Request for Qualifications for Conservation Easement Holders for the Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Area

Transcription

1 Request for Qualifications for Conservation Easement Holders for the Area Attachment 1: Planning Unit Summaries & Maps The following attachment contains a brief summary of background information on each planning unit in the Watershed Area, as well as a map of each planning unit. The information is organized by planning unit; for each planning unit the background summary is followed by the corresponding map. Planning units are discussed within the Watershed Area from north to south and from east to west. Please note that maps are color 11X17 figures.

2

3 Blue Lakes Planning Unit Summary Blue Lakes Planning Unit Location and Description The Blue Lakes Planning Unit is located in Alpine County at a high elevation (over 8,000 feet) and is almost entirely surrounded by USFS land and is bordered on the western side by the Mokelumne Wilderness. Private lands border this planning unit to the southeast of Lower Blue Lake. The planning unit is located 30 miles south of South Lake Tahoe and 11 miles northwest of Kirkwood. The basemap displays the existing conditions and facilities at the planning unit, as well as the adjacent ownership and FERC boundary. In addition, the basemap geographically displays an approximation of the lands preliminarily designated as available for donation and the lands preliminarily designated for retention by PG&E, both within and outside the FERC boundary. Parcel Information The Blue Lakes Planning Unit consists of 10 legal parcels, comprising a total of approximately 1,853 acres of land. The legal parcels primarily consist of land surrounding Upper Blue Lake, Lower Blue Lake, Twin Lake, and Meadow Lake; however, one legal parcel is located east of the lakes along Deer Creek. PG&E is expected to retain 826 acres of land, while 1,028 acres are preliminarily available for donation. Lands likely to be retained by PG&E include all lands within the FERC boundary in addition to approximately 25 acres outside the FERC boundary that are required for dam maintenance (south of Lower Blue Lake) and trail access for operations and a helispot (west of Meadow Lake). Lands preliminarily available for donation are located outside the FERC boundary around the four lakes as well as east of the lakes along Deer Creek. FERC Status The Blue Lakes Planning Unit does not have any hydropower facilities or infrastructure, with the exception of dams. Two PG&E residences are located just south of Lower Blue Lake; one is used by a seasonal contractor and the other is used as a crew cabin. A PG&E cabin used for operations is also located on the northern side of Twin Lake. The Blue Lakes Planning Unit is part of the Mokelumne River Project (FERC #137). A New License Order was issued for this project in October 2001, which will expire in Most of the required studies, enhancements, and operational changes that were a part of this New License have been implemented. Existing Uses and Leases No leases exist on the Blue Lakes Planning Unit; however, an easement for the Pacific Crest Trail (Easement #114) crosses the northeast corner of the planning unit by Upper Blue Lake. The lakes, creeks, and associated riparian areas found in this planning unit provide a diverse range of high elevation habitats, including potential habitat for special status species such as Yosemite toad, pine marten, snowshoe hare, peregrine falcon, Pacific fisher, and mountain yellow-legged frog. April 2009 Confidential 1-1

4 Blue Lakes Planning Unit Summary Recreation use of the area is significant, primarily consisting of camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming, OHV use, and boating. Developed campgrounds, day use areas, and boat ramps are located throughout this area; however, Meadow Lake does not contain any developed recreation facilities, with the exception of a gravel parking lot. The planning unit contains two trailheads to the adjacent Mokelumne Wilderness, and a half-mile segment of the Pacific Crest Trail runs across the eastern Upper Blue Lake parcel. Late seral stage stands comprise 385 acres of the almost 950 acres of timbered land surrounding the lakes. Timber resources are currently managed by PG&E under a Salvage management prescription, meaning that the lands are primarily managed for uses other than sustained timber production, but may require management to mitigate for urgent forest and watershed health issues such as insect attacks. There are no grazing leases on the planning unit, as these lands serve as a water quality buffer from sediment going into the adjacent lakes and creeks. However, the Indian Valley USFS grazing allotment surrounds parts of Meadow Lake, the southern edge of Twin Lake, and the northwestern edge of Lower Blue Lake. Numerous prehistoric and historic sites have been found around the lakes and several cultural resources in the planning unit may be eligible for NRHP listing. The planning unit is in traditional Washoe territory. Disclaimer The information provided in these materials is supplied as a courtesy to prospective donees and is in no way warranted or guaranteed. Receipt of these materials and the information contained herein shall not constitute an offer to donate or otherwise transfer any property interest or right in the property described. 1-2 Confidential April 2009

5

6 Lower Bear Area Planning Unit Summary Lower Bear Area Planning Unit Location and Description Located at an approximate elevation range of 5,900 to 7,000 feet, the Lower Bear Area Planning Unit includes portions of Lower and Upper Bear River Reservoirs and land bordering a portion of Cole Creek. This planning unit is almost completely surrounded by Eldorado National Forest. The eastern Cole Creek area is bounded on three sides by the USFS-managed Mokelumne Wilderness and is partially located within the Wilderness Boundary. Private timber companies own lands southwest of Lower Bear River Reservoir. The planning unit is located 35 miles northeast of Jackson in Amador County. The basemap displays the existing conditions and facilities at the planning unit, as well as the adjacent ownership and FERC boundary. In addition, the basemap geographically displays an approximation of the lands preliminarily designated as available for donation and the lands preliminarily designated for retention by PG&E, both within and outside the FERC boundary. Parcel Information The Lower Bear Planning Unit consists of 11 legal parcels, comprising a total of approximately 1,798 acres of land. The legal parcels primarily consist of land surrounding Lower and Upper Bear River Reservoirs; however, 4 legal parcels are located east of the lakes in the Cole Creek area. PG&E is expected to retain 885 acres of land, while 914 acres are preliminarily available for donation. Lands likely to be retained by PG&E surround Upper and Lower Bear River Reservoirs, including 519 acres within the FERC boundary and 366 acres outside the FERC boundary. Lands preliminarily available for donation are primarily located by Cole Creek. FERC Status Hydroelectric facilities located in this planning unit include dams and a portion of Salt Springs #2 penstock which transports water from Lower Bear River Reservoir to the Salt Springs Powerhouse. The Lower Bear Area Planning Unit is part of the Mokelumne River Project (FERC #137). A New License Order was issued for this project in October 2001, which will expire in Most of the required studies, enhancements, and operational changes that were a part of this New License have been implemented. Existing Uses and Leases The planning unit provides many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking, and OHV use. Although access to the area is currently closed during the winter months, the Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail is located adjacent to Lower Bear River Reservoir and has been a popular winter recreation site in past years. The Bear River Resort is located on the western side of Lower Bear River Reservoir and is operated under a PG&E lease. Many of the area s recreational opportunities are provided by this lessee, including summer boat rentals, a store, restaurant, 126 campsites (including 30 trailers), and a marina. Camp Ritchie, which PG&E leases to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), is operated as a 120-person per session summer camp for girls. The only two leases within the planning unit are April 2009 Confidential 1-1

7 Lower Bear Area Planning Unit Summary for the Bear River Resort and Camp Ritchie. The planning unit also provides scenic views from a Highway 88 pull-out, which is a designated Scenic Highway in the National Highway System. Habitat for several special status species is located by Upper and Lower Bear River Reservoirs, including the mountain yellow-legged frog and various bird species such as willow flycatcher, bald eagle, and California spotted owl. The Cole Creek parcels may also contain habitat for species such as California spotted owl, mountain yellow-legged frog, forest carnivores (e.g., Pacific fisher), northern goshawk, and native trout. Fire danger is a major concern in the planning unit as the Power Fire occurred just south of this planning unit in 2004, burning 16,800 acres and causing evacuation of the Bear River Reservoir area. The Lower Bear Area Planning Unit contains three PG&E Timber Management Units (TMUs) for a total of 895 timbered acres. The TMUs around the reservoirs are managed for both timber and non-timber values. The Cole Creek parcels contain 554 timbered acres that are managed under a Sustainable Timber Management prescription. Future timber harvests are planned for this area. At least six prehistoric sites near Lower Bear River Reservoir and six archeological sites within the Cole Creek parcels have been identified. This planning unit is within traditional territory of the Northern Sierra Miwok. The Bear River Reservoirs are a water supply source for Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties, Jackson Irrigation District, Amador Water Agency, North San Joaquin Water Conservation District, Woodbridge Irrigation District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, and senior appropriators. Lower Bear River Reservoir has been identified as a potential future water supply for Amador County, Calaveras County and East Bay Municipal Utilities District. Disclaimer The information provided in these materials is supplied as a courtesy to prospective donees and is in no way warranted or guaranteed. Receipt of these materials and the information contained herein shall not constitute an offer to donate or otherwise transfer any property interest or right in the property described. 1-2 Confidential April 2009

8

9 North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit Location and Description North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit Summary The North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit is located in Amador and Calaveras Counties between 700 and 4,200 feet in elevation along the North Fork Mokelumne River and mainstem Mokelumne River. The planning unit also includes portions of East and West Panther Creeks, Tiger Creek, Tiger Creek Reservoir, Tiger Creek Regulator Reservoir, and Lake Tabeaud. The BLM, USFS, and Sierra Pacific Industries are the main adjacent landowners. The northern parcels within this planning unit are surrounded by the Eldorado National Forest to the north and Stanislaus National Forest to the south. The basemap displays the existing conditions and facilities at the planning unit, as well as the adjacent ownership and FERC boundary. In addition, the basemap geographically displays an approximation of the lands preliminarily designated as available for donation and the lands preliminarily designated for retention by PG&E, both within and outside the FERC boundary. Parcel Information The North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit consists of 51 legal parcels, comprising a total of approximately 1,853 acres of land. The legal parcels are scattered along a 30-mile segment of the North Fork Mokelumne River and mainstem Mokelumne River. PG&E is expected to retain 839 acres of land, while 2,607 acres are preliminarily available for donation. PG&E is expected to retain all lands within the FERC boundary, as well as some lands outside the FERC boundary, primarily south of the Tiger Creek Regulator Reservoir for buildings, a warehouse, and storage. Lands preliminarily available for donation are scattered throughout the planning unit (outside the FERC boundary), with the largest acreage available along the Mokelumne River northeast of Lake Tabeaud and by Panther Creeks (East and West) and Tiger Creek Regulator Reservoir. FERC Status Planning unit lands contain PG&E facilities such as dams, canals, power lines, and several powerhouses. The North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit is part of the Mokelumne River Project (FERC #137). A New License Order was issued for this project in October 2001, which will expire in Most of the required studies, enhancements, and operational changes that were a part of this New License have been implemented. Existing Uses and Leases The planning unit provides valuable terrestrial habitat for deer migration and wintering. Potentially suitable habitat is available for special status species, including valley elderberry longhorn beetle, western pond turtle, and foothill yellow-legged frog, among others. The North Fork Mokelumne River, below Salt Spring Reservoir, has been recommended for Wild and Scenic River status by the USFS. The BLM has also recommended 20 miles of the North Fork/mainstem Mokelumne River from the Highway 49 Bridge to Tiger Creek Afterbay as suitable for Wild and Scenic River designation (wild, scenic, and recreational). April 2009 Confidential 1-1

