Appendix A
Photographs

Photograph 1: View toward project area from Hot Springs
Photograph 2: Western side of Bradner Reservoir (Priority 2 stand)
Photograph 3: Eastern side of Bradner Reservoir (Priority 1 stand)
Photograph 4: Doghair thicket near Bradner Reservoir
Photograph 5: Southern end of Peterson Reservoir (Priority 2 stand)
Photograph 6: Existing road at Peterson Reservoir to be potentially used as a skid trail
Photograph 7: Looking north from Peterson Reservoir to United World College
Photograph 8: Gallinas River, looking southwest
Photograph 9: North-facing slope along Gallinas River, looking downstream
Photograph 10: Willows growing along Gallinas River
Photograph 11: Looking south at project area from State Highway 65
Photograph 12: Village of Montezuma
Photograph 13: City of Las Vegas Water Treatment Plant.  Area to be thinned can be seen in 
background.

Appendix B
Agency Correspondence

URS Corresponded with: 

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Jefferson NE, Room 305
Albuquerque, NM 87109-3734

State of New Mexico Environmental Department
Office of the Secretary
P.O. Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110

State of New Mexico
Department of Fish & Game
Village Building - P.O. Box 25112
Santa Fe, NM 87503

State of New Mexico Environmental Department
Air Quality Bureau - Harold Runnels Building
1190 St. Francis Dr.
Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110

United States Department of the Army
Albuquerque District, Corps of Engineers
4101 Jefferson Plaza NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109-3435

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
New Mexico Ecological Field Office
2105 Osuna NE 
Albuquerque, NM 87113

U.S. Forest Service
Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District
Pecos, NM 87552

Bureau of Land Management
Albuquerque Field Office
435 Montano Rd., NE
Albuquerque, NM 87101-4935

Office of Emergency Management
Emergency Management Center
13 Bataan Blvd.
P.O. Box 1628
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628

State of New Mexico Environment Department
Surface Water Quality Bureau - Harold S. Runnels 
Building
1190 St. Francis Dr.
Santa Fe, NM 87502-0110

EPA Region 6
Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division
Office of Planning and Coordination
1445 Ross Ave.
Dallas, TX 75202-2733

State of New Mexico Environment Department
Ground Water Bureau - Harold Runnels Building
1190 St. Francis Dr.
Santa Fe, NM 87502-0110

City of Las Vegas
Community Development Department
P.O. Box 160
Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701-0160

State of New Mexico
Office of Cultural Affairs - Historic Preservation 
Division
La Villa Rivera Building, 228 East Palace Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87501

To obtain copies of agency correspondence, contact:
Janet Frey
URS Group, Inc.
200 Orchard Ridge Dr., Suite 101
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Tel: 301-258-9780

Appendix C
EO 11988 and EO 11990
Eight-Step Planning Process

Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management  
Executive Order 11990 Wetland Protection  
Eight-Step Planning Process Summary 

Step 1: Determine whether the Proposed 
Action is located in a wetland and/or the 100-
year floodplain, or whether it has the potential 
to affect or be affected by a floodplain or 
wetland.

Project Analysis: The Gallinas River runs 
through the project area and the City of Las 
Vegas' two water supply reservoirs (Bradner 
and Peterson) are located within the project 
area.  Thinning activities would take place 
around the wetland areas, and a minimum 50-
foot buffer would be implemented to avoid 
equipment entering the wetland zones.

Step 2: Notify public at earliest possible time 
of the intent to carry out an action in a 
floodplain or wetland, and involve the affected 
and interested public in the decision-making 
process.

Project Analysis: An initial public notice was 
posted by FEMA as part of the original disaster 
declaration (see page C4).  The notice indicated 
that actions would be potentially taken that 
would have an effect on the floodplain and/or 
wetlands. 

Step 3: Ident
ify and evaluate practicable 
alternatives to locating the Proposed Action in 
a floodplain or wetland.

Project Analysis: The following alternatives 
were evaluated:

Alternative 1: No Action
Alternative 2: Proposed Action.  Manual and 
mechanical thinning of specified trees.  Slash 
would be piled and burned, lopped and 
scattered, or removed from the site. No 
thinning would occur in riparian zones or 
wetlands.
Alternative 3: Manual and mechanical thinning 
of specified trees.  Slash would be scattered 
across ground and broadcast burned.  No 
thinning would occur in riparian zones or 
wetlands.

Step 4: Identify the full range of potential 
direct or indirect impacts associated with the 
occupancy or modification of floodplains and 
wetlands and the potential direct and indirect 
support of floodplain and wetland development 
that could result from the Proposed Action.

