ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Transcription

1 Chippy Creek Fire Salvage United States Department of Agriculture ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Forest Service September 2008 Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District Lolo National Forest Caring for the land and Serving People

2 Cover Photo: Severely burned vegetation in unit 213 proposed for harvest. Taken by Wildlife Biologist Brigitta VanDerRaay in June The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC or call (202) (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

3 Table of Contents Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Environmental Assessment Page Abstract v Chapter 1: Proposed Action and Purpose and Need Introduction Project Area Background Purpose and Need Project Development Resource Protection Measures Proposed Action Decision Framework Management Direction... 9 Chapter 2: Alternatives Introduction Pre-Scoping Scoping Issues Range of Alternatives Actions That Would Occur Regardless of Alternative Selected Alternatives Considered but Eliminated From Detailed Study Alternatives Considered in Detail Project Specific Resource Protection Measures Chapter 3: Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences Resources Not Present or Not Anticipated to be Affected Heritage Visuals Old Growth Forests Fire and Fuels Issue: Project activities may impact surface fuels and alter future fire behavior Issue: Salvage logging could limit areas of un-logged post-fire habitats. 31 Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA September 2008 Page i

4 Table of Contents (Continued) Page 3.3 Weeds Issue: Project activities may promote the spread of noxious weeds Vegetation Issue: Planting trees in post fire landscapes may slow the natural recovery of the forest Issue: Salvage logging may promote the spread of tree diseases and insect infestations Issue: Project activities may alter the response of post fire native flora Issue: Salvage harvest may affect forest structure and composition Water Quality and Aquatic Species Habitat Issue: Post fire salvage may impair water quality, hydrologic function and habitat quality of aquatic systems Roads Issue: Temporary road construction and road reconstruction may contribute to watershed impacts, habitat fragmentation, and weed spread Inventoried Roadless and Unroaded Issue: Salvaging in the McGregor-Thompson IRA could alter the undeveloped character of the area Economics Issue: Impacts to local economies should be considered Soils Issue: Salvage logging may cause soil disturbance that leads to erosion and sediment production Issue: Salvage logging may negatively impact soils Wildlife Issue: Project activities may have negative effects on viable populations and habitats of TES, MIS, and other at risk species Issue: Salvage logging may remove post-fire habitats for wildlife species and negatively effect biological diversity Issue: Proposed activities may negatively affect habitat connectivity and biological corridors Chapter 4: Agencies and Persons Consulted 101 Chapter 5: Literature Cited 102 Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA September 2008 Page ii

5 Table of Contents (Continued) Page Appendices A Maps... A-1 B Post Fire Native Vegetation... B-1 C Road Work Proposed for Alternative 2... C-1 D Issue Disposition Table... D-1 E Decision Table for Fire Salvage Tree Selection... E-1 F Cumulative Effects... F-1 G Roadside Hazard Tree Guidelines... G-1 H Project Development Design Criteria... H-1 Figure No. and Title Figure 1 Vicinity Map... 2 Figure 2 Example of Severely Burned Vegetation... 4 Figure 3 Example of Lightly Burned Vegetation... 4 Figure 4 Depiction of Stand Prior to and After Harvest of Dead Trees Figure 5 McGregor-Thompson Inventoried Roadless Area Appendix A Map 1. Canopy Mortality from RAVG... A-1 Appendix A Map 2. Project Management Areas... A-2 Appendix A Map 3. Alternative 2 Project Proposed Harvest... A-3 Appendix A Map 4. Alternative 2 Proposed Road Work... A-4 Appendix A Map 5. Analysis Area Sub-Watershed (HUCs)... A-5 Appendix A Map 6. Pre-Fire Vegetation Successional Stage... A-6 Appendix A Map 7. Post-Fire Vegetation Successional Stage... A-7 Table No. and Title Table 2-1. Compared Features of Alternatives Considered in Detail Table 2-2. Summarized Comparison of Proposed Action vs. Alternative Table 2-3. Units to be Harvested in Alternative Table 2-3A. Forest Type Descriptions Table 2-3B. Summary by Harvest Description Table 2-3C. Summary by Logging System Table 2-3D. Vegetation Burn Severity Descriptions Table 2-3E. Soil Burn Severity Descriptions Table 2-4. Resource Protection Measures Table 3-1. Estimated Fuel Loading Comparison Table 3-2. Past Harvest on NFS Lands Within the Chippy Creek Fire Perimeter 31 Table 3-3. Acres of Harvest in Fire Areas from on the Lolo NF.. 32 Table 3-4. Acres of Fire Occurring on Lolo National Forest Table 3-5. Acres Burned in Region 1, Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA September 2008 Page iii

6 Table of Contents (Continued) Page Table 3-6. Pre and Post Fire Occurrences of Seral Conifer Types in the Chippy Creek Fire Table 3-7. Acres of Insect-Related Tree Mortality for Within Alternative 2 Harvest Units Table 3-8. Tree Mortality for the Chippy Creek Fire Table 3-9. Estimated Vegetation Successional Stages in the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Area Table 3-10 Acres and Percentages of Watershed Areas Burned by the Chippy Creek Fire Table Fish Occurences in Analysis Streams Table ECA Modeling by 6 th Level HUC Table Estimated Total Erosion Values by 6 th Level HUC Table Increase in Erosion Estimates Due to Project Actions Table ECA Recovery Modeling Results Table Estimate Total Erosion Values Five Years After Chippy Project Implementation Table Haul Routes Outside Chippy Creek Fire Perimeter Table Roads to be Decommissioned or Placed in Storage Table Comparison of Impacts to IRA by Alternative Table Sale Viability and Financial Efficiency Summary Table Total Employment and Labor Income Table BAER Expenditures Planned for the Chippy Creek Fire Table Soil Burn Severity for Harvest Units Table Total Acres by Treatment and Projected Additional Disturbance 75 Table Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Table Analysis of Habitat Within Units vs. Total Amount Available Table B-1. Post Fire Plants... B-1 Table C-1. Alternative 2 Proposed Haul Routes... C-1 Table D-1. Scoping Comments... D-2 Table D-2. List of Comments and Issue Disposition... D-5 Table E-1. Decision Table for Harvest Selection of Fire Damaged Trees... E-2 Table F-1. Past Timber Management Activities... F-2 Table F-2. Ongoing and Foreseeable Activities... F-2 Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA September 2008 Page iv

7 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Intermountain Region Sanders and Flathead Counties, Montana CHIPPY CREEK FIRE SALVAGE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service Lolo National Forest Fort Missoula Bldg. 24 Missoula, MT (406) Responsible Official: Randy Hojem, District Ranger Lolo National Forest P.O. Box Clayton Plains, MT. (406) For Further Information Contact: Francine Smith ACT2 Enterprise Unit P.O. Box 377 Happy Camp, CA., (530) ABSTRACT: This Environmental Assessment describes alternatives for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project. Alternative 2 would implement vegetation and transportation management activities. Proposed vegetation management includes 1,527 acres of salvaging dead trees, with planting on up to 900 acres where natural reforestation is inadequate. Proposed transportation management includes: upgrading approximately 42 miles of roads to be used for timber hauling to meet Best Management Practices (BMP) standards, reconstructing 4 miles of road and removing hazard trees along 48 miles of roads. Alternative 1 No Action, would not implement any vegetation or transportation management activities within the project area. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA September 2008 Page v

8 Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Environmental Assessment CHAPTER 1: PROPOSED ACTION and PURPOSE AND NEED 1.1 INTRODUCTION The Lolo National Forest proposes timber salvage and road management activities within the area burned by the Chippy Creek Fire of Proposed activities are to recover the economic value of dead and fire-damaged trees having a low probability of survival. Timber salvage will vary according to burn severity or level of expected tree mortality, which occurred in a patchy mosaic across the landscape. Natural regeneration will be the primary means of reforestation, although planting may occur on some salvaged areas. Road management, including reconstruction and maintenance of haul routes, removal of roadside hazard trees, and storage or decommissioning of un-needed roads is also proposed No permanent or temporary road construction is proposed. The timber salvage component of this project would begin in the winter of 2008 and be completed by Associated road work would begin once the project is awarded or as soon as ground conditions allow. Road work would be completed by Reforestation activities would be accomplished within 5 years after harvest is completed. Detailed descriptions of all proposed activities are found in Chapter 2. The Lolo National Forest has prepared this Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other relevant Federal and State laws and regulations. This EA discloses the project s forseeable environmental effects for consideration in determining whether or not to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. The reports cited in this EA and additional project documentation can be obtained from the Lolo National Forest s website ( or from the project planning record located at the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District Office in Plains, Montana. 1.2 PROJECT AREA The project area is generally located about 20 miles north of the community of Plains and 20 miles west of Flathead Lake in Sanders and Flathead Counties of Montana. See Figure 1 for the vicinity of the project area. Project activities would be limited to National Forest System (NFS) Lands within the Little Thompson River, Alder Creek, North Fork of the Little Thompson River, Little Rock Creek, Bear Creek, Chippy Creek, and Big Rock Creek drainages (Appendix A- Map 5). Legal Description: T25N-R25W, Sec. 30, 32; T24N-R25W, Sec. 5-8, 17-18; T25N-R26W, Sec 26, 34, 36; T24N-R26W, Sec 4, 8, 12, 27; T23N-R26W, Sec. 23, 26-27, 36; T23N-R25W Sec. 9, Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 1 Page 1

9 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 29, 32; and T22N-R26W Sec. 2. Figure 1. Vicinity Area Map 1.3 BACKGROUND Historically on the Lolo National Forest (LNF), wildfire has been a key disturbance process affecting vegetation and forest conditions (Arno et al. 1995). Virtually all of the Forest is composed of fire-adapted ecosystems where fire recycles nutrients, regulates forest development, maintains diversity, reduces biomass, controls insect and disease populations, and maintains biological processes. Since the 1920s, active fire suppression and weather patterns significantly reduced natural fire across the project area and affected vegetative development across the landscape (Chippy Rock Ecosystem Management Analysis, UDSA Forest Service, 2002a). Forest stands that would have naturally developed with fire have evolved without fire for nearly a century. The results are changed stand structure, species composition and ecological function, heavier fuel loads, and the decreased ability of trees to resist disease (Hartwell et al. 2000, Arno et al. 1992, Arno et al. 1997). Recent fire behavior on the LNF (2006 and 2007) appears to be affected by a prolonged regional drought over the past eight to ten years. Because of extremely low soil moisture, wildland fires are burning hotter, longer, and deeper than had been observed in the past (USDA Forest Service, 2002b). The Chippy Creek Fire started on adjacent State of Montana lands on July 31, The fire grew for several weeks before it was contained on September 3, The fire burned across approximately 99,090 acres, including 47,500 acres of the LNF. Other lands affected by the burn included: 2,500 acres of State of Montana lands, 16,860 acres of private lands (primarily industrial forestland owned by Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc.), and 31,932 acres of tribal lands (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes). Dry fuels resulting from sparse seasonal rainfall and prolonged drought created extreme fire behavior, allowing the fire to escape initial suppression Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 1 Page 2

10 efforts. Geographic orientation and topography, periodic wind events, and low relative humidity contributed to the fire spread. Fire suppression activities and higher humidity levels later in the summer allowed the fire to be contained and controlled. Fire suppression and control activities resulted in about 10 miles of hand-line and approximately 31 miles of mechanized fireline, constructed by bulldozers and feller-bunchers, on NFS lands. Some closed and impassable roads were opened for firefighter access. Green and fire-killed trees along some roads were felled for firelines and firefighter safety (USDA, 2007). On NFS lands, the Chippy Creek Fire produced a mosaic pattern of canopy and surface burn. The fire burned northerly and southerly aspects along drainages oriented east-west (North Fork of the Little Thompson River, Little Rock Creek, Bear Creek, Chippy Creek, Big Rock Creek) at elevations between 3,400 and 7,300 feet. The burned area is comprised of primarily Douglas-fir forest types with ponderosa pine at lower elevations and on southerly aspects; lodgepole pine on mid-slope and upper elevations; mixed shade-tolerant species including alpine fir and spruce at the highest elevations along ridgetops and northerly aspects; and patches of non-forested grass or shrub cover types at low to midelevations on southerly slopes. Fire impacts to vegetation were estimated using the Rapid Assessment of VeGetation Condition After Fire (RAVG) satellite image classification (see Chapter 3, Vegetation Effects Analysis), and ground surveys by forestry crews. Map 1 in Appendix A displays estimated canopy mortality based on RAVG analysis of satellite imagery acquired for the Chippy Creek Fire on August 24, According to RAVG data, over 60 percent of the fire area was burned at high severity, where threequarters of the trees were visibly killed. In these stands, the fire consumed large woody surface fuels, and in places, the entire duff layer, causing mortality via crown scorch and/or root damage. Nearly all fine twigs and needles were consumed on standing trees, or crowns were completely scorched (Figure 2). Areas burned at this magnitude would essentially be reset to a vegetation successional stage of native forbs, grasses, and shrubs. Definitions of Vegetation Burn Severity: High: Large surface fuels and duff layer consumed. Nearly all fine twigs and needles consumed on standing trees or crowns completely scorched. >75% of overstory killed Moderately High:Significant reduction in duff. Tops of ground vegetation burned. Noticeably altered stands with intermixed dead and live trees. 50% to 75% of overstory killed. Moderate: forest litter, upper duff and understory plants consumed in a patchy mosaic. 25% to 50% of overstory killed Low: Duff and ground vegetation lightly burned. Many areas of unburned ground vegetation. Some small residual patches and stringers of light to moderately burned areas are present (Figure 3), as are scattered large diameter western larch and ponderosa pine. This condition occurs primarily on higher elevation south-aspects of Chippy, Big Rock and Bear Creek drainages (See Appendix A, Map 1). Although the Chippy Creek Fire greatly altered vegetation over much of the burned area, most species are fire-adapted and expected to persist in future forest composition. However, southfacing slopes in the burned area are at risk of invasion by noxious weeds as analyzed by the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 1 Page 3

11 Weed Risk Assessment (USDA, 2008a) located in the project file. Futher discussion of the postfire vegetation response is detailed in the Silviculturist s Specialist Report (USDA, 2008b) also located in the project file. Figure 2. Example of high severity burned vegetation from the 2007 Chippy Creek Fire. Photo taken in June Figure 3. Example of light to moderate severity burned vegetation from the 2007 Chippy Creek Fire. Photo taken in June Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 1 Page 4

12 1.4 PURPOSE AND NEED Purpose 1: Provide Commercial Wood Products for Local Communities. The primary purpose of this project is to recover economic value from merchantable timber burned by the Chippy Creek Fire by providing forest products and jobs to the local economy, while meeting a portion of the LNF timber production target. This purpose is supported by the following Forest Plan goals: Provide a sustained yield of timber and other outputs at a level that will help support the economic structure of local communities and provide for regional and national needs (LNF Plan Goal # 1). Provide forest products and jobs to support local communities that continue to be associated with forest visitation, management, restoration and commodity outputs from the National Forest (LNF Plan Goal #1, LNF Plan Standard #13). Portions of the Chippy Creek fire proposed for salvage are within the 52% of the LNF that is managed to provide timber to help meet the public s demand for wood based products and support local communities. Of the 47,500 acres of LNF lands burned by the Chippy Creek Fire, approximately 73% (32,900 acres) is considered suitable for timber production in the Forest Plan. All acres proposed for timber salvage by this project occur in Forest Plan Management Area (MA) 16 which allows timber harvest (Chapter 3, Forest Plan, pages III 70-77). Currently, Montana s forest products industry, mostly in western Montana, remains the largest component of manufacturing in the state and employs approximately 10,000 workers earning more than $400 million in annual compensation. Since 1990, numerous lumber mill closures in Montana (primarily due to reduced timber availability) have led to a 20 percent drop in wood and paper employment (about 2,000 workers) (Keegan and Morgan 2007). According to The Social Characteristics of Communities in The Interior Columbia River Basin Ecosystem Management Project (USDA Forest Service, 1998a), Thompson Falls, the closest town to the project area, is ranked high as a timber specialized community. Seventy-seven percent of the land within a twenty-mile radius of Thompson Falls is NFS lands. In addition, the communities of Plains and St Regis are adjacent to the project area, and St Regis and Pablo rely in part on the Plains and Superior Ranger Districts, known as the Lolo West Zone, as a source of wood fiber for their mills (Chippy Creek Salvage Project Economic Specialist Report, 2008c). The Northern Region Overview Summary (USDA Forest Service, 1998b) states the Northwest Zone, in which the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project is located, holds the greatest opportunity for vegetation treatments and restoration with timber sales. From a social and economic standpoint, using timber harvest for ecological restoration would be of benefit to the many communities which still have a strong economic dependency (USDA Forest Service, 1998b). Wood products and associated activities from this project would provide work and employment opportunities and contribute to labor income, which would benefit local communities and the Regional economy (UDSA, 2008c). Purpose 2: Provide safe access on roads within the burned area This purpose is supported by the following Forest Plan goals: Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 1 Page 5

13 Provide for a transportation system that better reflects current access needs and resource concerns, and reduces economic burdens associated with maintaining unneeded roads (LNF Plan Standards #48-52, National Forest Roads Policy, 36 CFR, Part 212). Increased potential for public safety hazards occurs along roads, trails and camping areas where snags and burned trees with weakend stems continue to deteriorate and could fall during light wind events, after snowfall accumulation, from the vibration of passing traffic, or from disturbance by off-road foot and vehicle travel. The transportation system in the project area was originally planned and constructed to meet Best Management Practices (BMPs) as a minimal transportation system. It was designed and located to ensure adequate drainage and passage of streams for a green, forested watershed. The Lolo Forest Plan requires the application of BMPs to assure water quality is maintained at a level that meets or exceeds Federal and State standards. The majority of roads within the project area were identified through the Roads Analysis Process as necessary for short and long-term management of NFS lands, including activities proposed in this project, and future forest monitoring and vegetation management in areas burned by the fire (USDA Forest Service 2008e). Road storage and decommissioning opportunities include isolated road segments that are not needed for current or future forest management. As a result of the fire, stream crossings appear to be at greatest risk for damage in this transportation system due to increased post-fire debris and runoff. Snags and debris which continue to fall after the fire, elevate potential for damage to road drainage structures critical to handling increased post-fire water flows. Fire generated debris accumulation was observed this spring and summer by Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) crews while cleaning culvert inlets. In addition, fallen snags and debris can delay administrative and public access within the burned area, and elevate costs associated with restoring safe access. Removal of hazard trees would reduce road maintenance costs and help ensure drainage structures (roadside ditches, culvert inlets, surface drains) are free of excess debris and functioning properly. Post fire suppression efforts and BAER work have accomplished most maintenance needed to ensure surface drainage and structures are adequate and functioning properly within the fire area and to meet BMP standards. This project would continue this maintenance and ensure compliance with BMPs. On the other hand, haul routes for this project outside the burned area would need additional BMP work particularly where segments of these roads parallel streams. Application of BMPs to these roads would reduce risk to stream environments through a variety of mitigation techniques listed under BMP Mitigation Techniques (See Chapter 3, Roads Section for a description of these techniques). Road maintenance and closing unneeded roads would restore natural drainage patterns and reduce or eliminate long-term sediment sources. 1.5 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Considering the sensitivity of the post-fire landscape, a cautious approach was used in design of Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 1 Page 6

14 the Proposed Action to minimize adverse impacts that could occur as part of salvage activities RESOURCE PROTECTION MEASURES To ensure proposed actions would be environmentally, technically and economically feasible, the LNF created forest-wide design criteria that were considered when developing the scope of proposed fire salvage actions. These criteria are displayed in Appendix H. Additionally, with the intent of minimizing public conflict and avoiding legal delays following the decision so economic value could be provided from a quickly deteriorating product, the Plains/Thompson Falls District Ranger solicited input from interested publics including environmental organizations and timber industry representatives before formal scoping for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project. District resource staff met with interested publics on site where the burned area and effects of the fire could be observed. At those meetings the Forest shared and discussed the forest-wide design criteria developed to minimize or eliminate environmental impacts before inititation of the proposed action. Public input was used to further refine the design criteria and create a proposed action that met the purpose and need while addressing environmental and public concerns. The following design criteria eliminated potential for impacts in particular areas simply by avoiding any treatments within them. No harvest or ground disturbing activities will occur: Within Inventoried Roadless Areas that would affect the roadless characteristic; Within stands identified as old growth, meeting criteria defined in Green et. al. 1992, revised in 2005; In any area not reviewed on the ground by a soil scientist; Near known heritage resources; Within Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas: o 300 feet of perennial fish bearing streams; o 150 feet of perennial non-fish bearing streams, ponds, lakes or wetlands; o 50 feet of seasonally flowing or intermittent streams or landslide prone areas. (Note: Additional site specific setbacks may be developed during project design to protect riparian areas and other resource features.) To minimize disturbance, the following activities would be avoided or restricted: Restrict harvest activities within the McGregor/Thompson Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA) to areas that have already been substantially altered by past road construction and timber harvest activities; Avoid severely burned and sensitive soils to the extent possible. Where they are included for harvest, tractor logging would be conducted over snow or frozen conditions, or other protective measures would be implemented to minimize impacts to soils and water quality; Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 1 Page 7

15 No permanent or temporary road construction; No tractor skidding on slopes greater than 35%; no skyline yarding beyond an average distance of 1,500 feet; no helicopter yarding; No harvest of green (live) trees, though incidental cutting of green trees for landing construction, road reconstruction or cable corridors may occur; Active black-backed woodpecker nest trees will be protected; Large legacy trees and snags will be retained to meet snag and Cumulative Woody Debris (CWD) guidelines per Lolo National Forest 2006 Down Woody Material Guide (USDA 2006). In all, over 80 design criteria were used as a coarse filter to develop an environmentally, technically, and economically feasible project proposal. These criteria are based on law and regulation, National and Regional guidelines, and goals, objectives and standards of the Lolo Forest Plan. Criteria also incorporated scientific commentary including Wildfire and Salvage Logging; Recommendations for Ecologically Sound Post-Fire Salvage Management and Other Post Fire Treatments on Federal Lands in the West (Beschta et al 1995). Appendix H provides the full list of design criteria used. 1.6 PROPOSED ACTION The Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Proposed Action is based on the previously discussed design criteria and pre-scoping input, timber merchantability, appropriate harvest methods and available transportation system. The following is a summary of the Proposed Action as defined in the December 2007 scoping letter: Salvage of dead timber from approximately 3,750 acres for removal of approximately 14.6 million board feet of timber from burned areas. Tree mortality within the project area is either a result of the fires, post-fire stress (root, bole, crown scorch), or pre- and post-fire insect damage. Trees would be planted where natural regeneration is not adequate and in areas that would be salvaged. Planting could include up to 8,250 acres. Maintain approximately 190 miles of NFS Roads that would be used as haul-routes for the salvaged timber. Best Management Practices, including road reshaping, aggregate surfacing, drainage improvements, and culvert replacements would be applied with maintenance of these roads. Road maintenance would be conducted on some roads which are cooperatively managed by the Forest Service and adjacent timber land owners. Remove hazard trees along approximately 100 miles of road within the fire perimeter. For this project, hazard trees are dead trees with high potential to fall or roll onto a roadway. Replace two undersized major stream structures to provide adequate stream flow and aquatic species movement. Undersized culverts on Alder Creek and North Fork Little Thompson would be replaced with properly sized stream crossing structures. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 1 Page 8

16 Place in a storage condition, approximately 2 miles of NFS road that is not needed for current or near-future National Forest land management. Restoration treatments would help reduce road-related impacts on other resources including water quality, wildlife habitat, and native plant populations. The remaining 43,750 acres (92%) of NFS lands within the fire perimeter would be left in current post-fire conditions. 1.7 DECISION FRAMEWORK Given the purpose and need and issues raised, the Responsible Official will review the proposed action and other alternatives to make the following decisions: Select one of the alternatives for implementation, or Defer action at this time, or Conclude that significant impacts would result from the proposed action which would warrant the preparation of an environmental impact statement. 1.8 MANAGEMENT DIRECTION National Forest management is guided by various laws, regulations, and policies that provide the framework for all levels of planning. This includes the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) regulations and the Lolo National Forest Plan (Forest Plan). These higher-level documents are incorporated by reference and can be obtained from Forest Service offices. This analysis incorporates by reference, management direction found in the Forest Plan as amended by the Inland Native Fish Strategy (INFISH), Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) (USDA Forest Service 1986). These documents discuss land allocations and the effects of implementing these allocations. The Forest Plan provides guidance for managing NFS lands and provides two types of management direction; Forest-wide direction in Chapter II, and Management Area (MA) Standards and Guidelines in Chapter III. As discussed earlier, proposed units for salvage harvest are located in Forest Plan MA 16 and are suitable for timber management (Forest Plan, pages III 70-77). The Chippy Rock Ecosystem Management Analysis (EMA) 2002 (available on file at the Plains/Thompson Falls District Office) covers a portion of the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Area. This EMA provides a landscape assessment of the Chippy and Rock Creek drainages and recommends that subsequent project design address retention or re-establishment of historic landscape patterns (i.e. use disturbance to maintain suitable patterns, species diversity, vigor and dominance) and proactively control introduced plants and diseases. Substantial acreage treatment was recommended within the next 20 years to address existing overstocking and landscape fragmentation to re-establish historical trends. The post-fire condition of the Chippy and Rock Creek drainages is substantially different than the condition analyzed in the EMA, therefore, many findings and recommendations of the EMA are no longer valid, or have been substantially addressed by the Chippy Creek Fire. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 1 Page 9

17 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES 2.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter describes public involvement used to develop the Proposed Action and alternatives for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project. It details alternatives considered, and compares alternatives based on issues and effects. 2.2 PRE-SCOPING Public comments collected during several Pre- Scoping meetings and field reviews were used to begin identifying the Proposed Action described in the scoping letter. On October 12, 2007, a field trip was conducted with the District Ranger, Forest Environmental Coordinator, District Silviculturist, Consulting Soil Scientists, The Wilderness Society, Wildwest Institute, and the Montana Wilderness Association. Public comments received during these Pre-Scoping meetings are listed below. Design criteria as previously discussed, were developed to eliminate these as concerns to the extent possible. Desire for post-fire soil stabilization and in-stream restoration work including decommissioning of roads not needed for future land management or fire fighting. Desire to salvage burned timber to provide timber related jobs to local communities and reduce future fuel accumulations. Concern about weed invasion after the fire. Concern about cumulative impacts of road construction in burned areas. Desire to allow areas to recover naturally post-fire to promote native vegetation and species dependent on fire induced habitat. Desire to protect heritage sites and historical trail locations. Desire to protect roadless character of the McGregor/Thompson IRA. 2.3 SCOPING Public Notice The project was first listed in the October 1, 2007, Lolo National Forest Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA). Feature articles about the proposed project appeared in the Sanders County Ledger and Clark Fork Valley Press on October 11, 2007 and January 17, Public Mailing A scoping letter and maps were mailed to potentially interested members of the public, adjacent land owners, tribal representatives, organizations and other public agencies on December 21, 2007 and also posted on the Lolo National Forest website. All public comments are available for review in the Project File. Public Meeting The District Ranger made efforts to personally contact interested members of the public. Further Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 10

18 outreach with interested members of the public has been accomplished through a field trip to the project area, face-to-face meetings, and follow-up conversations. On January 15, 2008, a presentation was made to the Sanders/Mineral County Collaborative group on the proposed salvage project. On January 28, 2008, a meeting was held with the District Ranger, Forest Archaeologist, District Transportation Planner, Forest Environmental Coordinator and members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Preservation Department. No one requested additional time for scoping. 2.4 ISSUES The IDT carefully considered all comments received about the Proposed Action and identified issues. For this project, the IDT describes an issue as a point of discussion, dispute, or debate about the environmental effects of implementing the project. The following three key issues were identified to drive development of alternatives to the Proposed Action. Additional salvage should be considered. Allow the burned area to respond naturally, without logging, but with a restoration/access management plan. Salvaging in Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA) may affect roadless character. The following concerns or issues, will be integral to the effects analysis of this EA. The analysis of these issues may occur in more than the one resource area. Other comments and concerns are addressed in Appendix D, Issue Disposition. Cumulative Effects Effects of proposed actions when considered cumulatively with actions on adjacent lands and past, ongoing and future actions may be a concern. Economics Impacts to local economies should be considered. Fire and Fuels Project activities may impact surface fuels and alter future fire behavior. Salvage logging could limit areas of un-logged post-fire habitats. Forest Vegetation Soils Planting trees in post fire landscapes may slow the natural recovery of the forest. Salvage logging may promote the spread of tree diseases and insect infestations. Project activities may alter the response of post fire native flora. Salvage harvest may affect forest structure and composition. Salvage logging may cause soil disturbance that leads to erosion and sediment Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 11

19 production. Salvage logging may negatively impact soils. Water Quality and Aquatic Species Habitat Weeds Post fire salvage may impair water quality, hydrologic function and habitat quality of aquatic systems.. Project activities may promote the spread of noxious weeds. Wildlife Project activities may have negative effects on viable populations and habitats of TES species, MIS, and other at risk species. Salvage logging may remove post-fire habitats for wildlife species and negatively effect biological diversity. Proposed activities may negatively effect habitat connectivity and biological corridors. Roads Temporary road construction and road reconstruction may contribute to watershed impacts, habitat fragmentation, and weed spread. Inventoried Roadless and Roadless Character Salvaging in the McGregor-Thompson IRA could alter the undeveloped character of the area. 2.5 RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES Section 102(2)(3) of the NEPA states that all Federal agencies shall study, develop, and describe appropriate alternatives to recommended courses of action in any proposal which involves unresolved conflict concerning alternative uses of available resources. The range of alternatives may extend beyond limits set by Forest Plan goals and objectives under NEPA; however, the NFMA requires that the selected alternative fully comply with the Forest Plan unless the Plan is amended in accordance with 36 CFR (f). The range of alternatives presented in this chapter was determined through iterative analysis of salvage opportunities within the burned area to meet the Purpose and Need. These iterations evaluated potential salvage locations, beginning with the entire burned area and filtering to specific unit locations based on Federal laws, regulations and policies; Forest Plan goals, objectives, standards and guidelines; best available data and science; public and internal concerns and comments (including over 80 design criteria); changing conditions (described below); field reconnaissance; and economic viability. Alternatives developed by the IDT within these parameters display a reasonable range of outputs, treatments, costs, management requirements, design criteria, and effects on resources. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 12

