ten mile projecta123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic.download.akam… · the ten mile...

United States Department of Agriculture

Scoping Report for the Ten Mile Project #47155

Poplar Bluff Ranger District

Mark Twain National Forest

Butler and Carter Counties, Missouri

Cover Photo: A typical closed canopy stand. The heavy shade prevents herbaceous understory growth and yields many small-diameter trees. The proposed action would provide canopy openings and sunlight to promote herbaceous vegetation, and improve space between trees, tree growth, and forest health. Photo by Michael Stevens, District Silviculturist.

Forest Service Mark Twain National Forest

Publication Date March 22, 2017

Ten Mile Project Scoping Report

Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest

For Further Information Contact: Paul Whitworth, Ph.D. NEPA Environmental Coordinator Poplar Bluff Ranger District Mark Twain National Forest P.O. Box 988 Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901 Phone: (573) 996-2153 E-Mail: [email protected]

Responsible Official: Jon M. Stansfield, District Ranger Poplar Bluff Ranger District Mark Twain National Forest P.O. Box 988 Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901 Phone: (573) 785-1475 E-Mail: [email protected]

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected].

USDA in an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

mailto:[email protected]



TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................... 1

Where is the general project area located? ......................................................................................................... 1 How large is the Ten Mile Project area? .............................................................................................................. 2 What activies are included in the "Proposed Action"? ........................................................................................ 2 What alternatives would be considered to the proposed action? ...................................................................... 3 What is a Scoping Report, and how is it used? .................................................................................................... 4 What is the 2005 Forest Plan, and what is its role in this project? ...................................................................... 4 What forestwide goals and objectives in the 2005 Forest Plan relate to this project? ....................................... 5 What 2005 Forest Plan forestwide standards and guidelines apply to this project? .......................................... 7 What are management prescriptions? ................................................................................................................ 8

VEGETATION TREATMENTS .............................................................................................................. 8 What is the purpose and need of vegetative treatments? .................................................................................. 8 How many acres of national forest land would undergo one or more vegetation or timber treatments? ......... 9 What specific areas would receive vegetation treatments? .............................................................................. 10 What are the existing vegetation conditions in the Ten Mile Project area? ...................................................... 11 What are the desired vegetation conditions for the Ten Mile Project area? .................................................... 14 How does Management Prescription 6.2 apply to the project area? ................................................................ 16 What is the Desired Condition for Management Prescription 6.2? ................................................................... 17 What 2005 Forest Plan Management Prescription 6.2 Standards and Guidelines apply to the project?.......... 17 What proposed actions are being considered for vegetation management in the project areas? ................... 18 What other vegetation management activities would occur? ........................................................................... 22 What connected activities may occur as part of the Ten Mile Project? ............................................................ 23

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGENT IN PUMP HOLLOW NATURAL AREA ........................... 23 What is the purpose and need of natural resource management in the Pump Hollow Natural Area? ............. 23 Where is Pump Hollow Natural Area located?................................................................................................... 24 What are the existing conditions in the Pump Hollow Natural Area? ............................................................... 24 What are the desired conditions for the Pump Hollow Natural Area? .............................................................. 27 What activities would occur in the Pump Hollow Natural Area? ....................................................................... 29

SHADED FUEL BREAKS ...................................................................................................................... 32 What is the purpose and need for shaded fuel breaks? .................................................................................... 32 What locations have been identified as needing shaded fuel break? ............................................................... 34 What are the existing conditions in the areas where shaded fuel breaks are proposed? ................................. 34 What are the desired conditions in the areas where shaded fuel breaks are proposed? ................................. 35 What are the proposed actions for creating and maintaining shaded fuel breaks? .......................................... 36

WILDLIFE ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................................................ 38 What is the purpose and need for maintenance of wildlife ponds? .................................................................. 38 What are the existing conditions of the wildlife ponds? ................................................................................... 38 Where are the wildlife ponds located? .............................................................................................................. 40 What are the desired conditions for wildlife ponds? ......................................................................................... 40 What maintenance and management activities would be conducted at wildlife ponds? ................................. 40



BEAVER LAKE RECREATION AREA RECREATION ENHANCEMENTS .................................. 41 What is the purpose of recreation enhancement activities at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area? ................... 41 Where is the Beaver Lake Recreation Area located? ......................................................................................... 42 What are the existing conditions in the Beaver Lake Recreation Area? ............................................................ 42 What are the desired conditions for the Beaver Lake Recreation Area? ........................................................... 46 What activities would be conducted at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area? ...................................................... 47

TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................... 49 What is the purpose and need for transportation management? ..................................................................... 49 Where are the transportation management activities located? ....................................................................... 49 What are the existing conditions for System and non-system roads? ............................................................... 50 What are the desired conditions for transporation? ......................................................................................... 52 What transportation activities would be conducted? ....................................................................................... 52

TEN MILE PROJECT PROPOSAL SUMMARY ................................................................................. 55

PRELIMINARY ISSUES ........................................................................................................................ 56 What preliminary issues and potential environmental effects have been identified? ...................................... 56

DECISION FRAMEWORK .................................................................................................................... 57

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ...................................................................................................................... 57 Where can I find more information about this project? .................................................................................... 58 How can I comment on the Ten Mile Project? ................................................................................................... 58 What types of public comments are most useful? ............................................................................................ 58 When are comments due? ................................................................................................................................. 59 What opportunities will exist for review or objection to resolve public concerns with the project?................ 59 Who may file an objection? ............................................................................................................................... 60 Will my comments, name, and address be available to others? ....................................................................... 60 What if I want to submit comments annoymously or whithhold information from the public record? ........... 61 How can I obtain more information on the Ten Mile Project? .......................................................................... 61

YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT TO MANAGING YOUR NATIONAL FOREST .......................... 61

GLOSSARY .............................................................................................................................................. 64

REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 68

APPENDIX A RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES ....................................................... 76 What forestwide standards and guidelines are applicable to the Ten Mile Project? ........................................ 76



LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Summary of Proposed Activities in the Ten Mile Project .................................. 55



LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Ten Mile Project Vicinity Map. .......................................................................... 1

Figure 2. Photo of a closed canopy stand of forest. ...................................................... 13

Figure 3. Photo of salvage and site preparation prescription after treatment. ............... 16

Figure 4. Photo of the perennial stream that flows into Pump Hollow. .......................... 25

Figure 5. Photo of Woodwardia areolata (netted chain fern). ........................................ 26

Figure 6. Photo of wildland-urban interface with hazardous fuels near house. ............. 34

Figure 7. Photo of desired condition for treated shaded fuel breaks. ............................ 36

Figure 8. Photo of pond with trees growing into the dam and covered by watershield. . 39

Figure 9. Photos of user-created trails at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area. ................ 44

Figure 10. Photo of eroded boat ramp at Beaver Lake.................................................. 45



INTRODUCTION

Where is the general project area located? The Ten Mile Project area is located on the Poplar Bluff Ranger District of the Mark Twain National Forest. The general project area is located west of U.S. Highway 67, and south of U.S. Highway 60. See the Ten Mile Project Vicinity Map in Figure 1 (or in the separate set of project maps) for an orientation to the project area.

Figure 1. Ten Mile Project Vicinity Map.


Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest 2

At the bottom right of the map in Figure 1 you will see a map of Missouri. Within that map you will see the Mark Twain National Forest displayed in shades of green, the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, and Ten Mile Project area. As your eyes move up to the large map, you will see U.S. Highway 67 and U.S. Highway 60. An arrow points toward Poplar Buff, Missouri, the nearest community to the project area. Project activities would occur in Butler and Carter Counties.

The project area boundary is indicated by blue squares on the green perimeter boundary. The map displays subunits in the project boundary called compartments. As an example, Compartment 155 is shown as C-155 at the interchange of U.S. Highways 60 and 67. The project area includes Pump Hollow Natural Area and the Beaver Lake Recreation Area. Pump Hollow Natural Area is located in the vicinity of U.S. Highway 60, State Highway B and Forest Service System Road 3753. The Beaver Lake Recreation Area is near Stringtown, Missouri, just off of Forest Service Road 3899. The Ten Mile Project Vicinity Map is available in the set of project maps.

How large is the Ten Mile Project area? The Ten Mile Project area is approximately 32,617 acres in size. This total area includes approximately 13,066 acres of national forest land and 19,551 acres of private land. No activities are proposed to be conducted on any private lands or other landownerships. Proposed resource management activities would occur on National Forest System lands only.

All proposed project activities, acreages, and areas reflect estimates based on the collection of field data and analysis in a Geographic Information System (GIS) (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, n.d.a). Reports from GIS were used to estimate the approximate number of acres, miles of roads, and so on, reported throughout this document.

During project implementation, the actual units of measure may vary based on field conditions and standards and guidelines in the "Mark Twain National Forest 2005 Land and Resource Management Plan 2005 Forest Plan" (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a). The Mark Twain National Forest 2005 Land and Resource Management Plan 2005 Forest will hereafter be referred to as the 2005 Forest Plan.

What activies are included in the "Proposed Action"? All project activities would be consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) and capable of meeting specific needs identified in this document. Project needs were established by comparing the existing conditions of the project area with the desired conditions, and relevant 2005 Forest Plan goals, objectives, standards and guidelines.

The "proposed action" for this project includes vegetation treatments across the project area, resource management in the Pump Hollow Natural Area, creation of shaded fuel breaks, wildlife activities, recreation enhancements at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area, and transportation management. Each of these various activities compose the combined proposed action.



Vegetation management activities would include commercial timber harvest for forest management. Harvest and treatment activities would include salvage and sanitation harvest, even-aged treatments, uneven-aged treatments, and site preparation. Old growth designation would be applied to some areas. Once timber management activities are completed, firewood collection would be available to the public by permit.

Resource management activities in the Pump Hollow Natural Area would include timber treatments, midstory reduction, prescribed fire, and treatment of non-native invasive species. Illegal roads and trails and unbuilt and unneeded roads would be decommissioned. Primitive parking would be created for recreation access.

Shaded fuel breaks would be created near houses and structures in thickly forested areas. Hazardous fuels such as dead logs and thick undergrowth would be thinned and or removed to reduce fuels and the threat of wildfire to houses and other structures.

Wildlife ponds would be rehabilitated and maintained. Dams would be repaired and trees cut from the dams. An invasive surface plant would be treated to keep water surfaces open.

Recreation enhancements at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area would include repair of the dam and maintenance on the recreation area. Trees would be cut on the dam and the water surface would be treated for an invasive surface plant. The boat ramp and roads in the recreation area would be covered with aggregate. Dispersed camp sites would be designated and improved and a parking area would be established on the Forest Service System Road. Illegal motorized use would be managed.

Transportation activities would include maintenance and reconstruction of National Forest System Roads. Some unbuilt and unneeded System roads would be decommissioned, as would illegal non-system roads. Some temporary roads would be constructed for resource management activities and then decommissioned when the work is complete. Trash dumps would also be removed.

Each of the project activities are described in detail in their respective section in the body of this Scoping Report.

What alternatives would be considered to the proposed action? A minimum of two alternatives would be analyzed and considered in the environmental analysis. These alternatives would include Alternative 1, the No Action Alternative, and Alternative 2, the Proposed Action. The No Action Alternative would be named Alternative 1 as it represents the existing conditions and absence of management.

Under Alternative 1, the No Action Alternative, the Forest Service would not conduct any of the proposed activities for vegetation management, resource management in the Pump Hollow Natural Area, shaded fuel breaks, wildlife activities, enhancements at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area, or transportation management. Alternative 1 provides a baseline or reference against which to describe environmental effects of the Alternative 2, the Proposed Action. This is a viable alternative and addresses concerns of those who may desire that project activities not be



conducted. The No Action Alternative would not receive any management action. The existing conditions would remain and many natural resource conditions would continue to decline.

Alternative 2, the Proposed Action, is intended to meet the project's purpose and need. The proposed action consists of site-specific resource management activities directed toward maintaining or improving a diverse, healthy, productive, and sustainable forest. A sustainable forest would meet the needs of both present and future generations.

Modification of the proposed action or the addition of alternatives may result from Scoping and public involvement. Modification of the proposed action or addition of alternatives could occur if important issues or additional management actions not already considered are identified.

What is a Scoping Report, and how is it used? This Scoping Report summarizes the proposed Ten Mile Project. The Scoping Report is used to inform interested and affected parties and seek their input. Scoping is an integral part of environmental analysis. An important part of scoping is to identify interested and affected persons and their issues and concerns. Scoping helps the Forest Service refine the proposed action, identify preliminary issues, and explore possible alternatives and environmental effects.

Individuals and organizations that comment during this Scoping period or request information will be added to the project mailing list. Another opportunity to comment on this project will occur during the official 30-Day Comment Period which will likely be around fall 2017. A final decision is tentatively scheduled around fall or winter 2017.

Those individuals and entities who submit specific written comments with supporting reasons in any designated public comment period will have standing to object to the decision based on issues that have been previously raised. Those individuals and entities submitting comments who wish to have eligibility to object must comply with the Project-Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process, 36 C.F.R. Part 218. For more information, see the Public Involvement section in the body of this document.

What is the 2005 Forest Plan, and what is its role in this project? The 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) provides an integrated, interdisciplinary, programmatic framework for environmentally sound resource management based on the best available science. The 2005 Forest Plan reflects agency goals, executive orders, regulations, and agency directives. It also reflects laws such as the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (as amended).

The 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) provides for multiple-use of the forest and its resources. These multiple-use purposes include outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, and fish and wildlife. Multiple-use resources are managed to support sustained yield of these forest uses, products and services. The National Forest Management Act of 1976 (as amended), Multiple-Use and



Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (as amended), and Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (as amended) require multiple-use management of forest lands.

The 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) is available at:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mtnf/landmanagement/?cid=fsm8_045643

The "Final Environmental Impact Statement to Accompany the 2005 Land and Resource Management Plan (2005 Forest Plan)" (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b) analyzed the forest-wide effects of the 2005 Forest Plan. For more information, see:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mtnf/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsm8_045642

Site-specific projects are proposed, analyzed and carried out within the framework of the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a). The Ten Mile Project must be consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan as directed in Consistency of Resource Plans, Permits, Contracts and Other Instruments with Land Management Plans, Revision at 16 U.S.C. CH 36 § 1604(i)).

What forestwide goals and objectives in the 2005 Forest Plan relate to this project? Forestwide goals in the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) link broad agency goals as set forth in law, executive orders, regulations, and agency directives. As an example, forestwide goals reflect requirements of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (as amended). Goals describe desired conditions to be achieved in the future. Goals are stated in broad, general terms with no specific timeframe. Objectives are concise, time-bound, specific statements of planned results.

The 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) goals and objectives seek to move natural resources toward the desired condition(s). The following 2005 Forest Plan forestwide goals and objectives apply to the proposed Ten Mile Project:

Goal 1.1 – Terrestrial Natural Communities (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 1-1)

Maintain, enhance, or restore site-appropriate natural communities, including the full range of vegetation composition and structural conditions.

Goal 1.3 – Soils, Watersheds, and Water Quality (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 1-3)

Maintain healthy, sustainable, and diverse natural communities.

Goal 1.4 – Wildlife and Aquatic Habitat (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 1-3 through 1-4)



Provide the range of natural habitats necessary to support populations of existing native plant and animal species.

Support recovery of Federal and State listed species, protection and management of habitat for regionally listed species, and protection and management of habitat for other identified species of concern.

Provide specialized habitats that are a healthy, functioning part of the larger landscape and require no special protection or additional management considerations. Provide specialized habitat components (such as standing dead trees, cavity and den trees, downed woody material, temporary pools, ephemeral springs and seeps) across the landscape in amounts and types commensurate with the natural communities in which they occur.

Encourage habitat that responds to demand for both consumptive and non-consumptive fish and wildlife use.

Objective 1.4e

Designate permanent old growth [italics added] on 8% to 12% of each . . . 6.2 management area . . . .

Goal 2.1 – Public Values (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 1-4)

Within the capability of sustainable ecosystems, offer multiple benefits that contribute to the social and economic well-being of local and regional communities by providing a variety of uses, values, products, and services in a cost effective manner for present and future generations.

Goal 2.2 – Fuels and Wildland Fire Management (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 1-4)

Reduce hazardous fuels.

Reduce wildland fire risk to communities.

Provide well-planned and executed fire protection programs that are responsive to values at risk and management area objectives.

Goal 2.3 – Transportation System (Adapted from (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 1-5)

Develop and maintain a transportation system which provides the minimum permanent road access needed to meet resource management objectives.

Provide temporary road access that complements the permanent road system for effective resource management.

Decommission unneeded roads.



Goal 2.4 – Timber Management (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 1-5 through 1-6)

Use timber management, where appropriate, to restore or enhance degraded natural communities, sustain healthy and productive forests, and reduce hazardous fuels to reach the desired condition of the forest.

Respond to disturbance events (storms, wildfires, disease, or insect attacks, etc.) in a timely manner. Salvage damaged forest resources when compatible with management prescriptions.

Provide timber and wood products to help support sustainable local industry and economic interests.

Goal 2.8 – Recreation Opportunities (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 1-6)

Provide a diversity of recreational opportunities and benefits through a variety of settings.

Contribute to local, regional, and national economies by providing recreational opportunities in a socially and environmentally acceptable manner.

Goal 2.9 – Visual Management (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 1-7)

Maintain or enhance the quality of scenic resources to provide desired landscape character.

What 2005 Forest Plan forestwide standards and guidelines apply to this project? The 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) standards and guidelines are written to meet applicable laws, regulations, Forest Service directives, and state standards. Standards convey mandatory compliance, while guidelines are more flexible and should be followed when practical to do so. Most standards and guidelines serve as mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate adverse environmental effects of future management actions.

Standards and guidelines are written at forestwide and management prescription area scales. Both forestwide and management prescription area standards and guidelines apply to site-specific projects and activities.

Numerous 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) standards and guidelines apply to the site-specific activities proposed in the Ten Mile Project. A few examples of relevant 2005 Forest Plan forestwide standards (in bold) and guidelines that apply to the Ten Mile Project include:

Mimic ecosystem dynamics, patterns, and disturbance processes to achieve desired conditions except where ecological recovery is unlikely or unfeasible. (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-2).



Carry out Forest Service responsibilities for the conservation of endangered and threatened species and habitat identified through interagency consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-6).

Maintain suitable habitat for nesting, roosting, and foraging bald eagles. (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-6).

Prohibit all mechanical disturbances on springs, seeps, fens, sinkholes, and shrub swamps, regardless of size. (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-13).

Establish a buffer zone of 100 feet in radius from the outside edge of: • Small, isolated fens less than 400-square feet in size; • Seeps greater than 200-square feet in size or which support associated natural

communities; • Springs; • Sinkholes; and • Shrub swamps. (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-13).

For more details on applicable standards and guidelines, see Appendix A Relevant Standards and Guidelines.

What are management prescriptions? Management prescriptions provide administrative direction for project-level planning on a forest area. These management prescriptions seek to achieve desired conditions with resulting outputs of goods, services, uses, and environmental enhancements. Management prescriptions are applied to geographical units on the ground, which are called management areas. Management prescriptions typically apply to more than one management area, in multiple locations, on the forest.

VEGETATION TREATMENTS

What is the purpose and need of vegetative treatments? Vegetation treatments would be conducted to implement 2005 Forest Plan Management Prescription 6.2 (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 3-37 through 3-39).

The purpose of vegetation treatments and timber harvest is to move habitat conditions toward their historical natural community types and conditions. The project is needed to move habitat



conditions toward their historical natural community types, stand structure and composition. (Specialized terms in italics at first use are defined in the glossary to aid the reader.) The project is needed to move landscape patterns and functions to that similar to historic natural conditions and within their range of natural variability.

The range of natural variability of landscape patterns and functions has been altered from historic natural conditions. Natural disturbance regimes changed with European settlement and the associated human activities such as widespread deforestation and overgrazing. Human activities disrupted natural disturbance systems and processes for decades prior to modern forest management. These human activities and processes have reduced the range of natural variability for these communities (Nelson, 2005).

Timber harvest treatments are needed to move the forest toward historic landscape patterns and amounts of disturbed forest. Stands ranging in size from 2-40 acres would be harvested to create new early seral habitat or early seral forest (up to 10 years in age).

The Ten Mile Project would improve forest health by harvesting mature trees exhibiting decline. Trees exhibiting decline are characterized by a weakened state of health and often, insect and disease damage. Declining large-diameter trees, as well as recent blown down timber, could be harvested.

Oak decline and mortality is a pressing concern for forest health. Timely salvage harvest of the affected stands would, in some ways, mimic natural disturbance processes. Timely treatment of the affected and dying stands would lay the foundation for moving the landscape toward historic natural communities. Vegetative treatments would provide habitat diversity for wildlife and move the landscape toward the appropriate historical natural community type(s). These vegetative treatments would allow increased sunlight to reach the forest floor and favor woodland tree and plant species better-adapted to full sunlight, drought, and periodic fire.

The Ten Mile Project would use an ecosystems management approach to enhance natural v community types. The project would move the natural vegetative communities toward their historic landscape patterns. This ecosystems management approach includes vegetation management methods such as timber harvest to mimic historic natural disturbance regimes (patterns of occurrence).

Importantly, the Ten Mile Project is needed to provide wildlife habitat diversity and maintain healthy, sustainable forest. This project would be a first step towards restoring a healthy, sustainable forest ecosystem in the Ten Mile Project area. The proposed action, future restoration actions, and forest processes would move the landscape toward the desired condition in the coming decades.

How many acres of national forest land would undergo one or more vegetation or timber treatments? Of the 13,066 acres of national forest land in the project area, approximately 5,820 acres of lands would be subject to one or more project vegetation or timber treatments. No vegetation treatments would be performed on the remaining national forest land as part of this project.



Reported numbers for forest management activities are not summative in nature across all forest and timber management actions. Many timber treatments may include multiple entries and treatments on the same land to improve forest conditions. As an example, some areas, once harvested, may need regeneration and or planting activities to move a stand toward the desired conditions. As such, tree planting would be prescribed.

