Houston Longleaf Restoration Projecta123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic... · The...

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Houston Longleaf Restoration Project

DRAFT

Decision Notice

And

Finding of No Significant Impact

Winston County, Alabama

Responsible Agency:

US Forest Service

Region 8

National Forests in Alabama

Bankhead National Forest

Responsible Official:

District Ranger David M. Casey

PO Box 278

Double Springs, AL 35553

AUGUST 2016

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USDA NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT

DR 4300.003 USDA Equal Opportunity Public Notification Policy (June 2, 2015)

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 is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html

mailto:[email protected]

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Proposed Action The Houston Longleaf Restoration Project Area is located in the Houston, Arley and Black Pond communities in Winston County, Alabama in the southern portion of the Bankhead National Forest. Proposed treatment areas are found in Area 3, the Bankhead’s longleaf emphasis area as identified in the Forest Health and Restoration Project FHRP, south of Alabama Highway 278 and are located in Township 11 South, Range 8 West; Township 11 South, Range 7 West; Township 10 South, Range 7 West; and Township 10 South, Range 6 West. The project area falls within the following 6th level HUC watersheds; Rockhouse Creek-Sipsey Fork, Lower Clear Creek and Inman Creek-Brushy Creek.

The Houston Longleaf Restoration Project should restore the longleaf pine ecosystem and other native forest communities; improve wildlife habitat, specifically those wildlife associated with woodlands and early successional habitats; and improve species diversity and forest health, primarily through vegetation management.

The Houston Longleaf Restoration Project Area is about 27,739 acres in size. Approximately 10,456 acres within the project area are National Forest lands. The proposed action includes treatment on 1,927 acres. The proposed treatment stands are within Management Compartments 151, 152, 153, 154, 157, 165 and 166.

The proposed action was developed and planned under the goals and objectives established in the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for the National Forests in Alabama (Forest Plan), January, 2004 to implement the Forest Plan.

Pursuant to 36 CFR 218.7(a)(2), this proposed project implements the land management plan and is subject to §218 subparts A and B and is not authorized under HFRA.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared by the interdisciplinary team (ID Team) to address the environmental effects of implementing the Proposed Action (Alternative 2) and No Action (Alternative 1). The EA is available for public review at the Bankhead National Forest Office in Double Springs, Alabama and at http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45918.

Below is a map of the Project Area and proposed treatment stands.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5157287.pdf

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsbdev3_002541

http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45918

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The proposed action is summarized below and included in the tables below.

First commercial thinning of loblolly pine on approximately 498 acres.

Intermediate commercial thinning of approximately 695 acres. Three stands (100 acres) are hardwood stands and will be thinned to create oak woodlands. The remaining stands are predominately loblolly pine.

Restore longleaf pine on approximately 407 acres by clearcut with reserves. The stands are predominately loblolly pine. They will be prepared for planting after harvest using a combination of methods including chainsaws, herbicide and/or prescribed fire applications. After planting with containerized longleaf pine, the stands will be released using prescribed fire and may be released as needed using chainsaws and/or herbicide.

Restore longleaf pine by commercial thinning with patch cuts in one stand of 36 acres. Three patch clearcuts about 4 acres in size will be created within the stand and site prepped and planted to longleaf pine as described above. The remainder of the stand will be commercially thinned.

Midstory/understory removal on approximately 762 acres using chainsaws and/or herbicide application.

Release/pre-commercial thinning treatments on approximately 240 acres of existing longleaf pine plantations using chainsaws and/or herbicide application.

Restore rare plant communities by daylighting and removing encroaching vegetation from rock outcrop and glade communities using chainsaws and/or herbicide application.

Refurbish approximately 2.06 miles of temporary roads. Construct 1 temporary road approximately 0.28 miles in length, including use of a temporary bridge.

Close Forest Service Road 113M (0.6 miles) by installing one gate.