20 The IDT grouped alternatives into two categories depending upon how they met the project Purpose and Need and their feasibility. These categories are alternatives considered in detail and alternatives not considered in detail. Rationale is given for why alternatives categorized as not considered in detail are not carried forward for detailed study ACTIONS THAT WOULD OCCUR REGARDLESS OF WHICH ALTERNATIVE IS SELECTED Since the scoping letter was mailed for this project in December 2007, some conditions have changed which preclude these actions from being included under any alternative in this project. The undersized fish barrier culvert in the North Fork of the Thompson River (Road 519) washed out on May 19, This culvert was originally proposed to be replaced in this project, but has been replaced with a bridge through emergency road repair measures prior to the decision on the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project. The culvert on Alder Creek on road 7521 will be replaced under road maintenance activities separate from this project. Some of the proposed road work has been completed under other means (BAER or otherwise) and is no longer included in this project. This work is described in the Roads section of Chapter 3. Portions of the project have been reviewed under separate analyses and will no longer be included under any of the alternatives. However, these actions will continue to be evaluated under the cumulative effects analysis of this project. Already analyzed and decided are: Noxious weed treatment is discussed in the Lolo National Forest Integrated Weed Management EIS (USDA Forest Service 2007a), and is intended to reduce the risk of noxious weed spread associated with the Chippy Creek Fire. Planting in areas within the fire perimeter (but outside of harvest units in this project) was included in The Post-fire Reforestation Assessment Chippy Creek Fire analysis. This analysis determined that due to the fire, approx. 5,000 acres have fallen below Forest Service guidelines for re-forestation and stocking standards (trees per acre) and need to be planted. These actions were covered under a Decision Memo (USDA, 2008d) ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM DETAILED STUDY Three alternatives were considered, but dismissed from detailed consideration for reasons summarized below (40 CFR ). Alternative 3: (Proposed Action as described in the scoping letter.) Intent: Alternative 3 was developed to recover economic value from burned timber through salvage opportunities and address transportation safety concerns within the Design Criteria for resource protection of the post-fire landscape. Due to public concern regarding harvesting in the IRA, and internal concerns about the potential for litigation, treatment within these units will not be carried forward for detailed consideration in this project. The Deciding Official determined that eliminating proposed treatments from the IRA would resolve public conflicts over the use of Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 13

21 this area related to effects to the McGregor-Thompson IRA. Rationale is to reduce the complexity of this analysis thereby expediting the analysis process in order to salvage the timber while it is still merchantable. See Chapter 1 for a list of all actions under this Alternative. Alternative 4: (Restoration Only Alternative) Intent: Alternative 4 was developed to address the following concerns raised by the public: The best alternative is one that allows the burned area to respond naturally. Request for a restoration/access management plan. Include in this alternative an analysis of opportunities and benefits of road obliteration, restoration of areas damaged by recent wildfire suppression, reduction of sediment, and of natural recovery. Natural disturbance patterns are the best way to maintain or restore desired ecosystem values; nature should be able to accomplish this without human intervention (Frissell and Bayles 1996). Alternative 4 considered restoration only activities, no timber harvest would occur. This alternative is eliminated from detailed study because it does not meet the purpose of and need for action. The objectives of this project are to recover economic value from merchantable timber burned by the Chippy Creek Fire and to provide safe access along roads rather than to restore areas damaged by recent wildfire. Project units are in MA16, which is suitable for timber production as per the Forest Plan: dead or down trees may be salvaged as constrained by habitat needs for cavity nesting wildlife species (Forest Plan, II-72). Goals for Management area 16 include: 1. Provide for healthy stands of timber and optimize timber growing potential. 2. Develop equal distribution of age classes to optimize sustained timber production. 3. Provide for dispersed recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and livestock use. 4. Maintain water quality and stream stability. Implementing restoration only activities would be the equivalent of changing the MA direction to MA11 (roadless) or MA12 (wilderness) and proposed wilderness, which is beyond the scope of the purpose and need for this action. Additional road decommissioning and obliteration opportunities were considered. However, the transportation system in the project area was designed and constructed as a minimum system of roads for forest management purposes using BMP standards. Therefore, the majority of roads included in the roads analysis are needed for long term management of NFS lands within the analysis area (Appendix A within the Chippy Fire Salvage Transportation Analysis, 2008e). The BAER Plan for the Chippy Creek Fire (USDA, BAER 2007) evaluated the need for emergency rehabilitation measures. This process evaluated and responded to emergency watershed conditions created by the fire. When an emergency was identified e.g. potential for flooding or debris flow, mitigation treatments were immediately implemented. These included: (1) removing or replacing undersized culverts and fills across drainages, (2) removal of down trees along trails and roads, (3) seeding and fertilizing. Additional measures: (4) spraying for noxious weeds, were completed this summer. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 14

22 Furthermore, routine maintenance of stabilization work, facilities, or re-treatment of BAER restoration would occur as part of monitoring and follow up. There were no long term resource concerns or needs identified in the BAER Report. Additional information on the Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation Plan, implementation, and monitoring report are in the BAER Project File and Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project File. Other restoration work completed in the project area includes Fire Suppression Restoration and County replacement of stream crossing structures. Alternative 5: (Maximum Salvage Alternative) Intent: Alternative 5 was developed to address concerns about maximizing salvage opportunities. A number of comments expressed concern that treating such a small percent of the burned area did not provide enough resources to the local economy, and requested recovering as much burned timber as possible. Project design criteria were developed and used to determine areas where it would be environmentally, technically, and ecologically feasible to propose salvage harvest actions. The extent of proposed salvage is driven by economics and a desire to avoid new road construction. Helicopter logging would eliminate the need to construct new roads but is not economically feasible under current market conditions. Additionally, the project was designed to stay out of severely burned areas where wood deterioration rates are high. This alternative was eliminated from detailed study because it was not responsive to the project design criteria ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN DETAIL Table 2-1 briefly compares how each alternative considered in detail responds to the Purpose and Need and issues raised. Table 2-1. Compared Features of Alternatives Considered in Detail Responsiveness to Purpose and Need or Scoping Issue Alternative 1 No Action Alternative 2 Modified Proposed Action Provide wood products and jobs for local communities MMBF produced 0 MMBF 12.2 MMBF (24,400 CCF) Jobs produced locally total (Table 3-20) Provide safe access along travel ways Hazard Tree Removal along roads 0 48 miles Miles of reconditioning to meet BMPs 0 42 miles Miles of reconstruction 0 4 miles Heritage Heritage resources impacted None None Visuals Visual Quality Objectives not met None None Fire and Fuels Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 15

23 Table 2-1. Compared Features of Alternatives Considered in Detail Responsiveness to Purpose Alternative 1 Alternative 2 and Need or Scoping Issue No Action Modified Proposed Action Remaining Biomass both down and standing (tons/acre) LNF Burned Acres Harvested Less Than 1% Less Than 1% Vegetation Acres of old growth Harvested 0 0 Tree Planting in Proposed Salvage Units 0 Up to 900 acres within proposed units. Soils and Water Quality Soil disturbance due to tree harvesting 0 acres Tractor units: 795 acres with 8-13% soil disturbance Skyline units: 730 acres with 3% soil disturbance. Resource protection measues will maintain soil productivity and nutrient cycling Percent Increase in Total Erosion 0.0% Less Than 0.3% % Increase in Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) 0 Negligible Weeds Risk of Noxious Weed Spread Moderate Moderate Species of Concern Habitat Modification and None Minimal due to resource protection measures. Species Population Changes Changes in Habitat Connectivity None None Roads Road Density inside Project Area FP standard is less than mi/mi 2 Road Storage or Decommissioning 0 7 mi. Alternative 1: No Action Alternative Intent: Alternative 1 provides a baseline for comparison of environmental consequences of the other alternatives to the existing condition (40 CFR ) and is a management option that could be selected by the Responsible Official. The no-action alternative does not propose active resource management, however this does not mean that ecosystems would not change, even in the absence of active management. Furthermore, annual maintenance of roads, trails and public recreational facilities would occur. BMP work is being completed on approximately 70 miles of road located within the fire perimeter under funding and analysis through the BAER program. Reforestation planting will occur on burned acres identified outside of salvage units proposed under the Proposed Action and Alternative 2 (USDA, March 2008). Firewood gathering and mushroom harvest would occur as allowed under the current permit system. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 16

24 Activities that would not occur under the no-action alternative include salvage harvest, planting within salvaged units, road BMP work under timber sale contract provisions, road decomissioning or storage, and hazard tree removal along proposed haul routes. Alternative 2: Modified Proposed Action Intent: Alternative 2 was designed to meet the Purpose and Need and address the following key issue: Salvaging in IRA may affect roadless character. Units located within the IRA boundary under the Proposed Action were dropped from Alternative 2. In addition, other activities in the proposed action were modified to address changed conditions on the ground and in response to field verification of existing conditions in proposed units. Table 2-2 summarizes differences between the Proposed Action and Alternative 2. Table 2-2. Summarized Comparison of Proposed Action vs. Alternative 2 Action Proposed Action Alternative 2 Salvage Acres 3,750 1,527 MMBF produced (based on 8 MBF/acre) Potential Acres Planted 8, Miles of Road Maintenance Miles of Hazard Tree Removal Major Culverts Replaced 2 0 Miles of Roads Placed in Storage Miles of Road Decommissioned The following treatments specific to Alternative 2 include timber salvage, tree planting, road decommissioning and storage, implementation of BMPs and hazard tree removal. Salvage harvest of dead and fire-damaged trees having a low probability of survival, from approximately 1,527 acres burned by the Chippy Creek Fire of 2007 to recover economic benefits. Though there are currently no absolute predictors of mortality/survivability, trained Forest Service employees will estimate fire-damaged trees with a low probability of tree survival based on visible fire-damage indicators (Scott 2003, 2002). Field review of fire-damaged trees within the Chippy wildfire and review by Ken Gibson, Northern Region entomologist (2008) revealed green-crowned trees that have lethal fire-damage of their lower bole and roots. These trees, while still green at the time, have a low probability of surviving due to heat girdling of their cambium layer. These trees are also susceptible to lethal insect attack. Numerous literature, Gibson (2008), Hood, et al (2007), Scott (2003, 2002) Brown and Smith (2000), R1 Forest Health Protection (2000), and Reinhardt and Ryan (1989), describe delayed mortality of conifers as a result of fire damage. Criteria that will be used in determining probability of mortality is described in detail in Appendix E Decision Table for Fire Damaged Tree Harvest Selection. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 17

25 A small number of live trees may be cut to accommodate landings, skid trails, road reconstruction, skyline corridors, or for safety reasons. Expected removal of approximately 12.2 million board feet of timber would be recovered from this salvage from trees between 9 21 inches diameter at breast height (dbh) (USDA 2008b, p 20). At least 55% of proposed salvage acres may result in openings similar to regeneration harvest systems. For example, where canopy mortality is estimated at 75% or greater (RAVG data), salvage harvest may result in openings similar to a seed tree cut, and areas where canopy mortality is estimated at 50-75% may result in openings similar to shelterwood cuts (USDA 2008b). Within salvage units, snags and dead trees greater than 21 inch dbh would be retained for vertical structure, snag replacement, and long-term nutrient recycling. Most small nonmerchantable trees (under 8 inches in diameter) would be left standing for wildlife habitat and future nutrient recycling, or felled to provide ground protection and soil stabilization (USDA 2008b). Logging methods to remove merchantable trees would depend on slope and soil sensitivity, and would include cable, skyline, and tractor-type equipment such as crawler tractors, skidders, feller/bunchers, and cut-to-length harvesters. Some units would require a combination of tractors and cable equipment. Impacts to more severely burned soils would be minimized through the use of winter logging, or skidding on slash mats (when there are adequate amounts of available fine woody debris). Approximately 50 percent of the area would be logged by skyline and 50 percent by tractor-type equipment. A list of units with acres, logging system, and Forest Plan management area designations can be found in Table 2-3. Planting up to 900 acres of harvest units to supplement natural regeneration. Natural regeneration is preferred for reforestation within proposed units, however, there may be areas within salvaged units where natural seed sources may be insufficient and natural regeneration will fail to meet stocking standards for numbers of trees per acre and/or composition of trees within desired timeframes. In addition, timber harvest operations could damage conifer regeneration on skid trails and landings, while at the same time creating bare soils or reduced duff conditions favorable to seral species seed germination and growth (UDSA 2008b). The determination of natural regeneration failure can take two to five years. Culturists would assess seed fall, germination, and seedling survival to determine natural regeneration success. Hand planting would be used where it is determined that natural regeration has failed to meet standards or objectives, such as the establishment of species in decline in the Region, or species at risk, as identified by The Northern Region Overview (USDA Forest Service, 1998). These species include western larch, whitebark pine, western white pine, ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. Species mixtures and numbers would be planted as appropriate for site conditions. Seedlings from seed collected from the District and neighboring forests would be planted, including seedlings grown from individual whitebark pine that exhibit resistance to white pine blister rust (UDSA 2008d). Seedling success will be facilitated through clearing of competing vegetation (scalping) from an area generally inches where seedlings are Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 18

26 planted, monitoring damage by animals, and using protective netting, browsing repellant (Plantskydd) or additional planting as needed. Maintain approximately 55.6 miles of NFS Road that would be used as haul-routes for the salvaged timber removal. Maintenance work or road reconditioning on 42 miles of road. Roads designated for reconditioning are currently adequate to drive on, but are not up to BMP standards. Reconditioning includes road grading, cleaning of culvert catchbasins, minor brushing and maintaining drainage structures to facilitate timber removal and maintain BMP standards and Road Management Objectives (RMOs). The present focus of RMOs is to meet and maintain current BMPs for each road. Road maintenance includes some cost-share roads on adjacent private lands and roads under Forest Service jurisdiction. The transportation section in Chapter 3 describes BMP road work, and Appendix C lists all roads proposed for this type of work. Reconstruct about 4 miles of roads that are not currently drivable. Reconstruction work will include clearing and grubbing of brush and small trees from the road surface and edges, cleaning of existing drainage structures, construction of additional drainage structures and spot surfacing with crushed aggregate. No temporary, short-term, or permanent roads will be constructed under this alternative. Remove hazard trees along 48 miles of roads used for haul routes. For this project, hazard trees are dead trees or compromised trees with high potential to fall or roll onto a roadway (within 100 feet from either side of the road). A detailed description of criteria used for identification of hazard trees for this project can be found in Appendix G, Roadside Hazard Tree Guidelines. For hazard tree removal, equipment will not be allowed to leave the road, logs will be felled and skidded toward the road, slash will be scattered and remain in the surrounding forest for soil protection, and minor damage to road fills, cuts and the travelway will be corrected by post harvest road maintenance to ensure that road drainage is protected (USDA, 2008f). Place in storage or decommission approximately 7 miles of NFS road not needed for current or near-future National Forest land management. The project-level roads analysis (Appendix A in USDA 2008e,) identified road segments in the analysis area for storage or decommissioning. These roads are currently closed yearlong to motorized traffic and not needed for forest management in the foreseeable future. Storage of 5.7 miles of closed road would involve removing drainage structures to allow natural drainage, and ripping and seeding of the road surface. These road segments would remain in the forest road tracking system and would be included in road density calculations. In addition, 1.4 miles of road were identified for decommissioning based on field verification in the spring of 2008, of these, 1.2 miles are within the McGregor/Thompson IRA. These roads would have drainage structures removed to allow natural drainage, and the road prism would be re-contoured to nearly pre-road condition. These roads would no longer be tracked as system roads or included in road density calculations. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 19

27 Table 2-3 summarizes proposed unit acreages and characteristics. Descriptions of abbreviations are listed in trailing tables. Table 2-3. Units to be Harvested in Alternative 2 Unit Harvest Acres Forest Type See Table 2-3A MA Harvest Prescription See Table 2-3B Logging System See Table 2-3C Veg Burn Severity 1/ See Table 2-3D Soils Burn Severity See Table 2-3E DF/LP 16 S S L/H L DF/LP/L/SAF 16 ST S H M SAF 16 ST AT H M SAF 16 ST T H L LP 16 ST T H M LP/SAF 16 ST T H/L M SAF 16 ST S H M DF 16 ST S H M LP/L 16 ST T H M/H LP/L 16 ST S H M DF 16 ST S H L LP 16 ST S H L/M 116 2/ 30 SAF 16 ST AT H M 117 2/ 116 LP/DF/SAF 16 ST T H M 118 2/ 70 DF 16 ST S H M 119 3/ 164 SAF/LP 16 ST T H L/M 120 3/ 21 SAF 16 S S H/L L/M 121 4/ 17 LP 16 S T M/L M 122 5/ 15 DF 16 ST T H L L 16 ST S H M LP/DF 16 S AT H/L M L 16 S/SH S L M L 16 ST AT H N/A LP 16 S/ST T H/L M DF 16 S S L M/H LP/L 16 ST S H/L M LP 16 ST T H M LP/L 16 S S L M LP 16 S T M/L M DF 16 ST T H L/M LP 16 ST S H M SAF 16 S S L M SAF 16 ST AT H M SAF 16 ST T H M/H L 16 S T L L LP 16 S S L L / 16 L 16 S AT L* L LP 16 S S L* L 617 7/ 30 LP 16 S T L* L Total 1,527 1/ from RAVG Crown Canopy Mortality Class, See Table 2-3D for description of burn intensity class. Most of the units to be harvested are a mix of intensities. The intensity listed is the class that typifies the majority of the unit. 2/ Part of original unit / Part of original unit / Part of original unit / Part of original unit / part of original unit / Part of original unit 609. *Units under RAVG show as not being burned, perhaps due to the data acquisition date being before the fire was completely contained. Field checking indicates these units were burned (Project File, forestry field notes). Anecdotal notes were used to determine the level of burn severity for vegetation in these stands. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 20

28 Table 2-3A Forest Type Descriptions Forest Type Description DF Douglas-fir with associates of western hemlock, western red cedar, grand fir, ponderosa pine and western larch. LP Lodgepole pine with associates of subalpine fire, western white pine, whitebark pine, Engelmann spruce, western larch and sometimes aspen. L Western larch SAF Englelmann spruce and/or subalpine fir with associates of mountain hemlock, whitebark pine, and lodgepole pine. Table 2-3B. Summary By Harvest Prescription Table 2-3C. Summary by Logging System Harvest Prescription Acres Logging System Acres S = Salvage 317 T = Tractor 589 SH = Shelterwood 12 AT = Adverse Tractor 146 ST = Seed Tree 1198 S = Skyline 792 Acreage Total 1,527 AcreageTotal 1,527 Table 2-3D. Vegetation Burn Severity Descriptions Vegetation % of Estimated canopy Burn Project mortality due to fire 1/ Description 2/ Severity Area Low 27 Moderate 6 Moderately High 6 High % overstory trees were killed 25 to 50% of the overstory trees were killed 50 to 75% of the overstory trees were killed >75% of the trees were killed Duff and ground vegetation were lightly burned, many areas of unburned ground vegetation remain throughout the stand Patchy burning ground fires that generally consume litter, upper duff, understory plants and foliage on understory trees. In theses stands, the fire killed from 25 to 50 percent of the overstory trees. Tree mortality is largely a function of species tolerance to fire and topographic setting. The result is often a mosaic of large islands of green trees and large overstory individual trees. Significant reduction in much of the duff, burning the tops of a good portion of the ground vegetation, and killing from 50 to 75 percent of the overstory trees. These are noticeably altered stands with intermixed dead and live trees and scattered clumps of either condition. A stand-replacing fire that burns through the overstory and/or understory consuming large woody surface fuels and potentially the entire duff layer causing mortality via crown scorch or root damage. Nearly all fine twigs and needles were consumed on standing trees or the crowns were completely scorched. Some small residual patches and stringers of unaffected areas may be present, as are scattered large diameter western larch and ponderosa pine. This condition occurred primarily in the higher elevation, south-aspect portions of Chippy, Big Rock and Bear Creeks. 1/ Determined using RAVG Satellite imaging CC5 data, see project file for data. 2/ Description of severity conditions from Burned Area Analysis Report (USDA Forest Service 2001). Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 21

29 Table 2-3E Soil Burn Severity Descriptions Soil Burn Severity Rating Description 1/ Acres Low Duff layer is partially consumed; very little heating of the soil surface layer occurs. No affect to soil hydrologic properties. 271 Moderate Slightly altered surface soil structure; reduced numbers of fine roots and less seed viability in the soil surface; duff is reduced to a layer of charred litter High Modified surface soil properties; surface soil structure has broken down; a short-lived hydrophobic layer may be present. Lack of organic litter or duff 134 Total 1,527 1/ See Soil Scientist Report, page 8-9 for more specifics and detailed description of soil burn severity. 2.6 PROJECT SPECIFIC RESOURCE PROTECTION MEASURES One way to resolve an issue is by implementing or modifying existing design criteria or adding additional resource protection measures that will eliminate or reduce unintended environmental effect to negligible (40 CFR ). The terms design criteria and resource protection measures are referred to inclusively in this document. During project development, the coarse filter design criteria discussed in Chapter 1 and displayed in Appendix H, No harvest of green trees, was modified to: Salvage of dead and fire-damaged trees having a low probability of surviving, in response to comments and input from resource specialists after further field observation and analysis of the project area and specific resources. Criteria used to determine probability of tree mortality are described in detail in Appendix E. A resource protection measure may be a design criterion that was identified before the project was developed to eliminate or avoid potential undesired effects, or it may be a mitigation measure developed to minimize or eliminate a known potential effect of this particular action. A revised resource protection measure may be used if determined to be equally or more effective in meeting the resource protection objective by the appropriate resource specialist and approved by a line officer. Table 2-4 describes Project specific resource protection measures used to address issues raised through scoping. The objective of each measure is to meet a desired condition or avoid or minimize unwanted environmental effects. Table 2-4. Resource Protection Measures Resource Protection Resource Protection Measure Objective: Ensure proper identification of salvage trees to provide for live tree protection and appropriate salvage of dead trees. Maintain soil productivity Decision table for harvest selection of fire damaged trees. (See Appendix E). Do not place landings on potential inclusions of severely burned soils within units unless frozen or snow covered. Units/Location All units 212 Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 22

30 Table 2-4. Resource Protection Measures Resource Protection Resource Protection Measure Objective: and reduce detrimental disturbance Ensure that detrimental soil disurbance threshold (15% disturbance) is not exceeded in any unit, primarily in tractor units that currently have a moderate level of disturbance. Maintain and protect soil productivity by providing adequate woody debris. Discourage unauthorized motorized use. Protect aquatic resources by reducing potential sedimentation from roads and salvage activities. Reuse existing skid trails where practical. Harvester trips off of main trails limited to three passes. A pass is defined as the movement of the equipment to and from a single location. Skidder/ forwarder trails will be no closer than 75 feet apart where possible. Winter logging is preferred for tractor units that experienced high burn severity. If not winter logged, slash mats will be used to minimize additional soil disturbance. Skyline harvesting will be used on steep slopes (greater than 35%). Maintain corridor widths as narrow as possible leaving bump trees when feasible. Implement one of the following: 1 During summer/fall harvest, use CTL system, in-woods processing, log forwarders, slash mats, etc., to reduce the risk of soil degradation and increase the effectiveness of using slash to increase soil biological activity. Soil restoration activity may be needed in portions of these stands following harvest, to be determined by the soils scientist or 2. Harvest in winter season (frozen ground and/or >24 inches of snow). CWD recruitment guidelines of generally tons/acre on most sites; tons/acre on skid trails, will be met by no whole-tree logging or back-hauling slash, and leaving slash at the stump. Skid trails, non-system roads, and paths created during mechanical harvesting will be covered with tons of slash and /or barriers placed to deter unauthorized motorized use. Outside Project Area, Montana Best Management Practices for Forestry will be met as a minimum on roads used for accessing salvage areas, including provisions of the Streamside Management Zone Law. Within the Project Area, all activities will comply with LNF BMPs. MT DNRC approval would be requested if variances to Montana BMPs are needed. INFISH Riparian Management Objectives will be met. Montana Streamside Protection Act (SPA) 124 Permits will be obtained for any activity that would disturb stream channels. Prior to timber haul, all BMP and associated Soil and Water Conservation Practices designed to control surface drainage from roads would be in place on road segments to be used and would be maintained to ensure functionality. All BMPs would be inspected at the end of each operating season to assure their ability to protect Units/Location All ground based units. 112, 607 All skyline units. 601, 608, and 615. All units All units All haul routes Approx. 130 miles Where necessary Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 23

31 Table 2-4. Resource Protection Measures Resource Protection Resource Protection Measure Objective: water quality during spring snowmelt runoff season. Exception: Winter haul would ensure that BMPs are met, without requiring work prior to haul. Slash filter windrows will be placed on relief culvert outlets that are within 300 feet of a waterway. Boundaries of wetlands and RHCAs will be flagged prior to activities to exclude ground-based equipment and other activities within: 300 feet of perennial fish bearing streams 150 feet of perennial non-fish bearing streams, ponds, lakes or wetlands; 50 feet of seasonally flowing or intermittent streams or landslide prone areas Erosion control measures (straw bales, wattles, silt fences, hydro mulching, etc.) will be used where necessary and remain in place before and during ground disturbing activities. To ensure effectiveness, erosion control measures will remain in place and functional until disturbed sites (roads, culverts, landings, etc.) are stabilized, typically for a minimum period of one growing season after ground disturbing activity occurs. This would require regular inspection and may require maintenance. Additional inspections and maintenance would occur following high rainfall events and prior to fall and spring runoff to ensure their effectiveness. If winter hauling is to occur, snow drainage holes (areas where drainage can flow through road-side snow berms and off the snow-packed road surface) will be installed and kept open throughout the duration of the winter. Protect Aquatic Resources and Improve Wildlife Habitat/Security Minimize potential impacts to aquatic resources by assuring roads are hydrologically stabilized. Reduce or eliminate the spread of weeds Store - Retain on NFSR system in long term storage (self-maintaining); generally up to approx. 20 years. Water-bar or intermittent out-slope. Remove CMP's & restore all watercourses to natural channels & floodplains. Rip 6-12 inches, seed & fertilize. May scatter slash on road. Decommission (remove from NFSR system) roads not needed for years. Water-bar or intermittent outslope. May recontour along the road. Remove CMP's & restore all watercourses to natural channels & floodplains. Rip 6-18 inches, seed & fertilize. May scatter slash on road. Project off-road vehicles and machinery will be weedfree prior to entering NFS lands. Staging of equipment will occur at weed-free sites. Post-project monitoring for implementation and effectiveness of weed mitigation measures and control of new infestations will occur for two years after project ground-disturbing activities. Units/Location Units with inclusions of RHCAs :103,105,106,107,109, 113,117,118,206,208,2 09,212,213,216,606,60 7,609,616 All units where winter haul will occur 5.7 miles of roads: 7520, 18338, 18360, miles of roads: 5582, 7520, 18356, 18438, All units Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 24

32 Table 2-4. Resource Protection Measures Resource Protection Resource Protection Measure Objective: Units/Location Eliminate potential impacts to nesting black backed woodpeckers Provide snags and downed woody debris for long-term vertical structure, wildlife habitat, and other resource needs. Eliminate potential impacts to elk wallows. Maintain winter snowshoe hare habitat to provide winter prey for Canada lynx. Minimize potential for human encounters with wild animals during project operations and prevent animals from becoming habituated to people and food Protect active gray wolf reproduction Maintain brush cover/foraging habitat for lynx along roads Revegetation of disturbed sites, where needed, will use a seed mix of genetically appropriate native plant species and/or non-invasive, non-native species (FSM ). Seeding will occur under conditions favorable for plant establishment, generally during moist soil conditions in spring or fall. The seed mix and any mulches or fill material will be certified weed-free. The Chippy Creek Fire Roadside Weed Spraying project will be implemented prior to the Chippy Fire Salvage project. One of the following restrictions would be followed: 1. Restrict harvest activity within potential black-backed woodpecker habitat from 4/1-6/30 or 2. Survey for potential black-backed woodpecker habitat within proposed units scheduled for harvest from 4/1 6/30. For any black-backed woodpecker nests found, restrict activity within ¼ mile of nest tree during 4/1 6/30. Most dead trees greater than 21inches diameter at breast height (dbh) will be retained and left in clumps where possible. Exceptions: some trees greater than 21 inch dbh may be felled for safety, road work, skid trails, corridors, or landings. Harvest will not occur within 150 feet of any elk wallow identified during layout. Areas of live multi-story stands with dense understory or drooping branches that would rest on winter snow will be flagged out of the units to prevent logging activities. Include standard wildlife food storage sanitation measures in all activities and contracts within the project area. Currently there are no wolf dens or rendevous sites within 1.5 miles of the project area. However, should a den or rendezvous sit be discovered prior to or during project implementation, the project will not be implemented within 1 mile of such sites between April 15 and June 30 (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). Restrict brushing to Standard road maintenance, approximately 5-8 feet alongside roads to minimize brush removal Along all roads All units with potential black-backed woodpecker habitat All units All units Units 118 and 119 All units All units All roads Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 25

33 Table 2-4. Resource Protection Measures Resource Protection Resource Protection Measure Objective: Avoid impacts to nesting goshawks Maintain habitat for Coeur d Alene salamanders Protect Heritage Resources Goshawk nesting surveys will be conducted in units with suitable nesting habitat if salvage activities take place from April through July. If an active nest is found, a noactivity buffer (greater than 150 foot radius) will be placed around the active nest tree to minimize disturbance to goshawk breeding efforts. In addition, a 40 acre stand of undisturbed habitat will be maintained around each nest area to provide long-term nesting habitat (Reynolds et al. 1992). Minimize physical disturbance to wet, mossy, rocky areas along roads during road maintenance, salvage, and hazard tree removal. Do not use trail as skid road Restore trail after harvest if necessary Units/Location Units 105, 111, 113, 114, 121, 122, 208, 209, and 218, if sufficient nesting habitat is still present within these units during the nesting season. All roads Trail 290 -Teepee Mountain passes through unit 119 Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 2 Page 26

34 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRON- MENTAL CONSEQUENCES This Chapter discloses the environmental consequences of implementing alternatives considered in detail: Alternative 1 (No Action) and Alternative 2 (Modified Proposed Action). It also presents the scientific and analytical basis for the comparison of alternatives presented in Table 2-2 (Chapter 2). Analysis issues identified through scoping are addressed. These issues are summarized in Appendix D, Issue Disposition. This Chapter is divided by Resource with Issues, Conclusions, and Discussions including direct, indirect and cumulative effects, under each resource area. Further analysis and conclusions about potential environmental effects are available in Resource Specialist Reports which are available in the planning record located at the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District Office. Direct effects are caused at the time and place of the specific action. Direct effects would occur within the boundary of the project area, which is NFS lands within the Chippy Creek fire perimeter. Indirect effects are caused by the actions, but may occur at a different time or place. Cumulative effects include the effects of the proposed actions, plus effects of past and reasonably foreseeable actions which overlap in time and/or location with the effects of this project. The boundary of cumulative effects analysis varies by resource. Actions considered for cumulative effects are listed in Appendix F. The cumulative effects discussion under each resource area includes those actions listed in Appendix F relative to that resource. 3.1 RESOURCES NOT PRESENT OR NOT ANTICIPATED TO BE AFFECTED HERITAGE RESOURCES Field inventory for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage project was completed in July of Known sites were visited and units were inventoried as per the Site Identification Strategy (SIS). Additional discussion and documentation on this process is in the Heritage Resources Specialist Report (USDA Forest Service 2008j) located in the project record. No new sites were located and none of the previously recorded sites will be effected by the proposed Chippy Creek Fire Salvage activities. The proposed undertaking will have no effect on sites listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The project is in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act and 36CFR800. The Lolo National Forest Heritage Program complies with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations including the Antiquities Act of 1906, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) and its amendments, the Archaeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) the Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 36 CFR 800, and Forest Service Manual To date, there have been no public comments regarding heritage resources in the vicinity of the project area except for concern over trail 290. A specific resource protection measure has been included in the project design to protect this trail (Table 2-4). Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 27