Approximately 5,820 acres would be subject to forest management activities (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2013-2014a, 2013-2014b). However, of that amount, 1,095 acres would be managed as old growth. Further, approximately 855 acres would have only understory or timber stand improvement activities conducted on small trees. Approximately 3,870 acres would be subject to some type(s) of timber treatment(s).

What specific areas would receive vegetation treatments? The proposed Ten Mile Project area includes vegetation treatment activities in 16 compartments (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, n.d.b). Compartments are composed of adjacent stands and usually delineated along major topographic features or prominent roads.

Project locations for vegetation treatments include: Township 25 North, Range 4 East, sections 1-5, 8-12, 13-17, 22-24, 25-27, 34-36; Township 25 North, Range 5 East, sections 1-2, 6-8, 14-15, 17, 22-25, 31, 35-36 and Pump Hollow Natural Area in Township 26 North, Range 3 East, section 36; Township 26 North, Range 4 East, sections 30-31, 5th principal meridian. No project activities would be conducted on private land.

Details of forest management activities are shown in a set of separate maps. These maps are entitled "Ten Mile Project" and then have labels by the specific area. The first map that should be reviewed is the "Vegetation Treatment Index Map" to see the general area and to identify the sub-area maps of interest. Seven sub-area maps provide higher levels of detail than the Vegetation Treatment Index Map. The sub-area maps display silvicultural activities at the Compartment and Stand levels. The viewer can observe the pattern and color of the specific Stand(s). These features can be compared to the "Vegetation Treatment Legend".

As an example, let's presume that you want to learn more about activities that may be visible near the intersection of U.S. Highways 60 and 67. You would first go to the Vegetation Treatment Index Map. You would find that that area of interest is located on Vegetation Treatment Map—Map 2 of 7. On Map 2 of 7, you could locate the specific stand(s) of interest.

As an example, you have interest in timber treatments located near Beaver Lake. You find that Beaver Lake is shown on Map 5 of 7. When viewing Map 5 of 7 you observe vertical blue lines within approximately 0.5 miles of Beaver Lake in Stands 42 and 24. You would then look at the Vegetation Treatment Legend. In the section entitled Vegetation Treatment Areas you find an icon with vertical blue lines which lists Salvage with Site Preparation as the prescribed treatment. To learn more about what this treatment means, you would then refer to the section within the proposed action with that same title and the definitions provided in the glossary.



For the greatest level of detail, see the spreadsheet entitled Ten Mile Project Vegetation Treatment Table. As an example, you could look at data for Compartment 150 identified in the table and on maps as C-150. You would find that the compartment is approximately 930.2 acres in size. The table shows that within this compartment, an estimated 329.1 acres would not receive any treatment and is designated for Deferred Treatment, 76.9 acres is private land, and 15.5 acres is in Right-of-Ways, and so on. As you examine the spreadsheet you would find that Stand 1 is 6.8 acres, Stand 3 is 25.6 acres, Stand 6 is 20.1 acres, and that each of these stands would receive Commercial Thinning Treatments.

What are the existing vegetation conditions in the Ten Mile Project area? The project area contains a mix of upland forest and closed woodland natural communities generally located on ridges and side slopes. An upland forest has dense tree cover and closed canopy with very sparse ground vegetation (Nelson, 2005). A closed woodland exhibits scattered breaks in the canopy with some grass, forbs and shrubs present in the understory (Nelson, 2005). These upland forest and closed woodland areas contain shortleaf pine, oak-pine, white oak, mixed oaks, and black oak-scarlet oak-hickory stands.

Existing Vegetative Communities Differ From Historic Communities

Existing natural vegetative communities differ substantially from the natural communities that were historically present in the area (Nelson, 2005). The project area now contains more trees, a more closed canopy, and less ground vegetation than that which existed pre-settlement (Nelson, 2005).

A grid inventory was conducted on the Ten Mile Project area to assess landscape conditions (Schanta, 2011). A point grid with 600 meter by 600 meter spacing was used with ArcMap and Hawth's Tools to identify sample locations. When establishing the grid pattern, 168 plots were located on Forest Service land. (No private land was inventoried.) Plot centers were located using GPS (Global Positioning System) units. During the inventory, tree and stand data were collected and entered into FSVeg, a Forest Service database of tree and stand information (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, n.d.c).

Analysis of the grid inventory data found that 70% of the area had greater than 70 basal area (Schanta, 2011). Basal area refers to the area of a given section of land that is occupied by the cross-section of tree trunks. Mature oak forests with greater than 70 square feet per acre of basal area are considered fully stocked and typically exhibit a closed canopy (Johnson, Shifley, & Rogers, 2009). About 66% of the area is occupied by stands with a single canopy layer. This condition is indicative of a simplified even-aged structure without understory components needed by many wildlife species.



Most Red Oaks Are at the End of Their Life Cycle, Dying, or Dead

Many red oaks are dying in southern Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest (Dwyer, Kabrick, & Wetteroff, 2007; Fan, Kabrick, Spretich, Shifley, & Jensen, 2008). Few red oak trees live over 100 years (Dwyer et al., 2007). Numerous stands of red oak in the project area have reached maturity and many trees are dead or dying (M. Stevens, personal communication, March 1, 2014).

The District Silviculturist analyzed stand ages using FSVeg to examine vegetation conditions. (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, n.d.c; Project File, spreadsheet entitled "rswexporttriad.xlsx".) Results indicate that most mature red oak trees in the project area are 75-100 years of age, or older. Approximately 55% of the stands in the project are 50 years old or older.

The condition of declining stands in the Ten Mile Project area has been confirmed during site visits by Forest Service staff. The District Silviculturist and Prescription Foresters examined each stand with potential management activity in the project area (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Bluff Ranger District, 2013-2014a). Stand visits confirmed that widespread and serious red oak decline was present in most stands containing red oak.

There are a large number of overstocked shortleaf pine stands in the project area. Shortleaf pine is vulnerable to many different insects and diseases when stand basal area exceeds 70 (Guldin, 2011).

The Ten Mile Project Area Lacks Age and Species Diversity

A lack of age class diversity exists in the Ten Mile Project area (Schanta, 2011). There are only two main age classes in the Ten Mile Project area. The majority of Forest Service timber stands originated between 1918 and 1950. A second major age class originated during the period from 1977-2000. Planted and seeded pine stands originated from 1960-2000.

Timber treatments from 1977-2000 occurred on about 16% of the project area (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, n.d.c; Project File, spreadsheet entitled "rswexporttriad.xlsx"). Those harvests served as disturbance events to create openings which increased sunlight and plant diversity. New tree growth has occurred in these harvest areas and the tree canopy has again closed, shading out the herbaceous layer.

Only about 2% of the project area is in a young (0-10 years) age class (M. Stevens, personal communication, August 28, 2014), also referred to as early seral. Except for utility transmission right-of-ways and some open canopied areas near Highway PP and Forest Service Road 3107, the Ten Mile Project area lacks early seral habitat comprised of shrubs, forbs and native grasses.

Regardless of age, most of the Ten Mile Project area contains closed canopy stands with a shaded herbaceous layer (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2013-2014a). A



closed canopy cover causes heavy shade and inhibits early seral habitat including forbs and native grasses.

Figure 2 shows a typical closed canopy stand in the Ten Mile Project area. As shown in the photo, there is a lack of herbaceous vegetation on the forest floor.

Figure 2. Photo of a closed canopy stand of forest. The photo is representative of the Ten Mile Project area. Photo by Michael Stevens, District Silviculturist.

Old and Dying Trees Are Susceptible To Weather, Insects, and Disease

The Mark Twain National Forest, including the Ten Mile Project area, has experienced extensive oak die-off for over a decade. Tree mortality and timber volume loss has increased each year since 2008 (USDA Forest Service, n.d.). Interested persons can obtain custom forest growth and health reports at the USDA Forest Service's Forest Inventory Data Online (FIDO) website (http://apps.fs.fed.us/fia/fido/customrpt/app.html).



Multiple droughts, late season frosts, wind events, ice storms and insect outbreaks have occurred across the forest. These stressors continue to increase oak decline and death (Kessler & Houston, 1989).

Old, damaged, and dying oak trees are vulnerable to insect and disease attacks (Donley & Acciavatti, 1980; Kessler & Houston, 1989). Damaged and dying trees, for example, are susceptible to infestation by the red oak borer (Donley & Acciavatti, 1980). The red oak borer is a forest insect that permanently damages living oak trees. The red oak borer also damages the wood within the trees by creating larval tunnels. Red oak borer larval tunnels can reduce wood value as factory grade lumber by up to 40% (Donley & Acciavatti, 1980).

What are the desired vegetation conditions for the Ten Mile Project area?

Move Landscapes Toward Their Historic Natural Vegetative Communities

Landscapes would move toward their historic natural vegetative community types. Consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) forestwide Goal 1.1 (p. 1-1), the Ten Mile Project would seek to maintain, enhance, or restore site-appropriate natural vegetative communities. The desired vegetative conditions would vary by stand, based on the land characteristics of the specific sites and its historic vegetation type(s).

A variety of terrestrial natural vegetative communities are desired as consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a). The desired vegetative conditions would also be based on Nelson's (2005) text, "The Terrestrial Natural Communities of Missouri". Open woodlands, closed woodlands and forest natural community types were prevalent in the project area around the end of the last century and would be desired (Nelson, 2005).

A mix of stand structural conditions would include open and closed woodland natural communities (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. A-3). These communities would vary from 40%-90% canopy cover, 20-100 basal area, 5%-40% shrub, and about 30%-40% ground cover. Ground cover would consist of scattered sedges, grasses and forbs with 30%-100% leaf litter coverage.

Increase Vegetative Diversity and Provide Habitat for Wildlife

The forest canopy would be partially open to allow light to reach the forest floor. Openings and increased light would promote vegetative diversity, different age trees, and a healthier microclimate for both plants and animals. Herbaceous species would respond to openings and light with an increase in species diversity and plant biomass (McMurry, Muzika, Loewenstein, Grabner, & Hartman, 2007). As an example, timber treatments and opening the canopy promotes native grasses, forbs and other early seral habitat valuable to certain wildlife species (as



examples, see Bolen and Robinson, 2003; Litvaitis, 2001; Natural Resources Conservation Service & Wildlife Habitat Council, 2007; Thompson & DeGraaf, 2001).

Openings and increased light would benefit certain plant species that are less common across the area due to the closed canopy forest. Some examples include Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium), Blazingstar (Liatris spp.), Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and Coneflower (Echinacea spp.) (Kinkead, Kabrick, Stambaugh, & Grabner, 2013). These plants would become more prevalent post-harvest.

Herbaceous vegetation associated with early seral conditions provides plants and seeds on which many wildlife species feed. These species include Eastern wild turkey, Northern bobwhite quail, Eastern cottontail rabbit, mice, voles, and many other species (Natural Resources Conservation Service & Wildlife Habitat Council, 2007). This habitat also benefits invertebrate (lacking a backbone) species such as insects. Insects are an important food source for young Eastern wild turkey and Northern bobwhite quail, and fledgling migratory birds.

Move Landscapes Toward Their Historic Tree Species Composition

Natural communities would include the full range of vegetation composition consistent with 2005 Forest Plan Goal 1.1 (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 1-1). Landscapes within the project area would move toward their historic tree species composition. The mix of tree species would more closely reflect historic tree species composition.

Historic tree species composition can be estimated based on General Land Office (GLO) surveys conducted in the early 1800s. (See U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States, 2012, for more information on the General Land Office.) The U.S. government established the General Land Office to survey and sale public domain lands for agricultural use and to generate federal income. Surveys were conducted with land sales to establish boundaries of federal lands and identify land by a legal description. Surveyor's field notes became the first written public land records.

An analysis of the original survey, done in 1821, indicates that the project area contained the same species it does today but in different percentages. The project area at that time was about 33% oak, 33% pine, and 34% other species comprised of species like hickory, ash, elm and walnut (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2014, August 29).

Move Landscapes Toward Their Historic Stand Structure

Stand structure would move toward historic conditions as consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 1-1). Natural vegetative communities would provide the full range of vegetative structural conditions. Natural vegetative communities would maintain distribution patterns similar to their historic condition (p. 3-11). Regeneration openings would range in size from 0.25-15.0 acres (p. 2-28).



Desired vegetative conditions by stand are included in stand treatment prescriptions (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2013-2014b).

The photograph in Figure 3 shows an example of a salvage and site preparation prescription 1 year after treatment. As shown in Figure 3, the salvage and site preparation prescription removes some trees. This treatment retains large overstory trees and creates openings in the canopy that allows some sunlight to reach the forest floor.

Figure 3. Photo of salvage and site preparation prescription after treatment. Photo by Michael Stevens, District Silviculturist, of the Little Bosky timber sale on Forest Service Road 3077 in Wayne County).

How does Management Prescription 6.2 apply to the project area? The Ten Mile Project area is located within Management Prescription 6.2 (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 3-37 through 3-39). Management Prescription 6.2 goals and objectives allow for enhancement of natural communities, improvement of forest health conditions, and roaded natural recreation experiences. Management Prescription 6.2 features management of natural vegetative communities under limited investments to enhance the semi-primitive motorized dispersed recreation experience.

Management Prescription 6.2 goals include: Manage natural vegetative communities and their successional stages under limited investment. Provide wildlife habitat diversity common to managed natural communities.



Provide dispersed recreation opportunities emphasizing Semi-Primitive Motorized ROS [Recreation Opportunity Spectrum] objectives.

Provide for low to moderate production of other resources such as timber products, fish and wildlife, and forage where they do not limit natural vegetative community management opportunities or dispersed semi-primitive recreation objectives. (Adapted from (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 3-37.)

What is the Desired Condition for Management Prescription 6.2? The desired condition provides a narrative description on the desired characteristics and conditions expected from the prescribed management. The desired condition provides a snapshot of what the management area will look like when 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) goals, objectives, standards, and guidelines are met. Desired conditions can apply to the present or future.

The Desired Condition for Management Prescription 6.2 is:

These areas, normally 2,500 acres or larger, provide a semi-primitive motorized environment. Recreation opportunities provide for interaction between users ranging from low to moderate. There is limited motor vehicle access for recreational activities.

Stand composition will somewhat reflect the character of historical natural communities with the landscape dominated by variable age tree species. The environment may be natural appearing, but structural characteristics of specific natural communities will be different than their known historical condition.

Areas exhibiting old growth characteristics comprise 8 to 12 % of each management area, and regeneration openings comprise 5% to 10 % of each management area.

The natural appearing setting has moderately dominant alterations, but these alterations do not draw the attention of motorized observers from trails or primitive roads.

Only those facilities, structures, utility corridors and developments subject to existing rights are present. (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 3-37.)

What 2005 Forest Plan Management Prescription 6.2 Standards and Guidelines apply to the project? The 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) specifies standards (that convey mandatory compliance) and guidelines (that should be followed) for Management Prescription 6.2. Both forestwide standards and guidelines and Management Prescription 6.2 standards and guidelines apply to projects. Where forestwide standards and guidelines are different from those for a management prescription, the management prescription standard applies.



The following relevant standards (in bold) and guidelines apply to Management Prescription 6.2 areas:

Limit investments for vegetation management treatments to those necessary for restoration and/or maintenance of natural communities, or provides a specific resource output. Distribute regeneration openings across the landscape proportional to ELT's [Ecological Land Types] and natural communities present in the area. Sizes of openings should encompass the full range from ¼ to 15 acres.

Manage area to meet, as a minimum, semi-primitive motorized ROS [Recreation Opportunity Spectrum] objectives.

All resource management activities shall meet . . . Visual Quality Objectives . . . . Prescribe no more than 20% of an individual management area for harvest during the 10 year Plan period. Salvage harvests are not subject to the 20% limit on timber harvest.

Limit the size of a temporary opening [italics added] created by even-aged management to a maximum of 15 acres. Manage National Forest System roads to meet, as a minimum, the semi-primitive motorized ROS [Recreation Opportunity Spectrum] criteria. (Adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 3-37 through 3-39).

What proposed actions are being considered for vegetation management in the project areas? The Ten Mile Project proposes to conduct vegetation management and timber treatments on 5,820 acres, conduct timber stand improvement work on 742 acres of small-diameter understory trees, and designate 1,095 acres for management as old growth. Commercial timber harvest would be the primary method used to move stands toward the desired conditions.

Specific treatment methods are prescribed by compartment and stand to move vegetative conditions toward the desired condition. Detailed information on treatments for a specific stand can be obtained from the Ten Mile Project Vegetation Treatment Map for the area of interest and from the Vegetation Treatment Table. See the Vegetation Treatment Index Map, Vegetation Treatment Legend, set of Vegetation Treatment Maps, and the Vegetation Treatment Table for details.

Designated areas would be treated to reestablish natural vegetative communities with historic composition and structure within the range of natural variability. In appropriate areas, project actions would seek to establish open oak or pine and pine-oak woodlands and their diverse ground vegetation. All resource management activities would be implemented on lands suitable for such purposes.



All timber harvests would be conducted to move the area toward the desired conditions for the respective stand(s) and the overall project area. Commercial timber harvest would be used for a variety of even-aged and uneven-aged silvicultural prescriptions. Even-aged treatments would include seed tree with reserves, shelterwood with reserves, and clearcut with reserves harvest methods. Group selection harvest is the only uneven-aged treatment to be used. Intermediate thinning and salvage/sanitation treatments would also be used where appropriate. Even-aged treatments would provide short-term (0-10 years) shrub, grass, and herbaceous habitat for wildlife in regeneration openings. The resulting habitat from even-aged treatments is often referred to as early seral stage habitat. All even-aged and group selection harvests would require site preparation. Salvage stands with a residual basal area below 60 would also undergo site preparation. Trees would be cut by mechanical methods including chainsaw and timber felling machinery. Bulldozers may be used in some areas during the creation of openings and or temporary roads. Equipment such as booms, loaders, tractors and skidders would be used in moving logs and loading them onto large trucks for transport to saw mills. Forest management activities would be conducted in a manner that considers visual quality objectives in the project area. Numerous flowering and fruiting tree species such as persimmon, dogwood and redbud would be retained. Wildlife den trees and snags would also be retained. Tree tops, limbs, and other natural harvest debris would be kept out of stream channels. These actions would be applied consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a).

Salvage Treatment

Salvage and Sanitation Harvests—Approximately 1,049 Acres

Salvage and sanitation harvests would be conducted to improve forest health. Salvage harvests involve harvesting damaged trees or trees in danger of being killed by insects, disease, or other factors. Sanitation harvest involves the removal of trees to stop or reduce the spread of insects or disease. These harvests also collect economic value that would otherwise be lost.

Most of the stands proposed for salvage or sanitation harvest contain at least 30 basal area of large healthy trees. These trees would remain and form open and closed woodlands. Retained (uncut) trees would include shortleaf pine, white oak, post oak, hickory, and blackgum, depending on what currently exists in a specific stand. Other less common tree species would also be retained. For salvage harvests that result in less than 60 basal area, site-preparation would be prescribed. Site preparation activities would remove older and poorly formed trees that are less than 8.9" diameter at breast height. (Planting suitable native tree species, if needed, may also be conducted on a stand-by-stand basis.) Mechanical and or hand tool treatments would be used over the next 15 years to perform site preparation post-harvest. The estimated acres for salvage and sanitation harvests include salvage treatment acres without site preparation and salvage treatment acres with site preparation. The summation of these treatment acres is important for understanding the numbers that are reported in the Vegetation Treatment Table.



Intermediate Treatments

Commercial Thinning—Approximately 1,883 Acres (Includes Pump Hollow Natural Area Restoration Thinning—395 Acres)

Commercial thinning treatments would be conducted to improve tree growth, enhance forest health, and improve wildlife habitat conditions. Commercial thinning reduces the basal area of a stand by means of commercial timber harvest. Commercial thinning would move the stand toward its natural vegetative community type(s).

Thinning would move species composition and canopy closure towards the historic natural vegetative conditions. Thinning from below would remove trees from the lower canopy to favor better formed (straight), taller trees in higher canopy positions.

Commercial thinning would increase space between trees. Greater space between trees would improve foraging for various bat species (Loeb & O'Keefe, 2006). Stands thinned in this way would retain an average of 60 basal area.

Shortleaf pine and white oak would be the preferred species to retain as standing trees. Other species would be kept where those were not available. The remaining residual trees would have more growing space while the stand continues to be fully occupied by trees (Gingrich, 1967). Larger healthier trees would result from an increase in available sunlight and less competition for water and nutrients.

Timber Stand Improvement—Approximately 741 Acres

Timber stand improvement would be conducted within 10-15 years after even-aged harvest. Timber stand improvement removes competing trees and undesired vegetation. The cut trees have little or no economic value and typically remain on the forest floor. Tree planting may also be prescribed in stands that lack adequate existing young trees (less than 100 per acre). These activities would be subject to the availability of funding.

Even-aged Treatments

Approximately 640 acres of early seral habitat would be created. Approximately 5% of Forest Service land in the project area would be converted to early seral openings. The desired condition for Management Prescription 6.2 is to have 5%-10% of land area in early seral openings as specified in the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 3-11). Consistently, these temporary openings would be 15 acres or less in size (p. 3-38).

Even-aged harvest with reserves produces an exposed microclimate for the development of a new age class of trees in a stand. New trees are regenerated from natural seeding, planted seedlings, stump sprouting or advanced regeneration.

At least 7%-10% of the harvest units would be retained in reserve trees or reserve tree groups (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-28). The reserve(s) would include the largest, long-lived species present of pine, white oak,



post oak, and hickory. The reserve(s) would also include standing dead trees and cavity or den trees. The reserve(s) would provide potentially suitable roost trees for the Indiana bat and Northern long-eared bat, as well as other more common wildlife species.

