High Valley Integrated Restoration Project Proposed Action Report. USDA Forest Service Boise National Forest Emmett Ranger District

Transcription

1 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project Proposed Action Report Project Location USDA Forest Service Boise National Forest The High Valley Integrated Restoration Project (High Valley IRP) covers approximately 7,735 acres in the Upper and Lower Little Squaw Creek sub-watersheds, surrounding High Valley, Idaho (Figure 1). The project area is located entirely on NFS lands in Sections 13, 23 27, and 34, T. 11 N., R. 2 E.; Sections 17 and 30, T. 11 N., R 3 E.; Sections 25, 26, 33-36, T. 10 N., R. 2 E.; Sections 4, 5, 7, 8, 17-20, and 30, T. 10 N., R. 3 E.; Sections 1-4, T. 9 N., R. 2 E., Boise Meridian, Valley, Boise and Gem Counties, Idaho. Figure 1 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project Vicinity Map High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 1

2 Boise National Forest More information about the project is available at the High Valley Integrated Restoration Project Website. Proposed Action The Proposed Action was developed to meet the Project s Purpose and Need. The Proposed Action includes the project design features and mitigation described in Appendix A. To accomplish Purpose 1, the following activities are proposed: Vegetation restoration involving commercial sawlog removal would be conducted on about 5,306 acres outside Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs), utilizing tractor/offroad jammer (5,028 acres) and skyline (278 acres). Within RCAs, about 442 acres would be treated, utilizing tractor/off-road jammer (410 acres) and skyline (32 acres). Tree thinning without wood product removal would occur on 685 acres within RCAs. All treatments with commercial sawlog removal would be followed with submerchantable tree thinning (i.e. trees less than 8 inches diameter at breast height). See Table 1 for description of RCA treatment locations. Activity fuels associated with the commercial and non-commercial treatments would be mitigated with one or a combination of the following activities: o whole tree yard, lop and scatter, mechanical pile and burn, hand-pile and burn, mechanical jackpot burn, and hand pile jackpot burn. Tree thinning on an estimated 392 acres of existing plantations with an option of miscellaneous wood product removal (i.e. commercial and personal use fuelwood, biomass, and/or post and pole). Tree thinning plantations on 367 acres without miscellaneous wood product removal. Fuel reduction activities and prescribed burning would be conducted across 2,469 acres outside the wildland-urban interface (WUI), using treatment methods described under Purpose 2. This would increase landscape resiliency to uncharacteristic disturbance events outside the WUI while promoting fire s role in disturbance ecology. 1 1 Treatment prescriptions for forest stands within the wildland urban interface (WUI) are anticipated to meet both the hazardous fuel objective while also meeting Forest Plan standards and guidelines for retention and recruitment of old forest habitat (i.e. WIST08 and WIST09), retention of the large tree size class (i.e. VEST03), retention of live and dead vegetative components (i.e. VEGU07) and snag retention (i.e. Management Area 16 Standard 1669). However, if during the analysis phase it is determined that one or more of the stands to be treated within the WUI cannot meet the hazardous fuel reduction objectives as well as meet Forest Plan standards for old forest habitat, large tree size class, retention of live and dead vegetative components and/or snag retention, then exemptions to these standards and guidelines allowed under the Forest Plan will be employed. The required site specific analysis for individual stands needed to support the use of the exemption to the applicable Forest Plan standards and/or guidelines will be included in the project record. 2 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project

3 Boise National Forest Road maintenance, construction, reconstruction and decommissioning activities associated with the project to facilitate commercial timber harvest would include the following: o Road construction on existing unauthorized route (0.38 miles). o Road reconstruction (realignment) on new prism (2.64 miles) and on existing prism (1.82 miles). o Temporary road construction on new prism (5.6 miles) and on existing unauthorized routes (3.0 miles) o Aggregate surface road maintenance, replacing existing aggregate surface (9.2 miles) and spot aggregate placement for targeted sediment reduction (8.3 miles). o Road maintenance 2 (42.2 miles) activities to facilitate commercial sawlog removal and to address current and future sediment production would occur throughout the project area. Table 1 Proposed treatment distances from stream channels, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands. RCAs are defined using option 2 in the Forest Plan (Forest Service, 2010a, p B- 34), using one site-potential tree height for intermittent streams and two site potential tree heights for perennial streams. Distance Veg Treatment Fuels Treatment Intermittent or Perennial Stream 0 ft. to 30 ft. No Treatment No Treatment Both 30 ft. to 75 ft. Noncommercial Thin Lop and Scatter or pile, no pile burn or Both active ignition. Backing fire allowed. 75 ft. to 1 SPTH a Noncommercial Thin Lop and scatter, pile and burn or Both prescribed fire, active ignition. 1 SPTH to 2 SPTH All proposed treatments All proposed treatments Intermittent (Outside the RCA) 1 SPTH to 2 SPTH Commercial Thin No heavy equipment such as skidders or jammers b. Lop and scatter, pile and burn or prescribed fire, active ignition. Perennial a SPTH = site potential tree height, defined as 130 feet for PVG 6, 120 feet for PVG 2, and 110 feet for PVG 1 and 5. b Where commercial harvest is proposed, cables from equipment such as an off-road jammer would be allowed to extract timber, but the equipment s tracks would not be allowed within the distance specified. 2 Road Maintenance actions may include but are not limited to activities such as road blading and shaping, vegetation clearing, ditch cleaning, culvert cleaning and replacement, waterbar removal and installation, and surface repair. High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 3

