red knight restoration project scoping...

Red Knight Restoration Project

Scoping Document

USDA - Forest Service, Region 6

Fremont-Winema National Forests, Chemult Ranger District

Klamath County, Oregon

T30S R11E Sec 1-12, 14-18; T29S R11E Sec 7-36; T29S R10E Sec 12-14, 23-27, 34-36; T30S

R10E Sec 1-4; 11-12.

Red Knight Restoration Project Scoping Document March 28, 2012

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I. Introduction

The Red Knight Restoration Project area is approximately 32,309 acres of predominately

ponderosa pine stands in the southeastern portion of the Chemult Ranger District, Fremont-

Winema National Forest (see the map on the cover page 1). This project would use

underburning, small tree thinning, commercial harvest, and other methods (see pages 16-18 for

more detail) to restore the health, diversity, and productivity of the forest, streams and riparian

areas in the Red Knight area, and to make them more resilient to a variety of stresses and

pressures, including climate change, altered disturbance regimes, non-native invasive species and

increasing pressures from an expanding human population that could lead to a large-scale loss of

forested habitat. The restoration of the project area to more closely resemble historic conditions

would meet the intent of A Plan for the Klamath Tribes’ Management of the Klamath

Reservation Forest (2008).

The area is bordered on the east by the Fremont National Forest, on the west by the Silver Lake

Highway, on the north by private lands, and on the south by the Modoc Restoration Project area.

The area is bordered on the southeast by the Yamsay Mountain Semi-primitive Recreation Area,

and the Yamsay Mountain Inventoried Roadless Area. The southwestern boundary borders the

Williamson River valley and numerous private cattle ranches. The entire area falls within the

former Klamath Indian Reservation lands. There are no private lands within the Red Knight

project area.

There is an active sheep allotment within the project area. There are no threatened, endangered,

sensitive, or native fish in any of the streams in the project area. The entire project area is mule

deer summer range. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service federally threatened,

endangered and proposed species was reviewed for species that may be present on the Fremont-

Winema National Forest. The listed species (Northern spotted owl) has no habitat in the project

area.

II. The Collaborative Restoration Process

The Red Knight interdisciplinary team has been collecting field data and having discussions and

meetings in order to determine the existing condition, the desired future condition, and the

difference between the two, which is our purpose and need that drives the proposed actions

discussed later in this document. This scoping document is a part of the collaborative public

involvement process.

Scoping and Public Involvement

The public notification process for this project began with the listing of the proposed project on

the Forest Schedule of Proposed Actions for January-March 2012.

Issues

Issues highlight effects or unintended consequences that may occur from the proposed action and

alternatives, giving opportunities during the analysis to reduce adverse effects and compare

trade-offs for the decision-maker and public to understand. An issue should be phrased as a

cause-effect statement relating proposed actions to effects. “An issue statement should describe

a specific action and the environmental effect(s) expected to result from that action (FSH

1909.15, 12.4).” The regulation at 40 CFR 1500.4(g) sets forth direction to use the scoping


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process to identify issues deserving of study, and also to deemphasize insignificant issues, thus

narrowing the scope of the environmental assessment accordingly.

Issues deserving of study will be described as “key issues.” Key issues will be used to formulate

alternatives. The alternatives respond to key issues identified during initial project scoping, both

public and internal.

The Klamath Tribes

In keeping with the 1992 amendments to the National Historic Preservation Act and the 1999

Memorandum of Agreement, the Forest Service has and will continue to consult with the

Klamath Tribes to identify and consider traditional cultural values, tribal use areas, plant

gathering areas, spiritual places, religious sites, and traditional use areas. As an agency of the

executive branch of the United States government, the USDA Forest Service has a trust

responsibility to consult with federally recognized tribes regarding any policy, initiative or

decision that has the potential to affect tribal interests including treaty resources, cultural values

or the exercise of treaty rights by tribal members. The Treaty of 1864 established the right of

taking fish and gathering edible roots, seeds, and berries on reservation lands. Nothing in the

proposed action is inconsistent with any Treaty Rights held by tribal governments. All of the

Red Knight project area is within the boundaries of the former Klamath Indian Reservation. In

accordance with the 1981 Consent Decree, the Forest Service has a legal responsibility to consult

with the Klamath Tribes regarding land management activities on National Forest lands.

The Klamath Tribes were notified about the Red Knight project at the Tribal pre-SOPA

(Schedule of Proposed Actions) meeting prior to publishing of the January-March 2012 SOPA

and also at the Klamath Tribal Member Listening Session in Chiloquin, OR on October 25, 2011.

The Klamath Tribes Natural Resources Director, Cultural Resource Protection Specialist, and

Culture and Heritage Director consulted with the Forest Service during pre-SOPA meetings.

