Management Indicator Species Review

Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA) Restoration and Motorized 

Travel Management Project (RMTP)

Smith River National Recreation Area

Six Rivers National Forest

November, 2013

Under the National Forest Management Act (NFMA), the Forest Service is directed to “provide 

for diversity of plant and animal communities based on the suitability and capability of the 

specific land area in order to meet overall multiple-use objectives” (PL 94-588, Sec 6 (g) (3) 

(B)). The 1982 regulations implementing NFMA require that “Fish and wildlife habitat shall be 

managed to maintain viable populations of existing native and desired non-native vertebrate 

species in the planning area.” (36 CFR 219.19) Management Indicator Species (MIS) is a 

concept used by the agency to serve as a barometer for species viability at the Forest level. 

Population changes of MIS are believed to indicate the effects of management activities. 

The Forest Land Management and Resource Plan for the Six Rivers National Forest uses 

Management Indicator Species (MIS) to assess potential effects of project activities on the 

various habitats and habitat assemblages with which these species are associated. Forty-one fish 

and wildlife species have been selected as MIS or assemblages for a variety of habitats that are 

potentially affected by resource management activities on the Forest (LRMP IV-97). For the 

analysis associated with this project, specific MIS were addressed based on their potential to 

occur within the project area and the potential for suitable habitat to be affected by project 

activities. 

Table 1 lists the MIS and assemblages occurring on the Six Rivers National Forest, and those 

known or thought to occur within the project area based on habitat suitability, survey results, or 

incidental sighting records. Habitat suitability evaluations were made using the California 

Wildlife Habitat Relationships System, Version 8.2 software, developed by the California 

Department of Fish and Wildlife. In addition habitat evaluations were made utilizing Six Rivers 

National Forest Wildlife Sighting Database, Six Rivers National Forest Vegetation Layer, field 

reviews, and Forest GIS Vegetation Layers.

Table 1. Management Indicator Species and Habitat Assemblages – Six Rivers NF

MIS Species and Habitat 

Assemblages

Habitat is Impacted by the 

Project

Habitat is in or adjacent to 

the project areas, but is not 

directly or indirectly 

impacted by the project

Habitat is not in or 

adjacent to the project 

area and is not directly 

impacted by the project

Individual Species

Northern Spotted Owl*

Potential for minor habitat 

impacts (See BA)

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected (See BA)

Pileated woodpecker

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Black Bear

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected
MIS Species and Habitat 

Assemblages

Habitat is Impacted by the 

Project

Habitat is in or adjacent to 

the project areas, but is not 

directly or indirectly 

impacted by the project

Habitat is not in or 

adjacent to the project 

area and is not directly 

impacted by the project

American marten*

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected (See BE)

Fisher*

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected (See BE)

Black-tailed deer

Suitable habitat – no adverse 

impacts

Southern torrent salamander*

Suitable habitat – Short term 

impacts to habitats (See BE)

Marsh/ Lake/ Pond/ Assemblage

California red-legged frog

No suitable habitat present in 

project area

Western pond turtle*

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected (See BE)

Wood duck

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

River/Stream/Creek Assemblage

Cutthroat trout

Steelhead/rainbow trout

Tailed frog

Suitable habitat – Short term 

impacts to habitats

Summer steelhead

Common merganser

Suitable habitat – Short term 

impacts to habitats

Ruffed grouse

Suitable habitat – Short term 

impacts to habitats

Winter wren

Suitable habitat – Short term 

impacts to habitats

American dipper

Suitable habitat – Short term 

impacts to habitats

Yellow-breasted chat

Suitable habitat – Short term 

impacts to habitats

Tanoak/Madrone Assemblage

Hammond's Flycatcher

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Western Tanager

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Black-headed grosbeak

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Snag Assemblage

Flamulated Owl

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Western screech owl

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected
MIS Species and Habitat 

