Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, and Monitoring 

APPENDIX B 

DESIGN CRITERIA 

MITIGATION MEASURES 

AND 

MONITORING 

Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 1 

APPENDIX B – DESIGN CRITERIA, MITIGATION MEASURES, AND MONITORING 

Specific design criteria, mitigation measures, and monitoring procedures described herein have been 

developed to be used as part of the action alternatives. It may be determined that certain Federal, State, 

local, or other permits, cooperative agreements, MOUs, etc., are necessary or required as part of 

implementing the Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project actions. The appropriate documentation will 

be obtained prior to initiation of applicable actions. 

Forest Service Manual and Handbook direction, Regional Watershed Conservation Practices (WCPs, 

Forest Service Handbook 2509.25), Forest Plan standards and guidelines, South Dakota Best 

Management Practices and other management requirements apply to the proposed activities. 

Management requirements such as applicable Forest Plan standards are repeated here only if 

clarification is required. 

Prior to Implementation 

• Project leaders will provide to the ID Team a detailed description, including location and 

timing, of the proposed activities. 

• A pre-work meeting will be held with all ID Team members and specialists to identify areas 

of concern and applicable design criteria, BMPs and Standards and Guidelines prior to 

initializing work. 

• Activities submitted in the work plan will be flagged on the ground for inspection by ID

Team specialists, and will include treatment locations, trees to be removed, access routes 

requiring ground disturbing activities, or any other activities. 

• The ID Team will review the locations of activities, including site visits if necessary to 

ensure resource protection measures are adequate for the activity. The ID Team will provide 

a written description of planned activities for District Ranger approval prior to 

implementation. Any changes from the approved work plan will require additional approval 

prior to implementation. 

Annual Report of Accomplishments 

• At the end of each year of treatments, an annual report with maps identifying the areas of 

completed activity will be compiled for the Forest. The report will include amounts (acres 

and number of sites) of each treatment used, and specific information on related actions 

taken for implementation (e.g., temporary and system road locations and miles, roads closed 

by barriers or slashing, and any other activities). 

Heritage Resources 

• The Forest is developing a Programmatic Agreement (PA) with the Wyoming and South 

Dakota State Historic Preservation Officers and interested American Indian Tribes in order 

to fulfill the Forest’s legal obligations for this project under Section 106 of the National 

Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The PA will include a full complement of stipulations 

that will govern how the Forest implements the undertaking in accordance with Section 106 

mandates. In addition to terms specified in the PA to protect historic properties, the 

following general stipulations will be applicable throughout the implementation process. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 2 

• Historic properties will be identified as per 36 CFR §800.4(b) of the NHPA implementing 

regulations. It is anticipated that in the vast majority of cases, the Forest will be able to 

demonstrate that no historic properties will be affected by implementation activities. Where 

potential adverse effects are identified, it will frequently be possible to prescribe protection 

measures to eliminate those threats prior to conducting implementation activities (as per 36 

CFR §800.5(b)). In the rare case that an adverse effect to a historic property is anticipated 

and protection measures cannot be reasonably identified and prescribed, the Forest will 

follow the process outlined in 36 CFR §800.6 to mitigate the adverse effect. 

• Sacred sites will be identified and managed according to mandates in Executive Order 

13007. 

• In the event that previously unidentified cultural resources or human remains are found 

during the implementation phase of the project, all activity must stop and a member of the 

Forest’s Heritage Resources staff must be notified immediately to determine an appropriate 

course of action. Consultation with the appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer(s), 

Tribal Historic Preservation Officer(s), and other applicable parties will be conducted as 

directed by 36 CFR §800.13 or mandates in the Native American Graves Protection and 

Repatriation Act, as appropriate. 

Recreation Resources 

• All Forest Service-authorized improvements, such as fences and water developments, would 

be shown as protected improvements on timber sale area maps and protected during 

management activities. 

• All documented NFS land boundary corners, posts, and bearing trees would be protected. 

• Utility infrastructure in the project area during project implementation will be avoided or 

protected. Measures will be taken to protect utility lines and any other improvements within 

the burn unit during prescribed burns 

• Improvements under special use permits would be avoided or protected. 

• All mining corner posts and active mining claim developments would be protected. 

• Motorized, Non-motorized, and snowmobile trails would be shown as protected 

improvements on timber sale maps. Project administrators would ensure protection of trails 

during project implementation. 

• Appropriate safety signing or other cautionary measures would be implemented in 

conjunction with all management activities to ensure public safety. Implementation of these 

measures would be the responsibility of the person initiating the action (e.g., logging 

contractor, prescribed fire manager). 

• Where feasible, temporary reroutes of all affected, motorized, non-motorized system, and 

snowmobile trails and main connector OHV routes would be provided during high use 

seasons, May through September. Temporary trail reroutes of all affected National 

Recreation Trails would be provided year-round. 

• Unless critical to harvest timing and project implementation, snowmobile trails would be 

protected by precluding them from harvest activities during the winter closure dates from 

12/01 to 3/31 annually. 

• Spraying pesticides would be restricted during campground operations, including preopening and post-closing procedures, from May 1 to September 15 annually. 

• Developed campground improvements would be protected by restricting vegetation 

management activities, during its full operational period from May 15th to September 15th 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 3 

annually. Campground facilities and improvements would be protected during all periods of 

vegetation management occurring in the campground. 

• Developed campsites, picnic sites, and trail corridors would be protected by prohibiting 

slash or landing piles within 300 feet. Chipping or removal is the preferred method to treat 

residual slash from harvest or treatment activities within the immediate area where 

campground improvements are located. 

Invasive Weeds 

• Contracts and permits issued as part of this project would include measures to limit spread 

of noxious weeds. Where proposed activities would occur in areas infested with noxious 

weeds and considered to be at high risk for spread, off-road equipment associated with the 

activity will be washed before leaving the site to prevent spread of weeds to adjacent NFS 

and private lands. Known areas meeting these criteria will be identified by District staff 

before commencement of any timber sale contract associated with this project. Known weed 

infestations will be displayed on the timber sale map. 

• Where ground-disturbing activities occur in areas infested with weeds, weeds would be 

treated prior to project implementation, where feasible, to reduce future spread and 

establishment of noxious weeds. 

• Review of the area for noxious weed infestations will continue during management 

activities. If new noxious weed infestations that could be spread by management activities 

are found during implementation, actions to minimize spread would be taken. 

• District staff responsible for the noxious weed program would, in coordination with the

project engineer, inspect gravel pits for noxious weed infestation before transport and use of 

gravel and other material. Infestations would be treated to prevent spread. 

• District staff responsible for the noxious weed program would inspect stockpiled gravel 

annually for weed infestation in coordination with the project engineer. 

• Noxious weeds when first encountered by the contractors and/or sale administrators should 

inform the appropriate entity so treatment is possible before weeds are spread.

• Spot spray and follow label direction to protect non-target species such as sensitive plants or 

treat areas in another manner. Biological control measures may be used as an alternative to 

or in addition to chemicals in sensitive areas such as, sensitive plants, aspen, riparian, or 

FEN’s 

• Use existing landing locations when in desirable locations (i.e. not in meadows, some 

slopes) and roads when possible. 

• Minimize landing size and design for proper drainage. 

• Where possible winter logging with snow cover could limit the spread 

• New road construction along with decommissioned roads will be monitored for noxious 

weeds and treated as necessary within budget constraints to prevent the spread of noxious 

weeds. 

