sf stillaguamish vegetation project decision notice...

SF STILLAGUAMISH VEGETATION PROJECT

DECISION NOTICE AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

USDA FOREST SERVICE

MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST

DARRINGTON RANGER DISTRICT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WASHINGTON

September 20, 2017

INTRODUCTION

The Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the SF Stillaguamish Vegetation

Project Environmental Assessment (EA) are presented here. The following pages summarize my

reasons for choosing Alternative 2B, as the selected alternative.

An open and inclusive approach was used to make this decision. My intent is to continue with

this approach as we implement the project. I recognize the public importance of the recreational

and scenic opportunities in the Mt. Loop Scenic Highway corridor, and in the project area.I

expect that by emphasizing monitoring, ongoing involvement, and consultation with the

interdisciplinary team, during implementation, any needed adjustments will be made. I am

making my decision based on the best available science and reliable information currently on

hand. I feel that this decision represents a balance of providing for natural resource

managementobjectives in Late Successional Reserves and social needs.

Throughout the development of this EA, I considered tribal and public input and the analysis

completed by resource specialists. For example: several stands have been dropped due to

conditions within the stands meeting desired condition and additional visual buffer added to the

Heather Lake Trail. By modifying Alternative 2to Alternative 2B for this decision, I am

responding to public comments requesting additional buffer along the Heather Lake Trail,

retention of the normal operating season with options for extensions, and adjustments in stands

considered for thinning treatmentswith some stands dropped and others added. In my judgement,

this decision will continue to protect natural resources and provide ample opportunities for the

public to enjoy the National Forest.

DECISION

I have decided to select and implement Alternative 2B,hereafter referred to as the “Selected

Alternative”. I have made my decision after careful review of the June 2017SF Stillaguamish

Vegetation Project EA, Specialist Reports, applicable direction in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie

National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, as amended (Forest Plan), and other

information available in the Project Record. I also reviewed public and tribal comments collected

during the Open Houses, government-to-government meetings,the field trip held in October

2016, as well as individual comments received throughout the planning process.

Darrington Ranger District SF Stillaguamish Vegetation Project DN/FONSI

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The Selected Alternative 2B differs from Alternative 2as described in the Draft EA, in the

following ways:

1. Additional visual buffer was added along the Heather Lake Trail

2. The number of acres of non-commercial thinning was reduced to stands where non-commercial

thinning is most likely to be operationally successful within reasonable costs of treatment – 1,060

acres

3. There are changes in temporary road construction with a projected 3-5 miles of new temporary

road to be constructed in order to avoid reconstruction of previous temporary roads in unstable

locations and to better meet current logging systems.

4. There are changes in commercial thinning acres with approximately 330 acres of stands dropped

from commercial thinning treatment. Stands were dropped due to three stands were found to have

trees< 80 years of age, and portion of stands are also being dropped due to wetlands and overlap

with fish critical habitat. Other portions of stands are being dropped to retain high snag numbers

(root-rot pockets) and stands having desired understory vegetationdiversity. There is the addition

of 241 acres of optional treatment stands depending on stand conditions at the time of the

thinning sale preparation. These stands were added to contribute to meeting desired priority

habitat suitability for old growth associated species. The additional stands are within forest stand

types associated with spotted owl and marbled murrelet nesting habitat, and will contribute to

future large contiguous blocks of suitable nesting habitat as well as providing wildlife habitat

connectivity.

5. There are minor changes in road maintenance levels due to clarifications during continued field

reconnaissance, with the potential for an additional 2.5 miles of road decommissioned with

Alternative 2B

In order to meet the purpose and need for action as described in the EA, implementation of the

Selected Alternative comprises the following actions on Forest Service land in the South Fork

Stillaguamish River watershed along the Mt. Loop Scenic Highway east of Granite Falls,

Washington:

o Commercial thinning of trees on approximately 2160 to 3,600 acres

o Non-commercial thinning within 1,060 acres

Connected actions throughout the project area, including:

o Daylighting haul route roads

o Treating invasive plants

o Removing barriers to aquatic organism passage on new or existing haul routes.

o Enhancing dispersal habitat for Northern Spotted Owls

o Using, approximately 57 miles of open Forest Service system roads

o Reconstructing, and using as temporary roads, approximately 29 miles of existing

non-system roads

o Constructing, using, and obliterating after use, approximately 3 to 5 miles of new

temporary roads

o Utilizing up to 11 existing rock pits with the creation of a new pit if needed

o Removing biomass from all harvest units proposed for thinning by: piling or pile

burning; whole-tree yarding; chipping piles with chip removal; mastication; or

combinations of these activities


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Other activities within the Project Area

o Improvingthree hiking trails (Perry Creek, Sunrise Mine and Walt Bailey on Mallardy

Ridge) and five trailheads: Coal Lake, Sunrise Mine, Walt Bailey, Boardman Lake,

and Heather Lake

o Decommissioning approximately 1.8 miles of FSR road and converting it to trail after

using it for timber haul for this project

o Removing barriers to aquatic organism passage within the project area

These project elements are summarized below, and provided in detail in Appendix A, with

conservation measures and mitigations listed in Appendix B and shown in a map in Appendix C.

SELECTED ALTERNATIVE DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of Selected Alternative 2B is provided in Appendix A

Summary

The Selected Action will commercially harvest trees on a total area of approximately 2,000 to

3,300 acres of the SF Stillaguamish River drainage. An additional 1,060 acres will be considered

for non-commercial thinning. The trees to be thinned are entirely within second-growth stands,

regenerated after previous harvest. They are primarily conifers, ranging in age from

approximately 30 to 70 years, stands or portions of stands identified as greater than 80 years of

age will be dropped from treatment. Treated acres will emphasize forest stand development and

enhancement of old forest characteristics, including species and structural diversity, and

recruitment of coarse woody debris. Variable density thinning with retention of large-diameter

trees will promote tree diversity at the local scale, and contribute toward landscape and wildlife

habitat diversity on the landscape scale. Treatments will be implemented over a projected ten-

year time period. The Selected action will result in the potential for approximately 61 to 92

million board feet (mmbf) of timber volume being sold.

All commercial timber harvest will be accomplished with both ground-based and skyline logging

systems. Tethered assist ground-based systems using a winch system will be a logging system

option for steep slopes that have been logged in the past using skyline logging systems. Safety

and efficiency of logging systems will be considered along with ability of the systems to reduce

soil and aquatic impacts.

The selected action will include a number of connected action with the thinning treatments.

1. Roads - Both open and closed roads will be utilized with the use of 57 miles of open

Forest system roads and reopening 29 miles of closed roads (and closing after use).

Temporary roads will include a mix of 12 miles of non-system roads, 16 miles of road

prism from previous timber harvest, and 3-5 miles of new temporary road. Overhanging

trees along haul routes will be removed (daylighting) as well as hazard trees leaning

toward the road.

2. Rock sources – The selected action has identified up to 12 sites that will be used for

surface rock, with rock from 11 existing sites and one new site.

3. Fuel treatment – The selected action will include slash disposal at landings and upslope of

roads in circumstances described within the EA.


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4. Other vegetation managementwill include the treatment of invasive plants throughout

the project areas as per direction in the ROD for the MBS Invasive Plant FEIS (2015).

The selected action also includes other actions within the project area of:

1. Recreational site improvements will include the following:

Boardman and Coal Lake Trailheadswill have upgraded toilets

Perry Creek Trailwill have remove of culverts and reconfiguration of the old road

section of the Perry Creek Trail from road to trail

Heather Lake Trailhead expansionwill increase parking from 25 to 75 vehicles, in a

new 1 ac. footprint

Sunrise Mine Trailhead relocation and expansionwill relocate to a new 1-2 ac.

trailhead back ½ mile from the current road terminus and convert ½ mile of road to trail.

The new trailhead will provide for picnic tables and view area.

Walt Bailey Trailhead will be relocated approximately 1 mile back from the road

terminus, at a former landing siteand convert 1 mile of road to trail. The new site will

provide parking for approximately 30 vehicles, and potential for installation of toilet and

picnic tables.

2. Fish and other aquatic organism passage site improvements were identified for 11

sites where barriers (e.g. undersized or failed culverts) will be removed or upgraded to

simulate physical conditions found in natural streams.

3. Access and Travel Management of the forest road systemwill be updated with the

selected action. The project proposes to decommission up to 17 miles of road (currently

non-drivable), store an additional 15 miles of road (ML 1) for a total of 74 miles in ML1

status. The selected action will retain 20 miles in ML2 for high-clearance vehicles with

an additional 7 miles of ML2 in administratively closed status (access to private land or

rock sites). There will be approximately 52 miles of road retained as ML 3 (passenger

vehicle) with all trailheads accessible by Ml 3 roads, with the conversion of

approximately 1.8 mile (3 road segments) from ML3 road to trail The selected action

will also retain 5 miles of ML 4 road, and use and then decommissions approximately 23

miles of non-system roads.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Alternative 1 – No Action

I did not select Alternative 1 because it failed to achieve the project’s Purpose and Need, or

Forest Plan goals and objectives. Specifically, it would notreduce forest stand stocking levels; it

would not enhance structural diversity in Late Successional Reserve or Riparian Reserves for old

forest associated species and riparian objectives; it would not result in adjustments to the USFS

infrastructure, facilities and road system to support the goals of thedrainage’sland management

allocations and the Sustainable Roads System Report.It would not contribute merchantable

timber and there would be no enhancement of the roads, trailheads and trails to support the high

recreation use in the drainage.

Alternative 2 or 2A

Alternative 2 and 2A are similar to the Selected Alternative 2B. However Alternative 2 did not

address concerns raised in the 30 day comment period by Tribal staff and the public and included

stands which were found to be over 80 years of age, as well as other stands with wetlands and


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stands with desired diversity which would not need thinning. Alternative 2 was not selected due

to new information resulting in not needing to manage some of the plantations in that alternative.

Alternative 2A dropped stands which were already meeting desired conditions, but was not

selected since that alternative did not add the option of treating any additional stands with the

commercial thin sales. The optional stands identified in 2B would contribute to meeting desired

priority habitat suitability for old growth associated species. The additional stands are within

forest stand types associated with spotted owl and marbled murrelet nesting habitat, and would

contribute to future larger contiguous blocks of suitable nesting habitat as well as providing

wildlife habitat connectivity.

The configuration of stand treatments in Alternative 2 and 2A would not allow for the

completion of thinning of stands accessed by some roads system. More roads would be

maintained in storage in Alternative 2 and 2A vs. decommissioning in Alternative 2B.

RATIONALE FOR THE PRELIMINARY DECISION

I have selected Alternative 2B to be implemented because itbest balances meeting the project

purpose and need, responds to tribal and public comments, and provides the widest range of

options for stand treatments. This alternative focus treatments on stands with dense stocking and

maximizes the thinning of second growth stands within stands identified as high priority for

habitat treatment. Alternative 2Bwill reduce stand stocking levels to enhance late successional

habitat for old forest associated species and promote structural diversity in Riparian Reserves,

while retaining stands where desired habitat currently exists without need for thinning treatment.

This alternative will also produce timber and address recreational needs through upgrades and

maintenance of roads to trailheads, with improvements at six trailheads and three road-to-trail

projects. This alternative also identified aquatic organism passages for improvement and will

provide the opportunity to address road drainage concerns through road upgrades, storage or

decommissioning. The selected alternative willcontribute to a reduced road system that will meet

not only the goals of the Late Successional Reserve, and serve the recreational user, but also

contribute to meeting goals in the Sustainable Roads System Report (USDA Forest Service,

2015).

As discussed below, implementation of the Selected Alternative is consistent with the Forest

Plan, the National Forest Management Act, and other pertinent laws and regulations. No

significant impacts to any resources were identified in the EA.