4 Boise National Forest To accomplish Purpose 2 within the WUI, The following activities are proposed: Fuel reduction activities would occur on about 4,375 acres. Within the WUI, surface fuels will be treated relative to the risk of wildfire, based on their spatial context, relationship to topography, fire and weather patterns, and hazards on adjacent non- NFS lands. Current dense understory and overstory conditions will be treated to mitigate undesirable fire behavior. A variety of treatment activities will be used, in some cases in combination, to meet the needs for hazardous fuel reduction, including: o Commercial and noncommercial tree thinning, mechanical pile and burn, handpile and burn, mechanical jackpot burn, hand pile jackpot burn, mastication, and prescribed burning. This would allow for safe and effective management of wildfire in the urban environment. Construct 0.1 miles of road to provide access to State Endowment Lands. This would help facilitate fire hazard reduction efforts within the wildland-urban interface, addressed under Purpose 2. A cost share would be established for the newly constructed road and the status of the 606 road would be converted from a level 1 to a level 2 closed year-round. To accomplish Purpose 3, the following activities are proposed to improve watershed function and provide for short and long-term management needs: Decommission NFS roads (8.53 miles) and unauthorized routes (18.68 miles), reducing road density by 0.3 miles per square mile across the project area and 1.71 miles per square mile within RCAs. Restoring the wetland area in the Little Squaw Creek drainage would include decommissioning the 643G road and removing it from the system and realignment of the 643S road, and implementing a wetland restoration strategy. Actions associated with road maintenance, surfacing, and realignment, were addressed under Purpose 1, but these will contribute to improving the quality of soil, water, and wildlife habitat. Additional actions may be considered to restore riparian and wetland functions and habitat characteristics. To accomplish Purpose 4, the following activities are proposed: Provide commercial sawlogs and miscellaneous wood products to support the local and/or regional economy. Wood products would provide job support and help sustain regional processing facilities. 4 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project

5 Boise National Forest Relationship of this Project to the 2010 Forest Plan In 2003, the Forest issued a revised Forest Plan (Forest Service 2003). On July 1, 2010, Forest Supervisor, Cecilia R. Seesholtz, issued an amendment to the 2003 Forest Plan to integrate a wildlife conservation strategy (WCS) for the forested biological community. This Forest Plan WCS complements the Idaho Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (Idaho CWCS) (IDFG 2005) by building on the broad-scale conservation needs identified in the Idaho CWCS for the Forest area. The vegetation management strategy of the Forest Plan calls for managing within desired conditions that fall into the historical range of variability (HRV) using a combination of passive and active management (Forest Service 2010a, p. 6). The strategy is based on the assumption that conditions within the range of the HRV will promote a network of habitats to support the diverse array of native and nonnative vertebrate wildlife species. The Forest Plan identifies conservation and restoration of low- to mid-elevation ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests as a management priority. The analysis for the 2010 Forest Plan amendment found that habitats for some wildlife species have declined substantially 3 compared to historic conditions. An underlying philosophy of the 2010 Forest Plan and the WCS is that restoring desired conditions within the HRV and emulating natural disturbance processes where they are not currently operating as desired, within individual forested stands and across landscapes will contribute to species conservation and recovery (Forest Service 2010a p. 6, Haufler et al. 1996, Hunter et al. 1988, Noss 1987, Raphael et al. 2000, McComb and Duncan 2007, and Wisdom et al. 2000). The 2010 amendment added a comprehensive and diverse set of management direction for vegetative and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration. Wildlife guideline (WIGU15) emphasizes using conservation principles to identify treatment priorities, design restoration treatments, and help understand the effects of proposed activities on vegetative and wildlife habitat diversity (Forest Service 2010b, p. III-28 and Appendix E). The Forest Plan includes objectives that identify the need to focus restoration-related management activities for the remainder of the planning period within priority watersheds. In addition, the Forest will address and integrate related multiple-use objectives in vegetative restoration projects where practical and efficient to do so. The Proposed Action for the Project addresses the following priorities and management objectives from the 2010 Forest Plan: 3 Other broad-scale assessments have reached similar conclusions (USDA Forest Service 2000b, NPPC 2005, IDFG 2005, and Mehl and Haufler 2004). High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 5