35 3.1.2 VISUALS To date, there have been no public comments regarding any of the visuals in the vicinity of the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage. No issues have been raised regarding Visuals. Use The primary recreational/cultural uses of this project area are hunting, logging and picking and gathering of berries and firewood. Trail use is low except during hunting season. Other uses include recreational driving and forest visitation on open loop roads such as 519 and Motorized trail use is increasing along the Divide between Shroder Creek and Big Rock Creek, however, is low in the rest of the Project Area. Mushroom picking has recently been very high use, over 700 permits were issued for mushroom picking in spring of It is likely that some hiking and overnight camping may also exist to a more limited extent. Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs) The Lolo National Forest Plan established a Visual Quality Objective (VQO) for each Management Area (MA) in the Forest Plan. VQO's are defined as desired levels of scenic quality and diversity of natural features based on physical and sociological characteristics of an area. The VQO's established for treatment units in Chippy Creek Salvage is Modification. Guidelines for meeting VQO's are described in Forest Service Handbook 462, National Forest Landscape Management, Volume 2 (USDA, 1974). Key vista points include Little Thompson Peak, Cook Mountain, Bassoo Peak, and Snowstorm Mountain. All of the units being harvested are in the Modification VQO. Modification description (MA 16): "Activities of vegetative and landform alteration must borrow from naturally established line, form, color, and texture so that their visual characteristics are those of natural occurrences within the surrounding area when viewed as middle ground or background. Activities may visually dominate the original characteristic landscape" (USDA 1986). Salvage units would be laid out in a manner that borrows from naturally established lines. Residual trees would be left in all units (See Vegetation Section), which would provide texture and form in the units. All harvest activities would meet modification standards OLD GROWTH FORESTS The Silviculturist s Specialist Report contains a detailed account on the background of oldgrowth management on the Lolo to clarify the various manners that old-growth has been addressed over the past two and a half decades, or more. The Lolo NF uses the Region 1 old growth forest type characteristics (Green et al 1992, revised in 2005) to identify and allocate old growth in addition to or in substitution of, old growth stands previously allocated (MA21) in the Forest Plan (April 1986). The current approach of inventory, analysis, and tracking of old growth stands during landscape scale NFMA analysis was adopted by Forest Supervisor letter dated 4/29/94 (2070/1950). The policy provides for implementation of an old growth strategy within the Lolo Forest Plan to conserve biological diversity, including old growth dependent species; retain at least 8 percent of the Forest land in old growth reserves; manage landscapes using ecological principles; and prescribe treatments that consider the range of natural variation, age class distribution and natural processes. Ecosystem Management Areas (EMAs) have served as the analysis area for making old growth allocations. This analysis is not Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 28

36 a landscape scale NFMA analysis but rather an analysis of limited purpose and need. In order to protect existing old growth in this project, resource protection measures were included which state: No old growth stands as defined by Green et al. (prior to or following burn), and no MA21 will be harvested. In addition, vegetation inventory data of stands considered for harvest within the project area were reviewed to identify potential old growth. Any stands achieving the minimum criteria for old growth as defined by Green (2006), or stands without data that could not be assessed were listed for further field verification. During the field season of 2008, these stands were reviewed by a certified silviculturist. Any stand achieving the minimum criteria for old growth was excluded for treatment under Alternative 2. Since no old growth would be harvested under any alternative, no impacts to old growth are anticipated and this issue is dismissed from detailed study. 3.2 FIRE AND FUELS ISSUE: Project activities may impact surface fuels and alter future fire behavior. CONCLUSION: The purpose of and need for this project is to recover economic value from merchantable timber burned by the Chippy Creek Fire, it does not include goals to treat fuels or alter future fire behavior. Tops and limbs left on site to ensure soil productivity and reduce soil erosion could provide fuels for surface fires. The area burned by the Chippy Creek Fire generally has low fuel loading and fire risk for the next 5 to 10 years. Fuels have been reduced in the majority of the project area due to fuel consumption by the fire (see Table 3-1). Surface and canopy fuels have been consumed to the point that fire starts inside the burn area and their potential for spread will be minimal. Standing fuels are expected to become ground fuels as fire-killed trees rot and fall to the ground 10 to 30 years following the fire (Brown et al 2003). The proposed salvage units represent a very small portion of the burned area, thus will not have a substantial impact on the extent of future large-scale fires. Surface fuels would increase in both salvaged and un-salvaged areas with salvage activities altering the timing of fine surface fuel decomposition and having little effect on the decomposition or accumulation of CWD. Proposed salvage treatments would have little to no effect on future fire behavior. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: The Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) growth model was utilized to depict fuel loadings in prefire conditions in contrast to post fire conditions using a high severity burn model. Units proposed for salvage harvest under Alternative 2 have most acres burned at high severity or 75% or more crown mortality (RAVG, cc5). The same data set used for harvest estimation (33 examined stands within harvest units) was used for fuels prediction. The results of modeled fuel loading are shown in Table 3-1. Total biomass in unburned stands (pre-chippy Creek fire simulation) is estimated to be 84 tons/acre. In stands burned at high severity, the wildfire consumed an average of 23 tons/acre. This leaves an estimated remaining biomass of Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 29

37 approximately 61 tons/acre post fire. Salvage harvest is estimated to remove 33 tons/acre of the gross (primarily standing) remaining biomass. This would leave approximately 28 tons/acre of biomass after proposed harvest activities. Some of the standing biomass would be knocked over during the salvage harvests. Most will remain standing in the short term and fall at an accelerating rate over the next 3-20 years. Table 3-1. Estimated Fuel Loading Comparison. Unburned Conditions Pre Chippy Creek Fire Alternative 1 Burned Conditions Post Chippy Creek Fire Alternative 2 Burned Conditions Post Chippy Creek Fire Surface Fuels (tons/acre) Standing Fuels (tons/acre) Total Biomass - Surface Fuels Plus Standing Fuels (tons/acre) Biomass Removed By Salvage Harvest (tons/acre) Total Biomass Remaining (tons/acre) As discussed in Beschta et al (2004) and in Donato et.al. (2006), post fire salvage is likely to increase coarse woody debris (CWD) and fine fuel loads. Proposed salvage units represent about 3 % of the burned area. Salvage activities would cause fuels to be deposited on the ground quicker than would occur under natural post-fire processes. Meanwhile, CWD and surface fuels would continue to accumulate naturally over time both inside units (from trees not included in salvage) and outside of salvage units over the next 10 to 30 years. Direct effects of the proposed salvage treatments would be a short-term increase in mostly fine fuel accumulation, which would break down and decompose in 2-5 years. The risk of re-burn in the area would be low during this time due to lack of unburned fuels across the burned landscape. After 5-10 years it would be hard to distinguish these project fuels from natural fuel accumulation in areas outside the treatment units. Therefore, there would be no discernable indirect effects of the treatments on fuel accumulation or risk of severe fire in the burned area. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: Project actions will cause slight, localized, short-term increases in fine surface fuel accumulations, especially in areas where cover is needed to protect exposed soils. However, total onsite biomass will be reduced in the short term, thus overall less fuel would be available to burn in a wildfire situation. Additionally, the limited scope of salvage activities (about 3% of the burned area) would not alter future fire behavior across the landscape. When combined with past, present and foreseeable future activities project activities would not contribute to cumulative effects to future fire behavior and would not increase the risk of severe fire. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 30

38 3.2.2 ISSUE: Salvage logging could limit areas of un-logged post-fire habitats. CONCLUSION: There is no lack of post disturbance habitat in Region 1 or on the LNF. In Region 1, over 1 million acres burned during the summer of Given the prediction of warmer and dryer summers the region is likely to experience large fires in the future. For the years , approximately 338,845 acres have burned on the LNF. Within the last twenty years, there have been over 337,000 acres burned on the LNF that have had no harvest post-burn. Of the burned acres, about 1,762 have been harvested. This is less than one percent of all burned areas Forest-wide affected by harvest activity. At the Forest-level, acres of harvest within burned areas is very low. At the Project level, about 46,000 acres of NFS lands are not proposed for harvest and would remain in their current post-fire condition. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: Based on LNF timber harvest history data (harvest activities on record since 1963), about 39,650 acres of National Forest lands within the Chippy Creek Fire have no record of previous harvest (85% of the burned area), while about 7,100 acres (15% of the burned area) has experienced some harvest activity. Table 3-2 displays acres previously harvested and acres with no harvest within the Chippy Creek fire perimeter separated by fire severity rating. Table 3-2 Past Harvest on NFS Lands within the Chippy Creek Fire Perimeter RAVG Canopy Mortality from Chippy Creek Fire Total Acres NFS Lands in Fire >75% 50-75% 25-50% 0-25% Perimeter (With Percentage) Acres Previously Harvested 4, ,557 7,751 (16%) Acres With No Harvest on Record 23,573 8,765 6, ,749 (84%) Total 47,500 At the Forest level, acres of harvest within burned areas on the LNF is very low. For the years , approximately 338,845 acres have been burned on the Lolo National Forest. Of the burned acres, about 1,762 have been harvested (See Tables 3-3 and 3-4). This is less than one percent of all burned areas affected by harvest activity Forest-wide. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternative 1 would have no effect to the post-burn environment with no harvest proposed. Alternative 2 Of the 1,527 acres proposed for salvage harvest, 197 of those acres have been previously harvested. Alternative 2 would affect about 3% of post-burn habitats that were not previously harvested within the fire perimeter changing the unharvested percentage of the project area from Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 31

39 85% to 82%. These acres are within MA 16, which allows timber harvest. Thus, 96% of postburn acreage that was not previously harvested, would remain unharvested after project activities. The vast majority of burned unharvested acres would remain in their current state, and would be allowed to recover naturally from the effects of the Chippy Creek fire. Table 3-3. Acres of Harvest in Fire Areas from on the Lolo National Forest Year of Fire Occurrence Year of Harvest Within Fire Perimeter Total Acres Total Total Total Total 13.0 Grand Total Table 3-4. Acres of Fire Occurring on Lolo National Forest Year of Fire Occurrence Total Acres Burned , , , , , , ,342.7 Grand Total 338,844.8 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: At the Regional level, for the time period between , about 3.5 million acres have burned by wildfire in Region 1 (See Table 3-5). On the LNF during this same time period approximately 255,402 acres have burned representing 12.2 percent of the LNF. Region-wide there is no lack of post-fire habitats to support post fire native flora. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 32

40 Table 3-5. Acres Burned in Region Acres Burned ( ) Total Acres NFS Lands by Forest /2 Percent of Each Forest Burned /3 Beaverhead- Deerlodge NF 126,771 3,391, % Bitterroot NF 410,190 1,594, % Clearwater NF 102,265 1,825, % Custer NF 169,482 1,188, % Dakota Prairie NG 3,089 1,256, % Flathead NF 322,360 2,348, % Gallatin NF 159,570 1,851, % Helena NF 100, , % Idaho Panhandle NF 5,578 2,500, % Kootenai NF 47,822 2,220, % Lewis and Clark NF 142,662 1,863, % Lolo NF 255,402 2,088, % Nez Perce NF 337,813 2,223, % Non-R1 FS Acres /1 1,264,193 Grand Total 3,447,925 26,591, % Notes: /1 - Non-R1 FS Acres includes burned non-forest Service ownerships within Region 1 as well as any burned acres which are outside the Region 1 Boundary /2 - Total R1 FS Acres are based on an R1 Forest Service ownership GIS data set and are only approximate. /3 - The Percent of Forest Acres Burned is for Region 1 Forest Service acres only. At the Forest-scale and project scale, the cumulative effects of Alternative 2 when added to othe past, present and reasonable future actions would not limit the availability of un-harvested post fire habitat. Substantial areas of unlogged post fire habitats are remaining on the landscape to provide for viable populations of fire associated species. 3.3 WEEDS ISSUE: Project activities may promote the spread of noxious weeds. CONCLUSION: According to the Weed Risk Assessment (USDA 2008a) completed for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage project, several factors increase the risk of noxious weed spread in the project area: the presence of noxious weeds in the project area and along project access roads; moderate to high post-fire habitat vulnerability to noxious weed invasion; and proposed activities that would create areas of soil disturbance. Current (post-fire) risk of noxious week spread is moderate due Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 33

41 to fire effects and existing vectors. In the absence of noxious weed mitigation measures, Alternative 2 would have a high risk of noxious weed spread. However, with implementation of the noxious weed mitigation measures, the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage project would have little increase over the existing condition, maintaining a moderate risk of noxious weed spread. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: Definitions of weed risk Low risk = no substantial, unmitigated risk factors; low likelihood of weed spread in project area. Moderate risk = 1-2 substantial, unmitigated risk factors; moderate likelihood of weed spread in project area. High risk = more than 2 substantial, unmitigated risk factors; high likelihood of weed spread in project area. Prior to the 2007 Chippy Creek Fire, most of the project area had low vulnerability to noxious weed invasion because of dense forest canopy cover. Semi-open south to west slopes below about 5000 feet elevation, including historic logging units, and roadsides in the project area had a higher risk of noxious weed spread. These semi-open slopes and roadsides continue to have the highest risk of weed spread in the project area; however, the Chippy Fire substantially increased the short-term (1-3 years) risk of weed spread elsewhere in the project area, especially where stand-replacing fire occurred. The post-fire environment is favorable to noxious weed spread because of reduced vegetation cover, widespread soil disturbance, and increased nutrient availability. Post-fire recovery of native forbs, grasses, and shrubs is expected to be rapid on most sites, which will shade and stabilize the soil and substantially reduce the risk of weed spread within 2-3 years. In the meantime, the project area has an overall moderate risk of noxious weed spread, with localized areas of high risk on drier, semi-open slopes and roadsides below 5000 feet. Known Noxious Weeds The primary noxious weed in the project area is spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos). It is abundant along many roads below about 5000 feet elevation, and is also common off-road in relatively dry, semi-open montane forests that are dominated by ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. Above 5000 feet and in wetter forest types, spotted knapweed is scattered along roads and logging skid trails on warmer, drier microsites, but otherwise rare. St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) is scattered on many roads in the project area; patches of this species are likely to be found off-road in semi-open montane forest, as well in subalpine forest that has been logged. Several other noxious weeds occur in forest habitats in the project vicinity and are likely to be found in the project area in small, widely scattered infestations: Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), and sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta). All of the above noxious weeds are considered Category 1 species in Montana, which means they are widespread and cannot be eradicated, but steps should be taken to suppress existing infestations, slow their spread, and prevent new infestations ( Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 34

42 No Category 2 or 3 noxious weed species are known from the project area or its vicinity; if any such species are found by field personnel, they will be targeted for containment and, if possible, eradication. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternative 1 No Salvage logging is proposed under Alternative 1, so no additional soil disturbance would occur beyond road treatments that have occurred under BAER. Post-fire recovery of native forbs, grasses, and shrubs is expected to be rapid on most sites, which will shade and stabilize the soil and substantially reduce the risk of weed spread within 2-3 years. In the meantime, the project area has an overall moderate risk of noxious weed spread, with localized areas of high risk on drier, semi-open slopes and roadsides below 5000 feet. Vectors Road work that has been done under BAER, along with routine public and Forest Service vehicle traffic on roads in the project area, could transport noxious weed seeds along road corridors. Non-BAER or project vehicle traffic in the project area is relatively light except along the heavily-traveled Thompson River and Little Thompson River roads. Road maintenance and BAER activities in the project area could transport weed seeds and maintain disturbed soil conditions favorable for weed establishment. Non-motorized trails along major creeks in the project area are used by hikers and hunters, who could spread noxious weed seeds to roadless portions of the project area. Wildlife can transport weed seeds in their fur or in mud on their hooves, as well as via their droppings. For example, deer and elk in the project area often graze on weedy lower-elevation sites and likely carry noxious weed seeds to new sites. Alternative 2 Vectors Direct effects of project implementation could include increased risk of noxious weed spread along roads caused by increased vehicle traffic on roads in the project area. Off-road logging machinery such as skidders could transport weed seeds into salvage units. Workers could also transport weed seeds on their boots, clothing, or equipment such as chainsaws if they have previously worked in or walked through noxious weed infestations. Although non-project vectors such as wildlife currently operate independent of the proposed project activities, during project implementation these vectors could act in synergy with project vectors to increase the risk of weed spread from project activities. Indirect effects of salvage logging activities to the risk of noxious weed spread include areas of soil disturbance within salvage units, especially on skid trails and landings where weeds could become established. Where winter logging occurs, soil disturbance would be much reduced. In addition, removal of dead trees would slightly reduce conifer canopy cover in salvage units because dead tree trunks and branches still cast shadows. Also, road maintenance and reconstruction on log haul routes (beyond what is done with BAER) would cause some additional ground disturbance in existing road corridors. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 35

43 The following design criteria (weed mitigation measures) for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project are designed to reduce the risk of noxious weed spread in the project area, reduce the risk of new noxious weed species becoming established, and promote the re-establishment of native vegetation on disturbed sites. Noxious weed infestations on log haul routes would be treated before roads are used for the Chippy Fire Salvage project. Off-road vehicles and machinery would be weed-free prior to entering National Forest land. Staging of equipment would occur at weed-free sites. Revegetation of disturbed sites, where needed, would use a seed mix of genetically appropriate native plant species and/or non-invasive, non-native species (FSM ). Seeding would occur under conditions favorable for plant establishment, generally during moist soil conditions in spring or fall. The seed mix and any mulches or fill material would be certified weed-free. Post-project monitoring for implementation and effectiveness of weed mitigation measures and control of new infestations would occur for two years after project ground-disturbing activities. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: A related action, the Chippy Roadside Weed Spraying project, was completed in the summer of The spraying project treated 886 acres along existing roads and is intended to reduce the risk of noxious weed spread associated with the Chippy Creek Fire as well as the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage project. The roadside weed spraying project is tiered to the Lolo National Forest Integrated Weed Management EIS. Because direct and indirect effects would be minimized by implementation of design criteria, and existing weeds in the project area were sprayed in 2008, project activities are not expected to contribute to cumulative effects that would increase the risk of noxious weed spread above the exisitng moderate and limited high risk due to effects of the Chippy Creek Fire. 3.4 VEGETATION ISSUE: Planting trees in post fire landscapes may slow the natural recovery of the forest. CONCLUSION: Artificial regeneration (tree planting) would only be used where it appears that natural regeneration in proposed units (3% of NFS lands in the Chippy Creek fire area) would fail in numbers of trees per acre and/or composition of trees. Lack of natural seed source could limit natural regeneration, and timber harvest operations could damage natural regeneration on skid trails and landings while at the same time creating bare soils or reduced duff conditions favorable to seral species seed germination and growth. In the short-term, Alternative 2 would provide for greater establishment of species at risk conifers than Alternative 1 by directly planting these species where natural regeneration fails and would provide the possibility of collecting additional reforestation funds through KV trust fund deposits. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 36

44 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: Several seral conifer species (i.e. shade intolerant) occurring in this landscape have been identified as species at risk in the Northern Region Overview (USDA, 1999), primarily as a result of wildfire suppression. Natural regeneration of these species may be deficient in some burned areas for lack of adequate seed fall. Protecting, enhancing, and establishing western larch, ponderosa pine, and whitebark pine is important to the ecological integrity of these landscapes and conifer species. Ponderosa pine, western larch, and whitebark pine communities are considered most at risk due to: past and potential loss in the area extent of these vegetation communities; significant changes in landscape level heterogeneity (fragmentation); and significant changes in structure (both density and change in distribution of structural stages) (USDA 1999). For example, past logging which removed large amounts of western white pine when combined with fire suppression increased the component of Douglas-fir and grand fir on sites that were once dominated by western white pine where fire frequency often prevented further succession to climax western hemlock and grand fir. (Haig et al. 1941, Watt 1960, cited in Byler et al. 1990). This has also been the case with the decline of ponderosa pine and western larch (USDA 1999). Table 3-6 displays approximate amounts of seral conifer species types in pre- and post fire conditions throughout the project area. While this is where these species would be most prevalent in stands, they also occur at subdominant levels over a substantial additional area. It is assumed that acres of 75% canopy mortality or greater would be a reduction of these forest types. Table 3-6. Pre- and Post Fire Occurrences of Seral Conifer Forest Types in the Chippy Creek Fire Post Pre-fire Pre-fire Post Fire Reduction Reduction Forest Type Fire (acres) (%) (acres) (%) (acres) (%) Western Larch 6, , , Ponderosa Pine 112 nominal 30 nominal Whitebark Pine Lodgepole pine 19, , , Grand Total 27, , , *Whitebark pine occurs as a component of other forest types such as upper subalpine fir forests in this analysis. ** Forest Type is based on plurality, i.e., the species representing 51% or more of stand basal area, which masks those species present at less than 51% of stocking. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternative 1 The wildfire has reduced the presence of western larch, ponderosa pine and whitebark pine by approximately 60 percent while creating an environment for their reestablishment. Natural regeneration will vary with the condition of the seed source and germination environment. Some areas will regenerate more slowly than others, but ultimately, all previously forested sites are capable of reforesting. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 37

45 Tree plantations burned during the wildfire are being replanted with conifer species suited to the respective sites, including several seral species at risk (USDA 2008d). Other areas may be artificially regenerated if natural regeneration fails to meet management objectives. Alternative 1 would rely solely on natural regeneration in the establishment of ponderosa pine, western larch, and whitebark pine. Alternative 2 Natural regeneration would occur in proposed harvest units under Alternative 2, and artificial regeneration (planting) would occur where natural regeneration is found to be insufficient in numbers of trees per acre and/or composition of trees within desired timeframes. Natural regeneration is largely successful on the LNF. Of 25,411 acres of natural regeneration monitored since 1976, 96% (24,116) of the acres were successfully regenerated. Replanting of plantations burned in the Chippy Creek Fire was approved through a Decision Memo signed by the District Ranger in These plantations have the least onsite source of conifer seed, and the greatest competition from re-sprouting native plants which were well established prior to the wildfire. Based on the RAVG crown mortality data, it is estimated that about 930 acres of the1527 acres of proposed salvage, experienced 75+% or greater crown mortality. This includes about 600 acres of pre-fire seral conifer forest types. These areas likely have limited remaining seed sources for these species. Salvage harvest operations could damage conifer regeneration in skid trails and landings while at the same time creating bare soils or reduced duff conditions favorable to seral species seed germination and growth. The gross amount of potential reforestation need for Alternative 2 is approximately 900 acres or 2% of National Forest lands in the Chippy Creek wildfire area. The actual need is expected to be less and would be determined from monitoring natural regeneration over several years following salvage harvests. Determination of natural regeneration failure can take two to five years. Silviculturists would assess seed fall, germination and seedling survival to determine natural regeneration success. Planting would provide the opportunity to increase the occurrence of the seral species at risk (ponderosa pine, western larch, whitebark pine) by direct establishment at desired numbers and locations in species mixtures typical for site conditions. Direct effects of Alternative 2 to natural regeneration could include some damage to seedlings on skid trails and landings during salvage harvest operations, though these sites would also provide bare soils or reduced duff conditions favorable to seral species seed germination and growth. Indirect effects of Alternative 2 provide for greater establishment and retention of species at risk conifers through artifical regeneration than Alternative 1. Salvage harvest units would be monitored for natural regeneration success, but artificial regeneration may occur should the desired trees per acre or species composition fail to meet objectives. Alternative 2 also provides the possibility of collecting additional reforestation funds through KV trust fund deposits. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: The Lolo National Forest Post-fire Reforestation Assessment, Chippy Creek Fire (USDA 2008d) and associated Decision Memo, determined that conifers and riparian hardwood species would be planted over as much as 5,000 acres in the Chippy Creek Fire area to ensure the reestablishment of diverse native conifer species and other native vegetation. Areas that were Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 38

46 harvested and regenerated prior to the Chippy Creek Fire would account for approximately 3,000 acres of planting. Up to 2,000 additional acres may be planted outside of previously harvested areas to ensure continued viability for species at risk and to enhance riparian habitat restoration. The cumulative effects of artificial regeneration and monitoring under Alternative 2 when added to past, present and forseeable activities are not expected to slow natural recovery of the forest. Planting trees in the project area would promote the establishment of native conifers for about 900 acres (2%) of National Forest lands within the Chippy Creek Fire ISSUE: Salvage logging may promote the spread of tree diseases and insect infestations. CONCLUSION: Sanitation and salvage harvests are generally prescribed as a means of reducing or removing insect infestations (Gibson, 2004, Gibson et al., 1999). Alternative 2 provides very little direct reduction of bark beetle (Douglas-fir beetle, mountain pine beetle, and western pine beetle) infestation or risk of future infestation of host trees. The limited effect would be removal of bark beetle brood in infested trees that meet the definition of dead trees, prior to beetle emergence in early summer. Proposed activities do not take place on enough of the landscape to have an effect on bark beetle movement. Furthermore, stands in the project area would be less susceptible to disease as a result of fire and salvage activities in the project area, since stands would have lower densities and more species diversity, two objectives often suggested for controlling spread of tree disease (Hagle, 2006, Lockman, 2006, Williams et al., 1986, Wargo and Shaw, 1985, Thies, 1984). AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), western pine beetle (D. brevicomis), and Douglas-fir beetle (D. pseudotsugae), are causing elevated levels of tree mortality in lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, and Douglas-fir forests on the Lolo NF (USDA ). Host species size, presence, and stand density create high-risk conditions beyond the historic range of variability (Hagle et al., 2000). Aerial detection surveys for years 2005 through 2007 found a high degree of mountain pine beetle infestation within the area affected by the Chippy Creek wildfire: 12,224 acres, 17,030 acres, and 9,094 acres, respectively out of the 47,000 acres burned. The same period shows the Douglas-fir beetle at endemic levels of 36 to 64 acres in scattered small pockets (USDA 2008b). Both conditions provide evidence for concern of increased bark beetle caused mortality of fire weakened live host trees. The mountain pine beetle can have major impacts on succession in lodgepole pine forests in which mature, large-diameter trees receive the most attacks each year of the infestation until mostly small-diameter lodgepole pines remain and the infestation stops (Hagle et al 2000). In the lodgepole-dominant seral stands, which compose approximately two-thirds of the analysis area, the beetle can hasten the stand towards climax by releasing the understory species (i.e., Douglas-fir, grand fir, subalpine fir, and Engelmann spruce). In susceptible, even-aged lodgepole stands, such as those in the analysis area where all of the trees are approximately the same size (8 inches or greater average diameter) and age (80 years or older), a mountain pine Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 39

47 beetle infestation may remove 90 percent or more of lodgepole pine during one outbreak which may only last for 3 to 5 years (Hagle et al 2000). Western bark beetle and mountain pine beetle are the two most destructive bark beetles that attack ponderosa pine. By killing the large, dominant ponderosa pine, the beetles favor the development of more climax communities of Douglas-fir, grand fir, or Engelmann spruce. In the short term, beetle activity decreases the density of the stands, prevents canopy closure, and maintains smaller trees. In the longer term, beetle activity may actually increase the density of the stands by enabling the development of large numbers of shade-tolerant species that outcompete seral ponderosa pine by shading it out (Hagle 2000). The Douglas-fir beetle is a native bark beetle that has co-evolved with its host, Douglas-fir, for thousands of years (Hagle 2000). The beetle infests large diameter, mature Douglas-fir. When beetle populations are low, individual trees or small groups of trees are infested and killed. Outbreaks are usually triggered by large-scale disturbances, such as a wind throw event or wildfire, creating fire-weakened trees. Patches as large as 500 trees can be attacked and killed in one year (Hagle 2000). Tree mortality is greatest in Douglas-fir or mixed-species stands that are mature to over-mature, densely stocked, and have a high percentage of Douglas-fir. During an outbreak, when small groups of mature Douglas-fir are killed, openings are created in the forest canopy, changing forest structure. When large groups of Douglas-fir are killed, the openings allow smaller trees to grow, resetting succession to a seedling, sapling, or pole stage. The forest type may change from Douglas-fir to pines or larch if there is an abundance of seral species in the stand or could allow more shade-tolerant tree species to grow where seral species are lacking. Mortality caused by Douglas-fir beetle may also predispose a forest to fire, allowing new seedlings to become established. Table 3-7 shows approximate acres of insect-related mortality from aerial detection survey data compiled from Total acreage of insect-related tree mortality (687 acres) comprises about 45% of the total Alternative 2 harvest unit acreage (1527 acres). This would be about 1% of the total Chippy Creek Fire area on the LNF. Table 3-7. Acres of Insect-Related Tree Mortality for within Alternative 2 Harvest Units. Total Acres of Insect Alternative 2 Harvest Method Acres of Douglas-fir beetle tree mortality Acres of mountain pine beetle tree mortality Related Tree Mortality by proposed harvest method Adverse Tractor Tractor Skyline Total: Treatment recommendations for controlling or reducing mountain pine and Douglas-fir beetle infestations include removal of infested trees before the adult beetles emerge (usually July August), removal of adjacent damaged and weakened trees, and maintaining tree vigor in stands with pines or Douglas-fir, including prevention of overstocking and promoting tree species diversity (Gibson, 2004, Kegley, 2004). Beetle traps have also been shown effective in reducing Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 40