Reserve and reserve tree groups would be spaced to mimic, as much as possible, natural community structure and composition. The groups would include a combination of at least 5 trees in each group.

Following harvest in the temporary openings, small older trees, except some fruiting and or flowering species, would be cut to stimulate regeneration. This method serves as site preparation and promotes natural regeneration within new openings. Regeneration openings would provide suitable shrub, grass, and forb habitat.

Seed Tree Harvest with Reserves—Approximately 472 Acres

Seed tree harvest with reserves is the harvest of all trees except for trees left as a seed source plus the reserve trees. Seed tree harvest creates openings and the seed trees repopulate the stand. Approximately 10 dispersed trees per acre would be retained as a seed source. The seed trees along with other reserve trees are retained indefinitely.

Clearcut Harvest with Reserves—Approximately 148 Acres

Clearcut harvest with reserves is the harvest of essentially all trees except for reserve trees. Stands identified for clearcut primarily exhibit low quality, poor form and or species composition. Some of the stands identified for this treatment are located in large areas of older forest where temporary openings are needed (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2013-2014a).

Shelterwood With Reserves Establishment Harvest—Approximately 20 Acres

Shelterwood with reserves establishment harvest would reduce the residual basal area to approximately 50. The treatment would retain trees needed for shade to produce new seedlings in a less exposed microclimate. Shelterwood with reserves establishment harvest would prepare mature, even-aged stands for the establishment of new oak, hickory, and pine seedlings. This harvest would remove low quality or declining black and scarlet oak and other species. The harvest and resulting openings and sunlight would stimulate the growth of oak, hickory, and pine seedlings. This treatment would also increase shrub, grass, and forb habitat. Shelterwood with reserves harvests occur as a two-step process. Shelterwood establishment harvest is the first step of the process. The second step is shelterwood removal with reserves.



Uneven-aged Treatment

Group Selection Harvest—Approximately 298 Acres

Group selection treatments would harvest commercial size trees over small areas that are 0.3-2.0 acres in size. (Some non-commercial trees would be cut to encourage oak, hickory and pine seedlings and oak and hickory stumps to sprout and regenerate.) Once these groups of trees are removed, new age classes would establish in the openings.

Treatment prescriptions specify that approximately 33% of the area in each stand would be harvested in the current entry (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2013-2014b). This group selection would provide an estimated 99 acres of small regeneration openings. These openings would provide shrub, grass and forb habitat for wildlife for up to 20 years following harvest.

These stands would be revisited with additional harvests on approximately 20-year intervals creating new small openings. Over decades, the stands would become uneven-aged with at least three age classes approximately 20 years apart.

What other vegetation management activities would occur?

Site Preparation Treatments—Approximately 1,817 Acres

Site preparation readies areas for planting or natural reproduction after timber harvest. Many of the proposed treatment areas have numerous old, small-diameter trees (less than 9" diameter at breast height).

These old, small-diameter trees originated with the stand along with larger overstory trees. The small-diameter trees were crowded out of the top canopy positions and are consequently stunted. Trees of this age and form would not become full-sized healthy trees. These small-diameter trees need to be removed to create growing space for new healthy trees and more vigorous tree regeneration (McGee, 1981; Miller, Grayson, Houser, Clatterbuck, & Kuers, 2011). The estimated acres for site preparation treatments include the acreages in seed tree harvest with reserves, shelterwood with reserves, clearcut with reserves, salvage treatment with site preparation, and about 33% of each group selection. The summation of these treatment acres is important for understanding the numbers that are reported in the Vegetation Treatment Table.

Designation of Old Growth—Approximately 1,095 Acres

An estimated 8.4% of the project area would be designated as Old Growth. The 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 3-37) calls for 8%-12% of the Management Prescription 6.2 area to contain stands exhibiting old



growth characteristics. No management activities would occur in the areas designated as old growth.

Old growth is loosely defined in the "Final Environmental Impact Statement to Accompany the 2005 Land and Resource Management Plan (2005 Forest Plan)" (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, pp. 3-91 through 3-99, p. 5-30) as an area distinguished by older trees and old growth-related structural characteristics. Old growth characteristics may include: large trees, wide variation in tree species and sizes and spacing, and large-sized dead standing and fallen trees. Old growth trees may have broken or deformed tops or trunks and root decay. Old growth stands may have multiple canopy layers.

What connected activities may occur as part of the Ten Mile Project?

Firewood Collection

Tree tops and remnants from timber treatments or other resource management activities would be available to the public as firewood by permit. Firewood would be available once timber treatments and other resource management activities are complete. Standing dead trees would only be allowed to be taken between November 1 and April 1.

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGENT IN PUMP HOLLOW NATURAL AREA

What is the purpose and need of natural resource management in the Pump Hollow Natural Area? Natural resource management activities would be conducted in the Pump Hollow Natural Area to implement 2005 Forest Plan Management Prescription 8.1 (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 3-49 through p. 3-53) and natural area management direction (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22). The purposes of habitat activities are to restore, maintain, or reconstruct natural communities and rare plant species habitat.

The 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 3-49) designates Pump Hollow as Management Prescription 8.1 as a "special area" other than Wilderness. Management Prescription 8.1 protects unusual environmental, recreational, cultural, or historic resources. Pump Hollow is designated as Pump Hollow Natural Area by the Missouri Natural Areas Committee (Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, Mark Twain National Forest, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, & The Nature Conservancy, 2015).



Actions are needed in the Pump Hollow Natural Area to restore, maintain, or reconstruct natural communities and rare, threatened or endangered species habitat. These actions are needed as consistent with the "Missouri Natural Areas Procedures Manual, Version 1.0" (Missouri Natural Areas Committee, 2010, pp. 23, 37, 38), the "Missouri Natural Area Nomination Form: Pump Hollow" (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22), and the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 3-49 through 3-53).

The Pump Hollow Natural Area was historically open pine woodland but now exhibits vegetation characteristics of later stages of succession. The area contains excessive stems per acre that have caused overabundant shading of the forest floor. Many rare plant species are subject to decline due to a lack of sunlight on the forest floor. Some species are at risk due to the abundance of tree species which deplete water needed for these plants.

Removing or thinning trees and prescribed fire is needed to provide openings and an appropriate amount of sunlight on the forest floor needed by sensitive plants. Forest openings in the canopy are needed to increase plant species diversity, biomass, and native grasses, forbs and early seral habitat valuable to certain wildlife species.

Pump Hollow Natural Area has become infested with non-native invasive plant species. These invasives outcompete native rare plants, are competing with these species for space and water resources, and may exterminate them. Invasive species need treatment to benefit rare and sensitive plants.

Illegal motorized vehicle use has occurred in the Pump Hollow Natural Area. This illegal motorized use has the potential to impact the stream, riparian areas, and sensitive plants. Management actions are needed to block access from illegal motorized use. A parking area is also needed along B Highway to accommodate public access via foot travel.

Where is Pump Hollow Natural Area located? The Pump Hollow Natural Area is located near U.S. Highway 60 and Highway B in the vicinity of Township 26 North, Range 3 East, sec. 36, and Township 26 North, Range 4 East, sec. 30, 31, 5th principal meridian. See the Ten Mile Project Pump Hollow Natural Area Map.

What are the existing conditions in the Pump Hollow Natural Area? Pump Hollow Natural Area contains is 940 acres in size and contains seven acidic seeps, a high-quality Ozark headwater stream lined with alder and spring witch hazel, and a watershed of restorable pine-oak woodlands (The Institute of Botanical Training, LLC, 2012; Missouri Department of Conservation, n.d.; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain Nation Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22). (Seeps are small areas of groundwater discharge that contain herbaceous wetland species). The area hosts at least 258 native plant species, fish, invertebrate species, and 10 species of conservation concern (Missouri Department of Conservation, n.d.).



The area hosts at least 6 terrestrial natural communities including an imperiled high-quality acid seep and gravel wash communities (The Institute of Botanical Training, LLC, 2012; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain Nation Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22). Figure 4 shows a perennial stream in Pump Hollow that is formed from acid seeps.

Figure 4. Photo of the perennial stream that flows into Pump Hollow. The stream is formed by seven acid seeps. Seeps are considered an imperiled community in Missouri. Seeps typically start in the woodland community and flow down to lower drainages and creeks. The photo exemplifies conditions in much of Pump Hollow which has excessive tree stems and shading of the forest floor. Photo by Megan York-Harris, District Wildlife Biologist.

The majority of Pump Hollow is classified as Dry Chert Woodland (The Institute of Botanical Training, LLC, 2012; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain Nation Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22). Species present indicate that the area was historically more open pine woodlands and that prescribed fire would enhance floristic communities.

Although historically open pine woodlands, the area conditions are moving toward later stages of succession. Later succession conditions are due to the absence of timber treatments or prescribed fire since the 1980s-1990s (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain Nation Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22). Timber stands exhibit excessive stems per acre, a basal area of 90-160, and excessive shading of the forest floor (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2015a, 2015b).



At least 6 rare plants exist in the natural area (The Institute of Botanical Training, LLC, 2012; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain Nation Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22). These plants include Bartonia paniculata (twining screwstem), Carex nigromarginata var. floridana (a sedge), Ilex verticillata var. padifolia (winterberry), Platanthera ciliaris (yellow fringed orchid), Platanthera clavellata (small green wood orchid), and Woodwardia areolata (netted chain fern). Figure 5 shows Woodwardia areolata (netted chain fern) in Pump Hollow.

Figure 5. Photo of Woodwardia areolata (netted chain fern). Netted chain fern, a state-listed imperiled species of conservation concern is known to exist in a few locations in Butler, Carter, and Stoddard counties. Pump Hollow Natural Area hosts at least 10 species of conservation concern, many of which are subject to decline due to overshading and lack of sunlight. Photo by Megan York-Harris, District Wildlife Biologist.

Several rare species in Pump Hollow need open areas and sunlight and are endangered by closed canopy conditions and overshading (Yeoman, 2015). Platanthera ciliaris (yellow fringed orchid) prefers openings with light and disappears in shading (Penskar & Crispin, 2004; Yatskievych, 1999). Bartonia paniculata (twining screwstem) is threatened by overshading and tree species such as red maple, tulip tree, and river birch that deplete water (Hill, 2003, p. 15; Yeoman, 2015). Water consumption by these trees reduce the availability of seep water to Bartonia paniculata. This species would benefit from removing or thinning trees and prescribed fire. Platanthera clavellata (small green wood orchid) is also threatened by shading and competition for water (Hill, 2007; Yeoman, 2015).

Species of conservation concern in the area include Bartonia paniculata (twining screwstem), Carex nigromarginata var. floridana (a sedge), Carex stricta (tussock sedge), Eupatorium rotundifolium var. scabridum (a thoroughwort), Ilex verticillata var. padifolia (winterberry), Platanthera ciliaris (yellow fringed orchid), Platanthera clavellata (small green wood orchid), Sphagnum angustifolium (narrowleaf peatmoss), Sphagnum capillifolium (northern peatmoss), Woodwardia areolata (netted chain fern), and Viola affinis (sand violet). Many of these species are subject to decline due to overshading and lack of sunlight.



Pump Hollow contains infestations of non-native invasive plants such as Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass) and Rosa multiflora (multiflora rose) (The Institute of Botanical Training, LLC, 2012; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain Nation Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22; Yeoman, 2015). Other invasive species likely present include Perilla frutescens (beefsteak plant) and Lespedeza cuneata (sericea lespedeza) among other common species (Yeoman, 2015). Some invasive plants occur along the System road, while others occur within the creek's watershed. Without treatment these invasive species will likely soon begin to out-compete rare plants (A. Moore, personal communication, November 9, 2015).

Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass) poses an immediate threat of causing decline or extermination of biological treasures in the project area if not removed (The Institute of Botanical Training, LLC, 2012). Microstegium vimineum will outcompete all hydrophyllic (water loving) plants in the area and could change the area's hydrological regime (Yeoman, 2015).

Pump Hollow exhibits evidence of illegal motorized vehicle use and impacts to the stream (L. S. Bashaw, personal communication, November 12, 2015; A. Moore, personal communication, November 9, 2015; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2015, September 15; 2015, August 20-November 10). At least two illegal trails traverse Pump Hollow westward from Forest Service Road 3753 toward the creek and a pond. Illegal motorized vehicle use has compacted substrate in the stream, led to sedimentation of the stream, and may have impacted rare plants downstream.

What are the desired conditions for the Pump Hollow Natural Area?

Protect the Natural Area and Provide Resources as Compatible with "Special Area" Objectives

The Pump Hollow Natural Area would be managed and protected as consistent with 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005 a, p. 3-49) Management Prescription 8.1. Forest plan goals for the area include protecting and appropriately managing the area, and providing low to moderate production of fish and wildlife, recreation, and other resources compatible with the "special area" objectives. The desired condition (p. 3-49) is protection and management that reflects the area's management objectives. Pump Hollow would be managed as a roaded natural recreation opportunity spectrum area with the minimum facilities needed to protect the site and meet objectives (p. 3-52). Unique visual qualities of the area would be protected (p. 3-52) via a visual quality objective of Retention (p. 3-53).

The area would be free of illegal roads and trails to protect rare plants and area hydrology. The area would provide habitat for rare plants to thrive and propagate, with the potential for rare plant populations to expand.



Maintain Native Species and Diverse and Resilient Natural Communities

The 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) specifies that in Management Prescription 8.1 areas, the forest shall "limit habitat manipulation to restoration or enhancement of natural communities or the needs of threatened, endangered, rare or sensitive species and species of conservation concern" (p. 3-50). Management area objectives and recommendations in the natural area nomination form take precedence over Management Prescription 8.1 direction (p. 3-51).

Natural area goals include maintaining diverse and resilient natural communities, viable populations of native plant and animal species, and ecological processes, among others (Missouri Natural Areas Committee, 2010, pp. 10, & 13-14). Natural area desired conditions are to restore natural levels of native species diversity, remove non-native species, and provide a range of vegetation structures and age classes (Missouri Natural Areas Committee, 2010, p. 10).

Provide Forest and Tree Canopy Openings

The desired conditions would promote dry chert woodland, more open pine woodlands, 50-60 basal area, and floristic communities (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain Nation Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22, pp. 1, 4-5, 7). The desired conditions for woodland communities would provide tree canopy openings that allow sunlight to the forest floor with sparse shrub cover and a dense grass and forb layer (Missouri Natural Areas Committee, 2010, p. 38; Nelson, 2010, p. 189).

Forest and tree canopy openings and open pine woodlands would promote vegetative diversity, different age trees, and a healthier microclimate for both plants and animals. Forest openings would provide increased light needed by certain plant species (Hill, 2003, p. 15; Hill, 2007; Penskar & Crispin, 2004; Yatskievych, 1999; Yeoman, 2015). Forest openings and increased light would benefit rare species including Bartonia paniculata (twining screwstem), Carex nigromarginata var. floridana (a sedge), Platanthera ciliaris (yellow fringed orchid), Platanthera clavellata (small green wood orchid), Woodwardia areolata (netted chain fern), and Viola affinis (sand violet). Forest openings and increased light would also benefit species such as Eryngium yuccifolium (rattlesnake master), Liatris spp., (blazingstar), Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx. (fall panicgrass), and Echinacea spp. (coneflower).

Forest openings and increased light would increase plant species diversity and biomass and native grasses, forbs and early seral habitat valuable to certain wildlife species. (See Bolen & Robinson, 2003; Litvaitis, 2001; McMurry et al., 2007; Natural Resources Conservation Service & Wildlife Habitat Council, 2007; Thompson & DeGraaf, 2001). Wildlife species that would benefit from herbaceous habitat includes insects, Eastern wild turkey, Eastern cottontail rabbit, migratory birds, and Whitetail deer (see Bolen & Robinson, 2003; DeByle, 1985; Gobster, 2001; Graham, 2002; Wilson, 2006).



Restore Fire and Disturbance Regimes

The desired conditions would restore fire and disturbance regimes to mimic pre-settlement ecological processes and manage fire-adapted natural communities (Missouri Natural Areas Committee, 2010, pp. 10, 13-14, 22; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain Nation Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22, pp. 4, 6). Open woodlands require prescribed fire every 1-3 years, and closed woodlands require fire every 2-4 years (Missouri Natural Areas Committee, 2010, p. 37).

What activities would occur in the Pump Hollow Natural Area? See the Ten Mile Project Pump Hollow Natural Area Map for the locations and details of project activities.

Conduct Timber Treatments

The Forest Service would conduct timber treatments to benefit rare species and natural communities consistent with Missouri Natural Areas Committee (2010, pp. 14, 17, 22-23, 37-39) direction, the "Missouri Natural Area Nomination Form: Pump Hollow" (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22), and the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 3-50). Commercial timber harvest and other proposed treatments would be implemented as reviewed and approved by the Missouri Natural Areas Committee (2010, p. 39).

Restoration Thinning—Approximately 395 Acres & Midstory Reduction—Approximately 509 Acres

Timber management activity (Restoration Thinning) would be conducted on approximately 395 acres and midstory reduction applied on an estimated 509 acres. Basal area would be lowered to an average of about 60 with some areas at lower basal areas (predominantly areas higher in red oak). The goal would be to have about 50-60 basal area as consistent with the "Missouri Natural Area Nomination Form: Pump Hollow" (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22, p. 7). Understory removal of trees ≤8.9" diameter breast height would occur in all harvested stands. Understory removal or girdling of trees may be conducted in Stand 8 to provide increased sunlight to rare plants. The largest, best-formed trees would be retained during timber treatments.

Project activities would retain adequate riparian vegetation zones around streams. At least a 100' wide buffer would exist around seeps, springs, and riparian areas which complies with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 2-3 through 2-5, p. 2-30) and exceeds the minimum distance of 50' required by



the Missouri Natural Areas Committee (2010, p. 12). Riparian buffers would prevent an increase of light shining into the seeps (Yeoman, 2015). Some trees along the creek may be girdled.

Log landings, temporary roads, and skid trails would be located and managed as consistent with Missouri Natural Areas Committee (2010, pp. 38-39) direction. Approximately 12 log landings would be constructed to avoid skidding logs across intermittent drains. Log landings would be located primarily in buffer areas along ridges and seeded with weed-free, common native plants such as big bluestem, little bluestem, river oats, Virginia rye, indiangrass, and switchgrass. In some circumstances the landings may be allowed to succeed back into native vegetation from on-site sources.

Temporary roads and skid trails would be constructed for vegetation treatments. When harvest is completed, the roads would be seeded with weed-free, common native plants such as big bluestem, little bluestem, river oats, Virginia rye, indiangrass, and switchgrass. In some cases the roads may be allowed to succeed back into native vegetation from on-site sources. Exposed soil may also be covered with weed-free, common native plants. Seeding would only take place in areas prone to soil erosion.

Apply Prescribed Fire

Establish Control Lines

The prescribed fire area would be bounded by State Highway B on the west and Forest Service Road 3753 to the east. Impacts to U.S. Highway 60 and local landowners would be avoided through the use of control lines set back from the highway, and prescribed fire prescriptions that specify a southern wind.

Establish Hand-Constructed Fireline—Approximately 2.5 Miles

Approximately 2.5 miles of fireline would be constructed using hand-constructed fireline. Of the 2.5 miles, approximately 1.0 mile would occur within previously disturbed road footprints of Forest Service System Roads 3751 and 3756 which were designated as roads but not built. Hand-constructed fireline would be established on ridges and near potentially sensitive locations such as within 100' of permanent and intermittent creeks. Hand-constructed fireline would be established using leaf blowers and hand tools to remove leaves and organic matter by lightly scraping the ground surface to organic soil by removing saplings, leaves, and combustible organic matter.

Conduct Prescribed Fire—Approximately 459 Acres

Approximately 459 acres of the natural area would be subject to prescribed fire. Prescribed fire would be conducted to manage fire-adapted natural communities as consistent with Missouri Natural Areas Committee (2010, pp. 36-37) direction and the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a). Prescribed fire would be applied on approximately a 3-5 year return interval, and if possible in varied seasons. Prescribed fire would be allowed to burn through natural communities using patchy burns, or fire



across about 33% of an area at a time (Missouri Natural Areas Committee, 2010, p. 37). Prescribed fire would be allowed to burn naturally across the area leaving unburned pockets and vegetation for insects.

Prescribed fire ignition would begin in the interior and allowed to move on its own. Drip torches would be used to ignite the prescribed fire, but not near riparian areas or the creek. No drip torch fuel would be used in these areas. Using these methods and allowing the fire to move naturally would apply a low-intensity fire across the basin and the upper slopes. Fire intensity would remain relatively low. Ideally the fire would creep around and some unburned pockets of fuel would remain after the fire.

For future prescribed fires, fireline would be reestablished using minimal impact tools and methods such as leaf blowers, rakes, and so on, to the greatest extent possible. No dozers would be used to establish or maintain firelines in Pump Hollow Natural Area.

Decommission Forest Service Roads 3751 and 3756—Approximately 1.7 Miles

Following timber harvest and prescribed fire, Forest Service Roads 3751 and 3756 would be decommissioned. This could be done by erecting gates, using boulders, or berming the areas. If gates are erected, they would be set back off State Highway B a sufficient distance to provide primitive parking for visitors. The decommissioning of these System roads is also discussed in the Transportation Management section.

Provide Primitive Parking—Approximately 3 Spaces

A small parking area for approximately 3 cars would be established off of State Highway B. Vegetation would be cleared and the area leveled. The parking area would remain natural and ungraveled.

Decommission Illegal Roads and Trails

Illegal roads and trails across Pump Hollow that traverses toward State Highway B would be closed and decommissioned. The known illegal trails would be closed at Forest Service Road 3753. Illegal roads and trails would be closed and decommissioned using berms, boulders, and or gates.

Treat Non-Native Invasive Species—Approximately 5 Acres

Non-native invasive species would be treated as consistent with Missouri Natural Areas Committee (2010, pp. 14, 19-20, 32-35) direction and the Mark Twain National Forest's "Final Environmental Impact Statement: Integrated Non-native Invasive Plant Control" (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2012, February). Invasive species control measures may include brush cutting, pulling by hand, and or herbicide application depending on the location of the invasive(s) in relation to rare plants.



