The Lakeview Stewardship Group envisions a sustainable forest ecosystem that, through a new
understanding of the interrelationships between the people and the land,
will ensure quality of life for present and future generations.

This long-range strategy is part of a unique, collaborative effort to help restore the ecological health of the 500,000-acre Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit in the Fremont-Winema National Forest and provide economic and social benefits for the local community. The strategy is based on a common vision and set of goals and objectives developed by the Lakeview Stewardship Group and adopted by the U.S. Forest Service. The Lakeview Stewardship Group includes conservationists, timber workers, local government officials, and other civic leaders working in cooperation with the Forest Service.

The Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit was originally established in 1950 as the Lakeview Federal Sustained Yield Unit for the purpose of supplying timber to local mills in the communities of Lakeview and Paisley in Lake County. In 2001, the Chief of the Forest Service re-authorized the Unit with a revised policy statement that established new goals and updated its name to the Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit. The goals of the Stewardship Unit are as follows:

· Sustain and restore a healthy, diverse, and resilient forest ecosystem that can accommodate human and natural disturbances.

· Sustain and restore the land’s capacity to absorb, store, and distribute quality water.

· Provide opportunities for people to realize their material, spiritual, and recreational values and relationships with the forest.

To achieve the collaborative vision and goals of the Unit, the long-range strategy takes a holistic and scientific approach toward restoration. The strategy builds on regional ecosystem assessments and local watershed analyses by the Forest Service, as well as independent scientific and university studies. It is also informed by the results of an intensive 3-year monitoring program conducted by Lakeview-area high school graduates under the supervision of experienced scientists.

The strategy recognizes that restoration of the Unit will require comprehensive solutions to a variety of often inter-related problems. For example, decades of aggressive fire suppression and intensive logging of old-growth ponderosa pine trees have created unnaturally dense young forests, excessive fuel loads, and much greater risk of severe fires. Also, past road building and grazing have changed stream flows, altered riparian area vegetation, and degraded streambanks. In addition, juniper trees and invasive plants such as cheatgrass are spreading rapidly to the detriment of native grasses, aspen groves, meadows, and other important habitats.

To solve the fire and fuels problem, the strategy recommends an accelerated thinning and prescribed burning program, focused on the relatively dry, low-elevation ponderosa pine forests which cover nearly half of the Unit. The remaining large, fire-resistant, old-growth pines should be retained wherever possible. Additionally, considerable care must be taken to monitor and protect the soil from excessive disturbance, compaction, erosion, loss of nutrients, and invasive plants.

The strategy calls for continuing and expanding the Lakeview monitoring program to ensure that management actions are having the intended effect and can be quickly modified based on locally relevant new information. It also points out the need to upgrade logging equipment and develop new equipment that is affordable in order to minimize roads, soil compaction, and other potential impacts of an expanded thinning program.

Additional actions are needed to restore high-quality habitat and healthy populations of fish and wildlife. Closing unnecessary roads will benefit big game populations as well as improve water quality and stream habitats. Native riparian vegetation like willows and aspen should be restored, and barriers to fish passage removed.

The strategy recognizes that not all the Lakeview Unit is equally in need of restoration work. About one-eighth of the Unit is in either the Gearheart Mountain Wilderness or the Unit’s seven inventoried roadless areas. The strategy recommends keeping the roadless areas free of road building and logging.

The Lakeview Unit provides important social and economic benefits to the nearby communities. It supplies about 10-15 percent of the timber processed by the Fremont Sawmill and its 100 employees. Many local residents obtain their firewood, Christmas trees, and other forest products from the Unit. About 34 businesses and families graze livestock within the Unit for part of the year.

The Unit also offers many recreational facilities, attractions, and opportunities that contribute to the enjoyment and quality of life for local residents and visitors alike. However, federal funding for recreation is declining, putting some campgrounds and other recreation sites in jeopardy.

The communities of Lake County have struggled to maintain or diversify their economy. While fairly typical of rural Northwest communities in regard to socio-economic distress, Lake County’s remote location and lack of transportation options pose special difficulties for economic development. Local contractors need to have easier access to job opportunities created within the Unit.

Building a biomass plant is a promising opportunity to improve the local economy and help accomplish ecologically beneficial thinning projects within the Unit. However, some form of economic incentive, such as carbon credits, may be required to make an appropriately sized biomass plant economically viable. More funding from Congress or other sources may also be necessary to accomplish the forest health restoration treatments, monitoring, and logging equipment upgrades recommended by this long-range strategy.

In the coming five years, given adequate funding, the Forest Service should be able to plan and conduct various forms of fuels treatments on about 200,000 acres in and around the Lakeview Stewardship Unit. Major projects on the drawing board include Jakabe in the Paisley District and Bull Stewardship and Burnt Willow in the Lakeview District.

In the long run, implementing the desired fuels reduction and fire restoration treatments within the Unit will cost approximately $8,653,000 per year over the next 20 years. Forest Service budgets and other projected income for this work are estimated to remain at $4,565,000 per year, leaving an annual budget shortfall of approximately $4,000,000. However, that shortfall could nearly be erased by taking into account the economic value of the reduced carbon emissions likely to result from reductions in crown fires due to the increased restoration treatments proposed in this strategy.

The Lakeview Stewardship Group welcomes all feedback on this collaborative strategy and intends to update, expand, and improve the strategy as more and better information becomes available. We consider the strategy to be an important step towards achieving the collaborative vision and goals of the Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit.

Acknowledgments

The Lakeview Stewardship Group and Lake County Resources Initiative appreciate the assistance and support of several individuals and organizations in producing this long-range management strategy for the Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit. The following individuals commented on a review draft of the strategy: Dr. Norm Johnson (Oregon State University), Dr. Jerry Franklin (University of Washington), Chris Maser (consulting ecologist), Susan Jane Brown (Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center), Doug Heiken (Oregon Natural Resources Council), David Bayles (Pacific Rivers Council), Dave Wenzel (retired US Forest Service), and Chuck Graham (retired US Forest Service). Norm Michaels, Sue Puddy, and other Forest Service staff of the Fremont-Winema National Forest also commented on drafts of the strategy. Jennifer Stephens of The Wilderness Society helped with publicity and final production of the document. The Liz Claiborne and Art Ortenberg Foundation, Flintridge Foundation, Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and National Forest Foundation have provided financial support for this and other collaborative activities in the Lakeview Unit. Funding was also provided by the Oregon State Lottery through the South Central Oregon Regional Investment Board for the purpose of promoting economic and community development.

INTRODUCTION

The Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit within the Fremont National Forest (now Fremont-Winema National Forests) was originally established in 1950 as the Lakeview Federal Sustained Yield Unit for the purpose of enhancing the economic stability of the communities of Lakeview and Paisley in Lake County, Oregon. In 2001, the Chief of the Forest Service re-authorized the Unit with a revised policy statement that established a new name for the Unit, a common vision and a set of new goals and objectives that were developed by the Lakeview Stewardship Group and adopted by the US Forest Service.

Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit Vision: We envision a sustainable forest ecosystem that, through a new understanding of the interrelationships between the people and the land, will ensure quality of life for present and future generations.

The Goals of the Stewardship Unit are as follows:

· Sustain and restore a healthy, diverse, and resilient forest ecosystem that can accommodate human and natural disturbances.

· Sustain and restore the land’s capacity to absorb, store, and distribute quality water.

· Provide opportunities for people to realize their material, spiritual, and recreational values and relationships with the forest.

The goals and objectives of the Unit are addressed in the Key Issues section of this strategy and are set out in Appendix A.

In order to help achieve these goals, the Lakeview Stewardship Group has developed this long-range strategy as guidance to the Forest Service and others involved in managing the Unit. We view this long-range strategy as part of a unique, collaborative effort to help restore the ecological health of the 500,000-acre Stewardship Unit and to provide economic and social benefits for the local community. The Lakeview Stewardship Group includes conservationists, timber workers, forest managers, local government officials, and other civic leaders. Forest Service managers are regularly invited to participate with the Group.

The strategy is intended to provide an overall management framework for the Unit as well as help identify funding needs and prioritize areas for active restoration. The strategy should also make it easier for the Forest Service to revise its land and resource management plan for the Fremont-Winema National Forests in the next few years.

This strategy for the Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit builds on numerous scientific assessments and planning efforts by the Forest Service and independent experts. These past assessments and plans range in scale from the regional Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project to several watershed analyses and transportation plans within the Unit completed by the Fremont-Winema National Forests in recent years. The long-range strategy also incorporates elements of the Klamath Tribes’ forest management plan developed by the Klamath Tribes for their former reservation land that is managed by the Fremont-Winema National Forests.

We intend to update, expand, and improve this strategy as more and better information becomes available and can be incorporated. An “adaptive management” planning approach is especially appropriate and feasible here because of the Chewaucan Biophysical Monitoring Project.

Beginning in 2002, this monitoring effort has been gathering a great deal of data about the trees, plants, wildlife, insects, soils, streams, and other ecosystem elements within a large part of the Stewardship Unit. The detailed monitoring information about site-specific ecological conditions and trends should increasingly supplement the data that we have used in this initial strategy.

This long-range strategy begins with an overview of how to approach restoration in the context of eastern Oregon and the Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit. Next, it reviews past studies and existing data relevant to planning for the Unit. The strategy then focuses on eight main issues:

(1) forest and rangeland health,

(2) soils and water,

(3) fish and wildlife,

(4) roads,

(5) roadless areas and wilderness,

(6) recreation,

7) community benefits, and

(8) implementation and economics.

Finally, the strategy presents a five-year schedule of management activities, along with a proposed budget.

The Lakeview Stewardship Group appreciates the assistance of the Forest Service in developing this long-range strategy. Lakeview District Ranger Terry Sodorff and other staff members of the Fremont-Winema generously provided information that we requested.

Fremont National Forest and Surrounding Lands map

Fig. 1 Fremont National Forest and Surrounding Lands

RESTORATION PLANNING OVERVIEW

In developing this long-range strategy, the Lakeview Stewardship Group attempted to take a scientifically sound approach. During the past decade, scientists from numerous government agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations have examined environmental and social conditions within and around the Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit. Many studies have focused on the need to restore the ecological health of forests, rangelands, watersheds, and fish and wildlife habitats. As discussed in Section III, much of the information produced by these studies is relevant to the Unit and useful for this long-range strategy.

Our overall planning effort generally follows the strategic approach presented by Rick Brown in a report, Thinning, Fire and Forest Restoration: A Science-Based Approach for National Forests in the Interior Northwest (Defenders of Wildlife 2000). Rick Brown is a long-time member of the Lakeview Stewardship Group and a senior resource specialist for Defenders of Wildlife. In his report, Brown suggests that active forest restoration efforts that reflect the following guidelines will be most likely to succeed:

· Be part of comprehensive ecosystem and watershed restoration that addresses roads, livestock grazing, invasive exotic species, off-road vehicles, etc.;

· Consider landscape context, including watershed condition and both populations and habitats of fish and wildlife;

· Address causes of degradation, not just symptoms;

· Provide timber only as a by-product of primary restoration objectives;

· Avoid construction of new roads;

· Be based on local assessment of pre-settlement conditions;

· Take place in dry forest types;

· Use fire as a restoration treatment, either alone or following thinning;

· Treat thinning slash and other surface fuels (preferably with fire);

· Retain all large, old (presettlement) trees and large snags, and provide for their replacement over time;

· Have negligible adverse effects on soils;

· Address other vegetation in addition to trees, including noxious weeds;

· Incorporate monitoring as an essential element and cost of the project;

· Learn from monitoring and adapt management accordingly.

RELEVANT STUDIES AND EXISTING DATA

A. Regional Context: Eastern Oregon and the Interior Columbia Basin (ICBEMP)

The Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project (ICBEMP) was a massive interagency scientific study that included all of eastern Oregon and the interior Columbia River Basin. The ICBEMP examined changes in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that have occurred throughout the Basin since European settlement. Areas that had changed markedly were considered to have lower ecological integrity than areas that had not changed much. The Fremont National Forest and LFSU were considered as part of a cluster of forests that have low forest integrity and low or moderate aquatic integrity. The area is dominated by dry forests that are extensively roaded and have little, if any, Wilderness. Forest structure and composition have been substantially altered from historical conditions. These forests show large changes in fire frequency but less change in fire severity. (Status of the Interior Columbia Basin: Summary of Scientific Findings, PNW-GTR-385, p. 122).

The ICBEMP study also found that the amount of forest in the Basin with “lethal” fire regimes has more than doubled, posing a significant risk to ecological integrity, water quality, species recovery, and homes in rural areas. Drought, fire suppression, overgrazing, and logging have contributed to significant changes in forest and range landscapes. Native grasslands and shrublands have declined and noxious weeds are spreading rapidly. Uniform stands of middle-aged trees have replaced old and mixed age stands, and much more of the timber volume consists of small-diameter trees. (Highlighted Scientific Findings of the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project, PNW-GTR-404, p. 13-14).

Based on the ICBEMP study, the Forest Service and BLM recommended a management alternative that aggressively restores ecosystem health through active management using an integrated ecosystem management approach. However, the agencies did not make a final decision on the ICBEMP plan and instead adopted a strategy in 2003 to incorporate the science data into local forest plans and projects. (The Interior Columbia Basin Strategy, www.icbemp.gov).

B. Local Studies

Third Party Review

In 1999, at the request of Sustainable Northwest and Lake County, a consulting team of four scientists and management specialists conducted a study of the LFSU. (Wayne Elmore, Robert Hrubes, Chris Maser, Walter Smith, “A Third Party Review of the Lakeview Federal Sustained Yield Unit,” March 1999). While admittedly not an in-depth analysis of ecological conditions within the Unit, the review was informed by the results of several site-specific watershed analyses that the Fremont National Forest completed between 1995 and 1998. The consultants found considerable ecological alteration and degradation due to past management emphasis and practices, along with significant restoration and stand-improvement needs. More specifically, the team concluded that past practices had resulted in:

· loss of habitat diversity leading toward management-created homogeneity across the landscape as a whole;

· soil compaction;

· high road densities;

· loss of mature forest structure;

· increased density and risk of fire;

· species conversion from Pine-associated to Fir-associated forest types;

· loss of habitat for threatened and endangered species; and

· lack of a comprehensive monitoring system.

Watershed Analyses

As noted above, the Forest Service completed several site-specific watershed analyses covering large portions of the LFSU – including the Upper and Lower Chewaucan River, Deep Creek, and Thomas Creek -- during the late 1990s. The watershed analyses identify issues, describe current and historical (reference) conditions, synthesize and interpret data, and make recommendations for management. This long-range strategy relies significantly on the resource information and recommendations contained in the watershed analyses.