10 North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit Summary The planning unit provides opportunities for both land- and water-based recreation and is particularly popular for fishing. Day use facilities on the north side of Lake Tabeaud provide opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and non-powered boating. Electra and Tiger Creek Reservoir also contain day use facilities for picnicking and fishing. The North Fork Mokelumne River, below Salt Spring Reservoir, provides opportunities to boat on four whitewater runs. Fire danger is a major concern in the North Fork Mokelumne River area, particularly in the Lake Tabeaud area as the Power Fire occurred just north of this planning unit in 2004, burning 16,800 acres in total. Prime timberland is located along Tiger Creek and Panther Creek, which has ongoing timber harvests by PG&E with future harvests planned. This planning unit contains nine dispersed PG&E Timber Management Units (TMUs) for a total of 1,452 timbered acres. Management prescriptions within the planning unit vary and include Multiple-Use management on the TMUs located by Panther Creek and Tiger Creek Regulator Reservoir; Sustainable Timber Management on the northeastern parcels south of the Mokelumne River; Salvage on the northeastern-most parcel along the Mokelumne River and parcels by Tiger Creek Reservoir and West Point Tunnel; and Salvage/Stand Improvement for the parcels by Lake Tabeaud and Electra. There is one 300-acre grazing lease in this planning unit, located by Lake Tabeaud. This is the only lease within the planning unit. The North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit is within the traditional territory of the Northern Sierra Miwok and several areas in the Mokelumne River drainage, particularly in the vicinity of Tiger Creek Reservoir, continue to be important for Miwok gatherings. The northern parcels, including Panther Creek and Tiger Creek parcels, are surrounded by the USFS-designated Mokelumne Archeological District. The northeastern-most area within the planning unit contains archeological resources that have been fenced off to prevent further resource damage. Disclaimer The information provided in these materials is supplied as a courtesy to prospective donees and is in no way warranted or guaranteed. Receipt of these materials and the information contained herein shall not constitute an offer to donate or otherwise transfer any property interest or right in the property described. 1-2 Confidential April 2009

11

12 This page intentionally left blank.

13 Request for Qualifications for Conservation Easement Holders for the Area Attachment 2: Land Conservation Plan Volume II Excerpts The following attachment contains information from the Stewardship Council s November 2007 Land Conservation Plan (LCP) for each planning unit. The information is organized by planning unit; for each planning unit the relevant section from the LCP Volume II: Planning Unit Concepts is followed by the relevant section from the LCP Volume II:. Planning units are discussed within the Watershed Area from north to south and from east to west. Please note that each LCP Volume II: Planning Unit Concepts section ends with an 11X17 table and color 11X17 map figure.

14

15 BLUE LAKES PLANNING UNIT Existing Conditions & Uses Overview Popular high elevation lakes adjacent to the Mokelumne Wilderness; 2,028 acres in Alpine County 1,025 acres outside the FERC boundary; 1,003 acres inside Part of the Mokelumne River Project (FERC #137); New License Order issued October 2001 The Blue Lakes Planning Unit is located at a high elevation (over 8,000 feet) and contains four glacial step lakes: Upper Blue Lake, Lower Blue Lake, Twin Lake, and Meadow Lake. Segments of Middle Creek, Blue Creek, Meadow Creek, and Deer Creek flow through this planning unit. The planning unit is almost entirely surrounded by USFS land and is bordered on the western side by the Mokelumne Wilderness (see Figure UM- 1). Private lands border this planning unit to the southeast of Lower Blue Lake. The planning unit is located 30 miles south of South Lake Tahoe and 11 miles northwest of Kirkwood. The Blue Lakes Planning Unit does not have any hydropower facilities or infrastructure, with the exception of dams. The Upper Mokelumne River Willows along the edge of Upper Blue Lake & dam Blue Lakes Planning Unit Alpine County Watershed provides water supply for five counties as well as many agencies and other users. 1 Two PG&E residences are located just south of Lower Blue Lake; one is used by a seasonal contractor and the other is used as a crew cabin. A PG&E cabin used for operations is also located on the northern side of Twin Lake. Fish, Plant, and Wildlife Habitat The lakes, creeks, and associated riparian areas found in this planning unit provide a diverse range of high elevation habitats. No anadromous fish currently utilize the waters in this area; however, several trout species occur in both the creeks and lakes. The area may also provide habitat for special status species such as Yosemite toad, pine marten, snowshoe hare, and two Federal candidate species (Pacific fisher and mountain yellow-legged frog), as well as deer summer range. Bald eagles may also use the lakes for summer habitat, and Meadow Lake contains potential peregrine falcon habitat. Several USFS willow flycatcher Protected Activity Centers (PACs) are located within one mile of this planning unit. No special status plant species have been recorded in the planning unit, though the potential exists for the subalpine LCP Volume II UM-1

16 Figure UM-1 UM-2 LCP Volume II

17 BLUE LAKES PLANNING UNIT cryptantha, two species of sedge, and two species of claytonia to occur in the area. Open Space The planning unit provides open space adjacent to the Mokelumne Wilderness as well as viewshed values for several campgrounds and day use areas around these lakes. The Alpine County General Plan has designated the planning units lands as Open Space with the intention of protecting and promoting wise use of the County s natural resources, including growing or harvesting of forest products, agricultural production, protection or development of mineral resources, protection of important wildlife and aquatic habitats, and preservation of significant view corridors and dispersed recreation. Outdoor Recreation Recreation use of the area is significant, primarily consisting of camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming, OHV use, and boating. Developed campgrounds, day use areas, and boat ramps are located throughout this area; however, Meadow Lake does not contain any developed recreation facilities, with the exception of a gravel parking lot. 2 The planning unit contains two trailheads to the adjacent Mokelumne Wilderness, and a half-mile segment of the Pacific Crest Trail runs across the eastern Upper Blue Lake parcel. As part of recent relicensing, several recreation enhancements have been implemented. These include the addition of a visitor information kiosk; graveling of several parking areas; upgrades to the Twin Lake day use area; upgrades to the Lower Blue Lake fishing access area, picnic area, and boat launch; expansion of the Middle Creek Campground; and the addition of signage at Highway 88 to indicate when all developed campsites are full. The County Road from Highway 88 to this planning unit, Blue Lakes Road, was recently paved, providing easy access for recreationists and thus potentially increasing use. Forest Resources Subalpine conifers, lodgepole pine, and red fir stands with interspersed granite outcroppings dominate this planning unit. Late seral stage stands comprise 385 acres of the almost 950 acres of timbered land surrounding the lakes. No timber harvests are planned by PG&E; however, fuels management is conducted in this area. The planning unit is currently under a Salvage management prescription, meaning that the lands are primarily managed for uses other than sustained timber production, but may require management to mitigate for urgent forest and watershed health issues such as insect attacks. Agricultural Uses The Indian Valley USFS grazing allotment surrounds parts of Meadow Lake, the southern edge of Twin Lake, and the northwestern edge of Lower Blue Lake. The eastern edges of Upper and Lower Blue Lakes and the eastern parcel by Deer Creek are classified by the USFS as non-allotments. There are no grazing leases on PG&E land at the present time, as planning unit lands serve as a water quality buffer from sediment going into the adjacent lakes and creeks. Historic Resources An old livery stable used to board horses during construction of the dam is located south of Lower Granite boulder along the banks of Meadow Lake LCP Volume II UM-3

18 BLUE LAKES PLANNING UNIT Drawdown zone along Lower Blue Lake Blue Lake. This and other cultural resources in the planning unit may be eligible for NRHP listing. Numerous prehistoric and historic sites have been found around the lakes. The planning unit is in traditional Washoe territory, which was centered around Lake Tahoe but extended across the headwaters of the Mokelumne River. Stewardship Council Recommendations The Stewardship Council recommends that the land and land uses at Blue Lakes be preserved and enhanced by focusing on the unique high elevation habitat values, cultural resources, and popular recreation opportunities available within the planning unit. In presenting the Recommended Concept provided here, our objective is to enhance opportunities for recreation, preserve cultural resources, and preserve and enhance the high elevation habitat. As shown on Table UM-1, the Stewardship Council has identified a number of preservation and/or enhancement measures that may contribute to the conservation management program for Blue Lakes. Additional detail and background regarding these potential measures can be found in the Supporting Analysis for Recommendations, provided under separate cover. These measures are intended to be illustrative in nature, not prescriptive, and will be amended, deleted, or augmented over time in coordination with future land owners and managers to best meet the objective for this planning unit. Fish, Plant, and Wildlife Habitat Objective: Preserve and enhance habitat in order to protect special biological resources. In general, Blue Lakes provides diverse high elevation aquatic and riparian habitats. The Stewardship Council recognizes the importance of this resource for public recreation and access, but intends to see that the wilderness beauty of the area and the habitat resources found here are protected. In order to preserve and enhance the habitat resources found at Blue Lakes, the Stewardship Council recommends that baseline studies and plans be developed to gain a clear understanding of the resources (particularly outside the FERC boundary where little information is currently available). These Objective: Preserve and enhance biological and cultural resources, and enhance recreation opportunities and sustainable forestry management. Lower Blue Lake looking northeast UM-4 LCP Volume II

19 studies will likely be followed by management plans to ensure implementation of preservation and enhancement measures for specific resources. Management of the property to preserve and enhance habitat will also include addressing noxious weeds. BLUE LAKES PLANNING UNIT Additionally, some recreation facilities and areas may need to be altered to further protect habitat resources from inappropriate recreation use. We encourage close coordination with the USFS, Authority, and other resource-focused organizations working in the area. Habitat preservation and enhancement measures should be consistent with FERC license requirements, and all planning should be considered in conjunction with fuels and forest management plans. Open Space Objective: Preserve open space in order to protect natural and cultural resources, viewsheds, the recreation setting, and the adjacent wilderness character. This concept would preserve open space by limiting new construction to minor additions of recreation facilities, as well as through permanent conservation easements. The Stewardship Council specifically recommends that areas bordering the Mokelumne Wilderness be managed to complement adjacent wilderness values. Conservation easements would describe all prohibited uses to maintain open space values, including the level of uses allowed and the requirement to maintain scenic qualities. Outdoor Recreation Objective: Enhance recreational facilities in order to provide additional education and recreation opportunities consistent with the carrying capacity of the area. Blue Lakes is a popular recreation destination. The planning unit offers many developed Glacier erratic on granite above Meadow Lake recreation facilities to support heavy camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming, boating, and OHV use. Due to its location, the planning unit also provides multiple entry points to the Mokelumne Wilderness. As shown in Figure UM-2, the Stewardship Council looks to enhance recreation opportunities by recommending a few additional facilities to enhance the recreation experience, but not greatly increase the number of visitors to the area. We recommended enhancements focus on evaluating adding a new day use area, evaluating trail access between the lakes, additional interpretive signage, and increased opportunities for youth education and recreation. Sustainable Forestry Objective: Develop and implement forestry practices in order to contribute to a sustainable forest, preserve and enhance habitat, as well as to ensure appropriate fuel load management. Though the Blue Lakes Planning Unit primarily consists of water features, there are some forest resources present. The Stewardship Council recommends that future care and management of the land include developing a long-term vision for forest management in the area, addressing silvicultural practices, holistic watershed LCP Volume II UM-5