6 Boise National Forest Restoration and maintenance of priority forested acres The 2010 Forest Plan focuses forest restoration and maintenance in low- to mid-elevation forests dominated by ponderosa pine in the nonlethal and mixed1 fire regimes. The Forest Plan also emphasizes areas occupied by wildlife species of concern, such as the white-headed woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus). The 2010 Forest Plan includes a Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Restoration Strategy (Strategy) that lists Forest-wide restoration priorities. The Forest Plan Strategy identifies the area included within the High Valley IRP as a high priority for restoration and specifies that active treatments are needed for restoration. The Strategy also identifies all area within the project as a high priority for short-term wildlife habitat restoration. High priority, active forest restoration watersheds were historically dominated by nonlethal and mixed1 fire regimes. These areas are most likely to be successfully restored because of their current acreage in medium and large tree class size (Forest Service 2010b, Appendix A, p. A- 16). In addition, maintenance activities designed to retain patches within desired conditions are used to develop and sustain functional landscape patches over time. To facilitate development of this structure, the Forest Plan provides a standard (VEST03) to retain forest stands that meet the definition of large tree size class (Appendix A, page A-6) and a guideline to retain all legacy trees (VEGU08). The Proposed Action would maintain and restore forested stands/landscape patches in the nonlethal and mixed1 fire regimes and components necessary for functioning wildlife habitat, such as legacy trees, within the Project area. Restoration of forested stands in the Upper and Lower Little Squaw Creek subwatersheds The Project is in Management Area (MA) 16, Sage Hen Reservoir. Objective 1622 (Forest Service 2010b, p. III-317) identifies a need to restore vegetative conditions in Potential Vegetation Group (PVG) 2, PVG 5, and PVG 6 within MA 16, emphasizing the large tree size class in all watersheds. Specific Forest Plan Objectives relevant to this proposed action include: Forest Plan Objective 1624 identifies a need to manage vegetation in riparian areas to reduce the threat of uncharacteristic wildfire. Objective 1672 identifies a need to focus source habitat restoration activities within the Little Squaw watershed in areas field-verified to have good-to-excellent conditions for restoration of old forest pine stands. A primary objective of treatment would be to expand the overall patch size of old forest habitat. 6 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project

7 Boise National Forest Objective 1676 further clarifies that occupied white-headed woodpecker source habitat identified during project planning for vegetative management projects within the Little Squaw watershed should be maintained and adjacent patches should be developed to facilitate movement and dispersal of individuals. The landscape should also be managed to reduce the hazard from uncharacteristic wildfire and insect epidemics, with primary emphasis on forestland supporting ponderosa pine (Forest Plan Objective 1647). Fire Management and the wildland-urban interface (WUI) In the spring of 2014, the Boise National Forest developed a step-down process for identifying the WUI zone, using documentation from Delineation of a Community Protection Zone (CPZ) Under the Idaho Roadless Rule (Forest Service 2011a) and the Handbook for Wildland-Urban Interface Communities (NASF 2004). This process was used to define where hazardous fuels pose risks to life, property, infrastructure and firefighter safety. The boundary was delineated based on potential fire behavior and physical features that could be used for effective fuel breaks, such as a road and ridge top. Forest Plan Objective 1655 highlights the need to initiate prescribed fire and mechanical treatments within wildland-urban interface areas to reduce fuels and wildfire hazards. It also emphasizes coordination with local and tribal governments, agencies, and landowners in the development of County Wildfire Protection Plans in order to manage fuel loadings to reduce wildfire hazards. As a part of using prescribed fire, the Forest Plan directs operations to be compliant with the Clean Air Act, state s Smoke Management Programs, Montana/Idaho Airshed Group and the Utah Interagency Smoke Management Program to limit potential unacceptable smoke impacts (ASOB01, ASST01, and ASST02). Burning activities shall be further restricted if local conditions indicate potential unacceptable smoke impacts to ambient air quality and/or visibility. Improve watershed function The Forest Service completed a national assessment of the current condition and prioritization of subwatersheds on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The National Watershed Condition Framework (Forest Service 2011b) identified the Upper and Lower Little Squaw Creek subwatersheds as having impaired function, with a need for active restoration to improve watershed and aquatic conditions. These subwatersheds are functioning at risk based on the Watershed Condition Classification completed in 2010 for all National Forest System subwatersheds. The functioning at risk classification is largely due to impaired habitat conditions because of large woody debris is lacking; road densities are very high; and the need for road maintenance. Specific Forest Plan Objectives relevant to this proposed action include: High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 7

8 Boise National Forest Forest Plan Objective 1610 identifies a need to locate subwatersheds for restoration to remove major sources of management related fine sediment. Objective 1617 identifies a need to reduce sediment from the roads in the Little Squaw Creek drainage by improving maintenance and surfacing as needed. Objective 1618 identifies a need to repair or restore the beaver pond area in the Little Squaw Creek drainage. Management of the transportation system The Forest Plan identifies Objectives to cooperate transportation management with other agencies to attain resource goals (FROB02), including the public to develop a shared transportation system serving the needs of all parties to the extent possible (FROB05). Where opportunities exist to reduce road related degradation, mitigations such as relocation, obliteration, closure, and changes in management strategy, alteration, or discontinuance should be considered (FRGU11), especially within RCAs (FRGU05). The proposed action supports the need for cooperating transportation needs with other agencies while reducing degradation from road related impacts. Removal of wood products as an outcome of forest maintenance and restoration treatments on acres in the suited timber base The 2010 Forest Plan amendment reallocated acres previously assigned to Management Prescription Category (MPC) 5.2 (Commodity Production Emphasis) to MPC 5.1 (Restoration and Maintenance Emphasis). Although this reallocation does not change the number of acres in the suited timber base, it does change the focus of treatments from an emphasis on wood product growth and yield to an emphasis on forest restoration with wood products as an outcome or byproduct of restoration activities. All acres within the Project area are now allocated to MPC 5.1. The Proposed Action includes removing wood products as a byproduct of forest restoration and maintenance treatment on acres in the suited timber base. This facilitates the Forest Plan Objective (1646) to manage suited timberlands for a sustained yield, even flow of forest products, while reducing sediment delivery and moving toward desired vegetation conditions. 8 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project

