Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project

Transcription

1 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project Recreation and Visual Resources Report Prepared by: Matthew J. Boisseau Landscape Architect for: Bradshaw Ranger District Prescott National Forest December 15, 2011 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 1/27

2 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C , or call (800) (voice) or (202) (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 2/27

3 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Regulatory Framework... 1 Recreation... 1 Visual Resources... 2 Goals... 2 Objectives... 2 Overview of Issues Addressed... 5 Impacts Relevant to Recreation and Scenery... 6 Issue Indicators... 6 Affected Environment... 6 Existing Condition... 7 Desired Condition Environmental Consequences Methodology Incomplete and Unavailable Information Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis Recreation Visual Resources Connected Actions, Past, Present, and Foreseeable Activities Relevant to Cumulative Effects Analysis Past Activities Present Activities Reasonable Foreseeable Activities Effects Analysis Alternative 1 No Action Direct and Indirect Effects to Recreation Direct and Indirect Effects to Visual Resources Cumulative Effects Alternative 2 Proposed Action Direct and Indirect Effects to Recreation Direct and Indirect Effects to Visual Resources Cumulative Effects Design Features and Mitigation Measures Summary of Effects Alternative 3 Smoke Reduction Direct and Indirect Effects to Recreation Direct and Indirect Effects to Visual Resources Cumulative Effects Design Features and Mitigation Measures Summary of Effects Monitoring Recommendations References i Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 3/27

4 List of Tables Table 1: Land and Resource Management Plan Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Inventory, Table 2: Land and Resource Management Plan Visual Quality Inventory, Table 3: Activity participation results for NVUM survey, Table 4: Recreation facility / activity types with the project area boundary... 9 Table 5: Recreation facility / activity types with the project area boundary affected by the proposed action Table 4: ROS Classification by Recreation Type Table 5: VQO Classification by Recreation Type List of Figures Figure 1. Visual examples of typical vegetation density for Management Area 3 - Chaparral within the project area... 8 Figure 2. Visual example of typical vegetation density for Management Area 4 Pine within the project area... 8 Figure 3. Examples of how treatment areas in Chaparral cover types typically appear in the foreground distance zone during the project implementation phase. Evidence of activity is immediately noticeable Figure 4. Examples of how treatment areas appear in Ponderosa Pine cover types in the foreground distance zone during the project implementation phase. Such visual evidence does not represent completed treatment Figure 5. Example of how treatment typically appears in the middleground distance zone during the project implementation phase. Evidence of activity is hardly noticeable except for the created openings. This scene closely resembles completed treatment Figure 6. Example of how treatment typically appears in the foreground distance zone upon treatment completion. Management activity is often communicated to the public through interpretation materials and features Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 4/27

5 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project Introduction This analysis documents the environmental effects of the Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project along with the no action and other alternatives. It reviews the recreational and scenery opportunities of the lands managed by the Bradshaw Ranger District of the Prescott National Forest and examines the specifics of the existing recreation and visual resources within the Bradshaw Vegetation Management project area. Further, this analysis investigates how these resources may be affected by proposed project in regards to issues and the Prescott National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (1987, as amended) (Forest Plan) standards and guidelines. The content of this report also includes discussion of management direction for recreation and scenery resources, the standards and guidelines that apply, issues, and assumptions that were made. Images and tables are presented to help support or better communicate the existing visual condition as well as various facts and figures. Regulatory Framework The regulatory direction for recreation and for visual quality comes from the Forest Plan. Forest Plan direction for these resources is described in the following section. Recreation As stated on page 12 of the Forest Plan, under management direction for Recreation, The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum is the framework for recreation planning. The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is a nationally recognized classification system used by the Forest Service to describe different recreation settings, opportunities, and experiences to help guide recreation management activities (USDA Forest Service 1986). Listed from the least developed to most are the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classifications as defined in the glossary of the Forest Plan. Primitive An essentially unmodified environment, where trails may be present but structures are rare, and where probability of isolation from the sights and sounds of man is extremely high. Semi-primitive Non Motorized Few and/or subtle modifications by man, and with high probability of isolation from the sights and sounds of man. Semi-primitive Motorized A predominantly natural or natural appearing environment. Setting may exhibit moderately dominant alterations and strong evidence of primitive roads and trails. Roaded Natural A predominantly natural appearing environment with moderate evidence of the sights and sounds of man. Such evidence usually harmonizes with the natural environment. Opportunities exist for both social interaction and moderate isolation from sights and sounds of man. Rural Characterizes an area in which the sights and sounds of man are prevalent and the landscape has been considerably altered by the works of man. Urban The natural setting is dominated by manmade structures and sights and sounds of man predominate. 1 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 5/27

