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

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Table of Contents

Summary................................................................................................................................ S-1

Chapter 1, Purpose and Need..................................................................................................

Introduction............................................................................................................................ 1-1

Document Organization........................................................................................................ 1-1

Analysis Area....................................................................................................................... 1-2

Outfitter-Guide Background................................................................................................. 1-5

Regulatory Framework.......................................................................................................... 1-6

Purpose and Need.................................................................................................................. 1-16

Proposed Action..................................................................................................................... 1-18

Decision Framework.............................................................................................................. 1-20

Public Involvement................................................................................................................. 1-21

Issues........................................................................................................................................ 1-22

Chapter 2, Alternatives

Introduction............................................................................................................................ 2-1

Alternative Development................................................................................................... 2-1

Alternatives Considered in Detail......................................................................................... 2-2

Alternative 1.................................................................................................................... 2-2

Alternative 2.................................................................................................................... 2-2

Alternative 3..................................................................................................................... 2-5

Mitigation Measures for Alternatives 2 and 3................................................................... 2-7

Monitoring............................................................................................................................... 2-13

Alternatives Considered But Eliminated............................................................................. 2-14

Comparison of Alternatives............................................................................................... 2-14

Preferred Alternative............................................................................................................. 2-16

Chapter 3, Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Introduction............................................................................................................................ 3-1

Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions............................................ 3-2

3.1 Wilderness............................................................................................................... 3-9

Affected Environment.................................................................................................... 3-18

Environmental Consequences.................................................................................... 3-32

3.2 Recreation & Outfitter-Guides.................................................................................. 3-59

Recreation........................................................................................................................ 3-60

North Cascades Scenic Highway................................................................................... 3-62

Affected Environment............................................................................................. 3-62

Environmental Consequences............................................................................... 3-65

Sawtooth Backcountry................................................................................................... 3-69

Affected Environment............................................................................................. 3-69

Environmental Consequences................................................................................ 3-71

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead................................................................................................... 3-74

Affected Environment............................................................................................. 3-75

Environmental Consequences................................................................................ 3-76

Middle Methow............................................................................................................... 3-78
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS ii August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Affected Environment............................................................................................. 3-79

Environmental Consequences............................................................................... 3-80

Alta Lake........................................................................................................................... 3-81

Affected Environment............................................................................................. 3-81

Environmental Consequences............................................................................... 3-83

Outfitter-Guides............................................................................................................. 3-87

Affected Environment............................................................................................. 3-88

Environmental Consequences................................................................................ 3-89

3.3 Botany........................................................................................................................... 3-92

Affected Environment..................................................................................................... 3-95

Environmental Consequences.................................................................................... 3-106

3.4 Terrestrial Wildlife...................................................................................................... 3-117

Management Indicator Species

Primary Cavity Excavators.................................................................................... 3-118

Marten, Pileated Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, and Barred 

Owl.......................................................................................................................... 3-121

Ruffed Grouse and Beaver...................................................................................... 3-123

Mule Deer.............................................................................................................. 3-126

Mountain Goat......................................................................................................... 3-127

Elk............................................................................................................................... 3-131

Landbirds....................................................................................................................... 3-131

Late Successional Reserves............................................................................................ 3-132

Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive Species........................................................ 3-133

Gray Wolf................................................................................................................... 3-134

Grizzly Bear................................................................................................................ 3-136

Lynx............................................................................................................................ 3-140

Marbled Murrelet.................................................................................................... 3-142

Northern Spotted Owl.......................................................................................... 3-142

Designated Critical Habitat – Marbled Murrelet................................................. 3-142

Sensitive Species...................................................................................................... 3-144

Bald Eagle.................................................................................................................. 3-144

Common Loon.......................................................................................................... 3-145

Fisher......................................................................................................................... 3-146

Gray Flycatcher......................................................................................................... 3-147

Great Gray Owl......................................................................................................... 3-147

Pacific Fringe-tailed Bat........................................................................................... 3-149

Peregrine Falcon.................................................................................................... 3-149

Sharptail Snake......................................................................................................... 3-150

Striped Whipsnake................................................................................................... 3-150

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat.................................................................................... 3-151

Western Gray Squirrel............................................................................................. 3-151

Wolverine.................................................................................................................. 3-152

3.5 Water Resources......................................................................................................... 3-154

Affected Environment..................................................................................................... 3-156

Environmental Consequences.................................................................................... 3-158

3.6 Aquatic Resources...................................................................................................... 3-162

