Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-1 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Chapter

3

Affected Environment and Environmental 

Consequences

Introduction

This chapter summarizes the affected physical, biological, social, and economic environments of 

the project area and the effects of implementing each alternative. The scientific and analytic 

basis is presented for the comparison of alternatives listed in Chapter 2. The effects disclosed 

consider the effectiveness of the design criteria and mitigation measures outlined in Chapter 2. 

The analysis of resources uses varying measures due to management direction, research, or field 

practice. Therefore, similar resources cannot always be directly compared.

The effects resulting from each action are described in terms of their context, intensity, and 

duration. These activities, occurring in the same area over time, under certain circumstances, 

may be incremental and produce cumulative effects. It is sometimes necessary to look beyond 

the defined project area to determine the cumulative effects on certain resources. The effects 

disclosed have considered the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions outlined in this 

chapter.

Many of the effects discussed in this chapter are not easily quantified. It should be kept in mind 

that many of the values presented are modeled or estimated predictions of effects, and that the 

actual effects may not occur exactly to the degree presented. In some cases, the value of the 

analysis is in the comparison of the estimated effects between alternatives, rather than in the 

absolute values of the effects shown.

Each environmental component is discussed in terms of the consequences of implementing 

each of the alternatives listed in Chapter 2. This allows the reader interested in specific 

resources to find the effects related to that resource in one place. The following format is used 

for each environmental component:

Regulatory Framework provides management direction from the Forest Plan and other 

sources for each resource.

Analysis Method details how the analysis of each resource was conducted. It also identifies 

the analysis area, which may be larger than the project area.

Affected Environment describes the environment of the area to be affected by the 

alternatives, that is, the baseline environment. It provides background for understanding 

the discussion that follows.

Environmental Consequences of implementing each alternative are discussed. There are 

three types of effects considered:
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-2 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

1. Direct Effects are caused by the action and occur at the same time and place [40 CFR 

1508.8(a)].

2. Indirect Effects are caused by the action but occur later in time or further removed in 

distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable [40 CFR 1508.8(b)].

3. Cumulative Effects result from the incremental impacts of the action when added to 

other past, present, and reasonable foreseeable actions [40 CFR 1508.7].

Consistency Finding is a statement for each resource area that demonstrates how the action 

alternatives are consistent with the Forest Plan and other management direction.

The Chapter begins with a discussion of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions that 

may affect the project area. Environmental components are detailed as above.

This EIS hereby incorporates by reference the wilderness, recreation, botany/sensitive plants, 

wildlife, hydrology, aquatics, soil, range, noxious weed, heritage resources, and air quality

specialist reports in the Project Record [40 CFR 1502.21]. Other specialist reports are wholly 

contained in the respective sections of this chapter. The referenced reports are located in the 

corresponding resource section of the Project Record. All specialist reports contain the detailed 

data, methodologies, analyses, conclusions, maps, references and technical documentation 

(best available science) that the resource specialists relied on to reach conclusions.

Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future 

Actions

The project interdisciplinary team (IDT) identified past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future 

actions, that might have cumulative impacts with the proposed action. Those actions in and 

adjacent to the project area are listed below. Each resource specialist considered different mixes 

of these actions, depending on the cumulative effects boundary for the resource area and the 

resource affected. Only those past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions that 

overlap the geographic analysis area boundary for each particular resource are considered, and 

only if those other actions have or are expected to have overlapping effects (spatially or 

temporally) with the pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide project. Some past projects may still be 

having effects on one resource, but not another.

Past Actions

In order to understand the contribution of past actions to the cumulative effects of the 

proposed action and alternatives, this analysis relies on current environmental conditions as a 

proxy for the impacts of past actions. This is because existing conditions reflect the aggregate 

impact of all prior human actions and natural events that have affected the environment and 

might contribute to cumulative effects. 

This cumulative effects analysis does not attempt to quantify the effects of past human actions 

by adding up all prior actions on an action-by-action basis. There are several reasons for not 

taking this approach. First, a catalog and analysis of all past actions would be impractical to 

compile and unduly costly to obtain. Current conditions have been impacted by innumerable 

actions over the last century (and beyond), and trying to isolate the individual actions that 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-3 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

continue to have residual impacts would be nearly impossible. Second, providing the details of 

past actions on an individual basis would not be useful to predict the cumulative effects of the 

proposed action or alternatives. In fact, focusing on individual actions would be less accurate 

than looking at existing conditions, because there is limited information on the environmental 

impacts of individual past actions, and one cannot reasonably identify each and every action 

over the last century that has contributed to current conditions. Additionally, focusing on the 

impacts of past human actions risks ignoring the important residual effects of past natural 

events, which may contribute to cumulative effects just as much as human actions. By looking 

at current conditions, we are sure to capture all the residual effects of past human actions and 

natural events, regardless of which particular action or event contributed those effects. Third, 

public scoping for this project did not identify any public interest or need for detailed 

information on individual past actions. Finally, the Council on Environmental Quality issued an 

interpretive memorandum on June 24, 2005 regarding analysis of past actions, which states, 

“agencies can conduct an adequate cumulative effects analysis by focusing on the current 

aggregate effects of past actions without delving into the historical details of individual past 

actions.” 

The cumulative effects analysis in this DEIS is also consistent with Forest Service National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Regulations (36 CFR 220.4(f)) (July 24, 2008), which state, in 

part:

“CEQ regulations do not require the consideration of the individual effects of all past actions 

to determine the present effects of past actions. Once the agency has identified those 

present effects of past actions that warrant consideration, the agency assesses the extent 

that the effects of the proposal for agency action or its alternatives will add to, modify, or 

mitigate those effects. The final analysis documents an agency assessment of the 

cumulative effects of the actions considered (including past, present, and reasonable

foreseeable future actions) on the affected environment. With respect to past actions, 

during the scoping process and subsequent preparation of the analysis, the agency must 

determine what information regarding past actions is useful and relevant to the required 

analysis of cumulative effects. Cataloging past actions and specific information about the 

direct and indirect effects of their design and implementation could in some contexts be 

useful to predict the cumulative effects of the proposal. The CEQ regulations, however, do 

not require agencies to catalogue or exhaustively list and analyze all individual past actions. 

Simply because information about past actions may be available or obtained with 

reasonable effort does not mean that it is relevant and necessary to inform decisionmaking. 

(40 CFR 1508.7)”

For these reasons, the analysis of past actions in this section is based on current environmental 

conditions.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-4 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Present Actions

Livestock Grazing

Grazing will continue on all active allotments described above. No commercial livestock grazing 

is occurring in the Pasayten or Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, or in the Sawtooth 

Backcountry.

Trail Construction and Maintenance

Declining budgets have reduced the number of miles maintained in the Pasayten to 

approximately 400, with an additional 100 maintained in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. 

Trails in the North Cascades Scenic Highway, Sawtooth Backcountry, Upper Methow, Middle 

Methow, and Alta Lake sub-sections will continue to be maintained. Approximately 150 miles

are maintained annually in these areas.

Developed Recreation Sites

The existing campground and trailheads are maintained and cleaned throughout the snow-free 

seasons. Maintenance activities include repair and maintenance of picnic table, fire grates, 

bulletin boards, buildings, water systems, roads, and other improvements.

Special Use Permits

There are currently 31 special use permittees operating in the analysis area, or in adjacent 

areas. There are several types of special use permits. Those held by existing permittees include:

Temporary Use – This type of permit lasts less than one year, and is for non-recurring use. 

None of these holders are included in this list because they change from year-to-year. There 

are no temporary use permits in wilderness or along the North Cascades Highway. Use in 

other areas is limited to avoid resource damage.

Transitional Priority Use – This type of permit is for long-term, temporary permit holders 

whose permits are being analyzed for conversion to Priority Use permits.

Priority Use– This type of permit lasts 1 to 10 years.

Ski-Area – This type permit is a 20-year, term permit for operating a ski area.

The following Figure lists all the outfitters, type of activity, operating area, season of operation, 

and type of permit.

Figure 3.0-1. Existing Outfitters-Guides

Outfitter

Type of Activity

Area of Operation

Season of 

Operation

Type of 

Permit

Back-country 

Burros

Pack and Saddle 

Stock (burros)

Pasayten Wilderness, North 

Cascades Scenic Highway

Summer 

and fall

Priority

(1 year)

Cascade 

Wilderness 

Outfitters

Pack and Saddle 

Stock (horses 

and mules)

Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness, 

Sawtooth Backcountry, North 

Cascades Scenic Highway

Summer 

and fall

Priority

(1 year)

Deli-Llama 

Wilder-ness 

Adventure

Pack and Saddle 

Stock (llamas)

Pasayten Wilderness, North 

Cascades Scenic Highway

Summer 

and fall

Priority

(1 year)
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-5 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Outfitter

Type of Activity

Area of Operation

Season of 

Operation

Type of 

Permit

Early Winters 

Outfitting

Pack and Saddle 

Stock (horses 

and mules)

Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness, 

Sawtooth Backcountry, North 

Cascades Scenic Highway

Summer 

and fall

Priority

(1 year)

North 

Cascade 

Outfitters

Pack and Saddle 

Stock (horses 

and mules)

Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness, 

Sawtooth Backcountry, North 

Cascades Scenic Highway

Summer 

and fall

Priority

(1 year)

North 

Cascade 

Safari

Pack and Saddle 

Stock (horses 

and mules)

Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness, 

Sawtooth Backcountry, North 

Cascades Scenic Highway

Summer 

and fall

Priority

(1 year)

Sawtooth 

Outfitters

Pack and Saddle 

Stock (horses 

and mules)

Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness, 

Sawtooth Backcountry, Alta 

Lake

Summer 

and fall

Priority

(1 year)

Cascade 

Corrals

Pack and Saddle 

Stock (horses 

and mules)

Lake Chelan/Sawtooth 

Wilderness, Sawtooth 

Backcountry

Summer 

and fall

Priority

(1 year)

National 

Outdoor 

Leader-ship 

School

Backpacking/

Wilderness Skills

Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth WildernessSummer 

and Fall

Priority

(1 year)

Outward 

Bound Inc.

Backpacking/

Wilderness Skills

Pasayten, Lake ChelanSawtooth, and Alpine Lakes 

Wilderness

Summer 

and Fall

Priority

(10-year)

Wilderness 

Ventures

Backpacking/

Wilderness Skills

Pasayten Wilderness Summer 

and Fall

Priority

(1 year)

North 

Cascades 

Institute

Backpacking/

Wilderness Skills

North Cascades Scenic 

Highway, Pasayten Wilderness

Summer 

and Fall

Transitional 

Priority 

American 

Alpine 

Institute

Climbing and 

Mountaineering

North Cascades Scenic Highway summer Priority 

(1 year)

YD Adventure Climbing and 

Mountaineering

North Cascades Scenic Highway Priority 

(1 year)

Alpine 

Ascents International

Climbing and 

Mountaineering

North Cascades Scenic Highway summer Priority 

(1 year)

North 

Cascades 

Mountain 

Guides

Climbing and 

Mountaineering

North Cascades Scenic Highway Year 

round

Priority

(10 year)

Mountain 

Madness

Backpacking/

Wilderness Skills

North Cascades Scenic Highway Summer 

and Fall

Priority 

(10-year)
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-6 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Outfitter

Type of Activity

Area of Operation

Season of 

Operation

Type of 

Permit

Rendezvous 

Huts, Inc.

Hut Rental Cub Creek, Rendezvous Creek 

Watersheds

Winter, 

with 

occasional 

summer 

use

Priority

(10-year)

Sun 

Mountain 

Resorts

Mountain Biking Sun Mountain Vicinity Spring, 

Summer, 

and Fall

Transitional 

Priority

Mountain 

Transporter

Transportation Methow Valley Ranger District, 

on open roads

YearroundTransitional 

Priority

Methow 

Biodiversity

Backpacking/

Wilderness Skills

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead Summer 

and Fall

Transitional 

Priority

High-lands 

Stage

Wagon Tours Tonasket RD summer Priority

(10 year)

North 

Cascade HeliSkiing

HelicopterAssisted SkiingNorth Cascades Scenic 

Highway, Twisp River, 

Blackpine Basin, Sandy Butte, 

Chewuch River

Winter Priority

(10-year)

Chewack 

River Guest 

Ranch

Snowmobile 

Rental and 

Guiding

Methow Valley Ranger District, 

excluding Wilderness

Winter Priority

(10-year)

MillerBlue Horseback Day 

Rides

Sun Mountain Area Spring, 

summer, 

fall

Transitional 

Priority

Loup Loup 

SEF

Downhill Skiing Loup Loup Ski Bowl Winter Ski Area

(20-Year)

Methow 

Valley Sports 

Trails Assoc.

Cross Country 

Skiing, 

Snowshoeing, 

Summer Trail 

Use

North Cascades Scenic

Highway, Upper Methow, 

Twisp River, and Chewuch 

Watersheds

Year 

round

Ski Area (20-

Year)

Recreation Activities

Numerous recreation activities continue to be popular in the analysis area. On-going activities 

include hiking, pack and saddle stock use, fishing, camping in developed and undeveloped 

campsites, hunting, riding OHVs, riding mountain bikes, mushroom picking, driving for pleasure, 

and other activities.

There are approximately 221,922 visitor days in the analysis area each year, not including pack 

and saddle stock outfitter-guide visitor days. The Tonasket, Methow Valley, and Chelan Ranger 

Districts conducted National Visitor Use Monitoring in 2001 and 2002, and again in 2005. This 

survey generated statistically valid estimates for the number of people recreating and the type 

of activity being done. Copies of the reports are included in the analysis file.

The following table lists the number of visitor days by area (not including pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide visitor days).
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-7 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.0-2. Number of Non-Outfitted Visitor Days by Area

Area Number of Non-outfitted Visitor Days

Pasayten Wilderness 51,758

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness 55,814

North Cascades 70,908

Sawtooth Backcountry 13,710

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead 978

Middle Methow 15,000

Alta Lake 9,671

TOTAL 221,922

Highway Maintenance

The Washington State Department of Transportation will continue to maintain the North 

Cascades Scenic Highway, including, but not limited to, hazard tree removal, brushing, plowing, 

avalanche control, pavement maintenance and repair, ditch and culvert maintenance.

Invasive Plants

Invasive plants treatment and surveys will continue to be conducted in the Lake Chelan side of 

the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth area as part of the Flick Creek Fire BAER treatment plan (USDA Forest 

Service 2006b). 

Invasive plants treatment and surveys will continue to be conducted in Bear/Ramsey/Volstead 

sub-section as part of the Tripod BAER treatment plan. 

All the known new invader noxious weed sites in and adjacent to the project area will be

prioritized for integrated weed management for project year 2011. Integrated weed 

management will continue for New Invader weed infestations on recreation access roads, trail 

heads, trails, corrals, camps and off roads in areas where weeds may spread to impact 

recreation facilities and activities. Integrated weed management (IWM) will be accomplished 

through implementing the mitigation measures in this assessment and a combination of all the 

control methods available with emphasis on early detection of new infestations, rapid 

treatment response, and prompt revegetation. The combination of herbicide, manual, and 

cultural treatment together will provide effective control of small populations. Treatments will 

be conducted by the District Weed program with herbicide treatments authorized under 

the1997 and 2000 Okanogan National Forest Integrated Weed Management Decision Notices 

(USDA Forest Service1997e and 2000d) and the 2003 Crupina Integrated Weed Management 

Project EIS Record of Decision (USDA Forest Service 2003b).

Other Present Actions

There are no other present actions in or near the analysis area that would have potentially 

cumulative environmental effects with the proposed action or alternatives.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Livestock Grazing

The allotment that includes Bear/Ramsey will likely continue to be grazed in the future. No 

other livestock grazing is anticipated in other parts of the analysis area.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-8 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Trail Construction and Maintenance

The current amount of trail maintenance and construction will continue into the reasonably 

foreseeable future.

Developed Recreation Sites

The existing campgrounds and trailheads will be maintained into the future. It is reasonably 

foreseeable that the parking areas at Harts Pass will be enlarged and improved to provide safe 

parking off the roadways.

Special Use Permits

It is reasonably foreseeable that all existing outfitter-guide permits will continue. Additional 

temporary use permits will also be issued, but the collective number of service days is not 

expected to increase across the analysis area.

Recreation Activities

On-going activities are expected to continue into the future, including campground 

management, trail maintenance, snowmobiling, hunting, camping in dispersed camping spots, 

camping in developed campgrounds, riding OHVs, riding mountain bikes, hiking, mushroom 

picking, and driving for pleasure.

The number of people recreating on the Tonasket, Methow Valley, and Chelan Ranger Districts 

is expected to increase over the next ten years, based on projections included the publication 

“Estimates of Future Participation in Outdoor Recreation in Washington State” (Interagency 

Committee for Outdoor Recreation, 2003). There will be a 5% increase in the number of people 

backpacking and horseback riding. There are also projections for increases in hiking (10%), 

nature activities (23%), bicycle riding (19%), and off-road vehicle riding (10%). While these other 

activities do occur in the analysis area, the majority of overlap between non-outfitted 

recreationists and outfitter and guides involve backpacking and horseback riding, so a 5% overall 

increase was assumed. The exception to this is in the North Cascades Scenic Highway corridor, 

where overall use increased 147% in twelve years - from 17,000 visits in 1992, to 42,000 in 2004. 

This rate of increase is expected to continue and result in a 100% increase in the number of 

people recreating in the corridor in 10 years.

The following figure lists current non-outfitted recreationists in each section of the analysis area, 

and the foreseeable number in 2020.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-9 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.0-3. Current Number of Non-Outfitted Visitor Days and Estimated Number in 2020

Area Non-Outfitted Visitor Days Estimated Non-Outfitted 

Visitor Days in 2020

Pasayten Wilderness 51,758 58,027

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Wilderness

55,814 62,276

North Cascades Scenic Highway 

Corridor

70,908 115,604

Sawtooth Backcountry 13,710 15,369

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead 978 856

Middle Methow 15,000 16,606

Alta Lake 9,671 10,591

TOTAL 221,922 279,329

Highway Maintenance

Maintenance of the North Cascades Scenic Highway will continue into the future.

Invasive Plants

A Forest-Wide Integrated Weed Management EA is scheduled for completion in 2011, and 

covers a majority of the project area that is not currently covered by a decision document for 

herbicide treatments. The actions allowed by the new EA will help control the spread and 

establishment of invasive plants in the project area. The application of herbicides will follow 

Pacific Northwest Region 6 management direction as described in section 3.9 Invasive Plants.

Transportation System

Routine road maintenance will continue; periodic danger tree felling will continue as part of 

routine maintenance along forest roads.

Other Activities

There are no other reasonably foreseeable future actions that could have cumulative 

environmental effects with the proposed action or alternatives.

3.1 WILDERNESS

The section below is a summary of the Wilderness Report which is available in the project 

analysis file (Zbyszewski 2010).

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The Wilderness Act

The Wilderness Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-577) established the National Wilderness Preservation 

System. There are two wilderness areas in the analysis area. The Pasayten Wilderness was 

designated in 1964, and the Lake-Chelan Wilderness was designated in 1984.

The Act includes the management of wilderness (Sec. 2a):

these shall be administered for the use and enjoyment of the American 

people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-10 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

enjoyment as wilderness, and so as to provide for the protection of these 

areas, the preservation of their wilderness character, and for the gathering 

and dissemination of information regarding their use and enjoyment as 

wilderness...

Wilderness is defined by the Wilderness Act (Sec. 2c) as:

A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works 

dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth 

and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a 

visitor who does not remain.

The Act further defines wilderness as area (Sec. 2c):

...which (1) generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces 

of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable; (2) has 

outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of 

recreation...

Commercial activities are prohibited by the Act (Sec. 4c):

{e}xcept as specifically provided for in this Act, and subject to existing private 

rights, there shall be no commercial enterprise...within any wilderness area 

designated by this Act...

The Act goes on to specifically authorize commercial service for recreational purposes (Sec. 

4d6):

{c}ommercial services may be performed within the wilderness areas...to the 

extent necessary for activities which are proper for realizing the recreational 

or other wilderness purposes of the areas.

Forest Service Manual

The Forest Service Manual Chapter 2320.2, No. 4, directs the agency to “protect and perpetuate 

the wilderness character”, and to evaluate whether wilderness character is degrading, stable or

improving over time. 

The Manual includes the Wilderness Management Model, which was modified in the publication 

“Monitoring Selected Conditions Related to Wilderness Character: A National Framework” 

(USDA Forest Service, 2005). This model is the basis for Forest Service wilderness management 

direction. 

The Model shows the relationship between wilderness character and the human influence that 

affects it. The figure below shows the conceptual relationship between the two factors. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-11 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 1. Wilderness Management Model

As modern human influence increases, the condition of the wilderness character declines, as 

shown by the diagonal line. A goal of wilderness management is to maintain or improve 

wilderness character from its state at the time of wilderness designation. 

Wilderness character is not specifically defined in the Act. Exploring historical writings of the 

framers of the Wilderness Act, especially those of Howard Zahniser, its principal author, 

revealed three ideals that are integral to the historic purpose of wilderness, and to 

understanding wilderness character:

Natural environments relatively free from modern human manipulation and impacts. 

Personal experiences in natural environments that are relatively free from the 

encumbrances and signs of modern society.

Symbolic meanings associated with wilderness (Landers, et al, 2005).

“Character” commonly means “the combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one 

person, group, or thing from another” (American Heritage Dictionary 1992) or “the aggregate of 

distinctive qualities” (Webster’s Dictionary 1976). Using these definitions, wilderness character 

is the combination of biophysical, experiential and symbolic ideals that distinguishes wilderness 

from other lands. This is a complex and subtle set of relationships between the land, its 

management, and the meanings people associate with wilderness (Landers, et al, 2005).

Needs Assessment and Minimum Extent Necessary Determination

The Manual also includes the requirement to address the need for and role of outfitters in the 

Forest Plan. The Wilderness Act prohibits commercial services except “to the extent necessary 

for activities which are proper for realizing the recreational or other wilderness purposes of the 

areas.”

The Forest Service completed the analysis for both the need and extent necessary, and 

documented the findings in a paper titled “Determination of Need and Extent Necessary for 

Commercial Services (Outfitters and Guides) in the Pasayten Wilderness and Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness”, June 2010 (USDA Forest Service, 2010). This paper is referred to as the 

“Needs Assessment” in this document. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-12 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The analysis found there is a need for pack and saddle stock outfitter guides in wilderness. The 

criteria used for the evaluation included:

Is the activity allowed in wilderness?

Does the activity educate clients about the wilderness resource?

Does the activity promote solitude, or primitive and unconfined recreation?

Does the activity provide a public purpose, and does the level of skill, knowledge, 

equipment, and safety required for the activity support the need for commercial 

services?

Pack and saddle stock use is an appropriate mode of transportation in wilderness, since it does 

not include any mechanized or motorized equipment. Outfitter-guides teach their clients about 

wilderness directly in conservations about wilderness, and indirectly through demonstrating 

how to travel and stay in the wilderness without modern conveniences. Pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guides trips promote solitude by taking clients to remote locations within wilderness, 

and letting them experience primitive and unconfined recreation. The outfitters also serve a 

public purpose by offering trips for recreation, scenic viewing, and historic use to the public. 

Their services are needed by an element of the public due to the fact that many people are not 

skilled in stock handling, do not own stock and equipment, do not have the knowledge of stock 

handling techniques that minimize resource damage, and would be endangering their lives of 

the lives of others because of the hazards associated with stock.

The minimum amount of commercial services needed to provide for recreation is not a number 

that can be precisely calculated. The analysis of the impact of existing recreation use (including 

outfitter-guides) on wilderness character has shown that there are localized impacts to the 

opportunities for solitude, but these are not interfering with the current upward trend in 

wilderness character for the Pasayten or Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wildernesses. Current 

conditions meet or exceed the expectations of the vast majority of wilderness visitors (Burns, et 

al, 2010). The current recreation use, including the outfitter-guides complies with nearly all the 

existing Forest Plan standards and guidelines. 

The Forest Service has a need for commercial pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides in order to 

provide for wilderness appropriate recreation, based on the analysis of need discussed above. 

Approximately 12% of the pack and saddle stock users in the Pasayten Wilderness have been 

outfitted annually, over the past 10 years; with approximately 3% in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Wilderness. This is the minimum extent necessary for these commercial services. This number 

is at or very near the minimum number required for businesses to stay in operation. If the level 

was reduced, there is a high likelihood that some businesses would fail. This would create a 

high probability of unpredictable changes in the types of services available, and a risk to the 

Forest Service’s ability to meet the identified needs. 

The use levels in both wildernesses is within the social and biophysical capacity, and allocating 

12% of the anticipated 2020 use pack and saddle stock use levels in the Pasayten and 3% of the 

use in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth will not exceed capacity. Therefore, the minimum number of 

service days needed for pack and saddle stock outfitter guides is 2,000 in the Pasayten and 720 

in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-13 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines

The Okanogan National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Okanogan Forest Plan, 

1989), and the Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, (Wenatchee 

Forest Plan, 1990) contain standards and guidelines to ensure compliance with the Wilderness 

Act and Forest Service Manual 2320. Standards and guidelines specify activities related to 

planning, facilities, use, administration, trails, in addition to fish and wildlife, vegetation, range, 

noxious weeds, soil and water, minerals, lands, and protection. In the Okanogan Forest Plan, 

these standards and guidelines are on pages 4-86 through 4-97. In the Wenatchee Forest Plan, 

the standards and guidelines are on pages IV-69 through IV-77. Maps 1-4 and 1-5 in the Map 

Section of this document show the wilderness areas and management areas.

Management Areas

Okanogan Forest Plan

In an effort to provide a spectrum of recreation opportunities appropriate in wilderness, the 

Okanogan National Forest Plan established two wilderness recreation opportunity spectrum 

areas. These areas are Trailed (MA 15B) and Trail-less (MA 15A). All outfitter-guide travel 

routes and camps included in this EIS are within the Trailed area (MA 15B). There may be a 

rare instance where drop camp clients may visit on foot the Trail-less area (15A) from a 

campsite in the Trailed area (MA 15B).

The Desired Future Condition in the Okanogan Forest Plan states that the Trailed area will 

provide a high to moderate opportunity for exploring and experiencing isolation and 

solitude, independence, closeness to nature, tranquility, and self- reliance through the 

application of primitive skills in an environment that offers a high to moderate degree of 

challenge and risk. The Trail-less area will provide an outstanding opportunity for isolation 

and solitude and utilizing primitive skills in an environment offering a high degree of 

challenge and risk. Standards in the Okanogan Forest Plan have been established that 

represent the appropriate social and resource conditions for the Trailed (MA 15B) and Trailless (MA 15A) areas.

Wenatchee Forest Plan

A portion of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness is located on the Chelan Ranger District, 

and is covered by the Wenatchee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan,

1990. The Wenatchee Forest Plan divided the Wildernesses into four opportunity spectrums: 

Pristine, Primitive, Semi-Primitive, and Transition. Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides are 

allowed to operate in all areas, although they are limited to travel only through Pristine 

areas. 

Pristine: This area is characterized as an extensive, unmodified, natural environment. 

Natural processes and conditions have not been measurable affected by the actions of 

users. The area will be managed as free as possible from the influences of human 

activity. Terrain and vegetation allow extensive and challenging cross-country travel.

Primitive: The area is characterized by an essentially unmodified, natural environment. 

Concentrations of visitors are low and evidence of human use is minimal. The area has 

high opportunity for isolation, solitude, exploration, risk, and challenge.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-14 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Semi-Primitive: The area is characterized by a predominately unmodified environment 

of at least moderate size. System trails and campsites are present and there is evidence 

of other uses. A minimum of on-site controls and restrictions are implemented to 

protect physical, biological, and social resources. Some facilities may be pres3ent to 

reduce visitor impact.

Transition: The area is characterized by a predominately unmodified environment, 

however, the concentrations of visitors may be moderate to high at various times. The 

area is characterized as having a large number of day users who are often mixed with 

overnight and long-distance travelers on trails near trailheads and wilderness 

boundaries.

The Desired Future Conditions for wilderness areas, as stated in the Wenatchee Forest Plan 

are that wilderness resource values will be somewhat improved through management of 

recreation visitor use. A general upward trend should be apparent in monitoring results. 

The expected increase in visitors will result in more management actions employed to reduce 

use in heavily impacted areas, disperse use into areas that can accommodate more use, and 

more regulations to alleviate specific problems. Restoration and revegetation of heavily 

impacted areas will be on-going in areas where visitor use has resulted in loss of vegetation 

and unnatural or accelerated soil erosion. Refer to page IV-6 in the Wenatchee Forest Plan 

for more information on the desired future condition.

Standards and Guidelines

The Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans contain standards and guidelines designed to 

ensure compliance with the Wilderness Act, and Forest Service direction.

The standards and guidelines frame the management direction to protect wilderness 

character. Those pertaining to pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities address the 

undeveloped and natural qualities of wilderness, and the opportunities for solitude or 

primitive and unconfined recreation. Refer to the Wilderness Report in the analysis file for a 

list of standards and guidelines (Zbyszewski, 2010).

ANALYSIS METHOD

This section analyzes and discloses the effects pack and saddle stock activities have on 

wilderness character. Since the outfitter-guides are such a small percentage of overall 

recreation use (2% of all use and 5% of pack and saddle stock use in the Pasayten, and 1% of 

overall use and 3% of stock use in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth), and since the effects of outfitted 

verses non-outfitted recreationists are virtually impossible to differentiate, the analysis is on the 

effect of all pack and saddle stock users, and how the effects would change with the slight 

variation in the total number of users with implementation of the alternatives. 

A key component of the wilderness resource is wilderness character. The concept of wilderness 

character comes from Section 2(a) of the Wilderness Act: “ ... for the use and enjoyment of the 

American people in such a manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment 

as wilderness and so as to provide for the protection of those areas, the preservation of their 

wilderness character.” 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-15 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Wilderness character is, in part, an intangible concept, yet provides a basis for significant 

disagreement over whether the agency is managing wilderness in a manner that meets the legal 

requirements of the Act. For this reason, this analysis will use concepts from the Act to help 

frame the discussion. The four qualities will be referred to throughout this analysis and used to 

represent wilderness character. These four qualities are derived from the definition of 

Wilderness, Section 2(c) of the Act, which contains distinct attributes that link to the concept of 

wilderness character:

A Wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the 

landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. 

An area of wilderness is further defined to mean in this Act an area of undeveloped Federal land 

retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent habitation, which is protected 

and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions and which (1) generally appears to have 

been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially 

unnoticeable; (2) has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of 

recreation; (3) has at least five thousand acres of land or is of sufficient size as to make 

practicable its preservation and use in an unimpaired condition; and (4) may also contain 

ecological , geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.” 

(Wilderness Act, 1964).

The four qualities or concepts of wilderness character that will be addressed throughout this 

analysis are: 

1. Untrammeled – wilderness ecosystems are essentially unhindered and free from human 

control or manipulation. Recreation activities do not impact this quality, since they do 

not intentionally control or manipulate the ecosystems.

2. Undeveloped – wilderness is essentially without permanent improvements or modern 

human occupation. Recreation activities do not impact this quality, unless they involve 

construction of buildings or require motorized or mechanized equipment.

3. Natural – wilderness ecological systems are substantially free from the effects of 

modern civilization. Recreation activities can influence this quality through pack and 

saddle stock grazing, and impacts to water quality, stream bank erosion, and 

disturbance to soils.

4. Outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of 

recreation – wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for people to experience 

solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation, including the values of inspiration and 

physical and mental challenge. This is the quality most affected by recreation activities. 

The number of visitors, and encounters between them, number and condition of 

campsites, number of user-created recreation facilities, and number of miles of trails all 

impact the opportunities for solitude, or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation 

(USDA Forest Service, 2008). Impacts from the trail system are included in the 

cumulative effects section of this analysis. 

Applying the Concept of Wilderness Character to National Forest Planning, Monitoring, and 

Management (Landres, et. al, 2008) describes the technique of using these qualities in 

evaluating effects to wilderness character. In this approach, wilderness character is the primary 

administrative responsibility mandated by the Wilderness Act, but it is not defined by the Act. 

Wilderness character is also the biophysical, experiential, and symbolic relationships and 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-16 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

meanings that distinguish wilderness from all other lands, is supported or degraded by 

stewardship decisions and action, and is unique to each wilderness. 

The wilderness resource analysis uses these qualities for evaluating the effects of management 

actions on the wilderness character. In addition to the use of the four qualities of wilderness 

character in the evaluation, the context, intensity, duration, and type of effects provide 

boundaries for the effects analysis. For the purpose of this analysis, the following approach is 

used.

Context: Local effects are those that occur at site-specific locations within the wilderness. 

Wilderness-wide impacts would be effects to the entire wilderness. There are activities outside 

the wilderness boundary of the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wildernesses that may have 

cumulative effects. Developed recreational sites, such as campgrounds and recreational 

facilities, exist in many locations adjacent to the wilderness boundary. In these cases, activities 

outside the wilderness boundary may have effects inside wilderness areas.

Intensity: The intensity of the impact considers whether the effect to wilderness character is 

negligible, minor, moderate, or major. Negligible effects are considered not detectable to the 

visitor and therefore expected to have no discernible outcome. Minor effects are slightly 

detectable, though not expected to have an overbearing results on wilderness character. 

Moderate effects would be clearly detectable to the visitor and could have an appreciable effect 

on one or more aspects of wilderness character. Major effects would have a substantial, highly 

noticeable influence on the visitor’s experience and could permanently alter more than one 

aspect of wilderness character.

Duration: The duration of the effect considers whether the impact would occur in a short- or 

long–term period. A short-term effect would be temporary in duration, such as an encounter 

while traveling or camping. A short-term effect (to physical qualities of wilderness character) 

would be 1 to 2 years. A long-term effect would have lasting effects on the wilderness 

character, such as an impression from noticeable ecological impacts. Long-term physical effects 

to the wilderness character are 10 to 20 years.

Type of effect: Impacts were evaluated in terms of whether they would be beneficial or adverse 

to wilderness character. Beneficial effects would enhance one or more of the qualities of 

wilderness character. Adverse effects would harm one or more of the qualities of wilderness 

character. 

In summary, the objective of this analysis is to forecast potential environmental effects of the 

proposed action and alternatives on wilderness resources with particular attention to qualities 

of wilderness character. Wilderness character is described by using four qualities: 1) 

untrammeled; 2) undeveloped; 3) natural; and 4) outstanding opportunities for solitude or a 

primitive and unconfined type of recreation of wilderness character. The context of impacts, 

intensity of impacts, and the duration and type of impacts— as defined above— further bound 

the analysis. The topics focus the discussion on meaningful and relevant effects.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-17 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

DATA SOURCES

Pack and Stock Outfitter-Guide Activities

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities are constantly monitored as part of the special 

use permit administration process. This process generates information about compliance with 

permit terms and conditions, camp conditions, use patterns, grazing practices, and other permit 

and resource information. This information was used to evaluate compliance with the 

Wilderness Act, FSM 2300, and Forest Plan standards and guidelines.

Service Days

Use data has been compiled using the most accurate data available. Pack and saddle stock 

outfitter guides use is measured by the number and type of trips and the people and stock used 

to reach each destination. Reliable records for the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth are 

available for the past 10 to 20 years. Some data gaps and margins of error exist due to data 

interpretations. Reports of use provided by the outfitters occasionally recorded vague or 

unknown destination locations. The data is the best information available, and has a level of 

accuracy that is more than adequate for this analysis. More detailed use data, or data that goes 

back farther in time, is not essential and is not critical to the analysis of wilderness character 

attributes. Any improvements to wilderness character that may be unknown as a result of not 

having more precise data, or data that goes farther back in time, are not likely to affect the 

decision making process. Current conditions and future uses are the most relevant factors to 

consider. 

Monitoring Data

The Forest Service has been monitoring conditions in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

wilderness areas for over 20 years. Specific information includes campsite conditions, including 

the size of barren cores, number of trees with exposed roots, and other elements. Monitoring 

has been done on areas around campsites where pack and saddle stock graze. This monitoring 

has gathered information used to determine wilderness character and the impacts of pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guide activities on the character. This information was also used to 

determine compliance with existing Forest Plan standards and guidelines.

Encounter Data

A voluntary permit system is used to gather information about wilderness trips, including date, 

duration, type of use, area, etc. The information from these permits, in addition to observations 

made by wilderness rangers, was used to determine the number of encounters a wilderness 

visitor is likely to have with other groups. This was used to assess the opportunities for solitude, 

and compliance with standards and guidelines.

Total Recreation Use Levels

Monitoring was completed in 2005 to gather information about the number of people 

recreating in the wilderness areas. The National Visitor Use Monitoring Results for the 

Okanogan National Forest, September 2006 (USDA, 2006c), and Wenatchee National Forest, 

2006 (USDA, 2006d) generated information on the number and type of visitor days in the areas. 

These overall numbers were used throughout the analysis to display the amount of pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guide use compared to non-outfitted recreationists. The results have an 

80% confidence level, which defines the degree of certainty that a range of values contains the 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-18 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

true value will be within the range 80% of the time (USDA, 2006c). This is the best available 

information concerning use levels. 

Comparisons of Outfitted and Non-outfitted Use

The actual number of service days reported for 2005 by the outfitter-guides was used to 

calculate the current percentage of overall use outfitter, since the overall use numbers were 

also from 2005. The number of service days varies from year to year, as does the total number 

of recreationists (outfitter and non-outfitted), so these percentages are merely estimates, and 

do not represent an exact reflection of the relationship between outfitted and non-outfitted use 

in any given year. This is the best available data, however, since the Forest Service calculates 

overall use numbers once every five years. More accurate percentage calculations are not 

essential or critical to the analysis of wilderness character attributes. Any impacts to wilderness 

character that may be unknown as a result of not having more precise data are not likely to 

affect the decision making process because they would be localized and minor in context of 

impacts from overall use. Current conditions and future uses are the most relevant factors to 

consider.

Future Estimates of Recreation Use Levels

The number of visitor days expected in the future was calculated using projected changes 

included in the Washington State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning (SCORP) 

publication “Estimates of Future Participation in Outdoor Recreation in Washington State” 

(Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation 2003). These projected changes were for the 

10-year period between 2004 and 2014. These same figures were applied to the current visitor 

days (2010) to generate the anticipated number in 2020.

Social Monitoring Data

Another monitoring exercise was conducted in 2009 to gather information about visitor’s 

perception of the condition of the wilderness, including sense of crowding, resource condition, 

social conflicts, and other elements. The results documented in the paper titled “2009 

Wilderness Use Study: A comparison of Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Use 

Patterns”, May 2010, (Burns, et al, 2010) were used to evaluate opportunities for solitude, 

undeveloped character, capacity, and social conflicts. This document is called the “2009 

Wilderness Use Study” throughout this docment.

Best Available Science

Throughout this analysis, the best available science was incorporated to describe the ecological 

and social conditions within the analysis area, and the potential effects of the proposed 

outfitter-guide use on resources and people.

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Historic Activities

The wilderness character in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wilderness areas has been 

stable or on an upward trend since the areas were designated as part of the Wilderness 

Preservation System. In order to understand this, it is important to consider the historic use of 

the areas. Human activities altered the biophysical condition of the resources prior to 

designation. Commercial livestock grazing and wildfire suppression had altered plant 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-19 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

communities over much of the landscape, and fish stocking of high elevation lakes changed the 

aquatic ecosystems and recreation use patterns. Recreation activities (including outfitting and 

guiding), livestock herders, and mining activities created a network of trails, campsites, and 

scattered buildings in both wilderness areas. Some of the affects of these past activities are still 

evident today. 

Commercial livestock grazing was eliminated after designation in both wilderness areas. This, 

coupled with recreation party size controls and other standards and guidelines from the forest 

plans, began, and is perpetuating the upward trend in the untrammeled, natural, and 

undeveloped qualities of the wilderness character. No large-scale mining activities have 

occurred, which has also had a beneficial impact on the undeveloped quality, especially in the 

vicinity of the Tungsten Mine in the Pasayten Wilderness. 

People have been using pack and saddle stock to travel into the backcountry for nearly a century. 

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides have been operating in the areas for decades, before the 

Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wildernesses were designated, and long before the Forest 

Plans were signed and implemented. Parties that included over twenty people, and forty head 

of stock were common. Camps were constructed and maintained to provide for clients’ comfort, 

with facilities such as permanent latrines, picnic tables, cook tents with wooden floors and 

ovens, camp furniture, and tent pads. Trees were cut down for firewood, or to improve the view 

or lay-out of camps. Pack and saddle stock were tied to trees, damaging some, and exposing 

their roots. All these activities were completely legal and acceptable at the time. Many camps 

used by livestock permittees were converted to pack and saddle stock outfitter camps. This 

created and perpetuated camps with large areas of vegetation loss and compacted bare mineral 

soil, trees with exposed roots, trees killed by recreation activities, and removal of all snags in and 

around camps. 

Hiking and backpacking started to gain popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, and overtook 

horseback riding as the most common mode of transportation into the backcountry. Outfitterguides offering trips in backpacking and wilderness skills have been operating in the Pasayten 

and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wilderness areas since 1977. These groups occasionally use the large, 

established campsites, but also operate in the trail-less portions of the wilderness areas, 

teaching their clients about hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, survival skills, environmental 

and wilderness education.

Many of these campsites are used today by recreationists and outfitters. Due to the level of 

historic and continuing use, these hardened sites are still devoid of vegetation cover. Most of 

the camp areas predate the current Land Management Plans and exceed current plan standards 

for vegetation loss and compacted bare mineral soils, and number of trees with exposed roots. 

The camps are having a localized, moderate effect on the opportunities for solitude. 

Untrammeled Quality

The current recreation use, including the pack and saddle stock outfitter guide activities, is 

having no effect on the untrammeled quality of the Pasayten or Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

wildernesses. This quality pertains to the wilderness ecosystem, and whether it is essentially 

unhindered and free from human control or manipulation (US Forest Service, 2008). Pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guide activities and non-outfitted recreation use are certainly causing 

localized impacts, but these are more associated with the natural and opportunities for solitude 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-20 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

qualities of wilderness character, and are discussed below. As discussed in the previous section 

titled “Historic Activities”, livestock grazing, wildfire suppression, and fish stocking have had 

wilderness-wide, moderate to major, long-term impacts to wilderness character. The overall 

condition both wilderness areas has been on an upward trend since designation due to the 

elimination of commercial livestock grazing and forest plan standards and guidelines.

Undeveloped Quality

Recreation activities are also not impacting the undeveloped quality in either wilderness. The 

undeveloped quality is that wilderness is essentially without permanent improvement or 

modern human occupation. Non-recreational structures, inholdings, use of motorized or 

mechanized equipment, or impacts to cultural resources degrade the undeveloped quality (US 

Forest Service, 2008). The existing recreation use, including pack and saddle stock outfitter 

guides does not depend on or result in these indicators, and therefore is not impacting this 

quality. 

Natural Quality

The natural quality refers to wilderness ecosystems that are substantially free from the effects 

of modern civilization. Ecological systems inside wilderness are directly affected by things that 

happen inside, as well as outside wilderness. Indicators of the natural quality are plant and 

animal species communities, physical resources, and biophysical processes (US Forest Service, 

2008). Recreation activities, including pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides, can impact plant 

communities through stock grazing, and animal communities through disturbance of individuals 

or habitat. Pack and saddle stock use can also impact physical resources if watering spots or 

trail crossings change water quality, lead to streambank erosion, or disturb soils.

The current recreation use, including existing and proposed pack and saddle stock outfitterguides, was evaluated in terms of impacts to plant communities and wetlands, with detailed 

included in the Botany section of the DEIS, and the Botany Report in the analysis file. Impacts to 

animal species were analyzed in the Wildlife section; water quality in the Hydrology section, and 

soil in the Soil section. Each analysis found local, minor impacts to these indicators in some 

locations, but no impacts wide-spread or intense enough to adversely affect the natural quality 

of either wilderness. Refer to the mentioned sections in the DEIS, and supporting data in the 

analysis file for more information.

Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation

Current recreation use, including pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides is having limited, 

localized impacts to the opportunities for solitude in both wilderness areas, in addition to the 

opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation. The meaning of solitude has been at the 

center of considerable debate, but was likely viewed as encompassing attributes such as 

separation from people and civilization, inspiration, and a sense of timelessness by early 

wilderness writings. Primitive recreation refers to travel that is non-motorized and nonmechanized, and requires reliance on personal skills to travel camp. The unconfined component 

refers to areas free of management confinement or controls. Primitive and unconfined 

environments together provide ideal opportunities for the physical and mental challenges 

associated with adventure, real consequences for mistakes, and personal growth that result 

from facing and overcoming obstacles (US Forest Service, 2008).
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-21 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Recreation use is impacting the remoteness from sights and sounds of people inside wilderness -

an indicator of this quality. Specifically, the amount of use, number of trail contacts, and the 

number and condition of campsites all impact opportunities for solitude, or primitive and 

unconfined recreation. Each of these is discussed below.

Current Recreation Use

Current outfitter-guide activities are a small percentage of overall recreation use in the 

Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas. In the Pasayten, outfitter-guide 

clients make up about 2% of total use and 5% of the pack and saddle stock use. In the Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth, outfitter-guide clients are about 1% of the total use and 3% of the pack 

and saddle stock use. It is impossible to differentiate the effects of pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide activities from non-outfitted pack and saddle stock use.

Non-outfitted groups tend to be smaller than some outfitted groups. Outfitter-guides 

occasionally have groups with 12 people and 18 head of stock, while non-outfitted groups 

normally do not reach this party size limitation. The average size of an outfitted pack and 

saddle stock group is 8 people and 14 head of stock. Also, non-outfitted groups tend to 

spend fewer days in wilderness compared to outfitter-guide full-service and drop camps.

In terms of evaluating the effect of pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides on the wilderness, 

the most meaningful analysis considers the effect of all recreation activities on wilderness. 

This analysis then focused on pack and saddle stock use, recognizing that most of the activity 

and effects are a result of non-outfitted use. The following sections discuss the use levels in 

each wilderness.

Pasayten Wilderness

The 531,541-acre Pasayten Wilderness spans the Methow Valley and Tonasket Ranger 

Districts. There are about 52,600 annual visitor days (one visitor day equals one person 

for one day) in the Pasayten. This number was calculated by converting the number of 

annual visits reported in the National Recreation Use Monitoring completed on the 

Okanogan National Forest in 2005 to visitor days (USDA, 2006c). The number of annual 

visits was 31,000, and the average length of stay was 40.7 hours (averaged for the

Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth together). Multiplying these numbers gives the total 

number of hours spent in the Pasayten. Dividing this product by 24 hours converted 

31,000 visits to 52,600 visitor days. 

About 70% are hiking/backpacking visitor days, and 30% use pack and saddle stock. This 

breakdown was developed by analyzing trailhead registrations, wilderness permits, and 

the professional judgment of the wilderness manager and wilderness rangers on the 

Methow Valley Ranger District. 

The actual number of service days reported for 2005 by the outfitter-guides operating 

that year was used to calculate the current percentage of overall use outfitter. None of 

the hikers reported in the total visitor day column are pack and saddle stock outfitterguide clients1

. Approximately 5% of the pack and saddle stock users are outfitted. 

Overall, outfitter-guide service days represent 2% of the visitor days in the Pasayten.

 

1

There are commercial hiking/backpacking companies operating in the wildernesses. Refer to 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-22 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.1-2. Number of Visitor days by User Group in the Pasayten, and Number of Outfitter-Guide 

Service Days in 2005.

User Group Total Visitor 

days

Pack and 

Saddle Stock 

Outfitterguide Service 

Days

% of Total Visitor 

Days

Hikers 36,820 0 0%

Pack and Saddle Stock Users 15,780 842 5%

TOTAL 52,600 842 2%

Wilderness access from the Tonasket District includes the Irongate, Chewuch, Long 

Swamp and Fourteen Mile trailheads. On the Methow Valley District, the Thirtymile, 

Andrews, Lake Creek, Crystal Lake, and Billygoat trailheads lead to the Pasayten from the 

Chewuch watershed. In the Harts Pass area, trails from the Robinson Creek, West Fork 

Pasayten, Monument Creek, Buckskin Ridge, Harts Pass, and Pacific Crest Trail North 

trailheads lead to the Pasayten. The Devils Pass and Lightning Creek trails that lead from 

the shore of Ross Lake and the Canyon Creek trailhead enter the west side of the 

Pasayten. Map 1-4 in the Map Section of this document shows these trails and 

trailheads.

There are areas in the Pasayten where use is higher; specifically the lakes in the vicinity of 

Harts Pass and the Pacific Crest Trail, Hidden Lakes, Crow and Corral Lakes, Sheep 

Mountain, Spanish Camp, and Black Lake. Pack and saddle stock users favor and are more 

common in the Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake, Sheep Mountain/Corral Lake, and Horseshoe 

Basin areas of the Pasayten. The Robinson Creek and Pasayten River areas also receive 

some stock use, but there is a limited amount of forage and more difficult trail access so 

stock use is relatively light compared to Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake and Sheep 

Mountain/Corral Lake areas. Approximately one-quarter of the use at Hidden Lakes is 

with stock. Tatoosh Buttes has ample forage but stock use outside of high hunt season is 

limited by more difficult trail access. The Pacific Crest Trail, Buckskin Ridge area, and the 

portion of the Pasayten west of the Pacific Crest Trail generally have light stock use.

The highest concentration of hikers and backpackers are in the Horseshoe Basin, Pacific 

Crest Trail, Buckskin Ridge, Ferguson Lake, Jackita Ridge, and Hidden Lakes areas. Sheep 

Mountain/Corral Lake, Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake, and Pasayten River destinations are 

popular but require more time for access. Robinson Creek and Monument Creek trails 

are used primarily by day hikers.

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness

The 153,129 acre Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness is divided between the Methow 

Valley and Chelan Ranger Districts. There are about 56,332 annual visitor days (one 

visitor day equals one person for one day) in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. This number was 

generated by the National Recreation Use Monitoring completed on the Okanogan 

 

the cumulative effects analysis for this information, and how the use cumulatively affects 

wilderness character.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-23 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

National Forest in 2005 to visitor days. The number of annual visits was 33,218 (USDA, 

2006c & 2006d). The report states that the average length of stay was 40.7 hours 

(averaged for the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth combined), so the 33,218 visits was 

converted to approximately 56,332 visitor days. 

About 65% are hiking/backpacking visitor days, and 35% use pack and saddle stock. This 

breakdown was developed by analyzing trailhead registrations, wilderness permits, and 

the professional judgment of the wilderness manager and wilderness rangers on the 

Methow Valley Ranger District.

The actual number of service days reported for 2005 by the outfitter-guides operating 

that year was used to calculate the current percentage of overall use outfitter. As in the 

Pasayten, none of the hikers included in the total visitor days are pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide clients2. Approximately 3% of the pack and saddle stock users are 

outfitted. Overall, outfitter-guide service days represent 1% of the visitor days in the Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth.

Figure 3.1-3. Current number of Visitor days by User Group in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, and Number 

of Outfitter-Guide Visitor days in 2005.

User Group Total Visitor 

days

Pack and Saddle Stock 

Outfitter-guide Service 

Days

% of Total Visitor Days

Hikers 36,616 0 0%

Pack and 

Saddle Stock 

Users

19,716 508 3%

TOTAL 56,332 508 1%

On the Methow Valley Ranger District, the Wolf Creek, Slate Creek, Scatter Creek, Gilbert, 

South Creek, Reynolds Creek, Williams Lake, War Creek, Eagle Creek, West Fork 

Buttermilk, East Fork Buttermilk, Scaffold Ridge, and Libby Lake trailheads provide access. 

On the Chelan Ranger District, the Fish Creek, Prince Creek trailheads provide access; 

these areas are located on the shores of Lake Chelan and accessible by boat. Map 1-5 in 

the Map Section of this document shows these trails and trailheads.

As in the Pasayten, some areas in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth have higher levels of use. 

The Lake Chelan-Sawtooth spans the geographic mountain divide between the Methow 

and Chelan watersheds. The destination lakes in the Chelan watershed are clustered near 

the divide in an area characterized by south-facing slopes, with scattered clumps of trees 

among large open meadows. The portion of the wilderness in the Methow watershed is 

roughly divided between north and south facing slopes, with more deeply incised 

drainages (compared to the upper elevation destinations on the Chelan side) around the 

tributaries to the Twisp River. 

 

2

There are commercial hiking/backpacking companies operating in the wildernesses. Refer to the 

cumulative effects analysis for this information, and how the use cumulatively affects wilderness charater.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-24 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Many of the destination lakes are located in small basins with limited flat ground and 

graze, and accessed by one-way trails offering no loop opportunities to other areas. In 

comparison, there is more graze for stock animals, and more flat, open areas for 

campsites on the upper slopes of the Chelan side than in the Twisp River drainage. Since 

nearly all the trails into the wilderness begin along the Twisp River from roadways, use is 

more highly concentrated in this area than from the Lake Chelan boat-in trailheads. The 

specific areas of higher use include Oval Lakes, North Lake, Twisp Pass, Louis and Williams 

Lakes, and Star, Tuckaway, Bernice, and Surprise Lakes. 

The Twisp River Horse Camp was constructed in the early 1990s and provides 13 

campsites for people with horses or other pack animals. The camp also has an outhouse, 

feeding mangers, hitch rails, high lines, and watering troughs. It is filled most weekends 

in July and August. The number of people riding on Twisp River trails has increased with 

the popularity of this camp. The majority of people using the Horse Camp are day riders, 

with North Lake and Louis Lake the most popular destinations. Other trails include South 

Creek, Scatter Creek, Twisp Pass, and Williams Lake.

Contacts or Encounters

Outstanding opportunities for solitude, primitive, and unconfined recreation exist in most 

locations throughout the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. Every person has a different 

perception of solitude, and of how many encounters with others it takes to lose the sense of 

solitude. The 2009 Wilderness Use Study gathered information on people’s perception of 

the opportunity for solitude by asking about crowding. Approximately 90 to 95% of those 

interviewed did not feel crowded at all or felt only slightly crowded during their trips in the 

wilderness areas. The feeling of crowds is grounded in a person’s expectations, and about 

three-quarters (72% in the Pasayten and 79% in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth) of the people 

saw as many or fewer people than they expected. Roughly one-half (55% in the Pasayten 

and 42% in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth) of the visitors felt solitude is part of the wilderness

experience, while the other half (43% in the Pasayten and 48% in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth) 

felt that they did not expect complete solitude and expected to see other people some of the 

time (Burns, et al, 2010).

When asked if other people increased the enjoyment of the trip, visitors were nearly evenly 

divided between feeling other increased their enjoyment, feeling neutral about others, and 

feeling others decreased their enjoyment. In the Pasayten, 45% of the visitors were neutral, 

29% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, and 26% disagreed or strongly disagreed. 

In the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, the split was similar, with 32% feeling neutral, 34% agreeing or 

strongly agreeing, and 34% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing. 

David Cole and Troy Hall found similar satisfaction levels when they conducted surveys and 

analyzed the data from wilderness areas around Oregon and Washington. In their paper 

titled Wilderness Visitors and Experiences in Oregon and Washington: Trailhead Surveys in 

Thirteen Forest Service Wildernesses, 2005, they reported that most visitors appeared to be 

highly satisfied with their trip and with wilderness conditions. They categorized trailheads 

into very high use, high use, and moderate use, with moderately used trails receiving less 

than one-third of the use of the very high use trails. The differences among visitors to each 

category of trailhead were surprisingly small. It appeared that visitors to more highly used 

trailheads had adjusted their tolerance of other wilderness users. Most knew what 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-25 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

conditions they were likely to find, adjusted their expectations accordingly, and found their 

trips enjoyable. Most people were able to find solitude, or at least have what they 

considered a real wilderness experience (Cole and Hall, 2005).

The Forest Service has also been gathering encounter data, and found that there is a 96% 

probability of encountering not more than seven parties on trail in the Pasayten on any given 

day, and a 98% probability in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. This was determined using the 

average number of groups leaving trailheads, as reported on trailhead permits for the years 

2001 thru 2004 in the Pasayten, and 2003 and 2004 in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, in addition 

to the outfitter guide use for those years. With an assumption that 50% of wilderness 

visitors register, days with four or more groups leaving a particular trailhead were assumed 

to have the potential to have eight or more groups on that trail for that day. This could 

create the possibility that any one group would encounter seven more during that day.

There are portions of each wilderness that are more popular, and the number of people has 

a minor effect on the opportunity for solitude. The following section describes these areas 

for each wilderness.

Pasayten

In the Pasayten, the highest encounter rates occurred on the Billy Goat, Irongate, Pacific 

Crest Trail, and Buckskin Ridge trails, where the probability of encountering not more 

than seven other parties was 88% to 89%. The highest likelihood of more than seven 

encounters generally occurred on weekends and holidays in July, August, and September, 

but also occurred randomly during the week. The Billy Goat and Buckskin Ridge trails 

access two trails within a short distance of the trailhead and the encounter rates drop as 

people disperse between the two trails.

There are many factors influencing amount and distribution of use, which influences 

encounters. Weather, fire activity, featuring a particular trail or trip in the media, can 

cause an obvious increase or decrease at specific in use on a yearly basis on an individual 

trail. 

Lake Chelan – Sawtooth

The Lake Chelan-Sawtooth receives more day use than the Pasayten. Gilbert and South 

trails are the two most popular routes for day rides. North Lake and Louis Lake are the 

most popular destinations. The use figures are most likely higher than indicated in the 

chart for these two trailheads as there were a number of groups riding from horse camp 

that did not designate specific trails or destinations on the register. However, the Gilbert 

trailhead accesses two separate trails, Twisp Pass and North Lake Trail, so the encounter 

rate may be less than indicated by the trailhead figures. The highest likelihood of more 

than eight encounters generally occurs on weekends and holidays in July, August and 

September.

The duration of these impacts would be short term if all recreation activity stopped, but in 

reality is long-term because continued use of impacted areas is perpetuating the impacts, 

such as vegetation loss, soil disturbance, damaged trees, isolated alterations in plant 

communities, and other impacts from modern temporary occupation. The following 

discussion details the existing conditions in established campsites.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-26 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Campsites

People enjoying the abundant opportunities for unconfined recreation in the Pasayten and 

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth have had an effect on ecological conditions, resulting in localized 

degradation of the undeveloped quality of the wilderness character. Historic uses of the 

Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth created campsites with relatively large areas of barren 

core (vegetation loss), trees with exposed roots, social trails, and other impacts. 

Recreationists, including outfitters, have continued to use many of these sites, perpetuating, 

and enlarging the camps. Since the areas were designated as wilderness, new campsites 

have been created by both the outfitted and non-outfitted public. The effects to the 

undeveloped character are localized, minor on a wilderness-wide scale, and moderate on a 

local scale. The effects are generally long-term due to continued use and a short, dry 

growing season. 

Both forest plans have standards and guidelines establishing the maximum amount of 

hardened area in established campsites. The Okanogan Forest Plan sets the standard at 250 

to 400 square feet of “vegetation loss”, and the Wenatchee Forest plan specifies 400 to 

1,000 square feet of “vegetation loss and compacted bare mineral soil”. “Vegetation loss” 

and “vegetation loss and compacted bare mineral soil” are both alternate names for what is 

more commonly called “barren core”. This is the area within a camp devoid of vegetation 

with exposed soil. The term “barren core” is used in this document in place of the forest 

plan terminology. 

Many campsites in both the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth have more than the 

specified number of square feet of barren core, and more than the number of trees with 

exposed roots. These sites do not comply with the Forest Plan standards and guidelines. 

Since the implementation of the Forest Plans, wilderness managers have been monitoring 

and rehabilitating campsites to the extent allowed by budgets and working to bring sites into 

compliance with all standards and guidelines. Correction of these problems will take 

decades of rehabilitation, which can be undone in a matter of days if a camping party does 

not practice leave-no-trace camping techniques.

Campsite monitoring for impacts related to Forest Plan standards including barren core, 

number of trees damaged and roots exposed, has been done on 109 campsites in the Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth and 76 in the Pasayten. In the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, barren core and 

other lineal measurements were measured with a tape. Pasayten measurements taken prior 

to 1995 were estimated, measurements after 1995 were taken with a tape. Although 

observers receive consistent training and standard procedures for monitoring, differences in 

interpretation of impacts can occur. Thus data from the monitoring shows approximate sizes 

and conditions of camps.

Monitoring has shown that some of the campsites frequented by pack and stock campsites 

exceed the standard for vegetation loss and have more than the allowed number of trees 

with exposed roots per site. This is true for camps that are used primarily by outfitters and 

camps that are used primarily by non-outfitted stock users.

There are approximately 500 established campsites scattered across the Pasayten. Seventysix of these have been inventoried and monitored to document size and condition. The sizes 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-27 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

vary based of the type of use and establishment date. Overall, the average size of the barren 

core areas measured was 2,028 square feet. The following chart shows the largest of the 

camps, and the amount of barren core. 

Figure 3.1-4. Square Feet of the Largest Established Camps in the Pasayten

Camp Name Square Feet of Barren Corel Comments

Beaver Creek 1 8,038 Used by outfitter as full-service 

camp site.

Sheep Mountain 1 19,368 Used by outfitter as full-service 

camp site.

Spanish Camp 1 9,181 Recreation camp, not used 

regularly by outfitters

Spanish Camp 2 15,239 Recreation camp, not used 

regularly by outfitters

Spanish Creek 1 6,000 Recreation camp, not used 

regularly by outfitters

Whistler 1 9,906 Used by outfitter as full-service 

camp site.

Overall, 38% of the monitored camps have a barren core of less than 400 square feet; 28% 

range from 401 to 1,500 square feet; 25% have core areas ranging from 1,501 to 5,000 

square feet; and 9% exceed 5,001 square feet. All campsites with a barren core of over 400 

square feet (62% of all camps) are assumed to be used by pack and saddle stock users.

There are approximately 135 established campsites scattered across the Lake ChelanSawtooth. One hundred and nine of these have been inventoried and monitored to 

document size and condition. The sizes vary based of the type of use and establishment 

date. There are 27 campsites located in the Primitive Recreation Opportunity Spectrum, 29 

in Semi-Primitive, and 1 in Transition. The average size of the barren core in the sites in 

Primitive is 1,994 square feet, and the average size in Semi-Primitive is 3,414 square feet. 

The following chart shows the largest of the camps, and the amount of barren core.

Figure 3.1-5. Square Feet of Largest Established Camps in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth

Camp Name Square Feet of Vegetation loss 

and compacted, bare mineral 

soil

Comments

North Fork Shelter 30,000 Used occasionally by outfitter for 

drop camp

 Cascade Creek 21,000 Used occasionally by outfitter for 

drop camp

 Twin Springs 1 12,245 Used occasionally by outfitter for 

full-service and drop camps

 Muleshoe 2 9,134 Used occasionally by outfitter for 

full-service and drop camps

 Prince 4 Mile 5,600 Used occasionally by outfitter for 

full-service camp

Overall, 34% of the monitored camps have barren cores less than 400 square feet. 

Approximately 20% have a core ranging from 401 to 1,500 square feet; 31% have core areas 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-28 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

ranging from 1,501 to 5,000 square feet; and 17% exceed 5,001 square feet. All campsites 

with a barren core of over 400 square feet (66% of all camps) are assumed to be used by 

pack and saddle stock users.

Stock campsites often consist of a camping area and one or more stock containment areas. 

The area of barren core and number of trees with exposed roots are generally greater in 

campsites frequently used by stock than campsites never or rarely used by stock. There is 

also a grazing area associated with each campsite, where stock is turned out loose to graze. 

Generally speaking, the stock graze up to two miles away from campsites, but most grazing is 

concentrated within approximately 5 acres around each campsite. Beyond this point, grazing 

is dispersed across a large area, and any evidence or effects are minimized. 

In an attempt to meet the standard and guideline pertaining to trees with exposed roots, a 

hitching regulation for stock enacted in 1992 for the Lake Chelan Sawtooth and in 2001 for 

the Pasayten, prohibited tying stock directly to trees for an overnight period, or in a manner 

to cause damage to the roots or bole trees. While this has decreased damage to tree roots, 

it has resulted in a change at stock camps with highlines being used outside the traditional 

stock containment areas where a highline could not be properly installed. These highline 

areas increased vegetation loss at some horse camps.

Campsites that are used primarily by hikers generally have a camping area and a smaller or 

non-existent stock containment area compared with campsites frequented by horse and 

mule parties. Outfitted drop camps, llama and burro outfitted parties utilize both stock 

camps used by the non-outfitted stock users and hiker campsites.

Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-guide Camps

Pack and saddle stock outfitter guides use a combination of assigned camps (Bald 

Mountain, Sheep Mountain, Corral Lake, and Beaver Creek), and designated and nondesignated sites. In the Pasayten and the portion of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth on the 

Methow Valley Ranger District, outfitters can camp in any established campsite, and tend 

to re-use the same ones over the years. In the portion of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth on 

the Chelan Ranger District, outfitters are restricted to using designated campsites only. 

Appendix E includes a list of all established, regularly used campsites. The campsites are 

shown on Map 3.1-1 and Map 3.1-2 in the Map Section of this document. 

Across both wildernesses, totaling approximately 685,000 acres, there are approximately 

120 known stock camps and of these, less than 15 percent (those used regularly for fullservice camps) see unacceptable impacts (refer to Appendix E). Unacceptable impacts 

include large barren cores, excessive number of trees with exposed roots, social trails, 

and other impacts. 

The campsites that have the most affect on the undeveloped character are the assigned 

sites and the non-assigned sites used for full-service camps. The camps are typically set 

up for the entire season in the assigned sites, and for the duration of the trip in the nonassigned sites (usually 4 to 7 days). The camps usually have a kitchen area and cook tent, 

sleeping tents, stock handling area, fire pit area, and stock handling and tying areas. 

Stock are usually turned out to graze in nearby areas, but return to the camp each day so 

clients can take day-rides from the base camp. Keeping the stock in or near the camp for 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-29 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

these extended times increases the amount of vegetation damage and soil exposure. 

There are usually social trails leading between the different sections of the camp, and 

often stock trails between the camp and the grazing area. 

Campsites where outfitters drop clients and do not remain at the site with stock have 

fewer effects. The drop camps may have evidence of an impacted area where the loading 

and unloading takes place with stock. Sometimes this occurs in the midst of a campsite’s 

“kitchen” or “sleeping” area. When this occurs, there can be some observed effects of 

camping with some direct impacts of stock (manure, urine, and disturbed soils). These 

effects are relatively contained but can cause some expansion of the site if the party does 

not want to sleep or eat in the same area where the stock has been briefly held. 

Some drop camps have short-use trails that may show varying levels of impact. The 

overall scale or intensity of this type of impact is minor to negligible at the Wilderness 

Scale. Many times drop camps are located on the trail where very little impact is 

noticeable from their use. The effects are minor and, although they may persist from year 

to year, it is generally more acceptable to have fewer moderate to heavy impacted sites 

than more light to moderate impacts. 

The Forest Service monitors the outfitter camps as part of the permit administration 

process. The camps are visited and reviewed by Forest Service employees as often as 

possible during the operating season. Reviews are timed to occur when camps are 

occupied so conditions can be discussed on-the-ground with the outfitter, whenever

possible. The following sections include information about the camps used by the 

outfitters. 

Outfitter Camps - Pasayten

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activity occurs in the areas most popular with nonoutfitted pack and saddle stock users. The Bald Mountain and Sheep Mountain assigned 

sites are in the Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake and Sheep Mountain/Corral Lake areas, 

respectively. Assigned sites are the only ones where non-outfitted use is prohibited. 

