Big Hill Insect and Disease Project Proposed Action

Transcription

1 Big Hill Insect and Disease Project Proposed Action Project Background and 2014 Farm Bill The Big Hill Insect and Disease project on the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest was developed to increase forest stand resiliency to insects, disease, and other disturbances, such as wildland fire. The planning area is approximately 3000 acres and is located seven miles west of Challis, Idaho in portions of T14N, R18E (S28-33), T13N, R18E (S3-6), T13N, R17E (S1), T14N, R17E (S36) Boise Meridian, Custer County, ID. On February 7, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill). Among the provisions that pertain to the Forest Service, Section 8204 includes an important provision for addressing insect and disease threats on National Forest System lands. Section 8204 amended Title VI of HFRA to add Sections 602 and 603. Section 603 establishes a categorical exclusion for qualifying insect and disease projects in designated areas. An insect and disease project that may be categorically excluded under this authority is a project that is designed to reduce the risk or extent of, or increase the resilience to insect or disease infestation in the areas (HFRA, Sections 602(d) and 603(a)). This categorical exclusion may be used to carry out an insect and disease project in an insect and disease treatment area designated by the Secretary under section 602. On March 31, 2014, Idaho Governor Butch Otter requested designation of landscape-scale areas on National Forests in Idaho to address insect or disease threats. Based on current insect and disease assessments, the Salmon-Challis National Forest submitted the Big Hill project area through the Governor s Office. On May 20, 2014, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell designated the Big Hill project area as eligible under Section 603 of HFRA. Purpose and Need for Action The project area is within the Challis Creek Management Area (#21) of the Challis National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). Management prescriptions in this area will emphasis timber production, wildlife and fish habitat, range administration and maintenance of water quality (Forest Plan p. IV-168). Additionally, the project is located within the boundaries of the Challis Creek Watershed Analysis (1997). The Forest Plan identifies desired conditions and management objectives for the planning area. Purpose and need for action is generated by identifying the departure of the existing condition from the desired condition. Policy and regulatory frameworks and consideration of best available science also guide identification of desired condition. The primary need identified for this project is for increased forest stand resiliency to insects and disease and other disturbance agents (biological and physical) within the project area. In the project area, the current coniferous stands, predominantly consisting of Douglas-fir and some mixed conifers, can generally be categorized as being heavily stocked with closed canopies. Multiple disease agents are present throughout, but the dominant disease is Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine mistletoe which is wide spread. The general area in the last decade has experienced elevated levels of bark beetle activity, some to epidemic proportion as was the case with mountain pine beetle that resulted in extensive mortality to lodgepole pine and whitebark pine species in the area. Douglas-fir beetle levels though not epidemic continue to occur, creating pockets of mortality to this present day. The stands within the project area

2 are weakened further when you combine the insect and disease agent with the drought stress taking place in much of the northwest region. Fire behavior modeling, from stand exam and fuels data collected in the project area, indicates if a wildfire is established on a normal summer day, it would become a crown fire. Such a crown fire would pose a significant threat to adjacent private property or homes and to the municipal watershed for Challis in the Garden Creek drainage. In meeting the need, the proposed actions would also do the following for consistency with the Forest Plan and/or policy or regulatory framework: Timber: Integrate appropriate forest pest management strategies into timber management and; Enhance timber species diversity and age structure within each Management Area. (Forest Plan p. IV-16) Treatment of Fuel and Other Vegetation: Reduce fire potential in high hazard, high value areas by a) fuelwood programs, b) fuels treatments, and c) fire breaks. (Forest Plan p.iv-29) Protection: Use prescribed fire to accomplish resource management objectives (Forest Plan p. IV-8). Proposed Action Finalized proposed actions were developed for the project and approved by the District Ranger Katherine Wood. The finalized proposed actions were based on public meetings (June 30th and July 11th 2015), project site visits, and comments received from interested parties. Objectives of the proposed action are to create stands that are resilient to insect and disease agents and reduce hazardous fuels. The proposed action consists of the following general activities: 1. Thinning for fuels reduction (harvest, pile, and/or lop/scatter) 2. Thinning for aspen restoration (harvest, pile, and/or lop/scatter) 3. Thinning for timber stand Improvement (harvest, pile, and/or lop/scatter) 4. Prescribed fire for fuels reduction, aspen restoration, or timber stand improvement (broadcast and pile) Portions of these activities will overlap in space and/or time. Prescribed fire is the only activity planned in the area of the project designated as backcountry restoration by the Idaho Roadless Rule. No mechanical treatments (thinning) will take place in this area other than incidental mechanical activities that support prescribed fire. No additional activities from this project are planned in the ongoing whitebark pine restoration area in the Southwest section of the project area. Below are further specifics on the activities that will be implemented by the proposed action: 1. Implement a thinning cut across approximately 1,286 acres using chainsaws or mechanical ground-based equipment such as feller-bunchers or processors. Thinning would involve the removal of live and dead conifer trees of most species and size classes (but not large, fireresistance trees) and without regards to canopy position, but with consideration for crown condition (dwarf mistletoe and western spruce budworm damage) and the potential for future tree and stand growth and/or vigor. This activity is not intended to result in change of cover 2

