Highway 89 Safety Enhancement and Forest Restoration Project

Transcription

1 Highway 89 Safety Enhancement and Forest Restoration Project Scenery Report Prepared by: Becky Cooper Recreation Officer for: Shasta McCloud Management Unit Shasta Trinity National Forest November 15, 2017

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

3 Highway 89 Safety and Forest Restoration Project Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Issue Indicators and Resource Analysis Measures... 2 Affected Environment... 2 Existing Condition... 2 Management Direction... 4 Desired Condition... 8 Regulatory Framework... 9 Relevant Federal Laws, Regulations, and Other Direction Other Guidance or Recommendations Environmental Consequences Methodology Alternatives Summary References Cited List of Tables Table 1. View Areas and Description... 5 Table 2. Adopted Visual Quality Objections in the Project... 6 List of Figures Figure 1. Obstructed view of Mt. Shasta from Vista Point... 4 Figure 2. Highway 89 project area Forest Plan Visual Quality Objectives Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest i

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5 Highway 89 Safety and Forest Restoration Project Introduction The following report specifically addresses the effects of the proposed Hwy 89 Safety Enhancement and Forest Ecosystem Restoration project on the existing visual quality and wild and scenic river resources and condition (setting) within the project area. The intent of the project is to improve public safety and restore forest health within approximately 13,341 acres. The purpose and need for action related to improving safety and forest health has the potential to effect Visual Quality Objectives (VQO). Highway 89 is part of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (VLSB) and was designated by the Federal Highway Administration as an All-American Road, the highest level of national scenic byway designation. The McCloud River Recreation Area is within the southern boundary of the project area and is comprised of numerous developed recreation sites, including campgrounds, day-use areas, a National Forest System (NFS) non-motorized trail, and the McCloud River. Portions of the Upper and Lower McCloud River have been evaluated and found eligible for designation within the National Wild and Scenic River System. The Upper and Lower McCloud River is managed under a Coordinated Resource Management Plan (CRMP) to protect its unique and outstanding remarkable features. The proposed action items are identified below and this report will only analyze those action items that may have a potential effect to visual quality. For the Highway 89 corridor, there is a need to: 1. Cut vegetation throughout the highway corridor, so that the forest canopy is more open, allowing increased winter sunlight on the roadway and faster melting of snow and ice on the pavement. 2. Manage vegetation along the highway for increased driver sight distance to reduce the risk of vehicle-wildlife collisions. 3. Remove vegetation along the road shoulders for space to place plowed/blown snow during storms. 4. Reduce fuels along Highway 89 to allow for a safe fire response during summer conditions. For developed recreation areas, there is a need to: 1. Increase visitor safety from hazard trees and the risk of wildfires, including along the McCloud River Trail, and improve access within and surrounding the developed recreation sites. 2. Improve the views throughout the project area, including Mt. Shasta, the McCloud River, and the natural landscape. For forest and ecosystem health, there is a need to: 1. Increase the diversity of species composition, age, and structure in plantations and natural forest stands. 2. Increase resilience to fire, insects and disease in all stands. 3. Reduce competition by conifers in hardwood stands, bitterbrush areas, and riparian vegetation to ensure their growth and vigor. 4. Restore the natural role of fire in the ecosystem to facilitate vegetative and other fire-related processes. Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest 1

6 Scenery Report Issue Indicators and Resource Analysis Measures The following set of issue indicators and resource analysis measures was used to analyze and evaluate the potential effects/impacts to resources based on management actions. Measures describe change and are linked to a cause and effect relationship. Issue Indicators: There are no issue indicators applicable to scenery. Resource Analysis Measures: Resource Indicator 1: Vegetative removal patterns/density Resource Indicator 2: Harvesting operations (landing development/ slash treatments/skid trail and temporary road development) Resource Indicator 3: Prescribed fire (fire line development/landscape alteration) The level of landscape alteration can be evaluated and a comparison made as to whether or not project activities is consistent with adopted VQOs and forest plan direction. Affected Environment Existing Condition Highway 89 The project area lies within the California Northeast Volcanic Landscape Character Type which is typified by volcanic outcrops and lava tubes. The McCloud area encompasses flat terrain covered in prolific mixed conifer and pine stands with a variable understory that attracts tourists and recreationists who enjoy the scenery and natural environment. The Highway 89 corridor is defined as the area that extends up to 275 feet out from the edge of the pavement on both sides of the two-lane highway. This corridor is composed of three sections between I-5 and Cattle Camp (Forest roads 43N19 and 40N44), for a total of 10.2 miles. The Caltrans Right-of-Way (ROW) along the highway varies from 80 to 200 feet from the roadway centerline through the project area. Dense forest stand conditions, as well as tree mortality, are found along Highway 89. These dense stand conditions lead to increased shading along the highway which cause driver safety concerns. During the winter there is increased hazards to road icing and heavy snowloads dropping from tree branches on the highway and other times of the year there s concerns of wildlife hazards along the highway because visibility is reduced with dense vegetation growing within the ROW. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (Highway 89) bisects the project area for approximately a 10.2 mile segment. It was not designated when the Forest Plan was adopted; however, the Forest Plan guides management activities to protect scenic quality as seen from State and Federal highways eligible for designation as Scenic Highways (Forest Plan, p. 3-21). Because of Highway 89 s eligibility at the time, the adopted VQO is Retention. McCloud River Approximately 11.4 miles of the McCloud River serves as the southern boundary line for the McCloud Block within the project area. It is eligible for designation as a Wild and Scenic River. The Upper Section, from Pine Tree Hollow to Algoma Undeveloped Campground (near Highway 89), has a recreational 2 Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

