Wild and Scenic River Management Plan

Transcription

1 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Wallowa-Whitman National Forest June 1993 Wild and Scenic River Management Plan

2 MANAGEMENT PLAN LOSTINE WILD AND SCENIC RIVER Wallowa-Whitman National Forest U.S.D.A. Forest Service Wallowa County, Oregon

3 MANAGEMENT PLAN Lostine Wild and Scenic River Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION.... PAGE 1 A. 8. c. D. Introduction.... Relationship With Other Plans.... Outstandingly Remarkable Values.... How To Use This Plan II. STANDARD AND GUIDELINES... 4 A. Introduction Direction... 5 Conflict Resolution Watershed... 5 Wildlife (OR Value}... 6 Timber Management... 6 Range... 7 Landownership Minerals... 7 Insects and Diseases Fire... 7 Transportation Recreation (OR Value}... a Landscape Management (OR Value}... 9 Fisheries (OR Value}... 1 O Cultural Resources Vegetation (OR Value} Wild and Scenic River Monitoring Adjacency Management Processes Concerning Private Lands Ill. IMPLEMENTATION... ; A. Management Actions Monitoring IV. APPENDIX A. Glossary of Acronyms and Terms 8. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act C. Resource Assessment D. Free-flow Analysis Format E. Boundary Corridor Maps and Legal Description

4 I. INTRODUCTION A. Introduction The Oregon Omnibus Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1988 placed the Lostine River into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system to be managed according to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of This law required the Forest Service to develop a management plan within three years of designation. This River Management Plan is accompanied by an Environmental Assessment. The Environmental Assessment gives the public information about the planning process used and documents the environmental analysis completed by the river planning team. The alternative chosen by the Forest Supervisor from the Environmental Assessment is the basis for the River Management Plan. The Forest Supervisor's decision is in the Decision Notice, which accompanies the Environmental Assessment. The Lostine River Management Plan will be incorporated into the Forest Plan through an amendment to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). Any changes to this river plan will be through the Forest planning process or through environmental analyses and amendments to the Forest Plan. Many terms used in the Act can be confusing. The terms Wild, Scenic and Recreational apply to river sections. These terms do not define the river. For example the Recreational section does not mean that it is for recreation. Congress has used these terms to define the amount of development along the river. The following are the development levels associated with each term (Sec. 2(b) of the Act): Wild river - Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds and shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America. Scenic river - Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads. Recreational river - Those rivers or sections of rivers that are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past. B. Relationship With Other Plans Within the river corridor, there is one other special management area with its own specific management objectives. This is the Eagle Cap Wilderness. In most cases, the management of these different designations are compatible. The goal is to manage for the intent of each area while protecting the other. However, there are times that this may not be possible. In this case, according to Section 10(b) and (c) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the more restrictive provision shall apply. This has been incorporated into the management plan. If conflicts arise between the other management plans and this plan, the more restrictive shall apply. Within the river corridor, there are threatened and endangered plants and animals. These species fall under the Endangered Species Act. The intent is to manage according to both Acts, with 1

5 neither one taking priority over the other. If conflicts arise that cannot be resolved, then they should be resolved by the more restrictive provisions or more restrictive management plan, if possible. If the conflict is resolved in favor of the Endangered Species Act because of the wording of that Act, then the activity should be modified to best meet the needs of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Private property is contained in this river corridor. The Forest Service has no regulatory authority over private lands. Private property rights need to be address in any planned activity. C. Outstandingly Remarkable Values The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act requires that a river be free flowing and possess one or more outstandingly remarkable values. When the Lostine River was designated Wild and Scenic in 1988, the Congressional Records indicated that recreation, scenic, fisheries, and wildlife values qualified as outstandingly remarkable. Through the resource assessment process (a site-specific assessment of the resource values of the river and part of the Pacific Northwest Region river planning process), one additional outstandingly remarkable (OR) value was identified. This additional OR value is vegetation/botanic. All of the OR values are identified in detail in the Resource Assessment, completed in January of 1992 (Appendix C). The following is a summary of the outstandingly remarkable values: Scenic - Dominated by a diverse landscape creating high quality natural scenery. Manmade developments have a primitive, historic, or rustic setting. Recreation - Provides a combination of recreational activities including hunting, fishing, sightseeing, horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, and camping. Dispersed camping as well as developed camping are the dominant use along the river. Other recreation activities include picnicking, mushroom picking, photography, skiing, and other uses. Some recreational activities, although they may exist in the river corridor, were not determined to be part of the OR value. These include boating, rafting, recreational gold dredging, and recreational experiences associated with modern camping facilities. A small portion of the river is on private property including the bed and banks. In most cases, the recreational opportunities on private land are limited to sightseeing and photography from the Forest Road. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act does not change private land rights. Fisheries - Includes the population and habitat of the threatened spring and fall Snake River chinook salmon, sensitive steelhead, and bull trout. Wiidiife - Comprises the wildlife population and habitat in the Lostine River corridor which includes Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. It also includes a variety of other species such as, but not limited to, mule deer, elk, and black bear. Proposed, endangered, threatened, and sensitive (PETS) species of animals within the corridor are an important part of the OR value. These include, but are not limited to, peregrine falcon and bald eagle. Vegetation/Botanic Includes numerous proposed, endangered, threatened, and sensitive (PETS) species of plants. These include, but are not limited to, eleven species of moon wart and the northern twayblade. 2

6 D. How To Use This Plan This plan is divided into three sections: Standards and Guidelines, Implementation, and Appendix. The chapter on standards and guidelines addresses the management practices that will be used on Federal lands. It also includes actions that will or will not be taken by the Forest Service in the management of the river corridor. The chapter on implementation describes specific action that the Forest Service will take as a result of this management plan, describes the monitoring process, and describes th budget process. The Appendix contains the Glossary of Term and Acronyms, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Resource Assessment, Free-Flow Analysis Format, and Boundary Maps. This information is provided to help in the management of the river corridor. 3

7 II. STANDARD AND GUIDELINES A. Introduction Because this area is managed to meet the intent of two Congressional Acts as well as other Forest Plan direction, the standards and guidelines developed for the river corridor must be considered in conjunction with the standards and guidelines of other Management Areas (MA) involved. These standards and guidelines should be consulted before going to the general Forest Plan standards and guidelines. The following is a guide to other Management Areas (MA} that should be consulted before implementing any projects. Wild Section Inside Wilderness See also MA 4 (Wilderness) Recreation Section See also MA 4 See also MA 6 See also MA 16 (Wilderness) (Back country) (Admin. Sites) In case of conflict between the standards and guidelines of these Management Areas or conflicts between the provisions of the Congressional Acts (Wilderness Act or Wild and Scenic Rivers Act), the more restrictive standard and guideline or provision shall apply. Because there are threatened and endangered species within the river corridor, the Endangered Species Act is also applicable. This Act is to be coordinated with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to achieve the objectives of both Acts. In any case, any activity that must take place under the Endangered Species Act should be modified, if needed, to best meet the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The following are the standards and guidelines for the management of the Lostine Wild and Scenic River. These apply to Federal lands or identify actions that need to take place off of Federal lands to facilitate the management of the river corridor. The intent or objectives of these standards and guidelines apply to private land. Those more specific to private lands are under the heading "Private Lands. The Desired Future Conditions are applicable for the river corridor. These standards and guidelines follow the same order as shown in Chapter 4 of the Forest Plan. For each resource that is also an outstandingly remarkable value, a description of the desired future condition (DFC) is given. The following river segments were designated by the Omnibus Oregon Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1988 and are managed under this management area: 1. Lostine River: Approximately 16 river miles. Segment 1 Segment 2 From its headwaters in the Eagle Cap Wilderness at Minam Lake to the Eagle Cap Wilderness boundary. Approximately 5.0 miles. Designation - Wild From the Eagle Cap Wilderness boundary to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest boundary at approximately Silver Creek. Approximately 11.0 miles. Designation - Recreational 4

8 Desired Future Condition - Each component of the Wild and Scenic River system will be administered to protect and enhance the values for which the rivers were classified and to provide public use and enjoyment of those values. Emphasis will be given to protecting the outstandingly remarkable values for which the river was designated. Fisheries, wildlife, aesthetic, scenic, historic, archeologic, scientific and other features will be protected. B. Direction WILD RIVERS Wild rivers or sections of rivers will be free of impoundments and continue to be accessible by trail and/or water, and inaccessible by road. The viewing area and shorelines will be essentially natural appearing. Signs of human activity, including structures or evidence of resource use, will be kept to a minimum or will be inconspicuous. Sectors within the Wilderness will be managed as wilderness. The opportunity to interact with a natural environment, with challenges and minimal sights and sounds of other people will be available. There will generally be no use of motorized vehicles. Where a need to regulate use exists, indirect methods will predominate. Outfitters will provide services to people to help then enjoy and interpret the environment. RECREATIONAL RIVERS The recreational sections will be free of impoundments and be readily accessible from roads. Some major public use facilities such as developed campgrounds~' administrative buildings, bridges, or private residences will remain within the corridor. Although developments, timber harvest, and other activities may occur and be evident near the river, management shall protect and enhance outstandingly remarkable values, free flow and other river-related values. A range of recreational opportunities will be available in settings in which interactions are relatively high and visitors are likely to share their recreational experience with other individuals or groups. The west side of the Recreational river segment will remain as described in the Wild River segment listed above. This side of river in also in the Eagle Cap Wilder.ness. Goal - MANAGE CLASSIFIED WILD AND SCENIC RIVER SEGMENTS TO APPROPRIATE STAND ARDS AS WILD, SCENIC, OR RECREATIONAL RIVER AREAS, AS DEFINED BY THE WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ACT, PUBLIC LAW , OCTOBER 2, 1968 (U.S. LAWS, STATUTES, ETC. 1968), AND EXPANDED BY THE OMNIBUS OREGON WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ACT OF 1988 (PUBLIC LAWS ). 1. Conflict Resolution. If conflicts arise between OR values which cannot be resolved within the direction of the Act or management plan, then they shall be resolved according to the following priorities: 1) Fisheries, 2) Vegetation/Botanic 3) Wildlife, 4) Scenic, and 5) Recreation. 2. Watershed. Construction of new water impoundments, diversions, straightening, riprapping, and other modifications of the Lostine River will generally not be allowed. Under Section 7(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the agency must determine whether the proposed water resources project has a "direct and adverse effect on the values for which such river was established. Followlng the Regional guidellnes, a Section 7(a) analysis wlll be completed for any prolect affecting the flow, bed, or banka of the river. The outcome of the analysis should clearly demonstrate a compelling need for the project and consistency with achieving the DFC's, if it is to continue. 5

9 Examples of projects that would likely be subject to Section 7(a) analysis include, but are not limited to: 1. Log removal for recreation user safety; 2. Fisheries habitat and watershed enhancement projects; 3. Bridge and other roadway construction/reconstruction projects; 4. Bank stabilization projects; 5. Recreation facilities such as boat ramps, fishing piers, etc.; 6. Activities that require a 404 permit from the Corps of Engineers. 3. For any proposed activity affecting free flow in which there will be another Federal agency assisting by loan, grant, license, or otherwise..., the responsible official will be the Regional Forester (reference e). 4. The water quality of the Lostine River is above State standards. The standard for which water quality will be measured is the water quality at the time of the Act (1988) or best estimate. See "Management Activities in Chapter IV for additional information. 5. No human-caused action may be undertaken which will result in a reduction of existing water quality or in not meeting State of Oregon water quality standards. Toilet facilities shall be provided where people are concentrated. Where toilets are not provided, the cat hole" or other appropriate methods for all human waste disposal will be encouraged at least 200 feet from the river. In any case, human body waste shall not be deposited within the high water lines of the river. 6. Wiidiife. (Outstandingly Remarkable Value) Desired Future Condition - The desired future condition for this resource will consist of quality wildlife habitat within the river corridor, and specifically the riparian areas. Over time, quality habitat will be maintained or increased for all wildlife species with no reduction in PETS wildlife species habitat or population. 7. Utilize current direction for maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat and populations. Current direction for habitat management is defined in the Forest Plan and FSM Conflicts between these documents will be resolved by deferring to the most restrictive unless stated otherwise. 8. Manage existing and proposed populations of wild bighorn sheep within the river corridor according to the Forest Plan. 9. Manage both dead and down material and snags at the 100 percent level. 1 O. Utilize fire as a tool to manage wildlife habitat. 11. Timber Management. Within the Wild section of the river, there will l::>e no timber harvest. The entire Wild section of the river is within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. 12. Within the Recreational section of the river, timber will be harvested to protect and enhance OR values, for public safety, and for emergency conditions such as insect infestations, disease control, fire and other natural catastrophe. This will be a non-scheduled timber harvest activity. 6

