Recreation Specialist Report Rock Creek Fuels...

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Recreation Specialist Report Rock Creek Fuels Project

Prepared by: David L. Ashby

Date: December 12, 2015

Sawtooth National Forest – Minidoka Ranger District

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Overview The Minidoka Ranger District is a popular recreation destination with a wide variety of recreation opportunities. There are over 600 miles of trails ranging from winter snowmobile and cross country ski trails to horseback, hiking and motorized trails. The Cassia Division or “South Hills” is known for the quality and quantity of off highway vehicle trails. There are 25 developed recreation sites across the district and thousands of dispersed campsites. There are two ski areas, four organization camps and three tracts of recreation residences. The district provides varied and rich recreational opportunities to the local community and surrounding area. Within the Rock Creek Fuels project boundary there five developed campgrounds, an interpretative site, picnic area, six trailheads, four organization camps, 17 recreation residences, Magic Mountain Ski Area, a winter warming shelter, three snowmobile parking areas and dozens of dispersed campsites. There are approximately 22 miles of Nordic ski trails within the project area many of which are groomed regularly by the Nordic ski club, approximately 10 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, approximately 10 miles of non-motorized summer trails and over 25 miles of motorized summer trails within the project area. Recreation activities are centered along Forest Road 515, 500 and 538 with the highest concentration of use occurring within a 2 mile radius of Diamond Field Jack Campground.

Purpose and Need for the Project The overall purpose of the Rock Creek Fuels and Vegetation project is to begin restoring the desired conditions that will help maintain a healthy, resistant and resilient landscape, rich in biodiversity, with a greater capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of natural disturbance and large-scale threats to sustainability. (See Rock Creek Fuels and Vegetation Project EA for a complete description of the purpose and need).

Alternatives Analyzed in Detail The EA analyzes three alternatives in detail. Please refer to the EA for a detailed description of the alternatives and associated design criteria and mitigation.

Direction for Recreation Resources 2012 Sawtooth Forest Plan direction that applies to all Recreation includes:

REG001

Manage, operate, and maintain a year-round recreation program that offers a broad range of developed and dispersed recreation opportunities and experiences in a range of settings as reflected by the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (see Appendix F for descriptions of ROS classes).

REGO03 Address current and emerging recreation conflicts, while maintaining recreation opportunities when possible.

REG005

Manage motorized and non-motorized travel and travel-related facilities to: a) Provide for public safety, b) Meet resource objectives and access needs, c) Mitigate road and trail damage, and d) Minimize maintenance costs and user conflicts.

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REGO06 Provide an array of winter recreation experiences, while mitigating conflicts between motorized and non-motorized use and wintering wildlife.

REOB02 Utilize the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) to evaluate and tailor proposed projects and activities in order to maintain desired recreation opportunities and the quality of recreation experiences.

REOB07 Inform the public in a timely manner about management actions affecting their recreation opportunities at appropriate locations, including roads, trails, and at developed sites.

REOB10 Monitor recreation resource conditions, visitor use levels, types of uses, and visitor expectations to guide recreation management actions.

REOB22 Provide networks of marked and designated snow machine, cross-country ski, and other winter travel routes and trailhead facilities, while meeting other resource goals and objectives.

REOB23 Provide winter recreation user information to educate users of wildlife needs and promote backcountry safety.

REOB24 Provide opportunities for backcountry winter recreation in areas without wintering wildlife conflicts.

REOB25 Support winter trail management through cooperative agreements with other agencies and groups.

REGU06 When proposed management actions may affect dispersed recreation sites, those potential effects should be evaluated during project-scale analysis.

REGU11 During the winter season, motorized use may be allowed to set cross-country skiing tracks or skating lanes within the Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized areas.

REGU25

Winter recreation opportunities should be managed to provide for user safety and to minimize user conflicts. Winter recreation management should recognize that some activities are not compatible in the same locations and should be separated when needed to maintain user safety and quality recreation experiences.

REGU26 When resolving conflicts between winter recreation user groups, appropriate consideration and protection should be given to capital investments such as groomed and/or designated trails.

The project area includes two management areas; Rock Creek and Trapper Creek/Goose Creek. Most of the project area is located in the Rock Creek Management Area.

Management Area 11 –Rock Creek Management Prescription Area (MPA) 4.2 Roaded Recreation Emphasis: (This MPA includes most of the project area)

• Guideline 1104: Vegetation management actions – include wildland fire, prescribed fire, and mechanical treatments – may be used to maintain or restore desired vegetation and fuel conditions provided they do not prevent achievement of recreation resource objectives.

