3.12 RECREATION AND SCENERY MANAGEMENT

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1 3.12 RECREATION AND SCENERY MANAGEMENT Scope of the Analysis For the recreation element, the area that may be directly, indirectly, and cumulatively affected is contained within the Antler Salvage project area. Vegetation and transportation management proposals could affect recreation and scenic integrity within the area. The modified proposed actions would have little effect on recreation outside the area. However, the modified proposed actions could affect scenic integrity as viewed from outside the area. The area is viewed from Forest Development Road 394 and Trail 312 within the Gospel-Hump Wilderness. Indicators analyzed in detail include the recreation opportunity spectrum, scenic integrity, trails, and dispersed recreation sites Regulatory Framework and Management Direction The Nez Perce Forest Plan established goals and objectives for the management of the forest (pages II 1-8). Specific Forest Plan goals that apply to recreation and scenic resources in the Antler Salvage project area include: Provide a wide range of dispersed and developed recreation opportunities and experiences by providing access, facilities, and education necessary to meet public demand. Protect and enhance identified, outstandingly remarkable values and free flowing condition of Wild and Scenic Rivers. Locate, protect, and interpret significant prehistoric, historic, and cultural resources. Present diverse, natural-appearing landscapes to view throughout the Forest. Provide administrative sites and facilities that effectively and safely serve the public and accommodate the workforce Analysis Methods and Indicators Forest Plan Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classes for the Antler Salvage project area were evaluated for changes resulting from alternative implementation. Forest Plan interim visual quality objectives were verified and a recommendation was developed to adopt these as Forest Plan standards. Field review and visibility analysis were used to determine potential effects. Inventory of current recreational use (trail, developed and dispersed campsites) was completed and used to evaluate alternatives based on potential impacts on recreational opportunities within the project area Conclusions EXISTING CONDITION The Antler Salvage project area includes lands classified as Roaded Natural in the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum. The lower and middle elevations of the project area exhibit a high level of scenic integrity, while the upper slopes have moderate to low levels of scenic integrity. The Scott Fire area is a highly modified landscape with a very low scenic integrity. Post fire timber harvest, road building and subsequent revegetation have left impacts to visual quality that would last for decades. There are roughly 5.2 miles of trail available to hikers, stock users, ATV and motorcycle enthusiasts

2 Roads 221 and 394 are groomed for snowmobile travel under an existing co-operative agreement between the Nez Perce National Forest, State of Idaho, Idaho County and local users. The Florence Basin and Florence Cemetery interpretive site with its rich mining history are located to the north of the project area and are popular with forest visitors wanting to experience the past. Several unimproved dispersed sites are found scattered throughout the project area, most are located along Road 394. The Salmon River is identified as eligible for Wild and Scenic River status as a Recreation River Portions of the project area are visible from the Gospel-Hump Wilderness ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classification of Roaded Natural for the project area would not be altered by the alternatives. The adopted visual quality objectives for the project area would be met through project design and mitigation measures. The alternatives would protect and retain the current forest system trails. Dispersed recreation sites located adjacent to road 394 would experience short-term affects due to the management alternative. Hunters, fishermen, and sightseers would also be affected by the noise and dust from logging operations and reduced air quality that would result from fuels treatment. The character of the Florence Cemetery, as a historical interpretive site, and the eligibility of the Salmon River for Wild and Scenic River designation would not be affected by proposed vegetation treatments Existing Condition INTRODUCTION Recreation use within most of the project area is considered moderate. Recent average daily traffic count information is not available and National Visitor Use Monitoring information from 2001 can not be extrapolated to the project area. The five year seasonal average daily traffic (SADT) figure for the Grangeville-Salmon Road (road 221) at Fish Creek was 150 vehicles/day. A comparison to other areas on the Forest supports the assertion of moderate use. The SADT over the same period for Lightning Creek Road (road 244) at McComas/Blacktail junction, and the Seven Devils Road (road 517), is 64 vehicles/day and 41 vehicles/day, respectively. The higher levels experienced on the Grangeville-Salmon Road may be attributed in part to log haul from multiple timber sales during the recording period. The distance from the project area to the traffic counter (50 miles) would have an influence on the actual use since many recreationists crossing by the counter would not travel the entire distance to the project area. The majority of recreation activities occurring within the project area is concentrated within the Florence Basin. Dispersed recreation including camping, sightseeing, trail and snowmobile riding is seasonally high within the project area and the rest of the project area. Concentrated use occurs during big-game hunting season. Use of the project area to meet the demand for recreational opportunities is likely to increase in the future RECREATION OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (1986 ROS Book) describes recreation settings and opportunities, and is used to evaluate recreation potential for an area. The Nez Perce National Forest ROS inventory is described in the Forest Plan FEIS (1987), Chapter III, p The Forest