6 Recreation and Visual Quality Report 0051 Visual Resources Also as stated on page 12 of the Forest Plan, under management direction for Visual Resources, The visual landscape appears natural within the context of indigenous vegetation and landforms or modified within the goals of the current Forest Service Visual Management System (U.S. Forest Service 1986). Listed from the highest level of visual quality to least, the visual quality objectives as defined in the glossary of the Forest Plan are as follows: Preservation Provides for ecological change only. None of this classification exists within the boundary of the project area. Retention - in general means man s activities are not evident to the casual forest visitor. This classification comprises 18% of the area within the project boundary. Partial Retention - In general means man s activities may be evident but must remain subordinate to the characteristic landscape. This classification comprises 32% of the area within the project boundary. Modification - Meaning man s activity may dominate the characteristic landscape but must, at the same time utilize naturally established form, line, color and texture. The activity should appear as a natural occurrence when viewed in the foreground or middle ground. This classification comprises 46% of the area within the project boundary. Maximum Modification - Meaning man s activity may dominate the characteristic landscape but should appear as a natural occurrence when viewed as background. This classification comprises 4% of the area within the project boundary. The following is a summary guide to recreation and scenery management direction for the Prescott National Forest. It provides the desired goals and objectives intended to supply long term management continuity. Goals Recreation users enjoy a full spectrum of experiences and benefits in appropriately managed facilities and forest settings. Objectives Standards and guidelines to achieve the objectives are found in the management prescriptions section in Chapter 4 of the Forest Plan. The standards and guidelines that apply to the recreation resource for the Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project are as follows. Developed Recreation Incorporate fuels and vegetative management planning into project and landscape planning for developed recreation areas. No improvements will be constructed within inventoried potential recreation sites that will detract from the future value of those sites for recreation development. In developed recreation sites, and in areas within a quarter mile, utilize prescribed fire when the recreation and visual resource objective can be met. Burning prescriptions will limit the predicted flame height to three feet or less to ensure crown heights are protected from scorch. Along the primary access routes to developed recreation sites and within 132 feet from centerline, utilize prescribed fire when recreation and visual resource objectives can be met. 2 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 6/27

7 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project Interpretive information will be available at these sites and at the district office while effects of burning are evident. In foreground (up to at least a 1/4 mile from viewer no farther than ½ mile) areas adjacent to developed recreation areas, all primary travel routes and secondary travel routes where at least one-quarter of the users have major concern for the scenic qualities, the following will apply: 1. Log landings will be located outside these areas 2. The skidding of logs (if applicable) will be will done on dry or frozen ground using equipment or methods that keep soil disturbance to a minimum. Will skidding occur for the types of treatments proposed? If not, this doesn t apply. 3. Cut trees and other vegetation as near ground as possible and direct the cut-face away from the area being viewed, without sacrificing safety. 4. Require 100% slash treatment in developed recreation areas and with 66 feet of roads. 5. Combine slash treatment within 1 year following closure of the cutting unit or other slash creating activity. The edges of clearcuts and juniper type conversions will be irregular and feathered through the use of shelterwood and selection cutting methods. Chaparral conversions will have irregular edges and will include randomly selected clumps on ridge tops and high points. Dispersed Recreation Incorporate fuels and vegetation management planning into project and landscape planning for high use dispersed recreation areas. Recreation Administration The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) as inventoried will be adopted as the forest objectives. Changes in ROS inventory acreage shall conform to the following guidelines during any given time period (10 years): Table 1: Land and Resource Management Plan Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Inventory, 1986 ROS Class Acres Acceptable Level of Change Primitive (P) 74,532 No Change Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized (SPNM) 18,581 No change in Wilderness, +/- 10% elsewhere Semi-Primitive Motorized (SPM) 530,674 Change of +/- 10% Roaded Natural Appearing (RNA) 625,950 Change of +15% or -10% Rural (R) 12,137 Change of +/- 5% Urban Class 12 No change Assumptions Regarding Developed Recreation No improvements (i.e., new recreation facilities, infrastructure improvements, new system roads, etc.) are proposed within inventoried recreation sites as identified and displayed by the 3 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 7/27

