Halstead Salvage Project

Transcription

1 Halstead Salvage Project Recreation and Roadless Resource Report Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District Salmon-Challis National Forest September, 2014 Prepared by: /s/melissa A. Fowler Date: September 16, 2014 Melissa A. Fowler Natural Resource Specialist

2 Recreation and Roadless Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Overview of Issues Addressed... 3 Affected Environment... 4 Existing Condition... 4 Recreation Opportunity Spectrum...6 Inventoried Roadless Areas.7 Inventoried Roadless Area Characteristics..7 Inventoried Roadless Areas - Wilderness Characteristics/Potential...9 Desired Condition 10 Environmental Consequences Methodology Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis Alternative 1 No Action Alternative 2 Proposed Action Design features and Mitigation Measures..15 Alternative 3 - Winter Logging..17 Design features and Mitigation Measures..17 Comparison of Alternatives 18 Compliance with Forest Plan and Other Relevant Laws, Regulations, Policies and Plans Monitoring Recommendations References List of Tables Table 1: Past, Present, and Foreseeable Activities Table 2: Comparison of Alternatives List of Maps Map 1: Vicinity Map.20 Map 2: Project Area Map..21 Map 3: Idaho Roadless Map.22 Map 4: Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Map 23 2

3 Introduction This analysis describes the existing recreation activities, settings and opportunities within the Halstead Salvage project area and describes the potential effects to recreation from the proposed alternatives. This analysis also describes the existing conditions in portions of the Loon eek Roadless Area (IRA) that are adjacent to the project area. In addition, this analysis describes the potential effects from the proposed alternatives on the roadless characteristics of these areas. Overview of Issues Addressed 1. Impact of timber salvage operations on recreation opportunities within the project area. 2. Impact of timber salvage operations on Forest trail conditions within the project area. 3. Impact of timber salvage operations on IRAs within the project area. Issue Indicators 1. Loss of recreation opportunity, displacement of users, or a change in recreation experience due to timber salvage activities (ie: temporary closure of areas/visitors avoiding the area during the timber harvest operations, or changes in scenery following these activities that effect the recreation setting). Measure: duration of the impacts. 2. Increased trail maintenance needs following timber salvage operations (ie: logging debris on trails, damage to waterbars from logging activities). Measure: miles of trail affected. 3. Impacts to roadless characteristics as described in 36 CFR Part 294, Subpart C Idaho Roadless Area Management and impacts to wilderness potential as defined in Section 2(c) of the Wilderness Act of Measure: acres affected and duration of the impacts. Roadless Characteristics: High quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air; Sources of public drinking water; Diversity of plants and animal communities; Habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, and sensitive species, and for those species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of land; Primitive, semi-primitive non-motorized and semi-primitive motorized classes of dispersed recreation; Reference landscapes; Natural appearing landscapes with high scenic quality;

4 Recreation and Roadless Traditional cultural properties and sacred sites; and Other locally identified unique characteristics. Wilderness Potential: Untrammeled Natural Undeveloped Outstanding Opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation Special Features Manageability Affected Environment Existing Condition The Challis-Yankee Fork and Middle Fork Ranger Districts, Salmon-Challis National Forest, are proposing to conduct timber salvage activities on approximately 1,200 acres in the Kelly, Asher, Knapp, and NoHo eek areas. The purpose of these proposed activities is threefold; to manage suitable timber land for timber production as stated in the LRMP, to address safety issues presented by recently killed trees along public roadways, and to meet public demand for forest products. This would be accomplished by harvesting 15 units, all located on less than 45% slopes. The Halstead fire started by lightning on July 27, 2012, and burned approximately 175,000 acres over the course of several months. The fire burned in close proximity to the town of Stanley, and scorched the nearby forest in varying intensities. Some timber stands were completely destroyed, while others burned in a mosaic pattern, leaving some trees still alive. The proposed project would remove a portion of the dead and dying trees that still have some value as timber products. The proposed project area is located in Management Areas #3 (Marsh eek), #4 (Valley eek), and #5 (Basin eek) of the Challis National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (FLRMP). See Maps 1 and 2. Management Area #3 - This Management Area is located west of the town of Stanley, Idaho. It forms common boundaries with the Boise National Forest, Sawtooth National Forest, and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Access is provided by various Forest roads originating from Highway 21, which bisects the unit. Elevation rises in excess of 9,000 feet. Topography includes heavily glaciated, rugged ridges and slopes; cirque basins; alpine lakes; deeply incised to broadly open canyon bottoms; heavily timbered, moderate to gentle slopes; rolling sagebrush/grass covered hills; and flat meadow lands. Vegetation includes Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, Englemann spruce, subalpine fir, sagebrush, grass, and wet meadow complexes. The area is classified as a grand fir/douglas-fir and western spruce/fir forest ecosystems. The unit provides habitat for elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep and black bear. Cape Horn eek, Beaver eek, Marsh eek and Knapp eek are important anadromous 4