MITIGATION MEASURES AND DESIGN FEATURES

Mitigation measures and design features are developed to avoid, reduce, eliminate, rectify, or

compensate for the undesirable effects of project activities. Implementation of the mitigation

measures and design features identified in the EA is a condition of my approval of the Selected

Alternative. Appendix B lists these mitigation measures and design features, states their

objectives, rates their effectiveness, identifies which Forest Plan standards and guidelines they

address, and identifies the person responsible for their enforcement.

FOREST PLAN CONSISTENCY

I have reviewed the EA, including the environmental effects and Forest Plan consistency

sections, for each affected resource and Forest Plan land allocation (EA Chapter 3). I find the

Selected Alternative to be consistent with the goals, objectives, standards and guidelines of the


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Forest Plan, as amended. The action will not alter the goals and objectives for long-term land and

resource management.

Projects that are within the range of the northern spotted owl are subject to the survey and

management standards and guidelines in the 2001Record of Decision (ROD) and Standards and

Guidelines for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and Other Mitigation

Measures Standards and Guidelines (2001 ROD). I find that this decision complies with the

Northwest Forest Plan as amended by the 2001 ROD. It considers suitable habitat for survey and

manage species and applies appropriate mitigations providing for a reasonable assurance of

species’ persistence. Under the Selected Alternative there will be “No Impact” to these botanical

or wildlife species, based on design features and mitigation measures(See discussion in Sections

3.7 and 3.8 of the EA, and the Botany and Wildlife Specialist Reports).

Late Successional Habitat

My decision is consistent with the Northwest Forest Plan ROD direction and is consistent with

the standards and guidelines for Late Successional Reserves on pp. C-14 to C-21 of the ROD.

The Selected Alternative will meet the goals of enhancement of old-growth forest for endangered

wildlife and old forest associated species across the National Forest System lands. (EA Sections

3.2to 3.8 in the Environmental Consequences, and Specialists reports: Wildlife, Botany,

Vegetation Management, Hydrology and Fisheries).

Riparian Reserves

My decision will be consistent with Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives and Riparian

Reserves standards and guidelines (EA Sections 3. 4 Hydrology - ACS objectives and Sections

3.2 to 3.8;as well as Wildlife, Botany, Vegetation Management, Hydrology and Fisheries

Specialist Reports).The Selected Alternative willincrease the species composition and

structuraldiversity of plant communities in Riparian Reserves. Proposed thinningwillresult in tree

growth focused on dominant and co-dominanttrees that willbecome future woody debris of

sufficient size to provide channel stability and create long-term instream habitat features such as

deep pools. The selected Alternativewill also target the retention of long-lived species of red

cedar and Douglas-fir for future snag and large woody debris. The Selected Alternative will meet

ACS objective 8 to maintain and restores species composition and structural diversity of plant

communities in riparian areas. The Selected Alternative will also meet ACS objective 9 to

maintain and restore habitat to support well-distributed populations of native plants, invertebrate

and vertebrate species associated with riparian areas (See Sections 3.2 to 3.8 of the EA and

Hydrology, Fisheries, Botany and Wildlife Specialists Reports).

Management Area (MA) 2A and 2B – Scenic Viewshed

My decision will be consistent with these land allocations. The Selected Alternative provides a

visually appealing landscape as viewed from major travel corridors and use areas. The Visual

Quality Objective (VQO) of Partial Retention is met in the middleground of primary road

corridors and in the foreground of secondary roads and of trails, which overlap the middleground

seen areaWildlife habitat improvements will emphasize desirable diversity of habitat (USDA

Forest Service 1990; USDA USDI 1994 ROD 4-169 to 4-172)(EA Section 3.10 and Section 3.2;

Visual Quality Specialist Report and Silviculturist’s Vegetation Management Report).

Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized (MA 1B)

My decision is consistent with this land allocation in thinning treatments will be characterized as

predominated natural or naturally appearing, free from signs of human activity. While timber

management is not scheduled in these areas, vegetation manipulation to enhance wildlife habitat


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is allowed within the constraints of the MA 1B setting. (USDA Forest Service 1990; USDA

USDI 1994 ROD 4-161 to 4-163) (See Section 3.12 and 3.13 of the EA).

Roaded Natural (MA 1D)

My decision is consistent with this land allocation with recreational opportunities provided

within both a motorized or non-motorized environment. Thinning is permitted in these areas as

well as wildlife habitat improvements (USDA Forest Service 1990; USDA USDI 1994 ROD, 4-

166 to 4-169) (See Section 3.12 and 3.13 of the EA).

Recommended Scenic River (MA-5B)

My decision will protect the SF Stillaguamish River from degradation of its outstanding values,

and scenic and recreational characteristics. The Selected Alternative will provide buffers on the

river that protectfish and wildlife habitat, while retaining recreational access and visual

management (USDA Forest Service 1990; USDA USDI 1994 ROD 4-192 to 4-194). VQC is

“Retention” within 300 feet to ¼ mile of the seen areas from the river itself and “Partial

Retention” for seen areas beyond the foreground (USDA Forest Service 1990 Forest Plan, p. 4-

93) (See Section 3.11 of the EA).

Research Natural Areas (RNAs, MA-18)

My decision will protect these areas set aside as examples of typical or unique natural

ecosystems or habitat to be preserved in as near a natural state as possible. The Selected

Alternative will not alter or infringe on the designation of the Perry Creek and Lake 22 RNAs

which are located within the project area. (USDA Forest Service 1990; USDA USDI 1994 ROD

4-252 to 4-256). (See Section 3.8 of the EA, and the Botany Specialist Report).

Mountain Hemlock Zone (MA-19)

My decision will be consistent with the treatments of forest lands which are normally

characterized by heavy snowfall accumulations and a very short growing season. They have been

classified as “not suited” for timber production because existing knowledge, research, and

experience does not provide reasonable assurance of reforestation success within five years after

final harvest (a statutory requirement of the National Forest Management Act, NFMA).

Thinning treatment within this zone are expected to have stands respond slowly (USDA Forest

Service 1990; USDA USDI 1994 ROD 4-257 to 4-260) (See Section 3.2 of the EA, and the

Silviculturist Specialist Report).

MA 15 – Mt. Goat Winter Range

My decision will be consistent with this land allocation. The Selected Alternative willinclude a

minor portion of designated mountain goat range (<100 acres) within the SF Stillaguamish

drainage. The selected alternative willbenefit mountain goat habitat in terms of vegetation

diversification. It willcontribute to desired forage, and road decommissioning will lessen human

impacts within focus uses areas.(See Section 3. 7 of the EA, and the Wildlife Specialist Report).

ISSUES ADDRESSED

I reviewed the concerns identified by scoping respondents and input from the interdisciplinary

(ID) team assigned to the project, and I determined whether there were significant issues to be

addressed based on the following criteria (Council on Environmental Quality [CEQ] regulations

at 40 CFR 1501.7). Non-significant issues are identified as those:

1. Outside the scope of the Proposed Action;


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2. Already decided by law, regulation, Forest Plan, or other higher level decisions;

3. Irrelevant to the decision to be made; or

4. Conjectural and not supported by scientific or factual evidence.

Significant issues are used to develop alternatives, identify mitigation measures, or track

environmental effects. Issues may be “significant” due to the extent of their geographic

distribution, the duration of their effects, or the intensity of public interest or resource conflict.

Based on this review, I identified fourkey issues during public involvement and interdisciplinary

team analysis. All of these issues were addressed by revising the proposed action and

alternatives, adding mitigation measures or design features, or conducting additional analysis:

1. Impacts to Late Successional Reserve and Critical Habitat

2. Impacts to Fisheries and Watershed processes

3. Economic Viability

4. Impact to Recreation

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

Tribal consultation notices were mailed out to local Tribes on February 26, 2016. On March 1,

2016public scoping and comment notices were emailed to interested citizens, groups, industry,

and agencies on the Darrington Ranger District mailing list. The initial 30-day comment period

was extended by two weeks to ensure broad participation. The District received two tribal

comments and 16 public comments to the project.

The Darrington Ranger District also held a field trip (October 8, 2016) and a public meeting

(October 11, 2016) to discuss the project and take comments.

The Draft EA was circulated to an electronic mailing list of over 1000 individuals, groups, and

agencies, addresses for 386 local landowners in the SF Stillaguamish River drainage and to the

same sevenTribes, for a 30-day comment period beginning June1, 2017. The comment period

was announced with a legal notice in the newspaper of record, the Everett Herald. During the

comment period on the Draft EA. There were written response from 1 of the tribes, 10

organizations and over 200individual comments. Of the individual letters, many were versions of

a form letters, from members of a recreation advocacy group. Where and how comments were

addressed is described in the EA Appendix A – Table of Response to 30 day Comments.

TRIBAL CONSULTATION

The Forest Plan, p. 4-97, directs that the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBS) “present

information about planned project activities in all management areas (i.e., protected and

otherwise) to religious and political leaders of Tribal groups whose traditional practices might be

affected.” Through government-to-government consultation during the scoping and comment

periods (see Public Involvement, above), the Forest Service provided the Lummi, Samish, Sauk-

Suiattle, Stillaguamish, Swinomish, Tulalip and Upper Skagit Tribes the opportunity for

involvement in the NEPA process.

On February 26, 2016, the Forest Supervisor sent letters inviting government-to-government

consultation to the six local Tribes in the area of the SF Stillaguamish project area. The letters

and attachments describing Alternative 2 was mailed to the Tribal Chairs with copies also

provided to their resource staff.

In the summer of 2016, the Darrington District Ranger and staff met with Stillaguamish Tribe

staff on the Gold Basin Sediment Reduction Project and the SF Stillaguamish Project. The


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USFS presented map overlays including LIDAR coverage of the drainage, and proposed action.

On November 15, 2016, USFS staff had conversations with staff of the Upper Skagit Tribe

regarding Mt. Baker and Darrington Ranger District projects, including the SF Stillaguamish

project. On February 9, 2017, USFS met with the Sauk-Suiattle Tribal Council to discuss

projects including the SF Stillaguamish project, and also with Tulalip Tribes staff on the status of

the SF Stillaguamish project. On August 17, 2017, the USFS met with aquatic resource staff

from the Stillaguamish Tribe and Tulalip Tribe to review the Draft EA and entertain comments

and questions on the proposed action.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI)

I have evaluated the effects of the project relative to the definition of significance established by

the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations in 40 CFR 1508.27. I have reviewed

and considered the EA and documentation included in the Project Record, and I have determined

that the Selected Alternative will not have a significant effect on the human environment. As a

result, no environmental impact statement will be prepared. My rationale for this finding is as

follows, organized by subsection of the CEQ definition of significance cited above.

1. Impacts that may be both beneficial and adverse. A significant effect may exist even if the federal

agency believes that on balance the effect will be beneficial [40 CFR 1508.27(b) (1)].

Both beneficial and adverse effects were considered during analysis of the proposed action

and the alternatives. The Selected Alternative effects meet the stated purpose and need for

the project (Decision NoticeRationale for Preliminary Decisionpages 5 and 6as well as being

consistent with Forest Plan land allocations (Decision Notice pages 6to 8). I assessed the

anticipated environmental effects of the Selected Alternative, as detailed in EA Chapter 3, in

terms of context and intensity. Alternative 2B has been designed with the mitigations listed

in Appendix B to minimize adverse effects and other potentially adverse environmental

impacts. Neither the beneficial not adverse effects as discussed in the EA are deemed to be of

sufficient intensity as to be identified as significant. .

2. The degree to which the proposed action affects public health or safety [40 CFR 1508.27(b)

(2)].

The project will not directly affect public health or safety. Public access to affected areas will

be restricted at times during logging operations to help protect safety(see Appendix B).

3. Unique characteristics of the geographic area such as the proximity to historical or cultural

resources, parklands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers or ecologically

critical areas [40 CFR 1508.27(b) (3)].

The EA addressed potential impacts on historic and cultural resources (EA Section 3.18).

There are no prime farmlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical areas in the

project area (EA Section 3.19). The South Fork Stillaguamish River corridor was determined

to be eligible for inclusion in to the National Wild and Scenic River System, but was not

recommended for inclusion during the Forest Plan process. As described in the EA (Section

3.11), the River’s outstandingly remarkable values will be maintained. Potential effects to

wetlands are addressed in the Water Resources section of EA Chapter 3 (Section 3.4).The

Selected Alternativewillnot reduce productivity of forest land resources, nor change it to

another use.