8 Recreation and Visual Quality Report 0051 Forest s GIS database. Only vegetative treatments are proposed for any of the action alternatives within the project area boundary. All developed recreation areas within the project boundary are considered to have major concern for scenic qualities. Primary routes in regards to developed recreation areas or sites are considered to be roads that lead most directly to a developed recreation location or exist within the developed recreation site itself. Primary routes are typically Forest Service managed access roads, driveways, parking areas, loops, and spurs that serve the recreation site directly and may have gates to control access to enforce season of use restrictions. Primary routes are maintenance level (ML) 3 5 roads; that is, roads that are suitable for passenger car (ML-3) through those that provide for a high degree of user comfort (ML-5). Primary routes are considered Sensitivity Level 1. Sensitivity Level is defined in the forest plan glossary as, used in the Visual Management System, a particular degree or measure of view interest in the scenic quality of the landscape. Sensitivity Level 1 denotes high concern or emphasis for scenery. Secondary routes can be Forest Service system roads or roads under other jurisdictions (i.e., State, county, private). Secondary routes serve as major arterials through the forest, feeding traffic to the primary routes or to places of other interest and serve recreation areas indirectly. These routes are typically open across the forest with few control points. There are conflicting standards between developed recreation and visual quality standards pertaining to treatment of slash. Recreation standards state that 100% of slash will be treated in developed recreation areas and with 66 feet of roads (within a ¼ mile of developed recreation sites to include primary and secondary routes). Scenery standards suggest the same level of treatment but for up to 200 feet of sensitivity level 1 foregrounds. Since Sensitivity 1 Level foregrounds typically include developed recreation sites and primary and secondary routs as applied to this analysis. For this analysis, the higher standard 200 feet of slash treatment is applied. The expression direct proximity used in the Environmental Consequences section implies that facilities or places are directly adjacent to or within proposed treatment area coverage. This could also be described as immediate foreground which is typically Visual Quality Visual Quality levels as inventoried and mapped serve as the visual quality objectives for the forest. Analyze each project in the field to determine if the elements and levels that comprise the existing VQO are accurate and reflect current conditions and uses. Table 2: Land and Resource Management Plan Visual Quality Inventory, 1986 VQO Acres Acceptable Level of Change Preservation (P) 132,401 Typically wilderness - none Retention (R) 52,466 To PR but requires project level NEPA and decision by Forest Supervisor Partial Retention (PR) 210,069 To M but requires project level NEPA and decision by Forest Supervisor Modification (M) 637,961 To MM but requires project level NEPA and decision by Forest Supervisor Maximum Modification 229,902 None Analyze each project in the field to determine if the elements and levels that compromise existing VQO s are accurate and reflect current conditions or uses. Raise VQOs to the next 4 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 8/27

9 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project higher scenic level if appropriate, and determine if this VQO level reflects increase or anticipated public use and/or future management intentions for the area. In ponderosa pine foregrounds (1/4 mile minimum to ½ mile) manage for diversity varying from openings to multistoried stands, with some over-mature yellow-barked ponderosa pine trees in open, park-like stands. Group selection within the front 200 feet of the foreground should not exceed 1 acre and the shapes should be designed to achieve the characteristic natural opening. In retention and partial retention VQO middle-ground (1/2 mile to 3 miles minimum) and back ground (3 miles infinity) zones, create or maintain diversified texture of the forest landscape in relation to existing landscape character type. All improvements including vegetation manipulation will be compatible with the visual quality objective for the area. Conduct vegetation management planning for visual quality to enhance and assist in longterm survival of aspen stands and other interesting vegetation features. Manage developed recreation site perimeters (within 330 feet) for the VQO of retention. Place timber markings on side opposite the viewer along all roads and travel ways where practical. In mixed conifer foregrounds, maintain a variety of species, age classes and size classes through the use of various silvicultural prescriptions and stand marking guides. Dispose of all activity of slash in the first 200 feet of Sensitivity Level 1 foregrounds. In Pinyon juniper foregrounds, retain or create diversity in these stands by emphasizing open stands of mature trees (12 inches DBH or more) with a variety of other classes. A minimum of 40% of existing canopy should be retained. Openings and cutting practices should be compatible with the visual quality and other objectives identified in the project environmental analysis. Retain a mix of noncommercial species (oak, locust, etc.) in foreground areas (up to ¼ mile), whenever these species are present. Assumptions Regarding Visual Quality When foreground is mentioned in the forest plan without reference to its origin, it is assumed that this implies up to ¼ miles from Sensitivity Level 1 features or roads. There is no existing GIS data that identifies the sensitivity levels of roads and features on the forest; Therefore, Sensitivity 1 features in this analysis are assumed to be developed recreation sites/areas, trails, recreation residences, and the primary and secondary routes which serve them. This is consistent with the standard practice for designating such routes under the Scenery Management System (USDA 1995). Changes to inventoried VQOs since 1986 (date of original inventory) are reflected in current VQO GIS file. Overview of Issues Addressed Numerous concerns were raised by the public, but three significant issues were identified that resulted in one additional alternative to the proposed action. None of the issues identified in scoping are directed towards the recreation or scenery resources specifically, but the effect of smoke from prescribed burning, and sights and sounds of workers and equipment, could be a concern for those who participate in activities such as hunting, camping, hiking, and sightseeing if the timing of recreation activity coincides with treatment activity. 5 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 9/27