10 In any case, harvest shall be accomplished in a manner that best protects and enhances OR values. No timber harvest will be allowed in that portion of the Recreational section that overlaps the Eagle Cap Wilderness. 13. Range. Eliminate the existing vacant grazing allotment within the river corridor. 14. Utilize the Wallowa-Whitman's Integrated Noxious Weed Management Plan to control and prevent the spread of noxious weeds. 15. Landownership. Retain Federal ownership except under rare circumstance where the overall benefit to resources would be better served. 16. Consider acquisition of easements upon, or fee title to, those lands critical to maintaining the characteristics of the river segments. Fee title can only be acquired from a willing seller. 17. Nothing in this management plan will preclude the Forest Service from actively pursuing easements when an OR value is about to or is being threatened or damaged. 18. Consider acquisition of easements upon those lands where private land practices threaten the river's free flow, water quality, or OR values. 19. Minerals. The Lostine Wild and Scenic River corridor is withdrawn from mineral entry. There are no existing valid claims within the river corridor. 20. Prohibit the use of a suction dredge with a 4 inch or less hose (recreational dredging) or slues boxes within the river corridor until a salmon recovery plan is completed. At that time, this activity may be evaluated against the recovery plan to determine its suitability. Mitigation may be used, including time or area restrictions, if necessary. 21. Insects and Diseases. Control forest pests in a manner compatible with the intent of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the Wilderness Act while protecting and enhancing the outstandingly remarkable values. 22. Fire. In order to preserve water quality, fire retardant and heavy equipment will not normally be used in the proximity of the Wild river. Fire suppression activities along Wild and Scenic river segments shall protect the primitive nature of the area when possible. 23. Prescribed fire from planned and unplanned ignitions may be used, consistent with the management direction for adjacent management areas. This includes the Eagle Cap Wilderness Fire Plan. 24. Fire suppression will follow the Eagle Cap Wilderness Fire Plan within the Wilderness portion of the river corridor. Outside of the Wilderness, all fires will be suppressed. 25. Complete a fire hazard analysis for the Recreational river segment by January 30, Implement those rcommendations that are in line with the management plan and protect and enhance OR values. 26. Consider a specific fire closure order for the river corridor or sections of the river corridor during the peak fire season. 27. Implement an educational program which may include posters, bulletin boards, prevention personnel, or other effective means to inform the public. 7

11 28. Use cooperative agreements with private landowners for fire prevention, detection, and suppression coordination. Encourage private landowners to reduce fuel hazards on private lands. 29. Transportation. Develop and maintain the transportation system consistent with Wild and Recreational river objectives. Roads crossing or readily visible from Wild river segments will not be constructed. Road construction and maintenance within the Recreational section will recognize the OR values, water quality, and free-flow associated with the river. Current direction for transportation management is defined in the Forest Plan, the Road Management Objectives, and FSM Conflicts between any of these documents will be resolved by deferring to the most restrictive unless stated otherwise. Forest Road 821 o will be maintained at level Forest Road 821 o and roads to recreation facilities and approved dispersed sites campsites are the only roads to be open to the public, unless approved through a NEPA document. All other roads shall be used under the terms of a permit. 31. Those roads not listed above will be appropriately blocked or rehabilitated to a productive soil. In some cases, creative means may be needed to block or hide the road from view so it will have time to revegetate. 32. Issue an Area Closure Order for the Recreational river section to prohibit the use of motorized vehicles off of open roads. This will not apply to snowmobiles during winter use. 33. Recreation. (Outstandingly Remarkable Value) Desired Future Condition: The Wild section of the river is a Primitive Wilderness Recreation Spectrum (WAS) setting. The Recreational section is a Roaded Natural Recreactional Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) setting on the east side of the river and Primitive WAS setting on the west side of the river. Recreation facilities will be rustic in nature and will be managed towards the less developed end of Roaded Natural. Recreation capacities will not increase much over current levels. Emphasis will be on improving the quality of the present recreation facilities rather than on expanding facilities to accommodate an increase in recreational use. Because of the proximity of the Recreational section of the river to the Wilderness, additional increases in recreation users within the corridor would have negative impacts on the wilderness values. The Region has developed an ROS guide for river management. This guide should be used in conjunction with the Forest Service ROS direction. 34. Maintain the existing Recreational Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) for the river corridor. This is Primitive (WAS Scale FSM 2322) for the Wild section of the river and Primitive (WAS Scale FSM 2322) and Roaded Natural for the Recreational section of the river. The existing condition management direction will be defined by the Forest Plan (MA-7) and FSM 2300, including FSM If conflicts arise between the different documents that cannot be resolved, the more restrictive guidelines will apply unless stated otherwise. The current recreation opportunities provided in the corridor will be maintained with the following changes. 35. Eliminate dispersed camping between Forest Road 821 o and the Lostine River, other than those approved and designated as overnight campsites. Approved sites would be designat- 8

12 ed, on the ground, as open for camping. Approved overnight campsites would be those not adversely impacting fish habitat, PETS plants, riparian areas, or other OR values. A campsites may be approved by mitigating the impacts to fish habitat, water quality or other OR values. Any campsite that cannot mitigate adverse impacts to OR values, will be closed. Overnight camping east of Forest Road 821 o would be allowed in approved, designated sites. To implement, a CFR closure order would be issued to restrict camping to approved sites. This direction would be monitored to determine if it meets the objective of reducing impacts to OR values, ability to administer, and other impacts. If adequate protection in not achieved, then other sytems to control use may be considered such a permit system. 36. Develop additional campsites within or adjacent to Williamson and Shady Campgrounds. Develop French Camp and Pole Bridge to provide better information and better facilities. Dispersed camps that receive heavy use may be developed to provide better resource protection. Develop a picnic shelter at French Camp with the intention of utilizing the existing structure. Improve Two Pan Trailhead to better accommodate use and protect resources. Improver and redesign Bowman Trailhead, with emphasis on locating most of the facilities on the east side of the Road 821 O, to better accommodate use and protect resource. Overnight camping in developed sites would be allowed only in approved, designated campsites. 37. Develop recreational stock facilities at Shady Campground and at all trailheads. Develop administrative stock facilities at Lostine Guard Station and Bowman Trailhead. 38. Permit recreational livestock grazing in Forest Service designated areas only. In the Recreational section of the river, no designated areas will be within 100 feet of riparian areas. Encourage the use of pellets and grain within the river corridor. 39. To effectively implement the recreation direction and to protect and enhance OR values will require an increased level of administration. This level of administration will be appropriate for implementation of this plan. The Forest Service would enter into an agreement with the local law enforcement office to provide occasional patrols through the area or would provide for occasional Forest Service law enforcement patrols through the area (This agreement applies to the Recreational river segment only). 40. Prohibit motorized vehicles use off open roads (except snowmobiles) within the river corridor. 41. Develop an interpretive/educational program including training for Forest Service personnel, the development of brochures, and establishment of additional signing. Develop interpretive sites at French Camp and Lapover. 42. Utilize commercial operations that do not require on-site facilities except those primitive improvements associated with existing packing operations. 43. Develop an educational program to inform the public of the proper use of firearms within the river corridor. This may include the use of bulletin boards, posters, working with the local law enforcement agencies, and a Forest Service presence in the area. 9

13 44. Emphasize the existing Federal regulations concerning firearms. They prohibit "discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property (1) in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area, or (2) across or on a Forest Development road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge. State laws will also be applicable in providing for safety in the area. 45. Landscape Management. (Scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value) Desired Future Condition: There are two Visual Quality Objectives (VQO) within the river corridor. The Wild section is Preservation and the Recreational sections is Retention. Where the Eagle Cap Wilderness overlaps the Recreational section of the river the VQO is Preservation. The desired future condition will be a natural appearing landscape with a minimum amount of non-conforming visual impacts. As riparian vegetation and vegetative screening of altered areas increase, the scenic condition of the corridor should improve. New developments will be designed to blend with the natural character of the landscape and will conform to the rustic nature of the area. The Wild section should remain unchanged, with native and natural vegetation. 46. Maintain the existing visual quality objective of Retention and Preservation within the Recreational sections of the river. 47. Maintain the existing visual quality objective of Preservation in the Wild section of the river. 48. Visual management will be according to the Forest Plan, National Forest Landscape Management Handbook Vol. 2 Chapter 1, The Visual Management System USDA #462, The Timber Chapter USDA Handbook 559 and Forest Service Manual 2354 (FSM 2354). Conflicts between any of these documents will be resolved by deferring to the most restrictive unless stated otherwise. 49. Adopt the "Lostine River Viewshed Corridor Plan by Walker and Macy, April 1992, as additional guidelines for managing the visual resource within the river corridor. 50. Locate utility corridors so that they will not be visible from river segments. 51. Fisheries. (Outstandingly Remarkable Value) Desired Future Condition: Stable streambanks, excellent water quality, habitat complexity, natural levels of woody debris delivery, and increased woody debris amounts will be present around campgrounds. The population of anadromous fish, bull trout, and other native fish will be at or near the carrying capacity of the habitat potential. Many constituents of the desired future condition are present in the Lostine River today. Maintaining these conditions will be the major task required to achieve the desired future condition and to allow the river to continue as the valuable resource it currently is. 52. Utilize current direction for maintaining and improving water quality (the water quality at the time of river designation or closest estimate) as it relates to fish habitat, including but not limited to sediment, stream temperature, shading, and large woody debris. 10

14 53. Current direction for habitat management is defined in the Forest Plan and FSM Conflicts between these documents will be resolved by deferring to the most restrictive unless stated otherwise. 54. Close all campsites within 75 feet of the Lostine River. Existing campsites may be allowed within this area if it is determined to have no effect on fisheries habitat or water quality. This includes campsites in campgrounds, other developed sites, or dispersed sites. Campsites may be altered, move, or redesigned to meet this direction. 55. Dispersed campsites between Forest Road 821 O and the Lostine River which adversely impact fish habitat or riparian areas will be eliminated or developed to mitigate the impact. No dispersed camping within 75 feet of any Class I, II, or Ill streams, or wetlands which adversely impact water quality or riparian areas will be allowed. 56. Recommend to the State that it reduce the fish stocking or pursue a native fish stocking program only. 57. Gather baseline information through monitoring. This baseline information should include such items as water temperature, sediments, and other water quality factors that affect fish habitat. This will quantify the water quality and fish habitat at the time of the Act or best estimate. Utilize the Lostine Stream Survey, Soil Conservation Service data, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife data, or other sources to achieve this objective. Activities will be measured against this baseline to determine if water quality and the fisheries OR value are being protected. 58. Use an educational strategy (particularly at the campgrounds) to protect the salmon and steelhead spawning beds during the spawning season. 59. Implement restoration projects where camping or other management activities have impacted the riparian areas. 60. Develop an educational letter, pamphlets, or other material to educate the public on the importance of protecting riparian vegetation. 61. Provide toilet facilities where people are concentrated. 62. Create a fish management zone of 200 feet from Class I and II stream, 1 oo feet from Class Ill streams and other wetlands, and 50 feet from Class VI streams. Within this management zone, all ground disturbing activities will be analyzed and designed to have no adverse impact on fish habitat, including riparian areas. In most cases, no activity will be able to take place that has an adverse impact on fish habitat. This will not apply to the existing situation; however, any redesigning, reconstructing, or modifying of existing conditions will utilize this standard. 63. Cultural Resources. Forest wide standards and guidelines will apply. 64. Vegetation. (Vegetation/Botanic Outstandingly Remarkable Value) Desired Future Condition: The desired future condition of the botanical resource will emphasize the maintenance and enhancement of the numerous plant species and communities which are found in the river corridor. All species which currently exist will continue to thrive and the occurrence of non-native plants which compete with and displace native