• Objective 1126: Manage the Rock creek corridor for a Visual Quality Objective of Retention to maintain this high-value scenic resource.

• Objective 1130: Continue to provide for winter recreation opportunities.

• Objective 1132: Achieve or maintain the following ROS strategy.

ROS Class Percent of Mgt. Area

Summer Winter

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Semi-Primitive Motorized 39% 90% Roaded Natural 19% 10% Roaded Modified 42% 0%

The above numbers reflect current travel regulations. These numbers may change as a result of future travel regulation planning

Management Area 13 – Trapper Creek/Goose Creek MPA 4.2 Roaded Recreation Emphasis: (Only the very northern portion of the MPA is within the project area)

• Guideline 1308: Vegetation management actions – including wildland fire, prescribed

fire, and mechanical treatments – may be used to maintain or restore desired vegetation and fuel conditions provided they do not prevent achievement of recreation resource objectives.

• Objective 1334: Achieve or maintain the following ROS strategy:


Summer Winter Semi-Primitive Motorized 48% 99% Roaded Natural 10% 1% Roaded Modified 42% 0%

The above numbers reflect current travel regulations. These numbers may change as a result of future travel regulation planning

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum The range of recreation settings and experiences is captured and described in the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS). Each classification in the ROS system has individual goals, expectations and opportunities. The ROS classifications related to this project are as follows:

• Semi-primitive Motorized • Roaded Natural • Roaded Modified

The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is the primary tool for describing desired recreation settings and for determining appropriate activities that may occur within those settings. These ROS levels can be specifically described and the elements measured. Therefore these levels are useful tools for measuring changes from the Proposed Action.

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Desired Condition: The desired condition comprises those recreation facilities, services, and activities that enhance the ability of visitors to the Minidoka Ranger District (MRD) to experience, learn about, and enjoy the natural, scenic, historic, pastoral, and fish and wildlife features of the MRD, and are available and accessible to all visitors that desire to participate. (Paraphrased from the Recreation forest-wide desired conditions found on p. III-65 in the 2012 Forest Plan.)

Sawtooth NF Recreation Niche – 2005 to 2015 Region 4 Recreation Niche: The Intermountain Region is characterized by some of the most rugged, remote, and uninterrupted landscapes in the West. Often bordered by other public lands, the vastness of these settings provides recreation opportunities that epitomize the western spirit of adventure. High mountains contrast with river corridors, lakes and reservoirs to provide welcome relief from the hot, arid climate. Recreation opportunities span the four seasons. Hiking, rafting, camping, scenic driving and world-class hunting and fishing are among the most popular activities. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders are accommodated at 22 different resorts, as well as in the vast backcountry where snowmobiling also is popular. Forest visitors come primarily from within the Region, one of the fastest growing areas in the Nation. The importance of recreation to local residents rates the highest in the nation for per capita public participation in outdoor recreation. Beyond personal enjoyment, recreation programs of National Forests serve as critical contributions to local economies. Region 4 Recreation Mission: The Intermountain Region provides sustainable quality recreation opportunities. Success Factors: Increase visitor satisfaction, Support local communities, be financially sustainable, and be environmentally sound.

Sawtooth – Sharp Scenery The Sawtooth National Forest is a place of awe-inspiring beauty. Jagged peaks and rolling pastoral valleys are connected by forested terrain. This contrast in landscapes, coupled with the contrast in seasons, creates winter wonders and summer scene-sations. Trails weave through the Forest providing opportunities for people to connect with the land and find solitude. For generations these picturesque settings have enhanced the quality of life for visitors and communities.

Recreation Issue The Forest Service separated the issues into two groups: key and other issues. Key issues are those to be carried through the analysis and are directly or indirectly affected by implementing the proposed action. Other issues were identified as those: 1) outside the scope of the proposed action; 2) already decided by law, regulation, Forest Plan, or other higher level decision; such as soils and water quality, etc. 3) irrelevant to the decision to be made; or 4) conjectural and not supported by scientific or factual evidence. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA regulations require this delineation in Sec. 1501.7, “…identify and eliminate from detailed study the issues which are not key issues or which have been covered by prior environmental review

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(Sec. 1506.3)…” A list of other issues and reasons regarding their categorization as non-significant may be found in the project record.

