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Gold Spring Restoration Project

Naches Ranger District

Okanogan - Wenatchee National Forest

April 2010


Table of Contents

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS Gold Spring Restoration Project

Page

Chapter I

Proposed Action Purpose and Need

Location I-1

Project Area Description I-2

Vegetation Condition I-6

Invasive Species I-7

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) I-7

Fire Risk and Fire Occurrence Trends I-8

Travel and Access Management I-8

Desired Future Condition I-8

Management Direction I-9

Guidance I-11

Purpose and Need for Action I-12

The Proposed Action I-14

Decisions to be Made Based on this Analysis I-15

Scoping Summary and Public Involvement I-16

Unresolved Conflicts I-16

Resource Concerns Identified During Scoping I-16


Table of Contents

iv

Chapter II

Alternatives Considered

Introduction II-1

Alternative Formulation II-1

Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis II-2

Vegetation Treatments II-3

Gold Spring Unit 2 II-5


Gold Spring Units 5 7 and 9 II-9



Gold Spring Natural Fuel II-14

Fuels Treatments II-17

Logging Systems II-18

Road Management II-19

RecreationTrail Management II-24

Invasive Species Management II-24

Connected Action Directly Associated with Proposed Commercial

Timber Harvest and Fuels Treatment Activities

II-26

Monitoring II-26

Adaptive Management II-28

Design Criteria Standards and Best Management Practices II-32

Vegetation Resources II-32

Proposed Endangered Threatened and Special Status Plants II-32

Invasive Plant Management II-32

Standards II-32

Best Management Practices II-34

Design Criteria II-35

Prescribed BurningAir Resources II-36

RecreationScenic Quality II-37


Prescribed BurningAir Resource II-37


Table of Contents

v

Chapter II


Forest RoadsSnowmobile Trails II-38

Special Uses ndash Permitted Events and Recreation

Residence Areas

II-41

Wildlife Resources II-41

Soil Water and AquaticRiparian Resources II-43

Range II-46

Heritage Properties II-46

Comparison of Alternatives II-48


Table of Contents

vi

Chapter III

Affected Environment

Environmental Consequences

VEGETATION AND FUELS III-2

Affected Environment III-2

Environmental Consequences - Vegetation III-4

Environmental Consequences ndash Understory Vegetation III-11

Effects on Proposed Endangered Threatened Sensitive and

Other Rare and Uncommon Plant Species

III-14

Environmental Consequences - Fuels III-16

AIR QUALITY III-24


Environmental Consequences III-25

INVASIVE SPECIES III-31



WILDLIFE III-43

Species Addressed III-43

Management Indicator Species (MIS) III-45

Wenatchee National Forest Land Resource Management Plan

(LRMP) for Wildlife Snags

III-47

Northwest Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines III-47

DecAID Tool III-48



SNAG DEPENDANT WILDLIFE III-50

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELKMULE DEER III-55



RIPARIAN FORESTED HABITAT BEAVER AND RUFFED

GROUSE

III-59




Table of Contents

vii

Chapter III

FEDERALLY PROPOSED ENDANGERED

THREATENED AND SENSITIVE (PETS) SPECIES

GRAY WOLF AND BALD EAGLE III-62



NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL and NORTHERN GOSHAWK

(Species Associated with Late Successional Forest Habitats)

III-64



AMERICAN BALD EAGLE III-69



PERIGRINE FALCON and GOLDEN EAGLE III-69



OTHER SPECIES OF CONCERN III-71

MIGRATORY LANDBIRDS III-71

Landbird Conservation Plans III-72


VISUAL RESOURCES III-75



RECREATION III-79



SOIL AND WATERSHED RESOURCES III-88



FISHERIES HABITAT and WATER QUALITY III-104




Table of Contents

viii

Chapter III

AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY III-121

RANGE OPERATIONS and MANAGEMENT III-131



HERITAGE RESOURCES III-135

Regulatory Framework III-135


TRAVEL AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT III-137


Effects III-139

ROADLESS AREAS AND PROPOSED WILDERNESS

AREAS

III-140

ECONOMICS III-140

OTHER REQUIRED DISCLOSURES III-143

Social Groups Civil Rights and Environmental Justice III-143


Table of Contents

ix

Chapter IV

Organizations Agencies and Persons Consulted IV-1

Chapter V

References Cited V-1

Appendix A

Public Involvement Summary A-1

Appendix B

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

Glossary of Terms B-1

Acronyms B-21

Appendix C

Unit Prescriptions

Gold Spring Unit 2 C-1


Gold Spring Unit 5 7 and 9 C-5



Appendix D

Road Status D-1


Table of Contents

x

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES Gold Spring Restoration Project

List of Tables

Table Subject Page

I1 NWFP land allocations within the Gold Spring project area I-2

II1 Treatment Methods II-3

II2 Gold Spring Unit 2 stand description II-5

II3 Gold Spring Unit 2 Objectives II-6

II4 Gold Spring Unit 2 Implementation steps to achieve objectives II-6




II8 Gold Spring Units 5 7 and 9 stand description II-9

II9 Gold Spring Units 5 7 and 9 Objectives II-9

II10 Gold Spring Units 5 7 and 9 Implementation steps to achieve

objectives

II-9







II17 Gold Spring Natural Fuel (no mechanical treatment) Objectives II-14

II18 Gold Spring Natural Fuel (no mechanical treatment) Implementation

steps to achieve objectives

II-15

II19 Fuels treatments II-18

II20 Roads recommended for No Action II-20

II21 Roads recommended for a change in Maintenance Level II-20

II22 Roads recommended for decommissioning II-21

II23 Roads recommended for storage II-21


Table of Contents

xi

Table Subject Page

II24 Monitoring Items II-27

II25 Comparison of Projected Future Condition to the Revised Proposed

Action

II-48

III1 SeriesType within the Gold Spring project area III-2

III2 Successional Stages within the Gold Spring project area III-2

III3 Crown Closure within the Gold Spring project area III-2

III4 The density of large and very large trees following mechanical

treatment

III-6

III5 Average stand diameter following mechanical treatment III-7

III6 The proportion (5) of ponderosa pine following mechanical treatment III-7

III7 Stand average effects to canopy cover III-10

III8 Suitable habitat for target plant species III-14

III9 Documented occurrences of mountain ladylsquos-slipper (Cypripedium

montanum)

III-15

III10 Principles of fire resistance for dry forests III-17

III11 Relative ability of proposed treatments to meet principles of fire

resistance for dry forests

III-17

III12 Flame lengths associated with critical levels of fireline intensity that

are associated with initiating crown fire using Byramlsquos equation

III-18

III13 Rate of Spread and Flame Length by Fuel Model (Behave 302) III-28

III14 FOFEM indicated probability of mortality (from crown scorch or

cambium kill) by diameter and flame length

III-20

III15 Past and foreseeable future fuels and vegetation treatments in the

Naches Mainstem

III-22

III16 Airsheds of concern and proximity to the Gold Spring analysis area III-25

III17 Summary of the toxic chemical agents identified in woodsmoke III-27

III18 Emissions in a dry Douglas firponderosa pinedry grand fir fuelbed

with 35 crown consumption

III-28

III19 Biomass available and emissions potentially not released into the

airshed because of biomass utilization

III-28

III20 State noxious weed occurrences within the Gold Spring project area III-33

III21 Indicators potentially contributing to noxious weed spread III-35


Table of Contents

xii

Table Subject Page

III22 Changes to snag densities after vegetation management treatments III-51

III23 NRF habitat degraded by spotted owl activity centers III-66

III24 Changes to northern spotted owl habitat by Northwest Forest Plan

allocation and critical habitat unit

III-67

III25 Priority habitat for landbird conservation in the Gold Spring project

area with representative focal species and key habitat features

III-73

III26 Recreation activities occurring within the Gold Spring project area III-79

III27 Dispersed camping sites in proximity to timber harvest units III-83

III28 Summary of soil characteristics for Soil Mapping Units III-90

III29 Soil disturbance summary III-95

III30 Evaluation summary ndash Soil and Watershed Resources III-100

III31 Large woody debrismile Gold Creek (most recent survey data by

reach)

III-108

III32 Pool frequencies in Gold Creek III-109

III33 Road use for allotment management in the Gold Spring project area III-133

III34 Existing road miles and densities within the project area III-138

III35 Suppression cost by fire size III-141

III36 Cost analysis III-142

IV1 Forest Service Interdisciplinary Team IV-1

IV2 Other Participants IV-1

IV3 Agencies Consulted IV-2

A1 Chronological Summary of PublicAgency Involvement A-1

C1 Stand Description (Gold Spring Unit 2) C-2

C2 Modeled stand condition (Gold Spring Unit 2) C-2





Table of Contents

xiii

Table Subject Page


D1 Road Status by Segment D-1

List of Figures

Figure Subject Page

I1 Gold Spring Restoration Project Vicinity Map I-1

I2 Gold Spring Restoration Project Base Map I-4

I3 Gold Spring Restoration Project Wenatchee and Northwest Forest

Plan Land Allocations

II1 Structural classes II-4

II2 Current Structure (Gold Spring Unit 2) II-5

II3 Post-treatment structure (Gold Spring Unit 2) II-5


II5 Post-treatment Structure (Gold Spring Unit 4) II-7

II6 Current Structure (Gold Spring Units 5 7 and 9) II-9

II7 Post-treatment structure (Gold Spring Units 5 7 and 9) II-9





II12 Refined Proposed Action ndash vegetation management II-16

II13 Refined Proposed Action ndash road management II-23

II14 Adaptive Management Fuels reduction alternatives II-30

II15 Adaptive Management commercial harvest alternatives II-31

II16 Adaptive Management snowplowing FR1705 to accommodate winter

hauling

II-31


Table of Contents

xiv

Figure Subject Page

III1 Diameter distribution of retained and removed trees for Unit 2 III-5



III4 Invasive species treatment areas III-35

C1 Diameter distribution of retained and removed trees resulting from the

approach in 2 and 4 above (Gold Spring Unit 2)

C-3



C-9



C-12


Proposed Action and Purpose and Need

I-15

CHAPTER I


This chapter describes the proposed actions for the Gold Spring Restoration Project along

with a description of the project area and the Purpose and Need for the proposed action

An outline is included of legislative requirements and environmental documents This

environmental analysis finds its basis in the Wenatchee National Forest Land and

Resource Management Plan (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1990)

and its amendments The decisions to be made based on this analysis are also reviewed

A summary of scoping and public involvement for this project is presented This

Environmental Assessment (EA) will describe effects associated with the proposed action

with indicators

Location The Gold Spring Project Area encompasses 4392 acres and is located in the Gold Creek

Spring Creek and Pine Creek areas It is northwest of Naches Washington in Township 17

North Range 14 East Sections 9 10 11 13 14 15 22 23 24 25 26 and 36 Landmarks

within the project area include Gold Creek Spring Creek Pine Creek Cliffdell and State

Highway 410 Forest Roads providing access to the project area include 1703 1705 1707

and their associated collector and spur roads

Figure 11 Gold Spring Restoration Project Vicinity Map



I-16

Project Area Description Land ownership within the Gold Spring project area is largely Forest Service

administered but does include 40 acres of private ownership in the project area boundary

plus 33 acres occupied by State Highway 410 This project proposes no management

activities by the Forest Service on private land nor does it preclude or interfere with

private land owners from planning and conducting activities on their own property

Table I1 NWFP Land Allocations within the Gold Spring Project Area

Acres of project area

Matrix

1541 35

Managed Late-Successional Area

2492 57

Administratively Withdrawn

304 7

Private 731

1 1Includes State Highway 410

See Figure 13

Biological and social concerns about the persistence of species associated with old forests

of the U S Pacific Northwest helped to create a regional forest reserve network in 1994

(USDA and USDI 1994) These reserves ndash called late successional reserves (LSR) ndash are

located on federal land throughout the range of the northern spotted owl (Strix

occidentalis caurina) in Washington Oregon and California One LSR objective is to

protect late successional forest from large-scale fire insect and disease epidemics and

major human impacts (USDA and USDI 1994) The goals of the MLSA allocation are

similar to that of Late-Successional Reserves but are identified for certain owl locations

in the drier provinces where regular and frequent fire is a natural part of the ecosystem

Certain silvicultural and fire hazard reduction treatments are allowed to help prevent

complete stand destruction from large catastrophic events such as high intensity high

severity fire or insect epidemics (USDA and USDI 1994)

Standards and Guidelines for the Matrix land allocation specify ―most timber harvest and

other silvicultural activities would be conducted in that portion of the matrix with suitable

forest lands Most scheduled timber harvest (that contributing to the Probable Sale

Quantity [PSQ] not taking place in Adaptive Management Areas) takes place in the

matrix (USDA and USDI 1994) Timber harvest and silvicultural activities are

allowable within the Standards and Guidelines

Administratively Withdrawn Areas include recreation and visual areashellipand other areas

where management emphasis precludes scheduled timber harvest (USDA and USDI

1994) The Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed Analysis (USDA Forest Service

Naches Ranger District 1995) states in Chapter 1 page 3



I-17

Administratively Withdrawn Areas (AWA) The goals of these areas from

WNF plan are as follows

Wenatchee National Forest Land Allocations

The Wenatchee National Forest Plan Record of Decision was signed in

March 1990 Following this decision the Presidentrsquos Forest Plan was

developed and the Record of Decision was signed in April 1994 This

PFP states that ldquowhere existing plans are more restrictive or provide

greater benefits to late-successional forest related species the existing

plan standards and guidelines will continuerdquo

The WFP land allocation underlying the NWFP land allocation of AWA is Mather

Memorial Parkway (MP1) The area will be managed to maintain and enhance its

outstanding scenic and recreation qualities Wenatchee Forest Plan Standards and

Guidelines state that within the Mather Memorial Parkway

Developments and management activities within the allocation generally

are not visually evident The natural existing or established landscape

will generally have vegetation on forested lands that is composed of large

old growth trees in the overstory or in groves intermixed with a variety of

age classes in the understory The general perception of the landscape is

a natural appearing environment

The Forest Service is not proposing treatment on any private land Past and reasonably

foreseeable future treatments implemented by landowners and current conditions on

private land will be considered in the effects analysis (Chapter III)

Left blank for formatting



I-18

Figure I2 Gold Spring Restoration Project Base Map



I-19

Figure I3 Gold Spring Restoration Project Wenatchee and Northwest Forest Plan

Land Allocations



I-20

Vegetation Condition

The PinusSwamp Devil EA (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District 1996)

describes the vegetation condition as follows

General exclusion of fire over the last eighty years at the landscape level

has resulted in landscape vegetation patterns that are out of sync with

historic levels and inherent disturbance regimes [The] drier forest types

(Ponderosa pine Douglas-fir and dry Grand fir) types [sic] are

overstocked with less adapted tree species (primarily grand fir) Tree

mortality within these drier forest types is occurring at an accelerated

rate This mortality is adding to the existing fuel loadings and increasing

the risk of large catastrophic wildfires [A large portion of the] planning

area acres within the low and moderate fire regimes are rated as a high

susceptibility for damage from fire

Fire exclusion and past selective timber harvest have contributed to an increase in forest

crown closure with an apparent corresponding reduction in understory productivity and

species diversity due to shading The Pinus Underburn (completed in 2001) was burned

at sufficient intensity to reduce ground fuels and near-ground ladder fuels but did little to

restore stand structure It is likely that the current dense forest conditions have also

resulted in an overall reduction in the understory component associated with these

communities (Agee 1993) (Host 1988) (McConnell amp Smith 1970) (Naumburg amp

DeWald 1999) See Chapter II for further discussion on stand structure and Appendix

B Glossary for definitions of stand structure types

Ponderosa pine and dry inland Douglas-fir stands are being intensively managed to

simultaneously reduce wildfire hazard to restore aspects of forest structure associated

with presettlement forest conditions and to produce current and future timber harvests

To accomplish these goals in the Gold Spring Restoration Project ponderosa pine stands

need to be maintained at low density to reduce crown fire potential Regeneration and

understory growth need to be constrained and low surface fuel loadings maintained

Stand structure needs to be dominated by large and older trees Approaches to

accomplish and maintain reduced fire hazard restoration of presettlement forest structure

and efficient timber production are not well established and these objectives may be

difficult to achieve For example low canopy density that contributes to low crown fire

potential creates conditions that promotes rapid tree regeneration and growth quickly

rebuilding ladder fuels and crown density Restoration of presettlement stand structure

may affect stand fiber yield And lower tree densities commonly associated with

restoration may lead to reduced tree and stand vigor with increased mountain pine beetle

(Dendroctonus ponderosae) risk

Distribution of most dwarf mistletoes has likely increased in western North America over

the 20th

-century due to widespread fire suppression and selection cutting (Hessburg

Salter Ottmar amp Alvarado 2000) In contrast pre-management era fires likely reduced

historical dwarf mistletoe infestations directly by selectively removing heavily infested

trees and branches via torching and indirectly by simplifying forest structure and

increasing average inter-tree spacing (Hessburg Mitchell amp Filip 1994) Low density

and simply layered stands maintained by surface fire dominated regimes slowed local



I-21

and lateral spread of dwarf mistletoe (Hessburg Povak amp Salter 2008) Because the

effects of dwarf mistletoes on their host trees include stunted growth reduced seed

production and for Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe death these mistletoes may have a

substantial influence on forest structure (Bennetts White Hawksworth amp Severs 1996)

The prescriptions for the Pinus II and Sunip Timber Sales (the primary vehicles for

thinning commercial size trees from within the area) called for a remaining stand of 60-

80 feet of basal area per acre These remaining stands are typically even spaced medium

diameter Douglas-fir with a cohort of similar agesize class ponderosa pine While

successfully lowering the fire risk present prior to treatment the pattern and structure

inherent to a dry forest type is lacking Stand exams performed on units proposed for

commercial harvest in the Gold Spring project revealed a lack of large (21rdquo-25rdquo dbh) and

very large (gt25rdquo dbh) trees Forest growth modeling revealed that treatments that

released desirable Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine from competition would result in an

increase in the number of large and very large trees by 140-560 over the next 40 years

It should be noted that normal projected growth will yield a major increase in large and

very large trees over the same time span

Invasive Species

Further changes in species composition have resulted from establishment and spread of

invasive and undesirable species Populations of invasive species have been documented

to occur within the areas proposed for vegetation and fuel treatments Invasion by

nonnative plants can result in substantial adverse effects on the functions of native forest

ecosystems including nutrient cycling and fire regimes (Sutherland amp Nelson 2010)

Proposed treatments (commercial thinning pre-commercial thinning and prescribed fire)

have the potential to exacerbate the current invasive species situation by creating suitable

seed beds and by relocating propagative materials to areas of disturbed soil

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

According to figures obtained from the Yakima County Assessorrsquos Office (Yakima

County GIS 2009) privately owned property within Gold Spring project area totals $76

million+ in total assessed (2010 tax year) value This includes land and improvements

and is for property within the project area boundary only Also included is Term Special

Use Permit summer homes where improvements are privately owned and have an

assessed value but land is Forest Service administered and has an assessed tax value of

$0 Along with these residences and businesses are corresponding infrastructures such

as power and telephone lines roads water septic propane tanks and entertainment

(satellite dish antennae) The surrounding area is populated rural and ranges from higher

density than the private property within the project area boundary to no development

The dollar figures above are presented for comparison purposes and nearby properties

would be thought to be similar in value All properties are located on the lower frac14 of the

slope and within frac12 mile of State Highway 410 All are within Fire Regime I Though

located on the hottest and driest part of the project area the slope position of these high-

value properties can be used to firefighters tactical advantage if vegetation structure and

fuel arrangement and continuity can be manipulated and maintained at a level that would

minimize fire intensity



I-22

Fire Risk and Fire Occurrence Trends

Recent fire occurrence and intensity is well documented Since 1970 29 human caused

and four lightning caused fires have occurred within the project boundary Analysis

considered a larger area of fire starts that could affect the Gold Spring project area to

included fires within two miles of the project area boundary This added an additional

104 human caused and 19 additional lightning caused fires As would be expected the

vast majority of human caused fires occurs at low elevations centered near recreation

sites while lightning caused fires tended to occur at higher elevations near ridgetops

Travel and Access Management

Within this project area there are 274 miles of National Forest System Roads including

86 miles of closed roads (although some have been breached or re-opened by the public)

State and Private roads (State Highway 410) total an additional 64 miles The existing

road density (including State Highway 410) equals 50 milessquare mile Road density

of National Forest System Roads only within the project area is 41 milessquare mile

Included for analysis in the Gold Springs Restoration Project is the proposal and analysis

for the relocation and reopening of Forest Road 1707 where it intersects State Highway

410 near mile 949 The proposed relocation would improve public safety and provide

easier access to the Pine Creek area without increasing road density The proposal will

relocate only the first corner of FR1707 which will move the centerline approximately 50

feet from the centerline of the existing road template

The open road system in the project area is in generally good condition However there

are isolated instances where redundant or inadequately maintained roads are resulting in

resource degradation or habitat security concerns

Snowmobilers and the IDT Recreation Planner have raised concerns about a section of

groomed snowmobile trail (no system number) where it intersects Forest Road 1705 The

existing section of trail crosses a riparian area via a narrow bridge that is difficult for the

grooming machine to traverse A proposed action of the Gold Spring project is to

relocate approximately frac14 mile of groomed snowmobile route to avoid this crossing The

proposed new section of trail will follow a skid trail of the Pinus Timber Sale to take

advantage of the open terrain

Desired Future Condition

The desired future condition of the Gold Spring project area was derived from the Naches

Mainstem and Wenas Watershed Assessment (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger

District 1995) Wenatchee National Forest Late Successional Reserve Assessments

(USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1997) the Wenatchee Forest Plan as

amended (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1990) and the

PinusSwamp Devil Environmental Analysis (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger

District 1996) The desired future condition is one in which

Forest composition structure function and pattern are appropriate to the forest

type and within the inherent range of variability

o Forest over- and understory (shrubs herbs and grasses) composition is

consistent with that which would be characteristic of the specific plant



I-23

association group Invasive species occur in low concentrations or are not

present

o The dry forest is a mosaic of variable size patches and gaps with large

diameter ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir at the core of these patches

Open canopy structures make up the vast majority of the stands

o Endemic levels of pathogens provide for the structural needs of dry forest

dependant wildlife

o Fuel loadings are such that fire can function as a natural process on the

landscape at intensities that are within the inherent range of variability

o The drymesic transition zone is one in which characteristics of both forest

types blend

Forest structure is one in which patches are larger and gaps are

smaller than would be found in the dry forest type

Closed canopy structured stands are frequent

The Grand fir series with a Western larch component become a

more frequently dominant type

Protection of life property critical infrastructure and resources can be achieved

within normal risk inherent to wildland firefighting in a light fuel loading dry

forest type

o Continuous fuel loadings and forest structure that lead to extreme fire

behavior in the WUI are eliminated

Scenic integrity is maintained or improved at the present level of visual wholeness

or intactness

o Human caused alterations (to form line color and texture) blend into the

landscape with the existing character so the landscape appears natural

Forest Service System Roads serve the needs of the public allow for recreation

opportunities and minimize adverse resource impacts

The forest continues to provide

o Clean water

o Clean air

o Wildlife habitat

o Recreation opportunities

o Commodities

Management Direction

The 1990 Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest

Plan) as amended by the 1994 Record of Decision for the Amendments to the Forest

Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents within the Range of the

Northern Spotted Owl (Northwest Forest Plan or NWFP) as amended by the 2007

Record of Decision To Remove the Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standards

and Guidelines from Forest Service Land and Resource management Plans within the

Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (USDA Forest Service 2007) and the Record of

Decision for R6 Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program ndash Preventing and

Managing Invasive Plants (USDA Forest Service 2005) provide this direction



I-24

Hereafter we refer to the combination of these plans in this document as the amended

Wenatchee National Forest Plan (WFP)

The Wenatchee Forest Plan allocated the majority of this project area to the Mather

Memorial Parkway (MP1) which emphasizes that the area be managed to maintain and

enhance its outstanding scenic and recreation qualities Forest-wide standards and

guidelines apply for most management activities with the objective of maintaining or

creating a forested landscape composed of large old growth trees in the overstory or in

groves intermixed with a variety of age classes in the understory (USDA Forest Service

Wenatchee National Forest 1990)

The Northwest Forest Plan allocations of managed late successional area (MLSA) and

riparian reserve overlay the original Forest Plan direction Late successional reserves and

managed late successional areas are managed to protect and enhance conditions of late-

successional and old-growth forest ecosystems Treatments in MLSAs are permitted to

help prevent complete stand destruction from large catastrophic events such as fires

insects and diseases In 1997 the Wenatchee National Forest completed an assessment

of the LSRMLSA network (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1997)

concluding that several of the reserves including the Haystack MLSA that were

composed of dry forests were at high risk of loss of late-successional forest habitat from

fires and insects They recommended that treatments occur within LSRs and MLSAs to

reduce the risk of large-scale habitat loss to fire and to restore dry forests to more

sustainable conditions Additional scientific reviews of spotted owl recovery have also

recommended restoration treatments to reduce the loss of spotted owl habitat to

uncharacteristic high-severity wildfires in dry forests (Courtney et al 2004) (Courtney

et al 2008) The final version of the northern spotted owl recovery plan (USDI Fish and

Wildlife Service 2008) calls for the strategic placement of restoration treatments to

reduce the risk of habitat loss from fire in fire-prone forests of eastern Washington and

Oregon

Riparian Reserves overlay all other management allocations where streams ponds and

wetlands are present and treatments within them are designed to meet and not retard

attainment of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) objectives The Aquatic

Conservation Strategy (ACS) and the WFP soil standards and guidelines set forth

objectives relative to the maintenance and restoration of sediment regimes in-stream

flows and site productivity Proposed activities must maintain the existing condition or

lead to improved conditions in the long-term

The Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program Record of Decision (USDA Forest

Service 2005) provides a framework for preventing invasive plant introduction

establishment and spread protecting ecosystems and human health and collaborating

with our partners and the public This ROD describes desired future conditions for

invasive species within the Region as

Healthy native plant communities remain diverse and resilient and

damaged ecosystems are being restored High quality habitat is provided

for native organisms Invasive plants do not jeopardize the ability of the

forest to provide goods and services communities expect The need for



I-25

invasive plant treatment is reduced due to the effectiveness of prevention

actions

Guidance

Additional guidance for this project can be found in the Okanogan and Wenatchee

National Forests Dry Site Strategy (USDA Forest Service Okanogan and Wenatchee

National Forests 2000) The dry site strategy was designed to focus vegetation

treatments in areas which historically experienced frequent ground fire such as the Gold

Spring area most of which is classified in the Dry Site Strategy as dense dry forest

According to the Dry Site Strategy

Research has shown that stand structure and composition across the dry forests of

the Wenatchee and Okanogan National Forests are vastly different today from

pre-settlement conditions (Everett et al 1997 1995 1996) Currently dry forests

on the Wenatchee and Okanogan National Forests support significantly greater

numbers of trees than in the pasthellipAdditionally species composition has shifted

from predominantly ponderosa pine to Douglas-fir or grand fir as the dominant

species The shift to dense forests with higher percentages of small trees and a

species composition higher in Douglas-fir and grand fir has significantly

increased the risk of lethal stand replacement fires where prior to settlement by

Euro-Americans low intensity non-lethal fires occurred

The Dry Site Strategy identifies eight management objectives for protecting maintaining

or enhancing forest health on dry forests

Reduce stand density (number of trees per acre)

Alter species composition

Reduce fuel loads to conditions consistent with pre-settlement fire regimes

Maintain tree density consistent with pre-settlement fire regimes

Reforest created openings

Maintain desired fuel levels consistent with inherent fire regimes

Maintain native grass and shrub communities

Reduce susceptibility to insectsdisease occurrence outside of endemic levels

The Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed Analyses (USDA Forest Service Naches

Ranger District 1995) is a landscape-level assessment developed under the direction of

the amended WFP Review of this analysis helped develop the purpose and need for the

Gold Spring Restoration Project The objectives in the Naches Mainstem and Wenas

Watershed Analysis include increasing ecosystem sustainability by restoring historic tree

stocking levels species compositions and successional stages across the landscape

Additional objectives noted in these documents are to reduce fuel loadings to levels

within the historic range and to reestablish the natural role of fire in the landscape In

reference to wildlife the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed Analysis recommends

maintaining travel ways dispersal corridors and riparian corridors as well as assuring

that road systems provide a level of access that is compatible with big game habitat

effectiveness

A community wildfire protection plan is a community-based forest planning document

that allows the public to clarify and refine its priorities for the protection of life property



I-26

and critical infrastructure in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) The Introduction of the

Highways 410 and 12 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) (Highways 410 and

12 Community Wildfire Protection Plan 2006) states the goals of the citizens involved in

the preparation of the CWPP The majority of those involved in the preparation of the

CWPP were local residents living in the WUI many of them living adjacent to or near

the Gold Spring project area Among the stated goals the citizens identified specific

wishes to

Provide for human health and safety

Identify areas with a high risk of loss to wildland fire

Minimize risk of damage or loss of property and essential infrastructure due to

wildfire

Explore options for biomass utilization wherever practical

Restore fire adapted ecosystems to a pre-suppression era condition

Purpose and Need for Action


describes the Landscape Needs (page 1-2) as (summarized)

Reduce existing fuel loadings in critical areas

Improve tree vigor

Increase the proportion of adapted species such as Ponderosa pine Douglas-fir

and western larch

Move stand composition and structure back to more historical levels

Improve tree vigor increase average tree diameter and decrease canopy levels

Reduce miles of road open to public vehicle traffic

The Gold Spring Restoration Project seeks to refine the desired future condition and

purpose and need statements of the PinusSwamp Devil EA to reflect current best

available science and restoration objectives of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National

Forest Dry-Site Strategy The purpose and need is based on a comparison of the

existing and desired conditions described in this chapter This comparison leads to

a purpose and need of the Gold Spring Restoration Project

Move forward actions identified in the Pinus SwampDevil EA (USDA

Forest Service Naches Ranger District 1996) that were not fully

implemented

Provide for future development and promote where existing a structure and

pattern inherent to the dry forest type

o a foundation of old large and very large fire resilient tree species

forming a structure of single-tree simple clumps and complex

patches with gaps or openings

Continue the encouragementpropagation of a desirable composition of fire

resilient species

o ponderosa pine

o Douglas-fir

o western larch

Encourage desirable understory species composition consisting of a tree

reproduction understory of the fire resilient species described above as well

as a shrub forb and grass component appropriate to the forest type



I-27

Protect life property and resources through the reduction of hazardous fuels

as promoted by the Community Wildfire Protection Plan for projects within

the WUI

Provide opportunity for wildland fire use within and adjacent to the planning area

as current fire policy allows by restoring pattern structure and composition

appropriate to the fire regime

Reduce potential for introduction or spread of invasive species

Improve the perceived visual quality of the fore- and middleground viewing

distance

Make available a transportation system that provides public access for recreation

opportunities is adequate for managing the National Forest and minimizes

adverse resource impacts

In order to accomplish the objectives mentioned above there is a need to

Restore forest structure composition and pattern to the landscape

o Promote large and old tree densityfunctioncomposition toward a

reference condition of 11-34 treesacre

o Allow Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe to function at endemic levels to provide

wildlife habitat and stand diversity

o Construct spatial variability including clumps and canopy gaps

o Reduce tree canopy cover to stimulate understory vegetation growth and

improve the vigor and productivity of native shrubs grasses and forbs

o Reduce or eliminate invasive and undesirable species and reestablish

native vegetation

Promote conditions to those in which tree stand vulnerability to high intensity

wildfire would be within the normal range of variability (normal departure from

the natural fire regime)

o Develop structure and pattern to allow natural processes (fire insects and

disease) to function within a normal (historic) range of variability

Create or maintain conditions that will allow firefighters a greater probability of

success in protecting life property and resources and allow the Line Officer the

discretion to use wildfire to meet or maintain resource objectives within the

project area

o reduce fuel loading by altering the structure of the vegetation (live and

dead forest fuels) reduce ladder fuels and create breaks and opening in

tree canopies in the dry forest and in key selected locations in the mixed

severity fire regime

o reduce or maintain ground fuels to a level that would support flame

lengths of generally lt4 ft during typical mid-summer weather conditions

o reduce the potential for sustained crown fire near private property

create gaps and openings within stands

reduce ladder fuels

raise the height to live canopy in the mid- and overstory



I-28

Conduct a roads analysis for the transportation system within the Gold Spring

project area

o Analyze and make recommendations for possible closure andor

decommissioning of any roads that may be redundant are causing

resource damage or are excess to the needs of management of the

National Forest System

o Reduce impacts and maintenance cost for the road system

o Analyze and make a recommendation for the relocation reconstruction or

obliteration of Forest Road 1707 at the intersection of State Highway 410

The Proposed Action

The Naches Ranger District in a scoping letter to the public and interested agencies dated

12172007 proposed management activities on 4318 acres of National Forest System

lands in the Gold Spring Project area (see Figure I2) The proposed action for

consideration under the Gold Spring Restoration Project as originally proposed in the

scoping letter included

Thinning of small pole and medium and large diameter size trees by means of

commercial (timber sale woody biomass utilization) and non-commercial

methods

Prescribed burning of management activity created slash and naturally occurring

fuels (forest fuels not created by management activities)

Chipping grinding and handpilingburning of activity created slash

Implementation of Firewise treatments (see Appendix B Glossary) by permit

holders near summer homes club sites andor resorts

Integrated invasive species management (prevention and control)

Reduce road densities where roads may be redundant are causing resource

damage or are excess to the needs of management of the National Forest System

Relocate less than frac14 mile of Forest Road 1707 beginning at the intersection with

State Highway 410

Make excess woody material (woody debris such as logging or thinning slash

non-commercial sawlogs etc) available as biomass for energy production

Connected actions

Construction of less than 02 miles of new temporary road

Construction of 115 miles of temporary roads that will follow previously

used road templates

Installation of erosion control structures

Dust abatement (water only) on approximately 2 miles of system forest

roads used in product removal



I-29

FR1703 from the intersection of State Highway 410 to the 1 mile

mark


mark

The above describe the Proposed Action as it was presented in scoping Chapter II will

discuss the Revised Proposed Action as it will be analyzed in Chapter III for effects

Decisions to be Made Based on this Analysis

Based on the information contained in this environmental assessment the Forest

Supervisor for the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest will make the following

decisions

Is active management an appropriate and effective way to progress the

vegetation in the Gold Spring Project area toward a future condition that

restores the pattern and structure inherent to the forest type maintains or

improves the scenic and recreation qualities of the Mather Memorial Parkway

promotes low severity wildland fire in the dry forest type improves overall

forest health and sustainability

o If so what type of treatments would be most successful Are

treatments such as commercial thinning (timber harvest) pre-

commercial thinning and biomass removal and prescribed fire the

appropriate tools to move the vegetation toward a desired condition

If timber harvest is appropriate

o what areas would be harvested

o when would harvest take place

o what harvest methods would be used

o what if any temporary road construction would be required

o what are the necessary fuel hazard treatments

o what post harvest activities such as tree planting precommercial

thinning and pruning or soil rehabilitation may be needed

Which of the integrated invasive plant species management strategies will be

implemented

What design criteria mitigation measures and monitoring will best meet

existing direction for protection and enhancement of resources such as late

successional habitat riparian habitat visual quality recreation use and

various resource needs objectives and desired future conditions within the

project area

How will potential soil compaction issues be mitigated in context of the short

time between entries

What if any roads or road segments will be closed andor decommissioned



I-30

Scoping Summary and Public Involvement

Distribution of the project initiation letter to the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) members

occurred on November 5 2009 The IDT consisted of specialists in plant ecology

hydrology soils silviculture fire and fuels planning wildlife fisheries engineering and

transportation systems recreation heritage resources and timber sale administration

Reviewing watershed analyses and existing condition statements submitted by the IDT

members using the Decision Protocol Process initiated the scoping process

A government-to-government consultation letter was mailed to Ralph Sampson

Chairman Yakama Nation on November 23 2009 A mailing of approximately 160

scoping letters went out to the public on December 22 2009

Unresolved Conflicts

Unresolved conflicts with the proposed action influence the development of alternatives

or have a bearing on the decision to be made Because design of the Proposed Action

met WFP and NWFP standards and guidelines and Best Management Practices for

MLSA MP-1 EW-1 and Matrix land allocations no unresolved conflicts were

identified

The resource concerns identified during project scoping and displayed below were

resolved by development of design criteria best management practices or mitigation

measures that minimize or eliminate the potential for adverse effects

Resource Concerns Identified During Scoping

Less than ten years has elapsed since the most recent entry into the project area While

this may be an appropriate time for a maintenance underburn and timber stand

improvement work such as thinning of small diameter trees commercial thinning of

medium diameter trees may reduce future yields

The Pinus II Timber Sale Sunip Timber Sale and Pinus Underburn adequately reduced

fire risk within the boundaries of these projects Ground fuels ladder fuels and crown

bulk density were reduced while height to live crown was raised (all important factors in

fire risk) The objectives of these treatments emphasized thinning to (retaining) a

remaining stand of 60-80 basal feet per acre of relatively evenly-spaced trees

Contemporary restoration objectives emphasize the need (for forest health in general and

by a variety of dry-forest dependant wildlife species) and for a variety in the pattern and

structure inherent to pre-European settlement conditions This includes diversity within

the project area of a variety of forest structures (see Figure I4) at the landscape level

The restoration objective of the Gold Spring project is to reduce the homogeneity of the

previous treatment to restore a variety of forest structures and processes to promote

large-tree development and to implement the maintenance underburn within the natural

fire return interval



I-31

Less than ten years has elapsed since the most recent entry into the project area

Utilizing ground-based logging systems over recently used skid trails would again

compact soils and further delay recovery of past treatment

Winter-logging will be required for harvest in the Gold Spring project area Requiring

frozen ground and over-the-snow skidding will minimize impacts to soil and hydrologic

resources



I-32

CHAPTER II


Introduction

This chapter is intended to describe the alternatives and how they were formulated This

chapter is the heart of the document and provides readers and the line officer with an

executive summary of the entire project displaying the alternatives mitigation

monitoring requirements and a comparison of effects of the alternatives Alternatives

considered but eliminated from detailed study are also included

Alternative Formulation

Normally issues identified during scoping are used to generate alternatives However

because this project is being prepared under the most current Forest Service National

Environmental Policy Act regulations and there are no unresolved conflicts concerning

alternative uses of available resources no alternatives to the proposed action are required

[36 CFR Part 220 Section 2207 (b) (2) (i)] Instead the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)

considered all of the comments made during scoping (see scoping letters and potential

unresolved conflict tracking chart in the project file) and where applicable adjusted the

original proposed action to resolve those concerns In some cases this was addressed by

adding project design criteria or mitigations to the project and in other cases the design of

the project was modified

Chapter I described the Proposed Action as it was presented in scoping (pages I-13 and

I-14) The Refined Proposed Action (RPA) is a result of specific site knowledge gained

through thorough field reconnaissance by IDT specialists As knowledge of the project

area increased specific proposed treatments prescriptions and locations could be

detailed at a much more exacting scale than was possible in the initial Proposed Action

In all cases the actual area of feasible commercial harvest or mechanical treatment was

much smaller than originally proposed That is not to say that many of these areas are not

in need of treatment but limitations of equipment andor economic feasibility (eg lack

of commercial volume) dictated other methods The areas that were designated for

harvest in the Proposed Action but not in the Refined Proposed Action were converted

to treatment by prescribed underburn in most cases A brief description of modifications

and incremental design features developed through the analysis process to develop the

alternatives considered follows

A purpose and need for action was identified in the general Gold CreekSpring

CreekPine Creek area

A project area boundary was developed by the IDT Leaders based on the purpose

and need collaborative input (Highway 410 and 12 Community Wildfire

Protection Plan) Naches Ranger District strategy for fuels and vegetation

treatment similar vegetation types and terrain

Areas of potential treatment were mapped by the IDT leaders through general

field reconnaissance and utilizing vegetation and topographic mapping and aerial

photographs

Limitations (eg areas of potential soil compaction) narrowed potential treatment

areas



I-33

Logging feasibility (eg volume availability and terrain) eliminated some

potential treatment areas

The District Fuels Planner identified those areas that are not suitable for

commercial harvest but are in need of treatment to meet the Purpose and Need

for action and could be treated through prescribed underburning or other fuels

treatments

Analysis for the relocation of Forest Road 1707 had been identified by the Zone

Engineer as a need Location of this road within the Gold Spring project area

allows for efficiencies in the NEPA process and for cost savings

A Proposed Action was developed from the initial treatment areas identified with

restrictions and modifications included

Potential unresolved conflicts were explored by the full IDT including those

resulting from public comment in response to scoping of the Proposed Action

All conflicts with the proposed action were resolved through project design or

mitigation therefore no additional alternatives were to be developed

Forest Service policy and regulation regarding National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA) application allow for an Environmental Assessment to analyze a single

alternative where no unresolved conflicts remain

Because of the improved accuracy of current information from the initial

Proposed Action the mitigation of resource conflicts that may have defined

another alternative and that the refined units are within and smaller than those

defined in the Proposed Action the Responsible Official has only fully developed

the Refined Proposed Action

Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis

Under the new Forest Service National Environmental Policy Act regulations evaluation

of a no-action alternative may be considered through the effects analysis by contrasting

the impacts of the proposed action in an EA with the current condition and expected

future condition if the proposed action were not implemented [36 CFR Part 220 Section

2207 (b) (2) (ii)] As opposed to developing an independent No Action alternative the

vegetation fuels and other resource sections in Chapter III incorporate a discussion of the

expected effects to vegetation and fuels should current conditions continue as well as

the resulting risks involved to give the reader and the deciding official enough

information to understand the need for the project

Rather than formulating a new alternative the proposed action was adjusted to respond

to concerns raised during scoping and collaboration primarily through mitigation and by

modifying the types design or location of certain treatments Unit boundaries were

specifically identified and marked on the ground that were equal to or in most cases

smaller than those in the Proposed Action Unit layout incorporated mitigations for

visual quality and key habitat concerns related to the northern spotted owl Further the

Refined Proposed Action seeks to integrate Adaptive Management Strategies as it can

help management to adapt to uncertainty and changes in environmental conditions

economic markets scientific and experiential knowledge technologies and social values

(see page II-22)



I-34

Vegetation Treatments

Commercial Timber Harvest

Commercial timber harvest and its associated activities would occur on approximately

364 acres all as commercial thinning individual tree selection and sanitation cut

Approximately 14 - 19 million board feet (mbf) would be removed from the project

area Commercial treatments vary among units and were designed to meet a combination

of structural wildlife disease and tree growth objectives In all cases early seral

(ponderosa pine Douglas-fir and western larch) were favored Commercial treatments

would remove trees greater than 7 inches in diameter and stress the retention of large and

very large diameter dominant and co-dominant tree species that are fire resilient drought

tolerant and disease and insect resistant (generally ponderosa pine Douglas-fir and

Western larch) on dry and drymesic transition sites The prescriptions would be

designed to maintain and enhance the natural variability on the landscape The desired

result would be restoration of structure and pattern that would allow natural processes to

function inside the dry forest within a patchy mosaic of clumps openings and variable

spacing

Winter condition logging (hereafter referred to as ―winter logging) will be required on

all units Winter logging refers to a condition rather than a season Circumstances

satisfying the winter logging condition will include no less than 20 of snow overnight

temperatures of less than 25ordmF and afternoon temperatures no greater than 35ordmF over any

piece of ground traveled by machinery Afternoon temperatures above 35ordmF may be

tolerated for short periods of time (approximately 4 hours) (USDA Forest Service

Wenatchee National Forest 1996) The intent of winter logging is to avoid soil

disturbance and compaction as may result from the relatively short re-entry time into

these units following the Pinus II and Sunip Timber Sales

Table II1 Treatment methods

Unit

Acres Harvest Prescription12 Logging

System Fuels Treatment3

2 122 Selection cut ITM winter

log

Ground Based Whole Tree Yard or Yard Tops Attached to Last

Log Biomass Removal Prescribed Underburn


log Ground Based Whole Tree Yard or Yard Tops Attached to Last


5 8 Commercial Thin ITM

winter log



6 123 Sanitation cut ITM

winter log




winter log




log




winter log



1See Appendix B Glossary for definitions of selection cut commercial thin and sanitation cut 2ITM = Individual Tree Marked 3Under the Adaptive Management Strategy the first option is for slash to be utilized If market conditions do not allow

for utilization the slash may be burned or piled and burned



I-35

Figure II1 Structural classes3

A forestlsquos current structure

composition and pattern are

influenced by many factors over its

developmental history including

competitive interactions between

trees disturbance and microsite

differences in resources (North et

al 2004) Forest vegetation

structure (commonly referred to in

the Gold Spring EA as ―structure

or ―structural class) is an

ecologically significant attribute of

vegetation considered to have three

major components (a) vertical

structure (b) horizontal structure

and (c) quantitative structure

(OHara Latham Hessburg amp

Smith 1996) In this EA the

structures described by OlsquoHara et

al (1996) and represented in Figure

II1 are being used to describe

current conditions and the desired

future condition Vertical structure

will be described by the strata (eg

understory midstory overstory

composition) while horizontal structure is being described by patch and gap size

(pattern) Hessburg et al provide a quantitative definition of the structure classes as the

contribution to the canopy cover by several diameter classes (USDA Forest Service

Pacific Northwest Research Station USDI Bureau of Land Management 1999) (see

Appendix C Unit Prescriptions) The quantitative definition of structure class can cover

a very broad range of canopy cover for each diameter class This can result in no

apparent change in structural class from pre-management action to immediately

following management action to 40+ years hence as may be seen in the unit descriptions

to follow See Appendix B Glossary for definitions and descriptions of structure

classes

The following unit specific discussion will refer to ―large and ―very large trees

―Large will be used to describe trees 21-25 dbh while ―very large will refer to trees

greater than 25 dbh

3See Appendix B Glossary for explanation of individual

Structure Classes



I-36

Gold Spring Unit 1

After a more thorough examination Unit 1 has been dropped from consideration in the

Refined Proposed Action There is no need to treat this unit

Gold Spring Unit 2

Table II2 Gold Spring Unit 2 stand description

Current

condition

Desired

outcome56

Projected

conditions at 40

years7

Trees per acre

73

(58-88)

36

(29-43)

33

(27-40)

Largevery large

trees per acre

12 12

25

Canopy cover

57

(46-68)

34

(27-41)

34-50

Mean DBH inches

16 19

23

Volume removed

mbf

621

(460-782)

Stand Structure Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Young Forest

Multistory

5Post treatment values reflect trees coded for removal during a formal stand exam 6These ranges are for a 68 confidence interval with a 20 error There is a 32 chance that the outcome will be

outside the range shown 7Projected by FVS 40 year projections do not include regeneration

Figure II2 Current Structure8

Figure II3 Post-treatment structure9

8FVS representation from site-specific inventory data 9FVS representation of desired post harvest stand structure



I-37

Table II3 Gold Spring Unit 2 Objectives

Objectives

General

Large and old tree densityfunctioncomposition moving toward reference condition of 11-34 treesacre

Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe functioning within reference conditions

Spatial variability including clumps and canopy gaps

Specific

White headed woodpecker (WHWP)habitat

Stand dominated by largevery large ponderosa pine with canopy cover lt40

Gaps (open patches) ranging from 025 to 09 acres with as low as 4 treesacre Desired stand area in these gaps is

not fully understood

Ponderosa pine nest trees should be located within or adjacent to gaps

Table II4 Gold Spring Unit 2 Implementation steps to achieve objectives

Large and old tree densityfunctioncomposition

Retain all trees greater than 150 years old10

Retain all trees gt25 dbh

Retain 21-25 dbh trees except rarely to meet WHWP ponderosa pine release or Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe

objectives

Retain only 0-2 younger trees around old ponderosa pine for a distance of 15-30 feet

Thin from below removing intermediate and codominant trees with poor growth or shallow crowns

Retain grand fir gt23 dbh if found

Retain wildlife snags (see Appendix B Glossary)

Buffer those gt25 dbh as needed to assure their retention

Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe function

Retain all old and gt25 dbh dwarf mistletoe infected Douglas-fir

Retain dwarf mistletoe infected Douglas-fir between 21-25 dbh as clumps of 3 or more

Isolate all retained trees by removing most Df within ~50lsquo of infected trees

Remove individual dwarf misteltoe infected Douglas-fir between 21-25 dbh and all lt21dbh as well as adjacent

apparently uninfected trees

Spatial variability

Clumps and gaps will be created by the above activities

Basal area across the unit will range from 0-120 feet

White Headed Woodpecker habitat

Cut white headed woodpecker gaps on 20-30 of the area retain as few as 4 ponderosa pine per acre within gaps

Reduce canopy cover to 27-41 (average across the unit)

Retain ponderosa pine wildlife trees within or adjacent to gaps

Associated Treatments

Prescribed fire with sustained flame lengths averaging 4 feet

No reforestation monitor western larch natural regeneration and if necessary kill in place mistletoe infected overstory

western larch including gt25 dbh

No mechanical non-commercial thinning (NCT) 10As defined by Van Pelt (Van Pelt 2008)



I-38

Gold Spring Unit 3



Gold Spring Unit 4


Current condition Desired

outcome1112

Projected

conditions at 40

years13

Volume removed

mbf

25

(18-32)

Canopy Cover 55-60 30-50

Basal Area ft 60-200 40-80

Stand Structure Understory

Reinitiation

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Not specified

11Post treatment values reflect trees coded for removal during a formal stand exam 12These ranges are for a 68 confidence interval with a 20 error There is a 32 chance that the

outcome will be outside the range shown 13Projected by FVS 40 year projections do not include regeneration


FigureII5 Post-treatment structure15

14Generic representation of Understory Reinitiation 15Generic representation of Stem Exclusion Open Canopy

Gold Spring unit 4 did not have a stand exam performed so a quantitative description is

not available Current structure objectives and implementation steps were determined

through field reconnaissance by the project silviculturist and other IDT specialists The

post treatment structure was deduced by comparing the current condition to objectives

and implementation steps


Objectives

General




Specific

Ponderosa pine advance regeneration released from competition

1-2 acre thicket of poor-crowned dwarf mistletoe infected Douglas-fir removed

Mature ponderosa pines below road have adequate long-term growing space



I-39





Retain 21-25 dbh trees except rarely to meet ponderosa pine release or Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe objectives


Tree cutting (meets both general and specific objectives)

On about frac14 of the stand release ponderosa pine small trees and saplings from overstory competition

On about 1-2 acres remove all Douglas-fir with live crown ratio of lt40 andor dwarf mistletoe

On about frac14 of the stand remove dwarf misteltoe infected Douglas-fir to release growing space for ponderosa

pine

On about frac14 of the stand thin from below removing intermediate and codominant trees with poor growth or

shallow crowns






Retain dwarf mistletoe infected Douglas-fir between 21-25 dbh as clumps of 3 or more except as described above




Spatial variability





No reforestation




I-40

Gold Spring Units 5 7 and 9

Table II8 Gold Spring Units 5 7 and 9 stand description

Current condition Desired outcome

Projected

conditions at 40

years

Volume removed mbf17

91

(68-114)




Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Not specified

17Precruise data for unit 9 only


FigureII7 Post-treatment

structure18

18Generic representation of Stem Exclusion Open Canopy

Gold Spring unit 5 7 and 9 did not have a stand exam performed so a quantitative

description is not available Current structure objectives and implementation steps were

determined through field reconnaissance by the project silviculturist and other IDT

specialists The post treatment structure was deduced by comparing the current condition

to objectives and implementation steps These units have been combined because they

are structurally similar and the treatments are similar

Table II9 Gold Spring Units 5 7 and 9 Objectives

Objectives

General




Specific

Young Douglas-fir trees with live crown ratio of lt40 not present except rarely in clumps



I-41

Table II10 Gold Spring Units 5 7 and 9 Implementation steps to achieve objectives







Thin from below removing intermediate and codominant trees lt15 dbh with poor growth or shallow crowns







Isolate all retained trees by removing most Douglas-fir within ~50lsquo of infected trees



Spatial variability





No reforestation





I-42

Gold Spring Unit 6


Current

condition

Desired

outcome20 21

Projected

conditions at 40

years22

Trees per acre

59

(53-65)

27

(24-31)

26

(23-29)

Largevery large

trees per acre

47 31

19

Canopy cover

43

(38-48)

24

(21-27)

31

(28-34)

Mean DBH inches

16 19

22

Volume removed

mbf

586

(434-728)

Stand Structure Young Forest

Multistory

Young Forest

Multistory

Young Forest

Multistory 20Post treatment values reflect trees coded for removal during a formal stand exam 21These ranges are for a 68 confidence interval with an 11 error There is a 32 chance that the outcome will be







I-43


Objectives

General



Spatial variability including clumps canopy gaps and complex patches

Specific

Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe is confined to old and gt25 dbh trees and clumps of 21-25 dbh trees

Understory ponderosa pine and western larch with live crown ratio gt35 released from overstory competition

Receptive seedbed and favorable overstory density for western larch and ponderosa pine


Unit 6 continued on next page



I-44








Retain grand fir gt25 dbh on drier upslope areas






Retain all dwarf mistletoe infected western larch gt21 dbh




Remove all dwarf mistletoe infected western larch lt21 dbh

Spatial variability



Retain grand fir on up to ~6 acres of moist areas preferably as unthinned clumps


Release advanced western larch and ponderosa pine regeneration by removing overstory Douglas-fir to open sky for

90ordm-130ordm east to west and neighborhood basal area less than 30 feet

For ~ 1 acre around retained western larch remove Douglas-fir to about 20 canopy cover



No reforestation is planned monitor natural regeneration of ponderosa pine and western larch and consider hand-

planting if natural regeneration is less than 30 trees per acre on 30 of the area where basal area is less than 30 feet

In the stand initiation patch located at the center of the unit mechanically kill all dwarf mistletoe infected Douglas-fir

saplings

Remove all Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine under 7 inches and all grand fir Estimated residual tree density

would be 30-60 trees per acre consisting of about 90 ponderosa pine and 5 western larch under about 6

dbh The remaining 5 would be Douglas-fir over 7 inches These numbers are visual estimates and not

based on plots

Burn the area as part of the larger landscape Other treatment is not expected However if necessary lop the

slash or let the red needles fall out of it before burning

Kill and retain on site mistletoe infected overstory western larch to prevent infection of western larch regeneration 25As defined by Van Pelt (Van Pelt 2008)



I-45

Gold Spring Unit 8


Current

condition

Desired

outcome2627

Projected

conditions at 40

years28

Trees per acre

102

(86-116)

35

(30-40)

33

(28-38)

Largevery large

trees per acre

11 11 20

Canopy cover

67

(58-76)

33

(23-38)

35

(30-40)

Mean DBH inches

14 20

23

Volume removed

mbf

247

(183-311)


Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy 26Post treatment values reflect trees coded for removal during a formal stand exam 27These ranges are for a 68 confidence interval with a 14 error There is a 32 chance that the outcome will be






Objectives

General




Specific

Old ponderosa pine released from competition from younger trees



I-46









On southwest part of unit retain Douglas-fir gt18 dbh or with live crown ratio gt40 and all ponderosa pine

Release young ponderosa pine from competition by removing overstory to open sky for 90ordm-130ordm east to

west Create gaps by removing +-90 year old Douglas-fir with poor growth










Spatial variability





No reforestation

No mechanical non-commercial thinning (NCT)

Special Consideration

Around dispersed (undeveloped) campsites in Township 17N Range 15E Section 15 the southeast frac14 of the northeast

frac14 (coomonly referred to as ―the shooting range

Thin around old Large ponderosa pine (Van Pelt rated gt 6)31 for 1 crown radius (approx 12 ndash 24 feet)

Do not thin through Douglas- fir pockets unless Intermediate Douglas- fir need to be removed for operational

access to trees marked within ponderosa pine drip line

Feather marking west of dispersed camping areas to meet the objectives or direction written in the official marking

prescription 31As defined by Van Pelt (Van Pelt 2008)

Table II17 Gold Spring Natural Fuel (no mechanical treatment) Objectives

Objectives

General

Encourage fire as a natural processdisturbance agent within the project area

Retain the current structure class on 80 or more of the natural fuels stands

Reduce fire suppression (initial attack) costs by maintaining a fuel bed that minimizes resistance to control

Specific

Encourage a structurefire regime that is sustainable with frequent low intensity fires



I-47

Table II18 Gold Spring Natural Fuel (no mechanical treatment) Implementation steps

to achieve objectives


Apply prescribed fire to approximately 60 of the project area with the objective of blackening 60-80 of the acres

treated

Reenter the project area every 7-15 years with a maintenance underburn


Underburn with sustained flame lengths averaging 4 feet

Maintain at least 70 canopy cover in those areas designated as suitable habitat for the northern spotted owl


Reduce or maintain ground fuel load to lt15 tonsacre as described by fuel models TL1 and TL3 (Scott amp Burgan

2005)

Disrupt continuity between ground fuels and live crowns by utilizing fire to thin seedling and sapling size trees and

raising the height to live crown (pruning) of live mid- and overstory trees to 3 meters in stands dominated by ponderosa

pine and Douglas-fir



No reforestation

No mechanical non-commercial thinning (NCT) or pruning (except as described for unit 6)


Figure II12 Refined Proposed Action ndash vegetation management



I-48



I-49

Precommercial (small diameter) Thinning Precommercial thinning would take place on approximately 11 acres within an island of

no commercial harvest within unit 6 All Douglas-fir would be removed

Fuels Treatments

Refer to Figure II1 for proposed fuel treatment locations

In 2001 the Pinus Underburn completed fuels treatments on all harvest units and the

natural fuels (fuels not created through some other management activity eg timber

harvest) between the units These same acres will be treated in the Gold Spring project as

a maintenance underburn

In the Refined Proposed Action approximately 4392 acres of fuels treatment would

occur in the project area Fuels treatment within the proposed commercial timber harvest

areas (approximately 364 acres) would include yarding tree tops (either whole tree

yarding or tops attached to last log) stand cleaning treatments underburning biomass

removal andor piling and burning of landings See Table II17 for fuels treatment acres

by activity type Fuels treatment of precommercial thinning slash within harvest units

would be treated congruently with slash resulting from timber harvest The natural fuels

treatment areas outside of both commercial timber harvest areas and precommercial

thinning areas (a maximum of 4028 acres) may be underburned

There are 21 recreation residences in portions of two groups Gold Creek (which includes

Kloshe Tillicum) and Cliffdell within the project area These lots are administered by

the Forest Service by a Term Special Use Permit The Forest Service will allow

recreation residence owners without the authorization process required in the Term

Special Use Permit to reduce fuels within 50 feet of their cabins in the following ways

Cutting of trees up to 7 inches in diameter (at ground level)

Pruning of conifer trees up to a height of 10 feet from the ground

Cutting of any brush under 5 feet in height or grass

Maintaining a clearing of 10 feet from the opening of a chimney through pruning

This allowance does not permit the falling of trees greater than 7 inches in

diameter (at ground level)

Clearing of all surface fuels within three feet of a cabin

Disposing of slash through chipping or hauling off-site

The exception to this permission is the following

No live trees or vegetation may be cut or removed within 100 feet of any stream

channel whether it is flowing water or dry without prior approval as specified in

the Term Special Use Permit (FS-2700-5a)

Slash from pruning thinning or other cuttings must be disposed of properly in one of the

following ways



I-50

Chipped or mulched and chips scattered to a depth of no more than 3 inches

Hauled off-site to an approved disposal facility

No on-forest dump sites are identified as a result of this EA

If piled and covered for burning

A burn permit must be obtained from the Naches Ranger Station

All conditions of the burn permit must be met

The Decision resulting from this EA will NOT excuse cabin owners from

obtaining a burn permit nor will it permit them to burn outside of the burn

season or during burning bans prescribed by the Yakima Regional Clean

Air Agency or the Washington State Department of Ecology

Burn piles must be located so as not to damage structures or other

improvements down large woody material or standing trees

In addition approval may be granted on an individual basis for the removal of down large

wood in areas where the LSR standards for down woody material are exceeded if

verified by a Forest Service specialist

Recreation residence owners would be allowed to carry out this fuels reduction work

without further permission from the Forest Service Other work such as danger tree

removal and planting would remain under the requisites of the Term Special Use Permit

(FS-2700-5a) although such removal and planting is analyzed here and will be

authorized in the Decision Notice for this document The Forest Service would not

perform this fuel reduction work within 50 feet of the recreation residences nor would

they provide funding or grants for cabin owners to have the work done Responsibility

will be with the individual permit holders for initiating and completing the work

financial responsibility and liability for damage to natural resources or improvements

Table II19 Fuels treatments

Fuels treatment of timber sale generated slash 364 acres

Natural fuels treatment (no mechanical treatment prior to

fuels treatment)32

4028 acres

Recreation Residence fuels treatment33

10 acres

Hand fireline34

2500 feet 32All acres within the project area not within a timber harvest unit are being analyzed for and available for fuels

treatment and to allow for a logical Maximum Manageable Area outside of the underburn boundary Actual underburn

boundaries will take advantage of roads and natural barriers within the project area 33Assumes a 50 foot wide buffer treated around each of the 49 recreation residences within the project area with an

average exterior cabin measurement of 30lsquox60lsquo (9000 sq ft of treatment per residence) 34Hand fireline will be constructed only on the western portion of timber harvest unit 7 on that section that falls

between FR1705 and State Highway 410

Connected Actions Directly Associated with Proposed Commercial Timber Harvest

and Fuels Treatment Activities



I-51

a Reopening of 040 miles of Maintenance Level 1 road (FR1703537) in

unit 2 to facilitate timber harvest operations

b Approximately 113 miles of temporary roads that will follow previously

used road templates will be reconstructed to facilitate timber harvest

operations

c Blocking of temporary roads constructed as part of this action to prevent

access when soil moisture conditions do not allow for effective

implementation of erosion control work

d Installation of erosion control structures vegetation and grass seeding in

areas vulnerable to erosion (eg firelines skid roads and landings)

e Combinations of ripping sub-soiling andor scarifying of compacted soil

on skid roads temporary roads and landings in proposed timber harvest

areas to reduce soil compaction and prepare seedbeds for vegetative

planting

RoadTrail Management

Refer to Figure II13 for proposed road closures and decommissioning

The interdisciplinary team analyzed the road system to identify roads that are redundant

to another road causing unacceptable resource impacts or are located in otherwise

undesirable locations After analyzing effects to aquatic resources wildlife and human

use (including those roads required by law or agreement need for fire prevention and

suppression and forest management needs) a recommendation was made by the IDT

Recommendations fell into one of three categories

No Action maintain at current Maintenance Level (Table II20) This could

include roads that are currently closed (Maintenance Level 1)

Change Maintenance Level (Table II21) The road(s) indicated are being

physically maintained at a level other than that indicated by the internal (to the

Forest Service) tracking database This would allow a decision that would permit

the database to reflect the actual maintenance being performed

Decommission (Table II22) closure with a berm recontouring slopes andor

planting of native vegetation to return the roadbed to a more natural appearance

and removing these as a part of the road system

Reduce to or maintain at Maintenance Level 1Storage (Table II23) the road is

redundant to the current system but the IDT judged that the road may be used

within the next 10-25 years for a silvicultural entry Decommissioning the road

and then rebuilding would cause more resource damage than maintaining it at the

current Maintenance Level Roads identified for Storage fall within the definition

of Maintenance Level 1 but could have culverts removed

These recommended road management activities would not be part of the timber sale and

would not utilized timber sale generated funds for their closure Closures would take

place as funding becomes available Temporary roads to be constructed for closed after

and paid for by the timber sale (NFMA required) are shown on Figure II1



I-52

Approximately 087 miles of system road would be closed and put into storage condition

by blocking the road beginning with a berm tank trap or gate (Table II23) Ditch relief

culverts would be removed stream culverts and road fill would be removed the road bed

would be scarified and seeded and water bars would be constructed as necessary

Approximately 466 miles of system road would be decommissioned (Table II22) To

decommission a road all ditch relief culverts would be removed all stream culverts

would be removed and streambank slopes restored by removing road fill The road bed

would be decompacted by a combination of actions including scarification deep ripping

winged subsoiling or loosening the compacted road bed with an excavator bucket Road

entrances would be fully re-contoured to match valley slope The remaining road bed

may be partially re-contoured to natural hillslope by pulling back fill slopes onto the road

bed with an emphasis on filling in ditch lines Decommissioned roads would be planted

with native vegetation

Table II20 Roads recommended for No Action

Recommended for No Action

(Sustain at current

Maintenance Level)

Current

Maintenance

Level3536

Segment

Length

(miles)

1700416 2 041

1700420 2 034

1703541 2 071

1703655 2 026

1705000 3 463

170557237

2 111

170700038

3 33

1707575 2 031

1707576 2 087

170757739

2 096

1707578 2 065

Total Miles 1355 35

Maintenance Level 1

=

intermittent service roads during the time they are closed to vehicular traffic

The closure period must exceed 1 year Basic custodial maintenance is

performed to keep damage to adjacent resources to an acceptable level and to

perpetuate the road to facilitate future management activities

Maintenance Level 2 =

roads open for use by high-clearance vehicles Passenger car traffic is not a

consideration


roads open and maintained for travel by prudent drivers in a standard passenger

cars User comfort and convenience are low priorities

36 (USDA Forest Service 2005)

37The final (northern) 04 miles of FR1705572 is recommended for decommissioning

38The proposed relocation of the frac14 mile of road intersecting with State Highway 410 will not affect the

maintenance level 39

The final (northern) 064 miles of FR1707577 is recommended for decommissioning

Table II21 Roads recommended for a change in Maintenance Level

Recommended for Changed Current Proposed Segment



I-53

Maintenance Level Maintenance

Level

Maintenance

Level

Length

(miles)

1703000 3 2 566

Total Miles 566

Table II22 Roads recommended for decommissioning

Recommended for Decommission

(Remove from road system)

Segment Length

(miles)

170353940

021

1703610 056

1703612 031

1703613 029

1703635 042

1703665 013

1705570 081

1705572 031

1705574 082

1705575 019

1705615 018

1707577 064

Total Miles 487466 excluding

FR1703539 40

This road has already been physically decommissioned It will be removed from the tracking database to

reflect its status

Table II23 Roads recommended for storage (Reduce to or maintain

at Maintenance Level 1)

Recommended for Storage

(Maintenance Level 1 but could

have culverts removed)

Current Road

Management

Level

Segment

Length

(miles)

1703537 1 056

1703542 2 031

Total Miles 087

The Gold Spring project is proposing the relocation of less than frac14 mile of Forest Road

1707 The proposed relocation begins 600 feet up FR 1707 from State Route 410 in

Township 17 North Range 14 East Section 15 (see Figure II2) Forest Road 1707

cannot be effectively stabilized in its current location The proposed relocation would



I-54

reestablish access to the Pine Creek area directly from State Route 410 were as currently

the only access is via FR 1708 to the intersection with FR1707 at Milk Pond (Township

17 North Range 14 East Section 2) The project is not proposing the closure of the upper

portion of FR1707 (between Milk Pond and the ridgeline between Milk Creek and Pine

Creek) which is outside the project area boundary If the relocation is constructed the

abandoned portion will be decommissioned as described on page II-6

If Forest Road 1707 is relocated the culvert that flows under FR1707 down to State

Route 410 will be removed A half-round culvert will be installed to contain Pine Creek

or the stream channel will be reconstructed Reconstruction would consist of removing

the fill over the existing pipe and reestablishing a stream channel The channel would

need to be hardened with riprap (see Appendix B Glossary) and large woody debris

placed in the stream channel to prevent erosion and reduce the risk of a mud slide onto

State Route 410

The Gold Spring project proposes the relocation of an approximately frac14 mile section of

groomed snowmobile route in Township 17 North Range 14 East Section 14 - the

purpose of which is to connect 1707574 to FR1705 This would relocate a portion of

groomed trail that crosses a riparian area via a narrow bridge which makes it difficult for

the snow grooming machine to traverse The relocated section would intersect FR1705

approximately 200 yards north of its present location to take advantage of more open

easier to traverse terrain and eliminates the riparian crossing The abandoned section

will be decommissioned to the same standards as described in the Road Management

section on page II-18 as funding is available


Figure II13 Refined Proposed Action ndash road management



I-55

Invasive Species Management



I-56

The proposed action for invasive plant management within the Gold Spring project area

emphasizes prevention early detection early treatment restoration of affected habitat

monitoring and long-term site management (adaptive management) This alternative

proposes to implement a fully integrated invasive plant control management strategy on

up to 450 acres (approx 10 of the Gold Spring project area) to manage existing

invasive plant populations and to prevent further encroachment into presently un-infested

areas as a result of implementation of the proposed action This strategy would provide a

treatment scenario that utilizes one or a combination of the following methods 1)

preventing spread or introduction (equipment cleaning) 2) manual control (pulling

digging grubbing or hoeing by hand or with hand-tools) 3) mechanical control (mowing

clipping) 4) cultural control (planting andor seeding of desirable vegetation mulching)

and 5) chemical control

Chemical control would include the application of the herbicides picloram (Tordontrade)

andor the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeotrade) to individual plants or groups of

plants using hand-held nozzles attached to backpack sprayers or to tanks mounted on

trucks Adjuvants (eg surfactants) such as Agridextrade and dyes would be mixed into the

tank containing the herbicide to increase absorption of the herbicide by the plant and as a

temporary indicator of the presence of herbicide in a given area In riparian zones or

within 100 feet of standing or running water only the aquatic formulation of glyphosate

(Rodeotrade) would be utilized Application of glyphosate in riparian zones would be by

wicking or wiping individual plants or backpack spraying individuals using hand-held

nozzles Only wicking and wiping would be implemented within 50 feet of a stream-

course (as measured from the edge of the stream bank) Within the adjacent 50 to 100

foot buffer wicking wiping and backpack spraying would be implemented

This proposed weed management strategy is a multi-phase approach providing for

repeated treatment over time using a combination of the above methods Proposed

invasive species management is expected to occur annually over the life of this decision

Prevention is the preferred method for managing invasive plant populations in

particularly with respect to sites not presently occupied by invasive species Prevention

practices would include coordinating and scheduling of road maintenance activities

inspecting gravel prior to use and pretreatment where weeds are found aggressive re-

vegetation and restoration of newly disturbed soil by rapid seeding and planting of

desirable vegetation educating the public in prevention awareness working with user-

groups to identify and report invasive plants promptly and recognizing and proactively

inspecting susceptible habitats within the project area Prevention would also include

inspection removal and disposal of weed seed and plant parts by workers and forest-

users

In areas currently occupied by invasive species manual mechanical and chemical

treatments would also be implemented On these sites herbicides would be an important

early practice implemented to gain initial control of invasive plant populations

Herbicide treatment would be immediately followed with seeding of desirable vegetation

As prevention and initial control treatments are implemented and populations decline

herbicide treatment will ultimately be replaced with the manual mechanical and cultural

methods identified previously



I-57

Specific treatment locations within the Gold Spring project area may include road and

trail corridors landings dispersed camping and parking areas gravel pits and other

isolated patches of weed occurrence Maps of inventoried dispersed camping areas

parking areas and gravel pits are contained in the Gold Spring project EA analysis file

Treatment of invasive species within plant communities which occur away from

roadways and trails would be by spot treatment of individual plants or groups of plants

using hand-held nozzles attached to backpack sprayers Treatment along open roads

would be within the shoulder easement and would include approximately 8 ft of

treatment area on each side of the roadway measured from the edge of the traveled area

of the road The treatment area on maintenance level 1 roads would include 12 ft of

roadbed as well as 6 ft on each side of the roadway (24 ft total) The total maximum

area treated would not exceed 450 acres or approximately 10 percent of the Gold Spring

project area

The highest priority for treatment would include eradication of new species eradication

of new infestations and areas where high traffic overlap with sources of infestation such

as proposed activity areas dispersed campsites parking areas road corridors and gravel

pits Infestations within key deer and elk habitat and infestations adjacent to State and

private ownerships are also identified as high priority for treatment Control and

containment (when control is not feasible) of existing large infestations of these species

in other locations are considered the next priority for treatment

Specific Standards (USDA Forest Service 2005) Best Management Practices (USDA

Forest Service 2002) and Design Criteria that would be implemented as part of this

proposed action are listed at the end of this Chapter

Monitoring

Monitoring is designed to determine if the resource objectives of the Gold Spring

Restoration Project have been met The results will be used to verify implementation and

effectiveness of selected mitigation and protection measures in a timely manner A

longer term resource recovery trend will also be established with the use of these

monitoring results

If preliminary data from any monitoring indicates that laws regulations or stated

objectives are not being met the activity will immediately be modified to remedy or

ameliorate the problem Implementation monitoring is specifically designed to provide

this feedback during ongoing operations Monitoring the effectiveness of mitigation

measures may also be timely enough for the introduction of modifications that improve

the outcome Monitoring also drives adaptive management (see following section)