The Klamath Tribes helped to develop the proposed action. The Tribal Natural Resources

Director and Director’s assistant as well as the Cultural Resource Protection Specialist and

Cultural Protection Officer consulted with the Forest Service interdisciplinary team during

meetings, work sessions, phone and e-mail discussions, and field trips. The Klamath Tribes

toured the project area with the Forest Service several times between 2007 and 2012. Areas

representing proposed treatments were visited. Implementation methodology and end results

were discussed. The Klamath Tribes have indicated concerns for:

a variety of wildlife species, particularly mule deer;

traditional use plants;

cultural site protection;

the appearance of the landscape;

exercising treaty rights, and;

Yamsay Mountain as a cultural landscape, including Traditional Cultural Property.

Restoration

“Restoration” is a way of describing much of the Forest Service’s work aimed at addressing

altered disturbance regimes, non-native invasive species, and increasing pressures and impacts

from an expanding human population on National Forest System lands. The Forest Service has


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conducted restoration-related activities across many programs for decades. The concept of

restoration is threaded throughout existing program directives and collaborative efforts.

However, an internal Forest Service study, Ecosystem Restoration: A Framework for Restoring

and Maintaining the National Forests and Grasslands, also known as the Restoration Framework,

found that the concept of ecological restoration has not been well understood nor consistently

implemented within the agency (Ecological Restoration, 2011).

Ecological Restoration is defined in Forest Service Manual Chapter 2020 as “the process of

assisting the recovery of resilience and adaptive capacity of ecosystems that have been degraded,

damaged, or destroyed. Restoration focuses on establishing the composition, structure, pattern,

and ecological processes necessary to make terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems sustainable,

resilient, and healthy under current and future conditions” (Ecological Restoration, 2011). This

broadens the definition of ecological restoration beyond the traditional approach of

reestablishing specific past resource conditions, such as those defined by historical range of

variation. Because restoration objectives reflect diverse public values, ecological restoration is

based upon collaboration. The Red Knight interdisciplinary team is engaging in a collaborative

process in reestablishing the historic range of variability, while also using additional actions to

restore the Red Knight project area (see pages 16-18 for more detail).

III. Historic Condition

Historically, much of the Winema National Forest burned annually, primarily in the frequent-fire

adapted ponderosa pine forest type. These fires were predominately low in severity and

maintained structural stages and species composition within their historic range of variability, as

well as lower levels of dead woody material and shrubs. Regular fire occurrence also resulted in

the understory vegetation being dominated by grasses and forbs. These lowered forest fuel

levels resulted in naturally occurring fire intensities being low.

Shifts away from historic conditions are evident in the plant associations that support ponderosa

pine. Historically, ponderosa pine dominated the forests from the lower elevations in the west up

into the mixed conifer areas (where lodgepole pine and white fir typically grew into the

understory between fire cycles). Only in occasional pockets would large old, white fir or large

lodgepole pine develop mostly in the higher elevations or northerly aspects where there was a

little more moisture available.

Decades of aggressive initial attack and full suppression tactics have been on-going since the

1900s. Recent past harvests (since the 1970s) have covered approximately 7,118 acres (22%) of

the Red Knight area. Much of the area had the large diameter ponderosa pine selectively

harvested after 1945 when it was part of the Klamath Indian Reservation. From 1970-1993

approximately 7,000 acres were harvested in the ponderosa pine stands mostly selection harvests

and some overstory removals. Some stands had the large overstory ponderosa pine harvested to

release the “vigorous white fir understory.” The faster-growing white fir and lodgepole pine

were released and encroached into the higher elevations and areas of relatively low precipitation

with the lack of fire. Much of the lower elevations of Red Knight in the areas near Long Prairie

were part of a mountain pine beetle epidemic in the late 1980s and many of the 7-9 inch diameter

lodgepole pine died. The lodgepole pine was salvaged through end result contracts and large

scale firewood units. Shelterwood and seed tree harvests as well as planting of lodgepole pine

also occurred in the Red Knight project area. There has not been any vegetation management


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activity in the Red Knight area since the harvest of Cinder Timber Sale unit #3 in 1993 and its

associated 352 acre underburn in 1997.

IV. Existing Condition

Suppression of the natural fire cycle, a selective logging history, and climate change have led to

above normal fuel loads, disrupted natural nutrient cycling, increased risk of widespread

disturbances (insects such as mountain pine beetle, disease such as dwarf mistletoe, and fire

mortality), change in tree species to more fire-intolerant mixed conifer, conifer encroaching into

and suppressing the hardwood communities within riparian ecosystems where historically fire

would have controlled conifer encroachment, conifer encroaching into and suppressing the

number of native plant species (diversity) and changing the composition in riparian areas, and

change in stand structures to a multi-canopied, dense forest with more small trees and fewer large

trees across the landscape.

The project area has mostly gently rolling terrain dotted with numerous cinder cones and

meandering drainages running mostly east to west from the northwest flanks of Yamsay Mountain

to the broad Williamson River valley. McCarty Flat is a large 619 acre scab flat on the east

boundary of the project area. Elevation ranges from 6,500 feet in the southeast corner near

Yamsay Mountain Semi-primitive Recreation Area to 4,600 feet at the Jackson Creek diversion

ditch near private property. The vegetation in the Red Knight project area is influenced by an east

west precipitation and elevation gradient. The existing total road density within the project area is

5.43 miles per square mile.

