Magone Project Record of Decision 

(ROD) 

Appendix C – Project Design Criteria 

Blue Mountain Ranger District 

Malheur National Forest 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

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Contents 

Project Design Criteria .................................................................................................................... 1

Attachment 1: Aquatic Design Features and Best Management Practices .................................... 18

Section A—General Water Drafting Guidance for Road Maintenance and Non-emergency Fire 

Use for Watersheds with Anadromous Fish in the Blue Mountain Tri-Forest Area ................. 18

Section B—National Marine Fisheries Service Juvenile Fish Screen Criteria for Pump Intakes

 ................................................................................................................................................... 20

Definitions used in pump intake screen criteria .................................................................... 20

Pump Intake Screen Flow Criteria ........................................................................................ 20

Pump Intake Screen Mesh Material ...................................................................................... 21

Pump Intake Screen Location ................................................................................................ 21

Pump Intake Screen Protection ............................................................................................. 21

Section C—Relevant Project Implementation Criteria for Road Maintenance Activities ........ 21

Road Reshaping and Blading ................................................................................................ 21

Drainage Structure Maintenance ........................................................................................... 22

Ditch Relief Culvert Replacement, Installation, or Removal ................................................ 23

Sign Maintenance and Construction ...................................................................................... 24

Road Snag or Danger Tree Felling ........................................................................................ 24

Logging Out .......................................................................................................................... 24

Roadside Brushing ................................................................................................................ 25

Dust Abatement ..................................................................................................................... 26

Snow Removal ...................................................................................................................... 26

Road Closures ........................................................................................................................ 27

Material Sources .................................................................................................................... 28

Section D—Project Design Criteria (PDCs) Relevant to Aquatics Developed by Blue 

Mountain Ranger District Interdisciplinary Team .................................................................... 28

Project Design Criteria Relevant to All Project Elements ..................................................... 28

Timber Felling ....................................................................................................................... 29

Timber Yarding ..................................................................................................................... 29

Hauling .................................................................................................................................. 29

Fuels Treatments ................................................................................................................... 31

Temporary Road and Landing Construction ......................................................................... 31

Road Maintenance and New Road Construction ................................................................... 31

Culvert Installation ................................................................................................................ 31

Road Decommissioning......................................................................................................... 32

“Fish Sticks” and “Fish Crib” Magone Lake Project Design Criteria ................................... 32

Aquatic Restoration Decision Project Design Criteria for Livestock Crossings and 

Recreational Trail Crossings within Mid-Columbia River Steelhead Critical Habitat ......... 33

Section E—Best Management Practices ................................................................................... 34

T-1 – Timber Sale Planning Process ..................................................................................... 35

T-4 – Use of Sale Area Maps for Designating Water Quality Protection Needs .................. 35

T-7 – Streamside Management Unit Designations ................................................................ 35

T-10 – Log Landing Location ............................................................................................... 35

T-11 – Tractor Skid Trail Location and Design .................................................................... 35

T-13 – Erosion Prevention Measures during Timber Sale Operations .................................. 36

T-18 – Erosion Control Structure Maintenance .................................................................... 36

T-19 – Acceptance of Timber Sale Erosion Control Measures before Sale Closure ............ 36

R-1 – General Guidelines for the Location and Design of Roads ......................................... 36

R-2 – Erosion Control Plan ................................................................................................... 36
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

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R-3 – Timing of Construction Activities ............................................................................... 37

R-6 and R-7 – Dispersion of Subsurface and Surface Drainage Associated with Roads ...... 37

R-12 – Control of Construction in Streamside Management Units ....................................... 37

R-18 – Maintenance of Roads ............................................................................................... 37

R-19 – Road Surface Treatment to Prevent Loss of Material ............................................... 37

R-21 – Snow Removal Controls to Avoid Resource Damage ............................................... 37

R-22 – Restoration of Borrow Pits and Quarries ................................................................... 38

R-23 – Obliteration of Temporary Roads .............................................................................. 38

F-3 – Protection of Water Quality during Prescribed Fire Operations .................................. 38

W-5 – Cumulative Watershed Effects ................................................................................... 38

Tables 

Table C-1. Botany project design criteria ........................................................................................ 1

Table C-2. Non-native invasive plants project design criteria ........................................................ 2

Table C-3. Range project design criteria ......................................................................................... 3

Table C-4. Visuals project design criteria ....................................................................................... 4

Table C-5. Recreation project design criteria .................................................................................. 7

Table C-6. Soils project design criteria ........................................................................................... 8

Table C-7. Heritage project design criteria ................................................................................... 10

Table C-8. Silviculture project design criteria............................................................................... 10

Table C-9. Wildlife project design criteria .................................................................................... 10

Table C-10. Aquatic resources project design criteria .................................................................. 13

Table C-11. Watershed project design criteria .............................................................................. 13

Table C-12. Fuels project design criteria ...................................................................................... 18
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

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Project Design Criteria 

Project design criteria (PDCs) are an integral part of the project and serve to mitigate impacts of activities 

on resource areas. In addition to best management practices and legal requirements, these measures would 

be applied during implementation (Table C-1 through Table C-12). 

Table C-1. Botany project design criteria 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Botany project design criteria description Applies to 

1 In areas where project activities may potentially adversely impact known 

sensitive plant populations, occupied locations will be designated as “areas-toprotect” (ATPs). These ATPs shall be protected from all ground-disturbing 

activities. This will be achieved by implementing a no ground disturbance buffer 

around each site of a size adequate to provide protection. Each buffered area 

will be determined based upon the site-specific setting, although a 

recommended standard is 100 feet from the outside edge of the population. All 

off-road vehicles, trucks, and equipment shall avoid these areas. Decking, 

yarding, and piling and burning of slash, shall not occur in these areas. Camps 

and staging areas shall not be allowed. Fire control lines shall not be constructed 

in these areas. Aerial, hand or vehicle-based ignition of fire in these areas may 

be done in consultation with a botanist (this will depend upon the particular 

species expected response to fire). These ATPs shall be identified on sale maps 

and implementation plans. They may be also identified on the ground with 

flagging. 

All known 

sensitive plant 

populations 

2 A Forest Service botanist shall be consulted prior to implementation of activities 

within 200 feet of ATPs. The botanist may flag the site, and/or help lay out in the 

field the location of nearby skid trails, landings, and roads. 

All known 

sensitive plant 

populations 

3 A Forest Service botanist shall be consulted prior to implementation of 

prescribed burn treatments in units containing ATPs. 

All known 

sensitive plant 

populations 

4 Logging, non-commercial thinning with ground-based equipment, road 

construction, and operation of trucks, off-road vehicles, and heavy equipment 

shall generally not occur in wetlands, wet meadows, springs, seeps, or lithosols 

(scablands). Skid trails and landings shall not be constructed within, or at the 

interface of, lithosols (scablands) and forest edges. The main exception to these 

restrictions will be if it is determined that the activity will benefit a particular 

sensitive species. When a decision is made to operate in these areas, 

consultation with a botanist shall occur. If feasible, heavy equipment will only be 

used in such areas over snow or frozen ground. 

All unique 

habitats 

5 Decking, piling, and burning of slash piles shall not occur in non-forested 

openings, such as lithosols (scablands), meadows, wetlands, springs, and 

seeps. Lopping and scattering of slash, broadcast burning, and burning of 

lopped slash under cool, wet conditions shall be allowed in these areas. 

All unique 

habitats 

6 Pre-implementation monitoring of selected high probability habitats for sensitive 

plants may be conducted in specific areas of proposed activities. 

Sensitive plants 

and unique 

habitats 

7 If any new sensitive plant populations are located before, or during project 

implementation, a Forest Service botanist will be notified. The population will be 

evaluated, and a mitigation plan shall be developed in consultation with the 

botanist. 

Sensitive plants 

and unique 

habitats 

8 The integrity of unique habitats shall be maintained. Unique habitats include 

meadows, rimrock, talus slopes, cliffs, animal dens, wallows, bogs, seeps and 

springs. This shall be accomplished by incorporating cover buffers approximately 

100 feet in width. Utilize additional mitigations/enhancement measures identified 

All unique 

habitats 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

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Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Botany project design criteria description Applies to 

through project level analysis (Malheur Forest Plan Forest-wide Standard 56). 

9 When conducting prescribed burning in areas with Pacific yew, the crew should 

use tactics to minimize fire severity in those areas. All efforts will be made to 

keep mortality of yew trees to a minimum. Before implementation of burning in 

areas with high concentrations of yew, the fuels specialist shall consult with a 

botanist to allow the opportunity to participate in the burning, and/or to conduct 

monitoring of populations. 

Prescribed 

burning in areas 

with Pacific yew 

10 Newly planted areas should be protected from animals and activities that may 

prevent or retard establishment. This may include building fences, piling slash, 

closing areas to vehicles, and/or temporarily changing grazing regimes. 

Revegetated 

areas 

11 Native plant materials are the first choice in revegetation for restoration and 

rehabilitation where timely natural regeneration of the native plant community is 

not likely to occur. Non-native, non-invasive plant species may be used in any of 

the following situations: 1) when needed in emergency conditions to protect 

basic resource values (e.g., soil stability, water quality and to help prevent the 

establishment of invasive species), 2) as an interim, non-persistent measure 

designed to aid in the re-establishment of native plants, 3) if native plant 

materials are not available, or 4) in permanently altered plant communities. 

Under no circumstances will non-native invasive plant species be used for 

revegetation. 

Revegetated 

areas 

Table C-2. Non-native invasive plants project design criteria 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Non-native invasive plants project design criteria description Applies to 

12 To prevent the introduction and proliferation of invasive plants and to protect 

sensitive plants, sensitive plant habitat, and general plant habitat from 

competition, the following standards from the Pacific Northwest Region 

Invasive Plant Program: Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Record of 

Decision (USDA Forest Service, Sept. 2005) will be incorporated into all project 

implementation plans and contracts. 

Prevention Standard 1: Prevention of invasive plant introduction, 

establishment and spread will be addressed in watershed analysis; roads 

analysis; fire and fuels management plans, Burned Area Emergency Recovery 

Plans; emergency wildland fire situation analysis; wildland fire implementation 

plans; grazing allotment management plans, recreation management plans, 

vegetation management plans, and other land management assessments. 

Prevention Standard 2: Actions conducted or authorized by written permit by 

the Forest Service that will operate outside the limits of the road prism 

(including public works and service contracts), require the cleaning of all heavy 

equipment (bulldozers, skidders, graders, backhoes, dump trucks, etc.) prior to 

entering National Forest System Lands. 

Prevention Standard 3: Use weed-free straw and mulch for all projects, 

conducted or authorized by the Forest Service, on National Forest System 

Lands. If State certified straw and/or mulch is not available, individual Forests 

should require sources certified to be weed free using the North American 

Weed Free Forage Program standards, or a similar certification process. 

Prevention Standard 4: Use only pelletized or certified weed free feed on all 

National Forest System lands. If state certified weed free feed is not available, 

individual Forests should require feed certified to be weed free using North 

American Weed Free Forage Program standards or a similar certification 

process. Choose weed-free project staging areas, livestock and packhorse 

corrals, and trailheads. 

Non-native 

invasive plants 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

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Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Non-native invasive plants project design criteria description Applies to 

Note: No prevention standard 5. 

Prevention Standard 6: Use available administrative mechanisms to 

incorporate invasive plant prevention practices into rangeland management. 

Examples of administrative mechanisms include, but are not limited to, revising 

permits and grazing allotment management plans, providing annual operating 

instructions, and adaptive management. Plan and implement practices in 

cooperation with the grazing permit holder. 

Prevention Standard 7: Inspect active gravel, fill, sand stockpiles, quarry 

sites, and borrow material for invasive plants before use and transport. Treat or 

require treatment of infested sources before any use of pit material. Use only 

gravel, fill, sand, and rock that is judged to be weed free by District or Forest 

weed specialists. 

Prevention Standard 8: Conduct road blading, brushing and ditch cleaning in 

areas with high concentrations of invasive plants in consultation with District or 

Forest-level invasive plant specialists, incorporate invasive plant prevention 

practices as appropriate. 

13 When it is deemed necessary to help reestablish native vegetation, and to 

prevent non-native invasive species infestations, seeding and/or planting of 

native plants shall be implemented after ground disturbing activities. Areas that 

may need treatment include log decks, staging areas, landing zones, 

temporary roads; slash piles, skid trails, decommissioned roads, and any other 

disturbed site. A Forest Service botanist, or revegetation specialist, shall be 

consulted to prescribe appropriate seed mixes, sowing guidelines, and provide 

assistance with application, protection, and cultivation of seeds and plants. 

Revegetation with 

native plants 

14 Conduct road blading, brushing, and ditch cleaning in areas with high 

concentrations of targeted non-native invasive plants in consultation with 

invasive plant specialist and incorporate non-native invasive plant species 

prevention practices as appropriate. 

Road 

maintenance 

activities 

15 Ensure all equipment and vehicles used on National Forest lands are cleaned 

and free of targeted non-native invasive plant material and seeds. Notify the 

Forest Service prior to moving each piece of equipment onto National Forest 

Lands or when moving between units by identifying the location of the most 

recent operations. Upon request of the Forest Service, arrangements would be 

made for inspection of each piece of equipment. Contractor and Forest Service 

shall agree on locations of cleaning and control of off-site impacts, if any. 

All equipment and 

vehicles used on 

NFS lands 

16 Targeted non-native invasive plants that are known to spread due to burning 

should be appropriately treated prior to prescribed burning. Direct burning 

through these areas would be avoided. Avoid ignition and burning in areas at 

high risk for targeted non-native invasive plant establishment or spread due to 

fire effects. 

Prescribed 

burning 

17 Minimize soil disturbance to no more than needed to meet vegetation 

management objectives 

All project 

activities 

Table C-3. Range project design criteria 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Range project design criteria description Applies to 

18 Range, fire specialist, and permittees would coordinate activities including 

scheduling of burning activities in grazing units. 

Prescribed 

burning 

19 Use the Forest Post-Fire Interim Grazing Guidelines to aid in determining when 

to resume grazing after prescribed burning is complete. 

