CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

3.4 Soil and Water 

3.4.1 Scope of the Analysis 

The geographic scope for the assessment of the soil and water resource conditions and potential 

effects includes the entire Payette National Forest outside the FC-RONR Wilderness. For 

organizational reasons, the Payette NF is divided into 13 smaller units called Management Areas 

(MA). MAs are organized around a combination of watershed and administrative boundaries. The 

analysis for the soil and water resources addresses changes in the type, extent, and location of 

designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access, 

designated roads, and designated motorized trails for each of the 13 MAs. 

Issues and Indicators 

Soil and Water Issue 1: The type, extent, and location of roads, trails, and motorized areas in the 

Travel Plan may degrade soil productivity, accelerate erosion, and deliver sediment to streams. 

Indicators: 

1. Percent (and acres) of the Management Area (MA) designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

2. Percent (and acres) of Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs) in designated areas open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

3. Miles of designated roads. 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high watershed 

vulnerability rating. 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails. 

Background: 

Water Quality (Accelerated Erosion and Sediment) 

Erosion occurs when energy from rainfall and runoff is sufficient to detach and move soil 

particles. Erosion and sediment occur in all watersheds as a natural geologic phenomenon. 

Management activities associated with roads and trails and cross-country motor vehicle use can 

accelerate erosion and sediment beyond the historic range of variation and geological rate 

(Satterlund and Adams 1992). 

Disturbances from roads and trails can increase erosion and sediment delivery. Existing roads and 

trails are a primary source of long-term management-related sediment. The type, extent, and 

location of a designated motorized system of roads, trails, and areas contribute to the amount of 

accelerated erosion and sediment delivered to streams. Accelerated erosion and sediment delivery 

have been identified as a primary source of water quality pollution in many Payette National 

Forest watersheds. 

Forest road and trail construction, maintenance, and vehicle use have been well documented as 

major sources of accelerated erosion and sediment. The majority of increased erosion occurs 

within the first two years after construction. Accelerated erosion and sediment from roads 

continue over the long-term as a result of traffic use, compaction, high runoff, and concentrated 

water on the road surface, ditch lines, and from relief culverts. Cut and fill slopes can also be a 

chronic source of surface erosion and mass failures (Satterlund and Adams 1992). 

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Accelerated erosion and sediment delivery from trails follow the same processes that occur from 

roads. The primary source of erosion and sediment is from the existence of a trail itself with 

accelerated erosion occurring once vegetation cover is lost. The extent of erosion is primarily 

determined by trail location and a complex interaction between topographic, soil, and geomorphic 

features. (Wilson and Seney 1994) 

Erosion will also increase based on the amount of use that occurs on a trail. Hiker, horses, and 

wheeled vehicle use all increase erosion depending on the location, amount of use, and type of 

use. Erosion increases with compaction, particle detachment, channelization. Weaver and Dale 

(1987) found that horses caused greater increases in soil compaction, litter, trail width, and depth 

compared to hikers and motorcycles. Studies in Montana have shown that horses and hikers make 

more sediment available due to detachment, than motorcycles and off-road bicycles (Wilson and 

Seney 1994). Meyer (2002) has documented that wheeled vehicles will increase erosion from 

compaction, surface subsidence, and wheel shearing and pumping. 

Soil Productivity 

Soil productivity includes the inherent capacity of a soil under management to support the growth 

of specified plants, plant communities, or a sequence of plant communities. The Forest Plan 

describes loss or degradation of soil productivity as Total Soil Resource Commitment (TSRC) or 

Detrimental Disturbance (DD) (USDA Forest Service 2003). 

TSRC is defined as the conversion of a productive site to an essentially non-productive site for a 

period of more than 50 years. In this analysis, quantifiable TSRC is associated with roads and 

trails. These areas are dedicated to a specific management use that precludes other uses of the 

land and removes the majority of the productive capability of the land. These TSRC types of 

disturbances also affect water quality, because they often create the greatest amount of 

accelerated soil erosion and thus sedimentation. 

Detrimental soil disturbance (DD) is the alteration of natural soil characteristics that results in 

immediate or prolonged loss of soil productivity and soil-hydrologic conditions. DD can result 

from off-road motorized activities and can produce unacceptable levels of soil degradation by 

compacting, moving, eroding, or puddling the soil. Motorized vehicles can damage soils directly 

from impact from surface traffic and indirectly by hydrologic modifications, soil transport, and 

deposition. Direct mechanical impact has several components - abrasion, compaction, shearing, 

and deposition that can affect the soil resource (Meyer 2002). Abrasion strips surface vegetation 

and roots. Compaction reduces soil voids and causes surface subsidence. Shearing is the 

destructive transfer of force through the soil. Displacement results in the mechanical movement 

of soil particles. Indirect impacts include hydraulic modifications, such as the disruption of 

surface water flow, reductions in infiltration and percolation, surface ponding, and the loss of 

water holding capacity (Meyer 2002). Other indirect impacts include those associated with 

erosion and the deposition of transported particles. Water quality can be degraded by erosion 

through sediment being delivered to lakes and streams. 

Motorized vehicle use off roads and trails can degrade soil productivity. Direct mechanical 

impacts have several components: abrasion, compaction, shearing and displacement. Indirect 

impacts include hydraulic modification, such as the disruption of surface water flow, reduction in 

infiltration and percolation, surface ponding, and the loss of water-holding capacity. Unauthorized 

roads and trails have the potential to accelerate erosion and sediment delivered to streams due to 

lack of design and poor location. 

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The following text provides a summary of each Soil and Water Indicator (SWI). 

SWI 1: Percent (and acres) of the Management Area (MA) designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access 

The area designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access is 

used as a general measure of potential effects to soil productivity and water quality. Limited 

motorized access includes vehicle parking and dispersed camping activities. Motorized crosscountry travel can pioneer new trails across alpine areas, wetlands, steep slopes and other areas 

with sensitive soils. Degraded areas can become environmental problems because of the effects 

on vegetation, soils, and site hydrology (Meyer 2002). Water quality is affected by accelerated 

erosion and sediment delivered to streams. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs) in designated areas open 

to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access 

Riparian areas include streams, lakes, floodplains, wetlands, swamps, bogs, marshes, seeps, and 

all adjacent riparian areas. Motorized cross-country travel can damage RCAs directly from 

surface traffic and indirectly by hydrologic modifications, soil transport, and deposition. 

Hydraulic modifications include disruption of surface water flow, reductions in filtration and 

percolation, surface ponding, and the loss of water holding capacity (Meyer 2002). Other indirect 

impacts include those associated with erosion and the deposition of transported particles. Water 

quality can be degraded by erosion through sediment delivered directly to streams. 

For each alternative, the area designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access in RCAs is used as a relative measure of potential effects to soil productivity 

and water quality. RCAs are calculated as 300 feet on each side of perennial streams and 150 feet 

on each side of intermittent streams, lakes, and ponds. Many smaller streams, springs, seeps, and 

wetlands are not recorded in the PNF Geographic Information System (GIS) and so were not 

included in the calculations. However, the changes between alternatives will remain relative to 

each other. 

This indicator is used to evaluate the differences between the No Action and the action 

alternatives from the effects of reducing the area open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or 

limited motorized access in RCAs. 

SWI 3: Miles of designated roads 

The miles of designated roads are used as a relative measure of TSRC, DD, and water quality. 

Accelerated erosion and sediment from roads continue over the long-term as a result of traffic 

use, compaction, high runoff, and concentrated water on the road surface, ditch lines and from 

relief culverts. Cut and fill slopes can also be a chronic source of surface erosion and mass 

failures (Satterlund and Adams 1992). 

TSRC, for this indicator, is determined by the extent of roads on the landscape. TSRC can affect 

water quality because it often creates the greatest extent of accelerated erosion and sediment 

delivery. DD occurs adjacent to roads from motorized cross-country travel and limited motorized 

access. DD can result from off-route motorized activities and can produce unacceptable levels of 

soil degradation by compacting, moving, eroding, or puddling the soil. Water quality is also 

affected by the extent, location, and condition of the road and the amount of use. This indicator is 

best used to evaluate the relative difference between the alternatives on the extent of designated 

roads. 

The miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails are used as a relative measure of TSRC, DD, 

and water quality. Two-wheel motorized trails can have similar effects on soil productivity and 

water quality as roads, but at a smaller degree because of the reduced width of the travel way. 

3 - 78 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
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However, these trails can create additional problems due to steep grades, lack of designed stream 

crossings, and difficulty of maintaining water management features (Meyer 2002). Off trail 

motorized vehicle use off trail can cause additional damage. This indicator is best used to 

evaluate the relative difference between the alternatives on the extent of designated two-wheel 

motorized trail. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

The miles of designated ATV and OHV trails are used as a relative measure of TSRC, DD, and 

water quality. ATV trails can have similar effects to soil productivity and water quality as roads 

but the effects differ based on the width of the travel way. As with two-wheel motorized trails, 

ATV trails create additional problems due to steep grades, lack of designed stream crossings, and 

difficulty of maintaining water management features. In addition, motorized vehicle use off the 

trail can occur, resulting in additional damage to the soil and water resources. This indicator is 

best used to evaluate the relative difference between the alternatives on the extent of designated 

ATV and OHV trails. 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating 

Subwatershed vulnerability ratings characterize the natural inherent sensitivity of a subwatershed 

to disturbance. In highly vulnerable subwatersheds, disturbance poses a higher risk of degrading 

soil-hydrologic, stream dynamic equilibrium, and riparian functions. These subwatersheds have a 

high percentage of sensitive lands with highly erodible soils, high sediment yields, and landslide 

prone areas. The miles of designated roads and motorized trails within subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating is best used as a relative measure of potential effects on water 

quality. 

SWI 7: Miles of roads and motorized trails within RCAs 

Motorized cross-country vehicle use can damage RCAs directly from surface traffic and 

indirectly by hydrologic modifications, soil transport, and deposition. Water quality can be 

degraded by erosion through sediment being delivered directly to streams. The miles of 

designated roads and motorized trails within riparian conservation areas are best used as a relative 

measure of potential effects on water quality. 

SWI 8: Number of inventoried stream crossings open to motorized use 

Sediment delivered to streams is greatest in riparian areas where roads cross the stream. Fords 

and approaches to the crossings deliver sediment directly to streams. Culverts can produce a large 

amount of sediment if the culvert plugs and fails. The number of inventoried stream crossings 

was determined based on a GIS spatial overlay of roads and motorized trails with streams. Only 

designated roads and trails and streams that are inventoried and recorded in the Forest GIS 

database were used in the analysis. Additional streams may actually occur on the landscape. 

Because not all RCAs and streams are inventoried in the GIS database it is critical to apply 

Project Design Features (PDFs) on all new designated roads and motorized trails. However, the 

changes between alternatives remain relative to each other. The number of inventoried stream 

crossings open to motorized use is used as a relative measure of potential effects on water quality. 

3.4.2 Changes between Draft and Final EIS 

Additional concerns were expressed in response to the release of the DEIS. Reponses to those 

concerns are included in Appendix F. Comments on the DEIS led to a new alternative (E). 

Changes between draft and final relevant to the soil and water analysis include: 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 79 
CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

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• Revision of numeric values for all 13 MAs and 8 Soil and Water indicators in the Chapter 3 

Current Condition and Environmental Effect tables based on the current data. Revised all 

narratives to comply with the new numbers. 

• Revised the calculations to properly display percent changes by MA for SWIs 1 and 2. 

Modified SWIs 1 and 2 to include both Percent and Acres figures to clarify and reduce 

confusion, as requested by the Nez Perce Tribe. Revised narratives for SWIs 1 and 2 to

reduce confusion. 

• Adjusted SWIs 1 and 2 values for MA 13 to reflect that there would be no areas along roads 

and trails open to limited motorized access, and that parking would be at designated sites 

only. 

• Edited Existing Condition, Water Quality section regarding erosion and sediment impact 

from hikers, horses, and wheeled vehicles use on trails, based on public comment and 

additional research. 

• Expanded the cumulative effects discussion for each management area. 

• Revised Forest Plan Consistency where needed. 

• Added 2.8 miles of ATV trail in MA 8, Kennally Creek, to reflect the Paddy Flat EA 

Decision as part of the Existing Condition (Alternative A). Since the Paddy Flat decision and 

mitigation has not been implemented, all ATV Project Design Features (PDFs) will be 

implemented before this ATV is designated on the Travel Map. 

3.4.3 Forest Plan Direction 

The Forest Plan (Forest Plan 2003) provides general direction for all Forest resources and the 

foundation for more specific direction at the Management Area level. In general, there are three 

pertinent themes associated with Forest Plan goals, objectives, standards, and guidelines for soil 

and water resources related to travel planning: 

• Adhere to the State Nonpoint Source Management Plan to best achieve consistency with 

Section 319 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. 

• Ensure that new proposed management activities within watersheds containing 303(d) listed 

water bodies improve or maintain overall progress toward beneficial use attainment for 

pollutants that led to the listing. 

• Implement watershed restoration activities by reducing road-related effects on soil 

productivity, water quality, and aquatic/riparian species and their habitats. 

The following two Soil and Water standards are central in determining if specific proposals 

follow Forest Plan Direction: 

SWST01: Management actions shall be designed in a manner that maintains or restores water 

quality to fully support beneficial uses and native and desired non-native fish species and their 

habitat, except as allowed under SWRA Standard #4 below. Use the MATRIX located in 

Appendix B to assist in determining compliance with this standard. 

SWST04: Management actions will neither degrade nor retard attainment of properly functioning 

soil, water, riparian, and aquatic desired conditions, except: a) Where outweighed by 

demonstrable short- or long-term benefits to watershed resource conditions.... 

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Desired Condition 

The following Desired Conditions listed in the Forest Plan are pertinent to this analysis (Forest 

Plan 2003: p. III-18): 

• Soil protective cover, soil organic matter, and coarse woody material are at levels that 

maintain or restore soil productivity and soil-hydrologic functions where conditions are at risk 

or degraded. 

• Soils also have adequate physical, biological, and chemical properties to support desired 

vegetation growth. 

• Riparian and aquatic ecosystems have appropriate types and amounts of vegetation. 

Management actions result in no long-term degradation of soil, water, riparian, and aquatic 

resources conditions. 

• Wetlands and floodplains are maintained where they are properly functioning, and restored 

where degraded. 

• Improving watershed conditions contribute to the de-listing of water quality limited water 

bodies to meet Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements. 

• Public waters are restored where water quality does not support beneficial uses and otherwise 

are maintained or improved. 

Additional Forest Plan direction specific to each MA is provided in the existing condition 

discussions for each MA. 

3.4.4 Existing Condition 

Water quality and soil productivity on the Payette National Forest have been directly impacted by 

the type, extent, and location of designated roads, motorized trails, and cross-country motor 

vehicle use. These impacts have affected the existing condition of all MAs to varying degrees. 

Existing Condition Common to All Management Areas 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized 

Motorized Vehicle Use 

The following effects discussions are common to non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, closed 

NFS roads, and unauthorized motor vehicle use in all MAs. 

Non-motorized trails: Maintenance is conducted on approximately 15 percent of the Forest 

trails annually. However, erosion continues on all trails. Sediment delivery is greatest where the 

trails are located in subwatersheds with high watershed vulnerability, within RCAs, and intersect 

stream crossings. 

Unauthorized roads: Unauthorized roads may or may not be open or drivable. Access may be 

physically blocked by down or live trees. These roads receive no maintenance, so most have 

drainage and erosion problems. Drainage structures such as ditches, cross-drains, waterbars, or 

dips may have never been constructed or are no longer functioning. Failures at stream crossings 

are common, resulting in erosion and sediment delivery. 

Closed NFS (Level 1 maintenance) roads: These roads are designated NFS roads that have 

been closed to use, but that may actually be operationally open. In recent years, some of these 

roads have been physically closed, waterbars have been installed, and roadbeds and cut and fill 

slopes have been scarified and seeded. Stream crossings have been stabilized by removing nonPayette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 81 
High Mod Low High Mod Low High Mod Low 

C H A P T E R 3 . A F F E C T E D E N V I RONMENT S O I L A N D W A T E R 

A N D E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S E Q U E N C E S 

functioning and old log culverts, removal of fill within the channel, and restoration and 

stabilization of stream banks. However, the majority of these roads still need to be physically 

closed and stabilized to keep them from contributing sediment to adjacent streams. 

Unauthorized motor vehicle use: Unauthorized motorized use would continue to be a problem 

that adversely affects soil productivity and water quality. The major problems occur on 

unauthorized roads, Level 1 roads posted but not physically closed, and in meadows adjacent to 

roads and motorized trails. 

Existing Condition by Management Area 

A general discussion on the landform, soils, and rivers is provided for each MA. Table SW-1 

summarizes the current condition of the soil and water resources in each MA by providing ratings 

for Subwatershed Vulnerability, Geomorphic Integrity, and Water Quality Integrity. 

Table SW-1. The Number of Subwatersheds by Vulnerability and Integrity Ratings 

and Subwatersheds with 303(d) listed streams, TMDLs, and Public Water Systems 

by MA 

Subwatershed Ratings 

MA Subwatershed Geomorphic Integrity Water Quality No. No. No. 

Vulnerability Integrity 303(d) Subs Public 

Subs With Water 

TMDLs System 

Subs 

1 5 0 0 0 3 2 0 5 0 1 0 0 

2 4 18 6 0 9 19 0 22 6 1 0 0 

3 1 4 46 0 14 37 16 20 15 4 0 2 

4 1 3 6 5 3 2 6 4 0 2 0 0 

5 1 0 8 0 1 8 1 6 2 1 0 0 

6 1 5 1 0 3 4 0 5 2 1 0 0 

7 0 7 3 3 3 4 0 8 2 3 4 6 

8 0 4 2 1 3 2 0 5 1 1 6 0 

9 1 7 1 2 5 2 4 5 0 0 0 0 

10 4 10 3 8 5 4 8 6 3 5 0 0 

11 0 6 3 4 4 1 8 1 0 0 0 0 

12 25 10 0 13 8 14 8 15 12 15 12 0 

13 4 8 2 8 3 3 4 6 4 4 0 1 

Subwatershed Vulnerability is an assessment of a subwatershed’s sensitivity to disturbance and 

its resiliency or natural ability for restoration. The disturbance may be human-caused or natural. 

This assessment uses several criteria, including soil erosion rates, natural sediment yields, and 

percentage of landslide-prone areas within the subwatershed. 

Geomorphic Integrity is an assessment and comparison of existing soil-hydrologic conditions 

with historical conditions existing prior to Euro-American settlement. Upland, riparian, and 

stream conditions are assessed to determine how their integrity and resilience may have changed 

due to effects from past or current human-caused (road construction, timber harvesting, livestock 

grazing, etc.) or natural (wildfire, floods, etc.) disturbance. Road density, landslide potential, 

historic fires, and past timber harvesting, are major factors in determining geomorphic integrity. 

