CHAPTER 3 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 

AND 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 

 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-1 

Chapter 3 

Affected Environment 

and 

Environmental Consequences 

INTRODUCTION 

This chapter describes past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, affected environments of area 

resources, and the environmental consequences of implementing each alternatives analyzed in detail, as 

described in Chapter 2. 

Effects are shown as being direct (occurring at the same time and plane as the triggering action), indirect 

(separate in time and space from the action that caused them), or cumulative (incremental effect of the 

project when added to effects from other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions). Each 

resource specialist considered and included activities relevant to the individual resource in the cumulative 

effects analysis. Direct, indirect, and cumulative effects are described in terms of increases, decreases, 

intensity, duration, and timing. The discussion of these effects also provides a comparison of the tradeoffs associated with each alternative. The scale of analysis may be different for each resource. This 

chapter ends with a discussion of compliance with environmental laws, and executive orders. 

CHANGES BETWEEN MAY 2009 EA AND THIS FEIS 

Changes include: 

• Minor editorial changes to text in all sections of the chapter. 

• Additional information and analysis on Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, inventory of Potential 

Wilderness Areas (PWAs) the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA, and Other Undeveloped Lands. 

• Supplementary information has been incorporated in the following sections: Soils, Fisheries, 

Vegetation, Insects and Disease, Wildlife (gray wolf), and Climate Change. 

PAST, PRESENT, AND REASONABLY FORESEEABLE 

ACTIONS 

The temporal and spatial scale of analysis is variable depending on the resource concern being evaluated, 

particularly when considering the effects of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions. During the 

interdisciplinary process the team followed guidance presented in CEQ’s letter dated June 24, 2005 

regarding past actions. Using this guidance the following summary of past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable actions within and adjacent to Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project planning 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-2 

area was developed. These projects were considered where relevant, when addressing the cumulative 

effects for various resources. The effects are disclosed in this chapter. 

SUMMARY OF PAST ACTIONS:

Past actions include timber harvest and prescribed fire along the canyon of the Grande Ronde River. The 

residual effects of these activities are displayed on the landscape and contribute to the description of the 

current condition (affected environment). Past actions are maintained as a layer in the District’s GIS 

database and they are used to calculate Equivalent Treatment Acres for watershed conditions, elk habitat 

effectiveness index (HEI), and cover values for big game, historical range of variability (HRV), and soil 

conditions. Following are brief summaries of past actions that occurred in the project planning area: 

• Timber Harvest by decade: 

Table 3-1 Timber Harvest by Decade in Cobbler II Project Planning Area (34,000 acres)

Years Acres Silviculture Prescriptions 

1960-1969 140 

3,200 

750 

Stand or Patch Clearcut – Leaves a created opening over the 

whole stand or in patches larger than group selection 

Partial removal – (Not defined) 

Commercial Thinning – Leaves a fully stocked stand. 

1970-1979 370 

1,750 

2,350 

6,700 

Stand or Patch Clearcut – Leaves a created opening over the 

whole stand or in patches larger than group selection 

Shelterwood or Seed-tree cut – Leaves a created opening 

Mortality Salvage or Sanitation – Should leave a fully 

stocked stand, can vary from a few trees removed to a 

clearcut 

Commercial Thinning – Leaves a fully stocked stand 

1980-1989 1,00 

1,700 

1,150 

170 

200 

3,500 

Stand or Patch Clearcut – Leaves a created opening over the 

whole stand or in patches larger than group selection 

Shelterwood or Seed-tree cut – Leaves a created opening 

Mortality Salvage or Sanitation – Should leave a fully 

stocked stand, can vary from a few trees removed to a 

clearcut 

Commercial Thinning – Leaves a fully stocked stand 

Partial removal – (Not defined) 

Overstory Removal – Removes overstory from established 

regeneration 

1990-1999 900 

1,200 

1,400 

100 

1,200 

800 

Stand or Patch Clearcut – Leaves a created opening over the 

whole stand or in patches larger than group selection 

Shelterwood or Seed-tree cut – Leaves a created opening 

Mortality Salvage or Sanitation – Should leave a fully 

stocked stand, can vary from a few trees removed to a 

clearcut 

Partial removal – (Not defined) 

Overstory Removal – Removes overstory from established 

regeneration 

Uneven-aged management - individual tree or group 

selection – Leaves an uneven-aged stand either over the 

whole unit or by groups. 

2000-2004 200 

70 

Shelterwood or Seed-tree cut – Leaves a created opening 

Mortality Salvage or Sanitation – Should leave a fully 
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Years Acres Silviculture Prescriptions 

50 

100 

stocked stand, can vary from a few trees removed to a 

clearcut 

Commercial Thinning – Leaves a fully stocked stand 

Uneven-aged management - individual tree or group 

selection – Leaves an uneven-aged stand either over the 

whole unit or by groups. 

Table 3-2 Past Harvested Acres in Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas 

in Cobbler II Project Planning Area Subwatersheds

Subwatershed 

Decade 

1968-77

acres 

1978-87 

acres 

1988-971

acres 

1998-20071

acres 

Grande Ronde River – Clear Creek. (170601060102) 115 64 26 

Elbow Creek (170601060103) 335 80 200 14 

Grande Ronde River – Bear Creek. (170601060104) 219 95 122 23 

Wenaha River-Rock Creek2 (170601060305) 5 

Wenaha River-Cross Canyon Creek2 (170601060308) 1 73 54 6 

Lower Wenaha River (170601060312) 40 82 51 

1RHCA acreages for harvest post 1995 are most likely artifacts of GIS mapping, as every precaution was taken during on-the-ground layout of 

harvest units to mark harvest unit boundaries outside of RHCAs Prior to the PACFISH Decision Notice, timber was commonly harvested from 

streamside areas. 

• Recent Timber Harvest (adjacent to Cobbler II) - Lower Sheep Timber Sale and Fire Reintroduction 

Project – Harvest on approximately 1,800 acres using a variety of silvicultural prescriptions, the 

majority of acres were commercially thinned. Fuels treatments occurred on approximately 4,600 

acres. 

• Planting -Approximately 9,400 acres of forest land have been planted following timber harvest. Of 

those, 1,500 acres were planted twice, and 100 acres were planted three times in order to meet Forest 

Plan standards for stocking levels. 

• Non-Commercial Thinning - Between 1989 and 2007, approximately 5,000 acres of forest land has 

been non-commercially thinned. 

• Hardwood Fencing - Four hardwood stands (approximately 6 acres) have been fenced to protect 

them from browsing. 

• Invasive Plant Treatments - Approximately 2,000 acres have been treated, including 1,650 acres of 

herbicide treatment, 300 acres of hand pulling, and 50 acres of biological agent release. 

• Insecticide Application - Insecticides were sprayed over areas of heavy insect populations during 

Douglas-fir tussock moth outbreaks in 1947, when approximately 10,000 acres in the area were 

sprayed with DDT, and again in 1974, when DDT was sprayed to minimize tussock moth defoliationrelated damage. In addition, most of the area was sprayed with DDT in 1952 to reduce western 

spruce budworm populations. A portion of the 1980s budworm outbreak in the area was treated with a 

bacterial insecticide called B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis) in 1988. 
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• Wildfire - Historical large fire information dating back to pre-1900s includes only two large fires, 

both in the southern-most portion of the project planning area. One of these fires occurred prior to 

1900 and the other in 1910 at 3,701 and 379 acres, respectively, for a total of 12 percent of the project 

planning area. From the 1970’s to 2006, approximately 90 wildland fires occurred burning only 

about 40 acres. 

• Grazing – Eden Allotment - Grazing has occurred at various levels beginning in 1919 when 19 

permittees had permits to graze 550 cow/calf pairs. Season of use was annually from April 16th to 

October 31st. Originally the allotment was approximately 15,000 acres. Range improvements include 

8 miles of fence, 46 stock ponds, 10 water developments, and 1 corral. 

• Roads - Approximately 75 miles have been decommissioned in Cobbler II project planning area in 

the past 12 years. 

SUMMARY OF PRESENT ACTIONS: 

• Recreation – Ongoing use of dispersed camping, hunting, sightseeing that occurs year-round. Public 

firewood gathering and snowmobile use will continue to occur. 

• Grazing – Eden C&H Allotment -Currently two permittees graze 339 cow/calf pairs on an annual 

basis, 239 pair graze from June 1 to October 20, and 100 pair graze from July 16 to October 20. The

allotment area totals approximately 41,200 acres, of which 23,200 acres are within the project 

planning area. 

• Invasive Plant Treatments – Approximately 200 acres per year of invasive plant treatment 

(herbicide, hand pulling and biological agent release) is currently being done. Where appropriate, 

treated areas are seeded with local sources of native grasses and forbs after treatment. 

SUMMARY OF REASONABLY FORESEEABLE FUTURE ACTIONS:

• Non-Commercial Thinning – Approximately 600 acres, in 25 previously harvested units, are 

proposed for non-commercial thinning. 

• Invasive Plant Treatments – Approximately 2,000 acres of invasive plants treatment is expected to 

be implemented in the foreseeable future (2009-2013). Where appropriate, treated areas will be 

seeded with local sources of native grasses and forbs after treatment. 

SOILS 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The scale of analysis for soils is primarily in areas proposed for action, typically referred to as activity 

area, where ground disturbing operations would occur. Characterization data (e.g. ecological settings) 

refers to the entire project planning area (approximately 34,000 acres). 

Forest Plan - Standards and Guidelines (FP p. 4-80) - A minimum of 80 percent of an activity area is 

to be maintained in a condition of acceptable productivity potential. Acceptable productivity potential is 

defined as a less than 20 percent increase in bulk density in volcanic-ash derived soils and a less than 15 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

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percent increase in bulk density in other forest soils (a measure of soil compaction); soil displacement of 

less than 50 percent of the topsoil or humus enriched A1 and/or AC horizons from an area of 100 square 

feet or more which is at least 5 feet in width; molding of soil in vehicle tracks and rutting of less than a 6 

inch depth; or soils that are not burned severely due to prescribed fire. Further detail, clarification, and 

policy guidance is provided in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2520.3, R6 Supplement 50, 6/87. This 

supplement has been updated in R6 Supplement 2500-98-1. Soil conditions exceeding these levels

(thresholds) of acceptable productivity potential are considered in a detrimental soil condition (DSC). 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

• Acres added to detrimental disturbance for DSC – post activity 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Ecological Settings

The project planning area is situated in the north-central part of the Blue Mountains ecological region. It 

is dominantly within the Columbia River Basalts Plateau- Lacustrine Influence subsection (M332Gm) 

characterized by layered basalt flows with differential layers between those flows of lacustrine (waterlain) fines and old soils and weather, fractured rock. This subsection has considerable maritime climate 

influence, which increases precipitation in the winter months. 

The area is dominated by long, steep canyons separated by relatively level plateaus, with the Grande 

Ronde Canyon on the eastern edge a dominant feature. The entire area has received some loess and 

volcanic ash air-borne deposits, which have been redistributed in most areas. The deeper ash and loess 

soils are in the footslope and drainageways with substantial amounts remaining on the more stable upland 

plateaus. 

Key items for attention in this area: 

• Stability- the basalt formations in this area are generally quite stable however the lacustrine interbeds 

(Lacustrine Interlay) have an increased potential for instability with major disturbances such as large, 

severe wildfires or earthquake activity and are associated with long-term, geologic-scale land 

movements typified by the Sinks area adjacent to this area. Vegetative treatments have shown no 

inclination to induce any mass movement or landslides, for example clearcuts from earlier decades 

have induced no land movement. 

• Springs- springs are common in the upper canyon sideslopes where interbeds (between the basalt rock 

flows) of buried soils and fractured rock layers accumulate subsurface water and allow lateral 

movement of that water to the surface. 

Umatilla National Forest Soil Resource Inventory (SRI) provides soil inventory information, and in 

conjunction with field observations, forms the basis for area descriptions and existing condition 

assessments and interpretations fro proposed actions. Many of the mapping units are complex units of 

two or more soils or soil types). Soil taxonomic descriptions are not listed in this document, but may be 

found in the SRI (Umatilla National Forest Soil Resource Inventory 1977). 

Surface soil textures are primarily silt loam, and gravelly silt loam with volcanic ash dominating on the 

deep, footslope positions and more stable uplands. The shallower soils on the level plateaus and steeper 

shoulder and upper sideslope areas developed in the basalt and andesite rock but are mixed with volcanic 

ash. They have gravelly loam and silt loam textures with some areas of silty clay loam in the more 

developed residual soils. 
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Loess subsoils also occur in parts of the area in similar relocation pattern as the volcanic ash, usually at 

depth below the volcanic ash or mixed into surface horizons of residual soils formed in basalt and 

andesite. These wind-blown deposits have favorable water-holding capacity, though not quite as good as 

ash soils, and favorable nutrient content when weathered. These soil properties, in concert with the 

marine-influenced climate, provide for the good growing conditions in the deep to moderately deep soils 

plateaus and lower sideslopes and drainageways. 

In some units, subsoil layers contain an increased clay content causing a reduction in drainage capacity 

and somewhat poorly or poorly drained soils. These areas often stay wet well into the summer and require 

careful equipment use to avoid rutting or puddling when wet. These areas typically are supporting stands 

of alder in dense patches and are fairly easy to locate. 

Much of the planning area and all of the harvest units were visited and inspected for soil concerns 

following the Protocol for Assessment and Management of Soil Quality Conditions (see Appendix E for a 

detailed assessment by unit). Many of the potential treatment stands have had some prior entry related to 

harvest with some having had several entries over many years. This has been largely selection type 

harvests where individual trees or groups of trees were chosen and removed. Scattered skid trail systems 

are still evident in many of the stands. These are largely well vegetated, stable, with recovering surface 

duff layers and understory vegetation with no chronic erosion or other problems observed. All units 

where activities are proposed to occur are currently within Forest Plan standards for DSC. 

Detailed descriptions of soil series found in this project planning area are located in the project file (Soils 

Report). 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

The analysis for effects to soils considered soil types and existing conditions of the soil resource, 

proposed actions and alternatives with chosen operational systems, design features (see Chapter 2, Table 

2-6), and contractual and operational controls of land disturbing activities. 

Alternative A- No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

There would be no additional impacts to soils because proposed ground disturbing activities would not 

occur. Conditions in the area analyzed would remain much the same as now. Slow accumulation of 

woody material, including smaller branches and duff, would continue unless interrupted by wildfire. 

Organic material buildup on the surface would increase productive capacity somewhat, but would also 

increase the risk of widespread, high-intensity wildfire that could remove large amounts of this material at 

once over large areas. The lower intensity mosaic pattern of prescribed fire would not occur with 

subsequent release of nutrients for plant uptake and invigoration. The possibility of uncharacteristic 

higher intensity wildfire would increase the risk of larger areas of severely burned soils. Road conditions 

would remain much the same, except road maintenance would not occur on closed system road sections 

that are proposed for utilization. 
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Effects Common to All Action Alternatives

Direct/Indirect Effects – (Alternatives B and C)

One difference between action alternatives is that Alternative C has fewer units and less acreage, such 

that the area of disturbance (both in total and in areas exceeding detrimental criteria) would be less in 

proportion to the reduction in total acres for each alternative and activity. Another difference is that there 

would no temporary road construction and decommissioning in Alternative C. 

Timber Harvest and associated activities - Soils in most of the units proposed for treatments have 

considerable volcanic ash content (ash soils) with susceptibility to compaction in both wet and dry 

conditions, water erosion hazard, displacement and dry condition dusting (key concerns for these soil 

types). All soils in the area have at least some ash-influence in the surface layer. Utility of the 

harvester/forwarder system for ground-based harvest (or other silvicultural treatments) mitigates to a great 

extent the potential for these adverse effects. 

Ongoing monitoring of timber sale activities indicates that Forest Plan standards and guidelines are being 

met using forwarder systems on these soils. Nearly all of the smaller branches and needles are left on 

site, and even if later the site is jackpot or underburned it allows nutrient retention in the unit. This 

machinery operates on top of slash and displacement of soil is low at less than 2 percent, and compaction 

is normally less than 4 percent. No landings need to be constructed because the short logs can be decked 

along the length of adjacent haul roads. 

Tractor operations which skid logs across the surface create a greater area of bare mineral soil subject to 

erosion. Skidding can also create “dusting-up” of volcanic ash soils if the soil is very dry and there is 

little surface duff and branches to buffer the surface. Control of operations during fluctuating moisture 

and freeze/thaw conditions (winter operations) is crucial. On Umatilla National Forest, timber sale 

administrators have been doing a very good job working with contractors on this issue for many years. .. 

Ongoing monitoring of similar operations, vegetation, and soil types on Forest land indicates soil impacts 

exceeding detrimental criteria are typically in the 2-5 percent range; if fuels and slash treatments are 

included impacts are typically in the 4-8 percent range. Erosion hazard is all but eliminated in typical 

operations of this type, with only occasional areas of bare soil limited to short sections (typically less than 

25-feet in length) with a mosaic pattern that is not conducive to concentrating water sufficient to move 

soil. 

Skyline systems typically produce considerably less ground disturbance than ground-based systems of 

any kind. Landings required for skyline systems can at times represent the larger proportion of soil 

disturbance, especially when large enough to accommodate slash processing with whole-tree yarding. An 

estimated landing size of 0.2 acres was used when calculating estimated detrimental soil disturbance. 

Landings are assumed to be 100 percent detrimentally disturbed for assessment purposes although this is 

not the case in all situations. In Alternative B temporary road construction of approximately 0.20 miles 

(0.5 ac) is included in disturbance estimates for units 88 and 89. 

Retention of as much of the slash material on site, even if burned later, allows for more of the nutrient 

component to be retained and utilized by both trees and other vegetation. Retention of slash and larger 

woody material must be weighed against risk of wildfire control problems, loss of residual stands from 

the potential fires, and any increase in pathogens or insects that may be attracted to thinning slash (Harvey 

1994; Jurgensen 1997). 
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Careful control of burning operations and working within prescription has proven effective in both 

achieving desired results and leaving minimal adverse effects to soils. If machine fireline is necessary, it 

should be constructed carefully to specification with only the minimum widths needed and only to 

mineral soil with little or no excess side-berm. 

Use of a cut-to-length system, which leaves tops and limbs on-site, reduces potential detrimental effects 

from both compaction and displacement. Potential for elevated temperatures (from slash burning) from 

the increased fuel levels in the processor trails (of slash) should be negligible if prescription is followed. 

The minimal impacts to physical soil characteristics should also keep any adverse impacts to soil biotic 

organisms to minimal levels. Even with slash underburning or jackpot burning, release of nutrients from 

burning operations would allow utilization by vegetation and a flush of new growth. 

The approximately 0.25 miles (about 1,300 feet) of new road construction would create a long-term loss 

to the productive capacity of the road template (approximately 0.6 acres). Closure and stabilization of the 

road after project use would minimize future risk of sediment movement from the road template. Any cut 

and fill slopes would be treated to control erosion as soon as conditions allow (erosion and vegetative 

recovery is highly dependent on weather). 

Prescribed Fire - Effects of concern from prescribed fire activity would be related to areas of severe fire 

intensity, and total exposed soil surface subject to potential erosion hazard. The prescription for 

underburning and pattern of heavy fuel concentrations are prime determining factors affecting the extent 

of high severity burn areas. Contemporary prescriptions for underburning rarely create severe burn 

conditions and the total area of severely burned soils is expected to be very small, usually 0 to 5 percent 

in broadcast treatment areas, and up to 10 percent in treatment areas if there are numerous concentrations 

of heavy fuels loadings resulting from either harvest activity or down woody levels. Exposed soil would 

be expected to be scattered in a mosaic pattern similar to heavy fuel loading patterns, rarely in continuous 

areas to become an erosion hazard. 

Jackpot concentrations of fuels have a higher likelihood of severe heat levels, but have been achieving 

acceptable results under similar conditions when prescriptions are followed. The extent of severely 

burned areas is highly variable depending on concentration numbers, location, fuel loadings, and burning 

conditions. 

Prescribed fire treatments should strive to balance fuel reduction objectives while attempting to keep burn 

intensity to low or moderate levels while retaining as much duff as possible. Duff coverage would help 

with erosion control needs (though overland erosion is not a particular problem at present nor is expected 

to be) and provide for organic matter retention (Graham 1994). 

A more natural low-severity/higher frequency fire regime in the warm, dry vegetation types would help to 

return greater resiliency in areas where condition classes have moved to levels 2 and 3. 

Mechanical Fuel Treatments - Use of mechanical fuel treatments adds additional equipment traffic 

while generally reducing the number of spots of severe burn intensity. Mastication (slash busting) 

equipment is proposed in thinning or improvement cut harvest units to reduce created and existing slash 

and protect the remaining stand, which includes a considerable proportion of fire intolerant species. This 

equipment is usually mounted on a small-body excavator with wide tracks. It has relatively low ground 

pressure and can work on top of downed logs and existing or created slash. It can produce additional 

compaction and some displacement while turning. Operation on downed slash and other woody material 

and use of existing trails keeps additional compaction and displacement effects very low. Monitoring of 
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grapple-piling operations on Umatilla National Forest indicates detrimental soil impacts in the 0-2 percent 

range. 

Other Proposed Activities - There would be no measurable detrimental effects to soil resources from 

implementation of hardwood restoration, non-commercial thinning, danger tree removal, meadow 

restoration, or implementation of the proposed Forest Plan amendment to change management allocation 

of Elk Flats Meadow from D2-Research Natural Area to A9-Special Interest Area. 

Cumulative Effects – (Alternatives B and C)

Residual impacts from previous management activities over the past several decades have been estimated 

through field review of proposed harvest units. Activities include road building, timber harvest, site 

preparation, livestock grazing, fire suppression activities, and prescribed fire. Cumulative effects relative 

to erosion hazard are not relevant within treatment units as surface recovery occurs rapidly enough to 

eliminate this as a cumulative concern. Observations from monitoring of skid trails and temporary roads 

with minor cuts and fills showed that there is a rapid regrowth of vegetation after use. Undisturbed roots 

resprouted within a few weeks after use. 

Field review of units that had prior tractor skidding showed they were well recovered. Residual impacts 

were estimated using the Region 6 Protocol for Assessment and Management of Soil Quality Conditions. 

There were no units that had severe damage that would require a more detailed survey. The contribution 

of residual impacts was based on the DSC determined by the field review and subsequent evaluation by 

the Forest’s Soil Scientist. 

Proposed harvest systems and/or operating conditions have been developed in response to concern over 

soil impacts. Use of harvester/forwarder equipment and designated forwarder routes minimizes 

additional displacement and compaction effects. Old trails and landings are used as much as possible. 

The estimated detrimental soil conditions by unit displayed in Appendix E of this document includes 

residual conditions from prior activities. In conjunction with use of existing trails or landings, proposed 

activities in Alternatives B and C can be expected to stay well within Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines. 

Areas of prescribed burns may add incrementally to the total area of severely burned soils in the area, but 

should be minimal if ignited within the burning prescription. Exposed soil created by prescribed fire 

would be short-term, approximately one to two months for spring burns and up to six months for a fall 

burn, until the vegetation recovers. 

Units that would experience the most cumulative disturbance are those with proposed harvest activity, 

mechanical fuel treatment, and prescribed fire. Monitoring of like areas and activity on Umatilla National 

Forest indicates detrimental soil condition levels range from 5-12 percent with the higher percentage in 

units with less downed wood and slash, deep ash soils, or shallower soils where equipment operated in 

wet conditions. These operations typically reuse the same trails for equipment movement; therefore have 

overlapping traffic effects where little additional increase in detrimental disturbance occurs. 

Monitoring of other harvest activity on Umatilla National Forest indicates cut-to-length processors and 

full-suspension forwarders result in detrimental soil impacts (per Forest Plan definition) dominantly in the 

2-5 percent range (including fuels treatments in most cases, hence the slightly higher range than indicated 

above) with lesser compaction (in particular) on the shallower soil types. Residual soils, and those with 

thin volcanic ash mantles (10 inches or less), have high strength in dry conditions and do not compact 

easily. They are still susceptible to surface displacement. The deeper soils, most with high ash content, 

are still susceptible to compaction even when dry as soil strength does not increase in ash soils to the 
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Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

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same degree as in other parent materials. Results with in-woods processors (including the cut-to-length 

systems using forwarders) have been quite favorable. The slash mats spread compressive forces while 

little to no displacement occurs because there is minimal turning force, or dragging of trees to move 

surface soil. Landings often overlap existing roads, thereby, limiting additional impacts to unaffected soil 

areas as logs are simply piled roadside with no landing construction or scraping needed. 

The following table is a comparison by alternative of effects to the soil resource. 

Table 3-3 Summary Comparison of Effects to Soil by Alternative 

Activity Measure Alternative 

A 

Alternative 

B 

Alternative 

C 

Total gross activity acres 

(harvest and fuels treatments) 0 2,500 1,300 

Acres of added detrimental disturbance 0 140 80 

New road construction (acres) 0 0.6 0.6 

Total acres of DSC 

 

73* (acres in Alt. B) 

39* (acres in Alt. C) 

215** 

120** 

*Existing Condition 

**Post-activity 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY:

Forest Plan Consistency

Forest Plan standards and guidelines for detrimental soil condition (DSC) would be met with 

implementation of any alternative. A minimum of 80 percent of an activity area would be maintained in a 

condition of acceptable productivity potential. 

HYDROLOGY 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

Cobbler II project planning area is located in two hydrologic unit codes1 HUC 5 Watersheds, Grande 

Ronde River-Grossman and Wenaha River. These watersheds are divided into 16 HUC 6 Subwatersheds 

(SWS). Four of these SWS are located in Cobbler II project planning area. All SWS acres are in public 

ownership; Umatilla National Forest, Wallowa Whitman National Forest, and Oregon Department of Fish 

and Wildlife. The following table lists the subwatersheds in Cobbler II project planning area. 

Table 3-4 Subwatersheds in Cobbler II Project planning area 

Subwatershed 

Number 

Subwatershed 

Name 

Umatilla NF 

Approximate 

Acres 

Total HUC 5 

Approximate

Acres 

170601060103 Elbow Creek 12,400 12,400 

170601060104 Grande Ronde River-Bear Creek 15,900 21,300 

170601060305 Wenaha River-Rock Creek 17,400 17,400 

170601060308 Wenaha River-Cross Canyon 19,400 19,600 

 

1

 Hydrologic unit code (HUC) is a national level, interagency map of the hydrologic system from regional scale 

drainage (e.g. Columbia Basin) to subwatershed level (40,000-100,000 acres) drainage. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Hydrologic system and the hydrologic effects of proposed actions are analyzed for National Forest 

System (NFS) lands HUC 6 SWS. Cumulative effect indicators including Equivalent Treatment Acres 

(ETA) are reported by HUC 6 SWS. 

Treatment alternatives are evaluated based on their effect to hydrologic function and condition, water 

quality, and water yield. 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

• Hydrologic Function and Condition: 

o road density 

o miles of road in RHCAs 

• Water Quality: 

o water temperature, 

o sediment 

• Water Yield: 

o Equivalent Treatment Acres (ETA) Model 

The methodologies used for hydrologic analysis conform to the best available science (Literature Cited 

section of this document) and accepted professional practices for managing forest and other associated 

natural resources, and are in accordance with the best professional judgment of practicing professional 

watershed specialists. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Cobbler II project planning area has a mixed maritime-continental climate with seasonal extremes of 

temperature and precipitation. Most precipitation comes as winter rain or snow occurring between 

November and May. Annual precipitation increases with elevation from 39 inches at the eastern project 

boundary on the Grande Ronde River (elevation 2,000 feet) to about 62 inches in the headwaters of Alder 

Creek (elevation 5,000 feet). Flow is generally dominated by snowmelt with peaks in the spring and low 

flow in August and September. Regional rain-on-snow events in 1964 and 1996 caused large scale 

flooding. 

Topography of the project planning area is characterized by uplifted basalt plateaus and deeply dissected 

canyons with moderate to steep sideslopes. Headwaters of the streams of the project planning area are in 

the low gradient uplands and flow to the Grande Ronde River or the Wenaha River through steep 

canyons. The high gradient portions of these streams are generally inaccessible and have received little or 

no management disturbance. Fish are present in lower reaches adjacent to the large river systems and the 

National Forest System (NFS) program of stream survey for aquatic habitat has evaluated most of these 

areas. Many of the surveys were made during the 1996 field season following a regional rain-on-snow 

flood. The highest flow of record at the nearest Grande Ronde River stream gage occurred in February 

1996, which likely accounts for the surprisingly high degree of bank instability found during the surveys. 

Evaluation of several instream habitat and channel condition parameters may be found in the biological 

evaluation (BE) and specialist’s report prepared for this project by the District fish biologist. 

Hydrologic Function and Condition

Roads

The following table displays road density and road stream interactions for the 4 SWS in Cobbler II project 

planning area. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-12 

Table 3-5 Road Density and Road Stream Interaction 

Subwatershed 

Number 

Subwatershed 

Name 

Road 

Density 

(Open/ 

Closed) 

(mi. per 

sq. mi) 

Road Density 

(Open/Closed 

and 

Decommissioned

(mi. per sq. mi) 

Road 

Miles 

within 

RHCAs 

Miles of 

road per 

mile of 

RHCA 

Stream 

and 

Road 

Intersections

170601060103 Elbow Creek 3.68 4.20 5.86 0.13 63 

170601060104 

Grande Ronde 

River-Bear 

Creek 1.59 1.74 2.82 0.03 40 

170601060305 

Wenaha RiverRock Creek 0.84 0.85 0.04 0.00 6 

170601060308 

Wenaha RiverCross Canyon 1.62 1.64 1.8 0.03 25 

Shallow impermeable clay layers underlie portions of the project planning area and road systems interact 

with the shallow ground water flow to varying degrees. GPS locations, with notes about road problems, 

are in the project file and have been provided to the District road manager for use in developing the road 

maintenance package for the project. Not all of the roads which were visited would be used in the 

project, therefore, not all road problems could be corrected by the project. 

Forest Road (FR) 6222 was identified as having a high watershed risk in the Forest’s Roads Analysis 

(2004) based on its location near Squaw Creek and its initiation of localized slumping during 

construction. Currently the slump is controlled and there is no evidence it contributes sediment to Squaw 

Creek. A blocked culvert ponds water from a small perennial channel and saturates the road bed. About 

100 feet of the ditch adjacent to this pond holds standing water year-round and contributes to the saturated 

road bed. Clay soils at the surface on portions of this road hold water and affects trafficability. 

FR 6214 road system has dammed shallow ground water flow, and seasonally wet sedge areas have been 

created in most of the swales that the roads cross. These seasonally wet areas attract livestock. The 

influence of the road extends up the draws for about 50 feet and the off-site effect is negligible. 

Ditch down-cutting on segments of FR 6219 indicates the need for more drainage. This road is located in 

areas with clay layers that restrict drainage. The road template is sloughing into the ditch in some 

locations. 

Road density was calculated using the Forest’s roads database and GIS system. Densities for the existing 

road system are displayed along with the densities including roads identified as decommissioned. During 

early road decommissioning projects, roads were sometimes abandoned with no decompaction work 

performed. Typically those roads would be overgrown and stable within several years. Some drainage 

problems may remain (decommissioned road FR 6222428). Open/closed road density in Elbow Creek 

SWS is high (3.68 miles per square mile). This subwatershed includes FR 6219 and the problematic 

segments of FR 6222. Other project planning area SWS road densities are low (less than 2.0 miles per 

square mile) which in-part reflects the amount of acres of roadless and wilderness in these SWS. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-13 

The upland plateau location of roads in the project planning area is generally outside of fish habitat due to 

impassible topographic barriers in the steep canyons leading to the Grande Ronde River and to Wenaha 

River. There are a few miles of road located inside non-fishbearing stream RHCAs. In Cobbler II project 

planning area Elbow Creek SWS is most affected from the road system both with overall indicators such 

as, road density and number of stream crossings, and with specific road systems (FR 6222 and FR 6219). 

Water Quality

Water Temperature

No daily water temperature data has been collected for the streams in the project planning area. Spot 

checks and data from nearby streams are discussed in the BE and specialist’s report prepared for this 

project by the District fish biologist (project file). 

Sediment

No sediment data has been collected in the project planning area. The sediment regime is most likely 

elevated over pre-management due to the existing road system, cattle use of channels for water sources 

and adjacent trailing, channel disturbance from flooding, and other actions. Roads inside RHCAs are the 

most likely to contribute sediment to surface waters, primarily FR 6222 and FR 6219. The downcut ditch 

on segments of FR 6219 indicates erosion that is being delivered down slope through ditch relief culverts. 

This road is not inside the RHCA of Elbow Creek at this location. 

Water Yield

Equivalent Treatment Acres (ETA)

The relationship between created openings in forested landscapes and changes in water yield and peak 

flows has been documented by numerous studies. Changes in these parameters would be of concern for 

aquatic habitat and biota, downstream water users, and for channel morphology. Recent reviews of 

scientific literature demonstrate that the relationship is highly variable (Stednick 1995, and Scherer 2001). 

Generally effects are not seen below 15-20 percent equivalent clearcut or treatment acres (ECA or ETA), 

and in a local study effects were not seen below 50 percent ECA (Helvey 1995). Grant et al. (in press) 

suggests that increased peakflows could occur at > 20 percent ECA and that the potential for effects to 

channel morphology is in the 5-10 year recurrence interval flow ranges. 

 

Umatilla National Forest’s ETA model (Ager and Clifton 2005) was used to evaluate the cumulative 

effects of harvest through time in this project planning area and to see what change the proposed 

alternatives would make to this indicator. The following table shows ETA calculations for the SWS in 

Cobbler II project planning area and other SWS in the Grande Ronde River-Grossman and Wenaha River 

Watersheds. 

Table 3-6 ETA Calculations by SWS for Cobbler II Project Planning Area and Other SWS 

 in Grande Ronde River-Grossman and Wenaha River Watersheds 

 

Existing Condition 

2007 

SWS SWS Name ETA 

170601060101 Sheep Creek* 7.8% 

170601060102 GRR/Clear Creek 3.2% 

170601060103 Elbow Creek 6.1%

170601060104 GRR/Bear Creek 5.0%
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-14 

 

Existing Condition 

2007 

SWS SWS Name ETA 

170601060106 GRR/Slickfoot Creek 4.2% 

170601060301 Upper S.FK. Wenaha River 0.4% 

170601060302 Lower S.FK. Wenaha River 0.3% 

170601060303 N.FK. Wenaha River 0.5% 

170601060304 Beaver Crk. 0.1% 

170601060305 Wenaha River-Rock Crk. 0.6%

170601060306 Upper Butte Crk. 0.1% 

170601060307 Lower Butte Crk. 0.0% 

170601060308 Wenaha River- Cross Canyon 2.0%

170601060309 Upper Crooked Creek 0.0% 

170601060310 First Creek 0.1% 

170601060311 Lower Crooked Creek 0.1% 

170601060312 Lower Wenaha River 8.9% 

* calculated for Lower Sheep Timber Sale, ongoing, not in harvested data base at this time

bold indicates SWS in project planning area 

 

CLEAN WATER ACT

The Environmental Protection Agency has designated the State of Oregon as having responsibility to 

implement the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act requires that water quality standards be developed 

to protect beneficial uses and a list be developed of water quality impaired streams (303d list). The 

Cobbler II project planning area is located in the Lower Grande Ronde Subbasin. Oregon Department of 

Environmental Quality (ODEQ) has identified beneficial uses as listed below: 

• Aquatic Life Uses Char (bull trout), salmon and trout spawning and rearing, migration 

• Recreation Fishing, Boating, Water Contact Recreation 

• Water Supply Uses Domestic, Industrial, and Agricultural 

• Miscellaneous uses Wildlife & Hunting, Hydro Power 

See the following web site for additional information: 

http://www.deq.state.or.us/regulations/rules.htm

Water Quality Standards

Water temperature standards are based on life stages of fishes and measured with 7-day-average 

maximums. In the Cobbler II Project planning area the following standards apply:

Bear Creek and Elbow Creek 

• salmon and steelhead spawning; may not exceed 13.0° C (55.4° F) January 1 – May 15. 

Alder Creek, Bear Creek, and Elbow Creek 

• salmon and trout rearing and migration use; may not exceed 18.0° C (64.4° F) 

Burnt Canyon and Cross Canyon 

• Core cold-water habitat, may not exceed 16° C (60.8° F). 

Swamp Creek, Big Hole Canyon, Elk Creek, and unnamed tributaries to the Wenaha 

• Bull trout spawning and juvenile rearing; may not exceed 12° C (53.6° F ) 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-15 

Sedimentation: The formation of appreciable bottom or sludge deposits or the formation of any organic or 

inorganic deposits deleterious to fish or other aquatic life or injurious to public health, recreation, or 

industry may not be allowed 

Water Quality Standards may be found at the following web site: 

http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARs_300/OAR_340/340_041.html

Impaired Waterbodies-303d Category 5 Streams

The most recent water quality assessment and 303d list of impaired waters in the Grande Ronde Basin is 

found in Oregon's 2004/2006 Integrated Report. None of the streams in the Cobbler II project planning 

area are found on this list. The project area drains to the Grande Ronde River and Wenaha River, both of 

which have listings. The following table shows the listing parameters and criteria for Oregon Department 

of Environmental Quality’s 303d list. 

Table 3-7 Water Quality Impaired Streams ODEQ 303d List Category 5 

Listing Parameter Listing Criteria 

Grande Ronde River; water temperature, Yearround salmon and trout rearing and migration. 18° C 7 day average max temperature. 

Receiving waters. 

Grande Ronde River; Dissolved Oxygen, salmon 

and steelhead spawning. 

Not less than 11.0 mg/L or 95% of saturation. Jan. 

1-May 15. Receiving waters. 

Grande Ronde River; sedimentation, undefined See above. Receiving waters. 

Wenaha River; water temperature, August 15 – June 

15, salmon and steelhead spawning. 

13° C 7 day average max temperature. 

Receiving waters 

Wenaha River; water temperature, year round nonspawning. 16° C 7 day average max temperature. 

Receiving waters. 

See the following web site for additional information: 

http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/assessment/rpt0406/search.asp

The Forest Service’s responsibilities under the Clean Water Act are defined in a Memorandum of 

Understanding (MOU) between Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Forest Service, 

May 2002, and updated in 2006. The MOU designates the Forest Service as the management agency 

responsible for meeting the Clean Water Act on NFS lands and recognizes Best Management Practices 

(BMPs) as the primary mechanism to control nonpoint source pollution on NFS lands. There is further 

recognition that BMPs are developed by the Forest Service as part of the planning process and includes a 

commitment by the US Forest Service to meet or exceed standards. The agreement is currently expired. 

Both agencies are committed to working within the scope of the MOU and are actively working on an 

update. Completion is expected shortly. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-16 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A - No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

Hydrologic Condition and Function

Roads

No change to the existing road system is foreseen under this alternative. Road density and proximity to 

channels would remain the same. Few of the project planning area roads have regular maintenance. 

Problems identified in the affected environment section above would remain and through time would 

worsen to some degree as weather and use degrade road drainage. 

Water Quality

Water temperature 

Water temperature would improve slowly over time as near channel vegetation grew and provided more 

shade. The magnitude of this change is unknown and directly related to the degree that shade currently 

departs from site potential. Disturbance events like fires and floods could reverse this trend. The 

timeframe for shade and water temperature improvement is long, and related to the growth rate of site 

potential vegetation, which in the case of conifers is measured in decades. 

Sediment

Ongoing use by ungulates and continued lack of road maintenance would be the primary management 

related sources of accelerated erosion. Natural disturbance regimes like flood and fire would be the 

dominant sediment risks for the future. 

Water Yield

The affected environment section above discusses analysis methods and results. In subwatersheds with 

existing recent harvest, vegetative recovery through time would reduce ETA values. Current values of 

ETA suggest that there is no measurable difference between current conditions and those with no harvest. 

Additional growth of conifer stands into the future would not measurably change water yield or peak 

flows. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Hydrologic Condition and Function 

Roads

About 0.25 miles of new road would be constructed to unit 42 (Wenaha-Rock Creek SWS) and be used 

for future access in the area. The alignment would not cross any wet areas or draws and would have 

minimal cut and fill. The proposed location and alignment would minimize effects to hydrologic 

function. Road density would increase by less than 0.01 miles per square mile in the Wenaha-Rock Creek 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-17 

SWS, a negligible amount. No change in the miles of road inside RHCAs would occur in either action 

alternative. 

FR 6222 would be used for haul, and timber sale contract provisions would be used to replace an 

undersized culvert with a drain dip, drain standing water in ditches, add other drain dips as necessary, 

narrow the road where it is over-widened, and rock portions of the road. Work would take place at seeps 

and on a side drainage tributary to and inside the RHCA of Squaw Creek. The rocked drain dip which 

would replace a plugged culvert would remain in the topographic draw. 

The project planning area has numerous seeps and areas of shallow ground water. Where proposed haul 

routes encounter wet areas, new drainage structures and surface rock would be installed. 

Road maintenance and reconditioning associated with the proposed timber sale would improve drainage 

and reduce risk to the hydrologic system from inadequate drainage as discussed above. Hydrologic 

function would be improved locally by this work. 

Water Quality

Water Temperature

Proposed harvest activities, fuels treatments, biomass removals, and non-commercial thinning would not 

occur inside of interim PACFISH RHCAs. Interim PACFISH widths for RHCAs range from 1-2 tree 

heights depending on flow regime and the presence/absence of fish (Umatilla National Forest, 1990). 

Shade is controlled by about one tree height (FEMAT, 1993). There would be no effect to water 

temperature from these treatments. 

Fire ignition for landscape prescribed fire or activity fuel treatments would not occur inside RHCAs but 

fire would be allowed to back into RHCAs. No ignition and increased moisture in RHCAs would cause 

fire intensity to drop and reduce fuel consumption. Shade would not be significantly reduced and 

potential effects to water temperature would be negligible. 

Proposed meadow and hardwood restoration projects are in areas with ephemeral and intermittent 

channels. No surface water is present during summer months and the projects would not remove shade 

near drainages. There is no potential to affect water temperature with these projects. 

Danger trees would be felled along all haul routes used in the proposed timber sale. They would be left 

on the ground inside RHCAs and commercially removed elsewhere. Most stream crossings on haul 

routes are ephemeral or intermittent with no or very low summer flows. Danger trees felled on haul 

routes within RHCAs of perennial streams would have negligible effect on shade density for affected 

streams. Haul routes adjacent to perennial streams; Lookingglass Creek is on the north side of the 

channel and possible danger trees do not provide shade. The Grande Ronde River, in the reach of the 

proposed haul route, is in non forest vegetation type. Effects to water temperature would be negligible. 

The roads along these two streams are open roads and the need for danger tree removal is unrelated to the 

proposed timber sale. 

Sediment

Roads - FR 6222 would be insloped in an area of perennial seeps, a plugged 12 inch culvert would be

removed, and two drain dips with rocked aprons at the outlet would be constructed. Work would occur 

inside the RHCA of Squaw Creek and would occur during the Grande Ronde steelhead instream workwindow. Low flow season work would minimize sedimentation from the activity. However, some 

sediment would enter Squaw Creek as standing water drained from currently un-drained sites and water 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-18 

seeped from worksites. Turbidity could be visible but deposition would be negligible. These effects 

would be short-term, less than one week. No sediment effects would be expected from other road 

maintenance and conditioning. This work would improve drainage and reduce risk of erosion and 

sedimentation relative to the existing condition and would reduce sedimentation from roads used for 

timber haul. 

Danger trees would be felled along all haul routes used for timber haul. They would be left on the ground 

inside RHCAs and commercially removed elsewhere. Ground disturbance inside RHCAs would be very 

minor, associated with falling trees. Effects to erosion and sedimentation would be negligible. 

Landscape Prescribed Fire - About 8,000 acres of steep canyon land in Grande Ronde-Bear Creek and 

Elbow Creek subwatersheds is proposed for landscape prescribed fire. This treatment would target more 

southerly aspects of the major drainages. A mosaic burn with patches of exposed mineral soil would be 

expected. Exposed soil would be surrounded and buffered by remaining duff and vegetation. Slope 

distances on exposed mineral soil would be short, preventing significant overland flow from developing 

and the surrounding duff and vegetation would act as a filter, should any sediment move. Natural 

mulching by needles and leaves would provide some ground cover before the first winter season occurs. 

No ignition would occur in RHCAs during implementation of landscape prescribed fire, though fire 

would be allowed to back into RHCAs. The use of black line and natural control points would minimize 

construction of handlines. Fire intensity and the extent of fire coverage would generally be reduced in 

RHCAs because no ignition would occur in them to maintain the fire. Some mineral soil would be 

exposed in near channel positions, but it would be less than in the upland portions and with a mosaic 

pattern. There would be very little effect to existing down material and vegetation density in near channel 

positions. 

The risk of erosion from landscape prescribed burning would be limited due to short slope lengths of 

exposed soil, and the risk of sedimentation is low due to surrounding unburned debris and vegetation. 

However, because mineral soil might be exposed adjacent to channels, a small amount of sediment could 

enter channels during intense storms and spring runoff for the first year after burning. Risk is low that 

sedimentation could occur at levels which would measurably affect water quality or deposition in 

channels. The mosaic of unburned vegetation in channels and current levels of debris and other channel 

roughness would slow and reduce the transport of any sediment which might enter channels from these 

activities. This risk would not extend beyond the first growing season after burning due to regrowth of 

surface vegetation and accumulation of natural mulches. 

Other Proposed Projects - Hardwood restoration projects would include ATV use (except in the Grande 

Ronde IRA) in crossing intermittent channels during their dry season. These trips would be used to carry 

fencing material and other heavy supplies. Any single crossing site would be used no more that three 

times. Locations for crossings would be chosen where bank angles are low enough and vegetation (grass 

and sedges) are dense enough that channel banks would not break down. Some soil could be exposed. 

These mitigations and design features would limit soil exposure to very small areas and sedimentation 

would be negligible. 

Meadow restoration would use hand cutting of encroaching conifers. These trees would be dropped and 

burned during meadow burning. The meadows are near the tops of ridges and no channels or RHCAs 

would be involved in this activity. 

Non-commercial thinning would occur throughout the project planning area over a period of years. 

Thinning would be done by hand or mechanical masticator and outside of PACFISH interim RHCAs. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-19 

Hand thinning does not expose soil. Mechanical masticators create soil disturbance where the tracked 

equipment makes turns. Mechanical masticator trail spacing would average 50 feet apart, would occur 

over existing slash where possible, and turning would be minimized. 

Project design features (see Chapter 2, Table 2-6) would minimize or eliminate soil exposure and erosion 

and PACFISH interim RHCAs would protect channels and surface waters from disturbance. There is no 

risk to water quality from proposed meadow restoration, non-commercial thinning, or the proposed Forest 

Plan amendment to change management allocations of Elk Flats Meadow RNA to a Special Interest Area 

in Alternatives B and C. 

ALTERNATIVE B 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B)

Hydrologic Function and Condition

Roads

About 0.20 miles of temporary road are proposed for construction between Units 88 and 89 for skyline 

logging system access. This temporary road would be built on a ridge where a user-developed jeep trail 

already exists. It would not require cut and fill construction. If the road remains over winter, waterbars 

would be installed to prevent erosion. Upon completion of timber sale activities the road would be 

subsoiled, berms would be pulled into the roadbed, it would be revegetated with native seed, and 

mulching with existing slash would occur. The road entrance would be camouflaged to discourage use. 

There is no risk to water quality or hydrologic function because the location of the road is far enough 

away from any channels. Post sale work would recover soil productivity to the extent possible and 

minimize the potential for future use. 

Water Quality

Sediment 

Design features (Chapter 2, Table 2-6) for proposed actions in Alternative B would include no-harvest 

RHCAs of PACFISH interim widths. These design features would prevent damage that could contribute 

to erosion and sedimentation into channels and streams (Belt et al., 1992). Slope gradients would not 

exceed 35 percent on these ground based harvest units. Harvester/forwarders are low disturbance systems 

with average trail spacing about 50 feet apart and operating over a slash bed. Low pound per square inch 

(psi) equipment and slash mats left on trails reduce compaction compared to more conventional systems. 

Skyline logging systems are low disturbance systems with average trail spacing about 150 feet apart. 

Conventional ground based logging systems with tops attached to the last log would have the potential for 

more disturbance. Average trail spacing for conventional ground based logging systems would be 100 

feet, which helps to reduce the overall quantity of disturbance. 

These treatments would cause some exposure of mineral soil. This soil exposure would be scattered and 

would be interspersed with undisturbed ground surface. Surrounding undisturbed vegetation and RHCA 

protection would prevent transport of any eroded sediment into surface waters. 

Monitoring Results - Effects of ground based harvest methods were monitored in 2001 and 2002. 

Twenty-four harvester/forwarder trails in 10 units of the Abla and Cliffhanger Timber Sales were 

evaluated for spacing, gradient, and percent bare soil. Standards for trail spacing and gradient were met. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-20 

An average of 1 percent mineral soil exposure was measured on forwarder trails. Since trails occur on 

about 10 percent of harvest acres, the total soil exposure was about 0.01 percent of harvest acres. 

Roads - Maintenance and Use – Road maintenance would occur on all system roads used by a timber sale 

and would include blading, ditch relief culvert cleanout, and ditch cleanout as needed on portions. 

Culvert cleanout and necessary ditch cleanout would lead to immediate reductions in risk from the road 

system. Closed roads would be left in a self-maintaining condition. Detrimental effects from ditch 

cleanout would be short-term, less than one year. 

Erosion and sedimentation effects of log haul on forest roads have been the subject of numerous studies. 

Log haul has been demonstrated to increase sedimentation from hydrologically connected roads during 

precipitation events, with the effect decreasing as traffic is reduced or ends (Reid 1984). Dry season use 

of roads or restricting logging traffic during surface runoff from roads can reduce this effect by 

interrupting or reducing the road-stream connectivity. Umatilla National Forest’s Commercial Road Use 

Rules would require log haul to stop when runoff from roads creates turbidity in streams. It states as 

follows: 

Commercial use of National Forest roads shall be suspended when commercial contract or 

permit operations create a continuous discharge of sediment into live streams that result in an 

increase in turbidity...Visual evidence of this may be identified by the increase in turbidity in live 

running streams evident at points downstream from the outflows of culverts, ditchlines, or fords. 

(Umatilla National Forest, 2001) 

In a study of sediment production from forest roads, newly cleaned ditches were found to have a sediment 

yield substantially more than blading of the road surface or traffic use (Luce and Black 2001). This is 

likely due to the disruption of armored or vegetated surfaces, leading to a larger supply of fine, erodible 

sediment in a feature that carries water during storms. Ditch cleanout would be used only when ditch 

function was compromised and would minimize disturbance of existing vegetation and natural armoring 

practices, which are common on the Umatilla National Forest. Road use restrictions and minimized ditch 

cleanout would reduce sediment production from road use to the extent possible. 

Fuels Treatments - Activity fuels would be treated with a mix of mechanical mastication and pile and 

burn. Market economics may not support biomass removal for fuels treatments and would be replaced by 

a combination of mastication and prescribed burning. Relatively few acres of pile and burn or prescribed 

fire would occur in activity units. No mastication or other fuels treatment would occur in RHCAs. 

No ignition would occur in RHCAs during fuels treatments; pile burning or prescribed fire burning would 

be allowed to back into RHCAs where they are adjacent to prescribed fire areas. There would be very 

little effect to existing down material and vegetation density in near-channel positions. The potential for 

sediment to reach channels from these treatments is negligible. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternative B)

Water Quality

Sediment

Existing ongoing actions, road use, and livestock grazing would cumulate in an additive manner with 

sediment effects from proposed actions. Ongoing livestock grazing on the Eden C&H Allotment occurs 

in the project planning area. Cattle and other ungulates use closed and abandoned roadbeds as trails and 

use created ponds, wet areas created by damming of subsurface flow by roads, live streams, and ponded 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-21 

remains of stream flow for water sources. Ground cover is reduced in these areas and erosion is 

increased. Except for channel associated disturbance, this erosion does not affect surface water since 

there is no mechanism that would move it to channels. Disturbance near and in channels does lead to 

sedimentation to some unquantified degree. Most of the channels in activity areas are intermittent or 

barely perennial (seeps or small spring fed pools). Transport of sediment occurs during spring runoff. 

Projects proposed in Cobbler II project planning area have been designed and mitigated to prevent or 

minimize damage to ground cover, erosion, and sedimentation. Road drainage improvement, especially 

work on FR 6222 could cause short-term, less than one week, sedimentation. The potential for 

sedimentation from any other proposed actions is negligible. Project activities proposed in Alternative B 

offer no opportunity for measurable cumulative effects with ongoing actions. 

Water Yield

Effects of past harvest and proposed harvest and conifer mortality from landscape prescribed burning on 

water yield and peak flows are analyzed and cumulated with the Equivalent Treatment Acre (ETA) Model 

as described in the Existing Condition section of this report. Table 3-8 displays the results of the analysis. 

ETA percentages increase in the 4 subwatersheds of the Cobbler II project planning area. The increases 

are well below levels at which effects have been seen to water yield, peakflows, or timing of peakflows. 

The proposed harvest and landscape burning would have negligible effect on hydrologic functions; 

capture, storage, and release of water. 

ALTERNATIVE C

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative C)

Water Quality

Sediment

Alternative C would have fewer acres of harvest and fuels treatments than Alternative B (Table 2-10). 

Descriptions of actions, design features, and mitigations remain the same between action alternatives. 

The potential for sedimentation into surface waters from these proposed actions is negligible as in 

Alternative B. 