7 Highway 89 Safety and Forest Restoration Project classification 1 within the Wild and Scenic River System and has been labeled as highly sensitive visual quality (Sensitivity Class 1) (Forest Plan FEIS, p. E-35). Although the river has been identified as an eligible Wild and Scenic River, it is managed in accordance with a CRMP to retain the outstanding remarkable values (characteristics) of the waterway. The Outstanding Remarkable Values (ORVs) 2 for the upper section of the McCloud River are cultural/historical, fisheries, geology, and visual quality. The Forest Service and adjacent landowners manage the river and protect its ORVs through the CRMP. The Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls of the McCloud River is a well-known sight-seeing destination for visitors, including commercial film permit holders. Recreation use is prevalent along the river and use consists of water-based activities, including but not limited to fishing, flatwater paddling, and swimming. Developed campgrounds, day-use areas, and a NFS designated non-motorized trail are adjacent to the river segment. Some Riparian Reserve areas located within the McCloud River corridor (inner gorge) contain dense pockets of young conifers encroaching on the riparian vegetation as well as dead and dying trees. Some of these areas are adjacent to trails and recreation sites and minimal timber harvesting can be observed near the river from time to time from previous management activities within the area as well and from adjacent private landownership, but most activity occurred earlier in the century. The adopted VQOs range from Partial Retention to Retention in some sections along the McCloud River corridor. Additionally, based on the narrative in the Shasta-Trinity Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) FEIS and CRMP, foregrounds will be managed to maintain a predominately natural or near natural appearance (coincides with definition of Partial Retention) and to manage for the river s ORVs accordingly. Developed Recreation Areas The developed recreations areas within the McCloud Block of the project area are within dense, pine dominated natural stands that are overstocked and/or have wounded trees inflicted from high levels of use by visitors. There are also expanding pockets of tree mortality from black stain and Heterobasidian root disease, as well as tree mortality occurring because of western pine beetle activity (Sewell 2016, p. 4). Over the last 5+ years the scenery in Cattle Camp campground has changed significantly due to the tree mortality and felling hazard trees because of safety concerns. The majority of these trees remain on the forest floor where they were felled. All of the recreation sites are located adjacent to the McCloud River, including a designated NFS nonmotorized trail (Cooper 2016, p. 2-6). The adopted VQO within developed recreation sites is Modification. Management activities that are seen from developed recreation sites have a VQO of Retention in the foreground and Partial Retention in the middleground. 1 Recreational classification is 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. 2 Outstanding Remarkable Values (ORVs) are defined as one or more significant values for scenery, recreation, geology, fisheries, wildlife, cultural, historic or pre-historic attributes. In order to be assessed as outstandingly remarkable, a river-related value must be unique, rare or exemplary feature that is significant at a comparative regional scale. Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest 3

8 Scenery Report Remaining Project Area The project area is a combination of plantations and natural (non-plantation) forest stands. Most of the natural forest stands are overly dense and at risk of density-related mortality. Mortality pockets are starting to occur, mostly in the McCloud Block. Root diseases and evidence of insect damage have been observed. Some of the plantations have had recent treatments (brush mastication, thinning, and pruning). Others have not and are overstocked making them vulnerable to mortality from insects and fire. Mortality has occurred within some of the plantations, resulting in pockets of dead trees. The plantations lack age, structure, and species diversity, and some were subject to windrowing (a site preparation method which resulted in piles of topsoil) and mechanical planting in the past. The adopted VQOs range from Retention to Maximum Modification due to prior timber management activities, developed recreation sites, buildings and roads. Figure 1. Obstructed view of Mt. Shasta from Vista Point Management Direction The project is guided by management direction found in the Forest Plan which includes three integrated levels: Forest-wide direction, Management Prescription direction, and Management Area supplemental management direction. Further direction is given specific to visual quality and Wild and Scenic Rivers. Below is information pertinent to these resources and identified in the Forest Plan. Visual Management System Specific to scenery, the Forest Plan utilizes the Visual Management System (VMS) which provides the basis for describing acceptable degrees of visual alteration of the landscape within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in relation to scenery impacts caused by management activities. VMS utilizes the distance of the project from the viewer, duration of the view, variety class and the sensitivity level of the viewpoint to assess visual impacts. The following VMS components and/or definitions were used to develop the VQOs for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Sensitivity Level A measure of people s concern for the scenic quality of an area. Travel routes, use areas and water bodies were rated according to the volume of use, duration and National or local importance. Distance Zones The distance from which a landscape is viewed has an effect on how much detail, pattern, color, line, and texture a viewer sees. To capture this difference, various distance zones are established from sensitive viewing areas. 4 Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