15 species will be reduced or eliminated. Special attention will be placed on those plant species or communities considered to be endangered, threatened, sensitive or otherwise unique. In some instances, management activities which are not compatible with these goals may be modified or curtailed. 65. See Forest Wide Standards and Guidelines for Diversity and Threatened and Endangered species. 66. Utilize current direction for maintaining and improving vegetation and forest health within and adjacent to the river corridor. 67. Utilize current vegetation/botanical and PETS direction for managing the vegetation and PETS species within the river corridor. 68. Current direction for habitat management is defined in the Forest Plan and FSM The "Blue Mountain Forest Health Report and "Restoring Ecosystems in the Blue Mountains will also be used to guide managers in dealing with forest health concerns. Conflicts between any of these documents will be resolved by deferring to the most restrictive unless stated otherwise. 69. Utilize a full range of silvicultural techniques for improving forest health with an emphasis towards uneven-age management. Utilize thinning from below, underburns, and other methods to improve forest health that do not rely on the use of heavy equipment on site. Emphasis shall be on long-term forest health rather than short-term. 70. Fuelwood cutting (excluding onsite campfire use) would be limited to achieving OR value objective or safety. Fuelwood cutting for onsite camping use will be monitored to determine impacts to OR values. Based on the monitoring results, management actions may be required to protect OR values. 71. Implement an educational/interpretive program that may include signing, bulletin boards, or other effective means to inform the public of PETS species. 72. Restrict use and access in critical PETS species habitat areas. Require permits for those interested in studying PETS species in critical habitat areas. This permit is to allow the Forest Service to monitor this type of use. Monitor existing campgrounds and dispersed campsites to determine impacts to PETS plants. Mitigate adverse impacts found during monitoring. 73. Rehabilitate sites with native species. 74. Recognize, promote, and enhance the qualities which will preserve the ecological corridor. 75. Encourage fire as a tool to manage vegetation, improve forest health, and reduce fire hazards. 76. Wiid and Scenic River - Management direction for the river corridors will provide protection in the following ways: 12

16 77. Outstandingly remarkable values of the river must be protected and enhanced. 78. Management and development of the river and its corridor cannot be modified to the degree that classification would be affected (i.e., classification cannot be changed from Wild to Scenic or Scenic to Recreational). 79. Because this is a Congressionally designated area, an environmental assessment will normally be the minimum NEPA documentation for any ground or vegetative disturbing activities. 80. Monitoring - Incorporate into the Forest's monitoring plan, the implementation of the Wild and Scenic River Management Plan. 81. Adjacency - For Federal land management, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Sec. 12(a) addresses adjacency. The Eagle Cap Ranger District must address impact to the river corridor during project planning if the project is adjacent to the river corridor. The management of the river corridor must also consider one other area with adjacency concerns. This is at or in the vicinity of Two Pan, between the Recreational River section and Wild river section. Example include, but are not limited to, the viewshed outside the river.corridor when considering the Scenic OR value or the tributaries when considering water quality or Fisheries OR values. 82. Management Processes Concerning Private Lands - Essential to river management is the Forest Service's understanding that it does not have regulatory authority over private lands. The Act clearly states that the Forest Service is to assist, advise, and cooperate with landowners to plan, protect, and manage river resources (Sec. 11 (b)(1) of the Act). Forest Service policy, in accordance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, established a process for managing the private lands within the river corridor. This process includes: a. Cooperatively working with landowners to meet the objectives of the Wild and Scenic River as well as to meet the objectives of the landowner. b. Work towards agreed upon solution acceptable to both parties (See Sec. 11 of the Act). c. Identifying opportunities and incentives that landowners may employ which would protect and enhance the OR values. d. Working through Federal, State, and county laws, regulations, or zoning to protect OR values. e. Discuss the alternative of buying/selling an easement to protect the OR values. f. Only as a last resort will the Forest Service identifying the need to condemn in order to acquire an easement to protect the OR values. 83. Private land guides were not developed for private lands. The Lapover Covenants were reviewed and found adequate for river protection. The overall objectives and DFC for the river apply to river corridor as a whole. 13

17 Ill. IMPLEMENTATION A. Management Actions The following are management actions identified during the environmental analysis. 1. District Responsibilities a. The District, in conjunction with other agencies, will oversee the management of the river, implementation of the management plan, and coordination with the private landowners. b. The District, in conjunction with other agencies, will be responsible for maintaining the monitoring file for the visual resource, identifying non-conforming impacts, and developing rehabilitation plans for each site. c. The District, in conjunction with other agencies, will be responsible for maintaining the monitoring file for the fisheries resource, identifying impacts, and developing rehabilitation plans for each site. d. The District, in conjunction with other agencies, will be responsible for maintaining the monitoring file for the wildlife resource, identifying impacts, and developing rehabilitation plans for each site. e. The District, in conjunction with other agencies, will be responsible for maintaining the monitoring file for the botanical resource, identifying impacts, and developing rehabilitation plans for each site. f. Responsibility: District Ranger. Time: The day of the published Decision Notice for all above items. 2. Recreation Projects a. Eliminate dispersed camping between Forest Road 821 a and the Lostine River, other than those approved and designated as overnight campsites. Approved sites would be designated, on the ground, as open for camping. Approved overnight campsites would be those not adversely impacting fish habitat, PETS plants, riparian areas, or other OR values. A campsites may be approved by mitigating the impacts to fish habitat, water quality or other OR values. Any campsite that cannot mitigate adverse impacts to OR values, will be closed. Overnight camping east of Forest Road 821 O would be allowed in approved, designated sites. To implement, a CFR closure order would be issued to restrict camping to approved sites. This direction would be monitored to determine if it meets the objective of reducing impacts to OR values, ability to administer, and other impacts. If adequate protection in not achieved, then other sytems to control use may be considered such a permit system. 14

18 Overnight camping in developed sites would be allowed only in approved, designated campsites. b. Close all campsites within 75 feet of the Lostine River. This include campsite in campgrounds, other developed sites, or dispersed sites. Campsites may be altered, move, or redesigned to meet this direction. c. Develop additional campsites within or adjacent to Williamson and Shady Campgrounds. d. Develop French Camp and Pole Bridge to provide better information and better facilities. e. Develop a picnic shelter at French Camp with the intention of utilizing the existing structure. f. Improve Two Pan Trailhead to better accommodate use and protect resources. g. Improver and redesign Bowman Trailhead, with emphasis on location most most of the facilities on the east side of the Road 8210, to better accommodate use and protect resource. h. Develop recreational stock facilities at Shady Campground and at all trailheads. Develop administrative stock facilities at Lostine Guard Station and Bowman Trailhead. i. Identify recreational livestock grazing designated areas. In the Recreational section of the river, no designated areas will be within 100 feet of riparian areas. Encourage the use of pellets and grain within the river corridor. j. Develop an interpretive/educational program including training for Forest Service personnel, the development of brochures, and establishment of additional signing. Develop interpretive sites at French Camp and Lapover. k. Develop an educational program to inform the public of the proper use of firearms within the river corridor. This may include the use of bulletin boards, posters, working with the local law enforcement agencies, and a Forest Service presence in the area. Emphasize the existing Federal regulations concerning firearms. They prohibit "discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property (1) in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area, or (2) across or on a Forest Development road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge. State laws will also be applicable in providing for safety in the area. 3. Fisheries Projects a. The "Lostine Stream Survey Report identified the Lostine River as in good to excellent condition. Because of this, the Interdisciplinary Team (ID) Team determined that the best action is to let the natural processes work. However, the report listed several management recommendations. These recommendations would improve fish habitat at specific location. Any of the recommendations that are consistent with the river management plan may be implemented after further analysis. 15

19 b. Coordinate with Oregon State Department of Fish and Wildlife to pursue a native fish stocking program. c. Gather baseline information through monitoring. This baseline information should include such items as water temperature, sediments, and other water quality factors that affect fish habitat. This will quantify the water quality and fish habitat at the time of the Act or best estimate. Utilize the Lostine Stream Survey, Soil Conservation Service data, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife data, or other sources to achieve this objective. Activities will be measured against this baseline to determine if water quality and the fisheries OR value are being protected. d. Use an educational strategy (particularly at the campgrounds) to protect the salmon and steelhead spawning beds during the spawning season. e.. Implement restoration projects where camping or other management activities have impacted the riparian areas. f. Develop an educational letter, pamphlets, or other material to educate the public on the importance of protecting riparian vegetation. 4. Fire Management Projects a. Complete a fire hazard analysis for the Recreational river segment by January 30, b. Use cooperative agreement with private landowners for fire detection, prevention, and detection coordination. c. Implement an educational program which may include posters, bulletin boards, prevention personnel, or other effective means. 5. Vegetation/Botanic Projects a. Implement an educational/interpretive program that may include signing, bulletin boards, or other effective means to inform the public of PETS species. b. Improve PETS species habitat within one mile of the Lostine Guard Station. Restrict access to critical habitat areas within this one mile area. c. Restrict use and access in critical PETS species habitat areas. Require permits for those interested in studing PETS species. 6. Minerals a. Issue a CFR closure to the use of suction dredging with suction hoses tour inches or less and sluice boxes (Recreational mining). 16

20 7. Transportion B. Monitoring a. Issue a CFR for the recreational river corridor prohibiting the use of any off-road motorized vehicles other than on Forest Road 821 o, roads to campgrounds, or approved dispersed campsites. b. Rehabilitate those roads not open to the public. 1. Forest Level Monitoring of this plan will be incorporated into the Forest's monitoring process. The standard and guides will be incorporated into the Forest monitoring checklist. 2. District Level The District, in conjunction with other agencies, will be responsible for evaluating each project within the river corridor or adjacent to the river corridor for compliance with the standards and guidelines. The District is also responsible for an annual report concerning the Wild and Scenic River, as directed by the Forest monitoring plan. This report will include a discussion on the condition and changes, if any, for each of the OR values. The following are threshold limits for each OR value: a. Scenic: No additional adverse impacts. All activities meet Retention and Preservation vao. b. Recreation: An even mix of dispersed and developed camping is available. Each of the ROS classes identified in the management plan for the river sections are maintained. c. Wildlife: No reduction of PETS species habitat or populations. No reduction of big game species habitat related to management activities. d. Fisheries: No reduction of fish habitat or no reduction in PETS fish species related to management activities. e. Vegetation/Botanical: No reduction of PETS species habitat or populations. The diversity of ecosystems is maintained throughout the river corridor. f. Historic/Prehistoric: No damage to cultural sites. 3. Water Quality Monitoring Monitoring water quality is an important element in managing the National Wild and Scenic River system. Three monitoring points are recommended along the Lostine River. Only through cooperative agreements, use of volunteers, and other creative means can this part of the monitoring program be accomplished. The following are the preferred locations for the monitoring points and possible cooperative parties or organization: 1. Two Pan -- Snowmobile Club, campground host, a resident along the Lostine River, or outfitter/guides. 17