Project Analysis: 
Under the No Action Alternative, severe 
stormwater runoff could lead to increased 
flooding of the area within the floodplain and 
potentially outside floodplain zones.  This 
condition would persist for several years until 
vegetation and soil is reestablished to pre-fire 
conditions. Sediment runoff may eventually be 
carried into drainage ways and rivers, and 
potentially into wetland areas, thus altering or 
destroying habitat.
Because there would be no federal funding 
under this alternative, there is no requirement 
to comply with EO 11988. 
Alternative 2, the Proposed Action, would not 
expand the 100-year floodplain.  There would 
be a risk of increased erosion from vegetation 
removal activities and a potential increase of 
runoff into the wetland areas.  This impact 
would not be substantial because thinning 
would be selective to control adverse effects 
and erosion measures would be implemented.  
Reseeding and lop and scatter of some slash 
would be conducted in areas disturbed by 
project activities. 
Alternative 3, would not impact the 100-year 
floodplain.  There would be a risk of increased 
erosion from vegetation removal activities and 
a potential increase of runoff into the wetland 
areas.  This impact would not be substantial 
because thinning would be selective to control 
adverse effects.  Slash would be scattered and 
broadcast burned.  A slight and temporary 
increase in ash runoff would be expected into 
wetland areas.  Erosion control measures and 
reseeding would be conducted in areas 
disturbed by project activities to effectively 
mitigate for increases in runoff..

Step 5: Minimize the potential adverse impacts 
to work within floodplains and wetlands to be 
identified under Step 4, restore and preserve 
the natural and beneficial values served by 
wetlands.

Project Analysis: Mitigation measures 
described in Step 4, the use of erosion control 
measures and reseeding, would reduce 
potential adverse effects to wetlands near the 
proposed project area.  Additionally, a 50-foot 
minimum buffer zone would be established 
around wetland and riparian areas, further 
reducing potential impacts.

Step 6: Re-evaluate the Proposed Action to 
determine 1) if it is still practicable in light of 
its exposure to flood hazards; 2) the extent to 
which it will aggravate the hazards to others; 
and 3) its potential to disrupt floodplain and 
wetland values.

Project Analysis: The Proposed Action 
remains practicable based on the objective to 
protect the citizens and water supply of the 
City of Las Vegas area.  The action is not 
anticipated to increase flood elevations or flood 
velocities upstream or downstream.  Floodplain 
and wetland values would remain viable.

Step 7: If the agency decides to take an action 
in a floodplain or wetland, prepare and provide 
the public with a finding and explanation of 
any final decision that the floodplain or 
wetland is the only practicable alternative. The 
explanation should include any relevant factors 
considered in the decision-making process.

Project Analysis: A public notice would be 
made based on the decision to proceed with the 
Proposed Action.  At a minimum, this notice 
shall state a reason for locating the Proposed 
Action in the floodplain; a description of all 
significant facts considered in making 
determination; a list of the alternatives 
considered; a statement indicating whether the 
action conforms to state and local floodplain 
protection standards; and a statement indicating 
how the action affects the wetlands and how 
mitigation would be achieved.

Step 8: Review the implementation and post-
implementation phases of the Proposed Action 
to ensure that the requirements of the EOs are 
fully implemented. Oversight responsibility 
shall be integrated into existing processes. 

Project Analysis: This step is integrated into 
the NEPA process and FEMA project 
management and oversight functions.

Appendix D
(Seal of New Mexico State Forestry)

NEW MEXICO FOREST PRACTICES GUIDELINES
Prepared by Forestry and Resources Conservation Division

In coorperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.

New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
October 1990

(Seal of New Mexico State Forestry)

(Image of forested valley with a snowpeaked mountain in the distance)

Table of Contents

Purpose						v				
Acknowledgements				vi
Introduction					1
Forest Practice Laws and Regulations		2
Voluntary Forest Practice Guidelines		8
Reforestation					8
Site Preparation				8
Planting					10
Thinning					15
Pruning						18
Timber Harvesting				19
General Guidelines				19
Harvesting Systems				20
Patch Cutting System				20
Seed Tree System				23
Selection System				24
Skid Trails, Landings and Logging Roads		26
Skid Trails					26
Landings					27
Logging Roads					27
Slash Treatments				33
Wildlife Considerations				36
Recreation and Aesthetics			37
Grazing						38
Forest Protection				39
Fire						39
Insects and Disease				41
Timber Harvest Contract Preparation		42
Appendix					47
Sample Contracts				47
Agency Directory				50
Glossary of Terms				51
Literature Cited				55