9 Highway 89 Safety and Forest Restoration Project Table 1. View Areas and Description View Area Description Foreground Middleground Background The portions of a view between the observer and up to ¼ to ½ mile distance. The surface patterns on objects and visual elements are important in the foreground views. The portions of a view between ¼ mile to 3-5 miles from the observer (actual distance depends on actual viewing distances). The view beginning 3 to 5 miles from the observer and as far into the distance as the eye can detect the presence of objects. Variety Class The degree of variety within a visual landscape (variety class). The more distinctive the variety class the more restrictive the VQO. For instance, if a site has unusual features such as water features or distinctive rock outcroppings, the landscape would be classified as a higher variety class while, if a landscape has no distinctive features and has monotonous vegetation, it would be viewed as a more common landscape (i.e. less visually interesting). Visual Quality Objectives (as defined by the Visual Management System) During the Forest Planning effort various VQOs were established for areas seen from travel routes. VQOs indicate allowable changes to scenery as a result of management activities. VQOs are identified using a combination of overlay data, including: distance zones, sensitivity levels, and landscape variety class. The VQO definitions and the VMS process are outlined below: Preservation (P) allows for ecological changes only. Reserved for Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas. Not present in the project area. Retention (R) provides for management activities which are not visually evident to the casual Forest visitor. Activities may only repeat form, line, color, and texture which are frequently found within the characteristic landscape. Changes in size, intensity, patterns, etc. should not be evident. Partial Retention (PR) provides for management activities which remain visually subordinate to the characteristic landscape. Activities may repeat form, line, color or texture common to the characteristic landscape but changes in their qualities of size, amount, intensity, direction, pattern, etc., remain visually subordinate. Modification (M) management activities may visually dominate the original characteristic landscape. Activities which are predominately introduction of facilities, such as buildings, signs, roads, etc., should borrow naturally established form, line, color, and texture so completely and as such scale that its visual characteristics are compatible with the natural surroundings. Not present in the project area. Maximum Modification (MM) management activities may dominate the characteristic landscape, but must follow naturally established form, line, color, and texture characteristics and should appear as a natural occurrence when viewed as background. Represents the lowest level visual quality objective within our management system. Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest 5

10 Scenery Report To meet the standards and guidelines in the Forest Plan managed activities and projects need to meet the adopted VQOs (see Regulatory Framework section for more details). Table 2. Adopted Visual Quality Objections in the Project Location Visual Quality Objective VQOs for Sensitive Travel Corridors Highway 89 Retention (R) in the foreground (up to ½ mile from the road viewer) Partial Retention (PR) in the middleground (up to 5 miles) Fowlers Road (39N28.01) Partial Retention (PR) in the foreground (up to ½ mile from the road viewer) VQOs for Developed Recreation Facilities Areas within developed recreation sites will meet: Modification Management activities that are seen from a Retention (R) in the foreground developed recreation sites will meet: Partial Retention (PR) in the middleground VQOs for McCloud River Per the Forest Plan FEIS and CRMP: Partial Retention (PR) in the foreground. The CRMP states that foregrounds will be managed to maintain a predominately natural or near natural appearance (coincides with definition of Partial Retention) and to manage for the river s ORVs accordingly. 6 Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

11 Highway 89 Safety and Forest Restoration Project Figure 2. Highway 89 project area Forest Plan Visual Quality Objectives. Wild and Scenic Rivers All rivers within the Forest were evaluated during the Forest Planning efforts to be considered for designation as a Wild and Scenic River. To be eligible for National Wild and Scenic River designation, a Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest 7

