NEPA--Environmental Impact...

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service January 2013

Draft Environmental Impact Statement SUMMARY Ochoco Summit Trail System

Ochoco National Forest Crook and Wheeler Counties, Oregon

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Ochoco Summit Trail System Project Draft

Environmental Impact Statement Crook County, Oregon

Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service

Responsible Official: Kate Klein 3160 NE 3rd Street Prineville, OR 97754 For Information Contact: Dede Steele, Project Leader 3160 NE 3rd Street Prineville, OR 97754 541-416-6500

Abstract: This Draft Environmental Impact Statement analyzes four alternatives related to the development of a trail for motorized off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on the Ochoco National Forest. Alternative 1 is the no action alternative, which would not develop or designate trail for OHVs. Alternative 2 is the proposed action; it would create a 170-mile trail network, providing areas intended for use by motorcycles, ATVs, and Jeeps and 4 x 4 trucks. Alternative 3 would create a 101-mile trail network, providing areas intended for use by motorcycles and ATVS, and would not designate a trail system intended for jeeps and 4 x 4s. Alternative 4 would create a 212-mile trail network, providing areas for all three classes of off-highway vehicles. The Responsible Official has identified Alternative 3 as the preferred alternative.

Reviewers should provide the Forest Service with their comments during the review period of the draft environmental impact statement. This will enable the Forest Service to analyze and respond to the comments at one time and to use information acquired in the preparation of the final environmental impact statement, thus avoiding undue delay in the decision-making process. Reviewers have an obligation to structure their participation in the National Environmental Policy Act process so that it is meaningful and alerts the agency to the reviewers’ position and contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Environmental objections that could have been raised at the draft stage may be waived if not raised until after completion of the final environmental impact statement. City of Angoon v. Hodel (9th Circuit, l986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Comments on the draft environmental impact statement should be specific and should address the adequacy of the statement and the merits of the alternatives discussed (40 CFR 1503.3).

Date Comments Must Be Received: 45 days following publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register

Mail or Hand-deliver Comments to: Ochoco Summit Planning Team c/o Ranger Slater Turner Ochoco National Forest 3160 NE 3rd Street Prineville, OR 97754

Email Comments to: [email protected]

FAX Comments to: Ochoco Summit Planning Team c/o Ranger Slater Turner (541) 416-6695

Environmental Impact Statement Ochoco Summit Trail System Project

SUMMARY

1

SUMMARY The Forest Service has prepared this Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other relevant Federal and State laws and regulations. This EIS analyzes a proposal to create a designated system of trails for motorized off-highway vehicles (OHV) on the Ochoco National Forest. Map 1 shows Ochoco Summit Trail System project area; Map 2 shows the Ochoco National Forest Management Areas within the project area.

Why is the action being proposed? The 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests Travel Management Plan implemented the 2005 Travel Management Rule by designating routes on which motorized travel is allowed and eliminating the opportunity for cross-country motorized travel. The purpose and need for this proposal was derived from evaluating the Ochoco National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) (USDA Forest Service, 1989), identifying desired future conditions for motorized recreation, and comparing them to the existing conditions in the project area. The purposes of this proposal are to:

1. Designate a sustainable system of roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicles that will provide legal public access, enhance regulation of unmanaged wheeled motor vehicle travel, protect resources, and decrease conflicts between motorized and non-motorized use on the Ochoco National Forest.

2. Change the existing system of NFS motorized-use trails to provide a sufficient number and length of trail in a forested setting to disperse recreational users and make a sustainable network of trails.

3. Provide a diversity of off-highway motorized recreation opportunities including 4x4 vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles, consistent with Forest Service policy to provide a diversity of road and trail opportunities for experiencing a variety of environments and modes of travel.

What action is proposed? Alternative 2 focuses on designating motorized trails and supporting areas, in conjunction with opportunities that would remain on mixed use roads identified in the forest-level Travel Management EIS (see Maps 3 and 4).

The Proposed Action would:

• Designate a system of trails and areas (including staging areas, play areas, riding areas where young riders may be supervised by adults, learner/warm-up loops, picnic and camping areas) by class of vehicle and season of use.

• Utilize designated open motorized mixed use roads as connecters between trail segments.

• Designate areas for developed and dispersed camping activities with legal trail access.

• Implement rehabilitation or restoration activities in previously damaged areas and interconnecting unauthorized or user-created routes to promote recovery, and to prevent confusion about which routes are open and which are not.

• Establish directional, informational and interpretive signing to: facilitate proper trail use, safety and enforcement; to provide public information and education; to define trail, riding area, staging area and camp sites locations; to promote recovery of rehabilitation and restoration sites; and to encourage reporting of violations, restoration or maintenance needs.


SUMMARY

2

• Motorized trails would be open for use by specified vehicle type, seasonally between May 1 and November 1 of each year, except on Paulina Ranger District, where trails would close at the beginning of the restriction period specified for the Rager Cooperative Travel Management Area, and would remain closed until May 1 of each year.

• Non-motorized use would not be prohibited on proposed motorized trails.

• Camping would be allowed at staging areas within designated camp sites, as well as in dispersed camp sites at trailheads or as allowed in the current Travel Management Plan.

The Proposed Action maps show where the proposed routes and supporting areas are located and how the routes overlay existing soil disturbance as identified by the presence of existing NFS roads. Refer to the legend for route color codes: existing disturbance is shown by the two colors used to display roads (orange, green). The Proposed Action maps also display quality of user experience as determined by whether the proposed route provides potential for trail features (narrow, winding, challenging) or whether it falls on an open road (easy travel, easy access, mixed traffic). Refer to the legend for route color codes: road-to-trail conversions are proposed on closed/decommissioned roads (green), while new trail construction is proposed on route segments that are not on NFS roads (blue). Routes on open mixed use roads are shown in orange.