The vegetation of the area consists of three major plant groups including approximately 24,178

acres of dry ponderosa pine, approximately 4,341 acres of dry lodgepole pine, and approximately

3, 046 acres of dry mixed conifer. There are also an approximate 702 acres of riparian areas that

have hardwoods, forbs and other native plants. The majority of the project area’s existing

disturbance regime is highly departed from the historic regime, giving most of the Red Knight

area a condition class of 3, and putting much of the project area at risk of stand-replacing

wildfires.

Ponderosa Pine

Shifts away from historic conditions are evident in the plant associations that support ponderosa

pine. The approximate 24,178 acres of ponderosa pine stands in the Red Knight area are

predominantly multi-storied with dense mid and understories of ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine

and in the higher elevations white fir. There are many stands with overstory large diameter

(>21” diameter breast height (DBH)) ponderosa pine that are competing for water and nutrients

with the mid and understory smaller diameter trees. Many of the large trees have died over the

past 20 years due to competition, drought and other stresses. The frequent fire adapted

ponderosa pine forests in the project area are highly departed from the historic conditions. The

stands are dense, multi-storied and contain species that are not adapted to frequent fires such as

lodgepole pine and white fir. The stands are overstocked (too many trees growing in an area)

and have pockets of trees being attacked by insects and diseases including mountain pine beetle,

dwarf mistletoe, and annosus root rots. Bitterbrush is much more abundant in the shrub layer

and grasses are less abundant than historically. Greenleaf manzanita and snowbrush are

abundant in the shrub layer at higher elevations and increase with ground disturbance.


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Mixed Conifer

At the higher elevations of the Red Knight project area (5,500 feet to 6,500 feet) and on north

aspects of Little Yamsay are the approximate 3,046 acres of pine associated or dry mixed conifer

plant groups. Conifers include ponderosa pine, which dominates on south slopes, white fir, sugar

pine, and lodgepole pine. Most of the stands have very dense multi-story structure. Below about

35 inches of precipitation white fir becomes more at risk of mortality due to drought. Above 35

inches of precipitation white fir can be maintained as a component of the stand and contribute to

the large tree character and habitat associated with large decadent white fir. In the absence of

fire over the past century, shade-tolerant and fire-intolerant white fir has extended its range down

slope and into the ponderosa pine forest type. The white firs are attacked by fir engraver insects,

fir mistletoe, armillaria, annosus root rots, and Indian paint fungus.

Lodgepole Pine

In the Red Knight area, lodgepole pine stand conditions are a result of the history of disturbance

agents such as mountain pine beetles and fire. Where mountain pine beetle attacks were

successful and followed by a fire event, even-aged stands became established. Where mountain

pine beetle attacks were successful without a fire event, multi-aged structure occurred as gaps.

Because mountain pine beetles killed clumps of trees, the stands opened up to allow regeneration

to occur. Due to the absence of fire, lodgepole pine is well established near meadows and wet

stringers throughout the Red Knight area and interspersed throughout the ponderosa pine plant

groups. The approximate 4,341 acres of stands dominated by lodgepole pine are mostly in the

lower elevations of the project area near Long Prairie. With its characteristic prolific seeding

and high seed viability, lodgepole pine has established itself as a component of most of the plant

associations (dry to wet) and with the lack of fire, it has greatly increased the stand densities in

the project area. A recent mountain pine beetle outbreak has affected most of the project area

including clumps of lodgepole pine near the base of Yamsay Mountain. Dwarf mistletoe,

mountain pine beetle, comandra blister rust, western gall rust, and root rots are the most common

diseases and insects that are influencing the growth and health of the lodgepole pine stands in the

area.

Riparian Areas

Riparian systems include Bear Creek fed by Boundary Springs, Trapper spring and Still spring on

the east side of the project area, Doeskin Creek, Dillon Creek that drains into Jack Creek

(northwest of the RedKnight area), Doe Creek, Knight Creek, Deely Creek, and Rock Creek that

drains into the Long Prairie system on the western side of the project area. Jackson Creek

headwaters begin in the crater of Yamsay Mountain and there are numerous springs on the north

flank of the mountain.

Flat Open Meadows

Management area (MA) 8 - riparian areas includes an approximate 702 acres of meadows

scattered throughout the project area with the largest (over 300 acres) being Long Prairie on

Rock Creek. FR 7600785 and FR 7600786 are causing hydrological resource concerns in Long

Prairie. There are several small meadows (under 50 acres in size) on each of the other creeks.

Lodgepole encroaching into meadows and shading out grasses, forbs and riparian hardwoods is

extensive through most meadows.