21 C. Budget 2. Lostine Guard Station -- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nez Perce Tribe, Snowmobile Club, or a resident along the Lostine River. 3. Pole Bridge -- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nez Perce Tribe, Snowmobile Club, or a resident along the Lostine River. Monitoring will be of simple parameters that will give an indication of whether more intense monitoring is needed. This will include, but is not limited to, temperature, dissolved oxygen, sediments, PH, and nitrates. Simple kits exist that are capable of monitoring this information. The District Ranger will be responsible for establishing this monitoring program. Although this monitoring is dependent on funding and assistance, a target time for having all monitoring stations in place is two years. 1. Budget Process Each year the District and Forest will provide out year budget request. The following outlines the budget process for all resources. Those dollars identified here are estimates at the time of development of this management plan. Each year the District's and Forest's will submit a more detailed budget. 1. Recreation Facilities Operation and Maintentance Include the funds necessary to operate an maintain all existing recreation facilities. $14,800 per year As a separate line item, indicate funding needs associated with planned recreation construction as identified in the River Management Plan. The dollars for plan, feasibility, survey/design, and construction should be identified in the Regional capital investment or challenge cost share program. 2. Roads $18,000 Total (Interpretive program) $87,300 Total (Improving Bowman Trailhead) $44,500 Total (Improving French Camp) $46,000 Total (Improving Two Pan Trailhead) $168,000 Total (Improving Williamson Campground) $180,000 Total (Improving Shady Campground) $28,000 Total (Close and rehab existing campsites) Include the funds necessary to maintain existing single-purpose recreation roads such as access to campgrounds, picnic sites, boat ramps, etc. $1,000 per year Include as a separate line item, the funds necessary to maintain multi-purpose roads open to the public. 18

22 $18,000 per year As a separate line item, indicate funding needs associated with planned recreation road construction/reconstruction as identified in River Management Plan. The dollars for plan, survey/design, and construction/reconstruction should be identified in the Regional capital investment program. 3. Trails No dollars planned at this time. Include the funds necessary to maintain existing trail systems. $2,500 per year As a separate line item, indicate funding needs associated with planned trail construction/reconstruction as identified in River Management Plan. The dollars for plan, survey/design, and construction/reconstruction should be identified in the Regional capital investment program. No dollars planned at this time. 4. Forest Service Administration Recreation This section would include all recration funds needed to administer the river corridor including: a. river-related outfitter guide permit administration b. river-related special use administration (e.g. river events) c. river-patrol (salary, equipment, supplies excluding vehicles) d. river-related information/education programs e. easement administration f. interpretive activities g. vehicular support (cost for vehicles and boat operation and maintenance). Identify acquisition or replacement cost as separate line item. $18, per year Resource Managemet This section should include funds needed from other resource programs to administer the river corridor. For example, indicate resource areas such as range, fish, wildlife, - vegetation, etc. as separate line items. 19

23 Fisheries Wildlife Botanical $9,000 per year No dollars identified at this time. $10, Cooperative Agreements Include costs to maintain river-related cooperative agreements such as for law inforcement (with local sheriff, recue agency, etc.), support to county and/or other public and private entities. Identify each cooperator by name and indicate funding needs as a separate line item. $1,800 per year (Law enforcement) $1,000 per year (Other) 6. Management Plan Revision Include costs associated with revisions of river management plans including amendment to the Forest Plan. None identified at this time. 7. Special Studies as Scheduled in Management Plan Include special studies s identified in the river management plan. Special studies might include user survey, water quality/quantity survey/analysis, etc. 8. Acquisition $4,000 Total (Fire hazard analysis) Indicate as a separate line items the funds estimated for easement acquisition and fee title purchase. This information should be coincident with general direction from the river management plan and for purchases likely to be completed; i.e., not speculative proposals. (Note easement administration is included in Forest Service administration, item Monitoring None identified at this time. Include costs of monitoring program as detailed in the river management plan. Separate monitoring elements by reource area such as water, recreation, fisheries, ect. Provide viq separte line or footnote one time costs for acquisition of equipment. Water Quality $6,000 per year $10,000 for equipment 20

24

25

26

27

28 Appendix A

29 Appendix A Glossary of Acronyms and Terms Alternative - A Comprehensive management strategy; when a federal agency is considering an action, NEPA requires the agency to develop and analyze a range of reasonable alternatives, including a 'no action or no change alternative. The alternatives must respond to the issues, and must show a reasonable range of actions. Anadromous Fish - Those species of fish that mature in the sea and migrate into streams to spawn. Salmon and steelhead are examples. Best management practices - A practice or combination of practices that is determined by a State (or designated area-wide planning agency) after problem assessment, examination of alternative practices, and appropriate public participation, to be the most effective, practicable (including technological, economic, and institutional considerations) means of preventing or reducing the amount of pollution generated by nonpoint sources to a level compatible with water quality goals (Federal Register, Volume 40, No. 230 dated 11/28/75). Biodiversity - The relative abundance and variety of species, both plant and animal, in a given area. Biological evaluation - A specific process required as part of an environmental assessment that evaluates the potential effects of a proposed project on Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive species and their habitats. Clearcutting - The cutting method that describes the silviculture system in which the old crop is cleared over a considerable area at one time. Regeneration then occurs from (a) natural seeding from adjacent stands, (b) seed contained in the slash or logging debris, (c) advance growth, or (d) planting or direct seeding. An even-aged forest usually results. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) - A codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government. Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) - An advisory council to the President established by the National Environmental Policy Act of It reviews federal programs for their effect on the environment, conducts environmental studies, and advises the President on environmental matters. (Abstracted from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as Amended.) Cultural resource - The remains of sites, structures, or objects used by humans in the past-historic or prehistoric. Cumulative effects or impacts - Cumulative effect or impact is the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency (federal or nonfederal (or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. (40 CFR these regulations use effects and impacts synonymously.) A - 1

30 Decision notice - The written record of the decision made after a federal agency completes an environmental assessment. The decision notice chooses one of the alternatives, or a blend of the alternatives, and may be appealed by the public. The Forest Service combines the decision notice with the FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact) required by NEPA. Designated corridor - Both the wild and scenic corridor and the scenic waterway, including all areas that are part of either designation. Developed recreation - Recreation that requires facilities that, in turn, result in concentrated use of an area. Examples of developed recreation areas are campgrounds and ski areas; facilities in these areas might include roads, parking lots, picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, ski lifts, and buildings. Dispersed recreation - A general term referring to recreation use outside developed recreation sites; this includes activities such as scenic driving, hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and recreation in primitive environments. Diversity - The distribution and abundance of different plant and animal communities and species within the area covered by a land and resource management plan. Easements - An interest in real property that conveys use, but not ownership, of a portion of an owner's property. Endangered species - Any species of animal or plant that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Plant or animal species identified by the Secretary of the Interior as endangered in accordance with the 1973 Endangered Species Act. Environmental Analysis - A comprehensive evaluation of alternative actions and their predictable short- and long-term environmental effects, which include physical, biological, economic, social, and environmental design factors and their interactions. Environmental Assessment - The concise public document required by the regulations for implementing the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. (40 CFR ,2) Fire intensity level - Fire intensity level; a measure of heat released over time by the flaming front of a fire; indicated by flame length (i.e., FIL 1 = 0-2 ft; FIL 2 = 2-4 ft). Floodplain - Relatively flat surfaces adjacent to active stream or river channels, formed by deposition of sediments during major floods; may be covered by water during floods: 100-year floodplain - That area that would be covered by water during the 100-year flood event. Historic floodplain - The relatively flat area adjacent to an active stream that has been formed by depositions of river sediment, an area larger than the 1 00-year floodplain. Forest Programmic Memorandum of Agreement (PMOA) - An agreement between the Forest Service and State Historic Preservation Office defining management guidelines for cultural resources. Foreground - A term used in visual management to describe the portions of a view between the observer and up to 1/4 to 1/2 mile distant. A-2

31 Forest Plan - See Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. Forest Service Handbook (FSH) - For Forest Service use, directives that provide detailed instructions on how to proceed with a specialized phase of a program or activity. Forest Service Manual (FSM) - A system of manuals which provides direction for Forest Service activities. Habitat - The area where a plant or animal lives and grows under natural conditions. Habitat consists of living and non-living attributes, and provides all requirements for food and shelter. Historic sites - Site associated with the history, tradition, or cultural heritage of national, state, or local interest, and of enough significance to merit preservation or restoration. Interdisciplinary Team (ID Team) - A group of individuals with different training assembled to solve a problem or perform a task. The team is assembled out of recognition that no one scientific discipline is sufficiently broad to adequately solve the problem. Irretrievable - Applies to losses of production, harvest, or commitment of renewable natural resources. For example, some or all of the timber production from an area is irretrievably lost during the time an area is used as a winter sports site. If the use is changed, timber production can be resumed. The production lost is irretrievable, but the action is not irreversible. Irreversible - Applies primarily to the use of non-renewable resources, such as minerals or cultural resources, or to those factors that are renewable only over long time spans, such as soil productivity. Irreversible also includes loss of future options. Key Issues - The ID Team identifies and eliminates from detailed study the issues which are not significant or which have been covered by prior environmental review. The remaining issues are covered through the analysis. These issues are the key issues. Management plan - A plan guiding overall management of an area administered by a federal or state agency; plan usually includes objectives, goals, standards and guidelines, management actions, and monitoring plans. Middleground - A term used in visual management to describe the portions of a view extending from the foreground zone out to 3 to 5 miles from the observer. Mitigation - Mitigation includes: (a) avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action; (b) minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation; (c) rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment; (d) reducing or elimination the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action; and, (e) compensating tor the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments. (40 CFR Part ) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969) - An act to declare a National policy which will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between humankind and the environment, to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of humanity, to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the Nation, and to establish a Council on Environmental Quality. (The A-3

32 Principal Laws Relating to Forest Service Activities, Agriculture Handbook No. 453, USDA, Forest Service 359 pp.) National Forest Management Act (NFMA) - A law passed in 1976 as an amendment to the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act, requiring the preparation of Regional Guides and Forest Plans and the preparation of regulations to guide that development. Outstandingly remarkable values (OR values) - Term used in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968; to qualify as outstandingly remarkable, a resource value must be a unique, rare, or exemplary feature that is significant at a regional or national level. PETS - Proposed, endangered, threatened, or sensitive species. Prehistoric site - An area which contains important evidence and remains of the life and activities of early societies which did not record their history. Public involvement - A Forest Service process designed to broaden the information base upon which agency decisions are made by (1) informing the public about Forest Service activities, plan, and decisions, and (2) encouraging public understanding about and participation in the planning processes which lead to final decision making. Recreation Site Development Level 1. Minimum Site Modification - Rustic or rudimentary improvements designed for protection of the site rather than comfort of the users. Use of synthetic materials excluded. Minimum controls are subtle. No obvious regimentation. Spacing informal and extended to minimize contacts between users. Motorized access not provided or permitted. 2. Little Site Modification - Rustic or rudimentary site ratherthan forthe comfort of the users. Use of synthetic materials avoided. Minimum controls are subtle. Little obvious regimentation. Spacing informal and extended to minimize contacts between users. Motorized access provided or permitted. Primary access over primitive roads. Interpretive services informal, almost subliminal. 3. Site Modification Moderate - Facilities about equal for protection of site and comfort of users. Contemporary/rustic design of improvements us usually based on use of native materials. Inconspicuous vehicular traffic controls usually provided. roads may be hard surfaced and trails formalized. Development density about 3 family units per acre. Primary access may be oer high standard roads. Interpretive services informal, but generally direct. 4. Site Heavily Modified - Some facilities designed strictly for comfort and convenience of users. Luxury facilities not provided. Facility design may incorporate synthetic materials. Extensive use of artificial surfacing of roads and trails. Vehicular traffic control usually obvious. Primary access usually over paved roads. Development density 3-5 family units per acre. Plant materials usually native. Interpretive services often formal or structured. 5. High Degree of Site Modification - Facilities mostly designed for comfort and convenience of users and usually include flush toilets; may include showers, bathhouses, laundry facilities, and electrical hookups. Synthetic materials commonly used. Formal walks or surfaced trails. Regimentation of users obvious. Access usually by high-speed highways. Development density 5 or more family units per acre. Plant materials may be foreign to the environment. A-4