20 BLUE LAKES PLANNING UNIT management, and fuels management. The forest and fuels management plans should be developed in conjunction with noxious weed and wildlife and habitat management plans. We expect that all of these plans would be developed in coordination with adjacent landowners and USFS management and practices as appropriate. Preservation of Historic Values Objective: Identify and manage cultural resources in order to ensure their protection. Numerous prehistoric and historic cultural resources are known to be present at Blue Lakes, and there is a high likelihood that additional cultural resources are present. The Stewardship Council aims to support an increased understanding of these resources and ensure they are appropriately protected. To meet this objective, we recommend that cultural resource studies be conducted to understand the resources found at Blue Lakes (particularly outside the FERC cultural resources study area where less information is available), that appropriate management plans be developed and implemented, and that opportunities to support public education regarding cultural resources be considered. Additionally, some recreation facilities and areas may need to be altered to further protect cultural resources from inappropriate recreation use. Throughout this effort, the Council recommends close coordination with Native American entities. Development of the cultural resources management plan should be consistent with the existing FERC license mandated Heritage Resources Management Plan (HRMP). Endnotes 1 The Bear River Reservoirs are a water supply source for Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties, Jackson Irrigation District, Amador Water Agency, North San Joaquin Water Conservation District, Woodbridge Irrigation District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, and senior appropriators. 2 The road from the gravel parking lot to Meadow Lake has been closed off and is used infrequently for operational needs. Historic livery stable in a lodgepole pine forest UM-6 LCP Volume II

21 Table UM-1 Objectives to Preserve and/or Enhance Recommended Concept BLUE LAKES PLANNING UNIT Planning Unit Objective: Preserve and enhance biological and cultural resources, and enhance recreation opportunities and sustainable forestry management. Beneficial Public Value Objective Potential Measures to Preserve and/or Enhance BPVs Not Requirements* Protection of the Natural Habitat of Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Preserve and enhance habitat in order to protect special biological resources. Conduct surveys of lands outside the FERC boundary to identify biological resources and enable their protection. Develop a wildlife and habitat management plan for the planning unit. Develop a noxious weed management plan for areas not included in the FERC-mandated Noxious Weed Plan. Support future Authority efforts to preserve water quality and identify protection and improvement projects that are most critical. Restrict or formalize dispersed recreation use on the parcel by Deer Creek to protect valuable habitat.** Formalize or close unauthorized OHV trails to protect biological resources.** Protect Twin Lake shoreline from vehicle access.** Manage areas bordering the Mokelumne Wilderness to complement adjacent wilderness values.** Preservation of Open Space Preserve open space in order to protect natural and cultural resources, viewsheds, the recreation setting, and the adjacent wilderness character. Apply permanent conservation easements to ensure a higher level of open space protection. Outdoor Recreation by the General Public Enhance recreational facilities in order to provide additional education and recreation opportunities consistent with the carrying capacity of the area. Evaluate adding a new day use area at Upper Blue Lake.** Evaluate adding trail access between the four lakes.** Install interpretive signage about the history of hydropower, mining, local rare species, and prehistoric uses in the area.** Assess the potential for youth program opportunities. Sustainable Forestry Develop and implement forestry practices in order to contribute to a sustainable forest, preserve and enhance habitat, as well as to ensure appropriate fuel load management. Evaluate existing timber inventory data and supplement as appropriate. Develop a forest management plan for the planning unit to promote natural forest development and structural and physical diversity in forests for long-term ecological, economic, social, and cultural benefits. Develop a fuels management plan to ensure long-term forest health and reduce fuel loading and fire hazard throughout the planning unit. Agricultural Uses None proposed. Preservation of Historic Values Identify and manage cultural resources in order to ensure their protection. Conduct surveys outside the FERC Project APE to identify cultural resources and enable their protection. Develop a cultural resources management plan for areas not already included in the FERC-mandated Heritage Resources Management Plan. Coordinate with Native American entities when conducting cultural resource measures. Formalize or close unauthorized OHV trails to protect cultural resources.** Restrict or formalize dispersed recreation use on the parcel by Deer Creek to protect cultural resources.** * This is a set of recommended possibilities for the preservation and enhancement of BPV s, and is not intended to be a set of requirements for future land management. ** Denotes site specifi c measure. LCP Volume II UM-7

22 BLUE LAKES PLANNING UNIT Figure UM-2 UM-8 LCP Volume II

23 BLUE LAKES PLANNING UNIT Blue Lakes Planning Unit Outdoor Recreation Existing recreation opportunities would continue, and several new and enhanced recreation opportunities are recommended. The Blue Lakes area has a 1,000 Persons at One Time (PAOT) capacity, as designated during relicensing for the new Mokelumne Project FERC License. Recommended facilities are not intended to greatly increase the number of users in this area, but rather are intended to enhance the recreation experience for existing visitors. Evaluate adding a new day use area at Upper Blue Lake. Measures to enhance the recreation experience in the Blue Lakes area include evaluating the addition of a formal day use area at Upper Blue Lake where none currently exists. Developed day use facilities are currently available at Lower Blue Lake and Twin Lake; however, Upper Blue Lake currently only provides developed overnight accommodations. Boating, fishing, and swimming currently occur at Upper Blue Lake, indicating that there may be a need for a formalized day use area. Prior to implementation, studies would need to be completed to evaluate the need for such a facility as well as determine if a suitable location exists. Studies would also need to determine if associated parking needs would be able to be accommodated in this area as well as if the established PAOT for Blue Lakes would be affected by the addition of a new day use area. Evaluate adding trail access between the four lakes. In addition to evaluating a new day use area at Upper Blue Lake, the Stewardship Council recommends evaluating the addition of trail access connecting all four lakes. Although hiking takes places throughout this area, there are no designated trails fully connecting the lakes. If the USFS is amenable to this idea, cooperation with the agency would be necessary as a trail connecting the four lakes would cross over USFS lands. Such a trail would provide an additional formalized day use opportunity for visitors as well as discourage vehicular use when traveling from lake to lake. Existing trail segments around the lakes could be incorporated into this recommended trail network. Due to the presence of cultural sites near the shorelines of these lakes, the area should be surveyed for cultural resources prior to implementation. An assessment should also be conducted to ensure that the new trail would not restrict wildlife access to the water or substantially decrease habitat connectivity. The western/northern shores of the lakes should be maintained for viewshed, and additional recreation should not be encouraged if sensitive cultural resources and/or habitat are identified. Assess the potential for youth program opportunities. Due to the outstanding opportunities to see and learn about rare species and prehistoric and historic uses in the Blue Lakes area, there are likely excellent opportunities to educate youth on a variety of topics within the planning unit. The adjacent Mokelumne Wilderness provides a similar learning opportunity. Therefore, the Stewardship Council recommends assessing the LCP Volume II UM-1

24 LCP Volume II potential for programs to teach youth about topics such as wildlife and botanical resources, including threatened and endangered species, as well as cultural resources. Install interpretive signage about the history of hydropower, mining, local rare species, and prehistoric uses in the area. The Stewardship Council also recommends the addition of interpretive signage or displays depicting the history of mining activities, hydropower, prehistoric uses, and rare species found in the Blue Lakes area. This measure would educate the public about some of the values that make this area special and enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of those values. The addition of interpretive features could also encourage better stewardship of the area. Appropriate maintenance and updating of signage would be required to minimize potential vandalism and ensure that the content is current. Fish, Plant, and Wildlife Habitat Recommendations also include measures to protect habitat and cultural resources from potential damage due to existing, high volume recreation use. Protect Twin Lake shoreline from vehicle access. Management of recreation uses would include protection of the shoreline at Twin Lake from vehicle access using boulders or revegetation, if appropriate. Although boulders are already used to restrict vehicle access to specific areas, the Twin Lake shoreline requires additional deterrents to keep vehicles away from the lake. Potential Measures: Formalize or close unauthorized OHV trails to protect biological resources. Formalize or close unauthorized OHV trails to protect cultural resources. The Stewardship Council recommends either formalize or close unauthorized OHV trails within the planning unit to protect sensitive resources and reduce erosion and sedimentation. The USFS has mapped unauthorized OHV trails on their lands and on surrounding lands. Unauthorized OHV trails on this planning unit often cross from PG&E to USFS lands; therefore, decisions to either formalize or close these trails should be made jointly. The USFS has not yet made decisions regarding formalizing or closure of unauthorized OHV routes on USFS lands, so the Stewardship Council recommends coordination with the USFS on any OHV route decisions to create consistency in management. If it is determined that unauthorized OHV trails are to be closed, vehicles should be restricted to established roads and damaged areas should be revegetated. Measures should be taken to continue to manage unauthorized uses through the use of gates, bouldering, revegetating of closed trails, as well as signage. Monitoring and continued management of OHV use would help control unauthorized uses in the future. Management of unauthorized OHV trails would reduce potential sources of road sediment and thereby protect water quality, biological resources, and cultural resources. UM-2 LCP Volume II

25 BLUE LAKES PLANNING UNIT Potential Measures: Restrict or formalize dispersed recreation use on the parcel by Deer Creek to protect valuable habitat. Restrict or formalize dispersed recreation use on the parcel by Deer Creek to protect cultural resources. The Stewardship Council also recommends formalizing or restricting informal recreation uses occurring on the parcel by Deer Creek. Informal recreation uses in this area include user-created trails, informal trailheads, and unofficial parking areas. Formalizing these uses could clarify appropriate recreation practices as well as protect cultural resources and sensitive habitat. Formalizing these uses could accommodate this apparent recreation need while deterring people from potentially destructive behavior in sensitive areas. Alternately, informal recreation uses could be restricted by revegetating and bouldering informal recreation sites where appropriate and posting signage to notify recreationists of this restriction. Formalizing or restricting dispersed use is recommended to protect this area s sensitive and valuable habitat as well as cultural resources. Studies should be conducted to determine the appropriate way to handle this informal use. Support future Authority efforts to preserve water quality and identify protection and improvement projects that are most critical. In addition to managing recreation use to protect habitat values, the Stewardship Council recommends supporting future Authority (UMRWA) efforts at preserving water quality, water supply, and the environment in the Upper Mokelumne River Watershed. The UMRWA Project developed a water quality database to establish a baseline for a watershed water quality assessment of the Upper Mokelumne River and identified management measures for agencies to implement to maintain and improve source water quality in the watershed. Manage areas bordering the Mokelumne Wilderness to complement adjacent wilderness values. It is recommended that the areas bordering the Mokelumne Wilderness be managed to complement the surrounding wilderness values of the Mokelumne Wilderness and to protect its high value resources. This would include managing recreation as primitive, not allowing motor vehicle use, protecting cultural resources, maintaining a visual quality of preservation (e.g., any trails and other related improvements should be designed to be as obscure as possible), maintaining natural condition of timber stands, and generally preserving the wilderness character of the land. Conservation easements would describe all prohibited uses to maintain open space values, including the level of uses allowed. Recommendations include only minor additions of recreation facilities and are not expected to decrease the scenic quality of the viewsheds. Potential Measures: Conduct surveys of lands outside the FERC boundary to identify biological resources and enable their protection. Develop a wildlife and habitat management plan for the planning unit. LCP Volume II UM-3

