FOREST SUPERVISOR’S LETTER 

Ashley National Forest 

2011 Year in Review 

  Dear Friends, 

2011 has been a very active year for the Ashley National Forest. Kevin Elliott, former 

Forest Supervisor for the Ashley National Forest, left the Uintah Basin this past fall. He 

was promoted to Forest Supervisor of the Sequoia National Forest in California. I have 

been filling in as Acting Forest Supervisor in the interim while the position is being advertised and filled permanently. It has been my privilege to work with the folks here on the 

Ashley National Forest and with members of the local communities of Manila, Vernal, 

Roosevelt and Duchesne. The employees of the Ashley National Forest are true professionals tied to the land, the people and communities we serve. 

 In the following pages, we have highlighted many of our accomplishments completed 

this past year and some projects that are ongoing. Energy development continues across the Forest with the expected completion of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) early in 2012 for the development of up to 400 oil and gas wells on the South 

Unit of the Ashley National Forest. The Forest also continues to implement the Travel Management Plan approved in September, 2009, with the addition of routes to the motorized vehicle use map (MVUM) as they are cleared for use. 

 Throughout the year we have worked in partnership with multiple agencies and organizations to complete many projects 

across the Forest. In recognition of this work, this year the Ashley National Forest received the 2010 Bob Marshall Champion 

of Wilderness Stewardship Award for High Lakes Stabilization in the High Uintas Wilderness. This work began in 2006 and 

culminated in 2010 achieving the goal of stabilizing 13 reservoirs within the High Uinta Wilderness. 

 In addition, we worked with the Ashley National Forest Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) to allocate $687,847 to projects nominated by the public, the Forest and other organizations on or adjacent to the Ashley National Forest. Together with 

our partners we improved destinations for Forest visitors and met our stewardship requirements in caring for the land. We invested in infrastructure to enhance public safety and improve critical fish habitat and passage for the Colorado River Cutthroat 

trout through the replacement of bridges and culverts. 

 Our Heritage Resources program is active and strong and enables us to manage the land while preserving our connection to 

the distant and recent past. In addition to their regular program of work, our fish and wildlife program managers conducted 

Northern Goshawk, snowshoe hare, Canada lynx and wolverine studies and monitoring. 

 We invested in our employees’ safety awareness which has resulted in a significant reduction in personal injuries and vehicle 

accidents. Our fire management program provides protection for nearly 1.4 million acres of National Forest System lands. 

 The upcoming year does look to be challenging, but we are up to the task. Our budgets are being reduced and it is likely that 

our workforce will be as well. Additionally there will be a new Forest Supervisor selected for the Ashley National Forest

who is expected to report to duty in Vernal this spring. 

 We are proud of our accomplishments and grateful to our employees, partners and fellow agencies. We could not have done 

it without strong support from everyone. We are looking forward to this coming year as we continue to care for the land and 

serve people. 
Recreation Enhancement Activities in 2011

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During 2011 recreation staff focused on repairing 

and refurbishing campgrounds across the Forest. 

 New picnic sites were constructed adjacent to 

the visitor center at Flaming Gorge Dam. An 

accessible fishing pier will be added to this location in 2012. 

 Also on the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, we are currently reconstructing portions of the Lucerne Campground. Work was 

nearly complete as of December and the new 

loops should be available for campers early next 

summer. 

 Several campgrounds on the Duchesne 

Ranger District were improved to repair damage 

from high spring runoff and improve accessibility 

 Implementation of the 2009 Motorized Travel 

Plan continues. Signs showing the route number 

have been installed on the majority of roads and 

trails across the Forest, so visitors can identify 

allowed uses on the Motor Vehicle Use Map 

Ashley National Forest Oil and Gas Activities

Environmental Analyses

South Unit Oil and Gas 

Development EIS Project: 

The Ashley National Forest continued work on the South Unit Oil and 

Gas Development (Berry) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a 

programmatic proposal from Berry 

Petroleum to drill up to 400 new oil and gas wells 

over an approximate 20-year period. The Draft 

EIS was released for public comment in February 

2010. Since that time, we have reviewed the comments received, updated the EIS documents, and 

are nearly ready to release the Final EIS and Record of Decision. The Final EIS is expected to be 

released to the public with a decision in early 

2012. 