3 has been inventoried and divided into four classes: Primitive, Semi-primitive Non-motorized (SPNM), Semi-primitive Motorized (SPM) and Roaded Natural (RN). Semi-primitive Motorized areas are greater than 2500 acres and within ½ mile of primitive roads or trails with motorized use, but no closer than ½ mile to better than primitive roads. Other people are occasionally encountered. Within these settings, there are ample opportunities to practice outdoor skills and to achieve a feeling of self-reliance. Modifications to the landscape are subtle and would not draw the attention of an observer anywhere within the area. Motorized use is permitted. Roaded Natural includes any area within ½ mile of better than primitive roads. They are natural-appearing settings that may have modifications that range from being easily noticed to strongly dominant to the observers within the area; but from sensitivity level 1 and 2 travel routes, these alterations would remain unnoticed or visually subordinate. Highly designed roads or highways may be common. Encounters with other people are frequent. Recreational use within the Antler Salvage project area is heavily influenced by the presence of the existing transportation system and long history of resource management. A review of the existing condition for ROS shows that very little area that is located more than ½ mile from better than primitive roads. Management area direction in the Forest Plan calls for managing for "Roaded Natural" recreation. The Roaded Natural classification more closely represents the existing condition throughout the project area EFFECTS COMMON TO ALL ALTERNATIVES ROS classification for the Antler Salvage project area would remain unchanged by the alternatives described in Chapter 2. The total transportation system would remain the same with the selection of any alternative. No new permanent roads would be constructed or existing roads would be decommissioned. Vegetation treatments under would create noticeable landscape alterations, however, from the most sensitive travel routes or viewpoints these treatments would be visually subordinate when viewed as background SCENERY MANAGEMENT/VISUAL RESOURCES Landscape character and inherent scenic attractiveness The Antler Salvage project area and its surrounding landscape are part of the Clearwater Mountain range that is found within the Columbia Rockies visual character type. This character type is typified by rounded landforms dissected by numerous canyons. Although the river break lands associated with the Salmon River canyon are generally steep, much of the area adjacent to the canyon is composed of gently rolling uplands and moderately sloped transition areas. This is an area of scenic variety. Most of the area has a diverse mosaic vegetative cover. There are natural grassy openings, brushy areas where old burns have occurred, tall stands of timber that have not been modified, and old harvest areas that have grown in. While there are areas of visibly modified landscape, most of the project area, with the exception of the Scott Fire area, is a natural appearing landscape, with a great deal of diversity. Fire has contributed to the evolution of the visual character of this region. Post fire vegetative management in Scott Fire area has exacerbated visual impacts. Excellent views into the area can be gained from the Road 394, Trails 88, 163, 312 and 333. The project area can not be seen from the Salmon River corridor EXISTING SCENIC INTEGRITY Modifications to the landscape have occurred in the project area since late in the nineteenth century. Mineral exploration, timber harvest and road building throughout the project area have contributed to a scenic integrity of moderate to low, especially in the area of the Scott Fire Salvage (not including the breaklands). Timber harvest is still the most visually evident modification in the project area. Many of the openings created by timber harvest have unnatural shapes. Tree regrowth in the area has not been significant enough to reduce the visual impact of the harvest. The reintroduction of fire into adjacent areas (Robbins Creek) adds to the form, line, color and texture typically seen in natural stands.

