Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-1 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Pack and Saddle Stock

Outfitter-Guide 

Special Use Permit Issuance

Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Summary, August 2010

Introduction

Pack and saddle stock outfitters have been operating throughout the analysis area for the past 

20 to 50 years. Some operated under 5-year term permits, while other operated under shortterm permits (lasting less than one year). All the 5-year permits expired around 10 years ago, 

and since that time, all the businesses have been issued short-term permits annually to allow 

them to continue operations while the environmental analysis of the proposal to issue 10-year 

permits was completed. 

This document displays the analysis of issuing 10-year term pack and saddle stock outfitterguide special use permits these businesses, or to other suitable businesses if those listed stop 

operations. The current combined number of actual service days for all existing short-term 

permits represents around 2% of the overall outfitted and non-outfitted visitor days (defined as 

one person for one day) across the analysis area, and approximately 9% of all pack and saddle 

stock use. Map S-1 on page Summary-2 is a vicinity map of the area, and Map S-2 on page 

Summary-3 shows the analysis area.

Purpose and Need for Action

The purpose and need is the objectives of the analysis. It provides the underlying reasons for 

the Forest Service in developing the Proposed Action. The purpose and need for action of this 

analysis is three-fold: 

respond to special use permit applications from current pack and saddle stock outfitterguides,

protect wilderness character in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas 

while providing necessary pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide commercial services,

amend forest plan standards and guidelines for campsite barren core (see Glossary) in 

wilderness to be consistent with the designated party size for pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guides (12 people and 18 head of stock).
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-2 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-3 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Respond to Permit Applications

Previously-issued term special use permits for the outfitter-guides listed at the beginning of this 

chapter have expired and each of the outfitter-guides has submitted an application for 10-year 

term permits. A purpose and need for action is to respond to these applications. 

The Forest Service Special Uses Handbook (FSH 2709.11, USDA Forest Service 2004a) specifies 

the steps to follow for proposals (applications) that have been accepted. Section 12.5 states a 

“proposal is considered a proposed action for the purposes of NEPA when it is accepted as a 

formal written application”. The Forest Plans either give priority to authorizations that provide 

a public service (Okanogan Forest Plan, page 4-47), or where there is a demonstrated public 

need or demand for recreation service (Wenatchee Forest Plan, page E-11). The Okanogan 

Forest Plan encourages the use of recreation service partnerships and special use authorizations 

where they are compatible with the goals of the management area (Okanogan Forest Plan, 

pages 4-38 to 4-39). The Wenatchee Forest Plan also recognizes that outfitter-guides provide 

valuable recreational opportunities for the segment of the public who do not have the expertise, 

equipment or physical capabilities to enjoy these experiences on their own (Wenatchee Forest 

Plan, page E-11).

Protect Wilderness Character While Allowing Minimum Commercial Services

The current permit areas include the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wilderness areas. The 

general purpose and need for commercial services in wilderness is to preserve the wilderness 

character and provide commercial services “to the extent necessary for activities which are 

proper for realizing recreational or other wilderness purposes” (Wilderness Act). There is a 

need to protect wilderness character while providing necessary pack and saddle stock outfitterguide commercial services. 

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

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

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

“Needs Assessment” in this document. 

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

criteria used for the evaluation included:

Is the activity allowed in wilderness?

Does the activity educate clients about the wilderness resource?

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

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

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

services?

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

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

wilderness directly in conservations about wilderness, and indirectly through demonstrating 

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

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

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

public purpose by offering trips for recreation, scenic viewing, and historic use to the public. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-5 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

existing Forest Plan standards and guidelines. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forest Service’s ability to meet the identified needs. 

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

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

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

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

in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth.

Revise Wilderness Barren Core Campsite Standards

Currently both the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans have inconsistent management 

direction regarding party sizes and maximum vegetation loss sizes (USDA, 1989a and USDA, 

1990). Wilderness standards and guidelines allow for a party size of 12 people and 18 head of 

stock (standard and guideline MA 15B-21N in the Okanogan Forest Plan, and Table IV-15, page 

IV-77, Wenatchee Forest Plan), yet campsites can have no more than 400 to 1,000 square feet of 

vegetation loss or barren core, depending on the Management Area or Wilderness Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum Class (MA 15B-22b, Okanogan Forest Plan, and Table IV-5, page IV-77, 

Wenatchee Forest Plan). It is physically impracticable to fit pack and saddle stock outfitterguide camps with 12 people and 18 head of stock inside areas of from 400 to 1,000 square feet 

of bare mineral soil. There is a need to make campsite barren core standards and guidelines and 

party size allowances compatible for pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides in wilderness in 

order to provide the necessary pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide commercial services.

When the Forest Plans were adopted in 1989 and 1990, standards regarding acceptable 

campsite impacts were incorporated. Those standards were based on the science and literature 

available at the time, with the awareness that there were some long-standing existing campsites 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-6 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

that exceeded the Forest Plans standards for acceptable size. These same campsites still exist 

and are currently used by outfitter-guides and the non-outfitted public. 

In the time between when the Forest Plans were published and the present (nearly two 

decades), substantial research on recreation impacts in wilderness has been conducted, and the 

results have consistently suggested that utilizing campsites where impacts already exist is far 

preferable to and more likely to comply with the non-degradation principle than is excluding use 

from these existing sites if the likely result is creation of new, additional impacts (new 

campsites) as people are displaced from the closed sites (Cole and Hall, 1992). Many of the sites 

that were not within standards at the time the plan was adopted are in improved or stable 

condition, although they remain outside Forest Plan standards. 

Even though wilderness condition has been on an upward or stable trend since designation, 

groups of 12 people and 18 head of stock perpetuate camps with a barren core in some areas. 

Generally, groups of 12 people and 18 head of stock could perpetuate barren core conditions up 

to 5,250 square feet (see Appendix A for calculations). Amendment of the Forest Plans is a 

mechanism to create compatibility between barren core standards and party size allowances for 

pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide camps in wilderness that would not increase current levels 

of barren core and would allow these needed commercial services to continue.

Proposed Action (Alternative 2)

The proposed action is developed early in the process to authorize, recommend, or implement 

an action to meet stated purposes, needs, and goals based on the best known information. It is 

used to generate issues for further study. Alternative 2 described below and in Chapter 2 is, in 

large part, the proposed action that was mailed to interested parties during public scoping. The 

number of service days was modified to meet current manual direction for determining service 

days (FSH 2709.11, Chapter 40). 

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Supervisor proposes to issue ten-year, term special 

use permits to the following pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide companies in the Pasayten 

Wilderness, Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth Backcountry, North Cascades, Middle 

Methow, Bear/Ramsey/Volstead, and Alta Lake areas following completion of the analysis 

process (likely spring 2011):

Backcountry Burros

Cascade Wilderness Outfitters

Deli Llama Wilderness Adventures

Early Winters Outfitting

North Cascade Outfitters

North Cascade Safaris

Sawtooth Outfitters

Permits could also be issued to other acceptable businesses if any of the above businesses cease 

operations, or have permits revoked, as long as the maximum annual services days presented 

below are not exceeded.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-7 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

A maximum of 4,620 annual priority use service days would be assigned to the outfitters, or 

replacements. A service day is defined as one outfitter-guide client for one day. Each ten-year 

permit would include a specific number of priority use service days that would equal the highest 

amount of actual use each has had in the five years prior to the issuance date. Any days not 

assigned would be held in a pool that could be accessed by the outfitter-guides to cover days 

that exceed the number of assigned day (FSH 2709.11). 

Permit areas include all MA 15B areas in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness 

Areas on the Okanogan National Forest, and the portion of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 

Wilderness on the Wenatchee National Forest allocated to Transition, Primitive, and SemiPrimitive, and the North Cascades, Sawtooth Backcountry, Bear/Ramsey/Volstead, Middle 

Methow, and Alta Lake areas. These areas are shown on Map 1-3 in the Map Section of the 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

The proposed action includes assigned site locations for camps at Bald Mountain, Sheep 

Mountain, Crow Lake, and Beaver Creek. An existing camp at Whistler would be designated as 

an additional assigned site. Assigned sites are locations authorized for occupancy and use for 

which a fee is paid by the permit holder (also called ‘designated’ or ‘reserved’ sites). The listed 

sites are in the Pasayten Wilderness (refer to Map 1-11 in the Map Section of the Draft 

Environmental Impact Statement). Assigned sites are primarily used for guided horseback trips 

with cooked meals and most or all camping gear provided. Outfitter-guides can set up camps at 

these locations for the entire season. All camp equipment except hitch rails, corrals, and tent 

poles are removed from the campsite at season end and not cached over winter. Camp 

locations for all other trips are limited to existing camp locations. Equipment and supplies are 

not left at these locations for more than 24 hours when camp is not occupied. Assigned site 

locations allow better monitoring because use impacts would be solely from outfitter-guide 

activity. Additional assigned sites could be designated to allow for closer monitoring and 

subsequent modification of use to address resource concerns and assist in outfitter-guide 

operations.