Berry 2011 Categorical Exclusion (CE) Project: 

The Ashley National Forest received a sitespecific proposal for up to 19 new wells, all of 

which would be drilled on existing well pads. We 

evaluated that proposal, and signed a decision on 

June 10, 2011approving the proposed development. 

Vantage Oil and Gas Development 

(2009 EA and 2011 CE Projects): 

The Ashley National Forest completed the 2009 

Vantage Environmental Assessment, and released a 

decision approving some of the proposed development. However, that decision was subsequently 

withdrawn. Continued work on the Vantage EA 

has been postponed and a new, much smaller, oil 

and gas proposal from Vantage is now being evaluated. This smaller proposal is the 2011 Vantage 

CE project, for which we hope to release a decision 

in early 2012. 

High Desert CE: 

During 2011, the Ashley National Forest received a 

proposal for small-scale exploratory drilling for 

hard-rock minerals from High Desert Mining. We 

have been evaluating this proposal, and expect to 

(Continued on page 10) 

(MVUM). The 2009 

Travel Management 

decision also approved 

a number of routes 

pending completion of 

certain mitigation 

measures. 

Mitigation was completed for more than 20 

of these routes, so they 

can be added to the 2012 MVUM. 

 Trail crews cleared and maintained nearly 300 

miles of trail (motorized and non-motorized) to standard across the Forest, as well as replacing several 

foot bridges that were washed out during spring runoff. 

 Hades Campground, located in the North Fork 

drainage on the Ashley National Forest, was refurbished in the fall of 2011. Spring and summer 

flooding damaged roads and many of the sites were 

(Continued on page 8) 

New picnic tables near 

Flaming Gorge Dam. 
Vo l u m e 1 , I ss u e 1 P a g e 3

2011 Safety and Health Program and Green Team 

In 2011 the Ashley N.F. provided 

safety training to all 123 of our 

employees. 

 This high-level safety training 

known as the “Safety Journey” 

utilized the safety records and 

safety strategies of both government entities and large private 

companies. The result; the Ashley NF has since enjoyed a 14 

Solar Lights brighten the 

Manila Ranger District 

Office 

Over $500,000 Invested in Bridges and Culverts in 2011 

In 2011 the Ashley National Forest completed 

bridge replacement projects along the Red Cloud 

Loop Road, (Forest Service Road 018), and the 

culvert on Reader Creek along the road to 

Chepeta Lake (FSR 110). 

 The bridge over the north fork of Ashley 

Creek on Red Cloud Loop (FSR 018) was replaced last winter and final detail work that included the paving of the approaches to the bridge 

was completed in August. 

 The bridge over Big Brush Creek along Red 

Cloud Loop (FSR 018) has been replaced and 

opened to public use on Friday, September 9, 

2011. The new bridge provides for a wider crossing 

platform that will accommodate traffic and enhance 

public safety. With the opening of this bridge the 

Red Cloud Loop Road between Iron Springs and 

Kaler Hollow is now open, completing Red Cloud 

Loop. 

 In total, the Ashley National Forest invested over 

$500,000 dollars on bridge and culvert replacement 

projects in 2011 that provide for public safety and 

unrestricted fish passage.

Above: Reader Creek Culvert Before (left), After (right) Below: Big Brush Creek Bridge 

percent decline in personnel injuries and 

a 20 percent reduction in vehicle accidents. We hope to continue with this 

style of training, and reflect on the results as a positive segment of our newfound ‘Safety Culture’. 

Another highlight of 2011 is the conception and initial launch of our Emergency 

Medical Response training program. 