6.0 TREATMENT OF SLASH
6.1 GENERAL: Within the time limits of Section 6.2, all slash and damaged trees in any 
cutting unit shall be treated so that none stands higher than three (3) feet above ground 
level.  
6.2 TIME LIMIT: Slash shall be reduced as described in 6.1 not later than the shortest of 
the following units.
6.2.1 Thirty calendar days from the movement of commercial operators out of the subject 
cutting unit into another cutting unit under a multiple unit permit; or
6.2.2 Thirty calendar days following the cessation of major harvesting activities within 
the cutting unit; or
6.2.3 In no event shall the time exceed three hundred and sixty five calendar days from 
the start of harvesting activities within the cutting unit.
6.3 MAIN HAUL ROUTES: For the purpose of creating a fuel break and unless 
specifically waived in writing by the District Office, all slash greater than 24 inches in 
length and / or larger than 1 inch in diameter at the large end and within fifty (50) feet of 
either side of the center line of a designated main haul road shall be eliminated by 
chipping, burning, burying, removal, or equivalent means within 365 calendar days of 
cessation of harvest activities within the cutting unit in which the road lies. 

7.0 REDUCTION OF EROSION
7.1 WATER BARS
7.1.1 Time Limit  All water bars required by this section shall be installed within thirty 
(30) days of the cessation of harvest activities within the cutting units except that this 
limit shall not be applied to roads providing access to other cutting units under a multiple 
unit permit until harvesting  in all of those accessed units is complete.
7.1.2 Placement  Water bars shall be placed on all haul roads and skid trails and at such 
places or intervals necessary to prevent erosion considering grade, sidehill drainage, soil 
texture and character, vegetation, and other pertinent factors, but at a minimum as 
described below:

Percent Grade			Minimum Interval
0.0% - 4.9%			150 feet
5.0% - 9.9%			130 feet
10.0% - 14.9%			75 feet
15% - 24.9%			50 feet
25% - 40%			25 feet

The division may require additional water bars if it appears erosion will not be controlled 
by the minimum intervals.

7.2 RESEEDING
7.2.1 Time Limit  After construction of water bars per 7.1, and at such time as best 
calculated to produce maximum germination, but in no event longer than 180calendar 
days following the cessation of harvesting activities within any cutting unit, all haul 
roads, skid trails and other areas of exposed mineral soil shall be reseeded unless waived 
by the District Office.
7.2.2 Seed Mix  Any seed mix used in reseeding must have the prior approval of the 
Division.

8.0 TREE UTILIZATION  STANDARDS
8.1 All commercial forest species shall be utilized to a minimum six (6) inch top diameter 
(inside bark) except that:
8.1.1 Harvest for other than lumber production shall utilize trees to a minimum four (4) 
inch top (outside bark)
8.2 The main stem of the tree shall be utilized as stated in 8.1, when the net scale of the 
severed log or section of the main stern is more than fifty (50) percent of its gross scale, 
using the "National Forest Log Scaling Handbook"  FSH 2409.1.
8.3 LONG BUTTING  Long butting is prohibited except when resulting from removal 
of defects up to the limit of 8.2
8.4 STUMP HEIGHT  Stump height shall not exceed 12 inch height in the uphill side 
except where immovable objects (i.1., rocks, other trees) prevent operation of felling 
equipment.

9.0 REVOCATION OF PERMIT
9.1 NOTICE OF DEFICIENT CONDITION  Written notice of deficient condition many 
be provided by the District Office. It will specify the deficiency and allow a set time to 
remedy the deficiency.
9.2 If a deficient condition exists past the time set for correction the Division may issue a 
revocation of permit. The permit is revoked upon the earliest of the following: receipt of 
the revocation by the applicant or landowner or on the third day after mailing by 
registered mail.
9.3 Upon correction of any noted deficiency, the Division may reinstate the permit by 
written notification.
9.4 The decision of the Division to follow this procedure in no ways limits its ability or 
authority to issue citations or otherwise enforce the possible criminal penalties for 
violating these regulations.

10.0 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Whenever the State Forester declares restrictions on use of lands or use of fire within a 
permitted area based on Regulation NMFRCD 89-2, such restriction shall apply to 
harvesting activities. If the restrictions require that harvest activities stop, then such 
stoppage for the item of the restriction is not a cessation of harvesting activities.   

[Page 14]

Prepare the planting hole before removing the seeding from the carrying bag.

The seeding should not be planted too high, where the roots are exposed, or too low 
where part of the twigs are buried beneath the ground level. Do not plant on top of a rock, 
where root growth will be hampered. If a seeding is planted in too shallow a hole, the 
roots become twisted or turned up (J-root) which results in seeding death. The seedings 
should be planted straight up and down so that irregular growth of the stem will not 
occur. The fill material should be free from rocks and debris to eliminate the possibility 
of air pockets. See the illustration.