3 type (species composition of the dominant overstory trees), but is intended to result in the conversion of stagnant stands into actively growing stands through reduction in density. Units Implement the Second-step of Shelterwood with retention across 107 acres using chainsaws or mechanical ground-based equipment such as feller-bunchers or processors. Commercial harvest would involve reducing overstory tree spacing in half (from 17 X 17 to 30 by 30 ) favoring large disease free trees with desirable phenotypical characteristics of actively growing trees (crowns greater than 40%, bottom boles grey in color, top boles smooth silver in color, and not exhibiting flattening tops). Retain all legacy tree (exhibiting old characteristics) for future snags. Regeneration is already established and further reduction of overstory will enhance growth of these stands. This activity is not intended to result in a changes of cover type (species composition of the dominant overstory trees) but is intended to result enhance the growth of advance regeneration by providing more sunlight and less competition. Units 7 and Implement an aspen restoration cut across approximately 237 acres using chainsaws. This would generally occur in stands with aspen present but being overtaken with conifers, in order to promote aspen vigor and regeneration to their historical range. The aspen restoration cut, which is analogous to a group selection cut, is an multi-aged regeneration method in which live and dead conifer trees are cut in small groups and new age classes are established. The width of group selection cut is achieved by removing conifers for 150 from all live aspens. Regeneration would generally be dominated by aspen, an early-seral species, but may be dominated by lodgepole pine or Douglas-fir where existing aspen are not present. Where aspen and conifers co-dominate the seedling/sapling stage of the understory, hand chainsaws or pruning shears would be used to remove the conifers. Individual conifers of all size classes within areas outside of created openings would also be harvested to provide improved growing conditions for the remaining conifers or aspen, and reduce hazardous fuels. In most areas where groups of trees are harvested and openings are created, this activity is intended to result in changes of cover type (species composition of the dominant overstory trees) from Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine cover types to aspen cover types. The non-group matrix within cutting units would be intended to remain as cover types of conifer species. All affected stands are intended to remain in the Young Multi-strata Forest structure class. Aspen restoration would occur in portions of units 3, 8, and 12. Fencing for protection would occur for the large aspen stand in the center of unit 12 and may be recommended for additional small stands in units 3 and Implement broadcast and pile burning across approximately 2,214 acres, which includes areas affected by the tree cutting activities described above. Broadcast burning would burn in a patchy mosaic and reduce fuels across 30-60% of the proposed burn units. Fires would occur within a range of severities, ranging from low (<25% canopy mortality) to high (>75% mortality). This would create a fine-scale; topographically-driven mosaic of vegetation species assemblages and structural stages, and reduce fuel loads across much of the burn area. Where fire occurs and burns with moderate or high severity among habitat types where aspen and whitebark pine 3

4 occur, this treatment would create conditions more suitable for aspen and whitebark pine regeneration. Burning activities would remove a variety of tree species, from all size classes, depending on burn intensity and tree species resistance to fire effects. Broadcast burning treatments would be repeated as needed in dry Douglas-fir habitat types approximately every years. Broadcast burning would be the primary activity for units A, B, C, and 6 (1496 acres). Prior thinning (lop and scatter) in Units B, C, and 6 will be done for the purpose of supporting and facilitating broadcast burning. Pile burning will occur across approximately 238 acres. This will treat piled fuels in units 1,2,3,4, and 5. Broadcast burning will be used as a follow-up activity after thinning and/or pile burning in units 1-5 and Roads: No new construction of permanent roads would occur. Maintenance and repairs will occur on open roads as described in the Salmon-Challis National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map (2014) where needed to allow for harvest activities. In addition, up to one mile of temporary roads may be constructed to access harvest units. Temporary roads will be constructed using national and regional harvest temporary road Best Management Practices (BMP s). Once harvest activities are complete all temporary roads and designated unclassified roads will be fully decommissioned as stated in the design features within three years of last date of harvest. Unclassified roads that will be selected for decommission are roads used as haul roads and unclassified roads that are present within perennial or intermittent stream RHCA s. Large Tree Retention: The project will maximize the retention of large trees. Legacy trees will be retained in the project area. Legacy trees can be defined as largest mature trees that have survived multiple disturbance events such as wildland fire, insect activity, and human activities. Harvest and thinning activities will favor the largest trees with lowest disease severity. Slash Treatments: For harvest areas some slash will need to be left for long term site productivity. Acceptable amounts should not exceed 7 tons per acre within any Wildland Urban Interface. Burning will need to take place post-harvest to address landing piles and may be needed to treat harvest generated slash across these area. For landings piles that are burned a follow up will occur to scarify and seed with native seed to return landings to pre-harvest conditions. To prevent unauthorized motorized use of skid trails, slash will be scatter along these routes making them impassable to those vehicles. Project Schedule and Duration: Implementation is expected to begin in the summer of 2016 and potentially extend up to ten years to complete all activities. For majority of the units, prescribe fire activities will be postponed until other proposed treatments have been accomplished (thin and pile) to adjust fuel conditions for a successful and safe burn within prescription windows and boundaries. 4