26 LCP Volume II Though many biological resources studies were conducted for the Mokelumne River Project relicensing, these studies likely focused only on resources within the FERC boundary. Therefore, the Stewardship Council recommends conducting surveys of the planning unit, particularly for lands outside the FERC boundary, to identify biological resources and enable their protection. The Stewardship Council also recommends using biological resource survey data to create a wildlife and habitat management plan. The planning unit contains potential habitat for several special status species including pine marten, mountain yellow-legged frog, and Yosemite toad, and recommended surveys may reveal additional special status plants and wildlife. Once recommended surveys are completed, potential habitat enhancements and restoration opportunities can be identified and developed into a comprehensive plan describing goals and objectives for habitat and species, as well as measures needed to enhance and protect habitat for both plant and wildlife species. Monitoring of species and/or habitats would also be developed as a component of the plan. The wildlife and habitat management plan should be developed in conjunction with noxious weed, forest, and fuels management plans. Develop a noxious weed management plan for areas not included in the FERC-mandated Noxious Weed Plan. Preparation and implementation of a Noxious Weed Plan was mandated as part of the Mokelumne River Project FERC License Order. This plan was prepared in 2002 and approved by the Eldorado National Forest. The noxious weed survey area included USFS land inside the FERC boundary as well as adjacent PG&E FERC lands. The Stewardship Council recommends preparation and implementation of a noxious weed management plan for those areas of the planning unit not covered by the FERC license required Noxious Weed Plan. This measure is recommended to eradicate existing populations of noxious weeds where possible and implement preventative measures to minimize the spread of weeds in the future. This plan would also provide for more consistent management of noxious weeds with adjacent management and should be coordinated with PG&E and the USFS. This plan should be developed in conjunction with the fuels, forest management, and wildlife and habitat management plans. Preservation of Historic Values Potential Measures: Conduct surveys outside the FERC APE to identify cultural resources and enable their protection. Coordinate with Native American entities when conducting cultural resource measures. It is likely that cultural resources surveys conducted for relicensing efforts were limited to the Area of Potential Effects (APE) for the FERC Project, generally defined as all lands within the FERC boundary. Therefore, lands outside the APE were likely not surveyed. There is a high likelihood of cultural sites outside the APE; therefore, the Stewardship Council recommends conducting surveys outside the APE to identify cultural resources and enable their protection. Documentation of cultural sites should be coordinated with local Native American entities. Potential Measures: Develop a cultural resources management plan for areas not already included in the FERC-mandated Heritage Resources Management Plan (HRMP). UM-4 LCP Volume II

27 BLUE LAKES PLANNING UNIT Coordinate with Native American entities when conducting cultural resource measures. Although a Heritage Resources Management Plan (HRMP) is being developed as part of relicensing, it only includes measures to avoid and mitigate impacts to resources within the APE. Assuming that recommended surveys identify additional cultural sites within the planning unit, the Stewardship Council recommends developing a cultural resources management plan for the area not included in the FERC license required HRMP to ensure that cultural resources are provided adequate protection in the future. The plan would include appropriate measures for the identification, evaluation, and treatment of cultural resources (archaeological and historical), as well as traditional use areas. Treatment measures could include avoidance, specific protective measures (e.g., fencing), site monitoring, and methods to preserve, restore, or enhance cultural resource values. Other means include conservation easements, management agreements, and public interpretation and education programs. Recreation, vandalism, and erosion within this planning unit have the potential to impact cultural sites; the recommended cultural resources management plan would seek to minimize this impact in the future. Development of the cultural resources management plan should be consistent with the existing FERC license required HRMP and should be coordinated with local Native American entities. Open Space Apply permanent conservation easements to ensure a higher level of open space protection. The Stewardship Council recommends preserving open space values through permanent conservation easements and through management of areas bordering on the Mokelumne Wilderness to complement adjacent wilderness values. Sustainable Forestry Potential Measures: Evaluate existing timber inventory data and supplement as appropriate. Develop a forest management plan for the planning unit to promote natural forest development and structural and physical diversity in forests for long-term ecological, economic, social, and cultural benefits. Although some timber resources are present on the lands surrounding Blue Lakes, current management has been limited to fuels management and salvage timber management. Due to potential conflicts with existing recreation activities and delicate high elevation habitat, sustainable forestry is only recommended to enhance habitat and provide fuels management. The Stewardship Council recommends developing a forest management plan for the planning unit through the evaluation of existing forest inventory data and supplemental information, when appropriate. In addition to supporting natural forest development, the forest management plan would promote integrated watershed management, supporting the enhancement of other BPVs over the long term. The forest management plan would be compatible with both current and recommended recreation uses, as well as areas of biological and cultural importance. The forest management plan should be completed in conjunction with the fuels, noxious weed, and wildlife and habitat management plans. As the Blue Lakes area is currently managed under the Salvage prescription by PG&E, snags and downed woody debris would be maintained in the planning unit LCP Volume II UM-5

28 LCP Volume II where not deemed a safety, fire, or disease hazard as these are important components for wildlife habitat and forest regeneration. Develop a fuels management plan to ensure long-term forest health and reduce fuel loading and fire hazard throughout the planning unit. Management of fuels is very important in reducing fire risk in this planning unit. Therefore, the Stewardship Council recommends developing a fuels management plan for this planning unit. The fuels management plan would ensure long-term forest health and reduce fuel loading and fire hazard throughout the planning unit. Coordination with adjacent landowners and USFS management would promote an integrated approach to the forest, habitat, and recreation resources in this area. This plan should be completed in conjunction with the noxious weed, forest management, and wildlife and habitat management plans. Agricultural Uses None recommended. UM-6 LCP Volume II

29 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT Existing Conditions & Uses Overview Scenic reservoir shoreline with a popular boating resort and valuable habitat 1,795 acres in Amador County; 1,277 acres outside the FERC boundary and 518 acres inside the FERC boundary Part of the Mokelumne River Project (FERC #137); New License issued October 2001 Located at an approximate elevation range of 5,900 to 7,000 feet, the Lower Bear Area Planning Unit includes portions of Lower and Upper Bear River Reservoirs and land bordering a portion of Cole Creek (see Figure UM-3). This planning unit is almost completely surrounded by Eldorado National Forest, managed by the USFS. The eastern Cole Creek parcel is bounded on three sides by the USFS-managed Mokelumne Wilderness and is located within the Wilderness Boundary. Private timber companies own lands southwest of Lower Bear River Reservoir. The planning unit is located 35 miles northeast of Jackson. Lower Bear River Reservoir is accessible by a paved road, Bear River Road, off of Highway 88. Lower Bear Area Planning Unit Amador County Upper Bear River Reservoir is accessible by boat portaging from Lower Bear River Reservoir and by a hiking trail on the western side. The Cole Creek parcels are mostly inaccessible by vehicle; however, the western portion is accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle. There is interest by the Amador Water Agency in gravity feeding water from Lower Bear River Reservoir for water supply in the future, potentially requiring expanding the reservoir storage capacity. The Bear River Reservoirs provide water supply for five counties as well as many agencies and other users. 1 Lower Bear River Reservoir has been identified as a future water supply for Amador County, Calaveras County and East Bay Municipal Utilities District areas. A feasibility study of raising Lower Bear Reservoir Dam to increase storage for future water supply will be completed by early Fish, Plant, and Wildlife Habitat Lower Bear River Reservoir from Hwy 88 overlook Habitat for several special status species is located by Upper and Lower Bear River Reservoirs, including the Federal candidate mountain yellow-legged frog, and various bird species including willow flycatcher, bald eagle, LCP Volume II UM-9

30 Figure UM-3 UM-10 LCP Volume II

31 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT and California spotted owl. USFS spotted owl Protected Activity Centers (PACs) are located north of the Bear River Resort as well as south and east of Lower Bear River Reservoir. Summer range for the Salt Springs deer herd is located throughout the planning unit. The Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare, American marten, and sharpshinned hawk are likely to be present in this planning unit. Upper and Lower Bear River Reservoirs provide habitat for a variety of coldwater fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and tui chub. The Cole Creek parcels may contain habitat for species including California spotted owl, mountain yellow-legged frog, forest carnivores (e.g., Pacific fisher), and northern goshawk. Areas next to Cole Creek contain some wetland/ meadow habitat and about three miles of floodplain. The Cole Creek parcels are managed for native trout and mountain yellow-legged frog populations by Eldorado National Forest. Open Space The planning unit provides open space, including an inholding and other lands adjacent to the Mokelumne Wilderness, as well as viewshed values for several camps, campgrounds, and a resort situated by Lower Bear River Reservoir. The planning unit also provides scenic views from a Highway 88 pull-out. Highway 88 is a designated Scenic Highway in the National Highway System. and is known to be an exceptional northern California trout fishery. Rainbow trout are also stocked in Upper Bear River Reservoir. The Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail is located adjacent to Lower Bear River Reservoir and provides 20 to 55 miles of popular trails during the winter recreation season. The western parcel at Lower Bear River Reservoir was used as a parking and staging area for the snowmobile trail; however, the resort is currently closed during the winter months. The Bear River Resort is located on the western side of Lower Bear River Reservoir and is operated under a PG&E lease. Many of the area s recreational opportunities are provided by this lessee, including summer boat rentals. The resort also provides a store, restaurant, 126 campsites (including 30 trailers), and a marina. Camp Ritchie, which PG&E leases to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), is operated as a 120-person per session summer camp for girls. The USFS has issued a Special Use Permit for the Camp Winton Boy Scouts Camp adjacent to the planning unit on the eastern side of Lower Bear River Reservoir. Forest Resources The Lower Bear Area Planning Unit contains three PG&E Timber Management Units (TMUs) for a total of 895 timbered acres. The TMU located by Upper Bear River Reservoir contains 68 timbered acres and is managed under a Outdoor Recreation The planning unit provides many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking, and OHV use. All of the campgrounds and day use areas at Lower Bear River Reservoir are operated by the USFS; however, PG&E made many improvements to these facilities as part of the recent FERC relicensing as they are located within the Mokelumne River Project FERC boundary. 2 Lower Bear River Reservoir is annually stocked with rainbow and brown trout Bear River Resort boat dock LCP Volume II UM-11