(Continued on page 12) 
Timber and Vegetation Management

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The purpose of the timber and 

vegetation program is to manage 

forest vegetation to maintain or 

promote the health and resiliency 

of forest ecosystems. 

 In 2011, six scheduled timber 

sales were sold. In addition, five 

unscheduled contracts were 

awarded to remove beetle killed 

or infested trees from recreational sites. 

 A total of 1,317,670 cubic 

feet (CF) of timber was sold 

through permits and timber sale 

contracts. 

 Over twenty timber sale contracts were administered, and 

864,130 CF of timber was harvested. 

 A total of 716 acres of forest 

vegetation was improved 

through pre-commercial thinning 

to improve future growth. 

 In addition, 1,075 acres were 

surveyed and determined to be 

fully stocked with trees and required no planting of trees. 

 The timber and vegetation 

program on the Ashley National 

Forest employs six full-time employees, two permanent full-time 

employees who are shared with 

the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and up to eight seasonal employees. 

 In 2011, cutting unit layout, 

timber designation or cruising 

was completed on approximately 

577 acres. 

 Four additional sales totaling 

approximately 187,900 CF were 

prepared for sale in 2012. 

 Forest goals for the timber and 

vegetation program in 2012 include selling 1,350,900 CF of timber, improving vegetation on 600 

acres and surveying 1,000 acres to 

ensure they are fully stocked with 

trees. 

 Other work completed in 2011 

includes spraying campgrounds to 

minimize tree mortality from bark 

beetles, distributing insect pheromones to prevent tree loss, coordinating noxious weed treatments on 

completed timber sales, and monitoring harmful insect activity and 

disease levels on the Forest. 

 The vegetation and timber program is active and working to 

maintain or promote the health and 

resiliency of forest ecosystems on 

the Ashley National Forest. 
Vo l u m e 1 , I ss u e 1 P a g e 5

Fish and Wildlife

The fish and wildlife program managers on the 

Ashley National Forest worked on many projects 

in 2011. 

 Northern Goshawks are native to the Ashley 

National Forest and are monitored annually to determine nest occupancy and reproductive success. 

 In 2011, 62 traditional goshawk territories and 

150 nests were visited during the breeding season. 

 All old nest structures were visited and an area 

within 200 meters of each nest structure was examined for signs of use. After this first visit, only 

active nests or inactive random territories received 

further visits. During the second visit an adult 

goshawk alarm call was made in an attempt to 

elicit a response. Those territories that were found 

active on the initial visit received a second visit 

from mid-June to mid-July to count chicks. 

 Of the nests visited in 2011, fourteen were determined to be active, of which seven were successful and seven failed. In total, nine goshawks 

fledged during the 2011 nesting season on sites 

monitored by the Ashley National Forest. 

 On the south unit of the Ashley National Forest 

another project worked to improve habitat for sage 

grouse. 1,085 acres (about a mile and a half) of 

sagebrush and mountain brush communities were 

treated and maintained. Pinion/juniper and Douglas fir encroachment threatened this area. In this 

project, the encroaching trees were cut into pieces 

and spread across the landscape to increase native 

grasses, sagebrush and mountain brush that will 

benefit various wildlife species such as, sage 

grouse, deer and elk. 

 The snowshoe hare density study on the Ashley 

National Forest is designed to determine the density of snowshoe hares on the Forest and identify 

suitable habitat for Canada lynx. This study uses 

pellet count surveys at randomly selected sites and 

grid survey design to determine the location of 

viable populations of snowshoe hares which in 

turn assists in refining Canada lynx suitable habitat maps for the Forest. 

 Continuing the focus on Canada lynx the Forest also conducts Canada lynx snow track surveys 

to determine if lynx and wolverine exist on the 

Ashley National Forest. This survey is a presence 

and absence survey. If species are found, further 

surveys will be used to determine if breeding 

populations exist. 

