately 601 piles of logging slash that are the result of whole tree logging. With burning of slash piles, the fires burn intensely and consume most of the material in the piles. Similarly, reducing the piles for a biomass market removes material in the piles. Whole-tree logging with reducing or burning of piles changes the fuel arrangement and fuel composition by removing some of the fine fuels and helps return the stand to Condition Class 1. Record of Decision ROD Forest Vegetation

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