Herbicide would be applied to Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass), Rosa multiflora (Multiflora rose), and other invasive species as needed. Microstegium would be treated twice using aquatic-labelled herbicide before the first prescribed fire. Other invasive species such as Albizia julibrissin Durazz (Mimosa), Perilla frutescens (beefsteak plant), Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), and Lespedeza cuneata (sericea lespedeza) would be spot-treated using aquatic-labelled herbicide.

Reseed or Replant Native Species—Approximately 13 Acres

Disturbed areas and skid trails and landings in the natural area would be reseeded or replanted with native species as consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 2-2, 2-16, 2-18, 2-32) and "Missouri Natural Areas Procedures Manual, Version 1.0" (Missouri Natural Areas Committee, 2010, pp. 19, 39) based on appropriate seasonality.

SHADED FUEL BREAKS

What is the purpose and need for shaded fuel breaks? The purpose of shaded fuel breaks is to protect values at-risk in the wildland-urban interface and to provide a margin of safety for firefighters during fire suppression. Values at-risk refer to structures, infrastructure, resources, and values that could be negatively impacted by wildfire The label wildland-urban interface refers to areas where human-made infrastructure is in or adjacent to areas prone to wildfire (Hermansen- Báez, Seitz, & Monroe, 2009).

A Fire Risk Assessment was conducted for the "Final Environmental Impact Statement to Accompany the 2005 Land and Resource Management Plan (2005 Forest Plan)" (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, September, pp. 3-204 through 3-208, Appendix G-11). The Fire Risk Assessment assessed the potential threat wildfire poses to values at-risk such as sensitive resources, private property, and public and private infrastructure. The Fire Risk Assessment also serves as a tool to identify where fuel reduction projects are needed and to target private landowners and communities for participation in "Firewise" (National Fire Protection Association, 2016) or other prevention programs.

The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (National Strategy) identified priority areas across the United States for broad scale fuels management and community wildfire planning and coordination (Forests and Rangelands, 2016, Figure 4.3; Wildland Fire Executive Council, 2014, p. 61, Figure 4.3, p. 62, Figure 4.4; Wildland Fire Leadership Council, 2014).

Consistent with the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (National Strategy) communities in the Ten Mile Project area were assessed for locations that warrant hazardous fuels treatment (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2016, September 12). Hazardous fuels include trees or brush that are dead, dying, or susceptible to insects and disease, and material that rests on the forest



floor. These fuels also include numerous smaller-diameter trees in the understory and branches that can carry fire into the densely-spaced tree canopies

The Ten Mile Project Area contains four discreet locations within the wildland-urban interface that warrant shaded fuel breaks. These areas are rated as moderate to high risk for threat from wildfire (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2015, Appendix A, p. 52; 2005b, Appendix G-11). These areas are also identified as moderate to high priority for broad scale fuels treatment and community wildfire planning and cooperation via the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (National Strategy) (Forests and Rangelands, 2016, Figure 4.3; Wildland Fire Executive Council, 2014, p. 62, Figure 4.4).

Shaded fuel breaks would be created adjacent to private property and homes in four locations in the Ten Mile Project area. Shaded fuel breaks are areas where hazardous fuels are reduced by mechanical or hand treatment. Hazardous fuels treatments would reduce potential fire behavior and create a defensible space and margin of safety for safe and successful fire suppression operations. Hazardous fuels reduction techniques such as thinning, limbing, mastication, piling and burning, herbicide, and prescribed fire, would reduce surface, ladder, and crown fuels. The term mastication refers to reducing the size of forest vegetation and downed material by grinding, shredding, chunking or chopping material.

Creating effective shaded fuel breaks would require the use of both vegetation thinning and prescribed fire. Prescribed fire and thinning in southeast Missouri has been shown to create an immediate and marked change in vegetative structure and species by McMurry et al. (2007). These vegetative changes included a shift in dominant tree species; a decrease of woody trees, vine, and shrubs; and an increase of forbs, grasses, and sedges.

The use of both thinning and prescribed fire has been shown to generate more advance regeneration of oak and hickory, more canopy openness, and enhanced growth of surviving trees (Anning & McCarthy, 2013; Iverson, Hutchinson, Prasad, & Peters, 2008). Studies have also found that the use of prescribed fire for several years following mechanical thinning maintains oak recruitment, controls resprouting of opportunistic tree species, and reduces sapling density (Albrecht & McCarthy, 2006).

Creating fuel breaks and reducing hazardous fuels in or adjacent to wildland-urban interface areas is consistent with the National Action Plan: An Implementation Framework for the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (Wildland Fire Leadership Council. 2014, April). Activities that focus on individual homes or structures and community-level protection are important components of the National Strategy (Wildland Fire Executive Council, 2014, pp. l, 10, 11, 29, 38, 40, 42, 58, 62).

The design of the fuel breaks is based on worst-case weather and fuel moisture conditions consistent with those that occurred on the forest during the drought of 2012 (KCFAST-Kansas City Fire Access SofTware, n.d; University of Utah, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, 2002-2017a, 2002-2017b). Analysis of those worst-case conditions was conducted using BehavePlus 5.0.5 (Perren, 2016, August 19a, August 19b). Results suggest that the weather and fuel conditions exhibited during the summer of 2012 would yield flame lengths of approximately 8'-13' feet resulting in exceptional risk to firefighters and public safety as well as values at-risk.



What locations have been identified as needing shaded fuel break? Four wildland-urban interface areas have been identified on national forest lands as locations that need shaded fuel breaks. These areas include Township 25 North, Range 4 East, sec. 2 (19 ac.), Township 25 North, Range 5 East, sec. 6 (8.5 ac.), Township 25 North, Range 5 East, sec 14 (17 ac.), and Township 25 North, Range 4 East, sec. 35 (15 ac.), 5th Principle Meridian. (All reported acreages are approximate.) See the Ten Mile Project Shaded Fuel Treatment Map for more details.

What are the existing conditions in the areas where shaded fuel breaks are proposed? The areas identified for shaded fuel breaks are designated by the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 3-37) as Management Prescription 6.2 Semi-Primitive Motorized Recreation Opportunity Spectrum. This prescription provides for management of vegetative communities under limited investment.

Each of the identified areas are adjacent to, or set back from, private lands with structures intermingled with wildlands and vegetative fuels within 0.5-1.5 miles of values at-risk. Values at-risk include approximately 114 structures and infrastructure (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2016, September 12). These structures and infrastructure include houses, other structures, fences, powerlines, and road segments of U.S. Highways 60 and 67, county roads, and Forest Service Roads. See Figure 6 for an example of conditions in the areas identified for shaded fuel breaks.

Figure 6. Photo of wildland-urban interface with hazardous fuels near house. The photo shows dense hazardous fuels near the house including trees, brush, vegetation that is dead, dying, or susceptible to insects and disease, and downed fuels on the forest floor. Photo by Jim Krizman, Zone Fire Management Officer.



The vegetative conditions in the identified wildland-urban interface areas are similar to those of the larger Ten Mile Project area (M. Stevens, personal communication, September 12, 2016). The wildland-urban interface areas contain closed woodland natural communities. These areas contain shortleaf pine, oak-pine, white oak, mixed oaks, and black oak-scarlet oak-hickory stands. These areas exhibit approximately 70 basal area (Schanta, 2011) with some denser and overstocked pockets. The areas have approximately 90%-100% canopy cover. The areas contain mature and old red oak trees, and some that are dead, dying, or are subject to insects and disease (M. Stevens, personal communication, September 12, 2016).

These areas contain dense forest understory. Forest understory refers to small trees and shrubs growing beneath the canopy in a forest or woodland. Understory components can serve as ladder fuels. Ladder fuels can carry fire from the surface fuel layer into the aerial fuel layer, such as by branches up to the top of a standing dead tree (Anderson et al., 2001).

Approximately 60 acres of wildland-urban interface area is at moderate to high risk for wildfire (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2015, January 15; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2016, September 12). Fuel loadings in these areas are estimated to be approximately 10.2 tons per acre based on measurements taken in similar areas (Perren, 2005). These fuels pose a risk to adjacent houses and structures.

Fuels in these areas can be characterized by 1-hour, 10-hour, 100-hour, and 1000-hour fuels as the primary carriers of fire. Examples of 1-hour fuels would be leaves and sticks that are 0.25" or less in diameter. Examples of 10-hour fuels would be sticks that are 0.25"-1.0" in diameter. Examples of 100-hour fuels include sticks that are 1.0"-3.0" in diameter. Examples of 1,000-hour fuels include sticks that are 3.0"-8.0" in diameter. The size classes of these fuels also involve vertical and horizontal arrangements of fuels that can increase rates of spread, flame length, fire line intensity, and spotting potential.

What are the desired conditions in the areas where shaded fuel breaks are proposed? The desired conditions for the identified wildland-urban interface areas would be closed woodland, approximately 80%-90% canopy cover, 60 basal area, and 100 trees per acre with at least 20.0' or more of spacing between trees (M. Stevens, personal communication, February 14, 2017). The areas would consist of large, healthy, long-lived, fire resistant trees. The preferred-fire resistant trees would include white oak, post oak, and shortleaf pine. These trees would predominantly shade the forest floor to partially impede growth of flammable vegetation.

The areas would be free of old, dead, or dying trees, and trees susceptible to insects and disease. The areas would be free of dense tree growth, ladder fuels, brush, and large downed woody debris ground fuels. The areas would be at low risk for wildfire (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 3-198; 2015, January 15). Desired fuel loadings would be 5.1 tons per acre or less (T. Perren, personal communication, February 14, 2017). The photo in Figure 7 shows desired conditions which should be similar to a treated wildland-urban interface area shaded fuel breaks following treatments.



Figure 7. Photo of desired condition for treated shaded fuel breaks. Trees that are dead, dying, old, that exhibit susceptibility to insect disease, or downed woody debris are not present in the photo. No midstory or brush is present, and no or few trees 9" diameter at breast height or less are present. Vegetation is very low to the ground. The trees are widely spaced, large, healthy, long-lived, fire resistant species. Photo by Jim Krizman, Zone Fire Management Officer.

Under worst-case fire conditions these shaded fuel breaks would yield only low-intensity fire with moderate rates of spread and flame lengths of 4.0' or less (Schmidt, Menakis, Hardy, Hann, & Bunnell, 2002, pp. 10, 11). These desired conditions would enable fire fighters to control wildfire within the shaded fuel breaks with hand tools. Shaded fuel breaks would be maintained at low fuel loadings via the use of prescribed fire and or mowing. Re-establishing the role of fire to emulate the historic fire regime is consistent with Goal 2.2 of the 2005 Forest Plan (Adapted from (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 1-4).

What are the proposed actions for creating and maintaining shaded fuel breaks?

Create Four Shaded Fuel Breaks—Approximately 60 Acres

Shaded fuel breaks would be created on national forest land only in identified wildland-urban interface areas. Two of the fuel breaks would be approximately 0.5 miles in length in a predominantly linear and rectangular shape. One of the fuel breaks would be approximately 1.1 miles long in a linear and rectangular shape. The other fuel break would be in the shape of a right-angle with each leg being approximately 0.5 miles long. All fuel breaks would be



approximately 150.0' feet wide. See the Ten Mile Project Shaded Fuel Break Treatment Map for locations and more details on the proposed shaded fuel breaks.

Within the identified shaded fuel break areas, large, healthy, long-lived, fire resistant trees would be retained. Desired fire-resistant trees would include white oak, post oak and shortleaf pine. Other species may be retained to maintain a tree canopy that provides shade to the fuel break.

All trees that are dead, dying, or that exhibit susceptibility to insect or disease would be removed. In areas of excessive tree density, some trees may be removed to create desired tree density and spacing among trees. Small-diameter trees less than 9.0" diameter at breast height would be thinned and removed. Ladder fuels, brush, and large downed woody debris would be removed. Vegetation would be cut as low to the ground as possible.

Shaded fuel break areas would be thinned to an average 60 basal area. This 60 basal would equate to about 100 trees per acre spaced at 20.0' between trees. Tree thinning and hazardous fuels treatment would result in fuel loading of 5.1 tons per acre or less in the fuel breaks (T. Perren, personal communication, February 14, 2017). Treatment activities for creating and maintaining shaded fuel breaks would include mastication, mechanical treatment, chainsaw, prescribed fire, and stump treatment (to prevent resprouting).

Dispose of Woody Debris via Pile and Burn

Removed trees, brush, large downed woody debris and other fuels would be piled and burned. These materials would be collected and may be hand-piled or moved via trucks, tractors, and a dozer for collection into piles. The piles would then be burned. Where possible fuel wood would be made available to the public under permit.

Conduct Stump Spraying

Herbicide would be applied to tree stumps and cut saplings to prevent resprouting. Stump spraying would be conducted using a hand or backpack sprayer squirting Triclopyr (Garlon™ 3A, Garlon™ 4) directly to cut stumps and saplings. Small tree felling and cut stump spraying would occur during the winter months. Glyphosate or Triclopyr may be foliar applied to resprouts as a follow-up treatment during the growing season.

Conduct Periodic Maintenance—Approximately Every 2 Years

Periodic maintenance would be performed in the shaded fuel breaks. Maintenance would begin approximately 1 year after initial treatment. Periodic maintenance would then be conducted approximately every 2 years thereafter. Maintenance would primarily occur using a tractor and bushhog. Periodic mowing would reduce the height of ground vegetation to approximately 6.0" or less. Maintenance activities may also involve prescribed fire, the occasional use of trucks, chainsaws, and other hand tools.



Conduct Prescribed Fire & Mechanical Treatment—Approximately Every 2-5 Years

Prescribed fire would be applied to shaded fuel break areas on approximately a 2-5 year return interval to maintain vegetative conditions and desired fuel loadings. A mixture of hand-constructed fireline, blown line, wet line, roads, power lines, and or natural features may be used to contain these prescribed fires. These areas may be burned any time of year to accomplish resource objectives. No bulldozer line would be constructed.

Mechanical treatment would also be used if the desired conditions were not achieved through the use of prescribed fire alone. Mechanical treatment would consist of using a farm tractor to mow the areas anytime during the year.

WILDLIFE ACTIVITIES

What is the purpose and need for maintenance of wildlife ponds? The purpose of maintenance activities at wildlife ponds is to implement 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-14) direction for waterholes and wildlife ponds. The purpose of wildlife pond maintenance and management is to improve ponds such that they would provide long-term water sources for wildlife.

There are several small ponds (less than 0.5 acre in size) across the project area. Due to lack of maintenance, vegetation and trees are now prevalent on pond dams. Tree roots growing on pond dams reduce their integrity. Many trees are also leaning toward the ponds, blocking access to water by various flying wildlife species.

Watershield (Brasenia shreberi), an invasive plant, is overtaking the surfaces of many of the ponds and reducing their value as a drinking water source (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2017, February 15). Ponds need treatment with an aquatic-labeled glyphosate herbicide to control this invasive species and to open the water surface.

What are the existing conditions of the wildlife ponds?

Many Wildlife Ponds Need Maintenance

Approximately 30 wildlife ponds exist across the project area in various states of degradation (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2017, February 15). The ponds are at risk for failure, and provide limited access to the water surface. Trees, shrubs and saplings are growing on pond dams and along the



perimeter of ponds. Tree roots penetrate the dams which weakens structural integrity. These pond areas are generally less than 0.5 acre in size with sapling-sized and larger trees growing on the dams. See Figure 8 for a photo of a pond dam covered with vegetation.

Figure 8. Photo of pond with trees growing into the dam and covered by watershield. Trees growing into dams compromise dam integrity. Watershield reduces accessibility to drinking water for various wildlife species. Photo by Megan York-Harris, District Wildlife Biologist.

Wildlife Ponds are Subject to an Invasive Plant

Watershield (Brasenia shreberi) has invaded several ponds (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2017, February 15). Watershield is a native, aquatic plant that floats on the surface of ponds. This plant out-competes other vegetation and eventually covers the surfaces of ponds. Watershield renders ponds virtually useless as a water source for wildlife species such as bats, which drink on the fly. Not all ponds currently contain watershield, but it is likely that this plant will spread to currently unaffected ponds in the next few years. See Figure 9 for a photo of a pond covered with watershield across much of the water surface.



Where are the wildlife ponds located? Wildlife ponds in need of maintenance are located throughout the project area. For more details on the approximate locations of the wildlife ponds see the Ten Mile Project Pond Treatment Map.

What are the desired conditions for wildlife ponds?

Provide Wildlife Ponds with Open Surface Water

Wildlife ponds would be rehabilitated and managed as consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-14). Ponds would be free of invasive floating vegetation and provide access to drinking water for a variety of wildlife species. Pond dams would be free of large vegetation that compromises structural integrity. Fallen woody vegetation on pond dams would remain and provide amphibian habitat. The perimeters of the ponds would be free of overhanging vegetation.

A buffer of trees and vegetation approximately 100.0' wide would exist around each pond and dam. Trees and vegetation would provide shade on the ponds which would moderate pond temperatures.

What maintenance and management activities would be conducted at wildlife ponds? See the Ten Mile Project Pond Treatment Map for the approximate locations of wildlife ponds that would be treated.

Treatment of Watershield on Ponds—Approximately 30 Ponds

Watershield, a native invasive floating plant, would be treated to make the pond surfaces available to wildlife. An aquatic-labeled glyphosate herbicide would be used to treat all ponds. For best results, this action would take place in October, two weeks before the first frost, as recommended by the Missouri Department of Conservation (1999). Repeat applications may be conducted as needed.

Glyphosate is a non-selective, broad spectrum, systemic herbicide approved for use near or over open water in its approved aquatic formulation. For more information about the forest's use of glyphosate, see the Mark Twain National Forest’s "Final Environmental Impact Statement: Integrated Non-native Invasive Plant Control" (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2012, February). As specified in the Final Environmental Impact Statement, herbicide treatment would follow label direction, specified design criteria, and



2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) direction to protect aquatic resources.

A rate of 1.6 ounces (1 ounce = 2 tablespoons) of glyphosate chemical and 0.5 ounce – 2.0 ounces of appropriate surfactant per gallon of water would be used. Surfactant is a wetting agent, activator, and penetrant all in one. Surfactant increases the wetting, spreading, sticking and dispersing of aquatic herbicides and algaecides. It helps break down the waxy cuticle on the leaf surface and allows chemical applications to penetrate the leaf area, resulting in more effective uptake of the herbicide or algaecide. Surfactants can be dish soap or a commercial compound.

Pond Maintenance—Approximately 30 Ponds

Maintenance would be conducted on approximately 30 small wildlife ponds to improve pond and dam integrity. Trees on the pond dams and those leaning toward the ponds would be removed. One pond is not holding water. This pond would be enlarged and the core of the dam would be re-worked to ensure its water-holding capability.

Chainsaws and hand tools would be used to clear vegetation from the dams and perimeters of the ponds. Smaller trees (3.0" diameter and less) and limbs along the perimeter would be removed. This work may be conducted any time of year.

Some removed vegetation may be placed in the ponds to benefit amphibians and various wildlife species as directed in the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-14). Large branches, logs, and stumps (at least 4.0" in diameter) may be placed along the north bank of ponds, partially submerged.

BEAVER LAKE RECREATION AREA RECREATION ENHANCEMENTS

What is the purpose of recreation enhancement activities at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area? The purposes of recreation enhancement activities at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area are to implement 2005 Forest Plan Management Prescription 6.2, Semi-Primitive Motorized Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 3-37 through 3-39) direction. Consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan recreation management and infrastructure improvements are required for resource protection (p. 3-38) and to provide dispersed recreation opportunities (p. 3-37). Recreation management and enhancements are needed for visitor safety, visitor satisfaction, and natural resource protection.

The purposes of the recreation enhancement activities are to improve the dam outlet operations, recreation access, and natural resource conditions. The outlet pipe in the dam that maintains the lake water level is not functioning correctly. The pipe has deteriorated and compromised the dam. The outlet pipe needs replacement.



Inadequate facility design and unmanaged recreation use are adversely affecting natural resource conditions, including health and safety. The current road access has deteriorated and is leading to resource concerns and access issues for visitors. The lack of hardened surface on the road and boat ramp has resulted in exposed soils that generate sediment into the lake. During wet weather, the lack of aggregate creates muddy conditions and limits access to the lake area. Site hardening with aggregate is needed on roads, the boat ramp, and a parking area to reduce soil and water impacts and enhance access for recreation visitors. The recreation site and vegetation (or lack thereof) needs rehabilitation and revegetation to improve the site and water quality.

Due to unmanaged vehicular use around the lake, barriers such as boulders are needed to restrict vehicle use to hardened areas. Unmanaged recreation has resulted in user-created trails, parking areas, and random campsites. These areas exhibit a loss of vegetation, soil compaction, soil erosion, and sedimentation into the lake. Designated dispersed camp sites and some minimal infrastructure are needed to accommodate recreation visitors that desire to camp. The area also needs increased management and law enforcement.

Watershield (Brasenia shreberi), an invasive plant, has invaded the water surface of Beaver Lake. If left unmanaged, watershield will eventually cover the lake and reduce the surface water value as a water source for wildlife. Watershield also degrades the recreation setting aesthetics and disrupts and degrades water-based recreation. Watershield needs treatment to remove it from the water surface.

Bald eagles have been observed at Beaver Lake. Conditions in the area need to be managed to provide for the continued suitability of the area for Bald eagle, particularly for nesting.

Where is the Beaver Lake Recreation Area located? The Beaver Lake Recreation Area is located near Stringtown, Missouri, just off of Forest Service Road 3899. The area is located in Township 25 North, Range 4 East, sec. 22. See the Ten Mile Project Beaver Lake Recreation Area Map for more details.

