Appendix I

Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1073

Appendix I. Crosswalk between ApacheSitgreaves 1987 Forest Plan (as amended) 

and the Revised Forest Plan

The intent of this appendix is to provide greater transparency on how existing plan direction (e.g., 

standards and guidelines) was incorporated into the revised plan. The following table is not an 

exhaustive account of all plan direction, but rather highlights those issues that drove the plan 

revision process (e.g., priority needs for change) and or were critical to Appendix A (response to 

comments). The revised plan is strategic in nature, so many of the standards and guidelines in the 

current plan were reframed as desired conditions or guidelines in the revised plan. In other 

instances, existing plan guidance was modified or removed because it reiterated other law, 

regulation, or policy.

Acronyms and Abbreviations Used in this Appendix

ADOT Arizona Department of Transportation 

ADWR Arizona Department of Water Resources

AQRV Air Quality Related Values

ASNF Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

ASQ Allowable Sale Quantity

AZGFD Arizona Game and Fish Department 

BA Basal Area

BF Board Feet 

BMP Best Management Practice

CCF Hundred Cubic Feet 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CWD Coarse Woody Debris

DBH Diameter at Breast Height

DC Desired Conditions 

DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement

DMC Dry Mixed Conifer 

DRC Diameter at Root Collar

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EMA Ecosystem Management Area

EO Executive Order 

ESA Endangered Species Act

FSH Forest Service Handbook 
Appendix I

1074 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

FSM Forest Service Manual

FWS Fish and Wildlife Service 

GD Guideline 

GSL Growing Stock Level

HUC Hydrologic Unit Code 

IRM Integrated Resource Management

LMP Land Management Plan

LTSYC Long-Term Sustained Yield Capacity

MA Management Area

MBF Thousand Board Feet 

MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act

MCF Thousand Cubic Feet 

MIS Management Indicator Species

MMBF Million Board Feet 

MOU Memorandum of Understanding 

MPO Madrean Pine-Oak

MRNG Management Recommendations for Northern Goshawk (RM GTR-217) 

MSO Mexican Spotted Owl 

MSO RP Mexican Spotted Owl Recovery Plan

NF National Forest

NFMA National Forest Management Act 

NFS National Forest System

NOGO Northern Goshawk 

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

O&M Operation and Maintenance

OBJ Objective

OHV Off-Highway Vehicle

ORV Off-Road Vehicle

PAC Protected Activity Center

PFA Post-fledgling Family Area

PJ Piñon-Juniper 

PL Public Law

PNVT Potential Natural Vegetation Type

PP Ponderosa Pine 
Appendix I

Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1075

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration

RATM Resource Access/Travel Management

RNA Research Natural Area

ROS Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

RU Recovery Unit

SCS Soil Conservation Service (Now Natural Resources Conservation 

Service)

SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act

SF Spruce-Fir

ST Standard

T&E Threatened and Endangered [species]

TCP Traditional Cultural Property

TES Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species, Terrestrial Ecosystem 

Survey

TESH, TE Handbook, 

TES Handbook Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey Handbook (USDA-FS 1986)

USC United States Code

VSS Vegetative Structural Stages

WMC Wet Mixed Conifer

WQA Wildlife Quiet Area

WUI Wildland-Urban Interface

WURR Water Uses, Requirements, and Rights

Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1077

Appendix I

Air, Soil, Water, and Riparian

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

Goals (P 16): 

Maintain, or where needed, enhance soil 

productivity and watershed condition. Put all 

areas in a satisfactory watershed condition by 

2020. Maintain a high quality sustained water 

yield for Forest users and others. Identify and 

protect wetlands and floodplains." 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health - Ecological components (e.g., soil, 

vegetation, water) are resilient to disturbances including human 

activities, and natural ecological disturbances (e.g., climate variability, 

fire, drought, wind, insects, disease, pathogens).

OBJ Overall Ecosystem Health- During the planning period, improve 

the condition class on at least 10 priority 6th level HUC watersheds by 

removing or mitigating degrading factors [1]

.

DC Soil - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soil - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soil - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3].

GD Soil - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be designed 

to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. Where 

disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soil Coarse woody debris retention and/or creation should be 

used as needed to help retain long term soil productivity.

OBJ Soil Annually, enhance or restore an average of 350 acres within 

priority 6th level HUC watersheds, including treating the causes of 

State and federally designated impaired or threatened waters to 

improve watershed condition and water quality.

DC Water Resources - Water quality, stream channel stability, and 

aquatic habitats retain their inherent resilience to natural and other 

disturbances.

DC Water Resources - Water resources maintain the capability to 

respond and adjust to disturbances without long term adverse 

changes.

DC Water Resources - Vegetation and soil conditions above the 

floodplain protect downstream water quality, quantity, and aquatic 

habitat.

DC Water Resources - Streamflows provide connectivity among fish 

populations and provide unobstructed routes critical for fulfilling needs 

A new national protocol, 

the Watershed Condition 

Framework, is now in 

place setting objectives 

for watershed condition 

on all lands. Multiple 

objectives, desired 

conditions and guidelines 

support 87 Plan Goal. 

Included here are most 

relevant to original goal. 

FSM 2520, 2530, 2540, 

2550
1078 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

of aquatic, riparian dependent, and many upland species of plants and 

animals.

DC Water Resources - Water quantity meets the needs for forest 

administration and authorized activities (e.g., livestock grazing, 

recreation, firefighting, domestic use, road maintenance).

DC Water Resources - Water quality meets or exceeds Arizona State 

standards or Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards 

for designated uses.

DC Water Resources - Water quality meets the needs of desirable 

aquatic species such as the California floater, northern and Chiricahua 

leopard frog, and invertebrates that support fish populations.

ST Water Resources - Consistent with existing water rights, water 

diversions or obstructions shall at all times allow sufficient water to 

pass downstream to preserve minimum levels of water flow that 

maintain aquatic life and other purposes of national forest 

establishment.

GD Water Resources - Projects with ground-disturbing activities 

should be designed to minimize long and short term impacts to water 

resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil 

and water conservation practices and BMPs should be developed.

GD Water Resources - Streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes, 

wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should be 

protected from detrimental changes [4]

in water temperature and 

sediment to protect aquatic species and riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

species.

GD Water Resources - To protect water quality and aquatic species, 

heavy equipment and vehicles driven into a water body to accomplish 

work should be completely clean of petroleum residue. Water levels 

should be below the gear boxes of the equipment in use. Lubricants 

and fuels should be sealed such that inundation by water should not 

result in leaks.

DC All PNVTs - Vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation and 

litter cover) is optimized [5]to protect and enrich soils and promote 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1079

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

water infiltration. There is a diverse mix of cool and warm season 

grasses and desirable forbs species.