Key Issue 2 - Recreation The Rock Creek Recreation Complex is a popular, high use area. Implementation of the project will impact recreationists within the project area. The impacts will depend on timing and intesity of the proposed treatments. Proposed treatments could affect recreation activities in several ways. The presence of smoke, noise, and increased traffic may affect the recreation experience. In addition, for safety, some treatments may require temporarily closing roads and/or areas to the public. Impacts to recreationists can be lessened by timing treatments to avoid high use times, such as avoiding implementation on weekends, holidays, and opening of hunting seasons. Areas with specific impacts to recretionist would include the broadcast burn area which includes the Rim View trail. This trail will likely need to be closed during burning activities for public safety. Other treatments such as pre-commercial thinning, patch cuts, and mechanical treatments can be scheduled outside of peak use times to minimize impacts. Some impacts will occur with all treatments but impacts can be minimized by avoiding peak use times and high use areas within the project area.

• Indicator: Number of days recreation areas are closed for prescribed burning. • Indicator: Number of days other treatments occur within hearing or sight of established

recreation sites and trails within the project area. • Changes to the ROS

Recreation – Affected Environment The project area is a popular recreation destination for all seasons. While it draws users from outside the local community, many visitors are local, from the Magic Valley. The Rock Creek Recreation Corridor is popular for campers in developed and dispersed sites; users enjoy picnicking, hiking, biking, OHV riding, wildlife viewing and the scenery. There are many visitors to organization camps and recreation residences. Fall brings hunters and firewood gatherers to the area and in the winter downhill skiing, groomed Nordic ski trails and snowmobiling draw visitors. Developed Recreation Significant developed recreation opportunities exist in the project area, ranging from Porcupine Springs Campground with large group sites and many amenities to designated dispersed camping along the Rock Creek Corridor and at Forest Service Flats. During high use times all the available campsites within the project area are occupied. Organizational Camps / Recreational Residences There are 4 organizational Camps and 17 recreation residences in the project area. These facilities receive significant use during the summer months and limited use during the winter. These facilities are used for church groups, family reunions, weddings etc. Most visitors are from the local area but the organization camps often attract visitors from other areas in Idaho and surrounding states.

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Trailhead / Trails (summer) There are 6 trailheads within the project area. These include trails 914, 919, and 913 leading from the Forest Service Flats dispersed camping area, trails 914, 920, and 163 from Porcupine Springs Trailhead, trail 244 Ross Falls Trailhead, trail 243 Eagle Trailhead in Petit Campground, trail 235 Rim View Trailhead and trail 239 from the Pike Mountain Parking area. The Ross Falls and Eagle Trails are day use hiking trails during the summer and the Eagle Trail is a cross country ski trail in the winter. The Ross falls trail is popular with young families interested in a short hike to the falls and the eagle trail is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and Nordic skiers. The Rim View trail is an equestrian trail that accesses a variety of terrain and different landscapes which is also used by hikers. The rest of the trails in the project area are designed as ATV trails and receive substantial OHV use. Dispersed Recreation Activities (Summer/Fall) Camping and OHV riding are popular with summer visitors to this area. Forest Service Flats is a popular dispersed camping area with good access to the motorized trail system. Camping sites are occupied throughout the summer, with high use on the weekends and holidays. During holiday weekends all available campsites within the project area are likely occupied. Hunting season is also a busy time of year and this area is popular with hunters in the fall. Winter Recreation Experience Snowmobiling is a popular winter sport on the MRD. There are three snowmobile parking lots and a warming shelter within the project area. These facilities accommodate large numbers of snowmobilers during the winter season looking for recreational opportunities. There are also Nordic skiing opportunities within the project area and the popularity of Nordic Skiing in Rock Creek has recently been rising. Nordic Ski trails are being groomed on a regular basis making it easier for beginners and the Magic Mountain Ski Area is promoting Nordic skiing along with downhill facilities. Magic Mountain recently installed a tubing hill and is in the process of adding a lift. The resort is popular with the local community from the Twin Falls area.

Recreation - Environmental Consequences (Effects) Elements that are Common to all Alternatives: The project area is outside of Idaho Roadless Areas, Research Natural Areas, and Wilderness.

The ROS classification remains unchanged in all alternatives.

• REG001, Manage, operate, and maintain a year-round recreation program that offers a broad range of developed and dispersed recreation opportunities and experiences in a range of settings as reflected by the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum.

• REOB02, Utilize the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) to evaluate and tailor proposed projects and activities in order to maintain desired recreation opportunities and the quality of recreation experiences.

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• Objective 1132: Achieve or maintain the following ROS strategy. (Rock Creek MPA)



• Objective 1334: Achieve or maintain the following ROS strategy. (Trapper Creek/Goose Creek MPA)



The above numbers reflect current travel regulations. These numbers may change as a result of future travel regulation planning.