What are the existing conditions in the Beaver Lake Recreation Area? Beaver Lake is approximately 15.0 acres in size (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, n.d.). The Beaver Lake Recreation Area is managed as a Management Prescription 6.2 Semi-primitive Motorized Recreation Opportunity Spectrum area under the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 3-37).

No recreation infrastructure is provided with the exception of a gravel boat ramp for small boats. Forest visitors can use small non-motorized boats or boats with electric trolling motors only; no gasoline-powered motors are allowed (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, n.d.). Visitors can view nature, plants, and scenery, engage in primitive camping; and participate in water-based recreation including boating and fishing. Boating and fishing activities must be consistent with Missouri Fishing Regulations (Missouri



Department of Conservation, 2015, March 1). The lake has been stocked with channel catfish, bluegill, reader sunfish, and blackbass.

The Outlet Pipe and Dam at Beaver Lake Dam Needs Repair

The outlet pipe that maintains the water level at Beaver Lake is not functioning correctly. The pipe has rusted and deteriorated and saplings and brush have grown into the pipe and affected its integrity. Over time, the soil surrounding the outlet pipe has eroded away around and under the pipe. Deteriorating pipe conditions have compromised the dam. The pipe gets plugged easily, which forces more water to flow down the emergency spillway, moving additional soil downstream. Also, the water level in the lake does not remain consistent, which impacts fish and the ability of visitors to launch and use boats.

Beaver Lake is Subject to an Invasive Plant

Beaver Lake is subject to watershield. For more information see the section entitled "Wildlife Ponds are Subject to an Invasive Plant" in the body of this document.

Beaver Lake Recreation Area Lacks Infrastructure

The Beaver Lake Recreation Area has inadequate facilities and lacks proper design features. The lack of adequate and appropriate design and infrastructure has resulted in widely dispersed unmanaged recreation throughout the area near the lake. The poor infrastructure conditions and unmanaged recreation has created environmental impacts and health and safety concerns.

The Beaver Lake Recreation Area lacks designated dispersed camp sites. Due to the lack of designated dispersed camp sites, visitors have camped throughout the area creating environmental impacts to trees, vegetation, and soils.

Beaver Lake Recreation Area Needs Rehabilitation

Illegal motorized vehicle use, user-created trails, parking areas, and random campsites occur around the lake. This unmanaged recreation use has resulted in loss of vegetation, soil compaction, soil erosion, and sedimentation into the lake (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2017, February 15). User-created trails exist that are creating resource damage and need to be decommissioned (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-24).

Figure 9 illustrates examples of illegal user-created roads and trails that create environmental impacts at Beaver Lake. These areas need to be rehabilitated to improve water quality and allow native vegetation to re-establish.



Figure 9. Photos of user-created trails at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area. Both photos show illegal user-created roads and trails. These roads and trails create environmental impacts and input sedimentation into Beaver Lake. Photos by Edward Sherman, Zone Recreation Specialist.

Road access and parking areas in the lake area have deteriorated, lost aggregate, and generate runoff, erosion, and sedimentation into the lake. In wet weather, the lack of aggregate on roads and parking areas limit access and create muddy conditions and travel problems.

The existing boat ramp consists of a graded bank leading into the lake. Historically, the ramp was covered with aggregate, but this aggregate has been lost over time. As shown in Figure 10, erosion has occurred on the boat ramp. The degraded boat ramp provides poor access to the lake, and creates difficulty in trailer egress from the lake and boat ramp.



Figure 10. Photo of eroded boat ramp at Beaver Lake. The eroded boat ramp provides poor recreation access and inputs sedimentation into Beaver Lake. Photo by Edward Sherman, Zone Recreation Specialist.

Beaver Lake Recreation Area Needs Management for the Bald Eagle

Beaver Lake provides excellent foraging habitat for the bald eagle, a Regional Forester's Sensitive Species (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2017, February 15). Bald eagles have been documented during the last two years at Beaver Lake, primarily during the winter (M. York-Harris, personal communication, Oct. 16, 2015; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2017, February 15). No nests have been discovered.



What are the desired conditions for the Beaver Lake Recreation Area?

The Outlet Pipe for Beaver Lake Dam Would Function Correctly

Beaver Lake Dam would have an outlet pipe that functions correctly and would maintain an appropriate water level in the lake.

Beaver Lake Would Maintain Consistent Water Levels & Exhibit High Water Quality

The lake water level would remain consistent with the outlet pipe functioning as intended. The dam would be free of large vegetation and maintain structural integrity. The lake would be free of invasive floating vegetation, provide drinking water for a variety of wildlife species, and exhibit high water quality. The absence of invasive floating vegetation and consistent water levels would enhance aesthetics and recreation opportunities for fishing and boating. Native vegetation would re-establish on the dam and lake banks and water quality would improve.

Beaver Lake Recreation Area Would Exhibit Semi-Primitive Motorized Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Conditions

The area around Beaver Lake would be free of illegal motorized vehicle use. Native vegetation would be present throughout the area. This area would be a healthy, functioning part of the larger landscape. Native vegetation would re-establish and water quality would improve.

The Beaver Lake Recreation Area would provide dispersed recreation and fish and wildlife resources consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a). The area would provide limited motorized vehicle access, low to moderate interaction between users, and a natural appearing setting (p. 3-37). Moderate alterations would be present that do not draw attention (p. 3-37). Recreation investments would be at the minimum necessary to protect resources (p. 3-38).

Consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a), recreation opportunities would be provided in a socially and environmentally acceptable manner (p. 1-6). Recreation opportunities would be compatible with the site's carrying capacity and protect resources while providing for public health, safety, and enjoyment (pp. 2-21, 2-22). The area would be free of user-defined trails causing resource damage (p. 2-24). Illegal motorized vehicle use would not occur in the recreation area.

The area would reflect Semi-Primitive Motorized Recreation Opportunity Spectrum designation and setting as specified in the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, Appendix F-3). The area would be predominately natural and natural appearing, either primitive or improved. Road surfaces would be either



aggregate or native soil. Some dispersed camping and rustic outhouses may be provided, and signage would be rustic and made of natural materials. Vegetation treatments would be small in number and consistent with natural patterns.

Provide Bald Eagle Habitat at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area

The Beaver Lake Recreation Area would maintain habitat for bald eagle as required by the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-6). Although no nests have been documented at Beaver Lake, the fishery resource would provide foraging habitat for bald eagle. Potential nest sites in the form of large trees would be available for the bald eagle around the perimeter of the lake.

If nests are documented in the future, 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-6) standards and guidelines would be implemented to protect nests from disturbance. Nest protection would focus on active breeding, incubation, and brood rearing periods. Educational signs would be developed and posted regarding appropriate visitor behavior near occupied bald eagle nests or near roosting eagles.

What activities would be conducted at the Beaver Lake Recreation Area? See the Ten Mile Project Beaver Lake Recreation Area Map for the approximate locations of activities.

Repair Beaver Lake Dam and Spillway

Water would be drained from the lake. The dam would be partially removed, the outlet pipe would be removed and replaced, and the dam would be repaired. Soil may be borrowed from a designated location on-site. Erosion and sediment control measures would be implemented using geotextile, seed, mulch (straw or other), rip rap, and or other necessary measures. All construction waste materials would be disposed of properly.

Once the work is completed, the lake would fill naturally. Beaver Lake would be re-stocked with fish species that previously inhabited the lake. This work would likely be a cooperative effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Conduct Periodic Vegetation Management on Beaver Lake Dam

Chainsaws and hand tools would be used to clear vegetation from the dam and perimeter of the lake. Small trees (3.0" diameter and less) and limbs along the perimeter would be removed. This



work may be conducted any time of year. Some removed vegetation may be placed in the lake to benefit amphibians and wildlife as directed in the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-14). Large branches, logs, and stumps (at least 4.0" in diameter) may be placed along the north bank of the lake, partially submerged.

Periodically Treat Watershield at Beaver Lake

Glyphosate, an aquatic-labeled glyphosate herbicide, would be used periodically to treat watershield. See the section entitled "Treatment of Watershield on Ponds—Approximately 30 Ponds" in the body of this document for details on glyphosate herbicide treatments, application rates, timing of treatments, etc.

Cover Roads, Parking Area, and Boat Ramp with Rock Aggregate—Create Parking for 5 Vehicles with Trailers

Existing infrastructure would be hardened to protect natural resources. Designated roads and the boat ramp would be covered with aggregate and re-engineered. An aggregate-covered parking area would be established near the boat ramp to accommodate up to 5 vehicles with boat trailers.

Establish Dispersed Camping Sites—Up to 5 Camp Sites

Up to 5 dispersed camping sites would be designated and established. Each campsite would include a hardened tent pad of aggregate, a fire ring, and lantern post. Campsites would be available by walk-in access.

Establish Parking on Forest Service Road 3899—5 Spaces

A parking area would be established at Forest Service Road 3899 for parking and walk-in access to the Beaver Lake Recreation Area campsites. The parking area would be aggregate-covered and accommodate approximately 5 vehicles.

Restrict Illegal Motorized Vehicle Use

Vehicular access would be restricted to designated roads, parking areas, and the boat ramp. Vehicular access to other areas of the lake would be blocked with boulders, berms, trees, posts, and or gates. Illegal user-created trails exist that are creating resource damage and would be decommissioned (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-24).



Protect Beaver Lake Recreation Area and Riparian Areas

Measures would be taken as necessary to fully protect riparian habitats per the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 2-13). Increased law enforcement presence would be implemented to reduce illegal motorized vehicle use around the lake and riparian areas along the unnamed creek flowing into, and out of, Beaver Lake. Law enforcement would focus on controlling activities that create environmental impacts and degrade the recreation setting and experience.

TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

What is the purpose and need for transportation management? The purpose of transportation management activities is to implement 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 1-5, 2-39 through 2-42) direction for the transportation system. The purpose and need of transportation management is to provide safe access on National Forest System roads while minimizing environmental impact.

Maintenance is needed on Forest Service System roads to improve the forest transportation system and protect soil and water resources. Forest roads require maintenance for public access and administrative purposes. Some drainage features need maintenance to protect soil and water resources.

Some roads have been designated but not built and are no longer needed. These roads need to be decommissioned. Numerous illegal user-created non-system roads exist in the project area that need to be decommissioned. These non-system roads are creating environmental impacts to soil, water wildlife, etc., and are often associated with illegal activities such as dumping trash.

Where are the transportation management activities located? Transportation management activities are located throughout the project area. See the Ten Mile Project Transportation Map for the locations of activities and details. Also see the Transportation Table. The map and table provides details on road maintenance, reconstruction, and decommissioning.



What are the existing conditions for System and non-system roads?

Forest Service System Roads Need Maintenance and or Reconstruction

System roads are formally designated as roads and are needed for long-term motorized access for Forest Service administrative use and or public use. System roads are designed and maintained to Forest Service standards, in order to provide a safe and efficient transportation system that is compatible with the natural environment.

Some System roads have deteriorated over time and currently do not meet Forest Service engineering standards. Maintenance or reconstruction is needed to ensure continued access, reduce environmental impacts, and provide a safe network of roads.

Some Forest Service System Roads Need to Be Decommissioned

Some System roads are no longer needed by the Forest Service and are incompatible with forest management needs. Forest Service System Roads 3751 (Prime 0.5 mi.) and 3756 (Pump Ridge 1.2 mi.) were designated prior to the establishment of the Pump Hollow Natural Area. These roads were never built and are now incompatible with the purpose of the natural area (Missouri Natural Areas Committee, 2010, November; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2012, April 2-October 22).

Motorized Vehicles Are Allowed on System Roads Only

Motorized vehicles are allowed on Forest Service System roads only. ATVs and UTVs are allowed on System roads open to highway-legal vehicles if they are in compliance with Missouri state law, authorized by a valid county ATV or UTV permit, and ridden in the county for which they have a permit. ATVs and UTVs may not be ridden on roads in counties that do not offer ATV or UTV permits.

Public motorized access is prohibited on any Forest Service road, trail or area not shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2016, August). The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows the National Forest System Roads, National Forest System trails, and areas on National Forest System lands that are designated for motor vehicle use. These areas have been designated for use under Designation of Roads, Trails, and Areas, Title 36 C.F.R. § 212.51 (2008).

It is prohibited to possess or operate a motor vehicle on National Forest System lands other than in accordance with areas designated for such use, and prohibitions are enforced as per Motor



Vehicle Use, Title 36 C.F.R. § 261.13 (2005). A few System roads and all non-system roads are not open for public motorized use unless written authorization is granted.

All national forest land is closed to use by off-road vehicles except areas or trails which are suitable and specifically designated as open (or authorized under a written Special Use Permit). The use of non-system roads for motorized recreation is prohibited by Executive Order No. 11644 (February 8, 1972), "Use of Off-Road Vehicles on the Public Lands" as amended by Executive Order No. 11989 (May 24, 1977), and most recently by Travel Management, Title 36 C.F.R. Part 212 (2008).

Non-System Roads Impact Forest Resources, Safety, and Visitors

Non-system roads are roads on National Forest System lands that are not part of the Forest Transportation Network of System Roads. Non-system roads include illegal, unauthorized, and unplanned user-created roads; off-road vehicle trails; and abandoned travel ways. A few non-system roads may inappropriately appear on older topographic maps as unimproved roads or 4-wheel drive roads or trails. Non-system roads have not been officially designed, designated, or maintained. Motorized use of non-system roads is prohibited.

Forest Service staff conducted field investigations of non-system roads (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2015, August 20-November 10, November 16). Staff travelled the project area to locate non-system roads and travelled the trails to their endpoint. Staff recorded the routes using GPS and documented the routes and their condition on field inventory forms (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2015, August 20-November 10, November 16).

Approximately 75 non-system routes were located and approximately 26.6 miles of non-system roads are known to exist (United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2015, August 20-November 10). (More non-system roads may exist that were not identified or which have been created since the field investigations.) Most of the non-system roads connect to private property. If these roads are needed to access private property a Special Use Permit is required for their use.

Many non-system routes were being illegally used by motor vehicles, such as ATVs. The illegal roads and trails ranged in width from 6.0ꞌ-20.0ꞌ with most routes being about 12.0' wide. At least one of the illegal roads was about 1.5 miles long, while some were 0.25 mile long or less. Many of the routes were in poor condition and exhibit moderate to high use. At least one of the non-system roads have had their driving surface hardened with gravel and a gate installed between Forest Service land and private property.

At least one route accesses the Wolf Creek Trail and illegal trail use by ATVs could endanger non-motorized trail users. Extensive illegal ATV use and environmental impacts are occurring along the powerline located in Township 25 North, Range 5 East, sections 34 and 35. This illegal trail use traverses from private lands onto national forest land. Approximately 1.2 miles of national forest land exhibits rutted trails and other impacts in the area of the powerline. The riparian area along Hurricane Creek has been damaged by illegal ATV use along non-system



road 8305. This has caused rutting, large mud holes, and areas where the soil has eroded into the creek.

Numerous routes impact sensitive areas including creeks, ponds, and the Pump Hollow Natural Area (e.g., TM 3753-4, TM 3753-5, TM 3753-5A) and have resulted in damage to natural resources. Most of the routes exhibit negative environmental impacts to water and other resources. These routes lack proper water drainage and many exhibit soil erosion and rutting. These illegal trails also promote invasive species. Additional illegal activities noted along non-system roads include trash dumps.

The illegal use of non-system roads and trails negatively impacts forest resources, safety, and other forest visitors (Hammitt & Cole, 1998; Hunt, Lemelin, & Saunders, 2009). Illegal motorized use on non-system roads and trails damages or destroys vegetation and other natural resources and disrupts and stresses wildlife. Illegal motorized use often jeopardizes the safety of illegal motorized users and or other forest visitors. Illegal motorized use also often negatively impacts other forest visitors and their recreation experience.

What are the desired conditions for transporation?

Provide a Safe Transportation System Compatible with the Natural Environment

A safe and efficient transportation system of National Forest System Roads would exist and be compatible with the natural environment. System roads would be managed as needed for long-term motorized access for Forest Service administrative use and or public use. These roads would be designed and maintained to Forest Service standards.

Unneeded roads, such as non-system roads, would be decommissioned and physically closed to motorized vehicles. Decommissioning unneeded roads would protect forest resources, forest visitors, and their recreational experiences.

What transportation activities would be conducted? Ten Mile Project road activities would include conducting road reconstruction, road maintenance, and decommissioning unneeded roads or road segments. See the separate Ten Mile Project Transportation Map for activities proposed on National Forest System Roads. See the Ten Mile Project Transportation Table for more information such as legal description of location, surface type, maintenance level, functional class, etc.

Road activities on non-system roads would include decommissioning or allowing limited motorized use to individuals with a Special Use Permit. The Forest Service would also use some of the non-system roads temporarily for administrative use, but the roads would be decommissioned when planned management activities are completed.



Other associated road activities include removing trash dumps throughout the project area. Ongoing road activities would continue throughout the project life, such as obtaining needed road easements and issuing Special Use Permit authorizations.

System Road Activities

Road Maintenance—Approximately 10.3 Miles of System Roads

Forest Service System Roads require maintenance to provide safe access and comply with the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) and Forest Service engineering standards. Road maintenance would be conducted to maintain roads to Forest Service standards, improve safety and access, and or for environmental purposes. Maintenance for environmental purposes may be conducted to reduce erosion and sedimentation, improve aquatic organism passage, and so on.

Road maintenance may include surface blading, replacement of surface material, mowing and limbing roadside vegetation, cleaning and restoring drainage features, and replacing road signs.

Road maintenance would be conducted on Forest Service System Roads 3107 (Wolf Creek 2.2 mi.), 3548 (Southern 1.7 mi), 3591 (Log Lick Hollow 1.3 mi.), 3664 (Section 22 0.3 mi.), 3708 (PinHook 1.6 mi.), 3712 (Harmon Ridge 0.5 mi.), 3713 (Gobbler hollow 1.1 mi.), 3753 (Pump Hollow 1.1 mi), 3776 (Malady Hollow — 0.9 mi.), and 3899 (Beaver Lake 0.4 mi.).

Road Reconstruction—Approximately 4.5 Miles of System Roads

Road reconstruction would consist of clearing roadside vegetation, installing drainage features, and placing aggregate surface material. In some cases, realignment of the road may be necessary to safely accommodate vehicles.

Road reconstruction would be conducted on Forest Service System Roads. Road reconstruction would be conducted on Forest Service System Roads 2987 (D.A.R. 0.5 mi.), 3547 (0.6 mi.), 3548 (0.8 mi.), 3716 (Hill Valley 1.2 mi.), 3724 (Dogwood 0.3 mi.), 3741 (Sheedy Road 0.7 mi.), 3783 (PP Spur 0.4 mi.).

Decommission System Roads—Approximately 1.7 Miles

System roads not needed by the Forest Service would be decommissioned. These System roads include Forest Service System Roads 3751 (Prime 0.5 mi.) and 3756 (Pump Ridge 1.2 mi.).

Remove Trash Dumps

Any trash dumps found along roads would be removed and properly disposed of, given available funding.



Non-System Road Activities

Decommission Non-System Roads—Approximately 26.6 Miles

All non-system roads would be decommissioned unless under Special Use Permit or easement. Non-system roads to be decommissioned would include those that are currently known as well as any others that occur across the life of the Ten Mile Project. Non-system roads would be decommissioned area-by-area as timber harvest and or other project activities are completed. During project activities, some of these non-system roads may be used temporarily by the Forest Service and or contractors to complete natural resource management activities.

These roads would be decommissioned using a barrier of rock and or earth berms or vegetative slash, allowing the roads to re-vegetate and return the areas to a more natural environment. Some decommissioned roads would be obliterated and planted with native species appropriate to the site. Sterile non-native, annual species (wheat, rye, etc.) may be used as needed in the short-term to mitigate soil erosion. Mud holes that exist on ridgetop roads may be retained as seasonal pools and habitat for amphibians and to benefit various wildlife species.

Create Temporary Roads for Administrative Use—Approximately 8.8 Miles

Temporary roads and skid trails would be created for timber management and or other forest management purposes (United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, pp. 2-31, 2-41 through 2-42). Temporary roads would be designed so that they do not change the natural hydrological functions of karst or wetland features.

Temporary roads and skid trails are prohibited as travelways along stream channels and drainages. Temporary roads are also prohibited within riparian management zones and watercourse protection zones except at designated locations. These standards are specified in the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, p. 2-41). Temporary roads and skid trails would avoid cave and karst features, sinkholes, glades, mines, and similar features, none of which have been documented in the project area. Skid trails would also be prohibited on slopes over 35%.

Temporary road mileage was estimated based on probable locations and routes of temporary roads using tabletop map analysis with a map wheel (S. Maijala, personal communication, June 15, 2016). The actual mileage of on-the-ground temporary roads would vary somewhat from this estimate. The actual locations and routes of temporary roads would reflect forest environmental conditions and 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) standards and guidelines. The actual locations and routes of temporary roads also require written agreement between the Forest Service and timber sale purchasers that would be conducting timber treatments.

Once resource management activities are complete, roads used for temporary management access by the Forest Service and or contractors would be decommissioned.



Special Use Permit Authorizations

There are several non-system roads currently authorized with Special Use Permits. Other non-system roads within the project area have been identified as potential candidates for Special Use Permits. The individual permit holder is responsible for the maintenance of the non-system road according to their permit.

Ten Mile Project Proposal Summary All proposed project activities for the Ten Mile Project are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1. Summary of Proposed Activities in the Ten Mile Project

PROPOSED PROJECT ACTIVITIES MEASURES

Timber Harvest Activities Vegetation Management Activities

Salvage & Sanitation Harvest 1,049 ac. Intermediate Treatments

Commercial Thinning – Note: The 1,883 ac. in text includes Pump Hollow Natura Area. The number at right excludes those acres. 1,488 ac.

Timber Stand Improvement 741 ac. Even-Aged Treatments

Seed Tree Harvest with Reserves 472 ac. Clearcut Harvest with Reserves 148 ac. Shelterwood with Reserves 20 ac.