Trails would be designed with width and difficulty appropriate for each intended vehicle type, while roads designated as open in the forest-level Travel Management EIS would not be narrowed to trail standards (ie. designated open roads would remain designated open roads). Trail widths would be based on intended vehicle types, which are also displayed on Maps 3 and 4. Refer to the legend for vehicle types I, II and III. Motorcycle-only trails (single track) would be designed for 24” wide clearance and are displayed on the maps as a dashed line. Only single track vehicles would be allowed on single track trails (ie. no ATVs or 4x4s). All-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails would be designed for 50” wide clearance and are displayed as a dotted line on the maps. ATV trails would be available for use by ATVs and motorcycles but not 4x4s or side-by-side buggies. Class II trails would be designed for 80” wide clearance and are displayed on the maps as a line with cross bars. Class II trails would be available for use by any vehicle with an outside maximum width of less than 80” (jeeps, ¼ ton trucks and SUVs, side-by-side buggies, rock crawlers, etc.)

This project does not propose to change roads that would be open or closed to motorized access under the forest-level Travel Management EIS. The routes shown on these maps include proposed trails as well as about 45 miles of interconnected roads that are designated for mixed use by highway legal and non-highway legal vehicles (OHVs and passenger cars/trucks). The open roads are not changed from the forest-level EIS, but are shown on the Proposed Action map as they serve as connectors between trail segments, or they enhance loop opportunities/options for trail users.

The Proposed Action trail network includes:

Overall, the OHV network displayed on the Proposed Action maps includes approximately 124 miles of proposed OHV trail and 45 miles of open National Forest System (NFS) roads that connect trail segments or contribute to the network by providing alternate “get-back” routes or other recreational experiences.

Of the total 69 miles in the Class I vehicle (ATV) network, 14 miles are on open roads, 25 miles are on closed or decommissioned road beds and 30 miles are not on NFS roads. This would allow for up to 55 miles of 50” wide trail through conversion of old road beds and new trail construction combined. In addition all Class II trails would be available for use by ATVs. Mixed use roads identified under the forest-wide Travel Management EIS would also remain available for use by ATVs.

Of the total 48 miles in the Class II vehicle (jeep, small truck and buggy) network, 28 miles are on open roads, 8 miles are on closed or decommissioned road beds and 12 miles are not on NFS roads. This would allow for up to 20 miles of 80” wide trail through conversion of old road beds and new trail construction combined. Mixed use roads identified under the forest-wide Travel Management EIS would remain available


SUMMARY

3

for use by non-highway-legal jeeps and buggies and highway-legal vehicles would have access to all roads identified as open in the forest-wide EIS.

Of the total 52 miles of Class III vehicle (motorcycle) network, 4 miles are on open roads, 23 miles are on closed or decommissioned road beds and 26 miles are not on NFS roads. This would allow for up to 49 miles of 24” wide trail through conversion of old road beds and new trail construction combined. In addition all Class I and II trails would be available for use by motorcycles. Mixed use roads identified under the forest-wide Travel Management EIS would remain available for use by non-highway-legal motorcycles and highway-legal vehicles would have access to all roads identified as open in the forest-wide EIS.

The Proposed Action motorized use areas include:

In support of the proposed Class I network, four staging areas and two trailheads are proposed along the west half of the ATV route (west of the class II network), while two staging areas and one trailhead are proposed along the east half of the ATV route (east of the class II network). Proposed staging area locations include: Ochoco Divide Snow Park, Ahalt Mineral Source, Walton Snow Park, Scott’s Mineral Source, Aspen Mineral Source and Road 600. Proposed trailhead access points include: Road 350 south of Indian Butte, road 550 at Allen Creek and Road 500 north of Jones Lava. Class I staging areas and trailheads would also be available for use by motorcycles (Class I and III).

In support of the proposed Class II network, two staging areas and three trailheads are proposed along the designated route. Class II staging areas and trailheads are distributed in order to provide access to a variety of terrain features and camp sites. Staging area locations include: Peterson Lava and Ross/Peterson ridge. Proposed trailhead access points include: East Porter Creek, Looney/Porter lava and Scott’s Camp Mineral Source. Class II staging areas would also be available for use by ATVs and motorcycles (Class I, II and III).

In support of the proposed Class III network, two staging areas are proposed along the motorcycle-only route. Staging area locations include: Cottonwood Pit Mineral Source and Six Corners Mineral Source. Trails out of these staging areas would only be available for use by motorcycles (Class III only).

Amenities:

Under the Proposed Action staging areas would provide amenities to support the intended use for each specific area. All staging areas would include at least one vault toilet, a picnic table and a kiosk or sign board with informational/directional signs and maps. Site specific amenities for each staging area are as follows:

• Ochoco Divide Snow Park would retain existing level of facilities (paved parking area, one vault toilet and a sign board). The objective for this staging area would be to provide access for trail users who travel/camp in recreational vehicles that are generally self-contained and require little additional amenities. This staging area would include a simple warm-up or learner loop, and would generally be an entry point for visitors planning to travel eastward on the trail.

• Ahalt Mineral Source would be improved to support ATV and motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide for use by trail riders with a range of experience levels, for day or overnight use, for play area and/or for trail access. Amenities that would be needed include at least two vault toilets, defined and hardened camp sites, play area boundary markers, supervised youth rider area (markers or fence), picnic tables and sign boards.