Prescribed 

burning 

20 Whenever possible, units to be rested would be burned in the spring of the Prescribed 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

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Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Range project design criteria description Applies to 

year to be rested or in the fall prior to the rest year. burning 

21 The permittee has the option to exclude cattle grazing from those portions of a 

pasture that were burned through the use of fencing and could continue to 

graze the unburned areas of a unit. 

Prescribed 

burning 

22 All existing structural range improvements (fences, gates, spring 

developments, etc.) and permanent ecological plots would be contractually 

protected. If these structural improvements are damaged during project 

operations they would be repaired to Forest Service standards prior to 

livestock scheduled use by the party responsible for causing the damage. 

Silviculture and 

prescribed 

burning 

23 Fence right of ways (6 feet either side of fence), trails, other developments and 

access to them would be cleared of slash produced by logging or post-sale 

activities. 

Silviculture and 

prescribed 

burning 

24 If structural improvements are damaged during project operations they would 

be repaired to Forest Service standards prior to livestock scheduled use by the 

party responsible for causing the damage. 

All project 

activities 

25 Fences cut during the timber sale operations would be repaired by the party 

responsible for cutting them and would be repaired according to Forest Service 

standards. 

All project 

activities 

26 Actions that result in roads being closed for any period of time, even if detours 

are present, need to be coordinated with the Blue Mountain Ranger District 

(BMRD) range program to ensure adequate passage for the purpose of 

livestock management and activities associated with FS-2200-10: term grazing 

permit. 

Permanent and 

temporary road 

closures 

27 No structural improvements associated with livestock grazing will be removed, 

modified, excluded, or otherwise acted upon that would result in a change of 

livestock management. 

All project 

activities 

28 Construction of fencing for the purpose of protection of a resource will be 

coordinated with the BMRD range program and will not result in loss of grazing 

land in such a manner that the contractual obligations between the Forest 

Service and a term grazing permit holder require modification or are no longer 

able to be achieved. 

Fence 

construction 

29 Fences constructed for the purpose of aspen protection, hardwood planting 

protection, and other restoration activities will not be responsibility of the 

livestock grazing permit holder to maintain or preserve. The area enclosed 

within these fences will not be considered excluded from livestock grazing and 

no permit action or adaptive management action will be taken against a 

permittee if livestock unintentionally access a fenced area that is designated 

for restoration. 

Fence 

construction 

30 All structural improvements constructed will be done so in accordance with 

guidance from General Technical Report PNW-GTR-250 (Sanderson et 

al.1990) and the expertise of a Rangeland Management Specialist. 

Rangeland 

structural 

improvements 

Table C-4. Visuals project design criteria 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Visuals project design criteria description Applies to 

31 Unit design and layout – general requirements applicable to all 

foreground and middleground areas: 

 In order to blend treatment units and create free-form vegetation patterns 

that mimic natural patterns, straight lines and geometric shapes for unit 

boundaries should be avoided or minimized. 

Harvest activities 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

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Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Visuals project design criteria description Applies to 

 Tree or shrub islands of various shapes and sizes would be retained in a 

random distribution pattern where possible, to provide a characteristic 

vegetation appearance while meeting objectives for fuel reduction and barkbeetle risk reduction. 

This PDC applies to the portions of the following units that intersect the 

foreground and middleground areas: 

Units: 101, 103, 107, 109, 115, 117, 121, 123, 125, 127, 131, 133, 135, 139, 

141, 143, 147, 151, 153, 157, 159, 161, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173, 175, 179, 

181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 191, 193, 199, 201, 203, 205, 207, 211, 213, 215, 

265, 267, 269, 271, 273, 283, 285, 289, 291, 321, 419, 421, 425, 427, 431 R, 

433 R, 435, 437 R, 439, 441, 443, 450, 452, 454, 455, 456, 458, 460 R, 481 

R, 482 R, 497, 499, 501, 503, 519, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, 530, 585 R, 586 

R, 587 R, 589, 591 R, 615, 617, 619, 621, 623, 625, 627, 629, 631, 633, 635, 

637, 639, 641, 649, 653, 655, 661, 663, 665, 669, 705, 707, 733, 734, 735, 

736, 737, 741, 743 R, 745, 746, 747, 749, 755 R, 759, 761, 763, 765, 767, 

769, 774, 775, 776 R, 777, 778, 779, 780, 782 R, 784, 785, 787, 791, 831, 

2045 PROG, 2055 PROG, 4001 R, 4007 R, and 4009 R. 

Responsible: Layout crew, sale administrator 

32 Management Area 14 immediate foreground design and layout – specific 

requirements: 

 The following design features are specific to treatment areas that fall within 

the immediate foreground of visual corridors or recreation sites. The 

immediate foreground is 150 feet from the visual/scenic corridor center point 

(road, lake or trail) into the project planning area or 150 feet on either side of 

a recreation site. The following design features apply to the first 150 feet 

unless otherwise stated: 

 If necessary, unburned slash in the foreground area should be scattered to 

reduce the color contrast of any exposed soil at burn-pile sites. 

 On slopes facing the road/lake/trail, slash piles would be placed 50 feet or 

more away from the road/lake/trail where practicable to reduce visual 

impacts. Slash within 150 feet of the road should be removed, grapple-piled 

and burned, or hand-piled and burned. 

 If after one year pile-burned sites are visible from the road/lake/trail, 

reburning, scattering, covering with natural duff, or masticating burned piles 

should be accomplished in order to minimize visual impact of management 

activities. 

 Where marking paint can be seen, it is to be applied to the side of the tree 

facing away from the road/lake/trail. Flagging and signs that are visible from 

the road/river/trail should be removed upon completion of the harvest unit 

activities. 

 Stumps should be cut flush or close to the ground where practicable and 

always within 6 inches of the ground on the uphill side. 

 The number of landings along Forest Roads 3618, 3620, and County Road 

18 should be kept to a minimum. Landing size should be minimized and 

landings should be shaped to blend with the contours of the landscape to 

maintain visual standards. Use established openings or old landings where 

possible. Natural vegetation should be retained between the landing and the 

road to serve as vegetative screening where practical and not in conflict with 

WUI objectives. 

 Prior to harvest, the locations and clearing for all temporary roads and 

landings within 150 feet of Forest Roads 3618, 3620 and County Road 18 

will be reviewed by a landscape architect or recreation specialist. Harvest 

activities in this zone must maintain a partial retention (slightly altered) visual 

objective. The ground disturbance must be minimal and the size and number 

Harvest activities, 

landings, skid 

trails, and 

prescribed burning 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

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Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Visuals project design criteria description Applies to 

of landings in the zone must be minimized. If the burning of the landing piles 

in this zone would cause more than 20 percent tree mortality surrounding the 

piles, consider either chipping or hauling the slash to a disposal area should 

be considered. 

 Landings and skid trails should be returned to their original/natural profile, 

with no continuous berms or soil piles left behind. This does not preclude the 

use of water bars to reduce erosion on skid trails. Landings and skid trails 

should be re-vegetated with native grasses and forbs to protect soils and 

watershed processes. 

 Landings and skid trails should be returned to their original/natural profile, 

with no continuous berms or soil piles left behind. This does not preclude the 

use of water bars to reduce erosion on skid trails. 

 Landings and skid trails should be re-vegetated with local, native grasses 

and forbs to enhance skip and gap structure, protect soils, and watershed 

processes. 

 Where practical minimize skid trails and roads located perpendicular to the 

road in order to minimize the forest visitor’s direct views into landings. Avoid 

placing skid trails within 100 feet of the road where practical. 

 Harvest units within the immediate foreground shall have a mosaic of 

stocking levels and tree sizes will be retained. Abrupt transitions between 

thinned and unthinned stands should be avoided in the foreground. 

 Burning prescriptions in visual foreground areas should be developed to 

produce low intensity fire, minimizing damage to the larger-diameter 

overstory trees. Those trees greater than 21 inches DBH within 200 feet of 

the road/lake/trail would be protected from high intensity flames that could 

cause mortality. This protection could include such activities as raking 

needles away from the base of trees or wetting down the area around the 

tree prior to ignition. Burning intensities will be controlled by ignition methods 

and techniques to retain a minimum of 80 percent of the live crowns. 

Isolated small trees within a stand of larger trees may end up having less 

than 80 percent of the live crown remaining. 

 No marking paint should be applied within the Magone Lake Recreation 

Area if applicable, if not apply marking paint to the backside of the tree out of 

view from the lake and Forest Roads 3618 and 3620 and County Road 18. 

 Shall provide signing that is minimal and low key by avoiding shiny or 

metallic materials and bright or white colors. 

This PDC applies to the portions of the following units that are located 150 feet 

from the visual/scenic corridor center point (road, lake or trail) or 150 feet on 

either side of a recreation site: 

Units: 101, 103, 109, 117, 121, 125, 127, 131, 133, 139, 141, 143, 147, 151, 

153, 157, 159, 161, 165, 167, 169, 173, 175, 179, 181, 183, 185, 187, 189, 

191, 199, 203, 205, 207, 267, 283, 285, 291, 427, 431 R, 433 R, 435, 437 R, 

441, 443, 455, 458, 497, 621, 625, 633, 637, 639, 663, 665, 777, 831, and 

2045 PROG. 

Responsible: Layout crew, sale administrator 

33 Design and install facilities that are: 

 Simple and durable in nature, adequate for the intended function, and devoid 

of unnecessary frills and personal preference options. 

 Cost-efficient both from the standpoint of initial installation and continued 

operation and maintenance. 

 In close harmony with the surrounding environment. 

 Safe to use and in conformance with all applicable standards. 

 Suitable for both traditional and nontraditional users. 

Facility installation 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

7 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Visuals project design criteria description Applies to 

 In compliance with the authorities at FSM 2330.12 setting out Federal and 

agency requirements related to the accessibility and design of recreation 

programs, sites, and facilities. 

Design facilities so that they are as natural, simple, and unobtrusive as 

possible. Design and build rustic-looking facilities so that they become part of 

the attraction. 

Table C-5. Recreation project design criteria 

Project design 

criteria number 

Recreation project design criteria description Applies 

to 

34 Protect water lines at Magone Lake Recreation Area. 

35 Protect fencing and trees around and within the springs at Township 12 South, 

Range 32 East, section 16 off Forest Service Road 3600-015 and 3600-102. 

36 The integrity of established dispersed campsites shall be preserved. Placement of 

landings should only occur at established dispersed campsites when no other 

allowable option exists. 

37 To maintain the natural appearances of the setting and maintain Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) norms: 

After trail construction as soon as practicable, restore areas impacted of vegetation 

as a result of project activities. 

Maintain natural features in the landscape such as tree clumping and large trees 

when construction or alteration of trails. 

To the extent possible, provide for curvature in trail layout and alignment so that 

the rider can experience views and surrounding landscape. 

38 To meet the following Designed Use and Trail Class standards for a paved path on 

the east side of Magone Lake: 

Designed use: Hiker/Pedestrian1

Trail Class 5, Fully Developed 

Tread wide, firm, stable, and generally uniform 

Width generally accommodates two-lane and two-directional travel, or provided 

frequent passing turnouts if not a two-lane. 

Commonly hardened with asphalt or other imported material 

Utilize FS Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG) and Forest 

Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG)2

Prohibit recreational use of motorized vehicles and equestrian use on all paved trail 

section. Allow motorized wheelchairs or mobility devices3 on the paved path in 

pursuant to 36 CFR 212.1. 

 

1 Designed use: The managed use of a trail that requires the most demanding design, construction, and maintenance 

parameters and that, in conjunction with the applicable trail class, determines which design parameters will apply to 

a trail. 

2

 The FSTAG apply only to trails that meet all three of the following criteria: 1) The trail is new or altered. An 

alteration to a trail is a change in the original purpose, intent, or function for which the trail was designed. 2) The 

trail has a designed-use (in accordance with the Forest Service trails terminology, design and management 

processes) for hiker/pedestrian use. 3) The trail connects either directly to a trailhead or to a currently accessible 

trail. 

3

 A wheelchair or mobility device, including one that is battery-powered, is a device that is designed solely for use 

by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion and that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area (Title V, sec. 

507c, of the ADA; 36 CFR 212.1). “Designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion” means 

that the wheelchair was designed and manufactured solely for use for mobility by a person with a disability. Thus, 

this term does not include a motorized unit that has been retrofitted to make it usable by a person with a disability. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

8 

Table C-6. Soils project design criteria 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Soils project design criteria description Applies to 

39 Keep soil impacts as small as practical (as determined by the line officer), 

especially long-lasting impacts; and keep detrimental soil impacts from this 

project to less than 20% of the area of each unit. 

All ground 

disturbing 

activities 

40 For harvesting with low ground pressure harvesters and forwarders, the following 

design elements apply: 

 Forwarders shall have a maximum of 12.0 pounds/square inch. 

 Forwarder trails shall be spaced a minimum of 50 feet apart, center to 

center. 

 The machinery will be operated only when the soil is not wet. (For 

forwarders “wet” means when ruts would be 3 inches or deeper on a 

continuous 50 feet or more of forwarder trails.) 

The machinery will be operated only on slopes of 35% or less, except for short 

distances. 

Logging and 

biomass 

41 No heavy equipment shall be allowed on inclusions of highly erodible soil. 

“Inclusions of highly erodible soil” generally means areas larger than 50 feet 

diameter, and either 1) steeper than 30%, with less than 75% ground cover, 2) 

20-30% slope with less than 50% ground cover, or 3) 10-20% slope with less 

than 25% ground cover. A Forest Service soils specialist can approve exceptions 

(either stricter or less strict). Inclusions of highly erodible soil probably occur in 

units 219, 615, and others. 

Logging and 

biomass 

42 Grapple piling and mastication shall be done with low ground pressure (< 8.5 

psi) machinery on dry, frozen, or snow covered soil, and machinery will stay on 

existing skid trails where possible. “Dry” means July through September, or 

obviously dry in the top 4 inches during other months. “Frozen” means frozen to 

a depth of 4 inches or more. “Snow covered” means sufficient snow strength and 

depth to prevent soil disturbance and compaction. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

(grapple piling) 

43 Slash shall not be dozer piled, unless the soil scientist determines that Forest 

Plan soil quality standards would be met. 

