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. 

Heritage 

A. Cultural Resources: 

1) Programmatic Agreement 

The Forest is negotiating 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. 

2) Protection of Historic Properties: 

• 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. 

• All project leaders associated with implementation of this undertaking will consult with the 

Forest’s Heritage Resources staff prior to initiating any on-the-ground implementation 

activities. The objective of the communication will be to determine which locations have 

received adequate field survey and which locations contain sensitive historic properties and/or 

sacred sites where protection measures may need to be prescribed. Where Heritage Resources 

staff deems it necessary to do so, protection measures will be identified to protect historic 

properties. 

• Sacred sites will be identified and managed according to mandates in Executive Order 13007. 

All project leaders associated with implementation of this EIS will consult with the Forest’s 

Heritage Resources staff on this topic prior to initiating any on-the-ground implementation 

activities. 

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

B - 2 

Recreation 

Noxious Weeds 

§800.13 or mandates in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, as 

appropriate. 

B. Recreation/ Safety/Improvements: 

3) 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. 

4) Protect all documented NFS land boundary corners, posts, and bearing trees. 

5) Avoid or protect utility infrastructure in the project area during project implementation. Measures 

will be taken to protect utility lines and any other improvements within the burn unit during 

prescribed burns 

6) Avoid or protect improvements under special use permit. 

7) Protect all mining corner posts and active mining claim developments. 

8) 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. 

9) 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). 

10) Where feasible, provide temporary reroutes of all affected, motorized, non-motorized system, and 

snowmobile trails and main connector OHV routes during high use seasons, May through 

September. Provide temporary trail reroutes of all affected National Recreation Trails year-round. 

11) Unless critical to harvest timing and project implementation, protect snowmobile trails by 

precluding them from harvest activities during the winter closure dates from 12/01 to 3/31 

annually. 

12) Restrict spraying pesticides during campground operations, including pre-opening and postclosing procedures, from May 1 to September 15 annually. 

13) Protect developed campground improvements by restricting vegetation management activities, 

during its full operational period from May 15th to September 15th annually. Protect campground 

facilities and improvements during all periods of vegetation management occurring in the 

campground.

14) Protect developed campsites, picnic sites, and trail corridors 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.

15) Consult with district recreation and lands specialists to minimize impacts to developed and 

dispersed recreation, motorized and non-motorized system trails, and recreation and nonrecreation special use permittees as site specific commercial and non-commercial activities are 

planned in specific treatment areas. 

C. Noxious Weeds: 

16) Washing of Equipment: 

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

B - 3 

Range 

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. 

17) Pre-Treatment/Treatment of Weeds: 

• 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. 

D. Range:

18) Protection of Allotment Improvements: 

• Managers of vegetation treatment projects would consult with District range managers to 

ensure alteration of natural barriers does not allow livestock to circumvent fences and lose the 

integrity of the pasture or allotment. 

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

B - 4 

Botany 

• 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.

• Any new road construction would be coordinated with the Rangeland Management Specialist 

so developments can be protected or altered so their function is not compromised. 

• 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. 

19) When appropriate whole tree skidding is used to bring trees to the landings. This removes 

substantial slash residues and allows wildlife and livestock to move more freely across the treated 

areas. In some locations lop/scattered or processed in the woods has caused the loss of secondary 

range and big game use because of the obstacles/slash tonnage.

E. Botany/Region 2 Sensitive Plant Species: 

20) Protection of Plant Habitat: 

• 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. 

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

B - 5 

Transportation 

Transportation improvements are expected to begin during the 2013 construction season. 

The following recommendations should be considered during project implementation. Route

verification would be held by engineering, prior to road contract preparation, to show Forest and 

District Specialists the location and design of planned relocation, realignment and new construction 

to ensure the road would not have additional adverse effects on resources.

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. 

F. Road Closures/Road Construction/Road Maintenance/Revegetation, Rehabilitation of 

Roads: 

21) 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 temporary roads and newly constructed system roads used to access harvest units would be 

closed after management activity is completed. 

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

would be closed following project completion. 

• All newly constructed roads that are to be closed following use will be closed with appropriate 

methods, which may include: locked gates, dirt berms, boulders, downed trees, fences, or recontouring. 

• 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. 

• Coordination between the Hydrologist, Silviculturist, Botanist and Engineering is required for 

any road reconstruction or realignment along protected stream courses and/or sensitive plant 

areas. 

• Operations around recreational areas and associated recreational sites would require 

coordination between the Recreational Staff, Silviculturist, and Engineering. 

22) Revegetation and Rehabilitation:

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

B - 6 

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 used to prevent the 

spread of noxious weeds and prevent erosion. Only weed-free mulch would be used. – 

Standard 1110

• 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. 

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

23) Road Construction/Maintenance: 

• 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 fens. 

• Minimize fill in floodplains to facilitate crossings 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. A greater frequency of water bars than that identified as the maximum spacing 

recommended in FSH 2509.25 for the Rocky Mountain Region is to be used. FSH 2509.25 

direction disclosed that the listed spacings were maximum spacings and should be reduced if 

warranted by onsite factors, such as amount of road use, downslope stability, erosion, etc. 

