Ten Flat Thin Project

Transcription

1 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region Wildlife Biological Evaluation (Forest Service Sensitive Species & MIS) for the Ten Flat Thin Project South Fork Management Unit Shasta-Trinity National Forest Trinity County, California Prepared By: /s/ Thomas Quinn Date: March 5, 2007 Thomas Quinn, Wildlife Biologist Trinity River Management Unit Shasta-Trinity National Forest Contact person, phone (530)

2 I. Introduction The purpose of this biological evaluation is to present the likely effects of the actions proposed in the Ten Flat Thin Project Categorical Exclusion (the Ten Flat Project) to Forest Service Sensitive species. This document is prepared in accordance with current policy and follows the standards established in Forest Service Manual direction (FSM ). The northern spotted owl is used as the late seral and snag/log assemblages Management Indicator Species (MIS) for this project (see BA) because it is associated with late seral stage (conifer) habitat that includes snags and logs as essential components. The Project would affect snag and log density only within late seral stage habitat. Owls use snags for nesting sites and both snags and logs provide habitat for owl prey species. Other species in this assemblage utilize snags and logs: the Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti pacifica) and American marten (Martes americana) use snags and logs for resting and natal denning sites, the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) use snags for hunting perches and prey plucking sites; and snags/logs provide prey habitat for all three species. Analyzing snags and logs out of context from a habitat type would be inappropriate and in many cases misleading. For example, regeneration harvesting could remove many snags and logs while maintaining only a few in newly created open habitat (i.e., plantations). This would indicate a positive effect for this assemblage if the chosen indicator species were also associated with open habitat (e.g., acorn woodpecker). To then claim a positive effect for the snag/log assemblage would be misleading. That is to say, the true issue is the effects to snag/log-associated species within the context of the affected habitat type (e.g., conifer forest). As an MIS, existing habitat conditions and anticipated effects to habitat related to the spotted owl indicate similar conditions and effects for other species associated with late-successional habitat such as the Forest Service sensitive Pacific fisher, American marten, and northern goshawk as well as a number of migratory bird species (see Appendix G of the LRMP EIS). The Ten Flat Thin Project Biological Assessment (BA) presents the likely effects of the actions proposed to the federally listed (threatened) spotted owl. MIS for other assemblages are not analyzed because anticipated effects to other habitat types would be nonexistent or immeasurable. The species considered in this document are Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti pacifica) American marten (Martes americana) California wolverine (Gulo gulo luteus) pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) Townsend s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii) Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) Cascade frog (Rana cascadae) 2 - Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit

3 foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) Southern torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) Western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) California floater (Anodonta californiensis) topaz juga (Juga [Calibasis] occata) montane peaclam (Pisidium [Cyclocalyx] ultramontanum) **Shasta sideband snail (Monadenia troglodytes troglodytes) **Wintu sideband snail (Monadenia troglodytes wintu) **Shasta chaparral snail (Trilobopsis roperi) **Tehama chaparral snail (Trilobopsis tehamana) **Pressley hesperian snail (Vespericola pressleyi) **Shasta hesperian snail (Vespericola Shasta) **Nugget pebble snail (Fluminicola seminalis) **Sensitive species that are also Survey and Manage (S&M) species. Species Dropped from Further Analysis The following species will not be further discussed except in the determinations section for the following reasons: The pallid bat depends on oak woodland habitat for foraging (USDA 1998). GIS habitat mapping along with field reviews revealed no oak woodland habitat within or near the project area. The Townsend s big-eared bat is associated with caves, mine adits, bridges, and old buildings (USDA 1998). Field reviews revealed none of these special habitat components within or near the project area. The Western red bat is dependent on riparian and riparian edge habitats (not to be confused with Riparian Reserves that often do not include riparian associated vegetation) and roosts in riparian foliage (USDA 1998). No riparian or riparian edge habitat is proposed for treatment. The willow flycatcher occupies relatively large wet meadows adjacent to large streams, and tends to nest in large clumps of willows separated by openings (Marcot, 1979). GIS habitat mapping along with field reviews revealed no suitable habitat within or near the project area. The Cascade frog inhabits permanent ponds and streams and can survive in ephemeral water bodies where at least some substrate remains saturated. Open, shallow water that remains unshaded during the hours of strong sunlight provide egg-laying sites. Aquatic sites where this species is found are characterized by a low accumulation of dissolved nutrient salts, oligotrophic (i.e., supporting but a sparse plant and animal life), having a high oxygen content owing to the low organic matter and no predatory fish (USDA 1998). Field reviews of the project area revealed no oligotrophic pond or perennial streams; all intermittent streams in the project area are well shaded and do not provide Cascade frog habitat. Adjacent perennial streams support predatory salmonids (Ten Flat Thin Project Fishery Biological Assessment). Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit - 3