5 Big Hill Insect and Disease Unit Descriptions Acres Existing Condition Prescription Unit Number 1 26 Mixed conifer stand dominated by Douglas-fir. Of the Douglas-fir overstory approximately 50% are infected with Douglas-fir mistletoe propagating this disease agent into the understory Mixed conifer stand dominated by Douglas-fir. Of the Douglas-fir overstory approximately 30% of overstory is infected with Douglas-fir mistletoe propagating this disease agent into the understory Mixed conifer stand dominated by Douglas-fir. Of the Douglas-fir overstory approximately 30% of overstory is infected with Douglas-fir mistletoe propagating this disease agent into the understory. Several small aspen stand occur within the unit on the west and north portions of the stand Mixed conifer stand located at higher elevation in the basin containing subalpine fir and whitebark pine Mixed conifer stand located at higher elevation in the basin containing subalpine fir and whitebark pine. Reduce stems to approximately 150 trees per acre through overstory and understory thinning. Piling of slash will follow and concurrent with thinning activities. Retain all legacy trees. Favor for retention trees that are insect and disease free. Reduce stems per to approximately 150 trees per acre through overstory and understory thinning. Piling of slash will follow and concurrent with thinning activities. Retain all legacy trees. Favor for retention trees that are insect and disease free. Implement aspen restoration protocol where aspen is present. Reduce stems to roughly 150 trees per acre through overstory and understory thinning. Piling of slash will follow and concurrent with thinning activities. Retain all legacy trees. Favor for retention trees that are insect and disease free. Reduce stems to roughly 150 trees per acre through overstory and understory thinning. Piling of slash will follow and concurrent with thinning activities. Retain all legacy trees. Favor for retention trees that are insect and disease free. Reduce stems to roughly 150 trees per acre through overstory and understory thinning. Piling of slash will follow and concurrent with thinning activities. Retain all legacy trees. Favor for retention trees that are insect and disease free. 5

6 Unit Acres Existing Condition Prescription Number Mixed conifer stand dominated by Douglas-fir. Through the Douglas-fir overstory more than 50% of these trees are infected with Douglas-fir mistletoe propagating the disease agent into the understory. Thin (lop and scatter) areas of continuous and high densities of Douglas-fir mistletoe to the extent needed to facilitate consumption of understory and overstory to meet desired burn objectives. Burn objectives are to achieve a 30-60% mosaic burn pattern across the unit changing the current continuous fuels and disrupting potential for continuous crown fire. Expect fire results would occur within a range of severities through the trees, ranging from low (<25% canopy mortality) to high (>75% mortality). Multiple entries within different time and space will be needed to achieve desired results. Entries preference would occur progressively from the east end of the unit working towards the west. 7 8 Two-storied mixed conifer stand dominate by Douglas-fir. Of the Douglas-fir overstory approximately 50% are still infected with Douglas-fir mistletoe propagating this disease agent into the understory. Implement second step of shelterwood. Reduce overstory in half by removal of the existing infected trees and other non-infected trees to achieve desired spacing and release understory. Where infection is not present favor large trees that exhibit excellent growth characteristics for retention. If legacy trees are still present retain them for future snag. Postharvest sanitize understory removing regeneration that exhibits Douglas-fir 8 99 Two-storied Douglas-fir stand. Douglasfir overstory with advance regeneration underneath. 30% of the overstory is still infected with Douglas-fir mistletoe propagating this disease agent into the understory. Several small aspen stand occur within the unit on the west and north portions of the stand. Overstory constitutes approximately 150 trees per acre. mistletoe. Implement aspen restoration protocol where aspen is present of radial thinning all conifers within 150. Outside aspen area implement second step of a shelterwood and further reduce number of overstory trees. Reduce overstory in half by removal of the existing infected trees and other noninfected trees to approximately 30 by 30 spacing (50-75 overstory trees per acre). Where infection is not present favor large trees that exhibit excellent growth characteristics for retention. If legacy trees are still present retain them for future snag. Post-harvest sanitize understory removing that regeneration that exhibits Douglas-fir mistletoe. Consider fencing of aspen stands. 6