University of Washington Fire Study

In 2003, the University of Washington’s Rural Technology Center completed a study of fire conditions and potential fuel treatments in the Fremont National Forest. (Mason et al. 2003, Investigation of Alternative Strategies for Design, Layout and Administration of Fuel Removal Projects). Using Continuous Vegetation Survey data collected on 502 plots, the UW study calculated proportions of the Fremont with high, moderate, and low levels of fire risk. The UW study also used computer models to evaluate the effectiveness of various types of fuel treatments in reducing fire risk. Results of this study are presented in the Fuels and Fire section below.

KEY ISSUES

A. Forest and Rangeland Health

Goal: Sustain and restore a healthy, diverse, and resilient forest ecosystem that can accommodate human and natural disturbances.

1.Fuels and Fire

Objectives:

· Restore stand-maintenance fire regimes.

· Restore forest conditions that approximate historical species composition and stand ages.

The major tree species in the Fremont National Forest are ponderosa pine, juniper, lodgepole pine, and at higher elevations white fir. Most of these trees are adapted to summer drought and extreme temperature fluctuations due to the nature of the arid region. Annual precipitation is 1020 inches from autumn through spring, and summers are hot and dry. (Mason et al., p. 17.)

Historically, the ponderosa pine forests were maintained by relatively frequent, low-severity surface fires. Lodgepole pine forests were maintained by infrequent, intense insect attack followed by high-severity stand-replacing fire. In mixed conifer and white fir stands, fire and insect disturbances were variable in frequency and intensity, resulting in a wide range of conditions. (Upper Chewaucan WA, p. RC-4 & 5)

Ponderosa pine stands were typically park-like with large, well-spaced trees and sparse shrubs and down wood, maintained by frequent light surface fires at 1-25 year intervals. Ponderosa pine dominated below 6,000 feet and on south-west slopes above 6,000 feet. Mixed conifer stands were “jumbled up” with complex structure and intense fire return frequencies of 25-300 years. (Lower Chewaucan WA, p. RC-4 & 5)

Lake County Resources Initiative has collected data on the number and acreage of wild fires that burned within and adjacent to the Unit for the past 20 years. Notably, in the first decade the fires averaged about 430 acres, but since 1995 the average has been over 6,000 acres. Over the 20year period, most of the acreage burned in 2002 due to the large Grizzly, Toolbox, and Winter Rim fires. Even omitting the 2002 fires, average acreage in the past decade is over 1500 acres, triple the previous decade.

Fig 2. Priorities for Fire Restoration in the Unit

ACREAGE OF PONDEROSA PINE ECOCLASS ABOVE AND BELOW 6,000 FEET ELEVATION AND ON SOUTHWEST ASPECT

Total LFSU Acreage	488,339 acres
Total Ponderosa pine Ecotype	342,072 acres
Low Elevation Ponderosa pine (<6,000 ft)	165,611 acres
High Elevation Ponderosa pine (>6,000 ft)	176,461 acres
High Elevation Ponderosa pine on SW Facing Aspects	66,494 acres
Low Elevation PPine and SW Aspect High Elevation PPine	232,105 acres

As indicated above, within the LFSU about 342,000 acres, or 70 percent of the Unit, are ponderosa pine stands. Of these, about 232,000 acres, or 48 percent of the Unit, are below 6,000 feet elevation or at higher elevations on southwest-facing aspect.

The Klamath Tribes’ Forest Plan contains some useful historical data about forest conditions in Lake County prior to widespread logging and fire suppression. These data suggest that ponderosa pine stands generally contained about 15 trees/acre larger than 20 inches in diameter and about 40 trees/acre between 20 and 4 inches in diameter. The Chewaucan Biophysical Monitoring Project is also providing useful data on local reference conditions.

As in many other eastside forests, years of fire suppression, extensive high-grading of the dominant ponderosa pine overstory, and extensive livestock grazing have resulted in many acres of the Fremont being increasingly converted to a forest that is dominated by white fir. Forest stands dominated by white fir are more susceptible to drought stress and associated outbreaks of insects and disease, increasing the risk of large-scale wildfires. (Elmore et al., p. 16 & 17).

With fire exclusion, formerly single-storied, park-like ponderosa pine stands are becoming increasingly multi-storied. The practice of high grading has left many stands with a large stagnant component of white fir that normally would have been absent historically. Current stand density is higher than the historical level in many areas of the forest. White fir and mixed conifer stands have high densities that place them at risk of disease, insect attack, and density-related mortality. (Deep Creek WA, p. CC-11; Lower Chewaucan WA, p. CC-8)

The University of Washington study of high intensity fire risk on the Fremont National Forest found that 31% of the forest was at high risk, 47% moderate risk, and 22% low risk. The dominant tree species in high risk stands are 53% white fir, 25% ponderosa pine, and 21% lodgepole pine. Low risk stands are 73% ponderosa pine and 21% lodgepole. The study found that thinning to remove one-half of the basal area would result in shifting the high-risk stands to 66% moderate risk and 27% low risk, while thinning to leave 45 sq. ft. of basal area per acre would change the high-risk stands to 27% moderate risk and 71% low risk. However, under any treatment scenario, nearly all stands would return to high risk within 15-20 years unless there was follow-up treatment. (Mason et al.)

The Forest Service has been underburning ponderosa pine stands since the 1970s. Very little underburning has occurred in mixed conifer forests. (Lower Chewaucan WA, p. CC-11). During the past decade, the Forest Service has been thinning ponderosa pine stands to remove the white fir understory and reduce overall stand density.

FOREST HEALTH RESTORATION ACTIVITIES IN LAKEVIEW FEDERAL STEWARDSHIP UNIT, 2001-2004

	2001	2002	2003	2004	Average
Thinning	3,647	1,048	2,833	5,626	3,288
Mechanical Treatment	2,872	2,708	1,343	4,453	2,844
Prescribed Burn	3,750	4,000	9,187	10,487	6,856

The large increase in acreage treated in recent years, especially with prescribed fire, suggests that the agency is making significant progress in improving forest health within the Unit. However, the prescribed burn numbers for 2003 and 2004 are unusually high because the Fremont-Winema’s burn program focused on areas within the Unit in those years, but will likely be moving to other parts of the Forest in the coming years. Also, the recent burns were in relatively open forest lands, where per-acre costs are low compared to the more heavily forested lands that require substantial thinning and other treatment before they can be burned.

Modeling Forest Management to Reduce Fuel Loads and Restore Natural Stand Conditions

In order to predict changes in stand conditions under one set of possible management options, Lake County Resources Initiative asked Clair Thomas to use the Landscape Management System (LMS) to model an approach similar in some respects to that proposed in the Klamath Tribes’ draft forest plan. The results of the Fremont Forest Inventory and Biomass Report, 2005 are presented in abbreviated form in Appendix C and are summarized here.

Data from Forest Service Continuous Vegetation Survey (CVS) plots were assigned to six forest habitat types: Dry Ponderosa Pine; Moist Ponderosa Pine; Dry Mixed Conifer; Moist Mixed Conifer; Dry Lodgepole Pine or Wet Lodgepole Pine. For each habitat type the CVS data were then used in LMS to achieve and maintain target basal areas by thinning from below.

This exercise suggests outcomes that apply generally to the various habitat types but may not be applicable to any particular existing stand. The model demonstrates that, on average, open stands dominated by trees generally 21 inches dbh or larger can be created in 30 to 50 years for the ponderosa pine and mixed conifer habitat types, significantly reducing the risk of crown fire and allowing the forests to sequester and store carbon. The modeling also suggests that restrictions on cutting trees larger than 21 inches in diameter should be relaxed in 30 to 40 years to allow maintenance of desired stocking levels and stand characteristics

Some of the simplifications necessary to conduct this modeling include thinning to basal areas at or below the lower range suggested in the Klamath Tribes’ plan and reaching the target basal area in the first thinning, rather than through successive entries. The model was also used to achieve open stands in moist mixed-conifer habitat types where complex, multi-species, multilayered stands were probably common historically. The modeling also treated dry lodgepole stands to achieve conditions that would be more open and with more large trees than would have been likely to occur historically. These conditions would still be vulnerable to high-severity fire (since lodgepole pine has thin bark) and may not be desirable from a wildlife habitat perspective. Refining these models to more closely reflect anticipated on-the-ground management is an ongoing process.

Fuels and Fire Guidelines:

· Use Landscape Management System (LMS) or similar computer tools to model and inform forest restoration activity in the Unit.

· Undertake an accelerated thinning and prescribed burning program, using the Klamath Tribes’ plan as a model.

· Identify priority areas for treatment, including:

o near residences;

o adjacent to private forest lands that have approved management plans;

o in stands with remnant old-growth ponderosa pine where dense younger trees put the stands at risk of uncharacteristically severe fire or stress for water and nutrients;

o in other ponderosa pine stands below 6,000 feet with existing road access.

· Base restoration treatment prescriptions on Chewaucan Biophysical Monitoring and other local data about reference conditions, as well as other appropriate data and models.

· Restore more natural fire conditions in appropriate areas and circumstances through prescribed fire, modified suppression tactics, and updated fire management plans.

2. Old Growth

Objective: Restore forest conditions that approximate historical species composition and stand ages.

Historic and Current Conditions

Historically, ponderosa pine forests were mostly in large park-like pine stands with occasional small openings; 60-80 percent were in old structural condition. Mixed conifer forests had variable conditions due to infrequent, stand-replacing fires following insect mortality and high fuel loads; 40-70 percent were in old and late structural condition. Lodgepole pine forests had large, even-aged patches due to frequent stand-replacing disturbances; 30-90 percent were in early structural condition. (Upper Chewaucan WA, p. RC-4; Lower Chewaucan WA, p. RC-4). Continuing Forest Service analysis suggests that the old structural condition in ponderosa pine may have been somewhat lower (40-50%) than the estimate in the Chewaucan WA; preliminary national-level documentation can be found at http://www.frcc.gov/docs/reference/WEST_Forest_BpS_01.11.05.pdf.

Presently, large-diameter live trees, snags and down wood are conspicuously absent from large areas of the landscape and greatly reduced in abundance and distribution in other areas. According to Forest Service GIS data, the LFSU contains approximately 70,000 acres of old-growth forests. The largest concentrations of old growth are in the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness, Coleman Rim Roadless Area, and the southern half of the Deadhorse Rim Roadless Area.

Fig 3. Old Growth in the Unit

During the past three years, the Chewaucan Biophysical Monitoring Team has collected data and analyzed old-growth conditions on 21 forest sites within the Upper Chewaucan watershed. (See Appendix B for the Team’s report on Old Growth in the Chewaucan Watershed.) According to the Monitoring Team’s analysis, the population of ponderosa pine within old-growth sites seems to be declining overall. Much of the ponderosa pine old growth is in very late seral condition and will need thinning from below in order to maintain a strong presence of old ponderosa pine trees and restore appropriate site capacity. There are a few sites with heavy ponderosa pine reproduction, but these sites too will need management to maintain the health of the ponderosa pine.

The lodgepole pine in the old-growth ponderosa pine sites is almost entirely in mid to late seral condition, with one site showing only recent appearance of lodgepole. The lodgepole pine is reproducing very heavily where present and will surpass, and perhaps replace, ponderosa pine if left alone.

The white fir is very similar to the lodgepole pine, showing signs of recent entry in places and mid to late seral condition for most of the old growth. However, on some sites white fir is in very late condition. Like the lodgepole pine, the white fir is reproducing very well where present and could come to dominate or co-dominate the watershed.

Forest Service watershed analyses report similar findings. They indicate that overstocked understories in many stands are causing overstory mortality of large trees and an unraveling of late/old seral forest characteristics. (Upper Chewaucan, p. CC-20; Deep Creek, p. CC-37 and Lower Chewaucan, p. CC-37).

Current Management Direction

Current Forest Service management direction for old growth is based on the “Eastside Screens,” which were adopted in 1994 and amended in 1995. Timber sale harvest activities are not allowed in late and old structural stage forests that are below historical range of variability, except where it will enhance the LOS character. All remnant late and old seral and/or structural live trees greater than 21 inches in diameter must be maintained. In stands that are not in late and old structural condition, treatments must move stands toward appropriate late and old structural conditions to meet historical range of variability. Open, park-like stand conditions must be maintained where this condition occurred historically. Treatments must encourage the development and maintenance of large diameter, open canopy structure. (ICBEMP Eastside Draft EIS, p. 3-71)

Fire and Salvage Impacts

In recent years, wildfires have caused significant losses of mature and old-growth forests. In 2002, the Winter Fire burned 34,000 acres, killing 50-80% of the trees across 70% of the burn area. The Grizzly Fire burned 3,760 acres of national forest land and 2,065 acres of adjacent private land. The Eastside Screens require salvage sales to provide 100% of potential population levels of woodpeckers and other primary cavity excavators. The Fremont forest plan standard calls for leaving a minimum of three snags per acre greater than 15 inches in diameter, plus one 10-inch snag. However, in portions of the Cub salvage sale the Fremont Sawmill agreed to retain all ponderosa pine trees larger than 28 inches in diameter as large tree snag habitat, and in the Winter Salvage Sale the Forest Service left additional snags in wildlife patches.

Old-Growth Guidelines:

· Retain all large (>21”), old (presettlement, > 120 years) trees and large snags, and provide for their replacement over time. In the long run, as more trees grow and age to old-growth condition, proportional removal of those trees may be appropriate.

· Propose adjustments to Eastside Screens to allow cutting of large (>21”, but less than 120 years old) white fir in stands currently or historically dominated by ponderosa pine (like Klamath Tribe plan).

· Identify old-growth stands that should be high priority for restoration treatment.

· Propose guidelines for salvage logging to retain large dead trees (like Klamath Tribe plan, but bias retention of >21” snags toward largest available).

3. Invasive Species and Noxious Weeds

Objective: Eliminate and control spread of noxious weeds.

Habitat for noxious weeds is prevalent throughout much of the LFSU due to past management activities, overgrazing, and road construction. Weeds seem to be expanding each year. (Upper Chewaucan WA, p. CC-10; Deep Creek WA, p. CC-21).

The spread of non-native cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum, not formally designated as a noxious weed) is an especially serious problem in much of the Unit. Cheatgrass crowds out the native vegetations, hoards critical resources like water and potassium, and destroys the forage and habitat for wildlife. Also, when cheatgrass takes hold, it can change the site’s fire regime, increasing fire frequency and intensity.

Another non-native grass, Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-madusa) may also be making its way into the Unit. It is very competitive against native grasses, helps introduce fire into non-fire prone areas, and may combine with cheatgrass to cause havoc. A few species of Thistle (Musk, Scotch, Bull) also are increasing on disturbed, bare soils throughout the Unit, primarily on landings and along roadways. Knapweeds are being effectively controlled.