Miles of road use and road maintenance would be less in Alternative C than in Alternative B. Risks of 

increased erosion from road use and road maintenance and benefits of improved drainage would be 

somewhat less in Alternative C than in Alternative B. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternative C)

Sediment

As in Alternative B, proposed actions in Alternative C have been designed and mitigated (see Chapter 2, 

Table 2-6) to eliminate or minimize off-site sediment effects. Road drainage improvement, especially 

work on FR 6222 could cause short-term, less than one week, sedimentation. The potential for 

sedimentation from any other proposed project activity is negligible. Projects proposed in Alternative C 

offer no opportunity for measurable cumulative effects with ongoing actions. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-22 

Water Yield

Fewer harvest acres in Alternative C than in Alternative B lead to lower ETA percentages in the 

subwatersheds with harvest. Negligible effects to water yield, peakflows, and timing of peakflows would 

be expected from implementing Alternative C, as is also the case in Alternative B. 

Table 3-8 ETA Calculations by SWS for Cobbler II Project Planning Area

and other SWS in those Watersheds 

 

Existing 

Condition 

2007 

Alt. B 

2009 

Alt. C 

2009 

SWS SWS Name ETA ETA ETA 

170601060101 Sheep Creek* 7.8% 7.8% 7.8% 

170601060102 GRR/Clear Creek 3.2% 2.4% 2.4% 

170601060103 Elbow Creek 6.1% 9.4% 8.2%

170601060104 GRR/Bear Creek 5.0% 9.5% 8.3%

170601060106 GRR/Slickfoot Creek 4.2% 3.7% 3.7% 

170601060301 Upper S.FK. Wenaha River 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% 

170601060302 Lower S.FK. Wenaha River 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 

170601060303 N.FK. Wenaha River 0.5% 0.4% 0.4% 

170601060304 Beaver Crk. 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 

170601060305 Wenaha River-Rock Crk. 0.6% 1.1% 0.8%

170601060306 Upper Butte Crk. 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 

170601060307 Lower Butte Crk. 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 

170601060308 Wenaha River- Cross Canyon 2.0% 4.7% 3.3%

170601060309 Upper Crooked Creek 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 

170601060310 First Creek 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 

170601060311 Lower Crooked Creek 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 

170601060312 Lower Wenaha River 8.9% 7.2% 7.2% 

* calculated for Lower Sheep Timber Sale, ongoing, not in harvested database at this time 

bold indicates sws in analysis area 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

Clean Water Act Compliance

The Umatilla National Forest incorporated protection of water quality as an important management goal 

and explicitly set ground disturbance and shade standards to protect it in the 1990 Land and Resource 

Management Plan. In the mid 1990s PACFISH amended the plan by adding standards and guides and 

RHCA protections designed for, among other objectives, maintenance and recovery of shade and 

morphology components (including sediment regime) of water temperature. Managing to these standards 

has protected ground cover and existing shade and allowed for recovery of those elements at near natural 

rates for a decade. Restoration work aimed at reducing sediment sources through road decommissioning 

has been ongoing, much of it occurring since the floods of 1996 and 1997. 

Umatilla National Forest has a high rate of compliance with BMPs. RHCAs in School Fire Salvage 

Project FEIS were monitored in 2006. Buffers on 18 units, 23 percent of identified RHCA influence 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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units, were monitored in July and August 2006. Results are displayed in the table below. Average buffer 

widths exceeded standards for all stream categories. 

Table -3-9 Average Buffer Width by Stream Category 

 School Fire Salvage Sales 

 

Average 

(ft) 

Number of 

Measurements 

PACFISH 

Standard 

(ft) 

Fish Bearing Streams 325 32 300 

Perennial Non Fish 

Bearing 187 59 150 

Intermittent 150 87 100 

Dissected Ephemeral 36 34 

No standard 

BMP=25 ft. 

RHCA effectiveness was also measured and reported in 2001 as follows: no cases of erosion or 

sedimentation were observed post harvest in RHCAs. 

Identification of BMPs (see Appendix D) for proposed activities has been completed, and any project 

which might occur in this planning area would be considered for monitoring in the Umatilla National 

Forest annual BMP monitoring plan. These activities would not detrimentally affect beneficial uses. 

Riparian and channel components that protect water quality would be maintained. Other design features 

and BMPs would control disturbance that could lead to erosion and sedimentation. Effects of proposed 

actions would not adversely or measurably affect water temperature or dissolved oxygen (DO). Shortterm measurable turbidity effects could occur during replacement of a culvert. Best Management 

Practices have been incorporated into project design features (Chapter 2, Table 2-6) for the culvert 

replacement and will be monitored. Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction project is in compliance 

with the Clean Water Act for implementation of any alternative. 

Forest Plan 

Implementation of design criteria and BMPs as described above, Umatilla National Forest commercial 

road use rules, as well as standard Umatilla National Forest’s timber sale contract specifications would 

constitute compliance with Forest Plan standards and guidelines for hydrologic and water quality 

components. 

FISHERIES 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

Because streams hosting ESA listed threatened and endangered and Region 6 sensitive fish are within and 

adjacent to the project area, there may be potential for the Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction 

Project to affect these fish species. 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are:

• pool frequency 

• water chemistry 

* temperature 

* sediment 

* chemicals/contaminants 
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• large woody debris 

• stream channel conditions 

* bank stability 

* lower bank angle 

* substrate 

• change in peak or base flows 

• increase in drainage network 

• road density and location 

Following is a list of maps (located in the project file) created for the Fisheries report and used in this 

analysis. 

Figure 1 – Shaded relief illustration of project planning area topography 

Figure 2 – Fish distribution in project planning area subwatersheds 

Figure 3 – Harvest by decade in the project planning area 

Figure 4 – Wildfires by decade in the project planning area 

Figure 5 – Aerial photography taken in 2005 of the project planning area. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Listed, proposed, and sensitive species known or expected to be in the project area or that the 

project potentially affects

Fish occupancy has been confirmed in the Grande Ronde River, Meadow Creek, Elbow Creek, Squaw 

Creek, Alder Creek, Bear Creek, Wenaha River, and Cross Canyon Creek. Fish occupancy has not been 

confirmed for Big Hole Canyon Creek, Swamp Creek, Elk Creek or Burnt Canyon Creek, but it is likely 

that fish use at least the lower portions of these streams as well. 

Six species/stocks of ESA listed or Forest Service Region 6 sensitive fish occupy streams within or a 

short distance downstream or downslope of the Cobbler II project planning area. Designated critical 

habitat for four ESA threatened fish species is within borders, or is a short distance downstream of the 

project planning area. These same streams are also classified as Magnuson–Stevens Essential Fish 

Habitat. See the table below for a listing of these fish species. 

Table 3-10 Listed Fish Species - Presently or Historically found or Expected on Umatilla National 

Forest in or Near the Cobbler II Project Planning Area

Stock Classification 

Grande Ronde Subbasin 

Within project 

Subwatersheds Outside of project area 

Snake River steelhead ESA Threatened Yes Yes 

Snake River spring/summer 

Chinook salmon ESA Threatened Yes Yes 

Snake River fall Chinook 

salmon ESA Threatened No Yes 

Columbia River bull trout ESA Threatened Yes Yes 

Snake River Sockeye salmon ESA Endangered Extirpated

1

 Extirpated1

Coho Salmon ESA Threatened2 Extirpated Extirpated 
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Stock Classification 

Grande Ronde Subbasin 

Within project 

Subwatersheds Outside of project area 

Redband trout Region 6 

Sensitive, Umatilla 

NF MIS3

Yes Yes 

Pacific lamprey Region 6 

Sensitive Apparently extirpated Apparently extirpated 

Margined Sculpin Region 6 

Sensitive Yes Yes 

1

Sockeye Salmon have been extirpated from the Grande Ronde River/Wallowa Lake area. A very small run still returns to Redfish Lake (Salmon 

River basin), maintained at least in part, through a captive broodstock program. (Good, Waples & Adams, 2005) 

2Applies to coastal California, Oregon, and lower Columbia River populations. The Grande Ronde River run of coho salmon has been extirpated 

since the 1950s, and so there is no ESU listed for this area. (Good, Waples & Adams, 2005) 

3MIS = Management Indicator species. Since Redband and Steelhead are both O. mykiss and juveniles are indistinguishable in the field, they will 

not be addressed separately in this evaluation

Some fish stocks native to the area (coho, lamprey, sockeye) have been extirpated, but these losses were 

due to activities outside of, and mostly far removed from, the project planning area. 

In addition, a number of other non-listed fish are found in the Wenaha and Grande Ronde Rivers 

immediately adjacent to, or a short distance downstream of the project planning area (see Table 3-11). 

Some of these are exotic species and are potential invaders, particularly if area streams should warm 

appreciably. 

Table 3-11 Additional Fish Species Present in the Lower Grande Ronde River 

and/or Lower Wenaha River

Species Native or Exotic 

Black Crappie Exotic 

Smallmouth Bass Exotic 

Bridgelip sucker Native 

Large scale sucker Native 

Carp Exotic 

Dace Native 

Northern pike minnow Native 

Brown bullhead catfish Exotic 

Peamouth Native 

Chislemouth Native 

Brook Lamprey Native 

Channel Catfish Exotic 

Mountain Whitefish Native 

Cottid (probably several species) Native 

Redside shiner Native 

Sources: Del Groat, Pomeroy Ranger District, personal comm., 2008; 

USDI Bureau of Land Management et al, 1993; personal observations, DMC. 
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Occupied and unoccupied habitat essential for listed or proposed species recovery, or to meet 

Forest Service objectives for sensitive species.

General characterization of the project area

Ten named streams are within or partly within the project area (see Table 3-12 below). Five of these 

drain into the Wenaha River and five drain into the Grande Ronde River. 

Information in Table 3-13 gives a general characterization of the project area streams. The Grande Ronde 

River is the largest stream in the project area, although the Wenaha River is also a substantial stream. 

Occupied habitat recognized as essential (ESA Designated Critical Habitat) for recovery of 

Spring/Summer and Fall Snake River Chinook Salmon includes: 

“...river reaches of the Columbia, Snake, and Salmon Rivers, and all tributaries of the Snake and 

Salmon Rivers...presently or historically accessible to Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook 

salmon...” (Dept. of Commerce, Dec. 28, 1993) 

Table 3-12 Named Streams Draining the Cobbler II Project Planning Area

Stream Name Hydrologic Unit Code 

Lower Grande Ronde 

River 

1706010601 

Meadow Creek 170601060102

Elbow Creek 170601060103

Squaw Creek (Elbow trib) 170601060103

Alder Creek 170601060104

Bear Creek 170601060104

Wenaha River 1706010603 

Cross Canyon Creek 170601060308

Big Hole Canyon Creek 170601060305

Swamp Creek 170601060308

Elk Creek 170601060302

Burnt Canyon Creek 170601060308
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Table 3-13 Characteristics of Cobbler II Project Planning Area Streams

Stream (HUC) 

Date 

of Survey 

Gradient, %Flow (cfs) Average Bankfull Width, Feet Average Flood Prone Width, Feet Average Bankfull Max Depth, Feet Average Bankfull Depth, Feet Average Bankfull Width/Depth Ratio 

Meadow Creek 8/14/2002 30.25 17.90 43.75 2.03 1.34 15.25 

Elbow Creek 7/12/1996 8.00 20.35 34.90 1.37 0.72 34.06 

Alder Creek 7/9/1996 10.00 6.0 17.09 30.89 1.37 0.84 22.75 

Bear Creek 7/9/1996 7.00 7.0 21.54 34.18 2.23 1.40 16.02 

Wenaha River, Reach 1 July, 1991 1 439 30.87 

Wenaha River, Reach 2 July, 1991 1 322 27.03 

Wenaha River, Reach 3 July, 1991 1 197 20.31 

Grande Ronde River, 

Reach 1 1996 620 

Grande Ronde River, 

Reach 2 1996  51.4 

Grande Ronde River, 

Reach 3 1996  17.8 

For the project planning area, this would include all of the named streams downstream of barrier 

waterfalls in the analysis area subwatersheds, since even those reaches that are not accessible to adult 

salmon because of their small size, can still be used by juveniles for rearing purposes. This would include 

the Grande Ronde and Wenaha Rivers and their named tributaries in project area subwatersheds. 

Designated Critical Habitat for Snake River steelhead includes most of the named streams of the analysis 

area (Dept. of Commerce, Sept. 2, 2005). 

Designated Critical Habitat for bull trout does not presently include any federal lands in the Grande 

Ronde River Basin (Dept. of the Interior, Oct. 6, 2004). It does include those parts of the Grande Ronde 

River and Lookingglass Creek on non-federal lands downstream of the forest boundary. However 

proposed changes to bull trout Critical Habitat would include stream reaches within National Forest 

boundaries in project area subwatersheds. Both the Wenaha River and Grande Ronde River within 

National Forest boundaries would become Critical Habitat under the proposed changes by Fish and 

Wildlife Service (Federal Register, vol 75, no. 9, Jan 14, 2010 – 50 CFR part 17 – Endangered and 

Threatened Wildlife and Plants, Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for Bull Trout in the 

Coterminous United States; Proposed Rule). 

All accessible aquatic habitat is occupied at some time each year by a listed, proposed, or sensitive fish 

species, so there is no unoccupied habitat in project planning area subwatersheds recognized as essential 

for listed or proposed species recovery. 

Two primary river systems could potentially be affected by Cobbler II project activities; the Wenaha 

River, a wilderness stream, mostly without active management; and Grande Ronde River, influenced by 

active present and past management. Neither river is actually within the project planning area, although 
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the Grande Ronde forms the eastern border of the project planning area, and tributary streams to both 

rivers flow from the project planning area. 

Wenaha River is mostly within a congressionally designated wilderness (Wenaha-Tucannon). Habitat in 

the upper reaches of the river near the project area are quite cold, and near pristine. 

Grande Ronde River is larger than the Wenaha and those parts of the Grande Ronde adjacent to Cobbler 

II project planning area are designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Before reaching the Cobbler II project 

planning area it flows through agricultural, city, and forest lands. Summer water withdrawals upstream of 

the project area reduce its flow in summer, and help to make it warmer than it would otherwise be. 

Because of agricultural and other management activities upstream, it carries a higher sediment load. It 

also carries contaminants (fertilizers, urban and industrial wastes) from human activities upstream of the 

project planning area (ODEQ, 1999). 

Because of difficult access, the lower reaches of Grande Ronde and Wenaha River tributaries draining the 

project area watersheds have mostly not been directly altered by past management activities. Upper 

reaches of these tributaries are more readily accessible by road, and have been directly affected by past 

management activities, including timber harvest right up to and across the stream channel. Those parts 

directly affected by past management are upstream of the fish-bearing portions of the streams. 

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Essential Fish Habitat 

Essential fish habitat applies only to habitat for commercially important fish species; for Umatilla 

National Forest, these are Chinook and coho salmon. Under authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act and Public Law 104-297, the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996, the 

Pacific Fishery Management Council has identified both the upper and lower Grande Ronde Hydrologic 

Units (HUC's 17060104 and 17060106) as Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for both Chinook and coho 

salmon. The Pacific Fishery Management Council defines EFH as “all currently viable waters and most 

of the habitat historically accessible to salmon within the USGS hydrologic units identified...” 

For adult Chinook this would include the mainstem Wenaha and Grande Ronde Rivers. Adult Chinook 

would not have used project area streams tributary to the Grande Ronde or Wenaha Rivers, because they 

are too small during the summer for them to survive or to spawn. 

Juvenile Chinook however, would use at least the lower reaches of some tributaries, probably including 

Elk, Elbow, Alder, and Bear Creeks. These streams are remote and little studied and so juvenile Chinook 

distribution has not been documented in them, but it seems likely that they would have used them 

historically, and probably still used them. 

Coho on the other hand, are smaller fish and winter spawners (Groot and Margolis, 1991). Many of the 

smaller streams (Alder Creek, Elbow Creek, Elk Creek, Meadow Creek, Bear Creek,) would have been 

cool, flowing, and accessible during their spawning times. So adult coho could conceivably have used 

these streams before they were extirpated from the Grande Ronde system. 

Therefore, most named streams downstream of longstanding natural barriers in the analysis area should 

be counted as essential fish habitat. 

Habitat description

Data for evaluation of aquatic habitat conditions comes from several sources: Forest Service aquatic 

habitat inventories; temperature records from thermographs deployed by Forest Service; and reports of 

habitat monitoring and inventories from the Oregon State Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). 

Data on upland conditions in the watershed (i.e. road density, area harvested or burned) are derived 

mostly from Forest Service Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and mapping exercises. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Aquatic habitat inventories using Forest Service Region 6 stream inventory methods, a modified Hankin 

and Reeves (1988) protocol, were conducted on Elbow Creek (1996), Bear Creek (1996), Alder Creek 

(1996), Meadow Creek (2002), the Grande Ronde River (1992 – exact date uncertain) and Wenaha River 

(1991 and 2007). Squaw Creek and Cross Canyon Creek are confirmed as fish bearing for at least part of 

their length (DMC personal observations), but have not been inventoried. Because of their locations and 

the size of their drainage basins, Elk Creek, Big Hole Canyon Creek, and Burnt Canyon Creek are 

probably fish bearing in their lower reaches, but this has not been confirmed by observation and habitat in 

these streams has not been inventoried. 

There are three major components to Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction project (1) timber 

harvest, (2) prescribed fire, and (3) hardwood stand restoration. Each of these types of activities carries 

potential for effects to some components of aquatic habitat. Only those habitat components potentially 

affected by these types of activities or that are specifically addressed as PACFISH Riparian Management 

Objectives (RMOs) are addressed in this analysis. Table 3-14 summarizes reasons for including 

individual aquatic habitat parameters in this evaluation. 

Table 3-14 Reasons for Including Aquatic Habitat Components 

in Cobbler II Project Effects Analysis

Habitat Component PACFISH 

RMO 

Habitat Could Potentially be Affected by: 

Timber 

Harvest 

Prescribed 

Fire 

Hardwood 

Stand 

Restoration 

Pool frequency X X 

Water quality 

 Temperature X X X 

 Suspended sediment X X X 

 Chemical contamination X X 

Large woody debris X X X 

Stream Channel conditions 

 Bank stability X X X X 

 Lower bank angle X 

 Substrate X X X 

Flow regime 

 Flow timing X X X 

 Flow volume X X X 

Road density and location Not a habitat parameter. Included because it could affect habitat quality 

Disturbance history regime Not a habitat parameter. Included because it could affect habitat quality

 

In addition to aquatic habitat parameters, certain conditions of the watershed, outside of the stream 

channel, can have substantial bearing on quality of aquatic habitat and are also potentially affected by one 

or more of the types of activities comprising the Cobbler II project. Some of these watershed conditions 

must also be addressed as part of the biological evaluation of land management projects. These include 

road density, road locations, and alterations to the drainage network. The existing conditions of these 

parameters will also be summarized in this chapter. 

Pool Frequency

Most streams in the project do not meet PACFISH riparian management objectives (RMOs) for pool 

frequency, but this may be a mostly natural condition. Three of the Grande Ronde River tributary streams 
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in project planning area subwatersheds would meet the PACFISH RMO for pool frequency (Table 3-15). 

Meadow Creek has only one-third of the PACFISH RMO for pool frequency. This may be an artifact of 

the higher gradient of this stream, which results in a larger proportion of cascades and fewer pools. 

Because these small tributary streams are Rosgen B-type, (moderately high gradient, step-pool 

configuration) deep pools are naturally scarce here. The Grande Ronde River and the Wenaha River are 

not close to meeting the PACFISH RMO for pool frequency. The Wenaha River is almost entirely within 

a congressionally designated wilderness, and so it seems that the pool frequency there must be a natural or 

very near natural condition. The section of the Grande Ronde River adjacent to the project area is a Wild 

and Scenic River, and so here too, the low pool frequency would seem to be mostly natural. 

Table 3-15 Pool Statistics for Cobbler II Project Planning Area

Stream Date 

Average Wetted 

Width 

PACFISH 

RMO 

pools/mile 

Inventoried 

pools/mile 

Meadow Creek 8/14/2002 6.81 96 32.57 

Elbow Creek 7/12/1996 11.76 56 62.36 

Alder Creek 7/9/1996 11.96 56 84.13 

Bear Creek 7/9/1996 14.34 56 73.21 

Wenaha River, Reach 1 1991 76.5 18 3.3 

Wenaha River, Reach 2 1991 65.6 23 3.5 

Wenaha River, Reach 3 1991 48.9 26 3.9 

Grande Ronde River, Reach 1 1996 119.5 18 1.8 

Grande Ronde River, Reach 2 1996 134.6 14 1.4 

Grande Ronde River, Reach 3 1996 135.2 14 1.7 

Grande Ronde River, Reach 4 1996 135.0 14 0.6 

In summary, three of the inventoried stream reaches in or adjacent to the Cobbler II project planning area 

meet the PACFISH RMO for pool frequency. Eight inventoried stream reaches do not. 

Water Quality

Two of the components of water quality, temperature and suspended sediment, are addressed in the 

Hydrology section of this chapter. Chemicals/contamination is addressed in this section. 

Chemicals/contamination

Water quality data is limited for project area streams, but water quality appears to be high for the Wenaha 

River and the tributary streams draining the project area subwatersheds. Water quality of the Grande 

Ronde River bordering the project planning area is somewhat degraded due to present and past activities 

upstream of the project area, outside of National Forest. 

The Grande Ronde River carries contaminants (fertilizers, urban and industrial wastes) from human 

activities upstream of the project area (ODEQ, 1999). To the knowledge of the Forest Service, levels of 

contaminants have not been measured in those reaches of the river running through the project planning 

area, but both pH and nitrogen levels are higher than natural in reaches downstream of the Grande Ronde 

Valley (upstream of the Cobbler II project planning area), at least in summer (ODEQ, 1999, and ODEQ 

1999, appendix B). The Forest Service knows of no source of chemical contamination for tributary 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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streams on National Forest lands, and therefore concludes that past and present Forest Service 

management activities do not increase levels of chemical contaminants in the Grande Ronde River. 

In fact, the tributary streams flowing from the National Forest would have a diluting effect to contaminant 

levels in the Grande Ronde. 

In summary, except for the Grande Ronde River itself, streams in and adjacent to the project planning 

area are almost certainly free of chemical contamination. 

Large Woody Debris

Two Grande Ronde tributary streams in the project planning area subwatersheds would meet the 

PACFISH RMO minimum of 20 pieces of large woody debris (LWD) per mile (see Table 3-16) within 

the portions surveyed. Woody debris frequency in Meadow Creek and Bear Creek, and Grande Ronde 

and Wenaha Rivers is below the PACFISH RMO. Although there has been substantial timber harvest in 

these subwatersheds in the past, timber harvest noted by the aquatic habitat inventory team was more than 

300 feet from fish bearing portions of the stream channel, so would not be responsible for the low wood 

frequency reported by the aquatic habitat inventory. In summary, woody debris frequency seems low for 

project area streams, but this may be a natural condition. 

Table 3-16 Instream Woody Debris Frequencies in Cobbler II Project Planning Area Streams

Stream Name 

(Hydrologic Unit Code) Date 

PACFISH 

LWD1 frequency 

Meadow Creek 8/14/2002 16.8 

Elbow Creek 7/12/1996 28.5 

Alder Creek 7/9/1996 52.5 

Bear Creek 7/9/1996 8.6 

Wenaha River, Reach 1 1991 14 

Wenaha River, Reach 2 1991 16 

Wenaha River, Reach 3 1991 33 

Grande Ronde River, Reach 1 1996 10 

Grande Ronde River, Reach 2 1996 4 

Grande Ronde River, Reach 3 1996 12 

Grande Ronde River, Reach 4 1996 6 

1Wood >12 inches diameter x 35 feet long 

Stream Channel Conditions

Bank stability

The PACFISH RMO for bank stability is 80 percent stable bank. Elbow Creek and Alder Creek do not 

meet this PACFISH RMO (see Table 3-17). Meadow and Bear Creeks do meet this RMO. No data is 

available for streams tributary to the Wenaha River, Squaw Creek, or Grande Ronde River. 

The high bank instability (raw, eroding banks above the bankfull level) values for Elbow and Alder Creek 

may be related to the very high flows of the preceding winter. Winter flows in Meadow, Elbow, Alder, or 

Bear Creek have not been measured or recorded, but the highest flow on record for the Grande Ronde 

River at Troy, a short distance downstream, was in the winter of 1995-96, when on February 9, 1996, a 
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flow of 51,800 cfs was recorded (USGS http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?13333000). Similarly high 

flows were recorded for many streams in the Blue Mountains at this time, and it is likely that flows were 

high in Elbow and Alder Creeks as well. It is not clear why Bear Creek would have such low bank 

instability, since that data was collected in the same summer as data for Elbow and Alder Creeks, and 

Bear Creek is in a similar topographic setting and is located between Alder and Elbow Creeks. There 

appears to have been less timber harvest and road building in the Bear Creek drainage than in Elbow 

Creek, but Bear Creek is not much different from Alder Creek in that regard, so that would not seem to 

explain the large difference in bank instability. 

Based on limited available data, bank stability of some streams in the project planning area does not meet 

PACFISH RMOs. 

Table 3-17 Bank Stability of Cobbler II Project Area Streams

Stream Name (HUC) Date Percent Unstable Bank 

Grande Ronde River no data 

Meadow Creek (170601060102) 8/14/2002 16.47% 

Elbow Creek (170601060103) 7/12/1996 51.69% 

Alder Creek (170601060104) 7/9/1996 39.89% 

Bear Creek (170601060104) 7/9/1996 3.44% 

Wenaha River no data 

Lower Bank Angle

There is no data available for this PACFISH RMO for project planning area streams. 

Substrate

Substrate quality in project area streams is mixed, with most streams having either high embeddedness or 

high percentages of fines in the substrate, while low embeddedness or percentages of fines in the substrate 

has been reported for three of the tributary streams. There is some substrate data for some streams in the 

project planning area, but it is a mix of data types depending on protocol at the time of the stream survey. 

Available data includes cobble embeddedness, Wollman pebble counts, and dominant and subdominant 

substrate particle size category (see Table 3-18). 

There is no PACFISH RMO for substrate. To be considered good habitat by standards of National 

Marine Fisheries Service (1996) or the US Fish and Wildlife Service (1998), substrate should contain less 

than 12 percent fines (particles <0.85 mm) and be less than 20 percent embedded. Embeddedness and 

particle size data are not available for Meadow Creek but it meets the criteria for percent fines. Alder 

Creek and Bear Creek meet the criteria for both embeddedness and percent fines. Elbow Creek does not 

meet the criterion for embeddedness, but probably would meet the percent fines criteria, since the 

reported value of 12.2 percent for material <2mm is close, and a fraction of that material, probably more 

than 0.2 percent would be larger than 0.85 mm. 

Elbow, Alder, and Bear Creek data were collected in the summer following the highest streamflow ever 

recorded on the Grande Ronde River, and it seems likely that these tributary streams also experienced 

very high stream flows at that time, which probably caused substantial erosion and stream sedimentation. 

That event was 12 years ago, so the reported values may not be representative of present conditions in 

these streams. 
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Table 3-18 Substrate Data for Cobbler II Project Planning Area Streams

Stream % 

Embedded 

Wollman Particle Size Category* 

%< 2mm %< 6mm dominant subdominant 

Meadow Creek n/a 1.2 

Elbow Creek 29 12.2 15 

Alder Creek 15 10 11.5 

Bear Creek 11 4 6.5 

Wenaha River, Reach 1 35 co gr 

Wenaha River, Reach 2 33 co co 

Wenaha River, Reach 3 31 co sb 

Grande Ronde River, 

Reach 1 

 sb co 

Grande Ronde River, 

Reach 2 

 sb lb 

Grande Ronde River, 

Reach 3 

 sb co 

Grande Ronde River, 

Reach 4 

 sb lb 

*Particle size - co = cobble; gr = gravel; sb = small boulder; lb=larger boulder 

The embeddedness values for the Wenaha River seem surprisingly high for a wilderness stream, and 

would not meet National Marine Fisheries Service or U.S. Fish and Wildlife criteria for best habitat. This 

may be a result of the low gradient for most of the surveyed length of the stream. The Grande Ronde 

River has an even lower gradient and is more affected by upstream management than the Wenaha, so its 

substrate is not likely to be in better condition than the Wenaha. 

In summary, the substrate component of habitat quality appears to be contributing to good fish habitat in 

Meadow, Alder, and Bear Creeks, but not for the remainder of the project area streams. 

Change in Peak or Base Flows

The flow regimes in project area subwatersheds are probably near natural. Upstream water withdrawals 

have reduced summer base flows in the Grande Ronde River. The management influences on Wenaha 

River and its tributary streams draining the project planning area that could affect peak or base flows 

include timber harvest, prescribed fire, and road construction. Measurable changes in water yield are 

generally not seen until greater than 15 percent of a watershed is in a cutover condition (Stednick 1995). 

None of the project area subwatersheds or other nearby watersheds tributary to the Grande Ronde or 

Wenaha rivers have received that level of treatment and so detectable changes in peak or base flows 

would not be expected for them (see Hydrology section Table 3-8).. 

Increase in Drainage Network

Drainage network increase was calculated following a convention of 200 feet increase for every road 

stream crossing (Table 3-19). The greatest drainage network extension of project area subwatersheds is 

for the Elbow Creek subwatershed. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Table 3-19 Drainage Network Extension in Cobbler II Project Area Subwatersheds Within 

National Forest Boundaries

Subwatershed (6th field Hydrologic Unit Code) 

Count of Stream 

& Road 

Intersections 

Drainage network 

extension (ft)

Total stream 

miles

1

Drainage network 

extension as a % 

of total stream 

length

 

Grande Ronde River – Clear Creek. (170601060102) 27 5,400 41 2.47% 

Elbow Creek (170601060103) 63 12,600 47 5.13% 

Grande Ronde River – Bear Creek. (170601060104) 40 8,000 91 1.67% 

Wenaha River-Rock Creek2 (170601060305) 6 1,200 53 0.43% 

Wenaha River-Cross Canyon Creek2 (170601060308) 25 5,000 56 1.70% 

1

Total stream miles within National Forest boundaries. 

2Mostly or entirely within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness

Road density and location

The project planning area subwatersheds have a history of high intensity management on the broad 

ridgetops, including a history of regeneration (clearcut) and similar harvest, often up to and across class 3 

and 4 stream channels, but with much less management activity over the breaks on the steep slopes. 

In subwatersheds potentially affected by Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction project, only Elbow 

Creek has a high existing road density of >2 miles/square mile (see Table 3-5 – Hydrology section). 

Because of the topography of the area, which has broad, flat ridgetops and steep walled, narrow canyons, 

most roads are located high in the watersheds, mostly distant from stream channels. This has resulted in 

few road miles inside of riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs) (see Table 3-20) and almost no 

roads near fish-bearing streams. Even Elbow Creek subwatershed, in which almost 13 percent of the 

stream channels have roads within their RHCAs, has no roads within the RHCAs of fish-bearing streams. 

Table 3-20 Road Locations with Respect to Stream Channels in Project Planning Area

HUC 6 

Stream 

Miles 

Total Road 

Miles 

Road Miles 

within 

RHCAs 

Miles of 

Class 1* 

and 2** 

Streams 

Road Miles within 

RHCAs of Class 1 

& 2 Streams 

Grande Ronde River – 

Clear Creek. 

170601060102 41.43 22.01 2.48 8.87 0.28 

Elbow Creek 

170601060103 46.51 81.29 5.86 3.56 

Grande Ronde River – 

Bear Creek. 

170601060104 90.72 52.73 2.82 21.82 0.1 

Wenaha River-Rock 

Creek. 170601060305 52.8 22.8 0.04 8.19 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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3-35 

HUC 6 

Stream 

Miles 

Total Road 

Miles 

Road Miles 

within 

RHCAs 

Miles of 

Class 1* 

and 2** 

Streams 

Road Miles within 

RHCAs of Class 1 

& 2 Streams 

Wenaha River-Cross 

Canyon Creek 

170601060308 

55.6 49.62 1.8 7.83 

 

Totals 804.46 389.39 24.17 121.4 

Class 1 streams contain anadromous fish 

Class 2 streams contains resident fish only 

Most past timber harvest has been in the headwaters areas. Some such disturbance was years ago and 

harvest units are in various stages of vegetative recovery. Full hydrologic recovery is usually assumed 

after 30 years. All fish-bearing streams in the project planning area subwatersheds have had some harvest 

adjacent to streams. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A - No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

Implementation of Alternative A would not change management in these watersheds, and therefore would 

not change direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to fish or their habitat. Alternative A would tend to 

maintain the present condition of aquatic species and aquatic habitat in all project area streams and 

subwatersheds. Alternative A would therefore not reduce the viability of spring/summer Chinook salmon 

(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), fall Chinook salmon (also O. tshawytscha), Snake River steelhead trout 

(Oncorhynchus mykiss), and Columbia River bull trout (Salvelinus confluentu)s or other aquatic species in 

the project planning area watersheds. 

Biological Determination: There would be no timber harvest, no fuels reduction, no log haul, no 

hardwood (aspen, cottonwood, mountain mahogany) or dry meadow, restoration activities, and no 

prescribed fire, proposed under the no-action alternative. There is therefore no mechanism for direct or 

indirect effects to ESA listed species of fish or to Region 6 sensitive fish, or to their habitat, and no 

contribution to cumulative effects to these fish or their environment. Therefore there would be No Effect 

biological determination to Proposed, Endangered, Threatened or Sensitive Fish species from 

implementation of Alternative A. 

For the same reasons there would be no unavoidable adverse environmental effects, and no irreversible or 

irretrievable commitment of resources. 

Alternative B 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B)

There would be no direct effects to any aquatic species, because there would be no project activities in 

fish-bearing portions of streams, or even in RHCAs of fish-bearing portions of streams. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

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Pool Frequency

Since, with the exception of prescribed fire, there would be no project activities that could alter pool 

forming structures in streams, and no changes in stream flow volume or timing. This project would not 

affect pool frequency of streams in project area subwatersheds. 

Landscape prescribed fire has the potential to both consume tree boles that could have added to pool 

forming structures in streams, or kill live streamside trees, causing them to fall into the stream sooner than 

they otherwise would have. Thus, prescribed fire has both the potential to increase and decrease the pool 

frequency in project area streams. The most likely outcome would be no detectable change in pool 

frequency ascribable to this project. 

Water Quality

Water Temperature

Proposed harvest activities, including timber sales, fuels treatments, biomass removals, and noncommercial thinning would not occur inside of interim PACFISH RHCAs. RHCA widths range from 1-2 

site potential tree heights or more, depending on flow regime and the presence/absence of fish 

(PACFISH, 1995). Most effective shade is contributed by trees within one tree height distance of the 

stream channel (FEMAT, 1993). Since trees that could affect stream water temperatures would not be 

harvested in this project, there would be no effect to water temperature from harvest treatments. 

Danger trees inside of RHCAs would be felled and left on site. Some such trees would already be dead, 

and providing little shade. Others could be sufficiently distant from the stream channel that they would 

have provided only limited shade. However it is possible that some trees that provide stream shade might 

be felled for safety reasons. These would be few in number and shade would not be changed sufficiently 

to alter stream temperature. 

Ignition for landscape prescribed fire or activity fuel treatments would not occur inside RHCAs but fire 

would be allowed to back into RHCAs. Higher moisture levels in RHCAs would keep fire intensity low, 

reducing fuel consumption and decreasing likelihood of killing trees that provide stream shade. Shade 

would not be significantly reduced and potential effects to water temperature would be negligible 

(Peterson, 2008). 

Proposed meadow and hardwood restoration projects, although partially within RHCAs, are in areas with 

ephemeral and intermittent channels. No surface water is present during summer months when work 

within the RHCA would be undertaken, and projects would not remove shade near drainages. There is no 

potential to affect water temperature with these projects (Peterson, 2008). 

Sediment

All harvest activities would take place outside of PACFISH RHCAs. Sediment in non-channelized flows 

rarely travels more than 300 feet (Belt, O’Laughlin and Merrill, 1992), and harvest activities in harvest 

units would implement harvest methods designed to keep sediment production low, so sediment from 

harvest units is very unlikely to reach streams. 

New road construction, both temporary (0.20 miles) and permanent (0.25 miles), would be outside of 

PACFISH RHCAs and would not cross any stream channels, and would not be expected to deliver 

sediment to any streams. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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3-37 

Treatments at the spring seep area on FR 6222, are inside of PACFISH RHCAs and would involve work 

in a perennial stream channel and therefore, would deliver some sediment to Squaw Creek but at a point 

about a mile upstream of the known distribution of fish. This site is presently problematic because water 

from the seeps and springs in the road cutbank flow down the road surface, eroding the road and 

delivering sediment to upper Squaw Creek. A small perennial stream at the lower end of this site is 

frequented by range cattle, which have trampled the stream and broken down the stream bank, and 

because of this it is also a source of fine sediment to Squaw Creek. These problems would be corrected 

by the proposed road work, so although there would be a pulse of sediment introduced into upper Squaw 

Creek by this activity, over the long-term, sediment delivery to the stream would be reduced. Since 

known fish distribution ends about a mile downstream of the project area, fish are unlikely to be adversely 

affected by this activity. 

Culvert and ditch work would take place on side drainages tributary to and inside the RHCA of Squaw 

Creek. This work would occur during the dry season, water would be diverted from the work sites, and 

standard erosion control methods would be applied. This would limit sedimentation from the work. 

However, some sediment would enter Squaw Creek upstream of fish-bearing areas, as standing water 

drained from currently un-drained sites and water seeped from worksites. Turbidity could be visible but 

deposition would be negligible. These effects would be short-term, less than 1 week. No sediment 

effects would be expected from other road maintenance and conditioning. This work would improve 

drainage and reduce risk of erosion and sedimentation from roads used for haul. 

Some timber harvested under Alternative B might be hauled over FR 6300, which runs closely along 

Lookingglass and Little Lookingglass Creeks for about three miles. This is an open road that receives 

considerable public use. In the unlikely event that additional traffic of log hauling were conducted under 

very wet conditions the pumping action of the heavy truck traffic would suspend additional fine sediment 

in water running off of the road surface, which would contribute additional sediment to Lookingglass and 

Little Lookingglass Creeks. Most of the haul over this stretch of road would be during the dry season 

when there would be no water leaving the road to transport sediment to the stream, but there could be 

some log haul during wet weather when fine sediment produced by the action of traffic over the wet, 

gravel surfaced road would run off the road into Little Lookingglass or Lookingglass Creek in ESA listed 

bull trout, Chinook salmon, and steelhead habitat. Road use rules would require haul to be suspended if 

there is a continual discharge from the road surface that produces a visually evident increase in turbidity 

downstream. Sediment sufficient to produce a visually evident increase in turbidity downstream would 

also be sufficient to cause adverse effects to fish, so road use rules alone are not sufficient to prevent 

adverse effects to fish. It might not rain during timber haul, or if it did, it might not be sufficient to 

produce road surface runoff, and in some places there is some buffering capacity between the road and the 

stream, so it is unlikely that substantial quantities of sediment from this source would enter the stream. 

Additional mitigations developed specifically for the Cobbler project would suspend commercial or 

contract road traffic when conditions create movement of sediment laden water from the road surface in 

areas where it could flow into stream channels. This may be from pumping of saturated fines by passage 

of commercial or contract vehicles, creating sediment laden water on the road surface during rain or 

snowmelt periods (Chapter 2, Table 2-6). 

This low probability of conditions that would produce accelerated roadbed erosion together with the 

control over traffic afforded by general forest management BMP’s, Cobbler project design features 

(Chapter 2, Table 2-6), and a Cobbler project specific road management BMPs (Appendix D) prevent 

detectable increases in sediment delivery to streams from this source. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-38 

Approximately 3 miles of FR 6300 along Lookingglass and Little Lookingglass Creeks that would not 

otherwise have been plowed, might be plowed for log haul for timber sale activities. Since these streams 

are directly adjacent to the road in some places, there is a small possibility that some snow and 

accompanying sand or soil could be plowed into the stream channel. These would be very small amounts, 

since it is in the interest of road managers to maintain the gravel surface on the road insofar as possible. 

Snowplows are usually required to use “shoes” (a kind of spacer under the blade) to prevent the blade 

from directly scraping the road surface, but because the road surfaces are not perfectly flat, some small 

amounts of gravel or soil will usually be removed with the snow. Project design features (Chapter 2, 

Table 2-6) requires equipment operators to plow snow away from the stream channel, but some parts of 

FR 6300 closely parallel Little Lookingglass Creek for a very long distance, and it may not always be 

possible to do this. Therefore, snow plowing this road carries a small risk of introducing a small amount 

of sediment into Lookingglass or Little Lookingglass Creeks. 

Flows in Lookingglass and Little Lookingglass Creeks are generally strong at times and likely to have 

road surface runoff or require snowplowing, so it is highly unlikely that there would be a detectable 

sediment increase. Moreover, it is likely that the timber purchaser would not haul over FR 6300, instead 

using the graveled county road along the Grande Ronde River, which is a little farther from the edge of 

the watercourse, further reducing risk of introduction of sediment into the river. 

 

About 8,000 acres of steep canyon land in Grande Ronde-Bear Creek and Elbow Creek subwatersheds is 

proposed for landscape prescribed fire. The project would target more southerly aspects of the major 

drainages. A mosaic burn with patches of exposed mineral soil would be expected. Exposed soil would 

be surrounded and buffered by remaining duff and vegetation. Slope distances on exposed mineral soil 

would be short, preventing significant overland flow from developing and the surrounding duff and 

vegetation would act as a filter, should any sediment move. Natural mulching by needles and leaves 

would provide some ground cover before the first winter. 

No ignitions would occur in RHCAs for landscape prescribed fire, though fire would be allowed to back 

into the RHCAs. Minimal hand line would be constructed because use of black line and natural control 

points would make handline mostly unnecessary. Fire intensity and the extent of fire coverage would 

generally be reduced in RHCAs because no ignition would occur to maintain the fire there. Some mineral 

soil would be exposed near to stream channels, but less than in the upland portions and in a mosaic 

pattern. There would be very little effect to existing down woody material and vegetation density near 

stream channels. 

The risk of erosion from landscape burning would be limited due to short slope lengths of exposed soil 

and the risk of stream sedimentation is low due to sediment trapping effects of surrounding unburned 

debris and vegetation. However, because mineral soil might be exposed adjacent to channels, a small 

amount of sediment could enter channels during intense storms and spring runoff for the first year after 

burning. Risk of stream sedimentation at levels which would measurably affect water quality or 

deposition in channels is low. The mosaic of unburned vegetation in channels and the current levels of 

debris and other channel roughness would slow and reduce the transport of any sediment which might 

enter channels from these activities. This risk would not extend beyond the first growing season after 

burning due to regrowth of surface vegetation and accumulation of natural mulches. 

All timber harvest would be outside of PACFISH RHCAs (Chapter 2, Table 2-6). Harvest would occur 

120 feet or farther from intermittent streams and 150 feet or farther from perennial non-fish bearing 

streams and 300 feet or farther from fish bearing streams. Rashin et al. (2006) found buffer widths of 10 

meters (approximately 33 feet) were effective in preventing 95 percent of harvest related sediment from 

reaching stream channels. The buffers (PACFISH, RHCA) for the Cobbler II project would be from 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-39 

about five times to nearly ten times that width, and would be proportionally much more effective in 

preventing timber harvest related sediment from reaching stream channels. Also, proposed harvest 

methods would produce less soil surface disturbance than older, traditional harvest methods, and there 

would be less erosion to begin with. Detectable quantities would not be expected to reach stream 

channels. 

Hardwood restoration projects would include ATV use crossing intermittent channels during their dry 

season. These trips would carry poles and other heavy supplies. No one crossing site would be used 

more that three times. Locations for crossings would be chosen where bank angles are low enough and 

vegetation (grass and sedges) are dense enough that channel banks would not break down. Some soil 

could be exposed. These mitigations would limit soil exposure to very small areas and sedimentation 

would be negligible. 

Encroaching conifers in meadows would be cut by hand (chainsaws) as part of the meadow restoration 

activities. These trees would be dropped and burned during meadow burning. The meadows are near the 

tops of ridges and no channels or RHCAs would be involved in this project component.

Non-commercial thinning would occur throughout the planning area over a period of years. Thinning 

would be done by hand or mechanical masticator and outside of RHCAs. Hand thinning does not expose 

soil. Mechanical masticators may create soil disturbance where the tracked equipment turns. Mechanical 

masticator trail spacing would average 50 feet apart, and would occur over existing slash wherever 

possible. 

Project design features (Chapter 2, Table 2-6) would minimize soil exposure and erosion and PACFISH 

interim RHCAs would protect channels and surface waters from disturbance by non-commercial thinning. 

There is no risk to water quality from the proposed meadow restoration, non-commercial thinning, or 

proposed Forest Plan amendment to change management area allocation for Elk Flats Meadow from a 

RNA management area designation (D2) to a Special Interest (A9) management area designation in action 

Alternatives B and C (Peterson, 2008). 

Chemicals/contamination

Timber harvesting and transport machinery containing fuels, lubricants, and coolants would be used 

outside of RHCAs except where the machinery operates on roads that are within RHCAs. Equipment 

refilling would be done outside of RHCAs. Chemicals for management of prescribed fire would be used 

only outside of RHCAs. 

Meadow restoration work would necessarily include use of chainsaws and ATVs in some meadow areas, 

which are within the RHCAs of intermittent headwater streams. Special precautions (Chapter 2, Table 2-

6), including storage and refilling of chainsaws and drip torches outside of RHCAs, would prevent 

introduction of these chemicals into streams. No travel by ATV would occur within meadows except 

when they are dry, and travel would be limited to three or fewer passes by ATVs. Where conifers are 

felled within meadows or RHCAs for hardwood restoration sites, slash may be hand piled and burned, but 

the only chemicals involved in this activity would be drip torch fuel, and it would be consumed in the 

burning process. Because of the duff and vegetation on the ground surface and the relatively flat ground 

surface in the area, ash from the slash burn piles would not be likely to reach stream channels, and if it did 

it would not be in quantities that would be detectable. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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3-40 

Large Woody Debris

Since there would be no commercial timber harvest activities and no non-commercial thinning in fishbearing stream reaches or in RHCAs of fish-bearing reaches of streams, there would be no changes in 

large woody debris frequency due to timber harvest activities. 

Danger trees inside of RHCAs along haul routes would be felled and left on site, which, if the tree 

reached the stream, would increase frequency of instream large woody debris. Since these trees would 

have eventually fallen to become large woody debris anyway, the effect would be to alter the timing of 

the woody debris input to the stream, advancing it slightly. 

There is a small chance that prescribed fire that could back into RHCAs could either kill some trees that 

would then fall into the stream channel sooner than they otherwise would have, providing additional large 

woody debris. On the other hand, fire might consume some down woody debris presently in place, 

reducing woody debris frequency. Overall, large woody debris frequency is unlikely to change 

measurably. 

Hardwood and meadow restoration component of this project would include felling of some trees in 

RHCAs of intermittent, non fish-bearing headwater streams. Trees felled in RHCAs of these areas would 

be left on site. Slash from these felling activities would be burned, and some of the tree boles might also 

be partially consumed by the slash burning, but overall, large woody debris frequency would not decrease 

and could slightly increase in these intermittent, headwater streams. 

Stream Channel Conditions

Bank Stability

Since there would be no project activities occurring in fish-bearing stream reaches or in RHCAs of fishbearing reaches of streams, there would be no changes in stream bank conditions. 

Hardwood and meadow restoration components of this project would include some crossing of headwater 

stream channels by ATVs, but only when the stream channel is dry, and crossing sites would be chosen so 

as to cause the least amount of damage to stream banks, and since these sites are well upstream of fish 

habitat, there would be no degradation to this component of aquatic habitat. There would be insufficient 

change in flow volume or timing to alter stream bank condition. 

Substrate

Since there would be no detectable changes in erosion, sedimentation, or flow there would be no change 

in stream channel substrate attributable to implementation of Alternative B. 

Change in Peak or Base Flows

Potential for effects for Alternatives B and C to stream flow volume and timing were evaluated by the 

District hydrologist, (Table 3-8), using the ETA/ECA model (Ager and Clifton, 2005). 

Recent reviews of literature demonstrate that the relationship between created openings and water yield or 

peak or base flows is highly variable (Stednick 1995, and Scherer 2001). Generally effects are not seen 

below 15-20 percent equivalent clearcut or equivalent treatment acres (ECA or ETA) and in a local study; 

effects were not seen below 50 percent ECA (Helvey 1995). Grant et al. (in press) suggests that increased 

peakflows could occur at 20 percent ECA. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-41 

Harvest and prescribed fire activities would not raise the percent ECA of any subwatershed to a level that 

would produce detectable changes in flow (Peterson, 2008). 

Increase in Drainage Network

Because there would be only a very small amount of new road construction (0.25 miles of permanent 

closed system road and 0.20 miles of temporary road), and these new roads would not cross any stream 

channels, and would have no other linkage to existing streams, this project would produce no increase in 

the drainage network of the project planning area subwatersheds. 

Road Density and Location

Road density would be increased by less than 0.01 miles/square mile in Wenaha-Rock Creek 

subwatershed. This would be entirely outside of RHCAs, and would have no damaging effects to any 

component of aquatic habitat. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternative B)

Existing ongoing actions, including road use and livestock grazing, as well as many activities upstream in 

the Grande Ronde River Valley well beyond Umatilla National Forest, would be additive with sediment 

effects from proposed project activities. Ongoing grazing on the Eden Allotment occurs in the analysis 

area. Cattle and other ungulates use closed and abandoned roadbeds as trails and use created ponds, wet 

areas created by damming of subsurface flow by roads, live streams, and ponded remains of stream flow 

for water sources. That reduces ground cover and increases erosion in these areas. Except for channel 

associated disturbance this erosion does not affect surface water since there is no mechanism that would 

move the sediment produced to stream channels. Disturbance near and in channels does lead to 

sedimentation to some unquantified degree. Most of the channels in project activity areas are intermittent 

or barely perennial; seeps or small spring fed pools. Transport of sediment occurs during spring runoff. 

Damage to ground cover, as well as erosion and sedimentation, would be prevented or minimized by the 

design features (Chapter 2, Table 2-6). Road drainage improvement, especially work on FR 6200 and 

6222 could cause short-term sedimentation, lasting less than one week. The potential for sedimentation 

from any other proposed project activity is negligible. Projects proposed in Alternative B offer no 

opportunity for measurable cumulative effects with ongoing actions. 

There is some slight risk of additional stream sedimentation from prescribed fire and log haul activities 

which cannot be entirely avoided, but even if this sedimentation occurred it is not likely to be of sufficient 

intensity or duration to cause adverse effects to aquatic organisms or their habitat. Therefore, no adverse 

effects to fish or aquatic habitat are expected from implementation of Alternative B. 

Since there would be no commitment of fisheries resources under Alternative B, or of resources essential 

to maintenance of listed fish or their habitat, neither would there be any irreversible or irretrievable 

commitment of fisheries resources. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-42 

Biological Determinations

Because of the very slight risk of additional stream sedimentation from prescribed fire activities and log 

haul, which although very small, cannot be entirely eliminated, implementation of Alternative B “May 

Affect, But Is Not Likely to Adversely Affect” Snake River steelhead, Snake River Spring Chinook salmon, 

Snake River Fall Chinook salmon, or Columbia River bull trout. For the same reasons Alternative B, 

May Impact Individuals Or Habitat, But Will Not Likely Contribute To A Trend Towards Federal Listing 

Or Cause A Loss Of Viability To The Population Or Species of Region 6 sensitive redband trout or 

margined sculpin. 

Adverse effects are not expected, so there are no recommendations for removing, avoiding or 

compensating for adverse effects. 

Determination of Effect to Magnuson-Stevens Act Essential Fish Habitat 

For the same reasons given above, the proposed Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project 

“May Affect, But Is Not Likely To Adversely Affect” Magnuson-Stevens Act Essential Fish Habitat of 

Snake River spring/summer salmon, Snake River fall Chinook salmon or coho salmon. 

Alternative C 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative C)

Implementation of Alternative C would harvest less timber and have fewer acres of fuel reduction 

activities than Alternative. Because activities proposed in Alternative C are of the same type as described 

in Alternative B, differing only in the amount of activity, the difference between Alternatives B and C in 

terms of effects to fish and aquatic habitat is effectively nil. 

The calculated ETA/ECA (Table 3-8) is slightly less than for Alternative B, and is well below the level at 

which effects to stream flow would be detectable, and so the difference in potential for effects to fish and 

aquatic habitat is not quantifiable, would not be detectable, and for the purposes of this analysis is zero. 

Landscape prescribed fire, dry meadow restoration, hardwood restoration, and non-commercial thinning 

and Forest Plan amendment proposed under Alternative C are identical to those activities as proposed 

under Alternative B. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternative C)

Cumulative effects of Alternative C would be indistinguishable from those of Alternative B. Activities 

proposed in Alternative C offer no opportunity for measurable cumulative effects with ongoing actions. 

There is some slight risk of additional stream sedimentation from prescribed fire and log haul activities 

which cannot be entirely avoided, but even if this sedimentation occurred it is not likely to be of sufficient 

intensity or duration to cause adverse effects to aquatic organisms or their habitat. Therefore, no adverse 

effects to fish or aquatic habitat are expected from Alternative C. 