Uneven-Aged Treatment Group Selection Harvest 298 ac.

Other Forest Management Activities Site Preparation Treatments 1,817 ac. Old Growth Designation 1,095 ac.

Connected Actions Firewood Collection By Permit

Pump Hollow Natural Area Conduct Timber Treatments (Restoration Thinning) 395 ac. Conduct Midstory Reduction 509 ac. Prepare Hand-Constructed Fireline 2.5 mi. Conduct Prescribed Fire 459 ac.

Decommission Forest Service Roads 3751 & 3756 1.7 mi.

Gate or boulder as needed

Provide Primitive Parking 3 Parking Spaces Decommission Illegal Roads and Trails Blocked Areas



Table 1 (Continued). Summary of Proposed Activities in the Ten Mile Project

Pump Hollow Natural Area (Continued) Conduct Timber Treatments (Restoration Thinning) 395 ac. Treat Non-Native Invasive Species 5 ac. Reseed or Replant Native Species 13 ac.

Shaded Fuel Breaks

Create Shaded Fuel Breaks 4 Fuel Breaks 60 ac.

Dispose of Woody Debris via Piling & Burning All fuels Conduct Stump Spraying of Herbicide 60 ac. Conduct Periodic Maintenance via Mowing & Mechanical Work Every 2 yrs. Conduct Prescribed Fire & Mechanical Treatment Every 2-5 yrs.

Beaver Lake Recreation Area Repair Beaver Lake Dam and Spillway Outlet Pipe & Dam Conduct Periodic Vegetation Management on Dam Tree Removal Periodically Treat Watershield 15 ac. Cover Roads, Parking Area, and Boat Ramp with Rock Aggregate 5 Autos w/Trailers Establish Dispersed Camping Sites Up to 5 Camp Sites Establish Parking on Forest Service Road 3899 Up to 5 Spaces Restrict Illegal Motorized Use Blocked Areas Protect Beaver Lake Recreation Area & Riparian Areas

Wildlife Activities Pond Maintenance & Management

Treat Watershield on Ponds 30 Ponds Conduct Pond Dam Maintenance 30 Ponds

Transportation Activities System Roads

Road Maintenance on System Roads 10.3 mi. Road Reconstruction on System Roads 4.5 mi. Decommission System Roads 1.7 mi.

Non-System Roads Decommission Non-System Roads and Illegal Trails 26.6 mi. Create Temporary Roads for Administrative Use 8.8 mi.

Other Road Activities Remove Trash Dumps Along System & Non-System Roads & Trails # of Dumps

PRELIMINARY ISSUES

What preliminary issues and potential environmental effects have been identified? Preliminary issues that have been identified and will be considered in the project and environmental analysis include:



• Management of protected, endangered, threatened and sensitive species, and special habitats.

• Protection of cultural resources. • Management of Pump Hollow Natural Area.

DECISION FRAMEWORK Jon M. Stansfield, Poplar Bluff District Ranger, is the Responsible Official and decision maker for the Ten Mile Project. The district ranger will make a decision based on environmental analysis, 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) direction, relevant laws and guidance, and public involvement. The district ranger will decide whether the proposed action will proceed as proposed, as modified by an alternative, include additional alternatives, or not at all. A final decision is anticipated to occur during late fall or winter 2017.

The decision that will be made is not one of land allocation (for example, appropriate Management Area designation). The analysis is also not intended to look at every possible combination of activities. The scope of the decision will be confined to a range of reasonable alternatives that will meet the project's purpose and need.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT You are invited to comment on the proposed Ten Mile Project. Your comments are needed to help the Forest Service consider issues and concerns that you may have with the proposed project. Public comments will be considered on the proposed action, during analysis, and during decision making.

Your comments are requested now as part of the Scoping process. This Scoping Report will not result in any decision. Its sole purpose is to inform the public early-on regarding this project, and invite you to comment. The Forest Service Interdisciplinary Team staff and the district ranger will review public comments for any needed changes to the proposed action. Following any needed revisions, the public will be provided another opportunity to comment on the final proposed action during a 30-Day Comment Period.

Under the Project-Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process, Title 36 C.F.R. Part 218 (2013), the public will have a 30-Day Comment Period to make comments on the proposed action. The 30-Day Comment Period will be conducted a few months from now, likely around fall 2017. A legal notice will be published in the newspaper of record, The Daily American Republic, notifying the public of the opportunity to comment. Notice will also be posted on the forest's webpage that details environmental projects. At the end of the 30-Day Comment Period, the Forest Service Interdisciplinary Team staff and district ranger will review the new comments on the proposed action.

Following environmental analysis and consideration of public input, the district ranger will determine whether the project may have significant environmental effects. Presuming that there



are no significant environmental effects, the district ranger will then make a decision on the project.

Where can I find more information about this project? The Ten Mile Project documents and maps are available on the Mark Twain National Forest Website at:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/mtnf/landmanagement/projects

Once the website opens, scroll down to "Mark Twain National Forest Current and Recent Projects" and to the section entitled "Under Analysis". Click on the link for the "Ten Mile Project". Once the link opens, scroll down to "Project Documents" and "Scoping" and click on the link for the "Scoping Package" and its associated documents and maps. Environmental analysis documents and decision documents will also be available at this site later in the process.

How can I comment on the Ten Mile Project? You are welcome to submit your comments during this designated Scoping Period. Public comments will be accepted during scoping until May 1, 2017. Send written comments to: Paul Whitworth, Ph.D., NEPA Planner, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, P.O. Box 988, Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901. You may also fax comments to Paul Whitworth, Ph.D., at fax number (573) 785-0267.

Comments may also be submitted via e-mail. Acceptable formats for electronic comments are: text or HTML e-mail, Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), or formats viewable in Microsoft Office applications. Comments or requests for information may also be sent electronically to:

[email protected] To ensure that your comments are properly routed and processed during the transmittal of any written comment forms, written comments, fax comments, or e-mails, please include "Ten Mile Project—Scoping Comment" in the subject line. Hand delivered and oral comments may be provided at the Poplar Bluff Ranger District office during normal office hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. The Poplar Bluff Ranger District office is located at 1420 Maud Street, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

For your convenience, a "Public Comment Form: Ten Mile Project—Scoping Comment" is attached to this Scoping Report and also provided in the Scoping Package along with the suite of project documents and maps.

What types of public comments are most useful? Public comments will be used to identify issues, concerns, and potential environmental effects, and or develop reasonable alternatives to the proposed action. Comments are specifically



requested on the proposed action, potential project effects, preliminary issues, units of measure and potential project alternatives. Any suggestions that you have for additional actions to move the existing condition to the desired condition would be welcome.

Comments are most helpful if they are received early and pertain directly to the project area. Useful comments are those that focus on the project area, specific sites and proposed action. Comments are particularly useful when they state what the Forest Service should or should not do and provide reasons why such action(s) should or should not be taken. Issues identified that are outside of the scope of the proposal will not be addressed at this level of planning.

Types of comments that would be useful include but are not limited to the following:

• Opportunities with the Ten Mile Project not included in the proposed action that would meet the purpose, need, and desired condition.

• Concerns with past management activities on National Forest System lands within and surrounding the project area.

• Land use practices on private or public lands adjacent to this project area that may incrementally add to the effects proposed in this project.

• Environmental concerns that you may have with the proposed activities in this project. If you cite published studies, reports, or similar sources in your comments, please provide copies of the source material with your comments.

When are comments due? Comments submitted during this designated Scoping Period will be most useful if submitted by May 1, 2017. Comments received after this date are welcome and will be considered to the extent time allows, but will not provide the commenter with eligibility to object. Another opportunity to comment on this project will occur during the 30-Day Comment Period.

Only individuals or entities who submit timely and specific written comments as defined in Definitions, 36 C.F.R. § 218.2 (2013), about this proposed project or activity during this or any other designated opportunity for public comment established by the responsible official will be eligible to file an objection. Comments must meet the requirements in Comments on Proposed Projects and Activities, 36 C.F.R. § 218.25 (a)(3) (2013). For this Scoping period, comments will be considered timely if received by May 1, 2017.

What opportunities will exist for review or objection to resolve public concerns with the project? The Forest Service believes that considering public concerns before a decision is made aligns with our collaborative approach to forest management and increases the likelihood of resolving those concerns resulting in better, more informed decisions. The Agency also believes the



predecisional objection process will aid efforts to be more efficient with documenting environmental effects as part of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (1969) analysis.

The objection process is described in the Project-Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process, Title 36 C.F.R. Part 218 (2013). This project will be subject to Subparts A and B, which describes the notice and opportunity to comment requirements and the objection process for projects and activities implementing the 2005 Forest Plan (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a) with a Record of Decision or Decision Notice.

The Part 218 objection process is the sole means of administrative review for this project available to the general public. Only those who submit timely and specific written comments regarding the proposed project or activity during a public comment period established by the responsible official are eligible to file an objection. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed project unless based on new information arising after designated opportunities.

Who may file an objection? Individuals and entities who have submitted timely, specific written comments as defined in Project-Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process, Title 36 C.F.R. Part 218 (2013) regarding this proposed project or activity during any designated opportunity for public comment may file an objection.

Written comments must include the individual's or entity's name and postal address (e-mail address is recommended but not required); title of the proposed project; and a signature, or other verification of identity upon request, of the individual or entity who authored the comments. For comments listing multiple entities or multiple individuals, a signature or other means of verification must be provided for each. Federally-recognized Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations are also eligible to file an objection when specific written comments as defined in Definitions, 36 C.F.R. § 218.2 (2013), are provided during Federal-Tribal consultations.

It is the responsibility of all individuals and organizations to ensure that their comments are received in a timely manner and comply with 36 C.F.R. Part 218 (2013).

Will my comments, name, and address be available to others? Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record of this proposed action and will be available for public inspection.



What if I want to submit comments annoymously or whithhold information from the public record? Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, those who submit anonymous comments will not have standing to file an objection under the Project-Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process, Title 36 C.F.R. Part 218 (2013) subparts A and B.

Pursuant to Rule Making and Other Notice Procedures, 7 C.F.R. 1.27 (d) (2011), any person may request the agency to withhold a submission from the public record but under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), confidentiality may be granted in only very limited circumstances, such as to protect trade secrets. The Forest Service will inform the requester of the agency's decision regarding the request for confidentiality, and if the request is denied, the agency will return the submission and notify the requester that the comments may be resubmitted with or without name and address.

How can I obtain more information on the Ten Mile Project? To obtain further information regarding this project, please contact Paul Whitworth, Ph.D., NEPA Planner, at (573) 785-1475, or District Ranger Jon Stanfield at (573) 785-1475.

Your Input is Important to Managing Your National Forest

The Poplar Bluff Ranger District is proposing this action to improve forest health, benefit wildlife, improve visual quality, and maintain outdoor recreation opportunities. Thank you for your interest in this important project.

Sincerely,

JON M. STANSFIELD District Ranger



Public Comment Form Ten Mile Project—Scoping Comment

You are invited to comment on this proposal. Useful comments are those that focus on specific sites and proposed action, state what the Forest Service should or should not do, and provide reasons why such action(s) should or should not be taken. If you have concerns specific to this project, or if you desire to be kept informed please complete this form and mail it to the following address:

Paul Whitworth, Ph.D. NEPA Planner Poplar Bluff Ranger District Mark Twain National Forest P.O. Box 988 Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901

Please return your comments by May 1, 2017.

Name:

Address:

Phone #:

Comments:



You are welcome to attach additional sheets as needed. Please provide a copy of any published studies or reports that you cite in your comments.



GLOSSARY Advanced Regeneration: Seedlings or saplings that develop or are present in the understory

(Helms, 1998).

Basal Area: Basal Area (BA) is the cross section area of the trunks of trees in a stand, measured at 4.5 feet above the ground. Basal area is generally expressed as square units per unit area, in this case, square feet of tree trunk per acre. Foresters use basal area to describe how crowded or open a stand of trees is. Basal area blends both the number of trees and their diameters into one number that can be used to compare the density of all types and ages of forest.

Canopy: Part of any stand of trees represented by the tree crowns. It usually refers to the uppermost layer of foliage, but it can be used to describe lower layers in a multi-storied forest. See page 5-4 in Mark Twain National Forest's "Final Environmental Impact Statement to Accompany the 2005 Land and Resource Management Plan (2005 Forest Plan)" (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b).

Clearcut with Reserves: Clearcutting with reserves is the cutting of essentially all trees except for reserve trees (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, Appendix D-1). Clearcutting with reserves produces a fully exposed microclimate for the development of a new age class. Regeneration can be from natural seeding, direct seeding, planted seedlings, or advance reproduction. Varying numbers of reserve trees are not harvested to attain goals other than regeneration.

Commercial Thinning: Any type of thinning producing merchantable material at least equal to the value of the direct costs of harvesting (Helms, 1998).

Compartment: a portion of a forest, usually contiguous and composed of a variety of forest stand types, defined for purposes of locational reference and as a basis for forest management.

Composition: As used in ecology, the mix of species present on a site or landscape or population and species' relative abundance (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-6).

Desired Condition: Land or resource conditions that are expected to result if planning goals and objectives are fully achieved (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-9).

Diameter at Breast Height or DBH: The diameter of the stem of a tree measured at 4.5 feet above the ground (Helms, 1998).

Early Seral Habitat, Early Successional Habitat or Temporary Opening: Habitat composed primarily of a combination of shrubs and saplings intermixed with dominant or characteristic native herbaceous plants (United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-10). The combination varies for savanna, woodland, and forest natural communities. Early successional habitat may be created through regeneration harvest, prescribed fire or through a combination of management activities or natural events.

http://dictionaryofforestry.org/dict/term/forest

http://dictionaryofforestry.org/dict/term/stand

http://dictionaryofforestry.org/dict/term/forest_management

http://dictionaryofforestry.org/dict/term/forest_management



Ecological Land Type or ELT: An ecological map unit with a distinct combination of natural, physical, chemical, and biological properties (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-11). These properties cause the land type to respond in a predictable and relatively uniform manner to the application of management practices. In a relatively undisturbed state or stage of plant succession, an ELT is usually occupied by a predictable and uniform plant community. Size generally ranges from 10 acres to a few hundred acres.

Ecosystems Management: The skillful, integrated use of ecological knowledge and management that addresses all species, communities, environments, and ecological processes in a land area (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-12).

Even-aged: A term which identifies a stand containing a single age class (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-13). The range of tree ages is usually less than 20% of the normal rotation or life span. Clearcut, shelterwood, or seed-tree harvest methods produce even-aged stands.

Group Selection: A method of regenerating uneven-aged stands in which trees are removed, and new age classes are established, in small groups (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, Appendix D-2). The objective of this method is to establish regeneration at each harvest cycle, thereby producing an uneven-aged stand. The removal of groups permits more light to reach the forest floor than with single tree selection. Group selection can be used to encourage a higher proportion of shade intolerant species. The width of smaller groups is commonly twice the height of the mature trees. The width of larger openings is up to 2 acres.

Intermediate Harvest or Thinning: The removal of some trees prior to final harvest, to enhance growth, quality, vigor, and composition of the stand after establishment (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-21). Thinning is an intermediate harvest.

Microclimate: The climate of small areas, such as under a plant or other cover (Helms, 1998). The climate at the specific site differs in extremes of temperature and moisture from the climate outside that site and cover.

Multiple-use Management: The management of all renewable surface resources of national forest land for a variety of purposes such as recreation, range, timber, wildlife and fish habitat, and watershed (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-25).

Natural Disturbance: Disruption of existing conditions by wind, tornado, fire, flood, drought, insects, or disease across 1 to 1,000 acres of land (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-27).

Natural Community Types: The consolidation of respective natural communities sharing similar structural and compositional characteristics (forest, open woodland, savanna, glade, prairie, cliff, fen, cave, etc.). Types consist of combinations of natural, physical, chemical and biological properties that cause each type to respond in a predictable and relatively uniform manner to management practices and which management objectives are specified by



ecological subsection (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-27).

Old Growth: Old growth is loosely defined as an area distinguished by older trees and old growth related structural characteristics (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, pp. 3-91 through 3-99, p. 5-30). Old growth characteristics may include: large trees, wide variation in tree species and sizes and spacing, and large-sized dead standing and fallen trees. Old growth trees may have broken or deformed tops or trunks and root decay. Old growth may have multiple canopy layers. Old growth reflects the range of natural variability of forest, woodland and savanna natural communities.

Overstory: That portion of the trees, in a forest of more than one story, forming the upper or upper-most canopy layer (Helms, 1998).

Prescription: A planned series of treatments designed to change current stand structure to one that meets management goals (Helms, 1998).

Range of Natural Variability: Variation of physical and biological conditions and disturbance factors that influenced the composition, structure, distribution and dynamics of natural communities before European settlement (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-34).

Regeneration: The establishment of a tree crop by either natural or artificial means (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-35). The term is also used to refer to the young crop itself.

Reserve Tree: A tree retained in either a dispersed or aggregated manner after the regeneration period following treatment (Helms, 1998). Reserve trees may remain under clearcutting, seed tree, shelterwood, and group selection treatments.

Salvage: Removal of dead, damaged or dying trees to recover value that would otherwise be lost (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-40).

Sanitation Harvest: A cutting method in which dead, damaged, or susceptible trees are removed (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-40). This method is used primarily to prevent the spread of pests or disease and promote forest health.

Sapling: A small, usually young tree with a diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground from 0.1 inches to 3.9 inches. A sapling is larger than a seedling but smaller than a pole sized tree.

Seed Tree: A tree or group of trees that is left uncut to provide seed for forest reproduction. Seed Tree with Reserves: The cutting of all trees except for a small number of widely

dispersed trees retained for seed production and to produce a new age class in a mostly exposed microenvironment. Some seed trees or other reserve trees are retained after regeneration has become established to attain goals other than regeneration.

Shelterwood with Reserves: The cutting of most trees, leaving those needed to produce sufficient shade to produce a new age class in a moderated microenvironment (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005a, Appendix D-2). The sequence of cutting can include three types of cuttings. An optional preparatory cut



can be used to enhance conditions for seed production. An establishment cut can be used to prepare the seed bed and create a new age class. A removal cut can be used to release established regeneration from competition with the overwood. Some shelterwood trees or other reserve trees are retained after regeneration has become established to attain goals other than regeneration.

Site Preparation: The general term for removing unwanted vegetation, slash, roots, and stones from a site before reforestation (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-44). Naturally occurring wildfire, as well as prescribed fire, can prepare a site for natural regeneration.

Snag: A standing, generally unmerchantable, dead tree from which the leaves and most of the branches have fallen (Helms, 1998).

Stand: A community of trees or other vegetation sufficiently uniform in composition, age, spatial arrangement, or condition to be distinguishable from adjacent communities ((United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-46). The community of trees that form a silvicultural or management group. On the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, most stands are from 5 to 40 acres in size. Most of these stands have a more or less consistent age, tree species mix, and site productivity when compared to adjacent forest areas (Project File, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, 2011-2012a, Stand Recon Sheet Field Notes).

Stand Structure: The horizontal and vertical distribution of components of a forest stand (Helms, 1998). These components include the height, diameter, crown layers and stems of trees, shrubs, herbaceous understory, snags and downed woody debris.

Succession: The gradual supplanting of one community of plants by another (Helms, 1998). Temporary Opening: Area of grass, forb and shrubs usually resulting from timber harvest that

will be replaced by tree saplings over a period of a few years (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-48).

Timber Stand Improvement (TSI): Actions to improve growing conditions for trees in a stand by eliminating or suppressing the less desirable vegetation (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-49). Methods include thinning, pruning, prescribed fire, and release cutting.

Uneven-aged: A term usually which identifies a stand or area containing three or more age classes of trees (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, 2005b, p. 5-41). A planned sequence of treatments designed to maintain and regenerate a stand with three or more age classes. Examples are individual tree and group selection harvests. The term is often used as "uneven-aged stand" or "uneven-aged management".

Understory: All forest vegetation growing under an overstory (Helms, 1998).