DC Riparian Areas - The spatial extent of wetlands is maintained [6].

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian obligate species within wet meadows, 

around springs and seeps, along streambanks, and active floodplains 

provide sufficient [5]

vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation, 

litter, and woody riparian species) to protect and enrich soils, trap 

sediment, mitigate flood energy, stabilize streambanks, and provide for 

wildlife and plant needs.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, move 200 to 500 acres toward 

desired composition, structure, and function of streams, floodplains, 

and riparian vegetation.

OBJ Water Uses - Annually, prepare at least one instream flow water 

rights application until water acquisition needs are complete to sustain 

riparian areas, fish, wildlife, and water-based recreation.

ST Water Uses - Streams on NFS lands with high aquatic values and 

at risk from new water diversions shall be preserved and protected 

with instream flow water rights.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

Goals (P 15): 

Improve vegetation condition in riparian areas. 

This is an emphasis for entire plan. 

Improvements will be accomplished by 

reducing, or in some cases, eliminating 

adverse impacts from grazing, vehicles and 

over-use by man. 

OBJ Overall Ecosystem Health - During the planning period, 

improve the condition class on at least 10 priority 6th level HUC 

watersheds by removing or mitigating degrading factors [1]

.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species - Annually, enhance or restore 5 

to 15 miles of stream and riparian habitat to restore structure, 

composition, and function of physical habitat for native fisheries and 

riparian-dependent species.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species - During the planning period, 

complete at least five projects (e.g., remove barriers, restore 

dewatered stream segments, or connect fragmented habitat) to 

provide for aquatic and riparian associated species and migratory 

species.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, move 200 to 500 acres toward 

desired composition, structure, and function of streams, floodplains, 

and riparian vegetation.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Within the planning period, relocate, repair, 

improve, or decommission a minimum of 4 miles of National Forest 

Retained through 

numerous Objectives, 

Desired conditions, 

standards and guidelines 

within soil, water, aquatic 

species and riparian 

sections.
1080 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

System roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage riparian 

vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact 

floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, remove an average of 2 miles of 

unauthorized roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage 

riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact 

floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Within the planning period, enhance or restore 

5 to 25 wet meadows, springs, seeps or cienegas to proper hydrologic 

function and native plant and animal species composition.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, work with partners to reduce animal 

damage to native willows and other riparian species on an average of 

5 miles of riparian habitat.

DC Water Resources - Instream flows provide for channel and 

floodplain maintenance, recharge of riparian aquifers, water quality, 

and minimal temperature fluctuations.

DC Water Resources - Streamflows provide connectivity among fish 

populations and provide unobstructed routes critical for fulfilling needs 

of aquatic, riparian dependent, and many upland species of plants and 

animals.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species - Streamflows, habitat, and water 

quality support native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and 

habitat.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species - Habitat and ecological conditions 

are capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, 

riparian dependent plant and animal species.

ST All PNVTs - Within each PNVT, vegetation management activities 

shall be designed to maintain or move plant composition towards a 

moderate to high plant community similarity as compared to site 

potential.

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian-wetland conditions maintain waterrelated processes (e.g., hydrologic, hydraulic, geomorphic). They also 

maintain the physical and biological community characteristics, 

functions, and processes.

DC Riparian Areas - Soil compaction from forest activities (e.g., 

vehicle use, recreation, livestock grazing) does not negatively impact 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1081

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

riparian areas.

DC Riparian Areas - The ecological function of riparian areas is 

resilient to animal and human use.

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian soil productivity is optimized as 

described by the specific TES map unit [5] as indicated by the vigor of 

the herbaceous vegetation community. Based on species composition, 

ungrazed plant heights [7]

range from 10 inches to 36 inches. 

GD Riparian Areas - Ground-disturbing projects (including prescribed 

fire) which may degrade long term riparian conditions should be 

avoided.

GD Riparian Areas - Wet meadows, springs, seeps and cienegas 

should not be used for concentrated activities (e.g., equipment

storage, forest product or mineral stockpiling, livestock handling 

facilities, special uses) that cause damage to soil and vegetation.

GD Riparian Areas - Active grazing allotments should be managed to 

maintain or improve to desired riparian conditions.

GD Livestock Grazing - New livestock troughs, tanks, and holding 

facilities should be located out of riparian areas to reduce 

concentration of livestock in these areas. Existing facilities in riparian 

areas should be modified, relocated, or removed where their presence 

is determined to inhibit movement toward desired riparian or aquatic 

conditions.

GD Livestock Grazing - To prevent resource damage (e.g., 

streambanks) and disturbance to federally listed and sensitive wildlife 

species, trailing of livestock should not occur along riparian areas. 

Where no alternative route is available, approval may be granted 

where effective mitigation measures are implemented (e.g., timing of 

trailing, number of livestock trailed at one time).

GD Minerals and Geology - Streambed and floodplain alteration or 

removal of material should not occur if it prevents attainment of 

riparian, channel morphology, or streambank desired conditions.
1082 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

ST & GD (portions pertaining to soil and water) 

(p 34, 35)

Existing as well as additional OHV closures 

are implemented when one or more of the 

following situations or areas exist, and ORV 

use is likely to occur that would result in 

significant adverse effects:

Soil groups having a high sensitivity rating: 

slope, erosion hazards, and run-off potential

Soils with surface textures of clay, clay loam 

and heavy silt loam, or soils where such 

textures are within 6 to 8 inches of the surface

Effects of water quality such as increased 

sediment and turbidity. Also bacteriological 

and chemical problems due to heavy 

concentrations of users. 

Municipal watersheds

Watershed restoration projects. 

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

DC Water Resources - Vegetation and soil conditions above the 

floodplain protect downstream water quality, quantity, and aquatic 

habitat.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

species.

DC Riparian Areas - Soil compaction from forest activities (e.g., 

vehicle use, recreation, livestock grazing) does not negatively impact 

riparian areas.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Within the planning period, relocate, repair, 

improve, or decommission a minimum of 4 miles of National Forest 

System roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage riparian 

vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact 

floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, remove an average of 2 miles of 

unauthorized roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage 

riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact 

floodplain soils.

GD Riparian Areas - Wet meadows, springs, seeps and cienegas 

should not be used for concentrated activities (e.g., equipment 

storage, forest product or mineral stockpiling, livestock handling 

facilities, special uses) that cause damage to soil and vegetation.

Retained through 

numerous objectives, 

desired conditions and 

guidelines within riparian, 

aquatic species

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

Forest wide GD for MSO and NOGO Habitat 

(p 52, 54) Emphasize maintenance and 

restoration of healthy riparian ecosystems 

through conformance with forest plan riparian 

standards and guidelines. Management 

strategies should restore degraded riparian 

areas to good condition as soon as possible. 