Foresty Best Management Practices for South Dakota (2003) identifies suggested drainage 

feature spacings (page 12) that have narrower spacings between drainage features as compared 

to FSH 2509.25. The 2009 Field Audit Report - Implementation Monitoring of SD Forestry 

Best Management Practices further support the greater need for more frequent spacing of water 

bars. The audit identified some areas with insufficient numbers of water bars on native surface 

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

of steep slopes, temporary roads would be re-contoured. 

• 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 fens/streams/meadows.

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

B - 7 

Scenery 

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. 

G. Scenery: 

24) 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. 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 only be created / utilized during dry, or frozen, conditions to minimize soil 

disturbance, then seeded with native grasses after use. These techniques have been effectively 

used to reduce soil displacement and speed up the re-vegetation process along these skid trails 

– thus reducing highly 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 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 8 

Wildlife 

Prior to vegetation treatment activities, a wildlife biologist would be consulted to determine if 

Forest Plan standards or guidelines or design criteria apply to proposed activity. 

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. 

25) 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. 

• To reduce effects of continuously even tree spacing on wildlife and scenery, commercial thin 

treatments would emphasize tree health and crown size over spacing. 

• 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. 

26) 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. 

27) Skyline logging corridors would be as narrow as possible to minimize visual effects of any soil 

displacement. 

H. Snags and Down Logs: 

28) Conifer snags Retention Guidelines: 

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

– Standard 2301a

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

B - 9 

• Retain all hardwood snags except for those that are considered a safety hazard - Standard 

2301b

29) Down Log Retention Guidelines: 

• Retain 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 to help 

retain moisture, trap soil movement, provide microsites for establishment of forbs, grasses, 

shrubs, and trees, and to provide habitat for wildlife.—Standard 2308a 

• In vegetation treatment units, 1 pile of woody material per 2 acres would be left to create nearground structure for small mammal species, except within 300 feet of buildings. Standard 

3117 

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

30) Discovery of new Wildlife Sites: 

• 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 – Standard 3115. 

• Discovery of a Bald Eagle. 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.-Standard 3101d.

31) Timing Restrictions: 

• 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). Specific site 

locations and GIS shapefile are documented in the project file. – Standard 3111

• 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 – 

Standard 3108. 

• 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. –

Standard 3111

• 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. Sanitation activities would be coordinated with a district wildlife 

biologist. – Standard 3108, 3111

• Bald Eagle Timing Restrictions: Treatments within 1⁄2 mile of a bald eagle nest during the 

nesting season (February 1 – September 1) would be coordinated with a wildlife biologist. 

Treatments would be designed to avoid new disturbances that may detrimentally influence nest 

success. – Standard 3101b

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

(November 1 – April 1) would be coordinated with a wildlife biologist. Treatments would be 

designed to avoid new disturbances to roosting eagles. – Standard 3101c
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 10 

32) Goshawk Nest Areas

• 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. Treatments would be designed in coordination with the District wildlife biologist. 

Timing restriction would apply from April 1 through August 15 if the nests are active – 

Standard 3108, 3111 

• Pheromone traps or baits would not be placed within 1⁄4 mile of goshawk nest areas - Standard 

3108

33) Raptor Nests 

• Pheromone traps or baits would not be placed within 1⁄4 mile of known raptor nests – Standard 

3204

34) Avoid creating barriers (e.g., new open roads) between red-bellied snake hibernacula and riparian 

areas or wetlands. There are currently no known hibernacula in the planning area. This design 

criterion will apply to any newly discovered hibernacula.—Standard 3116

35) Protection of Adits/Caves:

• 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. 

Known mine and cave locations are documented in the project file.—Standard 3207

• 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. –Standard 3207

• 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.—Standard 3207

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

hibernacula or roosts – Standard 3201. 

36) Protection of Snail Colonies: 

• 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).--Standard 3103

• 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 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) – Standard 3103. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 11 

• 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.—Standard 3103 

• Avoid constructing new roads through snail colonies, 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.—Standard 3103

• 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. Standard 

3103 

37) Pine Martin Habitat: 

• Prior to implementing treatment activities, a wildlife biologist would be consulted to determine 

of the treatment lies within a marten connectivity corridor. – Standard 3215

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

Standard 3215. 

• 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. Sanitation activities would be coordinated with a wildlife biologist. – Standard 

3215

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

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

design would be coordinated with a wildlife biologist – Standard 3215

38) Prescribed/Pile/Slash Burning Design Criteria include: 

• 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.—

Standard 3117 

• 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. – Standards 3108, 3111

• 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.—Standard 3103

• Burning of hand piles and slash in areas with caves or mines would be coordinated with a 

district wildlife biologist. Impacts to bat hibernacula would be avoided with the use of timing 

restrictions and/or establishing buffer zones. Specific mitigations will be determined by a 

district Wildlife Biologist and Fuels Specialist during burn plan development. This design 

criterion will also apply to any newly discovered hibernacula.—Standard 3102

• 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.—

Standard 3117 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 12 

Hydrology 

Table B-1. Spacing for Water Bars 

Road or Trail Grade (%) Spacing between Water Bars (feet)1

2 250 

5 135 

10 80 

15 60 

20 45 

1

From the South Dakota Forestry Best Management Practices (SDSU, 2003). 