Relative integrity ratings are assessed at the subwatershed scale and based on the geomorphic 

resilience of streams and wetland/riparian areas, and the ability of the system to absorb and store 

water. A subwatershed with a High Integrity rating is in good condition, near or at properly 

functioning condition, and has low risk from further disturbance. A subwatershed with Moderate 

Integrity is in fair condition, functioning at risk, and has moderate risk from additional 

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disturbance. A Low Integrity subwatershed is in poor condition, not properly functioning, and has 

high risk from additional disturbance. 

Water Quality Integrity is an assessment and comparison of existing water quality conditions 

with historical conditions that existed before Euro-American settlement. Physical, chemical, and 

biological water conditions are assessed to determine how their integrity and resilience may have 

changed due to effects from past or current human-caused (road construction, timber harvesting, 

livestock grazing, etc.) or natural (wildfire, floods, etc.) disturbance. Conditions or values 

assessed include stream bank damage, sediment loads, channel modification, flow disruption, 

thermal changes, chemical contamination, and biological stress. Relative integrity ratings are 

assigned at the subwatershed scale based on whether any designated beneficial use is not fully 

supported or any condition/value is seriously degraded. Ratings vary from high (functioning 

appropriately) to moderate (functioning at risk) to low (not functioning appropriately). 

In addition, critical designations such as Water Quality Limited Water Bodies 303(d), any Total 

Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), and Public Water System subwatersheds are listed in Table 

SW-1. 303(d) water bodies denote streams or other water bodies not meeting State Water Quality 

Standards. Public Water Systems include subwatersheds that provide surface drinking water for 

towns and communities. 

MA 1. Hells Canyon 

Elevations range from 1,667 feet at Hells Canyon Reservoir to 7,623 feet atop White Monument. 

Much of this MA contains steep canyonland breaks of the Snake River. The surface geology is 

dominated by Seven Devils volcanic rock, with scattered inclusions of metasedimentary and 

granitic rock. Soils generally have moderate to high surface erosion potential. 

The major tributary streams to the Snake River in the area are Deep Creek, Oxbow Creek, Kinney 

Creek, and Limepoint Creek. There are no natural lakes in the area, but Hells Canyon Reservoir, 

formed by Hells Canyon Dam on the Snake River, comprises 18 miles of the Management Area’s 

western boundary. 

Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Avoid ground-disturbing management activities on potentially unstable areas (high-risk 

landslide-prone areas, active portions of existing landslides...), particularly on oversteepened 

canyonland slopes in Hells Canyon, to reduce the risk of human-caused landslides (p. III-98: 

Guideline 0111). 

Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

There are an estimated 35,060 acres within the Hells Canyon MA, with 5,340 acres within RCAs. 

The entire MA is closed to cross-country motor vehicle use. However, an area (2,040 acres) 

within 300 feet of designated roads and 100 feet of motorized trails is open to limited motorized 

access for dispersed camping and vehicle parking. There are 950 acres of RCA open to limited 

motorized access. The number of miles of designated road and motorized trails and the number of 

stream crossings is relatively small for this MA. 

Subwatershed vulnerability for all five subwatersheds within the MA is rated high (Table SW-1). 

Subwatersheds with high vulnerability rating are more sensitive to disturbance. The potential for 

instability and erosion is fairly high in the oversteepened landforms that comprise much of the 

area. 

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The following table provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

Table SW-2. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 1 

MA 1: 

Soil and Water Indicators 

Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and/or limited motorized access. 

6% 

(2,040 acres) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

18% 

(950 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 1.7 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 2.9 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 0.0 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 4.6 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 0.1 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails. 0 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds are rated moderate to low indicating the MA 

has fair to poor conditions, is functioning at risk to not properly functioning, and is at moderate to 

high risk from additional disturbance (Table SW-1). 

The Water Quality Integrity rating for all subwatersheds is moderate (functioning at risk) (Table 

SW-1). The primary cause of this rating is localized impacts, including accelerated sediment and 

thermal changes due to timber harvesting, mining, livestock grazing, and wildfire. One 303(d) 

water quality limited body is listed in the MA due to historic mining problems associated with the 

Red Ledge Mine. 

MA 2. Snake River 

Elevations range from 1,750 feet on Indian Creek to 8,005 feet atop Smith Mountain. The surface 

geology is primarily Columbia River basalts, with scattered inclusions of granitic and 

metasedimentary rock. Soils generally have low to high surface erosion potential. 

All watersheds drain directly into the Snake River. The major tributary streams to the Snake River 

in the area are Indian Creek, Bear Creek, Crooked River, and Brownlee Creek. There are no 

natural lakes in the area, but three large reservoirs (Brownlee, Oxbow, and Hells Canyon) on the 

Snake River lie to the west of the area. 

Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Restore riparian vegetation and floodplain function by reducing the adverse effects of roads 

through relocation, reconstruction, or obliteration in the Brownlee Creek and Crooked River 

drainages (p. III-114: Objective 0230). 

• Initiate restoration of watershed conditions and fish habitat in the Upper Indian Creek, Upper 

Bear Creek, and Upper Crooked River, and Lower Crooked Creek subwatersheds to help 

strengthen bull trout populations (p. III-114: Objective 0231). 

• No net increase in road densities in the MPC 5.1 portion of Lower Crooked River (p. III-112: 

Objective 0217). 

Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

Table SW-3 provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

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Table SW-3. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 2 

MA 2: 

Soil and Water Indicators 

Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access. 

52% 

(77,790 acres) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

42% 

(11,330 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 270.8 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 77.7 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 2.1 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 41.7 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 73.5 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized 

trails. 288 

There are an estimated 151,590 acres within the Snake River MA, with 27,070 acres within 

RCAs. Nearly 52 percent of the MA and approximately 42 percent of the RCAs are open to crosscountry motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. Approximately 10 percent of the 

roads and motorized trails are within subwatersheds with high vulnerability and approximately 20 

percent of the roads and trails are located within RCAs. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from low to high, with the majority moderate (Table 

SW-1). The basalt geology in this area is inherently more stable and resilient than those in most 

other parts of the PNF. Greatest risks occur on the very steep landforms of the MA. 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from moderate (functioning at risk) to 

low (not functioning appropriately) (Table SW-1). Localized impacts occur from roads, timber 

harvesting, mining, wildfires, and livestock grazing. Road density within the MA is moderate to 

high. 

Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from moderate to low (Table SW-1). 

Localized impacts include sediment loading and thermal changes due to roads, water diversions, 

timber harvesting, mining, natural landslides, and livestock grazing. 

Only one of the 28 subwatersheds in this MA was listed as having impaired water bodies under 

Section 303(d) of the CWA. The pollutant concerns in this subwatershed (Dennett Creek) are 

sediment, temperature, and flow alteration. Only the upper headwaters of Dennett Creek occur on 

the PNF. The State of Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is currently completing a 

subbasin assessment and development of temperature TMDL’s for the Wildhorse River 

watershed. 

MA 3. Weiser River 

Elevations range from 3,400 feet on the Middle Fork of the Weiser River to 8,126 feet atop 

Council Mountain. Columbia River basalts dominate the surface geology, with scattered 

inclusions of metasedimentary and granitic rock. Soils generally have low to moderate surface 

erosion potential. 

The main streams in the area are Mann Creek, Pine Creek, Rush Creek, Hornet Creek, West Fork 

Weiser River, mainstem Weiser River, East Fork Weiser River, Middle Fork Weiser River, and 

Little Weiser River. The largest water body is Lost Valley Reservoir (989 acres). 

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Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Improve water quality and assist in de-listing 303(d) water bodies by reducing road-related 

accelerated sediment through a combination of road decommissioning, relocation, 

reconstruction, and maintenance in the Mann Creek, Pine Creek, West Fork Weiser River, East 

Branch Weiser River, East Fork Weiser River, Middle Fork Weiser River, and Little Weiser 

River drainages (p. III-131: Objective 0318). 

• Restore riparian vegetation and floodplain function throughout the Management Area by 

reducing road-related impacts through relocation, reconstruction, or obliteration (p. III-131: 

Objective 0319). 

• Reduce riparian road density and stream crossings in all drainages, with emphasis on those 

with bull trout populations or suitable habitat (p. III-131: Objective 0322). 

Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

The following table provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

Table SW-4. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 3. 

MA 3: 

Soil and Water Indicators (SWI) 

Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

80% 

(240,600 ac.) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

75% 

(43,160 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 815.0 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 70.9 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 21.1 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating. 11.2 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 305.9 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 762 

There are an estimated 299,990 acres within the Weiser River MA, with 57,660 acres within 

RCAs. Approximately 80 percent of the MA and 75 percent of the RCAs in the MA are open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. Only one percent of the roads 

and motorized trails are within subwatersheds with high vulnerability. However, approximately 

34 percent of the roads and trails are located within RCAs. 

The majority of this MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized 

access, so the current impacts from off-route travel are widespread. The high number of miles of 

roads and trails in RCAs (316 miles) is causing many localized impacts in adjacent riparian areas. 

Although impacts have been fairly high in some areas, the basalt landtypes and productive soils in 

this area are inherently more stable and resilient than those on other portions of the Forest. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from low to high, with the large majority being low 

(Table SW-1). The MA is located predominantly on Columbia River basalts, so impacts on 

erosion and sediment delivery from roads, trails, and off-road use is low. The exception is where 

roads and trails are adjacent to streams. 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from moderate to low, with the majority 

being low (Table SW-1). There are localized impacts from roads, timber harvesting, livestock 

3 - 86 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
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grazing, and recreation. The primary cause for the low rating is the high road density and high 

extent of past timber harvesting found in many subwatersheds. 

Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning appropriately) 

to low (not functioning appropriately) (Table SW-1). Water quality has been affected by localized 

impacts, including sediment loading and thermal changes due to water diversions, roads, timber 

harvesting, livestock grazing, and recreation. 

Four of the 51 subwatersheds in this area were listed as having impaired water bodies under 

Section 303(d) of the CWA. These subwatersheds are Johnson Creek, Lower West Fork Weiser, 

Upper West Fork Weiser, and Lower Lost Creek. A draft TMDL for the Weiser River Subbasin 

was released in 2006. The primary pollutants affecting National Forest System (NFS) lands are 

sediment and temperature. 

MA 4. Rapid River 

Elevations range from 2,200 feet on Rapid River to 8,747 feet atop Jackley Mountain. The 

surface geology is a mix of Seven Devils volcanics and Columbia River basalts, with border zone 

metamorphics in the Elk Creek area. Soils generally have low to moderate surface erosion 

potential. 

The MA comprises portions of the Rapid River, Lower Little Salmon, and Middle Little Salmon 

Watersheds that drain into the Little Salmon River Subbasin, which flows north to the Salmon 

River. Portions of the Lower Boulder Creek and Trail Creek Subwatersheds of the Middle Little 

Salmon Watershed lie within the MA. The main streams in the area are Rapid River, Boulder 

Creek, Lockwood Creek, Fall Creek, and Elk Creek. There are several high mountain lakes at the 

eastern edge of the Seven Devils Mountains, and in the upper Elk Creek drainage. 

Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Improve water quality by reducing road-related accelerated sediment through a combination of 

road closure, obliteration, decommissioning, relocation, reconstruction, and maintenance in 

the upper portion of the Lower Boulder Creek subwatershed (p. III-148: Objective 0429). 

• Restore fish habitat in the upper portion of the Lower Boulder Creek subwatershed by 

emphasizing aquatic connectivity (removal of fish barrier culverts) and reducing riparian road 

densities (p. III-148: Objective 0433). 

• Enforce motorized trail designations and restrictions with increased on-the-ground patrols to 

minimize erosion and sedimentation problems in riparian areas (p. III-149: Objective 0436). 

Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

Table SW-5 provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

There are an estimated 62,140 acres within the Rapid River MA, with 12, 330 acres within RCAs. 

Only 20 percent of this MA and 23 percent of the RCAs are open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access. Only one mile of roads and motorized trails occurs within 

subwatersheds with high vulnerability. Approximately 20 percent of the roads and trails are 

located within RCAs. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from low to high, with the majority being low (Table 

SW-1). Only a small portion of this MA is open to off-road travel, so the current impacts from 

off-road travel are localized. Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high 

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to low with half rated high. The high rating is due to the low road density within the designated 

subwatersheds. 

Table SW-5. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 4. 

MA 4: 

Soil and Water Indicators 

Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

20% 

(12,570 acres) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

23% 

(2,790 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 26.1 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 46.6 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 3.5 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating. 1.6 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 15.0 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 73 

Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning appropriately) 

to moderate (functioning at risk) (Table SW-1). Rapid River is a designated Wild and Scenic 

River with emphasis placed on maintaining its high water quality standards. Unauthorized ATV 

use has caused erosion and sediment deposition problems. Two of the ten subwatersheds in this 

area (Indian-Denny and Elk Creek) were listed as having impaired water bodies under Section 

303(d) of the CWA. The pollutant of concern for both subwatersheds is sediment. A Draft TMDL 

for the Little Salmon River was released in August 2005. 

MA 5. Middle Little Salmon River 

Elevations range from 3,800 feet to above 8,000 feet on Granite Mountain. The surface geology is 

predominantly Columbia River basalts, with border zone metamorphics along the eastern edge. 

Soils generally have low to moderate surface erosion potential. 

The MA comprises all or portions of the Middle Little Salmon and Upper Little Salmon 

watersheds that drain into the Little Salmon River Subbasin. The main streams in the area are 

Boulder Creek, Round Valley Creek, Mud Creek, Sixmile Creek, Fourmile Creek, and Threemile 

Creek. 

Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Improve water quality and geomorphic integrity by reducing road-related accelerated sediment 

throughout the Management Area (p. III-160: Objective 0518). 

• Restore riparian vegetation and floodplain function in localized areas throughout the 

Management Area by reducing road-related impacts through relocation, reconstruction, or 

decommissioning (p. III-161: Objective 0519). 

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Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

Table SW-6 provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

Table SW-6. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 5. 

MA 5: 

Soil and Water Indicators 

Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access. 

87% 

(30,910 acres) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

78% 

(6,820 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 98.3 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 3.0 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 0.0 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 0.1 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 30.9 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized 

trails. 120 

There are an estimated 35,580 acres within the Middle Little Salmon River MA, with 8,680 acres 

within RCAs. Approximately 87 percent of the MA and 78 percent of the RCAs are open to crosscountry motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. No roads or motorized trails occur in 

subwatersheds with high vulnerability, but about 30 percent are located within RCAs. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from low to high, with the majority being low (Table 

SW-1). Impacts on erosion and sediment delivery from motorized use are low. 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from moderate (functioning at risk) to 

low (not functioning appropriately), with the majority being low. Localized impacts are due 

primarily to sedimentation and stream channel modification from adjacent roads. 

Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high to low, with the majority 

moderate (Table SW-1). Localized impacts are due primarily to accelerated sediment from roads, 

timber harvesting, and livestock grazing. Two of the nine subwatersheds in the MA (Upper Little 

Salmon and Big Creek) were listed as having impaired water bodies under Section 303(d) of the 

CWA. The pollutants of concern are sediment and nutrients. A Draft TMDL for the Little Salmon 

River was released in August 2005. 

MA 6. Goose Creek/Hazard Creek 

Elevations range from 3,600 feet on Hazard Creek to 8,659 feet atop Hard Butte. The surface 

geology is a mix of Idaho batholith granitics and border zone metamorphics. Soils generally have 

moderate to high surface erosion potential, and low to moderate productivity. 

The MA contains portions of the Goose Creek, Hazard Creek, and Upper Little Salmon River 

watersheds. These drain into the Little Salmon River Subbasin, which flows north to the Salmon 

River. The main streams include Hazard Creek, Hard Creek, and Goose Creek. 

Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Improve water quality and geomorphic integrity by reducing road-related accelerated sediment 

in the Goose Creek Watershed (p. III-175: Objective 0626). 

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• Identify and implement actions to reduce impacts to soil and water from Hartley Meadows 

Road (p. III-175: Objective 0627). 

• Reduce soil compaction and restore vegetation by restricting dispersed camping to specific 

sites around Goose Lake Reservoir and Brundage Reservoir (p. III-175: Objective 0629). 

• Improve stream crossings on Forest Trails 344 and 347 to reduce impacts on water quality and 

fish habitat, and increase user safety (p. III-175: Objective 0631). 

Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

Table SW-7 provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

Table SW-7. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 6. 

MA 6: 

Soil and Water Indicators 

Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

50% 

(38,540 acres) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

57% 

(7,480 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 113.1 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 29.3 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 7.4 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 12.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 35.6 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized 

trails. 154 

There are an estimated 77,120 acres within the Goose Creek/Hazard Creek MA, with 13,100 

acres within RCAs. Approximately 50 percent of the MA and 57 percent of the RCAs are open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. Low amounts of roads and 

motorized trails occur in subwatersheds with high vulnerability are low, but 24 percent occur in 

RCAs. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from moderate to low, with the majority moderate 

(Table SW-1). Because this MA is located on basalts and border zone granitics of the Idaho 

Batholith, potential impacts on erosion and sediment delivery from roads, trails, and off-road use 

is moderate. 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from moderate to low with the majority 

being low. In the Goose Creek Watershed there are altered water flows from the reservoirs, and 

accelerated sediment from roads, timber harvesting, private land uses, and livestock grazing. 

Road densities are high. There have been fewer management-related impacts in the Hazard Creek 

Watershed, where road density is moderate. 

Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from moderate (functioning at risk) to 

low (not functioning appropriately), with the majority being moderate (Table SW-1). Water 

quality is functioning at risk in the Goose Creek Watershed due to altered water flows from 

reservoirs, and accelerated sediment from roads, timber harvesting, private land uses, and 

livestock grazing. Water quality is functioning at less risk in the Hazard Creek watershed; 

however, there is localized sedimentation from roads, timber harvesting, and unauthorized ATV 

use. One subwatershed was listed as having impaired water bodies under Section 303(d) of the 

CWA. Temperature is identified as the pollutant of concern in Brundage Reservoir. A Draft 

TMDL for the Little Salmon River was released in August 2005. 

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MA 7. Payette Lakes 

Elevations range from 5,200 feet near Payette Lake to 8,875 feet atop Sawtooth Peak. Granitic 

rocks of the Idaho batholith dominate the surface geology. Soils generally have moderate to high 

surface erosion potential. 

The MA comprises portions of the Upper Payette Lakes, Upper Lake Fork Creek, and Payette 

Lake watersheds in the Payette Lakes Subbasin, which drains into the Payette River. Main 

streams are Fisher Creek, Twentymile Creek, and North and East Forks of Lake Fork Creek. 

Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Improve water quality and geomorphic integrity by reducing road-related accelerated sediment 

in the Upper Payette Lakes and Payette Lake Watersheds, which comprise the public water 

system for the city of McCall and surroundings. Decommission existing roads in the 

watersheds that are no longer needed for public access or long-term management (p. III-189: 

Objective 0724). 