• Rehabilitation of pile sites would include site preparation and seeding to return the sites to 

productivity and control the spread of noxious weeds. 

• Use of a brush chipper where possible reduces ground disturbance and reduces the spread of 

noxious weeds. 

Range Resources 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 4 

• All pasture gates would be identified on Timber Sale Area maps and kept closed during the 

grazing season (June through October). Maintained fences would be protected during 

logging operations. 

• If log hauling or movement of heavy equipment related to the proposed timber harvest 

causes damage to cattleguards, the timber purchaser would be responsible for repair.

• Timber purchasers would be responsible for repairing any damaged improvements resulting 

from their actions. 

• If an improvement is found that is not on the map, protection needs will be assessed and 

negotiated with the purchaser. 

• All pasture gates would be identified on Timber Sale Area maps and kept closed during the 

grazing season (June through October) while livestock are present on either side of the 

fence. These improvements would be protected during logging operations. 

• If log hauling or movement of heavy equipment related to the proposed timber harvest 

causes damage to cattleguards, the timber purchaser would be responsible for repair.

• Fence openings created to facilitate removal of logs should be closed each day in active 

grazing areas. Temporary fence closures may be made with log skids or re-stringing of 

fencing. 

• When locked gates on the Timber sale are used the Timber Sale Administrator will 

coordinate with the Range Specialist so keys as needed can be issued to permittees. 

• When feasible extend sale unit boundaries to the top of ridgelines rather than mid-slope. 

Such design avoids mid-slope fence construction that obstructs future sale activities and 

contributes to cut and damaged fences. 

Botany and Sensitive Plant Resources 

• Refer to the botany design criteria shapefile for identified plant habitat and to the Biological 

Evaluation/Specialist Report for a verbal description of plant habitat. 

• Any suitable habitat for sensitive plant species outside/or inside of treatment units would be 

avoided unless approved by a qualified botanist for entry. 

• Any R2 Sensitive plant or animal species or plant or animal Species of Local Concern 

located after contract or permit issuance will be appropriately managed by active 

coordination between permittee, contractor or purchaser, Forest Service line officer, project 

administrator, and biologist and/or botanist. – Standard 3115 

• Occurrences of Region 2 Sensitive Plants and Plant Species of Local Concern would be 

avoided during all proposed timber harvest activities. Known areas are identified in the 

design criteria shapefile. 

• Suitable plant habitat would be excluded from mechanical treatment areas. Known plant 

habitat is identified in the design criteria shapefile. 

• Any skid trails, temporary roads, landings, or other disturbances associated with logging 

activities in plant habitat would be designated in consultation with a qualified botanist. 

These areas are included in the design criteria shapefile. 

• For areas outside of designated treatment areas, any ground disturbing activities including, 

but not limited to skid trail designation, landing creation, pile construction, road 

construction or reconstruction/conversion, would be visited and evaluated for risk to rare 

plants and their habitat by a qualified botanist prior to implementation. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 5 

• A botanist will work with the road engineer to determine the best placement of the proposed 

new road construction that will potentially cross plant habitat. These areas are included in 

the design criteria shapefile. 

• Surface disturbing activities, such as skid trails, landings, road construction, etc., would be 

avoided in meadows, wetlands, and riparian areas (potential rare plant habitat, Standard 

1306). If, during implementation, activities such as these cannot be located outside of

meadows, a qualified botanist would be contacted prior to implementation to determine if 

special requirements are warranted to protect site integrity. 

• Treatment within fens would be limited to hand felling of trees and would require 

assessment by a qualified botanist prior to implementation. All woody material (chips, 

piles, cut and chunk, logs, etc.) would be removed from the fen area with as little impact to 

the fen as possible (i.e. hand carrying out via a single trail/disturbance). 

• No road construction or reconstruction/conversion would be allowed if proposed site is 

located over 40% slope and up- or downslope of a known rare plant population in order to 

avoid the effects of mass movement. 

• Neither magnesium chloride nor calcium chloride would be used for dust abatement within 

500 feet of fens or known rare plant sites. 

• Insecticide spraying treatments would not occur within 200 feet of fens. 

• Cable logging in areas known to contain rare plants would only occur when there is a foot of 

snow on the ground to avoid soil disturbance and impacts to rare plants. 

Transportation 

• Road closure devices, including gates, barriers, slash or other devices needed to prohibit or 

eliminate use, would be located on the ground to provide the most effective means of 

accomplishing the desired travel management strategy. 

• Physical closures, such as slash, stumps, rocks and revegetation are to be used to eliminate 

use. Earthen barriers may be used when there is not adequate material available for slash, 

stumps or rock closures. This may be done after activities, to allow use of a road by the 

purchaser, or as funds become available. Closure gates may be utilized where 

administrative access is needed. 

• All roads used during project implementation that are not on the Forest Motorized Travel 

Plan would be closed following project completion. Appropriate methodsmay include: 

locked gates, dirt berms, boulders, downed trees, fences, or re-contouring. 

• Where sod has effectively stabilized existing roadbeds, efforts would be made to minimize 

disturbance to the sod layer during maintenance and reconstruction activities.

• Unauthorized roads used for temporary access would be decommissioned or converted to 

NFSRs. 

• Disturbed soil would be revegetated in a manner that optimizes plant establishment for that 

specific site. 

• Revegetation may include topsoil replacement, planting, seeding, fertilization, liming, and

placement of weed-free mulch as necessary. Revegetation would be initiated as soon as 

possible, generally not to exceed 6 months, after termination of ground-disturbing activities. 

All disturbed soils would be revegetated with native species when available, using seed 

mixtures free of noxious weeds. On areas needing the immediate establishment of 

vegetation, non-native, non-aggressive annuals, non-aggressive perennials, or sterile 

perennials may be used until native perennials become established. These species can be 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 6 

used to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and prevent erosion. Only weed-free mulch 

would be used. 

• New roads that are not to be retained for Travel Management would be seeded after

construction but before timber harvest if any part of the gap between construction and 

harvest would occur between April and October. This may be accomplished under the road 

contract. If necessary, seeding would again occur after use of the road is complete. Seeding 

may be delayed until after completion of harvest if the gap between construction and harvest 

would be of short duration and hydrology, soils, engineering, and noxious weed specialists

determine after field review that a delay would be acceptable. 

• New road construction is to be designed to limit cut and fill slopes where possible, 

particularly when located above steep slopes. 

• New road construction would not occur within 100 feet of wetlands. 

• No new road stream crossings would be constructed to cross Spearfish Creek. 

• Fill in floodplains to facilitate crossings would be minimized to allow flood flows to pass 

with minimal interruption. 

• Whenever possible, roads shall be relocated or constructed out of draw bottoms to improve 

drainage and protect soil and water resources. Abandoned roadbeds shall be revegetated 

and returned to as natural a state as possible. Avoid system road building within wetlands 

and adjacent WIZ buffers. 

• Creation of large water collection points, such as road ditches or excessively large water 

bars, would be avoided, particularly up-gradient of existing rotational site features, such as 

slumps and landslides. 

• Where feasible, existing haul roads would be reconstructed with rolling grades instead of 

ditches and culverts. 