Other sites regularly used by outfitters for camps include Crow Lake, Beaver Camp, 

Tatoosh Buttes, and Whistler. Each of these campsites is described below.

The Bald Mountain Camp has been used for approximately 15 years. It has a barren 

core area of approximately 3,655 square feet, and 29 trees with exposed roots. 

The camp is located on a flat area, on a north-east aspect, far from the summit. 

There is a corral, but no other constructed features. Spanish Creek is approximately 

300 yards below the camp. Stock are turned loose to graze on the hillsides around 

the camp. Stock generally graze within one mile of the camp; wet areas are 

traversed as stock move to and from the camp location. 

The Sheep Mountain Camp has been an outfitter camp for approximately 35 to 40 

years. It has a barren core area of approximately 19,368 square feet, and 69 trees 

with exposed roots. There are tent pads, and a corral that were constructed before 

the implementation of the Forest Plans. This camp has the largest area of vegetation 

loss and bare compacted soil in the Pasayten. There is approximately one acre next 

to the camp where historic grazing has altered the vegetative community and 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-30 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

condition. Stock tend to graze toward Sheep Mountain and Peeve Pass, generally 

within one mile of camp.

The Crow Lake Camp, located in the Sheep Mountain/Corral Lake area, has been 

used as a campsite for approximately 10 years. It has a barren core area of 

approximately 3,621 square feet, and 33 trees with exposed roots. It was an 

established non-outfitter camp prior to the outfitter use. There are no constructed 

facilities in the camp. A highline is installed seasonally for stock containment. It is 

located on a ridge approximately 1/4 mile above Crow Lake. The stock graze north of 

the camp in a basin and along a ridge.

The Beaver Creek Camp, in the Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake area, has also been used 

as a campsite for approximately 40 years. It has a barren core area of 

approximately 8,038 square feet 45 trees with exposed roots. It is located in the 

headwaters of Beaver Creek in a grove of trees with a wet meadow to the west. 

Stock graze up on the top of Airplane Ridge, a high and dry area with ample grass for 

feed. There are no constructed facilities. A highline is installed seasonally for stock 

containment. A small, plastic pipe is installed in a spring for drinking water. The pipe 

is removed at the end of the operation season.

Whistler Camp was a herders camp, used until sheep grazing was eliminated in the 

mid-1900s. It has been used as a trail camp for pack and saddle stock users, both 

outfitted and non-outfitted, for nearly 50 years. It has a barren core area of 

approximately 9,906 square feet, and 53 trees with exposed roots. It is typically 

used by a pack and saddle stock outfitter between 2 to 7 times per year, with an 

average of 4 times. Stock is let loose to graze, mostly in an avalanche chute to the 

east of camp.

Tatoosh Buttes Camp has been used for approximately 20 years. It has a barren core 

area of approximately 3,316 square feet, and 18 trees with exposed roots. It was 

developed by the outfitter who currently uses the camp. It is located off the main 

trail. Stock graze in the surrounding buttes where there is ample forage, even during 

the fall hunting season. A plastic pipe is installed in a spring for drinking water, and 

removed at the end of each season. There are no other facilities at the camp.

The outfitters also use other camp locations for progressive and drop camps, and 

occasionally for full-service camps. There are approximately 70 of these established 

camps. Refer to Appendix E for a table that lists the majority of the camps regularly used 

by the pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides, and Map 3.1-1 in the Map Section of this 

document shows their locations. The outfitters are not limited to camping only in these 

locations, but tend to return to these established spots year after year.

Outfitter Camps – Lake Chelan-Sawtooth

There are no assigned sites in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. The most 

frequently used camps include Mule Shoe, Twin Springs, and Chipmunk; all located on 

the Chelan Ranger District. Most trips originate in the Twisp River drainage, or from the 

Crater Creek Trailhead on the Methow Valley Ranger District. The location of these 

camps is shown Map 3.1-2 in the Map Section of this document.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-31 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Mule Shoe “1” Camp has been established since the 1930s and is normally used by 

outfitters as a full-service camp each year. It has a barren core area of 

approximately 1125 square feet, and 4 trees with exposed roots. It has no 

constructed features. It is located along the Summit Trail directly opposite from a 

hiker camp. The surrounding area provides good grazing for stock. Some small 

seasonal springs provide drinking water nearby but later in the season water is about 

1⁄4 mile away in the nearest draw.

Mule Shoe “2” Camp has been used by an outfitter for approximately 7 years as a 

full-service camp. This camp was originally established as a shepherd’s camp. It has 

a barren core area of approximately 9,134 square feet, and 10 trees with exposed 

roots. It is located approximately 1⁄2 mile off the Summit Trail along an established 

side trail. The camp is located beneath a small, unnamed spring and just below a 

ridgeline. There are three constructed ten pads. There are two established horse 

highline areas. Although there is little grazing opportunity available at this high 

elevation site, there is grass available within a 1⁄4 mile. Plastic sheeting and a pipe are 

installed in the spring for drinking water. The pipe is removed at the end of the 

operating season. 

Twin Springs Camp was established at least 60 years ago by outfitters and this site 

includes a Wallowa-style toilet constructed and maintained by the Forest Service. It 

has a barren core area of approximately 12,245 square feet, and over 10 trees with 

exposed roots. Outfitters utilize it for full-service camps one to three times a year. 

Twin Springs is also popular with the non-outfitted public. This scenic camp is 

located between two running springs with one horse highline area established 

between the springs; and a second highline area established about 50 feet before 

the first spring. A plastic pipe is installed in the spring for drinking water. The pipe is 

removed when camp breaks. Grazing commonly occurs in a meadow just beyond 

the camp.

Middle Chipmunk Camp is the largest of the three established camps utilized for fullservice and hunter drop camps in the Dry Lakes Basin. It is commonly used for fullservice and hunting drop camps. It has a barren core area of approximately 5,400 

square feet, and 13 trees with exposed roots. Dry Lake Basin experienced heavy 

sheep grazing decades ago but the impacts are still very evident. There are no 

constructed features. Drinking water comes from nearby seasonal springs. Plastic 

pipes are installed in the springs for drinking water and removed when camp breaks. 

Grazing is plentiful in Dry Springs Basin. 

Blue Grouse is commonly used as a full-service and hunting drop camp by outfitters. 

It has a barren core area of approximately 5,000 square feet, and 12 trees with 

exposed roots. It is located about 1000 feet from the Summit Trail and the camp is 

over 300 feet away from drinking water. Good forage is available in the surrounding 

Blue Grouse Basin meadow. There are no constructed features.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-32 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

North Fork Shelter Camp is located along the Summit Trail about 600 feet away from 

the North Fork of Prince Creek. It was a sheep camp before a CCC shelter was 

constructed on the site in the 1930s. The shelter still exists but it has been greatly 

modified over the years. It has a barren core area of approximately 30,000 square 

feet. Although this camp has the largest area of vegetation loss and bare compacted 

soil in the Sawtooth Wilderness, it is only occasionally used as outfitter camp. This 

area was heavily grazed by sheep beginning in the early 1900s and the effects of 

grazing are still visibly evident. This site is used by the public with their stock. Other 

than the shelter there are no other constructed features. The forage supply is fair in 

the surrounding area.

Surprise Lake has been a popular location for full-service outfitter trips and the 

general public since at least the 1930s. Before it was designated as wilderness the 

public commonly accessed Surprise Lake by floatplane and motorbike. It is an 

especially scenic location. Although this area has a few established camping areas; 

the largest camp (two smaller camps that merged into one) is located on the edge of 

a meadow about 800 feet Surprise Lake is commonly used for full-service camps. 

This horse camp has a barren core area of approximately 4,200 square feet, and 6 

trees with exposed roots. The vegetation loss and bare soil area is primarily found 

around the two hitch posts and highline areas. The hitch posts are the only 

constructed feature on this site. There is plentiful forage in this small meadow and in 

the large meadow about one mile along the trail above the lake. 

The outfitters also use other camp locations for progressive and drop camps, and 

occasionally for full-service camps. There are approximately 63 of these established 

camps. Refer to Appendix E for a table of the camps, and Map 3.1-2 in the Map Section 

of this document shows their locations. The outfitters are limited to camping only in 

these locations in the portion of the wilderness on the Chelan Ranger District. On the 

Methow Valley Ranger District, the outfitters are not limited to these on the Methow 

Valley Ranger District, but tend to return to these established spots year after year.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Direct and Indirect Effects

There would be virtually no difference in the effect to wilderness character from one alternative 

to the next since the amount of use associated with the pack and saddle stock outfitter guides is 

such a small percentage of overall use. The following table compares the alternatives by 

alternative components.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-33 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.1-6. Comparison of Alternative Components by Alternative

Wilderness Alternative 

Component

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Pasayten Number of Service 

Days

0 2,000 1,000

Lake ChelanSawtoothNumber of Service 

Days

0 720 320

Common to both 

wilderness areas

Amount of Barren 

Core (Forest Plan 

Amendment*)

No amendment 5,250 square feet 2,800 square feet

Common to both 

wilderness areas

Party Size Limit for 

Outfitters**

(Forest Plan 

Amendment*)

No amendment 12 people and 18 

head of stock (no 

amendment) 

12 (combination of 

people and stock)

*Forest Plan amendment would only apply to pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides.

**Oversized parties may be approved if certain criteria are met. See mitigation measure 4. A0 on page 2-

11 for criteria.

The following sections consolidate information about recreation use and campsite condition 

associated with each alternate. The effects of these on wilderness character are described 

below for each alternative.

Recreation Use

Each alternative would have result in a slight change to the number of recreation users, which 

includes pack and saddle stock service days. Alternative 1 would reduce the overall numbers, 

since pack and saddle stock outfitter guides would be eliminated. Alternatives 2 and 3 would 

slightly increase the number. The following table includes the number of visitor days, outfitted 

and non-outfitted by alternative, in the Pasayten. 

Figure 3.1-7. Total Visitor Days and Outfitted Days in the Pasayten, Comparing Current to Alternatives

User 

Group

Current Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Hikers 36,820 0 0% 36,820 0 0% 36,820 0 0% 36,820 0 0%

People 

w/Pack 

Animals

15,780 842 5% 14,938 0 0% 16,938 2,000 12% 15,938 1,000 6%

TOTAL 52,600 842 2% 51,758 0 0% 53,758 2,000 4% 52,758 1,000 2%

The following figures display this information in graph form. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-34 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.1-8. Total Visitor Days in Pasayten, by Alternative

Figure 3.1-9. Total Number of Pack and Saddle Stock Days in Pasayten, by Alternative

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

Current Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3

Total Visitor and Service Days

Total Recreation Use in Pasayten, by Alternative

Non-Outfitted Visitor 

Days

Outfitted Service Days

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

Current Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3

Pack and Saddle Stock Days

Total Number of Pack and Saddle Stock Days in Pasayten, By 

Alternative

Non-Outfitted Visitor 

Days

Outfitted Service Days
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-35 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The following table includes the use information for the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness.

Figure 3.1-10. Total Visitor Days and Outfitted Days in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, Comparing Current to 

Alternatives

User 

Group

Current Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Hikers 36,616 0 0% 36,616 0 0% 36,616 0 0% 36,616 0 0%

People 

w/Pack 

Animals

19,716 508 3% 19,208 0 0% 19,928 720 4% 19,528 320 2%

TOTAL 56,332 508 1% 55,824 0 0% 56,544 720 1% 56,144 320 1%

The information for the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth is displayed in the following figures.

Figure 3.1-11. Total Recreation Use in Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, by Alternative

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

Current Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3

Total Visitor and Service Days

Total Recreation Use in Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, by Alternative

Non-Outfitted Visitor 

Days

Outfitted Service Days
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-36 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.1-12. Total Number of Pack and Saddle Stock Days in Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, by Alternative

Campsite Size and Condition

The size of the largest existing outfitter-guide campsites would likely change slightly under each 

alternative. Pack and saddle stock outfitter guides would be eliminated under Alternative 1, so 

continued or new effects would be a result of non-outfitted use. Alternative 2 would limit 

outfitters to not increasing the amount of barren core, and using more than 5,250 square feet in 

larger camps, and assign five campsites to exclusive use by outfitters. Restricting non-outfitter 

use in assigned sites may help accelerate the recovery of the portion of barren core off-limits to 

outfitters. Alternative 3 would set the barren core limit at 2,800 square feet but only designate 

three assigned sites. Additional sites could be assigned in the future to help with managing 

impacts. The following table shows each of the largest sites in the Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth that are used by the pack and saddle stock outfitter guides, the existing amount of 

barren core, the amount that could be used by the outfitters, and which sites would be closed to 

public use (assigned sites). A narrative description of each camp is included in the alternative 

descriptions below.

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

Current Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3

Pack and Saddle Stock Days

Total Number of Pack and Saddle Stock Days in the Lake ChelanSawtooth, by Alternative

Non-Outfitted Visitor 

Days

Outfitted Service Days
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-37 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.1-13. Existing Amount of Barren Core in Established Camps and Amount That Could Be Used by 

Outfitters in Each Alternative.

Camp

(Wilderness)

Existing 

amount of 

Barren 

Core

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Amount of 

Barren Core 

Outfitters 

Could use

Assigned 

outfitter 

camp?

Amount of 

Barren 

Core 

Outfitters 

Could use

Assigned 

outfitter 

camp?

Amount of 

Barren Core 

Outfitters 

Could use

Assigned 

outfitter 

camp?

Bald 

Mountain

(Pasayten)

3,655 sq ft n/a n 3,655 sq ft y 2,800 sq ft y

Sheep 

Mountain

(Pasayten)

19,368 sq 

ft

n/a n 5,250 sq ft y 2,800 sq ft y

Crow Lake

(Pasayten)

3,621 sq ft n/a n 3,621 sq ft y 2,800 sq ft n

Beaver 

Creek

(Pasayten)

8,038 sq ft n/a n 5,250 sq ft y 2,800 sq ft y

Whistler

(Pasayten)

9,906 sq ft n/a n 5,250 sq ft y 2,800 sq ft n

Tatoosh 

Buttes

(Pasayten)

3,316 sq ft n/a n 3,316 sq ft n 2,800 sq ft n

Mule Shoe 1

(LCS*)

1,125 sq ft n/a n 1,125 sq ft n 1,125 sq ft n

Mule Shoe 2

(LCS*)

9,134 sq ft n/a n 5,250 sq ft n 2,800 sq ft n

Twin Springs

(LCS*)

12,245 sq 

ft

n/a n 5,250 sq ft n 2,800 sq ft n

Middle 

Chipmunk

(LCS*)

5,400 sq ft n/a n 5,250 sq ft n 2,800 sq ft n

Blue Grouse

(LCS)

5,000 sq ft n/a n 5,000 sq ft n 2,800 sq ft n

North Fork 

Shelter

(LCS*)

30,000 sq 

ft

n/a n 5,250 sq ft n 2,800 sq ft n

Surprise 

Lake

(LCS*)

4,200 sq ft n/a n 4,200 sq ft n 2,800 sq ft n

*Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness

Effects Common to All Alternatives

Untrammeled and Undeveloped Qualities

None of the alternatives would have any effect on the untrammeled or undeveloped qualities of 

the Pasayten or Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wildernesses. As discussed in the Affected Environment 

section above, these qualities are influenced by intentional manipulation of wilderness 

ecosystems, or use of motorized or mechanical equipment or transportation methods. These 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-38 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

qualities are discussed in the cumulative effects section below, since other past, present, and 

reasonably foreseeable actions have affected these qualities.

Alternative 1

Alternative 1 would result in a slight improvement in wilderness character, but would not 

provide the commercial services necessary for wilderness appropriate recreation. The 

elimination of pack and saddle stock outfitter guides would reduce impacts from grazing, and 

slightly improve water quality, and slightly reduce streambank erosion and soil impacts at stock 

watering and gathering locations. Impacts would be reduced at some established campsites, 

resulting in some localized, beneficial changes to the opportunities for solitude. Opportunities 

for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation would also slightly improve since the 

number of pack and saddle stock users in each wilderness would be reduced. People needing 

the services of pack and saddle stock outfitter guides would not be able to travel into the 

wilderness and benefit from the opportunities for solitude, or primitive and unconfined 

recreation.

Natural Quality

The slight reduction (5% in the Pasayten and 3% in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth) in the number 

of people and pack and saddle stock with this alternative may have minor, localized 

beneficial impacts to the natural quality of the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

wildernesses. There would be no animal unit months allotted to pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guides. Fewer stock would graze in wetlands and potentially cause stream bank 

erosion at watering sites and trail crossings. More detail is included in the Botany, Water, 

and Aquatic resource sections of this chapter.

Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation

Use Levels and Encounters

This alternative would result in a reduction in the number of pack and saddle stock users in 

the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wildernesses. The slight reduction in use (5% in the 

Pasayten and 3% in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth) could improve this wilderness quality for 

some. The number of encounters on trails would be reduced, but so slightly that it likely go 

unnoticed by most users. The reduction would be slightly more noticeable in the portions of 

the wildernesses more frequently used by the pack and saddle stock outfitters. This could 

have a beneficial effect on the opportunity for solitude.

Campsite Size and Condition

Pack and saddle stock users would continue to use the existing campsites discussed in the 

Affected Environment section, however the use would be less frequent and for shorter 

durations. This, coupled with potentially smaller average party sizes, could slightly increase 

the rate of recovery, and give the most beneficial improvement to the undeveloped and 

natural character of both wildernesses compared to Alternatives 2 and 3. The camps with a 

barren core larger than the standard and guideline would continue to be out of compliance 

with the standard, however the overall frequency of use, especially of those favored by 

outfitters, may decrease, potentially slightly accelerating the speed of recovery . Full 

recovery of these areas would take decades of non-use for vegetation to regrow, and for 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-39 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

trees with exposed roots to die, and fall down. The actual rate of measurable changes in the 

size of barren core cannot be estimated, since all sites would continue to be used to some 

extent, and revegetation would depend on frequency and duration of use, and camping 

practices on non-outfitted users. 

Pasayten

The most popular portions of the Pasayten, including Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake and 

Larch Pass to Sheep Mountain would still be frequented by pack and saddle stock users. 

The Pasayten Airport would still receive some stock use, but there is a limited amount of 

forage there, and there is no destination lake, so use would be generally light. The 

Pasayten River drainage would also receive some stock use, especially at Whistler Camp 

along the Middle Fork Pasayten. Use here would be much lighter than in Spanish

Camp/Remmel Lake, or Sheep Mountain/Corral Lake because forage is somewhat 

limited. Stock use at Hidden Lakes would be light due to lack of forage. Tatoosh Buttes 

has ample forage but stock use outside of hunting season would be limited because the 

trail is difficult, and water supply is limited.

The effects of Alternative 1 on the conditions of the camps currently used by most 

frequently outfitters are described below.

Outfitter Camps

The Bald Mountain Camp would likely receive little use because it is off the main 

trail. People would have to pass several established campsites before reaching Bald 

Mountain. They would likely stay at the campsites normally used by the public now. 

The site would have a higher potential for recovery since the number of people and 

the stock at the campsite over a season would be reduced.

The Sheep Mountain Camp is also located off the main trail, and approximately 20 

miles from the trailhead. This would be a longer ride than most people make in a 

day. The site would have a higher potential for recovery since the number of people 

and the stock at the campsite over a season would be reduced.

The Crow Lake camp was used by the public prior to the outfitter establishing a camp 

there, so it may be used more frequently than Bald Mountain and Sheep Mountain. 

Since the average party size would likely be smaller, this camp would not increase in 

size. The use should be confined to the existing area.

The Beaver Creek camp is located off the main trail, and the average visitor would 

not find the location. The site would have a higher potential for recovery since the 

number of people and the stock at the campsite over a season would be reduced.

Whistler Camp would still receive pack and saddle stock use since it is located near

the main trail, in an area where grazing is limited. The average party size and 

duration of use would be less than the current use, as with the other campsites. This 

camp would not increase in size, and the use should be confined to the existing area.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-40 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Tatoosh Buttes Camp would receive little use, since it is not near the main trail, and 

is difficult to locate. The site would have a higher potential for recovery since the 

number of people and the stock at the campsite over a season would be reduced.

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth

As in the Pasayten, people would continue to use existing campsites however there may 

be a reduction in the number of campsites and the frequency of use. The most popular 

campsites, including those currently used by outfitters, would still be used by people with 

pack and saddle stock.

Outfitter Camps

The Mule Shoe “1” Camp would still receive pack and saddle stock use since it is 

located on the main Summit Trail. Average party size and duration of use would be 

less than current use and the camp use would likely be confined to the existing area.

o Mule Shoe “2” Camp would likely receive little non-outfitted use as it is located 

approximately 1⁄2 mile off the Summit Trail and is situated just under a high elevation 

windy ridge top. This site would have a higher potential for recovery as it would 

likely receive little use.

Twin Springs Camp would still receive use from pack and saddle stock and hikers 

since it is located on the Summit Trail and is currently popular with non-outfitted 

recreationists. It would not increase in size, and use would likely be confined to the 

existing area. 

Middle Chipmunk Camp would likely receive much less use as the Dry Lake Basin 

area currently does not receive much non-outfitted use. These camps are off the 

main trail and more difficult to find than other camps. The site would have a higher 

potential for recovery since the number of people and the stock at the campsite 

would be reduced.

Blue Grouse Camp would still receive pack and saddle stock and hiker use since it is 

located near a main trail. Average party size and duration of use would be less than 

current use. This camp would not increase in size and use would likely be confined 

to the existing area.

North Fork Shelter Camp would still attract occasional pack and saddle stock and 

hiker use as it is on the Summit Trail. Average party size and duration of use would 

be less than current use. Camp use would likely be confined a smaller portion of the 

existing area.

Surprise Lake Camp would continue to receive similar pack and saddle stock and 

hiker use. Average party size and duration of use would be less than current use. 

Camp use would likely be confined to the existing area.

The other campsites listed in Appendix E would continue to be used. As with the sites 

discussed above, the sites could have a higher potential for recovery since the number of 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-41 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

people and the stock at the campsite over a season would be reduced. However, some of 

the largest campsites in the Pasayten are not used regularly by outfitters, so conditions 

would not change with the implementation of Alternative 1.

Meeting the Need for Commercial Services

This alternative would not provide the commercial pack and saddle stock services needed for 

wilderness recreation. People who require the services of an outfitter-guide would not be 

able to travel into the wilderness, and would not have access to this historic type of 

wilderness recreation, or be able to enjoy the opportunities for solitude or primitive and 

unconfined recreation offered there.

Alternative 2

Alternative 2 would have a minor effect on wilderness quality. The forest plan amendment 

restricting outfitters to use the same 5,250 square foot area of barren core in camps exceeding 

that size, along with the mitigation measures prohibiting outfitters from creating new camps, or 

increasing the size of existing camps, would have a minor beneficial impact to opportunities for 

solitude. Opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation would be maintained for those 

needing the services of an outfitter-guide, but may have a minor adverse impact on solitude due 

to the very small increase in the number of pack and saddle stock users in the wilderness 

compared to the existing condition. This alternative would fully provide the minimum extent of 

commercial services needed to provide for pack and saddle stock wilderness recreation.

Natural Quality

The natural quality of the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wilderness areas could receive 

minor, localized impacts due to the increase in the number of pack and saddle stock service 

days. The 7% increase in the Pasayten and 1% increase in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth in the 

number of people using pack and saddle stock could increase grazing pressure on plant 

communities, and increase the risk of introduction and spread of invasive species. There 

would be 270 animal unit months of grazing authorized. This level of grazing would not alter 

plant communities, or increase impacts to sensitive or rare plant species. There would 

continue to be isolated spots of damage to stream banks, but not at a level that would 

degrade aquatic habitat or water quality. More detail is included in the Botany, Water, 

Aquatic, Range, and Invasive Species resource sections of this chapter.

Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation

Use Levels and Encounters

There would be a small increase in the number of people using pack and saddle stock with 

this alternative (7% in the Pasayten and 1% in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth) compared to the 

existing condition, so for other users, the opportunities for solitude could decrease. Most 

users would likely not notice the increase in use or number of encounters, but those who 

travel to areas frequented by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides may notice more people 

on the trails, and more occupied campsites. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-42 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Campsite Size and Condition

The existing campsites would continue to be used by the outfitter-guides. Reserved sites 

would be designated at Bald Mountain, Sheep Mountain, Beaver Creek, Crow Lake, and 

Whistler. These campsites would be closed to the public; use would be closely monitored 

and controlled to accelerate their recovery. The other existing campsites listed in Appendix 

E would also be used by the outfitters, but would also be open to the public. 

Outfitters would be restricted to only using identified, established campsites, and not 

increasing the amount of barren core at any established site. They would not be permitted 

to create new travel routes, or expose roots on trees. In campsites where the barren core 

exceeds 5,250 square feet, the outfitters would not be permitted to use in excess of 5,250 

square feet of the barren core area, and reuse the same portion each time. The mitigation 

measures listed on pages 2-8 through 2-10 would control outfitter-guide activities, and 

ensure compliance with these new standards. 

The effect of the amendment and controls on outfitter-guide activities could be a minor 

beneficial improvement in the large, existing campsites used by outfitter-guides. There 

could be some slow improvements at sites with barren cores exceeding 5,250 square feet as 

the unused portion begin to revegetate. The revegetation at many camps would be too 

slow to measure in the next decade because of the short, harsh growing season, and the 

possibility that non-outfitted users would continue to use the area. The undeveloped and 

natural qualities would be further protected by the mitigation measures prohibiting pack 

and saddle stock outfitters from creating new camps, travel routes, or exposed roots on 

trees. 

Pasayten

Hikers, and pack and saddle stock users would continue to favor different locations. 

Pack and saddle stock users would be more common in the Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake 

area, and in the Sheep Mountain/Corral Lake area. The Pasayten Airport would still 

receive some stock use, but there is a limited amount of forage there, and there is no 

destination lake, so use would be generally light. The Pasayten River drainage also 

receives some stock use, especially at Whistler Camp along the Middle Fork Pasayten. 

Use here would be much lighter than in Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake, or Sheep 

Mountain/Corral Lake because forage is somewhat limited. Stock use at Hidden Lakes 

would be light due to lack of forage. Tatoosh Buttes has ample forage but stock use 

outside of hunting season would be limited because the trail is difficult, and water 

supply is limited.

The effects of Alternative 2 on the conditions of the camps currently used by outfitters 

are described below.

Outfitter Camps

The Bald Mountain Camp would continue to have a barren core of 

approximately 3,655 square feet. A camp management plan would be 

developed and followed to prevent creation of additional barren core, exposing 

more roots on trees, and creation of travel routes. The camp would be closed 

to public use, so further degradation should not occur.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-43 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The Sheep Mountain Camp has an existing barren core of 19,368 square feet. A 

camp management plan would be developed and followed, identifying 

approximately 5,250 square feet of barren core area the outfitter can use. 

Outfitter-guide activities that would perpetuate the barren core on the 

additional area would not be allowed. The camp would be closed to the public, 

so the additional 14,000 square feet of barren core would begin to recover. 

The Crow Lake Camp, located in the Sheep Mountain/Corral Lake area, would 

continue to have a barren core of approximately 3,621 square feet. As with the 

other reserved camps, a camp management plan would be developed and 

followed to prevent creation of additional barren core, exposing more roots on 

trees, and creation of travel routes. The camp would be closed to public use, so 

further degradation should not occur.

The Beaver Creek Camp has an existing barren core of approximately 8,038 

square feet. A camp management plan would be developed and followed, 

identifying approximately 5,250 square feet of barren core area the outfitterguide can use. Outfitter-guide activities that would perpetuate the barren core 

on the additional area would not be allowed. The camp would be closed to the 

public, so the additional 2,788 square feet of barren core would begin to 

recover. 

Whistler Camp has an existing barren core of approximately 9,906 square feet. 

A camp management plan would be developed and followed, identifying 

approximately 5,250 square feet of barren core area the outfitter-guide can use. 

Outfitter-guide activities that would perpetuate the barren core on the 

additional area would not be allowed. The camp would be closed to the public, 

so the additional 4,656 square feet of barren core would begin to recover.

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth

Hikers and pack and saddle stock users would continue to use the popular destinations 

in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. Day hike and horseback rides would continue, with the 

Twisp River Horsecamp providing a hub for non-outfitted pack and saddle stock 

activity in the Twisp River. The pack and saddle stock outfitters would continue to use 

the established camps, which would also be used by non-outfitted parties. 

Outfitter Camps

Mule Shoe “1” Camp would continue to have a barren core of approximately 

1,125 square feet. A camp management plan for outfitters would be developed 

and followed to prevent creation of additional barren core, exposing more roots 

on trees, and creation of travel routes. 

Mule Shoe “2” Camp has an existing barren core of approximately 9,134 square 

feet. Approximately 5,250 square feet would be identified for the outfitter to 

use. A camp management plan for outfitters would be developed and followed to 

prevent creation of additional barren core, exposing more roots on trees, and 

creation of travel routes. This camp would not be closed to the public, so the 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-44 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

recovery of the additional 3,884 would depend on the activities on non-outfitted 

pack and saddle stock users and hikers. 

Twin Springs has an existing barren core of approximately 12,245 square feet. 

Approximately 5,250 square feet would be identified for the outfitter to use. A 

camp management plan for outfitters would be developed and followed to 

prevent creation of additional barren core, exposing more roots on trees, and 

creation of travel routes. This camp would not be closed to the public, so the 

recovery of the additional 3,884 would depend on the activities on non-outfitted 

pack and saddle stock users and hikers. 

Middle Chipmunk Camp has approximately 5,400 square feet of barren core. A 

camp management plan for outfitters would be developed and followed to 

prevent creation of additional barren core, exposing more roots on trees, and 

creation of travel routes. Approximately 5,250 square feet would be identified 

for the outfitter to use. This camp would not be closed to the public, so the 

recovery of the additional 150 square feet would depend on the activities of the 

non-outfitted pack and saddle stock users and hikers. 

Blue Grouse Camp has approximately 5,000 square feet of barren core. A camp 

management plan for outfitters would be developed and followed to prevent 

creation of additional barren core, exposing more roots on trees, and creation of 

travel routes. 

North Fork Shelter Camp has approximately 30,000 square feet of barren core. 

Approximately 5,250 square feet would be identified for the outfitter to use. A 

camp management plan for outfitters would be developed and followed to 

prevent creation of additional barren core, exposing more roots on trees, and 

creation of travel routes. This camp would not be closed to the public, so the 

recovery of the additional 24,750 square feet would depend on the activities of 

the non-outfitted pack and saddle stock users and hikers. 

Surprise Lake has about 4,200 square feet of barren core. A camp management 

plan for outfitters would be developed and followed to prevent creation of 

additional barren core, exposing more roots on trees, and creation of travel 

routes. 

The camps listed in Appendix E would continue to be used by the outfitters for progressive 

and drop camps, and occasionally for full-service camps. The mitigation measures listed on 

pages 2-8 through 2-16 would regulate outfitter-guide activities to meet the amended 

standards and guidelines. Since these camps would not be closed to non-outfitted use, 

camping practices of private pack and saddle stock uses and hikers could affect the rate of 

recovery.

Meeting the Need for Commercial Services

This alternative would fully provide the minimum amount of commercial services needed for 

wilderness recreation and increase the opportunities for primitive and unconfined 

recreation. Pack and saddle stock wilderness recreation would be accessible to the portion 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-45 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

of the population needing the services due to physical limitations, or lack of skill and 

equipment. Those needing the services of an outfitter would be able to travel into the 

wilderness and enjoy the opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation.

Alternative 3

Alternative 3 would have a minor beneficial effect on wilderness quality. The forest plan 

amendment restricting outfitters to use the same 2,800 square foot area of barren core in 

camps exceeding that size, along with the mitigation measures prohibiting outfitters from 

creating new camps, or increasing the size of existing camps, would have a beneficial impact to 

the undeveloped and natural qualities of the wilderness. The opportunities for solitude may 

have a beneficial impact from this alternative with the reduction in outfitter-guide party sizes. 

The opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation would be reduced since roughly half 

the minimum extent needed would be provided.

Natural Quality

The natural quality of the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wilderness areas would be 

unchanged from the existing condition with this alternative. The 1% increase in the number 

of people using pack and saddle stock in the Pasayten, and 1% decrease in the Lake ChelanSawtooth would not change current conditions. There would be 150 animal unit months 

assigned to the outfitters. This level of grazing would not alter plant communities, or 

increase impacts to sensitive or rare plant species. There would continue to be isolated spots 

of damage to stream banks, but not at a level that would degrade aquatic habitat or water 

quality. Invasive species may be introduced and spread by pack and saddle stock. More 

detail is included in the Botany, Water, Aquatic, Range, and Invasive Species resource 

sections of this chapter.

Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation

Use Levels and Encounters

The number of people using pack and saddle stock would be virtually unchanged from the 

existing condition with this alternative (1% increase in the Pasayten, and a 1% decrease in 

the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth). There would be no change in the opportunity for solitude 

compared to the current condition in terms of encounters on the trails and campsite 

occupancy.

The forest plan amendment reducing the party size for pack and saddle outfitter guide 

groups could have a beneficial impact to the opportunities for solitude. Since outfitted 

parties tend to be larger than non-outfitted parties, limiting the size of outfitted parties to 

12 would eliminate most of the parties that approach or meet the existing size limit of 12 

people and 18 head of stock. This would substantially reduce the encounters with large 

pack strings on trails, and result in fewer pack stock in and around camps. This benefit 

may be reduced or eliminated if the outfitters make multiple trips to and from camps in 

order to provide the service clients expect while not exceeding the smaller party size. 

This could increase the number of encounters between outfitted and non-outfitted 

groups on trails.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-46 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Campsite Size and Condition

The existing campsites would continue to be used by the outfitter-guides. Reserved sites 

would be designated at Bald Mountain and Sheep Mountain. These campsites would be 

closed to the public, and use would be closely monitored and controlled to accelerate 

their recovery. No other reserved camps would be designated. The other existing 

campsites listed in Appendix E would also be used by the outfitters, but would also be 

open to the public. 

Outfitters would be restricted to only using identified, established campsites, and not 

increasing the amount of barren core at any established site. They would not be 

permitted to create new travel routes, or expose roots on trees. In campsites where the 

barren core exceeds 2,800 square feet, the outfitters would not be permitted to use in 

excess of 2,800 square feet of the barren core area, and reuse the same portion each 

time. The mitigation measures listed on pages 2-8 through 2-16 would control outfitterguide activities, and ensure compliance with these new standards. 

The effect of the amendments and controls on outfitter-guide activities would be a 

beneficial, minor improvement to the undeveloped and natural qualities of both 

wilderness areas. There would be some slow improvements at sites with barren cores 

exceeding 2,800 square feet as the unused portions begin to revegetate. The 

revegetation at many camps would be too slow to measure in the next decade because of 

the short, harsh growing season, and the possibility that non-outfitted users would 

continue to use the area. No new camps, travel routes, or exposed roots on trees would 

be created by outfitters, so the overall amount of Wilderness affected by outfitter-guides 

would not increase.

The intensity for a beneficial impact to the undeveloped and natural qualities could be 

higher with this alternative compared to Alternative 2, since more existing barren core 

would be unused by outfitter, potentially increasing vegetation cover at existing 

campsites. The difference between the alternatives would be negligible at the wilderness 

scale, and minor at the local level. 

Pasayten

Hikers, and pack and saddle stock users would continue to favor different locations. 

Pack and saddle stock users would be more common in the Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake 

area, and in the Sheep Mountain/Corral Lake area. The Pasayten Airport would still 

receive some stock use, but there is a limited amount of forage there, and there is no 

destination lake, so use would be generally light. The Pasayten River drainage also 

receives some stock use, especially at Whistler Camp along the Middle Fork Pasayten. 

Use here would be much lighter than in Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake, or Sheep 

Mountain/Corral Lake because forage is somewhat limited. Stock use at Hidden Lakes 

would be light due to lack of forage. Tatoosh Buttes has ample forage but stock use 

outside of hunting season would be limited because the trail is difficult, and water 

supply is limited.

Outfitter Camps

The Bald Mountain Camp has approximately 3,655 square feet of barren core. A 

camp management plan would be developed and followed, identifying 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-47 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

approximately 2,800 square feet of barren core area the outfitter can use. 

Outfitter-guide activities that would perpetuate the barren core on the additional 

area would not be allowed. The camp would be closed to the public, so the 

additional 855 square feet of barren core would begin to recover. 

The Sheep Mountain Camp has an existing barren core of 19,368 square feet. A 

camp management plan would be developed and followed, identifying 

approximately 2,800 square feet of barren core area the outfitter can use. 

Outfitter-guide activities that would perpetuate the barren core on the additional 

area would not be allowed. The camp would be closed to the public, so the 

additional 16,568 square feet of barren core would begin to recover. 

The Crow Lake Camp has approximately 3,621 square feet of barren core. 

Approximately 2,800 square feet would be identified for the outfitter to use. This 

camp would not be closed to the public, so the recovery of the additional 821 

would depend on the activities on non-outfitted pack and saddle stock users and 

hikers.

The Beaver Creek Camp has an existing barren core of approximately 8,038 

square feet. Approximately 2,800 square feet would be identified for the 

outfitter to use. This camp would not be closed to the public, so the recovery of 

the additional 5,238 would depend on the activities on non-outfitted pack and 

saddle stock users and hikers.

Whistler Camp has an existing barren core of approximately 9,906 square feet. 

Approximately 2,800 square feet would be identified for the outfitter to use. This 

camp would not be closed to the public, so the recovery of the additional 7,106 

would depend on the activities on non-outfitted pack and saddle stock users and 

hikers.

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth

Hikers and pack and saddle stock users would continue to use the popular destinations 

in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. Day hike and horseback rides would continue, with the 

Twisp River Horsecamp providing a hub for non-outfitted pack and saddle stock 

activity in the Twisp River. The pack and saddle stock outfitters would continue to use 

the established camps, which would also be used by non-outfitted parties. 

Outfitter Camps

Mule Shoe “1” Camp would continue to have a barren core of approximately 

1125 square feet. A camp management plan for outfitters would be developed 

and followed to prevent creation of additional barren core, exposing more roots 

on trees, and creation of travel routes. 

Mule Shoe “2” has an existing barren core of approximately 9,134 square feet. 

Approximately 2,800 square feet would be identified for the outfitter to use. This 

camp would not be closed to the public, so the recovery of the additional 6,334 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-48 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

would depend on the activities on non-outfitted pack and saddle stock users and 

hikers. 

Twin Springs has an existing barren core of approximately 12,245 square feet. 

Approximately 2,800 square feet would be identified for the outfitter to use. This 

camp would not be closed to the public, so the recovery of the additional 9,445 

would depend on the activities on non-outfitted pack and saddle stock users and 

hikers. 

Middle Chipmunk Camp has approximately 5,400 square feet of barren core. 

Approximately 2,800 square feet would be identified for the outfitter to use. This 

camp would not be closed to the public, so the recovery of the additional 2,600 

square feet would depend on the activities of the non-outfitted pack and saddle 

stock users and hikers. 

Blue Grouse Camp has about 5000 square feet of barren core. Approximately 

2,800 square feet would be identified for the outfitter to use. This camp would 

not be closed to the public, so the recovery of the additional 2,200 square feet 

would depend on the activities of the non-outfitted pack and saddle stock users 

and hikers. 

o North Fork Shelter Camp has approximately 30,000 square feet of barren core. 

Approximately 2,800 square feet would be identified for the outfitter to use. This 

camp would not be closed to the public, so the recovery of the additional 27,200 

square feet would depend on the activities of the non-outfitted pack and saddle 

stock users and hikers. 

Surprise Lake has about 4,200 square feet of barren core. Approximately 2,800 

square feet would be identified for the outfitter to use. This camp would not be 

closed to the public, so the recovery of the additional 1,400 square feet would 

depend on the activities of the non-outfitted pack and saddle stock users and 

hikers. 

The camps listed in Appendix E would continue to be used by the outfitters for progressive 

and drop camps, and occasionally for full-service camps. The mitigation measures listed on 

pages 2-8 through 2-10 would regulate outfitter-guide activities to meet the amended 

standards and guidelines. Since these camps would not be closed to non-outfitted use, 

camping practices of private pack and saddle stock uses and hikers could affect the rate of 

recovery.

Meeting the Need for Commercial Services

This alternative would provide about half of the minimum amount of commercial services 

needed for wilderness recreation. Pack and saddle stock wilderness recreation would be 

accessible to some of the population needing the services due to physical limitations, or lack 

of skill and equipment, but fewer people would have the opportunity to experience the 

primitive and unconfined recreation offered. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-49 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Cumulative Impacts of all Alternatives

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis in the Pasayten Wilderness is the entire 

Pasayten. Similarly, the boundary for the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness is the entire Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth. The temporal boundary for both areas is from current time through 2020, 

when the 10-year permits would expire. At that point, there would be no further direct or 

indirect effects to wilderness character for pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides, so any 

cumulative effects would be eliminated.

The effects to wilderness character of any of the alternatives when considered cumulatively 

with all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, are virtually identical. Overall, 

the cumulative effects of any of the alternatives to wilderness character would be minor. The 

untrammeled, undeveloped, and natural qualities have been improving since the elimination of 

commercial livestock grazing, although are still being affected by wildfire suppression, fish 

stocking. The opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation would be 

slightly improved by trail maintenance and campsite restoration projects. On the other hand, 

the projected increase in overall recreation use in the coming years would have a minor adverse 

impact to this quality. The past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions that may 

impact wilderness character are described below. This is followed by a more detailed discussion 

of the cumulative effects on each wilderness quality.

Past Actions

Past actions that have had the largest influence on wilderness condition, and the distribution of 

people, are grazing and wildfires.

Grazing

Historical grazing changed the condition of the wilderness areas before they were designated, 

and continued to adversely impact the untrammeled and natural qualities of the areas while 

grazing continued after designation. Prior to the introduction of livestock grazing, the areas that 

became the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas were untouched by human 

activities. The grazing altered the vegetative communities across large portions of the areas. 

Sheep and cattle herders established camps where they stayed when the livestock were grazing. 

These camps were large (well in excess of 400 feet of barren core), and resulted in damaged 

trees in and around the camps. When the grazing allotments were vacated, the condition of the 

landscape began to improve. Some altered vegetative communities began to slowly return to 

pre-grazing conditions. Campsites not used by the public revegetated. Campsites that were 

used by the public changed very little after the areas were designated as wilderness due to the 

short growing season, and impacts from continued use. These are continuing to impact the 

opportunities for solitude.

Wildfires and Wildfire Suppression

Wildfire is a natural process in wilderness. Wildfires have been suppressed in the past when 

they are near the boundary of the wilderness, or threaten to move into Canada. This has 

changed the disturbance cycle of the ecosystem, leaving much of the wilderness areas with high 

levels of down material, increased mortality from insects and disease, and higher density stands.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-50 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Some of the lower elevations surrounding the western slopes of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth have 

burned in the last 5 years. This burn pattern reduces the probability of fires burning upslope 

from Lake Chelan to spread fire into the wilderness. Over 200,000 acres have burned in the 

Pasayten in the last 10 years. Areas burned by high severity fire in Andrews and Farewell Creeks 

continue to elevate the risk of debris slides in these two watersheds. The wildfires caused shortterm displacement of recreationists, increasing use in portions of the wilderness away from the 

burned areas. Use patterns returned to pre-fire conditions once the fires stopped, and trails 

were repaired to allow access.

The wildfire suppression has had a major, adverse impact to the wilderness wide, untrammeled 

and natural qualities of the areas.

Fish Stocking

In the 1930s, various sportsmen's associations began stocking high lakes, historically fishless 

waters, with various species of fish. The Washington Trail Blazers, formed in 1933, continues to 

volunteer for the State Department of Fish and Wildlife in this role by packing fish in on their 

backs and with stock. In 1958, a similar advocacy group, the HiLakers, formed around the 

common goal of enhancing opportunities for high lake fishing. Approximately 40 lakes have 

been and continue to be stocked in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wildernesses. 

The stocking has major localized impacts on the natural and untrammeled quality of the 

wilderness areas since it changed the structure of the aquatic ecosystems in each stocked lake. 

In addition, stocked lakes became a focal point for recreational use. Consequently much of the 

higher density recreational impact in wilderness occurs in lake basins, decreasing the 

opportunities for solitude.

Mining

The Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth have a history of mining activity. The biggest mine in 

the Pasayten is the Tungsten located near the boundary between the Tonasket and Methow 

Valley districts. It operated from the early 1900s to approximately the 1930s. Mineral rights for 

the Tungsten and several other claims in the vicinity were found to be invalid in 1989. There are 

four buildings still standing at the site, though not maintained by the Forest Service. The mine is 

a destination for some recreationists; use is in compliance with standards and guidelines.

Mines were staked in the late 1890s and early 1900s on Gilbert and Crescent Mountains in the 

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Area in the upper Twisp River. Operations at the Crescent 

ended around 1915 after a depression forced the Canadian company financing the operation to 

abandon the project. Some evidence of the old mine exist; it is not a destination for 

recreationists and seldom visited. The miner leasing the claims on Gilbert Mountain constructed 

the trail to North Lake in the 1940s to extract and transport ore. There are currently no activities 

at these claims. In 1984, 375 Jolly claims were established on Gilbert Mountain, however little 

to no activity has occurred on any of them (Portman 1993).

These mining activities had moderate, local, adverse impacts to the undeveloped and natural 

qualities in the immediate vicinities. The impact is lessening over time as the buildings and mine 

shafts decay. The Tungsten mine is having the most lasting impact because of the recreation 

attraction and use.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-51 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Pack and Saddle Stock Use

People have been traveling in the areas that became the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

wilderness areas for nearly a century. Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides began taking 

people into these areas for decades; before Congressional designation and before the Forest 

Plans set standards and guidelines for human activities in wilderness. As described under the 

Historic Uses section earlier in this report, the effects of these activities perpetuated conditions 

that were initially caused by livestock grazing activities, and still exist today. Party size limitations 

and other controls specified by standards and guidelines helped stabilize the conditions at 

existing campsites, but the local, long-term, adverse impacts to the opportunities for solitude 

are still present.

Trail Maintenance

Trails have been maintained on a regular basis since they were developed. Both the people 

using the trails and the Forest Service have kept the trails open by cutting fallen trees, 

constructing and maintaining drainage structures and bridges, and maintaining trail tread for 

nearly 100 years. Trails have also been relocated when needed to prevent or correct resource 

damage.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Forest Service was maintaining about 600 to 700 miles of trail in the 

Pasayten and 120 to 150 miles in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth annually. Trail maintenance budgets 

began to decline in the 1990s, gradually reducing the miles of trail maintained annual to 

between 350 and 500 in the Pasayten, and 85 to 90 in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. This reduction 

concentrated people on the maintained trails. 

The trail maintenance has helped manage recreation use, but has had localized negative impacts 

to the opportunities for solitude by concentrating and containing use on the existing trails. The 

negative impact from the trails is offset by the beneficial impact of keeping traffic localized and 

controlled, and leaving the vast majority of each wilderness area untouched. This has protected 

the opportunities for solitude across most of the wilderness areas.

Restoration Activities

The Forest Service has been working to restore campsites and trails since the Pasayten became a 

designated wilderness in 1968, and the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth was designated in 1984. 

The following list includes some of the restoration activities that have taken place over the past 

ten years. These have had beneficial impacts to the opportunities for solitude by restoring 

impacted sites, controlling and limiting use, and constructing facilities at campsites to reduce 

further damage to vegetation and soil. Other past restoration activities are in the 2000-2006 

Accomplishment Reports. Refer to the Recreation Activity Review in Appendix C.

Installed signs at confusing junctions to identify system trails.

A CFR closure has been issued to keep stock away from the shores of Oval 

Lakes.

Signed sensitive plant habitat area below Amphitheater to keep riders on 

trails.

Two deeply rutted trails in the Spanish Camp area have been receiving ongoing restoration 

efforts in the form of check dams, drainage, and closures by the Spanish Camp ranger and 

volunteers. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-52 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Installed hitch rails at Hidden Lake and Bald Mountain, repaired hitch rail at 

Upper Cathedral.

Limit of two outfitted parties at a time in the Hidden Lakes area.

Enacted a CFR restriction at Black Lake to eliminate stock camping within 1⁄2 

mile of the lake shore, and hiker camping within 200 feet.

A campsite near the shoreline of Williams Lake was closed, scarified, and re-planted in the 

fall of 2005. This campsite had been identified as a priority for restoration due to the 

proximity of the lake and the availability of alternate campsites in the area. This campsite 

was used primarily by the non-outfitted public.

Two campsites in wet areas near Remmel Lake were closed via signage and removal of a 

hitchrail in recent years. One site has recovered with vegetation filling in the vegetation loss 

and compacted, bare mineral soil and is no longer identifiable as a campsite. Recovery at 

the other site is slower but progressing. These campsites were used primarily by the nonoutfitted public.

Most of the permanent improvements at the Sheep Mountain camp were removed in 2002. 

The corral was retained, but the materials were changed – old wire was removed and live 

trees are no longer used as posts.

An outfitter camp at Corral Lake was closed to outfitter use, partially scarified and the 

access trail was blocked. Pioneering species were allowed to become established on the 

recommendation of the Methow Valley Ranger District Botanist.

Highline areas were established at the Crow Lake camp so stock would not be tied to trees.

Highline areas were also established at Beaver Creek to replace an ineffective highline.

Pasayten Airport

The Pasayten Airport was constructed starting in 1931. It was built to accommodate small 

aircraft. It was maintained as a landing strip and airport until the Pasayten was designated a 

wilderness in 1968. The runway can still been seen, although small trees are growing on the 

north half. There is a cabin and barn located next to the runway. The Forest Service uses the 

cabin as housing for wilderness rangers or a base camp for trail maintenance. This is a 

destination spot for some pack and saddle stock users because it is one of the few places with 

graze for stock.

The airport continues to have a moderate, local impact to the undeveloped quality of the 

immediate area.

Present Actions

Trail Maintenance

The Forest Service is continuing to maintain between 350 and 500 miles of trail each year in the 

Pasayten and 85 to 90 miles in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. The maintenance is allowing people 

to access the most popular destinations in each wilderness. Use is concentrated leaving the vast 

majority of both areas untouched, creating a beneficial impact on the opportunities for solitude 

of the wilderness.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-53 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Restoration Activities

Restoration and education activities are ongoing in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, and 

are having a beneficial impact on the opportunities for solitude of the wildernesses. A partial 

list is included. Some ongoing activities are listed below.

Implementation of the Remmel Lake Trail Management Plan began in the summer of 2006. 

A trail above Remmel Lake will be rerouted to access established camping areas.

Provide up-to-date trail information at Forest Service offices and on the Forest website.

Discuss camp access trails with outfitters to develop and maintain only one main access 

trail into camps.

Work with outfitter who uses Bald Mountain camp to manage stock trails between camp 

and grazing area.

Collect use information by permit system, including date, duration, type of use, area, etc.

Evaluate campsites for potential impacts to threatened and endangered species.

Information about wilderness ethic and resource information, in addition to rules and 

regulations, is posted at all trailheads, and available to all groups. It is also available at the 

Visitor Center and Forest Service Offices.

Information is provided on Wilderness Permits.

Wilderness ethics and resource information is included on the Forest Service web site.

Leave-No-Trace camping techniques are taught by wilderness rangers in the field.

Handouts detailing Leave-No-Trace camping techniques are available at Forest Service 

offices, and on Forest Service and outfitter websites.

Lead wilderness ranger and wilderness stock ranger have attended Leave-No-Trace training.

Outfitter-Guide Permit Administration

Outfitter-Guide permit administration is continuing, with an emphasis on ensuring positive 

working relationships with the outfitters, and compliance with all rules and regulations. The 

following list highlights some of the ongoing work:

Working to maintain positive relationships with outfitters through annual meetings with 

individual outfitters to discuss performance, operations, and concerns.

Hosting annual spring meeting with all outfitters to discuss upcoming Forest Service 

activities, outfitter concerns, and Forest Service concerns.

Campsites are discussed with outfitters, and field reviews with Forest Service employees 

and outfitters help address camp management issues. Campsite conditions are also 

discussed and evaluated in annual performance evaluation meetings.

Drop camps are discussed at annual performance evaluation meetings, and drop camps are 

visited by Forest Service employees to assess camp management, location, and compliance 

with permits.

Permit administrators on the Chelan and Methow Valley Ranger Districts have been working 

together in the field, in meetings, and in correspondence with outfitters to provide crossunit coordination.

Other Outfitters

Four companies: National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound, Wilderness 

Ventures, and Alpine Assents operate outfitted and guided 

backpacking/mountaineer/wilderness education trips in the Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness areas. Combined, they have approximately 3,150 service days in the 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-54 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Pasayten, and 1,400 days in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. Some of their activities overlap in 

location and time with the pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides, but most are in portions of 

the wilderness areas either off-limits to the pack and saddle stock, or in areas not frequented by 

them. 

This type of commercial use has less of an impact on wilderness quality than pack and saddle 

stock activities. Campsites are smaller, most in compliance with existing standards and 

guidelines about barren core and damaged trees, and most of the activities occur in portions of 

the wilderness not commonly used by non-outfitted users. Some of the companies occasionally 

resupply camps using pack and saddle stock, but the rendezvous locations are in existing 

hardened campsites, and the stock do not stay overnight (unless the distance from the trailhead 

requires one overnight). 

The activities are having a negligible to minor local impact on the opportunities for solitude. 

Non-Outfitted Recreation Use

There are about 48,608 visitor days in the Pasayten and 54,424 in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

each year independent of outfitter guides (backpacking and pack and saddle stock outfitters). 

The effects of these are disclosed in the current condition section of this report.

Cabins and Buildings

The wilderness has, and continues to be, essentially without permanent improvements and 

human occupation. Eleven buildings exist on the landscape. In the Pasayten, there are three 

cabins used for Forest Service wilderness administration (Spanish Camp, Stub Creek, and 

Pasayten Airport in the Pasayten Wilderness), an unstaffed lookout, ground house, and radio 

repeater building at Monument 85 on the international border with Canada, a snow survey 

cabin along Lightning Creek (visited infrequently by the US Geologic Survey), and four buildings 

at the abandoned Tungsten Mine not used for administration, but as a recreation destination. 

In the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, there is a cabin along War Creek that is a recreation destination, 

but not used for administration. Other dilapidated trapper cabins are scattered across both 

wilderness area, but are in varying states of collapse, and are unusable. 

The effect of cabins is moderate and local, impacting the undeveloped quality of the 

wildernesses. They can be an intrusion on a visitor’s experience. In some areas, most notably 

the Spanish Camp and Hidden Lakes, where current visitation is relatively high, and pack and 

saddle stock outfitter guides is also high, the cumulative effect of the presence of these cabins 

can diminish experiences of some visitors. However, other visitors may not perceive the 

presence of cabins as a negative effect on their experience. In fact, their visit may be enhanced 

by the historic cabins, or not perceived to be in contrast to the environment.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Trail Maintenance

It is reasonably foreseeable that the Forest Service will annually maintain between 350 and 500 

miles of trail in the Pasayten Wilderness, and 85 to 90 miles in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. This 

will keep people concentrated in the currently popular portions of wilderness and minimize 

impacts to the vast majority of either wilderness area.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-55 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

It is also reasonably foreseeable that trail management activities will be completed in the 

Remmel Lake area. Some trails will be relocated, and the abandoned sections will be 

obliterated. This will reduce erosion and impacts to vegetation, and improve the aesthetics of 

the area. 

Restoration Activities

It is reasonably foreseeable that restoration activities will continue on existing outfitter and nonoutfitter campsites in both wilderness areas. The type and intensity of the restoration will 

depend on the Forest Service budget, but these activities will continue to have minor, beneficial 

effects on the opportunities for solitude. It is reasonably foreseeable that the list of restoration 

activities included in the Present Action section will continue, in addition to new ones initiated 

to resolve any emerging situations.

Wildfires

Wildland fires are expected into the future. Fire suppression activities such as fire line 

construction with mechanized equipment will also continue. These firelines will be 

rehabilitated, but the continued fire suppression will adversely impact the untrammeled quality 

of the wilderness.

Recreation Use

There will be increasing demand for recreation in the coming years. The technical report 

Outdoor Recreation in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska: Trends in Activity Participation (Hall et 

al, 2009), predicts that since the population of Washington is expected to increase, the number 

of people recreating will also increase, all other factors being even. There will be increases in 

population in all age groups, and younger people are still showing strong interest in outdoor 

recreation. The popularity of recreation activities near water is expected to grow, as is the use 

of popular day use areas. Word-of-mouth recommendations and media exposure will spread 

interest in these popular areas, and crowding and conflict will likely increase (Hall et al, 2009). 

Washington State’s Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation estimated that there will be 

a 15% increase in the number of people hiking and backing, and a 5% increase in the number of 

people riding horses in the next 10 years (Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation, 2003). 

These projections are used to estimate the number of people who will be recreating in the 

Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth ten years from now.

The following lists the current number of non-outfitted visitor days, by type, in each Wilderness, 

and the number that will likely be there in 2020.

Figure 3.1-14. Number of Non-Outfitted Visitor days in Pasayten Currently and in 2020.

User Group Current Non-Outfitted 

Visitor days

% Change by 

2020*

Estimated NonOutfitted Visitor 

days in 2020

Hikers 33,670 +15% 38,721

Pack and Saddle Stock 

Users

14,938 +5% 15,684

TOTAL 48,608 54,405

*Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation, Washington State 2003
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-56 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

It is reasonably foreseeable that the backpacking outfitters will continue to operate at the 

existing levels. Adding the potential outfitter-guide service days (pack and saddle stock and 

backpacking) to these totals shows the likely relationship between the amount of outfitted and 

non-outfitted use in the future.

Figure 3.1-15. Number of Visitor Days by User Group in the Pasayten in 2020, by Alternative

User Group Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Hikers 42,343 3,150 7% 42,343 3,150 7% 42,343 3,150 7%

People w/Pack 

Animals

15,684 0 0% 17,684 2,000 11% 16,684 1,000 6%

TOTAL 58,027 3,150 5% 60,027 5,150 9% 59,027 4,150 7%

This information is displayed in the following figure. The outfitter-guide days for pack and 

saddle stock, and hiking/backpacking are combined into “Outfitter Service Days”. The “Stock 

Users” and “Hikers” are not outfitted.

Figure 3.1-16. Cumulative Recreation Use in Pasayten by 2020

The information for the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness is displayed below.

Figure 3.1-17. Non-Outfitted Visitor days in Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Currently and in 2020.

User Group Current Non-Outfitted 

Visitor days

% Change by 

2020*

Estimated NonOutfitted Visitor 

days in 2020

Hikers 36,216 +15% 42,498

Pack and Saddle Stock 

Users

19,208 +5% 20,168

TOTAL 55,424 62,666

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3

Visitor/Service Days

Cumulative Recreation Use in Pasayten by 2020

(Outfitted and Non-Outfitted)

Outfitter Service Days

Stock Users

Hikers
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-57 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.1-18. Number of Visitor Days by User Group in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth in 2020, by 

Alternative

User Group Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Hikers 42,108 1,400 3% 42,108 1,400 3% 42,108 1,400 3%

People w/Pack 

Animals

20,168 0 0% 20,888 720 3% 20,488 320 2%

TOTAL 62,276 0 0% 62,996 2,120 3% 62,596 1,720 3%

This information is displayed in the following figure. The outfitter-guide days for pack and 

saddle stock, and hiking/backpacking are combined into “Outfitter Service Days”. The “Stock 

Users” and “Hikers” are not outfitted.

Figure 3.1-19. Cumulative Recreation Use in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth by 2020

Cumulative Effects on Wilderness Character

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

Wilderness character is made of the four wilderness qualities discussed throughout this report. 

Beneficial impacts to one quality may be offset by adverse impacts to another in terms of 

evaluating overall character. Evaluating the scale and intensity of the impacts comparatively 

provides the necessary framework for judging the overall effects to the character.

The cumulative effect of all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions will be an 

improving trend in wilderness character. 

Untrammeled and Undeveloped Qualities

There are no cumulative effects to the untrammeled and undeveloped qualities of the Pasayten 

or Lake Chelan-Sawtooth because there would be no direct or indirect effects from any of the 

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3

Visitor/Service Days

Cumulative Recreation Use in Lake Chelan-Sawtooth by 2020

Outfitter Service Days

Stock Users

Hikers
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-58 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

alternatives. Some past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions are affecting these 

qualities. Fire suppression and fish stocking will continue to have a negative impact on the 

untrammeled quality, but the elimination of commercial livestock grazing is having a major 

wilderness-wide, beneficial impact on the untrammeled quality as wilderness ecosystems are 

allowed to function without wide-scale impacts to plant communities and soil properties. 

Natural Quality

The natural quality of both wilderness areas has been improved by the elimination of 

commercial livestock grazing, and party-size controls that have limited the size of recreational 

stock herds. This has reduced impacts to streambanks, soil, and water quality. 

Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation

The reasonably foreseeable future increases in non-outfitted recreation use, commercial 

backpacking/hiking outfitters, and Alternatives 2 or 3 could potentially decrease the 

opportunities for solitude as popular destinations become more crowded. Considering the small 

increase estimated in non-outfitted use (approximately 10%) and the fact that the majority of 

people did not find the wilderness areas crowded (Burnes, et al, 2010), the cumulative effect of 

all actions and any of the alternatives would be a virtually unnoticeable decrease in 

opportunities for solitude. Calling this impact adverse or beneficial would vary from person to 

person. 

Current commercial hiking/backpacking activities in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

have the potential to cumulatively affect opportunities for solitude where the use overlaps with 

pack and saddle stock outfitter guides activities. The areas of overlap between the two types of 

commercial use is very small since much of the commercial hiking/backpacking occurs in the 

trailless portions of the wilderness where pack and saddle stock outfitter guides activities are 

not allowed, and use by the non-outfitted public is low.

The opportunities for solitude have been beneficially impacted by restoration activities, visitor 

education of leave-no-trace camping techniques, trail management, and outfitter-guide 

administration. There will be a cumulative adverse impact on solitude from past and future 

recreation use, both from non-outfitted recreationists, including the pack and saddle stock 

outfitter guide activities Alternatives 2 and 3. Effects of current pack stock use, when added to 

these past conditions and effects of reasonably foreseeable future actions are negligible at the

wilderness scale. 

Visitor behaviors in the past have left effects upon the landscape that persist and add to the 

effects of current use. Some areas show these impacts from over 50 years ago, even when 

current use is not adding to this effect. The outfitter-guide use in Alternatives 2 and 3, in 

addition to non-outfitted use is cumulative perpetuation of impacts at some existing sites. This 

effect is only present in a very small percentage of the landscape and only a small number of 

visitors are affected.

At the wilderness scale, these effects are not likely to affect the opportunities for solitude, 

although there may be site-specific locations where effects are more intense. Management 

actions such as campsite restoration, along with education efforts to change visitor practices, 

have maintained a trend of a slow improvement in wilderness character through the slow 

correction of past effects, and reduction of new effects. Actions in the 2000 Recreation Activity 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-59 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Review such as addressing the network of trails in concentrated use areas, monitoring 

campsites, improving special use permit administration, increasing leave-no-trace education 

efforts all support this trend. 

Meeting the Need For Commercial Services

The cumulative effect of the present and reasonably foreseeable future commercial 

backpacking/hiking services and the pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide levels in Alternative 2 

would fully meet the minimum extent needed to provide for wilderness recreation, as identified 

in the Needs Assessment (USDA, 2010). The need would be partially met, cumulatively with 

Alternative 3, and to a lesser degree with Alternative 1.

CONSISTENCY FINDINGS

Wilderness Act

All three alternatives would comply with the Wilderness Act. All alternatives would help 

manage pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities to protect the wilderness character by 

allowing only local, minor to moderate impacts to the undeveloped and natural qualities. 

Impacts would be concentrated, and the vast majority of both the Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth would be free from any impacts from outfitter-guides to these qualities. In 

Alternatives 2 and 3, opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation would be 

beneficially impacted by providing some level of commercial pack and saddle stock services for 

those needing it to experience the wilderness. 

Forest Service Manual

All three alternatives would comply with Forest Service Manual 2300, and the Wilderness 

Management Model. The condition improvements in some campsites in each alternative would 

narrow move the condition of the wilderness towards a higher level of wilderness character. 

Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines

Conditions would still exist in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth that do not comply with 

some of the standards and guidelines in the Forest plans. Implementation of Alternative 1 

would eliminate pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides from wilderness, so any question about 

outfitter-guide activities complying would be moot. Alternatives 2 and 3 would amend the 

Forest Plans, and pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities would be fully compliant with 

the amended plans. As with Alternative 1, conditions would still exist that do not comply with 

existing standards and guidelines, but would not be within the scope of this analysis or decision.

3.2 RECREATION & OUTFITTER GUIDES

The information below is a summary of the Recreation and Outfitter-guide Reports which are 

available in the project analysis file (Zbyszewski 2008b and 2008c). This section contains two 

parts. Part one covers general recreational activities including outfitter-guides over the various 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-60 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

portions of the analysis area. Part two provides additional information and analysis on the pack 

and saddle stock outfitter-guides that are seeking ten-year term permits.

RECREATION

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Wilderness regulations are discussed in section 3.1 of this chapter. For areas outside of 

wilderness, both the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans (USDA Forest Service 1989b and 

1990) contain other recreation goals and standards and guidelines. A general goal is to 

encourage, establish, and sustain a diverse and balanced spectrum of quality recreation 

opportunities, services, and facilities.

ANALYSIS METHODS AND DATA SOURCES

The analysis area is divided into eight sub-sections:

Pasayten Wilderness

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness

North Cascades

Sawtooth Backcountry

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead

Middle Methow and

Alta Lake

The Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas are analyzed in section 3.1 of this 

chapter; this section focuses on the other portions of the analysis area.

This section analyzes and discloses the effects pack and saddle stock activities have on 

recreation opportunities in each sub-section. Since the outfitter-guides are such a small 

percentage of overall recreation use (2% of all use and 9% of pack and saddle stock), and since 

the effects of outfitted verses non-outfitted recreationists are virtually impossible to 

differentiate, the analysis is on the effect of all pack and saddle stock users, and how the effects 

would change with the slight variation in the total number of users with implementation of the 

alternatives. 

Pack and Stock Outfitter-Guide Activities

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities are constantly monitored as part of the special 

use permit administration process. This process generates information about compliance with 

permit terms and conditions, camp conditions, use patterns, grazing practices, and other permit 

and resource information. This information was used to evaluate effects on recreation, and for 

compliance with Forest Plan standards and guidelines.

Total Recreation Use Levels

Visitor days used for this analysis were obtained from the National Visitor Use Monitoring 

Results for Okanogan National Forest, (USDA Forest Service 2001d) for the North Cascades, 

Upper Methow, Middle Methow, and Alta Lake. This information was validated by field 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-61 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

observations by Forest Service employees. The visitor day estimates for the Sawtooth 

Backcountry are based on trailhead registration and visitor counts. This area was not 

adequately sampled in the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program in 2000, so the use 

estimates were substantially lower than field observations.

All these areas were sampled again in the 2005 National Visitor Use Monitoring Program. This 

data has not been disaggregated to give use estimates for the specific sub-sections in this 

analysis, so the 2001 data were used.