The proposed action includes assigned sites for base camps at the Andrews Creek, Billygoat, 

Slate Creek, and Crater Creek trailheads; Fish Creek camp (Chelan) would also be used. These 

locations are outside wilderness. Each location has corrals, watering troughs, and other 

improvements necessary to protect resources. The assigned camps and base camps are shown 

on Map 1-11 in the Map Section of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Forest Plan Amendment

The following standard and guideline would be added to the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest 

Plans. It would pertain only to pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide operations in wilderness.

“Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides shall not be allowed to increase the existing 

amount of barren core (bare, mineral soil) in established campsites. In campsites where 

the existing amount of barren core exceeds 5,250 square feet, outfitter-guides shall not 

use more than 5,250 square feet of the barren core. All pack and saddle stock outfitterguides shall us the same delineated, 5,250 square-foot area for each camp and shall not 

use any area outside of the delineated 5,250 square-foot area.”
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-8 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Public Involvement

In the late 1990s, the Methow Valley Ranger District started receiving comments and concerns 

from a few individuals and groups about pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities in the 

Pasayten Wilderness. Field observations from some people indicated that recreation activities 

in general, and outfitter-guide activities in particular, did not meet Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines. In response to the concerns, the District developed a “Wilderness Recreation, Stock, 

and Outfitter Use Strategy and Action Plan”, signed by the Forest Supervisor on April 24, 2000 

(USDA Forest Service 2000e). This plan, and subsequent accomplishment reports and action 

plans were mailed to everyone who expressed concern or interest in the topic, inviting further 

comments on the situation.

A scoping letter requesting comments on the proposed action to issue pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide special use permits was mailed to persons and organizations on the District 

mailing list on November 15, 2000. The proposed action included a non-significant amendment 

to standard and guideline MA15B-22B to allow outfitter campsites in wilderness to exceed 400 

square feet of vegetation loss. A total of 110 letters were received in response to the 

Wilderness Action Plan and the scoping letter.

Following publication of a notice of intent to file an environmental impact statement in the 

Federal Register on June 22, 2005, an updated scoping letter was mailed on June 23, 2005 to 

those who provided input on the Wilderness Action Plan or responded to the November 15, 

2000 scoping letter, in addition to those on the Tonasket, Chelan, and Methow Valley Ranger 

District mailing lists. The proposal had changed to increase the number of service days, and to 

eliminate the Forest Plan amendment. Eleven letters were received in response to the scoping 

letter and Notice of Intent.

The proposed action was refined to the current version after publishing of the Forest Service 

Handbook 2709.11, with gave specific direction on calculating service days, and upon further 

analysis of compliance with forest plan standards and guidelines. The Forest Service determined 

that an amendment would be needed to implement the proposed action. An updated Notice of 

Intent was published in the Federal Register on July 21, 2010, correcting the estimated 

publication date and number of service days, and including specifics about the proposed forest 

plan amendment. A letter was also sent on July 30, 2010 to those on the project mailing list 

updating the DEIS release date, and explaining the proposed forest plan amendment.

The Issue Tracking Form in the analysis file summarizes and responds to each comment. All 

letters are included in the Responses to Scoping folder in the analysis file.

Government-to-government letters were mailed to the Yakama Indian Nation and the 

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in June, 2005, requesting consultation on the 

proposal. Neither tribe identified concerns about the proposal.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-9 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Issues

Issues are points of concern about environmental effects that may occur as a result of 

implementing the proposed action. Issues provide focus for the analysis of environmental 

effects and influence alternative development, including development of mitigation measures.

Key Issues (also known as significant issues) are used to formulate alternatives to the proposed 

action, prescribe mitigation measures, and analyze environmental effects. They are used to 

compare the alternatives in the Comparison of Alternatives Table in Chapter 2. Key Issues are 

referred to by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) as significant because of the potential 

extent of their geographic distribution, duration of their effects, or intensity of interest or 

resource conflict, if not mitigated or otherwise addressed. Key Issues were identified by the 

Interdisciplinary (ID) Team and approved by the Responsible Official.

In addition to “Key Issues,” “other” issues were raised. They were considered as this project was 

developed, analyzed and may have generated mitigation measures. However, they are less 

focused on the elements of the Purpose and Need and did not influence formulation of 

alternatives. They are addressed in the effects analysis (Chapter 3).

Finally some issues were; 1) outside the scope of the proposed action, 2) already decided by law 

or regulation, Forest Plan, or other higher level decision, 3) irrelevant to the decision to be 

made, or 4) conjectural and not supported by scientific or factual evidence. The Council on 

Environmental Quality NEPA regulations require identification and elimination from detailed 

study the issues which are not significant or which have been covered by prior environmental 

review (Sec. 1506.3). A summary of all public issues and their disposition is available in the 

project analysis file.

KEY ISSUES

Key Issue 1: Current and proposed pack and saddle outfitted use does not comply with some 

Forest Plan wilderness standards and guidelines or with the Wilderness Act because the party 

size and amount of use perpetuates large camps and degrades the condition of the 

wilderness.

Some respondents considered conditions in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness 

Areas to be out of compliance with Forest Plan standards and guidelines and the Wilderness Act. 

Some felt that problems were created by the amount of pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide 

activity. Some were concerned about the number of hiker encounters with pack strings. Others 

commented on the size of the areas of vegetation loss and bare compacted soil, number of trees 

with exposed roots in campsites, number of trees damaged by recreation activities, and other 

standards and guidelines. Some comments described conflict between different user groups, 

and between outfitted and non-outfitted groups. Some expressed concern about wilderness 

degradation.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The effects are measured by:

qualitative discussion about compliance with the Wilderness Act in terms of the qualities 

that make up wilderness character: untrammeled, undeveloped, natural, and opportunities 

for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation. 

qualitative discussions about the standards and guidelines, focusing on those not being met, 

and the effect the proposed Forest Plan amendment will have on wilderness character. 

These effects were analyzed, and are disclosed in the Wilderness section of Chapter 3.

Key Issue 2: Current and proposed pack and saddle stock outfitted use could degrade 

wetlands and habitat for native plant species when pack and saddle stock trample wetland 

and riparian vegetation and graze in wetlands and other areas.

People expressed concern about the effect pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides are having on 

plants; that the current number of service days was leading to damaged wetlands. People were 

concerned that stock grazing was leading to changes in plant communities and loss of vegetative 

cover in wetlands and other areas. Some expressed concern about the effects of livestock 

manure and urine on plant species; these people generally felt that the proposed number of 

service days was too high.

The effects are measured by:

estimated number of acres of wetland within 500 feet of pack and saddle stock camps;

qualitative discussion about the effects of activities on the wetlands;

effects determination statements for threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant species;

qualitative discussion of the effects of grazing on plant composition.

These effects were analyzed, and are disclosed in the Botany section of Chapter 3.

Key Issue 3: Current and proposed pack and saddle stock outfitted use could degrade some 

habitat for threatened, endangered, or sensitive wildlife species through increased encounters 

between people and animals, or through habitat degradation.

Comments expressed concern over the outfitter-guide effects on wildlife, specifically 

threatened, endangered, or sensitive species. These people generally felt that the proposed

number of service days was too high.

The effects are measured by:

effects determination statements for threatened and endangered wildlife species;

The effects are disclosed in the Wildlife section of Chapter 3. A biological assessment (BA) was 

completed for the analysis; the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) concurred with the 

findings.

Key Issue 4: Current and proposed pack and saddle stock outfitted use could degrade water 

quality and aquatic resources when pack and saddle stock cross streams on trails, or access 

water sources and damage riparian vegetation, break down stream banks, and degrade water 

quality.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-11 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Concern was expressed about the effects of outfitter-guide activities, specifically impacts from 

stock on water quality and aquatic resources. It was suggested that the number of service days 

be reduced to reduce the impact.