Damage to riparian vegetation, stream banks, 

and channels should be prevented

DC Water Resources - Water quality, stream channel stability, and 

aquatic habitats retain their inherent resilience to natural and other 

disturbances.

DC Water Resources - Vegetation and soil conditions above the 

floodplain protect downstream water quality, quantity, and aquatic 

habitat.

GD Water Resources - Streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes, 

wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should be 

Retained through 

numerous objectives, 

desired conditions, 

standards and guidelines 

within soil, water, aquatic 

species, riparian and 

grazing sections.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1083

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

protected from detrimental changes [4]in water temperature and 

sediment to protect aquatic species and riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species - Streamflows, habitat, and water 

quality support native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and 

habitat.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species - Habitat and ecological conditions 

are capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, 

riparian dependent plant and animal species.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species - Annually, enhance or restore 5 

to 15 miles of stream and riparian habitat to restore structure, 

composition, and function of physical habitat for native fisheries and 

riparian-dependent species.

DC Riparian Areas - Natural ecological disturbances (e.g., flooding, 

scouring) promote a diverse plant structure consisting of herbaceous, 

shrub, and tree species of all ages and size classes necessary for the 

recruitment of riparian-dependent species.

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian-wetland conditions maintain waterrelated processes (e.g., hydrologic, hydraulic, geomorphic). They also 

maintain the physical and biological community characteristics, 

functions, and processes.

DC Riparian Areas - Stream (lotic) riparian-wetland areas have 

vegetation, landform, and/or large coarse woody debris to dissipate 

stream energy associated with high water flow.

DC Riparian Areas - Streams and their adjacent floodplains are 

capable of filtering, processing, and storing sediment; aiding floodplain 

development; improving floodwater retention; and increasing 

groundwater recharge.

DC Riparian Areas - Vegetation and root masses stabilize 

streambanks, islands, and shoreline features against the cutting action 

of water.

DC Riparian Areas - Willows (e.g., Bebb, Geyer, Arizona, 

Goodding’s) are reproducing with all age classes present, where the 
1084 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

potential exists.

DC Riparian Areas - Diversity and density of riparian forest vegetation 

provides for breeding, escape, hiding, and resting cover for wildlife and 

provides travelways between other habitat areas and seasonal ranges.

DC Riparian Areas - The ecological function of riparian areas is 

resilient to animal and human use.

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian obligate species within wet meadows, 

around springs and seeps, along streambanks, and active floodplains 

provide sufficient [5] vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation, 

litter, and woody riparian species) to protect and enrich soils, trap 

sediment, mitigate flood energy, stabilize streambanks, and provide for 

wildlife and plant needs.

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian soil productivity is optimized as 

described by the specific TES map unit[5] as indicated by the vigor of 

the herbaceous vegetation community. Based on species composition, 

ungrazed plant heights [7]range from 10 inches to 36 inches.

DC Riparian Areas - Large coarse woody debris provides stability to 

riparian areas and stream bottoms lacking geologic control (e.g., 

bedrock) or geomorphic features (e.g., functioning floodplains, stream 

sinuosity, width/depth ratio).

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, move 200 to 500 acres toward 

desired composition, structure, and function of streams, floodplains, 

and riparian vegetation.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Within the planning period, relocate, repair, 

improve, or decommission a minimum of 4 miles of National Forest 

System roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage riparian 

vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact 

floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, remove an average of 2 miles of 

unauthorized roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage 

riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact 

floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Within the planning period, enhance or restore 

5 to 25 wet meadows, springs, seeps or cienegas to proper hydrologic 

function and native plant and animal species composition.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, work with partners to reduce animal 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1085

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

damage to native willows and other riparian species on an average of 

5 miles of riparian habitat.

GD Riparian Areas - Ground-disturbing projects (including prescribed 

fire) which may degrade long term riparian conditions should be 

avoided.

GD Riparian Areas - Wet meadows, springs, seeps and cienegas 

should not be used for concentrated activities (e.g., equipment 

storage, forest product or mineral stockpiling, livestock handling 

facilities, special uses) that cause damage to soil and vegetation.

GD Riparian Areas - Active grazing allotments should be managed to 

maintain or improve to desired riparian conditions.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

Forest wide ST for NOGO Habitat (p 54) 

Manage the ground surface layer to maintain 

satisfactory soil conditions i.e. to minimize soil 

compaction; and to maintain hydrologic and 

nutrient cycles.

DC Soils - Ecological and hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil 

compaction.

DC Soils - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soils - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3]

.

DC Soils - Vegetation and litter is sufficient to maintain and improve 

water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soils - Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with native 

plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is predicted. 

Carried forward through 

modified DCs, GDs and 

management approach.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

Forest wide GDs for Ground Surface Layer (p 

59). Piling of debris should be limited. When 

necessary, hand or grapple piling should be 

used to minimize soil compaction within piles 

and to minimize forest floor and herbaceous 

layer displacement and destruction.

DC Soils - Ecological and hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil 

compaction.

DC Soils - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soils - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3]

.

DC Soils - Vegetation and litter is sufficient to maintain and improve 

Carried forward through 

modified DCs, GDs and 

management approach.
1086 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soils - Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with native 

plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is predicted. 

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 64) Salt is not placed within 1⁄4 mile of 

any riparian area or water. 

DC Riparian Area - Soil compaction from forest activities (e.g., vehicle 

use, recreation, livestock grazing) does not negatively impact riparian 

areas

GD Riparian Area - Ground-disturbing projects (including prescribed 

fire) which may degrade long term riparian conditions should be 

avoided.

GD Riparian Area - Wet meadows, springs, seeps and cienegas 

should not be used for concentrated activities (e.g., equipment 

storage, forest product or mineral stockpiling, livestock handling 

facilities, special uses) that cause damage to soil and vegetation.

GD Riparian Area - Active grazing allotments should be managed to 

maintain or improve to desired riparian conditions.

GD Livestock Grazing - New livestock troughs, tanks, and holding 

facilities should be located out of riparian areas to reduce 

concentration of livestock in these areas. Existing facilities in riparian 

areas should be modified, relocated, or removed where their presence 

is determined to inhibit movement toward desired riparian or aquatic 

conditions.

GD Livestock Grazing - To minimize potential resource impacts from 

livestock, salt or nutritional supplements should not be placed within a 

quarter of a mile of any riparian area or water source. Salt or 

nutritional supplements should also be located to minimize herbivory 

impacts to aspen clones.

Retained through 

numerous objectives, 

desired conditions and 

guidelines within riparian, 

aquatic species

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 66) Watershed condition will be updated 

and periodically mapped. Amend the forest 

plan, as appropriate, to reflect changes as new 

data becomes available. Determine forest 

watershed conditions using R-3 Hydrology 

OBJ Overall Ecosystem Health - During the planning period, 

improve the condition class on at least 10 priority 6th level HUC 

watersheds by removing or mitigating degrading factors [1]

.

