Pelican Project Environmental Assessment July 2012 A-1 Appendix A APPENDIX A VEGETATION TREATMENT DESCRIPTIONS AND UNIT SPECIFIC DESIGN CRITERIA The table below describes the Pelican Project proposed vegetation treatments and identifies the associated codes used on the Alternative 2 Map. All proposed primary treatments were grouped into six categories for the map and the map code is listed in the first column. The treatment codes (listed with the treatment title in the second column below) are associated with each stand included in Alternative 2. They are summarized here. 1. Create young stands with harvest 2. Improve stand condition with harvest 3. Restore stand condition without harvest 4. Remove hazardous fuels 5. Wildlife habitat improvement Secondary and reforestation treatment codes and definitions are shown in Table A-2 and are applied as proposed to the stands in Appendix B-1. The secondary and reforestation treatments are not indicated on the Alternative 2 Map. Tables A-3 defines the forest type codes used and Table A-4 defines the season of harvest mitigations that can be found for each unit in Appendix B. Table A-1: Description of Primary Treatment Types for the Pelican Project Map Code Primary Treatment Description 1 CCR Stand Clearcut (with leave trees). An even-aged regeneration or harvest method that removes most trees in the stand producing an exposed microclimate for the development of a new age class in one entry. A minor (less than approximately ten percent of full stocking) live component is retained for reasons other than regeneration. Coppice cut (with leave trees). A regeneration method in which most trees in the previous stand are cut and most of the regeneration is from sprouts or root suckers. A minor (less than approximately ten percent of full stocking) live component is retained for reasons other than regeneration. 2ASW A two-aged shelterwood cut (with reserve trees). A type of establishment cut that removes trees except those needed for regeneration and sufficient residual trees representing at least approximately ten percent of full stocking. Prepares the seed bed and creates a new age class in a moderated microenvironment. ST Seed-tree seed cut (with and without leave trees). A type of cut that removes trees except those needed for the purposes of seed production. Prepares the seed bed and creates a new age class in an exposed microenvironment. Additional trees may be retained to provide a minor (less than approximately ten percent of full stocking) live component after the removal cut, for reasons other than regeneration.
Transcript
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 A-1 Appendix A
APPENDIX A
VEGETATION TREATMENT DESCRIPTIONS AND UNIT SPECIFIC DESIGN CRITERIA
The table below describes the Pelican Project proposed vegetation treatments and identifies the
associated codes used on the Alternative 2 Map. All proposed primary treatments were grouped
into six categories for the map and the map code is listed in the first column. The treatment
codes (listed with the treatment title in the second column below) are associated with each stand
included in Alternative 2. They are summarized here.
1. Create young stands with harvest
2. Improve stand condition with harvest
3. Restore stand condition without harvest
4. Remove hazardous fuels
5. Wildlife habitat improvement
Secondary and reforestation treatment codes and definitions are shown in Table A-2 and are
applied as proposed to the stands in Appendix B-1. The secondary and reforestation treatments
are not indicated on the Alternative 2 Map. Tables A-3 defines the forest type codes used and
Table A-4 defines the season of harvest mitigations that can be found for each unit in Appendix
B.
Table A-1: Description of Primary Treatment Types for the Pelican Project
Map
Code
Primary
Treatment
Description
1
CCR
Stand Clearcut (with leave trees). An even-aged regeneration or harvest method
that removes most trees in the stand producing an exposed microclimate for the
development of a new age class in one entry. A minor (less than approximately
ten percent of full stocking) live component is retained for reasons other than
regeneration.
Coppice cut (with leave trees). A regeneration method in which most trees in the
previous stand are cut and most of the regeneration is from sprouts or root
suckers. A minor (less than approximately ten percent of full stocking) live
component is retained for reasons other than regeneration.
2ASW
A two-aged shelterwood cut (with reserve trees). A type of establishment cut
that removes trees except those needed for regeneration and sufficient residual
trees representing at least approximately ten percent of full stocking. Prepares
the seed bed and creates a new age class in a moderated microenvironment.
ST
Seed-tree seed cut (with and without leave trees). A type of cut that removes
trees except those needed for the purposes of seed production. Prepares the seed
bed and creates a new age class in an exposed microenvironment. Additional
trees may be retained to provide a minor (less than approximately ten percent of
full stocking) live component after the removal cut, for reasons other than
regeneration.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 A-2 Appendix A
Table A-1: Description of Primary Treatment Types for the Pelican Project Map
Code
Primary
Treatment
Description
2
TH
Commercial thin. An intermediate harvest with the objective of reducing stand
density primarily to improve growth, enhance forest health, and other resources
objectives. Treatment can recover potential mortality while producing
merchantable material. Thinning includes the following: chemical, crown, free,
low, mechanical or row, and selection.
IMP
Improvement cut. An intermediate harvest which removes the less desirable
trees of any species in a stand of poles or larger trees, primarily to improve the
composition and quality.
GS
Group selection cut. An uneven aged regeneration method in which trees are cut
in small groups and new age classes are established. The width of groups is
commonly less than approximately twice the height of the mature trees.
Individual trees in the matrix may or may not be harvested to provide improved
growing conditions for remaining trees. Multiple entries of this activity
ultimately results in an uneven-aged stand of three or more age classes.
SAN Sanitation Cut. An intermediate harvest removing trees to improve stand health
by stopping or reducing the actual or anticipated spread of insects and disease.
3
OST
Other stand tending. A variety of treatments not covered by commercial harvests
or timber stand improvement activities, to alter stand condition to meet resource
objectives.
PCT Pre-commercial thin.
PRN Prune. The removal, close to the branch collar or flush with stem, of side
branches (live or dead) and multiple leaders from a standing live tree.
REL Tree release and weed. A treatment designed to free young trees from
undesirable, competing vegetation. Includes cleaning and weeding which are
done in stands not past sapling stage. Removal or killing of vegetation under the
overstory of trees by any method except burning (e.g., hand, chemical, or
mechanized).
4
FT Fuels treatment. Fuels thinning. Selective felling of trees and shrubs for non-
Underburn-low intensity. Prescribed burns of low intensity covering most of the
burn unit consuming surface fuels, but not the overstory canopy. Ladder fuels
can be consumed or scorched. Includes ecosystem burning. The c-1113 are
contingency units for prescribed fire, these units may be burned if the prescribed
fire expands its intended boundary.
BB
Broadcast burning. Prescribed burning activity where fire is applied to most or
all of an area within well-defined boundaries for reduction of fuel hazard, as a
resource management treatment, or both. Harvest and removal of Special Forest
Products as described in FSH 2409.18 87.05-Definitions, where the removal
cannot be described as a silvicultural treatment
HP
Hand piling of fuels.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 A-3 Appendix A
Table A-1: Description of Primary Treatment Types for the Pelican Project Map
Code
Primary
Treatment
Description
5
WLREL
Wildlife habitat release and weeding. A treatment designed to free young trees
from undesirable, competing vegetation. Trees targeted for release are selected
for their high value for wildlife habitat. A treatment designed to free young trees
from undesirable, competing vegetation. Trees targeted for release are selected
for their high value for wildlife habitat.
WLHB
Wildlife habitat improvement. Blueberry and/or oak habitat improvement which
could include release and weeding and/or prescribed fire to open up the canopy
to favor blueberry and/or oak species. Returns fire to a fire-dependent system,
regenerates oak and blueberry and increases mast production for a variety of
wildlife species. Removal or killing of vegetation under the overstory of trees by
any method except burning (e.g., hand, chemical, or mechanized).
FSHPLT
Inland fish tree planting for habitat improvement. The establishment of trees or
shrubs for the purpose of improving fish habitat. This can be accomplished by
planting, with or without site preparation, near the stream bank and in the
adjacent riparian area. The goal is to provide shade and increase the diversity of
species, especially long–lived tree species. Blueberry and/or oak habitat
improvement which could include release and weeding and/or prescribed fire to
open up the canopy to favor blueberry and/or oak species. Returns fire to a fire-
dependent system, regenerates oak and blueberry and increases mast production
for a variety of wildlife species.