33 Formal interpretive services usually available. Designs formalized and architecture may be contemporary. Mowed lawns and clipped shrubs not unusual. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) - A framework for stratifying and defining classes of outdoor recreation environments, activities, and experience opportunities. The settings, activities, and opportunities for obtaining experiences have been arranged along a continuum of spectrum divided into seven classes: Primitive, Semiprimitive Nonmotorized, Semiprimitive Motorized, Roaded Modified, Roaded Natural, Rural Urban. 1. Primitive - Area is characterized by an essentially unmodified natural environment of fairly large size. Interaction between users is very low and evidence of other users is minimal. The area is managed to be essentially free from evidence of human-induced restrictions and controls. Motorized use within the area is not permitted. 2. Semiprimitive Nonmotorized - Area is characterized by a predominately natural or natural appearing environment of moderate to large size. Interaction betwe.en users is low, but there is often evidence of other users. The area is managed in such a way that minimum on-site controls and restrictions may be present, but would be subtle. Motorized recreation use is not permitted, but local roads used for other resource management activities may be present on a limited basis. Use of such roads is restricted to minimize impacts on recreation experience opportunities. 3. Semiprimitive Motorized - Area is characterized by a predominately natural or naturalappearing environment of moderate to large size. Concentration of users is low but there is often evidence of other users. The area is managed in such a way with minimum on-sit.e controls and restrictions. Use of local primitive or collector roads with predominately natural surfaces and trails suitable for motor bikes is permitted. 4. Roaded Natural - Area is characterized by predominately natural-appearing environments with moderate evidence of the sights and sounds of man. Such evidence usually harmonizes with the natural environment. Interaction between users may be moderate to high, with evidence of other users prevalent. Resource modification and utilization practices are evident, but harmonize with the natural environment. Conventional motorized use is allowed and incorporated into construction standards and design of facilities. 5. Roaded Modified - Area is characterized by substantially modified natural environment. Resource modification and utilization practices are to enhance specific recreation activities and to maintain vegetative cover and soil. Sights and sounds of humans are readily evident. Substantially modified natural environment where roads, landings, slash, and debris may be strongly dominate from within, yet remain subordinate from distant sensitive roads and highways. Rehabilitation - Action taken to restore, protect, or enhance site productivity, water quality, or other resource values over a period of time. Resident fish - Fish species that complete their entire life cycle in freshwater; non-anadromous fish; an example is rainbow trout. A-5

34 Resource assessment - An evaluation of the resources and values associated with a wild and scenic river and the river corridor; the evaluation determined the level of significance of river-related values. Retention - See Visual quality objective. Riparian - Pertaining to areas of land directly influenced by water or influencing water. Riparian areas usually have visible vegetative or physical characteristics reflecting this water influence. Stream sides, lake borders, or marshes are typical riparian areas. River Corridor - Land adjacent to the Wild and Scenic River, managed along with the river to maintain and/or enhance the ORVs of the river. Corridor boundaries are delineated by the geography and the ORVs encompassing not more than 320 acres per river mile. Roadless area - Acres studied during the Roadless Area Review and Evaluation process (RARE 11) which are roadless and at least 5,000 acres in size. Salvage cuttings - Intermediate cuttings made to remove trees that are dead or in imminent danger of being killed by injurious agents. Scenic easements - Scenic easement means the right to control the use of land (including the air space above such land) within the authorized boundaries of a component of the wild and scenic river system, for the purpose of protecting the natural qualities of a designated wild, scenic or recreational river area, but such control shall not affect, without the owner's consent, any regular use exercised prior to the acquisition of the easement. For any designated wild and scenic river, the appropriate Secretary shall treat the acquisition of fee title with the reservation of regular existing uses to the owner as a scenic easement for the purposes of this Act. Such an acquisition shall not constitute fee title ownership for purposes of section 6 (b). Scoping process - A part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA process; early and open activities used to determine the scope and significance of the issues, and the range of actions, alternatives, and impacts to be considered in an Environmental Impact Statement. (40 CFR ) Sedimentation - A process where material carried in suspension by water flows into streams and rivers, increasing turbidity and eventually settling to the bottom. Selection cutting - The annual or periodic removal of trees (particularly mature trees), individually or in small groups, from an uneven-aged forest, to realize the yield and establish a new crop of irregular constitution. Sensitive species - Plant or animal species which are susceptible or vulnerable to activity impacts or habitat alternations. Those species that have appeared in the Federal Register as proposed for classification or are under consideration for official listing as endangered or threatened species, that are on an official State list, or that are recognized by the Regional Forester as needing special management to prevent placement on Federal or State lists. Sensitivity level - A measure of people's concern for the scenic quality of the National Forests. Three sensitivity levels are employed, each identifying a different level of user concern for the visual environment. A-6

35 Level 1 - Highest sensitivity Level 2 - Average sensitivity Level 3 - Lowest sensitivity Snag - A standing dead tree. Special attributes - Term used in planning for State Scenic Waterways; to qualify as a special attribute, a resource value must be a unique, rare, or exemplary feature that is significant at a regional or national level. Standards and guidelines - Bounds or constraints within which all practices in a given area will be carried out, in achieving the goals and objectives for that area. Standards and guidelines provide environmental safeguards and also state constraints prescribed by law. State Scenic Waterway - Those rivers or sections of rivers designated as State Scenic Waterways by the State of Oregon, either under the voter initiative that established the program in 1970, or under subsequent ballot measures or legislative acts. Parts of the McKenzie River were designated as a State Scenic Waterway in the Oregon Rivers initiative, a statewide ballot measure passed in Stream class - Classification of streams based on the present and foreseeable uses made of the water, and the potential effects of on-site changes on downstream uses. Four classes are defined: Class I - Perennial or intermittent streams that: provide a source of water for domestic-use; are used by large numbers of anadromous fish or significant sports fish for spawning, rearing, or migration; and/or are major tributaries to other Class I streams. Class II - Perennial or intermittent streams that: are used by fish for spawning, rearing, or migration; and/or may be tributaries to Class I streams or other Class II streams. Class All other perennial streams not meeting higher class criteria. Class IV - All other intermittent streams not meeting higher class criteria. Terminus - The beginning or ending point; in this case, the beginning or ending point of a legally designated corridor, such as the Wild and Scenic. Threatened species - Those plant or animal species likely to become endangered species throughout all or a significant portion of their range within the foreseeable future. (See also Endangered species.) Unregulated Harvest - Harvest on lands in LAMP management areas which do not schedule timber harvest on a regular sustainable basis. Viewshed - Portion of the Forest that is seen from a major travel route, or high use location. Visual Quality Objective (VQO) - Categories of acceptable landscape alteration measured in degrees of deviation from the natural-appearing landscape. A-7

36 Preservation (P) - Ecological changes only. Retention (R) - Management activities should not be evident to the casual Forest Visitor. Partial Retention (PR) - Management activities remain visually subordinate to the characteristic landscape. Modification (M) - Management activities may dominate the characteristic landscape but must, at the same time, follow naturally established form, line, color, and texture. It should appear as a natural occurrence when viewed in foreground or middleground. Maximum Modification (MM) - Human activity may dominate the characteristic landscape, but should appear as a natural occurrence when viewed as background. Enhancement - A short-term management alternative which is done with the express purpose of increasing positive visual variety where little variety now exists. Visual resource - The composite of basic terrain, geologic features, water features, vegetative patterns, and land use effects that typify a land unit and influence the visual appeal the unit may have for visitors. Watershed - The entire land area that contributes water to a drainage system or stream. Also used to describe 33 watersheds used for Forest level planning and analysis, averaging 55,000 acres. Wetlands - Areas that are inundated by surface or ground water often enough to support, and usually do support, primarily plants and animals that require saturated or seasonally saturated soil conditions for growth and reproduction. Wild and Scenic River - Those rivers or sections of rivers designated as such by Congressional action under the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, as supplemented and amended, or those sections of rivers designated as wild, scenic, or recreational by an act of the legislature of the state or states through which they flow. Wild and scenic rivers may be classified and administered under one or more of the following categories: 1. Wild River Areas - Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. 2. Scenic River Areas - Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads. 3. Recreational River Areas - Those rivers or sections of rivers that are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past. A-8

37 Wilderness Resource Spectrum Class (WRS) - Classification of area within a wilderness based on such criteria as the current condition of use, density of camping sites, presence of trails. 1. Pristine - This class is characterized by an extensive unmodified natural environment. Natural processes and conditions have not and will not be measurably affected by the actions of users. This class provides the most outstanding opportunity for isolation and solitude, free from evidence of past human activities and with very infrequent encounters with other users. 2. Primitive - This class is characterized by essentially an unmodified natural environment. Concentration of users is low and evidence of human use is minimal. This class provides a high opportunity for exploring and experiencing considerable isolation, solitude, and self reliance. 3. Semiprimitive - This class if characterized by a predominately unmodified natural environment of moderate size. Concentration of users is low, but there is evidence of other users. In this class moderate opportunities for exploring and experiencing isolation from the sights and sounds of users; independence; closeness to nature; tranquility and self reliance. 4. Transition - This class includes areas that are characterized predominantly by conditions of relatively concentrated use where encounters with other groups are frequent, opportunities for solitude are limited, and controls may be highly evident. A-9

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50 RESOURCE ASSESSMENT Lostine River National Wild and Scenic River USDA - Forest Service Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

51 RESOURCE ASSESSMENT Lostine River National Wild and Scenic River USDA - Forest Service Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Prepared by: ~ S san SkalSiJ\i&SR Team Member Approved by: Date : ( _, /

52 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. II. Ill. IV. v. Appendix A Appendix B Executive Summary Introduction Resource Assessment Process River Description Discussion of Values: Scenic Recreational Geologic/Hydrologic Vegetation/Botanic Fisheries Wildlife Historic Prehistoric Traditional Use, Cultural Values Other Similar Values Scarp Planning Map - NE Region Lostine River Location Map Page

53 WILD AND SCENIC RIVER--LOSTINE RIVER RESOURCE ASSESSMENT--Final I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As a result of the Omnibus Oregon Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1988, a segment of the Lostine River was designated as a Wild and Scenic River (W&SR). Under this Act, the Forest Service is required to prepare a comprehensive management plan to provide protection of the river values of the Lostine River. This resource assessment is being done to identify the river values that are outstandingly remarkable and/or verify the Congressionally-named values. In September, 1990, a draft resource assessment was sent to the public, including other agencies and subject area experts, for review and comment. In that draft document, the preliminary findings of the Forest Service interdisciplinary team verified the outstandingly remarkable values identified in the Congressional Record. As a result of our review of public and agency comments on the draft resource assessment, botany has been added to the list of outstandingly remarkable values. Hence, the findings of the Forest Service interdisciplinary team determined the following resources of the Lostine River to be outstandingly remarkable values: scenery, recreation, botany, wildlife and fisheries. II. INTRODUCTION In 1968, Congress enacted the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and for the first time, established a system for preserving outstanding free-flowing rivers. The Lostine River was added to this system in 1988 when it was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River by the Omnibus Oregon Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of As defined by the Act, a National Wild and Scenic River must be free-flowing and have at least one outstandingly remarkable value. The outstandingly remarkable values of the Lostine River identified in the Congressional Record include: scenery, recreation, wildlife and fisheries. Under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Forest Service is required to prepare a comprehensive river management plan to provide for the protection and/or enhancement of the river values. This river planning process, of which the resource assessment is one step, will comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning regulations. Through each phase of the planning process, public involvement will be invited and is essential for the success of a sound management plan. Ill. INTRODUCTION TO RESOURCE ASSESSMENT PROCESS This resource assessment serves as the foundation of the river management planning process. The assessment documents the determination of which river related values or features are outstandingly remarkable or contribute substantially to the river setting or to the functioning of the river ecosystem. The resource assessment process provides a standardized approach to evaluation of values of designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. This assessment will guide interim management, development of the management plan, and determination of boundaries. 1