48 insect infestations, especially when combined with other treatment methods (Gibson, 2004, Gibson et al., 1999). Furthermore, lack of low intensity ground fires due to fire suppression have resulted in mixed conifer stands that are much denser than historic conditions. This increased stand density is favorable to dwarf mistletoe especially in larch and Douglas-fir (USDA 2008b). Dwarf Mistletoe (Archeuthobium spp.) is an endemic parasitic plant that depends on a host species for water, carbohydrates and minerals. Effects on the host tree are reduced height and diameter growth, weakened trees, mortality and decreased cone and seed production. In the absence of stand-replacing wildfire, dwarf mistletoe can have significant impacts on Douglas-fir, western larch, and lodgepole pine. Fire is the foremost factor in affecting dwarf mistletoe population dynamics. Generally any fire event that kills their host trees will reduce the population of dwarf mistletoes, at least in the short term. Large, high intensity burns will greatly reduce dwarf mistletoe populations across a landscape and may even eliminate small, localized populations (Hoffman, 2004). The extent of tree mortality caused by the Chippy Creek fire is expected to have reduced dwarf mistletoe infestations in the project area, particularly where dead tree removal would occur under Alternative 2. Fire suppression, species selection of past timber harvest, and current high stand densities have favored domination by Douglas-fir on most sites found to be prone to root disease on the LNF (Byler et al., 1990). Root diseases are a natural component of forest ecological processes. They decay roots and kill cambium in roots and root collars, causing mortality in groups or scattered individual trees. Most root disease mortality on the Lolo NF is attributed to Armillaria ostoyae (Armillaria root disease), Phellinus weirii (laminated root rot), and Heterobasidion annosum (Annosus root disease) (Byler et al., 1990, USDA 2007c). Phellinus weirrii and A. ostoyae mostly spread underground when roots from a living tree contact roots from a dead tree colonized by the fungi (Shaw 1974 cited in Roth et. al. 1980, Filip and Schmitt, 1990). A. ostoyae also spreads by rhizomorphs that can grow several feet through the soil. H. annosum spreads through underground mycelia along roots and also by windblown spores from conks. Root diseases have been shown to be largely associated with certain site conditions and tree species compositions, especially stands where grand fir and western hemlock occur, but are composed primarily of Douglas-fir (Byler et al., 1990). Both Armillaria and Phellinus sometimes occur in the same stands of these forest types on the Lolo. Both fir annosus and pine annosus occur on the Lolo, causing tree mortality of mostly ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. These diseased trees are often attacked by bark beetles (Lockman, 2006). Historically, stand replacing fire would establish mixed species stands that would be dominated by western white pine and utlimately by western hemlock and grand fir if not reset by another stand replacing fire (Byler et al. 1990). Also, frequent low intensity fires historically favored the maintenance of old-growth ponderosa pine and western larch, which are both fire and root disease resistant (Arno, 1976, 1980; Arno et al. 1985). Evidence of root disease mortality in forest stands has been identified on at least 18% of LNF commercial forest lands (Byler, et al., 1990). A stump survey of ponderosa pine stands in 2003 found a 25% incident rate of H. annosum across the LNF (USDA 2007c). Management recommendations for controlling or reducing pine annosus is treatment of fresh cut ponderosa pine stumps 12 inches or greater with a borate compound to protect them from infection by Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 41

49 spores (Lockman, 2006). In stands with fir annosus, management recommendations include thinning to promote tree vigor while avoiding damage to residual trees, and promoting stand diversity, especially fir annosus resistant species (pines and western larch) (Hagle, 2006, Lockman, 2006, Hadfield et al., 1986). Armillaria and Phellinus may be controlled and reduced by promoting and maintaining vigor of resistant species such as pines, western larch, spruces, hemlocks and western red cedar over true fir and Douglas-fir. Where feasible, pulling infected stumps from the ground will dry the fungus and prevent spread. (Hagle, 2006, Hadfield et al. 1986, Thies, 1984). White Pine Blister Rust is an introduced pathogen, and western white pine has not adapted and reached a balance with this agent. To date, most effort has focused on the selection of rust resistant individuals and development of rust resistant nursery stock with selective breeding programs. Management options would include planting resistant stock, pruning and canker excision. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternative 1 Alternative 1 provides no direct reduction of bark beetle (Douglas-fir beetle, mountain pine beetle, and western pine beetle) infestation or risk of future infestation of host trees. There could be future loss of old growth trees (particularly Douglas-fir) from bark beetle predation. The risk of insect and disease activity would remain high or increase in fire-weakened trees. Continued unaltered high risk host conditions predispose stands containing sawtimber-sized Douglas-fir trees to significant mortality from Douglas-fir beetles. Western larch and ponderosa pine, identified as species at risk in the Northern Region Overview (USDA 1999), could benefit from the successional effect of Douglas-fir beetle described previously, but would be impaired by the effects of mountain pine beetle and western pine beetle (Hagle et al. 2000). Furthermore, Douglas-fir beetle predation does not emulate the effects of historic fire regimes as the beetle kills the larger trees, which are the most fire resistant, and leaves dense saplings in the understory that fire would readily remove. Alternative 2 Alternative 2 would provide a small reduction of bark beetle (Douglas-fir beetle, mountain pine beetle, and western pine beetle) infestation or risk of future infestation of host trees by removing dead trees that could be infested. This would be most effective if trees are removed prior to beetle emergence in early summer. Because this treatment would only occur on about 1% of the area burned by the Chippy Creek fire, there would not be a noticeable change in the existing risk of mortality of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine due to bark beetle infestations. Additionally, the removal of dead trees and the promotion of species at risk which are also generally disease resistant, including western larch, ponderosa pine, and rust resistant western white pine, would help control incidence of root disease mortality. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: Areas of high tree mortality caused by the fire (about 60% of the fire area) are likely to have reduced incidence of dwarf mistletoe and fewer insect host trees. Root diseases are usually present deep in the soil and can persist for years as long as they have enough root mass to thrive on. Where natural and artificial regeneration favors disease resistant species, there could be localized reductions in root disease activity. However, areas of high stand density that did not Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 42

50 burn severely could be susceptible to insect infestations, dwarf mistletoe, and root disease depending on their proximity to existing infections, infestations and fire-weakened trees. The limited extent of salvage activities of Alternative 2 (removal of dead trees on about 3% of the burned area) when combined with past, present and forseeable activities, would not contribute to cumulative effects or increase the risk of spreading insects and disease across the landscape ISSUE: Project activities may alter the response of post fire native flora. CONCLUSION: Native flora that occur on these landscapes have evolved with wildfire. All burned areas are expected to naturally re-vegetate from surviving or colonizing plants. Survivors are established plants capable of re-growth after wildfire while colonizers establish new plants on burned sites from seeds. Alternative 2 would be similar to Alternative 1 in that native plant response to wildfire effects would be the primary process as only 3% of the project area is proposed for salvage harvesting. The minor difference would be in the associated, but limited, direct seeding of non-native grass species for erosion control following actions associated with salvage harvesting and log hauling. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: Fire effects on plants can vary significantly among fires and on different areas of the same fire. Fire behavior, duration, pattern of fuel consumption, and the amount of subsurface heating all influence plant injury and mortality, and their subsequent recovery. See Table 3-6 above for a depiction of percentages of conifer forest types lost in the Chippy Creek fire within the Project Area. Post-fire responses depend upon the characteristics of the plant species on the site, their susceptibility to fire, and the means by which they recover after fire. Plant mortality is often the result of injury to several different parts of the plant, such as crown damage coupled with high cambial mortality. Death may not occur for several years and is often associated with the secondary agents of disease, fungus, or insects (USDA 2000). Data from three large wildfires show that a high percentage of plant species on site at the time of the fire survive and re-establish on the burned area from on-site plant parts and seeds or fruits (Lyon and Stickney). This is discussed in more detail in the Silviculturist s Specialist Report in the Project File. Post-fire development of vegetation on burned sites is largely a function of the composition of the survivor component of the initial post-fire community and the conditions of the germination substrate (the surface available for the germination of disseminated seed). The initial community, appearing in the first post-fire growing season, is composed of: 1) re-growth plants (survivors) that originate from plants in the pre-burn forest; and 2) seedlings that colonize the burned surface of the ground. Characteristic survivors are shade tolerant understory species which have growing points (e.g. root crown, rhizome, deeper-seated-stem plants, bulbs, or corms) in the mineral soil. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 43

51 Seeds of colonizers originate from both burned (onsite source) and unburned (offsite source) sites. Residual colonizer plants originate from onsite seed sources already present in the preburn forest. Seeds of offsite colonizer plants disperse onto the burn in the first year after the fire from unburned areas. Plants most characteristic of the residual colonizer component are shade intolerant, dependent on early post-fire habitats, and have seeds with poor or limited dispersal capability. These often constitute the surprise species which exhibit no living plants on a site prior to the fire but appear, often in large numbers, in the initial community. Ground-stored seeds of many residual colonizer species exhibit long-term viability, e.g. Ceanothus sanguineus (redstem), C. velutinus (snowbush), Ribes viscosissimum (sticky currant), Iliamna rivularis (wild hollyhock), Dracocephalum parviflorum (dragonhead), Geranium bicknellii (geranium), and Phacelia franklinii (phacelia). (Stickney, 1991) Offsite colonizers, those with seed from unburned sources, require a seed crop and a dispersal event that occurs while the burned surface is available. Offsite colonizers tend to be shade intolerant and develop best in early post-fire open habitats. Often these are weedy and shortlived (annual or biennial) species. Many are representative of the Composite or Sunflower Family. Some of the more common offsite colonizer species include: Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed), Salix scouleriana (scoulers willow), Populus tremuoides (quaking aspen), Anaphalis margaritacea (pearly-everlasting), Gnaphalium viscosum (cudweed), and the exotics, Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle), and Lactuca serriola (prickly lettuce). In addition, all northern Rocky Mountain conifers can function as offsite colonizers (Stickney, 1991). Refer to Table B-1 in Appendix B for fire life forms of some common understory plants in the survivor component of Northern Rocky Mountain forests. Natural Composition, Structure and Disturbance Regime The Silviculturist s Specialist Report contains a detailed description of the vegetation response units (VRUs) that comprise the project area. VRUs are combinations of habitat type groups and fire groups that contain plant communities and associated environments that respond similarly to disturbances and have similar ecological functions and environmental conditions. In this report each VRU is addressed in terms of its natural composition, structure and disturbance regime, and then in terms of the pre-fire conditions within this analysis area. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternatives 1 and 2 Alternative 2 would be similar to Alternative 1 in that native plant response to wildfire effects would be the primary process as only 3% of the project area is proposed for salvage harvesting. The minor difference would be in the associated, but limited, direct seeding of non-native grass species for erosion control following actions associated with salvage harvesting and log hauling. National native plant policy (FSM 2070 effective 02/13/2008) promotes appropriate use and availability of both native and non-native materials for revegetation, rehabilitation, and restoration of native ecosystems in order to: 1) Ensure genetically appropriate native plant materials are given primary consideration; 2) restrict use of persistent, non-native, non-invasive plant materials to only those situations when timely reestablishment of a native plant community either through Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 44

52 natural regeneration or with the use of native plant materials is not likely to occur; and 3) ensure that development, review and/or approval of revegetation, rehabilitation and restoration prescriptions; including species selection, genetic heritage, growth stage and any needed site preparation, is done by a plant materials specialist who is knowledgeable and trained or certified in the plant community type where the revegetation would occur. The Lolo NF maintains and updates a seed mix guide for re-seeding disturbed sites where native plant response will be slow or inadequate in the short-term for erosion prevention ( The objectives of the seed guide are to: provide seeding guidelines in the absence of more site-specific or project specific seeding prescriptions provide seed mix recommendations to quickly re-vegetate disturbed sites to reduce soil erosion reduce noxious weed invasion and provide site protection for native species establishment maintain flexibility for integration of locally collected grass, shrub and forb species into mixes as local seed banks become established to meet project needs provide native species and cultivar recommendations that follow current Forest Service policy and direction CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: The composition of the native and non-native flora naturally changing over time is referred to as succession. In the long term, most non-native plants will persist in the environment, even though succession will generally cause a reduction in overall presence, such as shade intolerant nonnatives being overgrown by native flora. The rehabilitation work under BAER and suppression rehabilitation resulted in seeding of nonnative seed mixes for erosion control during fireline and safety zone rehabilitation, culvert replacement, etc., over a limited area immediately following the fire. Flora from these nonnative seed mixes can quickly occupy these disturbed sites and persist for long periods, typically out competing native flora ISSUE: Salvage harvest may affect forest structure and composition. CONCLUSION: The Chippy Creek Fire altered forest structure and composition and has resulted in a landscape dominated by areas assumed to be reset to the grass/forb/seedling successional stage (about 60% of the fire area). Alternative 2 proposes to salvage only dead trees or trees unlikely to survive between 9 and 21 dbh, for a total of 1527 acres (3%) within the Chippy Creek fire area. Seventy-five percent of proposed salvage would occur in the grass/forb/seedling areas. Snag and coarse woody debris requirement of the Forest Plan would be met. Salvage harvest would not occur in more than about 6% of any successional stage in the post-fire landscape. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 45

53 Naturally regeneration in proposed salvage units would occur and be monitored for success. Composition of these areas would primarily be species in the vicinity during pre-fire conditions. Artificial regeneration may be used to achieve desired species diversity and stocking levels in units as appropriate for site conditions where natural regeneration does not meet those objectives. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: Tree canopy mortality within the Chippy Creek fire was estimated from satellite image data (Landsat Thematic Mapper) aquired on August 24, 2007 through a classification process known as Rapid Assessment of VegGetation condition after fire (RAVG, (Appendix A- Map1). Descriptions of post-fire ground conditions associated with canopy mortality classes are listed in Table 3-8 below. Change in post-fire forest structure and composition is most noticeable in the amount of 75 % or more tree canopy mortality, approximately 28,845 acres (61 %) of the fire area. Table 3-8. Tree Mortality for the Chippy Creek Fire Vegetation Burn Intensity Description Canopy Mortality Class Total Acres Percent of Chippy Creek Fire High Duff and tops of the ground vegetation was nearly all consumed, leaving a quarter or less unburned or lightly burned. Usually, these stands are easily identified on post fire aerial photos because all fine twigs and needles were consumed on standing trees or the crowns were completely scorched. 75+% 28, Moderately High Significant reduction in duff, burned tops of a good portion of ground vegetation. These are noticeably altered stands with intermixed dead and live trees and scattered clumps of either condition % 2,864 6 Moderate Mostly unburned overstory trees, low-tomoderate duff reduction and low to moderate mortality in ground vegetation. The result is often a mosaic of large islands of green trees and large overstory individual trees % 2,962 6 Low Typically duff and ground vegetation were lightly burned, many areas of unburned ground vegetation remain throughout the stand. 0-25% 6, None 0% 6, Total 47,365* 100 * About 135 acres of the mapped fire area were not covered by the RAVG analysis. Vegetation Successional Stages Table 3-9 represents estimates of pre- and post-fire successional stages on NFS lands derived from tree size class data in the Lolo Timber Stand Management Record System (TSMRS) (FSH e R1), and by adjusting size classes (or successional stages) by RAVG canopy mortality Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 46

54 classes (Appendix A-Maps 6 and 7). Areas with canopy mortality of 75% or more were reclassified as grass/forb/seedling although there would likely be some medium and large size trees that survive in these stands (at least 25% of the canopy). Areas of moderately high and moderate fire severity (25-50% canopy mortality) were reclassified as multi-storied to reflect a mosaic of stand replacement burn or overstory mortality mixed with areas of no-burn or low severity where the present successional stage did not change. Low fire severity areas (0-25% canopy mortality) remained unchanged in successional stage and are distributed throughout the range of successional stages listed in Table 3-9. Table 3-9. Estimated Vegetation Successional Stages in the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Area (NFS lands) Nonforest/No Data* Grass/ Forb/ Seedling** Brush/ Sapling Poletimber Multistoried Mature Pre-Fire Acres 3,650 5,218 1,351 11,861 10,916 14,504 Post-Fire Acres 1,428 30, ,260 8,554 4,136 Post-Fire Percent of Project Area nominal 65% 2% 5% 18% 10% Acres Treated In Project (Alternative 2) Percent Of Post-Fire Successional Type Proposed For Salvage *Differences in pre and post-fire acres are due to areas where pre-fire successional stage information was not available, however post-fire canopy mortality determined post-fire successional stage. **Although it looks odd to say that we are harvesting 975 acres of grass/forbs, the remaining dead trees in these areas, or those with low probability of survival between 9-21 inch DBH would be harvested. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternative 1 No effects to forest structure would occur other than what has been described as the affected environment resulting from the Chippy Creek Fire. Open areas (grass/shrub) would dominate the landscape until tree seedlings are regenerated and established. Future composition of these areas would primarily be species in the vicinity during pre-fire conditions. Alternative 2 As shown in Table 3-9, about 975 acres of proposed salvage under Alternative 2 would occur in about 3% of areas essentially reset to grass/forb/seedling successional stage as a result of the Chippy Creek fire. About 141 acres of salvage would occur in 6% of the post-fire poletimber successional stage; 291 acres of salvage would occur in 3% of the post-fire multi-storied successsional stage; and 120 acres of salvage would occur in 3% of the post-fire mature successional stage. Proposed salvage would only remove dead trees or trees with low probability of survival between 9 and 21 dbh. Most trees over 21 dbh would be retained for various needs (see resource protection measures) except for incidental trees needed in to be removed for safety or logging corridors. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 47

55 About 75% of the proposed units where crown mortality is 75% or greater will eventually have a forest structure similar to regeneration harvests, especially as large of amounts of standing dead trees fall to the ground. Salvage activities would remove standing dead trees and those with low probability of survival and reduce the amount of large woody debris that would accumulate in these units, while leaving amounts required for various resource values identified by the Forest Plan. These areas would appear similar to seed tree or shelterwood cuts depending on the distribution of trees that have survived. The number of live trees remaining in seed tree configurations would be approximately 5-15 trees per acre (TPA), and 16 to 47 TPA for shelterwood areas. See Figure 4 for a visual example below. Figure 4. Depiction Of Stand Prior To And After Harvest Of Dead Trees. Before Harvest After Harvest The Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) was used to model the pre-harvest, salvage, and post harvest residual stand conditions. Additional analysis with a breakdown of predicted live and dead trees by diameter class is detailed in the Silviculturist Report. Conditions were modeled representing units with high burn severity, which comprise about two-thirds of the units proposed. This model predicted a potential live tree component immediately following harvest of 46.9 trees per acre 9 inches DBH and larger. However, it is likely that of the surviving trees, substantial post-fire mortality will occur within a 2-4 year period, resulting in approximately 5 to 15 live trees per acre. Additional tree mortality is anticipated in fire weakened trees with severe bole and/or crown damage from subsequent bark beetle infestations. Therefore, it is impossible to pinpoint the specific seed tree vs. shelterwood distribution that would occur. Forest Plan standards for snags and down woody debris would be retained on site during salvaging operations. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: Both Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 meet or exceed Forest Plan standards for old growth, snags, and down woody debris. Design criteria specifically exclude proposed salvage harvest within existing old growth stands. Actions on the LNF routinely establish and follow mitigation measures to assure compliance with snag and down woody debris standards identified in the Forest Plan Appendix N, and supplemented with the Lolo Down Woody Material Guide (USDA Forest Service 2006). Silvicultural prescriptions and timber sale contract provisions would adhere to these requirements. Under Alternative 2, salvage would occur on about 3% of the NFS lands in the post-fire landscape. Removal of standing dead trees and those with low probability of survival, would Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 48

56 occur in 6% or less of each successsional stage remaining in the post-fire landscape. Project activities would not affect the amount of live vegetation remaining after the fire, except for limited green-tree removal for operational requirements as described under Alternative 2 in Chapter 2. Alternative 2 would also provide for the establishment of seral conifer speices through artificial regeneration thus assuring a forest speices composition as appropriate for site conditions where natural regeneration would not meet the desired condition. Direct and indirect effects of slavage harvest under Alternative 2 when combined with past, present and forseeable activities would contribute minor cumulative effects to post-fire forest structure and compostition, and would not adversely affect natural succession of the forest. 3.5 WATER QUALITY AND AQUATIC SPECIES HABITAT ISSUE: Post fire salvage may impair water quality, hydrologic function and habitat quality of aquatic systems. CONCLUSION: The Chippy Creek Fire had a major impact on erosion and stream sedimentation (the primary indicators of water quality in forested settings) and peak flow increases (a primary indicator of hydrologic function). These impacts are manifest with either no action or salvage logging. Alternative 2 is likely to increase erosion in analysis area sub-watersheds through tractor logging and opening of closed roads although any increase over the existing condition would be very small. Implementation of BMPs, practices designed to minimize water quality impacts, minimizing actions in Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs), and other design criteria assure that erosion increases are minimal, 0.3% or less in all cases compared to the existing condition. Any increase in peak flow resulting from project actions are too small to quantify. Alternative 2 will have minimal impact on habitat quality of aquatic systems. Besides stream sedimentation and changes in peak flow, other factors that influence aquatic habitat quality are large woody debris recruitment, sediment and nutrient filtering, and direct disturbance of streamside and aquatic habitat. Proposed actions do not take place in RHCAs other than road maintenance. Future large woody debris recruitment, sediment and nutrient filtering, and other riparian processes that protect water quality and downstream aquatic habitats will not be altered. Vegetative cover in RHCAs will be maintained at current levels and stream bank stability will not be altered. Direct effects to aquatic habitats are not expected to occur and indirect effects will be neglible. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: Watersheds Over half of the area burned by the Chippy Creek Fire is within the Thompson River watershed. The fire burned in parts of seven 6th level sub-watersheds that are tributary to the Thompson River. Four of these sub-watersheds are tributary directly to the Thompson River (Murr Creek, Rock Creek, Chippy Creek, and Bear Creek) while the other three are sub-units of the Little Thompson River (Upper Little Thompson, North Fork Little Thompson, and Lower Little Thompson). Table 3-10 displays the 6th level sub-watersheds included in the analysis area for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project and the number and percentages of acres affected by the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 49

57 Chippy Creek Fire. Murr Creek had very little impact from the Chippy Creek Fire. About 400 (2 percent) acres of the 19,750 acre Murr Creek watershed is within the Chippy Creek Fire perimeter. The Chippy Creek Salvage Project includes salvage of about 68 acres and two tractor landings within the Murr Creek watershed. Because of the low acreage impacted from the Chippy Creek Fire and post-fire salvage within the Murr Creek sub-watershed, and the near ridge-top slope position of these disturbances, impacts to Murr Creek are not discernable. This sub-watershed will not be analyzed further Table Acres and Percentages of Watershed Areas Burned by the Chippy Fire 6 th -Field HUC Sub-Watershed Name Total Acreage Percent of Watershed Burned by Chippy Fire LNF Acreage Within Watershed Boundary Percent of Watershed in LNF Total Acreage of NFS Lands Burned by Chippy Fire Rock Creek 21,347 83% 14,635 69% 14,042 Chippy Creek 11,855 97% 9,428 80% 9,428 Bear Creek 8,310 98% 6,860 83% 6,860 Upper Little Thompson 17,116 36% 15,615 91% 6,136 North Fork Little Thompson 18,090 41% 12,777 71% 7,158 Lower Little Thompson 18,495 26% 2,517 14% 2,517 Murr Creek 19,750 2% 9,099 46% 158 Following the Chippy Creek Salvage Fire, suppression restoration occurred and a BAER report was completed. Suppression restoration included 2.3 miles of hand-constructed fireline and 22 miles of dozer fireline reshaped for drainage. All firelines were seeded and 22 miles of roads were rehabilitated. The BAER report (USDA, 2007) concludes that road erosion and risks to roads and trails from fire-induced increases in storm flows and stream sedimentation are the watershed risks in need of treatment. Implementation of BAER treatments occurred during the summer of NFS roads affected by the fire have been treated to allow for proper drainage. Many of these roads have cuts and fills seeded to decrease erosion from the edges of the roads. Some road/stream crossings have been identified at high risk of failure and have been replaced and other road drainage actions have been completed as part of BAER or through other road rehabilitation programs. Water Quality Standards This portion of the Clark Fork River basin, including the Thompson River and its tributaries is classified as B-1 by the State of Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), as stated in the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM ). The water quality standards for protecting beneficial uses in B-1 classified watersheds are located in ARM Water in B-1 classified waterways is suitable for the following: drinking, culinary and food processing Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 50

58 purposes after conventional treatment; bathing; swimming and recreation; growth and propagation of salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life; waterfowl and furbearers; and agricultural and industrial water supply. State water quality regulations prohibit any increase in sediment above naturally occurring concentrations in water classified B-1. Naturally occurring means condition or materials present from runoff or percolation over which humans have no control or from developed land where all reasonable land, soil and water conservation practices have been applied. Reasonable land, soil and water conservation practices include methods, measures or practices that protect present and reasonably anticipated beneficial uses. The State of Montana has adopted Best Management Practices (BMPs) through its non-point source management plan as the principle means of meeting the Water Quality Standards. None of the tributaries to the Thompson River or Little Thompson River associated with this salvage project are listed as a water quality limited water body in the (d) list; however, the Little Thompson River is listed for not fully supporting aquatic life and cold water fisheries. The 303(d) list is compiled by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality as required by Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency Water Quality Planning and Management Regulations (40 CFR, Part 130). Aquatic Habitat Within the analysis area habitat is provided for a variety of native and non-native fish species. Native species include bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), listed as Federally Threatened and westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi) listed as Forest Service sensitive. Nonnative species include brook trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. The Thompson River lies within the Lower Clark Fork Recovery Subunit for bull trout. Within the Thompson River drainage bull trout populations are Functioning at Risk in the following categories: persistence and genetic integrity, life history diversity and isolation, and subpopulation size. They are Functioning at Unacceptable Risk for Growth and Survival. There is no data available to determine the adult subpopulation size. Two significant spawning populations occur in the Thompson River watershed in West Fork and Fishtrap Creeks. These streams are considered core areas for bull trout recovery and are not located within or downstream of the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project area (USFWS 2002). Existing habitat conditions in the Thompson River are generally poor. Much of the system is in private ownership and has been heavily developed. Fish population surveys were completed in analysis streams during the summer of The occurrence of fish species in these streams are listed in Table Although these surveys did not identify bull trout in the Little Thompson River, the State of Montana considers them to occur there. Resident populations of cutthroat are well distributed in analysis sub-watersheds, while resident bull trout populations are spotty. There is potential for hybridization, competition, and displacement due to the presence of brook trout and brown trout populations. More detailed information on aquatic species and aquatic habitats is located in the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Fisheries Assessment (USDA Forest Service 2008i). Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 51

59 Table Fish Occurrence in Analysis Area Streams Bull Trout Westslope Cutthroat Trout Brook Trout Brown Trout Whitefish Alder Creek X X X Bear Creek X X X Big Rock Creek X X X X Chippy Creek X X X Little Thompson River X X X X X North Fork Little Thompson River X X X = Fish species occurs in listed stream. Water Yield And Peak Flow Methods for determining the effects of vegetation removal on water yield and peak flow have been developed for the Lolo National Forest (Pfankuch 1973), and reviewed and refined for US Forest Service Region One (USDA 1978). The methods were developed for areas with snowmelt-dominated runoff. Equivalent Clear-cut Area (ECA) analysis is a key component of these methods. The basis of the ECA analysis is that water yield and peak flow both increase when vegetation is removed, whether by natural disturbance such as fire, or by human disturbance. Acres of vegetation removal from timber harvest, roads and fire are converted to ECAs to provide a common datum to compare activities based on the amount of cleared area. Affects of the Chippy Creek fire along with past timber harvest and roads are factored into the ECA model. Also factored into the model are intensity of timber harvest or wildfire (how much canopy was removed) and recovery (how long since the impact occurred). The results of the ECA model representing current conditions are displayed in Table These totals are considered ECA background condition for analysis watersheds post Chippy Creek fire. More detailed information on watershed modeling can be found in the Hydrology Specialist Report (USDA Forest Service 2008h). Table ECA Modeling by 6th-Level HUC Sub-Watershed Name Total Acreage Equivalent Clear-cut Area (acres) Percent ECA Rock Creek 21,347 10,909 51% Chippy Creek 11,855 8,448 71% Bear Creek 8,310 5,364 65% Upper Little Thompson 17,116 4,467 26% North Fork Little Thompson 18,090 4,803 27% Lower Little Thompson 18,495 3,330 18% Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 52

60 The three most heavily impacted sub-watersheds have percent ECA well in excess of 30%, and are considered to have a high potential for changes in runoff quantities and timing. The three less impacted sub-watersheds are below 30% ECA and are at the low end of the range where research has found increases in water yield and peak flows (see the Hydrology Specialist Report for citations of applicable research). Erosion And Stream Sedimentation Erosion hazard on the Lolo National Forest is determined in part by the Forest s Lands System Inventory (LSI, USDA 1988). LSI is an adaptation of soil mapping to include consideration for landform, parent material, vegetation, aspect, and elevation. Sediment production from the Chippy Creek Fire has been modeled using WEPP (Water Erosion Prediction Project) and incorporates soil erosion hazard classes from LSI data. ERMiT (Erosion Risk Management Tool, one of the WEPP modules, Robichaud, 2007) is used to estimate sediment production following wildfire. WEPP:Road (Elliot, 1999) and Disturbed WEPP (Elliot, 2000) are used to estimate sediment production from roads and skid trails respectively. The intent of WEPP modeling in this analysis is to give approximate sediment production values so that effects of Alternative 2 can be numerically compared to the post-chippy Creek Fire condition. Results of this modeling are shown in Table Table Estimated Total Erosion Values by 6th-Level Sub-Watershed Sub-Watershed Name Total Acreage Wildfire Induced Erosion (tons) Road Induced Erosion pre- BAER (tons) Road Induced Erosion post-baer (tons) Total Erosion post-baer (tons) Tons per Acre Rock Creek 21,347 55, , Chippy Creek 11,855 40, , Bear Creek 8,310 29, , Upper Little Thompson 17,116 16, , North Fork Little Thompson 18,090 14, , Lower Little Thompson 18,495 11, , Table 3-13 demonstrates the relative magnitude of erosion induced by the Chippy Creek Fire compared to road-induced erosion. Expected erosion from wildfire-burned watersheds is quite high and significantly more severe than erosion from other sources, at least for the first year. Table 3-13 also shows the expected decrease in road erosion that results from BAER treatments, primarily upgrading roads in the Chippy Creek Fire area so they meet Best Management Practices (see ROADS section for additional information regarding road treatments and BMPs). While improvement of roads to meet BMPs decreases erosion potential, management practices cannot completely eliminate road erosion. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 53

61 DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternative 1 Areas of past timber harvest and fire impacted areas would continue to recover as these areas become re-populated with vegetation. Water yield and peak flow levels would decrease over time as the area recovers from the effects of the Chippy Creek Fire. Rock Creek, Chippy Creek, and Bear Creek sub-watersheds would continue to have high potential for changes to peak flows and run-off timing. Upper Little Thompson, North Fork Little Thompson, and Lower Little Thompson sub-watersheds would continue to be below risk potential for changes in water yield and peak flow. Impacts to canopy cover are severe as a result of the fire and measurable water yield and peak flow increases are likely, especially in Rock, Chippy, and Bear Creek subwatersheds. Erosion values would also continue to decrease over time as the area recovers from the effects of the Chippy Creek Fire. However, the most significant source of erosion estimates would continue to be from impacts of the fire. With no actions proposed in analysis watersheds, there would be no direct or indirect effects to aquatic habitats. Burned riparian areas would recover over time which would eventually increase shade to stream channels in those areas. Habitat complexity would improve over time as fire-killed trees within the riparian zone fall into the stream potentially creating new pool habitat and greater habitat complexity. Alternative 2 Alternative 2 proposes to only remove trees that died in the fire or from post-fire stress. Although there is some evidence that interception and redistribution of rain and snow fall is affected by burned timber, and that harvest of fire-killed trees alters runoff through these components, any runoff effects of salvage harvest are considered minor. Salvage harvest is not included as an impact in the ECA model. Thus, removing trees not likely to survive will have no effect on ECA model results and would not measurably increase water yield and peak flows beyond post-fire levels. The project will require about 51 tractor landings and about 375 skyline landings. Skyline landings are not a concern for water yield since they are in essence widened parts of roads. Tractor landings are about 0.5 acres in size and living trees may need to be removed to construct the landings. A check of likely tractor landings relative to already disturbed ground shows that about 2 acres of landings will occur on undisturbed ground in Rock Creek and Upper Little Thompson and less than one acre in North Fork Little Thompson. The majority of landings will occur in locations previously disturbed, most commonly by stand replacing fire. While this acreage is additive with the ECA acreage listed in Table 3-12, the addition is too small to change the results of ECA modeling. Alternative 2 contains two aspects that can increase erosion. The first is opening roads that have previously been closed. The second is tractor logging activities especially construction of landings and skid trails. Table 3-14 displays WEPP model erosion estimates from tractor logging and adverse tractor logging units and erosion increases from opening formerly closed roads. These are added to pre-project WEPP model results to display project impacts relative to existing conditions. Road decommissioning benefit is the expected erosion decrease with planned decommissioning expressed in parentheses to indicate a negative value. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 54