Table A-2: Description of Other Treatment Types for the Pelican Project
Other Treatments (Secondary, Reforestation)
Description
SP-MEC
Mechanical site preparation. Mechanical manipulation of a site
to enhance the success of regeneration on sites that will be
planted.
SP-BRN
Burning for site preparation. Manipulation of a site by
prescribed burning to enhance the success of regeneration on
sites that will be planted or seeded.
FTCRSH
Compacting/crushing of fuels. Any crushing, mowing,
mulching or other treatment that grinds or shreds fuels, leaving
resulting material on the forest floor.
SP-HND
Site preparation using hand tools. Manipulation of a site using
manual methods to enhance the success of regeneration on sites
that will be planted.
BB
Broadcast burning over most of the unit. Prescribed burning
activity where fire is applied to most or all of an area within
well-defined boundaries for reduction of fuel hazard, as a
resource management treatment, or both.
PB Burning of piled material.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 A-4 Appendix A
Table A-2: Description of Other Treatment Types for the Pelican Project
Other Treatments (Secondary, Reforestation)
Description
WLBRN
Wildlife habitat prescribed fire. Either a broadcast burn or
underburn conducted for the primary purpose of improving
wildlife habitat.
PLNT
Plant trees. The establishment or re-establishment of forest
cover artificially by planting seedlings and/or cuttings with or
without site preparation.
SD
Seed trees. Scattering or placement of seed more or less evenly
over a designated area for establishment of forest stand or tree
cover; includes broadcast, partial, full, or aerial seeding with or
without site preparation.
TSIAC
Animal control for TSI. The use of fencing, tubing, bud caps,
seed caps, repellants or trapping, killing or otherwise
controlling animals so as to protect or enhance the growth of
established forest vegetation not past the sapling stage.
NA No regeneration needed.
NR Natural regeneration.
Table A-3: Forest Type
Forest Type Codes
Forest Type
1 Jack Pine
2 Red Pine
3 White Pine
8 White Spruce
11 Balsam-aspen/paper birch
12 Black spruce
14 Northern white cedar
15 Tamarack
16 White spruce – balsam fir
17 Upland black spruce
18 Mixed swamp conifers
19 Northern white cedar-aspen/paper birch
55 Northern red oak
71 Black ash-American elm/red maple
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 A-5 Appendix A
Table A-4 includes descriptions (with codes) of stand-specific implementation practices needed
to prepare stands for treatments. This site-specific stand direction is provided where site-specific
information can be applied. For example, retaining super-canopy red and white pine trees when
harvesting within one-quarter mile of foraging water for bald eagles (RT-BE). All Forest Plan
Operational Standards and Guidelines (Appendix C) will be considered for each stand and will
be implemented if applicable, but may not be specified in the stands in the table of Appendix B-
2. For example, during implementation, legacy patch location will depend on the actual size and
condition of a stand (G-TM-5) and this information cannot be specified at this time.
Table A-4: Stand-specific Implementation Treatment Codes and Definitions for Pelican Project
Heritage Resources
HR1 Site within unit will have one chain flagged buffer prior to project implementation.
HR2 Unsurveyed shoreline will be surveyed prior to project implementation if recommended by
heritage resource staff.
Non-native Invasive Plants (NNIP)
PLANT2 Avoid NNIS occurrences; either relocate skid trails, temp roads, or landings if use would
be in growing season, or treat before use in growing season. See Comments for details.
Scenery
SC1 Near Concern Level 1 road or High Scenic Integrity Area, follow scenic mitigations.
Follow direction in Appendix C, BP-SC-1, p. C-17.
Recreation
REC1 Snowmobile trail within or adjacent to unit, check season of harvest.
Table A-3: Forest Type
Forest Type Codes
Forest Type
81 Sugar-maple/yellow birch
84 Red maple (dry site)
91 Aspen
92 Paper birch
93 Bigtooth aspen
94 Balsam poplar
95 Aspen – white spruce/balsam fir
97 Lowland shrubs
99 Open
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July 2012 A-6 Appendix A
Table A-4: Stand-specific Implementation Treatment Codes and Definitions for Pelican Project
REC3
Maintain vegetation around all developed and dispersed campsites to a 100 foot depth in
all directions. Use shaded fuel breaks (trimming lower branches of taller trees) where
campsites are within fuel reduction units. Avoid peak visitor use seasons (summer).
Wildlife
RT-BE In harvest units within 1/4 mile of lakes and streams suitable for bald eagle foraging, all
super-canopy red and white pine trees should be retained where possible.
RT-LM Reserve large red maple where practical.
RT-NG In conifer thinning stands, maintain deciduous trees, especially aspen where possible.
RT-TTW
In even-aged jack pine and upland mixed conifer regeneration harvests, retain 6-10 jack
pine per acre either scattered or in clumps where ecologically appropriate, to provide
foraging habitat for three-toed woodpeckers. Jack pine reserve trees can count toward the
reserve tree design criteria above. Where not enough jack pine occurs, upland black
spruce may be substituted. For the remainder of the reserve trees, follow design criteria
for reserve trees.
WL10 If harvesting within the "remainder zone" of conifer units, maintain 10-20% canopy cover
for quality olive-sided flycatcher habitat where possible.
WL12 Refer to S-WL-10 and G-WL- 22 in Appendix C.
V1
In mature and older upland forest types managed to maintain patch sizes 300 or more
acres, maintain 50% (60% for red and white pine) canopy closure at time of treatment and
favor retention of larger and older trees characteristic of the patch.
Soil, Watershed Health, and Riparian Resources
S1 Harvest ops, temp roads, and skid trails limited to frozen ground conditions. No fill in
wetlands.
S2 Harvest ops restricted to the dry season or to periods when the ground is frozen. Suspend
operations if excessive rutting occurs.
S3 Retain/return distributed slash or woody debris, stumps, and bark on site.
S4 On slopes >18%, confine ops to lower end of slope. Slopes >35%, use equipment and
techniques to minimize ops on slopes.
S6
For ELT 18-allow harvesting during winter (frozen ground and min. 4" of snow) for
purposes of ecological restoration favoring conifer (especially pine). Do not cut oak, red,
or white pine and protect existing oak, red, white, and jack pine.
S7 Avoid wetlands (ELT 2, 4, 5, 6) in unit or operate under frozen conditions.
S8 Remove mapped ELT 18 from unit.
WS1 Stream > 5' in width and slope < 5%; no management within a tree length from the
ordinary high water mark of the stream unless for riparian functions
WS2
Stream > 5' in width and slope > 5%; no management within a tree length from the top of
the slope above the floodplain (if present) unless for riparian function. This zone does not
need to extend more than 200' from ordinary high water mark.
WS3 Stream < 5' in width and slope < 5%; no management within 50' from the side of stream
unless for riparian function.
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July 2012 A-7 Appendix A
Table A-4: Stand-specific Implementation Treatment Codes and Definitions for Pelican Project
WS4 Stream < 5' in width and slope > 5%; no management within 100' from the side of stream
unless for riparian function.
WS5 Lakes and Open Water Wetland with slope < 5%; no management within 100' of ordinary
high water mark unless for riparian function.
WS6 Lakes and Open Water Wetland with slope > 5%; no management within 100' of slope top
unless for riparian function.
WS8 Management within 400 feet of waterway needs to be in accordance with the Shipstead-
Newton-Nolan Act.
Season of Operation (Interdisciplinary)
as All season
w Winter (Frozen Ground)
ws Winter or Summer (Dry or Frozen Ground)
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July 2012 A-8 Appendix A
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Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 B-1 Appendix B
APPENDIX B PROPOSED TREATMENTS BY STAND UNIT FOR ALTERNATIVE 2
Table B-1 contains the treatment activities that would occur in each unit under Alternative 2. The treatment columns show the primary, secondary, and reforestation treatment types. If any reforestation activities are needed, it is listed in the reforestation column. This table also identifies the unit number and site specific design criteria that would be implemented based on Appendix A treatment codes. The design criteria in Appendix C – Operational Standards and Guidelines also apply to all units.
