Permanent Opening Maintenance for Middlebury-Rochester...

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Eastern Region July 2014

Permanent Opening Maintenance for Middlebury-Rochester Ranger Districts and Appalachian Trail Project Decision Memo Green Mountain National Forest Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts Towns of Bristol, Goshen, Hancock, Leicester, Lincoln, Middlebury, Ripton and Salisbury, Addison County; Towns of Brandon, Chittenden, Pittsfield, and Shrewsbury, Rutland County; Towns of Bridgewater, Hartford, Norwich, Rochester, Pomfret, and Woodstock, Windsor County; and Town of Warren, Washington County, Vermont

For Information Contact: Michael Burbank Wildlife Habitat Specialist

Green Mountain National Forest 1007 Rt 7 S. Middlebury, Vermont 05753

(802) 388-4362 Fax: (802) 388-3842

E-mail: [email protected]

Responsible Official: Christopher Mattrick District Ranger

Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts Green Mountain National Forest

99 Ranger Rd. Rochester, VT 05767 (802) 767-4261

Fax: (802) 767-4777 E-mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


This document can be made available in large print. Contact Michael Burbank at (802) 388-4362;

or email at [email protected]

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Green Mountain National Forest

Decision Memo – Permanent Opening Maintenance Project Page 1 Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts and the Appalachian Trail Corridor

Permanent Opening Maintenance for Middlebury-Rochester Ranger Districts and Appalachian Trail Project

USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region, Green Mountain National Forest

Middlebury and Rochester Ranger District I. SUMMARY As District Ranger for the Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts of the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF), I am approving the implementation of the Permanent Opening Maintenance Project for the Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts including the Appalachian Trail. The project includes managing approximately 1,309 acres on 155 separate stands of pre-existing open areas on the Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts and along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Project areas are located on National Forest System (NFS) lands or lands administered by the Forest Service under agreement with the National Park Service along the Appalachian Trail corridor. The permanent opening maintenance project is in the Towns of Bristol, Goshen, Hancock, Leicester, Lincoln, Middlebury, Ripton and Salisbury, Addison County; Towns of Brandon, Chittenden, Pittsfield, and Shrewsbury, Rutland County; Towns of Bridgewater, Hartford, Norwich, Rochester, Pomfret, and Woodstock, Windsor County; and Town of Warren, Washington County, Vermont (see attached maps). II. DECISION TO BE IMPLEMENTED A. Background and Project Area Maintenance of permanent upland openings continues to be a major component of wildlife habitat management on the GMNF. Early-successional habitats are dominated by young vegetative growth, ranging from open fields and meadows to small areas of scrub-shrub, woody vegetation. Abundance of early-successional habitat on the GMNF currently is at the low end of the desired range included in the 2006 Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). Most of the 155 permanent upland opening stands included in this project were authorized for maintenance under prior National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decisions in 2004 and 2006. Many of these stands have received continuing treatment over many years. The Dutton II Project in 2004 maintained 12 permanent openings and the Natural Turnpike Project in 2008 created or expanded an additional 9 permanent upland openings. This project also includes 13 existing opening areas on the Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts that were included in NEPA decisions prior to 1999, are existing areas on newly acquired lands or were previously managed under the National Park Service along the Appalachian Trail (AT) corridor. See Table 1 for a summary of these stands.



Table 1. Previous NEPA decision documents authorizing the maintenance of

permanent upland opening stands included in this proposal.

Decision document Date No. stands Total acres

Dutton II Project 23 November 2004 12 88

Maintenance of Wildlife Openings ( no sites in Inventoried Roadless Area) 16 April 2004 41 358

Maintenance of Wildlife Openings (Manchester RD, sites in Inventoried Roadless Area)

2 July 2004 10 83

Forest- wide, Multi-Year, Maintenance of Wildlife and Other Permanent Openings Project

30 August 2006 70 644

Natural Turnpike Project 14 March 2008 9 50 New Proposals N/A 13 86 Totals 155 1,309

This project does not include 99 opening stands analyzed in earlier NEPA decisions. The management for these 99 permanent openings will be discontinued due to the stands being inaccessible, too small, too costly, or otherwise impractical to manage. Many of these old openings have not received management treatment in many years and have become reforested and now blend into the surrounding forest. For other stands, the primary management goal has been maintenance of existing apple trees, this action will be analyzed in a separate proposal anticipated in the near future. Permanent upland opening stands included in this project decision are located within seven different Management Areas (MAs) as provided for in the Forest Plan. More than half of the acreage falls in the Diverse Forest Use MA (approximately 701 acres, 54%), with lesser amounts in the Appalachian National Scenic Trail MA (227 acres, 17%), Moosalamoo Recreation and Education Area MA (210 acres, 16%), Diverse Backcountry MA (79 acres, 6%), Remote Wildlife Habitat MA (64 acres, 5%), and Recreation Special Area MA (28 acres, 2%). Thirty four stands (216 acres) are within the Moosalamoo Recreation and Education Area, for which management objectives allow for activities that maintain permanent openings. Twenty nine stands (227 acres) are within the Appalachian National Scenic Trail MA, which management objectives allow for activities that maintain permanent openings. Six stands (28 acres) are within the Recreation Special Area MA, which management objectives allow for activities that maintain permanent openings.

Of the 155 stands included in this proposal, three lie entirely or partially within the corridors of eligible Scenic or Recreation Rivers (or both) and are guided by management direction for the Eligible Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers MA.

No stands included in this proposal overlap with lands designated under the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (RACR). Twenty four other stands lie partially or entirely within lands designated as 2006 Forest Plan inventoried roadless areas (IRA).