Management Approach Overall Ecosystem Health - There is a 

concerted effort to restore priority 6th level HUC watersheds by 

Watershed Condition was 

evaluated forest wide 

using Watershed 

Condition and Tracking 

Protocol in 2010 and 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1087

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Note No. 20 (water resources inventory). reducing degrading factors. Priority 6th level watersheds are identified 

on an ongoing basis using the Watershed Condition Framework 

process. The 6-step “Watershed Condition Framework” for improving 

watershed condition class includes (1) rating watersheds for current 

condition, (2) prioritizing watersheds for treatment, (3) developing 

watershed action plans for the entire watershed (including non-NFS 

lands) that identify specific project level activities needed to change 

condition classes, (4) implementing integrated suites of projects within 

priority watersheds, (5) tracking restoration accomplishments, and (6) 

monitoring the effectiveness of change in condition.

updated in 2012 following 

Wallow Fire.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 66) Utilize the Forests’ Geographic 

Information System and Terrestrial Ecosystem 

Survey information as one tool to evaluate 

grazing capability based upon watershed 

condition, vegetation and other appropriate 

factors by March 1990. 

Livestock Grazing Suitability Section - Capability is the potential of 

an area of land to produce resources and supply goods and services. 

Capability depends upon current conditions and site conditions such 

as climate variability, slope, landform, soils, and geology. Capability 

was determined in the 1980s during the first round of forest planning 

by compiling data from the most recent individual grazing allotment 

analyses. Landscape scale conditions have not changed significantly 

since this evaluation.

Was completed in 1990. 

Capability continues to 

be determined at the 

project NEPA level. 

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 67) Survey proposed earthen stock tank 

sites for location accuracy, soil suitability, and 

legal requirements. Design structures built in 

drainages to meet appropriate flood 

occurrence intervals. Assure that on new stock 

tanks appropriate documents for construction 

and water rights applications are filed in a 

timely manner and according to State law. 

DC Water Uses - Apache-Sitgreaves NFs water rights are secure and 

contribute to livestock, recreation, wildlife, and administrative uses. 

DC Water Uses - Dams, diversions, or other water control structures 

are designed, maintained, and operated to conserve water resources.

ST Water Uses - Forest Service water rights must be put to beneficial 

use and that use documented and consistent with ADWR regulations.

Specific portions of this 

direction were not carried 

forward because they 

duplicate State of Arizona 

State Revised Statutes 

Title 45 - Waters

FSM 2527, EO 11514, 

EO 11988, EO 11990 

FSM 2540

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 68) Conduct Terrestrial Ecosystem 

Survey to standards, policies, and guidelines 

as defined in 2550 TES Handbook and 

National Cooperative Soil Survey. This is 

accomplished by the Arizona TES Crew.

OBJ Soils - During the planning period, update the Terrestrial 

Ecosystem Survey to reflect current conditions and concepts.

TES for ASNF completed 

and Published in 1987

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 68) Ensure compliance with Public Law 

92-500 “Federal Water Pollution Control Act” 

and amendments including Clear Water Act of 

OBJ Overall Ecosystem Health - During the planning period, 

improve the condition class on at least 10 priority 6th level HUC 

watersheds by removing or mitigating degrading factors [1]

.

Generally do not repeat 

Law, Regulation, Policy 

in Revised plan, 
1088 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

1977.

Implement best management practices to 

prevent water quality degradation.

Implement improvement action where water 

quality degradation does occur, except for 

special cases where temporary or short term 

degradation is occurring from road crossing 

construction or similar situations.

OBJ Soils - Annually, enhance or restore an average of 350 acres 

within priority 6th level HUC watersheds, including treating the causes 

of State and federally designated impaired or threatened waters to 

improve watershed condition and water quality.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

DC Water Resources - Vegetation and soil conditions above the 

floodplain protect downstream water quality, quantity, and aquatic 

habitat

DC Water Resources - Water quality meets or exceeds Arizona State 

standards or Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards 

for designated uses.

GD Water Resources - Projects with ground-disturbing activities 

should be designed to minimize long and short term impacts to water 

resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil 

and water conservation practices and BMPs should be developed.

GD Water Resources - Streams, stream banks, shorelines, lakes, 

wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should be 

protected from detrimental changes [4]

in water temperature and 

sediment to protect aquatic species and riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

species.

GD Water Resources - Short term impacts in watersheds containing 

Outstanding Arizona Waters may be allowed when long term benefits 

to water quality, riparian areas, and aquatic resources would occur.

GD Water Resources - To protect water quality and aquatic species, 

heavy equipment and vehicles driven into a water body to accomplish 

work should be completely clean of petroleum residue. Water levels 

should be below the gear boxes of the equipment in use. Lubricants 

and fuels should be sealed such that inundation by water should not 

result in leaks.

however, there are DC, 

ST and GD that were 

carried forward. 

FSM 2532
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1089

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 69) Provide adequate drainage to 

prevent concentrated flow and sediment laden 

runoff from entering water courses.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

DC Water Resources - Water quality meets or exceeds Arizona State 

standards or Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards 

for designated uses.

GD Water Resources - Projects with ground-disturbing activities 

should be designed to minimize long and short term impacts to water 

resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil 

and water conservation practices and BMPs should be developed.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

species.

Carried forward in DCs, 

GDs and management 

approaches

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 69) Designate stream courses to 

receive protection during projects (e.g., timber 

sales, road work). Those streams shown on 

7.5 minute quads as a stream course should 

be considered for designated stream courses.

GD Water Resources - Projects with ground-disturbing activities 

should be designed to minimize long and short term impacts to water 

resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil 

and water conservation practices and BMPs should be developed.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

species.

Carried forward through 

modified DCs, GDs and 

management approach.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 69) Roads will be located away from 

stream bottoms to minimize sediment delivery 

to the stream course whenever possible.

Sediment Production from roads may be 

minimized by methods such as:

a. Outsloping of road.

b. Lead-out ditches.

c. Energy dissipaters on culverts.

d. Grass seeding

e. Rock riprap.

GD Water Resources - Projects with ground-disturbing activities 

should be designed to minimize long and short term impacts to water 

resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil 

and water conservation practices and BMPs should be developed.

GD Water Resources - Streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes, 

wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should be 

protected from detrimental changes [4]

in water temperature and 

sediment to protect aquatic species and riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

species.