Since there would be no commitment of fisheries resources under Alternative C, or of resources essential 

to maintenance of listed fish or their habitat, neither would there be any irreversible or irretrievable 

commitment of fisheries resources. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-43 

Biological Determinations

Alternative C would have a determination of “May Affect, but is Not Likely to Adversely Affect” Snake 

River steelhead, Snake River Spring Chinook salmon, Snake River Fall Chinook salmon, or Columbia 

River bull trout. For the same reasons Alternative C “May Impact Individuals Or Habitat, But Will Not 

Likely Contribute To A Trend Towards Federal Listing Or Cause A Loss Of Viability To The Population 

Or Species" of Region 6 sensitive redband trout or margined sculpin.

Adverse effects are not expected, so there are no recommendations for removing, avoiding or 

compensating for adverse effects of the Cobbler II project Alternative C. 

Determination of Effect to Magnuson-Stevens Act Essential Fish Habitat 

For the same reasons given above, the proposed Cobbler II project “May Affect, But Is Not Likely To 

Adversely Affect” Magnuson-Stevens Act Essential Fish Habitat of Snake River spring/summer salmon, 

Snake River fall Chinook salmon or coho salmon. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

As discussed above, implementation of any alternative would be consistent with the Forest Plan as 

amended, ESA, and Magnuson-Stevens Act. 

VEGETATION 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The geographical context for affected environment and estimating direct and indirect effects is National 

Forest System (NFS) lands within the Cobbler II project planning area that are being proposed for 

treatment. The geographical extent for estimating cumulative effects is NFS lands within the Cobbler II 

project planning area (approximately 34,000 acres). Acreage figures reported in this report are 

approximate and rounded to the nearest acre. Affected environment information used for analysis of 

vegetation was done using Umatilla National Forest “Composite” vegetation database (Powell 2004a) 

with updated data for recent surveys and field work; EVGPI database which interprets existing vegetation 

by use of aerial photography; aerial forest damage detection surveys using aerial sketch maps that are 

completed annually; and forest inventory plots (Current Vegetation Survey (CVS)) an equal-interval grid 

system that samples both forest and non-forest ecosystems. 

The methodologies used for vegetation analysis conform to the best available science (Literature cited) 

and accepted professional practices for managing forest and other associated natural resources, and are in 

accordance with the best professional judgment of practicing professional specialists. 

Effects are measured using forestland condition, characterized using species composition, structural 

diversity, stocking densities, and provision of wood products. 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

Improvement of species composition: 

• Acres currently dominated by early seral species where competition from late seral ingrowth 

is reduced 

• Acres where the proportion of early and mid-seral species is increased (western larch and 

ponderosa pine) 

• Acres of diseased and damaged stands regenerated to young trees of primarily early seral 

species. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-44 

• Acres of hardwood species fenced and/or released from encroaching conifers 

• Acres at Elk Flats Meadow changed to management area A9 with Forest Plan amendment 

Improvement of forest stand structures: 

• Acres changed from outside structural class HRV to within HRV 

• Acres currently dominated by trees > 21 inches DBH where competition from late seral 

ingrowth is reduced, 

Improvement of forest stand densities: 

• Acres of stand density reduction to recommended stocking levels 

Provision of wood products: 

• Acres of high-risk lodgepole pine stands harvested. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Background 

The southern three-quarters of Cobbler II project planning area are in the Grande-Ronde River-Grossman 

Creek watershed. This corresponds to the area formerly classified as the Grande Ronde River-Rondowa 

Watershed. Existing vegetation conditions and some historical vegetation conditions were described in 

the Upland Forest Vegetation Analysis of the Grande Ronde - Rondowa Watershed document prepared by 

the Umatilla Forest Silviculturist, Dave Powell, in 2002 (watershed analysis was not completed). 

Forest inventory plots located in the watershed, rather than the individual stand data used for Cobbler II 

vegetation analysis, were analyzed to characterize some of the components. Because a different data 

source was used and the area analyzed includes more area than just the Cobbler II project planning area, 

some differences in forest vegetation conditions were found. 

Forest sustainability was the focus of the vegetation analysis. Forest sustainability was defined as an 

ecosystem-oriented approach that allows the utilization of forests for multiple purposes (e.g., biodiversity, 

timber harvesting, non-wood products, soil and water conservation, tourism and recreation) without 

undermining their availability and quality for present and future generations. This means that sustainable 

forests contain insects, diseases, and other tree-killing agents, but not to the extent that they jeopardize the 

long-term integrity, resiliency, and productive capacity of the forest. A conclusion was reached that “a 

significant threat of stand-replacing disturbance exists within the Grande Ronde-Rondowa watershed that 

could dramatically alter plant and animal structure and composition.” 

Primary vegetation condition concerns raised in the vegetation analysis include susceptibility of forest 

stands to insect and disease mortality, overstocked forest land, substantial reductions in the area of earlyseral species, and conditions on dry sites that are inconsistent with ecosystem sustainability and resilience. 

In addition, native hardwoods (deciduous tree species, primarily quaking aspen and black cottonwood) 

and western white pine were found to be limited vegetation components of particular concern. 

Enhancement of these limited vegetation components was recommended. 

An important factor influencing forest sustainability is tree damage or death caused by insects and 

diseases. Many insects and diseases respond directly to forest composition, structure, and density (e.g., 

their host-type habitat). Moderate to high levels of forest damage occurred in the Grande Ronde-
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Rondowa watershed during the late 1980s and the early 1990s, primarily from defoliating insects and bark 

beetles. 

For the watershed as a whole, high risk (susceptibility) was found to be present for western spruce 

budworm, and moderate to high risk for Douglas-fir tussock moth. Douglas-fir beetle had moderate risk. 

Risk from all other insect or disease agents (Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe, mountain pine beetle in 

lodgepole pine, mountain pine beetle in ponderosa pine, mixed conifer root diseases, spruce beetle, and 

white pine blister rust) was rated low for the Grande Ronde-Rondowa watershed as a whole. 

Fifty percent of the Grande Ronde-Rondowa watershed has tree density levels that threaten future 

sustainability of upland forests. Nutrient cycling, and the availability of soil moisture and growing space, 

is undoubtedly impaired in these overstocked sites. In addition, these dense stands exhibit a high 

susceptibility to crown fire. 

The vegetation report of the Grande-Ronde Rondowa watershed analysis (Powell 2002) shows that 

approximately one-half of the acres in the cool moist upland forest Plant Association Group (PAG), 

which make up 87 percent of the acres in the Cobbler II planning area, and one third of the acres in the 

Warm Dry upland forest PAG, which make up 13 percent of the acres in the Cobbler II project planning 

area are overstocked. 

Mixed Severity Regimes/Mixed Conifer Treatments

There are differing opinions about managing forests in the western US: “The management of fire-prone 

forests is one of the most controversial natural resource issues in the US today, particularly in the west of 

the country” (Noss et al. 2006), and “there is broad consensus that active management through thinning 

and fire is urgently needed in many forests of the western United States” (Brown et al. 2004). These 

authors continue with “but the types of thinning and fire and where they are applied are the subjects of 

much debate.” One question that is raised about management in forests in the west is whether mixed 

conifer/mixed severity fire regime areas have missed fire cycles, therefore, whether harvest for restoration 

of historical stand attributes is justified (Kolb et al. 2007). Another question is what treatment priorities 

should different vegetation types be given. 

Over large geographic areas, low-severity fire regimes are often seen as the highest priority for 

treatments, mixed severity fire regimes are of intermediate priority, and high severity fire regimes are of 

lowest priority (Brown et al. 2004). The reason for the priority ranking of mixed severity regimes is that 

stands in mixed severity regimes may have missed one to several cycles of low-severity fires, but may not 

have yet missed fire cycles of severe fires. The seral class of the trees present may be most indicative of 

the amount of time since the last fire with severe effects (Arno et al. 1997, Schoenaggel 2004), with high 

severity fires affecting the overstory and low-severity fires affecting primarily the understory, by thinning 

out less fire resistant sizes and species. 

In landscapes with mixed severity fire regimes, the size of wildfires historically ranged from small to 

large, and effects from low to severe (Brown et al. 2004, Keeley et al. 2009), with a return interval of 25 

to 40 years on the low end, and 70 to 100 years on the upper end of the fire intervals (Keeley et al. 2009, 

Brown et al. 2004, Arno et al. 2000, Barrett et al. 1991). The complexity of mixed severity landscapes 

includes the possibility of both temporal and spatial variability in fire disturbance, including some 

ecosystems experiencing a mix of surface fires alternating in time with high severity crown fires (Keeley 

et al. 2009). In addition, areas of mixed severity fire regimes can be within a short distance of areas of 

higher fire regimes (Barrett et al. 1991). In fact, the fire interval can vary over as short a distance as in 

the perimeter of stands surrounding dry meadows, observed in the very short interval recurrence of small 

non-lethal surface fires near ponderosa pine-grassland meadows (Barrett et al. 1991). 
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Changes that have occurred in many forest landscapes in the Columbia Basin during the 20th century 

include more vertical and horizontal canopy density because of (mostly shade tolerant) regeneration, 

fewer acres of early seral species cover types, and more multiple-canopy young and mature stands 

(Lehmkuhl et al. 1994). In mixed severity regimes, where only low severity fire cycles have been missed 

since fire suppression became effective, the major changes may be an increase in the patch size of forest 

stands. This is caused by an increase in dead and down fuel, and in dense ingrowth, and may mean that 

historically low severity fire turns into high severity fire over larger patches than historically (Keeley et 

al. 2009, Brown et al. 2004, Shoennagel 2004, Franklin et al. 2008). The seral class of the trees present 

may be most indicative of the amount of time since the last fire with severe effects (Arno et al.1997, 

Schoenaggel 2004), with high severity fires affecting the overstory and low affecting primarily the 

understory by thinning out less fire resistant sizes and species. Mixed severity regimes are generally 

associated moister sites than ponderosa pine forests, although in some places and times, even the fire 

regime of ponderosa pine forests may be more complex than previously thought (Brown et al. 2004, 

Brown et al. 1999). 

One of the difficulties in determining what part of the forest ecology literature applies to sites in the Blue 

Mountains, including Cobbler II project planning area, is the wording of the classification of the forest 

vegetation, climate, and fire regime types. Within the Blue Mountains region, mixed conifer forest types 

can be classified as belonging to wet, moist or dry forest Potential Vegetation Groups (PVGs), according 

to the local vegetation classification system (Powell et al. 2007). The stands in the Cobbler II planning 

area are classified according to this reference, which further breaks PVGs into Plant Association Groups 

(PAGs) and at the smallest scale, plant associations. 

Another difficulty in determining what part of the forest ecology literature applies to these sites in the 

Blue Mountains is determining whether the term mixed conifer forest is being used synonymously with 

mixed fire severity regime forest. Classification systems based on potential vegetation will help identify 

fire regimes at a local scale. Mixed conifer stands can occur in various PAGs which typically have 

different fire regimes. This predictable relationship of plant association groups to fire regimes provides a 

classification of the diversity of forest types that is useful for managers (Noss et al. 2006). 

Unfortunately, studies that cover larger areas of the western United States may lump areas in northeast 

Oregon together as relatively dry forest. Publications sometimes have “dry forest” in the title, but in the 

text, moist forest types (as classified in the Blue Mountains) are included in the studies (e.g. Franklin et 

al. 2008, titled The Case for Active Management of Dry Forest Types in Eastern Washington: 

Perpetuating and Creating Old Forest Structures and Functions states inside the document that “This 

report focuses on forests in drier eastside environments that historically experienced mostly low and 

mixed-severity (emphasis added) wildfires.”). The fact that dry forest is in the title could lead one to 

think that the conclusions in the document apply only to the more limited definition of dry forest used in 

the Blue Mountains reference, although conclusions drawn in this publication should also apply to some 

areas in the Blue Mountains that are classified as moist forest PAGs. 

Forests in the Cobbler II project planning area are made up of primarily fire regime III (73 percent of the 

forest acres), with approximately 27 percent of the acres in fire regime I, and with less than 1 percent of 

the forest land classified as fire regime IV (see Fuels section of this chapter). The fire regime/ PAGS of 

the proposed harvest treatments are approximately proportional to that of the planning area. All 

regeneration prescriptions in the Cobbler project are proposed in cool, moist forest plant association 

groups (PAGs). Thinning is proposed in cool moist, warm dry, and warm moist PAGs. 
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Large trees, within or outside of old forest stand structures, are important parts of the stand composition 

and cannot be replaced in the short-term if lost from the forest. They are below HRV in many other 

landscapes, but are not uncommon in Cobbler II project planning area (see Appendix F-Eastside Screens). 

Care must be taken in treatments in mixed severity regime forests in order to maintain the large trees. 

Where there are old trees in the stands being treated, the recommendation is to be cautious, as the 

restoration of fire to the stands can increase mortality from bark beetles (Six et al., 2009, Kolb et al., 

2007, and Franklin et al. 2008). 

Figure 3.1 Potential Vegetation Types 

Sources/Notes: Summarized from the Cobbler II project vegetation database (NFS lands only). Powell et al. (2007) 

describes how potential vegetation types (PVT) were assigned to plant association groups (PAG) and to potential 

vegetation groups (PVG). 

Grass-tree mosaic, abbreviated GTM, is made up of patches or stringers of trees occurring on open, generally steep 

hillsides. 

Regardless of inconsistent terminology, landscapes whose development has been changed by fire 

suppression would be expected to have vegetation that is outside HRV in predictable ways for stand 

attributes including species composition, stand structures, and tree densities. Analysis of forest 

vegetation attributes in the Cobbler II area shows that the area is outside of HRV for these stand 

attributes. 

Forest Cover Types

Forest cover type characterizes the existing vegetation composition for each stand by tree species. The 

canopy cover of each species occurring in the stand is estimated. In stands where one tree species 

comprises more than half of the total canopy cover, a cover type is assigned using the majority species 

(e.g., Grand fir where grand fir comprises more than 50 percent of the tree canopy cover); types where no 

single species comprised more than half of the canopy cover are named for the plurality species along 

with “dominated mix” to denote the mixed-species composition (e.g., Grand fir dominated species mix) 

where grand fir is predominant but did not exceed 50 percent of the tree canopy cover) (Powell 2004a). 

Acres of Potential Vegetation Types of the 

Cobbler Planning Area

Nonforest, 

2,133

GTM, 3,495

Dry Upland 

Forest, 2,876

Moist Upland 

Forest, 25,114

Cold Upland 

Forest

<1%

Dry Upland Forest

Moist Upland Forest

Cold Upland Forest

GTM

Nonforest
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Table 3-21 Cover Types- Cobbler II Project Planning Area, All PVGs Combined 

Cover Type Acres 

Percent 

of Acres 

Grand fir 8,560 26 

Grand fir dominated species mix 4,900 15 

Subalpine fir 1,170 3 

Subalpine fir dominated species mix 290 1 

Western larch 760 2 

Western larch dominated species mix 930 3 

Lodgepole pine 1,700 5 

Lodgepole pine dominated species mix 350 1 

Engelmann spruce 780 2 

Engelmann spruce dominated species mix 300 1 

ponderosa pine 2,680 8 

ponderosa pine dominated species mix 3,650 11 

Douglas-fir 2,950 9 

Douglas-fir dominated species mix 2,680 8 

Non-forest 1,900 6 

Species Composition

Historical Range of Variability (HRV) Analysis for Species Composition

The information presented in Table 3-22 below, suggests that compared to historical conditions, dry 

upland forestland currently supports too much of the grand fir and interior Douglas-fir forest cover types 

and too little of the ponderosa pine forest cover type. Moist upland forestland currently supports too 

much of the grand fir forest cover type and too little of the western larch and Douglas-fir cover types. 

These changes in species composition are consistent with those expected under disrupted fire frequencies. 
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Table 3-22 Cover Type HRV - Cobbler II Project Planning Area 

by Potential Vegetation Groups (PVG) 

Cover Type 

Dry Upland Forestland PVG Moist Upland Forestland PVG 

Historical 

Range Current Amount Historical Range Current Amount 

Percent Percent Acres Percent Percent Acres 

Grass-forb 0-5 0 0 0-5 0 0 

Shrub 0-5 0 0 0-5 0 0 

Western juniper 0-5 0 0 na na na 

Ponderosa pine 50-90 29 1,043 5-15 14 3,528 

Douglas-fir 5-15 50 1,841 15-30 8 2,079 

Western larch 0-10 0 6 10-30 7 1,646 

Broadleaved trees na na na 0-5 0 0 

Lodgepole pine 0-5 0 0 5-30 8 1,974 

Western white pine na na na 0-5 0 0 

Grand fir 1-5 21 756 5-30 52 12,754

Spruce-fir na na na 0-15 10 2,508 

Totals 100 3,646 Totals 100 24,489

 In Dry Upland Forest, ponderosa pine, the primary early seral species, is 

below HRV. 

Below cover type HRV In Moist Upland Forest, Douglas-fir, a mid seral species, and western larch, 

an early seral species, are below HRV. 

Above cover type HRV 

In Dry Upland Forest, Douglas-fir, usually a late seral species, and grand fir, 

a late seral species, are above HRV. 

In Moist Upland Forest, grand fir is above HRV. 

na = not applicable 

“Shading indicates cover types that are either above or below the historical range of variability. Historical ranges are 

approximate and were adapted from Morgan and Parsons (2000); they were based on multiple 1200-year simulations 

representing landscapes in a “dynamic equilibrium” with their disturbance regimes." (Powell and Walker 2006) 

Forest Stand Structural Class

Historical Range of Variability (HRV) Analysis for Forest Stand Structural Class

The following table shows a landscape-level assessment of HRV for forest stand structural classes (also 

referred to as stages). The landscape used for the HRV analysis is the Cobbler II project planning area. 

The planning area size (approximately 34,000 acres) meets the Forest Plan amendment (Eastside Screens) 

direction to analyze an area of 15,000-35,000 acres. The HRV analysis includes only National Forest 

lands. The analysis is based on “potential vegetation hierarchy” for the Blue Mountains section of 

northeastern Oregon, southeastern Washington, and west-central Idaho (Powell et al. 2007). 

The table below shows the comparisons of current stand structure conditions with the HRV for each PVG. 

Late old structure (LOS) is represented as old forest single stratum (OFSS) and old forest multi strata 

(OFMS). Shading indicates structure classes that are below the HRV, double line borders around cells 
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indicate structure classes that are above the HRV. Historical ranges are approximate and direction for 

their use is in Blackwood 1998, “Historical percentages for use with HRV analyses.” 

For an additional description of the forest stand structure HRV analysis in terms of late old forest 

structures, see Appendix F - Consistency with Eastside Screens. 

Table 3-23 Comparison of Current Conditions to HRV by Forest Stand Structural Class 

Upland Forest 

(UF) 

PVG 

Total 

Acres (SI) SEOC SECC UR YFMS OFMS OFSS 

Moist UF Acres 24,488 3,428 12,696 751 152 2,330 5,131 0 

Moist UF 

Current % of 

acres 14% 52% 3% 1% 10% 21% 0%

Moist UF HRV 

% of acres 1 - 15% 0 - 5% 1 - 25% 5 - 25% 20 - 60% 10 - 60% 0 - 5%

Dry UF Acres 3,646 540 509 910 296 378 792 221 

Dry UF 

Current % of 

acres 15% 14% 25% 8% 10% 22% 6%

Dry UF HRV 

% of acres 5 - 15% 5 - 20% 0 - 10% 0 - 10% 5 - 25% 5 - 20% 15 - 70%

Structural Class –a stage or recognizable condition that relates to the physical orientation and arrangement of vegetation; the size 

and arrangement (both vertical and horizontal) of trees and tree parts. Following is a definition of each structural stage 

 (Oliver and Larson 1996). 

Stand Initiation (SI) – one canopy stratum of seedlings and saplings is present; grasses, forbs and shrubs coexist with trees.

Stem Exclusion (SE) – one canopy stratum comprised mostly of pole-sized trees (5-8.9” DBH) is present. The canopy layer 

may be open (stem exclusion open canopy-SEOC) on sites where moisture is limiting, or closed (stem exclusion closed canopy- SECC) on 

sites where light is a limiting resource. 

Young Forest (YFMS) – three or more canopy layers are present; the size class of the uppermost stratum is typically small 

trees (9-20.9” DBH). Large trees may be absent or scarce. 

Understory Reinitiation (UR) – two canopy strata are present; a second tree layer is established under an overstory. 

Typically, overstory mortality has created growing space for the establishment of understory trees. 

Old Forest (OFMS & OFSS) - a predominance of large trees (>21” dbh) is present in a stand with one or more 

canopy strata. On warm or hot sites with frequent, low-intensity fires, a single stratum many be present (old forest single stratum 

OFSS). On cold or moist sites without recurring underburns multi-layer stands with large trees in the uppermost stratum may be 

present (old forest multi strata – OFMS) 

Notes: 

Shading indicates structure classes that are below the historical range of variability, double line borders around cells 

indicate structure classes that are above the historical range of variability. Historical ranges are approximate and 

direction for their use is in Blackwood 1998, “Historical percentages for use with HRV analyses”. 

Summarized from the Cobbler II vegetation database. Forest structure classes and historical ranges are defined in 

Blackwood 1998. 
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Forest Stand Density

Overstocked forests have tree density levels in a self-thinning zone where trees compete aggressively for 

moisture, sunlight, and nutrients. Forests in the self-thinning zone experience mortality as crowded trees 

die from competition or are killed by insects and diseases that preferentially seek out trees under stress 

(Powell 1999). Forest stand density in the Cobbler II project planning area was analyzed and compared to 

historical estimates of density classes. Table 3-24 below summarizes tree density for current conditions. 

It is estimated that with a properly functioning disturbance regime influenced primarily by frequent 

surface fire (Agee 1998), dry upland forestland had 60 percent of its acreage supporting low-density 

forest, 30 percent supporting moderate-density forest and 10 percent supporting high-density forest. 

The dry upland forestland portion of the Cobbler II project planning area has much more acreage 

supporting high-density forest (83 percent currently; 10 percent historically) than would be expected, and 

much less acreage supporting moderate-density forest (4 percent currently; 30 percent historically) and 

low-density forest (13 percent currently; 60 percent historically). 

It is estimated that with a properly functioning disturbance regime influenced primarily by mixed severity 

fire (Agee 1998) and defoliating insects, moist forestland had 30 percent of its acreage supporting lowdensity forest, 50 percent supporting moderate-density forest and 20 percent supporting high-density 

forest. 

The moist upland forestland portion of the Cobbler II project planning area has much more acreage 

supporting high-density forest (53 percent currently; 20 percent historically) than would be expected, and 

less acreage supporting moderate-density forest 24 percent currently; 50 percent historically) or lowdensity forest (23 percent currently; 30 percent historically). 

Table 3-24 Tree Density Analysis for Current Vegetation Conditions

Tree Density 

Description 

Dry Upland 

Forestland 

Historical

Percent 

Moist Upland 

Forestland 

Historical

Percent 

Acres Percent Acres Percent 

Low tree density 480 13 60 5,590 23 30 

Moderate tree 

density 

155 4 30 5,890 24 50 

High tree density 3,015 83 10 13,000 53 20 

Sources/Notes: Summarized from the Cobbler II vegetation database. “Dry UF” refers to the dry upland forestland potential 

vegetation group; “Moist UF” refers to the moist upland forestland potential vegetation group. Queries for calculating tree 

density classes are provided in Powell (2005). 

Elk Flats Meadow

Elk Flats Meadow is a montane meadow of tufted hairgrass and other grasses, rushes and sedges 

surrounded by a mixed conifer forest. Mature aspen trees occur in three ecological settings: in wet basins 

and flats, along the fringe of the meadow up against the conifer stand, and intermixed with the conifers. 

The channel and much of the meadow are usually dry after mid summer. 

This site is the largest aspen site on Walla Walla District and is one of the largest sites in the Blue 

Mountains. Aspen clones on this site are severely declining (Powell 2007b, Spiegel 2003, Schmitt 1999, 

Crowe 1998, Schmitt 1992). Browsing by elk, deer, and at times unauthorized cattle, and defoliation by 

satin moth have weakened these clones. Fire suppression has allowed conifers to spread into the aspen 

stands, causing competition for light, water, and nutrients. Fire no longer creates seedbeds or releases 
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stands of sprouts as it did historically. This area currently identified as Forest Plan management area D2- 

Research Natural Area was site-specifically evaluated by Forest Service ecologists who determined that 

this site should not be recommended for official designation as an established RNA, but that designating 

the site as a “special interest area” might provide more options to sustain aspen (Johnson 2000). 

 

The short-term goals for managing Elk Flats Meadow are to maintain existing mature aspen trees and 

protect regenerating suckers. The long-term goals are to: 

• Restore aspen to some approximation of its historical extent in the Elk Flats Meadow area. 

• Maintain portions of all four aspen clones, as determined by DNA analysis that was 

completed. 

• Restore or maintain other vegetation in the meadow. 

• Restore or maintain riparian/channel function where needed 

• Develop and place an interpretive sign at the site. 

• Determine age classes of both aspen and conifer trees. 

• Establish a restoration plan for the entire Elk Flats Meadow area. 

INSECTS AND DISEASE

Background

Factors such as stand density, basal area or stand density index, tree diameter, and host density are 

consistently identified as primary attributes associated with bark beetle infestations (Fettig et al. 2007). 

Thinning increases the resources available to the trees left (Six et al. 2009, Kolb et al. 2007), and can 

increase the trees’ defensive ability (Six et al. 2009, Kolb et al. 2007, Agee et al. 2007). In a mixed 

conifer forest, it allows the selection of more resistant tree species. These effects may not come into play 

under endemic population levels and in periods of relatively wet weather/climate, but may become more 

important under high insect population levels and in periods when the trees have low vigor (Six et al. 

2009) , such as extended drought, one of the possible scenarios of climate change. Treatments that are to 

modify susceptibility must be done on a landscape basis, or at least not on a few acres within a large 

untreated area (Schmid et al. 2005). 

Mountain pine beetle periodically kills most of large diameter lodgepole pine in a forest. Trees are killed 

by a combination of mining of the inner bark by beetle larvae and the dying of living tissue caused by the 

blue-stain fungi that are associated with the beetles. Larger trees are more susceptible to mountain pine 

beetle attacks because the beetles survive and reproduce better in trees with thick phloem. Phloem 

thickness is highly correlated with tree diameter in a stand. In the United States, a stand having an 

average DBH of more than 8 inches usually has phloem thickness great enough to allow beetles to 

propagate (Amman et al. 1984). 

To prevent mountain pine beetle killing lodgepole pine over large areas, managing young stands to 

prevent excessive inter-tree competition is recommended, as well as managing in well dispersed stands in 

different age classes. Stands older than 80 years or with average diameters greater than 10 inches would 

commonly be killed by beetles followed by fire. Shelterwood or seed tree cuts can be used for treatment, 

to create patches of different ages (Koch 1996). Lodgepole stands of high productivity, 60-125 years old, 

at less than 5,800 feet elevation and with high basal areas should receive priority consideration for 

treatment. Other suggested management is for shorter rotations and maintenance or promotion of 

multiple tree species and age classes. A heterogeneous landscape is thought to be more resistant and 

resilient to insect-caused disturbances (Fettig et al. 2007). 
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Past Conditions

Annual aerial mapping of insect and disease agents and severity has been done since 1947. 

Forest stands containing true firs and Douglas-fir have been susceptible to defoliation from Douglas-fir 

tussock moth and western spruce budworm. Combining all incidents of defoliation from these two agents 

since 1947, we find that 3 percent of the area has had defoliation damage in 11-13 of those years. 

Approximately 42 percent has had defoliation damage in 8-10 of the years, 49 percent has had damage in 

5-7 of the years, and 7 percent has had damage in 2-4 of the years. The latest heavy defoliation episodes 

were in 1972 and 1973, from Douglas-fir tussock moth, and 1987 through 1992, from western spruce

budworm. 

Current conditions

Over the last ten years, activity by Douglas-fir beetle, fir engraver, western pine beetle, balsam wooly 

adelgid, larch casebearer, and tussock moth has been mapped in the area. Mortality from fir engraver has 

been the greatest, with scattered patches of mortality occurring over approximately 8,000 acres. 

Susceptibility to insects and diseases

Susceptibility to native defoliator insects, bark beetles, dwarf mistletoes and root rots was analyzed using 

the Cobbler II vegetation databases and the rating systems in Schmitt and Powell (2005). The results 

show that the stands are especially highly susceptible to mixed conifer root rot diseases, defoliator insects, 

and fir engraver bark beetle. Only 4 percent of the area is highly susceptible to mountain pine beetle 

attacking lodgepole pine, concentrated in the southwest portion of the planning area, and 62 percent of the 

area is moderately susceptible, scattered over most of the planning area (during a visit to the Cobbler 

project planning area in September, 2009, an increase in activity of mountain pine beetle in lodgepole 

pine was observed (Schmitt 2009), over moderate activity observed in previous visits to the area (Spiegel 

and Schmitt , 2008 and 2009). Maps showing the distribution of the stands by risk category for the rated 

insects and diseases are in located in the project file (Silviculture Report). 

The following table shows insect and disease risk ratings by acres for Cobbler II project planning area. 

Table 3-25 Insect and Disease Risk Ratings for Cobbler II Project Planning Area. 

Insect or Disease Risk Category Acres*

Percent 

of Area 

Douglas-fir Beetle 

Low 6,580 20 

Moderate 19,460 58 

High 5,660 17 

Douglas-fir Dwarf Mistletoe 

Low 11,880 35 

Moderate 12,480 37 

High 9,300 28 

Mountain Pine Beetle (Lodgepole Pine) 

Low 11,300 34 

Moderate 20,900 62 

High 1,370 4 

Bark Beetles (Ponderosa Pine) 

Low 12,090 36 

Moderate 19,650 58 

High 1,930 6 

Mixed Conifer Root Diseases 

Low 10,540 31 

Moderate 8,900 26 

High 14,230 42 

Defoliators: Western Spruce Budworm and Douglasfir Tussock Moth 

Low 9,260 28 

Moderate 13,910 41 
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Insect or Disease Risk Category Acres*

Percent 

of Area 

High 10,480 31 

Fir Engraver 

Low 5,480 16 

Moderate 13,350 40 

High 12,870 38 

Western Larch Mistletoe 

Low 10,320 31 

Moderate 22,170 66 

High 1,180 3 

* acres are not additive 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect Effects - Species Composition (Alternative A) 

No new forest vegetation activities would occur in the project planning area if Alternative A is selected 

for implementation. Forest stands would continue to increase in density of late seral species and become 

more susceptible to insect, disease, and fire damage. Hardwoods would continue to decline and may 

eventually be lost in this landscape. 

Direct/Indirect Effects - Forest Stand Structure (Alternative A) 

Forest stand structures would continue to diverge from historical conditions. Multi layered stands would 

continue to increase while single layered stands would decrease. Old forest stands would be at risk of 

becoming more multi layered. 

Direct/Indirect Effects - Stand Density (Alternative A)

Forest stands would continue to increase in density of late seral species and become more susceptible to 

insect, disease, and fire damage. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects - Species Composition (Alternatives B and C)

The same number of acres of regeneration harvest in diseased and damaged mixed conifer stands (278 

acres) would create openings and transitory forage. Those acres would be planted to assure dominance by 

early seral species, and other species would seed in naturally. The increase in early seral species 

composition would produce stands that are more resilient to insects, disease, drought, and fire. 

The same number of acres (115) of hardwoods would be protected and enhanced. These hardwood stands 

are important components of diversity in this landscape. 

The same number of acres at Elk Flat Meadows would be converted from Forest Plan management area 

D2- Research Natural Area to management area A9 – Special Interest Area, which would allow for 

management to protect and enhance that special area. 
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Direct/Indirect Effects - Forest Stand Structure (Alternatives B and C)

The same number of acres of regeneration harvest in diseased and damaged conifer stands (approximately 

280 acres) would create Stand Initiation (SI) stand structure. 

Effects that Differ by Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects - Species Composition (Alternatives B and C)

In Alternative B more acres would be thinned with early seral species being the preferred leave species. 

A combination of all commercial and non-commercial thinning treatments would increase the proportion 

of early seral species on approximately 4,040 acres in Alternative B, and on 2,900 acres in Alternative C. 

In stands that are currently dominated by early seral species, competition from late seral ingrowth would 

be reduced by commercial and non-commercial thinning on approximately 1,460 acres in Alternative B 

and on 1,300 acres in Alternative C. In the long-term, shelterwood and/or seed-tree regeneration harvest, 

alone or combined with commercial thinning on some units, would increase or maintain early seral 

species on 340 acres in Alternative B, and 300 acres in Alternative C when the units are planted or 

naturally regenerated. 

Cumulative Effects – Species Composition (Alternatives B and C)

Having more of the early seral species in stands and across the landscape is valuable as they are more 

resistant to insects, disease, drought, and fire. For dry upland forest, the table below shows the number of 

acres that would change through commercial and non-commercial thinning from late seral to early seral 

species in Alternative B, and the effect on the comparison to HRV (Table 3-22). This includes 

foreseeable future non-commercial thinning. Ponderosa pine (PP), the primary early seral species, is 

currently below HRV. Thinning treatments in Alternative B would bring the species composition close to 

the HRV for dry upland forest. Grand fir, which is above HRV, would be the lowest priority for leave in 

the thinning, and its proportion would be reduced. Douglas-fir, which is also above HRV, would be a 

lower priority for leave than ponderosa pine and its proportion would also be reduced. 

Table 3-26 Alternative B - Changes in Species Composition from Late Seral to Early Seral Species 

Dry 

Upland 

Forest 

Historical 

Range 

percent 

(Table 3-22) 

Current 

condition 

(pretreatment) 

acres 

Pretreatment 

percent 

Acres of 

change 

Post 

treatment 

acres 

Post 

treatment 

percent 

Early seral 

(PP) 50 - 90 1,050 29 450 1,500 41 

For moist upland forest, of the early seral species, western larch is currently below HRV and ponderosa 

pine and lodgepole pine are within HRV. Approximately 2,380 acres of thinning treatments in stands 

dominated by late seral species would occur in Alternative B, and future foreseeable non-commercial 

thinning would increase the proportions of early seral species. Grand fir, which is above HRV, would be 

the lowest priority for leave, and its proportion would be reduced. 

For dry upland forest, the table below shows the number of acres that would change through commercial 

and non-commercial thinning from late seral to early seral species in Alternative C, and the effect on the 

comparison to HRV. This includes foreseeable future noncommercial thinning. 
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Table 3-27 Alternative C - Changes in Species Composition from Late Seral to Early Seral Species 

Dry 

Upland 

Forest 

Historical 

Range 

percent 

(Table 3-22) 

Current 

condition (pretreatment) acres Pretreatment 

percent 

Acres of 

change 

Post 

treatment 

acres 

Post 

treatment 

percent 

Early seral 

(PP) 50 - 90 1,050 29 370 1,420 39 

Treatments in Alternative C would not bring the species composition as close to HRV for dry upland 

forest as would Alternative B. 

For moist upland forest, of the early seral species, western larch is currently below HRV and ponderosa 

pine and lodgepole pine are within HRV. Approximately 1,460 acres of thinning treatments in stands 

dominated by late seral species in Alternative C and future foreseeable noncommercial thinning would 

increase the proportions of early seral species on fewer acres than in Alternative B. Grand fir, which is 

above HRV, would be the lowest priority for leave, and its proportion would be reduced. 

Direct/Indirect Effects - Forest Stand Structure (Alternatives B and C)

Forest stand structure – post harvest

The following table shows the predicted changes in forest stand structure that would result from 

implementing each action alternative. The approximately 485 acres of old forest multi strata (OFMS) that 

are proposed for thinning in Alternative B are expected to remain old forest, because the trees removed 

would be the smaller trees in the stands, and approximately two-thirds of the basal area would remain in 

each stand after thinning. Stands would change from old forest multi strata (OFMS) to old forest single 

stratum (OFSS) structure because the lower canopy layer would be reduced. This would reduce 

competition from late seral ingrowth and help to maintain old forest stand structure within HRV in moist 

upland forest stands. and to bring old forest stand structure in dry upland forest stands closer to HRV. 

Stands that are classified as stem exclusion closed canopy (SECC) would change to stem exclusion open 

canopy (SEOC) after thinning. No thinning in old forest is proposed in Alternative C. 

Other stands treated with thinning are not expected to change in structure. Stands treated with stand 

regeneration prescriptions would change from their current structure to Stand Initiation. See the table 

below for changes in forest stand structure. 

Table 3-28 Changes in Forest Stand Structure, all PVGs Combined 

Alternative A 

Acres 

Treated 

Alternative B 

Acres 

Treated 

Alternative C 

Acres 

Treated 

Change in Stand Structure 

0 485 0 

Old Forest, Multi Strata (OFMS) 

to Old Forest, Single Stratum (OFSS) 

0 130 60 

Young Forest Multi Strata (YFMS) 

no change 

0 15 15 

Young Forest Multi Strata (YFMS) 

to Stand Initiation (SI) 

0 15 15 

Understory Reinitiation (UR) 

no change 

0 285 220 

Stem Exclusion Closed Canopy (SECC) 

to Stem Exclusion Open Canopy (SEOC) 
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Alternative A 

Acres 

Treated 

Alternative B 

Acres 

Treated 

Alternative C 

Acres 

Treated 

Change in Stand Structure 

0 1,170 680 

Stem Exclusion Open Canopy (SEOC) 

no change 

0 320 255 

Stem Exclusion Open Canopy (SEOC) 

to Stand Initiation (SI) 

0 60 20 

Stand Initiation (SI) 

no change 

Cumulative Effects – Forest Stand Structure (Alternatives B and C)

To compare action alternatives to the existing condition, refer to Table 3-23. By implementing 

Alternative B, the number of acres that are outside HRV decreases in moist upland forest SEOC and in 

dry upland forest SECC. Dry upland forest OFMS would change from slightly above HRV to within, and 

OFSS would increase although it would still be below HRV. Moist upland forest YFMS, which is 

currently below HRV, would decrease by 1 percent. There is a net change of approximately 530 acres 

from outside HRV to within HRV in Alternative B and approximately 255 acres in Alternative C. The 

following two tables display these changes. 

In the tables below, PVG-forest stand structure combinations that are above HRV are shown with a 

double line around the cell in the table. PVG –forest stand structure combinations that are below HRV 

are shaded with gray. The remaining cells in the table are within HRV. 

Table 3-29 Alternative B - Post Harvest Treatment Forest Stand Structure 

by PVG for Moist and Dry Upland Forest

Potential 

Vegetation 

Group (PVG) 

Total 

Acres SI SEOC SECC UR YFMS OFMS OFSS 

Moist Upland 

Forest - Acres 24,448 3,766 12,452 673 152 2,315 4,766 365 

Moist Upland 

Forest 

% of acres 15% 51% 3% 1% 9% 19% 1% 

Moist Upland 

Forest - HRV 

% of acres 1 - 15% 0 - 5% 1 - 25% 5 - 25% 20 - 60% 10 - 60% 0 - 5%

Dry Upland 

Forest - Acres 3,646 540 715 704 296 378 672 341 

Dry Upland 

Forest 

% of acres 15% 20% 20% 8% 10% 18% 9% 

Dry Upland 

Forest HRV % 

of acres 5 - 15% 5 - 20% 0 - 10% 0 - 10% 5 - 25% 5 - 20% 15 - 70%

Shading indicates structure classes that are below the historical range of variability, double line borders around cells 

indicate structure classes that are above the historical range of variability. Historical ranges are approximate and 

direction for their use is in Blackwood 1998, “Historical percentages for use with HRV analyses”. 
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By implementing Alternative C, the number of acres that are outside HRV decreases in moist upland 

forest SEOC and in dry upland forest SECC. Moist upland forest YFMS, which is below HRV currently, 

would decrease by 1 percent. 

Table 3-30 Alternative C, Post Harvest Treatment Forest Stand Structure 

by PVG for Moist and Dry Upland Forest 

Potential 

Vegetation 

Group (PVG) 

Total Of 

ACRES SI SEOC SECC UR YFMS OFMS OFSS 

Moist Upland 

Forest - Acres 24,488 3,698 12,442 751 152 2,314 5,131 0 

Moist Upland 

Forest 

% of acres 15% 51% 3% 1% 9% 21% 0% 

Moist Upland 

Forest HRV % 

of acres 1 - 15% 0 - 5% 1 - 25% 5 - 25% 20 - 60% 10 - 60% 0 - 5%

Dry Upland 

Forest - Acres 3,646 540 509 910 296 378 792 221 

Dry Upland 

Forest 

% of acres 15% 15% 24% 8% 10% 22% 6% 

Dry Upland 

Forest HRV % 

of acres 5 - 15% 5 - 20% 0 - 10% 0 - 10% 5 - 25% 5 - 20% 15 - 70%

Shading indicates structure classes that are below the historical range of variability, double line borders around cells 

indicate structure classes that are above the historical range of variability. Historical ranges are approximate and 

direction for their use is in Blackwood 1998, “Historical percentages for use with HRV analyses”. 

Direct/Indirect Effects for Stand Density (Alternatives B and C)

In Alternative B, stand density would be reduced on a total of approximately 4,040 acres of forest stands 

through thinning and non-commercial thinning, thereby, increasing resiliency to disturbance from insects, 

disease, and fire. In Alternative C, stand density would be reduced on approximately 2,900 acres. 

Alternative B would reduce stand densities on more acres of upland forest to recommended stocking 

levels, based on plant association. Stand vigor and resilience would be increased by lowering stand 

densities. Thinning stands and reducing competition between individual trees would improve the 

probability of survival of trees when the stands are affected by insects and disease. 
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Cumulative Effects for Stand Density (Alternatives B and C)

The tables below show the changes in stand density as compared to HRV for Alternatives B and C. 

Table 3-31 Alternative B - Tree Density Analysis for Post Harvest and Non-Commercial Thinning 

Tree Density 

Class 

Acres 

pretreatment 

Percent 

pretreatment 

Acres 

post treatment

Percent 

post treatment

Historical 

Percent 

Moist Upland Forest

Low 5,590 23 6,685 27 30 

Moderate 5,894 24 6,300 26 50 

High 13,004 53 11,500 47 20 

Dry Upland Forest 

Low 476 13 530 15 60 

Moderate 155 4 590 16 30 

High 3,014 83 2,530 69 10 

Table 3-32 Alternative C - Tree Density Analysis for Post Harvest and Non-Commercial Thinning 

Tree Density 

Class 

Acres 

pretreatment 

Percent 

pretreatment 

Acres 

post treatment

Percent 

post treatment

Historical 

Percent 

Moist Upland Forest

Low 5,590 23 6,200 25 30 

Moderate 5,894 24 6,290 26 50 

High 13,004 53 12,000 49 20 

Dry Upland Forest 

Low 476 13 495 14 60 

Moderate 155 4 410 11 30 

High 3,014 83 2,740 75 10 

ELK FLATS MEADOW

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative A – No Action)

There would be no reallocation of acres in management areas D2, A9, and E2. Aspen stands in Elk Flats 

Meadow would continue to decline and management options to sustain existing aspen stands would be 

limited and could result in a possible loss of the largest aspen site on Walla Walla Ranger District. 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

The proposed Forest Plan amendment increases the acres of land not scheduled for timber harvest by 20 

acres, both management areas D2 and A9 do not allow timber harvest. Management area E2 which does 

allow timber to be managed on a schedule basis would be reduced by 20 acres (see map in Appendix A). 

This reduction of 20 acres is minor (less than one percent) as compared to the approximately 618,000 

acres that were considered suitable for timber production in the Forest Plan (FP p. 4-16). It would not 

result in a measurable decrease in the amount of wood products offered to communities across the forest 

in the foreseeable future. In addition, the changes in land allocations (management emphasis) would not 

change or require future changes to livestock grazing permits, mining plans of operations, and the access 

and travel management plan for the Pomeroy Ranger District. As such, the anticipated changes brought 

about by this amendment in the levels of resource activities and outputs (FP, p. 4-16) projected for this 

planning period are not expected to be measurable. The planning area of Umatilla National Forest is 1.4 

million acres. The reallocation of 110 acres is insignificant in the context of the entire planning area. 
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This amendment would last beyond project duration and would remain in effect until the Forest Plan is 

revised. 

Elk Flats Meadow (70 acres) which is currently designated as management area D2 as a proposed 

research natural area candidate would be reallocated to management area A9- Special Interest Area, in 

order to allow vegetation management, including cutting and leaving of trees, to maintain, preserve and or 

enhance existing aspen and encourage aspen regeneration. This amendment would reallocate acres of 

Forest Plan management areas to be representative of existing conditions and allow the management of 

aspen stands in Elk Flats Meadow. Forest Plan management area A9 – Special Interest Area allows for 

the management of existing aspen stands. Timber harvest would not be scheduled in this management 

area, but tree cutting and vegetation management may be permitted in order to maintain or enhance the 

special features of the interest area. 

The goals of management areas D2 and A9 affecting Elk Flats Meadow are similar, as listed below: 

• The goal for management area D2 –Research Natural Area is to preserve naturally occurring 

physical and biological units where natural conditions and processes are maintained, insofar as 

possible, for the purposes of: 1) comparison with those lands influenced by man; 2) provision of 

educational and research areas for ecological and environmental studies; and 3) preservation of 

gene pools for typical and rare and endangered plants and animals. 

• The goal for management area A9-Special Interest Area is to manage, preserve, and interpret 

areas of significant cultural, historical, geological, botanical, or other special characteristics for 

educational, scientific, and public enjoyment purposes. 

INSECTS AND DISEASE

The following table shows the acres of high, medium, and low risk stands that would be harvested in 

Alternatives B and C. In regeneration units, reforestation would be conducted to increase the proportion 

of disease and insect resistant species. Trees infected with dwarf mistletoe would be cut or girdled so 

they would not pass the disease on to the new generation of trees. In intermediate treatment units, the 

preferred species for leave would be the more disease and insect resistant species. 

Table 3-33 Acres Proposed for Harvest by Insect and Disease Risk Classification 

Alternative B 

Acres* 

Alternative C 

Acres* 

Defoliation Risk 

High 1,140 420 

Medium 910 570 

Low 440 290 

Western Larch Dwarf Mistletoe Risk 

High 30 30 

Medium 1,960 930 

Low 490 310 

Fir Engraver Risk 

High 1,610 700 

Medium 650 440 

Low 180 130 
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Alternative B 

Acres* 

Alternative C 

Acres* 

Root Rot Risk Acres Acres 

High 1,390 600 

Medium 580 320 

Low 510 340 

Mountain Pine Beetle in LP Acres Acres 

High 120 70 

Medium 1,830 960 

Low 530 240 

*Acres are not additive 

Provision of Forest Products

In Alternative B, approximately 125 acres of lodgepole pine stands that are at high risk of mountain pine 

beetle attack would be harvested. In Alternative C, approximately 70 acres of high risk lodgepole pine 

would be harvested. 

Harvesting lodgepole pine before there is severe mortality from mountain pine beetle allows the wood to 

be used while it is high quality, rather than after it is dead and has lost some value. 

FINDINGS OF CONSISTENCY

Forest Plan 

Both action alternatives would provide timber to help meet the demand for wood products and provide 

socioeconomic benefits to the local and regional economy. Action alternatives would produce timber 

volume and economic value, thereby contributing to the regional and local economies. All vegetation 

management is consistent with forest-wide and management area Forest Plan standards and guidelines. 

National Forest Management Act Consistency Finding

The National Forest Management Act of 1976 (NFMA: 16 U.S.C.1604), including its amendments to the 

Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-378), states that when trees 

are cut to achieve timber production objectives, the cuttings shall be made in such a way that “there is 

assurance that such lands can be adequately restocked within 5 years after harvest” (16 U.S.C. 1604 (E) 

(ii)). The Forest Plan also includes this standard (see Forest Plan (FP), p. 4-70). 

All of the timber harvest areas proposed for regeneration harvest, except those dominated by lodgepole 

pine, are proposed for tree planting to ensure that they would be adequately restocked within 5 years after 

harvest. Stands dominated by lodgepole pine are expected to regenerate naturally to at least minimum 

acceptable stocking levels within 5 years after harvest. The Forest Plan lists natural regeneration as the 

preferred reforestation method where site conditions and objectives are appropriate (FP, p. 4-72). 

The National Forest Management Act of 1976 states that “it is the policy of the Congress that all forested 

lands in the National Forest System be maintained in appropriate forest cover with species of trees, degree 

of stocking, rate of growth, and conditions of stand designed to secure the maximum benefits of multiple 

use sustained yield management in accordance with land management plans.”

All intermediate harvest (thinning), regeneration harvest, reforestation (tree planting and natural 

regeneration), and hardwood restoration proposals would be consistent with National Forest Management 

Act requirements to maintain forested lands in appropriate forest cover, and with related Forest Plan 
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goals, objectives, standards and guidelines: promoting a stand structure and species composition 

minimizing risks from insects, disease and wildfire (FP, p. 4-67); a wide variety of activity methods are 

allowed, including site preparation, tree improvement, reforestation, tree protection, release and weeding, 

noncommercial thinning, fertilization, pruning, commercial thinning, salvage harvest and regeneration 

(final) harvest (FP, p. 4-68); natural regeneration should be the preferred forest regeneration alternative 

where economic, stand, and site conditions are appropriate and where natural regeneration does not 

conflict with other resource objectives identified and documented during the project planning process (FP, 

p. 4-72); favor species during development of silvicultural prescriptions for long-term stand health, vigor 

and productivity as specifically related to insect and disease impacts; economic efficiency; and biological 

diversity needs for wildlife species, visual quality or other resource values (FP, p. 4-72); for mixedconifer forest, maintain stands dominated by early-seral species, including ponderosa pine, western white 

pine and western larch, because the potential for insect and disease depredation is high if late-seral tree 

species are favored in these forest types (FP, p. 4-73); in the ponderosa pine working group, silvicultural 

prescriptions would feature ponderosa pine while other associated tree species would be maintained at 

low levels sufficient to provide for ecological diversity needs; in the lodgepole pine working group, tree 

species diversity should be encouraged by promoting western larch and Engelmann spruce (FP, p. 4-73); 

special and unique ecological communities such as aspen and other hardwood species should receive 

special attention; silvicultural prescriptions would specifically address measures to protect, maintain and 

enhance aspen and other hardwood clones, clumps and sprouts (FP, p. 4-74). 

FUELS 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The area of analysis is the Cobbler II project planning area. Existing fuel conditions and trends have been 

summarized for the project planning area, which encompasses approximately 34,000 acres. 

The town of Troy and the Promise, Eden, and Bartlett Bench areas are listed as Priority Wildland Urban 

Interface (WUI) areas within the Wallowa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). 

Cobbler II project planning area is about 5 miles to the west of these communities. Although the 

Wallowa County CWPP defines strategies and identifies projects that should occur within these WUI 

areas, it does not address areas that lie outside of WUI boundaries. Although possible, it is unlikely that 

fuels treatments that occur within the Cobbler II project planning area would affect a fast moving wildfire 

burning in the direction of these priority areas. 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are:

• Acres treated within fire regimes of high departure from historical fire return intervals 

(Condition Class 3) 

• Acres treated within fire regimes of moderate departure from historical fire return intervals 

(Condition Class 2) 

• Acres treated with extreme, very high, and high crown fire potential 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Natural Fire Regimes

A natural fire regime is a general classification of the role fire would play across a landscape in the 

absence of modern human mechanical intervention, but including the influence of aboriginal burning 

(Agee 1993, Brown 1995). Natural fire regimes describe the historical fire conditions under which 

vegetative communities evolve and are maintained. These represent the structure and composition of 

vegetation in a fire environment in the absence of human interaction. The high severity fire regimes were 
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those in which the effect of a fire was usually a stand replacement event. The low severity fire regimes 

were those in which the typical fire was gentle to dominant vegetation across much of the area it burned, 

while moderate severity fire regimes had a complex mix of severity levels (Agee 1998). 

Coarse scale definitions for natural (historical) fire regimes have been developed by Hardy et al. (2001) 

and Schmidt et al. (2002) and interpreted for fire and fuels management by Hann and Bunnell (2001). 

The five natural (historical) regimes are classified based on the average number of years between fires 

(fire frequency) combined with the severity (amount of replacement) of the fire on the dominant overstory 

vegetation. These five natural fire regime groups are described in Table 3-34 below. 

Table 3-34 Natural Fire Regime Groups 

Fire Regime 

Group 

Fire Return 

Frequency Fire Intensity/Severity 

I 0-35 years Low to mixed severity 

(surface fires most common with less than 75% of the overstory 

vegetation replaced) 

II 0-35 years High severity 

(stand replacement with greater than 75% of the dominant overstory 

replaced) 

III 35-100+ years Mixed 

(less than 75% of the overstory vegetation replaced) 

IV 35-100+ years High severity 

(stand replacement with greater than 75% of the dominant overstory 

replaced) 

V >200 years High severity 

(stand replacement with greater than 75% of the dominant overstory 

replaced) 

Cobbler II project planning area is primarily represented by fire regime groups I and III, with less than 

100 acres represented by fire regime V. It is composed of 27 percent dry upland forest, which is 

classified as fire regime I and 73 percent moist upland forest, which is classified as fire regime III. Of 

forested land within the project planning area, 13 percent is fire regime group I and 87 percent is fire 

regime group III. Table 3-35 below lists the historical fire regime groups and Figure 3-2 visually displays 

the fire regime groups for the Cobbler II project planning area. 

Table 3-35 Fire Regime and Acres Within Cobbler II Project Planning Area. 