Manage existing wildlife openings, approximately 11 acres through mowing, disking and/or planting. Construct and manage one new wildlife opening, approximately 1.2 acres in size.

First Plantation Thinning (FPT)

Stands will be commercially thinned to a residual BA (RBA) of 60-80 ft².

(Longleaf Woodland DFC: 60-70ft2 RBA, Hardwood Forest DFC: 60-80ft2 RBA)

Unit ID Acres Silvicultural Treatment Forest Type DFC

34 45 First Plantation Thinning Loblolly Forest Longleaf Woodland



37 55 First Plantation Thinning Loblolly Forest Hardwood Forest










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TOTAL 498 First Plantation Thinning

Commercial Thinning with Patch Cuts

Stands will be commercially thinned to a residual BA of 70-80 ft².

Three patch clear cuts, approximately four acres in size, will be created and longleaf pine will be

planted..


0 36 Thin with Patch cuts Loblolly Forest Longleaf Woodland

Total 36 Thin with Patch Cuts

Intermediate Thinning

Stands will be commercially thinned to a residual BA of 40-80 ft² depending upon the DFC.

Units 61, 62, 63, 65, 66 will be thinned to a residual BA of 40-50 ft². Units 50, 51, and 60 will be

thinned to 40-60 BA with gaps created. Unit 59 will be thinned to a 50-80 BA with gaps created.

Remaining units will be thinned to 60-70 BA and 70-80 BA.


50 41 Intermediate Thin Hardwood-Pine

Forest

Hardwood Woodland

51 38 Intermediate Thin Hardwood

Forest

Hardwood Woodland

52 34 Intermediate Thin Loblolly Forest Hardwood Forest

53 15 Intermediate Thin Loblolly Forest Longleaf Woodland






59 12 Intermediate Thin Pine-Hardwood

Forest

Hardwood Woodland

60 20 Intermediate Thin Hardwood-Pine

Forest

Hardwood Woodland




64 114 Intermediate Thin Loblolly Forest Hardwood-Pine Forest




Total 695 Intermediate Thin

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Clearcut with Reserves – Longleaf Pine Regeneration

All stands will be clearcut with reserves. All sawtimber sized oak, hickory, longleaf and shortleaf will

be retained. A minimum of 5 of the largest living trees per acre will be retained as reserves. Loblolly

pine may be retained and girdled to provide snags, where a minimum of 2 snags per acre are not present.

All stands will be prepared for planting with brush saws/handtools, herbicide and/or prescribed fire.

Stands will then be planted with containerized longleaf pines (9x9 spacing; approx. 537 trees/acre).

Stands will be released as needed with handtools and/or herbicide.


14 10 Clearcut with reserves Loblolly Forest Longleaf Woodland

















31 33 Clearcut with reserves Virginia Pine

Forest

Longleaf Woodland



Total 407 Clearcut with reserves and

regenerate longleaf

Pre-commercial Thinning

Stands will be precommercially thinned to release longleaf and oak (blackjack, post) using handtools

(saws) and/or herbicide application.


1 18 Pre-Commercially Thinning Longleaf Forest Longleaf Woodland








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Total 240 Pre-commercial Thinning

Midstory Removal

Remove midstory vegetation less than 6” DBH except longleaf pine. Midstory removal will be

accomplished using handtools and/or herbicide. *Stands 56 and 67 treatment period = Oct. 1 – March 1.


68 50 Midstory Removal Loblolly

Woodland

Longleaf Woodland

34 45 Midstory Removal Loblolly Forest Longleaf Woodland




50 41 Midstory Removal Hardwood-Pine

Forest

Hardwood Woodland

51 38 Midstory Removal Hardwood

Forest

Hardwood Woodland


56 32 Midstory Removal* Loblolly Forest Longleaf Woodland



59 12 Midstory Removal Pine-Hardwood

Forest

Hardwood Woodland

60 20 Midstory Removal Hardwood-Pine

Forest

Hardwood Woodland




64 114 Midstory Removal Loblolly Forest Hwd-Pine Forest



67 20 Midstory Removal* Loblolly Forest Longleaf Woodland

Total 762 Midstory Removal

Wildlife Openings (WLO)-Wildlife openings will continue to be managed (mowed, disked, and

planted). In addition, one wildlife opening will be created in an old log landing and roadside. (WLO

151-1 in C151/S21,19,57).

