APPENDIX I

Proper Functioning Condition Surveys

1

Proper Functioning Condition Assessment

Standard Checklist and Evaluation

Name of Riparian-Wetland Area: Schurtz Creek, Van and Story-Fry Allotments, Reach 1,

Segment 1

Date: 11/15/04

Miles: Segment 1=2.24 mi. of Reach 1= 3.79 mi. (from confluence with Calamity Creek to the

enclosure on Schurtz Creek)

ID Team Observers: Zelley-Range specialist, Rick Vetter- Fisheries Biologist, Lori Bailey-

Planner/Botanist, and Barbara Howard and Alfred Dunten, permittees for the Van Allotment.

Acres: 7,834 acres Schurtz Creek Subwatershed

Stream Overview:

Schurtz Creek is a third order stream and a tributary to Calamity Creek located in the

Calamity Creek subwatershed within the Wolf Creek watershed of the Upper Malheur sub-

basin and lies entirely within the Malheur National Forest. (In 2003 the Schurtz Creek

watershed was incorporated into the Calamity Creek watershed) Segment 1 represents that

part of Reach 1, which is below the Schurtz Creek enclosure. This segment also includes the

portion of Schurtz Creek that is fenced into the Story-Fry allotment, as a water gap.

Yes No N/A HYDROLOGY

1) Floodplain above bankfull is inundated in “relatively frequent” events

This reach has a combination of short segments consisting of rocky steep gradients with

narrow channels and short wide areas with less gradient and wider floodplains. Overall the

gradient was about 2%. This answer pertains mostly to the unconfined channels with

relatively wide floodplains since parts of the floodplain in the steep narrow segments are

limited in size and function due to the natural character of the narrow rocky confined channel

and steep valley slopes.

Large infrequent events may enter the floodplain, but frequent events appear to be restricted

to the channel. The amount of channel deposition, bank erosion and debris jams, indicates a

lack of energy dissipation across the floodplain. There is a lack of interaction between the

channel and the floodplain. The lack of surface flow in the lower segment of this reach may

also indicate a lack of frequent flooding of the floodplain. Frequent flooding of the floodplain

allows riparian areas to be recharged, maintaining obligate riparian species with dense root

systems that retain soil moisture and slowly dissipate the water during the summer into the

channel. Down cutting and widening of the channel is limiting flood flows onto the floodplain,

reducing the interaction of the stream with the adjacent floodplain and limiting the natural

beneficial hydrologic functions that should be occurring in these areas.

2) Where beaver dams are present they are active and stable

3) Sinuosity, width/depth ratio, and gradient are in balance with the

landscape setting (i.e., landform, geology, and bio-climatic region)

Sinuosity and gradient are closer in balance with the natural landscape, but overhanging

banks are lacking. Width depth ratios are greater than 10.

4) Riparian-wetland area is widening or has achieved potential extent

There is an increase in shallow rooted grasses (bluegrass) and in some cases sagebrush, on the

2

floodplain which indicates the riparian wetland is narrowing and the water table is falling.

This usually occurs with the lack of floodplain development as described in question # 1. Parts

of the lower segment in the confined channel would be a NA since the landform dictates the

functionality, and there is no potential for wetland vegetation.

5) Upland watershed is not contributing to riparian-wetland degradation

There is evidence of cementing of the streams substrate and overloading of point bars which

indicate a no answer. However without further studies it is unclear what amounts of sediment,

and overland flows are being contributed from uplands or altered streambanks. The uplands

are overstocked with timber, and encroached with western juniper resulting in a degraded

understory of shrubs, forbs and grasses. Soils may be compacted beyond the normal range of

variability which would also affect runoff. Bulk density evaluations of soils and water

infiltration rates may also help determine if the uplands and or riparian floodplains are

contributing to the wetland degradation. It should be noted that this item pertains to whether

uplands are contributing to the degradation of riparian wetland areas, and not the condition

of the uplands.

Yes No N/A VEGETATION

6) There is diverse age-class distribution of riparian-wetland vegetation

(recruitment for maintenance/recovery)

There is a non-continuous pattern of sedges scattered along the banks and the mid age class of

shrubs is lacking. There are more old decadent alder and willow, and few young .