• Walton Snow Park would be improved to support ATV and motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. Amenities that would be added include one more vault toilet, picnic tables and sign boards (near the existing toilet) and directional signing to keep users headed north from the staging area.

• Scott’s Mineral Source would be improved to support ATV and motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a simple warm-up or learner loop, but would generally be intended to be an entry point for


SUMMARY

4

visitors planning to travel the east/west trail corridor. Amenities that would be added include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, sign boards and directional signing to lead riders onto the trail out of the staging area.

• Aspen Mineral Source would be improved to support ATV and motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide for use by trail riders with a range of experience levels, for day or overnight use, for play area and/or for trail access. Amenities that would be needed include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, play area boundary and hazard markers, supervised youth rider area (markers or fence), picnic tables and sign boards.

• Road 600 Staging Area would be improved to support ATV and motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a simple warm-up or learner loop, but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel north. Amenities that would be added include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, sign boards and directional signing to lead riders onto the trail out of the staging area.

• Peterson Lava would be improved to support class II vehicle (jeep, etc) staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a short rock crawl loop (easy to moderate), but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel throughout the class II area, or south on the jeep trail. Amenities that would be added include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, sign boards, haz-mat supply, and directional signing.

• Ross/Peterson ridge would be improved to support class II staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would provide an entry point for visitors planning to travel throughout the class II area, or quick access to the south end of the jeep trail. Amenities that would be added include a hardened parking area, at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, sign boards, haz-mat supply, and directional signing.

• Cottonwood Pit Mineral Source would retain existing level of facilities but would serve as a motorcycle staging area. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a warm-up or learner loop and supervised youth riding area, but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel east or west on the single-track trail loop. Amenities that would be added include a hardened parking area, picnic tables and sign boards (near the existing toilet) and directional signing to lead users to the trails out of the staging area.

• Six Corners Mineral Source would be improved to support motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a warm-up or learner loop and a supervised youth riding area, but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel the single-track trail loop. Amenities that would be added include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, supervised youth rider area markers or fence, sign boards and directional signing to lead riders onto the trail out of the staging area.

Throughout the area, trailheads would remain as dispersed camp sites without developed recreation amenities such as toilets and picnic tables. Trailhead markers with informational signboards would be installed at mapped trailhead locations. At these locations hardening of surfaces for camp sites, turn-arounds and parking areas, and defining of campsites, would occur as needed. Other dispersed camp sites do occur along the trail that will not be mapped, these camp sites will generally not be modified, but trail routes passing by these sites would have directional signs and entrance filters (entrance devices to control vehicle size) installed, and camp sites defined as needed.

Selected locations along proposed trails would be improved to provide opportunities for sight- seeing, interpretive signing, rest/regroup areas and trail-side picnics. These locations would be at scenic viewpoints,


SUMMARY

5

points of interest, shady spots, etc. Improvements would be limited to picnic tables and/or benches and interpretive signing.

Non-Significant Amendments to Forest Plan

Alternative 2 includes four site-specific amendments to the Ochoco Land and Resource Management Plan. Each of these is related to designation of motorized crossings in Old Growth Management Areas (MA-F6) allocated in the 1989 LRMP other than on constant service roads (4-232, 4-234):

1. Old Growth Management Area (OG-D1-08) at Indian Butte to include motorized recreation only on designated routes including one new crossing to connect between roads 2200-306 and 2200-309.

2. Old Growth Management Area (OG-D1-12) at East Porter to include motorized recreation only on designated routes including one new crossing at Looney Creek to connect between roads 4200-430 and 4200-440.

3. Old Growth Management Area (OG-D2-1) near Chamberlin Spring to include motorized recreation only on designated routes including one crossing on closed road 4250-700 to connect between roads 4250-610 and 1200-440.

4. Old Growth Management Area (OG-D2-02) near Deep Creek to include motorized recreation only on designated routes including one new crossing.

What would it mean not to meet the need? The Forest Plan describes an objective for off-road vehicles (ORVs): ORV use, and trail construction and reconstruction, will be allowed where they are not in conflict with other resource objectives. Routes will be identified on the Forest to encourage use in specific areas by offering a variety of challenges and terrain (Forest Plan page 4-23). The Forest Plan (page 4-25) also provides a desired future condition of off-road vehicle use being directed to and encouraged on designated routes that will be developed, and describes a target of developing 190 miles of trail intended for motorized recreation (Forest Plan page 4-24). Not implementing an action alternative would mean forgoing these Forest Plan objectives and desired future conditions at this time. Motorized recreationists who use non-street legal vehicles would be restricted to the 8-mile Green Mountain Trail (authorized for use by class I and III vehicles only) and mixed use roads as designated in the Motor Vehicle Use Map. Opportunities for closing and rehabilitating some portions of user-created trails would not be realized at this time, nor would opportunities for reconstructing some user-created trails with sound design criteria. It is impossible to predict levels of unauthorized use, but it is anticipated that some people would continue to use motorized off-road vehicles in spite of the Travel Management decision. Not implementing an action alternative would forgo the opportunity to create a trail system for legal and authorized off-highway vehicle use.

Construction and seasonal use of a motorized vehicle trail system would have effects on the human environment, as described in the section titled “What are the effects of the alternatives” in this Summary. Not implementing an action alternative would mean not creating the potential to create environmental effects with this project.