Service Days

Use data has been compiled using the most accurate data available. Pack and saddle stock 

outfitter guides use is measured by the number and type of trips and the people and stock used 

to reach each destination. Reliable records for the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth are 

available for the past 10 to 20 years. Some data gaps and margins of error exist due to data 

interpretations. Reports of use provided by the outfitters occasionally recorded vague or 

unknown destination locations. The data is the best information available, and has a level of 

accuracy that is more than adequate for this analysis. More detailed use data, or data that goes 

back farther in time, is not essential and is not critical to the analysis of recreation. Any impacts 

to recreation activities that may be unknown as a result of not having more precise data, or data 

that goes farther back in time, are not likely to affect the decision making process. Current 

conditions and future uses are the most relevant factors to consider. 

Comparisons of Outfitted and Non-outfitted Use

The actual number of service days reported for 2000 by the outfitter-guides was used to 

calculate the current percentage of overall use outfitter, since the overall use numbers were 

also from 2000. The number of service days varies from year to year, as does the total number 

of recreationists (outfitter and non-outfitted), so these percentages are merely estimates, and 

do not represent an exact reflection of the relationship between outfitted and non-outfitted use 

in any given year. This is the best available data, however, since the Forest Service calculates 

overall use numbers once every five years. More accurate percentage calculations are not 

essential or critical to the analysis of recreation activities. Any impacts to recreation that may 

be unknown as a result of not having more precise data are not likely to affect the decision 

making process because they would be localized and minor in context of impacts from overall 

use. Current conditions and future uses are the most relevant factors to consider.

Future Estimates of Recreation Use Levels

The number of visitor days expected in the future was calculated using projected changes 

included in the Washington State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning (SCORP) 

publication “Estimates of Future Participation in Outdoor Recreation in Washington State” 

(Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation 2003). These projected changes were for the 

10-year period between 2004 and 2014. These same figures were applied to the current visitor 

days (2008) to generate the anticipated number in 2020.

Best Available Science

Throughout this analysis, the best available science was incorporated to describe the ecological 

and social conditions within the analysis area, and the potential effects of the proposed 

outfitter-guide use on resources and people.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-62 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

NORTH CASCADES

Regulatory Framework

This area includes Management Areas 4, 5, 7, 10, 17, and 25 in the Okanogan Forest Plan, as 

amended by the Northwest Forest Plan. The goal for Management Area 4 is to: [p]rovide semiprimitive non-motorized recreation opportunities during summer and fall seasons (4-61).

The goal for MA4 is to:

The goal for MA 5 is to: [p]rovide opportunities for recreation and viewing scenery in a roaded 

natural setting with a visual quality objective of retention or partial retention (4-65).

The goal for MA7 is to: [p]reserve the high quality scenic setting within the North Cascades 

Scenic Highway, while providing recreational opportunities (4- 70).

The goal for MA 10 is to: [o]ptimize habitat condition and perpetuate a healthy mountain goat 

population (4-76).

The goal for MA 17 is to: [p]rovide a variety of developed recreation opportunities in a roaded 

setting (4-98).

The goal for MA 25 is to: [i]ntensively manage the timber and range resources using both evenaged and uneven-aged silvicultural practices (4-103).

Okanogan Forest-wide standards and guidelines for recreation applicable to the proposed 

actions include:

8-1 Recreation and trail opportunities for a variety of recreation activities, including winter 

recreation, shall be provided consistent with the goals and recreation opportunity 

setting for the Management Area (4-38).

8-10 Annual reviews of recreation special use authorizations shall emphasize health, safety, 

and resource protection (4-38).

8-11 Recreation special use authorizations shall conform with the goals of the Management 

Area (4-39).

Map 1-6 in the Map Section of this document shows the sub-section boundary and 

management areas. 

Affected Environment

The North Cascades portion of the analysis area includes the area adjacent to the Pasayten 

Wilderness to the south and west, and to the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness to the north. It 

includes the North Cascades Scenic Highway Corridor and the Harts Pass area, in addition to 

others. There are about 72,500 visitor days in this area each year; 45% are hiking, 35% are 

driving for pleasure, 5% are riding mountain bikes, and 15% are using pack animals.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-63 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Recreation in the North Cascades Area

The Upper Methow area can be divided into six major recreation areas. Map 3.2-1 in the Map 

Section of this document shows the location of these areas. 

North Cascades Scenic Highway

The North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Highway 20) passes through the Methow Valley 

Ranger District for about 40 miles. It is a major travel route between the Methow Valley 

and northern portion of the greater Seattle area. The Scenic Corridor includes the slopes 

on either side of the highway, bounded by the upper-most ridges as seen from the 

highway, and includes 89,545 acres. The highway is not plowed in the winter, and is 

typically open to wheeled vehicles from April 30 to December 1. The Department of 

Transportation stops plowing the North Cascades Scenic Highway around the first of 

December, and reopens the highway in time for the opening day of fishing season at the 

end of April. Dates vary from year to year depending on the weather and snowpack.

Annual Scenic Highway use is about 42,000 visitor days (one person for one day). 

Trailheads in the corridor include Cutthroat, Blue Lake, Rainy Pass Picnic Area, Rainy Pass, 

Bridge Creek, East Creek, Easy Pass, and Canyon Creek. The majority of use is hiking (97%) 

however there is some pack animal (2%) and mountain biker (1%) use. Annual use visitor 

day distribution includes about 40,740 hikers, 840 pack animal users, and 420 mountain 

bikers. None of the hikers or mountain bikers are clients of outfitters included in this 

analysis3. Of the pack animals use, about 100 (6%) are outfitted. Overall, outfitter-guide 

service days make up 0.1% of the visitor days.

Trails and trailheads along the highway corridor are crowded, especially on weekends and 

holidays from the time the snow melts in early June to early July, until late fall. Encounters 

between groups on trails are frequent. The existing amount of parking at trailheads is 

usually adequate to meet the demand, although it is not uncommon for some parking lots 

to fill to capacity at times. The Blue Lake trailhead is often full on weekends and holidays, 

with parking overflowing onto the shoulders of the highway. The Cutthroat Creek trailhead 

is also full from time-to-time, but the long access road between the highway and the 

trailhead (approximately one mile) allows people to park along the access road, and avoid 

parking on the highway shoulders. The other trailhead parking areas are large enough to 

accommodate current use.

Cedar Creek/Early Winters

Cedar Creek/Early Winters is situated west of Highway 20 and east of the highway corridor. 

The Cedar Creek Trail, and trails and roads around the Early Winters Campground and the 

nearby Freestone Inn receive the most use. A current outfitter-guide offers day rides in this 

sub-area that begin and end on private land, but travel onto National Forest System land 

for a portion of the ride.

 

3

Some clients of pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides hike, and the outfitter packs their gear. 

These people are counted as clients of the outfitter-guide.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-64 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

West Fork Methow

The West Fork Methow area is north of the scenic corridor. The West Fork Methow trail is 

popular for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The trail intersects with the 

Pacific Crest Trail about nine miles from the trailhead.

Harts Pass

Harts Pass is one of the most popular and frequently visited areas on the Methow Valley 

Ranger District. Over half of the people who visit Harts Pass are driving for pleasure. Hiking 

is also a popular activity. There are two trailheads that access the Pacific Crest Trail, and a 

trail to the Slate Peak Lookout. The trailheads in are frequently filled beyond capacity on 

weekend days in July and August.

Goat Creek

Goat Creek is located northeast of the Methow River. The most popular recreation 

destination is the Goat Peak Lookout, which is located at the end of a 2 1⁄2 mile nonmotorized trail. There are no other trails or trailheads in the area.

Chewuch

A small sliver of land in the Chewuch watershed, adjacent to wilderness is included in this 

area. Several trailheads are located in this section, but use associated with these is within 

the Pasayten. Effects of the alternatives are evaluated and included in the wilderness 

section of this analysis.

Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Activities

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides use the North Cascades area regularly. There are about 

2,360 service days annually. Of these, approximately 1,360 are overnight pack trips, and 1,000 

are day rides that originate from an outfitter’s property. 

Figure 3.2-1. Current Number of Visitor Days by User Group in North Cascades and Number of Pack and 

Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Service days.

User Group Total Visitor days Outfitter-guide 

service days

% of Total Visitor Days

Hikers 54,465 0 0%

Driving For Pleasure* 10,675 0 0

Use with Pack Animals 

(including day-rides)

5,415 1,592 29%

Mountain Bikers 1,945 0 0%

Total 72,500 1,592 2%

*This figure does not include those driving across the North Cascades Scenic Highway without stopping at 

a trailhead.

Outfitter Camps including Assigned Sites

Appendix E includes a list of campsites used by pack and saddle stock outfitter guides in this 

area. The locations are shown on Map 1-6 in the Map Section of this document. Outfitters may 

use other camps but tend to return to the same sites. Outfitter-guides currently operate two 

assigned sites in the North Cascades, one near the Andrews Creek trailhead and one near the 

Billygoat trailhead. Both camps have corrals, unloading ramps, hitch rails, and watering troughs. 

Though used throughout the season, camps are primarily used during the high hunt to house 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-65 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

stock being used to service drop camps, or as a staging area for multiple groups heading into the 

Pasayten Wilderness. 

Environmental Consequences

Direct and Indirect Effects

The following table shows the number of visitor days and pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide 

days by alternative.

Figure 3.2- 2. Number of Visitor Days in the North Cascade Scenic Corridor by Alternative.

Use 

Group

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Hikers 54,465 0 0% 54,465 0 0% 54,465 0 0%

Driving 

for 

Pleasure

10,675 0 0% 10,675 0 0% 10,675 0 0%

Use 

w/Pack 

Animals

3,823 0 0% 4,473 650 15% 4,363 540 12%

Mountain 

Bikers

1,945 0 0% 1,945 0 0% 1,945 0 0%

TOTAL 70,908 0 0% 71,558 650 1% 71,448 540 1%

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

There would be virtually no affect on non-outfitted recreationists, or any difference in the 

affects of any of the alternatives. Approximately 60% all the pack and saddle stock outfitterguide service days in this sub-section would be for day rides that begin and end on private land, 

and occur on trails seldom used by the non-outfitted public. The slight changes in overall use or 

pack and saddle stock use aside from the day rides associated with each alternative would likely 

go unnoticed since the changes would range from 1 to 4%. Trails and trailheads would still be 

crowded, especially on weekends and holidays from the time the snow melts in early June to 

early July, until fall. Parking capacity at the trailheads would continue to meet the demand, 

except for occasional days, or time periods. The likelihood of over-capacity parking would be 

greatest at Blue Lake and in the Harts Pass area. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-66 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Cumulative Effects

The geographic boundary for cumulative effects is the scenic corridor, with effects considered 

up to 2020, the length of time of the proposed permits. All past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions were considered in this cumulative effects analysis. Those that affect 

recreation are discussed below.

Past Actions

State Route 20

The highway was completed in the early 1970s. Prior to that, no recreation or other 

management activities occurred in the area. Several recreation sites were constructed shortly 

after highway completion: six trailheads (Canyon Creek, East Creek, Easy Pass, Rainy Pass, 

Bridge Creek, and Cutthroat Lake); two campgrounds (Klipchuck and Lone Fir); the Rainy Pass 

picnic area; and Washington Pass Overlook. Each trailhead has an outhouse, parking area, and 

bulletin boards. Trails were also constructed from these trailheads, or, in some cases, the 

trailheads tied into existing trails. The campgrounds have restrooms, water systems, and 

campsites with picnic tables and fire grates.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has maintained the highway 

since it was completed. Maintenance activities have included plowing snow, cleaning ditches, 

maintaining culverts, removing hazard trees, maintaining the road surface, and other ongoing 

highway maintenance activities.

Trails and Trail maintenance

The trails in this area were established by people traveling to popular destinations, such as 

lakes, miners accessing claims, and cattle and sheep grazers and their livestock. The Pacific 

Crest Trail was designated in 1968, and quickly became a popular route. The trails in the area 

have been maintained for decades, and have created this popular recreation area.

Mining

The area, particularly the Harts Pass portion, has a rich history of grazing. In the early 1900s, 

gold was discovered in the Slate Creek area, and the towns of Barron and Chancellor were 

established. The gold rush faded within a few years, and the towns were abandoned. Mining 

activity continued, with relatively large exploration and mining activity occurring in the Indiana 

and Allen Basins, and at the Azurite Mine. Small mining operations on placer mines, and surface 

claims also continued. These activities kept roads and trails open that still used by hikers, 

mountain bike riders, and pack and saddle stock users.

Timber harvest/road construction

Timber harvest and associated road construction has occurred in the Goat Creek area since the 

mid-1900s. The roads provided access for people looking for opportunities to drive, collect 

firewood, mountain bike, and other road-related recreation activities.

Present Actions

Road Maintenance

WSDOT maintenance activities include plowing snow, cleaning ditches, maintaining culverts, 

removing hazard trees, maintaining the road surface, and other highway maintenance duties.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-67 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Trail and Trailhead Maintenance

The Forest Service maintains about 66 miles of trail within the scenic corridor. The trailheads for 

these trails are also maintained in snow-free months. These trails provide access to some of the 

most spectacular scenery in Washington State. The trails also concentrate human use, leaving 

most of the corridor unaltered by human activities.

Campground Maintenance

The Lone Fir, Klipchuck, and Early Winters campgrounds are operated and maintained in snowfree months. The campgrounds have 86 campsites, providing camping for approximately 430 

people. These campgrounds help support the corridor as a destination.

Outfitter-Guides

There are currently ten additional outfitter-guide special use permit holders operating in the 

scenic corridor. Refer to Figure 3.0-1 on pages 3-4 through 3-6 for specific information. Over 

the past five years, there have been an average of 1,030 service days each year, or 2% of the 

overall visitor days in this subsection.

Non-outfitted Recreation Use

About 41,900 visitor days occur in the highway corridor each year, independent of the pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guides.

Mining

Small mining operations on placer mines and surface claims continue to exist, but have very 

little effect on recreation activities.

Non-outfitted Recreation Use

Approximately 26,780 visitor days occur in the Upper Methow area each year, independent of 

the pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides. 

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Road Maintenance

WSDOT will continue to maintain the highway, including plowing snow, cleaning ditches, 

maintaining culverts, removing hazard trees, maintaining the road surface, and other ongoing 

highway maintenance duties.

Trail and Trailhead Maintenance

The Forest Service will continue to maintain 66 miles of trail within the highway corridor. The 

trails concentrate human use, leaving most of the corridor unaltered by human activities.

Campground Maintenance

The Lone Fir, Klipchuck, and Early Winters campgrounds will be operated and maintained in 

snow-free months, providing camping for 430 people at one time.

Outfitter Guides

Existing non-pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides will continue to operate in the future. Refer 

to Figure 3.0-1 on pages 3-4 through 3-6 for information about these permits.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-68 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Non-outfitted Recreation Use

The number of people recreating in the scenic corridor increased 147% from 1992 to 2004; from 

17,000 visits to 41,925 visits. This rate of increase is expected to continue and a 100% increase 

to about 83,850 visitor days is assumed for the number of people recreating in the corridor in 

2020. The use in the rest of the sub-area is expected to increase at the rate projected in the 

report by the Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation (Interagency Committee for 

Outdoor Recreation, 2003). The following tables list current and foreseeable visitor days of nonpack and saddle stock-outfitted recreationists in the corridor by alternative.

Figure 3.2- 3. Current Non-Outfitted Visitor Days by Use Type, Compared to Estimated Number in 2020 

and Foreseeable Visitor days with Alternative 1.

Use Group Current Condition Estimated Number 

of Non-Outfitted 

Recreationists by 

2020, and 

Foreseeable

Alt. 1

Percent Change

Hikers 54,465 97,192 78%

Driving for Pleasure 10,675 11,743 10%

Use w/Pack Animals 3,823 4,014 5%

Mountain Bikers 1,945 2,655 37%

TOTAL 70,908 115,604 63%

Figure 3.2-4. Current Visitor Days by User Type, Compared to Foreseeable Visitor days with Alternative 

2.

Use Group Current Condition Foreseeable

Alt. 2

Change

Hikers 54,465 97,192 78%

Driving for Pleasure 10,675 11,743 10%

Use w/Pack Animals 3,823 4,664 22%

Mountain Bikers 1,945 2,655 37%

TOTAL 70,908 116,254 64%

Figure 3.2-5. Current Visitor Days by User Type, Compared to Foreseeable Visitor Days with Alterative 

3.

Use Group Current Condition Foreseeable

Alt. 3

Change

Hikers 54,465 97,192 78%

Driving for Pleasure 10,675 11,743 10%

Use w/Pack Animals 3,823 4,554 19%

Mountain Bikers 1,945 2,655 37%

TOTAL 70,908 116,144 64%
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-69 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

None of the alternatives would have a noticeable or measurable effect on recreation in the 

scenic corridor, since the anticipated change in the overall number of people recreating in there 

would be so small (1%). Therefore, there would be no cumulative effect on recreation with 

implementation of Alternative 1, 2, or 3, when considering the past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions.

SAWTOOTH BACKCOUNTRY

Regulatory Framework

The Sawtooth Backcountry includes Management Area 4M on the Methow Valley District 

(Okanogan Forest Plan), and Management Area RE2a on the Chelan District (Wenatchee Forest 

Plan), as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan.

The Okanogan Forest Plan goals for MA 4M are to: [p]rovide year-round semi-primitive 

motorized recreational opportunities (4-63).

Okanogan Forest-wide standards and guidelines for recreation applicable to the proposed 

actions include:

8-1 Recreation and trail opportunities for a variety of recreation activities, including winter 

recreation, shall be provided consistent with the goals and recreation opportunity 

setting for the Management Area (4-38).

8-10 Annual reviews of recreation special use authorizations shall emphasize health, safety, 

and resource protection (4-38).

8-11 Recreation special use authorizations shall conform with the goals of the Management 

Area (4-39).

The Wenatchee Forest Plan states that the goals of RE2a are to: [p]rovide dispersed, unroaded 

recreation in a semi-primitive motorized recreation opportunity setting (IV-165).

Map 1-7 in the Map Section of this document shows the boundary of the sub-section, the 

management areas, and the established outfitter-guide camps. A list of these camps in included 

in Appendix E.

Affected Environment

The Sawtooth Backcountry is adjacent to the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and is split 

between the Methow Valley and Chelan Districts. It covers 35,149 acres, and includes several 

high-elevation lakes. It receives about 14,000 Visitor days annually. There is a mix of motorized 

and non-motorized trail use originating at the Crater Creek or Foggy Dew trailheads on the 

Methow side, and the South Navarre, Safety Harbor Creek, and Summer Blossom trailheads on 

the Chelan side (see Map 1-5).
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-70 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Use distribution is about 39% (5,460 visitor days) hiking, 18% (2,520 visitor days) use of pack and 

saddle stock, 33% (4,620 visitor days) riding motorized trail bikes, and 10% (1,400 visitor days) 

riding mountain bikes. None of the hikers, trail bike riders, or mountain bike riders are clients of 

the pack and saddle stock outfitters included in this analysis. Of the people who use pack and 

saddle stock in this area about 20% (800 visitor days) are outfitter-guide clients.

Recreation Activities

The motorized bike trail system is a popular destination. Most people stay in or near the Foggy 

Dew campground and ride on loop trails that include the Foggy Dew trail, the Martin Creek trail 

to the Crater Creek trailhead, and the Forest Service road designated for dual use to bring riders 

back to the Foggy Dew campground. Most motorized bike use is day use.

The Crater Creek trailhead is often filled to capacity on weekends and holidays between 

Memorial Day and Labor Day. Encounters between groups along the trail network and 

destination locations are common. The most popular destination spots are the high elevation 

lakes in the area. It is a popular area for big groups since there are no party-size limitations. 

Some of the existing camps are large, but there are no standards and guidelines pertaining to 

the size or condition of campsites.

Outfitter-Guide Activities

This area is regularly used by the pack and saddle stock outfitter guides. There were 290 pack 

and saddle stock outfitter-guide days in the Sawtooth Backcountry in 2000. This number was 

used to compare with total visitor days, and to calculate the percentage of use in this subsection that is outfitted. 

Figure 3.2-6. Current number of Visitor Days by User Group in the Sawtooth Backcountry, and Number 

of Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Visitor days.

Use Group Total Visitor Days Outfitter-guide 

Service Days

Portion of Total

Hikers 5,460 0 0%

Use with Pack Animals 2,520 290 12%

Trail Bike Riders 4,620 0 0

Mountain Bikers 1,400 0 0

Total 14,000 290 2%
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-71 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Environmental Consequences

Direct and Indirect Effects

Figure 3.2-7. Number of Visitor days in the Sawtooth Backcountry by Alternative.

Use Group Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Hikers 5,460 0 0% 5,460 0 0% 5,460 0 0%

Use 

w/Pack 

Animals

2,230 0 0% 2,630 400 15% 2,390 160 7%

Trail Bike 

Riders

4,620 0 0% 4,620 0 0% 4,620 0 0%

Mountain 

Bike 

Riders

1,400 0 0% 1,400 0 0% 1,400 0 0%

Total 13,710 0 0% 14,110 400 3% 13,870 160 1%

Alternative 1

With implementation of Alternative 1, there would be no pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide 

activity in the Sawtooth Backcountry. There would be about 2,230 pack and saddle stock Visitor 

days in the Sawtooth Backcountry each year, and 13,710 visitor days overall. The 15% reduction 

in pack and saddle stock use may be noticed by some non-outfitted recreationists, but since the 

overall reduction is only 3%, fewer encounters on trails and at popular destinations may go 

unnoticed.

The camps currently used by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides would still be open and 

available to non-outfitted recreationists, so conditions would change minimally. Large pack and 

saddle stock groups would still visit these spots, since the ability to take large groups into this 

area would still attract users. The camps would remain at the existing size, or possibly increase.

Alternative 2

This alternative would basically maintain the existing number of people in the Sawtooth 

Backcountry (14,000 existing, compared to 14,110 with Alternative 2). There would be 400 

service days for pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides, representing 15% of the pack and saddle 

stock use, and 3% of use overall.

The effect of this amount of use on the Sawtooth Backcountry would be that people would have 

a moderate chance of experiencing isolation on the trails and at popular destinations. Use 

would be concentrated on trails, and generally in established campsites. The existing camps 

would continue to be used by outfitted and non-outfitted recreationists. The conditions in 

these camps would likely change little, however they may increase in size, and new camps may 

be developed in the future.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-72 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Alternative 3

Alternative 3 would slightly decrease permit use in the Sawtooth Backcountry. The total 

number would decrease from the current 14,000 to approximately 13,870 – a 1% reduction. 

There would be 160 service days for pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide, representing 7% of 

the pack and saddle stock use, and 3% of use overall.

The effect of this decrease in permit use would be indistinguishable from the effects of 

Alternative 2. People would have a slightly reduced chance of seeing pack and saddle stock 

groups, but since the overall reduction in use would be 1%, the chance of experiencing isolation 

on the trails and at popular destinations would changed little from current conditions. Use 

would be concentrated on trails and generally in established campsites. Existing camps would 

continue to be used by outfitted and non-outfitted recreationists. The conditions in these 

camps would not change, however camps may increase in size; new camps may be developed in 

the future.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the analysis was the entire Sawtooth Backcountry. The temporal 

boundary was from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10-year permits would expire. All 

past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions were considered in this cumulative 

effects analysis. Those that affect recreation are discussed below.

Past Actions

Grazing

The Sawtooth Backcountry was included in sheep and cattle grazing allotments beginning in the 

early 1900s. Large bands of sheep grazed the area annually. Many of the existing, large camps 

were established by the sheep herders. Some stock driveways and trails became popular hiking 

and riding trails.

Recreation and Trail Maintenance

People have been hiking and riding horses or motorcycles into this area for decades. The 

recreation use, combined with the grazing, established trails to the lakes and scenic destination 

points in the area. These trails were maintained by the public and Forest Service.

Present Actions

Non-outfitted Recreation Use

Approximately 13,710 visitor days occur in the Sawtooth Backcountry each year, independent of 

the pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Non-outfitted Recreation Use

The number of people recreating in the Sawtooth Backcountry is expected to increase 12% by 

2020. 

Figure 3.2-8 lists the current number of non pack and saddle stock-outfitted recreationists and 

the estimated number for 2020.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-73 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.2-8. Number of Non-Pack and Saddle Stock-Outfitted Visitor Days in Sawtooth Backcountry 

Currently and in 2020.

User Group Approximate Current 

Number of Non Pack and 

Saddle Stock-Outfitted 

Visitor Days

% Increase by 

2020*

Estimated Number of Non 

Pack and Saddle Stock –

Outfitted Visitor Days in 

2020

Hikers 5,460 +15% 6,279

People w/Pack Animals 2,230 +5% 2,342

Trail Bike Riders 4,620 +10% 5,082

Mountain Bike Riders 1,400 +19% 1,666

Total 13,710 15,369

*Washington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation 2003

Alternative 1

The cumulative effect of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions on recreation 

activities would be a slight increase in the overall number of people recreating, but a decrease in 

the number of pack and saddle stock use. The overall increase would likely not be noticed by 

the people recreating there, since it is so small, and the recreation experience and opportunities 

would not change from the current condition.

Figure 3.2-9. Current Number of Visitor Days by Use Group, Compared to the Foreseeable Number with 

Alternative 1.

Use Group Current Condition Foreseeable 

Alternative 1

Change

Hikers 5,460 6,279 15%

Use w/Pack Animals 2,520 2,342 -7%

Trail Bike Riders 4,620 5,082 10%

Mountain Bike Riders 1,400 1,666 19%

Total 14,000 15,369 10%

Alternative 2

The cumulative effect Alternative 2 and the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future 

actions on recreation activities would be a slight increase in the overall number of people 

recreating in the area. The increase would be larger than with Alternative 1 but would likely not 

be noticed by the people recreating there. The recreation experience and opportunities would 

not change from the current condition.

Figure 3.2-10. Current Number of Visitor Days by Use Group, Compared to the Foreseeable Number 

with Alternative 2.

Use Group Current Condition Foreseeable with Alt. 

2

Change

Hikers 5,460 6,279 15%

Use w/Pack Animals 2,520 2,742 9%

Trail Bike Riders 4,620 5,082 10%

Mountain Bike Riders 1,400 1,666 19%

Total 14,000 15,769 13%

Alternative 3

The cumulative effect Alternative 3 and the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future 

actions on recreation activities would be a slight increase in the overall number of people 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-74 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

recreating in the area. The overall increase would be larger than with Alternative 1, but would 

likely not be noticed by the people recreating there. The recreation experience and 

opportunities would not change from the current condition.

Figure 3.2-11. Current Number of Visitor days by Use Group, Compared to the Foreseeable Number 

with Alternative 3.

User Group Current Condition Foreseeable 

Alternative 3

Change

Hikers 5,460 6,279 15%

Use w/Pack Animals 2,520 2,502 -1%

Trail Bike Riders 4,620 5,082 10%

Mountain Bike Riders 1,400 1,666 19%

Total 14,000 15,529 11%

BEAR/RAMSEY/VOLSTEAD

Regulatory Framework

This area includes Okanogan Forest Plan Management Areas 14, 25, and 26, as amended by 

PACFISH (see Aquatics section for PACFISH regulatory framework). The goal for MA 14 is to: 

[p]rovide a diversity of wildlife habitat, including deer winter range, while growing and 

producing merchantable wood fiber (4-83).

The goal for MA 25 is to: [i]ntensively manage the timber and range resources using both evenaged and uneven-aged silvicultural practices (4-103).

The goal for MA 26 is to: [m]anage deer winter range and fawning habitats to provide 

conditions which can sustain optimal numbers of deer indefinitely, without degrading habitat 

characteristics such as forage, cover, and soil (4-107).

Okanogan Forest-wide standards and guidelines for recreation applicable to the proposed 

actions include:

8-1 Recreation and trail opportunities for a variety of recreation activities, including winter 

recreation, shall be provided consistent with the goals and recreation opportunity 

setting for the Management Area (4-38).

8-10 Annual reviews of recreation special use authorizations shall emphasize health, safety, 

and resource protection (4-38).

8-11 Recreation special use authorizations shall conform with the goals of the Management 

Area (4-39).

Map 1-8 in the Map Section of this document shows the boundary of this sub-section, the 

management areas, and the outfitter-guide camps. The camps are listed on Appendix E.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-75 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Affected Environment

The Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area is located east of the Methow River. There are about 1,000 

annual Visitor days in this portion of the analysis area. Most activity takes place during the 

general firearm mule deer season in October. There are no developed trailheads or trails used 

by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides in this area.

About 90% of recreation takes place during hunting season, with hunters hiking along the 

seasonally-closed road system or across hillsides. Some hunters set up camps in areas before 

roads are closed on October 1st of each year, or camp just outside the motorized closure area 

(about 70% of the use). About 20% pack camps into the motorized closure area, hiking or using 

pack and saddle stock. The remaining 10% of the annual use is people driving for pleasure in the 

area outside hunting season.

Dividing the visitor days between the types of recreation, there are 700 camping Visitor days 

outside the motorized closure area, or having driven to campsite prior to the closure. An 

additional 200 visitor days are people who pack camps into the motorized closure area either 

hiking or using pack and saddle stock. The remaining 100 people are driving for pleasure outside 

hunting season. Of the 200 who pack in camps, 22 visitor days are associated with pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guides.

Outfitter-Guide Activities

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide use in this area is during the mule deer general firearm 

season each October. Outfitter-guides pack clients to camps in areas closed to motorized 

recreation during hunting season. These are all drop camps, with the outfitter-guides returning 

to pack the clients out at the end of the trip. There were 22 pack and saddle stock outfitterguide days in the Sawtooth Backcountry in 2000. This number was used to compare with total 

visitor days, and to calculate the percentage of use in this sub-section that is outfitted. 

Figure 3.2-12. Current number of Visitor Days in Bear/Ramsey/Volstead by Use Group, and Number of 

Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Visitor days.

Use Group Total Visitor days OutfitterGuide Service 

Days

% of Total

Hunters camping outside closed area, or 

setting up camps early

700 0 0%

Hunters packing in camps using pack 

animals or hiking

200 22 11%

People driving for pleasure 100 0 0

TOTAL 1,000 22 2%

The Lightning Creek drop camp is used during the general hunting season; it is one of the known 

camps used by pack and saddle stock outfitter guides in the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area. 

Outfitters may use other camps periodically, but tend to return to this site.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-76 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Environmental Consequences

Direct and Indirect Effects

Figure 3.2-13. Number of Visitor days in Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area by Alternative.

Use Group Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

Days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

Days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

Days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Hunters 

camping 

outside 

closed area, 

or setting up 

camps early

700 0 0% 700 0 0% 700 0 0%

Hunters 

packing in 

camps using 

pack animals 

or hiking

178 0 0% 278 100 34% 228 50 22%

People 

Driving for 

Pleasure

100 0 0% 100 0 0% 100 0 0%

TOTAL 978 0 0% 1,078 100 9% 1,028 50 5%

Alternative 1

Non-outfitted recreationists could notice a reduction in the number of camps packed into the 

motorized closure area with implementation of Alternative 1 since there would be no pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guide activity. The overall reduction in the number of people recreating in 

the area would be small enough to have no virtually effect on quality of the recreation 

experience of the non-outfitted public.

Alternative 2

Alternative 2 would cause an 8% increase in the number of people in the area. The number of 

people hunting and camping in the area would still be small, and hunters and camps would be 

dispersed across hillsides and along roads, so the impact on non-outfitted recreationists would 

be minor. The small increase may lead to creation of new camps, and the encounters between 

groups may increase.

Alternative 3

Alternative 3 would basically result in no change from the existing condition. There would be 

approximately 3% more people in the area, but this will likely be unnoticed by the non-outfitted 

public because it is so small. Established camps would still be available, and very few new ones 

would be established. 

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for this analysis was the entire Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area. The temporal 

boundary was from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10-year permits would expire.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-77 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

All past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions were considered in this cumulative 

effects analysis. Those that affect recreation are discussed below.

Past Actions

Timber sales/road construction

There have been numerous timber sales in the area over the past several decades. The roads 

constructed for these sales created opportunities that still exist for people to drive for pleasure, 

hunt, collect firewood, ride bikes, access hiking trails, and camp in undeveloped areas.

Trail Maintenance

There are system and non-system trails in the sub-unit. They are used primarily by mountain 

bike and trail bike riders. 

Present Actions

Timber sales/road maintenance

There are no active timber sales in this area. Maintenance of the existing roads is ongoing, and 

keeping the existing recreation activities available.

Trail Maintenance

The trails in this area are primarily maintained by the users. None of the trails are used by the 

pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides, so there are no overlapping effects.

Seasonal closures

This area is closed to motorized access from October 1 to March 31 to provide a non-motorized 

hunting area and to protect mule deer winter range. This eliminates motorized hunting 

activities.

Non-outfitted Recreation Use

Approximately 978 Visitor days occur in the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area each year, independent 

of the pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides. 

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Timber sales/road maintenance

There are no reasonably foreseeable timber sales in the area, however road maintenance will 

continue. This will maintain the existing recreation activities.

Non-outfitted Recreation Use

The number of people recreating in the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area is expected to decrease 

14% by 2020, dropping to approximately 856 visitor days per year.

The following figure lists the current number of non pack and saddle stock-outfitted 

recreationists, and the number that will likely be there in 2020.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-78 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.2-14. Number of Non-Pack and Saddle Stock-Outfitted Visitor Days in Bear/Ramsey/Volstead 

Currently and in 2020.

User Group Approximate Current 

Number of Non Pack and 

Saddle Stock-Outfitted 

Visitor Days

% Change by 

2020*

Estimated Number of 

Non Pack and Saddle 

Stock –Outfitted Visitor 

Days in 2020

Hunters camping outside 

closed area, or setting up 

camps early

700 -15% 595

Hunters packing in camps 

using pack animals or hiking

178 -15% 151

People Driving for Pleasure 100 +10% 110

TOTAL 978 856

*Washington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation 2003

Alternative 1

The cumulative effect of Alternative 1 and the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future 

actions would a 14% reduction in the number of people recreating in the area. This reduction 

would mostly occur during hunting season. The area would likely seem less crowded to the 

hunters, making camping spots easier to find, and potentially fewer encounters with other 

hunters.

Alternative 2

The cumulative effect of Alternative 2 and the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future 

actions would be a slight reduction in the number of people recreating in the area, down from 

the current 1,000 to approximately 956. This 4% reduction may be noticed, but is small enough 

to not change the existing recreation opportunities or experience.

Alternative 3

The cumulative effect of Alternative 3 would also be a reduction in the number of people 

recreating in the area. The 6% reduction may be noticed by some, especially if vacant camping 

spots are easier to find. There may be fewer encounters between people, but the overall 

recreation experience would likely seem unchanged to most return and new visitors.

MIDDLE METHOW

Regulatory Framework

This subsection is divided between Management Areas 5, 10, and 25, in the Okanogan Forest 

Plan, as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan. These Management Areas are shown Map 1.9 

in the Map Section of this document. 

The goal for MA 5 is to: [p]rovide opportunities for recreation and viewing scenery in a roaded 

natural setting with a visual quality objective of retention or partial retention (4-65).

The goal for MA 10 is to: [o]ptimize habitat condition and perpetuate a healthy mountain goat 

population (4-76).
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-79 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The goal for Management Area 25 is to: [i]ntensively manage the timber and range resources 

using both even-aged and uneven-aged Silvicultural practices (4-103).

Okanogan Forest-wide standards and guidelines for recreation applicable to the proposed 

actions include:

8-1 Recreation and trail opportunities for a variety of recreation activities, including winter 

recreation, shall be provided consistent with the goals and recreation opportunity 

setting for the Management Area (4-38).

8-10 Annual reviews of recreation special use authorizations shall emphasize health, safety, 

and resource protection (4-38).

8-11 Recreation special use authorizations shall conform with the goals of the Management 

Area (4-39).

Affected Environment

The Middle Methow portion of the analysis area includes the area east of the Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness and east of the Sawtooth Backcountry. There are about 15,000 annual 

visitor days in this area. About 10% are hiking, 80% are driving for pleasure, 5% are riding 

mountain bikes, and 5% are using pack animals. 

There are two major recreation areas in the Middle Methow. These are shown on in the Map 

3.2-3 in the Map Section of this document. 

The Twisp River corridor is surrounded by the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. Nearly all 

the trails that begin at trailheads in the corridor enter wilderness within one mile. Use on 

these trails is included in the use estimates for the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. The 

Twisp River Horse Camp is a popular campground specifically designed for people with 

horses and mules. This area also includes several campgrounds, and the Twisp River Trail, 

which goes from War Creek Campground to Gilbert Trailhead. None of the use in the horse 

camp, campgrounds, or on the Twisp River trail is outfitted. There is an assigned outfitter 

corral at the Slate Creek trailhead.

The Libby Creek and Gold Creek areas are located east of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth and the 

Sawtooth Backcountry. The Libby Creek trail begins in the Middle Methow portion and 

enters wilderness about two miles from the trailhead. The Crater Creek and the Foggy Dew 

trailheads are located in the Gold Creek portion of the analysis area. Both these trails enter 

the Sawtooth Backcountry less than a mile from the trailheads. The use of these trails in 

included in the Sawtooth Backcountry descriptions. There is an assigned outfitter camp 

located near the Crater Creek trailhead. The outfitter takes clients into the Sawtooth 

Backcountry from this camp.

There are no service days for outfitters within the Middle Methow area. Outfitters use the 

trailheads to access the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and the Sawtooth Backcountry, but 

none of the use is considered to be in the Middle Methow. The effect of outfitters on different 

alternatives are included in the discussion of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth and Sawtooth

Backcountry areas.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-80 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Outfitter Activities

There are no outfitter-guide service days or visitor days in the Middle Methow area. The only 

outfitter activities in this area are the assigned sites at Slate and Crater Creek Trailheads. The 

camp at Slate Creek has a corral and access road. The Crater Creek camp has an access road, 

unloading ramp, hitch rails, watering trough, corrals, and parking area.

Figure 3.2- 15. Current number of Visitor Days by Use Group in the Middle Methow Area, and Number 

of Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Visitor days.

Use Group Total Visitor days Outfitter-guide Service 

and Visitor Days

% of Total

Hikers 1,500 0 0%

Driving for Pleasure 12,000 0 0%

Use w/Pack and Saddle 

Stock

750 0 0%

Mountain Bike Riders 750 0 0%

TOTAL 15,000 0 0%

Environmental Consequences

Direct and Indirect Effects

There would be no pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide service days or visitor days in the 

Middle Methow with any alternative; current use would not change.

Alternative 1

With Alternative 1, the corral at the Slate Creek trailhead would be removed, however this 

alternative would have no effect on recreation in this area.

Alternatives 2 and 3

Neither Alternative 2 nor 3 would have any effect on recreation in this area. The corral at Slate 

Creek Trailhead would be used and maintained with either of these alternatives. This would 

give non-outfitted pack and saddle stock users a place to keep stock when the outfitter is not 

present.

The outfitter-guide would continue to use the base camp near the Crater Creek Trailhead. This 

site would be managed to avoid unacceptable impacts to other resource. The parking area 

provided for the clients would leave the trailhead available for non-outfitted recreationists.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for this analysis is the entire Middle Methow area. The temporal boundary 

is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10-year permits would expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

Since none of the alternatives would have an effect on recreation in the Middle Methow area, 

there would be no cumulative effects with any past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future 

actions.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-81 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Alta Lake

Regulatory Framework

This subsection is divided between Management Areas 5 and 14 in the Okanogan Forest Plan, as 

amended by the Northwest Forest Plan.

The goal for MA 5 is to: [p]rovide opportunities for recreation and viewing scenery in a roaded 

natural setting with a visual quality objective of retention or partial retention (4-65).

The goal for MA 14 is to: [p]rovide a diversity of wildlife habitat, including deer winter range, 

while growing and producing merchantable wood fiber (4-83).

Okanogan Forest-wide standards and guidelines for recreation applicable to the proposed 

actions include:

8-1 Recreation and trail opportunities for a variety of recreation activities, including winter 

recreation, shall be provided consistent with the goals and recreation opportunity 

setting for the Management Area (4-38).

8-10 Annual reviews of recreation special use authorizations shall emphasize health, safety, 

and resource protection (4-38).

8-11 Recreation special use authorizations shall conform with the goals of the Management 

Area (4-39).

Map 1-10 in the Map Section of this document shows the area boundary and management 

areas.

Affected Environment

The Alta Lake portion of the analysis area includes the National Forest System Land surrounding 

and near Alta Lake. In 1900, Mr. Heinz, from Wilbur, Washington was mining in the area and 

finding the lake without a name called it “Alta” after his daughter, Alta Heinz. Alta Lake is about 

two miles long and a half mile wide. Alta Lake State Park Campground is located on the north 

shore of the lake and lines about 3⁄4 miles of shoreline. Alta Lake State Park is described as “a 

camping park where the mountainous pine forests meet the desert.” The remaining shoreline 

ownership is split between private and National Forest lands; each owning about 50% of the 

remaining lands adjacent to the shoreline. Alta Lake is a 10 minute drive from Pateros and 40 

minutes from Chelan.

Recreation Activities

There are approximately 10,500 visitor days on National Forest lands in this area based on 

Forest Service employee observations. Most of these days (80%) are visitors driving for pleasure 

or access through a 1⁄4 mile section across National Forest lands on the only road accessing the 

south end of Alta Lake. Whisperin’ Pines Ranch, owned by one of the current outfitters, lies at 

the southernmost end of Alta Lake. It contains a private campground and provides day 

horseback riding opportunities. Day riding trails circle Alta Lake and wind through State Park, 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-82 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

private, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands and include a total of 

about 17 miles of trail. About five miles of this trail system lies on National Forest lands, and 

about 31⁄4 miles of this total lies on roads located on National Forest near the lake (1⁄4 mile), and 

south of the lake in Alta Coulee (about 3 miles).

The horseback day rides include an outfitter-guide employee leading the ride, but the service 

days are very close to the actual number of visitor days since there is usually just one employee, 

and there are no drop camps involved. Therefore, the number of service day-day rides equals 

the number of visitor day-day rides.

On National Forest land surrounding Alta Lake there are no constructed recreation sites other 

than trails used primarily for day rides. The trail portions on National Forest land are part of 

Chelan Ranger District trail system. All other activity on National Forest lands near Alta Lake is 

dispersed recreation accessed by trail, road and/or lake.

Adjacent to National Forest lands are state and private lands with developed public and private 

recreation opportunities. Alta Lake State Park provides tent and RV camping, two boat 

launches, picnic sites, a swim area; and hiking and mountain biking opportunities on two miles 

of designated trails. Whisperin’ Pines Ranch has a campground that provides tent and RV sites, 

rental cabins, and row boat rentals. Alta Lake public golf course lies nearby, and private docks 

and other types of recreation facilities are located on private lands interspersed around the lake.

Outfitter Guide Activities

Guided horseback day rides are provided on trails developed around Alta Lake and trail loops 

further south of the lake. Customers can choose trips of one, two, four hours duration, or a full 

day of horseback riding. There were 829 pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide days in the Alta 

Lake sub-section in 2000. This number was used to compare with total visitor days, and to 

calculate the percentage of use in this sub-section that is outfitted.

Figure 3.2-16 Current number of Visitor Days by User Group in the Alta Lake area, and Number of 

Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Visitor Days

User Group Total Visitor Days Outfitter-guide Service & Visitor 

Days

Hikers 355 0

Driving for Pleasure 8,445 0

Saddle Stock 1,575 829

Mountain Bike Riders 125 0

Total 10,500 829
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-83 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Environmental Consequences

Direct/Indirect Effects

Figure 3.2-17 Number of Visitor days in the Alta Lake area by Alternative.

User 

Group

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Total 

Visitor 

days

Visitor 

days 

Outfitted

% of 

Total

Hikers 335 0 0% 335 0 0% 335 0 0%

Driving 

for 

Pleasure

8,445 0 0% 8,445 0 0% 8,445 0 0%

Saddle 

Stock

746 0 0% 1,476 750 51% 1,336 590 44%

Mountain 

Bike 

Riders

125 0 0% 125 0 0% 125 0 0%

Total 9,671 0 0% 10,381 750 7% 10,241 590 6%

Alternative 1

There would be no saddle stock outfitter-guide clients or employees in the Alta Lake area in 

Alternative 1. The reduction in the overall number of visitor days in the area (-9%) would likely 

be unnoticed by most non-outfitted recreationists. However, the considerable reduction in the 

number of saddle stock users would reduce the frequency of encounters between all other user 

groups and riding stock users.

Alternative 2

Alternative 2 would basically maintain the existing number of people in the Alta Lake area. 

There would be about 750 saddle stock outfitter guide visitor days, representing 51% of the 

saddle stock use, and about 7% of use overall.

The effect of this amount of use on the Alta Lake trails would be that people would have a 

moderate chance of experiencing isolation on the trails and at popular viewpoints. Use would 

be concentrated on developed trails. Existing non-outfitter horseback riding and other trails use 

levels would continue. 

Alternative 3

Alternative 3 would slightly decrease the number of people in the Alta Lake areas (10,500 

compared to 10,241). There would be approximately 590 saddle stock outfitter guide visitor 

days, representing 44% of the saddle stock use, and 6% of use overall.

The effect of this amount of use in the Alta Lake area would be indistinguishable from the 

effects of Alternative 2. People would have a slightly reduced chance of seeing saddle stock 

groups, but since the overall reduction in use would be only 2%, the chance of experiencing 

isolation on the trails and popular viewpoints would remain unchanged from current conditions. 

Use would be concentrated on developed trails. Existing non-outfitter horseback riding and 

other trail use levels would continue. All activities would be consistent with the standards and 

guidelines in the Forest Plans.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-84 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for this analysis was the entire Alta Lake area. The temporal boundary was 

from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10-year permits would expire.

Past Actions

Grazing

Cattle grazing occurred in Alta Lake area for decades. Some stock driveways and trails became 

part of the developed trails around Alta Lake and coulee. There is an area of bare soil about 

2000 square feet in size, and several weed species near the popular Alta Pond destination along 

the developed trail resulting primarily from a combination of past cattle and some saddle stock 

grazing and concentration of use.

Timber harvest/road construction

The greater Alta Lake area is partially forested with ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir trees but 

much of the area is non-forested. Due to the open forest structure and scenic lake surrounded 

by steep mountains and cliffs, some timber harvest has occurred over the years on an as needed 

basis by locals, but no heavy harvest of trees likely occurred at any one time. Other than the 

original “Alta Coulee Road”, roads were minimal in this area due to the steep terrain beyond the 

valley flats. The Alta Coulee Road between Antoine Creek and State Highway 153 was the main 

connection road between Chelan and Okanogan counties. It was constructed for commerce, 

residents and recreation travel rather than for timber harvest.

Recreation and Trail Maintenance

People have been riding horses, hiking and mountain biking into this area for decades. The cow 

paths developed into riding trails and have been maintained as needed by the outfitter 

providing day rides.

Alta Lake State Park

The City of Pateros donated lands it owned just north of Alta Lake to the state of Washington, 

and "Alta Lake State Park" was established in 1951. The park has attracted thousands of 

boaters, anglers, campers, picnickers and swimming enthusiasts to the Alta Lake area for over 

50 years.

Present Actions

Grazing

Twenty-five cow/calf pairs graze the Alta Coulee Allotment. They are permitted to graze from 

June 1 through September 30 for a total of 102 Animal Unit Months (AUMs). The permittee 

typically uses only about two months of the permitted four month period. Cattle tend to graze 

only the coulee bottom even though the boundary of the allotment is much larger. Grazing is 

having no effect on existing recreation activities other than isolated encounters with cattle on 

roads or trails.

Road maintenance

The Alta Lake Road County Road #1517 is managed and maintained by Okanogan County from 

its intersection with State Highway 153 to the Whisperin’ Pines Ranch at the south end of Alta 

Lake. It is paved through the State Park and graveled south of the park. A road extends from 

the County Road through private lands on native surface and is owned and maintained by 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-85 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Whisperin’ Pines Ranch as needed. Beyond the ranch the Alta Coulee Road (Forest Road 8141) 

connects to the private road and extends about 2 1⁄2 miles on National Forest lands. It is gated at 

both points entering National Forest. This section is not maintained.

Alta Lake State Park

Alta Lake State Park currently is 181 acres in size and has a developed campground containing 

168 tent sites, 32 sites with hook-ups, restrooms, showers, two boat launches, picnic sites, a 

swim area; and two miles of designated trails. It attracts many people to the Alta Lake area 

where they then discover other recreation attractions available such as day rides available on 

the National Forest.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Grazing

It is reasonably foreseeable that the Alta Coulee Allotment cattle grazing will continue in the 

area, and that it will have little effect on recreation activities.

Road maintenance

Road maintenance is expected to continue at its current levels. This will maintain the existing 

recreation activities.

Alta Lake State Park

Recreation use at Alta Lake State Park is expected to increase over the next 10 years for all 

activities except fishing as projected in the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation 

Estimates of Future Participation in Outdoor Recreation in Washington State (Interagency 

Committee for Outdoor Recreation 2003) Addendum to the State Comprehensive Recreation 

Planning (SCORP) publication. This increase of recreation users will also increase the amount of 

overall use on National Forest lands at Alta Lake.

Non-outfitted Recreation Use

The number of people recreating in the greater Alta Lake area is expected to increase by about 

10% overall by 2020.

The following table lists the current number of non pack and saddle stock-outfitted 

recreationists, and the number that will likely be there in 2020.

Figure 3.2-18 Current Number of Non-Outfitted Visitor Days in the Alta Lake Area and Estimated 

Number in 2020

User Group Current Number of NonOutfitted Visitor Days% Change by 

2020*

Estimated Number of NonOutfitted Visitor Days in 

2020

Hikers 335 + 10% 369

Driving for 

Pleasure

8,445 +10% 9,290

Saddle Stock 746 +5% 783

Mountain Bikers 125 +19% 149

Total 9,671 +10% 10,591
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-86 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Alternative 1

There would be no cumulative effect on recreation in the Alta Lake area with Alternative 1 and 

the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions since the overall number of 

recreationists would be nearly unchanged. There would be a 50% reduction in the number of 

pack and saddle stock users, so those riding horses would see fewer other riders. Trails and 

roads would still be available, so the distribution of people would change very little. The overall 

decrease would likely not be noticed by the people recreating there, but the number of 

encounters between and with saddle stock users would be noticeably smaller. Whether this 

would be a positive or negative effect on recreationists would depend on personal opinion.

Figure 3.2-19. Current Number of Visitor days by User Type in the Alta Lake Area, Compared to the 

Cumulative Number with Alternative 1

User Group Current Condition Cumulative, With 

Alt. 1

Percent Change

Hikers 335 369 10%

Driving for Pleasure 8,445 9,290 10%

Saddle Stock Users 1,575 783 -50%

Mountain Bikers 125 149 19%

Total 10,500 10,591 1%

Alternative 2

The cumulative effect of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions on recreation 

activities in the Alta Lake area would be an increase in the overall number of people recreating 

(about 7%), with pack and saddle stock use decreasing 3%. Trails and roads would still be 

available, so the distribution of people would change very little. The overall increase would not 

likely be noticed by the people recreating there. Whether this would be a positive or negative 

effect on recreationists would depend on personal opinion.

Figure 3.2-20. Current Number of Visitor days by User Type in the Alta Lake Area, Compared to the 

Cumulative Number with Alternative 2.

User Group Current Condition Cumulative, With 

Alt. 2

Percent Change

Hikers 335 369 10%

Driving for Pleasure 8,445 9,290 10%

Saddle Stock Users 1,575 1,533 -3%

Mountain Bikers 125 149 19%

Total 10,500 11,341 7%

Alternative 3

The cumulative effect of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions on recreation 

activities in the Alta Lake area would be a 6% increase in the overall number of people 

recreating, but a 13% decrease in the number of saddle stock uses over the next decade. Trails 

and roads would still be available, so the distribution of people would change very little. The 

overall increase would be unnoticeable by the people recreating there, but the number of 

encounters between and with saddle stock users would be smaller. Whether this would be a 

positive or negative effect on recreationists would depend on personal opinion.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-87 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.2-21. Current Number of Visitor days by User Type in the Alta Lake Area, Compared to the 

Cumulative Number with Alternative 3.

User Group Current Condition Cumulative, With 

Alt. 3

Percent Change

Hikers 335 369 10%

Driving for Pleasure 8,445 9,290 10%

Saddle Stock Users 1,575 1,373 -13%

Mountain Bikers 125 149 19%

Total 10,500 11,181 6%

CONSISTENCY STATEMENTS

All alternatives would be consistent with the Forest Plan standards and guidelines for the 

respective management areas. None of these management areas have standards and guidelines 

specific to pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities. Standards and guidelines pertaining 

to general recreation activities would be met with any of the alternatives. Standards and 

guidelines are listed in the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans. 

OUTFITTER-GUIDES

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities are controlled by standards and guidelines in the 

Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans, as amended, and the terms and conditions in the 

special use permits. Forest-wide standards and guidelines for special uses are found on pages 4-

38 and 4-39 in the Okanogan Forest Plan. The Wenatchee Forest Plan does not have Forestwide standards and guidelines specific to outfitter-guides. The management areas included in 

the analysis area have standards and guidelines pertaining to resource conditions and 

management activities. Those pertaining to wilderness are discussed in detail in the Wilderness 

Report. This report includes information about the management areas outside wilderness.

The Forest Service Handbook 2709.11 gives agency-wide direction in the administration of 

outfitter-guide permits (USDA Forest Service, 2004a).

ANALYSIS METHOD

Alternatives are evaluated by the findings in the Assessment of Need for Outfitting-Guiding 

Assistance, Okanogan National Forest, Chelan Ranger District Portion of the Wenatchee National 

Forest North of Lake Chelan, 1996 (Needs Assessment, USDA Forest Service 1996a). Each 

existing pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide is described and the effect of the alternatives, 

including Forest Plan amendments, on outfitter-guides is described.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-88 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Need for Outfitter-Guides

The Forest Service found that there is a need for pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide 

operations in the analysis area to meet recreational purposes. This analysis is documented in 

the Assessment of Need for Outfitting/Guiding Assistance, Okanogan National Forest, Chelan 

Ranger District Portion of the Wenatchee National Forest North of Lake Chelan, 1996 (Needs 

Assessment, USDA Forest Service 1996a). The Assessment used a criteria-based perspective to 

determine the need for outfitter-guides. An essential point in this process was to define the role 

of outfitter-guides on public lands. From the Forest Service’s perspective, a partnership with 

outfitter-guides is needed to provide certain recreation services. This partnership is an effort to 

jointly ensure that quality recreation services are provided on public lands to those segments of 

the public that require outfitter-guide services, while wilderness character is preserved, and 

other resource protection and management needs are met. The assessment found that pack 

stock trips and drop camps, including those for big game hunting, rated high in each evaluation 

criteria. The Needs Assessment provides more information and is available in the analysis file.

Demographics

The demographics of the population of people coming to the analysis area helps determine the 

need for pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides. One statistic to consider is the age of the 

visitors. Assuming that as people age, they are less able to backpack long distances, an aging 

visitor population may have an increasing need for pack and saddle stock outfitter guides. 

Having outfitter-guides for pack and saddle stock would help make backcountry trips more 

feasible for these age groups. 

Demographic information about visitors to the district was gathered and compiled in the 2006 

NVUM report (USDA Forest Service 2006). The report divided visits into age ranges from “under 

16”, “16 to 19”, “20 to 29”, “30 to 39”, and so forth. The highest percentage of visits (26.4%) fell 

in the “50 to 59” age range, with the lowest percentages in the “under 16” and “16 to 19” age 

range (4% and 4.2% respectively). The number of visits was roughly split between people up to 

the age of 49 (46%), and those over 50 (54%). 

The Washington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation discusses projected 

changes in populations in the 2003 “Estimates of Future Participation in Outdoor Recreation in 

Washington State”, (IAC, 2003). One of the key considerations in projecting changes in the 

number of people participating in various outdoor recreation activities is age. Physical demands 

of various activities, such as backpacking, will discourage people from participating as they age. 

There is a projected increase in the number of people in every age group in the state of 

Washington through 2020, but the most growth will occur in those over 50 years old (IAC, 2003). 

The number of people in the 50-64 age range will increase approximately 35%, and those in the 

65 and older range will more than double (133% increase) between 2005 and 2020 (Washington 

State Office Fiscal Management, 2007). This indicates that there will be an increase in the 

number of people and the percentage of visitors who are physically incapable of hiking or 

backpacking into the backcountry, and that the need for pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides 

will increase in the coming years. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-89 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Another demographic factor to consider is how far people travel to reach the area. People who 

live in communities near the analysis area may be more likely to have the skills, equipment, and 

knowledge to travel into the wilderness without an outfitter-guide. Those who come from 

outside the area may have a greater need for an outfitter since it is less likely that they would 

transport stock to this area, or have sufficient knowledge of the area to travel independently on 

horseback. 

The Methow Valley, Tonasket and Chelan ranger districts receive a mix of people who live 

locally, and those who travel here from out of the area. Approximately 15% of the visits were by 

people who live in the communities near the districts (in Okanogan County), while the remaining 

85% are from other areas. Most of these are from the greater Seattle area, and 5.3% are from 

foreign countries.

The Washington State Office of Fiscal Management projects that the overall population of 

Washington will increase 36% by 2020, whereas the population of Okanogan County will 

increase 17.5% (Washington State Office Fiscal Management, 2007). Since the population of the 

state is projected to grow more rapidly than the population of Okanogan County, it is safe to 

assume that the percentage of visits to the Methow Valley, Tonasket and Chelan ranger districts 

from people who live nearby will decrease, and the percentage of those from outside the area 

will increase. Keeping with the assumption that those who travel longer distances to recreate in 

the analysis area are more likely to require the services of an outfitter-guide, the amount of 

commercial services needed will increase in the coming decade and beyond.

Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guides

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides have been taking people into the analysis area for 

decades. The number of pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides and the number of service days 

has been relatively steady for the past twenty to thirty years. Ownership of some of the 

companies has changed, and two are currently not operating. The amount of actual use varies 

from year to year, but has been relatively steady for the past twenty to thirty years. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

No pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide permits would be issued with Alternative 1. This 

alternative would not meet the need for pack and saddle stock outfitting-guiding identified in 

the Needs Assessment. There would be no partnership between the pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guides and the Forest Service to provide quality recreation services on public land. This 

would result in an elimination of the opportunity for people who do not own pack and saddle 

stock, or do not have the skills required to use them, to use this mode of travel for recreation on 

National Forest System land.

Current pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide permit holders would likely go out of business, 

since they rely on authorization and access to use National Forest System land. Impacts to the 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-90 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

individual permit holders would be substantial, though impacts to the local economy as a whole 

would be less noticeable.

Alternative 2

Alternative 2 would issue pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide permits to existing outfitters, or 

qualified applicants. This would meet the need for pack and saddle stock outfitting-guiding 

identified in the Needs Assessment. The partnership between the pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guides and the Forest Service would provide quality recreation services on public land. 

This would result in a continuation of the opportunity for people who do not own pack and 

saddle stock, or do not have the skills required to use them, to travel into the back country using 

the animals.

Alternative 2 would include enough service days to allow the existing holders, or future 

applicants, to operate viable businesses and respond to a small amount of increase in demand.

The Forest Plan amendments to wilderness standards and guidelines would not allow the 

outfitters to establish new camps without authorization or increase the size of existing camps; it 

would require camps to not exceed 5,250 square feet of barren core or expose roots on trees. 

These conditions would be restorative in nature and may limit some outfitters activities in 

wilderness, but the outfitters would be able to comply with these conditions without financial 

burden or affecting the types of trips offered.

Alternative 3

Alternative 3 would also issue pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide permits; it would meet 

partially the need for pack and saddle stock outfitting-guiding identified in the Needs 

Assessment. As with Alternative 2, the partnership between the pack and saddle stock outfitterguides and the Forest Service would provide quality recreation services on public land. This 

would result in a continuation of the opportunity for people who do not own pack and saddle 

stock, or do not have the skills required to use them, to travel into the back country using the 

animals. There would be 44% fewer service days offered to the outfitters compared with 

Alternative 2. This would mean that 44% of the people looking for pack and saddle stock trips 

would not be able to go.

Alternative 3 would have a substantial impact on the viability of the outfitters due to the 

reduction in allowable service days. The reduction would result in a corresponding 44% 

decrease in gross profits generated. The outfitters could off-set this decrease by increasing fees 

charged for trips, but such a large increase would likely result in a substantial decrease in 

demand.

The Forest Plan amendment to reduce party size to twelve in wilderness with this alternative 

would have a financial impact on the outfitters. Reduced party size would increase operating 

costs. Most outfitters would need to make twice as many trips to full service camps, using one 

trip to transport the gear and food, and another to take clients and staff to camp. The reverse 

would be true at the end of the trips. For progressive camps, the outfitter would either need to 

reduce the number of clients per trip to about four. Most parties would likely consist of one 

packer/cook, four clients, five riding horses, and two pack animals. The outfitters whose clients 

do not ride stock would be able to take more clients or pack stock as long as the total party size 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-91 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

does not exceed twelve. The increased operating costs would further reduce the net profit for 

these businesses, and some may go out of business.

The Plan amendments to use only 2,800 square feet of barren core, not establish new camps or 

increase the size of existing camps, and not allow roots to be exposed on trees would have 

lesser effect since party sizes would already be reduced.

Cumulative Effects

Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions in or near the analysis area are listed in 

the first part of this chapter. The spatial boundary for cumulative effects is the analysis area and 

the temporal timeframe is from the early 1900s through 2020. The actions mentioned below 

affect, or have the potential to affect, pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides.

Past Actions

Outfitter guides have been operating on these districts for over half a century. They have built 

clientele that return each year, and have attracted an increasing number of clients over time. 

Present Actions

Figure 3.0-1, beginning on page 3-4, lists all the outfitters currently operating in the analysis 

area. They are helping to meet the need for outfitting and guiding all activities besides pack and 

saddle stock, identified in the Needs Assessment.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

It is reasonably foreseeable that all the outfitters listed in Figure 3.0-1 will continue to operate 

in the analysis area, meeting the need for outfitting activities other than pack and saddle stock.

Alternative 1

The cumulative effect of the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions and 

Alternative 1 would be a partial meeting of the need for outfitting and guiding. There would be 

no outfitter-guides for the pack and saddle stock clients, so the existing clientele would lose the 

opportunity for this type of activity.

Alternative 2

The cumulative effect of the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions and 

Alternative 2 would be that the existing demand for, and type of outfitted-guided activities 

would be met. The existing pack and saddle stock outfitters, or suitable applicants, would be 

able to continue to operate.

Alternative 3

The cumulative effect of the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions and 

Alternative 3 would be that the need for outfitting and guiding identified in the Needs 

Assessment would be met, but about 44% of the established pack and saddle stock outfitterguide clients would not be able to take the trips. The existing pack and saddle stock outfitters 

may go out of business due to the increased operating costs associated with a party size 

reduction, and a reduction in the number of service days and revenue generated.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

CONSISTENCY STATEMENT

All alternatives would be consistent with the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans, as 

amended. Pack and saddle stock outfitter guides would be required to comply with all permit 

terms and conditions and operating plans. This would be accomplished through on-going 

permit administration activities.

3.3 BOTANY

The section below is a summary of the Botanical Evalustion for the Pack and Saddle OutfitterGuide Permit Renewal Project which is available in the project analysis file (Ohlson 2010).

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The broad objective of Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2620.2 habitat planning and evaluation is to 

provide habitats to meet goals and objectives for wildlife and fish, including endangered, 

threatened, and sensitive animal and plant species set forth in land and resource management 

plans. Specific to this objective is to: 1) Integrate habitat planning into land management and 

project plans to meet National, Regional, and local objectives for wildlife and fish, including 

threatened, and endangered and sensitive animal and plant species; 2) Provide a sound base of 

information to support management decision-making affecting wildlife and fish, including 

endangered, threatened, and sensitive animal and plant species, and their habitats; 3) Identify 

opportunities and management strategies to maintain and improve habitats throughout the 

National Forest System.

Managing for biological diversity and species viability is also outlined in the Forest Service 

Manual (FSM) 2620. The FSM requires a project consider the distribution and abundance of 

plant and animal species, and their community requirements in order to meet the overall 

multiple-use objectives and to provide a sound base of information to support management 

decision-making. Managing for species viability requires habitat must provide for the number 

and distribution of reproductive individuals to ensure the continued existence of a species 

throughout its geographic range. 

Specific management for Sensitive species follows Forest Service Region 6 Sensitive Species 

policy as identified in Section 2670 of the Forest Service Manual (FSM). Sensitive Species are 

defined as those plants and animal species identified by a Regional Forester for which 

population viability is a concern, as evidenced by significant current or predicted downward 

trends in population numbers or density and habitat capability that would reduce a species’ 

existing distribution (FSM 2670.5). Management of sensitive species “must not result in a loss of 

species viability or create significant trends toward federal listing” (FSM 2670.32). This 

Biological Evaluation (BE) assesses the effects of the proposed action on Sensitive and Federally 

listed plant resources and unique habitats within the permitted area of the outfitters and guides 

included in this analysis as required by the Forest Service Policy outlined in Section 2670 of the 

Forest Service Manual. 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

This report constitutes the Biological Evaluation (BE) for Sensitive and Federally listed plant 

resources and unique habitats within the Outfitter Guide Analysis Area. The result of this BE 

looks at the consequences of the proposed project activities on Sensitive plant resources and 

unique habitats. Forest Service Manual direction 2670 requires activities be reviewed in a BE to 

determine their potential effect on Sensitive species and that activities avoid or minimize 

impacts to species whose viability has been identified as a concern. It also requires that 

proposed activities will not result in loss of species viability that will result in a species becoming 

Threatened, Endangered, or create trends toward Federal listing. 

The Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans, as amended, have standards and guidelines that 

pertain to vegetation. Some are forest-wide, and others are specific to particular management 

areas. 

In the Okanogan Forest Plan, the following standards and guidelines apply to this project in 

Management Area 15B (page 4-95):

MA 15B-22A There should be no long-term modification of natural plant succession as a 

result of human activities on areas outside campsites, administrative sites, and designated 

trail tread. Acceptable modifications are those which can recover in one growing season.

MA 15B-22B Vegetation loss should not exceed 400 square feet (one percent of any acre) at 

any impacted site.

MA15B-22C There should be no loss of trees from recreation activities.

MA 15B-22D There should be fewer than four trees with exposed roots per impacted sites.

MA 15B-22E Standing snags should be left, except where removal is necessary to protect 

major bridges and administrative facilities. Removal of snags during fire suppression efforts 

shall be determined on a case by case basis.

MA 15B-22F Vegetative impacts along trails shall be confined to the planned location and to 

meet individual trail objectives.

MA 15B-22G Firewood gathering may be permitted for use on site and shall be limited to 

dead and down material. Firewood gathering shall be restricted where necessary. Use of 

small fires and self-contained stoves shall be encouraged.

In the Wenatchee Forest Plan, the following standards and guidelines apply to this project:

Wilderness. Primitive, a. (1) Vegetation (page IV-71)

Area of vegetation loss, and compacted bare mineral soil at any campsite should not exceed 

400 square feet.

There should be no loss of trees at any site and fewer than four trees with exposed roots per 

impacted site.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-94 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

No noticeable, long-term modification of natural plant succession as a result of livestock 

grazing or human activity.

Dead trees or dead, woody debris may be utilized for campfires in amounts that can be 

replaced annually through natural accumulations.

Wilderness, Semi-Primitive, a. (1) Vegetation (page IV-73)

Area of vegetation loss, and compacted bare mineral soil at any campsite, should not exceed 

625 square feet.