5 spawning and rearing streams. Lakes and streams throughout the unit provide cold water fisheries which receive substantial recreational use. Current uses include livestock grazing, timber harvesting, mining, hunting, fishing, camping, cross country skiing and snow mobile use. This area is one of the most popular winter sports areas that the Forest has to offer. Its recreation value is enhanced by the adjacent Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Management Area #4 - The Valley eek Management area is located north of the town of Stanley, Idaho and is adjacent to Highway 21. Access is provided by various Forest roads originating from Highway 21. Elevation rises in excess of 9,000 feet, and this unit encompasses the entire Valley eek watershed. The area is mountainous, but is generally not as rugged as the slopes and ridges to the north and east. The southern and western portion of the unit flattens out into expanses of lodgepole pine and sagebrush communities. Most of the area is heavily timbered, and interspersed with wet meadows. Dominant vegetation consists of Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Englemann spruce, sagebrush, and grass. The area is classified as grand fir/douglas-fir ecosystems. This unit is primarily unroaded. Elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and black bear inhabit the area. The East Fork of Valley eek and Valley eek provide spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous fish. Resident cold water fisheries can be found in the smaller streams and lakes. Current uses include timber harvesting, firewood gathering, livestock grazing, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, OHV riding, snow mobile use, and mountain biking. Management Area #5 The Basin eek Management Area is located adjacent to the Salmon River and north of the town of Stanley, Idaho. Access is provided by various Forest roads originating from Highways 75 and 21. Elevations rise in excess of 9,000 feet in this mountainous unit. The northern rim consists of rugged peaks and ridges, with some small cirque basins. The central and southern portions are heavily timbered, steep to moderately steep slopes with open sagebrush/grass communities interspersed throughout. Wet meadows and small aspen stands are common. Dominant vegetation consists of Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Englemann spruce, sagebrush and grass. The area is classified as grand fir/douglas-fir and western spruce/fir forest ecoystems. Substantial timber harvesting and reforestation activities have occurred in the southern half of the unit. The northern half remains essentially unroaded. Elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, black bear, and mountain lion inhabit the area. Basin eek provides spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous fish. Resident cold water fisheries can be found in the smaller lakes and streams. Current uses include timber harvesting, firewood gathering, mining, hunting, fishing, camping, livestock grazing, OHV riding, snow mobile use, and mountain bike riding.

6 Recreation and Roadless There are numerous dispersed camping sites and Forest Service roads throughout the project area. Visitors are drawn to the general area for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, OHV riding and snow machine opportunities. The primary recreation activities occurring within the project area are big game hunting, camping, fishing, and mountain biking. The project area is within the Idaho Fish and Game unit 36. There are two commercial outfitters operating within the project area. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum The Forest Service uses the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS), a framework for stratifying and defining classes of outdoor recreation environments, activities, and experience opportunities. Recreation in the National Forests is more than just camping, fishing and hiking. The purpose or the goal of the recreationist is to realize satisfying experiences while on the National Forest. This is done by participating in preferred activities in preferred environmental settings. By managing the natural resource settings, and the activities which occur within it, the recreation manager is providing the opportunities for recreation experiences to take place. In short, recreation opportunities can be expressed in terms of three principal components: the activities, the setting, and the experience. The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is a recreation land management classification system that takes into account the natural setting, acres of allocation, road access, and quality of experience associated with a recreation visit. Using these criteria, all Forest land is classified into six categories: Primitive, Semi- Primitive Non-Motorized, Semi-Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural, Rural and Urban. These classifications lie along a continuum with the Primitive and Semi-Primitive Non- Motorized classifications representing large areas of unmodified natural environment where motorized vehicles are not permitted. In the middle of the continuum are the Semi-Primitive Motorized and Roaded Natural classifications, which possess naturalappearing environments but little evidence of human use, and where motorized access is permitted. At the other end of the continuum are the Rural and Urban classifications, where there are extensive resource modifications, developed recreation facilities, and high user density. The land and water areas of the Forest are inventoried and mapped by ROS class to identify which areas are currently providing what kinds of recreation opportunities. This is done by analyzing the physical, social, and managerial setting components for each area. The inventory helps identify what is actually happening on the land, and applies uniformly across wilderness, special areas, political or administrative boundaries, and land ownership. The Forest is inventoried using the ROS criteria independently of any area designation (USFS, ROS Users Guide, 1981). The ROS Classes within the project area include Semi-Primitive Motorized, and Roaded Natural. See Map 3. Following are general descriptions of the setting characterization for the ROS from the USDA Forest Service ROS User Guide (1982): Semi-Primitive Motorized ROS Class: Area is characterized by a predominately natural or natural-appearing environment of moderate to large size. Concentration of users is low but there is often evidence of other users. The area is managed in such a way that minimum on-site controls and restrictions may be present, but are subtle. Motorized use 6