Assemblages

Habitat is Impacted by the 

Project

Habitat is in or adjacent to 

the project areas, but is not 

directly or indirectly 

impacted by the project

Habitat is not in or 

adjacent to the project 

area and is not directly 

impacted by the project

Red-breasted sapsucker

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Downy woodpecker

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Hairy woodpecker

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

White-headed woodpecker

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Vaux's swift

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Brown creeper

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Western bluebird

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Douglas squirrel

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Down Woody Debris Assemblage

Arboreal salamander

No suitable habitat present in 

project area

Clouded salamander

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Blue grouse

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Dusky-footed wood rat

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Western fence lizard

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Black Oak/White Oak Assemblage

Acorn woodpecker

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Scrub jay

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Lazuli bunting

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

Western gray squirrel

Habitat is adjacent to the project 

area, but will not be directly or 

indirectly affected

* Habitat impacts for this species have been analyzed and documented in the Smith River National Recreation Area 

(NRA) Restoration and Motorized Travel Management Project Biological Assessment/Evaluation.

The project area occurs in forested areas ranging in seral stage from shrub and pole to patches of 

late mature and old growth. All proposed actions would occur in the road prism on current 

National Forest Transportation System (NFTS) roads and unauthorized routes. No new 

construction or reconstruction would occur on previously undisturbed lands. 
Proposed Action (Alternative 3)

This alternative was modified from the original Proposed Action (Alternative 2) which could not 

be carried forward for analysis because it included Traditional Cultural Properties that needed to 

be excluded from the action. 

Alternative 3 will affect 214 miles of roads and will include the following:

1) The addition of 15 unauthorized routes as roads, totaling 7.14 miles, to the current NFTS; 

2) The addition of 45 unauthorized routes as motorized trails to the NFTS, totaling 43.98

miles; 

3) The seasonal gate closure on 2 roads and 5 motorized trails, totaling 13 miles;

4) The mixed-use of 1 road (17N49), totaling 4 miles;

5) The decommissioning of 112 NFTS roads, totaling 54.88 miles, and;

6) The restoration of 162 UARs totaling 79.43 miles.

Add to Road or Motorized Trail System: Desirable unauthorized routes will be added to the 

NFTS either as a road with an identified OML, or as a motorized trail with an Off-Highway 

Vehicle (OHV) designation.

Upgrade to OML2: Upgrading may involve road surface improvements, such as installing, 

repairing or replacing culverts, rolling dips or water bars.

Downgrade to OML1: Downgrading and managing as OML 1 may involve removing culverts 

and other drainage features and leaving the road in a hydrologically maintenance-free condition.

Resource Risk Mitigations: Resource risk mitigations apply to NFTS roads and trails to reduce 

risk and impacts to botanical, wildlife, aquatic, or Port Orford-cedar on system roads and trails.

Actions in this category include: seasonal gate closures, installation of barricades and route 

delineators and gravelling.

Decommission Road / Restore Unauthorized Route: The suite of actions within this category 

is aimed at re-establishing vegetation and, if necessary, initiating restoration of ecological 

processes interrupted or adversely impacted by the unneeded road or route. Actions in this 

category include outsloping, removal of culverts and associated fill and installation of water bars 

and barricades (large boulders or berms).

Stormproofing: The suite of management actions that will be applied to NFTS roads and trails 

to reduce water quality and sedimentation risks through culvert and road surface improvements, 

including redesigning of culverts for fish passage. Actions in this category include installation of 

culverts and rolling dips, repair/replace culverts and removal of culverts and associated fill.
There are 3 other action alternatives. The difference between the alternatives involves adding or 

removing more roads/routes than Alternative 3.