• Identify recreational campsites or parking areas that are contributing unacceptable levels of 

accelerated sediment or compaction to the Payette Lakes and Lake Fork Creek riparian areas. 

Relocate or harden sites where needed to reduce compaction and erosion to riparian areas by 

end of planning period (p. III-189: Objective 0726). 

• Maintain the meadow ecosystem and restore wet meadows in the Bear Basin area by reducing 

soil compaction, accelerated erosion, and loss of vegetation from motorized recreation. Install 

information signs and designate the area as non-motorized on the Forest Travel Map (p. III190: Objective 0727). 

• Implement watershed restoration and other management activities in the Upper Payette Lakes 

Watershed consistent with Big Payette Lake Water Quality Management Plan to address 

concerns within the public water system (p. III-190: Objective 0730). 

Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

Table SW-8 provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

Table SW-8. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 7. 

MA 7: 

Soil and Water Indicators 

Existing 

Condition 

Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

33% 

(33,550 acres) 

Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

35% 

(5,570 acres) 

Miles of designated roads. 59.1 

Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 24.8 

Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 4.5 

Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 0.0 

Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 16.6 

Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized 

trails. 61 

There are an estimated 100,730 acres within the Payette Lakes MA, with 16,060 acres within 

RCAs. Approximately 33 percent of the MA and 35 percent of the RCAs are open to crosscountry motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. None the roads and motorized trails 

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are within subwatersheds with high vulnerability. Approximately 19 percent of the roads and 

trails are located within RCAs. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from moderate to low, with the majority moderate 

(Table SW-1). Because this MA is located on metamorphic and border zone granitics of the Idaho 

Batholith, potential impacts on erosion and sediment delivery from roads, trails, and off-road use 

is moderate. 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high to moderate to low. In 1994 

wildfires burned a large portion of the MA. Past road building, timber harvesting, livestock 

grazing, and recreation have had additional localized impacts on stream sediment levels and 

riparian vegetation. Road densities range from low to high. 

Water Quality Integrity ratings vary from moderate (functioning at risk) to low (not functioning 

appropriately), with the majority being moderate (Table SW-1). Past road construction, timber 

harvesting, livestock grazing, and recreation have had localized impacts on stream sediment 

levels and riparian vegetation. Three of the 10 subwatersheds in this area were listed as having 

impaired water bodies under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act: Payette Lake, Little Payette 

Lake, and Cougar-Pearl. The pollutant of concern is not identified. The Middle Payette Lakes, 

Little Payette Lake, North Fork Lake Creek, and East Fork Lake Creek subwatersheds have an 

assigned TMDL. 

Six subwatersheds in the MA are designated as a public water system for the city of McCall. 

MA 8. Kennally Creek 

Elevations range from 5,250 feet where Camp Creek leaves the Forest to 8,457 feet atop 

Buckhorn Mountain. Granitic rocks of the Idaho batholith dominate the surface geology. 

The MA contains portions of the Boulder Creek and Kennally Creek watersheds. The main 

streams are Boulder Creek, Rapid Creek, and Kennally Creek. 

Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Work with the State of Idaho to de-list Cascade Reservoir drainages from their impaired water 

bodies list by having a qualified resource specialist participate as a member of the Technical 

Advisory Committee, who will help identify appropriate watershed restoration projects to 

reduce sediment and phosphorus inputs to the reservoir (p. III-202: Objective 0822). 

• Reduce impacts to Kennally Creek, Powelson Creek, and Rapid Creek riparian areas from 

recreation sites or uses. Identify campsites or parking areas that are contributing unacceptable 

levels of accelerated sediment, compaction, or vegetation loss to the creek riparian areas. 

Rehabilitate, relocate, or harden sites where needed to reduce impacts (p. III-202: Objective 

0823). 

• Increase riparian vegetation and hydrologic function by decommissioning roads within 

riparian areas and returning road surfaces, cuts, and fills to productivity (p. III-202: Objective 

0824). 

• Management activities will result in a net reduction in accelerated sediment and phosphorus 

levels to comply with the Total Maximum Daily Load objective for Cascade Reservoir (p. III202: Objective 0825). 

3 - 92 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
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Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

Table SW-9 provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

Table SW-9. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 8 

MA 8: 

Soil and Water Indicators 

Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

39% 

(13,370 acres) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

43% 

(3,540 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 26.1 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 22.5 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 2.8 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating. 0.1 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 22.5 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 52 

There are an estimated 34,300 acres within the Kennally Creek MA, with 8,380 acres within 

RCAs. Approximately 39 percent of the MA and 43 percent of the RCAs are open to crosscountry motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. Approximately 44 percent of the 

roads and trails are located within RCAs. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from low to moderate, with the majority being 

moderate (Table SW-1). 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning appropriately) to 

moderate (functioning at risk) to low (not functioning appropriately). There are localized impacts 

from roads, timber harvesting, livestock grazing, and recreation in the roaded portion of the area. 

Impacts include accelerated sediment, stream bank degradation, and stream channel modification. 

Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from moderate to low, with the 

majority being moderate. There are localized impacts in the roaded portions primarily from roads 

and timber harvesting. Accelerated phosphorus and sediment contributions from this area flow 

downstream to Cascade Reservoir, which is listed as an impaired water body under Section 

303(d) of the CWA, with an assigned TMDL. In 1998, a Watershed Management Plan was 

developed for the reservoir and its tributaries to address water quality concerns. The plan calls for 

a thirty percent reduction in sediment within the watershed. Roads, timber harvesting, livestock 

grazing, and recreation are the primary causes of accelerated sediment in this area. All of the 

subwatersheds in this area have an assigned TMDL. 

MA 9. Lake Creek/French Creek 

Elevations range from 2,900 feet on Lake Creek to 8,841 feet atop Patrick Butte. The surface 

geology is primarily granitic rock from the Idaho Batholith, with localized volcanic rock in the 

Lava Ridge area. Soils generally have moderate to high surface erosion potential. 

The MA comprises portions of the Allison-Lake, Partridge-Kelly, and French Creek Watersheds 

that drain directly into the Salmon River in the Lower Salmon River Subbasin. The main streams 

in the area are Lake Creek, Partridge Creek, Elkhorn Creek, French Creek, and Little French 

Creek. Most of the high mountain lakes are in the area around Hard and Patrick Buttes. 

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Forest Plan Direction 

Forest-wide direction applies. There is no specific soil and water resource direction for the Lake 

Creek/French Creek Management Area pertinent to this analysis. 

Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

Table SW-10 provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

There are an estimated 83,740 acres within the Lake Creek/French Creek MA, with 13,980 acres 

within RCAs. Only 8 percent of the MA and approximately 8 percent of the RCAs are open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. Only six percent of the roads 

and motorized trails are within subwatersheds with high vulnerability and 20 percent of the roads 

and trails are located within RCAs. 

Table SW-10. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 9. 

MA 9: 

Soil and Water Indicators 

Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

8% 

(6,380 acres) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

8% 

(1,160 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 20.9 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 85.1 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 0.3 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating. 8.2 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 22.5 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 101 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from low to high, with the majority being moderate 

(Table SW-1). The MA is located on basalts and border zone granitics, so impacts on erosion and 

sediment delivery from roads, trails, and off-road use is moderate. 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning appropriately) to 

low (not functioning appropriately) with the majority rated as moderate (functioning at risk). 

Localized sedimentation occurs from roads, timber harvesting, livestock grazing, and dispersed 

recreation. Road densities are low to moderate. 

Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning appropriately) 

to moderate (functioning at risk) (Table SW-1). There is localized accelerated sediment from 

roads, timber harvesting, livestock grazing, and dispersed recreation. No 303(d) listed water 

bodies or TMDLs are associated with this MA. 

MA 10. Fall Creek/Warren Creek 

Elevations range from 1,950 feet on the Salmon River to 8,533 feet atop Steamboat Mountain. 

The surface geology is mostly metamorphic, with granites of the Idaho batholith occurring mostly 

at higher elevations. Soils generally have moderate to high surface erosion potential. 

The MA comprises portions of the Fall-Carey, California-Bull, and Warren Creek watersheds. 

Major streams include Fall Creek, Carey Creek, California Creek, and Warren Creek. 

3 - 94 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
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Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Work with the State of Idaho to address problems in Warren Creek that have caused it to be 

listed as a Water Quality Limited water body (p. III-224: Objective 1020). 

• Improve water quality and geomorphic integrity by reducing accelerated sediment from roads 

in the Fall Creek Watershed, and from roads and mining in the Warren Creek and CaliforniaBull Watersheds (p. III-224: Objective 1021). 

• Reduce impacts to Warren Creek and tributary riparian areas from recreation sites or uses. 

Identify recreational camping sites or parking areas that are contributing unacceptable levels 

of accelerated sediment, compaction, or vegetation loss. Rehabilitate, relocate, or harden sites 

where needed to reduce impacts (p. III-224: Objective 1023). 

• Increase riparian vegetation and hydrologic function by decommissioning roads within 

riparian areas, returning road surfaces, ruts, and fills to productivity, and restoring abandoned 

mine sites (p. III-224: Objective 1024). 

• Address sediment concerns caused by motorized use at the Warren and Steamboat Creek fords 

(p. III-224: Objective 1026). 

• Evaluate strategies to reduce accelerated sediment and riparian impacts associated with the 

Carey Creek Road (Forest Road 318) (p. III-224: Objective 1027). 

• Restore fish habitat degradation in Upper Warren Creek due to road impacts from past mining 

activities (p. III-224: Objective 1029). 

Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

Table SW-11 provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

Table SW-11. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 10. 

MA 10: 

Soil and Water Indicators Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

43% 

(45,950 ac.) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

44% 

(8,090 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 54.4 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 19.6 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 10.5 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating. 3.3 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 16.5 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 49 

There are an estimated 105,830 acres within the Fall Creek/Warren Creek MA, with 18,190 acres 

within RCAs. A little more than 43 percent of the MA and approximately 44 percent of the RCAs 

are open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. Most of this open 

area is in the Warren Creek watershed and adjacent tributaries to the Main Salmon River. Only a 

small portion of the roads and motorized trails are within subwatersheds with high vulnerability 

and 19 percent of the roads and trails are located within RCAs. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from low to high, with the majority being moderate 

(Table SW-1). Because this MA is located on basalts and border zone granitics, impacts on 

erosion and sediment delivery from roads, trails, and off-road use is moderate. 

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Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning appropriately) to 

moderate (functioning at risk) to low (not functioning appropriately). Some areas of the Warren 

Creek and California-Bull Watersheds have localized and intensive impacts to stream channels 

and riparian areas from historic dredge mining, as well as accelerated sediment from roads and 

placer and hard rock mining. Some areas of the Fall Creek Watershed have accelerated sediment 

levels associated with roads and past timber harvesting. 

Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning appropriately) 

to moderate (functioning at risk) to low (not functioning appropriately) (Table SW-1). The East 

Fork Fall Creek has accelerated sediment levels associated with roads. Some areas of the Warren 

Creek Watershed have localized, intensive impacts to stream channels and riparian areas from 

historic dredge mining, as well as accelerated sediment from roads, dispersed recreation, and 

placer and hard rock mining. 

Five of the seventeen watersheds in the MA (Lower Warren Creek, Middle Warren Creek, Upper 

Warren Creek, Steamboat Creek, and Schissler Creek) were listed as having impaired water 

bodies under Section 303(d) of the CWA. The pollutant of concern is habitat alteration. The State 

of Idaho recently completed a subbasin assessment that recommends de-listing these water 

bodies. There are currently no TMDLs associated with this area. 

MA 11. Upper Secesh River 

Elevations in MA 11 range from 5,500 feet on the Secesh River to 8,751 feet atop Bear Pete 

Mountain. The MA contains large areas of meadows and wetlands along the valley bottoms. The 

surface geology is dominated by granitic rock from the Idaho batholith, with scattered inclusions 

of metamorphic rock. Soils generally have moderate surface erosion potential on the depositional 

lands and moderately high to high potential on the glaciated mountain and fluvial landforms. 

The MA comprises portions of the Upper Secesh and Lake Creek Watersheds of the South Fork 

Salmon River Subbasin. The major streams in the area are the Secesh River and its main 

tributaries: Lake Creek, Summit Creek, Grouse Creek, and Victor Creek. 

Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Improve water quality and geomorphic integrity by reducing road-related accelerated sediment 

in the Upper Secesh Watershed. Specific examples include the Marshall Meadows (325) 

Josephine Lake (315), Grouse Creek (325), and Chimney Rock (335) Roads (p. III-236: 

Objective 1122). 

• Relocate or decommission portions of the Grouse Creek Road to improve water quality and 

fish habitat for bull trout, Chinook salmon, and steelhead in the Grouse Creek subwatershed 

(p. III-236: Objective 1124). 

• Restore or maintain riparian area composition, structure, and function in localized areas of the 

Upper Lake Creek, Bear Pete-Threemile, Grouse Creek, and Lower Lake Creek 

subwatersheds by improving riparian vegetation and hydrologic function through 

decommissioning or obliterating roads within riparian areas and returning road surfaces, cuts, 

and fills to productivity (p. III-236: Objective 1125). 

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Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

Table SW-12 provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

Table SW-12. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 11. 

MA 11: 

Soil and Water Indicators 

Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

30% 

(25,250 acres) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

35% 

(5,170 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 33.8 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 29.9 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 12.9 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating. 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 23.1 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 56 

There are an estimated 83,570 acres within the Upper Secesh MA, with 14,860 acres within 

RCAs. Less than 30 percent of the MA and approximately 35 percent of the RCAs are open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. Over half of the open area is in 

the zone of limited motorized access. None of the roads and motorized trails is within 

subwatersheds with high vulnerability and approximately 30 percent of the roads and trails are 

located within RCAs. This MA is characterized by large meadows within the valley bottoms 

adjacent to streams. There is a relative moderate impact on soil productivity and water quality and 

along the existing road and trail network, especially associated with both large and isolated 

wetlands. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from low to moderate, with the majority moderate 

(Table SW-1). Because this MA is located on border zone granitics, impacts on erosion and 

sediment delivery from roads, trails, and off-road use is moderate. 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning appropriately) to 

low (not functioning appropriately). Localized accelerated sediment and stream channel 

modification occurs, primarily from roads and ATV trails. 

The primary concern with water quality is sedimentation associated with the roaded portion of 

this MA. Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning 

appropriately) to moderate (functioning at risk). Localized accelerated sediment occurs, primarily 

from roads, grazing, and timber harvesting. No impaired water bodies listed under Section 303(d) 

of the CWA and no TMDL-assigned subwatersheds occur in this MA. 

MA 12. South Fork Salmon River 

Elevations range from 2,180 feet on the South Fork Salmon River to 9,322 feet atop North Loon 

Mountain. The South Fork Salmon River and its main tributaries are dominated by deeply 

entrenched, steep canyonland, with slope gradients of 40 to 80 percent. Granitic rocks of the 

Idaho batholith and scattered Paleozoic metamorphic rocks dominate the surface geology. Soils 

generally have moderately high to high surface erosion potential. 

The MA comprises portions of six watersheds (5th field hydrologic unit) in the South Fork 

Salmon River Subbasin: Lower Secesh, Lower South Fork Salmon River, Middle South Fork 

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Salmon River, Lower East Fork South Fork Salmon River, Buckhorn-Fitsum, and BlackmareFourmile. The major streams in the area are the South Fork Salmon River, Secesh River, East 

Fork South Fork Salmon River, Lick Creek, Pony Creek, Elk Creek, Fitsum Creek, Buckhorn 

Creek, Fourmile Creek, and Blackmare Creek. 

Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Improve water quality and geomorphic integrity by implementing watershed restoration and 

reducing accelerated sediment impacts in localized areas of the Management Area (p. III-252: 

Objective 1234). 

• Assist in de-listing South Fork Salmon River from the State of Idaho’s impaired water bodies 

list by applying appropriate and active watershed restoration to reduce sediment, which is the 

identified pollutant of concern (p. III-252: Objective 1235). 

• Rehabilitate, decommission, or stabilize Forest Trail 076 (Davis Ranch Road) to reduce 

accelerated erosion and sedimentation (p. III-252: Objective 1236). 

• Restore or maintain riparian area composition, structure, and function in localized areas of the 

South Fork Salmon River drainage by improving riparian vegetation and hydrologic function 

through decommissioning or obliterating roads within riparian areas and returning road 

surfaces, cuts, and fills to productivity (p. III-252: Objective 1237). 

• Reduce impacts to riparian areas from recreation sites or uses. Identify recreational campsites 

or parking areas that are contributing unacceptable levels of accelerated sediment, compaction, 

or vegetation loss. Rehabilitate, relocate, or harden sites where needed to reduce impacts (p. 

III-252: Objective 1238). 

• Inventory existing unauthorized roads within the Management Area to identify watershed 

improvement opportunities (p. III-253: Objective 1240). 

Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

Table SW-13 provides the current numbers for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

Table SW-13. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 12. 

MA 12: 

Soil and Water Indicators Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access. 

10% 

(35,580 acres) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

14% 

(9,780 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 83.1 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 163.6 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 8.1 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 217.2 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 92.7 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized 

trails. 221 

There are an estimated 100,270 acres within the Big Creek/Stibnite MA, with 16,480 acres within 

RCAs. Less than 10 percent and approximately 14 percent of the RCAs of the MA are open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. Over half of the open area is 

within the area of limited motorized access. The other is located in the Lower South Fork Salmon 

River Basin on the McCall Ranger District. More than 85 percent of the roads and motorized 

trails are within subwatersheds with high vulnerability and approximately 36 percent of the roads 

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and trails are located within RCAs. There is a relative high impact on soil productivity and water 

quality localized along the existing road and trail network. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from moderate to high, with the majority high (Table 

SW-1). The majority of this MA is located on fluvial granitics of the Idaho Batholith, so impacts 

on erosion and sediment delivery from roads, trails, and off-road use are high. 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high to low. Localized impacts 

from roads include accelerated sediment and stream channel modification. 

Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning appropriately) 

to moderate (functioning at risk) to low (not functioning appropriately). Localized impacts from 

roads, mining, and recreation are primarily related to sedimentation for sections of the South Fork 

Salmon River and East Fork South Fork. 

Fifteen of the 35 subwatersheds in this area were listed as having impaired water bodies under 

Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The pollutants of concern are sediment and metals. There 

is a TMDL associated with the subbasin addressing these segments. 

MA 13. Big Creek/Stibnite 

Elevations range from 5,250 feet on the East Fork South Fork River to 9,233 feet atop Greeley 

Mountain. The area is predominantly underlain by granites of the Idaho batholith and associated 

metamorphic roof pendants, mostly quartzite, marble, and calc-silicates. Soils generally have 

moderate to high surface erosion potential. 

The MA comprises portions of four watersheds that extend across three subbasins. Part of the MA 

is in the Upper East Fork South Fork watershed of the South Fork Salmon River subbasin. 