32 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT Agricultural Uses Although PG&E does not currently have any grazing leases in this planning unit, the Lower Bear Area Planning Unit is located within the USFS Bear River and Pardoe grazing allotments. Grazing occurs on adjacent USFS and private lands, and may also occur on planning unit lands. PG&E has not granted permission for grazing on their lands, but due to the lack of fencing in the area, it is possible for cattle to graze on planning unit lands. Lower Bear River Reservoir Recreation and Sustainable Timber Management prescription, meaning that recreation in this area is compatible with timber management. Forest management in designated recreation areas is limited to fuels reduction, hazard tree removal, and improvement of aesthetics. Outside of designated recreation areas, sustainable timber management is emphasized. The TMU located by Lower Bear River Reservoir contains 273 timbered acres and is managed under a Multiple-Use prescription, meaning that protection and uses of other resources and facilities may preclude sustained timber management as the highest and best use of portions of the TMU. The Cole Creek parcels contain 554 timbered acres and are managed under a Sustainable Timber Management prescription, meaning that sustained timber production is regarded as the highest and best use of the land while also placing an emphasis on protecting water quality, wildlife and fisheries habitat, soils, carbon sequestration, and cultural resources. The western one-third of the Cole Creek parcels have valuable timber resources, and future timber harvests are planned in this area. Historic Resources PG&E is in the process of completing a Heritage Resources Management Plan (HRMP) for this area as part of the recent FERC relicensing process. Much of the area surrounding Upper and Lower Bear River Reservoirs was surveyed as part of the relicensing process. At least six prehistoric sites near Lower Bear River Reservoir and six archeological sites within the Cole Creek parcels have been identified. This planning unit is within traditional territory of the Northern Sierra Miwok, which extends from the Sierra foothills and mountains as far north as the Consumnes River, and includes the drainages of the Mokelumne and Calaveras Rivers. Fire danger is a major concern in the Bear River Reservoir area and by the Cole Creek parcels. The Power Fire occurred just south of this planning unit in 2004, burning 16,800 acres and causing evacuation of the Bear River Reservoir area. Scenic rock by Lower Bear River Reservoir UM-12 LCP Volume II

33 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT Stewardship Council Recommendations The Stewardship Council recommends that the land and land uses at the Lower Bear Area Planning Unit be preserved and enhanced by focusing on enhanced recreation facilities, while protecting the unique cultural resources, habitat values, and sensitive species present. We recommend this effort be conducted in close coordination with PG&E and the Amador Water Agency. Recommendations would need to be re-evaluated if the Amador Water Agency develops concrete plans to expand Lower Bear River Reservoir Dam and thereby raise the reservoir level (the 2006 Mokelumne Amador Calaveras Integrated Regional Water Management Plan identifies the reservoir as a future water supply). Objective: Preserve and enhance biological and cultural resources, enhance public access, recreation opportunities, and sustainable forestry management, and evaluate the potential for grazing opportunities. As shown on Table UM-2, the Stewardship Council has identified a number of preservation and/or enhancement measures that may contribute to the conservation management program for the Lower Bear Area Planning Unit. Additional detail and background regarding these potential measures can be found in the, provided under separate cover. These measures are intended to be illustrative in nature, not prescriptive, and will be amended, deleted, or augmented over time in coordination with future land owners and managers to best meet the objective for this planning unit. Lower Bear River Reservoir & dam Fish, Plant, and Wildlife Habitat Objective: Preserve and enhance habitat in order to protect special biological resources and wilderness values. The Lower Bear Area provides terrestrial and aquatic habitat for many species, including a variety of special status species, and is a popular recreational fishery. The Stewardship Council recognizes the importance of this resource for public recreation and access, but intends to see that the wilderness beauty of the area and the habitat resources found here are protected. In order to preserve and enhance the habitat and resources found here, the Stewardship Council recommends that baseline studies and plans be developed to gain a clear understanding of Bear River Resort boat dock & picnic table LCP Volume II UM-13

34 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT the resources (particularly outside the FERC boundary where little information is currently available). These studies will likely be followed by management plans to ensure implementation of preservation and enhancement measures for specific resources. Of specific note, unauthorized OHV trails may need to be altered to further protect habitat resources from inappropriate recreation use. We encourage close coordination with the USFS, Authority and other resource-focused organizations working in the area. Habitat preservation and enhancement measures should be consistent with FERC license requirements and all planning should be considered in conjunction with the fuels and forest management plans. Open Space Objective: Preserve open space in order to protect natural and cultural resources, viewsheds, and the recreation setting. This concept would preserve open space by limiting construction to minor additions of recreation facilities, as well as through permanent conservation easements. The Stewardship Council specifically recommends that Cole Creek parcels be managed to complement surrounding wilderness values, as a portion of this land is located within the Wilderness Boundary. Conservation easements would describe all prohibited uses to maintain open space values, including the level of uses allowed and the requirement to maintain scenic qualities. Outdoor Recreation Objective: Enhance recreational facilities in order to provide additional public access, and education and recreation opportunities. The planning unit provides recreation facilities that support fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking, and OHV use. Additionally, one large resort and private camp provide recreational opportunities and facilities. As shown in Figure UM-4, the Stewardship Council looks to enhance these opportunities by recommending facilities at Lower Bear River Reservoir while maintaining the primitive recreation experience at Upper Bear River Reservoir. We recommend enhancements focus on a new day use/fishing site, additional public recreation access, increased opportunities for youth education and recreation, and review of resort uses for potential enhancement possibilities. Any improvements would need to be planned and sited to minimize disturbance to sensitive natural and cultural resources. We further recommend that future recreation planning be closely coordinated with Amador Water Agency s efforts to study the potential enlargement of the Lower Bear Reservoir. Sustainable Forestry Objective: Develop and implement forestry practices in order to contribute to a sustainable forest, preserve and enhance habitat, enhance surrounding wilderness values, as well as to ensure appropriate fuel load and fire management. Bear River Resort sign The Lower Bear Area Planning Unit provides valuable forest resources in a fire-prone area. The Stewardship Council recommends that future care and management of the land include developing a long-term vision for forest management in the area, addressing silvicultural practices, holistic UM-14 LCP Volume II

35 watershed management, fuels management, fire management and response, and surrounding wilderness values. The fuels, fire management and response, and forest management plans should be developed in conjunction with the noxious weed and wildlife and habitat management plans. We expect that all of these plans would be developed in coordination with adjacent landowners, USFS, and lessee management and practices as appropriate. LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT Agricultural Uses Objective: Identify potential grazing opportunities in order to enhance agricultural resources and related economic benefits. Though the lands in the planning unit are steep and somewhat disconnected, there is some potential for grazing use. The Stewardship Council looks to enhance agricultural opportunities and associated important economic uses as part of the long-term management of the Lower Bear Area Planning Unit. To support this effort, we recommend evaluating grazing potential in coordination with adjacent USFS allotments. If grazing is determined to be feasible in the planning unit, the Stewardship Council recommends developing a rangeland management plan to guide this activity. Preservation of Historic Values Objective: Identify and manage cultural resources in order to ensure their protection. At least 12 cultural sites have already been identified in the planning unit and there is a high likelihood additional sites are present. The Stewardship Council aims to support an increased understanding of these resources and ensure they are appropriately protected. To meet this objective, we recommend that cultural resource studies be conducted to understand the resources found in the Lower Bear Area Planning Unit (particularly outside the FERC cultural resource study area where less information is available), Inlet to Bear River Reservoir from Little Bear River and that appropriate management plans be developed and implemented. Throughout this effort, the Stewardship Council recommends close coordination with Native American entities. Development of the cultural resources management plan should be consistent with the FERC license required HRMP. Endnotes 1 The Bear River Reservoirs are a water supply source for Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties, Jackson Irrigation District, Amador Water Agency, North San Joaquin Water Conservation District, Woodbridge Irrigation District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, and senior appropriators. 2 Improved facilities include: South Shore Campground, Pardoes Point Campground and picnic area, Bear River Group Campground, and Sugar Pine Point Campground. LCP Volume II UM-15

36 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT This page intentionally left blank. UM-16 LCP Volume II

37 Table UM-2 Objectives to Preserve and/or Enhance Recommended Concept LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT Planning Unit Objective: Preserve and enhance biological and cultural resources, enhance public access, recreation opportunities, and sustainable forestry management, and evaluate the potential for grazing opportunities. Beneficial Public Value Objective Potential Measures to Preserve and/or Enhance BPVs Not Requirements* Protection of the Natural Habitat of Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Preserve and enhance habitat in order to protect special biological resources and wilderness values. Conduct surveys of lands outside the FERC boundary to identify biological resources and enable their protection. Develop a wildlife and habitat management plan for the planning unit. Develop a noxious weed management plan for areas not included in the FERC-mandated Noxious Weed Plan. Support future Authority efforts to preserve water quality and identify protection and improvement projects that are most critical. Manage Cole Creek parcels to complement surrounding Mokelumne Wilderness values.** Formalize or close unauthorized OHV trails to protect biological resources.** Preservation of Open Space Preserve open space in order to protect natural and cultural resources, viewsheds, and the recreation setting. Apply permanent conservation easements to ensure a higher level of open space protection. Outdoor Recreation by the General Public Enhance recreational facilities in order to provide additional public access, and education and recreation opportunities. Add new day use/fishing access by the dam at Lower Bear River Reservoir.** Assess the potential for youth program opportunities. Enhance public recreation access at the LDS camp.** Review allowed uses on the premises at the Bear River Resort for BPV enhancement possibilities.** Sustainable Forestry Develop and implement forestry practices in order to contribute to a sustainable forest, preserve and enhance habitat, enhance surrounding wilderness values, as well as to ensure appropriate fuel load and fire management. Evaluate existing timber inventory data and supplement as appropriate. Develop a forest management plan for the planning unit to promote natural forest development and structural and physical diversity in forests for long-term ecological, economic, social, and cultural benefits. Develop a fuels management plan to ensure long-term forest health and reduce fuel loading and fire hazard throughout the planning unit. Develop a fire management and response plan for the planning unit to ensure fire preparedness. Agricultural Uses Identify potential grazing opportunities in order to enhance agricultural resources and related economic benefits. Evaluate the potential for grazing opportunities within the planning unit, in coordination with adjacent USFS grazing allotments. Preservation of Historic Values Identify and manage cultural resources in order to ensure their protection. Conduct surveys outside the FERC Project APE to identify cultural resources and enable their protection. Develop a cultural resources management plan for areas not already included in the FERC-mandated HRMP. Coordinate with Native American entities when conducting cultural resource measures. Formalize or close unauthorized OHV trails to protect cultural resources.** * This is a set of recommended possibilities for the preservation and enhancement of BPV s, and is not intended to be a set of requirements for future land management. ** Denotes site specifi c measure. LCP Volume II UM-17