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Riparian Stringers

Management area (MA) 8 - riparian areas includes Bear Creek, Dillon Creek, Doeskin Creek,

Doe Creek, Deely Creek, Rock Creek, Knight Creek and several unnamed creeks. All of these

are intermittent, non-fish bearing (MA8B) streams. Jackson Creek is a perennial, fish bearing

(MA8A) stream. There are several roads that cross through or run along these creeks that are

altering drainage patterns, may be contributing fine sediment into the creek, and/or are impacting

hydrologic function. Forest road (FR) 7650420 is 1.88 miles of a ML 2 road that crosses

Doeskin creek. FR 4973130 crosses Jackson Creek and is eroding sediment into the creek

annually. The last 0.80 miles of FR 4975000 from rock creek to FR 7645000 has poor drainage.

Much of the Jackson Creek Campground is located within the Jackson Creek riparian corridor.

The campground and adjacent former guard station have pit toilets which drain directly into the

groundwaters of Jackson Creek. This is not consistent with riparian management objectives and

State water quality guidelines. The former guard station is located near the creek and attracts

regular vehicle and foot traffic, resulting in soil compaction, prevention of establishment of

ground covering vegetation, and increased surface and fine sediment runoff directly into the

creek. The eastern 0.88 miles of FR 4900740, east of Jackson Creek Campground, is located

within the riparian reserve of Jackson Creek. The presence of this road is retarding the

reestablishment of large conifer and is causing erosion of fine pumice sediments from the road

surface.

The riparian stringer near Boundary Springs has lodgepole encroaching into the riparian zone

around the spring, shading out hardwoods and other desirable riparian vegetation. FR 7645460

comes down the hill to the edge of the spring head and travels along the creek below the spring

head for a short distance. This road is directing sediment into the creek. Trapper spring and Still

spring are on the east side of the project area.

Springs

There are several springs in the project area, none of which have any private water right

ownership. Boundary Springs has a special use permit for traditional use camping and a livestock

water development in close proximity to the spring head. There are many standing dead hazard

trees within the traditional use campsite. The water development consists of a spring box that is

piped over to a round wood tank in the campsite. Infrastructure is in various stages of disrepair.

Trapper spring and Still spring are on the east side of the project area.

Fire Regime Condition Class

There has been a shift in fuel and stand structure from that characterized by frequent low-intensity

to infrequent stand-replacing fires. Increased understory growth has created much higher fuel

loadings both in a vertical and horizontal arrangement. Ground fuels such as litter, dead branches,

brush, and large down wood that once were consumed by light surface fires have now

accumulated to amounts seldom seen historically. Approximately 65 percent of the project area is

characterized as condition class 3, a high departure from historic conditions (see Figure 1 on the

following page). Given the current stand structures and fuel loadings, the size and intensity of

wildfire has been and will continue to increase from its historical function.


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Figure 1. Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC) and departure from

historic conditions for the Red Knight project area, using local data.


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Plants and Wildlife

There are numerous plant, fungi and lichen species present in the project area that are of interest

to the Klamath Tribes for cultural or other reasons. Most species of interest to the Klamath

Tribes are probably under-represented in their current distribution relative to the historic

occurrence of these species within the project boundary. The majority of the species of interest

are early to mid-successional. Some of these species may occur in lesser numbers than

historically because of the dominance of dense conifer stands in parts of the project area and the

lack of fire as a disturbance.

Shrub and forb densities in the understory are in decline and will continue to decrease as the

canopies increase (Peek et al., 2000; Bussey, 2009). These understory species provide an

important contribution to the biological diversity of the area. They also provide a forage base for

a variety of other species including big game, rare insects, small mammals, and birds.

In addition to changes in forage conditions for big game and other species, the increase in tree

density has significantly increased deer and elk hiding cover. In 1992, deer cover analysis

showed that 32% of the area provided hiding cover for big game. The past harvest units and

about a fifth of the big tree ponderosa habitat had open sight distances well across the stands.

Today more than 90% of the area will obscure the view of a deer within 200 feet.

Marten, goshawk, and pileated woodpeckers have habitat within the project area and are

management indicator species for management area 7 - old growth ecosystems on the Winema

National Forest (Winema Land Resource Management Plan (LRMP), 1990). The marten,

goshawk, and pileated woodpecker habitats are currently in fire regime condition class 2 or 3.

Marten are a Winema LRMP management indicator species for mature and old growth mountain

hemlock and high elevation lodgepole pine (Winema LRMP, 1990). The Yamsay Mountain

Semi-primitive Roadless Area adjacent to the Red Knight project area contains the nearest

habitat of this type. However, marten are known to use the mature lodgepole and mixed conifer

habitats in the Red Knight project area. Currently, the expansion of lodgepole and fir into

ponderosa habitat, increase in multi-story structure, and increase in dead wood fuel loads

contribute to forage habitat expansion into ponderosa habitat in the Red Knight project area for

martens.

There is one known goshawk nest site in the Red Knight project area. Northern goshawks are a

Winema LRMP management indicator species for ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and lodgepole

mature and old growth communities. There are 12 designated goshawk management areas in the

Red Knight project area, each ranging in size from about 75 to 300 acres.