A mulch of straw, cut grass, twigs, soil, old sawdust, etc. will give the seedling some 
protection from moisture deficiency.

Survival After Planting: The seedlings should be checked a few times a year for the first 
three or four years after planting. Are the trees surviving? Seeding mortality can be 
caused by many different things. The usual cause if poor handling and planting of the 
seedlings. However, environmental factors can also cause heavy losses.  It pays to notice 
unhealthy and dying seedlings early. Prompt treatment may reduce mortality. However, 
in cases where reforestation will be inadequate due to the death of many seedlings, 
additional trees may need to be planted.

(Image of plant showing the correct way to planting trees and what can cause mortality). 

[Page 15]

The following may contribute to seedling mortality:

Frost heaving can occur with both bareroot and containerized seedlings during the first 
winter after planting. However, as mentioned before, the trees planted in the fall are the 
most susceptible. It will look like something has pulled the tree seedlings out of the 
ground.

Insects and disease can attack the seedlings. It may take a trained eye to determine the 
cause of mortality in cases like these.

Moisture deficiency is the biggest cause for seedling death in the Southwest. This is 
something that sometimes cannot be avoided. If little or no rain comes after a spring 
planting and the months following, the seedlings will die, no matter how much care was 
taken during planting. The only remedy for severe moisture stress is to water the trees. 
However, this is usually not feasible. Mulching the seedling and placing it in the shade of 
some larger object, such as a bush, stump, rock or a shingle, gives it some protection 
against moisture deficiency.

Birds, rodents, deer, and other wildlife periodically like to eat the seedlings. Rodents may 
be chemically controlled.  For deer, it may be necessary to place protective screens 
around the seedlings.

Domestic animals can destroy new seedlings by grazing or trampling. Livestock should 
be kept out of a newly planted are for two or three years after the planting.

Thinning
Thinning is a silvicultural practice whereby some of the trees in an immature stand are 
removed in order to stimulate the growth of the remaining trees. Thinning redistributes 
the growth of the stand by providing more moisture and sunlight to the remaining trees. 

There are many economic reasons why thinning should be used as a forest management 
tool.

At harvest time, there is an increase in yield from greater tree growth.

Also, some income can be realized at the time of thinning from the sale of the material 
that has been removed from the stand. This material can be used for posts, corrals, cabins, 
vigas, etc.

Inferior species and "weed" trees can be removed which greatly enhances the stand 
composition.

Thinning opens up the overstory, and with proper management, can result in the 
beneficial development of the understory where

[Page 16]

brush and grasses can grow to make good forage for domestic animals, and provide 
habitat and food for wildlife. 

Methods: There is an optimum stocking level for your land. The better your land, the 
more trees you can have. Also, the number of leave trees depends on the size of the trees 
in your stand. Your district forester can assist you in determining the space to use. Below 
is a table which gives the approximate spacing you should use between trees when 
thinning. 

Leave Tree Considerations: Before the cutting begins, the trees to be left should be 
marked. Proper spacing is important, but you should not leave a poor tree and take out a 
good one, just for the sake of spacing. Spacing should be adjusted to accommodate a 
quality tree. Your district forester can assist or train you in marking the trees to be left. 
Several factors should be considered when determining which trees to leave. (See 
illustration, page 17)

The first of these is the relative position of the tree and condition.

(How to use table: If your trees are about 8" in diameter, at breast height, and you want to
stock your land at 60 square feet of basal area per acre, then your spacing would be 16' X 16'.

Basal Area Spacing Guide*

Residual	Square feet of Basal Area Per Acre Desired 
DBH** 		40   50   60   70   80   90   100   111   120   140
Inches
		Square Spacing To Nearest Foot
2		5    4    4    4    3    3    3     3     3     3  
3		7    7    6    6    5    5    5     4     4     4
4		10   9    8    7    7    6    6     6     6     5
5		12   11   10   9    9    8    8     7     7     7
6		15   13   12   11   10   10   9     9     8     8 
7		17   15   14   13   12   11   11    10    10    9
8		19   17   16   15   14   13   12    12    11    10
9		22   20   18   17   16   15   14    13    13    12
10		24   22   20   18   17   16   15    15    14    13	
12		29   26   24   22   21   19   18    18    17    16
14		34   31   28   26   24   23   22    21    20    18
16		39   35   32   29   28   26   25    24    23    21
18		44   39   36   33   31   29   28    26    25    23

* Basal Area: The cross-sectional area of the tree at breat height, i.e., a square tree
1' X 1' would have a basal area of 1 square foot. Sixty such trees on an acre would 
constitute a stocking of 60 square feet of basal area per acre. 