Are there other alternatives that would meet the need? Two action alternatives were developed in addition to the proposed action.

ALTERNATIVE 3

Alternative 3 offers many of the features described for Alternative 2 with the following exceptions (see Maps 5 and 6):

• Motorized trails would be open for use by specified vehicle type, seasonally between June 1 and September 30 of each year, except on Paulina Ranger District, where trails would close at the earlier


SUMMARY

6

date of September 30 or the beginning of the restriction period specified for the Rager Cooperative Travel Management Area, and would remain closed until June 1 of each year.

• The motorcycle (Class III) loop trail does not include the side loop in the Derr and upper Jackson Creek area that was in the Proposed Action. It also does not include the staging area or associated trails at Forest Road 4200-600, or the staging and play areas and associated trails at and around Aspen Pit compared to Alternative 2. It also does not include the staging area at Peterson Lava or any of the trailheads from Alternative 2.

• Compared to the Alternative 2: the class I staging and parking areas at Ahalt Pit are not included; the singular (there-and-back) ATV (class I) route between Indian Butte (at Forest Road 2200-350) and Scott’s camp is not included; and none of the trailheads are included in this alternative.

• Alternative 3 does not include designated trails or staging areas for class II vehicles (jeeps and buggies).

The Alternative maps show where the proposed routes and supporting areas are located and how the routes overlay existing soil disturbance as identified by the presence of existing NFS roads. Refer to the legend for route color codes: existing disturbance is shown by the two colors used to display roads (orange, green). The Alternative maps also display quality of user experience as determined by whether the proposed route provides potential for trail features (narrow, winding, challenging) or whether it falls on an open road (easy travel, easy access, mixed traffic). Refer to the legend for route color codes: road-to-trail conversions are proposed on closed or decommissioned roads (green), while new trail construction is proposed on route segments that are not on NFS roads (blue). Routes on open mixed use roads are shown in orange.

Trails would be designed with width and difficulty appropriate for each intended vehicle type, while roads designated as open in the forest-level Travel Management EIS would not be narrowed to trail standards (ie. designated open roads would remain designated open roads). Trail widths would be based on intended vehicle types, which are also displayed on Maps 5 and 6. Refer to the legend for vehicle types I and III. Motorcycle-only trails (single track) would be designed for 24” wide clearance and are displayed on the maps as a dashed line. Only single track vehicles would be allowed on single track trails (ie. no ATVs or 4x4s). All-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails would be designed for 50” wide clearance and are displayed as a dotted line on the maps. ATV trails would be available for use by ATVs and motorcycles but not 4x4s or side-by-side buggies. Alternative 3 does not include designated trails for class II vehicles (jeeps and buggies).

This project does not propose to change roads that would be open or closed to motorized access under the forest-level Travel Management EIS. The routes shown on these maps include proposed trails (approximately 88 miles) as well as about 13 miles of interconnected roads that are designated for mixed use by highway legal and non-highway legal vehicles (OHVs and passenger cars/trucks). The open roads are not changed from the forest-level EIS, but are shown on the Alternative 3 map as they serve as connectors between trail segments, or they enhance loop opportunities/options for trail users.

Alternative 3 trail network includes:

In contrast to Alternative 2, this alternative includes two discrete riding areas for class I and III (ATVs and motorcycles) that are separated by an area without designated trails:

• A single track (class III) loop between Peterson Lava and Six Corners that incorporates some of the proposed jeep trail route locations from the Proposed Action alternative. This alternative does include one of the central tie-through trails between Paulina Butte and Jackson Creek. This alternative does retain staging areas at both Cottonwood Pit and Six Corners Mineral Source and their associated amenities.

• A series of interconnected 50” trails (class I and III) and loops between Ochoco Divide Snow Park, Walton Snow Park and road 2200-350 are included. Additional loops on the west end are included compared to the Proposed Action in order to provide adequate trail miles within a more compact area,


SUMMARY

7

multiple decision points and alternate loop options. Staging areas at Ochoco Divide Snow Park and Walton Snow Park are included in this alternative.

The Alternative 3 motorized use areas include:

In support of the proposed Class I network, two staging areas are proposed along the ATV route (in the west end of the analysis area). Proposed staging area locations include: Ochoco Divide Snow Park and Walton Snow Park. Class I staging areas would also be available for use by motorcycles (Class III).


Amenities:

Under Alternative 3 staging areas would provide amenities to support the intended use for each specific area. All staging areas would include at least one vault toilet, a picnic table and a kiosk or sign board with informational/directional signs and maps. Site specific amenities for each staging area are as follows:

• Ochoco Divide Snow Park would retain existing level of facilities (paved parking area, one vault toilet and a sign board). The objective for this staging area would be to provide access for trail users who travel/camp in recreational vehicles that are generally self-contained and require little additional amenities. This staging area would include a simple warm-up or learner loop, and would generally be an entry point for visitors planning to travel eastward on the trail.


• Cottonwood Pit Mineral Source would retain existing level of facilities but would serve as a motorcycle staging area. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a warm-up or learner loop and supervised youth riding area, but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel east or west on the single-track trail loop. Amenities that would be added include a hardened parking area, picnic tables and sign boards (near the existing toilet) and directional signing to lead users to the trails out of the staging area.

• Six Corners Mineral Source would be improved to support motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a warm-up or learner loop and a supervised youth riding area, but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel the single-track trail loop. Amenities that would be added include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, supervised youth rider area markers or fence, sign boards and directional signing to lead riders onto the trail out of the staging area.