Fire Regime Group Acres Percent 

I 9,030 27 

II 0 0 

III 24,540 73 

IV 0 0 

V 90 <1 
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Forested areas currently defined as fire regime I in Cobbler II project planning area typically contain 

larger diameter (>21 inches DBH), widely spaced ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir trees as the dominant 

and co-dominant species in the stand, a layer of intermediate (10-21 inches DBH) ponderosa pine, grand 

fir, and Douglas-fir trees of variable spacing, and a suppressed layer (0-10 inches DBH) consisting mainly 

of grand fir and Douglas fir trees, saplings, and seedlings, with roughly 150-250 trees per acre of all size 

classes. Surface vegetation is predominantly grass with scattered shrubs. 

Forested areas in fire regime III primarily contain larger diameter widely spaced ponderosa pine and 

Douglas-fir as the dominant and co-dominant species in the stand (with fewer large pine than fire regime 

I), a layer of intermediate (10-21 inches DBH) grand fir, Douglas-fir, western larch and occasionally 

lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce, and a suppressed layer (0-10 inches DBH) consisting mainly of 

grand fir and Douglas fir trees, saplings, and seedlings, with approximately 350-450 trees per acre, and in 

some stands, nearly 600 trees per acre. Surface vegetation consists of patchy grass, forbs and small 

shrubs, with little to none occurring in some of the more dense stands. 

Under historical conditions in fire regimes I and III, fires were of low to mixed severity and occurred 

every 1 to 100 years. Carried primarily by surface fuels, these fires consumed litter, duff and downed 

wood, controlled establishment of fire intolerant species and eliminated ladder fuels and elevated crown 

bases by killing the majority of trees in the suppressed and intermediate layers (Agee, 1994; Youngblood, 

2008). These low to moderate intensity fires tended to favor the largest trees with the thickest bark, and 

promoted the growth of grasses and a low and patchy shrub layer (Hessburg, 2005). Crown fires occurred 

rarely under these conditions, which can be attributed to the lack of surface fuel continuity, raised crown 

base heights, and reduced crown bulk densities. When they did occur, crown fires were high-severity, 

climate-driven events (Youngblood, 2008; Hessburg, 2005). 

Figure 3-2 Spatial Distribution of Fire Regimes in Cobbler II Project Planning Area. 
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Condition Class (CC)

Fire regime Condition Class describes the deviation from natural fire regimes in terms of fire return 

interval (length between subsequent fires) and vegetative change from historical composition and density 

(Hann and Bunnell, 2001). Missed fire return cycles result in alterations of key ecosystem components 

such as species composition, structural stage, stand age, canopy closure, and fuel loadings. (Schmidt, 

2002) There are three condition classes numbered 1 through 3, with a Condition Class 1 being within the 

historical range of variability and Condition Class 3 showing the greatest deviation from historical fire 

regimes and vegetative structures. The following table describes the condition classes and gives and 

example of each. 

Table 3-36 Fire Regime Condition Class* Descriptions 

Condition Class Fire Regime Examples of management 

options 

Condition Class 1 

Fire regimes are within an historical range, 

and the risk of losing key ecosystem 

components is low. Vegetation attributes 

(species composition and structure) are 

intact and functioning within an historical 

range. 

Where appropriate, these areas can 

be maintained within the historical 

fire regime by treatments such as 

fire use. 

Condition Class 2 

Fire regimes have been moderately altered 

from their historical range. The risk of 

losing key ecosystem components is 

moderate. Fire frequencies have departed 

from historical frequencies by one or more 

return intervals (either increased or 

decreased). This results in moderate 

changes to one or more of the following: 

fire size, intensity and severity, and 

landscape patterns. Vegetation attributes 

have been moderately altered from their 

historical range. 

Where appropriate, these areas may 

need moderate levels of restoration 

treatments, such as fire use and hand 

or mechanical treatments, to be 

restored to the historical fire regime. 

Condition Class 3 

Fire regimes have been significantly 

altered from their historical range. The risk 

of losing key ecosystem components is 

high. Fire frequencies have departed from 

historical frequencies by multiple return 

intervals. This results in dramatic changes 

to one or more of the following: fire size, 

intensity, severity, and landscape patterns. 

Vegetation attributes have been 

significantly altered from their historical 

range. 

Where appropriate, these areas may 

need high levels of restoration 

treatments, such as hand or 

mechanical treatments, before fire 

can be used to restore the historical 

fire regime. 

*Fire Regime Current Condition Classes are a qualitative measure describing the degree of departure from historical fire regimes, possibly 

resulting in alterations of key ecosystem components such as species composition, structural stage, stand age, canopy closure, and fuel loadings. 

One or more of the following activities may have caused this departure: fire suppression, timber harvesting, livestock grazing, introduction and 

establishment of exotic plant species, introduced insects or disease, or other management activities. 

Source: Schmidt, K.M.: Menakis, J.P.; Hardy C.C.; Hann, W.J.: Bunnell, D.L. 2002. Development of coarse scale 

spatial data for wildland fire and fuel management. General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-87.
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Approximately 40 percent of the project planning area has moved into Condition Class 2 and nearly 10 

percent into Condition Class 3, indicating a transition to more complex fuel conditions. Fuels that would 

have historically been consumed during periodic wildfires have increased; in many areas surface and 

aerial (within the canopy) fuel loadings are above historical levels. Table 3-37 reflects the current 

condition classes in Cobbler II project planning area. 

Table 3-37 Existing Condition Classes in Cobbler II Project Planning Area 

Condition Class 

Approximate 

Acres 

Percent of 

Planning Area 

1 17,200 51 

2 13,500 40 

3 2,900 9 

Much of this change in conditions can be attributed to past harvest history and fire suppression, as well as 

other land management activities. Repeated selection cutting over the last 100 years has had a direct 

effect of advancing secondary succession (Hessburg, 2005). Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and to a degree, 

Western larch were the preferred commercial species. These early successional species would be the 

same species expected to colonize a site following a fire. The thick bark on large diameter ponderosa 

pine and Douglas-fir make them very tolerant to low severity surface fires (Agee, 1993). As these larger 

trees were harvested, small openings in the canopy were created and later filled in with fire-sensitive, 

small diameter Douglas-fir and grand fir. Within fire regime I, this accelerated succession and lack of 

surface fires has also created a multi-layered canopy structure, an indicator of shift to Condition Classes 2 

and 3 (Brown, 2003). 
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Figure 3-3 Spatial Distribution of Existing Condition Classes in Cobbler II Project Planning Area. 

Historical vegetation mapping of NE Oregon and SE Washington from 1936-1937 shows that 21 percent 

of the project planning area was classified as containing 50-80 plus percent ponderosa pine greater than 

22 inches DBH, and an additional 31 percent of the area was classified as containing 20-50 percent 

ponderosa pine, greater than 12 inches DBH. In contrast, current vegetation mapping depicts 21 inches 

and greater DBH ponderosa pine as the majority or plurality species in only 6 percent of stands in Cobbler 

II project planning area and an additional 18 percent of the area when DBH is greater than 9 inches. 

Fire exclusion and fire suppression have also indirectly contributed advancing secondary succession by 

preventing fires of a size and frequency that allow establishment of early seral species (Hessburg, 2005). 

Historical wildland fire data shows that very small acreages have burned during the last 30 years in the 

Cobbler II area. Historical large fire information dating back to pre-1900s includes only two large fires, 

both in the southern-most portion of the project planning area. One of these fires occurred prior to 1900 

and the other in 1910 at 3,700 and 380 acres, respectively, for a total of 12 percent of the project planning 

area. Wildland fire trends from the 1970s to 2006 show that approximately 90 fires occurred, burning 

about 40 acres in total. With regard to fire return frequency, this means that at least two fire return 

intervals have been missed in fire regime I and one in fire regime III. This absence of fire has resulted in 

increased surface fuel loads with high connectivity, and increased tree density and canopy layering. 

Increased canopy cover has led to regeneration of shade tolerant, fire intolerant species, with low crown 

bases and heat-trapping foliage. These abundant small trees serve as ladders that carry fire from the forest 

floor to the canopy, increasing the likelihood of high severity, stand-replacement fires (Huff et al. 1995). 
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Fuel Models

Fire behavior fuel models describe how fire will burn (flame length and rate of spread) through a 

particular wildland fuel type. There are 13 fire behavior fuel models, which are grouped into four major 

categories: grass, shrub, timber, and slash. Definitions for each of the 13 fuel models come from 

Anderson (1982). Criteria are based on the fuels which will carry a fire. Each model yields flame length 

and rate-of-spread information for the purpose of fire behavior prediction and fire planning. 

Fuel models in themselves do not indicate potential for uncharacteristic wildfire behavior and effects, fire 

regime condition class, or departure from natural conditions. However, the combination of an indicator of 

departure from natural conditions, along with fuel models can be of considerable value in determining if 

wildfire behavior and effects have departed from natural conditions (Hahn and Strohm, 2003). 

Fuel models 1, 2, 5, 8, and 9 are fuel models which would have existed abundantly in this fire regime I 

and III dominated landscape. Fire behavior of these representative models (except fuel model 8) is 

determined by accumulations of fine herbaceous fuels. Fires in these fuel models are not generally very 

intense because surface fuel loadings are light. Fuel model 8 is representative of closed timber stands 

with little down woody fuel accumulations or herbaceous fuels. 

Some stands may not have changed enough to move into a different fuel model classification, but fire 

exclusion and associated changes in stand condition has significantly increased the fire behavior potential. 

Table 3-38 below shows the relative percentages of fuel models in Cobbler II project planning area as 

they are currently classified; however, upon personal observation of the District Fuels Technician, many 

of these numbers are inaccurate. As an example, many of the stands classified as fuel model 8 are 

becoming older; as these stands have aged, numerous trees have been out-competed for sunlight and 

nutrients and are now standing dead or have recently fallen, creating higher fuel loads in all fuel size 

classes. These higher surface fuel loads are more characteristic of a fuel model 10. 

Table 3-38 Approximate Acres and Percent of Cobbler II Planning Area by Fuel Model 

Fuel Model Acres Percent of Area Flame Length 

1 5,200 15 5 feet 

2 2,800 8 6 feet 

5 1,600 5 5 feet 

8 14,400 43 1 foot 

9 2,600 8 2 feet 

10 6,900 21 4 feet 

No Data 200 <1 N/A 

Fuel model 10 burns in surface and ground fuels with a greater fire intensity than any other timber model 

and typically displays the most extreme fire behavior and long distance spotting (Hahn and Strohm, 

2003). Dead down fuels include greater quantities of 3-inch or larger limbwood resulting from overmaturity or natural events that create a large load of dead material on the forest floor. Crowning out, 

spotting, and torching of individual trees are frequent and fire intensity is high. From a fire suppression 

and fuel hazard standpoint, this is the fuel model of most concern. 

In Cobbler II project planning area, the changes in forest stands and the concurrent increase in down 

woody fuel loadings have caused a shift from a historical dominance of fuel models 1, 2, 8, and 9 to the 

dominance of fuel models 1, 8, and 10. This could potentially result in a shift of fire behavior during 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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severe fire weather conditions from what were historically fast moving, but low intensity, surface fires to 

a fast moving, high intensity crown replacement fire. 

Fuel models described below currently exist or historically existed in the project area. Fuel model and 

representative stand descriptions are intended to help clarify current ground fuel situations. 

Fuel Model 1: Fire carries through fine herbaceous fuels that are cured or nearly cured. Very little 

shrubs or timber is present. Grassland, savanna, and stubble are commonly modeled. Fire is fast moving 

and low intensity. 

Fuel Model 2: Fuel is primarily fine herbaceous fuels, curing or dead. In addition, litter and stem wood 

from open shrub or timber overstory contribute. Open shrublands or pine stands are most commonly 

modeled. Fire is fast moving and low intensity. 

Fuel Model 5: Fuels consist mostly of litter cast by shrubs and the forbs in the understory. Green stands 

of deciduous shrubs and plantations of small trees are most commonly modeled. 

Fuel Model 8: Closed canopy stands of short-needle conifers or hardwoods that have leafed out support 

fire in the compact litter layer. This layer is mainly needles, leaves, and occasionally twigs because little 

undergrowth is present in the stand. Representative conifer types are white pine, lodgepole pine, spruce, 

fir and larch. Fires are generally slower moving, but under drought conditions and high fine fuel 

loadings, can be high intensity crown fires. 

Fuel Model 9: Describes fires that run through surface litter faster than model 8 and have longer flame 

heights. Both long-needle conifer stands and hardwood stands are typical. Closed stands of long-needled 

pine, like ponderosa pine, are usually modeled. 

Fuel Model 10: Fire burns in the surface and ground fuels with greater fire intensity that the other timber 

litter models. Dead-down fuels include greater quantities of 3-inch or larger limb-wood resulting from 

over-maturity or natural events that create a large load of dead material on the forest floor. Crowning out, 

spotting, and torching of individual trees are more frequent in this fuel situation, leading to potential fire 

control difficulties. Any forest type may be considered if heavy down material is present; examples are 

insect or disease-ridden stands, wind-thrown stands, over-mature situations with dead fall, and aged light 

thinning or partial-cut slash. 

Crown Fire Potential 

Under historical disturbance regimes, frequent surface fires consumed litter, duff, and down wood, 

controlled establishment of fire intolerant species, reduced density of small diameter stems, opened the 

stands to increased sunlight, led to vertical stratification of fuels by eliminating fuel ladders between the 

forest floor and overstory canopy, and maintained early seral plant associations. Crown fires occurred 

rarely under these natural disturbance regimes. Consequently, the structure in these stands consisted of 

open, predominantly widely spaced medium to large and old trees, light and patchy ground fuels, and low 

and patchy cover of fire-tolerant shrubs (Youngblood, 2008, p. 2). 

As discussed in previous sections, past management activities and a century of fire suppression in the 

Cobbler II project planning area have resulted in conditions that have greatly deviated from historical 

norms. Records of past timber harvests show that over 50 percent of the Cobbler II project planning area 

has been entered at least once in the last 30 years. An additional 24 percent of the project planning area 

contains steep, roadless canyons (Bear Creek, Alder Creek) where there has been no management activity 

and no record of large fires (within the last 100 years). As a result of these management activities and 

lack of fire as a maintenance tool in the project area, stand composition has been modified, historical fire 

regimes have been altered, condition classes have moved from Class 1 to Classes 2 and 3 in nearly 50 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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percent of stands, and fuel loading has increased. As a consequence of and in conjunction with these 

changes, crown fire potential has also increased. 

Crown fires, high intensity wildfires that advance through a stand’s canopy and kill trees in the process, 

can exhibit violent behaviors, are difficult and dangerous to suppress, and cause great economic damage 

and ecological disruption (Keyes and O’Hara, 2002). They occur when surface fires create enough 

energy to preheat and combust live fuels well above the ground or when ladder fuels, in the form of small 

seedlings, saplings and young trees with low hanging branches, carry fire into the upper canopy. There 

are two stages of crown fires: the initiation of crown fire activity, referred to as “torching” (also known as 

passive crown fire), and the process of active crown fire spread, where fire moves from tree crown to tree 

crown (Agee, 2005). 

Torching commences when the surface flame length exceeds a critical threshold, defined by Van Wagner 

(1977) as a function of the moisture content of overstory foliage and the vertical distance to live crown, 

known as canopy base height (CBH). Once in the crowns, fire must maintain a minimum rate of spread 

to become an active crown fire and is primarily determined by topography and weather conditions. The 

spread rate required to keep fire in the crown hinges on the density of fuels in the canopy, called canopy 

bulk density (CBD) (Keyes and O’Hara, 2002). 

The Forest Vegetation Simulator Fire and Fuels Extension (FVS/FFE) utilizes a torching index (the wind 

speed required to cause a ground fire to torch trees in the stand) and a crowning index (the wind speed 

required to sustain a crown fire) to illustrate these conditions (Reinhardt and Crookston, 2003). The 

matrix of these two values generated by FVS/FFE is classified into five classes of crown fire potential: 

Extreme, Very High, High, Medium, Low and Non-Forest. Areas that were rated in three highest 

categories of crown fire potential (Extreme, Very High, and High) are displayed in Figure 3-4 below. 

Figure 3-4 Spatial Distribution of Crown Fire Potential in Cobbler II Project Planning Area. 
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Roughly one third of the Cobbler II project planning area is classified as having extreme, very high or 

high crown fire potential. Another 44 percent of the area is categorized as medium crown fire potential, 

which without treatment, will presumably transition into a higher potential over time. Table 3-39 lists the 

acres and percent of the project planning area and crow fire potential risk. 

Table 3-39 Crown Fire Potential and Acres Within Cobbler II Project Planning Area. 

Crown Fire Potential Approximate Acres Percent 

Extreme 1,300 4 

Very High 5,400 17 

High 4,500 13 

Medium 14,700 44 

Low 2,300 7 

Non-forest 5,200 15 

No data 200 <1 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

The Forest Plan states the following goal; “To provide and execute a fire protection and fire use program 

that is cost efficient and responsive to land and resource management goals and objectives” (FP pages 4-

87 and 4-88). 

Resource goals and objectives include: 

• Increasing stand resilience to naturally occurring fires. 

• Use fire disturbance in shaping forest cover to reflect structure and fire intensity associated with 

historical forest types. 

• Use landscape fire in areas seral to ponderosa pine to reduce hazardous fuels and excess crown 

cover to emphasize a regime of low intensity surface fire. 

• Restore the diversity of vegetation patterns reflective of historical disturbance processes and with 

a low risk to epidemic insect outbreaks.” 

As stated in Chapter 1, Purpose and Need, the following objectives related to fuels treatment are defined 

for this project as follows: 

• Modify the intensity and resulting fire behavior along the rim of the Grande Ronde and along 

Forest Road 62 for safe and effective suppression actions. 

• Return fire to the Grande Ronde canyon to maintain the character of frequent fire regime, 

particularly in the grasslands and shrubs. 

• Reduce ladder fuels to reduce risk of fire spread into the upper canopy 

• Reduce ground fuels that would contribute to wildfire intensity and resource damage. 

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A) 

No new management activities would occur and natural processes would continue. Fuels would increase 

through time as forest stands became increasingly homogeneous in composition and structure. Shade 

tolerant species would out-compete early seral ponderosa pine and western larch, creating a more 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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complex structure of aerial (ladder) fuels. As tree populations reach the carrying capacity of the site, 

mortality would represent a greater proportion of the stand, and dead-standing trees and surface fuels 

would accumulate. Stand conditions would deteriorate, with more Condition Class 1 stands trending to 

Condition Classes 2 and 3. 

Surface fuel loading would increase across all forest settings, moving those stands not already classified 

as fuel model 10 into fuel model 10. Increased fuel loading would result in uncharacteristic fire behavior 

trending to larger and more severe fires on the landscape, potentially threatening the Grande Ronde Wild 

and Scenic River on the east side of the management area and the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness area on 

the west side. 

Increased fire intensity lowers the probability of successful initial attack and drastically increases costs 

associated with firefighting efforts. Fire behavior models predict greater than 5-foot flame lengths and 

spotting distances a half mile from the fire’s edge. As a result of this increased intensity, hand crews 

would likely pull away from the flaming front and fight fire indirectly from a nearby ridge or road. 

Assistance from aircraft, as well as additional crews and engines would be required. In a summer wildfire 

scenario and under these conditions, initial attack efforts often fail. If this were the case, an overhead 

team would be needed, along with equipment, supplies and all other logistical requirements associated 

with an expanding fire perimeter and extended attack operations. 

Effects Common to all Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C) 

The differences between these two alternatives are the number of acres treated and the degree of treatment 

effectiveness. The following table shows the comparison of acres treated by alternative within the project 

planning area in order to address the purpose and needs identified in Chapter 1. 

Table 3-40 Treatment Acres* by Alternative to Meet Purpose and Need of Project 

Purpose and Need Objective 

Alternative 

A 

Alternative 

B 

Alternative 

C 

Modify the intensity and resulting fire behavior along the rim of 

the Grande Ronde and along Forest Road 62 for safe and effective 

suppression actions. 

0 acres 10,450 acres 9,250 acres 

Return fire to the Grande Ronde canyon to maintain the character 

of frequent fire regime, particularly in the grasslands and shrubs. 0 acres 8,000 acres 8,000 acres 

Reduce ladder fuels to reduce risk of fire spread into the upper 

canopy. 0 acres 8,500 acres 8,300 acres 

Reduce ground fuel that would contribute to wildfire intensity 

and resource damage. 0 acres 10,200 acres 9,150 acres 

*Acres are not additive

Activity Fuel Treatments 

Fuel treatments subsequent to harvest include yarding tops attached, jackpot burning, underburning, 

mastication, grapple piling and pile burning. Treatments were determined in an interdisciplinary fashion 

in order to minimize fire hazard risk while ensuring adequate quantities of down woody material would 

be retained for biological benefits of wildlife, soils, and ecosystem productivity. Fuel treatments would 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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be adjusted as needed to prevent excessive accumulation of hazardous fuels or unacceptable loss of 

adequate remaining coarse woody debris. Monitoring would continue throughout project implementation 

to ensure these fuel objectives are being met. 

Treatment of harvest slash would occur seasonally in the fall or spring following harvest. For units where 

prescribed fire is proposed, the window of acceptable weather and fuel moisture conditions is oftentimes 

small, and therefore, slash could remain on the ground a year or two before treatment is completed. Units 

proposed for mechanical treatment are not dependent on burn windows or the curing of the slash so they 

would likely receive treatments quickly, typically the season following harvest. The table below displays 

the proposed slash treatments in harvest units. Stand composition and expected mortality dictated 

whether prescribed burning or mechanical methods were preferred. Mechanical treatments, as the primary 

method proposed, eliminate stand mortality associated with prescribed fire and protect wildlife and stand 

cover values. 

Table 3-41 Method of Slash Treatment by Acres and Alternative 

Mechanical 

Treatment 

and/or 

Prescribed 

Burning 

(acres) 

Mechanical 

Treatment 

(acres) 

Pile Burning 

at Landings 

(acres) 

Hand Pile Burning 

in Units 

(acres) 

Alternative A 0 0 0 0 

Alternative B 500 1,720 230 40 

Alternative C 300 850 100 40 

Harvest units would be represented by fuel model 11 (slash model) until they are treated. A summer 

wildfire following harvest, but before slash treatment would burn actively through slash and existing 

ground fuels. The rate of spread in fuel model 8 (unharvested stands with low surface fuel loading) is 3 

chains per hour (1 chain equals 66 feet) and in fuel model 11 it is 6 chains per hour. The rapid spread rate 

would mean a larger crew would be needed to control the fire and construct fireline. This predicted fire 

behavior would be diminished in the second fire-season following harvest when snow loads would have 

compacted untreated slash and red needles would have fallen to the ground. 

Treatment of Stands in Condition Classes 2 and 3

A large amount of area within the Cobbler II project planning area boundary is classified as fire regime III 

(mixed), and the number of acres proposed for treatment is reflective of this majority; however, areas in 

fire regime I (frequent) show more departure from their historical vegetative composition and density then 

are stands within fire regime III. In Alternative B, 80 percent of fire regime I acres proposed for 

treatment are in Condition Classes 2 and 3, versus 18 percent of the same in fire regime III (mixed) 

treatment acres. In Alternative C, these treatment acres account for 80 percent and 21 percent, 

respectively (see Table 3-42 below). The difference is because the majority of acres in the large 

prescribed fire area are within fire regime I. This area has missed at least two fire return intervals, and 

because of its inaccessibility has never had any harvest activity. 

By reintroducing fire into the Grande Ronde canyon, fire managers would begin the process of returning 

stands to Condition Class 1 and maintaining the character of a frequent fire regime by decreasing surface 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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and ladder fuels, decreasing fire intolerant species, and promoting those tolerant of fire. These changes 

would require several prescribed fire entries over a period of 10 to 20 years and would result in a stand 

more resilient to crown fires and insect and disease outbreaks. 

Although the main focus for fuels treatment is within Condition Classes 2 and 3, it is also important to 

treat those stands classified as Condition Class 1 to maintain them in that classification. This is the 

purpose for the majority of treatment acres in fire regime III, where 82 percent of Alternative B and 79 

percent of Alternative C acres are classified as Condition Class 1. The type of treatment proposed for 

these areas is mastication or underburning, where appropriate, to reduce accumulated surface fuels and to 

thin out seedling and sapling sized ladder fuels. These treatments would keep stands from moving into 

Condition Class 2 or 3 classifications by retaining large diameter, thick-barked, fire tolerant species and 

removing smaller diameter, less fire tolerant species and ladder fuels that could lead to a stand 

replacement event and loss of key ecosystem components. 

Table 3-42 Acres Proposed for Treatment by Fire Regime and Condition Class (CC) 

Alternative 

Fire 

Regime CC1 CC2 CC3 

Total Acres 

Treated 

A 0 0 0 0 

B Frequent 1,350 5,000 300 6,650 

 Mixed 3,125 225 450 3,800 

Total Acres Alt. B 4,475 5,225 750 10,450 

C Frequent 1,285 4,940 285 6,510 

 Mixed 2,170 190 380 2,740 

Total Acres Alt. C 3,455 5,130 665 9,250 

Reduction of Risk to Crown Fire

Units chosen for harvest with an objective of fuels reduction were selected because there was a significant 

ladder fuel component present and they were in a strategic location for fire suppression (i.e. along the rim 

of the Grande Ronde, Forest Road 62). Harvest of 3 to 9 inch DBH material would remove trees that 

occupy low to intermediate canopy positions in stands dominated by commercial sized timber. Following 

removal of these ladder fuels, crown base height (average stand height from the ground to the base of tree 

crowns) would increase and crown bulk density (amount of fuel located in tree crowns) would decrease. 

By also rearranging and reducing surface fuels through mechanical means to that characterized by a fuel 

model 8, surface fires would not burn with enough intensity to reach the elevated level of tree crowns in 

the stand. This combination of surface and crown fuel treatments effectively reduces the risk of initiation 

and propagation of crown fires. Therefore, the strategically located treatments would provide firefighters 

with areas of reduced fire behavior where they can safely and effectively fight fire. The surface rate of 

spread of 3 chains per hour is well under the production capability of an engine with a three person crew, 

and low flame lengths allow for direct attack. 
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The following table is a summary of acres by alternative treated for crown fire potential. 

Table 3-43 Summary of Crown Fire Potential Acres Treated 

Alternative

Extreme 

(acres) 

Very High

(acres) 

High 

(acres) 

Medium 

(acres) 

Low 

(acres) 

A 0 0 0 0 0 

B 170 770 540 4,400 550 

C 130 710 270 3,800 300 

Roughly 23 percent of treatment acres proposed in Alternative B and 22 percent in Alternative C are 

categorized as being in extreme, very high, or high crown fire potential. However, more important than 

the number of acres treated in these categories, is the location of units in areas where wildfires have the 

potential to move very quickly and are not easily suppressed such as, on the rim of the Grande Ronde or 

Wenaha River canyons. 

Predictions of fire behavior and effects following treatment were calculated using the Fuel Manager 

Analyst Model, Release 3.0.36. Results show that mortality from a crown fire would decrease by almost 

40 percent throughout the project planning area. The fraction of crown burned under wildfire conditions 

would be reduced from 69 percent to 22 percent. Flame lengths would also be reduced from 4.1 feet to 

1.2 feet. 

Proposed fuel treatments under Alternatives B and C would reduce future ground fuel loadings to that 

which would more closely resemble fuel loadings that existed under a natural fire regime. They would 

also serve to make future stands more crown-fire safe and reduce the potential for uncharacteristic 

wildfire. In treated areas, the level and extent of destruction caused by future wildfire would be reduced, 

thus helping prevent widespread devastation to large tracts of forest and wildlife habitat, minimizing 

damage to the forest floor and underlying soils, avoiding risks to human lives and property, and 

shortening the time for the landscape to heal. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Other proposed activities associated with this project, ongoing projects, and reasonably foreseeable future 

projects (reforestation, road decommissioning, culvert replacement, noxious weed control, grazing, 

firewood gathering) would have no effect on fuel loadings or fire behavior. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

Implementation of either action alternative (B or C) would remain consistent with goals and objectives, 

and standards and guidelines of the Forest Plan. Appropriate management response to wildfires would 

continue throughout the project planning area during project implementation, and into the future. Low 

intensity prescribed fire (jackpot burning) would be utilized to treat activity generated fuels as needed to 

reduce fire hazard risk. No potential opportunities to implement future fuels treatment prescribed fire 

projects would be eliminated. 
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AIR QUALITY 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

National Forest system lands, Troy and Eden Bench areas, and La Grande, Oregon. 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are:

• Expected total particulate emissions (PM2.5) 

• Duration and timing of emissions 

• Communities potentially affected 

• Mandatory Class I areas potentially affected 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

All of Walla Walla Ranger District is considered a Class II airshed. The nearest Class I airsheds are 

Eagle Cap Wilderness area, approximately 25 air miles to the southeast of the project area, and Hells 

Canyon Wilderness, 50 air miles to the southeast. Areas of potential impact from burning operations 

would likely be confined to the Troy and Eden Bench area, particularly if a strong, nighttime inversion 

develops or stable air keeps smoke from dispersing. The smoke sensitive community of La Grande is 

approximately 40 miles from the southernmost planning area boundary. Impacts to downwind 

communities are not likely to exceed the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality thresholds. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

No new management activities are proposed; therefore, there would be no impacts to air quality from 

prescribed fire. Models indicate that the amount of particulate material generated by a wildfire is larger 

than that from prescribed fire because more fuels are consumed in a wildfire scenario. Although wildfire 

ignition is no more likely under Alternative A than it is under Alternative B or C, fire size and intensity 

have the potential to be greater; and therefore, smoke production would also be greater in untreated stands 

versus treated stands. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Past experience has shown that significant air quality declines are limited in scope to the general burn 

area and of short duration with the most significant impacts occurring under strong, persistent inversions 

or highly stable air masses. Burn prescriptions avoid ignitions under these conditions. Table 3-44 shows 

the emissions produced for every 100 acres of natural fuels when underburning, and activity fuels when 

jackpot and pile burning. Calculations were made using the Fire Emission Production Simulator (Version 

1.1) using the same fuel loading and environmental conditions used for the CrownMass program (used to 

predict mortality and crown scorch). Even though activity fuel burning produces more CO (carbon 

monoxide), CH4 (methane gas) and PM2.5 (particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter less than or equal 

to 2.5 micrometers) per 100 acres burned, underburning has a potential to be of higher risk for smoke 

impacts to communities because it affects a larger area and can smolder for a longer period of time. 
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Carbon monoxide and PM2.5 are considered criteria pollutants; these are pollutants that are deemed most 

harmful to public health and welfare and can be effectively monitored (Hardy et al. 2001). 

This project proposes approximately 770 acres of activity fuel burning (jackpot, underburning, grapple 

pile or hand pile burning) in Alternative B and approximately 440 acres in Alternative C, and 8,000 acres 

of natural fuel underburning in both alternatives. Resultant smoke emissions would be short in duration 

for both alternatives. It is anticipated that smoke would persist in the air for no more than 5 days 

following ignition of both activity and natural fuel prescribed fire areas. See table below for approximate 

smoke emission figures for both alternatives. 

Table 3-44 Smoke Emissions per 100 Acres Burned in Alternatives B and C 

Type of Burn Amount of Fuel 

Consumed Total CO* Total CH4** Total PM2.5

***

Natural Fuel 

Underburning 216 tons 17 tons 0.98 tons 0.77 tons 

Activity Fuel 

Jackpot and Pile Burning 1,282 tons 118 tons 19 tons 22 tons 

*CO – carbon monoxide; ** CH4- methane gas; and *** PM2.5 =particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 

2.5 micrometers 

Mechanical treatment of fuels, including mastication or grapple piling, is proposed for the majority of 

units in both Alternatives B and C. For the purposes of this FEIS, effects were analyzed for grapple 

piling, because it has the potential for greater impact; however, actual mechanical treatment would not be 

determined until each stand has been looked at more closely. Stands that require some fire for site 

preparation and regeneration would probably be treated with grapple pile and burn. Stands with species 

intolerant to fire or that have many small diameter (0-6 inch DBH) trees remaining, would likely receive 

mastication treatment. 

Hand piling of fuels is proposed for portions of units where visual quality is a concern, particularly along 

FR 62. This would likely be a 100-foot wide strip on both sides of the road where activity fuels would be 

piled, then burned. 

Piles (grapple and hand) would be ignited under very moist conditions in late fall, possibly after an early 

snowfall. Heat generated by piles should carry smoke to the upper atmosphere for dispersal. As piles 

cool, smoke would be retained in the area and drift downhill into the valley at night and early morning. 

Smoke from pile burning is not expected to be of an extent or duration to cause significant impacts to 

downwind communities. Table 3-45 summarizes the scale of proposed burning for action alternatives. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Table 3-45 Summary of Prescribed Fire Treatments for Alternatives B and C 

Alternative 

Mechanical 

Treatment 

and/or 

Prescribed 

Burning 

(acres) 

Pile Burning

at 

Landings 

(acres) 

Hand Pile 

Burning 

in Units 

(acres) 

Landscape 

Underburn 

(acres) 

Total Acres 

Proposed 

for Burning 

Alternative B 500 230 40 8,000 8,770 

Alternative C 300 100 40 8,000 8,440 

Any prescribed burning operations within the project planning area would comply with the State of 

Oregon's Smoke Management Implementation Plan, and would be implemented within guidelines of the 

Smoke Management Program. "Special Protections Zones" have been established around cities in Oregon 

that do not meet the Federal Clean Air Act PM10 Emission Standards. The nearest zone is La Grande, 

Oregon; current regulations require smoke emissions within 60 air miles radius of the city be documented. 

The intent of the zones is to minimize the chances of smoke producing activities adding to the current air 

quality problems. This can be accomplished by following the Smoke Management Program Guidelines 

and by contacting the State Forestry Weather Forecaster prior to burning. The state will implement 

restrictions on burning when wind predictions indicate smoke could be carried into sensitive areas. A 

listing of additional requirements is available in the Oregon Smoke Management Plan. The State of 

Oregon Smoke Management Plan also has certain areas that are being monitored by detection devices. 

The following table shows a summary of air quality indicators. 

Table 3-46 Summary Air Quality Indicators 

Alternative 

Duration of 

Emissions 

Timing of Burning Operations 

Communities 

Potentially 

Affected 

Class I Areas 

Potentially 

Affected 

Alternative A 0 days N/A None None 

Alternatives 

B and C 

Persisting in 

air for no 

more than 5 

days 

Natural Fuel Underburning 

Fall Burning Troy and Eden 

Bench Areas None Activity Fuel Jackpots 

Spring Burning 

Impacts from smoke would be restricted to individual dwellings within the immediate area (Troy and 

Eden Bench areas) for short periods of time and would be the same for Alternatives B and C. Normally, 

burn windows precede a rain front which clears smoke quickly as the front passes. The burning would 

occur before extensive home wood heating and at a time when air can mix. Peak impacts to air quality 

from smoke occur in the late winter months, a time when forest fuel burning does not occur. Smoke 

would be visible, but historical records from the EPA do not indicate that fall and spring burning 

operations exceed health standards in communities being monitored for air quality. 
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All of Walla Walla Ranger District is considered a Class II airshed. The nearest Class I airsheds are the 

Eagle Cap Wilderness area, approximately 25 air miles to the southeast of the project, and Hells Canyon 

Wilderness, 50 air miles to the southeast. The Oregon Smoke Management Program does not allow for 

burning under conditions which would impact Class I airsheds. The State Forestry Weather Forecaster 

advises when units can be burned and when burning should not occur or should be curtailed to avoid 

impacts to these areas. The distance and potential impacts to Class I airsheds is the same in both 

Alternatives B and C. 

Peak levels of smoke impacting air quality would be the same between alternatives because for any day 

selected for burning, the same amount of acres would be burned. The number of acres proposed for 

landscape prescribed fire (natural fuels) in the Bear and Alder Creek canyons does not differ by 

alternative. The number of acres of activity fuel burning does vary by alternative; however, this would 

not change the amount of smoke in the air at any one time, but it would change the duration that smoke is 

the air. Alternative B proposes to burn approximately 8,770 acres and Alternative C, 8,440 acres. 

Burning would occur only within the requirements of the State of Oregon Smoke Management Plan and 

would not exceed air quality standards. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

Implementing either of the action alternatives (B or C) would remain consistent with the goals and 

objectives, and standards and guidelines of the Forest Plan. Air quality standards would be maintained at 

a level to meet state and federal standards (Clean Air Act) through the coordination and compliance with 

Oregon Department of Forestry guidelines and approval process. Available predictive and management 

methods and models would be used to minimize the effects of smoke on any smoke sensitive areas. 

INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES (Noxious Weeds) 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

Invasive plant species analysis is based on the Cobbler II project planning area (approximately 34,000 

acres). 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

• Acres of invasive species by District treatment priority, that have been previously mapped 

within harvest units and along haul routes, and on the amount of ground disturbance 

anticipated from proposed activities. 

Direction and Policy

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS references the May 1995 Umatilla National 

Forest’s EA for the Management of Noxious Weeds which implements a long-term integrated weed 

management program on 773 specific noxious weed management projects, and tiers to the broader scale 

analysis (the Pacific Northwest Region Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Invasive Plant 

Program, 2005, hereby referred to as the R6 FEIS 2005). The R6 FEIS 2005 culminated in a Record of 

Decision (R6 2005 ROD) that amended the Umatilla National Forest Plan by adding management 

direction relative to invasive plants. The portions applicable to this project include the prevention 

standards that are incorporated in Chapter 2, Table 2-6 Design Features and Management Requirements 

and prevention standards listed in detail in Appendix A of the Invasive Plant Species Report (project file), 

and apply to activities beginning March 1, 2006. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-80 

The 1999 Executive Order on invasive species (direction found in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2080), 

and the National and Regional strategies for noxious weed management identify prevention as the 

preferred strategy for managing invasive plant species on National Forest Service lands. 

The terms invasive plant species, noxious weeds, and weeds are used interchangeably in this document to 

refer to those non-native plant species that are of environmental concern and whose control is addressed 

as a land management priority at national, regional and local levels (FSM 2080, R6 FEIS 2005, Forest 

Plan 1990). 

Invasive plants are defined as “non-native plants whose introduction, does or is likely to cause economic 

or environmental harm or harm to human health” [Executive Order 13122]. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Information currently in the forest-wide noxious weed inventory database shows 14 invasive species 

occurring singly or in combination at 155 sites on Forest Service lands within the project planning area, 

for a total of 1,510 gross infested acres. Three of the species have been removed from the District 

treatment priority list but are still being tracked. 

 

Thirty-six of the sites have been added to the inventory since 2004. The area of these “new” sites totals 

about 405 acres. 

Eight sites occur in the Grande Ronde River corridor. They include all seven of the leafy spurge sites in 

the project planning area, and one site has spotted knapweed. Some sites have been treated over time and 

have been well controlled or eliminated. 

Common vectors in spreading weeds in this area include: vehicles, big game animals, livestock, and 

human activities associated with camping, floating, hunting, horseback riding, and logging. 

The following table lists the species present and their respective treatment priority as designated by the 

Walla Walla Ranger District noxious weed coordinator. Definitions of species priority groups are as 

follows: 

Group 1: Eradicate new populations and/or control existing populations of aggressive weeds 

Group 2: Contain existing populations of aggressive weeds 

Group 3: Eradicate new populations and/or control existing populations of less aggressive weeds 

(there are no Group 3 plants in the Cobbler II planning area). 

Group 4: Contain existing populations of less aggressive weeds 

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and flannel mullein (Verbascum thapsus) have been recommended for 

removal from the treatment priority list, because they quickly invade disturbed sites with large 

populations but generally get crowded out by other vegetation within 3-4 years. Painted lady butterfly 

(Vanessa cardui), a predator of bull thistle, also helps to reduce plant density. 

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is also not on the treatment priority list but is being tracked in case it

becomes a problem in the future. 

A minority of the acres listed here are included in the 1995 Decision implementing the Environmental 

Assessment for the Management of Noxious Weeds. This 1995 EA allows the possible use of herbicides 

on the sites listed in that EA, depending on site and weed species. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

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The following table shows the characteristics of the invasive plant species mapped in the Cobbler II 

project planning area and the treatment priority assigned them by Walla Walla Ranger District. 

Table 3-47 Invasive Plant Species in Cobbler II Project Planning Area 

Noxious Weed 

Species 

Treatment 

Priority 

(1 –4, 

Highest to 

Lowest) 

# 

of 

Sites 

Gross 

Acres Remarks 

Centaurea biebersteinii 

CEBI2 

spotted knapweed 

1 

Highest 16 167 

Aggressive invader of disturbed roadsides, 

grasslands, and forests. Spotted is more 

intolerant to dense shade and prefers moister 

habitats than diffuse, is still a problem in 

forested areas disturbed by logging, fire, or 

other factors. Seed dispersal is generally 

passive spread by animals, vehicles and short 

distance by wind. Dormant seeds may remain 

viable in the soil for over 8 years, with studies 

indicating that some seeds may be viable for 

over 15 years. 

Centaurea diffusa 

CEDI3 

 diffuse knapweed 

2 

High 79 826 

Aggressive invader of disturbed roadsides, 

grasslands, and forests. Needs sun. Seed 

dispersal is generally passive spread by 

animals, vehicles and short distance by wind. 

Dormant seeds may remain viable in the soil 

for over 8 years, with studies indicating that 

some seeds may be viable for over 15 years. 

Diffuse cannot tolerate cultivation or 

excessive moisture. 

Chondrilla juncea 

CHJU 

rush skeletonweed 

1 

Highest 2 46 

Overwinters as a rosette of hairless, basal 

leaves. Sheep graze the rosette and early 

flowering plant. Seed and plant fragments 

spread by vehicles. The plant spreads 

primarily by seed, but roots scattered by 

cultivation can aid in spread. 

Cirsium arvense 

CIAR4 

Canada thistle 

4 

Low 38 602 

Establish slowly; difficult to control because 

of rhizomes. Spreads primarily by vegetative 

means, and secondarily by seed. Vegetative 

spread rates of 3 to 6 feet per year. Needs 

exposed soil with little competition for 

seedlings to become established. Is shade 

intolerant. Grows best on mesic soils. 

Convolvulus arvensis 

COAR4 

Filed morning glory 

4 

Low 2 17 

Grows best on moist fertile soils. Tolerates 

poor, dry, gravelly soils, but seldom grows in 

wet soils. Long, deep (~10 feet) taproot. 

Cynoglossum officinale 

CYOF 

hound’s tongue 

4 

Low 35 484 

Rapidly displaces native vegetation, 

particularly along streams. Easily spread by 

the Velcro-like nutlets which adhere to the fur 

of animals and the clothing of humans. 

Cytisus scoparius 

CYSC4 

scotchbroom 

1 

Highest 1 2 

Forms dense thickets that exclude native 

species, impede access, alter fire regimes and 

dominate the landscape. Spread by animals 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Noxious Weed 

Species 

Treatment 

Priority 

(1 –4, 

Highest to 

Lowest) 

# 

of 

Sites 

Gross 

Acres Remarks 

and in water, such as creeks. Found in 

pastures, forest, and wastelands. Long-lived 

seed. 

Euphorbia esula 

EUES 

leafy spurge 

1 

Highest 7 4 

Occurs on both disturbed and undisturbed 

sites, especially abandoned cropland, 

pastures, rangelands, woodlands, roadsides, 

and waste places. Tolerant of a wide range of 

soils including nutrient-poor, dry soils. Most 

aggressive in semi-arid situations, so invades 

most rapidly on dry hillsides, dry prairies, or 

rangelands. Seed viable up to 8 years. Deep, 

spreading roots 

Hypericum perforatum 

HYPE 

(St. Johnswort) 

4 

Low 37 448 Spreads by rhizomes. Common along roads. 

Potentilla recta 

PORE5 

sulphur cinquefoil 

2 

High 32 423 

Spreads rapidly, difficult to control. Can 

grow under open canopied forests and gaps 

in the forest, as well as roadsides and 

riparian meadows. Can be confused with 

native cinquefoils. Leaves look similar to 

marijuana. Seeds remain viable in soil for 

at least 3 – 4 years. Spreads by vehicles and 

equipment, animals, and clothing. 

Senecio jacobaea

SEJA 

tansy ragwort 

1 

Highest 7 64 

Found on disturbed sites and bare ground in 

grazed pastures, roadsides, vacant non-crop 

lands, and on forest clear-cuts. Optimal growth 

occurs in full sun or partial shade in welldrained soils. Usually absent in areas with a 

high water table or acidic soils. Reproduces 

mostly from seed, but regeneration of shoots 

can occur from crown buds, root fragments, and 

intact roots. Disturbance or injury promotes 

vegetative propagation. Seeds can be viable up 

to 15 years. Tilling, grazing, or other 

disturbance will cause dormant seeds to 

germinate. Plants that go to seed die at the end 

of the season. Spread by water, wind, people, 

animals, equipment and vehicles. (All known 

tansy ragwort sites on the District were 

inventoried summer of 2002 without finding 

any plants). 

Tanacetum vulgare 

TAVU 

Common tansy 

4 

Low 2 44 

Toxic to livestock and humans. Will grow in 

waste areas, roadsides, and meadows in full 

sun and in fertile, well-drained soil. Spreads 

via an extensive, spreading root system and 

profuse seed production. It especially favors 

the disturbed soils along ditch banks, where 

the water quickly spreads the seeds for miles 

downstream. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-83 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative A)

The No Action alternative would not create any further human-caused ground disturbance in Cobbler II 

project planning area. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

The spread of invasive plants from currently existing populations and off-forest seed sources would 

continue at the current level. Animal and vehicle vectors would likely be the primary means of seed 

introduction into the project area. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Both action alternatives include activities in or near existing weed sites. The potential risk for spreading 

weed populations in each alternative is relative to the amount of activity taking place where seeds and 

plants could be moved through disturbance. The potential risk for introducing new infestations is relative 

to the total amount of disturbance and therefore can be compared by the number of acres of activity in 

each alternative, including transportation activities. Both action alternatives include design features 

(Chapter 2, Table 2-6) to help minimize ground disturbance, limit introduction and transport of weed 

seed, avoid selected activities in known areas of infestation, reduce disturbance to existing native 

vegetation, and restore native ground cover as soon as possible after harvest activities are complete. 

Inspecting activity areas and haul routes before and during activities is expected to reduce any increase in 

weed infestations caused by spreading of new seed, even if prevention measures are not 100 percent 

effective. These prevention measures would not affect spread of any older seed that may be present in the 

soil seedbank in the vicinity of pre-existing populations. It is not possible to calculate exact acreage 

reductions resulting from these weed treatments. However, the reductions in areas at risk would be 

proportional for each action alternative. 

The following table shows the number of acres of invasive species, by District treatment priority, which 

have been previously mapped within harvest units and along haul routes. This indicates the relative 

potential risk for spreading populations. 

Table 3-48 Invasive Species Mapped In Harvest Units and Along Haul Routes by Alternative 

Species treatment 

priority group Alternative B Alternative C 

Acres: 

within harvest 

units 

Miles: 

along haul 

routes 

Acres: 

within harvest 

units 

Miles: 

along haul 

routes 

High 30 15 10 10 

Medium 110 50 60 40 

Low 60 25 30 20 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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The potential risk for introducing new infestations is relative to the total amount of disturbance and 

therefore can be compared by the number of acres of activity in each alternative, including transportation 

activities. 

Table 3-49 Proposed Harvest Acres and Road Miles Used by Action Alternative 

Unit of Measure 

Alternative 

A 

Alternative 

B 

Alternative 

C 

Acres 0 2,500 1,300 

Miles 0 90 80 

The following table shows acres of previously mapped invasive species by priority for project activities, 

other than harvest units, that are the same for each action alternative. These activities also have the same 

potential for introducing infestations for both alternatives. 

Table 3-50 Acres of Invasive Species Mapped in Non-harvest Activity Areas 

Species 

treatment 

priority 

group 

Hardwood 

restoration 

areas 

(acres) 

Meadow 

burn areas 

(acres) 

Landscape 

burn areas 

(acres) 

Noncommercial 

thinning 

areas 

(acres) 

Road 

material 

source areas

(acres) 

High 0 0 10 5 0 

Medium 1 30 50 35 5 

Low 0 10 40 75 0 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Monitoring, mapping, and assessment of new populations would increase tracking capacity in preparation 

for treatment under the forthcoming Umatilla Invasive Species EIS. Both of these foreseeable future 

actions would further reduce the number of acres at high risk of weed spread. It is not possible to 

calculate exact acreage reductions resulting from these weed treatments. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

Implementation of either action alternative (B or C) is consistent with Forest Plan direction, as amended, 

with respect to noxious weeds. Compliance with Prevention Standard #1 from the Pacific NW Regional 

FEIS includes the above discussions of existing condition, the mechanisms of invasive species spread, the 

prevention measures listed as design criteria, and the risks that remain even after implementation of the 

prevention measures. 

THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND SENSITIVE PLANTS 

(TES) 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

Threatened, endangered and sensitive plant species analysis is based on the Cobbler II project planning 

area (approximately 34,000 acres). 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-85 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

• Effects to TES species 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Complete species surveys have been conducted in and around the proposed non-commercial thin units 

and are listed in the Plant BE report. 

Portions of the project planning area have not been surveyed. Approximately 4,000 acres of the 8,000 

acres within Bear Creek and Alder Creek drainages proposed for landscape prescribed fire have never 

been surveyed. This area is very steep and access is a limiting factor for survey work. There is likely 

habitat for two Region 6 sensitive sedge species, Carex cordillerana (Cordilleran sedge) (one site 

documented south of the project area along a tributary of the Grande Ronde River) and Carex crawfordii

(Crawford’s sedge) (no known sites but suspected to occur on Umatilla NF) in this unsurveyed area. 

Cordilleran sedge can grow on shady streambanks, flood plains and gravel bars and also under upland 

shrubs in Ponderosa pine/Douglas fir forests. Crawford’s sedge grows in perennially wet areas with 

surface water present for the majority of the year; it would be suspected only in Riparian Habitat 

Conservation Areas (RHCAs). 

One additional area south of Lookout Mountain in the NE corner of Section 10 (T4N, R40E), north of the 

6200-380 spur road, has not been previously surveyed and contains a cottonwood stand proposed for 

conifer felling and fencing. This area was surveyed during the summer season of 2008 and no sensitive 

plant species were found. 

Examination of the Umatilla National Forest sensitive plant coverage in GIS shows several sensitive plant 

locations of Bolander’s spikerush (Eleocharis bolanderi)(ELBO) in the project area. There are additional 

spikerush sites proximal to proposed treatment units but not actually within proposed treatment areas. 

Habitat of spikerush is associated with local hydrology so plants are most often found along the edges of 

intermittent channels in headwater regions of streams, on gently sloping ground. The plant needs full 

light, but thrives on poor soils, so can occur both in dry forest openings and in biscuit-mound or scab 

grasslands. Some populations are associated with roadside hydrology or subtle swales. 

There is no known habitat within the project area units for any non-vascular plant species that is currently 

on the Region 6 Regional Forester’s Sensitive species list. 

Silene spaldingii is federally listed as Threatened and known to occur on the Umatilla and WallowaWhitman National Forests. Silene spaldingii occurs primarily in open grasslands with deep Palousian 

soils. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

The no action alternative would not create any further human-caused ground disturbance. Therefore, this 

alternative would create No Impacts to Sensitive species and would have No Effect on Silene spaldingii. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-86 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

There would be no ignitions in RHCAs but fire would be allowed to creep into these areas. No timber 

harvest or mechanical fuel treatments are proposed in RHCAs. Fire would be introduced resulting in a 

mosaic of unburned to intensely burned patches. Handline and machine lines would not be needed as the 

area would be burned in stages utilizing drainage breaks. Given these design criteria, there would be a 

biological determination of No Impact to the two sensitive sedge species suspected to occur within the 

area proposed for prescribed burning and no surveys would be done in this steep terrain with limited 

access. 

Potential threats to Bolander’s spikerush are direct physical disturbance from logging equipment, 

mechanical fuels equipment, landings, road work, etc. All spikerush sites with the exception of one are 

proximal to FR 6200 proposed for hauling in both action alternatives. Another potential threat to the 

spikerush is a change in the local hydrology. These potential threats will be avoided by implementing the 

design features listed in Chapter 2, Table 2-6. 

Effects of fire to Bolander’s spikerush are unknown. However, because it is a species native to grasslands 

that historically had a fire return interval as short as 25 years (USFS and USDI 1997); it is likely well 

adapted to fire. Two sites are in units proposed for prescribed fire. Avoidance of burning these sites is 

not required. Monitor plots for Bolander’s spikerush sites in prescribed fire areas in the 

Falls/Meadowbrook Vegetation Management Project on the North Fork John Day District were initiated 

in the fall of 2008. Additional monitoring plots on these sites in this project could contribute to 

knowledge about the resiliency of this species and its response to fire. 

Implementation of this project, including all proposed activities (meadow improvement, hardwood 

restoration, danger tree removal, Forest Plan amendment, etc...), with either action alternative has a 

biological determination of No Impact on any currently listed Region 6 sensitive plant species. 

Implementation of this project, including all proposed activities (meadow improvement, hardwood 

restoration, danger tree removal, Forest Plan amendment, etc...), with either action alternative has a 

biological determination of “No Effect” on Silene spaldingii. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

Implementation of either action alternative (B or C) would be in compliance with present federal laws 

(ESA) regulations and Forest Plan standards and guidelines pertaining to the management of threatened, 

endangered, and sensitive plant species. 