Noxious grasses are a telltale sign that the Unit is being degraded. Much of the area is not carpeted by an effective ground cover, creating openings for the invasive grasses and weeds. Sub-soiling has contributed to this condition at all elevations, according to recent monitoring. The non-native grasses pull vital and limited elements and minerals like potassium out of circulation, which harms the conifers.

One problem with efforts to restore native grasses has been the absence of adequate seed and nursery stock. One possible solution is to use another non-native grass like crested wheatgrass as a way to prevent the spread of cheatgrass and as a transition to native grasses.

The Forest Service sprayed approximately 150 acres to control noxious weeds in 2001 and another 100 acres in 2002. (LFSU Annual Report, p. 6).

Invasive Species and Noxious Weeds Guidelines:

· Take precautions to ensure that weeds do not spread into areas where they do not currently exist – e.g. by avoiding sub-soiling and maintaining effective ground cover.

· Increase weed monitoring and eradication efforts, especially in juniper treatment areas. Secure access to a soil lab to analyze monitoring samples on a regular basis.

4. Juniper Encroachment

Objective: Restore forest conditions that approximate historical species composition and stand ages.

Historically, indigenous grassland was the predominant, pre-European-settlement condition, with some juniper and sagebrush. Juniper was confined to rocky hillsides, ridges, and outcrops. Fire exclusion and overgrazing have allowed juniper to expand into communities currently dominated by sagebrush. (Lower Chewaucan WA, p. RC-8). With fire suppression, livestock grazing and, possibly, climate variation and change, juniper has come to dominate many areas. The juniper pockets have expanded and become more densely stocked, encroaching in aspen stands, riparian areas, and meadows.

The spread of juniper woodlands into rangelands poses a serious threat to watershed and ecosystem health on many sites. (Deep Creek WA, p. S&I-10). Juniper expansion has increased the amount of overland flow and erosion. Twelve years of studies done by the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center has shown both erosion and runoff increase dramatically in a juniper woodland landscape versus area returned to a more natural open condition. With treatment the area goes from a little over 2 plants per square yard when dominated by juniper to 11-12 plants per square yard, increasing water absorption and reducing erosion. If these juniper areas and further encroachment are not managed, juniper will eventually dominate a much larger portion of the Unit. The expected result will be increased watershed degradation affecting site productivity, water quality and quantity, with ecological consequences. (Lower Chewaucan WA, p. S&I-1). Juniper expansion results in the displacement of some wildlife species, as trees dominate areas that previously provided habitat for ground and shrub nesters.

Fig. 4 Juniper Expansion

The Forest Service is undertaking juniper removal within the lower Chewaucan Watershed. The Jakabe Juniper/Aspen/Meadow Recovery Projects are designed to restore historical conditions through removal of junipers followed by prescribed fire. No old-growth juniper will be cut. Research studies are showing differences in impacts from spring and fall burns of juniper. Since this research is inconclusive, the effects of burning need to be monitored and appropriate changes made should there be significant differences between the two burning times.

Initial monitoring of the juniper removal program has raised concerns about accelerating the spread of cheatgrass through soil disturbance and prescribed fire. A review of the studies done by Eastern Oregon Argricultural Reseach Center shows that while cheatgrass enters following disturbance, within twelve years native vegetation out-competes the cheatgrass and only small amounts remain. This needs to be monitored as twelve years is a very short time in ecosystem terms, and the sites in the study are different than those in the Unit .

Juniper Guidelines:

· Use prescribed fire and control grazing to avoid spread of juniper.

· Take an adaptive management approach toward juniper removal, including careful monitoring of impacts on effective ground cover, cheatgrass spread and burning times. Assess and attempt to improve vigor of existing herbaceous vegetation before removing juniper.

B. Soils and Water

Goal: Sustain and restore the land’s capacity to absorb, store, and distribute quality water.

Objectives:

· Manage upland vegetation to maintain and restore water and moisture absorption, retention, and release capacity over time.

· Maintain and improve aquatic and riparian habitat for native species.

· Lower stream temperature and sediment loads.

· Improve biophysical structure of soils.

· Restore forest health through treatments without undue disturbance.

Soil and water are two interdependent critical resources at the landscape level. Water and soil quality are intimately linked to nature’s activity at the topsoil and subsurface levels. Soil quality is intimately linked to the infiltrating moisture to dissolve minerals and move nutrients within the root zone where plants can access them.

Soil Functions and Repair

Topsoil is an atmospheric sink that collects solar inputs, gases, fuels, particulate matter, nutrients, litter and precipitation. It has to both utilize and buffer these inputs. Forest topsoil is created and supported by a specific architecture and mix of bacterial, fungal and soil animal populations to process not only what lands on top but what is underneath. The architecture or aggregate has to support the passage of air and water and feeder roots or the life above it is compromised. Compaction, displacement, erosion, and desiccation are the chief modifiers and destroyers of this habitat, its inhabitants and its functioning. Unacceptable levels of soil compaction and displacement have been observed across many areas of the Unit. (Lower Chewaucan WA, p. S&I-7). A forest lives or dies from the ground up.

Soil development is a top-down process that takes millennia to create an adequate and functional topsoil. The Chewaucan monitoring team has found that the average organic soil layer is 5.5 centimeters/2.2 inches thick, the product of 6,900 years of formation. Much of it lies on top of the soft unconsolidated ash and pumice from the eruption of Mt. Mazama. Though it may have experienced many cycles of vegetative life, it is still young and developing in most areas throughout the watershed. Some exposed areas may never have been able to build an organic layer, while others have become exposed and contain remnant organics.

An effective ground cover is critical in order to establish and maintain soil repair. There are three general classes of effective ground cover:

-cryptobiotic crusts of mosses and lichen (rare within the Chewaucan);
-grasses and forbs (quite common, yet in various levels of health); and
-thatched duff (primarily found in the mixed coniferous stands).

Exposed organic and bare mineral soils are subject to frost heaving and accelerated erosion from heavy seasonal rains. The exposed remnant organic soils can be protected from further erosion through planting of native grasses and forbs. We need to identify ways to restore the nutrient base without further disturbing the effective ground cover. The effectiveness of sub-soiling continues to be monitored. The initial surveys have shown that the sub-soiled areas, while initially releasing the compaction, ultimately become more compacted than their immediate surroundings. The furls formed by the rippers become beds for invasive plants. Loss of effective ground cover is also dramatic in comparison to the immediate surroundings (Assessing The Use of Sub-Soiling Within the Upper Chewaucan Watershed. Report of June 4, 2004).

Ecosystem Changes

The Chewaucan Biophysical Monitoring program is addressing system mosaics along the sub-watershed gradients to provide insight into compositional changes and potential gains or losses of biodiversity and ecological complexity within the Unit. The changes coming into view are synergistic, as plant assemblages seem to be simplifying due to climate change and invasive species incursions. Predictable plant associations are less dominant, giving way to varying plant assemblages on similar sites. Stand types have become compromised because of species incursions due to fire suppression. Site capacities have been exceeded because of large populations of trees and prolonged drought. Appropriate thinning in critical areas will give needed relief in many stands as well as reduce their fuel and fire hazards.

One of the consequences of past logging has been an interruption of the natural process of dead wood formation by altering the rates of formation and the number, size, and species of woody substrates. These alterations have affected natural reproduction, the mix of vascular and nonvascular plants, and fungi populations. Past logging has also modified the rates and amounts of nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration and soil development, primarily through compaction and displacement. Whole tree harvesting has the potential to increase nutrient removal because of the concentrations of nutrients in branches and needles, which are higher than in the stems.

Stream Functioning

The stream system that has been monitored shows an average of high water clarity, high macroinvertebrate diversity, fair to good channel stability and warm to very warm water. Increased width to depth ratios in stream channels and reduced shading from loss of riparian vegetation are the primary causes of elevated temperatures. (Deep Creek WA, p. C-6). Stream degradation in the Unit and elsewhere in the Interior West has been caused by the cumulative effects of overgrazing, road development, logging, water diversion and impoundment, and other human activities. Fish, especially redband trout, seem to have acclimated to the temperature, but fish passage is still an issue that is being addressed.

Peak flows appear to be higher currently than in historic times. The Chewaucan River experienced peak flows exceeding the 100-year event during extreme rain-on-snow events in 1964 and 1997. Peak flows have the potential to be higher with increased drainage efficiency from roads. Current drainage efficiency increases have been calculated in the range of 35% to 170%. Also, high levels of compacted soils are contributing to higher peak flows. (Upper Chewaucan WA, p. C-3)

Riparian Areas

Present riparian vegetation generally occurs in narrow bands along the streams, springs, seeps, and lake shores due to lowered water table caused by stream incision or reduced contributions from upland sources, sometimes resulting from increased density of conifer cover. Generally, willows and other deciduous species such as black cottonwood are lower in extent, density and cover than in historic times. Stream downcutting resulting from overgrazing and, to a lesser extent, recreational pressure, is very evident in some areas. (Upper Chewaucan WA, p. CC-10).

Soil and Water Guidelines:

Initiate Unit-specific research to determine the distribution of nutrients in different parts (needles, branches, boles) in trees of various sizes so that nutrient removals from logging can be determined and reflected in the biomass harvest plans. Answers are needed for the following: What would be the magnitude of loss of nutrients, snag and down wood

habitat under the proposed biomass utilization within the Unit? How sustainable are these losses of nutrients and large down wood? Will natural weathering rates and other inputs compensate for nutrient removal in the harvested logs within the Unit?

Timber sale planning needs to address both the spatial distribution and intensity of disturbance to the soils and their vegetative cover.

Restore and enhance the Unit’s effective ground cover. A disproportionate amount of bare mineral soil within the Unit has been subject to wind and water erosion.

Utilize old skid trails to the extent necessary, limiting new permanent logging skid trails to approximately 7% of the total area. Survey and choose those skid trails where the soils are shallow, rocky, and/or on previously disturbed ridge areas. The sales administrator or contract field officer needs to convey to the logging boss and crew the necessity to stay on flagged roads and away from recovering soils, with the exception of well developed grass areas.

Accurately map and record the areas that are or will be occupied by a permanent road system and retain this information in the monitoring records.

Sub-soiling needs to be monitored and analyzed before more area is treated to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Present monitoring data show that many disturbed areas that haven’t been sub-soiled are repairing themselves and are showing similar conifer growth as the treated areas. Sample monitoring of treated areas should continue.

Continue to improve fish passage and habitat. Aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling shows healthy diversity and populations in all sub-sheds within the Upper Chewaucan. Sampling needs to extend to the rest of the Unit.

Map and protect from grazing and OHV use those riparian and stream channel areas that are vulnerable to adverse effects or are not recovering at optimal rates.

C. Fish and Wildlife

Objectives:

Reduce road density and improve remaining roads to minimize impacts on water quality and flow.

· Maintain and improve aquatic and riparian habitat for native species.

· Lower stream temperature and sediment loads.

· Improve opportunities for people to fish, hunt, and view nature.

· Maintain and restore habitat for focal species.

The Lakeview Stewardship Unit is the home of many mammals, birds, fish, and other species that are typically found in the relatively dry, high elevation forests, rangelands, streams, and lakes of south-central Oregon, as well as some species that are unique to the area. Threatened and endangered species within the Unit are the northern bald eagle and Warner sucker; American peregrine falcon was de-listed in 2000. Species that have administrative status are the redband trout (USFS Region 6 sensitive, ODFW sensitive), Goose Lake sucker (USFS Region 6 sensitive, ODFW sensitive), Goose Lake lamprey (USFS Region 6 sensitive, ODFW sensitive), and pit roach (USFS Region 6 sensitive-proposed, ODFW sensitive). Indicator species associated with old growth forests include the pileated woodpecker, goshawk, American marten, three-toed woodpecker and black-backed woodpecker. White-headed woodpeckers, while not currently abundant in the area, should benefit from protection and restoration of old-growth ponderosa pine. The Red-naped Sapsucker is an indicator species for aspen groves. Other important species in the Unit include elk, deer, California bighorn sheep, and beaver.

The Forest Service Regional Office is currently leading an effort to identify focal (or surrogate) species to be used in the process of revising forest plans. Information from that effort may be incorporated into future versions of this long-range strategy.

Terrestrial Species and Habitats

Big Game: Elk started reestablishing themselves in the 1960s, and their population for a long time seemed to be on the increase. Those increases have leveled off due in part to a disease known as red water. The deer populations seem to have stabilized from the lows of the 1960s. Reducing forest stocking levels and reintroducing fire should provide habitat favorable to both these species. Variable-density thinning and road closures will help provide hiding cover and security.

Northern Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker, Goshawk, American Marten, Three-toed Woodpecker and Black-backed Woodpecker: These species have been affected by timber harvest, plant succession, fire suppression and road density. Managing according to the Unit objectives and goals will improve habitat availability for these species by variously favoring the retention and development of large trees and snags and the development of complex forest landscapes. Snags are an essential habitat component, both as nesting and foraging sites for woodpeckers and for a variety of birds and mammals that secondarily make use of woodpecker nesting and roosting cavities. Snag-retention guidelines for both green and post-fire stands need to be updated to reflect current understanding of the needs of species associated with this habitat component. Encouraging firewood cutting in lodgepole pine versus taking large ponderosa pine snags will also help.

Red-naped Sapsucker: Aspen is gradually being replaced by conifers over time as a result of plant succession and fire suppression. Livestock and big game grazing on aspen is setting back regeneration. Reintroduction of fire and conifer management is needed to restore stands to later structural stages. Some stands will need temporary or full livestock exclusion in order to reach the desired future condition.

White-headed woodpecker: Like other woodpeckers, this species nests in snags but generally forages for insects on the bark rather than drilling into trees for beetle larvae. It is unique among woodpeckers in using the seeds of ponderosa pine as a winter food source. Larger, older ponderosa pine are particularly important because they produce more cones and seeds. Populations of this species are depressed throughout eastern Oregon. Unit objectives of retaining large, old ponderosa pine, improving their vigor, and growing more large pine should benefit this species over time.

Aquatic/Riparian Species and Habitats

Forest Vegetation Conditions: Over 50% of the forested community is outside recommended canopy ranges and are functioning inappropriately. Conifers have expanded into nearly every meadow and most riparian areas throughout the Unit, promoting competition with riparian vegetation (willows, aspen, cottonwood, alder) necessary to maintain proper stream types and bank stability. The woodlands are replacing numerous vegetative types, leaving soils prone to erosion and reducing late summer stream flows. The increased conifer densities are likely contributing to lower base flows, but the extent is unknown.

The Unit goals of restoring natural stand structures and fire regimes will improve these conditions. Conifers that have encroached into riparian areas should be thinned and fire reintroduced.