4 The Southern torrent salamander seldom ventures away from saturated streamside areas and occurs within a relatively narrow range of physical and microclimatic conditions and is associated with cold, clear headwater to low-order streams with loose rocky substrates (low sedimentation) in humid forest habitats with large conifers, abundant moss, and greater than 80% canopy closure (Welsh and Lind 1996). Field reviews of the project area revealed no perennial streams that would provide suitable habitat near areas proposed for treatment. The project area lies well outside the known or expected ranges of the California floater, topaz juga, montane peaclam (USDA 1998) and nugget pebble snail (Furnish & Monthey 1998). Protocol surveys of the project area vicinity revealed no Shasta sideband snails, Wintu sideband snails, Shasta chaparral snails, Tehama chaparral snails, Pressley hesperian snails or Shasta hesperian snails. Survey and Manage Species The Shasta-Trinity National Forest conducted surveys for about 23 species from the list of 164 found in California. Consistent with the Survey and Manage ROD, January 2001 (USDA, USDI, 2001) as per the Record of Decision (ROD), January 2001, surveys have been conducted in portions of the project areas. 101 acres of the 10 Rd. project was surveyed along the road corridor. The remaining acreage within the project either is unsuitable habitat (approximately 20 acres) or is outside of the corridor project surveys. Currently, the only species potentially occurring in the area requiring pre-disturbance surveys is the Pressley Hesperian, Vespericola pressleyi. This species is also discussed herein as a Forest Sensitive species. This species is a riparian obligate found locally only in the lower portions of Hayfork Creek and the South Fork Trinity river drainages. The nearest known sites of this species are approximately 3 miles to the north. In addition, all suitable habitat for this species within the project area has been surveyed to protocol. II. Consultation to date On January 17, 2007 I provided a draft of Ten Flat Thin Project Biological Assessment to Keith Paul (Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USFWS, Red Bluff Field Office); the final BA incorporates his comments.. This consultation centered on the MIS spotted owl and was valuable in relation to other species associated with late-succession and old-growth forest habitat. III. Current management direction The Shasta-Trinity National Forest (STNF) is currently operating in full compliance with the Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (ROD; USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management, 1994). The Regional Forester approved the STNF Land and Resource 4 - Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit

5 Management Plan (Forest Plan or LRMP) on April 28, 1995 and it became effective as of June 5, The Northwest Forest Plan ROD was incorporated into the Forest Plan. The Forest Plan adopts the ROD as the habitat management plan for the Northern spotted owl and adopts the recovery plan for the bald eagle (USDI 1986). The STNF expects the network of areas withdrawn from active timber management (e.g., wilderness, late-successional reserves, riparian reserves, and administratively withdrawn areas) along with standards and guidelines related to snag, log, and hardwood retention to provide habitat adequate to maintain viable well-distributed populations of Forest Service Sensitive species. IV. Description of Proposed Action Project Location The project is centered roughly three miles southwest of Hayfork California in portions of Township 31 North, Range 12 West, Mount Diablo Meridian and Township 2 North, Range 8 East, Humboldt Meridian (see cover sheet and Map 1). Thinning from Below Thinning from below within about 178 acres of overcrowded conifer forest is the primary aspect of this project. Merchantable trees would be removed with ground skidding or cable yarding equipment; slash and brush would be piled and burned or masticated. There would be no new permanent road construction; however, there would be less than ½ mile of temporary road construction to access proposed landing locations. Temporary roads would be ripped (to decompact soil) and closed after harvest operations. The thinning would occur in dense forest stands and a roughly 300-foot wide roadside fuel treatment zone (FTZ) along Forest Service road 2N10. In all areas, the largest/oldest dominant and predominant (legacy) conifers would be retained, hardwoods that would have a reasonable chance of surviving and thriving after stand treatments would be retained and an average of 5 tons of logs per acre would be retained with a preference to have 4 to 6 logs per acre at the largest available diameter. Outside the FTZ, a minimum of 4 of the largest snags per acre would be retained; snags within the FTZ would be cut for public and firefighter safety; however very few large snags occur in this zone. The overcrowded stands would be thinned from below to reduce stand density and make more site resources available to the remaining trees (e.g., sunlight, soil nutrients and, most importantly, water). Thinning from below involves cutting the smallest diameter conifers and slowly increasing the cut-tree diameter until ladder fuels have been reduce to acceptable levels or the target canopy closure is reached. The target canopy closures fall into three categories: 1. At least 60 to 70 percent canopy closure would be maintained within existing spotted owl nesting/roosting (N/R) habitat. Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit - 5