B. Purpose and Need The purpose and need for this action is to provide continuing vegetation maintenance on 155 individual stands (1,309 total acres) on the Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts of the GMNF, and along the Appalachian Trail corridor that would provide: • Early-successional habitat with vegetation of variable structure and complexity that provides

diverse habitats for a wide variety of wildlife including shrubland bird breeding habitat • Maintain or enhance visual resources such as view sheds and vistas • Maintenance of existing apple trees within existing open areas • Reduction of hazardous fuels The Forest Plan provides several key points that are the basis for the purpose and need of this action:

• Maintain and restore quality, amount, and distribution of habitats to produce viable and sustainable populations of native and desirable non-native plants and animals (Forest Plan, 2.2.2, Goal 2: p.10).

• Maintain, and where desirable increase, the acres of upland open habitats at slightly higher than ecological tendencies to support species that prefer these habitats (Forest Plan, 2.2.2, Forest-wide Habitat Composition and Structure Objectives: p.11).

• Long-Term Composition Objectives for 1-5% of all GMNF lands in permanent upland openings (Forest Plan, 2.2.2, Table 2.2-1: p.11).

• Provide a diverse range of high-quality, sustainable recreation opportunities that complement those provided off National Forest System lands (Forest Plan, 2.2.2, Goal 12: p.15).

• Maintain or enhance visual resources such as viewsheds, vistas, overlooks, and special features (Forest Plan, 2.2.2, Goal 15: p.16).

• Existing fields and permanent upland openings along the Appalachian Trail may be maintained as openings (Forest Plan, Management Area Direction, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, (8.1), Openings G-1, p. 68).

• Opening should be located near streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands (Forest Plan, 2.3.5, G - 2: p.26).

Permanent upland openings provide critically-important early-successional habitat for wildlife, including many species of birds (e.g., grouse, turkeys, woodcock, hawks, owls, flycatchers, warblers, sparrows, and finches) and mammals (e.g., diverse rodents and other small mammals, bats, foxes, deer, moose, bobcats, and black bears). If this action is not taken, vegetation will continue to grow, advancing through successional stages ultimately becoming forested, thereby substantially reducing the abundance and availability of grass, forb and shrub habitat on the GMNF. Scenic vistas, including sites along the Appalachian Trail, may also be lost as vegetation grows in.

C. Description of Decision My decision includes maintenance of 155 individual stands on the Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts and along the Appalachian Trail corridor as permanent upland openings (refer to Appendix C of this Decision Memo for a list of stands proposed for treatment). This decision will maintain approximately 1,309 acres of upland open habitat in an early seral stage of vegetative growth to support viable populations of desirable native and non-native species that utilize this habitat at some point during their life cycle. Treatment methods will include mowing and other mechanical treatments, chipping of slash and other woody debris, hand cutting with



chainsaws, and prescribed burning. Mechanical treatments may be completed using rubber-tire tractors, skid-steer tractors, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with attached or pull behind mowers, walk behind mowers, or track mounted excavators. In some situations, the removal of boulders or stumps, surface scarification and leveling low spots or high spots may be needed to prepare the ground for seeding. Actions that disturb the ground surface and expose soil will be revegetated with native seed mixes or will naturally reseed on their own. Maintenance at some sites will be accomplished by a single treatment method, whereas other sites may require a combination of methods to achieve site objectives. Commercial timber harvest will not be employed for maintenance of permanent upland openings. These treatments are designed to provide early-successional habitats that are dominated by young vegetative growth, ranging from open fields and meadows to scrub-shrub, woody vegetation. As part of the proposed maintenance of wildlife openings, apple trees found in these upland opening sites will be released from adjacent over-shading vegetation and pruned to improve the vigor, productivity, and overall health of the trees. The 155 stands included in this proposal range in size from 62 acres to less than one acre; median for Middlebury stands is 6.7 acres, median for Rochester stands is 12.6 acres and average size for all is 8.5 acres. The combined total area of all 155 stands is 1309 acres. Some stands are almost entirely covered in herbaceous and small woody vegetation. Other opening stands, especially the larger stands, include a mosaic of open and forested areas. To more closely meet the Forest Plan description of permanent openings, management activities will move the areas toward openings dominated by perennial grasses, forbs, sedges, and shrubs, that have less than 16 percent stocking of trees and less than 10 percent tree cover (Forest Plan, Chapter 6, Glossary: p. 147). It is unlikely that all stands included in this project will be treated during the next five years. Rather, this project proposal compiles a comprehensive list of all stands on the Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts and along the Appalachian Trail corridor for which opening maintenance activities are authorized. Activities and specific stands to be treated in any given year are not listed in a fixed schedule for completion. Stands treated each year will be determined by factors such as each stands existing condition, weather, staffing and funding resources, and collaboration with other agencies, partners, and volunteers. Where and when appropriate, maintenance of permanent upland openings would be incorporated into chainsaw training classes, accomplishing habitat targets while simultaneously providing Forest Service employees and volunteers with safety instruction in use of chainsaws.

Many of the permanent upland openings are vestiges of abandoned farms and homesteads. Consequently, these opening stands frequently are associated with heritage (cultural) resource features, such as stone walls and building foundations. Field crews and volunteers will be made aware of these structures and instructed not to damage any historical or heritage feature. The Wildlife staff will work in close collaboration with, and as appropriate, under guidance provided by the GMNF archaeologist to ensure that heritage resources are protected. When and where appropriate, management of permanent upland openings is planned in collaboration with the GMNF archaeologist to provide collateral protection of and benefit to heritage resources. My decision includes implementation of mitigation measures requirements identified in Appendix A of this Decision Memo. This decision is based upon an environmental analysis conducted by an interdisciplinary team of Forest Service specialists, and responses to public scoping. This information is filed in the project planning record located in the Rochester Ranger District office.