However, the area also includes a long cherry stem into the Upper Monumental Creek watershed 

of the Lower Middle Fork Salmon subbasin, with a small portion in the Upper Marble Creek 

watershed of the Upper Middle Fork Salmon subbasin. The Big Creek area comprises a portion of 

the Upper Big Creek watershed in the Lower Middle Fork Salmon subbasin. The major streams in 

the area are the East Fork South Fork Salmon River, Big Creek, Profile Creek, and Monumental 

Creek. No Mans-Boulder subwatershed is considered part of the state-regulated public water 

system for the community of Yellow Pine. 

Forest Plan Direction 

The following Soil and Water Resource Management Direction (Forest Plan 2003) has been 

developed specifically for this area and is pertinent to this analysis: 

• Restore or maintain riparian area composition, structure, and function in localized areas of the 

Upper East Fork South Fork Salmon River drainage by improving riparian vegetation and 

hydrologic function through decommissioning or obliterating roads within riparian areas and 

returning road surfaces, cuts, and fills to productivity (p. III-264: Objective 1315). 

• Reduce impacts to riparian areas from recreation sites or uses. Identify recreational campsites, 

parking areas, or trails that are contributing unacceptable levels of accelerated sediment, 

compaction, or vegetation loss. Rehabilitate, relocate, or harden sites where needed to reduce 

impacts (p. III-264: Objective 1317). 

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Current Travel Access Effects on Water Quality and Soil Productivity 

The following table provides the current number for each Soil and Water Indicator. 

Table SW-14. Existing Condition of Soil and Water Indicators for MA 13. 

MA 13: 

Soil and Water Indicators 

Existing 

Condition 

1. Percent (and acres) of the MA designated open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 

6% 

(5,470 acres) 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to crosscountry motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. 17% 

(2,800 acres) 

3. Miles of designated roads. 35.1 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 6.0 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 4.9 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating. 8.5 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs. 23.0 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 41 

The entire MA is closed to motorized cross-country vehicle use with the exception of 5,550 acres 

open to limited motorized access (300 feet on each side of designated roads and 100 feet on each 

side of motorized trails). Approximately 17 percent (2,840 acres) of the RCAs are open to limited 

motorized access. Approximately 18 percent of the motorized trails are within subwatersheds 

with high vulnerability and 50 percent of the roads and trails are located within RCAs. 

Subwatershed Vulnerability ratings range from low to high, with the majority being moderate 

(Table SW-1). Because the majority of this MA is located on fluvial granitics of the Idaho 

Batholith, impacts on erosion and sediment delivery from roads, trails, and off-road use is 

moderate to high. 

Geomorphic Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high to low. The Upper East Fork 

South Fork Watershed has impacts from past mining operations and roads, including accelerated 

sediment, chemical contamination, and channel modification. Big Creek and Upper Monumental 

Creek watersheds also have impacts from past mining operations and roads. Impacts are 

accelerated sediment and channel modification. 

Water Quality Integrity ratings for the subwatersheds vary from high (functioning appropriately) 

to moderate (functioning at risk) to low (not functioning appropriately) (Table SW-1). Watersheds 

also have localized impacts from past mining operations and roads. Impacts are accelerated 

sediment and channel modification. 

Five of the 14 subwatersheds in the area (Upper Monumental Creek, No Mans-Boulder, Sugar 

Creek, and Upper East Fork South Fork Salmon River) were listed as having impaired water 

bodies under Section 303(d) of the CWA. The pollutants of concern are sediment and metals. 

There are no TMDL-assigned subbasins associated with this MA. 

3.4.5 Environmental Consequences 

Introduction 

The type, extent, and location of designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or 

limited motorized access and designated roads and motorized trails have an effect on soil 

productivity and water quality. Soil productivity is generally assessed by Total Soil Resource 

Commitment (TSRC) and soil detrimental disturbance (DD). (Forest Plan 2003: p. III-21). Water 

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AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

quality is affected by accelerated erosion and sediment delivered to streams. The following is a 

general discussion of the eight Soil and Water Indicators (SWIs) and how they are used to 

evaluate the differences between alternatives on the soil and water resources. 

Direct and Indirect Effects Common to All Management Areas 

The following is a discussion of the eight Soil and Water indicators (SWIs) common to all 

Management Areas. The discussion centers on how they are used to evaluate the differences 

between alternatives on the soil and water resources. 

SWI 1: Percent (and acres) of the Management Area designated open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access 

In all action alternatives across all MA’s, limited access for parking and dispersed camping would 

be allowed within 300 feet of a designated road and within 100 feet of a designated motorized 

trail. The exception is in the Lake Creek area of Management Area 11, areas with northern Idaho 

ground squirrel colonies, and on the Krassel Ranger District in Management Area 12 and 13, 

where travel off of designated routes would not be allowed for any purpose. In these areas, off 

road travel would be limited to designated parking areas along short road sections. 

Detrimental Disturbance (DD) should be reduced with implementation of Alternatives B, C, D, 

and E due to the reduction of areas open to motorized cross-country vehicle use. DD would 

continue to occur along designated roads and motorized trails due to permitted limited access for 

parking and dispersed camping in those areas. With proper education and enforcement, 

unauthorized DD should be limited in areas closed to motorized cross-country vehicle use. 

TSRC would remain the same in all alternatives because this project does not propose to remove 

any roads and trails from the landscape. In all alternatives, TSRC may increase along designated 

roads and motorized trials due to permitted limited motorized access along those areas. 

Water quality is expected to improve with the reduction of areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized access. There would be a slight improvement due to the 

elimination of motorized use on and adjacent to the open unauthorized roads. However, 

accelerated erosion and sediment delivery would continue from these unauthorized roads until 

such time as restoration plans are made and implemented. Adverse effects to water quality are 

expected to continue on areas open to limited motorized access along the designated roads and 

motorized trails. 

This indicator is best used to evaluate the differences between the No Action and the action 

alternatives from the effects of reducing the area open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or 

limited motorized access. 

General Effects Common to All Management Areas (MAs) 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

The following general effects discussions are common to non-motorized trails, unauthorized 

roads, closed NFS roads, and unauthorized motor vehicle use in all MAs. 

Non-motorized trails: Maintenance is conducted on approximately 15 percent of the Forest 

trails annually. However, erosion continues on all trails. Sediment delivery is greatest where the 

trails are located in subwatersheds with high watershed vulnerability, within RCAs, and intersect 

stream crossings. 

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Unauthorized roads: Unauthorized roads may or may not be open or drivable. Access may be 

physically blocked by down or live trees. These roads receive no maintenance, so most have 

drainage and erosion problems. Drainage structures such as ditches, cross-drains, waterbars, or 

dips may have never been constructed or are no longer functioning. Failures at stream crossings 

are common, resulting in erosion and sediment delivery. 

Closed NFS (Level 1 maintenance) roads: These roads are designated NFS roads that have 

been closed to use, but that may actually be operationally open. In recent years, some of these 

roads have been physically closed, waterbars have been installed, and roadbeds and cut and fill 

slopes have been scarified and seeded. Stream crossings have been stabilized by removing nonfunctioning and old log culverts, removal of fill within the channel, and restoration and 

stabilization of stream banks. However, the majority of these roads still need to be physically 

closed and stabilized to keep them from contributing sediment to adjacent streams. 

Unauthorized motor vehicle use: Unauthorized motorized use would continue to be a problem 

that adversely affects soil productivity and water quality. The major problems occur on 

unauthorized roads, Level 1 roads posted but not physically closed, and in meadows and open 

slopes adjacent to roads and motorized trails. 

Direct and Indirect Effects by Management Area 

Effects of Summer Motorized Travel on Soil Productivity and Water Quality 

The tables displayed for each MA provide a numerical depiction of how the Soil and Water 

Indicators (SWIs) change in each action alternative compared with the No Action Alternative 

(Alternative A). Effects were determined to be an improvement, no change, or degradation. The 

extent of the effects is relative to each other. A negative change indicates an improvement to 

water quality or soil productivity, a positive number indicates degradation, and zero indicates no 

change. The larger the negative number – the greater relative improvement to the soil and water 

resources. The larger the positive number – the greater relative degradation to the soil and water 

resources. 

MA 1. Hells Canyon 

Table SW-15 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

SWI 1: Percent (and acres) of MA open to cross-country motor vehicle use and open to limited 

motorized access for parking 

Because the majority of the 35,063 acre Hells Canyon Management Area (MA) is currently 

closed to cross-country motor vehicle use (with the exception of 2,040 acres open to limited 

motorized access) there would be little to no change on the soil and water resources from the 

action alternatives. Alternative C would increase limited cross-country motorized access for 

parking within the MA by about +50 acres (less than 1 percent) due to the increase of 2 miles of 

ATV trail. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs open to cross-country motor vehicle use and limited 

motorized access for parking 

There is a total of 5,340 acres of RCAs within the Hells Canyon MA. In all alternatives, 18 

percent (950 acres) of the RCAs will remain open to limited motorized access for parking. There 

would be no change in this indicator, signifying no change between alternatives, in the potential 

to protect the soil and water resources over the No Action Alternative. 

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Table SW-15. Effects on the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 1 

MA 1: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA designated open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

6% 

2,040 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

0% 

+50 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in areas open to crosscountry motor vehicle use and/or limited motorized 

access. 

18% 

950 acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 1.7 0 0 0 0 0 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails. 2.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails. 0.0 0.0 0.0 +2.0 0.0 0 

6. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in 

subwatersheds with high vulnerability rating. 4.6 0.0 0.0 +1.9 0.0 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within 

RCAs. 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

8. Number of inventoried stream crossings on 

designated roads and motorized trails. 31 0 0 0 0 0 

SWI 3 & 4: Miles of designated roads & Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails 

There would be no change in DD and water quality along the designated roads. In all alternatives, 

there would be no change in TSRC since there would be no change in the amount of roads and 

two-wheel motorized trails. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

In Alternative B, D, and E, there would be no change in DD and water quality. In Alternative C, 

this indicator shows a potential degrade in DD and water quality due to the increase in 2.0 miles 

of ATV trails. In all alternatives, TSRC would not change because no road and trails would be 

removed or added to the landscape. 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high watershed 

vulnerability rating 

In Alternative C, opening 1.9 miles of a closed NFS road to ATV use in subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating indicates a potential degrade in water quality. 

SWI 7 & 8: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs & Number of 

inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In all alternatives, there would be no change in the amount of motorized roads and trails within 

RCAs and no change in the number of inventoried stream crossings. In all alternatives, these 

indicators signify there would be no changes to water quality associated with roads or trails 

within RCA’s or crossing streams. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 1 

MA 1 is comprised mostly of steep canyonland breaks of the Snake River. The primary 

management prescription for this MA is “4.1a-Undeveloped Recreation: Maintain Inventoried 

Roadless Areas.” Based on the steep inaccessible terrain, dominant NFS land ownership within 

the MA, and limited extent of other activities identified below. Based on this, proposed changes 

in travel management associated with this project are not expected to contribute to cumulative 

effects to the soil or water resource. 

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Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects to soil and water resources would continue from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, 

closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use. About 36 miles of non-motorized trail are located in 

subwatersheds with high watershed vulnerability. The MA contains 15.7 miles of closed NFS 

roads. Unauthorized motorized use would continue to be a problem that adversely affects soil 

productivity and water quality. Problems are expected to occur adjacent to designated roads and 

motorized trails, especially on the open rangelands and ridge tops. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that contribute to cumulative effects on the soil and water 

resources include livestock grazing, fire suppression, firewood cutting, and dispersed recreation. 

No new projects are proposed for this MA (Appendix D). 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 1 

There is no difference between Alternatives A (Existing Condition) and Alternatives B, D, and E 

within MA 1. Hells Canyon MA is currently closed to all cross country motorized vehicle use. 

The Existing Condition and all action alternatives allow for travel up to 300 feet for parking and 

dispersed camping. Alternative C opens a closed system road and designates that road open to 

ATV use. This designation would only occur once Project Design Features (PDFs) are applied. 

PDFs are expected to minimize impacts to the soil and water resources, and thus minimize the 

potential cumulative effects. While no foreseeable projects have been identified, opportunities for 

soil and water improvements include decommissioning of unauthorized roads and closed NFS 

roads. Based on the steep inaccessible terrain, dominant NFS land ownership within the MA, and 

limited extent of other activities identified above, the cumulative effects for all alternatives are 

likely to be maintained at the existing condition. There are very little differences between any of 

the alternatives. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

Alternatives B, C, D, and E would be in compliance with Guideline 0111 to “avoid [new] grounddisturbing management activities on potentially unstable areas...” In Alternative C, the proposed 

ATV route on an existing closed NFS road could not be used until after Project Design Features 

(PDFs) are applied. PDFs are designed to minimize the additional adverse effects on the soil and 

water resources. 

No activities are proposed in MA 1 to move toward Desired Conditions for soil and water 

resources. The existing closure to cross-country motor vehicle use (with the exception of limited 

motorized access for parking) provides maintenance and protection to the soil and water 

resources. 

Alternative C, Proposal 1-1, would not be consistent with the Forest Plan for protection of the soil 

and water resources. This proposal opens a closed system road in a closed area and designates 

that road open to ATV use. The problem is that there are no activities proposed in MA 1 to move 

toward Desired Conditions for soil and water resources. Proposal 1-1, would require a one-time, 

site-specific, non-significant amendment for Forest Plan Standard SWST04: “Management 

actions will neither degrade nor retard attainment of properly functioning soil, water, riparian, and 

aquatic desired conditions, except: a) Where outweighed by demonstrable short- or long-term 

benefits to watershed resource conditions” (Forest Plan: p. III-22) 

3 - 104 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
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AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

MA 2. Snake River 

Table SW-16 provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each indicator 

describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

Table SW-16. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 2 

MA 2: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

52% 

77,790 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

-36% 

-54,210 

acres 

-35% 

-53,630 

acres 

-36% 

-54,210 

acres 

-35% 

-53,810 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in 

areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized 

access. 

42% 

11,330 

acres 

0% 

0 ac. 

-22% 

-6,023 

acres 

-22% 

-5,910 

acres 

-22% 

-6,020 

acres 

-22% 

-5,960 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 270.8 0 +2.9 +2.9 0.0 +2.9 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 77.7 0.0 -20.8 -1.0 -20.8 -12.2 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV 

trails. 2.1 0.0 +0.3 +4.9 0.0 +0.9 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subwatersheds with 

high vulnerability rating. 

41.7 0.0 -5.2 +0.8 -5.2 -4.5 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 73.5 0.0 -1.5 +4.2 -1.9 +1.1 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 

288 0 -11 +15 -16 -8 

SWI 1: Percent (and acres) of MA open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access for parking 

There is a total of 151,590 acres within the Snake River MA. In Alternative A, approximately 52 

percent (77,790 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use and open to limited 

motorized access for parking. In all action alternatives, a reduction of -35 to -36 percent (-53,630 

to -54,210 acres) of the MA open to cross-country motor vehicle use indicates a major 

improvement in the potential to protect the soil and water resources over the No Action 

Alternative. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs open to cross-country motor vehicle use and limited 

motorized access for parking 

There is a total of 27,070 acres of RCAs within the MA. In Alternative A, approximately 42 

percent (11,330 acres) of the RCAs are open to cross-country motor vehicle use and open to 

limited motorized access for parking. In all action alternatives, there is a reduction of 

approximately -22 percent (-5,910 to -6,023 acres) that are open to motorized cross-country 

vehicle use. This indicates a major improvement in potential protection of soil and water 

resources compared to the No Action Alternative. 

SWI 3: Miles of designated NFS roads 

Alternatives B, C, and E would increase open designated roads by 2.9 miles which would indicate 

a degrade to DD and water quality. In Alternatives D, there would be no change in the number of 

miles of designated roads, hence there would be no change in TSRC, DD, or water quality 

associated with designated NFS roads. 

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SWI 4: Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trail 

While Alternatives B and D would close more than 20 miles, Alternative C would close 1 mile, 

and Alternative E would close more than 12 miles of two-wheel motorized trail. In all action 

alternatives, there would be a potential improvement in DD and water quality from the closures. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

Alternatives B, C, and E would increase ATV trails by 0.3 miles, 4.9 miles, and 0.9 miles, 

respectively, and water quality would potentially degrade due to the increase of ATV trails. 

Alternative D would result in no change in the miles of ATV trail, and thus, no change in DD or 

water quality. 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high watershed 

vulnerability rating 

In Alternatives B and D there would be a reduction of 5.2 miles of motorized roads and trails 

within subwatersheds with a high watershed vulnerability rating. In Alternative E there would be 

a reduction of 4.5 miles. In Alternative C there would be a minor increase of 0.8 miles. In 

Alternatives B, D, and E, water quality would improve, while in Alternative C, water quality 

would degrade. 

SWI 7: Miles of motorized NFS roads and trails within RCAs 

Decreases of 1.5 and 1.9 miles in Alternatives B and D respectively would improve water quality. 

Increases of 4.2 and 1.1 miles in Alternative C and E would degrade water quality. 

SWI 8: Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In Alternative B, D, and E the reduction of stream crossings would improve water quality. In 

Alternative C, the additional stream crossings would degrade water quality. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 2 

Management prescriptions within MA 2 range widely from Undeveloped Recreation; Active 

Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Hydrologic Resources; to Commodity 

Production. The MA contains several private land holdings including the OX Ranch, and the 

communities of Bear and Cuprum. Based on recreation use growth trends and other uses 

identified below adverse effects on the soil and water resources are likely to increase. 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects to soil and water resources would continue from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, 

closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use. The MA contains 58.4 miles of non-motorized trail 

located in subwatersheds with low, moderate, and high watershed vulnerability. About 165 miles 

of closed NFS roads and 264 miles of inventoried unauthorized roads occur within the MA. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to cumulative effects on the soil and water 

resources include livestock grazing, fire suppression, firewood gathering, and dispersed 

recreation. Beside these activities there are two proposed projects in the MA: the Bear Tornado 

and Crooked River Vegetation Management Projects and Lick Creek Vegetation Management 

(see Appendix D). While these projects have the potential to increase adverse impacts to soil 

productivity and water quality through timber harvesting and road construction and 

reconstruction, Forest Plan direction is to minimize and avoid such effects. 

3 - 106 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
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Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 2 

Currently 48 percent of the Snake River MA is closed to all cross country motorized vehicle use. 