Road Density, Location and Drainage: Road density and location are for the most part causing streams to be in a “functioning appropriately but-at-risk” condition. Goals for the Unit should be a maximum road density of 1.7 mi/mi²and a priority placed on removing or fixing roads within 300’ of streams. The remaining roads should be properly drained to reduce hydrological connection to stream channels, resulting in less water and sediment flowing down roads and their ditches. This will also improve spawning gravel fines in most streams.

Riparian Vegetation and Associated Bank Stability: Within the Unit the majority of type B and E streams are functioning appropriately and characterized as having an abundance of late seral vegetation and high bank stability. The Upper Chewaucan Watershed Assessment reports that Type C streams that are predominately associated with large meadows are not functioning appropriately because of low bank stability and lack of sedge, rush and willow. Because gravel point bars are common in C stream types, greater densities of willow are expected relative to other stream types. Grazing standards need to promote willows and late-seral plant conditions to solve this problem on type C streams.

There is evidence that some of the large meadows with type C streams may never have had an abundance of willows. Several long-term livestock exclosures in these large meadows have not resulted in willow re-establishment. On numerous sites as these large meadows narrow into smaller draws, we find an abundance of willows with the same level of livestock grazing occurring. It appears that the soils combined with higher water tables may be the main reason willows never established in these large meadows. In the past, private land meadows were sprayed to control willows. This, along with the lack of beaver activity, may be another reason for low populations of willows in these large meadows under private ownership. Considering these differences, each meadow needs to be evaluated as to whether or not willows ever grew there and can be restored.

Large Woody Debris (LWD): Large wood in streams is important for controlling sediment transport, stabilizing stream banks, creating channel structure, and dissipating energy of water. Almost all streams in the Unit have low LWD numbers. This is probably due to past timber harvest practices and removal of LWD from streams. In the short term LWD needs to be artificially put into streams. In the long term LWD recruitment will be achieved by following Unit goals.

Fish Passage: The three irrigation weirs on the Chewaucan River have been complete blockages for redband trout. On other streams in the Unit, culverts are barriers. On the Chewaucan River work is underway to remove the Paisley Town Weir and put fish ladders on the two weirs located on the ZX Ranch, which will open up over 50 miles of habitat. The next immediate blockage is the down cut on Thomas Creek that currently prevents fish migration into the Unit. In addition, the culverts in the upper watershed causing blockage need to be replaced.

Macroinvertebrates: The Chewaucan River has excellent macroinvertebrate populations and diversity, the Thomas Creek watershed has low populations, and we lack information on other streams. Macroinvertebrate diversity is an indicator of water quality. More data are needed to determine what water quality parameters are causing the decline of macroinvertebrates in Thomas Creek.

Beaver: Beavers provide a number of benefits to riparian and aquatic ecosystems. Higher stream levels and water tables due to beaver dams increase and diversify vegetation adjacent to streams. In summer, the increased woody vegetation shades and cools the water, improving fish habitat. Pools behind beaver dams provide more living space for trout, while improving water quality in the stream. Water is re-oxygenated as it falls over beaver dams. By backing up and deepening water, beaver dams help keep it from freezing solid in winter and reduce its temperature in summer. They also allow cooler groundwater to enter the stream from adjacent land. It percolates back into the stream during low-flow periods, increasing water in the channel. In addition, beaver dams reduce the stream's energy by slowing its velocity. Spring runoff is retarded, and its scouring effect reduced. Instead of causing streambank erosion, sediment is deposited. Responding to new water elevations, channels are constantly forming and old ones are filling in.

Beginning in the 1800s, beaver populations were systematically decimated by trapping and their habitats were degraded by overgrazing. Populations and habitats have been slowly improving for several decades, but some currently suitable habitat remains unoccupied and more habitat can be restored.

Fish and Wildlife Guidelines:

· Implement recommendations for big game and old-growth associated species contained in the Forest Service watershed analyses.

· Restore native riparian vegetation (willows, aspen, shrubs) and improve water quality through appropriate grazing standards, careful thinning and burning of encroaching conifers, and reintroduction of beaver.

· Reduce road densities and improve road drainage, particularly near streams.

· Complete fish passage improvements (e.g. Paisley Weir removal) to restore redband trout in the Chewaucan River.

D. Roads

Objective: Reduce road density and improve remaining roads to minimize impacts on water quality and flow.

Fig. 5 Roads and Trails

High density of open roads is a critical issue for the area. (Deep Creek WA, p. SI-2). Roads are producing the highest rates of soil loss on a per acre basis and are partiallyresponsible for decreased base flow in perennial streams. (Upper Chewaucan, p. SI-1, SI-7).
Data contained in Forest Service watershed analyses indicate that high road densities are prevalent in much of the LFSU. In the Upper Chewaucan watershed the average road density is 2.9 miles per square mile. In the Lower Chewaucan, average road density is 2.8 miles per square mile. In Deep Creek, average road density is 2.4 miles per square mile. The Forest Service watershed analyses recommend reducing road densities to 1-2 miles per square mile. (Upper Chewaucan WA, p. R-2; Lower Chewaucan WA, p. R-1).

The existing road system was designed and constructed primarily to accommodate logging systems that required a significantly denser road network than is required by the systems commonly used today. Furthermore, funding for road maintenance is insufficient to sustain the existing road network. Consequently, the Forest Service rarely builds new roads and instead has begun to close and decommission many roads in order to restore hydrological function and reduce maintenance costs.

During the late 1990s, the Lakeview Ranger District completed transportation plans for the North and South Warner Mountains and Thomas Creek Watershed. The plans identified numerous roads that were no longer needed for the forest transportation system. The Forest Service subsequently decommissioned 100 miles of old roads in 2001 and another 20 miles in 2002. (LFSU 2001-2002 Annual Report)

Road Guidelines:

· Identify road access needs for restoration work, fire control, private land management, recreation, and other uses.

· Identify priorities for road closures and improvements, including relocation of roads away from streams. Consider opportunities for road closures to improve habitat connectivity and enlarge roadless areas. Wherever possible, replace problem culverts with broad-based dips.

· Avoid new road construction to the extent possible.

· Reduce overall road density initially to less than 2 miles per square mile, with a long-term goal of reducing roads to the minimum necessary to achieve Unit goals and objectives.

E. Wilderness and Roadless Areas

Fig. 6 Wilderness and Roadless areas

Wilderness

The Fremont National Forest has one designated wilderness area, Gearhart Mountain Wilderness (22,809 acres), of which about 30 percent (6,832 acres) is located within the LFSU. Gearhart Mountain Wilderness was originally designated in the Wilderness Act of 1964, and the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984 added 4,114 acres.

In wilderness areas, allowable recreational uses include hunting, fishing, hiking, horse riding, backcountry camping, and cross-country skiing. However, motorized and mechanized recreation vehicles, including ATVs, snowmobiles, and mountain bikes are not allowed. Livestock grazing is permitted in wilderness areas, but not logging or mining.

According to the 1989 Fremont Forest Plan EIS, recreation use in Gearhart Wilderness is concentrated in a few small areas, with Blue Lake receiving 70 percent of use, mostly fishing. The EIS estimated 3,100 RVDs of wilderness use in 1981 and predicted that recreation demand would exceed carrying capacity by year 2000.

The Forest Service will consider recommending additional wilderness areas for the Fremont National Forest when it revises the Fremont-Winema National Forests plan in the coming years. The review of potential wilderness areas is required by the Oregon Wilderness Act.

Roadless Areas

The 1989 Fremont National Forest Plan EIS evaluated 10 inventoried roadless areas, totaling 83,360 acres. Of these, all or parts of 7 are within the LFSU, for a total of 64,259 acres. Three are located in the Warner Mountains east of Lakeview: Crane Mountain (23,261 acres), Mount Bidwell (4,679 acres adjacent to Crane Mountain), and Drake-McDowell (5,768 acres). Four are located west of Lakeview and Paisley: Deadhorse Rim (12,420 acres), Coleman Rim (8,393 acres), Hanan Trail (9,039 acres), and Brattain Butte (5,880 acres).

The 1989 Fremont National Forest Plan allocated the roadless areas to a variety of management areas, such as semi-primitive motorized recreation, semi-primitive non-motorized recreation, timber/forage production, etc. The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule generally prohibited road building and commercial logging within inventoried roadless areas, with various exceptions such as logging to reduce fire risk. In May 2005, the Roadless Rule was replaced with a state petition process that allows governors for 18 months to request roadless area protection or management changes within their respective states. If no petition is filed, roadless area management direction reverts to the local forest plan.

Additional areas larger than 1,000 acres have been identified by Oregon Natural Resources Council. These unroaded areas are shown on the Wilderness and Roadless Areas map along with the Forest Service inventoried roadless areas.

Within the Upper Chewaucan watersheds are two inventoried roadless areas, Deadhorse and Coleman, and a portion of the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness. These vast primitive and semi-primitive areas provide a unique recreation experience for the forest user and offer an undisturbed habitat for the growing deer and elk herds. (Upper Chewaucan WA, p. C-12-13)

Of the 64,219 acres of inventoried roadless areas, 4,294 acres (7%) are low-elevation ponderosa pine stands, while another 5,984 acres (9%) are high-elevation ponderosa pine on southwest-facing slopes. Most of the low-elevation pine is located in portions of the Coleman and Brattain Butte inventoried roadless areas. As discussed in the Fuels and Fire section, 25% of the total Unit is low-elevation ponderosa pine and another 10% is high-elevation ponderosa pine on southwest-facing slopes. Thus, a relatively small amount of the inventoried roadless areas appears to be in priority areas for treatment to reduce fuels and fire risk. Of course, what types of treatment, if any, are needed and appropriate will depend on site-specific inspection and analysis of actual stand conditions and other factors.

Organizational Views of LSG Members

In seeking to find common ground on the often-contentious wilderness and roadless area issues, it is important to understand the positions that organizations represented in the Lakeview Stewardship Group have taken in the past.

For example, The Collins Companies’ Position Statement on Federal Land Management (January 2001) includes the following statement – “We believe that the U.S. National Forests should be looked upon as providing both wilderness preserves and sustainable resources for the benefit of all. To this extent, we offer the following recommendations: 1. Maintain as wilderness areas, those areas that have been so designated through 1996. 2. Maintain as roadless areas, those areas of at least 5,000 acres that were roadless in 1996.” The full Collins position statement on federal land management is at :

http://www.collinswood.com/M4_MediaEvents/Resources/PositionStatement.html

On the other hand, The Wilderness Society’s National Forest Vision Statement (February 1999) contains the following recommendations -

· “Designate substantial additional wilderness to conserve biological diversity, ensure representation of all ecosystem types, meet recreation needs, and protect other wildland values.”

· “Identify and protect from disruption all roadless areas larger than 1000 acres and other landscapes with high ecological integrity.”

· Wilderness and Roadless Area Guidelines:

· Identify and evaluate potential wilderness areas based on compatibility with existing motorized and non-motorized recreation uses, fuels reduction/fire restoration needs, wildlife habitat values, etc.

· Avoid road construction and commercial logging in roadless areas >5,000 acres. The roadless values and characteristics of areas between 1,000 and 5,000 acres should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and protected where appropriate.

F. Recreation

Goal: Provide opportunities for people to realize their material, spiritual, and recreational values and relationships with the forest.

Objectives:

· Protect and maintain areas of cultural significance within the forest.

· Improve opportunities for people to fish, hunt, and view nature.

· Promote environmentally responsible recreation.

The Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit has many recreational opportunities and growing numbers of visitors. Outstanding features that attract recreational visitors to the area are the lakes and streams, the roadless semi-primitive areas, the trail systems, and big game hunting opportunities. (Upper Chewaucan WA, p. S&I-38). Recreational activities include hunting, fishing, hiking, horse riding, backcountry camping, and cross-country skiing. In some areas, use of dispersed and developed recreation sites is increasing at a rate of 10-20% per year, and this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. (Lower Chewaucan WA, p. CC-41).

Presently, the Unit contains the following recreation sites and facilities:

· 12 trailheads accessing a total of 381 miles of trails (of this total, only 8 miles are motorized trails for ATV use).

· 3 rental cabins.

· 2 hang glider launch areas (Tague’s Butte and Hadley Butte).

· Warner Canyon Ski Area (privately-owned)

· Hike-in rustic camping at Slide Lake and the semi-primitive recreational areas in Drake-McDowell Basin and the Crane-Bidwell area.

· 4 day-use/picnicking areas at Clear Springs, Withers Lake, Can Springs and Overton Reservoir.

· 6 forest camps located at Upper Jones, Twin Springs, Mud Creek, Dismal Creek, Deep Creek and Deadhorse Creek with a total of 28 campsites.

· 15 fully developed campgrounds with 105 camp sites along with outhouses, water, picnic areas, fireplaces and fishing at Willow Creek, Marster Springs, Happy Camp, Dog Lake, Drews Creek, Deadhorse Lake, Dairy Point, Cottonwood, Campbell Lake and Chewaucan Crossing.

· 118.5 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, 30 miles of nordic trails and 142.7 miles of summer hiking trails.

· 2 snow parks with toilet facilities, one at Moss Meadow and the other at Camas Prairie.

· A variety of low-impact activities, including bird-watching, wildlife viewing, rock-hounding, archaeological sites, petroglyphs, pictographs and dendroglyphs.

The LFSU has 93,331 acres of Special Management Areas, including the North Brattain, South Brattain, Fort Bidwell, and Crane Mountain Semi-primitive Motorized Recreation Areas; Drake-McDowell Semi-primitive Non-motorized Recreation Area; Dog Lake Special Management Area; Gearhart Mountain Wilderness; and Coleman Rim, Deadhorse Rim, and Hanan Trail Roadless Areas. Covering nearly 20 percent of the Unit, these Special Management Areas contain many of the trails and other recreational attractions.

In 2004, the Forest Service reconstructed and maintained the 24-mile trail system in the Deadhorse Rim Roadless Area, including the Cache Cabin Trail, Dead Horse Rim Trail, Dead Cow Trail, and Lakes Loop Trail. This trail system is an integral part of the highest use recreation area on the Fremont National Forest, providing loop trails between two high elevation lakes and their very popular campgrounds. The trails also provide public access to scenic vistas of the lakes and surrounding country and to some of the largest stands of white-bark pine and old-growth ponderosa pine in Oregon.

Also in 2004, volunteers from several equestrian groups built a horse camp at Moss Meadows near the Fremont Trail. The project was partly funded by a grant from the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department.

Key Recreation Issues

With recent budget constraints, the LSG is concerned that maintenance of these recreation sites and facilities could be jeopardized. In the past, the Regional Office had given direction to implement a fee demo program, but this has not been accomplished. A fee program could ease the potential impact of possible budget cuts on maintenance of recreation sites.