Table II24 Monitoring Items



I-58

Monitoring Item Monitoring

Objective

Metric Frequency

Duration

Completed

by

Diversity and number of snags

created with underburning

Determine if

prescribed fire results

in a net loss or net

gain on the average

number of

snagsacre and

species being recruited

Number of

snags create

(aveacre) as a

direct result of

prescribed

burning

2-5 years after

prescribed fire

Wildlife

Design Criteria Effectiveness-

PETS MIS ampNWFP species

Implementation of

mitigation as

described (page II-19)

WildlifeEcology

Invasive plant species control Effectiveness of

treatment

Specialist

occular estimate

of percent target

species reduction

Until

undesirable

species are

reduced andor

desirable

vegetation is

reestablished

EcologyBotany

Range Mgt

Grass forbs and shrub

composition and structure

Validate that

treatment is having

desiredpredicted effect

Degree of

departure

2-5 years post

implementation

Ecology

Silviculture

Range Mgt

Forest structure pattern and

function

Monitor marking for

consistency with the proposed action

Degree of

departure

During

layoutmarking

Silviculture

Timber MgtFuel

Planning

Natural regeneration Ensure that adequate

natural regeneration

is being established

Stemsacre Five years or

less after harvest

Silviculture amp

Reforestation

Heritage property protection Effectiveness of

mitigations to ensure

protection of heritage properties

Degree of

protection vs

damage

During project implementation

Heritage Resources

Maintenance of opportunities

for traditional tribal practices

Determine if any or

to what degree

traditional tribal practices are affected

Degree of loss

of opportunity

as determined

by direct

communication

by tribal members

During project

implementation

Heritage

Resources

Fuels treatment Effectiveness of fuel

reduction treatments

and fire hazard reduction

Tonsacre

fire intensity

Within 2 years

of treatment

Fuel planning

Human health as affected by

air quality

Monitor effects to

human health

minimization of air

quality degradation

PM25 microm3

visibility

During

prescribed fire activities

Fuel planning

Scenic quality ndash State

Highway 410 Mather

Memorial Parkway

Recreation Residences Heavy Use Dispersed Sites

Monitor treatments

and prescriptions

effectiveness at

improving or

maintaining the

outstanding visual

quality of the area

Number of areas

appearing

altered by

management activities

During and for

up to 2 years

after implementation

Recreation

Dispersed Recreation ndash Public Assess effects of Number of sites Post RecreationSoils



I-59


Objective

Metric Frequency

Duration

Completed

by

Use availability amp impacts prescriptions

operations and

treatments on the

recreation

experiences of forest users

impacted implementation

Road management actions Ensure that road

closure and

obliteration methods were effective

Road use

closure compliance

Up to 5 years

post treatment

Engineering

Water Quality monitoring

(herbicide treatment areas)

Ensure that

mitigation criteria

were implemented as

described

Yesno as

described

During

implementation

Hydrology

Fisheries

BMP Implementation for

hydrology and watershed

resources

Ensure that

mitigation criteria

were implemented as described

Yesno as described

During implementation

HydrologySoils

Fisheries

Post project stream

temperatures (Water Monitoring Plan)

Validate

effectiveness of mitigations

Temperature

change

Post

implementation

Hydrology

Fisheries

Soil compaction Validate


Compaction Immediately

post treatment

Soils

Please see analysis file for detailed descriptions of monitoring items and associated

monitoring plans

Adaptive Management

This analysis also seeks to integrate Adaptive Management as a land management tool

Adaptive Management is a rigorous approach for learning and through deliberately

designing and applying management actions as experiments with monitoring and

adjustments as described below Adaptive Management may be essential for achieving

sustainable forestry as it can help management to adapt to uncertainty and changes in

environmental conditions economic markets scientific and experiential knowledge

technologies and social values (Marmorek Robinson Murray amp Greig 2006)

An application of Adaptive Management applies to the Gold Spring project in biomass

utilization and the disposal of activity created fuels (slash) Slash created by timber

harvest timber stand improvement andor mechanical fuel treatments may be sold and

removed for energy production However technology and market uncertainties may

make biomass removal unfeasible or unprofitable to a potential buyer Yet the ecological

purpose and need for the project remains unchanged Rather than the project depending

entirely on the removal of biomass by a commercial operator the Revised Proposed

Action includes an Adaptive Management strategy which will allow prescribed burning

firewood removal (personal or commercial) natural decay (no treatment) or a

combination of all (Figure II15) The adaptive management approach to fuels disposal

does not negate the need to apply fire as a process on the landscape



I-60

An additional adaptive management element would be for the sale of commercial timber

from the Gold Spring project area (Figure II16) If the commercial sale fails for

economic reasons the decision maker has the latitude to substitute any or all of the

timber sale units with a fuels treatment such as prescribed underburning

Precommercial or commercial thinning slash may be taken off site and used in biomass

energy production A slash bundler is sometimes used at landings to prepare this material

for hauling In some cases this ground based equipment may enter the stand to bundle

and remove the material The slash bundler would create and travel over a slash mat

when moving throughout the stand in order to reduce ground disturbance Woody

material may also be processed (chipped and loaded) at the landing If slash is not in

demand for bioenergy production due to market value or low quantities making retrieval

uneconomical the slash may be chipped handpiled with pile burning or underburned

See Figure II5

Winter logging will be required for the ensuing timber sale necessitating the need to

snow plow the haul route The haul route is likely to include FR1705 and possibly

FR1703 FR1707 and FR1708 These roads are popular snowmobile routes Dual-use is

the desired option with no hauling being permitted on weekends to allow snowmobiles to

safely use these roads It is possible that adverse conditions may exist that severely

shortens the winter logging season In such a case the Line Officer may choose to close

the area to snowmobile use to allow log hauling trucks to use the roads on weekends to

avoid harvest operations from extending over multiple years See Figure II17

Prescribed fire as a disturbance agent ie a natural part of the environment is an

example of where adaptive management does not apply in that the desire is to apply fire

as an ecological process not simply as a method of reducing fuel loading However

other methods of fuel reduction can be applied prior to prescribed fire to lower fuel

loadings in order to lessen air quality impacts (less smoke) strengthen control lines and

protect areas of special concern Examples of these methods may include burning with

higher fuel moisture to lessen smoke




I-61

Adaptive Management Strategy

Figure II14 Adaptive Management Fuels reduction alternatives

Element Fuels Reduction

Adaptive Method

Transport biomass off-site for commercial use eg

bioenergy composit building material

Adaptive Method

Prescribed Burn

Adaptive Method

Firewood Removal

Adaptive Method

No Treatment

(allow natural decay)

Adaptive Method

Combinations of all methods listed above



I-62

Figure II15 Adaptive Management commercial harvest alternatives

Figure II16 Adaptive Management snowplowing FR1705 to accommodate winter

hauling

Element Commercial

Harvest

Selected Method

Harvest all units as planned

Adaptive Method

Respond to market conditions by dropping economically infeasible

units

Option

Prescribed Burn

Option

Pile and burn

Option

No Treatment

Element Snow plowing for winter

haul

Selected Method

Dual use - no hauling on weekends

Adaptive Method

Close road to snowmobile use for

safety



I-63

Design Criteria Standards and Best Management Practices

The following design criteria are an integral part of the Refined Proposed Action For

ease of reference and tracking design criteria that require specialist assistance are

underlined and those associated with monitoring are identified with italics The design

criteria that reference specific timber sale contract (TSC) provisions would use either the

referenced provisions or their equivalent if changes in the type of contract or contract

provisions occur prior to timber sale contract preparation

Vegetation Resources

Proposed Endangered Threatened and Special Status Plants

1 The standard provision CT624 andor BT624 for the protection of plants and

animals listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of

1973 as amended or as sensitive by the Regional Forester under the authority of

FSM 2670 would be included in the timber sale contract This provision

provides for the protection of areas where proposed endangered threatened and

sensitive species occur and those which may be discovered in the area during the

contract period

2 Any Special Status bryophytes fungi lichens or vascular plants found during

project implementation would be managed according the Regional Forester policy

and other pertinent documents and direction

3 Refinement andor addition of other design criteria or mitigation measures may be

included as a part of the consultation process with the US Fish and Wildlife

Service to reduce risk of adverse environmental effects on plant species or their

habitat These refinements andor additions would be presented at the time a

decision is made

Invasive Plant Management The applicable standard from the referenced EIS is listed parenthetically following each

Standards (USDA Forest Service 2005)

1 Prevention of invasive plant introduction establishment and spread will be

addressed in watershed analysis roads analysis fire and fuels management plans

Burned Area Emergency Recovery Plans emergency wildland fire situation

analysis wildland fire implementation plans recreation management plans

vegetation management plans and other land and management assessments

(Standard 1)

2 Actions conducted or authorized by written permit by the Forest Service that

operate outside of the limits of the road prism require the cleaning off all heavy

equipment (bulldozers skidders graders backhoes dump trucks etc) prior to

entering National Forest System Lands (Standard 2)



I-64

3 Only gravel fill and rock that is judged to be weed free by District weed

specialists will be used (Standard 7)

4 Conduct road blading in areas with high concentrations of invasives plants in

consultation with District or invasive plant specialists and incorporate invasive

plant management practices as appropriate (Standard 8)

5 Develop a long-term site strategy for restoringrevegetating invasive plant sites

prior to treatment (Standard 12)

6 Native plant materials are the first choice in revegatation where timely natural

regeneration of the native (refer to Glossary) plant community is not likely to

occur Nonnative noninvasive plant species will be used 1) as an interim non-

persistent measure designed to aid in the reestablishment of native plants 2) if

native plant materials are not available 3) and in permanently altered plant

communities (eg roadside corridors) Under no circumstance will non-native

invasive plant species be used (Standard 13)

7 Application of any herbicide to treat invasive plants would be performed or

directly supervised by a State or Federally licensed applicator (Standard 15)

8 Only picloramtrade (upland) and glyphosatetrade (riparian) herbicides will be used

(Standard 16)

9 Use only adjuvacants (eg surfactants dyes) and inert ingredients reviewed by

Forest Service hazard and risk assessment documents (Standard 18)

10 To minimize or eliminate direct or indirect negative effects to non-target plants

terrestrial animals water quality and aquatic biota (including amphibians) from

the application of herbicide site-specific soil characteristics proximity to surface

water and local water table depth to determine herbicide formulation size of

buffers needed if any and application method and timing will be used (including

all label direction) (Standard 19)

11 Invasive plant treatments are designed to minimize or eliminate adverse effects to

species and critical habitats proposed andor listed under the Endangered Species

Act (eg surveys for listed or proposed plants have been completed prior to

implementing actions within unsurveyed habitat) Site specific project design

(eg application rate and method timing wind speed and direction nozzle type

and size buffers etc) will mitigate the potential for adverse disturbance andor

contaminant exposure (Standard 20)

12 Prior to implementation of herbicide treatment projects National Forest System

staff will ensure timely public notification including Recreation Residents resort

owners and Outfitter Guides Treatment areas will be posted to inform the public

and forest workers of herbicide application dates and herbicides to be used If

requested notify individuals in advance of spray duties (Standard 23)



I-65

Best Management Practices (USDA Forest Service 2002)

The applicable BMP from the referenced EIS is listed parenthetically following each

1 Forest workers should inspect remove and properly dispose of weed seed and

plant parts on their clothing equipment including and vehicles (BMP I-34)

2 Re-vegetate all disturbed soil in a manner that optimizes plant establishment for

that specific site (BMP I-43)

3 Use only weed-free plant materials and mulch for revegetation and site

stabilization (BMP I-45)

4 Utilize native species in revegetation projects Seeding and or planting will occur

at the appropriate times in spring and fall where needed to reduce erosion prevent

weeds from re-invading or to hasten recovery of non-weed species (BMP I-46)

5 Reduce the time lag between completion of an activity and restoration of the area

by requiring seeding within 10 days of activity completion and monitoring

disturbed areas for compliance (BMP I-47)

6 Monitor and evaluate success of revegetation efforts (BMP I-49)

7 Do not draft water (eg for dust abatement) from weed infested water sources

(BMP I-414)

8 Remove all mud dirt and plant parts from all off-road equipment before moving

into project area Cleaning must occur off National Forest lands (This does not

apply to service vehicles that will stay on the roadway traveling frequently in and

out of the project area (BMP I-51)

9 Clean all equipment prior to leaving the project site if operating in areas with

new invaders (determined by the Forest Weed Specialist) (BMP I-52)

10 Inspect and approve all gravel fill sanding stockpiles quarries and borrow

sources before use and transport The source will not be used if the weeds present

at the pit are not found at the site of intended use If weeds of concern are

present they must be treated before transport and use (BMP I-53)

11 Field check weed status after disturbance if weed risk is moderate to high (BMP

I-56)

12 Treat weeds on roads used by timber sale purchasers Roads will be prioritized

based on weed species present infestation concentrations resources threatened

and available funding (BMP III-223)

13 Treat weeds on infested landings skid trails and helibases before logging and

prescribed fire activities These areas will be prioritized based on weed species



I-66

present infestation concentrations resources threatened and available funding

(BMP III-224)

14 Where timber purchasers log yards or other contractors equipment yards are

known or suspected to be infested with noxious weeds seek eradication to the

degree possible within the contract framework through cooperation with the

purchasercontractor and the County Weed Board (BMP III-225)

15 Minimize soil disturbance to no more than needed to meet project objectives

(BMP III-231)

16 Monitor and treat weed infestations at landings and on skid trails after harvest

(BMP III-242)

Design Criteria

1 All applicable State and Federal laws including the labeling instructions of the

Environmental Protection Agency would be strictly followed Forest Service

Handbooks 210911 (Pesticide Project Handbook) 210912 (Pesticide Storage

Transportation Spills and Disposal Handbook) 210913 (Pesticide Project

Personnel Handbook) and 670911 (Health and Safety Code Handbook Chapter

9) would direct project planning and implementation

2 Precautions would be taken to assure that equipment used for storage transport

mixing or application will not leak herbicides into water or soil Exposure

reducing equipment such as drip-free couplings and nozzle shields for handheld

spray wands would be used Areas used for mixing herbicides and cleaning

equipment would be located where spillage would not run into surface waters or

result in ground contamination Mixing of herbicide in riparian reserves is not

allowed

3 Herbicide applications would not be conducted if rain were predicted within 24

hours or if wind speeds exceed 5 mileshour

4 All workers would wear protective clothing while mixing loading and applying

herbicides

5 Range permittees would be notified prior to herbicide application and project

implementation would be coordinated with permittees to reduce potential adverse

impacts to permitted livestock



I-67

Prescribed BurningAir Resource

1 The frequent application of water to Forest Roads 1703 1705 and 1708 would be

required as part of normal dust abatement for log haul activity as needed to reduce

road dust (Airborne PM10 and PM25)

2 A burn plan would be developed that specifies special needs such as types of

public notification andor signing and sign placement to warn of pending or

initiated prescribed burning activity Proposed activities and their locations

would be disclosed to the public before their occurrence in a timely manner (ie

several months before fall hunting season) The information would be distributed

through various forums including the news media internet at local events by

posting at entrance roads critical junctions in the project area and summer home

groups The purpose of disseminating this information in a timely manner would

be to minimize disruptions to recreation activities (particularly fall hunting) and

allow the public the time to make alternative plans

3 The Forest Service would only initiate prescribed burning activity under an

approved burn plan when authorized by the Washington State Department of

Natural Resources (WDNR) and would voluntarily comply with formally

declared burn bans imposed by the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency

(YRCAA) for protection of air quality

a If at any time during the burning sequence a burn ban goes into effect

for the Upper County (as defined by the YRCAA) of Yakima County

the Naches Ranger District will stop burning and reinitiate the burn

approval process with WDNR at such time conditions warrant

i If a Stage 1 burn ban is implemented by YRCAA or the

Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE) for the Upper

County of Yakima County ignition will cease

ii If a Stage 2 burn ban is implemented by YRCAA or the

WDOE for the Upper County of Yakima County ignition will

cease and mop-up will begin

iii If at any time during the burning sequence a burn ban (either

Stage 1 or Stage 2) goes into effect for the Lower County (as

defined by the YRCAA) of Yakima County with no restriction

imposed for the Upper County the Naches Ranger District will

stop burning and consult with WDNR A determination will

be made as to whether the planned prescribed fire can proceed

can proceed with modifications or will stop



I-68

RecreationScenic Quality

Invasive Plant Management

Prior to implementation of herbicide treatment projects National Forest System staff will

ensure timely public notification including Recreation Residents and other Special Use

Permit holders (such as those holding events at the Pine Creek Shooting Range)

Treatment areas will be posted to inform the public and forest workers of herbicide

application dates and herbicides to be used If requested notify individuals in advance of

spray duties (Standard 23)




initiated prescribed burning activity Due to the arealsquos proximity to privately

owned businesses largely dependent on recreating visitors on National Forest

land organization camps recreation residences and heavy fall hunting within

the area itself burning could potentially affect some of the public at anytime

throughout the snow free season Therefore proposed activities and their

locations would be disclosed to the public before their occurrence in a timely

manner during the winter season soon after plans are formulated for the next

year The information would be distributed through various forums including

the news media internet at local events by posting at entrance roads critical

junctions in the project area and summer home groups The purpose of

disseminating this information in a timely manner would be to minimize

disruptions to recreation activities and allow the public the time to make

alternative plans

2 Prescribed burning activities conducted along Highway 410 adjacent to

recreation residence tracts or adjacent to system roads 1703 1705 1707 and

adjacent to the segment of snowmobile trail not located on a system road

(Section 14) and adjacent to the Pine Creek Shooting Range would be of a

nature that would minimize negative long-term visual effects including large

numbers of dead trees large slash piles heavy bole scorching or constructed

fire line The trail corridor in Section 14 would be kept clear of downed trees

caused by prescribed burning

Refer also to General Design Criteria under RecreationScenic Quality



I-69


General

1 The foreground of State Highway 410 Forest Roads 1703 1705 1707 Mather

Memorial Parkway Information Site (Mile Post 94) the Pine Creek Shooting

Range and all recreation residences would be managed to be natural appearing

and provide a Roaded Natural ROS experience

2 Management activities would be designed so that changes in form line color and

texture resulting from management activities would not be evident for more than

one season in the Mather Memorial Parkway allocation (MP-1) as viewed from

State Highway 410 from the Mather Memorial Parkway Information Site and all

recreation residences and would not be evident for more than two seasons on the

Forest Roadsgroomed snowmobile trails 1703 1705 1707 and at Pine Creek

Shooting Range and associated campsites

Forest RoadsSnowmobile Trails

Forest Roads 1703 1705 and 1707 are used year round During the snow free season

they are used to drive for pleasure These roads are managed as designated snowmobile

trails (known as Gold Creek Spring Creek and Pine Creek Trails) and are groomed

annually by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission under an agreement

with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest A portion of Forest Road 1707574 and a

short segment between system roads in Section 14 ties the Spring Creek and Pine Creek

systems together For this purpose the design criteria for Forest Roads and snowmobile

trails are discussed together

1 Select ―character trees would be retained along the road corridors

mentioned above in 1 above

2 Warningnotification signs such as ―Logging Activity Ahead would be

posted where trails enter the treatment area Information signs would also

be posted at the surrounding area Sno-Parks including the Little Naches

(Road 1904) Milk Creek (Road 1708) Spring Creek (1705) Gold Creek

(1703) Rock Creek (1702) Bald Mountain (1701) and pertinent Sno-Parks

on the Cle Elum District The Recreation staff will be responsible for the

posting of these signs

3 If a section of snowmobile trail must be closed for safety reasons such as

hung up trees the trail would be posted closed and a temporary alternate

trail may be established

4 The haul route is likely to include FR1705 and possibly FR1703 FR1707

and FR1708 and will most likely occur during the winter season when these

roads double as groomed snowmobile trails Dual-use is the desired option

on these haul routes with no hauling being permitted on weekends or

holidays (including Christmas Day New Yearlsquos Day Martin Luther King

Day or Presidentlsquos Day) allowing timber sale operators and snowmobilers



I-70

to safely use these roads and to avoid conflicts with peak snowmobiling use

times These roads will be signed to 1) prohibit public wheeled vehicle

traffic and to 2) designate them as dual use roads for log hauling Speed

limit signs will be posted for both snowmobile and logging traffic This

management direction is in accordance with the current District

Snowgrooming Policy (CT512 CT6315)

5 Only one groomed snowmobile trail would be closed for hauling at a time

For example if 1708 was being used as a haul route Roads 1703 1705 and

1707 would not have hauling occurring within their vicinity at the same time

to allow management as snowmobile trails After hauling was completed on

1708 activities on one of the other three roads could commence

6 The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Yakima

County Snow Grooming Council and would be notified of planned activities

that may affect the groomed snowmobile trails and their users both prior to

and during the contractual snow grooming season as activities change

(December 15 through March 31) with the intent of minimizing effects to

the snowmobiling public

7 Groomed snowmobile trail segments not located on system roads (Section

14) would be shown as ―Protected Improvements on the Sale Area Map

This would allow for tread reconstruction of the system trail if it were

affected by logging or hauling activities (BT622 BT62)

8 System road closures (earth mounds logs boulders gates etc) would be

placed back about 100 feet or more from the road junction if this would

allow for dispersed camping andor vehicle parking Earthen mound and

large boulders used for road closures would be blended into the landscape in

visually sensitive areas and then planted with native vegetation The Forest

Service standard earth mound method would be used as a means closing

temporary roads and re-closing system roads after project activities where

applicable This method creates a small ditch and earth mound at the

beginning of the closure followed by a 15 to 30 foot long 1-2 foot deep

depression and finally a large earthen mound (at least 5 feet above the

surface)

9 Landings will not be located within the seen area of Forest Roads 1703

1705 or 1707 unless no other option is available If it is necessary to place

landings in these seen areas they will be rehabilitated after timber harvest as

part of the timber sale contract

10 Where practical slash piles will be located out of view of State Highway

410 and recreation residences



I-71

Dispersed Areas and Campsites

1 The Pine Creek Shooting Range and associated facilities would be

shown as ―Protected Improvements on the Sale Area Map This

would allow for repairs if the site or facilities were affected by logging

or hauling activities (BT622 BT62)

2 Large trees and vegetative screening would be retained around heavily

used andor traditional dispersed campsites including the Pine Creek

Shooting Range and associated camp sites to minimize negative

effects to the recreation experience and to minimize creation of

additional user built roads Recreation staff would assist the

vegetation management planner during layout and fuels planner before

burning to select which campsites should be managed in this manner

3 The Recreation Specialist would review unit marking in the area

visible from Pine Creek Shooting Range and associated campsites

prior to the timber sale contract advertisement

4 Heavily used or traditional dispersed campsites identified in the Gold

Spring Restoration Project EA analysis file including the Pine Creek

Shooting Range and associated campsites would not be used as

landings for slash piling or parking logging equipment whenever

possible to minimize negative effects to the recreation experience If it

is necessary to use a campsite the campsite would be rehabilitated

after harvest activities are complete as part of the timber sale contract

(standard provision CT 51) Rehabilitation includes slash disposal

ground recontouring and reseeding The recreation planner would

assist the vegetation management planner during layout to select

which campsites should be managed in this manner

5 Landings would be designed to accommodate future dispersed

camping opportunities where practical to do so Additional screening

may be left to improve visuals and meet dispersed camping needs

6 Slash from precommercial thinning or fuels treatment hand piling

activity would not be placed within the more heavily used recreation

sites including Pine Creek Shooting Range and associated campsites

Slash could be placed on the site perimeters for public use

Special Uses ndash Permitted Events and Recreation Residence Areas

1 Annually or more often if necessary the Timber Sale Administrator andor

vegetation management specialists (fuels planner and precommercial

treatment planner) will coordinate with the District Special Uses

Coordinator of upcoming activities within the project area (particularly

those at Pine Creek Shooting Range) with the intent of reducing scheduling

conflicts between vegetation management activities and special permitted



I-72

events The District Special Uses Coordinator would notify existing permit

holders of activities that may affect them Permit holders would be

encouraged to call before their event to check on the status of timber sales

andor other vegetation management operations

Wildlife Resources

1 The standard provision CT624 andor BT624 for the protection of animals listed as

threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended or

listed as Sensitive by the Regional Forester under the authority of the Forest Service

Manual ndash FSM 2670 would be included in the timber sale contract This provision

provides for protection of areas where proposed endangered threatened and

sensitive species are discovered in the timber sale area during the contract period

2 Pertaining to management of hazard trees on tracts that are within the MLSA

a If the hazard tree is within Riparian Reserve but a distance from the

floodplain that is greater than the height of the tree the felled tree will be

left on site unless leaving the tree would pose additional danger to human

health (cause injury) pose a high risk to downstream facilities or prevent

the intended use of the facility from occurring Consideration should be

given to using these felled trees as instream structures if such structures

are needed to meet ACS objectives in the short term at this site or any

nearby location

b If the tree to be felled is within a distance equal to or less than the height

of the tree from the active floodplain the tree should be felled toward the

aquatic habitat and left on site unless leaving the tree would pose

additional danger to human health (cause injury) pose a high risk to

downstream facilities or prevent the intended use of the facility from

occurring Consideration should be given to using these felled trees as

instream structures if such structures are needed to meet ACS objectives in

the short term at this site or any nearby location

c Felled trees may be removed if they are in excess of both aquatic and

terrestrial habitat needs Those needs include instream objectives for

streams and coarse wood objectives for floodpain areas (consistent with

Aquatic Conservation Strategy and completed BAs) It also includes

down wood habitat needs described in the Forest LSR Assessment

(LSRA) (USDA Forest Service 1997) If all terrestrial and aquatic

habitats needs have been met felled hazard trees may be sold or made

available to permit-holders for use as firewood

3 All harvest would meet LSRA direction for large woody debris to provide habitat for

species such as white-headed woodpecker pygmy nuthatch flammulated owl



I-73

pileated woodpecker fungi arthropods bryophytes amphibians and other organisms

dependent on large woody debris (LSRA Table VII-1 pp 105)

4 There are no known raptor sites in the project area however if an active raptor nest is

discovered during timber harvest operations approximately 30 acres of the most

suitable nesting habitat around each nest site would be protected (WFP IV-81) In

addition the following timing restrictions would apply to prescribe burning

precommercial thinning and timber harvest operations (timber falling yarding or

skidding and timber haul) within 025 mile of the nest sites

a At active nests (used in the last two years) a no cut 150 foot buffer would

be implemented around the nest site and an additional 150 foot transition

zone would be managed to grow suitable nest site characteristics

b If occupied or nesting no logging operations would be allowed from

March 15 through July 15

c If not occupied no restrictions on operations would be needed

5 The following timing restrictions would be placed on all active northern spotted owl

nests during the nesting season March 1 to July 31 for disturbance Activities that

create noise above ambient forest levels including use of chainsaws tractors

snowplows bulldozers graders dump trucks excavators log trucks or generators

would be prohibited within 400 meters (frac14 mile) High-intensity low-duration

activities such as pile-driving and blasting would be prohibited within 1 km (23 mile)

Low-flying aircraft (at or below 500 feet above the forest canopy or open ground)

would be prohibited within 1 km (23 mile)

6 Should a nesting pair of spotted owl be located within 14 mile of the fuels treatment

area appropriate burn plan designs would be implemented restrict burning to occur

outside nesting period (March 1 through July 31 design burn plan so that the plume

trajectory is at least 45 degrees either side of nest Use a test-fire prior to ignition to

determine plume direction With this mitigation in place it is anticipated that project

implementation would result in minimal disturbance effects to the spotted owl

7 Should an active peregrine falcon nest sites be located within 1 mile of the Fuels

Treatment area appropriate burn plan designs would be implemented If burning

between February 15 and July 15 design burn plan so that the plume trajectory is at

least 45 degrees either side of nest Use a test-fire prior to ignition to determine plume

direction With this mitigation in place it is anticipated that project implementation

would result in minimal disturbance effects to the peregrine falcon and golden eagle



I-74

Soil Water and AquaticRiparian Resources

Riparian Reserve widths as described in the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) in the

NWFP are 300 150 and 100 feet buffers on both sides of stream channels for fish bearing

streams permanently flowing nonfish-bearing streams and seasonally

flowingintermittent streams respectively Additionally minimum buffers for lakes and

natural ponds is 300 feet 150 feet from constructed ponds and reservoirs and wetlands

greater than 1 acre and 50 feet for wetlands less than 1 acre Some Riparian Reserves

may extend further due to taller site potential tree heights or other field conditions such as

unstable or potentially unstable areas (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District

1995) (USDA Forest Service 1988)

1 As a general rule standards and guidelines for Riparian Reserves prohibit or

regulate timber management activities in Riparian Reserves except under specific

actions Silviculture practices within Riparian Reserves to control stocking

reestablish and manage stands and acquire desired vegetation characteristics

needed to attain ACS objectives is allowed within the NWFP The Naches

Mainstem and Wenas Watershed Analyses (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger

District 1995) describes that there may be areas where Riparian Reserve widths

for intermittent streams could be less than standard widths above from the NWFP

Generally timber harvest and ground based logging or biomass removal

equipment will be distanced at least 150-300 feet from fish bearing streams or

100-150 feet from perennial non-fish bearing streams and 50-100 feet from

intermittent non-fish bearing streams only under the silvicultural standards and

guidelines described above

2 Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality and timber sale contract

provisions would be followed to prevent or reduce adverse impacts to water

quality from forest activities and meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act

(PL11972 Federal Water Pollution Control Act and later amendments)

For complete definitions of the BMPs please refer to the PNW publication

General Water Quality Best Management Practices November 1988 (USDA

Forest Service 1988) available at the Naches Ranger Station For complete

definitions of the contract provisions please refer to the source book for timber

sale provisions available at the Naches Ranger Station Mitigation measures

mentioned below are cross-referenced to specific BMPs in the analysis file The

site specific BMPs in the analysis file also include qualitative ratings for the

ability to implement and monitor the effectiveness of each BMP

3 In order to meet amended WFP Riparian Reserve standards and to protect water

quality new skid trails new landings and new temporary log decks would only

be located in Riparian Reserves as a last resort and in locations approved by

resource specialists Old landings and old skid trails that occur in riparian areas

would only be used when they would allow treatments that would hasten

hydrologic recovery The use must not prevent attainment of aquatic conservation

strategy objectives and suitable design criteria and BMPs must be employed so

that there is no measurable adverse effect on riparian resources Tractor skid



I-75

trails would be located on ridges instead of depressions when feasible and

allowed to cross riparian areas only at designated locations where suitable

mitigation measure can be employed Suitable mitigation measures may include

but are not limited to placement of culverts or log crossings Restoration

activities would include but not be limited to removal of culverts logs or other

debris re-contouring of streambank crossings scattering of woody debris for soil

erosion control and vegetative seeding or planting if needed Riparian areas

would be avoided and crossed only as a last resort at locations approved by a

resource specialist (BMPs T-7 T-8 T-10 and T-11)

4 Grass seeding of temporary roads to reduce potential erosion (especially cut and

fill banks) where effective and needed would take place prior to the first winter

after the start of road construction (BMPs R-4 R-5 and R-19)

5 The WFP standard and guideline requirements for ground cover retention would

be met following logging and fuels treatment operations (WFP page IV-97

BMPs F-2 F-3 R-5 T-3 and T-14)

6 Temporary roads constructed or re-opened for this project shall have their

beginning restored to a natural contour (where practical to do so and generally

within 300 feet of its junction) and the remaining length sub-soiled waterbarred

and stabilized with vegetation after project activities have been completed (TSC

provision CT51 Option 1 and BMPs T-14 and R-23)

7 Temporary roads constructed for this project will be blocked within one week at

the completion of harvest activities with cull logs slash rocks or other material

until soil moisture is at the levels that allow for effective decommissioning

(seeding other erosion control work contouring etc) as described in this section

8 Use of ground based systems for log skidding (tractors skidders etc) would be

limited as needed to meet the WFP standard for detrimental soil compaction

(WFP IV-97) This standard states that no more than 20 of an activity area

would have detrimental soil conditions after purchaserlsquos operation Detrimental

soil compaction is defined as an increase in bulk density of 15 or more over

undisturbed conditions Compacted soil areas that are affected in the proposed

timber harvest actions (skid trails temporary roads and landings) would be

rehabilitated using an appropriate method (such as sub-soiling scarifying andor

planting of perennial grasses)

9 Timber harvest methods would be implemented using the Wenatchee National

Forest Ground Based Harvest Policy as described in the letter dated June 28

1996 If a revised policy is in effect at the time of timber sale contract

preparation the revised policy will be used The existing policy would use the

following implementation criteria for this project

10 No active prescribed fire ignition would take place within Riparian Reserves

Any underburning that may take place within Riparian Reserves would be low

intensity backing in from ignition sources outside the Riparian Reserve In



I-76

addition no hand constructed fireline would be constructed in Riparian Reserves

or areas of high erosion potential (BMPs F-2 and F-3) Only blackline would be

used in Riparian Reserves if needed

11 Where old logging skid trails or landings used for harvest activities are within the

Riparian Reserves an appropriate vegetative buffer of untreated area would be

retained to catch sediment between any subsoilingripping areas and nearby

streams per WFP direction In all cases subsoilingripping would not occur

within the inner gorge of the stream riparian zone

12 Landings would be located on road beds where practical to minimize additional

ground disturbance

13 To reduce road surface damage and rutting of (system) roads and to minimize

sediment washing from damaged road surfaces during periods of wet weather

hauling activity would be controlled by the Sale Administrator within active

timber sales (BMP R-20) Roads having more than casual use during wet periods

shall have a stable surface and sufficient drainage to allow such use with a

minimum of resource impact

14 Implement BMP R-21 (Snow removal controls to avoid resource damage) Snow

berms will be removed or breached to avoid accumulation or channelization of

melt water on roads and prevent water concentration on erodible slopes or soils

15 Precommercial thinningnatural fuel treatments within inventoried Riparian

Reserve areas would do the following

a Not measurably affect tree crown closure at the tree stand level

b Not cut any live trees greater than 7 inches DBH or diseased trees greater

than 10 inches DBH

c Not light any underburn actions from within a Riparian Reserve

d Place precommercial thinning slash handpiles for later burning at least 25

feet away from streambanks (inner gorge)

e Retain core elements (shade and ground cover retention) to meet Aquatic

Conservation Strategy (ACS) objectives

f Protect waterways from input of ignition substances

g Precommercial thinning within Riparian Reserves would not cut any trees

that provide shade within 25 feet of streambanks (inner gorge) of

perennial streams

16 Refinement andor addition of design criteria or mitigation measures may be


Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to reduce risk of adverse

environmental effects on certain fishaquatic species or their habitat These

refinements and or adjustments would be presented at the time a decision is made

17 Prescribed burning would not be implemented on more than 25 percent of any 6th

field watershed within a single season



I-77

18 Road Treatments (Decommission) Actions may include deep ripping hillslope

re-contouring stream crossing road fill removal streambank re-contouring and

re-vegetation actions

a For road obliteration within riparian areas re-contour the valley side

slopes to mimic the natural floodplain contours and gradient

b Use sediment control barriers between the project and the stream when

obliterating road segments immediately adjacent to streams

c Seed and plant all disturbed soils from road treatments or re-contoured

streambanks with native species Place sediment filter logs and scatter

logs limbs and tree branches on the bare soil areas of re-contoured

streambanks after culvert fill removal

d Drainage features used for road decommissioning will be spaced to

hydrologically disconnect road surface runoff from stream channels

e Dispose excavated culvert fill outside of floodprone areas

f Road treatments will occur during seasons when soil moisture conditions

are not saturated

19 When removing culverts from first or second order non-fish bearing streams

a Divert streamflow around the construction site using a coffer dam (built

with non-erosive materials or clean rock and an associated pump or a

bypass culvert Small amounts of streambed substrate may be moved to

help seal and secure diversion structures

b Upon project completion slowly re-water the construction site to prevent

loss of surface water downstream as the construction site streambed

absorbs water and to prevent a sudden increase in stream turbidity

Monitor downstream during re-watering to prevent stranding of aquatic

animals below the construction site

Range

1 Range improvements (fences water developments) as identified on the map in the

Gold Spring Project EA analysis file would be protected under contract provision

BT622 or its equivalent

2 Operating Plans for range use timber harvest and natural fuel treatments would

be coordinated to reduce potential conflicts

Heritage Properties

1 Project activities would be designed to protect identified historic properties

Archaeologist(s) andor archaeological technician(s) would monitor project

activities and project area historic properties as necessary All NRHP listed

eligible and potentially eligible properties [historic properties] would be

reasonably buffered in relation to their individual protection needs and marked

for avoidance Project activities determined by an archaeologist to have little or

no potential to affect a specific property would be allowed to occur within the

marked boundaries



I-78

2 Periodic monitoring of heritage properties andor sensitive landforms would be

conducted during implementation Protection andor mitigation needs for historic

properties would be refined as appropriate

3 If any new cultural resources are discovered during the course of project

implementation all work in that area would cease and the resources protected

until an archaeologist assesses the find If a newly identified property could not

be avoided or protected from a project activity appropriate mitigation measures

would be satisfied in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Officer and

Advisory Council for Historic Preservation prior to resumption of that activity

4 The standard contract provision BT624 and CT624 for the protection of

heritage properties considered eligible for inclusion on the National Register of

Historic Places would be included as part of the timber sale contract This

provision provides for the protection of areas where heritage properties have been

identified and for those that may be discovered in the area during the contract

period The locations listed eligible and potentially eligible heritage properties

would be identified as areas to protect

5 Historic properties would be identified as ―Areas to Protect on timber sale

contracts and project activity work plans Specific protection measures for

individual properties would be incorporated into activity implementation plans

Contracts for work would contain the standard provisions for the protection of the

identified cultural resources and unanticipated cultural resources and

unanticipated cultural resource discoveries

6 Any flagging and other marking used to denote heritage properties would be

removed at the close of project activities

7 Any cultural resource monitoring and inspection report(s) prepared would be filed

with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters and State Historic

Preservation Office



I-79

Comparison of Alternatives

This section normally includes a comparison of alternatives However under the new

Forest Service NEPA regulations no alternatives other than the proposed action are

required if there are no unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available

resources as is the case with this project Therefore the comparison below is given to

the projected future condition information (with no management action) and the refined

proposed action for project objectives (purpose and need)

Table II25 Comparison of Projected Future Condition to the Revised Proposed Action

Objectives

(Purpose and Need)

Projected Future

Condition41

Revised Proposed Action

Enhancedevelop canopy structure

and pattern in keeping with the

historic structures as determined by

stand re-creation or professional

judgment

Low variability of structures within

mechanical treatment areas

Mechanical treatments will add

variability of structure class to

treatment areas Natural fuels

underburns will not significantly

affect structure class at the stand

level

Improve overall forest health and

sustainability

Maintaining current fire management

policies andor lack of management

intervention will lead to continued

changes in composition structure

and pattern that will allow

degradation of forest health until the

standfuelbed is re-initiated by

wildfire or management action

Management actions designed to

restore composition structure and

pattern allow for the reintroduction of

processes that promote forest health

Composition structure and pattern

that is appropriate for a given plant

community would allow pathogens to

function at endemic levels that

continue the cyclic pattern that

promotes overall forest health

Reduce potential for introduction or

spread of invasive species

No potential for introduction of

invasive species on disturbed ground

from management actions as a result

of this project However selecting

no management action would not

provide opportunities to control

existing invasive species infestations

Eighty-six percent of the project area

is treated mechanically or by

prescribed fire creating ground

disturbance that would allow

potential seedbeds that may be

receptive to invasive plant species

colonization and spread

An action decision related to invasive

species management (implementation

of prevention mitigation and

control) would result in a greatly

reduced potential for adverse affects

associated with implementation of

the vegetation treatment (eg

logging and prescribed fire) as well

as existing infestations of invasive

species

Reduce road densities within the

project area

No change to existing road densities

discounting loss to natural events

(flooding landslide)

Densities would be reduced as

funding allows with IDT

recommendations to close or

obliterate specified roads



I-80

Objectives

(Purpose and Need)

Projected Future

Condition41


Reduce impacts and maintenance

costs for the road system

Maintenance costs would be largely

unchanged from current levels andor

would respond in kind to budget

fluctuations

During the timber sale portion of the

project road maintenance would

occur during the life of the sale at

likely a more frequent interval as is

specified by contract requirements

Recommendations by the IDT to

close andor obliterate specified road

or road segments would improve

resource conditions but not result in

road maintenance costs

Reduce the potential of a large

wildland firemaintain integrity of

the fuelbreak created by the 2001

Pinus Underburn

Ground and surface fire in the dry

and drymesic transition forest types

may move with a slower rate of

spread as tree canopies continue to

close reducing sunlight reducing

grass and brush growth and reducing

ground level winds Potential for

fast-moving crown fire continues to

increase as the canopy continues to

close Conditions would continue on

this trend until the standfuelbed is

re-initiated by wildfire or

management action


wildland fire

Reduce the risk to life property and

resources in the event of a large

wildland fire

The project area sees a continued

increase (degradation) in degree of

departure Fuel loading and the

associated increase in fire intensity

will amplify until reset by wildfire or

management action Chance of

ignition remains unchanged


receives treatment reducing fuel

loading and canopy closure in the dry

forest and the associated fire

intensity Fire may experience a

higher rate of spread Chance of


41Projected Future Condition is that if no management action were taken If multiple alternatives were developed for

the Gold Spring project this would be considered the No Action Alternative


Affected Environment Environmental Consequences

III-81

CHAPTER III



This chapter identifies the probable consequences of implementing the proposed action to the resources

affected It forms the scientific and analytic basis for the possibility of implementation of the Refined

Proposed Action We describe the environmental consequences of implementing the Refined Proposed

Action Focus is on describing a resources relation to the Purpose and Need of this project (see Chapter

I) the general and specific interactions of management actions to resources and processes and how the

proposed action will affect that resource

The Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (USDA Forest Service

Wenatchee National Forest 1990) established a Forest biodiversity goal to maintain representatives of

native and desirable non-native plant and animal species and the plant communities in which they are

found to provide for all successional stages of terrestrial aquatic and riparian plant associations in a

distribution and abundance to accomplish this goal and to maintain or enhance ecosystem function to

provide for long-term integrity and productivity of biological communities Additionally the

Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan established a Forest timber

management goal to use silvicultural techniques to provide a diversity of forest ecosystems to use

silvicultural techniques that ensure prompt and adequate regeneration of appropriate species to optimize

growth minimize disease and insect losses and to protect or enhance long-term site productivity (WFP

pages IV-3 and IV-4) The Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan also

established a Forest Protection goal to use prescribed fire to meet resource and land management

objectives as appropriate and to prevent or reduce losses due to insect and disease by treatment of

vegetation to reduce the risk of epidemic outbreaks (WFP page IV-4)

The stated Purpose and Need of the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of

Land Management 1994) is

―hellipto take an ecosystem management approach to forest management with support

from scientific evidence meet the requirements of existing laws and regulations

maintain a healthy forest ecosystem with habitat that will support populations of native

species (particularly those associated with late-successional and old-growth forests)

including protection for riparian areas and waters and maintain a sustainable supply of

timber and other forest products that will help maintain the stability of local and

regional economies on a predictable and long-term basis (NWFP ROD Standards

and Guidelines page A-1)

In addition to the discussion provided previously in Chapter I Project Area Description and Purpose and

Need the following information further details the affected environment and current fuel conditions in

the Gold Spring project area The analysis area considered is the Gold Spring project area Reference is

also made to the larger area that supports fuels associated with dry forest vegetation on the Naches

Ranger District



III-82

VEGETATION AND FUELS


See Chapter I for discussion on the vegetation and fuels affected environment as it pertains to the Gold

Spring project area The following information describes in more detail the information presented in

Chapter I

The distribution of plant associations as characterized by Lillybridge et al (Lillybridge Kovalchik

Williams amp Smith 1995) and non-forested cover types is presented in Table III1

Table III1 SeriesType within the Gold Spring project area

Table III2 Successional Stages within the Gold Spring

project area

Successional class distribution in the Gold Spring

project area is represented primarily by large

blocks of late-successional forest Much of the

forested acres in the project area are in the middle

or small size class with very little in the large size

class currently present on the landscape

Consequently the previously observed patchiness

and variation in age and successional class is no longer evident on the landscape

Table III3 Crown Closure within the

Gold Spring project area

Crown closure is a measure of the percent of the stand area

that is covered by tree canopies Sixty-seven percent of the

forested acres in the project area have a canopy closure of

over 40 Agee (1993) found that the dry forest plant

associations were once more open in appearance than they are

today and were likely dominated by larger ponderosa pine

Douglas-fir and western larch (in selected areas) rather than

by smaller diameter more densely arranged grand fir as they

are today

SeriesType Acres ( of

the project

area)

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

1001 (23)

Grand fir (Abies grandis)

2553 (58)

Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) 1 (lt1)

Riparian

26 (1)

Rock

606 (14)

Shrubland

201 (1)

RuralAg 2 (lt1)

Successional Stage Acres ( of forested

acres in project area)

Early

327 (9)

Mid

502 (14)

Late

2739 (77)

Crown

Closure

Acres ( of

project area)

0

2 (0)

1-10

796 (18)

11-39

1094 (25)

40-69

1429 (33)

70+

1070 (24)



III-83

Insects and Disease

Changes in species composition have been accompanied by structural changes in the amount and

distribution of foliage and of dead or dying trees because of above-endemic levels of insects and disease

in the Gold Spring project area Higher biomass of late successional trees like grand fir and more

canopy layers increase forest susceptibility to outbreaks of insects such as the western spruce budworm

(Choristoneura occidentalis) (Hessburg Mitchell amp Filip 1994) (Swetnam amp Lynch Multi-century

regional-scale patterns of western spruce budworm outbreaks 1993) (Swetnam Wickman Paul amp

Baisan 1995) Pathogens causing atypical changes in structure within the Gold Spring project area are

Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium douglasii) ponderosa pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium

campylopodum) larch dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium larcis) bark beetles and annosus root and butt rot

(Heterobasidion annosum)

Dwarf mistletoe infections have been observed at high levels in some portions of the project area

Dwarf mistletoe is a parasitic plant that is dependent upon a host tree for its water and nutrients Most

dwarf mistletoes are host specific Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium douglasii) ponderosa

pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium campylopodum) and larch dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium larcis)

are present in the project area and each is essentially confined to its host tree species Douglas-fir dwarf

mistletoe is the most prevalent dwarf mistletoe species in the Gold Spring project area These infections

generally result in the proliferation of twigs and foliage at the infection site which can become very

large and are referred to as witcheslsquo brooms Severe infections can cause a decline in tree growth and

vigor top kill and eventually mortality Stands containing high proportions of Douglas-fir in all

positions of the canopy are at the most risk of severe Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe infections These

stands are now common in the project area

According to a report supplied by the Wenatchee Forest Insect amp Disease Service Center (USDA Forest

Service Wenatchee Forest Insect amp Disease Service Center 2010) fir engraver beetles were the most

damaging insects in the sample area representing the Gold Spring Restoration Project Douglas-fir

beetles (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae (Hopkins)) killed 18 Douglas-fir trees in eight small polygons in

the vicinity of the Gold Creek project area Over 10000 grand fir trees were killed by fir engraver

beetles in both 2005 and 2008 with mortality stretching from Milk Creek to the Lefthand Fork of Rock

Creek (which would include all of the project area) This is the first Douglas-fir beetle mortality

reported since 2006 when 1300 Douglas-fir trees were killed in the same general area Other insects

noted in and around the Gold Spring project area include mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus

ponderosae) (800 lodgepole pine trees killed over a 450 acres polygon in 2009) and Balsam woolly

adelgid (Adelges piceae (Ratzeburg)) (occurring on four polygons of less than 150 acres in 2009)

Wildfire

During typical summer conditions fires would be expected to move rapidly up slope to a ridgetop and

downwind Once at the ridgetop fire spread will depend largely on wind speed and direction With

little or no wind fires would most likely smolder or creep downhill with low flame lengths and isolated

passive torching in fuel concentrations resulting in short range spotting Fires would continue to move

downhill until encountering a change in aspect where they could make uphill runs or a change in fuels

that would stop fire growth With moderate or higher wind a fire could move rapidly along the ridges

and downslope Torching trees would give long range spotting down slope and into draws which would

make aggressive uphill runs back into the main body of the fire as well as moving with the wind



III-84

Western United States forest wildfire activity is widely thought to have increased in recent decades

Much of the public and scientific discussion of changes in western United States wildfire has focused on

the effects of 19th

and 20th

century land-use history The average fire season (the time between the

reported first wildfire discovery date and the last wildfire control date) increased by 78 days (64)

comparing 1970 to 1986 with 1987 to 2003 The average time between discovery and control for a

wildfire increased from 75 days from 1970 to 1986 to 371 days from 1987 to 2003 Land-use history

and climate are often offered as competing explanations but they may be complementary in some ways

In some forest types past land uses have probably increased the sensitivity of current forest wildfire

regimes to climatic variability through effects on the quantity arrangement and continuity of fuels

Hence an increased incidence of large high-severity fires may be due to a combination of extreme

droughts and overabundant fuels in some forests (Westerling Hidalgo Cayan amp Swetnam 2006) Only

one large fire has occurred in the Gold Spring area in the past 30+ years (Gold Creek 1997) it is likely

that the increase in the time required for fire suppression will follow the trend described above

Environmental Consequences ndash Vegetation

Effect of the Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments on Forest Overstory Vegetation


All units proposed for commercial treatment have been logged before Six of the seven units were

logged under the PinusSwamp Devil EA As a result of that activity all six units have uniform tree

cover and basal area from approximately 80 - 100 square feet That uniformity was created in part by

retaining some trees from the intermediate crown class Growth rates have increased for some of those

trees but in general they have not Other than this uniformity units 5 7 and 9 have no distinctive

conditions and were grouped for treatment without a formal exam The remaining three units each have

unique conditions which warranted formal stand examination Unit 2 occurring on a dry southerly

aspect has higher basal area (100 ft) and a notable ponderosa pine component Unit 8 also has a high

basal area (118 ft) with a notable pine component that unlike the other units includes several old trees

Most of the basal area and old pine are in an area used for dispersed camping Unit 6 has a trace of

western larch and ponderosa pine but is dominated by Douglas-fir About 35 percent of the trees on

over half the area are visibly infected with dwarf mistletoe Since the harvest infection has intensified

and become quite visible Unit 4 was not logged under the PinusSwamp Devil EA and a formal stand

exam was not done for it


Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments - Direct and Indirect Effects

Landscape Factors

Landscape vulnerability to uncharacteristic disturbance

Other than fire the most immediate landscape threats are western spruce budworm and Douglas-fir

dwarf mistletoe Within the planning area the western spruce budworm population appears to be at

endemic levels and its effects are within the historic range of variability On the other hand Douglas-fir

dwarf mistletoe is currently affecting growth and mortality at levels likely in excess of normal values

(USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station USDI Bureau of Land Management 1999)

Timber harvest would reduce host densitycontinuity on less than 364 acres with an average patch size

of 52 acres Because of their limited scale the proposed mechanical activities would not reduce

landscape-level vulnerability to these two disturbance agents



III-85

Area occupied by single-story old forest dominated by ponderosa pine

The PinusSwamp Devil Environmental Analysis indicated that single story old forest dominated by

ponderosa pine was underrepresented by about 3000 acres on this landscape Mechanical treatments

would create conditions favoring existing early seral overstory species and their establishment and

growth on about 364 acres However old forest conditions will require at least 50-70 years to develop

using Van Pelt classifications (Van Pelt 2008) as a standard Early seral species will still be

underrepresented and the size and distribution of these patches may not be consistent with the historic

range

Stand Factors

Old large and very large trees

Reference conditions for old largevery large trees range from 11 to 34 per acre (unpublished report on

file at the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF Supervisorlsquos Office) In order for a stand to be classified as old its

total canopy cover of very large trees must exceed 30 (approximately 18 trees per acre) Stands

reconstructed near Rimrock Lake had largevery large tree density of 19 and 29 per acre on south

aspects and the lakebed respectively (Unpublished data on file at the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF

Supervisorlsquos Office)

Refer to Chapter 2 and Appendix C for the following discussion of direct effects to large and old trees

All old trees (Van Pelt 2008) would be designated for retention All trees greater than 25 dbh would be

retained Trees between 21 and 25 dbh would be retained except to release old pine from inter-cohort

competition to limit Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe (especially units 4 and 6) or in the case of unit 2 to

meet spatial pattern objectives for the white-headed woodpecker In order to reduce understory stress to

old ponderosa pine (Dolph Mori amp Oliver 1995) (Riegel amp Miller 1992) only 0 to 2 younger trees

would be retained within 15-30 feet of their crowns Increased growing space would be made available

to all remaining trees by removing subordinate trees The diameter distribution of retained and removed

trees resulting from this approach for units 2 6 and 8 is shown in figures III1 to III3 Effects to

average tree diameter and the density of large and very large trees are shown in Table III4 and Table

III5

Figure III1 Diameter distribution of retained and removed trees for Unit 2



III-86



Table III4 The density of large and very large trees following mechanical treatment

Unit Existing After logging After 40 years After 40 years

of inaction

2 12 (96 ndash 144) 12 (96 ndash 144) 25 (20 - 30) 30 (34 ndash 36)

4 No exam No exam No exam

5 7 9 No exam No exam No exam

6 47 (42 ndash 52) 31 (28 ndash 34) 19 (17 - 21) 28 (50 - 31)

8 11 (95 ndash 125) 11 (95 ndash 125) 20 (172 ndash 228) 24 (21 ndash 27)



III-87

Table III5 Average stand diameter following mechanical treatment

Average stand diameter (inches dbh)

Unit 2 16 19 23 21

Unit 6 15 18 22 21

Unit 8 15 20 23 20

Threats to these trees from the proposed treatment include the possibility that some old trees or snags

would be removed during logging in order to meet OSHA requirements To mitigate this effect wildlife

snags (see Appendix B Glossary) greater than 25 dbh would be buffered with a no-cut zone around

them to assure their retention It is unlikely that many if any of these old largevery large trees would

blow over as an indirect effect of logging Although stand density is being reduced considerably in units

2 and 6 canopy subordinates are being removed and the remaining trees withstood a severe windstorm

in January of 2007 (after the Pinus II Timber Sale) Refer to the Fuels section of this chapter for a

discussion of the effects of prescribed fire The mechanical treatments were not adjusted to account for

mortality from prescribed fire

This action would have a beneficial effect to old largevery large trees by increasing the longevity of old

pine retaining virtually all the existing old and very large trees and increasing their average diameter

Early Successional Tree Species

All treatments would increase the proportion of ponderosa pine and western larch Table II6 Their

effect on regeneration of these species is variable Becker and Corse (Becker amp Corse 1997) suggest

that residual basal area greater than 55 square feet inhibits the growth of regeneration on pine-fir sites in

Montana Unit 6 would have an average residual basal area under 55 square feet and many 1 or 2 acre

openings created by reducing canopy cover around western larch and by removing clumps of dwarf

mistletoe infected Douglas-fir Consequently conditions for the establishment and growth of ponderosa

pine and larch would be very favorable Although average residual basal area for the remaining units

would exceed 55 square feet favorable conditions for pine and larch growth would occur in created gaps

with basal area as low as 0-20 square feet

Table III6 The proportion () of ponderosa pine following mechanical treatment

Unit Existing After

logging

After 40 years After 40 years

of inaction

2 24 66 53 23



6 8 20 20 10

8 23 48 51 17

The Refined Proposed Action would have a beneficial effect to ponderosa pine and western larch It

would directly increase their proportion of conifer density and indirectly create favorable conditions for

their establishment and growth



III-88

Stand-level Spatial Variation

Reference conditions for stand-level spatial variation address clumps gaps and complex patches

(unpublished report on file at the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF Supervisorlsquos Office) Clumps are defined as

two or more trees with interlocking crowns Reference median gap sizes are 06 acres (range 005 to

09) where low severity fire dominates and 15 acres (range 12 to 227) where mixed severity fire

dominates (Agee 1998) Complex patches include more snags down logs mistletoe brooms and

species diversity than the surrounding area Stand reconstructions at Rimrock Lake complement the

preceding descriptions Figure II4

These treatments would create spatial variation by responding to sitestand specific conditions rather

than by implementing a specified clumpgap density In all units clumps would be provided by

retaining trees with live crown ratios greater than 40 regardless of their spacing The percent of area

with basal area greater than 100 square feet would be 30 3 and 20 for units 2 6 and 8 respectively

Prescriptions implemented for the Pinus Timber Sale created a relatively uniform widely spaced tree

pattern thus limiting the ability of this treatment to leave clumps at the scale of reference conditions See

Figure III4 For all units canopy gaps would be created by removing groups of dwarf mistletoe

infected Douglas-fir reducing the density of younger trees around old ponderosa pine and removing

groups of canopy subordinates with live crown ratios under 40 percent Site specific effects on gap

creation include

Unit 2 On about 20 to 30 percent of the unit 025 to 1 acre gaps with tree density as low as four

trees per acre would be created aroundadjacent to potential white headed woodpecker nest trees

On about five acres in the northeast corner canopy gaps would be created by removing most

Douglas-firs because of dwarf mistletoe infection Across the unit basal area would range from 0

to 120 feet

Unit 4 A 1-2 acre gap would be created by the removal of all Douglas-fir under 25 inches with

dwarf-mistletoe infection or live crown ratio under 40 percent

Unit 6 Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe is extensive in this standmdashabout 35 percent of trees

(compared to less than 10 percent for units 2 and 8) Removal of infected groups would reduce

basal area to under 20 square feet on about 30 percent of the area

Complex patches are present within in Unit 6 and have been designated for retention They were not

found in other units and will require time to develop

This action would have a beneficial effect to stand-level spatial pattern It would directly increase it as

described above Because it retains clumps its indirect effects would include increased complex patches

and gap creation over time

Douglas-fir Dwarf Mistletoe

The reference condition for Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe is not well described Hessburg et al

(Hessburg Smith amp Salter 1999) suggest that historically it might have been widely distributed across

the landscape but that a smaller (than current) proportion of host trees were infected For this project

the desired condition for Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe was guided by some of the diseaselsquos functions

wildlife habitatfood

strongly reduces growth and a systemic cause of death for Douglas-fir

increases crown bulk density and flammability

The effect of these functions is scale-dependant For example increased flammability at fine scales

creates fine scale pattern consistent with ecological process At large scales it can cause fire size and

effects that are not Retaining large trees (usually in clumps) and all very large trees for their wildlife



III-89

role can be expected to sustain other roles such as creating large snags and down wood and as a result

of fire gap formation

In every unit all infected old or greater than 25 dbh Douglas-fir would be designated for retention

Infected trees between 21 and 25 dbh would be retained in clumps of more than 2 or 3 These two

actions would maintain wildlife Douglas-fir mortality and fire functions Isolated individuals between

21 and 25lsquo dbh would generally be removed to prevent widespread infection of Douglas-fir

regeneration Infected trees under 21 dbh would be removed This would have the effect of releasing

growing space for nearby uninfected trees and understory vegetation Rarely some of these trees would

be retained as part of a wildlife clump built on a single 21-25 dbh tree At the margin of removed or

retained trees a dwarf-mistletoe free zone (DMZ) would be created by removing most apparently clean

Douglas-fir for up to 50 feet This would be to remove trees with incipient undetectable infection that

would otherwise perpetuate the disease at a scale beyond the reference condition

In units 5 7 8 9 and most of unit 2 the infection is low-grade and removal of only a few trees would

be expected to limit spread to other trees and throughout the stand In units 4 and 6 the disease is more

chronic and removal of clumps of infected trees as well as large trees would be required to limit the

diseaselsquos uncharacteristic effects In unit 4 removal of trees over 21 dbh would occur in the 1-2 acre

patch described above would limit infection of Douglas-fir regeneration should it occur Although

many Douglas-firs in the south part of the unit are infected there is enough ponderosa pine that removal

of few trees over 21 dbh will be required to interrupt the continuity of host trees Infection is most

severe in unit 6 and its effective treatment will require removal of many clumps over a large part of the

unit (about 65 percent of the trees on 45 percent of the area) as well as many isolated individuals

between 21 and 25 dbh If all of these individuals were retained they would occur at a rate of 1 per

acre or regularly enough to ensure infection of all Douglas-fir regeneration To compensate for this

effect some clumps of trees under 21 dbh will be retained around a single large tree This is expected

to limit infection and spread of the disease while retaining wildlife function The treatment proposed for

this unit is expected to reduce the dwarf mistletoe caused mortality rate to about one fifth of the

untreated condition

This action would have a beneficial effect to the function of Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe It would

restore its function at the stand level to one that is more characteristic of the reference condition

Overstory tree densitycanopy cover

In addition to its effects on fire insect and disease contagion the distribution of overstory canopy

affects forest floor habitat for both plants and animals The effects described above for spatial pattern

would create a condition poorly described by either a central tendency or a range eg 33 percent

average post treatment canopy cover ranging from 0 to 100 at scales of less than one half acre Becker

and Corse (1997) suggest that uniformly distributed basal area under about 45-55 square feet provides

favorable conditions for the establishment and growth of conifers

Stand average effects to canopy cover are shown in Figure III7 In units 2 5 6 7 and 9 canopy gaps

would be distributed more or less randomly In unit 8 most of the reduction in canopy cover would

occur on the southwest part of the unit in order to create growing space for young ponderosa pine The

least amount would occur on the flatter eastern portion Around old ponderosa pines all but 0 to 2

younger Douglas-firs would be removed for about 15 to 30 feet from their drip line in order to increase



III-90

the longevity of these trees The effect to canopy cover would be a reduction from about 80-90 percent

to about 50-60 percent

Table III7 Stand average effects to canopy cover

Stand average canopy cover()basal area (ft)

Unit Existing After logging After 40 years

2 57100 3480 33

4 No data No data No data

5 7 9 No data No data No data

6 4372 2446 31

8 67118 3380 35

An important indirect effect of the proposed canopy cover reduction would be the establishment and

growth of understory plants including conifers The effect would be greatest and most widespread in

unit 4 but would occur in canopy gaps created in all the other units Older scattered ponderosa

pinewestern larch regeneration is desired Considering the residual density of Douglas-fir it is likely to

be the dominant regenerating species For the proportion of early seral species to increase frequent

prescribed fire is crucial along with perhaps some hand planting of ponderosa pine and western larch in

unit 6

Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments ndash Cumulative Effects

For forest vegetation the cumulative effects analysis area is the same as the project analysis area Past

actions have created a condition that threatens the ecological factors evaluated above Future

management that will overlap with this action is primarily prescribed fire and wildfire exclusion The

cumulative effect of this action and future prescribed fire would be to reduce landscape vulnerability to

uncharacteristic disturbance and incrementally restore old single-story old pine forest old largevery

large trees early successional tree species characteristic tree densitycanopy cover In the absence of

prescribed fire a conifer understory would develop and negate those effects

Proposed Recreational Residence Club Site and Resort Area Treatments

The proposed developedpermitted site treatments will not have a measurable effect on the ecological

factors evaluated for forest vegetation


There will be no cumulative effects to conifer vegetation from the proposed developedpermitted site

treatments

Proposed Road Management ndash Direct and Indirect Effects

The proposed decommissioning and long-term storage of roads not would limit options for vegetation

management in any measureable or meaningful way Future mechanical treatments would be far enough

in the future that the discounted cost of re-openingre-constructing these segments would be less than the

discounted cost of their maintenance

Proposed Road Management - Cumulative Effects

The analysis area for road decommissioning and storage as it applies to vegetation will be at the

landscape scale in and adjacent to the project area



III-91

The road management actions in combination with past present and foreseeable future actions eg dry

forest restoration and travel and access management would result in effects similar or identical to those

described above though at a larger scale

Effect of the Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments on Forest Understory Vegetation

Direct and Indirect Effects

The proposed action includes mechanical removal of forested overstory vegetation andor burning of the

associated understory vegetation The direct effects of removing the overstory canopy are 1) a reduction

in shade and a corresponding increase in the intensity of direct sunlight reaching the forest understory

and 2) a reduction in the number of vegetation layers and consequently plant community structure (as

described in Chapter I) It has been well documented that thinning andor removal of the forest

component of dry forest ecosystems results in the stimulation of the associated understory component

(Clary amp Ffolliott 1966) (Carleton amp Maycock Understory-canopy affinities in boreal forest

vegetation 1981) (Host 1988) (Lieffers amp Stadt 1994) (Agee 1994) (Riegel Miller amp Krueger

1995) (Griffith Jr 1996) (Ricard amp Messier 1996) (Naumburg amp DeWald 1999) In general the

productivity of the understory vegetation is inversely related to tree density and directly proportional to

the amount of solar radiation that reaches the understory vegetation Studies also emphasize the

importance of plant community structure characteristics such as tree size and spacing in understory

productivity (Camp 1999) (Naumburg amp DeWald 1999) (McConnell amp Smith 1970) Research

indicates that increased forest understory and non forest productivity is positively correlated with larger

trees and wider spacing The indirect effect of increased plant productivity would be an increase in

forage and browse that is available for grazing by ungulates and permitted livestock

The effect of canopy removal on understory species composition is somewhat dependent on disturbance

history and pretreatment composition (Shiflet 1994) (National Resource Council 1994) (Agee 1994)

(Camp 1999) (Naumburg amp DeWald 1999) In general however plant community diversity is

inversely related to overstory density as referenced in (Zamora 1982) McConnell and Smith

(McConnell amp Smith 1970) observed that shrubs forbs and grasses were more diverse more dominant

and more productive under open canopies Productivity of shrubs such as buckbrush rose and

serviceberry increased with thinning treatments Forbs and grasses including balsamroot lupine

pinegrass wheatgrass and elk sedge also increased with declining canopy cover Studies indicate that

grasses are the dominant associate under the most open canopies and forbs are more efficient under

decreasing light conditions

The use of mechanical methods for the removal of the overstory vegetation may also result in direct

physical effects to the existing vegetation Short-term adverse effects such as crushing and tearing may

occur to the residual vegetation from physical contact of the vegetation with harvest equipment and

workers accessing treatment areas These impacts are considered short-term because many of the

associated understory species possess adaptive strategies that allow them to quickly re-sprout following

disturbance or removal of the vegetation present at any point in time (Rowe 1981)

Indirect effects associated with a reduction in canopy cover of the forested overstory include potential

changes in associated moisture and temperature regimes An increase in solar radiation would likely

result in increasing temperature and decreasing humidity in microsites throughout the treated area

(Hungerford) Vegetation that is particularly vulnerable to these changes may be adversely affected



III-92

The effects of prescribed burning on forest understory and inter-mingled shrub and grassland

communities would also vary based on pre-treatment species composition and the adaptive strategies of

individual species (Crane Habeck amp Fischer 1983) (Agee 1994) Typically understory species

associated with dry forest plant communities are either tolerant of or enhanced by low and moderate

intensity fire (Agee 1993) Barrett and Arno (Barrett amp Arno 1999) observed increases in species such

as Oregon grape Scoulerlsquos willow pinegrass elk sedge and Rosslsquo sedge following thinning and burning

in dry forest vegetation types Both rose and snowberry retained their pre-treatment abundance while

species such as bitterbrush and kinniknick showed a slight overall decline in post-treatment abundance

Re-establishment of shrubs would occur primarily by sprouting of underground rhizomes or root crowns

(Crane Habeck amp Fischer 1983) (Arno 1999) or from germination of heat stimulated seed stored in

the soil (Keeley 1987) (Gratkowski 1962) Owens (Owns 1982) indicates that the degree of shrub

regeneration is directly associated with the amount of overstory mortality resulting from the fire Forbs

and grasses would also reestablish from seed stored in the soil or from wind-dispersed seed present on

the site (Agee 1994) A recent study by Nelson et al (Nelsen Halpern amp Agee 2008) states that

thinning and burning have had surprisingly small effects on the composition cover and diversity of

forest understory plants

―The general absence of response to thinning and burning on our sites reflects in large

part the performance of native plants that dominate these forests neither cover nor

richness was significantly affected by thinning or burning Nonnative plants showed

positive responses to thinning and burning that were magnified by the combination of

treatments with values five to seven times greater in thin + burn than in control stands

Although the interaction of thinning and burning may have a large effect in relative

terms nonnative plants nevertheless remained a minor component of the vegetation in all

treatments averaging only 2 cover and 23 species per transect

The intensity and timing of the burn treatment can substantially affect post treatment response of

individual species For example bitterbrush can be eliminated by high intensity fire during late summer

and fall and burning during the fall may substantially increase buckbrush (Brown amp DeByle 1989)

(Blaisdell 1950) (Bradley Noste amp Fischer 1992) Burning also affects nutrient cycles by consuming

downed fuel and depositing nutrients onto the soil surface making them more available for plant growth

Intense fires can reduce or eliminate organic matter in the soil Because organic matter is a property of

soil structure that plays a role in soil moisture holding capacity intense fires have the potential to alter

hydrologic regimes and plant communities associated with them However based on this proposal it is

anticipated that prescribed burning would function to enhance the understory vegetation relative to plant

vigor productivity and diversity Refer also to the discussion on Fuels Important Interactions discussed

later in this chapter

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) has been observed in minor occurrences within the project area at lower

elevations especially in those areas treated by commercial timber harvest in the Pinus II and Sunip

timber sales Cheatgrass is not a climax dominant or indicator species in any habitat classification

because of its role as a seral invader after disturbance However it can maintain its dominance for many

years on sites where the native vegetation has been eliminated or severely reduced by overgrazing or

frequent fire In these situations as in adjacent project areas and as could occur in the Gold Spring

project area without preventative measures cheatgrass remains the de facto climax dominant regardless

of the site potential Cheatgrass is a highly flammable species due to its complete summer drying its

fine structure and its tendency to accumulate litter (Klemmedson amp Smith 1964) (Tisdale amp Hironaka



III-93

1981) Because of its flammability cheatgrass greatly increases the fire hazard on a site The rate of

spread size and frequency of fire all increase Besides increasing fire frequency the length of time

cheatgrass remains a hazard is longer than that for perennial grasses Cheatgrass dries 4 to 6 weeks

earlier than perennials and is susceptible to fire 1 to 2 months longer in the fall (Sterwart amp Hull 1949)

Cumulative Effects

The analysis area with respect to vegetation is the Gold Spring project area with consideration given to

the larger Tieton and Upper Tieton watersheds This analysis area was selected because vegetation

management is planned and implemented at the project level however it is well documented that

ecosystem processes necessary for properly functioning ecosystems are known to occur at scales larger

than the project or stand level and therefore must be considered

Overall this proposal implements a portion of a larger-scale objective to implement the Okanogan and

Wenatchee Dry Forest Strategy (USDA Forest Service 2000) across dry forest landscapes on the

Naches Ranger District Cumulatively the effects of this proposal in association with the effects of past

and on-going projects (Pinus Swamp Devil Nile Sunip Canteen and Rattle) are expected to move the

dry forest landscape toward the desired future condition identified previously (Chapter I) It is

anticipated that the activities proposed here in combination with previous on-going and foreseeable

future activities will result in an improvement in forest vegetation structure composition pattern and

function

Refer also to Cumulative Effects in Fuels

Effect of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatments on Vegetation

Refer to Invasive Species Environmental Consequences ndash Effect of Invasive Species Treatments on

Native Plant Communities and Other Non-Target Vegetation

Effect of the Proposed Road Closures and Decommissioning on Vegetation


The closing and obliterating of roads will limit options for management of the forest understory within

the project area Where future mechanical treatments may be necessary to continue to restore

composition and function options may be a) limited or b) economically infeasible in the future

Currently unvegetated areas (ie open roads) would slowly become revegetated through initial seeding

and passive restoration However at the scale of the Revised Proposed Action (approximately 65

miles of road closure and decommissioning) would likely not result in measurable reduction in

fragmentation of forest and non-forest pattern

Cumulative Effects

The analysis area for road closures and decommissioning as it applies to vegetation will be at the


The road closures and decommissioning proposed in the Gold Spring project area in combination with

past present and foreseeable future actions eg dry forest and travel and access management would

result in effects similar or identical to those discussed above though at a larger scale



III-94

Effect of the Proposed Silvicultural Fuel and Road Treatments on Proposed Endangered

Threatened Sensitive and Other Rare and Uncommon Plant Species

All required surveys for proposed endangered threatened sensitive and other rare and uncommon

plant species were completed consistent with current laws regulations and policy (Engle 1996)

(Wheeler 1999) Currently accepted species lists and required survey protocols were utilized (USDA

Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management 1994) (USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of

Land Management 2001) (USDA Forest Service 2003) (USDA Forest Service Okanogan-Wenatchee

National Forest 2001) (USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management 1998) (USDA

Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management 1998a) (USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau

of Land Management 1998b) (USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management 1997)

(USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management 1997a) (USDA Forest Service amp USDI

Bureau of Land Management 1994) A detailed botanical report (specialist report) is located in the