The project area includes Roaded Natural and Roaded Modified ROS classes, although most of the project are is classified Roaded Natural with some Roaded Modified near Pike Mountain and in the North West portion of the project area. There is no Semi-Primitive Motorized ROS class within the project area. ROS is the framework used to define the types of recreation opportunities appropriate for individual areas. Roaded Natural

“These areas provide for a wide range of recreation activities that are generally focused along the primary and secondary travel routes in a natural-appearing, roaded, motorized setting. Recreation facilities are provided to facilitate recreation use. There may be a moderate to high degree of user interaction, as well as the sights and sounds of other users, depending upon the facilities provided. Seasonal or year-round recreation facilities are provided for user comfort and convenience. Although structures may be designed to accommodate numerous users, they generally convey a rustic theme and blend with the natural landscape. There may be considerable on-site user controls or restrictions. Opportunities for isolation, challenge, or risk are generally not very important, although opportunities for practicing outdoor skills may be important. Scenic values are often emphasized. Recreation is often only one of many management objectives applied to these areas. A wide range of management activities and objectives may occur, generally being guided by the adopted visual quality objective. Landscape modifications due to resource management activities, where evident, harmonize with the natural setting. Prescribed fire could be used to attain a variety of resource objectives. A wide range of recreation facilities may be provided for user convenience and comfort. Developed campgrounds of varying size, complexity, and development scale could occur.

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There may also be a wide range of facilities and structures to support other Forest uses such as telecommunication facilities, power lines, and administrative sites. A wide range of transportation routes can occur, from State Highways to native-surfaced, timber access roads. Cross-country snowmobile use may occur on adequate snow depth in accordance with the current travel management plan or map and travel amendments. There may be areas, trails or roads within this ROS class where motorized use is prohibited or restricted to enhance recreation experiences or to protect public safety or resources.” (Forest Plan, Appendix F, F-3 Bold added for emphasis on applicable language to this project) Roaded Modified “These areas provide for a range of recreation experiences that are consistent with substantially modified, motorized settings in which the sights and sounds of humans are readily evident and the interaction between users can be from low to high. Recreation experiences and opportunities in these areas often depend on vehicular access off the primary routes via secondary roads. Camping experiences are relatively primitive, with few on-site facilities provided, requiring some self-reliance and use of primitive outdoor skills. Recreation is often only one of many management objectives applied to these areas. Recreation management may be secondary to other resource needs and commodity production, or vegetation restoration may be the dominant emphasis. A wide range of management activities and uses, such as providing commercial wood products, may often take priority, and may result in substantially altered settings over much of the area. Prescribed fire could be used to attain a variety of resource objectives. There may also be a wide range of facilities and structures to support other forest uses, such as telecommunications facilities, power lines, and administrative sites. There generally should be few recreation developments in these areas. Basic facilities may be provided in some areas for resource protection. Camping occurs at user defined or dispersed camping locations. The transportation network primarily consists of unpaved, gravel or native-surface local or secondary roads. Cross-country snowmobile use may occur on adequate snow depth in accordance with the currant travel management plan or map and travel amendments. There may be areas, trails, or roads within this ROS class where motorized use is prohibited or restricted to enhance recreation experiences or to protect public safety or resources. In some locations during winter, there may be considerable shifts to the Semi-Primitive Motorized class as the snow cover results in the road network being inaccessible to general automobile use. Where these areas are of sufficient size and are open to over-snow vehicles and/or have groomed snowmobile routes, they may function more closely like a Semi-Primitive area. (Forest Plan, Appendix F, F 3-4; Bold added for emphasis on applicable language to this project.)

All alternatives are consistent with existing ROS classifications.

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None of the alternatives change existing recreation sites in terms of development level. None of the alternatives will affect how winter access is managed. Snowmobile and cross-country ski trails will continue to be groomed. Existing closures in the Rock Creek Corridor and Magic Mountain Ski Area will remain in effect and existing winter access to the organization camps and recreation residences will be maintained.

REGO03 Address current and emerging recreation conflicts, while maintaining recreation opportunities when possible.

REGO06 Provide an array of winter recreation experiences, while mitigating conflicts between motorized and non-motorized use and wintering wildlife.

REOB22 Provide networks of marked and designated snow machine, cross-country ski, and other winter travel routes and trailhead facilities, while meeting other resource goals and objectives.

REOB23 Provide winter recreation user information to educate users of wildlife needs and promote backcountry safety.

REOB24 Provide opportunities for backcountry winter recreation in areas without wintering wildlife conflicts.

REOB25 Support winter trail management through cooperative agreements with other agencies and groups.