10 Recreation and Visual Quality Report 0051 Impacts Relevant to Recreation and Scenery The impacts to recreation and scenery that are analyzed in this document include: 1. The effect of proposed actions on activities experienced at the various recreation sites and facilities within the project area 2. Compatibility of proposed actions with established recreation (ROS) and visual resource (VQO) objectives for the affected areas Issue Indicators Indicator measures are intended to address how each alternative as the sum total of its proposed actions conforms to the Forest Plan and significant issues identified in scoping. Since no significant issues were identified in scoping that pertain to recreation, measurement indicators will focus on effects or impacts relevant to recreation and scenery according to the Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Recreation Measurement Indicator 1: Effects to Developed Recreation Sites, Facilities, and Activities Analyzes how the proposed actions affect the use, availability, and quality of the recreation activities available within the project area. Measurement Indicator 2: ROS Consistency with the LRMP Comparison of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class acres with the acres for types of vegetative treatment proposed per alternative followed by disclosure of any potential change Visual Resources Measurement Indicator 1: VQO Consistency with the LRMP Comparison of Visual Quality Objective classes within the project area, the types of vegetative treatment proposed per alternative, and disclosure of potential change. Affected Environment The Prescott National Forest is a recreation destination for Arizona residents as well at visitors from neighboring states. The 1.25 million acre forest is located in northwestern Arizona. People are drawn to the area for its open spaces, remoteness, tranquility, beautiful scenery, and the cool climate of the high elevation provides an escape from the desert heat. The scenery is diverse including mountains, pine forests, grasslands, lakes, streams, rugged canyons, and high desert plains. This spectrum of contrasts provides for sweeping, expansive views and uncrowded spaces. The variety of historic elements is rich in character and culture. Wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities are found throughout the landscape. The 65,478 acre project boundary is located in the watershed that includes Kirkland Creek, Williamson Valley Wash, Granite Creek-Upper Verde River, Upper Hassayampa River, Black Canyon Creek, and Big Bug Creek-Agua Fria River near the town of Prescott, Arizona. The affected management areas identified in the Forest Plan include: 6 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 10/27

11 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project Management Area 3: Chaparral (23% of project area) Management Area 4: Pine (75% of project area) Management Area 7: Recreation (2% of project area). The affected Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classifications identified in the Forest Plan include: Semi-primitive Motorized: 21% of the area within the project boundary. Roaded Natural: 76% of the area within the project boundary. Rural: 3% of the area within the project boundary. Urban: 0.02% of the area within the project boundary. Note: Primitive and Semi-primitive Non Motorized areas do not exist within the boundary of the project area. The affected Visual Quality Objective classifications identified in the Forest Plan include: Retention: 18% of the area within the project boundary. Partial Retention: 32% of the area within the project boundary. Modification: 46% of the area within the project boundary. Maximum Modification: 4% of the area within the project boundary. Note: Areas with Preservation VQO s do not exist within the boundary of the project area. Existing Condition According to the Prescott National Forest s internal Landscape Character Description document, the project area falls within the Prescott Basin Geographic Area and provides the scenic backdrop for the city of Prescott, AZ. The area has a natural appearing landscape and much of this is due to various past vegetative treatments and wildfires. In fact, approximately 75% of the existing project area has experienced such activity. The dominant visual characteristic of this landscape is its moderate to steep forested hills, mountains, and granite outcroppings. Vegetation types found within the project area include chaparral, ponderosa pine, evergreen oak, pinyon pine, various species of juniper, Gamble oak, and mixed conifer. Many of the untreated or unburned areas are unnaturally thick and dense and serve as visual reminders that many of the vegetative communities within the project area fall outside of their natural fire regime. The following images represent such communities within the Chaparral and Pine Management Areas. 7 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 11/27

12 Recreation and Visual Quality Report 0051 Figure 1. Visual examples of typical vegetation density for Management Area 3 - Chaparral within the project area Figure 2. Visual example of typical vegetation density for Management Area 4 Pine within the project area Recreation uses here include developed and dispersed camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, picnicking, driving for pleasure, and non-motorized boating. Access to the Granite Mountain Wilderness can be had along the North West corner of the project area, near Granite Basin Lake. The following table lists the activity participation results of the National Visitor Use Monitoring survey, performed in 2007 for the Prescott National Forest as a whole: Table 3: Activity participation results for NVUM survey, 2007 Activity % Main Activity Hiking / Walking 44.4 Viewing Natural Features 14.0 Driving for Pleasure 8.0 Relaxing 7.2 Developed Camping 5.3 Fishing 4.8 Bicycling 3.5 Some Other Activity Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 12/27

13 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project Table 3: Activity participation results for NVUM survey, 2007 Activity % Main Activity Horseback Riding 2.1 Non-motorized Water 1.8 Picnicking 1.7 Viewing Wildlife 1.0 Motorized Trail Activity 0.8 Nature Study 0.8 Visiting Historic Sites 0.5 Hunting 0.4 OHV Use 0.4 Gathering Forest Products 0.4 No Activity Reported 0.3 Downhill Skiing 0.2 Other Non-motorized 0.2 Primitive Camping 0.1 The recreation setting is also diverse in its overall quality, and can be characterized as roaded with a mix of natural and altered appearing landscape settings. The following table displays the key facility types along with their quantities. This is where the majority of the public participates in recreational activities or pursuits and become exposed to the visual resource settings within the project area boundary. Table 4: Recreation facility / activity types with the project area boundary Facility Type Existing Condition Total Number of Developed Recreation sites 49 Boating Sites 2 Family Campgrounds 7 Family Picnic Sites/Areas 8 Group Picnic Sites 1 Horse Camps 1 Recreational Residences 14 Interpretive Sites 6 Trailheads 10 Total Number of Undeveloped Recreation Sites 120 Concentrated Use Areas 3 Dispersed Camping Sites 116 Total Miles of Roads 94 Sensitivity Level 1 94 Total Miles of Trails 130 Non-Motorized 85 Motorized 45 9 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 13/27