12 Scenery Report river must be free-flowing and possess one or more ORV. The eligibility analysis consists of examination of the river s hydrology, including any man-made alterations, and an inventory of its natural, cultural and recreational resources. Portions of the Upper and Lower McCloud River have been evaluated and found eligible for designation within the National Wild and Scenic River System. During Forest Planning efforts a CRMP was adopted for long-term management of these river segment to protect its unique and outstanding remarkable values. A primary objective of the CRMP is to retain the characteristics of the waterways which made them eligible for wild and scenic river consideration, while at the same time recognizing the concerns of large private landowners adjacent to the river. If for any reason, the terms of the CRMP are not followed and the wild and scenic river eligibility is threatened, the Forest Service will seek classification of the waterways into the National Wild and Scenic River System. Goals of the CRMP include: (a) maintenance of a predominantly natural appearing area (b) provision for public use consistent with wildlife and watershed protection and the rights of private landowners Objectives for Management include: (a) maintenance of wild trout populations at levels necessary to provide satisfactory recreational angling opportunities (b) maintenance and enhancement, where appropriate, of the habitat required for optimum wild trout production (c) preservation of the natural character of the streamside environment Desired Condition Per the Forest Plan, all projects on the Forest shall be designed to meet the specified adopted VQOs (displayed on the Forest VQO map) set for each Management Prescription. State scenic highways and National Recreation areas will be managed to protect the scenery within foreground and middleground views. The Forest Plan identifies that Highway 89 will be managed primarily to meet the adopted VQO of Retention. The Forest Plan directs to maintain a diversity of scenic quality throughout the Forests, particularly along major travel corridors, in popular dispersed recreation areas, and in highly developed areas; as well as, develop or expand opportunities for scenic drives and vista points (Forest Plan, p. 4-5). See Management Prescriptions and Land Allocations section for specific desired conditions for visual quality objectives. Desired conditions associated with the Highway 89 project that could potentially effect scenery resources comprise the following: Highway 89 Corridor Sunlight is able to reach the Highway 89 road surface during winter months, enabling snow and ice to melt from the roadway more quickly. There are fewer trees with branches hanging over Highway Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

13 Highway 89 Safety and Forest Restoration Project Drivers along Highway 89 have adequate sight distance and an open view of wildlife entering the roadway to respond as necessary. Sufficient gaps in vegetation exist along Highway 89 to allow for efficient snow removal during heavy snowfalls. Vegetation conditions and predicted fire behavior along Highway 89 are such that a wildfire during summer months is less likely to spread along or across the highway, is less likely to threaten surrounding forests and communities, and would not limit access for firefighters, or egress for citizens. Developed Recreation Areas Hazardous fuels are reduced to the standards under the Forest Plan, allowing fire managers to effectively protect life, property, and natural resources during a wildfire. Hazard trees in developed recreation sites and along trails are removed for forest health and public safety. Forest stands within and surrounding campgrounds are healthy. Opportunities exist to view the McCloud River within the developed recreation sites and trails, and to view Mount Shasta from the Vista Point on Highway 89. Forest Ecosystem Health Plantations have a more multi-aged structure with variable sizes and spacing, and are moving toward stands with larger sized trees. Natural stands have densities at levels that improve and protect forest health and vigor. The stands have structural diversity with varied species, multiple canopy layers, other types of vegetation, and appropriate levels of coarse woody debris and snags. Knobcone pine dominated stands more closely resemble their historic conditions of other species such as ponderosa pine, incense cedar and white fir mixed in with the knobcone. Hardwoods, especially oaks and aspen, remain a healthy and vigorous component of forest stands where they are naturally located. In hardwood-dominated stands, there are fewer conifers competing for resources (sunlight, nutrients, water) with the hardwoods. Bitterbrush stands have a mix of age and condition classes and also have limited competition from conifers. In riparian areas, the species composition and structural diversity of the native vegetation maintain a healthy riparian ecosystem, without excess competition for resources from conifers. All stands and vegetation types experience fires in intervals that are historic to the area, have appropriate coarse woody debris and snag levels, but do not have excess fuel loads. Wildfires that occur within the project area during dry summer conditions are beneficial to the ecosystem, as occurred historically. These desired conditions for forest ecosystem health contribute to scenery by highlighting features associated with texture, visual variety, and pattern. Regulatory Framework Forest Plan The Forest Plan provides standards and guidelines for scenery. The following excerpts is particularly pertinent to the proposed action: Forest Wide Goals (Forest Plan, 1995) p. 4-5 Visual Quality 37. Develop or expand opportunities for scenic drives and vista points. Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest 9