REGU11 During the winter season, motorized use may be allowed to set cross-country skiing tracks or skating lanes within the Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized areas.

REGU25

Winter recreation opportunities should be managed to provide for user safety and to minimize user conflicts. Winter recreation management should recognize that some activities are not compatible in the same locations and should be separated when needed to maintain user safety and quality recreation experiences.

REGU26 When resolving conflicts between winter recreation user groups, appropriate consideration and protection should be given to capital investments such as groomed and/or designated trails.

All alternatives are consistent with the following forest wide Forest Plan direction:



All alternatives are consistent with the Recreation Niche for the Forest.

• Objective 1126: Manage the Rock creek corridor for a Visual Quality Objective of Retention to maintain this high-value scenic resource.

Within the Rock Creek Corridor effects to visual qualities in general will be limited in scope and short term, either during treatment or for 1 to 3 years after treatment until vegetation recovers. Many areas within the treatment area will not be visible from the Rock Creek Road (Forest Road 515) and in most areas no treatment will be conducted along the roadway. Recreation

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Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classes within the project area allow for modification of the natural environment consistent with the Forest Plan and project objectives. EFFECTS BY ALTERNATIVE Alternative 1 – No Action Under this alternative there would be no change to the experience of recreationists using the five developed campgrounds, four organization camps, Pike Mountain Interpretative site and 17 recreation residences within the project area. However, this alternative would not reduce the risk of stand-replacing wildfire destroying or damaging the recreation infrastructure within the project area. So at some time in the future, these developed recreation sites could be negatively affected by wildfire. There are several dozen dispersed campsites in the project area and use of these sites would continue under current conditions, unless a wildfire impacted them. There is no change to the experience of winter recreationists using the Rock Creek Fuels Project Area from what they currently encounter. There are approximately 22 miles of Nordic ski trails groomed under agreement with the High Desert Nordic Ski Club. The existing motorized use closure area will remain the same. Snowmobile use will continue on non-groomed routes and winter access to organization camps and recreation residences continues with oversnow vehicles. The existing ski trail system supports the Sawtooth NF Recreation Niche by providing winter trails that connect people with the landscape and link communities to the Forest yearlong. Motorized use is supported in the areas outside the ski area where snowmobilers explore the forest away from main travel corridors. The No Action Alternative is consistent with Forest Plan direction:

REG001 Manage, operate, and maintain a year-round recreation program that offers a broad range of developed and dispersed recreation opportunities and experiences in a range of settings as reflected by the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum.

REG005





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Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) The proposed action would directly address the purpose and need by reducing the fuel loading in and around the recreational infrastructure and provide opportunities for suppressing wildfire in the project area. The proposed action would specifically:

• Mechanically treatment of approximately 238 acres.

• Hand and Aspen Treatment of approximately 1,424 acres.

• Prescribed Fire Treatment of approximately 1,241 acres, targeting 496 acres. Developed Recreation This alternative would reduce the risk to the substantial developed recreation infrastructure that exists in the project area. The cost of replacing the developed recreation facilities within the project area is estimated to be between 2 and 4 million dollars. This includes the five campgrounds, six trailheads, Diamond Field Jack Warming Shelter and Pike Mountain Interpretative site. This does not include privately owned improvements such as the four organization camps 17 recreation residents and the Magic Mountain Ski Area. There will be impacts to developed site users while treatments are in progress. These impacts however would be minimized by recreation Project Design Features described in the Alternative in Chapter 2. Although there would be impacts to recreation users at developed sites as a result of alternative 2 (see Table - Summary of Effects, below), the impacts are limited in scope and therefore the proposed action is consistent with Forest Plan direction in the following areas:


REG005





Trails & Trailheads

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There will be impacts to trail users while treatments are in progress. These impacts can be minimized by limiting mechanical and hand treatments to week days only when there are less trail users in the area. Treatments should also avoid holidays. Any system trails that pass through mechanical or hand treatment units must be kept clear of debris and protected from damage. The Nordic ski yurt located in Thompson Creek will need to be protected during any prescribed fire activities within the area. This will require working with the Nordic ski club to adjust timing on placing the yurt or potentially changing the location during burn periods. Implementing prescribed fire treatments will affect visitors to the project area though smoke and limited access to prescribed fire areas during burn periods. These impacts can be mitigated by avoiding treatments during weekends and holidays and ensuring the public is informed of upcoming and ongoing prescribed fire treatments. Although there would be impacts to recreation users at trails and trailheads as a result of alternative 2 (See Summary of Effects table, below), the impacts are limited in scope and therefore the proposed action is consistent with Forest Plan direction in the following areas:


REG005





Dispersed Recreation There will be impacts to dispersed campers while treatments are in progress. These impacts can be minimized by completing work as quickly as possible and avoiding areas occupied by campers until the dispersed campsite is vacated. Some dispersed campsite may be impacted by debris from hand and mechanical treatments in or near the campsite. Implementing prescribed fire treatments on weekends, holidays and other high use times such as hunting seasons should be avoided when possible. The prescribed fire treatment area must be secure and the public should be informed of ongoing management actions. If there is a need to implement prescribed burn treatments during a potential high use time in order to meet fire prescriptions then measures should be taken to inform the public of these activities and ensure that the area of the prescribed fire is secure to avoid conflicts and potential injuries to the public. Prescribed fire treatments should avoid October 5th opening day of general deer hunting season.

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News releases and other necessary measures should be taken to inform the public of ongoing activities and any restrictions that may apply. Although there would be impacts to dispersed campers as a result of alternative 2, the impacts are limited in scope and therefore the proposed action is consistent with Forest Plan direction in the following areas:


REG005





Winter Recreation This alternative could have effects on both Nordic ski Trails and snowmobile trails. In order to minimize these effects debris from hand and mechanical treatments should not be left on Nordic or snowmobile trails and care should be taken in mechanical treatment units to not damage the trail tread. In prescribed burn areas where snags that pose a safety hazard to trail users are left along system trails, these snags should be fell to limit hazards to the public. Although most of the project area is classified as Roaded Natural, some of the area is closed to motorized winter use by special order. This includes ½ mile either side of Rock Creek Road and within the Magic Mountain Ski Area. This alternative would not change current over snow vehicle restrictions nor would it change access to the recreation residences or organization camps and no disruptions will occur to winter recreation during project implementation. The existing ski trail system supports the Sawtooth NF Recreation Niche by providing winter trails that connect people with the landscape and link communities to the Forest yearlong. Motorized use is supported in the areas outside the ski area and Rock Creek Road Corridor where snowmobilers explore the forest away from main travel corridors. The High Desert Nordic Ski Club is under agreement to help deliver quality winter recreation opportunities. Although there may be impacts to the winter recreation users experience as a result of the Rock Creek Fuels Project, the impacts are limited in scope and therefore the proposed action is consistent with Forest Plan direction in the following areas:

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REG005





Alternative 3 (“Limited Mechanical and No Commercial Timber Sale Treatment Alternative”) This alternative is based on external public scoping comments received during the scoping period. Under this alternative, prescribed fire treatments would be implemented in the areas identified by the IDT as suitable for prescribed fire use however no pre-commercial thinning, no post and pole sale and no commercial timber sales would occur under this alternative. Mechanical treatments of vegetation around summer homes, organizational camps, campgrounds and other structures would occur up to 100 feet from the structures for defensible space purposes for a total of 20 acres however the remainder of the 238 acre mechanical treatment area that was identified in the Proposed Action would not be treated mechanically but would still be treated using hand treatment methods. The hand treatment area would consist of 1,642 acres under this alternative and these areas would be treated by crews using chainsaws. The proposed shaded fuel break would not be implemented under this alternative. Lodgepole pine stands within the burn units would have to be handcut and prepped around the timber stand units to protect the stand. A 100 foot buffer around the stand would be treated to ensure protection of the timber stands that qualified as suitable for timber production and that could contribute to ASQ (Allowable Sale Quality). In the 100 foot buffer area, all trees up to eight to ten inches DBH would be felled and subalpine fir up to 16” would be felled. Trees would then be limbed on the ground and scattered within the interior of the burn unit. All trees within the 100 foot buffer would be pruned to a height between six to ten feet. For trees smaller than 30 feet in height, pruning would not raise the canopy base to more than one-third of the total tree height. Handline would be completed around the perimeter of the lodgepole pine stands before burning could occur. This alternative’s emphasis is on shifting composition to an earlier seral stage using the most economically feasible method (s) without cutting commercial and pre-commercial harvest areas utilizing logging equipment and limiting mechanical treatment to areas only adjacent to