III. REASONS FOR CATEGORICALLY EXCLUDING THE DECISION Decisions may be categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) when they are within one of the categories of actions found at 36 CFR 220.6(e), and there are no extraordinary circumstances related to the decision that may result in a significant individual or cumulative environmental effect. A. Category of Exclusion Based on the environmental analysis included in the project planning record and on experience with similar activities on the GMNF, I have concluded that this decision can be appropriately categorically excluded from further analysis and documentation in an EA or EIS. I have determined that the selected action is a routine activity within the following category of exclusion found at 36 CFR 220.6 (e)(6): “Timber stand and/or wildlife habitat improvement activities that do not include the use of herbicides or do not require more than 1 mile of low standard road construction.” B. Relationship to Extraordinary Circumstances Resource conditions that should be considered in determining whether extraordinary circumstances related to the proposed action warrant further analysis and documentation in an EA or EIS may be found at 36 CFR 220.6(b)(1). The degree of any potential effect from the proposed action associated with these resource conditions determines whether extraordinary conditions exist. The mere presence of one or more of these resource conditions does not preclude use of a categorical exclusion. I have considered the potential effects from the project associated with the resource conditions listed at 36 CFR 220.6(b)(1), and conclude that there are no extraordinary circumstances related to the decision that may result in a significant individual or cumulative effect on the quality of the human environment. My conclusion is based on information presented in this document and the entirety of the project planning record. A summary of the project’s potential effects on each resource condition is as follows: 1. Federally Listed Threatened or Endangered Species or Designated Critical Habitat, Species

Proposed for Federal Listing or Proposed Critical Habitat, or Forest Service Sensitive Species

It was determined that there will be no impact/no effect on federally listed animal or plant species or their critical habitats resulting from this project (Wildlife Biological Evaluation, March 7, 2014, Plant Biological Evaluation, February 3, 2014 and July 7, 2014). There are no federally listed threatened or endangered plant species on the GMNF. Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2670 direction requires analysis of potential effects to sensitive species, those species for which the Regional Forester has identified population viability is a concern. There will be no effect on the following wildlife species that are listed as Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species (RFSS).

Common loon Gavia immer Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus American peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus anatum Bicknell’s thrush Catharus bicknelli Rusty blackbird Euphagus carolinus



Sedge wren Cistothorus platensis Wood turtle Clemmys insculpta Jefferson salamander Ambystoma jeffersonianum Blue-spotted salamander Ambystoma laterale Four-toed salamander Hemidactylium scutatum Boulder beach tiger beetle Cicindela ancocisconensis West Virginia white Pieris virginiensis Southern pygmy clubtail Lanthus vernalis Forcipate emerald Somatochlora forcipata Gray petaltail Tachopteryx thoreyi Harpoon clubtail Gomphus descriptus Brook floater Alasmidonta varicosa Creek heelsplitter Lasmigona compressa

Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) Animals ― May be Impacted Four species of woodland bats are RFSS that occur on and near the GMNF and could occur in the project area:

Little brown bat Myotis lucifugus Northern long-eared bat Myotis septentrionalis Eastern small-footed bat Myotis leibii Tri-colored bat Perimyotis subflavus

All four of these species are affected by white-nose syndrome (WNS). During recent years, little brown bats and northern long-eared bats have suffered unprecedented population declines in Vermont, with estimates loss ranging from 75% to 99% (Darling and Smith 2011). The impact of WNS on eastern small-footed bats and tri-colored bats is not known, but these bats were rare or uncommon in Vermont prior to WNS. These species could be impacted by project activities, primarily through disturbance or injury by felling of large roost trees during the period when bats are active on the Vermont landscape, approximately April through October. The only project activity affecting roosting bats could be the removal of an active roost tree during the active season. The potential of having a roosting bat within a large tree in any of the openings would be rare but cannot be completely discounted. All of the other work in maintaining openings involves the treatment of vegetation that is less than 8” diameter breast height (DBH) and non-roosting trees. The actions of this project will not lead to loss of viability or trend towards Federal listing of these bat species. Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) Plants Individual plants or habitat listed as RFSS may occur within openings planned for treatment. A complete listing of these species can be found in the February 3, 2014 and July 7, 2014 Plant Biological Evaluations. For any plant that does or could potentially occur in an opening proposed for maintenance, there are potential direct effects if they are cut back during mowing or other mechanical treatment, run over by equipment used in project implementation, buried under chipped debris or piles of slash, or burned during prescribed fire. Indirect effects, however, would be expected to be positive, to the extent that maintaining these sites allows their open habitat to be perpetuated, when it might otherwise be overtaken by succession. Negative indirect effects are also possible if maintenance causes erosion into a pond where there are rare plants, or if it changes the character of a wetland where there are rare plants.



Although mitigation measures are included to minimize negative effects to these species (Appendix A), it is still possible that these plants will be inadvertently harmed, or that mitigations will be ineffective. Given that maintaining these openings maintains their suitable habitat, and cyclic monitoring can provide feedback that leads to adaptive monitoring, this is not expected to contribute to a trend towards Federal listing or loss of viability.