There should be no loss of trees at any site and only six trees per site with roots exposed or 

which show signs of human use impact.

There should be no long-term modification of plant succession and only short-term 

modification due to human activity or livestock grazing that can recover in one growing 

season.

Dead trees or dead, woody debris may be utilized for campfire wood in amounts that can be 

replaced annually through natural accumulation.

Other standards and guidelines that apply to vegetation are in each Forest Plan.

ANALYSIS METHOD

The document analysis is based on the R-6 April 2004 Interagency Special Status Sensitive 

Species Program (ISSSSP) list. In addition the Washington Natural Heritage Program (WNHP) 

February 2008 was considered and those species known to occur on the Forest, that are not 

currently on the R-6 list are being listed as other rare or little known species of concern. The 

complete list can be found in Appendix F. 

Multiple years of observations of outfitter use patterns, knowledge of Sensitive plant species 

and special habitats, across the Chelan, Tonasket, and Methow Districts by District Botanists and 

Wilderness specialists was integral in assessing the effect of outfitter use on Sensitive plant 

populations. Due to the fact this analysis area is over a million acres and use can be requested 

throughout the area by any permitted outfitter, a risk assessment to resources was made using 

Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Field visits were made where necessary, but not all 

the area was sufficiently inventoried at the appropriate season to confirm presence or absence 

of any of the species of concern listed in Appendix F. There is a small band of non-wilderness 

land along the north shore of Lake Chelan, for the sake of this analysis is being included in the 

Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness subunit. The Fish Creek Base Camp is located in this portion 

of non-wilderness, and unless otherwise discussed will be treated as wilderness. 

In order to equally weigh the risk of outfitter activities on resource values, Landtype 

Associations were used to categorize habitats and determine those land types that provide 

habitat for the greatest number of Sensitive species (Davis and others 2004). Another important 

GIS layer utilized was a wetlands layer based on the US Department of Interior and Fish and 

Wildlife Service publication “Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

States” (Cowardin and others 1979). These of course are very broad classifications and are 

being used in conjunction with the unique habitat requirements for the various species included 

in this analysis (Appendix G) and local knowledge of camp sites and use areas. 

During this analysis process the best available science was incorporated to describe the 

ecological conditions within the analysis area and the potential effects of the proposed activities 

on resources. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Wetlands

Wetlands provide important plant habitat throughout the analysis area. Plant species diversity 

is generally greatest in association with moist meadow and wetland habitats compared to the 

surrounding upland ecosystems. They also support many species of sensitive plants.

There are 8,357 acres of mapped wetlands and open water habitats in the analysis area; this is 

0.8% of the total area. These habitats are rare throughout the analysis area, with highest 

concentration (67.3% or 5,621 ac) of mapped wetlands and open water habitats occurring in the 

Pasayten Wilderness. Within the Pasayten these habitats are also concentrated in the northeast 

portion of the Pasayten, north of Andrews Pass in the vicinity of Bald Mountain, Cathedral Peak, 

Amphitheater Mountain and then east into Horseshoe Basin. Map 3.3-1 in the Map Section of 

this document shows the wetland locations across the analysis area.

Affiliation of Sensitive plants with wetland habitat and wetland edge habitat is high. Emergent 

wetlands, particularly the transition zone between open water and upland habitats, are 

important habitat for many of the sensitive Carex species and Eriophorum viridicarinatum. This 

transition zone in the north east portion of the Pasayten Wilderness is also where the hummock 

pattern ground is found. The shrub wetlands, typically represented by willow plant 

communities are important habitats for the sensitive Salix species as well as many of the Carex

species on the list. Geum rivale is also a wetland dependant found in open forested wetlands. 

The vast majority of the Sensitive plants identified in this analysis are dependent on wetland or 

habitats maintained by the water supplied by these wetlands (Appendix G).

The wetlands most impacted by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities are those in 

close proximity to camps. Outfitters generally let their stock open graze to reduce impact to soil 

and vegetation that can be caused by corralling or tying stock for extended periods. Stock will 

travel approximately two miles from camps, but generally stay closer. The amount of impact 

decreases as the distance from a camp increases and the larger the area is for animals to 

disperse. 

There are 117.2 acres of wetland identified within 500 ft radius of 47 camps. This is 1.4% of all 

the wetlands in the analysis area. The rest of the wetlands are over 500 feet from established 

camps. Of these 47 camps, 34 are in the Pasayten Wilderness and comprise 101.4 acres, or 1.7% 

of wetland habitat within that wilderness. Of the proposed assigned camps, Beaver Creek 

Camp, Bald Mountain, and Sheep Mountain camps have identified wetlands nearby. Crow Lake 
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and Whistler Camps and do not have mapped wetlands within 500 ft of camp. Refer to 

Appendix H for a list of mapped wetlands within a 500 foot radius of campsites. 

Camp locations were given a 500 ft. radius buffer in an attempt to include potential wetland 

habitats or Sensitive plant populations that may be affected by outfitter activities. This also is 

used as a tool to compare the diversity and amount of wetland habitat in proximity to 

campsites, potential effects of stock use on wetland habitats, and Sensitive plant resources. It is 

not intended to infer stock use is occurring in these areas at this time.

Not all the wetlands listed in Appendix H have been impacted by pack and saddle stock use. 

Stock use associated with these wetlands effect areas that are typically small and isolated 

incidences. Because of the small scale of the disturbance, the wetland ecosystem function is not 

affected. This leaves the majority (98.6%) of wetlands unaltered and most of these are not near 

trails or campsites, and receive little to no stock use. 

Federally Listed Species

Threatened and Endangered

There are no Federally-listed Howellia aquatilis, Hackelia venusta, Sidalcea oregano var. calva,

or Spiranthes diluvialis populations known to occur in the analysis area. None of these species 

were found during any of the surveys conducted for this project. There is no suitable habitat 

for any of these species known where outfitter activities are occurring.

Sensitive Plants

Given the size of the analysis area, sensitive plant surveys of every potential site of pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guide activity was impossible. The analysis of the effects on sensitive 

plants was done by combining the data from sensitive plants surveys that have been completed, 

analysis of landtype associations most likely to contain sensitive plant habitat, and abundance of 

wetland habitat. Sensitive species are listed in Appendix F.

Sensitive Plant Populations

Of the 54 species of sensitive and rare or little known species; the Pasayten Wilderness, which 

includes both the Methow and Tonasket Ranger District portions, supports the greatest species 

diversity (37 species) followed by the North Cascades (20 species). The greatest number of site 

locations are also associated with the Pasayten Wilderness, primarily because wetlands are in 

the highest concentration here and many of the sensitive or rare species are wetland associates. 

The higher density of wetland habitat and more northern latitude provides habitat for a greater 

number of species more commonly associated with the boreal forest region to the north. These 

species are typically at the southern most extent of their range. One example is Gentiana 

glauca, an arctic tundra plant. It is at the southern most extent of its range where it is found just 

south of the Canadian border in Washington and Montana. This species appears to be sensitive 

to the effects of warming temperatures and may prove to be an indicator species of the health 

of other arctic plants that have found a niche in this area (Lesica and McCune 2004). In 

Washington, Gentiana glauca is most abundant east of the Ashnola River in close proximity to 

the Canadian border. Only one site is known to occur west of the Ashnola River and the state 
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range is from just west of the Ashnola River east to Chopaka Mountain on Department of 

Natural Resources land.

Figure 3.3-1. Number of Species in the Analysis Area Subunits that are Species of Concern, 

tracked by the R6-6 Sensitive Plant list, Regional ISSSSP, or WNHP.

AA Subunits Species Present % of Total 

Species (54

Alta Lake 0 0

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead 2 4.1

Sawtooth Backcountry Chelan 1 2.0

Sawtooth Backcountry Methow 1 2.0

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Chelan 4 8.2

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Methow 7 14.3

Pasayten Wilderness Methow 33 63.3

Pasayten Wilderness Tonasket 13 26.5

North Cascades 20 37.0

Middle Methow 3 6.1

A unique topographic feature that supports artic tundra plant habitat is the pattern ground or 

hummock features which are most abundant in the northeast portion of the Pasayten, east of 

the Ashnola River. Gentiana glauca grows in moist subalpine and alpine environments that are 

regularly disrupted by frost heaving and frequently associated with hummock topography near 

or above timberline, typically above 7,000’ in elevation. . 

Gentiana glauca is apparently secure globally (G4) but is Imperiled (S2) in Washington and 

Critically Imperiled (S1) in Montana. It is considered Vulnerable (S3) in Alberta, Apparently 

Secure (S4) in Alaska and British Columbia. (Natureserve 2010). 

In a very general sense, the 54 species included in this analysis can be classified into five types of 

habitat. These are wetland, riparian, and wet to mesic meadow habitats; talus and mountain 

top scree habitats; tree dwelling species; soil substraights; and open habitats and dry meadows. 

Wetland, Riparian and Wet to Mesic Meadow Habitats

Twenty-five species are associated with wetlands, riparian areas, and wet to mesic meadows. 

Dermatacarpon luridum is an aquatic lichen found in streams and is included in with the riparian 

species. The 25 species typically associated with wetlands, riparian areas, and wet to mesic 

meadow habitats have the greatest overlap with outfitter and public pack and saddle stock. 

There is no expected long-term loss of species viability for any of these species given the 

abundance of sites within a population or the majority of sites, populations and habitats are not 

within any areas used by outfitters. 

These 25 species are: Agoseris elata, Agoseris borealis, Spiranthes porrifolia, Botrychium 

ascendens, Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua, Botrychium hesperium, Carex atrosquama, Carex 

heteroneura var. epapillosa, Carex media, Carex saxitillis var major, Gentiana glauca, Geum 

rivale, Potentilla quinquefolia, Potentialla diversifolia var perdissecta, Salix glauca, Salix tweedyi, 

Botrychium paradoxum, Gentianella tenalla, Carex gynocrates, Sanicula marlandica, 

Dermatacarpon luridum, Potentilla quinquefolia, Utricularia minor, Eriophorum viridicarinatum, 

and Gentianella tenalla.
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Of the 11 Sensitive and rare or little known species that occur within a 500’ radius of any 

campsite, seven of these are found in the riparian, wetland and mesic to wet meadow habitats. 

These are: Carex heteroneura var. epapillosa, Gentiana glauca, Agoseris elata, Carex saxatillis

var. major, Eriophorum viridicarinatum, Carex magellanica ssp irrigua, and Salix tweedyi.

Talus and Mountain Top Scree Habitats

There are 19 species found in talus and mountain top scree habitats. These species are: Carex 

scripoidea var. scirpoidea, Cryptogramma stelleri, Draba aurea, Draba cana, Erigeron salishii, 

Eritrichium nanum var. elongatum, Luzula arcuata, Mimulus suksdorfii, Packera porteri, 

Parnassia kotzebuei, Polemonium viscosum, Potentilla nivea, Ranunculus pygmaeus, Saxifraga 

cernua, and Saxifraga rivularis. The lichens Cornicularia normoerica, Umbilicaria cylindrical, and 

Umbilicaria descussata are found on exposed rocks and boulders at high elevations. Brodoa 

oroartica is found on rocks or soil in alpine or arctic tundra (Brodo and Sharnoff 2001). Given 

the talus and mountain top scree habitats are not hospitable for camp locations and are 

typically very rocky sites that lack much forage opportunity, there is little likelihood these 

species or their habitats would be affected by current outfitter activities.

Of the 11 Sensitive and rare or little known species that occur within a 500’ radius of any 

campsite, only three of these are found in the talus and mountain top scree habitats. These 

three are: Potentilla nivia, Carex scirpoidea var. scirpoidea and Polemonium viscossum.

Tree Canopy Habitats

The four moss, and lichen species found growing on trees or woody substrates (live and dead) 

are: Loberia linita, Schistostega pennata, Tholurna dissimilis and occasionally Alectoria nigricans 

(Brodo and Sharnoff 2001). These would be species likely to be disturbed in association with 

wood gathering activities. Implementation of current Forest Plan standards and guidelines 

pertaining to wood gathering and snag removal will reduce or eliminate the risk of loss to any of 

these species. 

Soil Substrate Habitats

There are four species of fungi and two lichens that are found on or in soil substrates. The fungi 

(Cudonia monticola, Gyromitra californica, Mycena monticola, and Ramaria amyloidea) are 

found in association with well rotted wood and duff on the forest floor and would not be 

affected by any proposed use associated with the hardened core area of a camp site. These 

fungi occur in forested habitats not suitable for grazing plus campsites are already well 

established and future use will not expand beyond what is currently in use. The only risk to 

these species would be stock or humans trampling fruiting bodies when traveling through a 

forested area. 

The lichen Alectoria achroleuca is an artic-alpine species that grows on soil or rarely in shrubs 

while Dactylina ramulosa is found on soil in artic or alpine tundra habitat. Both these species 

are associated with barren windswept soils at higher elevations where no stock use would likely

occur. None of the outfitter activities would have any effect on these species (Brodo and 

Sharnoff 2001).

None of these soil substrate habitat dependent species are known to occur within a 500’ radius 

of any camp. 
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There are 19 campsites that have known populations of Sensitive plants or potentially occupied 

habitat within a 500’ radius of a camp. All but two of them are in the Pasayten. Nine are 

located in a relatively small area east of the Ashnola River to Cathedral Peak and north of 

Andrews Pass. The camps include: Bald Mountain., Charlie Brown, Old Miller Camp, Pasayten 

Hilton, Beaver Creek, Beaver Creek Drop Camp, Bob Creek, Cathedral Camp, and Ptarmigan 

Creek. West of the Ashnola River are the Sheep Mountain and Timberwolf 1 camps. East of 

Cathedral Peak are Horseshoe Creek and Horseshoe Basin camps. All 17 of these camps are 

near the Canadian boarder. In the southern half of the Pasayten and north of Harts Pass; Silver 

Lake, Ferguson Lake, Drop Camps B and C are located. Two camps, Bernice 3 (E) and Fish Creek 

Base Camp, are on the Chelan side of the Sawtooth.

Appendix I includes a list of camps used by outfitter-guides that are within 500 feet of sensitive 

plants. A description of each camp follows.

In all campsites, pack stock activities are part of the use. Most of the camps are drop camps and 

typically not used overnight for pack and saddle stock. Occasionally, clients will ride their own 

stock in and will care for them while in the area and hire the outfitters to haul gear. In these 

situations, grazing use is from private stock, not outfitter stock. Drop camps where no stock 

remain in camp and those camps used only during the hunting season without stock use are not 

expected to have any detrimental effect on Sensitive plant populations or sensitive habitats. 

The exception would be where camp water sources are in close proximity to a Sensitive plant 

population, which increases the potential for human trampling of that site. Charlie Brown Camp 

is one such camp.

Assigned sites receive the greatest amount of use on an annual basis, since tents are set up and 

limited supplies are kept at the site season long. In addition to providing the full-service 

camping experience, these camps are also used as base camps for outfitters to work out of after 

dropping clients in the area. These camps are used annually, and experience the most consistent 

season long use of any of the camps in the analysis area. Thus these sites have the greatest 

potential for ground disturbance associated with high lining animals, grazing, firewood 

gathering, trampling of vegetation, and soil compaction in and around the camps by both stock 

and humans.

Assigned sites are also used as hold over and staging areas for outfitters when dealing with 

client needs in the area. These camps are set up for the outfitters needs and are better situated 

for handling and turning stock out to graze large areas away from camp. The better distribution 

of stock grazing that occurs away from the reserved camps helps to reduce the potential for 

over grazing.

For this analysis, the non-reserved full-service camps are those camps where overnight use 

occurs with outfitter stock. These camps make up the smallest percent of the outfitter business. 

They are, however, the sites associated with the second greatest potential for disturbance, 

compared to assigned sites. 

A substantial amount of pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activity is during the fall hunting 

season when soils are dry and vegetation has senesced. Fall use has the least potential to affect 

plant recovery during the following season.
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Where only llama use occurs, there would be no long-term modification of plant communities in 

grazing areas since there are typically fewer, smaller animals. Llamas have padded feet which 

reduces the potential for long-term vegetation modification. Accordingly, use of campsites by 

outfitters with llamas has the least potential to result in over-grazing, trampling, or soil 

compaction compared to burros, horses, or mules.

Bald Mountain Camp

The C. heteroneura var. epapillosa site near the Bald Mountain camp is part of the 

regular grazing area used with this full-service assigned campsite. This area is not the 

primary graze area but one that is used for short visits with few animals or when 

animals are not turned out overnight and the outfitter wants to keep them close to 

camp. The long-term viability of the population is unknown. Detailed information taken 

at this site indicates the area is currently in good ecological condition. Access to this 

grazing area goes through some very wet sedge meadows and there is more resource 

damage occurring from stock braiding their way through the wet meadows to avoid 

sinking deep into the wet soil than is occurring at the C. heteroneura var. epapillosa site. 

This causes more damage to the vegetation than the grazing that is occurring at the 

Carex heteroneura site. Stock need to travel through these wetlands to also access the 

drier Danthonia intermedia meadow habitat up on the northwest flank of Bald 

Mountain where the night graze it located. 

The Bald Mountain assigned site is associated with 5 acres of emergent wetland that is 

temporarily or seasonally flooded. This appears to be an accurate depiction of the 

conditions at the camp. The sedge wetlands surround the camp location to the south 

and west. To the south, the horses access drinking water from the camp in a small 

stream that feeds the sedge wetland on the other side. Horses cross here and head 

through the wetland and up the hill. To the west is where the C. heteroneura var. 

epapillosa site is located and the habitat, for this species, boarders the wet sedge 

meadow. This stringer of wetlands extends beyond the 500’ radius of the camp and well

up the slope where the horses need to travel to reach their main night graze to the 

west. The travel patterns have resulted in multiple braded trails through these 

wetlands. Springs along the north slope of Bald Mountain have been sheared open 

from hoof action allowing for a more rapid dewatering of spring and slope erosion. 

Gentiana glauca is found on the hummocks above these springs. Horses traveling 

through the area are trampling this population and the perennially moist spring site 

cannot tolerate trampling. Hoof tracks often sink into the soil 4” to 6” and the spring 

flow is being diverted down the old boundary trail causing soil erosion. This campsite is 

problematic in its location given the extensive wetlands associated with it and the fact 

the horses have to travel through these wetlands to reach suitable graze. Moving camp 

is a last resort as the large barren core area required to accommodate the level of use 

associated with this assigned site would be re-established in another place. 

The old boundary trail went through these wetlands and up onto Bald Mountain where 

the suitable night graze is located. The trail drainage structures are no longer being 

maintained and stock have created multiple braided trails in association with this old 

trail as they pick their way through the wet areas to avoid sinking in the mud. In 

addition, this old trail is still being used by other outfitters, hikers, and private parties 

with stock. It is a known short cut across the Ashnola River and into the Sheep 
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Mountain area. Bald Mountain is also a popular destination for day rides and hikers 

who want to enjoy the vista of Cathedral and Amphitheater peaks, Sheep Mountain, 

Canada, and the Cascades. 

Beaver Creek Camp

Beaver Creek assigned site has four Sensitive plants affected by outfitter use within 500’ 

of camp. These are: Agoseris elata, Gentiana glauca, Carex saxatillis v. major, and Carex 

heteroneura var. epapillosa. This camp also is in association with the largest amount of 

designated wetland. There are 9.7 acres of willow wetland that is temporarily or 

seasonally flooded within 500’ of the campsite. Most of this wetland area is directly 

west of the camp. Horses do not graze in this wetland but they travel through it to 

access grazing areas above and to the north. Just above this willow (Salix planifolia) 

dominated community it grades into a Festuca viridula meadow with inclusions of 

Danthonia intermedia and pockets of moist forbs with an abundance of Trollius and 

Caltha species. Within the moist forb inclusions Agoseris elata and Carex heteroneura

var. epapillosa are found.

To the north of the campsite there are some small open water wetlands surrounded by 

hummocks that support Gentiana glauca. This is a relatively large area in good 

ecological condition. Horses travel to and from night graze areas just to the northwest 

of this hummock ground and wetlands. There is little evidence, if any that they spend 

time in this area. Future grazing patterns should not be changed to ensure stock stay 

out of this ecologically important area. Gentiana glauca is also found to the east behind 

the campsite, in small openings between the trees and often in association with 

depressions that appear to be old remnant hummocks that have possibly been 

destroyed from past trampling or grazing. The trail to Border Ridge goes through this 

area. Human trampling is a concern.

On the south side of the camp, within 100’ of the tent site, there is a small wetland 

surrounded by hummocks. Both C. saxatillis v. major and Gentiana glauca are found 

growing here. This site is also being regularly trampled by stock mingling around camp. 

The integrity of the habitat and vigor of these populations of sensitive plants are being 

compromised by this use. There is a possibility that the populations near camp will 

disappear if use continues unchanged.

Beaver Creek camp has been used by outfitters for over 15 years. Despite the ecological 

diversity and complexity of sensitive plant and wetland issues at this camp, resource 

damage is moderate and most of the area is in fair to good ecological condition. Most 

of the damage is occurring close to camp. Stock are well-dispersed from camp, which 

contributes to the moderate to low trampling damaging to the surrounding vegetation 

and wetlands. If slight management changes occur around the immediate campsite to 

reduce trampling of sensitive resources, there is no ecological reason this camp should 

be moved or general use changed.

Beaver Creek Drop Camp

Beaver Creek Drop has two species associated with the camp; both have suitable habitat 

within 500’. Neither of these species has been documented in the camp area. There is 

likely suitable Agoseris elata habitat that is occupied given the number of sites in the 
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immediate vicinity, but there is no suitable habitat for Eriophorum viridicarinatum in the 

vicinity of camp. Given this camp is used primarily as a drop camp during the hunting 

season, there is little reason to believe Agoseris elata would be at risk.

Bob Creek, Cathedral Camp, Bernice 3(E), Drop Camp B, and Drop Camp C

Bernice 3(E), Bob Creek, and Cathedral camps are used primarily during the fall hunt 

season as drop camps. No effect to wetlands or sensitive plants is expected with the 

current use at these camps. Drop camps B and C are potentially used season long as 

drop camps. But since outfitter stock are not kept in camp or turned out to graze in any 

of these areas, there is no effect to sensitive plant resources or wetland habitats.

Charlie Brown and Pasayten Hilton

Charlie Brown and Pasayten Hilton camps both have Carex magellanica spp irrigua in 

close proximity. Given the association this species has with sphagnum moss and very 

wet sites, grazing is not the concern. These sites are in locations that would more likely 

be damaged by humans walking along the edge of waterways and boggy pond margins 

to gather water for camp use or washing. This is the situation at Charlie Brown. This 

site is also popular with private parties season long. The situation is unknown at 

Pasayten Hilton campsite, which is also popular with private parties. It is likely similar to 

the situation at Charlie Brown. Neither of these drop camps is used often by the 

outfitters. The Carex magellanica spp irrigua associated with these two camps are 

secure at this time and outfitter-guide activities are not affecting population viability.

Of the two camps, Charlie Brown is the most popular with private parties. The grazing 

area below the camp is in a moist meadow where there are historic records of 

Botrychium simplex populations. During inventory efforts in 2001 Botrychiums were 

found in the area but identification was not confirmed. There was no voucher collection 

made. A photo was taken and identification could not be determined. Suitable habitat 

for Agoseris elata is identified in the grazing area associated with this camp. Occupancy 

of the habitat is not confirmed at this time.

Ferguson Lake, Silver Lake, and Ptarmigan Creek

Of the other camps listed in Figure 3.3-2, Ferguson Lake, Silver Lake, and Ptarmigan 

Creek do not have suitable habitat in any of the camp use areas. Use in these camps will 

not have any effect on the Sensitive species thought to be in the area. Silver Lake is also 

not well suited to stock use, so outfitter use is likely not having any effect on Sensitive 

plant or wetland resources at these two camps.

Old Miller Camp

The Agoseris elata and C. heteroneura var. epapillosa populations near Old Miller Camp 

are within the moist meadow used for pasturing animals in this camp, but the grazing 

use in these areas is from private stock or very rarely outfitter stock. This site is used 

primarily as a drop camp. The meadows appear to be in good ecological condition given 

the current use based on visits to the site in 2002.

Sheep Mountain

Sheep Mountain is located in the vicinity of a confirmed population of Carex 

heteroneura var. epapillosa, and one population of Agoseris elata. There is 0.3 acres of 
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willow wetland that is temporarily or seasonally flooded located across the creek from 

camp. There is no stock or human use associated with this willow wetland. Field 

inspections at Sheep Mountain camp indicate that the C. heteroneura var. epapilosa

population south of the camp is in a high traffic area currently being grazed. The 

population is between the camp site and water source for both the stock and camp. 

This population is holding on in an area that has been regularly grazed as part of this 

camp for at least 60 years. This area is in low to fair ecological condition given there is 

still adequate vegetative cover. However, the community composition appears to be 

altered compared to other similar sites and is now dominated by Phleum alpinum with 

an abundance of low growing forbs such as Antennaria, Fragaria, and Potentilla species.

The population is struggling and at risk of loss. Despite rarity of this species further 

south, it appears to be rather widespread throughout the Sheep Mountain and Spanish 

Camp areas. If this population were to be lost, it is not expected to diminish the viability 

of the species as a whole nor contribute to further listing of the species. Changing the 

use patterns with this campsite may only increase potential for additional trampling 

damage elsewhere that may prove more detrimental to overall resources in the long 

run. Given the close proximity (less than 100’) to the tent site and corral and the 

decades of use this site has endured, altering use to allow recovery would not be 

practical without moving the camp altogether because this is also a high human traffic 

area. Agroseris elata is in a moist meadow to the north of camp. Stock travel through 

the area to and from night graze areas and do not appear to be disturbing this 

population in route. Other than a trail going through this area the site is not being 

grazed or disturbed.

Timberwolf 1

Timberwolf 1 camp is surrounded to the north and west by wet to mesic willow and 

sedge dominated meadows where the C. heteroneura var. epapillosa is located. These 

are the areas of concern. There is some evidence of stock use in the area from private 

parties, however, the campsite receives little use overall and the pasture area is in 

moderate to good ecological condition. This population is likely secure given the current 

low volume of use by the public and occasional use as a drop camp site by outfitters. 

Horseshoe Basin and Horseshoe Creek

Horseshoe Basin and Horseshoe Creek campsites both support moist meadow habitats 

where Carex heteroneura var. epapillosa is suspected to occur. The species has not 

been confirmed within the 500’ buffer area around these camps. Horseshoe Creek also 

includes emergent wetland habitat. It is unknown how much if any trampling, grazing, 

or human use may be altering the integrity of this wetland. At both sites, outfitters 

overnight with stock. Grazing behavior and preferences of stock in this area are likely 

similar to those seen in Spanish Camp. There is some potential for trampling 

herbaceous vegetation where stock graze, but given the resiliency of these types of 

sites, long-term ecological changes are not likely.

Fish Creek Base Camp

At Fish Creek Base Camp stock are kept in the corrals and feed is brought in on the 

barge. Stock are not turned out to graze and disturbance to Sensitive plant resources 

would be from trampling, mainly by humans. The population of Githopsis speculariodes 
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associated with this base camp has not been recently relocated and may be extirpated. 

The cause of this loss is unknown, but is not suspected to be associated with outfitter 

use but may have resulted from the 2001 Rex Creek fire which also destroyed the 

corrals.

Crow Lake

Crow Lake is an assigned site that is not in close proximity (500’) of any known wetlands 

or Sensitive plant populations. It is located in a small grove of Larch (Larix lyalii) in the 

overstory with Vaccinium scoparium and Luzula hitchockii as the dominant understory 

species. Once out of the barren core area of camp, stock disperse well and the area as a 

whole is in fair ecological condition. A population of Carexheteronuera var. epapillosa

was found in a narrow stringer meadow dominated by Trollius and Caltha within the 

area stock were grazing north of camp. This moist meadow was in good ecological 

condition. The area being grazed by stock showed minimal horse trampling in August 

when the inventory was made. This demonstrates resiliency of the moist forb meadow 

communities. This community shows only mild signs of reduction in cover of the key 

indicator species such as Festuca viridula, Trollius laxus, and Caltha leptosepala. 

The steep south slope facing into Gabril Creek is a Festuca viridula community in low to 

fair ecological condition. There are still signs of terracing across the slope from past 

sheep grazing that contribute to its overall condition. It does not appear that stock are 

using this area or the stinger of wet tall forb meadows, and springs associated with the 

mature Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) below. These wetlands and spruce 

stands are in good ecological condition. The surrounding area showed only minor 

amounts of trampling damage to communities and most areas were in at least fair or 

good condition. This site location appears to be well suited for use as an outfitter camp 

(Kovalchik 2003).

Whistler Camp

Whistler Camp is often approved for extended use and is under consideration for 

designation as an assigned site. This was an old sheep camp during the height of the 

sheep grazing. The landscape is wide open and gentle. There are no known sensitive 

plant populations or wetlands within the 500’ radius of camp. This camp was not 

inventoried as part of this project. Past records indicate overgrazing by sheep left the 

area in fair to low ecological condition because much of the dominant native species in 

the community have been replaced by short herbaceous species such as Antenaria 

lanata and Potentilla. A short tufted grass is the dominant grass species, but site 

records do not provide a species name. A better determination needs to be made as to 

the potential natural vegetation, grazing capacity, and potential resiliency to use in 

order to monitor recovery. Whistler Camp is in an area with low to moderate potential 

for post disturbance recovery. Dominance of Vaccinium scoparium in the area would 

indicate the resiliency to be low while a dominance of moister, herbaceous plant species 

would indicate a higher resiliency. Past grazing practices and use as a sheep camp has 

left this area highly altered. In any case, there is limited plant community information 

about this site to determine if the ecological condition is improving or being maintained 

with the current use. It is unlikely continued use as an outfitter camp will further 

deteriorate the ecological condition.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-105 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Natural Plant Succession

Pack and saddle stock can influence natural plant succession by physically damaging plants by 

trampling vegetation and grazing The Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans both have 

standards and guidelines stating activities should not cause long-term modification of natural 

plant succession in wilderness. Current pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activity is not 

causing long-term modification of any community. However, in isolated spots outfitter activities 

are slowing the rate of natural succession where current use overlaps areas where past livestock 

use modified natural communities.

Past livestock grazing resulted in changes in natural plant succession over much of the Pasayten 

and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. Large numbers of pack and saddle stock used by outfitter-guides 

and members of the public prior to the current Forest Plans also affected this succession. 

Elimination of grazing and party size control allowed the areas to begin to recover. The overall 

ecological condition has been improving ever since. Continued pack and saddle stock use in 

popular areas has slowed the recovery on about 0.5% of the Pasayten, and 0.4% of the Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth, but the trend is still upward. The existing use is consistent with Forest Plan 

standards and guidelines that speak to natural plant succession (refer to Wilderness Report and 

the Botanical Evaluation Report in the Analysis File for more details).

In general, plant communities showing the greatest resilience and over-winter recovery are in 

the warmer, moister environments with longer growing seasons and the greatest composition 

of grasses. Those showing the least resiliency are those in colder environments subject to 

frequent frost and are typically low shrub dominated communities. In most cases maximum 

vegetation loss was found to occur after the second season of use; loss was insignificant after 

the third season. However, at the lower trampling intensities (less than 100 passes/year) 

vegetation loss did not increase significantly after the first season. The cumulative effect of 

multiple seasons of use appears to be more important than the number of days within the 

season trampling occurred. Even in the most resilient communities, the greater the number of 

years of use the less resilient is the community. Cole suggests that only under the lightest 

trampling intensities of use does annual or multi-year closure appear to be effective, since 

maximum vegetation loss is experienced so quickly. Under these conditions, this strategy will 

prevent further deterioration but does not provide adequate recovery between uses (Cole 

1987).

The two primary plant communities associated with the majority of grazing throughout the 

analysis area are the Green Fescue (Festuca viridula) and Timber Oatgrass (Danthonia 

intemedia) meadows. Green Fescue meadows are more often associated with mid-slopes or 

flats and concave micro-topography on upper slopes where finer textured soils accumulate and 

usually at lower elevations than the Timber Oatgrass meadow type. Timber Oatgrass meadows 

are typically found on the shallow coarser textured soils on the upper slopes and ridges, typically 

at higher elevations than the Green Fescue meadow type.

Timber Oatgrass meadows are slower to recover from overgrazing due to the harsher sites 

inhabited. Overgrazing of green fescue meadows was common during the height of sheep 

grazing. In one 50 year study in the Wallow Mountains, recovery of overgrazed green fescue 

meadows where soils were intact required at least 20 years, on moister sites green fescue was 

able to re-colonize sites within 13 to 14 years. Where loss of most of the topsoil had occurred 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-106 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

forming rocky erosion pavement or remaining soils were rocky, well drained, and shallow after 

50 years the plant cover was sparse (10%-30%) with little green fescue in the composition (Reid 

et al. 1991). Sheep and cattle grazing over much of the analysis area was eliminated in the last 

15 years. Even the most resilient sites likely have not yet fully recovered. The amount of stock 

grazing associated with the outfitters and private parties is localized to small areas relative to 

the extent of past livestock grazing. The end result is an overall improvement in the ecological 

condition of plant resources.

In the Pasayten, most of the disturbance associated with the grazing stock has to do with the 

stock traveling through wet areas to reach preferred grazing sites. Most of the grazing is 

occurring in Timber Oat grass (Danthonia intermedia), Green fescue (Festuca viridula) and to a 

lesser extent mesic forb meadows. Stock use was well distributed at the grazing sites 

inventoried and they were typically in fair to good ecological condition (Kovalchik 2002 and 

2003). This is attributed in part to the higher precipitation and available moister associated with 

the Pasayten and the large expansive gentle open rolling meadow terrain, which allows for 

better stock distribution.

In the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and Sawtooth Backcountry, environments are drier and 

less resilient to grazing pressure or trampling. Terrain is steeper and open grazing ground is less 

expansive or abundant. Green fescue (Festuca viridula) dominated meadows provide the 

greatest forage base. Loss of green fescue is evident in Mid Oval SW horse camp on the 

Methow side of the Sawtooth (personal observation). The productive green fescue is being 

replaced by less palatable species such as pussy toes (Antennaria) and Potentilla.

Invasive Plant Species and Garden Weeds

Invasive plant species and garden weeds can also change native plant communities. 

Introduction and movement of invasive species transported in by animals is an existing concern. 

Refer to the Invasive Plant section of this document for more information. The following 

common garden weeds were detected in and around disturbed camp sites in the Sheep 

Mountain and Spanish Camp areas in the Pasayten Wilderness above 6000’ elevation: 

Chenopodium album (lambsquarters), Dactylis glomerata (orchardgrass), Descurainia species

(tansymustard), Malva neglecta (dwarf mallow), Medicago lupulina (black medic), Plantago 

major (common plantain), Polygonum species (knotweed) Spergularia rubra (red sandspurry),

Stellaria calycantha (northern starwort), Stellaria longipes (longstalk starwort), and Trifolium 

repens (white clover). It appears these species are restricted to most hardened and disturbed 

sites but their persistence and potential for spread is not fully understood in high elevation 

environments. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Direct and Indirect Effects 

Alternative 1

There would be no pack and saddle stock outfitters in the analysis area with implementation of 

this alternative. This would result in a 5% reduction in the expected number of pack and saddle 

stock used across the area. The remaining pack and saddle stock would continue to trample 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-107 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

vegetation in and around the campsites. Many camps with barren core areas and number of 

damaged trees exceeding standards and guidelines would continue to exist and be used by the 

general public. The disturbance at continually used camps would continue. There would be no 

assigned sites. Inexperienced stock handlers and stock could result in greater resource damage 

to an area than would occur with a more experienced outfitter with stock.

Wetlands

Most of the existing campsites would continue to be used by private pack and saddle stock 

users. The current impacts to nearby wetlands would continue, but the overall 5% reduction in 

the number of pack and saddle stock would also reduce the amount of vegetation trampling, 

selective grazing, and soil damage. Damage in some wetlands may begin to recover. 

Approximately 1.4% of the wetland habitat would continue to be impacted. The remaining 

98.6% of the wetlands would be unaffected. 

Federally Listed and Sensitive Species

There are no Federally listed Howellia aquatilis, Hackelia venusta, Sidalcea oregano var. calva,

or Spiranthes diluvialis populations known to occur in the analysis area. This alternative would 

have “no effect” on any of these species or their habitats.

Non-outfitted pack and saddle stock may affect some sensitive plant species by trampling and a 

loss of some populations or individuals may occur where species are in close proximity to 

established camps and use patterns are known to over lap habitat. Overall, there would be less 

risk of damage than is currently occurring due to the decreased numbers of animals. These 

associated camps and species are described in Figure 3.3-2. Those species that may be affected 

are: Agoseris elata, Carex heteroneaura var. epapillosa, Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua, Gentiana 

glauca, Githopsis specularioides, and Salix tweedyi.

Where Agoseris elata, Carex heteroneura var. epapillosa, and Gentiana glauca occur populations 

are widely dispersed but concentrated in a small geographical area. Loss of individuals, where 

camp use overlaps occupied habitat, would not likely result in a loss of population or species 

viability. 

Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua and Salix tweedyi are riparian and wetland obligates. Where 

these species occur, use restrictions are in place regulating stock use in order to minimize 

disturbance in these habitats and species.

Githopsis specularioides is an early spring flowering annual that completes its life cycle before 

pack stock use occurs. Light use in and around these populations would not result in a loss of 

species or population viability.

Of the 54 Sensitive and other rare or little known species and their nearly 360 populations that 

occur within the analysis area, the risk to these species is low. Use associated with this 

alternative may result in the loss of some individuals but would not result in loss of species or 

population viability. This alternative will not result in a trend toward further listing of any 

species considered. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-108 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Natural Plant Succession

There would be less overall grazing pressure on plant communities due to the reduced number 

of stock. Private stock users are less likely to turn their animals out to graze any distance from 

camp, which may result in smaller isolated grazing areas. Some private parties use electric 

fencing and staking, in addition to highlines to keep stock close to camp. This results in more 

concentrated disturbance to vegetation around camps and may result in a shift of grazing use 

associated with some camps. Since use patterns at these camps were established decades ago, 

often in association with past livestock grazing, much of the plant community alteration has 

already occurred. Plant communities would continue to recover throughout the analysis area 

and with reduced overall use, vegetation recovery would be expected around the camps as well.

The rate of recovery would be dependent on the soil condition and vegetative community 

involved. Where associated grazing is occurring in moist forb rich meadows, there is an 

increased risk of soil displacement or compaction. This would create isolated areas with slow 

post-grazing recovery. However, these communities are the most resilient to trampling and are 

expected to recover within a growing season following most types of use. Grass dominated 

meadow systems will be intermediate in post-grazing recovery if excessively trampled or 

overgrazed, but would be expected to recovery sufficiently if the excessive use is not recurring 

annually. Low shrub dominated communities are not expected to recover rapidly from human 

or stock use and one season of use can require decades for an area to recover. Past use has 

already altered these communities; continued use will not affect the overall recovery rate.

Wildfires are a natural part of the successional dynamics of plant communities, but when past 

livestock grazing and unregulated recreation use followed wildfire events, large scale landscape 

modification of the natural plant succession occurred. With establishment of Forest Plan use 

standards, landscapes began to recover when livestock grazing was regulated or eliminated and 

party sizes controlled. Forest Plan standards will continue to regulate activities that maintain or 

enhance plant community recovery.

Invasive Plants and Garden Weeds

The corrals at Andrews Creek, Billygoat, Slate Creek, and Crater Creek would no longer be used 

by outfitter-guides. Noxious weed establishment or spread is less likely to be detected as 

quickly, when it does occur. The risk of invasive species introduction would be slightly reduced 

by the reduced number of pack and saddle stock. The requirement for use of only certified 

weed-free hay or palletized feed in wilderness, wilderness trailheads, and across the analysis 

area in will further reduce the risk. This will minimize any possible effect on native plant 

communities.

Alternative 2

This alternative would allow outfitter guides to continue to provide service to the public that 

otherwise may not be able to access wilderness and backcountry resources. In Alternative 2 

there will be 4,620 service days available for use by permitted outfitters. The party size would 

continue to be 12 people and 18 head of stock. There would be five assigned sites (Sheep 

Mountain, Beaver Creek, Bald Mountain, Crow Lake, and Whistler Camp) for full-service trips 

and five sites near trailheads for use as base camps (Andrews Creek, Billygoat, Slate Creek, Fish 

Creek, and Crater Creek). Additional sites could be assigned in the future following the 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-109 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

mitigation measure number 1.c on page 2-8. There are no new campsites, trails, or other 

ground disturbing activities being proposed in this alternative.

This alternative would amend Forest Plans, allowing pack and saddle stock outfitter camps to 

have 5,250 square feet of barren core in camps where the existing amount exceeds that level. 

All outfitters would be required to use the same 5,250 square feet on successive trips, allowing 

the remaining barren core the potential to recover. The mitigation measures in Chapter 2 would 

also restrict the outfitters from creating new travel routes (1.l), establishing new camps, 

increasing the amount of bare mineral soil in established camps (1.d), and not exposing roots on 

any more trees at existing campsites (1.e). These would be effective since they would be part of 

the operating plans for the outfitters, so compliance would be required. 

The assigned sites would allow better opportunity to monitor and regulate outfitter activities in 

regularly used sites. These sites are nearly exclusively used by outfitters already, and would not 

be open for the general public. This would allow better management opportunities for ensuring 

ongoing resolution of resource issues. These sites would continue to receive the highest levels 

of use of nearly all the outfitter camps. At assigned sites, the amount of barren core would be 

reduced over time, since they would be closed to use by the general public. At all other camps 

used by outfitter, the amount of barren core the outfitters could use would be limited to 5,250 

square feet, but continued use by the general public would likely perpetuate the existing 

amount of barren core.

Monitoring (see Chapter 2) of assigned sites as part of special use permit administration would 

ensure that use either maintains or increase the ecological integrity of the area. Since assigned 

sites are the most heavily used sites, information gained from monitoring these sites would be 

of value for predicting ecological trends at similar sites in the analysis area.

Wetlands

The existing campsites would continue to be used by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides, in 

addition to private pack and saddle stock users. The current impacts to nearby wetlands would 

continue, resulting in vegetation trampling, selective grazing, and soil damage in approximately 

1.4% of the wetland habitat in the analysis area. The remaining 98.6% of the wetlands would be 

unaffected. 

Federally Listed and Sensitive Species

There are no Federally listed Howellia aquatilis, Hackelia venusta, Sidalcea oregano var. calva,

or Spiranthes diluvialis populations known to occur within the analysis area. This alternative 

would have “no effect” on any of these listed species or their habitats. 

Outfitter pack and saddle stock may affect some sensitive plant species by trampling and a loss 

of some populations or individuals may occur where species are in close proximity to 

established camps and use patterns are known to overlap habitat. Currently, there is less risk of 

population loss compared to the past livestock grazing era and the sensitive plant resources as a 

whole are expected to continue to improve with this alternative. The decreased numbers of 

animals and the small isolated areas where stock use occurs would minimize or eliminate risk of 

population loss or loss of species viability. Implementation of mitigation measures in Chapter 2 

would further ensure species viability is not compromised. Specifically, measures included in 

numbers 3, 5, and 8, beginning on page 2-10, would mitigate potential effects to sensitive 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-110 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

species and wetland habitat. They would be effective since they would be part of the operating 

plans for the outfitters, and compliance would be required through the special use permit.

Camps where outfitter stock overnight that may affect individuals or populations are: Bald 

Mountain: Agoseris elata, Carex atrosquama, Carex heteroneaura (C. epapillosa), and Gentiana 

glauca; Beaver Creek: Agoseris elata, Carex heteroneaura (C. epapillosa), and Gentiana glauca; 

Sheep Mountain: Agoseris elata and Carex heteroneaura (C. epapillosa); Horseshoe Basin: 

Carex heteroneaura (C. epapillosa); Horseshoe Creek: Carex heteroneaura (C. epapillosa); and 

Fish Creek Base Camp: Githopsis specularioides.

Where Agoseris elata, Carex heteroneura var. epapillosa, and Gentiana glauca occur populations 

are widely dispersed but concentrated in a small geographical area. Loss of individuals, where 

camp use overlaps occupied habitat, would not likely result in a loss of population or species 

viability. 

Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua and Salix tweedyi are riparian and wetland obligates. Where 

these species occur, use restrictions are in place regulating stock use in order to minimize 

disturbance in these sensitive wetland habitats and any sensitive species would also benefit 

from these use restrictions.

Githopsis specularioides is an early spring flowering annual that completes its life cycle before 

pack stock use occurs. Light use in and around these populations would not result in a loss of 

species or population viability.

Of the 54 Sensitive and other rare or little known species and their nearly 360 populations that 

occur within the analysis area, the risk to these species is very low. Use associated with either 

alternative 2 or 3 may result in the loss of some individuals but would not result in loss of 

species or population viability. Alternative 2 and 3 would not result in a trend toward further 

listing of any species considered. 

Natural Plant Succession

There would be approximately 1% more pack and saddle stock in the analysis area with this 

alternative. Even with this increase, there would be less overall grazing pressure across the 

landscape on plant communities due to the reduced number of stock using the area, compared 

to historic livestock use. The pattern of use at these camps was established decades ago often 

in association with past livestock grazing, so much of the plant community alteration has already 

occurred. Use around the campsites would continue to result in some disturbance, but this use 

is small relative to the size of the analysis area. The mitigation measures included in #4 on page 

2-11 would limit party sizes to help reduce impacts from grazing.

The rate of recovery would be dependent on the soil condition and vegetative community 

involved. Where associated grazing is occurring in moist forb rich meadows, there is an 

increased risk of soil displacement or compaction. This would create isolated areas with slow 

post-grazing recovery. However, these communities are the most resilient to trampling and are 

expected to recover within a growing season following most types of use. Grass dominated 

meadow systems would be intermediate in post-grazing recovery if excessively trampled or 

overgrazed, but would be expected to recovery sufficiently if the excessive use is not recurring 

annually. Low shrub dominated communities are not expected to recover rapidly from human 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

or stock use and one season of use can require decades for an area to recover. Past use has 

already altered these communities; continued use would not affect the overall recovery rate.

Wildfires are a natural part of the successional dynamics of the plant communities, but when 

past livestock grazing and unregulated recreation use followed wildfire events, large scale 

landscape modification of the natural plant succession occurred. With Forest Plan standards, 

landscapes began to recover when livestock grazing was regulated or eliminated and party sizes 

controlled. Forest Plan use standards will continue to regulate activities that maintain or 

enhance plant community recovery. Outfitter pack and saddle stock grazing in and around 

campsites would not result in further landscape modification of natural plant succession due to 

the limited amount of area where the animals graze and the small number of animals compared 

to past use.

Invasive Species and Garden Weeds

The risk of invasive species introduction would remain, even though the outfitters would be 

restricted to feeding only certified weed-free hay at wilderness trailheads and across the 

analysis area. Mitigation measure 8.d on page 2-13 would require outfitters to notify the Forest 

Service if invasive species are observed. This would improve the chances that the weed 

populations or individuals could be treated soon after establishment, controlled, or locally 

eradicated. This would minimize any possible effect on native plant communities.

Alternative 3

In Alternative 3, the number of service days would be reduced 2,660. There are no new 

campsites, trails, or other ground disturbing activities being proposed in this alternative, and no 

additional assigned sites would be designated. The four backcountry assigned sites at Bald 

Mountain, Sheep Mountain, Crow Lake, and Beaver Creek, in addition to the assigned base 

camps at the Andrews Creek, Billygoat, Slate Creek, Fish Creek, and Crater Creek trailheads 

would be retained.

This alternative would amend the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines in wilderness, allowing pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide camps to have 2,800 

square feet of barren core in camps where the existing amount exceeds that level. All outfitters 

would be required to use the same 2,800 square feet on successive trips, allowing the remaining 

barren core the potential to recover. The plan would also be amended to reduce party size for 

pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides to 12 heartbeats. Mitigation measures would also restrict 

the outfitter-guides from creating new travel routes, establishing new camps, increasing the 

amount of bare mineral soil in established camps, and exposing roots on any trees at existing 

campsites, as described above, in the discussion of Alternative 2.

Assigned sites would not be open to public use to allow better monitoring of resource use. 

These sites would continue to receive the highest levels of use of nearly all the outfitter camps. 

At assigned sites, the amount of barren core would be reduced over time, since they would be 

closed to use by the general public. At all other camps used by outfitter-guides, the amount of 

barren core the outfitters could use would be limited to 2,800 square feet, but continued use by 

the general public would likely perpetuate the existing amount of barren core.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The smaller party size could result in outfitters needing to make multiple trips to a site to meet 

client expectations. This could increase stock use over a season because the number of animals 

needed for two trips may be more than if one trip were possible. Grazing duration might also 

increase, as stock would graze when the clients are at the site and on the potential additional 

trips. This increased stock grazing would be expected particularly at assigned and full-service 

camp sites where stock use is already the highest.

There would be approximately 3% fewer pack and saddle stock in the analysis area compared to 

the existing condition. Campsite use would remain the same compared with Alternative 2. 

Since there are no proposed changes in campsite use, there is not expected to be any difference 

in vegetative recovery compared with Alternative 2.

Wetlands

The existing campsites would continue to be used by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides, in 

addition to private pack and saddle stock users. The current impacts to nearby wetlands would 

continue, resulting in vegetation trampling, selective grazing, and soil damage in approximately 

1.4% of the wetland habitat in the analysis area. The remaining 98.6% of the wetlands would be 

unaffected. 

Federally Listed and Sensitive Species

There are no Federally listed Howellia aquatilis, Hackelia venusta, Sidalcea oregano var. calva,

or Spiranthes diluvialis populations known to occur within the analysis area. This alternative 

would have “no effect” on any of these listed species or their habitats. Outfitter pack and 

saddle stock may affect some sensitive plant species by trampling and a loss of some 

populations or individuals may occur where species are in close proximity to established camps 

and use patterns are known to overlap habitat. Currently, there is less risk of population loss 

compared to the past livestock grazing era and the sensitive plant resources as a whole would 

continue to improve under this alternative. The decreased numbers of animals and the small 

isolated areas where stock use occurs would minimize or eliminate risk of population loss or loss 

of species viability. Implementation of mitigation measures would further ensure species 

viability is not compromised across the analysis area. Specifically, measures included in 

numbers 3, 5, and 8, beginning on page 2-10, would mitigate potential effects to sensitive 

species and wetland habitat. They would be effective since they would be part of the operating 

plans for the outfitters, and compliance would be required through the special use permit.

Camps where outfitter stock overnight that may affect individuals or populations are: Bald 

Mountain: Agoseris elata, Carex heteroneaura var. epapillosa, and Gentiana glauca; Beaver 

Creek: Agoseris elata, Carex heteroneaura var. epapillosa, and Gentiana glauca; Sheep 

Mountain: Agoseris elata and Carex heteroneaura var.epapillosa Horseshoe Basin: Carex 

heteroneaura var.. epapillosa; Horseshoe Creek: Carex heteroneaura var. epapillosa; and Fish 

Creek Base Camp: Githopsis specularioides.

Where Agoseris elata, Carex heteroneura var. epapillosa, and Gentiana glauca occur populations 

are widely dispersed but concentrated in a small geographical area. Loss of individuals, where 

camp use overlaps occupied habitat, would not likely result in a loss of population or species 

viability. 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Carex magellanica ssp. irrigua and Salix tweedyi are riparian and wetland obligates. Where 

these species occur, use restrictions are in place regulating stock use in order to minimize 

disturbance in these sensitive wetland habitats and any sensitive species would also benefit 

from these use restrictions.

Githopsis specularioides is an early spring flowering annual that completes its life cycle before 

pack stock use occurs. Light use in and around these populations would not result in a loss of 

species or population viability.

Of the 54 Sensitive and other rare or little known species and their nearly 360 populations that 

occur within the analysis area, the risk to these species is very low. Use associated with either 

alternative 2 or 3 may result in the loss of some individuals but would not result in loss of 

species or population viability. Alternative 2 and 3 will not result in a trend toward further 

listing of any species considered. 

Natural Plant Succession

There would be less overall grazing pressure on plant communities due to the reduced number 

of stock. Private stock users are less likely to turn their animals out to graze any distance from 

camp, which may result in smaller isolated grazing areas. Some private parties use electric 

fencing and staking, in addition to highlines to keep stock close to camp. This results in more 

concentrated disturbance to vegetation around camps and may result in a shift of grazing use 

associated with some camps. Since use patterns at these camps were established decades ago, 

often in association with past livestock grazing, much of the plant community alteration has 

already occurred. Plant communities would continue to recover throughout the analysis area 

and with reduced overall use, vegetation recovery would be expected around the camps as well. 

The mitigation measures included in #4 on page 2-11 would limit party sizes to help reduce 

impacts from grazing. 

The rate of recovery would be dependent on the soil condition and vegetative community 

involved. Where associated grazing is occurring in moist forb rich meadows, there is an

increased risk of soil displacement or compaction. This would create isolated areas with slow 

post-grazing recovery. However, these communities are the most resilient to trampling and are 

expected to recover within a growing season following most types of use. Grass dominated 

meadow systems would be intermediate in post-grazing recovery if excessively trampled or 

overgrazed, but would be expected to recovery sufficiently if the excessive use is not recurring 

annually. Low shrub dominated communities are not expected to recover rapidly from human 

or stock use and one season of use can require decades for an area to recover. Past use has 

already altered these communities; continued use would not affect the overall recovery rate.

Wildfires are a natural part of the successional dynamics of the plant communities. But when 

past livestock grazing and unregulated recreation use followed wildfire events, large scale 

landscape modification of the natural plant succession occurred. With establishment of Forest

Plan use standards, landscapes began to recover when livestock grazing was regulated or 

eliminated and party sizes controlled. Forest Plan use standards will continue to regulate 

activities that maintain or enhance plant community recovery. Outfitter pack and saddle stock 

grazing in and around campsites would not result in further landscape modification of natural 

plant succession due to limited amount of area where the animals graze and the very small 

number of animals compared to past use.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-114 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Invasive Species and Garden Weeds

The risk of invasive species introduction would remain, even though the outfitter-guides would 

be restricted to feeding only certified weed-free hay across the analysis area. Mitigation 

measure number 8.d would require outfitters to notify the Forest Service if invasive species are 

observed. This would improve the chances that weed populations or individuals could be 

treated soon after establishment, controlled, or locally eradicated. This would minimize any 

possible effect on native plant communities.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for this cumulative effects analysis is the analysis area boundary. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10-year permits would 

expire.

Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Past activities that have altered vegetation characteristics within the analysis area have mainly 

been associated with past livestock grazing and fire. Historical fire years that resulted in large 

fires over more than one subunit were between 1917 and 1919, 1926, and then again in 1929. 

Other active fire years prior to 2000 were 1970 for the Chelan side of the Sawtooth Backcountry 

and in 1985 the largest fire recorded in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness occurred. In all 

but two of the subunits (Sawtooth Backcountry and Middle Methow) over 1⁄2 the total acres 

burned have burned since 2000 (Figure 3.3-2). This fire history supports the fact smoke jumpers 

became very efficient at fire suppression starting in the 1940’s. Fire size trends fell dramatically 

after smoke jumpers could quickly access the backcountry. The dramatic jump in fire size and 

acres burnt since 2000 is likely the combined effect of past fire suppression, significant drought 

years, and an overall drying and warming climate trend. 

In the 2001 Rex Creek fire, along the north shore of Lake Chelan, 10 campsites were identified 

within the fire perimeter that were within the lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. One of these 

sites, Fish Creek Base Camp had a known population of Githopsis specularioide. This population 

has not been relocated since before the fire. In the 2003 Farewell/Needles fire, four campsites 

were burned over in the Andrews Creek drainage, Pasayten Wilderness subunit and one in 

Middle Fork Methow drainage, North Cascades subunit. Drop Camp C had a known population 

of Salix tweedyi nearby. This plant grows in wet riparian and shrub wetland habitats, which 

rarely experiences high intensity burns resulting in rapid recovery of these ecosystems following 

fire. This species and the habitat where it grows were likely stimulated by the fire. The fires in 

2006 burned over three campsites within the Pasayten Wilderness subunit. One, Horseshoe 

Creek camp, has suitable habitat for Carex heteroneura var. epappilosa. This species is 

associated with wet rich forb meadows and both this species and its habitat are expected to 

respond favorably to fire disturbance.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.3-2: Fire History Highlights from circa 1900 thru 2006.

Analysis Area Subunits

1917 

thru 

1919

1926 1929 1970

1984 

thru 

1986

Since

2000

Total Ac 

Burned 

since 

1900

Bear/Ramsey/Volsted 6,951 2,359 509 339 38,648 49,387

Sawtooth Backcountry 5,265 3,530 3,638 12,870

Middle Methow 686 1,206 62 1 4,061

North Cascades 246 169 96 690 29,745 38,371

Pasayten Wilderness 13,153 19,286 47,708 605 3,199 131,451 250,413

Sawtooth Wilderness 169 2,930 1,885 603 4,522 36,107 49,070

In the late 1800’s large bands of sheep first were first introduced into both the Sawtooth and 

Pasayten Wilderness high country, Sawtooth Backcountry, up the Methow Drainage and into the 

Harts Pass area. Grazing numbers appear to have peaked between 1925 and 1950 for both 

cattle and sheep. There was a general trend to shift from sheep to cattle in the 1940’s which 

changed the dynamics where overgrazing was occurring. Over grazing shifted from bedding 

areas associated with sheep grazing to increased use in riparian areas with cattle. During this 

shift from sheep to cattle was when it became evident through much of the analysis area that 

overgrazing was occurring. These peak grazing years also correspond to some of the largest fire 

years and the evolution of smoke jumping. Grazing practices likely delayed plant recovery in 

these fire areas since there were few grazing utilization standards in place. 

The North Cascades subunit supports some of the wettest plant associations within the analysis 

area and rarely ever burned over the last century until the 2003 Farewell/Needles fire. The area 

was basically inaccessible until the1970’s when the North Cascade highway was built making 

access for fire suppression and for recreation use nearly impossible. But even prior to the 

opening of the highway, it was not grazed because it did not have the high elevation open 

forage base desirable to livestock operators. 

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead subunit was grazed primarily by cattle and horses and was not part of 

the main grazing destination driveways used to access the high elevation sheep summer 

pastures. Cattle grazing is still permitted in the Ramsey/Bear/Volsead area and will continue 

into the future. During the 2006 Tripod fire, 67% of this subunit burned over. The established 

outfitter camp escaped this fire event. 

Over the next ten years, if global temperatures continue to warm, Gentiana glauca populations 

will likely begin to show signs of decline, since studies have demonstrated its sensitivity to 

warming temperatures. This is not unexpected since it is an arctic tundra plant at the southern 

extent of its range. This may mean any further loss of individuals, populations or habitat could 

result in a need to reconsider changes in the Federal and State listings. This species is a key 

stone indicator for monitoring the health of other northern species at the southern extent of 

their range. 

Cattle grazing is permitted in the lower elevation habitats in all but the wilderness sub-sections, 

upper reaches of the Methow drainage in the North Cascades subunit, and the Sawtooth 

Backcountry subunit. This use does not interface with outfitter activities and has no effect on 

any actions associated with is analysis. 
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Much of the most popular recreational outfitter use in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Wilderness areas and Sawtooth Backcountry were likely established over 60 years ago. Previous 

to that outfitter use likely focused on supplying the mining camps. Other past activities such as 

the construction of the North Cascade Highway, backcountry trail construction, and recreational 

facility development have increased ease of access into the backcountry throughout the analysis 

area. 

In 2008 the Regional Office funded a taxonomic study of Carex epapillosa. Over 40 vouchered 

specimens were examined by taxa experts and they concluded that all the vouchers examined, 

including those previously examined and thought to be Carex atrosquama, were Carex 

heteroneura var. epapillosa. The results of this study also provided enough documentation to 

return this species to the Region 6 Sensitive species list during the next revision cycle. 

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

The cumulative effect of large fire years combined with the high density of livestock grazing in 

these areas likely modified the natural plant succession across much of the analysis area, 

especially in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth. Grazing was eliminated in the high 

country by 1990. Given the short growing seasons, post-grazing recovery to plant communities 

takes decades. As a result the majority of grazing effects seen across the analysis area are tied 

to past practices and not the result of pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide or private party 

stock use. Current stock use is slowing the recovery in small, localized areas by favoring less 

palatable species, or where wetlands are being trampled. Given the size of the analysis area, 

the effects of past grazing practices, and past fire history, the effects of pack and saddle 

outfitter-guide use across the landscape are inconsequential. 

Some of the alterations in plant communities are still evident on the landscape, particularly in 

the drier habitats where sheep regularly bedded and trailed. However, these areas are slowly 

showing signs of recovery since livestock have been removed. Since the removal of cattle 

grazing, there has been a rapid and visible recovery of riparian and wetland habitats in the 

Spanish Camp area in the Pasayten Wilderness (Kovalchik 2002). The Chelan side of the Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and Sawtooth Backcountry have the most campsites that will likely 

exhibit the longest recovery period due to drier conditions.

With the expected increase in recreational use over the next 10 years, there could be increased 

impacts to vegetation. With more visitors, there will be an increased likelihood of ground 

disturbance and with it an increased risk for introduction and spread of invasive species. Having 

well-educated outfitters, wilderness rangers, and visiting public will help with any early 

detection and treatment of establishing invasive species. The off-road vehicle use that is 

permitted in the Sawtooth Backcountry (Methow and Chelan) also increases the risk of invasive 

transport.

In the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead sub-section vegetation recovery will depend on the severity of the 

burn, and the timing and duration of permitted cattle grazing. The limited, late season use by 

outfitters in this area occurs after the cattle have been gathered in the fall. The season of use 

also coincides with vegetation senescence when plant communities are best able to withstand 
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grazing. There is no anticipated effect to plant resources as a result of continued outfitter use 

now or in the future in the fire area in Bear/Ramsey/Volstead. 

The cumulative effect of any of the alternatives and the other past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions would result in an upward trend in vegetation condition, a slow 

return to natural, unmodified plant communities and succession. Areas would continue to 

recover from past overgrazing and the effects of wildfires. Isolated spots across the analysis 

area would see a slower recovery due to continuation of pack and saddle stock grazing, but this 

would be inconsequential.

CONSISTENCY FINDINGS

Based on the findings in this analysis, this project complies with the provisions outlined in the 

Forest Service direction which requires activities not result in loss of species viability across their 

range nor will it result in a species becoming Threatened, Endangered, or create trends toward 

Federal listing. The alternatives would reduce the potential loss of individual plants and 

population viability, and would not contribute to a trend towards Threatened or Endangered or 

Federal listing of any TES species, rare or uncommon or other species of concern across the 

analysis area.

All alternatives would be consistent with the Forest Plan, as amended. There would be no longterm modification of natural plant succession (MA 15B-22A, Okanogan Forest Plan; Wilderness, 

2. a. (1) (c) and Wilderness, 3. a. (1) (c), Wenatchee Forest Plan). In all alternatives, nonoutfitted pack and saddle stock users, in addition to all recreationists would continue to use 

camps with barren cores and number of trees with exposed roots that exceed standards and 

guidelines. Forest Plan amendments would restrict outfitters to 5,250 square feet of barren 

core in Alternative 2, and 2,800 square feet in Alternative 3. Additional party size restrictions 

apply to Alternative 3. Mitigation measures in both alternatives would prohibit outfitters from 

creating new travel routes (1.l), establishing new camps (1.f), increasing the amount of bare 

mineral soil in any established camp (1.d), and not exposing roots on trees at existing camps 

(1.e). These would be effective in ensuring that outfitter activities are consistent with Forest 

Plan.

3.4 TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE

The section below is a summary of the Wildlife Report and Biological Assessment which are 

available in the project analysis file (Rohrer 2010a and Rohrer 2008). This section is organized to 

include the following: Management Indicator Species, Landbirds, Late-Successional Habitat, and 

Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive Wildlife.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Regulatory requirements vary for many of the species considered and are addressed in the 

report subsections that deal with individual wildlife groups and species that follow.
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ANALYSIS METHOD FOR ALL SPECIES

Field surveys for this project include personal observations made on numerous trips to portions 

of the analysis area from 1991 through 2009. Most of these trips were associated with other 

projects. In late August 2000 this included participation in a review team that traveled to part of 

the Pasayten Wilderness specifically to observe and review effects of pack and saddle outfitterguide use.

Literature was reviewed to determine what research had shown for effects of similar activities in 

similar habitats. Forest Service GIS layers were used to determine the acreage of high elevation 

meadows and wetlands in the study area.

Digitized maps of forest roads and trails were used to analyze effects on grizzly bear core areas, 

and security habitat for all wide-ranging carnivores. Bear management units (BMU) were the 

scale used for reporting grizzly bear core area percentages.

During this analysis process, the best available science was incorporated to describe the 

ecological conditions within the analysis area and the potential effects of the proposed activities 

on terrestrial wildlife species and habitat.

MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES

Primary Cavity Excavators

Regulatory Framework

Primary cavity excavators are forest dwelling birds specialized for nesting and foraging in dead 

and dying trees and downed logs. The Okanogan Forest Plan identifies the Lewis’s, pileated, 

three-toed, black-backed, downy, hairy, and white-headed woodpeckers; red-naped and 

Williamson’s sapsuckers; and Northern flicker as management indicator species for dead and 

defective tree habitat. The Wenatchee Forest Plan identifies primary cavity excavators as 

management indicator species for dead and defective tree habitat. Both of the Forest Plans 

have standards and guidelines for maintaining minimal levels of dead and defective trees and 

downed logs.

Affected Environment

Dead and defective tree habitat is abundant in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Wilderness Areas, the North Cascades, Sawtooth Backcountry, and most of the Middle Methow 

portions of the analysis area. Due to the relative lack of past management activities the 

majority of these areas have dead and defective tree habitat occurring at natural levels. Much 

of these areas are high elevation forest of subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, and 

Douglas-fir, though there are a few areas with ponderosa pine. Recent forest insect and disease 

activity has resulted in an abundance of dead and defective tree habitat in some areas. Pine 

beetle activity has killed large numbers of mature lodgepole pine trees and root-rots have killed

many pockets of Douglas-fir. Recent large wildfires in the analysis area have consumed some 

dead and defective tree habitat, but have also created many new snags.
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Snags and downed logs have been used for camp firewood by overnight users of the analysis 

area, including outfitter-guides and clients. Firewood collection predominantly occurs in and 

adjacent to camp sites. Wood is cut with an axe or saw and carried or dragged to the camp. At 

most camps firewood is collected from within a 200-300 foot radius of camp (3-6 acres). At a 

few of the more regularly used camps wood is collected from further distances and the evidence 

of years of snag-felling is apparent from the number of sawed stumps and branches.

There are 148 campsites that have been used in the recent past by outfitter-guides. If, at each 

camp, most snags have been removed from an area within a 300 foot radius of the camp (6 

acres), then 888 acres of the analysis area have been impacted by past use. Figure 3.4-1 shows 

number of outfitter camps and estimated percent of area impacted by firewood collection by 

administrative area:

Figure 3.4-1. Percent of Area Impacted by Outfitter-Guide Camps.