14 Scenery Report 38. Maintain a diversity of scenic quality throughout the Forests, particularly along major travel corridors, in popular dispersed recreation areas, and in highly developed areas. Standard and Guidelines (Forest Plan, 1995) p Timber (20) Sustainability/Allowable Sale Quantity b.(4) Timber may be harvested to improve the visual resource by opening scenic vistas or by improving visual variety. Visual Quality (21) a. Manage activities and projects to meet adopted VQOs of (1) preservation (P); (2) retention (R); (3) partial retention (PR); (4) modification (M); or (5) maximum modification (MM). On rare occasions the adopted VQO may not meet management's objectives (i.e., catastrophic events). Any proposed modification to adopted VQOs must go through the NEPA process and be approved by the Forest Supervisor. Maintain a diversity of scenic quality throughout the Forests, particularly along major travel corridors, in popular dispersed recreation areas, and in highly developed areas. b. In the following sensitive travel corridors the foreground portions (areas located up to 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the road viewer) will be managed primarily to meet the adopted VQO of R: (5) State Highway 89 c. In the following sensitive travel corridors, the middleground portions (areas between 1/4 to 1/2 mile and 3 to 5 miles from the road viewer) will be managed primarily to meet the adopted VQO of PR: (6) State Highway 89 d. In the following sensitive travel corridors the foreground portions (areas located from 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the road viewer) will be managed primarily to meet the adopted VQO of PR: (7) Fowler s Road (39N28.01) Wild & Scenic Rivers (23) d. Manage the Upper and Lower McCloud River as well as Squaw Valley Creek in accordance with the Coordinated Resource Management Plan (CRMP. A primary objective of the Plan is to retain the characteristics of the waterways which made them eligible for wild and scenic river consideration, while at the same time recognizing the concerns of large private landowners. Should the CRMP be dissolved, the Forest Service will seek classification of the waterways into the National Wild and Scenic River System. Management Area Desired Conditions The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is divided into 22 Management Areas with separate, distinct management direction in response to localized issues and resource opportunities. The Management Areas within the project area, and direction pertaining to visual quality and wild and scenic river resources, is listed below: McCloud Flats Management Area 2 (Forest Plan, 1995) p.4-82 a. Evaluate the possibility of developing a Mt. Shasta scenic byway. Mt Shasta Management Area 3 (Forest Plan, 1995) p.4-86 No direction for visual quality or wild and scenic river resources is identified for this management area. 10 Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

15 Highway 89 Safety and Forest Restoration Project McCloud River Management Area 10 (Forest Plan, 1995) p In cooperating with private landowners, PG&E, and DFG manage the Upper and Lower McCloud River and Squaw Valley Creek under the CRMP. This Plan would help protect the unique and outstanding remarkable features of the river environment. Management Prescriptions and Land Allocations The Forest Plan specifies three land allocations for areas identified and proposed for treatments in this project. These land allocations are Matrix, Late Successional Reserves, and Administratively Withdrawn areas. Within these land allocations are management prescription areas. Complete descriptions of these land allocations and management prescriptions can be found in the DEIS. Land allocations and management prescription descriptions related to scenery are: Matrix-Roaded Recreation Approximately 85% of the project area is within the Roaded Recreation land allocation. The prescription emphasizes recreational opportunities associated with developed road systems and dispersed and developed campsites. Fish and wildlife management, which supports the recreational use of wildlife species (hunting, fishing and viewing), is also emphasized. The emphasis of vegetation management activities will be to meet recreation, visual and wildlife objectives while maintaining healthy and vigorous ecosystems. Standards and Guidelines related to visual quality resources. (Forest Plan, 1995) p.4-65 i. Timber activities will be designed to meet recreation, visual, and ecosystem management objectives. ii. Timber yields will result from activities required to attain the desired future condition of the landscape. iii. Disperse openings created by timber harvesting throughout project areas. Size of openings will average 5 acres or less iv. Manage to meet adopted Visual Quality Objectives (VQO) of retention, partial retention, or modification as indicated on the adopted VQO map. Unseen areas within any mapped VQO may be managed for modification except in recreation river corridors. v. Management activities that are seen from developed recreation sites will meet a VQO of retention in the foreground and partial retention in the middleground. Matrix-Wildlife Habitat Management. Within the project area, approximately 13% is allocated as wildlife habitat management. The primary purpose of this prescription is to maintain and enhance big game, small game, upland game bird and non-game habitat, thereby providing adequate hunting and viewing opportunities. Standards and Guidelines related to visual quality resources. (Forest Plan, 1995) p.4-66 vi. Timber management activities will be designed to meet recreation, visual, and ecosystem management objectives. vii. Manage to meet adopted Visual Quality Objectivities (VQOs) of retention, partial retention, and modification as indicated on the adopted VWO map. Matrix-Commercial Wood Products Emphasis. Approximately 1% of the project area is allocated to commercial wood products emphasis. The objective is to obtain an optimum timber growth and yield of wood fiber products within the context of ecosystem management. Standards and Guidelines related to visual quality resources. (Forest Plan, 1995) p.4-67 Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest 11