2. Floodplains, Wetlands, or Municipal Watersheds The project has several stands within groundwater zones or secondary recharge zones identified by compartment and stand number. No individual groundwater wells were found on or near the upland opening stands. These include (Compartment/Stand) 1/101, 3/102, 129/102, 129/104, 131/102, and 131/103. Planned maintenance is restricted to hand cutting hardwood vegetation during the entire planning cycle for stands within groundwater or secondary recharge zones. Identified stands have some areas within the current stand boundary as floodplain areas; these include portions of (Compartment/Stand) 120/109, 121/110, 156/105, and 156/106. No activities are planned within the designated floodplain in these stands. These areas have been identified as riparian management areas that been allowed to grow trees and shrubs. The plantings in the floodplain areas are former agricultural fields where opening management will not occur. Wetlands are adjacent to upland opening stands (Compartment/Stand), 69/116, 69/118, 69/120, 69/121, 92/115, 108/101, 119/103, 121/110, 122/101, and 156/106. No management activities will occur within these wetlands. With identified mitigation measures in place, no effects associated with these resources are expected from this project (communication with N. Ketcham, Fisheries Biologist; and D. Burbank, Forest Ecologist, April 3, 2013).

3. Congressionally Designated Areas, such as Wilderness, Wilderness Study Areas, or National Recreation Area Wilderness: Congressionally designated Wilderness is allocated to the Wilderness Management Area (MA) in the Forest Plan (Forest Plan, pp. 49 to 53). The project is not within or directly adjacent to any Wilderness MA. This project, with effects limited to the immediate area of activity, will have no effects associated with the Wilderness resource (communication with Donna Marks, staff specialist, April 3, 2013). Wilderness Study Areas: There are no Congressionally designated Wilderness Study Areas on the GMNF. National Recreation Areas: Thirty four stands proposed for treatment (216 acres) are within the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. The project is consistent with resource management direction within the Moosalamoo NRA. As a result, there will be no effects associated with the National Recreation Area resource expected from this project (communication with Donna Marks, staff specialist, April 3, 2013).



Appalachian National Scenic Trail: The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) traverses across the GMNF and is designated and managed as a special area because of its uncommon and outstanding values. The AT is located within the influence of the project (twenty nine stands totaling 227 acres proposed for treatment are within the Appalachian National Scenic Trail MA). The project is consistent with Forest Plan direction for AT management (Forest Plan, pp. 66 to 72). As a result, the effects from this project associated with the AT are not expected to be adverse (communication with Donna Marks, staff specialist, April 3, 2013). Wild and Scenic Rivers: Although the GMNF does not contain any Congressionally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, there are many river segments that are eligible to be further considered for addition to the National Wild and Scenic River System. These river segments and their associated corridors are within the Eligible Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers Management Area (Forest Plan, pp. 105 to 109). Three stands, 120/105, 120/107, and 121110, lie entirely or partially within the corridors of eligible Scenic or Recreational Rivers (or both) and are guided by management direction for the Eligible Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers MA. Activities proposed in this project would have no impact on the outstandingly remarkable values identified for these rivers. (communication with Donna Marks, staff specialist, April 3, 2013).

4. Inventoried Roadless Areas or Potential Wilderness Areas The project is not within any 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule inventoried roadless areas. Twenty four stands lie partially or entirely within lands designated as 2006 Forest Plan inventoried roadless areas (IRA). Activities proposed in this project would have no impact on the roadless characteristics or IRA’s (communication with Donna Marks, staff specialist, April 3, 2013).

5. Existing and Candidate Research Natural Areas There is no existing or candidate Research Natural Areas (Forest Plan, pp. 90 to 93) within or directly adjacent to the project area. This project, with effects limited to the immediate area of activity, will have no effects associated with any existing or candidate Research Natural Area resource (communication with D. Burbank, Forest Ecologist, April 3, 2013).

6. American Indian and Alaska Native Religious or Cultural Sites See Item 7 below.

7. Archeological Sites, or Historical Properties or Areas

This project complies with the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archeological Resources Protection Act, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Existing permanent upland openings on the Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts frequently are associated with heritage resource features, such as stone walls and building foundations. The Wildlife Program will work in close collaboration with the GMNF archaeologist to insure that heritage resources are protected (see Appendix A – Mitigation Measures). In many cases, appropriate management of permanent upland openings can simultaneously benefit and protect heritage resources. Such collateral protection of heritage resources will be provided when and where possible, under the guidance of the GMNF archaeologist. Consequently, the effects associated with the cultural or historic resources as a result of this project are not expected to be adverse (from Forest Archeologist, 26 June 2014).



C. Other Resources In addition to resource conditions that could lead to extraordinary circumstances, I have also considered the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects to other resources such as soil, water, fisheries, visuals, recreation, and vegetation. The project is not expected to result in any adverse effects associated with these resources, particularly because all applicable Forest Plan standards and guidelines will be implemented and additional mitigation measures (Appendix A) will be implemented (Specialist staff review, April 3, 2013). IV. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

This project was listed in the quarterly Green Mountain National Forest Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) beginning in April 2013, and will remain in the SOPA until the project is authorized for implementation. Public involvement included public distribution of a project proposal for a 30-day comment period (April 4 to May 5, 2014). Comments received and how they were addressed can be found in Appendix B. This project was also internally reviewed by Forest Service staff. All concerns have been addressed by adherence to Forest Plan standards and guidelines, and mitigation measures included in Appendix A. V. FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OR RELATED TO OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS My decision will comply with all applicable laws and regulations. I have summarized some pertinent laws and regulations in this section. National Environmental Policy Act The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires public involvement and consideration of environmental effects. The entirety of documentation for this decision supports compliance with this Act. Forest Consistency (National Forest Management Act) The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) requires development of long-range land and resource management plans, and that all site-specific project activities to be consistent with direction in the plans. The GMNF Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) was completed and approved in 2006 as required by the NFMA and provides direction for all management activities on the Forest. The Permanent Opening Maintenance Project (Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts and Appalachian Trail Corridor) implements the Forest Plan, and its consideration is guided by direction for the Diverse Forest Use, Diverse Backcountry, Remote Wildlife Habitat, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Recreation Special Area, Moosalamoo Recreation and Education Area, and Eligible Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers MAs (Forest Plan, pp. 47-48, 58-59, 60-62, 66-72, 98-99, 100-102, 105-109, respectively). My decision is based on the best available science, including 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, scientific uncertainty, and risk. As required by the NFMA Section 1604(i), I find this project to be consistent with the Forest Plan including goals, objectives, desired future conditions, and Forest-wide and Management Area standards and guidelines. Endangered Species Act