9 Boise National Forest Relationship of this project to recommendations provided by the Boise Forest Coalition Utilizing a collaborative approach to land management is widely accepted as an optimal strategy for restoring and maintaining healthy landscapes, providing opportunities to capitalize on local knowledge, develop amicable solutions to complex problems, and build support for decisions (Shindler et al. 2011). In September 2010, the Boise Forest Coalition (BFC) was formed to bring together individuals and groups with diverse interests who could craft recommendations related to public lands managed by the Boise National Forest. The citizen-led group is open to anyone and is currently comprised of private individuals, recreationists, ranchers, county commissioners, Congressional Staff and representatives from environmental groups, the timber industry, and State agencies. The mission of the citizen-led Boise Forest Coalition is to provide the Boise National Forest with management recommendations that (listing order does not imply relative importance): 1. Are developed through consensus decisions involving all members of the Coalition; 2. Address natural resource, economic, recreational, and societal needs; 3. Are compatible with Forest Plan direction including implementation of the Forest s Wildlife and Aquatic Conservation Strategies; 4. Are economically realistic; 5. Promote future collaboration during implementation and monitoring. For further information about the Boise Forest Coalition please go to their website at Beginning in 2012, the Boise Forest Coalition began focusing on concerns and opportunities on the west side of the, an area that spans over 100,000 acres. The Coalition provided specific recommendations for the High Valley Integrated Restoration Project that covered a variety of subjects, such as transportation, vegetation management, recreation, fire/fuels, wildlife, range, hydrology, aquatic resources, weeds and monitoring. The recommendations developed through a collaborative process were used to inform the development of the Forest Service s proposed action. The High Valley project area falls within one of two Boise National Forest s priority landscape, designated by the Governor and approved by the Secretary of Agriculture, for forests that are at high risk of insect and disease mortality under Section 8204 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill). High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 9

10 Boise National Forest Purpose and Need Purpose 1: Manage forest structure and species composition to accelerate development of large tree size class dominated by early seral tree species (e.g. ponderosa pine) that will contribute to achievement of Forest Plan desired vegetation and associated wildlife source habitat conditions. Increase landscape resiliency to uncharacteristic disturbance events and promote fire s ecological role. Four Potential Vegetation Groups (PVGs) occur in the analysis area: PVG 6 (80 percent), PVG 5 (8 percent), PVG 2 (6 percent) and PVG 1 (1 percent). The remaining 5 percent of the area is shrub, grass, rock, riparian, and water. PVGs 1, 2 and 5 represent the nonlethal fire regime, with a historical fire interval of 5 25 years that would have developed relatively homogenous patches dominated by large ponderosa pine trees with small inclusions (typically <1 acre) of smaller tree size classes. Historically, periodic fires in PVGs 1, 2 and 5 inhibited the development of continuous ladder fuels of saplings or pole-sized trees that could carry fire into the crowns of larger ponderosa pine trees. At the forest-scale habitat types in PVG 6 span the mixed1 and mixed2 fire regimes. Acres of PVG 6 within the Project area that need restoration treatment fall within the drier habitat types more consistent with a mixed1 fire regime where relatively frequent fires maintained the dominance of earlier seral tree species, including ponderosa pine and, to a lesser degree, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). As a result of past fire suppression and management activities, such as historic timber harvest, large ponderosa pine are absent or reduced in these PVGs compared to desired conditions (Forest Service 2010a, Appendix A, Table A-1 and Table A-2, p. A-3 and A-6). PVGs in the Project area have the following specific needs: Need #1: Increase the proportion of ponderosa pine in PVGs 1, 2, 5, and 6 to Forest Plan desired conditions (Forest Service 2010a, Appendix A, Table A-5, p. A-8). The desired condition is landscapes dominated by early-seral 4 species in the nonlethal and mixed1 fire regime. Douglas-fir is overabundant in PVGs 1, 2 and 5 within the Project area. Grand fir, the climax species, is overabundant in the in the overstory and understory of PVG 6, exceeding the desired conditions for species composition by a wide margin. Tree densities need to be reduced to balance species composition towards early seral dominance, to allow for regeneration of ponderosa pine, and to increase the vigor of existing ponderosa pine throughout the project area. Planting ponderosa pine in openings created by the removal of grand fir where it currently dominates will promote old forest and source habitats for associated R-4 sensitive species in the long term. 4 The species or community that is replaced by another species or community as succession progresses. In PVGs 2 and 5, Douglas-fir replaces early seral pine in absence of disturbances. In the drier habitat types of PVG 6 ponderosa pine are replaced by grand fir and Douglas-fir. 10 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project