4. The degree to which the effects on the quality of the human environment are likely to be

highly controversial [40 CFR 1508.27(b) (4)].


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The Selected Alternative is expected to improve forest stand and habitat conditions, to

maintain or improve recreation facilities, and to protect water quality and other natural

resources (EA Chapter 3).Based on my review of the comments and the response to

comments, the Mt. Loop Scenic Highway (within the project area) is highly visible and

visited. The road activities and the timber activities of the project are routine in nature and

follow precedent, and therefore most effects are predictable.Whileany vegetation

management proposal in this area will spark resistance from some groups, the actual effects

of the action on the quality of the human environment are not unusually controversial, and

the effects are well understood and documented in Chapter 3 of the EA.

5. The degree to which the possible effects on the human environment is highly uncertain or

involves unique or unknown risks [40 CFR 1508.27(b) (5)].

Implementation of the Selected Alternative will not have effects that are highly uncertain or

involve unknown risks. Activities included in this decision have been implemented numerous

times on the Forest in similar terrain and forest conditions. While any action carries some

degree of risk, the Selected Alternative was designed to minimize risks. In addition, the Mt.

Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest implementation procedures for timber harvest, road work,

and fuels treatment, will ensure that the effects will be similar to those predicted in the EA

(EA Chapter 3). Therefore my decision will not impose any highly uncertain, unique or

unknown environmental risks.

6. The degree to which the action may establish precedent for future actions with significant

effects or represents a decision in principle about a future consideration [40 CFR 1508.27(b)

(6)].

My review of the EA and supporting documentation indicates that implementation of the

Selected Alternative will establish no precedent for future actions with significant effects or

represent a decision in principle about a future consideration. Non-commercial thinning,

commercial thinning, recreational site improvements and road work are not new activities on

the Forest, and follow common practices with known results.

7. Whether the action is related to other actions with individually insignificant but cumulatively

significant impacts. Significance exists if it is reasonable to anticipate a cumulatively

significant impact on the environment. Significance cannot be avoided by terming an action

temporary or by breaking it down into small component parts [40 CFR 1508.27(b) (7)].

Cumulative impacts are discussed in each resource-specific section of EA Chapter 3. No

significant cumulative effects associated with implementation of the Selected Alternative are

identified for any resource.

8. The degree to which the action may adversely affect districts, sites, highways, structures, or

objects listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or may

cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural, or historical resources [40 CFR

1508.27(b)(8)].

The EA addressed potential impacts on historic and cultural resources (EA Section 3.18).

The Washington State Office of Archeology and Historic preservation (SHPO) concurred

with the no effect finding. Cultural Resource mitigation measures, listed in Appendix B, will

protect any previously unidentified heritage resources discovered during implementation.

9. The degree to which the action may adversely affect an endangered or threatened species or

its habitat that has been determined to be critical under the Endangered Species Act of 1973

[40 CFR 1508.27(b) (9)].


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In regard to plant species, the EA(EA Section 3.8) concludes that the Selected Alternative

will have “no effect” on federally listed species, as no federally listed plant species are

known to occur on the MBS, and none were identified in the project area during past or

recent surveys. With implementation of mitigation measures identified in Appendix A of this

document, the Selected Alternative will have no impact on rare plants or sensitive habitats

within the Project area.

For wildlife species, the EA (EA Section 3.7 wildlife) states the effect call for the Selected

Alternative is “may affect, likely to adversely affect” for the federally listed Northern Spotted

Owl and Marbled Murrelet. The adverse effect call is attributed to potential noise disturbance

during the nesting season. For the federally listed grizzly bear and gray wolf, the effect

determination is “may effect, likely to be beneficial”.The security areas of habitat for both

grizzly bear and gray wolf will be increased through road decommissioning. Critical habitat

for spotted owl and marbled murrelet would have adjustments in stocking levels of second

growth stands, but no change in suitable nesting habitat. The selected alternative willhave a

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect” risk determination, based on USFWS critical

habitat recovery plans for spotted owl and marbled murrelet recommendations that land

managers use the best science to maintain and restore forest health and resilience in the face

of climate change and other challenges A Forest Service Wildlife Biologist prepared a

Biological Assessment (BA) with these findings to meet Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Section 7 consultation obligations for threatened, endangered, and sensitive wildlife.

Concurrence by US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with theserisk determinations is in

process, withthe USFWSdocumenting incidental take in a Biological Opinion.

The Forest Service prepared a project-level Fisheries Biological Assessment to meet ESA

Section 7 consultation obligations for listed fish with National Marine Fisheries Service

(NMFS) and USFWS. For federally listed fish, the effect determinations from Alternative 2B

are “No effect” for Puget Sound (PS) Chinook salmon, “May affect, not likely to adversely

affect” PS Steelhead and PS Bull trout. For designated critical habitat, proposed activities

“May affect, not likely to adversely affect” designated PS Chinook salmon, PS steelhead, and

PS bull trout critical habitat. For essential fish habitats (EFH), proposed activities will not

adversely affect Chinook, coho, or pink salmon EFH. (EA Section 3.6 Fisheries) The

Selected Alternative is expected to have long-term local benefits to fish from reduced

potential for road-related sedimentation. Concurrence with these risk determinations by the

Services is in process.

10. Whether the action threatens a violation of federal, state, or local law or requirements

imposed for the protection of the environment [40 CFR 1508.27(b) (10)].

Based on my review of the EA and supporting specialist reports, implementation of the

Selected Alternative will be consistent with all federal, State, and local laws imposed for the

protection of the environment.

NATIONAL FOREST MANAGEMENT ACT CONSISTENCY

The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) and its regulations (36 CFR 219) established

guidelines for National Forest management. As required by NFMA regulations, I find that this

project will be consistent with the MBS Forest Plan, as amended. The “Forest Plan Consistency”

section of this document and EA Chapter 3 contain the Forest Plan consistency analysis.

In regard to the use of the best available science, I find that the EA and material in the Project

Record document a thorough review of relevant scientific information, a consideration of


12

responsible opposing views, and the acknowledgement of incomplete or unavailable information,

scientific uncertainty, and risk.

FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS

I have reviewed each resource-specific and other required disclosure sections in EA Chapter 3

and determined that each addresses compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and

potential conflicts with plans or policies of other jurisdictions.

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

This decision is subject to a pre-decisional administrative review process, also called the

“objection process”, pursuant to 36 CFR 218, subpart B. Objections can be submitted in several

forms, but must be received by the Reviewing Officer within 45 days of the day following the

publication date of the legal notice of opportunity to object in The Everett Herald (the newspaper

of record), in Everett, Washington. The publication date is the exclusive means for calculating

the time to file an objection. Those wishing to file an objection to this decision should not rely

upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source.

Objections will be accepted only from those who have previously submitted specific written

comments regarding the proposed project during a designated opportunity for public comment in

accordance with 36 CFR 218.5. Incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as

provided for in 36 CFR 318.8(b)

Minimum requirements of an objection are described at 36 CFR 218.8(d). An objection must

include a description of those aspects of the proposed project addressed by the objection,

including specific issues related to the proposed project; if applicable, how the objector believes

the environmental analysis or draft decision specifically violates law, regulation, or policy;

suggested remedies that will resolve the objection; supporting reasons for the reviewing officer

to consider; and a statement that demonstrates the connection between prior specific written

comments on the particular proposed project or activity and the content of the objection, unless

the objection concerns an issue that arose after the designated opportunities for comment.

Objections may be delivered by any of the following methods.

Mailto: Objection Reviewing Officer, Forest Supervisor Jamie Kingsbury, Mt. Baker-

Snoqualmie National Forest, 2930 Wetmore Ave., Suite 3A, Everett, WA 98201.

Hand delivery: Hand deliveries can occur to the address above between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM,

Monday through Friday except legal holidays.

Fax: Objection Reviewing Officer, Attn: 1570 Objections at (425)-783-0214. Please include a

subject line with “SF Stillaguamish Vegetation Project” on the fax coversheet and specify the

number of pages being submitted.

Email:http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48837 (under the “Get Connected” heading click

on “Comment/Object on Project” and follow on-screen instructions for submitting objections),

emailed to [email protected]. Electronic submissions must be

submitted in a format that is readable with optical character recognition software (e.g., MS

Word, PDF, Rich Text Format) and be searchable. An automated response should confirm your

electronic objection has been received.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48837

mailto:[email protected]


13

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

If no objections are filed within the 45-day time period, this DN may be signed after the

5th

business day from the close of the objection filing period and project implementation may

begin immediately. If one or more objections is filed, there will be a 45-day objection response

period. The final DN may be signed, and the project implemented, after the close of this period

and when all objections are heard.

CONTACTS

For further information, contact Phyllis Reed, Project Leader, 360 (436) 2332, or e-mail at

[email protected] or Peter Forbes, Darrington District Ranger at 1405 Emens Ave. North,

Darrington, WA 98241, by telephone at (360) 436-2301, or e-mail at [email protected]

__________________________________ _______________

PETER FORBES Date

District Ranger

Darrington District

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest




14

APPENDIX A – DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED

ALTERNATIVE 2B

FOREST VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

Non-commercial Thinning

Non-commercial thinning is the cutting of trees that are limiting growth and development of the

forest stand, but are not large enough to produce harvested materials with commercial value.

There are approximately 1,060acresthat will be targetedfor spacing of residual trees in non-

commercial thinning where trees will be cut and left on-site. Prescriptions for the non-

commercial thinning activities may include heavy thinning to provide for big-leaf huckleberry

growth or stand development for a diversity of bird habitat. The total amount of acres treated will

be determined by the funds generated by the commercial thinning in the project as well as other

funding sources in future years.

Commercial Thinning

There are up to 7,200 acres of second-growth stands within 0.5 mile of an open roads, but not all

of those acres will have thinning treatments. A range of approximately 30 to 50 percent of the

potentially commercial stands (2,160 to 3,600 acres) will have ground-disturbance activities

from thinning. The range of acres that will be treated is based on the resource exclusions listed

below as well as mitigations and best management practices described in Appendix B. The total

acres will be determined during layout of the thinning units with the following second growth

areas excluded from commercial thinning activities:

no-cut buffers on fish-bearing, perennial and intermittent streams wetland and unstable soil areas,

areas of potential marbled murrelet nest trees,

areas already exhibiting diversification of stand structure,

areas dropped due to logging feasibility constraints, and

areas dropped due to uneconomical road reconstruction costs.

Thinning acres will also be influenced by other resource considerations including hydrology,

wildlife, fish, and recreation, as summarized below and mitigations and best management

practices listed in Appendix B.

a) Commercial Thinning – Fisheries and Hydrological Considerations

All perennial non-fish bearing streams will have a minimum of 30 feet of protection from harvest

equipment and tree cutting. Ponds, wetlands, seeps, springs, and unstable soil areas will also

have at least 30 feet of protection. A 100-foot minimum buffer (with no planned activities) will

be established on fish-bearing streams including those streams designated as critical habitat for

Puget Sound Bull Trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon.

b) Commercial Thinning – Wildlife Considerations

Thinning will be designed to promote murrelet and owl nest structure, provide habitat

connectivity and improve diversity of songbird habitat in riparian areas. Alternative 2Bwill:

Not cut trees greater than 20 inches DBH (LSR guideline)

Retain second growth suitable nesting structure within treated stands


15

Protect raptor nests by applying no action buffers around known nest sites

Retain pockets of snag habitat created by disease, insects or other natural agents

Promote opportunities to use avian species as indicators of habitat health

c) Commercial Thinning – Recreation Considerations

The project area overlaps with a high-use recreation area and a scenic by-way route with Forest

visual quality objectives. The project design and mitigation measures will minimize impacts of

project implementation on recreation and visual quality where and when feasible. The project

will:

Meet visual management objectives along the Mt. Loop Scenic By-way and routes to major

trailheads with variable density thinning and buffers along trails.