The Endangered Species Act requires that federal activities do not jeopardize the continued existence of any species federally listed or proposed as threatened or endangered, or result in adverse modification to such species’ designated critical habitat. In accordance with Section 7(c) of this Act, a report of the listed and proposed, threatened or endangered species that may be present in the project area was reviewed. See Section III, Item B.1 of this decision document. Clean Water Act The intent of the Clean Water Act is to restore and maintain the integrity of waters. The Forest Service complies with this Act through Forest Plan standards and guidelines, specific project design criteria, and mitigation measures to ensure protection of soil and water resources. Wetlands (Executive Order 11990) Executive Order 11990 directs the agency to avoid to the extent possible the adverse impacts associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands, and to avoid support of new construction in wetlands wherever there is a practical alternative. See Section III, Item B.2 of this decision document. Floodplains (Executive Order 11988) Executive Order 11988 directs the agency to avoid to the extent possible the adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains, and to avoid support of floodplain development wherever there is a practical alternative. See Section III, Item B.2 of this decision document. Wilderness Act The Wilderness Act established a National Wilderness Preservation System to be composed of federally owned land designated by Congress as “wilderness areas”. These areas are administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness. The Act provides for the protection of these areas, the preservation of their wilderness character, and for gathering and dissemination of information regarding their use and enjoyment as wilderness. See Section III, Item B.3 of this decision document. National Trails System Act The purpose of the National Trails System Act includes the designation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to help institute a national system of trails for the ever-increasing outdoor recreation needs of an expanding population. It also promotes the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of outdoor areas and historic resources of the Nation. See Section III, Item B.3 of this decision document. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act institutes a national wild and scenic rivers system that includes selected rivers which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values. It provides for them to be preserved in a free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments will be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. See Section III, Item B.3 of this decision document. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act addresses the discovery and protection of Native American human remains and objects that are excavated or discovered on federal lands. The Act encourages avoidance of archaeological sites that contain burials or



portions of sites that contain graves through “in situ” preservation, but may encompass other actions to preserve these remains and items. See Section III, Item B.6 of this decision document. National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to take into account the effect of a project on any district, site, building, structure, or object that is included in, or eligible for inclusion in the National Register. It also requires federal agencies to afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment. See Section III, Item B.7 of this decision document. Archeological Resources Protection Act The Archeological Resources Protection Act covers the discovery and protection of historic properties (prehistoric and historic) that are excavated or discovered on federal lands. This Act affords lawful protection of archaeological resources and sites that are on public and Indian lands. See Section III, Item B.7 of this decision document. Federal Noxious Weed Act and Executive Order 11312 (Non-native Invasive Species) The Federal Noxious Weed Act requires cooperation with State, local, and other federal agencies in the management and control of non-native invasive species (NNIS). Executive Order (EO) 11312 requires all pertinent federal agencies (subject to budgetary appropriations) to prevent the introduction of NNIS. This project’s decision meets the intent of this law and EO by incorporating all pertinent Forest Plan standards and guidelines, and mitigation measures to ensure the management and control of NNIS. Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898) Executive Order 12898 requires consideration of whether projects would disproportionately impact minority or low-income populations. This decision complies with this order. Public involvement has occurred (see Section IV), the results of which I have considered in the decision-making process for this project. No adverse impacts to local minority or low-income populations were identified. VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND OBJECTION /APPEAL OPPORTUNITIES This decision is not subject to an administrative review or objection pursuant to 36 CFR 218. The decision is also no longer subject to an administrative review or appeal pursuant to pursuant to 36 CFR 215. On January 17, 2014, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (Pub. L. No. 113-76). Section 431 of that Act directs that the 1992 and 2012 legislation establishing the 36 CFR 215 (post-decisional appeals) and 36 CFR 218 (pre-decisional objections) processes “shall not apply to any project or activity implementing a land and resource management plan … that is categorically excluded ….under the National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA].” On February 7, 2014, the President signed into law the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill) (Pub. L. No. 113-79). Section 8006 of the 2014 Farm Bill repealed the Appeals Reform Act (ARA) (Pub. L. No. 102-381). The ARA’s implementing regulation was 36 CFR 215. The 2014 Farm Bill also directs that the pre-decisional objection process established in the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2012 shall not be applicable to categorically excluded projects or activities.



VII. IMPLEMENTATION DATE This decision may be implemented immediately. VIII. CONTACT PERSON Further information about this decision can be obtained from Michael Burbank during normal office hours (weekdays, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) at the Middlebury District office located at: 1007 Route 7 S., Middlebury, Vermont; phone: 802-388-4362; fax: 802-388-3843; or email: [email protected] IX. SIGNATURE AND DATE /s/ Thomas D. Paquette _________________________________

for Christopher Mattrick District Ranger Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts Green Mountain National Forest

July 22, 2014 _______________________________ Date

Attachment(s): Project Area Maps; Appendix A – Mitigation Measures; Appendix B – Response to Comments; and Appendix C – List of Stands to be Treated




Permanent Opening Maintenance for Middlebury-Rochester Ranger Districts and Appalachian Trail Project Decision Memo

APPENDIX A – Mitigation Measures All pertinent Forest-wide, Diverse Forest Use, Diverse Backcountry, Remote Wildlife Habitat, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Recreation Special Area, Moosalamoo Recreation and Education Area, and Eligible Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers Management Area standards and guidelines will be adhered to during project implementation. The following additional mitigation measures will also be adhered to during project implementation: Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) – Plants 1. Prior to project implementation, the following stands still need botanical inventory, with

mitigation measures developed for any RFSS found: a. Compartment 277/stand 107 (Manchester District) – 1400’ elevation, along Cold river b. Compartment 156/stands 106 (900’ elevation, along Barnard Brook), 109, and 110

(both at about 1000’ elevation) (Rochester District) 2. Any opening that has not yet had botanical inventory should be inventoried prior to

maintenance, unless ecological models (currently in development) suggest a lack of potential habitat at a particular site.