11 Boise National Forest Need #2: Change structure of small and medium tree size class stands in all PVGs to accelerate movement towards the large tree size class and old forest habitat 5 dominated by early seral species such as ponderosa pine. Tree size class reflects the physical development stage of a forest stand. The grass/forbs/shrub/seedling (GFSS), sapling, small and medium tree size classes in the High Valley IRP area represent a relatively small percentage of the acres within the various PVGs, while the large tree size class generally dominates the Project area. Currently the species composition within the large tree size class is dominated by late seral species, such as grand fir (Abies grandis), rather than the desired early-seral species, such as ponderosa pine. Need #3: Reduce densities in plantations and create a more natural grouping of irregularly spaced tree clumps (Forest Service 2010c). Tree densities within plantations are resulting in inter-tree competition that is substantially slowing progression toward the inter-connected large tree patches that are lacking in the Project area. The uniform tree spacing created from the initial planting needs to be broken up to create a more natural structure that is capable of developing functional old forest habitat and source habitat for white-headed woodpeckers and flammulated owls. This would emulate natural vegetative patterns more typical of the forest types when historical disturbances were operating on the landscape. Need #4: Remove conifer encroachment to allow for desirable meadow function and species diversity. Fire exclusion has allowed conifer trees (e.g. ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine) to populate areas they did not inhabit in the presence of the historical fire regime. Need #5: Manage conifer succession within aspen clones to improve the extent and diversity of aspen within the project area. The majority of the forested acres within the project area are dominated by conifer species, with aspen occurring primarily as small inclusions within stands or along stand edges. The lack of historical disturbances (e.g. fire) is homogenizing the landscape towards climax conditions, resulting in decreased structural diversity, vigor and the extent of aspen across the project area. 5 Old forest habitat components are described in Appendix E of the Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service 2010a, p. E-25) and include tree size class, canopy cover, species composition, snags, and coarse woody debris desired conditions by Potential Vegetation Group (PVG). Other stand structural components are also important (USDA Forest Service 2010a, pp. E-23 through E-30) but are not easily derived from data, including within-stand patchiness, canopy gaps, and decadence High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 11

12 Boise National Forest Need #6: Restore habitat for Family 1 6 species, such as the white-headed woodpecker (PVGs 1, 2 and 5) and flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus) (PVG 6) within the forest types they historically occupied. Restoring ponderosa pine forests in PVGs 1, 2 and 5 would benefit bird species, such as the white-headed woodpecker, which is a species of conservation concern according to the 2010 Forest Plan and State of Idaho (IDFG 2005). Restoring ponderosa pine communities in PVG 6 in the project area would benefit the flammulated owl, an R-4 Sensitive species. These restoration efforts would also benefit other wildlife species associated with forests that were historically dominated by ponderosa pine. Need #7: Manage vegetation in riparian conservation areas (RCA) to reduce the threat of uncharacteristic wildfire and restore ecological functions. Fire suppression and livestock grazing practices have increased the forested vegetation fire hazard within riparian conservation areas. Shade tolerant climax species, such as grand fir, have increased ladder fuel and tree density conditions beyond what would have historically existed under a nonlethal and mixed1 fire return interval. Need #8: Introduce fire disturbance within the project area. The exclusion of fire on forested landscapes has resulted in a lack of tree density regulation, culturing of vegetation attributes (e.g. crown base height, root depth, and understory composition), increase of surface fuels and the proportion of small coarse woody debris, and restricted natural ecosystem processes (e.g. regeneration, favoring early seral species composition, nutrient cycling, regulating succession, maintain diversity, biogeochemical processes, and the creation of cavities for wildlife habitat). Fire exclusion has fostered a dense under and midstory condition dominated by shade tolerant species, with ladder fuels contributing to a high potential for active crown fire initiation and spread. Shade tolerant species, such as grand fir, are inherently less resilient to fire disturbance with crowns often extending to the forest floor. Similar to forested locations, the exclusion of fire as a natural disturbance process has resulted in decadent shrub and grass communities throughout the project area. Conifer encroachment is inhibiting the health, vigor, and diversity of these communities, including isolated aspen clones. Purpose 2: Reduce the fuels hazard and risk of crown fire spread within the wildland-urban interface. 6 Family 1 refers to a suite of wildlife species that utilize source habitats dominated by low-elevation old forests. Family 1 consists of several species. For this particular project, the focal species of most interest within Family 1 is the white-headed woodpecker. 12 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project

13 Boise National Forest Need #1: Reduce the fuels hazard from an existing condition that is conducive to high intensity surface fires, spotting, crown fire initiation and crown fire spread. These hazards include; high surface fuel loading, continuous ladder fuels and/or continuous dense overstory canopy. Approximately 4,650 acres are delineated as the wildland-urban interface within the project area. Within the wildland-urban interface, hazard reduction treatments are needed to reduce the risk of wildfire to values based on their spatial context, relationship to topography, fire and weather patterns, and hazards on adjacent non-nfs lands. Need #2: Address request by the Idaho Department of Lands for long-term management access to State Endowment Lands located in Section 36, Township 11 North, Range 2 East. Allowing access to State land could facilitate fire hazard reduction efforts within the wildland-urban interface and support Forest Plan Objectives FROB02 and FROB05. Purpose 3: Improve watershed function through restoration of aquatic resources and roadrelated impacts to wildlife, fish, soil, and water resources while providing for the transportation system necessary to meet short and long-term management needs. Need #1: Address undesirable impacts to soil and water quality and restore hydrologic function and riparian habitat. The wetland in the Little Squaw Creek drainage is degraded due to current road design, culvert placement, removal of beaver, and impacts from livestock grazing. There is a need to raise the water table, moderate peak flows, and increase summer flows in this tributary perineal stream. Need #2: Reduce degradation resulting from road related impacts to improve the quality of soil, water, fish and wildlife habitat. Several roads within riparian conservation areas (RCA) are producing fine sediment into streams, impairing aquatic function, and degrading riparian habitat. Purpose 4: Utilize wood products resulting from restoration treatments to support local and regional economies and offset the cost of project implementation. High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 13