14 Recreation and Visual Quality Report 0051 Desired Condition As stated in the Forest Plan, Chapter 4 Management Direction, The Prescott National Forest is attempting to achieve a management situation that can respond to local or national demands for wood products, livestock production, water yield, and a wide mix of recreational opportunities including wildlife-related opportunities. Goals towards achieving these desired conditions for recreation specifically are listed as follows: Recreation users enjoy a full spectrum of experiences and benefits in appropriately managed facilities and other forest settings. The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is the framework for recreation planning. All recreation sites are managed at a capacity of use level that ensures that the natural resources will be maintained at a desirable condition over the expected life of the project and/or activity. Goals towards achieving these desired conditions for Visual Resources specifically are listed as follows: The visual landscape appears natural within the context of indigenous vegetation and landforms or modified within the goals of the current Forest Service Scenic (Visual) Management System. Special concern for preservation of visual resources is a priority in primary recreation areas and in areas of high visual concern. Visual quality is managed to reflect existing and future uses of the landscape unit. Environmental Consequences Methodology ArcMap geographic information system (GIS) was used to analyze the proposed activities in regards to recreation use and facilities, dispersed recreation sites, and the recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) and Visual Quality Objective (VQO) classes assigned to the area. The potential impacts to recreation and visual resources from this project were determined based on observations made during site visits to the project area. Review of research documents and environmental analysis for similar projects were performed as well. The recreation and visual resources analysis considered the area within the project area boundary unless otherwise noted. Incomplete and Unavailable Information The proposed actions do not offer a schedule or other means to know when treatments are likely to occur, how large specific operations will be, and for what periods of time it will take for an area to be treated. Only a 10-year time frame for overall project completion is given. As a result, effects are addressed in general rather than specific terms (that is, no time table is developed). 10 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 14/27

15 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis Recreation Effects to recreation are short term in nature. Travel routes and recreation sites and areas are affected mostly by temporary delays; closures or restrictions due to operations in and around their vicinity. Associated sights and sounds of such activity can affect the recreational experience of people in areas adjacent to those being treated. The time required to treat an area by mechanical means that causes the types of effects described varies. Past practices on the Forest suggest that such effects can range from 1 6 months. No long term effects are anticipated that is, effects as described above lasting more than 6 months to a single treatment area at a time. Visual Resources Effects to visual resources can be both short and long term. Observation of past vegetation treatment projects on the Prescott National Forest suggest that the range for short term effects is typically 1-4 years. This represents the time required for all aspects of treatments to be performed which includes actual cutting, time for slash to dry on site before burning (2-3 years), and use of prescribed fire to clean up slash and remaining vegetation on the ground. Long term effects refer to visual result of activity approximately 5 or more years after completion and are associated with green up ; that is, a period of vegetation recovery that is sufficient enough to allow the landscape to effectively mask visual signs associated with disturbances. Such visual signs include stumps left from cut trees, track and tire imprints embedded in the soil, blackened ground caused by burning, and imprint of closed and re-vegetated temporary roads. Connected Actions, Past, Present, and Foreseeable Activities Relevant to Cumulative Effects Analysis The cumulative effects area for recreation and scenery resources is the Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project area boundary, adjacent wilderness area, and segments of sensitivity level 1 and 2 travel routes along with the recreation features they connect to outside of the project area. A complete list of potential cumulative actions can be found in Appendix D of the associated Environmental Assessment. Past Activities Wildfires of various scales Commercial thinning Vegetative treatments and prescribed burns Fire wood restrictions to 50 off roads Bicycle and horse races Designated dispersed camp sites Established OHV area Road system maintenance Mining Present Activities Road system maintenance Vegetative treatments and prescribed burns Reasonable Foreseeable Activities Road system maintenance Wildfires of various scales Vegetative treatments and prescribed burns Bicycle and horse races Mining 11 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 15/27

16 Recreation and Visual Quality Report 0051 Effects Analysis Alternative 1 No Action Alternative 1 would result from a decision not to implement the Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project. This alternative would not achieve the purpose or address the need of the project, or implement the provisions of the Forest Plan as amended. The no action alternative provides a baseline for comparative analysis of the action alternatives. Although there would be no action to treat vegetation under this project, other activities in the Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project Area such as road maintenance, fire suppression, firewood cutting, grazing, hunting and other recreational activities would continue. The project is needed to reduce fuel loads and improve resiliency to fire and other disturbance events. Direct and Indirect Effects to Recreation Measurement Indicator 1: Effects to Developed Recreation Sites, Facilities, and Activities Alternative 1 would not change the present road-related experience (i.e., access or opportunity for driving or bicycling). Access and opportunity for trail users would not be affected nor would users notice a change in the vegetation structure, composition, or density of the surrounding forest. The physical experience of the environment (vegetation structure, composition, and density of the forest) and opportunity for use of developed recreation areas and dispersed recreation sites alike would remain unchanged as well and no change to the operations of those holding special use permits would result. Under the no action alternative, existing vegetation density of untreated areas would remain in excess of their natural fire regimes (i.e., more dense) and the potential for large landscape scale fires would be greatly increased and affect recreation use significantly if such an event happened. A study by Vaux, Gardner, and Mills (1984) on the impact of fire on forest recreation suggests higher intensity fires had negative effects on recreation values but also caution that the impact of fire was not always negative among their respondents, and preferences of recreationists change over time. Taylor and Daniel (1984) found that camping was the recreational activity most affected by severe fire while hiking and nature study were less affected by severe fire. In studying the effects of fire on recreation demand in Montana, Hesseln, Loomis and Gonzalez-Caban (2004) found a slight decrease in hikers demand in areas recovering from crown fire and also found that as burned area increased and the amount of burned area viewed increased, recreation demand decreased, suggesting size and extent of burns affect visitation. Measurement Indicator 2: ROS Consistency with the LRMP No action as proposed in Alternative 1 would not change or alter the Recreation Opportunity Classifications as they currently exist. Direct and Indirect Effects to Visual Resources Measurement Indicator 1: VQO Consistency with the LRMP Alternative 1 would result in no immediate change to visual quality objectives within the project area. Quality of scenery could change overtime, as vegetation continues to grow and become 12 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 16/27