Table B-1: Proposed Treatment by Stand Unit for Alternative 2
MFRC-BM-15 When harvesting understory vegetation for fuel reduction: Retain understory
vegetation in several reserve patches that total at least 20 percent of the harvest
area (MFRC, Forest Biomass Harvesting, pg. 23).
MFRC-BM-16 When harvesting understory vegetation for fuel reduction: Retain snags
greater than 12 inches DBH and down logs where at least one end is greater than
12 inches in diameter and 6 feet in length. Place emphasis on retaining only
larger snags and pre-existing coarse woody debris, because these larger fuels do
not contribute as much to the initial speed and flame length of a wildfire (MFRC,
Forest Biomass Harvesting, pg. 23).
Watershed Health, Riparian, and Soil Resources (WS) Watershed Health
S-WS-2 Excavated soil material, construction debris, spoils or debris from dredging
projects, and debris and soil moved from upland sites during timber management
activity (such as timber harvest, shearing or brush raking) will be deposited or
spread out in upland locations. Stabilize soil deposited in this manner with
vegetation.
S-WS-3 Salvage and reuse topsoil for site rehabilitation during construction projects or
other land use activities. When topsoil is unsuitable for reuse, other methods or
tools such as sodding, hydro-seeding, fertilization, or erosion-resistant matting
may be used to help rehabilitate disturbed areas.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 C-4 Appendix C
S-WS-6 Management activities involving heavy equipment crossing (by road, trail, or skid
trail) of any stream or drainage ditch, or operations on the immediate shoreline of
any lake or open water wetland will be designed and conducted in a way that:
a. Limits the number of crossing locations to the absolute minimum needed to
conduct the activity
b. Maintains or improves channel stability (dimension, pattern and profile) or
shoreline stability in the affected or connected waters
c. Uses filter strips as directed by Forest Plan guideline G-WS-4 and MFRC site
level guidelines.
G-WS-1 Restore eroded sites, generally employing natural-appearing stabilization
materials. Native species will be used in the restoration of vegetative cover.
Non-native annuals may be used as nurse crops to obtain rapid stabilization while
slower-growing native species are becoming established. For Riparian Areas as a
Whole (Both the Aquatic and Non-aquatic Portions)
Non-Aquatic portion of Riparian Areas MFRC-WS-1 Filter strips of appropriate widths will be applied to all perennial and
intermittent streams, lakes, open water wetlands and seasonal ponds. Filter strip
widths are dependent upon the slope of the land between activity and water body:
• 0-10% slope: 50-foot filter strip
• 11-20% slope: 70-foot filter strip
• 21-40% slope: 110-foot filter strip
• >40% slope: 150-foot filter strip
Filter strips are applied independently of the width of the riparian management
zone and except when the recommended 5 percent maximum level of mineral soil
exposure is unacceptable for the regeneration of certain desired species:
• Limit mineral soils exposure to less than 5 percent, well distributed
throughout the filter strip.
• Avoid concentrating disturbance in the filter strip, to prevent
concentration of flows across the filter strip.
G-WS-4 On slopes averaging 18 percent or steeper, the width of filter strips adjacent to
lakes or streams will be either 150 ft. from the ordinary high water mark, 150 ft.
from the bankfull elevation, or the width of the entire slope that is adjacent to the
water’s edge, whichever is greater.
Exceptions to filter strip guidelines are allowed for projects specifically designed
for stream, lakeshore, or wetland restoration.
G-WS-5 In project areas subject to soil or vegetation disturbance, where the landward limit
of the functional riparian area has not been site-specifically identified as part of
project planning, a default “near bank” and “remainder” riparian management
zone width of 100 feet each will generally be used along lakes, open water,
wetlands, and streams.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 C-5 Appendix C
Near-Bank Riparian Management Zone S-WS-9 Within the near-bank zone, harvest trees only to maintain or restore riparian
ecological function.
S-WS-10 Within the near-bank zone, do not deposit debris or spoils from maintenance,
construction, or dredging. However, depositing materials for habitat
improvement or restoration is allowed.
G-WS-6 Within the near-bank zone, minimize soil disturbance and avoid activities that
may destabilize soils or add sediment to the water.
G-WS-7 Within the near-bank zone, minimize mowing or any other activity involving
intensive removal of understory vegetation.
Soils G-WS-8 Follow the limitations on management activities as specified in Table G-WS-8.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 C-6 Appendix C
Table G-WS-8: Limits on Management Activities Designed to Safeguard Soil Productivity on Superior National Forest. (Mitigations are shown as codes which are listed and explained in Table G-WS-8a. A brief description of each ELT, and principle threats to soil productivity associated with activities on each ELT, is shown in Table G-WS-8b).
MFRC-PU-12 Inspect all containers prior to loading, and ensure that all caps, plugs, and
bungs are tightened
MFRC-PU-13 Exercise care and caution during mixing and loading of pesticides.
MFRC-PU-14 Avoid mixing near wells or where pesticide spills could enter open water or
wetlands.
MFRC-PU-15 Mix and load pesticides outside of riparian management zones, filter strips,
and other reserve areas.
MFRC-PU-16 Replace pour caps and close bags or other containers immediately after use.
MFRC-PU-17 Provide an air gap between the water source and the mixture surface to
prevent backsiphoning.
MFRC-PU-18 Avoid filling pesticide mixing or application equipment directly from
surface water unless the equipment contains proper and functioning anti-
backsiphoning mechanisms.
MFRC-PU-19 Triple rinse all empty plastic and metal pesticide containers and add the
rinse water to the spray solution.
MFRC-PU-20 Ensure that pesticide applicators are properly licensed.
MFRC-PU-21 Protect vegetation that is part of a cultural resource if it will be impacted by
herbicide applications.
MFRC-PU-22 Mark the boundaries of the area for treatment.
MFRC-PU-23 Refer to label directions before appliying a herbicide.
MFRC-PU-24 Avoid applying pesticides when the likelihood of significant drift exists.
MFRC-PU-25 Use a drift control where appropriate.
MFRC-PU-26 Consider applying pesticides near dawn or dusk, when wind speeds are
generally lowest.
MFRC-PU-27 Apply pesticides when wind speeds are 10 mph or less for ground broadcast
application.
MFRC-PU-28 Check all application equipment carefully, particularly for leaking hoses and
connections and plugged or worn nozzles.
MFRC-PU-29 Calibrate spray equipment periodically to achieve uniform pesticide
distribution and rate.
MFRC-PU-30 Employ the lowest reasonable equipment pressure when applying pesticides.
MFRC-PU-31 Mix pesticides in upland areas, where practical
MFRC-PU-32 Apply pesticides in accordance with the product label.
MFRC-PU-33 Avoid applying pesticides on small wetland inclusions in upland areas.
MFRC-PU-34 Avoid cleaning pesticide application equipment in surface waters.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 C-11 Appendix C
MFRC-PU-35 Clean equipment in areas where pesticide residues will not enter streams,
lakes, wetlands or groundwater
MFRC-PU-36 Rinse mixing apparatus at least three times.
MFRC-PU-37 Apply rinsate in spray form to the area to be treated.
MFRC-PU-38 Dispose of pesticide wastes and containers according to state and federal
laws.
MFRC-PU-39 Rinse all empty plastic and metal pesticide containers three times, and add
the rinse water to the spray solution.
MFRC-PU-40 Dispose of the triple-rinsed containers in one of two ways:
• By recycling through an approved program.
• As ordinary solid waste at a landfill licensed by the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency.
PEL-PU-1 All guidelines presented in Forest Service Manual 2150, Pesticide Use
Management and Coordination, in Forest Service Handbook 2109.14,
Pesticide Use Management and Coordination Handbook, and in the Forest
Service Health and Safety Code Handbook chapter 22.1 would be observed.
PEL-PU-2 Weather forecasts will be obtained prior to herbicide treatment. Treatment
activities will be halted, if necessary, to prevent runoff during heavy rain
events.
PEL-PU-3 Applicators would be trained in safe and proper herbicide application
techniques as detailed in the Health and Safety Code Handbook, Job Hazard
Analyses, and herbicide labels.