62 Table Increase in Erosion Estimates Due to Project Actions Sub-Watershed Name Pre-project total erosion (tons) Tractor Logging Erosion Increase (tons) Road Use Erosion Increase (tons) Road decom. benefit (tons) Total Erosion with Project (tons) Percent Project Induced Increase in Erosion Rock Creek 55, (0.2) 55, % Chippy Creek 40, (0.1) 40, % Bear Creek 29, (0.0) 29, % Upper Little Thompson North Fork Little Thompson Lower Little Thompson 16, (0.5) 16, % 14, (0.0) 14, % 11, (0.1) 11, % As displayed in Table 3-14 Alternative 2 is likely to increase erosion in analysis area subwatersheds through tractor logging and opening of closed roads. However the increase is extremely small, 0.3% or less in all cases compared to the existing condition. The Chippy Creek Fire had a major impact on erosion and stream sedimentation; any increases from salvage are not measurable compared to Chippy Creek fire effects. Planned road decommissioning has a positive but very small effect on watershed erosion. The small benefit is due to the relatively low mileage of road planned for decommissioning (for example, about 2.3 miles decommissioned in Rock Creek out of about 111 miles existing) and because the roads planned for decommissioning are already closed roads (thus low sediment producers) and mostly on low erosion hazard soils. Alternative 2 would cause a slight increase in erosion and stream sedimentation during project implementation, but this increase would be extremely small, well within the margin of error of estimating erosion from fire effects. Post-project implementation negative effects of the salvage harvest would be minimal and there would be a slight erosion decrease due to planned road decommissioning. Design criteria have been developed for this project to eliminate direct negative effects to fish species and their habitats. Proposed actions do not take place in RHCAs with the exception of log haul on NFS roads that cross RHCAs.. Future large woody debris recruitment, sediment and nutrient filtering, and other riparian processes that protect water quality and downstream aquatic habitats will not be altered. Vegetative cover in RHCAs will be maintained at current levels and stream bank stability will not be altered. Therefore, direct effects to aquatic habitats are not expected to occur. The effects to Threatened and Sensitive fish species are discussed in detail in the Fish BA/BE. Determinations from this analysis are that Alternative 2 may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Threatened and Sensitive fish species, and will not affect critical habitat for bull trout. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 55

63 The risk of indirect effects to fish species and their habitat is primarily related to potential changes to water quality and fish habitat parameters both within project RHCAs and downstream from project activities due to sediment production from project activities. Baseline habitat conditions were determined for the each 6th-level sub-watershed using the Lolo Matrix of Diagnostic Pathways and Indicators. Alternative 2 maintains all habitat indicator existing conditions. No habitat parameters are degraded by project actions. Based on the negligible amount of modeled sediment delivery and locations of units relative to stream channels, it is anticipated that these activities would result in undetectable amounts of sediment moving off-site and being delivered to stream channels. Effects to aquatic habitats from sediment delivery are negligible (USDA Forest Service 2008i). The proposed action would not jeopardize the continued existence of bull trout or westslope cutthroat trout and is consistent with the Endangered Species Act. Burned riparian areas would recover over time which would eventually increase shade to stream channels in those areas. Instream habitat complexity would improve over time as fire-killed trees within the riparian zone fall into the stream potentially creating new pool habitat and greater habitat complexity. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: Disturbance induced increases in water yield and peak flow naturally lessen over time in wildfire affected and timber harvested areas. For recovery analysis, ECA is modeled for the 6th-level sub-watersheds at a period 5 years following the Chippy Creek Fire. Considered in this model run is a partial recovery of landings used for the project and roads decommissioned as part of the project, although road and landing recovery are minor in the ECA model due to the limited acreage, compared to wildfire recovery. The results are displayed in Table Table 3-15 ECA Recovery Modeling Results Sub-Watershed Name Equivalent Clear-cut Area Pre-Project (acres) Percent ECA Pre-Project Equivalent Clear-cut Area Five Years Post Project (acres) Percent ECA Five Years Post Project Rock Creek 10,909 51% 8,656 41% Chippy Creek 8,448 71% 6,605 56% Bear Creek 5,364 65% 4,187 50% Upper Little Thompson 4,467 26% 3,791 22% North Fork Little Thompson 4,803 27% 3,982 22% Lower Little Thompson 3,330 18% 2,775 15% Water yield and peak flow increases are greatest immediately following vegetation removal. In years subsequent to vegetation removal, the ECA (and water yield increase) declines, or recovers, because of vegetation re-growth. The largest single water yield impact for the Chippy Creek Salvage Project area is the Chippy Creek Fire of 2007 (USDA Forest Service 2008h). The sub-watersheds most highly impacted from the Chippy Creek Fire show the greatest recovery, as much as 15 percent ECA recovery for Chippy and Bear Creeks (71% to 56% for Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 56

64 Chippy Creek and 65% to 50% for Bear Creek). The less fire impacted Little Thompson watersheds show less recovery. Natural recovery following wildfire is quite rapid and also quickly changes in expected erosion rates. Table 3-16 shows erosion estimates 5 years after the Chippy Creek Fire. Road-induced erosion is the same as the post-baer road erosion in Table Table Estimated Total Erosion Values Five Years After Chippy Project Implementation Wildfire Road Induced Total Erosion Induced Sub-Watershed Name Total Acreage Erosion predecom (tons) (tons) Post-Project Erosion After 5 Years (tons) Rock Creek 21,347 5, , Chippy Creek 11,855 3, , Bear Creek 8,310 2, , Upper Little Thompson 17,116 1, , Tons per Acre North Fork Little Thompson 18,090 1, , Lower Little Thompson 18, , Table 3-16 shows a dramatic decrease in wildfire-induced erosion as the effects of the Chippy Creek fire decrease due to natural recovery, about a 90% drop in tons/acre in all sub-watersheds compared to existing conditions displayed in Table The contribution from roads remains a minor sediment source even five years later as wildfire effects are still the dominant sediment producers across affected sub-watersheds. Areas of past timber harvest and fire impacted areas would continue to recover as they become re-populated with vegetation. Water yield and peak flow levels would decrease over time as the area recovers from the effects of the Chippy Creek Fire. Rock Creek, Chippy Creek, and Bear Creek sub-watersheds would continue to have high potential for changes to peak flows and runoff timing. Upper Little Thompson, North Fork Little Thompson, and Lower Little Thompson sub-watersheds would continue to be below risk potential for changes in water yield and peak flow. Erosion values would continue to decrease over time as the area recovers from the effects of the Chippy Creek Fire. However, the most significant source of erosion would continue to be from impacts of the fire. Impacts to canopy cover are severe as a result of the fire and measurable water yield and peak flow increases are likely, but project activities do not measurably add to those impacts. Cumulative effects of Alternative 2, when added to past and other present actions would not measurably change current aquatic habitat conditions. There would be no direct effects and negligible indirect effects to aquatic habitats as a result of this alternative, thus project activities would not contribute to cumulative effects in analysis watersheds. Over time, watershed conditions will continue to recover from the effects of the Chippy Creek Fire. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 57

65 3.6 ROADS ISSUE: Temporary road construction and road reconstruction may contribute to watershed impacts, habitat fragmentation, and weed spread. CONCLUSION: Implications of road usage on roadless character in the IRA are discussed in the Inventoried Roadless and Unroaded Areas section of this document. The effects of using roads for this project on water quality, wildlife, and weeds are discussed in those respective sections. Roads within the Chippy Creek Fire perimeter used for haul will be treated to meet BMPs through BAER work. Roads used for haul outside of the fire perimeter will be treated as part of proposed activities. Although 7 miles of road will be decommissioned or put into long term storage, access will not be changed because these roads are currently closed. There is no temporary road construction proposed with project activities. Road densities within the project area are 1.7 miles/mile 2 and are well within the Forest Plan standard of less than 6.7 miles/mi 2 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: The analysis area for the transportation system is located both inside and outside of the Chippy Creek fire perimeter boundaries. The roads analyzed within the fire boundary include all existing roads that may be used for removing harvested materials from proposed units, existing roads that are needed for long term management of previously harvested units, and roads within the fire perimeter that may not be needed for current or short term future management of adjacent lands. A detailed assessment of all roads in the project area was performed in the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Area Roads Analysis located in the project file (USDA Forest Service 2008e). This analysis used an integrated approach to transportation planning that considers ecological, social and economic issues that are associated with road system development and use. A numerical rating matrix was developed for individual road segments that disclosed the characteristics of the road relative to a select set of human use and aquatic criteria. This information was used to determine necessary road actions under the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project. The Transportation Specialist Report (USDA Forest Service 2008f) details specifics of road work needed to implement this project. The Chippy Creek Fire area contains a large network of roads including National Forest System Roads (NFSR) and private roads (most of which access commercial timber lands). Often NFSRs are managed cooperatively with adjacent landowners. Primary haul routes are considered arterial roads and receive heavy use for administration and recreation on NFS lands and are used as haul routes by private timber interests and the Forest Service. The 56, 519, and 1025 roads are the primary arterial roads in the area. Secondary haul routes are considered collector roads and receive moderate use. All other roads are considered local roads. Within the project area, most roads are local roads. Many of these are closed to public use. Roads within the fire perimeter have been treated under BAER to allow for proper road drainage and to meet BMPs. Little or no additional work needs to be done on these roads to make them Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 58

66 suitable for haul. More information on BAER road work and other specific road actions is contained in the Transportation Specialist Report. BMP Mitigation Techniques BMPs are the primary mechanism to enable achievement of water quality standards (Environmental Protection Agency 1987). BMPs include, but are not limited to, structural and non-structural controls, operations, and maintenance procedures. The Forest Plan states, The application of best management practices will assure that water quality is maintained at a level that is adequate for the protection and use of the National Forest and that meets or exceeds Federal and State standards. (Lolo Forest Plan, Standard No. 15, page II-12). Montana State Water Quality Standards require the use of Reasonable Land, Soil, and Water Conservation Practices (analogous to BMPs) as the controlling mechanism for nonpoint pollution. Use of BMPs is also required in the MOU between the Forest Service and the State of Montana as part of our responsibility as the Designated Water Quality Management Agency on NFS lands. BMPs are selected on the basis of site specific conditions that reflect natural background conditions and political, social, economic, and technical feasibility. The intent of and specified reconstruction on proposed haul roads is to bring the roads up to a standard that will reduce the threat of water quality degradation. This will be done using the reconditioning clause under C of the timber sale contract. The LNF accomplishes this using the following activities, applied as a system of practices rather than a single practice: A) Add more road surface drainage control structures; B) Add more ditch relief pipes; C) Construct sediment traps at cross drains; D) Construct sediment traps below roads that are within 100 feet of streams; E) Provide sufficient surface drainage control at road intersections and switchbacks; F) Replace inadequately sized pipes at major stream crossings; G) Control road drainage and sediment transfer at stream crossings. A Add more road surface drainage control structures The original road design for most of the arterial and collector roads proposed for use with project activities did not include an adequate number of surface drainage structures to control surface runoff. Existing open top culverts and belted cross-drains were installed to control surface drainage on grades in excess of 8%. They are susceptible to plugging and will be cleaned or reset to improve functionality. Most drainage dips on roads are Type I dips which are difficult to effectively maintain over time. Many of these dips will be reshaped as Type I dips or replaced with Type II dips which are easier to maintain and are more effective. The addition of drain dips to all the roads will shorten the distance surface water travels to drain away from roads. An estimated four dips per mile will be located on roads designated for reconditioning and 12 dips per mile will be constructed on road sections slated for reconstruction. The outsloping of sag vertical curves will also be specified on all roads to eliminate any water ponding. B Add more ditch relief pipes Culverts that are not functioning properly will be replaced or re-installed. A large part of the erosion potential is associated with existing ditches. Rip rap material will be used to armor highrisk ditchlines. Most segments of these roads are located in soils with a significant amount of Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 59

67 rock so finding a suitable rip rap source should not be difficult. C - Construct sediment traps at cross drains To insure that sediment movement is limited, sediment traps will be installed at the outlet of cross drains that are within 300 feet of streams. Cross drains could include ditch relief culverts, drain dips, open top culverts and belted cross drains. In most cases, slash windrows will be used to construct sediment traps. D - Construct sediment traps below roads that are within 100 feet of streams If the adjacent ground is relatively flat and has sufficient vegetation to trap sediment, constructed sediment traps may not be needed. In cases where sediment traps are needed, slash generated through clearing operations is used at designated locations. E - Provide sufficient surface drainage control at road intersections and switchbacks Intersecting roads provide an additional surface area to intercept and transfer water to an adjoining road where erosion can occur, particularity where grades are steep. At switchbacks surface runoff is typically channeled from the upper leg of the switchback to the inside of the curve where erosion rutting often occurs. Surface drainage on the upper and lower leg of the switchback is essential to prevent this erosion. F - Replace inadequately sized pipes at major stream crossings Existing culverts in the North Fork of the Thompson River (Road 519) and Alder Creek (Road 7521) have been determined to be inadequate for the size of stream they are in and are designated for replacement. The North Fork Thompson River replacement structure will be a bridge and Alder Creek will have a larger diameter, metal culvert installed to enhance fish passage and handle increased seasonal runoff. Both of these culverts are scheduled to be replaced through emergency road repair and LNF road maintenance activities. G - Control road drainage and sediment transfer at stream crossings To control road erosion from ditches and surface runoff at stream crossings drain dips will be constructed or ditch relief culverts will be installed directly upgrade from a live stream. Another method used is the installation of dirt berms along the outside shoulder of the roadway to prevent water from draining over the fill slope where the road surface is outsloped in a sag vertical curve directly over the live stream. Lolo National Forest BMP Effectiveness: In 2002, LNF published a BMP Effectiveness Monitoring Report. This report documented specific sites where BMPs have been applied and were found to be effective. In addition to what is contained within the monitoring report, the Lolo National Forest has many other excellent examples of BMP installation, use and effectiveness (USDA Forest Service 2008h). These or similar practices as discussed above, are standard operating procedure for road construction and reconstruction on the Forest and are incorporated in the engineering package for each project and are adjusted as each situation warrants. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 60

68 DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternative 1 There will be no change in the management of the current road system. There will be no BMP work done to any roads under timber sale contract provisions. No roads would be decommissioned under this alternative. Reconditioning of 1.7 miles of private road will not be done., 0.9 miles of these roads currently do not meet BMP standards. Roads will continue to be used by Plum Creek to manage their lands, but no surface degradation will be associated with Forest Service activities. The public will continue using the existing open roads outside the fire perimeter that will not have BMP work done. This will continue to contribute sediment to adjacent stream courses. Alternative 2 Appendix B lists all roads needed for Alternative 2 and the type of work necessary to bring project roads up to BMP standards. Roads designated for reconditioning (RC) are currently adequate for timber removal, but are not up to BMP standards. BMP work would be included in the timber sale contract under Clause C Reconstruction (R) denotes existing roads currently non-driveable to barely driveable. Road work needed includes clearing and grubbing, cleaning existing drainage structures and constructing additional drainage structures to meet BMP standards. There will likely be minor short term effects due to the ground disturbance associated with cleaning catch basins and ditchlines and construction of additional drainage structures. Effects can be reduced by utilizing a number of stabilization techniques such as armoring catch basins with riprap and using slash generated through the brushing operation to construct slash windrows at the outlet of surface drainage relief structures. Alternative 2 includes use of about 104 miles of NFSRs for access to units and haul of salvaged trees. To the extent necessary, trees will be removed from the sides of these roads if they pose a hazard to use of the road. Appendix G describes the guidelines for hazard tree identification and removal. The vast majority of hazard trees will be fire-killed trees alongside the approximately 48 miles of haul roads within the fire perimeter. A few incidental hazard trees may be removed from the 55 miles of NFSRs outside the fire perimeter. About 25 miles of NFSRs that will be used for haul are currently closed to public use. No new roads, including temporary roads, will be constructed for this project and all roads currently closed to public use will be used only as needed for project implementation and closed postproject. NFSRs that will be used for haul and are outside the Chippy Creek Fire perimeter will be treated as needed for hauling and to meet BMPs. Total mileage of road needed for haul outside the fire perimeter (and may need some treatment) is about 55 miles. This mileage consists primarily of heavily used arterial routes and moderately used collector routes that currently meet BMPs and require very little reconditioning (brushing and blading). Arterial routes may require dust abatement when being used for haul. One local road, NFSR 18481, contains a small section outside of the fire perimeter and will require installation of an 18 inch culvert. A list of haul roads outside the fire perimeter is in Table A complete list of project-area roads and treatments can be found in the Transportation Specialist Report. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 61

69 Table Haul Routes Outside of the Chippy Creek Fire Perimeter Road Number Road Type Miles Treatment 56 Arterial 13.1 dust abatement 519 Arterial 8.7 blading, ditch cleaning, possible follow-up work on bridge replacement done pre-project 881 Collector 2.6 minor blading and brushing 1025 Arterial 16.3 blading, ditch cleaning 5574 Collector 9.1 minor blading and brushing 5582 Collector 0.3 minor blading and brushing 5584 Collector 1.4 minor blading and brushing 7520 Collector 4.0 minor blading and brushing Local 0.1 culvert replacement There are no salvage harvest units proposed in Alternative 2 within the McGregor-Thompson Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA), however portions of existing roads within the IRA are included in the project haul route and needed to access units 208 and 209. This involves about 0.5 mile of road 881 and 0.25 mile of road that traverse the south side of Big Rock Creek within 0.25 mile inside the IRA boundary. Road 881 is currently open and driveable, road is a closed road in driveable condition that would be opened for this project. Alternative 2 also includes 1.4 miles of road decommissioning (recontouring the road prism to almost pre-road condition) and 5.7 miles of long-term storage (remove pipes, allow for natural drainage, and rip and seed) as listed in Table These roads are currently closed to public use, so do not change public access. Most of the roads and road segments that are proposed for decommissioning are within the IRA. Table 3-18 Roads To Be Decommissioned or Placed in Storage Road Total Number Length Action Decommission end of the road, within McGregor-Thompson IRA near divide between Little Rock Creek and North Fork Little Thompson Decommission end of road near Forest boundary in headwaters of Alder Creek, not in IRA Place into long-term storage from 7521 junction to near Forest boundary following completion of Chippy project, in headwaters of Alder Creek, not in IRA Place end of road into long-term storage, in Big Rock Creek drainage, not in IRA Decommission entire road, within McGregor-Thompson IRA near Chippy Creek Long-term storage - same as road Long-term storage -same as road Decommission - same as road Decommission - same as road 5582 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: Alternative 1 BMPs will be completed on roads located within the fire perimeter with funding allocated to the BAER program. Ground disturbance associated with this activity will have the same short term Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 62

70 effects as Alternative 2. After BAER BMP work is completed, the only traffic associated with roads would be routine administrative traffic and normal pubic access on the roads open to motorized traffic. The roads behind the closure gates will only have minimal administrative traffic. Alternative 2 The degree of public use on the open roads varies with the particular season. The addition of logging traffic to that of the existing public use will increase the possibility of accidents, and potential fuel spills. All reconstructed and reconditioned roads would have BMP mitigation measures implemented. All disturbed areas would be seeded to establish vegetative cover as soon as possible after initial disturbance. Closure designations for these roads would remain the same. Level 3S and 5 closures are meant to eliminate long term negative effects to water quality and fisheries resources. Once timber activities and post-treatment activities have been completed, roads typically brush back in between harvests and long term cumulative effects will be eliminated. Once all BMP measures are in place, the overall quality of the road system will be improved. Both long term and short term negative effects will be greatly reduced because of improved drainage structures and corresponding sediment catchments. Decommissioning 7.0 miles could affect future resource management access. It would reduce environmental impacts normally attributed to road related impacts. Current public, nonmotorized access would not change. All of the roads in the above table are open to snowmobile use from Dec. 1 to Oct. 15. The obliterated road surfaces of decomissioned routes may make snowmobile access difficult. 3.7 INVENTORIED ROADLESS AND UNROADED AREAS Issue: Salvaging in the McGregor-Thompson IRA could alter the undeveloped character of the area CONCLUSION: No harvesting would occur within IRA under Alternative 1 or 2. Under Alternative 2, about 0.75 mile of existing roads located within the McGregor-Thompson IRA would be included in project haul routes. These road segments are located about 0.25 mile inside the north boundary of the IRA in the Big Rock Creek drainage. Road reconstruction through BAER will occur on about 0.25 mile of these road segments within the IRA. Hazard tree removal may occur on these roads as with all project haul routes. Impacts to the roadless character would be negligible. There are no unroaded areas within the Project Area. The Lolo Forest Plan (1986) and FEIS identified and analyzed lands having roadless characteristics including inventoried roadless areas that were identified during the RARE II process. Under this analysis 26,844 acres were identified as the Mac-Gregor/Thompson [sic] Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA) (Figure 5). See description in Lolo Forests Plan FEIS Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 63

71 Appendices page C-18 to C-26 under Mac-Gregor-Thompson [sic] #L1LAQ. Figure 5. McGregor-Thompson Inventoried Roadless Area. (in green) According to Lolo geographic information systems (GIS) data, at least 10% (2,765 acres) of the IRA has been substantially altered by timber harvest and about 50 miles of roads exist within the IRA. These activities occurred prior to the designation of the IRA. Public works pre-road contracts were awarded in the early to mid 1980 s and permanent access routes were constructed Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 64

72 within what is now IRA. Additional roads were constructed during the 1980 s and 90 s in support of timber management activities. As part of the Forest Plan revision process, an evaluation of potential wilderness areas was completed in The McGregor-Thompson IRA was considered in this analysis, but not recommended for wilderness. The rationale was the MacGregor-Thompson [sic] IRA rated low on the capability spectrum having been moderately altered due to road construction and timber harvest over the past 20 years. Managing the areas as 4.1 and 5.1 will provide for continued vegetative treatments and road maintenance in an area that is already developed (USDA, 2003). Approximately 5,400 acres of the McGregor-Thompson IRA is in Management Areas (MA) 1 and 27 which are unsuitable for timber production. The remaining is MA 16, 17 and 21, which are suitable for timber production. The McGregor-Thompson IRA was completely within the Chippy Creek Fire Perimeter and comprises about 57% of Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Analysis Area. About 65% of the IRA has areas of 75% or greater canopy mortality as a result of the Chippy Creek Fire (RAVG data). Fire supression and BAER activities included portions of roads within the IRA. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternatives 1 and 2 do not include any harvest units within the IRA. Initally, the Proposed Action (now Alternative 3), proposed harvest in the IRA. Alternative 3 was not an alternative carried forward for detailed study in this analysis and is not being considered for implementation. Table 3-19 provides a summarized comparison of Alternatives 1 and 2. Table Comparison of Impacts to IRA by Alternative Road Density inside IRA mi/sq mi Miles of Road Decommissioning. (no change to access since these roads are already closed). Miles of Road used for timber hauling Definition/Explanation Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Activities that result in the stabilization and restoration of unneeded roads to a more natural state 36 CFR 212. Portions of roads 881 and are needed to haul timber from salvage units Open Roads Closed Roads 44.8 mi mi. Under Alternative 2, portions of roads 881 and 18394, which extend about 0.25 mile inside the IRA boundary would be used to for ingress and egress of proposed units 208 and 209 which are adjacent to the IRA. These roads would receive a limited amount of use for timber hauling. Some noise disturbance would occur during this time period, but would be short-term and intermittent. These roads are currently open and driveable and are receiving reconditioning and reconstruction treatments under BAER. Hazard tree removal may occur along these roads. No Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 65

73 road construction will occur. Direct effects would include short-term, intermittent noise disturbance from logging traffic on the road segments identified for haul routes within the IRA. A beneficial effect under Alternative 2 would be decommissioning of 1.2 miles of roads within the IRA. Direct effects to roadless character of short-term, intermittent noise disturbance from use of 0.75 miles of road for timber hauling would be negligible, while long-term beneficial effects of road decomissioning would enhance solitude, remoteness and wilderness management potential of the IRA. Indirect effects of short-term, intermittent noise disturbance from harvest activity in units adjacent to the IRA would be negligible and would not change the roadless character of solitude, remoteness or wilderness management potential. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: Short-term direct and indirect effects of Alternative 2, when added to past, present and reasonably forseeable activities would not contribute to cumulative effects to IRA roadless character, while long-term effects of proposed road decomissioning would have a beneficial contribution to IRA roadless character. 3.8 ECONOMICS ISSUE: Impacts to local economies should be considered. CONCLUSION: The management of the Lolo National Forest has the potential to affect local economies. People and economies are an important part of the ecosystem. Use of resources and recreational visitation to the Forest generate employment and income in the surrounding communities and counties and generate revenues, that are returned to the federal treasury or are used to fund additional activities on the ground to accomplish land management objectives. Alternative 2 could contribute 110 direct and 229 total part and full-time logging and timber processing jobs, in addition to 14 direct and 20 total part and full-time road work and forestry services jobs spread over five years. In total for Alternative 2, harvesting and processing of the timber products and required road work, BMP implementation, replanting, weed monitoring, and road decommissioning are expected to contribute approximately 124 direct and 249 total part and full-time jobs and $7.6 million of total labor income spread among the years from 2009 and Most of these impacts would likely occur in the early portion of this time period due to the decreasing market value as time increases since the trees were killed. The present net value (PNV) for Alternative 2 would be $893,183, providing net revenue to the government and taxpayers. Detailed analysis of the economics of the project is located in the Economics Specialist Report in the Project File. A summary of that analysis with excerpts are included below. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: The Chippy Fire Salvage project proposes to salvage approximately 26,000 CCF of dead timber from approximately 1,616 acres (5%) of suitable timber lands. The Proposed Action is driven by Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 66

74 the Lolo National Forest s desire to recover economic value from merchantable timber burned by the Chippy Creek Fire during the summer of 2007, to meet a portion of its annual sale quantity. Alternative 2 reflects one of the goals of the Forest Plan which states that the Forest will provide a sustained yield of timber and other outputs at a level that will help support the economic structure of local communities and provide for regional and national needs. Proposed activities within the project area have the potential to impact economic conditions of local communities and counties. The impact area for this project includes Granite, Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Sanders counties, MT. This impact area was developed during the Lolo Forest Plan revision process which is currently underway. Counties were selected based on commuting patterns, timber processing areas, recreational visitation, and the portion of National Forest system land in each county. Due to their proximity of Mineral and Sanders counties, Montana to the project area, this is the primary affected environment from an economic perspective. The highest concentration of economic impacts associated with implementing each alternative is expected in, Plains, St. Regis, Thompson Falls other communities directly adjacent to the project area. The economic impacts to the local economy affected by the treatments proposed are measured by estimating the employment (full- and part-time jobs) and labor income generated by the 1) harvesting and processing of the timber volume from the project, and 2) all restoration activities included in the project. The direct employment and labor income benefit employees and their families and therefore directly affect the local economy. Additional indirect and induced multiplier effects (ripple effects) are generated by the direct activities. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Financial efficiency summarizes the costs and revenues of doing the action. Economic impacts estimate how the action affects the local economy in the surrounding area. The methods of analysis are described in detail in the Economic Specialist s Report. The analyses are summarized below. Project Feasibility The estimation of project feasibility was based on the Region 1 transaction evidence appraisal model, which took into account logging system, timber species and quality, volume removed per acre, lumber market trends, costs for slash treatment, and the cost of specified roads, temporary roads and road maintenance. The estimated high bid was compared to base rates (revenues considered essential to cover regeneration plus minimum return to the federal treasury). The estimated high bid and base rates for each alternative are displayed in Table 4. The estimated high bid for alternative 2 indicates that this alternatives is feasible (highly likely to sell). The revenue estimates from the feasibility analysis are also used in the financial efficiency analysis discussed below. Financial Efficiency The financial efficiency analysis is specific to the timber harvest and restoration activities associated with the alternatives (as directed in Forest Service Manual 2400-Timber Management and guidance found in the Forest Service Handbook ). Costs for sale preparation, sale Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 67

75 administration, regeneration, and restoration activities are included. All costs, timing, and amounts were developed by the specialists on the project s interdisciplinary team. If exact costs were not known, the maximum of the cost range was used to produce the most conservative PNV result. The expected revenue for each alternative is the volume multiplied with the corresponding predicted high bid from the transaction evidence appraisal equation. The PNV was calculated using Quicksilver, a program for economic analysis of long-term, on-the-ground resource management projects. A 4% real discount rate was used over the five-year project lifespan ( ). For more information on the values or costs, see the project file. This analysis is not intended to be a comprehensive benefit-cost (or PNV) analysis that incorporates a monetary expression of all known market and non-market benefits and costs that is generally used when economic efficiency is the sole or primary criterion upon which a decision is made. Many of the values associated with natural resource management are best handled apart from, but in conjunction with, a more limited benefit-cost framework. These values are discussed throughout this document, for each resource area. Changes to resources like fisheries have been measured using expected changes to habitat conditions and will not be described in financial or economic terms for this project. See the resource sections of this document. Recreation levels are not expected to change between any alternative and were not included in the financial efficiency analysis. Table 3-19 summarizes the project feasibility and financial efficiency, including the base rates, predicted high bid (i.e., estimated stumpage value), present value of total revenue, and PNV for each alternative. The PNV indicates the financial efficiency of the timber sale, including all costs and revenues associated with the timber harvest and required design criteria. The required design criteria, as used here, are the mandatory land management activities (e.g., best management practice roadwork, excavator piling and burning at landings, rehab of skid trails, skyline corridors and landings, and tree planting, hazard tree removal1 and $5,000 worth of road decommissioning). These items are covered in the appraisal, and reflected with the estimated high bid. There are also some sale preparation costs, and sale administration costs. The costs of sale preparation costs ($11.89/CCF) and sale administration costs ($1.93/CCF) together are approximately $359,320 for Alternative 2. There are some non-essential restoration costs for monitoring weeds and an additional 7 miles of decommissioning historic roads near the sale area. These two restoration costs are not in the appraisal but they are captured in the full financial efficiency analysis. There is also Burned Areas Emergency Response (BAER) work happening in the project area. Emergency work items, such as road reconstruction and weed spraying from this effort are listed in the cumulative effects section, but not included in the analysis here. The cost to plan the post fire project are not included in the financial efficiency analysis since they are sunk costs at the time of the analysis. These planning costs are estimated to be $350, Hazard tree removal will also be done as part of this project. Based on the expected number of miles of hauling roads, and the corresponding acreage affected, we expect roughly 144 CCF of wood removal from these areas. The estimated cost to improve worker safety, based on the regional guide amount to roughly $50/CCF. Both the cost and the small amount of volume expected from this hazard tree removal have been captured in the financial efficiency analyses. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 68