7 is permitted. Proposed Units 1, 11, 15, and a small part of unit 12 are all within the Semi-Primitive Motorized classification. Roaded Natural ROS Class: Area is classified by predominantly natural-appearing environments with moderate evidences of the sights and sounds of man. Such evidences usually harmonize with the natural environment. Interaction between users is low to moderate, but with evidence of other users prevalent. Resource modification and utilization practices are evident, but harmonize with the natural environment. Conventional motorized use is provided for in construction standards and design of facilities. Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and the majority of unit 12 are all within the Roaded Natural classification. Inventoried Roadless Areas Inventoried roadless areas are undeveloped areas typically exceeding 5,000 acres that meet the minimum criteria for wilderness consideration under the Wilderness Act and that were inventoried during the Forest Service s Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (Rare II) process, subsequent assessments, Forest planning, and the Idaho Roadless Rule (36 CFR Part 294, Subpart C Idaho Roadless Area Management, 2008). In October, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adopted a state-specific final rule establishing management direction for designated roadless areas in the State of Idaho. The management direction established by the rule is based on individual roadless characteristics for lands containing outstanding or unique features where there is minimally or no evidence of human use; culturally significant areas; general roadless characteristics where human uses may or may not be apparent; as well as some areas displaying high levels of human use. The final rule designates 250 Idaho Roadless Areas (IRA s) and establishes five management themes that provide prohibitions with exceptions or conditioned permissions governing road construction, timber cutting, and discretionary mineral development. The rule assigns the land within each roadless area to one or more of five broad management themes: Wild Land Recreation (WLR); Special Areas of Historic or Tribal Significance (SAHTS); Primitive (P); Backcountry/Restoration (BCR); and General Forest, Rangeland and Grassland (GFRG). These themes span a continuum that includes at one end, a restrictive approach emphasizing passive management and natural restoration approaches, and on the other end, active management designed to accomplish sustainable protection of roadless characteristics. Allocation to a specific theme does not mandate or direct the Forest Service to propose or implement any action; rather the themes provide an array of permitted and prohibited activities regarding road construction, timber cutting and discretionary mineral activities. Although the ability of the Forest Service to conduct certain activities typically varies from theme to theme, other activities (motorized travel, current grazing activities, or use of motorized equipment and mechanical transport) are not changed by this final rule (Federal Register, Final Rule, Idaho Roadless Area Conservation, 2008). The project area is located adjacent to, but not within, the 149,629 acre Loon eek IRA (06-908). This IRA is within the Backcountry/Restoration management theme of the Idaho Roadless Rule.

8 Recreation and Roadless There are nine roadless characteristics and six wilderness characteristics used to evaluate IRAs. These characteristics are identified below. IRA Characteristics The following roadless characteristics are listed in 36 CFR : 1. High quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air: Healthy watersheds provide clean water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses; help maintain abundant and healthy fish and wildlife populations; and are the basis for many forms of outdoor recreation. 2. Sources of public drinking water: IRAs contain watersheds that are important sources of public drinking water. Careful management of these watersheds is crucial in maintaining the flow of clean water to a growing population. 3. Diversity of plants and animal communities: IRAs are better suited than roaded areas to support greater ecosystem health, including the diversity of native and desired nonnative plant and animal communities, due to the absence of disturbances caused by roads and accompanying activities. 4. Habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, and sensitive species, and for those species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of land: Roadless areas function as biological strongholds and refuges for many species including threatened, endangered and sensitive species. 5. Primitive, semi-primitive non-motorized and semi-primitive motorized classes of dispersed recreation: IRAs often provide outstanding recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, and cross-country skiing. While IRAs may have many wilderness-like attributes; unlike Wilderness, the use of mountain bikes, and other mechanized means of travel is often allowed. 6. Reference landscapes: These roadless landscapes provide a natural setting that may be useful as a comparison to study the effects of more intensively managed areas. 7. Natural appearing landscapes with high scenic quality: High quality scenery, especially scenery with natural-appearing landscapes, is a primary reason that people choose to recreate. In addition, quality scenery contributes directly to real estate values in neighboring communities and residential areas. 8. Traditional cultural properties and sacred sites: Traditional cultural properties are places, sites, structures, art, or objects that have played an important role in the cultural history of a group. Sacred sites are places that have special religious significance to a group. Traditional cultural properties and 8