Carried forward through 

modified GDs and 

management 

approaches.
1090 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 69) Evaluate projects to determine if 

detailed soil survey (order 2) and hydrologic 

survey is needed.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward because 

it duplicates law, 

regulation, or policy 

found in FSM 2520, FSM 

2550

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 69) Conserve soil and water resources; 

avoid permanent impairment of site 

productivity and ensure conservation of soil 

and water resources. The minimum soil and 

resource management requirement is to 

control surface water runoff and erosion at not 

less than tolerance conditions. 36 CFR 218.23 

and 27.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

DC Water Resources - Vegetation and soil conditions above the 

floodplain protect downstream water quality, quantity, and aquatic 

habitat

DC Water Resources - Water quality meets or exceeds Arizona State 

standards or Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards 

for designated uses.

GD Water Resources - Projects with ground-disturbing activities 

should be designed to minimize long and short term impacts to water 

resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil 

and water conservation practices and BMPs should be developed.

GD Water Resources - Streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes, 

wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should be 

protected from detrimental changes [4]

in water temperature and 

sediment to protect aquatic species and riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

species.

GD Water Resources - Short term impacts in watersheds containing 

Outstanding Arizona Waters may be allowed when long term benefits 

to water quality, riparian areas, and aquatic resources would occur.

Carried forward through 

modified DCs, GDs and 

management approach.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 69) Soil disturbing activities, being 

planned on cinder cones and datil soils 

requires input from the forest soil scientist.

DC Soils - Ecological and hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil 

compaction.

DC Soils - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

Carried forward through 

modified DCs, GDs and 

management approach.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1091

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soils - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3].

DC Soils - Vegetation and litter is sufficient to maintain and improve 

water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soils - Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with native 

plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is predicted. 

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 69 and 113) Skidding and hauling 

should be restricted to soil moisture conditions 

which do not cause excessive soil compaction, 

displacement or puddling. These soils are 

included within TES units – 181, 182, 183, 

191, 192, 193, 194, 201, 202, 532, 561, 562, 

595, 942, 943, and 944. When possible limit 

logging activities (skidding, machine piling, 

etc.) on those soils to dry or frozen conditions.

DC Soils - Ecological and hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil 

compaction.

DC Soils - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soils - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3].

DC Soils - Vegetation and litter is sufficient to maintain and improve 

water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soils - Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with native 

plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is predicted. 

Carried forward through 

modified DCs, GDs and 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 69) Plan/accomplish erosion reduction 

projects on areas disturbed by project activities 

where the site is not expected to stabilize

within 2 years or when water quality 

degradation will occur.

DC Soils - Ecological and hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil 

compaction.

DC Soils - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soils - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3].

DC Soils - Vegetation and litter is sufficient to maintain and improve 

Carried forward through 

modified DCs, GDs and 

management 

approaches.
1092 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soils - Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with native 

plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is predicted. 

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 69) Plan/carry out fire rehabilitation 

where necessary to protect water and soil 

resources or to prevent unacceptable 

downstream damage.

ST Landscape Scale Disturbance - Threats to human safety and 

property shall be promptly addressed following landscape scale 

disturbance and mitigated through measures such as signing, 

temporary closures, or treatment.

GD Landscape Scale Disturbance - Erosion control mitigation 

features should be implemented to protect significant resource values 

and infrastructure such as stream channels, roads, structures, 

threatened and endangered species, and cultural resources.

GD Landscape Scale Disturbance - Projects and activities (e.g., 

revegetation, mulching, lop and scatter) should be designed to 

stabilize soils and restore nutrient cycling, if needed, and establish 

movement toward the desired conditions for the affected PNVT(s).

Direction is found in FSM 

2523 BAER, additional 

ST GD in landscape 

Scale Disturbance 

Events section.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 70) Conserve and encourage efficient 

use (conservation) of water through project 

design and recommendations. Ensure 

compliance with executive order 11990 

“Protection of Wetlands”, executive order 

11988 “Floodplain Management”.

DC Water Uses - Apache-Sitgreaves NFs water rights are secure and 

contribute to livestock, recreation, wildlife, and administrative uses. 

DC Water Uses - Dams, diversions, or other water control structures 

are designed, maintained, and operated to conserve water resources.

ST Water Uses - Forest Service water rights must be put to beneficial 

use and that use documented and consistent with ADWR regulations.

Specific portions of this 

direction were not carried 

forward because they 

duplicate law, regulation, 

or policy found in State of 

Arizona State Revised 

Statutes Title 45 -Waters

FSM 2527, EO 11514, 

EO 11988, EO 11990 

FSM 2540

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 70) Design structures to be 

built/reconstructed in drainages to meet 

appropriate flood recurrence intervals.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward because 

it duplicates law, 

regulation, or policy 

found in FSM 2527, EO 

11514, EO 11988, EO 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1093

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

11990 FSM 2540

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 70) Design facilities to avoid situations 

that entrap users during flood events. Provide 

identified escape routes from high hazard 

floodplains.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward because 

it duplicates law, 

regulation, or policy 

found in FSM 2527, EO 

11514, EO 11988, EO 

11990 FSM 2540ef

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 70) Limit use of herbicides, insecticides, 

rodenticides, or other chemical agents as part 

of management activities to times and places 

where possible transport to or by surface or 

groundwater has a low probability of 

occurrence.

GD Invasive Species - Pesticide use should minimize impacts on 

nontarget plants and animals.

Carried forward through 

modified GDs and 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 70) Limit the use of certain facilities in 

floodplains to non-flood seasons or daylight 

hours only.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward because 

it duplicates law, 

regulation, or policy 

found in FSM 2527, EO 

11514, EO 11988, EO 

11990 FSM 2540

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 70) Accomplish flood hazard analysis 

and wetland evaluation on all proposed land 

exchanges.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward because 

it duplicates law, 

regulation, or policy 

found in FSM 2527, EO 

11514, EO 11988, EO 

11990 FSM 2540

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 70) Maintain suitable filter/buffer strips 

between stream courses and disturbed areas 

and/or road locations to:

a. Maintain Suitable Stream Temperature

b. Maintain Water Quality Standards

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to water resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices and BMPs should be developed.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

Carried forward through 

modified GDs and 

management 

approaches.
1094 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

species.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 70) Protect surface resource conditions 

to maintain water quality of domestic water 

supplies.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to water resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices and BMPs should be developed.

GD Water Resources - Streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes, 

wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should be 

protected from detrimental changes [4]

in water temperature and 

sediment to protect aquatic species and riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

species.

Carried forward through 

modified GDs and 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 70 and 114) Evaluate soils information 

to predict areas where vegetation type 

conversion is likely to occur as a result of 

management activity. Determine the 

reforestation/revegetation potential prior to 

project initiation. (Ref. TE Handbook).