7) There is diverse composition of riparian-wetland vegetation (for

maintenance/recovery)

Due to the condition of the vegetation it was difficult to identify all plant species, but it was

evident that there were not sufficient numbers of the existing riparian plants for timely

recovery.

8) Species present indicate maintenance of riparian-wetland soil moisture

characteristics

The water table is not being maintained due to the lack of wetland species (sedges) and the

abundance of upland species (sagebrush, bluegrass) on the floodplain.

9) Streambank vegetation is comprised of those plants or plant

communities that have root masses capable of withstanding high-

streamflow events

Narrow steep reaches have older willows, alders and hawthorns that are providing some

stabilization (subsurface flow segments) but the majority of the streambanks associated with

surface flow are lacking plants that have root masses capable of withstanding high stream

flows thus the reason for the amount of altered banks observed along this reach segment. Bank

stability standards are not met in this reach.

10) Riparian-wetland plants exhibit high vigor

The size and shape of the riparian plants indicate that plants are not vigorous. There are

more high-lined and mushroom shaped plants than robust well rounded plants. Sedges tend to

occur in broken clumps rather than dense continuous mats, except at several small seeps

associated with springs.

11) Adequate riparian-wetland vegetative cover is present to protect banks

and dissipate energy during high flows

Streambanks associated with surface flows are dominated by upland plant species that do not

dissipate energy from high flows.

12) Plant communities are an adequate source of coarse and/or large

woody material (for maintenance/recovery)

There is an adequate source of LWD but it is not in the stream channel interacting with the

water flow and forming pools.

Yes No N/A EROSION/DEPOSITION

13) Floodplain and channel characteristics (i.e., rocks, overflow channels,

coarse and/or large woody material) are adequate to dissipate energy

Overall there is a lack of large woody debris that would help dissipate energy and create pools.

3

Where wood is interacting with the water flow, pools are being created and stream energy is

being dissipated. Rocks were stabilizing parts of the channel in the steeper gradients.

14) Point bars are re-vegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation

The majority of the point bars do not contain riparian wetland species with root masses

capable of withstanding high flow events. Some areas of vegetation may be limited by lack of

sunlight, due to the encroaching forest canopy.

15) Lateral stream movement is associated with natural sinuosity

Although there is some natural lateral movement the majority of the stream banks are eroded

and unstable. This reach does not meet bank stability standards.

16) System is vertically stable

No head cuts were observed

17) Stream is in balance with the water and sediment being supplied by the

watershed (i.e., no excessive erosion or deposition)

Unstable banks and excessive erosion indicate that this segment of the stream is out of

balance. This is partially due to the lack of riparian plants with deep root masses.

Remarks

This evaluation is for the entire length of Schurtz Creek, in reach 1, Segment 1, from Calamity

Creek to the downstream end of the enclosure at the upper end of the Van allotment. This

includes a small fenced portion of the Story-Fry allotment, in the center of the Van allotment on

Schurtz creek. The team noted less utilization of the riparian plants in the Story-Fry allotment

and more interaction between the stream channel and the riparian area.

Forty-seven photos were taken during this PFC evaluation on Schurtz and are noted as:

Set-A Van Allotment, Calamity Ck. to Story-Fry Allotment, 8 photos misc. #s 9930 thru 9937

Set-B Story-Fry Allotment water gap, 16 photos misc. #s 9938 thru #9956

Set-C Van Allotment, Story-Fry fence to enclosure fence, 23 photos misc. #s 9957 thru #9992

This portion of Schurtz Creek lacks the resiliency that allows a riparian wetland area to

withstand (hold together during) high water events. During high water flow events this stream

segment has a high probability of further degradation. Floodwater retention is minimal in this

segment. This reach segment failed to meet 5 of the six riparian management objectives in the

Forest Plan Amendment 29, dealing with water temperature, bank stability, large woody

debris, pool frequency, width/depth ratio. Canopy closure was met.