Timber (TM) S-TM-4 Five years after clearcutting or final removals in seed tree or shelterwood harvest,
stands must be adequately restocked. The minimum trees per acres necessary to
adequately restock forests after even-aged tree harvest are shown in Table S-TM-
4 by forest type group.
Table S-TM-4: Minimum trees per acres at five years of age necessary to adequately restock forests after tree harvest.
Forest Type Group Minimum Trees* per Acres
Conifers 400
Northern Hardwoods, Birch, and Ash 1,000
Aspen 4,000
*Any commercial tree species may be included in the minimum
G-TM-4 Allow harvest of white cedar trees (in any forest type) only when re-growth of
cedar is likely to be successful or for research purposes.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 C-12 Appendix C
G-TM-5 In stands 20 acres or larger that were regenerated with clearcuts, retain a
minimum of 5 percent of the stand in legacy patches of live trees where no
harvest occurs. Wherever possible these should be at least two acres in size.
These legacy patches will protect soil organic matter and associated organisms
and remaining vegetation will aid in the re-colonization of the adjacent managed
area.
G-TM-6 In northern hardwoods forest types, generally maintain a closed canopy (70
percent or greater where possible) of mature forest vegetation in a minimum 200-
foot zone surrounding seasonal ponds. Seasonal ponds included in this guideline
must typically persist at least six weeks and be free of fish. The area will
generally be managed to prevent the soil and water from warming excessively, to
prevent erosion, and to provide large woody debris and leaf litter.
MFRC-TM-1 Legacy patches should be no less than one-quarter acre in size (MFRC, Ch. 2,
Wildlife Habitat, pg. 44). When locating legacy patches or leave tree clumps
consider including important features such as wetland inclusions, seasonal ponds,
riparian areas, forested corridors, den trees, cavity trees, trees with stick nests,
large mature white pine, rare plant locations and rare native plant communities
(MFRC, Timber Harvesting, pg. 35). Patches should be in representative habitats
throughout the site (MFRC, Chap. 2, Wildlife Habitat, pg. 43)
MFRC-TM-2 In general, retain a minimum of 6-12 live leave trees per acre to provide
present and future benefits including shelter, resting sites, cavities, perches, rest
sites, foraging sites, mast, and coarse woody debris. The trees will be at least six
inches in diameter and include at least two trees per acre from the largest size
classes available on site. A variety of species would be selected for within-stand
species and structural diversity. (MFRC, General Guidelines, pg. 75-77).
MFRC-TM-3 Leave trees may be left individually or in clumps ranging from one-quarter
acre and larger. Minimal harvest within clumps is acceptable (down to a
minimum of 80 BA) as long as the integrity of the clump or key leave trees is not
disturbed, and as long as the clump is not doubling as a legacy patch (MFRC,
Timber Harvesting, pg. 35).
MFRC-TM-4 Unmerchantable trees, dead standing trees and trees not designated for harvest
will be left. The operator will be allowed to fell (and leave in place) a portion of
these trees in areas where deemed necessary to facilitate the logging operations,
as well as for safety reasons (MFRC, Timber Harvesting, pg. 33).
MFRC-TM-5 “Consider retaining more than the recommended number of leave trees in
harvest sites of greater than 100 acres. This practice would better mimic natural
disturbances, such as fire and windstorm” (MFRC, Timber harvesting, pg. 40).
Landings (from MFRC Guidelines, p. 26 - 27)
• Specify the number and location of landings as part of the harvesting
agreement.
• Size landings to the minimum required for the acres to be harvested, the
equipment likely to be used, and the products to be cut.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 C-13 Appendix C
• Plan roads and landings to occupy no more than one to three percent of the
timber harvest area. See Figure TH-8.
Locate landings so that they are:
• On upland areas whenever practical
• On stable ground
• Outside of filter strips or the riparian management zone (RMZ), whichever is
wider, where practical. (See General Guidelines: Maintaining Filter Strips
(pages 24-28) and General Guidelines: Managing Riparian Areas (pages 29-
67).
• Away from areas where a cultural resource is present
• Avoid landings in locations that will concentrate runoff from surrounding
areas onto the landing. Use an appropriate combination of ditches, water bars,
and outsloping to keep the landing area dry.
• Avoid locating landings and yarding areas on open water wetlands.
Skidding and Skid Trails (from MFRC Guidelines, p. 22)
• Locate, design, construct and maintain skid trails to minimize damage to
cultural resources or to the residual stand; minimize rutting; maintain surface
and subsurface water flows in wetlands; and reduce erosion and sedimentation
to protect water quality.
• Lay out skid trails to minimize the number of skid trails and site disturbance
while also achieving necessary operating efficiency.
• If practical and feasible, keep skid trails away from cultural resource areas.
• Avoid locating skid trails in filter strips and riparian management zones
(RMZs). See General Guidelines: Maintaining Filter Strips and General
Guidelines: Managing Riparian Areas.
• Avoid construction of skid trails with grades exceeding thirty-five percent.
• Limit skid trails to no more than ten to fifteen percent of the timber harvest
area. Limit equipment traffic off the skid trails to no more than twenty to
thirty percent of the area with no more than one to two passes with heavy
equipment. (Small or irregularly shaped units may result in higher percentages
of area occupied by infrastructure.) (See General Guidelines: Designing
Operations to Fit Site Conditions, page 20.)
• Skid low on a slope or across a slope to minimize erosion.
• Minimize long, straight skid trails that channel water. If long stretches cannot
be avoided by careful sighting, provide adequate drainage to avoid
concentration of surface water flow. Divert water by proper shaping of the
trail surface and by using broad-based dips, lead-off ditches or water bars. See
Forest Road Construction and Maintenance: Drainage.
• Use full-tree skidding rather than tree-length skidding in the vicinity
of a cultural resource, if practical and feasible.
• Concentrate equipment traffic on skid trails. Maximize the area not impacted
by traffic by concentrating equipment movements to common trails. Skidders
should always use skid trail routes, rather than the shortest distance, to travel
to and from landings.
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July 2012 C-14 Appendix C
• Concentrate skidding to a set of well-developed skid trails for upland sites
with mineral soils.
• Avoid concentrating well-developed skid trails on shallow and deep organic
soils. Operations on organic soils should only occur when soils are adequately
frozen.
• Prepare skid trails for anticipated traffic needs to avoid unnecessary
maintenance or relocation of trails. Techniques can include packing of snow
or ground cover to ensure freezing, placing of slash mats on skid trails prior to
skidding, or the use of appropriate wetland road construction methods to
provide a stable trail surface.
• Maintain skid trails in good repair so that additional skid trails are not
required.
• Reuse skid trails for thinning operations as trails for future thinnings and final
harvest.
• If skid trails do not hold up (resulting in excessive rutting or requiring the
need to create new skid trails), curtail operations until soils dry out.
Vegetation Management (VG) Vegetation Composition and Structure
S-VG-4 In mature or older red and white pine forest types managed to maintain patch
sizes of >100 acres, vegetation management treatments that maintain a sixty
percent minimum canopy closure and maintain large diameter trees are
allowable.
G-VG-3 In Spatial Zones 1 and 2, in mature and older upland forest types managed to
maintain patch sizes of ≥300 acres, vegetation management treatments are
allowable where they maintain a 50% (60% for red and white pine) minimum
canopy closure at time of treatment and favor retention of larger and older
trees characteristic of the patch
Terrestrial & Aquatic Wildlife (WL)
Lynx
G-WL-2 Provide for the protection of known active den sites during denning season.
Bald Eagle
S-WL-3 Management activities for the bald eagle will be governed by Northern Lakes
States Bald Eagle Recovery Plan: 1983
(From the Northern States Bald Eagle Recovery Plan 1983 –USFWS)
Disturbance Buffer Zones for Nest Trees.