Pileated woodpeckers are a Winema LRMP management indicator species for mature and old-

growth ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and areas of large cottonwood or aspen trees. They are

associated with late-seral stages of the subalpine, montane, and lower montane forests. Special

habitat features are snags, down logs, and large hollow trees (Wisdom et al. 2000). Numerous

sightings of pileated woodpeckers have been made in the mixed conifer habitat within the Red

Knight project area, but surveys have not detected any nesting pairs. There are three designated

pileated woodpecker management areas in the Red Knight project area, each around 300 acres in

size. These overlap with the designated goshawk management areas.


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V. Desired Future Condition

The desired future condition for all the forest stands in the Red Knight project area is more

resilient historic conditions (HRV). Resilience to fire, insects, and disease is important so that

disturbance events will not lead to uncharacteristic large-scale loss of forest habitat. Creating a

resilient forest allows for the development and maintenance of diverse wildlife habitats closer to

what occurred historically and decreases the risk of loss to disturbances. Ecosystems functioning

within their HRV are assumed to be more resilient to future changes and be sustainable over

time.

Ponderosa Pine

The desired future condition is a resilient forest with a substantial amount of late and old

structured stands and associated habitats. It is desired for ponderosa pine stands to have less

stocking of fire-intolerant species like lodgepole pine and white fir, reduced densities overall

with a more open landscape, and less incidence of diseases and insects. Desired conditions for

the large ponderosa pine in the area are to be more vigorous with less competition from smaller

diameter trees. Creating conditions for low-intensity fire to be effectively reintroduced into the

ecosystem will allow for the development and maintenance of open stands of large ponderosa

pine.

Mixed Conifer

The desired future condition in the mixed conifer is a resilient forest with a substantial amount of

late and old structured stands and associated habitats. Most of the mixed conifer stands have

extended their range down slope with the suppression of fires over the last century. The higher

elevations in the Red Knight project area have enough precipitation to sustain large diameter

white fir into the near future (>30”DBH), but the lower elevations have relatively low

precipitation and cannot sustain the current stocking or structure of white fir. Ponderosa pine is

the most desired species to maintain in the mixed conifer stands. Clumps of white fir untreated

across the landscape are desirable for diversity of density and structure.

Lodgepole Pine

Desired conditions for lodgepole pine are a mosaic of healthy, vigorous stands with reduced risk

to mountain pine beetle attacks. This includes the late and old structural staged stands that

provide habitat for wildlife species in the area.

Riparian Areas

The desired future conditions for management area 8 are riparian areas that include a diversity of

vegetative types ranging from open meadowlands to forested land to provide instream cover for

fish, bank, and floodplain stability, and habitat for big game and nongame wildlife. It should

also provide for high standards of water quality in terms of temperature, turbidity, and bank

stability for fisheries and recreational uses, and to meet state water quality standards. In

addition, the desired future condition includes a diverse variety of native riparian vegetation

including vigorous, regenerating hardwoods with minimal competition with conifers and a

lowered fire regime condition class with less fuel loading. It is required to have riparian areas

that are consistent with the Inland Native Fish Strategy (INFISH) direction, including

minimalized erosion, sedimentation, soil displacement, and headcutting. The desired future

condition includes having roads that drain and function properly and a reduced number of open


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roads with resource concerns. See table 1 on pages 12-13 and figure 2 on page 14 for the desired

future conditions for all management areas within the project area.

Flat Open Meadows

The desired condition of moist and wet meadows is maintenance of quality and diverse meadow

condition with less stocking of conifers, especially lodgepole pine. It is desirable to provide

adequate forage for big game and livestock. Also desired is a lack of gullying or lowered water

tables, which drain the meadows.

Riparian Stringers

The desired future condition for management area 2A is a minimally developed recreation site at

Jackson Creek with facilities, historic sites, and roads that are consistent with the Inland Native

Fish Strategy (INFISH) direction and State water quality guidelines in a natural appearing forest

environment. See table 1 on pages 12-13 and figure 2 on page 14 for the desired future

conditions for all management areas within the project area.

Springs

The desired future conditions are healthy and restored areas where precipitation infiltrates into

the ground, where water exits the ground (i.e. springs) and other discharge zones and where

water is stored along the hydrological network. The desired future conditions of developed

springs is maintained and restored springs or springs in natural conditions, with high water

quality and quantity.

Fire Regime Condition Class

A fire regime condition class of 1, a low departure from historic conditions, is desireable, as are

more frequent low-intensity fires that maintain understory growth and reduce fuel loadings both

in a vertical and horizontal arrangement.

Plants and Wildlife

The desired future condition for species of interest to the Klamath Tribes, shrubs, forbs, other

understory species, and native riparian plants is to be vigorous, regenerating, diverse in

composition and structure, and more represented in their distribution relative to the historic

occurrence of these species within the project boundary. It is also desired to have a suitable

amount of hiding cover for deer and elk.