 Snowmobiles are used to follow established 

trails and roadways within potential lynx habitat 

utilizing established lynx winter track survey protocol. During this survey tracks of prey animals 

(red squirrels, snowshoe hares) are recorded as 

well as the tracks from other predator species. 

 In 2011 eight established routes were surveyed 

covering approximately 113 linear miles of roads 

and trails. In all approximately 293,000 cumulative acres are represented in this survey. 

 No lynx or wolverine tracks were detected during these surveys. A total of 269 snowshoe hare 

tracks and 58 red squirrel tracks were encountered. 
Partnership Projects On the Ashley National Forest

Visitors to the Ashley National 

Forest have likely recognized 

some really big improvements 

on the Forest this past year. 

 Many of these have been 

completed through partnerships 

with other agencies and groups 

that have worked together to 

make these improvements possible. 

 In particular, the Flaming 

Gorge National Recreation Area 

(NRA) has seen several projects 

accomplished during 2011 that 

will greatly enhance visitor experiences. 

 At Dam Point, near the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center, a 

new picnic area and improved 

trail was constructed. The picnic 

area consists of covered picnic 

table areas with accessible tables 

and pads. The trail has been improved to allow better visitor 

access to the reservoir for fishing. Funding has come from a 

variety of sources, including a 

Federal Highway Administration 

(FHWA) Scenic Byway grant, as 

well as Forest Service dollars. 

Substantial support for the project has been provided by members of the Flaming Gorge – 

Uintas National Scenic Byway 

group. 

 Mark Sprague, recreation program manager for the Flaming 

Gorge District states, “Visitors 

now really enjoy coming to this 

area. Previously, there wasn’t 

any shade for the tables and the 

trail did not access the water. 

The improvements have truly 

made this a much more enjoyable 

stop.” 

 The visitor center is one of the 

primary attractions on the NRA 

and the improved facilities have 

already received considerable 

use. 

 Some other partner sponsored 

projects completed in 2011 on the 

Flaming Gorge NRA include: 

 Resurfacing of the boat launch 

parking area at Lucerne Valley 

Marina. The improvements were 

made possible through partnership and funding with the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service Sport 

Fish Restoration Program, Utah 

Division of Wildlife Resources, 

Utah Parks and Recreation and 

the Forest Service. 

 Installation of a new pump 

out station and floating restroom 

facility at Cedar Springs Marina. 

Funding for this project is made 

possible through partnership and 

funding with the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service Clean Vessel 

Act program, Utah Parks and 

Recreation, and the Forest Service. 

 Replacement of the restroom 

at Anvil Draw boat launch. After 

lightning destroyed the original 

structure, Wyoming Game and 

Fish and the Forest Service 

worked through the Sport Fish 

Restoration program to replace 

this structure. 

 In addition to the projects 

completed this year, a prior year 

project was recently recognized 

by the Federal Highways Administration for its outstanding 

contribution to “enhancing the 

visitor experience”. The improvements completed in 2009 at 

Moose Ponds were recognized at 

the National Scenic Byways 

Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota during August, through 

receipt of the prestigious Scenic 

Byway Award. 

 Sponsored by the America’s 

Byways Resource Center, Federal Highway Administration 

(FHWA), and the American Association of State Highway 

Transportation Officials 

(AASHTO), the Scenic Byway 

Awards recognize eight projects 

of excellence from byway nomi-

(Continued on page 10) 

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Vo l u m e 1 , I ss u e 1 P a g e 7

Heritage Program Alive and Well on the Ashley

The Ashley National Forest 

Service Heritage 

Program has the 

goal of protecting significant 

heritage resources, sharing 

their values with 

the American 

people, and contributing relevant information and 

perspectives to natural resource management. 

The Heritage Program identifies archaeological and historical sites, documents them, and preserves them in order to retain our connection with 

our distant and recent past. 

The Heritage Program shares this history with 

the public by displaying collections of artifacts at 

various public venues, providing fun, hands-on 

experience with prehistoric hunting technology, 

and offering volunteer opportunities for those 

wanting to be involved with discovering history. 