** Diameter at Breast Height) 

[Page 17]

Of its crown. The tree should have a well developed crown and healthy looking foliage. It 
should not have a broken top. Also, it should be one of the taller trees in the stand.

The "leave" tree should be free from insects and disease.

The bole (trunk) on the "leave" trees should be straight, free from excess taper, free from 
large bushy limbs, and have no evidence of biotic or mechanical damage.

"Leave" tree crowns should not be touching adjoining leave trees after the thinning.

Considerations: If you would rather have someone else do the thinning job, there are 
probably people available in your area whom you can contract to do the work. Your 
district forester can assist you in locating thinning contractors. If you do the job yourself, 
there are some thing to keep in mind. 

You will probably use a chainsaw. However, a bow saw or an exe can also be used.

Be careful not to drain the "leave" trees while felling those trees that are being cut.

(Sketched Images of ponderosa pines before and after thinning.)   

[Page 18]

Keep your stumps low, preferably around 6 inches high.

Large slash should be moved away from the base of the tree, as it is a breeding ground 
for harmful insects, and is potential fuel for a fire.

Slash should be spread out, with the maximum height not to exceed 24 inches. In high 
fire danger areas it may be necessary to remove the slash completely. (See Slash 
Treatments.)

If slash is placed in piles to be disposed of by burning, the piles should be located in 
larger openings. This will prevent damage to the leave tree from excessive heat. Slash 
piles should not be larger than 4 feet high and 6 feet in diameter. 

To prevent erosion, do not thin as heavily on steep slopes. Also, do not thin within 30 feet 
of a waterway or runoff ditch.

Pruning: Pruning in a pre-commercial (immature stand) of timber removes the lower 
limbs of the trees for the purpose of obtaining knot free wood at harvest. The reasons are 
primarily economic. Knot free wood commands a higher price in the market. However, 
recent research indicates that pruning in the Southwest may not be worth the cost and 
effort. Pruned trees may lose vigor and may not be able to compete with more vigorous 
unpruned trees if live limbs are removed. They therefore may lose their place of 
dominance in the stand. Diameter and height growth of the tree is slower when the live 
limbs are pruned. This can almost counteract the increase in profit from the knot free 
wood. Removal of dead limbs will not slow the growth; however, disease can be 
introduced in the tree from the wounds inflicted while pruning.

In the Southwest, pruning is not recommended except in special cases. It may be 
desirable to prune trees where the forest is used primarily for recreational purposes. 
People or animals can walk through the forest without the impediment from branches. 
The forest assumes a park-like quality. Also, the lower limbs can be pruned near fire 
breaks or in high fire danger areas to prevent the spread of fire into the crowns of the 
trees. 

[Page 19]

Timber Harvesting

Timber harvesting is a necessary and beneficial component of forest management and is 
the means by which forest products are obtained from the forest. In some timber types, 
harvesting activities stimulate the natural re-establishment of the species. Through 
harvesting, profit is realized from the sale of timber, and generally a young and vigorous 
stand of trees can be established artificially or naturally in years following the harvest. 

Careful and conscientious harvesting results in an environment which is optimum for the 
regeneration of a new stand. Thoughtless harvesting can cause excess erosion, retard the 
reproduction of timber, reduce water quality and wildlife on a piece of land for many 
years.

Harvesting involves moving large volumes of logs to the mill, generally over rough 
terrain. This means heavy equipment, hard labor, and a lot of skill is needed. Before 
harvesting, consult your district forester or a private consulting forester for technical 
assistance. If you decide to do the work yourself, safety should be the prime concern; a 
broken back or the loss of life is not worth the money that can be made from the sale of 
timber. 

General Guidelines and Considerations for Harvesting

Choose harvesting practices that are suitable to the type of timber being cut, the method 
of regeneration desired, and the topographic characteristics of the land.

Felling and bucking timber is dangerous and should be performed by experienced 
personnel.

Require optimum utilization of all merchantable wood. 

Keep stumps as low as possible. This will add dollars to the profits by increasing the 
volume of wood cut, and reduce the obstacles while skidding and felling.

Where conditions permit, fell trees in line with the skidding directions. Generally, limb 
and top trees where felled.

When skidding, whenever possible suspend the head end of the log to minimize soil 
gouging.

Fell and skid trees away from streams to minimize damage to the channel or stream bank. 
Trees that cannot otherwise be practically and safely felled outside the stream channel 
should be promptly removed, along with any slash created. 