• Water bars and sediment barriers would be placed at a minimum of 10 to 20 feet below 

water bar outlets and culvert outlets on skid trails steeper than 15 percent. 

• Engineering staff would consult with a forest hydrologist and fisheries biologist on design 

of stream crossings. Fill slopes would be protected with riprap, gabions, prompt seeding, or 

other measures approved by the hydrologist, fisheries biologist, or soil scientist. 

• Placement of structures would comply with federal and state laws regarding construction in 

and near waterways, including placement of fill and measures to control sedimentation. 

• Dust control, if necessary, may be done with water, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, 

or equivalent but, would not be applied within 500 feet of any wetlands/streams/meadows.

• No system road building would occur within and adjacent to the Water Influence Zone

(WIZ). Generally, do not locate any new system roads within approximately 100 feet of 

streams (perennial, or intermittent), reservoirs, springs, or wetlands. If a stream crossing is 

required, ensure that it is constructed to prevent headcutting, gullying, erosion, and sediment 

transport to stream channels by implementing Region 2 Watershed Conservation Practices. 

Temporary Roads 

• Temporary roads would also be reseeded after completion of harvest activities. 

• Consult hydrologist on all temporary road crossings on perennial and intermittent streams. 

Where there is a need for a temporary road crossings on perennial or intermittent streams it 

will require a structure to span the stream; such as temporary bridge, temporary arch, 

cattleguard, skidder bridge, or similar structure. The reason is to avoid damage to the stream 

and stream bank and maintain streambank stability. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 7 

• Temporary road cuts exceeding two feet would be avoided. If this is infeasible because of 

steep slopes, temporary roads would be re-contoured. 

• No temporary road building within and adjacent Water Influence Zone (WIZ). Generally, do 

not locate any new system roads within approximately 100 feet of streams (perennial, or 

intermittent), reservoirs, springs, or wetlands. If a stream crossing is required, ensure that it 

is constructed to prevent headcutting, gullying, erosion, and sediment transport to stream 

channels by implementing Region 2 Watershed Conservation Practices. 

• Temporary road rehabilitation for soil productivity does not apply to permanently 

designated roads, or those to be retained on the Forest transportation system. 

• Rehabilitate and close temporary roads as soon as possible after harvest material is removed. 

Establish or place physical barriers of slash or rock to block access. Scarify temporary roads 

to break up compaction and replace topsoil in areas where topsoil had been removed. Place 

slash on the road or establish water bars (or a combination of the two). Utilize wood chunks 

or chip material to cover road surface, if available. 

Scenery Resources 

Special Areas 

Within 300 feet of US and State Highways, Scenic Byways, roads into recreation facilities, the 

Mickelson and Centennial Trails, the following design criteria would be utilized:

• Operations restricted to dry or frozen ground conditions to minimize soil disturbance. 

Where soil is displaced, re-contour to adjacent slope and seed with native grasses. 

• Where possible along these routes, remaining vegetation should be in a variety of sizes and 

spacing to maintain a more natural appearance. This technique has been very effective in 

maintaining a natural appearance. 

• Locate log landings outside the immediate foreground (200’) of the highways and trails 

when possible. Limit equipment use within this distance zone as possible. 

• Remove un-merchantable material piles (‘cull decks’ and piles of tops/limbs) in the 

immediate foreground - 300’ of the highways and 200’ of the trails when possible. 

• Rehabilitate log decks within 300 feet of travel corridors by returning to original contours, 

scarifying to eliminate compaction (as necessary), and planting with native grass seed. 

• Slash should be cleaned up to natural levels within 300 feet of these highways, in 

accordance with Forest Plan Guideline 4112b (i.e. - This can be accomplished by piling and 

burning, or chipping and/or removing chips), and Forest Plan Guideline 5606. 

• Activity slash will be reduced to natural levels within 300 feet of these routes, unless not 

visible due to changes in topography. Slash will be treated within 1 year of harvest 

completion. 

• Follow the most current Black Hills NF “Visual Marking Guides and Map” - at the time of 

project layout and marking implementation. 

• When thinning, highlight large diameter ponderosa pine when possible, by removing small 

trees around them that block their view (or act as ladder fuels in a fire). 

• Minimize “Cut and Chunk” treatment method in immediate Foreground areas. If treatment 

must be used, consider placing chunked material near the road so it can easily be picked up 

by firewood gathers and removed from the area after the beetle emerge. 

• All ‘Non-system’ roads, skid trails, forwarder trails, and log decks - Obliterate (eliminate 

the cut / fill slope to match the adjacent contours) to return to a Natural Appearing condition 

along US / State Highways, Scenic Byways, non-motorized trails, and recreation facilities. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 8 

Place natural levels of down debris across the routes, and re-seed. This is particularly 

important within the Byway corridor, around developed recreation areas (campgrounds and 

day use areas), and other non-motorized recreation areas, where long viewing durations can 

be expected. 

The following Design Criteria should be followed across the planning area: 

• Skid trails should generally be created / utilized during dry, or frozen, conditions to 

minimize soil disturbance, then seeded with native grasses after use to reduce visual 

evidence of skid trails. 

• Machine piles and log decks along main roads, trails, and in recreation areas – once burned, 

mix ash with unburned soil, reshape to natural contours, place natural levels of down debris 

across the sites, and re-seed. 

• Hand-pile, chip or mulch activity fuels in the immediate foreground of County Roads, 

Recreation Facilities, Recreation Trails, to limit additional disturbance to the area and clean 

up slash to natural levels (Guideline 5606). 

• Avoid creating strong lines between private and Forest Service boundaries. Remaining 

vegetation should be in a variety of sizes and spacing to maintain a more natural appearance. 

The transition zone width is dependent upon management and use of private lands, slope, 

and variety of vegetation. 

• Avoid creating geometric shapes when implementing proposed activities. Consider 

boundaries that follow vegetation types or sizes. 

• Minimize “Cut and Chunk” treatment method in immediate Foreground areas of county 

roads. If treatment must be used, consider placing chunked material near the road so it can 

easily be picked up by firewood gathers and removed from the area. Consider designating 

these areas for Firewood gathering. 

• Routes with high levels of public concern for the scenery, they also serve as key public 

‘evacuation routes’ during natural disasters, specifically wildfires, within the Forest. 

Reducing /removing fuel loading (tops, limbs, chunked tree boles, etc.) along these routes will 

maintain or improve the scenic landscape attributes appreciated by the public while also 

reducing the potential of a severe fire condition compromising these evacuation routes. 

• Avoid and protect non-motorized system trails to preserve the scenic beauty along these 

trails. In locations impacted by logging equipment, return to original condition and seed 50 

feet each side of the trail. 

Marking Guidelines for Scenic Areas: 

• Layout and marking of timber sale units would comply with Forest-wide marking guides in 

effect at the time of implementation. The most current Black Hills NF “Visual Marking 

Guides” would be followed for tree marking within distance of arterial collector roads and 

private land with dwelling. 

• Where existing conditions allow, treatments in forested areas adjacent to other ownership 

would blend into adjacent tree density conditions rather than creating strong vegetation 

edges. A horizontal transition zone of 1.5 times the height of the overstory trees is suggested 

to achieve this transition in tree density. 