7 Unit Acres Existing Condition Prescription Number 9 11 Mixed conifer stand with significant lodgepole pine mortality as a result of previous mountain pine beetle epidemic. In the near past and presently area has provided personal use fuelwood and dead roundwood products. future growth Mixed conifer stand dominated by small diameter Douglas-fir (500+stems/acre). Majority of large trees were high grade at the turn of the century to provide lumber to newly establish community of Challis or to supply mine timbers to the fledging mining activity. Harvesting of only big trees release the regeneration that was present creating a stand with a few large trees with a significant amount of small diameter trees Douglas-fir tree stand with minor components of mixed conifer in the upper elevation on the Southwest side. Douglas-fir (500+stems/acre). Majority of large trees were high grade at the turn of the century to provide lumber to newly establish community of Challis or to supply mine timbers to the fledging mining activity. Harvesting of only big trees release the regeneration that was present creating a stand with a few large trees with a significant amount of small diameter trees. Expand opportunities in and around the vicinity for continue sanitization and salvage of lodgepole pine. Where access is limited consider offering small sales to the public to remove these products authorizing ground based mechanize systems for removal off existing roads. Allow the activity to continue for approximately 5 years. Post five years conduct thin from below activity sanitizing stand and establishing favorable conditions for Reduce stems per acre to roughly 175 through harvest and understory thinning. Retain all legacy trees. Favor for retention trees that are insect and disease free. Salvage the dead lodgepole pine that is scattered throughout the stand. Understory thinning will take place after harvest. Anticipated this will be a significant number allow free use firewood of the stand to further reduce this ground fuel. Reduce stems per acre to roughly 175 through harvest and understory thinning. Retain all legacy trees. Favor for retention trees that are insect and disease free. Salvage the dead lodgepole pine that is scattered throughout the stand. Understory thinning will take place after harvest. Pile post-harvest understory thinning slash except near existing roads and burn. 7

8 Unit Acres Existing Condition Prescription Number Dichotomous stand dominated by Douglas-fir but approximately 1/3 of stand area is an aspen stand being taken over by conifers. Implement aspen protocol where present. Outside aspen areas thin residual stand down to approximately 150 trees per acre through harvest and post-harvest activity. Favor large trees and retain all legacy trees present in the stand except near aspen. Within the commercial component favor for retention trees that are free of Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe and free of damage from western spruce budworm. Commercial harvest during frozen ground conditions is the proposed treatment to limit resource damage Douglas-fir tree stand located at the top 1/3 of the slope. Reduce trees per acre to 125 or 24 by 24. Favor large trees that are free of Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe or western spruce budworm damage. Where legacy trees are present retain for future snags Douglas-fir tree stand located at the top 1/3 of the slope. A 903 Mixed conifer stands. Primarily Douglasfir at lower elevations switching to heavier subalpine fir and whitebark pine at higher elevations. B 6 Scattered conifer encroachment into Grass/sage community. Small component of adjacent open grass/sage community. C 19 Scattered conifer encroachment into Grass/sage community. Small component of adjacent open grass/sage community. Reduce trees per acre to 125 or 24 by 24. Favor large trees that are free of Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe or western spruce budworm damage. Where legacy trees are present retain for future snags. Broadcast burn to achieve 30-60% mosaic burned area across unit. Fires would occur within a range of severities, ranging from low (<25% canopy mortality) to high (>75% mortality). This would create a fine-scale; topographically-driven mosaic of vegetation species assemblages and structural stages, and reduce fuel loads across much of the burn area. Ignition of unit will be by aerial and hand ignition. Thinning of all conifers with the exception of legacy trees. Lop and scatter of thinning slash followed by broadcast burn to promote continuity and age diversity of unit and adjacent grass and sage. Thinning of all conifers with the exception of legacy trees. Lop and scatter of thinning slash followed by broadcast burn to promote continuity and age diversity of unit and adjacent grass and sage. 8

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