All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross country motorized use by an additional 36 

percent. This additional closure provides a consistent message to the public and through time and 

enforcement, new user defined roads and trails should be minimized. Approximately 14 percent 

(24,000 acres) of the area will remain open for limited access to cross-country motorized 

vehicles. This limited access is along open roads and trails where the majority of cross-country 

motorized travel currently occurs. Existing problems on open roads, closed roads, and 

unauthorized roads will still occur, in all alternatives. None of the alternatives authorizes 

watershed restoration activities. Existing unauthorized roads will not be physically blocked or 

rehabilitated and will remain on the landscape, contributing to soil and water resource 

degradation. In all alternatives, watershed improvement opportunities exist when future and 

current NEPA projects are implemented. For example, in all alternatives, the Bear Tornado and 

Crooked River Vegetation Management Project and the Lick Creek Vegetation Management 

provide opportunities to improve watershed conditions through closure and decommissioning of 

selected unauthorized roads and closed NFS roads in accordance with Forest Plan direction 

(Forest Plan 2003: p. III-60: FRGU04). 

Slight changes occur between action alternatives, based on the open or closed motorized status of 

roads and trails as disclosed by the Soil and Water Indicators (SWIs) in the Environmental 

Consequences Section. Alternatives B, C, and E converts several closed roads and unauthorized 

roads to an open road status or ATV use. For example, in Alternatives C and E, Proposal 2-11 

takes a closed road in an open area and also converts it to an open ATV trail. In Alternatives C, 

Proposals 2-12 and 2-13 take a closed road in a closed area and also converts it to an open ATV 

trail. There are little differences between Alternatives B, D, and E, except E converts less two 

wheel motorized trail to non-motorized trail. Alternative C shows the least improvement with the 

least reduction of two wheel motorized trail and more ATV trails on closed roads in both open 

and closed areas. 

Based on recreation use growth trends and other foreseeable uses within the Snake River MA, 

adverse effects of the soil and water resources are likely to increase in all alternatives. The closure 

of an additional 36 percent to cross-country motorized travel in all action alternatives should help 

incrementally reduce cumulative impacts from cross country motorized travel. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 0230 and 0231 address improving water quality by implementing watershed 

restoration activities. While outside the scope of this project, future opportunities exist to meet 

these objectives. Within the MA, all action alternatives would move toward the Desired 

Conditions for the soil and water resources by reducing the area open to cross-country motorized 

vehicle use. 

MA 3. Weiser River 

Table SW-17 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

SWI 1: Percent (and acres) of MA open to cross-country motor vehicle use and open to limited 

motorized access for parking 

There is a total of 299,990 acres within the Weiser River MA. In Alternative A, approximately 80 

percent (240,600 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use and open to limited 

motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action alternatives, a reduction of -59 

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CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

to -60 percent (-178,370 to -180,600 acres) of the MA open to cross-country motor vehicle 

indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources compared with the No Action 

Alternative. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs open to cross-country motor vehicle use and limited 

motorized access for parking 

There is a total of 57,660 acres of RCAs within the Weiser River MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 75 percent (43,160 acres) of the RCAs are open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, there is a reduction of -41 to -42 percent (-23,480 to -24,387 acres) of RCA acres 

open to motorized cross-country vehicle use. This reduction of RCA acres open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources compared 

with the No Action Alternative. 

Table SW-17. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 3 

MA 3: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators (SWI) Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

80% 

240,600 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

-60% 

-180,600 

acres 

-59% 

-178,370 

acres 

-60% 

-179,440 

acres 

-60% 

-179,230 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) of RCAs in 

areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized 

access. 

75% 

43,160 

acres 

0% 

0 

acres 

-42% 

-24,387 

acres 

-41% 

-23,480 

acres 

-41% 

-23,810 

acres 

-42% 

-24,070 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 815.0 0.0 -20.7 +1.0 -18.3 -7.1 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 70.9 0.0 -16.0 -10.5 -22.6 -9.6 

5. Miles of designated ATV and 

OHV trails. 21.1 0.0 +7.4 +30.9 0.0 +21.1 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs w/high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 

11.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 305.9 0.0 -16.8 +3.5 -19.6 -8.5 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 

762 0 -29 -1 -40 -8 

SWI 3: Miles of designated roads 

Alternatives B, D, and E would reduce designated roads by 20.7, 18.3, and 7.1 miles respectively, 

while Alternative C would increase these roads by 1.0 mile. In Alternative B, D, and E, DD and 

water quality would improve due to the reduction in designated roads. In Alternative C, DD and 

water quality would degrade due to the increase in designated roads. 

SWI 4: Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trail 

Alternatives B, C, D, and E would reduce these trails by 16.0 miles, 10.5 miles, 22.6 miles, and 

9.6 miles, respectively. In all action alternatives, DD and water quality would be improved due to 

the reduction in miles of two-wheel motorized trail. 

3 - 108 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
SOI L AND WATER CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

Alternatives B, C, and E would increase ATV trails by 7.4, 30.9 miles, and 21.1 miles, 

respectively, and water quality would likely degrade from the increase in ATV trails. There 

would be no change in ATV or OHV trails in Alternative D, therefore no change in DD or water 

quality is expected. 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high watershed 

vulnerability rating 

In this MA, only one of 51 subwatersheds is rated a having high watershed vulnerability and there 

are no differences in miles of designated roads or motorized trails among the action alternatives. 

Based on this, all action alternatives would result in no change in water quality. 

SWI 7: Miles of motorized NFS roads and trails within RCAs 

In Alternatives B, D, and E, water quality would improve due to the reduction of 16.8 miles, 19.6 

miles, and 8.5 miles of motorized roads and trails within RCAs, respectively. In Alternative C the 

increase of 3.5 miles within RCAs would degrade water quality. 

SWI 8: Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In Alternatives B, C, D, and E, water quality would improve due to the reduction of stream 

crossing by 29, 1, 40, and 8, respectively. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 3 

The dominant management prescription for this MA is Commodity Production. The MA contains 

numerous state and private in-holdings including a 28,000 acres block of state land northwest of 

Council and approximately 20,000 of private timberland south and east of Council Mountain. The 

MA forms a large semi-circle around the agricultural communities of Council, Cambridge, and 

Indian Valley. Primary uses have been timber management, livestock grazing, irrigation, and 

dispersed recreation. Based on the large extent of private lands, recreation use growth trends and 

other uses identified below – adverse effects on the soil and water resources are likely to increase. 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects to soil and water resources would continue from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, 

closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use. The MA contains 78.5 miles of non-motorized trail 

located in subwatersheds with mostly low and moderate watershed vulnerability. About 354 miles 

of closed NFS roads and 426 miles of inventoried unauthorized roads occur within the MA. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to cumulative effects on the soil and water 

resources include livestock grazing on public and private lands, fire suppression, firewood 

gathering, and dispersed recreation. Four projects are proposed in the MA: Brownlee/Seid Creek 

Improvement Thin, Lick Creek Vegetation Management Project, Upper Weiser Fire Regime/ 

Condition Class Project, Summit Gulch Vegetation Management Project, (Appendix D). While 

these projects have the potential to increase adverse impacts to soil productivity and water quality 

through timber harvesting, vegetation removal, ground disturbance, and road construction and 

reconstruction, Forest Plan direction is to minimize and avoid such effects. 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 3 

Currently only 22 percent of the Weiser River MA is closed to all cross country motorized vehicle 

use. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use by an additional 

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60 percent. This additional closure provides a consistent message to the public and through time 

and enforcement, new user defined roads and trails should be minimized. Approximately 18 

percent (60,000 acres) of the area will remain open for limited access to cross-country motorized 

vehicles. Approximately 19,000 acres will remain open to limited access within RCAs. This 

limited access is along open roads and trails where the majority of cross-country motorized travel 

currently occurs. In all alternatives, existing problems on open roads, closed roads, and 

unauthorized roads will still occur. None of the alternatives authorizes watershed restoration 

activities. Existing unauthorized roads will not be physically blocked or rehabilitated and will 

remain on the landscape, contributing to soil and water resource degradation. In all alternatives, 

watershed improvement opportunities exist when future and current NEPA projects are 

implemented. For example, in all alternatives, vegetation management projects provide 

opportunities to improve watershed conditions through closure and decommissioning of selected 

unauthorized roads and closed NFS roads in accordance with Forest Plan direction (Forest Plan 

2003: p. III-60: FRGU04). 

In general, Alternatives B, C, and E convert several closed roads and unauthorized roads to an 

open road status or ATV use. As disclosed, the majority of these conversions from closed or 

unauthorized roads to open roads or ATV trails occur in Alternatives C and E. Alternative D does 

not add any new roads or ATV trails over the existing condition and converts several two-wheel 

motorized trails to non-motorized. Most of the new road and ATV designations occur in areas that 

are currently designated open to cross country travel. These new ATV designations will only 

occur once Project Design Features (PDFs) are applied. PDFs are expected to minimize impacts 

to the soil and water resources, and thus minimize the potential cumulative effects. 

Based on recreation use growth trends and other foreseeable uses within the Weiser River MA, 

adverse effects of the soil and water resources are likely to increase in all alternatives. The closure 

of an additional 60 percent to cross country motorized travel in all action alternatives should help 

reduce impacts of creating new routes from cross country motorized travel. However, an 

estimated 354 miles of designated closed roads and 426 miles of unauthorized road remain within 

this MA, and it is expected unauthorized use may continue on many of these roads. The 

differences between the action alternatives are based on the open or closed motorized status of 

roads and trails as disclosed by the Soil and Water Indicators (SWIs) in the Environmental 

Consequences Section. Alternative D shows the greatest improvement to the soil and water 

resources, with B being similar to D. Alternatives C, shows the least improvement with E being 

similar to C. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 0318, 0319, and 0322 address improving water quality by implementing 

watershed restoration activities. While outside the scope of this project, future opportunities exist 

to meet these objectives. Within the MA , all action alternatives would move toward the Desired 

Conditions for the soil and water resources by reducing the area open to cross-country motorized 

vehicle use. 

3 - 110 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
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AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

MA 4. Rapid River 

Table SW-18 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

SWI 1: Percent of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access 

There is a total of 62,140 acres of RCAs within the Rapid River MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 20 percent (12,570 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, a reduction of -15 to -16 percent (-9,460 to -9,770 acres) of the MA open to crosscountry motor vehicle indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources compared 

with the No Action Alternative. 

SW 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access 

There is a total of 12,330 acres of RCAs within the Rapid River MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 23 percent (2,790 acres) of the RCAs are open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, there is a reduction of -17 percent (-2,120 to -2,150 acres) of RCA acres open to 

motorized cross-country vehicle use. In all action alternatives, the reduction of the RCAs open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources 

compared with the No Action Alternative. 

Table SW-18. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 4 

MA 4: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA designated 

open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and/or limited motorized access. 

20% 

12,570 

acres 

0% 

0 acres 

-16% 

-9,760 

acres 

-15% 

-9,460 

acres 

-16% 

-9,770 

acres 

-15% 

-9,510 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) RCAs in areas 

open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and/or limited motorized access. 

23% 

2,790 

acres 

0% 

0 acres 

-17% 

-2,150 

acres 

-17% 

-2,120 

acres 

-17% 

-2,150 

acres 

-17% 

-2,120 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 26.1 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 46.6 0.0 -9.0 0.0 -9.4 +1.8 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV 

trails. 3.5 0.0 -3.5 0.0 -3.5 -3.5 

5. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs w/ high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 

1.6 0.0 -0.2 0.0 -0.2 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 15.0 0.0 -1.4 0.0 -1.4 0.0 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 

73 0 -5 0 -5 0 

SWI 3: Miles of designated roads 

In all alternatives, this indicator signifies there would be no change in TSRC, DD, or water 

quality because there would be no changes in designated roads. 

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SWI 4: Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trail 

Alternatives B and D would reduce two-wheel motorized trails by 9.0 miles and 9.4 miles, 

respectively; thereby improving DD and water quality. Alternative C would cause no change. 

Alternative E would increase miles of two-wheel motorized trail by 1.8 and therefore would 

increase DD and degrade water quality. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

Alternatives B, D, and E would improve DD and water quality due to reductions in ATV trails. 

Alternatives C does not change ATV/OHV trail miles and therefore would not change DD and 

water quality. 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high watershed 

vulnerability rating 

In Alternatives B and D, the reduction of 0.2 miles of designated roads and motorized trails 

within subwatersheds with high watershed vulnerability would improve water quality. There 

would be no change in Alternatives C and E given no changes occur within high vulnerability 

watersheds. 

SWI 7: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs 

In Alternative B and D, water quality would improve from closure of 1.4 miles of motorized trails 

within RCAs. In Alternatives C and E, no change to water quality would occur with this indicator. 

SWI 8: Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In Alternative B and D, a decrease of 5 stream crossings would improve water quality. In 

Alternatives C and E, this indicator signifies no change to water quality. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 4 

The dominant management prescription for MA 4 is Passive Restoration and Maintenance of the 

Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Hydrologic resources. Private in-holdings total less than one percent of 

the MA. Based on the steep inaccessible terrain, dominant NFS land ownership within the Rapid 

River MA, and limited other activities identified below, the effects from all activities are likely to 

be maintained at existing conditions. 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use 

would continue. The MA contains 57.9 miles of non-motorized trail located in subwatersheds 

with low, moderate, and high watershed vulnerability. There are 19.6 miles of closed NFS roads 

and 4.2 miles of inventoried unauthorized roads within the MA. Unauthorized motorized use 

would continue to be a problem that adversely affects soil productivity and water quality. The 

major problems occur on closed and unauthorized roads and within meadows adjacent to 

designated roads and motorized trails. If and when closed and unauthorized roads are physically 

closed and obliterated improvements to soil productivity and water quality would occur. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonable Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonable foreseeable actions that may contribute to cumulative effects on the soil and water 

resources include livestock grazing, fire suppression, firewood cutting, and dispersed recreation. 

No projects are proposed in the MA (see Appendix D). 

3 - 112 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
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AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 4 

Currently, most (80 percent) of the Rapid River MA is closed to all cross country motorized 

vehicle use. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use by an 

additional 15 to 16 percent. This additional closure provides a consistent message to the public 

and through time and enforcement, new user defined roads and trails should be minimized within 

this MA and across the Forest. Approximately 5 percent (3,000 acres) of the area will remain 

open for limited access to cross country motorized vehicles. Approximately 700 acres will remain 

open to limited access within RCAs. This limited access is along open roads and trails where the 

majority of cross-country motorized travel currently occurs. In all alternatives, existing problems 

on open roads, closed roads, and unauthorized roads will still occur. None of the alternatives 

authorizes watershed restoration activities. Existing closed roads and unauthorized roads will not 

be physically blocked or rehabilitated and will remain on the landscape, contributing to soil and 

water resource degradation. In all alternatives, watershed improvement opportunities exist when 

future and current NEPA projects are implemented. At this time, there are no plans to implement 

watershed improvement projects within this MA. 

The primary difference between the action alternatives is that Alternatives B and D converts 

several two-wheel motorized trails and one ATV trail to non-motorized thus providing extra 

protection to the soil and water resources, while Alternative C and E maintains the existing 

condition. Based on the steep inaccessible terrain, dominant NFS land ownership within the 

Rapid River MA, and limited other activities identified above The effects from all alternatives 

and activities are likely to be maintained at or near existing conditions. Given improvements or 

no change to most SWIs, and relatively small increases in motorized use (1.8 miles of two-wheel 

trail in Alternative E) changes in travel management designations associated with action 

alternatives are not expected to contribute to measurable changes in cumulative effects on the soil 

and water resource. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 0429, 0433, and 0436 address improving water quality by implementing 

watershed restoration activities. While outside the scope of this project, future opportunities exist 

to meet these objectives. Within the MA, all action alternatives would move toward the Desired 

Conditions for the soil and water resources by reducing the area open to cross-country motorized 

vehicle use by 15 to 16 percent. 

MA 5. Middle Little Salmon River 

Table SW-19 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

SWI 1: Percent of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access 

There is a total of 35,580 acres of RCAs within the Middle Little Salmon River MA. In 

Alternative A, approximately 87 percent (30,860 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, a reduction of -67percent (-23,890 acres) of the MA open to cross-country motor 

vehicle indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources compared with the No 

Action Alternative. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 113 
CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

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Table SW-19. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 5 

MA 5: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

87% 

30,910 

acres 

0% 

0 acres 

-67% 

-23,890 

acres 

-67% 

-23,890 

acres 

-67% 

-23,890 

acres 

-67%-

23,890 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) RCAs in 

areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized 

access. 

78% 

6,820 

acres 

0% 

0 acres 

-55% 

-4,790 

acres 

-55% 

-4,790 

acres 

-55% 

-4,790 

acres 

-55% 

-4,790 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 98.3 0 0 0 0 0 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV 

trails. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs with a high 

vulnerability rating. 

0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 30.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 

120 0 0 0 0 0 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access 

There is a total of 8,680 acres of RCAs within the Middle Little Salmon River MA. In Alternative 

A, approximately 78 percent (6,820 acres) of the RCAs are open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, there is a reduction of -55 percent (-4,790 acres) of RCA acres open to motorized 

cross-country vehicle use. In all action alternatives, the reduction of the RCAs open to crosscountry motor vehicle use indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources 

compared with the No Action Alternative. 

SWI 3, 4, & 5: Miles of designated roads, Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trail, & 

Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

In all alternatives, there is no change in TSRC or DD and water quality since there would be no 

change in designated roads or two-wheel motorized and ATV trails. 

SWI 6 & 7 & 8: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating, Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within 

RCAs, Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

All alternatives show no major water quality impacts in relation to these indicators. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 5 

The dominant management prescription for this MA is “5.1-Retoration and Maintenance 

Emphasis within Forested Landscapes.” Emphasis is on restoring vegetation within the desired 

condition with commodity production an outcome. Approximately 14 percent of the MA contains 

private timber lands. Based on the large extent of private lands, recreation use growth trends and 

other uses identified below – adverse cumulative effects on the soil and water resources are likely 

to maintain at existing levels. 

3 - 114 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
SOI L AND WATER CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use 

would continue. The MA contains 7.1 miles of non-motorized trail located in subwatersheds with 

low to high watershed vulnerability, 81.3 miles of closed NFS roads, and 34.9 miles of 

inventoried unauthorized roads. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to increased cumulative effects on the soil 

and water resources include the following ongoing activities: livestock grazing on public and 

private lands, fire suppression, firewood gathering, and dispersed recreation. The Meadows Slope 

Wildland Fire Protection Project has been approved for this MA (Appendix D). 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 5 

Currently, only 13 percent of the Middle Little Salmon River MA is closed to all cross-country 

motorized vehicle use. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use 

by an additional 67 percent. This additional closure provides a consistent message to the public 

and through time and enforcement, new user defined roads and trails should be minimized. 

Approximately 20 percent (7,000 acres) of the area will remain open for limited access to crosscountry motorized vehicles. Approximately 2,000 acres will remain open to limited access within 

RCAs. This limited access is along open roads and trails where the majority of cross-country 

motorized travel currently occurs. In all alternatives, existing problems on open roads, closed 

roads, and unauthorized roads will still occur, in all alternatives. None of the alternatives 

authorizes watershed restoration activities. Existing unauthorized roads will not be physically 

blocked or rehabilitated and will remain on the landscape, contributing to soil and water resource 

degradation. In all alternatives, watershed improvement opportunities exist when future and 

current NEPA projects are implemented. Opportunities, such as the Meadows Slope Wildland Fire 

Protection Project, exist to improve watershed conditions through closure and decommissioning 

of selected unauthorized and closed roads in future project proposals in accordance with Forest 

Plan direction (Forest Plan 2003: p. III-60: FRGU04). 