6 2. At least 50 to 60 percent canopy closure would be maintained outside of owl NR habitat and outside of the roadside fuel treatment zone (FTZ). 3. At least 40 to 50 percent canopy closure would be maintained within the FTZ. No owl NR habitat lies within the FTZ. Meadow Treatment Due to a lack of disturbance over time, sapling-size conifer trees have encroached into the edges of four small meadows (about 3 acres total). The saplings would be removed, likely utilizing hand crews, to maintain meadow habitat. Meadow habitat would not be changed from existing conditions (i.e., existing meadows would simply be maintained) so MIS are not analyzed for this project. Brush Field Treatment Due to a lack of disturbance over time about 15 acres of shrub dominated habitat would be masticated to maintain this habitat type. The mastication would take place in a mosaic pattern, avoiding impacting viable hardwoods or widely scattered conifers. Shrub (i.e., chaparral) habitat would not be changed from existing conditions (i.e., existing chaparral would simply be maintained) so MIS are not analyzed for this project. Design features of the project specific to wildlife concerns: Riparian reserve width and equipment restrictions will be followed as identified in the Fisheries report. Limited Operating Periods (LOPs) would be implemented to avoid direct adverse impacts to the northern spotted owl. From February 1 through July 10, all noise- and smoke-generating activities will be prohibited within ¼ mile of suitable nesting/roosting habitat. In addition, all vegetation removal/cutting/burning will be prohibited through September 15 within suitable nesting/roosting habitat. These LOPs may be lifted if surveys using currently accepted protocols indicate specific areas are not occupied by breeding owls or with the mutual consent of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service. Retain existing large (>24 inches diameter at breast height) snags and down logs within thinning units at a density of not less than 4 snags/acre. Large snags felled for safety reasons would be left on site as logs. Maintain an average of 5 tons of logs per acre with a preference to have 4 to 6 logs per acre at the largest available diameter. Retain all hardwoods that have a reasonable chance of surviving and thriving after stand treatments. 6 - Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit

7 V. Existing Environment Species and Habitat Account Spatial Context This assessment bases discussions at two spatial scales: 1) The Project Area includes areas proposed for treatment. 2) The spotted owl Action Area is the primary area analyzed for this project. A 1.3 mile buffer around all areas proposed for treatment (i.e., the Project Area) established this 9,467-acre area. It was deemed appropriate for the following reason: Based on available radio-telemetry data (Thomas et al. 1990), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) estimated the median annual home range size for the northern spotted owl in California. Because the actual configuration of a home range is rarely known, the estimated home range of a northern spotted owl pair in California is represented by a 1.3-mile circle (3,340 acres) centered upon an owl activity center (e.g., nest site). Suitable habitat within a home range would likely be utilized to some extent within any given year by territorial (i.e., paired) owls. Therefore, any effects to habitat, both positive and negative, due to the Ten Flat Thin Project would likely affect any current or potential future owl activity centers in the area. That is to say, habitat affected by the project would fall with the home ranges of any owls nesting in the owl Action Area. Temporal Context This analysis uses a timeframe of about 20 to 25 years because overall canopy closure is the main habitat attribute that would be affected and long-term experience with thinning conifer stands indicates that within about 20 to 25 years the thinned stands would have redeveloped a moderate to dense canopy closure. Northern Spotted Owl (Late-Seral MIS) The project area and vicinity were surveyed for owls in 2003, 2004 and 2006 (3 visits each year). Only one male owl was heard at night on the first visit in 2006; no owls were detected on the daytime followup. This detection was likely from the Tule Creek pair monitored by owl researcher Alan Franklin in his demography study (State ID# TR-324) that lies within the Action Area about one mile southeast of the project area (personal communication, Dennis Garrison; Map 2). The male from that site was seen along the 31N31 road west of Station 6 during a 1996 survey, and was identified from its leg band. One other historic pair (State ID# TR-092) detected in 1996 about one mile south of the project area was not detected during the surveys related to this project. The Project Area includes approximately 14 acres of high quality NR habitat (old-growth), 3 acres of moderate quality NR habitat, and 29 acres of F habitat (Map 3). The Action Area includes approximately 937 acres of high quality NR habitat (old-growth), 1,431 acres of moderate quality NR habitat, and 1,231 acres of F habitat (Map2). The 1,428 acres of private property within the action Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit - 7