54 Although the determination of value significance is a matter of informed professional judgement and interpretation, this process includes the following steps or verification techniques: The use of an interdisciplinary team approach Consideration of uniqueness and rarity at a regional and national level* Values must be river related in that they owe their existence or contribute to the functioning of the river system and its immediate environs. The use of qualitative guidelines to help determine significance Verification by other experts in the subject area. The resource value categories that have been considered include: Scenic Recreational Geologic/Hydrologic Vegetation/Botanic Fisheries Wildlife Historic Prehistoric Traditional Use, Cultural Other Resource Values IV. RIVER DESCRIPTION The Omnibus Oregon Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1988 designated 16 miles of the Lostine River from its headwaters in the Eagle Cap Wilderness to the National Forest boundary at Silver Creek, in the following classes: Segment A Segment B WILD RIVER: The 5-mile segment from its headwaters in the Eagle Cap Wilderness to the Eagle Cap Wilderness boundary. RECREATIONAL RIVER: The 11-mile segment from the Eagle Cap Wilderness boundary to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest boundary at Silver Creek. * Based partially on the eight geographic regions described in the 1989 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan for Oregon. 2

55 For the purposes of interim management, the Forest Service, as the lead agency, established a corridor width of 1 /4-mile on either side of the river. The interim boundary map, included in Appendix B, shows private and federal ownership. The final corridor boundary will be determined as part of the Wild and Scenic River management plan development. V. SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF VALUES SCENIC Criteria for Outstandlngly Remarkable Rating The landscape elements of lanclform, vegetation, water, color, and related factors result in notable or exemplary visual features and/or attractions within the geographic region. When analyzing scenic values, additional factors such as seasonal variations in vegetation, scale of cultural modifications, and the length of time negative intrusions are viewed may be considered. Scenery and visual attractions may be highly diverse over the majority of the river or river segment length and not common to other rivers in the geographic region. Evaluation of the Present Situation The designated corridor for the Lostine River contains a diversity of lanclform, vegetation, water, and color that captures the attention of the viewer. The Lostine River is a regionally known scenic attraction and draws a wide variety of forest visitors. High in the spectacular Eagle Cap Wilderness lies Minam Lake, the headwaters of the Lostine River. This lake, at 7300', is unique in that it also has an outlet for another Wild and Scenic River. The Lostine River flows out from the north end; the Minam River flows out from the south end. The basin in which Minam Lake lies is surrounded by the rugged, granitic peaks of the Wallowa Mountains. The Lostine River exits this lake and flows down through open meadows in a glaciated u-shaped valley. Views from this upper stretch of the Lostine River include craggy peaks and smoothed-out avalanche chutes beginning at the ridgeline and fanning out on the subalpine meadow floor. A few small cirque lakes and hanging meadows are nestled up against granitic walls. Their outlets spill over the open side of their perimeter; these cascading streams add water to the Lostine River. The river meanders through the area, gently carving a streamcourse through the wet meadows. Accelerated springtime flows generate small rapids in this stretch of river. Vegetation in this upper several miles (above Copper Creek) is typified by subalpine meadows interspersed with patches of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce. In the summer, abundant wildflowers such as columbine, monkeyflower, Indian paintbrush, buttercup, blue harebell, elephants head, and mountain gentian vie for attention. Their rich hues of pinks, yellows, blues, whites, orange, and magenta provide dramatic color amidst the green grasses, sedges, and rushes. Low-growing, shrubby flowering plants such as white and pink heather, orange and yellow St. John's wort, and white Labrador-tea add color and texture to this vegetative carpet. Around Copper Creek (approximately 6,400' elevation), the surrounding landscape of the Lostine River is dominated by small, uneven-aged fir and spruce trees which have encroached upon the open meadows. The small tree size is indicative of the site's short growing season and frequent avalanches. In this stretch, the Lostine River is a peaceful mountain stream, snaking through the area. Open, sweeping views of meadows and the Wallowa Mountains are hindered by the trees, although the upper ridgeline and peaks can be seen from many places along the river. 3

56 Soon the canopy closes, and a mature forest environment of grand fir, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, western larch, and a few other species is dominant. Grouse huckleberry is a plentiful understory shrub. Flowers suited to the closed canopy, such as queen's cup, prince's pine, and the calypso and lady's slipper orchids delight the viewer who takes time to search them out on the forest floor. In this forested setting, the river begins to transcend a mountain stream appearance and becomes a bit swifter and voluminous. Large rocks and a few windfall trees create obstacles for the river to flow around and over. The high spring runoff brings glacial till down from the side drainages and creates polished, scoured-out depressions in the large boulders found in the stream bed. Deep blue, clear pools are visible. The Lostine River drainage continues to narrow, and at Two Pan Trailhead, the river leaves the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The next eleven miles is the roaded segment of the Wild and Scenic River designation, and is known locally as 'Lostine Canyon. This canyon is dominated by steep, vegetated side slopes interspersed by rock bluffs. This topography combined with heavy snows in the Wallowa Mountains makes avalanches a hazard and annual occurrence during winter and spring. Past avalanches and landslides have created some small openings throughout Lostine Canyon, affording views up the steep slopes to spectacular craggy peaks. The Lostine River has carved its way through the layers of rock and soil to become the focal point of this canyon. It has increased volume significantly from it shallow beginnings high up in the mountain meadows. In some stretches, the river runs swift over boulders and through coarse gravels, making sharp turns through the fir, spruce, pine and larch which line its bank. Deep pools of clear, cold water interrupt this fast flow, as do sections of shallow, slow moving water. In places, the river spills over large granitic sheets of bedrock on a quick descent to a scoured-out hole at the bottom. Short waterfalls can also be found. The Forest Road provides much access to, and views of, the Lostine River through the natural openings and recreation sites along this stretch. This variety in the river itself provides an absorbing image to all who visit Lostine Canyon. During recent times, impacts to Lostine Canyon generally result from recreational development and activity. The gravelled Forest Road parallels the river for eleven miles, on the lower end of the Wild and Scenic River designation. About a half-dozen trailheads, a couple minimally-developed campgrounds, a picnic area, numerous (dispersed) user-developed campsites, and several summer homes are situated throughout this segment. Lostine Guard Station, a historic cabin and Forest Service administrative site, is adjacent to Lake Creek, a beautiful side tributary which flows into the Lostine River nearby. Structures for stock use, such as hitching rails and ramps, are found at some of the recreation sites. A high, concrete bridge crosses the Lostine River at the Polebridge site, where the river cuts through a small, but striking, gorge. Finding The Lostine River possesses much diversity in landform, water, color, and vegetation. The headwaters of the Lostine River is located in the spectacular high country of the Wallowa Mountains. Here, the river meanders through lush meadows surrounded by steep, craggy, granitic peaks. Further down, a forest environment of mixed conifer is dominant. The Lostine River has beautiful deep, clear, blue pools as well as stretches of swift water, crashing over and skirting around large rocks. This finding agrees with the Congressional Record that scenery in the Lostine River corridor is an outstandingly remarkable value. 4

57 RECREATIONAL CrHerla for Outstandingly Remarkable Rating. Recreational opportunities are, or have the potential to be, unique enough to attract visitors from outside of the geographic region. Visitors would be willing to travel long distances to use the river resources for recreational purposes. River-related opportunities could include, but not be limited to, sightseeing, wildlife observation, photography, hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating. Interpretive opportunities may be exceptional and attract or have the potential to attract visitors from outside the geographic region. The river may provide or have the potential to provide settings tor national or regional usage or competitive events. Evaluation of the Present SHuatlon The Lostine River corridor provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities. The heaviest use occurs during summer and fall, when lack of snow allows easy access to Eagle Cap Wilderness. While day-use and overnight camping in Lostine Canyon tends to draw forest visitors from the geographic region, the Wilderness attracts backpackers and horseback riders from greater distances. The upper five miles of the Lostine River falls within Eagle Cap Wilderness. Here, recreationists come to enjoy the many activities associated with pursuit of a wilderness experience. These include, but are not limited to, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, plant identification, sightseeing, photography, horseback riding, camping, orienteering, hunting, mule and/or horse packing, and wildlife viewing. Many, many people come in pursuit of solitude in order to get away from the pressures of daily life. From its start at Two Pan Trailhead close to the Wilderness boundary, the Lostine River Trail (#1670; known locally as the West Fork Trail) parallels the river the entire distance up to Minam Lake, its headwaters. There is one cement bridge across the Lostine River along here; the trail is one of the most heavily used in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Field observations indicate Two Pan Trailhead is probably the busiest Wilderness trailhead due to the Lostine River Trail and East Lostine River Trail (#1662) originating here. These trails provide short, fairly easy access to the high country of the Wallowa Mountains. The lower eleven miles of the Wild and Scenic River designation is the roaded section, Lostine Canyon. A gravelled Forest Road (#8210) parallels the Lostine River. Below the Lostine Guard Station, this road is two-laned; above, it is a single-lane road with turnouts. Throughout this stretch, much recreational development has taken place, although generally it is of a primitive nature and remains secondary to the dominant natural surroundings. In Lostine Canyon, there are five trailheads which provide access to Eagle Cap Wilderness. Facilities at the trailheads typically include informational signboards, and some sites have hitching rails and stock unloading ramps for riding and pack animals. The trails from them are popular for both day-hiking/riding and for those recreationists pursuing overnight trips in the Wilderness. Trailhead parking is designed to accommodate anywhere from a half-dozen to +so vehicles, depending on the trail. It is not uncommon to find them packed beyond capacity during summer and fall. A quality big-game hunting experience awaits many who visit Eagle Cap Wilderness in this latter season. Two minimally-developed campgrounds (Williamson, Shady) and many user-developed (dispersed) campsites are located along the Lostine River. Facilities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire 5