76 Alternative 1, the no action alternative would not harvest or take other restorative actions and, therefore, incur no costs. Table 3-20 indicates that alternative 2 is financially efficient for the timber sale, as well as the entire project when timber and all non-timber activities are considered.. Alternative 2 has a design criteria only PNV of $906,458. When the 7 miles of road decommissioning and weed monitoring, which are not part of the sale package are included, the PNV falls to $893,183, still providing net revenue to the government and taxpayers. A change of financial PNV in any alternative as compared to the most efficient solution is a component of the economic trade-off, or opportunity cost, of achieving that alternative. Table 3-20.: Sale Viability and Financial Efficiency Summary (2007 dollars) Category Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Acres Harvested 0 1,616 Volume Harvested (CCF) 0 26,144 Timber Harvest Information Base Rates ($/CCF) 0 $1.00 Predicted High Bid ($/CCF) $0 $51.32 Present Value of Total Revenue (Thousands of $) $0 $1,341,710 Timber Harvest, Required Design Criteria Present Net Value (Thousands of $) $0 $906,458 Timber Harvest, Required Design Criteria and non-required design criteria Present Net Value (Thousands of $) $0 $893,183 When evaluating trade-offs, the use of efficiency measures is one tool used by the decision maker in making the decision. Many things are not be quantified in dollar terms, such as effects on soils, wildlife, and/or the restoration of watersheds and vegetation. The decision maker takes many factors into account in making the decision. Economic Impacts Effects The analysis calculated the jobs and labor income associated with the harvesting and processing of the timber products. Timber products harvested from the proposed project and the non-timber activities would have direct and indirect effects on local jobs and labor income. In order to estimate jobs and labor income associated with the timber harvest, it was assumed that nearly all (80%) of the sawlog material would be processed by the sawmill and planning sector, the remaining volume is headed for pulp and paper processing. Table 3-21 displays both direct and total estimates for employment (part and full-time) and labor income that may be contributed to the local economic impact area from each alternative. Since the expenditures occur over a five-year period, the estimated impacts of jobs and labor income would be spread out over the life of the project. Of these, most of the timber harvest and wood processing jobs would occur over the first two years of the project. It is important to note that these are not new jobs or income, but rather jobs and income that can be attributed to this project. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 69

77 Table Total Employment and Labor Income. In 2007 dollars, over the Life of the Project Analysis Item Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Direct Employment Total Employment Direct Labor Income (Thousands of $) 0 4,024 Total Labor Income (Thousands of $) 0 7,598 Employment is the total full- and part-time wage, salaried, and self-employed jobs in the region. Labor income includes the wages, salaries and benefits of workers who are paid by employers and income paid to proprietors. Estimates in Table 3-21 indicate that Alternative 1 maintains no jobs nor income because there are no activities associated with this alternative. Alternative 2 could contribute 110 direct and 229 total part and full-time logging and timber processing jobs, in addition to 14 direct and 20 total part and full-time road work and forestry services jobs spread over five years. In total for Alternative 2, harvesting and processing of the timber products and required road work, BMP implementation, replanting, weed monitoring, and road decommissioning are expected to contribute approximately 124 direct and 249 total part and full-time jobs and $7.6 million of total labor income spread among the years from 2009 and Most of these impacts would likely occur in the early portion of this time period due to the decreasing market value as time increases since the trees were killed. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: Management of the Lolo National Forest has an impact on the economies of local counties. However, there are many additional factors that influence and affect the local economies, including changes to industry technologies, management of adjacent national forests and private lands, economic growth, and international trade. Ongoing and reasonable foreseeable projects with in the project area that may affect local economies includes Burned Area Emergency Response work planned on the Chippy Creek Fire, which is detailed in Table Table BAER Expenditures Planned for the Chippy Creek Fire Treatment Authorization Amount Road Clearing and Brushing $69, Culvert Cleaning $79, Construct Additional Drain dips $199, Enlarge Ditches $69, Hazard Tree Removal $26, Seed and Fertilize $99, Roadside Weed Treatment $25, Spot Spray Weeds $ Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 70

78 Table BAER Expenditures Planned for the Chippy Creek Fire Treatment Authorization Amount BAER Evaluation $4, Weed treatment $3, Total Approval $577, Past actions affecting economics in the impact area include timber harvest from NFS lands. Recent timber harvested from the LNF over the last 5 years ( ) has averaged about 21.6 million board feet (MMBF). Decreases in softwood sawtimber harvest between 2005 and 2007 drove the total volume harvested down from roughly 29 MMBF to 10.7 MMBF in 2007 (USDA, 2008c) The Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project would provide about 26,144 CCF (roughly 13,000 mbf) which would likely be harvested over a period of two years ( ). The Chippy Creek Salvage and BAER projects will also generate funding and jobs into the local and regional economy which would have a positive impact, but would be relatively minor when combined with other economic factors, especially when weighed out over the 7 county economic impact area, and at the state level. Although a total of 249 jobs and approximately 7.6 million dollars in labor income is expected to be generated under Alternative 2, cumulative impacts are expected to be negligible. Natural resource related sectors (farming, agricultural, mining) represent less than 5 percent of total employment in the economic impact area, with wood processing representing less than one percent of total employment (USDA, 2008c). Environmental Justice and Civil Rights Environmental justice effects will report what, if any, effects might occur to ethnic or disadvantaged peoples. Of particular concern is whether job or income discrimination might occur to ethnic or disadvantaged citizens in the area during or resulting from the proposed project. None of the alternatives restrict or alter opportunities for subsistence hunting and fishing by Native American tribes. Tribes holding treaty rights for hunting and fishing on the Lolo National Forest are included on the project mailing list and have the opportunity to provide comments on this project. Table 3-21, predicts more employment and income opportunities would be created by Alternative 2 than by Alternative 1, but there is no reason to expect that Alternative 2 would adversely affect minority or low-income populations. 3.9 SOILS ISSUE: Salvage logging may cause soil disturbance that leads to erosion and sediment production. CONCLUSION: The greatest salvage logging erosion hazard is ground-based logging on high burn severity sites that are on soils inherently sensitive to erosion. None of the Chippy proposed salvage units are Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 71

79 on severe or very high erosion hazard soils according to the Forest s Land System Inventory (LSI) and verified by ground inspection of every proposed unit. Most soils in the proposed treatment units have low or moderate soil burn severity although parts of three units (Units 112, 212, and 607) have high burn severity. Of these, Units 112 and 607 are to be tractor logged. The design criteria for these units specifies that they are to be winter logged (which results in very little soil disturbance) or logged with slash mats to minimize additional soil disturbance. Tractor logging on sites that burned under low or moderate severity, and skyline logging, results is a low risk of accelerated erosion and stream sedimentation. See the Water Quality and Aquatic Species section of this EA for more information on stream sedimentation ISSUE: Salvage logging may negatively impact soils. CONCLUSION: Based on Soil Scientist findings, the project would maintain soil productivity and comply with the Region 1 Soil Quality Guidelines (USDA 1999b), as well as other pertinent laws and regulations. By maintaining organic matter and ground cover on at least 85 percent of the site, and by limiting disturbance to 15% or less of the unit area, nutrient cycling and availability should not be altered and soil productivity maintained. The mitigations and Region 1 Soil Quality Standards are prescribed to achieve this desired outcome. With the Design Features incorporated into the proposed action to protect the soils in the Chippy Fire Salvage Project area, adverse cumulative effects are not expected to occur within the analysis area or the activity areas from the implementation of the proposed action. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: The dominant parent material within the Chippy Fire Salvage Project Area is volcanic ash influenced loess over metasediments. In places the ash cap can be 14 inches deep and tend to be deeper and more common on north aspects. Because of freeze thaw cycles, these soils tend to have more coarse fragments than generally found in ash capped soils. Some areas also contain ash capped glacial till. A large portion of the project area has soils with seasonally high water tables and sometimes perched water tables because of intermittent glacial till. High soil moisture is common in these areas. This area receives between 25 and 65 inches of precipitation a year and most of the units are in higher elevation forests where much of the precipitation falls as snow. These forests are fairly productive areas. The project area as well as the entire Lolo National Forest has been mapped in the Forest s Lands System Inventory (LSI). LSI is an adaptation of soil mapping to include consideration for landform, parent material, vegetation, aspect, and elevation. LSI map units are grouped into one of five erosion hazard groups, Severe, Very High, High, Moderate, and Low, based on a combination of parent material, landform, soil texture, and rock content. In the project area, the most common LSI group erosion hazard group is Low with lesser amounts of Moderate, High, and Severe. The Very High erosion hazard group is a small proportion of the project area. The proposed Chippy treatment units are all in Low, Moderate, or High erosion hazard groups, none is Severe or Very High. Site-specific conditions of each unit are described in The Soil Scientists Report. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 72

80 Down Woody Debris & Soil Wood Woody debris is an indicator of site bio-physical resiliency and overall forest health. Much of the project area does not have the recommended amount of woody debris as a result of the fire. Over the next few years, down woody debris will greatly increase as trees killed in the fire topple. Soil wood is also an indicator of forest ecological integrity. Most of the proposed treatment units have sufficient amounts of soil wood, but in the not-too-distant future, the forest may lack the large decaying wood (in the short term) necessary to sustain appropriate amounts of soil wood. Coarse Fragments The percent of coarse fragments is a measure of rock content in the surface six inches of mineral soil. Rock content is an indicator of the susceptibility of compaction on a specific soil type. Many of the proposed action units contain rock content below 35% making them more susceptible to mechanical compaction than those units with rock content over 35%. Total Organics This is a measure of the total depth of the combined litter and duff organic horizons. This measure is another indicator of bio-physical resiliency. The depth and character of the organic horizon influences soil structure, moisture-holding capacity, nutrient cycling, ph, and soil temperature. The organic horizon also imparts information about decomposition and organic accumulation rates. Organic horizon depths in the range of 3 to 5 centimeters are typical for this forest type. As our data indicate, the litter and duff layers are a bit shallow. This can be caused by a number of reasons, such as an imbalance between decomposition and accumulation rates, or serve as evidence of a developing litter layer after a disturbance, but for these sites this mostly due to the recent fire. This will influence how the site recovers after salvage logging. Detrimental Disturbance Four units (601, 608, 615, and 616) have moderate current soil disturbance. These units have more recent harvest activity and skid trails present but sites are recovering and are resilient Fire Impacts on Soil Productivity The primary means of discussing the post fire conditions of soils is burn severity. Burn severity describes the fire-caused damage to the soil. It is a measure of the effects of fire on soil conditions including how water moves into and through the soil (hydrologic properties). Together with slope, burn severity influences the amount of soil erosion following a fire. Table 3-23 describes the burn severity categories and lists the proposed action unit acreage in each category. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 73

81 Table Soil Burn Severity for Harvest Units. Soil Burn Description Severity Low Moderate High Duff layer is partially consumed; very little heating of the soil surface layer occurs. No affect to the soil hydrologic properties. Many unburned roots and seeds in the surface soil will aid in vegetating the burned areas. Natural revegetation on these sites will occur quickly. Management using ground-based equipment is unlikely to increase soil erosion over that of similar unburned sites. Slightly altered surface soil structure; reduced numbers of fine roots and less seed viability in the soil surface; duff is reduced to a layer of charred litter. Sites with moderate burn severity can lead to increased soil erosion on slopes greater than 40 percent if ground-based logging equipment or other disturbances disrupt them. However, erosion control practices are effective on these sites. These soils are also susceptible to physical disturbance caused by equipment. Logging activities within moderate burn severity areas must be designed to reduce the amount of soil disturbance they cause. Modified surface soil properties; surface soil structure has broken down; and a short-lived hydrophobic layer may be present. Lack of organic litter or duff Soil conditions and a lack of organic litter or duff increase the risk of rainimpact erosion at the soil surface, reduced infiltration, and increase erosion and runoff. Soils on these sites are highly susceptible to erosion and physical soil disturbance, especially when ground based equipment operates on them. These soils require special mitigation measures and management practices to reduce soil disturbance. Acres (moderate to high) Total 1527 Data taken from Soil Scientist Report located in the Project File. Burn severity was determined by the Soil Scientist based on field surveys, ground cover measurements, and litter and duff presence and depths. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternative 1 For undisturbed to moderately disturbed sites, no action will have no direct or indirect negative influences on forest soils. No action will allow these sites to recover naturally from fire. Indirectly, the no action alternative will allow developing litter layers to mature. As vegetation returns to the sites, stands will contribute woody debris to decompose, adding needed organics and soil wood. Microorganisms will quickly inhabit sites and begin decomposition and nutrient cycling. In stands with previous disturbance from harvesting, the no action alternative will allow these sites to continue recovering. Building a forest floor litter layer will help keep nutrients on site and decrease erosion. Over time large woody debris from dead trees would fall on the ground increasing organic matter and water holding capacities on site. Alternative 2 Proposed activities will have long- and short-term direct negative effects on forest soils. Effects include: Compaction; Rutting & displacement; Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 74

82 Degradation of the litter layer and soil organic matter caused by increased decomposition rates and reduced annual litter contributions; Reduction of large woody debris; Increased Erosion; Loss of nutrients; Effects from past logging operations are detectable up to 80 or more years. Newer logging systems create less soil disturbance. Proposed activities use techniques that maintain or promote natural soil bio-physical resiliency. The effect of proposed activities should be relatively short compared to techniques used in the past. If all natural elements and processes remain intact, we can expect soil impacts to be nearly undetectable within 20 to 40 years based on professional judgment and experience on these soil types. Freeze-thaw cycles, soil organisms, and root growth will help alleviate compaction and rutting. Soil displacement may last longer, but design features minimize soil displacement. Proposed treatment effects on the soil can be minimized by using techniques and restoration strategies outlined in the design criteria in Chapter 2 of the EA. Proposed treatments and total acres by treatment in the project area are displayed in Table The amount of expected detrimental disturbance will vary greatly with proposed treatments. These estimates of added disturbance come from Niehoff (2002) as well as ground truthing, and take into account best management practices described in Niehoff (2002). Table 3-24 also illustrates expected effects based on a variety of proposed treatments and scheduled season. Table Total Acres By Treatment And Projected Additional Disturbance Logging System Acres Added Disturbance* Winter Summer/Fall Adverse Tractor 111 8% 13% Tractor 684 8% 13% Skyline 732 N/A 2.80% *disturbance percentages based on data from Neihoff (2002), McIver and Starr (2000), on the ground experience and observations and monitoring from previous salvage harvests on the Flathead National Forest. Ground Based Logging Tractor: Ground-based equipment compacts, creates ruts or displaces the soil where it operates. Most of this disturbance occurs on skid trails and landings. The amount of detrimental soil disturbance depends on the number of trips the equipment makes and the ground conditions at the time it operates. The higher the soil burn severity, the more susceptible an area is to the effects of ground-based equipment. Skidding in winter when there is snow on the ground or when soils are frozen is the most effective way to minimize soil impacts to high burn severity soils. Placing slash in front of harvest vehicles and working on a slash mat is also effective in minimizing logging disturbance. Units 112 and 607 experienced some high severity fire and units 601, 608, and 615 have a moderate level of pre-fire disturbance. These units are Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 75

83 susceptible to additional disturbance and the design criteria in Chapter 2 will help ameliorate detrimental soil disturbance. Adverse Tractor: With this method skidders pull logs uphill to a landing rather than downhill. Adverse tractor can have similar impacts as tractor logging but may cause slightly more soil exposure and more erosion. This method will be used for four of the proposed units, none of which have particular soils concerns. Skyline Logging: Skyline yarding disturbs only the corridor where the logs are pulled up hill. Biologic resiliency remains intact on skyline units, as it is the combination of compaction and burning that causes significant long-term soil damage. Skyline yarding corridors where one end of a log drags over the surface can cause soil displacement, scraping off the organic layer and exposing the mineral soil to erosion. McIver and Starr (2000) reviewed literature and found skyline yarding disturbed 2.8 percent of the soil in a unit. Lolo National Forest monitoring of skyline yarding on soils similar to those on the Chippy Fire Salvage Project area found similar disturbance on skyline units. Skyline yarding will meet the Region 1 Soil Quality Standards. Many indirect effects are possible when soil conditions are compromised. Compaction can decrease water infiltration rates, leading to increased overland flow and associated erosion and sediment delivery to stream. Increased overland flow also increases intensity of spring flooding, degrading stream morphological integrity and low summer flows. Compaction decreases gas exchange, which in turn degrades sub-surface biological activity and above-ground forest vitality. Rutting and displacement cause the same indirect effects as compaction and also channel water in an inappropriate fashion, increasing erosion potential. Severely burned soils can indirectly influence many forest elements and processes. Expect possible weed incursions, changes in hydrology as described above, and decreased biologic activity and associated events. Loss of organic matter will decrease natural resiliency to disturbance, decrease nutrient cycling and availability, decrease soil water and nutrient-holding capacity, decrease aggregate formation and all benefits associated with aggregation. Lack of large woody debris will influence the forest soil in a similar way as does the loss of organic matter. Harvest operations remove biomass and site organic matter and thus affect nutrient cycling. Generally, nutrient losses are proportional to the volume of biomass removed from a site. In this case, only dead trees will be removed and live trees, if there are any, will be left on site to provide nutrients. Many units within the project area already have vegetation coming back following the fire indicating that soil processes are already bouncing back from fire. Salvage logging is not expected to have detrimental impacts on fungi in these stands. In fact, slash generated from harvest activities deposited on the ground will enhance fungal activity by providing a carbon source. To summarize, by maintaining organic matter and ground cover on at least 85 percent of the site by limiting disturbance to 15% or less of the unit area, nutrient cycling and availability should not be altered and soil productivity maintained. The mitigations and Region 1 Soil Quality Standards are prescribed to achieve this desired outcome. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 76

84 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: Evaluation of cumulative effects to soil productivity does not require an integrated watershedtype assessment. A larger geographic area such as a watershed or project area is not considered an appropriate geographic area for soil cumulative effects analysis. because assessment of soil quality within too large an area can mask or dilute site-specific effects (Nesser 2001). Thus, cumulative effects to soils are evaluated for site-specific activity areas (i.e. proposed vegetation treatment units), but are not evaluated for the entire watershed or project area. Although wildfire in itself does not cause long term detrimental soil disturbance, ground based logging following moderate to severe burning can cause long term damage to the soil resource. McIver and Starr (2000) in a review found that post fire logging causes greater disturbance than the same logging system in green forests. Winter ground based harvesting, skyline logging and other design features can help prevent cumulative effects from timber harvesting on burned soils. Alternative 1 No actions are proposed, therefore, no cumulative impacts would occur. Alternative 2 Units with no signs of previous disturbance other than wildfire (93% of harvest units) will experience minor or no cumulative effects from salvage logging (USDA, 2008h). Proposed treatments will employ low-impact logging techniques that minimize soil disturbance and maintain processes that promote natural soil bio-physical resiliency. Expected effects of the salvage logging should not exceed 40 years. No other activities are planned in the foreseeable future at these sites. Several units show evidence of prior disturbance. Three units which are proposed for groundbased logging (601,608, and 615) may experience moderate disturbance (5-10% detrimental disturbance) which may exceed Regional Soil Quality Guidelines (RSQGs) with over 15% disturbance post-salvage (USDA, 2008h). Resource protection measures (Table 2-4), that are designed to minimize the risk of exceeding this guideline will be implemented in these units. A Soil Scientist will visit these units after harvest to determine if restoration activities are needed to meet the (RSQGs). Restoration activities are described in the Soils Scientists Specialist Report (USDA, 2008h). One unit that has moderate to severe burns (Units 212) would be skyline yarded which would minimize soil impacts and long term disturbance. Units 112 and 607 which also have moderate to high burn severity would be tractor logged, these units may experience some additional disturbance such as increased compaction on skid trails, but are not likely to exceed RSQGs. In regard to soil nutrient concerns, treatments that minimize soil disturbance will not result in cumulative effects. Employing design criteria will prevent cumulative nutrient-related effects especially maintaining intact organic layers on burned soils. With the resource protection measures (Table 2-4) incorporated into the proposed action to protect the soils in the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project area, adverse cumulative effects are not expected to occur within the analysis area or the activity areas from the implementation of Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 77

85 the proposed action WILDLIFE ISSUE: Project activities may have negative effects on viable populations and habitats of Threatened, Endangered and Forest Service Sensitive (TES), species, management indicator species (MIS), and other at risk species. CONCLUSION: The proposed Chippy Creek Fire Salvage action may affect but is not likely to adversely affect Canada lynx, grizzly bear, and gray wolf (see Table 3-25 and accompanying discussions). This project, when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, will not contribute to a trend toward federal listing or loss of viability to Forest Service listed sensitive species or populations or migratory bird species. There is no indication that management (implementation of the project) will reduce the quantity or quality of habitat for elk, pileated woodpeckers, or goshawks to a point that would change the population trend of these MIS on the Lolo NF. Big game habitat and hunter access will not be changed to a point that will cause a noticeable change in big game populations. The removal of dead and dying trees in the proposed units will not cause a sufficient reduction of available snag habitat within the project area to decrease the number of species that use this habitat and will not have an adverse affect on populations of snag users that would lead to concern for population viability. This project will not harvest burned or unburned old growth trees, so there will be no management induced change to old growth availability. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT: Project effects to wildlife species that utilize the project area, given the current post-fire condition of habitat, is done via the analysis of TES, MIS, and migratory birds. Wildlife analyses were conducted at different landscape levels. Spacial and temporal boundaries for analyses are described in the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Wildlife Report (USDA Forest Service 2008g). For wildlife discussions, analysis area is defined as the six 6 th field watersheds burned by the Chippy Creek Fire (described in the Water Quality and Aquatic Species Habitat section), and project area includes only the Forest Service lands within the Chippy Fire perimeter. Cumulative effects and habitat condition on other lands were considered in the analyses, as well as best available science. The Chippy Creek Fire burned about 58% of the analysis area at various levels of canopy mortality, leaving a mosaic of conditions ranging from unburned stands to complete stand replacement scattered over the landscape. Species presence and a description of current habitat as it applies to each species is presented in Table DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Table 3-25 presents the direct and indirect effects of the project on TES, MIS, and migratory birds. The second column, Habitat in the Project Area, represents the current condition, and describes conditions that would remain unchanged under Alternative 1, the No Action Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 78

86 Alternative. The last column presents a summary of the analysis of effects for Alternative 2, the Action Alternative, on the wildlife species listed. The complete wildlife analysis is available in the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Wildlife Report located in the Project Record. Table 3-25: Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Species Determination and Effects Summary for Species Current Habitat Condition Presence Alternative 2 Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Species Canada Lynx Grizzly Bear Gray Wolf Yellow-billed Cuckoo The project area overlaps about 97% of the Chippy Lynx Analysis Unit (LAU), about 60% of the Little Thompson LAU, and about 8% of the Murr LAU. 61% of the landscape within the project area exhibited 75% or more canopy mortality. The understory was also burned and these stands are now in the stand initiation phase and temporarily not suitable lynx winter foraging habitat. Previously harvested units with regeneration well above snow line provide some snowshoe hare winter foraging habitat. The analysis area is 5 miles west of the Cabinet Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone, and outside mapped areas of grizzly bear occupancy outside of, but adjacent to, the Cabinet-Yaak Recovery Zone. The analysis area is 149 sq. mi. and normally contains all seasonal ranges necessary for one adult female with cubs, but overstory cover and shrub availability is currently highly reduced. The analysis area is primarily summer habitat for wolves and elk. The project area has no elk winter range habitat, crucial winter or crucial summer range. A little elk winter range is present in the lower elevations of the analysis area. No dens or rendezvous sites are known to occur within the analysis area. The project area does not contain suitable habitat. US Forest Service Region 1 Sensitive Species Bald Eagle No nesting or typical foraging habitat is present within the project area. Nests have been found along roads providing access through the Thompson River corridor. Present in 2001 Record in 1992 Present in 2005, 2007, 2008 No No records in project area. Nesting records and presence on haul route along May affect but not likely to adversely affect. See explanation following this table. May affect but not likely to adversely affect, See explanation following this table. May affect but not likely to adversely affect, See explanation following this table. No Effect No Impact- There are no units within 2.5 miles from the Thompson River. Trees/snags suitable for nesting or roosting along the river will not be affected by this project. but logging traffic will cause noise and dust. The additional impact of this project from using the Thompson River Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 79

87 Table 3-25: Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Species Current Habitat Condition Species Determination and Effects Summary for Presence Alternative 2 Thompson River corridor as a haul route is suspected to be negligible since the haul route is routinely and heavily used by private logging interests and the public. Bald eagles have used the area for many years with this type of ongoing Fisher There are 20,900 acres of moist habitat mature trees in the project area; 63% of that burned with >75% canopy mortality, 11% at 25% to 75% canopy mortality. Fishers avoided areas with < 40% canopy cover (Jones and Garton 1994), as exists in most of the units. 26% of the acres of moist mature trees had only 0-25% canopy mortality, so some habitat is still present, depending upon delayed fire and insect mortality which will further reduce canopy cover over time. Riparian forest is present in some areas. The McGregor/Thompson Inventoried Roadless Area provides habitat security, but most of the area is in stand initiation stage. There is a large patch of lesser burn in Chippy Creek. Denning opportunities are greatly reduced in the short-term, but will become much better as dead trees fall to the ground. No records disturbance. Not likely to contribute to a trend towards Federal listing or loss of viability to the population or species. Alternative 2 will not treat old growth stands (neither burned nor unburned), nor any live tree stands, and thus will not affect the availability of dense, closed canopy habitat. The availability of old growth will maintain the availability of associated large snags and future large sized down logs. Riparian habitat, which is where most of the current denning sites and highest amount of cover are located, will not be harvested. Harvest will reduce the potential amount of denning and resting sites on 3% of the project area,. 95% of the project area will remain untreated, including the lower elevations where habitat is more likely to be suitable. 2% of the project area was previously harvested and is in stages of regrowth. Harvest will occur on sites that are not likely to have fishers due to lack of appropriate habitat and high levels of snow in winter. Treatment will affect 4% of the wet mature stage acres available in the project area, and 6% of the acres in wet, pole or older habitat. Of the acres that have 25% or less canopy mortality, the project will reduce 154 acres of wet, mature stage timber or 3% of what is available in the project area, and 291 acres (4%) of wet, pole and older stage habitat. Since this amount of habitat reduction is low, and since fishers do use other successional stages, the project will not remove sufficient habitat to affect the fisher population. No new roads will be built, and road density will be slightly decreased by 1.4 miles. Open road density will not be changed post project. Fishers are well distributed in suitable habitat north of Montana and the population is considered at moderate risk of extirpation (natureserve.org). This project will not cause a change in forest successional stages that deviates from the historical range of variation for this forest type, as compared to Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 80

88 Table 3-25: Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Species Current Habitat Condition the current condition of successional stage development. Species Determination and Effects Summary for Presence Alternative 2 North American Wolverine Northern Bog Lemming Townsend s Big-Eared Bat The project area is not considered key wolverine habitat since there is a lack of habitat associated with known den sites and the project area is not remote in the same sense as areas where wolverines are known to occur (Hornocker and Hash 1981, Copeland 1996). However, since the project area is relatively isolated and contains the McGregor/Thompson IRA, and since wolverines typically make long distance movements through a variety of habitat, the analysis assumes possible presence. The analysis area is on the low side of acreage for a wolverine home range, but it contains the McGregor/Thompson IRA, which reduces risk of human contact. Additional habitat is available outside of the analysis area. Units are not located in cirques (denning habitat). 58% percent of the analysis area was burned in Since 61% of Forest land burned by the Chippy Creek Fire has over 75% canopy mortality, and understory cover is reduced in much of the lesser burned areas, wolverines may not utilize much of the project area for some decades. Suitable moist mossy forest habitat is not currently present within proposed units. There are no known caves, mines, or buildings for roosting. These bats may utilize snag habitat, but current canopy No records in analysis area, but sightings in 1995 and 2006 about 12 miles southwest of the project area No records No records Not likely to contribute to a trend towards Federal listing or loss of viability to the population or species. Alternative 2 will not directly affect wolverines and indirect effects are deemed to be very low since wolverines are not highly likely to occur in the project area due to the lack of denning habitat and burn conditions following the Chippy Creek Fire in Habitat security will not be altered. No new roads will be built, and road density will be slightly decreased by 1.4 miles. Open road density will not be changed post project Potential occurrence is likely to be limited to one individual, which due to wide ranging habits, may not be in the affected areas, and can move to undisturbed drainages within the project area. Any wolverine present in the project area has already had to acclimate to substantial human disturbance and fire effects within the project area in the last 2 years, or has already moved to another area. The project area does not have typical cirque habitat, but potentially suitable sites for denning are located at the upper ends of the drainages. Potential denning habitat will not be physically altered, but noise may be a disturbance. Big game habitat, and hence prey availability will not be negatively affected by this project and is expected to improve in the near future (see elk MIS below). Temporary noise could cause wolverines to move to more secluded habitat available within the adjacent IRA. Wolverines are a rare but widespread species in Montana. A petition to list the wolverine under the Endangered Species Act was denied March 11, 2008 because the petition did not present substantial scientific information warranting the listing of the wolverine in the contiguous United States (73 FR 12929). No Impact- RHCAs, project design features and BMPs will preclude activities within 50 to 300 feet of streams and protect any existing streamside habitats and wet areas. No Impact- Proposed activities will not impact cave, mine, rock or building type habitat. The project will not affect foraging Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 81