8 area is largely residential or heavily cut over and provides limited amounts of marginal F habitat and no NR habitat. Spotted Owl Population Trend MIS spotted owl population declines were anticipated in the FEMAT Report (USDA 1993), the Northwest Forest Plan and the Draft Final Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1992) until a new, stable equilibrium is reached. Courtney et al. (2004, BA Table 2) report the most current estimated rate of population change (PC) for the northern spotted owl where a stable population is indicated by PC = 1, a declining population by PC < 1, and an increasing population by PC > 1. PC ranged from to and was <1.0 on 12 of 13 range-wide study areas. However, in only four of these 12 were 95% confidence intervals for PC < 1. Evidence for owl population decline was weak on the three study areas closest to the Ten Flat Project Area (i.e., Klamath, NW California and Hoopa study areas). Similar trends can be expected for Pacific fisher, American marten and northern goshawk using the spotted owl as the MIS. Fisher, Marten, & Goshawk habitat definitions This assessment analyzes fisher, marten and goshawk habitat based upon the habitat capability models included in Appendix G of the Forest Plan and uses the LMP-90 database (Table 1). Field reviews of the project area vicinity confirmed habitat capability (i.e., quality). Table 1. Fisher, Marten and Goshawk Habitat Capability Models Related to LSOG analysis presented in BA Attachment 1. High Capability Moderate Capability Low Capability Fisher all 3G & 4G all 3N & 4N all 4P & 4S Marten 4N & 4G (red fir only) 3N & 3G (red fir) 4N & 4G (not red fir) all remaining 3 all remaining red fir >2P Goshawk* all 4N & 4G all 3N & 3G all remaining >2 *Does not take into account percent slope (high 0-25%; moderate >25-35%, marginal >35-50%). Crown Size Classes: 0 = shrub, forb, grass, noncommercial conifer, hardwood, and nonvegetated (no LSOG potential). 1 = 0-5 foot crown diameter, seedling sapling; stand establishment stage; includes most contemporary plantations. 2 = 6-12 foot crown diameter, poles; growth and maturation with little or no natural thinning; includes minor acreages of contemporary plantations. 3 = foot crown diameter, small to medium timber; continued growth and maturation and beginning natural thinning (current mature forest). 4 or greater = >24 foot crown diameter, large sawtimber; transition stage (current old-growth forest). Canopy Closure Classes: S = <20% P = 20-39% N = 40-69% G = >70% 8 - Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit

9 Pacific fisher Our records include four fisher sightings within the action area; none within the project area. Limited baited motion-triggered camera surveys in the project area and vicinity detected no fishers however they likely occur in the vicinity. The fisher is associated with late-successional and old-growth conifer forest (Powel, et al. 1994; Freel, 1991). The action area includes 2,301 acres of high capability habitat (16 acres in the project area), 1,299 acres of moderate capability habitat (29 acres in the project area) and zero acres of low capability habitat (zero acres in the project area). Considering male fisher territoriality and assuming an average home range size of roughly 8 square miles (Powel, et al. 1994), current habitat conditions suggest that one reproductive unit (i.e., one male and two females) could be utilizing habitat in the project area. American marten Our records include no sightings of this secretive member of the weasel family in the action area. The nearest sighting to the project area lies approximately 5 miles to the north. On the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the marten is associated with higher elevation (>4,500 feet) late-successional red fir forest (Buskirk, et al. 1994; Freel, 1991) and to a lesser extent lower elevation conifer forest similar to fisher habitat. The action area includes zero acres of high capability habitat (zero acres in the project area), 938 acres of moderate capability habitat (14 acres in the project area) and 5,165 acres of marginal capability habitat (129 acres in the project area). The nearest high capability habitat lies about 9 miles north of the project area. Current marginal habitat conditions suggest that a reproductive unit (i.e., one male and two females) does not likely occur in the project area vicinity. California wolverine Our records include no sightings of this secretive member of the weasel family in the action area. The nearest sighting to the project area lies approximately 12 miles to the north. Wolverines occupy a wide variety of habitats remote from humans and human development (Banci 1994). Given the close proximity to Hayfork and the relatively high human use in the project area, wolverines do not likely occupy habitat within or near the project area. Northern goshawk Our records include one sighting of this forest-dwelling hawk in the action area, near thinning unit #73. In this area, goshawks are typically associated with late-successional and old-growth conifer habitat (USDA 1998). The action area includes 938 acres of high capability habitat (14 acres in the project area), 2,662 acres of moderate capability habitat (32 acres in the project area) and 3,397 acres of low capability habitat (204 acres in the project area). Goshawk habitat capability is undoubtedly substantially lower because this analysis does not account for slope steepness. The Forest Plan model includes slope percent; gentle slopes are preferred; the watershed includes many areas dominated by Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit - 9