58 rings are typical. A large campground at Lake Creek was washed out in the early 1970's due to a major flood. Besides pursuing the camping experience itself, many forest visitors come to enjoy the quality fishing experience provided by the clear, cold water of the Lostine River. A combination of easy access to the water as well as sites off the beaten path give novice-to-advanced anglers a chance to try their luck. Day-use visitors using any of the campsites or the developed Pole Bridge Picnic Area usually come to fish as well as picnic. A small area of private land, known as Lapover Ranch, is located in Lostine Canyon. These parcels have about a half-dozen summer homes built upon them. The structures are rustic in appearance and blend into the forest setting. This area was where Supreme Court Justice William 0. Douglas summered for many years. A commercial outfitter, under Special Use Permit from the Forest Service, provides day-use horse trips and extended overnight stays (especially during the various hunting seasons) in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Permittee operations generally include using the Lillyville area, where corrals, hitching rails and some small structures are located. Other commercial outfitters also begin trips at various trailhead sites in Lostine Canyon. About mid-way though Lostine Canyon, Lostine Guard Station serves as a Forest Service administrative site for seasonal personnel. Built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this small cabin is an attractive historic site. A shed, corral, and potable water fountain complete the setting. At the old French Camp site in the canyon, a picnic shelter constructed by the CCC is being considered for rehabilitation and interpretation opportunities. The Lostine River is not considered "floatable due to the rocks, short waterfalls, and occasional windfall trees hampering passage. Summertime cloudbursts of heavy rain, usually of short duration, combined with the unstable soils create flash floods in Lostine Canyon. In the past, sections of road have been washed out, stranding campers in the canyon. The steep canyon walls, unstable soils, and heavy winter snows create a serious avalanche hazard during the winter months. While snowmobiling and cross-country skiing does occur in this roaded portion (with the latter extending into the Eagle Cap Wilderness in some areas), these activities should be pursued with caution and knowledge in recognizing the natural hazards. Finding The quality and diversity of recreation opportunities available along the Lostine River corridor makes it a very popular area. The Eagle Cap Wilderness and the roaded Lostine Canyon draws visitors locally and from great distances outside the geographic region. This finding agrees with the Congressional Record that recreation in the Lostine River corridor is an outstandingly remarkable value. GEOLOGIC/HYDROLOGIC Criteria for Outstandingly Remarkable Rating The river or the area within the river corridor contains an example(s) of a geologic feature, process, or phenomena that is rare, unusual, one-of-a-kind, or unique to the geographic region. The feature(s) may be in an unusually active stage of development, represent a "textbook" example and/or represent a unique or rare combination of geologic features (erosional, volcanic, glacial, and other geologic structures). 6

59 Evaluation of the Present Situation The Lostine River flows through the northwest portion of the Wallowa Mountains, a steep and rugged range with peaks reaching 10, 000 feet. Between 250 and 130 million years ago, the limestones of the Martin Bridge formation and the siliceous shales of the Hurwal formation were deposited on the shallow, warm ancestral Pacific Ocean seafloor. These oceanic rocks were later broken up and fragments were moved and added to the westward advancing edge of the North American continent. Between 60 and 130 million years ago, these seafloor and island arc rocks were intruded by the quartz diorite rocks of the Wallowa batholith. These granitic" rocks make up the heart of the Wallowa Mountains. Widespread volcanism, about million years ago, created the thick Columbia River basalts which are layered over much of northeast Oregon surrounding the Wallowa Mountains uplift. Feeder dikes from some of the local eruptions are highly visible in the glacially-scoured granite peaks. The Wallowas were glaciated at least three times, and perhaps as many as seven times, between 11,000 and 500,000 years ago. Classic alpine glacial features such as cirques, ice-carved peaks, serrate ridges, cliffs and pinnacles, and striated rock surfaces are evidence of the glaciers which fanned out from a central point near Eagle Cap Mountain. Elongated carved knobs, called roche moutonnees, and truncated ridges are found on the valley walls parallel to the direction of glacier movement. These features are typical above the fork with the East Lostine River. Quartz diorite is the predominant rock type in this area. Below the fork with the East Lostine, the valley floor is covered with glacial morainal material reworked by the river. In addition to these deposits and recent alluvium, the bedrock downstream from Lapover Ranch is dark gray to dark brown thinly bedded siliceous or limey mudstone. In some places, metamorphism has altered these marine sedimentary rocks into very hard, dark hornfels, slates, and quartzites. This formation represents displaced fragments of sediments which were melded to the Mesozoic continental margin by folding the thrust faulting. Throughout Lostine Canyon, a succession of park-like areas are separated by steeper gradients. These gradients ultimately slow down and speed up the flow of water. Just above the National Forest boundary where the Wild and Scenic River designation ends, a lateral moraine, 875' high, is located within the narrow gorge on the west side of the river. As is typical throughout the Wallowa Mountains, the Lostine River valley is geologically unstable. Periods of freezing and thawing and steep slopes make rock slides of varying size a common occurrence throughout the drainage. Heavy winter snows create avalanches which also contribute to the scouring of slopes. This was demonstrated twice during the 1970's when thunderstorm-related floods filled the river with debris and heavily damaged the road, all the campgrounds, and lrondyke Camp. In the Wallowa batholith and along its margins, gold, silver, copper, molybdenum, and tungsten are found in quartz veins. The Contact Mining and Milling company held about a dozen patented claims near Lapover Ranch, the area of private land in Lostine Canyon. Past records show that the property was discovered in 1906, and although an estimated $30,000 was spent for development, there was no production from the property. The Lostine River drainage did not have the precious mineral resources that were found elsewhere in the geographic area, and therefore early mining played a much lesser role in settlement of the valley. The Martin Bridge Formation (known locally as Black Marble) is a source of calcium carbonate for lime and cement, and has been developed for such uses in other areas of northeast Oregon. Limestone 7

60 had been quarried in the Lostine Valley outside of the Wilderness boundary in the past. It can be seen as the white cliffs on the east wall in the area of Lapover Ranch. The large basin in which the Lostine River originates is surrounded by rugged peaks and steep side slopes. Hydrologically, the Lostine River is a snow-melt dominated system. Peak snow melt occurs between May through July. This natural flow regime has, however, been altered by the construction of earthen dams on Minam Lake. Early in the 1900's when the lower Lostine River valley was being settled by Euro-Americans, a 14' earthen dam was constructed across the southern portion of Minam Lake's natural outlet (headwaters of the Minam River). A small dam was also located on the north end to manipulate flow into the Lostine River for irrigation and domestic water use in the Lostine River valley. The small lake that was present before reservoir construction was enlarged to store snow melt run off. The pre-existing natural lake was located near the center of the present enlarged lake. Maximum water depth occurs where the natural lake was located, rather than at the face of the dam, which is typical of reservoirs. Due to Minam Lake's elevation (7300'), water temperatures remain cold even during the summer months. While Minam Lake (reservoir) serves to manipulate water flow to some extent, Copper Creek and the East Fork Lostine River are unaltered and are significant water quantity additions to maintaining a year-round natural flow component to the Lostine River. Overall, the water quality of the Lostine River is excellent. Finding The features of the Lostine River drainage, while spectacular examples of several geologic processes, are typical of the Wallowa Mountains. The dams, subsequent enlargement of Minam Lake, and deflection of additional flow down the Lostine River creates a modified hydrologic flow regime. Therefore, the geologic/hydrologic resource is determined not to be an outstandingly remarkable value for the Lostine River. VEGETATION/BOTANIC Criteria for Outstandingly Remarkable Rating The river or area within the river corridor contains nationally or regionally important populations of indigenous plant species. Of particular significance are species considered to be unique or populations of federally-listed or candidate threatened and endangered species. When analyzing vegetation, additional factors such as diversity of species, number of plant communities, and cultural importance of plants may be considered. Evaluation of the Present Situation In the upper portion (above Copper Creek) of the Lostine River corridor, vegetation is typified by subalpine meadows interspersed with patches of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce. In the summer, abundant wildflowers such as columbine, monkeyflower, Indian paintbrush, lupine, bluebells, buttercup, blue harebell, elephants head, and mountain gentian vie for attention. Their rich hues of pinks, yellows, blues, whites, orange, and magenta provide dramatic color amidst the green grasses, sedges, and rushes. Low-growing, shrubby flowering plants such as white and pink heather, orange and yellow St. John's wort, and white Labrador-tea add color and texture to this vegetative carpet. 8

61 Once the canopy closes below Copper Creek and throughout Lostine Canyon, grouse huckleberry is a plentiful understory shrub. Flowers suited to the closed canopy, such as queen's cup, prince's pine, and the calypso and lady's slipper orchids delight the viewer who takes time to search them out on the forest floor. The variety of tree species such as grand fir, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, western larch, and lodgepole pine dominate dependent upon their site-specific requirements. The health of these species, both collectively and individually, have been subject to increasing damage by drought, insects, and disease. Pest-ridden timber stands, with high levels of mortality, take on a brown tone rather than the desired (typical) green color. This is evident in Lostine Canyon and much of northeast Oregon. Present forest health problems are associated with advanced stand age, over-density, 90 years of fire exclusion, and selective timber harvesting that has given the competitive edge to shade tolerant tree species such as the true firs. These tree species are very prone to damage and mortality from forest pests such as bark beetles, defoliators, and root diseases. All these factors combine to cause increased tree mortality and ladder fuel buildups. This situation, mixed with summertime dry-lightning storms, creates potential for large-scale conflagration wildfires. During the past 1 O year period, the Mountain Pine bark beetle has been causing tree mortality in the lodgepole pine stands. Currently, many overstory and understory lodgepole pine contain Western Gallrust which slows tree growth and give the trees a poor health appearance. Western Spruce Budworm defoliation, combined with five years of drought, has stressed the grand fir and Douglas-fir trees in the area. These stressed trees are thin-crowned, off-colored, and appear unhealthy. The Scolytus fir engraver and the Douglas-fir beetle have infested these weakened trees and have caused considerable mortality in the grand fir and Douglas-fir, respectively. In the past two years, the Engelmann Spruce bark beetle has built up to epidemic proportions in the general area and now are causing tree mortality in the Engelmann spruce trees. Woodpeckers have already stripped the outer bark seeking the beetle grubs for food. With brown-needled crowns, these dead and dying trees add to the poor stand health appearance. Overall, the dense, mature stands of the Lostine River drainage are in a poor state of forest health. These processes are natural events in the long-term progress of plant habitat succession and the dynamic passage of ecosystems through various seral stages; however, in the short-term they detract from the scenic value of the area, at least in the eyes of many forest visitors. Despite the forest health situation, the Lostine drainage is remarkable due to the unique botanical resources found along the river. Lostine Canyon is home to the greatest variety of moonworts, ten Botrychium spp. in all, found anywhere in the country. The rarity of finding so many moonworts growing in one locality provides scientists a chance to compare morphological differences between species growing together in the same habitat. This population of small, fern-like plants is significant for several reasons. First, it is the "type locality" of Botrychium pedunculosum, a recently described species that is known from only a few widely scattered populations in western North America. As the type locality, this population is the standard from which all other specimens of the species are compared. Second, it is also the only population of B. pedunculosum found in the United States. Of the ten Botrychium spp. found along the Lostine River, seven are listed on the Forest Service Region 6, Regional Forester's Sensitive Species list, and three are also in Category 2 (candidate species) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Threatened and Endangered Species list. The Oregon 9

62 Natural Heritage Data Base identifies these seven Botrychium spp. as threatened and/or endangered status in the state of Oregon. The habitat for these moonwort populations is characterized by an open canopy of lodgepole pine with a grassy understory, and a sandy loam soil. Other plants of interest to botanical experts are Lycopodium annotinum (stiff clubmoss), which has been found in several locations in the Lostine drainage, and Listera borealis (northern twayblade), an orchid known from Oregon only within the Lostine River and Hurricane Creek drainages. The clubmoss was formerly listed by the Oregon Natural Heritage Data Base but has since been delisted due to a number of additional populations being found. It is nonetheless a rare occurrence in northeast Oregon. The twayblade is currently not listed on the Oregon Natural Heritage Data Base. This omission results from it being overlooked by botanists. Prior to 1991 it was not known to occur in Oregon. The discovery of a very small population within the Lostine drainage lead to a herbarium search in which a specimen from the 1960's, collected along Hurricane Creek by Georgia Mason, a noted plant explorer of the Wallowa Mountains, was found. Due to the very limited distribution of this species in Oregon, it is likely that Oregon Natural Heritage will classify it as threatened or endangered in the future. Finding While the plant communities found in the Lostine River corridor are typical of the Wallowa Mountains, the presence of the Botrychium spp. is unique. The number of different species in one locality combined with the rarity of these plants makes the Lostine drainage a delight for botanists and scientists, and many travel long distances to pursue the study of Botrychium spp. The three candidate species for federal threatened and endangered listing, and the identification of a 'type locality' moonwort (B. pedunculosum) elevates botany to an outstandingly remarkable value for the Lostine River. FISHERIES CrHerla for Outstandingly Remarkable Rating Fish values may be judged on the relative merits of either fish populations, habitat, or Native American cultural use - or a combination of these river-related conditions. Considerations shall be given for potential as well as existing values. Populations. The river is internationally, nationally or regionally an important producer of resident and/or anadromous fish species. Of particular significance is the presence of wild stocks and/or federal or state listed threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. Diversity of species is an important consideration and could, in itself, lead to a determination of outstandingly remarkable. Habitat. The river provides or has the potential to provide exceptionally high quality habitat for fish species indigenous to the region. Of particular significance is habitat for wild stocks and/or federal or state listed or candidate threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. Diversity of habitats is an important consideration and could, in itself, lead to a determination of outstandingly remarkable. 10