REFERENCES 16 U.S.C., Chapter 36 – forests and rangeland renewable resources planning. Retrieved from

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2013-title16/pdf/USCODE-2013-title16-chap36.pdf

36 C.F.R., Part 218 Project-level predecisional administrative review process. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2013-title36-vol2/pdf/CFR-2013-title36-vol2-part218.pdf

Albrecht, M. A., & McCarthy, B. C. (2006). Effects of prescribed fire and thinning on tree recruitment patterns in central hardwood forests. Forest Ecology and Management, 226, 88-103. Retrieved from http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0378112706000533/1-s2.0-S0378112706000533-main.pdf?_tid=8138fc34-f38e-11e6-9a6d-00000aacb361&acdnat=1487170586_4187b56638d80b427ede44e0149c71f9

Anderson, L. D., Clark, R. G., Findley, J., Hanes, R. C., Mahaffey, L., Miller, M. et al. (2001, June 21). Fire effects guide. NFES 2394. Boise, ID: National Wildfire Coordinating Group, National Interagency Fire Center. Retrieved from https://www.nifc.gov/prevEdu/comm_guide/appendix/2GUIDE_NWCGFireEffectsGuide.pdf (Original work published 1994)

Anning, A. K., & McCarthy, B. C. (2013). Long-term effects of prescribed fire and thinning on residual tree growth in mixed-oak forests of Southern Ohio. Ecosystems, 16(8), 1473-1486. doi: 10.1007/s10021-013-9696-6

Bolen, E. G., & Robinson, W. L. (2003). Wildlife ecology and management (5th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Comments on proposed projects and activities, 36 C.F.R. 218.25 (a)(3) (2013). Retrieved from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5&node=36:2.0.1.1.8#se36.2.218_125

Consistency of resource plans, permits, contracts and other instruments with land management plans; revision, 16 U.S.C. § 1604(i)) (2010). Retrieved from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2010-title16/html/USCODE-2010-title16-chap36-subchapI-sec1604.htm

DeByle, N. V. (1985). Management for esthetics and recreation, forage, water, and wildlife. In N. V. DeByle & R. P. Winokur (Eds.). Aspen: ecology and management in the western United States (pp. 223-232). Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-119. Fort Collins, Colorado: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Retrieved from http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_rm/rm_gtr119/rm_gtr119_223_232.pdf

Definitions, 36 C.F.R. 218.2 (2013). Retrieved from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3393047d2e510f5d5c225bc5c4cbbd29&node=se36.2.218_12&rgn=div8

Designation of road, trails, and areas, Title 36 C.F.R. § 212.51 (2008). Retrieved August 27, 2014, from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4cec2228a3941124a80afd2d79e82d06&node=se36.2.212_151&rgn=div8

Donley, D. E., & Acciavatti, R. E. (1980, November). Red oak borer. In Forest Insect & Disease Leaflet 163, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, U.S. Government Printing



Office, 1980 0-325-427. Retrieved from http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/Red%20Oak%20Borer/redoak.htm

Dwyer, J. P., Kabrick, J. M., & Wetteroff, J. (2007). Do improvement harvests mitigate oak decline in Missouri Ozark forests? Northern Journal of Applied Forestry, 24(2), 123-128. Retrieved from http://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/10047/PDF

Exec. Order No. 11644 - Use of off-road vehicles on the public lands. (1972, February 8). Retrieved from http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/11644.html

Exec. Order No. 11989 - Off road vehicles on public lands. (May 24, 1977). Retrieved from http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=7576

Fan, Z., Kabrick, J. M., Spretich, M. A., Shifley, S. R., & Jensen, R. G. (2008). Oak mortality associated with crown dieback and oak borer attach in the Ozark Highlands. Forest Ecology and Management, 255, 2297-2305. Retrieved from http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/ja/ja_fan003.pdf

Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (As Amended). (1974, August 17). Retrieved from http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma/includes/range74.pdf

Forests and Rangelands. (2016, Oct. 12). National priority maps. Retrieved from https://www.forestsandrangelands.gov/strategy/nationalpriorities.shtml#map2

Freedom of Information Act (As Amended). (1966, July 4). Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/oip/legacy/2014/07/23/amended-foia-redlined.pdf

Gingrich, S. F. (1967). Measuring and evaluating stocking and stand density in upland hardwood forests in the Central States. Forest Science, 13, 38-53. Retrieved from http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/saf/fs/1967/00000013/00000001/art00008

Gobster, P. H. (2001). Human dimensions of early successional landscapes in the eastern United States. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 29 (2), 474-482. Retrieved from http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/jrnl/2001/nc_2001_Gobster_003.pdf

Graham, K. L. (2002). Chapter 3: Human influences on forest wildlife habitat. In D. N. Wear & J. G. Greis (Eds.), Southern forest resource assessment, Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-53 (pp. 63-90). Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. Retrieved from http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/sustain/report/pdf/chapter_03e.pdf

Guldin, J. M. (2011). Silvicultural considerations in managing southern pine stands in the context of southern pine beetle. In R. N. Coulson & K. D. Klepzig (Eds.), Southern Pine Beetle II (pp. 317-352). Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-140. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. Retrieved from http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/gtr/gtr_srs140/gtr_srs140_317.pdf

Hammitt, W. E., & Cole, D. N. (1998). Wildland recreation: ecology and management (2nd ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Helms, J. A. (Ed.). (1998). The dictionary of forestry. Bethesda, MD: Society of American Foresters.



Hermansen-Báez, L. A., Seitz, J., & Monroe, M. C. (2009, Sept.). Wildland-urban interface: Varied definitions. EDIS Publication FR287/FOR225. Gainesville, Florida: University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/wui-varieddef.pdf

Hill, S. R. (2003, Jan. 28). Conservation assessment for twining screwstem (Bartonia paniculata (Michx.) Muhl.). Retrieved from https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/10301/inhsbiodv02003i00007_opt.pdf?sequence=2

Hill, S. R. (2007, Feb. 19). Conservation assessment for the green wood orchid (Platanthera clavellata (Michx.) Luer). INHS Technical Report 2007 (11). Retrieved from https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/18131/INHS2007_11.pdf?sequence=1

Hunt, L. M., Lemelin, R. H., & Saunders, K. C. (2009). Managing forest road access on public lands: a conceptual model of conflict. Society and Natural Resources, 22(2), 128-142. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08941920801922604

Iverson, L. R.; Hutchinson, T. F., Prasad, A. M., & Peters, M. P. (2008). Thinning, fire, and oak regeneration across a heterogeneous landscape in the eastern U.S.: 7-year results. Forest Ecology & Management, 255, 3035-3050. Retrieved from https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/jrnl/2008/nrs_2008_iverson_003.pdf

Johnson, P. S., Shifley, S. R., & Rogers, R. (2009). The ecology and silviculture of oaks (2nd ed.). Cambridge, MA: CAB International.

KCFAST-Kansas City Fire Access SofTware. (n.d.). Fire weather information extraction: historic observations – FW13 format. [Data file—weather data extracted for January 1, 2012-December 31, 2102 and analyzed in FireFamilyPlus Version 4.1 by Bennie Terrell on February 14, 2013.] Available from the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, zone fire management officer, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.] KCFAST source data is available: https://fam.nwcg.gov/fam-web/kcfast/html/wxhmenu.htm

Kessler, K. J., Jr., & Houston, D. R. (1989). Oak decline. In F. B. Clark (Tech. Ed.) & J. G. Hutchinson (Ed.), Central Hardwood Notes, Note 8.12. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. Retrieved from http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/11675

Kinkead, C. O., Kabrick, J. M., Stambaugh, M. C., & Grabner, K. W. (2013, July). In G. W. Miller, T. M. Schuler, K. W. Gottschalk, J. R. Brooks, S. T. Grushecky, B. D. Spong, & J. S. Rentch (Eds.), Proceedings, 18th central hardwood forest conference, 2012 March 26-28, Morgantown, WV, Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-117 (pp. 373-383). Newtown Square, PA: United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. Retrieved from https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/gtr/gtr-nrs-p-117papers/36-kinkead_2012-chfc.pdf

Litvaitis, J. A. (2001, Summer). Importance of early successional habitats to mammals in eastern forests. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 29(2), 466-473. Retrieved from: http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdfplus/3784170.pdf

Loeb, S. C. & O'Keefe, J. M. 2006. Habitat use by forest bats in South Carolina in relation to local, stand, and landscape characteristics. Journal of Wildlife Management, 70 (5), 1210-1218. Retrieved from https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/ja/ja_loeb010.pdf



McGee, C. E. (1981). Response of overtopped white oak to release. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1980 771-081, Research Note SO-273 (pp. 1-4). Retrieved from http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/1909

McMurry, E. R., Muzika, R. M., Loewenstein, K. W., Grabner, K. W., & Hartman, G. W. (2007, April). Initial effects of prescribed burning and thinning on plant communities in the Southeast Missouri Ozarks. In D. S. Buckley & W. K. Clatterbuck (Eds.), Proceedings, 15th central hardwood forest conference (pp. 241-249), Knoxville, TN, Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2006. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-101. Asheville, NC: United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Southern Research Station. Retrieved from http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/gtr/gtr_srs101/gtr_srs101-30.pdf

Miller, C., Grayson, S., Houser, A., Clatterbuck, W., & Kuers, K. (2011). Thirty-year assessment of released, overtopped white oaks. In S. Fei, J. M. Lhotka, J. W. Stringer, K. W. Gottschalk, & G. W. Miller (Eds.), Proceedings of the 17th Central Hardwood Forest Conference, 2010 April 5-7, Lexington, KY, Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-78 (pp. 514-520). Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. Retrieved from http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/38090

Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.). Pump Hollow. Retrieved from https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/pump-hollow

Missouri Department of Conservation. (1999, January). AQUAGUIDE floating leaf plant control in Missouri lakes and ponds. Retrieved from http://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/05/4897_2847.pdf

Missouri Department of Conservation. (2015, March 1). A summary of Missouri fishing regulations. Retrieved from http://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/2015FishingRegs.pdf

Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, Mark Twain National Forest, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, & The Nature Conservancy. (2015, August 15). Missouri natural areas approval form: Pump Hollow Natural Area. Unpublished report, on file with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, botany/nnis program manager, 401 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla, MO 65401.

Missouri Natural Areas Committee. (2010, November). Missouri natural areas procedures manual, version 1.0. Retrieved from http://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2011/03/monac_procedures_manual__ver._1.0_111010_with_appendices_0.pdf

Motor vehicle use, Title 36 C.F.R. § 261.13 (2005). Retrieved http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3393047d2e510f5d5c225bc5c4cbbd29&node=se36.2.261_113&rgn=div8

Multiple-Use and Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (As Amended). (1960, June 12). Retrieved from http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma/includes/musya60.pdf

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (As Amended). (1969). Retrieved from http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/nepapub/nepa_documents/RedDont/Req-NEPA.pdf



National Fire Protection Association. (2016). Firewise communities: about firewise. Retrieved from http://firewise.org/about.aspx?sso=0

National Forest Management Act of 1976 (As Amended). (1976). Retrieved from http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma/includes/NFMA1976.pdf

Natural Resources Conservation Service & Wildlife Habitat Council. (2007, January). Early successional habitat. Fish and Wildlife Management Habitat Leaflet, Number 41. Retrieved from: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs143_022190.pdf

Nelson, P. W. (2005). The terrestrial natural communities of Missouri. Jefferson City, Missouri: Missouri Natural Areas Committee.

Penskar, M. R., & Crispin, S. R. (2004). Special plant abstract for Platanthera ciliaris (orange or yellow fringed orchid). Landing, MI: Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

Perren, T. (2005, July 7). RX fuel transect calculations, Miller Creek burn unit. Available from the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, zone fuels technician, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Perren, T. (2016a, August). BehavePlus 5.0.5 analysis of Hazardous fuels fire potential – drought 2012: Fuel model 9. Available from the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, zone fuels technician, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Perren, T. (2016b, August). BehavePlus 5.0.5 analysis of Hazardous fuels fire potential – drought 2012: Fuel model 2. Available from the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, zone fuels technician, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Rule making and other notice procedures, 7 C.F.R. pt. 1.27 (2011). Retrieved from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title7-vol1/pdf/CFR-2011-title7-vol1-sec1-27.pdf

Schanta, M. (2011). Inventory report for Ten Mile, Poplar Bluff District, Mark Twain National Forest. Unpublished report, on file with the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, district silviculturist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Schmidt, K. M., Menakis, J. P., Hardy, C. C., Hann, W. J., & Bunnell, D. L. (2002, April). Development of coarse-scale spatial data for wildland fire and fuel management. Gen. Tech. Report RMRS-87. Ft. Collins, CO: United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr087.pdf

The Institute of Botanical Training, LLC. (2012, Spring-Summer). Pump Hollow botanical survey. Solicitation Number AG-64R4-C-11-0021, DUNS 187459362, TIN 11-3733431. Unpublished report, on file with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, botany/nnis program manager, 401 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla, MO 65401.

Thompson, III, F. R., & DeGraaf, R. M. (2001). Conservation approaches for woody, early successional communities in the eastern United States. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 29 (2), 483–494. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/3784172.pdf?acceptTC=true

Travel Management, Title 36 C.F.R. Part 212 (2008). Retrieved from http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title36/36cfr212_main_02.tpl



U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States. (2012, March 8). Managing a land office business: commemorating 200 years of the General Land Office. Retrieved from http://www.blm.gov/es/st/en/prog/glo.html

United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest. (n.d.). Beaver Lake Recreation Area. Retrieved from http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=2183

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest. (2005a, September). The Mark Twain National Forest 2005 land and resource management plan (2005 forest plan). Available: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mtnf/landmanagement/?cid=fsm8_045643

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest. (2005b, September). Final environmental impact statement to accompany the 2005 land and resource management plan (2005 forest plan). Retrieved from http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mtnf/landmanagement/planning/?cid=FSM8_045642

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest. (2012, February). Final environmental impact statement: integrated non-native invasive plant control. Retrieved from http://a123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic.download.akamai.com/11558/www/nepa/62962_FSPLT2_117261.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest. (2012, April 2-Oct. 22). Missouri natural area nomination form: Pump Hollow. Unpublished report, on file with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, botany/nnis program manager, 401 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla, MO 65401.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest. (2015, January 15). 2015 Fire management plan, Mark Twain National Forest. Unpublished report, on file with the Mark Twain National Forest, fire program manager, 401 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla, MO 64501.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest. (2016 August). Motor vehicle use map, Mark Twain National Forest Poplar Bluff Unit. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5127709.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (n.d.a). Ten Mile Project GIS database [Data file]. Poplar Bluff, MO: Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, zone GIS specialist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (n.d.b). Ten Mile compartment folders. Unpublished report, on file with the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, district silviculturist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (n.d.c). Ten Mile FSVeg database [Data file]. Poplar Bluff, MO: Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, district silviculturist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.



United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (2013-2014a). Ten mile stand recon sheet field notes. Unpublished report, on file with the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, district silviculturist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (2013-2014b). Ten Mile stand prescription forms. Unpublished report, on file with the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, district silviculturist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (2014, August 29). GLO project corners data entitled GLOprojectcorners.xlsx [Data file]. Poplar Bluff, MO: Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, district silviculturist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (2015a). Pump Hollow project stand recon sheet field notes. Unpublished report, on file with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, district silviculturist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (2015b). Pump Hollow project stand prescription forms. Unpublished report, on file with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, district silviculturist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (2015, August 20-November 10). Field inventory forms for non-system roads in the Ten Mile Project Area. Unpublished report, on file with the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, zone fire operations specialist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (2015, Sept. 15). Pump Hollow site visit work map and notes. Unpublished report, on file with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, silviculture forester, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (2016, September 12). Wildland-urban interface evaluation site visit field notes. Unpublished report, on file with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, zone forest management officer, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

United States Department of Agriculture, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (2015, November 16). Non-system roads & illegal roads & trails Pathfinder Office data converted to GIS shape file [Data file]. Poplar Bluff, MO: Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, zone fire operations specialist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.



United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District. (2017, February 15). Consolidated site visit field notes for Ten mile project 2013-2016; last updated February 15, 2017. Unpublished report, on file with the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, Mark Twain National Forest, district biologist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

University of Utah, Department of Atmospheric Sciences. (2002-2017a). Download DFSM7 data for DFSM7 [Doniphan, MO] at 06/28/2012 13:53 CDT. In MESOWEST Station Interface [Online]. Retrieved from http://mesowest.utah.edu/index.html

University of Utah, Department of Atmospheric Sciences. (2002-2017b). Weather conditions for DFSM7 [Doniphan, MO] at 06/28/2012 13:53 CDT. In MESOWEST Station Interface [Online]. Retrieved from http://mesowest.utah.edu/index.html

USDA Forest Service. (n.d.). Forest inventory data online (fido), ver. 1.5.105d. Retrieved fromhttps://apps.fs.fed.us/fia/fido/index.html

U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States. (2012, March 8). Managing a land office business: commemorating 200 years of the General Land Office. Retrieved from http://www.blm.gov/es/st/en/prog/glo.html

Wildland Fire Executive Council. (2014, April). The national strategy: The final phase in the development of the national cohesive wildland fire management strategy. Retrieved from https://www.forestsandrangelands.gov/strategy/documents/strategy/CSPhaseIIINationalStrategyApr2014.pdf

Wildland Fire Leadership Council. (2014, April). National action plan: An implementation framework for the national cohesive wildland fire management strategy. Retrieved from https://www.forestsandrangelands.gov/strategy/documents/strategy/NationalActionPlan_20140423.pdf

Wilson, J. M. (2006). Chapter 6. Managing small forest openings for wildlife. In J. D. Oehler, D. F. Covell, S. Capel, & B. Long (Eds.). Managing grasslands, shrublands, and young forest habitats for wildlife: A guide for the Northeast. The Northeast Upland Habitat Technical Committee, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Retrieved from http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/wildlife/pdf_files/habitat/grassland_shrubland_management/Ch06_Managing_Forest_Openings.pdf

Yatskievych, G. (1999). Steyermark's flora of Missouri, Vol 1. Jefferson City, MO: Missouri Department of Conservation.

Yeoman, E. (2015, September 15). Ten mile project botanical proposal. Unpublished report, on file with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff Ranger District, botany/nnis natural resource specialist, 1420 West Maud, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.



APPENDIX A RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

What forestwide standards and guidelines are applicable to the Ten Mile Project? The Mark Twain National Forest 2005 Land and Resource Management Plan (2005 Forest Plan) (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest 2005a) describes how the Mark Twain National Forest should be managed. Applicable goals, standards and guidelines for the proposed actions have been extracted and adapted from the 2005 Forest Plan and are presented in the following sections. Forest Plan standards requiring compliance appear in bold type.

Vegetation Management (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-2) Mimic ecosystem dynamics, patterns, and disturbance processes to achieve desired conditions except where ecological recovery is unlikely or unfeasible.

Plan salvage activities to retain 10-15% of the affected area, unless the area presents an unacceptable risk to public health or safety, or threatens forest health. These areas should be in a variety of patch sizes and distributions on the landscape.

Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) Management (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-2) Additional direction for NNIS management can be found in Forest Service Manual 2080.

Prioritize areas of NNIS for treatment based on threats to resources, species status, relationship to boundaries, size of the infestation, potential for further spread and effectiveness of available control measures,

Include NNIS control and prevention clauses in contracts and permits as needed.

Revegetate soils disturbed by National Forest management activities by allowing growth of existing on-site vegetation where possible and desirable. Where on-site vegetation is not desirable, or not likely to quickly revegetate the site, use one or more of the following methods:

• Fertilize to encourage growth of desirable on-site vegetation; • Apply local surrounding organic mulch (i.e., leaf litter and pine needles) or

covering with sterile weed-free straw to promote reestablishment of native vegetation;

• Reseed or replant with native species appropriate to the site or sterile annuals (wheat, rye, etc.) and fertilizing if necessary; or

• Scarify to establish seed bed. Although the use of native plants is preferred, non-native, non-invasive species may be used in areas such as recreation areas, administrative sites, artificial openings, and improved cool season pastures.



Use weed-free plant materials when restoring natural communities or planting warm season/cool season grasslands.

Grazing of livestock other than cattle and horses may be used for biological control of NNIS.

Water and Soil Resource Management (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-3 through 2-5)

Delineate the RMZs [Riparian Management Zones] at the project level, using the best available information for landform, terrestrial natural communities, soils, and hydrology for each location. Allow vegetation management within the RMZ only to move toward the desired condition. Within the RMZ the following activities are prohibited:

• Pond fertilization (for RMZs only);

• Mechanical constructed firelines for prescribed burns; . . .

• Timber management (unless needed to move toward desired condition, or for some salvage in the RMZ or within 25 feet in the WPZ); . . .

• Servicing of equipment; . . .

• Maintenance of existing wildlife openings (unless naturally occurring);

• Construction of new wildlife openings;

• Wildlife pond construction;

• Log landings; and

• Use of chemicals (unless needed to move towards desired condition). Within the RMZ the following activities should be avoided whenever possible: . . .

• Equipment operation;

• Mechanically constructed firelines for suppression;

• Temporary roads;

• Stream channel crossings . . . .

Within the WPZ [Watercourse Protection Zone] the following activities are prohibited:

• Fertilization;

• Timber management within 25 feet of stream;

• Servicing of equipment;

• Log Landings; . . .

• Temporary roads except at designated locations; . . .

• Maintenance of wildlife openings, unless naturally occurring; and



• Use of chemicals (unless needed to move towards desired condition). Within the WPZs the following activities should be avoided whenever possible:

• Mechanically constructed firelines for prescribed burns; . . .

• Equipment operations;

• Mechanically constructed firelines for suppression;

• Stream channel crossings . . . .

• Use of chemicals (unless needed to move towards desired condition) . . . .

Soil Productivity (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-5) Design all ground disturbing activities to prevent or minimize rutting, erosion, compaction, rapid runoff, disruption of water movement, and distribution or loss of water and soil quality. Prevent or minimize sedimentation by employing adequate erosion control measures where earth-moving activities unavoidably expose areas of soil for extended periods of time. Minimize ground-disturbing activities on soils highly subject to compaction during wet periods.

Water Management (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-5) Design hydrologic control structures to mimic as much as possible the appearance and function of natural habitat features in the RMZ and WPZ.

Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive species (TES) (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-6) Carry out Forest Service responsibilities for the conservation of endangered and threatened species and habitat identified through interagency consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Manage federally listed species in accordance with approved species recovery plans (FSM [Forest Service Manual] 2672.21). Manage Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) in accordance with approved Conservation Agreements and Strategies. Prohibit mechanical disturbance to rare plant sites.

Bald Eagle (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-6) Maintain suitable habitat for nesting, roosting, and foraging bald eagles. Protect all occupied nest sites from disturbance from January through July (or during active breeding, incubation, and brood rearing periods). Conduct management activities planned near known nesting sites in a manner that protects the existing nest site, maintains suitable alternate nesting habitat, and occurs outside of the breeding, incubation, and brood rearing periods (approximately January through July).



Indiana Bat (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-6) Maintain trees with characteristics of suitable roosts (i.e., dead or dying with exfoliating bark or large living trees with flaking bark) wherever possible with regard for public safety and accomplishment of overall resource goals and objectives.

Using the current, accepted technology, determine the location of summer roost trees and foraging areas for female Indiana bats.