89 Table 3-25: Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Species Current Habitat Condition Species Determination and Effects Summary for Presence Alternative 2 cover has been greatly reduced by the Chippy Creek Fire. habitat since only dead and dying trees will be removed, in areas away from open water or meadows. Bats forage at night when project activities are not likely to occur, so daytime ground disturbance will not affect them. The project will reduce snag numbers on 5% of acres with trees pole size or larger. 95% of similar habitat (29,528 acres) will be left untreated and will experience natural ecosystem processes. Snag use in the project area is not known to occur, but if it does, plenty of standing dead trees will be American Peregrine Falcon Black-backed Woodpecker There are no suitable cliffs for nesting habitat within 0.25 mile of project units. The Chippy Creek Fire burned approximately 23,484 acres of pole size or larger trees with a canopy mortality of over 75% on NFS lands (of these acres, 65% is larger than pole size), and 4,440 acres of pole or larger trees with a canopy mortality of 25-50% (of these acres, 74% is larger than pole size). These 27,924 acres on Forest Service land are the areas that will be considered as high value black-backed woodpecker habitat for this analysis. In addition, 9,372 acres of pole or larger trees with a canopy mortality of 0-25% will be subject to insect mortality and may provide additional habitat in the next few years (of these acres, 73% are larger than pole size). Areas within the fire perimeter that are under other ownership (tribal, private, state) may provide additional habitat; however, it is likely that those lands were salvage logged to great extent and do not provide much black-backed woodpecker habitat. Viable populations of black-backed woodpecker are estimated to be able to exist when habitat amounts exceed 29,405 acres (Samson 2006b). Based on this, the project area by itself is No records within the project area. Presence on road along Thompson River. Highly likely available for such use. No impact Falcons are not likely to forage in the project area, but if they do, riparian foraging opportunities will not be affected by the project due to RHCAs which preclude activities within 50 to 300 feet of streams. Migration corridors through mountain passes will not be affected. There is no evidence that hauling along major, well used routes will affect nesting on cliffs. Not likely to contribute to a trend towards Federal listing or loss of viability to the population or species. See explanation following this table. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 82

90 Table 3-25: Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Species Current Habitat Condition Species Determination and Effects Summary for Presence Alternative 2 nearly large enough to support a viable population of black-backed woodpeckers, prior to considering the likely addition of insect killed trees in the next few years. In combination with the large acreage of other recent fires on the LNF and regionally, population viability is not a current concern for black-backed woodpeckers regionally. Common loon No lake habitat in or near the units. No No impact- Project will not occur near lakes or large rivers, and will not affect suitable Flammulated Owl Harlequin Duck Coeur d'alene Salamander No mature or old growth ponderosa pine/douglas-fir with secure nesting habitat (> 35% canopy cover) in or near project activities. There are fast flowing mountain streams in the project area, generally rather narrow. Streams with mossy rocky banks and small sized mossy, talus areas with flowing water are occasionally found along roads in the project area. The creek just north of Unit 214 is suitable and occupied habitat below Road 881, which had a very steep talus slope below the road that was about 30 feet tall. It is unknown if this slope and the road cause a barrier to salamanders moving upstream beyond the road, but none were found above the road in June No records No records Present in 2008 in the project area. Also present along haul routes (Forest Roads 56 and 1025) outside the project area nesting or brood rearing habitat. No impact- Project will not occur in suitable habitat. Harvesting and hauling activities are not near known locations or areas where flammulated owls are expected to occur. No impact- Project will not affect the use of large, fast flowing streams and will not occur in nesting habitat. Foraging habitat will not be affected since RHCAs were developed with INFISH standards to avoid impacts to aquatic invertebrate populations. BMPs will minimize project generated effects to water quality. Not likely to contribute to a trend towards Federal listing or loss of viability to the population or species. A project design feature was included to avoid physical disturbance of suitable habitat along roads. RHCAs were developed with INFISH standards to avoid impacts to aquatic invertebrate populations. BMPs will minimize the risk of project generated effects to water quality. If salamanders cross roads during wet periods in spring and fall, they would be at risk of being crushed by logging traffic. This is most likely to occur during spring breakup, when roads are closed to use. Coeur d Alene salamanders have been seen in successive years in suitable habitats along major traffic routes accessing the project area, despite normally heavy traffic. Salvage logging will not occur in typical suitable habitats. The likelihood of hazard tree removal causing mortality is low due to the relative scarcity of suitable salamander habitat. The Montana Field Guide notes that population declines or extinctions have not yet been documented. Northern No suitable breeding habitat (slow No records No impact- It is highly unlikely that leopard Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 83

91 Table 3-25: Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Species Current Habitat Condition Species Determination and Effects Summary for Presence Alternative 2 Leopard Frog permanent waters with emergent vegetation) was found in or near the proposed units, but there are permanent streams in the project and in some units. These were shallow rapidly moving waters without emergent vegetation. Boreal Western Toad Management Indicator Species Pileated Woodpecker Werner (2003) found that northern leopard frogs were nearly extirpated from much of their range in Montana, being only known to occur near Kalispell and Eureka. They were reintroduced on the Flathead Indian Reservation in 2003 (Lichtenberg and others 2004). They were unable to determine the fate of the individuals released in 2003 despite numerous surveys and site visits in the spring and summer of There are riparian areas with shallow water and mud bottoms in the project area and in units 507, 106, 107, and 109. None of these areas were identified as suitable habitat in surveys conducted in 2004 (Maxell 2004). The Chippy Creek Fire removed overstory and ground cover in some riparian areas, but riparian vegetation is expected to grow back fairly quickly due to the availability of water. In the interim period, any boreal toads utilizing such habitat would be fairly exposed to predation due to lack of cover. Water quality is relatively pristine in and near the units, since they are located in the upper watersheds, but roads are located near many streams within units. Thirty-two percent of the project area (15,306 acres) consists of mature or No records in the project area, but found in 2004 at the Chippy Creek confluence with the Thompson River. There were no breeding sites found along the haul routes for the project (Maxell 2004). No records in project area, frogs would be found in the units or project area, due to their scarcity in the state. Habitat in and near proposed units does not appear suitable due to lack of deeper pools for overwintering, and lack of emergent vegetation for breeding. Nonetheless, the project will not remove or alter any riparian habitats due to the RHCAs which will maintain a buffer around all riparian habitats with pools and slow moving water. RHCAs were developed with INFISH standards to avoid impacts to aquatic invertebrate populations, and will maintain prey populations. BMPs will minimize the risk of project generated effects to water quality. Since no work will be done in aquatic habitat, there should be no risk of introducing factors such as diseases, exotic species, or chemicals that would affect any leopard frogs if present. Not likely to contribute to a trend towards Federal listing or loss of viability to the population or species. Highly suitable habitat for breeding has not been documented in the project area (Maxell 2004). The RHCAs and BMPs will ensure that the project does not impact aquatic habitat that could potentially be suitable for breeding. Since there are no known populations of boreal toads in the project area, logging and hauling activities outside of RHCAs are not expected to cause direct mortality to boreal toads. If, however, individuals are present in treated areas outside of the RHCAs, the project is not likely to affect enough individuals to affect population viability since toads are dispersed in upland habitat, are primarily nocturnal, and spend considerable time underground (Maxell 2000, Loeffler 2001 In: Leland 2006). Project generated traffic mortality is unlikely since there are no breeding areas known, and thus the likelihood of boreal toad congregations utilizing associated roads is very low. Boreal toads are believed to be widespread, but rare, having undergone regional declines (Montana Field Guide at The project will harvest 1516 acres, which is a 4% reduction in foraging and nesting Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 84

92 Table 3-25: Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Species Current Habitat Condition Species Determination and Effects Summary for Presence Alternative 2 older trees (this includes all species of trees) that were burned at 75% or more canopy mortality and that currently have very high densities of snags. This size class of tree is preferred for nesting, but overstory canopy cover is but likely to occur there due to suitable habitat habitat within the project area. Since 96% of the available nesting and foraging habitats will be left untreated, the impact of Alternative 2 on pileated woodpeckers is deemed to be very low, especially since the units have reduced canopy cover. highly reduced and thus these areas Project design features will leave snags and may not be utilized for nesting as much down woody debris, maintaining as the same sized snag in a live mature opportunities for nesting and foraging within forested area. In addition, there are the proposed units in addition to what is 10,105 acres of mature or older trees available outside of the units. Down wood is that have 0-75% canopy mortality and relatively low in many areas of the fire, but had some live trees, as of fall standing dead trees are expected to fall Many live trees are expected to within the next few years to provide succumb to fire damage and insect substantial amounts of down woody debris in infestations. Larch is a preferred the future. As the woody material becomes species for nest trees and makes up suitable for carpenter ants, prey availability 14% of the project area. for pileated woodpeckers is expected to be high for many years, at a time when snags will be plentiful as well. There are 39,296 acres of pole sized or larger trees that are suitable size for foraging, although again, overstory cover is highly reduced. Pileated woodpeckers feed on carpenter ants found in dead and dying trees. Recently killed trees are less decayed, and may not have developed large carpenter ant populations yet. Pileated wood-peckers are likely to use the project area for foraging as ants begin to colonize standing and downed wood, especially where these areas are near live old growth stands. Project implementation during the nonbreeding season will not have any effect on pileated woodpeckers. Project implementation during the nesting season could cause mortality to pileated woodpecker young if there is an active nest within proposed units. The likelihood of this occurring is low. Pileated woodpeckers were selected as a MIS for old growth and snags. This project will not harvest burned or unburned old growth trees, so there will be no management induced change to old growth availability on the Lolo NF. The project area is predominantly burned timber with little canopy cover for the next several decades. Snags are plentiful and dominate the landscape. Live remnants of mature stands will eventually become old-growth in the future and will provide future snag habitat and down wood. There is no indication that management will reduce the availability of old growth or snag habitat for species dependent upon these resources. The scale of the project is too small in relation to the availability of such resources to change the population trend of pileated woodpeckers on the Lolo NF. Pileated woodpecker habitat is abundant in the Northern Region and habitat is well distributed on the Lolo NF (Sampson 2006.) Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 85

93 Table 3-25: Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Species Current Habitat Condition Species Determination and Effects Summary for Presence Alternative 2 Northern Goshawk Elk There are 25,411 acres of mature trees in the project area; but 60% of that burned with >75% canopy mortality and is no longer suitable habitat. 27% of the project area has mature trees with 0-25% canopy mortality, so some habitat is still present. As measured by canopy mortality data collected in 2007, there are about 8,470 acres of suitable habitat for nesting and 11,592 acres of post fledging area (PFA) within the project area, mostly with some degree of burned understory and between 0 to 50% canopy mortality. Since canopy mortality was measured in 2007, losses of canopy cover and standing trees are increasing due to delayed fire mortality and insect infestation commonly observed in this region. No high quality nesting habitat (mature to old-growth stands with more than 70% canopy closure and open understory) was found during field visits to the units, but more open and lesser sized stands were available in some areas, that may qualify for marginal nesting and PFA, particularly where there were unburned stands not far away. The map showing post fire successional stages in 2007 (Appendix A), depicts blocks of sufficient size for both nesting and post-fledgling areas (stands ranging from 0-50% canopy mortality, of 40 to 420 acres respectively), many of which are adjacent to proposed units. Since goshawks are generally associated with forests with relatively high canopy cover, the project area is probably low value for goshawks. It does not meet the recommended habitat structure or composition by Reynolds and others (1992). Some of the better looking habitat is in riparian areas. The McGregor/Thompson Inventoried Roadless Area provides habitat security, but most of the area is in stand initiation stage. There is a large patch of lesser burn in Chippy Creek. The project area is summer habitat for elk, and does not have any elk winter None in the project area, but 2 records in miles north of unit 112, another about 8 mi. southwest of unit 601. Likely to occur in the project area. Yes, elk and moose tracks Riparian habitat, which is where many of the largest trees and highest amount of cover are located, will not be harvested. Old growth, both burned and unburned, is not included in the units. Harvest will reduce the amount of nesting habitat (trees larger than pole size with more than 50% canopy cover) on 4% of the project area, and 5% of post-fledgling habitat (stands pole size or larger with more than 50% canopy cover) in the project area. Habitat security will not be altered. Road density will not be increased. Logging outside of the breeding season will not affect goshawks. Logging during the nesting season (May through July) will be preceded by goshawk surveys in units with suitable nesting habitat. If active nests are found, the district biologist will apply appropriate mitigations (Brewer and others 2007) to avoid disturbance and removal of nesting habitat. Timber harvest is not expected to change the suitability of potential nesting sites in areas adjacent to harvest (Moser and Garton 2004). Goshawk was selected as a MIS for natural old growth. This project will not harvest burned or unburned old growth trees, so there will be no management induced change to old growth availability on the Lolo NF. There is no indication that management will reduce the availability of old growth or snag habitat for species dependent upon these resources. The scale of the project is too small in relation to the availability of such resources to change the population trend of goshawks on the Lolo NF. Goshawk habitat is abundant in the Northern Region and habitat is well distributed on the LNF (Sampson 2006.) This alternative would salvage dead or dying wood on 1,527 acres within the project area, Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 86

94 Table 3-25: Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Species Current Habitat Condition Species Determination and Effects Summary for Presence Alternative 2 range habitat, crucial winter or crucial summer range. A little winter range is present in the lower elevations of the analysis area. Migratory Song Birds A variety of forest landbirds with different habitat preferences. The Chippy Creek Fire burned about 58% of the habitat within the analysis area at various levels of canopy mortality, leaving a mosaic of unburned stands to complete stand replacement scattered over the landscape. Sixty-one percent of the Chippy Creek Fire acreage has over 75% canopy mortality. Most of this is located within the McGregor/Thompson IRA. As a result of the fire, dense forest cover, important to big game for thermal and hiding cover, is highly reduced. Only about 33% of the analysis area was unburned or sustained less than 50% canopy mortality. Most of this is at the lower elevations outside of the National Forest boundary. There are however, patches of unburned or less than 25% canopy mortality scattered along riparian zones and on north-facing slopes on NFS lands. Elk habitat security (areas more than ½ mile of an open road) is available on 50,736 acres (53% of the analysis area), and is particularly favorably configured, primarily in 2 main blocksone 3,400 acres, the other nearly 40,000 acres that spans several drainages. A mosaic of habitats is currently available due to the Chippy Creek Fire, with a greater diversity and amount of various habitats than prior to the fire. observed in 2008 in all units as well as outside of units. Deer tracks seen in lesser amounts. A variety of species is present in a variety of habitats. or 3 % of the project area. 97% of the project area would be untreated and left to recover naturally. All units are within 0.25 mile of at least one road, and there will be no increase in road density, so elk habitat security will not be affected. Harvest will decrease visual screening for big game from roads, however, since big game do utilize areas near roads, and since dead and dying trees within the units still do provide some cover from humans. Elk will leave the units temporarily during harvest activities, but are expected to be attracted to green up within the units following project completion. Elk were selected as a MIS for big game on the Lolo NF (USDA Forest Service 1988). There is no indication that implementation of project activities will reduce big game populations. Proposed activities will not affect sufficient habitat to influence population numbers of elk on the Lolo NF, but the Chippy Creek Fire has substantially increased foraging habitat, and elk numbers in the burned area are likely to increase for the next 10 years. The project will reduce snags and downed logs on 3% of the project area. This could make future travel through these areas easier compared to untreated areas, which may have very high levels of downed wood as standing trees begin to fall. The scale of the project is too small in relation to the landscape availability of foraging and cover habitat to change the population trend of elk on the Lolo NF (and presumably other big game populations as well). Habitat management for all species in one area is not possible because their habitat needs vary so widely, so a mixture of habitats as is currently available due to the Chippy Creek Fire is considered favorable to this category of wildlife. Timber harvest will disturb some birds, who will move to areas nearby. If active nests are abandoned or destroyed, some mortality will occur to eggs or young unable to fly away from activities. This will not affect population levels of migratory birds because: 1) these species are not rare, 2) the project only treats 3% of the project area and does Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 87

95 Table 3-25: Summary Wildlife Analysis for the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Species Current Habitat Condition not reduce any habitat that is limiting in the project area, 3) migratory populations are most likely spread over several acres of suitable habitats throughout the project area, and not concentrated in a particular unit, and 4) most species reproduce relatively quickly so that individual mortality effects would not be detectible to population levels and trends. These species are currently monitored by the Northern Region and the USGS Breeding and Christmas Bird Surveys ( Monitoring at these larger scales will detect species at risk and indicate the need for adaptive management. Species Determination and Effects Summary for Presence Alternative 2 Explanations for Canada lynx, gray wolf, grizzly bear, and black-backed woodpecker determinations as referenced in Table 3-25 follow. Canada Lynx Based on the above analysis, the proposed Chippy Creek Fire Salvage action may affect but is not likely to adversely affect Canada lynx. The project may affect Canada lynx because project implementation: will reduce down wood recruitment for denning habitat on 3% of the project area, could potentially reduce the suitability of live trees for red squirrels on up to 5% of stands that were possibly suitable habitat following the Chippy Creek Fire in the project area, and will temporarily increase human disturbance, possibly causing lynx to move to other areas. However, a not likely to adversely affect determination was selected because: 1. The project is compliant with the Northern Rockies Lynx Management Direction (USDA Forest Service 2007). The FWS Biological Opinion (BO) on the Northern Rockies Lynx Management Direction (NRLMD) concluded that the NRLMD would not jeopardize the continued existence of Canada lynx and would contribute to the conservation of Canada lynx (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. 2007). Furthermore, the BO determined that the NRLMD is compatible with recovery needs for lynx. The BO concluded that the NRLMD addressed, in whole or in part, each of the objectives in the FWS recovery outline for lynx. 2. The project will not reduce current denning habitat - overstory and understory cover is already highly reduced within the proposed units, existing down logs will not be removed, and slash left by project implementation may improve denning opportunities. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 88

96 3. Lynx forage primarily on snowshoe hares, and the proposed project will not reduce snowshoe hare habitat or availability to lynx (units were field checked for suitability). 4. Lynx use of red squirrels is much lower than that of snowshoe hares, so lynx are more likely to hunt in areas of higher prey availability, than in the proposed units where red squirrel habitat availability and suitability is already low. This project would not affect 95% of current potential red squirrel habitat within the project area. 5. The project will not reduce future foraging habitat - units will be planted if natural regeneration is insufficient. 6. The project will not impede lynx movement within the LAUs or affect linkages to other LAUs - riparian corridors will be unaffected, and live trees will not be harvested. Overstory and understory cover on 97% of the project area will not be reduced from current levels. 7. Snag and down wood management guidelines will maintain recruitment opportunities for future denning habitat within the units- albeit at a reduced level from what would be fully available if units were untreated. This will affect 3% of the project area; while snag and down wood on 97% of the project area will not be reduced from current levels. Recruitment of down wood for denning habitat will be unaltered on 95% of the landscape in the project area (this percentage only refers to acres that have standing timber that would contribute future down wood, and does not include stands harvested previously). 8. Project-generated noise will be temporary, of short duration, will include periods of no disturbance daily, and will occur during a year when lynx are not likely to be utilizing the units due to lack of current foraging habitat. Chippy and Bear Creek drainages within the McGregor/Thompson IRA provide a large area away from project-generated noise that is within daily traveling distance from all units. 9. The noise and disturbance effects of this project in combination with on-going and future activities is smaller than what has occurred in 2007 and Grizzly Bear The proposed Chippy Creek Fire Salvage action may affect but is not likely to adversely affect grizzly bears. The project may affect grizzly bear because: There is enough suitable habitat within the analysis area to support a female grizzly bear with cubs. There was a record of a grizzly bear track in the analysis area in 1992 (W. Kasworm, personal communication). The Cabinet Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone is located 5 miles to the west of the nearest proposed unit, and a grizzly bear could potentially travel through habitat between that area and the analysis area. If a grizzly bear were present in the analysis area, the project could cause temporary noise disturbance, possibly causing a grizzly bear to move to other areas. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 89

97 Removal of dead and dying trees will temporarily diminish horizontal cover (which provides hiding cover for bears) until vegetation grows tall enough to provide visual screening from the road again. Mortality risks associated with increased human presence in grizzly bear habitat will temporarily increase during and after project implementation due to easier access (walking, biking) along closed roads. However, a not likely to adversely affect determination was selected because: 1. The project is not within a Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone, nor a mapped area of grizzly bear occupancy outside of, but adjacent to a Recovery Zone, nor a Bear Management Analysis Area (USDA Forest Service 1992), nor is it in an identified linkage between such areas. 2. No new roads will be built and all roads currently closed to the public will be used only as needed for project implementation and re-closed post-project.. Average road density in the project area is 1.7 mi./sq.mi., which is below the LNF Plan requirement of 6.7 mi./sq. mi. Linear road density for the analysis area is 2.1 mi./sq./mi (including only National Forest System roads and private roads). Road density outside of the McGregor/Thompson IRA is 3.7 mi./sq.mi. and road density within the IRA is 1.2 mi./sq. mi. (Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Transportation Analysis Report 2007, project files). The Moving Windows analysis is not required outside of the Grizzly Bear Recovery Zones (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, Selkirk-Cabinet/Yaak subcommittee, 1998). 3. Habitat security, habitat more than.25 mile from an open road (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, Selkirk-Cabinet/Yaak subcommittee, 1998), is very important to grizzly bears. There are no requirements for habitat security within the project area, however, due to the McGregor/Thompson IRA, nearly 65 sq. mi. of habitat security is available on National Forest lands within the analysis area. 4. The analysis area is classified as Management Situation-2 (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee 1986). This refers to land that lacks distinct grizzly bear population centers, is generally without highly suitable habitat, but has occasional presence (based on the 1992 track). Management guidelines are to maintain habitat conditions, which this project will do. 5. Proposed units are not currently vegetative feeding habitat or likely to be denning habitat, so project implementation will not reduce availability of these habitats. 6. The project will not affect future cover habitat since units will be restocked (planted) if natural regeneration is not sufficient. 7. Project-generated noise will be temporary, of short duration, will include periods of no disturbance daily, and will occur in a year when grizzly bears are not likely to be utilizing the areas within and adjacent to proposed units due to lack of current cover and forage habitat. 8. Noise and disturbance effects of this project, in combination with on-going and future activities will be smaller than what has occurred in 2007 and Grizzly bears are more likely to occur within the several square miles of undisturbed Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 90

98 habitat available within Chippy and Bear Creek drainages within the McGregor/Thompson IRA, than within.25 mile of the roads where units are proposed. The IRA provides nearly 65 sq. mi. of habitat security away from project-generated noise that is within daily traveling distance from all units. 10. Project implementation will not impede bear movement within the project area or foreclose current or future linkage opportunities to other habitats outside the project area. Riparian corridors will be unaffected, and live trees will not be harvested, so overstory and understory cover outside of riparian areas will not be reduced from current levels. 11. Sanitation requirements will reduce the potential for human/bear conflicts. 12. The likelihood of this project increasing the risk of human exposure to a grizzly bear to the point that one could reasonably expect bear mortality is low for the following reasons: 13. The size of the project or analysis area is only large enough for at least 1 grizzly bear. If a grizzly bear is present within the analysis area, it is most likely to occur in areas with the highest forage; or in the most undisturbed areas, such as in the McGregor/Thompson Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA). The probability of a grizzly bear being in a unit located along a road, particularly in Big Rock Creek drainage where there has been substantial private timber management activity, should be low. 14. The suitability of habitat adjacent to roads in the project area is highly reduced due to current lack of cover, forbs, and forage, so the probability of bears occurring in or adjacent to the proposed units is lower than in areas where there is more attractive habitat. 15. Project activities are not expected to attract bears to the units (grizzly bear sanitation standards will be required). 16. Project-generated increases in traffic will occur for a short time (probably 2-6 weeks) and will occur in areas where road density is lowest (on the seasonally closed roads) so traffic will be low speed due to the road conditions. Accidental collision is lower where traffic speeds are low. Where road density is higher and road conditions allow faster speeds, motorized traffic is faster and occurs at much greater frequency due to higher public and commercial use (regardless of the proposed project). Grizzly bear presence along those roads is less likely, but in some areas, bears become habituated to noise. 17. Improved access to the project area for motorized vehicles will be temporary. Within the next years, non-motorized access will be reduced on 7 miles due to brush and tree encroachment associated with decommissioning. Gray Wolf The proposed Chippy Creek Fire Salvage action may affect but is not likely to adversely affect gray wolves. The project may affect gray wolves because: Gray wolves are present in the project area. Project implementation would decrease visual screening for both big game, and wolves Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 91

99 from the road, since dead and dying trees within the units still do provide some cover from the humans on the roads. Project implementation noise and activity is likely to cause temporary displacement from areas near the proposed units. Improving access on 6 miles of currently overgrown roads will slightly increase mortality risk to wolves from illegal shooting. However, a not likely to adversely affect determination was selected because: 1. There are no known wolf dens or rendezvous sites within 1.5 miles the project area, and units are not likely to have such sites due to being within.25 mile of a road. If such sites are found within 1 mile of proposed units, no activities will take place between April 15 and June 30 to avoid impacting wolf reproduction (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). 2. The project will not reduce the future potential for denning or rendezvous site units to be established within or adjacent to treatment areas. 3. The removal of dead and dying trees on 2% of the analysis area will have negligible effects to the landscape in terms of big game (wolf prey) habitat. The project will not reduce the future potential for units to become elk foraging habitat, because project design features will protect soil productivity. 4. The project will not foreclose current or future linkage opportunities because wolves use a variety of habitats and are expanding habitat use in western Montana, as evidenced by growing numbers of packs (Sime and others 2008). 5. Upon completion of the project, prey and wolf use and movement within the analysis area will be unchanged because slash will not be over 2 feet deep. Movement within treated areas could be better than conditions in untreated burned forests. 6. Noise associated with the project will be temporary, and of less amounts than during 2007 and 2008, and wolves are expected to return to the area following disturbance. 7. The risk of traffic caused mortality is very low. These roads are narrow, dirt surface forest roads where traffic is very low speed and limited to project implementation. No new roads will be built. 8. The increase in mortality risk due to human exposure and improved access on existing roads is not likely to result in wolf take. These roads will be closed yearlong to motorized traffic when salvage activities are completed. In 2007, 7% of the wolves killed in Montana were killed illegally and 72% of the wolf mortalities were management actions due to livestock depredation, yet the population increased (Sime and others 2008). Therefore, the additional risk of illegal wolf mortality associated with this alternative is deemed to be extremely low, and negligible to the Montana wolf population and recovery status. Black-backed Woodpecker The Chippy Creek Fire Salvage project may impact individual black-backed woodpeckers, but Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 92

100 would not likely contribute to a trend towards Federal listing or loss of viability to the population or species for the following reasons: 1. Upon project completion, 95% of high value habitat created by the Chippy Creek Fire will be left untreated to provide habitat for black-backed woodpeckers. The salvage project would remove or degrade approximately 4% of the high value habitat on the LNF created by the Chippy Creek Fire. 2. Nest sites within units will be protected from harvest activities during the breeding season. 3. Project-generated disturbance is short-term, and any individuals disturbed by associated noise can readily move to other similar and highly suitable habitat nearby and in adjacent drainages in the McGregor/Thompson IRA, where no harvest will be conducted. 4. The amount of suitable foraging and nesting habitat for black-backed woodpeckers following project completion is nearly sufficient within the project area to support a viable population on its own (Samson 2006b). 5. Black-backed woodpecker habitat in the Northern Region is abundant and well distributed across the Region and by Forest (Bonn and others 2007). There are no population viability concerns. 6. Habitat for the black-backed woodpecker has recently increased, and amounts are expected to increase as fires and insect outbreaks continue to increase in size (Gallant and others 2003, Hessburg and Agee 2003, Hessburg and others 2005). 7. Cumulative amount of salvage timber harvest of the forested landscape in the Northern Regions is insignificant (Samson 2006a). 8. Well-distributed habitat for black-backed woodpeckers across Region 1 far exceeds that needed for a minimum viable population, given the natural distribution of this species and their habitats, and according to the scientific literature (Samson 2006a and 2006b). The determinations in Table 3-25 indicate that compared to what is currently available, none of the habitat that will be affected by the project is limited in supply within the project area, and the availability of current and future habitats will not be reduced to a point that would affect the persistence of these species The Fire Section demonstrates that the past and expected future availabililty of burned habitat at the regional and forest level is available in large quantities, as well. Since these species represent a wide variety of habitat requirements, including post-fire habitat dependency for foraging and nesting, utilization of conifer regeneration, use of rejuvenated forage, browse, and eventually cover, and short-term as well as long term availability of snags and downed logs, the requirements for a wider suite of species is expected to be available as well. Riparian and old growth habitat (both burned and unburned) will not be altered by this project. Past salvage logging has been associated with negative ecosystem effects, particularly where large acreages or sensitive areas are treated without resource protection measures. Salvage logging has undergone adaptive management changes, as better information has become available on the effects of such management. In a multiple use environment, with competing Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 93

101 management goals for timber management and ecosystem maintenance, the recommendations by Lindenmayer and Noss 2006 seemed prudent and were applied to this project: Salvage logging was excluded from some areas, including IRA and old-growth. 97% of the unburned and partially burned patches within the perimeter of the Chippy Creek Fire will be untreated. Snag and down wood guidelines will be applied to salvage units to retain some biological legacies, however, due to the minor amount of habitat treated and the lack of treatment on 97% of the project area, no attempt was made to mimic natural processes (Hutto 2006). All old growth legacies, both burned and unburned, are maintained. Down wood requirements were incorporated to protect soils from erosion. RHCAs will be maintained to protect aquatic resources and riparian habitats. Salvage logging on sensitive soils is scheduled for winter to avoid soil impacts. Regeneration is expected to substantially occur through natural means. Habitat was maintained on 97% of the Chippy Creek Fire within the National Forest for species of concern associated within the burned area. INFISH guidelines were utilized to ensure adequate riparian buffers. Harvest was limited to 3% of the area affect the Chippy Creek Fire, and some areas wer identified for skyline logging to minimize effects on soils and streams. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: The effects of past actions such as timber harvest and on-going and reasonably foreseeable actions in the analysis area were considered in the affected environment and cumulative effects analysis. Wildlife fitness in the analysis area is likely reduced by the Chippy Creek Fire (2007) due to the current reduction of cover and forage values (USDA Forest Service 2008g). The presence and future outbreak of bark beetles will likely cause further tree mortality and reduction of overstory cover for wildlife. Wildlife that feed on wood borers and bark beetles will find better than normal foraging conditions from 2008 till about Cover and forage availability and suitability will remain low until vegetation recovers to sufficient height and density. Some individuals may have temporarily moved to find better cover or forage opportunities in the interim. Roads in the project area received higher than normal road use in 2007 and Fire suppression and rehabilitation activities increased road use. Road crossings that were washed out in spring 2008 were repaired. Following the Chippy Creek Fire, salvage harvest was conducted on private, state, and tribal land, with associated noise, road maintenance, and hauling activities. These operations were mostly completed by the end of summer, Burned habitat also attracted a higher than normal number of mushroom pickers, who not only drove the open roads, but also hiked throughout the area on closed roads and through the landscape along roads. Some pickers brought along their dogs and some set up camp in relatively remote areas. Forest Service administrative road use increased in order to assess and repair fire damage. Taken Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 94