Sub-Area Acres Outfitter Camps Area Impacted

Pasayten Wilderness 531,541 67 0.07%

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Wilderness

153,129 51 0.2%

North Cascades 270,435 16 0.03%

Sawtooth Backcountry 35,149 13 0.2%

Middle Methow 50,550 0 0

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead 58,114 1 0.01%

Alta Lake 3958 0 0

Total 1,102,876 148 0.08%

Dead and defective tree habitat is not as abundant in the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area as other 

portions of the analysis area. Recent timber harvest in portions of this area has resulted in 

lower numbers of snags. Snags are scarce in areas immediately adjacent to open roads due to 

firewood cutting. Much of the area is a mid-elevation forest of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine, 

though there are a few areas with lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, and Engelmann spruce. The 

Tripod fire burned through much of this area creating pockets of dead and defective tree 

habitat.

The Alta Lake area is largely unforested but there are scattered ponderosa pine and small 

isolated stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. These stands have dead and defective tree 

habitat occurring at natural levels.

Environmental Consequences

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

Outfitter-guide permits would not be issued, so outfitter-guides would not use existing camp 

sites. However, most, if not all, of the camps would continue to be used by the public. Snags 

and downed logs would continue to be used for camp firewood, but by fewer users than in the 

past. There would be 43,465 pack and saddle stock visitor days in the analysis area (all nonoutfitted), which would be 5% less than the existing number. Less than one tenth of 1% of the 
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analysis area has been affected by past snag-felling for firewood. There would be some loss of 

habitat around recreation camps, but abundant habitat exists away from these isolated spots, so 

primary cavity excavator populations as a whole would be largely unaffected.

Alternative 2

In addition to the public, outfitter-guides and clients would use camps and collect firewood from 

surrounding areas. There would be no change in the current amount of pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide visitor days in the analysis area. The total number of pack and saddle stock 

visitor days would be 46,473, with 4,620 of those associated with the outfitter-guides. Less than 

one tenth of 1% of the analysis area has been affected by past snag-felling or downed wood 

gathering for firewood. New snags would continue to be created by insects, disease, wildfire, 

and drought. These snags would eventually fall over, creating a supply of downed wood. This 

proposal includes mitigation measures that would prohibit outfitter-guides from establishing 

new camps (1.f) and not allow cutting snags for firewood (1.h). These would be effective in 

mitigating potential effects since they would be part of the operating plans, and compliance 

would be required by the special use permits. There would be some loss of habitat around 

camps used by outfitters, since downed wood could be used for firewood, but abundant habitat 

exists away from these isolated spots, so primary cavity excavator populations as a whole would 

be largely unaffected.

Alternative 3

In addition to the public, outfitter-guides and clients would use camps and collect firewood from 

surrounding areas. The number of pack and saddle stock visitor days would be reduced by 3% 

from current levels. Less than 0.1% of the analysis area has been affected by past snag-felling or 

downed wood gathering for firewood. New snags would continue to be created by insects, 

disease, wildfire, and drought. These snags would eventually fall over, creating a supply of 

downed wood. This proposal includes mitigation measures that would prohibit outfitter-guides 

from establishing new camps (1.f) and not allow cutting snags for firewood (1.h). These would 

be effective in mitigating potential effects since they would be part of the operating plans, and 

compliance would be required by the special use permits. There would be some loss of habitat 

around camps used by outfitters, since downed wood could be used for firewood, but abundant 

habitat exists away from these isolated spots, so primary cavity excavator populations as a 

whole would be largely unaffected.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Past Actions

Past activities in the analysis area that affected primary cavity excavators include snag-felling for 

camp firewood by outfitter-guides, by non-outfitted users, and by sheepherders. In addition, 

wildfires, wildfire suppression, and timber management have affected primary cavity excavator 

habitat. The use of snags and downed logs for camp firewood has already been evaluated. 

Wildfires have consumed some dead and defective tree habitat in the analysis area but also 

created many new snags and habitat for primary cavity excavators. Nearly 20% of the analysis 
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area has been affected by wildfires in the last 5 years. Wildfire suppression has also affected 

snag habitat. Wildfire suppression began in the 1920s and slowly changed forest structure, 

especially in lower elevations of the analysis area. Snags on ridge-tops were often felled in the 

name of fire prevention. The reduction in wildfires, due to suppression, created dense stands of 

small diameter trees. These denser stands were more susceptible to insects and diseases which 

resulted in an increase in snag habitat. In the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area, dead and defective 

tree habitat has also been impacted by snag-felling near roads for firewood, timber 

management projects, and prescribed fires. Timber management projects have generally 

reduced the amount of snag habitat, though maintaining minimum levels prescribed in the 

forest plan. Prescribed fires can remove some existing snags while creating new ones.

Present Actions

Present activities in the analysis area that may affect primary cavity excavators include snagfelling for camp firewood by outfitted users, those described in this document as well as others, 

and by private, non-outfitted users. In the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area, snag-felling for 

firewood occurs near open roads.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Reasonably foreseeable future activities in the analysis area that may affect primary cavity 

excavators are a continuation of the present actions, with the exception of snag-felling by 

outfitter-guides. This proposal includes mitigation that prohibits snag-felling by outfitter-guides. 

Use of the analysis area, especially the North Cascades Highway Corridor, by private 

recreationists is predicted to increase in the future.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

When considered in conjunction with other activities affecting dead and defective tree habitat, 

each of the three alternatives would have little cumulative effect on primary cavity excavators. 

Snags would continue to diminish around camps, but abundant habitat would exist away from 

these sites, so primary cavity excavator populations as a whole would be largely unaffected.

Consistency Statement

Each of the three alternatives considered in this project would be consistent with the Okanogan

and Wenatchee Forest Plan guidelines for primary cavity excavators.

Marten, Pileated Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, and Barred Owl

Regulatory Framework

The Okanogan Forest Plan identifies the American marten, pileated woodpecker, three-toed 

woodpecker, and the barred owl as management indicator species for mature or old growth 

habitats in mixed conifer, lodgepole pine, and/or subalpine fir forest types. The Wenatchee 

Forest Plan identifies the American marten, pileated woodpecker and three-toed woodpecker as 

management indicator species for mature and old growth habitats. The Okanogan Forest Plan 

has standards and guidelines for maintaining old growth habitat; specifically that no old growth 

that meets the definition in the Forest Plan be removed. The Wenatchee Forest Plan has forest 

management objectives for old growth habitat. In addition, for the portions of the analysis area 
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within Late-Successional Reserves (LSR) of the Northwest Forest Plan there are standards and 

guidelines to ensure all projects have a neutral or beneficial effect on late-successional habitats.

Affected Environment

The American marten is a small forest carnivore that inhabits mature/old growth habitats, 

especially those with an abundance of downed woody debris. The pileated woodpecker inhabits 

mixed conifer stands and the three-toed woodpecker inhabits lodgepole pine and subalpine fir 

forest types. The barred owl is a management indicator species for mixed conifer old growth 

and mature habitats.

Mature and old growth habitat in mixed conifer, lodgepole pine, and subalpine fir forest types is 

abundant in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas, the North Cascades, 

Sawtooth Backcountry, and most of the Middle Methow portions of the analysis area. Due to 

the relative lack of management activities the majority of these areas have mature and old 

growth habitat occurring at natural levels. However, these habitats in the portion of the 

analysis area on the Chelan Ranger District were reduced by the Rex Creek Fire of 2001 and the 

Safety Harbor Fire of 1968. Additionally, mature and old growth habitat is not as abundant in 

the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area as in the others. Much of the area is mid-elevation forest of 

Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine, though there are a few areas with lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, 

and Engelmann spruce. Past timber management activities have resulted in lower amounts of 

mature and old growth habitat than would naturally occur. The Alta Lake area does not contain 

any mature/old growth habitat in mixed conifer, lodgepole pine, and subalpine fire forest types.

Environmental Consequences

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Outfitter-guide activities do not alter forest stands except for the removal of snags and downed 

logs which are used for camp firewood when on overnight trips. Firewood collection 

predominantly occurs in and adjacent to camp sites. See the section above on primary cavity 

excavators for the discussion on effects to snags and downed logs.

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

None of these alternatives would alter forest stands with the exception of firewood use in and 

around campsites. Abundant habitat exists away from the campsites, so American marten, 

pileated woodpecker, three-toed woodpecker, and barred owl populations as a whole would be 

largely unaffected.
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Consistency Statement

Each of the three alternatives considered in this project would be consistent with the Okanogan 

Forest Plan and the Wenatchee Forest Plan (as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan) for 

mature, late-successional and old growth habitats.

Ruffed Grouse and Beaver

Regulatory Framework

The Okanogan Forest Plan identifies the ruffed grouse as the management indicator species of 

deciduous and riparian habitats. The Wenatchee Forest Plan identifies the beaver and the 

ruffed grouse as management indicator species for riparian habitats. In the Okanogan Forest 

Plan standard and guideline 6-13 addresses perpetuating hardwood stands (deciduous trees). 

Both Forest Plans have several standards and guidelines regarding riparian habitat management. 

In addition, each Forest Plan has been amended by the Northwest Forest Plan which includes 

the aquatic conservation strategy, and PACFISH which includes riparian management objectives.

Ruffed grouse are primarily associated with habitats that contain dense stands of aspen trees or 

other deciduous trees and shrubs along streams. The beaver is a semi-aquatic mammal that 

lives in streams and ponds and requires deciduous trees and shrubs for food and for lodge and 

dam building materials.

Affected Environment

Deciduous and riparian habitats occur throughout the analysis area. Due to the relative lack of 

management activities in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas, the North 

Cascades, Sawtooth Backcountry, and most of the Middle Methow portion of the analysis area, 

these areas have deciduous and riparian habitat occurring in natural conditions. Some of the 

deciduous and riparian habitat in the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area has been altered by timber 

management activities and road construction. The Alta Lake area has a limited amount of 

deciduous and riparian habitats. They have been impacted in the recent past by cattle grazing 

and drought.

Forested riparian habitats in the analysis area generally receive little, if any, impact from 

humans or livestock and are functioning properly (Recreation Activity Review, Appendix C). 

Streams that flow through high elevation meadows are more easily accessed by humans and 

their grazing livestock and are very susceptible to impacts from heavy grazing and trampling. 

Pack and saddle stock grazing associated with outfitter-guide activities has impacted isolated 

spots of the grass/forb components of non-forested riparian habitats.

High elevation wetlands are similar to other riparian habitats; the importance to wildlife is 

disproportionately greater than availability on the landscape (Kauffman et al. 2001). These 

areas provide a predictable water source, favorable microclimate, a high diversity of plants that 

offer various structures for nesting and security, and a diverse forage supply. Long-toed 

salamanders and spotted frogs reproduce, deposit eggs, and spend the larval stage and most of 

the adult stage of life in wetlands. Lincoln’s sparrows forage in shrubs and nest on the ground 
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around high elevation wetlands (Degraaf et al. 1991). Water voles and northern bog lemmings 

utilize the grass/forb layer for food and cover (O’Neil et al. 2001). High elevation wetlands are 

distributed throughout the analysis area. There are about 8,200 acres of high elevation 

wetlands in the analysis area. A notable concentration occurs in the Ashnola River watershed of 

the Pasayten Wilderness. The wetlands of Sheep Mountain, Bald Mountain, Beaver Creek, Bob 

Creek, and the Spanish Camp area are included in this concentration.

Most of the high elevation meadows and wetlands in the analysis area were grazed by domestic 

sheep in the early 1900s. From 1995 to present, domestic livestock grazing in this area has been 

limited to that of recreational users and outfitter-guide activities.

In August 2000 a Forest Service administrative review team found that riparian areas in the 

Spanish Camp area were well-vegetated and stable with a few localized exceptions associated 

with trail crossings and stock watering sites (Recreation Activity Review, Spanish Camp and 

Remmel Lake Area, Pasayten Wilderness, USDA Forest Service 2000c). Some sites appeared to 

still be recovering from heavy impacts of historical grazing by sheep and cattle. The findings of 

this report are summarized in Appendix C.

Many outfitter-guide camps are located near high elevation meadows and wetlands; 59 of the 

148 outfitter-guide camps within the analysis area are within 500 feet of a wetland. The 

abundant grasses and forbs provide forage for outfitter horses, mules, burros, or llamas. During 

wildlife habitat reviews in the Spanish Camp area of the Pasayten Wilderness in August 2000, it 

was found the existing amount of recreational grazing use was, with a few notable exceptions, 

not substantially altering the structure or function of the high elevation meadows and wetlands 

as food and cover for wildlife. Popular camp areas, such as the immediate areas around Spanish 

Camp cabin and Remmel Lake, had been grazed enough to reduce the cover value for ground 

nesting birds and small mammals. There are riparian and wetland areas where stock regularly 

travel across or come to water. These sites are trampled and unvegetated and offer little as 

wildlife habitat. However, outside of these impacted sites and away from trails, wetlands were 

in good to excellent shape and showed little, if any, evidence of livestock grazing. Grasses and 

forbs provided both food and cover. Amphibian larvae were common in small wetland ponds on 

Bald Mountain and along Bob and Beaver Creeks. In addition, there are numerous wetlands in 

the analysis area that are not accessible to livestock. Most areas on the Chelan portion of the 

analysis area show minimal evidence of long-term stock use, with some exceptions of limited 

areas at frequently used sites.

Environmental Consequences

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

Outfitter-guides would not use the trails and camps, though use would continue by the public. 

The existing trail crossings of streams and stock watering sites would likely continue to be used, 

but by fewer stock than in the past. This alternative includes 43,465 pack and saddle stock 

visitor days, which would be 5% lower than the current level. Some sites might partially 

revegetate with the lower amount of use. This alternative would result in a slight decrease in 

the amount of riparian habitat trampled by livestock compared to the existing condition. 
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Abundant ruffed grouse and beaver habitat exists away from these trail crossings and stock 

watering sites, so populations as a whole would be largely unaffected.

Alternative 2

Outfitter-guides and livestock would continue to use trails and camps and impact nearby 

riparian areas. There would be a total of 46,473 pack and saddle stock visitor days in the 

analysis area, and 4,620, or 10% would be associated with outfitter-guides. Existing trail 

crossings and watering sites would continue to be trampled and unvegetated. As stated above 

these impacts are limited to a few heavily used sites and are only occurring on a small portion of 

the landscape. This alternative includes a Forest Plan amendment that would limit the amount 

of barren core in campsites used by the outfitter-guides to 5,250 square feet, and not allow 

outfitters to increase the size of campsites with barren cores smaller than 5,250 square feet. 

This would allow some of the established barren core to recover. This proposal includes 

mitigation to prohibit outfitter-guides from establishing new camps and new travel routes, and 

mitigation that would not allow outfitter-guides to graze stock animals within 200 feet of lake 

shores. Abundant ruffed grouse and beaver habitat exists away from these trail crossings and 

stock watering sites, so ruffed grouse and beaver populations as a whole would be largely 

unaffected.

Alternative 3

Outfitter-guides and livestock would use trails and camps and impact nearby riparian areas. The 

number of pack and saddle stock visitor days would be reduced by 3% from current levels. 

Existing trail crossings and watering sites would likely continue to be trampled and unvegetated. 

Alternative 3 includes a Forest Plan amendment that would limit existing barren core areas to 

2,800 square feet. This reduced impact area in conjunction with a slightly lower amount of use 

than proposed in Alternative 2 and less use than in the recent past, would create improvements 

at some of existing stream/trail crossings and watering sites. As stated above these impacts are 

limited to a few heavily used sites and are only occurring on a small portion of the landscape. 

This alternative also includes mitigation to prohibit outfitter-guides from establishing new 

camps and creating new travel routes, and mitigation that would not allow outfitter-guides to 

graze stock animals within 200 feet of lake shorelines. Abundant ruffed grouse and beaver 

habitat exists away from these trail crossings and stock watering sites, so populations as a whole 

would be largely unaffected.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Past, Present, Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Other activities in the analysis area that would affect deciduous and riparian habitat include 

grazing by livestock from non-outfitted users and commercial livestock grazing. Most 

recreational livestock use occurs in the same areas used by outfitter-guides, i.e., those accessed 

by trails. There are several active livestock allotments in the analysis area. The Ramsey C & H 

(cattle and horse) allotment is in the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead portion of the analysis area. The 

Alta Coulee C & H allotment is in the Alta Lake portion of the analysis area. Parts of the Goat C 
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& H allotment, parts of the Wolf C & H allotment, and Boulder C & H allotment are in the Upper 

Methow portion of the analysis area. Parts of the Newby C & H, Little Bridge C & H, Libby C & H, 

and Hunter McFarland C & H allotments are in the Middle Methow portion of the analysis area. 

A portion of the Buttermilk sheep and goat allotment is in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness 

and Middle Methow portion of the analysis area. Forage utilization by the cattle and sheep on 

these allotments is closely monitored to not remove more than 45% of current annual growth of 

grasses/forbs.

Alternatives 1, 2 and 3

The cumulative effect of any of the alternatives and the other past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions would be the loss of some riparian habitat due to pack and saddle 

stock trampling in and around campsites. Abundant ruffed grouse and beaver habitat exists 

away from these trail crossings and stock watering sites, so ruffed grouse and beaver 

populations as a whole would be largely unaffected.

Consistency Statement

Each of the three alternatives considered in this project would be consistent with the Okanogan 

and Wenatchee Forest Plans for managing riparian habitats.

Mule Deer

Regulatory Framework

The Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans both identify mule deer and white-tailed deer as 

management indicator species for winter range. Both plans have standards and guidelines for 

managing cover levels on winter ranges.

Affected Environment

Mule deer winter ranges are primarily lower elevation areas where bitterbrush and other shrubs 

exist along with forest habitat to provide both forage and cover. The Bear/Ramsey/Volstead 

and Alta Lake portions of the analysis area contain winter range.

Environmental Consequences

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

The proposed outfitter-guide activities take place primarily in habitats used by mule deer during 

summer. Those activities that would occur on winter range in Bear/Ramsey/Volstead or Alta 

Lake would occur during summer and fall.

Some outfitter-guides have placed salt blocks at camps for livestock and also for mule deer. 

They believe that having salt available will keep deer from chewing on saddles, reins, and other 

leather items which are salty from sweat. This has resulted in some deer habituating to camps 

and losing caution around people. Placing salt for deer can change habitat use patterns and can 

result in deer habituating to people (O’Neil et al. 2001). This is affecting a small number of deer 
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in a limited area (see discussion above in Primary Cavity Excavators on number of camps). The 

proposed action has mitigation to prohibit establishing new camps, prohibit feeding wildlife, 

require storage of food in a manner that makes it unavailable to wildlife, and require salt to be 

applied in such a manner to minimize wildlife attraction.

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

The outfitter-guide activities proposed in each of the alternatives would have no effect on mule 

and white-tailed deer winter range. Few of the trails and camps used by outfitter-guides are in 

mule and white-tailed deer winter range. Those in winter range are not used by the outfitterguides when deer are there during winter. The project would not affect the size or health of 

mule and white-tailed deer populations.

Consistency Statement

Each of the three alternatives considered in this project would be consistent with the Okanogan 

and Wenatchee Forest Plans for managing mule and white-tailed deer winter range habitats.

Mountain Goat

Regulatory Framework

The Wenatchee Forest Plan identifies mountain goats as a management indicator species with

standards and guidelines for managing cover levels, roads, and human activities in mountain 

goat ranges.

Affected Environment

Mountain goats use cliffy habitats at lower elevations during the winter, and in summer and fall 

utilize high elevation meadows and peaks. Mountain goats inhabit all portions of the analysis 

area except the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead and Alta Lake. In addition to mountain goats, there are 

a number of bird and mammal species that rely on high elevation meadows for food and/or 

cover (O’Neil et al. 2001). The white-tailed ptarmigan, American pipit, and horned lark are 

examples of birds that feed and nest on the ground in high elevation meadows (Martin 2001). 

Hoary marmots and pikas are other examples of mammals that forage on the grasses and forbs 

in high elevation meadows, and, like mountain goats, take refuge on adjacent rock features such 

as talus and cliffs (Martin 2001). High elevation meadows are distributed throughout the 

analysis area. The south and east facing slopes of most major ridges have this habitat type. 

There are 196,444 acres of alpine/subalpine meadows in the analysis area.

Most of the high elevation meadows in the analysis area were grazed by domestic sheep in the 

early 1900s. An example in the Spanish Camp area of the Pasayten Wilderness is Sheep 

Mountain, which was grazed by two bands of sheep. Bald Mountain, Beaver Creek, and Bob 

Creek were each grazed by one band. A band of sheep includes 1,200 to 2,000 ewes plus lambs. 
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Sheep grazed the area from 1908 to 1948 and cattle from 1949 to 1994. In 1949 the cattle 

permit was for 350 yearling steers from July 15 to September 15 in the Bald Mountain, Beaver 

Creek, Bob Creek, Remmel Lake area. The allotment later expanded to include other areas, and 

the permit changed to 300 cow/calf pairs. The allotment has not been used since 1995 and in 

1999 the grazing permit was waived back to the Forest Service. From 1995 to present, domestic 

livestock grazing in this area has been limited to recreational users and outfitter-guide activities.

In August 2000 a Forest Service administrative review team found that some meadows in the 

Spanish Camp area of the Pasayten Wilderness were still recovering from past over-grazing by 

domestic herds of sheep and cattle (USDA Forest Service 2000c). Evidence of trailing, bedding, 

and over-grazing was still apparent in some areas. Refer to Appendix C for a summary of the 

review team’s findings.

Grazing by domestic livestock shortens the height of the grass/forb layer which decreases 

vegetative structure. Heavy grazing reduces security and nesting cover and can increase the 

susceptibility of small mammals and birds to predation. It also reduces the amount of forage, 

and, if excessive, can result in the establishment of invasive plant species. On the other hand, 

grazing can stimulate growth of shrubs and small trees and rejuvenate perennial bunchgrasses. 

The altered grass/forb layer can affect different wildlife species in different ways. A literature 

review on the effects of livestock grazing on songbirds showed that some bird species respond 

positively to grazing, some negatively, and for others results were mixed or uncertain (Bock et 

al. 1993). Ivey (1994) reviewed literature and found the same for the effects of grazing on small 

mammals. Generally, species considered to be habitat generalists are not negatively impacted 

by grazing while species that are habitat specialist are more sensitive to impacts. In terms of 

species that utilize high elevation meadows, the horned lark has shown a positive response to 

grazing while the Lincoln’s sparrow has shown a negative response (Bock et al. 1993). Deer mice 

respond positively to grazing, while voles and lemmings are dependent on good ground cover 

and can be negatively affected (Johnson 1981, Kauffman et al. 1981, Oldemeyer and AllenJohnson 1988).

Most outfitter-guide camps are located near meadows. The abundant grasses and forbs provide 

forage for the outfitter horses, mules, burros, or llamas. Small meadows surrounded by dense 

forest are susceptible to overgrazing. This has occurred in the past when stock were kept on 

these small meadows too long. The proposed action includes mitigation measures designed to 

reduce the grazing impact of outfitter-guide stock animals (Chapter 2). The measures listed in 

number 3 beginning on page 2-10 would be effective in mitigating potential effects since they 

would be part of the outfitter’s operating plans. Compliance would be required by the special 

use permit.

Some wildlife species would likely not find suitable forage or cover at overused sites. However, 

outside of localized sites the majority of these habitats receive little, if any, grazing pressure and 

retain the structure and ground cover necessary to provide wildlife habitat. During the habitat 

review in the Spanish Camp area in August 2000, it was found that the existing amount of 

recreational grazing use was, with a few notable exceptions, not significantly altering the 

structure or function of the high elevation meadows as food and cover for wildlife. Popular 

camp areas, such as the immediate areas around Spanish Camp cabin and Remmel Lake, had 

been grazed enough to reduce the cover value for ground nesting birds and small mammals. 

However, outside of these impacted sites and away from trails, meadows were in good to 
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excellent shape and showed little, if any, evidence of livestock grazing. Grasses and forbs 

provided both food and cover.

Environmental Consequences

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

Outfitter-guide stock would not graze in the analysis area. Use would continue by public stock 

users. The meadows around existing camp sites would likely continue to be used, but by fewer 

stock than in the past. There would be 43,465 pack and saddle stock visitor days in the analysis, 

which would be 5% lower than the current level. This alternative would result in a slight 

decrease in the amount of meadow habitat being grazed by livestock. Sites still showing 

evidence of past over-grazing would recover slightly quicker under this alternative. The overall 

amount of meadow habitat in the analysis area negatively impacted by livestock use would be 

small. Abundant habitat for mountain goats and other meadow-dependent wildlife away from 

these recreation sites, so ruffed grouse and beaver populations as a whole would be largely 

unaffected.

Alternative 2

Outfitter-guide livestock would continue to graze meadows near camp sites in the analysis area. 

There would be a total of 46,473 pack and saddle stock visitor days in the analysis area, and 

4,620, or 10% would be associated with the outfitter-guides. The Forest Plan amendment and 

mitigation for this alternative to reduce barren core 5,250 square feet would reduce impacts 

compared to existing conditions. Meadows adjacent to existing camps would continue to be 

grazed at approximately the same intensity as in the recent past. Impacts to meadow habitat 

would be limited to a few heavily used sites and occurring on a small portion of the landscape. 

Areas would be temporarily closed to grazing if needed. The amount of outfitter-guide use 

proposed in Alternative 2 would not significantly impact meadow habitat in the analysis area. A 

slow recovery of past heavy use by sheep and cattle should continue. Abundant habitat for 

mountain goats and other meadow-dependant wildlife away from these recreation sites, so 

populations as a whole would be largely unaffected.

Alternative 3

Outfitter-guide stock would continue to graze meadows near camp sites in the analysis area. 

The number of pack and saddle stock visitor days would be reduced to 44,533 or a 3% reduction 

from current levels. The Forest Plan amendment and mitigation for this alternative to reduce 

barren core 2,800 square feet and reduction of party size to 12 heartbeats reduce impacts to a 

slightly greater degree compared to Alternative 2 and to existing conditions. Meadows adjacent 

to existing camps would continue to be grazed but at decreased intensity from the recent past. 

Impacts to meadow habitat would be limited to a few heavily used sites and occurring on a small 

portion of the landscape. Abundant habitat for mountain goats and other meadow-dependant 

wildlife away from these recreation sites is available, so these species as a whole would be 

largely unaffected.
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Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Past Actions

Past activities in the analysis area that would affect meadow habitats include grazing by 

outfitter-guide livestock, grazing by general public stock, commercial livestock grazing, and 

wildfire suppression. Past recreational livestock use has been less than or equal to the present 

levels, however the lack of party size limitations resulted in some larger parties than have 

occurred since the Forest Plans were adopted. Historic grazing by sheep and cattle has been 

discussed. Past wildfire suppression may have reduced the amount of meadow habitat in the 

analysis area, since periodic fires can keep conifer trees from meadow encroachment. 

Conversely, some of the recent, large wildfires may have enlarged some meadows by killing 

encroaching conifers. It is not known how much this has affected meadow habitat in the 

analysis area.

Present Actions

Present activities in the analysis area that would affect meadow habitats include grazing by 

outfitter-guide livestock, grazing by general public stock, commercial livestock grazing, and 

wildfire suppression. There are several active, commercial livestock allotments in the analysis 

area. The Ramsey C & H (cattle and horse) allotment is in the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead portion of 

the analysis area. The Alta Coulee C & H allotment is in the Alta Lake portion of the analysis 

area. Parts of the Goat C & H allotment, parts of the Wolf C & H allotment, and Boulder C & H 

allotment are in the Upper Methow portion of the analysis area. Parts of the Newby C & H, 

Little Bridge C & H, Libby C & H, and Hunter McFarland C & H allotments are in the Middle 

Methow portion of the analysis area. A portion of the Buttermilk sheep and goat allotment is in 

the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and Middle Methow portion of the analysis area. Forage 

utilization by the cattle and sheep on these allotments is closely monitored to not remove more 

than 45% of the current annual growth of grasses/forbs. Managing wildfire for resource 

benefits is now an option in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas. 

Meadow enlargement, creation, or enhancement from wildfires is more likely to occur now than 

it was in the past.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Reasonably foreseeable future actions in the analysis area that may affect meadow habitats are 

a continuation of the present actions. Use of the analysis area, especially the North Cascades 

Highway Corridor, by private recreationists is predicted to increase. Managing wildfire for 

resource benefits would continue to be an option in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Wilderness Areas and may become an option in non-wilderness portions of the analysis area. 

Meadow enlargement, creation, or enhancement from wildfires is more likely to occur in the 

future than it was in the past.
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Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

When considered in conjunction with other activities affecting meadow habitat, each of the 

alternatives would potentially degrade habitat for mountain goats and other meadowdependent wildlife in and around campsites. Abundant habitat for mountain goats and other 

meadow-dependant wildlife away from these sites, so populations as a whole would be largely 

unaffected.

Consistency Statement

Each of the three alternatives considered in this project would be consistent with the 

Wenatchee Forest Plan for managing mountain goat habitats.

Elk

Regulatory Framework

Elk are a Management Indicator Species in the Wenatchee Forest Plan, however standards and 

guidelines specify that winter ranges on the portion of the analysis area on the Chelan Ranger 

District (all Wenatchee National Forest System Lands north of Highway 2) will be managed for 

mule deer (Wenatchee Forest Plan IV-114). Elk are rarely present in the portion of the analysis 

area on the Chelan Ranger District, and are not a management priority there. They will not be 

addressed further in this analysis. 

Consistency Statement

All alternatives would be consistent with management direction for elk.

LANDBIRDS

Regulatory Framework

The Landbird Strategic Plan (USDA Forest Service 2000a) set goals to provide habitat for 

sustainable landbird populations. The guidance in this document is to be considered in all 

Region 6 Forest Service actions. In addition, Executive Order 13186, Responsibilities of Federal 

Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds, requires proposed federal actions to be evaluated for 

effects on migratory birds. Landbird habitats that may be impacted by outfitter-guide activities 

are snags, meadows, and wetlands. The impacts to these habitats are addressed above in 

Primary Cavity Excavators, Ruffed Grouse and Beaver, and Mountain Goat sections.

Consistency Statement

Each of the three alternatives considered in this project would be consistent with the Landbird 

Strategic Plan and with Executive Order 13186. Habitat for landbirds would be affected in and 

around camps used by outfitted and non-outfitted pack and saddle stock, through loss of snag 

and downed wood debris habitat, trampling and loss of vegetation at trail crossings and 

watering sites, and grazing in meadows. The effects would be limited to a very small percentage 
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of the area (less than 0.5%), and abundant habitat would continue to exist away from camps, 

trails, and grazing areas. Populations as a whole would be largely unaffected.

LATE SUCCESSIONAL RESERVES

Regulatory Framework

The Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans were amended by the Northwest Forest Plan, which 

includes designation of late-successional reserves (LSR) and standards and guidelines for their 

management.

Affected Environment

There are 210,025 acres LSR in the analysis area. This includes portions of the Upper Methow, 

Twisp River, and Sawtooth LSRs.

Environmental Consequences

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

None of the alternatives would have any effect on LSRs or habitat since pack and saddle stock 

recreation would not result in any alteration of forest stands.

Consistency Statement

All alternatives would be consistent with the standards and guidelines for LSRs in the amended 

Forest Plans.
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ENDANGERED, THREATENED AND SENSITIVE SPECIES

The following list of endangered, threatened and sensitive wildlife species are known or 

suspected to occur in the analysis area.

Endangered or Threatened

gray wolf

lynx

grizzly bear

northern spotted owl

Designated Critical Habitat: northern spotted owl

Sensitive

California mtn. kingsnake

Columbian sharp-tailed 

grouse

common loon

eared grebe

ferruginous hawk

fisher

gray flycatcher

great gray owl

northwestern pond turtle

Pacific fringe-tailed bat

peregrine falcon

sandhill crane

sharptail snake

striped whipsnake

Townsend’s big-eared bat

upland sandpiper

Western gray squirrel

wolverine
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Endangered or Threatened

Gray Wolf

Regulatory Framework

Management guidance for gray wolves and their habitat is in Forest Service Manual 2670 and 

the Endangered Species Act, as amended. A biological assessment (BA) is required for all 

projects planned, funded, executed, or permitted by the USDA Forest Service (FSM 2672.4, 

USDA Forest Service 2005b). If the BA concludes that the project that may affect an endangered 

or threatened species, the Forest Service must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

There is no recovery plan for wolves in the state of Washington.

Affected Environment

Wolves are wide-ranging predators that utilize a wide variety of habitat types. To successfully 

inhabit an area they require a prey base of wild ungulates and freedom from persecution by 

humans (Fritts and Carbyn 1995). Gray wolves are known to occur on the Methow Valley 

District. In July 2008, 2 adult gray wolves were captured and radio-collared in the Lower 

Methow watershed. They were part of a group of wolves that were named the Lookout Pack. 

In addition, there have been credible but unconfirmed sightings in the analysis area for the last 

20 years. Mule deer are likely the main prey item for wolves in the analysis area since they are 

by far the most abundant ungulate. Moose, mountain goats, beavers, marmots, and other small 

mammals are probably preyed on also.

Gray wolves establish natal dens in late spring and use them for about two months. They then 

may move pups to one or more rendezvous sites and use them throughout the summer. 

Sensitivity to den site disturbance varies greatly among individual wolves (Joslin and Youmans 

1999). It is suspected that wolves colonizing a new area are more sensitive than those that 

belong to established packs that have inhabited an area for a few years or longer. Current 

outfitter-guide activities could disturb a wolf den or rendezvous site. However, disturbance 

would more likely be caused by use occurring off maintained trails and outside of popular areas 

since wolves tend to establish den and rendezvous sites in remote areas. There are no known 

den sites in the analysis area. The suspected den site for the Lookout Pack and one of it’s 

rendezvous sites is outside the analysis area.

Hunter misidentification of wolves as coyotes is not known to have happened in the North 

Cascades, but it is a possibility. If it were to occur it would most likely happen during big game 

hunting seasons in the fall. Deer hunting is regulated by the Washington Department of Fish 

and Wildlife. Hunting has not been identified as a limiting factor for deer herds in the analysis 

area. The proportion of deer hunters in the area that use an outfitter-guide is small.

Environmental Consequences

Potential effects of proposed outfitter-guide activities on wolves include:

disturbance to a natal den or rendezvous site;
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outfitter-guide hunting client accidentally or intentionally shooting;

reduction of prey availability due to outfitter-guide deer hunting clients.

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

There would be no stock-based outfitter-guide activities occurring in the analysis area. There 

would be a total of 219,441 visitor days in the analysis are, with 43,465 being pack and saddle 

stock. This would be an overall reduction of 1% from current levels, and a 5% reduction in pack 

and saddle stock visitor days. Alternative 1 would have “no effect” on the gray wolf.

Alternative 2

There would 46,473 pack and saddle stock visitor days in the analysis area; 4,620, or 10% of 

these would be associated with the outfitter-guides. The total number of all visitor days would 

be 222,429. This alternative would not result in any increases in motorized access or new trail 

construction. It would not result in unacceptable reductions to wolf prey species. The 

alternative includes a Forest Plan amendment that would limit barren core and mitigation 

measures that prohibit outfitter-guides from establishing new camps (1.f) and from creating 

new travel routes (1.l). The potential for disturbance to den or rendezvous sites would be low. 

To reduce the possibility of species misidentification, this alternative includes mitigation that 

would require the outfitter-guides to make clients aware of this issue and the consequences of 

shooting a wolf. This mitigation measure, number 6.b would be effective since it would be part 

of the operation plans, with compliance required by the special use permit. Alternative 2 “may 

effect, but would not likely adversely affect” the gray wolf.

Alternative 3

With implementation of this alternative, the total number of visitor days in the analysis area 

would be reduced to 220,489 – a 1% reduction from current levels. There would be 44,533 pack 

and saddle stock visitor days in the analysis area. This would be a 3% reduction of the current 

number. The proposed outfitter-guide activities would not result in any increases in motorized 

access or new trail construction. They would not result in unacceptable reductions to wolf prey 

species. The alternative includes a Forest Plan amendment that would limit barren core and 

mitigation measures that prohibit outfitter-guides from establishing new camps (1.f) and from 

creating new travel routes (1.l). The potential for disturbance to den or rendezvous sites would 

be low. To reduce the possibility of species misidentification, this alternative includes mitigation 

that would require the outfitter-guides to make clients aware of this issue and the 

consequences of shooting a wolf. This mitigation measure, number 6.b would be effective since 

it would be part of the operation plans, with compliance required by the special use permit. 

Alternative 3 “may effect, but would not likely adversely affect” the gray wolf.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundaries for the cumulative effects analysis are the Bear Management Units 

described in the grizzly bear analysis below. The temporal boundary is from early 1900s through 

2020, when the 10 year permits would expire.
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Past Actions

Past actions that may have affected gray wolves in the analysis area include shooting, trapping, 

or poisoning individual wolves, and human disturbance to a natal den or rendezvous sites.

Present and Foreseeable Future Actions

Present actions that may affect gray wolves in the analysis area include human disturbance to 

natal den or rendezvous sites and accidental or intentional shooting.

Alternative 1

Alternative 1 and all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions would have no 

cumulative effect on gray wolf.

Alternatives 2 and 3

When considered in conjunction with other activities affecting gray wolves, both Alternative 2 

and 3 may affect, but would not likely adversely affect gray wolves. Shooting, trapping, and 

harassing wolves are illegal in Washington. Disturbance to a den or rendezvous site is always a 

possibility on public lands. There are no known wolf den sites in the analysis area. If a wolf was 

discovered appropriate actions would be taken in consultation with other wildlife agencies.

Consistency Statement

Each of the three alternatives considered in this project would be consistent with Forest Service 

Manual 2670 (USDA Forest Service 2005b) and the Endangered Species Act, as amended. A 

Biological Assessment has been completed, and consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife 

Service is forthcoming. 

Grizzly Bear 

Regulatory Framework

Management guidance for grizzly bears and their habitat is in Forest Service Manual 2670 (USDA 

Forest Service 2005b) and the Endangered Species Act, as amended. A BA is prepared for all 

projects that are planned, funded, executed, or permitted by the USDA Forest Service (FSM 

2672.4). If the BA concludes that the project that may affect an endangered or threatened 

species, the Forest Service must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Grizzly Bear 

Recovery Plan (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1997) includes specific guidelines for managing 

grizzly bears and their habitat.

Affected Environment

The analysis area is within the North Cascades Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone. The number of 

grizzly bears in the 2,620,775 hectare recovery zone is estimated to be less than 50, possibly as 

few as 10-20 (Almack et al. 1993). There have been 5 confirmed reports of grizzly bears on the 

Methow Valley Ranger District; 2 in the Pasayten Wilderness and 3 in non-wilderness areas. 

There has been one confirmed report in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness on the Chelan 

side of the mountains.
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Grizzly bears enter winter dens in late October to November and emerge in late March to early 

May (IGBC 1987). In the North Cascades, grizzly bear denning habitat is suspected to be high 

elevation, steep, northerly aspect slopes that accumulate deep snow (Almack et al. 1993). 

There are no known grizzly bear den sites in the analysis area. Denning habitat was not 

identified as a limiting habitat component in the North Cascades recovery zone (Almack et al. 

1993). The current outfitter-guide activities do not occur during the bear denning season.

Hunter misidentification of a grizzly bear as a black bear is not known to have happened in the 

North Cascades, but it is a possibility. It has occurred in other grizzly bear recovery areas. If it 

were to occur it would most likely happen during big game hunting seasons in the fall. Several 

of existing outfitter-guides take hunters into the backcountry during the fall hunting seasons.

Current outfitter-guide activity in the analysis area provides potential for a bear/human 

interaction since camps are in the backcountry. On the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

all employees, permittees, contractors, and outfitter-guides are required to properly store all 

attractants while on the forests. 

The current pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities are not resulting in any structural 

habitat modifications or increases in motorized access. They also are not reducing grizzly bear 

foods. The potential impact of human disturbance to den sites is discountable due to the fact 

that the outfitter-guide activities occur outside the den season. The possibility of a hunter 

accidentally/intentionally shooting a grizzly for a black bear exists, but has been mitigated with 

educational efforts.

Environmental Consequences

Potential effects of outfitter-guide activities on grizzly bears include:

Human disturbance to a den or foraging site;

outfitter-guide hunting client accidentally or intentionally shooting a grizzly bear; and

bears accessing food or garbage at an outfitter backcountry camp and becoming food 

conditioned.

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

There would be no pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activity in the analysis area. 

Alternative 1 would have “no effect” on the grizzly bear.

Alternatives 2 and 3

Neither Alternative 2 nor Alternative 3 would result in any structural habitat modifications or 

increases in motorized access. They would not result in unacceptable reductions to bear prey 

species or forage items (see Ruffed Grouse and Beaver section above for effects to riparian 

habitat and Mountain Goat section above for effects to high elevation meadows). Outfitterguides would not be permitted to establish new camps or trails. The potential effects of human 

disturbance to den sites would be insignificant and discountable due to the fact that the 

outfitter-guide activity would occur outside the den season. Several of the outfitter-guides take 

hunters into the backcountry during the fall hunting seasons. To reduce the possibility of 
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species misidentification, these alternatives include mitigation that requires the outfitter/guides 

to make their clients aware of this issue, of the differences between black and grizzly bears, and 

the consequences of shooting a grizzly bear.

Outfitter-guide activity would provide potential for a bear/human interaction. The proposed 

permits include backcountry camping. To minimize the potential for bears to access human 

food, garbage or other attractants, these items are required to be stored in a bear-resistant 

manner (mitigation measures listed under #2, page 2-10). The potential for a bear getting into a 

backcountry camp and becoming food conditioned would be mitigated with the proper storage 

requirement. Alternatives 2 and 3 “may effect, but would not likely adversely affect” the grizzly 

bear.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundaries for the cumulative effects analysis are the Bear Management Units. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Past Actions

Past actions that may have affected grizzly bears in the analysis area include shooting, trapping, 

or poisoning individual bears, excessive livestock grazing activities, road and trail construction, 

and displacement from habitat due to human use of roads or trails.

Present Actions

Present actions that may affect grizzly bears include human disturbance to a den or foraging 

site, accidental or intentional shooting/trapping, timber sale activities, livestock grazing 

activities, accessing improperly stored food or garbage at camp sites, and displacement from 

habitat due to human use of roads or trails. Habitat displacement is measured by calculating 

the amount of core area in bear management units (BMU). Core area is any habitat that is more 

than 500 meters from a road or high use trail. Figure 3.4-2 indicates the amount of core area 

and the number of outfiitter-guide camps in each of the BMUs in the analysis area.

A BMU with more than 70% core area is considered to have a low level of human influence, 55 

to 70% is considered to have a moderate level, and less than 55% is a high level (Gaines et. al. 

2003). Seventy-four per cent of the camps are in BMUs with an otherwise low level of human 

influence.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.4-2. Number of Camps in Grizzly Bear Core Area, by BMU.

Bear Management 

Unit

Acres % Core Area # of Camps

Early Mid/Late

Ashnola 177,945 99 97 35

Granite Creek 148,665 88 84 5

Libby Creek 147,910 49 47 4

Lower Chelan 206,308 84 77 20

Lower Chewuch 194,880 41 41 0

Middle Methow 142,635 18 18 1

Pasayten 183,106 99 98 15

Salmon 73,976 44 34 0

Stehekin 107,289 99 97 0

Upper Chelan 227,250 97 87 21

Upper Chewuch 149,281 93 88 13

Upper Methow 227,353 64 42 20

Upper Toats 111,325 69 66 0

Upper Twisp River 156,966 67 66 14

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Foreseeable future actions that may affect grizzly bears include human disturbance to a den or 

foraging site, accidental or intentional shooting/trapping, timber sale activities, livestock grazing 

activities, accessing improperly stored food or garbage at camp sites, and displacement from 

habitat due to human use of roads or trails.

Alternative 1

Alternative 1 would have no cumulative effects with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable 

future actions on grizzly bears.

Alternatives 2 and 3

Alternatives 2 and 3 and all past, present, and foreseeable future actions may affect, but would 

not likely adversely affect grizzly bears and their habitat. Outfitter-guide use would not change 

the amount of core area. Shooting and trapping grizzly bears is illegal in Washington. Timber 

sale and grazing activities are regulated and planned to avoid or minimize and mitigate impacts 

to grizzly bears. There have been no reported incidents of grizzly bears getting into improperly 

stored food or garbage in the analysis area.

Consistency Statement

Each of the three alternatives considered would be consistent with Forest Service Manual 2670 

and the Endangered Species Act, as amended. A Biological Assessment has been completed, 

and consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is forthcoming. The proposed project 

would be consistent with the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-140 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Lynx

Regulatory Framework

Management guidance for lynx and their habitat is in Forest Service Manual 2670 (USDA Forest 

Sevice 2005b) and the Endangered Species Act, as amended. A BA must be prepared for all 

projects that are planned, funded, executed, or permitted by the USDA Forest Service (FSM 

2672.4). If the BA concludes that the project that may affect an endangered or threatened 

species, the Forest Service must consult with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Lynx 

Conservation Assessment and Strategy (Ruediger et al. 2000) includes specific guidelines for 

managing lynx and their habitat.

Affected Environment

Lynx are known to occur on the Methow Valley and Chelan Ranger Districts. Lynx inhabit mesic, 

coniferous forests that have cold snowy winters and provide a prey base of snowshoe hares 

(Ruggiero et al. 2000). On the east side of the Cascade Range lynx primarily inhabit subalpine fir, 

Engelmann spruce, and lodgepole pine forests. They also occur in cool, moist Douglas-fir types 

where they are interspersed with primary vegetation types (Ruediger et al. 2000). These forest 

types generally are found above 4,000 feet elevation. Lynx seem to prefer areas of low 

topographic relief (McKelvey et al. 2000, Apps 2000). Lynx distribution is linked to that of the 

snowshoe hare which require forests with low, dense, horizontal structure (Ruggiero et al. 

2000).

Most of the current pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities occur partly in lynx habitats 

except the Alta Lake portion of the analysis area. Effects of human disturbance to lynx has not 

been studied and is not known, but anecdotal observations recorded by some biologists indicate 

that lynx are tolerant of human disturbance (Mowat et al. 2000, Ruggiero et al. 2000).

Environmental Consequences

The potential effects of the proposed activities on lynx are the possibility of an outfitter-guide 

client accidentally or intentionally shooting a lynx. Hunter misidentification of a lynx as a bobcat 

occurred in October 1999 when a deer hunter shot and killed a lynx near Rainy Pass in the North 

Cascades Highway Corridor. If it were to occur in association with one of the proposed outfitter 

permits it would most likely happen during big game hunting seasons in the fall. Several of the 

proposed outfitter-guide permits include taking hunters into the backcountry during the fall 

hunting seasons.

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

There would be no pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activity in the analysis area. 

Alternative 1 would have “no effect” on lynx.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Alternatives 2 and 3

Neither Alternative 2 nor 3 would result in any structural habitat modifications or increases in 

motorized access. There would be no increase in groomed, over-the-snow routes. Neither 

alternative would result in reductions to lynx prey species. The possibility of a hunter 

accidentally/intentionally shooting a lynx for a bobcat would be mitigated with educational 

efforts. These alternatives would be consistent with the Lynx Conservation Assessment and 

Strategy. Alternatives 2 and 3 “may effect, but would not likely adversely affect” lynx.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundaries for the cumulative effects analysis are the Lynx Management Units. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Past Actions

Past actions that may have affected lynx in the analysis area include 

shooting/trapping/poisoning of individual lynx, excessive livestock grazing activities, timber sale 

activities, fire suppression, and the grooming of snowmobile/ski routes. Past livestock grazing 

may have negatively impacted snowshoe hares, the primary prey for lynx. Timber sale activities 

in lynx habitat have removed security cover for lynx and temporarily reduced snowshoe hare 

habitat. Fire suppression in lynx habitat prevented the development of good lynx/hare habitat 

that often occurs after wildfires. The grooming of snowmobile/ski routes has provided easy 

access into lynx habitat for other carnivores that may predate on or compete with lynx.

Present Actions

Present actions that may affect lynx include accidental shooting of individual lynx, timber sale 

activities, fire suppression, and the grooming of snowmobile/ski routes. Snowmobile use may 

impact lynx by providing a compacted snow surface that allows competing predators to access 

lynx habitat. There are 43 lynx analysis units (LAU) on the Methow Valley Ranger District 

portion of the analysis area and 40 of them have snowmobile route density of less than 1 

mi./sq.mi. This is considered a low level of human influence (Gaines et al. 2003). Present and 

future management activities are regulated by the Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy 

(Ruediger et al. 2000).

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Future foreseeable actions that may affect lynx include accidental shooting of individual lynx, 

timber sale activities, fire suppression, and the grooming of snowmobile/ski routes. Present and 

future management activities are regulated by the Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy 

(Ruediger et al. 2000).

Alternative 1

Alternative 1 would have no cumulative effects with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable 

future actions on lynx.

Alternatives 2 and 3

When considered in conjunction with other activities affecting lynx and their habitat, 

Alternatives 2, and 3 may affect, but would not likely adversely affect lynx.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Consistency Statement

Each of the three alternatives considered in this project would be consistent with Forest Service 

Manual 2670 (USDA Forest Service 2005b) and the Endangered Species Act, as amended. A 

Biological Assessment has been completed, and consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife 

Service is forthcoming. The proposed project would be consistent with the Lynx Conservation 

and Assessment Strategy.

Critical Habitat-Lynx

Some of the proposed outfitter-guide activities would occur in critical habitat for lynx. The 

activities proposed in the three alternatives would not alter any forested stands and thus would 

have no effect on proposed critical habitat for lynx.

Marbled Murrelet

Marbled murrelets have never been observed in the analysis area and there is no suitable 

habitat for them in the analysis area.

Environmental Consequences

Direct/Indirect/Cumulative Effects

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

Each of the alternatives would have “no effect” on the marbled murrelet.

Designated Critical Habitat-Marbled Murrelet

There is no designated critical habitat for marbled murrelets in the analysis area. All three 

alternatives would have no effect on marbled murrelet critical habitat.

Northern Spotted Owl

Regulatory Framework

Management guidance for northern spotted owls and their habitat is in Forest Service Manual 

2670 (USDA Forest Service 2005b) and the Endangered Species Act, as amended. A BA is 

prepared for all projects that are planned, funded, executed, or permitted by the USDA Forest 

Service (FSM 2672.4). If the BA contains a conclusion that the project that may affect an 

endangered or threatened species, the Forest Service consults with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife 

Service. The northern spotted owl recovery plan includes specific guidelines for managing 

northern spotted owls and their habitat.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Affected Environment

Northern spotted owls are known to occur on the Methow Valley and Chelan Ranger Districts. 

Suitable owl habitat in the analysis area is mixed conifer forest below 5,000 feet in elevation 

with large diameter trees, snags, and downed logs, decadence, high canopy closure, and a large 

proportion of Douglas-fir. The northern spotted owls in this area typically begin nesting in late 

March and young owls leave the nest by mid June.

Environmental Consequences

The Bear/Ramsey/Volstead portion of the analysis area is outside the range of the northern 

spotted owl. The Alta Lake portion contains no suitable habitat for the northern spotted owl. 

The only potential effect of the proposed activities on northern spotted owls would be from 

human disturbance to a nesting pair. None of the outfitters are likely to be active during the

spotted owl nesting period. In addition, the dense, decadent forested stands that typify spotted 

owl nesting habitat are not conducive to pack and saddle stock outfitting activities. Outfitterguides would not be allowed to establish new camps or trails. Most of the outfitter-guide camps 

are above 5,000 feet in elevation and therefore not in suitable habitat.

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

This alternative would have “no effect” on northern spotted owls.

Alternatives 2 and 3

These alternatives would not alter any vegetation and thus would have no effect on suitable owl 

habitat or on owl prey species. It is possible, but improbable, that some of the permitted 

activity could disturb a nesting pair of northern spotted owls. These two alternatives "may 

effect, but would not likely adversely affect" the northern spotted owl.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Other activities in the analysis area that affect northern spotted owls include disturbance to a 

nesting pair by recreationists or management activities and habitat loss from timber 

management activities.

Alternative 1

This alternative would have no cumulative effect on northern spotted owls.

Alternatives 2 and 3

When considered in conjunction with other past, present, and foreseeable future actions, these 

alternatives may affect, but would not likely adversely affect spotted owls or their habitat. Most 

recreational activities do not occur in the forest stand types that spotted owls utilize for nesting. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-144 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Timber and other management activities are planned and implemented to avoid or minimize 

and mitigate any impacts to northern spotted owls.

Consistency Statement

Each of the alternatives considered would be consistent with Forest Service Manual 2670 and 

the Endangered Species Act, as amended. A Biological Assessment has been completed, and 

consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is forthcoming. The proposed project would be 

consistent with the northern spotted owl recovery plan.

Designated Critical Habitat-Northern Spotted Owl

There are three critical habitat units in the analysis area: WA1, WA2, and WA3. The activities 

proposed in the three alternatives would not alter any forested stands and thus would have no 

effect on northern spotted owl critical habitat.

Sensitive Species

Regulatory Framework

Management guidance for all sensitive species and their habitat is in Forest Service Manual 2670 

(USDA Forest Service 2005b). A BA must be prepared for all projects that are planned, funded, 

executed, or permitted by the USDA Forest Service (FSM 2672.4). A determination of the level 

of impact the project might have on each species listed as sensitive by the Regional Forester 

must be made.

Affected Environment & Environmental Consequences

The proposed outfitter activities would not occur in or adjacent to habitat for California 

mountain kingsnake, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, eared grebe, ferruginous hawk, 

northwestern pond turtle, sandhill crane, and upland sandpiper. Sandhill cranes may migrate 

through the area, but there are no large, wet meadow complexes that are known to be used by 

sandhill cranes. All three alternatives of the proposed project would have “no impact” on any of 

these sensitive species. The proposed outfitter-guide activities could occur in areas inhabited by 

bald eagles, common loons, fisher, great gray owl, gray flycatcher, Pacific fringe-tailed bat, 

peregrine falcons, sharptail snake, striped whipsnake, Townsend’s big-eared bat, western gray 

squirrel, and wolverines. Since there would be no direct or indirect effects, there would be no 

cumulative effects.

Bald Eagle

Affected Environment

Bald eagles are known to occur in the Methow Valley. During winter they occur as individuals or 

in small groups along the Methow River from Winthrop down to the mouth and along the lower 

6-7 miles of the Chewuch River. The eagles tend to congregate in areas with road-killed or 

winter-killed deer, near livestock calving operations, and along open waters that contain fish. 

There are communal winter roosting areas on non-Forest lands adjacent to the Columbia River 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-145 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

near the mouth of the Methow River and along the lower Methow River. In the last few years, 

bald eagles have attempted to nest at 3 locations, at least, in the Methow Valley; all on private 

lands, one on the Methow River near the town of Methow, one on the Methow River near 

Winthrop, and one near Moccasin Lake, south of Winthrop. 

There are no known or suspected bald eagle nesting or roosting sites on Forest Service lands in 

the Methow Valley. The only known bald eagle use on Forest Service lands is on low elevation 

deer winter ranges where they scavenge on winter- or predator-killed deer remains. None of 

the proposed outfitter/guide activities would occur in these areas during winter when eagles are 

present. 

Environmental Consequences

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

The proposed activities would not occur near any known bald eagle use areas. They would have 

"no impact" on bald eagles.

Common Loon

Affected Environment

Common loons are known to occur in the analysis area. They inhabit freshwater lakes that are 

large enough to support fish, their primary food. To be suitable habitat for common loons, lakes 

also must be deep enough for loons to dive underwater to escape predators, and long enough 

for a loon to take flight (about 1⁄4 mi.) (DeGraaf et al. 1991). Loons nest on the ground close to 

the water on shore, on islands, sometimes on floating vegetation or muskrat lodges. Common 

loons have been observed in the recent past on Black Lake and Hidden Lakes in the Pasayten 

Wilderness. Successful nesting has not been confirmed at these lakes or anywhere else in the 

analysis area. Other lakes that may be suitable for loons are Surprise Lake in the Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness and Cub Lake in the Sawtooth Backcountry, but loons have not been 

observed at either.

Environmental Consequences

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

All three of the alternatives would have “no impact” on the common loon. The outfitter-guide 

activities would not disturb any known nesting sites nor alter any suitable habitat.

Fisher

Affected Environment

There are two trapping records of fishers on the Methow Valley Ranger District from the early 

1900s (Stinson and Lewis 1998). In addition, there have been unverified observations of 

individual fishers or tracks in the snow by Forest recreationists on both Districts. However, 

based on lack of recent confirmed sightings, the fisher is considered extirpated or reduced to 

scattered individuals in the State of Washington (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2004).

Fishers historically occurred on both sides of the Washington Cascades in low to mid elevation 

forests (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2004). They are opportunistic predators with a diverse 

diet that includes snowshoe hares, birds, rodents, reptiles, insects, carrion, and fruit. They need 

forests that provide abundant prey and low vulnerability to predators. They also have specific 

needs for natal denning and for resting spots (Powell and Zielinski 1994). The forest stand 

structures that provide these needs include large diameter trees with cavities and/or large 

platform-type branches, and large hollow logs. Late-successional forests provide the most 

suitable fisher habitat because they provide abundant potential den sites and preferred prey. 

Forest stands suitable for fisher habitat occur throughout the analysis area. Outfitter-guide 

activities do not alter forest stand structure except for the removal of snags and downed logs 

which are used for camp firewood when on overnight trips. Firewood collection predominantly 

occurs in and adjacent to camp sites. See the section above on primary cavity excavators for the 

discussion on effects to snags and downed logs.

Environmental Consequences

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

There would be no significant reduction of mature or old growth habitats under any of the three 

alternatives. Each of the three alternatives would have “no impact” on fishers.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Past actions that may have affected fishers include shooting/trapping/poisoning of individual 

fisher and timber management. Some forest management activities reduce habitat for fisher. 

Present and reasonably foreseeable future actions in the analysis area that may affect fisher 

include accidental shooting or trapping and timber management activities.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-147 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Alternative 1

This alternative would have no cumulative effect on the fisher.

Alternatives 2 and 3

When considered in conjunction with other activities affecting fishers and their habitat, these 

alternatives would have no impact on the fisher. Shooting and trapping fisher in Washington is 

illegal. Body-gripping traps are not allowed for any species in Washington. Timber and other 

Forest Service permitted management activities are now planned and implemented to avoid or 

minimize and mitigate impacts to fisher.

Gray Flycatcher

Affected Environment

Gray flycatchers are known to occur in suitable habitats on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National 

Forest. They inhabit tall sagebrush plains and arid, open pine forests (DeGraaf et al. 1991) and 

build nests 2 to 5 feet above ground in shrubs or trees (O’Neil et al. 2001). Their diet includes 

beetles, butterflies, grasshoppers, and moths (O’Neil et al. 2001). Their range in Washington 

appears to be expanding (O’Neil et al. 2001). There is suitable gray flycatcher habitat within the 

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead and Alta Lake portions of the analysis area.

Environmental Consequences

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Outfitter-guide activities would not alter gray flycatcher nesting habitat or foraging habitat. 

None of the outfitter-guide camps are in gray flycatcher habitat.

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

These three alternatives would have “no impact” on the gray flycatcher.

Great Gray Owl

Affected Environment

Great gray owls are known to occur on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Great gray 

owls commonly nest in mature to old-growth forests that provide nesting structures such as 

broken top snags, mistletoe brooms, or abandoned hawk or raven nests (Hayward and Verner 

1994). They forage in nearby meadows, bogs, clearcuts, or open forests for voles and pocket 

gophers (Hayward and Verner 1994). Prey abundance and the availability of existing nest sites 

appear to regulate great gray owl populations. Human disturbance has not been reported as an 

impact to great gray owls.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-148 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Forest stands and meadows that would be suitable great gray owl habitat occur in the analysis 

area, especially in the Spanish Camp area of the Pasayten Wilderness. Outfitter-guide activities 

do not alter forest stand structure other than the removal of some snags around camp sites for 

firewood (see Primary Cavity Excavators above). Livestock grazing associated with outfitterguides and their clients may impact habitat for rodents that great gray owls prey upon.

Environmental Consequences

Direct and Indirect Effects

It is possible that livestock grazing activities conducted by outfitter-guides or their clients near 

camps could reduce habitat suitability for great gray owl prey species. However, this occurs on 

such a small portion of the landscape that it is unlikely to be a substantial impact (see Ruffed 

Grouse and Beaver and Mountain Goat sections above).

Alternative 1

This alternative would have “no impact” on the great gray owl.

Alternatives 2 and 3

Alternatives 2 and 3 “may impact individual great gray owls, but are not likely to cause a trend 

toward Federal listing or a loss of population viability”.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Past Actions

Past actions in the analysis area that may have affected great gray owls include livestock grazing 

and timber management. Sheep grazing in the early 1900s in the analysis area may have 

impacted great gray owls by reducing habitat for the voles and pocket gophers they prey upon 

(see Mountain Goats above). Some timber management actions can reduce nesting and 

foraging habitat for great gray owls.

Present and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Present and reasonably foreseeable future actions in the analysis area that may affect great gray 

owls include livestock grazing and timber management actions.

Alternative 1

This alternative would have no cumulative effect on the great gray owl.

Alternatives 2 and 3

When considered in conjunction with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future 

actions, these 2 may impact individual great gray owls, but are not likely to cause a trend toward 

Federal listing or a loss of population viability. Timber and other Forest Service permitted 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-149 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

management activities are now planned and implemented to avoid or minimize and mitigate 

impacts to great gray owls.

Pacific Fringe-tailed Bat

Affected Environment

The Pacific fringe-tailed bat is known to occur on the Methow Valley Ranger District. Perkins 

(1989) found fringed-tailed bats near old mine shafts in the Hunter Mountain area, 

approximately 5 miles east of the analysis area. Fringed-tailed bats occupy arid grasslands and 

forests, including ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir dry forests (Nagorsen and Brigham 1993). 

Known elevation ranges for the species in British Columbia are between approximately 1,000 

feet and 2,600 feet elevation. Their known roosting habitat includes old buildings, bridges, rock 

crevices, caves, and mines (Christy and West 1993). They feed primarily on beetles and moths. 

There is suitable foraging habitat for fringe-tailed bats within the Alta Lake portion of the 

analysis area. They are not known to roost in the area but there is potentially suitable roosting 

habitat in the form of rock crevices.

Environmental Consequences

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

These alternatives would have “no impact” on the Pacific fringe-tailed bat. Outfitter-guide 

activities would not alter roosting or foraging habitat for Pacific fringe-tailed bats.

Peregrine Falcon

Affected Environment

Peregrine falcons are known to migrate across the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. They 

typically nest on sheer cliffs at least 150 feet tall with small caves or overhanging ledges and 

near water. Their diet consists mainly of birds that are taken in flight. Forage areas include a 

variety of habitats such as forests, marshes, and grasslands. A peregrine falcon nest has been 

located on the Goat Wall near Mazama, which is within the analysis area, but there are no pack 

and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities in that vicinity. Formal surveys of the most suitable 

nesting areas on the Methow Valley Ranger District were conducted in 1997 and again in 1999 

(Haggerty and Woodruff 1997). No other peregrine falcon activity was observed during these 

surveys.
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Environmental Consequences

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow and Lake Chelan 

Watersheds. The temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year 

permits would expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

All three alternatives would have “no impact” on the peregrine falcon. Pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide activity would not alter peregrine falcon habitat.

Sharptail Snake

Affected Environment

The sharptail snake is suspected to occur on portions of the Chelan Ranger District. They are a 

small, secretive snake that feed almost exclusively on slugs (Storm and Leonard 1995). It seems 

to prefer moist habitats and is found at elevations below 2,000 feet. There is only a small area 

of suitable sharptail snake habitat in the very southern portion of the analysis area. There are 

no outfitter-guide camps or other activities proposed to occur in sharptail snake habitat.

Environmental Consequences

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Lake Chelan Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

These alternatives would have “no impact” on the sharptail snake. The proposed alternatives 

would not alter any sharptail snake habitat.

Striped Whipsnake

Affected Environment

The striped whipsnake is suspected to occur on portions of the Chelan Ranger District. They are 

long, slender, and fast-moving snakes that are most abundant in areas with a diversity of lizards, 

their favorite prey (Storm and Leonard 1995). They occur in arid habitats below 2000 feet 

elevation. There is only a small area of suitable striped whipsnake habitat in the very southern 

portion of the analysis area. There are no outfitter-guide camps or other activities proposed to 

occur in striped whipsnake habitat.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Environmental Consequences

Direct/Indirect/Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Lake Chelan Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

These alternatives would have “no impact” on the striped whipsnake. The proposed 

alternatives would not alter any striped whipsnake habitat.

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat

Affected Environment

Townsend’s big-eared bats are known to occur on the Methow Valley Ranger District. A nursery 

colony was discovered in a warehouse at the Early Winters Forest Service administrative 

compound in 1997. About 70 Townsend’s big-eared bats were using this building. The colony 

has been closely monitored and protected from disturbance since then. There are several other 

known sites being used by Townsend’s big-eared bats on private lands in the Methow Valley. 

This species of bat is known to roost in old buildings, caves, and mines, and underneath bridges 

(Christy and West 1993). They are not known to roost in foliage, beneath loose bark, in snags, 

or in rock crevices (Christy and West 1993). They seem to require enough space to be able to 

hang upside down. They feed primarily on moths, and foraging habitat is open dry forests, 

meadows, and grasslands. There are no known roost sites in the analysis area. There is suitable 

foraging habitat within the analysis area and there are potential roosting sites in the form of a 

few old buildings and mine shafts.

Environmental Consequences

Direct/Indirect/Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

Alternative 1 would have no impact on the Townsend’s big-eared bat; there would be no change 

from the existing condition. Alternatives 2 and 3 would have “no impact” on the Townsend’s 

big-eared bat since the project would not alter any bat roosting habitat or effect the prey base.

Western Gray Squirrel

Affected Environment

Western gray squirrels are known to occur on the Methow Valley and Chelan Ranger Districts. 

There are no known records in the Methow portion of the analysis area however they may occur 
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in the very southern portion of the analysis area on the Chelan District. Western gray squirrels 

inhabit ponderosa pine forests and oak woodlands and forage on pine nuts, fir seeds, berries, 

bark, and hypogeous fungi (O’Neil et al. 2001). In the Chelan Basin they are present in areas the 

have walnut trees or bigleaf maple trees. They are largely arboreal.

Environmental Consequences

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow Watershed. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year permits would 

expire.

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

These alternatives would have “no impact” on the western gray squirrel. The proposed 

outfitter-guide activities would not alter any key features of western gray squirrel habitat.

Wolverine

Affected Environment

Wolverines are known to occur on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Wildlife biologists 

have recently radio-collared 6 wolverines in the analysis area. They have been found to use the 

Pasayten, North Cascades, Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, and Middle Methow areas. In 

addition, there have been highly reliable sightings from Forest visitors recently reported at 

several other locations on both the Methow and Chelan portions of the analysis area. 

Wolverines are uncommon inhabitants of subalpine habitats in western mountain ranges in the 

lower 48 United States (Aubry et al. 2007). They travel long distances and subsist on carrion and 

by predating on small to medium sized animals. Most of the proposed outfitter activities would 

occur in areas that may be inhabited by wolverine. In an analysis of wolverine habitat use in 

central Idaho, Copeland et al. (2007) found no relationship between wolverine presence and 

maintained trail systems. However, Copeland (1996) found wolverines to be very intolerant of 

human disturbance at maternal den sites. Wolverines give birth in natal dens from late 

February to March (Magoun and Copeland 1998). Wolverine denning habitat as described by 

Magoun and Copeland (1998) and Krebs (1999) exists within the analysis area.