DC All PNVTs - Natural processes and human and natural 

disturbances (e.g., wildland fire, mechanical vegetation treatments) 

provide desired overall tree density, structure, species composition, 

coarse woody debris, and nutrient cycling. Natural fire regimes are 

restored. Uncharacteristic fire behavior is minimal or absent on the 

landscape.

DC All PNVTs - Vegetation conditions allow for transition zones or 

ecotones between riparian areas, forests, woodlands, shrublands, and 

grasslands. Transition zones may shift in time and space due to 

changing site conditions from disturbances (e.g., fire, climate 

variability).

ST All PNVTs - Within each PNVT, vegetation management activities 

shall be designed to maintain or move plant composition towards a 

moderate to high plant community similarity as compared to site 

potential.

ST All Forested PNVTs - On lands suitable for timber production, 

timber harvest activities shall only be used when there is reasonable 

assurance of restocking within 5 years after final regeneration harvest. 

This also applies where wildland fire is used to create openings for 

tree regeneration purposes on suitable timber lands. Restocking level 

is prescribed in a site specific silvicultural prescription for a project 

treatment unit and is determined to be adequate depending on the 

objectives and desired conditions for the plan area. In some instances, 

Carried forward through 

modified DC, ST, GDs 

and management 

approaches.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1095

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

such as when lands are harvested or prescribed burned to create 

openings for firebreaks and vistas or to prevent encroaching trees, it is 

appropriate not to restock.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 71) Maintain and enhance riparian 

vegetation along streams to maintain suitable 

water temperature and other conditions for 

stream flow.

DC Water Resources - Water quality, stream channel stability, and 

aquatic habitats retain their inherent resilience to natural and other 

disturbances.

DC Water Resources - Vegetation and soil conditions above the 

floodplain protect downstream water quality, quantity, and aquatic 

habitat.

GD Water Resources - Streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes, 

wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should be 

protected from detrimental changes [4]

in water temperature and 

sediment to protect aquatic species and riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be in 

place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to 

maintain water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic 

species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species - Streams and aquatic habitats 

support native fish and/or other aquatic species providing the quantity 

and quality of aquatic habitat within reference conditions [8]

.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species - Streamflows, habitat, and water 

quality support native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and 

habitat.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species - Habitat and ecological conditions 

are capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, 

riparian dependent plant and animal species.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species - Annually, enhance or restore 5 

to 15 miles of stream and riparian habitat to restore structure, 

composition, and function of physical habitat for native fisheries and 

riparian-dependent species.

DC Riparian Areas - Natural ecological disturbances (e.g., flooding, 

scouring) promote a diverse plant structure consisting of herbaceous, 

shrub, and tree species of all ages and size classes necessary for the 

recruitment of riparian-dependent species.

Retained through 

numerous objectives, 

desired conditions,

standards and guidelines 

within soil, water, aquatic 

species, riparian and 

grazing sections.
1096 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian-wetland conditions maintain waterrelated processes (e.g., hydrologic, hydraulic, geomorphic). They also 

maintain the physical and biological community characteristics, 

functions, and processes.

DC Riparian Areas - Stream (lotic) riparian-wetland areas have 

vegetation, landform, and/or large coarse woody debris to dissipate 

stream energy associated with high water flow.

DC Riparian Areas - Streams and their adjacent floodplains are 

capable of filtering, processing, and storing sediment; aiding floodplain 

development; improving floodwater retention; and increasing 

groundwater recharge.

DC Riparian Areas - Vegetation and root masses stabilize 

streambanks, islands, and shoreline features against the cutting action 

of water.

DC Riparian Areas - Ponding and channel characteristics provide 

habitat, water depth, water duration, and the temperatures necessary 

for maintaining populations of riparian-dependent species and for their 

dispersal.

DC Riparian Areas - Beavers occupy capable stream reaches and 

help promote the function and stability of riparian areas.

DC Riparian Areas - Lentic riparian areas (e.g., wet meadows, fens, 

bogs) have vegetation and landform present to dissipate wind action, 

wave action, and overland flow from uplands.

DC Riparian Areas - Wetland riparian areas are capable of filtering 

sediment and aiding floodplain development that contribute to water 

retention and groundwater recharge.

DC Riparian Areas - Willows (e.g., Bebb, Geyer, Arizona, 

Goodding’s) are reproducing with all age classes present, where the 

potential exists.

DC Riparian Areas - The spatial extent of wetlands is maintained [6]

.

DC Riparian Areas - Diversity and density of riparian forest vegetation 

provides for breeding, escape, hiding, and resting cover for wildlife and 

provides travelways between other habitat areas and seasonal ranges.

DC Riparian Areas - The ecological function of riparian areas is 

resilient to animal and human use.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1097

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian obligate species within wet meadows, 

around springs and seeps, along streambanks, and active floodplains 

provide sufficient [5] vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation, 

litter, and woody riparian species) to protect and enrich soils, trap 

sediment, mitigate flood energy, stabilize streambanks, and provide for 

wildlife and plant needs.

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian soil productivity is optimized as 

described by the specific TES map unit [5] as indicated by the vigor of 

the herbaceous vegetation community. Based on species composition, 

ungrazed plant heights [7]

range from 10 inches to 36 inches.

DC Riparian Areas - Large coarse woody debris provides stability to 

riparian areas and stream bottoms lacking geologic control (e.g., 

bedrock) or geomorphic features (e.g., functioning floodplains, stream 

sinuosity, width/depth ratio).

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, move 200 to 500 acres toward 

desired composition, structure, and function of streams, floodplains, 

and riparian vegetation.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Within the planning period, relocate, repair, 

improve, or decommission a minimum of 4 miles of National Forest 

System roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage riparian 

vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact 

floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, remove an average of 2 miles of 

unauthorized roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage 

riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact 

floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Within the planning period, enhance or restore 

5 to 25 wet meadows, springs, seeps or cienegas to proper hydrologic 

function and native plant and animal species composition.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, work with partners to reduce animal 

damage to native willows and other riparian species on an average of 

5 miles of riparian habitat.

GD Riparian Areas - Ground-disturbing projects (including prescribed 

fire) which may degrade long term riparian conditions should be 

avoided.

GD Riparian Areas - Wet meadows, springs, seeps and cienegas 
1098 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

should not be used for concentrated activities (e.g., equipment 

storage, forest product or mineral stockpiling, livestock handling 

facilities, special uses) that cause damage to soil and vegetation.

GD Riparian Areas - Active grazing allotments should be managed to 

maintain or improve to desired riparian conditions.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 71) Effectively close or obliterate roads 

causing intolerable resource damage (relocate 

roads as needed).

GD Motorized Opportunities - As projects occur in riparian or wet 

meadow areas, unneeded roads or motorized trails should be closed 

or relocated, drainage restored, and native vegetation reestablished to 

move these areas toward their desired condition.