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Number Acre Treatment

FS #

166-8

166-9

165-1

151-1

Total

4

2

5

1.2

12.2

Wildlife Opening Mgmt

Wildlife Opening Construction

Wildlife Habitat Improvements and Native Plant Restoration

Treatment Area to be treated Description

Daylight Roads Roads and wildlife openings within

sale areas

Use commercial timber harvest in timber

sale units and handtools outside of timber

sale units to daylight roads, openings and

trails within 30-40 ft of edge.

Create Snags Clearcut units Girdle large diameter loblolly pines to

create snags where needed in and adjacent

to clear cut sale units (up to 2 TPA).

Restore Glades Seven glades within the analysis area Reduce and remove encroaching vegetation

with handtools and/or herbicide, including

native and non-native invasive vegetation.

If glade within commercial timber sale unit,

merchantable vegetation may be removed

by commercial cutting and winching.

Heavy equipment will not be operated on

glades.

Plant Native Warm

Season Grass & Forbs

Clearcut and Intermediate Thin Units

as needed

Plant native plants (plugs or seed) by hand

Roads

Treatment Area Miles

Construct Temporary Roads Timber sale areas 2.34

Gate Road FS RD 113M – Install gate for

year round road closure

0.6 miles

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Herbicides –

Herbicides that are proposed for this project include: glyphosate, triclopyr, and imazapyr. Application

methods will be individual stem or foliar treatment with backpack sprayers. Herbicide application will be

site (stand) specific and will follow recommended label rates. Herbicides are applied at the lowest rate

effective in meeting project objectives and according to guidelines for protecting human and wildlife

health. Herbicides used for site preparation will be stand specific, determined on a case by case basis. It

is anticipated that with adequate site prep, a release treatment will not be needed. Stands proposed for

release/pre-commercial thinning will use glyphosate for a foliar treatment or triclopyr for a basal bark

treatment. Midstory/understory treatments will use glyphosate or triclopyr. Those stands with a DFC

woodland and where grasses are present, an application of Triclopyr will be used. A surfactant, such as

Cide-kick, will be used for foliar treatments. A red or blue dye will be used for all treatments at a visible

rate. A carrier oil, seed oil, vegetable oil or mineral oil will be mixed with triclopyr to maximize

penetration through the bark with all basal bark treatments. Herbicides have been evaluated and a human

health and ecological risk assessment is found at http://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/pesticide/risk.shtml.

Herbicides

Herbicide Product Name Example

Triclopyr (ester form) Garlon

Glyphosate Accord, Rodeo, Aquaneat

Imazapyr Arsenal

Decision Based on the analysis documented in the EA, it is my decision to implement the Proposed Action, Alternative 2, identified above for the Houston Longleaf Restoration Project. My decision is based on a review of the record that shows a thorough review of relevant scientific information, a consideration of responsible opposing views, and the acknowledgement of incomplete or unavailable information.

Reasons for the Decision The Proposed Action was chosen because it meets the identified purpose and need for this project as stated in the EA beginning on page 4. Specifically, the Proposed Action would best meet the following Forest Plan Goals;

It manages forest and woodland ecosystems in order to restore and/or maintain native communities to provide the desired composition, structure and function (Forest Plan Goal 1)

o Objective 1.3 Restore and maintain approximately 10,000 acres of Xeric Pine and Pine-Oak Forest and Woodland, Upland Longleaf Pine Forest and Woodland, and Dry Mesic Oak Forest Communities on the Bankhead National Forest... Restoration of these native communities will reduce loblolly pine… (Forest Plan, page 2-9).