• A transition zone of 2.5 times the height of overstory trees is recommended along unit 

boundaries with an overstory removal prescription to blend the overstory removal unit into 

surrounding units of different prescriptions. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 9 

• Where possible, treatments would be designed to reduce the chance of wind damage to 

residual trees. This may include retaining higher density of mature trees on exposed ridges, 

lee slopes, and other areas prone to high winds and heavy snow accumulation. 

• Skyline logging corridors would be as narrow as possible to minimize visual effects of any 

soil displacement. 

Wildlife Resources 

• Conifer Snags over 20 inches dbh and those with cavities would be cut only for safety reasons. 

Conifer snags under 20 inches dbh would be cut only for safety reasons or when necessary for 

construction of roads, skid trails, firelines, and log landings. 

• All hardwood snags would be retained except for those that are considered a safety hazard. 

• At least 50 linear feet per acre of coarse woody debris with a minimum diameter of 10 

inches in ponderosa pine stands and 100 linear feet per acre in white spruce stands would be 

retained to help retain moisture, trap soil movement, provide microsites for establishment of 

forbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees, and to provide habitat for wildlife. 

• In vegetation treatment units, 1 pile of woody material per 2 acres would be left to create 

near-ground structure for small mammal species, except within 300 feet of buildings. 

• Any snag cut for safety reasons will be retained on site as coarse woody debris. 

• Any newly discovered raptor nests, snail colonies, red-bellied snake hibernacula or bat 

roosts (i.e., snags/rock formations observed being used by bats, or newly discovered mines 

and caves) would be evaluated by a district wildlife biologist prior to implementation to 

determine if special requirements are warranted to protect site integrity. These resources 

would be protected in accordance with Forest Plan Standards. 

• In the event that a bald eagle is documented in a stand, the wildlife biologist will be notified 

and harvest operations will be suspended until the eagle has vacated the stand. 

• To minimize disturbance to nesting goshawks a timing restriction will apply from April 1 

through August 15 within 1⁄2 mile of active nests by minimizing human-caused noise and 

disruption beyond that occurring at the time of nest initiation. 

• The following activities would not occur during the timing restriction: fuel reduction 

activities, cutting, skidding, yarding, decking, hauling, road construction and other activities 

that may disturb nesting birds. Exceptions might be: hauling within 1⁄2 mile of active nest 

sites during the nesting season if it is reasonable to assume that goshawks in the area are 

habituated to this type of disturbance or surveys indicate that goshawks are not nesting in 

the area (consult with a district wildlife biologist to determine an appropriate course of 

action). 

• If treatments are proposed within 1⁄2 mile of a goshawk nest and no nest area has been 

identified, a biologist would designate the appropriate nest area according to the Forest Plan. 

• Tree marking will not occur from April 1 through August 15 within 1/8 mile of active 

goshawk nests to assure that goshawks do not abandon nests. From April 1 through August 

15, if crews are being aggressively watched or attacked by goshawks during marking 

activities they will immediately abandon all marking efforts within 1⁄2 mile of the active 

goshawk nest. 

• Sanitation activities that remove MPB infested trees (cut/chunk, cut/chip, cut/handpile/burn, 

equipment pile/burn, commercial sanitation) would be allowed within goshawk nest stands 

outside timing restrictions. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 10 

• Treatments within 1⁄2 mile of a bald eagle nest during the nesting season (February 1 – 

September 1) would be designed to avoid new disturbances that may detrimentally influence 

nest success. 

• Treatments within one mile of a bald eagle communal winter roost site during winter 

(November 1 – April 1) would be designed to avoid new disturbances to roosting eagles. 

• Uneven-aged management (e.g., group selection, group retention, free selection) that creates 

a mosaic of vegetation structural stages in small patches would be allowed in goshawk nest 

areas at least 600 ft. away from nests. In these areas, treatments would be designed with 

non-uniform spacing to restore the natural “groupiness” of the forest and maintain the nest 

area’s value to goshawks. Timing restriction would apply from April 1 through August 15 

if the nests are active. 

• Pheromone traps or baits would not be placed within 1⁄4 mile of goshawk nest areas nor 

within 1⁄4 mile of other known raptor nests. 

• New barriers (e.g., new open roads) between red-bellied snake hibernacula and riparian 

areas or wetlands would be avoided. There are currently no known hibernacula in the 

planning area. This design criterion will apply to any newly discovered hibernacula. 

• No treatments will be conducted within approximately 500 feet of an adit portal or shaft 

openings of mines or caves to maintain microclimate of bat hibernacula or nurseries, unless 

it is determined through bat surveys that the site is not bat roost habitat. Bat surveyors and 

bat survey protocols must be pre-approved by the district wildlife biologist and surveys 

must be conducted prior to implementation. The 500 foot no treatment zone may be reduced 

dependent upon survey results and topography and will be determined by a District Wildlife 

Biologist. 

• Sanitation activities that remove MPB infested trees (cut/chunk, cut/chip, cut/handpile/burn, 

tree spraying, equipment pile/burn, commercial sanitation) would be allowed within 

approximately 500 of adit portal or shaft openings of mines or caves after coordination with 

and approval by a wildlife biologist. 

• Commercial treatments of non-infested trees (e.g., commercial thinning, selection) and 

would be allowed within 500 feet of adit portal or shaft openings of mines or caves, if it is 

determined through bat surveys that the site is not bat roost habitat. If surveys determine 

that a mine or cave is bat roost or hibernation habitat, treatments within 500 feet may be 

allowed, depending upon survey results and topography and would be determined by a 

district Wildlife Biologist. Bat surveyors and bat survey protocols must be pre-approved by 

the district wildlife biologist and surveys must be conducted prior to implementation. 

• Pheromone traps or baits would not be placed within 1⁄4 mile of mines or caves that serve as 

bat hibernacula or roosts 

• Known snail sites with R2 Sensitive Species or Species of Local Concern will be avoided 

with ground disturbing activities (i.e., no vegetation treatments, no heavy equipment use, 

and no skid trails, landings, temporary roads or any other activity that may compact soils or 

alter ground cover, moisture regimes or litter composition) except in Spearfish Canyon MA 

4.2A (Alternative C). 

• Disturbance of newly discovered colonies of land snails would be avoided until it is 

evaluated by a district wildlife biologist in order to determine if R2 Sensitive Species or 

Species of Local Concern are present. The district wildlife biologist would determine 

appropriate buffer areas (no treatment zones) around newly discovered colonies based on 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 11 

site-specific conditions. Avoidance zones or mitigation measures would be determined on a 

case-by-case basis. 

• Pheromone traps or baits would not be placed within 1⁄4 mile of known snail colonies, except 

in Spearfish Canyon MA 4.2A (Alternative C). 

• Maintenance of existing roads in areas that pass through known snail colonies will be 

limited to the clearing limits (i.e., roads may be maintained to standard). If needed 

improvements or realignment of those areas go beyond the existing clearing limits, review 

and input by the district wildlife biologist would be required to ensure that snail colonies 

would not be impacted. 

• Avoid Construction of new roads through snail colonies would be avoided, except in 

Spearfish Canyon MA 4.2A (Alternative C). Where data suggests an overlap between new 

roads and known snail colonies, a wildlife biologist and the engineer will together determine 

if there are any feasible alternate road locations. 

• The presence of snails in any area not previously identified will be brought to the attention 

of the district wildlife biologist before maintenance or construction continues.

• Sanitation treatments that remove MPB infested trees without heavy equipment (cut/chunk, 

cut/chip, cut/handpile/burn, helicopter yarding) would be allowed in snail colonies. 