Gold Spring analysis file The analysis area is the Gold Spring Vegetation and Fuels Management

project area

Field reconnaissance confirmed that the project area contained a variety of habitats suitable for target

plant species (ie Region 6 Regional Foresterlsquos Sensitive Plant list (USDA Forest Service 2004) and

the species identified in Table III8)

Table III8 Suitable habitat for target plant species

Species Management Category

(2001 ROD)

Determination

Bridgeoporous nobilissimus A No habitat present

Hypogymnia duplicata A No habitat present

Leptogium burnetiae A No habitat present

Leptogium cyanescens A No habitat present

Lobaria linita A No habitat present

Neibla cephalota A No habitat present

Platismatia lacunosa C No habitat present

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis A No habitat present

Ramalina thrausta A No habitat present

Teloschistes flavicans A No habitat present

Schistostega pennata A No habitat present

Tetraphis geniculata A No habitat present

Botrychium montanum A No habitat present

Coptis asplenifolia A No habitat present

Coptis trifolia A No habitat present

Corydalis aquae-gelidae A No habitat present

Cypripedium fasciculatum C Habitat present

Cypripedium montanum C Habitat present

Eucephalus vialis A No habitat present

Galium kamtschaticum A No habitat present

Plantanthera orbiculata C No habitat present



III-95

Survey efforts documented seven occurrences of mountain ladylsquos-slipper (Cypripedium montanum)

within the project area Two occurrences are located within proposed activity areas Consistent with

The Guidelines for the Identification of Non-High Priority Sites of Cypripedium montanum on the

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests (041001) the guidelines were applied at the local project level

(Table III9 below)

Table III9 Documented occurrences of mountain ladyrsquos-slipper (Cypripedium montanum)

Species Occurrence Disposition Determination Cypripedium montanum 1708_cymo_92016_pinusts Outside of proposed

treatment area

No effect Not subject

to Management

Recommendations

Cypripedium montanum 1708_cymo_92017_pinusts Outside of proposed

treatment area


to Management

Recommendations

Cypripedium montanum 1708_cymo_92018_pinusts

1708_cymo_92020_pinusts

Wi unit 7 Apply OKA-

WEN guidelines for the id of

non-high priority sites

(041001)

Non-high priority sites

Not subject to

Management

Recommendations

-not wi identified gap

-not sympatric wCyfa

-not in riparian reserve

or mesic to wet stand in

LSRMLSA

-does not contain gt50

individual stems


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations

As described in the Guidelines in greater detail there is no local concern for the persistence of the

species Though C montanum occurs in the eastern Cascades it is not closely associated with late-

successional or old growth forest Regional and local information suggests that the species is more

closely associated with relatively open canopy early to mid successional stands with frequent fire

disturbance (USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management 1994)(J2-Appendix) Of the

known sites on the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF only a small proportion of them are associated with late-

successional or old growth forest conditions

No direct indirect or cumulative effects are anticipated to proposed endangered threatened sensitive

or other rare and uncommon plant species as a result of the implementation of the proposed Gold Spring

project



III-96

Environmental Consequences - Fuels

Effect of the Proposed Silviculture and Fuels Treatment on Fuels


Fire behavior is a function of fuels weather and topography the ―fire behavior triangle All three legs

of the triangle have significant effects on fire behavior but the fuels leg is most related to forest structure

and is the only controllable factor of the three Forest structure can be interpreted as three-dimensional

patches of fuel with differing amounts size classes arrangements and flammability Forest structure

affects fire behavior and fire behavior in turn affects forest structure (Agee 1996)

A fire may move through a forest as a surface fire an independent crown fire or some combination

thereof (Van Wagner 1977) Intense surface fire may transition into a crown fire through a process

called torching which is a function of the height to live crown and foliar moisture content Above

threshold conditions of fireline intensity defined by these variables the fire will move into the canopy

Independent crown fire spread is a function of fire rate of spread and the foliar density of the canopy

(Scott amp Reinhardt 2001) (Hummel amp Agee 2003) Effective strategies for reducing crown fire

occurrence and severity include reducing surface fuels (Biswell 1960) (Pollet amp Omi 2002) increasing

canopy base height (Agee amp Skinner 2005) and reducing canopy bulk density (Agee 1996)


During the 20th century decisions by forest managers to put wildfires out led to an unnatural

accumulation of fuel and increased stand densities Wildfires in these forests now burn with

uncharacteristic severity and vegetation outcomes differ from those of the past Few remnant old growth

trees survive fires reestablishment of dense even aged forests is increasingly likely and these are

unlikely to ever develop into forests resembling those of the past in the absence of intensive thinning or

prescribed fire In many places the forest vegetation reflects both of these fire regimesmdasha mix of

remnant trees from a time when fires burned with ease and understory thickets that have resulted from

firelsquos exclusion Historical fire management has in effect created a hybrid landscape reflecting these

two different fire regimes This novel forest condition is ephemeral however in that the older trees are

often at increased risk of mortality due to pathogens and drought stress During a wildfire trees of all

ages are likely to die In most instances these conditions and outcomes are far from what occurred

historically what could be considered sustainable and what most consider being a desired future

condition

The proposed silvicultural activities in the Gold Spring project seek to reduce detrimental fire effects on

the landscape by reducing surface fuels increasing the height to the live crown decreasing crown

density and keeping big trees of resistant species When this objective has been achieved fire would

have the opportunity to function as a natural process (disturbance agent) within its natural range of

variability All of these principles and effects would be realized to varying degrees on all land receiving

treatment The acres receiving full silvicultural treatment (commercial harvest precommercial thinning

underburning) would gain the greatest benefit to all principles The acres receiving fuels treatment

(underburning) only or precommercial thinning with fuels treatment would benefit from reduced

surface fuel increased height to live crown and would keep big trees of resistant species but would be

lacking in the principle of decreasing crown density



III-97

Table III10 Principles of fire resistance for dry forests Adapted from (Agee 2002) and (Hessburg amp

Agee 2003)

Principle Effect Advantage Concerns

Reduce surface fuels Reduces potential

flame length

Fire suppression

easier less torching

Surface disturbance

less with fire than

other techniques

Increase height to live

crown

Requires longer flame

length to begin torching

Less torching Opens understory

may allow surface

wind to increase

Decrease crown density Makes tree-to-tree

crown fire less

probable

Reduces crown fire

potential

Surface wind may

increase and surface

fuels may be drier

Keep big trees of

resistant species

Less mortality for same

fire intensity

Generally restores

historic structure

Less economical

may keep trees at risk

of insect attack

The prescribed silvicultural treatments will partially restore the altered stand composition and structure

within the project area by removing contiguous patches of small and medium diameter trees to restore

patch and gap size inherent to the dry forest type Table III11 below describes the relative ability of

the proposed silvicultural treatments to meet the principles described above

Table III11 Relative ability of proposed treatments to meet principles of fire resistance for dry forests

Principle Full Silvicultural

Treatment

Precommercial

Thin and Fuels

Treatment

Natural Fuels

Treatment

(underburn)

Reduce surface

fuels

good good best

Increase height to

live crown

good moderate poor to moderate

Decrease crown

density

best poor

(over and midstory

crown)

moderate

Keep big trees of

resistant species

good best good

Approximately 1600 acres of the Gold Spring project area was underburned in 2001 (Pinus Underburn)

The underburn proposed by the Gold Spring project applies fire on these same acres The prescription

for maintenance underburning usually centers on control of flame length (energy management)

Maximum permissible flame length in any given stand is prescribed to meet specific resource objectives

and is dependent on ambient air temperature ground-level windspeed and slope Flame length can be

largely controlled by firing technique For instance narrow strip head fires will produce shorter flame



III-98

lengths than wide strip head fires Backing fire will produce shorter flame lengths yet First entry

underburns require strong commitment from the resource manager Burning costs and damage potential

may be high on first entry burns After the first entry however costs of maintenance burns fall off

dramatically and damage potential is lessened

The critical surface fire intensity needed to initiate crown fire behavior can be calculated for a range of

crown base heights and foliar moisture contents and represents the minimum level of fireline intensity

necessary to initiate crown fire (Table III12 below) For the limited range of crown base heights and

foliar moistures shown in Table III12 the critical levels of flame length appear more sensitive to height

to crown base than to foliar moisture (Agee et al 2000) Fireline intensity can be predicted for a range

of stand fuel conditions topographic situations such as slope and aspect and anticipated weather

conditions making it possible to link on-the-ground conditions with the initiating potential for crown

fires In order to avoid crown fire initiation fireline intensity must be kept below the critical level This

can be accomplished by managing surface fuels such that fireline intensity is kept well below the critical

level or by raising crown base heights such that the critical fireline intensity is difficult to reach (Agee

et al 2000) A comparison of Tables III12 and III13 show that a crown base height of roughly 3

meters would be minimally sufficient to prevent initiation of crown fire with a foliar moisture content of

90 (typical of mid-summer conditions) for the desired post-treatment fuel models prescribed for Gold

Spring It would be assumed that stands would still be susceptible to individual tree and group (active)

torching

Table III12 Flame lengths associated with

critical levels of fireline intensity that are

associated with initiating crown fire using

Byramrsquos (Byram 1959) equation For

example at 70 foliar moisture content and

a crown base height of 2 meters a flame

length of 11 feet may initiate a crown fire

Table III13 Rate of Spread and Flame

Length by Fuel Model (Behave 302)

The First Order Fire Effects Model (FOFEM) indicates only a 4-6 probability of mortality (as a result

of crown scorch or cambium kill) for ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir greater than 21dbh with a four

foot flame length The probability for mortality climbs to gt20 as flame length approaches eight feet

Fire behavior modeling (BEHAVE 302) indicates that sustained flame lengths of lt5 feet are predicted

in post-treatment slash during mid-summer conditions with a 5 mph upslope wind and that flame

lengths of lt6 feet are likely in the surrounding unharvested areas In those stands that were treated in

the 2001 Pinus Underburn sustained flame lengths of lt2 feet are likely

Foliar moisture Height of crown base (m)

content ()

2 6 12 20

70 11 23 37 53

80 12 25 40 57

90 13 27 43 61

100 13 28 46 65

120 15 32 51 73

Fuel Model Rate of Spread

(maximum)

fthour

Flame Length

ft

TL1 14 08

TL3 27 14



III-99

The Gold Spring Restoration Project seeks to isolate and retain Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe infected

trees especially as it occurs in large and very large trees and is providing important habitat needs for

wildlife Mistletoe brooms are especially flammable due to the dead material that accumulates within

the abundance of fine branches and the relatively high concentrations of resins Flames can easily reach

the lower broomed branches of dwarf mistletoe-infected fir which burst into flames igniting the

remainder of the crown Stands that have not been treated are at risk of conflagration Individual crown

ignition may quickly develop into a total stand fire if conditions allow Other components such as large

ponderosa pine and western larch will likely be killed when the fire crowns throughout the stand (USDA

Forest Service 1997)

Table III14 following page displays expected mortality of the four major tree species within the Gold

Spring project area Flame lengths were analyzed up to eight feet as Behave indicated that flame

lengths would not exceed this mark as a ground fire in all fuel types The results of the FOFEM

predictions indicate that a prescribed fire with flame lengths of lt4 feet would meet resource objectives

for retaining post-treatment stand structure




III-100

Table III14 FOFEM1 indicated probability of mortality (from crown scorch or cambium kill) by

diameter and flame length

Flame Length (ft)

speciesdiameter (dbh) 2 4 6 8

Ponderosa pine 7 71 99 99 99

12 21 91 98 98

16 11 25 88 96

18 9 9 34 91

21 6 6 11 58

25 4 4 4 18

Douglas-fir 7 57 99 99 99

12 20 87 98 98

16 11 11 75 96

18 9 9 10 83

21 6 6 6 8

25 4 4 4 4

Western larch 7 57 99 99 99

12 20 87 98 98

16 11 11 58 96

18 9 9 9 71

21 6 6 6 6

25 4 4 4 4

Grand fir 7 80 100 100 100

12 34 95 99 99

16 21 41 94 98

18 17 17 51 95

21 12 12 20 74

25 9 9 9 30 1First Order Fire Effects Model

Proposed Silviculture and Fuels Treatments ndash Cumulative Effects

For the Cumulative Effects discussion of fuels and fire the analysis area will be the project area

boundary the northeast portion of the Naches Mainstem watershed and the upper (west) portion of the

Wenas watershed Large fires that may last weeks or even months at a time will be influenced by

weather (particularly wind) and terrain ―Normal mid-summer rates of spread (occurring at near- to

above 90th

percentile weather conditions) can result in wildfires exceeding tens of thousands of acres or

more Location of the project area its aspect and prevailing winds suggest a most likely direction of

spread to be east (upslope) and southeast (downwind) In the case of a large wildfire some and

possible extensive fire spread contrary to the prevailing slope and winds is certain

Throughout the dry forests of the west and including the Gold Spring project area the frequent fires of

the past led to a characteristic structure and composition of relatively open stands of fire resistant trees

Repeated fires burning with high frequency reduced live and dead fuels and increased the resistance of

stands to crown fire In ponderosa pine and dry Douglas-fir forests structure composition and the



III-101

wildlife that they supported were generally resilient within the landscape they often changed little with

the passage of surface fires These relatively stable conditions resulted from the cumulative effects of

lightning and Native American fires that were sustained over centuries During the 20th century

decisions by forest managers to put these fires out led to an unnatural accumulation of fuel and increased

stand densities Wildfires in the Gold Spring project area now burn with uncharacteristic severity and

vegetation outcomes differ from those of the past Few remnant old growth trees would be expected to

survive fires reestablishment of dense even aged forests is increasingly likely and these are unlikely to

ever develop into forests resembling those of the past in the absence of intensive thinning or prescribed

fire The forest vegetation reflects both of these fire regimesmdasha mix of remnant trees from a time when

fires burned with ease and understory thickets that have resulted from firelsquos exclusion Historical fire

management has in effect created a hybrid landscape reflecting these two different fire regimes This

novel forest condition is ephemeral however in that the older trees are at increased risk of mortality due

to pathogens and drought stress During a wildfire trees of all ages are likely to die In most instances

these conditions and outcomes are far from what occurred historically what could be considered

sustainable and what most consider being a desired future condition

In model simulations sustained frequent burning during low and moderate severity fire weather reduces

fire size Although extensive fires are often the result of severe fire weather rather than fuel many

vegetation types are less likely to have fuel conditions that will burn for many years after a fire These

recently burned stands may act as natural fuel breaks allowing more effective fire suppression if fire

does not go out on its own The fuel conditions of scattered units can regulate fire size over a much

greater area when severe fire weather does not dominate fire spread

It is well documented that fire suppression policies of the past approximately 100 years has been a major

contributor to the departed condition of stand composition structure pattern and function Among the

stated purpose and needs for this project is to restore the stand characteristics that would allow fire to

function within its inherent role The Gold Spring project is situated between the community of

Cliffdell the Nile Valley and the Wenas Valley Proximity to these populated areas makes it unlikely

that wildfire would be managed for resource benefits except in the case of late-season fires or fires

occurring during abnormally wet summers Rather frequent reentry of stand maintenance prescribed

fires would be used to maintain fire as an ecosystem process and to sustain fuel beds at a level that

supports low-intensity wildfire

The Gold Spring Restoration Project is part of the Naches Ranger Districtlsquos plan for treating in the dry

forest type and especially in WUI areas However treatments cannot reduce fire severity and

consequent impacts if fire does not affect treatment areas while fuels are reduced Fuels rebound after

treatment eventually negating treatment effects (Rhodes amp Baker 2008) Past fuels and vegetation

treatments within the Naches Mainstem Watershed are summarized in Table III15 following



III-102

Table III15 Past and foreseeable future fuels and vegetation treatments in the Naches Mainstem

NEPA Document

Name

Treatments2

Acres Date

PinusSwamp Devil Pinus II Timber Sale

Swamp Devil Timber Sale

Pinus Underburn

913

836

1589

1998

1997

2001

Sunip Sunip Timber Sale 54 2000

Nile West Nile Timber Sale

Nile Timber Sale

Upper West Nile Underburn

Lower West Nile Underburn

Nile Underburn

Nile RMEF Underburn

732

1453

1353

1196

3353

933

1998

1998

2001

2002

2004

2000

Rattle Rattle Timber Sale

Buzzer Timber Sale

Fang Timber Sale

Venom Timber Sale

Devils Table Underburn

Angel Lake Underburn

1344

956

1117

1857

1824

725

2003

2004

2005

2008

2005

2007

Canteen Canteen Timber Sale

Flask Timber Sale

Jigger Timber Sale

1654

1922

397

2007

2008

2008

Dry Orr multiple restoration

treatments

~70000 acres

under analysis

2011-20153

Naches Sheep

Allottment

Livestock grazing 58030 ongoing

2Assume that all timber sales included corresponding slash disposal treatments of either underburn or grapple pile and burn unless

otherwise noted 3Projected

Recreation Residence Treatment

Recreation Residences special use permit (FS-2700-5a 2007) part III E states that

―Trees shrubs grasses and other plants may be removed or destroyed only after

the authorized officer or the authorized officerlsquos designated representative has

approved in writing and marked or otherwise identified what may be removed or

destroyed

At the same time the Highways 410 and 12 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (2006) and programs

such as Firewise are imploring those that dwell within the WUI to take proactive steps to protect their

property from wildfire through intelligent and defendable landscaping Allowing Recreation Residence

owners to thin small diameter trees and brush and prune to a height to ten feet within a radius of thirty to

fifty feet around their cabins would not substantially affect the overall FRCC of the project area

However the benefits of lowering fire intensity by removing surface fuels and reducing crown fire



III-103

potential add substantially to the defensibility of any given cabin or group Allowing Recreation

Residence owners to take responsibility for lowering the quantity and flammability of fuels could assure

that low-impact treatments are conducted on a more regular basis while relieving the Forest Service of

performing a task that tends to be high cost and only benefiting a relatively small user group Improving

the defensive posture of cabins or groups substantially improves safety of wildland firefighters This

would apply only to those recreation residences within the project area that is that portion of the Gold

Creek and Cliffdell summer homes that lie to the east of State Highway 410

Proposed Invasive Species Treatments ndash Direct and Indirect Effects With the exception of cheatgrass (discussion to follow) the spotty and isolated nature of Invasive Plant Management will have little to no effect on fuel loading and fire behavior Up to 10 of the project area is proposed for treatment mostly along areas of high human use In reference to the five strategies proposed (Chapter II) prevention would not introduce any new fuel into the project area Manual control would remove fuel from the project area through bagging and removal after treatment Mechanical control would shred material to a composition that would be naturally compacted to the ground would quickly decompose and would not be a contributor to fire spread or intensity Cultural control would add fuel to the project area but only in the sense that ambient levels of native species would be established sooner to out-compete the invasive species Only chemical control has the potential to leave cured fuel on site after treatment However individual andor groups of plants treated by spraying or wicking would be incidental to the project area and would add no more to fire behavior than would be by normal seasonal curing of any individual or patch of shrubs or forbs

Proposed Invasive Species Treatments ndash Cumulative Effects

For the fuels and fire Cumulative Effects discussion for this proposed action the analysis area will be

the project area boundary To avoid the establishment and spread of cheatgrass the Invasive Species

Treatments should be implemented immediately and in conjunction with the silvicultural and fuels

treatment proposed actions

Disturbances such as fire may provide opportunities for the spread of invasive species (Crawford

Wahren Kyle amp Moir 2001) (Fornwalt MR Huckaby Stoker amp Stohlgren 2002) Any single

management activity may have a little effect on invasive species at the landscape scale but the

cumulative impact of multiple activities or events may allow invasive species to build up to substantial

levels to become a serious concern It is common for many invasive species to exhibit initial periods

with limited spread followed by an abrupt period of expansion This expansion may be initiated by a

wildfire that provides a temporary window for the establishment of invasive species from seemingly

innocuous occurrences before the fire In many forests these early occurrences occur along roads or

trails Without monitoring and abatement activities that promote the spread of invasive species can

provide similar opportunities for future spread This behavior of invasive species raises important

questions about what constitutes a threshold of concern particularly when the species of concern can

never be completely removed


Anecdotal arguments can be made and Naches Ranger District data can support that roads a) contribute to the number of human caused fire ignitions by making more area available to human use thus being a negative influence for the project area b) make effective existing or easily established control lines to aid in fire suppression efforts and c) provide access for



III-104

ground-based suppression resources Both pointrsquos b and c may benefit suppression efforts and reduce firefighting costs A lack of ignitions along the roads proposed for closure or decommissioning within the Gold Spring project area gives no statistical evidence to support or refute either of these suppositions As the roads proposed for closure or decommissioning total less than six miles separated into fourteen different roads or segments of road this action will have little effect on fire ignition or spread

However the reopening of FR1707 could potentially increase the number of human ignited wildfires as

access is improved into the Pine Creek area A high-clearance vehicle is presently needed to access Pine

Creek via FR1708 presumably discouraging some number of potential recreation users An increase in

the number of ignitions assumes that as access is improved on a road with direct access from State

Highway 410 human use will dramatically increase Response time for ground-based firefighting

personnel and equipment to the Pine Creek drainage would be greatly improved

Proposed Road Management ndash Cumulative Effects


the project area boundary Adequate roads and road templates remain in the project area with or

without the proposed closures and decommissioning to supply mid-slope and ridge top access and

control lines The proposed silvicultural treatments recognize that the post-treatment fuel loading and

type will result in fires moving at a higher rate of spread with lower fire intensity and that an objective

of this project is to allow fire to function as a normal process within the ecosystem Cumulative impacts

of the proposed road closures and decommissioning would be neutral as related to fire suppression

Reduced road densities would benefit fire as an ecological process after silvicultural and fuels treatments

by allowing fires to burn through the project area along the paths dictated by stand composition and

structure The function of fire as a process would not be interrupted by unnatural breaks in stand pattern

(eg roads)

AIR QUALITY


The nearest downwind permanent air quality monitor to the Gold Spring project is a nephelometer

located at the Naches Range Station This instrument has been established for slightly over one year as

of this writing so a reasonable baseline has not yet been determined A nephelometer has been located

within the city of Yakima for several years Based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and

local analysis some Pacific Northwest counties including Yakima County appear to be a possibility for

future nonattainment status because of expected future violations of a new reduced National Ambient

Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for PM25 (Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency 2005) PM25 refers to

particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of less than 25 microns (micro)

During the spring of 2007 a monitor to track PM25 levels was placed in the Nile Valley approximately

10 miles downwinddown-drainage from the Gold Spring project area during the prescribed fire season

During days of no burning air quality remained within levels considered healthy for humans During

this same period the Yakima nephelometer recorded levels considered typical for spring in the area

From this limited data it could be inferred (though unsubstantiated by physical data) that air quality in

and around the project area could normally be characterized as good as would intuitively be thought



III-105

The topography allows for good transport of air through the analysis area Large scale inversions and

subsidences are common in the fall and can be associated with regional air quality degradation Impacts

to air quality are also associated with pollution flowing with weather patterns through Chinook Pass and

Naches Pass from west-side sources

Several sensitive airsheds exist near the Gold Spring analysis area Population centers summer home

groups roads and highways and Class I wilderness areas are considered sensitive to smoke dust and

other pollutants Smoke and its associated pollutants would also affect recreation sites should fire occur

nearby Table III16 displays the distance and direction of some notable sensitive airsheds within 50 air

miles of the analysis area

Table III16 Airsheds of concern and proximity to the Gold Spring analysis area

Area of Concern Type of Airshed Direction from Analysis Area

Distance from Analysis Area

Goat Rocks Wilderness

Class I Southwest 26 miles

Mt Ranier National Park

Class I West 21 miles

Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Class I North 36 miles

Mt Adams Wilderness

Class I South 51 miles

Cliffdell Community

West Adjacent

State Route 410

Highway West Adjacent

Nile Valley

Populated area Southeast 6 miles

NachesGleed

Town Southeast 20 miles

CowicheTieton


Selah City Southeast 24 miles

Wenas Valley Populated area East 14 miles

Yakima City

Potential PM25 non-

attainment area

Southeast 30 miles

Ellensburg City Northeast 24 miles

Environmental Consequences Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments - Direct and Indirect Effects

A provision of the Clean Air Act with some applicability to wildland burning activities is the prevention

of significant deterioration (PSD) provisions The goal of PSD is to prevent areas that are currently

cleaner than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) from being polluted up to the

ceiling established by NAAQS (Sandberg Ottmar amp Peterson) Historically EPA has regarded smoke

from wildland fires as temporary and therefore not subject to issuance of a PSD permit whether or not

wildland fire smoke should be considered when calculating PSD increment consumption or PSD

baseline was not defined EPA reaffirmed that States could exclude prescribed fire emissions from

increment analyses provided the exclusion does not result in permanent or long-term air quality

deterioration (US Environmental Protection Agency 1998)



III-106

Human Health

Fires both wild and prescribed can substantially contribute to ambient air pollution Consequently air

quality concerns and regulations are major constraints to the implementation of prescribed fire strategies

(Paoletti et al 2007)

The sentiment that woodsmoke being natural and ancient substance must be benign to humans is still

sometimes heard It is now well established however that woodburning stoves and fireplaces as well as

wildland and agricultural fires emit subtantial quantities of known health-damaging pollutants including

carcinogenic and other toxic organic compounds such as polyaromatic compounds benzene and

aldehydes respirable particulate matter with diameters allowing it penetrate into the deep lung carbon

monoxide (CO) nitrogen oxides (NOx) and free radicals among many other pollutants (Naeher PhD et

al 2005 (rev)) A number of toxic or carcinogenic compounds are present in biomass smoke as shown

in Table III17




III-107

Table III17 Summary of the toxic chemical agents identified in woodsmoke (Naeher PhD et al 2005

(rev))

Chemical class Number of

compounds

Mode of toxicity Representative compounds

Toxic gases 4+ Irritant acute toxicity Carbon monoxide

Ammonia

Nitrogen dioxide

Sulfur dioxide

Volatile Organic Compounds 30+ Irritant possible

carcinogenic

Methyl chloride

Methylene chloride

Saturated hydrocarbons

25+ Irritant neurotoxicity Hexane

Unsaturated hydrocarbons

40+ Irritant carcinogenic

mutagenic

13-butadiene

Acrolein

Mono-aromatics 28+ Irritant carcinogenic

mutagenic

Benzene

Styrene

Polycyclic aromatic

hydrocarbons (PAHs)

20+ Carcinogenic mutagenic

Immunotoxic

Benzo[163]pyrene

Dibenz[ah]anthracene

Organic alcohols and acids

25+ Irritant acute toxicity

Teratogenic

Methanol

Acetic acid

Aldehydes 20+ Irritant carcinogenic

mutagenic

Formaldehyde

Acetaldehyde

Phenols 33+ Irritant carcinogenic

mutagenic teratogenic

Catechol

Cresol (methyl-phenols)

Quinones 3 Irritant allergenic Redox

active causes oxidative

stress and inflammation

response possibly

carcinogenic

Hydroquinone

Fluorenone

Anthraquinone

Free radicals Redox active causes

oxidative stress and

inflammation response

possibly carcinogenic

Semi-quinone type radicals

Inorganic compounds 14+ Carcinogenic acute toxicity Arsenic

Lead

Chromium

Fine particulate matter Inflammation may be

allergenic

PM25

Chlorinated dioxins Irritant may be

carcinogenic or teratogenic

Particulate acidity Irritant Sulfuric acid



III-108

Ninetieth percentile (hot mid-summer) weather and fuel moisture conditions were modeled for a 4318

acre fire using a single best fit fuelbed representation An 80-150 year old thinned and prescribed burn

treated stand condition was assumed Consume 30 was utilized to model emissions Key emission

outputs are summarized in Table III18

Table III18 Emissions in a dry

Douglas-fir ponderosa pinedry grand

fir fuelbed with 35 crown consumption

Thirty-five percent was chosen at random

for comparison only

The possible market and utilization of forest biomass as a commodity has the potential to remove large

amounts of slash that would normally be burned Removal of biomass results in the slash not being

burned in the highly inefficient method of prescribed burning on the ground Making the conservative

assumption that technology and economics would make only those acres harvested under a commercial

thin feasible for biomass utilization Table III19 presents the potential material available Stokes (1992)

reported a wide range of recovery percentages with an average of about 60 percent potential recovery

after conventional forest harvesting systems With newer technology it is estimated that the current

potential for recovery is about 65 percent (Perlack Wright Turhollow Graham Stokes amp Erbach

2005) If it were economically and ecologically feasible to yard small-diameter material as would be

produced in a precommercial thin these figures could be higher

Table III19 Biomass available and emissions potentially not released into the airshed because of

biomass utilization

Acres Estimated

Tons of

slashacre

Estimated potential

tons of biomass

available (65

potential recovery)4

Estimated potential

tons of emissions not

released into the

airshed5

Commercial

harvest in the dry

Douglas-

firponderosa

pinegrand fir type

364

8 ndash 176

2912-6188

66-140

4Slash only ndash saw timber and pulp wood not considered and assuming that recoverable material (slash) would be piled at a landing 5Consume calculated for PM PM10 and PM25 Emission factors for CO CO2 CH4 and NMHC are not presently available for piled

material 6Estimated based on photo series (Maxwell amp Ward Photo Series for Quantifying Forest Resdiues in the Ponderosal Pine Type

Ponderosa Pine and Associated Species Type Lodgepole Pine Type 1976) and (Maxwell amp Ward 1979)

Pollutant Tons Tonsacre

PM 254 006

PM10 180 004

PM25 170 004

CO 2080 048

CO2 30145 698

CH4 68 002

Non-methane hydrocarbons

(NMHC)

49 001



III-109

As winter logging is required on the Gold Spring project dust created by harvest operations will not be

considered in this analysis Dust created by vehicle travel during prescribed fire operations is not

expected to be appreciably more than would be created by normal daily recreation travel Dust created

by the reroute of FR1707 may create minor amounts of dust that would be localized It is expected that

the amount of dust created by this activity will be noticeable to travelers on State Highway 410 but not

enough to restrict visibility

Visibility

Visibility conditions are affected by scattering and absorption of light by particles and gases The fine

particles most responsible for visibility impairment are sulfates nitrates organic compounds soot and

soil dust Fine particles are more efficient per unit mass than coarse particles at scattering light Light

scattering efficiencies also go up as humidity rises due to water adsorption on fine particles which

allows the particles to grow to sizes comparable to the wavelength of light Naturally occurring visual

range in the western states is between 190 to 270 kilometers (US Environmental Protection Agency

1998) Both prescribed burning and wildland fire depending on the size of the fire fuel moisture

weather conditions and proximity of the viewer to the fire can reduce visibility substantially

The effects of prescribed burning activities on human health and visibility on the Gold Spring project

will be minimized through regulation and avoidance By implementing prescribed burns on days that

take advantage of atmospheric instability favorable wind directions and when possible incoming

precipitation smoke can be directed away from areas of concern diluted by mixing with clean air

andor the amount of residual smoldering minimized The Washington State Department of Natural

Resources has governing authority to issue permits for outdoor burning by federal agencies (US

Environmental Protection Agency 1998) (see discussion in Silviculture and Fuels Treatments ndash

Cumulative Effects)

Proposed Commercial Harvest and Fuels Treatments ndash Cumulative Effects

The analysis area for Air Quality will include the project area and the possible downwind receptors

including communities other populated areas non-attainment areas public travelways Class I Airsheds

and other nearby smoke sensitive areas Smoke from large prescribed burns or wildfires can have

impacts tens and even hundreds of miles downwind depending on atmospheric stability mixing winds

type and quantity of fuel being consumed fuel moisture phase of consumption (flaming or smoldering)

that the majority of the fuel is consumed and duration of the fire In the case of large wildland fire

these impacts can last for weeks or even months For purposes of this Cumulative Effects Analysis

those areas nearest to the project area that have some form of smoke sensitivity will be considered See

Table III12 for the areas of concern

When discussing air quality consideration must be given to the impacts of prescribed burning across the

eastern Cascades especially as well as the entire state Multiple ranger districts agencies and

landowners may be attempting to take advantage of best conditions to meet their individual resource or

economic need All of these entities are in competition for a limited amount of smoke generated and put

into the airshed and still stay within NAAQS Other districts on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National

Forest the Yakama Nation the Washington State Department of Natural Resources the Washington

State Department of Fish and Wildlife and possibly the Bureau of Land Management and National Park

Service may all be attempting to conduct prescribed burns with smoke outputs similar to those described

for Gold Spring in Table III14 In addition private agriculture land owners may at the same time be

attempting to dispose of orchard or other commodity related biomass through prescribed burning



III-110

Federal and state agencies coordinate burning activities through the Washington State Department of

Natural Resources on a daily basis or through an otherwise approved process The DNR is responsible

to ensure that NAAQS are not exceeded by monitoring conditions and approving prescribed burns on a

daily basis Individual prescribed fire burn bosses are also responsible to take action to ensure those

burns that they are responsible for do not go beyond the daily approved consumption totals Naches

Ranger District prescribed fire operations will also comply with burn restrictions ordered by the Yakima

Regional Clean Air Agency andor the Washington State Department of Ecology

Proposed Invasive Species Treatments ndash Direct and Indirect Effects

The effects of Invasive Species Treatments on air quality address the possibility of airborne mists or

aerosols reaching a human receptor The amount of herbicide applied and restrictions on wind speed

during spray operations result in quantities of residual airborne chemical so minuscule so as to be

insignificant to air quality The possibility of airborne toxic chemicals reaching the individual(s)

applying the product is addressed by the requirements of their herbicide application license standards

label requirements and best management practices

Wicking does not cause herbicide to become airborne so will not cause a degradation of air quality

The individual plants killed and cured will have negligible effect on loading or to the amount of

particulate produced in the event of a wildfire or prescribed burn The residence time of the chemicals

proposed for invasive plant management is low (24 hours) making the likelihood of these chemicals

being volatilized into the air by fire very low

The other proposed invasive species treatment strategies (Chapter II) would have no direct or indirect

effects on air quality


The cumulative effect analysis area with respect to invasive species treatment effects on air quality was

determined to be the project area boundary The invasive species treatment will have no cumulative

effect on air quality


Reduced traffic from the relatively low reduction in mileage of roads proposed for closure is dispersed

through the entire project area and the low volume of traffic will cause minor degradation in air quality

For these same reasons leaving the roads open would not significantly degrade air quality except on a

much-localized area for a short period An example would be the momentary dust cloud caused by

recreational traffic passing by a camp or other forest user near one of these closed roads


The cumulative effect analysis area with respect to road closures and decommissioning effects on air

quality was determined to be the project area boundary and the watershed The cumulative effects

measured over this area may be affected over time as additional roads are built closed or

decommissioned

The effects viewed at a project area or watershed scale are minimal as applied to for example a single

recreation-use vehicle (passenger car pickup truck motorcycle etc) driving on a road Fugitive dust

would tend to be minimal and settle out or be dispersed quickly The presence of dust created on forest



III-111

roads may be most noticeable during high use periods such as summer holiday weekends or during

vehicle oriented special use events

Proposed Groomed Snowmobile Route Relocation ndash Direct and Indirect Effects

There will be no Direct or Indirect Effects to air quality in association with the proposed snowmobile

route relocation

Proposed Groomed Snowmobile Route Relocation ndash Cumulative Effects

There will be no Cumulative Effects to air quality in association with the proposed snowmobile route

relocation

INVASIVE SPECIES


Wenatchee National Forest 1990) established a Forest Standard and Guideline for noxious weeds to

cooperate with the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board and other state county and local

agencies and organizations in the identification location prevention and spread of noxious weeds and

to contain control or eradicate existing populations as budgets allow (WFP page IV-89) Further the

2005 Record of Decision for the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program - Preventing and

Managing Invasive Plants amended the above Forest Plan to include new direction for the control or

elimination of invasive plant species


Note The term invasive plant species and noxious weeds are used interchangeably throughout this

document

As previously stated under Purpose and Need for Action for Invasive Plant Management (Chapter I)

invasive species are documented to occur within the Gold Spring analysis area With regard to invasive

plant management the Gold Spring analysis area includes the project area and the road corridors

accessing the project area Several weed species have been observed during botanical inventories

including diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) oxeye daisy

(Leucanthemum vulgare) chicory (Cichorium intybus) Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) bull thistle

(Cirsium vulgare) St Johnlsquos wort (Hypericum perforatum) Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica)

common mullein (Verbascum thapsus and field bindweed (Convolvulos arvense) Invasive species

occur predominantly along the shoulders of roadways and on landing locations in previously harvested

timber stands throughout the analysis area Although it is not uncommon to also observe these species

in areas away from roads on open hillsides and in open timber stands within the analysis area

Approximately 100 percent of the analysis area contains potential vegetation groups that are considered

moderately or highly susceptible to adverse impacts from these species (Quigley amp Arbelbide 1997)

Refer to Vegetation and Fuels ndash Affected Environment Table III20 (page III-33) displays invasive

species within the project area and their State designation



III-112

Figure III4 Invasive species treatment areas



III-113

Table III20 State noxious weed occurrences within the Gold Spring project area

Species Designation Definitions

Class A Noxious Weed Those noxious weeds not

native to the State and are of limited distribution or

are unrecorded in the State and that pose a serious

threat to the State

Class B Noxious Weed Those noxious weeds not

native to the State that are of limited distribution or

are unrecorded in a region of the State and pose a

serious threat to that region

Class B-Designate Noxious Weed Those Class B

noxious weeds whose populations in a region or area

are such that all seed production can be prevented

within a calendar year (they are also ―designated

for control)

Class C Noxious Weed Any other noxious weeds

Monitor List A list of non-native plant species of

concern listed for several reasons They are new

invaders to Washington and have the potential to

become problematic here they have recently been

removed from the Weed List but we want to stay on

the lookout to make sure the noxious weeds do not

make a return invasion or they are non-native

species that have been here awhile and behaving fine

but have suddenly started to spread or become

problematic

Spotted knapweed

Centaurea beibersteinii

BD

Diffuse knapweed

Centaurea diffusa

B

Canada thistle

Cirsium arvense

C

Bull thistle

Cirsium vulgare

C

Oxeye daisy

Leucanthemum vulgare

BD

Dalmatian toadflax

Linaria dalmatica

B

St Johns-wort

Hypericum perforatum

C

Common mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Monitor

Chicory

Cichorium intybus

NA

Field bindweed

Convolvulus arvense

NA

Environmental Consequences ndash Invasive Species

Effect of the Proposed Silvicultural Fuel and Road Treatments on Invasive Species


The interaction between the proposed silvicultural and fuels treatments and invasive species is primarily

related to the soil and associated vegetation disturbance resulting from vegetation removal prescribed

burning and road management activities in areas with existing wide-spread weed infestation The

interaction of ground disturbing factors such as harvesting thinning biomass removal burning and road

constructionreopening and use provides an opportunity for invasive species to establish andor rapidly

expand in the ecosystem (Vitousek P 1996) The condition of the site prior to the disturbance and the

availability of propagative material on or near the impacted area are also factors that contribute to the

potential for invasive species to become established (National Resource Council 1994) Specific

harvest methods and associated equipment further determine the potential for invasive species impacts

When comparing harvest systems ground-based systems present a larger potential for creating ground

disturbance than do skyline methods as a greater proportion of the ground surface comes in contact with

the equipment

Depending on the specific weed species the occurrence of undisturbed vegetation in an area may be

sufficient to prevent weed invasion However many weed species produce large quantities of seed that

are adapted to dispersal on people on or in animals by wind in runoff in gravel and fill and on



III-114

vehicles or other equipment (eg knapweeds) Subsequently undisturbed sites have the potential to

contain large amounts of weed seed in soil presently occupied by desirable vegetation Ground and

vegetation disturbance creates unoccupied seedbeds where these weed seeds can rapidly germinate and

inhabit the site Recently validated research indicates that many weeds including Dalmatian toadflax

and St Johns-wort are capable of invading pristine communities (Sheley R 1994) (Stohlgren 1999)

Vegetation manipulation has the potential to further promote or enhance suitable habitat for invasive

species The vegetation and fuel treatments presented with this proposal modify vegetation potentially

altering moisture and temperature regimes (reduced moisture and increased temperatures) reducing tree

crown canopy cover and shading modifying nutrient cycling and the organic matter content of soils and

altering hydrologic cycles

Harvest and road constructionmaintenance equipment have the potential to disperse invasive species by

breaking up and redistributing roots and rhizomes that are then able to resume growth at a new location

from perennial buds located on these underground parts Roads and roadsides are particularly

susceptible to invasive plant infestation for several reasons Roads eliminate some of the physical and

environmental barriers that prevent plants from becoming established by increasing light availability and

opportunities for dispersal Micro-environmental changes along roads can provide opportunities for

invasions because many invasive plants favor and are more competitive in open disturbed habitats

Disturbance closely associated with roads and the establishment and spread of invasive species include

vehicular traffic maintenance activities and road blading These activities can increase invasive plant

introductions because vehicles often carry and distribute seeds and propagating plant parts It is well

documented in the literature that motor vehicles and other mechanized means of transportation can act

as effective vectors of invasive plant dispersal and establishment (Schmidt 1989) (Hodkinson amp

Thompson 1997)

Prescribed burning is an action that further affects invasive species Fire commonly facilitates

colonization by non-native and noxious vegetation (Hobbs amp Huenneke Disturbance diversity and

invasion implications for conservation 1992) (Vitousek DAntonio Loope amp Westbrooks 1996)

Burning opens a site to occupation by weed establishment through modification of the developmental

stage of the vegetation Introducing fire into a plant community typically sets the community back to an

earlier successional stage and creates unoccupied niches where weeds can easily establish (Harrod amp

Reichard 2001) Burning eliminates what other vegetation exists on the site and removes competition

with desirable vegetation giving the competitive advantage to the noxious weed species Most weeds

are well adapted to site conditions that exist following disturbances such as fire and ground disturbance

(Hobbs amp Huenneke Disturbance diversity and invasion implications for conservation 1992)

(Sheley Kedzi-Webb amp Mazwell 1998) reports that burning promotes the establishment of several

species of knapweeds Further burning can affect the development of individual weed plants

themselves Often prescribed fire is not hot enough to eliminate viable seed or the roots of weed species

(eg Dalmatian toadflax) and top removal generally stimulates vegetative shoot production ultimately

resulting in an increase in future seed production (Sheley R 1994) In contrast it has been reported

that thistle species may experience reduced seed production following burning (Young 1986) There is

other evidence to suggest that prescribed burning and other forest restoration activities (thinning) can in

the longer term help prevent the establishment of invasive species by increasing the diversity and

productivity of the associated plant communities (Covington et al 1997) (Mac Arthur 1970)

(Crawley 1986) (Case 1990) (Law amp Morton 1996) (Tilman 1997) (Levine amp DAntonio 1999)



III-115

Increases in invasive species increases the potential for surface runoff soil erosion and sediment yield

(Carman amp Brotherson 1982) (Blackburn Knight amp Schuster 1982) Deep rooted grasses forbs and

shrubs that provide soil protection and erosion control would be replaced by less effective shallow

rooted noxious weeds This would ultimately contribute adversely to cumulative watershed effects

(Sheley R 1994) Noxious weeds can also alter the successional pathway of plant communities by

deterring the growth of slower growing perennials and decrease the effectiveness of restoration efforts

(Robocker 1974)

The potential rate of spread is directly related to the amount of suitable habitat created (total acres

treated and acres treated to below 40 percent tree crown canopy) the potential to move propagative

material from infested to non-infested areas (acres tractor logged vs acres skyline logged and the

amount of road open to motorized travel) and the juxtaposition of existing noxious weed populations to

activity areas Proposals treating the greatest number of acres provide the greatest potential for

propagule movement and implement the least effective control strategy pose the greatest risk of

invasive species spread and establishment

Table III21 Indicators potentially contributing to noxious weed spread

Unmitigated the proposed

action could result in the

development of suitable

invasive species habitat

However the prevention

standards and best management

practice identified in Chapter II

would effectively minimize the

likelihood that the Gold Spring

project would result in the


invasive species habitat and

subsequent infestation Standards 1-6 are designed to prevent invasive species establishment and

spread by reducing the potential for weed dispersal and the introduction of new invasive species via

equipment (eg carried in or out on the equipment or moved around by the equipment such as by road

blading) plant materials (eg mulch straw) and restoration supplies (eg rock gravel) These

standards further mitigate the potential for adverse impacts by providing for a revegetation strategy

which would help reduce the need for repeated herbicide use or other treatment by re-establishing native

or desirable non-native vegetation on these sites

Best Management Practices 1-11 and 15-16 would further reduce the risk that invasive species would

become established and continue to spread by requiring additional prevention measures such as proper

disposal of weed seed and plant parts on workers and their clothing water drafting measures and

monitoring Best Management Practices 12-13 would complement the prevention measures by

prioritizing treatments in high risk locations such as along roads skid trails and at landings These

measures further reduce the risk that invasive species will become established and be effectively

dispersed from these locations

Cumulative Effects With regard to cumulative effects related to invasive species the analysis area

includes the Gold Spring project area and the road corridors accessing the project area This analysis

No

Action

Refined

Proposed

Action Acres of potential ground disturbance 0 4028

Acres reduced below 40 percent canopy

cover (364 acres +5 of Rx burn acres)

0 565

Acres with ground-based harvest systems 0 364

Miles of road reduced 0 6



III-116

area was selected because the effects of the proposal are most often realized in the immediate area of the

activity where physical disturbance occurs and along the roads that access the activity area where an

efficient dispersal mechanism is provided

The proposed silvicultural and fuel treatments in combination with the past present and reasonably

foreseeable future actions described in Chapter I such as ongoing recreation dry forest projects and

grazing would increase the potential for invasive plant species establishment and spread by increasing

the amount of disturbance on the landscape and increasing to the opportunities for dispersal Refer to

Chapter I for a thorough discussion of the effects of past and on-going actions as related to invasive

species The cumulative contribution of this proposal with other actions would be mitigated through the

implementation of a fully integrated invasive species control strategy with the Refined Proposed Action

Implementation of an integrated strategy utilizing the full range of methods and mitigations over time

would ameliorate to a large degree the potential risk of weed spread associated with this project and

therefore weed spread across the landscape

Without management action invasive species populations will continue to establish and spread at the

present rate Although no additional ground disturbance and subsequent seedbed creation would occur

as a direct result of this alternative unhealthy and at-risk communities would remain highly susceptible

to invasive species encroachment into unoccupied areas and increases in the density of established weed

populations are likely Invasive species would continue to out-compete desirable native grass forbs and

other riparianaquatic vegetation in degraded and presently weed occupied habitat In areas currently

competitive against invasive species establishment this alternative would maintain existing plant

communities that appear to be preventing weed encroachment However several of the plant

communities supported in the project area have been identified as moderately to highly susceptible to

invasion by noxious weed species (Quigley amp Arbelbide 1997) At this time it is unclear as to whether

these communities would remain competitive against noxious weed encroachment over the long-term

without noxious weed control Relative to noxious weeds taking no action would be neutral with

respect to the effect of the Gold Spring proposal on the MLSA Although taking no action minimizes

the potential for site disturbance it does nothing to modify existing vegetative conditions such that over

time the resulting plant community becomes more resistant to invasive species infestation Therefore

taking no management action would be the least effective in moving towards the desired future

condition with respect to invasive species management


Effect of the Proposed Invasive Plant Treatments on Native Plant Communities and Other Non-

Target Vegetation


Fifty-seven percent (57) of the Gold Spring project area occurs within the Milk Creek MLSA The

discussion that follows relative to invasive species is intended to address the effects of non-native

species on the MLSA consistent with the non-native species standard and guidelines (ROD C-19) and

the noxious weed module as identified in the LSRA (Pages 92-93 and Page 56) This discussion is also

intended to address native and non-target vegetation outside of the MLSA

Interactions between the proposed invasive plant management action invasive plants and native plant

communities (including TES and Special Status Species) occur at several levels First invasive plant

treatment may have adverse impacts on non-target plants and native plant communities including TES

and Special Status Species Conversely the lack of invasive plant management can result in equally



III-117

adverse impacts to plants and native plant communities Second the proposed methods vary in their

potential to prevent or reduce the spread of invasive plants An integration of treatment methods is

necessary to effectively control the introduction establishment and spread of invasive plants (Sheley

Kedzi-Webb amp Mazwell 1998) (Brown Duncan amp Halstvedt 2001) Thirdly the susceptibility of

plant communities to invasion is influenced by many factors including disturbance levels community

structure (Orians 1986) resource availability (Burke amp Grime 1996) (Elton 2000) (Stohlgren 1999)

and the biological traits of the invader (Davis amp Thompson 2000)

The impacts of invasive species on native plants also occur at multiple scales including individuals

populations communities and ecosystems (Parker Simberloff Lonsdale Goodell Wonham amp others

1999) Invasive plants can hinder germination growth and development of native plants They can

reduce the vigor of and ultimately eliminate individual native plants through competition Over time

these factors can lead to a reduction in the biological diversity on a particular site Invasive plants

utilize moisture and nutrients on a given site and potentially limit the opportunities for native vegetation

to establish and thrive on that site (Olson 1999) (Bonnivier 1999) Many invasive plants produce

chemicals that inhibit the growth of other competing native vegetation (Stevens 1986) These factors

lead to changes in plant community composition (Mack Simberloff Lonsdale Evans Clout amp others

2000) (Randall 1996) (Belcher amp Wilson 1989) (Rice Lacey Lacey amp Johnson 1994) (Callihan

Wilson McCaffrey amp Miller 1994) (Tyser amp Key 1988) Changes in community composition can

alter ecosystem processes slow or alter succession and interfere with the natural dynamics of a

community (Hobbs amp Mooney 1993) (DAntonio amp Vitousek 1992) (Tyser amp Key 1988) (Robocker

1974) The alteration of community composition can also have a substantial effect on natural

disturbance regimes such as the frequency and intensity of fire (Mack amp DAntonio 1998) (Bright

1996) Invasive plants are considered a threat to threatened endangered and sensitive plant

communities because of their capacity to modify habitat conditions associated with the sustainability of

these populations

Without management action invasive plants can compromise healthy native ecosystems Once

established they can be self-perpetuating and over time can spread from one location to another The

impact of invasive plants can be permanent when economic and environmental factors prevent

restoration of an ecosystem (National Academy of Sciences 2002) Invasive plants have substantial

effects on ecosystems and affect key physical and biological components and processes (Olson 1999)

Currently known effects of invasive plants include effects on soils water quality riparian ecosystems

aquatic species native plants and plant communities wildlife threatened endangered and sensitive

species recreational experience economics Tribes and treaty rights and congressionally designated

areas (USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005)

All of the proposed treatments have the potential to adversely affect non-target plants and plant

communities to varying degrees Manual and mechanical methods have the potential to directly affect

non-target vegetation through unintentional trampling or removal of plant parts or entire plants

Physical damage of vegetation can result in reduced plant vigor reduced seed production a reduction in

canopy cover and soil disturbance Subsequent indirect effects to non-target plants may include a

reduction in plant productivity a decrease in soil moisture an increase in soil surface temperature and

adverse impacts to soil mychorrihzal fungi (Bautista Mazzu Robbins Perez amp Spiegel 2005) There

is also a potential for cultural treatments (ie seeding planting and mulching) to result in the

introduction of aggressive non-native or invasive species onto a site that may ultimately out-compete



III-118

existing desirable vegetation All of these effects could function to move the plant community further

away from the desired condition

Effects within the Gold Spring analysis area with respect to manual and mechanical treatments would

be relatively limited in extent due to the method of application (ie pulling digging grubbing hoeing

mowing clipping by hand or with hand-tools weed-whacker mower) these methods would have a

minimal impact on non-target plants and native plant communities There is limited potential for non-

target plants to be impacted as implementation of these methods requires direct contact between

properly trained crews and the target species In the event non-target plants are affected impacts would

be short-term and confined to individual isolated plants (ie small-scale) The potential for adverse

impacts to TES and Special Status Species from manual and mechanical treatment is also considered to

be extremely low as locations of previously identified Special Status species would be avoided thru the

use of site-specific project design buffers Presently undocumented occurrences of these plants

discovered during additional field reconnaissance or project implementation would be protected through

implementation of the mitigation measures identified in Chapter II under Botanical Resources Newly

discovered sites would be avoided or managed consistent with current applicable management

recommendations

The potential for cultural treatments (ie seeding planting and mulching) to result in the introduction of

aggressive non-native or invasive species onto a site that may ultimately out-compete existing desirable

vegetation is unlikely Required Standards 3 and 6 and Best Management Practices 2-6 and 10

identified under this proposal dictate the use of certified weed-free native materials as the preferred

choice for revegetation Certified weed-free non-native non-invasive plant species may be utilized

under specific conditions however under this scenario local guidelines and professional judgment

with respect to appropriate non-native species would be applied Non-native noninvasive plant species

would be used 1) as an interim non-persistent measure designed to aid in the reestablishment of native

plants 2) if native plant materials are not available and 3) in permanently altered plant communities

(eg roadside corridors) Implementation of the standards and best management practices would

diminish the potential for the unintended introduction of highly competitive persistent and invasive

species Further cultural treatments such as seeding planting and mulching would result in a positive

effect with respect to providing vegetative cover over bare soil and consequently reducing the

opportunities for reinvasion

Chemical treatments have the greatest potential for adverse impacts on non-target vegetation and are of

the greatest public concern Herbicides have the potential to change plant species composition and

reduce the diversity of native communities Certain herbicides (eg glyphosatetrade) could also affect

plant pollinators Reductions or shifts in pollinator species could also result in changes in plant species

composition and diversity

The proposed herbicide treatments could result in changes in species composition and plant diversity

within treatment areas in the Gold Spring analysis area Changes in species dominance due to

application of herbicide on a site could result in changes in plant community composition and structure

over time Repeated treatments with a single herbicide over time would likely favor tolerant species

which in turn could shift the balance of pollinators necessary and available to a community Population

shifts through repeated use of a single herbicide may also reduce plant diversity (DiTomaso 2001)

Recent theoretical models predict that decreasing plant diversity leads to lower plant productivity

These models also suggest that diversity and composition are important determinants of ecosystem



III-119

functioning (Naeem Chapin III Costanza Ehrlich Golley amp others 1999) Herbicide application as

described in this proposal is expected to result in a positive effect with respect to plant composition and

diversity Herbicide treatments are part of an initial prescription however use of herbicides would be

expected to decline over time with secondary treatment methods such as hand-pulling digging weed-

whacking mowing and seeding replacing herbicide application Repeated treatments with a single

herbicide over time are not expected to occur under this proposal

Herbicide-specific effects of picloram include damage to plants by destroying tissue through

uncontrolled cell division and abnormal growth Picloram is highly soluble in water and resistant to

biotic and abiotic degradation processes There is a high potential for this herbicide to leach into ground

water Damage to non-target plants and plant communities can occur from drift and runoff Because

picloram is persistent in soil it can be absorbed by non-target plant roots (Tu Hurd amp Randall 2001)

Susceptible plant species could be adversely affected by the off-site transport of picloram Species that

are more tolerant would not likely be affected unless they are directly sprayed or subject to initial drift

(Syracuse Environmental Research Associates Inc 2003)

Within the Gold Spring analysis area the potential for herbicide treatment with picloram to alter plant

species composition and reduce diversity in communities outside of proposed treatment areas is

considered low Design criteria mitigation measures and best management practices included in this

proposal (Chapter II) implement practices and techniques which substantially reduce the likelihood of

adverse impacts Foremost application of any herbicide would be performed or directly supervised by a

licensed applicator and all applicable State and Federal laws would be strictly followed (Design Criteria

1) Implementation of this standard will ensure that herbicides are properly and safely applied The

identified potential effects to non-target vegetation associated with runoff andor drift of herbicides

would be minimized or eliminated due to implementation of Standards 7 10 and 11 and Design

Criteria 1 2 and 3 which identify parameters that must be met when applying herbicides including

suitable soil characteristics proximity to surface water and water table depth size of buffers timing of

application and appropriate weather conditions This standard ensures that herbicide use is

implemented in a manner that considers local conditions to minimize adverse impacts to non-target

species Additionally application rate wind speed and direction nozzle type and size will further

mitigate the potential for leaching runoff drift and unintended effects to non-target vegetation Similar

to mechanical and manual treatment methods this method also requires direct contact between properly

trained crews and the target species reducing the potential for unintended treatment of non-target

vegetation Additionally the application of herbicide using hand-held nozzles or by wicking and wiping

individual plants further reduces the potential for the treatment of non-target vegetation

Glyphosate is a nonselective systemic herbicide that can adversely affect all groups of non target plants

to varying degrees This herbicide kills plants by preventing them from synthesizing necessary amino

acids Reported effects have been most frequently from off-site drift Glyphosate strongly attaches to

soil particles which prevents excessive leaching Consequently there is a low potential for this

herbicide to leach into ground water (Tu Hurd amp Randall 2001) (Syracuse Environmental Research

Associates Inc 2003 Glyphosate) Because glyphosate binds readily to soil non-target plants do not

readily absorb the chemical and are therefore not impacted through root uptake

Within treatment areas changes in species composition and diversity are anticipated following herbicide

treatment The abundance of invasive species within the analysis area would be expected to decline

while native and desirable species increase in abundance The potential for herbicide to unpredictably



III-120

alter species composition and reduce diversity would be minimized or eliminated by seeding andor

planting appropriate desirable species following treatment (ie manual mechanical and herbicide) in

areas where native vegetation cannot provide an adequate source for successful revegetation (Standards

5 and 6 and Best Management Practices 2-6) In this regard a positive effect on species composition

and an increase in plant diversity would be expected over time within treatment areas

The adjuvacant Agridex is a non-ionic mixture containing phosphatidycholine and polyethoxylated

compounds respectively which is added to the spray tank to improve herbicide application Agridex

achieves this by modifying the wetting and deposition characteristics of the spray solution resulting in a

more even and uniform spray deposition Application of these compounds at the rates identified by the

manufacturer and on the respective herbicide label has not been found to have unintended adverse

impacts on non-target vegetation or native plant communities (Product labels and MSDS)

Pollinators could be impacted directly or indirectly by any herbicide Subsequently this could cause

indirect effects to native plant communities Plants that are dependent on a particular insect for

pollination may experience a decrease in reproductive capabilities if the pollinator is impacted by

herbicides There is limited information available on the effect of herbicides on native pollinators Most

information is relative to the non-native honeybee It is known that pollinators can be directly affected

by spray or indirectly affected when plants required as food are eliminated by herbicides Typical

recommended application rates for picloram and glyphosate are well below toxic doses identified and

are not expected to result in toxic effects when directly sprayed on honeybees (USDA Forest Service

Pacific Northwest Region 2005)

As discussed extensively in Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Final Environmental Impact

Statement (FEIS) (USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005) invasive plant treatments

may result in risks to human health The health and safety of forest workers may be at risk from

exposure to herbicides working on unevenbroken terrain use of hand and power tools inhalation of

smoke driving vehicles exposure to fire exposure to fallingrolling debris and other accidents The

public may be exposed to herbicides through direct contact drift eating contaminated foods or drinking

contaminated water

Appropriate training together with monitoring and intervention to prevent unsafe practices would

minimize risk of worker injury and illness associated with implementation of the action Refined

Proposed Action Compliance with occupational Safety Administration (OSHA) standards along with

agency industry and manufacturerslsquo recommendations further reduces the potential exposure and risk of

injury to workers Members of the public are usually not at risk from manual and mechanical methods

unless they are close to machinery that is producing flying debris during treatment

As further disclosed in the Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants FEIS (USDA Forest Service

Pacific Northwest Region 2005) workers and the public may both be exposed to herbicides Herbicide

applicators are most likely to be exposed to herbicides In routine applications workers may contact and

internalize herbicides mainly through the skin but also through the mouth nose or lungs Additionally

contact with herbicide formulations may cause irritation at the location of the exposure especially the

eyes and skin The public could be exposed through the drift of herbicide spray through contact with

sprayed vegetation or by eating contaminated food items such as berries or edible mushrooms The

public may also be exposed by eating game or fish containing herbicide residues or by drinking water

that contains such residues



III-121

Under normal conditions members of the general public should not be exposed to substantial levels of

herbicides as a result of invasive species treatment in the Gold Spring project area Members of the

public would generally not be in areas infested with invasive plants during herbicide application because

the public would be notified regarding herbicide treatment at dispersed and developed recreation areas

(trailheads campgrounds picnic areas recreations sites boat ramps ski areas work centers etc) to

inform users prior to invasive plant treatment and reduce the potential for forest users to be present

during herbicide application (Standard 12 and Design Criteria 5) Other techniques to minimize

human exposure to herbicides such as selecting herbicides with low toxicity and low application rates

(Standard 8) using application methods that minimize off-target movement and non-target exposures

(Standard 10 and 11) reducing contamination of potential drinking water by using streamside no-

spray zones and hand wicking providing personal protective equipment for applicators (Design Criteria

4) and accomplishing all treatments according to strict safety and health standards as required by the

Environmental Protection Agency pesticide regulations and incorporated into herbicide label

instructions would further reduce the potential for human health and safety effects (Design Criteria 1 2

and 7)

As acknowledged in the FEIS (USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005) the potential for

incremental effects to workers from non-chemical treatment methods is high People may be injured

more than once given the hazardous outdoor working conditions and use of equipment Some

cumulative and non-reversible effects such as hearing loss and repetitive stress injuries may occur

Compliance with occupational Safety Administration (OSHA) standards and agency industry and

manufacturerslsquo recommendations reduces the potential exposure and risk of injury to workers The

potential for incremental impacts to the public is of no consequence because they would not be operating

the machinery and are unlikely to be in close proximity when invasive plant treatments are being

conducted

The potential for health effects to workers and the public from repeated exposures to the herbicides

applied to treat invasive plants in the Gold Spring project area is also of no consequence as the

herbicides do not bioaccumulate in humans are rapidly eliminated from the body and persist in the

environment for a relatively short time (generally less than one year)

Integrated weed management will have the greatest potential to control invasive species in the shortest

period when compared to taking no management action No measurable adverse impacts to non-target

plants native plant communities or human health and safety are anticipated as a result of the

implementation of the proposed action because all required design criteria standards and best

management practices would be implemented concurrent with invasive species management as

described above The proposed action provides an opportunity to manage for desirable vigorous native

vegetation reduce the production of unwanted invasive species propagative material and to inform the

public regarding invasive species management This alternative is intended and expected to restore

native plant communities adversely impacted by invasive plants (native plant communities where they

presently occur or have the potential to occur) As well for the reasons described previously the

Refined Proposed Action would reduce the risk of spreading weeds within (and outside) of the MLSA

and would be beneficial to the MLSA consistent with the Northwest Forest Plan standard for MLSA

land allocations



III-122

If no management action were taken there would be no adverse impacts to non-target plants and native

plant communities including TES and Special Status Species as a direct result of the proposed action

The management of invasive species would continue as it is currently Prevention measures (USDA

Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005) and Best Management Practices (USDA Forest

Service 2002) would continue to be implemented as opportunities allowed typically through small-

scale projects and limited public contact Treatment would continue to be extremely limited in scale

under the existing Forestwide Noxious Weed EA and would not incorporate the full array of treatment

methods necessary for effective invasive species management Likely treatments would consist of

incidental hand pulling clipping or mowing of isolated individuals or infestations Invasive plant

populations would continue to establish and spread at the present estimated average rate of 10-12

percent (USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005) Invasive plants would continue to

out-compete the desirable native grass forbs and other riparianaquatic vegetation in degraded and

presently weed-infested communities Unhealthy and at-risk communities would remain highly

susceptible to encroachment into unoccupied areas by invasive species Areas currently un-infested but

rated as moderately or highly susceptible to invasion would likely be at greater risk over time as the

abundance of invasive plants increased in the adjacent infested areas Furthermore it should be

assumed that on-going soil and vegetation disturbance would continue to create suitable invasive species

habitat Taking no management action would add cumulatively to the continued uncontrolled spread of

invasive species It is probable that these presently un-infested communities would not remain

competitive against invasive species encroachment over the long-term

Further if management action were not taken there would be no opportunity to contain or control

invasive plant populations or reduce the current rate of spread of these species within the project area

No action does not reduce the available propagative materials does nothing to reduce vehicle weed

dispersal along roadways and trails and would not further educate the public about invasive species

prevention Further no action may ultimately reduce the ability to contain or eradicate invasive plants

in this area in the future Precluding management action would ultimately result in an increase in the

risk of spreading weeds within (and outside) of the MLSA

Cumulative Effects With regard to cumulative effects related to the treatment of invasive species the

analysis area includes the Mainstem Naches watershed This analysis area was selected because the

effects of invasive species treatment primarily herbicide application can be realized downstream and in

other hydrologically sensitive areas No adverse cumulative impacts to non-target plants or native plant

communities are anticipated as a result of implementing the proposed invasive species treatments

There is no documentation indicating the use of herbicides within the analysis area in the recent past

(ie approximately 20 years) and similarly there are no known herbicide treatments being

implemented now The closest known herbicide treatment area is within the Washington Department of

Transportation (WDOT) right-of-wayeasement along State Route 410 The WDOT currently treats the

road shoulder (approximately 8 ft either side of the highway) annually It is also likely that there is

some small-scale treatment of invasive species by the residents of homes located on private property

along the State Route 410 corridor

However this action when combined with the past present and foreseeable future actions described in

Chapter I would result in a positive effect with respect to invasive species As described in Chapter I

activities such as recreation and grazing continue to increase the potential for invasive species spread

and establishment through ongoing ground disturbance This action would incrementally over time

reduce the potential for weed spread by managing for healthy vigorous plant communities and ultimately



III-123

reducing the amount of unoccupied disturbed soil in the watershed vulnerable to the establishment and


Effect of the Proposed Roads Closures and Decommissioning on Invasive Species


By limiting access the refined proposed action will in result in slowing the rate of spread by reducing

the potential for dispersal along approximately 60 miles of road corridor and by minimizing new

vegetation and soil disturbance associated with that road use

Cumulative Effects

The Refined Proposed Action in combination with past present and reasonably foreseeable future travel

management actions would incrementally contribute a positive effect with respect to invasive species

As the total number of miles in the planning area and in adjacent areas decline so does the opportunity

for invasive species to be dispersed and become established along travel corridors and in other locations

with close proximity to the road system

WILDLIFE

Species Addressed

Effects are addressed for the following species that use or potentially use the Gold Spring Restoration

Project area or habitat adjacent to the project area federally-listed Endangered Threatened Proposed

Candidate Species Species of Concern and Proposed or Designated Critical Habitat- (USDI 1973)

(Revised April 15 2008) USDA Forest Service Region 6 Regional Foresterlsquos Special StatusSensitive

Species (RFSS) List (USDA Forest Service 2004) (Revised January 2008)

Management Indicator Species for the Wenatchee National Forest

Northern spotted owl (indicator species for late successional habitats)

Primary cavity excavators and American marten (ie woodpeckers indicators species associated

with dead and down wood habitat structure)

Elk amp Deer (indicator species for ―edge conditions between dense forest and meadows andor

early successional habitats)

Ruffed Grousebeaver (indicator species for riparian forest habitat)

Federally Proposed Endangered Threatened and Sensitive (PETS) species

Gray wolf (E)

Northern spotted owl (T)

Bald eagle (S)

Townsendlsquos big-eared bat (S)

Peregrine falcon (S)

Columbia Gorge Oregonian (S)

White-headed woodpecker (S)

Other Species of Concern (not included in previous list)

Northern goshawk (statefederal)

Flammulated owl (state)

Golden eagle (state)



III-124

Pileated woodpecker (state)

Long-eared myotis (federal)

Migratory landbirds

Some of these species have been grouped together because they have the same habitat requirements

Northern goshawk will be included with the Northern spotted owl discussion Golden eagle with

peregrine falcon discussion ruffed grousebeaver and Columbia Gorge Oregonian with riparian forested

habitat flammulated owl white-headed woodpeckers Townsendlsquos big-eared bat and long-eared myotis

with the primary cavity excavator discussion Since gray wolves and bald eagles share the same prey

species the effects of these two species will be discussed together Effects to the bald eagle will also be

discussed with primary excavators

There is no habitat or potential habitat within the project area for the Canada lynx marbled murrelet or

Mardon skipper The project occurs in the area identified as ―peripheral for lynx (USDA Forest

Service amp USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2005) and it is not in an area of concern for connectivity to

other lynx habitat The Gold Spring Restoration Project area is outside the nesting range of marbled

murrelet and outside the North Cascades Grizzly Bear recovery area This project would not affect any

of these species and they are not discussed further in this document

Gold Spring Restoration Project area will not occur in the following habitats Pacific fisher California

wolverine Western gray squirrel Stripped whipsnake sharptail snake California mountain kingsnake

western toad Northwestern pond turtle harlequin duck gray flycatcher ash-throated flycatcher olive-

sided flycatcher common loon eared grebe ferruginous hawk sandhill crane upland sandpiper and

mountain goat Project area is outside the range of the meadow fritillary lustrous copper and Mellissa

arctic This project would not affect any of these species and they are not discussed further in this

document

Concerning other Rare and Uncommon Species Project area does not contain habitat for the great gray

owl Larch Mountain Salamander Van Dykelsquos Salamander Puget Oregonian snail warty jumping-slug

masked duskysnail blue-gray taildropper and shiny tightcoil and is outside the range of the Chelan

Mountainsnail and Grand Coulee Mountainsnail This project will not affect any of these species and

they are not discussed further in this document Survey protocol for Columbia Gorge Oregonian has

been completed in portions of the project area for the Sunip Project area in 1999 No Rare and

Uncommon species were found

Methods and Scales of Analysis

Habitat models used to evaluate effects on wildlife were based on district vegetation maps (maintained

as a Geographic Information System database) Habitat classifications were validated through aerial

photo interpretation andor field visits The scale of analysis varied according to species and often

extended well beyond the Gold Spring planning area The project area occurs within the Naches

Mainstem 5th

field HUC Watershed This watershed along with the Wenas Watershed were used for

several cumulative effects analysis

Methodology developed by Gaines et al (Gaines Singleton amp Ross 2003) was used to evaluate

cumulative effects associated with existing roads and motorized trails



III-125

Expected Future Condition if the Proposed Action is not Implemented-

Cumulative Effects on all Wildlife Species

Risk of stand replacing fire in the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds is higher than normal Fuel

loads and continuity of fuels have increased and stand structure has changed to a point where under the

right conditions a large percentage of the watersheds could burn at high intensity much higher

percentage than would have occurred here historically The resulting loss of habitat could be

catastrophic for resident wildlife Areas that burn under high intensity fires may also be slower to

recovery prolonging impacts to wildlife

Management Indicator Species (MIS) MIS are species whose population parameters appear to show the effects of land management practices

on specific types of wildlife habitat The MIS is a wildlife scheme in which the welfare of a selected

species is presumed to indicate the welfare of other species The condition of the selected species

habitat can be used to assess the impacts of management actions on a particular area Those species

selected for the Wenatchee Forest include northern spotted owl pileated woodpecker American

martenthree-toed woodpecker primary cavity excavators Rocky Mountain elkmule deer mountain

goat and beaverruffed grouse (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1990)

The mountain goat is an indicator species of high elevation talus This habitat does not occur within or

adjacent to the project area No further discussion will occur regarding the mountain goat

The pileated woodpecker martenthree-toed woodpeckers are associated with mature or old-growth

coniferous forest habitats The American martenthree-toed woodpecker inhabit montane mixed conifer

the pileated woodpecker inhabits montane mixed and eastside mixed conifer habitat types (described in

(Johnson amp ONeil 2001)) Montane mixed conifer does not occur within the project area therefore no

further discussion is needed for the marten or three-toed woodpecker

Low elevation eastside mixed conifer habitat type as defined in Johnson and OlsquoNeil (Johnson amp ONeil

2001) is the only habitat type that occurs within the project area In this low elevation eastside mixed

conifer ponderosa pine exists as a codominant with Douglas-fir

Primary Cavity Excavators

Primary cavity excavators (woodpeckers) that reside or potentially reside in the Naches Mainstem and

Wenas Watersheds

Pileated woodpecker

Three-toed woodpecker

Black-backed woodpecker

Hairy woodpecker

Downy woodpecker

Lewislsquo woodpecker

White-headed woodpecker

Williamsonlsquos sapsucker

Red-naped sapsucker

Red-breasted sapsucker

Northern flicker



III-126

According to DecAID Advisor ver 20 (Mellen Marcot Ohmann Waddell Livingston amp Wilhite

2009) more than 70 species of wildlife use snags andor deformed or diseased parts of living trees for

nesting denning roosting or foraging in the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds Almost half of

these species nest or den in tree cavities excavated by 11 resident species of woodpeckers (mentioned

above) These woodpeckers or primary cavity excavators are management indicators for all snag and

log dependent wildlife

Pileated Woodpeckers

As well as the MIS status Pileated woodpecker is a Species of Concern According to Wisdom et al

(2000) broad-scale trends in habitat for the pileated woodpecker has declined by gt20 but lt60 from

historical to current periods within the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project

(ICBEMP) (Wisdom Holthausen Wales Hargis Saab amp Lee 2000)