The Heritage program employed two permanent archaeologists and nine seasonal archaeologists in 2011. The archaeologists surveyed over 

approximately 6000 acres of land searching for 

archaeological and historic sites in advance of a 

variety of projects, including; prescribed burns, 

vegetation management, oil and gas, recreation, 

travel management, facility management, and the 

renewal of grazing permits. Seventy-five new 

sites were discovered and thirty known sites were 

revisited. Archaeologists found prehistoric residential sites, prehistoric campsites, animal drivelines, historic roads, sheepherder camps, sawmills 

and logging camps. 

One significant project in 2011 was the documentation and review of the historic Anderson 

Creek Road. The road was first used in the 1890s 

to access the Swen Anderson sawmill and later the 

Dyer Mine smelter. Uintah County and the 

Anderson Creek Youth Camp requested authorization from Ashley National Forest to repair the 

road. In order to protect the historic road, the 

Heritage Program surveyed and documented the 

road and developed an agreement with various 

groups to ensure the preservation of the history of 

the road. 

The Heritage Program also excavated and 

mapped an intact portion of wooden cribbing 

(corduroy) built as part of the road in marshy areas. 

As oil and gas development has increased on 

the south unit of the Ashley National Forest, the 

Heritage Program has collaborated with the multiple groups to develop an agreement that ensures the 

documentation and protection of archaeological 

sites while facilitating the approval of oil and gas 

wells by the Berry Petroleum Company. 

The Heritage Program has also provided the 

public with opportunities to get involved. For the 

fourteenth year, Ashley National Forest held a 

Passport in Time (PIT) project for volunteers from 

all over the country to enjoy the fresh air while 

helping research the Forest’s history. This year, 

PIT volunteers from California, Oregon, and Utah 

used metal detectors to help Forest Service archaeologists find the actual routes of the Carter Military 

Road and the Cherokee Trail. The Ashley National 

Forest , with major contributions written by volunteers, will soon publish a report on the archaeology 

of the Carter Road. If you would like to participate 

in future PIT projects on National Forests, please 

visit www.PassportInTime.com. 

In 2011, the Heritage Program visited Uintah 

High School and Union High School history 

classes and provided opportunities for students to 

learn about archaeology and to use replica atlatls 

(spear throwers). The Heritage Program also provided opportunities for kids at multiple events, including: the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge open 

house, the Utah Field House of Natural History 

field day, the Utah Statewide Archaeological Society convention, Uintah High School, and Maeser 

Elementary School. 

For more information about the Ashley National Forest Heritage Program, please contact the 

Forest Archaeologist, Jeffrey Rust, at 435-781-

5156 (email: jarust@fs.fed.us). 
P a g e 8 Vo l u m e 1 , I ss u e 1

becoming overgrown and outdated. 

 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility was very limited due to the existing 

topography of the sites, and none of the fire rings 

were ADA compliant. Some sites seemed 

“lumped” together and were confusing to campers as to what campsite furniture went with what 

site. 

 Drainage in the campground was also an issue, as there were no culverts across roadways. 

Splash Dam (a small lake north of Hades Campground) broke during the summer and flooded 

the campground. The road crew reopened the 

campground roadways and installed culverts to 

manage water flow. 

 In October, refurbishment began by Robert 

Jessen and Shannon Giles using the Forest Service track hoe and tractor. In total, 1,150 tons of 

road base was spread throughout all of the roadways, spurs, paths, and around tables and fire 

rings. Fire rings were replaced with new cement 

rings and inserts. Invasive brush was removed 

(Continued from page 2) 

and sites and roadways were lined with barrier rock. 

Additional culverts were placed in the lower loop to 

help manage water flow. 

All 14 sites in Hades Campground were cleared of 

overgrowth, clearly defined with barrier rock, and 

received new fire rings and road base. Work on refurbishing and painting the tables began and will be 

completed in 2012. 