Slash treatment 

44 Skid trail locations shall be designated and approved prior to logging. On areas 

where existing skid trails spaced 100-140 feet apart can be reused, reuse the old 

skid trails. Otherwise, space skid trails about 120 feet apart where practical, 

using existing skid trails where possible and appropriate. Skid trails should 

average less than 14 feet wide. 

Skid trails 

45 Draw bottoms are not appropriate for skidding or forwarding. If the only way to 

log a particular part of a unit is to skid in the draw bottom, that part of the unit will 

be excluded from harvest. This may affect parts of units 169, 197, 199, 229, 277, 

619, 778, 793, 798, and others. 

Skid or forwarder 

trails 

46 Avoid downhill skidding or forwarding on slopes steeper than 35%, where 

feasible, using directional felling and tractor winching. There shall be no downhill 

skidding or forwarding on slopes steeper than 44% for more than 40 feet. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

47 Avoid skidding or forwarding uphill for more than 40 feet on slopes steeper than 

35%. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

48 No skidding will be done under wet soil conditions, when ruts 6 inches or deeper 

would form on a continuous 50 feet or more of skid trails. This includes places 

with moist soil, probably including parts of units 643, 703, and others. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

(skidding) 

 

“Suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area” means usable inside home, mall, courthouse, or other indoor 

pedestrian area. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

9 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Soils project design criteria description Applies to 

49 No skidding or forwarding would be allowed in moist meadows unless approved 

by a soil scientist or hydrologist. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

50 Re-use existing landings where feasible and where they are away from shallow 

soil areas and ephemeral draws unless approved by a hydrologist, soil scientist, 

or fisheries biologist. 

Landings 

51 Skidders or forwarders shall not be allowed off trails unless the soil is frozen or 

other conditions approved by a soil scientist. Directional felling and/or winching 

shall be used when necessary. Low ground-pressure equipment (<8.5 pounds 

per square inch) can be allowed off skid trails under, dry, frozen, or snow 

covered conditions. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

52 Runoff and erosion from skid trails, skyline corridors, and tractor-winch furrows 

shall be controlled by the use of cross drains or comparable measures. Outfalls 

of the cross drains shall be clear and located on soil where water will infiltrate, 

not on shallow or impermeable soil. Cross drains on skid trails should be spaced 

appropriately for the terrain. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

53 Erosion from subsoiled skid or forwarder trails shall be controlled by subsoiling in 

a “J” pattern, by water bars, or by comparable measures. If runoff cannot be 

diverted out of the furrows (such as in draw bottoms), do not subsoil. Skid trails 

on slopes steeper than 28% should not be subsoiled. Do not subsoil sections of 

skid trails where excessive rock will be pulled to the surface. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

54 For units 239, 617, 653, 703, 723, and 795, either (a) they shall be logged with a 

low ground-pressure forwarder-harvester system, or (b) they shall not have 

biomass removal, except at the time of logging, with the same equipment, or (c) 

they shall be logged on snow covered or frozen soil. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

55 For unit 615 either (a) it shall not have biomass removal, except at the time of 

logging, with the same equipment, or (b) it shall logged on snow covered or 

frozen soil. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

56 For units 230 and 603, either (a) they shall be logged on snow covered or frozen 

soil, or (b) skid trails shall be subsoiled by the purchaser, or (c) they shall be 

logged with a low ground-pressure forwarder-harvester system. In addition, for 

options (b) or (c) no biomass harvest shall be allowed on these units unless it is 

done at the same time as the logging, using the same equipment. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

57 For units 179 and 241, either (a) they shall be logged on snow covered or frozen 

soil, or (b) skidtrails shall be subsoiled by the purchaser. In addition, for option 

(b) no biomass harvest shall be allowed on these units unless it is done at the 

same time as the logging, using the same equipment. 

Logging and 

biomass 

activities 

58 Heavy equipment shall not be used more than 10 feet off roads during juniper 

removal, except in stands with a commercial thinning prescription. 

Juniper removal 

59 Prescribed fire control lines shall not be built down draw bottoms. Prescribed 

burning 

60 Slash piles shall not cover more than 5 percent of any unit. Pile burning 

61 Temporary roads in scabs shall not be steeper than 6%. They shall be 

constructed and used only when the soil is obviously dry to a depth of 10 inches 

or throughout the profile (whichever is less), or frozen, or protected by snow. 

After use, 4 inches of slash shall be placed at outfall of waterbars, and slash 

shall be scattered on the surface of the road. Exceptions can be approved in 

advance by a soil scientist or hydrologist. 

Temporary road 

construction 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

10 

Table C-7. Heritage project design criteria 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Heritage project design criteria description Applies to 

62 The archaeological sites within the Magone project planning area that are eligible or 

potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) will 

be protected from adverse impacts caused by timber, fuels reduction, precommercial 

thinning, and aquatic actions. 

Other management actions that may have potential to adversely impact 

archaeological sites will be assessed on a case by case basis. A report will be 

generated and submitted to SHPO for review and concurrence. 

All project 

activities 

63 If during project activities cultural material is encountered, all work will cease 

immediately and a Forest Service archaeologist contacted to evaluate the 

inadvertent discovery. A mitigation plan, if needed, will be developed in consultation 

with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). 

All project 

activities 

64 A “No Effect” determination will apply in those areas where sites and commercial 

logging activities coincide if the sites are avoided completely or over-snow logging 

protocols are implemented then refer to attached Appendix B. 

Harvest 

activities 

65 There will be no slash piling to exceed 4 x 4 x 4 feet in size, either by hand or 

ground-based machines, within site boundaries. Burning of slash is preferred to be 

conducted outside site boundaries. If burning of slash is necessary, however, the 

project lead must check with the archaeologist / heritage specialist for concurrence 

regarding historic sites, rare isolates, and / or features. 

Harvest 

activities 

66 All eligible and potentially eligible (unevaluated) historic properties with structural 

remains or other combustible feature types will be avoided / protected during all 

burning activities. Eligible historic remains will be identified on the ground and proper 

protection measures will be conducted during the burning activities. 

Prescribed 

burning 

67 Low intensity burning that will have no effect on pre-contact lithic assemblages is 

permitted under the terms of the Management Strategy for the Treatment of Lithic 

Scatter Sites (Keyser et al. 1988). 

Prescribed 

burning 

68 Landings will not be located within 100 feet of known cultural resource sites. Landings 

69 All units or proposed land treatments that require fencing to facilitate aspen 

restoration and, that also contain eligible or potentially eligible sites, will utilize above 

ground buck and pole fencing in order to avoid potential adverse effects to the sites. 

Aspen 

restoration 

70 All aspen units that contain and / or are adjacent to eligible and unevaluated 

archaeological sites will be monitored during and / or after project implementation. 

These units are identified. Please notify the project archaeologist prior to 

implementation. 

Aspen 

restoration 

Table C-8. Silviculture project design criteria 

Project design criteria 

number 

Silviculture project design criteria description Applies to 

71 No direct ignition will occur in plantations until mean tree size is at 

least 7.0 inches DBH. 

All 

plantations 

Table C-9. Wildlife project design criteria 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Wildlife project design criteria description Applies to 

72 Raptors: If an occupied bald or golden eagle nest is found within the project planning 

area, management activities would be prohibited within 1⁄2 mile of the nest from March 

15th – July 15th. In addition, a nest stand would be delineated to protect nest site 

structure and no management activities would take place in or within 500 feet of 

designated nest stands. 

All project 

activities 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

11 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Wildlife project design criteria description Applies to 

73 Raptors: If an occupied Peregrine falcon nest is found within the project planning 

area, management activities within 1⁄4 mile of the nest would be prohibited from April 

1st – August 31st. 

All project 

activities 

74 Raptors: There is one designated northern goshawk PFA within the project planning 

area. No activities are allowed within northern goshawk PFAs or within 1⁄2 mile of 

occupied goshawk nest sites from April 1st -Sept 30. No timing restrictions apply to 

unoccupied nest sites. 

All project 

activities 

75 Raptors: The district wildlife biologist will be consulted if any raptor nest is 

discovered prior to or during project implementation. Nests will be flagged and a 1⁄4 

mile disturbance buffer will be designated until species determination is validated. In 

addition, a nest stand will be delineated to protect nest site structure. Determination 

of restrictive periods and activity buffers will be species-specific and based upon 

current Forest and Regional guidance. 

All project 

activities 

76 Project Management Restrictions for Raptors 

Wildlife 

resource 

Timing—all 

activities 

prohibited 

Timing 

restriction 

buffer—

activities 

prohibited 

Timing— 

activities 

permitted 

Management 

restriction for all 

activities 

Northern 

goshawk nest 

sites 

Activities 

prohibited: 

April 01 – 

Sept 30 

Within 1⁄2 mile 

of nest site 

Activities 

can occur: 

October 1- 

March 31 

No habitat 

removal within 

30-acre nest 

stands or 

designated nest 

stands 

Occupied 

raptor nest 

sites 

(excluding 

eagles and 

great grey 

owls) 

Activities 

prohibited: 

March 01-

July 31 

Within 660 

feet (1/4 mile) 

Activities 

can occur: 

August 1- 

February 28 

No management 

activities (i.e., 

thinning) within 

100 feet of nest 

sites 

All project 

activities 

77 Big game: Activities will be restricted, on a site-specific basis, from December 1 – 

April 15, in areas with known concentrated winter range use. 

Areas with 

known 

concentrated 

big game 

winter range 

use 

78 Big game: Where possible, provide screening / hiding cover >150 feet from existing 

road corridors. 

Areas within 

150 feet of 

existing roads 

79 Big game: Any fence construction or replacement will incorporate protective design 

modifications for wildlife following BMRD wildlife fencing guidelines (i.e., smooth 

bottom wire, total height <42 inches). 

Fencing 

activities 

80 Snags and downed wood / old growth: Please see ‘Wildlife Habitat Requirements’ 

in Silviculture Prescription Section. 

Harvest 

activities 

81 Snags and downed wood / old growth: No treatments will occur in Dedicated Old 

Growth stands 

All project 

activities 

82 Snags and downed wood / old growth: Treatments in Replacement Old Growth 

stands will be such that old-growth characteristics will be achieved quicker or 

enhanced in that stand. 

Harvest 

activities 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

12 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Wildlife project design criteria description Applies to 

83 Snags and downed wood / old growth: Snags will not be targeted for removal 

unless identified as a safety hazard. Hazard snags felled will be left on site and 

stumped as high as possible to alleviate the safety hazard. 

All project 

activities 

84 Roads: Effectively close or obliterate all temporary roads created for project entry. 

Subsoil or utilize excavator bucket teeth to loosen compacted soils on all temporary 

roads. Pull slash and woody materials over treated surfaces to establish effective 

ground cover protection, where available. Reseed with native vegetation where 

possible. 

Temporary 

roads 

85 Roads: Ensure previously closed roads and new road closure proposals become 

effectively closed in Management Area 4a to protect wintering big game and winter 

range habitat. 

Road closures 

86 Mechanical treatments (harvest and precommercial thinning): Horizontal hiding 

cover will be provided by retaining non-thinned patches of forest trees as necessary 

throughout the project planning area and on relatively flat topography. Leave 5-25% 

of the area untreated in patches of 1-10 acres. Patches in larger units may be greater 

than 10 acres in size. These patches should not be near the boundary of private land 

or roads. Wherever possible, align cover patches with designated connectivity 

corridors, particularly in larger treatment units. Leave patches must contain 

satisfactory to marginal cover to be considered effective leave patches. 

Harvest 

activities 

87 Mechanical treatments (harvest and precommercial thinning): Please see 

‘Wildlife Habitat Requirements’ in Silviculture Prescription Section for additional 

information. 

Harvest 

activities 

88 Prescribed burning (underburning and pile burning): Underburn units will be 

designed to include areas of similar fuels conditions using trails and roads as 

boundaries, wherever possible, to reduce resource damage from fireline construction. 

Prescribed 

burning 

89 Prescribed burning (underburning and pile burning): To protect riparian wildlife 

habitat, direction ignition in riparian corridors would take place only when needed for 

prescribed burning control and containment and in relation to site-specific riparian 

restoration treatments. Fire may be allowed to back into riparian areas with the 

objective of maintaining a minimum of 40-50% of the shrub layer to meet migratory 

bird objectives. 

Prescribed 

burning 

90 Prescribed burning (underburning and pile burning): Individual burn blocks, 

located in riparian areas, larger than 500 contiguous acres will require a wildlife 

biologist’s input to ensure that wildlife objectives such as big game forage for winter 

range and neo-tropical migratory bird objectives are being met. 

Prescribed 

burning 

91 Prescribed burning (underburning and pile burning): Prescribed burning will be 

‘fall only’ in riparian zones, except for site-specific riparian restoration treatment 

areas. 

Prescribed 

burning 

92 Prescribed burning (underburning and pile burning): Burn crews would watch for 

signs of calving and fawning areas (such as lone animals, fawns, or calves; May 1 –

June 30). If it is determined that the burn unit could be in fawning or calving areas, 

crews would search the immediate area for calves/fawns and avoid lighting where 

young are discovered. 

Prescribed 

burning 

93 Prescribed burning (underburning and pile burning): Avoid ignition within 50 feet 

of standing dead trees (12 inch DBH or greater) and 100 feet of designated wildlife 

trees. 

Prescribed 

burning 

94 Prescribed burning (underburning and pile burning): Burning prescriptions in 

designated connectivity corridors will be designed to produce low intensity fire, 

minimizing damage to large diameter overstory trees. 

Prescribed 

burning 

95 Prescribed burning (underburning and pile burning): In order to protect habitat 

for old-growth dependent species, limited pile burning (in a mosaic) in OFMS stands 

adjacent to designated DOGs and ROGs. Some piles (maximum of 6 feet by 6 feet) 

Prescribed 

burning 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

13 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Wildlife project design criteria description Applies to 

will be kept intact and unburned to increase wildlife habitat (for pine marten, small 

mammals, etc.) 