Expand the Heather Lake Trailbuffer with no thinning treatment upslope of the trail and no

thinning within the stand midslope from the road to the trail for a minimum 250 ft. to over 500 ft.

trail buffer.

Minimize the duration of impacts to recreational access by limiting the number of trails closed at

a given time, implementing complete road closures to shorten project duration or time needed to

complete thinning activities, and minimize road and trail closures on week-ends and holidays.

Target road closure (Road 42) to Heather Lake trailhead for late season from after Labor Day in

September to October 15th, but road closures of Road 42 may be implemented for public safety

during the summer season for short durations.

Retain roads open to trailheads on the weekends and holidays (unless unforeseen safety situations

arise).

Maintain roads on haul routes to trailheads to reduce sediment contributions to the watershed, and

provide safe recreation opportunities.

Commercial Thinning – Treatment Description

Commercial thinning will be applied on 2,160 to 3,600 acres. In this project the treated Riparian

Reserve areas will not receive a different prescription than upland Late Successional Reserve

slopes due to the similarity in the thinning objectives for desired forest vegetation and structure.

The proposed riparian thinning represents approximately 7 percent of the total Riparian Reserve

acres in the project area. All treated acres will emphasize forest stand development and

enhancement of old forest characteristics, including species and structural diversity, and

recruitment of coarse woody debris. The thinning description will provide the following:

1. Stands will be thinned to target relative density 35 (RD = BA/(QMD1/2) using a variable density thin from below, incorporating irregular spacing and clumps of residual trees, as an intermediate treatment (not stand regeneration). The thinning will remove primarily smaller trees to allocate additional growing space to remaining larger trees. Thinning will generally remove trees of the most abundant conifer species, while leaving less abundant conifer species and hardwood species in the stand. Minor species will be favored for retention. The residual trees will generally be dominant or co-dominant, and may include trees with damage or defects such as root rot, multiple tops, spike tops, bear damage, and dwarf mistletoe that contribute to structural complexity and diversity within the stand and have potential to develop future snags, nesting cavities, and nesting platforms.

2. Heavy thinning areas will be used to emphasize large tree growing space and increase understory vegetation. Thinning will be from below to approximately 20-50 trees per acre, retaining hardwoods and minor conifer species. Heavy thinning areas will be approximately


16

½ acre to 3 acres in size and cover approximately 3-10 percent of the stand area. Heavy thinning will only be prescribed in stands or areas with low windthrow potential.

3. Gaps will be created to increase stand heterogeneity, and culture individual trees specifically for big crowns and limbs. All conifers larger than the minimum diameter limit (for merchantability) and less than 20 inches DBH will be removed from gaps, while all hardwoods will be retained. Gaps will be approximately ¼ to ½ acre in size and cover 3-10% of the total stand area and avoid be located immediately adjacent to old growth forest or potential nest trees.

4. Skipped areas will retain uncut, densely stocked areas in at least 10 percent of the stand area. Areas within stands proposed for treatment that will be left un-thinned include riparian no-cut buffers, hardwood and minor species areas, plant protection buffers, and areas otherwise unsuitable for commercial thinning. Additional skips may be designed as needed in stands that lack these features.

5. Stands greater than 80 years of age will not be treated. Any forested stands which are found to be 80 years of age or greater will be dropped from proposed treatment.

6. Trees greater than 20 inches DBH will not be cut. Any trees greater than 20 inches DBH that are required to be cut for safety or operational reasons, such as temporary road building, landing clearing, or log yarding, will remain on site as coarse woody debris.

7. Retain all snags and large downed wood. Snags and downed wood contribute to structural complexity and will be retained on site, undisturbed if possible with consideration for safe operational requirements. Any snags felled for safety reasons will be left on site.

8. Leave trees will be selected irrespective of whether the tree has any damage, so that trees with defects, potential cavity or nesting trees and other similar features of structural diversity may be retained in the units. In this case, the term “damage” refers to breakage, double tops, crooks, heart rots, ants, etc., that cause loss of wood volume, but usually won’t kill the tree. Trees with fading crowns or bleeding boles indicative of root disease that may infect neighboring trees and create snags and coarse woody debris over time will be favored for retention.

9. Cedar and hardwoods: Western redcedar will be retained in stands where it is not currently well represented in species composition. Thinning in dense stocked cedar areas will occur in order to release cedar from competition. All Pacific yew within the stands will be retained. Alders and other hardwoods within the stands will be retained for mollusk and neo-tropical migrant bird habitat.

10. Leave Tree Protection: Limit skyline corridors to 15 feet in width where possible and include guy trees as part of the thinning prescription to reduce impact to residual stand (that is, if a guy tree is the largest tree in its vicinity and will otherwise be the “leave-tree”, substitute the next largest tree as the “leave tree”). Tailhold trees that are damaged during operations will be retained and contribute to snags or coarse woody debris on site.

11. Potential Nest Tree protection: Marbled murrelet potential nest trees and old-growth legacy trees will be protected with retention of the adjacent tree(s) with interlaced or interlocked branches (typically 20 ft. radius). Potential nest trees are defined as having the features listed below:

o Branch structure (or mistletoe broom) providing horizontal platform(s) ≥ 4 inches

wide, 33 feet above ground or higher. 12. Coarse woody debris: Coarse woody debris (CWD), dead and down wood on the forest

floor, existing on the site prior to thinning and exceeding 21 inches in diameter may be moved for access, but will not be removed from the site. Disturbance of existing CWD


17

exceeding 21 inches in diameter will be minimized to conserve CWD in the stands proposed for treatment.

13. Snag protection: Any legacy snags found in the stands will be buffered with a no-cut buffer radius equal to or greater than the height of the snag to protect forest workers and keep snags on site. In addition, all other snags with will be retained unless they pose a hazard to human safety. Where possible, skips will be placed in locations that incorporate snags.

14. Soil Protection: Where skyline harvesting systems are used logs will be yarded with either full or single-end suspension. Where skyline corridors cross no-cut riparian buffers, full suspension will be maintained over the riparian buffer area. Any trees felled for corridors within riparian no-cut buffers will be left on the ground. Skyline corridors should be kept away from snags when possible. Where ground-based logging systems are used felling (if not by individual fellers) will be accomplished in a single pass of equipment. Skid roads will be approved by the sale administrator and equipment will travel on operationally generated slash as much as possible to minimized soil disturbance and compaction. Skid roads and trails will be spaced as widely as possible. Existing skid roads and trails should be used where possible. Temporary roads and skid trails will be closed after logging. Big, old stumps will be kept intact and not uprooted wherever possible.

Logging Systems

This project proposes to use both skyline and ground based logging systems. Skyline logging

systems use cables to transport logs to the landing. While transporting logs to the landing, logs

are suspended on one end or are fully suspended, reducing soil disturbance. In skyline logging

systems, trees are typically felled manually using chainsaws. In some cases, where soil

protection goals can be met, mechanical felling equipment is used to pre-bunch the logs along

skyline corridors.

Ground based logging systems can include numerous variations and combinations of equipment.

Ground based systems typically used in this vicinity usually involve one of two primary methods

of transporting the logs to the landing. Both systems use mechanical felling equipment in most

cases. The most common method of transporting logs to the landing after felling uses a tractor or

rubber-tired skidder to pull the logs along the ground behind the skidding equipment. Another

commonly used piece of equipment for transporting logs to the landing is a forwarder.

Forwarders transport logs off the ground in a bunk, generally causing less ground disturbance

than a rubber-tired skidder or tractor. Traditional ground-based logging systems are used on

slopes up to 35 percent.

Tethered assist ground-based systems may be used on steep slopes using a winch system to

improve safety and efficiency of ground-based equipment while also reducing soil impacts from

the felling and yarding operations. Tethered assist systems have been used on steep slopes (up to

80 percent) that have been logged in the past using skyline logging systems. The tethered

systems use a cable anchored upslope of the felling and yarding equipment to assist with traction

of the equipment (Sessions et al. 2016).

Approximately 2,160 acres to 3,600 acres of stands within the planning area will be

commercially thinned, using both ground-based and skyline logging systems. Approximately

650 to 1,080 acres will be harvested with traditional ground based equipment operations on

slopes of less than 35 percent. The rest of the 1,510 to 2,520 acres will either be skyline logged

or potentially use self-leveling equipment on slopes up to 50 percent or more recently developed

tethered equipment on steeper slopes. Use of ground base equipment or tethered equipment

decreases worker exposure to multiple hazards in the logging operations.


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FOREST VEGETATION MANAGEMENT - CONNECTED ACTIONS

The proposed action will include the following connected actions associated with the timber

harvest described above. These connected actions include management requirements and

mitigation measures described in Section 2.2.

1. National Forest System Roads

To facilitate the commercial thinning, Alternative 2Bwill require use of both open and closed National

Forest System roads. Haul routes are identified in Figure 7 of the EA.

Open Roads

Project will use 57 miles of open Forest System roads. In addition to haul, actions associated

with use of open roads will be normal routine road maintenance with spot reconstruction,

where needed. Timber purchasers will be required to perform road repair and maintenance

work as a condition of timber-sale contracts prior to using the roads. Road maintenance,

reconstruction and repair will include rock resurfacing, blading and shaping road surfaces,

roadside brushing and cleaning drainage structures.

Stored Roads

Project will reopen approximately 29 miles of now-closed Forest System roads (stored ML

1), and close them (store) after use. Reopening of roads may include reconstruction, fill

repairs, culvert replacements, asphalt repair, road re-surfacing and bridge repairs. A variety

of repairs should be anticipated from rock-surfacing, ditch clearing to drainage

improvements. Temporarily opened stored roads will be treated to maintain appropriate

hydrological function and closed through the timber sale contract after harvesting activities

(see activities listed in table 4 of the EA and Section 2.2.2.10 of the EA).

Daylighting

Project includes daylighting of the roads used for haul for safe passage of heavy equipment

and reduction of tree debris fall that could plug or redirect drainage flows resulting in road

erosion and impacts to streams. Daylighting will remove primarily the overhanging

hardwoods within 30 ft. of the road edge and the removal of hazard trees (both conifer and

hardwoods) up to 50 ft. from the road edge that are leaning into the road prism or otherwise

posing a threat to safe use of the road prism.

Fish passage on haul roads

Fish barriers or barriers to other aquatic organism passage (e.g. failed or hanging culverts) on

roads will be removed or replaced to promote aquatic habitat connectivity throughout the

project area.

2. Temporary Roads

To facilitate harvesting of stands without open roads, the project will use on a temporary basis a

number of unspecified or non-system road segments as well as use of road prisms from

previously constructed temporary roads and approximately 5 miles of new temporary road for a

total of approximately 30 to 33 miles of temporary roads.

In Alternative 2B, the extent of reconstruction of former temporary roads and unspecified roads

(28 miles in Alternative 2) is projected to decrease and the construction of new temporary roads

willincrease. This adjustment reflects information gained from field reconnaissance and

specialists’ input since development of Alternative 2. Some existing temporary roads are located


19

in areas where negative resource impacts could be avoided with new temporary road segments in

more stable locations. In other locations, the existing roads provided suitable access for logging

systems or yarding methods that are no longer commonly used, such as taller skyline towers or

tractor skidding on slopes greater than 35 percent slope. These existing roads may not provide

access for the logging systems proposed in this project or meet current best management

practices. When these situations arise in implementation, a new temporary road location will be

used that will minimize impacts to aquatic resources and provide adequate access for planned

logging systems.

New temporary road will be constructed as per the mitigation measure of Soils, Water, Fisheries

(SWF) 28, which states: “If temporary roads, other than those identified and shown on the EA

map are proposed for construction, they will be located within the EA stand boundaries and

avoid sensitive sites such as shallow soils, unstable landforms, and wetlands; and will minimize

disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths; including surface and subsurface flows. Upon

addition or changes to the road system, consult the ID team to ensure effects of changes are

within the effects analyzed in the EA.”