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structures. This alternative would move forested stand composition, structure and densities toward desired conditions, develop conditions that minimize undesirable wildfire effects and increase firefighter safety on approximately 2,932 acres of the project area. There are no proposed temporary roads in this alternative, however, some closed routes may be opened during burning operations and physically closed again shortly thereafter so vehicles cannot drive on the routes. Developed Recreation This alternative would reduce the risk to the substantial developed recreation infrastructure that exists in the project area. The cost of replacing the developed recreation facilities within the project area is estimated to be between 2 and 4 million dollars. This includes five campgrounds, six trailheads, Diamond Field Jack Warming Shelter and Pike Mountain Interpretative site. This does not include privately owned improvements such as the 4 organization camps, 17 recreation residents and the Magic Mountain Ski Area. There will be impacts to developed site users while treatments are in progress. (See Table - Summary Effects, below) These impacts can be minimized by limiting mechanical and hand treatments to week days only when there are fewer users in the area. Treatments should also avoid holidays. Any developed recreation infrastructure within mechanical or hand treatment units must be kept clear of debris and protected from damage. The hundred foot defensible space around structures may or may not be sufficient to protect all the recreational facilities depending on fire severity. Although there would be impacts to recreation users at developed sites as a result of alternative 3, the impacts are limited in scope and therefore the proposed action is consistent with Forest Plan direction in the following areas:


REG005

Manage motorized and non-motorized travel and travel-related facilities to: e) Provide for public safety, f) Meet resource objectives and access needs, g) Mitigate road and trail damage, and h) Minimize maintenance costs and user conflicts.




Trails / Trailheads There will be impacts to trail users when implementing the treatments. These impacts can be minimized by limiting mechanical and hand treatments to week days only when there are less

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trail users in the area. Treatments should also avoid holidays. Any system trails that pass through mechanical or hand treatment units must be kept clear of debris and protected from damage. The Nordic ski yurt located in Thompson Creek will need to be protected during any prescribed fire activities within the area. This will require working with the Nordic ski club to adjust timing on placing the yurt or potentially changing the location during burn periods. Implementing prescribed fire treatments on weekends, holidays and other high use times such as hunting seasons should be avoided. The prescribed fire treatment area must be secure and the public should be informed of ongoing management actions. If there is a need to implement prescribed burn treatments during a potential high use time in order to meet fire prescriptions then measures should be taken to inform the public of these activities and ensure that the area of the prescribed fire is secure to avoid conflicts and potential injuries to the public. News releases and other necessary measures should be taken to inform the public of ongoing activities and any restrictions that may apply. Although there would be impacts to recreation users at trails and trailheads as a result of alternative 3, the impacts are limited in scope and therefore the proposed action is consistent with Forest Plan direction in the following areas:


REG005





Dispersed Recreation There will be impacts to dispersed campers while treatments are in progress. These impacts can be minimized by limiting mechanical and hand treatments to week days only when there are fewer campers in dispersed areas. Treatments should also avoid holidays. Established dispersed campsites should be protected during mechanical or hand treatments by keeping them clear of debris. Implementing prescribed fire treatments on weekends, holidays and other high use times such as hunting seasons should be avoided. The prescribed fire treatment area must be secure and the public should be informed of ongoing management actions. If there is a need to implement prescribed burn treatments during a potential high use time in order to meet fire prescriptions

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then measures should be taken to inform the public of these activities and ensure that the area of the prescribed fire is secure to avoid conflicts and potential injuries to the public. News releases and other necessary measures should be taken to inform the public of ongoing activities and any restrictions that may apply. Although there would be impacts to dispersed campers as a result of alternative 3, the impacts are limited in scope and therefore the proposed action is consistent with Forest Plan direction in the following areas:


REG005





Winter Recreation This alternative could have effects on both Nordic ski Trails and snowmobile trails. In order to minimize these effects debris from hand and mechanical treatments should not be left on Nordic or snowmobile trails and care should be taken in mechanical treatment units to not damage the trail tread. In prescribed burn areas where snags that pose a safety hazard to trail users are left along system trails, these snags should be fell to limit hazards to the public. Although most of the project area is classified as Roaded Natural, some of the area is closed to motorized winter use by special order. This includes ½ mile either side of Rock Creek Road and within the Magic Mountain Ski Area. This alternative would not change the over snow vehicle restrictions nor would it change access to the recreation residences or organization camps and no disruptions will occur to winter recreation during project implementation. Although most of the project area is classified as Roaded Natural, some of the area is closed to motorized winter use by special order. This includes ½ mile either side of Rock Creek Road and within the Magic Mountain Ski Area. This alternative would not change the current over snow vehicle restrictions nor would it change access to the recreation residences or organization camps and no disruptions will occur to winter recreation during project implementation. The existing ski trail system supports the Sawtooth NF Recreation Niche by providing winter trails that connect people with the landscape and link communities to the Forest yearlong. Motorized use is supported in the areas outside the ski area and Rock Creek Road Corridor

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where snowmobilers explore the forest away from main travel corridors. The High Desert Nordic Ski Club is under agreement to help deliver quality winter recreation opportunities. Although there may be impacts to the winter recreation users experience as a result of the Rock Creek Fuels Project, the impacts are limited in scope and therefore the proposed action is consistent with Forest Plan direction in the following areas:


REG005





Table. Summary of Recreation Effects Alternative 1 – No Action Alternative 2 – Proposed

Action Alternative 3

ROS The ROS remains unchanged from present mapping.