Environmental Consequences

The potential effects of the proposed outfitter-guide activities on wolverines are the possibility 

of human disturbance to a mother with kits. Reproductive den habitats, as described by 

Magoun and Copeland (1998) are not typically sought out by pack and saddle stock outfitterguides. In addition, the wolverine reproductive denning season is considered to be February 

through April (Magoun and Copeland 1998). The proposed outfitter-guide activities would not 

occur until after this so disturbance is unlikely. 
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Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

Alternative 1 would have “no impact” on wolverine from pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides 

since no permits would be issued. 

Alternatives 2 and 3

These 2 alternatives “may impact individual wolverines, but is not likely to cause a trend toward 

Federal listing or a loss of population viability”. Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities 

would occur after the reproductive den season so disturbance would be unlikely.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis is the Methow and Lake Chelan 

Watersheds. The temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2020, when the 10 year 

permits would expire.

Past Actions

Past actions that may have affected wolverines in the analysis area include 

shooting/trapping/poisoning of individual wolverine, timber management, and disturbance to 

reproductive den sites by winter recreation activities. 

Present and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Present and reasonably foreseeable future actions in the analysis area that may affect wolverine 

include accidental shooting or trapping, timber management activities, and disturbance to 

reproductive den sites by winter recreation activities.

Alternative 1

Alternative 1 would have no cumulative effect on wolverines.

Alternatives 2 and 3

When considered in conjunction with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future 

actions, these 2 alternatives may impact individual wolverine, but are not likely to cause a trend 

toward Federal listing or a loss of population viability. Shooting and trapping wolverine in 

Washington is illegal. Timber and other Forest Service permitted management activities are 

now planned and implemented to avoid or minimize and mitigate impacts to wolverines. The 

core area analysis for grizzly bear BMUs is an appropriate evaluation of human disturbance to 

wolverines (Gaines et al. 2003). Outfitter-guide activities would not change core areas.

Consistency Statement for Sensitive Species

Each of the three alternatives considered in this project would be consistent with Forest Service 

Manual 2670. None of the alternatives would cause a trend toward Federal listing or a loss of 

population viability for sensitive species.
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3.5 WATER RESOURCES

The section below is a summary of the Water Resources specialist report which is available in 

the project analysis file (Bennett 2008).

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Both the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans (USDA Forest Service 1989b and 1990) provide 

direction for the proposed action. The Record of Decision and Environmental Impact Statement

for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within 

the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (Northwest Forest Plan, USDA and USDI 1994); and 

Decision Notice and Environmental Assessment for the Interim Strategies for Managing Fishproducing Watersheds in Eastern Oregon and Washington, Idaho, and Portions of California 

(PACFISH, USDA and USDI 1995) amended the Forest Plans.

The Okanogan Forest Plan desired condition for water (page 4-5) includes:

Areas allocated to Wilderness will remain essentially unchanged, modified only by natural 

processes.

Forest soil productivity will be maintained. Water yield and quality will be substantially the 

same.

The Wenatchee Forest Plan goal for water resource management (page IV-57) includes:

Maintain favorable conditions of streamflow in regards to water quality, quantity, and 

timing of flows.

Meet or exceed Federal and Washington State water quality standards.

The proposed action and alternatives, which include the design criteria and mitigation measures 

described in Chapter 2, were designed to be consistent with standards and guidelines from the 

Forest Plans, as amended. All the mitigation measures are considered Best Management 

Practices (BMP, 40 CFR 130.2, EPA Water Quality Standards Regulation). The standards and 

guidelines that apply to this project include:

Okanogan Forest Plan, Soil and Water (page 4-45)

13-2 All activities shall comply with state requirements for the protection of waters through 

planning, application, and monitoring of BMPs.

13-3 In cooperation with the state, the Forest shall use the following process:

1. Select and design BMPs based on site-specific conditions, technical, economic, and 

institutional feasibility, and the water quality standards for those waters potentially 

impacted.

2. Implement and enforce BMPs.

3. Monitor to ensure that practices are correctly applied as designed.

4. Monitor to determine the effectiveness of practices in meeting design expectations and 

in attaining water quality standards.

5. Evaluate monitoring results and mitigate where necessary to minimize impacts from 

activities where BMPs do not perform as expected.
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6. Adjust BMP design standards and application when it is found that beneficial uses are 

not being protected and water quality standards are not being achieved to the desired 

level. Evaluate the appropriateness of water quality criteria for reasonably assuring 

protection of beneficial uses. Consider recommending adjustment of water quality 

standards.

In wilderness areas:

MA15B-13A (page 4-96)

Soil compaction from human activities should not prevent natural plant establishment and 

growth except at some campsites, administrative facilities, and in designated tread.

MA15B-13B (page 4-96)

Human activities should not degrade water quality except for temporary changes where water 

quality returns to its normal level when the activity ceases.

Wenatchee Forest Plan, Water (page IV-94)

Protection of water quality (see above Okanogan Forest Standard and Guideline 13-3, items 1 

through 6).

Figure 3.5-1. Physical-Biological Standards for Water In Wilderness areas

Wilderness Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Physical-Biological Standards

for Water

Primitive There should be no change in water quality except 

for temporary changes that return to normal when 

activity ceases.

Semi-Primitive There should be no change in water quality except 

for temporary changes that return to normal when 

activity ceases.

The Clean Water Act, as amended in 1977, 1982, and 1987

The primary objective of this Act is to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation’s waters. 

The Clean Water Act requires each state to develop water quality standards. Water bodies that 

do not meet established standards are identified in the 303(d) list, which is prepared 

periodically. Each state also prepares a non-degradation policy for all waters that exceed 

standards. This policy protects these waters from any further degradation. None of the water 

resources in the analysis area are listed for fecal coliform on the 2004 Washington State 303(d) 

list. Within the analysis area water temperature is listed for the Methow River. The impaired 

waters are near Pateros, Washington; the closest proposed action would be several miles away 

near Alta Lake.

The Forest Service responsibilities under the Clean Water Act are defined in a November, 2000 

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Ecology and the Forest 

Service. The MOU designates the Forest Service as the management agency for the State on 

National Forest System lands. This means that the Forest Service is responsible for defining and 

implementing appropriate Best Management Practices (BMP) for National Forest land. 

Mitigation measures were developed by the IDT for this project and incorporate BMPs. 

Mitigation measures are identified in Chapter 2. 
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Throughout this analysis, the best available science was incorporated to describe the ecological 

and social conditions within the analysis area, and the potential effects of the proposed 

outfitter-guide use on resources and people.

ANALYSIS METHOD

Information used to establish baseline conditions and desired future conditions for hydrology, 

erosion rates, and runoff came from several sources. These sources include field observations, 

stream inventories, watershed assessments, stream flow data, and an erosion prediction model. 

Fecal coliform levels are estimated by using FECALTOOL (US Environmental Protection Agency 

2000). The best available information and science was considered and used for this analysis.

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Hydrology

Annual runoff is related to precipitation. Much of the annual precipitation falls as snow, 

although rain falls May through September. Peak runoff generally follows snowmelt patterns. 

Snow accumulates in the late fall, winter and early spring. The accumulated snow usually peaks 

in April. It melts rapidly in late May or early June and generates peak stream flows. Snow melt 

continues to provide most stream flow until early August when base flows supply all the flow 

which continues into the following spring. Base flows become part of the stream flow in July, 

increasing in percentage of the flow until it is most or all of the surface flow through the fall and 

winter. Base flows are supplied by shallow ground water moving into streams. Winter rain-onsnow floods could increase late fall or winter stream flow, however these events have a low risk 

of occurrence. Temperatures of wintertime snowstorms rarely increase to above freezing, 

which is necessary for rain-on-snow events. Lower elevation sites like Alta Lake and the 

Bear/Ramsey area have less seasonal snowfall and earlier snowmelt, generating lower peak 

flows and less base flow. Many streams in these units are intermittent.

Stream reaches in much of the wilderness are slightly to moderately entrenched in deep glacialfluvial outwash or glacial till plastered on steep hillsides. Some hillsides have little glacial till and 

streams flow primarily on exposed bedrock. Residual rounded rocks are common in the largest 

streams. Sediment is moved quickly through steep reaches during high flow periods. Late 

season flow is supplied by subsurface flow through the riparian areas associated with each 

stream. The larger, downstream channels have organic debris in the stream composed of small 

trees and other woody debris. Woody material may be partially or almost entirely buried or 

captured in wood debris jams. Some of this surface material moves downstream with each 

large flood, eventually reaching river systems.

Stream flow from steep gradient streams is seasonal, peaking in the spring snowmelt and drying 

July through September. Riparian areas along these intermittent channels are relatively narrow, 

and do not sustain extended periods of stream flow. These streams are high energy due to high 

stream gradient, and may be associated with debris avalanches or failures. Large amounts of 

sediment move through these systems.

Other upper reaches in thicker glacial till have stream channels that are slightly to moderately 

entrenched. Stream gradients are low and riparian areas wider with sustained stream flow 
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throughout the year. These streams are sustained by ground water from areas next to streams 

and seeps and springs, not necessarily adjacent to streams. Sediment is readily stored in stream 

channels; lower stream energy limits sediment movement. Smaller streams in low elevation 

sites like Alta Lake and the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area have narrow to almost non-existent 

riparian areas, so these streams have little to no base flow entering the stream. These 

intermittent streams are dry most of the year.

Fire History

Fire history is an integral process in sediment movement to the stream and can influence how 

sediment is transported in the stream channel. Fire changes vegetation characteristics and 

reduces soil cover in the short term, increasing the rate of erosion that contributes to the 

sediment loads in the stream. Sediment delivery is by increased by higher rates of debris 

failures and surface erosion, so more sediment enters the streams and rivers, especially in 

wilderness and Upper Methow areas. Fires also kill trees adjacent to stream, and some of the 

trees fall into the stream where individual trees or groups of trees raise the stream base level 

and sediment deposition occurs.

Stream reaches with low stream gradients, low flows, and stream energy, as at Alta Lake and 

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead areas, store hillside sediments which move slowly through the stream 

reaches. Vegetation is scarce and no large woody debris occurs in these streams. In these 

areas, lower precipitation and higher temperatures influence the frequency and intensity of 

wildfires. Natural fire return intervals are shorter and fires would burn with lower intensity 

because under natural conditions, fuel loads were low.

Large fires burned in the 1920s and again over the last ten years. The Rex and Deer Point Fires 

burned over 100,000 acres of the Chelan side of the Sawtooth Range in 2001. The Thirtymile 

Fire also burned in 2001 into the lower portion of the Pasayten area. In the 2003 Farewell Creek 

fire burned over 80,000 acres, in parts of the Pasayten and Upper Methow area. Most of the 

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area burned with the Tripod Fire in 2006. In fire areas, erosion rates are 

higher where past intense sheep grazing occurred. In higher elevations and wetter areas of the 

watersheds, fire intervals are longer than the fire protection has occurred, so sediment 

depositional rates are probably within their historic range of occurrence.

Grazing History

Sheep grazing and bedding patterns from the first half of the twentieth century continue to 

impact streams, riparian areas, and adjacent slopes in the Pasayten, Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, and 

North Cascades areas. Limited wet areas, associated with streams, lakes or seeps were 

compacted and vegetative composition was changed on some locations where heavy grazing 

occurred. Streambanks along wet area/ponds in the Pasayten still show the impact of heavy 

sheep grazing. In undisturbed conditions, banks and vegetation root masses generally overhung 

the water. When large numbers of sheep accessed water, streambanks were trampled and 

became void of vegetation. The annual rising and falling water levels, along with the harsh 

weather conditions contributed to the degraded situation. Overhanging vegetation will likely 

take many decades to re-establish, because growing seasons are harsh and short.

In the mid 1950s the type of livestock grazed changed from sheep to cattle. Herding was not as 

intense, cattle numbers were lower than previous sheep numbers, and the type of grazing 
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changed. More vegetation was left. The larger cattle did generate more impacts in the wettest 

areas because cattle have larger hooves and weigh more than sheep. 

Domestic livestock and recreational livestock grazing have caused local changes to streams and 

wetlands. At trail-stream crossings, stream banks are broken down because of the traffic at a 

single location. Since these trails are also use by hikers and in some limited areas, trail bikes, 

some of the impact is due to those uses. There may be a slight increase in stream 

sedimentation at some of these locations, but the sedimentation contribution from the 

damaged section of stream banks is not detectable compared to in-stream bank erosion. More 

noticeable stream sedimentation may come from trail erosion as water drains down the trail 

during high intensity rainstorms and empties into the stream at crossings. Fecal coliform levels 

near these crossings may be elevated during snowmelt and rainstorms as horse manure is 

washed down the trail and into the stream.

Location of Trails

Pack and saddle stock on trails also change the character of wetlands. Wetlands occur in all 

areas, except the lower elevation areas of Alta Lake and Bear/Ramsey/Volstead. Trails passing 

though wetlands are usually impacted; water tends to migrate to the slightly lower elevation of 

the trail. This occurs even during some drying periods where the trail is lower than the wetland 

surface. The amount of water in the trail during much of the use period often leads to a muddy 

situation where livestock and hikers may have difficulty getting through the wetland. When 

users re-negotiate the wettest areas, they create other user-made trails that increase the impact 

area. Users may also widen and deepen the impacted area. Water may begin to flow as a 

stream through the wetland, where the water eventually infiltrated into the soil. The net effect 

is that water leaves the wetland faster than before. Since these wetlands contribute to late 

season flows in down slope streams, the change in the wetland may reduce late season flows in 

nearby downstream locations. The relative impact on the wetlands in all the areas is low 

because the affected wetlands are a small portion of the total wetlands. The affected wetlands 

are noticeable because they are near areas of human visits.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Direct and Indirect Effects

Effects Common to All Alternatives

Stream Sedimentation

Pack and saddle stock, including outfitted and non-outfitted stock, would continue to slightly 

increase sedimentation. It would not be detectable compared to ongoing channel and hill slope 

erosion, except at the point of disturbance in the stream channel. There would be no 

detectable difference in stream sedimentation between alternatives across the analysis area. 

Stream turbidity is not expected to change under any of the alternatives, because the 

suspended sediment would not change.

State 303(d) List Implications (water temperature)

No new created openings would occur in riparian or other areas in any alternative. Water 

temperature in the Methow River would not change from current levels with any alternative.
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Stream Flow

No changes in stream flow would occur in any alternative from these actions. Peak flow or low 

flow levels would remain constant.

Trails

The overall condition trend for trails is stable. Trails would remain in the current condition 

under current use patterns. The extent of impacted streams and wetlands would be small 

compared to the total amount of wetlands and other riparian areas.

Alternative 1

Alternative 1 would have no outfitter-guide user days; resulting in a 5% reduction in stock use 

from existing conditions. There would be a total of 219,441 visitor days. Any fecal coliform 

would be from private pack and saddle stock and background (e.g. hikers or wildlife). 

Reductions in total fecal coliform levels would be immeasurably small due to the slight 

reduction compared to current levels. There would continue to be some public use areas where 

stock use might result in locally higher fecal coliform levels. This would occur on a limited basis 

compared to the analysis area as a whole. Along streams, dilution by streamflow would keep 

fecal coliform levels well below any state water quality standards. In addition, the relatively 

harsh environment (low water temperature) is not conducive to fecal coliform survival. There 

are several 36 CFR order prohibitions for the protection of water resources that apply with this 

alternative. With this alternative there would be no known detrimental fecal coliform bacteria 

levels. Overall, there would be no detectable fecal coliform levels in waters leaving each portion 

of the analysis area.

Alternative 2

Alternative 2 would have 222,429 visitor days across the analysis area. Of these days, 4,620 

would be associated with pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides. Fecal coliform levels would be 

from both permitted and non-permitted stock use and background (e.g. hikers or wildlife). With 

this alternative, at assigned sites (outfitters only) and other high use camps (outfitters and 

public), there would continue to be areas where stock use might result in locally higher fecal 

coliform levels. This would occur on a limited basis compared to the analysis area as a whole. 

Along streams, dilution by streamflow would keep fecal coliform levels well below any state 

water quality standards. In addition, the relatively harsh environment (low water temperature) 

is not conducive to fecal coliform survival. 

The Forest Plan amendment to limit the amount of barren core area pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guides could use (5,250 square feet) would indirectly benefit water resources by 

limiting camp impact areas. The Best Management Practices (BMP) included in the mitigation 

measures in Chapter 2 (refer to measures listed under 2, 3, 5, and 7) would also provide water 

resource benefits. They would be effective since they would be included in the operating plan, 

with compliance required by the special use permit. With this alternative there are no known 

detrimental fecal coliform bacteria levels and there would be no detectable fecal coliform levels 

in waters leaving each portion of the analysis area.
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Alternative 3

Alternative 3 would have 220,489 visitor days across the analysis area. Of these days, 2,660 

would be associated with pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides. Fecal coliform levels would be 

from both permitted and non-permitted stock use and background (e.g. hikers or wildlife). Fecal 

coliform levels would be less than Alternative 2 but greater than Alternative 1, however the 

difference would be slight. With this alternative, at assigned sites (outfitters only) and other 

high use camps (outfitters and public), there would continue to be areas where stock use might 

result in locally higher fecal coliform levels. This would occur on a limited basis compared to the 

analysis area as a whole. Along streams, dilution by streamflow would keep fecal coliform levels 

well below any state water quality standards. In addition, the relatively harsh environment (low 

water temperature) is not conducive to fecal coliform survival. 

The Forest Plan amendment to limit the amount of barren core pack and saddle stock outfitterguides are allowed to use, and the amendment to reduce the party size would indirectly benefit 

water resources by limiting camp impact areas, to a greater degree than Alternative 2. The Best 

Management Practices (BMP) included in the mitigation measures in Chapter 2 (refer to 

measures listed under 2, 3, 5, and 7) would also provide water resource benefits. They would be 

effective since they would be included in the operating plan, with compliance required by the 

special use permit. With this alternative there are no known detrimental fecal coliform bacteria 

levels. Overall, there would be no detectable fecal coliform levels in waters leaving each portion 

of the analysis area.

Cumulative Effects

Past, present, and foreseeable future actions in or near the analysis area are listed at the 

beginning of this chapter The spatial boundary for this cumulative effects analysis is the entire 

Methow and Lake Chelan watersheds. The temporal boundary is the early 1900s through 2020, 

when the 10 year special use permits would expire. Those past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future action that continue to affect hydrology are summarized below. All other 

actions would not contribute to cumulative effects. 

Past Actions

Grazing - Residual effect from livestock grazing throughout the twentieth century continue to 

impact streams, riparian areas, and adjacent slopes in the Pasayten, Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, and 

Upper Methow areas. Limited wet areas, associated with streams, lakes or seeps were 

compacted and vegetative composition was changed on some locations where heavy grazing 

occurred. Streambanks along wet area/ponds in the Pasayten still show the impact of heavy 

sheep grazing. In undisturbed conditions, banks and vegetation root masses generally overhung 

the water. When large numbers of sheep accessed water, streambanks were trampled and 

became void of vegetation. The annual rising and falling water levels, along with the harsh 

weather conditions contributed to the degraded situation. Overhanging vegetation will likely 

take many decades to re-establish, because growing seasons are harsh and short. The shift to 

cattle in the mid-1950s impacted more wetlands since cattle have larger hooves and weigh 

more than sheep. 

Present Actions

Trail Conditions and Use - Domestic livestock and recreational livestock grazing have caused 

local changes to streams and wetlands. At trail-stream crossings, stream banks are broken 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

down because of the traffic at a single location. These damaged crossings may cause a slight 

increase in stream sedimentation, but the sedimentation contribution from the damaged 

section of stream banks is not detectable compared to in-stream bank erosion. More noticeable 

stream sedimentation may come from trail erosion as water drains down the trail during high 

intensity rainstorms and empties into the stream at crossings. Fecal coliform levels near these 

crossings may be elevated during snowmelt and rainstorms as horse manure is washed down 

the trail and into the stream.

Recreation Use - Dispersed human use across the analysis areas would continue with camping 

and walking near streams. Most humans use small shovels to bury human waste and keep it 

from being leached by precipitation or eroded into streams by overland flow erosion. No 

detrimental effects would occur from these activities.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Non-outfitted Recreation Use: The amount of recreation use on the Tonasket, Methow Valley, 

and Chelan Ranger Districts is expected to increase over the next ten years. The projected 

increases in use may contribute to higher fecal coliform levels or stream sedimentation in local 

areas where the use is the highest.

Other Actions: Trail maintenance and construction will continue at levels similar to the past five 

years. Developed campgrounds in the analysis area would remain open, with facilities 

maintained. Campground maintenance activities, such as building maintenance, cleaning, water 

system maintenance, hazard tree removal, and road maintenance would continue. These 

activities will not increase fecal coliform bacteria or stream sedimentation.

Grazing in the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area would continue. No other livestock grazing is 

anticipated in the Pasayten or Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas, the Sawtooth 

Backcountry, or the North Cascades Scenic Highway corridor. These activities will not increase 

fecal coliform bacteria or stream sedimentation. 

Limited controlled burning would occur outside the wilderness areas and the high elevation 

areas such as non-wilderness portion of the Sawtooth Range, North Cascades Highway Corridor, 

and Upper Methow areas. Controlled burns are normally of low intensity. Where the burning 

occurs, it would not add to fecal coliform bacteria levels in surface water. Wildfire may also 

occur throughout any of the analysis areas, but would not increase the fecal coliform bacteria 

level in stream flow or wetlands. Fire suppression activities such as fire line construction would 

likely occur with a wild fire. Rehabilitation occurs to divert surface water off the constructed 

firelines. These activities will not increase fecal coliform bacteria or stream sedimentation. 

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

There would be no cumulative effect on fecal coliform levels from all past, present, and 

reasonably foreseeable future actions and any of the alternatives considered in this analysis. 

There are no current 303(d) listings on the Methow River for fecal coliform. Additionally, none 

of the proposed actions or alternatives would have a cumulative effect on water temperature 

and therefore no effect on the existing 303(d) listing for the Methow River at Pateros, 

Washington.
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CONSISTENCY STATEMENT

The Best Management Practices (mitigation measures) listed in Chapter 2 were used to ensure 

that all of the alternatives are consistent with the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans as 

amended by the Northwest Forest Plan and PACFISH. The proposed Forest Plan amendment for 

Alternatives 2 or 3 would provide water resource benefit by limiting camp impact areas.

Clean Water Act

A segment of the Methow River near Pateros, Washington, is listed on the 303(d) list as 

impaired for water temperature. The impaired segment of river is well downstream of much of 

the analysis area. Alta Lake is closest with a predominance of day use that is three miles from 

Pateros. Issuance of outfitter-guide special use permits would not have an effect on stream 

temperature on this localized reach or at the 6th or 5th HUC scale. Therefore, this project would 

be consistent with the Clean Water Act.

3.6 AQUATIC RESOURCES

The section below is a summary of the Aquatic Resources Report which is available in the 

project analysis file (Shull, 2010).

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 

The Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans provides direction for the outfitter guide analysis 

area (USDA Forest Service 1989b and 1990). The desired condition is to for habitat that supports 

fish rearing, spawning, and migration will be in an improved state (Okanogan Plan USDA Forest 

Service 1989 page 4-5) and to maintain excellent water quality and provide the structural 

stream components necessary for diverse, high quality aquatic habitat for native anadromous 

and resident fish species (Wenatchee Plan USDA Forest Service 1990a:IV-9). Fish habitat 

management objectives that apply to this project are: to maintain and improve fish habitat 

capability, and integrate fish and riparian habitat management into other multiple use activities. 

Pertinent goals to the proposed activity under the Okanogan Plan are for fish habitat to be 

managed to maintain or enhance its biological, chemical, and physical qualities. The structural 

and functional properties of aquatic systems will be managed to promote bank and channel 

stability and riparian areas will be managed to provide a continuing supply of large wood for fish 

habitat (USDA Forest Service 1989 page 4-2). Under the Wenatchee Plan, the goals include fish 

habitat, quantity and quality, be at least maintained at existing levels and both the availability 

and quality of habitat should show an increasing trend. The primary objective for riparian areas 

is to maintain and enhance longterm productivity to provide for riparian dependent resources 

including water quality and fish (USDA Forest Service 1990a:IV-40 & 41). 

Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines that apply to this project 

include: 1) maintaining adequate vegetation along streambanks to provide bank stability; 2) 

maintain low fine sediment levels (<20% surface fines); 3) manage activities to not result in 
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exceeding current Washington State water quality standards; 4) maintain wood levels >100 

large pieces/mile (USDA Forest Service 1989 pg 4-30 -32 & 1990a:IV-84 to IV-88).

The Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) amended the Forest Plan in 1994 (USDA and USDI 1994). The 

NWFP included an Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) with four components: Riparian 

Reserves, Key Watersheds, Watershed Analysis, and Watershed Restoration. In addition the ACS 

includes nine objectives to guide management of National Forest Lands at the watershed scale 

that focus on maintaining and/or improving conditions and processes associated with streams 

and adjacent riparian areas (see Appendix L for complete list). Standard and Guidelines in the 

NWFP for Riparian Reserves of particular relevance to the outfitter guide project include: adjust 

or eliminate grazing [pack animals] practices to eliminate impacts that reduce or prevent 

attainment of ACS objectives; ensure existing livestock [packstock] facilities inside Riparian 

Reserves meet ACS objectives; limit livestock [pack animals] trailing, bedding, watering, loading, 

and other handling efforts to those areas and times that will ensure ACS objectives are met; 

adjust or eliminate dispersed recreation practices that reduce or prevent attainment of ACS 

objectives and where adjustment measures are not effective, eliminate the practice or 

occupancy (USDA and USDI 1994:C-31 to C-33). All the watershed analyses reviewed for the 

analysis area were reviewed and none in the NFP area identified the existing outfitter guide 

activity as an issue. 

The Decision Notice and Environmental Assessment for the Interim Strategies for Managing 

Fish-producing Watersheds in Eastern Oregon and Washington, Idaho, and Portions of California 

(PACFISH, USDA and USDI 1995) amended the Okanogan Forest Plan in 1995. The PACFISH 

includes five components directing management of riparian areas: Riparian Habitat 

Conservation Areas (RHCAs), Riparian Goals, Riparian Management Objectives (RMOs), Key 

Watersheds, and Watershed Analysis. The RMOs includes eight objectives to guide 

management of National Forest Lands at the watershed scale that focus on maintaining and/or 

improving conditions and processes associated with streams and adjacent riparian. Standard 

and Guidelines in the PACFISH area for RHCAs of particular relevance to the outfitter guide 

project include: limiting livestock [packstock] trailing, bedding, watering, salting, loading, and 

other handling efforts to those areas and times that will not reduce or prevent attainment of 

RMOs or adversely affect listed anadromous fish; prohibit fuel wood cutting in Riparian Habitat 

Conservation Areas; design, construct, and operate recreation facilities, including trails and 

dispersed sites, in a manner that does not reduce or prevent attainment of the RMOs and avoids 

adverse effects on listed anadromous fish; adjust dispersed and developed recreation a 

practices that reduce or prevent attainment of RMOs and adverse affect listed anadromous fish; 

address attainment of RMOs and potential effect on listed anadromous fish and designated 

critical habitat in wild and scenic rivers, wilderness, and other recreation management plans. All 

the watershed analyses for the analysis area were reviewed to find if any included commercial 

outfitter use as an issue. Only one area had a documented issue with outfitter guide activities 

and that was along Toats Coulee Creek in the Sinlahekin Creek 5th field watershed (See Fisheries 

report for details). 

As part of the overall ACS and the PACFISH guidelines, Key Watersheds were established to act 

as refugia and provide high quality habitat for aquatic species. Priorities within these Key 

Watershed includes maintaining and recovering at-risk fish stocks (USDA and USDI 1994:B-19 

and USDA and USDI 1995 C-19). The analysis area lies within Upper Chewuch, Lower Chewuch, 

Upper Methow, Middle Methow, Lower Methow, Twisp, and Lost River 5th field watersheds. 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

These watersheds are Tier 1 Key Watersheds within the NFP boundary. In the PACFISH 

boundary, the analysis area includes four 5th field Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) watersheds: 

Upper Chewuch River, Lower Chewuch River, Middle Methow River, and the Lower Methow 

River. These watersheds contain fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and 

are considered to be PACFISH Key Watersheds. All of these Key Watersheds contribute directly 

to the conservation of at-risk anadromous salmonids, bull trout, and resident fish species (See 

fish report for more details).

The Endangered Species Act, Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plan direction, and the 

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require that consultation be 

completed with respect to effects of proposed activities on Endangered, Threatened, Critical 

Habitat, and Essential Fish Habitat. The NFMA directs the Forest Service to analyze effects of 

projects on Management Indicator Species identified in the Forest Plan, and to maintain viable 

populations of Sensitive species identified by the Regional Forester. The species and habitat of 

concern in the outfitter guide project are described later in this section. Consultation was 

conducted with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) prior to issuance of the FEIS and ROD 

for the project. 

ANALYSIS METHODS

Information used to establish the baseline conditions for aquatic and riparian habitat, fish 

population trends, and their distribution came from several sources including field observations, 

stream, lake, and fish distribution inventories, and watershed analyses/assessments. Most 

information is from the last decade. Through this analysis, the best available information and 

science was considered and used.

Habitat surveys were completed for major fish bearing streams in nearly all the 5th field 

watersheds included in the analysis area, exceptions are the small piece of the Lower Silkameen 

River and the Ashnola River. Data for small fish bearing streams and non-fish bearing streams is 

limited due to the remoteness and difficulty of access in the backcountry. The aquatics analysis 

relies on professional field observations from past fish biologists and tenured backcountry 

rangers. All recreation use in the backcountry, including the proposed commercial outfitter 

guide use, is very concentrated at sites that represent a very small portion of the entire analysis 

area. 

Okanogan Forest Plan standards (USDA Forest Service 1989b:4-30 to 4-32), Wenatchee Forest 

Plan standards (USDA Forest Service 1990: IV 83 to 96), Northwest Forest Plan standards (USDA 

and USDI 1994: C-30 to C-38), and PACFISH goals and RMOs (USDA and USDI 1995:C-3) and 

standards pertinent to the desired conditions at the 5th field HUC watershed scale were tracked 

through the analysis.

Aquatic habitat was evaluated at the watershed scale 5th field HUC and subwatershed 6th field 

HUC, to assess project effects as related to the ACS Objectives (USDA and USDI 1994: B-11) and 

RMOs (USDA and USDI 1995:C-4 to C-6). Relevant ACS Objectives and RMOs are water 

temperature, large woody debris, water quality as affected by fine sediment, and riparian 

habitat.

The analysis area lies within the nineteen 5th field watersheds and sixty-six 6th field subwatersheds listed in Appendix J. The area of direct effects analysis is located within the analysis 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-165 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

area. Indirect effects can occur downstream and will be further analyzed at the sub-watershed 

6

th and watershed 5th HUC scales.

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

The analysis area occurs along some streams and lakes containing sensitive and ESA listed fish 

species. All of the 5th field watersheds in the Methow sub-basin and the ones on the Skagit side 

have listed fish species present.

Streams

The analysis area has an estimated 3,050 miles of stream. Figure 3.6-1 below breaks them down 

by 5th field watershed that are within the analysis area units. Most streams are characterized by 

being moderate to high gradient with multiple springs throughout the entire analysis area. 

Generally, there is little human manipulation or disturbance of streams due to the remoteness 

and difficult access. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-166 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.6-1. Streams by 5th and 6th field watersheds and by Analysis Area.

Streams in 5th Field Watershed Streams in Analysis area Boundary

5th Field Watershed

Perennial 

Stream (mi)

Intermittent 

(mi)

Total 

Streams (mi)

Perennial 

Stream (mi)

Intermittent 

(mi)

Total 

Streams 

(mi)

ASHNOLA RIVER* Not Available Not Available Not Available 15.5 91.4 106.9

LIGHTNING CREEK 65.5 145 210.5 47.8 134.7 182.5

LOST RIVER 73 224.3 297.3 73 224.3 297.3

LOWER CHEWUCH RIVER

162.6 432.1 594.7 12 58.9 70.9

LOWER METHOW RIVER

159.1 327.5 486.6 41.7 43.9 85.6

LOWER SIMILKAMEEN 

RIVER

34.7 47.2 81.9 0 1.8 1.8

MIDDLE METHOW RIVER

185 457.2 642.2 85 226 311

PASAYTEN RIVER* Not Available Not Available Not Available 89.1 244 333.1

ROSS LAKE 27.3 66 93.3 13.2 57.7 70.9

RUBY CREEK 77.5 292.2 369.7 77.5 292.2 369.7

SALMON CREEK 107.5 84.4 191.9 1 7.1 8.1

SINLAHEKIN CREEK 223.7 182.8 406.5 14.5 29.1 43.6

TWISP RIVER 144.4 312.4 456.8 100 207 307

UPPER CHEWUCH RIVER

95.5 273.8 369.3 75 215.9 290.9

UPPER COLUMBIASWAMP CREEK*

Not Available Not Available Not Available 0 1 1

UPPER METHOW RIVER

90.1 337.8 427.9 90.1 337.8 427.9

Total in Methow 

Watershed 1445.9 3182.7 4628.6 735.4 2172.8 2908.2

UPPER LAKE CHELAN Not Available Not Available 129 Not Available Not Available 20

STEHEKIN Not Available Not Available 234 Not Available Not Available 15.5

LOWER LAKE CHELAN

Not Available Not Available 207 Not Available Not 

Available 50.6

Total in Lake Chelan 

Waterhsed 570 152.4 570 Not Available Not Available 152.4

*Stream flow character data was not available for the Chelan portion, the Columbia –Swamp Creek, Pasayten, and 

Ashnola River Watersheds.

The majority of disturbances along streams and lakes is localized where camps and day use 

areas are close to lakes and streams and stream crossings. Trail crossings typically create 

localized disturbances to stream banks of about 10 feet on each side of the crossing. Streamside 

campsites are present at low densities. Projects to reduce water routing down trails sediment 

delivery to adjacent streams have been implemented on all system trails across the analysis 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-167 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

area. For example, water bars are a standard practice during trail design and are maintained 

through trail maintenance. 

The Remmel Lake/Spanish Camp area is an area frequently visited by outfitted and nonoutfitted pack and saddle stock users. Data on stream and riparian conditions in the Remmel 

Lake/Spanish Camp area of the Pasayten collected during a 2000 shows that overall PACFISH 

standard and guidelines are being met with the exception of two small reaches that are 

recovering. All stream reaches inspected were well-vegetated, most had undercut banks, and 

bank erosion was generally limited to trail crossings (USDA Forest Service 2000c).

Stream habitat indicators potentially affected by the proposed project are temperature, 

sediment, stream banks stability, large wood levels, and riparian habitat.

Appendix K shows the aquatic habitat parameters for major fish bearing streams within the 

analysis area. Appendix K includes the results from a 2000 stream survey in the Remmel 

Lake/Spanish Camp part of the Pasayten Wilderness. The data are summarized below.

Temperature

Stream temperatures are generally good in the streams at higher elevations and are higher at 

the lower elevations, ranging from functioning at risk to not properly functioning based on ESA 

standards. Natural climatic conditions as well as recent fires are likely major factors in the 

higher temperatures. A portion of the Chewuch River and Methow River are on the Washington 

State 303d list for high summer temperatures, but are several miles downstream of the analysis 

area. Otherwise, there are no 303d listed streams. Most streams in wilderness or roadless 

areas have intact riparian canopies. Exceptions are the Chewuch River and Lake Creek, where 

fires recently burned. The Chewuch naturally has higher stream temperatures due to its 

north/south orientation and naturally high width/depth ratio that creates high solar exposure. 

Lake Creek water that leaves Black Lake comes off the top where it also receives high solar 

exposure and tends to be warmer. Overall, temperatures are considered functioning at risk but 

not due to recreation use because riparian canopies are generally in good condition. 

Sediment

Stream sediment levels are generally low across the analysis area. Roads are considered one of 

the greatest sources of fine sediment for streams. Most streams across the analysis area are in 

wilderness or roadless areas, where there are few to no roads. Exceptions are areas with 

naturally high erosive soils and naturally have higher fine sediment levels such as the Chewuch, 

Sinlahekin, and Chelan watersheds or where recent fires occurred. Based on the field 

observations of smaller streams in the analysis area, fine sediment levels appear to be low and 

properly functioning. 

Excessive bank erosion can lead to high sediment levels. The 2000 field survey of streams in the 

Remmel/Spanish Camp areas found mostly low bank erosion. Low bank erosion rates observed 

at most sites indicates the stream banks are receiving little bank disturbance and the channels 

likely have natural fine sediment levels. The higher width:depth ratios can indicate higher fine 

sediment levels, but the low bank erosion rates suggest otherwise, Overall, the fine sediment 

levels appear to be low and properly functioning. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-168 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Large Wood

Large wood levels were found to exceed ESA standards for 16 out of 23 surveyed streams in the 

analysis area (Figure 3) but not the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plan standards. The Forest 

Plan standards for wood are much higher then set by NOAA Fisheries, US Fish and Wildlife 

Service, and PACFISH, which are 20 pieces greater than 12 inches diameter and 35 feet or longer 

per mile compared to 106 pieces per mile under the Forest Plans. A recent publication looked at 

natural wood levels in undisturbed rivers in eastern Washington and found 33 pieces of large 

wood per mile to be properly functioning (Fox and Bolton 2007). Areas with lower wood levels 

were noted as being a natural condition due to the channel gradient and valley type. One 

exception was Granite Creek, which is right next to Highway 20, which removed a significant 

portion of the wood source. Width:depth ratios can be an indicator of wood levels as large wood 

can promote scour and low ratios. Most ratios were low during the 2000 survey in the Pasayten 

(Table XXX), suggesting channel structure such as wood are adequate. Since no timber harvest 

occurs along most streams in the analysis area, wood levels and recruitment are likely at or near 

natural levels. We consider the existing wood levels to be functioning appropriately for the 

analysis area as a whole. 

Riparian Reserves/Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas

With little to no human disturbance across most the analysis area, it is likely nearly all riparian 

areas are intact and properly functioning. There are about 30 camps within the Riparian 

Reserves/Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas for streams and lakes. Forested streams in the 

project, which represent nearly all streams, are well protected from human disturbance by 

downed wood and dense forest and are considered to be functioning at natural capability. 

Minor riparian canopy modification has occurred in localized areas, especially in riparian areas 

more open such as non-forested streams. There have been significant reductions in sheep and 

cattle grazing across the entire analysis area, resulting in riparian and stream function improving 

as seen in the 2000 Remmel/Spanish Camp field survey. Overall, riparian areas are functioning 

appropriately at the reach, 6th and 5th field scale. 

Lakes

There are 530 lakes within the analysis area (see Figure 3.6-2). Existing conditions of lakes in the 

analysis area for aquatic and riparian habitat has been inventoried, dating back to 1994. High 

lake aquatic inventories were completed on the following lakes in the analysis area (full survey 

reports are available in the analysis file):

Black Pine, Lewis Lake, North Lake, Cooney Lake, Sunrise Lake, Eagle Lakes, Crater Lake, Oval 

Lakes within the Lake Chelan - Sawtooth Wilderness and Sawtooth backcountry in 1994.

Cougar Lake, First Hidden Lake, Big Hidden Lake, Middle Hidden Lake and Black Lake within 

the Pasayten Wilderness in 1995.

Sub-zero, Freezeout, Jerry Lakes, Cabinet Lake, Squad Car, Wing and Lewis Lakes along or 

near the North Cascades Scenic Highway in 1998.

Cub Lake, Boiling, Bernice Lake, and Surprise Lake in the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness in 

2000 (Entiat Ranger District).

Remmel, Cornwell, Lower and Upper Cathedral, and Tungsten lakes in the Spanish Camp 

area of the Pasayten Wilderness in 2001.

Crow, Corral, Sheep, Quartz, and Ramon Lakes within the Pasayten Wilderness in 2002.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-169 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.6-2. Number of Lakes in the Analysis Area.

Location Number of Lakes

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead 21

Sawtooth Backcountry/Chelan 10

Sawtooth Backcountry/Methow 25

Middle Methow 10

North Cascades 58

Pasayten Wilderness/Methow 284

Pasayten Wilderness/Tonasket 52

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth/ Chelan 16

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth/Methow 54

Thirty-two lakes in the analysis area have been surveyed, and 19 had frequent human use. 

These areas get lots of general hiker use. Detailed results of the lake surveys are included in the 

analysis file. Observations made during lake surveys shows that lakes used by the outfitterguides have moderate to high impacts but most lakes used by the outfitter guides is for drop 

camps or for day use and the stock does not stay there more than a few hours. 

Water quality data is shown for lakes in the Chelan District portion of the analysis area, similar 

data has been collected for Methow Valley lakes with no water quality problems identified. 

Coliform data was not collected for lakes in the Methow Valley.

Lake Chelan and its tributaries are subject to State Lake Class and Class AA (extraordinary) water 

quality standards as determined by Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) using 

parameters defined by the Clean Water Act (CWA) 303(d) regulations. In the analysis area there 

are no CWA 303(d) listed water bodies, although lower Lake Chelan is listed for DDT and PCBs. 

The four alpine lakes within the analysis area were surveyed and sampled in August 2000. 

Sampling results are presented in Figure 3.6-3 with US EPA (1987) median reference values of 

surveyed lakes in the Pacific Northwest.

The parameter values for year 2000 samples show these lakes to be oligotrophic with high water 

quality, low nutrient inputs, and low organic production. Overall water analysis compares 

favorably to median reference values. The parameters with the greatest departure from the 

median reference values are due to the mineral characteristics of the Oval Peak Batholith that 

consists of tonalite and tonalite gneiss. The most significant indicator of contamination by 

humans and mammals, total coliform, was low (<1.1 colonies/100ml of sample volume) in Cub 

and Boiling Lakes that were analyzed for this parameter. These two lakes receive the greatest 

recreational usage of the four lakes measured.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.6-3. Results of water analysis for Lakes on the Chelan side of the Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness (2000).

Parameter Cub Boiling Bernice Surprise Reference 

value

Sodium (mg/L) 1.12 0.92 0.62 † 0.425

Potassium (mg/L)

Calcium (mg/L)

Magnesium (mg/L)

0.45

2.53

0.38

0.39

1.69

0.24

0.20

0.68

0.08

†

†

†

0.339

1.958

0.203

Nitrate (mg/L-N)

Ammonia (mg/L)

0.00

0.11

0.00

0.15

0.00

0.12

†

†

0.006

0.00

Chloride (mg/L)

Sulfate (mg/L)

Total Phosphorus (mg P/L)

0.1

1.0

0.020

0.10

2.23

0.048

0.08

2.07

0.017

†

†

0.022

0.124

1.144

0.0035

Total Coliform (col/100ml) <1.1 <1.1 † † <50 

col/100ml

WA State 

DOE

pH

Conductivity (μS/cm)

ANC (μEQ/L)

7.0

19.6

185.5

6.7

14.8

95.4

6.2 

8.27 

20.9

7.6

†

†

7.0

13.6

89.5

Alkalinity (mg/L)

Chlorophyll a (μg/L)

194.34

0.7

104.71

1.5

27.75

0.5

†

1.0

† = no data

Fish

The analysis area contains or is adjacent habitat for fish species listed under the ESA, Regional 

Forester’s Sensitive Species, Management Indicator Species (MIS), and species for which 

Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) has been designated under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act. See Figure 3.6-4 below.

Figure 3.6-4. Fish Species by Category Present in or adjacent to the Analysis area.

ESA Sensitive MIS Species of 

Concern EFH

Spring Chinook 

(Endangered) Westslope Cutthroat

Spring Chinook

Pacific 

Lamprey

Westslope Cutthroat Chinook

Summer Steelhead 

(Threatened) Interior 

Redband 

Rainbow

Interior Redband Rainbow

Bull Trout (Threatened)

Steelhead

Coho

Bull Trout
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Bull Trout

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) listed the Columbia River population of bull trout 

(Salvelinus confluentus) as threatened on 06/10/1998 (63 FR 31647). The FWS has not 

designated Critical Habitat for bull trout in the Upper Columbia Basin; however, habitat has 

been designated for critical life stages such as spawning and rearing and foraging, migration, 

and over-wintering (FMO). The Chewuch River below Lake Creek is designated as FMO habitat.

The Upper Chewuch River Watershed is estimated to support between 5% and 25% of fluvial 

bull trout spawning in the Methow Sub-basin, based on incomplete data from 1995 to 2008. 

Bull trout production appears to not have been reduced by the Farewell and Thirtymile Fires and 

may have been improved, based on redd counts. 

During the summer, water temperatures in the lower 15 to 20 miles of the Chewuch are 

considered to be too warm for ideal bull trout rearing and foraging habitat, except for the area 

near the confluence with Eightmile Creek, which provides a coldwater influence to the 

mainstem river. Bull trout foraging and rearing may increase in the lower mainstem during the 

spring, fall, and winter when temperatures are favorable. Fluvial bull trout redds and individuals 

have been documented in Eightmile Creek below a suspected barrier at RM 1.6. 

Spring Chinook Salmon

Upper Columbia River (UCR) Spring-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were 

listed as an endangered species on March 24, 1999 (64 FR 14308) and their endangered status 

was reaffirmed on June 28, 2005 (70 FR 37160). National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 

designated Critical Habitat on September 2, 2005 (70 FR 52630). The Chewuch River from the 

mouth to the barrier falls at RM 36.6, as well as short reaches of several tributaries including 

lower Eightmile, lower Cub, lower Boulder and Lake Creeks are designated as Critical Habitat for 

spring Chinook.

The Chewuch River is one of four identified Major Spawning Areas for spring Chinook in the 

Methow Sub-basin (ICTRT 2007), supporting roughly 25% of spring Chinook spawning habitat in 

the Methow Sub-basin. Spring Chinook are not present within the Buck analysis area but are 

within the aquatic analysis area. This boundary extends to the mouth of the Chewuch River to 

assess any project effects to spring Chinook habitat in the lower reaches of the Chewuch River. 

The most recent NMFS UCR spring-run Chinook salmon status review was in 2005 (Good et al. 

2005) and describes the population level, as a whole, on a downward trend for the last 40 years. 

Since 1958, the entire Methow Sub-basin population spawning escapement trend has been on a 

declining rate of 6.3% per year. 

Steelhead

UCR steelhead were listed as an endangered species on August 18, 1997 (62 FR 43937) and their 

status was upgraded to threatened on January 5, 2006 (71 FR 834). NMFS designated Critical 

Habitat for UCR steelhead on September 2, 2005 (70 FR 52630); this included the mainstem 

Chewuch River up to the barrier falls at RM 36.6, as well as lower reaches of a number of 

watershed tributaries including lower Eightmile, lower Boulder, Lake, and Andrews Creeks. 

Lower Cub Creek was not included. 
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Steelhead spawn and rear in the entire length of Chewuch River bordering the analysis area. 

Steelhead also spawn and rear in the lower 0.9 miles of Eightmile Creek, a short reach which 

supported high redd density in 2005 (Humling and Snow 2005). District Fisheries biologists 

speculate that juvenile steelhead also rear in lower Cub Creek, below the barrier falls at RM 0.4, 

though there are no data to verify this.

In the latest status review (Good et al. 2005), abundance for the entire UCR population was 

noted to be on the increase, though the run continues to be composed of a high proportion of 

hatchery origin fish, still well below the interim recovery levels identified for the population. 

Adult steelhead returns to the Methow Sub-basin, the primary natural reproduction area above 

Wells Dam, has been on an upward trend since the mid 1990s. 

Interior Redband rainbow trout

Interior redband rainbow trout (O. mykiss gairdneri) are native to the Methow Sub-basin. This 

subspecies is on the USDA Forest Service Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species list, updated Jan 

31, 2008. Sensitive species are defined as “species...for which population viability is a concern, 

as evidenced by significant current or predicted downward trends in population numbers or 

density and habitat capability that would reduce a species’ existing distribution” (FSM 2670.5). 

Non-native rainbow trout were historically stocked throughout the Methow sub-basin; stocking 

has since been restricted to isolated lakes, though many stream and lake subpopulations have 

likely experienced genetic introgression. Despite this, relatively pure populations continue to 

exist in isolated locations around the sub-basin (Proebstel et al. 1998). Rainbow trout from the 

Lower Chewuch Watershed show signs of hybridization with coastal rainbow trout and, in some 

locations, with cutthroat trout (Proebstel et al. 1998) though some level of natural hybridization 

likely occurred. O. mykiss specimens sampled from several locations along Eightmile Creek were 

determined by Proebstel et al. to be derived from or influenced by coastal rainbow trout. 

Population trend data for the Methow or the analysis area are not available. 

Westslope Cutthroat Trout (WCT)

Westslope cutthroat trout (O. clarki lewisi) are native to the Methow Sub-basin and are on the 

USDA Forest Service’s Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species list, updated January 31, 2008. Their 

populations are generally found in isolated areas in the upper elevations of the sub-basin, 

distributed above rainbow trout populations, often with a hybrid-zone between. Streams within 

the analysis area with westslope cutthroat include upper Eightmile Creek and the Chewuch 

River. The Eightmile local population is a good example of genetically pure westslope cutthroat 

trout (Proebstel et al. 1998). Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife continues to 

stock many mountain lakes in the sub-basin with westslope cutthroat trout outside of the 

Methow Sub-basin. 

Pacific Lamprey

The Pacific lamprey is an ancient, anadromous, native species to the Methow Sub-basin that has 

suffered widespread decline throughout the Columbia Basin (Close et al. 1995). The Methow 

Sub-basin lies near the upstream extent of recently documented lamprey presence in the Upper 

Columbia River Basin (John Crandall, personal communication). Mainstem Columbia River dams 

and their impoundments likely pose significant passage challenges for lamprey. Lamprey 

returning to and inhabiting the Methow Sub-basin may be among the most regionally imperiled. 

Little sub-basin-specific information is known about the lamprey species composition, 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-173 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

distribution, or abundance. Habitat degradation associated with agricultural practices, road 

construction and flood control may be negatively affecting lamprey in the Methow Sub-basin. 

Migrating lamprey have been counted at Wells Dam since 1998. Recent data on adult lamprey 

passing Wells Dam suggest their numbers are low with only eight counted passing the dam 

during 2008; however counting conditions for lamprey are difficult and should not be 

considered complete. 

In 2008, the Wild Fish Conservancy, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and other parties 

partnered to conduct a sub-basin-wide survey to increase lamprey knowledge. This project is 

not yet complete but initial data indicate that Pacific lamprey are present within the Chewuch 

River from the mouth to beyond the upper boundary of the Lower Chewuch Watershed. 

Ammocoetes (juveniles) were found in sand and silt type habitat throughout the watershed.

Critical Habitat

Critical habitat is defined in Section 3(5)(A) of the ESA as “the specific areas within the 

geographical area occupied by the species on which are found those physical or biological 

features (I) essential to the conservation of the species and (II) which may require special 

management considerations or protection.” The National Marine Fishers Service designated 

critical habitat for UCR spring-run Chinook and UCR steelhead on September 2, 2005 (70 FR 

52630). See maps in the analysis file for a map of critical habitat for spring-run Chinook and 

steelhead. The FWS designated critical habitat for bull trout September 26, 2005 (70 FR 56211 

56311) and it excluded the Methow. Currently, the FWS has a revised proposed critical habitat 

rule (75 FR 2269 2431) that includes habitat in the Methow Subbasin. 

Summer-run Chinook Salmon: Spring-run Chinook salmon are a MIS on the Wenatchee Forest 

but are not present in Lake Chelan or in the Methow Subwatershed. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-174 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.6-5. Watersheds and sub-watersheds with designated critical habitat for Upper 

Columbia River Spring Chinook and Steelhead Critical Habitat and proposed for Columbia 

River Bull Trout in the project area. 

Watershed Sub-watershed Critical Habitat

LOST RIVER

Lower Lost River CH, ST, BT*

South Fork Lost River CH, ST, BT*

LOWER CHEWUCH RIVER 

Eight Mile Creek CH, ST, BT*

Chewuch River - Pearrygin Creek CH, ST, BT*

Boulder Creek CH, ST

LOWER METHOW RIVER 

Mouth of Methow River CH, ST, BT*

Libby Creek ST

Gold Creek CH, ST, BT*

MIDDLE METHOW RIVER 

Upper Middle Methow River CH, ST, BT*

Goat Creek CH, ST, BT*

Wolf Creek CH, ST, BT*

Upper Beaver Creek CH, ST, BT*

Bear Creek CH

Lower Beaver Creek CH, ST, BT*

TWISP RIVER 

Upper Twisp River CH, ST, BT*

Mainstem Upper Twisp River CH, ST, BT*

South Creek CH, ST, BT*

Little Bridge Creek CH, ST, BT*

Buttermilk Creek CH, ST, BT*

War Creek CH, ST, BT*

Eagle Creek ST

Buttermilk Creek CH, ST, BT*

UPPER CHEWUCH RIVER 

Chewuch River - Kay Creek CH, ST, BT*

Windy Creek None

Andrews Creek CH, ST

Lake Creek CH, ST, BT*

UPPER COLUMBIA - SWAMP CREEK Antoine Creek ST

UPPER METHOW RIVER 

Robinson Creek CH, ST, BT*

Rattlesnake Creek CH, ST, BT*

West Fork Methow River CH, ST, BT*

Early Winters Creek CH, ST, BT*

Sockeye: Sockeye are a MIS species on the Wenatchee Forest but are not present in the analysis 

area. Kokanee, which are the landlocked form of sockeye salmon, have been stocked in Lake 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-175 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Chelan since around 1917. They are not native to the lake or tributaries and do not have any 

sensitive status. 

Fish Distribution

Most backcountry dispersed recreation occurs miles above habitat occupied by fish listed under 

the ESA. Historically all high elevation lakes and streams above natural barriers did not support 

fish until stocking began in high lakes and some streams in the early 1920s. Fish soon colonized 

streams downstream of the stocked lakes and today the distribution of fish in the analysis area 

is greater than 80 years ago. All lakes in the area except Cougar, the Hiddens, Black, and 

possibly Lower Cathedral, were historically fish-free. Planted fish are from stocks that are not 

native to the Methow, Pasayten, or Ashnola watersheds. Introduced fish have greatly, but not 

completely, diluted native genetic stocks of westslope cutthroat and redband rainbow trout 

unique to this area. Today many of the lakes are stocked on a 10 year rotation by the WDFW, 

with the exception of lakes that have established spawning populations of trout. The WDFW is 

responsible for fish stocking and management of fish populations; it coordinates fish stocking in 

wilderness lakes to address concerns over effects to native species and human use patterns in 

wilderness.

Fish stocking can lead to impacts at lakes because the presence of fish is a major attraction to 

people visiting the area. The high elevation of the lakes and short growing season makes high 

lake riparian areas vulnerable to over use. For the most part the smaller streams within the 

analysis area are well protected with vegetation, difficult to access and receive little fishing 

traffic while fish bearing lakes have fishing trails around them and usually a camp or two 

somewhere around the lake, usually near the outlet. High lake survey data shows that this 

occurs at lakes accessed only by foot traffic as well as lakes accessed by horse users, although 

lakes accessed by horse users tend to have bigger impact areas.

Natural fish bearing streams in the analysis area include the Chewuch River, Lake Creek, lower 

Andrews Creek, the Ashnola River including possibly Cathedral Creek and Spanish Creek, the 

Lost River, the Pasayten River, the West Fork of the Methow River, Granite and Canyon Creek, 

Early Winters Creek, the mainstem of the Twisp River, Wolf Creek, Goat Creek, Beaver Creek, 

Libby Creek, Gold Creek, including Foggy Dew Creek and lower Crater Creek.

Fish species listed under ESA, the Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species list, Management 

Indicator Species, and species for which Essential Fish Habitat has been designated under the 

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in the analysis area are identified 

in Figures 3.6-6 and 3.6-7 (see below and on maps in the analysis file). Fish presence/absence is 

based on stream and fish distribution inventories for the analysis area. Generally, sensitive fish 

species are below the OG analysis area except for a few areas.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-176 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.6-6. Presence of listed fish species by 5th field watershed.

Watershed (5th Field) Listed Fish Species

Regional Forester 

Sensitive Species and 

Management 

Indicator Species

Essential Fish 

Habitat

Ashnola River None WC, RB None

Sinlakekin Creek None None None

Lower Similkameen None None None

Pasayten River None WC, RB None

Ross Lake BT BT None

Ruby Creek BT BT, RB None

Lightening Creek BT BT, WC, RB None

Salmon Creek None None None

Twisp River CH, ST, BT CH, ST, BT, WC, RB CH

Middle Methow River CH, ST, BT CH, ST, BT, WC, RB CH

Upper Chewuch River CH, ST, BT CH, ST, BT, WC, RB, PL* CH

Lost River CH, ST, BT CH, ST, BT, WC, RB, PL* CH

Lower Chewuch River CH, ST, BT CH, ST, BT, WC, RB CH

Lower Methow River CH, ST, BT CH, ST, BT, WC, RB CH

Upper Methow River CH, ST, BT CH, ST, BT, WC, RB CH

Upper Columbia - Swamp 

Creek CH, ST, BT CH, ST, BT, WC, RB CH

Upper Lake Chelan None WC, RB None

Lower Lake Chelan None WC, RB None

Stehekin None WC, RB None

CH –Spring Chinook

ST – Steelhead

BT – Bull Trout

WC – Westslope Cutthroat Trout

RB – Rainbow Trout/Redband Rainbow Trout

LP – Pacific Lamprey – not a designated 

sensitive species but is a concern locally
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-177 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.6-7. Watersheds and sub-watersheds with Upper Columbia River Spring Chinook or 

Steelhead Critical Habitat in the analysis area.

Watershed Sub-watershed Critical

Habitat

LOST RIVER

Lower Lost River CH, ST

South Fork Lost River CH, ST

LOWER CHEWUCH RIVER 

Eight Mile Creek CH, ST

Chewuch River - Pearrygin Creek CH, ST

Boulder Creek CH, ST

LOWER METHOW RIVER 

Mouth of Methow River CH, ST

Libby Creek ST

Gold Creek ST

MIDDLE METHOW RIVER 

Upper Middle Methow River CH, ST

Goat Creek CH, ST

Wolf Creek CH, ST

Upper Beaver Creek ST

Bear Creek CH

Lower Beaver Creek CH, ST

TWISP RIVER 

Upper Twisp River CH, ST

Mainstem Upper Twisp River CH, ST

South Creek CH, ST

Little Bridge Creek ST

Buttermilk Creek CH, ST

War Creek CH, ST

Eagle Creek CH, ST

Buttermilk Creek CH, ST

UPPER CHEWUCH RIVER 

Chewuch River - Kay Creek CH, ST

Windy Creek CH

Andrews Creek CH, ST

Lake Creek CH, ST

UPPER COLUMBIA - SWAMP CREEK Antoine Creek CH, ST

UPPER METHOW RIVER 

Robinson Creek CH

Rattlesnake Creek CH, ST

West Fork Methow River CH

Early Winters Creek CH, ST

Sensitive fish near and in the analysis area are generally spawning and rearing. Westslope 

cutthroat trout are the most common in the analysis area as they stocked in high mountain 

lakes annually. Bull trout is the only ESA listed species that extends well into the analysis area. 

The upper Lost River and Wolf Creek are the only areas with outfitter guide camps adjacent to 

streams with bull trout. Four of the lakes have bull trout. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-178 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Most sensitive fish use occurs downstream or more than 300 feet from the outfitter-guide 

camps. Figure 3.6-8 describes the camps within the Riparian Reserve of sensitive fish streams, 

fish species, and the use in the area. All other camps are more than 300 feet off of sensitive fish 

streams.

Figure 3.6-8. Outfitter-guide campsites along sensitive fish streams.

Campsite Stream Species Fish Use

Horse Heaven WF Methow River WCT Spawning/Rearing

Cedar Creek Cedar Creek WCT Spawning/Rearing

Gardner Meadows Wolf Creek WCT Spawning/Rearing

South Fork Wolf Creek WCT Spawning/Rearing

Little Fish Camp Wolf Creek BT, WCT, RR Spawning/Rearing

drop C Chewuch River WCT, RR Spawning/Rearing

drop G Lost River BT, WCT, RR Spawning/Rearing

Current known fish species in Chelan portion of the analysis area consists of native Westslope 

cutthroat trout, introduced Yellowstone cutthroat trout, introduced rainbow trout, and 

introduced kokanee (Figure 3.6-9). Rainbow trout and kokanee have been stocked in Lake 

Chelan and some of its tributaries since 1917. Most of the streams in the analysis area have 

natural barriers (waterfalls within 1000 feet of Lake Chelan) that prevent lake resident fish 

(adfluvial type) from ascending. No streams in this portion of the analysis area support 

anadromous fishes due to exclusion by natural barriers in the Chelan River (R2 and IA 2000). 

Introduced rainbow trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and kokanee have no special status 

(sensitive, management indicator, proposed, listed, or otherwise). Any effects to fish or their 

habitat resulting from proposed activities would be immeasurable in Lake Chelan; no 

downstream effects to listed or unlisted anadromous fish are expected. Bull trout are not 

present in the Lake Chelan portion of the analysis area.

Figure 3.6-9. Chelan Ranger District portion of the Analysis Area Stream/Lake Fish 

distribution.

Stream/Lake

Name

Adfluvial 

length

Year(s) Surveyed Fish Species Present in order of relative 

abundance

Safety Harbor

Creek

1,060 ft. 1993, 2001, 2003 hybrid swarm of westslope-Yellowstone 

cutthroat, rainbow, kokanee

Canoe Creek ~50 ft. 2001 None

Prince Creek 1,584 ft. 1992, 2003 cutthroat, rainbow, kokanee

Rattlesnake Creek unknown No survey unknown

Rex Creek 0 2001 None

Pioneer Creek 0 2001 None

Cascade Creek 450 ft. 1983 cutthroat, rainbow

Meadow Creek unknown 1983 unknown

Fish Creek 1,312 ft. 1998, 2003 cutthroat, rainbow, kokanee, suckers, 

cyprinids 

Boiling Lake 1990, 2000 cutthroat x rainbow hybrids, cutthroat 

Cub Lake 1990, 2000 cutthroat

Bernice Lake 1990, 2000 cutthroat x rainbow hybrids

Surprise Lake 1990, 2000 cutthroat
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-179 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Current Outfitter Guide Use and Effects to Streams and Lakes

Pack and saddle stock outfitter guide activities cause isolated disturbance to lake shores, stream 

channels, and riparian areas are at campsites and day use areas close to lakes and streams and 

at stream crossings on trails. Some bank trampling and negative impacts occur, however 

impacts are minimal and represent only a small portion of the resources across the entire 

analysis area. Based on a GIS fish report, there are 15 campsites within the riparian reserves 

and RHCA boundary of lakes and 14 between the riparian boundaries and 500 feet of lakes. 

There are 319 lakes in or bordering the entire analysis area. These lakes have an estimated 

combined distance of 78 miles of lake shore. Assuming an average distance of disturbed lake 

shore for the camps in the riparian reserves and within 500 feet is 100 feet and 50 feet, 

respectively, this equals a combined distance of 0.4 miles or less than 0.001% disturbed lake 

shores of the 35 total miles. 

There are a total 24 camps within riparian reserves and riparian habitat conservation areas and 

38 camps between the buffers and 500 feet of streams. There is an estimated 3,050 miles of 

streams in the analysis area. Based on an assumed distance of 100 feet of disturbed stream 

banks from camps within riparian buffers and 50 feet from camps outside of buffers but within 

500 feet of streams, this amounts to an estimated distance of about 0.83 miles total or less than 

0.001% of disturbed stream banks associated with camps.

Based on a GIS analysis there are 709 stream crossings on trails in the analysis area. Based on 

10 feet of channel disturbance per stream crossing, this amounts to about 1.3 miles total of 

bank disturbance out of the 3,180 miles total or less than 0.001% disturbance. Furthermore, 

these sites would be dispersed across the analysis area and the OG guides do not use all trails, 

so the effect would be even less. 

Lakes used by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides include Cooney Lake in the Sawtooth 

Backcountry and Crow, Corral, Sheep, Quartz, Ramon, Remmel, Upper Cathedral, Cougar, First 

Hidden, Middle Hidden, and Big Hidden lakes in the Pasayten Wilderness. Outfitters use Sheep, 

Quartz, Upper Cathedral, Cougar, Remmel, Crow, and Ramon Lakes for day use and/or drop 

camps. 

Impacts are minimal from outfitter guide trips with these types of use because the packstock is 

tethered at least 200 feet from the lakes and spend no more than a few hours at the sites 

(Dowie – personal communication). Cooney Lake in the Sawtooth Backcountry has a deluxe 

campsite but it is over a mile from the lake. There is a drop camp at the lake but the outfitter 

guides and packstock do not stay at the lake. Recreation impacts at these popular lakes are 

primarily from the general public (hikers and stock users) using the backcountry with little 

negative impacts from the commercial outfitters. There is a deluxe campsite near First Hidden 

Lake where the outfitters camp with clients but it is over 200 feet from the lake. Packstock are 

mostly grazed up at Stub Creek, 11/2 mile from the lake, or tethered to hitchrails or highlines. 

The outfitters do not camp along the other two Hidden lakes and the impacts there are primarily 

from the general public users. Overall lake impacts from the commercial outfitters to lakes is 

minimal. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-180 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Pasayten Wilderness

The major tributaries draining out of the Pasayten Wilderness portion of the analysis area are 

the Pasayten, Ashnola, and Chewuch Rivers, and Lake and Andrews Creeks. Fires in the last 30 

years burned about 112,300 acres in this analysis unit and the fire effects to streams have 

produced favorable habitat conditions for fish and productivity. Bull trout redd counts have 

increased after debris torrents from the 2001 Thirtymile Fire and 2003 Farwell Fires (USDA 

2006). Fire is considered a natural habitat forming process and all habitat indicators are 

considered to be functioning at natural potential.

Up until 1995, cattle and sheep grazed on the Remmel allotment, which includes the Remmel 

Lake/Spanish Camp area. Sheep and cattle grazed these areas for nearly 100 years but use has 

declined and there has been no cattle grazing since 1995. In early 2000, the permit for the 

Remmel allotment was waived back to the Forest Service and has been vacated and is proposed 

for closing. This represents a large decrease in domestic grazing in this area. The past grazing 

which has occurred in some of these areas, make it more difficult to determine the possible long 

term effects dispersed recreation or outfitter guide use may be having on riparian and aquatic 

habitat; but an overall movement towards restoration is anticipated with the removal of cow 

and sheep grazing. Stream channel data collected in the Remmel Lake and Spanish Camp area 

in late July 2000, shows that non-forested Rosgen E channel type (Rosgen 1994) streams in the 

area were, at one time, beginning to widen and show signs of deterioration but are now 

recovering from past cattle and sheep use. Grazing use may be shifting to higher and drier 

meadows above the streams; cattle were more likely to use the wet areas adjacent to streams 

while horses tend to avoid boggy areas.

With the exception of Cougar Lake, Hidden Lakes, Lake Creek, the Thirtymile trailhead, and the 

Andrews creek corral, the back country areas used by recreationists and outfitter-guides in the 

Chewuch watershed are miles upstream from fish species listed under the ESA. The level of 

disturbance caused by pack stock in the most heavily used areas of the Pasayten is generally 

confined to stream crossings and is not great enough to cause downstream effects. An 

exception to this is the creek that leads into Remmel Lake. A large camp is located on the creek, 

and approximately 600 feet of streambank is in a deteriorated condition due to the amount of 

human use. This stream flows into Remmel Lake and is small, hence there is no effect on stream 

reaches below Remmel Lake or indirectly on the Chewuch River.