Based on field reconnaissance in the Green Mountain area of the project, there will be an

increase of approximately 1 mile of new temporary road constructed within that portion of the

project, and a reduction of approximately 0.2 mile of existing temporary road, for a net

temporary road increase of 0.75 mile. Extrapolating this ratio of temporary road changes to stand

acres within the entire project area, there will be approximately 5.2 miles of new temporary

roads and a reduction of 1.2 miles of reconstruction of previous temporary roads that will be not

be used. The net difference in temporary roads used in Alternative 2B is estimated at

approximately 3 to 5 miles increase in temporary roads. New road construction will be in the

vicinity (sub-drainages) of the reconstructed temporary roads displayed in Alternative 2. All

new temporary roads will be decommissioned following use. Existing temporary and

unspecified roads that are not used for harvesting will be evaluated for hydrologic stability and

restoration needs, and treated as funds are available.

The use of old system roads and temporary roads previously used in past timber harvest will

limit the amount of new temporary road construction. Alternative 2Bwill allow for the removal

of residual, nonfunctioning culverts in temporary roads and reconfiguring of drainage problems

where old roads have intercepted or redirected flows.

Reconstruction of approximately 12 miles of unspecified Forest System roads and reconstruction

of approximately 15 miles of former temporary roads, with decommissioning of the roads after

use. Work includes reestablishing a safe road prism, road re-surfacing with drainage

improvements. Temporarily opened roads will be hydrologically treated, and decommissioned

after harvesting activities.1

Construction of approximately 5 miles of new temporary roads with decommissioning of the

roads following thinning activities.

Open roads will be retained to administrative and recreational destinations. Closed roads and

temporary roads will be reopened as summarized above and then closed to future use as described

in the transportation section.

1 As per standard timber sale contract clauses, temporary roads would be decommissioned following use.

Decommissioning would include a variety of activities including the following: removal of culverts, reestablish natural drainage, removal of unstable side cast fills as necessary, ripping of road surface, blocking the road to motorized access, and potential revegetation.


20

3. Rock Sources

To facilitate haul on system and temporary roads, some road surface rock will be required. Some

of the surface rock for these roads may be supplied from commercial sources. However, rock

also will be extracted and used from existing rock pits and one new site with potential for

blasting and ground disturbance. All rock pits are located on National Forest System (NFS) lands

(see Figure 7, Figure 11 and Figures 29 to 33):

Blackjack (Rd 4031-015)- existing

Boardman (Road 4020) - existing

Pilchuck (Road 4240) - existing

Green Mountain- five existing sites

Road 4111

Road 4110

Road 4110-024

Road 4113-012 and

Road 4110 second switchback at junction with temporary road

Beaver Creek (Rd 4062-030) - existing

Lower Pilchuck ( Road 42 at MP1.6) - existing

Road 4210, at MP 0.08 - new rock site development

Road 4210, existing site approximately 1.0 MP

Road 4250, existing rock site

Use of any additional rocks sources located during the project layout will be assessed for use at

that time with resources specialists from the Forest.

4. Water Sources

To facilitate road construction and maintenance as well as fire protection, water may be needed.

Water drafting sites will be identified during project implementation. Water removal will be

primarily along the main stem of the S.F. Stillaguamish and major tributaries at sites designated

as per best management practices in Section 2.2.

5. Fuels Treatment

Activity fuels (slash and fuel material created from the thinning activities) within stands will not be

treated becausethe fuel loading at a project scale will not exceed Forest Plan objectives.

Slash disposal: Slash on landings and the upslope side of roads will be disposed when the following

conditions are met: 1) the road remains open to the public post treatment, 2) the slope is greater than 20

percent and 3) the slope is of a southern or non-northerly west aspect (azimuth from 270˚

counterclockwise to 112˚). Slash disposal may include a combination of the following:

redistribution of slash in the unit,

piling and burning at the landing according to normal stipulations that protect air quality and

standing live timber,

chipping and spreading to a depth of no more than 4 inches, and

allowing for removal as fire wood (public firewood permits).


21

When whole-tree yarding, prevent large accumulations of slash at log landings along roads that

will remain open to the public.

6. Other Vegetation Management

Treat invasive plants throughout the project area as per the 2005 Region 6 Record of Decision for

Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants (USDA Forest Service 20015);

Revegetate areas of bare soil where needed(see EA Section 2.3 and Table 7 - mitigation B7).

OTHER ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA

Recreation Site Improvements

Alternative 2B includes improving the condition of recreation sites and amenities in key

recreation sites throughout the project area (Map-Appendix C). Many recreation sites along the

Mountain Loop Scenic Byway have outdated toilets, and do not have safe parking or sufficient

parking capacity for the current level of use. Alternative 2Bwill upgrade toilet facilities at both

Boardman Lake and Coal Lake trailheads. Alternative 2Bwill also remove culverts from the road

section (Road 4063) that is part of the Perry Creek Trail and reconfigure the culvert crossings for

trail use. Alternative 2B includes the following trailhead actions:

Heather Lake Trailhead Expansion

The Heather Lake parking lot which currently has space for roughly 25 vehicles is filled to

capacity on most weekends and holidays throughout the year causing visitors to park along both

sides of the road which constricts traffic going to Mt. Pilchuck Trailhead and causes safety

concerns for pedestrians walking along the roadside. Alternative 2Bwill expand the parking lot

from approximately 25 parking slots to 75 by removing 1 acre of vegetation on the north side of

the parking lot perimeter. Brush, rocks and most trees within the 1 acre footprint will be

removed. Wheel stops will be installed in the new parking slots. The total area of new

disturbance will be approximately 1 acre.

Sunrise Mine Trailhead Relocation and Expansion

Similar to Heather Lake, this popular destination is often overcrowded causing visitors to park

along both sides of an already narrow Forest road causing unsafe conditions for drivers driving

on both sides of the road during the busy summer season. Alternative 2Bwill relocate the Sunrise

Mine Trailhead back to a flat ridge approximately ½ mile north of the existing trailhead. The

section of road between there and the current road end will be decommissioned and converted to

trail following completion of stand treatments. Parking space for approximately 75 cars will be

provided for the trailhead and picnic site combined by removing approximately 1-2 acres of

vegetation along the east and west sides of the existing road.

Walt Bailey Trailhead Relocation and Expansion

Similar to Sunrise Mine, this trailhead will be relocated approximately 1 mile back along the

road from its current location in a former log landing site. The section of road between there and

the current road end will be decommissioned and converted to trail following completion of

stand treatments. Parking slots for approximately 30 vehicles will be provided by removing less

than ¼ acre of vegetation within a total area of disturbance of approximately 1 acre.

AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE SITE IMPROVEMENTS

The Alternative 2B includes improving the condition for aquatic organism passage in key sites

throughout the project area. Culverts identified as barriers to fish migration within the project


22

area will be replaced or removed as part of the Alternative 2B alternative or as resources become

available. The barriers that exist on proposed haul routes will be upgraded (where needed for

safe road use) while barriers that exist on closed roads will be removed as resources are available

through the project actions or external funding. For barrier treatments, the objective will be to

simulate physical conditions found in the natural stream environment. Channel crossing will be

designed with information on channel dimensions, slope, and streambed structure so that water

velocities and depths mimic natural hydrological conditions (USFS 2008). Thus, the simulated

channel will present no more of an obstacle to aquatic animals than the natural channel.

Implementation of the above will require ground disturbance, largely within the road prism at the

fish barrier location, but may include 25 to 50 feet in all directions to re-establish channel profile

and/or floodplain habitat. The use of heavy equipment may require removal of ground cover,

understory vegetation, and trees within this area for safe operation and full channel restoration.

All areas of ground disturbance will be mulched or re-planted with native vegetation. Typical

fish passage projects could close roads completely or to one lane for up to eight weeks depending

on the size of the project.

Access and Travel Management

This project provided an opportunity to begin the needed assessment of recommendations in the

Sustainable Road System Report (2015) for the road system within the project area of the SF of

the Stillaguamish (Purpose and Need 1.3). Alternative 2B would:

Decommission approximately 17 miles of National Forest System road no longer needed for forest

management (currently non-drivable)

Store approximately 11 miles of National Forest System roads and retain approximately 59 miles of

National Forest System road in closed status Maintenance Level 1 (48 miles analyzed in Alternative

2), for a total of 70 miles in ML1 (63 miles analyzed in Alternative 2) for closed road status.

Retain approximately 18 miles of National Forest System road in Maintenance Level 2 (16 miles

analyzed in Alternative 2) for high clearance vehicles.

Designate approximately 8 miles of National Forest System road as administrative closed

Maintenance Level 2a (gated roads).

Retain approximately 53 miles of National Forest System road in Maintenance Level 3, currently

drivable passenger comfort ML (40 miles analyzed in Alternative 2)

Retain approximately 5 miles of National Forest System road in Maintenance Level 4 (currently

drivable – passenger comfort ML) (5 miles analyzed in Alternative 2).

Convert approximately 1.8 mile of National Forest System road (3 road segments) into trail

Use 22 miles of former National Forest System Road (dropped from current system list in the Forest

database) as temporary roads and decommission.

Fish passage on haul roads

Fish barriers or barriers to other aquatic organism passage (e.g. failed or hanging culverts) on

haul roads will be removed or replaced to promote aquatic habitat connectivity throughout the

project area.


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APPENDIX B – SF STILLAGUAMISH VEGETATION PROJECT MITIGATION MEASURES AND DESIGN

FEATURES

Mitigation Measure or Project Design Feature Objective Effectiveness and

Basis

Regulatory or Scientific

Basis

Enforcement

Botany

B1 - If any previously undiscovered Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive (TES) or Survey and Manage (S&M) plants are discovered, before or during project implementation, halt work until a USFS botanist is consulted and necessary mitigation measures are enacted.

Prevent impacts to TES and Survey & Manage plants

HIGH

(Logic)

Forest Plan p. 4-127, USDA Forest Service 1990.

Timber Sale Administrator Contract Administrator

B2 - Treat known infestations of invasive plants before ground disturbance begins.

Prevent the spread of invasive plants

HIGH

(USDA Forest Service 2005a)

Best Management Practices, USDA FS1999

USDA FS 2005a S&G #16

FS Botany Staff, Sale Preparation,

Contract Administrator

B3 - For actions conducted or authorized by written permit by the Forest Service that will operate outside the limits of the road prism, require the cleaning of all heavy equipment prior to entering NFS lands.

Prevent introduction of weeds into the MBSNF

MODERATE


2005 Region 6 Record of Decision for Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants, Standard

2

Standard provision in Contract, Timber Sale Administrator

B4 -Suppliers must provide annual documentation indicating that the following products have been examined by a qualified inspector and deemed free of State listed noxious weeds:

Straw, wood straw or other Mulch2

Gravel, Rock, or other fill

Seeds (according to AOSA standards)

Prevent introduction of weeds

MODERATE


USDA FS 2005a S&G #3 & 7

Forest Plan Best Management Practices, USDA FS 1999

Timber Sale Administrator Contract Administrator

B5 –If weeds are present in the project area, all equipment and gear must be cleaned before leaving the project area to avoid spreading the infestation further.

Prevent weed spread MODERATE (logic). Best Management Practices, USDA Forest Service 1999

Sale Preparation & Contract Administrator Timber Sale Administrator

B6 - If weeds are present in the project area, work from relatively weed-free areas into the infested area rather than vice versa.

Prevent weed spread MODERATE (logic). Best Management Practices, USDA Forest Service 1999

Sale Preparation & Contract Administrator

2Weed free straw for erosion control must be certified by WA State via the WWHAM program: http://agr.wa.gov/PlantsInsects/WWHAM/WWHAM.aspx

http://agr.wa.gov/PlantsInsects/WWHAM/WWHAM.aspx


24


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

B7 - Revegetate designated areas of bare soil exposed by project activities. Native plant materials are the first choice in revegetation where timely natural regeneration of the native plant community is not likely to occur. If native plant materials are not available, use the appropriate MBS non-native seed mix (per Potash and Aubry 1997, as amended).