10 steep terrain. Field visits, current habitat conditions and the territorial nature of goshawks suggest that one additional pair may utilize habitat in the northern portion of the action area. Aquatic Habitat Western pond turtle Our records include no sightings of this turtle in the action area. The nearest sighting lies about 4 miles southeast of the project area in Philpot Creek. The western pond turtle occurs in a variety of habitat types associated with permanent or nearly permanent water (Holland 1991, CDFG 1988), and they are often concentrated in low flow regions of rivers and creeks, such as side channels and backwater areas (Wilson et al. 1991). They prefer creeks that have deep, still water and sunny banks. Hatchlings are poor swimmers and require shallow edgewater areas with minimal current. Basking sites such as rocks and logs are important. Nesting habitat consists of dry grassy areas with a predominantly south or southwest aspect. Overwintering habitat varies and includes forested areas. These upland habitats can occur as far as 500 meters from occupied aquatic habitat (Reese and Welsh 1997). This species does not likely occur in the project area because field reviews revealed that streams in the project area are well shaded and do not provide pond turtle habitat. Foothill yellow-legged frog Our records include no sightings of this frog in the action area. The nearest sighting lies about 4 miles southeast of the project area in Philpot Creek. The foothill yellow-legged frog breeds in shallow, slow flowing water with only partial shading (USDA 1998). This species does not likely occur in the project area because field reviews revealed that streams in the project area are well shaded and do not provide yellow-legged frog habitat. VI. Effects of the Proposed Action Direct Effects (Mortality, Harm, Failed Breeding Attempts) The limited operating periods included in the design criteria for this project minimize direct effects to the MIS spotted owl. If owl surveys reveal no nesting owls this LOP would be lifted. Human-caused disturbance during project implementation may cause failed reproductive attempts for one breeding pair of fisher, marten and goshawk (FMG) for one season if the spotted owl LOPs are not implemented (i.e., local owls are found to non-nesting). There may be disturbance to fishers or martens but not likely physical harm or mortality. Both species will move their young to other areas especially if disturbed. The effects to reproductive success due to relocating young are unknown. No actions are proposed in western pond turtle nesting habitat and no actions are proposed during the nesting season. Therefore, the likelihood of harming or killing individuals is small but not zero Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit

11 No direct effects to the yellow-legged frog are anticipated. This frog is almost always found within a few feet of water. No actions are proposed in close proximity to perennial streams and project implementation would not occur at a time of year when intermittent streams are flowing. Indirect Effects (i.e., fisher, marten, and goshawk, FMG, habitat) _ The anticipated limited effects to FMG habitat involve three main components of old-growth habitat (i.e., snag density, overall canopy closure and vertical structure). The anticipated impacts to these three components may slightly degrade fisher, marten and goshawk habitat but the treated areas would likely continue to function at pretreatment levels (see explanation below). The ability of the action area to support these species would likely remain unchanged. None of the proposed actions would reduce forested habitat below connectivity habitat conditions. Large Snag Density Few large (>24 dbh) would be affected by the proposed treatments. My experience suggests that spotted owls would not likely use snags less than 24 dbh for nest sites. The Roadside Fuel Treatment Zone along Road 2N10 includes very few snags greater than 12 dbh and virtually none greater than 24 dbh. This is due to easy access and close proximity to the community of Hayfork resulting in past (i.e., well before the Northwest Forest Plan) salvage sales of dead and dying trees along with fire wood gathering whereby the public was allowed to cut dead trees. So in reality, virtually no large (>24 dbh) snags would be removed and what few may occur would be left on site as large logs within this area. Large snags would be retained at no less than 4/acre in other thinning areas. Canopy Closure Inspections of representative stands indicate that the proposed actions may have a slight effect to overall canopy closure. The relatively small understory live trees targeted for removal within fisher, marten and goshawk habitat typically occur beneath the crowns of larger conifers and many would likely fall out of the stands within 5 to 15 years. Additionally, the areas proposed for treatment often have a thick sapling cover (i.e., impenetrable to goshawks) and may become more available to foraging goshawks after treatment. Past experience with similar thinning prescriptions indicates that the thinned stands will recover to pretreatment canopy closure in about 20 to 25 years. Vertical Structure The proposed actions may somewhat simply vertical structure. The trees targeted for removal are largely in a suppressed condition in the understory and many would likely fall out of the stands within 5 to 15 years. Additionally, the areas proposed for treatment often have a thick sapling cover (i.e., impenetrable to goshawks) and may become more available to foraging goshawks after treatment. Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit - 11