1. Primary Zone: 330 feet from the nest. All land use except actions necessary to
protect or improve the nest site should be prohibited in this zone. Human entry
and low-level aircraft operations should be prohibited during the most critical and
moderately critical periods, unless performed in connection with eagle research or
management by qualified individuals. Motorized access into this zone should be
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July 2012 C-15 Appendix C
prohibited. Restrictions on human entry at other times should be addressed in the
breeding area management plan considering the types, extents, and durations of
proposed or likely activities.
2. Secondary Zone: 660 feet from the nest. Land-use activities that result in
significant changes in the landscape, such as clearcutting, land clearing, or major
construction, should be prohibited. Actions such as thinning tree stands or
maintenance of existing improvements can be permitted, but not during the most
critical and moderately critical periods. Human entry and low-level aircraft
operations should be prohibited during the most critical period unless performed
in connection with necessary eagle research and management by qualified
individuals. Roads and trails in this zone should be obliterated, or at least closed
during the most and moderately critical periods. Restrictions on human entry at
other times should be addressed in the breeding area management plan,
considering the types, extents, and durations of proposed or likely activities.
3. Tertiary Zone: ¼ mile from the nest, but may extend up to ½ mile if
topography and vegetation permit a direct line of sight from the nest to potential
activities at that distance. The configuration of this zone, therefore, may be
variable. Some activities are permissible in this zone except during the most
critical period. Each breeding area management plan may identify specific
hazards that require additional constraints.
Roosting and Potential Nest Trees
a) Three or more super-canopy trees (preferably dead or with dead tops) should be
identified and preserved within ¼ mile of each nest as roosting and perching sites.
b) In areas identified as potential nesting habitat, there should be at least 4 - 6
over-mature trees of species favored bald eagles for every 320 acres within 1320
feet of a river or lake larger than 40 acres. These trees should be taller than
surrounding trees or at the edge of the forest stand, and there should be clear flight
paths to them.
Regional Forester Sensitive Species (WL)
All Sensitive Species
G-WL-11 Avoid or minimize negative impacts to known occurrences of sensitive species.
Gray Wolf
G-WL-10 Provide for the protection of known active gray wolf den sites during denning
season.
Boreal owl
S-WL-6 Prohibit management activities within 300 feet of known nest sites.
G-WL-13 Minimize activities that may disturb nesting pairs during critical nesting season
(March 1-June 1).
Great gray owl
G-WL-14 Allow, to the extent practical, only activities that protect, maintain, or enhance
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July 2012 C-16 Appendix C
site conditions within 660 feet of a known nest site.
G-WL-15 Minimize activities that may disturb nesting pairs during critical nesting season
(March 1 - June 1).
Three-toed woodpecker
G-WL-17 Protect known nest sites within a 200-foot radius surrounding nest sites until
young have fledged.
G-WL-18 Where ecologically appropriate, retain 6-10 jack pine per acre in even-aged
regeneration harvests in mixed conifer stands.
Sensitive Fish, Mollusks, Aquatic Insects
G-WL-19 Protect known sensitive mussel beds.
G-WL-20 Avoid management activities that may change microclimate or microhabitat
conditions in steep ravines or on cliffs and talus slopes that are known or are
highly likely to harbor sensitive plants.
Sensitive Plants
G-WL-20 Avoid management activities that may change microclimate or microhabitat
conditions in steep ravines or on cliffs and talus slopes that are known or are
highly likely to harbor sensitive plants.
Sensitive Lichens: (Caloplaca parvula, Cetraria aurescens, and Sticta fulginosa, Menegazzia
terebrata, Ramalina thrausta, and Usnea longissima)
G-WL-21 Do not permit management activities within stands that have known locations of
sensitive lichens unless activity maintains, protects or enhances habitat
conditions for lichens (old growth black ash or lowland conifer with interior
forest conditions).
Management Indicator Species (WL)
Northern goshawk (also a sensitive species)
S-WL-10 At northern goshawk nest sites with an existing nest structure, prohibit or
minimize, to the extent practical, activities that may disturb nesting pairs in an
area of 50 acres minimum (860 ft. radius) during critical nesting season (March 1
– August 30).
At northern goshawk nest sites in an area of 50 acres minimum (860 ft. radius), to
the extent practical, allow only those activities that protect, maintain, or enhance
high quality habitat conditions: 100 percent mature forest (>50 yrs old) with
continuous forest canopy (>90% canopy closure) and large trees with large
branches capable of supporting nests.
G-WL-22 Within northern goshawk post-fledging areas, minimize activities, to the extent
practical, that may disturb nesting pairs during critical nesting season (March 1 –
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July 2012 C-17 Appendix C
August 30) and, to the extent practical, within a 500 acre area encompassing all
known nest areas within the territory:
Maintain suitable habitat conditions on a minimum of 60 percent of the upland
forested acres in post-fledging areas. Suitable habitat: jack pine and spruce/fir
forest types >25 years and all other forest types >50 years with semi-closed to
closed canopy (>70%). Aspen and birch forest types 25-50 years may be
considered suitable if field review verifies that foraging habitat trees average 50
feet tall and canopy closure is 50-70 percent or greater.
Non-native Invasive Species (WL)
G-WL-23 During project implementation, reduce the spread of non-native invasive species.
Other Species of Interest (WL)
Osprey
G-WL-24 Minimize activities that may disturb nesting pairs of osprey within 330 feet of the
nest during critical nesting season (April 1 - August 15).
G-WL-25 From 330 to 660 feet from nest trees, allow only those management activities that
maintain, protect, or enhance nesting area habitat.
Great Blue Heron
G-WL-26 Prohibit management activities within 330 feet of active heron colonies.
Prohibit management activities from 330 to 660 feet from the heron colony
from March 1 through August 31.
Common Loon
G-WL-28 Minimize management activities and new developments of other uses near nest
sites between May 15 and July 1. Minimize management activities or new
developments near nest areas frequently used by people.
Aquatic Communities (WL)
S-WL-12 Where management activity is causing or may cause active bank erosion that is
expected to contribute to a reduction in water quality and degradation of aquatic
habitats, construct stabilization structures, plant vegetation, or otherwise
manipulate vegetation to eliminate or minimize soil erosion while protecting and
improving lakeshore or streamside environments and riparian habitats.
Wildlife and Plants
PEL-WL-1 If any tree with a large stick nest is discovered during layout, this tree and a 150
foot buffer (to provide wind shelter and cover) should be retained (excluded from
harvest). Look for opportunities to incorporate nest tree into reserve tree clumps
or legacy patches. Nest tree and/or buffer may be removed if District Biologist
visits site and determines that protection is not warranted.
PEL-WL-2 Consult immediately with the District Wildlife Biologist if a large stick nest is
found during logging. Suspend logging temporarily until a determination of
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July 2012 C-18 Appendix C
occupancy by goshawks can be made, and a mitigation plan can be devised.
PEL-WL-3 Where possible, no roads would be placed in lowland cedar or black ash stands,
in cases where this is unavoidable, a Sensitive (RFSS) plant survey would be
conducted prior to road construction.
PEL-WL-4 If any threatened, endangered or sensitive plants or animals or their nests, dens
or roost trees are found during planning, layout or operations, activities would be
temporarily halted in the area and the District Biologist or Forest Botanist would
be notified. The District Biologist or Botanist would assess the risk to species and
where appropriate; mitigation measures would be implemented prior to restarting
operations. The Forest Plan, recovery plans and conservation strategies will be
used when making mitigation recommendations. The Biologist or Botanist may
identify other species of concern specific to the project area. A list of species of
concern and important habitat components will be provided to the implementation
crew prior to layout operations.
Non-Native Invasive Species
PEL-WL-6 If harvest, fuels treatment, etc., is implemented in frozen conditions, no NNIS
mitigation is needed. During non-frozen conditions, treat NNIS (herbicide, blade
and bury, mow, or pull) before operation or avoid NNIS.
Heritage Resources (HR) S-HR-9 Historic properties to be protected include protected areas ("buffers") beyond
known site limits, determined on a case-by-case basis considering landform,
vegetative cover, access, and planned project activities.