Alternative 4

The addition of 21 unauthorized routes as roads, totaling 11.85 miles, to the current NFTS; 

The addition of 91 unauthorized routes as motorized trails to the NFTS, totaling 60.23 miles; 

The seasonal gate closure on 11 roads and 6 motorized trails, totaling 37 miles;

The mixed-use of 1 road (17N49), totaling 0.5 miles;

The decommissioning of 112 NFTS roads, totaling 54.43 miles, and;

The restoration of 192 UARs totaling 78.85 miles

The addition of 7 parking areas

Alternative 5

The addition of 11 unauthorized routes as roads, totaling 3 miles, to the current NFTS; 

The addition of 16 unauthorized routes as motorized trails to the NFTS, totaling 12 miles; 

The seasonal gate closure on 3 roads and 1 motorized trails, totaling 3 miles;

No mixed-use;

The decommissioning of 107 NFTS roads, totaling 53.29 miles, and;

The restoration of 411 UARs totaling 135 miles

The addition of 1 parking areas

Alternative 6 (Preferred Alternative)

The addition of 18 unauthorized routes as roads, totaling 4 miles, to the current NFTS; 

The addition of 75 unauthorized routes as motorized trails to the NFTS, totaling 43 miles; 

The seasonal gate closure on 13 roads and 7 motorized trails, totaling 34 miles;

The mixed-use of 1 road (17N49), totaling 0.5 miles;

The decommissioning of 110 NFTS roads, totaling 53.98 miles, and;

The restoration of 210 UARs totaling 101 miles

The addition of 4 parking areas

Summary: Impacts to MIS

All action alternatives will reduce road densities of OML 1, 2 roads and unauthorized routes across the 

NRA (Table 1). Reducing road density across the District will reduce fragmentation of habitat as the 

decommissioned roads revegetate, increase patch size, reduce sedimentation in stream channels, and 

reduce disturbance and direct mortality. In addition, cross-country travel is prohibited under the Smith 

River NRA Act of 1990. An overall reduction of road densities across the NRA will benefit wildlife in 

the short-term through elimination of noise disturbance on closed roads/routes and in the long-term 

through the reduction of fragmentation and habitat restoration. The project will benefit MIS.
Table 1. Road/route reductions and road density by Alternative

Alternative 1 

No Action

Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Alternative 5 Alternative 6

Total percent 

restored/decommissioned

0 30% 29% 47% 36%

District-wide Road Density 1.59 mi/mi2

1.34 mi/mi21.34 mi/mi21.17 mi/mi21.32 mi/mi2

During culvert repair, replacement and/or removal, there will be minor habitat degradation for 

stream and riparian habitat within the project area due to the removal of brush and small 

diameter trees sapling trees less than 11 inches dbh., over areas that are approximately one-tenth

acre in size per worksite, and slight short-term degradation of water quality as areas where 

culverts are removed re-vegetate. 

It is estimated that an average of 0.1 acres of vegetation may be affected at any one site where 

culverts are repaired, replaced or removed. The Alternative 3 would remove approximately 78

culverts for an estimated total of 8 acres affected across the District. This is an overestimate of 

the amount of vegetation to be removed in that not all culverts sites have been brushed in, the 

roads may occur in naturally open areas, or the amount of vegetation to be removed is less than 

one-tenth of an acre, which will be negligible in any one area. Disturbed areas would be revegetated with native grasses, shrubs and trees reflective of what was previously growing at the 

site. Due to different habitat requirements, not all culvert sites occur in suitable for all MIS, 

therefore 8 acres of habitat degraded under this alternative greatly overestimates the amount of 

habitat potentially affected for any one species. These effects are expected to be offset by the 

long term benefits of reducing road density across the District. 

Alternative 4 would remove 82 culverts for 8 acres of habitat affected, Alternative 5 would 

remove 251culverts (approximately 25 acres), and Alternative 6 would remove 170 culverts (17

acres affected). These effects are expected to be offset by the long term benefits of reducing 

road density across the District. 

Potential impacts to MIS would be minimized through the adherence of LRMP Standards and 

Guidelines for snags/down woody debris, limited ground disturbance, re-vegetation of disturbed 

areas, and maintenance of existing live over-story canopy closure. 