• Pheromone traps or baits would not be placed within 1⁄4 mile of marten connective corridors 

• Sanitation treatments that remove MPB infested trees (cut/chunk, cut/chip, 

cut/handpile/burn, equipment pile/burn, commercial sanitation) would be allowed in marten 

connectivity corridors. 

• Non-sanitation silvicultural treatments (e.g., commercial thinning, selection) that maintain at 

least 50% canopy cover would be allowed within marten connective corridors. 

• In cut/hand pile/burn treatment units, 1 pile of woody material per 2 acres would be left to 

create near-ground structure for small mammal species, except within 300 feet of buildings. 

• Burning of slash piles and hand piles would be allowed within goshawk nest areas. Burning 

piles in nest areas or within 1⁄2 mile of historic goshawk nests would be coordinated with 

district wildlife biologist. Timing restriction would apply from April 1 through August 15 if 

the nests are active. 

• Burning of small hand piles or lop-and-scatter slash on snail colonies with R2 Sensitive 

Species or Species of Local Concern that are in prescribed burn units would be done when 

snails are hibernating (i.e., when average daytime temperatures are <50 degree Fahrenheit) 

or else these piles or slash would not be burned. 

• In cut-hand pile-burn treatment units, 1 pile of woody material per 2 acres would be left to 

create near-ground structure for small mammal species, except within 300 feet of buildings. 

Water Resources 

• On slopes over 30 percent, harvesting and skidding methods that minimize the amount of 

soil displaced into piles or windrows would be used in order to leave soil intact and in place;

(2) 

• Provide adequate road and trail cross drainage to reduce erosion (Guideline 9202e) by 

installing waterbars/rolling dips within the WIZ 

• Heavy equipment would avoid streams and swales (low-lying or depressed and often wet 

stretches of land) except to cross at designated points, build crossings, or conduct restoration, 

unless protected by at least one foot of packed snow or two inches of frozen soil. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 12 

• When logging in previously disturbed stands, use existing skid trails and landings whenever 

possible. 

• No mechanized equipment zone for 50-feet around wetlands 

• Line pulling could occur within approximately 0-50 feet of the stream. 

• No wheeled or tracked equipment will be allowed within 50 feet of perennial or intermittent 

streams, reservoirs, springs, or wetlands. 

• Designate skid trails that are within 50 to 100 feet of perennial or intermittent streams, 

reservoirs, springs, or wetlands. 

• 100-foot WIZ around perennial or intermittent streams, reservoirs, springs or wetlands. 

• Surface disturbing activities (e.g., creation of skid trails, location of landings, construction 

of temporary roads, etc.) will be avoided as much as possible in meadows. If during

implementation activities such as these cannot be located outside of meadows, a district 

specialist such as the district hydrologist, botanist, range or weed specialist or wildlife 

biologist will be contacted prior to implementation to determine if special requirements are 

warranted to protect site integrity. 

Silviculture 

• Sanitation or removal of conifer trees identified as insect infested, is included for all NFS 

lands within the project area. 

• In overstory removal treatments retain an average of one 1 large green non-infested tree/acre. 

• Existing pine regeneration would generally be protected in stands proposed for overstory 

removal harvest. Provisions related to felling, bucking, and whole tree yarding would be 

included in the timber sale contract. Log length yarding is the preferred method of timber 

removal. Skid trails within these stands would be approved by the sale administrator before 

commencement of logging. Landing locations would, where feasible, take advantage of 

existing openings or areas with no regeneration. 

• To increase the likelihood of successful conifer regeneration, stands proposed for seed cuts 

would be logged in the summer or early fall where feasible to maximize the site

scarification provided by the skidding operation, provided there are no concerns related to 

riparian areas, noxious weeds, or sensitive plants. Cutting would be done in such a way that 

areas would be restocked with trees within five years after harvest. 

• Where stand variation dictates an alternative treatment to the majority treatment, this 

variation shall be accommodated. For example, a quarter acre pocket of aspen within a 

commercial thin stand of ponderosa pine shall be cleared of conifers within and up to one 

tree length (approximately 75 feet) from the edge of the pocket in an effort to maintain 

vegetative diversity within stands. 

• Prior to implementation treatment the field reconnaissance form and the District Ranger 

concurrence form will be completed and approved. 

• Commercial and non-commercial treatments of ponderosa pine in spruce dominated stands 

will not occur except within 200 feet of buildings or where spruce is encroaching into 

hardwoods so long as other identified design criteria does not apply in these areas. 

Fisheries Resources 

• Keep heavy equipment out of streams during fish spawning, incubation, and emergence 

periods (FSH 2509.25). 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 13 

• Mountain sucker: the inwater exclusion period is June 1 through July 15. Affected 

streams are: Battle Creek, Bear Butte Creek, Beaver Creek (WY), Boxelder 

Creek, Castle Creek, Elk Creek, Lytle Creek (WY), Meadow Creek, North Fork 

Rapid Creek, Rapid Creek, Swede Gulch and Whitewood Creek. 

• Trout: BKF – South Dakota, the inwater exclusion period is October 15 through 

April 1 in coldwater streams, if water is present. Coldwater streams are those with 

a coldwater permanent or marginal fish propagation beneficial use. Consult with 

FS hydrologist or fisheries biologist or 

http://legis.state.sd.us/rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=74:51:03&Type=Rule for 

stream designation. 

• Trout: BKF – Wyoming, the inwater exclusion period is Sept. 15 through Nov. 30. 

Fire/Fuels Resources 

• All prescribed burn treatments, which includes burning of piled material, will meet with the 

provisions of the Clean Air Act. District personnel would monitor burn conditions, and the 

SASEM (Smoke Model) or equivalent program would be used to assure provisions are met. 

The impacts of burning on metropolitan areas such as Rapid City would be assessed at the 

time of burning and would be minimized utilizing the following design criteria and are 

incorporated into the burn plan as appropriate: 

• Limit treatment area size 

• Specify wind directions and speed 

• Specify minimum mixing heights to ensure dispersal of emissions 

• Stagger ignitions 

• Revegetation of prescribed burned areas will be promoted by: 

• If piled and burned fuel creates ash piles deeper than three inches, scatter the ash, 

scarify and mix it with mineral soil, or bury it. 

• Prescribed burn plans (which includes the Forest Level III Programmatic Burn Plan for Pile 

Burning) will identify acceptable levels of tree mortality for seedlings/saplings, poles and 

sawtimber; burning prescriptions will be estimated to meet these levels. 

• Activity fuel should be removed, lopped, scattered or piled for later burning. Slash piles, 

other than those left for wildlife habitat, should be burned as soon as possible. 

• Slash piles that are scheduled for burning will be located outside of meadows that contribute 

to Waters of the United States. Use a buffer distance designed to keep sediment, ash and 

debris out of channels. 

• Activity fuels will be treated along forest collector roads and forest development trails to 

meet the adopted Scenic Integrity Objectives (SIO). Along arterial roads, remove 70-90 

percent of activity fuels up to 300 feet from roads edge. Debris piles will be burned as soon 

as practical after remaining on-site for at least 2 years. Where mechanical treatment and 

prescribed burning of piled material is proposed within the same site, mechanical treatments 

will be completed prior to burning. 