Dispersed camp sites do occur along the trail that will not be mapped, these camp sites will generally not be modified, but trail routes passing by these sites would have directional signs and entrance filters (entrance devices to control vehicle size) installed, and camp sites defined as needed. Camping would be allowed as in dispersed camp sites as allowed in the current Travel Management Plan. Selected locations along proposed trails would be improved to provide opportunities for sight- seeing, interpretive signing, rest/regroup areas and trail-side picnics. These locations would be at scenic viewpoints, points of interest, shady spots, etc. Improvements would be limited to picnic tables and/or benches and interpretive signing.


SUMMARY

8


Alternative 3 includes three site-specific amendments to the Ochoco Land and Resource Management Plan. Each of these is related to designation of motorized crossings in Old Growth Management Areas (MA-F6) allocated in the 1989 LRMP other than on constant service roads (4-232, 4-234):




ALTERNATIVE 4

Alternative 4 offers the same features described for Alternative 2, but over a slightly larger area, with more trail miles and fewer supporting facilities such as trailheads (see Maps 7 and 8).

The Alternative 4 maps show where the proposed routes and supporting areas are located and how the routes overlay existing soil disturbance as identified by the presence of existing NFS roads. Refer to the legend for route color codes: existing disturbance is shown by the two colors used to display roads (orange, green). The Alternative maps also display quality of user experience as determined by whether the proposed route provides potential for trail features (narrow, winding, challenging) or whether it falls on an open road (easy travel, easy access, mixed traffic). Refer to the legend for route color codes: road-to-trail conversions are proposed on closed/decommissioned roads (green), while new trail construction is proposed on route segments that are not on NFS roads (blue). Routes on open mixed use roads are shown in orange.

Trails would be designed with width and difficulty appropriate for each intended vehicle type, while roads designated as open in the forest-level Travel Management EIS would not be narrowed to trail standards (i.e. designated open roads would remain designated open roads). Trail widths would be based on intended vehicle types, which are also displayed on Maps 7 and 8. Refer to the legend for vehicle types I, II and III. Motorcycle-only trails (single track) would be designed for 24” wide clearance and are displayed on the maps as a dashed line. Only single track vehicles would be allowed on single track trails (i.e. no ATVs or 4x4s). ATV trails would be designed for 50” wide clearance and are displayed as a dotted line on the maps. ATV trails would be available for use by ATVs and motorcycles but not 4x4s or side-by-side buggies. Class II trails would be designed for 80” wide clearance and are displayed on the maps as a line with cross bars. Class II trails would be available for use by any vehicle with an outside maximum width of less than 80” (jeeps, ¼ ton trucks and SUVs, side-by-side buggies, rock crawlers, etc.)

This project does not propose to change roads that would be open or closed to motorized access under the forest-level Travel Management EIS. The routes shown on these maps include proposed trails (approximately 158 miles) as well as about 53 miles of interconnected roads that are designated for mixed use by highway legal and non-highway legal vehicles (OHVs and passenger cars/trucks). The open roads are not changed from the forest-level EIS, but are shown on the Proposed Action map as they serve as connectors between trail segments, or they enhance loop opportunities/options for trail users.

The Alternative 4 trail network includes:

Similar to the Proposed Action this alternative features several interconnected trail systems:

• Class I network includes a series of shorter interconnecting loops, offering numerous decision points, on the west end. This portion of the ATV network would be served by 4 staging areas (Ochoco Divide, Ahalt, Walton and Allen Creek). In the east central part of the project area there would be a moderate size loop generally east of the Jeep area and west of the motorcycle loops, served by two


SUMMARY

9

staging areas (Happy Camp/Double Corral ridge, and 4200-600 mineral source. This central loop could be ridden entirely without entering the jeep area, but ATV and motorcycle riders could choose to use the jeep trails being provided three legal points of access.

• Class II network would include a series of 80” trails created by a combination of new construction and road-to-trail conversion, served by two staging areas and one trailhead. These trail segments would be connected with the minimal amount of open mixed use road necessary to get from one staging area to the other, and to connect from one discrete trail segment to the next. Though other alternate loop options would remain available on mixed use roads, these extra opportunities would not be included in the system of designated routes and would not be managed as designated routes. Camp areas would be within 300’ of open roads and would not have exclusive use by class II vehicles. All 80” trails would be available to any rubber tired vehicle with a maximum width of 80”, though some routes would be posted as not recommended for certain vehicle types.

• Class III network would include a series of interconnected loops ranging from short to long, offering numerous decision points. The motorcycle only network would be served by two staging areas (Six Corners and Cottonwood Pit). The motorcycle only network would interconnects with the central ATV system, providing more options for class III riders without having to enter the jeep area. Class III vehicles could use the entire system of trails if they choose to do so, however they could also travel from the west end to the east end without having to travel on a class II trail. However, to do so they would have to make connections between the west end network and the central /eastern networks on mixed used road 2630 and 2630-750 or 2630-800.

The Alternative 4 motorized use areas include:

In support of the proposed Class I network, four staging areas are proposed along the west half of the ATV route (west of the class II network), while two staging areas are proposed along the east half of the ATV route (east of the class II network). Proposed staging area locations include: Ochoco Divide Snow Park, Ahalt Mineral Source, Walton Snow Park, Scott’s Mineral Source, Aspen Mineral Source and Road 600. Class I staging areas would also be available for use by motorcycles (Class I and III).