14 Boise National Forest Need #1: Provide a predictable and recurring supply of wood products from lands identified as suitable for timber management in the Forest Plan. Providing wood products that contribute to sustaining a wood products processing industry is essential for continuing forestland restoration and maintenance services in southwest Idaho and to support local and regional economic sustainability. Activities are proposed within MPC 5.1 (Restoration and Maintenance Emphasis within Forested Landscapes). Most forestlands in MPC 5.1 have been identified in the Forest Plan as suitable for timber management where wood products produced from treatments are an outcome of achieving restoration objectives. MPC 5.1 emphasizes restoring or maintaining vegetation within desired conditions to provide a diversity of wildlife habitats, reduce risk from undesirable disturbance events, and support sustainable human uses of resources (Forest Service 2010a, p. III-90). 14 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project

15 Boise National Forest Literature Cited Forest Service Land and resource management plan for the Boise National Forest, Volumes 1 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Boise National Forest, Boise, ID. Forest Service. 2010a. Record of decision for the final environmental impact statement and forest plan amendment to facilitate implementation of the 2010 plan scale wildlife conservation strategy: Phase 1 Forested biological community. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Boise National Forest, Boise, ID. Forest Service. 2010b. Boise National Forest land and resource management plan. Volumes 1 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Boise National Forest, Boise, ID. Forest Service. 2010c. Groups and Clumps in Nonlethal and Mixed1 Fire Regimes. U.S Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Boise National Forest, Boise, ID. Forest Service. 2011a. Delineation of a Community Protection Zone (CPZ) Under the Idaho Roadless Rule. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Boise, ID. Forest Service. 2011b. Watershed Condition Framework: A framework for assessing and tracking the changes to watershed condition. FS-977. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Haufler, J. B., C. A. Mehl, and G. J. Roloff Using a coarse-fìlter approach with species assessment for ecosystem management. Wildlife Society Bulletin 24(2): Hunter, M. L. Jr., G. L. Jacobson, Jr., and T. Webb, III Paleoecology and the coarsefilter approach to maintaining biological diversity. Conservation Biology 2(4): Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) Idaho comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy. IDFG, Idaho Conservation Data Center, Boise, ID. McComb, B., and S. Duncan Biodiversity conservation in contemporary landscapes, stressors, and ranges of variability: Scientific and social views. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, and Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Preparing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan: A Handbook for Wildland-Urban Interface Communities. Noss, R. F From plant communities to landscapes in conservation inventories: A look at The Nature Conservancy (USA). Biological Conservation 41: Raphael, M. G., R. S. Holthausen, B. G. Marcot, T. D. Rich, M. M. Rowland, B. C. Wales, and M. J. Wisdom (Draft) Effects of SDEIS alternatives on selected terrestrial vertebrates of conservation concern within the interior Columbia River Basin Ecosystem Management Project. Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Plan, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 15

16 Boise National Forest Shindler, B., R. Gordon, S.M. McCaffrey, and E. Toman Collaborating for Healthy Forests and Communities: A Guide for Building Partnerships Among Diverse Interests. Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State. Wisdom, M. J., A. A. Ager, H. K. Preisler, N. J. Cimon, and B. K. Johnson Effects of off-road recreation on mule deer and elk. In: The Starkey project: A synthesis of long-term studies of elk and mule deer. Reprinted from the 2004 Transactions of the North American wildlife and natural resources conference, M. J. Wisdom, ed, Alliance Communications Group, Lawrence, KS. 16 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project

17 Boise National Forest Appendix A Preliminary Design Features WILDLIFE WL-1 Retain all snags 10 inches d.b.h. and >15 feet tall to meet the desired range as identified in Appendix A of the Forest Plan (Forest Service 2003a, p. A-9) unless they pose safety hazards and have to be felled. Where snags have been determined to be a safety hazard (timber sale OSHA requirements, roadside hazard trees) and must be felled, live trees of sufficient diameter shall be left to provide for snag replacement as needed to achieve desired conditions. WL-2 Provide snags, snag replacement trees, and CWD, including those with broken tops, cavities, lightning scars, and dead portions, in clusters if available rather than uniformly spaced. Priority should be given to large snags and trees for snag recruitment over smaller diameter snags and trees. WL-3 Include protective measures for Threatened, Endangered, and Regional 4 Sensitive (TES) Species against unforeseen events in the timber sale contracts and other projectrelated contracts (noncommercial thinning). Mandatory provisions of the timber sale contract (currently contract provision B(T)6.24) provide protective measures for any TES plant or animal species identified in the project area during the entire period that the sale is under contract. WL-4 Restrict vegetation treatment within a 650-foot radius of an active goshawk nest tree to retain vegetative structure around the nest site. In addition, no commercial harvest, noncommercial thinning, or roadwork activities should occur within a 1,500-foot buffer (Jones 1979) around active goshawk nest tree(s) from March 1 to August 15 to avoid disrupting nesting activities. Timing restrictions shall only be required for active nest sites. Timing restrictions shall not restrict planned road use patterns, public access, or log hauling. Because goshawks commonly move to alternate nest sites within a territory, the nest site location must be re-identified annually. TIMBER TH-1 Retain all existing forested stands that meet the definition of large tree size class (Forest Service 2010a, Appendix A) or old forest habitat (Forest Service 2010a, Appendix E). Management actions may occur within these stands as long as they continue to meet the definitions of large tree size class and old forest habitat. High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 17