Affected Environment.................................................................................................... 3-165

Environmental Consequences.................................................................................... 3-184
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS iii August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

3.7 Soil Resources......................................................................................................... 3-191

Affected Environment.................................................................................................... 3-192

Environmental Consequences.................................................................................... 3-194

3.8 Range Resources........................................................................................................ 3-200

Affected Environment................................................................................................... 3-200

Environmental Consequences.................................................................................... 3-204

3.9 Invasive Plants........................................................................................................ 3-210

Affected Environment..................................................................................................... 3-211

Environmental Consequences.................................................................................... 3-219

3.10 Heritage Resources................................................................................................... 3-224

Affected Environment.................................................................................................... 3-226

Environmental Consequences.................................................................................... 3-227

3.11 Specifically Required Disclosures........................................................................... 3-228

Chapter 4, List of Preparers.................................................................................................... 4-1

Chapter 5, List of Agencies, Organizations and Individuals Receiving a Copy of the 

Draft EIS, Draft EIS Summary, or Notification of Web 

Availability................................................................................................................................ 5-1

Map Section............................................................................................................... Map 1-1

Glossary........................................................................................................................... Glossary-1

Literature Citations..................................................................................................... Citations-1

Index.......................................................................................................................................... Index-1

Appendices

A. Campsite Barren Core Calculations............................................................. Appendix A-1

B. Wilderness CFRs............................................................................................... Appendix B-1

C. Recreation Activity Review............................................................................. Appendix C-1

D. Current Outfitter-Guides ............................................................................... Appendix D-1

E. Current Outfitter-Guide Camp Locations................................................. Appendix E-1

F. Sensitive Plant Species List............................................................................. Appendix F-1

G. Sensitive Plant Species Habitat................................................................ Appendix G-1

H. Wetlands Within 500 Feet of Campsites...................................................... Appendix H-1

I. Sensitive Species within 500 Feet of Campsite............................................ Appendix I-1

J. 5th and 6th Field Watersheds........................................................................... Appendix J-1

K. Aquatic Habitat Parameters & Stream Survey Data.................................... Appendix K-1

L. Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives................................................... Appendix L-1

M. PACFISH Riparian Management Objectives............................................... Appendix M-1
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS iv August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

List of Maps

Map S-1. Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Vicinity Map....................... Summary-2

Map S-2. Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Analysis Area.................... Summary-3

Map 1-1. Vicinity................................................................................................................. Map 1-1

Map 1-2. Analysis Area....................................................................................................... Map 1-2

Map 1-3. Analysis Area Subunits...................................................................................... Map 1-3

Map 1-4. Pasayten Wilderness Management Areas, Trails, and Trailheads............. Map 1-4

Map 1-5. Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Management Areas, Trails, and 

Trailheads........................................................................................................... Map 1-5

Map 1-6. North Cascades Management Areas, Trails, and Trailheads....................... Map 1-6

Map 1-7. Sawtooth Backcountry Management Areas, Trails, Trailheads, and 

Outfitter Camp Locations.................................................................................... Map 1-7

Map 1-8. Bear/Ramsey/Volstead Management Areas, Trails, Trailheads, and 

Outfitter Camp Locations.................................................................................... Map 1-8

Map 1-9. Middle Methow Management Areas, Trail, and Trailheads........................ Map 1-9

Map 1.10. Alta Lake Management Areas........................................................................ Map 1-10

Map 1.11. Assigned Sites & Base Camps........................................................................ Map 1-11

Map 3.1-1. Existing Outfitter-Guide Camp Locations in the Pasayten Wilderness... Map 3.1-1

Map 3.1-2. Existing Outfitter-Guide Camp Locations in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Wilderness............................................................................................................. Map 3.1-2

Map 3.2-1. North Cascades Recreation Areas and Outfitter Camp Locations........... Map 3.2-1

Map 3.2-2. Middle Methow Outfitter Base Camp and Recreation Areas................... Map 3.2-2

Map 3.3-1 Wetlands........................................................................................................... Map 3.3-1
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS v August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

List of Figures

Summary

Figure S-1. Alternative 2: Number of Service Days by Area and Total Area.... Summary-13

Figure S-2. Alternative 3: Number of Service Days by Area and Total Area.... Summary-16

Figure S-3. Comparison of Alternatives................................................................. Summary-25

Chapter 1, Purpose and Need

Figure 1-1. Analysis Area Acreage........................................................................................ 1-3