96 Prescribed burning (underburning and pile burning): Prescribed burning within 

aspen stands will be site-specific, but may include the following to protect wildlife 

habitat: 

 Burning within aspen stands will be avoided if extensive aspen suckering is 

already present. 

 Direct ignition in aspen stands on a case-by-case basis and for pile burning only. 

 If direct ignition occurs with underburning, the stand must be fenced and wildlife 

breeding season restrictions will be established. 

To improve stand health and productivity, competing conifers will be removed and the 

stand will be fenced whenever possible (preferably fall burning). 

Prescribed 

burning 

97 Connectivity: Connectivity corridors established between late and old structure 

(LOS) stands and between designated MA-13 “Old Growth” (as per LRMP direction) 

would be maintained to meet Forest Plan Amendment # 2. Amendment # 2 directs 

maintenance of connectivity between LOS habitats to allow free movement old 

growth-related wildlife species. 

All project 

activities 

98 Connectivity: As per Forest Plan Amendment #2 (connectivity corridors) “...manage 

canopy closure at the upper 1/3 of site potential. Corridors must be at least 400 feet 

wide at their narrowest point.”

All project 

activities 

99 Connectivity: Where LOS stands do not exist and connectivity is not required, 

connectivity will be created and maintained to facilitate big game movement across 

large treated landscapes. 

All project 

activities 

100 If a waiver is requested to operate outside of the timelines and restrictions as 

described in the above measures, the District Wildlife Biologist and District Ranger 

will be consulted prior to approval. 

All project 

activities 

Table C-10. Aquatic resources project design criteria 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Aquatic resources project design criteria 

description 

Applies to 

101 See Attachment 1 for aquatic project design features. All project activities 

Table C-11. Watershed project design criteria 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Watershed project design criteria description Applies to 

102 Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs) for Category 1, 2, and 4 

streams and for Category 3 and 4 wetlands shall be consistent with 

PACFISH (100-300 foot standard buffer widths). 

All project activities 

103 The General Water Quality Best Management Practices, Pacific Northwest 

Region, November 1988 (USDA Forest Service 1988) and the National 

Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on National 

Forest System Lands, Vol. 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide (2012) 

shall be applied to project activities. Full descriptions of each BMP may be 

found in the Attachment 1, Section E. 

All project activities 

104 PACFISH standards and guidelines shall be applied to project activities. 

Timber Management, Roads Management, and Fire/Fuels Management 

standards and guides apply to this project. 

Harvest activities, 

prescribed burning, 

and roads activities 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

14 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Watershed project design criteria description Applies to 

105 Trees felled within or into RHCAs (including danger trees and those felled 

for road construction/reconstruction and landings, and aspen restoration) 

shall be felled into streams where feasible to provide LWD or left within the 

RHCA in accordance with PACFISH Standard RA-2 because streams in the 

aquatics analysis area are deficient in LWD. Felled trees may be removed 

by self-loading log trucks (from roads) or tracked excavators or similar 

equipment and transported off-site for use in aquatic restoration projects as 

determined by a MNF aquatics specialist. Where feasible, trees to be felled 

shall be pushed over with rootwad intact, rather than cutting (unless felled 

as part of riparian thinning treatments). 

Trees felled within or 

into RHCAs 

106 The Forest Service will require a Hazardous Substances Plan and 

Prevention of Oil Spill Plan from contractor which will be reviewed and 

approved prior to implementation activities. Fuels and other toxicants shall 

not be stored within RHCAs, and other provisions of PACFISH Standard 

RA-4 shall be implemented. 

Equipment use 

107 Heavy equipment and machinery shall be inspected for hydraulic or other 

leaks before working near RHCAs. Leaking or faulty equipment will not be 

used. Equipment with accumulations of oil, grease, or other toxic materials 

will be cleaned in pre-approved sites outside RHCAs. 

Equipment use 

108 The work period for instream work on fish-bearing streams shall be July 15 

through August 15, as specified in the Oregon Guidelines for Timing of InWater Work to Protect Fish and Wildlife Resources, June 2008. Conduct Instream activities shall be conducted during dry-field conditions – low to 

moderate soil moisture levels. See Soils PDCs for definition of dry 

conditions. [The work period for instream work, including road 

decommissioning within or immediately adjacent to the active channel will 

be July 15 through August 15, as specified in the Oregon Guidelines for 

Timing of In-Water Work to Protect Fish and Wildlife Resources, June 

2008.] 

All project activities 

109 Heavy equipment, except for instream or related work, shall not be used in 

RHCAs and road vehicles shall not be used off road within 100 feet of 

streams, springs, or wetlands. Heavy equipment used for road construction, 

reconstruction, and decommissioning shall operate within the prism of the 

road or of the prism of the road under construction. Heavy equipment used 

for aquatic restoration activities shall follow appropriate Project Design 

Criteria included in the Aquatic Restoration Biological Opinion II. 

Heavy equipment use 

110 Placement of the new culverts would be consistent with Region 6 fish 

passage guidance and in accordance with the Regional General Permit 

issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Minimization measures for 

fisheries, watershed function, water quality, and soil conditions include 

those identified in the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) 2013 Aquatic Restoration Programmatic 

Biological Opinion version 2 (ARBO) as well as PDCs developed by the 

Blue Mountain Ranger District interdisciplinary team. 

Culvert placement 

111 Product haul shall occur during the Commercial Use Period (June 1 – 

January 15), unless otherwise authorized by the Forest Engineer. The 

Commercial Use Period is intended to prevent weather-related road 

damage, but actual field conditions may necessitate suspending haul to 

prevent road damage at any time. Product haul is also limited to conditions 

that will not result in Resource Damage, as described in the June 2009 

Malheur National Forest Commercial Road Use Rules (CRUR). 

Haul 

112 The Design Elements included in the Malheur National Forest Timber Haul 

Guidelines shall be applied. 

 During product haul, weather conditions are monitored daily for the 

Haul 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

15 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Watershed project design criteria description Applies to 

chance of precipitation by the Timber Sale Administrator, Hydrologist or 

Fish Biologist. 

 During product haul, road conditions shall be monitored by the Timber 

Sale Administrator daily for indications of Road Distress, defined in the 

CRUR as visible road conditions that occur as a result of road use, or a 

combination of road use and weather, which indicate that damage to a 

road or the adjacent resources may occur under existing conditions. 

Examples of indicators include, but are not limited to, excessive dust, 

compromised or improper functioning road drainage, muddy ditch 

water, mud tracked onto asphalt or aggregate surfaced roads, and 

significant distortions of the road surface such as tracks, ruts, potholes, 

washboarding, asphalt cracking or settling. 

 When the Timber Sale Administrator observes indications of Road 

Distress, one or more of the following actions would be taken: 1) 

perform maintenance work (including installation of additional erosion 

control materials); 2) change method of operations; 3) strengthen road 

surface to avoid damage; or 4) suspend operations until conditions 

change. 

 Haul will cease at any time when the travelway of the road is wet and 

turbid water or fines are observed moving off the road surface to 

ditchlines that deliver to stream channels regardless of time of year. 

 Timber haul on gravel and native-surface roads will be limited to dry 

and/or frozen conditions. 

 During product haul on native-surface roads, the road surface at all 

approaches to stream crossings will be rocked to maintain as close to 

an 8-inch lift as the travelway width allows, for a distance of 100 feet on 

either side of the stream. This action will lead to a reduction in 

sediment delivery. 

 Prior to annual haul, mitigations will be implemented to minimize 

sediment delivery to critical habitat for MCR steelhead and Columbia 

River bull trout. Examples of mitigation measures will include but are 

not limited to sediment fences or certified weed free straw bales in 

ditch lines and mulching. 

 Apply mitigation and BMPs for dust abatement (water) during dry 

conditions, as directed by physical scientist or road engineer. 

Roads exempt from haul restrictions (due to no mechanism for sediment 

delivery) include paved roads, surfaced ridge top roads, surfaced outsloped 

roads with no ditch or stream crossings, and any roads while hauling over 

snow or frozen conditions. 

113 Utilize erosion control measures (sediment filters or certified weed free 

straw bales) and operate machinery only on road prism during road 

construction and reconstruction activities. 

All project activities 

114 Locate temporary roads outside sediment delivery zones (determined by 

soil type, ground vegetation, and slope), meet best management practices 

for controlling surface runoff and erosion, and keep machinery on approved 

roadway. 

Temporary road 

construction 

115 Obliterate temporary roads by some combination of the following: 

recontouring slopes (removing cut and fill slopes); subsoiling (loosening) 

compacted soils in a “J” pattern to a depth of 16 inches (unless prevented 

by bedrock or rock content of soils); pulling berm; pulling slash (where 

available); planting or seeding disturbed areas with native species that 

naturally occur in the project planning area to achieve a minimum of 35% 

ground cover; restoring natural drainage patterns and waterbarring as 

needed; and/or disguising the first hundred yards of travel way with large 

Temporary road 

construction 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

16 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Watershed project design criteria description Applies to 

pieces of organic material such as cull logs and tops of trees. Methods will 

be determined in consultation with a hydrologist, fisheries biologist, or soil 

scientist. 

116 The Malheur National Forest guidance for removing culverts and re-shaping 

stream crossings shall be followed for road decommissioning or stormproofing of closed roads. (Obtain approval from district fisheries biologist 

and hydrologist on specific methods for removing culverts from first or 

second order streams.) 

Culvert placement 

117 Erosion control measures (sediment filters or certified weed free straw 

bales) shall be applied during road decommissioning and machinery shall 

be operated only on road prism during road decommissioning. 

Road 

decommissioning 

118 Roads shall be decommissioned using the following practices or a 

combination of the following: recontouring slopes (removing cut and fill 

slopes); subsoiling (loosening) compacted soils in a “J” pattern to a depth of 

16 inches (unless prevented by bedrock or rock content of soils); pulling 

berm; pulling slash (where available); planting or seeding disturbed areas 

with native species that naturally occur in the project planning area to 

achieve a minimum of 35% ground cover; restoring natural drainage 

patterns and waterbarring as needed; disguising the first hundred yards of 

travel way with large pieces of organic material such as cull logs and tops of 

trees or by other practices that shall be approved in advance by the project 

a hydrologist, fisheries biologist, or soil scientist. Methods shall be 

determined in consultation with a hydrologist, fisheries biologist, or soil 

scientist. (Road decommissioning would be completed in accordance with 

the Regional General Permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

Minimization measures for fisheries, watershed function, water quality, and 

soil conditions include those identified in the NMFS and FWS 2013 ARBO 

as well as PDCs developed by the Blue Mountain Ranger District 

interdisciplinary team.) 

Road 

decommissioning 

119 Road decommissioning and road stormproofing on closed roads shall be 

conducted during dry-field conditions – low to moderate soil moisture levels. 

See Soils Design Criteria for definition of dry conditions. 

Road 

decommissioning 

120 Timber harvest units, including skid trails and landings, shall not be located 

within RHCAs unless approved in advance by the project hydrologist or fish 

biologist. Designated crossings of Category IV streams shall be approved in 

advance by the project hydrologist, fish biologist or soil scientist. 

Harvest 

121 Ephemeral draws shall be protected by site-determined, no commercial (or 

biomass) cut buffers (10-50 feet on each side). Small trees, commonly 

referred to as precommercial or non-commercial, may be thinned within 

ephemeral draw buffers; thinned small trees shall be left in the draws up to 

a maximum fuel loading (approximately 8-15 tons/acre) determined by the 

project fuels specialist. 

Ephemeral stream channels should have protections to minimize equipment 

disturbance of duff and soil, and should not be used as skid trails, landing 

sites, or as road locations. Ephemeral draws, not within RHCAs, are to 

meet the following down wood requirements to reduce risk of upward 

migration and channel initiation: retain all wood embedded in the soil; retain 

at least 5 pieces of wood >12 inches diameter and >20 feet in length per 

1,000 feet of draw bottom (average 1 piece per 200 feet); retain at least 20 

pieces of wood >6 inches diameter and >10 feet in length per 1,000 feet of 

draw bottom (average 1 piece per 50 feet). Ephemeral draws with a 

gradient of 5% or more will need to be visited by the hydrologist to 

determine if any additional site specific mitigation is required. 

Harvest 

122 Heavy equipment shall be permitted only at designated crossings within the Harvest 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

17 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Watershed project design criteria description Applies to 

ephemeral draw buffer. 

123 Skyline yarding corridors (sky roads) are permitted across streams and 

tailholds, including heavy equipment that is “walked” in, may be located 

within RHCAs with approval of the project hydrologist or fish biologist. 

Corridors shall be less than 12 feet wide, spaced greater than 100 feet 

apart where they cross the streams, be located as close to perpendicular to 

the channel as possible, and can range from 350 to 1000 feet in length. 

Harvest 

124 Skyline logging shall use one end suspension at the minimum. Logs shall 

be fully suspended over streams. 

Harvest 

125 Skyline corridors shall not be located in ephemeral draws. Skyline corridors 

that cross ephemeral draws at less (or more) than an approximate 

perpendicular angle shall be approved in advance by the project hydrologist 

or soil scientist. 

Harvest 

126 The only fuels treatments that may occur within a riparian habitat 

conservation area (RHCA) is prescribed burning that is allowed to back 

down into RHCAs, but no planned ignitions will occur in RHCAs. 

Prescribed burning will be allowed to back down into RHCAs. Underburning 

would result in low intensity, mosaic burning patterns across the landscape 

with the objective to burn less than 90 percent at any one time. 

Note: Specific areas may be identified within RHCAs where a moderate/low 

severity burn may be required for the purpose of riparian hardwood 

regeneration. In these cases PDCs included under Category 13 of the 

Aquatic Restoration EA allow ignition to occur anywhere within the RHCA 

as long as project design criteria are met. 

Fuels treatments 

127 Firelines shall not be constructed within RHCAs except fireline may be 

constructed by hand within RHCAs where needed to control burning near 

sensitive areas and private property. 