17 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project denser. Favorable landscape views such as topography, open spaces, and other natural features when seen from roads, trail, and watercraft may become obscured and concealed from view. Dense, untreated areas of vegetation and debris also increase the potential for large landscape scale fires that are more extreme and intensive then ones that occur within a natural historical regime. Such fire events can cause landscapes to appear in a state that is lower than its existing VQO for the long term. The image of a blackened, burned out forest area represents such as visual effect. Cumulative Effects Past thinning, vegetation management, and wildfires only directly affect recreation use during the time of occurrence, and are short term in duration. Scenery resources can be affected for years into the future depending on soils, aspect, and vegetation species composition. Road maintenance activities have the potential to limit access at the time and place it occurs but overall is beneficial to recreation in the access it provides and user comfort it brings to the driving and sight-seeing experience. Alternative 2 Proposed Action The Forest proposes to implement a combination of vegetation management treatments which imposes the following types of activities upon the landscape within the project boundary that, upon completion, is intended to improve resiliency to wild fires in the future and represent a fire adapted ecosystem. Commercial Thinning (15,743 acres) Prescriptions and treatment objectives focus on uneven-aged management silviculture practices (group and single tree selection). Desired residual tree densities are to average square feet of basal area per acre, with clumps ranging from feet of basil area. Prescribed Burning (44,770 acres) May be carried out by either broadcast, vegetation maintenance, or pile burning. Hand built control lines up to 132 feet wide may be constructed to aid in controlling individual prescribed fire. Mechanized Fuel Reduction (34,429 acres) Treatment involves employing rubber tracked vehicle with a power cutting head, or a dozer pulling a heavy tooth drum to reduce vegetation to a level that retains 30 60% of existing vegetation. Slash or other downed vegetative materials would be burned or removed from site. Non-mechanized Fuel Reduction (6,352 acres) Treatment involves use of chainsaws and animals such as goats to reduce vegetation to a level that retains 30-60% of existing vegetation. Slash or other downed vegetative materials would be scattered, piled and burned or removed from site if possible. Fuelbreak Construction (771 acres) Proposed fuelbreaks would be linear in shape and up to 330 feet wide. Treatment within this corridor would follow thinning guidelines described for commercial, mechanized, and non-mechanized treatments already described. A difference is that all dead trees would be cut and all existing dead fuels would be eliminated along with the new slash or biomass created. Fuelbreaks, unlike the other treatment areas, are to be routinely maintained with prescribed fire or mechanical treatments to maintain the integrity of its fire defense. 13 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 17/27

18 Recreation and Visual Quality Report 0051 Road Construction (16 miles) Temporary roads constructed and open for treatment activity only; closed and re-vegetated after project implementation is complete. Use of Non-Forest System Roads Unauthorized / user created routes may be used for access to implement proposed treatments. At completion of treatment, status will remained closed to the public though may be open for administrative purposes. Include implementation of the Interdisciplinary Team s (IDT) recommendations in the Travel Analysis Process (TAP, PNF 2011) for disposition of the existing travel routes. This includes changing the status for 37.6 miles of open system roads to either a decommissioned or closed status, converting to trail, or otherwise mitigated to reduce resource risk. Direct and Indirect Effects to Recreation Measurement Indicator 1: Effects to Developed Recreation Sites, Facilities, and Activities The following table serves to illustrate the extent which recreation site types are affected by the actions proposed under this alternative. More detailed discussing follows. Table 5: Recreation facility / activity types with the project area boundary affected by the proposed action Facility Type Existing Condition Affected Under Proposed Action Total Number of Developed Recreation sites Boating Sites 2 2 Family Campgrounds 7 6 Family Picnic Sites/Areas 8 6 Group Picnic Sites 1 1 Horse Camps 1 1 Recreational Residences Interpretive Sites 6 4 Trailheads 10 7 Total Number of Undeveloped Recreation Sites Concentrated Use Areas 4 3 Dispersed Camping Sites Total Miles of Roads Sensitivity Level Total Miles of Trails Non-Motorized Motorized Recreation Areas Eighty-four percent of the developed recreation within the project area boundary is within direct proximity of proposed treatments and 99% of the undeveloped recreation sites within the project area boundary are within direct proximity of proposed treatments. Heavy equipment used to perform commercial harvesting and mechanical thinning can affect the sights, sounds, smells, and other unique physical and social qualities that make such places 14 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 18/27