• Reduce or otherwise treat all fuels adjacent to non-forest lands so the potential fireline 

intensity does not exceed 200 BTUs/second/foot on 90 percent of the days when fires occur, 

or break up continuous fuel concentrations exceeding the above intensity into units 30 to 40 

acres maximum size, surrounded by fuel breaks. Deadfall treatments are included in all 

treated sites adjacent to all non-National Forest lands. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 14 

• Where Variable Density Thinning (VDT) or Free Selection (FS) is proposed adjacent to 

private lands, the target basal area with 300 feet of the private land boundary will be 50 ft2 / 

acre. 

Soils Resources 

• Retain on site any previously MPB killed trees (those that the wood is considered to no 

longer be of a merchantable condition) for future coarse woody debris contributions. 

• Include and implement USFS Region 2 Watershed Conservation Practices (WCPs), 

http://fsweb.r2.fs.fed.us/directives/fsh/2509.25/2509.25_10.doc), Forest Plan soil standards 

and guidelines, and industry standard methods for protecting soil resources. Implement 

practices outlined in “Best Management Practices for the control of Non-Point Pollution 

from Silvicultural and Related Road Activities”. 

• Manage land treatments to limit the sum of severely burned and detrimentally compacted, 

eroded, and displaced land to no more than 15% of any land unit. 

• Minimize soil compaction by reducing off-road vehicle passes, by skidding on snow, frozen 

or dry soil conditions, or by off-ground logging systems. 

• The design criteria apply to the following soil survey map units (listed by soil survey map 

unit symbols). The map units in each of the counties have a least one of the dominant map 

unit components with a severe hazard rating for compaction. 

• Lawrence County: Q0100C, Q0102E, Q0104G, Q0106E, Q0108E, Q0108G, 

Q0114D, Q0114E, Q0206B, Q0209D, Q0216B, Q0217C, Q0225D, Q0226E, 

Q0227E, Q0239D, Q0400B, Q0401B, Q0403B, Q0407C, Q0409E, Q0411C, 

Q0413C, Q0415D, Q0416C, Q0418E, Q0420G, Q0501B, Q0502C, Q0506D, 

Q0508C, Q0509C, Q0510E, Q0512C, Q0514C, Q0518B, Q0518C, Q0520C, 

Q0538A, Q0540C, Q0540F, Q0552D, Q0568B, Q0568E, Q0570F, Q0572D, 

Q0584E, Q0584F, Q0586E, Q0901B, Q0928C 

• Custer County: BrB, GrD, GrF, PgC, Q0304D, Q0310D, Q0312E, Q0315E, 

Q0322D, Q0413C, Q0415D, Q0416C, Q0418E, Q0420G, Q0422C, Q0502C, 

Q0514C, Q0520C, Q0552D, Q0584E, Q0587E, Q0608B, Q0609C, Q0620C, 

Q0675E, Q0676E, Q0680D, RpC, RrE 

• Pennington County: Q0200C, Q0206B,Q 0209D, Q0211E, Q0216B, Q0226E, 

Q0239D, Q0307B, Q0310D, Q0312E, Q0315E, Q0322D, Q0400B, Q0401B, 

Q0405D, Q0408E, Q0409E, Q0411C, Q0413C, Q0415D, Q0416C, Q0418E, 

Q0420G, Q0422C, Q0501B, Q0502C, Q0512C, Q0514C, Q0520C, Q0552D, 

Q0576C, Q0584E, Q0584F, Q0586E, Q0587E, Q0608B, Q0609C, Q0611C, 

Q0619C, Q0620C, Q0632E, Q0675E, Q0676E 

• Meade County: Q0106E, Q0108E, Q0108G, Q0114D, Q0501B, Q0502C, Q0506D, 

Q0509C, Q0510E, Q0514C, Q0518B, Q0518C, Q0520C, Q0535C, Q0553E, 

Q0568B, Q0568E, Q0570F, Q0572D, Q0584E, Q0584F, Q0586E, 

Q0611C,Q0675E, Q0676E, Q0901B 

• Crook County: 125, 13, 156, 157, 164, 166, 170, 172, 179, 187, 198, 37, 38, 66, 67, 

86, 93, 95, 96, 98, Q0100C, Q0102E, Q0106E, Q0114D, Q0114F, Q0400B, 

Q0407C, Q0408E, Q0409E, Q0411C, Q0411E, Q0418E, Q0509C, Q0510E, 

Q0512C, Q0512E, Q0516C, Q0518B, Q0518C, Q0519B, Q0540C, Q0540F, 

Q0556C, Q0556F, Q0584E, Q0584F, Q0801B, Q0803E, Q0808A, Q0811C, 

Q0815C, Q0815E, Q0817A, Q0826C, Q0826F, Q0827C, Q0827E, Q0828C, 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 15 

Q0828F, Q0834B, Q0834C, Q0836B, Q0838C, Q0840C, Q0841B, Q0842C, 

Q0848B, Q0852C, Q0852E, Q0854B, Q0854C, Q0854E, Q0922C 

• Weston County: 15, 56, 57, 84, Q0400B, Q0401B, Q0405D, Q0408E, Q0409E, 

Q0411C, Q0416C, Q0418E, Q0420G, Q0512C, Q0512E, Q0584E, Q0584F, 

Q0586E 

• Fall River: BoB, BpB, BvD, CnD, MmE, MpE, NoB, NoC, Q0608B, Q0620C, 

Q0640B, Q0657D, ReD, RgF, TaC, TgC 

• Limit roads and other disturbed sites to the minimum feasible number, width and total 

length consistent with the purpose of specific operations, local topography and climate. 

There are potential treatment areas that coincide with soils identified that have 

characteristics that generally contribute to a higher susceptibility to compaction when soils 

are moist or wet (same list as above for Forest Plan Guideline 1104). 

• Use of heavy equipment for harvest activities, for other project activities or for post-sale 

activities is to be limited to occur during dry or frozen conditions (same list as above for 

Forest Plan Guideline 1104). Avoid soil disturbing actions during periods of heavy rain or

wet soil conditions to prevent rutting and compaction. 

• If soils on selected treatment areas have an erosion hazard of severe to very severe on slopes 

between 20-40%, restrict ground based machinery operations to dry or frozen conditions, 

snow or operate machinery over the top of retained slash. The following soil survey map 

units in each of the counties were identified to have a least one of the dominant map unit 

components with a severe or very severe hazard rating for erosion: 

• Lawrence County: Q0104G, Q0108G, Q0110E, Q0110G, Q0231G, Q0232G, 

Q0420G, Q0530G, Q0554F, Q0566F, Q0570F, Q0584F, Q0585G, Q0589G 

• Custer County: BwE, CdF, GrF, HtG, NcE, NfE, Q0005G, Q0317G, Q0319G, 

Q0420G, Q0530G, Q0589G,Q0591G, Q0613F, Q0634G, Q0655G, Q0678G, 

RsF 

• Pennington County: Q0005G, Q0231G, Q0232G, Q0317G, Q0319G, Q0420G, 

Q0584F, Q0585G, Q0589G, Q0591G, Q0634G, Q0655G, Q0678G 

• Meade County: Q0110E, Q0110G, Q0112G, Q0530G, Q0554F, Q0566F, Q0570F, 

Q0584F, Q0585G, Q0589G, Q0591G, Q0678G 

• Crook County: 155, Q0114F, Q0556F, Q0563G, Q0584F, Q0585G, Q0826F, 

Q0926G 

• Weston County: 92, Q0420G, Q0584F, Q0585G, Q0589G 

• Fall River County: MnF, Q0660F, Q0668F, Q0678G, RoF, RrF, SpF 

• There are potential treatment areas that coincide with soils identified as having limited 

topsoil, limited organic matter or shallow rooting depth. If the activities other than cut and 

chunk, cut and chip, insecticide spray, helicopter timber harvest, cable harvest are identified 

to occur on those soils, then Forest Plan Standard 1102; (WCPH 1102), that species amounts 

of slash to be retained, is to be implemented. This design criteria applies to the following 

soil survey map units: 