63 Evaluatlon of the Present Situation Populations The Lostine River supports populations of native and stocked rainbow trout, brook trout, bull trout, spring chinook, and summer steelhead. Trout fishing is an extremely popular recreational activity all along the Lostine River. Approximately five times prior to and during the fishing season, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) stocks the river wit!) a total of 10, " rainbow trout for use by anglers. Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) is on the Forest Service Region 6, Regional Forester's Sensitive Species list, and is in Category 2 (candidate species) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Threatened and Endangered Species list. Historically, bull trout populations had a wide distribution in Oregon, but many populations are now extinct or near extinction. Bull trout are still found in the designated portion of the Lostine River, and they spawn in the smaller patches of gravel located in this stretch. Summer steelhead (Oncorynchus mykiss) and spring chinook (Oncorynchus tshawytscha) also spawn in the Lostine River, although generally below the Wild and Scenic River designation. Spring chinook are proposed for listing by the National Marine Fisheries Service. A final determination is expected in mid Summer steelhead is currently listed on the Forest Service, Region 6 Regional Forester's Sensitive Species list. While historically the upper (designated) section was utilized by spring chinook, summer steelhead, coho, and fall chinook, the latter two anadromous runs are now extinct. Steelhead and spring chinook still spawn here, although the much-reduced populations of spring chinook in the Snake River system rarely migrate this far due to the availability of high quality spawning gravel below. However, one area near Shady Campground still provides the spawning site for some spring chinook. Mountain whitefish is an important fishery for Native American harvest. Less is known about their current population size and distribution, although whitefish are generally abundant throughout western North America. Habitat Habitat for fish in the Lostine River is generally good to high quality, despite the recreation use in the corridor. Minam Lake, the headwaters of the Lostine River, is at 7,300' and maintains very cold temperatures year-round. The lake develops a weak thermal stratification during the summer. Water quality is excellent, and the concentration of chemical constituents is very low. The watershed and upper five miles of the Lostine River is in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Because of this, the habitat condition is near pristine and water quality is excellent. Water temperatures remain low (low 50"'s F) and sedimentation is lacking. Riparian vegetation is intact along the river banks. A variety of deep pools, riffles, and shallow, slow stretches of the river is typical. The remainder of the river corridor (eleven miles) is the roaded Lostine Canyon and used heavily by recreationists. Generally, the development along the river is minimal or primitive in nature. This is due, in part, to the steep canyon topography and shallow, unstable soils contributing to the occurrence of landslides, avalanches, and the potential for flash floods. Management activities such as the construction of the Forest Road and salvage timber harvest for bug-killed trees has altered the Lostine River to a limited extent. Use of the river banks by anglers has eliminated some riparian vegetation and compacted or eroded some areas. Recreation site development such as campsites, trailheads, and trails has also degraded localized areas similarly. 11

64 Overall, the Lostine River itself remains clear and cold, with adequate spawning gravel for bull trout and steelhead in particular. The low water temperatures make it an important contributor to the survival of some high value fish, either presently or in the future. Finding The Lostine River supports anadromous fisheries such as spring Chinook and summer steelhead, as well as several species of native and stocked trout. Summer steelhead, on the R-6 Regional Forester's Sensitive Species list, and spring chinook, proposed for federal listing by the National Marine Fisheries Service, are both very important locally, regionally, and nationally. The clear, cold, highlyoxygenated water of the Lostine River is important to the survival of these key species. This finding agrees with the Congressional Record that fisheries is an outstandingly remarkable value on the Lostine River. WILDLIFE Crtterla for Outstandingly Remarkable Rating Wildlife values may be judged on the relative merits of either wildlife populations habitat, or Native American cultural use - or a combination of these conditions. Populations. The river or area within the river corridor contains nationally or regionally important populations of indigenous wildlife species. Of particular significance are species considered to be unique or populations of federal or state listed or candidate threatened, endangered and sensitive species. Diversity of species is an important consideration and could, in itself, lead to a determination of outstandingly remarkable. HabHat. The river or area within the river corridor provides exceptionally high quality habitat for wildlife of national or regional significance, or may provide unique habitat or a critical link in habitat conditions for federal or state listed and candidate threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. Contiguous habitat conditions are such that the biological needs of the species are met. Diversity of habitats is an important consideration and could, in itself, lead to a determination of outstandingly remarkable. Evaluation of the Present SHuatlon Populations Many species of wildlife common to the region inhabit the area including Rocky Mountain elk, deer, black bear, mountain lion, beaver, otter, mink, other small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Pine marten are abundant, and fisher sign has been reported. The area is known for its high value big-game animals, in terms of viewing and hunting. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are indigenous to the Eagle Cap Wilderness, but the remnants of the native population were last observed around Since then, efforts to re-introduce bighorns (around 1970) to the Hurricane Creek-Lostine River drainage has been met with varied success. Currently, the herd numbers between animals. Around 1950, several mountain goats were introduced near Chief Joseph Mountain (it is uncertain whether or not they had once inhabited the area). A small herd has stabilized, and efforts to rele.ase more goats in the area has centered around the Hurricane-Lostine divide. Both bighorn sheep and mountain goats are extremely high-value species for those interested in wildlife viewing. Bighorn sheep are frequently seen on the east ridge of the Lostine River drainage. 12

65 Sightings of peregrine falcons (federally listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and prairie falcons have been reported, and a goshawk nest is located in Lostine Canyon. There is an American bald eagle (listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) roost below the National Forest boundary. A large variety of other birds such as woodpeckers, great horned owls, blue and ruffed grouse, and many species of song birds also exists. The black rosy finch (on the Region 6 Regional Forester's Sensitive Species list) inhabits the area as well. Habitat Habitat within the Lostine River drainage is varied, ranging from subalpine meadows to spruce-fir forests. The Eagle Cap Wilderness part of the corridor has impacts limited to users on foot or horseback, such as campsites and trails, and therefore, is in a near-pristine condition. The roaded portion of the Lostine River, however, has habitat suited to a much narrower range of species. Nearly all of Lostine Canyon is forested, and many trees are dead or dying due to bark beetle and spruce budworm infestations (see section on Vegetation). The disturbance from timber salvage operations and recreational development and use has also impacted the habitat to some extent. Overall, though, the entire Lostine River corridor provides suitable habitat for a wide range of species. This is due to the expansive, diverse topography provided by the surrounding Eagle Cap Wilderness. Finding The diversity and importance of the habitat supports a significant wildlife population,,the number of federally-listed threatened, endangered, and sensitive species sighted or which are known to inhabit the Lostine River corridor makes it an important ecosystem. The efforts in re-introducing bighorn sheep and introducing mountain goats in the Hurricane-Lostine divide is notable in this geographic region. This finding concurs with wildlife being an outstandingly remarkable value as identified in the Congressional Record. HISTORIC Criteria for Outstandingly Remarkable Rating The river or area within the river corridor contains a site(s) or feature(s) associated with a significant event, an important person, or a cultural activity of the past that was rare, unusual or one-of-a-kind in the region. A historic site(s) and/or feature(s) in most cases is 50 years old or older. Of particular significance are sites or features listed in, or are eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places. Evaluation of the Present Situation There are a few sites in Lostine Canyon of historical interest. Lostine Guard Station was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and is in the architectural style reminiscent of that construction period. The cabin is used today as a Forest Service administrative site, and it has been determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. A shed, corral, and water fountain are also located here. Like the town, river, and canyon itself, Lostine Guard Station was named for some early settler's hometown of Lostine, Kansas. The dams at Minam Lake, as well as the Lostine River trail, were constructed in the early 1900's with horse teams. The CCC also constructed the picnic shelter at the old French Camp site. It, too, is architecturally typical of CCC construction. The shelter presently is in need of rehabilitation. In the 1930's, it once served as the kitchen, complete with a water system, as part of the CCC base camp. A rustic cabin 13

66 in the Lapover Ranch area was where Supreme Court Justice William 0. Douglas summered for many years. There are remnants of mining structures at several locations in the Lostine River corridor. Finding While there are some historical sites of interest, they are not notable for the geographic region nor in terms of significant events, people, or activities. Therefore, the finding for the historic resource does not warrant outstandingly remarkable value status. PREHISTORIC Criteria for Outstandingly Remarkable Rating The river or area within the river corridor contains a site(s) where there is evidence of occupation or use by native Americans. Sites must be rare, one-of-a-kind, have unusual characteristics or exceptional human interest value(s). Sites may have national or regional importance for interpreting prehistory; may be rare and represent an area where a culture or cultural period was first identified and described; may have been used concurrently by two or more cultural groups; or may have been used by cultural groups for rare or sacred purposes. Of particular significance are sites or features listed or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Evaluation of the Present Situation The Lostine River corridor most likely had been used by several tribes for hunting, fishing, and gathering purposes. There is one known prehistoric site, and it is probable that there are more. However, only limited surveys tied to site-specific management activities on federal land have been completed. Two known Indian gravesites are located in Lostine Canyon which are probably of prehistoric origin. It is likely, according to the Nez Perce Tribe, that there are additional gravesites in the area. Finding Since no extensive cultural resource inventories have been completed for the Lostine River corridor, it is undetermined what level of significance prehistoric use had in the area. In the meantime, known and discovered sites are protected under existing statutes, regulations, and policy. TRADITIONAL USE, CULTURAL VALUES Criteria for Outstandingly Remarkable Rating The rivet or area within the river corridor contains regionally unique location(s) of importance to Indian tribes (religious activities, fishing, hunting, and gathering). Locations may have unusual characteristics or exceptional cultural value being integral to continued pursuit of such activities. Locations may have been associated with treaty rights on ceded lands or activities unprotected by treaty on ceded lands or in traditional territories outside ceded lands. Evaluation of the Present Situation The Lostine River drainage is included within the ceded boundaries (1855 treaty) of the Nez Perce Tribe. The area was used in prehistoric and historic times for fishing, hunting, and berry and root 14

67 gathering. The Nez Perce summered at camps along the Lostine River, and these served as a gathering place for tribal members. Two Nez Perce gravesites exist in Lostine Canyon; Tribal members believe there are probably more. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Cayuse, Walla Walla, and Umatilla Tribes) also utilized the Lostine River drainage from time-to-time to fish, hunt, gather roots, pick berries, and other traditional uses. Finding No extensive cultural resource inventory has been completed on the Lostine River by the Forest Service and no regionally unique sites have been identified by the tribes at this time. However, there is much interest in nearly all the drainages in northeast Oregon by various tribes as having special cultural value associated with their history and present-day activities. This is especially true of those rivers having anadromous fish runs, like the Lostine River. The tribes will continue to be consulted throughout the Wild and Scenic River management plan development to see if this value meets the criteria for an outstandingly remarkable value rating. OTHER SIMILAR VALUES Additional river-related values were considered during the assessment process, including but not limited to hydrologic, paleontologic, botanic, and ecological resources. Expert review of the draft Resource Assessment and further research on these topics have warranted their inclusion with other related resources (see Geologic/Hydrologic and Vegetation/Botany) except for paleontologic. No information on the latter surfaced to develop a separate section. 15

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