9 sacred sites may be eligible for protection under the Natural Historic Preservation Act. 9. Other locally identified unique characteristics: IRAs may offer unique characteristics and values that are not covered by the other characteristics. Examples include uncommon geological formations, which are valued for their scientific and scenic qualities, or unique wetland complexes. Unique social, cultural, or historical characteristics may also be dependent on the roadless character of the landscape. Examples include ceremonial sites, places for local events, areas prized for collection of non-timber forest products, or exceptional hunting and fishing opportunities. Inventoried Roadless Areas Wilderness Characteristics/Wilderness Potential Wilderness characteristics of IRAs have been described in the RARE II Wilderness Attribute Rating System, 1977 and more recently in 2005 Forest Service monitoring protocol, Monitoring selected conditions related to wilderness character: a national framework (Landres and others 2005) as untrammeled, natural, undeveloped, outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation, special features, and manageability: 1. Untrammeled This quality monitors modern human activities that directly control or manipulate the components or processes of ecological systems inside wilderness. In summary, wilderness is essentially unhindered and free from modern human control or manipulation. 2. Natural This quality monitors both intended and unintended effects of modern people on ecological systems inside wilderness since the time the area was designated. In summary, wilderness ecological systems are substantially free from the effects of modern civilization. 3. Undeveloped This quality monitors the presence of structures, construction, habitations, and other evidence of modern human presence or occupation. In summary, wilderness is essentially without permanent improvements or modern human occupation. 4. Outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation This quality monitors conditions that affect the opportunity for people to experience solitude or primitive, unconfined recreation in a wilderness setting, rather than monitoring visitor experiences per se. In summary, wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for people to experience solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation, including the values of inspiration and physical and mental challenge. 5. Special Features- Unique geological, ecological, cultural or scenic features, which may be located in Roadless areas. Unique fish and wildlife species, unique plants or plant communities, potential Research Natural Areas, outstanding landscape features such as rock formations, and significant cultural resource sites are some of the items which should be considered when analyzing this element.

10 Recreation and Roadless 6. Manageability/Boundaries- Is a measure of the Forest Service s ability to manage an area to meet size criteria and the five elements discussed above. Changes in the shape of Roadless areas and the location of other proposed projects outside the area are also factors, which should be considered. Boundary management impacts relate to such factors as the need to change the boundaries to terrain features that can be easily located, and the provision of access to the remainder of the Roadless area. The wilderness characteristics of the Loon eek IRA are described below. Untrammeled, Natural, Undeveloped: The Loon eek Inventoried Roadless Area, # (IRA) consists of 106,758 acres on the Challis National Forest and 3,237 acres on the Sawtooth National Forest. This area is located southwest of Challis and is bordered on the east by the Yankee Fork road, on the south by the Salmon River/Sawtooth NRA, and on the west by Cape Horn Lakes. That portion within the Sawtooth NRA is located eight miles northwest of Stanley along the northern boundary of the NRA. The area can be accessed to its periphery on the east, south, and west sides, but cannot be reached on the northern end by road. With the exception of access into its interior on the west by the Basin Butte and Asher eek roads, the interior of this area is unroaded. The area varies from flat meadow lands in upper Stanley to steep, rocky breaks along the west side of Yankee Fork to scenic alpine lakes in the central portion. Elevations vary from 6,200 to 10,000 feet with many lakes and streams scattered throughout the area. The major vegetation components are rock scree, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, spruce, and sagebrush/grass communities. The area belongs in the Rocky Mountains Province made up of two ecosystems: grand fir/douglas-fir forest and western spruce-fir forest. The vegetative diversity of this area supports many resource uses. The area is a principal summer range for elk, black bear, mule deer, mountain lion, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. There is also anadromous fish habitat in this roadless area. The Knapp-Loon eek National Recreation Trail resides in this roadless area (USDA, FEIS Appendix C-54 C-57). Special features: National Recreation Trail, mountain lakes, high peaks, and high scenic quality. Desired Condition Following are the goals, objectives, standards and guidelines from the Challis Forest Plan (1987) that are relevant to the Recreation resources within the Halstead Salvage project area: Forest Management Goals Recreation (IV-1, 2): 10