Recreation (REC) G-REC-2 Forest management activities will generally reflect recreation objectives while
minimizing conflicts with recreation uses by:
a. Avoiding use of system trails for skidding logs
b. Minimizing crossing skid trails over system trails
c. Placing safety signing to warn recreationists of activities in an area
d. Piling slash and other logging debris out of view of recreation sites and
system trails
e. Scheduling activities during low recreation use periods.
Trails (RTL) G-RTL-3 During timber sale activities, combined use of roads or trails by logging trucks
and motorized or non-motorized recreationists will generally be avoided when
other routes are available.
Scenic Resources (SC) G-SC-1 Temporary openings should appear as follows:
High SIO Areas - Temporary openings will be similar in size, shape, and edge
characteristics to natural openings in the landscape being viewed. Or, temporary
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July 2012 C-19 Appendix C
openings will mimic a natural disturbance process typical for the area so that
when ground cover has been established the opening appears to be a natural
occurrence.
Moderate SIO Areas - Temporary openings may be more evident than in High
SIO areas. Openings may be larger than those in the surrounding landscape, and
after groundcover has become re-established openings may have the appearance
of a management activity. Edge characteristics will be similar to those in the
surrounding landscape and not dominate the surrounding landscape.
Low SIO Areas – Temporary openings may dominate the view. The shapes of
openings reflect vegetation changes in natural openings. Openings also have
visual effects and patterns of the shapes, sizes, and edges of natural openings in
the surrounding landscape.
PEL-SC-1 Treatment units within or near High SIO areas (roads and shorelines) would be
designed to protect scenic quality and ensure a natural appearance of treated areas
is achieved within a reasonable length of time. Treatment strategies would
include:
• Layout unit to ensure that apparent size of opening is minimized (i.e. use
curvilinear edges and adequately-sized leave islands).
• Size and number of legacy patches should be increased. Legacy patches
should be used to reduce the visible portion of large openings created by
harvest from the Vermilion River and Highway 53.
• Visible edges should avoid abrupt transitions between cut areas and
adjacent uncut stands. To appear more natural, harvest unit boundaries
should loop around denser pockets of understory and over-story trees, or
around prominent geological features to create natural appearing edges
while offering views beyond the road edge. Where harvest unit boundaries
run adjacent to a road for a considerable distance, natural appearing edges
and legacy patches should create glimpses into the forest for wildlife
viewing and scenic vistas. Leave mid-story shrub-layer species in the
transition zones between cut areas and adjacent stands and leave islands.
• Design treatments along lake shore units to ensure a natural appearance
and maintain shoreline vegetation where possible. Retain larger spruce/fir
by trimming the lower branches of to create shaded fuel breaks. Leave a
buffer of shoreline vegetation where possible to block view of interior
treatment areas.
G-SC-4 Evidence of temporary activities (such as staking, paint, flagging, equipment
maintenance, and staging areas) should be minimized, removed, or cleaned up
immediately following project completion in High SIO areas.
G-SC-5 In Moderate and High SIO areas, log landings should be screened if they can be
viewed from travel ways, recreation sites, and bodies of water with access. After
project completion, log landings should be reforested or rehabilitated to mimic
natural openings.
G-SC-6 In Moderate and High SIO areas, schedule mechanized activities during periods
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July 2012 C-20 Appendix C
of low recreation use if the mechanized activities can be viewed from travel ways,
recreation sites, and bodies of water with access.
G-SC-7 Furrows, trenches, fuel breaks, plantations, etc., should be located to reduce linear
appearance if they can be viewed from travel ways, recreation sites, and bodies of
water with access. Natural appearing edges rather than straight edges will
generally be used.
Transportation System (TS) Road and Trail Construction, Reconstruction, and Maintenance
S-TS-1 Newly constructed or reconstructed road and trail crossings of streams will be
designed and built to minimize erosion. Surfacing (such as gravel, crushed rock,
or asphalt) will be used at all crossings where vegetative cover is either
inappropriate or expected to be inadequate for effective long term erosion control.
Solid surfaces will be used in the construction or reconstruction of bridge decks
on unpaved roads.
S-TS-2 During non-frozen road surface conditions close winter roads to all motor vehicle
traffic.
G-TS-1 Generally use minimum road and trail design standards to meet the appropriate
purpose of the road or trail and to fit the land characteristics (form, line, texture,
TEUI units, etc.).
G-TS-3 New roads and trails constructed in High and Moderate SIO areas will generally
blend in with the surrounding landscape as much as practical.
G-TS-4 Roads and trails will generally be designed so that stream crossings are not
located at the low point in the road grade (e.g. avoid bridge and culvert locations
where sediment-laden runoff from the road approaches or ditches can collect and
directly enter the stream).
G-TS-5 Clearing widths for roads and trails at riparian area crossings will generally be
kept to the minimum needed to provide a safe and functional crossing.
G-TS-6 Where practical and beneficial, all stream crossing structures and associated road
embankments in the flood-prone areas on OML 1 roads will generally be removed
if the road will not be used again within five years.
G-TS-7 Construction or reconstruction of permanent roads or parking lots will generally
be avoided within the 150 feet of perennial streams or lakes, except in the
situations where:
Physical conditions preclude road locations at distances greater than 150 feet.
a. Roads are needed to approach a designated stream crossing or water
access.
b. Parking lots are needed to serve a designated water access site.
G-TS-8 Adjacent to roads and trails, generally manage erosion and sedimentation to
maintain water flow to protect natural stream behavior and allow for natural
aquatic species movement.
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July 2012 C-21 Appendix C
G-TS-9 Where roads and trails cross streams, generally use structures that permit passage
for fish and aquatic life and properly distribute flood flow, bankfull flow, and
sediment transport capacity. Generally favor bridges and arches (including
temporary bridges where appropriate) rather than culverts.
G-TS-10 Where ditches are needed, generally use techniques to minimize subsurface flow
interception and flow concentration.
G-TS-11 Restrictions on using National Forest System roads and trails may be required
under certain circumstances, such as short-term closures during spring thaw.
G-TS-12 On existing OML 1 roads, an effective barrier will generally be installed as needed
to prevent use by highway-licensed vehicles and ORVs. ATV and OHM use may
continue to be allowed on some existing OML 1 roads.
Temporary Roads S-TS-3 As soon as access use is completed, stabilize temporary roads and effectively
close them to motorized traffic. Vegetation will be established within 10 years
after the termination of the contract, lease, or permit.
G-TS-13 Locate temporary roads in areas where they minimize resource damage.
G-TS-14 Temporary roads are generally not intended for public use, but public use may be
temporarily allowed if needed to meet management objectives.
Road Decommissioning
S-TS-4 Decommission unclassified roads that are not needed in the National Forest road
and trail system and special use permitted roads that are no longer needed.
Decommissioning will make the road unusable by motorized vehicles and
stabilize the roadbed.
G-TS-15 In High and Moderate SIO areas, generally obliterate roads and trails that are
decommissioned and restore to a natural appearance.
G-TS-16 Roads and trails designated for decommissioning will generally be subject to the
following:
a. The road or trail will be rendered unusable by motorized vehicles but may
remain accessible to foot travel.
b. Stream crossing structures will be removed.
c. Road and trail fills will be removed from flood prone and wetland areas to
restore stream and wetland crossings to original contours.
d. Removed fill will be reused or disposed of in a way that will not restrict flow
or contaminate surface water.
e. Exposed soil will be revegetated.
Special Use Road Authorizations PEL-SU-1 Special use access routes would be located in areas that minimize the amount of
excavation needed.
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July 2012 C-22 Appendix C
PEL-SU-2 Dual use roads (i.e., long-term private special use access and access to federal
timber sales on the same road) would be signed at the beginning of and along
affected routes to warn users of the increased use (trucks hauling).
PEL-SU-3 Use of an existing private special use route by the Forest Service, agents, or
contractors would not interfere unreasonably with the private use and the route
would be returned to its original pre-treatment condition or better.
Tribal Rights and Interests (TR) S-TR-3 Forest management activities will be conducted in a manner to minimize impacts
to the ability of Tribal members to hunt, fish, and gather plants and animals on
Forest Service administered lands.