19 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project desirable for use. Availability for the public to use such sites can also be limited by the proposed treatment activities when in progress since temporary site closures may occur. Such effects, however, are short term and involve implementation and do not represent the finished product which is a desirable landscape setting. A mitigation measure that addresses this is provided as well. Such short term effects are generally localized and occur at site specific locations throughout the 10-year project implementation time frames so the overall ability for the public to participate in developed and undeveloped recreational opportunities are expected to be minor. No currently open or available facilities are proposed for closing, nor are other changes to site status as a result of this alternative, so overall opportunity is unaffected and no long term effects are anticipated. Specific site names and proposed treatments within direct proximity of them are included in the project record. No activity is proposed within inventoried roadless or designated wilderness area boundaries. Proposed treatment activity shares adjacency with 3 miles of the Granite Mountain Wilderness Boundary. The closest inventoried roadless area, Blind Indian Creek, is approximately 5 miles from the project area boundary. At that distance, no effects to the unroaded characteristics for Blind Indian Creek or any other roadless area on the Forest are expected. Vegetation treatment is proposed in areas on the north end of the project area identified by the current GIS data as potential wilderness (Granite Mountain Wilderness Contiguous A 3,209 acres, and Granite Mountain Contiguous B 1,780 acres). Sounds of mechanical treatments may be perceived but such effects are expected to be short term in nature. The same effects to recreation area access can be anticipated for these areas as well. Roads Approximately 70% of Sensitivity Level 1 roads within the project area boundary are in direct proximity to various proposed treatment activities. However, the proposed treatment will have no direct effect on the amount of recreational driving opportunities present in the long term, but can have effects on the quality of experience for some forest visitors in the short term. Temporary road closures, re-routing, and smoke (during the broadcast burn periods) are the main types of short term effects that can be anticipated. The effects are also very site specific and should effect only a small percentage of road miles at a time as the project is implemented incrementally over the course of 10 years. Implementing the Travel Analysis Process recommendations has the potential to decrease overall road miles for use by the public. Thirty-seven miles of open system roads are to be either changed to decommissioned or closed status, converted to trail, or otherwise mitigated to reduce resource risk. Currently, 41% of these roads are already in an operational maintenance level 1 status (i.e., closed), 55% are in a operational level 2 status (i.e., suitable for high clearance vehicles), and 4% are in an operational level 3 status (suitable for passenger cars). The affected road segments provide no special access to recreation sites (to include dispersed camping) or other developed amenities and are characteristic of short spurs, short-cut / turn-around loops, or drives off of main roads with no discernable destination. Temporary roads proposed for use in this alternative do not currently exist and will not exist upon completion of treatment activity so road access is not affected in this regard (i.e., no access opportunities gained or lost). Non forest system roads employed for use as proposed under this alternative are currently closed to the public, so reclosing them upon completion of treatment does not affect access opportunity either. 15 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 19/27

20 Recreation and Visual Quality Report 0051 Specific routes, segments of miles affected, and proposed treatments within direct proximity are included in the project record. Trails Eighty-nine percent of non-motorized trails and 69% of motorized trails and within the project area boundary are within direct proximity to various proposed treatments. As with roads, proposed treatments will have no direct effect on the amount of recreational trail use opportunities currently available for both types in the long term. Locations will be unaffected as well, but effects on the quality of experience for some forest visitors can be anticipated in the short term. Temporary closures and smoke during the broadcast burn phases are the main types of effects anticipated but are considered short term in duration. The effects are also very site specific and should effect only a small percentage of trail miles at a time as the project is implemented incrementally over the course of 10 years. Mitigation measures to perform treatments in such areas are proposed as well to address this. No currently open forest system trails are proposed for closing nor are other changes to trail status as a result of this alternative so overall mile of opportunity are unaffected and no long term affects are anticipated. Commercial harvesting and mechanical thinning have the potential to obliterate sections of trail and damage signs, but mitigations for this are also proposed. Specific routes, segments of miles affected, and proposed treatments within direct proximity are included in the project record. Implementing the Travel Analysis Process recommendations has the potential to increase overall trail miles for use by the public. Approximately three miles of open system roads are to be converted to trails, to reduce resource risk. Measurement Indicator 2: ROS Consistency with the LRMP The following table represents key areas affected under this alternative by the specific recreation facility types along with the percentage of ROS setting they comprise. These are the areas and places from which the casual observer or user of the forest will be exposed to effects of the proposed action most. Table 6: ROS Classification by Recreation Type ROS Classification Roads Trails Developed Recreation Areas Undeveloped Recreation Areas Semi-Primitive Motorized 0% 12% 0% 16% Roaded Natural 70% 67% 39% 83% Rural 17% 16% 53% 0% Urban 1% 0% 0% 1% Unclassified 12% 4% 8% 0% Note: Unclassified refers to within project area, but not on FS land. 16 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 20/27