Due to stubble heights of about 2-3 inches it was difficult to identify some riparian plants to

species, however we could identify broadleaf sedges, rushes and grasses as plant communities

and other key species with deep root masses such as Nebraska Sedge vs shallow rooted grass

like species as bluegrass. Identifying these key species allowed us to answer the vegetation

questions. Trend is often a difficult determination to make unless previous data exists. At this

time the trend is considered “Not Apparent”.

Alfred Dunten informed us that the lower part (the steeper gradient and partially confined

channel) of Schurtz Creek (starting at a point about ½ way between Calamity and Story Fry

allotment) is dry during the late summer.

Thinning selected conifers in the riparian area would provide more sunlight for riparian species

and shrubs. Felled trees could be positioned in the stream channel (and floodplain) to increase

the large woody debris component creating pools and dissipating stream energy.

4

Summary Determination

Functional Rating:

Proper Functioning Condition

Functional-At Risk

Nonfunctional

Unknown

X

Trend for Functional-At Risk:

Upward

Downward

Not Apparent

X

Are factors contributing to unacceptable conditions outside the control for the

manager?

Yes

No

X

If yes, what are those factors?

Flow regulations

Channelization

Augmented flows

Mining activities

Road encroachment

Other (specify)

Upstream channel conditions

Oil field water discharge

1

Proper Functioning Condition Assessment

Standard Checklist and Evaluation

Name of Riparian-Wetland Area: Schurtz Creek, Van Allotment, Reach 1, Segment 2

Date: 11/15/04

Miles: Segment 2=1.55 mi. of Reach 1= 3.79 mi.

ID Team Observers: Zelley-Range specialist, Rick Vetter- Fisheries Biologist, Lori Bailey-

Planner/Botanist, and Barbara Howard and Alfred Dunten, permittees for the Van Allotment

Acres: 7,834 acres Schurtz Creek subwatershed

Stream Overview:

Schurtz Creek is a third order stream and a tributary to Calamity Creek located in the

Calamity Creek subwatershed within the Wolf Creek watershed of the Upper Malheur

subbasin and lies entirely within the Malheur National Forest. (In 2003 the Schurtz Creek

watershed was incorporated into the Calamity Creek watershed) Segment 2 represents that

part of Reach 1, which is in the large fenced enclosure at the upper end of the pasture.

Yes No N/A HYDROLOGY

1)Floodplain above bankfull is inundated in “relatively frequent” events

The stream and riparian area are interacting.

2)Where beaver dams are present they are active and stable

3)Sinuosity, width/depth ratio, and gradient are in balance with the

landscape setting (i.e., landform, geology, and bioclimatic region)

Sinuosity and gradient are closer in balance with the natural landscape but overhanging banks

are lacking. Width depth ratios are greater than 10.

4)Riparian-wetland area is widening or has achieved potential extent

5)Upland watershed is not contributing to riparian-wetland degradation

Yes No N/A VEGETATION

6)There is diverse age-class distribution of riparian-wetland vegetation

(recruitment for maintenance/recovery)

7)There is diverse composition of riparian-wetland vegetation (for

maintenance/recovery)

8)Species present indicate maintenance of riparian-wetland soil moisture

characteristics

9)Streambank vegetation is comprised of those plants or plant communities

that have root masses capable of withstanding high-streamflow events

10)Riparian-wetland plants exhibit high vigor

2

11)Adequate riparian-wetland vegetative cover is present to protect banks

and dissipate energy during high flows

12)Plant communities are an adequate source of coarse and/or large woody

material (for maintenance/recovery)

This part of the reach contains large meadows thus large wood debris (LWD) is not as

important a factor in the formation of pools as meander scours.

Yes No N/A EROSION/DEPOSITION

13)Floodplain and channel characteristics (i.e., rocks, overflow channels,

coarse and/or large woody material) are adequate to dissipate energy

This part of the reach contains large meadows thus LWD is not as important a factor in the

formation of pools as meander scours. 14)Point bars are revegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation

15)Lateral stream movement is associated with natural sinuosity

16)System is vertically stable

No headcuts were observed

17)Stream is in balance with the water and sediment being supplied by the

watershed (i.e., no excessive erosion or deposition)

Remarks Due to stubble heights of less than 5 inches on the floodplain it was difficult to identify some

riparian plants to species, however we could identify sedges, rushes and grasses as plant

communities and other key species with deep root masses as Nebraska Sedge vs shallow rooted

grass like species as bluegrass.