3. If project work would occur outside of any of the polygons where botanical inventory has

occurred, additional botanical inventory should be completed, and mitigation measures should be developed for any RFSS found.

4. In locations where butternut occurs, do not cut or burn any healthy individuals. If healthy

young trees occur in openings that get proposed to be abandoned, continue to keep the canopy open above them, if feasible. Their locations are in compartment 155/stands 103, 104, & 105.

5. In the one location (compartment 155/stand 103 – Woodward Hill) where stout blue-eyed

grass has been reported, confirm its identity prior to project implementation, and if it truly is this species, develop an implementation plan that minimizes impact to this species.

6. To protect the 6 rare plant species that would likely be proposed as RFSS if present on the

GMNF, each should be monitored prior to implementation, their identities confirmed, and a plan for minimizing impact to each rare species should be developed.

7. Any opening in which rare plants occur (RFSS or not) that is proposed for maintenance

should have mitigation measures developed in coordination with the Forest Botanist that will minimize the effects to these plants. The mitigation measures should be specific to the rare plants that occur there, and specific to the type(s) of maintenance proposed. Examples of potential mitigation measures include (but are not limited to) such things as changing the timing of mowing to allow RFSS to go to seed before being mowed, or excluding a small area from maintenance activities.

8. Ongoing rare plant monitoring (generally ever 5 years for terrestrial species, and ten years

for aquatic species, as budgets allow, should provide information about population stability that can be used in adaptive management of these sites.



Non-Native Invasive Plants (NNIP) To prevent the introduction and spread of NNIP, the following mitigations are suggested as the means by which to implement Forest Plan standards and guidelines:

1. Any equipment brought in to implement the project should be clean (free of mud and plant debris that could include seeds or other propagules) prior to accessing the site.

2. For any openings that have not had botanical review, review should occur prior to

maintenance (to meet the need for review for RFSS as well as for NNIP). Even if ecological modeling suggests that botanical inventory for rare plants does not need to occur, it is suggested that surveys for NNIP still occur. These will likely be more cursory, and may potentially be accomplished by appropriately trained non-botany staff.

3. For any openings known to have infestations in them, a treatment plan should be

developed with the Forest botanist that is in keeping with the Forest-wide Invasive Plant Control EA. Although in some cases treatment may be able to happen in conjunction with openings maintenance, in other cases, treatment may need to occur several weeks, months, or even a year in advance to be effective. In addition, the method of treatment may vary considerably based on the method of openings maintenance. For this reason, a list of planned openings maintenance (including both location and method) is requested as far in advance as possible.

4. An IDIQ contract for NNIP control on the GMNF is in place and will potentially be in

effect through the end of FY17; task orders may be issued in keeping with this contract at any time by working through the COR (Forest Botanist).

5. In some instances, NNIP are known from (or may be discovered along) the edges of

stands proposed for maintenance. In this situation, the following are needed: a. Develop a plan for accessing the opening without driving equipment through the

NNIP or, if they are unavoidable, treat them prior to using an access road where they are present.

b. If they are close enough that they are likely to be dispersed into the opening by wind, water, wildlife, recreational use, etc., treat them prior to openings maintenance.

6. If project work would occur outside of any of the polygons where botanical inventory has

occurred, additional botanical inventory should be completed, and appropriate treatments should be developed for any NNIP found.

Floodplains, Wetlands, and Municipal Watersheds Identified stands have some areas within the current stand boundary as floodplain areas, these include portions of (Compartment/Stand) 120/109, 121/110, 156/105, and 156/106. No activities will be implemented within the designated floodplain. These areas have been identified as riparian management areas that been allowed to grow trees and shrubs. Wetlands are adjacent to upland opening stands (Compartment/Stand), 69/118, 69/120, 69/121, 119/103, 120/110, and 121/110. No management activities will occur within wetlands and management occurring adjacent to wetland stands will occur during dry ground conditions. Management activities in alder thickets will occur during dry ground conditions.



The project has several stands within groundwater zones or secondary recharge zones. These include (Compartment/Stand) 1/101, 3/102, 129/102, 129/104, 131/102, and 131/103. Maintenance of these stands will be restricted to hand cutting hardwood vegetation. Heritage Resources Ground disturbing maintenance activities in opening stands with known or suspected historic sites will be coordinated with the Forest Archaeologist to determine appropriate mitigation actions prior to implementation. All known cultural sites will be clearly marked on burn plans and maps, and protected by a fuel break where necessary prior to any prescribed burn. Brush or other debris will not be piled within historic sites. Workers clearing fire lines, implementing prescribed fire, or mechanically treating a site will be directed to cease operations in a particular site if they should uncover previously unknown cultural sites or artifacts, and contact Forest Archaeologist to evaluate the artifacts or sites and determine protection measures. The Forest Archaeologist may contact the State Historic Preservation Officer if necessary and appropriate mitigation measures will be devised and implemented. Visual Quality Management Slash generated during apple tree release and pruning will be pulled back at least 25 ft. from roads and recreation trails. Slash may be burned, lopped or contained into brush piles to insure that it will not extend above 2 ft. above the ground. Stumps should be cut close to the ground (within 12 inches) to minimize appearance from roads and recreation trails. Silviculture Where stands are accessible to the public, retain conifer trees 4-15 feet tall suitable for holiday trees. Wildlife Mowing and burning shrub or grass openings will avoid disturbing ground nesting birds. Do not manage grass and shrub component between May 1 and July 15 where ground nesting is observed. Nesting areas will be protected by avoiding the perimeter of the nesting area and maintaining at least 150 feet of cover around the site. Restoration or reclaiming the early successional component of opening stands will also avoid management during the period of May 1 and July 15 where nesting occurs in poletimber thickets.