11 Goal 1: Provide developed outdoor recreation opportunities for the general public. Goal 2: Emphasize dispersed area recreation over developed site recreation Goal 3: Provide a broad spectrum of dispersed recreation opportunities Forest-wide Management Direction, Standards & Guidelines (IV-11): Recreation: a. Developed Sites: 1) Developed sites will be maintained to provide an experience level of 1 or 2. 4) Management of sites will be compatible with the service level of the site. b. Dispersed Sites: 2) Trails will be maintained as per District Trail Maintenance Plans, as a minimum, keep Forest system trails open, remove significant hazards, and correct conditions resulting in serious resource damage. 4) ORV closures should be adequately signed. Desired future condition Management Area #3 (Marsh eek) - The management area will remain essentially unchanged. Large areas will remain undeveloped. Improvements in timber stands, wildlife, anadromous fisheries, water quality, and grazing conditions are desired (IV-58). Management Area #4 (Valley eek) The management area will remain essentially undeveloped. Range condition is expected to improve. Basic work will be started to improve the water quality by reducing fine sediment production. This in turn should improve fish habitat (IV-66). Management Area #5 (Basin eek) Activities and character of the land within the management area will remain unchanged. Improvements in timber stand conditions will continue. Soil and watershed activities will promote improved water quality. Mineral activity will occur at a rate consistent with mineral prices (IV-70). Management Prescription Management Area #3 - Provide for a wide variety of outdoor recreation; emphasize dispersed recreation generally; maintain existing developed sites at reduced service level (IV-59). Management Area #4 Emphasize dispersed recreation (IV-66). Management Area #5 Emphasize dispersed recreation (IV-71). Management Direction Management Area #3 (IV-60, IV-61) Provide developed sites as demand warrants

12 Recreation and Roadless Emphasize pack-in-pack-out policy Develop ORV plan for specific areas Upgrade Knapp eek and Loon eek National Recreation Trails by the year Coordinate activities visible from State Highway 21 to retain Visual Quality Objectives of areas. Management Area #4 (IV-67) Develop ORV plan in conjunction with Cape Horn Management Area. Retain integrity of area seen from State Highway 21 to meet Visual Quality Objectives. Management Area #5 (IV-72) Provide for a variety of ORV uses Evaluate type and demand for trailheads Environmental Consequences Methodology This analysis was conducted using personal knowledge as well as ArcMap and relevant Geographic Information System (GIS) data layers from the Salmon-Challis National Forest, including trails, roads, recreation sites, and ROS classes. A review of existing law, regulation and policy relevant to recreation resources within the project area was conducted and relevant sections of the Forest Plan are referenced. Inventoried Roadless Area Analysis The purpose of the analysis on the roadless resource is to disclose potential effects to roadless and wilderness attributes and determine if, or to what extent it might affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. Since none of the proposed vegetation management activities occur within the Loon eek or any other IRA, there will be no effect to roadless and wilderness attributes of the project area, and as such, will no longer be brought forward in this analysis. See Map 4. Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis The direct effects to recreation resources would be short term and temporary, occurring within the project area during the timber harvest activities (3-8 years). The long term indirect effects to recreation resources would be related to ecosystem restoration and changes in visual qualities within the project area that influence the recreation opportunities and setting, and also to a possible disturbance to snow machine users of the two groomed snow machine trails that reside in the project area. 12

13 Connected Actions, Past, Present, and Foreseeable Activities Relevant to Cumulative Effects Analysis The 175,000 acre Halstead Fire in 2012 occurred within the planning area. The following are the known past and ongoing activities within the project area: Table 1: Past, Present, and Foreseeable Activities Agency /Entity Use Category Action/Activity Specifics Shoshone- Bannock Tribes Traditional Uses Hunting, gathering and other activities such as landscape burning Hunting of game and fish, gathering of natural resources and religious practices according to Tribal customs USFS Range Domestic Livestock Grazing Unregulated and regulated (since 1906) grazing of horses, cattle and sheep since early settlement of area in 1870 s USFS Transportation Trail Construction, Maintenance, Use USFS USFS and State (IDFG) Resource Uses & Management Fire Suppression Wildland Fire Use for Resource Benefit The trailhead for Trail FS-4032 occurs in close proximity to Unit #5. The trailhead for Trail FS-4039 is in close proximity to Units #13 and #14. Both trails are open to motorized use; maintenance is managed by the FS. USFS has primary responsibility on public lands for fire suppression. Numerous fires have occurred in the project area over the past 30 years, including the 175,000 acre Halstead Fire in All Resource Use Hunting & Fishing Food, commerce & recreation since 1800 s Resource Uses & Resource Inventory and Monitoring Plant communities, wildlife & fish Management habitat/populations, soil/water/air State (IDFG) USFS resources, human uses, etc. Wildlife Resources Preserve, protect, perpetuate & Big game, small game, game birds, nongame, manage wildlife resources that are fur-bearers, predators, fisheries- property of the State management and harvest according to state regulations Vegetation Timber Sales Treatment = Timber Harvest Sales for 5,626 acres. Currently 1,287 acres being harvested. USFS Recreation OHV use and travel management Motorized use is authorized on designated roads and trails only USFS Recreation Snow Machine use Two groomed snow machine trails exist within the project area. Both receive high levels of use in the winter months USFS Dispersed Recreation Backcountry Recreation Numerous dispersed camping sites exist within the project area and receive moderate/high levels of use.