The desired future condition for marten is mature and old-growth mountain hemlock or high-

elevation lodgepole pine ecosystems. These communities would consist of multi-canopied

stands containing a high diversity of understory plant species. Special and unique habitat

components include talus slopes, rock piles and crevices, cliffs and rims, snags, stumps, and dead

and down woody material. Nesting northern goshawks and three-toed woodpeckers may be

present (Winema LRMP, 1990).

The desirable goshawk habitat characteristics of management area 7 include multi-storied

canopies comprised of mature tree crowns with sub-canopies of shade-tolerant conifer species of

various ages and heights. Included within the nesting and forging areas would be north-facing

talus slopes or cliffs, water sources, and all downed logs potentially used as goshawk plucking

and/or feeding sites (Winema LRMP, 1990).


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The desired future condition for pileated woodpeckers is multi-storied mature and old-growth

stands of mixed confer, ponderosa pine, and ponderosa pine associated species, as well as

riparian areas of large cottonwood or aspen trees, that provide the preferred nesting and feeding

habitats for pileated woodpeckers. Snags of appropriate species, size, and density are desired to

be available, as well as dead and down woody material and heart rot. Snags for nesting and

foraging would be surrounded by mature or old-growth timber and would be clumped in small

patches throughout the nesting habitat. Nesting northern goshawks may be present (Winema

LRMP, 1990).

Table 1 – Winema Land Resource Management Plan management areas goals, desired

conditions, approximate acres within the Red Knight project area, and approximate

percent of the project area.

Management

Area (MA)

Winema Land Resource Management Plan Goals and Desired

Conditions Acres % of

Area

MA-2 Developed

Recreation (Winema

LRMP 4-94)

Goal- Provide variety of recreation opportunities & development levels at

developed recreation sites. Emphasis is to meet demand for developed

camping, except on holiday weekends. Desired Condition- developed

recreation occurring in a natural-appearing forest environment. A variety

of recreation activities are supported by the appropriate facilities. These

include picnicking, camping, boating, swimming, hiking, riding, cross-

country skiing, and snowmobiling. Developed recreation areas are

generally accessible by passenger car.

58 0.2

MA-3B Scenic

Management,

Foreground

Partial

Retention (Winema

LRMP 4-107)

Goal- Provide attractive scenery that is slightly altered from a natural

condition as viewed in the foreground. Activities may repeat or introduce

form, line, color, or texture common or uncommon to characteristic

landscape, but changes in their qualities of size, amount, intensity,

direction, and pattern must be visually subordinate to the visual strength

of the characteristic landscape. Desired Condition- the same as the

areawide condition with large tree character emphasized and maintained

perpetually in the foreground in all species, except lodgepole pine,

through retaining large-diameter trees in groupings and by having large

trees sometimes scattered individually among other tree size classes. To

achieve diversity, small openings with natural-appearing edges may be

created. Overall, trees with distinctive bark and tree form characteristics,

including occasional character snags, are very evident. Management

activities may be noticeable, but they remain subordinate to the natural

landscape character. An interdisciplinary team desired condition is to not

have landings or slash piles located within sight of main travelways.

1,358 4.2

MA-7 Old Growth

Ecosystems (Winema

LRMP 4-128)

Goal- Provide, maintain, and enhance existing mature and old-growth

communities that are needed to meet the management requirements for

associated wildlife species, for mature successional stage diversity,

preservation of natural gene pools, aesthetic qualities, and to maintain the

inherent values of these ecosystems. Desired Condition- old-growth

environments of mature and overmature communities of lodgepole pine,

ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, ponderosa pine and associated species,

and mountain hemlock/subalpine fir, as well as stands of cottonwood or

aspen. Timber management techniques may be used to enhance low

quality stands to greater potential.

6,313 19.6


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Management

Area (MA)

Winema Land Resource Management Plan Goals and Desired

Conditions Acres % of

Area

MA-8 Riparian

Areas (Winema

LRMP 4-136)

Goal- to protect soil, water, wetland, floodplain, wildlife, and fish resource values associated with riparian vegetative communities and

adjacent drier ecosystems. Management emphasis is on water quality,

deer fawning, wildlife habitat, and aquatic ecosystems. Existing

conditions will be maintained or enhanced. Desired Condition- riparian

vegetative communities containing openings and meadows interspersed

with stands in various successional stages. These stands differ in age,

species composition, density, and size. Riparian vegetation provides

wildlife habitat and adequately protects floodplains, bank stability, and

water quality. Few roads and other facilities are present within the

riparian area. Timber harvest shall be programmed outside of 100 foot

buffers of class 1 streams

1,656 5.1

MA-12 Timber

Production (Winema

LRMP 4-153)

Goal- Produce a high level of growth and timber production with

considerations for economic efficiency and resource protection.

Screening direction is to manage for restoration of late or older seral

stages. Desired Condition- a mosaic of healthy sands capable of

sustaining high levels of timber production. Such stands typically are

comprised of trees that are growing rapidly and have well-developed

crown ratios and low levels of mortality. Timber harvest shall be

programmed.