Fig. 7 Recreation and Special Mgmt Areas

Current conditions, trends, and development needs should be identified to assist the LSG in making recommendations for the upcoming forest plan revision.

Consideration must be given to the growing use of ORVs and the resulting impact on lands within the Unit. The USFS Washington office has proposed new policies for ORV use in the national forests. The Fremont National Forest has traditionally been open to ORV use except in places that are specifically closed to such use, such as the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness. Under the new policies, ORV use may be allowed only on designated routes. Since the Unit currently has just 8 miles of motorized ATV trails, a much more extensive system of designated ATV/ORV trails could be established.

Recreation Guidelines:

· Identify funding needs to maintain and improve recreational sites.

· Evaluate ORV recreation opportunities and identify a potential system of designated routes.

G. Community Benefits

Goal: Provide opportunities for people to realize their material, spiritual, and recreational values and relationships with the forest.

Objectives:

· Provide opportunities for local people to realize economic benefits from innovative contractual mechanisms and technologies focused on linking stewardship activities and community well-being.

· Pursue compensation of local workers at a state-average family wage or higher to accomplish ecosystem management.

· Design contracts to promote opportunities for year-round, long-duration, stable employment.

· Design unit product sales and service contracts to promote participation (e.g. bidding and contract awards) by local vendors, purchasers, and contractors.

· Promote a local business environment that can take advantage of the products and services of ecosystem management (e.g. small diameter and under-utilized species).

Timber

The wood products industry has been a mainstay of the local economy since World War II. The Lakeview Federal Sustained Yield Unit was established in 1950 to maintain community stability by providing wood products firms in Lakeview and Paisley the exclusive right to bid on timber sales within 500,000 acres of the Fremont National Forest. During the 1980s, local mills bought and processed about 60 million board feet of federal timber per year. However, declining federal timber sales and other economic factors during the 1990s resulted in mill closures.

Currently, the Fremont Sawmill, owned by the Collins Companies, is the only sawmill operating in the area. The Fremont Sawmill has 80 hourly employees, and about 100 total employees, and operates two shifts daily. The company has spent about $3.5 million in new capital equipment over the last four years. The mill processes about 60 million board feet of lumber annually, with about 70 percent being ponderosa pine and 24 percent white fir. About 15 to 20 percent is harvested from Fremont-Collins lands, with the rest from public and private sources. The Collins Companies owns and sustainably manages 47,500 acres of private timberland adjacent to the Fremont National Forest in Lake County. Collins is widely regarded as a timber industry leader in environmental stewardship. The Collins Company forests are one of the largest blocks of forest land in Oregon certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

In 2001, the Forest Service offered 6 million board feet of timber in the Unit, but none was sold. In 2002, 11 mmbf was offered and 4.5 mmbf was sold. The Fremont Sawmill purchased 12 mmbf in the Cub Salvage Sale in 2003, 9.3 mmbf in the Winter Salvage Sale in 2004, and 4.1 mmbf in the Grassy Salvage Sale in 2005.

Timber Guidelines:

· Identify ways to make thinning projects marketable to local mills.

· Estimate potential long-term supply of small and medium-sized trees as restoration by-products.

· Evaluate additional agency resources and funding to prepare sufficient timber sales or stewardship contracts to accomplish needed restoration.

· Annually monitor and report statistics on the timber supply on the stewardship unit, including sold vs. planned, no bids, and green vs. salvage sales.

Biomass and Other Small Wood Utilization

The 2002 University of Washington study on the Fremont National Forest showed that to restore the Fremont National Forest to natural stand conditions and fire regimes would require an extensive thinning and under-burning program resulting in tremendous volumes of small diameter material. The only proven technology that could consume this large volume would be a biomass plant.

However, biomass energy is less competitive in the market than the traditional fossil or hydro energy sources. The technologies for biomass fuels are relatively new and mostly in the prototype stage with little economic incentive for industrial production. A 2004 study in Washington State looked at biomass fuels (forestry residues, dairy industry wastes, and municipal solid wastes) and biomass technologies (combustion, gasification and anaerobic digestion). The report concludes, "Unless entities such as the USDA Forest Service were to make a long-term commitment (for example, for the life of a power plant) to supply a significant volume of forestry residues at a fraction of the cost of collection and transportation, a Yakima County biomass-to-energy project would be a significant gamble."

Knowing the poor economics for biomass, Lake County Resources Initiative contracted with CH2MHill to develop a business plan, complete preliminary engineering, and investigate the influence of carbon credits, energy credits, and Forest Service Stewardship contracts on the economics of a biomass plant. The other item that is of extreme importance to the Lakeview Stewardship Group and the Lake County Resources Initiative is that a biomass plant must be a tool to meet the goals of the Unit and not an industrial facility that creates an unsustainable demand for resources.

Carbon and energy credits to reduce global warming are a key factor in making a biomass plant an economically viable enterprise. One of the original objectives of the Lakeview Federal Sustained Yield Unit and still in the reauthorization language is “amelioration of climate change.” We honestly do not know what the intent in 1950 was under this objective, but it fits today’s concerns for global warming. This objective, along with the State of Oregon requirement that any new fossil fuel power plant being built must mitigate for its carbon dioxide emissions, provides an opportunity to provide other income to the biomass plant. As an example, the neighboring county, Klamath County, is proposing a 600 megawatt natural gas plant that would require approximately $12-14 million of CO2 mitigation. The 2002 study by the University of Washington on the Fremont National Forest reported on the benefits of restoring natural stands on CO2 storage in the forest, forest products, the displacement value of using biomass over natural gas, and product substitution.

Data from the Oregon Department of Forestry show that between 1992 and 2001 (the last year data are available), carbon dioxide emissions from uncontrolled wildfire from forests ranged from a low of 0.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) in 1993 and 1997 to a high of 22.3 million metric tons of CO2 in 1996 (Figure 1). Those high fire years are significant contributors of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

Fig 8. Graph of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Forest Burning

Source Oregon Department of Forestry

In the case of the Lakeview Stewardship Unit, managing to meet the Unit goals would be a savings over a 35-year period of 41 metric tons of carbon per acre or in CO2 equivalents, 145 metric tons of carbon dioxide per acre. The Lake County Resources Initiative biomass business plan showed that at current electrical prices, a 14 MW plant would be $11 million in the red at the end of 20 years. However, much of the cost is in the fuel and for a 14 MW plant that is approximately $3 million/year for forest thinning. Assuming that a severe fire event kills approximately 50% of the trees, if we need 12,000 acres of forest thinning and we could get $3/ metric ton of CO2, this would amount to $218/acre to assist in reducing fuel costs to the plant (.50 x 12,000 acres x 145 metric tons/acre x $3/ton / 12,000 acres).

The other component of making a biomass plant profitable is 10-year Stewardship contracts made possible under the Healthy Forests Initiative. A 14 MW biomass plant capital investment is approximately $42 million, and no company is going to make that type of investment without a contract to guarantee fuel. The goods-for-services provisions under the 10-year Stewardship contracts could provide that guarantee and substantially reduce fuel costs to the plant. The carbon credits combined with the provisions outlined under the Stewardship contracts could make a biomass plant economical -- depending on assumptions, a 7-20% return on investment.

Biomass Guidelines:

· Develop a 10-year Stewardship contract for a minimum of 4,000 acres of thinning per year for 10 years to meet the goals of the Unit. The contract should go to a biomass company investing in a plant located in association with the Fremont Sawmill.

· Develop a second 10-year contract that would record, verify, monitor and sell carbon credits to reduce uncharacteristically severe fire events through meeting the Unit goals.

Non-Timber Forest Products

The LFSU provides many non-timber forest products to the community on a permit basis for noncommercial purposes. While the fees collected for these permits are not a significant source of revenue for the Forest Service, the benefit to the community is significant.

Public use permits were issued in 2004 on the Paisley and Lakeview Ranger Districts for the following:

· Christmas Trees – 319 permits issued at $5.00 per tree generated revenue of $1,595.00.

· Personal Use Firewood – 310 permits issued for 785 cords of wood at $5.00 per cord with a $20 minimum per permit generated revenue of $4,520.00. The Paisley RD issued permits for BLM firewood permits within the Unit. They issued permits for 61 cords generating $305.00 in revenue. Those dollars are given to BLM.

· Free Use Firewood -158 free firewood permits in specially designated areas for 1,054 cords.

· Personal Use Post and Poles – 24 permits were issued for 3615 poles at $.10 per pole with a $20.00 minimum and 715 posts at $.15 per post with a $20.00 minimum for a total revenue of $482.50.

· Juniper (pushed down) – 19 permits were issued for 62 cords on BLM land within the Unit (Chewaucan) at $5.00 per cord, $10 minimum, generating revenue of $310.00. These funds went to BLM.

· Free use Limbs/Boughs – One permit issued for 100#.

· Free Use Mushrooms – Free for personal use up to 10#. 19 permits issued for 380 gallons.

· Free Use Cones – 2 permits were issued for 2 bushels.

Key Issues

Issuing permits for non-timber forest products is generally compatible with Unit goals. Permits for harvesting pushed-down juniper complements juniper removal projects and provides a healthy benefit to the community. Issuing firewood permits helps remove unmarketable wood products from the forest. Harvesting of all these products helps meet the goal of “providing opportunities for people to realize their material, spiritual and recreational values and relationships with the forest.”

A total of 852 permits were issued generating a total of $7,212.50.

Guidelines:

· Continue to issue permits for non-commercial personal use of non-timber forest products where compatible with ecological objectives.

· Promote environmentally responsible removal of non-timber forest products.

Grazing

Most livestock grazing on Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit lands has occurred in the areas currently grazed, in a variety of forms, for over a hundred years. Typically during that time numerous grazing systems have been implemented along with accompanying range improvements. Stocking rates and seasons of use have been adjusted, and the timing, intensity, frequency, and duration of grazing have been continually fine tuned over time. More recently, further adjustments have been made on many allotments to provide for the needs of species listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Livestock production is an important industry in Lake County. The emphasis in livestock production has been based on the cow-calf operations. Unit lands are important because they provide high quality forage during the period that home pastures are growing or being harvested for hay. Many local ranch operations are dependent for some part of their yearly operation on lands within the Unit.

Currently, all or a significant part of 38 allotments are located in the Unit. About 33,900 AUM’s (Animal Unit Months = a cow and calf for one month) are permitted every year within the Unit. This equates to about 5,600 head of adult livestock every year, assuming an average 6-month season of use. About 34 business or family ranching operations have grazing permits within the Unit.

Riparian areas are an important attribute of the Unit, providing important habitat for a host of fish and wildlife species as well as forage and water for cattle. Many of these riparian areas are vulnerable to damage from grazing. Accordingly, livestock use of these areas must be carefully managed.

Grazing allotments have been classified according to the level of intensity at which they are managed. These levels include intensive, deferred, and season-long grazing. Twenty-nine of the allotments in the Unit are managed intensively. Under such management, livestock are regularly rotated among pastures in coordination with different stages of plant growth. Four allotments are operating under deferred grazing systems. Under this type of system, livestock are not moved onto an allotment until plant growth has reached the stage of maximum nutrient reserve in the root system. Livestock are generally free to choose their own foraging areas unless constrained by topography and/or boundary fences. Season-long grazing is in effect on five allotments. Typically, livestock enter these allotments on a specific date in spring or summer and forage at random until removed at a specific date in fall, or when monitoring shows use standards have been met.

On thirteen of the allotments in the Unit, grazing of private land is done in conjunction with the owners’ federal land permit. This “Private Land Permit” arrangement allows the private land owner flexibility in management and movement of livestock. Private land can be incorporated into grazing systems to provide proper management of plant growth.

Successful grazing management requires that standards and guidelines for allowable (“proper”) use be established – i.e., a set of measurable benchmarks that, when reached, trigger moving livestock. Proper use is defined as a degree of utilization of current year’s growth that if continued, will achieve management objectives and maintain or improve long-term productivity of the site (Society of Range Management 1979). For federal lands within the Unit, standards and guidelines have been established in the forest plan and modified in Biological Opinions as required by the Endangered Species Act. Of the thirty-eight allotments in the Unit, eighteen are under consultation Biological Opinions for Warner, Shortnose, and Lost River Suckers. Standards and guidelines vary from allotment to allotment, and pasture to pasture depending on the condition, trend, and goals for the various resources in the allotment/pasture. For example, a pasture with a riparian area that is functioning at risk with a downward trend would not be allowed as much use as a riparian area functioning at risk with an upward trend.

The frequency and intensity of monitoring varies depending on the condition of the resources to be monitored and the goals to be achieved for identified resources. More monitoring is done in pastures with less than desirable resource conditions and/or the presence of very sensitive resource conditions or issues such as Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species. Monitoring guidelines can be found in the Fremont Forest Plan, the Meadow Riparian Monitoring Guide produced by the Fremont National Forest in 1997, and the Biological Opinions for Warner, Shortnose, and Lost River suckers (May 1997) on file with the Fremont National Forest.

The goal of modern livestock grazing is to maintain or improve rangeland health. Rangeland health is the degree to which the integrity of the soil, vegetation, water and air, as well as the ecological processes of the rangeland ecosystem, is balanced and sustained. Integrity is defined as the maintenance of the functional attributes characteristic of a locale, including normal variability. In the case of livestock grazing lands within the Unit, health has mostly been defined as the condition of riparian areas as measured against desired future condition. Riparian areas have been described as the weak link in our arid ecosystem.

Guidelines

· Continue the use of modern grazing systems and grazing techniques within the Unit. As opportunity arises, convert or incorporate season-long grazing allotments to deferred/rotational grazing systems.

· Practice adaptive management. Make adjustments to grazing based on monitoring results.

· Further define rangeland health and the desired future condition for riparian areas in the Unit.

H. Forest Restoration Implementation and Economics

It is the specific intent of the Lakeview Stewardship Group to chart new ground, develop holistic solutions, and establish a standard of excellence in the implementation of forest restoration work. Considering the Restoration Planning Overview and the other Key Issues of this strategy, an integrated approach to forest restoration is warranted. Restoration objectives, prescriptions, and equipment should be designed to integrate multi-resource objectives for forest vegetation, soils and water, road density, wilderness and roadless areas, recreation opportunities, and other forest values. Economic and contracting strategies and mechanisms should be designed to facilitate ecosystem restoration and capture the greatest benefit for the local economy.

Implementation Principles & Guidelines

It is implicitly understood that management actions will likely have both short- and long-term effects on a compendium of forest resources and attributes. The decision to take action acknowledges that impacts will occur and tolerance of such impacts, expected and unexpected, positive and negative, will be necessary to make progress. Monitoring and adaptive management tools will be consistently used to assess the effects of management implementation and to make informed changes.