Prevent erosion, prevent introduction and spread of weeds, maintain, and restore habitat

HIGH


Forest Plan

S&G #13, USDA Forest Service 2005a, Best Mgt. Practices, USDA Forest Service 1999, ACS S&G # 8 & 9, USDA Forest Service & USDI Bureau of Land Management 1994.

Sale Preparation, Contract - Timber Sale Administrator

B8-For Washington State Class A and B designate noxious weeds

2: treat with the most effective method; after treatment has

taken effect, cover the infestation with geotextile fabric to avoid spreading seed or roots remaining in the soil. Avoid disturbance to area. If disturbance cannot be avoided, treat infestation first, then wash equipment after working in the infested area before moving into an uninfected area.

Eradicate known infestations and prevent weed spread

High WAC Chapter 16-750, RCW 17.10

Sale Preparation,Contract administrator Timber Sale Administrator

Heritage

H1 - If a previously unidentified cultural resource(s) is discovered during project implementation, or if an identified resource(s) is affected in an unanticipated way, the activity shall be stopped in the area of the find and a reasonable effort to secure and protect the resource(s) be made. The Heritage Specialist shall be notified and the Forest would fulfill its responsibilities in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement and other applicable regulations.

Protect heritage resources MODERATE (MBS Forest experience)

Pursuant to Stipulation III.C of the Programmatic Agreement. USDA 1990, Forest-wide S&G, p. 4-98,99, Archaeology Protection

Standard provision in Timber sale contract; Timber Sale Administrator

H2 - If Indian human remains or specified cultural items are discovered, stop work, and secure the find. Make appropriate notification, and adhere to regulatory process.

Protect American Indian burials and cultural items

UNKNOWN MODERATE TO HIGH

(Literature)

43 CFR 10 Standard provision in Timber sale contract; Timber Sale Administrator

Lands

L-1 - Notify land owners in advance of any temporary road closures that would affect their access, and allow either alternate access or permitted access through any temporary closure where needed (road signage)

Recognize rights of access held by holders of valid mining claims to their private land within and adjacent to project area

HIGH

(Logic)

FSM 7715.75; Timber Sale Contract clause

Timber Sale Administrator or their representative

L-2 - Maintain project boundaries adjacent to private lands to ensure that no project activities will intrude upon private lands.

Protect quarry and surroundings from invasive weeds and other unplanned impacts

MODERATE

(USDA

(Logic)

36 CFR 228 Regulations; 2005 Region 6 Record of Decision for Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants, Standard 2

Timber Sale Administrator or their representative


25


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

Minerals

M1 - Notify existing mining claimants in advance of any temporary road closures, and allow either alternate access, or permitted access through any temporary closure to their individual mining claims. (signage)

Recognize rights of access held by holders of valid mining claims to their claims.

HIGH

(Logic)

36 CFR 228 Regulations; Timber Sale Administrator or their representative

LM2 - Require each quarry entry to have an accompanying operating plan, which would require all equipment entering the quarry(s) to be clean and weed seed free.

Protect quarry and surroundings from invasive weeds and other unplanned impacts

MODERATE


36 CFR 228 Regulations; 2005 Region 6 Record of Decision for Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants, Standard 2

Standard provision in Timber sale contract; Timber Sale Administrator

Soil, Water, and Fisheries

SWF1 – 100 foot slope distance minimum no-cut buffer along the South Fork Stillaguamish River. Buffer is to be measured from outer edge of riverbank or from the top of the inner gorge, whichever width is greater. No cutting will occur within the Channel Migration Zone of the South Fork Stillaguamish River.

No-cut buffer will be determined during sale layout, by pre-sale and/or aquatics staff.

Retain riparian vegetation to maintain shade for stream temperature, large wood recruitment, slope stability, and to minimize soil erosion. Provide protection for aquatic and riparian dependent species.

HIGH

(Literature and Forest Experience)

1994 ROD ACSOs p. B-11& RR p. C-30

USDA FS 2012 FS National Core BMPs – Veg. #1-3

WDOE 2004 Stillaguamish River Basin TMDL

Anderson and Poage 2014, Benda et al. 2016, Groom et al. 2011a, Rashin et al. 2006, Anderson 2007

Sale Preparation, Timber Sale Administrator

SWF2 – 100 foot slope distance minimum no-cut buffer along all ESA listed fish-bearing intermittent and perennial streams. Buffer is to be measured from outer edge of streambank, 100-yr floodplain, or from the top of the inner gorge, whichever width is greater.

No-cut buffer will be determined during sale layout by pre-sale and/or aquatics staff.

Retain riparian vegetation to maintain shade for stream temperature, large wood recruitment, slope stability, and minimize soil erosion. Provide protection for aquatic and riparian dependent species.

HIGH




Rashin et al. 2006

Anderson and Poage 2014



26


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

SWF3 – 100 foot slope distance minimum no-cut buffer along all non-ESA listed fish-bearing intermittent and perennial streams. Buffer is to be measured from outer edge of streambank, 100-year floodplain, or from the top of the inner gorge, whichever width is greater.

No-cut buffer will be determined by pre-sale and/or aquatics staff.

Retain riparian vegetation to maintain shade for stream temperature, large wood recruitment, slope stability, and minimize soil erosion. Provide protection for aquatic and riparian dependent species

HIGH




USDA FS & USDI BLM 2010

Rashin et al. 2006

McDade et al. 1990

Anderson and Poage 2014


SWF4 – 30 foot slope distance minimum no-cut buffer along all non-fish bearing perennial streams. Buffer is to be measured from outer edge of streambank, 100-year floodplain, or from the top of the inner gorge, whichever width is greater.


Retain riparian vegetation to provide shade to maintain stream temperatures and slope stability, minimize soil erosion, and protect riparian vegetation. Provide protection of aquatic and riparian dependent species.

MODERATE to HIGH

(Literature)




Rashin et al. 2006

Benda et al. 2016Groom et al. 2011a

Anderson 2007


SWF5 – 15 foot slope distance minimum no-cut buffer along all non-fish bearing intermittent streams. Buffer is to be measured from outer edge of streambank, 100-year floodplain, or from the top of the inner gorge, whichever width is greater.


Retain riparian vegetation to provide shade to maintain stream temperatures and slope stability, minimize soil erosion, and protect riparian vegetation. Provide protection of aquatic and riparian dependent species.

MODERATE

(Literature )




Rashin et al. 2006, Benda et al. 2016,

Anderson and Poage 2014, Groom et al. 2011a, Anderson 2007



27


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

SW5 (cont.) In addition to the 15-foot no-cut buffer on intermittent streams, no ground-based equipment would be allowed within 25 feet of any waterbody or top of inner gorge, whichever width is greater. Trees cut within this boundary would be felled and dragged out of this 25 feet buffer before being loaded on ground-based equipment.


Maintain slope stability, minimize soil erosion, and protect aquatic and riparian dependent species.

HIGH





Rashin et al. 2006


SWF6 – 30 foot slope distance minimum no-cut buffer around ponds, wetlands, seeps and springs. Buffer is to be measured from the edge of the water, the outer edge of the riparian vegetation, or the extent of seasonally saturated soil, whichever width is greater.


Minimize soil disturbance, protect riparian vegetation, and provide protection of aquatic and riparian dependent species.

Provide a buffer of no disturbance around waterbody for movement by amphibians to and from breeding sites.

HIGH


1994 ROD ACSO p. B-11 & RR p. C-30


Rashin et al. 2006


SWF7 – 30-foot slope distance minimum no-cut buffer around unstable and potentially unstable slopes. Buffer is to be measured upslope from major slope breaks that define a headwall, inner gorge, or other potential unstable area.

Landforms with slope stability concerns are identified in the Soils Specialist Report.

No-cut buffer will be identified by pre-sale and/or aquatics staff with approval from FS Geologist or Soil Scientist.

Prevent management-related slope instability near headwalls, inner gorges, or other potentially unstable areas.

HIGH


1994 ROD ACSOs p. B-11& S&Gs p. C-31


WDNR et al. 1997



28


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

SWF9 – All yarding and haul activities will be scheduled to a Normal Operating Season (NOS), defined as June 1 to October 15.

During periods outside the NOS, yarding and haul operations may proceed with both: (1) notification of decision maker and aquatic specialists and (2) monitoring of weather and conditions to evaluate if wet weather logging operations meet project design elements and Management Requirements and Mitigation Measures.

Any pre-approved hauling activities occurring outside of the NOS defined as June 1 to October 15 will require monitoring of conditions as follows:

Implementation and effectiveness monitoring of BMPs will be part of the wet weather haul agreement.

Potentially damaging project activities will be curtailed and corrective action taken when situations develop such as: ponding, rutting, rilling, scour or sediment transport and deposition downstream of cross drains. Actions will be taken when adverse conditions are encountered on adjacent system roads, temporary roads, skid trails, landings, haul routes, stream crossings, riparian reserves or within harvest units where ground disturbance has occurred.

Minimize short- and long-term soil, hydrologic and water quality impacts at the project level and off-site.

MODERATE

(Avoid activity when impact would occur)

USDA FS Region 6 Soil Quality Standards

FSM 2520,R-6 Supplement No 2500.98-1

1994 ROD ACSOs p. B11 #2, #8, & #9; RR pp. C31-32 FW-1 & p. C-37

USDA FS 2012 National Core BMPs – Veg. #1& #4

Timber Sale Administrator and/or Project Engineer

SWF10 – Directionally fall trees away from no-cut riparian buffers where possible to protect riparian vegetation and soils from damage.

Trees inadvertently felled into no-cut buffers may be removed with one-end suspension. Portions of these trees that reside within 30 feet of the aquatic resource will be left in place.

.

Minimize short- and long-term soil, hydrologic and limit water quality impacts.

Meet FS region 6 Soil Quality standards

HIGH(Avoidance) USDA FS Region 6 Soil Quality Standards (FSM R6 2521.03)

USDA FS 2012 National Core BMPs – Veg. #1 & #5

1994 ROD p. B-11 # 2, #8, #9; pp. C31-32; FW-1& p. C-37


SWF11 – Avoid harvest on areas that have average sideslopes greater than 80 percent. Some trees may be cut on slopes steeper than 80 percent for occasional skyline corridors in order to access areas of a unit less than 80 percent.

Minimize soil erosion, maintain slope stability, and damage to felled and residual trees.

Meet FS Region 6 Soil Quality Standards

MODERATE

(Limits activity where impact would occur)

USDA FS Region 6 Soil Quality Standards (FSM R6 2521.03)

USDA FS 2012 National Core BMPs – Veg. #1-3 & #5

1994 ROD ACSOs p. B-11 #2, #8, & #9; RR p. C31-32 FW-1 & p. C-37

USDA MBS 1990

Layout Crew and

Watershed Specialist


29


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

SWF12 – If it is necessary for equipment to travel away from approved corridors or temporary roads, the machines will operate on a slash mat of limbs and tops that is deposited directly in front of the machine. This mat will be as thick and continuous as practicable. Activities will be planned to make as few trips as possible.

Minimize short- and long-term soil, hydrologic and water quality impacts.

MODERATE to HIGH

(BMP, NFS Experience)

Timber Sale Administrator

SWF13 – If mobile or other anchors are needed outside of cutting units that may result in impacts to soils or adjacent forest stands, the aquatics specialist will be notified.

Minimize impacts to soils and vegetation outside of harvest units

MODERATE




SWF14 – When constructing landings or new turnarounds:

No unanalyzed landings or turnarounds will be constructed outside of EA stand boundaries without notification of the IDT.

Make all attempts to locate new landings or turnarounds a minimum 150-foot slope distance from rivers, streams, ponds, seeps, wetlands, and wet areas. If location outside of the 150-foot slope distance is not possible, then landings or turnarounds should be at least 50 feet slope distance away from no-cut stream and wet area buffers.