22,648 70.1

MA-15 Upper

Williamson (Winema

LRMP 4-160)

Goal- Provide a natural-appearing forest setting for dispersed recreation

activities and special wildlife habitats. Desired Condition- a slightly

altered forest environment, including a mix of native coniferous and

deciduous trees and shrubs There is a generally uniform appearing

forested environment with a variety of age classes throughout the

ponderosa pine working group. Cutting units will dominate in the

lodgepole pine working group. Timber harvest shall be programmed.

272 0.8

Total 32,305 100


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Fig

ure 2

. Win

ema L

RM

P m

anag

emen

t areas and sp

ecial use p

ermit (S

UP

) traditio

nal u

se camps w

ithin

the R

ed K

nig

ht

pro

ject area.


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VI. Need for Proposal

The difference between the existing condition and the desired future condition expresses the

following underlying needs within the Red Knight project area:

1. There is a need to amend the Winema LRMP in order to cut and remove white fir larger than

21 inches in ponderosa pine stands to restore single canopy late and old structural stages.

Historic range of variability analysis (Brown, 2012) indicates that the ponderosa pine, mixed

conifer, and lodgepole biophysical types are below the historic range of variability for single

canopy late and old structural stages. Winema LRMP standards and guidelines for the

eastside screens (Revised Continuation of Interim Management Direction Establishing

Riparian, Ecosystem, and Wildlife Standards for Timber Sales, 1995) would not allow the

cutting of green white fir trees larger than 21 inches. To accomplish the desired stand

composition in restoring the ponderosa pine single canopy late and old structural stages to the

landscape, there is a need to amend the Winema LRMP in order to cut and remove white fir

larger than 21 inches.

2. There is a need to amend the Winema LRMP in order to underburn, broadcast burn, or

jackpot burn management area 3B, scenic management, foreground partial retention , with

evidence of charred bark for greater than three years after the work has been completed

(Winema LRMP, 4-107). Also in this management area there is a need for visually appealing

scenery that represents the landscape character of the forest along the Silver Lake Highway.

In order to accomplish desired stand composition along the Silver Lake Highway, it is

necessary to follow up vegetative treatments with a combination of underburning, broadcast

burning, and jackpot burning to treat slash left after vegetation treatments in MA 3 - Scenic

Management along the Silver Lake Highway. Doing so would scorch and leave charred bark

on a portion of trees and would remain evident for longer than three years. There is a need to

amend the Winema LRMP to exempt this action from Scenic standard 1 for Management

Area 3B, Winema LRMP page 4-107.

3. There is a need to restore, enhance, and maintain a healthy forest habitat by developing

spatial patterns, forest composition, structure, and ecological processes more typical of a

sustainable, resilient, and fire-adapted forest. This includes the need for development of

large, open, limby ponderosa pine for replacement eagle nesting structure along the upper

Williamson River corridor.

4. In riparian areas, there is a need to improve vegetation diversity, address adverse soil and

water conditions, provide wildlife habitat, release native riparian plant species from

competition with conifers, and increase hardwood vigor and ability to regenerate.

5. There is a need to reduce road density and reduce adverse resource impacts of roads.

6. There is a need for healthy stands capable of sustaining timber products (including

commercial timber, post and poles, firewood and other products) to the local and regional

economies.


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VII. Proposed Actions

In order to respond to and meet the needs stated above, the Chemult Ranger District is proposing

the following actions (see Figure 3 and 4 on pages 19 and 20 for these actions displayed on

maps):

Amend the Winema LRMP to allow harvest of 21” to 30” DBH white fir to move

multiple-layered ponderosa pine stands towards late and old stage of a single layer where

the ponderosa pine are competing with white fir or other shade-tolerant species

historically held in check by wildfire and maintain shade-intolerant desirable trees less

than 21 inches in diameter where their recruitment into the >21 inch class is reasonably

foreseeable in the near future and when giving preference to them better meets late and

old structural stages objectives (Appendix B Revised Interim Direction, pages 9-14) over

approximately 400 acres.

Amend the Winema LRMP to exempt the following actions from Scenic standard 1 for

Management Area 3B, Winema LRMP page 4-107: a combination of underburning,

broadcast burning, and jackpot burning to treat slash left after vegetation treatments in

management area 3 - scenic management along the Silver Lake Highway. Doing so

would scorch and create charred bark on a portion of trees and would remain evident

after three years over approximately 1,300 acres.

Small tree (less than 7” DBH) thin previously harvested stands and plantations over

approximately 10,984 acres.

Thin from below with small tree thinning utilizing variable spacing over approximately

19,273 acres. Harvest trees from 7”-20.9” DBH and thin below 7” DBH.

Thin stands in management area 15 to promote eagle nesting habitat of large, open, limby

ponderosa pine over approximately 272 acres. This would include reducing small tree

densities around large ponderosa pines and variable density thinning from below.

Ground-based logging systems, including tree felling with mechanical harvesters or chain

saws, and yarding with skidders or forwarders.