Alfred Dunten mentioned that this the first time his cattle have grazed the enclosure since it was

established about 1990. However, when he moved his cattle in this year there were already

cattle present, and they utilized a significant portion of the riparian forage. Therefore, Alfred

did not leave his cattle in the enclosure as long as he anticipated. (18 photos, Van enclosure,

Photoset D misc. photo #s 9992-0020)

Summary Determination

Functional Rating:

Proper Functioning Condition

Functional-At Risk

Nonfunctional

Unknown

X

Trend for Functional-At Risk:

Upward

Downward

Not Apparent

X

3

Are factors contributing to unacceptable conditions outside the control for the

manager?

Yes

No

X

If yes, what are those factors?

Flow regulations

Channelization

Augmented flows

Mining activities

Road encroachment

Other (specify)

Upstream channel conditions

Oil field water discharge

1

Proper Functioning Condition Assessment

Standard Checklist and Evaluation

Name of Riparian-Wetland Area: Schurtz Creek, Wolf Allotment, Reach 1, Segment 3

Date: 11/15/04

Miles: Segment 3=.25 mi. Reach 1= 3.79 mi.

ID Team Observers: Zelley-Range specialist, Rick Vetter- Fisheries Biologist, Lori Bailey-

Planner/Botanist, and Barbara Howard and Alfred Dunten, permittees for the Van Allotment

Acres: 7,834 acres Schurtz Creek subwatershed

Stream Overview:

Schurtz Creek is a third order stream and a tributary to Calamity Creek located in the

Calamity Creek subwatershed within the Wolf Creek watershed of the Upper Malheur

subbasin and lies entirely within the Malheur National Forest. (In 2003 the Schurtz Creek

watershed was incorporated into the Calamity Creek watershed) Reach 1, Segment 3

represents that part of Reach 1, in the Wolf Creek allotment above the Van enclosure to FS

Road 17.

Yes No N/A HYDROLOGY

1)Floodplain above bankfull is inundated in “relatively frequent” events

The stream and riparian area are interacting.

2)Where beaver dams are present they are active and stable

3)Sinuosity, width/depth ratio, and gradient are in balance with the

landscape setting (i.e., landform, geology, and bioclimatic region)

4)Riparian-wetland area is widening or has achieved potential extent

5)Upland watershed is not contributing to riparian-wetland degradation

Yes No N/A VEGETATION

6)There is diverse age-class distribution of riparian-wetland vegetation

(recruitment for maintenance/recovery)

7)There is diverse composition of riparian-wetland vegetation (for

maintenance/recovery)

8)Species present indicate maintenance of riparian-wetland soil moisture

characteristics

9)Streambank vegetation is comprised of those plants or plant communities

that have root masses capable of withstanding high-streamflow events

10)Riparian-wetland plants exhibit high vigor

2

11)Adequate riparian-wetland vegetative cover is present to protect banks

and dissipate energy during high flows

12)Plant communities are an adequate source of coarse and/or large woody

material (for maintenance/recovery)

Yes No N/A EROSION/DEPOSITION

13)Floodplain and channel characteristics (i.e., rocks, overflow channels,

coarse and/or large woody material) are adequate to dissipate energy

14)Point bars are revegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation

15)Lateral stream movement is associated with natural sinuosity

16)System is vertically stable

No headcuts were observed

17)Stream is in balance with the water and sediment being supplied by the

watershed (i.e., no excessive erosion or deposition)

Remarks Good establishment of woody shrubs along the stream banks, improved bank stability, stream

channel narrows. Cottonwood were observed at waypoint 11T 0359354;4874870. (4 photos,

between Van/Wolf allotment fence and FS road 17, photoset E, misc. photo #s 0021- 0025)

Summary Determination

Functional Rating:

Proper Functioning Condition

Functional-At Risk

Nonfunctional

Unknown

X

Trend for Functional-At Risk:

Upward

Downward

Not Apparent

X

Are factors contributing to unacceptable conditions outside the control for the

manager?