38 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT Figure UM-4 UM-18 LCP Volume II

39 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT Lower Bear Area Planning Unit Recommendations would need to be re-evaluated if the Amador Water Agency develops concrete plans to expand Lower Bear River Reservoir Dam and thereby raise the reservoir level (the 2006 Mokelumne Amador Calaveras Integrated Regional Water Management Plan identifies the reservoir as a future water supply). Fish, Plant, and Wildlife Habitat There is a potential for protection and enhancement of biological resources, particularly outside the FERC boundary where less focus has been given during the recent relicensing process. Recommended measures further enhance habitat protection and habitat quality through the use of sustainable forestry management techniques, continuity of management with adjacent landowners, and possible habitat restoration and enhancement opportunities. Conduct surveys of lands outside the FERC boundary to identify biological resources and enable their protection. Though many biological resource studies were conducted for the Mokelumne Project FERC relicensing, these studies likely focused only on resources within the FERC boundary and did not include the entire planning unit. Therefore, the Stewardship Council recommends conducting surveys outside the FERC boundary to identify biological resources and enable their protection. Develop a wildlife and habitat management plan for the planning unit. The Stewardship Council also recommends using biological resource survey data to create a wildlife and habitat management plan. The planning unit contains potential habitat for several special status species including mountain yellow-legged frog, willow flycatcher, northern goshawk, American marten, and California spotted owl, and recommended surveys may reveal additional special status plants and wildlife. Once recommended surveys are completed, potential habitat enhancements and restoration opportunities can be identified and developed into a comprehensive plan describing goals and objectives for habitat and species, as well as measures needed to enhance and protect habitat for both wildlife and plant species. This plan would specifically emphasize continuity of management with adjacent USFS spotted owl Protected Activity Centers (PACs), deer summer range habitat connectivity, and management for northern goshawk. Identifying and protecting late successional stands for the purpose of habitat enhancement for spotted owl would be one component of providing continuity with adjacent management. This plan would also include the continued management of Cole Creek for native trout and mountain yellow-legged frog populations in coordination with existing USFS management efforts. Monitoring of species and/or habitats would also be developed as a component of the plan. The wildlife and habitat management plan should be developed in conjunction with the noxious weed, forest, and fuels management plans. Recommended habitat protection measures would also protect cultural resources. LCP Volume II UM-7

40 LCP Volume II Develop a noxious weed management plan for areas not included in the FERC-mandated Noxious Weed Plan. Preparation and implementation of a Noxious Weed Plan was mandated as part of the Mokelumne Project FERC License Order for the FERC project area. This plan was prepared in 2002 and approved by Eldorado National Forest. The noxious weed survey area included USFS land inside the FERC boundary as well as adjacent planning unit lands. The Stewardship Council recommends preparation and implementation of a noxious weed management plan for those areas of the planning unit not covered by the FERC license required Noxious Weed Plan. This measure is recommended to eradicate existing populations of noxious weeds where possible and implement preventative measures to minimize the spread of weeds in the future. This plan would also provide for more consistent management of noxious weeds with adjacent management and should be coordinated with PG&E and the USFS. This plan should be developed in conjunction with the fuels, forest, and wildlife and habitat management plans. Support future Authority efforts to preserve water quality and identify protection and improvement projects that are most critical. The Stewardship Council also recommends supporting future Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority (UMRWA) efforts to preserve water quality, water supply, and the environment in the. The UMRWA Project developed a water quality database to establish a baseline for a watershed water quality assessment of the Upper Mokelumne River and identified management measures for agencies to implement to maintain and improve source water quality in the watershed. Manage Cole Creek parcels to complement surrounding Mokelumne Wilderness values. The Stewardship Council recommends managing inholding areas as well as areas bordering on the Mokelumne Wilderness by Cole Creek to complement surrounding wilderness values. The Cole Creek parcels haves three unique aspects: they are within and adjacent to the Mokelumne Wilderness, they are not encumbered by the FERC boundary, and they include special status species habitat. It is recommended that this area be managed to complement the surrounding wilderness values of the Mokelumne Wilderness and to protect the existing high value resources that the site provides. This would include managing recreation as primitive, not allowing motor vehicle use, protecting cultural resources, maintaining a visual quality of preservation (e.g., any trails and other related improvements should be designed to be as obscure as possible), maintaining the natural condition of timber stands, and generally preserving the wilderness character of the land. Sustainable Forestry Potential Measures: Evaluate existing timber inventory data and supplement as appropriate. UM-8 LCP Volume II

41 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT Develop a forest management plan for the planning unit to promote natural forest development and structural and physical diversity in forests for long-term ecological, economic, social, and cultural benefits. The Stewardship Council recommends developing a forest management plan for the planning unit through the evaluation of existing forest inventory data and supplemental information, when appropriate. In addition to supporting natural forest development, the forest management plan would promote watershed management, supporting the enhancement of other BPVs over the long term. The forest management plan would be compatible with both current and recommended recreation uses, areas of biological and cultural importance, as well as wilderness values surrounding the Cole Creek parcels. Identifying and designating late successional stands for the purpose of habitat enhancement for the spotted owl would also be incorporated into forest management practices. The forest management plan should be developed in conjunction with the fuels, noxious weed, and wildlife and habitat management plans. In areas where timber extraction is consistent with the forest management plan, timber harvesting techniques would be promoted that maintain mosaics of forest stands of different age, size, and rotation period. In addition to utilizing PG&E s uneven-age selection harvest system, harvesting practices and a monitoring program would be included to protect watercourses and lakes and promote the restoration and conservation of natural forests. Post-harvest, a monitoring plan would be developed to ensure that forest management and the proposed harvesting schedule would be consistent with the forest management plan, promoting natural forest development in perpetuity. Develop a fuels management plan to ensure long-term forest health and reduce fuel loading and fire hazard throughout the planning unit. Management of fuels is very important in reducing high fire risk in this planning unit. Therefore, the Stewardship Council recommends developing a fuels management plan for this planning unit. The fuels management plan would ensure long-term forest health and reduce fuel loading and fire hazard throughout the planning unit. Coordination with adjacent landowners and USFS management would promote an integrated approach to management of the forest, habitat, and recreation resources in this area. This plan should be developed in conjunction with the noxious weed, forest, and wildlife and habitat management plans. Develop a fire management and response plan for the planning unit to ensure fire preparedness. Although the Lower Bear Area Planning Unit is remote, many recreationists use the area, particularly at the Bear River Resort. This area also has a recent history of fire and was evacuated during the Power Fire in Therefore, the Stewardship Council recommends developing a fire management and response plan to ensure fire preparedness and enhance fire prevention. The plan would outline appropriate actions to take when a fire occurs as well as reporting procedures. The fire management and response plan should be coordinated with any existing fire preparedness plans in the area, particularly with the USFS (who manages most of the adjacent lands and recreation facilities). LCP Volume II UM-9

42 LCP Volume II Open Space Apply permanent conservation easements to ensure a higher level of open space protection. The Stewardship Council recommends preserving open space values through permanent conservation easements and management of inholding and other lands bordering the Mokelumne Wilderness to complement adjacent wilderness values. Conservation easements would describe all prohibited uses throughout the planning unit to maintain open space values, including the level of uses allowed. Recommendations include only minor additions of recreation facilities and are not expected to decrease the scenic quality of the viewsheds. Agricultural Uses Evaluate the potential for grazing opportunities within the planning unit, in coordination with adjacent USFS grazing allotments. The planning unit is predominantly steep and consists of disconnected parcels; however, there is some potential for grazing within this planning unit in coordination with adjacent grazing allotments. The USFS Bear River and Pardoe grazing allotments are located in this area. Informal grazing may already be occurring within the planning unit from adjacent allotments due to the lack of fencing. This measure would evaluate the potential to formalize this use. Therefore, the Stewardship Council recommends evaluating the potential for grazing on the planning unit lands in coordination with adjacent USFS grazing allotments. Although the amount of acreage needed to graze cattle is dependent on available forage and overall allotment condition, grazing at higher elevations typically requires substantial amounts of land. Generally, a minimum of about 20,000 acres is needed at a 5,000-6,000 foot elevation in the Sierra Nevada to graze a herd of about cattle. Thus, any grazing would need to be in coordination with an existing adjacent grazing allotment. Grazing within the planning unit may necessitate the use of fencing to better manage livestock distribution and keep cattle out of sensitive areas. As Lower Bear River Reservoir is a drinking water supply source, care would also need to be taken to avoid the potential for reservoir water contamination related to livestock use. If grazing is determined to be feasible within the planning unit, a rangeland management plan should be developed that includes goals and objectives and a monitoring and adaptive management strategy, and specifies grazing practices that may address topics including soil and water conservation, erosion control, pest management, nutrient management, vegetation management, and habitat protection. Preservation of Historic Values Potential Measures: Conduct surveys outside the FERC Project APE to identify cultural resources and enable their protection. Coordinate with Native American entities when conducting cultural resource measures. UM-10 LCP Volume II

43 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT It is likely that cultural resource surveys conducted for relicensing efforts were limited to the FER Project Area of Potential Effects (APE), generally defined as all lands within the FERC boundary. Therefore, lands outside the APE were likely not surveyed. There is a high likelihood of cultural sites outside the APE, and therefore the Stewardship Council recommends conducting surveys outside the APE to identify cultural resources and enable their protection. This would particularly include the parcels by Cole Creek, which are located completely outside the FERC boundary. Documentation of cultural sites should be coordinated with Native American entities. Potential Measures: Develop a cultural resources management plan for areas not already included in the FERC-mandated HRMP. Coordinate with Native American entities when conducting cultural resource measures. Although a Heritage Resources Management Plan (HRMP) is being developed as part of FERC relicensing, this plan will only include measures to avoid and mitigate impacts to resources within the APE. Assuming that recommended surveys identify additional cultural sites within the planning unit, the Stewardship Council recommends developing a cultural resources management plan for areas not included in the FERC license required HRMP to ensure that all cultural resources are provided adequate protection in the future. The plan would include appropriate measures for the identification, evaluation, and treatment of cultural resources (archaeological and historical), as well as traditional use areas. Treatment measures could include avoidance, specific protective measures (e.g., fencing), site monitoring, and methods to preserve, restore, or enhance cultural resource values through conservation easements, management agreements, or through public interpretation and education programs. Development of the cultural resources management plan should be consistent with the FERC license required HRMP and should be coordinated with Native American entities. Outdoor Recreation Under Stewardship Council recommendations, existing recreation opportunities would continue, and several new and enhanced recreation opportunities are recommended. Continued recreation uses would include allowing ongoing access for the Silver Bear Snowmobile Trail. The trail is a very popular winter recreation activity in the area and is mostly on adjacent USFS lands; however, it crosses planning unit lands in several places. Add new day use/fishing access by the dam at Lower Bear River Reservoir. Measures to enhance the recreation experience in the Lower Bear Area Planning Unit include the addition of a formal day use/fishing access area at Lower Bear River Reservoir. Fishing from the dam and shoreline at Lower Bear River Reservoir is a popular activity. This measure would provide day use amenities (including picnic tables) to enhance the fishing experience. Prior to implementation, studies would be completed to evaluate the need for such a facility as well as determine if a suitable location exists. Additionally, the recommended location for a day use/fishing access area is within a parcel that is currently leased by the Bear River Resort. It would need to be determined if modification to the Bear River Resort lease would be possible to use a portion of the parcel for the recommended facility. LCP Volume II UM-11