16 Scenery Report viii. Manage to meet adopted Visual Quality Objectivities (VQOs) of partial retention, modification, and maximum modification as shown on the adopted VQO map. Late Successional Reserve/Administratively withdrawn Less than 1% of the Project area includes the LSR and Administratively withdrawn areas. Approximately 0.5% of the project is located within the McCloud and Algoma LSRs (DD-76, RC-357). The proposed treatments in these areas are designed to provide safe conditions for the public. The treatment in the Algoma LSR is primarily designed to increase visitor safety in the Cattle Camp Campground. Two small sections of special interest areas are included in the project area. See Special Area Designations section for more information Standards and Guidelines related to visual quality resources for Late Successional Reserve Areas. No standards and guidelines associated with visual quality resources were identified for this prescription. Standards and Guidelines related to visual quality resources for Administratively Withdrawn Areas Roaded, High Density Recreation. (Forest Plan, 1995) p.4-48 ix. Areas within developed recreation sites will meet a VQO of modification. Management activities that are seen from developed recreation sites will meet a VQO of retention in the foreground and partial retention in the middleground. Special Area Designations Two small sections of special interest areas are included in the project area. Approximately 1.4 acres of the Shasta Mudflow Research Natural Area (RNA) is included in the northwest corner of the McCloud segment of the project. The RNA was set aside by the Forest Service for scientific research on the development of volcanic soils and vegetation communities. Treatments in the RNA will be consistent with the desired conditions of the RNA to retain natural conditions for research. Less than one acre of the Bigelow Meadow Special Interest Area (SIA) is included along the southern boundary of the project area near Lakin Dam. This area will be included in the riparian area restoration treatments. Relevant Federal Laws, Regulations, and Other Direction The following laws and regulations would apply to scenery, and Wild and Scenic Rivers relating specifically to the analysis area and all action alternatives: National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C et.seq.) This Act preserves certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a freeflowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C (note), ) This Act establishes a National Trails System of National Recreation, National Scenic, and National Historic Trails and connecting and side trails for the purpose of providing trail recreation opportunities. The Act addresses development and administration of these trails. National Forest Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1600) The National Forest Management Act sets forth requirements for development of Forest Plans. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan includes standards and guidelines for management of scenery and Wild and Scenic River resources. 12 Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

17 Highway 89 Safety and Forest Restoration Project Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act (MUSY) (16 U.S.C This Act authorizes and directs that the national forests be managed under principles of multiple use and to produce a sustained yield of products and services, and for other purposes. Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (23. U.S.C. 101 [Scenic Byways Program]) This act directs the establishment of a national scenic byways program with designation criteria to include consideration of scenic beauty. It further recommends that designated travelways have operation and maintenance standards which include strategies for... protecting and enhancing the landscape and view corridors surrounding such a highway. Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century (TEA-21), and Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) The above Acts were established because of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act and collectively recognize and establish guidelines on managing a national scenic byways program (to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States) that recognizes roads having outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and archeological qualities by designating the roads as A) National Scenic Byways; B) All-American Roads; or C) America s Byways. National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321) The purpose of this Act is to encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man; to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the Nation; and to establish a Council on Environmental Quality. Policies and goals of NEPA establish scenery components: Develop methods to achieve aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings Apply the environmental design arts in planning and decision-making Federal Policies FSM 2380 Policy (LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT): The objective of recreation planning is to manage National Forest System lands to attain the highest possible quality of landscape aesthetics and scenery commensurate with other appropriate public uses, costs, and benefits. Other Guidance or Recommendations McCloud River Coordinated Resource Management Plan (CRMP) This plan provides a coordinated effort between landowners and stakeholders with a vested interest in the river. The CRMP requires signatories to protect the values that make it eligible for Federal designation as wild and scenic and contains a provision stating that the FS reserves the right to pursue designation if the CRMP is terminated or fails to protect these values. Volcanic Legacy ~ California Draft Corridor Management Plan The VLSB is a continuous volcano to volcano drive extending 500 miles from Lassen Volcanic National Park in California to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. The Byway showcases the area s unique volcanic features, cultural/heritage, recreational, and scenic qualities of the region. This Corridor Management Plan and associated All-American Road byway designation indicates that the State of Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest 13

18 Scenery Report California places a high level on natural, recreational, scenic, historical, cultural, and archeological intrinsic values along the highway corridor. Environmental Consequences Methodology The methodology used to analyze scenery and possible changes to scenery is based on existing VQOs for the project area that were adopted in the Forest Plan (and associated VQO map) utilizing the VMS. The Forest Plan incorporates direction for VQOs within land management areas and management prescriptions within those areas. Sensitive viewing routes/areas were identified per the Forest Plan and VMS Project map was utilized to assess which treatment areas would be seen from sensitive viewing locations Proposed project treatments were used to assess possible changes to scenery Evaluate project design features The overall impression is created by a unique combination of visual features which include the land, existing vegetation, water, rock outcrops, and topography. In addition to physical landscape features, perceptual factors also help to determine how forest visitors or highway travelers might perceive a proposed site alteration. The attributes of a proposed activity can then be assessed by the same method and a comparison drawn between the existing environment and proposed management activity. The degree of landscape alteration can be evaluated and a comparison made as to whether or not a proposal is consistent with inventoried VQOs and direction provided in the Forest Plan. Information Sources The project-level scenery analysis was produced using combined management direction provided for in the Forest Plan and the Forest Service Visual Management System Handbook. In addition, project information was derived from site visits, various interdisciplinary team planning meetings during the planning period, and geographic information system analysis. The methodology used to determine possible changes to Wild and Scenic River attributes as a result of this project utilized a combination of Forest Plan and CRMP research, VQO map, land management and prescription areas, and field reviews. The proposed project was compared to the Wild and Scenic River boundary and any possible impacts to the McCloud River water quality, free-flowing condition or ORVs. Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis The spatial boundaries for analyzing the cumulative effects to scenery includes the project area as a whole and will not include areas outside of the project area boundary. While the various project proposed actions and alternatives may be visible from points outside of the project area, a visual resource analysis considers the proposed management action(s) on a site that must meet the adopted VQO. Typically, if a project meets an adopted VQO from the foreground distance zone (within the project area), it will, by extension meet that VQO from further distance zones that may include areas outside of the project boundary. The temporal boundaries consists of limits or duration of visual impacts, defined as the permitted amount of time for a management activity to create a reduction in form, line, color or texture contrast to meet a 14 Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