[Page 26]

Skid Trails, Landings and Logging Roads

The construction of roads, skid trails, and landings or the reconstruction of those already 
in existence is necessary to bring the logs out of the forest and to the mill. Disturbance to 
the environment, particularly to the soil, is going to occur. However, it can be kept to a 
minimum through proper planning and construction techniques. The route means the least 
amount of construction and excavation that gets the job done most effectively and 
economically will usually mean the least disturbance to the environment. Erosion, rutting, 
soil compaction and soil movement into streams are generally a problem during and after 
construction. The guidelines which follow should give the landowner or harvester some 
idea of what is involved in skid trail, landing and logging road construction, and the need 
for constructing environmental protection devices where necessary. Professional services 
should be considered for on the ground layout of the logging road systems. Refer to the 
208 publication, New Mexico Statewide Water Quality Management Plan, for more 
specific information on erosion and sedimentation control. 

Skid Trails

Logs or entire trees are moved from where they are felled to the road or landing via skid 
trails. These trails are usually only a few feet wide and are created by dragging the log or 
tree over the forest floor. It is important that the logs or trees are skidded from where they 
lie directly to the road or landing, instead of over a common skid trail, the entire forest 
floor would be torn up. Depending on the terrain and timber type, erosion could be 
serious and reforestation difficult. However, a concentration of skid trails can be as bad 
as spreading them throughout the area. A compromise should be sought that will 
minimize soil disturbance and yet be economical. 

The planning of skid trails should be incorporated into the entire road design for the 
harvesting unit, since skidding costs are directly determined by road spacing and layout. 

Keep the skid trails as narrow as possible.

Skid trails on steep slopes should be aligned up and down to minimize erosion.

When the use of skid trails and roads is finished, construct water bars to divert water 
runoff. This will reduce rutting and erosion. (See sketch, page 27) Seeding of closed trails 
should be carried out before the next growing season (See Regulations.)

[Page 27]

Landings

A landing is a large flat area to which the logs are skidded for loading on a truck. It is 
usually located where the least amount of excavation is needed such on a ridgetop or 
wide canyon bottom. The landing should be placed in a location where the skidding 
distance is at a minimum. It should be big enough to accompany a truck, a loader, a 
skidder, and have room for some log storage. With all the heavy machinery that will be 
working on the landing. It is important that it does not get muddy and boggy. Choosing a 
good landing location that drains adequately can prevent lost time and money while 
operating heavy equipment during the rainy season. Surface drainage from landings 
should not be allowed to directly enter stream channels. Upon completion of the logging 
job, the landing should be returned to productive status by breaking up the compacted 
soil and planting it with trees or seeding it grass. 

Logging Roads

Roads provide access and transportation for most forest management operations. These 
roads must be able to handle a

(Sketched image of water bar construction for forest roads or skid trails. bar height should be 
one to twoo feet high and angled at 35 degrees from the perpendicular to the road or trail
centerline.)

[Page 28]

loaded log truck and other heavy machinery, yet should cause as little impact to the 
environment as possible. There is always the potential for creating excess erosion when 
roads are constructed. Mud, silt, and debris can be carried off the exposed land and 
deposited into streams. When this happens, it is referred to as sedimentation. Erosion and 
sedimentation can ruin the timber producing ability of a site by carrying off valuable top 
soil which contains nutrients used by plants. Further erosion can wear channels into the 
hillside, ruining the productivity and aesthetics of the land. Sedimentation can muddy 
streams, pollute downstream water, and harm the fish and other aquatic species that live 
there. 

The construction guidelines given here are designed to get the job done the most effective 
way, at the least cost, and still reduce erosion and sedimentation to minimum. The 
elements to consider in road construction are: planning, location, construction, 
maintenance, and closure.

Planning: Planning should always be done before starting any road construction. It is 
important to know approximately where the road will go, what materials are needed, and 
what the cost will be before any construction begins. Without proper planning, money 
can be wasted, logging costs can go up, and erosion and environmental impact can be 
extreme. 

Minimize the number of roads constructed through comprehensive road planning.

(Photograph of a car heading down a road towards the end). 

[Page 29]

Obtain topographic maps of the working area from the United States Geological Survey, 
or one of several other agencies to which they can refer you. Aerial photographs should 
be secured, if possible.

What is the intended use of the road? Do not try to save money on construction costs and 
end up with a road that is too cheap and ineffective. Do not spend too much money on it 
if it is not necessary.    

AVOID PRACTICES THAT CAUSE EROSION. Obtain soil survey maps and 
information to determine stable and unstable soils in the working area.