Fuels treatments 

128 Waterbars shall be installed on fireline for each 10 feet of elevation change 

due to the widespread occurrence of soils that tend to channel overland 

flow when disturbed. Utilize natural barriers such as existing roads and 

streams when constructing fireline. Machine fireline shall be rehabilitated to 

a natural state after use. Fireline construction shall not occur down draw 

bottoms or on sensitive soils (see Botany Design Criteria). 

Fuels treatments 

129 Grapple piling shall not be located within RHCAs. Fuels treatments 

130 Felled trees from juniper thinning activities shall be left in place or reoriented to slow overland flow unless fuel loading objectives are likely to be 

exceeded. 

Fuels treatments 

131 The project hydrologist or soil scientist shall approve drainage and soil 

stabilization measures for new trail locations and (engineering) designs, 

prior to implementation. The project hydrologist or soil scientist shall 

approve selection and application of Watershed Best Management 

Practices for trail maintenance and relocation and design and 

implementation of other recreation-related activities including improvements 

at Magone Lake Recreation Area in advance. 

Trail construction 

132 There shall be no measureable loss in stream side shade within the project 

planning area from fence construction on fishbearing streams. If a 

measurable reduction in stream shade cannot be avoided, the project will 

be designed to obtain recovery of stream side shade within an approximate 

five year period, including the use of riparian plantings. 

All project activities 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

18 

Table C-12. Fuels project design criteria 

Project 

design 

criteria 

number 

Fuels project design criteria description Applies to 

133 Control lines used for prescribed fire will be located along natural barriers such as 

roads or other areas where fire can no longer spread due to a lack of burnable 

vegetation. Firelines may be constructed by hand or machine to prevent fire from 

entering sensitive areas or non-Forest Service land. Firelines will be rehabilitated 

to a natural state and water barred as needed. 

All areas with 

prescribed 

burning 

Attachment 1: Aquatic Design Features and Best 

Management Practices 

Section A: This section includes provides guidance for water drafting activities mainly associated with 

road maintenance and non-emergency fire suppression activities in the Blue Mountain Tri-Forest area 

(Umatilla, Malheur, and Wallowa Whitman National Forests). The goal is to create an understandable and 

workable protocol that will allow water drafting to occur while avoiding or minimizing risks to 

Endangered Species Act-listed fish. 

Section B: This section includes criteria that serve as an addendum to current National Marine Fisheries 

Service gravity intake juvenile fish screen criteria. These criteria apply to new pump intake screens and 

existing inadequate pump intake screens, as determined by fisheries agencies with project jurisdiction 

Section C: This section includes road maintenance activities and the relevant project implementation 

criteria described in the Malheur National Forest Road Maintenance Program Biological Assessment. 

Section D: This section includes aquatics project design criteria developed by the Blue Mountain Ranger 

District interdisciplinary team. 

Section E: This section describes key best management practices that have been selected. 

Section A—General Water Drafting Guidance for Road 

Maintenance and Non-emergency Fire Use for Watersheds with 

Anadromous Fish in the Blue Mountain Tri-Forest Area 

Within the Blue Mountain Tri-Forest area (Malheur National Forest, Umatilla National Forest, and 

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest), water drafting regularly occurs to accomplish road maintenance 

activities as well as control fires. Because of the wide distribution of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-

listed anadromous salmonids within the Tri-Forest area, and frequency of drafting water for Federal 

activities, there is potential for water drafting activities interfering with ESA listed anadromous 

salmonids. This is particularly true in northeast Oregon where streams used for water are small and 

support ESA-listed anadromous salmonids. 

Water drafting for road maintenance activities can happen at any time of the year, though the largest water 

withdrawals typically occur in spring. Water is used to soften soil for road shaping, grading, and rocking. 

These activities usually involve tanker trucks ranging from 500 gallons to 3,500 gallons which fill their 

tanks from local surface water sources and distribute water on roads as they drive. Most tankers used for 

this application are equipped with power take off (PTO) pumps which are powered by the vehicles 

engine. PTO pumps for these types of tankers typically range from about 150 gallons per minute (gpm) 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

19 

(approximately 0.3 cubic feet per second (cfs)) to about 550 gpm (approximately 1.2 cfs) and are often 

not capable of varying pump rates. Because these types of pumps are capable of removing large volumes 

of water at high rates, and streams available for water drafting are often small, it is important to avoid or 

minimize the potential to harm or harass ESA-listed anadromous salmonids. 

Water drafting for prescribed fire use can vary from use of small pumps (less than 40 gpm/0.1 cfs) for 

direct use with hoses to larger pumps as described above for filling tanks or water tenders. 

Regardless of pump rate, physical damage to redds, spawning adults, or juveniles can occur from 

incorrect placement of water drafting equipment. Proper equipment handling and placement in sensitive 

areas is important to reduce the likelihood of direct harm of ESA-listed anadromous salmonids. 

This document provides guidance for water drafting activities mainly associated with road maintenance 

and non-emergency fire suppression activities in the Blue Mountain Tri-Forest area (Umatilla, Malheur, 

and Wallowa Whitman National Forests). The goal is to create an understandable and workable protocol 

that will allow water drafting to occur while avoiding or minimizing risks to ESA-listed fish. 

The following guidance is intended to minimize or avoid adverse effects to listed fish in the Blue 

Mountain Tri-Forest area when engaging in water drafting activities. As with any activity, site specific or 

project specific information may require more stringent or relaxed criteria to avoid adverse effects. In 

addition, compliance with these criteria may not minimize adverse effects to avoid take of listed fish in all 

cases, and therefore does not preclude the need for consultation. Projects will be reviewed on a case by 

case basis to ensure that guidance is reasonable, prudent, and adequately avoids or minimizes adverse 

effects to listed species. 

1. Any intake used for drafting water will be screened according to National Marine Fisheries 

Service Juvenile Fish Screen Criteria for Pump Intakes for salmonid fry (see Section B). 

2. Non-stream water (i.e., ponds) sources will be used prior to the use of stream sources whenever 

feasible. 

3. When non-stream sources are unavailable, streams with the greatest flow will be used whenever 

feasible. 

4. Water withdrawal will not reduce stream flow by more than 1/10th. In order to accomplish the 

lowest reduction of flow from marginal water sources (sources in which water drafting will 

reduce flows by more than 5 percent), the lowest drafting rate on pumps that have adjustable draft 

rates, and the smallest volume tender appropriate for the project will be used. Whenever feasible, 

marginal water sources will be avoided. 

5. During drafting, streams will be monitored for reduced flows. If a flow concern is identified, 

operators will reduce pumping rates to ensure that flow reduction is not more than 1/10th of the 

existing stream flow is being removed or discontinue drafting. 

6. If marginal water sources are used, withdrawal from single marginal sites will be limited to 

18,000 gallons per day. 

7. No more than one high-volume pump per site will be used, except sites in which the use of 

multiple pumps will not measurably decrease stream flows. 

8. To avoid disturbing fish that may be spawning, No drafting will occur from any pools which 

contain adult salmonids. 

9. Operators will avoid direct effects to redds or pre-emergence alevins by placing the intake hose in 

the deepest part of a drafting pool (where redds are unlikely to be present) and will avoid placing 

equipment on areas that redds are known or suspected to be. Operators will also ensure that 

tailout areas of pools that are known or suspected to have redds will not be dewatered. 

10. Blading, shaping, aggregate placement, and dust control should be performed in spring and early 

summer when flows are high, to take advantage of available road soil moisture content to 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

20 

minimize the need for water drafting. Exceptions during the low-flow period will be limited to 

roads receiving heavy summer through fall traffic creating hazardous road surface conditions that 

require maintenance for human safety reasons. Essential maintenance during low-flow conditions 

will be deferred, when possible, until fall precipitation reduces the need for water drafting. Spring 

and fall blading and shaping will minimize demands for water usage, will minimize dust 

production, and will reduce sediment generated from surface erosion. 

11. National Marine Fisheries Service may periodically review drafting activities to ensure that these 

measures are adequate for the protection of listed fish. 

Section B—National Marine Fisheries Service Juvenile Fish 

Screen Criteria for Pump Intakes 

The following criteria serve as an addendum to current National Marine Fisheries Service gravity intake 

juvenile fish screen criteria. These criteria apply to new pump intake screens and existing inadequate 

pump intake screens, as determined by fisheries agencies with project jurisdiction. 

Developed by: 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

Environmental & Technical Services Division 

Portland, Oregon 

May 9, 1996 

Definitions used in pump intake screen criteria 

Pump intake screens are defined as screening devices attached directly to a pressurized diversion intake 

pipe. Effective screen area is calculated by subtracting screen area occluded by structural members from 

the total screen area. Screen mesh opening is the narrowest opening in screen mesh. Approach velocity is 

the calculated velocity component perpendicular to the screen face. Sweeping velocity is the flow velocity 

component parallel to the screen face with the pump turned off. 

Active pump intake screens are equipped with a cleaning system with proven cleaning capability, and are 

cleaned as frequently as necessary to keep the screens clean. Passive pump intake screens have no 

cleaning system and should only be used when the debris load is expected to be low, and: 

1. if a small screen (less than 1 cfs pump) is over-sized to eliminate debris impingement, and 

2. where sufficient sweeping velocity exists to eliminate debris build-up on the screen surface, and 

3. if the maximum diverted flow is less than 0.01 percent of the total minimum streamflow, or 

4. the intake is deep in a reservoir, away from the shoreline. 

Pump Intake Screen Flow Criteria 

The minimum effective screen area in square feet for an active pump intake screen is calculated by 

dividing the maximum flow rate in cubic feet per second (cfs) by an approach velocity of 0.4 feet per 

second (fps). The minimum effective screen area in square feet for a passive pump intake screen is 

calculated by dividing the maximum flow rate in cfs by an approach velocity of 0.2 fps. Certain site 

conditions may allow for a waiver of the 0.2 fps approach velocity criteria and allow a passive screen to 

be installed using 0.4 fps as implementation criteria. These cases will be considered on a site-by-site basis 

by the fisheries agencies. 

If fry-sized salmonids (i.e., less than 60 millimeter fork length) are not ever present at the site and larger 

juvenile salmonids are present (as determined by agency biologists), approach velocity shall not exceed 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

21 

0.8 fps for active pump intake screens, or 0.4 fps for passive pump intake screens. The allowable flow 

should be distributed to achieve uniform approach velocity (plus or minus 10 percent) over the entire 

screen area. Additional screen area or flow baffling may be required to account for designs with nonuniform approach velocity. 

Pump Intake Screen Mesh Material 

Screen mesh openings shall not exceed 3/32 inch (2.38 millimeters) for woven wire or perforated plate 

screens, or 0.0689 inches (1.75 millimeters) for profile wire screens, with a minimum 27 percent open 

area. If fry-sized salmonids are never present at the site (by determination of agency biologists) screen 

mesh openings shall not exceed 1/4 inch (6.35 millimeters) for woven wire, perforated plate screens, or 

profile wire screens, with a minimum of 40 percent open area. 

Screen mesh material and support structure shall work in tandem to be sufficiently durable to withstand 

the rigors of the installation site. No gaps greater than 3/32 inch shall exist in any type screen mesh or at 

points of mesh attachment. Special mesh materials that inhibit aquatic growth may be required at some 

sites. 

Pump Intake Screen Location 

When possible, pump intake screens shall be placed in locations with sufficient sweeping velocity to 

sweep away debris removed from the screen face. Pump intake screens shall be submerged to a depth of 

at least one screen radius below the minimum water surface, with a minimum of one screen radius 

clearance between screen surfaces and adjacent natural or constructed features. A clear escape route 

should exist for fish that approach the intake volitionally or otherwise. For example, if a pump intake is 

located off of the river (such as in an intake lagoon), a conventional open channel screen should be 

considered, placed in the channel or at the edge of the river. Intakes in reservoirs should be as deep as 

practical, to reduce the numbers of juvenile salmonids that approach the intake. Adverse alterations to 

riverine habitat shall be minimized. 

Pump Intake Screen Protection 

Pump intake screens shall be protected from heavy debris, icing and other conditions that may 

compromise screen integrity. Protection can be provided by using log booms, trash racks or mechanisms 

for removing the intake from the river during adverse conditions. An inspection and maintenance plan for 

the pump intake screen is required, to ensure that the screen is operating as designed per these criteria. 

Section C—Relevant Project Implementation Criteria for Road 

Maintenance Activities 

The following road maintenance activities and the relevant project implementation criteria were described 

in the Malheur National Forest Road Maintenance Program Biological Assessment and are contained in: 

National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Endangered Species Act – 

Section 7 Informal Consultation and MSA Essential Fish Habitat Consultation for the Malheur National 

Forest Road Maintenance Activities 2010-2015 – dated January 4, 2010. 

Road Reshaping and Blading 

Forest roads can be hydrologically connected to fish bearing waters. Precipitation and snow melt can 

create runoff that, in turn, can create sediment depositions and delivery to those hydrologically connected 

roads and streams. Maintenance of the road prisms and the water flow controls incorporated in the 

roadways are vital to minimizing the deterioration of the ability of the water controls to keep sediment 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

22 

from entering stream systems. Reshaping road surfacing is intended to remove irregularities from the road 

surface, which can cause the concentration of runoff in amounts, which result in soil and aggregate 

displacement through rills, ruts, and pot holes. Maintenance Level III and IV roads open to travel on an 

annual basis and possessing crushed aggregate in the base or surface are shaped at least once a year if 

funding is available. 

Road maintenance activities occur primarily from April 15 to November 1 depending on the actual 

condition of the road and the moisture level. If rutting will occur, the standard practice is to delay 

maintenance until the road is dry enough to allow equipment to the site without damaging the road. These 

activities within riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs) including bull trout and steelhead waters 

will be completed during the appropriate instream work window. Proposals to work outside this window 

will be reviewed by Malheur National Forest fisheries biologist and or hydrologist prior to taking action. 

Design Criteria 

 Side casting of materials will not occur where these materials could be directly or indirectly 

introduced into a stream, or where the placement of these materials will contribute to 

destabilization of the slope. 