Contractors pouring cement for new campsite in 

Lucerne Campground 

Completed campsite at Lucerne Camground 

Photo of campsite in Hades Campground 

“Perhaps the rebuilding of the body and spirit is the greatest service derivable from our forests, for what worth are material things if we lose the 

character and quality of people that are the soul of America.” 

--Arthur Carhart, Forest Service Landscape Architect, 1919 

Recreation Enhancement Activities in 2011 Continued
Vo l u m e 1 , I ss u e 1 P a g e 9

Ashley National Forest Resource Advisory Committee 

The Ashley National Forest Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) 

was formed in 2011 to allocate 

funds from Title II of the Secure 

Rural Schools and Community Self

-Determination Act for projects on 

or adjacent to the Ashley National 

Forest. 

 Volunteers for the committee 

include; Mathew Crozier, Marrissa 

Hacking-Oaks, Derk Hatch, David 

Higginson, Wayne Simper, Floyd 

Bartlet, Virginia Exton, Mark Wilson, Clark Tucker, Amber Harrison, Susan Horrocks, Uintah 

County Commissioner Mark Raymond and Duchesne County Commissioner Ron Winterton. 

 In 2011, the RAC funded 

$686,145.00 for thirteen projects 

on or adjacent to the Ashley National Forest. Below are several of 

the projects approved for funding. 

 The Sheep Creek Geological 

Loop Road received $100,000 to 

assist in resurfacing and widening 

sections of the road for access and 

public safety. 

 To assist in the implementation 

of the Motorized Travel Management Plan, the RAC funded the 

implementation of the McAfee 

Basin ATV Bypass Trail for 

$37,660. This project will build an 

ATV trail to bypass tribal lands 

and allow ATV access to McAfee 

Basin from the Lower Stillwater 

Ponds on the Roosevelt-Duchesne 

Ranger District. 

 The RAC also funded the implementation of the Sheep Creek 

Lake ATV Trail (as approved in 

the Motorized Travel Management 

Plan Record of Decision in September 2009) on the Flaming 

Gorge Ranger District. This trail 

will provide for ATV travel away 

from major roadways enhancing 

the ATV experience and improving 

public safety. 

 Cattle permittees on Diamond 

Mountain requested that the RAC 

purchase six cattle guards for installation at key points on Diamond 

Mountain. The RAC provided 

$32,000 for the purchase and installation of the cattle guards replacing gates that cross the road in 

these locations. 

 The RAC also funded the Alma 

Taylor Vegetation Management 

Project for $152,000. The purpose 

of this project is to promote continued aspen regeneration and structural diversity in lodgepole pine to 

benefit mule deer populations, increase the quality of critical moose 

winter range, and improve northern 

goshawk foraging and nesting 

habitat. 

 Aspen studies on the Ashley 

National Forest show a decline of 

approximately 25% in the project 

area, with a forest-wide decline of 

almost 70%. Conifer encroachment has been identified as one of 

the leading causes for this decline 

in aspen communities. This project will monitor the return of aspen in the project area over time. 

 The treatment of noxious weeds 

across the Ashley National Forest 

is a priority. Noxious weeds have 

had and continue to have numerous 

devastating ecological and economic impacts. Some of the impacts include altering the composition of plant communities, decreasing biological diversity, causing 

undesired shifts in wildlife populations, increasing soil disturbance 

and surface water runoff, decreasing water quality, decreasing recreational opportunities and increasing economic costs. To assist in 

this program the RAC provided 

$50,000 over two years to survey 

and treat noxious weeds infestations on and adjacent to the Ashley 

National Forest. 

 In developing recreation destinations the RAC reviewed several 

projects designed to enhance visitor experiences and opportunities 

on the Ashley National Forest. Out 

of the proposed projects the RAC 

elected to fund work on the restoration of Ute Tower, (the last standing fire lookout in Utah), the replacement of the foundation at 

Paradise guard station which 

would allow it to be available for 

rental through www.recreation.gov 

in the future, and the restoration of 

Summit Springs guard station for 

use as a rustic rental cabin for a 

total of $191,000. 