Permanent Opening Maintenance for Middlebury-Rochester Ranger Districts and Appalachian Trail Project Decision Memo APPENDIX B – Response to Comments

The following comments were received during the public scoping period (April 4 to May 5, 2014). Each comment is followed by the Forest Service response that includes how the comment has been addressed. GENERAL COMMENTS Comment: I am concerned about the presentation of material on which to comment. On the right hand column of the web document Project Overview and Project Description appeared to be dead. Comment would have been enhanced with greater detail on the project, particularly the map details and specifics for which openings are and will be maintained. Unfortunately, no specific reasons were given for the justification of individual openings. This makes substantive comment very difficult. Forest Service Response: Some of the map detail omitted in the larger scale maps was an oversight by the Forest Service. The scoping document distributed for public review, which was also included on our website, stated that more detailed maps were available upon request. The Forest Plan provides several key points that are the basis for the purpose and need of this action:

• Maintain and restore quality, amount, and distribution of habitats to produce viable and sustainable populations of native and desirable non-native plants and animals (Forest Plan, 2.2.2, Goal 2: p.10)

• Maintain, and where desirable increase, the acres of upland open habitats at slightly higher than ecological tendencies to support species that prefer these habitats (Forest Plan, 2.2.2, Forest-wide Habitat Composition and Structure Objectives: p.11).

• Long-Term Composition Objectives for 1-5% of all GMNF lands in permanent upland openings (Forest Plan, 2.2.2, Table 2.2-1: p.11)

The objectives for opening habitat is to manage existing openings and increase opening habitat to move the Forest towards a long-range target of 1-5% of all GMNF lands in permanent upland opening habitat. Most of the managed opening habitat is shrubland openings and to a smaller degree quality grassland habitat. The current condition is less than 1 percent upland opening habitat across all GMNF lands (0.008%). Recent shrubland bird monitoring found 66 bird species in 2010 and 69 bird species in 2011 within permanent and silvicultural openings on the GMNF. Of these, 21 were shrubland bird species. The timing of management regimes is important since shrubland birds breed in ephemeral habitats that are undergoing succession and are limited to a short time period when their habitat needs are met in a given patch (5 to 20 years). Comment: Compartment 19, Stand 32; this proposed opening appears to cross the Ripton Town Trail , of some significance as Town Road Number 4 and the only route between Ripton and Lincoln for more than 75 years. Barring an excellent reason for locating this opening where it is proposed, I see little purpose served in making a mess in the woods every few years where the town trail crosses the opening. Forest Service Response: A portion of Compartment 19 Stand 32 is an existing opening created during the Cobb Hill North Stewardship Timber Sale within the Natural Turnpike



Integrated Resource Project, March 14, 2008. It is a newly created opening stand from the parent stand 32 (17 acres). The opening portion of the stand does not intersect or cross the Ripton Town Trail. A new stand designation will be split from stand 32 for the permanent opening. Comment: Compartment 52, Stands 101,108, 109, 110, and 116 are either contiguous with or nearly contiguous with other openings. Why not call it one large opening? The same logic applies to Compartment 92, Stands 102, 107, 108, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116. Forest Service Response: This comment is noted. The opening stands listed are long standing areas that may have been mapped originally in the 1980’s or 1990’s with an activity history connecting management to those locations. Stand classifications from that era tended to split stands into small units where slight variations in stand conditions were found. Until a new Compartment Examination or site specific projects occur, old stands are not remapped. SENSITIVE SPECIES Comment: I have concerns about several stands that may contain threatened Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium van-bruntiae). While I can easily see the advantage to carefully consider precise removal of individual trees and shrubs to provide more sunlight for individual Jacob’s ladder sites, I am concerned that the precision required may not be exercised. I am particularly concerned that this will be the case in Compartment 20 Stand 110.

Forest Service Response: Management of stands with Jacob’s ladder to “sunlight” rare plants will not be a part of this decision. Compartment 20 Stand 110 is being removed from this decision because of the risk to Eastern Jacob’s ladder.. All known areas of Jacob’s ladder are not in upland (dry) opening habitat and the actions described in this decision are not compatible with Jacob’s ladder sites. If the Forest Service determines that there are any management activities to improve Eastern Jacob’s ladder on the Green Mountain National Forest, a new and separate proposal will be developed.

Comment: I note also that Jacob’s ladder is probably present in Compartment 20 Stand 101 and Compartment 24 Stand 106.

Forest Service Response: Jacob’s ladder has not been found in the managed portions of Compartment 20 Stand 101 and Compartment 24 Stand 106. Areas where Jacob’s ladder exist are not dry and therefore not consistent with management of upland opening habitat.