Aubry and Raley (Aubry amp Raley 2002) considered the pileated woodpecker to be a ―keystone habitat

modifier a major functional component of forest environment creating nesting cavities used by other

forest species The dense canopies and high snag densities required for nesting habitat are primarily

provided for in the montane mixed conifer habitat The pileated woodpecker will also use the eastside

mixed conifer and ponderosa pineDouglas-fir forest primarily as foraging and roosting habitat Large

snags and large decaying live trees in older forests are used by pileated woodpeckers for nesting and

roosting throughout their range (Mellen Marcot Ohmann Waddell Livingston amp Wilhite 2009) (Bull

amp Jackson 2005) (Aubry amp Raley 2002) Management recommendations within this analysis will

focus on the pileated woodpeckerlsquos foraging and roosting habitat needs since the Gold Spring proposed

project will primarily alter low elevation eastside mixed conifer forested habitat specifically ponderosa



The white-headed woodpecker is a Species of Concern as well as a R6 sensitive species inhabiting late-

seral ponderosa pine habitat According to Wisdom et al (Wisdom Holthausen Wales Hargis Saab amp

Lee 2000) broad-scale trends in habitat for white-headed woodpeckers has declined by gt60 from

historical to current periods and been completely eliminated in gt40 of the watersheds within the

Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project (ICBEMP) More specifically this habitat has

declined by gt60 within the North Cascades ecological reporting unit

For the East-Slope Cascaded Landbird Conservation Planning Region the white-headed woodpecker

was chosen as an associated focal species for large patches of old forest with large snags in the

ponderosa pine habitat type The white-headed woodpecker is vulnerable to loss of older pine-

dominated forests and to the loss of large trees and snags within these forests (Washington Department

of Fish amp Wildlife 2002) They are associated with open-canopy mature and old-growth ponderosa

pine forests White-headed woodpeckers require large decayed snags for nesting and roosting (gt24

dbh) (Thomas 1979) (Rapheal amp White 1984) (Garrett Raphael amp Dixon 1996) They prefer to

forage for insects on the scaly bark of live trees (Rapheal amp White 1984) and they feed heavily on

seeds from unopened pine cones during winter (Ligon 1973) (Garrett Raphael amp Dixon 1996)

Recent findings in eastern Washington concluded that this species nests primarily in ponderosa pine

snags averaging 41 ft in height with a mean dbh of 20 (WDFW 2002) Large trees and snags on the

edge of gaps or openings characterized the immediate surroundings of active nest sites They roost in

cavities and behind peeling bark and crevices within tree trunks (Dixon 1995) (Garrett Raphael amp

Dixon 1996) Their home range size in old-growth habitat averages 257 acres and 793 acres in



III-127

fragmented habitat (Dixon 1995) Flammulated owls and pygmy nuthatch are also residents of mature

and old-growth ponderosa pine forests nest in snags or dead portions of live trees utilize natural

cavities or those created by woodpeckers Management considerations for the white-headed

woodpecker will also apply for the flammulated owl and pygmy nuthatch


Primary cavity excavators represent habitat for live defective trees and all decay stages of standing dead

trees and all decay stages of dead and down trees There are standards and guidelines for snags and

down wood levels listed in the LRMP but they have been replaced by NWFP Standards and Guidelines

and Forest LSR guidance (NWFP SampG C-41 42)

Wenatchee National Forest Land Resource Management Plan (LRMP) for Wildlife Snags

The Wenatchee National Forest Land Resource Management Plan (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee

National Forest 1990) prescribed snag and log retention levels based on potential population models for

woodpeckers An underlying assumption was that maintaining enough snags to support woodpeckers at

the 20 potential population level in General Forest (GF) land allocation would ensure their viability

and that of other snag and log dependent wildlife species Managers now look beyond one-size-fits all

snag management prescriptions to consider a broader range of wildlife uses and the inherent capability

of each habitat type to provide snag and down wood habitat

The LRMP was amended in 1994 by the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) Portion of the project area

occurs in Administratively Withdrawn (7) Matrix (35) and in the MLSA 57 and 1 private land

holdings An Assessment for Late Successional Reserves and Managed Late Successional Areas for the

Yakima Province was written under the direction of the NWFP in 1997 The LSRA provided the

following management objectives for snags and down wood in the MLSA Provide sufficient numbers

sizes and distribution of snags and logs to support moderate-to-large populations of snag and log

dependent wildlife The Forest LSRA describes desired densities and characteristics of snags and logs

for various types of late successional habitat found in LSRs based on species needs and historic range of

variability (HRV) Levels within HRV are considered ecologically sustainable and have already been

shown to ensure persistence of snag and log dependent wildlife (LSRA Table VII-1 pp 105)

At this time Forest LSR guidance is considered to be the best available science for management of

decayed wood habitat structure in LSRs Desired densities of snags and logs in the LSRA are higher

than previous requirements under the 1990 LRMP Snag and down wood levels will be managed for

within the Gold Spring Project area in accordance with the NWFP Standards and Guidelines and Forest

LSR guidance

Northwest Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines Matrix green tree retention (C-41 42)

Retain at least 15 of the area associated with each cutting unit for green trees of various sizes

ages and species in well-distributed patches as well as dispersed individuals

At a minimum snags are to be retained within the harvest unit at levels sufficient to support

species of cavity-nesting birds at 40 potential population levels

Matrix Administratively Withdrawn and LSRMLSAs snag and down wood guidelines for the Desired

Future Condition



III-128

Based on LSR plan and subsequent work by Harrod et al (Harrod Gaines Hartl amp Camp 1998)

desired densities and types of snags and logs for this project area are as follows (LSRA Table VII-1 pp

105)

Ponderosa pineDouglas-fir (dry) on average retain at least 3-7 snags per acre gt10 diameter and

gt10lsquo tall (gt20 diameter if available) and at least 3-4 logs per acre gt10 diameter and gt16lsquo long

(preferably gt16 diameter and 33lsquo long)

Dry draws and swales on average retain at least 7 snags and 5 logs per acre with the same diameters

and lengths as above

In riparian on average retain at least 12 snags and 7 logs per acre with the same dimensions stated

above

DecAID Tool

Subsequent to the NWFP direction on snags and downed wood the DecAID Advisor (Mellen Marcot

Ohmann Waddell Livingston amp Wilhite 2009) was completed and is available to aid in the analysis

of projects It is being used to meet the best available science stipulation DecAID is an internet-based

computer program developed as an advisory tool to help federal land managers evaluate effects of

management activities on wildlife species that use dead wood habitats DecAID is a compilation of the

best available science of primary cavity excavatorlsquos habitat needs and historical information etc The

tool synthesizes published literature research data wildlife databases and expert judgment and

experience DecAID provides both wildlife use and forest inventory data DecAID is not intended to be

prescriptive ie it is not used to establish standards for snags or down logs DecAID will be used in this

analysis to facilitate the comparison of dead wood levels between historic and current conditions

Viability calls on primary cavity nesters will be made based on meeting NWFP Standards and

Guidelines and Forest LSR guidance


Wildlife Habitat Types in the Analysis Area

DecAID wildlife habitat types were delineated for the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed based on

plant association groups ―PAGs for the Wenatchee National Forest (fig 2) DecAID structural

condition classes were delineated using the Naches Ranger District vegetation layer

The Gold Spring project will alter only the Ponderosa PineDouglas-fir forested habitat type listed in

DecAID The DecAID Advisor was used for the snag and down wood analysis in the Canteen

Ecosystem Restoration Project which also occurs in the Ponderosa PineDouglas-fir forested habitat type

within the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed Therefore the DecAID snag and down wood

analysis completed for the Canteen Ecosystem Restoration Project EA will be used for the Gold Spring

Restoration Project This discussion will summarize the analysis completed for Canteen Ecosystem

Restoration EA For a detailed DecAID analysis refer to the Canteen Ecosystem Restoration Project EA

(USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District 2007)

Existing Snag Condition in the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed

Overall the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds meet LSRA snag density direction for the

Ponderosa pineDouglas-fir wildlife habitat type DecAID Advisory showed that historically in the

majority of Ponderosa PineDouglas-fir habitat type snag densities in the large diameter snag class

(greater than 20) were between 0 to 4 snagsacre This is consistent with GNN (existing condition) and

with on the ground snag and down wood surveys conducted in the Canteen Analysis area For the

medium diameter snag class (10-20) snag density was above historic levels This most likely reflects



III-129

dense stands of grand fir affected and dying from insect and disease outbreaks Not every acre of

forested habitat currently meets these recommendations however the intent of the LSRA was to

evaluate snag levels on a 40 acre grid area In the Ponderosa pineDouglas-fir and Eastside Mixed

Conifer habitat types current snag distribution within the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed is

highly variable with frequent clumping and large areas with few or no snags An examination of

unharvested forest inventory plots in DecAID yields similar results indicating that uneven distribution

of snags and down wood cover occurred historically in these habitat types

Current snag densities appear to be more than adequate for supporting White-headed woodpeckers

Pileated woodpeckers and other Cavity Nesting Birds in the Ponderosa pineDouglas-fir habitat

Majority of the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds currently have large snags (gt20 dbh)

densities of 0-4 snagsac and medium snags (between 10 and 20 dbh) densities of 0-20 This

corresponds with historic snag density conditions see (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District

2007) Although snag densities appear to be sufficient the current stand condition of closed canopy

multi-story heavily stocked is not ideal for white-headed woodpecker habitat as white-headed

woodpeckers require mature old-growth ponderosa pine forest with an open canopy

Down Wood Condition in the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed

The District does not have a data base of current downed wood levels in the Naches Mainstem and

Wenas Watershed or in the project area LWD will be managed for by meeting NWFP LSRA

guidelines Managing for large green trees and retaining large snags now will also insure the presence

of adequate levels of future large woody debris

Road influence on primary cavity excavator habitat

Using PNW-GTR-586 (Gaines Singleton amp Ross 2003) it has been determined that there is an

existing low level of human influence on primary cavity excavator habitat within the east half of the

Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed The existing road density has little impacts on primary cavity

excavators Although there are negative factors associated with roads such as snag and log removal

from firewood cutting and hazard tree management and the creation of edge (Gaines Singleton amp Ross

2003) these effects are minor within the watershed (due to the low level of human influence on primary

cavity excavators) These effects are minor within the project area as well since most of the project area

(57) is made up of the MLSA where woodcutting is prohibited

Townsendrsquos big-eared bat and Long-eared myotis

Cavities in snags and loose bark are common roost sited for several bat species A documented

Townsendlsquos big-eared bats hibernacula is located within 1 mile of the project area Summer time use by

these bats such as foraging and roosting is highly probable within the project area In general

Townsendlsquos big-eared bats prefer to roost in cave or cave-like structures and occasionally use cavities of

large diameter trees and snags (Kerwin 2007) The NWFP stated in addition to the snag standards bats

can be afforded protection by providing addition protection for cave mines and abandoned wood

bridges and buildings The Gold Spring does not have any of these structures within its project area

Providing adequate numbers of snags for primary cavity nesters will also provide adequate quantities of

roost sites for the majority of bats species

Bald eagle

Roostperch structures for wintering bald eagles exist within the planning area Bald eagle roost and

perch sites consist of large dominant ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir trees and large diameter snags



III-130

with large limbs Wintering bald eagles have been seen roosting or perched primarily within 1 mile of

the Naches Mainstem within the project area

Environmental Consequences The potential impacts the Gold Spring Project could have on primary cavity excavators bats and bald

eagles is alteration of habitat Effects to primary cavity excavators and bats will be evaluated by

meeting NWFP LSRA (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1997) standards and

guidelines for snags and down wood as well as the Primary Cavity Excavator Habitat Influence Index

described in (Gaines Singleton amp Ross 2003) Retential of dominant conifer trees and large diameter

snags will be used to determine effects to the bald eagle Potential herbicide exposure will also be

discussed

The Naches Mainstem and Wenas 5th

field Watersheds were used as the analysis area for addressing

cumulative effects on cavity excavators cavity users and bald eagles The east half of the Naches

Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds were used to discuss changes to the Primary Cavity Excavator Habitat

Influence Index (Gaines Singleton amp Ross 2003)

Effects of the Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments on Snag Dependant Wildlife Left in its present condition dense overstocked stands with closed tree canopies would continue to

result in increased risk for insect and disease epidemics leading to increases in tree mortality fuel

loading and risk for large high-severity wildland fires outside of the normal (historic) range of

variability (Rippy et al 2005) Increased tree mortality would be favorable to primary and secondary

cavity nesters favoring those species using small and medium size snags for nesting It would improve

foraging habitat for several primary and secondary cavity nester species This improvement would be

short term until a stand replacing fire event occurs (refer to fuels existing condition in Chapter III)

Tree growth would continue to be retarded giving little opportunity for large tree or snag development

reducing potential future perchroost trees for bald eagles (refer to vegetation existing condition in

Chapter III) The Ponderosa pineDouglas-fir habitat within the Naches Mainstem and Wenas

Watershed would continue providing adequate snag densities for several species of woodpeckers within

the Gold Spring project area The dense stand conditions would continue to prevent the development of

old forest ponderosa pine adding to the continued decline of white-headed woodpecker habitat in the

North Cascades (ICBEMP) (Wisdom Holthausen Wales Hargis Saab amp Lee 2000) Existing

dominant and co-dominant trees and large snags would remain on the landscape short term

The risk of stand replacing fires within and adjacent to the project area within the Naches Mainstem and

Wenas Watershed would remain high (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District 1995) Fuels

around existing Recreation Residence Areas would be left untreated increasing the possibilities of fire

ignition A stand replacing fire is highly likely within the near future Initial wildfires would create

short term large amounts of foraging and nesting habitat for numerous woodpecker species and

secondary cavity nesters that are attracted to recent burns such as black-backed woodpecker hairy

woodpecker northern flicker mountain bluebird and Western bluebird (Saab Bate Lehmkuhl Dickson

Story amp Jentsch 2006) This would provide 100 tolerance levels for these species Some additional

large diameter snags would be created however since most of the existing forested stands are made up

of medium or smaller size trees medium and smaller size snags would mostly result if a fire burned

through the area The majority of snags created from a wildfire would fall in the next 30 years with little

to no large green trees left for future recruitment snags (Harrod Gaines Hartl amp Camp 1998)

(Hadfield amp Magelssen 2006) Long term there would be little foraging or nesting habitat for cavity



III-131

excavators resulting in less than 30 tolerance levels for most cavity excavator species Studies of

recent fires have shown there to be no change in use by white-headed woodpecker resulting from

wildfires (Saab Bate Lehmkuhl Dickson Story amp Jentsch 2006) Wildfires would have little benefit

to the white-headed woodpecker Since little live trees would remain there would be little to no

foraging opportunities for white-headed woodpeckers or pileated woodpeckers (Rapheal amp White

1984)

Table III22 Changes to snag densities after vegetation treatments

Snag Size

(dbh)

Change in Snag Density resulting from the following Treatment

mechanical treatments prescribed fire

treatments

mechanical and

prescribed treatment

6-10 -481 +14 +55

10-20 -342 +10 +45

gt20 -300 0 +100

Table was developed from forest plan revision team

Direct and Indirect

It is expected that individual snags and pieces of downed wood would be lost through fuels treatment

and felling of snags that pose a hazard to workers and equipment Generally snags will be avoided

during these operations However it is assumed that a low level of direct impact would occur as OSHA

regulations and the realities of ground based operations and activities will inevitable result in snag loss

Mechanical treatment is expected to decrease mean snag density and percent of down wood (refer to

Table III20)

The Refined Proposed Action ensures that large snag structure and eventually large downed wood is

restored to the forest within the project area in amounts and size classes that approximate the historical

range of variation (Harrod Gaines Hartl amp Camp 1998) through the following 1) treatment

prescriptions will retain large trees and promote the development of future large tree structures (both of

which are necessary for future large snag and downed wood recruitment) 2) existing large snags will be

protected (to the extent that safety allows) clumps of live trees will be left to act as a buffer of

protection around large snags 3) additional large snags will likely be created as a result of the

prescribed burning (Table III20) (Harrod Gaines Hartl amp Camp 1998) (Saab Bate Lehmkuhl

Dickson Story amp Jentsch 2006) 4) where large snag structure is lacking medium sized snags will be

substituted and marked as wildlife trees to protect 5) clumps of mistletoe trees will be identified to

retain and 6) all treatment areas will provide snag and down wood habitat at levels specified in the

LSRA (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1997)

Prescribed burn areas that create new concentrations of fire-killed snags will benefit species such as the

black-backed woodpecker (Winkler Christie amp Nurney 1995) but beneficial effects would be short-

lived Prescribed burn areas would be less likely to provide foraging opportunities for pileated

woodpecker (Bull amp Jackson 2005) Underburning will be done to retain or recruit LWD in those areas

that are below standards

The vegetation treatment and fuel treatment have the potential to accelerate the development of large

diameter dominant and co-dominant trees including snag recruitment Retention of the following will

occur in all units treated All trees greater than 150 years old trees gt25dbh and most trees 21-25 dbh

Old ponderosa pine will be released by thinning young trees upto 15-30 feet from bowl of old tree



III-132

Mature forest characteristics such as majority of stand composed of large diameters will become

apparent in approximately 50 years in most of the treated units This alternative would promote long-

term sustainable old-forest Ponderosa pineDouglas-fir habitat conditions through time This would be

extremely beneficial to the white-headed woodpecker pygmy nuthatch flammulated owl and pileated

woodpecker species Unit 2 vegetation treatment is specifically designed to develop white-headed

woodpecker habitat (refer to Chapter 2) White-headed woodpeckers need large patches of contiguous

habitat at least 350 acres of high quality habitat or 700 acres of moderate quality (Altman Conservation

strategy for landbirds of the east-slope of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington 2000)

Although Unit 2 is 122 acres in size when combined with existing white-headed woodpecker habitat

located southeast of this unit it provides an adequate patch size of habitat that could be used by white-

headed woodpeckers

This alternative would effectively provide long term protection to the future development of late

successional habitat Vegetation and fuels treatments would be effective at reducing the vegetation at

risk for at least 10 years This alternative would treat high levels of vegetation at risk of stand replacing

fires and destruction of stands from disease and insect Treating this high risk vegetation would reduce

fuel loading creating effective fuel breaks for primary cavity excavatorsnesters habitat that exists

within the project area as well as the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds This is particularly

crucial due to the numerous potential fire starts resulting from Recreation Residence Areas located

southwest of the project area and private and state land holdings located to the east of the project area

Treating the fuel on Forest Service land would increase the probability of catching a running fire

Future snag recruitment would remain intact with the development of future large snags

Commercial and precommercial thinning selection cut and sanitation cut harvest treatments would

modify tree species composition reduce stocking levels and potentially lead to the decrease in

vulnerability to insects and pathogens This would also result in an increase in tree vigor and a decrease

in tree mortality Short term this would reduce the number of small amp medium size snags that are

currently being added to the landscape Long term as large trees develop this area would be able to

provide large diameter snags on the landscape Not all of the forested stands within the project would be

commercially treated There are small size tree areas that will be left in patches within the large

treatment blocks These patches would have a slightly increased risk of tree mortality from insects

disease or fire However they would also add diversity Patches rather than landscapes would be

susceptible to defoliators and bark beetle outbreaks the extent and severity would be reduced due to the

reduction in uniformity and continuity of habitat for the host species This added diversity would

benefit cavity excavators

Treatment prescribed in this alternative would reduce the amount of mistletoe within stands but would

not eliminate it An extensive effort was made to identify clumps of mistletoe trees that would be

retained in units This again would add diversity benefiting species that use mistletoe brooms such as

blue grouse spotted owls and flying squirrels Mistletoe would eventually kill trees adding snags to the

landscape which would be beneficial to numerous cavity excavator species

Summary of Direct and Indirect Effects Due to planned retention of green trees snags and logs at

levels consistent with the LSRA (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1997) treated acres

would continue to provide habitat for snag- and log-dependent wildlife over the short and long term

Accelerated development of large tree structure would develop future habitat for the white-headed

woodpeckers Pileated woodpeckers bats and bald eagles Protection of existing bald eagle perch and



III-133

roost trees would occur through the retention of the dominant and co-dominant trees and protection of

large diameter snags

Cumulative

Effects of past vegetation management activities have had major impacts on historic snag and down

wood levels within the project area as well as the watershed Widespread removal of large ponderosa

pine trees occurred on the District in the early to mid 1900s This practice in conjunction with fire

suppression altered stand dynamics across much of the dry forest acreage Twenty seven percent of the

forested habitat within project area has been harvested in the past The majority of the forested acres in

the project area are in the middle or small size class with very little in the large size class currently

present on the landscape It has sharply reduced the current availability of large snags and logs and

large green trees future large snags and down logs

The Gold Spring project makes up a small percentage of the Ponderosa pineDouglas-fir forested habitat

in the Mainstem and Wenas Watershed (11) This project in itself will have little change on cavity

excavator habitat at a watershed scale However when combined with past present and future projects

that are implement under the dry forest strategy it can have measurable cumulative impact on cavity

excavators within the watershed

The Nile Canteen Ecosystem Restoration and Pinus-Swamp Devil Timber sales and the future Dry-Orr

Ecosystem Restoration Project (within the Naches Mainstem) and the Russell Ridge Elderberry and

Rattle Timber sales (in adjacent watersheds) are projects that have been implemented or being

implemented under the Okanogan and Wenatchee Dry Forest Strategy across dry forest landscapes on

the Naches Ranger District These project areas are primarily composed of Ponderosa PineDouglas-fir

and Eastside Mixed Conifer habitat types Treatments in these projects are similar to the proposed

treatments in the Gold Spring Project They effectively treat the high levels of vegetation at risk and

accelerate the development of late-successional habitat as well as retaining large diameter snags All of

these projects implemented fuel treatment in conjunction with their timber harvest practices A timber

harvest and prescribed burn project that is scheduled to be implemented by the Nature Conservancy and

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is located in the Tieton Watershed in the Oak Creek

drainage (adjacent watershed) Approximately 400 ac will be thinned from below and broadcast burning

will occur on 1400 acres The cumulative effects of all these projects within the next 20 years will

have measurable positive effects on species dependant on old forest structures within the Ponderosa

pineDouglas-fir habitat type (white-headed woodpecker pygmy nuthatch flammulated owl and

pileated woodpecker and bat species such as the long-eared myotis and Townsendlsquos big-eared bat as

well as the bald eagle etc)

An ongoing hazard tree management program occurs within the Naches Mainstem Watershed mostly

associated with the Hwy 410 corridor There are a total of 7 recreation residences (83 homes) half a

dozen developed campground and organized sites private businesses U S Hwy 410 and a power line

that all receive yearly hazard tree maintenance Primary cavity excavatornester habitat is fairly limited

at these sites Due to the human disturbance factor this habitat does not provide quality habitat for any

woodpecker species This hazard tree management program along Hwy 410 corridor unfortunately

impacts bald eagle perchroost trees due to its close proximity to the Naches River Eagles primarily

forage on fish within the Naches River and deer and elk that are killed along Hwy 410



III-134

Effects of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatments on Snag Dependant Wildlife

Direct and Indirect

Species that forage and nest in trees are not likely to be exposed to herbicides because no trees will be

treated and no aerial application will occur White-headed woodpeckers do forage on pine seed on the

forest floor during late fall through early spring Herbicide application would occur June-September

Northern flicker are the only other cavity excavator that may feed on the ground or low shrubs They

may encounter contaminated insects Given the varied diet and movement of these birds they are

unlikely to forage exclusively within one patch of treated invasive plants and actual doses exceeding

levels of concern are unlikely Direct contact with herbicides is expected to be extremely rare Invasive

plant treatment will not cause adverse effects (resulting from disturbance or herbicide exposure) to any

primary cavity excavatorsnesters or bat species Refer to wolf and bald eagle discussion regarding

effects to bald eagles Refer to riparian habitat discussion for additional discussion regarding direct

effects to bat species

Invasive plants are not currently affecting habitat for white-headed woodpecker pygmy nuthatch

flammulated owl black-backed woodpecker pileated woodpecker or any other primary cavity

excavatornester or bat species There would be no benefits to primary cavity excavators resulting from

the invasive plant treatment

Cumulative

None of the primary cavity excavatorsnesters and bat species bald eagle or their habitat would be

significantly affected by invasive plant treatments Even effects to individuals have a very low

probability of occurring In many cases there will be no effect at all to the primary cavity

excavatorsnester bat species or their native habitats Therefore the effects from invasive plant

treatments will not add to past present or future effects to create significant cumulative effects

Effects of the Proposed Road Closures and Obliteration and Snowmobile Trail Relocation on Snag

Dependant Wildlife

Direct and Indirect

Approximately 02 miles of snowmobile trail will be relocated Approximately 1 mile of temporary

roads will be closed upon completion of timber harvest activities Following mechanical and fuels

treatments as funding is available an additional 087 mile of system road will be closed and another

487 miles of system road will be decommissioned There would be a benefit for cavity excavators

resulting from road closures no loss of snags due to hazard tree management and no loss due to

woodcutting There would be a slight benefit to woodpecker habitat in the MSLA (57 of the treatment

area) resulting from road closuresdecommissioning These closeddecommissioned roads would no

longer receive hazard tree management

Cumulative

Level of human influence on primary cavity habitat would not change from existing condition it would

remain low in the east half of the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds Overall road density in the

Naches Mainstem Watershed will not change significantly with this project current road density is

355mimisup2 and after road closures it would be 351mimisup2

Effects Summary

When considering direct indirect and cumulative effects of mechanical fuels and invasive plant

treatment and road management proposed in the refined proposed action it was determined this action



III-135

will not affect the continued viability of any primary cavity excavator secondary cavity user bald eagle

or bat species

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELKMULE DEER

Deer and elk were selected as MIS for ―edge conditions between dense forest and meadows andor

early successional habitats

Affected Environment in Relation to Rocky Mountain Elk and Mule Deer

Both elk and deer are known throughout the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds however elk far

outnumber deer The Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds provide winter summer transition

fawning and calving habitat The project area provides transitional habitat for elk as they move from

summer to winter ranges and back winter range during low snow years and summer range (USDA

Forest Service Naches Ranger District 1995)

Under the Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) for the Wenatchee National Forest (hereafter

referred to as ―Forest Plan) (1990) the Gold Spring project area is located in ―General Forest (GF)

―Mather Memorial Parkway (MP-1) and Key Deer and Elk Habitat (EW-1) land allocations and 54

acres of private land The Forest Plan lists the following Forest-wide standards and guidelines for

management of deer and elk habitat within GF and MP-1 land allocations 1) Strive to provide well

distributed cover over at least 40 of a subbasin in deer and elk summer range It would be desirable to

have 50 to 100 percent of this cover as thermal cover (LRMP pp IV-82) 2) Strive to maintain forage in

areas for deer and elk of less than 40 acres in size These should be surrounded by thermal and hiding

cover Thermal cover should be at least 20 percent of the periphery of each unit (LRMP pp IV-83)

Within EW-1 Forest Plan standards and guidelines state optimum objectives for habitat effectiveness

index for deer and elk will be 80 Areas that cannot be managed at that level will be managed for the

highest level possible Limit project activity from December 1 to April 15

The deer and elk summer range analysis area used for this analysis is comprised of the east half of the

Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds excluding most of EW-1 Total summer range analysis area

is 40921 acres which comprises 41 percent of the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds The Gold

Spring Project area (4392 acres) makes up 11 percent of the deer and elk summer range analysis area

This summer range analysis area is made up of Rock Cr Naches tributaries Benton Cr Upper Wenas

Cr Milk Cr Pine Cr Gold Cr and Spring Cr subbasins The entire 5th

field watershed was not used as

the summer range analysis area due to a fairly effective ungulate travel barrier created from Hwy 410

and the Naches River located west and south west of the project boundary

Approximately 632 acres of EW-1 occurs in the project area makes up 5 of the winter range analysis

area EW-1 in the project area is part of a larger deer winter range analysis area that is bound by Hwy

410 FS RD 1712 FS RD 1701 and Mud Lake Rd (approx 13650 ac) which makes up 14 percent of the

Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds

The current cover-to-forage ratio within the project area is 5743 within the summer range analysis area

4654 and within winter range analysis area 2080 (Canteen Restoration Project Alt 2) Winter range

HEI is 64 (Canteen Restoration Project Alt 2) (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District 2007)

Currently cover exceeds WFP standard and guidelines within the project area Forage exceeds the WFP

standards and guidelines within winter range which is typical for winter range which is composed of

open nonforested landscapes incapable of producing higher levels of forested cover Cover values do



III-136

not capture cover provided by shrubs Current cover within the summer range analysis area meets WFP

standard and guidelines

Currently the summer range analysis area receives a high level of human influence and the winter range

receives a low level of human influence Open road density within the project area is 46 mimisup2

(includes open nonsystem roads) Current open road density within the Naches Mainstem Watershed is

355 mimisup2 (system roads only) Two main known travel corridors exist in the project area These

corridors are intact

According to the Yakima Elk Herd Plan (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 2002)

approximately 4300 - 4600 elk use Population Management Unit (PMU) 33 of which the Gold Springs

Project area is a small part (lt1 of PMU) These elk numbers were calculated from the WDFW winter

elk surveys

Deer numbers on the District are down substantially due to the ―hair-loss syndrome brought on by a

species of deer lice nonnative to mule deer (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 2009)

Environmental Consequences The primary issues concerning deer and elk in the Gold Spring Project area are forage open road density

and intact travel corridors Intact travel corridors are important as they provide deer and elk security

during critical spring and summer migration periods The quality (palatability) and quantity of forage

has most likely been reduced due to the current dense forest conditions and the presence of invasive

plant species that have been documented throughout the project area in past harvest units (Chapter III

Invasive Species discussion)

The potential impact the Gold Spring Restoration Project could have on deer and elk are disturbance and

alteration of their habitat Effects of disturbance will be measured by the change in road density zones

of influence HEI and travel corridor condition A qualitative evaluation of the effects on forage

availability was completed Potential herbicide exposure and meeting WFP standards and guidelines for

cover and forage will also be discussed

Effects of the Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments on Rocky Mountain Elk and Mule

Deer

If left in the present condition short-term cover and forage would continue to meet Forest Plan

standards in the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds Long-term if a large scale wildfire were to

occur large quantities of forage would be created but it would become unpalatable as invasive plants

become more prevalent (Chapter III Invasive Species) The forage opening would be far greater than

40 acres in size nearby cover would be lacking Much of the forage would be unusable due to the lack

of nearby cover If wildfires did not occur forage quantity would continue to decrease due to increasing

dense forest conditions

Direct and Indirect

Cover-to-forage ratio within the Gold Spring project area would change to 4951 but the cover-to-forage

ratio within the summer and winter range would not change 4654 summer range 2080 winter range

Summer range would continue meeting WFP standards and guidelines for the cover-to-forage ratio

Even though winter range is outside the optimum cover-to-forage ratio of 4060 it is at the highest level



III-137

possible considering the large area of shrub-steppe nonforested habitat that occurs within the winter

range

Research has indicated that the availability of quality forage during non-winter periods is very important

to the winter survival and productivity of elk herds (Cook J 2002) (Cook Irwin Bryant Riggs amp

Thomas 1998) more so than thermal cover (Cook Irwin Bryant Riggs amp Thomas 1998) The

potential effects of the Gold Spring project on available forage for elk are based on results from studies

of thinning and prescribed fires in similar environments Studies have shown an increase in forage

production in ponderosa pine forest following thinning andor prescribed fire due to reducing

competition for light moisture and soil nutrients (Leege amp Godbolt 1985) (Gibbs Jenks amp Sowell

2004) While forage production is one aspect of forage availability for elk changes in species

composition is also important as only some species are highly palatable to elk However Harrod et al

(Harrod Gaines Hartl amp Camp 1998) showed little change in composition of the understory plant

community following thinning and burning The Gold Spring project is likely to increase forage

production but not dramatically alter the understory community composition which might eliminate or

reduce elk forage species The vegetation and fuels treatment will likely have a positive effect on the

availability of elk forage

Proposed precommercial thinning andor prescribed burning in areas already classified as forage (1517

ac) would enhance production of herbaceous forage particularly grasses and sedges by removing

mostly small trees and brush that would otherwise over time shade out herbaceous understory plants

Planned low intensity prescribed burning would also remove needle mats thatch and accumulations of

litter stimulating new plant growth by improving conditions for seed germination and for resprouting of

fire-killed plants from roots and root crowns The ―nitrogen flush resulting from planned underburns

may also increase palatability of subsequent forage to elk for a few years following treatment Burning

may also result in slightly earlier spring green-up for a few years following treatment due to increased

exposure of soil to sunlight in spring

Cumulative

The maximum amount of deer and elk habitat in the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds that

would be treated by the proposed project is 4 but not all of this acreage would change elkdeer habitat

coverforage classification HEI within the deer and elk winter range would not change as a result of

this project Human influence within winter range would remain low and summer range zone of

influence would remain high upon completion of this project Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds

cover-to-forage ratio would not change as a result of implementing the Refined Proposed Action The

watershed would continue to meet the Forest Plan standard for the cover-to-forage ratio and HEI

Therefore the cumulative effect of the proposed Gold Spring project on basin-wide cover-to-forage

ratios for elk is minor

The Gold Spring project area occurs in the Manastash Complex AMP sheep grazing allotment

Approximately 1050 ewe and lamb pairs are authorized to turn out onto the Naches Allotment June

through August (Chapter III Range) Two other sheep allotments occur within the Naches Mainstem

and Wenas Watersheds Nile Allotment (1050 ewe and lamb pairs (June through August) and

Rattlesnake Allotment (1000 ewe and lamb pairs turned out June through August) There is diet

overlap between deer and sheep therefore a potential to compete for forage exists (USDA Forest

Service Naches Ranger District 2007) The primary cumulative effect on deer is reduced availability of

forage in the summer and transition habitat though out most of the east half of the Naches Mainstem and



III-138

Wenas Watersheds In addition to the direct competition for food there appears to be some spatial

displacement where deer and elk relocate to areas away from sheep (Findolt Johnson Damiran amp

Delcurto 2004) As forage decreases home range size of deer and elk increase in order to meet their

requirements for food intake (Headrick Conover amp deVos Jr 2003)

Overall the Gold Spring proposed project in conjunction with surrounding projects will help increase

the sustainability of the forest vegetation and reduce susceptibility to insect and disease outbreaks This

in turn has the potential to improve the quality and sustainability of elk and deer habitat at a landscape

level

Effects of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatments on Rocky Mountain Elk and Mule Deer

Direct and Indirect

Implementing invasive plant management has the potential to improve the quality of elk and deer

forage increasing the availability of palatable forage species Thompson (Thompson 1996) showed

that removing knapweed by use of herbicides resulted in measurably more forage and consequently

more use by deer and elk Herbicide exposures to ungulates are expected to be extremely minimal The

grazing and browsing habits of elk and deer make it possible for them to consume vegetation that has

been sprayed with herbicide Quantitative estimates of risk using ―worst-case scenarios found that

none of the herbicides considered for use at typical application rates would result in a dose that exceeds

the toxicity indices in either acute or chronic scenario (USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region

2005) Spot spraying and roadside boom spraying of invasive plants are not likely to expose deer or elk

to harmful levels of herbicide because they are unlikely to forage exclusively on treated invasive plants

which are not their preferred forage

Cumulative

The proposed project in conjunction with surrounding invasive plant treatment projects (Canteen and

Rattle) in the Naches Mainstem Watershed have the potential to measurably improve the quality and

quantity of elk and deer forage No adverse effects are anticipated so no adverse cumulative effects are

anticipated

Effects of the Proposed Road Closures and Obliteration Snow Mobile Trail Relocation on Rocky

Mountain Elk and Mule Deer

Direct and Indirect

During project implementation human influence would increase at the project level primarily during

the winter with vegetation treatments However vegetation treatment would not occur within EW-1

Approximately 1 mile of temporary roads will be closed upon completion of timber harvest activities

Following mechanical and fuels treatments as funding is available an additional 087 mile of system

road will be closed and another 487 miles of system road will be decommissioned Following project

completion the watershed would remain at a high level of summer habitat disturbance Relocating the

snowmobile trail 02 miles would have no measurable effect on deer and elk This reroute would not

occur in EW-1 (winter range)

Installation of a gate on the 1707 near the junction of Hwy 410 and closing the gate from December 1

through March 31 would improve the quality of big game winter habitat by 30 acres Although benefits

of closing the gate would be undetectable at a landscape level it would be beneficial to a population of

deer and elk that winter along the lower elevations of Pine Creek during low snow years The 1707 has

been barricaded for approximately 10 years Access by motorized wheeled vehicles has been



III-139

nonexistent during the winter in the lower elevations of Pine Creek This has provided quality security

habitat for deer and elk and has resulted in a number of wild ungulates wintering there when conditions

are favorable such as low snow levels

Cumulative

The eastern half of the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds summertime human influence would

remain high after the proposed road closures are implemented The winter range human influence

would remain low upon completion of this project

The District is in the process of implementing the 2005 Motorized Vehicle Use Rule This is a

nationwide process with the main objectives to designate roads and trails open to motorized vehicles

and designate the type of motorized use Presently Forest Service lands are open to off-road motorized

travel Once the MVU FEIS is finalized approximately June of 2010 motorized use will be restricted to

designated roads and trails This most likely will have a positive effect on elk and deer

The numerous road closures obliterations and decommissioning associated with other vegetation

treatment projects and the MVU program on the District have the potential to reduce human influence at

a landscape level This would have a positive effect on deer and elk

Effects Summary

Overall the action will have a positive effect on elk Minor short-term impacts to elk may occur during

project implementation however when considering the long-term effects species viability would

continue

RIPARIAN FORESTED HABITAT BEAVER and RUFFED GROUSE Beaver and ruffed grouse were selected as Management Indicator Species (MIS) to be surrogates for

riparian forested habitat Both beaver and ruffed grouse prefer deciduous tree and shrub habitats in

riparian areas (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1990) Ruffed grouse nest on the

ground near cover provided by trees stumps logs shrubs and rocks Large logs with overhanging

cover are used for territorial drumming Their diet includes insects seed berries nuts tree buds

blossoms and herbaceous plants-all readily available in and around healthy streamside vegetation

Dense understory shrubs are important to their persistence in the summer Dense conifer foliage may

provide protection from predators and the elements in winter

Along with the forested habitat many species of bats are known to forage along heavily vegetated

riparian corridors (Kerwin 2007)

The Columbia Gorge Oregonian inhabits wet areas seeps and springs in dry forest habitat


Riparian habitat for beaver ruffed grouse and bats within the project area occurs primarily along the

lower elevations of Spring Gold and Pine Creeks where there is measurable water throughout the year

Potential habitat for the Columbia Gorge Oregonian also occurs along all of Spring Gold and Pine

Creeks and along their tributaries as well as near seeps and springs



III-140

Several of the riparian reserves within the project area occur on intermittent streams The riparian

habitat is in extremely narrow bands located within wider Riparian Reserves These types of riparian

habitat are likely to be used by ruffed grouse and Columbia Gorge Oregonian

The riparian non-winter habitat influence index described in Gaines et al (Gaines Singleton amp Ross

2003) was used to evaluate the cumulative effects of roads on riparian dependent wildlife Open roads

within riparian reserves were buffered by 60 meters to determine the potential influence on riparian

habitat This index was designed to address edge effects snag and downed log reduction road-

associated factors Currently 24 of the riparian reserves in the Gold Spring project area and 16 of

the riparian reserves within the eastern half of Naches Mainstem and Wenas watersheds are influenced

by open roads This is considered to be a low level of human influence on riparian habitat within the

project area and within the watershed

Surveys for the Columbia Gorge Oregonian have occurred within portions of the project area in the

Sunip units Located at the bottom of the Gold Creek and Spring Creek this area has the highest quality

Columbia Gorge Oregonian habitat within the project area Large project areas (Boomer Canteen and

Rattlesnake) with similar habitats have been surveyed for Columbia Gorge Oregonian as well as

numerous other rare and uncommon species There are no rare and uncommon mollusk and salamander

species documented on the Naches Ranger District Based on the numerous rare and uncommon surveys

conducted within the project area and within like habitat it has been determined that additional surveys

within the Gold Creek project area would produce similar findings Therefore no additional rare and

uncommon mollusk and salamander surveys are planned for this project

Invasive plant populations occur within riparian reserves throughout the watershed primarily in

conjunction with adjacent roadways (Chapter III Invasive Species) Invasive plant infestations are most

likely at lower levels within these reserves since only 24 of the riparian reserves within the project are

influenced by roads


The potential impacts the Gold Spring project could have on beaver and ruffed grouse is alteration of

habitat and disturbance Effects to the beaver ruffed grouse and other riparian dependent species will be

measured by Habitat Influence Index herbicide exposure treatment in riparian reserves and meeting

NWFP SampGs for riparian reserves The eastern half of the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds

were used as the analysis area for addressing cumulative effects on riparian-associated species

Effects of the Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments on Beaver and Ruffed Grouse

If no management action were taken riparian-associated species would continue receiving low levels of

human disturbance within the eastern half of the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds No

alteration of riparian habitat or disturbance would occur short term Short to mid-term riparian cover

removal and alteration may occur as a result of stand replacing fires Riparian zones in many Pacific

Northwest forests return to health fairly quickly after forest fires and may eventually provide the same

ecosystem services and largely the same species mix with little need for replanting or management a

new study from Oregon State University concludes (Oregon State University 2009)



III-141

Direct and Indirect

Although a small amount of precommercial thinning activity is proposed within the outer portions of

riparian reserves (2 acres) this activity would not occur in riparian habitat The precommercial thinning

treatment would improve tree growth restore fuel profiles and increase the size of LWD in riparian

reserves Thinning would also provide additional sunlight stimulating riparian shrub growth This

would be a positive effect for ruffed grouse No active prescribed fire ignition would take place within

Riparian Reserves Treatment would meet NWFP SampGs for riparian reserves

Cumulative

The proposed Gold Spring project in conjunction with surrounding projects will help increase

sustainability of the forest vegetation and reduce susceptibility to insect and disease outbreaks This

would promote healthy riparian reserve systems at a landscape level

Effects of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatments on Beaver and Ruffed Grouse

If left untreated invasive plants have the capability of degrading suitable habitat for riparian dependent

species (Chapter III Invasive Species)

Direct and Indirect

The potential exposure of herbicides to species inhabiting riparian reserves is expected to be very low

Small patches over large areas would be treated Treatment within 100 feet of riparian zone or standing

water would consist of the aquatic formulation of glyphosate Individual plants would be wicked or

sprayed Risk of effects from herbicide exposure on mollusk insectivorous birds and bats is unlikely

At typical application rates no herbicide exceeds a dose of concern for mollusk insectivorous birds and

bats (USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005) Herbicides will not be applied directly to

water There should be no direct exposure to aquatic wildlife species Risk of effects from herbicides

exposure to fish eating birds is unlikely as well No herbicides exceed a dose of concern for any

exposure (acute or chronic) at any application rate on fish eating birds (USDA Forest Service Pacific

Northwest Region 2005)

Cumulative


Rattle) in the Naches Mainstem Watershed have the potential to measurably improve the quality of

riparian habitat

Effects of the Proposed Road Closures and Obliteration and Snow Mobile Trail Relocation on

Beaver and Ruffed Grouse

Direct and Indirect

Overall the proposed road work in the Gold Creek project would result in insignificant impacts to

riparian dependent species No new system or temp roads are proposed for this project Approximately

1 mile of temporary road will be closed upon completion of timber harvest activities Following

mechanical and fuels treatments as funding is available an additional 087 mile of system road will be

closed and another 487 miles of system road will be decommissioned

Cumulative

There would continue to be a low level of human influence on riparian habitat within the eastern half of

the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds following completion of the Gold Spring project There

would no measureable change for riparian dependant species at the watershed scale



III-142

Effects Summary

Overall the Refined Proposed Action will have a positive effect on riparian dependent species due to the

road closures Minor impacts to riparian dependent species may occur during project implementation

however when considering the all possible effects it has been determined that species viability would

continue for all riparian dependent species

FEDERALLY PROPOSED ENDANGERED THREATENED AND SENSTIVIE (PETS)

SPECIES

GRAY WOLF and BALD EAGLE

The gray wolf is listed as an Endangered species under the ESA (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service

1967) There are no designated recovery areas for gray wolves in the state of Washington but there is

Recovery regulations requiring consideration of potential impacts to known denning habitat or

rendezvous sites While no official management guidance for gray wolves currently exist project

effects that are generally considered during consultation include potential disturbance effects to security

habitat and effects to prey base

The bald eagle was recently delisted and is presently a R6 Special Status Species (sensitive species) It

has been grouped with the gray wolf discussion as they share some of the same prey species


To date no wolf dens or rendezvous sites have been located on the Naches Ranger District There have

been numerous unconfirmed reports of wolves within 5 miles of the project area and due to their wide-

ranging behaviors the project area is considered potential habitat

Refer to the snag discussion for bald eagle use of the Gold Spring Project area

Roads can influence the effectiveness of habitat for elk and security habitat for wolves (Thiel 1985)

(Mech Fritts Raddle amp Paul 1988) (Mladenoff Sickley Haight amp Wydeven 1995) (Gaines

Singleton amp Ross 2003) Security habitat for wolves is defined as areas with open roads and motorized

trail densities lt1 milesquare mile of habitat Approximately 9 of the Naches Mainstem Watershed

(within the Naches District Boundary) and 4 of the Gold Spring project area currently provides

security habitat for wolves This security habitat is made up of small areas scattered throughout the

watershed The level of human influence on wolf habitat is considered high with less than 10 of

watershed acreage having an open roadtrail density that is lt1mimisup2 A high road density of 46 mimisup2

exists within the project area wolf use of the project area is highly unlikely

Since no wolf den or rendezvous sites have been documented on the Naches Ranger District and a high

road density exists within the project area the potential for disturbance during denning will not be

evaluated in this analysis


This analysis for wolves will address changes to road density and security habitat Cumulative effects to

wolves and bald eagles will be determined using the deer and elk summer range analysis area The

effects to prey and prey habitat are discussed in detail within the MIS-elkdeer effects section of this

analysis



III-143

The Effects of the Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments on Gray Wolf and Bald Eagle Left in the current condition short-term the area would continue to have adequate cover and forage for

prey meeting Forest Plan standards in the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds Long-term if a

large scale wildfire were to occur it would improve the quantity of forage for their prey but large

portions would be unusable due to the absence of nearby hiding cover The forage opening for deer and

elk would be far greater than 40 acres in size adjacent cover would be lacking in the Naches Mainstem

and Wenas Watersheds If wildfires did not occur prey forage quantity would continue to decrease due

to increasing dense forest conditions Wolves would continue receiving the current high levels of

human influence in the project area as well as the watersheds

Direct and Indirect

Proposed commercial thinning and burning would increase herbaceous forage for deer and elk Both are

likely to benefit from increased forage production improved palatability of forage and earlier spring

green-up of forage Predaceous foraging opportunities for the gray wolf may increase slightly

Proposed treatments would reduce or eliminate some vegetative screening along roads and may increase

distance-to-hiding cover for deer and elk resulting in brief local displacement from ―seen areas Plans

for retention of cover along streams and in upland areas would reduce the magnitude of this effect

Effects from Disturbance The noise associated with use of chainsaws heavy equipment portable

pumps and airhorns at landings would exceed ambient conditions in all proposed treatment areas and

may result in localized displacement of prey and associated predators during the operation periods

Overall disturbance to bald eagles and wolf habitat is expected to be minor as a result of project

implementation The highest potential for disturbance to bald eagles would be during the winter from the

implementation of the silvicultural treatments The highest potential for disturbance to wolves would be

during the summer resulting from implanting the fuels treatments

Cumulative

Cumulative effects on gray wolf and bald eagle resulting from implementation of the action alternative

and other ongoing andor planned projects in the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds and on the

Naches Ranger District exist largely through their effects on an important prey species (refer to

deerelk effects section) Overall forage quantity and quality should increase at a landscape level

Wolves and eagles would benefit from slightly increased predaceous foraging opportunities

Effects of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatments on Gray Wolf

Direct and Indirect

No treatment areas are located in likely wolf habitat and short duration low intensity invasive plant

treatments are not likely to disturb wolves Therefore ―no effect to the gray wolf will occur from the

invasive plant treatments Bald eagles primarily use the project area during the winter which is outside

the herbicide application time period Therefore herbicide application will not directly impact bald

eagles

Cumulative

Bald eagles wolves or their habitat would not be affected by invasive plant treatments Therefore the

effects from invasive plant treatments will not add to past present or future effects to create significant

cumulative effects



III-144


Gray Wolf and Bald Eagle

Direct and Indirect

The proposed project would alter local road and trail density and habitat structure for wildlife in treated

stands Open road density within the project area will decrease from 46 mimisup2 (existing) to 38 mimisup2

Road density in the Naches Mainstem Watershed would change from 355 mimisup2 to 351 mimisup2 This

is still considered a high road density and would not change the existing low probability of wolf use in

the Watershed or project area Since security habitat for wolves is defined at lt1mimisup2 this minor

reduction in road density within the project area will do little to improve security habitat for wolves or

wolverine

The primary benefit road closures would have on wolf and bald eagle is indirectly through the

improvement of their prey habitat (large ungulates) Although the project area would still be consider

having a high human influence on ungulates there would be a significant positive benefit for large

ungulates primarily through improved forage (refer to elkdeer effects discussion)

Cumulative

Although security habitat in Gold Spring project area would slightly improve with the minor decrease in

road density it is undetectable at a watershed scale Following completion of this project the Naches

Mainstem Watershed would continue to have a high level of human influence on wolf habitat

Therefore the low probability of wolf use in the Naches Mainstem Watershed and project area would not

change from the current condition

Effects Summary

Overall the Proposed Action would have a positive effect on prey During project implementation

minor impacts to wolves and bald eagles may occur but highly unlikely Implementing the refined

proposed action would have a ―may affect not likely to adversely affect determination for gray wolves

The viability of the bald eagle would continue upon implementation of the refined alternative

NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL and NORTHERN GOSHAWK (Species Associated with Late

Successional Forest Habitats)

The northern spotted owl is listed as a Threatened species under the ESA (USDI Fish and Wildlife

Service 1990) Critical habitat was designated in 1992 (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1992) A final

recovery plan for the northern spotted owl has been developed by USDI (USDI Fish and Wildlife

Service 2008) The NWFP ACS and LSRA provide extensive direction to promote the conservation of

the northern spotted owl

The USFWS (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2008) recovery plan identified competition with barred

owls (S varia) and habitat loss as the most important threats currently facing the spotted owl Habitat

effects include loss of habitat quality and quantity as a result of past activities and disturbance and

ongoing and projected loss of habitat as a result of fire logging and conversion of habitat to other uses

The northern goshawk is a USFWS Species of Concern Goshawks were incorporated within the

spotted owl discussion as they are also associated with late successional habitat Habitat management

for spotted owls will also benefit goshawks



III-145

The Northern spotted owl uses dense late successional forests as nesting roosting and foraging (―NRF)

habitat (primarily late successional mixed conifer forest as defined by Altman (Altman Conservation


Stands with 40-60 canopy closure provide moderate cover and incidental foraging opportunities for

dispersing owls but do not support sustainable use by resident owl pairs


The proposed Gold Spring project is designed to minimize impacts to spotted owls and to protect

existing NRF habitat per the Forest LSR Plan Although spotted owl surveys have been completed in

this area they are no longer current Spotted owl surveys will be current prior to project

implementation There are six spotted owl activity centers (SO840 SO838 SO865 SO806 SO866 and

SO883) whose 18 mile radius intersects with the project area One of these sites is considered

unoccupied (SO866) SO866 was last detected in 1997 Surveys were conducted 1991 -2004 and

2009 Currently a pair of barred owls aggressively defends this territory According to the Forest

Service Protocol for Surveying Spotted Owls (1991)

―if no responses have been obtained from historically occupied sites after

three years of surveys using this protocol guidelines then the site may be

considered unoccupied barring any evidence to the contrary

Effects to this historic site will not be scrutinized in this analysis

Portions of Haystack MLSA DM-10 (1428 ac) and Milk Cr MLSA DM-9 (1064 ac) occur within the

Gold Spring project area A LSR NeutralBeneficial Effects Analysis was completed for this project

According to the LSR Assessment open road density within DM-9 is 43 mimisup2 and DM-10 378

mimisup2 There is 2 security habitat in DM-9 and 6 security habitat in DM-10 (USDA Forest Service

1997) Security habitat for late successional species defined in Gaines et al (2003)

Aproximately 210 acres of suitable (NRF) spotted owl habitat occurs within the project area This

habitat is exists in small patches scattered throughout the project area and functions primarily as

dispersal habitat The dry forest habitat consisting primarily of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir conifer

trees species occurs throughout the project area This dry forest habitat type is not capable of

producing sustainable spotted owl habitat Managing for NRF habitat is not a realistic goal in this

planning area and is not the intent of this project A Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Plan Project

Consistency Assessment was completed for this project and is in the analysis file

Environmental Consequences Effects determination was based on evaluating potential for disturbance alteration of Nesting Roosting

Foraging habitat and alteration of prey habitat consistency with LSR and MLSA objectives and

consistency with the Final Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl (USDI Fish and Wildlife

Service 2008) To evaluate the effects of Gold Spring project on late-successional associated species

changes to road density and security habitat within the MLSAs were used The MLSAs were used to

determine cumulative effects



III-146

The Effects of the Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments on Northern Spotted Owl and

Northern Goshawks

Left in its present condition dense overstocked stands with closed tree canopies would continue to



variability (Rippy et al 2005) Short term this increase in tree mortality would be favorable for the

northern spotted owl adding diversity to forest structure Long term as numerous trees die and canopy

closure drops below 70 suitable owl habitat would downgrade to dispersal habitat

Direct and Indirect

Silvicultural treatment will not occur within spotted owl NRF habitat Fuels treatments that occur within

suitable spotted owl habitat were designed to reduce the risk of habitat loss from high severity wildfires

that would remove the forest canopy while retaining the dispersal habitat function These treatments

include mechanical removal of understory trees andor underburning The treatments would retain the

following stand level characteristics gt70 canopy closure one or more canopy layers large overstory

trees large snags and large downed woody debris at levels recommended in the Wenatchee National

Forest Late Successional Reserve Assessment (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest

1997) Underburn is not expected to burn with high intensity Treatments would retain the suitable

habitat function but may degrade the habitat Table III23 displays acres of NRF habitat that will be

degraded by spotted owl activity centers

Table III23 NRF habitat degraded by spotted owl activity centers

Activity Center 07 mile buffer 18 mile buffer

Current acres Degraded acres7

Current acres Degraded acres

Lost Creek

SO806

87 1 539 139

Dead Horse SO838

489 0 2011 0

Milk Pond

SO840

378 0 1770 10

Sawmill Flat SO865

322 0 1471 0

Mountain Camp

SO883

192 0 562 82

7Degraded acres include all proposed activities occurring in NRF habitat (fuels treatments firewise treatments around recreation

residences)

The removal of canopy cover will not likely affect woodrat populations as long as snags downed wood

and mistletoe persist following treatments (Lehmkuhl Kistler Beglery amp Boulanger 2006) Project

designs are in place that assures large snag structure and eventually large downed wood which will

provide habitat for spotted owl prey Mistletoe is an important component of habitat for flying squirrels

The treatment prescribed for this project would reduce the amount of mistletoe within stands but would

not eliminate it Efforts made to retain clumps of mistletoe trees were incorporated in this project

Overall prey habitat will be maintained in the Russell Ridge project area



III-147

There is little potential for disturbance to any owl sites caused from large equipment and smoke

resulting from project implementation No known spotted owl activity centers are within frac14 mile of the

project area There is no potential for disturbance to nesting spotted owls as a result of silvicultural

treatment commercial harvest treatment will occur during the winter outside of spotted owl nesting

season and precommercial treatment is located more than frac14 mile from suitable spotted owl habitat No

spotted owl nest sites are located within frac14 mile of the project area Should a nesting pair of spotted owl

be located within 14 mile of the fuels treatment area appropriate burn plan designs would be

implemented restrict burning to occur outside nesting period (March 1 through July 31 design burn

plan so that the plume trajectory is at least 45 degrees either side of nest Use a test-fire prior to ignition

to determine plume direction With this mitigation in place it is anticipated that project implementation

would result in minimal disturbance effects to the spotted owl

Cumulative

Table III24 displays NRF habitat that would be degraded within the MLSAs Upon completion of the

project all NRF habitat within the MLSA will continue to function as it presently does primarily as

dispersal habitat

Table III24 Changes to northern spotted owl habitat by Northwest Forest Plan allocation and critical

habitat unit

Allocation Unit NRF Habitat8

NRF Habitat

Degraded9 acres Removed

acres

Matrix

Administrative

Withdrawn

Private

51

0

0

0

0

0

Milk Cr MLSA DM-9 130 0

Haystack MLSA DM10 25 0

TOTAL 20610

0

8No NRF habitat will be removed or downgraded 9No overlapping acres 10Degraded acres include all proposed activities (fuels treatments and Firewise treatments around recreation residences are the only

proposed activities that occur in NRF habitat)

Fuels treatments will reduce the risk of habitat loss from high severity wildfires at the stand and

landscape scales Treatments within spotted owl habitat were strategically located to reduce the spread

of wildfire in the remaining portions of the LSRMLSA Based upon the available information it has

been determined through the NeutralBeneficial Analysis that the fuels treatments (vegetation and

prescribed fire) meet LSRMLSA objectives and have long-term beneficial effects to the northern

spotted owl and late successional dependant species A Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Plan Project

Consistency Assessment was completed for the Gold Spring project and is located in the Analysis File

Proposed silvicultural and fuels treatment is consistent with the Final Recovery Plan for the Northern

Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2008)



III-148

Effects of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatments on Northern Spotted Owl and Northern

Goshawk

Direct and Indirect

Disturbance by human and vehicles during project implementation is the primary adverse effect for the

northern spotted owl This potential for disturbance is extremely low only 10 acres of the project area

occurs within frac14 mile of an owl activity center Invasive plant management activities are not anticipated

to create noise above normal ambient levels

Cumulative

Effects from the action alternative will not accumulate with other existing or foreseeable future effects

therefore there will be no cumulative effects to the northern spotted owl or northern goshawk resulting

from invasive weed management


Northern Spotted Owl and Northern Goshawk Direct and Indirect

There are no new system or temporary roads proposed for this project All proposed temporary roads

are existing temporary roads that will need some level of reconstruction Proposed trail relocation does

not occur in spotted owl NRF habitat There will be no alteration of NRF habitat resulting from road

and trail work proposed by this project No reconstruction or relocation road work will occur within

riparian reserves Dispersal corridors will not be affected by implementing the road and trail proposal

Concerning disturbance no known spotted owl activity centers occur within frac14 mile of the project area

Should spotted owl nest sites be located within frac14 mile of proposed road work contract clauses would

allow for appropriate timing restriction Activities that would result in disturbance to owls will be timed

to occur outside the nesting period (after 31 July and before 1 March) With this mitigation in place

road reconstruction and decommissioning actions would have low disturbance effects to the spotted owl

The decrease of 05 mimisup2 would be beneficial to late successional dependent species at the project

scale

Cumulative

Since the refined action proposes to change the existing high road density within the project area by a

small amount 05 mimisup2 there will be little measureable change in road density and security habitat at

the landscape scale (MLSA) Road density and security habitat will remain at existing levels within

Haystack and Milk Creek MLSAs (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1997)

Effects Summary

Based upon the available information and evaluation of the effects it has been determined that the

proposed Gold Spring Restoration Project will have a ldquomay affect not likely to adversely affectrdquo

determination for the northern spotted owl This determination is based on degrading of NRF habitat

and the potential for minimal disturbance to the northern spotted owl

The Gold Spring project will benefit late successional associated species Therefore it has been

determined that species viability for all late successional associated species would continue upon

completion of this project



III-149

AMERICAN BALD EAGLE


The Bald eagle is a R6 Forest Sensitive species No nesting pair of bald eagles occurs within 10 miles

of the project area The project area is primarily used during the fall and winter by bald eagles Bald

eagle may occasionally use the dominant trees in the stands as perch structures Foraging occurs

primarily along US Hwy 410 (road killed deer and elk) and Naches Mainstem (fisheries)

Environmental Consequences The potential impacts the Gold Spring Project could have on the bald eagle is alteration of dominant

perch structures

The Effects Refer to Primary Cavity Excavator Affected Environment discussion for detailed effects analysis to bald

eagles in regards to their roost and perch structure Affects to prey species could also result from

implementing the Gold Spring Restoration Project Refer to elkdeer and wolf discussion for a detailed

effects analysis in regards to bald eaglelsquos prey

Effects Summary

Overall the refined alternative would have minor impacts on the bald eagle primarily resulting from

affects to perch structures and prey Viability of the bald eagle would continue upon implementation of

the refined alternative

PEREGRINE FALCON AND GOLDEN EAGLE


The peregrine falcon is a R6 Forest Sensitive species One peregrine falcon eyrie (PF809) occurs within

frac14 mile of the project area boundary A second eyrie (PF814) occurs within frac12 mile of the project area

These two sites are monitored yearly PF809 has not been active since 2001 PF814 was an active pair

site 2009 Approximately 203 acres of peregrine falcon nesting habitat rock cliffs exist within the

project area This habitat is adjacent to PF809 eyrie location and could be used by this pair however

they have never been documented using this rock cliff for nesting Peregrines may occasionally forage

within the project area but the quality foraging habitat occurs adjacent on private land and along the

Naches Mainstem

The golden eagle is a Washington State Species of Concern The Washington State Department of Fish

and Wildlife (WDFW) conducts yearly surveys for the golden eagle on the Naches Ranger District

There are on District or WDFW records of golden eagles nest sites in the project area Approximately

443 acres of golden eagle nesting habitat open grassy slopes and rock cliffs exist within the project

area Golden eagle forage habitat exists in the project area along the open slopes in the summer and

primarily along the US Hwy 410 corridor during the winter The nearest known nest occurs 15 miles

southeast of the project area

Environmental Consequences The potential impacts the Gold Spring Project could have on the peregrine falcons and golden eagle is

disturbance to nesting birds



III-150

The Effects of the Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments on Peregrine Falcon and Golden

Eagle

If no management action were taken there would be no disturbance to the peregrine falcon or golden

eagle short term However long term disturbance is likely to occur to nesting and breeding peregrine

falcons and golden eagles resulting from large quantities of smoke in the event of wildfire

Direct and Indirect

Disturbance resulting from silvicultural activities would not occur to nesting peregrines or golden eagles

since the logging activity would occur during winter months outside of breeding and nesting periods

The precommercial thinning treatment would occur during nesting period but is located over 1 mile

from PF809 over 2 miles from PF814 and the golden eagle nest site Treatment would be short in

duration and is not expected to disturb nesting peregrine falcons or golden eagles

There is potential for disturbance to nesting peregrine falcons and golden eagles resulting from the

smoke produced from fuels treatments Should an active nest sites be located within 1 mile of the fuel

treatment area appropriate burn plan designs would be implemented If burning between February 15

and July 15 design burn plan so that the plume trajectory is at least 45 degrees either side of nest Use a

test-fire prior to ignition to determine plume direction With this mitigation in place it is anticipated that

project implementation would result in minimal disturbance effects to the peregrine falcon and golden

eagle

Cumulative

The peregrine falcon and golden eagle would not be significantly affected by the vegetation and fuels

management treatments With the incorporation of the burn plan design effects to individuals have a

low probability of occurring Therefore the effects from vegetation and fuels management treatments

would not add to past present or future effects to create significant cumulative effects

Effects of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatments on Peregrine Falcon and Golden Eagle

Direct and Indirect

Disturbance by humans and vehicles during project implementation is the primary adverse effect that is

plausible for the peregrine falcon and golden eagle This potential for disturbance is extremely low

Although treatment area is located within 1 mile of peregrine nests treatment area is screened by the

topography and is not in direct view of known nest sites Invasive plant management activities are not

anticipated to create noise above normal ambient levels

Some herbicides may cause adverse effects to peregrines in particular eggshell thinning Effects would

be minimized implementing the following mitigation To minimize risk of exposure to

hexachlorobenzene (HCB) Picloram would not be used within 15 miles of peregrine nests more than

once every two years (Pagel unpublished data)

Cumulative


therefore there will be no cumulative effects to the peregrine falcon or golden eagle resulting from

invasive weed management



III-151


Peregrine Falcon and Golden Eagle

Disturbance by humans and vehicles during project implementation is the primary cause of adverse

effect for the peregrine falcon and golden eagle This potential for disturbance is extremely low


topography and is not in direct view of known nest sites road management activities are not anticipated


Cumulative

The peregrine falcon and golden eagle would not be significantly affected by the road or trail proposed

treatments Therefore the effects from road and trail management treatments would not add to past

present or future effects to create significant cumulative effects

Effects Summary

Overall the refined alternative would have minor impacts on the peregrine falcon and golden eagle

primarily resulting from disturbance Viability of the peregrine falcon and golden eagle would continue

upon implementation of the refined alternative

OTHER SPECIES OF CONCERN

MIGRATORY LANDBIRDS Neotropical migratory birds (NTMB) are those that breed in the US and winter south of the border in

Central and South America These include many of our passerine songbirds hawks owls and

shorebirds Direction on management of Neotropical migratory birds comes from the Neotropical

Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Forest Service direction (letter dated Sept 27 2000 from the Regional

Office Region 6 and memo dated Aug 1 2001 from the Forest Surpervisor Okanogan and Wenatchee

National Forests) This direction states that effects to landbirds must be taken into account when

analyzing and implementing projects Effects of actions must be disclosed and where opportunities

exist impacts mitigated In a Presidential Document from the Federal Register (Vol 66 No 11

Executive Order 13186 of January 10 2001) the Forest Service as a federal agency was directed to

conserve migratory birds and their habitats Specific actions were listed in the Executive Order

In January 2000 the Forest Service has prepared a Landbird Strategic Plan (USDA Forest Service

2000b) to maintain restore and protect habitats necessary to sustain migratory and resident bird

populations to achieve biological objectives The primary purpose of the strategic plan is to provide

guidance for the Landbird Conservation Program and to focus efforts in a common direction The

Oregon-Washington Chapter of Partners in Flight participated in developing publications for conserving

landbirds in this region The ―Conservation Strategy for Landbirds of the East-Slope of the Cascades

Mountains in Oregon and Washington was published in June 2000 (Altman Conservation strategy for

landbirds of the east-slope of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington 2000) The principal

issues affecting bird populations listed in this plan include habitat loss alteration and fragmentation

resulting from timber harvesting and habitat alteration from changes in historic fire regimes This plan

identified invasion by exotic plants as an important issue adversely affecting landbirds



III-152

Application of the Landbird Conservation Plans to this Project


The Gold Spring project area is located in the East Slope Cascades of Washington and Oregon Bird

Conservation Area where priority habitats for landbird conservation include ponderosa pine and mixed

conifer forest (Altman Conservation strategy for landbirds of the east-slope of the Cascade Mountains

in Oregon and Washington 2000) Riparian habitat is also a priority habitat for landbird conservation

and is addressed under a ―Conservation Strategy for Landbirds of the Columbia Plateau (Altman amp

Holmes 2000) Riparian woodland habitat indicated by relatively open canopy structure and deciduous

tree and shrub component is a distinct type of riparian forest habitat not well represented in the Gold

Spring project area The shrub component may occur along some reaches of Pine Gold and Spring

Creek however the deciduous tree structure is lacking within the project area

Presence of invasive plant species have been documented throughout the project area primarily along

roads and on landings in past harvest units (Chapter III Invasive Species discussion) Approximately

27 of the project area has been harvested in the past Some of the Landbird habitat within the project

area is degraded to some extent due to invasive plant species


This analysis for migratory landbirds will address effects to habitat and effects to herbicide treatment

If no management action were taken short term there would be no alteration of migratory landbird

habitat Long term stand replacing fires in the Naches Mainstem Watershed could result in large scale

habitat loss for species dependent on green trees of any size for most migratory landbirds listed in Table

III25 A Species that would benefit from wildfire would be the olive-sided flycatcher Large densities

of snags would be available at a landscape level This would be a short term benefit the majority of

snags created from a wildfire would fall in the next 30 years with little to no large green trees left for

future recruitment snags (Harrod Gaines Hartl amp Camp 1998) (Hadfield amp Magelssen 2006) This

would benefit some woodpecker species such as the Northern three-toed woodpecker however without

green trees nearby it would not benefit the white-headed woodpecker pygmy nuthatch or brown creeper

These burned areas most likely would be slow to recover taking 100+ years for old forest structure to

begin to develop

Effects of the Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatments on Migratory Landbirds

Direct and Indirect

Proposed thinning and burning would affect most habitat features listed in Figure III25 to some degree

The purpose of this project is to restore key habitat features of open ponderosa pine forest including

predominance of large trees and presence of large snags Planned thinning and applications of

prescribed fire would create openings suitable for regeneration of pine and patches of burned trees

beneficial to woodpeckers (refer to MIS-primary cavity excavators environmental conditions)

Thinning and prescribed fire would also create edge and openings which would benefit the olive-sided

flycatcher

Silvicultural treatments would not occur in late-successional mixed conifer forest habitat but fuels

treatments would the multi-layered dense canopy structure would be maintained There would be no

measurable impacts anticipated to species dependent on late-successional mixed conifer forest habitat

such as the hermit thrush and brown creeper



III-153


riparian reserves (2 acres) this activity would not occur in riparian habitat No active prescribed fire

ignition would take place within Riparian Reserves Fire ignited outside the Riparian Reserves may be

allowed to burn only at low to moderate intensity into the Riparian Reserve Riparian reserve habitat

consisting of dense shrubs would for the most part be unaltered minimizing potential impacts to the

yellow warbler and yellow-breasted chat

Table III25 Priority habitat for landbird conservation in the Gold Spring project area with

representative focal species and key habitat features11

Priority Habitat for

Landbird Conservation

(acres in project area)

Focal Species that

potentially occur in the

Project Area

HabitatFeature

Conservation Focus

Potential

impacts from

Project to

Feature

Are impact mitigated

Ponderosa Pine

(1001)

white-headed woodpecker large patches of old

forest with large snags

Y Y

(leaving large snags

and green trees)

pygmy nuthatch large trees Y Y


and green trees

chipping sparrow open understory with

regeneration pines

Y Y

(project design)

Mixed Conifer Forest

(Late Successional)

(2553 ac of mixed

conifer but only 32 ac

are late-successional)

brown creeper large trees Y Y

(leaving large diameter

green trees)

Williamsonlsquos sapsucker large snags Y Y


snags)

flammulated owl interspersion of grassy

openings and dense

thickets

Y

Y

(project design)

hermit thrush multi-layered dense

canopy

N Y

(Avoid)

olive-sided flycatcher edges and openings

created by wildfire

Y Y

(project design)

Riparian Woodland

(26)

yellow warbler subcanopy foliage Y Y

(avoid)

yellow-breasted chat dense shrub layer Y Y

(avoid)

11Information for ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest habitat is from ―A conservation Strategy for Landbirds for the East-slope

Cascades of Washington (Altman 200) Information for riparian woodland habitat is from ―A Conservation Strategy for Landbirds in the

Columbia Plateau of Eastern Washington and Oregon (Altman and Holmes 2000)

Planned conservation measures for treatments and project design in both uplands and riparian forest

such as high retentions of snags particularly large snags will maintain important habitat structure for

primary cavity excavators including white-headed and Williamsonlsquos sapsucker Stands of late

successional forest adjacent to silvicultural treatment areas will continue to provide the bulk of habitat

for the Williamsonlsquos sapsucker

Large snags would also be retained wherever safety permits These are also more likely to burn during

post-thin prescribed burning Provisions to protect some large snags (gt20 diameter) by designating

―no-thin buffers around them and to protect these residual habitat patches from high-intensity fire



III-154

during the burning operation to follow increase the likelihood that at least some large snags will remain

following treatment Fire is also likely to create some new large snags

Under the refined proposed action most green trees gt21 inches in diameter would be retained in

treatment areas (refer to vegetation treatment Chapter 2) These trees constitute the most desirable tree

structure in open pine late successional habitat and provide habitat structure for both pygmy nuthatch

(in pine forest) and brown creeper (in mixed conifer forest) Some removal of trees 21-25 inches in

diameter would occur in upland treatment areas but only where needed to meet target canopy closures

and reduce the spread of Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe

Cumulative Effects

The proposed Gold Spring project in conjunction with surrounding projects would help re-establish a

more natural forest mosaic of tree stands with sustainable density levels and diversity of successional

stages size classes and species composition across the landscape Restoration of a mixed severity fire to

this landscape would benefit all wildlife The refined proposed action will not prevent the continued

viability of any migratory landbird species

Effects of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatments on Migratory Landbirds