PEL-TR-1 Public and Tribal concerns related to hunting and gathering access would be
addressed in the following ways (S-TR-3):
When roads are decommissioned, a parking turnout would generally be left in
place where the closed road intersects an open road.
The Forest Service would provide Tribal representatives with the names of
companies who are the successful bidders of timber sale contracts. Tribal
representatives, and other publics that may request the contractor’s contact
information, would be able to work with the contractors to determine when
collection of forest products such as birch bark and balsam boughs could occur
Public Health and Hazardous Materials (PH) S-PH-2 All spills and contaminated soil sites will be quickly cleaned up in conformance
with federal and State guidelines.
G-PH-2 Equipment refueling will generally not be done in wetlands (Ecological
Landtypes 2, 4, 5, or 6), other areas with poorly drained soil, filter strips, or
riparian management zones. In those rare instances where refueling operations in
such areas are necessary, operators will have ready access to a fuel spill kit
consisting of items such as a shovel, sorbent pads, kitty litter and plastic sheeting.
Store fuels in compliance with State regulations for above-ground and temporary
storage tanks.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 D-1 Appendix D
APPENDIX D MONITORING PLAN
Monitoring assesses whether the project was implemented as designed and if the project implementation direction (Appendix A and C) were effective in protecting natural resources and their beneficial uses. Two types of monitoring are conducted on the Superior National Forest:
Effectiveness Monitoring Effectiveness monitoring addresses how well management actions achieve desired outcomes or objectives that are identified in the Forest Plan. The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) requires that National Forests monitor and evaluate their forest plans (36 CFR 219.11). Also, see Chapter 4 of the Forest Plan. This kind of monitoring is conducted over the entire Forest on a periodic basis and the monitoring results are used on future projects. Forest Plan monitoring results can be found in the Annual Forest Plan Monitoring Report, available at the Superior National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Duluth, Minnesota. The 2005 – 2009 monitoring reports along with other monitoring done on the Forest are available on the Forest web page at www.fs.usda.gov/superior, under Land and Resources Management and then Planning. Implementation Monitoring Implementation monitoring is tied to specific projects. The monitoring plan for the Pelican Project is described in more detail below, along with some key implementation information such as actual contract provisions used in timber sale contracts. Implementation monitoring assesses whether the project was implemented as designed, and whether project implementation complies with the decision made on this project. Implementation monitoring is designed to answer, “Did we do what we said we were going to do?” The following outline describes the kind of implementation monitoring that will be done for this project if an action alternative were selected for implementation. In addition, the project interdisciplinary team will periodically review the project implementation as a whole during field trips and follow-up meetings. If monitoring indicates project implementation is not occurring as planned, measures will be taken immediately to correct the actions. For example, if timber sale layout does not correctly meet design features for a resource area, or mitigations have not been met, changes will be made prior to the sale being sold. Likewise, if a sale contractor were non-compliant during contract administration, operations will cease until compliance is assured. The following monitoring would be implemented as part of the Pelican Project.
Pelican Project Environmental Assessment
July 2012 D-2 Appendix D
A. Harvest Design and Operation (Timber Sale contracts) Implementation
1. All timber sale harvest activities will be monitored for contract compliance by the timber sale administrator with regular on site inspections. Inspection reports are located at the Forest Service district office.
2. All contract provisions will be reviewed with the timber sale operator prior to harvest activities occurring.
3. Timber sale contract provision BT6.6– Erosion Prevention and Control is a standard
provision that will be monitored for compliance by the timber sale administrator with regular on site inspections.
4. Timber sale contract provision BT6.34 – Sanitation and Servicing, requires timber sale purchasers to maintain all equipment operating on a sale area in good repair and free of abnormal leakage of lubricants, fuel, coolants, and hydraulic fluid. Purchasers cannot service tractors, trucks, or other equipment on National Forest lands where servicing is likely to result in pollution to soil or water. BT6.341 – Prevention of Oil Spills requires a purchaser to take appropriate preventative measures to ensure that any spill of oil or oil products does not enter any stream or other waters of the United States or any of the individual states. This provision also requires the purchaser to notify the Forest Service and other appropriate agencies should any spills occur, and purchaser must take whatever initial actions may be safely accomplished to contain all spills. BT6.342 – Hazardous Substances, requires the purchaser to notify the Forest Service and the National Response Center of all releases of reportable quantities of hazardous substances on or in the vicinity of the sale area that are caused by the purchaser's operations.
5. Timber sale contract special provision CT6.314# – Operation Requirements, will be included in the timber sale contract when harvest operations are restricted to a specific operating season or specific ground conditions.
Monitoring Objective: Ensure that implementation direction (Appendix A and C) identified for
each treatment unit (such as for wildlife, riparian, recreation, and soils) are included in contracts and implemented according to plan.
Methods and Frequency: Review contracts to ensure implementation direction is
included and visit units while activity is progressing. Harvest units will be monitored for contract compliance by the timber sale administrator with regular on site inspections.
Responsibility: Sale Administrator, Forest Service Representative, or Contracting
Officer’s Representative
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July 2012 D-3 Appendix D
B. Harvest Prescriptions Implementation
1. A sampling of harvest units will be monitored to determine if units were treated as planned and to determine if the harvest and regeneration methods met planned objectives.
Monitoring Objective: Ensure that harvest units are implemented as planned and the type of treatment was appropriate for the site. Methods: Review the prescription of some of the treatment units to determine if the prescription was implemented as planned. Determine if the harvest and regeneration methods met objectives. Responsibility: District Silviculturist
C. Non-native Invasive Plants (NNIP) and Native Plants Implementation
1. Timber sale contract provision BT6.35–Equipment Cleaning, is a standard provision in the timber sale contract. This provision will be administered in cutting units with known locations of NNIP. The timber sale administrator will monitor for compliance. Onsite inspections are documented in inspection reports and filed at the Forest Service district office.
Monitoring Objective: Minimal to no increase in the extent and rate of spread of non-native
invasive plants in the project area. Methods: Monitor a sample of harvest units and newly constructed roads after
harvest, site preparation, or road construction to determine if invasive plants have colonized areas where management activities have occurred. Provide training to sale administrators and other Forest personnel to recognize invasive plants.
Responsibility: District Biologist, Sale Administrators, Forestry Technicians, and
Forest Plant Ecologist D. Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife, Regional Forester Sensitive Species, and
Management Indicator Species
Implementation 1. See implementation direction (Appendix A) and Operational Standards and
Guidelines (Appendix C) for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife, Regional Forester Sensitive Species and Management Indicator Species.
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July 2012 D-4 Appendix D
Monitoring Objective: Determine the extent to which project design and implementation
provided ecological conditions for maintaining viable populations of native and desired non-native species.
Methods: Visual inspections and surveys of sites within the project area. Responsibility: Wildlife Biologist
D. Heritage Resources
Implementation 1. BT6.24 - Protection Measures Needed for Plants, Animals, Cultural Resources, and Cave
Resources, is a standard contract provision that relates protection standards for known historic and cultural sites.
2. Also see implementation direction (Appendix A) for heritage resources.
Monitoring Objective: Determine if known heritage resources have been protected and are not
impacted by vegetation management or road activities. Methods: Visual inspection of site and comparison to site maps by Heritage
Resource or District personnel during and after project implementation. Responsibility: Heritage Resource Program Manager or other District personnel E. Watershed Health, Riparian Areas, and Soil Resources
Implementation
1. Timber sale contract provision CT6.7– Slash Disposal, outlines specific slash disposal requirements for each harvest unit. This provision will be included in the timber sale contract and administered on the ground by the timber sale administrator during harvest operations. Onsite inspections are documented in inspection reports and filed at the Forest Service district office.
2. Timber sale contract provision BT6.34 – Sanitation and Servicing, is a standard provision for preventing pollution of air, soil, and water by the purchaser's operations. Harvest units will be monitored for contract compliance by the timber sale administrator with regular on site inspections. Inspection reports are located at the Forest Service district office.