o Objective 1.4 Thin overstocked stands giving priority to first treatments. Thin stands of species not native to their site which cannot immediately be restored… (Forest Plan, page 2-9).

o Objective 1.5 Restore and Increase, by 30% as a minimum, areas of each management unit managed as Mountain Longleaf Pine Forest and Woodland, Upland Longleaf Pine Forest and Woodland, Dry and Dry-Mesic Oak-Pine Forest, and Xeric Pine and Pine-Oak Forest and Woodland Community types in woodland and savannah condition, with

http://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/pesticide/risk.shtml

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reduced canopy cover and restored native herbaceous ground cover… (Forest Plan, page 2-10).

It manages existing forest communities to reduce risks from insects and disease (Forest Plan Goal 3).

It protects and restores the composition, structure, and function of rare communities found on National Forest land (Forest Plan Goal 13).

It provides habitats to support desireable levels of selected species (e.g. species with special needs such as large, continuous forested landscape, species commonly trapped/hunted, or species of special interest) (Forest Plan Goal 16).

Role of the Interdisciplinary Team and Public Involvement Public involvement began on October 16, 2014. A presentation of the project proposal and request for input was included in the October 16, 2014, May 14, 2015 and January 21, 2016 Bankhead Liaison Panel meetings.

On May 13, 2015 a scoping letter was mailed to the Bankhead Ranger District NEPA mailing list detailing the proposed action and offering the opportunity to comment. One comment was received.

On June 11, 2016 a Legal Notice was published in the Northwest Alabamian establishing the official 30-day comment period of this project in accordance with 36 CFR 218.24, and notice of the availability of the Draft EA. No comments were received during the 30-day comment period.

While opposing views were provided and considered, they were not specific to this project. No issues were identified for this project. Concerns identified by the public are addressed in Appendix E of the EA and include the use of commercial logging, the construction of roads, the use of herbicide and effects on human health and wildlife, riparian areas and coarse woody debris in streams, and monitoring.

The ID Team identified and considered two alternatives, the proposed action and the no action alternatives. There were no issues to drive the development of additional alternatives.

Project Design Criteria The following project design criteria have been developed during the Houston Longleaf Project Environmental Assessment. These measures are in addition to all relevant Revised Land and Resource Management Plan standards for the National Forests in Alabama.

Snags & Den Trees -

Snags receive protection under the RLRMP as they are not intentionally felled unless its necessary for human safety. Snags will be retained in all treatment stands proposed for this project.

For all of the stands proposed for clearcutting and regeneration - all snags will be retained as described above. The Houston prescription for longleaf pine restoration provides for retaining all sawtimber oak, hickory, longleaf and shortleaf trees present in clearcuts. RLRMP Standard FW-4 requires retaining or creating at least 2 snags per acre and a minimum of 5 of the largest living mature trees per acre to be

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retained to provide potential future snags. These reserve trees are considered “future or developing” snags. They will provide for future snags on the landscape and are accounted towards the goal of retaining at least 2 snags/acre. Where existing snags, den trees, and reserve trees retained in a longleaf restoration stand are not present to meet snag needs for wildlife, specifically bats and cavity nesting birds, snags will be created as needed from large diameter class trees. Snags will be created typically by girdling or by herbicide application. Snags may be created near other reserve trees, along stand edge and/or along riparian areas to provide adjacent canopy cover and protection from wind throw. Larger diameter class loblolly pine trees will be the primary trees selected for snag creation. Snags and retention trees shall be retained in clumps.

Any living tree that is a den tree will be retained in all timber management treatments.

Rare Communities, Riparian and Erosion Control -

Streamside management zones are not proposed for treatment in this project. Riparian corridor and SMZ maps will be used in project planning and layout to exclude riparian areas from treatment.