21 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project Effects associated with ROS pertain to how recreation settings will be affected once project implantation is completed not during the process. Since the results of the completed project will reflect a forest that better meets its natural historic condition and provide for better protections against sever wild fires, no changes to existing ROS classifications are anticipated. This assumes all project standard and guideline direction, project design features and mitigations are implemented. For the potential wilderness areas on the north end of the project area, the recreation ROS classification is Roaded Natural (as opposed to Primitive for actual Wilderness). The completed treatments of the proposed action will result in a physical and visual setting that meets or exceed the Roaded Natural classification. Direct and Indirect Effects to Visual Resources This alternative proposes employing a combination of treatment methods over the course of 10 years to meet the desired condition. Exactly when, where, and to what extent an area will be affected is speculative at this point. However, generalizations of how the visual resource is affected can be made based on the visual result from past and current projects of similar design and purpose within the project area. Measurement Indicator 1: VQO Consistency with the LRMP The following table represents key areas affected under this alternative by the specific recreation facility types along with the percentage of VQO setting they comprise. These are the areas and places from which the casual observer or user of the forest will be exposed to effects of the proposed action most. Table 7: VQO Classification by Recreation Type. VQO Classification Roads Trails Developed Recreation Areas Undeveloped Recreation Areas Retention 38% 33% 70% 20% Partial Retention 28% 32% 16% 46% Modification 20% 28% 6% 34% Maximum Modification 2% 2% 0% 0% Unclassified 12% 5% 8% 0% Note: Unclassified refers to within project area, but not on FS land. The desired visual condition of the forest under this alternative is one that appears and functions as essentially, a fire adapted ecosystem. The Chaparral and Pine forested management areas where treatments are proposed will not resemble large, unnatural, clear cut type openings. By retaining percent of the vegetative cover, unnaturally thick and dense landscapes will appear more open and park like. This will improve visibility and provide a mosaic of vegetation types and age classes. By treating the slash created through broadcast burning, the regeneration of fire dependent species will be encouraged and more grassland vegetation will occur that provides visually pleasing contrast to surrounding features and landforms. The overall result of the proposed treatments will be an improved visual quality with attributes of a forest resembling one closer to its natural historical fire regime. 17 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 21/27

22 Recreation and Visual Quality Report 0051 The majority of what can be perceived as negative effects to the visual resource occurs during the project implementation phase. While the treatments are being carried out, seeing control lines, treatment edges, unnatural changes from surrounding vegetation, ground disturbance, and untreated slash is expected in the foreground distance zone. Scenes of treatment during this initial project implementation phase do not represent a completed treatment though; effects to scenic quality are based on completed treatments. This initial treatment appearance is short term in duration however and the details of treatment activity are largely unnoticeable in the middle and background distance zones except for the created openings. The views from longer distances will more closely resemble what the completed treatment will appear as. Figure 3. Examples of how treatment areas in Chaparral cover types typically appear in the foreground distance zone during the project implementation phase. Evidence of activity is immediately noticeable. Figure 4. Examples of how treatment areas appear in Ponderosa Pine cover types in the foreground distance zone during the project implementation phase. Such visual evidence does not represent completed treatment. 18 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 22/27

23 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project Figure 5. Example of how treatment typically appears in the middleground distance zone during the project implementation phase. Evidence of activity is hardly noticeable except for the created openings. This scene closely resembles completed treatment. As soon as all stages of treatment are complete to include implementation of mitigation measures, visual signs of activity (i.e., cut stumps, track or tire marks on the ground, unnaturally bare soils) may still be evident in the short term but is anticipated to remain subordinate to the characteristic landscape. Evidence of burning on tress and various ground features may be prevalent, but such sights are naturally occurring in forests where wild fire regimes are common. This short term, immediate visual condition is expected to meet the VQO description of partial retention. In the long term though (beyond one year following completion) when the effects of the treatments reach their fruition, and green up is underway, the majority of evidence left behind by management activities is not anticipated to be evident to the casual forest visitor and reaching the VQO of retention is the anticipated result. Figure 6. Example of how treatment typically appears in the foreground distance zone upon treatment completion. Management activity is often communicated to the public through interpretation materials and features. The only treatment that posed a risk to not allowing certain Retention VQO setting from meeting their stated objective involves fuelbreaks. For all intents and purposes, fuelbreaks resemble the other thinning treatments upon initial completion that is, a VQO that more closely resembles Partial Retention. Fuelbreaks will continue this appearance in the longer term because the are subject to regular maintenance to keep vegetation density and fuel quantities under control so the fuelbreak functions proper. Analysis revealed a potential conflict associated with fuelbreaks located in a Retention VQO setting in three specific locations: Where fuel breaks intersected with 19 Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project 23/27