As required, a Biological Evaluation and Biological Assessment for plant species have been completed 

and are located in the project file. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

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WILDLIFE 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The quantity and quality of wildlife habitat was primarily assessed using a Geographic Information 

System (GIS), district records, and field reviews. The best available science (Literature Cited) was used 

to determine effects to wildlife species in a manner appropriate for the circumstances. Vegetation 

information used in habitat evaluation was obtained from the project Silviculturist or from GIS databases. 

In this document, “project planning area” refers to National Forest Service system lands within the 

Cobbler II project planning area (approximately 34,000 acres) identified on the project planning area map. 

Generally the scale of analysis for wildlife is the project planning area, however, for some species a larger 

area was considered and those scales are identified in the appropriate sections. 

The following categories of wildlife or habitats are discussed: old forest habitat; elk habitat, management 

indicator species (MIS), dead wood habitat; threatened, endangered and sensitive (TES) species; northern 

goshawk, and landbird habitat. Landbirds, including Neotropical migratory birds (NTMB), were 

analyzed based on high priority habitats identified in the Oregon-Washington Chapter of Partners in 

Flight, Northern Rocky Mountains Bird Conservation Plan (Altman 2000). 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT- OLD FOREST (Key Issue)

Past harvest, other treatments, and insect/disease epidemics have reduced the amount and connectedness 

of old forest stands. Public comments were received during scoping requesting that we protect wildlife 

and consider it a priority in an alternative. 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

• Acres of old forest multi-story changed to old forest single story 

• Acres of thinning within old forest connective corridors 

• Large tree habitat removed (>21 inches DBH trees and snags) 

Old forest is a structural stage and is not equivalent to an old growth successional stage. For the purposes 

of this document, old forest is defined as a stand with a predominance of large trees (> 21 inches DBH) 

with one or more canopy strata. On warm or hot sites with frequent, low-intensity fires, a single stratum 

may be present (old forest single stratum (OFSS)). A minimum of 15 percent canopy closure of large 

trees is required on dry potential vegetation sites. On cold or moist sites without recurring underburns, 

multi-layer stands with large trees in the uppermost stratum may be present (old forest multi strata 

(OFMS)). A minimum of 30 percent canopy closure of large trees is required on moist potential 

vegetation sites. Decaying fallen trees may also be present that leave a discontinuous overstory canopy. 

Dedicated Old Growth 

The Forest Plan allocated stands between 75 and 300 acres in size as management areas C1-Dedicated 

Old Growth or C2- Managed Old Growth to provide old growth tree habitat across the forest. Old growth 

stands were initially classified as suitable and/or capable habitat for a selected management indicator 

species. Unit size and distribution are variable and depend on the vegetation type and target management 

indicator species (USFS 1990). 

Four Dedicated Old Growth (management area C1) areas are within the project area. At the time these 

areas were designated, they were classified as capable (#0442) and suitable (#0691, #0451) pileated 

woodpecker habitat; and suitable marten habitat (#0463). The following lists the four areas within the 

project planning area. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

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Table 3-51 Dedicated Old Growth in Cobbler II Project Planning Area 

ID Number General Area Management Area 

C1 – acres 

Comment 

0442 Elbow Creek 330 

0691 Grande Ronde Rim 135 Remainder in Scenic Area 

0451 Wenaha Forks 120 Remainder in Wilderness 

0463 Elk Creek 30 Remainder in Wilderness 

Total 615 

Old Forest Structure

Umatilla National Forest Plan Amendment #11 established interim riparian, ecosystem, and wildlife 

standards for timber sales (Eastside Screens) (USFS 1995). It requires that certain categories of timber 

sales be screened to evaluate their potential impact on riparian habitat, historical vegetation patterns, and 

wildlife habitat fragmentation and connectivity. The interim wildlife standard restricts the harvest of 

timber in stands with a predominance of large trees (>21 inches DBH) if the amount in the area is below 

the historical range. Umatilla Forest uses the silvicultural terms “old forest multi story” (OFMS), and 

“old forest single story” (OFSS) structural stages to assess where and how much large tree habitat is 

available. 

Old forest structure occurs on about 6,100 acres, or 22 percent of the forested portions of the Cobbler II 

project planning area. The amount of old forest is within the historical range of variability in moist 

upland forest and in dry upland forest except for the dry single story stands (project file, Silviculture 

Report). Because amounts of old forest are within the historical range in moist forest, harvest in moist 

old forest is permissible. In the dry upland forest, old growth stands can only be manipulated if the goal 

is to preserve or enhance old forest character. 

Although amounts of old forest are within the historical range in most categories, this does not mean that 

old forest habitat is plentiful or functional. The total amount of moist old forest is near the low end of the 

historical range, and in many areas these stands are small and isolated due to past harvest. The patch size 

and arrangement of old forest stands have been reduced in the past 50 years (Gobar 2004). Wildlife 

species associated with this habitat likely have larger home ranges, are more susceptible to predation, and 

expend more energy for survival. 

Old Forest Connectivity 

Connectivity between blocks of old forest (OFMS, OFSS) has been assessed for the project planning area. 

Connective habitat does not necessarily need to meet the same description of old forest, but provides “free 

movement” between old forest stands for various wildlife species associated with these stand conditions. 

For the majority of the project planning area, old forest stands and C1 areas are connected to each other 

with medium tree (9-15 inches DBH) to large tree (>15 inches DBH), stands with widths greater than 400 

feet, and attached with 2 or more different connections. Connective stands are primarily in the Young 

Forest Multi-Strata (YFMS), Young Forest Single-Stratum (YFSS), Stem Exclusion (SE), and Understory 

Reinitiation (UR) structural stages. The least connected areas include non forested areas, unhealthy 

stands, and areas that have not grown back since the last timber harvest. 

Areas with sparse old forest and poor connectivity include the Bear Flat area, which had heavy insect 

mortality and subsequent harvest, stands near Elbow Creek, and an area north of Eden Ridge. This is not 

due to a lack of connective habitat, but rather the distance between old forest stands. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-89 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES - OLD FOREST (Key Issue)

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

Existing old forest habitat would remain in its current state in the short-term. Wildland fire, tree disease, 

or insect infestations could reduce old forest and connectivity corridors at any time. Continuous fuels 

buildup in the area would cause an increasing potential for a large scale uncharacteristic wildland fire. 

Over time, some stands would develop habitat characteristics that would result in additional old forest and 

connective corridors. Other stands would trend towards overstocked, unproductive stands with limited 

value as wildlife habitat for old forest-dependant wildlife species. For example, dry forest would likely 

continue to develop into multi-storied, overstocked stands with encroaching fir. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

The existing condition of the dedicated old growth stands would not change because no activities would 

occur within Forest Plan designated C1-Dedicated Old Growth management areas. 

Opportunities to develop old forest structure in this watershed should focus on growing forested stands 

adjacent to existing old forest in order to enlarge patch sizes and replace declining stands (Gobar 2004). 

Treatments proposed adjacent to old forest stands and in connective corridors between are thinning from 

below in most units. Two units (units 42 and 59, totaling approximately 75 acres) adjacent to old forest 

would be shelterwood/seed tree regeneration cuts. Timber harvest, fuels reduction, and non-commercial 

thinning outside of old forest would improve the health and resilience of stands that are overstocked 

and/or developing heavy fuels. Reduced stocking levels would decrease stress and associated 

insect/disease susceptibility on the overstory trees that remain. 

Harvest prescriptions would tend to favor leaving early seral species such as ponderosa pine and western 

larch. Trees > 21 inches DBH would not be cut in thinning units unless necessary for safety. On about 

300 acres, patch cuts or shelterwood cuts are prescribed in decadent stands where thinning would not 

restore growth or vigor, and in lodgepole pine stands that are susceptible to mountain pine beetle. In 

these stands, trees > 21 inches DBH would be cut only if they are infected with dwarf mistletoe. It is 

estimated that this would affect between 10 to 50 trees with diameters greater than 21 inches DBH. None 

of the diseased trees to be removed are in stands classified as old structure. 

Thinned stands would remain fully stocked and provide for the free movement of various wildlife species.

Over a period of time, other stands in early successional stages would develop habitat characteristics that 

would result in additional connective corridors. All harvest units would maintain snags and down wood 

in excess of Forest Plan standards. The healthiest large trees and the soundest large snags would remain 

as the building blocks for future stand and habitat development. 

Landscape prescribed fire is intended to improve forage quality for big game and lessen the impact of a 

future uncharacteristic wildfire. Although efforts would be made to avoid overstory stands, individual 

tree and group torching would likely occur in areas where there are sufficient ladder fuels and high 

occurrences of mistletoe. If fire creeps into old forest stringers in the canyon, some tree mortality would 

be expected. 
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A series of dry meadows would be burned to rejuvenate meadow vegetation and reduce conifer 

encroachment. Some of these meadows are in close proximity to old forest stands that are proposed for 

thinning. Some fire would likely creep into the area, but the design and timing of prescribed burning 

would limit the amount of tree mortality while reducing fuels in these stands. 

The approximately 0.25 miles of new system road (permanent) would be built through previously 

harvested stands which contain sapling and pole size trees (<9 inches DBH). There would be no direct 

effect to old forest. However, the new road construction would remove about one acre of productive 

forest vegetation that might otherwise grow into large trees. Since this road would be closed to the 

public, access to old forest stands for activities such as firewood cutting would not increase. 

A Forest Plan amendment to change the proposed Elk Flats Meadow RNA to a Special Interest Area 

would have no effect to old forest stands. No timber harvest would be scheduled and firewood cutting 

would not be allowed in the newly created Special Interest Area (management area A9). 

Six hardwood stands within old forest are proposed for treatments, including cutting or girdling conifers 

to reduce competition for light and water, and fencing to reduce browse pressure. Maintaining and 

enhancing the presence of these microhabitats within old forest would benefit a variety of wildlife 

species. 

Proposed non-commercial thinning that is outside of timber harvest units would not affect old forest. 

This treatment is exclusively done in previously harvested areas that are in a stand initiation phase. 

Alternative B 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B)

Timber harvest and fuels reduction treatments would reduce canopy closure and structural complexity on 

approximately 2,500 acres, but the amount of old forest in the area would remain within the historical 

range of variability. Harvest is proposed on approximately 485 acres in old forest multi story (OFMS) 

and on approximately 350 acres of old forest connective habitat 

Harvest prescriptions in OFMS would not cause reductions in the overall amount of old forest. Rather, 

OFMS would be converted to OFSS. This represents a positive effect for some wildlife species and a 

negative effect for others. Species that may benefit from a conversion of OFMS to OFSS include pygmy 

nuthatches, flammulated owl, and white-headed woodpecker. Thinning approximately 120 acres in dry 

upland forest would slightly increase the amount of OFSS, which is deficient in the area. 

Northern goshawk, pileated woodpecker, and American marten are examples of species that show a 

preference for higher canopy closure and generally more complex forest stands. The amount of this 

habitat would be reduced, but would remain within the historical range of variability. 

Thinning in connective corridors would result in fully stocked stands, and provide for the free movement 

of various wildlife species. Connectivity is not a limiting factor for old forest species in this project 

planning area. 

Approximately 0.20 miles of temporary road would be built to access timber, but would be 

decommissioned after harvest. The temporary road would remove mainly smaller trees on a ridge. Since 

this road would be closed to the public, access to old forest stands for activities such as firewood cutting 

would not increase. 
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Alternative C 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative C)

No timber harvest would occur in old forest stands. Since no OFMS would be converted to OFSS, the 

amount of OFSS in dry forest would remain well below the historical range of variability. Species that 

use more open old forest would have limited habitat available. Fuels would continue to build in these 

areas where fir is encroaching into dry stands, creating a higher potential for large-scale habitat loss if a 

wildfire occurs. 

Compared to Alternative B, there would be a lesser effect on species that show a preference for higher 

canopy closure and generally more complex stands (about 50 percent less). Thinning and shelterwood 

type harvest would cause a short-term reduction of canopy cover and structural complexity on about 

1,300 acres of younger stands. While this would not affect old forest, about 225 acres would affect 

connective corridors. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Past timber harvest and roading is reflected in the existing condition. Effects from the recent harvest in 

the adjacent Lower Sheep project planning area was considered in the existing condition. The amount of 

old forest in the area would remain within the historical range of variability, even though past 

regeneration harvest units in the area have not yet recovered to support old forest associated wildlife 

species. 

Proposed harvest treatments would cause a short-term loss of existing old forest structural complexity, but 

a long-term gain would result due to increased resiliency to potentially large scale disturbances such as 

insect outbreaks, disease, and wildfire. The overall amount of stands classified as old forest would not 

change. 

Past and ongoing fire exclusion has increased fuel loads and the associated hazard of losing additional old 

forest structure and fragmenting travel corridors in the event of an uncharacteristically large-scale, high 

severity wildfire. Proposed fuel treatments would reduce the likelihood of losing large amounts of 

existing old forest. 

Ongoing recreational activities, non-commercial thinning, weed treatment, and firewood cutting would 

not have a cumulative effect to old forest habitat. Since the majority of roads in the area are closed, 

access is limited. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT - ELK HABITAT (Key Issue)

Cobbler II project planning area is within Wenaha Game Management Unit. The management objective 

(MO) for elk in the Wenaha Game Management Unit is set by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 

(ODFW) and is currently 4,250 elk. Winter counts indicate that the Wenaha herd has remained about 60 

percent below the state objective for the past 10 years. Low calf recruitment is likely due to high rates of 

predation and nutritional factors. 

Past management activities have contributed to less than optimum cover and security habitat conditions 

within the project planning area. 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

• Acres and percent of satisfactory cover 

• Acres of total cover (marginal plus satisfactory) reduced 
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• Acres of hiding cover reduced through non-commercial thinning 

• Relative change of forage 

• Miles of closed roads used 

Elk Cover

The scale of analysis for management area E2 is that which is within the project planning area, and 

intermixed or adjacent management areas C1-Dedicated Old Growth and C5-Riparian Areas, totaling 

approximately 19,600 acres. The scale of analysis for management area C4 is that which is within the 

project planning area, plus contiguous management area C4 south of the project planning area, and 

intermixed or adjacent C1 and C5, totaling approximately 7,300 acres. 

Forested stands with relatively closed canopies are often used by elk disproportional to their availability 

and can function as security cover or reduce the difference between an animal's body temperature and 

ambient air temperature. Research from the nearby Starkey Experimental Forest (Cook et al. 1998) and 

other studies suggest that the presumed thermal benefits of cover could not be substantiated, but 

recognized that multi-story forested stands are important to elk because of their heavy use throughout the 

year. Forage quality and quantity influences elk nutrition and may have the greater impact on health and 

productivity. However, the Umatilla Forest Plan contains standards for elk habitat that we continue to 

measure against, which are percent cover, open road density, and habitat effectiveness (HEI). 

The Forest Plan defines satisfactory cover as 70 percent canopy cover or more in mixed conifer forest, 

and having more than one tree layer. Marginal cover provides hiding and escape cover, but tree canopy 

may be less dense and often provides less security. 

The amount of satisfactory cover in the project planning area currently meets the minimum Forest Plan 

standard of 15 percent in management area C4-Wildlife Habitat (1,090 acres). In management area E2 –

Timber Big Game, the amount of satisfactory cover (2,360 acres) is two percent above the minimum 

standard of 10 percent. Total cover (satisfactory and marginal combined) in C4 (4,460 acres) is currently 

61 percent, and total cover in E2 (10,200 acres) is currently 52 percent. This is above the Forest Plan 

standard of 30 percent total cover. 

Forage

Elk use lower elevation canyon areas on the north and south sides of the project planning area as winter 

range. The rest of the area is used by elk in the summer, a time of storing reserves for winter and a time 

for the growth and development of calves. Forage quality for game animals has not been assessed in this 

area for many years. Although past timber harvest may have provided short-term increases in forage, the 

amount and quality of forage is largely controlled by the year to year weather (Wisdom et al. 2005). 

Livestock compete with big game for forage resources. The project planning area is within Eden Cattle 

and Horse (C&H) Allotment, for which 339 cow/calf pairs are permitted. Grazing by cattle throughout 

August, September, and part of October reduces available forage for elk and deer prior to going into the 

rut. These effects can lead to elk and deer going into breeding and winter seasons with less body fat than 

necessary to survive or successfully reproduce. 

Noxious weed invasions, if left uncontrolled, can drastically reduce the availability of native forage. 

Several species of noxious weeds are found in Cobbler II project planning area, including spotted and 

diffuse knapweed. Work is ongoing to monitor and control invasive weeds on the district 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Roads

Roads have deleterious effects on habitat effectiveness by taking habitat out of production (1 mile = 4 

acres of land), reducing the effectiveness of cover, and increasing disturbance to elk and other wildlife. 

Elk have been found to select habitats preferentially based on increasing distance from open roads 

(Rowland et al. 2000). Vulnerability and hunting mortality have been found to be higher in forested 

stands with greater road densities and less hiding cover (Weber et al. 2000). About 176 miles of road 

have been built in the Cobbler II project planning area, but 111 miles of these roads are now closed. 

With existing closures, the open road density is 1.2 miles per square mile in management area E2 and 1.1 

miles per square mile in management area C4. These open road density figures are within Forest Plan 

desired condition of an average of 2 miles per square mile or less Forest-wide (USFS 1990). 

Habitat Effectiveness Index

The elk habitat effectiveness index model (HEI) is used to predict the influence of forest management on 

elk and other big game species. The model uses the distribution of cover and forage areas, cover quality, 

and road factors to help indicate how effective an area will be in supporting big game (Thomas et al. 

1988). It is intended to be a relative measure of habitat, and does not consider many other factors such as 

topography, forage quality, weather, predation, and hunting. 

In management area C4 - Wildlife Habitat (7,300 acres), the HEI value is 60, which meets the Forest Plan 

standard that a HEI of no less than 60 will be achieved (FP 4-159). In management area E2 - Timber 

Management and Big Game (19,600 acres), the HEI value is 61, which is above the Forest Plan standard 

of 45. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES- ELK HABITAT (Key Issue)

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

Many other factors besides cover and roads influence elk numbers, such as weather, predation, and forage 

nutrition quality on land owned by various entities. In general, little change in elk and deer numbers 

would be expected with the current hunting strategies set forth by ODFW. 

Cover

The amount and distribution of elk cover and forage would not likely change in the short-term (20 years). 

Over the long-term (beyond 20 years) given current fire suppression policies, stands would continue to 

develop a multi-story structure, increasing the amount of satisfactory, marginal, and total cover above 

what is currently present. The development of more hiding and thermal cover would be beneficial to elk 

since this area is already broken up by past timber harvest. At the same time, without fuel reduction 

efforts, the likelihood that a large amount of habitat would be consumed by a heavy fuel driven 

uncharacteristic wildfire would continue to increase. 

Forage

Wherever aspen, cottonwood, and mountain mahogany are not at least partially protected, over browsing 

by cattle and big game species tends to cause these stands to deteriorate, at times to the point they cannot 

recover. Similarly, grassland in the canyons need to burn occasionally to invigorate plant growth. 

Continued fire suppression in this area along without controlled burns would cause important forage 

species to become more decadent and less nutritious or palatable to ungulates. 
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Roads

Road densities are not expected to change so human disturbance factors should remain static. In most 

areas there would be little to no disturbance from road use, heavy equipment noise, and other human 

activity. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Elk and deer populations would respond in various ways to potential habitat changes. Many other factors 

influence numbers, such as weather, predation, and forage nutrition quality on land owned by various 

entities. In general, little change in elk and deer numbers would be expected with the current hunting 

strategies set forth by ODFW. 

Cover

Existing satisfactory cover would not be entered in management area C4, because levels are already at the 

minimum Forest Plan standard of 15 percent. In Alternative B, satisfactory cover in management area E2 

would be reduced below the desired condition of 15-20 percent, but would be at or above Forest Plan 

minimum standard of 10 percent. In Alternative C it would remain at the existing 12 percent. 

Harvesting in units within wintering areas would not occur during the winter season of December 1 - 

March 30 (Chapter 2, Table 2-6). Most units in the wintering area would be thinned, except for two units 

(totaling about 50 acres) with shelterwood and seed tree harvest. Shelterwood/seed tree harvest could 

increase winter foraging opportunities in the next few years, but security cover during hunting season 

would be reduced. Both areas are behind gated closures. 

Forage

Prescribed burning in canyons and meadows would improve forage quality for big game. Implementation 

of activities would be spread over multiple years. Upon completion of each prescribed burn area, there 

would be a mosaic of unburned, lightly burned, moderately burned, and intensely burned patches. As 

green-up occurs the following spring and summer; new sprouts would be highly palatable and rich in 

nutrients. 

Aspen, cottonwood, and mountain mahogany enhancement would be beneficial to elk. Although elk

would be fenced out of some very small areas for a few years, this action is necessary to ensure the future 

existence of this important habitat. 

Amending the Forest Plan would allow management of aspen in the Elk Flats Meadow area, an area used 

heavily by elk. These stands are deteriorating quickly and are in need of fencing and conifer felling to 

encourage aspen sprouting and growth. Protection and enhancement of the aspen in this area would 

ensure the continued existence of a favored browse species. 

Roads

Open road densities would remain low and would not change. Some closed roads would be opened 

temporarily for harvest and fuels activities; however, they would remain closed to the public. The new 

road to be constructed is short (0.25 miles) and would be closed to the public. Use of closed roads 

temporarily opened together with treatment activities could cause a short-term disturbance to elk and 

other wildlife. Motorized vehicles using roads that have been closed for many years would likely cause 

elk to avoid these areas and expend more energy moving around. The same is true for noise from heavy 

equipment operating. Since proposed activities would occur gradually over a five to ten year period, 

activities would be spread out in space and time, and likely the effects of road use would be negligible. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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HEI

The HEI model is not sensitive enough to reflect the difference between action alternatives. The HEI 

value does not change in either management areas C4 or E2 for both alternatives. The value for C4 

remains at 60, and the value for E2 remains at 61. HEI values for action alternatives are within Forest 

Plan standards. 

Alternative B 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B)

Cover

Harvest treatments proposed in management area E2 would reduce the amount of satisfactory cover by 2

percent. Satisfactory cover would be at the minimum Forest Plan standard of 10 percent. 

Total cover in management area C4 would be reduced by 2 percent (135 acres), and total 59 percent, 

which is above the Forest Plan standard of 30 percent. Total cover in management area E2 would be 

reduced by 1 percent, and total 51 percent, which is above the Forest Plan standard of 30 percent. The net 

reduction in satisfactory and marginal canopy cover would be about 360 acres. 

Non-commercial thinning is proposed in some units (225 acres). An additional 1,900 acres of noncommercial thinning is proposed outside of harvest units, bringing the total to 2,125 acres. Hiding cover 

could be reduced on these 2,125 acres, but this is somewhat dependant upon topography and distance to 

open roads. Since most of the roads are closed, hiding cover is less critical to elk in this area. Hiding 

cover in non-commercial thinning units would be restored in these stands within 10 years. 

Roads

Proposed project activities would use about 90 miles of existing roads, of which about 40 miles have been 

previously closed. Although this would cause some disturbance to elk and other wildlife, road use 

activities would be spread out in time and space. Closed roads would not be open to the public during 

project activities and would remain closed after the project is completed. The temporary road would be 

decommissioned and vegetation would eventually grow back. 

Alternative C 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative C)

Cover

Effects to big game habitat are similar between action alternatives, but Alternative C retains some specific 

cover patches that are locally important to elk. By deferring these key cover stands, negative effects on 

elk distribution would be reduced. 

Existing satisfactory cover would not be entered in either management areas C4 or E2. The amount of 

satisfactory cover would not change. Total cover (marginal and satisfactory) in C4 would be reduced by 

1 percent (100 acres), and total 60 percent, which is above the Forest Plan standard of 30 percent. Total 

cover in E2 would be reduced by 1 percent (235 acres), and total 51 percent, which is above the Forest 

Plan standard of 30 percent. The net reduction in satisfactory and marginal canopy cover would be about 

335 acres. 
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Non-commercial thinning is proposed in fewer units (40 acres). An additional 1,900 acres of noncommercial thinning is proposed outside of harvest units, bringing the total to 1,940 acres. This would 

maintain about 185 more acres of hiding cover in the short-term than Alternative B. 

Roads

Proposed project activities would involve using about 80 miles of existing road to access harvest units, of 

which about 30 miles were previously closed. Road use activities would be spread out in time and space. 

Closed roads would not be open to the public during project activities and would remain closed after the 

project is completed. No temporary road construction would occur. 

The following table shows a comparison by alternatives for elk habitat.

Table 3-52 Comparison of Forest Plan Standards by Alternative for Rocky Mountain Elk. 

Indicator of Response 

 by 

Management Area 

Minimum 

Forest Plan 

Standard 

Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C 

C4 Percent Satisfactory Cover 15 15 15 15 

E2 Percent Satisfactory Cover 10 12 10 12 

C4 Percent Total Cover 30 61 59 60 

E2 Percent Total Cover 30 52 51 51 

C4 Habitat Effectiveness Index (HEI) 60 60 60 60 

E2 Habitat Effectiveness Index (HEI) 45 61 61 61 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Cover

Past timber harvest and road construction has occurred throughout the area, which is reflected in the 

existing condition. Effects from the recent harvest in the adjacent Lower Sheep project planning area was 

considered in the existing condition. Bear Flat area is especially devoid of security cover. Thinning, 

shelterwoods, and proposed and ongoing non-commercial thinning would combine to reduce hiding and 

security cover on about 4,600 acres in Alternative B, and 3,400 acres in Alternative C. This could 

influence how elk use an area at a localized scale. Hiding cover in non-commercial thinning units would 

be restored in these stands within 10 years. 

Forage

Grazing by cattle throughout August, September, and part of October reduces available forage for elk and 

deer prior to going into the rut. These effects can lead to elk and deer going into breeding and winter 

seasons with less body fat than necessary to survive or successfully reproduce. These effects are the same 

for all alternatives. 

The existence of roads and rock pits are the main soil disturbance that leads to establishment of weeds 

that can reduce forage resources for elk. Domestic livestock can exacerbate weed spread. Other carriers 

include various wildlife, people and their animal companions, and vehicles. Past efforts to control weed 

sites have been successful and monitoring and treatments will continue. Controls to reduce or eliminate 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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potential noxious weed spread via logging operations would be in place. Any new weed sites would be 

treated manually as coordinated through the forest weed program. 

Roads

Ongoing motorized vehicle use, including ATVs, is expected to continue at current levels. Other forest 

recreation that uses roads includes hunting, hiking, sightseeing, and berry picking. 

Cumulatively the effects of proposed activities in combination with other existing and potential future 

effects are not expected to have lasting negative impacts to Rocky Mountain elk and other big game 

species. 

MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES (MIS)

Rocky Mountain Elk

Rocky Mountain Elk was selected as an indicator species in the Forest Plan to represent general forest 

habitat and winter ranges for big game. Effects to elk habitat were discussed in the section above. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT-AMERICAN MARTEN

American Marten

The American marten was selected as an indicator species in the Forest Plan to represent complex mature 

and old growth stands. Preferred habitat for the marten consists of high elevation (> 4,000 feet) stands of 

dense conifer and down wood often associated with streams. The historic population density and 

distribution of marten is unknown, but they probably occurred in the area in low numbers. Past timber 

harvest may have removed a significant portion of what was former marten habitat. A marten survey 

conducted in 2006 established the presence of at least one marten about 5 miles west of the project 

planning area. Within the Cobbler II project planning area, dense, mature conifer habitat near streams is 

found in small scattered patches. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES – AMERICAN MARTEN

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

Existing marten habitat would remain in its current state in the short-term. Over time, stands in early 

successional stages would probably develop into complex, mature stands, which would provide more 

marten habitat. However, continuous fuels accumulation in the area would also cause an increasing 

likelihood for a large scale uncharacteristic wildfire. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Landscape prescribed fire, meadow burning, hardwood fencing, tree planting, non-commercial thinning, 

building 0.25 miles of road, and an amendment to change the Forest Plan management area at Elk Flats 

Meadow would have very little or no effect to marten or their habitat. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Alternative B 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B)

Approximately 25 acres of marten habitat would be affected by thinning (Unit 38). Buffers on Squaw 

Creek would limit harvest to a small area. Large trees (> 21 inches DBH) would not be removed, so 

changes to habitat components important for marten would be minor. Overall modifications to old forest 

and connectivity throughout the project planning area could make the area less attractive for marten use. 

Alternative C 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative C)

Typical marten habitat would not be directly affected by the proposed activities, and there would be no 

changes to old forest stands. Changes to connective habitat could have short-term effects if marten are 

using the area, but to a lesser extent than in Alternative B. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Past and ongoing projects such as cattle grazing, non-commercial thinning, weed treatments, and 

recreation activities in combination with proposed projects would have no cumulative effects to marten 

and their habitat. It is unlikely that marten currently occupy the area due to the small patches of existing 

habitat. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT - MIS ASSOCIATED WITH DEAD WOOD 

HABITAT

Dead Wood Habitat and DecAID

Dead wood includes standing dead trees or “snags” and down wood or logs. Bird and mammal species 

rely on dead wood for dens, nests, resting, roosting, and/or feeding on animals and organisms that use 

dead wood for all or parts of their life cycle. In forest environments, about 93 wildlife species utilize 

snags and about 86 vertebrate wildlife species are associated with down wood (Rose et al. 2001). Dead 

wood comes in all sizes (diameters) and goes through a decay process from hard to soft, ultimately ending 

up on the ground and turning into soil nutrients. 

Decayed Wood Advisor (DecAID) by Mellen et al. (2006) was used to compare dead wood availability in 

the Cobbler II area to a reference condition. DecAid is a synthesis of published scientific literature, 

research data, wildlife databases, forest vegetation databases, and expert judgment and experience. 

DecAID is not a mathematical model or wildlife/wood-decay simulator, and does not suggest snag 

retention levels for individual harvest units. 

 

Snag habitat was assessed at the landscape scale using the Current Vegetation Survey (CVS) data 

collected in the Wenaha and Grande Ronde River watersheds. CVS inventories (Brown 2003) are 

permanent plots on a 1.7-mile grid that sample the vegetative condition on Forest Service land. Plots 

within the Cobbler II snag analysis area were then compared to CVS snag data in DecAID that was 

collected from unharvested areas of the Blue Mountains. Although the data from unharvested areas may 

not accurately reflect “pre-settlement” or “natural” conditions in eastside forests due to years of fire 

exclusion (Mellen et al. 2006), it is comparable to other estimates of historic dead wood densities (Harrod 

et al. 1998, Agee 2002, Ohmann and Waddell 2002). 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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In dry upland forest, the amount of the landscape with 0 snags per acre is very close to reference 

conditions (Figures 3-5 and 3-6). In both the > 10 inch total and the > 20 inch subset, the area lacking in 

0.1 to 4.0 snags per acre is balanced out by an abundance of area with densities greater than 4 snags per 

acre (Figure 3-6). 

For moist upland forest, the disparity between reference and current conditions is greater (Figures 3-7 and 

3-8). The amount of the landscape with 0 snags per acre is about double what the reference condition 

indicates would be there without prior harvest. Another pronounced difference is in the > 20 inch subset 

(Figure 3-8) for snag densities between 0.1 and 4.0 snags/acre. Five percent of the snag analysis area falls 

within this condition, while the reference condition shows that 36 percent of the area should have these 

levels. 

 

In the years since the snag data was collected, activity by Douglas-fir beetle, fir engraver, western pine 

beetle, balsam wooly adelgid, larch casebearer, and tussock moth has been widespread in the area. 

Mortality from fir engraver has been the greatest, with scattered patches of mortality occurring over 

approximately 8,000 acres (Silviculture report). Because of this, snag densities are likely much higher in 

the moist upland forest than shown by CVS data. 

Figure 3-5 Distribution of Snags > 10" DBH in Dry Upland Forest 

Distribution of Snags >= 10 Inches DBH in the Cobbler

 Analysis Area for the Dry Upland Forest Type (Ponderosa Pine)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

0 0-4 4-8 8-12 12-16 16-20 20-24 24-28 28-32 32-36 >36

Snags / Acre

Percent of Area

DecAid - Ponderosa Pine Forest (unharvested, small/medium)

Cobbler (Grande Ronde / Wenaha - Dry Upland Forest)
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Figure 3-6 Distribution of Snags > 20" DBH in Dry Upland Forest 

Distribution of Snags >= 20 Inches DBH in the Cobbler

 Analysis Area for the Dry Upland Forest Type (Ponderosa Pine)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

0 0-2 2-4 4-6 6-8 8-10 10-12 >12

Snags/Acre

Percent of Area

DecAid - Ponderosa Pine Forest (unharvested, small/medium)

Cobbler (Grande Ronde / Wenaha - Dry Upland Forest)

Figure 3-7 Distribution of Snags > 10" DBH in Moist Upland Forest 

Distribution of Snags >= 10 Inches DBH in the Cobbler

 Analysis Area for the Moist Upland Forest Type (Eastside Mixed Conifer)

15

25

17 18

9

6

4

2

1 1 1 2

37

16

13

7

4

5

2

4

2 2 1

7

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

0 0-6 6-12 12-18 18-24 24-30 30-36 36-42 42-48 48-54 54-60 >60

Snag s/Acre

Percent of Area

DecAid - Eastside Mixed Conifer Forest (unharvested, small/medium)

Cobbler (Grande Ronde / Wenaha - Moist Upland Forest)
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Figure 3-8 Distribution of Snags > 20" DBH in Moist Upland Forest 

Distribution of Snags >= 20 Inches DBH in the Cobbler Analysis Area for the 

Moist Upland Forest Type (Eastside Mixed Conifer / Blue Mtns)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

0 0-2 2-4 4-6 6-8 8-10 10-12 12-14 14-16 16-18 >18

Snags/Acre

Percent of Area

DecAid - Eastside Mixed Conifer Forest (unharvested, small/medium)

Cobbler (Grande Ronde / Wenaha - Moist Upland Forest)

Northern Three-toed Woodpecker

The northern three-toed woodpecker was selected as an indicator species in the Forest Plan to represent 

dead and down tree habitat in mature and old growth lodgepole pine stands. They primarily eat the larvae 

of mountain pine beetles in lodgepole pine. Goggans et al. (1988) indicated that 500 acres of 

mature/overmature lodgepole pine is needed per pair of birds. There are about 1,500 acres of potential 

foraging area for three-toed woodpeckers, but reproductive habitat appears limited. Nests are 

preferentially created in mature trees with heart rot, and most of the lodgepole in this area is in a young 

forest or stem exclusion structural stage. About 400 acres of lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce may 

have larger trees (20-30 inches DBH) for nesting. 

Pileated woodpecker 

Pileated woodpecker was selected as an indicator species in the Forest Plan to represent dead and down 

tree habitat in mature and old growth mixed conifer stands. The large holes they create in trees provide 

nests for many of the larger secondary cavity nesters. Of the woodpeckers, the pileated is the most likely 

to be affected by timber management practices due to its large size and resultant need for large dead trees 

for nesting, roosting, and foraging. Approximately 90 percent of the diet of these birds consists of 

carpenter ants, which are associated with large standing and downed wood. Preferred habitat consists of 

large blocks of grand fir and mixed conifer stands in multi-story forest with large diameter snags and 

down wood (Bull and Holthausen 1993). Pileated woodpeckers nested preferentially in ponderosa pine 

and western larch in a nearby study (Nielsen-Pincus and Garton 2007). 

Pileated woodpeckers have been observed in the Cobbler II project planning area, but no formal surveys 

have been done. There are about 15,000 acres of pileated woodpecker habitat, distributed throughout the 

project planning area, and about 2,000 acres of primary nesting habitat. 
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Other Primary Cavity Excavators 

The primary cavity excavator guild was selected as an indicator species in the Forest Plan to represent a 

vast array of vertebrate species that depend upon dead standing trees and down logs for reproduction 

and/or foraging. Primary cavity excavators include 15 bird species that create holes for nesting or 

roosting in live, dead or decaying trees. Secondary cavity users such as owls, bluebirds, and flying 

squirrels may use these cavities later for denning, roosting, and nesting. 

Habitat for primary cavity excavators includes coniferous and hardwood stands in a variety of structural 

stages and the availability of dead trees in various size and decay classes (Thomas 1979). Primary habitat 

generally contains snags greater than 15 inches DBH, while smaller sizes provide secondary habitat. 

Primary cavity excavators that may be present include Lewis' woodpecker, white-headed woodpecker, 

northern flicker, hairy woodpecker, downy woodpecker, Williamson's sapsucker, red-naped sapsucker, 

black-capped, chestnut, and mountain chickadees, and the red-breasted, white-breasted, and pygmy 

nuthatches. 

There is little habitat available within the project planning area for Lewis’ woodpecker, white-headed 

woodpecker, and pygmy nuthatch. White-headed woodpeckers are most common in extensive stands of 

mature ponderosa pine. Currently there are about 100 acres of old forest, single story, ponderosa pine 

forest in the project planning area, and an additional 300 acres of old forest, single story where ponderosa 

pine is a co-dominant species. Lewis’ woodpecker also prefers more open pine, and is attracted to burned 

old forest, which are also lacking in the project planning area. These species are also discussed in the 

Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive wildlife section. 

Habitat for other primary cavity excavators is variable with most available in areas of light or no 

management activities, and less in areas of intensive management. Areas with low snag densities are due 

to past fire prevention, timber salvage, and an inadequate number retained or loss of snags and 

replacements in previously harvested units. Insect and disease activity, drought, and overstory mortality 

due to high stand densities have likely created new snags and down wood. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES - MIS ASSOCIATED WITH DEAD 

WOOD HABITAT

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

Alternative A would provide the greatest amount of snags and large down wood for cavity dependent 

species. Additional snags and large down wood would be created as overstory mortality increases and 

dead trees eventually fall creating new foraging and nesting habitat. Population numbers would likely 

increase with the additional nesting and foraging habitat. Stands would continue to develop old growth 

habitat characteristics (large trees, large snags, down wood, multi-story canopy) in the long-term. 

Ongoing and potential increases in disease and insect occurrence could improve habitat by creating 

foraging and nesting habitat (dead wood). There is an increased potential for uncharacteristic wildfire 

that could reduce nesting habitat for pileated woodpecker, but other woodpecker species would respond 

positively. The black-backed woodpecker and Lewis’ woodpecker would benefit due to their preference 

for recently burned stands. Most other woodpeckers would respond to wildfire by shifting their use to 

adjacent unburned or lightly burned stands. 
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Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Fuels treatments would remove some existing dead and down wood habitat in order to reduce the fuel 

loading in strategic areas. Danger tree removal would also reduce standing dead trees within units and 

along haul routes. Harvest may decrease nesting and foraging habitat due to the reduction of dead and 

down wood habitat. However, most trees and snags greater than or equal to 21 inches DBH would be 

retained, as well as an adequate number of replacement trees for future snag development. 

In order to ensure that activities would not reduce snags on the landscape beyond desired conditions, at 

least three large snags per acre would be retained in treatment areas (Chapter 2, Table 2-6). If large snags 

are not available, snags between 10 and 19 inches can be substituted. A minimum of 3-6 down logs per 

acre (in the dry plant association) or 15-20 down logs per acre (in the moist plant association) would be 

retained to meet Forest Plan standards as amended. Green trees would be retained at the minimum levels 

identified in project design criteria (Chapter 2, Table 2-6), but the majority of stands would exceed this 

number because most of the proposed harvest involves thinning. 

The potential for loss of existing interior habitat to an uncharacteristic wildland fire would be reduced 

after fuels treatments are completed. In the long-term, this would benefit most cavity excavators. 

Proposed stand treatments would begin to repair areas affected by fire exclusion and past harvest, 

ultimately providing more resilient forest that will continue to provide snag habitat into the future. 

Prescribed fire can cause high snag losses, especially if there has been a long fire-free period (Bagne et al. 

2008). Slash from harvest within units would not be piled against snags to help reduce this effect. 

Landscape prescribed burning could provide additional snags if fire creeps into timbered stringers of the 

canyon. Other projects (non-commercial thinning, tree planting, road work, and meadow burning) would 

have little effect to snag densities. 

The Forest Plan amendment to change Elk Flats Meadow from management area D2 – RNA to A9- 

Special Interest Area would allow a few dead trees to be cut where they are intermixed with aspen. This 

would have a small impact because of the high density of snags in that area. Hardwood protection would 

benefit species such as Williamson’s sapsuckers. 

Alternative B 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B)

Snags would be presumably reduced to varying degrees on 2,500 acres of harvest, or 10 percent of the 

forested stands in the project planning area. Snags would also be reduced through danger tree removal 

along approximately 90 miles of roads. 

Effects to snags would be relatively minor in dry forest because existing snag levels are close to the 

reference condition. Within harvest units, snags would be retained at levels required in the Forest Plan. 

Harvest and fuels treatments would affect about 1,600 acres of pileated woodpecker habitat. Primary 

nesting habitat would decrease by 260 acres (13 percent of available nesting habitat) because stands 

would be opened up by thinning. Although closed canopy forests were not essential for use, pileated 

woodpecker nest success was higher in home ranges with larger areas of >60 percent canopy closure 

(Bull et al. 2007). 
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Thinning and shelterwood type cuts in lodgepole pine would decrease habitat for northern three-toed 

woodpecker by about 200 acres (13 percent of available habitat). In areas that are mostly lodgepole pine 

(Seed Tree Cut patches) there would be 12 to 14 residual mature trees per acre left. Larger trees (>21 

inches DBH) in these stands would be removed if infected with dwarf mistletoe. 

Habitat for white-headed woodpecker would increase by about 100 acres where dry old forest is thinned. 

Harvest may decrease nesting and foraging habitat for other cavity excavator species due to the reduction 

of dead and down wood habitat. 

Alternative C 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative C)

Snags would be presumably reduced to varying degrees on about 1,300 acres of harvest, or 5 percent of 

the forested stands in the project planning area. Snags would also be reduced through danger tree 

removal along approximately 80 miles of roads. Within harvest units, snags would be retained at levels 

required in the Forest Plan. 

Primary nesting habitat for pileated woodpecker and white-headed woodpecker would not be affected 

because no activities are proposed in old forest. Thinning and seed tree type cuts in lodgepole pine would 

decrease habitat for northern three-toed woodpecker by about 150 acres (10 percent of available habitat). 

Larger trees (>21 inches DBH) in these stands would be removed if infected with dwarf mistletoe. In 

seed tree cut patches which contain mostly lodgepole pine, there would be 12 to 14 residual mature trees 

per acre left. Harvest may decrease foraging habitat due to the reduction of dead and down wood habitat, 

but to a lesser degree than Alternative B (about half). 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C) 

Ongoing activities such as hardwood restoration would benefit species such as Williamson’s sapsuckers. 

Timber harvest activities in addition to existing recreational use of the area could behaviorally disturb 

birds to a small degree, but not for extended periods. 

Personal firewood collection and roadside danger tree removal would contribute to snag reductions, 

however the overall effects on snag dependent wildlife would be small because removal typically occurs 

only within 150 feet of open roads. Other ongoing activities such as non-commercial thinning and weed 

treatments would have no cumulative effect to dead wood habitat. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT- THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND 

SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES (TES) 

An endangered species is an animal or plant species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that 

is in danger of extinction throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range. A threatened species is an 

animal or plant species listed under the ESA that is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable 

future throughout all or a significant portion of, its range. A sensitive species is an animal or plant 

species identified by the Forest Service Regional Forester for which species viability is a concern either 

(a) because of significant current or predicted downward trend in population numbers or density, or (b) 

because of significant current or predicted downward trends in habitat capability that would reduce a 

species existing distribution. 
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The Forest Service, Region 6, sensitive animal list (USFS 2008) and the federal endangered species list 

were reviewed for species that may be present. As required, current lists of federally listed species by 

county were obtained from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and are included in the project file. Based on 

District records, surveys, and monitoring, as well as published literature about distribution and habitat 

utilization, species that might occur in or near the project planning area include: Canada lynx, gray wolf, 

California wolverine, Townsend’s big-eared bat, northern bald eagle, Lewis’ woodpecker, white-headed 

woodpecker, Columbia spotted frog, and inland tailed frog. 

The peregrine falcon, upland sandpiper, northern leopard frog, and painted turtle are not expected to occur 

in the project planning area. These four species and their habitat would not be affected by the proposed 

activities; therefore, no further discussion is necessary. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT - CANADA LYNX (THREATENED)

Cobbler II project planning area currently provides about 3,300 acres of suitable foraging and/or denning 

habitat for Canada lynx. Lynx habitat in this area is primarily subalpine fir habitat types where lodgepole 

pine is a major seral species, generally between 4,100-6,600 feet in elevation. 

Umatilla National Forest is currently considered “unoccupied” by Canada lynx (USFS 2006). Based on 

the lack of reproduction records, limited verified records of lynx, low frequency of occurrences, and 

correlations with cyclic highs with populations in Canada, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded 

that lynx could occur in Oregon as dispersers that have never maintained resident populations (USFWS 

2003). 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES - CANADA LYNX (THREATENED)

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

There would be no direct effect to individuals if proposed actions were not implemented. The condition of 

habitat would not change in the short-term. Natural processes over the long-term would typically mean 

continued growth in vegetation and/or fires, leading to an increase of lynx foraging and denning habitat. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

No direct effects to Canada lynx are expected to occur because the project does not propose any activities 

identified as mortality risk factors such as trapping or highway expansions. Implementation of proposed 

activities should not directly affect Canada lynx. They are not believed to inhabit the area. If a lynx 

moved into or traveled through the project planning area, human presence, noise, and traffic could cause 

temporary avoidance of the area. Habitats would not be modified to the point that the project planning 

area would be rendered uninhabitable. 

Non-commercial thinning would not affect suitable habitat. The proposed Forest Plan amendment to 

change management area allocations would allow aspen protection at Elk Flats Meadow. This would be 

beneficial to lynx because it would maintain or create habitat for key lynx prey species such as snowshoe 

hare and grouse. 
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Alternative B 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B) 

Suitable lynx habitat would be reduced by 240 acres. Mechanical harvest, low intensity burning, and 

mastication of slash would remove vegetation and change stand structure in seven harvest units, rendering 

them unsuitable for lynx and their prey in the short-term. This is a small effect in relation to total lynx 

habitat in the larger area. Over 3,000 acres of suitable lynx habitat would remain within the project 

planning area. Since lynx are not known to occupy the area, there would be no effect to the lynx 

population. 

Alternative C 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative C) 

Suitable lynx habitat would be reduced by 85 acres. Mechanical harvest, low intensity burning, and 

mastication of slash would remove vegetation and change stand structure in two harvest units, rendering 

them unsuitable for lynx and their prey in the short-term. This is a small effect in relation to total lynx 

habitat in the larger area. Over 3,200 acres of suitable lynx habitat would remain within the project 

planning area. Since lynx are not known to occupy the area, there would be no effect to the lynx 

population. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Ongoing non-commercial thinning would not occur in suitable lynx habitat. No other past, ongoing, or 

future foreseeable projects would cause cumulative effects to lynx. Overall, there would be no effect to 

Canada lynx, because the Blue Mountains are considered ‘unoccupied’ by resident lynx (USFS 2006) and 

a small reduction of suitable habitat on the fringe of lynx range is not expected to have any impact on the 

lynx population. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT – GRAY WOLF (ENDANGERED)2

The gray wolf is a habitat generalist inhabiting a variety of plant communities typically containing a mix 

of forested and open areas with a variety of topographic features. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

recently removed the Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of gray wolf from 

the Endangered Species List (USFWS 2008), however this decision was enjoined pending further review. 

The Service removed this DPS from the Endangered Species list a second time in 2009 (USFWS 2009), 

but again a judge issued an order that restored gray wolf to the list on August 5, 2010. 

Guidance for wolves in Oregon is outlined in the state’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan 

(ODFW 2005). The state of Oregon will continue to manage gray wolf as a state endangered species until 

several packs are established (ODFW 2005), regardless of federal listing status. 

Wolves have been documented over the past two years in the Cobbler II project planning area and 

reproduction has been verified, however no den or rendezvous sites have been identified. The Cobbler II 

 

2 When the Cobbler II DEIS was prepared, the gray wolf was addressed as a sensitive species, as listed on the 

Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species List (January 31, 2008). A determination of “no impact” was made in the 

Wildlife Report. The Wildlife Report has now been appended to reflect the August 5, 2010 rule with a “no effect” 

determination. 
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project planning area provides abundant deer and elk, as well as other prey species for wolves year-round. 

The potential for wolf mortality from accidental or illegal shooting is considered low in this area because 

overall open road densities (including OHV trails) are relatively low (approximately 1.2 miles per square 

mile). 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES – GRAY WOLF (ENDANGERED)

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects

There would be no direct or indirect effects to wolves if proposed actions were not implemented. 

Existing habitat conditions, prey base, and potential for wolf/human conflict would not change. Natural 

processes over the long term such as growth in vegetation and potential wildfires would not affect wolf 

behavior or ability to survive. Therefore, taking no action would have no effect to gray wolf. 

 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Key things to consider when evaluating effects to wolves include direct disturbance, prey availability, and 

the potential for wolf/human interactions. 

Wolves are being monitored in the Cobbler II project planning area, and no den or rendezvous sites have 

been identified to date (Russ Morgan, ODFW, personal communication). If a den or rendezvous site is 

identified prior to or during project activities, the Blue Mountain Programmatic Informal Section 7 

Consultation Process (April 25, 2007) will be followed. For example, if in the future we find that project 

activities are within one mile of a den site, seasonal restrictions would be put in place. Because these sites 

are difficult to locate and can change from year to year, this will need to be assessed on an ongoing basis 

throughout the life of Cobbler II project activities. 

Based on the analysis of elk habitat (discussed previously in this chapter), prey availability in the area is 

not expected to change as a result of the proposed activities. 

The potential for wolf /human interactions which may lead to mortality from accidental or illegal shooting 

would not increase. All roads that are closed to the public would remain closed, therefore open road 

densities would not change. 

Road work, harvest and associated activities, and other projects would take place gradually over five to 

ten years, which would limit the potential for disturbance to small areas at any given time. No effects 

from disturbance are expected at this time, but will need to be assessed on an ongoing basis throughout 

the life of the Cobbler II project activities. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Cobbler II project planning area overlaps the Eden Cattle Allotment, in which 339 cow/calf pairs are 

permitted. Cattle grazing occurs from early June to late October each year. Wolves and livestock can coexist as long as wolves do not become habituated to humans (such as being fed), and do not perceive 

livestock as prey. A response strategy is in place if wolf-livestock conflicts occur (ODFW 2005). 
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Wolves have a large home range, and are likely utilizing the nearby Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and 

Grande Ronde Inventoried Roadless Area. Although these secluded areas are available, monitoring 

indicates that wolves have chosen to spend time in managed areas where ongoing land management and 

public use activities are occurring. Ongoing activities in the project planning area include aspen fence 

maintenance, non-commercial tree thinning, noxious weed control, and road maintenance. Public 

recreation uses generally stem from roads and include hunting, hiking, sightseeing, and berry picking. 

Ongoing motorized vehicle use, including ATVs, is expected to continue at current low levels. These 

activities do not appear to be causing effects to wolves. 

Cumulatively the effects of proposed activities in combination with other past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions are not expected to have negative impacts to gray wolves or their prey species. 

Determination:

Effects are not expected because proposed activities would not disturb key wolf areas such as den sites, 

would not change prey availability, and would not increase public access in the area. Based on 

monitoring, ongoing activities in the area do not appear to be causing effects to wolves. If a den or 

rendezvous site is identified prior to or during project activities, the Blue Mountain Programmatic 

Informal Section 7 Consultation Process (April 25, 2007) will be followed and seasonal restrictions would 

be implemented. Therefore, this project in combination with other past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions will have no effect to gray wolf. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT - SENSITIVE SPECIES

California wolverine (Sensitive)

Wolverines typically inhabit high elevation conifer forest where sufficient food is available and human 

activity is low. Denning habitat is usually open rocky talus slopes where snow depths remain over 3 feet 

into spring. They tend to forage over large areas and travel long distances. The majority of Cobbler II 

project planning area is suitable for wolverine foraging, but no potential denning areas are known. There 

are no indications that wolverine do more than pass through on a rare occasion. 

Townsend’s big-eared bat (Sensitive)

The big-eared bat occurs in a wide variety of habitats including coniferous forests (Norwak 1994). Bat 

occurrence is strongly correlated with the availability of caves or cave-like roosting habitat such as mine 

adits, and buildings (Perkins and Schommer 1992). These sites are highly sensitive to disturbance and 

human interference. Individuals or small groups (3-5 individuals) of bats may day roost in hollow and 

creviced trees and snags for a limited time, but tend to stay within a few miles of colonial roosts (Perkins 

and Schommer 1992). 

This bat species is not known to occur in the project planning area, and no suspected roost habitat has 

been identified. Potential habitat in the watershed includes out buildings, rocky areas with deep crevices, 

hollow trees, and snags near water. Suitable habitat would most likely occur along the Grande Ronde 

River and major tributaries. 

Bald eagle (Sensitive)

Bald eagles are occasionally seen along the Grande Ronde and Wenaha Rivers, but no nests are suspected 

near the project planning area. The nearest known nest is about eight miles south of the Cobbler II project 

planning area, and it has been inactive. 
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Columbia spotted frog -Great Basin population (Sensitive)

Recent research indicates that Columbia spotted frogs in northeast Oregon are part of the Northern 

population, which ranges from British Columbia southeast into Washington, northeast Oregon, northern 

Idaho, and Montana (Funk et al. in press). The Northern population is not considered imperiled, and is 

not listed as sensitive by the Regional Forester. Since the study did not include frogs from the Umatilla 

National Forest, we cannot say with 100 percent certainty that no Great Basin frogs occur here. Overlap 

between the Great Basin and Northern spotted frog populations occurs in southeastern Oregon (Funk et al. 

in press, Tait 2007). 