A minimum 150 ft riparian buffer will be applied to all treatments stands adjacent to Lewis Smith lake. The minimum riparian buffer will begin at the high water mark on the lake edge. This project design criteria is in place to provide for flattened musk turtle nesting. Where the lake edge is a bluff and nesting habitat is not present, bluff standards will apply (100 ft buffer from cliff line).

A “winching” or green zone will be established around rare communities proposed for treatment to prevent negative impacts. SMZ’s will be applied to all wetlands and ponds.

Erosion control (project design criteria) will be utilized where indicated by FS personnel to control erosion, with regard to log landings and skid trails, temporary roads, wildlife opening management and other ground disturbing practices. Treatment areas will be monitored and erosion control prescribed as needed.

Temporary roads will be seeded with native species and permanently closed by berm to block traffic.

If not slashing skid trails and landings, RLRMP standard FW-5 requires the use of native or non-persistent non-native species for seeding temporary roads, skid trails and landings. To facilitate native understory restoration and improve wildlife habitat within the Houston Longleaf Project, a mix of native warm season grasses will be required for use in all timber sale contracts for seeding. The following is the required seeding mixture – 3# PLS/acre little bluestem and/or big bluestem, 2# PLS/acre yellow indiangrass and 15# acre browntop millet. Planting season is April 1 – June 15. Native grass should be planted shallow (1/4” or less). Fertilizer is not required. Where short-term erosion control is required, follow standard timber sale seeding requirements (#/acre follow); 350# of 13-13-13 fertilizer/acre is required for all of the following timber sale seeding requirements. February 1 – March 31 – 15# partridge pea and 10# annual rye; April 1 – August 31 – 25# browntop millet; 20# iron-clay cowpeas; 10# grain sorghum or 3# black oil sunflower; 10# annual rye; September 1 – November 30 – 50# winter wheat, 50# oats, 10# crimson clover (inoculated) or 2 # ladino clover (inoculated), 10# annual rye. During the December 1 – January 31 period, use mulch for erosion control on moderate to steep slopes or where erosion potential

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is high. Broadcast clean straw (wheat, barley, oat or other grain) mulch at 2-3 inches deep (approximately one, 74# bale per 800 square feet).

A temporary bridge is required for the temporary road construction in the Houston Recreation Area on Alford Springs Branch. Stream crossing is not allowed during road construction, bridge installation or harvesting operations. The temporary bridge must be removed upon project completion.

Treatment Unit 9 – A wetland is present within Unit 9, proposed for precommercial thinning. The wetland will be delineated from the treatment stand. Aquatic labeled herbicide will be used when treating areas within 100 feet of the wetland.

All rare communities will be delineated from treatment stands and protected from heavy equipment. This includes, wetlands, bluffs, glades and rock outcrops, and box canyons.

Canyon corridors will be excluded from treatment stands.

Herbicides -

Herbicides will be applied according to labeling and site-specific analysis. All formulations and additives are registered with EPA and approved for Forest Service use. All standards in the RLRMP will be followed. All applications will be selective and applied with backpack sprayers to individual stems. Broadcast application is not allowed. Forest Service supervisors and contract representatives must be certified pesticide applicators. Treated areas are signed in accordance with FSH 7109.11. Application will be consistent with USDA Forest Service herbicide risk assessments (USDA Forest Service 2007).

No herbicides will be applied within 100 feet of public or domestic water sources. Herbicides not having an aquatic label would not be applied within an SMZ. Implementation in SMZ will follow the standards from the RLRMP. Mix herbicides at the District work center and dispense into application equipment on National Forest land at least 100 feet from surface water.

Bald Eagle –

RLRMP Standard FW-77 identifies protection zones around all bald eagle nests and communal roost sites. If bald eagle nests are discovered during the life of the project, they will be monitored for activity. They will be identified in proposed treatment areas and protected from disturbance following recommendations from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Soft mast - During midstory removal and pre-commercial thinning treatments, dogwoods, black cherry, grapevine, Rubus sp., Vaccinium sp. and plums will not be treated/removed to provide soft mast.