Forest restoration prescriptions will be designed to achieve desired conditions, at the forest stand level, suitable for the habitat type present.

Restoration prescriptions will accommodate existing forest plan and regional direction, unless such direction is modified as a result of acquiring new, scientific information and codified through the normal public and environmental review process.

Restoration prescriptions will define soil and water protection standards in a performance-based manner at the forest stand level. Real-time Monitoring and Adaptive Management will be used to validate compliance and improve protection performance.

Meeting the habitat needs of forest wildlife during management implementation will be defined in a performance-based manner. Monitoring will reveal effects and Adaptive Management will improve performance.

Management implementation strategies and desired or suggested equipment configurations to be used will be designated based on integrated criteria of desired protection levels and economic opportunity, to effectively manage overall management costs and impacts.

Management implementation strategies and equipment used will be integrated to allow for efficient and economical implementation of subsequent management actions to be performed.

Trees harvested during forest restoration operations will be fully utilized consistent with Unit goals and objectives. This will include small diameter trees, downed wood and other previously underutilized material, all the while satisfying necessary fire risk reduction, soil structure protection, soil nutrient cycling capability and large woody debris for soil and habitat objectives.

Local processing of derived raw materials and the use of local employment for forest management services will be strongly encouraged to foster the development of new, local, economic opportunities for wood products manufacturing and other businesses associated with forest restoration.

Logging Systems & Machinery

The availability and skillful use of appropriate logging equipment will be critical to achieving the restoration goals of the Lakeview Stewardship Unit. There is a huge disparity in actual soil impacts with different ground-based timber harvesting and wood extraction systems and equipment. Consideration of how the particular equipment systems are to be used and the level of operator skill, care, and attention to detail are critical factors in limiting adverse impacts. Different operators on the same machine can have disparate levels of impacts. This issue can be addressed with training and education workshops for forest restoration operators.

An example to illustrate the trade offs and attributes of different systems could be the consideration of building a temporary access road to reduce skidder travel distances to 1500’, or the consideration of a forwarder extraction system, which would not need the additional temporary road and shorter travel distance to be cost effective. In this case, the expense of the temporary road and its subsequent negative impacts on soil productivity, water infiltration, etc., coupled with the expense of the skidder system, would be weighed against the additional expense of the forwarder system and no need for the expense or impacts of the temporary road.

Another example could be the desired underburning of the treated forest stand after designated trees have been removed. The use of a tree length harvesting system in this situation would necessitate that landing logging slash be returned to the forest, so that sufficient surface fuels were present to carry the underburn and to facilitate the return of nutrients from the cut trees’ limbs and needles. In this scenario, it would make sense to use a different harvest method and equipment systems to reduce soil impacts (traveling back over the same ground again with the skidder), leave the needles and branches in the forest in the first place and to improve the economics of the overall operation.

With many of the anticipated forest restoration treatment areas in the Stewardship Unit, machinery and logging systems will need to be selected relative to the anticipated soil protection, road density, snag retention, tree removal, follow-up underburning, and nutrient retention guidelines. New machinery systems, different from those currently available with existing contractors in the Unit’s geographic area, may be best suited to meet these objectives. Training, education, and re-tooling of the current contractor workforce may also be needed, as well as availability of financial assistance enabling local contractors to procure the new equipment systems and integrate these new systems into their businesses.

Actual choices of suitable timber harvesting and extraction systems should be made on a site-specific basis and should include specific consideration of the forest type, soil type, desired implementation prescriptions, desired snag density, follow-up prescribed fire, season of operation, existing road density and many other site and area specific parameters. Off-site impacts also need to be considered. For example: helicopter extraction does not require a high density road network, but because helicopters have to work at a very high extraction rate to be economical, the resulting volume of log truck traffic and the wear and tear, and erosion, on the road system may lead to other, negative environmental impacts.

Many innovative developments are occurring with respect to relatively new machinery systems and the pairing of various machinery platforms. For example: the pairing of excaliners (excavators fitted with winch drums) and high capacity forwarders can negate the need for additional road networks, as would be required with conventional cable extraction systems.

With respect to salvage harvesting and extraction after wildfire events, the season of operation becomes the most critical aspect for consideration. Harvesting systems that can operate during frozen winter conditions (where they exist) and which do not require any new roads or road upgrades will likely have the least negative impacts on soil resources and potential additional erosion and subsequent sediment delivery to streams. This is a particular conundrum at the moment as analysis timeframes often negate the possibility of authorizing salvage harvesting the first winter season after a wildfire, when the additional negative impacts caused by the salvage harvesting will be at their most benign and the remaining economic value of the burned timber remains relatively high.

Helicopter extraction operations have few negative effects on soil and water resources and are a valuable salvage tool. However, they are limited in application, particularly as burned timber rapidly loses its economic value when springtime conditions arrive. Helicopter operations are also very hazardous in burned areas, requiring the removal of nearly all the burned trees, including the desirable snags, which provide a critical resource for many wildlife species.

Logging Systems Guidelines:

· Utilize an integrated approach to match logging systems to topography, road access, soil attributes, treatment prescriptions, and seasons of operation.

· Provide the financial and technical assistance necessary for local contractors to procure and operate new logging equipment appropriate for restoration implementation.

· Provide training and education workshops for forest restoration equipment operators to minimize negative impacts on soils and other resources.

MONITORING

Biophysical Monitoring Component

The purpose of inventorying and monitoring is to periodically collect direct information about the composition, structure and functional condition from hundreds of permanent plots located across the Unit. Direct information reduces assumptions and second-hand information about an area of the Unit and how it is performing. Such information supports adaptive and effective management. The Upper Chewaucan River drainage was chosen by the Lakeview Stewardship Group as the location to begin the biophysical monitoring, since it reflects many characteristics found across the Unit. Since May, 2002, the Fremont-Winema Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) has authorized Forest Service Title II funding to pursue the following objectives:

· Inventory the critical ecosystem indicators across the 275 square mile watershed by establishing a large sample population of tenth-acre permanent plots.

· Establish permanent plots throughout restoration project areas to monitor the effectiveness of the treatments over time.

· Analyze the acquired data to determine the present condition of the Chewaucan and its trend toward health, given sufficient time to determine such trending.

· Make a geographic information system (GIS) database, a narrative and methods employed to gather that data available to the Forest Service, the community and the general public through a website.

· Perform surveys of specific ecosystem information needs requested by the Forest Service and report them to the Forest Service and the community.

An eight-member monitoring team was recruited from Lakeview and Paisley communities through their high schools. Their training has been provided by Clair Thomas, Lakeview HS science teacher, and Richard Hart, who supervises the program. The administration of the project is provided by the Lake County Resources Initiative (LCRI), with Jim Walls as its executive director.

A selection of thirty-five indicators^∗was chosen to measure and record on more than three hundred tenth-acre permanent plots spread across the Upper Chewaucan. Plots were established to seek answers to the questions about the effectiveness of restoration projects and the general health of the watershed. The Forest Service, the community and environmental organizations who have participated in the Unit’s resurgence and reauthorization provided these questions.

The four years of collected data is being transferred from a relational database format to a geographic information system (GIS) with a narrative. This will make it easier for the community and Forest Service to utilize the database, as well as add monitoring data collected in the following years. With enough time and essential data, trends toward Unit health and treatment effectiveness can be identified, and adaptive measures can be implemented.

The data from the thirty-five indicators will soon be analyzed to determine which core biophysical indicators give us the best information and choose those to proceed with. This proposed reduction will allow the present team to establish permanent plots across the entire Unit. What has been learned from the thirty-five indicators will be extrapolated where appropriate to give an enhanced understanding of the data collected and analyzed from the rest of the Unit.

(*The monitored indicators cover the following: type and percentage of effective ground cover; vegetation species ID and populations; soil texture and chemistry; rhizosphere zone level, soil temperature and available moisture; soil compaction; stand structure (tree species, rates of growth, girth, stem health, canopy structure, down woody material, pathogenic activity); stream channel morphology; water chemistry; benthic macroinvertebrate feeding group inventory; and pebble counts performed. Each permanent plot is GPS identified, their coordinates measured to the nearest landmark, permanent tags installed and the plot’s surface and surroundings are photo-documented. )

Biophysical Monitoring Guidelines

· Continue and build on the successes of the Chewaucan Biophysical Monitoring Project.

· The collaborative monitoring program should be spread across the whole Unit.

· Integrate Forest Service staffing and finances for monitoring to the extent feasible.

· Basic information about how the Unit functions has been skimpy, with historical data that is not easily retrievable. Thus, the Unit needs a databank that is accessible to anyone who has need of it.

· Continue the formal partnership created by the community and the Forest Service, through the RAC and the LCRI, that supports the monitoring program financially and by appropriate policy.

· Indicator information needs to be collected in a systematic and continuous basis across the whole Unit with regards to the restoration activities.

· The indicator data collection needs to be continued by a trained and paid crew whose membership is bonded to the landscape and the community.

· The biophysical monitoring program needs an advisory committee composed of community, agency and team members.

Socio Economic Status of Lake County

The economy of Lake County is fairly typical of natural resource dependent counties in the Pacific Northwest. However, the county’s geographic isolation poses special challenges. Although other counties with similar economic profiles have managed to diversify their economic bases, Lake County has continued to lag behind.

In a recent report by the Sonoran Institute entitled “Profile of the Rural Inland Northwest” Lake County was rated number 35 in a list of the most stressed rural counties in the Inland Northwest. This ranking comes from a composite of ratings comparing the 104 rural inland northwest counties on their placement in such indicators as unemployment rates, housing affordability, families living in poverty, educational attainment and employment change.

In order to get a better picture of Lake County’s socio economic status consider the following economic statistics gleamed from the Profile of the Rural Inland Northwest:

Percent Population Change 1970-2002 – 16% (25 out of 104)

Long Term Employment Change 1970-2002 – 40% (24 out of 104)

Short Term Employment Change 2000-2002 – 0.5% (36 out of 104)

Annual Average Unemployment Rate 2003 – 10.4% (13 out of 104)

Per Capita Income 2002 - $21,854 (43 out of 104)

Families living in Poverty 2000 – 13% (12 out of 104)

Adult Population with College Degree – 15% (47 out of 104)

Housing Affordability Index 2000 – 195 (index of 100 is affordable) (101 out of 104)

The 2000 United States Census provides the following additional economic information:

Employed Population Engaged in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, and Mining – 20.4%

Employed Workers in Private Industry - 54.8%

Employed Government Workers – 28.1%

Self Employed Workers – 15.6%

The 2000 United States Census reveals the following social information about Lake County:

2003 Estimated Population – 7440

1990-2000 Population Change – 3.3% (Oregon 20.4%)

Persons with Disability Age 5+ - 1,519 or 21% of total population

Civilian Veterans - 19.8%

People Living in Same House as in 1995 – 55.1%

People Who Lived In a Different County in 1995 – 25.2%

People Living in a Home With English as the Only Language – 95.2%

People Who Were Born Outside the United States – 3.4%

School Enrollment (K-12) 1,497

School Enrollment (College or Graduate School) 101

Although many factors contribute to Lake County’s distressed socio-economic status none has a greater impact than the County’s geographic location. Consider the relative isolation of Lake County. Lack of transportation alternatives are often cited as reasons that new businesses hesitate to locate in Lake County. The closest commercial airport to Lakeview is Klamath Falls, 90 miles away. The closest freeway access is at Medford, 170 miles away. In order for trucks over 60 feet in length to travel legally east to west on Highway 140, costly renovations will be required. Freight can travel to Alturas, California on Lake County’s railroad, but capacity is limited and connections are not timely. Many rural counties that are experiencing economic vitality have a healthy tourism sector. Lake County, however, has not yet proved to be a tourism draw.

Construction of a minimum-security prison near Lakeview provides a significant economic opportunity for the County. Open in September 2005, the Warner Creek Correctional Facility will bring 150 new jobs and an annual operating budget of $25 million. All in all, however, Lake County’s socio-economic status is not likely to change rapidly. Natural resources in the form of timber and agriculture will most likely remain the economic mainstays of the County. With over 78% of Lake County’s land base in government ownership, changes in federal land policies will continue to have a great impact on Lake County’s socio-economic status.

Key Issues

· Decline in natural resource based jobs over the past generation has had a significant impact on the socio economic stability of Lake County’s communities

· Inability to replace or improve natural resource based jobs has caused a significant decrease in the available workforce

Socio-economic Monitoring Guidelines

· Continue to work towards restoring natural resource based industry such as biomass plant, ten-year stewardship contracts, geothermal industries such as greenhouse and other agricultural based businesses.

· Utilize Oregon Economic and Community Development Department’s annual review of County Economic Data

· Review and analyze upcoming Oregon State University Extension study of Lake County (May not be the correct entity)

· Review and analyze 2010 census data when available.

FIVE-YEAR SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Fire and Fuels

In May 2004, the Forest Service produced a “Five Year Action Plan for Acceleration of Vegetative Treatments to Improve Condition Class” on the Fremont-Winema National Forest. The Action Plan emphasizes that fire plays a crucial role in maintaining forest ecosystem health and notes that the Fremont National Forest has accomplished over 225,000 acres of prescribed burning over the past 25 years, resulting in healthy, resilient pine forests in some areas. However, according to the Action Plan, more than 80% of the forested areas in the Fremont-Winema are in condition classes 2 and 3, making them vulnerable to unnaturally severe fire.

The Forest Service considers the use of prescribed fire and mechanical thinning as its primary forest restoration tools, capable of accomplishing a broad range of resource goals beyond fuel reduction. Restoring fire to the landscape is needed to improve wildlife habitat and water flows, reduce insect and disease damage, protect large old growth trees, restore and reinvigorate forage plants and riparian vegetation, etc.

In the coming five years, the Forest Service hopes to accelerate the rate of vegetative treatments, focusing on areas in greatest need of restoration and on using large, landscape-scale treatments to make forests resilient to fire and other natural disturbances. The agency anticipates that it can increase the acreage of fuel treatments in the Fremont-Winema from 20,000 acres in 2004 to 30,000 acres by 2007. In addition, much of the 225,000 acres previously treated needs follow-up treatment to maintain its improved condition.

The Five Year Action Plan identifies numerous potential treatment projects within or near the Lakeview Stewardship Unit. Between 2005 and 2009 the Forest Service is tentatively proposing various forms of fuels treatments on a total of about 90,000 acres in the Paisley Ranger District and 118,000 acres in the Lakeview District. Major projects include Jakabe in the Paisley District and Burnt Willow in the Lakeview District.