The effects on water quality and riparian habitat are measured by: 

effects determination statements from Biological Assessment for threatened and 

endangered fish species;

qualitative discussion of compliance with Northwest Forest Plan Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy (ACS) and PACFISH Riparian Management (RMO) Objectives;

qualitative discussion on compliance with state water quality standards and the Clean Water 

Act;

effects of open grazing on riparian areas, streams, and lakes,

qualitative discussion about stream sedimentation;

qualitative discussion of stream flow

qualitative discussion of sediment from trails

qualitative discussion of fecal coliform levels.

The effects were analyzed, and are disclosed in the Hydrology and Aquatics sections of Chapter 

3.

OTHER ISSUES

In addition to resources associated with the Key Issues, the public identified other concerns 

about the effects of the proposed action on a variety of other resources. These concerns were 

addressed through mitigation measures and were not used in alternative formulation. The 

effects on them are described in Chapter 3 of this document. The issues include:

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides could introduce noxious weeds into currently weedfree areas, such as wilderness, in stock manure.

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides could degrade air quality with smoke from campfires.

Firewood gathering by outfitter-guides could degrade the environment by removing down 

woody debris and limiting or eliminating this habitat component.

Reducing the number of service days allowed could lead to some existing pack and saddle 

stock outfitters going out of business because of reduced revenues.

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides could degrade the experience of other recreation 

users outside of wilderness by perpetuating conflicts between outfitted and non-outfitted 

user groups, increasing the number of people recreating in any given area, and adding to 

conflicts between user groups.

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide activities could lead to soil damage and displacement 

in meadows and other areas by stock trampling, grazing, and crossing wet areas.

Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide grazing could exceed Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines pertaining to forage utilization when stock are allowed to graze unconfined 

around campsites.

Other issued were identified but eliminated for a variety of reasons. These issues and the 

justification for elimination are included in Chapter 2 of the DEIS.
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Alternatives Considered in Detail

Alternative 1 is the No Action alternative. The Proposed Action is Alternative 2. Alternative 3 

was developed to respond to the issues and would reduce annual service days to 3,125 and not 

include additional assigned sites.

ALTERNATIVE 1--NO ACTION

Objective

Eliminate pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide recreation use within the analysis area. 

Description

This alternative would not issue special use permits to pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides. 

There would be no commercial pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide operations on the Ranger 

Districts.

Mitigation and Monitoring

No specific mitigation or monitoring would occur that is not already prescribed by the Forest 

Plans.

ALTERNATIVE 2

Objectives

Alternative 2 would:

Continue to provide pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide services in the analysis area, 

which includes the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wilderness areas, North Cascades, 

Sawtooth Backcountry, Middle Methow, Bear/Ramsey/Volstead, and Alta Lake analysis area 

sub-units on the Methow Valley, Tonasket, and Chelan Ranger Districts. 

Amend the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans to make outfitter-guide campsite 

condition standards and guidelines consistent with established party size standards, while 

managing the Wilderness Areas to maintain wilderness character.

Provide enough service days in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth wildernesses to 

meet the minimum extent necessary to provide commercial services for wilderness 

appropriate activities.

Establish a number of service days that will follow handbook direction and sustain the 

highest amount of used service days over the past five years and create a pool of days that 

will give an opportunity for pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides businesses to develop a 

modest amount of growth (25%).
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Description

This alternative would issue 10-year term special use permits for pack and saddle stock outfitterguides on the Methow, Chelan, and Tonasket Ranger Districts. Assigned sites (camps and base 

camps) would allow closer monitoring and modification of operations to reduce the size of the 

barren core and address other resource concerns. Assigned camp sites would be used for most 

full-service camps. Drop and progressive camp locations are not specified. A total of 4,560 

annual service days would be divided among the outfitters, or replacements who meet term 

permit requirements.

The number of service days would be distributed among the different portions of the analysis 

area, with each business receiving approximately the same proportion of service days it had in 

the past, compared to all pack and saddle stock outfitters. Figure S-1 shows the distribution in 

the different areas

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

Area Total

Client Days

Pasayten Wilderness 2,000

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness 720

(240 on Methow Valley)

(480 on Chelan)

North Cascades 200

Sawtooth Backcountry 400

(140 on Methow Valley)

(260 on Chelan)

Bear/Ramsey 100

North Cascades

(Day Rides)

450

Alta Lake

(Day Rides)

750

Middle Methow 0

Total 4,620

The day rides in the North Cascades and Alta Lake areas are horse riding or hiking with pack 

support for a portion of, or an entire day. Rides range from a half-hour to all day, with the 

majority lasting one hour. Day rides generally leave from private land adjacent to NFS land, and 

occur on trails seldom used by non-outfitted hikers or horseback riders.

The rest of the service days are for overnight camping. Camp locations would be assigned to the 

horse and mule packers to allow closer monitoring. In the Pasayten Wilderness assigned sites 

include camps at Bald Mountain, Sheep Mountain, and Beaver Creek, Crow Lake, and Whistler. 

The assigned camps would be primarily used for guided horseback riding trips with cooked 

meals, and most or all camping gear provided. Holders would be allowed to set up camps at 

these locations, and leave them for the entire season. All camp equipment except hitch rails, 

corrals, and tent poles would be removed from the camp at the end of the season, and would 

not be cached over the winter.
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Summary-14 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Camp locations for all other trips would be limited to existing, pre-assigned locations. Camping 

equipment and supplies could not be left in these locations for more than 24 hours when the 

camp is not occupied.

Existing assigned base camps Andrews Creek, Billygoat, Crater Creek, and Slate Creek trailheads 

and at the Fish Creek Camp would be used. Each location would have corrals, livestock watering 

troughs, and other improvements necessary to protect resources. These base camps would 

provide places where outfitter-guides can keep pack and saddle stock during times of high use, 

and as starting locations where clients meet outfitters.

Forest Plan Amendment

A non-significant amendment would make standards for outfitter-guide campsites more 

compatible with party size limitations and provide for non-degradation of wilderness conditions 

as required in Okanogan Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service 1989b) (MA15B-21D, page 4-91). For 

the Wenatchee Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service 1990) the amendment would improve the 

compatibility of outfitter-guide campsites with some ‘limits of acceptable change’ indicators 

(Table IV-15, page IV-77). The amendment would only apply to pack and saddle stock outfitterguides in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas. The following standard and 

guideline would be added to the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans.

“Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides shall not be allowed to increase the existing 

amount of barren core (bare, mineral soil) in established campsites. In campsites where 

the existing amount of barren core exceeds 5,250 square feet, outfitter-guides shall not 

use more than 5,250 square feet of the barren core. All pack and saddle stock outfitterguides shall us the same delineated, 5,250 square-foot area for each camp and shall not 

use any area outside of the delineated 5,250 square-foot area.”

The Okanogan Forest Plan currently does not allow vegetation loss to exceed 400 square feet 

(MA15B-22B). The Wenatchee Forest Plan allows vegetation loss of up to 1,000 square feet 

(Table IV-15, page IV-77). It is physically impracticable to fit camps with 12 people and 18 head 

of stock inside areas of 400 to 1,000 square feet. Using computations (see Appendix A), 5,250 

square feet was identified as an area in which 12 people and 18 head of stock could reasonably 

camp. Due to historical use, including large party-sizes and livestock grazing, some existing 

camps exceed 5,250 square feet. Continued use and short growing seasons have perpetuated 

some of these camps even though livestock grazing is no longer occurring and party size is now 

limited. This amendment would require outfitter-guides to identify the portion of the impacted 

area for consistent use. This would be included in the Camp Management Plan for each 

campsite. Areas outside of the designated area would not be used, allowing recovery to 

proceed. This amendment would improve the overall trend of non-degradation of wilderness 

conditions.

Based on direction found in the Forest Service Manual 1926.51 (USDA Forest Service 2006), this 

is a non-significant amendment to both Forest Plans for the following reasons,

The amendment applies only to outfitter-guide use areas in the Pasayten Wilderness and 

the Lake-Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness (Okanogan Forest Plan Management Area 15B and 

Wenatchee Forest Plan primitive and semi-primitive wilderness classes). 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-15 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The amendment applies only to pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides and not to other 

users of wilderness. Outfitter-guide use is 2% of overall use in the Pasayten Wilderness and 

1% of overall use in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. 

The amendment is designed to avoid degradation of wilderness conditions and limit 

acceptable change; some existing impacts would diminish over time.

No management area boundaries would change.

Therefore the amendment is not significant because it is a minor change that does not 

significantly alter the multiple use goals and objectives for long-term land and resource 

management.