18 Boise National Forest TH-2 Designate for retention during sale preparation, all ponderosa pine and western larch trees meeting the definition of a legacy tree consistent with the Forest s Legacy Tree Guide (Forest Service 2012d). In addition, designate for retention trees of other late seralto-climax conifer species (e.g., Douglas-fir and grand fir) that exhibit legacy-like characteristics (generally are the very large trees; Van Pelt 2008). TH-3 Make provisions to include cull logs to also be hauled back into the units with commercial product removal if during the layout process, the large size class of coarse woody debris is determined to be lacking and is consistent with fire hazard reduction objectives within the wildland-urban interface. TH-4 Ensure that appropriate contract provision(s) are used to limit the potential buildup or spread of Ips in stands containing ponderosa pine. TH-5 Prohibit log haul on weekends (all day Saturday and Sunday); all major holidays (New Years, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas eve and Christmas day); and the opening day of deer, elk, and turkey general hunting seasons. TH-6 Post warning and/or closure signs on authorized haul routes and adjacent to active logging operations to inform the public of logging operations and truck traffic hazards. TH-7 Timber Sale Administrator shall approve skid trails prior to development and use, to limit impacts to plantations and/or other resources. TH-8 Yard trees whole to the landing and manufacture them at the landing from tractor/jammer units to reduce compaction and aid in soil amelioration. After manufacturing, the tops/limbs/branches would be hauled back and utilized as slash material on skid trails. Upon completion of Project activities, all newly constructed skid trails and existing unauthorized routes used to implement Project activities would be reclaimed by blocking access at all access points; utilizing re-contouring of slope, earthen barriers, and/or placement of barriers such as rock or CWD; scarifying or ripping to a depth of 12 inches; scattering slash over scarified/ripped surface to achieve at least 30 percent coverage of the surface; and revegetating with certified weed free grasses, shrubs, and/or trees. Any material used for revegetation activities would meet requirements of Design Feature NX High Valley Integrated Restoration Project

19 Boise National Forest TH-9 If, during implementation of vegetation treatments, it is identified that an opportunity exists, augment existing ponderosa pine representation in areas that currently lack potential for natural recruitment (due to lack of existing seed source or late seral species dominance). Openings may benefit from restoration augmentation of ponderosa pine. Augmentation would consist of planting early seral species, such as ponderosa pine and western larch seedlings, most likely with a hoedad or dibble bar and would help ensure the persistence of the preferred species in stands where late seral species, primarily grand fir regeneration would proliferate. No mechanical site preparation would occur. ROAD MANAGEMENT RM-1 Road decommissioning may include, but is not limited to, some or all of the following activities: scarification of road bed, partial to full re-contour, removal of culverts and stabilization of stream crossings, elimination of access from connecting roads, and seed/mulch all disturbed areas with approved seed mixture (NX-2). In addition, to deter future use of these routes, access points may be recontoured or partially recontoured, and barrier devices, such as boulders, berms, slash material at access points, and/or some combination of barriers, may be used. All NFS roads proposed to be decommissioned from the Forest NFS Transportation System would be removed once decommissioning activities are complete. Determination of methods to be used would be completed on a site-by-site basis during Project implementation. RM-2 On decommissioned roads, remove culverts with the objective of providing a stable, self-maintaining site. However, IDT analysis may determine if culverts may be left when risks and consequences are weighed against the costs of culvert removal (see Regional Policy on Treatment of Culverts for Decommissioned and Obliterated Roads, File Code 2520, letters of August 14 and December 13, 2000). Other site-specific actions would be performed to reduce risks. RM-3 Install erosion control devices as required to minimize sediment delivery to streams from road management activities, including new roadbed construction, road maintenance, and/or road decommissioning activities where activities occur in RCAs. Erosion control devices may include, but are not limited to, certified weed-free straw waddles or bales, slash filter windrows, and/or biodegradable erosion cloth. The District Hydrologist or Fisheries Biologist in consultation with the Engineering Representative/Timber Sale Contract Administrator shall determine the locations within the RCAs where erosion control devises are required and the most cost effective sediment control method. Erosion control materials would be allowed to deteriorate in place. RM-4 Construct all road realignment segments prior to decommissioning the original routes in order to maintain motorized access. High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 19