Yes

No

X

If yes, what are those factors?

Flow regulations

Channelization

Augmented flows Mining activities

Road encroachment

3

Other (specify) Upstream channel conditions

Oil field water discharge

Dry Creek

Schurtz Creek

15

22

9

23

14

10 11

16

27

21

2628

SCHURTZ CREEK

DRY CREEK

STORY-FRY

SCHURTZ CREEK

SHELLROCK

WADE CORNER

4600

4800

4400

5000

5200

5400

4200

4600

4600

4600

4400

4800

4800

4400

4800

4800

1700000

1780000

1700074

1700294

1700053

1710000

1700

533

1700795

1780068

1780072

1700933

1700055

1700773

1700783

1700057

1700785

1700789

1780

086

1550804

1700295

1700044

1710537

1550809

1700046

1780076

1700635

1700000

T. 18 S., R. 33 E.

Schurtz C

reek

Calamity Creek

Gabe Creek

Dry Creek

Start Reach 1 Segment 1

Story Fry AllotmentWater Gap

End Reach 1 Segment 1Start Reach 1 Segment 2Beginning of Riparian Enclosure

End Reach 1 Segment 2Start Reach 1 Segment 3End of Riparian Enclosure

End Reach 1 Segment 3Start Reach 2 Segment 1

Legend

str arcCAT

1

2

4

Main Forest Roads

Local Roads

contour 200

allotment fence

rhca

0 0.6 1.20.3Miles

Schurtz Creek PFC

C:\\Gis\projects\Van_PFC_8_11.mxd

Photo Set B

Photo Set A

Photo Set C

Photo S

et D

Photo S

et E

Name of Riparian-Wetland Area: Shurtz Creek

Date: August 16, 2005 Segment/Reach ID: Upper Reach

ID Team Observers: ORT, USFS, Permittees, ONDA

Yes No N/A HYDROLOGICAL

x 1) Floodplain above bankfull is inundated in "relatively frequent" events

It is small but will expect more

x 2) Where beaver dams are present are they active and stable

No Beavers or beaver dams

x 3) Sinuosity, width/depth ratio, and gradient are in balance with the landscape setting (i.e., landform,

geology, and bioclimatic region)

Too wide so width to depth wrong,

x 4) Riparian-wetland area is widening or has achieved potential extent

Is widening

x 5) Upland watershed is not contributing to riparian-wetland degradation

To dense of forest

Yes No N/A VEGETATION

x x 6) Diverse age-class distribution of riparian-wetland vegetation (recruitment for maintenance/recovery)

Herbaceous yes – woodies no. low to moderate recruitment for the most part. Where woodies exist not

much recruitment or development. Low energy of the system could be limiting woodies.

x 7) Diverse composition of riparian-wetland vegetation (for maintenance/recovery) (species present)

Several sedges, rushes, moist grasses spp. 2+ species of willows where they exist

x x 8) Species present indicate maintenance of riparian-wetland soil moisture characteristics

There is a transition from the upper end to the lower end with the upper end being dry. Rushes were

observed in the middle of the reach with sedges observed in the lower end.

x x 9) Streambank vegetation is comprised of those plants or plant communities that have root masses capable

of withstanding high streamflow events (community types present)

See above

x 10) Riparian-wetland plants exhibit high vigor

Mid to lower end responding well nothing above. Cattle off July 15

x 11) Adequate riparian-wetland vegetative cover present to protect banks and dissipate energy during high

flows (enough)

Nothing above – marginal at the lower end

x 12) Plant communities are an adequate source of coarse and/or large woody material (for

maintenance/recovery)

Not needed for physical function

Yes No N/A EROSION DEPOSITION

x 13) Floodplain and channel characteristics (i.e., rocks, overflow channels, coarse and/or large woody

material) adequate to dissipate energy

Few, small overflow channels and few rock. Too narrow of a floodplain

x 14) Point bars are revegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation

Few above, some below

x 15) Lateral stream movement is associated with natural sinuosity

Within C slope boundaries

x 16) System is vertically stable (not downcutting)

No incision

x 17) Stream is in balance with the water and sediment being supplied by the watershed (i.e., no excessive

erosion or deposition)

Some banks are breaking down in the upper section, item to monitor

Remarks

FAR lower end Range Specialist said that the area is improving

SUMMARY DETERMINATION

___ Proper Functioning Condition

__x_ Functional - At Risk

___ Nonfunctional

___ Unknown

Trend for Functional - At Risk:

_x__ Upward ___ Downward

___ Not Apparent

Are factors contributing to unacceptable

conditions outside the control of the manager?