Trails that access camping and grazing areas are used by the general public and outfitters. Trails 

generally follow valley bottoms and located on the outer edge or completely outside of Riparian 

Reserves. All major trails are maintained to control erosion. The main routes into the Pasayten 

have little to no effect on stream channels except at stream crossings and a few localized 

segments where a trail may come close to a stream. An example is where the Andrews Creek 

trail is close to the stream as it approaches Andrews Pass. Trail location is locally affecting 

stream quality between Amphitheater and Upper Cathedral Lake, between lower Cathedral area 

and upper Beaver Creek, and the trail segments between Spanish Camp and Remmel Lake. 

These trail segments are used by outfitters and by the non-outfitted public. These effects are 

localized and do not cause impacts to aquatic or riparian habitat at the reach scale or at the 

watershed scale.

In the Sheep Mountain area stream channels drain east towards the Ashnola River or west 

towards the Hidden Lakes and the Lost River. Streams are located well away from major trails 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-181 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

and the trail network has little to no effect on channels. Streams in the Sheep Mountain area 

Sheep Mountain were also grazed by sheep and cattle in the past.

The trail access to the Hidden Lakes is in the Lost River watershed and most of the stream 

channels are located far away from the trail system except for stream crossings and at Cougar 

Lake and the Hidden Lakes. Outfitters and the public frequently use the trail to Hidden Lakes, 

especially early in the season, but use at the lakes is limited to short stops or short duration 

stays of one to two days. The relocation of hitching rails away from Stub Creek and First and 

Middle Hidden Lakes is reducing stock impacts to this area. Tying or grazing of stock is not 

allowed within 200 feet of the lakes.

Trails that begin near Harts Pass and go down into the Pasayten River watershed are located 

away from stream channels except at crossings and are having little to no effect on stream 

habitat. Most of the past outfitter use in this area has been in the fall during hunting season.

Virtually all of the use in the Lake Creek watershed has been from private parties. The trail from 

Black Lake to Ashnola Pass and the Pasayten has not been maintained for several years and is no 

longer passable to horses; horse use through the area is declining especially following the 2003 

Farewell Fire. The number of bull trout redds (spawning nests) counted in upper Lake Creek 

from 1995 to 1999 dropped from 22 to zero in 1999; the reason for this apparent decline is not 

known. In 2004, following the fire, six bull trout redds were counted in upper Lake Creek and in 

2005 there were 24 redds; the highest number since counting began in 1995. Lake Creek and 

Black Lake were closed to the public from the start of the June 2003 fire until mid summer 2005. 

It is unknown if the higher redd counts are due to three years of reduced angling pressure, 

improved post-fire habitat conditions, or natural population cycles unrelated to fire and fishing 

pressure. Fishing was good at the 2005 reopening of the area, but bull trout were easily caught. 

Although it is not permitted to retain bull trout the main threats to this population are fishing 

pressure and incidental catch by people that are unaware of the fishing regulations, choose to 

ignore them, or do not know how to identify a bull trout.

Packstock Corrals: There are two corrals used by outfitters in the Chewuch drainage that are 

located in riparian areas. The corral near the Andrews Creek trailhead is located away from the 

streambanks of the Chewuch River but a portion of the corral is on an intermittent side channel. 

A two-inch screened pipe delivers water to a stock tank for stock watering, with little if any 

impact on riparian and aquatic habitat.

The Billygoat assigned site operated by North Cascades Safari in Eightmile Creek is located in the 

riparian area about 100 feet above the east bank of the creek. Impacts include loss of 

vegetation in the riparian zone and a small amount of sediment delivery to the stream. Stock 

watering improvements planned as mitigation at the site will reduce the impact of stock 

trampling along the banks; a water transmission line from the tributary behind the corral diverts 

water for stock use at the corral.

Middle Methow

There are no outfitter-guide client days or RVDs in the Middle Methow area. The only outfitter 

activities in this area are the assigned sites at Slate and Crater Creek trailheads. The camp at 

Slate Creek has a corral and access road. The Crater Creek camp has an access road, unloading 

ramp, hitch rails, watering trough, corrals, and parking area. In the middle Methow portion of 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-182 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

the analysis area, back country and wilderness recreation, including stock based outfitter guide 

use, is trail-based and takes place away from roads in areas not accessible to listed fish.

North Cascades

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) traverses the West Fork of the Methow watershed from near 

Cutthroat Pass to Harts Pass. The 4 to 5 miles of the Methow River that the trail follows is above 

Brush Creek and is not inhabited by listed fish. There is one large camp used by commercial 

horse outfitters at Horse Heaven above Brush Creek. This camp is within 100-feet of the river 

and has several trails accessing the river, but is 2 miles upstream of a natural barrier and the 

upper limit of listed fish. Most popular are the easy day hikes out and back from Harts Pass, 

where on a peak day in summer over a hundred people will be seen. The peak season of use is 

short, usually limited to the months of July and August. Due to popularity, the PCT is maintained 

annually to the highest standards.

The West Fork of the Methow River trail parallels the Methow River from Rattlesnake Creek to 

Brush Creek where it joins the PCT. This area was burned in the 2003 Needles fire and the trail 

was reopened to mountain bikes, horses, and hikers in 2004. It is used by commercial horse 

packers for day rides and to access the high country. There are no camps along the trail that are 

regularly used by commercial outfitters except for Horse Heaven camp located on the PCT 

upstream of Brush Creek. The camp does not affect aquatic and riparian habitat indicators at 

the reach scale; effects at the site scale are localized. The West Fork trail is located in the 

Riparian Reserve for the Methow River in a number of places. Access for bull trout and 

steelhead is blocked at the falls just below the confluence with Brush Creek. This trail parallels 

habitat occupied by bull trout but is not apparent from within the stream or riparian corridor.

In the Upper Methow watershed, outfitter-guides use established trails and roads. Horse 

outfitter-guides also use Little Boulder Creek during the hunting season. The stream channel is 

steep and protected by steep valley walls; hunting takes place in the uplands.

Outfitter guide activities along the North Cascades Highway are limited to Cedar Creek, 

Cutthroat Creek, and the Pacific Crest Trail, with an average of less than two trips per year. Trips 

have historically been taken by the outfitters using burros or llamas. Cedar Creek and Cutthroat 

Creek habitat observations by field biologists were reported as being excellent with low fine 

sediment and good wood levels (Hopkins – personal communication). 

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and Sawtooth Backcountry

Most of the access into the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness originates at trailheads in the 

Twisp River drainage. Two trails, Fish Creek and Prince Creek, begin on the shores of Lake 

Chelan. 

The Sawtooth Backcountry is most commonly accessed by the Crater Creek and Foggy Dew trails 

in the Methow watershed. These trail systems are generally located outside of riparian reserves 

except at stream crossings and have virtually no effect on stream habitat indicators or on fish. 

Listed fish are not present adjacent to any of these trails or in the areas used by outfitters.

The Wolf Creek trail accesses the Mount Gardner area in the wilderness. Listed bull trout and 

native cutthroat and redband rainbow trout are present in Wolf Creek. Use by outfitters in this 

area is a small percentage of overall use. Outfitters use Wolf Creek mainly for drop camps 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-183 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

during hunting season. The Wolf creek watershed was grazed by cattle until about 2001 when 

the permit was purchased and waived back to the Forest Service; use on the trail has declined 

dramatically. The Wolf Creek trail is located away from riparian reserves for most of its length 

except at the Fish Camp area near the confluence with the North Fork of Wolf Creek. Fish Camp 

is a bull trout spawning area and outfitters have been restricted from fording the mainstem of 

Wolf creek during bull trout spawning season to avoid trampling spawning areas.

Past outfitter-guide impacts cannot be distinguished from other dispersed recreation use and 

are mainly a result of trail or campsite location. Destinations of outfitter guides include the Oval 

Lakes, Scatter Lake, Slate Lake, and the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area via trails in the 

Reynolds Creek, War Creek, and Eagle Creek sub-drainages. Outfitter-guide activities have not 

had direct effects on listed fish because the activity takes place miles above habitat occupied by 

listed fish on existing trails.

There are roughly 140 miles of trail in the Twisp River watershed. Many of the tributary 

drainages in the watershed have a trail that parallels the drainage and generally located out of 

riparian reserves. Trails are usually less than two or three feet wide and do not deliver 

measurable sediment to habitat occupied by listed fish. Most of these trails are in wilderness; 

many begin in the late-successional reserve.

Trails are maintained to keep a clear pathway, to minimize erosion, and to protect water quality. 

Specific projects that have been completed to address erosion or water quality concerns in the 

Twisp River watershed include work done in 1999 on the West Fork Buttermilk Creek trail, and 

work done in 2007 on the Twisp River trail to relocate a large segment of the trail in the upper 

part of the drainage that used to go through a wetland area. Another section that was eroding 

and adding sediment to the stream just above the trailhead was re-contoured. In addition, one 

mile of the trail on the North Creek alluvial fan where bull trout spawn was moved off the fan.

Bear Ramsey/Volstead

Much of the Bear Ramsey/Volstead area burned in the 2006 Tripod Fire. The area will still be 

used by outfitter activities but likely for hunting purposes only. In the past, outfitter-guide use 

in this area has been virtually nonexistent and there have been no observed overlaps with 

outfitter use in this area and fish bearing streams. The upper Beaver Creek watershed has a 

fragile population of bull trout that is vulnerable to human disturbance. There are no dispersed 

campsites in this area and the area where this population is known to spawn has been fenced to 

protect it from livestock grazing.

Alta Lake

The only outfitter use in this unit are day rides. Alta Lake and a small pond are the only water 

bodies in the unit. There were no sign outfitter guide use signs along these water bodies. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-184 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

The existing levels of non-outfitted stock use and hiking would continue throughout the analysis 

area. Existing trails would be maintained as they are now and all existing camps would be 

available to the general public as they are now. Alternative 1 would result in a 6% reduction in 

people using stock over past levels on trails and at camps and a 1% reduction in people (hikers 

and stock users) in the wilderness over past levels. Some of the creek crossings in the most 

frequently used areas, such as Spanish Camp, would possibly become a bit smaller in size 

because there would be less stock crossing and watering at these areas. Since the existing trail 

network would be maintained and existing levels of public use would continue, the effects of 

Alternative 1 would not cause a measurable change in effect to any stream habitat indicators. 

Effects from campsites and fishing trails at lakes are created by the non-outfitted public and 

would continue under Alternative 1. Riparian conditions at lakes that are most freuqently 

visited by stock outfitters and clients may improve slightly. This would be most notable at 

Cornwell, Airview, and Remmel Lakes in the Spanish Camp/Remmel area, and at Quartz, Crow, 

Corral, Sheep and Ramon Lakes in the Sheep Mountain area, within the Ashnola Watershed. 

In the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth and Sawtooth Backcountry, riparian conditions may improve 

slightly around Cub, Boiling, Bernice, and Surprise Lakes, but public use would continue at 

existing levels. Areas that currently receive infrequent use by outfitters (Wolf Creek, Early 

Winters, Cutthroat, West Fork Methow, Libby, Bear/Ramsey/Volstead) would remain unchanged 

from the existing condition. With Alternative 1 there would be “no effect” to ESA listed fish 

species or habitat.

Alternatives 2 and 3

Alternative 2 has more service days than Alternative 3 but the effects would be the same. Camp 

locations and access routes would be the same as well as season of use. Stock use and service 

days would probably remain at existing levels at the most popular destinations and there would 

be little change from the existing condition. Other than less overall use, the direct and indirect 

effects to sensitive fish species, aquatic habitat, and riparian habitat would be the same 

between alternatives.

Outfitter guides generally start trips the first of July but occasionally start the last week of June 

depending on snow depth. Redband rainbow and westslope cutthroat trout spawn in several 

streams in the analysis area and incubate in redds until mid July. Outfitter trips occurring before 

mid-July in Lost River, Wolf Creek, and the upper Chewuch River have access to spawning 

habitat and potentially could trample redds. Disturbance of the substrate by mechanical 

trampling would likely destroy eggs immediately or dislodge and expose eggs. Redds could have 

been disturbed in the past in this manner, although no direct evidence has been found or 

observed. Although the potential exists for the outfitter guide to trample redband and 

westslope cutthroat trout redds, the probability is low. There are only a few trips that go out 

before mid-July, and August gets the highest use. Furthermore, outfitters are required to stay 

on designated trails, and to open-graze stock, or to contain them by hobbling or tethering to a 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-185 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

highline or hitch rail, so the amount of time and area of streams accessed by would be minimal. 

Because of the low probability of redd trampling, effects would be inconsequential to the local 

population.

Bull trout occur near outfitter camps along Wolf Creek and Lost River. Bull trout spawn in 

September and October, which is when some outfitter-guides lead hunting trips in the Wolf 

Creek and Lost River drainages. Alternatives 2 and 3 would close the one campsite on Wolf 

Creek adjacent to bull trout spawning habitat during the fall trips, which would eliminate the 

risk of trampling redds when camping. The trail crosses the North Fork of Wolf Creek, which 

occasionally has redds at the stream crossing. Training outfitter-guides to identify bull trout

redds would reduce the risk of trampling at this site. 

The risk of the stock animals, guides, or clients trampling bull trout redds in the Lost River 

drainage is extremely low. The access trail to all the camps never crosses the river and the stock 

animals stay on the trail except when free grazing or dropping off clients at campsites. Free 

grazing occurs at the Tatoosh Butte deluxe campsite, which is six miles upslope from the river. 

The only time the animals are by the river is on the trail when bringing gear in and out before 

the hunt and bringing clients in and out for the hunt. Stock animals water at tributary stream 

crossings on the trail. When not on the trail or dropping off gear or clients, they are camped up 

on Tatoosh Butte. Of the seven potential drop camps, only two are within 500 feet of the river 

and the others are over 1/2 mile from the river. Most all the hunting occurs on the east side of 

the river, which is the side the camps are on. The west side is very steep and rocky; not good 

terrain for hunting. Outfitters and clients will not be allowed to cross the river during the high 

hunt trips. Outfitters, stock, and clients will be allowed to get water at the river’s edge but this 

most likely would not occur. The drop camps near the river are on creeks and the outfitters 

generally do not water their pack train at the river because of difficult access. Based on the little 

anticipated access to the river during the hunting season and no river crossings, we do not 

anticipate any bull trout redds being trampled by the high hunt activities. 

Outside of spawning season, pack stock and clients may temporarily disturb bull trout if they 

enter streams occupied. These occurrences would be few and short duration and would not 

result in any physical harm. The amount of bull trout streams accessed by the outfitter guide 

activities is only a small fraction of all the habitat across the analysis area. 

There is no potential for trampling steelhead or spring Chinook redds as the outfitter-guides do

not use areas along habitat for these species. Therefore, there is no potential for direct effects 

to either of these species.

Pack and saddle stock outfitter guide activities would continue to disturb lake shores, stream 

channels, and riparian areas are at campsites and day use areas close to lakes and streams and 

at stream crossings on trails. Some bank trampling and negative impacts would occur, however 

impacts would be minimal and would represent only a small portion of the resources across the 

entire analysis area. 

Overall, the condition of aquatic habitat and riparian habitat near streams and lakes would be 

essentially unchanged from the existing condition under Alternatives 2 or 3 because the level of 

human use would remain essentially unchanged from what has created the existing condition. 

The existing trail network would continue to be used by the public and outfitters and the level of 
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use at the lakes would remain the same. The existing trail network would be used for day rides 

to lakes for fishing and swimming. Areas impacted by cattle and sheep in the past would 

improve.

By establishing tighter controls, the mitigation measures would eliminate future development of 

outfitter created trails and stream crossings. The mitigation measures and the operating plan 

would also allow the outfitters to continue to establish a good role model for stock use in the 

wilderness. Without this behavior, stock use by the general public could become more 

damaging to aquatic and riparian habitat as the skills the outfitters bring to the stock-use 

community are lost. The forest plan amendments would control the amount of barren core 

allowed in campsites, possibly slightly improving aquatic habitat by reducing impacts to riparian 

vegetation.

Aquatic Conservation Strategy 

The site specific area of activities, which have the potential to result in water quality, lakeshore 

and stream bank, and riparian vegetation impacts only occur on a small fraction of the analysis 

area. Based on GIS analysis and field observations, less than an estimated 0.001% of all lake 

shores and stream banks are presently impacted by outfitter-guide activity. This scale of impact 

is a small fraction of the total lakes and streams in any 6th or 5th field watershed let alone the 

entire analysis area. Therefore, stream and lake impacts are extremely limited in geographic 

scope and environmental effect while the majority is in properly functioning condition or on a 

good recovery trend.

Impacts to streambanks and fine sediment levels in lakes and streams from the proposed 

activity has been minimal in the past and expected to be the same in the future. Liberally 

estimating the amount of lake shore and stream bank impacts to be between 50 to 100 feet per 

camp depending on how close it is to water, less than 0.001% of all lake shores and streams in 

the analysis area would be affected by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities, with the 

rest being in either pristine or near pristine conditions such as wood levels capable of trapping in

small increase in sediment and stream bank vegetation capable of stabilizing channels. 

Sediment levels in fish bearing streams, as a result of the proposed activity, would be 

immeasurable. The natural range of variability is so wide for the sediment regime that sediment 

effects from the existing and proposed continuation of outfitter-guide activity is clearly within 

this range. Furthermore, the decision to continue would not interfere with sediment 

trends/conditions in the watersheds as a whole. 

Although there may be some changes in water quality at the site scale, the effects would be 

diluted quickly and would have no downstream effects. Temperatures would remain normal 

due to the extensive riparian canopy present in the analysis area. Furthermore, no water bodies 

within the scope of affected area are listed at 303(d) impaired streams.

Pack stock have impacted riparian plant communities at localized scales but these areas 

represent only a small fraction of all stream and lake/riparian habitats and are dispersed across 

the analysis area. The high proportion of riparian areas with no use is capable of providing the 

microclimate conditions, channel stability, and sources of channel structure (wood) to protect 

aquatic and riparian resources.
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There will be no increase in use so present conditions would continue and improve. Monitoring 

of outfitter-guide activities will ensure standards are met. If conditions appear to exceed 

standards, the proposed permits and attached operating plans allow for appropriate changes in 

management to meet aquatic and riparian standards and objectives.

In summary, the small localized effects of the outfitter-guide activity presently and those 

anticipated in the future would not prevent maintaining the current aquatic and riparian 

conditions or meeting the ACS Objectives. The majority of streams and riparian areas are 

presently in excellent or near excellent conditions and those few areas with moderate use 

would continue develop and improve. These factors, taken in space and time with the overall 

trend in the watersheds, lead to the finding that these alternatives would meet the Aquatic 

Conservation Strategy Objectives.

PACFISH Riparian Management Objective 

The specific area of activities which have the potential to result in water quality, lakeshore and 

stream bank, and riparian vegetation impacts only occurs on a small fraction of the analysis 

area. Based on GIS analysis and field observations, less than an 0.001% of all lake shores and 

stream banks are presently impacted by the outfitter-guide activity. This scale of impact is a 

small fraction of the total lakes and streams in any fifth field watershed let alone the entire 

analysis area. Therefore, stream and lake impacts are extremely limited in geographic scope 

and environmental effect while the majority are in properly functioning condition or on a good 

recovery trend.

Impacts to streambanks and fine sediment levels in lakes and streams from the proposed 

activity has been minimal in the past and expected to be the same in the future. Estimating that 

the amount of lake shore and stream bank impacts to be between 50 to 100 feet per camp 

depending on how close it is to water, less than 0.001% of all lake shores and streams in the 

analysis area would be impacted by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities. The rest of 

the habitat would remain in either pristine or near pristine conditions, such as wood levels 

capable of trapping of small increase in sediment. Sediment levels in fish bearing streams, as a 

result of the proposed outfitter-guide activity, would be immeasurable and insignificant. The 

natural range of variability is so wide for the sediment regime that sediment effects from the 

existing and proposed continuation of outfitter-guide activity is clearly within this range. 

Furthermore, continued pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities would not interfere with 

sediment trends/conditions in the allotments or watersheds as a whole.

Although there may be some changes in water quality at the site scale, the effects would be 

diluted quickly and would have no downstream effects. Temperatures would remain normal 

due to the extensive riparian canopy present in the analysis area. Furthermore, no water bodies 

within the scope of affected area are listed at 303(d) impaired streams.

Pack stock have impacted riparian plant communities at localized scales but these areas 

represent only a small fraction of all stream and lake/riparian habitats and are dispersed across 

the analysis area. The high proportion of riparian areas with no use is capable of providing the 

microclimate conditions, channel stability, and sources of channel structure (wood) to protect 

aquatic and riparian resources.
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The mitigation measures for the special use permits will continue the existing outfitter-guide 

activity. There will be no increase in use so the present conditions are expected to continue to 

improve.

Monitoring of outfitter-guide activities will continue to ensure standards are met. If conditions 

appear they will exceed standards, the proposed outfitter-guide permits allows for the Forest 

Service to make appropriate changes in management so it meets aquatic and riparian standards 

and objectives.

In summary, the small localized effects of the proposed activity presently and those anticipated 

would not prevent maintaining current aquatic and riparian conditions or meeting the PACFISH 

objectives. The majority of streams and riparian areas are in excellent or near excellent 

conditions and those few areas with low to moderate use would continue to improve. These 

factors, taken in space and time with the overall trend in the watersheds, support the finding 

that these alternatives would meet the PACFISH Objectives.

Alternatives 2 and 3: Summary Effects to Aquatic Species: 

Alternative 1 would have “no effect” on spring-run Chinook salmon, steelhead, bull trout, and 

“no effect” on critical habitat for spring-run Chinook salmon and steelhead.

Due to the distance from the outfitter guide activities to anadromous fish, Alternative 2 and 3 

would result in “No Effect” to spring-run Chinook salmon and steelhead, and critical habitat for 

these species. These alternatives would have a “May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect” to 

bull trout because of possibility of minor impacts to bull trout habitat in the Lost River and Wolf 

Creek areas. When guides, packstock, and clients access bull trout habitat, we expect some 

minor disturbance to habitat but not to the extent of harming bull trout. 

Cumulative Effects

The geographic area for cumulative effects is the Methow River and Chelan watersheds. The 

temporal timeframe is the early 1900s through 2019, when the 10-year permits would expire.

Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Grazing

Throughout the analysis area cattle and sheep grazing has slowly declined from peak levels in 

the early 1900s. In the last 10 years sheep grazing has been discontinued in the Harts Pass area 

and in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth and Sawtooth Backcountry. Cattle grazing have been 

discontinued in the Wolf Creek watershed and across the Pasayten Wilderness. Today there is 

no livestock grazing in any of the wilderness areas and the number of domestic animals grazing 

in these areas is lower than it has been for the last 80 to 100 years. Livestock grazing would 

continue within the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area. The elimination of livestock grazing in 

wilderness and the Sawtooth Backcountry combined with a continuation of pack and saddle 

stock grazing would result in fewer domestic animals grazing in the analysis area than under 

past conditions even though recreational pack and saddle stock grazing may increase by 5% in 

the future. In the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area livestock grazing will be rested for at least 

another year to allow the burned area to recover after which livestock grazing will continue with 

monitoring and annual review. The addition of a small amount of commercial recreational 
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outfitter stock use combined with the existing livestock grazing permit is not expected to result 

in any noticeable changes to aquatic or riparian habitat in the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead area.

Recreation use

Non-outfitted recreation use by hikers and stock users is expected to increase by about 26% 

over the next 10 years. A 5% increase in non-commercial pack and saddle stock recreation use 

combined with commercially outfitted pack and saddle stock use at levels that are similar to 

past levels (Alternative 2) or slightly less than past levels (Alternative 3) would result in 

conditions that are similar to the current condition. Use on trails and at lakes would increase by 

about 26% over current conditions.

Trail maintenance would continue as it does now and drainage structures will be maintained on 

trail treads and any expansion of the existing trail network will be discouraged.

It is expected that the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife will continue fish 

stocking of wilderness lakes depending on considerations for native aquatic species and 

recreational use levels. The Forest Service will continue to work with the agency to provide 

information about fishing activity and to provide information to anglers about fishing 

regulations and species identification where listed bull trout are present in the analysis area. 

Commercial outfitters would help with this effort by ensuring that clients are knowledgeable 

about fishing regulations and species identification.

Alternative 1

Under Alternative 1, eliminating the outfitter guides would reduce impacts to aquatic and 

riparian resources at the few localized areas accessed. However, these areas will continue to be 

used by the general public and the few impacted areas would likely have little improvement. 

Therefore, eliminating the existing outfitter guide use would not be meaningfully measurable or 

detectable and would have little to no cumulative benefit 

Alternatives 2 or 3

Alternatives 2 and 3 would continue outfitter use with the same effects to aquatic and riparian 

resources. Impacts would continue to occur to localized areas that are well dispersed and 

represent a small fraction of the entire analysis area. Given the large size of the analysis area, 

over one million acres, compared to the little amount of impacted area, cumulative impacts 

would too small to meaningfully measure or detect. 

There have been significant reductions in sheep and cattle grazing across the entire analysis 

area, resulting in a positive cumulative effect to riparian and stream functions, as seen in the 

2000 stream surveys. Aquatic and riparian conditions in areas previously grazed by cattle and 

sheep would continue to improve. 

Overall, aquatic and riparian conditions would continue to maintain high quality conditions at 

the reach, 6th and 5th field scales as one would expect in wilderness and roadless areas. Aquatic 

and riparian conditions are considered properly functioning across the analysis area and 

continuing the outfitter guide activity would not meaningfully retard or prevent their functions. 

Therefore, the cumulative effects would little to no negative cumulative effect. 
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CONSISTENCY FINDING

The design criteria and mitigation measures listed in Chapter 2 were used to ensure that all of 

the alternatives are consistent with the Forest Plans as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan 

and PACFISH. Specifically, the measures listed under number 7 beginning on page 2-12 would 

be effective in mitigating any potential effects. They would be part of the operating plans, with 

compliance required by the special use permit. Action Alternatives would meet management 

objectives to maintain conditions in Riparian Reserves and RHCAs, maintain stream 

temperatures, prevent chemical contamination, maintain large wood within channels, and 

provide for long term woody debris input. They would also meet Forest Plan standards and 

objectives (given the riparian buffers) and Aquatic Conservation Strategy and PACFISH objectives 

at the 6th and 5th field watershed scale.

Standards and Guidelines

The aquatic and riparian Standard and Guidelines are met as follows:

Riparian

Forest Plan 2-4 is met by mitigation measures 7a and 7b.

Forest Plan 2-9 is met through current conditions and mitigation measures 2.b, 3.e, 3.f, and 

all measures under 7.

Forest Plan 2-12 is met by current conditions and mitigation measures.

Forest Plan 2-13 is met through current conditions and mitigation measures

Fisheries

Forest Plan 3-1 is met through current conditions and mitigation measures.

Forest Plan 3-4 and 3-5 are met through current conditions and mitigation measures.

Forest Plan 3-6 is addressed by current conditions and mitigations measures.

PACFISH 

GM-3 is addressed through current conditions, alternative design, and mitigation measures.

RM-1 through RF 3 are addressed by current conditions, alternative design, and mitigation 

measures.

LH-3 is addressed through current conditions, alternative design, and mitigation measures. 

Northwest Forest Plan 

GM-1, GM-2, and GM-3 are addressed through current conditions, alternative design, and 

mitigation measures.

RM-1 and RM-2 current conditions, alternative design, and mitigation measures.

PACFISH Riparian Management Objectives

All the alternatives would be consistent with the PACFISH Riparian Management Objectives. To 

assess consistency with the RMOs, we described if the proposed project would maintain or 

restore healthy and functioning aquatic and riparian resources. The rationale for this 

determination is included in Appendix M. 
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Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives

All the alternatives would be consistent with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives. . 

The rationale for this determination is included in Appendix L.

Clean Water Act

A segment of the Methow River near Pateros, Washington is listed on the 303(d) list as impaired 

for water temperature. It is unlikely that the stream temperatures of this localized reach or at 

the 6th or 5th HUC scale will increase due to the proposed outfitter-guide activity, therefore, this 

project would be consistent with the Clean Water Act.

Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 

Act (MSA) Consultation

Informal consultation on the proposed action with USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is 

planned for June, 2008, in accordance with the regulations implementing the ESA, 50 CFR 

402.14(b)(1). Due to the analysis area being above critical habitat for steelhead and spring 

Chinook, the project would be a no affect to these species. 

All watersheds in wilderness and areas with few roads are nearly pristine condition; little to no 

restoration work is needed. The Upper, Middle, and Lower Methow, Upper and Lower 

Chewuch, and the Twisp River 5th field watersheds have more human impacts, especially the 

Middle Methow and Lower Chewuch watersheds. Past restoration efforts in these watersheds 

includes restoring fish passage, improving irrigation diversions, reducing riparian road miles, 

adding channel structure, reducing riparian recreation impacts, and restoring floodplain/side 

channel habitat. The proposed project does not include any restoration of streams or riparian 

vegetation in the few areas where moderate to low impacts occur; however, the mitigating 

measures and standard and guidelines for the project will allow these areas to improve over 

time. Areas with moderate use occur mostly around camps close to lakes and streams, and at a 

few stream crossings.

3.7 SOIL RESOURCES

The section below is a summary of the Soils Report which is available in the project analysis file 

(Davis 2006).

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Regional soil quality standards were developed to provide a consistent approach to monitor and 

identify detrimental soil disturbance (USDA Forest Service 1996d, updated1998). Although 

these standards were developed specifically to monitor disturbance from timber harvest 

activities, the concepts and principles can be applied to other activities such as outfitter-guide 

operations. The units of measures necessary to determine the level of soil effects are as 

follows:

soil compaction—acres of compacted bare mineral soil (> 20% reduction of soil bulk 

density);
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soil displacement—acres of “off-site” eroded soil material (eroded soil material buries grass 

or shrub root crowns); 

grazing practices trigger soil erosion—grazing utilization standards >50% and ocular 

evidence of surface and overland flow ;

soil effects at stream crossings— acres of denuded stream banks and evidence of loss of 

riparian stream bank vegetation.

soil erosion from livestock watering areas –- ocular evidence of trampling and surface 

runoff.

ANALYSIS METHODS

Soil conditions were evaluated in terms of soil compaction, displacement, grazing practices that 

trigger detrimental soil erosion, soil effects at stream crossings, and soil erosion at pack and 

saddle stock watering areas. A combination of qualitative and quantitative measures were 

used. The soil scientist visited a sampling of impacted areas, and conducted compaction 

surveys, and gathered qualitative information about the soil condition.

Throughout this analysis, the best available science was incorporated to describe the ecological 

and social conditions within the analysis area, and the potential effects of the proposed 

outfitter-guide use on resources and people.

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Historical Disturbance Factors

The volcanic ash soils in the analysis area have a level of resiliency, yet with prolonged or intense 

disturbance to surface vegetation, detrimental soil compaction, displacement, and erosion can 

occur. Current soil conditions will focus on those past or current events that have hindered the 

vigor of surface vegetation. The two principal disturbance elements that have had a great 

influence on soils and surface vegetation are historic livestock grazing and natural wildland or 

human-caused fires. Historic sheep grazing effects on soils are most noticeable in upper 

subalpine and alpine meadows while the effects of wildland fires can be observed across the 

analysis area.

Grazing Effects

Historic livestock grazing, in particular by sheep, altered soil condition throughout the analysis 

area. Sheep bands grazing through the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas 

and in the Sawtooth Backcountry and the associated herder activities resulted in compacted, 

unvegetated livestock driveways and herder camps. The effect of these early grazing practices 

on soils continues to be noticeable.

To support the sheep operations, numerous mountain trails were built. Many of these trails 

exist today as Forest Service system trails. Other trails were constructed to provide access to 

sheepherder camps and grazing sites. These camps were severely hardened by use. Many of 

these camps continue to be used today by the public and outfitters. Due to the level of historic 

and continuing use, these hardened campsites are still devoid of vegetation cover. Some of the 

camp areas predate the current Forest Plans and exceed current plan standards for compacted 
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bare mineral soil (barren core) for camp areas. Numerous sheep driveways were constructed to 

enable sheep bands to access key use grazing areas. Often these driveways provided the most 

direct route to key use areas and were steep. Concentrated surface runoff normally occurs on 

these steep driveways, segments which are still devoid of vegetation.

Much of the historic sheep grazing effects occurred prior to the formation of formal Forest 

Service grazing allotments. Hence, much of this historic sheep grazing was unregulated and 

predated land management planning and current standards. Early grazing practices often 

started as soon as the snow melted and continued until snowfall. The volcanic ash soils were 

just too soft during the early seasons to support repeated hoove action. Due to the vast 

numbers and timing of historic sheep grazing, trailing patterns and a terraced landscape are 

prominent in most subalpine and alpine meadows. Vegetation recovery on these areas has been 

slow due to harsh climatic conditions. Some localized meadow sites are still in poor vegetative 

health with severely pedestalled plants and exposed mineral soil (USDA Forest Service 1980 and 

1998c). Two such areas of degraded adverse vegetation and soil conditions include the cirque

basin containing Bernice Lake in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and the cirque basin on 

the south side of Amphitheater Mountain in the Pasayten Wilderness. Terraces in these 

locations are continuing to enlarge and unravel. Current vegetation cover is not adequate to 

retard surface soil erosion in these two locations. Detrimental soil displacement is readily 

apparent in these locations.

Presently no grazing is authorized in the historic sheep ranges. All of the grazing allotments 

within the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas are vacant, closed, or going 

through the closure process. This means that the Forest Service will no longer consider large 

scale permitted livestock operations in these areas. This assessment will evaluate the affect of 

recreation livestock use and consider whether future outfitter-guide livestock use will continue.

Wildland Fire Effects

Wildland fires in the analysis area are a natural process and have occurred at predicted intervals 

for centuries (USDA Forest Service 2004b). Since 1919, most of the analysis area has 

experienced wildland fires (USDA Forest Service 2003a). Some areas have actually re-burned. 

Wildland fires have had a pronounced influence on vegetation structure and some effect on soil 

conditions. According to Burned Area Emergency Reports (BAER), adverse soil effects from 

recent wildland fires are limited to high and some moderate severity burns (USDA Forest Service 

2001e, 2002 and 2003a). Typically high and moderate severity burns occur in the mid-elevation 

ranges of the analysis area which is usually dominated by dense seral stands of lodgepole pine. 

Though over 380,000 acres have burned in the last 5 years, only a portion burned with high 

severity. Most of these areas occurred in the Andrews and Farewell drainages of the Pasayten 

Wilderness. High severity fires caused 100 percent mortality and surface fire temperatures 

were more than enough to remove fine litter duff and volatize organic matter (OM) and 

nutrients at the soil surface (USDA Forest Service 2003a and Hungerford et al. 1991). The 

decline in OM content in soils has a long-term effect of reducing the nutrient capital for at least 

30 years.

Nevertheless, even high severity fire areas typically have understory vegetation recovery within 

five years (USDA Forest Service 2004b). The critical period for adverse sheet erosion effects 

occurs within the first three years following high severity fires. During this period, concentrated 

runoff can trigger sheet erosion and even debris slides. Debris slide risk can continue for ten 
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years following high severity fires, often associated with loss of root strength and tree wind 

throw.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

Soil Compaction

Soil compaction has occurred from historic sheep grazing. Old sheep driveways, trails, and 

camps have detrimentally compacted bare mineral soils. The level of compacted bare mineral 

soil in some existing camps exceeds Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Most of this 

detrimental compaction associated with historic sheep operations pre-dates land management 

planning. Soil bulk densities typically range from 1.0 to 1.2 grams/cubic centimeter in these 

sites. The increase in soil bulk density reduced soil pore volume which indirectly reduced plant 

vigor causing a decline of vegetation cover. This level of bulk density often restricts vegetation 

recovery. The normal range of bulk density of surface soils with volcanic ash normally range 

from 0.7 to 0.8 grams/cubic centimeter.

With Alternative 1, many camp areas and trails would continue to be used by the public. Most 

of the proposed permit areas draw a lot of public use, with the exception of Alta Lake and 

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead. The bare compacted soil in existing camps would likely remain in the 

existing condition due to this continued use. Based on field inspections, most camp sites are 

nearly flat with fairly dense adjoining understory vegetation. Little evidence of surface runoff or 

eroded soil was readily apparent, so no additional soil erosion would be expected. Surrounding 

vegetation would trap and stabilize any eroded material that did occur.

In the Pasayten Wilderness, total detrimental compacted bare mineral soil associated with pack 

and saddle camp areas is 5 acres, with 484 acres for existing system and non-system trails, 3 

acres for old stock driveways, and 10 acres for moist/wet meadow areas. In the Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness, the total amount of detrimental compacted bare mineral soil associated 

with camps is 11 acres, with 224 acres for existing system trails, and 10 acres for stock 

driveways. Detrimental compaction of bare mineral soil from the other permit areas is 

essentially immeasurable and hence not identified.

When compared to the acreage of the entire area, the detrimental soil compaction of camp 

areas, trails, and meadows is not consequential; normal watershed hydrologic functions have 

not been impaired.

No additional mitigation or restoration would occur with this alternative. The public would 

continue using camp areas and user trails, consequently the total square feet of compacted bare 

mineral soil in camps, trails, and driveways would continue. Detrimental soil compaction in the 

moist meadow areas is also expected to continue, but would not affect the overall conditions 

due to the fact that use is isolated, and impacts only affect a small portion of the meadow area.
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Soil Displacement

Pack and saddle outfitter-guides would have no effect on soil displacement with implementation 

of Alternative 1. Non-outfitted pack and saddle stock use would have no measurable effect on 

displacement since the areas that continue to pose a risk for accelerated surface erosion are 

associated with historic grazing sites or fire line construction. The overall level of detrimental 

soil displacement would be improved. Reducing livestock use would improve the current 

condition, however recovery would take a number of years.

Grazing Practices Triggering Soil Erosion

There would be no soil erosion triggered by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide grazing with 

this alternative. Detrimental grazing effects from the general public could continue. Continued 

recovery of subalpine meadows is expected with a gradual increase in plant cover and flowering 

forbs.

Soil Effects at Stream Crossings

According to the Pasayten Wilderness Recreation Activity Review, most stream banks in the area 

are well-vegetated, stable, and meet Plan standards and guidelines. One exception is the stream 

flowing into Remmel Lake where a large camp has resulted in trampled riparian vegetation. This 

campsite would still be used by the general public with implementation of Alternative 1, so 

recovery of the riparian vegetation is unlikely. The same would be true for other stream 

crossings in the analysis area. Due to the isolated nature, soil erosion at stream crossing would 

not cause degraded water quality beyond the immediate vicinity.

Soil Erosion from Pack and Saddle Stock Watering Areas

Soil erosion from public pack and saddle stock use would continue at some wet soil/meadow 

watering areas. This erosion would not affect water quality beyond the isolated, local area due 

to relative small size and infrequent occurrence. The amount of soil erosion from pack and 

saddle stock watering areas in the Pasayten Wilderness would be less than two acres while in 

the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth and Sawtooth Backcountry there would be less than one acre.

Alternatives 2 and 3

Soil Compaction

The level of soil compaction would be similar to Alternative 1. Forest Plan amendments 

included in Alternatives 2 and 3 concerning the allowable amount of bare mineral soil in 

outfitter-guide camps in the Pasayten Wilderness and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, in 

conjunction with camp management mitigation measures, would result in a reduction in the 

amount of compacted bare mineral soil associated with existing outfitter camps. It is expected 

that over time, unused areas would recover with protective vegetation cover.

The total amount of compacted bare mineral soil in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Wilderness Areas would be similar to Alternative 1. When compared to the acreage of the 

entire areas, camp areas and trails would be inconsequential; normal hydrologic functions 

would not be impaired. There would be about 10 acres of compacted meadows, an effect that 

likely predates the Forest Plans. Continued pack and saddle stock grazing or even trailing 

through wet areas could increase the level of detrimental soil compaction. The mitigation 

measure that identifies travel routes in and around these wet soils and meadow areas would 

reduce the risk of soil compaction in these areas.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Soil Displacement

Most of the soil displacement in the analysis area is a result of past grazing and wildfires. This 

displacement is slowing stabilizing with emerging vegetation on stock driveways and burned 

areas. The pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide operations included in Alternatives 2 and 3 

would result in little, if any soil displacement. Nearly all displacement that occurs in camps, at 

stock watering areas, or along trails would be trapped by surrounding understory vegetation. 

Grazing Practices Triggering Soil Erosion

Most of long-term detrimental grazing effects such as trailing, driveways, terracing, and changes 

in vegetation composition is related to historic sheep grazing operations, which predates land 

management planning. The mitigation measures included in Alternatives 2 and 3 would 

minimize the possibility of detrimental grazing effects from outfitter-guide pack and saddle 

stock.

The mitigation measures included in “Vegetation and Soil” number 5 on page 2-11 would reduce 

impacts to soil. Travel routes would be identified to avoid wet areas and loose herd grazing 

practices would be encouraged. The implementation of these measures would substantially 

reduce the possibility of detrimental grazing effects from outfitter-guide stock.

All of the previously stated grazing design and mitigation measures are intended to disperse 

grazing animals, only allow grazing when soil and plants can withstand use, limit grazing in 

degraded areas, and limit the level or intensity of grazing use. Overall, these measures would 

limit the risk of concentrated pack and saddle stock use.

Recovery from historic sheep operations would be a slow process due to the level of past 

disturbance and locally harsh climatic conditions. Hence, there is no discernible difference for 

grazing practices that trigger soil erosion between any alternative.

Soil Effects at Stream Crossings

Soil effects at stream crossings would be similar to those of Alternative 1. Most stream banks 

are well-vegetated, stable, and meet Plan standards and guidelines. Alternatives 2 and 3 would 

not further degrade existing stream crossing stream banks or channel bedding characteristics 

since pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides would be restricted to using existing campsites and 

existing trails. At most stream crossings, banks already lay back and are at least six feet wide. 

These crossing are common and were likely the travel routes of historic sheep bands. The 

continued use of these stream crossings would not degrade stream reaches. The crossing areas 

are not expected to expand as a result of pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides since the 

current number of recreation visitor days associated with pack and saddle stock would increase 

approximately 1% with Alternative 2, and would decrease 3% with Alternative 3.

Some localized stream crossings have been detrimentally degraded by past activities. There is a 

large camp that has degraded riparian vegetation along the stream flowing into Remmel Lake. 

This campsite would still be used with implementation of Alternatives 2 or 3, so recovery of the 

riparian vegetation is unlikely. The same would be true for other crossings in the analysis area. 

Due to the isolated nature, soil erosion at these crossings would not cause degraded water 

quality beyond the immediate area.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The mitigation measure requiring travel routes for pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides 

through wet soil/meadows would help reduce soil damage at stream crossings.

Soil Erosion from Pack and Saddle Stock Watering Areas

The overall level of soil effects at stream crossing would be similar to the effects of Alternative 1. 

The mitigation measure requiring camp management plans for assigned pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide camps would specifically address operations in pack and saddle stock watering 

areas. In addition, travel routes would be identified to avoid wet soil and meadow areas. This 

measure would substantially reduce soil trampling damage resulting from pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide activities.

Some soil erosion from pack and saddle stock use would continue, so soil erosion would occur at 

some of these wet soil/meadow watering areas. The erosion would not affect water quality 

beyond the isolated, localized areas due to their relative small size and infrequent occurrence.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for this cumulative effects analysis is the entire analysis area. The 

temporal boundary is from the early 1900s through 2019, when the 10-year permits would 

expire.

Past Actions

Historic sheep operations in the early 1900s that predated land management planning have had 

some lasting effects in the analysis area. Old camps, trails and stream crossings are still being 

used today by the general public and permitted outfitter and guide operations. Often the old 

camp areas exceed current standards and guidelines for the allowable area of bare, compacted 

soil. Old sheep driveways are still apparent in the upper elevations. These driveway segments 

are denuded and it will take years before some areas recover with natural vegetation. Most of 

the driveway segments in forested environments are no longer used as travel routes and are 

beginning to recover with litter, downed trees, and emerging vegetation. Trailing paths and 

terraced landscapes are prominent in most subalpine and alpine meadows. Wildlife continues to 

use these paths and terraces; it is likely these features remain as permanent fixtures in 

meadows. 

With the reduction of historic sheep numbers, plant communities have been recovering. 

Vegetation recovery has reduced soil effects from overland flow and raindrop impacts. With 

new emerging vegetation, with exception of the most severe locations at the highest elevations, 

eroded material is stabilized close to the source. The historic hardened campsites are still void of 

vegetation because of the constant recreation use. However, these sites are nearly flat and 

surrounded by vegetative cover which traps and stabilizes any eroded material. Watershed scale 

detrimental soil disturbances are essentially immeasurable.

Most of the historic trails that are used today have improved drainage features which have 

essentially eliminated detrimental soil erosion. Typically there is enough trail side vegetation to 

trap and stabilize eroded material close to the trails. Off-site sedimentation to streams is 

extremely low.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Some livestock grazing occurs in the lower elevations of the analysis area. These operations are 

relatively recent and at a small scale. Grazing is closely monitored as required by allotment 

management plans and little detrimental soil disturbance has been observed.

Natural and human-caused wildland fires are natural processes in the analysis area. Vegetation 

communities have evolved across the landscape largely due to the presence of fire. Natural fires 

are partly responsible for the maintenance of the large expanse of meadows in the subalpine 

regions of the analysis area. Dense seral stands of lodgepole pine are common in the mid- to 

high-elevation areas. These stands are maintained by 60-100+ year fire intervals, while relatively 

frequent fires help create and maintain park-like ponderosa pine and Douglas fir stands in lower

elevations (see analysis file for Wildland Fire Regimes of Oregon and Washington).

About 100 years ago, management practices disrupted the natural role of wildland fires. Past 

activities including grazing, vegetation manipulation, and fire suppression have altered 

vegetation structure which then alters natural fire regimes (Everett et al. 2000). The effect of 

altered natural fire regimes has very likely increased the severity of current wildland fires in the 

analysis area. Over 380,000 acres have burned in the last 5 years with a range of fire intensity. 

In areas with high severity fire, mortality was high and surface fire temperatures were lethal 

enough to remove fine litter duff and volatize organic matter and nutrients in at the soil surface. 

In these high severity areas the drastic decline in organic matter content in forest soils has a 

long-term effect of reducing nutrient capital for at least 30 years.

Much of the lower elevations surrounding the western slopes of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Wilderness have burned in the last 5 years. This burn pattern will reduce the short-term 

probability of fires burning upslope from Lake Chelan and spreading to the wilderness. Over 

150,000 acres have burned in the Pasayten Wilderness in the last 5 years. High severity fire 

effects in Andrews and Farewell Creeks will continue to elevate the risk of debris slides in these 

two watersheds. Smaller wildland fires have occurred in the lower elevations of the analysis 

area. These fires were generally low to moderate severity and detrimental soil disturbance has 

not been observed.

Timber harvest activities have occurred mainly in the lower elevations of the Methow Valley. 

These activities typically removed large ponderosa pine trees and built a number of access 

roads. These roads provided access to the existing trail heads in the area. Harvest operations 

and road construction resulted in soil compaction, erosion, and damage in isolated locations.

Present Actions

Permitted livestock grazing permits are being implemented and managed according to Forest 

Plan standards and guides. Annual grazing inspections ensure that forage utilization is not 

exceeded. These permitted livestock operations are implemented with appropriate soil quality 

mitigations measures.

Wildland and human-caused fires will likely continue with increased fire severity. There will be 

isolated areas of soil damage resulting in erosion loss of organic matter.

Timber management actions continue but have limited detrimental soil disturbance. These

timber harvest activities are implemented with appropriate soil quality mitigation measures. 

Soil hydrologic functions and process will also not be adversely altered 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Livestock grazing is expected to continue into the future in some portions of the analysis area, 

with little detrimental soil disturbance. Prescribed landscape burning will also continue. These 

prescribed burns are designed and implemented with low fire severity and no detrimental soil 

disturbance effects are expected.

Wildland fires will occur in the future. High severity fires in the Glacial Trough Landform Group 

are expected to dramatically increased debris slides events and flooding. This hydrologic 

response following wildland fires is a natural process that is well within the range of expected 

responses (USDA Forest Service 2003a). Fire suppression activities such as fire line construction 

with mechanized equipment will also continue. The fireline will be rehabilitated, but some 

erosion will occur before the vegetation recovers and the litter cover reestablishes. Adjoining 

vegetation communities trap and stabilize eroded material close to the source from these fire 

lines. Adverse “off-site” sedimentation is not expected from these fire lines.

Other management actions are not expected to trigger detrimental soil effects. Most land 

management treatments are planned with soil design measures that reduce the risk of 

detrimental soil effects.

Summary for Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 

The cumulative soil effects of Alternative 1, 2, and 3 and all past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions are essentially the same. The cumulative differences between these 

three alternatives are so slight that the magnitude of difference is immeasurable. Hence, all 

three alternatives are evaluated together.

The cumulative effects of any of the three alternatives and all past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions would be that the total soil disturbance from trails, camps, stream 

crossings, wildland fires, and grazing areas would be a small portion of the analysis area. On-site 

soil disturbance would not adversely impact natural nutrient or hydrologic cycles that could lead 

to off-site effects. On-site nutrient cycles would not be altered to the point that the vigor of 

adjoining vegetation communities would be reduced. In addition, on-site soil compaction, 

displacement, or erosion would not alter natural soil hydrologic process and lead to accelerated 

erosion and sedimentation into streams. The level of detrimental soil disturbance evaluated at 

the watershed scale is immeasurable.

Other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions listed at the beginning of 

Chapter 3 of this document would not cumulatively cause detrimental soil disturbance to 

exceed 20 percent of the analysis area or the area used by outfitter-guide operations. Including 

proposed mitigation, there would be a net improvement for soils over the analysis area as a 

whole.

CONSISTENCY STATEMENTS

All alternatives would be consistent with Regional policy and Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines for achieving soil objectives. The proposed Forest Plan amendment for Alternatives 2 

or 3 would enhance soil resource protection. As an example, existing areas of detrimental soil 

disturbance at campsites and trails would be used on successive trips. Additional detrimental 

soil disturbance from proposed action would be mitigated with various measures described in 

Chapter 2.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

3.8 RANGE RESOURCES

The section below is a summary of the Range Report which is available in the project analysis file 

(McFetridge 2008a).

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The Okanogan National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (USDA Forest Service 

1989b) established management goals. The most pertinent goal to range management is: to 

intensively manage range resources to achieve a high level of range outputs while protecting the 

basic productivity of the land and providing for the production of wildlife, recreation 

opportunities, and other resources (Management Area 25, Page 4-103). Regarding the 

proposed action, the objective of range management is to protect resources and continue the 

management of the affected grazing allotments (designated areas to graze) while providing for 

recreation opportunities. All active allotments within the project area are managed according to 

standards and guidelines in the Okanogan Forest Plan.

ANALYSIS METHOD

The geographic boundary for range is the analysis area plus the area of all grazing allotments 

that overlap outfitter-guide activities (active trailheads, trails, camps). The temporal boundary is 

the period of time from the 1900s through 2018.

This analysis assesses the effect of the proposed actions on six livestock grazing allotments and 

the effect of current and historic grazing. The following specific indicators are used to describe 

the direct, indirect and cumulative effects.

Qualitative and quantitative discussion about the impacts of historic sheep and cattle 

grazing activities on the project area compared to the level of current impacts.

The effects of outfitter-guide pack and saddle stock and livestock (cattle and sheep) grazing, 

and compliance with Forest Plan standards and guidelines.

Number of Animal Unit Months (AUM) of forage utilized by outfitter-guide pack and saddle 

stock compared to the number of historic AUMs of forage utilized in grazing allotments.

Qualitative discussion of outfitter-guide stock grazing.

Throughout this analysis, the best available science was incorporated to describe the ecological 

and social conditions within the analysis area, and the potential effects of the proposed 

outfitter-guide use on resources and people.

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

There are no permitted livestock (cattle or sheep) grazing in the Pasayten Wilderness, Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, or the Sawtooth Backcountry areas. All prior allotments are 

vacant, closed, or going through the closure process.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The Bear/Ramsey/Volstead, North Cascades, Middle Methow, and Alta Lake areas have some 

level of livestock grazing, however there are virtually no areas where outfitter-guide activities, 

especially pack and saddle stock grazing, occurs in the livestock (cattle or sheep) grazing areas. 

There are no deluxe or progressive camps or the associated trails or trailheads in permitted 

livestock grazing areas. The recreation activities that occur within the livestock allotments are 

typically day use with hiking or saddle horse riding. The only outfitter-guide activity within 

livestock allotments is taking clients to drop camps with no overnight pack and saddle stock use 

or passing through the allotment to camps outside the allotment. The day use activities utilize a 

negligible amount of forage with no measurable impacts on the rangeland resource. The 

primary foraging areas within livestock grazing allotment are associated with road systems and 

with the livestock utilizing the transitory range within historic timber harvest units adjacent to 

roads. The current pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities in general are almost 

exclusively within the areas with no roads. There is virtually not overlap of livestock grazing and 

these outfitter-guides activities. There are no areas with range resource impacts of both 

outfitter-guide stock and livestock (cattle or sheep) in the same area.

Permitted Livestock Grazing within the Project Area

The following are brief descriptions of the livestock grazing allotments that have the potential to 

be impacted by outfitter guide activities. Grazing within each of these allotments is currently 

meeting Forest Plan allowable forage use standards and Streambank Alteration standards 

(Cowley et al. 2006).

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead

Beaver Allotment is 43,947 acres with four separate pastures (grazing areas). The grazing 

system is a deferred-rest rotation. Currently the permit allows 140 cow/calf pairs to graze 

annually from May 10 to September 30, which equals 887 animal unit months (AUM, see 

glossary). This system utilizes two early season grazing pastures (Burns Canyon and Cougar) 

grazed and rested on alternating years, one mid-season unit (Volstead) and one mid-late season 

unit (Middle Fork). The Loup Loup and Wolf units in the Frazer allotment are grazed in 

conjunction with the Beaver allotment as needed to allow flexibility in grazing strategies and/or 

providing for more rest for units in both allotments. The pastures are mainly divided by natural 

barriers. There is one outfitter-guide drop camp in the Beaver allotment.

Ramsey Allotment is 12,312 acres with three pastures. Currently the permit allows 63 cow/calf 

pairs annually from June 1 to September 30, which equals 338 AUMs. Although permitted use 

dates are June through September, the pastures are used in an early season grazing system to 

limit use in the hot dry late season which has less water and palatable forage. Typically 76 

cow/calf pairs and 14 yearlings graze from June 1 to August 31. The prescribed grazing system is 

rest-rotation using each pasture (the Ramsey, Pearrygin, and Bear units). Each unit receives a 

period of early summer grazing, followed by a year of rest, followed by a year of deferment 

where the unit is grazed in late summer in the third year. Each pasture is grazed for about 45 

days. The pastures are mainly divided by natural barriers. There are no pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide camps in this allotment.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

North Cascades

Goat Allotment consists of 18,125 acres and is located in Goat (5,208 acres), Upper Methow 

River (9,626acres) and the Lost River (3,291 acres) watersheds. There are two grazing 

permittees on the allotment.

Currently the permit allows 170cow/calf pairs to graze from June 1 to September 30 every year, 

which equals 669 cow months or 883 animal unit months (AUM). One permittee has a permit 

for 126 cow/calf pair and the other has a permit for 44 pair. The second permit (44 pair) has 

been in non-use for 3 years.

The present rest rotation grazing system utilizes four units, two early summer units, Spokane 

Gulch and Yellow Jacket, and two late summer units, Black Pine and Whiteface. The early 

summer units are used on alternate years, and the late summer units are utilized each year with 

deferment. There are two drop camps in the Yellow Jacket Unit.

Boulder/Wolf Allotments are grazed together under one grazing rotation with one permittee. 

The Boulder allotment consists of 7,801 acres and is located in the Little Boulder Creek, Looney 

Creek watersheds and portions of the Huckleberry Creek, and Cedar Creek watersheds. The 

Wolf allotment grazing area is 10,502 acres with only the Falls Creek pasture in the project area, 

this is in the Little Falls Creek watershed.

Currently the permit allows 60 cow/calf pairs to graze from June 1 to September 30 every year, 

which equals 244 cow months or 322 animal unit months (AUM). The grazing strategy is to 

graze the Boulder allotment and the Falls Creek pasture on even years with 40 cow/calf pairs in 

Boulder and 20 cow/calf pairs in Falls Creek with complete rest on even years where the other 

pastures of the Wolf allotment are grazed. There are four outfitter drop camps within the 

Boulder allotment and a drop camp in the Falls Creek pasture.

Middle Methow, Sawtooth Backcountry, and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness

Buttermilk Sheep Allotment is in the Middle Methow, Sawtooth Backcountry (Methow), and 

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness areas. The 52,974 acre allotment has been in non-use since 

2000 with partial use in 2003. This permit will likely be waived back to the Forest Service in 

2008. The sheep were routed through the allotment with a herder with restrictions on bedding 

and trailing to reduce resource impacts. This allotment was grazed in conjunction with the Harts 

Pass allotment that was waived back in 2000. Currently the permit allows 1,200 ewe/lambs from 

May 1 to July 10. The season can be modified to provide for a later season of use to adjust for 

loss of the Harts Pass allotment which was grazed in the late summer. The Crater Creek 

outfitter-guide base camp (corral) and trail system is in the Buttermilk allotment.

Alta Lake

The Alta Coulee allotment is 3,249 acres with two pastures. Currently the permit allows 25 

cow/calf pairs annually from June 1 to September 30, which equals 102 AUMs. Although 

permitted use dates are June through September, the pastures are typically used for less time 

than the permitted season. The allotment boundary includes several sections of land but only 

the bottom of the coulee is grazed by the 25 cow/calf pair. The coulee bottom is grazed in 

conjunction with permittee private land to the south. There is a division fence that divides the 

Alta Pond area from the south part of the coulee. The pond area is grazed early for two weeks 

then the cattle are excluded for the remainder of the season. The pond area has been rested 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

voluntarily by the permittee for the past five years as approved by the Forest Service with the 

benefit of reducing impacts to the pond riparian area. There is a day use recreation trail system 

within the rested Alta Pond area. It is not likely that the pond area will be grazed in the future 

but it will remain in the permit if needed. The trail used for day-rides passes through this 

allotment.

Pack and Saddle Stock Grazing within the Project Area

The pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides currently are allotted 270 Animal Unit Months (AUM) 

in the analysis area. This is noticeably lower than the 6,464 AUMs grazed by livestock in the 

recent past (1960s), and substantially lower than the 15,000 AUMs allotted to the area in the 

early to mid 1900s.

Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas:

There are no permitted cattle in the wilderness or backcountry areas of the analysis area. A 

portion of the Buttermilk Sheep allotment is in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness (see the 

Buttermilk allotment description under Permitted Livestock Grazing within the Project Area). 

There are an estimated total of 1,550 acres affected by pack and saddle stock grazing in the 

Pasayten Wilderness and 375 acres affected in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. All of the 

affected area is directly associated with the camps used by people with pack and saddle stock. 

The outfitter-guide stock is dispersed around the camps to the point that the grazing is having 

no effect on natural plant succession. The amount of grazing impact is highest at the camps and 

decreases the farther one moves away to the point of no impact. Stock can travel up to two 

miles from camps to graze, but the majority of the grazing occurs near the campsites. 

Upland Forage associated with established outfitter campsites is meeting Forest Plan utilization 

standards on all wilderness range with the exception of a few spots where there is localized high 

use is exceeding 60%. These relatively small areas are near campsites where the combined 

effect of trail and camp location, forage and water access, and topography results in virtually 

unavoidable concentrations of forage utilization. These infrequent spots occur in spite of Forest 

Service administration and outfitter-guide efforts to implement best management practices. 

Current wilderness forage use by outfitter guide stock is well below recent historic use levels 

permitted within wilderness livestock grazing allotments (see Past Actions). The highest levels 

of outfitter-guide and general public pack and saddle stock use are at the Remmel/Spanish 

Camp and the Sheep Mountain areas.

Wilderness Riparian Areas are currently meeting Forest Plan forage utilization standards 

including standards for streambank alteration (Cowley et al. 2006). There is limited use by 

outfitter stock in wilderness riparian areas with the exception of a few spots where there is 

localized disturbance. These areas are watering locations near campsites and/or at trail 

crossings where unavoidable trampling occurs. Trampling exposes bare soil and causes 

alteration to the streambank. Some browsing on riparian shrubs and grazing of riparian 

herbaceous species is also occurring but is well within Forest Plan standards.

Extensive monitoring of livestock impacts to similar riparian areas within grazing allotments on 

the Methow Valley Ranger District has shown that the measurable impacts are often associated 

with watering sites and crossing areas; impacts outside of these areas are typically light and the 

area of impacts is small relative to the total length of riparian area. Forest Plan riparian grazing 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

standards are generally met in grazing allotments. The areas of highest impact in the allotments 

are areas where road placement, past timber harvest activities, and fence locations combined 

with water access and steep topography results in the virtually unavoidable concentration of 

animals where allowable use levels can be exceeded. The potential for a similar level of 

concentrated impacts by pack and saddle stock in the wilderness riparian areas is low.

Outfitter-guide stock forage utilization monitoring was conducted in the Pasayten Wilderness on 

September 24-27, 2001 by the Methow Valley Ranger District Range Management Specialist. 

The following notes are from that trip:

Spanish Camp: North of the cabin there is no grazing use along the creek, or away from the 

trail.

Airplane Ridge: The camp is below the ridge. Plants outside the utilization cage were lightly 

grazed, and not much different in height from plants inside the cage. Grazing looked minimal; 

sedges and low willow at the nearest livestock watering spot on Beaver Creek showed only 

where the horses came and left. There was a small site of hoof shear less than five feet across.

Sheep Mountain: This camp has light grazing use (<20-30% of mean annual production) in the 

immediate vicinity. There was little to no grazing use on Sheep Mountain, just a few bites out of 

the graminoids.

Cathedral Lakes: Looked at biological crust and did not see hoof shear effects on bryophytes or 

cryptograms.

Cathedral Drive: The effects of past sheep band grazing are still evident. There are long-term 

effects of the sheep browsing on willows along the trail. Routes where sheep bands regularly 

grazed could still be seen from high vantage points. The shortened growing season extends the 

needed time for recovery on these plants.

Remmel Lake: observed effects of past camps which where previously on the lake shore. These 

sites had some bare soil patches yet, and an influx of native strawberry- which does quite well as 

a pioneer native species. Some of the hairgrass was starting to come into these sites. The 

uplands, and passes between these lakes didn't show much if any grazing use.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

This alternative would have no pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide recreation use in the 

wilderness and back country on the Methow Valley, Chelan, or Tonasket Ranger Districts. This 

would result in a 5% reduction in the number of pack and saddle stock users in the analysis area. 

No AUMs would be used by outfitter-guides.

Outfitter-guides would not use the forage needed to support pack and saddle stock. Camp sites 

would continue to be used by the general public but likely with fewer stock than in the past. A 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

relatively small portion of the available forage in the livestock grazing allotments would 

continue to be grazed by the general public pack and saddle stock; the amount of forage in 

allotments utilized by the stock would be negligible and have a minor effect on forage 

availability for permitted livestock grazing.

Alternatives 2 and 3

Under Alternatives 2 or 3, only areas where outfitter stock remain at campsites would have 

grazing impacts to the range resource. Within the non-wilderness backcountry areas only drop 

camps are used where there are no pack and saddle stock grazing impacts. In addition to the 

general public pack and saddle stock, the outfitter-guide stock would use the forage at the 

camps and the surrounding areas. The 4,620 service days associated with pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guides in Alternative 2 would be a slight increase compared to the current amount of 

use. Alternative 3 would reduce the outfitter-guide visitor days to 2,660; an 3% reduction from 

current levels. Alternative 2 would allow 270 AUMs for the outfitter-guide use. Alternative 3 

would include 150 AUMs.

The amount of forage use and resource impacts would be less than or similar to that of the 

recent past. Outfitter-guides would be using all existing trails and camps, and no new camps or 

trails would be developed. A negligible amount of the available forage within the livestock 

grazing allotments would be grazed by the outfitter-guide stock. The amount of outfitter-guide 

use proposed in Alternatives 2 and 3 would not reduce the amount of forage available for 

permitted livestock within the analysis area. The areas where there is dual use by cattle and by 

outfitter-guide stock is limited and any combined use has not contributed to exceeding 

allowable use standards or negatively impacted resources. Outfitter guide stock forage 

utilization is well within allowable use standards with the exception of the localized areas of high 

use associated with the camps. With the closing of the wilderness livestock permits, even with 

outfitter guide grazing, the forage use and resource impacts are still far below the use and 

impacts under the old grazing allotment stocking rates.

Cumulative Effects

This cumulative effects analysis considers effects of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable 

future actions within the project area. The geographic boundary for this cumulative effects 

analysis is the entire project area and the entire area of the historic grazing activities associated 

with the project, and the temporal boundary is the period of time when the activities associated 

with this project are occurring from the 1900s to 20 years post-project. All of the historic 

information provided in the following Past Actions section was taken from Forest Service 

records in the livestock grazing allotment and livestock permit files at the Methow Valley and 

Chelan Ranger Districts. 

Past Actions

The analysis area has a long history of grazing. In the recent past (1960s), there were 6,464 

AUMs grazed by livestock. In the early to mid 1900s, there were 15,000 AUMs grazed annually. 

According to Forest Service records, sheep grazing was first introduced in about 1908, but 

possibly earlier. During the World War I years, the number of sheep grazing in the area 

increased dramatically, and then gradually decreased until after Work War II, when most of the 

sheep allotments were changed to cattle allotments. At their peak, there were many thousands 

of sheep grazing in the Pasayten and the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth area. Typically the Forest 
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Service regulated and documented sheep band size based upon the number of mature ewes. 

The number of lambs were unregulated which would indicate that the total number of sheep 

documented in the Forest Service records was likely much higher.

To support early livestock operations, numerous mountain trails were built. Many of these trails 

exist today as Forest Service system trails. Other trails were constructed to provide access to 

sheepherder camps and grazing lookout sites. Many of these camps continue to be used today 

by recreationists and outfitters. Numerous sheep and cattle driveways were constructed to 

enable livestock to access key use grazing areas.

Allotment records indicate that during 1920 and 1930 many grazing allotments could no longer 

support the large sheep numbers. Available forage had declined tremendously. Domestic sheep 

numbers steadily declined through the 1940s, 1950s, until present. The last sheep permit in the 

Pasayten was converted to cattle in 1949; cattle grazed the area until 1994.

Compared with sheep, cattle operations are more recent and more closely monitored by the 

Forest Service. Currently the only active cattle allotments in the project area are the Ramsey 

and Alta allotments. Grazing is closely monitored for grazing utilization. No detrimental grazing 

practices have been documented on the currently active allotments.

Sheep camps and trails were established by the sheep grazing operations. Outfitter-guides 

utilized old existing sheep camps and trails.

Pasayten Wilderness

Sheep grazing in the Pasayten peaked in the early 1900s when as many thousands of sheep 

traveled from Horseshoe Basin to the crest of the Cascades. The high number of sheep began to 

fall by the mid-1900s until allotments were vacated in the late 1990s. The grazed areas are 

slowly returning to pre-grazing condition, however many of the sheep driveways and sheep 

camps can still be identified by the sparse vegetation and differences in plant species 

composition compared to areas not grazed.