Spotted frogs may be present in the project planning area in streams, ponds, and marshy areas with 

abundant aquatic vegetation. Ponds and streams have been checked in a few areas and no spotted frogs 

have been observed. 

Inland tailed frog (Sensitive)

A few records indicate the presence of tailed frogs on the Umatilla National Forest. They inhabit cold 

water streams and are difficult to spot. There is a good chance that tailed frogs might inhabit some creeks 

in the project planning area. 

White–headed woodpecker (Sensitive)

White-headed woodpeckers have been recently observed just outside of the project planning area. 

Preferred habitat is open ponderosa pine with large trees and snags. Currently there are about 100 acres 

of old forest, single story, ponderosa pine forest in the project planning area, and an additional 300 acres 

of old forest, single story where ponderosa pine is a co-dominant species. 

Lewis woodpecker (Sensitive)

Lewis woodpeckers may occur, but there are no records for this part of the District. Lewis woodpeckers 

tend to use open ponderosa pine forest, open riparian woodland dominated by cottonwood, and burned 

pine forest (Tobalske 1997). Only small pockets of this type of habitat occur in the Cobbler II project 

planning area (<100 acres). 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES – SENSITIVE SPECIES

Alternative A 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

There would be no direct effect to individuals of these species if proposed actions were not implemented. 

The condition of habitats for listed and sensitive wildlife species would not change in the short-term. In 

the long-term habitat would not change other than through natural processes. Growth in vegetation 

throughout would eventually result in an increase of foraging and security habitat for species such as 

wolverine and lynx. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B and C)

If any of these species happen to be in the area, the increased traffic, equipment noise, and human 

presence could cause them to temporarily avoid the area. No long-term effects are expected because 

habitats would not be modified to the point that the project planning area would be rendered uninhabitable 

by these species. 
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Wolverines are not documented in this area, but may pass through undetected and/or stay for short 

periods. Proposed activities could have short-term effects, but the risk of disturbance to wolverines is 

considered very low. None of the treatment areas are near wolverine denning habitat. Activities 

proposed would not alter prey availability or use of the area by wolverine; therefore, this project would 

not cause a trend toward federal listing and there would be no impact to wolverine. 

Proposed activities would not affect caves, buildings, or mine adits that attract big-eared bats. Since there 

are no historical or recent records of this species in the project planning area, and no nearby roosting sites 

known, there would be no impact to big-eared bat. 

Use of the area by bald eagles is sporadic and roosting and foraging habitat near the river would not be 

affected by the project. If this species were in the area during project activities, increased human 

presence and noise could cause it to move elsewhere. The effects would be limited and spread out in time 

and space, and it is not likely that eagles would be present. Therefore, there would be no impacts to bald 

eagle. 

Wet areas which may have spotted frog or tailed frogs are generally within Riparian Habitat Conservation 

Areas, and are not impacted by forest management activities; therefore, there would be no impacts to 

these species. 

Stand thinning may impact white-headed woodpecker and Lewis’ woodpecker. Alternative B proposes 

thinning approximately 100 acres of old forest where ponderosa pine is dominant or co-dominant. Large 

trees (>21 inches DBH) would be retained in units. This would immediately create the type of habitat 

that these woodpeckers are associated with. An additional 225 acres of younger stands dominated by 

ponderosa pine would be thinned, which would eventually provide more habitat for white-headed 

woodpecker as remaining trees grow larger. Alternative C does not propose thinning in old forest; 

therefore no improvements to potential white-headed woodpecker would occur in the short-term. An 

additional 60 acres of younger stands dominated by ponderosa pine would be thinned, which would 

eventually provide more habitat for white-headed and Lewis’ woodpecker as remaining trees grow larger. 

Landscape prescribed burning could also increase habitat for Lewis’ woodpecker. Fire in the canyon may 

creep into forested stringers which contain large trees. Since habitat would be increased, and no nesting 

is currently known, the proposed projects may impact white-headed and Lewis’ woodpecker, but will not 

likely cause a trend toward federal listing. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Ongoing activities such as public recreation, cattle grazing, and non-commercial thinning would not cause 

additional, cumulative effects to any TES species. Effects from the recent harvest in the adjacent Lower 

Sheep project planning area was considered in the existing condition. 
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The following table is a summary of biological determinations for TES terrestrial wildlife species. 

Table 3-53 Summary of Effects to TES Wildlife Species by Alternative 

Species Status 

Species 

Occurrence and 

Habitat Suitability

Biological Determination 

Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C 

Canada lynx 

Lynx canadensis Threatened Potential NE NE NE 

Gray wolf 

Canis lupus Endangered Documented NE NE NE 

California Wolverine 

Gulo gulo Sensitive Potential NI NI NI 

Townsend’s big-eared bat 

Corynorhinus townsendii Sensitive No Habitat NI NI NI 

Bald eagle 

Haliaeetus leucocephalus Sensitive Potential NI NI NI 

Peregrine falcon 

Falco peregrinus Sensitive No Habitat NI NI NI 

White-headed woodpecker 

Picoides albolarvatus Sensitive Documented NI MI MI 

Lewis woodpecker 

Melanerpes lewis Sensitive Potential NI MI MI 

Upland sandpiper 

Bartramia longicauda Sensitive No Habitat NI NI NI 

Columbia spotted frog 

Rana luteiventris Sensitive Potential NI NI NI 

Inland tailed frog 

Ascaphus montanus Sensitive Potential NI NI NI 

Northern leopard frog

Rana pipiens Sensitive No Habitat NI NI NI 

Painted turtle 

Chrysemys picta Sensitive No Habitat NI NI NI 

NE No effect on a proposed or listed species or critical habitat. 

NI No Impact to R6 sensitive species individuals, populations, or their habitat. 

MI May impact sensitive species, but will not likely cause a trend toward federal listing. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT-NORTHERN GOSHAWK

Past timber harvest has fragmented dense coniferous forest in the project planning area and reduced the 

amount of goshawk nesting habitat. No goshawk nest sites are known in the project planning area, 

although it is possible that some exist. Goshawk surveys are ongoing. The Forest Plan, as amended by 

the “Eastside Screens” provides protections for goshawk nesting territories. If active nests are found at 

any time, they would be protected in accordance with the amendment’s guidelines. 
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Important goshawk habitat components include large diameter live trees, large diameter snags and logs, 

multiple canopy layers, and contiguous forested habitat with low fragmentation. Nesting sites typically 

consist of a dense cluster of large trees, surrounded by a similar forest type with a more open overstory. 

Foraging habitat consists of a variety of structural stages with structural complexity and high canopy 

closure in general. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES – NORTHERN GOSHAWK

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

No changes in existing habitat would occur. If nesting territories exist in the project planning area, 

habitat quality and levels of disturbance to nesting birds would remain the same. Over time, some stands 

would develop into nesting habitat for goshawk, but foraging areas with open understory would decline. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Landscape prescribed fire, meadow burning, tree planting, non-commercial thinning, and road building 

would have very little or no effect to northern goshawk or their habitat. Amending the Forest Plan would 

allow management of aspen in the Elk Flats Meadow area. Protection and enhancement of the aspen in 

this area would increase habitat for goshawk prey species. 

Alternative B 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B)

The distribution of goshawk nesting and foraging habitat would change. Thinning about 485 acres of old 

forest habitat would open-up mature, closed canopy stands. Since all trees > 21 inches DBH would be 

retained in the stand, these areas could remain suitable if clusters of large trees remain. 

Proposed silviculture treatments would reduce canopy closure and structural complexity on about 2,000 

acres outside of old forest. This could affect goshawk prey species and reduce goshawk nest success. 

Since nesting by goshawk in the area is unknown at this time, the degree of effect is unknown. 

Alternative C 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative C)

Harvest and fuels reduction would not likely affect nesting habitat for northern goshawk, since no old 

forest would be treated. Harvesting in all stands includes retention of all trees > 21 inches DBH, which 

would preserve future nesting trees. 

Proposed silviculture treatments would reduce canopy closure and structural complexity on about 1,270 

acres outside of old forest. Effects to goshawk foraging habitat and prey species would be less than 

Alternative B. Since the number of goshawk in the area is unknown at this time, the degree of effect is 

unknown, but it would be less than Alternative B. 
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Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Past and ongoing projects such as cattle grazing, non-commercial thinning, and recreation activities in 

combination with proposed projects would not cause cumulative effects to northern goshawk. If active 

nests are found at any time, they would be protected in accordance with the Forest Plan as amended by 

the Eastside Screens. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT-LANDBIRDS

Neotropical migratory birds are those that breed in the U.S. and winter south of the border in Central and 

South America. Continental and local declines in population trends for migratory and resident landbirds 

have developed into an international concern. Roughly one half of all birds occurring on the forest are 

Neotropical migrants. Many of these species are associated with old forest, riparian areas, or unique 

features such as aspen, shrubs, and meadows. 

Partners in Flight (PIF) led an effort to complete a series of Bird Conservation Plans for the entire 

continental United States to address declining population trends in migratory landbirds. These plans are 

used to address the requirements contained in Executive Order (EO) 13186 (January 10, 2001), 

Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds. 

 

The Conservation Strategy for Landbirds in the Northern Rocky Mountains of Eastern Oregon and 

Washington (Altman 2000) identifies the following priority habitat types: Dry Forest, Late Successional 

Mesic Mixed Conifer, Riparian Woodland and Shrub, and several “unique” habitats. 

Dry Forest Habitat

The dry forest habitat type includes coniferous forest composed exclusively of ponderosa pine, or dry 

stands co-dominated by ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir or grand fir (Altman 2000). Bird species 

associated with dry forest have shown the greatest population declines and range retractions in the 

northern Rocky Mountain province (Altman 2000). In particular, bird species highly associated with 

snags and old-forest conditions have declined. These species include white-headed woodpecker, 

flammulated owl, white-breasted nuthatch, pygmy nuthatch, Williamson's sapsucker, and Lewis' 

woodpecker. 

Old forest, single-story ponderosa pine habitat has declined by 96 percent in the Blue Mountains 

Ecological Reporting Units (ERUs) of the Interior Columbia Basin, mainly a result of timber harvest and 

fire suppression (Wisdom et al. 2000). Habitat restoration is the primary strategy for conservation of 

landbirds associated with this habitat type. 

Currently there are about 100 acres of old forest, single story, ponderosa pine forest in the project 

planning area, and an additional 300 acres of old forest, single story where ponderosa pine is a codominant species. 

Habitat for white-headed woodpecker, flammulated owl, and Lewis’ woodpecker is currently very limited 

in the project planning area. 

Mesic Mixed Conifer Habitat 

Mesic mixed conifer habitats are primarily cool Douglas-fir, grand fir sites and larch sites. The desired 

condition is a multi-layered old forest with a diversity of structural elements. Conservation focal species 

and habitat conditions include: Vaux’s swift for large snags; Townsend’s warbler for overstory canopy 
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closure, varied thrush for structural diversity and multiple layers; MacGillivray’s warbler for a dense 

shrub layer in forest openings or understory; and olive-sided flycatcher for edges and openings created by 

fire. 

There are about 5,000 acres of mesic mixed conifer habitat in a multi layered condition in the project 

planning area. Dense shrub layers occur in patches. Edges and openings created by fire are lacking. 

Riparian Woodland and Shrub Habitat 

Riparian vegetation is particularly important to Neotropical migratory songbirds (Sallabanks et al. 

2001:217). This habitat type includes riparian communities dominated by shrubs (willow, alder, etc.) that 

occur along bodies of water or in association with wet meadows and wetlands (Altman 2000). The desired 

condition is a structurally diverse vegetative community of native species that occur in natural patterns 

relative to hydrological influences. Focal species and habitat conditions include: Lewis’ woodpecker for 

large snags; red-eyed vireo for canopy foliage and structure; veery for understory foliage and structure; 

and willow flycatcher for willow/alder shrub patches. 

In general, the project planning area contains the riparian shrub habitat criteria described above. Along 

streams and creeks in the project planning area, shrub cover occurs in scattered clumps. Wet areas such 

as seeps, bogs, and springs also provide small patches of riparian habitat. Willow, alder, mountain maple, 

and hawthorn are common. Willow flycatchers have been observed near the project planning area. Redeyed vireo may use the scattered cottonwood trees in the area. 

Subalpine Forest 

This habitat type is the coolest and wettest forest zone, dominated by subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, 

lodgepole pine, and huckleberry. Important features of the subalpine forest are a multi-layered structure 

and dense understory of shrubs (Altman 2000), and the focal species is the hermit thrush. 

Subalpine forest habitat coincides with the cold upland forest potential vegetation group. There are only 

137 acres of this forest type in the project planning area. 

Montane Meadow 

This habitat type includes wet and dry meadows dominated by herbaceous vegetation and grass at 

moderate and high elevations. These meadows are generally associated with streams and springs. The 

upland sandpiper is the focal species, but is not known to occur in the project planning area. Other 

species that benefit from conservation of this habitat are sandhill crane, long-billed curlew, Wilson’s 

phalarope, common snipe, and savanna sparrow. Most meadows in the project planning area (for 

example, the ones slated for burning) are essentially dry. There are no wet meadows of substantial size 

except for Elk Flats Meadow Meadow and Round Meadow which are seasonally wet. 

Steppe-Shrubland 

Steppe-shrublands occur in a wide range of habitat types, including grassland, sagebrush, montane 

meadows, fallow fields, juniper-steppe, and dry open woodlands and openings in forested habitats 

(Altman 2000). Habitat criteria (objectives) for the steppe-shrubland habitat type include maintaining a 

mosaic of steppe and shrubland habitats with < 10 percent tree cover. Associated bird species include 

vesper sparrow, lark sparrow, Brewer’s sparrow, and long-billed curlew. 

There are at least 4,000 acres of steppe-shrublands in the project planning area, with the majority in the 

canyon slopes above Bear and Alder Creeks and the Grande Ronde River. Lark sparrows have been 

observed near Alder Creek. 
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Aspen 

Associated bird species include the red-naped sapsucker, Williamson sapsucker, tree swallow, northern 

pygmy owl, western screech owl, and others. Aspen stands have declined throughout the Blue 

Mountains, due to a combination of factors including fire suppression, competition with invading shadetolerant species, overgrazing (livestock and wild ungulates), and drought have contributed to their decline. 

Aspen stands are present, but most are small in size (less than 1 acre), spatially discontinuous, and have a 

deteriorating overstory. There are at least 15 individual stands in the project planning area. The largest 

stands are located at Elk Flats Meadow. In other areas, single trees or very small clumps are all that 

remain of historical clones. Several stands have been fenced to protect young aspen sprouts from grazing 

ungulates. Restoration of aspen habitats is important, but is often hindered by a lack of funding. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES - LANDBIRDS

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

The current condition of habitats for landbirds in the project planning area would not change in the shortterm. Bird species that rely on multiple tree layers and high canopy closure would likely remain static. 

Dry forest could continue to fill in with fir due to continued fire suppression, which could further reduce 

open, single-story, old forest habitat. Insect and disease damage would continue to affect tree species 

compositions. Aspen habitat would continue to decline. Snags would likely increase in number, 

benefiting many snag associated species. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Amending the Forest Plan would allow management of aspen in the Elk Flats Meadow area. These 

stands are deteriorating quickly and are in need of fencing and conifer felling to encourage aspen 

sprouting and growth. Protection and enhancement of the aspen in this area would insure the continued 

existence of an important habitat for many bird species. 

Reduction of crown and ladder fuels would reduce habitat for some birds, but it would also reduce the 

chances that a large scale uncharacteristic wildfire would eliminate large areas of forest habitat. Timber 

harvest in the area would improve stand health and resiliency by reducing overstocking, disease, and 

fuels, and subsequently restore a diversity of tree species. Retention of most trees > 21 inches DBH 

would reduce the extent of effects to most birds of concern. 

Landscape prescribed fire and post-harvest fuels treatments (mastication, underburning, etc) would 

remove some shrubs, grasses, and seedlings from the understory, temporarily reducing cover and 

decreasing foraging habitat for some birds. If activities occur during springtime, ground nesting birds 

could be temporarily disrupted. 

Some existing snag habitat would decrease within harvest and fuels reduction units, and removal of 

danger trees also along haul routes. Snags would be left in units at levels identified in the design features 

and management requirements outlined in Chapter 2, Table 2-6. Additional trees would likely die as a 

result of broadcast burning in some areas after harvest and thus bolster the number of snags. 
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Road building constitutes a removal of habitat, be it forested, shrub, grass or lithosol. It also creates a 

situation in which nearby snags become a danger to people using the roads and must be removed. 

Proposed new road construction is only 0.25 miles occurring in a previously impacted area. A minor 

amount of bird habitat would be affected. 

Non-commercial thinning outside of harvest units would have little to no effects to landbirds of 

conservation concern. This small tree thinning would eventually lead to larger diameter trees and provide 

future habitat for birds associated with older forests. 

Alternative B 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B)

Timber harvest and fuels reduction treatments would reduce canopy closure and structural complexity on 

approximately 2,500 acres, but the amount of old forest in the area would remain within the historical 

range of variability. Harvest is proposed in about 485 acres in old forest multi story (OFMS) and in 300 

acres of old forest connective habitat 

Harvest would not cause reductions in the overall amount of old forest. Rather, OFMS would be 

converted to old forest single story (OFSS). This represents a positive effect for some bird species and a 

negative effect for others. Species that may benefit from a conversion of OFMS to OFSS include pygmy 

nuthatches, flammulated owl, and white-headed woodpecker. Thinning 120 acres in dry upland forest 

would slightly increase the amount of OFSS, which is deficient in the area. 

Regeneration type harvest of about 300 acres would reduce understory and closed canopy habitat for birds 

such as the hermit thrush and varied thrush. These areas are primarily lodgepole pine and other stands 

with heavy disease and mortality. Harvest treatments to remove diseased trees and replace them with 

more resilient species would eventually lead to more and better bird habitat. 

Alternative C 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative C)

No timber harvest would occur in old forest stands. Since no OFMS would be converted to OFSS, the 

amount of OFSS in dry forest would remain well below the historical range of variability. Species that 

use more open old forest would have limited habitat available. Fuels would continue to build in these 

areas where fir is encroaching into dry stands, increasing the likelihood of a large-scale habitat loss if a 

wildfire occurs. 

Effects to bird species that show a preference for higher canopy closure and generally more complex 

stands would be about 50 percent less than in Alternative B. In the long-term these stands would be 

healthier and able to grow into old forest structure sooner than if not thinned. About 225 acres of thinning 

in younger stands of dry upland forest would accelerate growth towards the OFSS condition. 

This alternative leaves more closed canopy cover in the project planning area in the short-term as 

compared to Alternative B. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Ongoing activities such as cattle grazing and recreational uses have little cumulative effect on birds of 

concern in this area due to the limited duration, intensity, and location of activities. 
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FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

All alternatives would be consistent with Forest Plan standards and guidelines, because they would meet 

design criteria set for the project, meet standards and guidelines for affected land management allocations, 

and provide for viable populations of wildlife species. All alternatives would provide for diversity of 

plant and animal communities in the project planning area, based on the suitability and capability of the 

project planning area. 

A biological evaluation (BE) was completed for federally listed and proposed endangered and threatened 

species, and for animal species currently listed as sensitive on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species 

List (project file). Determinations were made that none of the proposed project activities would adversely 

affect, contribute to a trend toward federal listing, nor cause a loss of viability to the listed animal 

populations or species. 

With regards to threatened and endangered species, a determination has been made that the proposed 

actions will not result in irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources that foreclose formulation 

or implementation of reasonable or prudent alternatives. All action alternatives would be consistent with 

management regulations for the gray wolf because no denning areas or rendezvous sites would be 

disturbed. Consultation for Canada lynx is not necessary since a determination has been made that the 

proposed activities will have no effect to this species. 

All action alternatives are consistent with the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Migratory 

Bird Executive Order 13186. The Conservation Strategy for Landbirds (Altman 2000) was reviewed for 

effects disclosures. Design features such as retention of adequate snags and down logs, retention of live 

trees, and avoidance of riparian areas proposed in this project would minimize take of migratory birds and 

meet the intent of current management direction (Chapter 2, Table 2-6). 

Both action alternatives meet the intent of the Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation 

Executive Order, specifically by proposing enhancements to elk winter range and bighorn sheep habitat, 

and by maintaining and restoring aspen habitat. 

RANGE 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

Scale of analysis will be boundaries of the Eden Cattle and Horse (C&H) Allotment and Cobbler II 

project planning area (approximately 34,000 acres). 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are:

• Forage response 

• Permittee access and livestock distribution. 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

There are two grazing allotments within the project planning area; Eden C&H Allotments and North End 

Transitory Sheep & Goat (S&G) Allotment. Eden Allotment contains approximately 23,200 acres in the 

planning area and North End Allotment contains 125 acres. North End Allotment has not been stocked 

since 2001 by choice of the permittee and no project activity is proposed within the allotment area, 

therefore, it will not be discussed for environmental effects analysis. 
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The Eden Allotment is permitted for approximately 1,894 animal unit months (AUMs). The allotment is 

for a cattle (cow/calf) permit for a total of 339 pair; 239 pair grazing annually from June 1 to October 20

and 100 pair graze from July 16 to October 20. There are two permit holders. Range improvements 

consist of approximately 8 miles of fence, 46 stock ponds, 10 water developments and 1 corral within the 

project area. 

Eden allotment is divided into three pastures; Mosier, Hoodoo, and Elbow. The Mosier pasture is grazed 

annually while the Hoodoo and Elbow units are on a rest rotation grazing system where one pasture is 

deferred and given complete rest for one year while the other is grazed. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct and Indirect Effects (Alternative A)

Forage Response

In the short-term, forage would stay the same but in the long-term forage would decrease due to reduction 

of sunlight on the forest floor which would reduce forest floor vegetation.

Permittee Access and Livestock Distribution

Over time (5-15 years), as snags fall and material accumulates on the ground, implementation of this 

alternative would result in disrupting livestock distribution and grazing patterns. Areas that are currently 

open to authorized watering locations or herding access to grazing areas would be restricted. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

Over time snags and down material would begin to form the basis of closing-in on the growing space and 

delivering more shade to open ground resulting in a reduced growing space. In addition, because trees 

and dead stems would not be removed or thinned out, accumulations may create barriers that would 

physically effect grazing patterns and possibly access to previously utilized areas or infrastructure. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative B and C)

Forage Response

Both action alternatives propose removing various amounts of trees and prescribed fuels treatments. 

Regeneration harvest in both alternatives would create transitory forage (340 acres in Alternative B and 

300 acres in Alternative C). There would be grass and forb cover for only a short time in stands where 

natural regeneration of lodgepine occurs. Regeneration units on mixed conifer sites would provide 

increased forage until the crowns of new stands close, which may take 15-30 years. Thinnings would 

have little effect on forage availability. The direct effects of removing overstory would be a reduction in 

shade and a corresponding increase in the intensity of direct sunlight reaching the forest understory. 

There would also be a reduction in the amount of debris that would ultimately accumulate on the forest 

floor, contributing to further increase in vegetative understory productivity. The direct effect from 

prescribed fuel treatments could improve forage for livestock and create better management of pastures 

within the allotment. 
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The indirect effect of increased plant productivity is an increase in forage and browse that is available for 

grazing by permitted livestock. Forage would be more readily available over a longer time period as 

timber harvest would reduce the number of snags that fall and accumulate on the ground over time. The 

identified management treatments would also improve the distribution, access and management of 

livestock in the project area making it easier for permittees to locate and move livestock. 

The following tables list the acreage for each pasture and acres involved for each alternative. 

Table 3-54 Acreages for Each Pasture by Alternative 

Pasture Acres 

Alternative B 

Acres 

Alternative C 

Total Pasture Acres 

Mosier 2,430 1,100 25,440 

Hoodoo 600 430 10,970 

Elbow 4 4 4,700 

Permittee Access and Livestock Distribution

Both action alternatives would have no effect on permittee access to the Eden C&H Allotment. All action 

alternatives would re-close roads that would be opened for implementation of project activities. Many 

roads currently existing within the allotment (including some closed roads) provide permittee access. 

While project activities are occurring there may be very minor disruptions in accessing authorized grazing 

areas due to machinery or safety reasons. New road construction (0.25 miles) and temporary road 

construction (0.20 miles) and subsequent decommissioning would have no effect on permittee access and 

livestock distribution. 

The effect of hardwood restoration on the grazing allotment is common to all action alternatives. 

Restoration would have a minimal effect on livestock distribution for the allotment. Permittees would be 

made aware of current restoration efforts through the annual operating plan and as added protection 

would place salting grounds away from areas of hardwood restoration and would encourage riders to 

move livestock into adjacent areas. 

Mechanical removal of trees in some areas would result in the reduction in the abundance of down 

material, which would otherwise present physical barriers to livestock travel and result in poor livestock 

distribution and forage utilization. 

The 8,000 acres of landscape prescribed fire would not have an adverse effect on the range program due 

to the scheduling of burning with the grazing schedule. Fire units would be burned in stages, breaking up 

the larger 8,000 acreage into smaller prescribed fire units over a ten to fifteen year period. 

Meadow restoration of 275 acres, which includes removal of 6 inch or less in diameter trees and followed 

by prescribed fire, is scheduled to occur over multiple years and may require an electric fence to keep 

cattle out so enough grass is retained to carry the fire. This activity would not have a direct effect on the 

grazing program because of the timing of the burning with the grazing schedule. Most prescribed burning 

occurs prior to cattle grazing or after cattle are removed. A direct effect would be an increase in available 

forage. 

The proposed buck and pole fence (lodgepole pine) around many isolated patches of aspen stands would 

not have an effect on the grazing allotment. There are a total of 62 acres that need protection to restore 

stand vigor over 23 sites. No water sources, such as ponds, would be restricted from future cattle 

watering. 
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The proposed action of danger tree removal along Forest Service roads would have no direct or indirect 

effect on cattle grazing in Eden Allotment. The amount of material removed and type would not effect 

grazing movement or forage production. 

No direct or indirect effects to cattle grazing would occur from non-commercial thinning activities or 

implementation of the proposed Forest Plan amendment to change management area allocations of Elk 

Flats Meadow from a D2-Research Natural Area to A9-Special Interest Area. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

The cumulative effect of all action alternatives within Eden C&H Allotment would be an increase in 

forage and browse available for grazing by permitted livestock over a much longer time than the No 

Action alternative. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

Alternative A would be consistent with Forest Plan objectives to manage the range resource to maintain 

and improve vegetative conditions compatible with protecting and maintaining use of the Eden C&H 

Allotment. Over time, this trend would reverse itself as dead and dying trees would not be removed and 

current areas that are grazed would eventually be covered with downed material and become unavailable. 

All action alternatives would be consistent with Forest Plan objectives to manage grazing resources to 

maintain and improve vegetative conditions compatible with protecting and maintaining use of the Eden 

C&H Allotment. 

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The scale of analysis is the project planning area. 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

• Miles of new road construction 

• Changes to District Motorized Access Travel Management Plan 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

The project planning area is accessed via Forest Road 6200 from Wallowa County Road 571 in the east 

and from FR 6300 in Lookingglass Creek in the west. There are 176.3 miles of roads in the project 

planning area. The Walla Walla District Motorized Access and Travel Management Plan designates 63.8 

miles as open, 1.5 miles as seasonally open, and 111 miles as closed. Open roads are available and 

maintained for passenger vehicles; other roads would require high clearance vehicles. 

There are 44.2 miles of native surface roads of which 0.6 miles are open, and 117 miles of aggregate 

surface roads. Approximately 111 miles are maintenance level 13; 27.7 miles are maintenance level 24;

18.7 miles are maintenance level 35; and 18.9 miles are maintenance level 46. Yearly maintenance occurs 

 

3

 Level 1 – closed more than one year. 

4

 Level 2 – high-clearance vehicles. 

5

 Level 3 – passenger vehicles-surface not smooth. 

6

 Level 4 – passenger vehicles – smooth surface. 
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on level 4 roads. Many of the maintenance level 1 roads have not been used for many years and need log 

out, brushing, surface rock replacement, installation of cross drains, and ditches cleaned. 

Total road density (open and closed roads) for the planning area is 3.4 miles per square mile with an open 

road density of 1.2 miles per square mile. Total road density for management area C4 is 3.8 miles per 

square mile with an open road density of 1.1 miles per square mile. The total road density of 

management area E2 is 3.8 miles per square mile with an open road density of 1.2 miles per square mile. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A - No Action 

Direct and Indirect Effects (Alternative A)

Existing problems and degrading road conditions would continue to impact water quality. Base material 

would move to the surface, increasing the suspension and transport of fine sediment off the road. Surface 

blading would become more difficult resulting in improper drainage and rutting of the road surface. Road 

maintenance on closed roads, spot reconstruction, and surface rock replacement would not occur. These 

improvements are needed for drainage improvements, prevention of future damage, and public safety. 

Drainage related problems would not be corrected until an event occurs that causes a failure with 

associated resource damage, particularly to water quality. Damage is often discovered a month or more 

after the event. The cost for repairs is often higher than maintenance because more extensive repairs are 

needed. Public safety risks are associated with narrowing of the road and possible debris flows. The lack 

of maintenance and reconstruction increases the risk for detrimental damage to resources. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Public safety would be improved by surface rock replacement, surface blading, and brushing of 

encroaching vegetation. The addition of surface rock would harden the road surface and allow it to 

weather better and reduce rutting and sediment movement. Sight distances would be improved by brush 

removal. 

Impacts to water quality would be reduced by maintenance projects (see Hydrology section of this 

Chapter). Hardening the road surface or resurfacing the road reduces sediment yields. Research by 

Burroughs and King 1989 indicated four inches of 1.5 minus gravel can reduce sediment production by 

79 percent compared with native surface. Construction of drainage dips or waterbars on closed road 

systems shortens the distance water moves along roads spreading drainage water over shorter distances 

and allowing overland flow to be filtered or absorbed into the soil. The proposed repairs or surface 

changes are needed to avoid the high cost of major repairs from road failures while providing a safe road 

for public and commercial travel. Proposed road maintenance would also improve drainage. When 

hauling is completed, the roads would be self-draining with additional cross drains. Replacement of 

surface rock and improved drainage reduces maintenance costs and potential sediment production from 

these non-point source sites. 

The approximately 0.25 miles of new road would only slightly change road densities (increase of less 

than 0.01 miles per square mile) in the planning area. The proposed new road would be located behind a 

closed gate, and would become a closed system road. There would be no measurable change in Forestwide open road density and would not affect any component of aquatic habitat (see Fisheries section of 

this Chapter). There are no changes proposed to the District’s Motorized Access Travel Management 
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Plan. Temporary road construction of 0.20 miles proposed in Alternative B would be decommissioned 

after project activity use. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C) 

Timber harvest, log haul, and danger tree removal would have a short-term impact to recreationists in the 

project planning area. Closed roads utilized by the timber sale would remain closed to public use while 

the timber sale is operating and remain closed after project use. Open roads used as haul routes in the 

analysis area would have advisory signs alerting public traffic to log haul and associated activities. 

Traffic use associated with the Eden C& H allotment is minimal. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

All alternatives would be consistent with Forest Plan standards and guidelines for transportation (FP p. 4-

11 and pp. 4-85 and 86), Umatilla National Forest’s 2004 roads analysis, and Travel Management; 

Designated routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use; Final Rule, November 9, 2005 (CFR 36 Part 212). 

RECREATION 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The scale of analysis is the entire project planning area. 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

• Recreational access and use 

• Dispersed hunter campsite use 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Developed Recreation

There are no developed recreation sites in the planning area that are designated as Forest Plan 

management area A6 – Developed Recreation. There are, however, three recreation sites in the project 

planning area that have some level of development. These three sites (Elk Flat, Cross Canyon, and 

Hoodoo) are all trailheads that provide access into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. Of these, only Elk 

Flat has any significant development (vault toilet, hitch rail, and parking area). 

There is an old abandoned developed campground at Bear Creek. The Bear Creek site has not been 

maintained as a developed site since the early 1980’s and there are no plans to resurrect this site. The 

only improvement still at the site is the remnants of a vault toilet. The primary use of the Bear Creek site 

is during hunting season. 

Dispersed Recreation

The primary recreation use in the project planning area is dispersed recreation. Recreation use is mainly 

big game hunting and white water rafting on the Grande Ronde River. Approximately 2,200 people raft 

the Grande Ronde River through Umatilla National Forest each year. 

Camping at primitive campsites is also a component of these activities. River rafters typically camp on 

flat areas close to the edge of the river. Hunter camps are typically located in small natural or manmade 

openings along open roads. There are approximately 69 inventoried campsites in the planning area. The 

dispersed campsites have been inventoried and are included on a GIS layer and can be mapped. 
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The Forest Plan provides direction for managing dispersed campsites (hunter camps) and requires that 

campsites be inventoried, evaluated, and managed. Project planning will protect established occupancy 

spots (hunter camps). Sites will be rendered unusable only when not in public demand, or for a higher 

priority use. Occupancy sites and their surrounding area are to be managed to at least partial retention 

visual quality (FP p. 4-49). 

Winter Recreation

Forest roads (FR) 6413 and 6415 are parts of the groomed snowmobile trail system. Roads are groomed 

annually from December 1 to March 31. Wheeled vehicles are prohibited by code of federal regulation 

(CFR) from FRs 6413 and 6415 annually from December 1 through March 31. Forest road 6200 from the

junction with FR 6413 east to the Forest boundary is considered a primitive marked snowmobile trail. 

Forest road 6200 may be groomed intermittently in support of group snowmobile events that ride to Troy, 

Oregon. 

Trails

There are no developed horse/hiker/motorized trails within the Cobbler II project planning area, except 

for trails leading from Elk Flat, Cross Canyon, and Hoodoo trailheads into the Wenaha-Tucannon 

Wilderness. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

If Alternative A were implemented there would be no change from existing recreation activities that 

currently take place. There would be no effect on use levels at the trailheads. Dispersed recreation and 

the associated camping in dispersed sites would not be impacted by project activities. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Dispersed campsites may experience short-term impacts during hunting season, which is the primary 

period of use, from timber harvest if campsites are located in a treatment unit. Some adjacent campsites 

would experience an increase in dust and noise during harvest and thinning activities, and by an increase 

of traffic along haul routes. Some recreationists could be displaced from their campsite, but the effects 

would be limited to a small number of sites at one time, and would cease as soon as treatment of a unit 

was completed (generally one to two weeks as work is occurring). 

Smoke from activity and natural fuel treatments could affect some dispersed campsites and trailheads. 

Hunters using the area in late fall would most likely be affected. Hunters may be displaced from their 

favorite camping site for one season during a prescribed burning window of time. 

There would also be a short-term disruption of access to certain portions of the project planning area 

while logging and fuels treatments are being conducted. These disruptions would be temporary in nature 

and would only last for the duration of the activity. There would be minimal or no effects to recreation 

activities from non-commercial thinning, hardwood restoration, meadow restoration, or implementation 

of the Forest Plan amendment to reallocate management area allocation of Elk Flats Meadow from D2-

Research Natural Area to A9-Special Interest Area. 
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In both action alternatives, activities associated with commercial harvest, danger tree removal, fuels 

treatments, and prescribed burning would present safety issues to the public. Implementation of design 

features identified for public safety in Chapter 2, Table 2-6 would mitigate any potential effects. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

No cumulative effects to recreational use activities are anticipated. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY:

All alternatives would be consistent with Forest-wide and management area standards and guidelines for 

recreation. A broad spectrum of recreation opportunities and experiences would continue to be available 

to forest visitors. 

VISUAL RESOURCE (SCENERY) 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The scale of analysis for visual resources is the Cobbler II project planning area (34,000 acres). 

Indictor for comparison purposed between alternatives is: 

• Consistency with Forest Plan standards and guidelines 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

There are four Forest Plan management areas within the project planning area where visuals and scenery 

are emphasized. The areas are as follows: 

• A4-Viewshed 2 – There are approximately 90 acres within the project planning area along FR 6415. 

No harvest or fuel treatments are proposed for this area. Approximately 45 acres is proposed for noncommercial thinning. 

• A7-Wild and Scenic Rivers – The Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic River corridor is designated as 

management area A7. This management area is from the mean high water line of the Grande Ronde 

River out for 0.25 miles in horizontal distance. The only proposed activity for this management area 

is landscape prescribed fire. 

• A8-Scenic Area – This management area is from the boundary of the A7 management area to the top 

of the canyon. Activities proposed for this management area are landscape prescribed fire and less 

than one acre of hardwood restoration, and if needed, danger tree removal. 

• A9-Special Interest Area – Big Hole Viewpoint is in this management area. It provides views down 

into the Wenaha River canyon as well as across the canyon and into the Wenaha-Tucannon 

Wilderness. Approximately 15 acres of commercial harvest are proposed to enhance the special 

features of the viewpoint (see Chapter 2, Alternative B). Lookout Mountain which overlooks Alder 

and Bear Creek drainages is designated as A9 and is also within the project planning area. No 

activities are proposed for Lookout Mountain. 
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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

The four Forest Plan management areas where visuals and scenery are emphasized would not be altered 

by proposed project activities. The scenic character is these management areas would be subject to 

cyclical natural disturbance processes such as wind, drought, insect and disease infestation, and 

vegetation succession. The current state of forest vegetation and its related density and species 

composition could contribute toward insect and disease susceptibility to a scale that would be out of 

proportion with a natural appearance of tree mortality. Build-up of natural fuels could also result in an 

uncharacteristic wildfire resulting in adverse effects. Ultimately these conditions could alter the scenic 

quality of these management areas. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct and Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

The desired future condition for management area A4 is to meet visual quality objectives of partial 

retention7 and modification.8 Non-commercial thinning of approximately 45 acres in this area and 

additional non-commercial thinning in adjacent areas would not affect the visual quality objectives of this 

management area. 

Landscape prescribed fire would occur mainly in management areas A7 and A8. Effects to both 

management areas would be the same as described below in the Wild and Scenic Rivers section below 

under headings Scenic Values and Scenic Quality. 

Approximately 15 acres are proposed for commercial harvest in management area A9 (Big Hole 

Viewpoint). The Forest plan permits tree cutting and vegetation management in order to maintain or 

enhance the special features of the interest area or to provide for public safety (FP p. 4-133). The 

silivicultural prescription for this area is to remove smaller trees from around larger trees, making the 

stand more visually appealing and highlighting the large tree boles. The activity would enhance the 

special features of Big Hole Viewpoint. Harvest units along with some mechanical fuels treatment units 

near Big Hole Viewpoint would be visible. The harvest units are prescribed for treatments that leave fully 

stocked stands (commercial thinning). The resulting forest texture change would be unnoticeable in the 

middle-ground (one and a half miles). 

The Forest Plan amendment of reallocating Elk Flats Meadow from management area D2 to management 

area A9 would meet the Forest Plan goal by preserving an area of significant botanical characteristics 

(aspen stands). The management area visual quality objective for A9 of retention9 would not be affected 

by this addition. 

 

7

 Partial Retention – Human activity may dominate the characteristic landscape, but must at some time follow 

naturally established form, line, color, and texture. It should remain visibly subordinate when viewed in foreground 

or middle ground. 

8 Modification – Human activity may dominate the characteristic landscape, but must at some time, follow naturally 

established form, line color, and texture. It should appear as a natural occurrence when viewed in foreground or 

middle ground. 

9 Retention – Human activities are not evident to the casual forest visitor. 
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Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Past logging activities are visible in the project planning area. Past harvest visual effects would continue 

to moderate towards a near-natural appearance over time. The majority of acres to be harvested in both 

action alternatives (2,500 acres for Alternative B and 1,300 acres in Alternative C) would leave fully 

stocked stands and would not affect the process of moving toward a near-natural appearance. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

Implementation of either action alternative (B or C) would be consistent with Forest Plan standards for 

visual quality objectives (VQO) and management area standards and guidelines. 

WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The scale of analysis is the project planning area. 

Indictors for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

• Effects to outstanding and remarkable Wild and Scenic River values 

• Consistency with Forest Plan as amended by the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers Final 

Management Plan/EA

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Cobbler II project is located in the Oregon portion of the Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic River. The 

Wild and Scenic River corridor is a quarter mile wide from the mean high water line on either side of the 

river, and is designated as management area A7 – Wild and Scenic River in the Forest Plan. Upper slopes 

of the canyon are designated as management area A8 – Scenic Area. There are approximately 1,000 acres 

of A7 and about 6,000 acres of A 8 within the project planning area. This portion of the project planning 

area is located within the Grande Ronde IRA. Landscape prescribed fire is the only activity proposed 

within the Wild and Scenic River corridor and upper canyon areas that could be viewed from the river. 

The Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers Final Management Plan/Environmental Assessment of 

December, 1993 (FMP/EA) established the management direction for the Wild and Scenic River and 

identified the Outstanding and Remarkable Values, FMP EA pages 16 to 20; 61 to 66. The FMP/EA 

designated this portion of the Grande Ronde as Wild. Applicable guidelines for actions include: 

• For Scenery: Preserve the existing landscape within the wild section. Any change should be very 

low and must not attract attention. 

• For Social: Maintain physical resource base necessary for the continuation of recreation-based 

industries. 

• For Biological: Management activities within the corridor will balance flora, fauna, and physical 

element conditions in conformance with the vision statement. “Our vision is to protect and/or 

enhance the physical, biological, social, economic, cultural, and other special qualities that give 

the free-flowing Grande Ronde River its unique character. ...” 

• For Water: Resource management actions within the corridor will meet minimum water quality 

standards as set by Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. 
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• For Land: Reintroduce fire as an effective vegetative management tool through the use of 

prescribed burns. Eliminate or reduce to acceptable levels of fuel build-up and hazards that are a 

result of past management and/or natural catastrophic events, insofar as this does not conflict with 

the protection and enhancement of Outstanding and Remarkable Values. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

The Forest Plan states the following goal: Manage classified wild and scenic river segments to 

appropriate standards as wild, scenic, or recreational river areas, as defined by the Wild and Scenic 

River Act; and for A8; protect or enhance the unique natural characteristics of landscapes noted for their 

scenic beauty. 

Effects to the wild and scenic river corridor will be discussed for both the corridor and for Forest Plan 

management area A8 – Scenic Area above the corridor. They are connected for the recreational 

experience along the river because the landscape designated as A8 contains much of the canyon view that 

provides the primitive experience. Information from the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers Final 

Management Plan/Environmental Assessment of December 1993 (FMP/EA) identified the following 

Outstanding and Remarkable Values: Wildlife, Fisheries, Recreation, and Scenic Values. 

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect and Cumulative Effects (Alternative A)

The existing condition would continue to function with effects to wildlife, fisheries, recreation, and scenic 

values being unchanged. The dry forest type makes up the majority of the forested landscape within the 

canyon and has transitioned to complex fuel conditions. This condition would continue to place the 

landscape at risk for catastrophic damage within the timbered stringers and RHCAs when an 

uncharacteristic wildfire occurs within the canyon. A wildfire would spread quickly through the 

grasslands spreading fire to multiple locations in the timber stringers. The area burned would be more 

extensive than that from a prescribed fire with higher levels of mortality. Wildfire is a natural occurrence 

on this landscape and though it would have higher visual impacts; it is something expected and would be 

compatible with the management and outstanding values of the wild and scenic river. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Following are descriptions of outstanding and remarkable values of the river and the effects of 

implementing Alternatives B or C. 

Wildlife - Additional analysis of the effects of prescribed fire on wildlife can be found in the Wildlife 

section of this chapter. The wild and scenic river corridor is noted for providing winter habitat for 

bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, and bald eagles. This area would continue to provide 

habitat for these species. The use of landscape prescribed fire would improve habitat conditions by 

rejuvenating shrubs and grassland vegetation. Some snags would be burned and fall to the ground, 

however, green trees would also be killed and replace snags that would fall from fire damage. 

Fisheries - Additional analysis can be found in the fisheries, hydrology, and Grande Ronde PWA/IRA 

sections of this chapter. The project would be consistent with the Clean Water Act. Best Management 

Practices and other project design features (Chapter 2, Table 2-6) would reduce impacts to water quality. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Landscape prescribed fire would not measurably impact fisheries values; quality fish habitat would be 

retained. 

Recreation - Surveys from the late 1980s show that 84 percent of visitors to the river are from outside 

northeast Oregon and 22 percent from outside the tri-state region of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The 

primary recreational use is floating and organized concessionaire rafting mostly in the spring and early 

summer before the water level get too low. The river provides 2 to 5 day duration, primitive float 

experience for individuals and groups with beginning and moderate skill levels. The experience offers a 

feeling of remoteness through a pleasingly diverse landscape. There are no trails in this portion of the 

river and access is very arduous. The primary means of accessing the area is the river itself. Landscape 

prescribed fire would have a short-term, 1 to 2-year, effect on scenic values but not affect the ability to 

float the river. Some people may be distracted by the burn during the first year after the fire but it would 

not affect the long-term use of the river as a destination for floating. The proposed prescribed fire would 

occur in the fall when the water and use is low. Smoke may reduce the quality of the experience for the 

few individual floaters, but it is also short-term lasting several days. The ability to provide primitive and 

remote recreational experience would remain. 

Scenic Values - This portion of the Grande Ronde River contains a diversity of landforms and vegetation 

that captures the attention of the viewer floating the river. Vegetative color is enhanced by climate 

change and seasons. Much of the landscape is forest stringers separated by grasslands on very seep slopes 

maintained by a frequent fire regime. This portion of the river offers a primitive experience within a 

largely untouched scenic viewshed. The only significant views into the river canyon from the canyon 

edge are from FR 64 near Lookout Mountain and from above Bear Creek on FR 6222. Both roads are 

seasonally open under the District Motorized Access and Travel Management Plan and are used during 

hunting seasons. 

Scenic Quality - Landscape prescribed fire is the only activity that would affect vegetation within the 

wild and scenic corridor and the canyon lands above it. The limited timber harvest near the edge of the 

breaks would not be noticeable from the river because units would be thinned and the forest texture 

change would be unnoticeable along the rim, a quarter mile above the wild and scenic river corridor and 

half mile from the Grande Ronde River. The primary focus of river user is the foreground, so an activity 

along the rim is not likely to be noticed. Someone sitting at a camp along the river may observe the 

thinned stand, but it would not detract from the visual experience because it would blend with the forested 

landscape patterns. Past experience has indicated that thinning units are rarely seen when viewed from 

this angle. The fire would not impact the diversity of landforms; forestland would remain forestland and 

shrub lands and grasslands would be regenerated. Geologic landforms would be unchanged.

Prescribed fire ignitions in the fall of the year would occur primarily in the grasslands and shrub fields 

outside of RHCAs and allowed to back into the RHCAs. In timber stringers, outside the RHCAs, 

ignitions would produce a patch mortality effect caused by spot ignitions of fuel concentrations. Where 

light fuel loads occur, strip ignitions would be utilized. Vegetative impacts from the prescribed fire 

would be short-term (one year at most two years) until grasses, shrubs, and herbaceous species recover 

the landscape. Dead trees, particularly small trees (saplings to poles) would be evident over a 5 to 10-

year period. Few overstory trees are expected to be killed. Portions of the landscape within the wild and 

scenic corridor would have a blackened appearance during the winter and early spring. By the time users 

are on the river, the burned grass areas would be sprouting brighter green than unburned areas because of 

nutrients released by the burn. Shrub fields would be evident by the relic dead, blackened wood, but 

sprouts would be greening the area and by mid-summer much of the blackened area would show 

recovery. The burn would be evident as the recovering vegetation reduces the visual effects the first year 

and would become less evidence in following years. 
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Since ignitions would be outside RHCAs the foreground near the river would be nearly unchanged; only 

the occasional backing fire would burn into the 300-foot wide RHCA. River-edge vegetation would still 

be present to screen much of the burned area. Burned areas would likely be more noticeable along the 

face of the canyon, but would not be a dominant landscape feature by mid-summer the year after the burn. 

Vegetation that brings seasonal changes to color and texture would still be present. The diversity of 

vegetation would remain. Western larch would still be seen along the upper rim of the canyon. Even 

though shrub fields would be burned, the renewed growth and vigor of the sprouts would provide fall 

color. Hardwoods along the river and within RHCAs would also be present. By the end of the second 

year the evidence of the burn would likely be gone. 

Fire is a natural occurrence on this landscape. Even though a prescribed fire is a management action the 

landscape within the wild and scenic corridor and in the viewshed above would still have an untouched 

appearance. The landscape would have a burned appearance but not as severe as a wildfire under current 

fuel conditions. The canyon area is transitioning to more complex fuel conditions and a wildfire would 

cause severe visual impacts due to mortality in the small to large tree size classes. Prescribed fire would 

reduce the intensity and severity of a wildfire such that the landscape would be more resilient and better 

able to maintain the forest-grassland mosaic appearance. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Past logging activities are visible but distant from the viewer along the river and since past logging 

occurred along the canyon break they are not visually apparent. The few older clearcuts that come over 

the edge have become plantations and are visually subordinate on the landscape. All harvest activities, 

including the proposed harvest, are distant to the river. Past harvest would not have any visual 

cumulative effects with the proposed harvest. All past and proposed harvest would blend into the 

background landscape. 

Past activities to the north of the planning area and within the wild and scenic corridor include wildlife 

prescribed fire in Bear Creek to Elbow Creek used to rejuvenate forage. Above the canyon rim 

commercial thinning east of Elbow Creek was used to restore open ponderosa pine communities. The 

thinning is not noticeable from the river and the wildlife burn from the mid 1990s has healed over and is 

no longer seen. In the late 1980s there was a wildfire east of the project planning area that burned along 

the canyon face onto Eden bench. This fire was visible for many years because it killed several thousand 

acres of forest. It is no longer a dominant feature on the landscape because snags have fallen and 

vegetation has become established, greening the slope. Past prescribed burning indicates that effects are 

short lived and that wildfire affects to visuals can last up to ten years shifting from a blackened landscape 

to a relic of dead standing trees. New ignitions in the project planning area would not cover the whole 

landscape in a single burn and would likely take several burn entries. This would reduce the visual 

impacts, and since past burns outside the planning area have already recovered, there would be no 

cumulative effects to visuals along the length of the wild and scenic river. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

All alternatives would be consistent with Forest Plan management area standards and guidelines. 

There is no timber harvest proposed within the wild and scenic river corridor; prescribed fire is the only 

management activity being proposed within the corridor. Proposed prescribed fire uses a natural 

landscape process that would be compatible with the goals to preserve natural, wild and primitive 

conditions. 
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Consistency with the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers FMP and Wild and Scenic River Act 

Proposed project activities are consistent with the Final Management Plan and the Wild and Scenic River 

Act. Prescribed fire was identified as a compatible activity within the wild and scenic river corridor. 

Outstanding and Remarkable values are being preserved. Although burning would impact visual quality 

it would last a short time and is of a nature that would be expected on the landscape. The method of 

ignitions would reduce the amount of mortality to small and large tree size classes. Patch kills would 

likely be less than 5 acres in size with occasional openings up to 10 acres. Reduced fuel loads and 

reduction of small (sapling size) trees is consistent with the vision to protect and/or enhance the physical, 

biological, and other special qualities that give the free-flowing Grande Ronde River its unique character 

by increasing landscape resilience to wildfires and increasing forage quality for big game. 

Consistency with Oregon State Scenic Waterways Program 

The Oregon Scenic Waterway Act was established by ballot initiative in 1970. The scenic waterways 

program promotes cooperative protection and wise use of rivers in the system by all agencies, individual 

property owners, and recreation users. Program goals include: 

• To protect the free-flowing character of designated rivers for fish, wildlife, and recreation. 

• To protect and enhance scenic, aesthetic, natural recreation, scientific, and fish and wildlife 

values along scenic waterways. 

• To encourage other local, state, and federal agencies to act consistently with the goals of the 

program. 

Oregon State Parks reviews plans and decisions made by other agencies to ensure consistency with the 

scenic waterways program. Oregon Administrative Rules determined the management direction for this 

portion of the Grande Ronde River. OAR 736-40-040, Classification of Scenic Waterways and Segments 

has classified this portion of the Grande Ronde as a Natural River Area. “Natural River Areas will be 

administered to preserve their natural, wild and primitive condition, essentially unaltered by the effects of 

man, while allowing compatible recreation uses, other compatible existing uses, and protection of fish and 

wildlife habitat.” Management activities within the Wild and Scenic River Corridor are guided by 

direction in OAR 736-40-035, Oregon State Scenic Waterway Rules of Land Management. This rule 

talks about timber harvest and improvements associated with development of lands. 

Consistency with the Oregon Scenic River Program 

There is no timber harvest proposed within the wild and scenic river corridor; landscape prescribed fire is 

the only management activity being proposed within the corridor. Proposed prescribed fire uses a natural 

landscape process that would be compatible with the goals to preserve natural, wild and primitive 

conditions. It would maintain vegetation and forest resilience, improve big game forage, and be 

observable as middle ground for 1 to 3 years depending on vegetation type (grasses, shrubs, or 

forestlands) and how long it takes trees to die and lose their needles. Upon completion the area would be 

a mosaic of unburned, lightly burned, moderately burned and intensely burned patches. The proposed 

prescribed fire would be consistent with the Oregon Scenic River Program. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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WILDERNESS AND UNDEVELOPED 

INTRODUCTION

This section of the EIS discloses the affected environment and environmental consequences for WenahaTucannon Wilderness; Grande Ronde inventoried roadless area (IRA); potential wilderness areas 

(PWAs); and remaining other undeveloped lands. These four resource topics are grouped and discussed 

together because they share a complicated set of terminology and interrelated history. Appendix H of this 

EIS discloses additional narrative and maps in support of this topic. 