102 together, these activities caused considerable noise and disturbance along roads in TEPC species and their prey have already adapted to this level of habitat reduction, noise, harvest activities, and hauling disturbance, or have moved to higher quality, more secure habitat. Even with the reduced forest cover resulting from the fire, there was evidence of wolf, big game, and woodpecker use adjacent to open roads in summer 2008, and evidence of bears adjacent to roads that were closed to motorized traffic. The relatively low open road density in the area provides 50,736 acres of habitat that is over ½ mile from an open road; particularly favorable, since this is predominantly one large connected segment of habitat that spans several drainages and includes riparian habitat. There are blocks of prior timber harvest within that area that survived the Chippy Creek Fire and currently provide good hiding cover for wildlife, but these do not yet have the thermal cover value that was previously available in the unburned more mature stands. Ongoing and future activities in the analysis area will include a large amount of tree planting on private, state and federal properties, road maintenance activities, and noxious weed reduction. The amount of tree planting will depend upon the degree of natural regeneration. The duration of these activities will be short, generally lasting a few hours to a few days, will not occur during winter, and will be dispersed over time. As habitat improves for big game in the next 3-10 years, there will likely be increased hunting pressure. Mushroom harvest will decrease substantially, since pickers will prioritize newer burns which have higher mushroom yields. Livestock grazing in the Little Thompson LAU (Little Thompson Allotment) will be managed to ensure recovery of the areas affected by the Chippy Creek Fire. Overall road use in the analysis area and project area will be of less duration, more intermittent, and less noisy than the relatively high level of fire suppression, salvage and road maintenance that occurred in 2007 and This is expected to be an improved condition for TEPC wildlife in In 2010 and beyond, noise levels will be substantially reduced, since salvage activities will be pretty much done, and ongoing plantation activities will be less obtrusive. When stocking levels are attained, disturbance in the project area should be minimal for many years thereafter until thinning operations begin. The project area is predominantly a timber management area (MA-16). No additional Forest Service projects are currently planned within the analysis area. Any future federal projects will undergo separate NEPA analysis. The Chippy Creek Fire Salvage project will remove dead and dying trees and reduce snag and future down log habitat on an additional 3% of the project area, or 2% of the analysis area. Noise associated with this activity will be temporary and less than has occurred during the Chippy Creek Fire suppression and in the year thereafter, when private, state, and tribal lands were heavily salvage logged. Road density will be unaltered as no new roads will be constructed. Road maintenance and roadside hazard tree removal will cause temporary shortterm noise and displacement from roadside habitat, and will reduce visual screening from the road to a small degree (since understory cover is low in many areas, and the remaining trees are predominantly burned). Reconstruction and clearing of 6 miles of overgrown roads will make human access easier into the units, and will take years to recover to brushed in condition and level of habitat security for wildlife. These roads are all closed to motorized use already, except for snow mobiles after December 1. Storage and decommissioning 7 miles of road inside Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 95

103 and outside of the McGregor/Thompson IRA will not change public access, but will allow these roads to brush in and improve wildlife habitat security. None of these effects, when added to the past, current, and reasonably foreseeable actions, was deemed to be sufficient to affect TES wildlife to the point of reducing individual or population viability (discussed in greater detail in the the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Wildlife Report (2008, see project files). Effects to wildlife in the project area are on-going; changing over time with the ebb and flow of natural events, climate, human recreational use, and the seasons of timber management activities. The relative value of the habitat within the project area and the analysis area will change over time, as well; being better at some times than at others. Most wildlife populations are resilient to such changes, and population trends will respond to match habitat quality and availability. When there are indications that a species is in peril of survival, adaptive management on federal land changes to meet the requirements of the Endangered Species Act and policies for sensitive species. Forest Service management direction and environmental analyses were developed to proactively address these issues ISSUE: Salvage logging may remove post-fire habitats for wildlife species and negatively effect biological diversity. Indicators: Unique or limited types of habitat within the project area. Unique or endemic wildlife species within the project area. CONCLUSION: None of the habitats that will be affected by proposed activities are limited in supply within the project area, and the availability of current and future habitats will not be reduced to a point that would affect the persistence of these species. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: Alternative 1 Fire dependent species, such as black-backed woodpeckers, will be using the burned area for the next 6 or so years, depending upon the availability of wood boring larvae. Other species such as a variety of birds and insects, will also take advantage of post-burn conditions. Some of these species do not utilize unburned habitats to great extent. Alternative 1 would not alter any post fire habitats, thus there would be no effect to biological diversity. Alternative 2 Currently, the project area is 61% pole or larger sized trees that were burned in the Chippy Creek Fire. This is a limited type of habitat providing fire dependent species with habitat for about 6 years post-fire. There is no indication that any TES, MIS, or other species of concern are endemic to the project area, and although some species are highly specialized in their habitat requirements or are relatively rare, their distribution ranges far beyond western Montana. The project will remove 1527 acres of burned or dying pole or larger sized trees, but not oldgrowth, as shown in Table 3-26: Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 96

104 Table 3-26: Analysis of Habitat Within Units vs Total Amount Available Pole and larger sized timber habitat within units Total amount of pole and larger sized timber habitat within the project area. % pole and larger sized timber habitat proposed for treatment. Acres with 0-25% Canopy Mortality Acres with 25-75% Canopy Mortality Acres with Over 75% Canopy Mortality ,484 4% 5% 3% Table 3-26 indicates the types of habitats associated with species of concern that are available within proposed units. Species determinations (as displayed in Table 3-25) indicate that compared to what is currently available, none of the habitats that will be affected by proposed activities are limited in supply within the project area, and the availability of current and future habitats will not be reduced to a point that would affect the persistence of these species. Past and expected future availabililty of burned habitat at the regional and forest level is available in large quantities, as well (see Vegetation Section). Since these species represent a wide variety of habitat requirements, from relatively open to relatively closed canopy, upland sites to riparian sites, the requirements for a wider suite of species is expected to be available as well. Riparian and old growth habitat (both burned and unburned), any suitable winter habitat for snowshow hares (and hence for lynx), and live trees will not be altered by this project. To date, there is no indication that current or future habitat within the proposed units is limited to the point that the proposed harvest would reduce the number of different species that would normally utilize the current habitat within the project area. Alternative 2 will not remove enough acres of post fire habitats to have any effect on wildlife diversity CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: Black-backed woodpecker is the species most dependent on recent postburn habitat. Habitat for black-backed woodpeckers on the LNF has been abundant with 137,409 acres of fire-killed habitat between 2000 and 2003, and 173,647 acres of insect-killed trees during the same period (Samson 2006). Habitat created by fires in is likely loosing its value; however statistics on regional disturbance for the period of indicate that approximately 273,000 acres of Forest Service land burned per year (compiled by Region 1, May 20, 2008, using Regional GIS fire history layer). In 2007, 143,397 acres burned on the Lolo NF alone. Past salvage harvest within burned areas on the Lolo NF has been very low. Approximately 338,845 acres burned on the Lolo NF from In that time span, less than 1% (about 1762 acres) has been harvested (Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Project Fire Report 2008, project files). Viable populations of black-backed woodpecker are estimated to be able to exist when habitat amounts exceed 29,405 acres (Samson 2006b). Based on this, the project area by itself is nearly large enough to support a viable population of black-backed woodpeckers, prior to considering the likely addition of insect killed trees in the next few years. In combination with the large acreage of other recent fires on the LNF and within Region 1, population viability does not Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 97

105 appear to be a current concern for black-backed woodpeckers regionally. Since at least 26,810 acres of high value habitat would be untreated by this alternative, the cumulative impact of the proposed harvest of 1527 acres on black-backed woodpecker habitat would be negligible to species viability ISSUE: Proposed activities may negatively affect habitat connectivity and biological corridors. Indicators: Linkages for wildlife in or adjacent to the project area that connect to other areas inside of or outside of the project. CONCLUSION: No identified linkages exist for Threatened and Endangered wildlife species within or adjacent to the analysis area. The project area is not a linkage between Grizzly Bear Recovery Zones or Lynx Analysis Units, and gray wolves utilize all the habitats within and around the project area. There are no project-generated effects that will prevent or alter the use of the project area for travel by TES species. Riparian corridors will not be affected by the project due to RHCAs. All species have been known to cross clearings, or have ample opportunites to travel around the units in unaltered habitat. Treated units may have fewer downed logs in the future compared to landscape outside the units, and may be easier for big game to travel through. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS: The effects of past actions such as timber harvest and on-going and reasonably foreseeable actions in the analysis area were considered in the affected environment and cumulative effects analysis. Wildlife fitness in the analysis area is likely reduced by the Chippy Creek Fire (2007) due to the current reduction of cover and forage values (USDA Forest Service 2008g). The presence and likely future outbreak of bark beetles will likely cause further tree mortality and reduction of overstory cover for wildlife. Wildlife that feed on wood borers and bark beetles will find better than normal foraging conditions from 2008 till about Cover and forage availability and suitability will remain low until vegetation recovers to sufficient height and density. Some individuals may have temporarily moved to find better cover or forage opportunities in the interim. Roads in the project area received higher than normal road use in 2007 and Fire suppression and rehabilitation activities increased road use, including activities to repair road crossings that were washed out in the spring Following the Chippy Creek Fire, salvage harvest was conducted on private, state, and tribal land, with associated noise, road maintenance, and hauling activities. These operations were pretty much completed by the end of summer, Burned habitat also attracted a higher than normal number of mushroom pickers, who not only drove the open roads, but also hiked throughout the area on closed roads and through the landscape along roads. Some pickers brought along their dogs and some set up camp in relatively remote areas. Forest Service administrative road use increased in order to assess and repair fire damage. Taken together, these activities caused considerable noise and disturbance along roads in TEPC species and their prey have already adapted to this level of habitat reduction, noise, harvest activities and hauling disturbance, or have moved to more secure Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 98

106 habitat. Ongoing and future activities in the analysis area will include a large amount of tree planting on private, state and federal properties, road maintenance activities, and noxious weed reduction. The duration of these activities will be short, generally lasting a few hours to a few days, will not occur during winter, and will be dispersed over time. As habitat improves for big game in the next 3-10 years, there will likely be increased hunting pressure. Mushroom harvest will decrease substantially, since pickers will prioritize newer burns which have higher mushroom yields. Livestock grazing in the Little Thompson LAU (Little Thompson Allotment) will be managed to ensure recovery of the areas affected by the Chippy Creek Fire. Overall road use in the analysis area and project area will be of less duration, more intermittent, and less noisy than the relatively high level of fire suppression, salvage and road maintenance that occurred in 2007 and This is expected to be an improved condition for TEPC wildlife in In 2010 and beyond, noise levels will be substantially reduced, since salvage activities will be pretty much done, and ongoing plantation activities will be less obtrusive. When stocking levels are attained, disturbance in the project area should be minimal for many years thereafter until thinning operations begin. The project area is predominantly a timber management area (MA-16). No additional Forest Service projects are currently planned within the analysis area. Any future federal projects will undergo separate NEPA analysis. The effects of this project include removal of dead and dying trees, and a reduction in snag and future down log habitat on 3% of the project area. Noise associated with this activity will be temporary and less than has occurred during the Chippy Creek Fire suppression and in the year thereafter as private, state, and tribal lands were heavily salvage logged. Road density will be unaltered as no new roads will be constructed. Road maintenance and roadside hazard tree removal will cause temporary short-term noise and displacement from roadside habitat, and will reduce visual screening from the road to a small degree (since understory cover is low in many areas, and the remaining trees are predominantly burned). Reconstruction and clearing of 6 miles of overgrown roads will make human access easier into the units, and will take years to recover to brushed in condition and level of habitat security for wildlife. These roads are all closed to motorized use already, except for snow mobiles after December 1. Decommissioning 7 miles of road inside and outside of the McGregor/Thompson IRA will not change public access, but will allow these roads to brush in and improve wildlife habitat security. None of these effects, when added to the past, current, and reasonably foreseeable actions, was deemed to be sufficient to affect TES wildlife to the point of reducing individual or population viability (discussed in greater detail in the the Chippy Creek Fire Salvage Wildlife Report (2008, see project files). Effects to TEPC wildlife in the project area are on-going; changing over time with the ebb and flow of natural events, climate, human recreational use, and the seasons of timber management activities. The relative value of the habitat within the project area and the analysis area will change over time, as well; being better at some times than at others. Most wildlife populations are resilient to such changes, and population trends will respond to match habitat quality and availability. When there are indications that a species is in peril of survival, adaptive Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 99

107 management on federal land changes to meet the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. Forest Service management direction and environmental analyses were developed to proactively address these issues. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 3 Page 100

108 CHAPTER 4 - AGENCIES AND PERSONS CONSULTED Agencies and Organizations Consulted United States Fish and Wildlife Service Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM District Ranger Randy Hojem Lolo National Forest Fisheries Biologist Fran Smith ACT 2 Enterprise Team Wildlife Biologist Brigitta VanderRaay ACT 2 Enterprise Team NEPA Shirley Frank ACT 2 Enterprise Team GIS Bonnie Allison ACT 2 Enterprise Team Hydrologist Mark Reichert ACT 2 Enterprise Team Soils Scientist Mark VanDeermer TEAMS Enterprise Team Soils Scientist Tricia Burgoyne TEAMS Enterprise Team Archaeologist Tim Light Flathead National Forest Transportation Engineer Ron Schlader Lolo National Forest Logging Systems Dan Castillo Lolo National Forest Forest Botanist Craig Odegard Lolo National Forest Forest Silviculturist Steve Slaughter Lolo National Forest Silviculturist John Errecart Lolo National Forest Regional Economist Keith Stockmann Region 1 TECHNICAL ADVISORS Wildlife Biologist Dave Wrobleski Lolo National Forest NEPA Coordinator Chris Partyka Lolo National Forest GIS Specialist Kandi Staley Lolo National Forest Fisheries Biologist Jennifer Mickelson Lolo National Forest Archaeologist Milo McLeod Lolo National Forest Hydrologist Skip Rosequist Lolo National Forest Hydrologist Amy Beussink Lolo National Forest Fuels Dewey Arnold Lolo National Forest Forester (Economics) Dave Clay Lolo National Forest Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 4 Page 101

109 CHAPTER 5 LITERATURE CITED Ablutz, Mike. Burned Area Assessment Lolo National Forest, Missoula, MT. March pages. Amman, Gene D., and Cole, Walter E Mountain Pine Beetle Dynamics in Lodgepole Pine Forests, Part II: Population Dynamics. Gen Tech Rep INT-145. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. July Arno, S.F., J.H. Scott and M.G. Hartwell Age-class structure of old-growth ponderosa pine/douglas-fir stands and its relationship to fire history. Res. Pap. INT-RP-481. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. Arno, Stephen F.; Harrington, Michael G The Interior West: managing fire-dependent forests by simulating natural disturbance regimes. In: Forest Products Society. Forest management into the next century: what will make it work? 1997 November 19-21; Spokane, WA. Proc.: Arno, S. F.; Harrington, M. G.; Fiedler, C. E.; Carlson, C. E Using Silviculture and Prescribed Fire to Reduce Fire Hazard and Improve Health in Ponderosa Pine Forests. Proceedings: Seventeenth Annual Forest Vegetation Management Conference, January 16-18, Red Lion Inn, Redding, CA. Beschta, R.L., Rhodes, J.J., Kauffman, J.B., Gresswell, R.E., Minshall, G.W., Karr, J.R., Perry, D.A., Hauer, F.R., Frissell, C.A Postfire Management on Forested Public Lands of the Western United States. Conservation Biology, Vol. 18, No. 4, pp Beschta, R. L., Frissell, C.A., Gresswell, R.E., Hauer, F.R., Karr, J.R., Minshall, G.W., Perry, D.A., Rhodes, J.J Wildfire and Salvage Logging. 16 pages. Brewer, L.T., R. Bush, J.E. Canfield, and A.R. Dohmen Northern Goshawk Northern Region Overview Key Findings and Project Considerations. USDA Forest Service Northern Goshawk Working Group, Northern Region. 57 pp. Brown, J.K.; Smith, J.K. eds Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on flora. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-vol.2 Odgen, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 257 p. Bush, R., Berglund, D., Leach, A., Lundberg, R., Zack, A., 2006, Estimates of Old Growth for the Northern Region and National Forests, USDA Forest Service, Region 1, Forest and Range Management, Missoula, MT. Byler, J.W., Marsden, M.A., and Hagle, S.K The probability of root disease on the Lolo National Forest, Montana. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, Vol. 20; Copeland, J Biology of the wolverine in central Idaho. M.S. Thesis, Univ. of Idaho, Moscow, ID. 138 pp. Dahms, W.G How long do ponderosa pine snags stand? Research Note 57. Portland, OR: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 3 pages. Donato, D.C Post-Wildfire Logging Hinders Regeneration and Increases Fire Risk. Science magazine, January 20, 2006, Vol. 311 no. 5759, p Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 5 Page 102

110 Elliot W. J. and L. M. Tysdal Understanding and reducing erosion from insloping roads. J. Forestry 97(8): Filip, G.M. and Schmitt, C.L Rx for Abies: Silvicultural Options for Diseased Firs in Oregon and Washington. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, Oregon. PNW-GTR-252, November pages. Fischer, William C., Bradley, Anne F Fire Ecology of Western Montana Forest Habitat Types. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-223. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, UT. 95 pages. Gallant, A.A., J. Hansen, J.S. Councilman, D.K. Monte, and D.W. Betz Vegetation dynamics under fire exclusion and logging in a Rocky Mountain watershed. Ecological Applications 13: Gibson, K Mountain Pine Beetle Management. Forest Health Protection and State Forestry Organizations. Forest Health Protection, Northern Region, Insect and Disease Management Guide. March 2004, Gibson, K., Lieser, E., and Ping, B Bark beetle outbreaks following the Little Wolf Fire. Tally Lake Ranger District, Flathead National Forest. Forest Health Protection Report 99-7, May pages. Graham, R. T.; Harvey, A. E.; Jain, T. B.; Tonn, J. R The Effects of Thinning and Similar Stand Treatments on Fire Behavior in Western Forests. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-463. Portland, OR. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. Green P., Hann W. J., Joy J., Sirucek D., Zack A., Naumann B Old growth forest types of the Northern Region. USDA Forest Service Northern Region Missoula MT. 68 pages. Hadfield, J.S., Goheen, D.J., Filip, G.M. Schmitt, C.L., and Harvey, R.D Root Diseases in Oregon and Washington Conifers. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Forest Pest Management, Portland, Oregon. R6-FPM pages. Hagle, S Annosus Root Disease: True firs, Douglas-fir, spruce, hemlock and cedar. Forest Health Protection and State Forestry Organizations. Forest Health Protection, Northern Region, Insect and Disease Management Guide. January 2006, Harrington, M.G Fall rates of prescribed fire-killed ponderosa pine. INT-RP-489. Ogden, UT: USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 7 pages. Hartwell, Michael G.; Alaback, Paul; Arno, Stephen F Comparing historic and modern forests on the Bitterroot Front. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: Hessburg, P.F., and J.K. Agee An environmental narrative of inland northwest United States Forest. Forest Ecology and Management 178:23-59 Hessburg, P.F., J.K. Agee, and J.F. Franklin Dry forests and wildlife fires in the inland Northwest USA: contrasting landscape ecology of the pre-settlement and modern eras. Forest Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 5 Page 103

111 Ecology and Management 211 (2005) Hillis, J. M., M. J. Thompson, J. E. Canfield, L. J. Lyon, C. L. Marcum, P. M. Dolan, and D.W. McCleery Defining elk security: the Hillis Paradigm. Proc. Elk Vulnerability Symposium, Montana State University. pp Hoffman, J.T., Dwarf Mistletoe Management. Forest Health Protection and State Forestry Organizations. Forest Health Protection, Northern Region, Insect and Disease Management Guide. May 2004, Hood, Sharon M Delayed Conifer Tree Mortality following Fire in California. Hornocker, M.G. and H.S. Hash Ecology of the wolverine in northwestern Montana. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 59: Hungerford, Roger D., et al Influence of Fire on Factors that Affect Site Productivity. Gen Tech Rep INT-280. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Res Sta. Reprinted from: Proceedings Management and Productivity of Western-Montane Forest Soils. Hutto, R.L Toward meaningful snag management guidelines for postfire salvage logging in North American conifer forests. Conservation Biology 20: Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Interagency grizzly bear guidelines. U.S. Forest Service, Washington, D.C. 100 pp. Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, Selkirk-Cabinet/Yaak subcommittee, Selkirk/Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery Areas Interim Access Management Rule Set. 10 pp. Jones, Jeffrey L. and Edward O. Garton Selection of successional stages by fishers in northcentral Idaho. pp In: Buskirk, S.W., A.S. Harestad, M.G. Raphael, and R.A. Powell (Editors) Martens, Sables, and Fishers: biology and conservation. Cornell University Press. pp xvi+484. Kegley, S Douglas-fir Beetle Management. Forest Health Protection and State Forestry Organizations. Forest Health Protection, Northern Region, Insect and Disease Management Guide. April, Keegan, Charles E. and Todd A. Morgan Montana s forest products industry in transition. Western Montana In Business Monthly. August Vol. 5 No. 8. Leland, Pierce Boreal toad (Bufo boreas boreas) Recovery Plan. New Mexico Department of Fish and Game. Santa Fe, NM. 25 pp. Lichtenberg, Janene, J. Kirwin Werner, and Art Soukkala Efforts to re-establish northern leopard frogs on the Flathead Indian Reservation. 1 page In: Conference abstracts, 9th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network, September 2004, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 60 pp. Lindenmayer, D.B., and R.F. Noss Salvage logging, ecosystem processes, and biodiversity conservation. Conservation Biology 20(4): Lockman, B Annosus Root Disease: P-Type, Ecology and Management. Forest Health Protection and State Forestry Organizations. Forest Health Protection, Northern Region, Insect Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 5 Page 104

112 and Disease Management Guide. January 2006, Logan, Robert, Water Quality BMPs for Montana Forests. Lolo Forest Plan. USDA Forest Service, Lolo National Forest, Missoula, MT. April Lolo NF Burned Area Assessment Lolo National Forest, Missoula, MT. March pages. Losensky, B.J (in draft). Historical vegetation in Region One by climatic area. On file at Lolo National Forest, Fire Management, Missoula, MT. Lyon, L.J Attrition of lodgepole pine snags on the sleeping child burn, MT. Research Note INT-219. Ogden, UT: USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 4 pages. Lyon, Jack L., and Peter F. Stickney. Early Vegetal Succession Following Large Northern Rocky Mountain Wildfire. In Proc. Montana Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference and Fire and Land Management symposium, No 14, 1974: Maxell, Bryce A Amphibian and aquatic reptile inventories conducted on and around the Thompson River Report submitted to Region 1, US Forest Service and Plum Creek Timber Company. 83 pp. McIver, J.D. and L. Starr, Editors Environmental Effects of Post Fire Logging: Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography. USDA forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station General Technical Report PNW-GTR-486. Portland, OR pp Niehoff, G Soil NEPA analysis process and source of soil disturbance model coefficients. Unpublished report available from Idaho Panhandle National Forests Supervisors Office, Coeur d Alene, Idaho. Pfankuch, D Vegetation manipulation guidelines for the Lolo National Forest; a revision and updating of the October 1967 procedures. USDA Forest Service. Lolo National Forest. April, pages. Pfister, Robert D., et al, Forest Habitat Types of Montana. Gen Tech. Rep. INT-34. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, UT. 174 pages. Pollet, J Effect of Thinning and Prescribed Burning on Wildfire Severity in Ponderosa Pine Forests. Final Report. Agreement INT RJVA. Western Forest Fire Research Center, Department of Forest Sciences, College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO. Submitted to Dr. Stephen F. Arno, Intermountain Research Station, Intermountain Fire Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, MT. Reinhardt, E.D.; Ryan, K.C Estimating tree mortality resulting from prescribed fire. In: Symposium proceedings: Prescribed fire in the Intermountain Region. D.M. Baumgartner, D.W. Breuer, B.A. Zamora, L.F. Neuenschwander, and R.H. Wakimoto (eds). Pullman, WA: Washington State University: pp Reynolds, R.T., R.T. Graham, M.H. Reiser, R.L. Bassett, P.L. Kennedy, D.A. Boyce, Jr., G. Goodwin, R. Smith, and E.L. Fisher Management recommendations for the Northern goshawk in the southwestern United States. USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-217. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 5 Page 105

113 90pp. Robichaud, Peter R Erosion Risk Management Tool (ERMiT) user manual (version ). Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-188. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 24 pages. Ryan, K.C Evaluating potential tree mortality from prescribed fire. In: Symposium proceedings, Site preparation and fuels management on steep terrain. D.M. Baumgartner (ed.) Pullman, WA: Washington State University: pp Samson, F. B. 2006a. A Conservation assessment of the northern goshawk, blacked-backed woodpecker, flammulated owl, and pileated woodpecker in R1, USDA Forest Service. Unpublished report on file, Northern Region, Missoula, Montana, USA. 161 pages. Samson, F. B. 2006b. Habitat estimates for maintaining viable populations of the northern goshawk, black-backed woodpecker, flammulated owl, pileated woodpecker, American martin, and fisher. Unpublished report on file, Northern Region, Missoula, Montana, USA. 24 pp. Scott, Donald W Factors Affecting Survival of Fire Injured Trees. Sime, Carolyn A., V. Asher, L. Bradley, K. Laudon, M. Ross, J. Trapp, M. Atkinson, and J. Steuber Montana gray wolf conservation and management 2007 annual report. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Helena, Montana. 137 pages. Stickney, Peter F. Effects of Fire on Flora: Northern Rocky Mountain Forest Plants. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. March Thies, W. G Laminated root rot, the quest for control. Journal of Forestry. 82: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service National Forest Landscape Management Volume 2, Chapter 1, Visual Management System, Agricultural Handbook 462. USDA Lolo Forest Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision. Lolo National Forest, Missoula, Montana. USDA Our Approach to Sustaining Ecological Systems. USDA Forest Service, Northern Region. USDA Analysis of the Region 1 Situation. USDA Forest Service, Northern Region. USDA Forest Service Forest plan monitoring and evaluation report, fiscal year Lolo National Forest, Missoula, Montana. USDA An Assessment of Ecosystem Components in the Interior Columbia Basin and Portions of the Klamath and Great Basins, Volume II. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-405. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. June USDA Northern Region Overview: Detailed Report. USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, Missoula, Montana. October USDA 1999a. Northern Region Overview: Summary. USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, Missoula, Montana. 44 pages. USDA 1999b. Region 1 Soil Quality Guidelines. USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, Missoula, Montana. USDA Forest Insect and Disease Conditions in the United States for years 2001 Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 5 Page 106

114 through USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection. December USDA Wildland Fire in Ecosystems: Effects of Fire on Flora. Gen Tech. Rep RMRS- GTR-42-Volume 2. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. December USDA Forest Service Lolo National Forest Grizzly Bear Management Strategy. Lolo National Forest, Missoula, MT. 3 pp. USDA Forest Service Survivability and Deterioration of Fire-Injured Trees in the Northern Rocky Mountains: A Review of the Literature. Report USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. October USDA Forest Service Northern Region Snag Management Protocol. Snag Protocol Team, USDA Forest Service Region 1, Missoula, MT. Unpublished. 33 pp. USDA Forest Service. 2002a. Chippy Rock Ecosystem Management Analysis. USDA Forest Service. 2002b. Lolo National Forest Post Burn Final Environmental Impact Statement. USDA Forest Service, Lolo National Forest, Missoula, Montana. USDA Forest Service. 2006a. Lolo National Forest Down Woody Material Guide. USDA Forest Service. 2006b. Draft Evaluation of Potential Wilderness Areas Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo National Forests. 113 pg. document USDA Forest Service Northern Rockies Lynx Management Direction, Record of Decision. National Forests in Montana, and parts of Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah. March pp, + 15 p. Attachment 1- Northern Rockies Lynx Management Direction. Final Environmental Impact Statement is available at USDA Forest Service. 2007a. Integrated Weed Management EIS. December, pages. USDA Forest Service. 2007b. Chippy Creek Fire BAER plan. USDA Forest Service. 2007c. Montana Forest Insect and Disease Conditions and Program Highlights. Report USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, Forest Health Protection and Montana Dept. of Natural Resource and Conservation Forestry Division. 80 pages. USDA Forest Service. 2008a. Chippy Creek Salvage Project Weed Risk Assessment. USDA Forest Service. 2008b. Chippy Creek Salvage Project Silviculture Specialist Report. Steve Slaughter, Silviculturist, Lolo National Forest. 29 pages. USDA Forest Service. 2008c. Chippy Creek Salvage Project Economic Specialist Report. Keith Stockmann, Acting Regional Economist, Northern Region. 18 pages. USDA Forest Service. 2008d. Post-fire Reforestation Assessment Chippy Creek Fire. Valerie Walker, Ref./TSI/TI Forester, Lolo National Forest. 11 pages. USDA Forest Service. 2008e. Chippy Creek Salvage Project Transportation Analysis. Ron Schlader, Transportation Engineer, Lolo National Forest. USDA Forest Service. 2008f. Chippy Creek Salvage Project Transportation Specialist Report. Ron Schlader, Transportation Engineer, Lolo National Forest. 30 pages. USDA Forest Service. 2008g. Chippy Creek Salvage Project Wildlife Specialist Report. Brigitta VanderRaay, Wildlife Biologist. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 5 Page 107

115 USDA Forest Service. 2008h. Chippy Creek Salvage Project Hydrologist Specialist Report. Mark Reicher, Hydrologist. USDA Forest Service. 2008i. Chippy Creek Salvage Project Fisheries BA/BE. Fran Smith, Fisheries Biologist. USDA Forest Service. 2008j. Chippy Creek Salvage Project Heritage Specialist Report.. USDI Fish and Wildlife Service Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, CO. 119 pp. USDI Fish and Wildlife Service Biological opinion on the effects of the Northern Rocky Mountains Lynx Amendment on the Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) (lynx) in the contiguous United States. Letter to the Region 1 US Forest Service Acting Regional Forester, Missoula, MT, dated 03/27/2007. USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, Helena, MT. 85 pp. USGS Breeding and Christmas Bird Surveys ( Wargo, P. M., and C. G. Shaw III Armillaria root rot-the puzzle is being solved. Plant Disease 69: Watt, R.F Second-growth western white pine stands: site index and species changes; normality percentage trends; mortality. U.S. Dep. Agric. Tech. Bull p. Werner, Kirwin J Status of the northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) in western Montana. Northwestern Naturalist, Vol. 84 (1): Williams, R. E., C. G. Shaw III, P. M. Wargo, and W. H. Sites Armillaria root disease. USDA-Forest Service, Forest Insect and Disease Leaflet No. 78 Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Chapter 5 Page 108

116 APPENDIX A MAPS Map 1. Estimated Canopy Mortality from RAVG. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Appendix A Page A-1

117 Map 2. Project Management Areas Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Appendix A Page A-2

118 Map 3. Alternative 2 Proposed Harvest Units Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Appendix A Page A-3

119 Map 4. Alternative 2 Proposed Road Work Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Appendix A Page A-4

120 Map 5. Analysis Area Sub-Watersheds (HUCs) Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Appendix A Page A-5

121 Map 6. Pre-Fire Vegetation Successional Stage. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Appendix A Page A-6

122 Map 7. Post-Fire Successional Stages. Chippy Creek Fire Salvage EA Appendix A Page A-7