Hard mast – During all treatments retain hard mast species, specifically xeric oaks, like blackjack and post oak, and hickory in longleaf woodlands, where doing so will not hinder restoration obectives.

Recreation Areas (Houston and Corinth) –

Trees marked in blue, designating no hunting safety zone around recreation areas (blue line trees), shall not be harvested.

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Within recreation areas, cut tree marking will be implemented. No leave tree marking will be used in recreation areas. Do not use blue paint within recreation areas for tree marking, as blue designates the no hunting safety zone.

In Unit 0, thinning with patch clear cuts, patch cuts will be outside of the view of the campground loop.

To protect infrastructure (roads) in recreation areas, only one paved road crossing will be designated and used in Corinth and in Houston Rec Areas. Timber sale contract will require purchaser to repair all road damage.

Units 56, 67 and 33 in Corinth Rec Area will be harvested during November 1 – March 1 when the campground is closed.

In Units 56 and 67, midstory removal with herbicide application will be restricted to the November 1 – March 1 timeframe when the campground is closed.

Timber sales within Houston Recreation Area can occur year round, unless Pine Bottom is open to camping. If open to camping, the season of operation would be May 1 through September 30.

Cultural Resources –

Avoid sites on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in all harvest operations.

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) After considering the affected interests and the environmental effects described in the Environmental Analysis, I have determined that the proposed action is not a major federal action and will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment considering the context and intensity of impacts (40 CFR 1508.27). Therefore, an environmental impact statement is not necessary. This determination is based upon the following factors:

Context: The operations under this decision apply to a project of limited scope and duration. The potential effects are confined to certain components of the areas to be harvested and those areas involving road maintenance. These actions are within the scope of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for the National Forests in Alabama (Forest Plan).

Intensity: The following were considered in evaluating the intensity (severity of impact) of this project:

1. Both beneficial and adverse effects have been considered in the Environmental Consequences section of the EA and this action will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment.

2. The degree to which public health and safety may be affected is minimal (EA page 105).

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3. The project will not affect any unique characteristics of the geographic area (historic or cultural resource, wetlands, floodplains, etc.). This is based on information gathered through records and site specific field inventories (EA page 105, 107, 86).

4. Based on public involvement and the analyses conducted in the EA, the effects on the quality of the human environment are not likely to be highly controversial (EA, Chapter 3).

5. The actions do not involve highly uncertain, unique, or unknown environmental risks to the human environment. All actions described have been conducted before and staff have experience carrying out these actions (EA, Chapter 3).

6. The actions in this decision will not establish a precedent for future actions with significant effects nor does it represent a decision in principle about a future consideration (EA, Chapter 3).

7. The cumulative effects of the proposed actions have been analyzed with consideration for past and foreseeable future activities on adjacent public and private land, and no significant cumulative effects would result from implementation (EA, Chapter 3).

8. Historic places or loss of scientific, cultural or historic resources that may qualify for the National Register of Historic Places will not be adversely affected by this action (EA, Heritage Resources Section). This is based on site-specific cultural resource surveys conducted on the proposed treatment stands, preparation of a Cultural Resources Report, and consultation with the Alabama State Historic Preservation Officer. If heritage resource sites are discovered during the implementation, activities in the general area of the discovery will be stopped until the site can be evaluated for significance by an archaeologist.

9. The actions are not likely to affect endangered or threatened plant or animal species or critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act. The actions are likely to affect the northern long-eared bat; however there are no effects beyond those previously disclosed in the programmatic biological opinion dated August 5, 2015. (Biological Evaluation, Appendix B).

Federally Listed Species – The findings for federally listed species for the Houston Longleaf Project are “not likely to adversely affect” Indiana Bat, flattened musk turtle, orange-nacre mucket, Alabama moccasinshell, Warrior pigtoe, and triangular kidneyshell and critical mussel habitat; “Likely to adversely affect; however there are no effects beyond those previously disclosed in the programmatic biological opinion dated August 5, 2015” for Northern long-eared bat; and “no effect” on the remaining federally listed species and critical habitat for Bankhead National Forest. Concurrence from the FWS was received on June 27, 2016.