PROPOSED BUDGET:

Fire and Fuel Treatments ACRES TREATED/YEAR For 20 YEARS

Underburn 2,700 acres Hand Thinning 100 acres Mechanical Mastication 300 acres Timber and Thinning 1,200 acres Thinning and Underburn 5,800 acres Assuming 202,000 acres need treatment in the Unit

Treatment Cost/acre (1)

Underburn $195.00

Hand Thinning $490.00

Mechanical Mastication $625

Timber and Thinning $1,500

Thinning and Underburn $1,050

Cost to Treat Unit in 20 years

Per Year		Total
Underburn	$526,500	$10,530,000
Hand Thinning	$49,000	$980,000
Mechanical Mastication	$187,500	$3,750,000
Timber and Thinning	$1,800,000	$36,000,000
Thinning and Underburn	$6,090,000	$121,800,000
Total	$8,653,000	$173,060,000
Income
Goods and Services	($1,350,000)	($27,000,000)
Retained Receipts (25%)	($450,000)	($9,000,000)
Lakeview Budget	($2,196,965)	($43,939,300)
Paisley Budget	($568,000)	($11,360,000)
Total	($4,564,965)	($91,299,300)
Additional Budget Needs	$4,088,035	$ 81,760,700
Carbon Income (2)	$3,811,500	$76,230,000
Additional income needed	$276,535	$5,530,700

(2)Carbon is based on 2/3 of the trees dying after a catastrophic fire event, 165 metric

tons/acre of carbon dioxide released from the fire event and carbon selling for $5/metric ton of carbon dioxide. These assumptions need to be field tested. Carbon figures are derived from a study done by the University of Washington in 2002 on the Fremont and Okanogan National Forests.

(1) The treatment costs/acre includes Forest Service administration, NEPA costs, etc. There are considerable assumptions with the income figures and we will not be able to nail them down until the first Stewardship Contract is completed. The cost under timber and thinning, and thinning and underburn are costs on 1 acre but not in the same year. The goods for services is not actually a direct monetary cost but we needed to reflect the impact of trading merchantable trees for service work. The retained receipts is just a guess. The costs per acre include NEPA and Forest Service administrative costs.

Appendix A: Goals and Objectives of Unit

1) Sustain and restore a healthy, diverse, and resilient forest ecosystem that can accommodate human and natural disturbances.

· Restore stand-maintenance fire regimes where they historically occurred.

· Maintain and restore habitat for focal species.

· Sustain and restore healthy soils.

· Restore forest conditions that approximate historical species composition and stand ages.
Eliminate, where possible, and control the spread of invasive, non-native species (especially noxious weeds).

2) Sustain and restore the land’s capacity to absorb, store, and distribute quality water.

· Manage upland vegetation to maintain and restore water and moisture absorption, retention, and release capacity over time.

· Reduce road density and improve remaining roads to minimize impacts on water quality and flow.

· Maintain and improve aquatic and riparian habitat for native species.

· Lower stream temperature and sediment loads.

· Improve biophysical structure of soils.

3) Provide opportunities for people to realize their material, spiritual, and recreational values and relationships with the forest.

· Provide opportunities for local people to realize economic benefits from innovative contractual mechanisms and technologies focused on linking stewardship activities and community well-being.

· Pursue compensation of local workers at a state-average family wage or higher to accomplish ecosystem management.

· Design contracts to promote opportunities for year-round, long-duration, stable employment.

· Design unit product sales and service contracts to promote participation (e.g. bidding and contract awards) by local vendors, purchasers, and contractors.

· Promote a local business environment that can take advantage of the products and services of ecosystem management (e.g. small diameter and under-utilized species).

· Protect and maintain areas of cultural significance within the forest.

· Improve opportunities for people to fish, hunt, and view nature.

· Promote environmentally responsible recreation.

Appendix B: Old Growth in the Chewaucan Watershed

INTRODUCTION

The Chewaucan Biophysical Monitoring team has been studying conditions in the Upper Chewaucan Watershed for four years. During the course of their studies, carried out during the field season of May-August, the team has examined 21 sites that could be classified as “mid to late seral conditions” or “very late (decadent),” as defined by the Region 6 Interim Old Growth Definition for Ponderosa Pine Series, published by Bill Hopkins, Steve Simon, Mike Schafer and Terry Lillybridge through the USFS in June of 1992.¹This report, as requested by the Lakeview Stewardship Group, analyzes the conditions of old growth within the Upper Chewaucan watershed to be used as an aid in watershed management.

When taken as a whole, the sites studied varied tremendously in site composition, slope, aspect, etc. However, when looked at in terms of stand composition, the sites showed great similarities. Furthermore, when examined in terms of stand composition, the sites showed similarities in sub-shed location (location in relation to tributaries of the Chewaucan, rather than the Chewaucan itself). Within these sub-sheds, not only was stand composition relatively uniform, the variance in slope and aspect between individual sites lessened. The following discussion of old growth conditions is organized primarily by stand composition and secondarily by sub-shed location.

DISCUSSION

Mixed PINPON/ABICON

Physical characteristics These old growth sites, consisting of Ponderosa Pine (PINPON) and White Fir (ABICON), were located in the Bear Creek sub-shed. The slope was 31% and the aspect was 55 degrees. Within the sites studied, the PINPON was in primarily “very late” condition. The ages ranged from 242300 years and the DBH ranged from 58.5-96.5 cm. The ABICON was in “mid to late seral” condition. The age was approximately 107-110 years and the DBH ranged from 25.5-58 cm. The ground cover was exclusively duff, with few plants scattered throughout. The dominant vegetation was Leafless Pyrola (PYRPIC) and Heart-leaf Arnica (ARNCOR). The soils were relatively uncompacted—the pounds per square inch (psi) was rarely over 200—and the duff was an average of 4-5 cm thick.

Analysis Within these sites, the ABICON reproduction was extremely prolific, greatly outpacing the PINPON reproduction. In addition, the larger PINPON appeared to be stressed. It is the conclusion of the team that, without management, ABICON will completely replace PINPON within these stands.

Mixed PINPON/PINCON

Physical characteristics These old growth sites, consisting of PINPON and Lodgepole/Contorta Pine (PINCON), were also located within the Bear Creek sub-shed. The slope was 3% and the aspect was 156 degrees. The PINPON dominated this stand, although both species had trees in old growth condition. Both species were in “mid to late seral” condition. The PINPON was around 130 years old and the DBH primarily ranged between 39.5-90.1 cm. The PINCON was around 114 years old and the DBH ranged between 24.5-36.5 cm. The ground cover was exclusively duff with moderate vegetation. The dominant vegetation was Yarrow (ACHMIL), Silver Lupine (LUPARG), Virginia Strawberry (FRAVIR), and Creeping Oregon Grape (BERREP). Also present, but not dominant, were Wheeler’s Bluegrass (POANER) and Bottlebrush Squirreltail (STAHYS). The soils were very rocky and the duff was an average of 3 cm thick.

¹ When used in reference to Ponderosa Pine hereafter, those terms refer to the definitions set forth in that report. All other species were defined as “mid to late seral” or “very late” by age and by DBH (as compared to average DBH observed throughout the Upper Chewaucan watershed)

Analysis These sites showed very dense growth. Common comments in the canopy survey were the presence of many dead lower branches and branches clustered on one side of the tree. The saplings were also suppressed. It is the conclusion of the team that these sites needs repeated thinning in order to maintain a strong PINPON presence and restore the site to a more appropriate capacity and natural condition.

Solid PINPON

Physical characteristics These sites, which were exclusively PINPON, were located in the Coffeepot Creek sub-shed. The slope was 15% and the aspect ranged between 100-123 degrees. The PINPON was in “very late” condition. The age was between 211-267 years and the DBH was primarily between 55

104.7 cm. The ground cover was primarily duff, but the duff was broken in places, leaving the soils almost bare. The dominant vegetation was ARNCOR, LUPARG, Nuttall’s Gayophytum (GAYNUT) and Western Fescue (FESOCC). Previously, this site had been subsoiled. The compaction was very high, often over 400 psi in the first 8 inches. The duff was 1.5-2.5 cm thick, on average.

Analysis These sites were dominated by PINPON. However, the level of PINPON reproduction was very low. In addition, PINCON and Western Juniper (JUNOCC) are moving into these sites and reproducing. It is the conclusion of the team that these sites are moving away from PINPON dominance and that, over time and without management, PINCON and JUNOCC come to dominate with and perhaps replace PINPON as the dominant species.

Mixed ABICON/PINCON/PINPON with POPTRE

Physical characteristics These sites, which consisted of mixed ABICON, PINCON and PINPON, also contained a site which consisted of PINPON, PINCON, ABICON and Quaking Aspen (POPTRE). The slope was 5% and the aspect was 148 degrees. The PINPON was in similar condition throughout the sites. It was in “very late” condition, with the age ranging from 154-251 years and the DBH primarily between 70-133.5 cm. The PINCON was in “mid to late seral” condition. The age was around 180 years and the DBH was primarily between 44.5-52.3 cm. The ABICON was younger, not in old growth condition. Adult trees were around 28 cm in DBH and there were many saplings. The ground cover was primarily duff, although it was broken in places and vegetation provided cover in isolated spots. The dominant vegetation was ACHMIL, American Vetch (VICAME), Big Sage (ARTTRI) and Low Sage (ARTARB). The compaction was high, over 300 psi within the first 8 inches. The duff was 1.5-2.5 cm thick, on average.

Analysis This stand looks as if it were traditionally a mixed PINCON/PINPON stand, and that ABICON moved in at a later date, perhaps as the result of fire suppression. Currently, only the PINCON and ABICON are reproducing, and they are reproducing heavily. The POPTRE also looks very old, but the age couldn’t be determined because of the trees had rotten cores. The POPTRE looks like it is also being replaced with ABICON and PINCON, with little to no POPTRE reproduction. The team has concluded that, without management, this stand will cease to be dominated by PINCON and PINPON and will become almost entirely very dense ABICON and PINCON.

PINPON dominant

Physical Characteristics These sites were almost entirely PINPON (one site contained a single ABICON), like the stand located within Coffeepot Creek, but they had some noticeable differences. These sites were located within the Swamp Creek sub-shed, with a slope of 20-25% and aspects ranging from 2168 degrees. The PINPON in these sites were in “very late” condition, with age ranging from 264307 years and DBH primarily from 55-71 cm. One site contained an old ABICON stump, with a DBH of 106 cm. The ground cover was a combination of duff and vegetation. The dominant vegetation was POANER, FRAVIR and STAHYS. The duff was broken in a few places, and it was 2-3 cm thick, on average. The soils were moderately compacted, over 200 psi within the first 6 inches.

Analysis There was evidence of logging at these sites, and it looked as if the old ABICON were harvested and the once-suppressed PINPON were left to grow, and now they dominate the stand. The PINPON were reproducing heavily, and most of the saplings were in clumps. It is the conclusion of the team that these sites will need thinning in order to maintain PINPON dominance and appropriate site capacity.

Age Only Surveys
The following sites were special studies done in old growth stands were no transect was laid.
The surveys measured slope and tree ages only. They are still divided by stand composition.

Mixed ABICON/PINCON/PINPON

Physical characteristics This site was on a northeast facing, 19% slope in the Morgan Creek sub-shed. The PINPON and ABICON were in the same “very late” condition, ranging from 287-373 years old. The PINCON at this site moved in more recently, within the last 60 years—possibly as a result of fire suppression.

Analysis This site had very dense growth. Most of the reproduction was PINCON, followed closely by ABICON. PINPON had less reproduction. It is the conclusion of the team that, without management, ABICON and PINCON will come to dominate this stand.

Mixed ABICON/PINCON/PINPON

Physical Characteristics This site was very similar to the site discussed above, and it was also located in the Morgan Creek sub-shed. The site was on a northwest facing, 8% slope. At this site, the PINPON was in the “very late” condition, with ages ranging from 342-500 years. The ABICON and PINCON were in “mid to late seral” condition at this site, both around 191 years old.

Analysis This site had little PINPON reproduction, as most of the PINPON were isolated in a meadow. Some of the PINCON is also in the meadow, but most of it is a few meters south, on the forested hillside. All of the ABICON is in the forest. It is the conclusion of this team that if it is desired that this site be PINPON dominant or co-dominant, it will take extensive management to accomplish this goal.

Mixed PINLAM

Physical Characteristics This site was in the Dairy Creek watershed, on a northwest facing 20% slope. The Sugar Pine (PINLAM) in this area was very old, ranging in age from 374-865 years. The site also contained PINPON.

Analysis This site contained moderate PINLAM reproduction, mostly 15-20+ years old. There was also moderate PINPON reproduction, with varied ages. It is the conclusion of the team that this site is growing very well compared to the other PINLAM sites in the watershed. The team could find no definite reason for the gap in sapling age. The PINLAM population should continue to be watched, however, to discover if younger reproduction is forthcoming, or if reproduction has virtually ceased.

Mixed CALDEC

Physical Characteristics This site contained old growth Incense Cedar (CALDEC), and is the only such site we have found in the watershed. This site was in the Coffeepot Creek sub-shed. The CALDEC was in “very late” condition, ranging from 490-310 years in age. This site was at a higher elevation, around 5800 feet.

Analysis This site was an isolated spot of CALDEC. Throughout the Upper Chewaucan watershed there are very few instances of CALDEC, and none of the Biophysical Monitoring team’s transects has recorded a presence of CALDEC.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the population of PINPON seems to be declining, within old growth sites. Much of the PINPON old growth is in “very late” condition. There are a few sites with heavy PINPON reproduction, but these sites will need management to maintain the health of the PINPON. The PINCON is almost entirely in “mid to late seral” condition, with one site showing only recent appearance of PINCON. The PINCON is reproducing very heavily where present and will surpass, and perhaps replace, PINPON if left alone.

The ABICON is very similar to the PINCON, showing signs of recent entry in places and “mid to late serial” condition for most of the old growth. However, the ABICON also shows sites where it is or has been in “very late” condition. Like the PINCON, the ABICON is reproducing very well where present (with the exception of the site where it was logged out) and could come to dominate or co-dominate the watershed.

The PINLAM is a relatively rarer species within the watershed. The PINLAM population is almost entirely at higher elevations, though the team has seen areas within the Morgan Creek sub-shed where the PINLAM is trying to enter into lower elevations. The PINLAM old growth and sites with PINLAM show good reproduction, but sites with very young PINLAM reproduction are rarer.

CALDEC is an extremely rare species within the watershed, and the old growth area may be the only of its kind. CALDEC is not very widespread, but during the course of casual observation the team has seen varying ages of reproduction were the species is present.

This study of old growth conditions within the Upper Chewaucan watershed is based upon analysis of 21 sites, collected over a three year period. The conclusions drawn are based upon the data and observations gathered during that time in the Upper Chewaucan watershed. It is hoped that this report will aid managers in evaluating old growth conditions and planning management prescriptions.