If landings or turnarounds must be located within 150-foot slope distance, they will be placed on existing roadways or on existing landings that require only minimum reconstruction (e.g., clearing vegetation, sloping for drainage, or surfacing for erosion control purposes) to be made suitable for use.

Any new landing or turnaround construction areas (or portions thereof), which are not located on existing roadways or cleared, compacted areas, will be treated with one or more of the following: decompaction and mulching with certified weed-free straw, woodstraw, or slash after use, and/or seeding with erosion control seed mix.

Minimize soil disturbance, protect riparian vegetation, protect aquatic and riparian habitat, and minimize impacts to other resources (e.g. heritage or wildlife).

HIGH

(Avoidance)

USDA FS 1990


Presale Layout Crew


30


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

SWF15 – Maintenance and erosion control on landings, disturbed skyline corridors, skid roads, and temporary and permanent roads will be completed prior to the onset of expected seasonal periods of precipitation or runoff, and kept current during and outside of NOS.

As conditions require, sediment filters (straw bales, slash filter windrow, and/or sediment fence) will be placed in ditchlines along the haul route or in areas where ground is disturbed and sediment has the potential for delivery to streams (i.e. stream crossing fills, adjacent to downhill skyline units). Sediment filters will be maintained and adjusted as needed. Removal of sediment filters will be done when site conditions are dry, and captured sediment will be relocated locally to stable locations away from stream courses.


MODERATE to HIGH



T-6 and T-13

standard timber sale contract clause BT6.6 Erosion Prevention and Control

Timber Sale Administrator, Project Engineer

SWF16 – Areas of gouging or soil displacement on steep slopes resulting from yarding systems will be treated to prevent rill and gully erosion and possible sediment delivery to stream courses. Erosion control treatments may include, but are not limited to: repositioning displaced soil to re-contour disturbed sites; creating small ditches or diversions to redirect surface water movement; installation of coir logs along slope contours; and scattering slash material to create flow disruption and surface soil stability. These measures will be in place prior to expected seasonal periods of precipitation or runoff, and kept current during and outside of NOS.


MODERATE to HIGH (BMP, NFS Experience)

BMPs T-6 and T-13 Timber Sale Administrator

SWF17 – For skyline systems:

Yarding with full suspension would be allowed across or over potentially unstable slopes, streams, wetlands, wet areas, and other no-cut buffers with BMPs. Corridors will, whenever possible, be no more than 15 feet wide. All corridors will generally be approximately 120 feet apart (average)


HIGH

(Avoidance)

USDA FS Region 6 Soil Quality Standards (FSM R6 2521.03)

USDA FS 2012 National Core BMPs – Veg. #1 & #5

1994 ROD p. B-11 # 2, #8, & #9; pp. C31-32 FW-1 & p. C-37



31


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

SWF18 – Traditional ground-based log transport equipment is restricted to sustained slopes that are no greater than 35 percent. Non-yarding ground-based equipment is restricted to sustained slopes less than 50%.

Tethered ground-based equipment is restricted to sustained slopes that are no greater than 80 percent, with monitoring to determine if operations are meeting thinning objectives and standards and guidelines to minimize impacts to other resources.

Stands proposed for tethered based harvest and yarding will have approved monitoring criteria identified prior to operations.

Stands proposed for tethered based harvest and yarding will be approved by the Timber Sale Administrator (in consultation with the ID team) prior to operations.

Minimize extent and degree of soil in a detrimental condition and meet desired stand conditions.

Monitor amount of soil disturbance created by tethered based operations.

Compare soil disturbance and impacts to aquatic resources from tethered based operations to standard harvest and yarding methods.

MODERATE


UNKNOWN (tethered equip)

Monitoring will allow data to be collected and analyzed for evaluation of equipment operations and incorporation into future planning

USDA FS Region 6 and MBSNF Soil Quality Standards (FSM 2520,R-6 Supplement No 2500.98-1);

USDA FS 2012 National Core BMPs – Veg. 1 & 4


SWF19 – For ground-based yarding:

Skid trails must be approved by the Timber Sale Administrator prior to felling and construction operations.

Old skid trails will be used wherever possible, as long as they avoid wet areas and will prevent sediment delivery to streams.

Skid trails will generally be no closer than 100 feet apart, center-to-center, and be only as wide as necessary for the equipment to travel (less than 15 feet wherever possible). Erosion control devices such as waterbars and/or slash will be used as necessary on sloped skid roads.

Ground-based skidding and yarding operations shall be conducted with one-end suspension to minimize soil erosion.

Wherever possible, skid trails will be located a minimum of 25 feet away from riparian no-cut buffers.

To travel off approved skid trails, equipment (i.e. harvester, feller/buncher, or shovel) will operate on a slash mat whenever possible. The slash mat should consist of limbs and tops deposited directly in front of the machine. The mat will be thick and continuous as practicable. Activities will be planned to make as few trips as possible.

Prevent management-related unacceptable degree and extent of surface erosion and other long-term detrimental soil conditions.

MODERATE



BMP #T-11


SWF20 – Schedule road reconstruction activities (includes rock additions) during the NOS.

Additional spot rocking may be required to keep roads in acceptable condition during wet season haul as per the wet weather haul agreement.

.

Avoid or minimize direct soil and water disturbance during periods of the year when heavy precipitation and runoff are likely to occur.

MODERATE

(Avoid activity when impact would occur)

USDA FS 2012 FS National Core BMPs - Roads #5

USDA FS 2009

T-5, R-3, R-7



32


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

SWF21 – Comply with all requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the WDFW and USFS for Hydraulic Permit Approval (2012-2018).

Ensuring compliance with State regulations that protect aquatic and related resources

MODERATE USFS & WDFW MOU 2012-2018


SWF22 – For road closure and decommissioning activities, comply with and adhere to all requirements of Regional General Permit #8 (RGP-8) (2011) authorized by the Seattle District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, including all special conditions, general conditions, and design criteria of the authorized activities.

Compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.

MODERATE RGP-8 2011 Contract provision 5.1 Option 1,Timber Sale Administrator

SWF23 – Disturbance of vegetation shall be limited to the minimum amount necessary to accomplish road closure, obliteration, and decommission work.

Protect and minimize Riparian Reserve impacts

MODERATE (Consultation, BMP, MBS Forest Experience)

BMP, ACS, 1990 Forest Plan, p. 4-126, 119 , & RGP-8 (2011)

Timber Sale Administrator and/or suitable specialists/ or contract administrator

SWF24 – Ground-disturbing activities within channels, and along the banks of fish-bearing streams or streams located within ¼ mile of fish-bearing streams shall be performed during approved instream work window (August 1

st-August 15

th, or as approved by

WDFW and USFS Fisheries Biologists).

Avoid or minimize negative impacts to fish

HIGH

(Consultation with USFWS and NMFS regulatory agencies concur this is effective)

USFS & WDFW MOU 2012-18

Engineering or their representative

SWF25 – When reconstructing roads, install stream-crossing structures at the location where water flows into roadbed. All installed or replaced culverts or crossing features need to pass 100yr flow and associated debris, be passable to aquatic organisms (AOP) when presence is known or streams meet specific physical habitat criterion, and should maintain flow down primary, natural pathway of flow and not redirect flow into a ditch, pond, or another channel. All roads used for haul will be surveyed for the above needs prior to any road treatment. Exceptions may be approved by the Aquatics Specialist.

Minimize disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths, including surface and subsurface flow. Ensuring compliance with State and Federal regulations that protect aquatic and related resources.

MODERATE to HIGH


USFS & WDFW MOU 2012-18

1994 ROD ACSOs p. B-11 & RR pp. C -32 &33 (RF-3a & RF-4)


Timber Sale Administratoror their representative, Project Engineer

SWF26 – Perennial stream crossings should be reconstructed and maintained topass 100-yr and associated debris, and prevent diversion of streamflow out of the channel and down the road in the event of crossing failure. This may involve cleanout of plugged culvert inlets, lowering of road fill at the culvert crossing, and/or construction of a drivable dip downgrade of the crossing.

Prevent diversion of streamflow out of the channel and down the road in the event of crossing failure. Such failures can result in debris flows or mass wasting events due to fillslope or culvert failures downgrade of crossing.

MODERATE to HIGH


1994 ROD ACSOs p. B-11 & RR pp. C -32 &33 (RF-3a & RF-4)


USDA FS 1997

Timber Sale Administrator or their representative, or other contracts representative


33


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

SWF27 – New temporary roads, including those identified and shown on EA alternative maps, will be located and designed to minimize disruption to hydrologic flows by:

Minimizing clearing limits (generally no more than 16 feet on level ground, 20 feet for curves, slightly more for steeper hillslopes);

Minimizing excavation of cutslopes and construction of fillslopes; and

Routing drainage away from potentially unstable hillslopes, sidecast, and channels.

Minimize disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths, including surface and subsurface flow.

Protect and minimize impacts to riparian areas, habitats, and dependent species, including amphibians.

MODERATE


1994 ROD ACSOs p. B-11 & RR pp. C -32 & 33 (RF-2e, 2g & RF-3b)

USDA FS 2012 FS National Core BMPs - Roads #2 & 7

Timber Sale Administratoror their representative

SWF28 – If temporary roads, other than those identified and shown on EA alternative maps, are proposed for construction they would be located within EA stand boundaries and avoid sensitive sites such as shallow soils, unstable landforms, and wetlands; and would minimize disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths, including surface and subsurface flow. Upon additions or changes to the road system, consult the ID Team to ensure effects of changes are within the effects analyzed in EA.

Minimize disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths, including surface and subsurface flow.

Protect and minimize impacts to riparian areas, habitats, and dependent species, including amphibians.

HIGH

(Avoidance)

1994 ROD ACSOs p. B-11 & RR pp. C -32 & 33 (RF-2e, 2g & RF-3b)



SWF29 – Any timber sale temporary access roads identified to remain in place over the winter (into a second year of operation) shall use drainage features (culverts and/or water bars) that would accommodate a 100-year flood and associated debris flow, including seeding and mulching of any exposed or disturbed soils.

Prevent erosion and/or mass wasting and road damage

MODERATE

(Relatively new requirement, but based on permanent road requirements)

USDA FS USDI BLM 1994 p. C-30, NWFP ROD RF-4 and RF-5


SWF30 – Design road drainage features to hydrologically disconnect road surface runoff from stream channels and wetland areas. On roads to be closed or decommissioned, cross-drains or water bars will be installed at a maximum spacing of 400 feet where road grade exceeds 2 percent or modified with approval from an Aquatics Specialist.

Protect stream channel from water quantity and quality impacts


BMP, Copstead et al., (1998), & RGP-8 (2011)


SWF31 – Existing unclassified and previously decommissioned roads will be reconstructed in a way that adequately addresses road drainage, cutslope and fillslope instability, and potential water diversions. Sidecasting of loose material is prohibited within 150 feet of aquatic resources.

Protect and minimize Riparian Reserve impacts.Minimize disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths, including surface and subsurface flow.

MODERATE to HIGH



Project Administrator or their representative, Project Engineer


34


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

SWF32 – Roadbeds of decommissioned and obliterated roads would be reclaimed to resist erosion, improve subsurface hydrology, improve regrowth, and deter motorized traffic.

Reclamation may include: (1) improving the infiltration by decompaction to a depth of 18 inches, and/or outsloping towards the natural contour; and (2) stabilizing the surface by either applying mulch or by distributing slash across 70 percent of the disturbed ground surface, whichever is appropriate, and seeded with appropriate mix as described in mitigation B7.

Restore eco-hydraulic function of soils and soil productivity


USDA FS 2012 FS National Core BMPs Road-5 & 6


SWF33 – During road obliteration or decommission activities, remove all fill material and man-made structures from stream channels. After removal, stream channel shall match upstream and downstream channel dimensions, channel roughness, bank shape, natural floodplain contours, and natural adjacent hillslope.

Notify Aquatic Specialist of any changes in final specifications for stream crossing removal, outsloping and road-decommissioning designs.