Forest Service Sensitive Species – The findings for sensitive species for the Houston Longleaf Project are “may impact individuals, but not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or loss of viability” for Menge’s fameflower, Alabama spike, Southern creekmussel, Alabama rainbow, Warrior darter, Tuskaloosa darter, Bankhead darter, and Bald eagle; and “no impact” on the remaining sensitive species. Concurrence from the FWS is not required for sensitive species.

10. None of the actions threaten to lead to violation of federal, state, or local laws imposed for the protection of the environment. This will be ensured by carrying out the decision in a way that is consistent with the Forest Plan, state best management practices, and project design criteria. There are no known significant irreversible resource commitments or irretrievable loss of timber production, wildlife habitats, soil production or water quality.

Findings Required by Other Laws and Regulations

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I have determined that the actions included in this decision are consistent with the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for the National Forests in Alabama (Forest Plan) because the selected alternative has been planned and will be implemented in accordance with all Forest Plan standards and guidelines. The actions described in the selected alternative are typical of those in the Forest Plan for which environmental effects are disclosed in the Forest Plan Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This environmental assessment tiers to the Forest Plan EIS.

NFMA Significance: This project is consistent with the National Forests in Alabama Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (2004) as required by the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) 16 U.S.C. 1604. It is consistent with the Forest Plan, as amended. All proposed management actions within the selected alternative are consistent with the management Goals, Objectives, and Standards for the management areas on the Bankhead National Forest. It is also consistent with the State Best Management Practices. The project is feasible and reasonable. The project results in applying management practices that meet the Forest Plan overall direction of improving and restoring conditions and protecting the environment, while producing goods and services. I find that the use of clearcutting with reserves is the optimum method for the restoration of longleaf pine and is proposed in accordance with the silvicultural systems as described in the Forest Plan, Appendix E, page E-7.

As required by 36 CFR 219.35, I have considered the best available science in making this decision. The project record demonstrates a thorough review of relevant scientific information, consideration of responsible opposing views, and, where appropriate, the acknowledgement of incomplete or unavailable information, scientific uncertainty, and risk. Scientific information used in the preparation of the environmental analyses and specialists reports are summarized in the EA.

Objection Opportunities This decision is subject to objection pursuant to 36 CFR 218 and must meet all of the requirements of 36 CFR 218.8. A written objection, including attachments, must be postmarked or received within 45 days after the date that notice of this draft decision is published in the Northwest Alabamian. Electronic objections in common formats (.doc, .rtf, .pdf, or .txt) may be submitted to [email protected] with Subject: Houston Longleaf Restoration Project. Objections may also be faxed to (205) 489 -3427 to the attention of OBJECTION: Houston Longleaf Project, sent by mail to:

Forest Supervisor; Attn: Objections, 2946 Chestnut Street, Montgomery, AL 36107

Or hand-delivered during normal business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays at:

National Forests in Alabama, 2946 Chestnut Street, Montgomery, AL 36107

If an objection is received, notice of an objection resolution meeting open to the public will be posted on the National Forests in Alabama website.

Implementation Date As per 36 CFR 218.12, if no objection is received within the legal objection period, this decision may be signed and implemented on, but not before, the fifth business day following the close of the objection filing period. If an objection is filed, this decision cannot be signed or implemented until the reviewing officer has responded in writing to all pending objections.



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Contact For further information on this decision, contact Dave Casey, Bankhead National Forest, PO Box 278, Double Springs, AL 35553; phone (205) 489-5111; email [email protected]

Responsible Official

Date Pending Completion of

DRAFT DN – Signature Pending – DRAFT DN Objection Review Process

District Ranger Dave Casey DATE


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