14 Recreation and Roadless USFS Fisheries Habitat/Riparian and Watershed Enhancements Bank Stabilization and in stream habitat improvements Fisheries enhancement = 7.5 miles of conversion of road to trail, and.5 miles conversion of motorized trail to nonmotorized trail. Installation of new sheep bridge across Marsh eek with funneling fence. Installation of fish friendly diversion with screens on Marsh eek. Hand, mechanical, and chemical USFS Vegetation Noxious Weed Treatment Management treatments since the 1960 s. USFS Prescribed Fire Fuels Reduction/Ecosystem Landscape Prescribed burning is being Management Enhancement/Maintenance planned in the future. USFS Recreation Developed Facilities Knapp eek, Kelly eek, and Valley eek Trailheads. USFS Special Uses Outfitter/Guide Permits Above ground power line to private and NF admin sites, mountain bike touring, diversions and ditch rights, big game outfitting, and special events Idaho Bow Hunters Jamboree. USFS Insect and Disease Endemic vs. Epidemic Insects and disease are always present in the vegetation across the landscape, but recently there have been insect epidemics in the lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir. All Resource Uses Fuelwood gathering Fuelwood very abundant; personal use, free use, limited commercial. Private Minerals Exploration and Mining Plans Late 1800 s and early 1900 s exploration for locatable minerals for mining occur across project area. Several material pits located and used for State Hwy 21. One current plan of operation located in Joe s Gulch area. The Blind Summit material pit expansion by 5 acres to extend life of the pit. Private Land Uses and Activities Resource Uses Miscellaneous Surface stream flow diversions; domestic water use and pasture irrigation for homeowner at Cape Horn Ranch. Timber harvest (2009) 15 acres clear cut adjacent to power line Alternative 1 No Action Direct and Indirect Effects If no action is taken, the proposed timber salvage activities would not occur within the project area; there would be no direct effects to recreation. Cumulative Effects There are no known cumulative effects to recreation by taking no action. 14

15 Alternative 2 Proposed Action The Challis-Yankee Fork and Middle Fork Ranger Districts, Salmon-Challis National Forest, are proposing to conduct timber salvage activities on approximately 1,200 acres in the Knapp eek, Kelley eek, Asher eek and NoHo eek areas. The purpose of these proposed activities is threefold; to manage suitable timber land for timber production as stated in the LRMP, to address safety issues presented by recently killed trees along public roadways, and to meet public demand for forest products. This would be accomplished by harvesting 15 units, all located on less than 45% slopes. The Halstead fire started by lightning on July 27, 2012, and burned approximately 175,000 acres over the course of several months. The fire burned in close proximity to the town of Stanley, and scorched the nearby forest in varying intensities. Some timber stands were completely destroyed, while others burned in a mosaic pattern, leaving some trees still alive. The proposed project would remove a portion of the dead and dying trees that still have some value as timber products. The Districts are proposing to treat 15 units in the Knapp eek, Kelly eek, and NoHo eek areas for the purpose of salvaging approximately 1.8 MBF of dead trees for use as various timber products. The following treatments are planned for each unit: Sanitation/Salvage (1,246 acres) = All units Approximately.1 mile of temporary road would be constructed with this alternative. Logging operations would be accomplished by chainsaws and rubber tired skidders or dozers to remove the logs from each unit. Slash would be piled and burned following the conclusion of the timber salvage operations if fuel loadings exceed 15 tons/acre. The timber harvest could occur June 15 th through November 30 th, depending on weather conditions. Design Features and Mitigation Measures No timber hauling on weekends or holidays. Warning signs would be placed on either end of a road or trail during harvest activities. No timber harvest, thinning, or road construction activities would take place within the Loon eek IRA (06-908). Notify the public and the two commercial outfitters of the proposed schedule for timber harvest activities at the Knapp eek, Valley, and Kelly eek trailheads, and also through the Forest website and local media. The Knapp-Loon eek (National Recreation Trail), Valley eek, and Kelly eek Trailheads are all in close proximity to cutting units. These facilities would be returned to their original condition if any logging debris is left behind,