4 Wildfire has also played a significant role in modifying the landscape. Fire is the most visually evident modifier in the appearance of the breaklands, creating a diverse mosaic. The old burns have re-vegetated creating a landscape that is visually appealing due to its variety. Scenic integrity level in the breaklands is moderate to high. Scott Fire salvage harvest areas visible from the Salmon River borrowed from the existing landscape character in the delineation of units. Figure 3.1 View into the Antler Salvage Project area from the Salmon River VISUAL QUALITY OBJECTIVES Interim Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs) were mapped as part of the Forest planning process using Agriculture Handbook 462 Visual Management System - Volume 2, Chapter 1, VQO refers to the degree of acceptable alteration of the characteristic landscape. Interim VQOs were established for specific Forest Plan management areas in combination with other resource goals, but decisions on their adoption were deferred until Forest Plan implementation (Forest Plan, Chapter II, p. 16, as amended by Forest Plan Amendment #4). VQOs adopted through project planning become Forest Plan standards. Only those VQOs for classified lands and other areas of extreme visual sensitivity were formally adopted in the plan. There were no areas within the project area that were assigned adopted VQO s by the plan. The following definitions for interim VQOs apply to landscapes within the project area: Retention: activities may only repeat form, line, color and texture which are frequently found in the characteristic landscape, and should not be evident to the casual forest visitor. Partial Retention: Activities may repeat form, line, color and texture which are found infrequently or not at all in the characteristic landscape, but remain visually subordinate to the visual strength of the characteristic landscape. Modification: Activities of vegetative and landform alteration must borrow from naturally established line, form, color and texture so that their visual characteristics are those of natural occurrences within the surrounding area when viewed as middle ground or background. Activities may visually dominate the original characteristic landscape.

5 Maximum Modification: activities of vegetative and landform alterations may dominate the characteristic landscape. However, when viewed as background, the visual characteristics must be those of natural occurrences within the surrounding area or character type. When viewed as foreground or middle ground, they may not appear to completely borrow from naturally established form, line, color or texture. Alterations may also be out of scale or contain detail that is incongruent with natural occurrences as seen in foreground or middle ground. Since the Forest Plan was signed, the Visual Management System has been updated with Agriculture Handbook 701 Landscape Aesthetics: A Handbook for Scenery Management, 1995 (AH-701). The new system utilizes Scenic Integrity Levels (SIL) as an indicator of the landscape completeness, or the degree of naturalness (AH-701, p. 2-4). Scenic integrity is a continuum ranging over five levels of integrity from Very High to Very Low. For this analysis, terminology from the new handbook is used along with the adopted or recommended VQOs. Table summarizes the Forest Plan adopted and recommended VQOs and their corresponding SILs. Table Nez Perce Forest Plan Visual Quality Objectives And Scenic Integrity Levels Visual Quality Objective (VQO) (old VQM system) Scenic Integrity Level (SIL) (new SMS) Acreage Retention (R) High (H) 460 Partial Retention (PR) Moderate (M) 615 Modification (M) Low (L) 769 Maximum Modification (MM) Very Low (VL) 1971 During project planning for the Scott Fire Salvage (1993), VQO s for the area southwest of the Wind River Bullion Creek watershed divide were adopted as Forest Plan standards. As part of this analysis the area northeast of the Wind River Bullion Creek watershed divide was inventoried for recommended VQO s. Road 394 and Trail 88 are identified as Sensitivity Level 1 travel routes. Road 394, which borders the project area, has become a part of popular loop route that encircles the historically rich Florence Basin. The road is also part of the Forests designated groomed snowmobile network. There are only a few months during the year when this road does not see public use (spring breakup). Trail 88, the Centennial Trail, is part of the statewide north-south route commemorating the 100 th anniversary of Idaho statehood. During planning for the Scott Fire Salvage project the Centennial Trail passing through the area was identified as a Sensitivity Level 1 travel route. This recommendation is continued along the trail segment located within the Antler Salvage project area. Table summarizes previously adopted VQOs as well as those VQOs and SIL s recommended for adoption with this decision. Table Recommended Visual Quality Objectives (VQO) and Scenic Integrity Levels (SIL) Sites Sensitivity Level Distance Zones VQO SIL Remarks Carey Creek Boating / Picnic Site 2 Foreground Mid/Background Roads 1614 (Salmon River Rd) 1 Foreground Mid/Background Foreground Mid/Background R PR R PR PR M All other roads 3 All view zones M L Trails H M H M M L Adopted by the Forest Plan Adopted by the Forest Plan Recommended