Restore eco-hydraulic function of channel, valley bottom and riparian areas

MODERATE to HIGH (NFS Experience)

BMP, ACS, 1990 Forest Plan, p. 4-126, 119, RGP-8 (2011), & WDFW MOU (2012-2018)


SWF34 – Dust abatement for use on haul roads will be limited to the use of clean water or Lignin.

Protect water quality. Prevent chemically laden water from entering waterways.

HIGH BMP, ACS Timber Sale Administrator or their representative, Project Engineer

SWF35 – Trash and removed culverts shall be removed from National Forest System (NFS) lands and disposed of at an appropriate disposal area.

Keep forest clean and free of trash.

HIGH BMP Timber Sale Administrator or their representative

SWF36 – Heavy machinery and project service vehicles shall be free of leaks. Operators shall check heavy machinery for leaks prior to commencement of daily work. Repairs will be conducted before commencement of or continuing work.

Prevent and minimize potential effects to water quality

HIGH

(NFS Experience)

BMP, FP-03, ACS, 1990 Forest Plan p. 4-126, & RGP-8 (2011)



SWF37 – Establish a Spill Prevention Control and Containment Plan (SPCCP) when total oil products storage exceeds 1,320 gallons in containers of 55 gallons or greater. Maintain a spill remediation kit onsite for any fuel stored on NFS lands in association with this project. Fuels stored on NFS lands shall be at least 100 feet from aquatic resources. Refueling of vehicles and equipment will occur at least 100 feet from aquatic resources, and will use appropriate spill control measures.

Prevent and minimize potential effects to water quality

HIGH (Standard for Construction)

BMP, FP-03, ACS, & 1990 Forest Plan p. 4-126

40 CFR 112 Standard provision in contract




35


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

Wildlife

W1 –Trees greater than 20 inches DBH will not be cut. Any trees greater than 20 inches DBH that are required to be cut for safety will remain on site as coarse woody debris. Safety or operational trees within 50 ft. of an open road would be considered for removal to reduce fuel loading and loss of wood to firewood cutters.

To maintain and retain late-successional conditions

HIGH

Contract requirement

LSR plan implementation – exemption to REO letter

Timber sale contract, Administrator, or their representative

W2 – Retain existing down woody debris and standing snags that are not deemed a hazard.

Maintain and enhance habitat diversity

MODERATE - LOW Availability within project stands.

Wildlife Forest-wide S&G (p. 4-124)

Timber sale contract, Administrator, or their representative

W3 -- If raptor nest sites are found within the Project area during sale layout or implementation, activities will stop and a Forest Service Wildlife Biologist will be consulted. At the Wildlife Biologist’s discretion, protective buffers and/or seasonal operation restrictions may be assigned to the newly located nest sites.

Minimize changes to microhabitat features adjacent existing nest sites & the protection of active nest site

HIGH

Forest Experience

Migratory Bird Act

Wildlife Forest-wide S&G (4-125)

Wildlife Biologist, Timber Sale Administrator, or their representative

W4 –Trees with interlocking branches with trees with suitable nest structure for owl and murrelet nest would be retained (visible suitable cavities or nest structure (platforms 4” at 30 ft.).

Presale staff to coordinate with wildlife biologist on dimension from suitable nest trees

Maintain microhabitat conditions around potential nest trees

HIGH

Forest Experience

ESA Section 7 consultation Sale Preparation, Timber sale contract, layout and Timber sale administrator, or their representative

W5- Any tree ≥ 21inch dbh located in adjacent old-growth habitat proposed as a tailtree or anchor will first be field reviewed by a Forest Wildlife Biologist or their representative to determine if the selected tree is a spotted owl or marbled murrelet potential nest tree (PNT). All tailtrees will be retained as future wildlife trees, unless a hazard tree.

Protect occupied nest trees of federally protected species (northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet)

HIGH



Sale Preparation, Timber sale contract and Timber Sale Administrator, or their representative

W6-The thinning prescription would designate an average of 10 wildlife trees/ac be retained that include dominant trees for future large snags, and marking of deformed green trees to retain for future wildlife trees.

Desired wildlife trees/ac can be counted from skips, Riparian Reserve marking, murrelet leave trees, and snags from high stumping of hazard trees (20 ft – reach of ground equipment or 4 ft. height for sawyer on ground) and by leaving green trees around snags of greater than 21 inches.

Snags and green trees would be designated for retention during sale layout to meet standards and guidelines for cavity nesters

HIGH



Timber sale contract and Administrator, or their representative

W7- Dominant trees infested with dwarf mistletoe will be retained in the thinning marking with thinning to occur within mistletoe stands to enhance light for growth.

Maintain and enhance murrelet nest structure and Hairstreak butterfly habitat

HIGH



Timber sale layout crew, Timber Sale Administratoror their representative


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Basis


Basis

Enforcement

W8 - Heavy equipment and other activities generating noise above ambient levels in historic owl or murrelet use areas, and occurring between April 1 and September 23 would operate within terms and conditions of the biological opinion for this project.

Reduce the potential disruption of marbled murrelet feedings or nesting.

Moderate

90% impacts reduction post-incubation stage; pre-incubation, the, mitigation would be ineffective

ESA Section 7 consultation Designation in contract

Timber sale contract and Administrator, or their representative

W-9 – Slash pile burning would occur during the time period of August 31 to February 28, outside of the early spotted owl nesting season. In the event that burning activities cannot be accomplished in this work window, the wildlife biologist will be advised and work with fire staff to meet approved conditions for fire control and smoke management.

Reduce the potential disruption of marbled murrelet feedings or nesting

HIGH


ESA Section 7 consultation Forest fire staff and wildlife biologist

W-10 Use of biodegradable materials in wattles and other erosion control materials, unless removed following utilization.

Reduce impacts to amphibians and other small wildlife species that would get caught in the netting.

High


Forest Plan – Maintain viable species - Forest plan goal – 4-124

Contract and Timber Sale Administrator, Project Engineer

W-11 Seasonal operating (October 31 to June 15th) restrictions would be utilized for operations in the project area that are located adjacent and within designated mountain goat habitat (MA-15) and within historic goat use area.

Protect and manage habit to maintain or increase mt. goat populations

High

Forest Plan – Maintain viable species - Forest plan goal – 4-124

Administrative Use – Forest plan 4-234

Contract and Timber Sale Administrator, Wildlife Biologist

Recreation

REC1– To facilitate the safe completion of logging-related operations associated with proposed harvest units, and to maintain full public access to highly desired recreation sites, the Heather Lake, Mt. Pilchuck, Sunrise Mine, Boardman Lake, and Walt Bailey/Mallardy Ridge trail/trailheads will remain open to the public from Friday at noon through Sunday and holidays.

In addition, potential closure periodswill last no more than 3 months during the peak season (May through Sep) and 4 months during non-peak season (Oct thru Apr) when feasible.

Provide for public safety where mixing of uses would increase conflict and risk.

Minimize potential for non-operational disruptions with partial closures

HIGH

Logic: Partial closures would cause production loss and reduced efficiency, extending the time required to finish work in most harvest stands.

Forest Plan (1994-Amended), Forest-Wide S&G’s (pg. 4-84 to 4-87) and Matrix/MA 2A&2B S&G’s (pg. 4-177)

Sale preparation, T.S. Contract and Timber Sale Administrator

Temporary barricades and signing may also be installed.


37


Basis


Basis

Enforcement

REC2 –Because of a lighter demand/visitation experienced during October through April, up to two recreation sites/access roads including roads used to access high use recreation sites may be closed at any one time during non-peak period to public access. This will better allow completion of logging activities and reopening of sites on or before May 30

th.

Maintain a significant portion of hiker accessibility and parking capacity within the entire MLSB corridor commensurate with peak season accessibility limitations.

MODERATE – HIGH

Logic, Staff Experience

In the MLSB recreation corridor, during May-September trails/trail-heads can handle an estimated 200 to 300 daily visitors. Thus, there remains opportunity for displaced recreationists on unaffected trails such as Barlow Pass, Lake 22, Mt. Dickerman etc.


Sale preparation, T.S. Contract and Timber sale Administrator

(TSA if need for change in operational season)

REC3 –During the peak season (May through September), only one of the twohighest use recreation sites (Heather Lake, Mt. Pilchuck) within the corridor will be allowed to remain closed to the public at any one time during this critical period, unless it is deemed unsafe to perform logging activities while the site is open.

Maintain overall hiker accessibility and parking capacity within the entire MLSB corridor commensurate with peak season accessibility and historic fluctuations in use.

MODERATE-HIGH

Logic, MBS Experience: In the MLSB recreation corridor, Mt. Pilchuck and Heather Lake trailheads are two of the highest use sites. Impact to recreation resources is high if both sites are closed for long periods of time.


Sale preparation and Timber Sale Administrator

A timber sale contract special clause (Part C) can establishpriority unit cutting designations and timing restrictions and/or limitations associated with the Special Closure order.

REC4– Public access (peak and non-peak recreation season) through or near units being logged to reach both developed and dispersed recreation sites will be provided from Friday noon to Sunday mid-night and on all holidays falling on a weekday.

Provide unrestricted public access to all recreation sites not affected directly by either a special closure related to ongoing logging activities.

Provide a public notification plan informing the public of key entry points and potential hazards and likely delays.

MODERATE – HIGH

MBS Experience (see REC1)


Sale Contract, Timber Sale Administrator


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Basis


Basis

Enforcement

VIS1- The visual impacts of skyline corridors, landings, raw areas and skid roads will be minimized, these areas will be seeded, mulched or revegetated if needed within 1-3 years from project completion.

Meet visual quality objective-Retention or Partial Retention

MODERATE : logic, experience, Handbook guidance

Forest Plan (1994-Amended), Forest-Wide S&G’s (pg. 4-86 to 4-93), MA2A(pg 4-169-4-172), Matrix/MA2B (pg. 4-172 to 4-175), R6-REC-TP-016-90, FSH 2309.16

Silviculturist, Landscape Architect, Presale Forester, Timber Sale Administrator

VIS2- To minimize the visual impacts stumps will be cut within 12 inches of the forest floor up to 75’ (from the top of bank) into the unit along the edge of areas managed for VQO Retention or Partial Retention

Meet visual quality objective-Retention of Partial Retention

High: logic, experience, Handbook guidance

Forest Plan (1994-Amended), Forest-Wide S&G’s (pg. 4-86 to 4-93), MA2A(pg 4-169-4-172), Matrix/MA2B (pg. 4-172 to 4-175) R6-REC-TP-016-90, FSH 599

Timber Sale Administrator, Contract Administrator, or Specialists

VIS3- To minimize the visual impact of temporary roads, skid trails and landings in ground based or cable yarded units, the surface of these features will be decompacted to facilitate natural plant establishment to meet VQO’s of Retention and Partial Retention. Where possible, use berms toclose road entrances as part of the decommissioning of these roads where road alignments cannot be adjusted to reduce visual impacts.

Meet visual quality objective - what is objective – Retention or Partial Retention

MODERATE : logic, experience, Handbook guidance (FSH 2309.16)

Forest Plan (1994-Amended), Forest-Wide S&G’s (pg. 4-86 to 4-93), MA2A(pg 4-169-4-172), Matrix/MA2B (pg. 4-172 to 4-175) R6-REC-TP-016-90, FSH 599, FSH 2309.16


VIS4- Slash treatment plans will be implemented along high use roads where practical or applicable to reduce visible slash in the area.

Meet visual quality objective – what is objective Retention or Partial Retention

MODERATE : logic, experience, Handbook guidance

Forest Plan (1994-Amended), Forest-Wide S&G’s (pg. 4-86 to 4-93), MA2A(pg 4-169-4-172), Matrix/MA2B (pg. 4-172 to 4-175) R6-REC-TP-016-90, FSH 599

Fuels Specialist


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APPENDIX C – SF STILLAGUAMISHVEGETATION PROJECT SELECTED ALTERNATIVE MAP


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sf stillaguamish vegetation project decision notice...

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