Comment: Compartment 42 Stand 46 may contain the introduced Jacob’s Ladder, although I am unable to be certain. Forest Service Response: Compartment 42 Stand 46 is an opening created during the Cobb Hill North Stewardship Timber Sale within the Natural Turnpike IRP, March 14, 2008. It is south of the introduced Jacob’s ladder and it is a dry upland area that is to the west of the old Sparks Pit dispersed campsite. There is about 100 feet of the stand adjacent to the old road that ends at Stand 112, the beaver pond wetland complex.



Permanent Opening Maintenance for Middlebury-Rochester Districts and Appalachian Trail Project Decision Memo

APPENDIX C – List of Stands

Town Compartment Stand Acres Management Area Bridgewater 155 103 4 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Bridgewater 155 104 2 Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Bristol 12 102 23 Diverse Forest Use Bristol 12 105 3 Diverse Forest Use Bristol 20 109 4 Diverse Forest Use

Chittenden 129 102 7 Diverse Backcountry Chittenden 129 104 6 Diverse Backcountry Chittenden 131 102 4 Diverse Backcountry Chittenden 131 103 4 Diverse Backcountry Chittenden 134 101 8 Remote Wildlife Habitat Chittenden 134 103 2 Diverse Forest Use Chittenden 144 102 7 Diverse Backcountry Chittenden 144 103 1 Diverse Backcountry Chittenden 145 106 10 Diverse Backcountry Chittenden 146 102 4 Diverse Backcountry

Goshen 90 105 6 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 91 101 6 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 91 106 2 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 91 109 5 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 91 110 9 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 91 111 4 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 91 113 3 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 91 114 2 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 91 115 4 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 91 116 5 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 91 118 3 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 101 2 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 102 21 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 104 2 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 107 10 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 108 2 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 109 2 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 110 3 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 111 1 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 112 2 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 113 1 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 114 1 Moosalamoo NRA



Town Compartment Stand Acres Management Area Goshen 92 115 9 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 92 116 2 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 108 101 42 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 108 108 4 Moosalamoo NRA Goshen 108 112 3 Moosalamoo NRA Hancock 98 103 13 Diverse Backcountry Hancock 99 102 5 Diverse Backcountry Hancock 99 104 7 Diverse Backcountry Hartford 156 125 7 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Hartford 156 127 5 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Leicester 89 102 8 Moosalamoo NRA Lincoln 1 101 21 Remote Wildlife Habitat Lincoln 3 102 1 Remote Wildlife Habitat Lincoln 8 102 2 Remote Wildlife Habitat Lincoln 8 103 7 Remote Wildlife Habitat Lincoln 8 106 6 Remote Wildlife Habitat Lincoln 17 101 10 Remote Wildlife Habitat Lincoln 19 101 3 Diverse Forest Use Lincoln 19 102 10 Diverse Forest Use Lincoln 19 111 6 Diverse Forest Use Lincoln 20 101 13 Diverse Forest Use Lincoln 24 101 11 Diverse Forest Use Lincoln 24 106 2 Diverse Forest Use Lincoln 26 102 3 Diverse Forest Use

Middlebury 23 101 2 Diverse Forest Use Norwich 157 102 1 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pittsfield 121 101 6 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 121 102 7 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 121 103 3 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 121 106 22 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 121 108 8 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 121 110 56 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 122 101 19 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 122 102 19 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 135 101 31 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 135 103 7 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 136 101 6 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 136 102 62 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 136 103 2 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 137 101 5 Diverse Forest Use Pittsfield 137 105 6 Diverse Forest Use Pomfret 156 103 6 Appalachian National Scenic Trail



Town Compartment Stand Acres Management Area Pomfret 156 104 8 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 105 4 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 106 7 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 108 16 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 109 2 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 110 4 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 112 16 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 115 3 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 116 9 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 117 1 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 118 16 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 119 5 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 120 3 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 121 1 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 122 10 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 123 10 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Pomfret 156 124 2 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Ripton 19 17 5 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 19 20 4 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 19 32 9 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 22 107 2 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 22 108 2 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 24 106 6 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 24 115 19 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 25 13 10 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 42 4 4 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 42 22 6 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 42 46 5 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 42 101 2 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 43 10 5 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 47 101 12 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 52 108 8 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 52 109 3 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 52 110 13 Diverse Forest Use Ripton 69 106 3 Moosalamoo NRA Ripton 69 116 1 Recreation Special Area Ripton 69 118 3 Recreation Special Area Ripton 69 120 3 Recreation Special Area Ripton 69 121 3 Recreation Special Area Ripton 69 128 33 Moosalamoo NRA Ripton 86 105 7 Moosalamoo NRA

Rochester 95 101 6 Diverse Forest Use



Town Compartment Stand Acres Management Area Rochester 95 103 7 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 95 105 3 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 96 101 13 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 96 102 4 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 103 101 8 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 103 102 7 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 103 103 10 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 104 101 14 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 114 101 4 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 114 102 3 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 115 101 3 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 115 102 18 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 115 103 16 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 119 101 9 Remote Wildlife Habitat Rochester 119 103 12 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 120 101 33 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 120 105 5 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 120 106 6 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 120 107 18 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 120 108 3 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 120 109 30 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 120 110 6 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 122 103 8 Diverse Forest Use Rochester 158 101 8 Diverse Forest Use Salisbury 86 109 3 Moosalamoo NRA

Shrewsbury 227 104 11 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Shrewsbury 227 106 16 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Shrewsbury 227 107 12 Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Warren 150 102 11 Diverse Backcountry Warren 150 103 1 Recreation Special Area Warren 150 104 5 Recreation Special Area Warren 150 105 12 Recreation Special Area

Woodstock 155 105 42 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Woodstock 155 106 3 Appalachian National Scenic Trail Woodstock 156 101 1 Appalachian National Scenic Trail

(*stands located near wetlands)

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