6 88 1 Foreground PR M Mid/Background M L Mid/Background M L Recommended Foreground R H Other trails (non-system, historic) 3 All view zones M L Recommended VQO - R=Retention, PR=Partial Retention, M=Modification SIL H=High, M=Moderate, L=Low EXISTING CONDITION - TRAILS There are approximately 5.2 miles of system trails within the Antler Salvage project area (Map These trails are designated for motorized and non-motorized use. Below are descriptions of existing system trails within the project area. The Lovell Gulch Trail, #85, is located off Road 9919 and provides access into the Gospel-Hump Wilderness and Wind River. This primitive trail descends steeply toward McMeekin Ranch, a private inholding. A public right-of-way for this trail has not been recorded. Trail #85 is Trail Management Class 1, Undeveloped, approximately 1.4 miles in length and is managed for foot travel. Approximately 0.5 mile of this trail is within the project area. The entire route is within the Black Butte Fire perimeter. The route has not been maintained for many years and may be impassable. The Idaho Centennial Trail (Bullion Mine), #88, descends from the Florence Basin and Road 394 to the Wind River packbridge on the Salmon River. The trail follows old logging and mining roads as it drops to the Salmon River. Trail #88 is Trail Management Class 3, Developed/Improved, approximately 25 miles in length and is designated for off-highway vehicles less than 50 inches in width for the upper 4 miles and two-wheeled motorcycles for the lower 2 miles. The trail is bisected by numerous logging roads that create a variety of travel loops. A 2.1 mile segment of this trail is within the Antler Salvage project area. The trail receives annual maintenance that is performed by volunteers. The trail received a full condition survey in The entire trail was within the Black Butte Fire in 2006 and a trails post fire BAER project has been initiated and would continue through the spring and summer of The Scott Ranch Trail (Warren-Milner), #163, descends from Florence Basin and Road 394 to the north bank of the Salmon River. The trail follows the historic north-south route between the goldfields of Florence to Warren, Idaho. Trail #163 is Trail Management Class 3, Developed/Improved, approximately 5 miles in length and is designated for off-highway vehicles less than 50 inches in width. The trail is bisected by numerous logging roads that create a variety of travel loops. A 1.8 mile segment of this trail is within the Antler Salvage project area. The trail receives annual maintenance that is performed by volunteers. The received a full condition survey in The portion of the trail between Road 394 and the Scott Ranch was surveyed following the Black Butte Fire in A trails post fire BAER project has been initiated and would continue through the spring and summer of The Yakima Mine Trail, #333, also descends from Florence Basin and Road 394 connecting with the Scott Ranch Trail at a location southwest of the Scott Ranch. The route had provided a linkage for the Yakima Mine to Florence on the north and the Salmon River to the south. Trail #333 is Trail Management Class 3, Developed/Improved, approximately 2.9 miles in length and is designated for use by two-wheeled motorcycles. The trail follows or is bisected by numerous logging roads until it reaches the Yakima Mine site. The trail then becomes a single track route which crosses the steep slopes of Robbins Creek until it emerges onto the Salmon River breaks. A loop trip for motorcycles can be created by following the Scott Ranch Trail back to Florence. A 0.8 mile segment of this trail is within the Antler Salvage project area. The trail receives annual maintenance that is performed by volunteers. The received a full condition survey in A

7 trails post fire BAER project has been initiated and would continue through the spring and summer of Road 394 and 221 are components of the Nez Perce National Forest designated groomed snowmobile network on the Salmon and Clearwater Ranger Districts. The route is groomed under a co-operative agreement between the Nez Perce National Forest, State of Idaho, Idaho County and local users. The route begins at the Fish Creek Sno-park, 8 miles south of Grangeville, Idaho, and follows the Grangeville-Salmon Road (#221) nearly 50 miles to Road 394. The groomed route then follows Road 394 as it encircles the Florence Basin to Little Slate Saddle where rejoins Road 221 to complete it s loop. Traveling this route requires a full day commitment from the user. Access from the south is from Allison Creek. Forest Orders are in place along these designated routes and the many connectors to project groomed surfaces from wheeled vehicle damage. Grooming generally begins in mid-december and may extend into March if weather conditions permit Developed and Dispersed Recreation Sites EXISTING CONDITION Unimproved dispersed campsites have been identified within and adjacent to the project area. These dispersed sites are most frequently used during big-game hunting season with occasional use throughout the remainder of the year. Typically, the sites are flats adjacent to roads and streams. Wind River Outfitters is authorized under special use permit to conduct outfitting and guiding activities within the project area. Outfitting and guiding in this area focuses mostly on big game hunting featuring cougar, bear, deer and elk. There are currently no outfitter reserve camps within the project area, a reserve camp is located along the Salmon River at Huntz Gulch Environmental Consequences Proposed treatments within the project area were viewed from sensitive travel routes. This analysis identified areas where proposed management activities are visible and would affect scenery resources. Alternative 1 The no-action alternative would not initiate human-caused change to the scenery or existing scenic condition of the Antler Salvage project area. No timber harvest, road improvement, or prescribed burning would be scheduled. Ongoing Robbins Creek maintenance burns would be continued every eight to twelve years. The natural evolution of the vegetative component of the landscape would continue to change the scenic qualities of the area (e.g. blow-down, succession). The potential for catastrophic wildfire, along with the inherent changes in visual character, would continue to increase. Salvage Harvest - The action alternative propose harvest on 626 acres. Scenic integrity within foreground view zones of Sensitivity 1 and 2 roads and trails would be affected the most. Two vegetation treatment units would be located within these sensitive foreground view zones, and would achieve the adopted VQO/SIL as planned (See Chapter 2 - Design Criteria Common to the Action Alternatives). Log landings located within the foreground view of Sensitivity Level 1 trails and roads would require complete cleanup and disposal of landing slash and cull logs to achieve Retention and Partial Retention VQO s. Within middle and background zones of Sensitivity Level 1 and 2 roads and trails, vegetation treatment units designated for salvage harvest and activity fuels treatment would not be noticeable because a mosaic pattern of forest cover would be maintained. Temporary Road Construction The proposed temporary road construction followed by decommissioning is intended to provide access for proposed salvage harvest. There are no proposed temporary roads within foreground view area of Sensitivity Level 1 road and trails.