 Before working in a RHCA, all heavy equipment or other machinery will be inspected for 

hydraulic or other leaks. Leaking or faulty equipment will not be used. Equipment with 

accumulations of oil, grease, or other toxic materials will be cleaned in pre-approved sites outside 

RHCAs. 

 Undercutting of cut slopes will be avoided during ditch maintenance activities. 

 Fuel storage and fueling of equipment will not occur within RHCAs. 

 Disposal materials will be deposited in approved disposal areas. 

 Grader operators will backslope away from areas adjacent to streams where there is a potential 

for sediment delivery into streams. Sediment control devices will be placed to trap sediment in 

hot spots where sediment could reach a stream. 

 Grassy areas are maintained around culverts to minimize the potential for sediment delivery to 

streams from road grading. Sediment control devices will be placed to trap sediment in hot spots 

where sediment could reach a stream. 

 Sloughing material is deposited in a disposal site away from any stream and left to vegetate 

naturally. If the annual amount of slough is substantial and the road has become narrowed by loss 

of material from cut banks or by machine removal of the slough, the slough material is hauled to 

an approved stable waste site where it is deposited and seeded. 

Drainage Structure Maintenance 

Drainage maintenance is one of, if not, the most important item of maintenance. Drainage maintenance is 

performed in order to disperse runoff and minimize road-generated sediment and delivery to surface 

waters. Drainage maintenance includes the maintenance of drainage structures including culverts, water 

bars, drain dips, and ditches. Actions include removal of coarse and fine materials and brush from catch 

basins, inlets, outlets, outlet channels, leadoff ditches, trash racks, drop inlets, water bars, open-top 

culverts, and rolling dips. 

Drainage structure work accomplished under maintenance includes opening plugged culverts, adding 

water bars to road surfaces, maintaining and forming drivable drainage dips into road surface, adding 

ditch relief culverts, replacing plugged or damaged ditch relief culverts, and cleaning drainage ditches. 

These proposed actions will be reviewed by fisheries biologist and or hydrologist prior to taking action if 

they occur within Category 1 or in Category 2 streams where sediment could enter fish habitat. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

23 

Plugged culverts are opened using hand shovels or power equipment. The material removed by hand is 

spread away from drainage so it will not fall or wash back into the drainage channel or structure. When 

cleaned with backhoe, the material is hauled to a disposal area by dump truck away from areas subject to 

erosion or discharge into streams. These proposed actions will be reviewed by fisheries biologist and or 

hydrologist prior to taking action if they occur within PACFISH/INFISH Category 1 or in Category 2 

streams where sediment could enter fish habitat unless they are emergency situations and are consulted on 

under emergency consultation procedures. 

Roadside ditches and lead off ditches shall be cleaned of any material, which would obstruct the flow of 

water. When possible, grassed ditches are not disturbed, except where necessary to re-establish functional 

drainage. 

Water bars are used on roads to disperse water at variable intervals to slow the velocity and decrease the 

volume of water traveling on the road prism, thus decreasing the risk of sedimentation due to erosion. 

These water bars are cut into the road surface at spacing intervals, which control the accumulation of 

water volumes and velocities. Backhoes and excavators are generally used to perform drainage repair or 

replacement. 

Design Criteria 

 Waste materials removed during maintenance activities and cleaned materials from culverts and 

open tops will be deposited in approved disposal areas outside flood plains in pre-approved 

disposal sites. 

 Before working in a riparian habitat conservation area (RHCA), all heavy equipment or other 

machinery will be inspected for hydraulic or other leaks. Leaking or faulty equipment will not be 

used. Equipment with accumulations of oil, grease, or other toxic materials will be cleaned in preapproved sites outside RHCAs. 

 Berms, sediment basins, or sediment traps will be constructed where required to contain sediment 

from the damage/repair site. 

Ditch Relief Culvert Replacement, Installation, or Removal 

Ditch relief culverts remove water from roadside ditches, decreasing sedimentation to streams by 

reducing the concentration of water exiting roadside ditches. Replacement, removal, or installation of 

ditch relief culverts can occur outside riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs) or in RHCAs, 

although culverts located in RHCAs are not located in a streambed. Backhoes and excavators are 

generally used to perform ditch relief culvert construction activities. Ditch relief culvert construction 

activities outside of RHCAs would occur as part of this consultation but would be limited to dry 

conditions and would use appropriate sediment control measures to ensure sediment does not reach 

streams. Ditch relief culverts construction activities occurring inside RHCAs will occur only during dry 

conditions. Sediment controls will ensure that sediment will not enter streams. The proposed activities 

will be reviewed by Malheur National Forest fisheries biologist and/or hydrologist before being carried 

out. Culvert removal, replacement, or installation in perennial or intermittent streams will be consulted on 

separately as a separate project. 

Design Criteria 

 Work would be done only during dry conditions. 

 During installation, efforts are taken to prevent the escapement of soil into streams. 

 Sediment filters, certified weed free hay bales, or other devices will be installed at the culvert 

outlet if natural filters are not present. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

24 

 Culvert work inside RHCAs will be reviewed with engineering and hydrology or fisheries staff 

and designed to conform the project design criteria, standards, guides, and best management 

practices. 

Sign Maintenance and Construction 

When selecting sign locations, sites adjacent to fish bearing streams will be avoided if at all possible to 

avoid disturbance and potential for sediment delivery to the stream and to prevent the need for brushing 

for visibility. 

Sign maintenance includes: straightening rock basket and sign post, cleaning the sign face, brushing for 

sign visibility, installing hazard markers that denote road hazards, and replacing missing lag screws. 

When a sign degenerates to an unacceptable degree it will be replaced. When not applicable to the public, 

signs will be removed, covered, hinged, turned, or supplemented with another sign that indicates periods 

of time that signing is applicable. When signs are installed in rock baskets, the rock basket shall be no less 

than 113 inches circumference and 32 inches high. For posts 12 feet or higher, baskets shall be no less 

than 151 inches in circumference and 52 inches high. All posts shall be placed to the proper height and be 

thoroughly tamped in. They shall in no case be less than 2 feet or a quarter of the post height in the 

ground, or which is greater. Multiple post installation shall be used on signs 40 inches or more in width. 

The elevation of the lowest marker (an arrow symbol) will be 4 feet from near edge of road surface to 

bottom of sign. Reassurance markers or other single route markers will also be 4 feet. Destination and 

warning (any signs other than route markers) should be a minimum of 5 feet. 

Road Snag or Danger Tree Felling 

An interagency field guild for Danger Tree identification and response was developed in 2005 and then 

amended in 2008. The Forest is currently following this direction to comply with Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and to maintain safe driving conditions. 

Danger trees within a riparian habitat conservation area (RHCA) will be felled and left onsite. Danger 

trees will not be directionally felled into Category 1 streams as part of this consultation. 

Logging Out 

Logging out is the bucking, removal, and disposal of downed trees, logs, and debris, which have fallen on 

or across the road bed or lie within the traveled way, thus presenting safety and access concerns. Logging 

out is performed to provide safe travel for the road users and provide adequate room to achieve road 

maintenance activities with maintenance equipment. All roads except Maintenance Level I roads require 

logging out as part of the road maintenance program, unless funding or priorities determine differently. It 

is intended for all arterial and main collectors to be logged out as early in the year as possible. 

Logging out removes fallen trees, snags, or protruding trees that extend into the travel way. Additional 

width shall be cleared if needed for maintenance. Any wood, slash or debris over four inches in diameter 

and 2 feet long either existing or created from logging out operations, will be removed from ditches, 

drainage channels, traveled way, shoulders, and turnouts and scattered on the downhill slope away from 

drainage. Trees within the travel way shall be cut, limbed, and placed outside the travel way and turnouts 

and out of drainages and ditches. Trees standing outside travel way but having branches extending into 

the area shall be limbed to a height of 14 feet. Trees that are blocking ditches or drainage structures may 

be cut. Some slash will be used as sediment filters at outlets for cross road drainage. Some of the slash 

will be chipped and placed on cut or fill slopes or disturbed areas. The chipped material provides 

sediment control, holds in moisture improving sprouting of native seed, and is incorporated more rapidly 

into the duff layer. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

25 

Any portion of a tree, which has fallen into a riparian habitat conservation area (RHCA) will be left in 

place outside of the roadway. Merchantable logs outside the RHCA shall be cut and removed from the 

traveled way to facilitate safe passage and proper maintenance. Non-merchantable logs may be cut any 

length to facilitate safe removal. If these logs are decked to provide designated firewood to the forest 

users, the deck will not be adjacent to live streams in order to prevent fuel contamination. 

When removing downed logs in the road, which extend into a stream, any material on the fill slope and in 

the stream will be retained to provide for instream woody debris recruitment. If the woody debris is 

endangering nearby culverts, bridges, or road fill, the debris will be relocated in its original condition to 

the fill slope or stream channel downstream of the structure. 

Design Criteria 

 When removing down logs, which extend into a stream, from a road, any material on the fill slope 

and in the stream will remain (not be removed) to provide for woody debris recruitment, except in 

cases where the retention of this material would result in a safety concern (i.e. downstream 

facilities). Any felled hazard trees or blow down in RHCAs will be left in the RHCA and off the 

roadway. 

Roadside Brushing 

Roadside brushing is performed to provide visibility, safe stopping distance, clearance for maintenance 

equipment, unimpeded travel and unobstructed flow of water by the removal of standing vegetation in 

ditches which may divert water out of the intended course of flow within the clearing limits. Safety and 

drainage issues will be the primary need for brushing. 

On designated open roads, maintenance Level II, brush is removed when it reaches a damage threshold 

described below. 

The threshold for roadside vegetation is exceeded when: 

 Growth blocks the view of oncoming traffic to the degree that a driver could not determine the 

speed or existence of an oncoming vehicle thus affecting adequate stopping distance. 

 Growth interferes with the steady flow of water in ditches or through drainage structures. 

Roadside brushing on Level II roads will consist of cutting and disposing of vegetative growth to provide 

at least 12 feet of continuous traveled way and 8 feet of turnout width where they exist plus any additional 

width needed for maintenance. All vegetation shall be cut within 2 inches of the traveled way. Limbing 

may be done with a chainsaw or hand tools. Limbs are cut flush to the tree trunk. Debris from cutting 

operations shall be removed from the brushed area and scattered or chipped. Some slash from cutting 

operations will be used as sediment filters at outlets for cross road drainage. Some of the slash will be 

scattered or chipped and placed on cut or fill slopes or disturbed areas. The chipped material provides 

sediment control, holds in moisture improving sprouting of native seed, and is incorporated more rapidly 

into the duff layer. 

Roadside brushing along main access roads consists of cutting and disposing of vegetative growth 

including trees less than 6 inches in diameter. The area to be brushed includes cut slopes, fill slopes, 

ditches, roadbed, turnouts, and vertical clearance. Additional area shall be brushed on the inside of curves 

as necessary to achieve adequate sight distance. Trees outside the roadbed or ditch, but within the 

brushing limits, which are over 6 inches in diameter will be limbed in lieu of cutting. Trimming or 

limbing may be done with a chainsaw or hand tools. Limbs are cut flush to the tree trunk. Debris from 

cutting operations shall be removed from the brushed area and scattered or chipped. Some slash from 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

26 

cutting operations will be used as sediment filters at outlets for cross road drainage. Some of the slash will 

be scattered or chipped and placed on cut or fill slopes or disturbed areas. The chipped material provides 

sediment control, holds in moisture improving sprouting of native seed, and is incorporated more rapidly 

into the duff layer. 

Design Criteria 

 In road segments that parallel stream courses, brushing operations will maintain stream shade 

along with safety considerations. This may necessitate hand brushing, partial brushing, or 

limbing, with consideration for providing growth for future shade. 

 Brush removal will occur within riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs) where safety is an 

issue. Options other than complete "removal" will be considered in order to leave ground cover to 

help control water and sediment flow off the road surface into the RHCA and stream channels on 

sites where brush removal would cause sediment to be delivered to a stream. 

 When brush cutting is necessary at stream crossings, it will be cut only to a minimum height of 6 

inches above the ground to prevent sediment delivery to a live stream and will be left in ditches. 

Brush and other standing vegetation provide shade and filtering of dust delivery to streams and 

will be maintained except where public safety is an issue. 

 Roadside brushing that involves more than minimal removal of vegetation (i.e., limbing of trees 

or removal of brush) in RHCAs will be reviewed by a Malheur National Forest fish biologist or 

hydrologist. 

Dust Abatement 

During the summer months some roads will receive dust abatement treatment. Dust abatement is the 

application of a product, which either bonds dust particles and fines to larger matter or makes them 

heavier so they tend not to rise with the passage of vehicles. The purpose of dust abatement is to prevent 

loss of surface fines, enhance vehicle safety, and in some cases, prevent pollution and provide vehicle 

occupant comfort. Water is the only agent that will be used for dust abatement within RHCAs. 

Water source development is not part of the project. Where water can be drafted from designated water 

sources, it can occur only as long as supply is adequate to provide for both fish and withdrawal. Screens 

are attached to intake hoses to prevent pulling fish and other small matter. NOAA FISHERIES 

developed criteria for pump intake screens will be used on all water pump intakes as described in 

the attached "Appendix B, Juvenile Fish Screen Criteria For Pump Intakes" (NMFS, May 9, 1996).

Screen mesh openings shall not exceed 3/32 inch for woven wire or perforated plate screens, or 0.0689 

inch for profile wire screens, with a minimum 27 percent open area. Trucks will be maintained to prevent 

oil leaks. Loading is done in a manner to minimize overflowing and discharge of wash into stream. 

Storage water will be pumped or gravity fed into a holding tank or pond, using less than ten percent of the 

stream volume. All systems will have screened intake pipes and return systems will be designed that 

prevents sediment from entering the stream. The maximum withdrawal from one site in an 8-hour period 

will be 18,000 gallons of water. 

Water drafting guidelines prepared by NOAA Fisheries are included in Appendix A. 