ALTERNATIVE 3

Objectives

Alternative 3 would:

Continue to provide pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide in the Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness Areas and in the backcountry on the Methow Valley, Tonasket, and 

Chelan Ranger Districts.

Amend the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans to reduce the party size for outfitterguides and make allowed campsite conditions compatible with party size.

Keep number of service days allocated to pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides below the 

minimum extent necessary for commercial services in wilderness

Reduce the number of service days to address concerns about water quality, wilderness, 

riparian habitat, wildlife, wetlands, and native plant species. Establish a number that equals 

the average number of used service days over the past five years, but does not allow for any 

increase or growth of existing outfitters.

Description

This alternative would issue 10-year, term special use permits for outfitter-guides in wilderness 

and the backcountry on portions of three Ranger Districts. A total of 2,660 service days would 

be divided between the outfitters, or replacements for these outfitters who meet requirements 

for term permits.

The number of service days would be distributed among the different portions of the analysis 

area, with each business receiving approximately the same proportion of service days it had in 

the past, compared to all pack and saddle stock outfitters. Figure S-2 shows the distribution in 

the different areas.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-16 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

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

Area Priority Use 

Client Days1

Pasayten Wilderness 1,000

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth 320

(100 on Methow Valley)

(220 on Chelan)

North Cascades 180

Sawtooth Backcountry 160

(70 on Methow Valley)

(90 on Chelan)

Bear/Ramsey 50

North Cascades

(day rides)

360

Alta Lake

(day rides)

590

Middle Methow 0

Total 2,660

The day rides in the North Cascades and Alta Lake areas are horse riding or hiking with pack 

support for a portion of, or an entire day. Rides range from a half-hour to all day, with the 

majority lasting one hour. Day rides generally leave from private land adjacent to NFS land, and 

occur on trails seldom used by non-outfitted hikers or horseback riders.

The rest of the service days would be for overnight camping. Assigned sites for camps in the 

Pasayten Wilderness at Bald Mountain and Sheep Mountain would be used, but no additional 

camps would be designated. Assigned sites are used for guided horseback riding trips with 

cooked meals, and most or all camping gear provided. Holders would be allowed to set up 

camps at these locations, and leave them for the entire season. All camp equipment except 

hitch rails, corrals, and tent poles would be removed from the camp at the end of the season, 

and would not be cached over the winter. Camp locations for all other trips would be limited to 

existing locations. Camping equipment and supplies could not be left in these locations for 

more than 24 hours when the camp is not occupied.

Existing assigned sites for base camps at the Andrews Creek, Billygoat, Crater Creek, and Slate 

Creek trailheads, and at Fish Creek would be used. Each location would have corrals, livestock 

watering troughs, and other improvements necessary to protect resources. These base camps 

would provide places where outfitter-guides can keep pack and saddle stock during times of 

high use, and as starting locations where clients meet the outfitters.

Forest Plan Amendment

A non-significant amendment to the Forest Plans would designate a reasonable amount of 

barren core in pack and saddle stock outfitter-guide camps in order to allow these needed 

commercial services to continue. For this alternative the following standards and guidelines 

would be added to the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest Plans. These standard and guidelines 

 

1

Priority Use refers to the number of client days the holder is guaranteed each year.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-17 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

would pertain only to pack and saddle outfitter-guide operations in the Pasayten and Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas.

“Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides shall have a maximum party size of 12 (combination 

of people and stock).”

“Pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides shall not be allowed to increase the existing 

amount of barren core (bare, mineral soil) in established campsites. In campsites where 

the existing amount of barren core exceeds 2,800 square feet, outfitter-guides shall not 

use more than 2,800 square feet of the barren core. All pack and saddle stock outfitterguides shall us the same delineated, 2,800 square-foot area for each camp and shall not 

use any area outside of the delineated 2,800 square-foot area.”

Based on direction found in the Forest Service Manual 1926.51 (USDA Forest Service 2006), this 

is a non-significant amendment to both Forest Plans for the following reasons,

The amendment applies only to outfitter-guide use areas in the Pasayten Wilderness and 

the Lake-Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness (Okanogan Forest Plan Management Area 15B and 

Wenatchee Forest Plan primitive and semi-primitive wilderness classes). 

The amendment applies only to pack and saddle stock outfitter-guides and not to other 

users of wilderness. Outfitter-guide use is 2% of overall use in the Pasayten Wilderness and 

1% of overall use in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. 

The amendment is designed to avoid degradation of wilderness conditions and limit 

acceptable change; some existing impacts would diminish over time.

No management area boundaries would change.

Therefore the amendment is not significant because it is a minor change that does not 

significantly alter the multiple use goals and objectives for long-term land and resource 

management.

Mitigation Measures for Alternatives 2 and 3

These measures would be used to reduce negative effects on project area resources. They are 

considered part of the alternatives and would be incorporated as such. All mitigation measures 

listed are common to Alternatives 2 and 3, unless otherwise noted, and will be required if one of 

these alternatives is implemented. Mitigation measures are designed to ensure that human 

activities in wilderness shall follow a non-degradation policy (Okanogan Forest Plan Standard 

and Guideline MA15B-21D) within the limits of acceptable change (Wenatchee Forest Plan Table 

IV-15, page IV-77).

These mitigation measures also serve as the Best Management Practices (BMP) to protect water 

quality, as required by the forest plans.

In addition to the measures listed below, Appendix B lists general prohibitions and prohibitions 

listed in prior Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest orders for specific wilderness and 

backcountry areas under 36 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 261. These prohibitions are 

essentially legal mitigation established for resource protection and are incorporated by 

reference. Some of these prohibitions are indicated in parenthesis after project-specific 

mitigation measures that follow.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-18 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

This list of mitigation measures will become standard practice for the pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guides and incorporated into annual operating plans. Placing them in the operating 

plan would be an effective way of insuring they are followed, since the outfitters would risk noncompliance and permit action if they do not comply.

1. Campsites and Trails

The objective of these measures would be to ensure compliance with the non-degradation 

policy in wilderness, minimize the effect of camps and trails on vegetation, wildlife habitat, 

water quality, aquatic habitat, and soil. 

a) All camp locations, including full-service and drop camps, will be approved prior to use. 

If an alternative campsite must be used due to occupation or emergency, the outfitter 

will select an established campsite large enough to accommodate the party size. The 

outfitter will notify the permit administrator within one week from the end of the trip.

b) Outfitter camps will set an example for all to follow concerning leave-no-trace camping 

practices and minimizing the impact on wilderness character. Constructing tent sites 

will be prohibited. All camp facilities will be temporary in nature (unless otherwise 

specifically approved in the operating plan) and shall be taken down and removed 

outside the authorized use period. The outfitter will be encouraged to use earth tone 

colored tents, tarps, and other camping equipment to better blend with natural 

surroundings.

c) Camp Management Plans will be developed for assigned sites. Camp facilities for the 

necessary level of operation will be identified and excess facilities phased out. Excess 

areas of compacted bare mineral soil will be identified for each assigned camp. 

Activities that prevent the revegetation or recovery of these excess areas will not be 

allowed. All equipment and materials that have been or will be transported into the 

wilderness will be taken out at the end of the authorized period of use each season.

d) In established campsites within wilderness where the existing amount of barren core 

exceeds 5,250 square feet (Alternative 2) or 2,800 square feet (Alternative 3), outfitterguides will not be allowed to use more than 5,250 square feet of bare mineral soil area 

in Alternative 2 or 2,800 square feet in Alternative 3. Camp Management Plans will be 

developed for these sites, with the specific area of allowed use identified in the plan. 

The same camp area will be used on successive visits by all outfitters.

e) Non-assigned sites will be available on a “first-come, first-served” basis for either 

commercial or non-commercial camping purposes. All equipment and materials will be 

taken out at the end of each trip.

f) Outfitter-guides shall not increase the amount of bare mineral soil in any established 

wilderness campsite.

g) Outfitter-guides shall not create exposed roots on any new trees at any existing 

wilderness campsite.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-19 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

h) Outfitters will be prohibited from creating new campsites without specific authorization 

from the Forest Service. If existing campsites need to be closed to protect resources, 

additional sites may be designated by the Forest Service, and approved in advance of 

use.

i) Campfires will be allowed where permitted in areas with sufficient down wood. 

j) No standing trees, including snags, will be cut or damaged, nor will any material be 

attached to trees with nails or wire. On rare occasions, standing trees or snags may be 

cut if an immediate, unavoidable safety hazard is posed. 

k) At assigned sites, firewood will be stored without a covering and out of sight of any 

Forest Service system trail. Only the amount of firewood to be utilized for the current 

use season will be stored. Skidding of firewood with stock will not be allowed. 