8 These actions would have a noticeable, but short-term affect on visual resources. In most cases the visual changes would last for less than two years after the work is completed. Shrub regrowth and re-vegetation of exposed soil would hasten the visual restoration of the foreground views. The middle background views of proposed roads would be sufficiently screened by residual vegetation to achieve the VQO/SIL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS - TRAILS Alternative 1 With the no action alternative existing trail activities and uses within the project area would remain unchanged. Trail maintenance with regard to the removal of wind-thrown fire damaged trees would continue for several years. Damage to trails and soils would increase as users travel off designated routes to get around obstacles that have not been removed, increasing maintenance costs. Existing activities and uses within the project area would remain unchanged. Travel along trails would be temporarily disrupted to accommodate logging activities and post harvest fuels treatments. Salvage harvest units 8 and 9 are located adjacent to Trail 88, while salvage harvest units 19, 22, and 33 are located adjacent to Trail 163. Removal of fire killed trees near these trails would reduce the amount of wind-thrown trees effecting future trail maintenance needs. If winter logging is performed, all or part of the groomed snowmobile network would be impacted ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS - DEVELOPED AND DISPERSED RECREATION SITES Alternative 1 With the no action alternative existing activities and uses within the project area would remain unchanged. Inventoried dispersed sites would continue to be used. The operations of licensed outfitter and guides would continue unchanged. Salvage Harvest Dispersed campsites located along Road 394would be temporarily affected by timber harvest and log hauling operations. Increased noise, dust, accumulation of logging residue and smoke from slash burning would temporarily affect recreationists using dispersed sites, traveling on area roads and trails or snowmobiling. Temporary Road Construction - Temporary road construction would have little affect on developed or dispersed recreational opportunities within the project area Irreversible or Irretrievable Effects All Alternatives There would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of recreational or scenic resources from the alternatives analyzed. Past, present, and future activities associated with wildland fire, prescribed fire, timber harvest, road construction, road decommissioning, rangeland management, noxious weed management, heritage resources, and fisheries/aquatics may have influenced the current recreational opportunities and visual spectrum, but are not expected to a have a cumulative effect. Past vegetation and transportation activities have influenced the current recreational opportunities and use of the Antler Salvage project area, so their effects are part of the existing conditions described above. There are no expected cumulative effects for Alternative 1 for the existing array of recreation opportunities, as current or existing conditions would prevail into the future. The action alternative would not exclude any of the existing uses. Past vegetation modifications throughout the project area are in varying stages of recovery. Activities that have occurred near

9 sensitive travel routes, while evident, have recovered to a point where they are no longer dominating the landscape Consistency with the Forest Plan and Environmental Law Alternative 1 The no action alternative would meet the goal of providing a wide range of dispersed and developed recreation opportunities and experiences to meet public demand. Recreational opportunities within the project area would be maintained. This alternative would protect the scenic integrity of Sensitivity Level 1 travel routes. The alternative present diverse, natural-appearing landscapes to view throughout the project area. Implementation of the action alternative with the proposed mitigation measures would meet the adopted visual quality objectives and scenic integrity levels, consistent with the Forest Plan. The alternative provide administrative sites and facilities that effectively and safely serve the public and accommodate the workforce. Existing facilities within the project area would be retained and maintained to provide for public use and safety.