Sheep grazed the Cathedral Allotment from 1909 to 1948 reaching a peak of 5 bands (5000) 

around 1912. By 1921 numbers had been reduced to one band on Beaver Creek, Bob Creek, and 

Bald Mountain from July 15 to September 15. In 1949 the allotment was converted to cattle 

with 350 head of yearlings on the Bald Mountain, Beaver Creek, Bob Creek, and Remmel Lake 

area. From 1949 to 1967 actual use ranged from 340 to 520 head. In 1968 the permit was 

changed to a 300 cow/calf permit. In 1981 the Cathedral Allotment was converted to the 

Remmel Mountain Allotment with two units, the Bob Creek unit in the Bald Mountain area and 

the Colman Ridge unit in the Remmel Lake area. The Remmel permit was 160 cow/calf pairs 

from July 15 to September 30 and was waived back to the government in 1999 with the last year 

of grazing in 1994. There were 528 AUMs in this area.

The Horseshoe Basin Allotment was first used by sheep from 1910 to 1964 with 4 years of nonuse between 1948 and 1951. Boundaries of the allotment have changed slightly from time to 

time but in general the total area has remained the same. The Remmel Lake fire of 1929 and 

the Toats Coulee fire of 1930 opened considerable land to grazing through 1947. During the 

period when the burns produced lush feed, two bands totaling 2000 sheep were allowed to 

graze. In 1948, it was thought the allotment was being overused and 4 years of non-use were 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-207 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

implemented and numbers were decreased to 1,200 head through 1964. Between 1961 and 

1966 economics made it desirable to transition from sheep and convert the entire allotment to 

cattle. In 1972 the cattle permit was relinquished and by 1976 the allotment was converted 

back to sheep. Sheep grazing continued on the allotment until 1997 with 1,100-1,200 

ewe/lambs from early July to mid September. The permittee waived the allotment back to the 

Forest Service in 2000. There were 480 AUMs in this area.

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth Backcountry, and Middle Methow

The grazing history dates back to 1912 with 5400 sheep grazing the Foggy Dew Creek-Merchants 

Basin portion and that the Horsethief Basin area first received use by sheep in 1921. During 

1913-1916, records indicate that 5,000 sheep were permitted in the Chelan Summit area From 

Sunrise Lake to Surprise Lake. In 1929 several allotments were combined into two major 

allotments. Crater Creek and Foggy Dew Creek were the Foggy Dew Allotment. East Fork 

Buttermilk, Fish Creek, and Meadow Creek were the Buttermilk Allotment. From 1929 to 1943 

the combined permitted use for the two allotments was 1,200-2,400. In 1944, the two 

allotments were combined as the Buttermilk Allotment with one band of 1,200 to the present. 

The season of use was May 15 to October 15 then shortened to September 30 in 1946, and in 

1951, the present season of June 1 to September 30 was established. This allotment has not 

been grazed since 2003. There were 975 AUMs in this area.

The Horsethief Allotment (Horsethief Basin area) was grazed by 60 to 70 cow/calf pair until the 

permit was waived back to the Forest Service in the 1990s. The Lake Chelan side in the Hunter 

McFarland Allotment from the ridge top to the lake including Safety Harbor Creek east to 

Mitchell Creek was converted a couple times from sheep to cattle to sheep pending economic, 

or more recently, resource concerns. The permitted use was 1,200 ewes/lambs or 250 cow/calf 

pairs. The sheep portion of the permit was waived back to the Forest Service to aid in the 

introduction of California big horn sheep in 1999. Only the cattle portion of the permit remains 

on the Methow Valley District side which is all outside the project area. Virtually all of the 

Sawtooth Backcountry was included under the Sawtooth Recreational Allotment and there was 

also a permit to graze 30-40 head of horses in the Prince Creek area in the 1980s. There were 

1,300 AUMs in this area.

The Wolf Creek area was used by sheep from 1900 to 1930 and heavily used for 20 to 25 years. 

Records show that the area west of the North Fork of Wolf Creek constituted the area for sheep 

and the area east of the North Fork to the Forest Boundary was used by cattle. The best range 

was within the sheep area and it was badly abused. In 1930 the entire Wolf Creek drainage was 

included in the Wolf Creek Cattle Allotment and grazed until the wilderness portion was waived 

in 2000. The numbers fluctuated between 130 and 236 cow/calf pair with the season of use 

starting at June 1 to October 31 and gradually shortened to June 1 to September 30 by 1960. 

The permit was reduced to 60 cow/calf pair in 2000. There were 1,070 AUMs in this area before 

the permit was reduced in 2000.

The history of overuse and unsatisfactory management in the early years is still evident. Grazed 

areas are slowly returning to pre-grazing conditions, however many of the sheep driveways and 

sheep camps can still be identified by the sparse vegetation, and differences in plant species 

composition compared to areas not grazed.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-208 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead

The Ramsey Creek Allotment has been used by cattle since about 1900; it includes the Ramsey, 

Pearrygin, Bear, and Cougar Creek drainages. The area was heavily grazed from1906 to 1920. 

This allotment extends along the Forest boundary for 10.5 miles and was joined by a large 

number of homesteaders; trespass was common and early and late grazing was the practice. At 

peak stocking between 1910 and 1920, 265 head were permitted. At that time there was no 

boundary fence and the more gentle slopes and natural feed areas extended on outside the 

Forest and there was a high percentage of trespass by unauthorized stock. The greatest damage 

to the lower portion of the range came from the trespass cattle and horses of the 

homesteaders. One hundred head of cattle and 300 head of horses roamed the area as late as 

1925. This use peaked between 1910 and 1918. Cattle numbers were reduced through shifting 

permittees to other allotments and the abandoning of homesteads. The last of the homesteads 

in this area were purchased in 1943 and 1944, by Washington State. In 1948 a boundary and 

drift fence was built by the State from Boulder Creek to Beaver Creek. The season of use on the 

range was changed in 1947 from April 1 to October 30, to June 1 to October 15. The last 

stocking adjustment was made in 1950 to June 1 to September 30. There are 322 AUMs in this 

area.

North Cascades

The Harts Pass Sheep Allotment and the Goat Cattle Allotment are in the North Cascades area. 

The last allotment management plan for the Harts Pass was 1985 with 1,200 ewe/lambs grazed 

in conjunction with the Buttermilk sheep allotment. The Harts Pass allotment was grazed until it 

was waived back to the Forest Service in 2000. There were 560 AUMs in this area.

The Goat Allotment has been grazed by cattle since 1910. In 1950, the land between Goat Creek 

and Lost River was designated as the Goat Allotment. Cattle numbers stabilized to 170 cow/calf 

pair with the season of use June 1 to September 30 from1965 to the present. There are 912 

AUMs in this area.

The Boulder Allotment was grazed exclusively by sheep from 1923 to 1938 with 500 to 1,900 

ewe/lambs. The use by sheep included south slopes and bottom range areas in the first few 

miles of Early Winters Creek above the confluence with Cedar Creek. The allotment was 

converted to cattle in 1938 with100 cow/calf pair for 5 months, and then shortened to 4 months 

in 1949. By 1983 the numbers were reduced to 62 cow/calf pairs from June 15 to September 30 

with pastures north of Early Winters Creek and west of Cedar Creek dropped from the 

allotment. Currently the permitted use is 40 cow/calf pair from June 1 to September 30 ever 

other year. There are 291 AUMs in this area.

Alta Lake

The Alta Coulee Allotment has been grazed by 25 cow/calf pair of cattle for many years. In 

recent years only the bottom of the coulee has been grazed in conjunction with private land on 

Antoine Creek; the Alta Pond area has been rested.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-209 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

All vacant allotments within the Pasayten Wilderness Area, Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness 

Area, and the Sawtooth Backcountry project areas are scheduled to be closed by 2010. 

Permitted livestock grazing will continue outside of wilderness. There are no future plans to 

restock the currently vacant allotments.

Cumulative Effects Summary

Alternatives 1, 2, and 3

There would be no cumulative effect of any of the alternatives and the past, present, and 

reasonable foreseeable future actions. Presently no grazing is authorized in the historic sheep 

ranges in wilderness and backcountry areas. All of the grazing allotments are vacant, closed, or 

going through the closure process. This means that the Forest Service will no longer consider 

large scale permitted livestock operations in these areas. Livestock grazing would continue 

outside of the wilderness. Livestock numbers within the project area will remain relatively low 

and continue to constitute a small amount of the forage overlap with pack and saddle stock. 

Range management techniques such as numbers of livestock turned out, salting, water 

developments and timing of use, would continue to be used to meet riparian goals, and to 

obtain uniform distribution of use on the allotments. Riparian objectives include maintaining 

and/or increasing bank stability along riparian areas. These objectives would be reached 

through the continued use of deferred and rest rotation grazing and maintenance of water 

troughs and fences.

Outfitter-guides will continue to use camps established by old sheep grazing operations and 

continue to use existing trials created for livestock access.

With the closing of the wilderness livestock permits, even with outfitter-guide grazing, the 

forage use and resource impacts are far below the use and impacts under the old grazing 

allotment stocking rates.

CONSISTENCY STATEMENTS

Action alternatives would be consistent with the amended Forest Plans. Livestock grazing would 

be managed to limit resource impacts to consistent with Forest-wide standard and guidelines 

for range planning and improvements. The proposed Forest Plan amendment would provide 

minor range resource benefits by limiting camp site impact areas. All alternatives would be 

consistent with other laws, regulations, and direction.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-210 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

3.9 INVASIVE PLANTS

The section below is a summary of the Invasive Plant Management Analysis which is available in 

the project analysis file (McFetridge 2008b).

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

This analysis conforms to the requirements of Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Program Final 

Environmental Impact Statement, Record of Decision (USDA Forest Service 2005a), hereafter 

referred to as the 2005 PNW ROD, the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests Weed 

Management and Prevention Strategy and Best Management Practices (USDA Forest Service 

2001b), the Guide to Noxious Weed Prevention Practices (USDA Forest Service 2001c) that 

supports the February 3, 1999 Executive Order on Invasive Species, and the National Strategy 

and Implementation Plan for Invasive Species Management (USDA Forest Service 2004c).

This analysis also addresses the Record of Decision of the FEIS for Managing Competing and 

Unwanted Vegetation (USDA Forest Service 1988), hereafter referred to as the 1988 R6 FEIS, as 

supplemented by the Mediated Agreement (Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, 

et al. v. Clayton Yeutter 1989). The portions applicable to the proposed action include the 

standards set forth by the new 2005 PNW ROD (USDA Forest Service 2005a) and an evaluation 

of the prevention strategy required in the Mediated Agreement (see analysis file).

Both Service-wide and Pacific Northwest Region Noxious Weed Strategies use the term “noxious 

weeds” to broadly encompass all invasive, aggressive, or harmful non-indigenous species. The 

more recent term is “invasive plants”, which are defined as non-native plants likely to cause 

economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health (Executive Order 13112, 1999). 

The terms “invasive plant species”, “noxious weeds”, and “weeds” are used interchangeably in 

this document.

The Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans each require a prevention emphasis on noxious 

weed control.

ANALYSIS METHODS

Introduction and spread of invasive plants is generally proportional to the area disturbed. For 

this project, disturbance is mostly associated with trailhead and outfitter-guide camps. The type 

and size of disturbance is relatively similar between all trailheads and camps. There would be 

no new disturbance as a result of the proposed action. The spatial boundary used for this 

resource is the entire analysis area, including all weed sites along roads and off-road areas. 

Most of the invasive plant populations in this analysis area are on roads within the analysis area 

and are not directly affected by the outfitter-guide activities at trailheads, on trails, and at 

camps. The temporal boundary is the time during project activity (a ten-year permit) including 

invasive plant treatments for current outfitter-guide activities. For the purposes of this analysis, 

the potential for invasive plant introduction and spread is discussed. The following specific 

indicators are used to describe the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the proposed 

action:
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-211 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Qualitative discussion of existing vegetation within the analysis area relative to the habitat 

requirements for new invader and potential invader noxious weeds including the number of 

outfitter-guide camps within each habitat type.

Number of trail heads with established populations of New Invader noxious weeds and 

qualitative discussion on potential to spread into the analysis area.

Acres of current known infestations within analysis area and discussion of potential to 

spread into project activity areas.

Quantitative estimate of number of visitor days as a vector of introduction and spread.

Throughout this analysis, the best available science was incorporated to describe the ecological 

and social conditions within the analysis area, and the potential effects of the proposed 

outfitter-guide use on resources and people.

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Three categories of invasive plant populations are present in the analysis area. Categories are 

used to prioritize inventory and treatment of invasive species:

“Established Invaders” are those species whose population levels and distribution are such 

that seed production cannot be prevented.

“New Invaders” are species that occur sporadically on the Forest and that may be controlled 

by preventing seed production and early treatment;

“Potential Invaders” are species that occur on lands adjacent to the analysis area but have 

not been documented on lands administrated by the Forest. However, the potential for 

infestation is imminent as described in the Okanogan National Forest Integrated Weed 

Management Environmental Assessments (1997 and 2000 Weed EAs, USDA Forest Service 

1997e and USDA Forest Service 2000d).

Figure 3.9-1. Established, New, and Potential Invaders in or adjacent to analysis area.

Established Invaders: New Invaders: Potential Invaders:

bull thistle whitetop *sulfur cinquefoil

Canada thistle Russian knapweed yellow hawkweed

common mullein common crupina *orange hawkweed

dandelion common tansy Japanese knotweed

cheatgrass oxeye daisy

lambsquarters spotted knapweed

tansymustard dalmatian toadflax

dwarf mallow houndstongue

common plantain Scotch broom

white clover diffuse knapweed

field bindweed St. Johnswort

common mullein

yellow salsify

crane’s bill

prickly lettuce

bulbous bluegrass

*Bear/Ramsey/Volstead subunit only
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-212 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The analysis area contains a moderate potential for spread of potential and new invaders from 

adjacent private and state lands.

Figure 3.9-2. Existing New Invader Noxious Weed Characteristics.

SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS

diffuse knapweed 

Centaurea diffusa

An annual or short-lived perennial; highly competitive.

spotted knapweed

Centaurea maculosa

A short-lived perennial; tolerates shade; spread by vehicles, wind, animals; 

highly competitive.

oxeye daisy 

Chrysanthemum 

leucanthemum

Aggressive perennial invader of open forest, meadows, and roadsides; 

strong sprouting from roots with branched rhizomes; reproduces 

vegetatively along rhizomes and by seed.

Scotch broom 

Cystis scoparius

An aggressive, deciduous, perennial shrub, Common pest in western WA 

and OR, very limited infestations east of the Cascades, a prodigious seed 

producer with seed coats enabling them to survive for up to 80 years.

Canada thistle

Cirsium arvense

A creeping perennial; established slowly; difficult to control because of 

rhizomes and from sprouting root buds; prolific seed producer; seeds 

dispersed by wind/water in late summer and fall; seeds can survive in soil 

up to 22 years depending on the depth of burial.

Russian knapweed 

Acroptilon repens

A creeping perennial, reproduces from seed and vegetative root buds, 

toxic to horses, very competitive in heavier soils of bottomlands, invades 

degraded areas dominating the plant community.

whitetop

Carderia draba

A deep rooted perennial reproducing from root segments and seeds; 

highly competitive with other species once it becomes established; will set 

seed by early summer.

dalmatian toadflax

Linaria dalmatica

A perennial reproducing by seed and rhizomes; it is aggressive on 

roadsides and rangeland; difficult to control.

St. Johnswort

Hypericum perforatum

A perennial reproducing by seed or short rhizomes; easily established on 

roadsides; very slow in spreading off of roadside; difficult to control; 

biological control available.

common tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Spreads mainly by seeds, and less commonly from creeping rhizomes, to 

form dense clumps of stems. An invader of disturbed sites and is 

commonly found on roadsides, fence rows, pastures, stream banks and 

waste areas.

common crupina Crupina 

vulgaris

A Washington State Class A Noxious weed; A fall germinating annual, 

primary habitat is southern slopes in steep canyon grasslands; reproduces 

by seed but seeds not persistent in soil; adapted to a wide range of soil 

and climate conditions; can form solid stands decreasing forage 

productivity, livestock carrying capacity and replacing native plants.

houndstongue

Cynoglossum officinale

A biennial; seeds are 4 prickly nutlets (seeds) that attach to people, 

livestock, vehicles, for easy dispersal; a very strong competitor with 

desirable forage; generally non-palatable but toxic properties capable of 

poisoning livestock, shade tolerant and thrives in wetter grasslands.

orange and yellow 

(meadow) hawkweed

Hieracium aurantiacum, 

Hieracium pratense

A perennial with creeping stolons; forms dense patches and rapidly 

invades new areas; mostly vegetative reproduction; dispersed by wind, 

animals, and people, seeds not carried far by the wind - presumably 

dispersed > 1 km, minute barbs on the seeds stick to fur, clothing and 

vehicles; suitable habitat well above 5000 ft. in mountain meadows.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-213 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS

Japanese knotweed 

Polygonum cuspidatum

(Potential Invader)

An escaped ornamental becoming increasingly common along stream 

corridors and rights-of-way in Washington; a perennial with spreading 

rhizomes, can reach 8 feet in height and is often shrubby, very aggressive, 

capable of crowding out all other vegetation, rarely established from seed, 

primary spread is through mechanical movement of plant parts; several 

sites in Methow Valley bottom, one on Twisp River.

Figure 3.9-3. Equivalent State and County weed board classification and strategy for 

treatment.

Forest Service Classification State and County 

Classification

Strategy for Treatment

New Invader or Potential Invader: ”A” Prevention, Early Treatment and 

Eradication

New Invader: Class B, “B-designate” Prevention, Early Treatment and 

Correction

Established Invader: ”B” and “C” Prevention, Containment, 

Maintenance, Correction, No 

Action

Information currently in the NRIS (Natural Resource Information System) inventory database 

shows 11 species occurring singly or in combination at 162 sites in the analysis area, for a total 

of about 4,066 acres. All invasive plant sites in the analysis area were inventoried in the last five 

years.

Half of the invasive plant species in the analysis area that occur on the Methow Valley and 

Chelan Ranger Districts have been approved for herbicide use under the1997 and 2000 

Integrated Weed Management EA Decision Notices and the 2003 Crupina Integrated Weed 

Management EIS Record of Decision. The remaining species are subject to manual control 

treatments. The larger dalmatian toadflax and diffuse knapweed populations have warranted 

using bio-control agents.

Existing Vegetation and Habitat Type

The analysis area covers dry ponderosa pine habitat, interspersed with shrub steppe habitat, 

from 1,100-foot elevation along the north shore of Lake Chelan, to alpine parkland habitats 

above 6,000-foot elevation in the Pasayten.

There are four general vegetation types identified in the analysis area (summarized from Botany 

report). Vegetation type and the number of existing outfitter-guide camps that fall within each 

typed are listed below:

Hot/dry ponderosa pine/shrub steppe to warm/dry Douglas fir communities, 10 camps

Cool/moist subalpine fir communities, 60 camps

Cold/moist alpine parkland communities, 43 camps

Cool/moist Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock communities, 3 camps

Invasive plants are competitive in a variety of habitats and prefer disturbed sites such as 

trailheads, roadsides, trails, wildlife bedding grounds, overgrazed areas, and campgrounds. Of 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-214 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

the new invader and potential invader weed species associated with this project, most are 

native of the Mediterranean climate and are competitive in the dry lower elevation areas that 

are open or sparsely forested. Some of these are competitive on sunny south slopes and in welldrained soils. These species are typically the most competitive in disturbed soil areas within the 

shrub steppe and open forest communities. Conversely there are a few weed species that are 

native of the northern regions of Eurasia that are more adapted to cool, moist, higher elevation 

habitats and can be competitive in moist meadow environments (Sheley and Petroff 1999).

The analysis area contains a range of habitat types but most of the impacts of current activities 

are at outfitter-guide camps within the cool/moist higher elevation habitat types, and at 

trailheads which are typically in the transition zone between the warm/dry Douglas fir and the 

cool/moist subalpine fir plant communities. Of the total number of outfitter-guide camps in the 

analysis area, 88% are in the cool/moist subalpine fir and alpine cold/moist parkland habitat 

which is limited as suitable habitat for many of the new invader weeds.

Current Infestations

New Invaders

These weeds are minimal; there is currently one outfitter-guide camp with a new invader 

noxious weed population. There are 17 trailheads in the analysis area with populations of new 

invader noxious weeds, and there are 5 known new invader sites established along trails into 

wilderness. The new invader weeds with the highest risk of establishment are whitetop, oxeye 

daisy, and orange and yellow hawkweed. The areas with the highest potential for new 

introduction and spread are the lower elevation trails associated with trailheads with 

established weed populations.

Trailheads

Trailheads are areas of concentrated public use and have a high risk of new invader weed 

introduction. Diffuse knapweed is present at most all trailheads leading into the analysis area, 

but population densities are low with the exception of West Fork Methow, Williams Lake, and 

War Creek trailheads. Whitetop and oxeye daisy are species that are established at many 

trailheads with some spread up the trail systems. The trailheads of greatest concern are 

Billygoat and Thirtymile in the Pasayten and the Prince and Fish Creek trailheads in the Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth. A large population of oxeye daisy is established at the Billygoat trailhead. 

The main infestation is along the road between the trailhead and the horse corral (an assigned 

site) but there is a large patch near the corral and plants are scattered through the trailhead 

area. The Thirtymile trailhead has become weedy since the Thirtymile Fire with many 

established invaders, but there are also two small new invader sites of oxeye daisy and Russian 

knapweed. Common crupina is near the Fish Creek Base Camp and the Prince and Fish Creek 

trailheads in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. Weed surveys and treatment continue to 

be a priority at trailheads. New invader populations are currently low at trailheads with the 

exception of the above mentioned areas. Houndstongue has been found at trailheads but has 

not yet established.

Noxious weed information and analysis for the following sites has been conducted through the 

1997 and 2000 Weed EAs, the 2003 Crupina EIS, and through recent inventories for this project. 

Figure 3.9-4 lists trailheads associated with the analysis area that have new invader weed 

infestations.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-215 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.9-4. New Invader weeds established at trailheads.

Sub-Area Trailhead Weed Species

Pasayten Andrews Creek oxeye daisy, spotted knapweed

Pasayten Thirtymile russian knapweed, oxeye daisy

Pasayten Lake Creek whitetop

Pasayten Billygoat oxeye daisy

Middle Methow Slate Creek whitetop, st. johnswort

Middle Methow War Creek whitetop, diffuse knapweed

Middle Methow Wolf Creek whitetop

Middle Methow West Fork Buttermilk whitetop

Middle Methow Williams Lake diffuse knapweed

Middle Methow Crater Creek whitetop

Middle Methow Gilbert oxeye daisy

Upper Methow Harts Pass dalmatian toadflax, common tansy

Upper Methow West Fork Methow diffuse knapweed

North Cascades Hwy Rainy Pass common tansy

North Cascades Hwy Canyon Creek common tansy

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Prince Creek common crupina

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Fish Creek common crupina
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-216 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.9-5. Weed Sites in Analysis Area.

Subunit Weed Species Number of Sites Gross Acres

Pasayten Wilderness whitetop 1 1

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead whitetop 3 4

musk thistle 1 2

orange hawkweed 4 11

dalmatian toadflax 15 189

sulfur cinquefoil 2 27

Total 25 233

*diffuse knapweed 12 692

Middle Methow whitetop 6 13

oxeye daisy 7 45

St. Johnswort 2 4

dalmatian toadflax 1 2

houndstongue 1 1

common Tansy 1 1

Total 18 66

*diffuse knapweed 17 595

Upper Methow whitetop 7 19

spotted knapweed 1 3

Russian knapweed 1 8

oxeye daisy 8 42

dalmatian toadflax 3 30

sulfur cinquefoil 2 2

tansy ragwort 1 77

common tansy 10 21

Total 33 202

*diffuse knapweed 10 282

North Cascades Highway many species Numerous roadside 600+

Alta Lake Russian knapweed 2 3

dalmatian toadflax 4 436

Total 6 439

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth and 

Sawtooth Backcountry

common crupina Mostly continuous 

with 1⁄2 of total acres 

on private land

600

Scotch broom

spotted knapweed

diffuse knapweed

oxeye daisy

Scattered 

populations

356

Total 956

*Diffuse knapweed populations are extensive along roads and not included in the new invader total for 

each subunit.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS 3-217 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead

There are 15 known sites of dalmatian toadflax for a total of 189 acres within the open 

bunchgrass habitat on the south facing slopes of Ramsey, Pearrygin, Bear, and Cougar Creeks. 

Most roads have populations of diffuse knapweed with 690 acres total. There are 2 small 

roadside sulfur cinquefoil sites and there are 4 closely associated small populations of orange 

hawkweed in old timber harvest units on the south slopes and in the bottom of upper Blue Buck 

Creek. These sites are not affected by outfitter-guide activities (see below under Potential 

Invaders). The higher elevation areas with few roads and north facing slopes within this area are 

less suitable for weed establishment due to the dense conifer overstory and/or the understory 

dominated by pinegrass, a competitive native.

Pasayten Wilderness

Currently the only weed population in this area was a whitetop site at Black Lake. The site was 

buried by the debris of a mud slide after the Farewell fire of 2003; it is not likely to re-establish. 

There are three known new invader sites on trail systems beyond the trailheads. The highest 

risk of spread is the relatively large oxeye daisy population at the Billygoat trailhead (see 

discussion under Trailheads above). Otherwise, the Farewell Fire of 2003 increased the 

potential for weed establishment and spread within burned areas, however recent monitoring 

of trails has not detected any new establishment.

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and Sawtooth Backcountry

The only population of common crupina (Crupina vulgaris) in Washington occurs along the north 

shore of Lake Chelan, near the Fish Creek Base Camp and the Prince and Fish Creek trailheads. 

Common crupina is a Washington State Class A noxious weed. The infestation is on both public 

and private land, between Prince Creek and the uplake side of Hunts Bluff, from the lake level to 

around 3,500 feet elevation. No plants have been found over 3,500 feet elevation. The 

Lakeshore Trail cuts though some of the densest populations. Since the 2001 Rex Creek fire, and 

to some extent since 1988, crupina infestations along the trail were treated to prevent 

accidental spread by trail users. Treatment objectives have been a containment strategy and 

include hand-pulling where populations are sparse and herbicide spraying in the dense patches. 

The treatments have been mostly along the Lake Shore trail from Prince Creek to Hunts Bluff 

and have been effective in containing the spread.

The following Class B noxious weeds are present at trailheads or along trails: Scotch broom 

(Cystis scoparius), spotted knapweed (Centaurea biebersteinii), and diffuse knapweed 

(Centaurea diffusa). Oxeye daisy was found and pulled at one outfitter camp in the Fish Creek 

drainage. Knapweeds are pulled or sprayed at the Moore Point and Prince Creek trailheads, and 

along the Fish Creek and Lakeshore trails. There are 944 gross acres of new invader weeds 

within this subunit and all are below 3,500’ elevation in relatively close proximity to the lake. 

There are 12 acres of new invader weeds in the Sawtooth Backcountry.

Middle Methow

The Twisp River road system has established populations of new invader noxious weeds 

including one population of a potential invader (Japanese knotweed) on private land. Diffuse 

knapweed has been a problem in the Twisp River area with dense populations along roads and 

in trailheads and campgrounds established in the 1990s. There is a total of 595 acres of diffuse 

knapweed within the Middle Methow. Recent treatments have greatly reduced weed densities. 

Small infestations of oxeye daisy, whitetop, and St. Johnswort are also present along roads. The 

area of greatest concern is the Slate Creek trailhead and associated horse corral with a well 
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established population of whitetop inside the corral. Treatments have been effective in 

reducing the corral site population to a few scattered plants, but the trailhead still has moderate 

to high densities. In addition to diffuse knapweed, there are 18 sites and 66 gross acres of new 

invader weeds within this area.

North Cascades 

The Washington Department of Transportation administers the roadside of Highway 20; the 

area has well-established populations of noxious weeds. Common tansy, St. Johnswort , spotted 

knapweed, and dalmatian toadflax are common and can be present at most junctions with 

trailhead access roads. Rainy Pass and Canyon Creek are the two trailheads with known weeds 

on Forest Service administered land and are under treatment. St. Johnswort is common along 

the highway east of Rainy Pass and is scattered in patches. Common tansy is scattered evenly 

along the highway west of Rainy Pass to the Forest boundary. The weed populations are 

scattered extensively along the highway with the area of infestation exceeding 600 acres.

Alta Lake

Dalmatian toadflax is found throughout this area with some widely scattered and a few dense 

patches. There are two populations of Russian knapweed in the bottom of Alta Coulee. One 

patch is along the horse trail near between Alta Ponds. The Russian knapweed sites have been 

effectively treated with herbicide. The dalmatian toadflax is currently being treated under a 

containment strategy in the Alta Pond area, but is too widespread and is under biological 

control elsewhere in the Coulee. There is a relatively large disturbed soil area in the Alta Coulee 

bottom near Alta Pond where public saddle stock continues to maintain the bare soil; weed 

densities are high along the perimeter of the impacted area. There is a high density of diffuse 

knapweed, in addition to Russian knapweed. Many of the established invaders are present in 

the disturbed areas. There are three acres of Russian knapweed and 436 acres of dalmatian 

toadflax.

Established Invaders

Lower-priority established invaders occur throughout the analysis area. These weeds are found 

Forest-wide and generally not site-specifically inventoried.

Pasayten Wilderness

The following established invaders were detected in an around disturbed camp sites in the 

Sheep Mountain and Spanish Camp areas above 6,000’ elevation: lambsquarters (Chenopodium 

album), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), tansymustard (Descurainia species),dwarf mallow (

Malva neglecta), black medic (Medicago lupulina), common plantain (Plantago major), 

knotweed (Polygonum species); red sandspurry (Spergularia rubra), northern starwort (Stellaria 

calycantha), longstalk starwort (Stellaria longipes), and white clover (Trifolium repens). It 

appears these species are restricted to the most hardened and disturbed sites, but their 

persistence and potential for spread is not fully understood in these high elevation 

environments.

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness

Established Invaders include Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) field bindweed (Convolvulus 

arvensis), and common mullein (Verbascum thapsus). Many non-native, undesirable species are 

found along trails: dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), yellow salsify (Tragopogon dubius), crane’s 
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bill (Erodium cicutarium), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), 

horse-tail fern (Equisetum arvense), and prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola). Non-native annual 

grasses including cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), bulbous bluegrass (Bromus bulbosa), and 

slender fescue (Festuca vulpia) are also present.

Potential Invaders

Several sites outside the analysis area have potential to spread. In the Bear/Ramsey/Volstead 

area, there are four closely associated sites of orange hawkweed in timber harvest units on the 

south slopes and in the bottom of upper Blue Buck Creek. These are not affected by current 

outfitter-guide activities. As these small sites are isolated from most of the analysis area, they 

are classified as potential invaders. These sites were surveyed and mapped with treatment 

planned. Yellow hawkweed is common along the highway west of the Forest boundary just 

inside the North Cascades National Park; it has potential to spread to trails along the North 

Cascades Highway.

Current practices

Prevention and Management Strategy

The current strategy for invasive species management has four elements (USDA 2004b):

Prevention – Stop invasive plants before arrival.

Early detection and rapid response – Find new infestations and eliminate them before they 

become established.

Control and management – Contain and reduce existing infestations.

Rehabilitation and restoration – Reclaim native habitats and ecosystems.

Each of these prevention and management strategy elements is addressed in detail in the 

analysis file.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

The trailheads, corrals, trails, and camp sites would continue to be used by the general public 

but by less vehicle traffic and stock than in the past. There would be 5% less pack and saddle 

stock traffic in the analysis area with this alternative compared to the current condition. 

Introduction and spread of noxious weeds by outfitter-guide and associated vehicles would not 

occur. There would be a lower rate of weed spread and introduction expected, however less 

recreation administrative activities would occur which would reduce the degree of new weed 

recognition and reporting. This would result in longer weed establishment time frames and 

larger infestation sizes prior to initial treatment 

There is one assigned corral and campsite in the Middle Methow subunit at Crater Creek. Other 

assigned corrals are at Andrews Creek and Billygoat in the Upper Methow, Slate Creek in the 

Middle Methow, and Fish Creek Camp in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. Outfitterguides would not use the corrals needed for pack and saddle stock. Less administration and 
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maintenance at these locations would contribute to more weed establishment and less weed 

detection.

With fewer stock and people using an area, some vegetation recovery is expected. The general 

public would continue to use areas, so disturbance at these sites would continue. However, 

even with less stock, inexperienced stock or stock handlers could result in greater resource 

damage to an area than would occur with a more experienced outfitter-guide. The risk of 

invasive introductions would continue with the general public use, but to a lesser degree 

because of fewer overall stock using the trails and campsites with a lower rate of spread and 

introduction expected.

Alternatives 2 and 3

Introduction and movement of invasive species transported by animals would continue. Stock 

as well as hikers have the potential to further spread weed species into wilderness and 

elsewhere where suitable habitat exists. The mitigation measures listed under #8 on page 2-12 

would minimize the potential establishment and spread of noxious weeds in the analysis area.

Most of the invasive species and noxious weeds are not expected to establish and spread in the 

colder subalpine and alpine environments where most outfitter-guide campsites occur. All 

destination campsites are above 4,000 feet in elevation, which limits the establishment and 

persistence of most invasive species due to the colder environment. However, nearly all the 

entry points into these destination camps start at lower elevations and in habitats suitable for 

most invasive and noxious weed species. Fish Creek, Andrews Creek, and Slate Creek base 

camps are below 4,000 feet, and most vulnerable for weed establishment. Crater Creek and 

Billygoat Creek base camps are above 4,000 feet but below 4,500 feet, leaving them slightly less 

vulnerable to most invasive species establishment, but still a concern. In addition, whitetop, 

oxeye daisy, orange hawkweed, and houndstounge have been found above 4,000 feet and are 

suspected to do well at higher elevations and in colder climates where most outfitter-guide 

activities occur.

Along with designated trailheads, points of entry into the backcountry and wilderness areas are 

also the same entry points used by the public. The greater number of trail miles and greater 

number of stock associated with outfitter activities would increase the potential introduction 

and spread of invasive species. The current outfitter-guide use is 4,083 days. This number 

would be increased in Alternative 2 to 4,620, and reduced to 2,660 in Alternative 3 (35% 

reduction from current level). The potential for introduction and spread would be less than or 

similar to that of the existing condition. Outfitter-guides would use existing trails and camps; no 

new camps or trails would be developed.

Under the 2005 PNW ROD (USDA Forest Service 2005a) there is direction that prohibits the 

possession or transporting of processed feed or hay on National Forest System Lands unless it is 

certified weed free. Outfitters typically use processed hay when feeding stock in the 

backcountry or turn animals out to graze native vegetation, reducing the risk of exotic species 

introduction. However, when stock graze on weedy areas at the home base, there is a risk that 

viable weed seed would pass through the animal while in the wilderness or backcountry unless 

it is fed certified weed free feed for several days before entering the backcountry. There is a 

similar risk associated with stock used by the general public. It is expected that the potential for 
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new weed introduction and spread through pack and saddle stock manure would be higher than 

Alternative 1 because of the larger number of pack and saddle stock in the analysis area.

As mitigation, a noxious weed Identification and mapping program will be designed specifically 

for pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides. This program will be in coordination with the District 

invasive plant specialist. It is expected that the implementation of this program will increase the 

number and distribution of people able to recognize potential new invaders. Implementation of 

the Prevention and Management Strategy with emphasis on early detection and rapid response 

to any new found populations would reduce the likelihood of the establishment of large new 

invader infestations.

The Forest Plan amendments included in Alternatives 2 or 3 would also help control the 

potential spread of invasive plants by limiting the barren core areas in outfitter-guide wilderness 

campsites.

Cumulative Effects

This cumulative effects analysis considers effects of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable 

future actions within the analysis area. The geographic boundary for the cumulative effects 

analysis is the entire analysis area as presented in the analysis area map, and the temporal 

boundary is the period of time from the early 1900s through 2020.

Past Actions

Livestock grazing introduced and spread invasive plants in the analysis area in the past. 

Numerous sheep and cattle driveways were constructed to enable livestock to access key use 

grazing areas. This opened the wilderness and back country area to the potential for weed 

introduction through dispersal of weed seed on livestock, recreationists, and outfitters. Ground 

disturbance at the sheep camps, along trails, and stock driveways created areas of disturbed soil 

suitable for weed introduction and establishment.

Logging activity started in the 1950s. Secondary roads were completed in the 1960s and 1970s 

in conjunction with timber sales through the 1990s. An increase in recreation and cattle use 

followed. Road construction increased motor vehicle and livestock access to the edge of 

wilderness. This opened portions of the analysis area to the potential for weed introduction 

through dispersal of weed seed on motor vehicles and livestock. Ground-disturbing logging 

activities, fuels treatments, and recreational activities all created areas of disturbed soil suitable 

for weed introduction and establishment.

Past wildfires, including but not limited to the Quartz Mountain Fire in 2000, Thirtymile Fire in 

2001, Farewell Fire in 2003, and Tripod and Tatoosh Fires in 2006 increased the potential for 

weed establishment and spread in the analysis area.

Present and On-going Actions

Invasive plant treatment and surveys will continue to be conducted in the Lake Chelan side of 

the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth area as part of the Slick Creek Fire BAER treatment plan. More acres 

were surveyed in 2008 for common crupina. Common crupina continues to be the highest 

priority for treatment. The management strategy is to contain and reduce the existing 

population. Herbicide and manual treatments have been successful and are currently meeting 
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this objective. Common crupina occurs in a wide range of habitats in the Pacific Northwest, but 

the primary habitat is southern slopes on steep canyon grasslands. Crupina infests sites where 

cheatgrass, wheatgrass, and arrowleaf balsamroot occur and is associated with ponderosa pine 

and Douglas fir. It is a Mediterranean weed and it is not likely to invade into the subalpine 

habitat types and unlikely to spread into the higher elevation outfitter-guide camp activity areas 

above 3500 feet. The treatment strategy will further reduce the risk of spread into this area.

Invasive plants treatment and surveys will continue to be conducted in Bear/Ramsey/Volstead 

area as part of the Tripod BAER treatment plan. More acres will be surveyed in 2008 for orange 

hawkweed.

Aggressive weed surveys and treatment have been conducted at trailheads over the past two 

years and have been a priority for the past 10 years. Virtually all the new invader weed sites at 

trailheads were detected early and crews were able to respond rapidly for treatment. This early 

treatment strategy has been effective in reducing the trailhead weed populations, and in some 

cases, to the point of local eradication. The exception to this is the oxeye daisy at the Billygoat 

trailhead where there has been no apparent reduction in population with manual treatments. 

The strategy was to contain the population with hand pulling as the entire population is close to 

a stream and beaver pond area. With the implementation of the Region 6 FEIS for Managing 

Competing and Unwanted Vegetation through a Forest-wide EA (to be implemented in 2009), 

new management strategies will be available for controlling weeds in riparian areas.

All new invader sites are currently under an aggressive treatment strategy to contain, reduce, or 

eradicate the populations. Herbicides will continue to be used in areas approved under the1997 

and 2000 Integrated Weed Management EA (USDA Forest Service 1997e and USDA Forest 

Service 2000d) Decision Notices and the 2003 Crupina Integrated Weed Management FEIS 

(USDA Forest Service 2003b) Record of Decision. Trailheads will continue to be a priority for 

weed surveys and treatment. Integrated weed management will reduce the risk of spread from 

currently infested areas on access roads, trailheads, and trails into the outfitter-guide activities 

areas.

All the known new invader noxious weed sites in and adjacent to the analysis area are being 

prioritized for integrated weed management. Integrated weed management would continue in 

the new invader weed infestations on recreation access roads, trail heads, trails, corrals, camps 

and off roads in areas where weeds may spread to impact recreation facilities and activities. 

Integrated weed management (IWM) would be accomplished by implementing a combination of 

all the control methods available with emphasis on early detection of new infestations, rapid 

treatment response, and prompt revegetation. The combination of herbicide, manual, and 

cultural treatment together would provide effective control of small populations. District weed 

treatments with herbicides are authorized under the1997 and 2000 Weed EA Decision Notices 

and the 2003 Crupina EIS Record of Decision.

All types of recreation will continue to be vectors for disturbance and weed spread in the 

analysis area, including, but not limited to outfitter-guide packing, hiking, camping, mountain 

biking, and trail maintenance/rehabilitation.

Livestock can transport weed seeds across the landscape with dispersal into disturbed areas. 

Given the existing low noxious weed densities in the analysis area, and that there are virtually 
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no areas where outfitter-guide activities occur in livestock (cattle or sheep) grazing areas, the 

likelihood of cattle facilitating dispersal of noxious weeds is low.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

It is foreseeable that all current weed management activities will continue in the future and that 

these efforts will locally eradicate or control many populations and reduce the risk of spread. A 

Forest-Wide EA will be completed in 2011 to cover a majority of the analysis area that is not 

currently covered by a decision document for herbicide treatment. The actions allowed by the 

new EA will help control the spread and establishment of invasive plants in the analysis area.

Alternative 1

The cumulative effects of Alternative 1 and all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future 

actions would continue to provide vectors for weed spread. Current disturbances would 

continue to provide sites suitable for weed establishment. Control of existing weeds would 

continue to occur under the existing IWM decisions which would result in reductions in weed 

populations. A Forest-wide EA is planned for 2011; the decision would likely help to control the 

spread and establishment of invasive plants in the analysis area. The combination of herbicide, 

manual, and cultural treatments together would provide effective control of small populations. 

Treatments would be conducted by the District Weed program with herbicide treatments 

authorized under the1997, 1999 and 2000 Weed EA Decision Notices and the 2003 Crupina EIS 

Record of Decision.

The cumulative effect would be short-term increases in amounts of established invaders and 

slight increases in the amount of new invaders. In the long-term, with implementation of weed 

prevention awareness by recreationists, including on-going weed management, weed 

populations would be reduced.

Alternatives 2 and 3

The risk of invasive plant introduction and spread would be reduced through an Integrated 

Weed Management approach, implementation of mitigation measures in this analysis and weed 

control treatments. A Forest-wide EA is planned for 2011; the decision would likely help to 

control the spread and establishment of invasive plants present in the analysis area. The 

combination of herbicide, manual, and cultural treatments together would provide effective 

control of small populations. Treatments would be conducted by the District Weed program 

with herbicide treatments authorized under the1997, 1999 and 2000 Weed EA Decision Notices

and the 2003 Crupina EIS Record of Decision. With implementation of mitigation measures 

included in Alternatives 2 and 3, and on-going weed management, weed populations would be 

reduced. The combination of these actions would lessen the threat of invasive plants to native 

plant communities in the analysis area as a result of outfitter-guide activities.

The cumulative effects of Alternatives 2 and 3, and all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable 

future actions would be short-term increases in amounts of established invaders and slight 

increases in the amount of new invaders. In the long-term, with implementation of mitigation 

measures and an increase in weed prevention awareness by outfitter-guide and recreationists 

including on-going weed management, weed populations would be reduced.
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CONSISTENCY STATEMENTS

The proposed action is consistent with the both the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans that 

contain management direction for invasive species that is focused on the strategy of weed 

prevention. Compliance with the pertinent prevention standards listed in the 2005 PNW ROD 

(USDA Forest Service 2005a) are addressed in the discussions of the mechanisms of invasive 

species spread, prevention measures, and the risks that remain after implementation of the 

prevention measures. Proposed amendments to the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans 

would improve prevention measures.

3.10 Heritage Resources

The section below includes information included in the Heritage Program Appendix B Project 

Documentation Report (Dowie and Lenz 2008).

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Heritage resources on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are districts, sites, buildings, 

structures, and objects that contain evidence of past human activities. Traditional Cultural 

Properties (TCP), defined as resources of traditional cultural significance, are also included. 

Heritage resources are managed in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act 

(NHPA) and its implementing regulation (36 CFR 800), the Archaeological Resources Protection 

Act (ARPA), the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA), Native American Graves 

Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and Executive Orders 11593, 13007, and 13175. 

Forest Plan Direction

The following forest-wide heritage resources standards and guidelines apply to the project area. 

Okanogan Forest Plan Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines (USDA Forest Service 1989b) 

7-2--Inventory all areas where ground-disturbing activities are planned in order to discover 

all reasonably locatable cultural resources, and in accordance with an Inventory Plan as 

specified in the Programmatic Memorandum of Agreement (PMOA) between Region 6 and 

the Washington State Historic Preservation Office.

7-3--Develop a schedule to evaluate cultural resources based on the criteria for eligibility to 

the National Register of Historic Places. First priority shall be for those cultural resources 

that may be affected by project activities. 

7-5--Protect eligible cultural resources from management activities by making reasonable 

efforts to avoid adverse impacts to the resource or develop a procedure to conserve the 

values through proper scientific methods of study. 

7-14--Coordinate with Native American Tribes regarding cultural resources of suspected 

prehistoric origin and to identify key native plant gathering areas and species. 

7-15--Information about planned project activities shall be presented to Native American 

Tribes for coordination about effects to traditional religious sites. 
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7-16--Consultation with the Washington State Historic Preservation Officer shall follow the 

procedures in the PMOA between Region 6 and Washington State Office of Archaeology and 

Historic Preservation.

Wenatchee Forest Plan Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines (USDA Forest Service 1990) 

Conduct cultural resource inventories (survey and site recordation) according to strategies 

and consultation procedures established on the Forest. Emphasis will be given to all areas 

where ground disturbing activities are planned, to ensure discovery of all reasonably 

locatable cultural resources. These inventories should be supervised by a cultural resource 

professional (IV-66).

Evaluate the significance of inventoried sites by applying the criteria for eligibility to the 

National Register of Historic Places (IV-66).

Consider the effects of all Forest Service undertakings on significant cultural resources, and 

assure the development of measures to avoid or mitigate any adverse effects (IV-66).

The Forest Service is responsible for the management of heritage resources that are listed or are 

eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Listed or eligible heritage 

resources are known as historic properties and they are given consideration in planning for 

federally licensed, permitted, approved, or funded projects. Heritage resources that are 

documented but not yet evaluated for nomination or listing on the NRHP, are managed as 

eligible also. Sites that have been determined ineligible require no further management 

consideration.

Tribal Consultation

Executive Order 13175 and the NHPA require consultation with tribal governments when federal 

projects have the potential to affect resources of interest to the tribes, tribal rights guaranteed 

by treaty or executive order, and the agency’s trust responsibility to federally recognized tribal 

governments. For this project, formal government-to-government letters and maps were 

mailed to the Yakama Nation and to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in June, 

2005. The letters described the project, defined the area of potential effect, and outlined how 

affects to heritage resources would be considered. Neither tribe identified concerns about the 

proposal.

ANALYSIS METHOD

Area of Analysis

The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this analysis includes the complete project planning area 

(see Map 1-1 on page 1-2). The area is extensive and covers portions of the Methow River and 

many of its subdrainages including the Chewuch River, Twisp River, West Fork Methow and Lost 

River. It also includes the following: the Ashnola and Pasayten River drainages, Canyon Creek in 

the western Pasayten Wilderness, which flows into Granite Creek, creeks in the far eastern area 

of the Pasayten Wilderness that drain into the Sinlahekin River and creeks on the south side of 

the Sawtooth Ridge that flow into Lake Chelan. 
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Survey Design

Heritage resource site and report files at Forest Headquarters and at the Methow Valley, Chelan 

and Tonasket Ranger District offices were reviewed to determine where field inventory had 

already occurred and where heritage resources associated with those inventories had been 

documented. Potential effects to cultural resources were assessed by consulting the Forest 

Heritage GIS site layer and by reviewing pertinent literature, Section 106 project reports, site 

records and the National Register of Historic Places. Employees with a working knowledge of 

the landscape were also consulted. 

Because of the acreage involved, field survey specific to this undertaking was limited to a sample 

of outfitter campsites located in readily accessible high site probability areas. The survey was 

guided by the site survey model used on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The model 

uses a variety of environmental variables – such as slope, distance to water, and landform type –

along with oral and recorded history to predict the likelihood that an area will contain material 

evidence of past human activity. Sample strategy standards require that intensive, systematic 

pedestrian survey be applied to no less than 100% of high probability areas, 35% of moderate 

probability areas, and 5% of low probability areas. The objective of the sample reconnaissance 

is to locate all extant archaeological resources that may reasonably be detected from an 

inspection of ground surfaces. All campsites, except the Hootowl site are within high probability 

areas because of proximimity to perennial water and slopes less than 15 percent. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Completed Inventories

A summary of cultural resource investigations that have been conducted in outfitter-guide 

camps is described in Heritage Program Appendix B Project Documentation Report (Dowie and 

Lenz 2008). Because of the acreage and large number of sites involved, the survey model was 

applied to this project by surveying all assigned sites, on which all use is solely attributed to 

outfitter-guide operations, and surveying a sample of primary outfitter campsites located in 

readily accessible high site probability areas. Remaining high-probability sites are also used by 

non-outfitter recreationists with on-going monitoring being prioritized for future surveys. 

All of the sites are associated with historical sheepherding, mining, hunting, trapping, recreation 

(trail shelters) or fire suppression (former lookout sites). Other than the can dumps, no 

unknown historic or prehistoric resources were located in any of the camps surveyed for this 

project on the Chelan or Methow Valley Ranger Districts. 

Past surveys have identified several historic sites within or near existing camps used by 

outfitters. These sites are usually associated with past trapping, mining, grazing and Forest 

Service administration activities. Many were cabins, lookouts and mines. None are listed on the 

National Register of Historic Places, with the exception of the Parson Smith tree, which is no 

longer within the APE. 

There are known sites located in the general vicinity of the camps frequented by pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guides, but not within the camps. Outfitters may ride by or stop and look 
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at such sites but such activity should have no significant effect on the sites. Historic cabins at 

the Airport and Hidden Lakes are in close proximity to campsites used by outfitters. These 

structures are currently maintained as administrative sites, and are pending SHPO concurrence 

on their eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places. There is also a picnic shelter at First 

Hidden Lake. Outfitter use in the vicinity of the Airport and Hidden Lake structures is confined 

to adjacent camp areas, non-historic hitchrails, and the picnic shelter. The outfitter use of the 

picnic shelter is incidental compared to use from the non-outfitted public. 

There are no known prehistoric sites in the areas the outfitters are operating.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Direct/Indirect 

Alternative 1

Alternative 1 would have no direct or indirect effects on cultural resources from outfitter-guide 

activities. The potential of damage to cultural resources from non-outfitted recreationists 

would remain.

Alternatives 2 and 3

Neither of these alternatives would affect cultural resources based on the fact that there is 

currently no indication that they are being affected by present pack and saddle stock outfitterguide activities. Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide visitor days would be approximately 2% of 

overall use in Alternative 2, and 1% of overall use in Alternative 3. Although there are numerous 

identified cultural resource sites in the analysis area, it is unlikely that outfitter-guide activity 

would affect cultural resources any more than the activities by the recreating public. Therefore 

impacts attributed to permitted activities would be considered negligible. In particular, 

outfitter-guide activities would be less likely to affect cultural resources than the recreational 

activity of the non-outfitted public because the following resource protection clause would be 

part of all operating plans, and compliance with all clauses would be required under the special 

use permits:

The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer of any antiquities or other objects 

of historic or scientific interest, including but not limited to historic or prehistoric ruins, fossils, 

or artifacts discovered as the result of operations under this permit. The holder shall leave 

such discoveries intact until authorized to proceed by the authorized officer. Protective and 

mitigative measures specified by the authorized officer shall be the responsibility of the 

holder.

Cumulative Effects

The area considered for heritage resources cumulative effects analysis consists of the Area of 

Potential Effect, described above. The time period considered for cumulative effects analysis 

includes up to 10 years into the future, the time-period of the proposed outfitter-guide special 

use permit issuance. From the list of past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions at 

the beginning of this chapter, only ground-disturbing activities were considered in this 

cumulative effects analysis. 
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Alternative 1

There would be no cumulative effect from this alternative because there would be no action to 

analyze in combination with all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions.

Alternatives 2 and 3

The cumulative effect of all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, and 

Alternative 2 or 3 would be a slight potential of damage to cultural resources, which would be 

minimized by the requirement for outfitter-guides to protect cultural resources.

CONSISTENCY STATEMENT

In both action alternatives, the consideration of effects to heritage resources is consistent with 

Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Consultation with the Yakama Nation and Confederated 

Tribes of the Colville Reservation has been completed. This project complies with Section 106 of 

the National Historic Preservation Act, under the terms of the 1997 Programmatic Agreement 

between ACHP (Advisory Council Historic Preservation), Washington State Heritage Protection 

Officer (SHPO), and Region 6 of the US Forest Service. The project meets the conditions listed in 

Appendix B of the Programmatic Agreement and will be excluded from case-by-case review by 

SHPO.

3.11 Specifically Required Disclosures

This section describes how the action alternatives comply with other Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines, and applicable state and federal laws, regulations and policies.

Throughout this analysis, the best available science was incorporated to describe the ecological 

and social conditions within the analysis area, and the potential effects of the proposed 

outfitter-guide use on resources and people.

Inventoried Roadless Areas and Unroaded Areas

The analysis area includes portions of, and entire Inventoried Roadless Areas and other 

unroaded areas. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is completing a Potential 

Wilderness Area evaluation as part of the Forest Plan revision. None of the alternatives would 

have any direct, indirect, or cumulative effect on roadless or undeveloped nature of these areas 

since they would not involve road or trail construction, or vegetation management. 

Visual Quality Objectives

There are a variety of Visual Quality Objectives throughout the analysis area. The most 

restrictive objective is preservation, which occurs in the wilderness areas and along the North 

Cascades Scenic Highway. All the alternatives would meet the Visual Quality Objectives for any 

given spot in the analysis area since there would be no vegetation management or permanent 

structures. Temporary structures would be constructed of materials and design that would 

meet preservation requirements. There would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effect on 

the visual quality throughout the analysis area.
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Consistency with National Environmental Policy Act, the National Forest Management Act and 

the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans

This project and this analysis is consistent with the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans as 

amended and with the National Forest Management Act, which requires that resource plans and 

permits, contracts, and other instruments for the use and occupancy of National Forest System 

lands shall be consistent with the land management plans. The Forest Plans contain direction 

for each resource area. The discussion of how the alternatives analyzed in this DEIS meet that 

direction is included in the discussions above in Chapter 3. The analysis documented in this 

Draft EIS meets the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and its implementing regulations 

and Forest Service policy, to inform the public of the proposed action and alternatives and to 

disclose the effects of implementation.

National Historic Preservation Act

This project complies with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, under the terms 

of the 1997 Programmatic Agreement between ASHP, Washington State Historic Preservation 

Officer (SHPO), and Region 6 of the US Forest Service.. The project meets the conditions listed 

in Appendix B of the Programmatic Agreement and will be excluded from case-by-case review 

by SHPO. 

Formal government-to-government letters were mailed to the Yakama Nation and to the 

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in June, 2005. Neither tribe identified concerns 

about the proposal.

Endangered Species Act and Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) rquires protection of all species listed as threatened or 

endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The 

Forest Service maintains a list of species that are proposed for classification and official listing as 

threatened or endangered under the ESA and maintains lists of Sensitive species that are 

recognized by the Regional Forester as needing special management to prevent placement on 

Federal or State threatened or endangered lists. In addition, the Forest Service coordinates with 

the State on management of species that appear on official State threatened, endangered or 

sensitive lists. Biological evaluations and assessments have been completed for all threatened, 

endangered and sensitive plants, aquatic species, and terrestrial wildlife. Determinations were 

made that the proposed action would not adversely affect, contribute to a trend toward federal 

listing, nor cause a loss of viability to listed or sensitive plant, fish, and animal populations or 

species. Details are found in the Aquatic Resources, Botany and Terrestrial Wildlife sections of 

this chapter. Consultation with the regulatory agences will be completed prior to the signing of 

the Record of Decision.

Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act (Public Law 95-95, as amended in 1977 and 1990) is a legal mandate designed 

to protect public human health and welfare from air pollution. The act defines National 

Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) as levels of pollutant above which detrimental effects 

on human health and welfare could occur. Particulate Matter (PM), the major pollutant of 

concern from wildfires and prescribed fires, includes any airborne finely-divided solid or liquid 

material with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 100 micrometers (mictrons).

The Clean Air Act and its amendments define responsibility for air quality. The Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) has the responsibility to develop the NAAQS, while individual states are 

responsible for developing a Smoke Implementation Plan (SIP), including a smoke management 

program, in order to meet or exceed these standards. Since 1997, the EPA has identified PM10 

(coarse) particles are less than 10 microns in size, and PM2.5 (fine) particles are less than 2.5 
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microns in size. The Clean Air Act established Class I air quality designations, where little air 

quality deterioration over baseline is allowed. The Pasayten Wilderness is the only Class I 

airshed in or near the analysis area.

Smoke from campfires in the Pasayten would not violate the Clean Air Act. People camping in

the wilderness areas, including clients and employees of pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides 

are allowed to have campfires. These campfires tend to burn quickly and efficiently, with nearly 

total consumption of the fuel. They also occur at times, and in locations, where air movement 

keeps the smoke from settling into a localized area. The outfitter-guides are required to 

extinguish all campfires before leaving camp, which further reduces the possibility of a fire 

smoldering over a long period of time. In addition, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest 

has a policy and process in place to prohibit campfires if conditions warrant the restriction .

All alternatives would meet the Clean Air Act standards and would be consistent with the 

Washington State SIP. Refer to the Air Quality information in the project analysis file.

Wild and Scenic River Act

The Chewuch River section adjacent to Upper Methow area is allocated under the Okanogan 

National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan to maintain its potential Scenic River 

classification within one-quarter mile of the river (Forestwide standard and guideline 9-3). One 

assigned site near Andrews Creek Trailhead is wiithin one-quarter mile of the river, but 

maintenance of the corral would not affect future potential designation under the Wild and 

Scenic River system.

Floodplains and Wetlands

Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 direct Federal agencies to avoid, to the extent possible, both 

short-term and long-term adverse impacts associated with the modifications of floodplains and 

wetlands. Surveys and research carried out for this EIS indicated that there are designated 

wetlands within the project area. There are 47 camps within 500 feet of wetlands, and 

approximately 117.4 acres of wetlands would be potentially affected by this project. The 

existing campsites would continue to be used by pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides, in 

addition to private pack and saddle stock users. The current impacts to nearby wetlands would 

continue, including vegetation trampling, selective grazing, and soil damage in approximately 

1.4% of the wetland habitat in the analysis area. The remaining 98.6% of the wetlands would be 

unaffected. Riparian reserves and riparian habitat conservation areas were designated in part 

to protect floodplain functions. The proposed outfitter-guide activities would meet the Aquatic 

Conservation Strategy and Riparian Management objectives. Refer to the Botany section of 

Chapter 3 (beginning on page 3-92) for detailed information about the existing condition and 

environmental effects on wetlands. The Aquatic Resources section beginning on page 3-162

includes details concerning floodplains, the Aquatic Conservation Strategy and the Riparian 

Management Objectives.

Prime Farmlands, Rangelands, Forestlands 

The Secretary of Agriculture issued Memorandum 1827, which is intended to protect prime 

farmlands and rangelands. The policy for Prime Forestlands is in Forest Service Handbook 

1909.15.65.21. The project area does not contain any prime farmlands. These designations 

generally do not apply to lands within the National Forest System. This project would not 

convert any prime rangelands or prime forestlands to other uses. National Forest system lands 

would be managed with consideration of the impacts on adjacent private lands. There would be 

no direct, indirect, or cumulative adverse effects to these resources.
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Research Natural Area

No outfitter-guide activities would be allowed in Research Natural Areas, so there would be no 

direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to these areas.

Environmental Justice, Civil Rights

The project would issue special use permits to private companies. Under Executive Order 

11246, companies with special use permits are prohibited from job discrimination the basis of 

race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The U. S. Department of Agriculture prohibits 

discrimination in its employment practices based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, 

age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status.

Executive Order 12898 (59 Fed, Reg. 7629, 1994) directs Federal agencies to identify and 

address, as appropriate, any disproportionately high and adverse human health or 

environmental effects on minority populations and low-income populations.

The following discussion is derived from the 2000 census information found at 

http://www.census.gov. The town of Omak has large Native American and Hispanic 

communities. Large Hispanic communities are also found in the towns of Oroville, Tonasket, 

Okanogan, Brewster, Pateros, Chelan, Entiat, Wenatchee and Cashmere, and the rural portions 

of Okanogan and Chelan County. The Colville Indian Reservation covers a large portion of 

Okanogan County and the population on the reservation is 60 percent Native American. Almost 

all of the towns and rural areas in Okanogan, Ferry and Chelan Counties, and the Colville Indian 

Reservation exceed both the national and State average (12% and 7% respectively) for people 

living below the poverty level. Poverty is especially acute (more than twice the national 

average) in the towns of Oroville, Tonasket, Omak, Okanogan, Brewster, and Republic, and on 

the Colville Indian Reservation.

Many Hispanics in the area hold lower paying jobs in the service and agricultural industries, and 

many Native Americans live below the poverty level. The project area is near the Colville Indian 

Reservation and traditional use areas of the Yakama Indian Nation. Many Native Americans 

have a rural lifestyle that is reliant on a clean and healthy environment, and the Forest is 

important in providing religious or spiritual settings, and hunting, gathering and fishing 

opportunities.

Government-to-government letters were sent to the tribal governments for both the 

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Yakama Nation. No comments were 

received.

The effects from any of the action alternatives on civil rights and low income or minority 

communities would be minimal. The special use permit holders are prohibited from 

discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

The effects on hunting and fishing opportunities can be derived from the effects on wildlife and 

aquatic resources discussed earlier in this chapter.

Other Jurisdictions

The Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans guide management of National Forest system lands 

in the analysis area. Information relating to how the project meets Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines and effects relating to other federal and state laws are also analyzed throughout this 

chapter. To the extent that State and local laws are applicable to this project, this information is 
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analyzed in the appropriate resource section of this chapter or in the project analysis file (e.g. 

Clean Water Act in Water Resources and Aquatic Resources sections and Clean Air Act in the 

project analysis file). Implementation of all alternatives would be consistent with State and local 

laws, land use, and environmental policies.

Short-Term Uses and Long-Term Productivity

NEPA requires consideration of the “relationship between short-term uses of man’s 

environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity” (40 CFR 

1502.16). The Multiple Use - Sustained Yield Act of 1960 requires the Forest Service to manage 

National Forest System lands for multiple uses (including timber, recreation, fish, wildlife, range 

and watershed). All renewable resources are to be managed in such a way that they are 

available for future generations.

Soil and water are two key factors in ecosystem productivity, and these resources would be 

protected through design criteria and mitigation measures. Sustained yield of timber, wildlife 

habitat and other renewable resources all rely on maintaining long-term site productivity. The 

quality of water from the project area may fluctuate as a result of short-term uses, but no longterm effects to water resources are expected to occur as a result of outfitter-guide activities 

(See Aquatics and Water Resources sections in this chapter).

All alternatives would provide the fish and wildlife habitat necessary to contribute to the 

maintenance of viable, well-distributed populations of existing native and non-native species. 

By managing the habitat of management indicator species, the other species associated with the 

same habitat would also benefit. The alternatives propose standards, guidelines, design criteria 

and mitigation measures for maintaining long-term habitat and species productivity (see 

Wildlife, Aquatic Resources and Water Resouces sections in this chapter).

None of the alternatives would have an effect on the long-term productivity of timber 

resources.

Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources

Irreversible commitment of resources refers to a total loss of future options with non-renewable 

resources such as through mineral extraction or loss of heritage resources. Under the 

alternatives, various amounts of fossil fuels would be expended. Fossil fuel energy would be 

used for this project (vehicular transportation of clients and stock to and from trailheads) and 

would be an irreversible commitment of the fuel used. However, These energy sources are not 

currently in short supply, and the amount of fuel used annually would be very small, therefore 

their use would not have an effect upon continued availability of these resources. There would 

be no other irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources with any alternative.
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Unavoidable Impacts

Each section of Chapter 3 documents the unavoidable impacts associated with the project. Figure 

3.11-1 summarizes these impacts:

Figure 3.11-1: Unavoidable Impacts

Resource Impact

Wildlife Disturbance and displacement impacts causing wildlife to at least relocate and 

possibly experience negative population effects.

Noise and human activity in and around campsites.

Impacts that constitute habitat losses for species.

Soil disturbance within campsites, at stock watering locations, and trail 

crossings (see Soils report).

Vegetation loss within campsites (see Wilderness and Botany reports).

Loss of grass and forb production from weed invasion and spread (see 

Invasive Species report).

Riparian habitat effects from stock watering and trail crossings (see Aquatics 

and Water Resources reports). 

Water/Aquatic 

Resources

Sediment production and delivery to streams from pack and saddle stock 

activities could slightly reduce water quality in the vicinity of the disturbance 

sites. 

Soil Soil disturbance within campsites, at stock watering locations, and trail 

crossings (see Soils report).

Forest Vegetation Vegetation loss within campsites (see Wilderness and Botany reports).

Plant Communities No long-term modifications of plant succession or communities. Isolated shortterm modifications that can recover in one growing season could occur (see 

Botany report).

Invasive Plants Soil disturbance would create sites for establishment of invasive plants.

Recreation Outfitter-guide activities would add to the total number of non-outfitted 

recreationists in the area (see Recreation report). 

Air Quality Smoke from isolated campfires could cause local, short-term changes in air 

quality. No violations of Clean Air Act (see Air Quality report in analysis file).

Sensitive Plants Possible impacts to some individuals, but would not cause a trend toward 

Federal listing or loss of population viability (see Botany report).

Tribal Interests

Although the project area lies outside the areas ceded to the United States by the Colville 

Confederated Tribes and the Yakama Nation, the federal government still has a trust 

responsibility to manage resources of interest to the tribes in a manner consistent with the 

rights and privileges secured through treaty or executive order.

The “inherently sovereign” status of federally recognized tribes requires that land management 

agencies consult with tribes on a government-to-government basis about planned actions that 

may affect tribal interests. At the early stages of the planning process, the Forest Service 

initiated government-to-government consultation with the Confederated Colville Tribes and the 

Yakama Nation. No comments were received from either tribe.

Energy Requirements/Natural or Depletable Resources and Conservation

Under the alternatives, various amounts of fossil fuels would be expended to power the vehicles 

used for transporting clients and stock. Fossil fuel energy would be used for this project and are 
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a irreversible commitment of resources. These energy sources are not currently in short supply, 

and the amount of fuel used annually would be very small, therefore their use would not have 

an effect upon continued availability of these resources.

Public Health and Safety

Public health and safety would be protected by the mitigaton measures and terms and 

conditions of the special use permits. Outfitter-guides would be monitored and evaulated on 

public health and safety.

Urban Quality, Historic and Cultural Resources, and the Built Environment

No urban or built environment is present in the project area. Field surveys for historic and 

cultural resources were limited to a sample of outfitter-guide campsites because of the size of 

the analysis area. Other than the can dumps, no previously unknown historic or prehistoric 

resources were located in any of the camps surveyed. 

Past surveys have identified several historic sites within or near existing camps used by 

outfitters. These sites are usually associated with past trapping, mining, grazing and Forest 

Service administration activities. Many were cabins, lookouts and mines. None are listed on the 

National Register of Historic Places, with the exception of the Parson Smith tree which is no 

longer within the APE. 

Potential for damage to historic or cultural resources would be minimized in both action 

alternatives based on the surveys and probability analysis conducted and special use permit 

clause requiring outfitter-guides to protect cultural resources.