16 Recreation and Roadless and/or damage occurs due to the timber salvage activities. Also, the roads leading to these trailheads, FS-40027, 40293, and would be kept clear of logging debris so that the public can utilize the road. Direct and Indirect Effects The proposed timber salvage activities in the Asher, Knapp, Kelly and No Ho eek areas may directly impact recreation activities occurring in the immediate area. The timber harvest activities may require temporary road and trail closures or limited access to the area to protect public safety. In addition, the recreating public may choose to avoid areas during these operations. These effects would be both temporary and short term. Public notification at campgrounds, trailheads, on forest websites and in the local media would allow adequate notice for those planning trips into the area to adjust their plans accordingly. The commercial outfitters operating in the area during the harvest/thinning may also be directly impacted by limited access or trail closures. Notifying the local outfitter prior to the timber salvage activities would reduce any potential impacts. Noise from heavy equipment and dust in the air during the harvest activities may have a direct impact to the quality of the recreation experience within and adjacent to the project area by temporarily reducing the air quality and tranquility of the area. Log truck traffic on FS roads 40027, 40350, 40889, 40293, 40291, 40328, and may directly impact recreationists by creating more traffic, noise, and dust in the area. There is potential for the harvesting and thinning operations to impact the Knapp-Loon eek, Valley eek, and Kelly eek Trailheads, which are all in close proximity to cutting units in the proposed project. There is also the potential for impacting the Kelly eek Pond, which is located in the vicinity of Unit #1. This pond is currently dewatered, but the Idaho Department of Fish and Game intends to re-fill the pond in the near future, for use as a kid s fishing pond. The trailheads within the project area would continue to be maintained by the South Zone Recreation Program. Specific trailhead problems would be addressed as needed based on specific trailhead conditions. The ROS classifications within the proposed vegetation management units include Roaded Natural and Semi-Primitive Motorized. This project is consistent with these classifications, although harvesting would have a short-term impact to visitors during those operations, there would be no long-term negative effect on the access, settings, or recreational opportunities once the project is complete. Cumulative Effects The ongoing land and recreational uses shown in Table 1 would continue within the general area. The timber salvage activities with the associated short term increases in dust, traffic, and noise could lead to some recreationists choosing not to utilize the proposed project area. These effects would only be evident during timber salvage activities for the duration of the project (3-8 years). 16

17 Alternative 3 Winter Logging Under this alternative, approximately 1,200 acres of merchantable fire damaged timber would be harvested from fifteen different timber sale units, the same as Alternative 2. The difference, however, is that the timber products would be removed during the winter/spring and would be limited to when the frozen ground layer reaches a depth of six inches. This has been shown in the past to support the heaviest piece of logging equipment. Wood cutting operations would cease on March 15 th when Great Gray Owl mating season begins. Wood hauling operations would cease when road conditions are no longer sufficiently frozen or the Forest Service closes them for spring thaw. Timber harvest activities would last from 3-8 years. Design Features and Mitigation Measures No timber hauling on weekends or holidays, or during winter festivals in the town of Stanley. Warning signs would be placed on either end of a road or trail during harvest activities/snow plowing. No timber harvest, thinning, or road construction activities would take place within the Loon eek IRA (06-908). Notify the public and the two commercial outfitters of the proposed schedule for timber harvest activities at the Knapp eek, Valley, and Kelly eek trailheads, and also through the Forest website and local media. The Knapp-Loon eek (National Recreation Trail), Valley eek, and Kelly eek Trailheads are all in close proximity to cutting units. These facilities would be returned to their original condition if any logging debris is left behind, and/or damage occurs due to the timber salvage activities. Also, the roads leading to these trailheads, FS-40027, 40293, and would be kept clear of logging debris so that the public can utilize the road. Have openings for snow machine riders plowed when the road is plowed for hauling. Purchaser will work with snow groomers to facilitate hauling on shared route systems and potential safety hazard mitigation. Direct and Indirect Effects The proposed timber salvage activities in the Asher, Knapp, Kelly and No Ho eek areas may directly impact recreation activities occurring in the immediate area, especially the two groomed snow machine trails that exist within the project area. Two sections of the