• Lawrence County: Q0106E, Q0108E, Q0108G, Q0110E, Q0110G, Q0112G, Q0114D, 

Q0114E, Q0202E, Q0203D, Q0221F, Q0231G, Q0407C, Q0409E, Q0411C, 

Q0416C, Q0418E, Q0420G, Q0551C, Q0552D, Q0553E, Q0554F, Q0571E, 

Q0588D, Q0906D, Q0918C 

• Custer County: Q0001E, Q0003C, Q0004E, Q0005G, Q0302E, Q0304D, Q0317G, 

Q0319G, Q0414E, Q0416C, Q0418E, Q0420G, Q0552D, Q0571E, Q0588D, 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 16 

Q0590E, Q0622F, Q0653D, Q0658D, Q0659E, Q0664E, Q0665E, Q0672C, 

Q0677D, RfE, RhD 

• Pennington County: Q0001E, Q0003C, Q0005G, Q0202E, Q0203D, Q0231G, Q0302E, 

Q0304D, Q0317G, Q0408E, Q0409E, Q0411C, Q0416C, Q0418E, Q0420G 

• Meade County: NaD, Q0106E, Q0108E, Q0108G, Q0110E, Q0110G, Q0112G, 

Q0114D, Q0514C, Q0551C, Q0552D, Q0553E, Q0554F, Q0571E, Q0588D, 

Q0658D, Q0659E, Q0664E, Q0665E 

• Crook County: 156, 157, 164, 166, 170, Q0106E, Q0108E, Q0114D, Q0114F, 

Q0202E, Q0407C, Q0408E, Q0409E, Q0411C, Q0411E, Q0412D, Q0418E, 

Q0516C, Q0556C, Q0556F, Q0852C, Q0852E, Q0918C 

• Weston County: 57, Q0412D, Q0521E, Q0621E, Q0664E 

• Fall River County: Q0657D, Q0659E, Q0660F, Q0665E, Q0668F, SpF 

• There are potential treatment areas that coincide with soil map units that include soils with a 

higher potential for mass movement. Soils that had been identified for the Forest Plan 

Revision Decision (1996) for Standard 1108 were Lakoa, Larkson, Citadel, Rockoa, and 

Mathias on slopes over 30%, and then all other locations with slopes over 55 %. Based on 

the recent (2011) update to MLRA 62, there are additional soils identified with similar 

characteristics to those identified in the 1996 Forest Plan, as amended, and are included in 

map units: 

• MLRA 62 Soil Survey Map Units - Q0001E, Q0006E, Q104G, Q0106E, Q0108E, 

Q0108G, Q0110E, Q0110G, Q0112G, Q0114E, Q0114F, Q0202E, Q0211E, 

Q0213G, Q0214E, Q0221F, Q0226E, Q0227E, Q0231G, Q0232G, 

Q0239D,Q0302E, Q0315E, Q0317G, Q0319G, Q0408E, Q0409E, Q0510E, 

Q0512E, Q0530G, Q0536F, Q0540F, Q553E, Q0565E, Q0566F, Q0568E, 

Q0570F, Q0571E, Q0572D, Q0584E, Q0584F, Q0585G, Q0586E, Q0587E, 

Q0589G, Q0590E, Q0634G, Q0655G, Q0659E, Q0664E, Q0665E, Q0675E, 

Q0676E, Q0678G, Q0826F, Q0827E, Q0828F, Q0910E, Q0926G. 

• MLRA 61 Soil Survey Map Units – 57, 93, 96 and 98. 

• All other potential treatment areas and potential roads located on slopes over 55% in any 

other soil survey map unit. Design criteria to comply with Forest Plan Standard 1108 

include selection of one of the following depending on decision for treatment or road 

creation: 

• Identify the slopes above 30% in the identified map units listed above and drop from 

further consideration for treatment or road creation. 

• If treatment is pursued, select activities expected to result in the least disturbance to 

sites such as cut and chunk, cut and chip, cut-hand pile-burn, insecticide spray. If 

helicopter logging is selected over the preceding list of the other treatments, 

retain a minimum of 60 BA of ponderosa pine on the site. 

• If cable logging (associated roads and landings) is selected, investigate slopes over 

30% in the identified map units listed above, as well as any other slopes over 

55%. Retain a minimum a 60 BA of conifer species. At those sites, limit the 

cable logging activities to when at least a foot of snow is present. 

• Limit any intensive ground disturbing activities on any unstable slopes that may 

have been previously known or mapped, or are identified during the on-site slope 

stability exams. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 17 

• Avoid the use of the higher ground disturbance activities: Cut-Equipment Pile-Burn, 

Ground Based Timber Harvest, temporary or new road construction or associated 

landings. 

• Rip or scarify skid trail compacted areas. Implement one or a combination of erosion 

prevention based on site characteristics: place available slash on skid trail, place available 

wood chips or wood chunks on skid trail, and/or establish multiple water bars on skid trails. 

Implement erosion prevention on the skid trails immediately the use of the skid trail is 

completed. 

• Rehabilitate and close temporary roads as soon as possible after harvest material is removed. 

Establish or place physical barriers of slash or rock to block access. Scarify temporary roads 

to break up compaction and replace topsoil in areas where topsoil had been removed. Place 

slash on the road or establish water bars (or a combination of the two). Utilize wood chunks 

or chip material to cover road surface, if available. 

• Scarify landings and any associated created “jump up areas”. Retain a portion of slash 

during pile burning and spread on landing following pile burning or use wood chunks or 

chips for rehabilitation of landings if activities are to occur at the same location. 

Project Detection and Size-Up 

Black Hills National Forest resource specialists have been working with researchers to use the best 

available science to combat the on-going MPB epidemic. The Project is based on known methods to 

reduce MPB affects using an adaptive management approach because it is not possible to determine 

when or the precise level of MPB activity, but reasonable estimates can be made based on the 

current extent of the epidemic, the expanding MPB brood populations available to infest new trees, 

and the large volume and wide distribution of high risk stands in the project area. 

The guide in figure B-1 will help determine, which, if any, integrated pest management techique 

and design criterias would be utilized in the MPBR Project potential treatment areas. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 18 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 19 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 20 

Integrated Pest Management Framework 

The basic framework to better understand the tools, techniques, purpose, scope/scale and various 

management evaluation points are shown in Table B-1. 