In support of the proposed Class II network, two staging areas are proposed along the designated route. Class II staging areas are distributed in order to provide access to a variety of terrain features and camp sites. Staging area locations include: Peterson Lava and Ross/Peterson ridge. Class II staging areas would also be available for use by ATVs and motorcycles (Class I, II and III).


Amenities:

Under the Proposed Action staging areas would provide amenities to support the intended use for each specific area. All staging areas would include at least one vault toilet, a picnic table and a kiosk or sign board with informational/directional signs and maps. Site specific amenities for each staging area are as follows:

• Ochoco Divide Snow Park would retain existing level of facilities (paved parking area, one vault toilet and a sign board). The objective for this staging area would be to provide access for trail users who travel/camp in recreational vehicles that are generally self-contained and require little additional amenities. This staging area would include a simple warm-up or learner loop, and would generally be an entry point for visitors planning to travel eastward on the trail. Amenities that would be needed include sign boards and directional signing.

• Ahalt Mineral Source would be improved to support ATV and motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide for use by trail riders with a range of experience levels, for day or


SUMMARY

10

overnight use, for play area and/or for trail access. Amenities that would be needed include at least two vault toilets, defined and hardened camp sites, play area boundary markers, riding area where youth could be supervised (markers or fence), picnic tables, sign boards and directional signing.


• Scott’s Mineral Source would be improved to support ATV and motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a simple warm-up or learner loop, but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel the east/west trail corridor. Amenities that would be added include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, sign boards and directional signing to lead riders onto the trail out of the staging area.

• A staging area approximately 1 mile east of Aspen Mineral Source (near FS Road 30/850) would be improved to support ATV and motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide for use by trail riders with a range of experience levels, for day or overnight use, for trail access. Amenities that would be needed include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, a simple warm-up or learner loop, picnic tables, sign boards and directional signing.

• Road 600 Staging Area would be improved to support ATV and motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a simple warm-up or learner loop, but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel north. Amenities that would be added include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, sign boards and directional signing to lead riders onto the trail out of the staging area.

• Peterson Lava would be improved to support class II vehicle (jeep, etc) staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a short rock crawl loop (easy to moderate), but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel throughout the class II area, or south on the jeep trail. Amenities that would be added include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, sign boards, haz-mat supply, and directional signing.

• Ross/Peterson ridge would be improved to support class II staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would provide an entry point for visitors planning to travel throughout the class II area, or quick access to the south end of the jeep trail. Amenities that would be added include a hardened parking area, at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, sign boards, haz-mat supply, and directional signing.

• Cottonwood Pit Mineral Source would retain existing level of facilities but would serve as a motorcycle staging area. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a warm-up or learner loop and riding area where youth could be supervised, but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel east or west on the single-track trail loop. Amenities that would be added include a hardened parking area, picnic tables and sign boards (near the existing toilet) and directional signing to lead users to the trails out of the staging area.

• Six Corners Mineral Source would be improved to support motorcycle staging. The objective for this area would be to provide a trail access point for day or overnight use. This staging area would include a warm-up or learner loop and a riding area where youth could be supervised, but would generally be intended to be an entry point for visitors planning to travel the single-track trail loop. Amenities that


SUMMARY

11

would be added include at least one vault toilet, defined camp sites, picnic tables, supervised youth rider area markers or fence, sign boards and directional signing to lead riders onto the trail out of the staging area.

Dispersed camp sites that occur along the trail will not be mapped; these camp sites generally will not be modified, but trail routes passing by these sites would have directional signs and entrance filters (entrance devices to control vehicle size) installed, and camp sites defined as needed. Camping would be allowed as in dispersed camp sites as allowed in the current Travel Management Plan. Selected locations along proposed trails would be improved to provide opportunities for sight- seeing, interpretive signing, rest/regroup areas and trail-side picnics. These locations would be at scenic viewpoints, points of interest, shady spots, etc. Improvements would be limited to picnic tables and/or benches and interpretive signing.


Alternative 4 includes four site-specific amendments to the Ochoco Land and Resource Management Plan. Each of these is related to designation of motorized crossings in Old Growth Management Areas (MA-F6) allocated in the 1989 LRMP other than on constant service roads (4-232, 4-234):



3. Old Growth Management Area (OG-D2-1) near Chamberlin Spring to include motorized recreation only on designated routes including one crossing on closed road 4250-700 to connect between roads 4250-610 and 1200-440.


What are the effects of the alternatives? The following table summarizes a comparison of the four alternatives.

Parameter Alternative 1

Alternative 2

Alternative 3

Alternative 4

Total miles in Designated System Routes (including mixed-use roads) 0 170 101 212

Total miles of OHV trail 0 124 88 158 Miles of Class I Trail 0 55 35 95

Miles of Class II Trail 0 20 0 18 Miles of Class III Trail 0 49 53 45

Miles of trail not on GIS roads (“new construction”) 0 69 50 84 Number of Dispersed Campsites within which OHV noise from the developed trail system might be greater than 45 db

0 35 18 37

Miles of Dispersed Camping Roads within the >45 db noiseband 0 65 26 73

Miles of Equestrian Endurance Event Route within the >45 db noiseband 0 1.89 1.46 2.12

Miles of Keeton Trail within the >45 db noiseband 0 0.03 0.02 0.02 Number of Developed Campgrounds within which OHV noise from the developed trail system might be greater than 45 db

0 4 4 5


SUMMARY

12

Parameter Alternative 1

Alternative 2

Alternative 3

Alternative 4

Acres of Roaded Modified Recreation Opportunity Spectrum within the >45 db noiseband 0 10,837 5,818 12,771