18 Recreation and Roadless proposed haul route are in the same location as the groomed snow machine trail, and the log trucks would have to share the same roads as the snow machine riders utilizing the groomed trail. This could result in a safety hazard for users of the haul route/snow machine trail. Because of this, the recreating public may choose to avoid areas during these operations. The Stanley area is a destination for travelers in the winter that want to ride the groomed trails. There are no other groomed trails in the area where these recreationists can go if they choose not to use the project area due to log truck traffic. These effects would occur for the 3-8 years during the sale duration. An indirect effect of the sale may be a decrease in customers in the Stanley area that utilize the groomed snow machine trails. Cumulative Effects The ongoing land and recreational uses shown in Table 1 would continue within the general area. Snow machine users of the two groomed snow machine trails could be affected by the presence of log trucks along several sections of the trail for 3-8 winters during the duration of the timber sale. The ROS classifications within the proposed vegetation management units include Roaded Natural and Semi-Primitive Motorized. This project is consistent with these classifications, although harvesting would have a short-term impact to visitors during those operations, there would be no long-term negative effect on the access, settings, or recreational opportunities once the project is complete. Summary of Effects The proposed action could have direct impacts to recreation resources during the timber harvest activities in the winter. Comparison of Alternatives Table 2: Comparison of Alternatives Issue Indicator Measure Alt. 1: No Action Alt. 2: Proposed Action Alt. 3: Winter logging Loss of recreation opportunity Duration None Short term displacement of visitors during the timber salvage activities over a 3-8 year period Log trucks would have to utilize large portions of two groomed snow machine routes in order to remove logs. This may negatively affect the recreation of snow machine 18

19 Increased trailhead maintenance Number of trailheads needing maintenance due to salvage sale activities None Three Three users in this area. Impacts to Loon eek IRA Acres & Duration None None None Compliance with Forest Plan and Other Relevant Laws, Regulations, Policies and Plans Alternatives 2 and 3 The Proposed Action and the Winter Logging Alternatives would be in compliance with the following plans, policies and laws: Challis Forest Plan, 1987 Idaho Roadless Rule - 36 CFR Part 294, Subpart C Idaho Roadless Area Management Monitoring Recommendations Monitor Forest trailhead conditions within the project area following the timber salvage activities and take action to address any specific problems as needed (Alternative 2).

20 Recreation and Roadless Map 1 - Halstead Fire Salvage Area of Interest Salmon Challis Stanley Mackay Arco Project Location Major Roads Salmon Challis National Forest Date: 12/18/

21 40203 Bear Map 2 - Halstead Fire Salvage - Project Area Rocky Lk Langer Lk Vanity Lks F B C r ead Marbles Lks Laidlow Shake Beaver ystal Pro s pect W innemu cca Winnemucca Knapp Loon Horseshoe Lk Knapp Lks Tango Cabin imson Lk Cape Horn Lks Knapp Elk Lk 4039 Valley Summit 4155 West 4026 her Asher Dry Kelly East Fk Prospect Valley eek Lk Sunday Hindman Lk C r Vader Basin Duffy Basin 4032 Flat Little Hay 4349 East Short Kelly Noho Trailheads Streams Roads Roads Open to All Vehicles, Yearlong Roads Open to All Vehicles, Seasonal Other Public Roads Trails Trails Open to All Vehicles, Yearlong Trails Open to All Vehicles, Seasonal Trails Open to Motorcycles Only, Yearlong Trails Open to Motorcycles Only, Seasonal Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal State Highways Proposed Harvest Units Forest Boundary Stanley Miles Date: 4/14/2014

22 Recreation and Roadless Map 3 - Halstead Fire Salvage - Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Kelly eek Pond 1 HarvestUnitsIntersectROSUpdate Forest Boundary Proposed Harvest Units Trailheads Kelly eek Pond Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Primitive Roaded Natural (321 Acres) Semi-Primitive Motorized (926 Acres) Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Roads Roads Open to All Vehicles, Yearlong Roads Open to All Vehicles, Seasonal Other Public Roads State Highways Trails Trails Open to All Vehicles, Yearlong Trails Open to All Vehicles, Seasonal Trails Open to Motorcycles Only, Yearlong Trails Open to Motorcycles Only, Seasonal Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal Streams Stanley Date: 4/14/2014 Miles 22

23 Map 4 - Halstead Fire Salvage - Idaho Roadless Forest Boundary Proposed Harvest Units Trailheads Idaho Roadless Loon eek Roads Roads Open to All Vehicles, Yearlong Roads Open to All Vehicles, Seasonal Other Public Roads State Highways Trails Trails Open to All Vehicles, Yearlong Trails Open to All Vehicles, Seasonal Trails Open to Motorcycles Only, Yearlong Trails Open to Motorcycles Only, Seasonal Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal Streams Stanley Date: 2/13/2014 Miles

24 Recreation and Roadless References USDA. Forest Service ROS Users Guide. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. USDA. Forest Service. Region Our Approach to Roadless Analysis and Analysis of Unroaded Lands Contiguous to Roadless Areas. Draft 2/1/2010. USDA. Forest Service. Salmon-Challis National Forest Challis Forest Plan FEIS Appendix C. USDA. Forest Service. Salmon-Challis National Forest and Salmon and Challis National Forest Land and Resource Management Plans. (Salmon:1/1988, Challis:6/1987) 24