Chapter 2, Alternatives

Figure 2-1. Alternative 2- Service Days, Priority, Temporary, and Total, By Area......... 2-3

Figure 2-2. Alternative 3- Service Days, Priority, Temporary, and Total, By Area........ 2-6

Figure 2-3. Comparison of Alternatives............................................................................... 2-17

Chapter 3, Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Figure 3.0-1. Existing Outfitter-Guides............................................................................... 3-4

Figure 3.0-2. Number of Non-Outfitted Visitor Days by Area........................................ 3-7

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

in 2020................................................................................................................ 3-9

Figure 3.1-1. Wilderness Management Model................................................................. 3-11

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

of Outfitter-Guide Service Days in 2005........................................................ 3-22

Figure 3.1-3. Current Number of Visitor Days by User Group in the Lake ChelanSawtooth, and Number of Outfitter Guide Visitor days in 2005............... 3-23

Figure 3.1-4. Square Feet of the Largest Established Camps in the Pasayten............... 3-27

Figure 3.1-5. Square Feet of the Largest Established Camps in the Lake ChelanSawtooth............................................................................................................ 3-27

Figure 3.1-6. Comparison of Alternative Components by Alternative............................ 3-33

Figure 3.1-7. Total Visitor Days and Outfitted Days in the Pasayten, Comparing 

Current to Alternatives......................................................................................................... 3-33

Figure 3.1-8. Total Visitor Days in Pasayten, by Alternative............................................. 3-34

Figure 3.1-9. Total Number of Pack and Saddle Stock Days in Pasayten, by 

Alternative.......................................................................................................... 3-34

Figure 3.1-10. Total Visitor Days and Outfitted Days in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, 

Comparing Current to Alternatives ............................................................... 3-35

Figure 3.1-11. Total Recreation Use in Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, by Alternatives ......... 3-35

Figure 3.1-12. Total Number of Pack and Saddle Stock Days in Lake ChelanSawtooth, by Alternative................................................................................. 3-36

Figure 3.1-13. Existing Amount of Barren Core in Established Camps and Amount 

That Could Be Used by Outfitters in Each Alternative................................. 3-37

Figure 3.14. Number of Non-Outfitted Visitor Days in Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Currently and in 2020....................................................................................... 3-55

Figure 3.1-15. Number of Visitor Days by User Group in the Pasayten in 2020, by 

Alternative......................................................................................................... 3-56

Figure 3.1-16. Cumulative Recreation Use in Pasayten by 2020..................................... 3-56

Figure 3.1-17. Number of Non-Outfitted Visitor Days in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Currently and in 2020...................................................................................... 3-56
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS vi August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure 3.1-18. Number of Visitor Days by User Grops in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

in 2020, by Alternative.....................................................................................

3-57

Figure 3.1-19. Cumulative Recreation Use in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth by 2020....... 3-57

Figure 3.2-1. Current Number of Visitor Days by User Group in the North Cascades 

and Number of pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Service Days.... 3-64

Figure 3.2-2. Number of Visitor Days in the North Cascades Scenic Corridor by 

Alternative......................................................................................................... 3-65

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...................................................................................................... 3-68

Figure 3.2-4. Current Visitor Days by User Type, Compared to Foreseeable Visitor 

days with Alternative 2.................................................................................... 3-68

Figure 3.2-5. Current Visitor Days by User Type, Compared to Foreseeable Visitor 

days with Alternative 3....................................................................................

3-68

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....................................................................................................... 3-70

Figure 3.2-7. Number of Visitor Days in the Sawtooth Backcountry by Alternative..... 3-71

Figure 3.2-8. Number of Non-Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitted Visitor Days in 

Sawtooth Backcountry currently and in 2020............................................... 3-73

Figure 3.2-9. Current Number of Visitor Days by Use Group, Compared to the 

Foreseeable Number with Alternative 1....................................................... 3-73

Figure 3.2-10. Current Number of Visitor Days by Use Group, Compared to the 

Foreseeable Number with Alternative 2....................................................... 3-73

Figure 3.2-11. Current Number of Visitor Days by Use Group, Compared to the 

Foreseeable Number with Alternative 3....................................................... 3-74

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..................................................................................................................... 3-75

Figure 3.2-13. Number of Visitor Days in Bear/Ramsey/Volstead Area by Alternative 3-76

Figure 3.2-14. Number of Non-Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitted Visitor Days in 

Bear/Ramsey/Volstead Currently and in 2020............................................. 3-78

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..................................................................................................................... 3-80