The project is designed to improve habitat conditions by restoring habitat through the 

decommissioning of roads and unauthorized routes. It will also prevent further habitat 

disturbance by delineating authorized routes and barricading vehicle use in unauthorized areas.

No Action

Under the No Action alternative, there would be no reduction in road density across the District, and no 

habitat restoration would occur for MIS from decommissioning roads and restoring unauthorized routes. 

Disturbance and direct mortality from on-going road use would not be eliminated on removed roads. 

Sedimentation into streams would not be reduced.

Cumulative Effects

The Six Rivers National Forest (SRNF) is currently implementing the following projects on the

Smith River NRA:
1. Big Flat Vegetation & Fuels Management Project has completed 175 (of 581 planned) 

acres of Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) treatment as well as 408 acres (of 503 acres) 

of commercial thinning and has an ongoing fuels treatment over 548 acres (of 740 

planned). 

2. Station 3 Fuel Break is an ongoing fuels treatment of approximately 176 acres (25 

completed) along 4.9 miles of roads. 

3. Coon Mountain Restoration Project includes 750 acres of fuels treatments (500 

completed) that will restore Jeffery pine-grassland habitat. 

4. Gasquet Community Wildfire Protection is an ongoing fuels treatment of approximately 

262acres. This project was implemented in 2003 and retreated in 2009.

5. Hiouchi Community Protection Fuel Break Project is an ongoing fuels treatment of 

approximately 190 acres (42 acres completed).

6. Gasquet Shaded Fuel Break (Elk Camp Fuel Break Project) is an ongoing fuels treatment 

that was implemented in 1994 and then retreated in 2009 for 320 acres.

7. Mus-Yeh-Sait-Neh Understory Burn is an ongoing fuels treatment of 21 acres at the Musyeh-sait-neh site to restore the Oregon Oak Grove.

The Six Rivers National Forest (SRNF) is currently planning the following projects on the Smith 

River National Recreation Area: 

1. Aquatic Riparian Restoration EA is planned to “identify the suite of instream restoration 

projects that can create habitat complexity in the short term through the addition of large 

wood and boulders in key stream reaches on the Forest, create off channel rearing habitat 

for over wintering survival, and in the long term, by speeding up the growth of conifers in 

the riparian areas”. This project is under development and does not have a site specific 

proposal therefore it is too early in the planning process to accurately assess what these 

impacts are to MIS, or how they might be cumulative with those of the MTMP.

2. Gordon Hill Vegetation and Fuels Management Project will treat vegetation to reduce 

hazardous fuel and restore habitat conditions on 2,788 acres through commercial 

thinning, TSI and fuels treatments. 

Given the small of acreage the RMTP will impact (less than one-tenth acres in any one area), and 

that all other proposed actions will occur in the road prism, it is not likely that these projects will 

have a cumulative impact on MIS species when combined with the RMTP. It is expected that 

the trend for these species will be towards recovery as all past and planned federal actions in the 

watershed are restoration projects.
Two non-Forest Service projects are currently being implemented; the Hurdygurdy Bridge 

Replacement and the Steven Memorial Bridge Replacement both of which are scheduled to be 

completed in 2014, both of which occur at previously disturbed sites. A suite of non-Forest 

Service projects are planned for the future including two timber harvest projects (Morris THP, 54 

acres; Green Diamond, 94 acres) and the following roads projects: Hiouchi Community 

Improvements Project, Major Bridge Seismic Retrofit on five bridges, maintenance project for a 

thin blanket overlay, three storm damage repair projects on US 199, Hamilton Road High 

Friction Surface Treatment, Smith River Canyon Safety Project, Dr. Fine Bridge Project and 

CalTrans STAA Hwy 199. These projects are not within the Smith River NRA boundary or 

immediately adjacent to Forest Service land.

Terrah Owens

Wildlife Biologist 

Supervisor’s Office

Brenda Devlin-Craig

Wildlife Biologist

Smith River National Recreation Area