Firewood will not be stored at non-assigned sites.

l) All guides and clients are subject to the same rules and regulations that pertain to the 

non-guided public regarding travel on roads and trails, and camping in backcountry and 

wilderness. Outfitter-guides shall review with clients pertinent regulations and 

appropriate use practices for backcountry and wilderness travel including those posted 

at trailheads and/or referenced in the operating plan. This applies to drop-camp clients 

as well as to guided groups.

m) All applicable regulations will be reviewed with clients including any special orders 

establishing use restrictions at specific areas (see Appendix B).

n) Outfitter-guides will review minimum-impact travel and camping practices with clients, 

including those at drop camps. Specific educational tools to be employed will be 

detailed in operating plans. Instruction on minimum impact will begin prior to the trip 

so clients arrive both mentally and physically prepared. Instruction will continue during 

the trip so clients understand the importance of using these techniques and can 

implement them consistently. The following pamphlets will be used as the standard: 

"Rocky Mountain Leave No Trace Skills and Ethics", "North American Leave No Trace 

Skills and Ethics", and “Horse Use Leave No Trace Skills and Ethics". Outfitter-guides will 

also teach clients about wilderness values as described in the Wilderness Act of 1964.

o) Outfitted pack and saddle stock use in wilderness will be limited to existing trails with 

well established tread. Constructing, placing or maintaining any kind of trail or other 

improvement on National Forest System land without a special use authorization, 

contract, or approved operating plan is prohibited. (36 CFR 261.10a)

p) Trail maintenance work needed for operations will be restricted to the maintained 

Forest Service system trails and access trails to established camps, unless prior approval 

is granted. Maintenance will be consistent with Forest Service trail standards and 

requires prior Forest Service approval.

q) Outfitted pack and saddle stock use at Hidden Lakes will be limited to two parties at a 

time and two or three parties at a time at Spanish Camp/Remmel Lake, Corral Lake, and 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-20 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Crow Lake, except during the September hunting season. This will be accomplished 

during itinerary review and scheduling and through permit administration. 

2. Sanitation and Litter

The objective of these measures is to ensure that human waste, manure, garbage, hunting 

refuse, and dead stock animals do not become an attractant for wildlife or degrade water or 

campsite quality.

a) All human excrement and toilet paper will be disposed of properly by burying it in a 

small shallow hole at least 200 feet from any water source, or by packing out. A slit 

trench or latrine may be used where there are more than 12 person days in a camp, or if 

a guide determines that clients lack judgment to properly use shallow holes. Slit 

trenches will be completely covered over and camouflaged when camp is vacated.

b) Heavy concentrations of stock manure near campsites or in other areas where stock 

have been tied or held will be scattered.

c) Parties engaged in hunting will ensure that stripped carcasses, gut-piles, hides, or other 

such refuse is disposed of away from campsites, trails, and sources of water.

d) In the event that pack or saddle stock should die on National Forest System land, the 

District shall be notified promptly, and the outfitter will properly dispose of the dead 

animal.

3. Stock Grazing and Containment

The objective of these measures is to minimize the effects of stock grazing on wetlands, 

sensitive plants, water quality, vegetation, and aquatic habitat.

a) Based on submitted itineraries and known resource conditions, outfitters may be 

required to carry supplemental feed. 

b) Overnight picketing of stock in subalpine meadows will not be allowed; loose herd 

grazing will be the preferred grazing method for outfitter stock.

c) In the Pasayten Wilderness, hitching or tying pack or saddle stock directly to any tree for 

an extended period is prohibited. Additionally, hitching or tying any pack or saddle 

animal to any object, including a highline, when the point of hitch or tie is within 8 feet 

of any tree, for an overnight period, or so as to cause damage to the roots or bole of any 

tree is prohibited. (36 CFR 261.58aa) order #353 (July 2001).

d) In the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and Sawtooth Backcountry, hitching or tying 

pack or saddle stock directly to any tree for an overnight period is prohibited. 

Additionally, hitching or tying any pack or saddle animal to any object, including a 

highline, when the point of hitch or tie is within 8 feet of any tree, for an overnight 

period, or so as to cause damage to the roots or bole of any tree is prohibited. (36 CFR 

261.58aa) order 08-04-74 (April 1992).
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-21 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

e) Outfitter-guides shall prohibit any grazing by pack or saddle animals within 200 feet 

slope distance of the shoreline of any lake. (36 CFR 261.57a and e)

f) Outfitter-guides shall prohibit hitching, tethering, or hobbling any pack or saddle 

animals within 200 feet slope distance of any lake. (36CFR 261.58aa)

g) Outfitter-guide pack and saddle stock grazing could be limited to designated suitable 

grazing areas during times, or in areas of high use.

h) Stock must be ridden, or led, except when grazing, and not permitted to run loose on 

trails or travel routes.

i) Where and whenever it becomes necessary to restrict or limit the use of native forage 

by pack and saddle stock for resource protection, the outfitter may be required to pack 

in and supply all necessary feed when range conditions do not allow grazing of pack 

stock.

4. Party Size

The objectives of these measures are to help reduce impacts from outfitter-guide camps in 

terms of size and grazing impacts.

a) Party size over the established limits must be requested by outfitter-guides at least 

seven days in advance of departure. Oversize parties may be approved based on factors 

listed in Okanogan Forest Plan standard and guideline MA15B-21N, and in the 

Wenatchee Forest Plan on page E-4, item 1.f. (36 CFR 261.58f)

b) Party size outside wilderness will be designated in the outfitter-guide operating plan.

c) Only stock necessary for each trip will be permitted. No cripples, colts, or unbroken 

stock will be permitted, except for the trip duration if an animal becomes crippled 

during use.

5. Vegetation and Soils

The objective of these measures is to minimize effects of pack and saddle stock outfitterguides on vegetation and soil.

a) Other than approved trail maintenance work along Forest Service system trails, green 

trees and other live vegetation shall not be cut or removed, and efforts will be taken to 

minimize trampling or other damage to vegetation beyond those impacts likely to 

recover within one growing season.

b) Soils displaced by activities such as latrine construction or pawing by stock will, to the 

extent practical, be replaced or smoothed out.

c) Travel routes will be identified to minimize impacts to wet soil and meadow areas.

d) Salt use will be approved in advance and applied in such a manner as to minimize 

wildlife attraction, and avoid trampling disturbance.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-22 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

e) Location of overnight stock handling facilities (corrals, hitch rails, highlines) will be 

designated and approved. Facilities will be designed to adequately handle concentrated 

stock use to minimize off-site effects.

6. Wildlife

The objective of these measures is to comply with habitat management requirements for 

threatened and endangered species, and to reduce the possibility of negative encounters 

between people and wildlife.

a) Feeding or harassing of wildlife will be prohibited. Activities that may disrupt wildlife, 

such as camping next to active nest sites, water sources, or making excessive noise, shall 

be avoided. When observing animals, outfitters shall keep a distance to avoid 

influencing animal behavior, generally 100 to 300 feet or more.

b) Outfitter-guides with clients engaged in hunting shall discuss the importance of 

distinguishing between grizzly bears and black bears, between lynx and bobcats, and 

between wolves and coyotes. It shall also be emphasized that grizzly bears, lynx, and 

wolves are protected by Federal law.

c) Outfitter-guides and clients shall securely store, using wildlife-resistant containers or 

hanging methods, all food, garbage, toiletries, and other possible wildlife attractants. 

These measures will be discussed with clients. Outfitters shall follow any additional 

guidelines provided by wildlife biologists in regards to acceptable food and trash 

handling/storage methods.

d) Negative encounters with bears (either grizzly bear or black bear) will be reported to the 

Methow Valley or Chelan Ranger Districts. Sightings of grizzly bears will be reported as 

soon as possible to either District.

e) Rodent control (other than rat or mouse traps) will not be allowed unless specifically 

authorized in the annual operating plan.