The ROS remains unchanged from present mapping.

The ROS remains unchanged from present mapping.

Recreation Niche This alternative supports the Recreation Niche.

This alternative supports the Recreation Niche.

This alternative supports the Recreation Niche.

Change in Use of Developed Sites

Current use will remain unchanged by this action. There is always the possibility of a stand-replacing wildfire destroying infrastructure.

The developed recreation experience may be temporarily impacted in the short term by sights and sounds of mechanical and hand treatments. In the long term benefits will be realized as fire risk is reduced and the risk of damage or loss of infrastructure is reduced.

The developed recreation experience may be temporarily impacted in the short term by sights and sounds of mechanical and hand treatments. In the long term benefits will be realized as fire risk is reduced and the risk of damage or loss of infrastructure is reduced.

Change in Use of Trails and Trailheads

Current use will remain unchanged by this action

Current use will likely be reduced in the short term due to prescribed fire closures.

Current use will likely be reduced in the short term due to prescribed fire closures.

Forest Plan Compliance

This alternative meets Forest Plan direction.



Changes in Dispersed Camping

The number of available sites will remain unchanged. Current use will remain unchanged by this action.



Changes in OHV Use The number of available routes The number of available routes The number of available

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will remain unchanged. Current use will remain unchanged by this action.

will remain unchanged. Current use will remain unchanged by this action.

routes will remain unchanged. Current use will remain unchanged by this action.

Changes in Firewood Cutters Use

Current use will remain unchanged by this action.



Nordic Ski Experience The number of Nordic Ski trail miles will remain the same.

The number of Nordic Ski trail miles will remain the same.

The number of Nordic Ski trail miles will remain the same.

Snowmobile Experience

The availability of snowmobile terrain will remain the same. The experience of snowmobilers will remain unchanged by this action.



Number of days recreation areas are closed for prescribed burning.

0 Approximately 14 Days Approximately 14 Days

Number of days other treatments occur within hearing or sight of established recreation sites and trails within the project area.

0 Approximately 30 Days Approximately 60 Days

Cumulative Effects: Cumulative effects are defined as all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions within the analysis area. Past and current activities within the analysis area that have affected recreation include livestock grazing, maintenance and use of forest system roads, dispersed recreation, timber thinning, fuelwood collection, water development, and wildfire. Reasonably foreseeable future actions include those actions that are likely to occur within the analysis area. Many of these actions would require individual NEPA analysis and are summarized below:

• Changes to the motorized trail system • Closure of unauthorized motorized routes • New ski lift at Magic Mountain • Continued livestock grazing

Multiple projects of this type occurring over time could have the effect of reducing the recreational experience provided in the Rock Creek Corridor. However no additional projects are planned for this area at this time, thus there are minimal cumulative effects to the three indicators from all alternatives in the short term; in the long term, under the No Action Alternative, a loss of recreational values could occur if a wildfire burned through many of the high value structures in the project area. There will be a need for maintenance of fuel breaks or work to maintain fire resistant ecosystems but the timing of years between potential projects will not have a long term impact on the recreational experience. Impacts to recreation in the Rock Creek Corridor from this

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project will be short in duration and the recreational experience will be regained almost immediately upon completion of the project and will remain intact.

Summary Although the Rock Creek Fuels project will have short-term negative effects on the recreation experience within the Rock Creek Corridor and surrounding areas, project design criteria will reduce the impacts of these treatments on the recreation experience by implementing timing and treatment restrictions that avoid high use periods and minimize user conflicts. In the long-term benefits will be realized as fire risk is reduced and the risk of damage or loss of infrastructure is reduced. During project implementation the existing recreation infrastructure can be protected by taking care to avoid damaging recreation facilities and impacts to the recreation experience are short term in nature and can be mitigated by avoiding high use times on weekends and holidays. The purpose of the project to reduce fuel loading and restore and maintain a healthy fire resistant ecosystem will have long term benefits. These benefits include protecting recreation facilities from catastrophic wildfire that could damage or destroy facilities and avoid long term closures of recreation facilities to ensure public safety. There would also be significant cost associated with replacing damaged and destroyed recreation infrastructure.

Recreation Specialist Report Rock Creek Fuels...

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