Direct and Indirect

For herbicide use of noxious weeds the conservation strategies recommend that herbicides be applied

by hand if practical Most herbicide applications considered would be done by hand (selective methods

back pack or hose and wand attached to a vehicle-mounted tank) Some broadcast applications will be

applied along roadside patches trails landings dispersed camping parking areas gravel pits and other

isolated patches of weed occurrence These sites are not considered landbird habitat The maximum

area treated by herbicides would not exceed 450 acres Herbicide treatment would not target native

plants Treatment within riparian zones or 100 feet of standing water would consist of the aquatic

formulation of glyphosate Individual plants would be wicked or sprayed The proposed invasive plant

treatments would not affect the habitat features provided by native vegetation and may serve to improve

the quality of these habitat features for the focal species identified none of the herbicides proposed for

use will substantially affect any insect prey population and none of the herbicides or surfactants

proposed for use pose toxic risk to focal species of birds (USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest

Region 2005) The treatment of invasive plants is consistent with management recommendations

contained in the various conservation strategies that cover the project area

Cumulative

None of the bird species or their habitat would be significantly affected by invasive plant treatments

Even effects to individuals have a very low probability of occurring In many cases there will be no

effect at all to the birds or their native habitats Therefore the effects from invasive plant treatments

will not add to past present or future effects to create significant cumulative effects


Migratory Landbirds

Direct and Indirect


migratory landbirds No new system or temp roads are proposed for this project Approximately 1 mile

of existing temp roads will be reconstructed No reconstruction will occur within riparian reserves




III-155


road will be closed and another 487 miles of system road will be decommissioned

Cumulative

Road decommissioning within Gold Spring project along with additional road decommissioning in past

present and future projects that occur within the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watersheds (Canteen and

Rattle) have the potential for long term beneficial effects to landbird species Minor improvements of

landbird habitats are expected

Effects Summary

The Proposed Action would have a positive effect on migratory landbird habitat including habitat

features The viability of the all landbirds in the project area would continue upon implementation of

the refined preferred alternative

VISUAL RESOURCES (Also refer to the Recreation Section)


Scenic Assessment

Scenic assessments consist of inventorying scenic quality using two primary indicators landscape

character and scenic integrity The information presented in this scenic assessment section has been

obtained from the 1995 Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed Analysis (NMWWA) (USDA Forest

Service Naches Ranger District 1995) unless noted otherwise

Landscape character is defined as ―the overall impression created by scenery resulting from both natural

processes and positive human influences (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District 1996) The

watershedlsquos overall current landscape character (which includes the project area) is typical of the

Northeastern Cascade character type Overall glacial sculpturing has created an area of dramatic relief

with steep sided very deep and long valleys and rugged peaks The ridge tops of numerous parallel

mountain forms have approximately uniform crest elevations Rock forms are common especially on

the ridge tops and steep upper slopes where jagged rocky peaks occur and glacier carved outcrops

abound Rock forms are also found in the drainages where steep cliffs and boulder strewn water courses

are numerous

Scenic integrity (condition) is defined as the present condition of level of visual wholeness or intactness

of landscapes considering the amount of human caused deviation in form line color and texture of that

landscape Scenic integrity serves as a baseline measurement upon which potential changes can be

measured in relative terms The scenic integrity of the Highway 410 corridor (the Mainstem viewshed)

can be described as natural appearing with outstanding scenery along the along this corridor (the valley

floor) The remainder of the project area ranges from natural appearing to slightly altered to altered in

places in the foreground and middleground

The desired scenic condition and landscape (scenic) character of the watershed as outlined in the

NMWWA is to maintain all naturally established landscape patterns The analysis noted that Highway



III-156

410 and Forest Roads 1703 1705 and 1707 should be natural appearing in character and condition but

that short term scenic impacts may be acceptable if long term benefits can be achieved

Management strategies recommended in the NMWWA to achieve the desired future condition include

the following

Strive for a diverse composition of all plants with a variety of all age classes that are

characteristic of the zone

Promote a balance of age classes successional stages and spatial arrangements that will allow

variety in sequence of experience for viewing opportunities

Focus on green tree retention along travel corridors

Blend human caused alterations to the landscape with existing character so the landscapes appear

natural

Rehabilitate visually impacted areas

Maintain large tree character where it occurs

Promote understory vegetation that is compatible with the ecosystem

Maintain natural appearing openings

Educate and inform visitors about the Mather Memorial Parkway

State Highway 410 (Chinook Scenic BywayMather Memorial Parkway)

State Highway 410 lies along the eastern boundary of the project area and approximately 2177 acres of

The Mather Memorial Parkway Forest Plan Allocation (MP-1) is designated within frac12 mile of Highway

410 within the project area boundary Highway 410 is known nationally for its scenic and recreation

values and is one of only 31 roads nationally designated an All-American Road (National Scenic

Byways Program 1998) in ―recognition of a resource that contains superlative scenic recreational and

cultural qualities ndash the best of the best scenic highways in the country and recognized as visitor

designations in and of themselves (USDI National Park Service 2001) Highway 410 is also

designated as a National Scenic Byway one of only 7 in Washington State (National Scenic Byways

Program 2010) The highway corridor has been managed to be natural appearing for the thousands of

recreationists driving for pleasure along it each year The Highway was first designated the Mather

Memorial Parkway by Executive Order in 1931 with the objective of promoting recreation and scenic

opportunities along 76 miles between Enumclaw and Naches The eastern Mather Memorial Parkway

Information Stop is located within the project area at Milepost 94

Numerous guidelines (the 2000 Chinook Scenic Byway Charette 1991 Mather Memorial Parkway

Guidelines and undated Mather Memorial Parkway Interpretive Plan) have been developed to guide

corridors management and to promote seamless management throughout the highway corridor

particularly in the Wenatchee National Forest Mount Rainier National Park and the Mount-Baker

Snoqualmie National Forest Other interpretive projects purposely designed for public Highway 410

pleasure driving include a Historic Auto Tour (Naches Ranger District) and a Geology tour

(Washington DNR)

In September 2000 at the bequest of the newly formed All American Road Organization a team of

planning and design professionals in an intensive two week effort attempted to build upon the previous

studies and began to explore the Highway 410 corridor with the assistance of federal state and local

agencies landowners business interests residents and various other interested parties (They also gave

the name Chinook Scenic Byway to Highway 410 which had been recently selected as an All American

Road in 1999 The 2000 Chinook Scenic Byway Charette (USDI National Park Service 2001)



III-157

documents the concepts generated from this effort Concepts particularly relevant to this project include

the following

One of the principal desires expressed at the meetings was to preserve the scenic character of the

corridor

Respect for the areas that warranted designation of Highway 410 as an All American Road

should be retained and the experience of forest river and mountain is available for this and

future generations

The greatest diversity of the natural landscape occurs from the eastern Cascade Crest to Naches

Stakeholders expressed that vegetation management practices should be implemented along the

corridor to sustain the visual quality

Visual Quality Objectives

The project area contains the following Visual Quality Objectives

Retention (approximately 2177 acres) ndash The Retention VQO corresponds to the Scenic Travel-

Retention (ST-1) allocation which runs for frac12 mile adjacent to Highway 410 The goal of ST-1 is to

retain or enhance the viewing and recreation experiences along scenic travel routes

Maximum Modification (approximately 1326 acres) ndash This VQO corresponds to the General Forest

land allocation which runs through the center of the project area A higher VQO may be considered

within this prescription and is highly recommended within the seen areas of Forest Roads 1703 1705

1707 along the seen areas of the groomed snowmobile trails and from the recreation residences

Other Items to Note

Interpretive signs are located within the project area at the Mather Memorial Parkway Information Site ndash

both on a kiosk and along a nature trail The signs describe the arealsquos history and provide information

on the arealsquos resources


Effect of the Proposed Silviculture and Fuels Treatment on the Visual Resource

(Also refer to the Recreation Section Environmental Consequences)


If no management action were taken the health of the stands within the project area would continue to

decline as forest pathogens persist to add an above-endemic level of dead and dying component

Stressed and dead trees would become more visually dominant Fuel build up from the dead trees would

lead to higher risk of stand replacement wildfire Effects to the visual resource from stand replacing

wildfire would take many years to soften and the area would appear altered for the next few decades

Mitigation measures in the Proposed Action would assure that the area Visual Quality Objectivelsquos

(VQOlsquos) would be met in the Retention and Partial Retention areas The VQO of the interior of the

project area currently designated as Maximum Modification would also be met and the Maximum

Modification areas recommended for a higher VQO would meet the Partial Retention VQO This

project is designed so that changes in form line color and texture resulting from those activities would

not be evident for more than one season in Retention areas and two seasons in Partial Retention areas

as viewed from Highway 410 the recreation residences system roadssnowmobile trails 1703 1705

1707 system trails marking the backside of leave trees within the seen areas of the roads removing



III-158

ribbons tags and stakes adjacent to the roads after contract termination retaining ―character trees

along the main road corridors locating landings out of view of the main roads or rehabilitating visible

landings after timber harvest and minimizing slash piles and mechanical evidence adjacent to the roads

Long-term the scenic appearance of the project area would improve due to the improved health of

surrounding trees a reduction in dead and dying trees and a reduction in fuels

Refer also to the Recreation Section for Effects to the Visual Resource

Cumulative Effects

The analysis area for cumulative effects to the visual resource is the project area along with the Highway

410 corridor from the crest of the Cascades (Chinook Pass) to the District boundary

Within the project area management practices including timber harvest mining and road construction

activities affected the visual resource for decades but there have not been any recent activities since the

early 1990lsquos Today the area ranges from natural appearing to slightly altered and although the area

will look a bit more altered in the short term long term cumulative impacts to the visual resource would

not be measurable as the proposed project is expected to improve visual conditions

Effect of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatment Proposed Road Closures and

Decommissioning and RecreationTrail Management Activities on the Visual Resource


There would be no anticipated direct or indirect effects to the visual resource from treatment of invasive

species proposed road management activities or recreationtrail management activities

Cumulative Effects

There would be no anticipated cumulative effects to the visual resource from treatment of invasive





III-159

RECREATION


The open forest low elevation dry climate relatively steep topography with interspersed flat areas and

existing road system all influence recreation activities within the Gold Spring project area Recreational

activities within this area are dispersed in nature with most activity concentrated in the flat areas and on

the road systems Snow melt occurs fairly early in the spring and the area remains snow free from then

until late in the fall Table III26 lists the common recreation activities in the project area

Table III26 Recreation activities occurring within the Gold Spring project area

Activity Location and Timing of Activity

Recreation Residences Twenty-one recreation residences - portions of two recreation residence

tracts ndash Gold Creek (which includes Kloshe Tillicum) and Cliffdell - lie

within the project area adjacent to State Highway 410

Residents utilize the adjacent project area for the activities described below

Some of these recreation residences could have improvements (authorized

or unauthorized) within the project area lying within and outside their

individual lots

Driving for pleasure

(Highway 410 - All

American Roads National

Designation)

Viewing scenery

State Highway 410 is known nationally for its scenic and recreation values -

one of only 31 roads nationally designated an All-American Road (National

Scenic Byways Program 2010) and also designated as a National Scenic

Byway The highway corridor has been managed to be natural appearing

for the thousands of recreationists driving for pleasure along it

Approximately 2177 acres of The Mather Memorial Parkway Forest Plan

Allocation (MP-1) is designated within frac12 mile of Highway 410 within the

project area boundary Refer to the Visuals Section for more information

Within the project area Forest Roads 1703 and 1705 and (until the last few

years 1707 and 1708) connect to form scenic loop drives with easy access

off Highway 410 The drives may be completed in an hour or two or a

visitor may spend all day in the project area The area as viewed from these

roads is a mixture of natural appearing and modified areas as it has had

multiple harvest entries but is becoming more natural appearing as

previously harvested units grow

Developed Sites The Mather Memorial Parkway Information Site is located across from

Sawmill Flat Campground at Milepost 94 The site has vault toilets several

picnic tables an 800 foot-long interpretive trail and well water This site

was constructed as an official gateway to the Parkway with the objective of

providing facilities and interpretive information for Mather Memorial

Parkway users



III-160


Snowmobile TrailsSno-

Park

Forest Roads 1703 1705 and 1707 are managed as designated snowmobile

trails (known as Gold Creek Spring Creek and Pine Creek Trails) and are

groomed annually by the Washington State Parks and Recreation

Commission under an agreement with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National

Forest A portion of Forest Road 1707574 and a short segment between

system roads in Section 14 ties the Spring Creek and Pine Creek systems

together These trails provide an important connection to other snowmobile

trails in the Little NachesGreenwater area and also to trails in the Cle Elum

area and not only provide local snowmobiling opportunities for those

seeking short trips but also provide access to food and gas for those

snowmobilers traveling from the west-side and the north In 2009 over

1836 snowmobilers were documented obtaining services (anecdotal from

local community not validated) at Whistlinlsquo Jack Lodge an extremely

popular waypoint adjacent to the project area Spring Creek Sno-Park at the

junction of Forest Road 1705 and Highway 410 is managed as a Sno-Park

and local businesses (Gold Creek Station and Whistlinlsquo Jack) also allow

snowmobilers to park in their lots to access the trail system

Hunting The area is heavily hunted for big game (deer and elk) in the fall season

using (modern firearm muzzleloading and archery) Forest grouse hunting

is also a popular activity in the fall There is a limited turkey-hunting

season

Dispersed Camping (No

facilities or fees) and

Special Permitted Events

Approximately 32 dispersed campsites were recorded along Forest system

roads during a 2009 field inventory The most notable dispersed area is

Pine Creek Shooting Range and its associated campsites The shooting

range is relatively important as it meets the need for an area with a suitable

backdrop for safe target shooting along with ample dispersed camping and

parking locations in a close proximity The area is used for special

permitted events and also by individuals and small groups interested in

practice shooting and primitive camping Three permitted annual events

held by two groups have been held annually for several years at this site

The permit holders are the NW District Royal RangersFCF for events in

mid-June and Mid-August and the Yakima Valley Muzzle Loaders for

events in mid-July There are very primitive toilets and user constructed

rock fire rings in several locations at this site Heavy use has compacted

soils and there is little or no understory vegetation or vegetative screening

between sites Several other dispersed sites within the project area are used

primarily during big game hunting season The traditional andor heavy use

sites stay in the same location but the location of lighter use dispersed sites

can fluctuate



III-161


Other recreation activities

including small organized

group activities nature

exploration geological

study plant

identificationgathering

bird watching

miscellaneous forest

products gathering

(mushrooms plants

Christmas trees etc)

The project area is used for these activities throughout the snow free season

Recreation residents find the area desirable due to its close proximity to

their residences and others are attracted by the easy access off State

Highway 410 There is also some nonsystem motorized use (quads and

motorcycles) in the area

Other Notable Recreation

Oriented Activities

Outside but Adjacent to

the Project Area

The settlement of Cliffdell lies adjacent to the project area and along State

Highway 410 with a population of year round residents Additional year

round residents live adjacent to the project area south of Cliffdell There are

also several private businesses along State Highway 410 that depend upon

recreationists to provide a portion of their income Five recreation

residence tracts (approximately 35 residences) lie adjacent to the project

area Sawmill Flat and Cottonwood Forest Service campgrounds lie within

1 mile of the project area boundary as does Boulder Cave National

Recreation Trail and Day Use Site Organization camps under permit and

within 1 mile of the project area boundary include Camp Roganunda and

Lost Creek Village

Firewood cutting Personal use firewood cutting (under permit) is allowed in roughly the

center portion of the project area in the Spring Creek drainage (refer to a

current firewood cutting map) The rest of the area is closed except for

firewood gathering associated with dispersed camping

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) current area classification is as follows

Roaded Modified ndash approximately 1488 acres (primarily in the project arealsquos northern

portion due to past timber harvest)

Roaded Natural ndash approximately 2902 acres (State Highway 410 and the remainder of

the project area)

The ROS Desired Future Condition for the project area is Roaded Natural



III-162


Effect of the Proposed Silvicultural Treatments on Recreation

Direct and Indirect Effects by Activity

If no management action were taken the opportunities for recreation would not change but a reduction

in the project arealsquos visual quality due to an increase in stressed trees could affect the quality of the

recreation experience It is anticipated that certain user groups (eg campers and pleasure drivers)

would perceive increased dead and dying trees as negative to their recreational experience Other forest

users such as firewood gatherers may find positive aspects from the increase in dead and dying trees

and the resulting stand structure

Recreation Residents

There would be no effects to recreation residents anticipated from the silvicultural treatments proposed

Driving for Pleasure and Viewing SceneryDeveloped Sites

None of the proposed silvicultural treatments would be visible from Highway 410 or the Mather

Memorial Information Site Within the project area interior treatments in portions of all units would be

visible along portions of Roads 1703 1705 and 1707 and would most likely be noticeable to

recreationists for several years Mitigation measures have been proposed along these roads to help

minimize overall negative impacts and shorten the length of time effects are noticeable including

designing management activities so that changes in form line color and texture resulting from those

activities would not be evident for more than two seasons removing ribbons tags and stakes adjacent to

the roads after contract termination retaining ―character trees along the road corridors and

rehabilitating visible landings after timber harvest

Hauling associated with timber removal would be done during the winter months when Chinook Pass is

closed and traffic along Highway 410 is considerably reduced Likewise pleasure driving does not

occur within the project area when the area is snow covered Therefore winter hauling would minimize

effects to pleasure drivers

Long-term effects would be an improved scenic appearance of the project area as stressed trees are

removed and character trees are highlighted

Groomed Snowmobile Trails

Snowmobilers would be affected by winter logging operations including road plowing and log hauling

as all units in the project area would need to be hauled down either Road 1703 1705 1707 or 1708

which double as groomed snowmobile trails in the winter The snowmobiling recreation experience

would be negatively impacted under implementation of this alternative and some snowmobilers would

decide to avoid this area as long as trails were dual use although design criteria and mitigation

measures including posting warningnotification signs at Sno-Parks within the project area and at Sno-

Parks with snowmobile trails that connect to the project area designating these trails to be managed as

dual use (for both snowmobiles and hauling) and notifying the Washington State Parks and Recreation

Commission and Yakima County Snow Grooming Committee of planned activities would help to

minimize effects to snowmobilers somewhat Grooming the snowmobile trails would also become

more difficult during the time the trails were managed as dual use haul routes and trails



III-163

Indirect effects to snowmobilers using the project area would include noise from logging operations and

log hauling operations during the life of the project

Long-term effects from the project as described would be improved scenic appearance of the project

area as stressed trees were removed

Hunting

Direct effects to hunters from silvicultural treatments operations could include physical changes to areas

theylsquove traditionally hunted from tree removal

Hunters may be indirectly affected by changes in animal use patterns if their traditional hunting area

undergoes some type of vegetative treatment Long-term hunting success may improve as forage

conditions would be expected to improve for big game

Winter hauling would minimize effects to hunters

Dispersed Camping

Disturbed ground within dispersed sites could directly affect those recreationists using dispersed

campsites in the short term if their preferred site is used as a landing or located within a harvest unit

Removal of vegetation within or adjacent to the site through commercial thinning could result in a loss

of screening increased wind and dust through the sites and a loss of privacy and could affect campers

for many years Up to 13 recorded sites lie within or adjacent to proposed units and could be directly

affected by vegetative treatments Five of these sites are located within the Pine Creek Shooting Range

and four more lie adjacent to the range (Nine total sites) These recreationists particularly those who

hold permitted events would probably be impacted the most as they may not be satisfied with changes

at the site and there are few if any other locations on the Naches District with similar characteristics

(such as a backdrop for safe target shooting with ample dispersed camping and parking nearby) that they

could easily move to The remaining four sites within the project area are believed to be used primarily

during hunting season and although conditions may change the hunters may not be as limited in site

choices as those using the Pine Creek Shooting Range

Table III27 Dispersed camping sites in proximity to timber harvest units

Unit

of Dispersed Sites

Within Unit

of Dispersed Sites

Adjacent to Unit

Comments

2 0 0

4 0 1

5 1 0

6 3 0

8 5 4 Pine Creek Shooting Range

9 0 0

Design criteria andor mitigation measures listed in Chapter II would help minimize effects to campers

including retaining vegetative screening around the campsites minimizing the use of sites as landings of

for slash piling or parking logging equipment rehabilitating those sites that are necessary for use after

sale activities are complete and marking the backside of leave trees near these campsites These

mitigation measures have been successfully used to minimize effects to dispersed campsites in other



III-164

project areas and with the exception of some of the Pine Creek Shooting Range sites should be

effective in minimizing impacts in regard to this project as well Long-term effects would be improved

scenic appearance of the project area as stressed trees are removed

Winter hauling would minimize effects to dispersed campers

Other Recreation Activities

Recreationists involved in small organized group activities or in activities such as nature exploration

geological study plant identificationgathering bird watching or miscellaneous forest products

gathering may be affected in the long term if their traditional area is treated and they are reluctant to

change locations In general long-term effects to recreationists would be improved scenic appearance

of the project area from removal of stressed trees


The proposed treatments although expected to appear somewhat altered in the short term after

management activities are complete (less than 5 years) would not change ROS classifications to a more

modified condition The Roaded Modified area with the exception of the stand initiation patch within

Unit 6 would continue to move toward the Roaded Natural classification The stand initiation patch is

currently located on a low use road that may be closed with this project decision and although activities

may result in a more modified look to the area few people will see it therefore it is not of high concern

There would be no indirect effects to ROS classifications

Cumulative Impacts

The analysis area for cumulative impacts to the recreation experience is the project area for most

activities except for Highway 410 and snowmobiling which are discussed below Negative cumulative

impacts to recreation activities others than snowmobiling (discussed below) should not be measurable

The environmental consequences and cumulative impacts of the Gold Spring project would neither

increase the negative or beneficial impacts to recreation use or recreation resources

The analysis area for cumulative impacts to recreationists using Highway 410 for pleasure driving would

be the Highway 410 corridor within the Naches District The environmental consequences and

cumulative impacts of the Gold Spring project would neither increase the negative or beneficial impacts

to recreation use or recreation resources

Impacts to Snowmobile Trails and Snowmobilers

The analysis area for cumulative impacts to snowmobiling from silvicultural activities is the Naches

Mainstem Watershed Currently winter logging is occurring in the vicinity of Road 1702 which

accesses a groomed snowmobile trail During the 2010 winter season logging truck traffic and

snowmobilers accessing the Sno-Park are using the 1702 road Snowfall has been very light thus far in

the 2010 season which is minimizing impacts to snowmobilers as snowmobiling in the area of 1702 has

been marginal There is a concern that winter logging and hauling activity will not be completed along

Road 1702 during the winter of 2010 and will need to be resumed during the winter of 2011 In

addition a future analysis is planned in the Dry CreekOrr Creek area north of the Nile snowmobiling

area Timber removal and hauling activities that would be determined through this future analysis are

assumed to include winter hauling along groomed snowmobile trails This project could be scheduled to

be implemented as early as the winter of 2011 Cumulatively if two or all three projects involve winter



III-165

hauling along snowmobile trails most of the groomed snowmobile trails in the Naches River area of

Chinook Pass could be affected by hauling activities at the same time which would be a negative impact

to snowmobilers and local businesses relying on income from snowmobilers for several years


Effect of the Proposed Fuels Treatments on Recreation


in visual quality due to an increase in stressed trees and an accumulation in fuels could affect the quality

of the recreation experience

Direct Effects by Activity


Recreation residents wishing to treat fuels within their permit areas would be allowed to reduce non-

merchantable fuels as outlined in Chapter I without further approval from the Forest Service They

would have the choice whether to participate in fuels reduction or not Burning treatments conducted by

the Forest Service adjacent to recreation residences may directly affect individual recreationists if

improvements scheduled for protection are accidentally harmed

Long-term direct effects to recreation residents would be a reduction in fuels in areas adjacent to their

recreation residence tracts and improved scenic appearance of the project area as fuels are reduced

Area Residents Private Businesses and Other Recreation Oriented Activities Outside but Adjacent to the

Project Area

Smoke from underburning could negatively impact area residents people engaging in other recreation

oriented activities adjacent to the project area and those patronizing private businesses adjacent to the

project area during the periods of burning and up to several days after depending on various factors

including the size of area burned and wind direction See also the Air Quality section beginning on

page III-22 Notifying the public including area businesses would aid in minimizing effects to

recreationists as they may be able to avoid the area during burning periods or would at least be

anticipating possible effects from burning activities


Those driving along US Highway 410 would have the potential to be affected by burning activities

during the burning process and from residual smoke These effects could be very short in nature just for

the length of time drivers are near the project area (20 to 30 minutes) or up to several days depending

on various factors including the size of area burned and wind direction Natural fuels treatment could

be visible from the highway for up to one to two years Design Criteria and mitigation measures

outlined in Chapter II would help minimize effects to pleasure drivers

Long-term effects would be an improved scenic appearance of the project area as fuels are reduced

Snowmobile TrailsSno-Parks

There should be no direct effects to snowmobilers as burning would occur outside the winter season

Design criteria and mitigation measures outlined in Chapter II would help minimize visual effects or

effects to the snowmobile trail tread



III-166

Hunting

Some hunters could be displaced from their traditional camps or from their hunting area for several

days and possibly the entire season from smoke from fall burning operations

Dispersed Camping

Removal of understory vegetation adjacent to dispersed sites through underburning could result in a loss

of screening increasing wind and dust at some sites and a loss of privacy and affect campers for many

years Up to 32 recorded sites lie within the project area and could be directly affected by underburning

Users could be displaced if burning occurred during their stay The area of most concern would be the

Pine Creek Shooting Range as itlsquos the most heavily used dispersed site in the project area Design

criteria andor mitigation measures listed in Chapter II would help minimize effects to campers using the

most popular andor traditional sites including retaining vegetative screening around heavily used

andor traditional campsites by avoiding burning through or directly adjacent to these areas These

methods have been successfully used to minimize effects to dispersed campsites in other project areas

and should be effective in minimizing impacts in regard to this project as well Long-term effects would

be improved scenic appearance of the project area as stressed trees are removed



geological study climbing plant identification and gathering bird watching or miscellaneous forest

products gathering may be affected in the short-term if their traditional area is treated and they are

reluctant to change locations In general long-term effects to recreationists would be improved scenic

appearance of the project area from the reduction in fuels




modified condition assuming design criteria and mitigation measures outlined in Chapter II were

implemented The Roaded Modified area would continue to move toward the Roaded Natural

classification

Effect of the Proposed RecreationTrail Management on Recreation


The relocation of approximately frac14 mile section of groomed snowmobile trail would be a positive direct

effect to snowmobilers and the snowmobile trail groomer by moving the trail from a narrow bridge to an

existing open area

If no management action were taken the existing condition would not change Snowmobilers would

still use a groomed trail but the grooming would still be difficult during periods of deep snow

Effect of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatments on Recreation


Herbicide applications proposed to manage invasive plant populations would have the potential to

directly affect a few recreationists by displacing them for a very short period of time (less than one day)

between May 1 and October 31st Effects to recreationists if any would be minimal as application

would occur over small areas during a time period in which human activity within the area is rather

light and displacement if any would only be less than a few hours



III-167

There would be no direct effects to the ROS classifications

No indirect effects would be anticipated

Cumulative Effects

The analysis area for invasive management would be the project area Herbicide applications along the

Highway 410 right-of-way probably occur each year and could potentially overlap in space and time but

because of the extremely short time period involved in herbicide management and no lasting noticeable

effects to the recreationist cumulative effects are not considered measurable

Effect of the Proposed Road Management Actions on Recreation

Road Closures and Decommissioning Direct Effects

None of the roads proposed for closure or decommissioning are heavily used by the public None of

these roads provides loop access Some of these roads are used by hunters or driven for exploration

purposes

Four to six recorded dispersed sites would be closed to motorized traffic permanently with this proposed

action Three of these sites lie along Road 1705570 and one site lies along 1705572 ndashwheeled access to

these sites would definitely be lost These do not appear to be heavily used sites and are most likely

used during hunting season Two sites lie along Road 1707577 and are most likely associated with the

Pine Creek Shooting Range ndash it is not clear without additional field review if these sites may also be

accessed directly from Road 1707

Recreationists who prefer nonmotorized travel routes would benefit from the proposed road closures as

46 more miles would be available for their use Road 1705572 is also used in the winter as a groomed

snowmobile trail As long as the road is closed to wheeled vehicles but remains open and accessible to

the groomer and snowmobilers there would be no effects to snowmobiling opportunities Unit 4 uses

1705572 as its northeastern boundary but harvest activities are not expected to affect this road Logs

will be skidded to and loading will occur off of FR1705

Relocation and Reopening of Road 1707

Direct Effects

Before Road 1707 was closed to wheeled vehicles it formed part of a well used pleasure driving loop

with Road 1708 Reopening Road 1707 would replace that lost opportunity for pleasure drivers

Reopening Road 1707 would also shorten the time required for access and improve the road conditions

for access to the Pine Creek Shooting Range This would most likely result in more recreationists using

the range for dispersed activities This would benefit those recreationists who prefer shorter access

times and those wholsquod been displaced when Road 1707 was closed but the additional use may result in

some negative impacts to those recreationists who currently use the site as use increases and more

people try to use a limited area



III-168

Those recreationists who have enjoyed using the road corridor of 1707 for nonmotorized activities since

its closure would be negatively affected Some people are using the road corridor for walking and

snowshoeing in the winter and reopening the road would change their current enjoyment of the area

Gating road 1707 from December 1 through March 31 would not change the recreation experience from

that existing now as the road is currently closed to wheeled vehicles Gating this road would also retain

the nonmotorized winter recreation opportunities that exist now and would not change the recreation

experience for these people

Indirect Effects

Traffic is expected to increase on Road 1707 if the road is relocated and reopened to wheeled vehicles

Recreationists using the Pine Creek Shooting Range would probably notice increased traffic driving by

their camp site No other indirect effects would be expected to occur from the proposed road

management actions

There would be no effects to ROS from any of the proposed road management actions

Cumulative Effects

The analysis area for cumulative impacts from proposed road management actions would be the Naches

District boundaries Current proposals are being analyzed which may close additional low standard

roads on the Naches District through the Travel Management process Negative cumulative impacts

would occur to those recreationists who feel that the amount of roaded access on National Forest lands

should be maintained or maximized The recreation experience would improve cumulatively for those

recreationists who prefer less roaded access Exact figures are not known at this time

SOIL AND WATERSHED RESOURCES


Analysis methods used include review of the Forest Plan and Watershed Analysis documents mentioned

in Chapter I plans written in regard to Highway 410 and review and verification of existing field

inventories

Physical Setting

The Gold Spring Planning Area is located primarily on the slopes to the north of Highway 410 from

Pine Creek on the west to Gold Creek on the east The entire planning area is within the Naches fifth

field Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) watershed Pine Creek Spring Creek and Gold Creek are the

primary named streams within the planning area and are drainages within the sixth field HUC Lost

Creek-Naches River watershed Elevation ranges from approximately 2400 at Highway 410 to slightly

over 4000 feet above sea level at the top of Pine Creek Average annual precipitation ranges from

approximately 40 to 60 inches divided between winter snows and late fallearly spring rain events The

area is characterized by moderate to steep slopes with relatively deep and productive coarse textured

soils Approximately 19 percent of the planning area is classified as non-forested The area below

approximately 3500 feet elevation is included in the rain-on-snow hydrologic regime and totals

approximately 25 percent of the planning area



III-169

Soil Series Descriptions for Soils in the Gold Spring Project Area

Soils in the Gold Spring Project Area are derived almost entirely from basalts and andesites with

volcanic ash in the upper surface layers The varying soil depth surface texture and rock content result

in varying degrees of susceptibility to compaction physical disturbance surface erosion and suitability

for restoration treatments Soil characteristics for the project area and acreage by soil mapping unit are

summarized below (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1996) and in Table III28

The Bograp series consists of very deep well drained soils that formed in colluvium from basalt or

andesite with a mantle of volcanic ash on ridges and mountain slopes These soils have a moderate

surface erosion hazard severe compaction hazard and high available water holding capacity The

Bograp series has a soil depth of 60 inches or greater and less than 5 percent cobbles in the surface 24

inches

The Loneridge series consists of very deep well drained soils formed in colluvium from basalt or

andesite with a mantle of volcanic ash on mountain slopes and ridges These soils have moderate

surface erosion hazard moderate compaction hazard and moderate available water holding capacity

The Loneridge series has a soil depth of 60 inches or greater and 10 to 25 percent cobbles in the surface

24 inches

The McDanielake series consists of very deep well drained soils formed in colluvium from basalt or

andesite with a mantle of volcanic ash on mountain slopes and ridges These soils have slight to

moderate surface erosion hazard severe compaction hazard and low available water holding capacity

The McDanielake series has a soil depth of 60 inches or greater and 10 to 30 percent cobbles in the

surface 24 inches

The Mippon series consists of very deep moderately well drained soils formed in recent alluvium on

flood plains These soils have slight surface erosion hazard slight compaction hazard and low available

water holding capacity The Mippon series has a soil depth of 60 inches or greater and 20 to 30 percent

or cobbles in the surface 24 inches

The Stemilt series consists of very deep well drained soils that formed in colluvium from basalt or

andesite with a mantle of volcanic ash on plateaus ridge tops shoulders back slopes foot slopes and

toe slopes These soils have a moderate surface erosion hazard moderate compaction hazard and low

available water holding capacity The Stemilt series has a soil depth of 60 inches or greater and 5 to 15

percent or less cobbles in the surface 24 inches




III-170

Table III28 Summary of soil characteristics for Soil Mapping Units

Soil Map

Unit

Soil Map

Unit Name

Total Acres

in Project

Erosion

Hazard

Compaction

Hazard

Available

Water

Content 19 Bograp ashy fine

sandy loam 10-

35 slopes

204 Moderate Severe High

55 Loneridge-Stemilt

Complex 15-45

slopes

1173 Moderate Moderate Moderate


Complex 45-65

slopes


57 McDanielake ashy

sandy loam 15-

30 south slopes

45 Slight Severe Low

60 McDanielake ashy

sandy loam 30-

55 south slopes

41 Moderate Severe Low

65 McDanielake-

Rock Complex

30-55 slopes


66 McDanielake-

Rock Complex

55-90 slopes


67 McDanielake-

Rock Complex

30-70 south

slopes


71 Mippon-

Xerofluvents

Complex 0-5

slopes

95 Slight Slight Low

90 Rock outcrop-

rubbleland

association


108 Stemilt ashy sandy

loam 25-45

slopes

338 Moderate Moderate Low

111 Stemilt-Rock

Complex 25-75

slopes


Note Soil Mapping Units with acreages which comprised less than one percent of the planning area were omitted from this

table

Soil types with the greatest concern for potential detrimental effects from harvest and fuels reduction

activities include severe erosion hazard ratings on steep slopes and severe compaction hazard ratings on

tractor yarded slopes None of the soils within the Gold Spring Planning Area are rated severe for

erosion hazard Soils with severe compaction hazard ratings on tractor yarded slopes include mapping

units 19 57 60 65 and 67 which total 1188 acres or 27 percent of the planning area



III-171

Past Watershed Disturbance

Harvest

Past regeneration harvest entries have occurred on approximately 100 acres or 3 percent of the forested

lands within the planning area and a large percentage of the planning area has had some kind of harvest

activity in the past Soil compaction from repeated timber harvest operations and tractor piling for fuels

treatment on some of these areas has resulted in levels of soil compaction that exceed WFP Standards

and Guidelines This soil compaction concern is highest in the old regeneration harvest areas where skid

trail patterns are more concentrated than would be allowed under current standard operating procedures

particularly on the Bograp soil series (soil mapping unit 19) Approximately 50 acres of old

regeneration harvest units are on these soil types Soil types with greater amounts of rock content in the

upper layers (such as the McDanielake and Mippon series) in general have lower compaction levels

while the deeper soils with higher clay content (such as the Bograp series) are more compactable

Cumulative watershed effects are influenced by past impacts proposed future impacts and susceptibility

to high intensity rain-on-snow storm events The last sales in this area occurred approximately 10 years

ago and recovery of compacted areas by natural processes has begun to occur as deep-rooted vegetation

is re-established Skid trails landings and temporary roads utilized during the most recent harvest entry

were treated by ripping or scarification and seeding following yarding A large percentage of the project

area has had some level of timber harvest in the past but the most recent regeneration harvest occurred

over 20 years ago Existing clearcut harvest units have recovered to the level that crown closures exceed

70 percent and are considered to be fully recovered hydrologically in terms of water yield and

evapotranspiration rates (Troendle 1980) The project area as a whole has 57 percent of the acreage in

crown closures greater than 40 percent and the overall area weighted canopy closure is 46 percent

There are only minor amounts (40 acres) of private lands within the planning area although

approximately 1200 acres in the headwaters of the Gold Creek sub-watershed outside the planning area

are in private ownership

The Gold Spring Planning Area is located southwest of the ridgetop divide which separates the Naches

Watershed from the Manastash Watershed The analysis areas for cumulative effects were separated

into three sub-watersheds which flow directly into the Naches River Sub-watershed acreages and

percentage of area within the Gold Spring Planning Area can be found in the analysis file

Approximately 25 percent of the project area is in the rain-on-snow zone which is predominately less

than 3500 feet in elevation The most recent major regional flood events occurred in the winter of 1995-

96 No significant road damage occurred in the planning area during those winter storms This area

occasionally receives high intensity rain events but because of its distance from the Cascade Crest

rainfall amounts are considerably less than at similar elevations further to the west

Slope Stability

Past slope failures have been minimal in the Gold Spring area except for some minor slump failures on

the Road 1707 system and in general the terrain is considered fairly stable Geologic mapping has

identified historic landslide landforms throughout the planning area but none of these are currently

active (Campbell 1991)



III-172

Road Condition

Roads including system roads temporary roads skid trails ORV trails and unauthorized roads can all

have a significant impact on water quality slope stability routing of sediment into stream channels and

timing of peak runoff Road density is an overall indicator of watershed health While road location and

condition is an important factor road densities greater than 25 miles per square mile have been

associated with degraded watershed conditions (Lee D et al 1997) 1997) The overall road density

for the Gold Spring Planning Area is approximately 462 miles per square mile (not including Highway

410 but including existing user built unclassified roads) Road densities by sub-watershed are

summarized in the analysis file and range from a high of nearly 5 miles per square mile in Pine Creek to

a low of 24 miles per square mile for Gold Creek Another index of the effects of roads on watershed

condition is the increase in channel network due to stream and road intersections (Wemple 1994) This

is an indicator of the potential for sediment input to surface waters and the potential for increased rates

of streamflow due to more rapid delivery of precipitation into the stream system Percent increases

greater than 20 percent are considered a high risk for detrimental watershed effects Channel network

increases were evaluated in the Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed Analysis (USDA Forest

Service Naches Ranger District 1995) and are summarized for the sub-watersheds in the Gold Spring

Planning Area in the analysis file None of the sub-watersheds in the planning area exceed 20 percent

with the maximum being 18 percent in Spring Creek

Water Temperature

Water temperatures have been monitored in the past for some of the perennial streams within the Gold

Spring Planning Area Gold Creek and the Naches River downstream of the planning area have both

exceeded the state temperature standard of 61 degrees daily maximum for several days during the

summer sampling period Both of the streams have been designated as water quality limited (category

5) for temperature on the current Washington State 303(d) list Stream temperatures are summarized in

the analysis file Past timber harvest along Gold Creek may have contributed to elevated stream

temperatures but riparian shading has been restored in most areas

Water Uses and Groundwater

There are several water diversions for domestic use at summer homes and resorts within or adjacent to

the planning area These diversions are primarily spring developments or small stream diversions with

surface or shallowly buried piping downslope to individual or group uses Water diversion locations are

summarized in the analysis file Groundwater is utilized from wells located at some individual summer

homes within or adjacent to the planning area

Environmental Consequences - Soil and Watershed Resources

Introduction

Proposed actions related to commercial timber harvesting temporary road construction and fuel

treatments have the potential to adversely affect soils water quality and associated overall watershed

condition Potential adverse effects of most concern for this area include those related to loss of soil

productivity due to activity created soil compaction and soil erosion and their associated potential

adverse effects on water quality and downstream aquatic habitat Generally the risk of negative impacts

to soils water quality and watershed condition would increase proportionally to the acres of timber

harvest acres of fuel treatment miles of temporary road construction acres of timber harvest or

underburning on soils rated severe for surface soil erosion and acres of ground based timber harvest on

soils rated severe for soil compaction hazard Other potential effects addressed include those related to

changes in hydrologic timing of water flows due to changes in canopy closure and increased interception



III-173

by roads and resulting potential effects on groundwater Removal of too much tree canopy in critical

places under this project could have the potential to increase early spring water flows and andor

increase summer stream temperatures Additional general consequence information regarding soil

water riparian resources adverse effects of invasive weeds and water pollution from non point sources

are presented in this discussion Other effects related to potential contamination from petroleum

products used in logging operations are also discussed

Projected Future Condition of Soil and Watershed Resources

Silviculture and Fuels

Taking no management action would result in no increased project related short-term risk to site

productivity surface erosion and water quality due to no additional area being disturbed by harvest or

fuels operations and road construction In the long-term there would be no potential benefits from

restoration of compacted areas or reduced risk of catastrophic fire due to fuel reduction treatments Risk

of detrimental effects from catastrophic wildfire would not be reduced Potential effects would be loss

of soil nutrients from vaporization during high intensity wildfire and increased rates of soil erosion and

stream sedimentation Existing soil compaction from previous harvest activities would recover more

slowly as natural vegetation and physical processes restore soil function

Road Management

Continued use of unclassified (unauthorized) roads would be expected to increase with possible

detrimental effects to soil and water quality Forest Service System road density in the Gold Spring

Project area would remain at 462 miles per square mile with this alternative The opportunity for

restoration of 487 miles of road by obliteration and 087 miles being placed in storage condition with

resulting long-term benefits of reduced erosion and sedimentation rates would not be realized

RecreationTrail Management

Continued use the groomed snowmobile trail in the existing riparian area location would maintain the

risk of increased sedimentation at the crossing and soil and water resource effects from OHV use in the

snow free period of the year


Noxious weeds would continue their uncontrolled expansion with this alternative resulting in

displacement of deep-rooted native vegetation which is better suited for soil stabilization and restoration

of compacted areas

Effects of the Proposed Silviculture and Fuels Treatment on Soil and Watershed Resources


The Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) and the WFP soil standards and guidelines set forth

objectives relative to the maintenance and restoration of sediment regimes in-stream flows and site

productivity Impacts of timber harvest and associated activities have the potential to alter hydrologic

timing and flow the amount of sedimentsubstrate moved through the system and where it is deposited

and upland site productivity

Soil compaction from the proposed forest management activities can lead to decreases in vegetation and

subsequently an increase in overland flow inputs of fine sediment to streams loss of water storage

capability and an overall lowering of site productivity Soil compaction from concentrated use can lead

to changes in vegetative species composition and increases in undesirable weed populations Soils are



III-174

more susceptible to compaction and rutting when in moist conditions Concentrated use during wet

periods in the early spring and late fall result in a greater risk of soil disturbance during these times of

the year The winter operating season designated in the timber sale contract for this project is expected

to minimize the risk of activities occurring during wet periods

Effects on soils include soil compaction from logging equipment on skid trails at landings and on

temporary roads which leads to increased water runoff and lowered growth potential for vegetation

Displacement of ground cover can lead to increased rates of surface soil erosion when storm water flows

over bare soils Reducing tree crown canopy closure can affect soil stability by allowing greater

amounts of precipitation to reach the soil surface and resulting in earlier and faster rates of snow melt

Increased rates of runoff and displacement of ground cover can also lead to increased probability of

mass wasting in sensitive areas Site productivity and nutrient cycling can be impacted by the removal

of organic material from the site with resulting loss of nutrients Displacement of coarse woody debris

during timber skidding and temporary road construction could also interrupt natural processes related to

water retention and nutrient cycling for soil mycorrhizae and microbial processes Design criteria and

mitigation measures (Chapter II) are expected to maintain site productivity and protect soil and

watershed resources through the use of winter logging and rehabilitation of temporary roads

Loss of ground cover or vegetation due to disturbance during harvest or fuels activities can lead to

increased risk of soil erosion Churning and displacement of soils by motorized equipment especially on

steeper slopes increases the potential for erosion Exposed surface soils are more easily transported

during storm events and can potentially enter surface waters

Interception of surface flows and channelization of water due to inappropriately located and constructed

skid trails and road systems can lead to increased rates of runoff and erosion and adverse effects on fish

and riparian habitat

Ground disturbing activities which compact displace or remove the protective duff layer from soils are

most likely to affect soil stability and water quality Detrimental soil condition is defined using WFP

standards and includes compaction displacement puddling and severely burned soil conditions

Different yarding types used by timber harvest operations can cause varying amounts of detrimental soil

conditions Tractor yarding has the greatest potential for disturbing and compacting soil (up to 20

percent or more of the activity area if not administered properly) less disturbance and compaction is

expected from skyline or cable yarding (10-15 percent) and almost none (0-5 percent) from ground

based winter (over snow) yarding (Megahan 1981) Approximately 94 acres proposed for commercial

thinning are located on soils with a severe compaction hazard rating Requiring winter logging for this

project is expected to reduce the risk of any additional compaction resulting from yarding operations

Fuel treatments that include prescribed burning can alter soil stability depending on burn intensity If

the soil surface duff is removed increased erosion rates and soil loss can be expected until vegetation is

reestablished High burn intensities can consume organic material in surface soil layers and result in the

loss of soil nutrients and microbes High burn intensities can also cause soils to develop a hydrophobic

surface layer that restricts water infiltration Burn prescriptions are designed to maintain a portion of the

duff layer and have low enough fire temperatures to minimize volatilization of nutrients and creation of

hydrophobic layers Restricting fire from the Riparian Reserves would reduce the risk of offsite soil

loss Pile burning in general is lower risk for soil disturbance than broadcast burning Burn

temperatures at the pile sites will be higher than typical for broadcast burn conditions and can result in



III-175

detrimental soil conditions for a limited area under the pile Forest Plan standards for ground cover

retention are expected to be met which will reduce the risk of surface erosion after burning

Pre-commercial thinning operations have the potential for additional soil disturbance if mechanized

equipment is used Within the 11 additional acres proposed for pre-commercial thinning in the refined

proposed action none of these acres are located on soils with a severe compaction hazard rating

Mitigation measures and design criteria similar to requirements for tractor yarding would be used to

reduce the risk of additional soil disturbance from pre-commercial thinning biomass utilization

equipment

Fuel treatments or pre-commercial thinning operations which include mechanized equipment for grapple

piling or other methods of biomass utilization can potentially increase soil compaction similarly to

tractor yarded timber harvest described above Mechanized equipment will be required to utilize the

same mitigation measures as tractor yarding including only traveling on existing designated skid trails

and restrictions on soil moisture conditions for times of operation Soil restoration actions for vegetation

treatments would occur after fuels treatments were completed so no increase in disturbance would result

Activities proposed within the summer home residence areas have mitigation measures designed to

protect soil and watershed resources These actions are not expected to result in any increased risk of

soil erosion or loss of site productivity

Table III29 below displays soil disturbance with current condition and estimated effects of project

implementation Restoration of skid trails would occur on any trails utilized by logging that became

rutted after winter yarding Winter logged units would normally not require ripping or sub-soiling of

skid trails because ground disturbance is expected to be minimal All temporary roads and landings

would be treated regardless of season of use Forest Plan standards for soil disturbance (less than 20

percent detrimental soil conditions) are expected to be met on all treatment units with expected

implementation of mitigation measures and restoration actions

Table III29 Soil disturbance summary

Unit

Unit Acres Existing

Current

Detrimental

Soil

Existing

Current

Detrimental

Soil Acres

Estimated

Additional

Detrimental

Soil Acres

Estimated

Restoration

Acres

Estimated

Final

Detrimental

Soil

1 dropped

2 122 827 1009 19 095 905

3 dropped

4 7 877 061 114 057 1679

5 8 1045 084 02 01 1176

6 123 678 834 166 083 745

7 38 927 352 062 031 1009

8 48 997 479 246 123 1253

9 18 877 158 030 015 963

Temporary road construction and reconstruction associated with logging activities can affect soil

stability and water quality by increasing the area of soil disturbance increasing rates of runoff and



III-176

routing of sediment into stream channels and increasing peak stream flows Road cut and fills on steep

slopes can result in increased risk of mass failures especially in the headwater catch basin areas

Rehabilitation of temporary roads and landings would benefit soil stability by restoring natural drainage

patterns and re-vegetating disturbed areas Road density is an overall indicator of watershed health

While road location and condition is an important factor road densities greater than 25 miles per square

mile have been associated with degraded watershed conditions (Lee D et al 1997) Another index of

the effects of roads on watershed condition is the increase in channel network due to stream and road

intersections (Wemple 1994) This is an indicator of the potential for sediment input to surface waters

and the potential for increased rates of streamflow due to more rapid delivery of precipitation into the

stream system Percent increases in channel network greater than 20 percent are considered a high risk

for detrimental watershed effects None of the sub-watersheds in the planning area exceed 20 percent

with the maximum being 18 percent in Spring Creek and the proposed action would not change this

percentage because no new crossings would be built

A total of approximately 113 miles of existing ―temporary roads would be re-constructed or reopened

under the action alternative The road mileage is an estimate based on preliminary unit design and road

location at this time Specific temporary road needs will be finalized during project unit layout and

implementation The constructed or re-opened temporary roads and a majority of the unclassified

(unauthorized) roads used in timber harvest operations would be closed at the end of project activities as

described in Chapter II which could be as long as 1 to 3 years after initially re-opened or constructed

The temporary road construction would increase the road density in the project area from 462 up to 479

miles per square mile for the Refined Proposed Action This increase in road density would be reduced

in 1 to 3 years once post sale restoration activities were completed by hydrological stabilizing and

effectively closing ―temporary roads Road closures by themselves would not reduce the overall road

densities from a hydrologic perspective but would result in reduced risk of damage to drainage systems

during wet season use

In general locations of reconstructed temporary roads are on gentle terrain where cut and fill depths

would be minimal and the risk of adverse effects to soil and watershed resources are reduced although

closure methods are typically less effective on gentle terrain In areas where steeper slopes result in cut

banks exceeding 4 feet in height more intensive restoration such as re-shaping would be required

mitigation These areas will be identified during implementation of harvest activities and are expected

to be minimal No new crossings of intermittent stream channels by temporary roads are expected

although more intensive restoration would be required at these sites including re-sloping to original

contours re-vegetating and applying protective ground cover such as mulch or slash if they occur No

new crossings on perennial streams are expected Because of this minimal amount of new temporary

road stream crossings no increase in channel network is expected None of the temporary roads are

located on soils with a severe erosion hazard rating Once restoration efforts are implemented

successfully no increased risk to soil and watershed resources is expected from these roads

Hydrologic Timing and Flows (Rain-on-Snow)

Hydrologic timing of water flows can be impacted by changes in forest canopy levels and increases in

road densities As canopy closure levels are reduced there is an increased potential for a greater amount

of snow deposition on the ground and reductions in losses due to canopy interception (ie snow is

generally deeper in open areas than under trees) Faster rates of snowmelt can be expected on south and

west aspects with slower rates on north and east aspects Changes in snow hydrology have been shown

to be measurable when canopy crown closures are reduced by 50 percent or more on a whole watershed



III-177

unit (Troendle 1980) Opening up tree canopies more than this makes areas more susceptible to adverse

effects due to rain-on-snow events These events occur when snow cover (generally less than 1- 1 frac12

feet deep) receives enough warmer rainfall to exceed its storage capacity and the snow liquefies in a

short period of time sending unusually large amounts of water downstream channels In order to

mitigate changes in hydrologic timing and flows a planning goal of limiting the reduction in the area

weighted percent canopy closure to a change of less than 25 percent in an individual sub-watershed in

the project area has been used in project design and analysis For example the Refined Proposed Action

would decrease the area weighted percent tree crown canopy closure from 385 percent down to 354

percent for the Spring Creek sub-watershed This would be a 31 percent marginal change and at this

level any change in hydrologic timing or flows is not expected to be measurable at the sub-watershed

level or at the larger 5th field HUC level The current highest level of precision in streamflow

measuring techniques at best has a five to ten percent margin of error and any potential changes in

hydrologic flow regimes are not expected to be measurable at a level greater than this accuracy

Groundwater can potentially be impacted by changes in timing and flows resulting from management

activities Changes in canopy closure from harvest or fuels activities and actions which change soil

infiltration rates may influence groundwater recharge rates Roads cuts on steeper terrain can directly

intercept groundwater flow and route water to stream channels at faster rates than would occur naturally

(USDA Forest Service 2007) At the micro-site level riparian reserves will be utilized to protect

springs seeps and wetlands so that no impact on groundwater is expected Since the Refined Proposed

Action is not expected to cause any measurable change in hydrologic timing or flow levels there is not

expected to be any measurable change in groundwater resources

Fueling and operation of chainsaws used in tree falling dozers used in skidding or skyline yarding

equipment used in implementing this project could result in petroleum product spills or fluid leaks that

could result in soil contamination and possible water contamination and pollution from non-point

sources Locations of refueling sites will be approved by Forest Service contract administrators and spill

prevention and management plans will be required which will minimize the risk of potential detrimental

effects

Best Management Practices (BMPlsquos) for the protection of water quality from nonpoint source pollution

(sediment fuel spills etc) would be implemented as described in Chapter II Implementation of these

BMPlsquos would reduce the risk of the Refined Proposed Action affecting local and downstream beneficial

uses of waters flowing from the project area When BMPlsquos are implemented and effective the

assumption is that the State water quality standards will be met (USDA Forest Service 1988) Water

diversions for domestic use at summer homes and resorts along the Highway 410 area would be

protected from disturbance during final unit layout Site-specific mitigation measures were developed

during project layout to protect existing permitted water diversions for domestic use at summer homes

and resorts within or nearby the planning area Mitigation measures and design criteria for stream

protection identified in Chapter II would be implemented and are expected to be successful in protecting

these domestic diversions from any measurable change in water quality or quantity Mitigation

measures include a combination of unit layout and timing of operations (winter yarding with a protective

layer of snow) that are expected to have an effectiveness of 90 percent or greater Water diversions for

dust abatement would be only from Forest Service approved locations

When BMPs are fully implemented water quality standards and the anti-degradation policy (Chapter

173-201A WAC) are expected to be met with the Refined Proposed Action The Refined Proposed



III-178

Action is not expected to substantially alter water quality Full implementation of BMPlsquos has been

shown to be an effective method in preventing and controlling non-point source water pollution (Rashin

Clishe Loch amp Bell 2006) (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 2000) Monitoring

would be conducted during the project in order to validate implementation and effectiveness of BMPs

Gold Creek and the Naches River downstream of the planning area have both exceeded the state

temperature standard of 61 degrees daily maximum for several days during the summer sampling period

Both of the streams have been designated as water quality limited (category 5) for temperature on the

current Washington State 303(d) list None of the treatments will remove streamside vegetation or

reduce shading and therefore treatments will not affect this parameter or exacerbate the 303(d) listing

Harvest activities would occur within three separate sub-watersheds of the Gold Spring Project area

which would disperse and reduce the effects of treatments in any single watershed The maximum

percentage area of the three sub-watersheds treated by commercial thinning ranges from a low of 07

percent for the Gold Creek sub-watershed to a high of 104 percent for the Spring Creek sub-watershed

Any potential changes in hydrologic flow regimes are not expected to be measurable at a level greater

than the current highest level of precision in stream flow measuring techniques which at best has a five

to ten percent margin of error

Harvest and fuel treatment activities which are designed to restore historic fire regimes can benefit soil

productivity and water quality in the long-term (10ndash15 years or more) by reducing the risk of

catastrophic high intensity wildfires and reducing the resulting risk of erosion and loss of site

productivity (Harvey 1994) Short-term (one to five years) increases in available nitrogen can help in

establishment of vegetation (Debano 1991)

Evaluation Summary

Soil stability and watershed condition are closely tied to water quality and aquatic habitat Most of the

actions and effects described for upland soils interact and lead to effects on water quality and

downstream aquatic habitat Generally the risk of negative impacts to soil productivity water quality

and watershed condition would increase proportional to the proposed acres of timber harvest acres of

fuel treatment miles of new road construction acres of commercial harvest or underburning on severe

erosion hazard soils and acres of ground based timber harvest on soils rated severe for soil compaction

hazard Table III29 summarizes the indicators for soil and watershed effects Taking no management

action would have less risk of short-term adverse effects to watershed resources but less benefit for

reduction in watershed susceptibility to potential damage from catastrophic wildfires in the long-term

The Refined Proposed Action would reduce the area weighted canopy closure for the entire project area

from 457 percent down to 408 percent No timber harvest or fuels treatments would occur on soils

with a severe erosion hazard Approximately 97 acres of tractor yarded commercial harvest would occur

on soils with a severe compaction hazard rating Potential effects would include increased rates of

runoff increased stream sedimentation and loss of site productivity but with winter logging required

these effects are not expected to be measurable Increased rates of surface runoff and soil erosion could

be expected from landings and skid trails or severely burned areas where the soil surface organic layer

was removed but any increases due to this project are not expected to be measurable at the smaller sub-

watershed level or larger 5th

field HUC watershed level Mitigation measures would limit the amount of

area subject to increased rates of runoff and Riparian Reserves are expected to filter and trap any eroded

soils before being transported to surface waters No measurable change in streamflow timing or



III-179

amounts is expected and no change in on-site or off-site groundwater supplies is expected Disturbances

on steep slopes (greater than 35 percent) are more susceptible to surface erosion because of higher

velocities of surface runoff as gradients increase In the refined proposed action use of winter yarding

methods and all unit slopes less than 35 percent will mitigate any risk of increased erosion rates by

reducing the amount of surface disturbance The implementation of BMPlsquos is expected to mitigate any

potential adverse effects from these alternatives to levels which are not measurable WFP standard and

guideline requirements for ground cover retention following logging and fuels treatment operations

require higher levels of protection on severe erosion hazard soils which will reduce any potential risk of

increased surface erosion in these areas

The overall area in detrimental soil conditions (compaction displacement and severely burned) is

expected to meet standards when post sale restoration of skid trails landings and temporary roads is

completed (see above table III29) In order to minimize soil disturbance design standards are proposed

which are expected to result in tractor harvesting methods meeting the WFP standards (WFP Table IV-

20 pg IV-97) Designated skid trails utilization of existing skid trails when in desirable locations and

winter logging when sufficient snow cover or frozen ground conditions to prevent compaction are some

of the design standards that would be implemented in order to meet soil standards Past monitoring of

harvest activities has shown that these mitigation measures are greater than 90 percent effective when

implemented as designed (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 2000)

The differences in treatment acreage and roads between the projected future condition and the Refined

Proposed Action are summarized below in Table III30 The Refined Proposed Action would treat

approximately 364 total acres by commercial harvest A total of approximately 4318 acres could

potentially be treated with burning with the Refined Proposed Action




III-180

Table III30 Evaluation summary -- Soil and Watershed Resources

Watershed Resource Evaluation Criteria

Projected Future

Condition

Refined

Proposed

Action Total Acres of commercial timber harvest with underburning 0 364

Acres Treated by Ground Based Winter Yarding Systems 0 364

Acres Treated by Ground Based Yarding on Severe

Compaction Soils

0 97

Acres Underburned 0 4392

Acres Commercial Timber Harvest on Severe Erosion Hazard

Soils

0 0

Acres Underburn on Severe Erosion Hazard Soils 0 0

Area Weighted Canopy Closure Percent (total planning area)

and (Marginal Change)

4573

(0)

4075

(-498 )

Gold Creek Watershed Canopy Closure Percent and

(Marginal Change)

3613

(0)

3593

(-020 )

Spring Creek Watershed Canopy Closure Percent and

(Marginal Change)

3852

(0)

3541

(-311 )

Pine Creek Watershed Canopy Closure Percent and

(Marginal Change)

4544

(0)

4383

(-161 )

Miles Maintenance Level 1 Roads Opened 0 040

Miles Temporary Road Construction 0 113

Road Density for Gold Spring Project Area 462 479

Note The treatment alternatives show weighted canopy closure percents with decreases from 311 to 020 percent marginal

change Most all of the harvest activity occurs in stands within the 40 to 69 percent canopy closure category which are

reduced into the 10 to 39 percent category The actual percentage of canopy closure being removed by timber harvest in

refined proposed action is approximately 25 to 35 percent on the commercially thinned treatment acreage Commercial

thinning treatments would generally only remove smaller diameter understory material with minor amounts of overstory

canopy closure reduction At this level of tree crown canopy removal changes in hydrologic timing and flows are not

expected to be measurable at the watershed scale (Troendle 1980)

Proposed Silvicultural and Fuels Treatment - Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects from past current and foreseeable future activities are an important concern in the

Naches Watershed and can be affected by actions on private lands as well as National Forest System

lands The cumulative effects analysis boundary for this project is the 5th

field watershed scale Within

the 5th

field watershed smaller sub-watersheds were analyzed in order to address affects that might be

masked at the larger scale The time scale for cumulative watershed effects is considered the time

required for vegetation to achieve hydrologic recovery For conifer stands this is achieved when greater

than 70 percent canopy closure occurs typically in 20 to 30 years for a regeneration unit For soil

compaction recovery by natural processes generally a 30 to 40 year period is necessary



III-181

Cumulative watershed effects are generally manifested by increased rates of runoff which result in

increased surface erosion stream channel scouring and changes in timing and volume of streamflows

Increased levels of soil compaction can lead to faster rates of surface water runoff Reductions in

canopy cover can lead to changes in snow deposition and melt rates with resulting changes in

streamflow and groundwater recharge Increased road construction can lead to faster rates of surface

water runoff interception of groundwater and routing to stream channels

Most of the acres within the Gold Spring Project area have been subject to timber harvest activity heavy

recreation use and impacts from grazing by elk and domestic range animals Past harvest entries have

occurred on approximately 75 percent of the forested lands within the project area Soil compaction

from repeated timber harvest operations and tractor piling for fuels treatment on some of these areas has

resulted in levels of soil compaction that exceed WFP Standards and Guidelines This soil compaction

concern is highest in the old clearcut harvest areas where skid trail patterns are more concentrated than

would be allowed under current standard operating procedures particularly on the Bograp soil series

(soil mapping unit 19) Based on field assessments and past monitoring approximately 50 acres of the

project area have detrimental soil disturbance levels ranging from 20 to 45 percent exceeding the

Wenatchee Forest Plan Standards amp Guidelines as a result of past harvest activity (USDA Forest

Service Wenatchee National Forest 2000) Because these old harvest units were logged 20 or more

years ago natural processes and re-vegetation with deep rooted perennial grasses has reduced the

compaction level by approximately 50 percent These compacted soil areas occur outside of proposed

harvest treatment areas for the Gold Spring Project but would add incrementally to the cumulative effect

of increased rates of surface water runoff within the 5th

field watershed

The potential for additional soil compaction from tractor yarding and fuels reduction operations is

expected to be reduced by implementation of the design standards described in Chapter II and standards

and guidelines for soil disturbance are expected to be met Soil restoration activities are expected to

reduce the effects from past harvest entries and improve soil conditions in the long-term The overall

area in detrimental soil conditions (compaction displacement and severely burned) is expected to meet

standards when post sale restoration of skid trails landings and temporary roads is completed (see

above table III-X) Implementation and effectiveness monitoring from past projects has shown that the

proposed design standards are successful in meeting Forest Plan requirements (USDA Forest Service



to high intensity rain-on-snow storm events As mentioned above past timber harvest operations have

occurred over approximately 75 percent of the project area The last sales in this area occurred over 20

years ago and recovery of compacted areas by natural processes has begun to occur as deep-rooted

vegetation is re-established A large percentage of the project area has had some level of timber harvest

in the past but the most recent harvest occurred more than 20 years ago Existing clearcut harvest units

have recovered to the level that crown closures exceed 70 percent and are considered to be fully

recovered hydrologically in terms of water yield and evapotranspiration rates (Troendle 1980) The

project area as a whole currently has 568 percent of the acreage in crown closures greater than 40

percent and this would be reduced to 485 percent

The Refined Proposed Action would decrease the area weighted percent tree crown canopy closure from

385 percent down to 354 percent for the Spring Creek sub-watershed This would be a 31 percent

marginal change and is the greatest change for any of the sub-watersheds for the Action Alternative



III-182

The treatment alternative has a range of decreases from 31 to 02 percent marginal change These levels

of change are all within the planning goal of not reducing the canopy closure for any individual sub-

watershed by more than 25 percent At this level of tree crown canopy removal changes in hydrologic

timing and flows are not expected to be measurable at the watershed scale (Troendle 1980) Any

increases in soil moisture and groundwater levels that result from increases in snow deposition after

thinning would most likely be utilized by increases in vigor and rates of evapotranspiration of the

remaining vegetation

Harvest and fuels management effects would also be mitigated by the fact that the proposed activities

would be dispersed in time over a span of two to three years Harvest activities would occur within

three separate sub-watersheds of the Gold Spring Project area which would further disperse and reduce

the effects of treatments in any single sub-watershed and the much larger 5th

field watershed The

maximum percentage area of the three sub-watersheds treated by commercial thinning ranges from a

low of 07 percent for the Gold Creek sub-watershed to a high of 104 percent for the Spring Creek sub-

watershed Any potential changes in hydrologic flow regimes are not expected to be measurable at a

level greater than the current highest level of precision in streamflow measuring techniques which at

best has a five to ten percent margin of error Since changes are not expected to be measurable at the

smaller sub-watershed level they would also not be measurable at the larger 5th

field HUC level

Other harvest activities have occurred within the 5th

field watersheds that the Gold Spring project lies in

Harvest activities within the last 20 years on National Forest lands have been designed to meet standards

which protect soil and water resources similarly to current practices A minor amount of harvest has

occurred on state and private lands in the lower portions of the Naches River 5th

field watershed These

activities may have led to small incremental increases in rates on surface erosion runoff but these

changes are not expected to be measurable at the 5th

field watershed level

Cumulative Effects of Other Activities

The area has also received soil compaction and displacement from cross country motorized vehicle use

wild ungulates and sheep grazed on the Manastash Allotment Minor amounts of hazard tree removal

have occurred by Washington State DOT along Highway 410 and within summer home residence areas

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Continued hazard tree removal will continue along Highway 410 and within summer home residence

areas which will add incrementally to the lowering of canopy closure within the 5th

field watersheds

Continued soil compaction and displacement from cross country motorized vehicle use wild ungulates

and cattle grazing will add incrementally to the disturbed soil conditions within the 5th

field watersheds

These activities have been evaluated with the proposed actions and a determination has been made that

their effects combined with those of the proposed actions would contribute incrementally to cumulative

effects in the project analysis area but the increase would not be measurably in terms of streamflow site

productivity or sediment yield at the 5th

field watershed level or the smaller sub-watershed level Best

Management Practices (BMPs) are expected to be fully implemented and cumulative effects as a result

of this project and anticipated similar types of activities on nearby State and private lands are expected

to be insignificant



III-183

Effects of the Proposed Road Management Activities on Soil and Watershed Resources


Road analysis during the planning process identified approximately 487 miles of existing system roads

which are proposed for obliteration if funding becomes available from sources separate from the timber

sale contract An additional approximately 087 miles would be closed and put into storage condition

These actions would result in a permanent reduction in road density from 462 down to 391 for the

planning area The closed roads placed in storage condition would not be considered obliterated but

would reduce the risk of damage during wet season use Road obliteration can increase the short-term

erosion risk until vegetation is re-established

Stream crossing construction on the 1707 Road has the potential for short-term increases in

sedimentation but proposed mitigation measures are expected to be effective in reducing this risk Re-

opening the lower section of 1707 will increase public use on this segment and potentially lead to the

need for increased road maintenance in order to ensure the proper functioning of drainage structures

Seasonal closure with a gate at Highway 410 would help reduce the risk of road damage

Cumulative Effects

Road closures and obliteration would result in an incremental benefit to overall watershed condition At

the 5th

field watershed level the incremental change in sediment yield due to this project would most

likely not be measurable either as a short-term (1 to 5 years) increase or long-term (10 to 15 year)

decrease

Effects of the Proposed RecreationTrail Management Activities on Soil and Watershed Resources


Relocation of the groomed snowmobile route would result in potential short-term increased risk of

sedimentation during removal of the bridge and restoration of the trail in the riparian area Long-term

reduction in erosion and sedimentation would be expected following the relocation outside the riparian

area and closure to OHV use during the snow free periods of the year

Cumulative Effects

Relocation of the groomed snowmobile route would result in an incremental benefit to overall watershed

condition At the 5th

field watershed level the incremental change in sediment yield due to this project

would most likely not be measurable either as a short-term (1 to 5 years) increase or long-term (10 to 15

year) decrease

Effects of the Proposed Invasive Species Management on Soil and Watershed Resources


Proposed commercial timber harvest and underburning have the potential to create additional seedbeds

for noxious weeds and could contribute to their spread if proposed invasive plant control measures are

not fully implemented Increases in populations of invasive species can have a detrimental effect on

soils Native deep-rooted perennial vegetation is more effective in stabilizing surface soils reversing the

effects of compaction and providing protective ground cover Invasive species can inhibit the re-

vegetation of disturbed areas by desirable native species that provide effective long-term benefits

Noxious weed treatments include manual chemical mechanical and cultural methods Treatments

which create bare soil conditions or cause soil disturbance have the potential to increase surface erosion

rates in the short-term until native vegetation is reestablished Mitigation measures for water quality



III-184

utilized with the chemical treatment options are expected to have 90 percent or greater effectiveness in

protecting surface waters

Cumulative Effects

Without revegetation (seeding) noxious weed treatments would add incrementally to the risk of

increased surface erosion rates in the short-term until native vegetation is reestablished Treatment sites

are dispersed in location and are not expected to lead to measurable increases in off-site sediment yields

at the 5th

field watershed level or the smaller sub-watershed level In the long-term reestablishment of

native deep rooted perennial species will reduce the risk of soil erosion and lead to the restoration of

compacted soil areas

Consistency Findings




current Washington State 303(d) list This project would have no effect on the stream temperatures

within the planning area or the downstream segments of Gold Creek and the Naches Rivers With

mitigation requirements for no harvest in riparian reserves and only allowing fire to creep into riparian

reserves without active lighting none of the treatments will remove streamside vegetation or shading

and therefore treatments will not affect this parameter or exacerbate the 303(d) listings downstream

Because BMPs would be fully implemented water quality standards and the anti-degradation policy

(Chapter 173-201A WAC) are expected to be met with the Refined Proposed Action The Refined

Proposed Action is not expected to substantially alter the water quality Full implementation of BMPlsquos

has been shown to be an effective method in preventing and controlling nonpoint source water pollution

(Rashin Clishe Loch amp Bell 2006) (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 2000)

Monitoring would be conducted during the project in order to validate implementation and effectiveness

of BMPs and assure compliance with the Clean Water Act and State water quality regulations

Implementation of mitigation measures for Riparian Reserves will ensure compliance with EO 11988

Floodplain Management (Executive Order 11988 of 1977 1977) and EO 11990 Wetland Protection

(Executive Order 11990 of 1977 1977)

FISHERIES HABITAT AQUATIC HABITAT AND FISHERY RESOURCES


The project area encompasses a small portion of the Naches Mainstem 5th

field Watershed Analysis

Area (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District 1995) The Naches mainstem watershed area

includes the Naches River from its confluence with Rattlesnake Creek upstream to the confluence of the

Bumping and Little Naches Rivers and all tributaries between The project area includes lands within

the Gold Creek Spring Creek and Pine Creek drainages Gold Creek Spring Creek and Pine Creek are

minor tributaries of the Naches River at river miles 386 412 and 415 The Naches mainstem

watershed was designated a Tier 1 Key Watershed in the Northwest Forest Plan

To calculate road densities within the Naches Mainstem watershed only system roads and jeep trails

within the National Forest boundary were considered divided by the total acres within the National



III-185

Forest boundary The Naches Mainstem watershed encompasses 105921 acres but only 77905 acres

(1217 square miles) are within the National Forest Approximately 4062 miles of system road and

254 miles of system jeep trails occur within National Forest in the Naches Mainstem watershed This

equates to a total road density of 355 milessquare mile

Perennial streams within the project area include Pine Creek (approximately 14 miles) Gold Creek

(approximately 21 miles and 14 miles of the North Fork) and Spring Creek (approximately 16 miles)

Both Spring Creek and Pine Creek have minimal low flows and may have sections of interrupted surface

flow during drought years During a drought year survey in 1994 Spring Creek had no surface flow

above mile 065 but in October 2009 surface flow was observed in Spring Creek at the lower 1705 road

crossing of the forks of Spring Creek (about mile 08)

Gold Creek and Spring Creek drainages occur on National Forest and private lands Private timberlands

(Plum Creek Timber Company) in the headwaters are intermingled with National Forest lands in a

checkerboard pattern Most Plum Creek lands have been intensively harvested for timber The Pine