7. Aquatic Resources

The objective of these measures is to comply with habitat management requirements for 

threatened and endangered species, and to ensure compliance with Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy and Riparian Management objectives.

a) Provide stream and riparian habitat protection based on the Forest Plan as amended by 

PACFISH and the Northwest Forest Plan.

b) Ensure Riparian Management Objectives (PACFISH) and Aquatic Conservation Strategy 

Objectives (Northwest Forest Plan) are met.

c) Protect riparian habitat by maintaining shade and riparian vegetation adjacent to 

stream.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-23 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

d) Outfitter-guides who provide angling services or activities shall provide fishing 

regulations and bull trout identification information to personnel and clients.

e) The Fish Camp campsite in the Wolf Creek drainage will be closed to camping from 

September 1 through October 15 to reduce the risk of trampling redds.

f) Along Wolf Creek and the Lost River area of Hidden and Cougar Lakes and Diamond 

Creek, that contain bull trout, outfitter-guides and clients will not wade in streams from 

September 1 to October 15 to minimize the possibility of disturbing bull trout redds. 

g) Hazardous material handling or storage (including fuel) will be located at least 200 feet 

from streams.

8. Noxious Weeds

The objective of these measures is to prevent the establishment and spread of noxious 

weeds in the analysis area.

a) Precautions will be taken to prevent the introduction and spread of noxious weeds on 

National Forest System land. Outfitter-guides and clients shall prevent the transport of 

any seeds by removing any plant material attached to vehicles, shoes, clothing, or the 

bodies of pack and saddle stock.

b) Supplemental feed will be commercially processed feed, or weed-free certified 

processed hay cubes. Only certified weed-free hay shall be allowed on all National 

Forest System Land (36 CFR 261.58(t) 

c) Outfitters should consider feeding commercially-processed feed or hay that is certified 

weed-free for several days prior to trip departure to minimize the spread of weed seed 

through manure.

d) Outfitters will follow a weed identification and mapping program under Forest Service 

direction. Forest Service will provide the weed information.

e) Outfitters will be responsible for surveying campsites for weeds, and assisting in control 

measures as directed by the Forest Service.

Preferred Alternative

The preferred alternative is Alternative 2.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS 

Summary-24 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Environmental Consequences

Comparison of Alternatives

This section provides a side-by-side description of each alternative and a summary of how each 

alternative responds to the Purpose and Need and each Key Issue. See Chapter 1 for 

background on the issues, and Chapter 3 for a complete description of the effects and for the 

scientific basis for results in the summary table.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-25 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Figure S-3: Comparison of Alternatives

Action Unit of 

Measure

Existing Condition Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Total Number of Service 

Days 

Service Days 4,083 0 4,620 2,660

Total Number of Visitor Days 

(outfitted and private)

Visitor Days 221,922 219,441 222,429 220,489

Percent of Visitor Days 

Outfitted by Pack and Saddle 

Stock Outfitter-Guides

Percent 2% 0% 2% 1%

Total Number of Pack and 

Saddle Stock Visitor Days

Visitor Days 45,956 43,465 46,473 44,533

Percent of Pack and Saddle 

Stock Visitor Days Outfitted

Percent 9% 0% 10% 6%

Purpose and Need Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2

(current condition)

Alternative 3

1. Respond to Permit Applications 

for outfitter-guide permits. 

Qualitative 

discussion

Would deny applications, 

and no pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide permits 

would be issued.

10-year permits would be 

issued with service day 

calculations consistent with 

FSH 2709.11.

10-year permits would be 

issued, but with 35% fewer 

service days compared to 

the current allowed use. 

2. Protect wilderness character in 

the Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness Areas while 

providing necessary pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guide 

commercial services.

Qualitative 

discussion

The wilderness character 

would be protected, but no 

pack and saddle stock 

commercial services would 

be provided for realizing 

recreational or other 

wilderness proposes. 

Wilderness character 

would be protected since 

impacts to opportunities 

for solitude would be minor 

and localized. The 

minimum amount of pack 

and saddle stock 

commercial services 

necessary for realizing the 

recreational purposes of 

the areas would be 

provided.

Wilderness character would 

be protected since impacts 

to opportunities for solitude 

would be minor and 

localized. Pack and saddle 

stock commercial services 

would be provided, but for 

less than the minimum 

amount necessary for 

realizing the recreational 

purposes of the areas.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-26 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Purpose and Need Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2

(current condition)

Alternative 3

3. Make standards and guidelines 

for campsite barren core (see 

Glossary) in wilderness compatible 

with party size for pack and saddle 

stock outfitter-guides.

Qualitative 

discussion

Forest Plans would not be 

amended, but there would 

be no pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide activities.

Forest Plan amendment 

would allow up outfitterguides to use up to 5,250 

square feet of barren core 

in existing camps that 

exceed that size. In 

established campsites, 

barren core would not be 

allowed to increase.

Forest Plan amendment 

would allow up outfitterguides to use up to 2,800 

square feet of barren core 

in existing camps that 

exceed that size. In 

established campsites, 

barren core would not be 

allowed to increase. Party 

size for pack and saddle 

stock outfitter-guides 

would be 12 heartbeats.

Key Issue Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

1. Current and proposed pack and 

saddle outfitted use does not 

comply with some Forest Plan 

wilderness standards and 

guidelines or with the Wilderness 

Act because the party size and 

amount of use perpetuates large 

camps and degrades the condition 

of the wilderness.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-27 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Key Issue Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

a) Compliance with the 

Wilderness Act in terms of the 

qualities that make up wilderness 

character: untrammeled, 

undeveloped, natural, and 

opportunities for solitude or 

primitive and unconfined 

recreation.

Qualitative 

discussion

Pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guides would not 

operate in wilderness. There 

would be a 5% reduction in 

the number of pack and 

saddle stock users in the 

Pasayten and a 3% reduction 

in the Lake ChelanSawtooth. The 

untrammeled and 

undeveloped qualities of 

wilderness character would 

be unaffected. There would 

be minor, localized beneficial 

impacts to the natural 

quality since fewer pack and 

saddle stock would be 

grazing, and potentially 

damaging stream banks at 

watering sites. 

Opportunities for solitude 

would also be beneficially 

impacted on a local, minor 

level with the reduced 

number of pack and saddle 

stock users.

There would be 

approximately 7% more 

pack and saddle stock users 

in the Pasayten, and 1% 

more in the Lake ChelanSawtooth compared to 

current numbers. The 

untrammeled and 

undeveloped qualities 

would be unaffected. The 

natural quality of the 

Pasayten and Lake ChelanSawtooth wilderness areas 

could receive minor, 

localized impacts due to 

the increase in the number 

of pack and saddle stock 

service days. Opportunities 

for solitude would have 

minor, localized, negative 

impacts due to the increase 

in pack and saddle stock 

users.

There would be a 1% 

increase in the number of 

pack and saddle stock users 

in the Pasayten, and a 1% 

decrease in the Lake 

Chelan-Sawtooth, so this 

alternative would result in 

not noticeable change from 

the existing condition. The 

untrammeled and 

undeveloped qualities 

would be unaffected. The

natural quality would 

continue to have minor, 

localized impacts from 

stock grazing, and damage 

to stream banks at 

watering spots. 

Opportunities for solitude 

would negatively impacted, 

but these impacts would be 

localized and minor. 
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-28 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Key Issue Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

b)Compliance with Wilderness 

Management Tool (nondegradation policy)

Qualitative 

discussion

The elimination of pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guides 

would reduce use at some 

existing sites, and lead to 

some natural restoration of 

barren core areas not used 

by the non-outfitted pack 

and saddle stock parties.

Forest Plan amendments 

would limit the amount of 

barren core outfitters can 

use, allowing natural 

restoration to occur in 

camps with existing barren 

cores exceeding 5,250 

square feet. Mitigation 

measures would insure that 

outfitter-guides do not 

further degrade the 

condition of the wilderness.

Forest Plan amendments 

would limit the amount of 

barren core outfitters can 

use, allowing natural 

restoration to occur in 

camps with existing barren 

cores exceeding 2,800 

square feet. Mitigation 

measures would insure that 

outfitter-guides do not 

further degrade the 

condition of the wilderness.

c) Compliance with standards and 

guidelines, and the effect the 

proposed Forest Plan amendment 

will have on wilderness character

Qualitative 

discussion

No permits would be issued 

for pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guides, so 

compliance with standards 

and guidelines would be not 

applicable. 

Outfitter-guide activities 

would comply with 

amended standards and 

guidelines. The Forest Plan 

amendment would have 

minor, localized impacts on 

the opportunities for 

solitude by authorizing 

larger areas of barren core 

in outfitter camps. The 

outfitters will be prohibited 

from creating new camps, 

or increasing the size of 

existing barren cores, so 

the result will be a slight 

decrease in the amount of 

barren core at large, 

established camps.