Appendix C: Forest Management to Reduce Fuel Loads and Restore Natural Stand Conditions

[NOTE: This appendix presents preliminary results of very recent and on-going analysis. We are continuing to test results and feasibility of alternative re-entry treatments.]

Introduction

The following is a preliminary modeling analysis of the potential long-term impact of thinning treatments on forest characteristics in the LFSU. The analysis is based on data from Fremont Forest Inventory and Biomass Report, 2005 (prepared by Clair Thomas for Lake County Resources Initiative) and utilizes the Landscape Management System (LMS) to model how we might manage to achieve the goal of reducing fire hazard levels and restoring the forest to more natural stand conditions. Management prescriptions were applied to six major habitat types, similar to the approach used in the Klamath Tribes’ draft forest plan, modeled out 50 years to see if we were achieving the desired future condition. Under one scenario in which no treatment was applied for fifty years, forest stand characteristics remain essentially unchanged, not progressing at all towards Unit ecological goals.

The Unit is approximately 495,000 acres, of which approximately 300,000 acres is suitable forest lands and an estimated 200,000 acres are in priority need of treatment. The first task of the biomass research project was to break the 54 habitat types used in Continuous Vegetative Survey plots into major groups using the Group and Scoping capabilities of Landscape Management Systems (LMS). Stands were then treated in LMS by removing the smallest trees until a prescribed basal area was achieved resulting in reduced fire risk and increased forest health.

The six categories were named after the dominant tree and relative moisture based on subdominant vegetation. Attempts to separate the categories more specifically by elevation, slope, and aspect were made but showed no defining results. As a result each of the six categories includes a wide variety of characteristics and locations. However, each category is directly related to growth potential and therefore is a reasonable grouping for growth potential. Graphs of species mix, aspect, slope and elevation of each category have been created and are available. The six categories and their relative percent of occurrence are as follows: Dry Ponderosa Pine (DPiPo) comprises 16%; Wet Ponderosa Pine (WPiPo) comprises 25%, Dry Mixed Conifer (DMCon) comprises 10%, Wet Mixed Conifer (WMCon) comprises 35%, Dry Lodgepole Pine (DPiCo) comprises 4%, and Wet Lodgepole Pine (WPiCo) comprises 9%.

It must be emphasized that these data were generated by a model and have not been field tested. LMS is a model that can be adjusted and improved as we collect field data. We adjusted the growth model already as we felt the existing one was growing trees too fast following a treatment. We plan to start collecting data from the Bull Stewardship Contract planning area so we can make appropriate adjustments in the plan based on field data and the third party monitoring we have been carrying out.

Dry Ponderosa Pine

In 1995 a typical Dry Ponderosa Pine average tree had a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 8.1 inches, and a height of 27 feet. There were about 305 trees per acre with a volume of 8360 board feet (bd ft) per acre. The first thinning was to a basal area of 45 square feet. In the first thinning, the average tree size increases to a DBH of 19.3 in. and a height of 64 ft., leaving 36 trees per acre. In the first cut there would be 3434 bd ft of trees harvested per acre with average DBH of 6.4 in. and an average height of 22 ft.

Following treatments in 2005, which focused on reducing the number of stems in overstocked stands thereby lowering fire risk, the stands were projected in LMS to the year 2055 maintaining a basal area of 50 sq. ft. Treatments increased average diameters from 19 inches to 26 inches with corresponding average heights beginning at 64 ft. and reaching 83 ft. by 2055. Historical conditions of large, well-spaced trees simulating historical conditions were present by 2035. The Forest Service’s current restriction on cutting trees larger than 21” DBH should remain in effect for Ponderosa Pine until 2035, after which average trees larger than 21” are dominant. The first treatment was a thinning from below the canopy; treatments after 2035 should be proportional among size classes.

Characteristics of Dry ponderosa pine per acre

year	DBHq	AveDBH	TPA	AveHt	TBA	SDI	CurtisRD	TVolPerAcre
1995	8.1	5.8	305	22	74	153	27.2	8360
2005	19.3	18.7	36	64	43	63	10.3	7128
2015	20.7	20.1	33	69	48	69	11.1	8132
2025	22	21.5	27	73	50	69	11	8728
2035	23.3	22.8	23	77	50	67	10.8	9171
2045	24.5	24.1	20	80	50	66	10.5	9561
2055	25.8	25.3	18	83	50	65	10.2	9886

The amount of carbon sequestered remains around 43 metric tons per acre by 2035, indicating stable old growth conditions. In less mature stands, carbon continues to increase due to tree height growth as diameters slow in growth while maintaining the same basal area.

Carbon Sequestration in Dry ponderosa pine (metric tons) per acre

Year	GrandTotalCarbon	StandingLiveCarbon	StandingDeadCarbon	HarvestedCarbon
1995	52	51	0.95	0
2005	62	33	0.59	28
2015	39	37	0.65	1.2
2025	42	38	0.67	3.4
2035	43	39	0.68	3.7
2045	44	39	0.68	3.6
2055	44	40	0.69	3.3

Moist Ponderosa Pine

A typical average tree in 2005 before harvest has a 7.6 in. DBH, and a 24 ft. height. There were about 538 trees per acre with a volume of 9474 bdft/acre. If thinned from underneath to a basal area of 70 sq. ft., the average size of tree increases to a DBH of 13.5 in. and a height of 48 ft., leaving 113 trees per acre.

Following treatments in 2005, which focused on reducing the number of stems in overstocked stands thereby lowering fire risk, the stands were forecast in LMS to the year 2055. Treatments increased average diameters from 12.5 inches to 20.1 inches with corresponding average heights beginning at 48 ft. and reaching 75 ft. by 2055. Historical conditions of large, well-spaced trees simulating historical conditions are developing by 2055. Thinning from below and maintaining 21” or larger Ponderosa Pine should be done until sometime around 2045-2055, after which treatments should be proportional.

Characteristics Wet ponderosa pine per acre

year	DBHq	AveDBH	TPA	AveHt	TBA	SDI	CurtisRD	TVolPerAcre
1995	6.6	4.6	538	18.3	71.5	164	30.1	7400
2005	13.5	12.5	113	48	63	105	17.9	8689
2015	16.2	15.4	74	58	67	105	17.3	10141
2025	17.2	16.6	64	63	69	105	17.3	10813
2035	18.4	17.8	51	67	69	103	16.8	11415
2045	19.5	19	44	72	70	101	16.3	12085
2055	20.6	20.1	38	75	70	99	15.9	12746

The amount of carbon sequestered is 47 metric tons per acre in 1995 increasing to 59 in 2055.

Carbon Sequestration in Wet ponderosa pine per acre

Year	GrandTotalCarbon	StandingLiveCarbon	StandingDeadCarbon	HarvestedCarbon
1995	47	46	0.9	0
2005	58	44	0.81	14
2015	54	48	0.88	4.8
2025	57	50	0.9	6
2035	58	51	0.92	6
2045	59	52	0.93	5.4
2055	59	53	0.95	4.9

Dry Mixed Conifer

Prior to treatment, a typical average tree was 6.3 in. DBH, and 22 ft. in height. There were about 841 trees per acre with a volume of 12,332 bd ft/acre. If thinned from underneath to a basal area of 70 sq. ft., the average size of tree increases to a DBH of 14 in. and a height of 57 ft. leaving 159 trees per acre. The large number of trees per acre indicates that many small trees are left. In 2005 there would be 2486 bd ft of trees harvested per acre with average DBH of 3 in. and an average height of 12 ft. Following treatments in 2005, which focused on reducing the number of stems in overstocked stands thereby lowering fire risk, the stands were forecast in LMS to the year 2055. Treatments increased average diameters to 21.6 inches with corresponding average heights reaching 87 ft. by 2055. The number of trees per acre decreased to 41 by 2055. Historical conditions of large, well-spaced trees simulating historical conditions were present by 2055. The average size harvested in 2005 will increase because, although we assumed the 21” rule for white fir would not apply, we did not incorporate that assumption into the model. We did keep the 21” rule for Ponderosa Pine until 2045, after which it can be dropped and future treatments done proportionally.

Dry Mixed Characteristics per acre

Year	DBHq	AveDBH	TPA	AveHt	TBA	SDI	CurtisRD	TVolPerAcre
1995	5.5	3.6	841	16.3	88	210	39	9975
2005	15.1	14.3	159	57	61	102	17.4	9846
2015	17.4	16.7	85	68	65	101	16.8	11159
2025	18.6	17.9	72	74	67	101	16.7	11843
2035	19.8	19.2	60	79	68	100	16.3	12708
2045	20.9	20	50	83	69	98	16	13445
2055	22.2	21.6	41	87	69	97	15.6	14280

The amount of carbon sequestered increases from 60 to 69 metric tons per acre from 2015 to 2055 indicating that stands are nearing late seral characteristics.

Carbon Sequestration in Dry Mixed Conifer per acre

Year	GrandTotalCarbon	StandingLiveCarbon	StandingDeadCarbon	HarvestedCarbon
1995	48	47	0.91	0
2005	78	49	0.91	27
2015	60	54	0.98	5
2025	64	56	1	6.6
203565	58	1	6
2045	67	60	1.1	5.6
2055	69	63	1.1	5.2

Moist Mixed Conifer

A typical average tree had a 5.7 in. DBH, and a 16 ft. height prior to treatment. There were about 1005 trees per acre with a volume of 14329 bd ft/acre. If thinned from underneath as demonstrated in 2005 to a basal area of 100 sq.ft., the average tree size increases to a DBH of

15.3 in. and a height of 57 ft, leaving 153 trees per acre. This treatment would result in 3763 bd ft of trees harvested per acre with average DBH of 3.6 in. and an average height of 12 ft.

Treatments increased average diameters from 19 inches to 24 inches with corresponding average heights beginning at 78 ft. and reaching 93 ft. by 2055. Conditions of large, well-spaced trees were present by 2055. (These characteristics would not reflect historic conditions on many areas in this habitat type, which would have supported complex stands with a variety of ages, sizes and species of trees.) As with the Dry Mixed Conifer, average diameter will increase in 2005, no 21” rule will be employed with white fir, and the model did not take that assumption into account. In 2035 trees average 21” or larger and there is no longer a need for the 21” rule. After 2035 treatments should be proportional.

Characteristics of Wet Mixed Conifer per acre year

Year	DBHq	AveDBH	TPA	AveHt	TBA	SDI	CurtisRD	TVolPerAcre
1995	5.7	3.5	1005	16	114	272	50.5	14329
2005	15.3	14.4	153	57	83	133	22.3	14744
2015	18.7	17.9	93	72	92	138	22.7	17877
2025	19.9	19.2	82	78	94	138	22.5	19163
2035	21.2	20.5	71	84	96	137	22.2	20274
2045	22.4	21.7	59	89	97	134	21.6	21359
2055	23.5	22.8	51	93	97	132	21.1	22169

The amount of carbon sequestered remains around 89 metric tons per acre in 2015 to 101 metric tons per acre by 2055 indicating growth toward late seral stage conditions.

Carbon Sequestration in Wet Mixed Conifer per acre

Year	GrandTotalCarbon	StandingLiveCarbon	StandingDeadCarbon	HarvestedCarbon
1995	88	86	1.6	0
2005	113	76	1.4	35
2015	89	82	1.5	6.4
2025	94	85	1.5	7.6
2035	97	88	1.5	7.3
2045	99	90	1.5	1.2
2055	101	92	1.6	7

Dry Lodgepole pine

A typical average tree has a 4.4 in DBH, and a 16.9 ft height prior to treatment. There are about 1784 trees per acre with a volume of 10583 bd ft/acre. If thinned from underneath to a basal area of 80 sq. ft., the average size of tree increases to a DBH of 11 in. and a height of 52 ft., leaving 444 trees per acre. The large number of trees per acre indicates that many small trees are left. There would be 1477 bd ft of trees harvested per acre with average DBH of 3.4 in. and an average height of 15 ft.

Stands were treated by thinning proportionately over time to maintain a basal area of 80 sq.ft. These treatments increased average diameters from 16.7 inches to 21.6 inches with corresponding average heights beginning at 62 ft. and reaching 67 ft. by 2055. The number of trees per acre decreased to 137 by 2055.

Post-Treatment Characteristics of Dry Lodgepole pine per acre

Year	DBHq	AveDBH	TPA	AveHt	TBA	SDI	CurtisRD	TVolPerAcre
1995	3.9	2.3	1784	13	106	282	53.9	8827
2005	11.2	10.6	444	52	75	141	24.7	9419
2015	12.3	11.8	333	58	80	146	25.5	10254
2025	13	13	242	62	82	145	25	10851
2035	13.9	13.4	196	64	83	144	24.7	11112
2045	14.5	14	163	66	84	142	24.2	11408
2055	15.2	14.6	137	67	84	140	23.6	11641

The amount of carbon sequestered increases from 56 metric tons per acre in 2015 to 62 metric tons per acre in 2055.

Carbon Sequestration in Dry Lodgepole pineper acre

Year	GrandTotalCarbon	StandingLiveCarbon	StandingDeadCarbon	HarvestedCarbon
1995	65	63	1.3	0
2005	73	50	0.96	22
2015	56	52	1	1.8
2025	58	55	1	1.8
2035	59	56	1.1	2.3
2045	61	58	1.1	2.3
2055	62	59	1.1	2.6

Fire threat in these stands has been reduced. However, whether natural stand conditions are being created could certainly be debated.

Moist Lodgepole pine

A typical average tree has a 3.4 in. DBH, and a 15 ft. height in 2005 before harvest. There are about 1916 trees per acre with a volume of 5552 bd ft/acre. Even with treatments out to 2055, the average trees only reaches 10 inch DBH with heights of 46 feet. Stocking would still be heavy at 324 trees per acre. As a result, Wet PiCo will be extremely costly to treat and will have no monetary value through 2055. However, treatment, either through thinning, fire or a combination may be desirable in order to protect important ecological values where lodgepole pine is encroaching on meadows or aspen groves.

Characteristics of Wet Lodgepole pine per acre

year	DBHq	AveDBH	TPA	AveHt	TBA	SDI	CurtisRD	TVolPerAcre
1995	2.8	1.6	2382	10	71	218	43.3	4371
2005	5	4.1	1471	22	79	207	39.7	5053
2015	6.2	5.5	973	29	92	222	41.3	5942
2025	7.5	6.8	663	35	101	223	40.6	7182
2035	8.4	7.7	507	39	105	221	39.8	8209
2045	9.2	8.6	398	43	109	218	38.6	9313
2055	10.1	9.4	325	46	111	214	37.6	10457

End of Report