There is no change in the designation of roads or trails between any of the alternatives within this 

MA. All Action Alternatives, which reduce the extent of cross-country motorized travel, should 

reduce impacts from new unauthorized roads and trails. Based on the large extent of private 

lands, recreation use growth trends and other uses identified in Appendix D – adverse cumulative 

effects on the soil and water resources are likely to maintain at existing levels. Given the 

improvements or no change in most SWIs in the action alternatives, the proposed changes in 

travel management are not expected to contribute to negative cumulative effects to the soil and 

water resource. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 0518 and 0519 address watershed restoration by reducing road-related accelerated 

sediment. While outside the scope of this project, future opportunities exist to meet these 

objectives. Within the MA all action alternatives would move toward the Desired Conditions for 

the soil and water resources by reducing the area open to cross-country motorized vehicle use by 

67 percent. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 115 
CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

MA 6. Goose Creek/Hazard Creek 

Table SW-20 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

Table SW-20. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 6 

MA 6: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

50% 

38,540 ac. 

0% 

0 acres 

-38% 

-29,220 

acres 

-38% 

-28,970 

acres 

-38% 

-29,290 

acres 

-38% 

-29,100 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) RCAs in 

areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

57% 

7,480 ac. 

0% 

0 acres 

-40% 

-5,280 

acres 

-39% 

-5,160 

acres 

-40% 

-5,290 

acres 

-40% 

-5,250 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 113.4 0 -1.0 -1.0 -1.0 -1.0 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 29.3 0.0 -8.9 0.0 -11.7 -5.2 

5. Miles of designated ATV and 

OHV trails. 7.4 0.0 0.0 +1.5 0.0 +1.5 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs w/ high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 

12.0 0.0 -2.4 0.0 -2.4 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 35.6 0.0 -4.8 +0.1 -5.4 -3.7 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads 

and motorized trails. 

154 0 -16 +1 -18.0 -14.0 

SWI 1: Percent of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access 

There is a total of 77,120 acres within the Goose Creek/Hazard Creek MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 50 percent (38,650 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and open to limited motorized access for parking. In all action alternatives, a reduction of -38 

percent (-28,970 to -29,290 acres) of the MA open to cross-country motor vehicle indicates a 

major improvement in the potential to protect the soil and water resources compared with the No 

Action Alternative. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access 

There is a total of 13,100 acres of RCAs within the Goose Creek/Hazard Creek MA. In 

Alternative A, approximately 57 percent (7,490 acres) of the RCAs are open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all 

action alternatives, there is a reduction of -39 to -40 percent (-5,160 to -5,290 acres) of RCA acres 

open to motorized cross-country vehicle use. In all action alternatives, the reduction of the RCAs 

open to cross-country motor vehicle use indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water 

resources compared with the No Action Alternative. 

SWI 3: Miles of designated roads 

In all action alternatives, a 1 mile reduction in roads would improve DD and water quality. 

3 - 116 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
SOI L AND WATER CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

SWI 4: Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails 

In Alternatives B, D, and E, reductions in these trails of 8.9 miles, 11.7, and 5.2 miles, 

respectively, would improve DD and water quality. Alternative C would not change. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

In Alternatives B and D, there would be no change in DD and water quality. The addition of 1.5 

miles of ATV trail in Alternatives C and E would potentially increase DD and degrade water 

quality. 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating 

In Alternative B and D, water quality would improve from reductions in 2.4 miles roads and 

motorized trails in high vulnerability watersheds. Alternatives C and E would not change this 

indicator. 

SWI 7: Miles of motorized NFS roads and trails within RCAs 

In Alternatives B, D, and E, water quality would improve due to the reduction of 4.8 miles, 5.4 

miles, and 3.7 miles of motorized roads and trails within RCAs, respectively. In Alternative C the 

increase of 0.1 miles within RCAs would slightly degrade water quality. 

SWI 8: Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In Alternatives B, D, and E, water quality would improve due to the reduction of stream crossings 

by 16, 18, and 14 respectively. Alternative C would indicate a degrade water quality with the 

increase of one motorized stream crossing. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 6 

Management prescriptions within the MA include Undeveloped Recreation; Roaded Recreation; 

Passive Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Hydrologic Resources; and 

Restoration and Maintenance Emphasis within Forested Landscapes. Based on the recreation use 

growth trends and other uses identified below – adverse effects on the soil and water resources 

are likely to increase in the Goose Creek area and be maintained at near existing conditions in the 

Hazard Creek area. 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use 

would continue. The MA contains 26 miles of non-motorized trail located in subwatersheds with 

low, moderate, and high watershed vulnerability. The MA contains 45.8 miles of closed NFS 

roads and 54.1 miles of inventoried unauthorized roads. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to effects on the soil and water resources 

include livestock grazing, fire suppression, firewood gathering, and dispersed recreation. The 

Meadows Slope Wildland Fire Protection Project is approved for this MA (Appendix D). 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 6 

Currently, 50 percent of the Goose Creek/Hazard Creek MA is closed to all cross-country 

motorized vehicle use. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use 

by an additional 38 percent. This additional closure provides a consistent message to the public 

and through time and enforcement, new user defined roads and trails should be minimized. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 117 
CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

Approximately 12 percent (9,200 acres) of the area will remain open for limited access to crosscountry motorized vehicles. Approximately 2,200 acres will remain open to limited access within 

RCAs. This limited access is along open roads and trails where the majority of cross-country 

motorized travel currently occurs. In all alternatives, existing problems on open roads, closed 

roads, and unauthorized roads will still occur, in all alternatives. None of the alternatives 

authorizes watershed restoration activities. Existing unauthorized roads will not be physically 

blocked or rehabilitated and will remain on the landscape, contributing to soil and water resource 

degradation. In all alternatives, watershed improvement opportunities exist when future and 

current NEPA projects are implemented. Opportunities, such as the Meadows Slope Wildland Fire 

Protection Project, exist to improve watershed conditions through closure and decommissioning 

of selected unauthorized and closed roads in future project proposals in accordance with Forest 

Plan direction (Forest Plan 2003: p. III-60: FRGU04). 

All Action Alternatives improve existing conditions by closing the Duck Lake Road 50268 

(Proposal 6-6). Alternative B, D, and E provide additional protection by converting several 

motorized trail to a non-motorized status. Alternatives D and E, designates one closed road 

(Proposal 6-8) in an open area to an open ATV trail. PDFs are expected to minimize impacts to 

the soil and water resources, and thus minimize the potential cumulative effects. This designation 

will only occur once Project Design Features (PDFs) are applied. 

Based on the recreation use growth trends and other uses identified below – adverse effects on the 

soil and water resources are likely to increase in the Goose Creek area and be maintained at near 

existing conditions in the Hazard Creek area. The closure of an additional 38 percent to crosscountry motorized travel in all action alternatives should help reduce impacts from cross-country 

motorized travel. Slight changes occur between action alternatives, based on the open or closed 

motorized status of roads and trails as disclosed by the Soil and Water Indicators (SWIs) in the 

Environmental Consequences Section. Alternatives B and D are very similar and show the 

greatest improvement. Alternatives C and E are similar in that they convert a closed road to an 

open ATV trail, with E showing a slightly greater improvement over C because of two-wheel 

motorized trail reduction. Given improvements or no change to most SWIs, and relatively small 

increases in motorized use (1.5 miles of OHV/ATV trail in Alternative C and E) and stream 

crossings (increase of 1 in alternative C) changes in travel management designations associated 

with action alternatives are not expected to contribute to measurable changes in cumulative 

effects on the soil and water resource. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 0626, 0627, and 0631 address watershed restoration by reducing sediment. While 

outside the scope of this project, future opportunities exist to meet these objectives. Objective 

0629 states, “Reduce soil compaction and restore vegetation by restricting dispersed camping to 

specific sites around Goose Lake Reservoir and Brundage Reservoir. Future opportunities exist to 

inventory and rehabilitate those sites as needed. 

Within the MA all action alternatives would move toward the Desired Conditions for the soil and 

water resources by reducing the area open to cross-country motorized vehicle use. 

3 - 118 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
SOI L AND WATER CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

MA 7. Payette Lakes 

Table SW-21 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

Table SW-21. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 7 

MA 7: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

33% 

33,530 ac. 

0% 

0 acres 

-27% 

-26,840 

acres 

-27% 

-26,840 

acres 

-27% 

-26,930 

acres 

-27% 

-26,840 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) RCAs in 

areas open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

35% 

5,560 ac. 

0% 

0 acres 

-24% 

-3,900 

acres 

-24% 

-3,900 

acres 

-24% 

-3,910 

acres 

-24% 

-3,900 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 59.1 0 +0.2 +0.2 +0.2 +0.2 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 24.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 -4.2 0.0 

5. Miles of designated ATV and 

OHV trails. 4.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs w/ a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 16.6 0.0 +0.2 +0.2 -0.3 +0.2 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads 

and motorized trails. 

101 0 0 0 -1 0 

SWI 1: Percent of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access 

There is a total of 100,730 acres of RCAs within the Payette Lakes MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 33 percent (33,530 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, a reduction of -27 percent (-26,840 to -26,930 acres) of the MA open to crosscountry motor vehicle indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources compared 

with the No Action Alternative. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access 

There is a total of 16,060 acres of RCAs within the Payette Lakes MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 35 percent (5,560 acres) of the RCAs are open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, there is a reduction of -24 percent (-3,900 to -3,919 acres) of RCA acres open to 

motorized cross-country vehicle use. In all action alternatives, the reduction of the RCAs open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources 

compared with the No Action Alternative. 

SWI 3: Miles of designated roads 

In all action alternatives there is an increase of 0.2 miles of designated road, and therefore a 

degrade in DD and water quality. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 119 
CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

SWI 4: Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trail 

Alternatives B, C, and E would show no change. In Alternative D a reduction of 4.2 miles twowheeled motorized trail would improve DD and water quality. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

In all alternatives, there would be no change in TSRC or DD and water quality. 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating 

There are no subwatersheds with a high watershed vulnerability rating in this MA. 

SWI 7: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCA 

In Alternatives B, C and E, there would be a degrade in water quality. In Alternative D, decreases 

in this indicator would improve water quality. 

SWI 8: Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In Alternatives B, C, and E, there would be no change in water quality. In Alternative D, reduced 

stream crossings would improve water quality. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 7 

The management prescriptions within the MA range widely from Recommended Wilderness; 

Undeveloped Recreation; both Active and Passive Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, 

Terrestrial, and Hydrologic Resources; to Restoration and Maintenance Emphasis within Forested 

Landscapes. The MA contains little private land. Due to a increased recreation use growth trends, 

and other uses identified below – adverse cumulative effects on the soil and water resources are 

likely to be maintained near existing levels. 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use 

would continue. The MA contains 34.8 miles of non-motorized trail, 20.9 miles of closed NFS 

roads, and 13.1 miles of inventoried unauthorized roads. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that contribute to increased cumulative effects on the soil and 

water resources include livestock grazing, fire suppression, firewood gathering, and dispersed 

recreation. The Meadows Slope Wildland Fire Protection Project is approved for this MA (see 

Appendix D). 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 7 

Currently, the majority (67 percent) of the Payette Lakes MA is closed to all cross-country 

motorized vehicle use. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use 

by an additional 27 percent. This additional closure provides a consistent message to the public 

and through time and enforcement, new user defined roads and trails should be minimized. 

Approximately 6 percent (6,700 acres) of the area will remain open for limited access to crosscountry motorized vehicles. Approximately 1,600 acres will remain open to limited access within 

RCAs. This limited access is along open roads and trails where the majority of cross-country 

motorized travel currently occurs. In all alternatives, existing problems on open roads, closed 

roads, and unauthorized roads will still occur, in all alternatives. None of the alternatives 

authorizes watershed restoration activities. Existing unauthorized roads will not be physically 

3 - 120 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
SOI L AND WATER CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

blocked or rehabilitated and will remain on the landscape, contributing to soil and water resource 

degradation. In all alternatives, watershed improvement opportunities exist when future and 

current NEPA projects are implemented. 

There is little change in the designation of roads or trails between any of the alternatives within 

this MA. Proposals 7-3 and 7-4 would open up a total of 0.2 miles of unauthorized roads that 

currently lead to existing dispersed campsites. These two proposals will have little cumulative 

effects on the soil and water resources. All action alternatives reduce the extent of cross-country 

motorized travel and may produce a slight reduction in adverse impacts from new unauthorized 

roads and trails. Alternative D does indicate a slightly greater improvement with the reduction of 

two-wheel motorized trails. Based on the large extent of private lands, recreation use growth 

trends and other uses identified in Appendix D – adverse cumulative effects on the soil and water 

resources are likely to maintain at existing levels. Given the improvements or lack of change to 

most SWIs and very small increases in motorized use (0.2 miles) in the action alternatives, the 

proposed changes in travel management are not expected to contribute to negative cumulative 

effects to the soil and water resource. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 0724 and 0730 address watershed restoration by reducing sediment. While 

outside the scope of this project, future opportunities exist to meet these objectives. Objective 

0726 states: “Identify recreational campsite or parking areas that are contributing unacceptable 

levels of accelerated sediment in the Upper Payette Lakes and Payette Lake Watersheds.” This 

objective would be met by closing all cross-country vehicle travel in the Lake Creek area. Future 

opportunities exist to inventory and rehabilitate sites as needed. 

Objective 0727 states: “Maintain the meadow ecosystem and restore wet meadows in the Bear 

Basin area by reducing soil compaction, accelerated erosion, and loss of vegetation from 

motorized recreation. Install information signs and designate the area as non-motorized on the 

Forest Travel Map.” All action alternatives would close Bear Basin to cross-country motorized 

vehicle use, however, the area (a 600 foot corridor) adjacent to designated roads and motorized 

trails would still be open to limited access for parking and dispersed camping. 

Within the MA, all action alternatives would move toward Desired Conditions by reducing the 

area open to cross-country motorized vehicle use. 

MA 8. Kennally Creek 

Table SW-22 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

SWI 1: Percent of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access 

There is a total of 34,300 acres within the Kennally Creek MA. In Alternative A, approximately 

39 percent (13,430 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use and open to 

limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action alternatives, a reduction 

of -29 to -31 percent (-10,110 to -10,570 acres) of the MA open to cross-country motor vehicle 

indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources compared with the No Action 

Alternative. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 121 
CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access 

In all action alternatives, there is a reduction of 28 to 30 percent (-2,330 to -2,510 acres) that are 

open to motorized cross-country vehicle use. In all action alternatives, the reduction of the RCAs 

open to cross-country motor vehicle use indicates a major improvement in the potential to protect 

the soil and water resources compared with the No Action Alternative. 

Table SW-22. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 8 

MA 8: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

39% 

13, 430 ac. 

0% 

0 acres 

-31% 

-10,500 

acres 

-30% 

-10,130 

acres 

-31% 

-10,570 

acres 

-29% 

-10,110 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) RCAs in 

areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized 

access. 

43% 

3,570 ac. 

0% 

0 acres 

-30% 

-2,490 

acres 

-28% 

-2,340 

acres 

-30% 

-2,510 

acres 

-28% 

-2,330 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 26.1 0.0 -4.4 0.0 -4.4 0.0 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 22.5 0.0 -4.5 0.0 -4.5 0.0 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV 

trails. 2.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 -2.8 0.0 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs w/ a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 

0.1 0.0 -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 22.5 0.0 -4.4 0.0 -5.3 0.0 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 

52 0 -8 0 -12 0 

SWI 3: Miles of designated roads. 

In Alternatives B and D, Proposals 8-4 and 8-5 would implement the Sloan Kennally project 

EIS’s recommended 4.4 miles of road decommissioning. Implementation of Alternative B and D 

would indicate an improvement in DD and water quality from the reduction of designated roads. 

In Alternatives C and E there would be no change from the existing condition. 

SWI 4: Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails 

In Alternatives B and D, a reduction of 4.5 miles of two-wheeled motorized trails signifies an 

improvement in DD and water quality. Alternatives C and E would show no change. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

The FEIS has modified the existing condition to reflect the new Paddy Flat EA decision (Proposal 

8-3) to converts a closed road to an open ATV trail. Since the Paddy Flat decision and mitigation 

has not been implemented, all ATV Project Design Features (PDFs) will be implemented before 

this ATV is designated on the Travel Map. Therefore this FEIS indicates no change between 

Alternatives A, B, C, and E. In Alternative D, there would be a reduction 2.8 miles of ATV by a 

new decision not to implement the Paddy Flat decision. This was carried forward in Alternative D 

since it was originally listed this as non-motorized in the DEIS. Therefore, Alternative D would 

show an improvement in DD and water quality. 

3 - 122 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
SOI L AND WATER CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating 

There are no subwatersheds with a high watershed vulnerability rating in this MA. 

SWI 7: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs 

In all action alternatives, reduced miles in this indicator signify an improvement to water quality. 

SWI 8: Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In Alternatives B and D a reduced numbers of crossings signify an improvement to water quality. 

There is no change in Alternative C and D. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 8 

Management prescriptions include Recommended Wilderness; Undeveloped Recreation; Active 

and Passive Restoration, Maintenance of Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Hydrologic Resources; and 

Commodity Production. About twelve percent of the MA is State lands and one percent private 

lands. Based on the large extent of state lands, recreation use growth trends, and other uses 

identified below adverse effects to the soil and water resources are likely to increase in the 

Commodity Production area and be maintained at other management prescription areas. 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use. 

Effects from these roads, trails, and uses would continue. The MA contains 10.4 miles of nonmotorized trail, 30.9 miles of closed NFS roads, and 12.5 miles of inventoried unauthorized 

roads. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to increased effects on the soil and water 

resources include livestock grazing, fire suppression, firewood gathering, and dispersed 

recreation. Improvements are planned in the Paddy Flat Vegetation Management Project 

(Appendix D). 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 8 

Currently, the majority (61 percent) of the Kennally Creek MA is closed to all cross-country 

motorized vehicle use. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use 

by an additional 30 percent. This additional closure provides a consistent message to the public 

and through time and enforcement, new user defined roads and trails should be minimized. 