Outfitter-guide activities

would comply with 

amended standards and 

guidelines. The Forest Plan 

amendment would have 

minor, localized impacts on 

the opportunities for 

solitude by authorizing 

larger areas of barren core 

in outfitter camps. The 

outfitters will be prohibited 

from creating new camps, 

or increasing the size of 

existing barren cores, so 

the result will a larger 

decrease in the amount of 

barren core at large, 

established camps, 

compared to Alternative 2..

d)Total Number of Visitor Days in 

Wilderness(outfitted and 

private) and percent outfitted

Visitor Days

Percent Outfitted

107,582 Visitor Days

0% outfitted

110,302 Visitor Days

2% outfitted

108,902 Visitor Days

1% outfitted
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-29 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Key Issue Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

e) Total Number of Pack and 

Saddle Stock Visitor Days in 

Wilderness (outfitted and 

private) and percent outfitted

Visitor Days

Percent Outfitted

34,146 Pack & Saddle Visitor 

Days

0% outfitted

36,866 Pack & Saddle 

Visitor Days

7% outfitted

35,466 Pack & Saddle 

Visitor Days

4% outfitted

2. Current outfitted use could 

degrade wetlands and habitat for 

native plant species.

a) wetland within 500 feet of 

pack and saddle stock camps, 

and percentage of total wetlands 

in analysis area

Estimated 

number of acres 

and percent of 

total

117.2

1.4%

117.2

1.4%

117.2

1.4%

b) effects of activities on 

wetlands

Qualitative 

discussion

6% reduction in pack and 

saddle stock would reduce 

localized impacts of grazing 

and trampling of vegetation in 

and around campsites. The 

damage to vegetation would 

continue to be isolated in 

context of all the wetlands in 

the analysis area.

Localized impacts to the 

117.2 acres of wetlands 

would continue, but 

mitigation measures would 

minimize impacts from 

outfitter-guides. Outfitterguide activities would meet 

the Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy Objectives, and 

the Riparian Management 

Objectives, so isolated 

impacts to wetlands would 

be within standards.

Localized impacts to the 

117.2 acres of wetlands 

would continue, but 

mitigation measures would 

minimize impacts from 

outfitter-guides. Outfitterguide activities would meet 

the Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy Objectives, and 

the Riparian Management 

Objectives, so isolated 

impacts to wetlands would 

be within standards.

c) Determination Statements for 

threatened endangered and 

sensitive plant species

Determination 

rating

“No effect” on any listed plant 

species. “No impact” on any 

sensitive plant species.

“No effect” on any listed 

plant species. “May impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

cause a trend toward 

Federal listing or a loss of 

population viability” on 

sensitive species. 

“No effect” on any listed 

plant species. “May impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

cause a trend toward 

Federal listing or a loss of 

population viability” on 

sensitive species.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-30 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Key Issue Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

d) Effects of stock grazing on 

plant composition

Qualitative 

discussion

The number of pack and 

saddle stock Visitor Days 

would be reduced by 6%. 

Pack and saddle stock grazing 

in and around campsites 

would not result in further 

modification of plant 

succession due to the limited 

amount of area where the 

animals graze, and the small 

number of animals compared 

to past use.

Outfitter-guide pack and 

saddle stock grazing in and 

around campsites would 

not result in further 

modification of plant 

succession due to the 

limited amount of area 

where the animals graze, 

and the small number of 

animals compared to past 

use.

The number of pack and 

saddle stock Visitor Days

would be reduced by 3%. 

Outfitter-guide pack and 

saddle stock grazing in and 

around campsites would 

not result in further 

modification of plant 

succession due to the 

limited amount of area 

where the animals graze, 

and the small number of 

animals compared to past 

use.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-31 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Key Issue Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

3. Current outfitted use could 

degrade some habitat for 

threatened, endangered or 

sensitive wildlife species through 

increased encounters with people 

or through habitat degradation.

a) Determination Statements 

from Biological Assessment for 

threatened, endangered or 

sensitive wildlife species

Determination 

rating

“No Effect” on any listed 

species.

“May affect, not likely to 

adversely effect” gray wolf, 

grizzly bear, lynx, northern 

spotted owl. “No effect” 

on all other listed species. 

“May impact individuals, 

but not likely to cause a 

trend toward Federal listing 

or a loss of population 

viability” great gray owl. 

“No impact” on all other 

listed species.

“May affect, not likely to 

adversely effect” gray wolf, 

grizzly bear, lynx, northern 

spotted owl. “No effect” 

on all other listed species. 

“May impact individuals, 

but not likely to cause a 

trend toward Federal listing 

or a loss of population 

viability” great gray owl. 

“No impact” on all other 

listed species.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-32 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Key Issue Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

4. Current pack and saddle stock 

outfitted use could degrade water 

quality and aquatic resources.

a) Determination Statements 

from Biological Assessment for 

threatened and endangered fish 

species.

Determination 

rating

“No effect” on any listed 

species.

“Adverse effect” to bull 

trout. “May affect, not 

likely to adversely effect” 

steelhead, and spring 

Chinook. “No effect” on all 

other listed species.

“Adverse effect” to bull 

trout. “May affect, not 

likely to adversely effect” 

bull trout, steelhead, and 

spring Chinook. “No effect” 

on all other listed species.

b) Compliance with Northwest 

Forest Plan Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy (ACS) and PACFISH 

Riparian Management Objectives 

(RMO)

Qualitative 

discussion

Alternative would comply 

with the ACS and RMOs.

Alternative would comply 

with the ACS and RMOs.

Alternative would comply 

with the ACS and RMOs.

c) Compliance with state water 

quality standards and the Clean 

Water Act

Qualitative 

discussion

Alternative would comply 

with the Clean Water Act.

Alternative would comply 

with the Clean Water Act.

Alternative would comply 

with the Clean Water Act.

d) Effects of open grazing on 

riparian areas, streams and lakes 

Qualitative 

discussion

Open grazing would disperse 

impacts, and minimize effects 

on riparian areas, streams, 

and lakes.

Open grazing would 

disperse impacts, and 

minimize effects on riparian 

areas, streams, and lakes.

Open grazing would 

disperse impacts, and 

minimize effects on riparian 

areas, streams, and lakes.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-33 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Key Issue Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

e)Stream sedimentation from 

stock grazing.

Qualitative 

discussion

The increased stream 

sedimentation from stock 

grazing and use would be low. 

It would not be detectable 

compared to ongoing channel 

and hill slope erosion, except 

at the point of disturbance in 

the stream channel. There 

would be no detectable 

difference in stream 

sedimentation between 

alternatives across the 

analysis area. Stream 

turbidity is not expected to 

change under any of the 

alternatives, because the 

suspended sediment would 

not change.

The increased stream 

sedimentation from stock 

grazing and use would be 

low. It would not be 

detectable compared to 

ongoing channel and hill 

slope erosion, except at the 

point of disturbance in the 

stream channel. There 

would be no detectable 

difference in stream 

sedimentation between 

alternatives across the 

analysis area. Stream 

turbidity is not expected to 

change under any of the 

alternatives, because the 

suspended sediment would 

not change.

The increased stream 

sedimentation from stock 

grazing and use would be 

low. It would not be 

detectable compared to 

ongoing channel and hill 

slope erosion, except at the 

point of disturbance in the 

stream channel. There 

would be no detectable 

difference in stream 

sedimentation between 

alternatives across the 

analysis area. Stream 

turbidity is not expected to 

change under any of the 

alternatives, because the 

suspended sediment would 

not change.

f) Stream flow Qualitative 

discussion

No changes would occur in 

stream flow.

No changes would occur in 

stream flow.

No changes would occur in 

stream flow.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-34 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Key Issue Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

g) Localized impacts where trails 

cross streams or where camps 

are located near water

Qualitative 

discussion

6% reduction in the number 

of pack and saddle stock 

visitor days would reduce 

impacts. There would 

localized impacts to stream 

banks and other water 

features, including damage to 

riparian vegetation and 

reduction in water quality. 

The isolated, localized 

impacts would not adversely 

affect riparian habitat 

conditions or water quality 

beyond the immediate areas. 

There would be a 1% 

increase in the number of 

pack and saddle stock 

users, so conditions would 

not change from existing 

condition. There would 

localized impacts to stream 

banks and other water 

features, including damage 

to riparian vegetation and 

reduction in water quality. 

The isolated, localized 

impacts would not 

adversely affect riparian 

habitat conditions or water 

quality beyond the 

immediate areas. 

1% reduction in the 

number of pack and saddle 

stock visitor days would 

reduce impacts. There 

would localized impacts to 

stream banks and other 

water features, including 

damage to riparian

vegetation and reduction in 

water quality. The isolated, 

localized impacts would not 

adversely affect riparian 

habitat conditions or water 

quality beyond the 

immediate areas. 

h. Fecal coliform levels Qualitative 

discussion

No detectable change in fecal 

coliform levels in water 

bodies.