12 Long-Term (>30 years) Effects to Fisher, Marten and Goshawk (FMG) Habitat The proposed thinning within the overcrowded conifer stands would improve the health of these forest areas by making more water, nutrients, sunlight and growing space available to the remaining trees (conifers as well as hardwoods) and improve FMG habitat conditions in about 20 to 25 years (Table 2). In addition, the smaller trees that would be removed act as fuel ladders because their crowns are closer to the ground and allow flames to move into the canopy that could lead to loss of FMG habitat. Long-term experience with thinning conifer stands indicates that within about 20 to 25 years the thinned (degraded) old-growth would have recovered and thinned late-successional stands (including stands that are currently below FMG habitat conditions) would have redeveloped a moderate to dense canopy closure. The conifers would have developed larger, fuller crowns with larger lateral branches. These trees would ultimately provide recruitment for larger snags and logs. Small diameter (<19 dbh) snags and logs would be rare because of the past removal of smaller diameter recruitment trees. Understory hardwoods would have persisted in the stands adding to vertical structural complexity. Most of the preexisting large snags and logs would still be present Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit

13 Table 2. Existing Fisher, Marten and Goshawk Habitat, acres proposed for treatment and projected (20 to 25 years) habitat conditions within the Ten Flat Project Action Area. No habitat condition changes are anticipated in the next years with no stand treatment. Existing Habitat Condition FISHER High Capability Moderate Capability Marginal Capability Existing Available Habitat Proposed for Treatment Available Habitat in About Years Comments 2, ,330 The treated areas would continue to function as high capability habitat and there would be an increase in high capability habitat within about years. 1, ,270 The treated areas would continue to function as moderate capability habitat and would grow to high capability habitat within about years Fisher Total 3, ,600 Overall fisher habitat quality will improve over the next years with the proposed treatments. MARTEN High Capability No potential high capability habitat (i.e., true fir) occurs in the action area. Moderate Capability Marginal Capability ,067 The treated areas would continue to function as moderate capability habitat and treated marginal habitat would grow to moderate capability habitat within about years. 5, ,036 The treated areas would continue to function as marginal capability habitat and would grow to moderate capability habitat within about years. Marten Total 6, ,103 Overall marten habitat quality will improve over the next years with the proposed treatments. GOSHAWK High The treated areas would continue to Capability function as high capability habitat and there would be an increase in high capability habitat within about years. Moderate Capability Marginal Capability Goshawk Total 2, ,834 The treated areas would continue to function as moderate capability habitat and treated marginal habitat would grow to high capability habitat within about years. 3, ,193 The treated areas would continue to function as marginal capability habitat and would grow to moderate capability habitat within about years. 6, ,997 Overall goshawk habitat quality will improve over the next years with the proposed treatments. Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit - 13