During public involvement for this project, and in past similar projects, a wide range of terms have been 

used by respondents, the courts, and the Forest Service when referring to these topics such as roadless, 

unroaded, uninventoried roadless, undeveloped areas, and roadless expanse. 

From the mid-1970s through 2001 the Forest Service maintained a roadless area inventory of 

undeveloped lands that we used and updated for RARE, RARE II, and in support of Land and Resource 

Management Planning completed in 1990 for Umatilla National Forest. All during that time we called 

these polygons “roadless areas” or “inventoried roadless areas” (IRAs). With completion of the Roadless 

Area Conservation Rule (RACR) in 2001 these lands ceased being just an inventory, and IRAs became 

more of a designation, with fixed boundaries and prohibitions set by Forest Service regulation (36 CFR 

294). Confusion ensued because two Forest Service maps used the same name; IRA. One map had fixed 

boundaries set by the RACR and another map had changeable boundaries based on inventory criteria. 

To address this situation, the Forest Service created a new term for their inventory of undeveloped lands 

called “potential wilderness areas” (PWAs) to make a clear distinction between the IRA term used by the 

2001 RACR. This terminology addition was made policy by changing the 2006 handbook for wilderness

evaluation (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 70) and is also reflected in the 2008 Forest Service NEPA regulations 

(36 CFR 220). In the regulations, potential effects to “inventoried roadless areas” and “potential 

wilderness areas” are factors in determining whether a CE, EA, or EIS is the appropriate NEPA document 

for a particular project. The term “other undeveloped lands” is presented and used in this document to 

provide a consideration for the balance of those remaining lands that did not meet the inventory criteria 

for a PWA, were not designated an IRA under the RACR, and do not contain roads and evidence of 

timber harvest (see definitions below). 

To resolve this confusion the Forest Service uses its discretion to rely on agency policy, agency 

definitions of terms, and agency procedures for the inventory of resources and facilities. Inventory 

criteria and procedures for potential wilderness areas are found in Forest Service Handbook 1909.12, 

Chapter 71. 

The terms and definitions as stated below will be used in this site-specific analysis. The four resource 

topics are based on current law, regulation, agency policy, and Umatilla Land and Resource Management 

Plan (Forest Plan), as amended 

1. Wilderness: A wilderness area is designated by congressional action under the Wilderness Act 

of 1964 and other wilderness acts. Wilderness is undeveloped Federal land retaining primeval 

character and influence without permanent improvements or human habitation (Umatilla Forest 

Plan, page GL-45). 
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2. Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRA): These areas were identified in the 2001 Roadless Area 

Conservation Rule in a set of inventoried roadless area maps, contained in Forest Service 

Roadless Area Conservation Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume 2, dated November 

2000, which are held at the National headquarters office of the Forest Service, or any subsequent 

update or revision of those maps (36 CFR 294.11). These areas were set aside through 

administrative rulemaking and have provisions, within the context of multiple use management, 

for the protection of inventoried roadless areas. Most IRA boundaries are substantially identical 

to those identified as “Roadless Areas” referred to in the 1982 planning rule (36 CFR 219.17) and 

identified by the Forest Plan, FEIS, Appendix C; however some localized, minor differences in 

boundaries may exist. 

All roadless area acres were allocated to various management area strategies as disclosed in the 

Umatilla Forest Plan FEIS, Appendix C and described in the Record of Decision (page 6-9) for 

the FEIS. Some management area strategies were intended to retain the undeveloped roadless 

character of the roadless area and some management area strategies were intended to develop the 

lands with timber harvest and road building activities; thus forgoing roadless character. 

3. Potential Wilderness Area (PWA): Areas of potential wilderness identified using inventory 

procedures found in Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12, Chapter 71 are called potential 

wilderness areas. The inventory is conducted by the Forest Service with the purpose of 

identifying potential wilderness areas in the National Forest System. The National Forest System 

Land and Resource Management Planning Rule (currently the 1982 Rule, 36 CFR §219.17)

directs that roadless areas be evaluated and considered for wilderness recommendation during the 

forest planning process. 

Potential wilderness areas (PWAs) are not a land designation decision, they do not imply or 

impart any particular level of management direction or protection, they are not an evaluation of 

potential wilderness (FSH 1909.12,Chapter 72), and lastly, they are not preliminary 

administrative recommendations for wilderness designation (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 73). The 

inventory of PWAs does not change the administrative boundary of any inventoried roadless area 

(IRA) or any congressionally designated wilderness. 

Typically, PWAs substantially overlap, and/or are contiguous with inventoried roadless areas. 

PWAs may also be contiguous with designated wilderness. Some newly inventoried PWAs may 

be stand alone areas that were not identified as “roadless areas” in Appendix C of the 1990 

Umatilla Forest Plan and “inventoried roadless areas” as identified in a set of maps in the 2001 

Roadless Area Conservation Rule (RACR). PWAs overlap inventoried roadless areas only where 

those acres of land are consistent with the inventory criteria (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 71) and may 

extend beyond IRA and wilderness boundaries consistent with inventory criteria. 

4. Other undeveloped lands: These acres of land have no history of harvest activity, do not 

contain forest roads10 and are not designated as a wilderness area or inventoried as a potential 

wilderness area. 

 

10 Forest road – A road wholly or partly within or adjacent to and serving the National Forest System that the Forest 

Service determines is necessary for the protection, administration, and utilization of the National Forest System and 

the use and development of its resources. Road – A motor vehicle route over 50 inches wide, unless identified and 

managed as a trail (36CFR §212.1) 
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Appendix H of this document describes the methodology and rationale used to inventory and identify 

PWAs within the Cobbler II project planning area (34,000 acres). Maps included in Appendix H (maps 

H-2 to H-11) show a visual progression of the inventory process, final results, and proposed project 

activity, if any, that would occur in these areas. 

The effects to wilderness, inventoried roadless areas (IRAs), potential wilderness areas (PWAs), and other 

undeveloped lands were based on maps and polygons 11created using agency inventory procedures 

(Appendix H) and are considered and disclosed below in this chapter of the EIS. There are some PWAs 

that are contiguous to the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and effects to these acres are analyzed with the 

wilderness section. Effects to the Grand Ronde PWA, which includes the Grande Ronde IRA and PWAs 

contiguous to the IRA, are analyzed in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA section. 

An outcome of the PWA inventory process was the identification of isolated polygons of other 

undeveloped lands (Table H-1B). These polygons did not meet inventory criteria as PWAs and they are 

not inventoried roadless areas or a designated wilderness area. Each individual polygon of isolated land 

has no history of harvest activity and does not contain forest roads. They are stand-alone polygons of 

varying acreages all less than 4,999 acres within the project planning area. All polygons less than one (1) 

acre were considered in the inventory process but dropped from detailed study because individual 

polygons this small cannot be preserved due to physical terrain and natural conditions and they do not 

have self-contained ecosystems, such as an island. As mentioned in the introduction to this section, 

detailed information regarding the inventory process and methodology used for the Cobbler II analysis, 

along with maps and tables is located in Appendix H of this document. 

See Appendix K of this FEIS for consideration of maps submitted by Sierra Club et al. These maps were 

an exhibit in their appeal of the May 2009 Cobbler Decision Notice, and were incorporated by reference 

in their subsequent comments on Cobbler II EA and Cobbler II DEIS. The first map is entitled Exhibit D, 

Wilderness, IRA, and Cobbler Project proximity, uninventoried roadless & connectivity, the second map 

is a copy of one of the Forest Service’s maps included in Appendix A of the EA and EIS. 

WENAHA-TUCANNON WILDERNESS and 

CONTIGUOUS POTENTIAL WILDERNESS AREAS (PWAs) 

BACKGROUND - A wilderness area is designated by congressional action under the Wilderness Act 

of 1964 and other wilderness acts. The Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness is a congressionally designated 

wilderness established by the Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978. The Forest Plan 

management area allocation for the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness is B1-Wilderness (timber harvest and 

road building are not allowed). 

Areas of potential wilderness are identified using inventory procedures found in Forest Service Handbook 

(FSH) 1909.12, Chapter 71 are called potential wilderness areas. The PWA inventory is conducted with 

the express purpose of identifying all lands that meet the criteria for being evaluated for wilderness 

suitability and possible recommendation to Congress for wilderness study or designation. The PWA 

inventory for the Cobbler II project includes a review of all acres within and adjacent to the project 

planning area. Areas of past harvest where logging is evident and locations of forest roads were identified 

using GIS data and local knowledge and professional judgement. 

 

11 Polygon – On a map or in a geographic information system (GIS), a series of line segments defined by x and y 

geographical coordinates (vectors) that completely enclose an area. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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SCALE OF ANALYSIS

Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and contiguous potential wilderness areas (PWAs) within the Cobbler II 

project planning area. 

Indictors for comparison purposes between alternatives are: 

The definition of wilderness from Section 2(c) of the 1964 Wilderness Act was used to identify four 

qualities of wilderness related to wilderness character that will be used to compare alternatives. 

Wilderness indicators: 

o Untrammeled, Undeveloped, and Natural – The Wilderness Act states that wilderness is 

“an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, 

without permanent improvements of human habitation; and generally appears to have 

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

substantially unnoticeable.” 

o Outstanding opportunities for solitude and remoteness – The Wilderness Act states that 

wilderness has “outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type 

of recreation.” This quality is about the opportunity for people to experience the 

wilderness; it is not directly about visitor experiences per se. 

Indicators for PWAs: 

• The following values and features often characterize inventoried roadless areas (36 CFR 

294): 

o High quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air 

o Sources of public drinking water 

o Diversity of plant and animal communities 

o Habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, and sensitive species and for 

those species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of land 

o Primitive, semi-primitive, non-motorized and semi-primitive motorized classes of 

dispersed recreation 

o Reference landscapes 

o Natural appearing landscapes with high scenic quality 

o Traditional cultural properties and sacred sites and 

o Other locally identified unique characteristics 

o Change in acres of inventoried PWAs 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness is located on Pomeroy Ranger District and encompasses approximately 

177,469 acres situated in Oregon and Washington states. It is not within Cobbler II project planning area 

boundary. No project activities are proposed to occur within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. The 

boundary of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness is adjacent on the north and west sides of the project 

planning area boundary (see maps in Appendix A and H). 

Within Cobbler II project planning area there are 130 acres of inventoried potential wilderness areas 

(PWAs) that are contiguous with the designated Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. No project activities are 

proposed to occur within these PWAs. 
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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Effects Common to All Alternatives (A, B, and C) 

Direct/Indirect Effects 

Untrammeled, Undeveloped, and Natural 

No project activities are proposed in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness or in associated inventoried 

PWAs contiguous to the wilderness, and therefore, would have no direct and indirect effects on 

wilderness qualities of untrammeled, natural, and undeveloped. 

Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and associated inventoried PWAs contiguous with the Wenaha-Tucannon 

wilderness within the planning project boundary would retain the current degree of natural integrity. 

There would be no management changes or improvements to the ecological function within the 

wilderness and associated inventoried PWAs. Biological and ecosystem functions would likely continue 

as they are in the present condition. 

Opportunities for solitude and remoteness 

There would be no effects to solitude from timber harvest, mechanical fuel treatments, road construction, 

or landscape prescribed fire because those actions are not proposed for this area. The sounds, smells, and 

possible sighting of mechanical activities and fuel treatment activities occurring in areas adjacent to the 

wilderness and associated inventoried PWAs would reduce a sense of solitude and remoteness in the 

short-term, during project activity. Other sights and sounds of ongoing and previously approved activities 

in areas adjacent to the boundary of the wilderness and associated inventoried PWAs would continue to 

have short-term effects on opportunities of solitude and remoteness. In the long-term there would be no 

change to the current availability of solitude or primitive recreation. 

Roadless characteristics 

No project activities are proposed in any inventoried PWAs (130 acres) contiguous to the WenahaTucannon Wilderness. Soils would remain undisturbed. There would be no adverse effects to hydrologic 

function and condition, water quality, or water yield. There are no sources of public drinking water in 

these areas. Any smoke from prescribed fire treatments near these areas would comply with the State of 

Oregon Smoke Management Implementation Plan and would be implemented following the guidelines in 

this plan. 

There would be no direct effect to the apparent naturalness, scenery, and sense of solitude and remoteness 

within potential wilderness areas from timber harvest, mechanical fuel activities, and road construction 

because those actions are not proposed in these areas. The sights and sounds of timber harvest and 

machinery adjacent to PWAs would reduce a sense of naturalness several miles into a PWA during 

project operations, but would not persist in the long-term. 

Plant and animal communities would not be impacted by project activities and habitat for TE&S species 

and MIS species would not be adversely impacted. 

Trailheads into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness would remain the same as they currently exist and 

there would be no change to any primitive, semi-primitive, or non-motorized recreation. Trailheads and 

dispersed campsites may be affected in the short-term by the noise, dust, smoke, and possibly increased 

traffic in some areas during harvest and burning activities in areas located close-by. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Natural landscapes would remain the same and there are no locally identified unique characteristics in 

these areas. Old growth areas (management area allocation C1-Dedicated Old Growth) would remain as 

old growth areas. There would be no effects to traditional and sacred properties because no activities 

would occur to impact these areas. 

Change in acres of inventoried PWAs 

There would be no change in acres inventoried as PWAs. The approximately 130 acres inventoried as 

PWAs that are contiguous to the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness would remain the same, because no 

proposed activities would occur with implementation of any alternative. 

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives A, B, and C) 

Projects that have occurred within Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and associated inventoried PWAs 

contiguous with the Wenaha-Tucannon wilderness within the planning project boundary include minor 

trail construction, trail location, and general trail maintenance including removal of danger trees. These 

projects were very limited and designed for managing recreation use and semi-primitive recreation 

opportunities. There are no reasonably foreseeable actions proposed for this wilderness and associated 

inventoried PWAs relevant to this analysis. Cobbler II project, when combined with past, present, and 

reasonably foreseeable actions (Chapter 3, pp. 3-1 to 3-4) is not expected to have any cumulative effects 

on wilderness qualities and roadless characteristics in associated inventoried potential wilderness areas. 

FINDINGS OF CONSISTENCY

All acres (177,469) within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness would remain as wilderness with 

implementation of any alternative. Proposed activities occurring adjacent to Wenaha-Tucannon 

Wilderness would not impact any of the qualities needed to be consistent with those listed in the 

definition of wilderness as stated in the 1964 Wilderness Act from Section 2(c). Environmental effects 

would be fully consistent with Forest Plan management area allocation (B1-Wilderness) standards and 

guidelines, and would not impair the values for which the wilderness was created. Effects from activities 

are consistent with guidance in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2300, Chapter 2320, Wilderness 

Management. 

All 130 acres within the inventoried PWAs contiguous with Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness would remain 

within the PWA inventory following implementation of any (A, B, or C) alternative. Thus, all 130 acres 

would be available for evaluation of potential wilderness (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 72) and preliminary 

administrative recommendations for wilderness designation (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 73) during forest plan 

revision. Environmental effects would be fully consistent with Forest Plan management area allocation 

standards and guidelines. 

GRANDE RONDE POTENTIAL WILDERNESS AREA - PWA/IRA 

BACKGROUND - The Grande Ronde roadless area is identified and mapped in Appendix C of the 

Umatilla Forest Plan and it is also identified in the set of maps for inventoried roadless areas (IRAs) in the 

Forest Service Roadless Area Conservation FEIS, Volume 2, dated November 2000. There is no 

meaningful difference between the boundary of the Grande Ronde roadless area identified in Appendix C 

of the Forest Plan and the 2001 Grande Ronde IRA boundary; therefore, impacts to these two topics will 

be discussed together. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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On Umatilla National Forest most IRAs are PWAs, but not all acres in an IRA

12 may meet PWA 

inventory criteria (FSH 1901.12, Chapter 71). This situation may have occurred because the lands within 

the IRA were allocated to a Forest Plan management area that provided for timber harvest and road 

construction. The roadless area issue is primarily addressed in the Forest Plan through management area 

allocations (Forest Plan (FP) ROD p. 8 and FP p. 3-5). Therefore, past management activities on some 

acres within IRAs may now have stumps and skid trails or roads that are substantially recognizable, or 

have acres where clear-cuts have not regenerated to the degree that canopy closure is similar to 

surrounding areas. Approximately 330 acres of the Grande Ronde IRA do not meet PWA inventory 

criteria because past logging was evident and these acres had substantially recognizable stumps, contained 

forest roads, or are within 300 feet of a forest road (see Appendix H, Maps H-3 and H-4). As mentioned 

previously, the status nor the boundary of an IRA changes because some acres do not meet the inventory 

criteria of a PWA. The boundary of an IRA remains as mapped in the Forest Service Roadless Area 

Conservation FEIS, Volume 2, dated November 2000. 

The Grande Ronde IRA is entirely within the Grande Ronde PWA therefore, these two topics will be 

considered together and will be referred to as the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA. 

Overall resource management covered by Umatilla Forest Plan is comprised of management goals, 

objectives, Forest-wide standards and guidelines, and management area allocations (FP p. 4-1). 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The scale of analysis is the Cobbler II project planning area, and the Grande Ronde PWA (which includes 

the Grande Ronde IRA and areas inventoried as PWAs that are contiguous and outside the boundary of 

the IRA). 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are:

• The following values and features often characterize inventoried roadless areas (36 CFR 

294): 

o High quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air 

o Sources of public drinking water 

o Diversity of plant and animal communities 

o Habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, and sensitive species and for 

those species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of land 

o Primitive, semi-primitive, non-motorized and semi-primitive motorized classes of 

dispersed recreation 

o Reference landscapes 

o Natural appearing landscapes with high scenic quality 

o Traditional cultural properties and sacred sites and 

o Other locally identified unique characteristics 

o Change in acres of IRAs 

o Change in acres of inventoried PWAs (degree of change and impact to a future evaluation 

of potential additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System in Land 

Management Planning) 

 

12 Not meeting PWA inventory criteria does not change the status of an area as an IRA, nor does it change the 

boundary of an IRA as identified in maps in the 2001 RACR. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 

There are approximately 7,400 acres (42 percent) of the approximately 17,600-acre Grande Ronde IRA 

within the project planning area. Approximately 7,025 acres of the Grande Ronde IRA within the project 

planning area are coincident with the Grande Ronde PWA (Table 3-55). Approximately 330 acres of the 

Grande Ronde IRA do not meet the PWA inventory criteria because past logging is evident and these 

acres had substantially recognizable stumps, contained forest roads, or were within 300 feet of a forest 

road (see maps in Appendix H). As mentioned previously, the status nor the boundary of an IRA changes 

because some acres do not meet the inventory criteria of a PWA. An IRA boundary remains as mapped 

in the Forest Service Roadless Area Conservation FEIS, Volume 2, dated November 2000. 

No other roadless areas identified in Appendix C or IRAs from the 2001 RACR are affected by this 

proposed action. 

The majority of acres of the Grande Ronde IRA within the project planning area were allocated to Forest 

Plan management areas A7 – Wild and Scenic Rivers (approximately 1,000 acres) and A8 – Scenic Area 

(approximately 6,000 acres) with remaining acres in management areas, C1, C4, C5, and E2 (see 

Management Area Map in Appendix A). In Forest Plan management areas A7 and A8 timber is managed 

on a non-scheduled basis, and prescribed fire is permitted in all of the management areas in the Grande 

Ronde PWA/IRA (Chapter 1, pp. 1-12 and 1-13). 

Lands with values and features that often characterize inventoried roadless areas are increasingly 

important within developed landscapes in order to provide clean drinking water and function as biological 

strongholds for populations of threatened and endangered species. They provide areas that are important 

for biological diversity, dispersed outdoor recreation, and also serve as bulwarks against the spread of 

non-native invasive species and provide reference areas for study and research (36 CFR 294, page 3245). 

Within PWAs human influences have had less impact on the natural appearance or long-term ecological 

process compared to managed lands. The current condition of soil, water quality, air quality; plant and 

animal communities; habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; noxious weeds, recreation; 

and cultural resources are described elsewhere in Chapter 3 of this FEIS. Disturbance by insects and fire 

has been and most likely would continue to be the factors with the most potential to impact the 

naturalness and undeveloped nature of the area. Opportunities for primitive recreation are limited to 

camping, hiking, and hunting. 

Livestock grazing has occurred within most areas for at least the past 100 years, fire suppression activity 

for approximately that same length of time, and dispersed recreation, including hunting and camping and 

use of the wild and scenic river. Ongoing firewood gathering and removal of danger trees along forest 

roads that border the IRA/ PWAs changes the vegetation, leaves stumps, and presents a managed 

appearance within a developed transportation corridor. Over the past several decades, fire exclusion has 

altered natural ecological processes. Suppression of fire in these areas has helped create the stand 

composition and structure that is now present. In the dry upland forest, stands once dominated by open 

park-like stands of ponderosa pine have closed in with shade tolerant species such as Douglas-fir and 

grand fir. The amount of this situation across this landscape is uncharacteristic (un-natural) and 

unwanted. 

Motorized use on existing forest service system roads in areas adjacent to the Grande Ronde IRA/PWA is 

apparent. Opportunities for a feeling of solitude, the spirit of adventure and awareness, serenity, and selfreliance are limited by the size and shape of the PWA. Nearby, non-conforming sights and sounds of 

roads and timber harvest may be heard and seen from some locations within this area. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Following the Forest Service inventory identification process and methodology (see Appendix H, Tables 

H-1B and H-1C) a total of approximately 7,960 acres were identified as potential wilderness areas. The 

table below is a summary of all the acres evaluated in the inventory process of PWAs for this project. 

Information summarized for this table can be found in Appendix H, Tables H-1A, H-1B, and H-1C. 

Maps H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5, H-6, and H-7 are a visual representation of this inventory process. 

Table 3-55 Cobbler Project Planning Area Inventory for Potential Wilderness Areas (PWAs) 

Land Area Acres 

Total acres inventoried within project planning area (Appendix H, Map H-3) 34,000

Total acres of lands within the project planning area with evidence of: 

 past harvest (Appendix H, Map H-4) 

 forest roads (Appendix H, Map H-5) 

Total Acres 

17,230 

3,410 

20,640 

Potential Wilderness Areas (Appendix H, Maps H-6, H-6b, and H-7): 

Grande Ronde PWA that overlaps with the Grande Ronde IRA* 

Grande Ronde PWA that extends outside and contiguous to the Grand Ronde IRA 

PWAs contiguous to Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness** 

Portion of the Grande Ronde PWA (ID 149) that continues outside of the project 

planning area boundary*** Total Acres

7,025 

 750 

 130 

 55 

7,960 

*Approximately 330 acres of the approximate 7,400 acres of the Grande Ronde IRA within the project planning area did 

not meet inventory criteria as a PWA because these acres had substantially recognizable tree stumps, contained forest roads, 

or were within 300 feet of a forest road. The acres of past harvest activity are located in Forest Plan management area C4-

Wildlife Habitat, where timber harvest and road construction are permitted. 

**Effects to wilderness and roadless characteristics of the 130 acres contiguous to the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness were 

disclosed in the Wilderness topic above. 

***Evaluation included polygons that overlapped the project planning area boundary.

The largest single PWA in this analysis is the Grande Ronde PWA which includes about 7,775 acres 

(7,025 that overlap the Grande Ronde IRA and an additional 750 acres outside and contiguous with the 

Grande Ronde IRA (Appendix H – Map H-7). There are five smaller PWAs outside and contiguous with 

the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness totaling about 130 acres (Appendix H, Map H-7), and one PWA (55 

acres) outside of the project planning area boundary. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative A)

There would be no direct effects to the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA, because no activities would occur in the 

project planning area. The affected environment would remain unchanged, except by natural processes 

and ongoing management activities. Biological and ecosystem functions would likely continue as they 

are in the present condition. The landscape would continue developing complex fuel loads. A wildfire 

may burn more extensively and kill more trees within timbered stringers in grass/tree mosaic. There 

would be more impacts to visual quality (more acres blackened) caused by a wildfire as compared to a 

prescribed fire, however, it would be a natural occurrence and expected disturbance process in this 

landscape. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Effects Common to All Action Alternatives (B and C) 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

No road construction would occur in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA. No roads exist in this area; therefore, 

no road use or maintenance would occur. No timber harvest would occur. No proposed project activity 

would occur on the 55 acres outside the project planning area boundary that meet PWA inventory criteria. 

Landscape prescribed fire activities are proposed in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA. Approximately 7,000 

acres would have landscape prescribed fire treatments in the IRA portion and approximately 400 acres 

(PWA) that extend beyond the IRA boundary and are contiguous to the IRA would have landscape 

prescribed fire treatments. Other activities proposed to occur in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA would be 

the removal of danger trees(only trees with an imminent failure potential) along haul routes, and the 

fencing and girdling of hardwoods (only in the IRA portion). See the table below for a summary of 

activities proposed in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA and Appendix A for a map entitled Other Activities 

Common to Both Alternatives to view locations where activities would occur. 

The following table is a summary of proposed activities that would occur in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA 

and the 55 acres outside of the project planning area boundary. As mentioned above, no timber harvest or 

road construction would occur in these areas. 

Table 3-56 Activities proposed in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA in Alternatives B and C 

Landscape 

Prescribed 

Fire 

Fencing and 

Girdling of 

Hardwoods 

Danger Tree Removal 

(along haul routes) 

Grande Ronde PWA that overlaps with 

the Grande Ronde IRA 7,000 acres 0.50 acres Yes (if needed ) 

Grande Ronde PWA that extends outside 

and contiguous to Grande Ronde IRA 400 acres None Yes (if needed) 

Grande Ronde PWA- 55 acres that 

continues outside project planning area 

boundary (ID 149) 

None None No 

Landscape prescribed burning would require the construction of handline which would include the cutting 

of some small diameter trees, snags that pose a hazard to workers, and the limbing-up (pruning) of other 

trees incidental to prescribed burning activities. Trees cut during handline construction would not be 

removed from the site. 

Hardwood restoration would consist of constructing approximately 400 linear feet of temporary buck and 

pole fence around the aspen stand (approximately 0.33 acres) and approximately 150 linear feet around 

the cottonwood stand (approximately 0.12 acres). Fencing would be maintained and left in the area for 

approximately 10-15 years until hardwood sprouts reach a size of 4 inches DBH. After the fencing is no 

longer needed it would be removed. Girdling of competing conifers (approximately 10-20 trees) would 

occur only in the cottonwood stand. No tree stumps would be created with this activity. Dead trees 

created by girdling would be visible and needles would turn brown, and would eventually appear as 

snags. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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High Quality or Undisturbed Soil, Water, Air, and Sources of Public Drinking Water 

Soils - On the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA acres treated with landscape prescribed fire, effects of concern to 

soils would be related to areas of severe fire intensity, and total exposed soil surface subject to potential 

erosion hazard. The prescription for underburning and pattern of heavy fuel concentrations are prime 

determining factors affecting the extent of high severity burn areas. Contemporary prescriptions for 

underburning rarely create severe burn conditions and the total area of severely burned soils is expected to 

be very small, usually 0 to 5 percent in broadcast treatment areas, and up to 10 percent in treatment areas 

if there are numerous concentrations of heavy fuels loadings resulting from either harvest activity or 

down woody levels. Exposed soil would be expected to be scattered in a mosaic pattern similar to heavy 

fuel loading patterns, rarely in continuous areas to become an erosion hazard. Wildland fire is a natural 

event in these ecotypes. Landscape prescribed fire is intended to retain fire as a disturbance agent. 

Landscape prescribed fire activities would have no measurable effect to soil resources that would affect 

the character of the area. Fencing of less than one acre of hardwoods would not create any detrimental 

soil conditions. This action is not a concern for erosion hazard or detrimental soil disturbance. 

Hydrology- Analysis of hydrologic function and condition effects due to changes in road density and 

miles of road in RHCAs are most appropriately done at the subwatershed scale and are disclosed in the 

Hydrology section of this chapter. Since no road related actions occur in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA no 

site specific effects would occur in any of the areas. 

Fire ignition for landscape prescribed fire would not occur inside RHCAs, but fire would be allowed to 

back into RHCAs. No ignition and increased moisture in RHCAs would cause fire intensity to drop and 

reduce fuel consumption. Shade would not be significantly reduced and potential effects to water 

temperature would be negligible. 

No ignition would occur inside PACFISH interim RHCAs. The risk of erosion from landscape burning 

would be limited due to short slope lengths of exposed soil and the risk of sedimentation is low due to 

surrounding unburned debris and vegetation. However, because mineral soil might be exposed adjacent 

to channels, a small amount of sediment could enter channels during intense storms and spring runoff for 

the first year after burning. Risk is low that sedimentation could occur at levels, which would measurably 

affect water quality or deposition in channels. The mosaic of unburned vegetation in ephemeral channels 

and the current levels of debris and other channel roughness would slow and reduce the transport of any 

sediment which might enter channels from these activities. This risk would not extend beyond the first 

growing season after burning due to regrowth of surface vegetation and accumulation of natural mulches. 

Landscape prescribed burning could affect water yield. The scale of analysis for this indicator is the 

subwatershed and treatments which would occur in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA (see pp.3-13 to 3-14 of 

this chapter). ETA percentages increase in the four subwatersheds of the Cobbler II analysis area. The 

increases are well below levels at which effects have been seen to water yield, peakflows, or timing of 

peakflows. The proposed landscape burning would have a negligible effect on hydrologic functions; 

capture, storage, and release of water. 

There are no drinking water sources identified in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA in the Cobbler II project 

planning area. 

Air Quality - Any smoke from prescribed fire treatments would comply with the State of Oregon Smoke 

Management Implementation Plan and would be implemented following the guidelines in this plan (see 

page 3-78). 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Diversity of Plant and Animal Communities, TE&S Species, and Species Dependent on Large, 

Undisturbed Areas of Land 

With the exception of the Grande Ronde IRA, there are no large undisturbed areas of land in the Grande 

Ronde PWA. Only 3 polygons inventoried as PWAs are in the 100 to 499-acre size class (Appendix H, 

Table H-1C). 

Plants –There are no documented sensitive plant populations in the Grande Ronde PWA that extends 

outside and is contiguous to the Grande Ronde IRA, and the biological determination of No Effect was 

given for Silene spaldingii which is federally listed as threatened and known to occur on the Umatilla and 

Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. Silene spaldingii occurs primarily in open grasslands with deep 

Palousian soils. 

Approximately 4,000 acres of the 8,000 acres within Bear Creek and Alder Creek drainages proposed for 

landscape prescribed fire have not been surveyed. This area is within the Grande Ronde PWA that 

overlaps with the Grande Ronde IRA and is very steep, thus access is a limiting factor for survey work. 

There is likely habitat for two Region 6 sensitive sedge species, Carex cordillerana (Cordilleran sedge) 

and Carex crawfordii (Crawford’s sedge) in this unsurveyed area. Cordilleran sedge can grow on shady 

streambanks, flood plains and gravel bars and also under upland shrubs in Ponderosa pine/Douglas fir 

forests. Crawford’s sedge grows in perennially wet areas with surface water present for the majority of 

the year; it would be suspected only in Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs). There would be 

no ignitions in RHCAs but fire would be allowed to creep into these areas. No timber harvest or 

mechanical fuel treatments are proposed for this area. Fire would be introduced resulting in a mosaic of 

unburned to intensely burned patches. Hand line and machine lines would not be needed as the area 

would be burned in stages utilizing drainage breaks. Given these design criteria, a biological 

determination of “No Impact” was given to these two sensitive sedge species suspected to occur within 

the IRA. No surveys will be done in this steep area with limited access. The area proposed for hardwood 

fencing was surveyed and no sensitive plants were found. 

Animal life - Landscape prescribed fire is intended to improve forage quality for big game and lessen the 

impact of a future wildfire. Burning proposed in the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA is needed to invigorate 

plant growth. Continued fire suppression in this area along without controlled burns would cause 

important forage species to become more decadent and less nutritious or palatable to ungulates. 

Landscape burning would remove some shrubs, grasses, and seedlings from the understory, temporarily 

reducing cover and decreasing foraging habitat for some birds. If activities occur during springtime, 

ground nesting birds could be temporarily disrupted. Grasses and shrubs would show vigorous growth 

the same growing season and for several years thereafter, which would provide better habitat for many 

bird species. 

Prescribed fire in these areas would have no negative effects to sensitive species such as, goshawk, bald 

eagle, tailed frog, spotted frog, and big-eared bat. None of these species are known or expected to occur 

in these specific areas. No special habitat features such as caves or nests would be affected by the 

planned burning. Although efforts would be made to avoid overstory stands, individual tree and group 

torching would likely occur in areas where there are sufficient ladder fuels and high occurrences of 

mistletoe. If fire creeps into old forest stands, some tree mortality would be expected. This could 

increase habitat for Lewis’ woodpecker as well as other cavity-dependant species (see Wildlife section of 

this chapter pp. 3-102 to 3-109). 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Effects to species that are wide ranging and benefit from large areas of undisturbed land would be 

mimimal or non-existent. Wolves, wolverine, lynx, and marten may travel through the area, but no 

sensitive or critical areas such as dens are identified. If any of these species happen to be in the area 

during project activities, the increased traffic, equipment noise, and human presence could cause them to 

temporarily avoid the area. In the long-term, habitat would be improved for these species. 

Protection and enhancement of aspen in this area would ensure the continued existence of important 

habitat for many bird species. 

Fisheries – There are no fish and there is no fish habitat within the Grande Ronde PWA that extends 

outside and contiguous to the Grande Ronde IRA. Landscape prescribed burning would target more 

southerly aspects of the major drainages. A mosaic burn with patches of exposed mineral soil would be 

expected. Exposed soil would be surrounded and buffered by remaining duff and vegetation. Slope 

distances on exposed mineral soil would be short, preventing significant overland flow from developing 

and the surrounding duff and vegetation would act as a filter, should any sediment move. Natural 

mulching by needles and leaves would provide some ground cover before the first winter. 

Four species/stocks of ESA listed fish (Snake River steelhead; Snake River spring/summer Chinook 

salmon; Snake River fall Chinook salmon; and Columbia River bull trout) and two species of USFS 

Region 6 sensitive fish (Redband trout and Margined Sculpin) occupy streams in the Grande Ronde 

subbasin within a few miles downstream or downslope of the Grand Ronde PWA that overlaps with the 

Grande Ronde IRA. Some fish stocks native to the area (coho, lamprey, sockeye) have been extirpated, 

but these losses were due to activities outside of, and mostly far removed from, the project area. 

Designated Critical Habitat for four ESA Threatened fish species is within, borders, or is a short distance 

downstream of the project area. These same streams are also classified as Magnuson-Stevens Essential 

Fish Habitat. For a listing of the fish stocks, their classification and if they are located in and outside the 

project planning area can be found in the Fisheries section of this chapter, Table 3-10. 

Bear Creek, a tributary of the Grande Ronde River, contains about 3.2 miles, and Meadow Creek about 

0.5 miles of occupied fish habitat within the Grande Ronde IRA and within the Cobbler II project 

planning area. Elbow Creek contains about 3.4 miles of occupied fish habitat within the Grande Ronde 

IRA and is adjacent to (forms part of the boundary of) the Cobbler II project planning area. That part of 

the Grande Ronde River adjacent to the Cobbler II project area and the Grande Ronde IRA also contains 

occupied fish habitat. 

Due primarily to topography, the fish bearing portions of streams are mostly distant from roads and 

harvest activities, and so no clear links of management activities to aquatic habitat conditions in the 

Grande Ronde PWA/IRA have been demonstrated. 

There would be no project activities in fish-bearing portions of streams, but prescribed fire would be 

allowed to back into RHCAs of fish bearing streams. Because of the generally more moist condition of 

fuels in riparian areas, it would be at low intensity and most streamside vegetation would probably 

survive. However, there is at least some small possibility that a localized streamside flare-up could 

disturb fish in the vicinity. There would be no detectable change in pool frequency from implementation 

of prescribed fire. Stream shade would not be adversely reduced and potential effects to water 

temperature from prescribed fire would be negligible because higher moister levels in RHCAs would 

keep fire intensity low, reducing fuel consumption and decreasing the chance of killing trees that provide 

stream shade. Drip torches and aerial ignition methods would be used for igniting landscape prescribed 

fire. Drip torches would not be used within RHCAs and special care would be taken to ensure that 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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chemicals used for aerial ignition would not enter streams. Activities would follow design features 

(Chapter 2, Table 2-6) and Best Management Practices (Appendix D). 

The risk of erosion from landscape burning would be limited due to short slope lengths of exposed soil 

and the risk of stream sedimentation is low due to sediment trapping effects of surrounding unburned 

debris and vegetation (see Hydrology in this section for additional information on sedimentation effects 

from landscape burning). 

There would be no vehicle travel (including ATVs) for fencing of aspen and cottonwood stands therefore, 

there would be no crossing of intermittent channels and no opportunity for soil exposure along channel 

banks. 

Danger trees inside of RHCAs would be felled and left on site; which, if the tree reached the stream, 

would increase frequency of instream large woody debris. Since these trees would have eventually fallen 

to become large woody debris anyway, the effect would be to alter the timing of the woody debris input to 

the stream, advancing it slightly. 

No ignitions would occur in RHCAs for landscape prescribed fire, though fire would be allowed to back 

into the RHCAs. Minimal hand line would be constructed because use of black line and natural control 

points would make handline mostly unnecessary. Fire intensity and the extent of fire coverage would 

generally be reduced in RHCAs because no ignition would occur to maintain the fire there. Some mineral 

soil would be exposed near to stream channels, but less than in the upland portions and in a mosaic 

pattern. There would be very little effect to existing down woody material and vegetation density near 

stream channels. 

Primitive, Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Classes of Dispersed Recreation 

Recreation - The primary recreational uses in the project planning area are dispersed camping, mainly big 

game hunting, and white water rafting on the Grande Ronde River. Landscape prescribed fire activities 

which would occur mainly in the fall of the year would have a short-term, one to two year, effect on 

scenic values and use of dispersed hunting campsites, but would not affect the ability to float the river. 

Smoke may reduce the quality of the experience for recreationists using the river and for hunters in 

dispersed campsites, but it would be short-term effect. The opportunity to enjoy primitive and remote 

recreational experiences would remain in the long-term. 

Natural Appearing Landscapes With High Scenic Quality, Other Locally Identified Unique 

Characteristics And Traditional Cultural Properties. 

Apparent Naturalness, Scenic quality, and Remoteness – There would be no direct effect to the apparent 

naturalness, scenery, and sense of solitude and remoteness within potential wilderness areas from timber 

harvest, mechanical fuel activities, and road construction because those actions are not proposed in these 

areas. The sights and sounds of timber harvest and machinery adjacent to PWAs would reduce a sense of 

naturalness several miles into a PWA during project operations but would not persist in the long-term. 

Prescribed fire ignitions in the fall of the year would occur primarily in the grasslands and brush fields 

outside of RHCAs and allowed to back into the RHCAs. In timber stringers, outside the RHCAs, 

ignitions would produce a patch mortality effect caused by spot ignitions of fuel concentrations. 

Vegetative impacts from the prescribed fire would be short-term (one year at most two years) until 

grasses, brush, and herbaceous species recover the landscape. Dead trees, particularly small trees 

(saplings to poles) would be evident over a 5 to 10-year period. Few overstory trees are expected to be 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

3-145 

killed. By the time users are on the river, the burned grass areas would be sprouting brighter green than 

unburned areas because of nutrients released by the burn. The burn would be evident as the recovering 

vegetation reduces the visual effects the first year and would become less evident in following years. 

Landscape prescribed burning would require the construction of handline which would include the cutting 

of some small diameter trees, snags that pose a hazard to workers, and the limbing-up (pruning) of other 

trees incidental to prescribed burning activities. The sight of some random tree stumps left after handline 

construction incidental to prescribed burning activities, and the fencing of less than an acre of hardwoods 

would affect the natural appearing landscape of the area. Fencing would most likely be removed in 10-15 

years and would be considered short-term. Random tree stumps from any danger tree removal would also 

be visible. 

Traditional cultural properties- All traditional and sacred cultural sites would be avoided (Chapter 2, 

Table 2-6). There are no locally identified unique characteristics in these areas. 

Change in acres of inventoried PWAs 

All 7,960 acres (Table 3-57) identified as PWAs (including the Grande Ronde IRA) would remain in the 

PWA inventory following implementation of any alternative. Thus, all 7,960 acres would be available for 

consideration in an evaluation of potential wilderness (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 72) and preliminary 

administrative recommendations for wilderness designation (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 73) during forest plan 

revision. 

Table 3-57 below shows there is no change in acres of inventoried potential wilderness areas after 

implementation of any alternative analyzed in detail. 

Table 3-57 Acres of Inventoried PWAs Remaining by Alternative 

Potential Wilderness Areas 

Alternative 

A 

(acres) 

Alternative 

B 

(acres) 

Alternative

C 

(acres) 

Grande Ronde PWA that overlaps with the Grande Ronde IRA 7,025 7,025 7,025 

Grande Ronde PWA that extends outside and contiguous to the 

Grande Ronde IRA 750 750 750 

PWAs contiguous to Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness* 130 130 130 

Portion of the Grande Ronde PWA (ID 149) that continues 

outside of the project planning area boundary 55 55 55 

Total 7,960 7,960 7,960 

*Analyzed for effects in the previous section - Wilderness

Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Projects proposed in Cobbler II project planning area have been designed and mitigated to prevent or 

minimize damage to ground cover, erosion, and sedimentation (Chapter 2, Table 2-6). The potential for 

sedimentation from any other proposed actions is negligible. Project activities proposed in action 

alternatives offer no opportunity for measurable cumulative effects with ongoing or reasonably 

foreseeable future actions (this chapter, pp. 3-1 to 3-4). 

Because of the very slight risk of additional stream sedimentation from prescribed fire activities and log 

haul, which although very small, cannot be entirely eliminated. A biological determination of “May 
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Affect, But Is Not Likely to Adversely Affect” was given for Snake River steelhead, Snake River Spring 

Chinook salmon, Snake River Fall Chinook salmon, or Columbia River bull trout, and a biological 

determination of May Impact Individuals Or Habitat, But Will Not Likely Contribute To A Trend Towards 

Federal Listing Or Cause A Loss Of Viability To The Population Or Species was given for Region 6 

sensitive redband trout or margined sculpin. 

For the same reasons given above, the proposed Cobbler II project a biological determination of May 

Affect, But Is Not Likely To Adversely Affect was given for Magnuson-Stevens Act Essential Fish Habitat 

of Snake River spring/summer salmon, Snake River fall Chinook salmon or coho salmon within or 

adjacent to the Grande Ronde IRA or the PWAs. 

Landscape prescribed burning (Table 3-56) would require the construction of handline which would 

include the cutting of some small diameter trees, snags that pose a hazard to workers, and the limbing-up 

(pruning) of other trees incidental to prescribed burning activities. Trees cut during handline construction 

would not be removed from the site. Prescribed burning and future wildfires would cumulatively change 

composition and structure of vegetation which could affect some forest visitor’s sense of naturalness and 

remoteness. 

There would be no cumulative impacts to apparent naturalness, solitude and remoteness, and special 

features within potential wilderness areas (7,960 acres, Table 3-55) from timber harvest, mechanical fuel 

activities, and road construction because those actions are not proposed to occur in the Grande Ronde 

PWA/IRA. 

All 7,960 acres (Table 3-57) identified as PWAs would remain in the PWA inventory following 

implementation of any alternative. No reasonably foreseeable future actions were identified that would 

change this condition. Thus, following implementation, all acres within the Grande Ronde PWA/IRA 

would be available for consideration in an evaluation of potential wilderness (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 72) 

and preliminary administrative recommendations for wilderness designation (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 73) 

during forest plan revision. 

FINDINGS OF CONSISTENCY

The effects of implementing any alternative are consistent with Forest-wide standards and guidelines and 

Forest Plan management area standards and guidelines. 

OTHER UNDEVELOPED LANDS 

BACKGROUND - For this analysis this topic is called other undeveloped lands. An outcome of the 

PWA inventory process found at FSH 1909.12, Chapter 71 was the identification of isolated polygons of 

other undeveloped lands (Appendix H, Table H-1B). These polygons have no history of harvest activity 

and do not contain forest roads and also do not meet inventory criteria as potential wilderness areas, are 

not roadless areas, inventoried roadless areas, or a designated wilderness area. They are stand-alone 

polygons of varying acreages all less than or equal to 4,999 acres within the project planning area. The 

methodology process used to identify other undeveloped lands is described in Appendix H. 

There are no Forest-wide or management area standards specific to undeveloped lands in the Umatilla 

Forest Plan, however there are management areas that emphasize a non-motorized condition or prohibit 

harvest of timber. All lands, including undeveloped lands, are managed consistent with Forest-wide 

standards and guidelines and by designated Forest Plan management area allocations. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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SCALE OF ANALYSIS

Cobbler II project planning area. Other undeveloped lands have intrinsic ecological and social values 

because they do not contain roads and evidence of past timber harvest. These values are used as 

indicators of comparison to display effects between alternatives. Values and features that often 

characterize an inventoried roadless area (36 CRF 294) were specifically avoided as indicators of 

comparison to reduce confusion as described previously in the sections above. That is, other undeveloped 

lands are not inventoried roadless areas or potential wilderness areas and therefore are described using 

different indicators of comparison. 

Indicators for comparison purposes between alternatives are:

• Intrinsic physical and biological resources (soils, water, wildlife, recreation, fisheries, 

etc.) 

• Intrinsic social values (apparent naturalness, solitude, remoteness)

• Change in acres of other undeveloped lands 

• Change in size class of other undeveloped lands 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

The table below displays the acres of other undeveloped lands within Cobbler II project planning area 

along with references to maps in Appendix H for a visual representation. In the 34,000-acre Cobbler II 

project planning area, approximately 5,660 acres (approximately 17 percent of the project planning area) 

have been identified as isolated polygons of other undeveloped lands having no evidence of past harvest 

or substantially recognizable past harvest, and no forest roads (see Table 3-58 below). Approximately 

7,960 acres (about 23 percent of the project planning area) have been identified as PWAs, and the 

remaining 20,640 acres (about 60 percent) are developed and managed. Individual polygons of other 

undeveloped lands less than an acre were eliminated from further study because no special or unique 

resource values were identified and the description of effects to individual pieces of land less than one 

acre are better disclosed as part of the other resource effects section in this EIS. 

These isolated polygons identified as other undeveloped lands are not PWAs, roadless areas, inventoried 

roadless areas, or a designated wilderness area. Map H-6 in Appendix H shows undeveloped lands before 

PWA inventory evaluation. Identification of these areas is project specific and situational. 

Table 3-58 Summary of the Inventory Process of PWAs in Cobbler II Project Planning Area 

Acres 

Acres inventoried for PWAs within the project planning area 

(Appendix H, Map H-3) 34,000 

Lands within the project planning area with evidence of past harvest and forest roads. 

(Appendix H, Maps H-4 and H-5) 20,640 

IRA/PWAs within the project planning area boundary 

(Table H-1C and Appendix H, Map H-7) 7,960 

Other undeveloped lands 

(remaining acres with no evidence of past harvest and forest roads that did not meet 

PWA criteria). (Appendix H, Maps H-10 and H-11) 

5,660 

Table 3-59 displays the number, size class, and approximate acres represented of other undeveloped 

lands. Approximately 87 percent of the polygons identified as other undeveloped lands are in the 1 to 99 

acre size class. For a perspective, one square mile is about 640 acres, Grande Ronde IRA/PWA is about 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

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7,960 acres and the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness is about 177,469 acres. The residual shape of each 

undeveloped land polygon is the result of boundaries created by past harvest and road building. The 

largest undeveloped land polygon is approximately 540 acres, which is less than one square mile. No one 

(1) polygon in other undeveloped lands is 1,000 acres or greater. 

Table 3-59 Number, Size Class, and Approximate Acres of Other Undeveloped Lands 

in Cobbler II Project Planning Area 

Number of Polygons Size Class Approximate Acres 

92 1 to 99 acres 2,535 

12 100 to 499 acres 2,585 

1 500 to 999 acres 540 

None 1,000 to 4,999 acres None 

None >5,000 acres None 

The majority of the approximate 5,660 acres of other undeveloped lands that are not PWAs are allocated 

in Forest Plan management areas E2-Timber and Big Game and C4-Wildlife Habitat (see Appendix A, 

Management Area Map). Both allocations allow that timber be managed on a scheduled basis, all types 

of prescribed fire may be used to accomplish management objectives, and road construction, 

reconstruction and maintenance are permitted within Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Past 

management and current developed conditions within the project boundary reflect the intent and decisions 

made in the Forest Plan (1990 as amended), and reflects consistency with Forest Plan management area 

allocations. 

Any areas with unique ecological values within Cobbler II project planning area are currently maintained 

for those values with Forest Plan standards and guidelines for management area allocations such as, A7-

Wild and Scenic Rivers; A8-Scenic Area; A9-Special Interest Area; C1-Dedicated Old Growth; and D2-

Research Natural Area. See Chapter 1, pp. 1-12 to 1-14, for brief descriptions of goals, and standards and 

guidelines associated with each Forest Plan management area allocation. 

No special or unique resource values in undeveloped lands have been identified by project resource 

specialists in their environmental analysis for the implementation of any alternative analyzed in detail. 

Other undeveloped lands include soils, water, fish and wildlife habitat etc. that have not been impacted 

directly by past harvest and road building. The current condition of soil, water quality, air quality; plant 

and animal communities; habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; noxious weeds; 

recreation; and cultural resources within the project planning area (including other undeveloped lands) are 

described elsewhere in Chapter 3 of this EIS. 

Human influences have had limited impact to long-term ecological processes within other undeveloped 

lands. Disturbance by insects and fire has been and most likely would continue to be the factors with the 

most potential to impact the area. Opportunities for primitive recreation are limited to camping, hiking, 

river rafting, and hunting. Ongoing firewood gathering and removal of danger trees along forest roads 

that border each polygon changes the vegetation, leaves stumps, and presents a managed appearance 

within a developed transportation corridor. 

Opportunities for a feeling of solitude, the spirit of adventure and awareness, serenity, and self-reliance 

are limited by the size and shape of the polygon. Distance and topographic screening are also factors. 

The optimum shape and location to retain solitude and a sense of isolation from noise and sights of other 

humans and their activities would be at the center of a circle. Areas greater than or equal to 5,000 acres 

or about 8 square miles may have sufficient size to offer a sense of solitude yet this may vary by 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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individual. Long narrow shapes provide less distance from noise at their midpoint. Nearby, nonconforming sights and sounds of roads and timber harvest can be heard and often seen from within 105 

polygons of other undeveloped lands because they are all less than one square mile in size and none are a 

perfect circle in shape. 

The existing condition of all remaining 20,640 acres (have evidence of past harvest and forest roads) of 

land within and affected by the Cobbler II project presents a landscape that has been managed and is 

generally developed in nature; these lands contain evidence of past harvest and forest roads. Past 

management actions and current conditions within the 20,640 acres reflect the multiple-use intent and 

decisions made in the Forest Plan (1990 as amended), and reflects consistency with Forest Plan 

management area allocations. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Alternative A - No Action 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternative A)

There would be no direct effects to undeveloped lands because no activities would occur in these areas. 

The affected environment would remain unchanged, except by natural processes and ongoing 

management activities. Biological and ecosystem functions would likely continue as they are in the 

present condition. The landscape would continue developing complex fuel loads. A wildfire may burn 

more extensively and kill more trees within upland forest stands which would result in larger acreages of 

blackened landscapes compared to prescribed fires. Some forest visitors may avoid blackened landscapes 

until green vegetation returns after 3 to 5 years. Fire is a natural occurrence and expected disturbance 

process in this landscape. All polygons of other undeveloped lands would continue to not meet inventory 

criteria as potential wilderness areas and would continue to not be an inventoried roadless area or a 

designated wilderness area. 

Effects Common to All Action Alternatives 

Direct/Indirect Effects (Alternatives B and C)

Timber harvest and associated activities in Alternative B would occur on approximately 635 acres of 

other undeveloped lands. Timber harvest and associated activities in Alternative C would occur on 

approximately 210 acres of other undeveloped lands. In both alternatives aspen restoration and meadow 

restoration would occur. Aspen restoration activities of cutting competing conifers, girdling, or fencing 

would occur on about 96 acres with the majority of acres located in Elk Flats Meadow where a Forest 

Plan amendment is being proposed (see Chapter 2, p. 2-23). Meadow restoration which includes burning 

to rejuvenate meadow vegetation and reduce conifer encroachment would occur on about 46 acres. (For 

more detailed information regarding these activities see Appendix H, Maps H-10 and H-11 showing the 

location of activity units, and Appendix B for a listing of harvest activity units, silvicultural and fuel 

prescriptions, logging method, and Forest Plan management area allocation, and Appendix A for map 

entitled Other Activities Common to Both Alternatives). No road construction or landscape prescribed 

fire activities would occur in either alternative in other undeveloped lands. The table below lists the 

proposed activities in other undeveloped lands by alternative. 
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Table 3-60 Activities proposed in Other Undeveloped Lands by Alternative 

Activity Alternative B Alternative C 

Timber Harvest 

(and associated activities) 635 acres 210 acres 

Hardwood (Aspen) Restoration 96 acres 96 acres 

Danger Tree Removal 

(along haul routes) 

Yes 

(if needed) 

Yes 

(if needed) 

Meadow Restoration 46 acres 46 acres 

The environmental consequences to the 20,640 remaining acres of land within the Cobbler II project 

planning area that are not IRA/PWAs and not other undeveloped lands are disclosed throughout all other 

resource sections of this chapter. 