No detectable change in 

fecal coliform levels in 

water bodies.

No detectable change in 

fecal coliform levels in 

water bodies.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-35 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Other Issues Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Pack and saddle stock outfitterguides could introduce noxious 

weeds into currently weed-free 

areas, such as wilderness, in 

stock manure.

Qualitative 

discussion

There would be no 

outfitter-guide pack and 

saddle stock that could 

potentially introduce 

weeds. The requirement 

for certified weed-free hay 

at Wilderness trailheads 

beginning in 2007, and 

everywhere on National 

Forest System Land 

beginning in 2009 would 

substantially reduce the 

possibility of weeds being 

spread by non-outfitted 

pack and saddle stock 

users. 

Outfitters would help 

identify and locate newly 

established weed 

populations, aiding in early 

treatment. The 

requirement for certified 

weed-free hay at 

Wilderness trailheads 

beginning in 2007, and 

everywhere on National 

Forest System Land 

beginning in 2009 would 

substantially reduce the 

possibility of weeds being 

spread by non-outfitted 

pack and saddle stock 

users.

Outfitters would help 

identify and locate newly 

established weed 

populations, aiding in early 

treatment. The 

requirement for certified 

weed-free hay at 

Wilderness trailheads 

beginning in 2007, and 

everywhere on National 

Forest System Land 

beginning in 2009 would 

substantially reduce the 

possibility of weeds being 

spread by non-outfitted 

pack and saddle stock 

users.

Pack and saddle stock outfitterguides could degrade air quality 

with smoke from campfires.

Qualitative 

discussion

The Pasayten Wilderness is 

the only Class I airshed in 

analysis area. There would 

be no pack and saddle 

stock outfitter-guide 

campfires. 

The Pasayten Wilderness is 

the only Class I Airshed in 

analysis area. It is unlikely 

that smoke from campfires 

would degrade air quality. 

Campfires are built with dry 

fuel, and burn rapidly, 

ventilating upwards. In 

addition, there would not 

be a large enough 

concentration of smoke 

given the dispersed 

location of campsites. 

The Pasayten Wilderness is 

the only Class I Airshed in 

analysis area. It is unlikely 

that smoke from campfires 

would degrade air quality. 

Campfires are built with dry 

fuel, and burn rapidly, 

ventilating upwards. In 

addition, there would not 

be a large enough 

concentration of smoke 

given the dispersed 

location of campsites.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-36 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Other Issues Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3

Firewood gathering by pack and 

saddle stock outfitter-guides 

could degrade the environment 

by removing down woody debris 

and limiting or eliminating this 

habitat component.

Qualitative 

discussion

Less than one tenth of one 

percent of the analysis area 

would be affected by 

firewood gathering. There 

would be some loss of 

habitat, but abundant 

habitat exists away from 

these isolated spots.

Less than one tenth of one 

percent of the analysis area 

would be affected by 

firewood gathering. There 

would be some loss of 

habitat, but abundant 

habitat exists away from 

these isolated spots.

Less than one tenth of one 

percent of the analysis area 

would be affected by 

firewood gathering. There 

would be some loss of 

habitat, but abundant 

habitat exists away from 

these isolated spots.

Reducing the number of service 

days allowed could lead to some 

existing pack and saddle stock 

outfitters going out of business 

because of reduced revenues.

Qualitative 

discussion

No pack and saddle stock 

outfitter-guide permits 

would be issued, so the 

existing companies would 

no longer be able to offer 

trips into the backcountry 

or wilderness. Most would 

likely go out of business.

The existing businesses, or 

suitable replacements, 

would be about to continue 

to operate.

The reduction in allowable 

service days and party size 

could force some business 

to close because of 

increased operating costs, 

and decreased 

opportunities to generate 

revenue.

Pack and saddle stock outfitterguides could degrade the 

experience of other recreation 

users outside wilderness.

Qualitative 

discussion

There would be an 

approximate 1% reduction 

in the number of 

recreationists with this 

alternative. This reduction 

is small enough to likely go 

unnoticed by non-outfitted 

public.

Approximately 2% of the 

recreation use in the 

analysis area outside 

wilderness would be 

associated with outfitted 

pack and saddle stock use. 

Some conflict exists 

between outfitted and nonoutfitted users, but the 

relatively small amount of 

outfitted use compared to 

non-outfitted use 

minimizes the frequency of 

conflict and contact. 

Approximately 1% of the 

recreation use in the 

analysis area outside 

wilderness would be 

associated with outfitted 

pack and saddle stock use. 

Some conflict exists 

between outfitted and nonoutfitted users, but the 

relatively small amount of 

outfitted use compared to 

non-outfitted use 

minimizes the frequency of 

conflict and contact.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-37 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Other Issues Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2

(current condition)

Alternative 3

Pack and saddle stock outfitterguide activities could lead to soil 

damage and displacement in 

meadows and other areas by 

stock trampling, grazing, and 

crossing wet areas.

Qualitative 

discussion

Most existing detrimental 

soil damage occurred prior 

to implementation of the 

Forest Plans. Soil in and 

around campsites, at stock 

watering areas, and trail 

crossings would continue to 

be damaged by nonoutfitted pack and saddle 

stock. There would be 

approximately 6% fewer 

pack and saddle stock on 

the analysis area with this 

alternative, but the existing 

areas of damage would 

continue to be used by 

non-outfitted pack and 

saddle stock, so the 

amount of area with 

damaged soil would likely 

not change. The vast 

majority of the analysis 

area is completely 

unaffected by recreation 

activities, so the isolated 

areas of soil damage are 

not resulting in 

unacceptable amounts of 

detrimental soil damage.

Most existing detrimental 

soil damage occurred prior 

to implementation of the 

Forest Plans. Soil in and 

around campsites, at stock 

watering areas, and trail 

crossings would continue to 

be damaged by nonoutfitted pack and saddle 

stock. The existing areas of 

damage would continue to 

be used by outfitted and 

non-outfitted pack and 

saddle stock, so the 

amount of area with 

damaged soil would likely 

not change. The vast 

majority of the analysis 

area is completely 

unaffected by recreation 

activities, so the isolated 

areas of soil damage are 

not resulting in 

unacceptable amounts of 

detrimental soil damage.

Most existing detrimental 

soil damage occurred prior 

to implementation of the 

Forest Plans. Soil in and 

around campsites, at stock 

watering areas, and trail 

crossings would continue to 

be damaged by nonoutfitted pack and saddle 

stock. The existing areas of 

damage would continue to 

be used by outfitted and 

non-outfitted pack and 

saddle stock, so the 

amount of area with 

damaged soil would likely 

not change. The vast 

majority of the analysis 

area is completely 

unaffected by recreation 

activities, so the isolated 

areas of soil damage are 

not resulting in 

unacceptable amounts of 

detrimental soil damage.
Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter-Guide Permit DEIS Summary-38 August 2010

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Other Issues Unit of Measure Alternative 1 Alternative 2

(current condition)

Alternative 3

Pack and saddle stock outfitterguide grazing could exceed 

Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines pertaining to forage 

utilization.

Qualitative 

discussion

There would be no 

outfitter-guide stock forage 

use with this alternative. 

Non-outfitted stock would 

continue to graze around 

campsites. Stock forage 

utilization would be well 

within allowable use 

standards and consistent 

with all standards and 

guidelines. There would 

continue to be localized 

areas of concentrated use 

associated with camps. 

With the closing of the

wilderness livestock 

permits, forage use and 

resource impacts are still 

very far below the use and 

impacts under the old 

grazing allotment stocking 

rates.

Outfitter-guide stock forage 

utilization would be well 

within allowable use 

standards and consistent 

with all standards and 

guidelines. There would be 

localized areas of 

concentrated use 

associated with camps. 

With the closing of the 

wilderness livestock

permits, even with 

outfitter-guide grazing, the 

forage use and resource 

impacts are still very far 

below the use and impacts 

under the old grazing 

allotment stocking rates.

Outfitter-guide stock forage 

utilization would be well 

within allowable use 

standards and consistent 

with all standards and 

guidelines. There would be 

localized areas of 

concentrated use 

associated with camps. 

With the closing of the 

wilderness livestock 

permits, even with 

outfitter-guide grazing, the 

forage use and resource 

impacts are still very far 

below the use and impacts 

under the old grazing 

allotment stocking rates.