Creek drainage lies entirely within National Forest

Naches Mainstem Watershed Fish Distribution

Steelhead (Oncorhyncus mykiss) chinook salmon (Oncorhyncus tshawytscha) coho salmon

(Oncorhyncus keta) westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhyncus clarki) redbandrainbow (Oncorhyncus

mykiss) bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) mountain whitefish

(Prosopium williamsoni) sculpin (Cottis spp) speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) and suckers

(Catostomus spp) occupy the mainstem Naches watershed

Within the project area Gold Creek is the only fish bearing stream occupied by westslope cutthroat

trout (O clarki) and sculpins (Cottus spp) Spring and Pine Creeks are not occupied by fish upstream

of State Highway 410 because of low flow and fish passage barriers just north of Highway 410

Distributions described here include only verified occurrences and do not imply that fish distribution is

restricted to these areas Streams in the project area drain directly to the Naches River

Spring chinook salmon in the Naches River are considered depressed (Washington Department of

Fisheries Washington Department of Wildlife Western Washington Treaty Indian Tribes 1992)

MacDonald et al (MacDonald Noble amp Haskins 1996) identified the mainstem Naches watershed as

significant for spring chinook because it contains primary spawning areas Spring Chinook spawn and

rear in the Naches River throughout the Naches mainstem watershed but are not known to spawn in

tributaries likely due to habitat availability The tributaries lack sufficient size and flow during the

spawning season (early September) to provide large holding pools and fish migration passage (USDA

Forest Service Naches Ranger District 1995) In recent years (2000-2009) returns of spring Chinook

(and spawning redd counts) in the Yakima River and the Naches River have significantly increased

Adult spring chinook enter the Yakima River between late April and July (Yakama Nation 1990) In

1993 adult chinook were jumping the Wapatox diversion dam on the Naches River during the first two

weeks of June Adult fish then hold in deep pools with cover in the Naches River until the last week of

August when spawning begins Spawning activity peaks in the second week of September Emergence

begins as early as mid-March and continues through the first half of June with an overall mean in mid-

April The fry then move downstream with some staying in the upper Naches River and with others

moving downstream into the lower Naches River below the forest boundary The outmigration of



III-186

smolts peaks around the second week of April and dwindles to a few fish per day by late June (Yakama

Nation 1990)

The Yakama Nation has been conducting annual spawning surveys of Chinook salmon in the Yakima

River basin since 1981 Counting redds (spawning nests) annually is a reliable method for monitoring

the status of a salmonid population The mainstem Naches River contains a large amount of the spring

Chinook spawning habitat in the Naches basin From 1981 to 2009 the mainstem Naches River

accounted for 36 of the total number of redds in the Naches basin with an average of 179 redds per

year From 2000-2009 the mainstem Naches River averaged 247 redds per year The Yakima River

Basin is not supplemented with hatchery steelhead

Steelhead occur throughout the Naches mainstem watershed however the only mainstem tributary

verified to support spawning is Nile Creek Steelhead could potentially spawn in lower Rock Creek or

Milk Creek (outside of the project area) but this has not been verified by spawning surveys

Hockersmith et al (Hockersmith Vella Stuehrenberg Iwamoto amp Swan 1995) conducted a radio

telemetry study on adult steelhead between 1989 and 1992 in the Yakima River basin Of the 105 fish

tagged that completed migration to spawning reaches 34 (32 percent) spawned in the Naches River

drainage Within the Naches River drainage tagged fish spawned in the mainstem Naches River

Rattlesnake Creek Bumping River and Little Naches River

Most adult steelhead enter the Yakima River in September and overwinter in the river below the mouth

of Satus Creek The fish continue their migration in February when they begin ascending tributaries to

spawn Steelhead spawning activity in the Naches basin occurs between mid-February thru mid-May

and peaks in mid-April thru mid-May (Hockersmith Vella Stuehrenberg Iwamoto amp Swan 1995)

Fry emergence has been estimated to occur from May to August (Confederated Tribes and Bands of the

Yakima Indian Nation 1990) It is also thought that the majority of steelhead fry have emerged by the

end of June (Harvester 1997) Most juvenile steelhead rear in their natal stream while some move

downstream to rear and a few move as far downstream as Prosser to rear According to monitoring at

Prosser the smolt outmigration begins in April and ends around mid-June (Yakama Nation 1990)

Returning adult steelhead to the Yakima basin are counted at Prosser Dam In recent years (2000-2009)

returns of summer steelhead to the Yakima basin have increased Average returns of wild adults

counted at Prosser dam have increased from 1197 (1988-1999) to 2797 (2000-2009)

The resident native redbandrainbow and anadromous steelhead may be one population exhibiting

multiple life history strategies (Pearson Phelps Martin Bartrand amp McMichael 2007) and ecological

and genetic evidence indicates that rainbow trout and steelhead in the Yakima Basin interbreed when in

sympatry Pearson et al (Pearson Phelps Martin Bartrand amp McMichael 2007) found the habitat

occupation overlap of rainbow trout and steelhead spawning to be very high and commonly observed

suspected breeding between rainbow trout and steelhead The status of redbandrainbow populations is

further confounded by a long history of stocking hatchery rainbow trout Therefore if redbandrainbow

type fish are found in a stream and there are no migration barriers it is assumed steelhead could be

present The mainstem Naches is considered to be a significant watershed for steelhead due to the

known steelhead spawning population in Nile Creek and the in mainstem Naches River

Coho salmon historically inhabited the Naches River watershed but the native runs were considered

extirpated by 1979 (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District 1995) The Yakama Nation began

re-introducing coho salmon to the watershed in 1995 in cooperation with NOAA and Washington State



III-187

Department of Fish and Wildlife Coho stock came from lower Columbia River hatcheries and the

intent is to develop a Mid-Columbia stock over time

Within the mainstem Naches watershed bull trout occur in the Naches River and recently have been

found in lower Nile Creek No bull trout are known to occupy streams in the project area and no bull

trout spawning has been documented in the mainstem Naches watershed Adult bull trout present in the

mainstem Naches River are primarily fluvial fish They spawn in cold headwater streams (Rattlesnake

Creek American River and Crow Creek) in late summer and then forageoverwinter in larger rivers

from fall through spring In a radio tracking study by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

adult bull trout in the Naches River were found to migrate downstream to near the confluence of the

Naches and Yakima Rivers

Special Status Fish Species and Designated Critical Habitat

Several fish species inhabiting the Naches mainstem watershed are considered Sensitive by the Forest

Service protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) or designated as Management Indicator

Species (MIS) under the Wenatchee Forest Plan (1990)

Westslope cutthroat trout and interior redband (rainbow) trout are on the Regional Foresterlsquos Sensitive

Species list for Region Six of the Forest Service When the terms cutthroat and redbandrainbow are

used we are referring to westslope cutthroat and interior redband trout although we may not be certain of

the genetic status due to widespread introgression primarily with non-native rainbow strains Westslope

cutthroat trout are the only Special Status Fish Species present within the project area and occur in Gold

Creek

The pygmy whitefish is also a Sensitive Species on the Forest Pygmy whitefish are primarily found in

relic populations in western North America from the Columbia River drainage north to Alaska It is

most commonly found in cold lakes deeper than 20 feet and cold streams with moderate to swift

currents (Wydoski amp Whitney 1979) Currently pygmy whitefish are found in four lakes on the

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest None of the lakes are within or downstream of the project area

therefore pygmy whitefish will not be discussed further in this analysis

Steelhead in the Yakima River basin are part of the Mid-Columbia Distinct Population Segment (DPS)

which were listed as Threatened by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 1999 and are federally

protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Columbia River bull trout were listed as

Threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in 1998 Within the Naches mainstem

watershed the Naches River Gold Creek (mouth to Highway 410) Lost Creek (lower 015 miles from

the mouth) and Nile Creek (up to Glass Creek) are designated Critical Habitat for MCR steelhead No

designated Critical Habitat for MCR steelhead or bull trout occurs within the project area

Management Indicator Species in the Wenatchee Forest Plan include spring Chinook salmon steelhead

cutthroat trout and bull trout

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

Within the Naches mainstem watershed the Naches River and all tributaries are considered Essential

Fish Habitat EFH for Chinook and coho salmon under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and

Management Act Essential Fish Habitat for Chinook and coho salmon includes all streams lakes

ponds wetlands tributaries and other water bodies currently viable and most of the habitat historically



III-188

accessible to Chinook and coho salmon Spring Chinook salmon are widespread in the Naches River

and its larger tributaries

Aquatic Habitat

Stream reaches surveyed in the project area include Gold Creek (1992) using the Forest Service Region

6 stream inventory protocol Stream survey data will be used to evaluate if Wenatchee National Forest

riparian area standards are being achieved in distinct stream reaches

Large Woody Debris (LWD)

LWD plays an important role in the physical condition of stream channels and the formation of complex

fish habitat LWD is a critical structural component in mountain streams forming pools and overhead

cover and it also regulates the transport and deposition of sediment gravel and organic matter The

Wenatchee National Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 1990) has a

riparian area standard of 100 pieces of in-channel LWD per mile The standard further details that 80

of the wood should be gt 12 diameter and gt 50lsquo in length and 20 of the wood should be gt 20

diameter and gt 50lsquo in length In the habitat survey LWD is counted within three size classes for

eastside forests large is gt 20 X 35lsquo long medium is gt 12 X 35lsquo long and small is gt 6 diameter X 20lsquo

long To compare existing conditions to the Forest Plan standard only the large and medium sizes

qualify towards the standard See Table III31for LWD densities in the Gold Creek drainage Surveyed

stream reaches in the project area are meeting the Forest Plan standard No other stream reaches within

the project area have been surveyed using the protocol

Table III31 Large woody debrismile Gold Creek (most recent survey data by reach)

Stream Reach Length

(miles)

Large Medium Small Large+

MedMile

Gold Creek (1992) 1 139 49 71 ND 120 2 376 45 71 147 116

3 158 68 82 84 150

Riparian ReservesStreambank Stability

The Forest Plan standard states that gt90 ground cover should be provided by trees shrubs grasses

sedges and duff within the floodplain and true riparian zone Stream survey data on the Gold Creek

(1992) classified all three reaches as having excellent ground cover (75-100)

Pools

The Forest Plan primary pool standard for low gradient streams (lt2) is one or more pools for every 6

channel widths (average bank-full width by reach) Stream reaches gt2 gradient should have one or

more pools for every 3 bank-full channel widths Primary pools have a maximum low flow depth of gt 3

feet For this analysis however pool densities will simply be reported as total pools per mile as field

measurements of bank full width were not taken using current accepted protocol Therefore pool data

will not be use to evaluate habitat conditions in relation to Forest Plan standards



III-189

Table III32 Pool frequencies in Gold Creek

Stream Reach Reach

Gradient

WNF Pool

Standard

Observed

Pools Per

Mile

Gold Creek 1 40 NA 136

2 10 NA 231

3 15 NA 114

Fine Sediment

Fine sediment has a significant influence on aquatic health channel stability and water quality The

Forest Plan standard is to maintain lt20 fines (lt 10 mm) as the area weighted average in spawning

habitat No sampling has been done in these drainages that can correlate to the Forest Plan standards

Water Quality

A limited amount of water quality data has been collected in the project area Water temperatures have

been monitored in Gold Creek and North Fork Gold Creek State water quality standards which are

most likely affected by forest management are fecal coliform dissolved oxygen temperature and

turbidity All surface waters within the National Forest are subject to the state Class AA Extraordinary

standards which are 61 degrees (F) daily maximum for temperature The Forest Plan specifies an

average seven day maximum temperature standard of 58 degrees F Gold Creek and NF Gold Creek

were monitored in several locations within the National Forest between 1994 and 2000 Except for the

Gold Creek in 1994 (at the National Forest boundary and below Old Gold timber harvest unit 8) the

streams have met forest and state standards during the in years that monitoring occurred A drought year

occurred in 1994 which likely increased water temperatures because of decreased base stream flows

Analysis Method

The project area can be characterized as dry forest type and includes only a few small perennial

streams fed by springs Native fish species inhabit portions of these streams A network of draws (with

no defined channel scour) and intermittent stream channels (with defined channel scour) feed the

perennial streams during spring runoff and periods of significant rainfall To assess project effects to

fisheries habitat and water quality this analysis primarily focuses on the potential of soil erosion

features (from ground disturbance) to deliver sediment to intermittent stream channels and subsequently

to perennial fish-bearing streams Construction of temporary logging roads can increase the drainage

network within a watershed For this analysis if a temporary logging road is proposed to cross an

intermittent or perennial stream channel (excluding drainage draws) the drainage network is assumed to

increase 300 feet on each side of the stream channel (600 feet) By implementing road system BMPlsquos

the risk of sediment delivery to stream channels at temporary road crossings should be minimized

Important Interactions

Forest management activities that disturb the soil such as road building log yarding burning or

scarification can alter the pathways water takes to stream channels and hence increase (or decrease) the

volume of peak streamflows Soil can be compacted by logging equipment or by logs dragged over the

ground during yarding and site preparation If the infiltration capacity of the soil is sufficiently reduced

water runs off over rather than infiltrating into the soil Higher peak flows and increased sediment

transport result (Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991) In general log skidding by tractors exposes the

most amount of soil followed by high-lead and skyline yarding Helicopter or balloon skidding cause



III-190

the least ground disturbance and soil exposure In steep terrain high-lead cable yarding can disturb soils

over 30-60 of the logged areas On flat terrain or over snow cover even tractor yarding may cause

negligible disturbances to soils (Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991)

The potential for surface erosion is directly related to the amount of bare compacted soil exposed to

rainfall and runoff Roads ditches skid trails and landings have relatively impermeable surfaces and

water runs off them rapidly and potentially can deliver large quantities of fine sediments to stream

channels depending on their proximity to routing channels and streams Ditches along roads not only

collect surface runoff they can intercept subsurface flow and bring it onto the ground surface There is

evidence that roads can accelerate storm runoff and cause higher peak flows in small basins

(Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991) The best erosion control practices are to avoid operations in very

wet seasons maintain vegetative buffer zones below open slopes (landings and created openings) skid

logs over snow and ensure prompt revegetation of areas with exposed soils (Chamberlain Harr amp

Everest 1991) Silvicultural activities that require scarification or burning can increase sediment

production (and delivery to streams) if buffer strips are not left between treated areas and stream

channels Even when burns do not expose mineral soil a water-repellent layer can form and reduce

water infiltration into the soil increasing the runoff available for surface erosion (Chamberlain Harr amp

Everest 1991)

Timber management activities can affect streamflows by altering the water balance or by affecting the

rate at which water moves from hillsides to stream channels The more severe the alteration of the

hydrologic cycle is the greater the effect on streamflows and hence on fish habitats will be

(Chamberlin et al 1991) Harvested areas contain wetter soils than unlogged areas during periods of

evapotranspiration and hence higher groundwater levels and more potential late summer runoff The

effect lasts 3-5 years until new root systems occupy the soil (Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991)

Influences on Water Quality

The principal water quality variables that may be influenced by timber harvesting are temperature

suspended sediment dissolved oxygen and nutrients

Temperature- Solar energy is the largest component of energy available to warm stream water in

summer If streamside vegetation is removed summer water temperatures usually increase in direct

proportion to the increase in sunlight that reaches the water surface Smaller streams have a greater

potential for increases in temperature from streamside harvesting than do larger streams because a

greater proportion of their surface areas will be newly exposed to warming effect of the sun However

they may be more effectively shaded by smaller trees (alders willows cottonwoods etc) or deciduous

vegetation (Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991)

Suspended Sediment- Forest harvesting and silviculture can influence suspended sediment

concentrations in a variety of ways all related to the erosion and sedimentation processes discussed

earlier Most streams carry some sediment and the amount varies seasonally but we are most

concerned about actions that substantially change the magnitude timing or duration of sediment

transport and overwhelm the ability of salmonids to cope with or avoid the resulting stress

(Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991) Poorly designedlocated roads and skid trails can be persistent

sources of sediment but so are open slopes with soils exposed by yarding activities mass movements

or intense fire Gravel surfaced roads can increase sediment runoff production significantly when

heavily used by logging trucks (Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991) The importance of maintaining



III-191

the integrity of the riparian zone (minimizing ground disturbance) during harvest operations cannot be

overemphasized In addition to disturbing surface soil activities near streambanks may destabilize

channel margins releasing sands that settle in and clog the streambed gravels (Chamberlain Harr amp

Everest 1991)

Dissolved Oxygen- Concentrations of dissolved oxygen in intergravel spaces may be reduced if fine

organic debris accumulates on and in the streambed The high chemical and biological oxygen demands

of such debris and the bacteria on it may persist for long periods until the bottom material is removed by

high flows Logging and skidding near small streams obscured by snow are particularly likely to

contribute fine organic debris to watercourses during spring runoffs Clogging of surface gravels by fine

inorganic sediments can restrict inter-gravel flow enough to lower dissolved oxygen concentrations

This problem usually occurs only when large or persistent volumes of sediment emanate from active

road systems mass soil movements bank slumps or destabilized upstream stream channels

(Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991)

Nutrients- Concentrations of inorganic nutrients (eg NPKCa) in streams may increase after logging

but usually by moderate amounts and for short periods Likewise 5 to 10 fold increases in nutrient

releases after slash burning have shown rapid returns to earlier levels The mobilization of nutrients is

tempered by their adsorption onto soil particles and by their uptake by microorganisms that decompose

stream detritus (Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991)

Influences on Stream Sedimentation

Sediment transport in forest streams involves the detachment and entrainment of sediment particles

their transport and their deposition The process repeats whenever flow velocities are high enough to

move the streams available material Forest harvesting directly affects these processes when it increases

(or decreases) sediment quantities delivered to stream channels when it alters the peak flow or the

frequency of high flows and when it changes the structure of the channel by removing the supply of

large wood that forms sediment storage sites Streambank erosion and lateral channel migration also

contribute sediments through natural events and if protective vegetation and living root systems are

removed (Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991) When sediment delivery to streams is increased the

intrusion or infliltration of some of the sediment particles into relatively clean or porous streambed

gravel layers occurs If the sediment source persists increased amounts may settle deeper into the

streambed and have longer-lasting effects on egg and fry survival (Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991)

Environmental Consequences- Fisheries Habitat Aquatic Habitat and Fisheries Resources


Direct effects are caused by the action and occur at the same time and place Direct effects to fish would

result from actions that directly degrade occupied fish habitat (ie streamside clear cut LWD removal

in-channel construction adjacent to within a fish bearing stream) or cause direct mortality of

individuals No ground disturbance activities are proposed that are adjacent to or within fish bearing

streams Through implementation of project design criteria no direct effects to fish are expected to

occur from the Proposed Actions

Indirect impacts are impacts that alter a resource or habitat conditions Indirect impacts have delayed or

unforeseen effects that occur in the future or in a different location than the original action For

example construction of log landings and temporary logging roads cause disturbed bare soil that is at

risk of erosion If vegetation buffers between disturbed ground and stream channels are insufficient to



III-192

capture and filter out soil erosion from overland water flows mobilized sediment may be delivered to

active stream channels that drain into fish bearing streams (Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991)

Elevated sediment levels can impede the spawning process and lower the chances of salmonid egg

survival Increase in sedimentation as a result of project implementation could result in less favorable

fish habitat For purposes of this analysis indirect effects are associated with sediment delivery to

intermittent and perennial stream channels from ground disturbance at skid trails temporary logging

roads and landings increased truck traffic on existing forest roads road obliteration road relocation and

culvert removalconstruction in perennial streams

Implementing no management action would result in no indirect effects to water quality or fish habitat

because no ground disturbance from cable yarding and log skidding temporary road construction and

use or logging use of existing Forest roads would occur Stream shade to perennial streams would not

be affected because no tree cutting would occur In the long term there would be no watershed benefits

from reducing tree densities in stands that are over stocked Tree growth and vigor would continue to be

repressed due to competition and insect damage limiting the production of large diameter trees in

Riparian Reserves There would be no potential watershed benefits from reducing the risk of stand

replacing wildfires Risk of wildfire occurrence and severe burn intensities could increase due to the

cumulative increase of fuel densities Without the proposed commercial thinning small diameter tree

thinning and prescribed burning fuel loadings would continue to increase Watersheds subject to stand

replacement wildfire with severe burn intensities would likely show increased sediment delivery to

streams Road densities in the Naches Mainstem watershed would remain at 355 miles per square mile

(412 milessqmi including non-system user built roads)

Without implementing integrated noxious weed treatments noxious weeds would be expected to spread

at the current rate and possibly even faster since existing populations would not be controlled By not

controlling existing populations the potential for spread may increase as existing populations provide a

ready seed source Further spread of noxious weed infestations within riparian areas may cause the

heavy fibrous rooted native vegetation to incrementally be replaced with shallow or single tap rooted

weeds However newly disturbed areas susceptible to noxious weed establishment would be minimal

Noxious weeds would continue to primarily infest roadsides old harvest unitslandings and dispersed

campsites Increased soil erosion may occur where noxious weeds have replaced native vegetation

Diffuse knapweed is one of the most common noxious weed infesting riparian habitats in the project

area A knapweed dominated site provides little ground cover and potentially increases surface erosion

Lacey et al (Lacey Marlow amp Lane 1989) as cited in USDA (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee

National Forest 1999) found that knapweed infested sites can increase surface runoff and sediment yield

with adverse effects to water quality

Effects of the Proposed Silviculture Motorized Travel and Fuels Treatments on Fisheries Habitat and

Water Quality


Approximately 364 acres of commercial timber harvest is proposed All of the proposed timber harvest

would be yarded using a ground based system (caterpillar rubber tire skidder or forwarder) To

minimize ground disturbance and soil compaction timber harvesting would be restricted to winter

season (over snowfrozen ground conditions) in accordance with the Wenatchee National Forest

Ground Based Harvest Policy (Over-Snow and Climatic Provisions)



III-193

Approximately 113 miles of temporary logging roads (existing templates) would be constructed for

timber harvest use only Re-opening these segments of temporary roads is necessary to provide log

truck access to the landings within harvest units To construct temporary roads a bulldozer will do light

excavation to smooth off rough areas and clear small trees and vegetation The temporary roads are

rough and scattered with rocks and boulders from being deep ripped after the last timber sale in this

area The timber sale purchaser would likely construct all of the temporary roads in late fall prior to the

ground freezing up hard Temporary roads would be narrow low standard logging roads (12 feet wide

or less) This equates to approximately 16 acres of temporary road construction template across the

4392 acre project area When feasible landings will be located on existing system roads to minimize

new ground excavation For timber harvest 17 old landing sites would be re-used and 5 new landings

would be constructed Landing size typically averages 05 acre so approximately 11 acres would be

affected by ground disturbance Most landing sites would need minimal or no excavation some would

require vegetation clearing (typically shrubs and forest regeneration) Four split-level landing sites

would utilize existing roads and each would only have approximately 002 acres of excavation for a

skidder approach to unload logs

Reducing fuels with underburning would occur on up to 4392 acres in the project area Logging slash

and tree tops generated during commercial harvesting at landings may either be hauled away for

biomass energy production or pile burned on site

Within Recreational Residence special use areas (49 cabins) cabin owners will be permitted to reduce

fuels (by pruning or cutting treesshrubs) within 50 feet of their cabins Only trees lt 7 inches in

diameter (at ground level) may be cut No live vegetation within 100 feet of stream channels may be

cut Because fuel reduction actions proposed within cabin areas would not cause any ground

disturbance or reduce stream canopy closure within 100 feet of any stream channels this action will

have no effect to fisheries habitat and water quality and will not be discussed further in this effects

analysis

Timber Stand Improvement (TSI cutting trees lt 7 DBH or diseaseddamaged trees up to 10 DBH)

would occur on 11 acres within an island of no commercial harvest within unit 6 Because TSI

activities would not cause any ground disturbance or reduce stream canopy closure on any stream

channels this action will have no effect to fisheries habitat and water quality and will not be discussed

further in this effects analysis

Approximately 087 miles of system road would be closed and put into storage condition by blocking

the road beginning with an earthen berm or a gateguardrail closure Ditch relief culverts would be

removed culverts and all road fill would be removed from stream crossings the road bed would be

scarified and seeded with native vegetation and water bars would be constructed as necessary

Approximately 487 miles of system road and approximately 01 mile of snowmobile route would be

decommissioned To decommission a road ditch relief culverts would be removed culverts and all road

fill would be removed from stream crossings The road bed would be decompacted by a combination of

actions including scarification deep ripping winged subsoiling or loosening the compacted road bed

with excavator bucket work Road entrances would be naturalized with scattered boulders and logs and

fully re-contoured to match valley slope if needed The remaining road bed may be partially re-

contoured to natural hillslope by pulling back fill slopes onto the road bed with an emphasis on filling

in ditch lines Decommissioned roads would be seeded with native vegetation



III-194

Effects to Water Temperature

Proposed timber harvest units are located at least 100 feet from perennial non fish-bearing streams and

no closer than 300 feet of fish bearing streams Most trees to be harvested are 9-16 DBH and less

than 80 feet tall so stream shade would not be measurably changed Temporary logging roads to be

constructed are located at least 100 feet from perennial non fish-bearing streams and no closer than 300

feet of fish bearing streams No new temporary logging road crossings of perennial streams are

proposed Water temperatures in the project area would not be affected by timber harvest or temporary

road constructionuse because stream shade is not expected to be measurably reduced

Areas prescribed for understory fire are largely buffered from perennial streams by a least 100 feet so

no affect to stream shade or water temperatures should result No active fire ignition would occur within

Riparian Reserves but low intensity underburning that backs into Riparian Reserves would not be

suppressed

The proposed relocation of the 1707 road will result in a minimal decrease of canopy closure on Pine

Creek when trees are cleared to construct two new culvert crossings Effects to water temperature

downstream in the Naches River (fish bearing) are expected to be negligible since Pine Creek typically

has minimal flow (01 ndash 05 cfs) or is dry during mid-summer

System road segments proposed for storage andor decommissioning do not cross perennial streams or

are at least 150 feet distant No change to stream shading of perennial streams would occur in the long

term after the decommissionedstorage roads become re-vegetated with conifer forest

Proposed decommissioning of the snowmobile route will increase canopy closure on Spring Creek in the

long term (25+ years) as the decommissioned trail crossing gradual begins to reforest Increased canopy

closure over perennial streams (at removed stream crossings) should maintain water temperatures and

slow their rate of warming

Effects to Suspended Sediment and Stream Sedimentation

Forest harvesting can affect these processes by increasing (or decreasing) sediment quantities delivered

to stream channels (perennial or intermittent) altering the peak flow or the frequency of high flows or

changing the structure of stream channels by removing the supply of large wood that forms sediment

storage sites Rashin et al (2006) found that stream buffer BMPlsquos (no or minimal harvestground

disturbance) as narrow as 10 meters (33 feet) were effective in preventing most upslope erosion features

from delivering sediment to stream channels in study areas in the Cascade Mountains of Washington

Harvest units and temporary roads would be located no closer than 100 feet of intermittent and perennial

(non fish-bearing) streams and at least 300 feet from fish bearing streams in the project area

For the duration of the project (up to 3 years) re-construction of 113 miles of temporary logging roads

will increase road densities in the Naches mainstem watershed from 355 milessq mile to 356 milessq

mile Closing these roads would incrementally decrease their potential for soil erosion and

sedimentation after they are vegetated and properly drained with water bars Temporary roads would

be blocked within one week after timber harvesting activity is complete for areas accessed by that road

segment and closed at such a time that soil moistures allow for effective sub-soiling deep ripping or

ripping (as prescribed)



III-195

Ground disturbance from road constructionuse log skidding yarding and landing construction will

cause soil disturbance and increased potential for soil erosion The proximity of ground disturbance to

stream channels that connect to occupied fish habitat is an important factor in controlling indirect effects

of sedimentation to fish species By maintaining 100-300 feet buffers (no ground disturbance) between

stream channels and harvest units landings or temporary roadsskid trails and requiring timber skidding

activities to occur during winter snowpack conditions increased sediment delivery to stream channels is

expected to be negligible No proposed temporary logging roads would cross stream channels within the

project area Implementation of BMPlsquos during construction and use of temporary road segments will

minimize sediment delivery to the stream channel Temporary roads located on slopes greater than 10

percent are generally avoided BMPlsquos for temporary road construction use and closure will disperse

surface water off roadbeds avoiding potential concentration of water runoff into stream channels To

minimize sediment delivery from system roads used heavily for log hauling the operating period is

restricted to winter season when the roads would normally be frozen

Areas prescribed for understory fire are largely buffered from perennial streams by a least 100 feet

Burn prescriptions within Riparian Reserves designate fire severity to be low for 90 percent of the area

and no more than 10 percent resulting in a moderate fire severity Handline constructed fire control

lines are rarely used and if so handline construction stops within 100 feet of stream channels Black

lining (fire) natural barriers and roads are the most commonly use control measures and most preferred

to minimize ground disturbance By implementing these conservation measures sediment delivery to

perennial streams in the project area from prescribed understory fire is expected to be negligible

Relocation of the 1707 road and culvert crossings on lower Pine Creek will cause unavoidable turbidity

and sedimentation downstream effects to occupied fish habitat in the Naches River Pine Creek flows

into a side channel of the river immediately after exiting the culvert underneath Highway 410

Construction activity in the channel of Pine Creek (streamflow diversion around work area culvert

removal culvert installation channel construction re-watering stream channel through new road

crossing structures and constructed channel) would occur approximately 200-300 feet upslope of the

river side channel Several short term pulses of turbidity (2-3 hours or less) are expected to occur

immediately after streamflow is restored through both newly constructed road crossings and the newly

constructed stream channel Two road crossing culverts will be removed two new road crossing

culverts will be constructed and approximately 100 feet of Pine Creek that is piped through a buried

culvert immediately upslope of State Highway 410 will be replaced into a constructed channel During

each construction activity Pine Creek (if flowing) would be diverted around the construction area to

minimize downstream turbidity in the Naches River BMPlsquos and design criteria for culvert removal will

minimize sediment mobilization and short term turbidity Fish occupying the river side channel below

Pine Creek would be able to avoid short term turbidity by moving upstream of Pine Creek or seeking

channel margin areas A secondary pulse of sedimentation and turbidity would occur during the first

major storm event or snowmelt period following construction During the first high flow event

sediment and turbidity effects to fish in the Naches River would be diluted and of short duration (1-2

hours) until the new channel construction segments stabilize Indirect sedimentation from the re-

contoured streambanks should decrease as re-vegetation occurs likely within two growing seasons All

disturbed soils and re-contoured streambanks would be seeded with native vegetation Small logs tree

limbs sediment filter logs and branches will be scattered on the re-contoured streambanks to minimize

soil erosion and sedimentation into stream channels



III-196

As funding is available approximately 487 miles of system roads would be decommissioned within the

project area RoadOHV trail densities in the Naches mainstem watershed would decrease from 355

milessqmi to 351 milessqmi This should reduce the long term probability of sediment supply from

road surface erosion (Madej 2001) although it can increase sediment delivery for one or more years

following treatment (Macdonald Beaudry MacIsaac amp Herunter 2003) (Switalski Bissonette Deluca

Luce amp Madej 2004) Indirect effects will diminish after vegetation stabilizes disturbed soils likely

within two growing seasons following the road decommissioning Closing (storage) of 087 miles of

roads to motor vehicle use should reduce chronic surface sediment erosion within the project area Reid

and Dunne (Reid amp Dunne 1984) found that heavily used roads generated 130 times more sediment

than abandoned (closed) roads Following specific BMPlsquos for road obliteration will minimize

sedimentation in the short term and gradually decrease sediment delivery risk in the long term when the

decommissioned roads are re-vegetated

Effects to Instream Dissolved Oxygen and Nutrients

Concentrations of inorganic nutrients (eg NPKCa) in streams may increase after logging but usually

by moderate amounts and for short periods The mobilization of nutrients is tempered by their

adsorption onto soil particles and by their uptake by microorganisms that decompose stream detritus

(Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991) Likewise 5 to 10 fold increases in nutrient releases after slash

burning have shown rapid returns to earlier levels The mobilization of nutrients is tempered by their


(Chamberlain Harr amp Everest 1991) This reference did not specify the proximity of harvestburning

treatments to streams or size of stream buffers if any Implementing riparian buffer BMPlsquos should

prevent any measurable adverse affects to instream dissolved oxygen levels Stream buffers as proposed

should effectively filter and catch fine organic debris from reaching stream channels No adverse affects

would occur from pre-commercial thinning hand pile burning or landscape understory burning because

of rationale discussed under stream sedimentation

Effects from Noxious Weed Treatments

General Discussion of Potential Treatment Effects From Noxious Weed Control

Although the objective of noxious weed control is to improve conditions for native vegetation and thus

improve riparian and aquatic habitat conditions there is the potential for impacts due to the treatment

methods themselves If implementation of manual and mechanical treatment techniques cause bare soil

conditions accelerated erosion may occur Bare soils also provide a seed bed conducive to re-invasion

by weeds Cumulative increase in soil erosion and potential increase in sediment delivery to aquatic

habitats due to manual or mechanical weed control treatments would depend upon the amount of area

treated within a watershed at one time and the success of mitigation efforts including re-vegetation

Manual Treatments

Hand pulling of weeds could result in some soil disturbance due to loss of root structure For a

measurable amount of sediment to reach a stream due to hand pulling large areas dominated by weeds

would need to be treated adjacent to a stream otherwise the non-target vegetation would provide a

filtering buffer Noxious weeds especially knapweed are not effective in preventing soil erosion so

areas that are dominated by noxious weeds are likely affected by accelerated erosion already

Handpulling at sites extensive enough to create erosion problems would have cultural treatment to

prevent re-invasion of weeds so overall there should be no increase in erosion or sediment delivery to

streams



III-197

Mechanical Treatments

Mowing weeds with weed whackers or road equipment is not expected to cause adverse impacts to

water quality or fish habitat Mowing would only occur at sites with vehicle access such as road right-

of-ways Mowing is used to slow the spread of weeds until a treatment to eradicate the weeds occurs

Mowing does not kill the plants but is used to reduce or prevent seed formation that year Since the

plants are not killed no loss of root strength or increased potential for soil erosion is expected

Streambanks would not be mowed There should be little if any potential accelerated sediment delivery

to streams from mowing

Cultural Methods

Cultural treatments would consist of vegetative plantings of native and non-native species to prevent the

spread or establishment of invasive plant species Seeding or planting is used to hasten recovery of

native or other desired vegetation Seeding and planting would occur in early spring or late fall with

adequate soil moisture conditions Seeding and planting should have no adverse impact on water quality

or fish habitat

Chemical Treatments

Herbicides used to control terrestrial invasive plants can enter water through atmospheric deposition

(from large scale agricultural operations) spray drift surface water runoff percolation groundwater

contamination and direct application contact Standards 18 through 20 in the Pacific Northwest

Invasive Plants Program Final Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision (USDA Forest

Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005) are designed to minimize or avoid water contamination from

herbicides

Herbicide drift is one of the mechanisms of herbicide movement when applied as a spray Drift or off-

target movement can result in unintended injury to native plant species contamination of surface waters

and contamination of ecologically sensitive areas Drift occurs when fine droplets of liquid herbicide

become windborne and are transported to adjacent areas The spray droplets can be subsequently

deposited on surface waters that either contain aquatic species or serve as runoff conduits to water

containing aquatic species

Drift associated with backpack spray applicators is likely to be low although studies quantitatively

assessing drift after backpack applications are not available Application pressure nozzle size nozzle

type spray angle and spray volume are all factors in determining droplet size The risk of direct effects

from herbicide treatment is expected to be limited to off-site drift from spray applications (boom

backpack) Standard 20 will reduce the risk of surface water contamination from spray drift (USDA

Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005)

Herbicides can potentially enter streams and other water bodies through water transported by runoff

leaching or percolation Water contamination from rain events could transport chemicals to waterways

and convey them to aquatic species habitat Soil type and chemical stability solubility and toxicity can

determine the extent to which an herbicide will migrate and impact surface waters and groundwater

Picloram is highly soluble and readily leaches through sandy soil It is also resistant to biotic and abiotic

degradation processes It can also move from target plants through roots down into the soil and into

nearby non-target plants Given this capability Standard 19 and project design criteria helps protect

riparian vegetation when using picloram by prescribing treatment buffers In the project area sandy

coarse material soils are uncommon as the drainages are small with narrow floodplains Picloram will



III-198

not be used within 100 feet of any water bodies or streams so effects from leaching will be minimized

by avoidance of sandy soil areas Although very soluble Glyphosate binds well with organic matter in

soils and is not easily leached Both picloram and Glyphosate are susceptible to transport in surface

runoff especially if applications are followed immediately by heavy rainfall (USDA Forest Service


Herbicides may be toxic to aquatic plants and invertebrates thus indirectly affecting fish by reducing

primary production or the trophic structure of invertebrate communities Low concentrations of

herbicides can affect benthic algae communities The variation in toxicity to aquatic organisms between

different formulations for the same herbicide can be substantial (USDA Forest Service Pacific


Forest ServiceSERA Risk Assessments modeled exposures for herbicides proposed for use in Region 6

The risk assessments model the amount of chemical that can reach water under several different

scenarios then compares results to existing monitoring data to check model accuracy Acute and

chronic exposures to representatives of the aquatic community were evaluated These exposure

scenarios include herbicide entering water through erosion run off andor drift Glyphosate resulted in

predicted concentrations greater than the estimated or measured no observable effect concentrationlsquo

(NOEC) only at the highest allowable application rate and only for fish (acute exposures) and picloram

resulted in predicted concentrations greater than the estimated or measured NOEC only at the highest

allowable application rate and only for aquatic plants (acute exposures) Both Glyphosate and picloram

resulted in predicted concentrations less than the estimated or measured NOEC at the typical application

rates (acute and chronic exposures) for all representatives of the aquatic community (USDA Forest

Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005))

While the amount of herbicides expected to reach water is expected to be very low under the proposed

action it cannot be concluded with certainty that no chemicals will potentially reach streams with

aquatic organisms Toxic levels for algae and vascular plants may be of concern because they form a

food supply habitat or both for aquatic organisms including fish Using appropriate application rates

timing and application techniques of herbicides should have minimal impact on aquatic plant

populations Effects can be avoided through adherence to Standards 16 and 18-20 (USDA Forest

Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005)

Most direct effects on fish and aquatic invertebrates would likely be from sub-lethal herbicide effects

rather than from direct mortality as a result of herbicide exposure It is unlikely that the use of the

proposed herbicides would cause fish mortalities at the concentrations of the active ingredients likely to

occur in water Fish mortality is not likely from operational use because dilution degradation

adsorption and other factors reduce the amount of herbicide that could enter a water body In rare

circumstances higher concentrations of herbicides could wash into stream from heavy rainfall

immediately after application along road ditches or other surfaces that rapidly generate overland flows

This is unlikely to occur because herbicides will only be applied to individual plants within 100 feet of

water (no broadcast spraying) In the case of accidental spill near water localized fish kills are plausible

in small tributary streams or small water bodies where contaminated flows would not be readily diluted

(USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region 2005) This also is very unlikely by implementing

the specific BMPlsquos and design criteria for herbicide application



III-199

Glyphosate is relatively non-toxic to fish with 24 to 96 hour LC50 values ranging from about 10 ppm in

acidic water to gt200 ppm in alkaline water Because of project design criteria including focused

herbicide application by wipingwicking only (no spraying) on individual plants within 50 feet of water

the likelihood of chemicals reaching streams is very low Only an aquic formulation of glyphosate that

is EPA approved for use near water will be used within 100 feet of standing or running water

Effects of surfactants to aquatic species have received some study In general aquatic species are more

susceptible to adverse effects from surfactants than terrestrial species At least some of the aquatic

sensitivity to surfactants is due to irritation of gill membranes and alteration of their permeability and

molecular exchange properties Concern has been expressed about the potential for surfactants

increasing the movement of other harmful materials such as pesticides into soils Herbicide mobility

can be increased by the use of surfactants but effects to mobility are unlikely due to the relatively low

concentration of surfactants in the soilwater matrix at Forest Service application rates Forest Service

use of surfactants is not likely to reach levels of concern for estrogenic effects to fish (USDA Forest

Service 2005) Only the surfactant Agri-Dex will be used for either glyphosate and picloram as they

are both Practically Non-Toxic to fish and invertebrates

Monsanto conducted aquatic toxicity studies on surfactants recommended for use with glyphosate

Agri-Dex (LC50gt1000 ppm for both) would be classified as Practically Nontoxic to both fish and

invertebrates (USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest 2000) The preferred surfactant to use

in the project area is Agri-Dex which has the lowest toxicity ratings on fish and invertebrates

Effects of all Proposed Actions on Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for Chinook and coho salmon

and ESA listed fish species Direct and Indirect Effects

The project area includes streams that have been designated as EFH for various life stages of chinook

and coho salmon but those streams (Gold Spring Pine Creeks) are not accessible to steelhead and

salmon due to passage barriers and do not contain suitable spawning habitat Steelhead Chinook

salmon and coho salmon utilize the Naches River (lt 025 miles downstream of the project area) as

spawning rearing and holding habitat Bull trout utilize the Naches River as winter foraging and

migratory corridor habitat The project design criteria included in Chapter II for Soil Water and

AquaticRiparian Resources have been determined adequate to avoid or minimize potential adverse

effects to designated EFH MCR steelhead bull trout and designated MCR steelhead Critical Habitat

A primary design criteria element is to leave adequate undisturbed buffers between stream channels and

harvest areas landings and temporary road locations Rashin et al (Rashin Clishe Loch amp Bell 2006)

found that stream buffers are most effective where timber falling and yarding activities are kept at least

10 meters from streams and outside of steep inner gorge areas and also reported that this minimum

buffer for ground disturbance can be expected to prevent sediment delivery to streams from about 95

percent of harvest related erosion features In the project area harvest units landings and temporary

roads are located no closer than 100 feet of intermittentperennial non fish-bearing streams and 300 feet

from fish bearing streams

By following project design criteria and BMPlsquos implementation of the proposed project activities have

been determined ―not likely to adversely affect MCR steelhead MCR steelhead Critical Habitat

Columbia River bull trout and EFH for Chinook and coho salmon



III-200

Cumulative Effects

This analysis considers the 5th

field Naches mainstem watershed as the cumulative impacts area under

analysis The proposed action would continue to contribute incrementally to cumulative watershed

effects in the Pine Creek Spring Creek Gold Creek and mainstem Naches River drainages These

effects include soil compaction and soil erosion of upland forest habitat from timber harvesting and

construction and use of temporary logging roads and landings However localized soil erosion is

expected to be effectively captured and contained within stream buffer areas preventing sediment

delivery to stream channels Additional temporary road templates on the landscape may in the future

exacerbate law enforcement effectiveness in persuading the recreating public to limit motor vehicle use

to legally open roads These watershed effects occur across the project area and contribute cumulatively

to other watershed disturbances including high roadOHV trail densities (currently 355 milessqmi)

Including non-system user built roads road densities overall are even higher in the watershed (412

milessqmi) By decommissioning 487 miles of system road the cumulative system roadOHV trail

densities in the Naches mainstem watershed would improve to 351 milessqmi

Reducing vegetative fuel loading across the project area should continue to move the 5th

field watershed

closer towards a more natural fire regime and reduce the risk of stand replacing wildfire Other National

Forest projects in this 5th

field (Nile and Canteen timber sales) and private logging (mostly in the Rock

Gold and Benton Creek drainages) have already reduced fuel loadings markedly Future watershed

restoration projects in the Nile Creek drainage will also seek to restore natural fire regime and vegetative

structure at the landscape scale

Adjacent private landowners both within the Forest boundary as well as outside the boundary have

actively harvested timber within these watersheds with significantly less protection to stream channels

These effects will continue on non-federal lands and conditions on these lands are expected to contribute

cumulatively to impacts on riparian and aquatic health State forest practices are the mechanism for

addressing cumulative riparian and aquatic effects from logging on private lands

Implementation of proposed action would reduce fuel loadings in the project area and would reduce the

risk of stand replacement by thinning overstory trees on 364 acres through commercial timber harvest

and reducing understory fuels on approximately 4028 acres TSI would reduce fuel concentrations on

about 11 acres

Consistency Findings Aquatic Conservation Strategy

Implementation of BMPlsquos stream buffers and other design criteria for the various components of the

proposed action show consistency with the ACS for all alternatives at the 5th

field watershed scale In

the long term aquatic habitat at the 5th

field scale could show improvement as the plant community

aligns towards a more natural fire regime and fire frequency Thinning of overstocked stands in

Riparian Reserves will favor fire resistant trees improving their growth rates and eventually produce

larger diameter stems Larger fire tolerant tree species will eventually fall into stream channels and

improve floodplain function and fish habitat



III-201

AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY (ACS)

The Best Management Practices (BMPs) referenced as design criteria in Chapter II should protect soil

stability and water quality and would be included in the design and implementation of all action

alternatives By implementing BMPs across the project area ACS objectives are expected to be

attained at the project level and the 5th

field watershed scale BMPs have been designed to maintain

riparian function maintain water quality and soil productivity and provide connectivity within and

between watersheds for aquatic and riparian dependent species Riparian Reserves as defined in the

amended WFP have been identified for all types of streams in the project area Harvest activities would

be designed to meet the WFP standards for soil protection which require that soil disturbance shall not

exceed 20 percent of the activity area (refer to page II -13 Item 11) Standard operating procedures

such as designating skid trail locations limiting operating times to dry frozen or snow covered ground

conditions and utilizing cable yarding systems on slopes greater than 35 percent would ensure that WFP

standards would be met Burning prescriptions for fuel treatments in commercial timber harvest units

would be designed to meet WFP standards and guidelines for ground cover retention for erosion control

(WFP Table IV-20 p IV-97 and refer to page II-12 ) Underburning would also be conducted to meet

these same WFP standards for effective ground cover

No measurable changes to water temperatures of streams on National Forest is anticipated since no

timber harvest or temporary road construction would occur closer than 150 feet of perennial streams

and the relocated 1707 road crossings over Pine Creek would affect only approximately 100 feet of

perennial stream when the two existing crossings are relocated Therefore post treatment shading levels

are not expected to produce any measurable changes in stream temperatures from the project

Riparian Reserve widths from the NWFP have been identified for all adjacent riparian sites The

minimum reserve widths for each side of streams wetlands and ponds would be as follows 300 feet

for fish-bearing streams lakes and natural ponds 150 feet for permanently flowing non fish-bearing

streams and 100 feet for seasonally flowing or intermittent streams and wetlands less than an acre

Project actions including fuels treatment (underburning) road relocation trailroad decommissioning

and invasive plant treatments are proposed within Riparian Reserves Proposed actions within Riparian

Reserves would be evaluated on a project site scale and would be required to meet or not prevent

attainment of ACS objectives Activities within Riparian Reserves must follow the standards and

guidelines specified in the NWFP in order to attain ACS objectives

Project Consistency with the ACS Objectives

The NWFP identifies nine Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives (NWFP ROD) on page B-11 that

need to be reviewed for each project The following discussion states the objective describes relevant

existing conditions effects and determines if the project would maintain the existing conditions or lead

to improved conditions in the long-term (NWFP ROD pg B-10)

1 Maintain and restore the distribution diversity and complexity of watershed and landscape features

to ensure protection of aquatic systems to which species populations and communities are uniquely

adapted

Aquatic systems and landscape scale processes in the Naches Mainstem watershed have been altered by

historic timber harvesting fire suppression and ungulate grazing Past timber harvest and fire



III-202

suppression within the dry forest vegetation types has converted forest conditions from a structure and

composition typical of high frequency low intensity fire to over-stocked forest lands now subject to

high intensity stand replacement fires

Access and Travel Management

Distribution diversity and complexity of watershed and landscape features would be maintained through

general avoidance of Riparian Reserves Temporary roads proposed for use and decommissioning are

not located within Riparian Reserves so current conditions would be maintained

System roadstrails proposed for decommissioning have several crossings through Riparian Reserves

Slight decreases in sediment delivery from these roads to stream channels is expected in the long term

Decommissioning 487 miles of road and restoring streambank valley slope by removing culverts and

road fill at stream crossings would restore this objective slightly

No projects are planned that would adversely alter channel confinement or stream bank conditions in the

long term No projects would adversely affect the input of large woody debris (LWD) There is not

expected to be any mass wasting into streams as a result of proposed access and travel activities

Projects are expected to maintain (and restore) the distribution diversity and complexity of

watershed and landscape features at the project and watershed scale

Vegetation Management and Connected Post Timber Harvest Activities

No commercial timber harvesting is proposed closer than 100 feet of intermittent streams or 150 feet of

perennial streams

TSI thinning will not cut any trees that provide shade within 25 feet of perennial streams Lighting for

prescribed burning will occur outside of Riparian Reserves and suppression action would be taken

where appropriate to control fires that back into riparian areas

The natural fuel treatments are designed to maintain all the key riparian elements temperature shade

vegetation cover and composition and LWD while reducing the likelihood of a ground fire climbing into

the riparian tree canopy It is predicted that this project will maintain or improve the distribution

diversity and complexity of watershed and landscape features by moving conditions towards a more

natural fire regime

No projects are planned that would adversely alter stream crossings channel confinement or stream

bank conditions No projects would measurably affect the input of LWD There is not expected to be

any mass wasting as a result of access and travel activities The proposed projects are expected to

maintain the distribution diversity and complexity of watershed and landscape features at the project

and watershed scale


The primary objective of invasive plant management is to use prevention and control methods to restore

native plant communities that have been ecologically degraded by the infestation and spread of

undesirable invasive plants By combining manual and mechanical control with cultural control

(seedingplanting desirable vegetation) this project will maintain or restore this objective at the site

scale and watershed scale By implementing project design criteria chemical control of invasive plants

will maintain or restore this objective at the site scale and watershed scale In riparian habitat or within



III-203

100 feet of water only the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo) will be used Chemical

application within 50 feet of water will only occur by wicking or wiping individual plants Within the

50-100 buffer of water sources wicking wiping and backpack spraying will be implemented The

proposed projects are expected to maintain the distribution diversity and complexity of watershed and

landscape features at the project and watershed scale

2 Maintain and restore spatial and temporal connectivity within and between watersheds

Connectivity within the Naches Mainstem watershed has been degraded by existing road crossings over

streams and loss of floodplain connectivity The proposed actions would not alter physical passage on

any fish bearing streams in the project area The development of the proposed projects would not

retard attainment of ACS Objective 2

Access and Travel Management Vegetation ManagementInvasive Plant Management

Projects would maintain spatial and temporal connectivity within and between watersheds because no

projects are planned that would create or eliminate fish passage barriers There would be no reduction

of fish habitat side channel habitat or floodplains as a result of road management activities Key habitat

and refugia would not be altered because changes in Riparian Reserves would be avoided This will

maintain fish passage and ensure it is unimpeded in the long term in these segments of the 5th

field

watershed The primary objective of invasive plant management is to use prevention and control

methods to restore native plant communities that have been ecologically degraded by the infestation and

spread of undesirable invasive plants Projects are expected to maintain spatial and temporal

connectivity within and between watersheds

3 Maintain and restore the physical integrity of the aquatic system including shorelines banks and

bottom configurations

Many stream segments within the Naches Mainstem watershed have reduced streambank stability due to

various management effects and the conditions of Riparian Reserves overall have been degraded


Project scale disturbance to stream channelsstreambanks would occur during the 1707 road relocation

Approximately 100 feet of stream channel would be covered under the relocated road prism and

approximately 100 feet of stream channel would have the road prism removed and natural stream bank

angle restored Approximately 100 feet of stream piped underground on the hillslope below the current

1707 road would be restored to a constructed channel Physical integrity of the aquatic system

including shorelines banks and bottom configurations would be maintained in the long term at the

watershed scale but would be degraded in at the site scale lasting 1-2 years until streambanks

revegetate


Decommissioning 487 miles of system road would remove culverts and road fill from two stream

crossings This would restore streambank contour and streambank vegetation would improve in 1-2

years but would reduce bank stability in the short term until revegetation occurs A slight decrease in

sediment delivery to stream channels from these roads is expected at the site scale



III-204

No projects are planned that would adversely alter channel confinement or stream bank conditions at the

watershed scale No projects would adversely affect the input of LWD at the watershed scale There is

not expected to be any mass wasting as a result of access and travel activities Projects are expected to

degrade this objective at the site scale in the short term but maintain the physical integrity of the

aquatic system including shorelines banks and bottom configurations in the long term at the

watershed scale



perennial streams





vegetation cover and LWD while reducing the likelihood of a ground fire climbing into the riparian tree

canopy It is predicted that this project will maintain or improve the physical integrity of streambanks

by moving conditions towards a more natural fire regime and improving the vigor and tree growth rate

of conifers in the project area

This would maintain the physical integrity of the aquatic system including shorelines banks and

bottom configurations at the project and watershed scale




undesirable invasive plants Many invasive plant species that are found along roads or streambanks lack

the fibrous root system of native grasses and forbs Re-establishing native species after invasive plants

are controlled should improve streambank conditions and reduce erosionsedimentation from road

shoulders and fill slopes This should result in less sedimentation reaching stream channels from road

ditches and cross drains By combining manual and mechanical control with cultural control







proposed projects are expected to maintain or restore the physical integrity of the aquatic system

including shorelines banks and bottom configurations at the project and watershed scale

4 Maintain and restore water quality necessary to support healthy riparian aquatic and wetland

ecosystems

Many stream segments in the lower Tieton watershed and lesser amounts in the upper Tieton watershed

show degraded water temperature conditions



III-205


No projects are planned that would measurably degrade water quality Stream shading would be

degraded on approximately 100 feet of Pine Creek (non fish-bearing) Relocating the 1707 road is not

expected to measurable degrade water temperatures in the Naches River The probability of water

temperature downstream in the Naches River (fish bearing) being affected is negligible since Pine

Creek typically has minimal flow (01 ndash 05 cfs) or is dry during mid-summer and the stream channel

affected by tree removal would be under the road crossings The removed road crossings would become

shaded with grasses and forbs within 1-2 years as the base flow channel width is only 1-2 feet


crossings This would restore streambank contour and streambank vegetation in the long term (1-3

years) but would reduce bank stability in the short term until revegetation occurs Stream shade at the

decommissioned crossings would improve in the long term (15-25 years) after conifer reproduction

starts to form canopy cover on the streambanks Projects are expected to maintain water quality

necessary to support healthy riparian aquatic and wetland ecosystems at the project and watershed

scale


No projects are planned that would degrade water quality No commercial timber harvesting is proposed

closer than 100 feet of intermittent streams or 150 feet of perennial streams so no effects to water

temperatures is expected No projects would adversely affect the input of LWD Natural fuels

treatments would reduce tree density by thinning out the small trees in the understory and providing

more opportunity for retention of larger trees as future LWD

Fuels reduction projects are prescribed to remain outside of true riparian areas TSI thinning will not cut

any trees that provide shade within 25 feet of perennial streams Lighting for prescribed burning will

occur outside of Riparian Reserves and suppression action would be taken where appropriate to control

fires that back into riparian areas Projects are expected to maintain water quality necessary to

support healthy riparian aquatic and wetland ecosystems at the project and watershed scale











will maintain or restore this objective at the site scale and watershed scale Risk of herbicide drift from

backpack or boom spray applicators will be minimized by not spraying when wind speeds exceed five

miles per hour Because Picloram is highly soluble and readily leaches through sandy soils (which are

most commonly located in floodplain areas) it will not be used within 100 feet of standing or flowing

waters In riparian habitat or within 100 feet of water only the aquatic formulation of glyphosate

(Rodeo) will be applied to individual plants (no broadcast spraying) and herbicides will not be applied

when rain is probable within 24 hours (to prevent higher concentrations of herbicide delivery to



III-206

streams) Herbicide application within 50 feet of water will only occur by wicking or wiping individual

plants (to prevent chemical drift from reaching water sources) Within the 50-100 buffer of water

sources wicking wiping and backpack spraying on individual plants will be implemented The

proposed projects are expected to maintain water quality necessary to support healthy riparian

aquatic and wetland ecosystems at the project and watershed scale

5 Maintain and restore the sediment regime under which aquatic ecosystems were formed

In the Naches Mainstem watershed the natural sediment regime has been degraded from high densities

of riparian road construction and vegetation management activities


Construction and use of temporary roads could increase sediment delivery to local stream channels The

effect is expected to be slight because vegetation buffers between temporary logging roads and stream

channels is at least 150-300 feet A recent BMP effectiveness field study (Rashin 2006) found that

harvest buffers (no ground disturbance from equipment) as narrow as 10 meters (33 feet) were 95

percent effective in intercepting and filtering sediment from upslope erosion features caused by timber

harvest activities Proposed buffers in the project area are 5-10 times wider than the width discussed in

the study so potential sediment delivery is expected to be minor Physical integrity of the aquatic

system shading would be maintained and water contamination would be avoided within the project area

because most temporary road locations occur outside of the Riparian Reserves

Increased equipment traffic on the main system roads during log hauling will likely increase sediment

runoff to stream channels in the project area Heavily used roads (increased logging truck use) will

contribute more sedimentation to streams than lightly used roads Implementing BMPlsquos to restrict

logging traffic use during frozen road conditions (winter season logging) will minimize this effect



years) but would reduce bank stability in the short term until revegetation occurs Road

decommissioning should reduce the long term probability of sediment supply from road surface erosion

although it can increase sediment delivery for one or more years following treatment

Construction activity to relocate the 1707 road will cause several short term pulses of turbidity (2-3

hours or less) Project scale sedimentation would occur immediately after streamflow is restored

through newly constructed road crossings removed road crossings and the high gradient newly

constructed stream channel directly upslope of Highway 410 During each construction activity Pine

Creek (if flowing) would be diverted around the construction area to minimize downstream turbidity in

the Naches River BMPlsquos and design criteria for culvert removal will minimize sediment

mobilizationshort term turbidity and indirect turbiditysedimentation from streambank erosion A

secondary pulse of sedimentation and turbidity would occur during the first major storm event or

snowmelt period following construction Indirect sedimentation from the re-contoured streambanks

should decrease as re-vegetation occurs likely within two growing seasons

The natural sediment regime is expected to be degraded in the short term at the project scale but

maintained and restored in the long term at the watershed scale by implementing the design criteria

and BMPrsquos discussed in Chapter II and decommissioning system roads



III-207


Timber harvest activity is not expected to increase sediment delivery to stream channels Timber

harvest activities (felling and yarding) will occur with adequate snow cover on the ground to prevent soil

disturbance Incidental ground disturbance that may occur within harvest units would still be adequately

buffered (150-300 feet) from stream channels A recent BMP effectiveness field study (Rashin 2006)

showed that no harvest buffers as narrow as 10 meters (33 feet) were 95 percent effective in intercepting

and filtering sediment from upslope erosion features caused by timber harvest activities Proposed

buffers in the project area are generally 5-10 times wider than the width discussed in the study so

potential sediment delivery is expected to be negigible

No projects would adversely affect the input of LWD Natural fuels treatments would reduce tree

density by thinning out the small trees in the understory and providing more opportunity for retention of

larger trees as future LWD

Fuels reduction projects are prescribed to remain outside of true riparian areas Lighting for prescribed

burning will occur outside of Riparian Reserves and suppression action would be taken where

appropriate to control fires that back into riparian areas This project element is expected to maintain

the sediment regime under which aquatic ecosystems were formed at the project and watershed scale








ditches and cross drains This project element is expected to maintain or restore the sediment regime

under which aquatic ecosystems were formed

6 Maintain and restore instream flows sufficient to create and sustain riparian aquatic and wetland

habitats and to retain patterns of sediment nutrient and wood routing

Timber harvest has occurred extensively across the Naches Mainstem watershed Seventy two percent

of the public forested lands have had some level of harvest since the 1950lsquos (USDA 1995) This does

not include timber harvest on private land or harvest on public land prior to 1950 so is an underestimate

of the total area harvested Harvested areas from 20 or more years past however are likely reforested to

the extent that canopy closures have recovered and no longer exhibit snow retentionmelt patterns like

clear cut areas

Access and Travel ManagementVegetation Management

To avoid measurable project effects to peakbase flows the decrease in area weighted percent canopy

closure (from timber harvest) would not exceed 25 percent in an individual 6th

field watershed Over the

entire planning area canopy closure would decrease about 5 percent Any potential changes in

hydrologic flow regimes are not expected to exceed the current margin of error in streamflow measuring

techniques (5-10 percent)



III-208

In the long term (15-25 years) the decommissioning of 487 miles of system road in the project area

should move peakbase flow timing towards restoration when canopy cover is re-established Canopy

closure would not be affected by invasive plant management

Projects are expected to maintain instream flows sufficient to create and sustain riparian aquatic

and wetland habitats and to retain patterns of nutrient and wood routing at the watershed scale

7 Maintain and restore the timing variability and duration of floodplain inundation and water table

elevation in meadows and wetlands


Temporary road locations would avoid wetlands and wet meadows and would be located at least 150

feet from any stream channels so current conditions would be maintained

Projects are expected to maintain the timing variability and duration of floodplain inundation and

water table elevation in meadows wetlands and floodplain development at the project and watershed

scale

Vegetation Management Fuels Reduction and Connected Post Timber Harvest Activities

No projects are planned that would degrade wetland or meadow habitats Proposed commercial timber

harvest areas are no closer than 150 feet of stream channels or wetlands Natural fuels treatments would

reduce tree density by thinning out the small trees in the understory and providing more opportunity for

retention of larger trees as future LWD



appropriate to control fires that back into riparian areas This would maintain the timing variability

and duration of floodplain inundation and water table elevation in meadows and wetlands at the

project and watershed scale





the fibrous root system of native grasses and forbs Re-establishing native plant species in floodplains

and meadows (that have been degraded from invasive plant infestation) would improve water storage

capacity and elevate water table levels because of improved fibrous root structure and increased

perennial vegetation ground cover Re-establishing native species after invasive plants are controlled

should improve streambank conditions and reduce erosionsedimentation from road shoulders and fill

slopes This should result in less sedimentation reaching stream channels from road ditches and cross

drains This project element is expected to maintain and restore the timing variability and duration

of floodplain inundation and water table elevation in meadows and wetlands at the project and

watershed scale



III-209

8 Maintain and restore the species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in

riparian areas and wetlands to provide adequate summer and winter thermal regulation nutrient

filtering appropriate rates of surface erosion bank erosion and channel migration and to supply

amounts and distributions of coarse woody debris sufficient to sustain physical complexity and

stability

Many stream segments within the 5th

field watersheds have reduced streambank stability due to various

management effects and the conditions of Riparian Reserves overall have been degraded


Approximately 100 feet of streamside vegetation would be removed during relocation of the 1707 road

This will degrade Riparian Reserve function at the site scale Roadtrail decommissioning and culvert

removals would slightly restore Riparian Reserve function in the long term Projects are expected to

slightly degrade this objective at the project scale in the short term but maintain and slightly restore

species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and wetlands to

provide adequate summer and winter thermal regulation nutrient filtering appropriate rates of

surface erosion bank erosion and not interfere with channel migration and to supply amounts and

distributions of coarse woody debris sufficient to sustain physical complexity and stability at the

watershed scale in the long term


Timber harvest treatments are would maintain species composition structural diversity riparian

functioning and components no timber harvest is proposed within Riparian Reserves Restoration of the

natural fire regime will lessen the risk of stand replacing wildfires in the project area

Natural fuels treatments would reduce tree density by thinning out the small trees in the understory and

providing more opportunity for retention of larger trees as future LWD Approximately 2 acres of TSI

would occur in Riparian Reserves of a pond



appropriate to control fires that back into riparian areas Vegetation management will maintain and

restore the species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and

wetlands to provide adequate summer and winter thermal regulation nutrient filtering appropriate

rates of surface erosion bank erosion and channel migration and to supply amounts and


project and watershed scale This would also reduce risk of stand replacement fires burning through

Riparian Reserves







capacity and elevate water table levels because of improved fibrous root structure and increase in




III-210



drains This project will only treat herbaceous invasive plants so no effect to current instream LWD or

future supplies of overstory trees would occur This project element is expected to maintain and

restore species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and


rates of surface erosion bank erosion and not interfere with channel migration and to supply


stabilityat the project and watershed scale

9 Maintain and restore habitat to support well distributed populations of native plant invertebrate

and vertebrate riparian-dependent species





Riparian habitat capable of supporting well distributed populations of native plant invertebrate and

vertebrate riparian-dependent species would be maintained because temporary road construction would

not occur within Riparian Reserves Approximately 100 feet of streamside vegetation would be

removed during relocation of the 1707 road This will degrade habitat for aquatic terrestrial species at

the site scale and may indirectly affect fish species downstream in the short term (pulses of sediment

during culvert installationremoval) Roadtrail decommissioning and culvert removals would slightly

restore riparian habitat in the long term at the site scale Projects are expected to slightly degrade this

objective at the project scale in the short term but maintain and slightly restore species composition

and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and wetlands to provide adequate

summer and winter thermal regulation nutrient filtering appropriate rates of surface erosion bank

erosion and not interfere with channel migration and to supply amounts and distributions of coarse

woody debris sufficient to sustain physical complexity and stability at the watershed scale in the long

term


Proposed timber management underburning and natural fuels projects are designed to avoid adverse

impacts on riparian vegetation invertebrates and vertebrate populations dependant on riparian habitat

Timber harvest treatments would not occur in Riparian Reserves Restoring the natural fire regime will

lessen the risk of a stand replacing wildfire in the project area


providing more opportunity for retention of larger trees as future LWD



appropriate to control fires that back into riparian areas Projects are expected to maintain habitat to

support well-distributed populations of native plant invertebrate and vertebrate riparian-dependent

species at the project and watershed scale



III-211







capacity reduce overland flow erosion and elevate water table levels because of improved fibrous root

structure and increased perennial vegetation ground cover Re-establishing native species (increased

vegetated ground cover) after invasive plants are controlled should improve streambank conditions and

reduce erosionsedimentation from road shoulders and fill slopes This should reduce sediment delivery

to stream channels from road ditches and cross drains This project will only treat herbaceous invasive

plants so no effect to current instream LWD or future instream LWD would occur This project

element is expected to maintain and restore habitat to support well-distributed populations of native

plant invertebrate and vertebrate riparian-dependent species at the project and watershed scale

RANGE OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT


Wenatchee National Forest 1990) established a Forest range management goal to develop protect and

manage the range resource to maintain and improve vegetative conditions compatible with the

management area goal (WFP page IV-3) Specifically with respect to the Gold Spring project the

range management objective is to protect maintain andor enhance use of the Naches Sheep Allotment

in a manner similar to the use that had occurred prior to implementation of the Gold Spring project The

effect of the proposed project on the allotment is assessed using forage response permittee access and

livestock distribution as indicators to describe the direct indirect and cumulative effects of the proposal


The Gold Spring project area occurs entirely within the Naches Sheep Allotment The Gold Spring

project area accounts for approximately 75 (4392 acres) of the total allotment (58030 acres) The

allotment is located within all or portions of T13N R13E Sections 1-5 T14N R12E Sections 13 24

25 and 36 T14N R13E Sections 10-17 and 19-36 and T14N R14E Sections 15-22 and 27-31

T16N R15E Sections 1-5 10-12 13-15 23-26 35 and 36 T17N R15E T17N R14E Sections 1-4

10-15 23-26 and 36 T18N R15E section 31 T18NR14E Sections 19-21 27-30 and 32-36

T18N R13E Sections 19-30 T18N R12E Sections 22-27 and T18N R11E Sections 24-25 The

term permit authorizes 1050 ewelamb pairs for a 77-day season of use from approximately June16 to

August 31 annually The sheep spend approximately 14 days grazing within the project area during the

time period of late August to mid September There are approximately 5 miles of routing and 14

bedgrounds within the Gold Spring project area

There are no range structural developments located within the Gold Spring project area



III-212


Effect of the Proposed Silviculture Fuels and Road Treatements on Range Management and

Operations

Mechanical removal of forested overstory vegetation andor burning of the associated understory

vegetation would present some degree of risk in terms of logistics and safety with respect to project

implementation To avoid the potential for conflict in areas where active timber harvest or prescribed

fire operations occur concurrently with domestic livestock grazing it would be necessary to defer

livestock grazing Driving livestock past andor avoiding proposed activity areas to relocate them to

non-activity areas could result in a loss of grazing opportunity Ultimately this could result in an

overall reduction in available forage and season of use in the short-term The actual timing of

implementation of individual activities or combinations of activities would ultimately determine the

extent of the effects and the specific areas requiring modification or deferment in the annual grazing

instructions Given the most extreme situation with respect to timing of implementation and specific

activity areas there could be a complete loss of use of the allotment during the period of project

implementation (up to 5 years)

Temporary modification or deferment of grazing activities during post project implementation may also

be necessary to mitigate potential adverse effects resulting from livestock grazing areas that have been

prescribed burned andor seeded with the intent of preventing noxious weed infestation Grazing these

areas immediately following seeding andor during the early stages of seedling establishment has the

potential to inhibit the successful revegetation of the site Typically a maximum of two years restriction

on grazing in these areas is adequate (Wright amp Bailey 1980)

Forage Response

The Refined Proposed Action recommends various amounts of mechanical removal of forested

overstory Literature indicates that thinning andor removal of the forest component of dry forest

ecosystems results in the stimulation of the associated understory component It is also well accepted

that prescribed fire can result in stimulation of vegetation (Clary amp Ffolliott 1966) (Carleton amp

Maycock Understory-canopy affinities in boreal forest vegetation 1981) (Host 1988) (Lieffers amp

Stadt 1994) (Agee 1994) (Riegel Miller amp Krueger 1995) (Griffith Jr 1996) (Ricard amp Messier

1996) (Naumburg amp DeWald 1999) (Also refer to the previous discussion under vegetation) Increased

plant productivity would increase the forage and browse available for grazing by permitted livestock

In the absence of action the vegetation would continue to grow towards a mature condition Continued

reduction in the intensity and spectral quality of the light below the canopy would suppress understory

growth and survival of intolerant species (Freyman 1968) (Soloman Ffolliott amp Thompson 1976)

(McLaughlin 1978) and (Carleton 1982) Shade tolerant species would out-compete less shade

tolerant species Over time trees would dominate resulting in the associated shrubs herbs and grasses

becoming less abundant due to the corresponding increase in canopy cover and associated increased

shading (Naumburg amp DeWald 1999) (Host 1988) (McConnell amp Smith 1970) Understory diversity

and productivity would not only decline but also corresponding changes in plant community structure

would also occur (Camp 1999) (Moir 1966) Opportunity to increase the amount of available

transitory forage and browse available for domestic livestock grazing in the Naches Sheep allotment

would not be provided Lack of management action would contribute to maintaining the current

vegetation condition across the landscape and consequently those conditions would lack transitory range

and associated forage



III-213

Permittee Access and Livestock Distribution

Many roads existing within the allotment provide permittee access to authorized grazing areas

Proposed road management activities would have a low impact on permittee access to the allotment Of

the 14 roads proposed for decommissioning or storage 3 are utilized for allotment management

purposes as displayed in the table below The Refined Proposed Action would reduce the permitteeslsquo

current road access by 1 mile Proposed road decommissioning would eliminate vehicle access to a

limited amount of grazing area dictating additional walkndashin time for the herder

Table III33 Road use for allotment management in the Gold Spring project area

Road Miles Proposed Action Allotment Management Use

1703539 021 Decommission Not utilized for allotment management






1705570 081 Decommission Currently utilized to move sheep to graze






1703537 056 StorageMaintain Level 1 Maintain access for allotment management

1703542 031 StorageMaintain Level 1 Not utilized for allotment management

1707000 014 Relocatere-establish

access to Hwy 410

Access for allotment management

Cumulative effects

The area of analysis considered is the Naches Sheep Allotment (what about the south range zone) In

the short term this action in combination with other ongoing and reasonably foreseeable actions within

the Naches Allotment restricts the use of the allotment by the permittee This project would result in

additional modifications (eg deferring and rerouting) to the current grazing plan Multiple

modifications resulting from multiple projects (eg fuels recreation travel management) occurring at

the same time restrict the area and season of use available for livestock grazing Although the

immediate area of analysis is the allotment this situation is becoming prevalent across allotments over

the entire south range zone further reducing the overall grazing capacity in the short-term In the

longer-term the Refined Proposed Action would result in an improvement in plant productivity and the

amount of forage and browse available to livestock at the allotment scale ultimately improving the

overall allotment condition and livestock production capacity as well as the capacity of the south range

zone



III-214

Taking no management action would have no effect on permittee access to the Naches Sheep allotment

as there would be no road management activities implemented under this decision This option would

provide current road access to grazing areas Modifications to the grazing operation or deferment of

grazing as a result of project activities would not be required

Effect of the Proposed Invasive Plant Management on Range Operations and Management