19 Highway 89 Safety and Forest Restoration Project specific VQO. The Forest Plan does not provide guidance or direction on what constitutes timeframes for scenery. Normally, revegetation is dependent upon many variables including site productivity, topography, and weather conditions or if the site is manually replanted. Therefore, temporal effects are based on these variables. This scenery analysis identifies short-term as one to five years post treatment, since at a minimum, grasses, forbs and shrubs would usually grow within this timeframe and reduce impacts to scenery. Long-term effects could be considered longer than 5 years. Alternatives Detailed descriptions of the proposed action and alternatives are included in the DEIS, Chapter 2 and are not repeated in this report. Effects of the alternatives are based on those descriptions. This report only analyzes four alternatives in detail. Alternative 1 No Action Implementation of Alternative 1 would result in no actions within the project area. There would be no silvicultural treatments, fuels reduction treatments, prescribed burning, or helispot construction. No direct, indirect, or cumulative effects are expected. The scenic values in the analysis area would continue to meet the existing adopted VQOs. Sight distances would continue to be a tunnel-like vision along the highway. Throughout the entire project area pockets of diseased trees could expand, which may not be the preferred view by the casual forest visitor. Overall high fuel levels would continue to cause for potential uncharacteristic wildfire which visually would be more undesirable with the potential of large expansion of charred or dead trees. Developed recreation sites will continue to have dense forest stands, insect and diseased trees, and the hazard of wildfire. Tree mortality would continue to spread to surrounding healthy trees from root disease causing a landscape of dying and dead standing trees. Alternative 3 Modified Proposed Action (Preferred Alternative) Alternative 3 breaks down the project area into several areas based on vegetative type including: plantations, natural forest stands, special areas such as developed recreation areas, aspen stands, oak stands, bitterbrush fields, the McCloud River corridor, riparian areas, and safety areas such as the Highway 89 corridor, Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) defense zones, and the helispot. The proposed action implements various treatments in the entire project area. Direct and Indirect Effects Alternative 3 would be expected to result in a variety of effects to the existing scenery activities occurring within the project area. The most prominent effects would be those that alter the landscape changing it from its current condition to an altered state, but still meet the VQOs. Direct effects occur at the time and place the action is implemented and indirect effects occur off-site or later in time. Resource Indicator and Measure 1 Vegetative removal patterns/density Highway 89 Corridor Within the 10.2 miles of the Highway 89 corridor that is within the project boundary, the casual forest visitor sees varying degrees of scenery landscape. Plantations occur on the north side of the highway and are all within a certain diameter at breast height and planted in windrows. In other segments along the highway the forest has extremely dense stand conditions where the casual forest visitor cannot see within ¼ mile into the stand and in some cases, causes tunnel vision. The dense stand conditions have produced increased shading along the highway causing increased visibility hazards to drivers. Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest 15