About 635 acres of harvest is proposed for Alternative B and 210 acres in Alternative C of other 

undeveloped lands within the Cobbler II project planning area. Maps H-6, H-7, and H-8 display the 

locations of proposed harvest within these acres by action alternative. Harvest activity would create 

stumps on these acres. All harvest, hardwood and meadow restoration, and danger tree removal is 

consistent with the intent and standards of the Forest Plan. Effects to these acres and the physical, 

biological, and social values within them are as described below for other undeveloped lands 

Intrinsic physical and biological resources (soil, water, wildlife, recreation, fisheries, etc.) 

For other undeveloped lands within Cobbler II project planning area where proposed project activities the 

impacts to soil, water quality, air quality; plant and animal communities; habitat for threatened, 

endangered, and sensitive species; recreation; noxious weeds; and cultural resources, etc. are the same as 

disclosed for areas of proposed project activity in previous resource sections of this chapter and are not 

reiterated here. 

Intrinsic social values (apparent naturalness, degree of solitude, sense of remoteness) 

Proposed timber harvest and associated activities, hardwood and meadow restoration, and danger tree 

removal in other undeveloped lands would create stumps which would reduce the size of the undeveloped 

polygon. The lands would appear managed and developed. The sights, sounds, and changes in vegetation 

from timber harvest and danger tree removal would further decrease the natural integrity and sense of 

naturalness within harvest units and along roads. 

All harvested units would remain forested after harvest although skid trails, stumps, and landings would 

be evident. Stand structure would change, therefore, diversity of plant and animal communities may shift 

from current patterns but ecological diversity would remain (see Vegetation section of this chapter). 

Impacts to natural integrity and sense of naturalness would likely be evident until stumps and vegetation 

canopies are no longer substantially recognizable (about 75 to 100 years). The sounds of timber harvest 

from active units and danger tree removal would reduce a sense of naturalness and solitude during project 

operations but would not persist in the long-term. Other impacts, such as tree marking paint and logging 

slash would be visible in the short-term (about 5 to 10 years). Impacts such as closed roads, skid trails, 

and tree stumps would be evident much longer. The increased numbers of stumps and the open nature of 

the forest stand would likely be the most apparent visual change resulting from implementation. In the 

long-term (about 50 plus years), the project would result in the development of historic open, park-like 

conditions, characterized by larger diameter trees, though more stumps would be present than currently 

exist. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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In areas of hardwood restoration most stands have only mature or over-mature hardwood trees with little 

or no regeneration, or regeneration that is being severely browsed. Some competing conifers would be 

cut and left on site. The down wood would become barriers to grazing animals. Limbs may be piled and 

burned. Other conifer trees would be girdled to increase water and sunlight to aspen while allowing 

conifers to die out slowly. Buck and pole fencing would occur as funding allows. The girdling and 

fencing would be visible and would decrease the sense of apparent naturalness. 

Meadows would be burned to rejuvenate meadow vegetation and reduce conifer encroachment. This 

activity would occur over multiple years and may require a temporary electric fence around the meadows 

to keep cattle out, so enough grass is retained to carry the fire. The temporary electric fence would be 

visible in the short-term and would decrease the sense of apparent naturalness. 

These lands would continue to not meet inventory criteria for potential wilderness areas. This outcome is 

consistent with the intent of the land allocation decisions made in the Forest Plan. The impacts to soil, 

water quality, air quality; plant and animal communities; habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive 

species; recreation; noxious weeds; and cultural resources are disclosed in other sections of this Chapter 

and are not reiterated here. 

Environmental effects to resources in other undeveloped lands due to the implementation of proposed 

project activities would be consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and Forest Plan management area 

standards and guidelines (see previous sections of this chapter for Findings of Consistency for each 

resource). 

Other undeveloped lands with no proposed timber harvest activity (5,025 acres in Alternative B and 5,450 

acres in Alternative C) would remain the same as described in the affected environment and Alternative 

A. They would still remain free of developments such as forest roads or timber harvest units. All 5,660 

acres of other undeveloped lands within the project planning areas would still not be considered PWAs, 

roadless areas, inventoried roadless areas, or a designated wilderness area. 

Change in acres in other undeveloped lands 

All acres of other undeveloped lands would continue to not meet inventory criteria as potential wilderness 

areas and would continue to not be an inventoried roadless area or a designated wilderness area. Table 3-

61 is a summary showing the changes in acres for other undeveloped lands by alternative. 

Table 3-61 Undeveloped Lands in Cobbler II Project Planning Area by Alternative 

Alternative 

Acres 

Remaining 

After Timber 

Harvest 

Acres 

changed 

Percent of Area* 

After 

Implementation 

Percent 

Change 

Developed** 

Acres After 

Implementation

Alternative A 5,660 No change 17% No change 20,640 

Alternative B 5,025 (-635) 15% (-2%) 21,275 

Alternative C 5,450 (-210) 16% (-1%) 20,850 

*34,000 acres within the project planning area is 100% 

**Developed is defined here as managed acres that contain evidence of past harvest and forest roads 

Currently there are approximately 5,660 acres of other undeveloped lands within the project planning area (Table 3-58) 

Currently there are approximately 20,640 acres of developed lands within the project planning area (Table 3-58)
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

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Cumulative Effects (Alternatives B and C)

For other undeveloped lands, when combined with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions (this 

chapter, pp. 3-1 to 3-4), where project activities would occur, cumulative effects to soil, water quality, air 

quality; plant and animal communities; habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; 

recreation; noxious weeds; and cultural resources as disclosed in previous sections of this chapter and are 

not reiterated here. 

The increased numbers of stumps and the open nature of the forest stand would likely be the most 

apparent visual change resulting from implementation. In the long term (about 50 plus years), the project 

would result in the development of historic open, park-like conditions, characterized by larger diameter 

trees, though more stumps would be present than currently exist. 

Fuel treatments of activity and natural and future wildfires would cumulatively change composition and 

structure of vegetation which could affect some forest visitor’s sense of naturalness and remoteness. For 

a few years burned areas would display a blackened color. Outside the burned areas, the conditions 

described in the affected environment would remain unchanged except by natural processes and ongoing 

management activities such as grazing and hunting. 

Apparent naturalness and solitude and remoteness would be cumulatively impacted by grazing, dispersed 

camping, and motorized vehicle use on open system roads. Effects associated with recreational use, 

including noxious weed spread, hunting, fishing, erosion, litter, and evidence of fire rings, are expected to 

remain cumulatively minor. Ongoing removal of danger trees along forest roads changes the vegetation 

but does not change the overall sense of naturalness or sense of solitude along an existing developed 

transportation corridor. Overall, cumulative impacts from these activities on apparent naturalness, 

solitude and remoteness is very small (not measurable/indistinguishable) in proportion to the changes 

anticipated from the direct and indirect impacts of the alternatives disclosed above.

Other undeveloped lands with no proposed harvest activity (5,025 acres in Alternative B and 5,450 acres 

in Alternative C, Table 3-61) would retain their intrinsic physical, biological, and social values as 

described in the affected environment. They would remain free of developments such as forest roads or 

timber harvest stumps. All 5,660 acres of other undeveloped lands within the project planning area would 

still not be a potential wilderness area, inventoried roadless area, or a designated wilderness area. This 

outcome is consistent with the intent of the land allocation decisions made in the Forest Plan. 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

Implementation of any alternative would be consistent with Forest-wide standards and guidelines and 

Forest Plan management area standards and guidelines. 

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 

SCALE OF ANALYSIS

The affected economic area or impact zone for the Umatilla National Forest consists of Grant, Morrow, 

Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler counties in Oregon, and Asotin, Garfield, Columbia, and Walla 

Walla counties in Washington. These counties are encompassed within the Pendleton and Spokane 

Bureau of Economic Analysis regions. 
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

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Indicators for comparison between alternatives are: 

• Alternative efficiency – present net value (PNV) 

• Benefits to regional economy – number of jobs 

• Sale viability – value of above base rates 

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Agriculture, manufacturing (particularly wood products), and food processing are important sources of 

employment and income in this region. Refer to the Umatilla National Forest, Land and Resource 

Management Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Appendix B, for further detailed description of 

the main social and economic characteristics of the area (USDA 1990). 

Many communities in this region are closely tied to the forest in both work activities and recreation. 

Annual timber-related employment supported by timber harvested from Umatilla National Forest for the 

years 1995 to 1997 averaged 394 jobs. 

Cobbler II Timber Sale and Reduction Project is located in Wallowa and Union Counties, Oregon. The 

estimated population of Wallowa and Union Counties in 2005 was 7,150 and 24,540, respectively. 

Agriculture, forestry and fishing account for approximately 23 percent of the total employment and wood 

products account for approximately 7 percent of the total employment in Wallowa County (2008 CityData.com). 

Wallowa County unemployment rate is at 9.1 percent and Union County unemployment rate is at 4.6 

(2005 City-Data.com) 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

The economic analysis for this project measures three aspect of the project’s economic merit. They are 

alternative efficiency, benefits to the regional economy, and sale viability. 

Alternative efficiency is derived from an analysis of the discounted cash flows. It is expressed as present 

net value. Additional information can be gained by breaking out cost into associated pools. Alternative 

efficiency compares alternatives by analyzing the cash flows associated with all vegetation management 

activities. Monetary costs and benefits are discounted at a real rate of 4 percent. Details of the analysis 

are located in the project file. Present net value (PNV) is the discounted benefits less the discounted 

costs. A positive PNV indicates that the project has a real rate of return greater than 4 percent. A 

negative PNV indicates that the rate of return is less than 4 percent or that the project has a negative rate 

of return. However, a project with a negative PNV may still have merit. Other benefits may be derived 

that cannot be quantified or would not be appropriate to compare directly in cash flow analysis. In this 

case discounted cost per acre would be an appropriate measure to compare alternatives. 

While this analysis is for alternative comparison purpose only, and should not be used for budgetary 

planning, a comparison of cost pools is useful to the decision maker. Cost pools addressed in this 

analysis are administrative, appropriated, and trust fund. For the purpose of this analysis, administrative 

costs are those associated commercial harvest and include sale preparation and sale administration. The 

appropriated pool is costs associated with vegetation management activities that are expected to need 

appropriated funds to accomplish. Since receipt of these funds cannot be assured, a higher value in this 

cost pool relates to a higher uncertainty in the Forest’s ability to accomplish these activities. The trust 

fund cost pool is associated with activities that are expected to be funded with trust fund money (either 
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KV or BD) generated from the sale of commercial products. Since only essential KV activities were 

considered, funding for these costs is assured if the commercial harvest is accomplished. 

Benefits to the regional economy are measured in direct, indirect, induced jobs and income that are 

derived from the sale of timber. Sale viability is express as the anticipated value above base rates and 

measures the likelihood that potential purchasers would be willing to purchaser the proposed timber sale. 

Benefits to the regional economy are measured in direct, indirect, induced jobs and income that are 

derived from the sale of timber. Direct income and jobs are associated with harvesting and processing of 

wood products. Indirect benefits are associated with industries that supply materials, equipment and 

services to logging and wood processing businesses. Induced benefits are attributed to personal spending 

by business owners, employees, and related industries. Development of these benefits is detailed in the 

project file. The original coefficients were derived from the IMPLAN model. 

Sale viability is a measure of the probability of receiving bids for any commercial products offered for 

sale. Base rates are the lowest rates that commercial timber can be offered for sale. They are either the 

minimum rate or essential KV expressed in dollars/hundred cubic feet (CCF) whichever is higher. The 

higher the anticipated value above base rates a potential sale has the more likely that it is that the sale 

would sell. A sale with a negative value would be considered deficit and unlikely to sell. 

Alternative A – No Action 

Direct and Indirect Effects (Alternative A)

This alternative proposes no action. No costs or benefits are derived from this alternative and no detailed 

analysis was calculated for it. However, selection of this alternative could lead to costs in the future. 

These costs would be associated with increased fire suppression costs, loss of private property, and other 

costs associated with failure to treat the vegetation in this area. 

Alternative B 

Direct and Indirect Effects (Alternative B)

This alternative proposes a variety of activities. The PNV for this alternative is negative and the highest 

of the two action alternatives. This alternative has the least cost per acre of the two action alternatives. 

Since this alternative has the highest amount of commercial harvest it maximizes the benefits to the 

regional economy and jobs. Trust funds can be expected to fund more vegetative treatment under this 

alternative. The anticipated value above base rates is positive, so the sale of commercial products is 

assumed to be viable. 

Alternative C 

Direct and Indirect Effects (Alternative C)

This alternative proposes fewer acres of commercial harvest. The PNV for this alternative is also 

negative but of a lesser amount than Alternative B. The cost per acre for treatment is the highest. Since 

this alternative has the least amount of commercial harvest it has the least amount of benefit to the 

regional economy and jobs. Trust funds can be expected to fund less work for vegetative treatments and 

rely on more days funded with appropriated monies; this alternative has the highest risk of not being 

funded. This alternative also has an anticipated value above base rates (although less than Alternative B), 

so the sale of commercial products is assumed to be viable. The following table is an economic analysis 

comparison by alternative. 
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Table 3-62 Economic Comparison by Alternative 

Alternative ANo Action Alternative B Alternative C 

Commercial Unit Area (acres) 0 2,500 1,300 

Total Commercial Volume 

Hundred Cubic Feet (CCF) 0 29,000 17,800 

Total Timber Value at Predicted 

High Bid Rate 

0 $1,388,800 $817,300 

Value/CCF above base rates 0 $48.00 $46.00 

Local Employment (jobs) 0 86 52 

Total Potential Income 0 $3,887,900 $2,378,250 

Discounted Revenue 0 $1,279,000 $752,710 

Discounted Costs 0 $2,117,220 $1,297,200 

Present Net Value 0 ($838,230) ($544,500) 

Present Net Value per Acre 0 ($395) ($430) 

Present Value Trust Fund Costs 0 ($509,610) ($303,270) 

FINDING OF CONSISTENCY

All alternatives would be consistent with Forest Plan standards and guidelines. The analysis is in 

accordance with Forest Service manual and handbook guidance to complete a financial analysis for 

timber sales (FSH 2409.18). It documents the financial monetary measures for timber and the financial 

costs of removing the timber. 

CLIMATE CHANGE and CARBON ANALYSIS 

The context of this climate change analysis is that Cobbler project planning area is too small for a direct 

evaluation of potential climate change effects caused by the proposed actions. Our current understanding 

of climate science suggests it is difficult to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between proposed 

actions and climate change at a project scale. Therefore, no attempt was made to use climate change as 

an issue during the NEPA process, and no indicators were established for comparing potential climate 

change effects between alternatives. 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has summarized the contributions of global 

human activity sectors on climate change in their Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC 2007). The top three 

anthropogenic (human-caused) contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (from 1970-2004) are, 

respectively; fossil fuel combustion (56.6% of global total), deforestation (17.3%) and 

agriculture/waste/energy (14.3%). Their analysis of "deforestation" clearly focuses on land use 

conversions and large scale deforestation (removal of all trees) as the primary forestry-related issues (e.g. 

conversion of rainforest into agricultural land, conversion of forest into developed land). Cobbler II 

project activities do not fall within these main contributors of greenhouse gas emissions; project activities 

do not convert forested land into a developed condition and they do not deforest the land. Given the 

IPCC findings and the small scale and limited impacts of this project on vegetation cover, the incremental 
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contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) and climate change is so small it's not measurable and not 

significant. 

The 2007 IPCC report also summarizes recommended sector-specific key mitigation "technologies and 

practices". For the forestry sector, those available include afforestation, reforestation, forest management, 

reduced deforestation, harvested wood product management, and use of forestry products for bioenergy to 

replace fossil fuel use. Cobbler II project is consistent with these recommendations because it proposes 

management of the forest for resilience to disturbance and reforestation of regeneration harvest areas. 

Depending on the markets, some of the products may be used to produce bioenergy. 

Climate Change and Silvicultural Management

Climate change already has very likely altered forest fires, insect outbreaks and tree mortality in the U.S. 

interior west (Ryan et al. 2008), and future effects are expected to be greater (Climate Change Resource 

Center 2009). Scientists are using models to try to show the possible range of changes that may occur in 

the future in forests. Model predictions range widely as to the likelihood of specific changes in western 

American forests within their modeling timelines. There is consensus that while climate is changing, 

novel ecosystems will arise, as individual species are expected to respond to climate change differently, 

and not as the currently observed plant assemblages (Ryan et al. 2008). Further, although quantitative 

models can estimate a range of potential directions and magnitudes of environmental changes and forest 

responses in the future, models rarely can predict the future with the level of accuracy and precision 

needed by resource managers (Millar et al. 2007). 

Many climate change scenarios include an increase in winter precipitation but increased temperatures and 

increased frequency of summer drought, which may result in more moisture stress in forest environments 

(Spittlehouse and Stewart 2003). This may cause reduced growth and decreased vigor of forest stands. 

Declines in vigor may make forests more susceptible to large-scale pest attacks and more frequent or 

severe fires. Existing plant species or genotypes may be poorly adapted to future climate conditions. 

Being relatively long-lived, the forest trees living today will probably compose much of the forests of the 

next century. Long-term adaptation to climate changes will require healthy and productive forests in the 

short term (Millar et al. 2007). Maintaining forest ecosystems in the face of progressive climate change 

will require silvicultural systems to manage declining and disturbed stands (Spittlehouse and Stewart 

2003). 

Forest managers will need options to choose from while under the uncertainty of future climate conditions 

in their regions. No single adaptation approach will fit all forest regions. Good options could include 

practices focused on forestalling climate change effects by building resistance and resilience into current 

ecosystems, and on managing for change by enabling plants, animals, and ecosystems to adapt to climate 

change. Better and more widespread implementation of already known practices that reduce the impact 

of existing stressors represents a strategy that can be used while uncertainty about future conditions is 

high. Increased emphasis on current efforts to reduce the impact of existing stressors on National Forests 

represents a ‘‘no regrets’’ strategy. Efforts to mitigate existing stressors would address current 

management needs, and potentially reduce future interactions of these stressors with climate change. 

(Joyce et al. 2009) 

Climate Change and HRV

The historical range of variability (HRV) is defined as the range of conditions and processes likely to 

have occurred prior to settlement by Euro-American emigrants (Landres et al. 1999). HRV is an 

analytical process for evaluating inherent variation in vegetation composition, structure, and density, 

reflecting recent evolutionary history and the dynamic interplay of biotic and abiotic factors (Morgan et 

al. 1994). In the context of forest vegetation analyses for the Cobbler II area, HRV was used extensively 
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when evaluating the environmental effects of implementing alternatives (see previous sections of this 

chapter). HRV was used as a tool to help us understand present forests and why they respond as they do 

when exposed to silvicultural activities – it uses the past to help us understand the present, to understand 

which forces affect vegetation response, to gain insight into possible trajectories of future forests, and to 

integrate this information when proposing management alternatives (Millar and Woolfenden 1999). 

“Some feel that HRV may no longer be a viable concept for managing lands in the future because of 

expected climate warming and increasing human activities across the landscape. Today’s climates might 

change so rapidly and dramatically that future climates will no longer be similar to those climates that 

created past conditions. Climate warming is expected to trigger major changes in disturbance processes, 

plant and animal species dynamics, and hydrological responses to create new plant communities and alter 

landscapes that may be quite different from historical analogs” (Keane et al. 2009, pages 1033-1034). 

“At first glance, it may seem obvious that using historical references may no longer be reasonable in this 

rapidly changing world. However, a critical evaluation of possible alternatives may indicate that HRV, 

with all its faults and limitations, might be the most viable approach for the near-term because it has the 

least amount of uncertainty” (Keane et al. 2009, page 1034), particularly as compared to the uncertainty 

associated with the magnitude, timing, scale, and spatial extent of climate change impacts. 

“Given the uncertainties in predicting climatic responses to increasing CO2 and the ecological effects of 

this response, we feel that HRV time series derived from the past may have significantly lower 

uncertainty than any simulated predictions for the future. We suggest it may be prudent to wait until 

simulation technology has improved to include credible pattern and process interactions with regional 

climate dynamics and there has been significant model validation before we throw out the concept and 

application of HRV” (Keane et al. 2009, page 1034). 

“In the meantime, it is doubtful that the use of HRV to guide management efforts will result in 

inappropriate activities considering the large genetic variation in most species and the robustness inherent 

in regional landscapes that display the broad range of conditions inherent in HRV projections” (Keane et 

al. 2009, page 1034). 

Silvicultural proposed actions are expected to improve the “adaptive capacity” (Olsson et al. 2004) of 

forest stands in the Cobbler II planning area, particularly by alleviating the chronic stress associated with 

high tree density levels. Improvements in adaptive capacity are important for helping forest vegetation 

deal with the direct effects of warming temperatures and reduced precipitation, as well as the indirect 

effects caused by climate-influenced disturbance processes. 

Table 3-63 Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Cobbler II Forest Vegetation Activities 

Climate Change Adaptation Strategies 

Related to Forest Vegetation 

Predicted Compatibility of Strategy 

With Proposed Forest Vegetation Activities 

Improve the capability of ecosystems to withstand 

uncharacteristically severe drought, wildfires and insect 

outbreaks at landscape scales. 

Rationale for the silvicultural activity proposals is based 

largely on insect and disease susceptibility and the 

potential to reduce uncharacteristic fire hazard on dryforest sites (see Chapters 1 and 2). 

Facilitate natural (evolutionary) adaptation through 

silvicultural treatments that shorten regeneration times 

and promote interspecific competition. 

The proposed action includes regeneration cutting and 

tree planting, both of which are responsive to shortened 

regeneration times and promotion of interspecific 

competition. Planting emphasizes a mixed species 

composition, but based on recent climate change 

modeling, the amount of western larch in the species 

mix might need to be reduced. 

Where ecosystems will very likely become more water

limited, manage for drought- and heat-tolerant species. 

Specifications for how the silvicultural activities would 

be implemented would account for species-specific life 

history traits affecting drought and heat. Drought-
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Climate Change Adaptation Strategies 

Related to Forest Vegetation 

Predicted Compatibility of Strategy 

With Proposed Forest Vegetation Activities 

tolerant species would be preferentially retained during 

intermediate cutting activities, and they would be 

emphasized in the species mix to be planted after 

regeneration cutting. 

Reduce homogeneity of stand structure and synchrony of 

disturbance patterns across broad landscapes by 

promoting diverse age classes and species mixes, stand 

diversities, and genetic diversity. 

The rationale for proposing certain silvicultural activities 

instead of others is based on results from an HRV 

analysis, and several HRV components (composition 

and structure) account for age-class, species, and 

successional-stage diversity. Tree planting would 

promote a diverse species composition rather than 

single-species stands. Regeneration cutting would 

introduce or improve landscape heterogeneity by 

reducing homogeneity. 

Reset ecological trajectories to take advantage of early 

successional stages that are adaptive to present rather 

than past climates. 

Regeneration cutting would reset ecological trajectories 

for the activity units in which it would occur; the tree 

planting activity would use a mixed species composition 

consisting primarily of early-seral (early successional) 

tree and shrub species. 

Reset ecological trajectories to take advantage of early 

successional stages that are adaptive to present rather 

than past climates. 

Regeneration cutting would reset ecological trajectories 

for the activity units in which it would occur; the tree 

planting activity would use a mixed species composition 

consisting primarily of early-seral (early successional) 

tree and shrub species. 

Use historical ecological information to identify 

environments buffered against climate change and which 

would be good candidates for conservation. 

Although climate change could potentially affect the full 

range of biophysical environments, we believe that the 

historical structure associated with dry-forest sites (a 

low-density cohort of large-diameter, fire-resistant trees 

comprised primarily of ponderosa pine) is likely to be 

reasonably resilient to projected climate change. 

Proposed silvicultural activities are directed toward 

conserving this structure when it currently exists, or 

restoring it if important biological legacies (such as large 

trees) are still present. Using regeneration cutting and 

thinning would introduce heterogeneity on moist-forest 

sites and create resilient tree density levels on all 

biophysical environments. 

Reforestation after disturbance may require different 

species than were present before the disturbance to

better match site-level changes associated with climate 

change. 

The reforestation activity would utilize a mixed species 

composition emphasizing early-seral, drought-tolerant 

species. All of the species are currently present in the 

planning area; at the current time, there is no proposal to 

anticipate the future effects of climate change on species 

assemblages by introducing a non-native species. 

After a disturbance event, use intensive site preparation 

activities to remove competing vegetation and replant 

with high-quality, genetically appropriate and diverse 

stock. 

After implementation of the regeneration cutting 

silvicultural activities, the tree planting activity would be 

completed by using conventional removal of competing 

vegetation (scalps), and the seedlings to be outplanted 

would be produced from genetically diverse (but local) 

seed sources. 

To promote climate resilience for existing stands, use 

widely spaced thinnings or shelterwood cuttings and

rapid response to forest mortality from fire or insects. 

The intermediate cutting (thinning) and regeneration 

cutting treatments would be implemented toward the 

lower end of current recommended stocking levels 
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Climate Change Adaptation Strategies 

Related to Forest Vegetation 

Predicted Compatibility of Strategy 

With Proposed Forest Vegetation Activities 

(Powell 1999); rapid response to forest mortality is not 

included as a proposed action for the Cobbler II Project. 

Plan for higher-elevation insect outbreaks, species

mortality events, and altered fire regimes. 

The silvicultural activities proposed for implementation 

on moist, upland-forest sites in the planning area 

anticipate accelerated mortality of subalpine fir (which is 

currently occurring at high levels due to an infestation of 

balsam woolly adelgid, an introduced insect species), 

Engelmann spruce, and other species that are projected 

to not fare well under future climate conditions 

(Rehfeldt et al. 2006). 

Adaptive management is essential to managing for uncertainty. Although general principles will emerge, 

the best preparation is for managers and planners to remain informed both about emerging climate science 

as well as land-use changes in their region, and to use that knowledge to shape effective local solutions 

(Millar et al. 2007). Adaptive management can make use of new information, and this information may 

be useful for adjusting desired conditions and guidelines in the future. 

Forest Carbon Analysis

Increasingly, land managers are being asked to consider the potential carbon consequences of forest 

management activities. This section discusses issues associated with carbon storage and sequestration, 

carbon stocks and fluxes, and possible interactions between activities that would be expected to cause 

short-term reductions in carbon stocks (such as thinning and prescribed fire) in order to avoid potentially 

large carbon emissions from wildfire and other stand-replacing disturbance processes in the future. 

Increased burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and its refined products including gasoline, and natural gas) 

since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution has resulted in increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) 

in the atmosphere. As CO2, methane and other greenhouse gases accumulate, they contribute to a host of 

changes referred to as the greenhouse effect, global warming, or climate change. 

Terrestrial carbon (C) sequestration involves processes through which CO2 from the atmosphere is 

absorbed by trees, plants and crops through photosynthesis, and then stored as C in biomass (tree trunks, 

branches, foliage, and roots) and in soils. The term “sink” is also used to refer to forests, croplands, and 

rangelands and their ability to sequester C. Since agriculture and forestry activities can also release CO2

to the atmosphere, a C sink occurs when carbon sequestration is greater than carbon release over a given 

time period. When more CO2 is being released than sequestered, an activity or condition is considered to 

be a C source in contrast to a C sink (Fahey et al. 2009). Hudiburg found that the potential to store 

additional carbon in Pacific Northwest forests is among the highest in the world (Hudiburg et al. 2009). 

However, these levels (if reached) may be unstable in high-frequency fire regions, a factor that the study 

did not include in their calculations. 

Because old forests steadily accumulate biomass for centuries, they contain large amounts of C and 

function as a C sink (Rhemtulla et al. 2009). But the cumulative probability of disturbance is higher for 

stands with high aboveground biomass, so old forests tend to be less common than young or mid-age 

stands, even in unmanaged landscapes (Lesica 1996, Luyssaert et al. 2008). 

Forest ecosystems are an important part of the global C cycle since they are estimated to sequester about 

80 percent of the aboveground terrestrial C pool (Waring and Running 1998). For this reason, forests and 

their management are at the forefront of efforts and programs to address global climate change because 

they might provide one of the most efficient and effective options for offsetting CO2 emissions from 

fossil-fuel consumption (Bonan 2008, Canadell and Raupach 2008, Salinger et al. 2005, Winnett 1998). 
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Wildfire and other disturbance processes (insect outbreaks, disease epidemics, windthrow episodes, 

avalanches and debris flows, etc.) can release a forest’s stored C as CO2 emissions, either directly by 

combusting the wood or indirectly by killing trees that are eventually decomposed by microbes, with CO2

emissions being produced during microbial decomposition of standing or down dead wood. 

Traditionally, it was believed that the main loss of C and other nutrients during a fire was in a gaseous 

form (as CO2, NO2, and H2O), but recent research shows that much of the loss occurs as particulate matter 

carried in the smoke plume (Bormann et al. 2008). The surprisingly large loss of soil nutrients from fire 

not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, but the research suggests it will lower productivity and 

C sequestration rates for a substantial period after burning (Bormann et al. 2008). 

Disturbance effects are often indirect – fire can change the albedo (absorption characteristics) of the soil 

surface, which then allows more solar energy to be absorbed and increased decomposition rates for 

decades into the future (Running 2008). Since a young forest might get established after fire and develop 

for 100-300 years, eventually recapturing an equivalent amount of C to what was released by the fire, 

forests can be “carbon-neutral” when evaluated across long timeframes. If climate change or other factors 

alter these post-fire successional relationships, however, it is possible that forests could disappear 

altogether following wildfire (Adams et al. 2009), in which case the system would obviously not be C 

neutral. 

Other research indicates that fire causes accelerated decomposition rates after burning, perhaps related to 

soil warming from the albedo changes described above. Auclair and Carter (1993), for example, 

calculated that post-wildfire C release after a high-intensity fire, presumably related to microbial 

decomposition rates, was approximately three times greater than the direct release of CO2 during the fire 

itself. In a drier ponderosa pine ecosystem, direct C flux measurements found higher CO2 emissions from 

a high-intensity burn area than an adjacent unburned area, even ten years after the fire (Dore et al. 2008). 

Fire and C relationships are complex because fire has an important influence on the vegetation baseline 

against which climate change and C effects are measured. Climate plays an important role in determining 

fire patterns (particularly regarding temporal trends in the El Nino-Southern Oscillation and Pacific 

Decadal Oscillation climate patterns) and, in turn, fire influences the climate system via the release of C. 

Fires influence the natural cycle of primary production and respiration, and if climate and fire regimes 

equilibrate, then fire-induced atmospheric CO2 emissions are balanced by uptake from surviving 

vegetation or regeneration (Bond et al. 2005, Bowman et al. 2009). 

Forests in the United States sequester about 10 percent of the annual anthropogenic CO2 emissions 

(Woodbury et al. 2007). Wildfires are increasing both in size and severity (Miller et al. 2009, Westerling 

et al. 2006) and they produce large direct CO2 emissions on the order of 4-6% of annual U.S. 

anthropogenic CO2 emissions (Spracklen et al. 2007, Wiedinmyer and Neff 2007). As the amount of 

burned acreage increases, fire suppression costs routinely exceed $1 billion a year and this is causing 

managers to consider a policy where some fires would be allowed to burn when doing so would provide 

ecosystem benefits (such as Wildland Fire Use) and reduced suppression costs (Donovan and Brown 

2005, 2007, 2008). 

Since wildfires represent a substantial potential source of future CO2 emissions, much of the recent forest 

management emphasis is directed at either reducing fire susceptibility or improving fire resistance 

(Sohngen and Haynes 1997). Mitchell et al. 2009 concluded that the application of fuel reduction 

treatments may be essential for ecosystem restoration in forests with uncharacteristic levels of fuel buildup, as is often the case in xeric forest ecosystems east of the Cascades. One of the objectives of using 

mechanical thinning, prescribed fire, or a combination of both activities to reduce fuel loadings is to 

produce relatively small carbon releases now in an effort to preclude or minimize large CO2 wildfire 

emissions in the future (Canadell and Raupach 2008). And climate change research suggests that the area 
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burned by wildfire could increase 78 percent by 2100, with much of the increase due to a 44% increase in 

lightning ignitions (Price and Rind 1994). 

A recent study found that significant increases in fire resistance can be achieved by removing only 

smaller ladder fuels (vegetation structure providing vertical fuel continuity between the forest floor and 

overstory tree crowns) and fire-sensitive intermediate trees without reducing the majority of the live-tree 

C pool associated with intermediate pines and large trees of all species. This study concluded that 

thinning and prescribed fire have a positive influence on forest development by redirecting tree growth 

resources and C storage into large-diameter trees, a more stable C stock, and large trees are more resistant 

to mortality and other potentially detrimental fire effects (Hurteau and North 2009, North et al. 2009). 

Other research suggests that historic stands with a low density of large trees supported more biomass (and 

C) than contemporary, fully-stocked, fire-suppressed old growth forest (DeLuca and Aplet 2008). An 

explanation for this seemingly counterintuitive result is that on a proportional basis, one large tree has a 

higher C content than many small trees – according to Fellows and Goulden (2008), a single large tree (> 

90 cm) contains the same amount of C as 60 small (10-30 cm) trees. Another explanation is that large 

trees mostly use deep soil water (≥ 70 cm), whereas small trees and shrubs rely on shallow soil water (< 

50 cm) that is rapidly depleted during the growing season (Arkley 1981, North et al. 2009). A thick zone 

of weathered bedrock is particularly important for supplying the water needed by large trees on sites 

where the overlying soils are relatively thin (< 1 m), especially for summer-dry (Mediterranean) 

ecosystems (Witty et al. 2003). 

Similar C emission concerns exist for disturbance processes other than wildfire – climate mitigation 

through forestry also carries the risk that C stocks may return to the atmosphere after disturbances such as 

landscape-scale insect outbreaks (Breshears et al. 2005, Carroll et al. 2004, Fleming and Volney 1995, 

Logan et al. 2003, Macias Fauria and Johnson 2009, Morehouse et al. 2008, van Mantgem et al. 2009, 

Williams and Liebhold 1995). A recent and dramatic increase in areas affected by mountain pine beetle 

and other bark beetles has helped drive Canadian forests from a CO2 sink (before 2000) to a C source that 

is expected to continue for at least two or three more decades (Kurz et al. 2008a, 2008b). 

Recent research could perhaps be interpreted as suggesting that an unintended benefit of the successional 

changes spawned by fire suppression is an increase in forest biomass (Myneni et al. 1997), and that this 

biomass has sequestered C that might otherwise have contributed to climate change (Fellows and Goulden 

2008, Houghton et al. 2000, Hurtt et al. 2002). This interpretation is problematic in several respects, 

however, because fuel-loaded forests are susceptible to large carbon emissions when they eventually and 

inevitably burn in a stand-replacing wildfire (Hurteau et al. 2009). 

And in forests that historically burned with high frequency and low severity (fire regime 1), adding to the 

C baseline by increasing stocking levels to sequester more carbon (Myneni et al. 1997) may exacerbate 

the recent trend toward an increased amount of uncharacteristic, high-severity fire on dry-forest sites, 

attributed largely to fire suppression (creating more fuel) and climate change (creating a longer and more 

severe fire season) (Miller et al. 2009, Westerling et al. 2006). 

There are also synergistic effects between climate change, insect-caused tree mortality, and wildfire. 

Insect outbreaks often function to pre-condition fuels for a future wildfire by killing trees, allowing them 

to dry out and eventually become an ideal fuel source for fire ignition and spread. Lynch et al. (2006) 

found that the extent and severity of the Yellowstone fires of 1988 were closely correlated with prior 

mountain pine beetle outbreaks. 

All fuels and vegetation treatments create C emissions to some extent, but overall C emissions can be 

reduced and future C stocks increased by modifying treatments to reduce surface fuels, small understory 

trees, and intermediate-sized, fire-sensitive species (North et al. 2009). With proper fuels treatment 

activities that appropriately consider C stocks and fluxes, it is possible to create favorable forest 
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conditions for increasing large-tree growth. This strategy is based on the concept that by accepting 

repeated but small reductions in C stocks (associated with the treatments), it is possible to create or 

maintain a substantial future C sink by sequestering C in relatively stable, long-lived forest structure in 

the form of large-diameter trees (Hurteau et al. 2008, North et al. 2009). 

The ecological rationale for a fuels treatment strategy on dry sites is that forests thinned to approach 

presettlement tree density and structure (as represented by HRV) contain substantially more C after 

wildfire than adjacent dense stands that have not been restored to a presettlement condition (Hurteau et al. 

2008). And because the Umatilla National Forest has no explicit objective to manage forests for C 

sequestration purposes (USDA Forest Service 1990), perhaps the most important benefit of completing 

proper fuels treatment activities is restoration of late-old structure and associated ecosystem function 

(USDA Forest Service 1995), particularly for dry forests where the historical composition, structure, and 

density were maintained by a short-interval, low-severity fire regime (Mutch et al. 1993). 

A life-cycle analysis for a second-growth forest in the Pacific Northwest indicates that allowing a 

harvested stand to grow and sequester C resulted in less emission of CO2 than resulted from harvest and 

storage in wood products; however, when the effect of substituting wood for concrete and steel was also 

considered, then the harvest scenarios resulted in less CO2 emission than were produced from the noharvest scenario (Perez-Garcia et al. 2005). The option of using wood as a construction material in place 

of concrete or steel, or as an energy source to replace fossil fuels, has consistently been shown to offer 

significant C benefits (Eriksson et al. 2007, Gustavsson et al. 2006). 

The overall C budget for both durable products and wood-based energy depends on fossil fuel use 

associated with harvest, transport, and processing. Houses constructed primarily of wood have 20-50% 

lower emissions of greenhouse gases over their entire life cycle (typically assumed to be 80-100 years) 

than comparable dwellings whose aboveground walls were framed with concrete or steel (Miner and 

Perez-Garcia 2007). 

Using woody debris to produce energy has the potential to address two issues: (1) it reduces demand for 

coal, oil, natural gas and other fossil-fuel derivatives; and (2) if the wood comes from densely stocked, 

overgrown forests, its removal reduces the threat of uncharacteristic wildfire and an associated emission 

of greenhouse gases (and wildfire typically emits more methane, a potent greenhouse gas, than would 

occur from a bioenergy facility). 

An expected outcome of the Cobbler II Project is provision of timber that could then be converted into 

durable wood products for house construction, or utilized as an energy source. 

Compatibility of Proposed Forest Vegetation Management Activities with Carbon Sequestration

The analysis of existing and historical forest vegetation conditions in Cobbler II project planning area 

suggests that certain vegetative conditions (particularly species composition and tree density) reflect the 

effects of fire suppression. On dry forest sites, fire suppression caused a multi-decade period of infilling 

(encroachment) by small trees beneath large overstory trees, and many of the infilled trees consist of 

shade-tolerant and fire-sensitive species. 

Both of the project’s proposed action alternatives (B and C) would respond to fire suppression effects and 

other forest vegetation issues (see Chapter 2) by using timber harvest and prescribed fire activities to 

remove varying amounts of woody biomass. Since about half the volume of woody biomass consists of C 

(Birdsey 1992, Jenkins et al. 2003, Smith et al. 2006), these activities are expected to reduce the amount 

of C stored in the treated stands. For the timber harvest proposals, a portion of the removed C will remain 

stored for a relatively long period of time in durable wood products, or in landfills. 

The intermediate cutting silvicultural activities (thinning) are expected to have similar effects on C fluxes 

and storage. However, initial reductions in aboveground C storage from the intermediate cutting would 
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be less than reductions associated with the regeneration cutting silvicultural activities (shelterwood and 

seed-tree cutting). Intermediate cutting would initially reduce C storage in the treated stands, but it is 

unclear whether the reductions would be substantial enough to transform the activity units from a net C 

sink to a net C source. And on dry forest sites, future application of prescribed fire and intermediate 

cutting activities could continue to maintain aboveground C stocks and net ecosystem productivity 

(NEP13) at a lower level than would occur if the stands were permitted to continue accumulating biomass 

indefinitely (which is basically until the next wildfire). 

SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED DISCLOSURES 

This section describes how the action alternatives comply with applicable State and Federal laws, 

regulations, and policies. 

National Historic Preservation Act –Heritage surveys have been completed. State Historic Preservation 

Office consultation will be conducted under the Programmatic Agreement among the United States 

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region (Region 6), the Advisory Council on 

Historic Preservation, and Washington State Historic Preservation Officer regarding Cultural Resource 

Management on National Forests dated April 1997. Identified sites and any newly recorded sites will be 

protected from all project activities associated with Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project 

(Chapter 2, Table 2-6). Because heritage resources would not be affected by proposed activities under any 

action alternative, there would be no effect to any historic property listed in or eligible to the National 

Register of Historic Places. 

Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Regional Forester's Sensitive Species – Environmental effects of 

implementing any alternative in Cobbler II project planning area are in compliance with the ESA and 

Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species list. The Endangered Species Act requires protection of all species 

listed as "Threatened" or "Endangered" by Federal regulating agencies (Fish and Wildlife Service and 

National Marine Fisheries Service). 

Biological Evaluations and Assessments have been completed for all TES plant, aquatic and terrestrial 

wildlife. Determinations were made that none of the proposed actions would adversely affect, contribute to 

a trend toward federal listing, nor cause a loss of viability to listed plant, fish, and animal populations or 

species. Details are found in this chapter under the headings, Fisheries (pp. 3-42 to 3-43), TES Plants (p. 3-

86), and Wildlife (p. 3-111) sections of this chapter. 

Consultation with USDI Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service will be completed 

prior to signing of the Record of Decision (ROD). Agreement of findings will include Chinook Salmon 

Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), which satisfies requirements under the Mangnuson-Stevens Act. 

Clean Air Act - All proposed prescribed burning would be conducted in compliance with National 

Ambient Air Quality Standards and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) regulations 

and restrictions contained in the Oregon Smoke Management Plan (ODEQ Directive 1-4-1-601). Fuel 

treatments can be timed to minimize the impacts of smoke on forest users and local communities. An 

operator’s burn plan is developed prior to ignition. On site weather conditions are monitored before, 

during, and after an ignition. Ocular smoke observations are made throughout the ignition phase. 

 

13 Net ecosystem productivity, or NEP, is defined as gross primary productivity minus ecosystem respiration 

(Chapin et al. 2006). It reflects the balance between absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis 

and the release of carbon into the atmosphere from live-plant respiration and microbial decomposition of dead 

organic matter. When NEP is positive, carbon accumulates in biomass and the ecosystem is viewed as a carbon 

sink. When NEP is negative, more carbon is emitted than is absorbed and the ecosystem is a carbon source. 
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Residual smoke is monitored for dispersion and direction. No ignitions will occur if there is an air 

stagnation advisory in place within the northeast Oregon geographic area. No ignitions will occur if 

existing or forecast conditions would transport measurable smoke into down wind communities. The 

removal and direct treatment of biomass would reduce emissions should a wildfire occur. The effect of 

smoke under any action alternative would be short term and restricted to dispersed campgrounds. 

Particulate matter is not expected to exceed standards in the communities of concern (Elgin, Troy and 

Eden Bench area). See Air Quality analysis and impacts within the Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic River 

Corridor (pages 3-76 to 3-79 of this chapter). 

Clean Water Act – See Hydrology section, page 3-22 to 3-23 of this chapter. 

Prime Farmland, Range Land and Forest Land - No adverse effects on any prime farmland, range land 

and forest land not already identified in the Final FEIS for the Forest Plan would be expected to result from 

implementation of any alternative. 

Civil Rights, Women and Minorities - No adverse effects on civil rights, women, and minorities not 

already identified in the FEIS for the Forest Plan would be expected to result from implementation of any 

alternative. Alternatives B and C would be governed by Forest Service contracts, which are awarded to 

qualified contractors and/or purchasers regardless of race, color, sex, religion, etc. Such contracts also 

contain nondiscrimination requirements. 

Treaty Trust Responsibilities - In this analysis, the primary focus of the federal government trust 

responsibility is the protection of the treaty rights and interests that tribes reserve on land included in this 

project. Both the Nez Perce Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation have 

treaty rights and interests in the Cobbler II project planning area. General concerns expressed on past 

projects are the potential effects on fish habitat and populations and water quality, which are key 

components of aquatic habitat, and the protection of archaeological sites and traditional cultural 

properties. 

National Forest Management Act – The Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project is 

consistent with the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) (36 CFR 219.8(e)) requirements at 16 

U.S.C. 1604(E) (i) through (iv) and 16 U.S.C. 1604(F) (i) and (iii). 

(E) insure that timber will be harvested from National Forest System lands 

only where: 

(i) soil, slope, or other watershed conditions will not be irreversibly 

damaged; 

(ii) there is assurance that such lands can be adequately restocked within 

five years after harvest; 

(iii) protection is provided for streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes, 

wetlands, and other bodies of water from detrimental changes in water 

temperatures, blockages of water courses, and deposits of sediment, where 

harvests are likely to seriously and adversely affect water conditions or 

fish habitat; and 

(iv) the harvesting system to be used is not selected primarily because it 

will give the greatest dollar return or the greatest unit output of timber; and 

(F) insure that clearcutting, seed tree cutting, shelterwood cutting, and other cuts designed to regenerate 

an evenaged stand of timber will be used as a cutting method on National Forest System lands only 

where: 

(i) for clearcutting, it is determined to be the optimum method, and for 
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Cobbler II Timber Sale and Fuels Reduction Project FEIS 

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other such cuts it is determined to be appropriate, to meet the objectives 

and requirements of the relevant land management plan; 

(iii) cut blocks, patches, or strips are shaped and blended to the extent 

practicable with the natural terrain; 

Floodplains and Wetlands - Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 - Executive Order (EO) 11988 requires 

the Forest Service to avoid “to the extent possible the long and short term adverse impacts associated with 

the occupation or modification of floodplains...” Alternatives B and C would avoid all floodplains and 

affects to floodplains, and are consistent with this EO. 

Executive Order (EO) 11990 requires the Forest Service to “avoid to the extent possible the long and 

short term adverse impacts associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands.” Alternatives B 

and C would avoid all wetlands and affects to wetlands, and are consistent with this EO. 

Municipal Watersheds - There is no de-facto or designated municipal watershed in the Cobbler II 

project planning area. 

Energy Requirements - No adverse effects on energy requirements would be expected to result from 

implementation of any alternative. 

Public Health and Safety - Public health and safety would be improved with Alternatives B and C 

removing danger trees along haul routes and trailheads within Cobbler II project planning area. 

Environmental Justice - Executive Order 12898 requires that federal agencies adopt strategies to address 

environmental justice concerns within the context of agency operations. With implementation of any 

alternative, there would be no disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects 

on minority or low-income populations. Smoke management would keep particulate matter within 

standards. The actions would occur in a remote area and nearby communities would mainly be affected 

by economic impacts related to contractors implementing harvest, non-commercial thinning, planting, 

fuels treatment, and burning activities. Racial and cultural minority groups could be prevalent in the work 

forces that implement these activities. Contracts contain provision clauses which address worker safety. 

Other Jurisdictions - There are a number of other agencies responsible for management of resources 

within the Cobbler II project planning area. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is responsible 

for management of fish and wildlife populations, whereas, the Forest Service manages the habitat for 

these animals. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has been contacted regarding this analysis. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for enforcement of environmental quality 

standards, such as those established for water resources, while the Oregon Department of Environmental 

Quality sets standards, identifies non-point sources of water pollution, and determines which waters do 

not meet the goals of the Clean Water Act. The EPA has certified the Oregon Forest Practices Act as 

Best Management Practices. Oregon State compared Forest Service practices used to control or prevent 

non-point sources of water pollution with the Oregon Forest Practices Act and concluded that Forest 

Service practices meet or exceed State requirements. These are periodically reviewed as practices 

change. The Forest Service and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality have signed a 

Memorandum of Understanding (2/12/79 and 12/7/82) outlining this. 

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Oregon Department of Forestry are 

responsible for regulating all prescribed burning operations. The USDA Forest Service, Region 6, has a 

Memorandum of Understanding with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department 

of Forestry, and the USDI Bureau of Land Management regarding limits on emissions, as well as 
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reporting procedures. All burning would comply with the State of Oregon's Smoke Management 

Implementation Plan and, for greater specificity, the memorandum of understanding mentioned above. 

2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (RACR) 36 CFR Part 294 – Activities proposed in the Grande 

Ronde IRA are consistent with the 2001 RACR. This rule developed regulations that provide long-term 

protection to Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs), and only applies to areas identified and mapped as IRAs 

in the Forest Service Roadless Conservation FEIS. Volume 2, dated November 2000. 

There are two prohibitions listed in this rule one prohibits road construction and road reconstruction in 

inventoried roadless areas (CFR36 § 294.12) and the other prohibits timber cutting, sale, or removal in 

inventoried roadless areas (36 CFR § 294.13). Each prohibition also includes exceptions if the 

Responsible Official determines that certain circumstances exist. 

The prohibition on road construction and reconstruction does not apply to Cobbler II project because 

these activities are not proposed in the Grande Ronde IRA. The second prohibition regarding timber 

cutting, sale, or removal does apply to Cobbler II project because incidental trees would be cut for 

handline construction during landscape prescribed burning, and danger trees with an imminent potential 

of failure would be cut and removed along haul routes. 

The exception in the 2001 RACR to the prohibition on timber cutting, sale, or removal states: timber may 

be cut, sold, or removed in IRAs if the Responsible Official determines that one of the following 

circumstances exists. The cutting, sale, or removal of timber is these areas is expected to be infrequent 

(36 CFR § 294.13). 

1. The cutting, sale, or removal of generally small diameter timber is needed for one of the 

following purposes and will maintain or improve one or more of the roadless area characteristics 

as defined in §294.11 

i. To improve threatened, endangered, proposed, or sensitive species habitat, or 

ii. To maintain or restore the characteristics of ecosystem composition and 

structure, such as to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire effects, within 

the range of variability that would be expected to occur under natural 

disturbance regimes of the current climatic period; 

2. The cutting, sale, or removal of timber is incidental to the implementation of a management 

activity not otherwise prohibited by this subpart; 

3. The cutting, sale, or removal of timber is needed and appropriate for personal or administrative 

use, as provided for in 36 CFR part 223; or 

4. Roadless characteristics have been substantially altered in a portion of an IRA due to the 

construction of a classified road and subsequent timber harvest. Both the road construction and 

subsequent timber harvest must have occurred after the area was designated an IRA and prior to 

January 12, 2001. Timber may be cut, sold, or removed only in the substantially altered portion 

of the IRA. 

Activities proposed in the Grande Ronde IRA meet the exception to 36 CFR § 294.13 for the following 

reasons: 

• landscape prescribed burning would maintain or restore the characteristics of ecosystem 

composition to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire effects, within the range of variability 

that would be expected to occur under natural disturbance regimes; 

• the cutting of trees for handline construction during landscape prescribed burning would be 

infrequent and of generally small diameter; and 

• the cutting, sale, or removal of timber is incidental to the implementation of landscape prescribed 

burning and road maintenance (danger tree removal) which are not otherwise prohibited. 
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Special Use Permits - There are no special use permits issued in the project planning area with the 

exception of temporary (short-term) special use permits for outfitters and guides. Outfitter and guide 

permits are issued for both big game hunting and whitewater rafting on the Grande Ronde River. 

Outfitters and guides with special use permits for the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness may access their 

permit areas by way of trailheads in the project planning area. 

OTHER RESOURCE CONCERNS AND OPPORTUNITIES 

Relationship Between Short-Term Use and Long-Term Productivity - Maintenance of healthy soils in 

terms of organic matter and structure is a key prerequisite to maintaining healthy ecosystems. Long-term 

productivity depends on maintaining the basic ecosystem resources and their function. For this project, 

implementation of standards and guidelines as outlined in the FEIS for the Forest Plan are designed to

provide for continued long-term site productivity. However, there would be some short-term effects related 

to the implementation of any of the action alternatives. There are no adverse effects associated with

implementing any of the action alternatives that are not already identified in the FEIS for the Forest Plan 

(Chapter 4, pages IV 230-231). 

Probable Adverse Environmental Effects that Cannot be Avoided - There are no unavoidable adverse 

effects associated with implementing any of the action alternatives that are not already identified in the FEIS 

for the Forest Plan (Chapter 4, pages IV 228-230). 

Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources – Irreversible commitment of resources refers 

to a loss of future options – once executed it cannot be reversed. Irreversible is primarily relevant to the 

extraction of use of nonrenewable resources, such as minerals, cultural resources, or to those factors (such as 

soil productivity) that are renewable only over long periods of time. An irretrievable commitment of 

resources refers to a loss of production or use of natural resources for a time. For example, timber 

production is lost irretrievably while an area is serving as a winter ski area. The production is irretrievable, 

but the action is not irreversible. If the land use changes, it is possible to resume production. 

There are no unavoidable adverse irreversible or irretrievable effects associated with implementing any

action alternatives that are not already identified in the FEIS for the Forest Plan (Chapter 4, pages IV 231-

233). 

Congressionally Designated Areas – There are no congressionally designated areas within Cobbler II 

project planning area boundary. 

Potential Conflicts with Plans and Policies of Other Jurisdictions – Possible conflicts with plans and 

policies of other jurisdictions, such as the State of Oregon or local counties, have been considered. There 

are no known conflicts with plans and policies of other jurisdictions associated with implementing the 

alternatives. The FEIS for the Forest Plan (Chapter 4, Pages IV 226-227) discusses this in further detail.