Minimize stream crossings. If a stream crossing is necessary, plan to cross at a right angle 
to the stream. 

Make sure road curves are large enough to handle loaded log trucks. There should be 
adequate sight distance, so the users of the road can see ahead. The road should be wide 
enough to handle the largest piece of machinery to be used. Do not make the road too 
steep.

Locate and evaluate the road building materials that are needed. Compare prices and 
quality of the materials. 

Prepare contracts for the work that is to be done. 

Road Location: Several locations should be considered when deciding where to put a 
road. Each possible location will have its advantages and disadvantages, and should be 
compared to other possible locations. The road should be located where the cost will be 
the least, the ease of conducting the logging operation will be the greatest, and erosion 
potential will be minimal. 

Some procedures in locating a logging road and some factors to consider:

Check your topographic maps. Mark aerial photographs with preferred and alternate road 
locations.

Check all possible road locations on the ground. Look for springs, bogs, ledges or rock 
outcroppings, and other possible hazards that cannot be seen on photographs or maps. 

Try to avoid uphill climbs. When climbs are unavoidable, try to maintain a uniform grade 
over the entire climb. This is so the logging truck does not have to change gears often. 

Avoid high road cuts and fills by following the contour of the land and varying the road 
grade. 

Each road location is unique, however, certain similarities exist from one type of location 
to another. Below are some factors to know.

Appendix E
Summary of Threatened, Endangered, and Species of Concern

Table 1: Protected and Sensitive Species

[Table has 6 columns:
SPECIES
FEDERAL STATUS
HABITAT NEEDS
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA
POTENTIAL IMPACT
MITIGATION MEASURES]

SPECIES: Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes)
FEDERAL STATUS: Endangered
3. *	Prairie grasslands
*	Found in prairie dog towns
*	Not known to occur in NM
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Candidate
HABITAT NEEDS: * Shortgrass or midgrass prairies
*	Grassy areas associated with alluvial fans at the mouths of draws
*	Grasslands where no brush is present or is sparse
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Mixed conifer
*	Oak woodlands
*	Nursery colonies found in caves, mines and Ponderosa Pine snags
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	Minimum number of snags to be left in place and not removed 
*	No large diameter tress would be cut

SPECIES: Long-eared Myotis (Myotis evoris)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Coniferous forests 
*	Day roosts in tree cavities under loose bark, caves, mines, large diameter snags
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	Minimum number of snags to be left in place
*	No large diameter trees would be cut

SPECIES: New Mexican Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius luteus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Permanent streams
*	Dense diverse streamside vegetation: grasses, sedges, forbs
*	Willows, montane meadows
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	No thinning in riparian zone

SPECIES: Occult Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus occultus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Most specimens taken near large water sources, otherwise vegetation zone unimportant for determination
*	Found in caves, cliffs, conifer snags greater than 20 inches DBH
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	Minimum number of snags to be left in place
*	No large diameter trees would be cut

SPECIES: Townsend's Big-eared Bat (Plecotus townsendii)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Habitat is geomorphically determined in rocky situations with caves and mines
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	No thinning would be conducted around cliff areas
*	Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months

SPECIES: Pecos River Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus ripensis)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Riparian areas: rivers, drainage ditches, lakes, springs
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	No thinning in riparian areas

SPECIES: Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Rocky cliffs near riparian situation
*	Summers in Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon-Juniper, spruce-fir
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months
*	No thinning would be conducted around cliff areas

SPECIES: Swift Fox (Vulpes velox)
FEDERAL STATUS: Candidate
HABITAT NEEDS: * Arid prairie lands
*	Plains-mesa sandscrub
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS:*	Mixed conifer
*	Nests in high cliffs
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	Other habitat available in surrounding area.
*	Thinning would be conducted in fall and winter months  

SPECIES: Arctic Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus tundrius)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Mixed conifer
*	Pinyon-juniper
*	Rare in NM, only known occurrence in Roswell and White Sands Missile Range
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: May occur only as migrant
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Grasslands, lowland prairies
*	Forest edges
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: May occur as migrant or as occasional on far eastern edge of project area
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Threatened, Proposed delisting
HABITAT NEEDS: * Coasts, rivers, large lakes
*	Mountains, open  country
*	Common in fall and winter in San Miguel County
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	Other habitat available in surrounding area.
*	Snags would be left in place around City reservoirs.