44 LCP Volume II Upper Bear River Reservoir is currently a low use primitive recreation area. It is recommended that recreation activity remain concentrated at Lower Bear River Reservoir and for Upper Bear River Reservoir to maintain low use levels to protect riparian and terrestrial habitat values. The Federal candidate mountain yellow-legged frog is found at Upper Bear River Reservoir, making additional access and recreation use in this sensitive area potentially unadvisable. Potential issues associated with additional use in this area include increased sedimentation along the shore zone and potential disturbance of egg masses. Mountain yellow-legged frogs are generally associated with undisturbed streams, pools, and lake shores. Assess the potential for youth program opportunities. Due to the existing recreation facilities, outstanding opportunities to see and learn about wildlife, cultural resources, and proximity to the Mokelumne Wilderness, there are excellent opportunities to educate youth from nearby towns such as Jackson and Pioneer on a variety of topics within the planning unit. Two youth camps currently exist along Lower Bear River Reservoir (Camp Ritchie and Camp Winton), indicating that this area is a suitable and well-liked location for youth activities. In particular, the Cole Creek parcels could be used as a wilderness gateway opportunity for students and could be used as an outdoor classroom; however, difficult access and unmaintained trails may hinder this opportunity. Therefore, the Stewardship Council recommends assessing the potential for youth program opportunities within the planning unit. Programs could educate youth on topics such as wildlife and botanical resources, including threatened and endangered species, cultural resources, wilderness, and the history of fire and subsequent restoration in the area. Youth program opportunities could educate students on the outstanding resources in their local area and hopefully encourage a sense of pride and protection of these resources. Enhance public recreation access at the LDS camp. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) Camp Ritchie provides excellent camp facilities on the north side of Lower Bear River Reservoir for use by their members. The Stewardship Council recommends enhancing public access to Camp Ritchie. The LDS camp is considered to be an exclusive use because it is only opened to a small portion of the general population. Review allowed uses on the premises at the Bear River Resort for BPV enhancement possibilities. The Bear River Resort is open to the general public at a reasonable fee and provides a marina, boat rental, camping, day use, and OHV use. Although the Bear River Resort is available to the public, the Stewardship Council recommends reviewing allowed uses on the Bear River Resort premises for BPV enhancement possibilities. Though there are 30 trailer sites available for rent by the public from the resort lessee, it appears that more permanent use is occurring at some of these sites, making these sites unavailable to the public on a year-round basis. Potential Measures: Formalize or close unauthorized OHV trails to protect biological resources. UM-12 LCP Volume II

45 LOWER BEAR AREA PLANNING UNIT Formalize or close unauthorized OHV trails to protect cultural resources. Recommended measures include additional management of existing recreation uses. Unauthorized OHV trails in this planning unit cross from PG&E to USFS lands, and therefore decisions to either formalize or close these trails should be made jointly. The USFS has not yet made decisions regarding formalizing or closing unauthorized OHV routes on USFS lands, so the Stewardship Council recommends coordinating with the USFS on any OHV route decisions to create consistency in management. If it is determined that unauthorized OHV trails are to be closed, vehicles should be restricted to established roads, and damaged areas should be revegetated. Measures should be taken to continue to manage unauthorized uses through the use of gates, bouldering, and revegetating closed trails. Management of unauthorized OHV trails would reduce potential sources of road sediment and thereby protect water quality, biological resources, and cultural resources. LCP Volume II UM-13

46 NORTH FORK MOKELUMNE RIVER PLANNING UNIT Existing Conditions & Uses Overview Provides scenic river views, whitewater boating access, and popular trout fishing 3,438 acres in Amador and Calaveras Counties bordering an important archeological district 2,614 acres outside the FERC boundary; 824 acres inside Part of the Mokelumne River Project (FERC #137); New License issued October 2001 Located at an approximate elevation range of 700 to 4,200 feet, the North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit is made up of many parcels scattered along a 30-mile segment of the North Fork Mokelumne River and mainstem Mokelumne River. The planning unit also includes portions of East and West Panther Creeks, Tiger Creek, Tiger Creek Reservoir, Tiger Creek Regulator Reservoir, and Lake Tabeaud (see Figure UM-5). The Upper Mokelumne River Watershed provides water supply for five counties as well as many agencies and other users. 1 North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit Amador & Calaveras Counties Planning unit lands also contain PG&E facilities such as dams, canals, power lines, and several powerhouses. There is an old mine within the planning unit, the condition of which is unknown. Highways 88, 29, and 49 are the main access routes to this planning unit with smaller local roads providing public access to rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The topography along the Mokelumne River is very steep, making access to several parcels difficult. The BLM, USFS, and Sierra Pacific Industries are the main adjacent landowners. The northern parcels within this planning unit are surrounded by the Eldorado National Forest to the north and Stanislaus National Forest to the south. The Salt Springs Game Refuge, managed by DFG, is also located near the Mokelumne River. Fish, Plant, and Wildlife Habitat Tiger Creek Afterbay Dam The Mokelumne River and various tributaries provide primarily coldwater stream habitat, although warmwater habitat occurs in the river near the powerhouse at the southwestern end of the planning unit. Tiger Creek contains high quality trout habitat and has a high potential for natural trout production. Tributary streams in LCP Volume II UM-19

47 Figure UM-5 UM-20 LCP Volume II

48 NORTH FORK MOKELUMNE RIVER PLANNING UNIT the area support self-sustaining populations of brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Breaching of diversion dams on East and West Panther Creeks was mandated by FERC to provide for fish passage and sediment transport. No anadromous, State or Federally threatened or endangered fish species are known to occur in the planning unit; however kokanee salmon migrate upstream from Pardee Reservoir to project waters below Electra Afterbay Dam and are assumed to spawn downstream of the powerhouse. The planning unit also provides valuable terrestrial habitat. The Salt Springs deer herd winter in the northern portion of this planning unit. Seasonal deer migration routes also cross this planning unit, and PG&E has established more than 40 over- and under-crossings to allow unimpeded movement of deer. The northern parcels within this planning unit also contain several miles of highly valued riparian habitat. Potentially suitable habitat for special status species, including valley elderberry longhorn beetle, western pond turtle, and foothill yellow-legged frog among others, is located in this planning unit. 2 USFS spotted owl Protected Activity Centers (PACs) are located adjacent to this planning unit, primarily by Tiger Creek and along the North Fork Mokelumne River parcels on the northern side of the planning unit. Open Space The planning unit provides open space and viewshed values for boaters, anglers, and several day use areas situated along the North Fork Mokelumne River. The North Fork Mokelumne River, below Salt Spring Reservoir, has also been recommended for Wild and Scenic River status by the USFS. As part of the May 2007 final Sierra Proposed Resource Management Plan, the BLM has also recommended 20 miles of the North Fork/Main Mokelumne River from the Highway 49 Bridge to Tiger Creek Afterbay to Congress as suitable for wild and scenic river designation (wild, scenic, and recreational). Outdoor Recreation The planning unit provides opportunities for both land- and water-based recreation and is particularly popular for fishing. Day use facilities on the north side of Lake Tabeaud provide opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and non-powered boating. Electra and Tiger Creek Reservoir (also known as Tiger Creek Afterbay) also contain day use facilities for picnicking and fishing. The DFG annually stocks Tiger Creek Reservoir and Lake Tabeaud with rainbow trout. Camping facilities are not available in the planning unit; however, the USFS provides three campgrounds adjacent to the planning unit. North Fork Mokelumne River, below Salt Spring Reservoir, provides opportunities to boat on four whitewater runs. As shown in Figure UM-5, the Standard Canal Trail historically ran along the Standard Canal alignment; however, this trail has been closed to the public. Additionally, the Coast to Crest Trail, a significant project that will span from the Pacific Ocean to the crest of the Sierra Nevada, is planned to generally follow the Mokelumne Aqueduct and the North Fork Mokelumne River. The exact alignment of the trail in the planning unit area, however, is undetermined. Forest Resources Prime timberland is located along Tiger Creek and Panther Creek, which has ongoing timber Lake Tabeaud LCP Volume II UM-21

49 NORTH FORK MOKELUMNE RIVER PLANNING UNIT and improve aesthetics. Several scattered parcels just downstream of West Point Tunnel have no timber management prescription. Fire danger is a major concern in the North Fork Mokelumne River area. The Power Fire occurred just north of this planning unit in 2004, burning 16,800 acres in total. This fire affected the lands along East Panther Creek and resulted in substantial amounts of sediment entering the creek. Fire danger is also a major concern in the Lake Tabeaud area. Tiger Creek Regulator Reservoir harvests by PG&E with future harvests planned. This planning unit contains nine dispersed Timber Management Units (TMUs) for a total of 1,452 timbered acres. The TMUs located by Panther Creek, Tiger Creek Regulator Reservoir, and the northeastern parcels north of the Mokelumne River are managed under a Multiple-Use prescription, meaning that protection and uses of other resources and facilities may preclude sustained timber management as the highest and best use of portions of the TMU. The northeastern parcels south of the Mokelumne River are managed under a Sustainable Timber Management prescription, meaning that sustained timber production is regarded as the highest and best use of the land while also placing an emphasis on protecting water quality, wildlife and fisheries habitat, soils, carbon sequestration, and cultural resources. The northeastern-most parcel along the Mokelumne River and parcels by Tiger Creek Reservoir and West Point Tunnel are currently under a Salvage prescription, meaning that the lands are primarily managed for uses other than sustained timber production, but may require management to mitigate for emergency forest and watershed health issues, such as insect attacks. The parcels by Lake Tabeaud and Electra are currently being managed under a Salvage/Stand Improvement prescription, meaning that the lands are primarily managed for uses other than sustained timber production, but may require entry to reduce fuel loads, remove hazard trees, Agricultural Uses There is one 300-acre grazing lease in this planning unit, located by Lake Tabeaud. In addition, there are adjacent USFS grazing allotments (Shotgun and Lower Blue) on the northern end and BLM grazing allotments on the southern end of the planning unit. Historic Resources The North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit is within the traditional territory of the Northern Sierra Miwok, which extends from the Sierra foothills and mountains as far north as the Consumnes River, and includes the drainages of the Mokelumne and Calaveras Rivers. The northern parcels, including Panther Creek and Tiger Creek parcels, are surrounded by the USFSdesignated Mokelumne Archeological District. 3 Sheep paddock above Lake Tabeuad UM-22 LCP Volume II