Yes ___

No __x_

If yes, what are those factors?

___ Flow regulations

___ Mining activities

___ Upstream channel conditions

___ Channelization

___ Road encroachment

___ Oil field water discharge

___ Augmented flows

___ Other (specify)

(Revised 1998) (7/12/04)

PFC

FAR

NF

Name of Riparian-Wetland Area: Shurtz Creek

Date: August 16, 2005 Segment/Reach ID: Water Gap

ID Team Observers: ORT, USFS, Permittees, ONDA

Yes No N/A HYDROLOGICAL

x 1) Floodplain above bankfull is inundated in "relatively frequent" events

x 2) Where beaver dams are present are they active and stable

No Beavers or beaver dams

x 3) Sinuosity, width/depth ratio, and gradient are in balance with the landscape setting (i.e., landform,

geology, and bioclimatic region)

Too wide

x 4) Riparian-wetland area is widening or has achieved potential extent

Variable from bend to bend

x 5) Upland watershed is not contributing to riparian-wetland degradation

To dense of forest

Yes No N/A VEGETATION

x x 6) Diverse age-class distribution of riparian-wetland vegetation (recruitment for maintenance/recovery)

No upper end transitioning to yes lower end. Herbaceous recruiting lower end – nearly bare on upper end

x x 7) Diverse composition of riparian-wetland vegetation (for maintenance/recovery) (species present)

Very little upper end, rush dominating middle, sedge dominating lower. Some islands of diversity

x x 8) Species present indicate maintenance of riparian-wetland soil moisture characteristics

There is a transition from the upper end to the lower end with the upper end being dry. Rushes were

observed in the middle of the reach with sedges observed in the lower end.

x x 9) Streambank vegetation is comprised of those plants or plant communities that have root masses capable

of withstanding high streamflow events (community types present)

See above

x 10) Riparian-wetland plants exhibit high vigor

Mid to lower end responding well nothing above. Cattle off July 15

x 11) Adequate riparian-wetland vegetative cover present to protect banks and dissipate energy during high

flows (enough)

Nothing above – marginal at the lower end

x 12) Plant communities are an adequate source of coarse and/or large woody material (for

maintenance/recovery)

Not needed for physical function

Yes No N/A EROSION DEPOSITION

x 13) Floodplain and channel characteristics (i.e., rocks, overflow channels, coarse and/or large woody

material) adequate to dissipate energy

Few, small overflow channels and few rock. Too narrow of a floodplain

x 14) Point bars are revegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation

Few above, some below

x 15) Lateral stream movement is associated with natural sinuosity

Within C slope boundaries

x 16) System is vertically stable (not downcutting)

No incision

x 17) Stream is in balance with the water and sediment being supplied by the watershed (i.e., no excessive

erosion or deposition)

Some banks are breaking down in the upper section, item to monitor

Remarks

FAR lower end Range Specialist said that the area is improving

SUMMARY DETERMINATION

___ Proper Functioning Condition

__x_ Functional - At Risk

___ Nonfunctional

___ Unknown

Trend for Functional - At Risk:

_x__ Upward ___ Downward

___ Not Apparent

Are factors contributing to unacceptable

conditions outside the control of the manager?

Yes ___

No __x_

If yes, what are those factors?

___ Flow regulations

___ Mining activities

___ Upstream channel conditions

___ Channelization

___ Road encroachment

___ Oil field water discharge

___ Augmented flows

___ Other (specify)

(Revised 1998) (7/12/04)

PFC

FAR

NF