Acres of Roaded Natural Recreation Opportunity Spectrum within the >45 db noiseband 0 1,668 1,059 2,220

Acres of Semiprimitive Non-Motorized Recreation Opportunity Spectrum within the >45 db noiseband 0 276 117 292

Miles of trail system in RHCA 0 18 7 22 Total creek/wetland crossings 0 142 62 170

Class 1 & 2 riparian crossings 0 27 16 27 Class 3 riparian crossings 0 4 5 11 Class 4 riparian crossings 0 76 34 92 Class 9 riparian crossings 0 35 7 40

Increased motorized route density – 6th Field (number of subwatersheds in the analysis area) 0 11 of 30 9 of 30 13 of 30

Acres USFS more than ½ mi from motorized route 50,177 (16%)

44,374 (15%)

45,148 (15%)

43,085 (15%)

Acres USFS less than 200 m from motorized route 115,127 (38%)

125,745 (42%)

123,036 (41%)

129,390 (43%)

Acres of elk security habitat ( ½ mi + 250 ac) 47,969 (16%)

42,460 (14%)

42,514 (14%)

41,132 (14%)

Acres of big game hiding cover (> ½ mi from motorized route) 11,847 11,558 11,465 11,285

Acres of big game thermal cover (> ½ mi from motorized route) 9,197 9,089 8,978 8,915

Total big game cover (> ½ mi from motorized route) 21,044 20,647 20,443 20,200 Miles of system within 660’ of hawk/owl nest 0 0.25 0 0 Miles of system within ¼ mi of osprey nest 0 0.6 0.46 0.46 Miles of system within ¼ mi of goshawk nest 0 2.95 1.46 2.78 Miles of system within goshawk post-fledging area 0 5.98 4.13 6.7 Miles of system within Old Growth Management Areas 0 2.59 1.44 2.54

Miles of system within mapped pileated woodpecker feeding habitat 0 2.82 0.68 2.85

Acres and miles of designated trail system in special habitat (Hardwood)

0 acres 0 miles

0.6 acres 0.5 miles

0.6 acres 0.5 miles

0.6 acres 0.5 miles

Acres and miles of designated trail system in special habitat (Meadow)

0 acres 0 miles

2.4 acres 2.02 miles

2.5 acres 2.1miles


Acres and miles of designated trail system in special habitat (Rock)

0 acres 0 miles

1.3 acres 1.1 miles

0.7 acres 0.6 miles

1.6 acres 1.3 miles

Acres and miles of designated trail system in special habitat (Shrub-scabland)

0 acres 0 miles




Crossings with highway legal only roads 0 20 16 23 Rehab/Restore sites - user created routes 0 89 54 106 Rehab/Restore sites - decommissioned roads 0 11 7 8 Rehab/Restore sites – closed roads 0 109 84 163 Estimated Construction Cost 0 $978,500 $759,000 $1,071,000

Alternative 4 would provide the most extensive designated trail system for motorized recreation; class I, II and III vehicles would be accommodated. Alternative 3 would provide the least extensive trail system of the action alternatives and would not accommodate class II vehicles. Alternative 2 would provide a more extensive trail system than Alternative 3, and would accommodate class I, II and III vehicles.


SUMMARY

13

Recreationists who prefer non-motorized activities may be disturbed by the sounds of OHVs. Generally, Alternative 4 would create the most opportunity for noise disturbance to non-motorized recreationists and other forest visitors, and Alternative 3 would create the least.

Map 9 displays watershed boundaries in the project area. Trails in Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs; see Map 10) and trail crossings over streams can contribute sediment to stream systems, particularly at localized, sensitive areas as described in the Hydrology and Aquatic Species sections of the draft EIS. Riparian vegetation may be removed at stream crossing locations. Increased sedimentation may decrease spawning success of salmonid fish. Reduced vegetation may result in localized areas of reduced stream shade. Motorized vehicles crossing wet areas during the spotted frog reproductive season may disrupt the reproductive cycle for this species. Alternative 4 has the most miles of trail in riparian areas and the highest number of stream crossings; Alternative 3 has the least miles of trail in riparian areas and the lowest number of stream crossings.

All action alternatives may decrease habitat effectiveness for big game (elk and mule deer). Each action alternative would designate trail system within the habitat of a variety of wildlife species, effects are generally related to human disturbance and sound, rather than measurable direct physical impacts to habitat. Each action alternative would increase motorized route density within some subwatersheds; Alternative 4 would increase motorized route density in the most subwatersheds, and Alternative 3 in the least.

Each action alternative proposes to restore/rehabilitate currently disturbed areas. Overall, Alternative 4 proposes the most restoration and Alternative 3 the least.

Alternative 4 would cost the most money to implement, and Alternative 3 would cost the least.

What factors would be used in making the decision between alternatives? The Responsible Official for this proposal is the Forest Supervisor of the Ochoco National Forest. The Responsible Official will decide whether to:

• Select the proposed action;

• Select an action alternative that has been considered in detail;

• Modify and an action alternative;

• Select the no action alternative;

• Identify what mitigation measures and monitoring will apply.

The decision will be determined by how well each alternative provides the best mix of prospective results in regard to the purpose and need, the significant issues, and public comments.

What monitoring is necessary? The following monitoring is included in all action alternatives:

Soil and Water Quality

• Implementation monitoring and Water Quality monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs and INFISH standards and guidelines is included for all the action alternatives.

• Drainage would be monitored prior to opening of the trails to ensure that they are functional during operating season, and after the open season to ensure that they are fully functional going into the winter when the trail is not in use.