20 Boise National Forest RM-5 Public motorized access shall be restricted on all permanent and temporary roads built for the purpose of supporting of vegetation management during activity implementation. Temporary roads would be fully obliterated within three years from when the project is completed. SOIL, WATER AND FISHERIES SW-1 Allow commercial harvest within RCAs, with no commercial harvest within one site potential tree height of stream channels, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands. Keep heavy mechanical equipment, such as skidders, out of the entire RCA. SW-2 Allow thinning of noncommercial trees in RCAs, except within 30 feet of stream channels, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands. Trees felled as part of noncommercial thinning within RCAs would be left onsite so long as retention is consistent with fire hazard reduction objectives within the wildland-urban interface. Piles will not be burned within RCAs. SW-3 Provide fish passage at all new and reconstructed stream crossings of existing and potential fish-bearing streams. Acceptable ranges for gradient, water flow velocity, jump/drop height, and other parameters would be based on the best scientific data available. SW-4 Water drafting locations, methods, and timing shall be approved by the Engineering Representative/Timber Sale Contract Administrator in consultation with the fisheries biologist and/or hydrologist. Screen opening size for intake hoses shall be the standard 3/32 inch or smaller. SW-5 Seed disturbed areas with an approved seed mixture (Design Feature NX-2). Erosion control devices, such as certified weed free straw waddles or bales, slash filter windrows, and biodegradable erosion cloth, should be maintained during all road management activities adjacent to streams to minimize delivery of sediment, and natural materials would be allowed to deteriorate in place. SW-6 Store no fuel in RCAs. Refueling or servicing of vehicles or equipment should not take place within RCAs unless there is no other alternative. In the event there is no acceptable alternative site for these activities, refueling or servicing sites must be approved by Engineering Representative/Timber Sale Contract Administrator in consultation with District Hydrologist and/or Fish Biologist. All equipment shall be in good repair and free of leakage of lubricants, fuels, coolants, and hydraulic fluid. 20 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project

21 Boise National Forest SW-7 All log landings should be located outside of RCAs. Consult the District Hydrologist or Fish Biologist and the Forest Archeologist, if site-specific circumstances necessitate a log landing to be located within the RCAs. For log landings located within the RCA, erosion control devices such as erosion cloth, biologs, and/or certified weed-seed-free straw bales should be installed between the landing and the stream to prevent delivery of sediment (Burroughs and King 1989). The District Hydrologist or Fisheries Biologist would assist the Timber Sale Contract Administrator in determining the most effective sediment control method. Soil erosion control measures would be allowed to deteriorate in place. SW-8 Upon completion of harvest activities, reshape constructed landings used in association with this Project to provide adequate drainage. Landings should be ripped to a depth of inches, slash would be spread over at least 30 percent of the landing area, and the area would be planted with a Forest Service approved seed mixture (Design Feature NX-2). All landings shall be closed to public use. SW-9 Use the SINMAP analysis results in addition to guidelines developed by Chatwin et al. (1994) during project implementation to field-verify or identify moderate- and highhazard landslide prone areas where commercial timber harvest and road construction is proposed. Site-specific management measures or mitigations shall be required where the proposed activities might initiate landslides. RECREATION AND SCENIC RESOURCES RR-1 Prohibit snow plowing on established groomed snow routes within the Project area and on all haul routes from December 15 to March 15. RR-2 Identify Project area designated trails in the timber sale contract. For the designated trails that fall within or immediately adjacent to harvest/thinning units, specific contract provisions shall be included that protect National Forest improvements, maintain access or use, and address public safety to protect or minimize impacts to trail surfaces, trail heads, trail access, and recreation opportunities. Sale administrator shall designate all skid trails that cross the designated trails and shall consult with recreation staff on appropriate repair or reconstruction needs to return trail to its preexisting condition. Logging debris shall be cleared during the weekends and holidays and, if needed, as specified under the timber sale contract, signs or flaggers shall be used to address safety concerns. RR-3 The ridgeline silhouette should have a textural effect of small, natural-appearing openings rather than large, thinned areas and unnatural-appearing breaks. High Valley Integrated Restoration Project 21

22 Boise National Forest RR-4 Forest stand composition changes as viewed in middleground/background should be textural, with small, natural openings and not be symmetrical in shape. Straight lines and right angles should be avoided. Openings should resemble the form, line and texture of those found in the surrounding natural landscape with edges feathered to avoid a shadowing effect. RR-5 Within the immediate foreground (300 ) of Maintenance Level 2 and 3 Forest Roads in the project area: Stumps should be 12 or less on the uphill side to reduce visibility. Lop and scatter slash below 36 (less if visually intrusive). Remove material in excess to other resource needs or pile and burn within one field season. After project completion the remaining slash should appear to be mostly natural occurring downed material. RR-6 Temporary roads and skid trails should blend into the characteristic landscape of the surrounding area. Cut and fill banks should be sloped to accommodate natural revegetation and to reduce sharp contrasts viewed from any distance. Where temporary roads and skid trails meet a primary travel route open to motorized use, they should intersect at a right angle and, where practicable, curve after the junction to minimize the length of route seen from the primary travel route. CULTURAL RESOURCES CR-1 Avoid and protect all known historic properties during Project implementation. CR-2 Contract provisions shall include requirements that in the event new cultural sites are discovered, ground-disturbing activities in the area shall stop until a qualified archaeologist is consulted and appropriate mitigation identified, as needed, to avoid/protect these sites. FIRE AND FUELS FF-1 Construct no fire line and/or hand line within RCAs. FF-2 Store hazardous material utilized for burning activities away from Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs). FF-3 Post public notification in the form of newspaper articles and notices, or personal contacts to residents in High Valley and the surrounding areas prior to implementing any prescribed burn activities; especially should fall burning be conducted when hunters and woodcutters may be present in or near the project area. 22 High Valley Integrated Restoration Project