I. Soil and Water/Meadows: 

39) Design Criteria to Minimize Erosion: 

• Some proposed activities would take place on soils identified as having a potential for severe 

erosion. 

• The following provisions, intended to minimize the amount of exposed bare soil, off-site 

transport, and soil displacement, are to be implemented: (1) 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) prescribed burns on 

slopes over 30 percent would be conducted when soil, duff, and large fuels are sufficiently 

moist to retain duff as ground cover for prevention of erosion. 

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

installing waterbars/rolling dips within the WIZ (See Table xx and xx).

40) Design Criteria to Minimize Compaction: 

• Some proposed activities would take place on soils that are more susceptible to compaction. 

• The following provisions, intended to reduce the risk of detrimental compaction would be 

implemented. 1) 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. 

41) Use of Existing disturbed areas: 

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

possible. 

42) Design Criteria Specific to Streams/Wetlands/Meadows: 

• 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, perennial seeps, or wetlands. 

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

perennial seeps, or wetlands. 

• 100-foot WIZ around wetlands. 

• No road building (temporary or system) within and adjacent Water Influence Zone (WIZ). 

Generally, do not locate any new system roads within approximately 100 feet of streams 

(perennial, or intermittent), springs, perennial seeps, 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. 

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

B - 13 

Table B-2. Spacing for Water Bars 

Road or Landing 

Grade (%) 

Spacing between Water 

Bars (feet)1 Granitic or 

Sandy Soils 

Spacing between Water 

Bars (feet)1 Clay or Loam 

Soils 

Spacing between Water 

Bars (feet)1 Shale or 

Gravel Soils 

2-5% 400 500 600 

6-12% 200 250 300 

Road or Landing 

Grade (%) 

Spacing between Water 

Bars (feet)1 Granitic or 

Sandy Soils 

Spacing between Water 

Bars (feet)1 Clay or Loam 

Soils 

Spacing between Water 

Bars (feet)1 Shale or 

Gravel Soils 

5-10% 250 300 400 

11-12% 150 200 300 

Over 25% 75 100 150 

1

From the Wyoming Forestry Best Management Practices (WYDEQ, 2006). 

Silviculture 

Fisheries 

J. Silviculture: 

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

within the project area. 

44) In Overstory removal treatments retain an average of one 1 large green non-infested tree per acre. 

45) 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.

46) 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. 

47) 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. 

48) Prior to implementation treatment the field reconnaissance form and the District Ranger 

concurrence form will be completed and approved. 

49) 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. 

K. Fisheries: 

50) Keep heavy equipment out of streams during fish spawning, incubation, and emergence periods 

(FSH 2509.25). 

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

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

B - 14 

Fire/Fuels 

• 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. 

L. Activity Fuels 

51) 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 

52) 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. Guideline 4106

53) 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. Guideline 4108 

54) 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. 

55) 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. Guideline 4111

56) 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. 

57) 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. 

58) 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. 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 15 

Soils 

M. Soils: 

59) 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. 

60) 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”. 

61) 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. Forest Plan Standard 1103. 

• Forest Plan Guideline 1104. 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, 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 

• Forest Plan Standard 1105. 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). 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 16 

• 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 

62) 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, 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 

63) 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, 
Appendix B Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project Design Criteria, Mitigation Measures, & Monitoring 

B - 17 

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 infested stands using an adaptive 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. 

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. 

• 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.

64) Skid Trail Rehabilitation. The following is to comply with Standard 1109, 1110, 1111.

• 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. 

65) Temporary Road Rehabilitation 

Temporary road rehabilitation for soil productivity does not apply to permanently designated roads, or 

those to be retained on the Forest transportation system. The following design criteria are to comply 

with Standards 1109, 1110, 1111. 

• 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. 

66) Landing Rehabilitation 

The following design criteria comply with Standards 1109, 1110, 1111. 

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

B - 18 

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. 

Utilizing local wood products industries would be the most economical and normally the best choice 

in meeting the purpose and need by removing the infested tree(s) from the forest to reduce MPB risk 

and fire hazard. 

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

B - 19 

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. This allows managers to adjust management if certain items are being missed during 

the implementation process. Effectiveness monitoring measures whether the treatments implemented 

with the design criteria, BMPs and Forest Plan standard and guidelines are achieving the desired out 

comes. Effectiveness monitoring would measure how implemented treatments are effective at 

protecting resources as well as reducing MPB risk. If monitoring finds resource protection objectives 

are not being achieved, then: 

• Reduce or modify vegetation treatment operations and/or 

• Increase resource protection measure 

• Increase monitoring to determine the source of impact and apply appropriate mitigation 

A sample of the each type of treatments in the MPB Response Project would be selected each year for 

monitoring and evaluation. 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 and identification of needed changes to project activities. The 

monitoring information collected would be evaluated and documented along with any recommended 

changes in an annual report. The annual report would be completed and provided to the Forest 

Supervisor within two months of the end of the fiscal year (January 31 of each year).