Vegetative treatments, which may include leave tops attached, top removal and

delimbing in piles or corridors.

Forest product removal, including timber, posts, poles, firewood and other products, from

commercial harvest and small tree thinning areas.

Manage created or natural fuels to levels more closely resembling historic fuel loads, fire

regimes and conditions by using a variety of actions including leaving tree tops attached

while yarding, delimbing and removing tops in piles or corridors, lopping and scattering

slash, hand piling and machine piling slash, burning slash and/or piles, broadcast burning

and/or under burning over most of the ponderosa pine plant associations.

Prescribed fire maintenance treatments over time following the initial application of

prescribed fire to manage natural fuels to levels more closely resembling historic fuel

loading, fire regime, and vegetative conditions.


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In riparian corridors of hardwood habitat and in riparian meadows, cut conifers <7” DBH

encroaching into hardwood habitat and meadows and commercially harvest encroaching

conifers from 7” DBH to 20.9” DBH in hardwood habitat and meadows where feasible

and desirable over approximately 725 acres. Cut, girdle or otherwise kill and leave

encroaching conifers from 7” DBH to 20.9” DBH in hardwood habitat where it is

commercially infeasible to remove and/or is desirable to leave onsite. Manage created or

natural fuels in riparian corridors to levels more closely resembling historic fuel loads,

fire regimes and conditions by using a variety of actions including leaving tree tops

attached while yarding, delimbing and removing tops in piles or corridors, lopping and

scattering slash, hand piling and machine piling slash, burning slash and/or piles, and/or

broadcast burning. Also in riparian corridors, remove the old guard station near Jackson

Creek Campground from the sensitive riparian habitat along Jackson Creek; relocate the

guard station in a more appropriate location outside of riparian reserves, but near Jackson

Creek Campground if it is feasible; decommission the old toilets at Jackson Creek

Campground; replace existing toilets at Jackson Creek Campground with toilets that

comply with the Winema LRMP, including INFISH direction, and State water quality

guidelines; remove the water development infrastructure at Boundary Springs and restore

spring flow to its natural pattern. All actions within riparian habitat conservation areas

would comply with INFISH direction.

Road maintenance activities on Forest system roads needed for implementation of the

proposed action may include surface blading, ditch pulling, light to medium roadside

brushing, culvert cleaning, small quantity cutbank slump removal, snow plowing, dust

abatement and maintenance of existing drainage structures (i.e. water bars, drain dips).

Establish temporary roads to access portions of units that are not readily accessible from

existing forest roads and decommission temporary roads following treatments.

Reduce road density and adverse effects of roads by closing and decommissioning roads

as recommended through project-level travel analysis, upon completion of project

activities.

Decommission the following roads with priority resource concerns:

1. FR 7650420 (1.88 miles, currently a ML 2 road, crosses Doeskin Creek).

2. FR 7600785 (1.80 miles, currently a ML 1 road, causing resource concerns in

Long Prairie)

3. FR 7600786 (1.34 miles, currently a ML1 road, causing resource concerns in

Long Prairie)

Total miles of proposed priority decommissioning: 5.02 miles


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Close the following priority roads:

1. Portion of FR 4900740 (0.88 miles of eastbound road segment from Jackson

Creek Campground to the end of the road is proposed to lower from ML 2 to ML

1).

2. FR 7645460 (1.51 mile road to Boundary Springs proposed to lower from ML 2

to ML 1).

Total miles of proposed priority closures: 2.39 miles

Maintain the following priority roads:

1. FR 4973130 (3.64 miles proposed for storm proofing and drainage

improvements).

2. Portion of FR 4975000 (0.80 miles between Rock Creek and FR 7645000

proposed for drainage improvements).

Total miles of proposed priority maintenance: 4.44 miles

VIII. Decision to be Made

The deciding official for this proposal is the Forest Supervisor of the Fremont-Winema National

Forest. Based on the EA and information contained in the Project Record, the Forest Supervisor

will decide whether to implement the action as proposed, or as modified in an alternative,

including any mitigation measures. The decision will be documented in a Decision Notice. The

Forest Supervisor will determine if an EIS should be prepared by determining if any effects are

significant. If the effects are not significant, the finding will be documented in a Finding of No

Significant Impact. Implementation would begin between 2012 and 2013.


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Fig

ure 3

. Pro

posed

Veg

etative A

ctions w

ithin

the R

ed K

nig

ht p

roject area.


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Fig

ure 4

. Red

Knig

ht P

roposed

Prio

rity R

oad

s-Related

Actio

ns. O

ne p

riority

closu

re and o

ne p

riority

main

tenan

ce road

are applicab

le to th

e portio

n o

f the ro

ad th

at is colo

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ot th

e entire ro

ad. T

he trav

el analy

sis pro

cess recom

men

ded

additio

nal ro

ads fo

r closu

re or d

ecom

missio

nin

g. T

he ro

ads d

isplay

ed o

n th

is map

were p

rioritized

due to

resource

concern

s.

red knight restoration project scoping...

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