In the short-term livestock permittees and livestock could come into direct contact with invasive plant

control activities Invasive plant management activities have the potential to interrupt grazing and the

ability to accomplish annual grazing objectives with respect to utilization of specific areas within the

allotment Grazing of livestock through invasive plant management activity areas could interfere with

implementation of effective prevention and control Direct contact with herbicides or their residues

could result in contamination of livestock andor their products (ie meat milk) illness or death Over

the longer term treatment of existing invasive plant infestations could improve forage conditions on

degraded sites and enhance the quality and quantity of desirable forage and ultimately the grazing

capacity of the livestock allotment

Implementation of the Refined Proposed Action would result in limited isolated impacts to the permittee

with respect to the annual grazing strategy as treatment locations are contained and do not occur large-

scale across the project area Areas targeted for treatment would be avoided through permittee

notification and responsive livestock distribution In addition the timing of herbicide application would

be coordinated to avoid conflict with livestock grazing activities (as per label instructions-Design

Criteria 1) The avoidance of target areas through livestock distribution would also minimize or

eliminate the potential for a reduction in the effectiveness of the treatment resulting from livestock

grazing through invasive plant treatment areas

Implementation of the Refined Proposed Action would result in little to no risk to livestock permittees or

livestock The implementation of the required standards and design criteria identified in Chapter II with

respect to notification coordination and herbicide application requirements would result in little to no

likelihood that the permittee or livestock would come into direct contact with herbicides or their

residues Standard 12 ensures timely public notification including permittees As well Standard 12

requires posting to inform the forest visitors of application dates and herbicides to be used Further

Design Criteria 5 requires range permittees be notified in advance of planned spray dates to coordinate

implementation and reduce potential adverse impacts to permittees and livestock These standards and

design criteria have beencontinue to be highly effective in minimizing or eliminating the likelihood that

the permittee or the livestock would come into direct contact with herbicides or their residues

Cumulative Effects

The area of analysis considered is the Naches Sheep Allotment (what about the south range zone) As is

the case with the silvicultural and fuels treatments the invasive species treatment in combination with

other ongoing and reasonably foreseeable actions would restrict the use of the allotment by the

permittee in the short term This project would result in small-scale but additional modifications (eg

deferring and rerouting) to the current grazing plan Multiple modifications resulting from multiple

projects (eg fuels recreation travel management) occurring at the same time restrict the area and

season of use available for livestock grazing

Although the immediate area of analysis is the allotment this situation is becoming prevalent across

allotments over the entire south range zone further reducing the overall grazing capacity in the short-



III-215

term In the longer-term the invasives species management action proposed here would contribute to

the overall amount of invasive species treatment across the allotment Herbicide treatment would result

in an improvement in plant species composition and productivity with a corresponding increase in the



zone

Under a no action scenario livestock permittees or livestock would not be directly affected however

forage conditions would not be improved on degraded sites the quality and quantity of desirable forage

would not be enhanced nor would grazing capacity be increased within the allotment Combined with

the continued disturbance from on-going forest uses within the analysis area no management action

would contribute to further degradation of forage conditions within the livestock allotment

HERITAGE RESOURCES

Regulatory Framework

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA the Act) of 1966 established the Federal governmentlsquos

policy and programs on historic preservation including the establishment of the National Register of

Historic Places (NRHP the National Register) Section 106 of the Act (36 CFR 800) requires Federal

agencies having direct or indirect jurisdiction over a proposed Federal or Federally assisted or permitted

undertaking to take into account the effect an undertaking may have on historic properties listed on or

eligible for the National Register and it affords the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP)

an opportunity to comment on such undertakings (16 USC 470f) The Washington State Department

of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) and the ACHP are the respective state and federal

agencies responsible for overseeing the management and protection of historic properties in compliance

with the NHPA Historic properties are cultural resources that are listed on or eligible for listing on the

National Register Historic properties and cultural resources that have not been formally evaluated

against National Register criteria (EO 11593) are given consideration in planning for licensed

approved or funded Federal undertakings

Forest Service Trust Responsibility

The Goldspring project area is located within the traditional use area of the Yakama Indian Nation

Trust responsibility is the US Governmentlsquos permanent legal obligation to exercise statutory and other

legal authorities to protect tribal land assets resources and treaty rights as well as a duty to carry out

the mandates of Federal law with respect to American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes For the Forest

Service fulfillment of trust responsibility requires consultation with tribes

Existing Condition

Historic Properties

More than 32 archaeological surveys have been conducted in the Goldspring project area since 1978

This body of work includes an intensive pedestrian sample survey to current Forest standards for the

Pinus-Swamp Devil Timber Sale (Forest Report 1996061708010) which compasses the present project planning area NHPA Section 106 consultation for the Goldspring Restoration Project was completed in

accordance with the terms of the programmatic agreement regarding management of cultural resources on

Washington State National Forests (1997) with specific protection measures identified for known cultural

resources in the planning area (Beidl 2010 Report 2010061708008) A total of 38 cultural resources are known



III-216

within the Goldspring project planning area including the route of the former Naches Pass Wagon Trail (now

overlain by Highway 410) a talus pit site a lithic scatter a pioneer cemetery a ditch and 33 historic summer

home cabins Seven of the properties have been found ineligible for listing on the National Register and 27

have been found eligible for listing on the National Register in consultation with DAHP The remaining

four properties remain formally unevaluated (potentially eligible for listing)


The Yakama Nation was consulted about the Goldpsrings Restoration project A government-to-

government letter was sent to the tribe describing the project and soliciting concerns and information

regarding resources of interest to the tribe within the project area No concerns or issues have been

brought forth

Expected Future Condition without Proposed Action

Historic Properties

By not implementing the project there would be no new risk of effects to cultural properties as a result

of project activities Effects to known and undocumented cultural resources would be limited to impacts

from natural processes and current human use patterns Anticipated impacts would include natural

deterioration decomposition erosion breakage and displacement related to such causal factors as

exposure to elements natural catastrophes storm events and animal and human activity Fuels in the

project area would remain untreated and cultural resources susceptible to burning would be placed at

higher risk to damage or loss from wildfire


Effects to tribal use and practices in the Goldpsrings project area would be limited to impacts from

natural processes and current human use patterns By not implementing proposed project activities

there would be no new risk of impacting or impeding any Tribal use patterns and practices

Environmental Consequences ndash Historic Properties

Direct and Indirect Effects of the Proposed Actions on Historic Properties

No direct effect to historic properties is anticipated Eligible and unevaluated cultural properties will be

protected from project activities by avoidance Contract(s) for the project will include the Standard

Clauses BT624 (Protection of Cultural Resources) and CT624 (Site Specific Protection Measures for

Cultural Resources) These clauses allow the Forest service to modify or cancel portions of the contract

to protect known and newly discovered cultural resources In the event that cultural resources are

discovered as a result of project activity all work in the vicinity of the discovery would cease until

professionally assessed Fuel removal and reduction of the risk of uncontrolled wildfire in the project

area would indirectly benefit historic properties by reducing the potential for damage and loss of fire

susceptible cultural resources

Cumulative Effects of the Proposed Actions on Historic Properties

The geographic extent for the consideration of cumulative effects on historic properties is the

Goldsprings project area boundary from 1966 into the foreseeable future This time frame was picked

because it encompasses the known span of Federal law requiring consideration of historic properties

No cumulative effects to historic properties are anticipated All Federally administered activities in the

project area including recreational activities and recreational site management livestock grazing

invasive plant treatment wildfire and wildfire suppression travel management and transportation



III-217

system maintenance and fuels treatments are subject to NHPA Section 106 compliance requirements

and thus pose relatively low risk of harm to historic properties Historic properties will remain at some

risk to inadvertent damage loss and destruction by ongoing project activities as well as from natural

processes but appropriate consideration and management action would be taken to protect or mitigate

adverse affects to historic properties are they are discovered

Direct and Indirect Effects of the Proposed Actions on Indian Practices

The project will not preclude Tribal use of the area nor impede any known traditional Tribal practices

that may occur here No direct or indirect effects to Tribal customs or practices are anticipated

Cumulative Effects of the Proposed Actions on Indian Practices

The geographic extent for consideration of cumulative effects on Indian practices is geographic extent of

traditional use areas of the Yakama Nation on Federally administered lands from the present time into

the foreseeable future This time frame was picked because it reflects contemporary tribal land use

practices and the ongoing trust relationship between the US and Tribal governments

No cumulative effects to tribal customs or practices are anticipated The US government maintains a

permanent legal obligation to exercise statutory and other legal authorities to protect tribal land assets

resources and treaty rights as well as a duty to carry out the mandates of Federal law with respect to

American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes The Forest Service will continue to fulfill its trust

responsibility through consultation with tribes Adjustments to project implementation strategies could

be made in order to eliminate or minimize impacts as appropriate when the Forest Service is made aware

of activities and practices within their control that are impeding Tribal activities and practices

TRAVEL AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT

Affected Enviroment

Within the project area there are 2495 miles of National Forest System Roads including 367 miles of

closed roads The remaining 2128 miles of open road result in an open road density of 31 miles per

square mile of system road

In 2001 the National Forest System Road Management Policy required science-based transportation

analysis to be developed for every National Forest consistent with changes in public demands and use

of National Forest resources This directionlsquos focus is on assuring that construction reconstruction and

maintenance of roads minimize adverse environmental impacts that unneeded roads are

decommissioned and restoration of ecological process are initiated and the additions to the National

Forest System road network are only those deemed essential for forest resource management and use A

Forest-wide road analysis has been completed on the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest

assessing Maintenance Level 3 4 and 5 roads including those within the Naches Watershed The

project-level road analysis conducted for this project area reviewed recommendations from the Naches

Ranger District portion of the road assessment (completed March 2004) It then focused on the

remaining maintenance level 1 and 2 roads in the project area

The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest Roads Analysis Naches Sub-Basin (March 2004)

recommended FR 1707 be decommissioned from MP 00-05 This project is proposing relocating 700



III-218

feet of FR 1707 because conditions have changed since 2004 The current access to the project area is

from the upper end of FR 1707 which crosses a slumping section of hill side This slumping section of

FR 1707 needs yearly maintenance to keep open to high clearance vehicles and makes access recreation

vehicles and vehicles towing trailer difficult

The open road system in the project area is in generally good condition and would safely carry the

expected project and administrative traffic Currently closed (barricaded) roads that are required to be

used in the implementation of projects may need some level of maintenance This work primarily deals

with vegetation clearing and drainage structures Further evaluation for road maintenance needs would

be done when specific haul and travel routes are identified for the project The status of system roads

within the Gold Spring Restoration project are in Appendix D Road Status

Table III34 Existing road miles and densities within the project area

Types of Road Miles within the

Project Area

Road Density

(MilesSq Mile)

All System Roads Open and Closed

2495 364

Open System Roads

2128 31

Arterial 12

00 00

Collector 13

00

00

Local 14

2128

31

Closed System Roads

367 053

Arterial

00 00

Collector

00 00

Local

367 053

Unauthorized Roads (Logging Spur Roads

With Constructed Road Beds)

0

Total Project Area = 686 Sq miles (4392 acres)

12Arterial Authorized roads providing service to large land areas that are usually developed and operated for long-term land and

resource management purposes and constant service Connects with other arterials or public highways



III-219

13Collector Authorized roads serving smaller land areas than arterials which collect traffic from local roads and usually to forest

arterial roads or State and county highways They are operated for either constant or intermittent service depending on land use and

resource management objectives

14Local Roads that connect terminal activities (eg trail head log landing dispersed camping site ect) to collector resource

activity rather than travel efficiency When not being used for the activity for which they were constructed they may be used for

other purposes They are often gated to restrict motor vehicle use The construction standards for these roads are determined by the

requirements necessary for the specific activity

The Effect of the Proposed Silviculture and Fuels Treatments on Travel and Access Management


The silviculture and fuels treatments will have no direct or indirect effects on the Forest Service roads

themselves There will be a short-term effect to the amount of maintenance necessary for the roads used

as part of the treatments however the purchaser will be responsible for the maintenance activities

There will be no long-term impacts to the Forest Service maintenance budget or workload

Cumulative Effects

For the travel management Cumulative Effects discussion for this proposed action the analysis area will

be the project area boundary Since there are no direct or indirect effects to the roads system no

Cumulative Effects are expected from this proposed action

The Effect of the Proposed Invasive Species Treatments on Travel and Access Management


The invasive species treatments will have no direct or indirect effects on the Forest Service roads

system

Cumulative Effects




The Effect of the Proposed Forest Service Road 1707 relocation and reduction on Travel and

Access Management


The proposed road relocation will increase the amount of traffic on FR 1707 The increased traffic will

cause the roads to wash board faster reducing the user comfort on the road Reducing the maintenance

level of the road will reduce the amount of annual maintenance required and preformed on the road

Cumulative Effects


be the ranger district boundary The cumulative effects will be a reduction in the cost to maintain the

road system

The Effect of the Proposed Snow Mobile Route Relocation on Roads


The effect on FR 1705 is 200 feet more of the 1705 will be used as groomed snowmobile route

Cumulative Effects


be the ranger district boundary Forest Road 1705 from MP 00 to the new proposed groomed route



III-220

requires extra road grading because snowmobilers ride this section with little or no snow covering the

road in the late spring This late spring can cause severe wash boarding to form in the road from the high

use by snowmobilers riding to Wistlin Jack Lodge for lunch and fuel This Damage to FR 1705 cost

about $1000 dollars a year to fix due to the severity of road wash boarding The maintenance crew has to

replace route markers that are damage by the snow grooming machine on a yearly basis on all the

groomed routes in the project area

The Effect of the Proposed Road Closure and Decommissioning Treatments on Travel and Access

Management


The proposed road closures (reducing to a maintenance level 1 road) will reduce the miles of open roads

in the project area by 087 miles The proposed decommissioning will reduce the total miles of system

roads in the project area by 487 miles The effects to access road densities and sedimentation relating

to other resources are discussed under those resources in this Chapter

There will be a small effect on the maintenance budget due to the proposed actions A typical

maintenance level 2 road receives drainage and vegetation maintenance about every 3-5 years as needed

at an average cost of about $400mi A typical maintenance level 1 is inspected every 3-5 years at an

average cost of $70mile Therefore the shift 087 miles from maintenance level 2 to maintenance level

1 will save approximately $278

Cumulative Effects


be the ranger district boundary The direct effect to the road system is a savings of approximately $230

which is less than 01 of the annual maintenance budget (estimated at approximately $150000) for the

Ranger District No Cumulative Effects are expected from this proposed action

ROADLESS AREAS AND PROPOSED WILDERNESS AREAS

There are no Roadless Areas (RA) or Proposed Wilderness Areas (PWA) within or adjacent to the Gold

Spring project area This project will have no effect on RAlsquos or PWAlsquos and these land designations will

not be considered in this analysis

WATERSHED ANALYSIS and LATE SUCCESSIONAL RESERVE

ASSESSMENT (LSRA)

The Gold Spring Restoration Project is consistent with objectives outlined in the Naches Mainstem and

Wenas Watershed Analysis (USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District 1995) This project

considers potential treatment criteria and treatment areas addressed in the LSRA for the Milk Creek and

Haystack MLSAlsquos Treatment criteria describe their relationship to achieving late-successional

conditions and are consistent with the LSR criteria and Standards and Guidelines Gold Spring

Restoration Project is consistent with the October 8 1997 letter issued by the Regional Ecosystem

Office exempting specific silvicultural activities (described in the LSRA) from subsequent project-level

review as they are consistent with the Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines

ECONOMICS



III-221

This document examines a proposal for altering forest fuels at a landscape scale in order to affect a

change in future fire behavior Such a change would improve the chances of protecting valuable

resources during future fire events and would likely reduce the costs of future management This

section will discuss the financial aspects of this proposed investment


Benefits

While the costs of implementing the proposed action can be expressed in monetary terms the benefits

are not so easily quantified and involve both market and non-market values These benefits include the

following

Reduction of Future Suppression Costs

Since 1970 38 human caused and one lightning caused fires have occurred within the project boundary

An additional 22 human caused and 13 additional lightning caused fires have occurred within a two mile

radius of the project area boundary and would be within the analysis area for fire starts Fire

suppression costs based on Wenatchee National Forest historic averages are as follows

Table III35 Suppression cost by fire size

Fire size

in acres

Suppression cost

per acre

From To

0 025 $7978

025 10 $6907

10 100 $6304

100 300 $3331

300 1000 $2698

1000 5000 $1813

5000 50000 $713

50000+ $431

Based on the predicted effectiveness of treatments (see vegetation and fuels section) it is very likely that

addressing the buildup of fuels at this time would greatly reduce fire suppression costs in the future

This savings would most likely far exceed the costs of implementing the strategies described in the

proposed action

Protection of Non-Market Resource Values

Large-scale stand replacement fires especially in areas where they are not characteristic of the inherent

fire regime can cause substantial damage to forest resources Resources such as soil wildlife habitat

and water along with scenic values can be substantially affected at a very large scale and for an

extended period This type of loss can be difficult to measure in monetary terms but is nonetheless

important in terms of ecosystem health Returning the area to a condition where fire can play a more

natural role in the ecosystem would help ensure that these resources are protected and managed in a



III-222

sustainable manner For a more thorough discussion of non-market resource benefits see the soils

water and scenery sections of this document

Protection of Existing Market Value Resources

Other resources that are at risk from catastrophic fire such as range timber recreation and private

property are more commonly assigned a monetary value However because of the uncertainty regarding

risk and the timing and scale of future fires it is difficult to assign a dollar figure to the actual losses

that would be avoided or reduced because of treatments The fuels analysis in this document suggests

that risk of a large-scale catastrophic fire is much greater if no action is taken Such a fire could result in

substantial monetary losses both from damage to forest resources and to private property According to

US Census Bureau 2000 data for Block 30 of Yakima County (which includes US Highway 12 and

State Highway 410) there is about $76+ million in private development in the analysis area Again

losses from a catastrophic fire could far exceed the total costs of treatments proposed by the refined

proposed action

Monetary Return from the Sale of Products

The proposed action includes 364 acres of restoration treatment where commercially valuable timber

would be removed as a byproduct of that treatment The value of these marketable products can reduce

the overall costs of the project

Where ground-based equipment has been used to harvest timber in order to meet restoration objectives

on the Naches Ranger District there has been a predictable and usually substantial monetary return

Although the amount varies from site to site and with changes in market conditions the ground based

treatments planned for Gold Spring project may result in net revenue of $69888 ($192 per ace) This

means that this type of activity would not only pay for itself but also help to partially offset the costs of

other treatments and reduce the need for appropriated funding on the project

Protection of Prior Investments

Portions of the analysis area have had both commercial and non-commercial treatments in the past to

reduce stand density susceptibility to insects and disease and fuels buildup Subsequent treatments

proposed in the refined proposed action would move these stands even further towards the desired

condition and in some cases would be implemented at much reduced costs and with improved revenue

due to these earlier treatments Without continued treatments these previous investments and the gains

that have been achieved are at increased risk of loss through catastrophic fire

Costs

Table III36 below displays the probable costs associated with the refined proposed action Appropriated

funding would be needed to supplement product value to fully implement the action

Table III36 Cost analysis

Treatments Units ValueCost CostReturn

Commercial Timber Harvest 10 mmbf $75mmbf +$75000

Activity Fuels Treatments 364 acres $90acre15 -$3276016

Small Diameter Thinning (TSI) 6 acres $225acre -$1350

Natural (non-activity) Fuels

Treatment

4018 acres17 $60acre -$241080

Total or Average -$200190



III-223

15Inflated to Contract Termination Date of 2013 Costs include fuels inventory disposal of landing piles burn plan preparation

underburning and associated empirical costs Overhead rates are not included 16Assumes that timber sale generated revenues will pay 60 of fuel treatments costs (100 of timber sale generated slash) 17Excludes 10 acres of Firewise treatments by Recreation Residence owners

Budget Constraints and Prioritization

The refined proposed action requires a level of investment that may not be possible within current or

expected level of appropriations In order to be as effective as possible within budget constraints an

implementation plan would be developed that prioritizes treatments according to their relative return on

investment General guidelines have been developed that would be used to guide this prioritization process

The following three types of treatments have been identified as having the highest priority for

implementation

Areas closest to the wildland-urban interface

Strategically located treatment units which because of their location would have a relatively

greater effect on fire behavior at a landscape scale

Treatments that can be implemented with little or no cost or which generate funds which can

be used to pay for other treatments

The issue of strategic placement and timing of treatments to effect fire behavior at the landscape scale is the

most critical of these in terms of budget constraints As part of the implementation process further analysis

would be preformed to identify the most effective sequences of implementation given budget expectations

Cost-Benefit Ratio and Present Net Value

Because the refined proposed action involves non-market benefits and there is uncertainty regarding future

fire behavior meaningful numerical Benefit-Cost Ratio or Present Net Value analysis is not possible

However a qualitative comparison is still possible by comparing the benefits described above (and

reviewing the resource effects section) with the costs of treatment shown in the table In an area with such

high market and non-market values it appears that the cost of implementing the refined proposed action

constitutes a good investment

Cumulative Effects

There are no cumulative effects related to the financial aspects of the project

OTHER REQUIRED DISCLOSURES

Social Groups Civil Rights and Environmental Justice

Civil Rights would not be affected by the Gold Spring project The project includes purchaser work

Forest Service contracted work and Forest Service employee accomplished work Under Executive

Order 11246 (Executive Order 11246 of 1965 1965) companies with the Federal contracts or

subcontracts are prohibited from job discrimination on the basis of race color religion sex or national

origin The U S Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in its employment practices based

on race color national origin gender religion age disability political beliefs sexual orientation and

marital and family status

The refined proposed action would not have any disparate effects on any consumers minority groups

women civil rights or socialethnic groups All contracts would meet Equal Employment Opportunity



III-224

requirements The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its

programs based on race color national origin sex religion age disability political beliefs and marital

or familial status

Floodplains and Wetlands

No impacts to designated floodplains or wetlands are projected Treatments would occur adjacent to

Riparian Reserves and effects are described in the aquatic and fuels sections Floodplains and wetlands

would be protected through mitigation measures which conform to (Executive Order 11988 of 1977

1977) and (Executive Order 11990 of 1977 1977)

Prime Rangeland Farmland and Forest Land

The refined proposed action complies with the federal regulations for prime land Most of the lands

within the analysis area do not qualify as ―primelsquo forest land although there may be isolated pockets of

forest land that do meet the definition because growth rates may exceed 85 cubic feetacreyear at

culmination of mean annual increment Effects to forestland are described earlier in this chapter The

Gold Spring project area does not contain any prime rangeland or prime farmland Therefore the

refined proposed action would not have any effect on prime rangeland and farmland


Organizations Agencies and Persons Consulted

IV-1

Chapter IV


The Forest Service interdisciplinary team and other agency individuals that provided

information or otherwise participated in the analysis are identified below Any omissions

from these lists are unintentional

Table IV1 Forest Service Interdisciplinary Team

Forest Service Interdisciplinary Team

Jim Bailey Team LeaderFire amp Fuels PlannerAir Quality

Jacquie Beidl ArcheologistHeritage Resources

Barry Collins EngineerRoad Management

Bill Garrigues HydrologistSoils

Jodi Leingang Invasive SpeciesUnderstory VegetationEcosystems Coordinator

Chris Ownby Geographic Information System

Sue Ranger Recreation PlannerVisual Resources

Joan StHilaire Wildlife Biologist

Gary Torretta Fisheries Biologist

Table IV2 Other Participants

Other Participants

Irene Davidson District Ranger Naches Ranger District Okanogan-Wenatchee NF

Chris Ennis Timber Valuation

Dave Lucas Sale LayoutDesign

Miles Porter Sale LayoutDesign

Leo Silva Timber Valuation



IV-2

Table IV3 Agencies Consulted

Agencies Consulted

Tapash Collaborative Consisting of (signatory to the Memorandum of

Understanding)

Yakama Nation

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Nature Conservancy

US Forest Service

State of Washington Department of Ecology

State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

State of Washington Department of Natural Resources

State of Washington Historical Preservation Office

USDI ndash Fish and Wildlife Service

USDC NOAA ndash National Marine Fisheries Service

Yakama Nation

Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency


References Cited

V-3

CHAPTER V

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Syracuse Environmental Research Associates Inc (2003) Picloram - Revised Human Health

and Ecological Risk Assessment Final Report SERA TR 03-43-26-01b

Thiel R (1985) Relationship between road density and wolf habitat sustainability in Wisconsin

American Midland Naturalist 113 404-407

Thomas J (1979) Wildlife habitat in managed forests the Blue Mountains of Oregon and

Washington Portland Oregon USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Forest and Range

Experiment Station

Thompson M (1996) Winter foraging response of elk to spotted knapweed removal Northwest

Science 70 (1) 10-19

Tilman D (1997) Community invisibility recruitment limitation and grassland biodiversity

Ecology 78 81-92

Tisdale E amp Hironaka M (1981) The sagebrush-grass region a review of the ecological

literature Bulletin 33 Moscow ID University of Idaho Forest Wildlife and Range Experiment

Station

Troendle C (1980) An approach to Water Resources Evaluation of Non-Point Silvicultural

Sources Hydrology Chapter III Washington DC USDA Forest Service

Tu M Hurd C amp Randall J (2001) Weed Control Methods Handbook Tools and Techniques

for Use in Natural Areas

Tyser R amp Key C (1988) Spotted knapweed in natural area fescue grasslands anecological

assessment Northwest Science 62 (4) 151-160


References Cited

V-16

US Environmental Protection Agency (1998) Environmental Protection Act fact sheet The

Environmental Protection Agencys interim air quality policy on wildland and prescribed fires

US Environmental Protection Agency (1998 March 04) SIP - YRCAA - Section 501

Retrieved February 01 2010 from Air Quality in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska

httpyosemiteepagovr10airpagensf283d45bd5bb068e68825650f0064cdc240c637e115abb5

b288256a69007ce741OpenDocument

USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management (1994) Final Supplemental

Environmental Impact Statement on Management of Habitat for late-Successional and Old-

Growth Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (Northwest Forest Plan)

Portland Oregon

USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management (2001) Record of Decision and

Standards and Guidelines for Amendments to the Survey and Manage Protection Buffer and

Other Mitigation Measures Standards and Guidelines




USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management (1997a) Surve Protocols for

Protection Buffer Bryophytes Version 2

USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management (1998) Survey Protocols for

Bridgeoporous nobilissimus Fungi Version 2



USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management (1998b) Survey Protocols for

Component 2 Lichens Version 2




Protection and Buffer Bryophytes Version 2



USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management (1999) Survey Protocols for Seven

Protection Buffer Fungi Version 13


Survey and Manage Component 2 Bryophytes Version 2


References Cited

V-17



USDA Forest Service amp USDI Bureau of Land Management (1998a) Survey Protocols for

Survey and Manage Strategy 2 Vascular Plants Version 2



USDA Forest Service amp USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (2005) Occuppied Mapped Lynx

Habitat Amendment to the Canada Lynx Conservation Agreement Missoula Montana

Lakewood Colorado

USDA Forest Service (2003) 2003 amendment to the surve protocol for survey amp manage

category A amp C lichens in the northwest forest plan area v21 Amendment September 2003

USDA Forest Service (1997) BMPMZ Management Guide Management of Douglas-fi Infected

with Dwarf Mistletoe in the Blue Mountains of Northeastern Oregon and Southeastern

Washington Pacific Northwest Region Blue Mountains Pest Management Zone Wallowa-

Whitman National Forest BMZ-97-02

USDA Forest Service (2005) Final Evironmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for

Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants R6-NR-FHP-PR-02-05 Pacific Northwest Region

Invasive Plant Program

USDA Forest Service (1988) General Water Qaulity Best Management Practices

USDA Forest Service (1988) General Water Quality Best Management Practices Pacific

Northwest Region

USDA Forest Service (2005) Guidelines for Road Maintenance Levels 0577 1205-SDTDC

USDA Forest Service (2002) Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests Weed Management

and Prevention Strategy and Best Management Practices

USDA Forest Service (2005) Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program Preventing

and Managing Invasive Plants Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision

R6-NR-FHP-PR-02-05

USDA Forest Service (2007) Record of Decision To Remove the Survey and Manage

Mitigation Measure Standards and Guidelines from Forest Service Land and Resource

Management Plans within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl

USDA Forest Service (2004) Region 6 Regional Foresterrsquos Sensitive Plant List

USDA Forest Service (2004) Region 6 Regional Foresters Sensitive Plant List

USDA Forest Service (2007) Technical Guide to Managing Ground Water Resources FS-881


References Cited

V-18

USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District (2007) Canteen Ecosystem Restoration Project

USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District (1995) Naches Mainstem and Wenas Watershed

Analysis

USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District (1996) Pinus Swampdevil Environmental

Analysis

USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District (1996) Tieton Watershed Analysis

USDA Forest Service Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests (2000) Strategy for

Management of Dry Forest Vegetaion - Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests

USDA Forest Service Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (2001) Interim Draft Guidelines

for the Identification of Non-High Priority Sites of Cypripedium montanum on the Okanogan-

Wenatchee National Forests

USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region (2005) Pacific Northwest Region Invasive

Plant Program Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Final Environmental Impact

Statement and Record of Decision

USDA Forest Service Wenatchee Forest Insect amp Disease Service Center (2010) Analysis of

the 2009 Aerial Survey Data Naches Ranger District Wenatchee Washington USDA Forest

Service Forestry Sciences Lab

USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest (1999) Fisheries Biological Assessment

Wenatchee National Forest Noxious Weed Treatment

USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest (1997) Forest-wide assessment for late-

successional reserves and managed late-successional areas

USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest (1996) Ground Based Harvest Policy as

revised Sonny J ONeal

USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest (2000) Monitoring Report for the Land and

Resource Management Plan Fiscal Year 1999

USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest (1996) Naches Area Soil Survey Inservice

Field Guide

USDA Forest Service Wenatchee National Forest (1990) Wenatchee National Forest Land and

Resource Management Plan

USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station USDI Bureau of Land Management

(1999) Historical and Current Forest and Range Landscapes in the Interior River Basin and

Portions of the Klamath and Great Basins Part 1 Linking Vegetation Patterns and Landscape

Vulnerability to Potential Insect and Pathogen Distrurbances In Table 6 - Classification rules for


References Cited

V-19

forest structural classes modeled for sampled subwatersheds in the midscale ecological

assessment of the interior Columbia Basin (p 47) General Technical Report PNW-GTR-458

USDI (1973) Endangered Species Act of 1973 As Amended through the 108th Congress

Department of the Interior US Fish and Wildlife Service

USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (1992) Critical habitat for northern spotted owl Portland

Oregon January 15 Volume 57 No 10

USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (1990) Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants

determinination of threatened status for the northern spotted owl Federal Register 55 26114-

26194

USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (2008) Final Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl

(Strix occidentalis caurina) Portland OR Region 1

USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (1967) Native Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Federal

Register Volume 32 Number 48

USDI National Park Service (2001) Chinook Scenic Byway Charette NPS D-472

Van Pelt R (2008) Identifying Old Trees and Forests in Eastern Washington Washington State

Department of Natural Resources

Van Wagner C (1977) Conditions for the start and spread of crown fire Canadian Journal of

Forest Research 7 23-34

Vitousek P (1996) Biological invasions as global envirnmental change American Scientist 84

468-478

Vitousek P DAntonio C Loope L amp Westbrooks R (1996) Biological invasions as global

environmental change American Scientist 84 (5) 468-478

Washington Department of Fish amp Wildlife (2002) Washington Department of Fish amp

Wildlifes Priority Habitat and Species Management Recommendation Vol IV Birds - White-

headed Woodpeckers Olympia Washington J Lewis amp E Rodrick

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (2009 May) Fact Sheet Washington Department

of Fish and Wildlife Retrieved February 24 2010 from Hair Loss Syndrome caused by exotic

lice httpwdfwwagovfactshtshairlosshtm

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (2002) Washington State Elk Herd Plan

Olympia Washington

Washington Department of Fisheries Washington Department of Wildlife Western Washington

Treaty Indian Tribes (1992) 1992 Washington State Salmon and Steelhead Stock Inventory


References Cited

V-20

Wemple B (1994) Hydorlogic Integration of Forest Roads with Stream Networks in Two

Basins Western Cascades Oregon Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon Masters Thesis

Westerling A Hidalgo H Cayan D amp Swetnam T (2006) Warming and Earlier Spring

Increase Western US Forest Wildfire Activity Science 313

Wheeler J (19XX) Field notes and maps from the Manastash Allotment Complex EA botanical

survey effort


survey effort Naches Washington USDA Forest Service Naches Ranger District

Winkler H Christie D amp Nurney D (1995) Woodpeckers a guide to the woodpeckers of the

world Boston Massachusetts Houghton Mifflin Company

Wisdom M Holthausen R Wales B Hargis C Saab V amp Lee D (2000) Source habitats

for terrestrial vertebrates of focus in the Interior Columbia Basin broad-scale trends and

management implications Vol 1-3 Portland Oregon Pacific Northwest Research Station

Wright H amp Bailey A (1980) Fire ecology and prescribed fire in the Great Plains - a

research review General Technical Report INT-77 Ogden Utah US Department of

Agriculture Forest Service Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station

Wydoski R amp Whitney R (1979) Inland Fishes of Washington University of Washington

Press

Yakama Nation (1990) Yakima River Subbasin Salmon and Steelhead Production Plan

Columbia Basin System Planning

Yakima County GIS (2009) Yakima County Land Information Portal Retrieved December 1

2009 from Yakimapcom

httpyakimapcomservletcomesriesrimapEsrimapname=YakGISHampCmd=Map

Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (2005) Briefing paper for the proposed new national

ambient air quality standards for particulate matter

Young R (1986) Fire ecology and management in plant communities of Malheur National

Wildlife Refuge Thesis Portland Oregon Oregon State University

Zamora B (1982) Understory development in forest succession example from the inland

northwest


Public Involvement Summary

A-1

APPENDIX A


This chapter summarizes public involvement for the environmental analysis

Table V1 Chronological Summary of PublicAgency Involvement

Date Event

Fall 2009 District planning specialists present the

initial concept for a restoration project in

the Gold CreekSpring Creek area

Proposed timeline is developed

November 5 2009 Project Initiation Letter for the Gold Spring

Restoration Project distributed to the

analysis team

November 19 2009 IDT field trip

November 23 2009 Inter-governmental letter mailed to Ralph

Sampson Chairman Yakama Nation for


December 2 2009 Gold Spring Restoration Project is

presented to the local Snow Grooming

Council


described in an informal presentation to the

Tapash Executive Committee

December 8 2009 IDT convenes to complete roads analysis

December 23 2009 Scoping letter mailed to approximately 160

individuals other government agencies

environmental groups and timber

companies

11 letters returned as undeliverable

January 6 2010 Gold Spring Restoration Project described

at the quarterly meeting of American Forest

Resource Council (AFRC)

March 4 2010 Level I Consultation meeting between IDT

members US Fish and Wildlife Service

and NOAA Fisheries


Glossary of Terms

B - 2

APPENDIX B

Glossary of Terms

A

adaptive capacity The capacity of a system to adapt if the environment where the system exists is changing It is applied to the ecological systems and human social systems As applied to ecological systems adaptive capacity is determined by

1 Genetic diversity of species 2 Biodiversity within a particular ecosystem 3 Heterogeneous ecosystem mosaics as applied to specific landscapes or biome regions

adaptive management A system of management practices based on clearly identified outcomes and monitoring to determine if management actions are meeting desired outcomes and if not to facilitate management changes that will best ensure that outcomes are met of reevaluated Adaptive management stems from the recognition that knowledge about natural resource systems is sometimes uncertain

aerial fuels

All live and dead vegetation in the forest canopy or above surface fuels including tree branches twigs and cones snags moss and high brush

affected enviornment The area that will be affected or created by the alternatives under consideration

aspect Direction toward which a slope faces

B

basal area

1 Cross-sectional area of a tree determined from the diameter at breast height (dbh) 2 Total area of ground covered by trees measured at breast height 3 Actual surface area of soil covered by a plant measured close the ground (Lincoln Boxshall amp Clark 1998)

best management practice (BMP) One or more practices designed to prevent or reduce pollution or another negative effect on a resource

biological assessment (BA) Information prepared by or under the direction of a federal agency to determine whether a proposed action is likely to 1) adversely affect listed species or designated critical habitat 2) jeopardize the continued existence of species that are proposed for listing or 3) adversely modify proposed critical habitat

biological diversity The variety of life and its process including complexity of species communities gene pools and ecological functions


Glossary of Terms

B - 3

biological evaluation (BE)

A documented US Forest Service review of internal programs or activities in sufficient detail to determine how an action or proposed action may affect any threatened endangered proposed or sensitive species

biomass Biomass used as fuel may include plant or animal matter as well as biodegradable wastes

bone dry (as in ldquobone dry tonsrdquo) Having zero percent moisture content Wood heated in an oven at a constant temperature of 100degC (212degF) or above until its weight stabilizes is considered bone dry or oven dry

broom A cluster of branches radiating from a single point that results from damage in a tree from agents such as mistletoe

brush

A collective term that refers to stands of vegetation dominated by shrubby woody plants or low-growing trees usually of a type undesirable for livestock or timber management

burn plan

This document provides the prescribed fire burn boss the information needed to implement an individual prescribed fire project Also called prescribed fire plan

burning ban A declared ban on open-air burning within a specified area usually put into place by the agency in charge of managing that area and usually in cases of sustained high fire danger

burning conditions The state of the combined factors of the environment that affect fire behavior in a specified fuel type

burning period That part of each 24-hour period when fires spread most rapidly typically from 1000 am to sundown

C

canopy A layer of foliage in a forest stand Most often refers to the uppermost layer of foliage but can be used to describe lower layers within a multistoried stand

canopy closure The degree to which the crowns of trees are nearing general contact with one another Generally measured as the percent of the ground surface that would be covered by a vertical projection of foliage in the crown of trees

cleaning

A release treatment made in an age class not past the sapling stage in order to release favored trees from less desirable trees of the same age class

closure Legal restriction on -- but not necessarily elimination of -- specified activities such as smoking camping or entry that might cause fires in a given area


Glossary of Terms

B - 4

commercial thin

A silviculture treatment that thins out an overstocked stand by removing trees that are large enough to be sold as sawtimber It is carried out to improve the health and growth rate of the remaining crop trees

composition The abundance or relative abundance of components such as water nutrients and species that make up the ecosystem

corridor A defined tract of land usually linear through which species must travel to reach habitat suitable for reproduction and other life-sustaining needs

critical habitat Specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a species on which are found those physical or biological features essential to conservation of the species

cumulative effect (cumulative impact)

Effect on the environment that results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past present and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions Cumulative effects can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time

cumulative effects [ESA Section 7] Those effects of future State or private activities not involving Federal activities that are reasonably certain to occur within the action area of the Federal action subject to consultation

connectivity 1 The arrangement of habitats that allows organisms and ecological processes to move across the landscape 2 Patches of similar habitats that are either close together or linked by corridors of appropriate vegetation The opposite of fragmentation

contain a fire A fuel break around the fire has been completed This break may include natural barriers such as a river or road andor fireline built by hand andor fireline constructed mechanically

control a fire

The complete extinguishment of a fire including spot fires Fireline has been strengthened so that flare-ups from within the perimeter of the fire will not break through the line

control line All built or natural fire barriers and treated fire edge used to control a fire

cooperating agency

An agency supplying assistance other than direct suppression rescue support or service functions to the incident control effort eg Red Cross law enforcement agency telephone company etc

crown fire The movement of fire through the crowns or tops of trees or shrubs more or less independently of the surface fire A fire is said to be crowning when the flames get up into the tops of trees and spreads


Glossary of Terms

B - 5

D

DBH or dbh Diameter Breast Height 45 feet above ground level

dead fuels Fuels with no living tissue in which moisture content is governed almost entirely by atmospheric moisture (relative humidity and precipitation) dry-bulb temperature and solar radiation

decision criteria The rules and standards used to evaluate alternatives to a proposed action on National Forest System land Decision criteria are designed to help a decision-maker identify a preferred choice from the array of alternatives

defensible space

An area either natural or manmade where material capable of causing a fire to spread has been treated

cleared reduced or changed to act as a barrier between an advancing wildland fire and resources or lives at risk In practice defensible space is generally defined as an area of 30 feet or more around a structure that is cleared of flammable brush or vegetation or other fuels

desired future condition Land or resource conditions that are expected to result if goals and objectives are fully achieved

developed recreation Recreation that takes place at defined areas where constructed facilities are provided for such use Developed recreation sites include campgrounds picnic areas boat ramps and interpretive sites Contrast with dispersed recreation

dispersal The movement usually one way and on any time scale of plants or animals from their point of origin to another location where the subsequently produce offspring

dispersed recreation Recreation that takes place in primitive settings where few if any constructed facilities are provided Trail use rock climbing boating hunting and fishing are examples of dispersed recreation Contrast with developed recreation

disturbance

A significant change in structure andor composition caused by natural events such as fire wind flood and human caused events

diversity The variety and relative extent of ecosystem types including their composition structure and process within all or a part of an area

duff

The layer of decomposing organic materials lying below the litter layer of freshly fallen twigs needles and leaves and immediately above the mineral soil

E

edge Where plant communities meet or where successional stages of vegetation conditions within plant communities come together


Glossary of Terms

B - 6

ecological restoration

The process of assisting the recovery of resilience and adaptive capacity of ecosystems that have been degraded damaged or destroyed Restoration focuses on establishing the composition structure pattern and ecological processes necessary to make terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems sustainable resilient and healthy under current and future conditions

ecosystem An arrangement of biotic and abiotic components and forces that move among them

ecosystem services Benefits people obtain from ecosystems including

Provisioning services ndash such as food fresh water fuel and fiber

Regulating services ndash such as climate water pollination and disease regulation

Supporting services ndash such as soil formation and nutrient cycling and

Cultural services ndash such as educational aesthetic and cultural heritage values as well as recreation and tourism opportunities

environmental analysis 1 An analysis of actions and their predictable long and short-term environmental effects Environmental anlyses include consideration of physical biological social and economic factors 2 A general term that could refer to an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement

environmental assessment (EA) EAs were authorized by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 They are analytical documents prepared with public participation to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is needed for a project or action If an EA determines an EIS is not needed the EA becomes the document allowing agency compliance with NEPA requirements

environmental impact statement (EIS)

EISs were authorized by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 Prepared with public participation they assist decision-makers by providing information analysis and an array of action alternatives allowing managers to see the probable effects of management decisions on the environment Generally an EIS is written for a large-scale action or geographical area

extreme fire behavior Extreme implies a level of fire behavior characteristics that ordinarily precludes methods of direct control action One or more of the following are usually involved high rate of spread prolific crowning andor spotting presence of fire whirls a strong convection column Predictability is difficult because such fires often exercise influence on their environment and behave erratically sometimes dangerously

ephemeral stream A watercourse that may or may not have a well-defined channel and which flows only for short periods (less

than 10 percent of an average year) during and following precipitation Ephemeral stream bottoms are usually above the water table and do not contain fish or aquatic insects with larvae that have multi-year life cycles Contrast with intermittent stream and perennial stream

erosion The wearing away of the earthrsquos surface by running water wave action moving ice and wind or process of mass wasting chemical processes Geologic erosion refers to natural erosion processes occurring over long (geologic) time spans Accelerated erosion generically refers to erosion in excess of what is presumed or estimated to be naturally occurring levels and which is a direct result of human activities


Glossary of Terms

B - 7

F

fine fuels Fast-drying fuels generally with a comparatively high surface area-to-volume ratio which are less than 14-inch in diameter and have a timelag of one hour or less These fuels ignite readily and are rapidly consumed by fire when dry

fire behavior The manner in which a fire reacts to the influences of fuels weather and topography

fire behavior forecast A prediction of probable fire behavior usually prepared by a Fire Behavior Analyst in support of fire suppression or prescribed burning operations

fire break or fuel break A natural or constructed barrier used to stop or check fires or to provide a control line from which to work

fire crew An organized group of firefighters under the leadership of a crew leader or other designated official

fire intensity A general term relating to the heat energy released by a fire

fireline A linear fire barrier that is scraped or dug to mineral soil after being cleared of all vegetation

fire perimeter The entire outer edge or boundary of a fire which may contain within it substantial areas of unburned fuels

fire regime

A fire regime is a generalization based on fire histories at individual sites Fire regime is a description of patterns or cycles of fire occurrences frequency size severity and sometimes vegetation and fire effects as well in a given area or ecosystem

fire regime I Frequent fire return low severity 0-35 years

fire regime II Frequent fire return stand replacement severity fire 0-35 years

fire regime III Mixed fire severity 35-100+ years

fire regime IV Stand replacement severity 35-100+ years

fire regime V Stand replacement severity 200+ years

fire regime condition class (FRCC) A classification of the amount of departure from the natural regime

FRCC 1 Fire regimes are within a historical range and the risk of losing key ecosystem components is low


Glossary of Terms

B - 8

Vegetation attributes (species composition and structure) are intact and functioning within the historical range 0-33 departure

FRCC 2 Fire regimes have been moderately altered from their historical range The risk of losing key ecosystem components is moderate Fire frequencies have departed from historical frequencies by one or more return intervals (either increased or decreased) This results in moderate changes to one

or more of the following fire size intensity and severity and landscape patterns Vegetation attributes have been moderately altered from their historical range 34-66 departure

FRCC 3 Fire regimes have been significantly altered from their historical range The risk of losing key ecosystem components is high Fire frequencies have departed from historical frequencies by multiple return intervals This results in dramatic changes to one or more of the following fire size intensity severity and landscape patterns Vegetation attributes have been significantly altered from their historical range 67-100 departure

fire season 1) Period(s) of the year during which wildland fires are likely to occur spread and affect resource values sufficient to warrant organized fire management activities 2) A legally enacted time during which burning activities are regulated by state or local authority

fire weather Weather conditions that influence fire ignition fire behavior and suppression

firefighting resources All people and major items of equipment that are or could be assigned to fires ranging from crews and other

personnel to engines to aircraft to dozers to water tenders and including a large variety of support personnel and services

Firewise

A series of practical steps that individuals and communities can take to minimize wildfire risks to people property and natural resources The Firewise approach emphasizes community responsibility for planning in the design of a safe community as well as effective emergency response and individual responsibility for safer home construction and design landscaping and maintenance

flame height The average maximum vertical extension of flames at the leading edge of the fire front Occasional flashes that rise above the general level of flames are not considered The flame height is less than the flame length if flames are tilted by winds or slope

flame length The distance between the flame tip and the midpoint of the flame depth at the base of the flame (generally the ground surface) flame length is an indicator of fire intensity

flash fuels

Fuels such as grass leaves pine needles ferns tree moss and some types of slash flash fuels or flashy fuels ignite readily and are consumed rapidly when dry Also called fine fuels

forb A plant with a soft rather than permanent woody stem that is not a grass or grass-like plant

foreground (viewing distance) The portion of a scene nearest to the viewer Ranging from 0-500m


Glossary of Terms

B - 9

Forest Supervisor

The official responsible for administering National Forest System lands on one or more national forests A Forest Supervisor reports to a Regional Forester

FVS (Forest Vegetation Simulator) A forest growth simulation model This model is able to simulate and is responsive to common management actions including both the immediate effect of the action (eg density reduction) and the secondary effects

(eg reduced mortality or increased growth of the remaining trees)

fragmentation

As related to forest management fragmentation is a process that results in habitat conversion habitat discontinuity and eventually the isolation or insularization of the original habitat The process of fragmentation occurs across a range of landscape patterns At one extreme it is represented by small disturbance patches which disrupt the continuity of habitat At the other extreme widespread habitat conversion causes isolation of the remnant original habitat into patches

fuel Combustible material Includes vegetation such as grass leaves ground litter plants shrubs and trees that feed a fire (Also see surface fuels)

fuel bed In a research setting an array of fuels usually constructed with specific loading depth and particle size to meet experimental requirements also commonly used to describe the fuels composition in natural settings

fuel break or fire break A natural or constructed barrier used to stop or check fires or to provide a control line from which to work

fuel loading The amount of fuels present expressed quantitatively in terms of weight per unit area (eg tonsacre)

fuel model

Simulated fuel complex (or combination of vegetation types) for which all fuel descriptors required for the solution of a mathematical rate of spread model have been specified

fuel moisture The quantity of moisture in fuels expressed as a percentage of the weight when thoroughly dried at 212 degrees Fahrenheit Also referred to as fuel moisture content

fuels reduction Manipulation including combustion or removal of fuels to reduce the likelihood of ignition andor to lessen potential damage and resistance to control Often includes thinning andor prescribed burning

fuel type

An identifiable association of fuel elements of a distinctive plant species form size arrangement or other characteristics that will cause a predictable rate of fire spread or difficulty of control under specified weather conditions

fugitive dust Dust particles that are introduced or re-suspended into the air through certain activities such as soil cultivation or vehicles operating on open fields or dirt roads

function The process through which composition and function interact including predation decomposition and disturbances such as fire and floods


Glossary of Terms

B - 10

G

geographic information system (GIS) 1 A database designed to handle geographic data 2 A set of computer operations that can be used to analyze geographic data Also referred to as computerized mapping

goal In planning a concise statement that describes future condition to be achieved with no specific date by which it is to be attained It is normally expressed in broad general terms Goal statements form the principal basis from which objectives are developed

ground fuels

All combustible materials below the surface litter including duff tree or shrub roots punky wood peat sawdust and other materials that can support a glowing combustion without flame

H

habitat The place where plant or animal naturally lives and grows

habitat effectiveness

The ability of wildlife to utilize its habitat It is usually measured in the form of an index that takes into account certain habitat features needed by a species and any human made features that may influence the ability of a species to use its habitat

hand line (hand fireline) A fireline built with hand tools such as shovels and pulaskis

hazard reduction Any treatment of a hazard that reduces the threat of ignition and fire intensity or rate of spread

head of a fire The portion of the fire having the fastest rate of spread

heavy fuels Fuels of large diameter such as snags logs and large limb wood that ignite and are consumed more slowly than flashy fuels

historic range of variability The bounded behavior of ecosystems prior to the dramatic changes in state factors that accompanied the settlement of North America beginning with the discovery of the ldquoNew Worldrdquo

home range The area within which an animal conducts its activities during a defined period of time

hydric soil Soil that has characteristics indicating development in conditions where soil oxygen is limited by the presence of saturated soil for long periods during the growing season The Natural Resource Conservation Service lists describe the hydric soils found in the United States


Glossary of Terms

B - 11

I

incident A human-caused or natural occurrence such as a wildland fire or tornado or hurricane or major flood that requires emergency service action to prevent or reduce the loss of life or damage to property or natural resources

initial attack The actions taken by the first resources upon arrival at a wildfire to protect lives and property and prevent further expansion of the fire

intermittent stream

A stream that normally flows in response to a seasonally fluctuating water table in a well-defined channel (flowing 10-90 percent of an average year) The channel will exhibit signs of annual scour sediment transport and other stream channel characteristics absent perennial flows Intermittent streams typically flow during times of elevated water table levels and may be dry during significant periods of the year

depending on precipitation cycles Intermittent streams do not maintain fish populations of aquatic insects that have larvae with multi-year life cycles Contrast with ephemeral stream and perennial stream

issues Areas of unresolved conflict concerning management of the National Forest

J

K

L

ladder fuels Fuels which provide vertical continuity between strata thereby allowing fire to carry from surface fuels into the crowns of trees or shrubs with relative ease They help start and continue crowning on a fire

Land Management Plan (LMP) The document that guides the management of a particular national forest and establishes management

standards for all lands controlled by that national forest Also referred to as the forest plan or amended forest plan

large diameter tree

For purposes of the Russell Ridge project a large diameter tree can vary at the stand level and addresses those trees that may be thought of as rare and unique for that particular stand Generally large diameter refers to the pre-1900 cohort

large fire 1) For statistical purposes a fire burning more than a specified area of land eg 100 acres 2) A fire burning with a size and intensity such that its behavior is determined by interaction between its own convection column and weather conditions above the surface

lay down A fire is said to lay down often at night when temperatures drop and RH rises Fires do not lie down Its a long-standing term in fire and means that the fire is burning less actively than it did during the day

light fuels Fast-drying fuels generally with a comparatively high surface area-to-volume ratio which are less than 14-


Glossary of Terms

B - 12

inch in diameter and have a timelag of one hour or less These fuels ignite readily and are rapidly consumed by fire when dry

litter Top layer of the forest scrubland or grassland floor directly above the fermentation layer Its composed of loose debris including sticks branches twigs and recently fallen leaves or needles little altered in structure by decomposition

live fuels Living plants such as trees grasses and shrubs in which the seasonal moisture content cycle is controlled largely by internal physiological mechanisms rather than by external weather influences

long-term effects Those effects which will usually occur beyond the next ten years

M

management action Any activity undertaken as part of the administration of the National Forest

maximum manageable area The firm limits of management capability to accommodate the social political and resource impacts of a

prescribed or wildland fire Once established as part of an approved plan the general impact area is fixed and not subject to change The MMAs can be developed and described as part of the prescribed fire burn plan

medium diameter tree For purposes of the Russell Ridge project a tree greater in diameter than a pole (7-12rdquo dbh) but less than a large diameter

mesic Refers to moist to moderately moist soil conditions Under mesic conditions soil moisture is predictably adequate for plant growth during the growing season

micron One millionth of a meter or the thousandth part of one millimeter Also referred to as a micrometer

middleground (viewing distance) Ranging from 500m-5km The distance at which it is hardest to achieve harmonization among different disturbances affecting the landscape

mineral soil Soil layers below the predominantly organic layers soil with little combustible material

mitigation Collective actions taken to avoid minimize or rectify the negative impact of a land management practice


Glossary of Terms

B - 13

N

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) NEPA is the basic national law for protection of the environment passed by Congress in 1969 It sets policy and procedures for environmental protection and authorizes Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments to be used as analytical tools to help federal managers make land management decisions

native species

With respect to a particular ecosystem a species that other than as a result of an introduction historically occurred or currently occurs in that ecosystem (Executive Order 13122 2399)

natural resources A feature of the natural environment that is of value in serving human needs

nesting roosting and foraging (NRF) habitat

Forest vegetation with appropriate structure and composition to meet some or all of the life needs of Northern spotted owl

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) An act to establish a program for the preservation of additional historic properties throughout the Nation and for other purposes

no management action The most likely condition expected to exist in the future if management practices cease or continue without change or without natural disturbance (such as wildfire or flood) Provides a basis (point of reference) for describing the environmental effects of the proposed action and other alternatives

normal fire season 1) A season during which the weather fire danger and number and distribution of fires are about average 2) Period of the year that normally comprises the fire season

O

objective In planning a concise time specific statement of measurable planned results that respond to pre-established goals An objective forms the basis for further planning to define the precise steps to be taken and the resources to be used in achieving identified goals

old forest multistory Two or more cohorts and strata present including large ole trees Definition Multi-ages stand with

assortment of tree sizes and canopy strata present including large old trees Grasses forbs and shrubs may be present (OHara Latham Hessburg amp Smith 1996)

old forest single story Single stratum of medium to large old trees of one or more cohorts Structure maintained through nonlethal

burning or management Description Broken or continuous canopy of medium to large old trees Single or multi-cohort Understory absent or consisting of some seedlings saplings grasses forbs or shrubs (OHara Latham Hessburg amp Smith 1996)


Glossary of Terms

B - 14

owl site Any site where there has been a recent or historic observation of a single spotted owl or a pair of owls

P

particulate matter Material suspended in the air in the form of minute solid particles or liquid droplets especially when considered as an atmospheric pollutant

peak fire season That period of the fire season during which fires are expected to ignite most readily to burn with greater than average intensity and to cause damage at an unacceptable level

perennial stream Any watercourse that normally flows most of the year (greater than 90 percent of an average year) in a well-

defined channel although droughts and other precipitation patterns may influence the actual duration of flow

It contains fish or aquatic insects that have larvae with multiyear lifecycles and water-dependant vegetation is typically associated with it Contrast with ephemeral stream and intermittent stream

PETS species The inclusive group of federally Proposed Endangered and Threatened species and Sensitive species as identified by a Regional Forester

pole A tree 7-12rdquo dbh

population viability Probability that a population will persist for a specified period of time across its range despite normal fluctuations in populations and environmental conditions

prescribed fire

Any fire ignited by management actions under certain pre-determined conditions to meet specific objectives related to hazardous fuels reduction or habitat improvement A written approved prescribed fire plan must exist and NEPA requirements must be met prior to ignition Prescribed fires are ignited and managed within a window (see Prescription below) of very specific conditions including winds temperatures humidity and other factors specified in the burn plan

prescribed fire plan

This document provides the prescribed fire burn boss the information needed to implement an individual prescribed fire project Also called burn plan

prescription Measurable criteria that define conditions under which a prescribed fire may be ignited which also guide selection of appropriate management responses and indicate other required actions Prescription criteria may include safety economic factors air quality public health and other environmental geographic administrative social or legal considerations

Q

R

Ranger District The administrative sub-unit of a national forest supervised by a District Ranger who reports directly to a Forest Supervisor


Glossary of Terms

B - 15

rate of spread

The relative activity of a fire in extending its horizontal dimensions It is expressed as a rate of increase of the total perimeter of the fire as rate of forward spread of the fire front or as rate of increase in area depending on the intended use of the information Usually it is expressed in chains or acres per hour for a specific period in the fires history

redox active

Oxidation and reduction Oxidative stress resulting from iron accumulation in the human brain that can lead to cognitive disorders eg Alzheimerrsquos Disease

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) A framework for stratifying and defining classes of outdoor recreation environments activities and experience opportunities along a spectrum defined by the following six classes of opportunities

primitive No modification

semi-primitive non-motorized Minimum modification Motorized access not allowed

semi-primitive motorized Minimum modification Motorized access is allowed

roaded natural Moderate modification

rural Heavy modification

urban High degree of modification

refugia Havens of safety where populations have a high probability of surviving periods of adversity

Regional Forester The official of the US Forest Service responsible for administering an entire region of the Forest Service

rehabilitation

Commonly referred to as rehab the work necessary to repair damage or disturbance caused by wildland fire or suppression activities Often includes restoration of firelines or dozer work and projects such as erosion control installation of water bars or culverts re-seeding or other rehab of fire-damaged areas

relative humidity (RH) The ratio of the amount of moisture in the air to the maximum amount of moisture that the air would contain if it were saturated -- the ratio of the actual vapor pressure to the saturated vapor pressure

resilience The capacity of a system to absorb disturbance and reorganize while undergoing change so as to still retain essentially the same function structure identity and feedbacks

resources 1) The natural resources of an area such as timber wildlife habitat grasslands watershed values and recreational and other values 2) Personnel equipment services and supplies available or potentially available for assignment to fires or other incidents

responsible official The US Forest Service employee who has been delegated the authority to carry out a specific planning action


Glossary of Terms

B - 16

restoration See ecological restoration

retardant A substance or chemical agent which reduces the flammability of combustibles Retardant application is generally via fixed-wing airtankers or helicopters and is used to slow or retard the flames often for pre-treatment of fuels prior to ground attack or other suppression activities or for slowing the spread or potential for spread of the fire

riprap

A permanent erosion-resistant ground cover of large loose angular stone with filter fabric or granular underlining The purpose of riprap is

1 To protect the soil from the erosive forces of concentrated runoff

2 To slow the velocity of concentrated runoff while enhancing the potential for infiltration 3 To stabilize slopes with seepage problems andor non-cohesive soils

run-off The portion of precipitation that flows over the land surface or in open channels

S

sanitation cut The harvest of dead damaged and susceptible trees to prevent the spread of pests and disease within a stand

scarify A shallow loosening of the soil surface

scoured ephemeral channel A definable channel of water flow in which surface waterways converge with enough energy to remove soil organic matter and leaf litter on an annual basis

security habitat Areas that are away from the influence of open roads trails andor human disturbance

sediment

Material both mineral and organic that is in suspension is being transported or has been moved from its site of origin by water wind ice or mass wasting and has come to rest on the earthrsquos surface

seedtree A timber harvest prescription that retains six to ten trees of commercial size per acre

seep A wet area where a seasonal high water table intersects with the ground surface

selection cut The silvicultural practice of removing mature timber or thinning to improve the timber stand


Glossary of Terms

B - 17

seral A biotic community that is a developmental transitory stage in an ecological succession

seral species A species associated with a stage (sere) in the development of a biotic community

shelterwood A timber harvest prescription that retains ten to seventeen trees of commercial size per acre

significant issue In planning an area of unresolved conflict concerning management of the National Forest

slash Debris left after logging (commercial harvest) pruning thinning or brush cutting can include logs chips bark branches stumps and broken understory trees or brush

small diameter tree Standing trees less than 7rdquo diameter at breast height

smoke management Application of fire intensities and meteorological processes to minimize degradation of air quality during prescribed fires

smoldering fire A fire burning without flame and barely spreading

snag A standing dead tree or part of a dead tree from which at least the smaller branches have fallen

soil compaction

A reduction of soil volume which results in alteration of soil chemical physical and biological properties and qualities

species of concern Species for which the responsible official determines that management actions may be necessary to prevent listing under the Endangered Species Act

spotting Behavior of a fire producing sparks or embers that are carried by the wind and start new fires beyond the zone of direct ignition by the main fire

stand initiation Growing space is reoccupied following a stand replacing disturbance Description One canopy stratum (may

be broken or continuous) One cohort of seedlings or saplings grass forbs and shrubs may be present (OHara Latham Hessburg amp Smith 1996)

stem exclusion closed canopy New individuals are excluded through light or underground competition Description Continuous closed canopy usually one cohort poles small or medium trees present Suppressed trees grasses shrubs and forbs may be absent in some cover types (OHara Latham Hessburg amp Smith 1996)

stem exclusion open canopy Underground competition limits establishment of new individuals Description One broken canopy stratum which included poles or small trees grasses shrubs or forbs may also be present (OHara Latham Hessburg amp Smith 1996)


Glossary of Terms

B - 18

structure The physical arrangement in space of water nutrients and species that make up the ecosystem

structure fire Fire burning any part or all of any building or structure

suppression All the work of extinguishing or containing a fire beginning with its discovery

surface fuels Loose litter on the soil surface normally consisting of fallen leaves or needles twigs bark cones and small branches that have not yet decayed also grasses forbs low and medium shrubs tree seedlings heavier branchwood downed logs and stumps interspersed with or partially replacing the litter

sustainability Meeting needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their

needs Sustainability is composed of desirable social economic and ecological conditions or trends

interacting at varying spatial and temporal scales embodying the principles of multiple-use and sustained yield

sustained yield The yield that a renewable resource can produce continuously at a given intensity of management

system road A road wholly or partly within or adjacent to and serving National Forest System land and necessary for the protection administration and use of the National Forest System and the use and development of its resources

system trail A National Forest System trail that is open to public travel and has been approved for inclusion in the National Forest Trail System

T

tactics Deploying and directing resources on an incident to accomplish the objectives designated by strategy

temporary road or trail A road or trail necessary for emergency operations or authorized by contract permit lease or other written authorization that is not a forest road or a forest rrail and that is not included in a forest transportation atlas (36 CFR 2121)

tiering Used to imply that a stand-alone management document also encompasses and is consistent with the direction of a higher level document For example ndash The EA tiers to the Land Management Plan

timelag Time needed under specified conditions for a fuel particle to lose about 63 percent of the difference between

its initial moisture content and its equilibrium moisture content If conditions remain unchanged a fuel will reach 95 percent of its equilibrium moisture content after four timelag periods

timber stand improvement (TSI) Measures such as thinning pruning release cutting prescribed fire girdling weeding or poisoning of unwanted trees aimed at improving growing conditions for the remaining trees


Glossary of Terms

B - 19

torching The ignition and flare-up of a tree or small group of trees usually from bottom to top

U

unauthorized road or trail A road or trail that is not a forest road or trail or a temporary road or trail that is not included in a forest transportation atlas (36 CFR 2121)

unclassified road A road that is not constructed maintained or intended for long-term highway use such as roads constructed for temporary access and other remnants of short-term use roads associated with fire suppression timber harvest as well as travel ways resulting from off-road vehicle use

uncontrolled fire Any fire which threatens life property or natural resources

underburn A fire that consumes surface fuels from few to most shrubs and causes limited mortality to medium and large diameter trees

understory reinitiation

Initiation of new cohort as older cohort occupies less than full growing space Description Broken overstory canopy with formation of understory stratum two or more cohorts Overstory may be poles or larger trees understory is seedling saplings grasses forbs or shrubs (OHara Latham Hessburg amp Smith 1996)

user-developed trail An unapproved user created travel route that was not planned of designed for inclusion into the National Forest Trail System

V

vectors Directions of fire spread as related to rate of spread calculations (in degrees from upslope)

viability The ability of a population to maintain sufficient size so that it persists over time in spite of normal fluctuation in numbers usually expressed as a probability of maintaining a specific population for a specified period

viable population A population that contains an adequate number of individuals appropriately distributed to ensure the long-term existence of the species

W

well distributed A geographic distribution of habitats that maintains a population throughout a planning area and allows for interaction of individuals through periodic interbreeding and colonization of unoccupied habitats

wildland fire Any non-structure fire other than prescribed fire that occurs in a wildland area


Glossary of Terms

B - 20

Wildland Fire Implementation Plan (WFIP)

A progressively developed assessment and operational management plan that documents the analysis and selection of strategies and describes the appropriate management response for a wildland fire that is managed for resource benefits

Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) A decision-making process that evaluates alternative suppression strategies against selected environmental

social political and economic criteria Provides a record of decisions A WFSA is required when the documentation of suppression decisions needs to occur when (1) a wildland fire escapes initial actions or is expected to or (2) a wildland fire managed for resource benefits exceeds prescription parameters in the fire management plan or (3) a prescribed fire exceeds its prescription and is then declared a wildland fire

Wildland Fire Use (WFU) The management of naturally ignited (usually by lightning) wildland fires to accomplish specific pre-stated resource management objectives in predefined areas outlined in Fire Management Plans

WildlandUrban Interface (WUI) The line area or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels Often incorrectly referred to as the interzone or urbanwildland interface

wildlife snag Standing dead trees or live trees showing evidence of disease or decay such as dead or broken tops conks cavities caused from large broken limbs or obvious signs of wildlife use such as woodpecker holes Douglas-fir

with dwarf mistletoe ratings greater than 3 or massive brooms Live trees with forked tops are also valuable to wildlife and can be considered if they show signs of decay or disease

wind vectors Wind directions used to calculate fire behavior

winter logging

During winter logging snow is typically present and the ground is frozen so as to reduce impacts to soils and understory plants Winter logging refers to the condition described not a specific date

Xrdquo

ldquoYrdquo

young forest multistory

Two or more cohorts present through establishment after periodic disturbances including harvest events Description Multi-aged (multi-cohort) stand with assortment of tree sizes and canopy strata present but very large trees absent Grasses forbs and shrubs may be present (OHara Latham Hessburg amp Smith 1996)

ldquoZ


Glossary of Terms

B - 21

Acronyms and Abbreviations

micro micron or micrometer

ACS Aquatic Conservation Strategy

BA basal area Biological Assessment

BE Biological Evaluation

BMP Best Management Practices

Ca calcium

CC condition class

CE Categorical Exclusion

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CG campground

CH4 methane

CO carbon monoxide

CO2 carbon dioxide

CWPP Community Wildfire Protection Plan

DBH diameter breast height

DFC desired future condition

DNR Washington State Department of Natural Resources

DR District Ranger

EA Environmental Assessment

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

ESA Endangered Species Act

FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact

FR fire regime

FRXXXX Forest Road (followed by the road number)

FRCC fire regime condition class


Glossary of Terms

B - 22

FS Forest Service

FVS Forest Vegetation Simulator

GIS Geographic Information System

HRV historic range of variability

ID interdisciplinary

IDR inherent disturbance regime

IDT interdisciplinary team

K potassium

LMP Land Management Plan

LSR Late Successional Reserve

LSRA Late Successional Reserve Assessment

MLSA Managed Late Successional Area

N nitrogen

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NF National Forest

NFMA National Forest Management Act

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NOEC no observable effect concentration

OWF Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

P phosphorus

PM particulate matter

PM25 particulate matter less than 25micro in aerodynamic diameter


RD Ranger District

RF Regional Forester


Glossary of Terms

B - 23

RO Regional Office

ROS Recreation Opportunity Spectrum rate of spread

SO Supervisorrsquos Office

TSI timber stand improvement

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USDI United States Department of Interior

USFS United States Forest Service

WDFampW Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

WO Washington Office


Unit Prescriptions

C-24

APPENDIX C Unit Prescriptions

Gold Spring Unit 2mdashProposed Treatment

Landscape Objective

Current structure stem-exclusion open canopy

After treatment stem-exclusion open canopy

After 30-40 years young forest multistory (assuming regeneration gt10 of area)

Stand (Treatment) Objective

Specific White headed woodpecker (WHWP) habitat

Stand matrix dominated by largevery large PP with canopy cover lt 40 tree density follows canopy cover

Gaps (open patches) ranging from 025 to 09 ac (median 06) (from Forest Restoration Strategy) with as low as 4 TPA Desired stand area in these gaps is not fully understood

Nest Trees PP (are preferred to DF) wildlife trees within gaps or adjacent to them General Large and old tree densityfunctioncomposition moving toward reference condition (11-34ac) Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe functioning within reference conditions Spatial variability including clumps and canopy gaps

Treatment

Pattern

WHWP gaps On about 20-30 of the unit create canopy gaps ranging from 025 to 10 ac (median 05) with as low as 4 TPA eg 2 trees05 ac gap Create gaps so PP wildlife trees or largest sound ones are within (best) or adjacent (OK) to them

Gaps created by a) dripline thinning around PP and b) removing groups of INT c) groups of mistletoe infected DF in NE corner Clumps provided by unthinned groups of DOMCOD wocc INT Complex patches Donrsquot fit with the site

Thinning guidelines

1 Retain all VanPelt1 rated DF gt= 7 and PP gt= 6

2 Retain all trees over 25 inches and all between 21 and 25 except rare removal for WHWP gaps old PP release or DF dwarf mistletoe containment

3 Around VanPelt gt=6 rated PP retain only 0-2 younger trees for 15-30 ft 4 Thin from below removing INT and COD DF and PP with lt 1020 indecade growth or no release after

Pinus TS (narrow bark fissures andor LCR lt40 for DF and lt35 for PP) 5 Retain all old and gt25 inch dwarf mistletoe infected DF Retain infected trees between 21-25 inches

as groups of 3 or more Isolate all retained trees Remove individual infected DF under 25 inches and all under 21 inches as well as adjacent apparently uninfected ones NE corner will be very open

6 Retain grand fir over 23 inches if found 7 Retain wildlife snags as gap interior or edge features

Buffer snags gt 25 inches as needed

Retain live trees with dead broken forked tops or obvious sign of use 1 (Van Pelt 2008)

Table C1 Stand Description2

spp dbh Current TPA

Post- mech TPA

Post-mech

BA

Current CC

Desired CC

Acceptable CC

gt25 2 2 6 3 3 3

16-25 32 24 62 33 25 20-31 9-16 31 10 12

5-9 8 18 6


Unit Prescriptions

C-25

lt5 2 0

stand averageac

(68 confidence interval)

73 (58-88)

36 (29-43)

80 (64-96)

57 (46-68)

34 (27-41)

Range across unit

0-120

2Stand averages with values for 68 confidence interval in parentheses There is a 32 chance that the outcome will be outside

the range shown Post treatment values reflect trees coded for removal during a formal stand exam

Table C2 Modeled stand condition

Current

condition

Desired outcome FVS 40 yr

projection

Average largevery

large tpa 7 7 18-26

Average canopy cover 57 (46-68)

34 (27-41)

34-50

Mean DBH 16 19 23

Total

Volume Removed

621

(460-782)

Reforestation None

Non-commercial thinning None

Figure C1 Diameter distribution of retained and removed trees resulting from the approach in 2 and 4 above


Unit Prescriptions

C-26

0

5

10

15

20

25

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

Nu

mb

er

of

Tre

es

DBH inches

Gold Spring Unit 2

Retained TPA Removed TPA

Gold Spring Unit 4

Landscape Objective

Current Structure understory reinitiation

After treatment young forest multi-story

After 30-40 years not specified


Unit Prescriptions

C-27

Stand (treatment) Objective

Specific Ponderosa pine advanced regeneration released from competition 1-2 ac thicket of poor-crowned mistletoe infected mature Douglas-firs removed Mature ponderosa pines below road have adequate long-term growing space General Large and old tree densityfunctioncomposition moving toward reference condition (11-34ac) Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe functioning within reference conditions Spatial variability including clumps and canopy gaps Treatment

Pattern Gaps gap created in DF mistletoe patch on SE and other mistletoe removal Clumps retained when thinning INT on W side and below road Complex patches not an option on this stand Residual densityspacing None specified Guidelines 8 Retain all VanPelt rated DF gt= 7 and PP gt= 6 9 Retain all trees over 25 inches and all between 21 and 25 except rare removal for old PP release or

DF dwarf mistletoe containment 10 Around VanPelt gt=6 rated PP retain only 0-2 younger trees for 1-2 crown radius 11 Thinning