GD Motorized Opportunities - As projects occur, redundant roads or 

motorized trails should be removed to reduce degradation of natural 

resources.

GD Motorized Opportunities - Roads and motorized trails removed 

from the transportation network should be treated in order to avoid 

future risk to hydrologic function and aquatic habitat.

GD Motorized Opportunities - As projects occur, existing meadow 

crossings should be relocated or redesigned, as needed, to maintain 

or restore hydrologic function using appropriate tools such as French 

drains and elevated culverts.

GD Motorized Opportunities - After management activities occur in 

areas with high potential for cross-country motorized vehicle use, 

methods (e.g., barriers, signing) should be used to control 

unauthorized motorized use.

Carried forward through 

modified GDs and 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 71) Soil resource improvement will be 

accomplished on an opportunity basis.

Accomplish/maintain soil resource 

improvement projects to prevent loss of soil 

productivity.

OBJ Overall Ecosystem Health - During the planning period, 

improve the condition class on at least 10 priority 6th level HUC 

watersheds by removing or mitigating degrading factors [1]

.

OBJ Soils - Annually, enhance or restore an average of 350 acres 

within priority 6th level HUC watersheds, including treating the causes 

of State and federally designated impaired or threatened waters to 

improve watershed condition and water quality.

Carried forward through 

new objectives and 

management 

approaches.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1099

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 71) Develop/carry out water resource 

improvement plan per A/S NF’s watershed 

improvement needs inventory within the first 2 

periods.

OBJ Overall Ecosystem Health - During the planning period, 

improve the condition class on at least 10 priority 6th level HUC 

watersheds by removing or mitigating degrading factors [1]

.

OBJ Soils - Annually, enhance or restore an average of 350 acres 

within priority 6th level HUC watersheds, including treating the causes 

of State and federally designated impaired or threatened waters to 

improve watershed condition and water quality.

Existing plan was 

completed in 1990. No 

new inventory was 

developed. New direction 

through Watershed 

Condition Framework.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 71) Utilize sale area improvement plans 

as an opportunity to accomplish resource 

improvements within the timber sale area.

Management Approach All Forested PNVTs - Forest treatments 

occur predominantly in ponderosa pine and dry and wet mixed conifer. 

There is an emphasis on restoring natural fire regimes, providing 

wildlife species habitat needs, obtaining sustainable forest products, 

and/or achieving ecosystem health within priority 6th level HUC 

watersheds. Treatment methods (see appendix B) may include 

wildland fire, fencing, mechanized and hand thinning, planting, 

chemical treatments, and other silvicultural treatments. 

Generally carried forward 

in management 

approaches 

Air Quality SG (p 71) In the Class 1 air quality area (Mt. 

Baldy) maintain high quality visual conditions. 

The form, line, texture, and color characteristic 

landscape will be clearly distinguishable when 

viewed as middle ground.

DC Air - Air quality related values, including high quality visual 

conditions, are maintained within the Class I airshed over Mount Baldy 

Wilderness.

Direction also found in 

FSM 2580

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 71) Review Prevention of Significant 

Deterioration (PSD) Permit applications to 

determine the potential effect increased 

emissions from major stationary sources will 

have on air quality related values in the Mt. 

Baldy Class 1 area.

Predict the impacts of air pollution generating 

activities with current modeling techniques.

Management Approach Air - The Apache-Sitgreaves NFs participate 

with the State of Arizona in the air quality regulatory process. 

Specialists review air permit applications for new and modified 

industrial facilities to ensure that their air emissions do not adversely 

impact the air quality related values (e.g., visibility) of federally 

protected Class I wilderness areas.

Discussed in 

Management approach, 

PSD process covered in 

Arizona State Regulatory 

Process and FSM 2580

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 71) Ensure compliance with State of 

Arizona Water Law “Arizona revised statutes 

sections 45-101 through 46”. “Reserved Water 

Rights” may not fall under jurisdiction of State 

Statutes.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward because 

it duplicates law, 

regulation, or policy 

found in State of Arizona 

State Revised Statutes 

Title 45 Waters
1100 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

FSM 2540

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 71) Participate in State adjudications on 

forest watersheds. Protest other uses in 

conflict with forest uses. Participate in State 

Water Right hearings to protect forest uses.

Management Approach Water Uses - The forests participate in 

water rights adjudications, maintain a water rights and water uses 

database, and honor the water rights of others. Forest personnel work 

with legal water right holders to help conserve water through terms 

and conditions of permits or easements to capture and transmit water 

on or across public lands. The forests work with the State and other 

agencies to deal with groundwater issues and maintain instream flows. 

The forests work with affected members of the public to gain their 

support for instream flows.

Carried forward in 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 71) File permits to appropriate water for 

range, recreation, wildlife, and administration 

developments.

DC Water Resources - Instream flows provide for channel and 

floodplain maintenance, recharge of riparian aquifers, water quality, 

and minimal temperature fluctuations.

DC Water Resources - Streamflows provide connectivity among fish 

populations and provide unobstructed routes critical for fulfilling needs 

of aquatic, riparian dependent, and many upland species of plants and 

animals.

DC Water Resources - Water quantity meets the needs for forest 

administration and authorized activities (e.g., livestock grazing, 

recreation, firefighting, domestic use, road maintenance).

GD Water Resources - As State of Arizona water rights permits (e.g., 

water impoundments, diversions) are issued, the base level of 

instream flow should be retained by the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs.

GD Water Resources - Constraints (e.g., maximum limit to which 

water level can be drawn down or minimum distance from a connected 

river, stream, wetland, or groundwater-dependent ecosystem) should 

be established for new groundwater pumping sites permitted on NFS 

lands in order to protect the character and function of water resources.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species - Sufficient water should be left in 

streams to provide for aquatic species and riparian vegetation. 

DC Water Uses - Water developments contribute to fish, wildlife, and 

riparian habitat as well as scenic and aesthetic values.

DC Water Uses - Apache-Sitgreaves NFs water rights are secure and 

contribute to livestock, recreation, wildlife, and administrative uses.

DC Water Uses - Surface water is not diminished by groundwater 

Further direction found in 

State of Arizona State 

Revised Statutes Title 45 

Waters; FSM 2540
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1101

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

pumping.

DC Water Uses - Dams, diversions, or other water control structures 

are designed, maintained, and operated to conserve water resources.

OBJ Water Uses - Annually, prepare at least one instream flow water 

rights application until water acquisition needs are complete to sustain 

riparian areas, fish, wildlife, and water-based recreation.

ST Water Uses - Streams on NFS lands with high aquatic values and 

at risk from new water diversions shall be preserved and protected 

with instream flow water rights.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 71) Secure water rights through 

purchase for additional water sources when 

needed.