Snow Removal 

Removal of snow from roads is needed to facilitate logging operations and access for project work (e.g., 

reforestation). As snow plowing is done in connection or association with timber harvest and/or 

reforestation, it will be included as an activity with those projects for consultation. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

27 

Snow removal is also done to ensure safe and efficient transportation and to prevent unacceptable erosion 

damage to roads, streams, and adjacent lands. Removal includes the entire road width and turnouts. Snow 

slides, minor earth slides, fallen timber, and boulders that obstruct normal road surface width, including 

turnouts, are also removed. If culverts and ditches are restricted by snow or ice, they will be opened to 

allow proper drainage. 

Design Criteria 

 Any type of equipment may be used to remove snow, providing: 

 Type or use of equipment is not restricted in contract or permit clauses or Forest Road Rules 

document. 

 Equipment is of the size and type commonly used to remove snow and will not cause damage to 

the road. 

 The use of dozers to remove snow requires written Forest Service approval. All equipment shall 

be equipped with shoes or runners, unless agreed otherwise, that are designed to leave 4 to 6 

inches of snow on roadway. Snow will not be completely removed. 

 Berms shall be opened (surface trenches or drainage holes) to prevent the accumulation of runoff 

during melt off. Drainage holes will be spaced as required to obtain satisfactory surface drainage 

without discharge on erodible fills and will be placed above vegetation filters. 

 Side casting of snow will be avoided in areas adjacent to streams where there is potential to cause 

snow or ice damming. 

 Side cast material will not include dirt and gravel. 

 Damage from, or as a result of snow removal, will be restored in a timely manner. 

Road Closures

Road closure actions will include the installation of a physical device to restrict vehicle traffic. A closed 

road is an operating facility on which motorized traffic has been removed (yearlong or seasonally). These 

roads remain on the Forest Road Transportation System. Closed roads may not be drivable because they 

are usually not logged out or brushed out. They are closed to vehicles except for emergency or permitted 

use. One objective of road closures is to limit motorized vehicle traffic on native surface roads to reduce 

erosion. The roads are left in a stable condition and are maintained on an “as needed” basis. Inspections 

are made following a storm event or at least every 5 years. 

Roads are most commonly closed with pole gates, steel gates, closure signs, slash, or earth berms as 

applicable for effective closure. These roads will be treated to provide self-maintenance prior to closure. 

Self-maintenance includes a variety of actions. Ditch relief culverts will be removed behind roads closed 

using earth-berms. Earth berms will not be used on roads with culverts at channel crossings still installed. 

Water bars will be installed with appropriate skew, outlet, and spacing. Sediment barriers of available 

woody material such as slash, brush, etc., will be placed at water bar outlets. Side ditches will be bladed 

where needed; culverts will be cleaned to drain; catch basins will be functional and free of debris. Drain 

dips, grade sags, and cross ditches will be reshaped/rocked as necessary to assure proper functioning. All 

actions will be considered on a site-specific basis with each road or road segment actions suited to the 

needs and condition of the road and related resources. 

Road closure actions, whether the initial closure or re-closing a breached road will occur only during 

sufficiently dry conditions to prevent damage and runoff. Road closure are also confined to time periods 

such that key fish or spawning areas are not impacted and soil movement is not likely to occur. All road 

closure activities will be reviewed by a fisheries biologist and who will inspect the site for adequate 

design criteria. The Forest will consult separately on road decommissioning projects of any type and 

on self-maintenance closures, which contribute sediment delivery to water. This would entail 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

28 

removing the road from the transportation system, contouring when needed, and rehabilitation of 

the area to as natural a condition as possible.

Material Sources 

The Forest maintains an inventory of all active rock material (quarry) sources and many closed, inactive, 

and unopened sources. Over 28 years ago, the Forest began locating centralized sources to provide rock 

material needs, especially for those projects that required large quantities of material. A primary goal of 

centralized sources is to limit the magnitude of surface disturbances while extracting quality materials to 

meet demand. Most roads which access developed sources have aggregate surfaces. 

Some of the larger sites have been designed to impound water. These sites provide storage for rain and 

runoff, which may be used as water sources for road construction and maintenance activities, dust 

abatement, and fire suppression. An associated benefit of these ponds is use by wildlife and grazing 

animals. 

Most sources are located in rocky terrain and are at a sufficient distance from any drainages or riparian 

habitat conservation areas (RHCAs) so as to have no impact on sediment contribution. A few sources 

have been developed in the past, which are located within RHCA buffers. The portions of sources within 

RHCAs will not be expanded into the RHCAs. 

U.S. Forest Service engineers are responsible for following all Malheur Forest Plan Standards and 

Guidelines, PACFISH Standards and Guidelines, and PACFISH Riparian Management Objectives. Dust 

abatement will be used as needed, and safety guidelines will be used. 

Section D—Project Design Criteria (PDCs) Relevant to Aquatics 

Developed by Blue Mountain Ranger District Interdisciplinary 

Team 

Project Design Criteria Relevant to All Project Elements 

Aquatics Project Design Criteria 

 Riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs) for Category 1, 2, and 4 streams and for Category 3 

and 4 wetlands shall be consistent with PACFISH (100 to 300 foot standard buffer widths). 

 The Forest Service will require a Hazardous Substances Plan and Prevention of Oil Spill Plan 

from contractor which will be reviewed and approved prior to implementation activities. Fuels 

and other toxicants shall not be stored within RHCAs, and other provisions of PACFISH Standard 

RA-4 shall be implemented. 

 Inspect all heavy equipment and machinery for hydraulic or other leaks before working near 

RHCAs. Leaking or faulty equipment will not be used. Equipment with accumulations of oil, 

grease, or other toxic materials will be cleaned in pre-approved sites outside RHCAs. 

 Industrial camping permits will be required. Locations within RHCAs will be coordinated with a 

Malheur National Forest aquatics specialist before permits are issued. 

 Because streams in the aquatics analysis area are deficient in large woody debris (LWD) in 

accordance with PACFISH Standard RA-2, all trees felled within or into RHCAs (including 

danger trees, those felled for road construction, aspen restoration, and aquatic restoration) will 

either be felled into streams where feasible to provide LWD, or left within the RHCA. Trees 

felled shall be pushed over with rootwad intact where feasible, rather than cutting (unless felled 

as part of riparian thinning treatments). 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

29 

Watershed Project Design Criteria 

 Apply all applicable best management practices (BMPs) listed in General Water Quality Best 

Management Practices (USDA Forest Service 1988). Full descriptions of each BMP may be 

found in the Appendix D. Specific BMPs for watershed and fisheries applicable to this project 

are: T1-T22, R1-R15, R17-R23, F2-F3, VM1-VM4, RM1, and W5. 

 Do not use heavy equipment in RHCAs and do not use off road vehicles within 100 feet of 

streams, springs, or wetlands. Exceptions include activities associated with road construction, 

maintenance, decommissioning, culvert installation, and aquatic restoration activities. 

Timber Felling 

Aquatics Project Design Criteria 

 Timber harvest units will not be located within riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs.) 

Watershed Project Design Criteria 

 No timber harvest within ephemeral draw buffer (10 to 50 feet on each side). 

Timber Yarding 

Aquatics Project Design Criteria 

 Skyline yarding corridors (sky roads) and tailholds are permitted across streams. Corridors must 

be less than 12 feet wide, spaced greater than 100 feet apart when crossing the stream, as close to 

perpendicular to the channel as possible, and can range from 350 to 1,000 feet in length. 

Watershed Project Design Criteria 

 Require one end suspension on >90 percent of skyline logging corridors. Logs will be fully 

suspended over streams. 

 Heavy equipment is permitted only at designated crossings within the ephemeral draw buffer. 

 Skyline corridors shall be oriented perpendicular across ephemeral draws, not running lengthways 

along them. 

Hauling 

Aquatics Project Design Criteria 

Log Haul – (Designed to support a “May effect, Not likely to Adversely affect” determination call 

for Aquatic Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive species and meet Clean Water Act obligations.) 

Log haul will occur on designated haul routes with the following design criteria. If additional haul routes 

are needed and were not identified during the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process then 

additional NEPA and consultation may be required. 

 Product haul will occur during the commercial use period (June 1 – January 15), unless otherwise 

authorized by the Forest Engineer. The commercial use period is intended to prevent weatherrelated road damage, but actual field conditions may necessitate suspending haul to prevent road 

damage at any time. Product haul is also limited to conditions that will not result in Resource 

Damage, as described in the June 2009 Malheur National Forest Commercial Road Use Rules 

(CRUR). 

 During product haul, weather conditions are monitored daily for the chance of precipitation by 

the timber sale administrator, hydrologist or fish biologist. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

30 

 During product haul, road conditions shall be monitored by the timber sale administrator daily for 

indications of road distress, defined in the CRUR as visible road conditions that occur as a result 

of road use, or a combination of road use and weather, which indicate that damage to a road or the 

adjacent resources, may occur under existing conditions. Examples of indicators include, but are 

not limited to, excessive dust, compromised or improper functioning road drainage, muddy ditch 

water, mud tracked onto asphalt or aggregate surfaced roads, and significant distortions of the 

road surface such as tracks, ruts, potholes, washboarding, asphalt cracking, or settling. 

 Timber haul on gravel and native surface roads will be limited to dry or frozen conditions. Haul 

will cease at any time when the travelway of the road is wet and turbid water or fines are 

observed moving off the road surface to ditchlines that deliver to stream channels regardless of 

time of year. 

 Haul will cease under periods of thawing conditions, as this is the most critical period for 

sediment delivery. Heavy truck traffic during thaw periods can cause failure of the entire road 

prism and can deliver sediment to streams. The Forest Service will attempt to provide a warning 

of impending thaw conditions 3 to 4 days before possible shutdown and also attempt to notify 

purchasers 48 hours before operational shutdown. 

 When the timber sale administrator observes indications of road distress during haul (haul should 

be halted prior to road distress in riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs) due to the 

mechanism for sediment delivery), one or more of the following actions would be taken: 1) 

perform maintenance work (including installation of additional erosion control materials); 2) 

change method of operations; 3) strengthen road surface to avoid damage; or 4) suspend 

operations until conditions change. 

 During product haul on native-surface roads, the road surface will be rocked for a distance of 100 

feet on either side of approaches to: 1) perennial stream crossings (RHCA Category 1 and 2) and 

2) intermittent stream crossings (RHCA Category 4) where they occur within 1⁄4 mile upstream of 

perennial streams. Rocking will maintain as close to an 8-inch lift as the travelway width allows 

(minimum 6-inch lift). 

 Native-surfaced road crossings on Category 4 streams greater than 1⁄4 mile upstream from 

Category 1 and 2 streams will be rocked (as described in above bullet) unless identified to be 

exempt by aquatic specialists. Exceptions to rocking crossings in category 4 streams can be made 

on a site specific basis, based on professional judgment and consensus of both the hydrologist and 

fisheries biologist in relation to sediment delivery and resource effects. This will ensure that 

effects to threatened, endangered, and sensitive species will be considered and the Forest is 

meeting its obligations under the Clean Water Act. 

 Prior to annual haul, mitigations will be implemented to minimize sediment delivery to Critical 

Habitat for Mid-Columbia River steelhead and Columbia River bull trout where needed as 

identified by an aquatics specialist. Examples of mitigation measures will include but are not 

limited to sediment fences or certified weed-free straw bales in ditch lines, mulching or additions 

of coarse wood to stream channels. 

 Apply mitigation and best management practices (BMPs) for dust abatement (water) during dry 

conditions, as directed by physical scientist or road engineer. Drafting sites should be identified 

and designated by aquatic specialists. Follow National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) drafting 

guidelines for water withdrawals. Juvenile fish screen criteria for pump intakes. Revised May 9, 

1996. Portland, OR: NMFS. Juvenile fish screen criteria. Revised February 16, 1995. Portland, 

OR: NMFS. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

31 

Fuels Treatments 

Aquatics Project Design Criteria 

• Grapple/hand piling areas will not be located within riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs). 

Fire and Fuels Project Design Criteria 

• Firelines will not be constructed within RHCAs and will be waterbarred on slopes greater than 35 

percent. Firelines will utilize natural barriers such as existing roads and streams and will be rehabilitated 

to a natural state after use. Fireline construction will not occur down draw bottoms. Hand lines may be 

used to keep fire out of sensitive areas and private property. 

Temporary Road and Landing Construction 

Aquatics Project Design Criteria 

 Landings/staging areas will not be located within riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs). 

 Temporary roads—see watershed project design criteria. 

Watershed Project Design Criteria 

 Locate temporary roads outside sediment delivery zones (determined by soil type, ground 

vegetation, and slope), meet best management practices for controlling surface runoff and 

erosion, and keep machinery on approved roadway. 

 Obliterate temporary roads by some combination of the following: recontouring slopes (removing 

cut and fill slopes); subsoiling (loosening) compacted soils in a “J” pattern to a depth of 16 inches 

(unless prevented by bedrock or rock content of soils); pulling berm; pulling slash (where 

available); planting or seeding disturbed areas with native species that naturally occur in the 

project planning area to achieve a minimum of 35 percent ground cover; restoring natural 

drainage patterns and waterbarring as needed; and/or disguising the first hundred yards of 

travelway with large pieces of organic material such as cull logs and tops of trees. Methods will 

be determined in consultation with a hydrologist, fisheries biologist, or soil scientist. 

Road Maintenance and New Road Construction 

Watershed Project Design Criteria 

 Utilize erosion control measures (sediment filters or certified weed free straw bales) and operate 

machinery only on road prism during road construction and maintenance activities. 

Culvert Installation 

Aquatics Project Design Criteria 

 The work period for instream work, including culvert installations on fish-bearing streams will be 

July 15 through August 15, as specified in the Oregon Guidelines for Timing of In-Water Work to 

Protect Fish and Wildlife Resources, June 2008. 

 Conduct activities during dry-field conditions – low to moderate soil moisture levels. 