Maternity Colonies (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-7) If occupied Indiana bat maternity roost trees are discovered, protect them from physical disturbance until they naturally fall to the ground. Based on site-specific consultation, designate an area of use (foraging and roosting) based on site conditions, radio-tracking or other survey information, and best available information regarding maternity habitat needs. Minimize human disturbance in the maternity colony areas of use until the colony has left the maternity area for hibernation. Conduct prescribed burning within the maternity colony area of use only during the hibernation season. Maintain or enhance the character of the site year-round by:

• maintaining an adequate number of snags, including known roost trees; • maintaining large live trees to provide future roosting opportunities; and • maintaining small canopy gaps (and/or opening the mid-story) to provide a

continual supply of foraging habitat. Male Roost Trees (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-7)

Protect known male roost trees from physical disturbance until they naturally fall to the ground. Protect occupied Indiana bat male roost trees discovered during the summer season (not migration), from physical disturbance by designating a 75-foot radius buffer zone around the tree(s). The buffer zone shall remain in place until hibernation season begins (around November 1.) Prohibit ground-disturbing activity or timber harvest within the buffer zone. Prescribed burning may be done within the buffer zone if a fireline is manually constructed no less than 25 feet from, and completely around, the tree to prevent it from catching fire.

Old Growth Habitat (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-8 through 2-9) Use the following criteria when designating areas of permanent old growth;

• A minimum of 15 acres in size, and preferably over 100 acres in size; • Represent all forest, woodland, and savanna natural community types;



• Normally include the oldest or largest average diameter stands that are at least 70 years old; . . . and

• Designate as permanent old growth all stands or groupings of trees at least two acres in size and greater than 175 years old.

Apply management activities in old growth only when the objective is enhancement of natural communities and old growth characteristics.

Regeneration Habitat (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-9) Intermediate harvests should generally leave the oldest and or largest trees to meet basal area objectives.

All even-aged regeneration harvests shall retain a minimum of 7%-10% of the harvest unit in reserve trees and/or reserve tree groups. Reserve trees, or reserve tree groups, should include a combination of:

• The largest, long-lived species occurring on the site (pine, white oak, post oak, hickory, black gum);

• Standing dead trees; and

• Cavity or den trees.

Reserve trees and reserve tree groups should be spaced to mimic natural community structure and composition.

Reserve tree groups should include a combination of at least five trees. Where opportunities permit, locate some reserve tree groups within drainages.

Leave downed woody material on-site whenever possible.

Aquatic Habitat (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-10) Where determined to be a problem, aquatic species may be chemically controlled only when mechanical or biological control is impractical or not likely to be effective.

Springs, Seeps, Fens, Sinkholes, and Shrub Swamps (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-13 through 2-15)

Designate springs, seeps, fens, sinkholes, and shrub swamps as 8.1 Management Prescription areas when the feature is listed or qualifies for listing in the MDC Natural Heritage Database as a significant, exceptional, or notable natural feature site.

Evaluate newly discovered fens and seeps and consider them for inclusion in the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Natural Heritage Database.

Prohibit all mechanical disturbances on springs, seeps, fens, sinkholes, and shrub swamps, regardless of size. Establish a buffer zone of 100 feet in radius from the outside edge of:

• Small, isolated fens less than 400-square feet in size; • Seeps greater than 200-square feet in size or which support associated natural

communities;



• Springs; • Sinkholes; and • Shrub swamps.

For fens greater than 400-square feet in area, and not designated as 8.1, establish a buffer zone of 300 feet on the lateral and downstream sides and 500 feet on the upstream side. Within these buffer zones, prohibit the following activities, unless needed to meet specific restoration objectives:

• Rangeland management, including grazing; • Significant soil disturbance; • Use of chemicals; . . . • Vehicle and heavy equipment use; • Timber management activities; . . . • Refueling of equipment; and • Fertilizer application.

When a feature within these buffer zones has high public use, consider adding or improving trails to concentrate foot traffic or closing the area to public use.

If existing roads interfere with the natural flow of groundwater seepage and springs associated with adjacent fens and seeps, where feasible restore the natural hydrologic flow if such activities would not result in a loss of habitat.

Manage wetland natural communities that are fire-dependent (see Appendix A) with a fire regime (timing and intensity) similar to that with which the communities evolved.

Constructed Waterholes and Wildlife Ponds (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-14) Construct waterholes only where natural or constructed water sources are limited or lacking. Manage and rehabilitate existing waterholes as a priority over constructing new ones. When rehabilitating waterholes they should be irregular in shape and natural in appearance.

Place one or more brush piles or rock piles along the north bank of artificial ponds as needed to provide amphibian habitat.

Maintain several large (at least 4-inch dbh) pieces of downed woody material (logs, stumps, and large branches) along the north bank of constructed ponds, partially submerged in the water. Remove trees and shrubs along the pond bank only if needed to prevent roots from penetrating the dam.



Snags, Dens, Cavity Trees, and Downed Woody Debris (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-14) Whenever vegetation management is undertaken, leave standing dead trees, cavity or den trees, and downed woody material whenever possible, while providing for public safety and the achievement of resource management goals and objectives.

Prescribed Fire (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-15 through 2-16) Allow fire to burn into all natural community types on compartment-size (or larger) prescribed burns. Allow fire to burn through sensitive natural communities, in designated old growth areas, and toward streams and drainages. Fires should be allowed to extinguish naturally within these areas unless otherwise needed to meet project specific objectives.

Prescribed burning may be done within the buffer zone for occupied Indiana bat male roost trees, if a fireline is manually constructed no less than 25 feet from, and completely around, the tree to prevent it from catching fire. (Reference Standards and Guidelines for Indiana bat in the Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive species section of Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife.) Where practical and safe for firefighters and the public, utilize existing natural or manmade barriers, such as drainages, cliffs, streams, roads, and trails instead of constructed firelines.

Encourage hand-constructed firelines where feasible and practical.

Locate firelines to minimize the need to remove standing dead trees before, during, or after prescribed burn operations.

Firelines and water diversion structures must not drain directly into stream channels, sinkholes, or other specialized habitats. Revegetate soils disturbed by constructed firelines by encouraging growth of existing on-site vegetation where possible. Mechanically constructed firelines for prescribed fires are prohibited in the following areas:

• Within 100 feet from the upslope break or crest of the sinkhole; • Within 100 feet of sinkhole ponds, springs, seeps, fens, shrub swamps, rock

bluffs, outcrops, cliffs, and glades, • Within the RMZ [Riparian Management Zone]. . . .

Mechanically constructed firelines for prescribed burns should avoid the WPZ [Watercourse Protection Zone]. When there is no feasible alternative, lines crossing these areas should not disturb the ground (i.e., lift the blade) for 50 feet on each side of the channel.

Pesticide Use (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-19 through 2-20) Use pesticides only after alternative analysis clearly demonstrates that pesticide use is the most effective means to meet overall management objectives. The use of pesticides must comply with the product label.



Areas treated with pesticides shall be signed, as appropriate, to ensure users are informed of possible exposure.

Use the least impacting application method needed for effective control of the target species. Wash and rinse equipment used in the mixing and application of pesticides and fertilizers in areas where runoff will not reach surface waters, wetlands, fens, sinks, or special other habitats.

Recreation (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-21) Dispersed and developed recreation uses and resource management activities shall conform to the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classification for the management area in which it occurs.

Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-24) Off-road vehicles that comply with State and local laws are allowed on all National Forest System roads that are open and have a National Forest System road number. Other use of off-road vehicles on National Forest System lands is prohibited unless on designated off-road vehicle trails or the Chadwick Motorcycle Special Use area.

Visual Management (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-24) Determine the Visual Quality Objective (VQO) for a specific area by referring to the visual quality matrix found in the standards and guidelines for each management prescription. Use variety classes and sensitivity levels as mapped for each district. They may be changed based on field conditions. Criteria for determining variety class and sensitivity level are documented in Forest Plan, Appendix G.

Resource management activities must meet or exceed the established VQO. Allow a short-term reduction, the equivalent of one VQO, for central hardwood regeneration or similarly impacting activities. Foreground sensitivity level 1 (fg1) or foreground sensitivity level 2 (fg2) areas must not be reduced below modification. Retain the original VQO for adjusted areas, and meet it within 20 years after initial entry into the corridor or viewshed. Residue treatment requirements must meet those specified for the original VQO. Within fg1 and fg2 areas with a VQO of retention or partial retention:

• Mitigate negative visual impacts concurrently with or immediately after each phase or activity;

• Complete mitigating measures for each cutting unit or project area before beginning activities in the next sequential block or project area in the same corridor or viewshed; and

• Complete obligations specified by a contract or a project prescription within one year from initiation of activities for any single cutting unit or project area. Emphasize completing all work within these areas in a systematic manner within the shortest practical time.



Within fg1 and fg2 areas with a VQO of modification, the standards are the same as above except the total lapsed time from initiation of activities to completion of obligations specified by a contract or a project prescription shall not exceed two years for any sale block or project area.

Heritage Resources (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-26 through 2-27) Comply with current Memorandum of Understanding (between the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Mark Twain National Forest), Programmatic Agreements, or other requirements regarding implementation of the forest heritage program. Consult with Native American groups and appropriate cultural or ethnic groups who may have a potential interest in heritage resources, including traditional cultural properties and sacred sites. Ensure that adequate heritage surveys are complete and assess project effects on significant heritage resources prior to decisions related to management activities. Project activities should avoid known potentially significant heritage resources whenever possible, including sites which have not been evaluated or which have been determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Evaluate sites which cannot be avoided, or when project cannot be deferred or relocated. If heritage resources or human remains are discovered during project implementation, the work shall be halted near the find until a professional archaeologist assesses the situation. Preserve and protect human remains in their original interred location. If unintentional discovery of human remains occurs, follow provisions set forth in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 and Provisions set forth in Chapter 214, Cemeteries, and Chapter 194, Unmarked Human Burials, Revised Statutes of Missouri.

Timber Management Harvesting (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-27 through 2-28)

Use silvicultural systems, harvest methods, and intermediate treatments to move the forest towards the desired condition. Base the decision on which type of systems, methods, and treatments to use on a particular site on management objectives, natural community type, stand conditions, and the silvical characteristics of the species present or desired.

Designate as permanent old growth all stands or groupings of trees at least two acres in size and greater than 175 years old. Apply management activities in old growth only when the objective is enhancement of natural communities and old growth characteristics. Provide for sufficient shade and large woody material recruitment to meet WPZ [Watercourse Protection Zone] objectives when developing silvicultural prescriptions.



Intermediate harvests should generally leave the oldest and or largest trees to meet basal area objectives.

All even-aged regeneration harvests shall retain at least 7%-10% of the harvest unit in reserve trees and/or reserve tree groups. Reserve trees and reserve tree groups should include a combination of the following:

• The largest, long-lived species occurring on the site (pine, white oak, post oak, hickory, black gum);

• Standing dead trees; and

• Cavity or den trees.

Space reserve trees and reserve tree groups to mimic natural community structure and composition.

Include a combination of at least five trees in reserve tree groups. Where opportunities permit, locate some reserve tree groups within drainages.

Leave downed woody material on site whenever possible.

Rotation Ages (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-28) With the exception of Management Prescriptions 1.1 and 1.2, the following rotation ages should normally apply:

• 70 years for Red, Black, and Scarlet oak;

• 70 years for Shortleaf pine; and

• 90 years for Post and White oak.

Temporary Openings Created by Even-aged Regeneration Harvest (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-28 through 2-29)

The maximum size of a temporary opening created by an even-aged regeneration harvest is 40 acres except as provided for in Management Prescriptions 1.1 and 1.2 or as noted below. Temporary openings created by even-aged regeneration harvest in excess of the maximum size allowed by management prescription standards and guidelines may occur if one of the following applies:

• On an individual sale basis after 60 days public notice and review by the Regional Forester; and

• In areas of salvage or sanitation activities resulting from disturbance events caused by fires, weather events, or outbreaks of disease or insect attacks.

A temporary opening created by even-aged regeneration harvest is: • a clearcut, • a seed tree cut, or • a shelterwood cut with a total basal area (including reserve trees) of less than 50.



Although not defined as a temporary opening, shelterwoods with a total basal area greater than 50 should be 40 acres or less in size.

Do not locate new even-aged regeneration harvest temporary openings adjacent to existing temporary openings when the combined total of the areas exceeds the maximum opening size. Separate temporary openings by a stand of at least manageable size and configuration (normally 10 acres or larger). Temporary openings should be at least 330 feet apart.

A temporary opening shall no longer be considered a temporary opening when the stand has reached a height of 15 feet. Not more than 10 chains (660 feet) of temporary opening may occur along any 40 chains (0.5 miles) of a hiker or horse trail (including the Ozark Trail) during a decade.

Reforestation (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-29) When shortleaf pine seeding or planting is prescribed, use genetically improved seed or stock developed from native Mark Twain National Forest superior trees. Adequate advanced regeneration should be present in oak types where a final regeneration harvest is prescribed.

Mechanical site preparation that exposes bare soil on more than 25% of the treated area is not allowed.

Timber Stand Improvement (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-29) Release treatments for even-aged management should be made only once per rotation. The treatments should be made no later than 10 years of age for pine stands, and no later than 15 years of age for hardwood or hardwood-pine stands.

Precommercial thinning for even-aged management should only be scheduled in stands that will not be merchantable within 10 years.

Apply precommercial treatments to each entry to achieve structural objectives for stands managed under uneven-aged silvicultural systems.

Management objectives should be met through commercial practices or through firewood cuts when feasible.

Salvage (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-29) Salvage timber resources damaged by natural or man-caused disturbance events when salvage activities are compatible with overall resource goals and objectives, management prescriptions, or to protect public safety.

Plan salvage activities to leave at least 10%-15% of the affected area, unless the area presents an unacceptable risk to public health or safety, or threatens forest health. These areas should be in a variety of patch sizes and distributions on the landscape.

Salvage of dead or dying timber and other sanitation removals may occur in the RMZ, when the riparian values are protected and the activities are needed to protect public safety, resource values, and maintain the health of the forest.



Sale Preparation and Administration (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-30) Design and implement all ground-disturbing activities to prevent or minimize soil dislocation, compaction, rapid runoff, disruption of water movement, and distribution or loss of water and soil quality. If heritage resources or human remains are discovered during project implementation, halt the work near the find until a professional archaeologist assesses the situation. Prohibit timber harvest activities within 100 feet of the edge of a sinkhole, cave entrance, or within the buffer zone for wetland features. (Reference: Forestwide Standards and Guidelines for Geological Features under Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife management.) Allow timber management activities within the RMZ [Riparian Management Zone] only to move the area towards the desired condition. Restrict equipment operation within the WPZ [Watercourse Protection Zone] and RMZ to designated crossings or other approved locations. Mechanized equipment may make one to two passes off designated skid trails within the WPZ when needed to facilitate management activities, but not within the 25-foot buffer zone.

Ensure all equipment used for harvesting and hauling operations is serviced outside of the RMZ and WPZ. Within 25 feet of a WPZ stream channel:

• Do not cut trees, unless necessary to move the area towards the desired condition or to facilitate designated crossings; and

• Do not operate mechanized equipment, except at designated skid trail locations. When possible, avoid cutting trees that are anchoring the banks of all drainages, including those that are not within the RMZ or WPZ. If these trees must be cut, the stump and root system should be left in place and intact whenever possible.

Remove tops from drainages within the RMZ and WPZ, and avoid concentrations of tops and slash in drainages outside the RMZ and WPZ.

National Recreation Trails (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-30) Restrict logging activity to leaf-off periods within the near foreground of National Recreation Trails. Prohibit vehicles on National Recreation Trails except at approved trail crossings. Leave flowering and colorful vegetation species within the near foreground zone of National Recreation Trails whenever feasible.

Where feasible, place paint marks used for identification of project work on the side of the tree away from the trail so marks are not visible from the trail.



Temporary Roads (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-30) Temporary road management direction is documented under Forestwide Standards and Guidelines for Transportation System.

Skidding and Skid Trails (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-31) Suspend operations during wet periods when excessive rutting and soil displacement are anticipated.

When removing felled trees from areas of soils with high rutting or compaction potential, methods must be used which minimize rutting or displacing soil (i.e., use of low ground pressure skidders, operate when the ground is dry or frozen). Soils with a high compaction potential are listed in Appendix B.

Skidder operation is prohibited on slopes over 35%. Do not use stream channels or drainages as skid trails or temporary logging roads. Skid trails should not drain directly into roads, areas of disturbed mineral soil, sinkholes, fens, springs, or watercourses.

Do not use recreation trails as skid trails or temporary logging roads. Where skidding across a recreation trail is unavoidable, it shall be at a right angle and at designated locations. Prohibit skid trails within 100 feet of the edge of a sinkhole, cave entrance, or other karst feature, or within the buffer zone for wetland features. (Reference Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for Geological Features under Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife management.)

Keep erosion control work as up to date as practical.

Implement adequate erosion control measures on skid trails to reduce the amount of sediment leaving a given area (see table 2-7). Table 2-7. Recommended spacing between drainage features.

Skid-trail grade (%) Distance between features (feet)

5 to 10 125 10 to 20 60 20 to 30 40 30 to 35 30

Provide at least 600 feet between skid trails crossing National Recreation Trails, except where topography requires occasional approval of closer trails.

Revegetation (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-31 through 2-32) Revegetate soils disturbed by National Forest management activities by allowing growth of existing on-site vegetation where possible and desirable.



Where on-site vegetation is not desirable, or not likely to quickly revegetate the site, use one or more of the following methods:




• Scarify to establish seedbed. Landings (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-32)

Log landings are prohibited within 100 feet of a recreational trail. Locate log-decking areas so they are not visible from National Recreation Trails. Locate log landings outside of the WPZ and RMZ.

Transportation System (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-39 through 2-40) The Transportation Atlas shows the current road network on the forest. Any management activity that modifies the transportation atlas, such as adding new National Forest System roads or decommissioning unclassified roads, should be informed by a roads analysis, according to FSM 7710.

Motorized use of National Forest System roads is allowed in accordance with State law and closure orders. Restrict vehicle travel on roads as needed due to environmental concerns, lack of funding, user conflicts, or to achieve ROS objectives.

If heritage resources or human remains are discovered during project implementation, halt the work near the find until a professional archaeologist assesses the situation. Use minimum road construction, reconstruction, and maintenance standards necessary to meet management area objectives, protect area resources, accommodate design vehicles, and provide safe and efficient travel.

Schedule road construction, reconstruction, and maintenance to take advantage of favorable weather and ground conditions, and to avoid high stream flows.

Existing roads should be used in preference to the construction of new ones.

Locate new roads outside the RMZ and WPZ, unless there is no feasible alternative.

Design local roads to conform to natural contours of the land and meet the needs of the design vehicle, utilizing broad based dips and outslopes for drainage in lieu of culverts. Justify higher local road standards on a case-by-case basis.



Design roads so the runoff does not change natural hydrologic functioning of karst or wetland features. Whenever possible, avoid road construction:

• Within 100 feet from the upslope break or crest of the sinkhole, other karst feature, rock bluffs, outcrops, or cliffs; . . .

• Within the buffer zone for wetland features, (Reference Forestwide Standards and Guidelines for Geological Features under Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife management.); and

• Within, or near, collapsed features or losing streams.

If existing roads interfere with the natural flow of groundwater seepage and springs associated with adjacent fens and seeps, restore the natural hydrologic flow where feasible if such activities would not result in a loss of habitat.

Reconstruction or Construction (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-40) Construct road grades at less than 10%, although steeper grades may be suitable for short sections of road.

Design and construct drainage features so that run-off water is spread, retained, or infiltrated below or beyond drainage features. Install drainage features at appropriate intervals to prevent erosion. Construct temporary pools at the end of outlet ditches whenever possible.

Revegetate soils disturbed by National Forest management activities by allowing growth of existing on-site vegetation where possible and desirable. Where on-site vegetation is not desirable, or not likely to quickly revegetate the site, use one or more of the following methods:




• Scarify to establish seedbed.

Maintenance (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-40) Determine maintenance level by functional class, traffic volume, management area guidelines, associated resource outputs, and available funding.

Maintain roads to a level necessary for Forest generated traffic. When public traffic is generated by non-forest activities, contact and work with the appropriate county to assume their share of maintenance responsibilities.



Maintain roads to at least Maintenance Level III if passenger car travel is intended. Maintain all roads in a condition that protects the Government investment unless an economic analysis determines that deterioration and future reconstruction is more cost-effective.

Hazard trees should be identified and removed between November 1 and April 1 whenever possible.

Temporary Roads (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, pp. 2-41 through 2-42) Stream channels and drainages shall not be used as travel ways for any mechanized equipment. Temporary roads are prohibited within the RMZ [Riparian Management Zone] and WPZ [Watercourse Protection Zone] except at designated locations. Minimize stream channel crossings by temporary roads within the RMZ or WPZ.

Locate stream channel crossings within a stable reach and harden if needed.

Remove hardening material and restore the original contours of the banks and approaches when practical and as needed.

The Forest Service must approve layouts of any temporary access under permit, lease, or contract before construction. Whenever possible, avoid temporary road construction:

• Within 100 feet from the upslope break or crest of sinkholes, other karst features, rock bluffs, outcrops, or cliffs;

• Within 100 feet of glades;

• Within the buffer zone for wetland features (reference: Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for Geological Features under Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife management); and

• Within or near collapsed features or losing streams.

Intermittent springs and seeps that appear during or after construction of temporary roads may be drained to avoid erosion during the period they are in use.

Temporary roads should be designed and located so they do not change natural hydrologic functioning of karst or wetland features.

Temporary roads should not drain directly into roads, areas of disturbed mineral soil, sinkholes, fens, springs, other small wetlands, or watercourses. Install drainage features at appropriate intervals to prevent erosion.

Erosion control work should be kept up to date to minimize soil movement.

Decommission temporary accesses when no longer needed for the purpose for which it was developed.



Unneeded Roads (Adapted from 2005 Forest Plan, p. 2-42) All unneeded roads under Forest Service jurisdiction should be decommissioned.

Priority for decommissioning shall be given to those roads that pose the greatest risk to public safety or where use is causing unacceptable resource damage.

Standards and guidelines for specific Management Prescriptions are addressed within the body of the report. Note that the 2005 Forest Plan includes other standards and guidelines that may apply to the implementation of project activities that will be followed as the project is implemented. If unique conditions were to be encountered during project implementation, all appropriate 2005 Forest Plan standards and guidelines would be implemented.