SUMMARY

14

• Areas with high erosion potential would be monitored to determine whether design treatments intended to reduce erosion potential were implemented according to plans and that they are effective in achieving desired outcomes. Possible methods include establishment of long term photo points or transects in selected sites to monitor changes in soil depth, displacement and compaction.

• The alternatives include several design elements aimed at reducing the potential for sediment delivery from trails in RHCAs and at stream approaches. Selected reaches would be monitored to evaluate changes in sediment. Baseline water quality data for normal conditions would be established at selected sites, and would be used as a basis from which to measure change. Water quality standards and the amount of acceptable change would be identified. Monitoring would occur along stream courses, springs, wet meadows, and RHCAs to determine whether project design elements were implemented as planned and whether they are effective in meeting protection needs.

• Unauthorized or unwanted user created routes that are closed or decommissioned under this project would be monitored to determine if effective ground cover has become established in order to minimize erosion and sedimentation.

Invasive Plant Species

• High priority areas such as sensitive plant populations, rare habitats, staging areas and parking areas would receive regular monitoring and prevention for invasive plant species presence. If noxious weeds are found, an early detection rapid response strategy for treatment of weeds would be implemented.

Wildlife

• Although no trail systems have been designed to overlap existing known bald eagle nest sites or Bald Eagle Management Areas (BEMAs), periodic monitoring of selected bald eagle nest sites would continue to occur within the analysis area as part of the wildlife monitoring program.

• Although no trail systems have been designed to overlap existing known goshawk core areas or primary zones for other raptors, periodic monitoring of selected raptor nest sites would continue to occur within the project’s area of influence as part of the wildlife monitoring program.

• Monitoring and enforcement of system route closures within the Rager Cooperative Travel Management Area would occur. The focus would be during hunting season and would emphasize patrols within the TMA.

• Periodic monitoring of designated routes through special wildlife habitats such as elk calving areas, old growth management areas, pileated woodpecker foraging habitat and goshawk post fledging areas would be conducted to determine if unauthorized or user created routes are developing in a fashion that connects with the designated route. If such unwanted, unauthorized or user created routes are detected then steps would be taken to close, rehabilitate and/or conceal such routes at their intersection with the designated route and at their point of origin.

Range

• As part of a routine maintenance program, monitoring of all fences that are crossed by a designated route would occur during and after trail construction and route designation and periodically after implementation to determine effectiveness and needs for maintenance or repair.

• Monitoring of all water developments that are within ¼ mile of a designated route, trailhead or staging area would occur during and after trail construction and route designation and periodically after implementation to determine if unauthorized routes have developed which need to be closed.

• Monitoring of range designated monitoring areas (DMAs) that are within ¼ mile of a designated route, trailhead or staging area would occur during and after trail construction and route designation


SUMMARY

15

and periodically after implementation to determine if unauthorized routes have developed that need to be closed.

Cultural Resources and Site Monitoring Plan

• Monitoring of all sites that are crossed by, or adjacent to, a designated route would occur during and after trail construction and route designation. Following implementation, site visits would occur periodically to ensure that integrity of these sites is being maintained. This would be coordinated by the District or Forest Archaeologist.

Road Management and Public Safety

• The Road Manager(s) would be responsible for monitoring the condition of designated mixed use routes and crossings of open roads, addressing items that may need corrective action associated with timing of maintenance and public safety. Visibility related to adequate sight distance on curves and at intersections and adequate signing would be the focus.

Recreation

• Monitoring would be conducted by Central Oregon Off-Highway Vehicle Operations (COHVOPS) which incorporates agency personnel and volunteers into an integrated education and enforcement program that monitors elements such as sound testing at staging areas and key locations, and rules related to camping and use of the trail system.

• Trail management would include implementation monitoring of trail construction (including all design elements), type(s) of vehicle accessing each trail area and season of use.

• For conversion of road beds to trails, monitoring would be conducted to determine if widths in excess of trail width specifications were adequately rehabilitated with effective ground cover or width controlling devices such as logs or boulders.

• Trails would be monitored annually to determine if improvements need to be made to support intended use and compliance with trail rules.

• Trail Condition Surveys would be conducted annually to determine if repair or restoration needs have arisen. Monitoring would be done both before the trails open for public use in the spring and throughout the open season. These surveys also include checking to determine if unauthorized or user created trails have developed that need to be addressed.

• Stationary sound testing (Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE Standard J1287) of vehicle dB levels would be conducted periodically at all staging areas.

• Ambient sound testing would be conducted periodically in selected areas (such as Walton Lake Basin) during the operating season to determine the effectiveness of the Sound Model and application of the 45 dB level for establishing sound impacts above ambient level.

• Monitoring of campsites at staging areas and trailheads would be conducted to determine if the camp areas are accommodating user needs, and to determine if camp sites need to be defined (placement of physical limits).

• Trail use would be monitored in selected locations via a combination of visual visitor counts at staging areas, traffic counters and trail counters.

• Implementation monitoring results would be available through the Forest Plan Monitoring Report. At the programmatic level, minimum trail plan monitoring would include an annual report of the following:

• Miles of new trail constructed by user type


SUMMARY

16

• Miles of trail reconstruction by user type • Miles of trail maintained by user type • Miles of total trail that meet meaningful measure standards

Which alternative is preferred? Based on the effects described in the draft EIS, the Responsible Official has selected Alternative 3 as the preferred alternative.

NEPA--Environmental Impact...

Documents

Transcript of NEPA--Environmental Impact...