On northwest frac14 of stand release PP advanced regen from OS shading by removing DF under 20 inches as needed to open sky for 90-130 degrees east to west

Above road on SE edge remove all DF with LCRlt40 and with dwarf mistletoemdash1 to 2 acre opening

In previous thinning above road on W side remove INT DF Thin from below removing INT and COD DF and PP with lt 1020 growth or no release after Pinus TS (narrow bark fissures andor LCR lt40 for DF and lt35 for PP)

Below road remove dwarf mistletoe infected Douglas-firhellipsee below 12 Retain all old and gt25 inch dwarf mistletoe infected DF Retain infected trees between 21-25 inches

as groups of 3 or more except as described above Isolate all retained trees Remove individual infected DF under 25 inches and all under 21 inches as well as adjacent apparently uninfected ones

13 Retain grand fir over 25 inches if found 14 Retain wildlife trees as gap interior or edge features

Buffer snags gt 25 inches as needed Retain live trees with dead broken forked tops or obvious sign of use Reforestation None Non-commercial thinning None


Unit Prescriptions

C-28


Landscape Objective

Current structure stem exclusion open canopy

After treatment stem exclusion open canopy



Specific Young Douglas-fir trees with LCR lt 40 not present except rarely in clumps General Large and old tree densityfunctioncomposition moving toward reference condition (11-34ac) Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe functioning within reference conditions Spatial variability including clumps and canopy gaps

Treatment

Stand Structure after treatment SEOC Pattern Gaps created by a) dripline thinning around PP and b) removing groups of INT c) groups of mistletoe infected DF Clumps provided by unthinned groups of DOMCOD wocc INT Complex patches Not present Residual densityspacing None Specified Guidelines 15 Retain all VanPelt rated DF gt= 7 and PP gt= 6 16 Retain all trees over 25 inches and all between 21 and 25 except rare removal for old PP release or

DF dwarf mistletoe containment 17 Around VanPelt gt=6 rated PP retain only 0-2 younger trees for 1-2 crown radius 18 Thin from below removing INT and COD under about 15 inch DF and PP with lt 1020 growth or no

release after Pinus TS (narrow bark fissures andor LCR lt40 for DF and lt35 for PP) 19 Retain all old and gt25 inch dwarf mistletoe infected DF Retain infected trees between 21-25 inches

as groups of 3 or more Isolate all retained trees Remove individual infected DF under 25 inches and all under 21 inches as well as adjacent apparently uninfected ones


Unit Prescriptions

C-29



Retain live trees with dead broken forked tops or obvious sign of use Reforestation None Non-commercial thinning None


Landscape Objective

Current structure young forest multi-story

Immediately after treatment young forest multi-story

After 30-40 years young forest multi-story

(These all assume SS cover gt 10)


Specific Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe confined to old and very large trees and clumps of large trees Understory PP and WL with LCR gt 35 released from overstory competition Receptive seedbed and favorable overstory density for WL and PP growth General Large and old tree densityfunctioncomposition moving toward reference condition (11-34ac) Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe functioning within reference conditions Spatial variability including clumps and canopy gaps Treatment

Pattern Gaps created by a) dripline thinning around old PP and b) around OS WL and c) removing about 65 of trees from about 45 of the stand (due to mistletoe infection) and about 25 of the trees elsewhere Clumps provided by uninfected DF Basal area across unit will range from 0 to 120 ft Complex patches moist sinks on SE boundary and where found elsewhere Residual densityspacing See Table C4 Guidelines 22 Old trees retain all Van Pelt rated DF gt= 7 and PP gt=6 and WL gt=7 23 Retain all trees over 25 inches and all between 21 and 25 except rare removal for old PP release or

DF dwarf mistletoe containment 24 Around Van Pelt gt= 6 rated PP retain only 0-2 younger trees for 1-2 driplines 25 Thin uninfected DF clumps from below removing only INT and COD trees with poor growth (below

about 1520ths narrow bark fissures andor LCR lt 40 for DF and lt35 for PP) 26 Release advanced PPWL regen by removing OS DF to open sky for 90-130 degrees east to west

and neighborhood basal area lt 30 27 For about 1 acre around retained WL remove DF to about 20 canopy cover 28 Retain all WL except for mistletoe infected ones lt 21 inches 29 Retain all old and gt25 inch dwarf mistletoe infected DF Retain infected trees between 21-25 inches


30 Confine GF to less than about 6 acres on moist areas usually clumped preferably as unthinned patches On dry upslope areas retain them if gt 25 inches

31 Retain wildlife trees

Buffer snags gt25 inches as needed

Retain live trees with dead broken forked tops or obvious sign of use Post-Logging Reforestation None Non-commercial In the clearcut kill all infected DF mechanically or with burning

Kill and retain on site mistletoe infected OS WL to prevent infection of WL regen


Unit Prescriptions

C-30


spp dbh Current TPA

Post mech TPA

Post-mech

BA

Current CC

Desired CC

Acceptable CC

gt25 lt1 lt1 4 2 2 2

16-25 17 13 27 18 14 20-22 9-16 39 13 15 23 8

5-9 3 0 0 1 0

lt5 na na na na na

stand averageac


59

(53-65)

27

(24-31)

46

(41-51)

43

(38-48)

24

(21-27)

Range across unit

0-120



Table C4 Modeled Stand Condition

Current

condition


projection

Largevery large tpa 25 25 14

Canopy cover 43 (38-48)

24 (21-27)

31

Mean DBH 16 19 22

Volume

Removedmbfac

586

(434-728)



Unit Prescriptions

C-31

0

5

10

15

20

25

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

Nu

mb

er

of

Tre

es

DBH inches

Gold Spring Unit6



Landscape Objective





Unit Prescriptions

C-32


Specific Old PP released from competition from younger trees Young DF have LCR gt 40 General Large and old tree densityfunctioncomposition moving toward reference condition (11-34ac) Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe functioning within reference conditions Spatial variability including clumps and canopy gaps

Treatment

Pattern Gaps created by a) dripline thinning around old PP and b) removing groups of INT DF wLCR

lt40 throughout unit or poor growing DF esp in SW area Clumps provided by groups of unthinned DOMCOD Basal area across unit will range from 20-140 ft Complex patches will take time to develop Residual densityspacing See Table C6 Guidelines 32 Retain all VanPelt rated DF gt= 7 and PP gt= 6 and all WL if found 33 Retain all trees over 25 inches and all between 21 and 25 except rare removal for old PP release or

DF dwarf mistletoe containment 34 Around VanPelt gt=6 rated PP retain only 0-2 younger trees for 1-2 crown radius 35 Thin from below removing INT and COD DF and PP with lt 1020 growth or no release after Pinus TS

(narrow bark fissures andor LCR lt40 for DF and lt35 for PP)

On southwest part of stand retain DF gt 18 in and smaller with good growth and all PP release PP from competition by removing OS to open sky for 90-130 degrees east to west and neighborhood BA to lt30 Create gaps by removing +-90 yr DF with poor growth

36 Retain all old and gt25 inch dwarf mistletoe infected DF (mostly in upper frac14 of unit) Retain infected trees between 21-25 inches as groups of 3 or more Isolate all retained trees Remove individual infected DF under 25 inches and all under 21 inches (mostly in lower frac12 of unit) as well as adjacent apparently uninfected ones



Retain live trees with dead broken forked tops or obvious sign of use

Post-Logging Reforestation None

Non-commercial None

Table C5 Stand Description4 spp dbh Current

TPA Post mech TPA

Post-mech

BA

Current CC

Desired CC

Acceptable CC

gt25 5 5 33 10 10 10

16-25 17 15 32 15 15 20-23

9-16 59 14 14 36 8

5-9 20 0 0 6 0

lt5 na na na na na na

stand averageac


102

(86-116)

35

(30-40)

80

(69-91)

68

(58-78)

33

(28-38)

Range across 20-140


Unit Prescriptions

C-33

unit 4Stand averages with values for 68 confidence interval in parentheses There is a 32 chance that the outcome will be outside



Current

condition


projection


Canopy cover 67

(58-76)

33

(28-38)

355

(30-40) Mean DBH 14 20 23

Volume

Removedmbfac

247

(183-311)

5Not accounting for natural regeneration


0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44

Nu

mb

er

of

Tre

es

DBH inches

Gold Spring Unit 8

Retained TPA Removed TPa


Road Status

D-34

APPENDIX D Road Status

Table D1 Road Status by Segment

Road Number Segment Management1 Status

2 Traffic

Service

Level3

Maintenance

Level4 Name

1700416 0-041 LTC O C 2

Gold Creek

Summer

Homes

1700420 00-034 LTC O C 2

Cliffdell

Summer

Homes

1703000 00-566 LTC O C 3 Gold Creek

1703537 00-056 LTC C D 1 Goldrun

1703538 00-046 LTC C D 1 Problem

1703539 00-021 LTC C D 1

1703541 00-071 LTC O C 2 Silverway

1703542 00-031 LTC O C 2 Nugget

1703610 00-056 LTI C D 1

1703612 00-031 LTI C D 1

1703613 00-029 LTI C D 1

1703635 00-042 LTI C C 1

1703645 00-028 LTI C D 1

1703655 00-026 LTC O C 2

1703665 00-013 LTI C D 1

1705000 00-463 LTC O C 3 Spring Creek

1705570 00-081 LTC O C 2 Spring

1705572 00-142 LTC O C 2

1705573 00-008 LTI C D 1

1705574 00-082 LTI C D 1 Wapiti

1705575 00-19 LTI C D 1

1705578 00-041 LTI C D 1

1705615 01-018 LTI C D 1


Road Status

D-35


2 Traffic

Service

Level3

Maintenance

Level4 Name

1707000 00-33 LTC O D 3 Pine Creek

1707574 00-066 LTC O C 2 Able

1707575 00-031 LTC O C 2 Pitch

1705576 00-087 LTC O C 2 Pine Flat

1707577 00-125 LTC O C 2 Saddle

1707578 00-065 LTC O C 2 Pine Tar

1700416A 00-016 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes

1700416B 00-015 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes

1700416C 00-006 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes

1700416D 00-033 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes

Only the road segment mileage within the project area is shown Mileages shown are rounded to the nearest 001

mile

See following page for footnotes

1 Management

Long Term Constant Service (LTC) - A long-term facility developed and operated for continuous or annual recurrent

service

Long Term Intermittent (LTI) ndash A road developed and operated for periodic service and closed for more than one year

between periods of use The road can be stored for future use by removing culverts and improving drainage so the road

causes minimal damage to watershedecosystem health until it is reconstructed

2 Status

O Open for vehicles

C Closed to Vehicles

L Limited Access Gate

3 Traffic Service Level

A Free flowing mixed traffic stable smooth surface provides safe service to all traffic

B Congested during heavy traffic slower speeds and periodic dust accommodates any legal-size load or vehicle

C Interrupted traffic flow limiting passing facilities may not accommodate some vehicles Low design speeds

Unstable surface under certain traffic or weather


Road Status

D-36

D Traffic flow is slow and may be blocked by management activities Two-way traffic is difficult backing may be

required Rough and irregular surface Accommodates high clearance vehicles Single purpose facility

4 Maintenance Level

Level 1 - Closed more than 1 year

Level 2 - High Clearance Vehicles

Level 3 - Passenger vehicles-surface not smooth

Level 4 ndash Passenger vehicles-smooth surface

Level 5 ndash Passenger vehicles-dust free possibly paved


D-37

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and

activities on the basis of race color national origin sex religion age disability political beliefs

sexual orientation and 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 USDAlsquos TARGET Center at

(202) 720-2600 (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 20250-9410 or call

(202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer


Table of Contents

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS Gold Spring Restoration Project

Page

Chapter I

Proposed Action Purpose and Need

Location I-1

Project Area Description I-2

Vegetation Condition I-6

Invasive Species I-7

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) I-7

Fire Risk and Fire Occurrence Trends I-8

Travel and Access Management I-8

Desired Future Condition I-8

Management Direction I-9

Guidance I-11

Purpose and Need for Action I-12

The Proposed Action I-14

Decisions to be Made Based on this Analysis I-15

Scoping Summary and Public Involvement I-16

Unresolved Conflicts I-16

Resource Concerns Identified During Scoping I-16


Table of Contents

iv

Chapter II


Introduction II-1

















II-26

Monitoring II-26






Standards II-32








Table of Contents

v

Chapter II




Residence Areas

II-41



Range II-46




Table of Contents

vi

Chapter III









III-14


AIR QUALITY III-24






WILDLIFE III-43





III-47


DecAID Tool III-48








GROUSE

III-59




Table of Contents

vii

Chapter III








III-64
















RECREATION III-79










Table of Contents

viii

Chapter III










Effects III-139


AREAS

III-140

ECONOMICS III-140




Table of Contents

ix

Chapter IV


Chapter V


Appendix A


Appendix B



Acronyms B-21

Appendix C

Unit Prescriptions






Appendix D

Road Status D-1


Table of Contents

x


List of Tables

Table Subject Page












objectives

II-9










II-15







Table of Contents

xi

Table Subject Page



Action

II-48





treatment

III-6






montanum)

III-15




III-17



III-18




III-20


Naches Mainstem

III-22





III-28



III-28




Table of Contents

xii

Table Subject Page





III-67



III-73







reach)

III-108
















Table of Contents

xiii

Table Subject Page



List of Figures

Figure Subject Page





















hauling

II-31


Table of Contents

xiv

Figure Subject Page







C-3



C-9



C-12



I-15

CHAPTER I










with indicators










I-16








Matrix

1541 35


2492 57


304 7

Private 731


See Figure 13

























I-17


























I-18




I-19


Land Allocations



I-20







































the 20th









I-21

















Invasive Species





























I-22













































I-23


present





dependant wildlife




types blend








forest type




or intactness






o Clean water

o Clean air

o Wildlife habitat


o Commodities













I-24



























Oregon



















I-25


actions

Guidance






































effectiveness





I-26







wishes to




wildfire







Improve tree vigor


and western larch












implemented







resilient species

o ponderosa pine

o Douglas-fir

o western larch






I-27



the WUI






distance














native vegetation









project area









reduce ladder fuels




I-28


project area








The Proposed Action








methods










State Highway 410



Connected actions



used road templates






I-29


mark


mark






decisions




















implemented





project area






I-30
















identified
























I-31






resources



I-32

CHAPTER II


Introduction






































photographs


areas



I-33






treatments





































(see page II-22)



I-34
















spacing











Unit




log







winter log




winter log




winter log




log




winter log







I-35




































classes



greater than 25 dbh


Structure Classes



I-36

Gold Spring Unit 1



Gold Spring Unit 2


Current

condition

Desired

outcome56

Projected

conditions at 40

years7

Trees per acre

73

(58-88)

36

(29-43)

33

(27-40)

Largevery large

trees per acre

12 12

25

Canopy cover

57

(46-68)

34

(27-41)

34-50

Mean DBH inches

16 19

23

Volume removed

mbf

621

(460-782)


Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Young Forest

Multistory








I-37


Objectives

General




Specific











objectives












Spatial variability














I-38

Gold Spring Unit 3



Gold Spring Unit 4



outcome1112

Projected

conditions at 40

years13

Volume removed

mbf

25

(18-32)




Reinitiation

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Not specified












Objectives

General




Specific






I-39











pine


shallow crowns










Spatial variability





No reforestation




I-40




Projected

conditions at 40

years


91

(68-114)




Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Not specified




structure18









Objectives

General




Specific




I-41


















Spatial variability





No reforestation





I-42

Gold Spring Unit 6


Current

condition

Desired

outcome20 21

Projected

conditions at 40

years22

Trees per acre

59

(53-65)

27

(24-31)

26

(23-29)

Largevery large

trees per acre

47 31

19

Canopy cover

43

(38-48)

24

(21-27)

31

(28-34)

Mean DBH inches

16 19

22

Volume removed

mbf

586

(434-728)


Multistory

Young Forest

Multistory

Young Forest








I-43


Objectives

General




Specific








I-44



















Spatial variability













saplings




based on plots






I-45

Gold Spring Unit 8


Current

condition

Desired

outcome2627

Projected

conditions at 40

years28

Trees per acre

102

(86-116)

35

(30-40)

33

(28-38)

Largevery large

trees per acre

11 11 20

Canopy cover

67

(58-76)

33

(23-38)

35

(30-40)

Mean DBH inches

14 20

23

Volume removed

mbf

247

(183-311)


Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion







Objectives

General




Specific




I-46





















Spatial variability





No reforestation











Objectives

General




Specific




I-47





treated







2005)






No reforestation






I-48



I-49



Fuels Treatments

































following ways



I-50




























fuels treatment)32

4028 acres


10 acres

Hand fireline34










I-51





operations









planting






























I-52
















(Sustain at current

Maintenance Level)

Current

Maintenance

Level3536

Segment

Length

(miles)

1700416 2 041

1700420 2 034

1703541 2 071

1703655 2 026

1705000 3 463

170557237

2 111

170700038

3 33

1707575 2 031

1707576 2 087

170757739

2 096

1707578 2 065

Total Miles 1355 35

Maintenance Level 1

=







consideration













I-53


Level

Maintenance

Level

Length

(miles)

1703000 3 2 566

Total Miles 566




Segment Length

(miles)

170353940

021

1703610 056

1703612 031

1703613 029

1703635 042

1703665 013

1705570 081

1705572 031

1705574 082

1705575 019

1705615 018

1707577 064


FR1703539 40


reflect its status






Current Road

Management

Level

Segment

Length

(miles)

1703537 1 056

1703542 2 031

Total Miles 087







I-54













State Route 410














I-55




I-56





































users










I-57













project area











Monitoring





monitoring results










I-58


Objective

Metric Frequency

Duration

Completed

by



Determine if



gain on the average

number of

snagsacre and


Number of

snags create

(aveacre) as a

direct result of

prescribed

burning

2-5 years after

prescribed fire

Wildlife



Implementation of

mitigation as


WildlifeEcology


treatment

Specialist

occular estimate

of percent target

species reduction

Until

undesirable

species are

reduced andor

desirable

vegetation is

reestablished

EcologyBotany

Range Mgt



Validate that

treatment is having


Degree of

departure

2-5 years post

implementation

Ecology

Silviculture

Range Mgt


function

Monitor marking for


Degree of

departure

During

layoutmarking

Silviculture

Timber MgtFuel

Planning





less after harvest

Silviculture amp

Reforestation




Degree of

protection vs

damage


Heritage Resources



Determine if any or

to what degree


Degree of loss

of opportunity

as determined

by direct

communication

by tribal members

During project

implementation

Heritage

Resources




Tonsacre

fire intensity

Within 2 years

of treatment

Fuel planning


air quality

Monitor effects to

human health

minimization of air

quality degradation

PM25 microm3

visibility

During


Fuel planning


Highway 410 Mather

Memorial Parkway


Monitor treatments

and prescriptions

effectiveness at

improving or

maintaining the

outstanding visual

quality of the area

Number of areas

appearing

altered by


During and for

up to 2 years


Recreation




I-59


Objective

Metric Frequency

Duration

Completed

by


operations and

treatments on the

recreation




closure and


Road use

closure compliance

Up to 5 years

post treatment

Engineering



Ensure that

mitigation criteria

were implemented as

described

Yesno as

described

During

implementation

Hydrology

Fisheries



resources

Ensure that

mitigation criteria


Yesno as described


HydrologySoils

Fisheries

Post project stream


Validate


Temperature

change

Post

implementation

Hydrology

Fisheries




post treatment

Soils


monitoring plans

Adaptive Management





















I-60













See Figure II5



















I-61




Adaptive Method



Adaptive Method

Prescribed Burn

Adaptive Method

Firewood Removal

Adaptive Method

No Treatment


Adaptive Method




I-62



hauling

Element Commercial

Harvest

Selected Method


Adaptive Method


units

Option

Prescribed Burn

Option

Pile and burn

Option

No Treatment


haul

Selected Method


Adaptive Method


safety



I-63
















contract period








decision is made








(Standard 1)







I-64


















(Standard 16)























I-65

















(BMP I-414)












I-56)








I-66


(BMP III-224)






(BMP III-231)


(BMP III-242)

Design Criteria













allowed




herbicides






I-67







































I-68
























alternative plans












I-69


General









































I-70
































surface)









I-71











































I-72





Wildlife Resources















nearby location





















I-73





































I-74














































I-75












































I-76










ground disturbance














than 10 inches DBH









perennial streams










I-77
















are not saturated











Range






Heritage Properties








marked boundaries



I-78



























Preservation Office



I-79









Objectives

(Purpose and Need)

Projected Future

Condition41






judgment








level


sustainability












































species


project area










I-80

Objectives

(Purpose and Need)

Projected Future

Condition41







fluctuations














Pinus Underburn













management action


wildland fire



wildland fire



















III-81

CHAPTER III





































Ranger District



III-82





Chapter I





project area



















are today


the project

area)


1001 (23)


2553 (58)


Riparian

26 (1)

Rock

606 (14)

Shrubland

201 (1)

RuralAg 2 (lt1)



Early

327 (9)

Mid

502 (14)

Late

2739 (77)

Crown

Closure

Acres ( of

project area)

0

2 (0)

1-10

796 (18)

11-39

1094 (25)

40-69

1429 (33)

70+

1070 (24)



III-83

Insects and Disease

































Wildfire











III-84



the effects of 19th

and 20th































Landscape Factors












III-85








range

Stand Factors


















III5




III-86





of inaction




6 47 (42 ndash 52) 31 (28 ndash 34) 19 (17 - 21) 28 (50 - 31)




III-87



Unit 2 16 19 23 21

Unit 6 15 18 22 21

Unit 8 15 20 23 20























Unit Existing After

logging


of inaction

2 24 66 53 23



6 8 20 20 10

8 23 48 51 17






III-88


















creation include





to 120 feet
























III-89



























untreated condition

















III-90






2 57100 3480 33



6 4372 2446 31

8 67118 3380 35







unit 6














treatments











III-91












































III-92















































III-93





Cumulative Effects













function














Cumulative Effects








III-94














project area






(2001 ROD)

Determination
























III-95





(Table III9 below)



treatment area


to Management

Recommendations


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations






(041001)


Not subject to

Management

Recommendations





LSRMLSA


individual stems


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations










project



III-96






























condition













III-97


Agee 2003)



flame length

Fire suppression


Surface disturbance

less with fire than

other techniques


crown




may allow surface

wind to increase


crown fire less

probable

Reduces crown fire

potential

Surface wind may


fuels may be drier

Keep big trees of

resistant species


fire intensity

Generally restores

historic structure

Less economical


of insect attack







Treatment

Precommercial

Thin and Fuels

Treatment

Natural Fuels

Treatment

(underburn)

Reduce surface

fuels

good good best

Increase height to

live crown


Decrease crown

density

best poor

(over and midstory

crown)

moderate

Keep big trees of

resistant species

good best good









III-98



















torching


















content ()

2 6 12 20

70 11 23 37 53

80 12 25 40 57

90 13 27 43 61

100 13 28 46 65

120 15 32 51 73


(maximum)

fthour

Flame Length

ft

TL1 14 08

TL3 27 14



III-99


















III-100



Flame Length (ft)



12 21 91 98 98

16 11 25 88 96

18 9 9 34 91

21 6 6 11 58

25 4 4 4 18


12 20 87 98 98

16 11 11 75 96

18 9 9 10 83

21 6 6 6 8

25 4 4 4 4


12 20 87 98 98

16 11 11 58 96

18 9 9 9 71

21 6 6 6 6

25 4 4 4 4

Grand fir 7 80 100 100 100

12 34 95 99 99

16 21 41 94 98

18 17 17 51 95

21 12 12 20 74







above 90th











III-101






































III-102


NEPA Document

Name

Treatments2

Acres Date



Pinus Underburn

913

836

1589

1998

1997

2001



Nile Timber Sale



Nile Underburn

Nile RMEF Underburn

732

1453

1353

1196

3353

933

1998

1998

2001

2002

2004

2000


Buzzer Timber Sale

Fang Timber Sale

Venom Timber Sale



1344

956

1117

1857

1824

725

2003

2004

2005

2008

2005

2007


Flask Timber Sale

Jigger Timber Sale

1654

1922

397

2007

2008

2008


treatments

~70000 acres

under analysis

2011-20153

Naches Sheep

Allottment









destroyed









III-103






























III-104



















(eg roads)

AIR QUALITY


















III-105



















Mt Adams Wilderness


Cliffdell Community

West Adjacent

State Route 410


Nile Valley


NachesGleed


CowicheTieton




Yakima City

Potential PM25 non-

attainment area

Southeast 30 miles














III-106

Human Health











in Table III17




III-107


(rev))


compounds



Ammonia

Nitrogen dioxide

Sulfur dioxide


carcinogenic

Methyl chloride

Methylene chloride





mutagenic

13-butadiene

Acrolein


mutagenic

Benzene

Styrene

Polycyclic aromatic

hydrocarbons (PAHs)


Immunotoxic

Benzo[163]pyrene




Teratogenic

Methanol

Acetic acid


mutagenic

Formaldehyde

Acetaldehyde



Catechol





response possibly

carcinogenic

Hydroquinone

Fluorenone

Anthraquinone







Lead

Chromium


allergenic

PM25






III-108









for comparison only












biomass utilization

Acres Estimated

Tons of

slashacre

Estimated potential

tons of biomass

available (65


Estimated potential


released into the

airshed5

Commercial

harvest in the dry

Douglas-

firponderosa

pinegrand fir type

364

8 ndash 176

2912-6188

66-140





PM 254 006

PM10 180 004

PM25 170 004

CO 2080 048

CO2 30145 698

CH4 68 002


(NMHC)

49 001



III-109







Visibility
















Cumulative Effects)























III-110




































decommissioned






III-111





route relocation



relocation

INVASIVE SPECIES











document


















III-112




III-113






threat to the State









for control)











problematic

Spotted knapweed


BD

Diffuse knapweed

Centaurea diffusa

B

Canada thistle

Cirsium arvense

C

Bull thistle

Cirsium vulgare

C

Oxeye daisy


BD

Dalmatian toadflax

Linaria dalmatica

B

St Johns-wort


C

Common mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Monitor

Chicory

Cichorium intybus

NA

Field bindweed

Convolvulus arvense

NA















the equipment






III-114























Thompson 1997)























III-115







(Robocker 1974)





































No

Action

Refined

Proposed




0 565





III-116

































Target Vegetation













III-117

























these populations





















III-118
















recommendations






























III-119














































III-120



























contaminated water


















III-121















and 7)









conducted

















land allocations



III-122















































III-123








Cumulative Effects






WILDLIFE

Species Addressed














Gray wolf (E)


Bald eagle (S)











III-124



Migratory landbirds




















document













Mainstem 5th







III-125




























Wenas Watersheds

Pileated woodpecker



Hairy woodpecker

Downy woodpecker




Red-naped sapsucker


Northern flicker



III-126














































III-127
































LSR guidance







Future Condition



III-128



105)







above

DecAID Tool



































III-129








































Bald eagle





III-130









discussed




































III-131






1984)


Snag Size

(dbh)



treatments

mechanical and


6-10 -481 +14 +55

10-20 -342 +10 +45

gt20 -300 0 +100


Direct and Indirect






Table III20)
























III-132











headed woodpeckers



































III-133



Cumulative









































III-134


Direct and Indirect
















Cumulative







Dependant Wildlife

Direct and Indirect









Cumulative





Effects Summary





III-135


or bat species











































III-136











elk surveys















Deer








Direct and Indirect







III-137


range
























Cumulative




















III-138








level


Direct and Indirect












Cumulative




anticipated



Direct and Indirect
















III-139




Cumulative












Effects Summary



continue



















III-140
























influenced by roads

















III-141

Direct and Indirect







Cumulative







Direct and Indirect











Cumulative



riparian habitat



Direct and Indirect






Cumulative






III-142

Effects Summary






SPECIES































analysis



III-143









Direct and Indirect














Cumulative







Direct and Indirect





eagles

Cumulative



cumulative effects



III-144



Direct and Indirect







wolverine





Cumulative






Effects Summary





















III-145







































III-146


Northern Goshawks







Direct and Indirect















Lost Creek

SO806

87 1 539 139

Dead Horse SO838

489 0 2011 0

Milk Pond

SO840

378 0 1770 10

Sawmill Flat SO865

322 0 1471 0

Mountain Camp

SO883

192 0 562 82


residences)










III-147












Cumulative



dispersal habitat


habitat unit


NRF Habitat


acres

Matrix

Administrative

Withdrawn

Private

51

0

0

0

0

0



TOTAL 20610

0














III-148


Goshawk

Direct and Indirect





Cumulative

















scale

Cumulative





Effects Summary










III-149

AMERICAN BALD EAGLE







perch structures





Effects Summary













Naches Mainstem












III-150


Eagle




Direct and Indirect












eagle

Cumulative






Direct and Indirect










Cumulative






III-151








Cumulative




Effects Summary




























III-152




























begin to develop


Direct and Indirect







flycatcher







III-153












Focal Species that


Project Area

HabitatFeature

Conservation Focus

Potential

impacts from

Project to

Feature


Ponderosa Pine

(1001)



Y Y


and green trees)



and green trees


regeneration pines

Y Y

(project design)


(Late Successional)

(2553 ac of mixed





green trees)



snags)


openings and dense

thickets

Y

Y

(project design)


canopy

N Y

(Avoid)


created by wildfire

Y Y

(project design)

Riparian Woodland

(26)


(avoid)


(avoid)














III-154









Cumulative Effects







Direct and Indirect















Cumulative






Migratory Landbirds

Direct and Indirect







III-155



Cumulative





Effects Summary






Scenic Assessment













are numerous












III-156




the following







natural


























(Washington DNR)









III-157


the following


corridor



future generations













Other Items to Note























III-158







Cumulative Effects













Cumulative Effects






III-159

RECREATION















individual lots


(Highway 410 - All


Designation)

Viewing scenery





















Parkway users



III-160



Park





















season





















can fluctuate



III-161






study plant


bird watching


products gathering

(mushrooms plants








Oriented Activities


the Project Area











Lost Creek Village










the project area)




III-162










































III-163





Hunting







Dispersed Camping















Unit

of Dispersed Sites

Within Unit

of Dispersed Sites

Adjacent to Unit

Comments

2 0 0

4 0 1

5 1 0

6 3 0


9 0 0








III-164



















Cumulative Impacts
























III-165



















Project Area






















III-166

Hunting



Dispersed Camping























classification





existing open area












III-167



Cumulative Effects









purposes














Direct Effects











III-168








Indirect Effects




management actions


Cumulative Effects











inventories

Physical Setting














III-169











inches





24 inches





surface 24 inches













III-170


Soil Map

Unit

Soil Map

Unit Name

Total Acres

in Project

Erosion

Hazard

Compaction

Hazard

Available

Water


sandy loam 10-

35 slopes



Complex 15-45

slopes



Complex 45-65

slopes


57 McDanielake ashy

sandy loam 15-

30 south slopes


60 McDanielake ashy

sandy loam 30-

55 south slopes


65 McDanielake-

Rock Complex

30-55 slopes


66 McDanielake-

Rock Complex

55-90 slopes


67 McDanielake-

Rock Complex

30-70 south

slopes


71 Mippon-

Xerofluvents

Complex 0-5

slopes


90 Rock outcrop-

rubbleland

association



loam 25-45

slopes


111 Stemilt-Rock

Complex 25-75

slopes



table








III-171


Harvest

































Slope Stability







III-172

Road Condition


















Water Temperature















Introduction













III-173

















Road Management













of compacted areas














III-174













































III-175








equipment


















Unit

Unit Acres Existing

Current

Detrimental

Soil

Existing

Current

Detrimental

Soil Acres

Estimated

Additional

Detrimental

Soil Acres

Estimated

Restoration

Acres

Estimated

Final

Detrimental

Soil

1 dropped

2 122 827 1009 19 095 905

3 dropped

4 7 877 061 114 057 1679

5 8 1045 084 02 01 1176

6 123 678 834 166 083 745

7 38 927 352 062 031 1009

8 48 997 479 246 123 1253

9 18 877 158 030 015 963





III-176















































III-177



























effects



















III-178






















Evaluation Summary
























III-179


























III-180



Projected Future

Condition

Refined

Proposed




Compaction Soils

0 97



Soils

0 0




4573

(0)

4075

(-498 )


(Marginal Change)

3613

(0)

3593

(-020 )


(Marginal Change)

3852

(0)

3541

(-311 )


(Marginal Change)

4544

(0)

4383

(-161 )
















the 5th








III-181






















field watershed

























III-182












field watershed The







field HUC level

















field watersheds



field watersheds








to be insignificant



III-183















Cumulative Effects


the 5th



decrease







Cumulative Effects





year) decrease














III-184



Cumulative Effects




at the 5th





































III-185












































III-186


Nation 1990)











































III-187




















Creek























III-188



Aquatic Habitat


















Stream Reach Length

(miles)


MedMile

Gold Creek (1992) 1 139 49 71 ND 120 2 376 45 71 147 116

3 158 68 82 84 150





Pools









III-189


Stream Reach Reach

Gradient

WNF Pool

Standard

Observed

Pools Per

Mile


2 10 NA 231

3 15 NA 114

Fine Sediment




Water Quality











Analysis Method






















III-190

















Everest 1991)




























III-191




Everest 1991)









































III-192




































Water Quality









III-193

























analysis




















III-194












suppressed






























III-195














































III-196



































Manual Treatments








streams



III-197









Cultural Methods





or fish habitat

Chemical Treatments






herbicides
























III-198












































III-199











































III-200

Cumulative Effects
















field watershed















about 11 acres













III-201







































adapted





III-202



















perennial streams








natural fire regime





and watershed scale










III-203

















field

















revegetate








III-204






watershed scale



perennial streams




























ecosystems





III-205















scale































III-206











































III-207

































clear cut areas










III-208













scale























watershed scale



III-209





stability





























Riparian Reserves











III-210




























term















III-211







































III-212



Operations



















Forage Response
























III-213

























access to Hwy 410


Cumulative effects












zone



III-214

































Cumulative Effects












III-215






zone






HERITAGE RESOURCES





















Existing Condition

Historic Properties









III-216










brought forth


Historic Properties
































III-217






















Affected Enviroment



















III-218













Project Area

Road Density

(MilesSq Mile)


2495 364

Open System Roads

2128 31

Arterial 12

00 00

Collector 13

00

00

Local 14

2128

31

Closed System Roads

367 053

Arterial

00 00

Collector

00 00

Local

367 053



0






III-219














Cumulative Effects







system

Cumulative Effects





Access Management





Cumulative Effects



road system




Cumulative Effects





III-220








Management











Cumulative Effects










ASSESSMENT (LSRA)









ECONOMICS



III-221






Benefits



following







Fire size

in acres

Suppression cost

per acre

From To

0 025 $7978

025 10 $6907

10 100 $6304

100 300 $3331

300 1000 $2698

1000 5000 $1813

5000 50000 $713

50000+ $431




proposed action










III-222













proposed action


















Costs









Treatment

4018 acres17 $60acre -$241080




III-223









implementation
















Cumulative Effects















III-224



or familial status















IV-1

Chapter IV

















Other Participants








IV-2


Agencies Consulted


Understanding)

Yakama Nation




US Forest Service







Yakama Nation



References Cited

V-3

CHAPTER V

References Cited














24-34





66










Research Station




References Cited

V-4








Northwest Region












Experiment Station





Research Station


WW Norton and Co










References Cited

V-5


77 (3) 776-790









Forest






















Ecosystems Insitute


References Cited

V-6
















America 81 226-230










Forestry 10 (3) 101-108


of Chicago Press



Register 34




References Cited

V-7




















252 p 1-24


















References Cited

V-8










Station











53-83


Washington










Ecology 34 1484-1496




References Cited

V-9













Ecology 68 (2) 434-443







Ecology 77 762-775














(2) 584-600


References Cited

V-10





Research 24 1193-1198




















(3) 689-710












References Cited

V-11


Station



















Biology 9 279-294


1048














References Cited

V-12













11 No 3 pp 97-102












Vrelag P 132-148


(1) 34-40










References Cited

V-13














370-383





Association 42 (5) 1307-1327


Research 20 1753-1761





81 153-160



Agriculture



864-889






References Cited

V-14




















Management Project





Range Management







southern Idaho


News Release


References Cited

V-15


131-147









RP-484









Experiment Station


Science 70 (1) 10-19


Ecology 78 81-92



Station








References Cited

V-16










Portland Oregon


























References Cited

V-17









Lakewood Colorado












Northwest Region






R6-NR-FHP-PR-02-05








References Cited

V-18



Analysis


Analysis






















Field Guide








References Cited

V-19









26194











468-478










Olympia Washington




References Cited

V-20






survey effort












Press











northwest



A-1

APPENDIX A




Date Event







analysis team







Council








companies







and NOAA Fisheries


Glossary of Terms

B - 2

APPENDIX B

Glossary of Terms

A




aerial fuels




B

basal area






Glossary of Terms

B - 3






brush


burn plan





C



cleaning




Glossary of Terms

B - 4

commercial thin










control a fire



cooperating agency




Glossary of Terms

B - 5

D




defensible space







disturbance



duff


E



Glossary of Terms

B - 6


















Glossary of Terms

B - 7

F









fire regime










Glossary of Terms

B - 8









Firewise




flash fuels





Glossary of Terms

B - 9

Forest Supervisor




fragmentation






fuel model




fuel type





Glossary of Terms

B - 10

G



ground fuels


H












Glossary of Terms

B - 11

I



intermittent stream




J

K

L




large diameter tree






Glossary of Terms

B - 12





M











Glossary of Terms

B - 13

N


native species








O







Glossary of Terms

B - 14


P









prescribed fire





Q

R



Glossary of Terms

B - 15

rate of spread


redox active











rehabilitation







Glossary of Terms

B - 16



riprap





S





sediment






Glossary of Terms

B - 17










soil compaction









Glossary of Terms

B - 18











T








Glossary of Terms

B - 19


U








V




W




Glossary of Terms

B - 20










winter logging


Xrdquo

ldquoYrdquo



ldquoZ


Glossary of Terms

B - 21







Ca calcium

CC condition class



CG campground

CH4 methane

CO carbon monoxide

CO2 carbon dioxide





DR District Ranger





FR fire regime




Glossary of Terms

B - 22

FS Forest Service







K potassium





N nitrogen



NF National Forest





P phosphorus




RD Ranger District



Glossary of Terms

B - 23

RO Regional Office










Unit Prescriptions

C-24



Landscape Objective









Treatment

Pattern



Thinning guidelines










spp dbh Current TPA

Post- mech TPA

Post-mech

BA

Current CC

Desired CC

Acceptable CC

gt25 2 2 6 3 3 3

16-25 32 24 62 33 25 20-31 9-16 31 10 12

5-9 8 18 6


Unit Prescriptions

C-25

lt5 2 0

stand averageac


73 (58-88)

36 (29-43)

80 (64-96)

57 (46-68)

34 (27-41)

Range across unit

0-120




Current

condition


projection

Average largevery

large tpa 7 7 18-26


34 (27-41)

34-50

Mean DBH 16 19 23

Total

Volume Removed

621

(460-782)

Reforestation None




Unit Prescriptions

C-26

0

5

10

15

20

25

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

Nu

mb

er

of

Tre

es

DBH inches

Gold Spring Unit 2


Gold Spring Unit 4

Landscape Objective





Unit Prescriptions

C-27













Unit Prescriptions

C-28


Landscape Objective






Treatment






Unit Prescriptions

C-29





Landscape Objective


















Unit Prescriptions

C-30


spp dbh Current TPA

Post mech TPA

Post-mech

BA

Current CC

Desired CC

Acceptable CC

gt25 lt1 lt1 4 2 2 2

16-25 17 13 27 18 14 20-22 9-16 39 13 15 23 8

5-9 3 0 0 1 0

lt5 na na na na na

stand averageac


59

(53-65)

27

(24-31)

46

(41-51)

43

(38-48)

24

(21-27)

Range across unit

0-120




Current

condition


projection



24 (21-27)

31

Mean DBH 16 19 22

Volume

Removedmbfac

586

(434-728)



Unit Prescriptions

C-31

0

5

10

15

20

25

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

Nu

mb

er

of

Tre

es

DBH inches

Gold Spring Unit6



Landscape Objective





Unit Prescriptions

C-32



Treatment











Non-commercial None


TPA Post mech TPA

Post-mech

BA

Current CC

Desired CC

Acceptable CC

gt25 5 5 33 10 10 10

16-25 17 15 32 15 15 20-23

9-16 59 14 14 36 8

5-9 20 0 0 6 0


stand averageac


102

(86-116)

35

(30-40)

80

(69-91)

68

(58-78)

33

(28-38)

Range across 20-140


Unit Prescriptions

C-33




Current

condition


projection


Canopy cover 67

(58-76)

33

(28-38)

355

(30-40) Mean DBH 14 20 23

Volume

Removedmbfac

247

(183-311)



0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44

Nu

mb

er

of

Tre

es

DBH inches

Gold Spring Unit 8



Road Status

D-34




2 Traffic

Service

Level3

Maintenance

Level4 Name

1700416 0-041 LTC O C 2

Gold Creek

Summer

Homes

1700420 00-034 LTC O C 2

Cliffdell

Summer

Homes


1703537 00-056 LTC C D 1 Goldrun

1703538 00-046 LTC C D 1 Problem

1703539 00-021 LTC C D 1


1703542 00-031 LTC O C 2 Nugget

1703610 00-056 LTI C D 1

1703612 00-031 LTI C D 1

1703613 00-029 LTI C D 1

1703635 00-042 LTI C C 1

1703645 00-028 LTI C D 1

1703655 00-026 LTC O C 2

1703665 00-013 LTI C D 1


1705570 00-081 LTC O C 2 Spring

1705572 00-142 LTC O C 2

1705573 00-008 LTI C D 1

1705574 00-082 LTI C D 1 Wapiti

1705575 00-19 LTI C D 1

1705578 00-041 LTI C D 1

1705615 01-018 LTI C D 1


Road Status

D-35


2 Traffic

Service

Level3

Maintenance

Level4 Name


1707574 00-066 LTC O C 2 Able

1707575 00-031 LTC O C 2 Pitch

1705576 00-087 LTC O C 2 Pine Flat

1707577 00-125 LTC O C 2 Saddle

1707578 00-065 LTC O C 2 Pine Tar

1700416A 00-016 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes

1700416B 00-015 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes

1700416C 00-006 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes

1700416D 00-033 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes


mile


1 Management


service




2 Status

O Open for vehicles









Road Status

D-36



4 Maintenance Level







D-37






(202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD)






Table of Contents

iv

Chapter II


Introduction II-1

















II-26

Monitoring II-26






Standards II-32








Table of Contents

v

Chapter II




Residence Areas

II-41



Range II-46




Table of Contents

vi

Chapter III









III-14


AIR QUALITY III-24






WILDLIFE III-43





III-47


DecAID Tool III-48








GROUSE

III-59




Table of Contents

vii

Chapter III








III-64
















RECREATION III-79










Table of Contents

viii

Chapter III










Effects III-139


AREAS

III-140

ECONOMICS III-140




Table of Contents

ix

Chapter IV


Chapter V


Appendix A


Appendix B



Acronyms B-21

Appendix C

Unit Prescriptions






Appendix D

Road Status D-1


Table of Contents

x


List of Tables

Table Subject Page












objectives

II-9










II-15







Table of Contents

xi

Table Subject Page



Action

II-48





treatment

III-6






montanum)

III-15




III-17



III-18




III-20


Naches Mainstem

III-22





III-28



III-28




Table of Contents

xii

Table Subject Page





III-67



III-73







reach)

III-108
















Table of Contents

xiii

Table Subject Page



List of Figures

Figure Subject Page





















hauling

II-31


Table of Contents

xiv

Figure Subject Page







C-3



C-9



C-12



I-15

CHAPTER I










with indicators










I-16








Matrix

1541 35


2492 57


304 7

Private 731


See Figure 13

























I-17


























I-18




I-19


Land Allocations



I-20







































the 20th









I-21

















Invasive Species





























I-22













































I-23


present





dependant wildlife




types blend








forest type




or intactness






o Clean water

o Clean air

o Wildlife habitat


o Commodities













I-24



























Oregon



















I-25


actions

Guidance






































effectiveness





I-26







wishes to




wildfire







Improve tree vigor


and western larch












implemented







resilient species

o ponderosa pine

o Douglas-fir

o western larch






I-27



the WUI






distance














native vegetation









project area









reduce ladder fuels




I-28


project area








The Proposed Action








methods










State Highway 410



Connected actions



used road templates






I-29


mark


mark






decisions




















implemented





project area






I-30
















identified
























I-31






resources



I-32

CHAPTER II


Introduction






































photographs


areas



I-33






treatments





































(see page II-22)



I-34
















spacing











Unit




log







winter log




winter log




winter log




log




winter log







I-35




































classes



greater than 25 dbh


Structure Classes



I-36

Gold Spring Unit 1



Gold Spring Unit 2


Current

condition

Desired

outcome56

Projected

conditions at 40

years7

Trees per acre

73

(58-88)

36

(29-43)

33

(27-40)

Largevery large

trees per acre

12 12

25

Canopy cover

57

(46-68)

34

(27-41)

34-50

Mean DBH inches

16 19

23

Volume removed

mbf

621

(460-782)


Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Young Forest

Multistory








I-37


Objectives

General




Specific











objectives












Spatial variability














I-38

Gold Spring Unit 3



Gold Spring Unit 4



outcome1112

Projected

conditions at 40

years13

Volume removed

mbf

25

(18-32)




Reinitiation

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Not specified












Objectives

General




Specific






I-39











pine


shallow crowns










Spatial variability





No reforestation




I-40




Projected

conditions at 40

years


91

(68-114)




Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Not specified




structure18









Objectives

General




Specific




I-41


















Spatial variability





No reforestation





I-42

Gold Spring Unit 6


Current

condition

Desired

outcome20 21

Projected

conditions at 40

years22

Trees per acre

59

(53-65)

27

(24-31)

26

(23-29)

Largevery large

trees per acre

47 31

19

Canopy cover

43

(38-48)

24

(21-27)

31

(28-34)

Mean DBH inches

16 19

22

Volume removed

mbf

586

(434-728)


Multistory

Young Forest

Multistory

Young Forest








I-43


Objectives

General




Specific








I-44



















Spatial variability













saplings




based on plots






I-45

Gold Spring Unit 8


Current

condition

Desired

outcome2627

Projected

conditions at 40

years28

Trees per acre

102

(86-116)

35

(30-40)

33

(28-38)

Largevery large

trees per acre

11 11 20

Canopy cover

67

(58-76)

33

(23-38)

35

(30-40)

Mean DBH inches

14 20

23

Volume removed

mbf

247

(183-311)


Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion

Open Canopy

Stem Exclusion







Objectives

General




Specific




I-46





















Spatial variability





No reforestation











Objectives

General




Specific




I-47





treated







2005)






No reforestation






I-48



I-49



Fuels Treatments

































following ways



I-50




























fuels treatment)32

4028 acres


10 acres

Hand fireline34










I-51





operations









planting






























I-52
















(Sustain at current

Maintenance Level)

Current

Maintenance

Level3536

Segment

Length

(miles)

1700416 2 041

1700420 2 034

1703541 2 071

1703655 2 026

1705000 3 463

170557237

2 111

170700038

3 33

1707575 2 031

1707576 2 087

170757739

2 096

1707578 2 065

Total Miles 1355 35

Maintenance Level 1

=







consideration













I-53


Level

Maintenance

Level

Length

(miles)

1703000 3 2 566

Total Miles 566




Segment Length

(miles)

170353940

021

1703610 056

1703612 031

1703613 029

1703635 042

1703665 013

1705570 081

1705572 031

1705574 082

1705575 019

1705615 018

1707577 064


FR1703539 40


reflect its status






Current Road

Management

Level

Segment

Length

(miles)

1703537 1 056

1703542 2 031

Total Miles 087







I-54













State Route 410














I-55




I-56





































users










I-57













project area











Monitoring





monitoring results










I-58


Objective

Metric Frequency

Duration

Completed

by



Determine if



gain on the average

number of

snagsacre and


Number of

snags create

(aveacre) as a

direct result of

prescribed

burning

2-5 years after

prescribed fire

Wildlife



Implementation of

mitigation as


WildlifeEcology


treatment

Specialist

occular estimate

of percent target

species reduction

Until

undesirable

species are

reduced andor

desirable

vegetation is

reestablished

EcologyBotany

Range Mgt



Validate that

treatment is having


Degree of

departure

2-5 years post

implementation

Ecology

Silviculture

Range Mgt


function

Monitor marking for


Degree of

departure

During

layoutmarking

Silviculture

Timber MgtFuel

Planning





less after harvest

Silviculture amp

Reforestation




Degree of

protection vs

damage


Heritage Resources



Determine if any or

to what degree


Degree of loss

of opportunity

as determined

by direct

communication

by tribal members

During project

implementation

Heritage

Resources




Tonsacre

fire intensity

Within 2 years

of treatment

Fuel planning


air quality

Monitor effects to

human health

minimization of air

quality degradation

PM25 microm3

visibility

During


Fuel planning


Highway 410 Mather

Memorial Parkway


Monitor treatments

and prescriptions

effectiveness at

improving or

maintaining the

outstanding visual

quality of the area

Number of areas

appearing

altered by


During and for

up to 2 years


Recreation




I-59


Objective

Metric Frequency

Duration

Completed

by


operations and

treatments on the

recreation




closure and


Road use

closure compliance

Up to 5 years

post treatment

Engineering



Ensure that

mitigation criteria

were implemented as

described

Yesno as

described

During

implementation

Hydrology

Fisheries



resources

Ensure that

mitigation criteria


Yesno as described


HydrologySoils

Fisheries

Post project stream


Validate


Temperature

change

Post

implementation

Hydrology

Fisheries




post treatment

Soils


monitoring plans

Adaptive Management





















I-60













See Figure II5



















I-61




Adaptive Method



Adaptive Method

Prescribed Burn

Adaptive Method

Firewood Removal

Adaptive Method

No Treatment


Adaptive Method




I-62



hauling

Element Commercial

Harvest

Selected Method


Adaptive Method


units

Option

Prescribed Burn

Option

Pile and burn

Option

No Treatment


haul

Selected Method


Adaptive Method


safety



I-63
















contract period








decision is made








(Standard 1)







I-64


















(Standard 16)























I-65

















(BMP I-414)












I-56)








I-66


(BMP III-224)






(BMP III-231)


(BMP III-242)

Design Criteria













allowed




herbicides






I-67







































I-68
























alternative plans












I-69


General









































I-70
































surface)









I-71











































I-72





Wildlife Resources















nearby location





















I-73





































I-74














































I-75












































I-76










ground disturbance














than 10 inches DBH









perennial streams










I-77
















are not saturated











Range






Heritage Properties








marked boundaries



I-78



























Preservation Office



I-79









Objectives

(Purpose and Need)

Projected Future

Condition41






judgment








level


sustainability












































species


project area










I-80

Objectives

(Purpose and Need)

Projected Future

Condition41







fluctuations














Pinus Underburn













management action


wildland fire



wildland fire



















III-81

CHAPTER III





































Ranger District



III-82





Chapter I





project area



















are today


the project

area)


1001 (23)


2553 (58)


Riparian

26 (1)

Rock

606 (14)

Shrubland

201 (1)

RuralAg 2 (lt1)



Early

327 (9)

Mid

502 (14)

Late

2739 (77)

Crown

Closure

Acres ( of

project area)

0

2 (0)

1-10

796 (18)

11-39

1094 (25)

40-69

1429 (33)

70+

1070 (24)



III-83

Insects and Disease

































Wildfire











III-84



the effects of 19th

and 20th































Landscape Factors












III-85








range

Stand Factors


















III5




III-86





of inaction




6 47 (42 ndash 52) 31 (28 ndash 34) 19 (17 - 21) 28 (50 - 31)




III-87



Unit 2 16 19 23 21

Unit 6 15 18 22 21

Unit 8 15 20 23 20























Unit Existing After

logging


of inaction

2 24 66 53 23



6 8 20 20 10

8 23 48 51 17






III-88


















creation include





to 120 feet
























III-89



























untreated condition

















III-90






2 57100 3480 33



6 4372 2446 31

8 67118 3380 35







unit 6














treatments











III-91












































III-92















































III-93





Cumulative Effects













function














Cumulative Effects








III-94














project area






(2001 ROD)

Determination
























III-95





(Table III9 below)



treatment area


to Management

Recommendations


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations






(041001)


Not subject to

Management

Recommendations





LSRMLSA


individual stems


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations


treatment area


to Management

Recommendations










project



III-96






























condition













III-97


Agee 2003)



flame length

Fire suppression


Surface disturbance

less with fire than

other techniques


crown




may allow surface

wind to increase


crown fire less

probable

Reduces crown fire

potential

Surface wind may


fuels may be drier

Keep big trees of

resistant species


fire intensity

Generally restores

historic structure

Less economical


of insect attack







Treatment

Precommercial

Thin and Fuels

Treatment

Natural Fuels

Treatment

(underburn)

Reduce surface

fuels

good good best

Increase height to

live crown


Decrease crown

density

best poor

(over and midstory

crown)

moderate

Keep big trees of

resistant species

good best good









III-98



















torching


















content ()

2 6 12 20

70 11 23 37 53

80 12 25 40 57

90 13 27 43 61

100 13 28 46 65

120 15 32 51 73


(maximum)

fthour

Flame Length

ft

TL1 14 08

TL3 27 14



III-99


















III-100



Flame Length (ft)



12 21 91 98 98

16 11 25 88 96

18 9 9 34 91

21 6 6 11 58

25 4 4 4 18


12 20 87 98 98

16 11 11 75 96

18 9 9 10 83

21 6 6 6 8

25 4 4 4 4


12 20 87 98 98

16 11 11 58 96

18 9 9 9 71

21 6 6 6 6

25 4 4 4 4

Grand fir 7 80 100 100 100

12 34 95 99 99

16 21 41 94 98

18 17 17 51 95

21 12 12 20 74







above 90th











III-101






































III-102


NEPA Document

Name

Treatments2

Acres Date



Pinus Underburn

913

836

1589

1998

1997

2001



Nile Timber Sale



Nile Underburn

Nile RMEF Underburn

732

1453

1353

1196

3353

933

1998

1998

2001

2002

2004

2000


Buzzer Timber Sale

Fang Timber Sale

Venom Timber Sale



1344

956

1117

1857

1824

725

2003

2004

2005

2008

2005

2007


Flask Timber Sale

Jigger Timber Sale

1654

1922

397

2007

2008

2008


treatments

~70000 acres

under analysis

2011-20153

Naches Sheep

Allottment









destroyed









III-103






























III-104



















(eg roads)

AIR QUALITY


















III-105



















Mt Adams Wilderness


Cliffdell Community

West Adjacent

State Route 410


Nile Valley


NachesGleed


CowicheTieton




Yakima City

Potential PM25 non-

attainment area

Southeast 30 miles














III-106

Human Health











in Table III17




III-107


(rev))


compounds



Ammonia

Nitrogen dioxide

Sulfur dioxide


carcinogenic

Methyl chloride

Methylene chloride





mutagenic

13-butadiene

Acrolein


mutagenic

Benzene

Styrene

Polycyclic aromatic

hydrocarbons (PAHs)


Immunotoxic

Benzo[163]pyrene




Teratogenic

Methanol

Acetic acid


mutagenic

Formaldehyde

Acetaldehyde



Catechol





response possibly

carcinogenic

Hydroquinone

Fluorenone

Anthraquinone







Lead

Chromium


allergenic

PM25






III-108









for comparison only












biomass utilization

Acres Estimated

Tons of

slashacre

Estimated potential

tons of biomass

available (65


Estimated potential


released into the

airshed5

Commercial

harvest in the dry

Douglas-

firponderosa

pinegrand fir type

364

8 ndash 176

2912-6188

66-140





PM 254 006

PM10 180 004

PM25 170 004

CO 2080 048

CO2 30145 698

CH4 68 002


(NMHC)

49 001



III-109







Visibility
















Cumulative Effects)























III-110




































decommissioned






III-111





route relocation



relocation

INVASIVE SPECIES











document


















III-112




III-113






threat to the State









for control)











problematic

Spotted knapweed


BD

Diffuse knapweed

Centaurea diffusa

B

Canada thistle

Cirsium arvense

C

Bull thistle

Cirsium vulgare

C

Oxeye daisy


BD

Dalmatian toadflax

Linaria dalmatica

B

St Johns-wort


C

Common mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Monitor

Chicory

Cichorium intybus

NA

Field bindweed

Convolvulus arvense

NA















the equipment






III-114























Thompson 1997)























III-115







(Robocker 1974)





































No

Action

Refined

Proposed




0 565





III-116

































Target Vegetation













III-117

























these populations





















III-118
















recommendations






























III-119














































III-120



























contaminated water


















III-121















and 7)









conducted

















land allocations



III-122















































III-123








Cumulative Effects






WILDLIFE

Species Addressed














Gray wolf (E)


Bald eagle (S)











III-124



Migratory landbirds




















document













Mainstem 5th







III-125




























Wenas Watersheds

Pileated woodpecker



Hairy woodpecker

Downy woodpecker




Red-naped sapsucker


Northern flicker



III-126














































III-127
































LSR guidance







Future Condition



III-128



105)







above

DecAID Tool



































III-129








































Bald eagle





III-130









discussed




































III-131






1984)


Snag Size

(dbh)



treatments

mechanical and


6-10 -481 +14 +55

10-20 -342 +10 +45

gt20 -300 0 +100


Direct and Indirect






Table III20)
























III-132











headed woodpeckers



































III-133



Cumulative









































III-134


Direct and Indirect
















Cumulative







Dependant Wildlife

Direct and Indirect









Cumulative





Effects Summary





III-135


or bat species











































III-136











elk surveys















Deer








Direct and Indirect







III-137


range
























Cumulative




















III-138








level


Direct and Indirect












Cumulative




anticipated



Direct and Indirect
















III-139




Cumulative












Effects Summary



continue



















III-140
























influenced by roads

















III-141

Direct and Indirect







Cumulative







Direct and Indirect











Cumulative



riparian habitat



Direct and Indirect






Cumulative






III-142

Effects Summary






SPECIES































analysis



III-143









Direct and Indirect














Cumulative







Direct and Indirect





eagles

Cumulative



cumulative effects



III-144



Direct and Indirect







wolverine





Cumulative






Effects Summary





















III-145







































III-146


Northern Goshawks







Direct and Indirect















Lost Creek

SO806

87 1 539 139

Dead Horse SO838

489 0 2011 0

Milk Pond

SO840

378 0 1770 10

Sawmill Flat SO865

322 0 1471 0

Mountain Camp

SO883

192 0 562 82


residences)










III-147












Cumulative



dispersal habitat


habitat unit


NRF Habitat


acres

Matrix

Administrative

Withdrawn

Private

51

0

0

0

0

0



TOTAL 20610

0














III-148


Goshawk

Direct and Indirect





Cumulative

















scale

Cumulative





Effects Summary










III-149

AMERICAN BALD EAGLE







perch structures





Effects Summary













Naches Mainstem












III-150


Eagle




Direct and Indirect












eagle

Cumulative






Direct and Indirect










Cumulative






III-151








Cumulative




Effects Summary




























III-152




























begin to develop


Direct and Indirect







flycatcher







III-153












Focal Species that


Project Area

HabitatFeature

Conservation Focus

Potential

impacts from

Project to

Feature


Ponderosa Pine

(1001)



Y Y


and green trees)



and green trees


regeneration pines

Y Y

(project design)


(Late Successional)

(2553 ac of mixed





green trees)



snags)


openings and dense

thickets

Y

Y

(project design)


canopy

N Y

(Avoid)


created by wildfire

Y Y

(project design)

Riparian Woodland

(26)


(avoid)


(avoid)














III-154









Cumulative Effects







Direct and Indirect















Cumulative






Migratory Landbirds

Direct and Indirect







III-155



Cumulative





Effects Summary






Scenic Assessment













are numerous












III-156




the following







natural


























(Washington DNR)









III-157


the following


corridor



future generations













Other Items to Note























III-158







Cumulative Effects













Cumulative Effects






III-159

RECREATION















individual lots


(Highway 410 - All


Designation)

Viewing scenery





















Parkway users



III-160



Park





















season





















can fluctuate



III-161






study plant


bird watching


products gathering

(mushrooms plants








Oriented Activities


the Project Area











Lost Creek Village










the project area)




III-162










































III-163





Hunting







Dispersed Camping















Unit

of Dispersed Sites

Within Unit

of Dispersed Sites

Adjacent to Unit

Comments

2 0 0

4 0 1

5 1 0

6 3 0


9 0 0








III-164



















Cumulative Impacts
























III-165



















Project Area






















III-166

Hunting



Dispersed Camping























classification





existing open area












III-167



Cumulative Effects









purposes














Direct Effects











III-168








Indirect Effects




management actions


Cumulative Effects











inventories

Physical Setting














III-169











inches





24 inches





surface 24 inches













III-170


Soil Map

Unit

Soil Map

Unit Name

Total Acres

in Project

Erosion

Hazard

Compaction

Hazard

Available

Water


sandy loam 10-

35 slopes



Complex 15-45

slopes



Complex 45-65

slopes


57 McDanielake ashy

sandy loam 15-

30 south slopes


60 McDanielake ashy

sandy loam 30-

55 south slopes


65 McDanielake-

Rock Complex

30-55 slopes


66 McDanielake-

Rock Complex

55-90 slopes


67 McDanielake-

Rock Complex

30-70 south

slopes


71 Mippon-

Xerofluvents

Complex 0-5

slopes


90 Rock outcrop-

rubbleland

association



loam 25-45

slopes


111 Stemilt-Rock

Complex 25-75

slopes



table








III-171


Harvest

































Slope Stability







III-172

Road Condition


















Water Temperature















Introduction













III-173

















Road Management













of compacted areas














III-174













































III-175








equipment


















Unit

Unit Acres Existing

Current

Detrimental

Soil

Existing

Current

Detrimental

Soil Acres

Estimated

Additional

Detrimental

Soil Acres

Estimated

Restoration

Acres

Estimated

Final

Detrimental

Soil

1 dropped

2 122 827 1009 19 095 905

3 dropped

4 7 877 061 114 057 1679

5 8 1045 084 02 01 1176

6 123 678 834 166 083 745

7 38 927 352 062 031 1009

8 48 997 479 246 123 1253

9 18 877 158 030 015 963





III-176















































III-177



























effects



















III-178






















Evaluation Summary
























III-179


























III-180



Projected Future

Condition

Refined

Proposed




Compaction Soils

0 97



Soils

0 0




4573

(0)

4075

(-498 )


(Marginal Change)

3613

(0)

3593

(-020 )


(Marginal Change)

3852

(0)

3541

(-311 )


(Marginal Change)

4544

(0)

4383

(-161 )
















the 5th








III-181






















field watershed

























III-182












field watershed The







field HUC level

















field watersheds



field watersheds








to be insignificant



III-183















Cumulative Effects


the 5th



decrease







Cumulative Effects





year) decrease














III-184



Cumulative Effects




at the 5th





































III-185












































III-186


Nation 1990)











































III-187




















Creek























III-188



Aquatic Habitat


















Stream Reach Length

(miles)


MedMile

Gold Creek (1992) 1 139 49 71 ND 120 2 376 45 71 147 116

3 158 68 82 84 150





Pools









III-189


Stream Reach Reach

Gradient

WNF Pool

Standard

Observed

Pools Per

Mile


2 10 NA 231

3 15 NA 114

Fine Sediment




Water Quality











Analysis Method






















III-190

















Everest 1991)




























III-191




Everest 1991)









































III-192




































Water Quality









III-193

























analysis




















III-194












suppressed






























III-195














































III-196



































Manual Treatments








streams



III-197









Cultural Methods





or fish habitat

Chemical Treatments






herbicides
























III-198












































III-199











































III-200

Cumulative Effects
















field watershed















about 11 acres













III-201







































adapted





III-202



















perennial streams








natural fire regime





and watershed scale










III-203

















field

















revegetate








III-204






watershed scale



perennial streams




























ecosystems





III-205















scale































III-206











































III-207

































clear cut areas










III-208













scale























watershed scale



III-209





stability





























Riparian Reserves











III-210




























term















III-211







































III-212



Operations



















Forage Response
























III-213

























access to Hwy 410


Cumulative effects












zone



III-214

































Cumulative Effects












III-215






zone






HERITAGE RESOURCES





















Existing Condition

Historic Properties









III-216










brought forth


Historic Properties
































III-217






















Affected Enviroment



















III-218













Project Area

Road Density

(MilesSq Mile)


2495 364

Open System Roads

2128 31

Arterial 12

00 00

Collector 13

00

00

Local 14

2128

31

Closed System Roads

367 053

Arterial

00 00

Collector

00 00

Local

367 053



0






III-219














Cumulative Effects







system

Cumulative Effects





Access Management





Cumulative Effects



road system




Cumulative Effects





III-220








Management











Cumulative Effects










ASSESSMENT (LSRA)









ECONOMICS



III-221






Benefits



following







Fire size

in acres

Suppression cost

per acre

From To

0 025 $7978

025 10 $6907

10 100 $6304

100 300 $3331

300 1000 $2698

1000 5000 $1813

5000 50000 $713

50000+ $431




proposed action










III-222













proposed action


















Costs









Treatment

4018 acres17 $60acre -$241080




III-223









implementation
















Cumulative Effects















III-224



or familial status















IV-1

Chapter IV

















Other Participants








IV-2


Agencies Consulted


Understanding)

Yakama Nation




US Forest Service







Yakama Nation



References Cited

V-3

CHAPTER V

References Cited














24-34





66










Research Station




References Cited

V-4








Northwest Region












Experiment Station





Research Station


WW Norton and Co










References Cited

V-5


77 (3) 776-790









Forest






















Ecosystems Insitute


References Cited

V-6
















America 81 226-230










Forestry 10 (3) 101-108


of Chicago Press



Register 34




References Cited

V-7




















252 p 1-24


















References Cited

V-8










Station











53-83


Washington










Ecology 34 1484-1496




References Cited

V-9













Ecology 68 (2) 434-443







Ecology 77 762-775














(2) 584-600


References Cited

V-10





Research 24 1193-1198




















(3) 689-710












References Cited

V-11


Station



















Biology 9 279-294


1048














References Cited

V-12













11 No 3 pp 97-102












Vrelag P 132-148


(1) 34-40










References Cited

V-13














370-383





Association 42 (5) 1307-1327


Research 20 1753-1761





81 153-160



Agriculture



864-889






References Cited

V-14




















Management Project





Range Management







southern Idaho


News Release


References Cited

V-15


131-147









RP-484









Experiment Station


Science 70 (1) 10-19


Ecology 78 81-92



Station








References Cited

V-16










Portland Oregon


























References Cited

V-17









Lakewood Colorado












Northwest Region






R6-NR-FHP-PR-02-05








References Cited

V-18



Analysis


Analysis






















Field Guide








References Cited

V-19









26194











468-478










Olympia Washington




References Cited

V-20






survey effort












Press











northwest



A-1

APPENDIX A




Date Event







analysis team







Council








companies







and NOAA Fisheries


Glossary of Terms

B - 2

APPENDIX B

Glossary of Terms

A




aerial fuels




B

basal area






Glossary of Terms

B - 3






brush


burn plan





C



cleaning




Glossary of Terms

B - 4

commercial thin










control a fire



cooperating agency




Glossary of Terms

B - 5

D




defensible space







disturbance



duff


E



Glossary of Terms

B - 6


















Glossary of Terms

B - 7

F









fire regime










Glossary of Terms

B - 8









Firewise




flash fuels





Glossary of Terms

B - 9

Forest Supervisor




fragmentation






fuel model




fuel type





Glossary of Terms

B - 10

G



ground fuels


H












Glossary of Terms

B - 11

I



intermittent stream




J

K

L




large diameter tree






Glossary of Terms

B - 12





M











Glossary of Terms

B - 13

N


native species








O







Glossary of Terms

B - 14


P









prescribed fire





Q

R



Glossary of Terms

B - 15

rate of spread


redox active











rehabilitation







Glossary of Terms

B - 16



riprap





S





sediment






Glossary of Terms

B - 17










soil compaction









Glossary of Terms

B - 18











T








Glossary of Terms

B - 19


U








V




W




Glossary of Terms

B - 20










winter logging


Xrdquo

ldquoYrdquo



ldquoZ


Glossary of Terms

B - 21







Ca calcium

CC condition class



CG campground

CH4 methane

CO carbon monoxide

CO2 carbon dioxide





DR District Ranger





FR fire regime




Glossary of Terms

B - 22

FS Forest Service







K potassium





N nitrogen



NF National Forest





P phosphorus




RD Ranger District



Glossary of Terms

B - 23

RO Regional Office










Unit Prescriptions

C-24



Landscape Objective









Treatment

Pattern



Thinning guidelines










spp dbh Current TPA

Post- mech TPA

Post-mech

BA

Current CC

Desired CC

Acceptable CC

gt25 2 2 6 3 3 3

16-25 32 24 62 33 25 20-31 9-16 31 10 12

5-9 8 18 6


Unit Prescriptions

C-25

lt5 2 0

stand averageac


73 (58-88)

36 (29-43)

80 (64-96)

57 (46-68)

34 (27-41)

Range across unit

0-120




Current

condition


projection

Average largevery

large tpa 7 7 18-26


34 (27-41)

34-50

Mean DBH 16 19 23

Total

Volume Removed

621

(460-782)

Reforestation None




Unit Prescriptions

C-26

0

5

10

15

20

25

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

Nu

mb

er

of

Tre

es

DBH inches

Gold Spring Unit 2


Gold Spring Unit 4

Landscape Objective





Unit Prescriptions

C-27













Unit Prescriptions

C-28


Landscape Objective






Treatment






Unit Prescriptions

C-29





Landscape Objective


















Unit Prescriptions

C-30


spp dbh Current TPA

Post mech TPA

Post-mech

BA

Current CC

Desired CC

Acceptable CC

gt25 lt1 lt1 4 2 2 2

16-25 17 13 27 18 14 20-22 9-16 39 13 15 23 8

5-9 3 0 0 1 0

lt5 na na na na na

stand averageac


59

(53-65)

27

(24-31)

46

(41-51)

43

(38-48)

24

(21-27)

Range across unit

0-120




Current

condition


projection



24 (21-27)

31

Mean DBH 16 19 22

Volume

Removedmbfac

586

(434-728)



Unit Prescriptions

C-31

0

5

10

15

20

25

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

Nu

mb

er

of

Tre

es

DBH inches

Gold Spring Unit6



Landscape Objective





Unit Prescriptions

C-32



Treatment











Non-commercial None


TPA Post mech TPA

Post-mech

BA

Current CC

Desired CC

Acceptable CC

gt25 5 5 33 10 10 10

16-25 17 15 32 15 15 20-23

9-16 59 14 14 36 8

5-9 20 0 0 6 0


stand averageac


102

(86-116)

35

(30-40)

80

(69-91)

68

(58-78)

33

(28-38)

Range across 20-140


Unit Prescriptions

C-33




Current

condition


projection


Canopy cover 67

(58-76)

33

(28-38)

355

(30-40) Mean DBH 14 20 23

Volume

Removedmbfac

247

(183-311)



0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44

Nu

mb

er

of

Tre

es

DBH inches

Gold Spring Unit 8



Road Status

D-34




2 Traffic

Service

Level3

Maintenance

Level4 Name

1700416 0-041 LTC O C 2

Gold Creek

Summer

Homes

1700420 00-034 LTC O C 2

Cliffdell

Summer

Homes


1703537 00-056 LTC C D 1 Goldrun

1703538 00-046 LTC C D 1 Problem

1703539 00-021 LTC C D 1


1703542 00-031 LTC O C 2 Nugget

1703610 00-056 LTI C D 1

1703612 00-031 LTI C D 1

1703613 00-029 LTI C D 1

1703635 00-042 LTI C C 1

1703645 00-028 LTI C D 1

1703655 00-026 LTC O C 2

1703665 00-013 LTI C D 1


1705570 00-081 LTC O C 2 Spring

1705572 00-142 LTC O C 2

1705573 00-008 LTI C D 1

1705574 00-082 LTI C D 1 Wapiti

1705575 00-19 LTI C D 1

1705578 00-041 LTI C D 1

1705615 01-018 LTI C D 1


Road Status

D-35


2 Traffic

Service

Level3

Maintenance

Level4 Name


1707574 00-066 LTC O C 2 Able

1707575 00-031 LTC O C 2 Pitch

1705576 00-087 LTC O C 2 Pine Flat

1707577 00-125 LTC O C 2 Saddle

1707578 00-065 LTC O C 2 Pine Tar

1700416A 00-016 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes

1700416B 00-015 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes

1700416C 00-006 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes

1700416D 00-033 LTC L C 2

Gold Creek

summer

Homes


mile


1 Management


service




2 Status

O Open for vehicles









Road Status

D-36



4 Maintenance Level







D-37






(202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD)