Prevention and Control, and BT6.62 - Wetlands Protection, are standard provisions that will be monitored for compliance by the timber sale administrator during harvest
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July 2012 D-5 Appendix D
operations. Onsite inspections are documented in inspection reports and filed at the Forest Service district office.
4. Timber sale contract provision CT6.314# - Operating Requirements, will be included in the timber sale contract when harvest operations are restricted to a specific operating season or specific ground conditions.
5. Timber sale contract provisions BT6.6 -Erosion Prevention and Control, and BT6.62 -
Wetlands Protection, are standard provisions that will be monitored for compliance by the timber sale administrator during harvest operations. Onsite inspections are documented in inspection reports and filed at the Forest Service district office.
6. Also see implementation direction (Appendix A and C) for Watershed Health, Riparian Areas, and Soil Resources.
Monitoring Objectives: Ensure that soil and water quality resource values are protected during
and following harvest activities, closure of all temporary roads, decommissioning of existing roads, and other project activities.
Methods: Visual inspections and surveys of sample sites within the project area. Responsibility: Soil Scientist, Silviculturist, Hydrologist, Aquatics F. Prescribed Burning
Implementation
1. See implementation direction (Appendix A) for Air Quality and Smoke Management. Monitoring Objective: Ensure that public safety considerations and mitigations are included in
all burn plans and that burn plans are conducted according to plan. Methods: Review prescribed burn plans. Conduct pre-treatment field visits to all
prescribed burn treatment units to prepare fire control lines and examine fuel conditions. Monitor weather conditions before and during treatment periods. Alert adjacent landowners downwind of the treatment unit prior to implementation.
Responsibility: West Zone Fire Management Officer G. Scenic Quality
Implementation
1. Timber sale contract provision CT6.7– Slash Disposal, outlines specific slash disposal requirements for each harvest unit. This provision will be included in the timber sale
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July 2012 D-6 Appendix D
contract and administered on the ground by the timber sale administrator during harvest operations. Onsite inspections are documented in inspection reports and filed at the Forest Service district office.
2. Also see implementation direction (Appendix A) for Scenic Resources.
Monitoring Objective: Ensure that design criteria and mitigation measures identified for High
SIO Lake shoreline treatment units are implemented to reduce impacts to near shore scenic resources. Openings created by vegetation management activities in shoreline units should be subtle or not apparent. This would be accomplished by leaving a buffer of shoreline vegetation, the use of shaded fuel breaks, and the intentional avoidance of large openings near the shoreline unless other features such as rocks or dense stands of desirable trees are left on the unit to break up the appearance of a new opening.
Methods: See section A, “Harvest Design and Operation.” Conduct visual
inspections of units receiving treatment, particularly fuel reduction or other vegetation thinning/weeding/release projects. Scenery Resource Specialist will work with the vegetation implementation crews to agree upon unit layout and final appearance after treatment to minimize visual effects shoreline treatment units.
Responsibility: District Scenic Resource Specialist, Sale Administrator, Fuels
Planner and fuels crews. H. Recreation and Public Safety
Implementation
1. Timber sale contract provision BT6.33 – Safety, is a standard provision in the contract. Sign locations will be depicted on the Sale Area Map.
2. Timber sale contract provision CT6.314# – Operation Requirements, will be included in the timber sale contract when harvest operations are restricted to a specific operating season or specific ground conditions.
Monitoring Objective: Ensure trail corridors are protected and dual use situations are clearly
signed. Methods: Visual inspections and surveys of trails within the project area. Responsibility: Recreation Staff
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I. National Forest System Roads
Implementation 1. Timber sale contract provision CT6.314# – Operation Requirements, will be included
in the timber sale contract when harvest operations are restricted to a specific operating season or specific ground conditions.
2. Also see implementation direction (Appendix A) for Transportation Systems. Monitoring Road Closures and Road Decommissioning Objective: Ensure that roads are closed in a manner that either fully decommissions
the road or excludes specified motorized vehicle use. Ensure that soil and water quality resource values are protected following closure of all temporary and other closed roads.
Methods: Review contracts and permits. For recently closed temporary,
decommissioned, and other closed roads, field surveys will be conducted at least once during the first five years following road closure in order to verify revegetation of the road corridor and stability of streambanks at former stream crossings. Field surveys will also be conducted periodically to determine the effectiveness of closures and identify additional work that may be required. Monitoring for illegal ATV use on closed roads, in closed areas, or near closed areas will occur where past problems have occurred. Enforcement will respond to reports of illegal use.
Responsibility: Engineering staff and other district personnel J. Temporary Roads
Implementation
1. Temporary road locations will be agreed upon between the Forest Service and the timber sale purchaser prior to construction. The agreement will be documented in the timber sale inspection reports, filed at the district office.
2. Timber sale contract provision CT6.63# - Temporary Road Closure, will be included in the contract to ensure the desired type and degree of road closure is achieved. The timber sale administrator will monitor compliance during road closure activities. Onsite inspections are documented in inspection reports and filed at the Forest Service district office.
3. Also see implementation direction (Appendix A) for Transportation Systems.
Monitoring Objective: Ensure road closure activities are implemented according to plan. Methods: See above “Monitoring Road Closures and Road Decommissioning” section.
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Responsibility: Sale Administrator and Engineering staff K. Special Use Road Authorizations
Implementation
1. Special Use Permits will be issued for all special road use authorizations. Monitoring
Objectives: Ensure Special Use roads are maintained according to the Special Use authorization. Methods: Administration of Special Use authorization. Responsibility: Special Use Resource Specialist or other district personnel.
L. Reforestation and Site Preparation Implementation
1. Site Preparation activities will be implemented through a site preparation service contract administered by a West Zone Silviculture Staff Contracting Officer Representative (COR).
2. Planting activities will be implemented through a planting service contract
administered by a West Zone Silviculture Staff COR.
Monitoring Objective - Reforestation: Ensure that harvested stands are reforested with full
stocking to desired species within five years of treatment. Methods and Frequency: All stands harvested using even-aged management
techniques for natural regeneration will be monitored during the third and fifth years after harvest to determine if stands are adequately stocked. All stands harvested and converted to conifers will be monitored during the first and third years after planting to determine survival and stocking success. The need for disease-control operations and treatments to release young stands from undesired competing species will be monitored at this time. Some of the non-harvested stands with diversity planting or under-planting will be monitored to determine if planted trees survived. Additional monitoring beyond five years may be needed.
Objective – Timber Stand Improvement: Ensure plantings are producing healthy
and vigorous regenerated stands of desired tree species. Determine if release and weed activities will be necessary (and to what intensity) to release desired tree species from competition with undesirable tree species.
Methods: Cut all undesirable tree species fewer than four inches diameter and brush
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July 2012 D-9 Appendix D
competitors from around the perimeter of the desired tree species. Responsibility: West Zone Silviculture staff M. Biomass Removal Implementation
1. Forest Plan Guidelines. 2. Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines.
Monitoring Objective: Retain sufficient amounts of coarse and fine woody debris for long-term
nutrient retention and wildlife habitat to meet Forest Plan Guidelines and Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines
Methods: Visual observations, plot data collect, photo plots, and analyzing existing
data Responsibility: Sale Administrator and/or District Silviculturist, Soil Scientist, Fuels
Technicians, monitoring crew members N. Herbicide Treatment
Implementation 1. Minnesota Forest Resource Council Guidelines. 2. FS Manual 2150, Pesticide Use Management and Coordination in Forest Service
Handbook 2109.14, Pesticide Use Management and Coordination Handbook, and Forest Service Health and Safety Code Handbook chapter 22.1
Monitoring Objective: Utilization of herbicide application as a timber stand improvement (TSI)
tool to accomplish Forest Plan and project objectives. Methods: Visual observations, plot data collect, photo plots, and analyzing existing
data Responsibility: Sale Administrator and/or District Silviculturist, Soil Scientist, Fuels
Technicians, monitoring crew members Objective: Monitor short- and long-term effects to soil and water both on and offsite
as applicable. Methods: Take pre- and post-application soil and water samples. Responsibility: District Silviculturist, Soil Scientist, Hydrologist, monitoring crew