14 Late Seral, Snag and Log MIS Northern Spotted Owl We expect no change to population levels for the MIS northern spotted owl related to the likely effects of the Ten Flat Thin Project because affected habitat would continue to function at current levels immediately after the proposed treatments. Aquatic habitat (western pond turtle and foothill yellow-legged frog) There would be no effects to water temperature or turbidity levels in creeks near the project area. These species do not likely occur in or near the project area so there would be no direct impacts. Aquatic habitat would not be changed from existing conditions so MIS are not analyzed for this project. Cumulative effects Given the limited effects (i.e., no habitat would lose its current functionality) to spotted owl, fisher, marten and goshawk habitat, no cumulative effects to these species habitats is anticipated in the Action Area. Existing non-conifer areas such as hardwood and shrub dominated habitats and riparian vegetation would remain largely intact on both federal and private lands. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) web site* lists no private timber harvest plans in this area. No Forest Service projects are planned in the action area in the foreseeable future. *( VII. Determinations Pacific fisher It is my determination that the Ten Flat Thin Project may impact individual fishers but would not cause a trend towards federal listing or a loss of viability based upon the following rationale: There would be a small short-term reduction in habitat quality and a long-term increase in quality. Human-caused disturbance during project implementation may cause failed reproductive attempts for one breeding pair for one season if the spotted owl LOPs are not implemented (i.e., local owls are found to non-nesting). The project is consistent with the Northwest Forest Plan habitat management strategy for managing species associated with late-successional and old-growth forest ecosystems by maintaining the best available old-growth habitat in the watershed, maintaining the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objects within Riparian Reserves and maintaining adequate connectivity on federal land between large areas set aside for these species. American marten It is my determination that the Ten Flat Thin Project may impact individual martens but would not cause a trend towards federal listing or a loss of viability based upon the following rationale: 14 - Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit

15 Current marginal habitat conditions suggest that a reproductive unit (i.e., one male and two females) does not likely occur in the project area vicinity. The project would not affect any high capability habitat. There would be a small short-term reduction in habitat quality and a long-term increase in habitat quality. Human-caused disturbance during project implementation may cause failed reproductive attempts for one breeding pair for one season if the spotted owl LOPs are not implemented (i.e., local owls are found to non-nesting). The project is consistent with the Northwest Forest Plan habitat management strategy for managing species associated with late-successional and old-growth forest ecosystems by maintaining the best available old-growth habitat in the watershed, maintaining the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objects within Riparian Reserves and maintaining adequate connectivity on federal land between large areas set aside for these species. California wolverine It is my determination that the Ten Flat Thin Project would not affect the wolverine based upon the following rationale: This species occupies a wide variety of habitats remote from humans and human development. Wolverines do not likely occur in or near the project area because the project area is not remote from humans and human development. Northern goshawk It is my determination that the Ten Flat Thin Project may impact individual goshawks but would not cause a trend towards federal listing or a loss of viability based upon the following rationale: There would be a small reduction in habitat but a long-term increase in habitat quality. Human-caused disturbance during project implementation may cause failed reproductive attempts for one breeding pair for one season if the spotted owl LOPs are not implemented (i.e., local owls are found to be nonnesting). The project is consistent with the Northwest Forest Plan habitat management strategy for managing species associated with late-successional and old-growth forest ecosystems by maintaining the best available old-growth habitat in the watershed, maintaining the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objects within Riparian Reserves and maintaining adequate connectivity on federal land between large areas set aside for these species. Western pond turtle It is my determination that the Ten Flat Thin Project would not affect the pond turtle based upon the following rationale: No actions are proposed in or near areas where this turtle occurs or is likely to occur. Aquatic and nesting pond turtle habitat would not be affected. The project is consistent with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy for maintaining aquatic habitats. Foothill yellow-legged frog It is my determination that the Ten Flat Thin Project would not affect the yellow-legged frog based upon the following rationale: No actions are proposed in or near areas where this frog occurs or is Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit - 15

16 likely to occur. Aquatic and upland frog habitat would not be affected. The project is consistent with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy for maintaining aquatic habitats. It my determination that the Ten Flat Thin Project would have no effect on the pallid bat, Townsend s big-eared bat, Western red bat, willow flycatcher, Cascade frog, Southern torrent salamander, California floater, topaz juga, montane peaclam, nugget pebble snail, Shasta sideband snails, Wintu sideband snails, Shasta chaparral snails, Tehama chaparral snails, Pressley hesperian snails or Shasta hesperian snails because the project would not affect suitable habitat (i.e., suitable habitat does not occur in or near the project area), the project area lies outside the species range or protocol survey in the project area vicinity indicate the species does not occur in or near the project area. VIII. Management Recommendations None. IX. Contributors Jim Schaefer, Forester, Small Sales Officer, South Fork Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Jeff Paulo, Silviculturist, South Fork Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Loren Everest, Fishery Biologist, Trinity River Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Dennis Garrison, Biological Technician, South Fork Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest (through mid-2006). Kelly Wolcott, Forest Wildlife Biologist, Shasta-Trinity National Forest. X. Literature Anthony, R.G., R.L. Knight, G.T. Allen, B.R. McClelland and J.I. Hoges Habitat use by nesting and roosting bald eagles in the Pacific Northwest. Trans. N. Am. Wildl. Nat. Res. Conf. 68pp. Banci, V Wolverine. In: Ruggiero, L.F.; Aubry, K.B.; Buskirk, S.W.; Lyon, L.J.; Zielinski, W.J., tech. eds. The scientific basis of conserving forest carnivores, American marten, fisher, lynx, and wolverine in the Western United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-254. Ft. Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experimental Station, Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit

17 Buskirk, S.W.; Ruggiero, L.P American Marten. In: Ruggiero, L.F.; Aubry, K.B.; Buskirk, S.W.; Lyon, L.J.; Zielinski, W.J., tech. eds. The scientific basis of conserving forest carnivores, American marten, fisher, lynx, and wolverine in the Western United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM Ft. Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experimental Station, California Department of Fish and Game California s Wildlife, Vol. I. Freel, M A literature Review for the Management of the Marten and Fisher on National Forests in California. Unpublished document. USDA Forest Service, San Francisco, CA. Furnish, J. and Monthey, R Management recommendations for survey and manage aquatic mollusks. Unpublished document. USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management, OR, WA, and CA. Hall, P Characteristics of nesting habitat of goshawks in northern California. M.S. Thesis. Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. 70pp. Holland, D.C A synopsis of the ecology and status of the Western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) in Prepared for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Ecology Research Center, San Simeon Field Station. 141pp. Jennings, M.R. and M.P. Hayes Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in California. Final report submitted to the California Department of Fish and Game, Rancho Cordova, California. Marcot, B.G California Wildlife Habitat Relationships Program: North Coast - Cascades Zone. Vol. II Bird Narratives. USDA Forest Service, San Francisco, CA. Powel, R.A.; Zielinski, W.J Fisher. In: Ruggiero, L.F.; Aubry, K.B.; Buskirk, S.W.; Lyon, L.J.; Zielinski, W.J., tech. eds. The scientific basis of conserving forest carnivores, American marten, fisher, lynx, and wolverine in the Western United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-254. Ft. Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experimental Station, Ralph, C. John; Hunt, George L., Jr.;Raphael, Martin G.; Piatt, John F., Technical Editors Ecology and conservation of the Marbled Murrelet. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-152. Albany, CA; Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 420 p. Thomas, J.W., E.D. Forsman, J.B. Lint, E.C. Meslow, B.R. Noon, and J. Verner A Conservation Strategy for the Northern Spotted Owl. Interagency scientific committee to address the conservation of the northern spotted owl. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Shasta-Trinity National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan. Shasta-Trinity National Forests, Redding CA. USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (Northwest Forest Plan). Portland, Oregon. Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit - 17

18 U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Environmental Protection Agency Forest Ecosystem Management: An Ecological, Economic, and Social Assessment. Report of the Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Environmental Protection Agency. U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Plan for the California Red-legged Frog. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. 173pp. U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Availability of the draft recovery plan for the Shasta crayfish (Pacifastacus fortis) for review and comment. Federal Register Vol. 62, No U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule: endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of endangered status for the conservancy fairy shrimp, longhorn fairy shrimp, and the vernal pool tadpole shrimp; and threatened status for the vernal pool fairy shrimp. Federal Register 59: U.S. Department of the Interior. 1992a. Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl. Final Draft. Portland, Oregon: U.S. Department of the Interior. 2 Volumes. U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Bald Eagle Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. 163pp. U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Plan for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle. Portland Oregon. U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Coast Recovery Plan for the American Peregrine Falcon. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. 87pp. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Regional Forester s Sensitive Species List. Pacific Southwest Region. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Regional Forester s Sensitive Species List. Pacific Southwest Region. Welsh, H.H., and A.J. Lind, Habitat correlates of the Southern torrent salamander, in Northwestern California,. Journal of Herpetology, Vol. 30, No 3, pp Wilson, R.A., A.J. Lind, and H. Welsh Jr Trinity River Riparian Wildlife Survey, final report. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Experiment Station Redwood Sciences Laboratory, Arcata, CA. 98pp Shasta-Trinity National Forest South Fork Management Unit