SPECIES: Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Prairie wetlands
*	Bogs, marshes
*	Open water, stands of cattails, rushes
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Open plains
*	Desert scrub
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Agricultural lands
*	Prairies, shrub
*	Forest edges
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: May occur only as migrant
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
FEDERAL STATUS: Threatened
HABITAT NEEDS: * Mixed conifer
*	Broad-leaved forests such as Gambel Oak, Box Elder
*	Canyons with steep sides
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	No thinning on slopes greater than 40% 
*	Minimum numbers of snags to be left in place. 
*	No large diameter trees would be cut. 
*	Other habitat available in surrounding area.
*	Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months

SPECIES: Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Proposed Threatened
HABITAT NEEDS: * Open plains
*	Shortgrass prairie
*	Sod farms
*	Common in plains areas
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Montane forests: mixed-conifer, Ponderosa Pine, subalpine fir, old-growth
*	Snags and downed timber important for prey base
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	Other habitat available in surrounding area.  
*	Minimum number of snags and downed timber would be left in project area. 
*	No large diameter trees would be cut.
*	Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months

SPECIES: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Endangered
HABITAT NEEDS: * Willows, dense vegetation generally near still waters
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	No thinning would be conducted in riparian zone and minimum 50-foot buffer would be implemented 
between equipment and streamside.
*	Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months

SPECIES: Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Open grasslands, prairies
*	Associated with prairie dog towns
*	Some mountain, alpine meadow use
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Subalpine marshes
*	Irrigated agricultural land
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Whooping Crane (Grus Americana)
FEDERAL STATUS: Experimental Population, Non-essential
HABITAT NEEDS: * Major river courses
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Lowland riparian forest (2800 feet to 7500 feet)
*	Riparian thickets
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: May occur as summer transient
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	No thinning would be conducted in riparian zone and minimum 50-foot buffer would be implemented 
between equipment and streamside.
*	Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months

SPECIES: Flathead Chub (Platygobio gracilis)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Canadian and Pecos Rivers
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Plains Minnow (Hybognathus placitus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Canadian River headwaters
*	Turbid rivers and creeks, main channels of major streams
*	Short distance upstream in tributaries of major rivers
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Flat, open, generally dry land with sparse vegetation
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: New Mexico Silverspot Butterfly (Speyeria nokomis nitocris)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Alpine and streamside meadows
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes
MITIGATION MEASURES: *	No thinning in riparian zones
*	Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months

SPECIES: Chiricahua Dock (Rumex orthoneurus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Mid- to high-elevation wetland habitats in Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Dwarf Milkweed (Asclepias uncialis)
FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern
HABITAT NEEDS: * Shortgrass prairie
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

SPECIES: Holy Ghost Ipomopsis (Ipomopsis sancti-spiritus)
FEDERAL STATUS: Endangered
HABITAT NEEDS: * Found in only one canyon in the upper Pecos River drainage of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains
POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No
POTENTIAL IMPACT: No
MITIGATION MEASURES: None required

Appendix F
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE
Environmental Assessment for Fuels Modification and Management in the City of Las 
Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico.  FEMA-1329-DR-NM

Interested persons are hereby notified that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 
is proposing to assist in the funding of fuels management activities in the City of Las Vegas in 
San Miguel County, New Mexico.  In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, the National Historic Preservation Act and the implementing regulations of FEMA, an 
Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to assess the potential impacts of the 
proposed action on the human and natural environment.
The EA evaluates alternatives that provide for compliance with applicable environmental laws.  
The alternatives to be evaluated include (1) No Action Alternative; (2) Manual and mechanical 
fuels management (Alternative 2- Proposed Action); and (3) Manual and mechanical fuels 
management followed by a broadcast burn (Alternative 3).  Fuels management activities would 
occur on approximately 478 acres of the 991 acres of City-owned land located roughly 5 miles 
from downtown Las Vegas.  This land serves as a forested buffer for the City's drinking water 
supply.

The draft EA is available for review between August 28, 2003 and September 26, 2003, at the 
City of Las Vegas building, 905 12th Street, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701, or by contacting 
Robert Tafoya at 505-454-3832 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. The EA is also 
available for review online at the FEMA website: http://www.fema.gov/ehp/docs.shtm.
Written comments regarding this action should be directed to Janet Frey, Project Manager, URS 
Group, 200 Orchard Ridge Drive, Suite 101, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.  Comments should be 
directed no later than 5 P.M. on September 26, 2003.

Appendix G
Public Comments

No public comments were received.

Appendix H
Map of Proposed USFS Gallinas Watershed Thinning Project

The figure in Appendix H shows the Santa Fe National Forest, which comprises 1.6 million acres. 
The figure also shows the U.S. Forest Service's plan to reduce fuel loads on roughly 9,000 acres within 
the Santa Fe National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service will conduct fuel load management by thinning, 
broadcast burning, creating fire breaks, and by combining all practices to reduce the forest canopy by approximately 
40 percent.