 Placement of the new culverts would be consistent with Region 6 fish passage guidance and in 

accordance with the Regional General Permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

Minimization measures for fisheries, watershed function, water quality, and soil conditions 

include those identified in the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service (FWS) 2013 Aquatic Restoration Programmatic Biological Opinion version 2 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

32 

(ARBO) as well as project design criteria developed by the Blue Mountain Ranger District 

interdisciplinary team. 

 All quality pools (pools greater than 2 feet in depth or pools greater than 1.5 feet in depth with 

cover) will be noted and designed for retention within the project planning area. 

 There should be no measureable loss in stream side shade within the project planning area from 

culvert replacement/installation on fishbearing streams. If a measurable reduction in stream shade 

cannot be avoided, the project will be designed to obtain recovery of stream side shade within an 

approximate five year period, including the use of riparian plantings. 

Watershed Project Design Criteria 

 In riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs) or ephemeral draws, conduct culvert installation, 

replacement or removal during dry conditions or with approval from the district hydrologist and 

fish biologist. Prevent erosion of soil into streams during installation using appropriate best 

management practices (BMPs) (Section E). Cease work if a storm event increases stream flows. 

Road Decommissioning 

Aquatics Project Design Criteria 

 The work period for instream work, including road decommissioning within or immediately 

adjacent to the active channel will be July 15 through August 15, as specified in the Oregon 

Guidelines for Timing of In-Water Work to Protect Fish and Wildlife Resources, June 2008. 

 Conduct activities during dry-field conditions – low to moderate soil moisture levels. 

 Road decommissioning would be completed in accordance with the Regional General Permit 

issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Minimization measures for fisheries, watershed 

function, water quality, and soil conditions include those identified in the National Marine 

Fisheries Service and Fish and Wildlife Service 2013 Aquatic Restoration Biological Opinion as 

well as project design criteria developed by the Blue Mountain Ranger District interdisciplinary 

team. 

 Obtain approval from district fisheries biologist and hydrologist on specific methods for 

removing culverts from first or second order streams. 

Watershed Project Design Criteria 

 Decommission roads by some combination of the following: recontouring slopes (removing cut 

and fill slopes); subsoiling (loosening) compacted soils in a “J” pattern to a depth of 16 inches 

(unless prevented by bedrock or rock content of soils); pulling berm; pulling slash (where 

available); planting or seeding disturbed areas with native species that naturally occur in the 

project planning area to achieve a minimum of 35 percent ground cover; restoring natural 

drainage patterns and waterbarring as needed; and/or disguising the first hundred yards of travel 

way with large pieces of organic material such as cull logs and tops of trees. Methods will be 

determined in consultation with a hydrologist, fisheries biologist, or soil scientist. 

 Utilize erosion control measures (sediment filters or certified weed free straw bales) and operate 

machinery only on road prism during road decommissioning. 

“Fish Sticks” and “Fish Crib” Magone Lake Project Design Criteria 

Aquatics Project Design Criteria 

 All work with heavy equipment would occur over snow and frozen ground. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

33 

 All shoreline riparian hardwood vegetation would be left intact. 

 Fish cribs would measure 8 feet long by 8 feet wide and 4 feet high. A minimum of 5 feet 

clearance from the top of the crib to the water surface. 

 Certified weed-free rock material from existing gravel pits in the vicinity would be used for 

ballast. 

 A minimum of 12 inches of “good” ice would be required before any small equipment (UTV, 

skidsteer) would be allowed on ice. When feasible 8 foot logs for cribs would be pulled into place 

on ice by manual labor and constructed onsite. 

 Plowing of snow on ice to clear lake surface prior to construction of fish cribs and placement of 

fish cribs would only occur after the minimum of 12 inches of ice is met. 

 All equipment will be checked for leaks (hydraulic, gas, oil) prior to beginning work. 

 All fueling or staging of equipment will occur > 50 feet from the lake shoreline. 

 Burn piles would not be located within the wetland RHCA (50 feet) and material from fuels and 

silviculture treatments would be used to construct fish cribs, and obtain “fish stick” material. 

 Diameter of “fish sticks” material would follow silviculture and fuels treatment prescriptions for 

adjacent uplands on east side of Magone Lake. 

 Cabling of material would be kept to a minimum to ensure “fish sticks” do not drift offshore and 

create boating hazards. 

Skidding Across Category 4 Drainages Aquatic Project Design Criteria 

 Avoid skidding across drainages with a slope of x percent. 

 Skidding across floodplain would be minimized by selecting the shortest route across the 

channel/floodplain and within the slope criteria. 

 Logs and slash would be placed at all crossings within channel and floodplain to minimize soil 

compaction. 

 Height of logs and slash within channel would be dependent on stream bank heights so as to 

avoid any contact of skidder tires with stream banks. 

 Once skidding is complete logs and slash would be spread out across channel and floodplain 

especially in any visible bare spots where soil may have been exposed. 

 See Watershed Project Design Criteria. 

 Possible units – units 649, 601, 277, 245, 615. 

 Unit 225 and Unit 203 have a class 2 on the other side of the closed road. 

Recreational Trail Crossings Project Design Criteria 

Recreational trail crossing design would follow the same design criteria as livestock trail crossings within 

Mid-Columbia River Steelhead Critical Habitat identified within the Malheur National Forest Aquatic 

Restoration Decision and Aquatic Restoration Biological Opinion (ARBO) II. Livestock are likely to also 

use the trails in addition to recreationists and would not cross on single logs or bridges therefore 

recreation trail crossings would follow those design criteria below. 

Aquatic Restoration Decision Project Design Criteria for Livestock 

Crossings and Recreational Trail Crossings within Mid-Columbia River 

Steelhead Critical Habitat 

9. Livestock Fencing, Stream Crossings and Off-Channel Livestock Watering 

Livestock Stream Crossings 

i. The number of crossings will be minimized. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

34 

ii. Locate crossings or water gaps where streambanks are naturally low. Livestock crossings or water 

gaps must not be located in areas where compaction or other damage can occur to sensitive soils 

and vegetation (e.g., wetlands) due to congregating livestock. 

iii. To the extent possible, crossings will not be placed in areas where Endangered Species Act listed 

species spawn or are suspected of spawning (e.g., pool tailouts where spawning may occur), or 

within 300-feet upstream of such areas. 

iv. Existing access roads and stream crossings will be used whenever possible, unless new 

construction would result in less habitat disturbance and the old trail or crossing is retired. 

v. Access roads or trails will be provided with a vegetative buffer that is adequate to avoid or 

minimize runoff of sediment and other pollutants to surface waters. 

vi. Essential crossings will be designed and constructed or improved to handle reasonably 

foreseeable flood risks, including associated bedload and debris, and to prevent the diversion of 

streamflow out of the channel and down the trail if the crossing fails. 

vii. If necessary, the streambank and approach lanes can be stabilized with native vegetation or 

angular rock to reduce chronic sedimentation. The stream crossing or water gap should be 

armored with sufficient sized rock (e.g., cobble-size rock) and use angular rock if natural 

substrate is not of adequate size. 

viii. Livestock crossings will not create barriers to the passage of adult and juvenile fish. Whenever a 

culvert or bridge—including bridges constructed from flatbed railroad cars, boxcars, or truck 

flatbeds—is used to create the crossing, the structure width will tier to project design criteria 

listed for Stream Simulation Culvert and Bridge Projects under Fish Passage Restoration (PDC 

21). 

ix. Stream crossings and water gaps will be designed and constructed to a width of 10 to 15 feet in 

the upstream-downstream direction to minimize the time livestock will spend in the crossing or 

riparian area. 

x. When using pressure treated lumber for fence posts, complete all cutting/drilling offsite (to the 

extent possible) so that treated wood chips and debris do not enter water or flood prone areas. 

xi. Riparian fencing is not to be used to create livestock handling facilities or riparian pastures. 

COTA Trail Standards that Apply for all RHCAs 

Page 8 Aquatic Environments 

Section E—Best Management Practices 

Best management practices (BMPs) are the primary mechanism for achievement of water quality 

standards. This appendix describes key BMPs that have been selected in addition to those listed in Table 

E-3, Project Implementation Criteria and in PACFISH Standards and Guidelines for implementation. 

BMPs include but are not limited to structural and non-structural controls, operations, and maintenance 

procedures. BMPs would be applied before, during, or after pollution producing activities to reduce or 

eliminate the introduction of pollutants into receiving water-bodies. 

BMPs are selected on the basis of site-specific conditions that reflect natural background conditions and 

political, social, economic, and technical feasibility. Blue Mountain Ranger District monitors some 

applications of BMPs to evaluate implementation and effectiveness and to determine if changes are 

needed. 

The Memorandum of Understanding, between the USDA Forest Service and the Oregon Department of 

Environmental Quality, To Meet State and Federal Water Quality Rules and Regulations, specifically 

identifies the implementation of site specific BMPs as one of the Forest Service responsibilities to satisfy 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

35 

State and Federal point and nonpoint source pollution control requirements on National Forest Service 

lands. 

Below are applicable BMPs, listed in the General Water Quality Best Management Practices (USDA 

Forest Service 1988) document that will be used with the Magone Project, along with information as to 

who will be responsible for implementing them, when they will be done, and a determination of ability to 

implement, and effectiveness: 

T-1 – Timber Sale Planning Process 

Estimates have been made on the potential changes to water quality and instream beneficial uses, and are 

disclosed in the environmental impact statement. 

 Responsibility: Project soil scientist and fisheries biologists 

 Timing: Prior to activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

T-4 – Use of Sale Area Maps for Designating Water Quality Protection 

Needs 

The sale area map will include locations of streams to be protected and the required harvest method. 

 Responsibility: Presale technician 

 Timing: Prior to activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

T-7 – Streamside Management Unit Designations 

The interdisciplinary team designated PACFISH riparian habitat conservation areas (RHCAs) as 

streamside management units. RHCAs will prevent potential adverse effects of nearby logging and 

prescribed burning. 

 Responsibility: Presale technician 

 Timing: Prior to activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

T-10 – Log Landing Location 

Harvest plans will include proposed landing locations. Landing locations and size will be approved in 

advance by Forest Service personnel. 

 Responsibility: Presale technician and sale administrator 

 Timing: Prior to and during activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

T-11 – Tractor Skid Trail Location and Design 

Harvest plans will include proposed yarding patterns. Skid trails will be approved in advance by Forest 

Service personnel. 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

36 

 Responsibility: Presale technician and sale administrator 

 Timing: Prior to and during activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

T-13 – Erosion Prevention Measures during Timber Sale Operations 

Erosion control work will be kept current. 

 Responsibility: Sale administrator 

 Timing: During activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

T-18 – Erosion Control Structure Maintenance 

The purchaser will provide maintenance of soil erosion control structures as required in the timber sale 

contract. 

 Responsibility: Sale administrator 

 Timing: During activity 

 Ability to Implement: Moderate 

 Effectiveness: High 

T-19 – Acceptance of Timber Sale Erosion Control Measures before Sale 

Closure 

The effectiveness of erosion control measures will be evaluated periodically during the life of the timber 

sale contract. 

 Responsibility: Sale administrator and hydrologist 

 Timing: During activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

R-1 – General Guidelines for the Location and Design of Roads 

Temporary road construction and system road maintenance design creates minimal resource damage. 

 Responsibility: Engineering representative and sale administrator 

 Timing: Prior to activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

R-2 – Erosion Control Plan 

Limit erosion and sedimentation through effective planning and contract administration. 

 Responsibility: Engineering representative and sale administrator 

 Timing: Prior to and during activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: Moderate 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

37 

R-3 – Timing of Construction Activities 

Road construction and temporary road construction will occur during minimal runoff periods to minimize 

erosion. 

 Responsibility: Sale administrator and engineering representative 

 Timing: During activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: Moderate 

R-6 and R-7 – Dispersion of Subsurface and Surface Drainage 

Associated with Roads 

Ditch relief and cross drainage design will assure intercepted ground water and surface water is moved 

from road prism before it develops enough energy to undermine cut slopes or erode fill slopes. 

 Responsibility: Sale administrator and engineering representative 

 Timing: During activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: Moderate 

R-12 – Control of Construction in Streamside Management Units 

No road construction is planned within riparian habitat conservation areas. 

 Responsibility: Sale administrator and engineering representative 

 Timing: During activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

R-18 – Maintenance of Roads 

Ditches and culverts will be kept open and ruts repaired 

 Responsibility: Sale administrator and engineering representative 

 Timing: During activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

R-19 – Road Surface Treatment to Prevent Loss of Material 

Watering and grading will be kept on schedule to assure surface material is not lost. 

 Responsibility: Sale administrator and engineering representative 

 Timing: During activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

R-21 – Snow Removal Controls to Avoid Resource Damage 

Snow removal will assure water can drain from road prism before it develops enough energy to erode 

road surface or fill slopes. 

 Responsibility: Sale administrator, engineering representative, and silvicultural representative 
ROD Appendix C – Project Design Criteria Magone Project 

38 

 Timing: During activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

R-22 – Restoration of Borrow Pits and Quarries 

Borrow pits will be stabilized such that banks are stable and access road provides necessary drainage. 

 Responsibility: Engineering representative or sale administrator 

 Timing: During activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

R-23 – Obliteration of Temporary Roads 

Temporary roads will be decommissioned as described in the biological assessment. Future use of the 

road would be eliminated, and hydrological function would be restored using subsoiling and seeding as 

necessary. 

 Responsibility: Sale administrator and engineering representative 

 Timing: At the end of activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

F-3 – Protection of Water Quality during Prescribed Fire Operations 

The prescribed fire will follow the burn plan. Adjustments will be made during firing operations if 

objectives are not being met. 

 Responsibility: Fire management officer, district ranger 

 Timing: Prior to and during activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High 

W-5 – Cumulative Watershed Effects 

The interdisciplinary team analyzed and disclosed in the environmental impact statement the effects of the 

proposed management activities, when added to the existing conditions to ensure cumulative effects do 

not exceed thresholds of concern or result in adverse (degraded) water quality or channel/fish habitat 

conditions. 

 Responsibility: Project soil scientist and fish biologists 

 Timing: Prior to activity 

 Ability to Implement: High 

 Effectiveness: High