Approximately 9 percent (3,000 acres) of the area will remain open for limited access to crosscountry motorized vehicles. Approximately 1,100 acres will remain open to limited access within 

RCAs. This limited access is along open roads and trails where the majority of cross-country 

motorized travel currently occurs. In all alternatives, existing problems on open roads, closed 

roads, and unauthorized roads will still occur, in all alternatives. None of the alternatives 

authorizes watershed restoration activities. Existing unauthorized roads will not be physically 

blocked or rehabilitated and will remain on the landscape, contributing to soil and water resource 

degradation. In all alternatives, watershed improvement opportunities exist when future and 

current NEPA projects are implemented. Opportunities, such as the Paddy Flat Project, exist to 

improve watershed conditions through closure and decommissioning of selected unauthorized and 

closed roads in future project proposals in accordance with Forest Plan direction (Forest Plan 

2003: p. III-60: FRGU04). 

In Alternatives B and D, Proposals 8-4 and 8-5 would implement the Sloan Kennally project 

EIS’s recommended 4.4 miles of road decommissioning. The FEIS has modified the existing 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 123 
CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

condition to reflect the new Paddy Flat EA decision (Proposal 8-3) to converts a closed road to an 

open ATV trail. Since the Paddy Flat decision and mitigation has not been implemented, all ATV 

Project Design Features (PDFs) will be implemented before this ATV is designated on the Travel 

Map. Specific PDFs for this ATV trail includes, new construction, fixing problems at existing 

stream crossing, and implementation of PDFs are expected to minimize impacts to the soil and 

water resources, and thus minimize the potential cumulative effects. 

Based on the large extent of state lands, recreation use growth trends, and other uses identified 

below adverse effects to the soil and water resources are likely to increase in the Commodity 

Production area and be maintained at other management prescription areas. The closure of an 

additional 30 percent to cross-country motorized travel in all action alternatives should help 

reduce impacts from cross-country motorized travel. Slight changes occur between action 

alternatives, based on the open or closed motorized status of roads and trails as disclosed by the 

Soil and Water Indicators (SWIs) in the Environmental Consequences Section. Alternatives B and 

D indicate the greatest improvement, while Alternatives C and E indicate less improvement. 

Given improvements or no change to SWIs, changes in travel management associated with action 

alternatives are not expected to contribute to measurable changes in cumulative effects on the soil 

and water resource. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 0822, 0824, and 0825 address watershed restoration by reducing sediment. While 

outside the scope of this project, future opportunities exist to meet these objectives. Objective 

1238 states, “Identify recreational campsite or parking areas, or trails that are contributing 

unacceptable levels of accelerated sediment, compaction, or vegetation loss.” Future 

opportunities exist to inventory and rehabilitate those sites as needed. 

MA 9. Lake Creek/French Creek 

Table SW-23 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

SWI 1: Percent of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access 

There is a total of 83,740 acres within the Lake Creek/French Creek MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 8 percent (6,400 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use and 

open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action alternatives, a 

reduction of -3 to -4 percent (-2,780 to -3,410 acres) of the MA open to cross-country motor 

vehicle indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources compared with the No 

Action Alternative. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access 

There is a total of 13,980 acres of RCAs within the Lake Creek/French Creek MA. In Alternative 

A, approximately 8 percent (1,150 acres) of the RCAs are open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, there is a reduction of -4 to -5 percent (-550 to -750 acres) of RCA acres open to 

motorized cross-country vehicle use. In all action alternatives, the reduction of the RCAs open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources 

compared with the No Action Alternative. 

3 - 124 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
SOI L AND WATER CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

Table SW-23. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 9 

MA 9: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

8% 

6,400 ac. 

0% 

0 

acres 

-4% 

-3,280 

acres 

-3% 

-2,780 

acres 

-4% 

-3,410 

acres 

-3% 

-2,860 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) RCAs in areas 

open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access. 

8% 

1,150 ac. 

0% 

0 

acres 

-5% 

-740 

acres 

-4% 

-550 

acres 

-5% 

-750 

acres 

-4% 

-560 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 20.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 85.1 0.0 -24.1 -2.8 -29.9 -6.4 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV 

trails. 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs w/ a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 

6.4 0.0 -6.3 0.0 -6.3 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 21.9 0.0 -10.2 -2.2 -10.8 -2.7 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 

119 0 -30.0 -9.0 -33.0 -13.0 

SWI 3: Miles of designated roads 

In all alternatives, this indicator signifies there would be no change in TSRC or DD and water 

quality due to no changes in designated roads. 

SWI 4: Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trail 

In all action alternatives, DD and water quality would improve due to reductions in two-wheel 

motorized trail. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

In all alternatives, there would be no change in TSRC or DD and water quality due to no change 

in the amount of road and trails on the landscape. 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating 

Alternatives B and D would improve water quality through reductions in the indicator. 

Alternatives C and E would show no change. 

SWI 7 & 8: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs, Number of 

inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In all action alternatives, water quality would improve based on reductions in these indicators. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 9 

The dominant management prescription is Passive Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, 

Terrestrial, and Hydrologic Resources. Since most of the MA is administered by the Forest, 

effects from other activities are likely to be maintained at existing levels. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 125 
CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

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Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use 

would continue. The MA contains 29.1 miles of non-motorized trail, 14.8 miles of closed NFS 

roads, and 1.5 miles of inventoried unauthorized road. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to increased cumulative effects on the soil 

and water resources include livestock grazing, fire suppression, firewood gathering, and dispersed 

recreation. There are no additional foreseeable projects identified in the MA. 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 9 

Currently, most (92 percent) of the Lake Creek/French Creek MA is closed to all cross country 

motorized vehicle use. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use 

by an additional 3 to 4 percent. This additional closure provides a consistent message to the 

public and through time and enforcement, new user defined roads and trails should be minimized. 

Approximately 5 percent (about 3,300 acres) of the area will remain open for limited access to 

cross-country motorized vehicles. Approximately 500 acres will remain open to limited access 

within RCAs. This limited access is along open roads and trails where the majority of crosscountry motorized travel currently occurs. In all alternatives, existing problems on open roads, 

closed roads, and unauthorized roads will still occur, in all alternatives. None of the alternatives 

authorizes watershed restoration activities. Existing unauthorized roads will not be physically 

blocked or rehabilitated and will remain on the landscape, contributing to soil and water resource 

degradation. In all alternatives, watershed improvement opportunities exist when future and 

current NEPA projects are implemented. 

In all action alternatives there is a reduction of two-wheel motorized trail. The majority of the 

reduction occurs in Alternative B and D, with small reductions in Alternatives C and E. Since 

most of this MA is currently closed to cross-country motorized travel there is little to no 

improvement to be found by SWIs 1 and 2. Since most of the MA is administered by the Forest, 

effects from other activities are likely to be maintained at existing levels. 

While there are no planned foreseeable improvement projects within this MA, opportunities will 

exist to improve watershed conditions through closure and decommissioning of selected 

unauthorized roads in future project proposals in accordance with Forest Plan direction (Forest 

Plan 2003: p. III-60: FRGU04). Given improvements or no change to SWIs, changes in travel 

management associated with action alternatives are not expected to contribute to measurable 

changes in cumulative effects on the soil and water resource. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

Forest-wide direction applies, because no specific soil and water resource direction exists for the 

MA. 

3 - 126 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
SOI L AND WATER CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

MA 10. Fall Creek/Warren 

Table SW-24 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

Table SW-24. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 10 

MA 10: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

43% 

45,950 

acres 

0% 

0 acres 

-37% 

-39,230 

acres 

-37% 

-39,520 

acres 

-37% 

-39,680 

acres 

-37% 

-39,470 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) RCAs in areas 

open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access. 

44% 

8,090 

acres 

0% 

0 acres 

-35% 

-6,360 

acres 

-35% 

-6,410 

acres 

-35% 

-6,450 

acres 

-35% 

-6,400 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 54.4 0.0 0.0 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 19.6 0.0 -6.0 -6.0 -6.0 -6.0 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV 

trails. 10.5 0.0 0.0 +6.4 0.0 +6.4 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs w/ a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 

3.3 0.0 -0.8 -0.8 -2.2 -0.8 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 16.4 0.0 -0.5 -0.6 -2.3 -0.6 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 

49 0 -3 -3 -7 -3 

SWI 1: Percent of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access 

There is a total of 105,830 acres within the Fall Creek/Warren Creek MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 43 percent (45,950 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, a reduction of -37 percent (-39,230 to -39,680 acres) of the MA open to crosscountry motor vehicle indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources compared 

with the No Action Alternative. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access 

There is a total of 18,190 acres of RCAs within the Fall Creek/Warren Creek MA. In Alternative 

A, approximately 44 percent (8,080 acres) of the RCAs are open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, there is a reduction of -35 percent (-6,360 to -6,450 acres) of RCA acres open to 

motorized cross-country vehicle use. In all action alternatives, the reduction of the RCAs open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources 

compared with the No Action Alternative. 

SWI 3: Miles of designated roads 

In Alternative B, this indicator signifies there would be no change in TSRC or DD and water 

quality due to no changes in designated roads. In Alternatives C, D, and E, this indicator signifies 

DD and water quality would improve due to reductions in designated roads. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 127 
CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

SWI 4: Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trail 

In all action alternatives, DD and water quality would improve due to the reduction of two-wheel 

motorized trails. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

In Alternatives B and D, there would be no change in DD and water quality. In Alternatives C and 

E, DD and water quality would degrade due to increased ATV or OHV trail miles. 

SWI 6 & 7 & 8: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating, Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within 

RCAs, Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In all action alternatives, the reductions in these indicators signify water quality would improve. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 10 

Management prescriptions within the MA range widely from Undeveloped Recreation; both 

Active and Passive Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Hydrologic 

Resources; to Restoration and Maintenance Emphasis within Forested Landscapes. The MA 

contains several private land in-holdings primarily around the historic mining community of 

Warren. Based on potential private housing development and mining activity, recreation use 

growth trends, and other uses identified below the effects to soil and water resources are likely to 

increase. 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use 

would continue. The MA contains 14.0 miles of non-motorized trail, 19.2 miles of closed NFS 

roads, and 75.6 miles of inventoried unauthorized roads. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to cumulative effects on the soil and water 

resources include livestock grazing, fire suppression, firewood gathering, and dispersed 

recreation. The PNF has approved the Burgdorf Road Management and Abandoned Mine 

Reclamation Project (see Appendix D). This project’s objective is to improve soil productivity 

and water quality through road obliteration. 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 10 

Currently, the majority (57 percent) of the Fall Creek/Warren MA is closed to all cross-country 

motorized vehicle use. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use 

by an additional 37 percent. Approximately 6 percent (about 6,500 acres) of the area will remain 

open for limited access to cross-country motorized vehicles. Approximately 1,700 acres will 

remain open to limited access within RCAs. This limited access is along open roads and trails 

where the majority of cross-country motorized travel currently occurs. In all alternatives, existing 

problems on open roads, closed roads, and unauthorized roads will still occur, in all alternatives. 

None of the alternatives authorizes watershed restoration activities. Existing unauthorized roads 

will not be physically blocked or rehabilitated and will remain on the landscape, contributing to 

soil and water resource degradation. In all alternatives, watershed improvement opportunities 

exist when future and current NEPA projects are implemented. Opportunities, such as Burgdorf 

Road Management and Abandoned Mine Reclamation, will exist to improve watershed conditions 

through closure and decommissioning of selected unauthorized roads, when implemented. The 

new ATV trails identified in the Burgdorf Road Management Plan have not been implemented on3 - 128 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
SOI L AND WATER CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

the-ground and all ATV PDFs will be applied before these ATV trails are listed on the Travel 

Map. 

Slight changes occur between action alternatives, based on the open or closed motorized status of 

roads and trails as disclosed by the Soil and Water Indicators (SWIs) in the Environmental 

Consequences Section. In all action alternatives there is a reduction of two-wheel motorized 

trails. In Alternatives C and E, Proposal 10-10 converts an open road which has s erosion and 

landslide problems to an ATV trail. Alternatives B would leave Proposal 10-10 in its existing 

open status, while Alternative D would close this road. All action alternatives would improve the 

soil and water resource conditions by closing an additional 37 percent of the MA to cross-country 

motorized travel. 

Based on potential private housing development and mining activity, recreation use growth 

trends, and other uses identified the effects to soil and water resources associated with these 

activities are likely to increase. Given improvements or no change to most SWIs, changes in 

travel management associated with action alternatives are not expected to contribute to 

measurable changes in cumulative effects on the soil and water resource. One exception is the 

potential for an incremental increase in soil and water impacts associated with the addition of 6.4 

miles of ATV/OHV trails in Alternatives C and E. However, the cumulative effect of these 

changes would be minimized through the application of PDFs prior to formal authorization as 

ATV/OHV trails. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 1020, 1021, 1024, 1026, 1027, and 1029 address improving water quality by 

implementing watershed restoration activities. While outside the scope of this project, future 

opportunities exist to meet these objectives. Objective 1023 states: “Identify recreational camp 

sites or parking areas that are contributing unacceptable levels of accelerated sediment, 

compaction, or vegetation loss.” Future opportunities exist to inventory and rehabilitate those 

sites as needed. 

MA 11. Upper Secesh 

Table SW-25 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

SWI 1: Percent of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access 

There is a total of 83,570 acres within the Upper Secesh MA. In Alternative A, approximately 30 

percent (25,190 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use and open to limited 

motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action alternatives, a reduction of -24 

percent (-19,950 to -20,260 acres) of the MA open to cross-country motor vehicle indicates an 

improvement to protect the soil and water resources compared with the No Action Alternative. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access 

There is a total of 14,860 acres of RCAs within the Upper Secesh MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 35 percent (5,160 acres) of the RCAs are open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, there is a reduction of -23 percent (-3,370 to -3,470 acres) of RCA acres open to 

motorized cross-country vehicle use. In all action alternatives, the reduction of the RCAs open to 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 129 
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AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

cross-country motor vehicle use indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources 

compared with the No Action Alternative. 

Table SW-25. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 11 

MA 11: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

30% 

25,190 

acres 

0% 

0 acres 

-24% 

-19,950 

acres 

-24% 

-19,950 

acres 

-24% 

-20,260 

acres 

-24% 

-19,990 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) RCAs in 

areas open to cross-country motor 

vehicle use and/or limited motorized 

access. 

35% 

5,160 acres 

0% 

0 acres 

-23% 

-3,370 

acres 

-23% 

-3,370 

acres 

-23% 

-3,470 

acres 

-23% 

-3,380 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 33.8 0.0 +0.7 +0.7 +0.7 +1.2 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 29.9 0.0 -0.8 -0.8 -7.1 -0.8 

5. Miles of designated ATV and 

OHV trails. 12.9 0.0 +7.2 +7.1 0.0 +4.9 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs w/ a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 23.1 0.0 +0.7 +0.6 -3.5 +0.4 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 

70 0 +1 +1 -6 +1 

SWI 3: Miles of designated roads 

All action alternatives would open up a total of 0.7 miles of unauthorized roads that currently lead 

to existing dispersed campsites. In Alternative E, Proposal 11-7 would designate a new road 

starting near the Ruby Meadows parking area that runs along the Secesh River. These new 

designations would indicate a degrade to DD and water quality. 

SWI 4: Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trail 

In Alternatives B, C, and E, DD and water quality would improve due to the slight (-0.8 miles) 

reduction of two-wheeled motorized trail. Alternative D would show a greater improvement in 

DD and water quality due to the reduction of 7.1 miles two-wheel motorized trails. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

In Alternatives B, C, and E, DD and water quality would degrade from the increase in ATV trails. 

In Alternative D since there is no change in miles of ATV or OHV trails, there would be no 

change in DD and water quality. 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within subwatersheds with a high 

watershed vulnerability rating 

There are no subwatersheds with a high watershed vulnerability rating in this MA. 

SWI 7: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs 

In Alternatives B, C, and E, water quality would degrade due to an increase in roads and trails in 

RCAs. In Alternative D, water quality would improve due to the closure of 3.7 miles of roads and 

trails in RCAs. 

3 - 130 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
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AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

SWI 8: Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In Alternatives B, C and E, this indicator signifies a degrade in water quality due to the increase 

in motorized stream crossings. In Alternative D, this indicator signifies an improvement to water 

quality from closure of 6 stream crossings. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 11 

Management prescriptions include Active and Passive Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, 

Terrestrial, and Hydrologic Resources. State and private land in holdings make up approximately 

two percent of the MA. Effects on private land and from recreation are likely to increase. Effects 

on NFS lands should improve with implementation of Forest Plan direction to restore and 

maintain the aquatic and hydrologic resources. 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use 

would continue. The MA contains 5.3 miles of non-motorized trail, 9.9 miles of closed NFS 

roads, and 48.9 miles of inventoried unauthorized roads. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to cumulative effects on the soil and water 

resources include livestock grazing, fire suppression, firewood gathering, and dispersed 

recreation. The PNF has five ongoing or proposed projects in the MA: Burgdorf Road 

Management and Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Lucky Ben Access Project, Tollar Ditch Trail 

142 Reroute, Burgdorf Fire Trail Restoration, and Grouse Creek Road Relocation Project (see 

Appendix D). 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 11 

Currently, the majority (70 percent) of the Upper Secesh MA is closed to all cross-country 

motorized vehicle use. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use 

by an additional 24 percent. Approximately 6 percent (about 5,000 acres) of the area will remain 

open for limited access to cross-country motorized vehicles. Approximately 1,700 acres will 

remain open to limited access within RCAs. This limited access is along open roads and trails 

where the majority of cross-country motorized travel currently occurs. The current Travel Plan 

Map includes a special condition within this MA that “All stream channels within the Upper 

Secesh River Basin closed to motorized use except on designated roads and trails”. While this 

condition was clearly stated on the current Travel Map, it was often ignored and difficult to 

enforce. PDFs are designed to help improve popular ATV routes that are currently fording wet 

areas and streams. In all action alternatives, travel off of designated routes would not be allowed 

for any purpose in the Lake Creek area of Management Area 11. 

In all alternatives, existing problems on open roads, closed roads, and unauthorized roads will 

still occur, in all alternatives. None of the alternatives authorizes watershed restoration activities. 

Existing unauthorized roads will not be physically blocked or rehabilitated and will remain on the 

landscape, contributing to soil and water resource degradation. In all alternatives, watershed 

improvement opportunities exist when future and current NEPA projects are implemented. Future 

opportunities exist to improve watershed conditions through closure and decommissioning of 

selected unauthorized roads. 

New ATV trails were identified in Alternatives B, C, and E. Field review by the Forest Biologist 

and Hydrologist revealed implementation of PDFs may be problematic due to extensive wetlands, 

stream crossings, and water management concerns. Conversion of closed or unauthorized road 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 131 
CHAPTER 3. AFFE CTED ENVI RONMENT SOI L AND WATER 

AND ENVI RONMENTAL CONSEQUENC ES 

ATV trails in areas that are currently closed to stream crossings occur in Proposals 11-2, 11-4, 11­

7, 11-10, and 11-11. The ATV trails will require extensive rehabilitation to meet prescribed PDFs. 

The most problematic proposals 11-10 and 11-11 were dropped out of Alternative E. All PDFs 

must be implemented before these new routes are placed onto the Travel Map. PDFs are expected 

to minimize impacts to the soil and water resources, and thus minimize the potential cumulative 

effects. There are no new ATV trails in Alternative D. 