Table B-1 Integrated Pest Management Framework

Tools and 

Techniques Purpose Scope/Scale Management Evaluation Points 

Timber Sale Contracts 

Ground-based 

Logging 

Reduce or remove the likelihood of trees 

being successfully attacked by the 

mountain pine beetle (MPB) either by 

reducing stand diameter or reducing 

stand density and fuels 

Use of resiliency type treatments 

(e.g. thinning) of high priority areas 

with mechanized equipment in 

stands with commercial size timber 

>9 inches dbh using existing roads 

or constructing new temporary or 

system roads. Small sales are 

generally 20 to 250 acres and large 

sales 1000 acres to 4000 acres. 

Actions are consistent with 

treatment objectives and 

ROD 

Incipient epidemic in 

watershed 

When sales are not cost 

effective and commercially 

viable to all contractors. 

Re-evaluate no-bid sales. 

Slopes >40% 

Monitor the effectiveness 

of treatments 

(presence/absence of MPB) 

at reducing MPB and 

conserving other resource 

values through the use of 

design criteria. 

Cable Logging Reduce or remove the likelihood of trees 

being successfully attacked by the 

mountain pine beetle (MPB) either by 

reducing stand diameter or reducing 

stand density and fuels 

Use of resiliency type treatments 

(e.g. thinning) of high priority areas 

with mechanized equipment in 

stands with commercial size timber 

>9 inches dbh using existing roads 

or constructing new temporary or 

system roads. Sales generally 

greater than 50 acres using or 

building system roads 

Actions are consistent with 

treatment objectives and 

ROD 

Incipient epidemic in 

watershed 

When slopes are < 40% 

Helicopter 

Logging 

Reduce or remove the likelihood of trees 

being successfully attacked by the 

mountain pine beetle (MPB) either by 

reducing stand diameter or reducing 

stand density and fuels 

Use of resiliency type treatments 

(i.e. thinning) of high priority areas 

with mechanized equipment in 

stands with commercial size timber 

>9 inches dbh using existing roads 

or constructing new temporary or 

system roads. Sales generally 

greater than million CCF. 

Actions are consistent with 

treatment objectives and 

ROD 

Incipient epidemic in 

watershed 

When slopes are less than 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 21 

Tools and 

Techniques Purpose Scope/Scale Management Evaluation Points 

40% 

Stewardship 

Contract 

Reduce or remove the likelihood of trees 

being successfully attacked by the 

mountain pine beetle (MPB) either by 

reducing stand diameter or reducing 

stand density and fuels 

Use of resiliency type treatments 

(e.g. thinning) of high priority areas 

or restoration treatments (e.g. fuel 

reduction) with mechanized 

equipment in stands with 

commercial size timber >9 inches 

dbh using existing roads or 

constructing new temporary or 

system roads. Sales are where 

service work such as noncommercial thinning and products 

other than logs (< 9 dbh) to be done 

in conjunction with harvesting of 

commercial timber. 

Design of sales are cost 

effective and economically 

viable to all contractors. 

Consideration of no-bid 

timber sales for 

stewardship sales through 

appropriated funds. 

Non-commercial Treatments 

Cut and Chunk Lower beetle populations and decreasing 

the likelihood of infestations spreading 

to adjacent trees. 

Hand falling of bug infested trees 

in small isolated outbreaks at stand 

level. 

Scenery or fuel limits are 

exceeded. 

Proximity and scale of 

pockets of treatments are in 

excess of 20 tons/acre or 

more. 

Cut and Chunk, 

cut/handpile/burn 

Lower beetle populations and decreasing 

the likelihood of infestations spreading 

to adjacent trees, where excessive fuel 

loading is a concern and visibly and 

socially sensitive areas are present. 

Hand falling of bug infested trees 

in small isolated outbreaks at stand 

level and to also addresses visually 

and socially sensitive areas with 

fuel loading concerns. 

Residual stand is affected 

by number and size of piles 

Cut and Chunk, 

mechanical 

cut/mechanical 

pile/burn 

Lower beetle populations and decreasing 

the likelihood of infestations spreading 

to adjacent trees, where excessive fuel 

loading is a concern and visibly and 

socially sensitive areas are present. 

Hand/mechanical falling of bug 

infested trees in small isolated 

outbreaks at stand level and to also 

addresses visually and socially 

sensitive areas with fuel loading 

concerns 

Residual stand is affected 

by number and size of piles 

Insecticide 

Spray 

Protection of high value trees to the 

public from being infested by beetles 

Spray high value trees such as trees 

within campgrounds or legacy trees 

Application limits stated 

on product label cannot be 

met. 

Semiochemicals Attract beetles and remove infested trees 

to decrease the likelihood of infestations 

spreading to adjacent areas. 

Very small scale or experimental 

scale 

Application limits stated 

on product label cannot be 

met. 

Cut and Chip Lower beetle populations and decreasing 

the likelihood of infestations spreading 

to adjacent trees in high visibility areas 

Hand falling of bug infested trees 

in small isolated outbreaks at stand 

level near existing roads 

No existing road access. 

Chips are less than 4 inches in 

depth and 50% of the area has 

exposed mineral soil 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 22 

The IPM framework is based on our existing knowledge and adjustments made through implementation, 

monitoring and evaluation or other applicable research accruing during the life of the project. 

Monitoring 

The MPB Response Project is an adaptive management project. As such, monitoring plays an important 

role in providing feedback on which design features were implemented, which were effective, and 

whether adaptations are needed to treatment design to make them more effective (Figure B-1). 

Figure B-2. Adaptive Management Cycle 

Monitoring MPB Response Project activities would consist of two types of monitoring – 

implementation monitoring and effectiveness monitoring. Implementation monitoring would 

measure whether applicable design criteria, BMPs and Forest Plan standard and guidelines are 

correctly implemented. Effectiveness monitoring would measure how implemented treatments are 

effective at protecting resources as well as reducing MPB risk. 

Project leaders and contract administrators (for contracted activities) would perform much of the 

implementation monitoring during project implementation. Other resource specialists would monitor 

specific progress including application of design criteria and mitigation measures related to their 

resource of concern. This allows managers to adjust management if certain items are being missed 

during the implementation process. This type of monitoring will also contribute to the development 

of the annual MPBR Project Monitoring Report. 

Effectiveness monitoring measures whether the treatments implemented with the design criteria, 

BMPs and Forest Plan standard and guidelines are achieving the desired out comes. A sample of the 

each type of treatments in the MPB Response Project would be selected each year from the annual 

Report for effectiveness monitoring and evaluation. Ten percent of the sites for each type of 

treatment activity would be monitored each year. Monitoring would occur through pre-field review 

and field visits. The pre-field review would include reviewing implementation notes and applicable 

standards, guidelines, design criteria and BMPs. Field visits would be accomplished in an 

interdisciplinary fashion to facilitate cross-sharing of effectiveness information and identification of 

needed changes to project activities. Monitoring would consist of determining if treatments were 

effective at controlling MPB and conserving other resource values through use of the design criteria. 

Effectiveness monitoring information would be evaluated and documented along with any

recommended changes in The MPBR Project Implementation and Monitoring Report. The Annual 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 23 

project Monitoring Report will include findings on the effectiveness of treatments and conservation 

measures and recommendations for changes, if needed. If monitoring finds resource protection 

objectives are not being achieved, then: 

• Vegetation treatment operations can be modified or reduced and/or 

• Resource protection measures can be improved or changed 

• Monitoring to determine the source of impact and apply appropriate mitigation can be

improved or increased. 

The annual report would be completed and provided to the Forest Supervisor within two months of the 

end of the fiscal year.