50 NORTH FORK MOKELUMNE RIVER PLANNING UNIT The northeastern most area within the planning unit contains archeological resources that have been fenced off to prevent further resource damage. Several areas in the Mokelumne River drainage, particularly in the vicinity of Tiger Creek Reservoir, continue to be important for Miwok gatherings. The North Fork Mokelumne River has been used for water supply and hydropower production since the late 1800s. Several PG&E hydroelectric facilities and other infrastructure in the planning unit represent the importance of the area s history in power and water development. The Butte Ditch canal was constructed in 1855 and survives as the first major water resource structure on the Mokelumne River near the present-day Tiger Creek Reservoir. Stewardship Council Recommendations The Stewardship Council recommends that the land and land uses at the North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit be preserved and enhanced by focusing on enhancing valuable forestry and habitat resources, protecting cultural resources and enhancing the recreation experience. In presenting the Recommended Concept provided here, our objective is to protect habitat and cultural resources, as well as to enhance sustainable forestry, agricultural uses, and recreation opportunities. We recommend this effort be conducted in close coordination with PG&E. Riparian habitat at Panther Creek As shown on Table UM-3, the Stewardship Council has identified a number of preservation and/or enhancement measures that may contribute to the conservation management program for the North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit. Additional detail and background regarding these potential measures can be found in the Supporting Analysis for Recommendations, provided under separate cover. These measures are intended to be illustrative in nature, not prescriptive, and will be amended, deleted, or augmented over time in coordination with future land owners and managers to best meet the objective for this planning unit. Objective: Preserve and enhance biological, cultural, and agricultural resources while enhancing public access, the recreation experience, and sustainable forestry management. View from the Tiger Creek whitewater take-out LCP Volume II UM-23

51 NORTH FORK MOKELUMNE RIVER PLANNING UNIT Fish, Plant, and Wildlife Habitat Objective: Preserve and enhance habitat in order to protect special biological resources. In addition to forest habitats, the planning unit provides extensive aquatic and riparian habitat along the North Fork Mokelumne River and several creeks and tributaries. In order to preserve and enhance the habitat and resources found here, the Stewardship Council recommends that baseline studies and plans be developed to gain a clear understanding of the resources (particularly outside the FERC boundary where little information is currently available). These studies will likely be followed by management plans to ensure implementation of preservation and enhancement measures for specific resources. Management of the property to preserve and enhance habitat will also include addressing noxious weeds. The Stewardship Council also recommends restriction of OHV use from Tiger Creek to protect habitat values from inappropriate recreation use, as well as supporting efforts by other entities to enhance aquatic habitat and water quality. We encourage close coordination with USFS, Authority, Mokelumne Ecological Resource Committee, and other resource-focused organizations working in the area. Habitat preservation and enhancement measures should be consistent with FERC license requirements and all planning should be considered in conjunction with fuels, forest, and rangeland management plans. Open Space Electra whitewater put-in Objective: Preserve open space in order to protect natural and cultural resources, viewsheds, and agricultural land uses. This concept would preserve open space by limiting construction to only minor additions of recreation facilities, as well as through permanent conservation easements. Conservation easements would describe and prohibited uses to maintain open space values, including the level of uses allowed and the requirement to maintain scenic qualities. Outdoor Recreation Objective: Enhance recreational facilities in order to provide additional public access, education, and enhance the recreation experience. Picnic site & mixed oak pine woodland Day use, fishing, boating, and whitewater boating opportunities and facilities are UM-24 LCP Volume II

52 NORTH FORK MOKELUMNE RIVER PLANNING UNIT present in the North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit. As shown in Figure UM-6, the Stewardship Council looks to enhance these opportunities by recommending facility enhancements and additions as well as supporting future trail development efforts. We recommend enhancements focused on additional restroom, trail and signage facilities, increased opportunities for youth education and recreation, as well as improved day use facilities and fishing access. The Stewardship Council also recommends supporting any future efforts to restore the Standard Canal Trail or establish the Coast to Crest Trail (if it crosses the planning unit). To enhance user safety, the Stewardship Council recommends identifying unauthorized uses and developing strategies to address these uses. Sustainable Forestry Objective: Develop and implement forestry practices in order to contribute to and promote a sustainable forest, preserve and enhance habitat, as well as to ensure appropriate fuel load management. The North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit contains fragmented forest stands which are managed across a spectrum from intense management and harvesting to no management at all. The planning unit is within a fire-prone area, as demonstrated by a recent large fire. The Stewardship Council recommends that future care and management of the land include developing a long-term vision for forest management in the area, addressing silvicultural practices, holistic watershed management, fuels management, and management of plantations. Additionally, the Stewardship Council recommends assessing the potential to develop a demonstration forest to promote sustainable forestry research and management. The fuels and forest management plans should be developed in conjunction with rangeland, noxious weed and wildlife and habitat management plans. We expect that all of these plans would be developed in coordination with adjacent landowners and USFS management and practices as appropriate. Agricultural Uses Electra Powerhouse discharge Objective: Preserve and enhance grazing in order to support associated economic benefits, as well as to protect open space and habitat resources. In addition to the existing grazing lease, there may be potential to provide additional grazing opportunities within the planning unit in conjunction with adjacent allotments. The Stewardship Council looks to preserve this resource and important economic use as part of the long-term management of the North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit. To support this effort, we anticipate a baseline conditions report will be required to describe current agricultural, physical, and overall biological conditions of the area, and determine the feasibility of providing grazing within the planning unit in coordination with adjacent USFS and BLM allotments. From this, specific determinations can be made to identify and manage grazing practices in balance with other uses and values of the property. LCP Volume II UM-25

53 NORTH FORK MOKELUMNE RIVER PLANNING UNIT Preservation of Historic Values Objective: Identify and manage cultural resources in order to ensure their protection, as well as to support opportunities for public education. The North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit contains historic and prehistoric resources, as well as traditional Native American gathering sites. The Stewardship Council aims to support an increased understanding of these resources and ensure they are appropriately protected. To meet this objective, we recommend that cultural resource studies be conducted to understand the resources found in the planning unit (particularly outside the FERC cultural resource study area where less information is available), that appropriate management plans be developed and implemented, and that opportunities to support public education regarding cultural resources be considered. The Stewardship Council specifically recommends that lands adjacent to the USFS Mokelumne Archeological District be managed to complement management of the district. Throughout this effort, the Stewardship Council recommends close coordination with Native American entities. Development of the cultural resources management plan should be consistent with the FERC license required Heritage Resources Management Plan (HRMP). Endnotes 1 The Bear River Reservoirs are a water supply source for Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties, Jackson Irrigation District, Amador Water Agency, North San Joaquin Water Conservation District, Woodbridge Irrigation District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, and senior appropriators. 2 Potential habitat for American peregrine falcon and Pacific fisher and two special status plant species, the Pleasant Valley mariposa lily and Stebbins s lomatium are found within one mile of the planning unit. 3 The Mokelumne Archeological District was designated in 1988 and includes 12,200 acres of Federally managed land and over 125 recorded archeological sites. Canal by Tiger Creek Regulator Reservoir UM-26 LCP Volume II

54 Table UM-3 Objectives to Preserve and/or Enhance Recommended Concept NORTH FORK MOKELUMNE RIVER PLANNING UNIT Planning Unit Objective: Preserve and enhance biological, cultural, and agricultural resources while enhancing public access, the recreation experience, and sustainable forestry management. Beneficial Public Value Objective Potential Measures to Preserve and/or Enhance BPVs Not Requirements* Protection of the Natural Habitat of Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Preservation of Open Space Outdoor Recreation by the General Public Sustainable Forestry Agricultural Uses Preservation of Historic Values Preserve and enhance habitat in order to protect special biological resources. Preserve open space in order to protect natural and cultural resources, viewsheds, and agricultural land uses. Enhance recreational facilities in order to provide additional public access, education, and enhance the recreation experience. Develop and implement forestry practices in order to contribute to and promote a sustainable forest, preserve and enhance habitat, as well as to ensure appropriate fuel load management. Preserve and enhance grazing in order to support associated economic benefits, as well as to protect open space and habitat resources. IIdentify and manage cultural resources in order to ensure their protection, as well as to support opportunities for public education. Conduct surveys of lands outside the FERC boundary to identify biological resources and enable their protection. Develop a wildlife and habitat management plan for the planning unit. Develop a noxious weed management plan for areas not included in the FERC-mandated Noxious Weed Plan. Support the Mokelumne Ecological Resource Committee and Eldorado National Forest to continue to enhance aquatic habitat in East and West Panther Creeks.** Restrict OHV use from Tiger Creek.** Support future Authority efforts to preserve water quality and identify protection and improvement projects that are most critical. Apply permanent conservation easements to ensure a higher level of open space protection. Identify and disclose unauthorized uses and develop strategies to address future management and/or eradication. Enhance existing day use facilities at Electra.** Install interpretive signage about dam removals, the history of power, mining, timber harvesting, water conveyance, and traditional uses in the area.** Add a permanent restroom at the Tiger Creek whitewater put-in.** Support any future efforts to restore the historic Standard Canal Trail.** Add a trail around Lake Tabeaud.** Support future efforts to establish the Coast to Crest Trail if the trail crosses planning unit lands.** Improve fishing access at Tiger Creek Reservoir.** Assess the potential for youth program opportunities. Evaluate existing timber inventory data and supplement as appropriate. Develop a forest management plan for the planning unit to promote natural forest development and structural and physical diversity in forests for long-term ecological, economic, social, and cultural benefits. Manage plantations to best mimic forests in the natural landscape.** Develop a fuels management plan to ensure long-term forest health and reduce fuel loading and fire hazard throughout the planning unit. Assess the potential to develop a demonstration forest for sustainable forestry research and management. Develop a baseline conditions report that describes current agricultural, physical, and overall biological conditions of the area, including current uses and state of improvement. Develop a rangeland management plan for grazing use that includes goals and objectives and a monitoring and adaptive management strategy, as well as specifies grazing practices that address soil and water conservation, erosion control, pest management, nutrient management, vegetation management, habitat protection, and cultural resources management. Evaluate the potential for grazing opportunities within the planning unit, in coordination with adjacent BLM and USFS grazing allotments. Conduct surveys outside the FERC Project APE to identify cultural resources and enable their protection. Develop a cultural resources management plan for areas not already included in the FERC mandated Heritage Resources Management Plan (HRMP). Coordinate with Native American entities when conducting cultural resource measures. Manage adjacent parcels to complement USFS Mokelumne Archeological District management.** * This is a set of recommended possibilities for the preservation and enhancement of BPV s, and is not intended to be a set of requirements for future land management. ** Denotes site specifi c measure. LCP Volume II UM-27

55 NORTH FORK MOKELUMNE RIVER PLANNING UNIT Figure UM-6 UM-28 LCP Volume II