 The RAC also approved 

$40,000 for the removal of a barrier at an in-stream diversion structure and the installation of fish 

screens to prevent entrainment at 

two diversion structures. 

 This project will allow the unrestricted passage of Colorado River 

Cutthroat Trout over a seven mile 

section of Avintaquin Creek within 

and below the Ashley National 

Forest. Colorado River Cutthroat 

trout have earned their place on the 

Utah Sensitive Species List by 

dwindling to occupy less than 15% 

of their historic range. 

 
nations across the country. Selection by a panel of bywaycommunity experts is based on 

four criteria, including community involvement and public 

outreach; partnerships; advancing the goals of the byway’s 

corridor management plan; and, 

innovation. The winning projects must also serve as successful models for other byway organizations and corridors. 

 The Moose Ponds project 

included construction of a safe 

and accessible trail, fishing 

points, picnic area, interpretive 

information, and deepening of 

(Continued from page 6) 

Partnerships Continued

the pond to enhance the recreational fishing opportunity. The 

project was made possible 

through partnership and funding 

with the FHWA Scenic Byway 

program, Utah Division of 

Wildlife Resources, Utah Department of Transportation, Intermountain Natural History 

Association, Uintah Impact 

Mitigation Special Service District (through funding of a 

Youth Conservation Corps 

(YCC) student crew which 

helped build the trail), as well 

as many other volunteers. 

 These are just a few examples of how partnerships are 

making a huge difference in the 

opportunities for visitors on the 

Forest. 

P a g e 10 Vo l u m e 1 , I ss u e 1

Oil and Gas Continued

release a decision on it sometime in early 2012. If approved 

to proceed, drilling is expected 

to be started and completed during the summer 2012 field season. 

Minerals, Oil and Gas 

Development Projects:

Berry Petroleum and Vantage 

Energy: 

 During 2011, Berry Petroleum continued drilling oil and 

(Continued from page 2) gas wells previously approved 

via the 2006 Berry EA, 2009 

CE, and 2011 CE decisions. About 15 new wells 

were drilled in 2011, bringing 

the total number of active Berry 

sites to approximately 52 wells 

on 23 well pads. There was no 

new drilling or development 

activity by Vantage Energy, 

during 2011, so they continue 

to have 3 semi-active wells on 3 

well pads. 

Honeycomb Mine and Limestone Mine: 

 During 2011, the Honeycomb Mine and Limestone 

Mine continued to operate as 

approved, mining decorative 

calcite and chemical-grade 

limestone respectively. A gate 

was finally installed on the access road to the Honeycomb 

Mine, for public safety and to 

help minimize ongoing vandalism and theft concerns. 

Iron King and Dal Cuinn Projects: 

 During 2011, there was no 

significant activity at the Dal 

Cuinn or Iron King project areas. Both areas were previously 

approved for exploratory drilling for locatable minerals, but 

funding and equipment availability issues prevented any significant work from being completed on these projects during 

the 2011 field season. 
Land Use Permits 

Non-Recreation......................................150

Recreation..............................................121

Power........................................................19 

Total Collected............................$106,768

Fire Management 

Fuel Treatment Acres..........................2,552 

Prescribed Burn Acres.........................6,419 

Number of Wildfires..................................15 

Wildfire Acres Burned ..........................700 

Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improved 

Enhancement (Miles):

Terrestrial Acres.................................5,404

Lake Acres .................................................8

Stream Miles............................................14 

Surveyed:

Terrestrial Acres...............................38,850

Aquatic Acres......................................1,000 

Livestock Grazed 

Horses .....................................................15 

Cattle ...............................................9,597 

Sheep ...............................................6,650 

Head Months Annually ....................55,444 

Allotments/Livestock Areas.....................71 

Ashley National Forest 

Acres:...................................1,382,347 

Acres in Utah:......................1,286,124 

Acres in Wyoming:....................96,223 

Wilderness Areas Acres 

High Uintas Wilderness 

Ashley N. F..............................276,175 

High Uintas Wilderness 

Wasatch Cache N. F.............. 180,530 

Recreation

Campgrounds (Family).......................60 

Campsites......................................1,156 

Campgrounds (Group)........................12 

Picnic Areas...........................................8 

Trailheads............................................10 

Total Trail Miles.............................1,196 

ATV (All Terrain Vehicle)...................194 

Biking................................................325 

Hiking................................................939 

Snowmobile......................................116 

Total Road Miles...........................1,818 

ATV.................................................1,151 

Employees 

Permanent Employees..................103 

Temporary/Seasonal...................... 20 

Payments to Counties Amount 

Uintah County...................$349,655 

Duchesne County ............$659,959 

Daggett County ................$445,582 

Sweetwater County, WY...$ 49,473 

Utah County .....................$ 7,634 

Wasatch County ..............$ 60,381 

ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST STATISTICS 

V P a g e 11 o l u m e 1 , I ss u e 1

Ashley National Forest Supervisor’s Office Vernal, Utah 
During the2010 fire season the Ashley National Forest experienced a 

total of 15 fires burning a total of 670 acres. Of these 15 fires, 13 were 

lightning caused and 2 were human caused. Of the 670 acres, 0.2 burned 

as a result of human caused ignitions, with the remaining coming from 

lightning ignitions. 

2011 Wildfire Season 

 

District

 Total 

Number

Lightning 

Caused

 Human 

Caused

Lightning 

CausedAcres

Human 

CausedAcres

Total 

Acres

Flaming 12 11 1 3.1 0.1 3.2

Vernal 0 0 0 0 0 0

Roosevelt 1 0 1 0 0.1 0.1

Duchesne 2 2 0 696.8 0 696.8

Total 15 13 2 699.9 0.2 700.1

U S D A F o r e s t S e r v i c e ,

I n t e r m o u n t a i n R e g i o n

Ashley National Forest

355 North Vernal Avenue

Vernal, Utah 84078

Phone: 435-789-1181

Fax: 435-781-5142

Email: ljhaynes@fs.fed.us

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its pro-grams and activities on the basis of 

race, color, na-tional origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political be-liefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. 

(Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternate means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audio-tape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-

2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Civil Right, Room 326-W, 

Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and 

TDD): USDA is an equal opportunity employer. 

This program provides for medical 

training to the Emergency Medical 

Technician (EMT), and Emergency 

Medical Responder (EMR) levels. 

Seven Ashley NF employees have 

since been certified to the EMT level, 

and five to the EMR level. 

 The training is designed to provide 

highly skilled emergency medical care 

in the event of tragedy to both Forest 

Service personnel working in often 

remote areas and to the general public 

if needed. 

 The Ashley NF believes we are 

duty-bound to collaborate with our 

community’s emergency medical experts and public safety officers. 

 In 2011 an Ashley NF employee 

(Continued from page 3) 

happened upon a very bad accident on the highway. The 

employee utilized his emergency medical training to assist and comfort the victim and 

also contributed with highway 

safety. Our employee took the 

necessary steps to keep the 

victim safe until professional 

medical help arrived. The victim was in severe shock, and it 

is possible that the Ashley employee saved a life using his 

medical expertise. 

2011 Green Team accomplishments

In 2011 the Ashley NF received two microgrants; one to 

2011 Safety and Health Program and Green Team 

purchase a solar light and the 

other to purchase twelve dualflush toilets. The solar light is 

being used for both lighting 

and security, and will be used 

in place of a less efficient 

lighting system. The dualflush toilets will replace older 

high-volume water use conventional toilets. Both projects 

will significantly reduce energy and water use. The goal 

of the Ashley NF will be to 

replace inefficient systems 

with efficient ones as they 

reach the end of their usefullife. 

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