All action alternatives would open up a total of 0.7 miles of unauthorized roads that currently lead 

to existing dispersed camp sites. In Alternative E, Proposal 11-7 would designate a new road 

starting near the Ruby Meadows parking area that runs along the Secesh River. Because this route 

fords a couple of stream channels in an area closed to stream channel crossing, implementation of 

all PDFs would be required. PDFs are expected to improve the current unauthorized use of this 

route. 

In all action alternatives, the Lake Creek area of Management Area 11, travel off of designated 

routes would not be allowed for any purpose. Alternative D would have the greatest improvement 

to the soil and water resources because no new ATV routes are included. Alternatives B and C, 

would show the least improvement until PDFs on all ATV are completed. Because of past 

enforcement problems, implementation of PDFs should improve the effects on the soil and water 

resources. Given increases in motorized designations associated with all action alternatives except 

Alternative D, there is a potential for incremental cumulative impacts to the soil and water 

resource. Given application of stated PDFs cumulative impacts to the soil and water resource 

would be minimized. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 1122, 1124, and 1125 address improving water quality by implementing 

watershed restoration activities that reduces road related accelerated sediment. While outside the 

scope of this project, future opportunities exist to meet these objectives. All action alternatives 

would move toward the Desired Conditions for the soil and water resources by reducing the area 

open to cross-country motorized vehicle use. 

MA 12. South Fork Salmon 

Table SW-26 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

SWI 1: Percent of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access 

There is a total of 359,560 acres within the South Fork Salmon MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 10 percent (35,580 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, a reduction of -6 to -7 percent (-21,640 to -23,440 acres) of the MA open to crosscountry motor vehicle indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources compared 

with the No Action Alternative. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access 

There is a total of 14,860 acres of RCAs within the South Fork Salmon MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 14 percent (9,780 acres) of the RCAs are open to cross-country motor vehicle use 

and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all action 

alternatives, there is a reduction of -6 to -7 percent (-4,270 to -4,890 acres) of RCA acres open to 

3 - 132 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
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motorized cross-country vehicle use. In all action alternatives, the reduction of the RCAs open to 

cross-country motor vehicle use indicates an improvement to protect the soil and water resources 

compared with the No Action Alternative. 

Table SW-26. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 12 

MA 12: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

10% or 

35,580 ac. 

0% 

0 acres 

-7% 

-23,380 

acres 

-6% 

-21,640 

acres 

-7% 

-23,440 

acres 

-6% 

-22,310 

acres 

2. Percent (and acres) RCAs in 

areas open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

14% or 

9,780 ac. 

0% 

0 acres 

-7% 

-4,830 

acres 

-6% 

-4,270 

acres 

-7% 

-4,890 

acres 

-7% 

-4,470 

acres 

3. Miles of designated roads. 83.1 0.0 -2.5 0.0 -2.5 -2.5 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 163.6 0.0 -57.3 +4.6 -57.3 -32.9 

5. Miles of designated ATV and 

OHV trails. 8.1 0.0 +2.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs w/ a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 

217.0 0.0 -57.0 +4.6 -59.5 -35.1 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 92.7 0.0 -18.5 +0.2 -21.0 -8.5 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads 

and motorized trails. 

221 0 -38 +1 -42 -14 

SWI 3 & 5: Miles of designated roads, Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

In Alternatives B, D, and E, the DD and water quality would be improved due to the closure of 

2.5 miles of road. However, the improvement in Alternative B is off-set by the degrade resulting 

from an additional 2.6 miles of ATV trail. Alternative C would not change for either indictor. 

SWI 4: Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trail 

In Alternatives B, D, and E, the DD and water quality would improve due to closure of two-wheel 

motorized trail. In Alternative C, increases in the extent of two-wheel motorized trails would 

indicate a degrade in DD and water quality. 

SWI 6 & 7 & 8: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within subwatersheds with a 

high watershed vulnerability rating, Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within 

RCAs, Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In Alternatives B, D, and E, these indicators are reduced and consequently water quality would 

improve. In Alternative C, water quality would degrade due to the increase in each of these 

indicators. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 12 

The dominant management prescriptions within the MA are Recommended Wilderness and both 

Active and Passive Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Hydrologic 

Resources. State and private land in holdings make up approximately one percent of the MA. 

Cumulative effects on NFS lands should improve with implementation of Forest Plan direction to 

restore and maintain the aquatic and hydrologic Resources. 

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Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use 

would continue. The MA contains 172.1 miles of non-motorized trail, 61.6 miles of closed NFS 

roads, and 2 miles of inventoried unauthorized roads. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to effects on the soil and water resources 

include livestock grazing, fire suppression, firewood gathering, and dispersed recreation. The 

PNF is proposing the Yellow Pine Hazardous Fuels Reduction (see Appendix D) in this MA. This 

project is designed to offset adverse impacts to soil productivity and water quality from timber 

harvesting and prescribed fire, through road decommissioning and obliteration. 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 12 

The South Fork Salmon MA currently provides some of the most stringent protection to the soil 

and water resources on the Forest. A large portion of the basin has a high watershed vulnerability 

rating because of the steep canyon breaks and fluvial granitics of the Idaho batholith. Currently, 

the majority (90 percent) of the South Fork Salmon MA is closed to all cross-country motorized 

vehicle use. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use by an 

additional 6 percent. Approximately 4 percent (about 13,000 acres) of the area will remain open 

for limited access to cross-country motorized vehicles. Approximately 5,000 acres will remain 

open to limited access within RCAs. This limited access is along open roads and trails where the 

majority of cross-country motorized travel currently occurs, but only on the McCall District 

(Lower SFSR). In all action alternatives, travel off of designated routes would not be allowed for 

any purpose on the Krassel District. 

In all alternatives, existing problems on open roads, closed roads, and unauthorized roads will 

still occur, in all alternatives. None of the alternatives authorizes watershed restoration activities. 

One problem is existing closed roads in the South Fork Salmon River that is accessed by 

motorized trails and ATVs. Even though these roads are closed in a closed area, violations occur. 

For example, the closed Marten Creek Face road is used and accessed from the two wheel 

motorized Cougar Creek Trail. User created ATV cutoffs occurs in the closed area along the 

Teapot Saddle ATV trail. None of the closed roads with chronic erosion problems will be 

rehabilitated and will remain on the landscape, contributing to soil and water resource 

degradation. In all alternatives, watershed improvement opportunities exist when future and 

current NEPA projects are implemented. Opportunities, such as the Yellow Pine Hazardous Fuels 

Reduction Project, exist to improve watershed conditions through closure and decommissioning 

of unauthorized roads in accordance with Forest Plan direction (Forest Plan 2003: p. III-60: 

FRGU04). 

Alternatives B, D, and E would improve the soil and water resources through reduction of 

designated roads and two-wheel motorized trails in subwatersheds with high vulnerability rating, 

within RCA, and the number of stream crossings. Based on this these alternatives are not 

expected to contribute to cumulative effects on the soil and water resource. Alternative C would 

degrade the soil and water resources through an increase in two-wheel motorized trails. Given 

increases in motorized designations associated with alternative C there is a potential for 

incremental cumulative impacts to the soil and water resource. Given application of stated PDFs 

cumulative impacts to the soil and water resource would be minimized. 

With implementation of Alternatives B, D, and E cumulative effects on NFS lands should 

improve with implementation of Forest Plan direction to restore and maintain the aquatic and 

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hydrologic Resources. The greatest improvements occur in Alternative B and D. Alternative C 

would not meet this objective. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 1234, 1235, 1236, 1237, 1238, and 1240 address watershed restoration by 

reducing sediment. While outside the scope of this project, future opportunities exist to meet 

these objectives. 

Objective 1236 states: “Rehabilitate, decommission, or stabilize Forest Trail 076 (Davis Ranch 

Road) in the Jeanot-Rock subwatershed to reduce accelerated erosion and sedimentation." 

Alternatives B and D would convert the current designated (but closed under special order) twowheeled motorized trail to a non-motorized trail. Alternative E would retain the current status 

with plans to develop and implement site-specific rehabilitation and stabilization to reduce 

erosion and sediment, and then lift the temporary closure. Alternative C would not meet this 

objective. 

Objective 1238 states: “Identify recreational campsites, parking areas, or trails that are 

contributing unacceptable levels of accelerated sediment, compaction, or vegetation loss.” 

Alternatives B, C, D, and E meet this objective by closing all areas on the Krassel Ranger District 

to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. All parking and camping would 

be at designated sites. 

Within the MA all action alternatives would move toward the Desired Conditions for the soil and 

water resources by reducing the area open to cross-country motorized vehicle use by an additional 

6 to 7 percent. 

MA 13. Big Creek/Stibnite 

Table SW-27 below provides a numerical display of the SWIs. A narrative description of each 

indicator describes the environmental effects on the soil and water resources. 

Table SW-27. Effects to the Soil and Water Indicators for MA 13 

MA 13: Existing Change by Alternative 

Soil and Water Indicators Condition A B C D E 

1. Percent (and acres) of MA 

designated open to cross-country 

motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access. 

5% 

5,470 ac. 

0% 

acres 

-5% 

-5,550 

ac. 

-5% 

-5,550 

ac. 

-5% 

-5,550 

ac. 

-5% 

-5,550 

ac. 

2. Percent (and acres) RCAs in areas 

open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access. 

17% 

2,800 ac. 

0% 

acres 

-17% 

-2,800 ac. 

-17% 

-2,800 ac. 

-17% 

-2,800 ac. 

-17% 

-2,800 ac. 

3. Miles of designated roads. 35.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -1.5 

4. Miles of designated two-wheel 

motorized trails. 6.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -6.0 

5. Miles of designated ATV and OHV 

trails. 4.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 +4.9 

6. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails in subs w/ a high 

watershed vulnerability rating. 

8.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

7. Miles of designated roads and 

motorized trails within RCAs. 23.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -1.4 

8. Number of inventoried stream 

crossings on designated roads and 

motorized trails. 

41 0 0 0 0 -3 

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SWI 1: Percent of the MA designated open to cross-country motor vehicle use and/or limited 

motorized access 

There is a total of 100,279 acres within the Big Creek/Stibnite MA. In Alternative A, 

approximately 5 percent (5470 acres) of the MA is open to cross-country motor vehicle use and 

open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all Action Alternatives, 

none of the MA remains open to limited motorized access. Since there would be no areas along 

roads and trails open to limited motorized access (a 5 percent reduction) this indicator signifies an 

improvement to protect the soil and water resources between the No Action and all Action 

Alternatives. 

SWI 2: Percent (and acres) of RCAs in designated areas open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and/or limited motorized access 

There is a total of 16,480 acres of RCAs within the Big Creek/Stibnite MA. In Alternative A, 

there is approximately 17 percent (2,800 acres) of the RCAs open to cross-country motor vehicle 

use and open to limited motorized access for parking and dispersed camping. In all Action 

Alternatives, none of the RCAs would remain open to limited motorized access. In all Action 

Alternatives, a reduction of 17 percent of the RCA acres open indicates an improvement to 

protect the soil and water resources over the No Action Alternative. 

SWI 3 & 4: Miles of designated roads & Miles of designated two-wheel motorized trails 

In Alternative B, C, and D, there would be no change in DD and water quality along the 

designated roads and two-wheeled motorized trails. In Alternative E, there would be an 

improvement by the reduction of 1.5 miles of road and 6.0 miles of trail. However, some of this is 

offset by the conversion of designated road and two-wheel motorized trail to 4.9 miles of ATV 

trail as shown in SWI 5. 

SWI 5: Miles of designated ATV and OHV trails 

In Alternative B, C, and D, there would be no change in DD and water quality. In Alternative E, 

this indicator shows a potential degrade in DD and water quality due to the increase in 4.9 miles 

of ATV trails. However, this is offset by the reduction of road and trail, as shown in SWIs 3 and 4. 

SWI 6: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails in subwatersheds with a high watershed 

vulnerability rating 

There is no change between any of the alternatives. 

SWI 7: Miles of designated roads and motorized trails within RCAs & Number of inventoried 

stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In Alternative E, there would be an improvement in water quality with a net reduction of 1.4 

miles of motorized trail in within RCAs. Other action alternatives do not affect this indicator and 

thus are expected to maintain water quality. 

SWI 8: Number of inventoried stream crossings on designated roads and motorized trails 

In Alternative E, there would be an improvement in water quality with a net reduction of 3 

inventoried stream crossings. Other action alternatives do not affect this indicator and thus are 

expected to maintain water quality. 

Cumulative Effects for MA 13 

The dominant management prescriptions within the MA are Undeveloped Recreation and Active 

and Passive Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Hydrologic Resources. 

Mining related in-holdings make up approximately four percent of the MA. Based on potential 

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mining on private land, recreation use growth trends and other uses identified below, effects from 

these activities are likely to increase. Cumulative effects on NFS lands could improve with 

implementation of Forest Plan direction to restore and maintain the aquatic and hydrologic 

resources. 

Non-motorized Trails, Unauthorized Roads, Closed NFS Roads, and Unauthorized Motorized 

Vehicle Use 

Effects from non-motorized trails, unauthorized roads, closed NFS roads, and unauthorized use 

would continue. The MA contains 10.5 miles of non-motorized trail, 2.7 miles of closed NFS 

roads, and 35.2 miles of inventoried unauthorized roads. 

Other Forest Service Ongoing and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

Reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to cumulative effects on the soil and water 

resources include the fire suppression, firewood gathering, and dispersed recreation. The PNF is 

proposing two projects in this MA: Big Creek Hazardous Fuels Reduction and Yellow Pine 

Hazardous Fuels Reduction (see Appendix D). While these projects have the potential to 

adversely impact soil productivity and water quality, the Yellow Pine project is designed to offset 

any adverse effects and Forest Plan direction is to minimize and avoid effects. 

Cumulative Effects Conclusion for MA 13 

Currently, the all of the Big Creek MA is closed to all cross country motorized vehicle use, except 

for limited access. All action alternatives reduce the area open to cross-country motorized use for 

limited access by 5 percent. In all action alternatives, travel off of designated routes would not be 

allowed for any purpose on the Krassel District. 

In all alternatives, existing problems on open roads, closed roads, and unauthorized roads will 

still occur, in all alternatives. None of the alternatives authorizes watershed restoration activities. 

Existing unauthorized roads will not be physically blocked or rehabilitated and will remain on the 

landscape, contributing to soil and water resource degradation. In all alternatives, watershed 

improvement opportunities exist when future and current NEPA projects are implemented. Future 

opportunities exist to improve watershed conditions through closure and decommissioning of 

selected unauthorized roads. 

In Alternative B, C, and D cumulative effects shows little to no improvement to the soil and water 

resources. Based on this, these alternatives are not expected to contribute to measurable changes 

in cumulative effects on the soil and water resource. In Alternative E, Proposal 13-1converts the 

designation of a two-wheel trail to and ATV/OHV trail. This route is currently used this way 

despite the two-wheel motorized designation. Alternative E, Proposal 13-8 would close 1.5 miles 

of road to motorized use, which would be an improvement. Given this Alternative E is not 

expected to contribute to measurable changes in cumulative effects on the soil and water resource 

Forest Plan Consistency 

MA Objectives 1315 addresses “improving riparian vegetation and hydrologic function through 

decommissioning or obliterating roads within riparian areas and returning road surfaces, cuts, and 

fills to productivity.” While outside the scope of this project, future opportunities exist to meets 

this objective. 

Objectives 1317 states: “Identify recreational campsites, parking areas, or trails that are 

contributing unacceptable levels of accelerated sediment, compaction, or vegetation loss.” 

Alternatives B, C, D, and E would meet this objective by closing all areas to limited motorized 

access. All parking would be at designated sites. 

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All action alternatives move toward the Desired Conditions for the soil and water resources 

because travel off of designated routes would not be allowed for any purpose on the Krassel 

District. 

Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments 

None of the alternatives would have irreversible commitments to soil productivity and water 

quality. In all alternatives, all roads and trails are considered a Total Soil Resource Commitment 

(TSRC) and an existing irretrievable commitment to soil productivity. All alternatives could result 

in accelerated erosion and sediment delivered to streams and cause an irretrievable loss to water 

quality. Application of PDFs and BMPs is expected to minimize potential changes to water 

quality associated with proposed changes in travel management designations. 

Forest Plan Consistency 

Forest Plan direction for each individual Management Areas has already been addressed. In 

addition the three following general themes associated with Forest Plan goals, objectives, 

standards and guidelines are met by all alternatives except as noted below. 

• Adherence to the State Nonpoint Source Management Plan is accomplished by implementing 

Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Soil and Water Conservation Practices to minimize 

erosion and sediment delivered to stream and other water bodies. BMPs are primarily met by 

road and trail maintenance activities. In addition, Project Design Features (PDFs) are listed in 

Chapter 2. These include an assessment process on all new and reconstructed roads and 

motorized trails and a mechanism to identify and fix problem areas. Implementation and 

effectiveness monitoring plans for the soil and water resources are part of the PDFs. 

• Ensuring that new proposed management activities within watersheds containing 303(d) listed 

water bodies improve or maintain water quality is accomplished by implementing BMPs and 

the PDF process identified in Chapter 2. 

• Conduct watershed restoration activities through implementation of the Forest Watershed and 

Aquatic Recovery Strategy (WARS). Restoration activities are accomplished through 

implementation of the WARS. While outside the scope of this project, the Travel Plan does not 

limit future site specific restoration opportunities. 

Implementation and monitoring of site specific Project Design Features (PDFs) for any new 

designated motorized routes in areas currently open to cross country motorized routes would 

eliminate the need for any Forest Plan amendment. Implementation and monitoring of site 

specific Project Design Features (PDFs) for any new designated motorized routes in areas 

currently closed to cross country motorized routes would not require a Forest Plan amendment, if 

off-setting mitigation occurs in the MA. 

Alternative C, Proposal 1-1, would not be consistent with the Forest Plan for protection of the soil 

and water resources. This proposal opens a closed system road in a closed area and designates 

that road open to ATV use. The problem is that there are no activities proposed in MA 1 to move 

toward Desired Conditions for soil and water resources. Proposal 1-1, would require a one-time, 

site-specific, non-significant amendment for Forest Plan Standard SWST04: “Management 

actions will neither degrade nor retard attainment of properly functioning soil, water, riparian, and 

aquatic desired conditions, except: a) Where outweighed by demonstrable short- or long-term 

benefits to watershed resource conditions” (Forest Plan, p. III-22) 

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Project Record 

The Soil and Water Specialist Report in the Project Record is incorporated into this EIS (40 CFR 

1502.21). The soil and water specialist relied on the detailed data, methodologies, analyses, 

conclusions, maps, references, and technical documentation in the Soil and Water Specialist 

Report to make the conclusions presented in this EIS. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 3 - 139