Figure 3.2-16. Current Number of Visitor Days in Alta Lake Area by Use Group, and 

Number of Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Visitor Days................................. 3-82

Figure 3.2-17. Number of Visitor Days in the Alta Lake Area by Alternative................. 3-83

Figure 3.2-18. Current Number of Non-Outfitted Visitor Days and Estimated 

Number in 2020 in the Alta Lake Area......................................................... 3-85

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 ......................... 3-86

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 ......................... 3-86

Figure 3.2-21. Current Number of Visitor Days by User Type in Alta Lake Area, 

compared to the Cumulative Number with Alternative 3 ......................... 3-87

Figure 3.3-1. Number of Species in Analysis Area Subunits that are Species of 

Concern, tracked by the R6-6 Sensitive Plants List, Regional ISSSSP, or 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS vii August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

WNHP................................................................................................................. 3-97

Figure 3.3-2. Fire History Highlights from Circa 1900 thru 2006..................................... 3-115

Figure 3.4-1. Percent of Area Impacted by Outfitter-Guide Camps................................ 3-119

Figure 3.4-2. Number of Camps in Grizzly Bear Core Area, by BMU............................. 3-139

Figure 3.5-1. Physical –Biological Standards for Water in Wilderness areas................. 3-155

Figure 3.6-1. Streams by 5th and 6th Field Watershed and by Analysis Area.................. 3-166

Figure 3.6-2. Number of Lakes in the Analysis Area................................................. 3-169

Figure 3.6-3. Results of Water Analysis for Lakes on the Chelan Side of the Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness (2000)............................................................. 3-170

Figure 3.6-4. Fish Species by Category Present in or adjacent to the Analysis Area.... 3-170

Figure 3.6-5. Watersheds and sub-watersheds with designated Critical Habitat for 

Upper Columbia River Sing Chinook and Steelhead Critical Habitat and 

Proposed for Columbia River Bull Trout in Project Area............................. 3-174

Figure 3.6-6. Presence of Listed Fish species by 5th Field Watershed............................. 3-176

Figure 3.6-7. Watersheds and Sub-Watersheds with Upper Columbia River Spring 

Chinook or Steelhead Critical Habitat in the Analysis Area........................ 3-177

Figure 3.6-8. Outfitter-Guide Campsites Along Sensitive Fish Streams........................ 3-178

Figure 3.6-9. Chelan Ranger District Portion of the Analysis Area Stream/Lake Fish 

Distribution........................................................................................................ 3-178

Figure 3.9-1. Established, New, and Potential Invaders in or adjacent to the Analysis 

Area..................................................................................................................... 3-211

Figure 3.9-2. Existing New Invader Noxious Weed Characteristics................................ 3-212

Figure 3.9-3. Equivalent State and County Weed Board Classification and Strategy 

for Treatment.................................................................................................... 3-213

Figure 3.9-4. New Invader Weeds Established at Trailheads........................................... 3-215

Figure 3.9-5. Weed Sites in Analysis Area........................................................................... 3-216

Figure 3.11-1. Unavoidable Impacts.................................................................................... 3-233
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit Draft EIS viii August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Appendices

Figure E-1. List of Campsite Locations Regularly Used by Outfitter-Guides 

in Pasayten Wilderness................................................................. Appendix E-1

Figure E-2. List of Campsite Locations Regularly Used by Outfitter-Guides 

in Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness......................................... Appendix E-5

Figure E-3. List of Outfitter Campsite Locations in North Cascades............ Appendix E-8

Figure E-4. List of Outfitter Campsite Locations in Sawtooth Backcountry. Appendix E-9

Figure F-1. R6 April 2004 and July 2004 ISSSP List of Species and Other 

Rare or Uncommon Species of Concern...................................... Appendix F-1

Figure G-1. Habitat Descriptions for Species Suspected (S) or 

Documented (D) on the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF on the 

Regional Forester’s Sensitive Plant List (July 2004 Revision)... Appendix G-1

Figure G-2. Habitat Description for Rare or Little Known Species of 

Concern that are Documented (D) or Suspected to Occur (S) 

on the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF.............................................. Appendix G-9

Figure H-1. Mapped Wetlands Within 500 Feet Radius of Campsites.......... Appendix H-1

Figure I-1. Species of Concern on the WNHP or Regional ISSSSP lists 

within 500 Feet of Outfitter Camps.............................................. Appendix I-1

Figure 3.6-1. Fifth and Sixth field Watersheds in the analysis area.............. Appendix J-1