20 Scenery Report Direct effects associated with vegetative removal treatments along Highway 89 would consist of seeing logging equipment and machine piling in the area during implementation along with downed trees, tree stumps, and some ground disturbance associated with harvesting actions. Resource Protection Measures (RPMs) have been established that incorporates a 150-foot wide visual corridor buffer adjacent to Highway 89 that will diminish possible negative effects to visual quality within the foreground. A casual forest visitor should not notice any negative impacts to scenery along Highway 89 due to the project design criterion and the short viewing duration due to a high rate of speed (speed limit is 65 mph). Additional RPMs are in place within the 150 ft. wide visual corridor to reduce impacts to scenery to the casual forest visitor looking into this landscape (i.e. tree stumps will be cut to 6 inches or less; machine piling would occur outside of visual corridor). Within one year after project implementation, grasses and forbs should be established and would decrease the visual impact from the management activities. Indirect effects would actually benefit scenery resources. Within the pine plantations, trees would be thinned-out, reducing the overstocking, and feathered so straight lines of planted trees would not exist. This would create more of a natural forested appearance and overtime allow shrubs and forbs to regenerate. Additionally, removing trees blocking views of Mt. Shasta from the Vista Point could be enhanced by opening up views of the mountain and creating a landscape with visual characteristics that recreationists find most appealing. A more open canopy would be aesthetically pleasing to the casual forest visitor, with an increased depth of viewing in the foreground and middleground, than a forest that is dense with pockets of dead and dying trees. Removing trees would ultimately generate a healthy mixed conifer stand and produce a diversity in scenic quality. An open canopy also allows an opportunity to see wildlife that may be within the nearby forest. Not only do most visitors enjoy seeing wildlife but also reduces safety concerns while driving on the highway because the landscape is more open to see the surrounding countryside while reducing shadows casted by trees on the roadway that obscure or limit a driver s view. Within the entire 10.2 miles of the highway corridor, by year 5, natural and planted regeneration would diversify the stand. A variety of conifers would be more visible, increasing the scenic interest from the current conditions through a variety of textures, light patterns and visual access. Furthermore, it would enhance visual diversity in form, color, texture, and scale in vegetative materials, which is seen as more interesting than monotonous landscapes. The open stand should promote an increase in ground vegetation that will cover any remnants of management activities. Over time, effects of such treatments can often appear as natural in the characteristic landscape. Activities still meet the VQO of Retention because stumps are cut low and potential for vegetation to still hide the stumps will remain. Existing ground cover vegetation softens ground disturbance and new vegetation (with diversity of shrub species) maintains texture and adds fall color. The remaining trees vary in size and spacing (improve roadside spatial variety), and views from the highway are improved increasing visual access into the forest within the foreground and open up views into the canopy reducing the tunnel feeling along the highway corridor. Developed Recreation Areas Direct effects to scenery within developed recreation areas include the presence of heavy machinery during harvesting operations, potential for ground disturbance, downed trees and slash, machine piling, etc. Within developed recreation areas that have pockets of root disease, causing dying and dead trees, trees will be removed leaving more of an open canopy. This changes the current scenery but will mitigate the root disease issue and safety concerns. Resource Protection Measures have been developed to reduce scenery impacts. Where feasible, vegetation screening will be retained, tree stumps will be cut to less than 6 inches in height, and excess debris will be removed. 16 Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest

21 Highway 89 Safety and Forest Restoration Project Indirect effects to scenery will alter existing scenery for developed recreation sites. This can have both positive and negative effects to scenery. Overtime it will start looking more like a park-setting, which is appealing to the casual forest visitor. Existing downed logs (from hazard tree felling) will be removed, allowing for native vegetation to grow back to provide natural screening between campsites within the campgrounds; increase textures, light patterns and visual access. Within campgrounds, native vegetation will be planted after project activities to assist with providing vegetation diversity and screening. In other developed recreation locations the forest canopies will be opened to allow for visual depth and better views of the McCloud River. Activities within the developed recreation sites still meet the VQO of modification. A mixture of sun and shade will be provided and planted vegetation will help openings blend with its surroundings. Generally, project actions will help improve the health of the forest stands within the developed recreation sites for continued use into the future. McCloud River Direct effects to scenery along the McCloud River will be associated with logging operations with the presence of heavy machinery, potential for ground disturbance, downed trees and slash, machine piling, etc. RPMs were established to assist with protecting the visual quality outstanding remarkable values for the river due to topography and screening. Indirect effects will open up areas to increase visual depth into the forest stands. Vegetation will grow back and provide for healthier looking stands that mimic more of a park-like setting along this extremely busy recreation river corridor. Features like color, form, and texture will be enhanced aesthetically to the casual forest visitor. Activities still meet the VQO of Retention if openings appear natural, residue is cleaned up sufficiently to appear natural, visual variety is increased, low cut stumps are hidden by native vegetation in the foreground, and texture will be enhanced with more hardwoods visible. Remaining Project Area Direct effects associated to scenery will be minimal based on relative visibility from travel routes and use areas. Treatments can often appear as natural in the characteristic landscape over time. Other potential vegetation removal includes openings/clearings and stump visibility. Indirect effects will open up areas but overall thinning would help to encourage a forest with less risk of insect/disease tree mortality and risk of uncharacteristic wildfire. Hardwoods preserved in the project area will add variety in vegetative texture and color and remaining larger trees will provide visual screening as well as provide landscape character with diversity of mixed stands. Activities still meet the VQO of Partial Retention and Modification. Within 5 yrs. color contrast from visible soil will disappear as new vegetation growth is established. Hardwoods will provide diversity with a mixed canopy and irregular thinning will take place around large trees but will incorporate clumps of trees which will provide a variety of textural patterns and color contrast resulting in a mosaic of forms and patterns that repeat the scale of natural patterns. Resource Indicator and Measure 2 Harvesting Operations Highway 89 Corridor/ Developed Recreation Areas/ McCloud River Direct effects to scenery with the construction or re-use of landings, establishment of slash piles, and construction of temporary roads will not be seen from the sensitive foreground viewing distance of Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest 17