OBJ Water Uses - Annually, prepare at least one instream flow water 

rights application until water acquisition needs are complete to sustain 

riparian areas, fish, wildlife, and water-based recreation.

Further direction found in 

State of Arizona State 

Revised Statutes Title 45 

Waters; FSM 2540

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 72) Insure new special use permittees 

utilizing water from the A/S have acquired a 

right to appropriate from the State.

GD Special Uses - Water use associated with special use 

authorizations should be in accordance with Arizona State Statutes 

and should have a decreed water right or a valid claim.

Further direction found in 

State of Arizona State 

Revised Statutes Title 45 

Waters; FSM 2540

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 72) Maintain/update files for national 

water use inventory (WURR).

Management Approach Water Uses - Project level analysis (e.g., 

compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (Public 

Law 91-190)) for new water developments or reissuances includes an 

assessment of Forest Service water needs with an inventory of 

existing water rights and water uses within the sub-watershed (6th 

level HUC) of the subject water development.

Carried forward in 

management 

approaches.

Further direction found in 

FSM 2540

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 72) Recognize valid water users and 

solicit their cooperation in lake management.

Management Approach Water Uses - The forests participate in 

water rights adjudications, maintain a water rights and water uses 

database, and honor the water rights of others. Forest personnel work 

with legal water right holders to help conserve water through terms 

and conditions of permits or easements to capture and transmit water 

on or across public lands. The forests work with the State and other 

agencies to deal with groundwater issues and maintain instream flows. 

The forests work with affected members of the public to gain their 

support for instream flows.

Carried forward in 

management 

approaches;

Further direction found in 

FSM 2540
1102 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 72) Maintain water resource 

improvement projects where improvement and 

downstream values will be jeopardized if work 

is not accomplished currently."

GL Livestock Grazing - Constructed features should be maintained 

to standard or removed when no longer needed.

Carried forward in GL 

and management 

approaches..

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 72) Monitor water quality and quantity in 

compliance with P.L. 95-200, Section 208.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward because 

it duplicates law, 

regulation, or policy 

found in MOU FS R3-

ADEQ; FSM 2530; FSM 

7420

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 72) Monitor potable water systems in 

accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

DC Water Resources - Water quality meets or exceeds Arizona State 

standards or Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards 

for designated uses.

Further direction found in 

FSM 2530; FSM 7420

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 72) Conduct water quality monitoring of 

primary contact recreation sites to standards of 

FSM 2540 (sic.) and Arizona Water Quality 

Standards for full body contact waters 

(swimming and wading).

DC Water Resources - Water quality meets or exceeds Arizona State 

standards or Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards 

for designated uses.

Further direction found in 

FSM 2030; FSM 7420

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 72) Monitor specific air pollutant and 

meteorological parameters necessary for the 

determination of air quality in the Mt. Baldy 

Class 1 area. 

DC Air - Air quality related values, including high quality visual 

conditions, are maintained within the Class I airshed over Mount Baldy 

Wilderness.

DC Air - Class II airsheds meet State of Arizona air quality standards 

including those for visibility and public health.

Monitoring Plan Monitoring Question 4 - Review interagency 

monitoring of protected visual environments’ (IMPROVE) data.

Management Approach 

and Monitoring Plan 

(Draft)

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 72) Cooperate with the SCS on winter 

snow course monitoring and weather station 

activities. 

Management Approach Water Uses - Management emphasis is to 

provide adequate water supplies to support the mission of the Agency 

in addition to helping maintain continuous water supplies to 

downstream users on and off the forests including small communities 

located adjacent to the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs. 

Carried forward in 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 72) Monitor those activities that are a 

management concern or a public issue: (such 

as “Little Colorado Unique Water” or 

Monitoring Plan Monitoring Question 2 - Review a sample of soildisturbing activities for compliance with BMPs by project; allotment 

operating instruction implementation; Section 18 reviews of allotment 

Carried forward within 

monitoring plan. 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1103

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

controversial timber sales). National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); burn area emergency 

response (BAER) assessments; and Arizona Department of 

Environmental Quality water quality data.

Monitoring Plan Monitoring Question 3 - Review a sample of 

ground-disturbing activities for compliance with BMPs by project; 

allotment operating instruction implementation; prescribed fire burn 

plan implementation; proper functioning data or other approved Forest 

Service methodologies; and Section 18 reviews of allotment NEPA. 

Monitor riparian habitats for changes in ground cover, species 

composition, bank stability, and water quality.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 75) No streambed alteration or removal 

of material is allowed if it significantly effects 

on riparian dependent resources, channel 

morphology, or streambank stability.

GL Water Resources - To protect water quality and aquatic species, 

heavy equipment and vehicles driven into a water body to accomplish 

work should be completely clean of petroleum residue. Water levels 

should be below the gear boxes of the equipment in use. Lubricants 

and fuels should be sealed such that inundation by water should not 

result in leaks.

GL Minerals and Geology - Streambed and floodplain alteration or 

removal of material should not occur if it prevents attainment of 

riparian, channel morphology, or streambank desired conditions.

Carried forward through 

modified GDs and 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 77) Comply with State and Federal air 

quality standards. (See FSM 2120).

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. Now FSM 2580

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 105) Restrict regeneration cuts to areas 

where soils have reforestation potential of lowmoderate or higher.

ST All Forested PNVTs - On lands suitable for timber production, 

timber harvest activities shall only be used when there is reasonable 

assurance of restocking within 5 years after final regeneration harvest. 

This also applies where wildland fire is used to create openings for 

tree regeneration purposes on suitable timber lands. Restocking level 

is prescribed in a site specific silvicultural prescription for a project 

treatment unit and is determined to be adequate depending on the 

objectives and desired conditions for the plan area. In some instances, 

such as when lands are harvested or prescribed burned to create 

openings for firebreaks and vistas or to prevent encroaching trees, it is 

appropriate not to restock.

Carried forward through 

modified ST and 

management 

approaches.
1104 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 111) Restrict logging to areas where soil 

movement is expected to return to tolerance 

levels within 2 years.

DC Soils - Ecological and hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil 

compaction.

DC Soils - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soils - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3]

.

DC Soils - Vegetation and litter is sufficient to maintain and improve 

water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soils - Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with native 

plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is predicted. 

Carried forward through 

modified DC, GDs and 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 111) Drain and seed all roads, landings, 

and skid trails that are no longer needed for 

immediate use.

DC Soils - Ecological and hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil 

compaction.

DC Soils - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soils - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3]

.

DC Soils - Vegetation and litter is sufficient to maintain and improve 

water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soils - Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with native 

plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is predicted. 

Carried forward through 

modified DC, GDs and 

management 

approaches.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1105

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 113) Log landings should be the 

smallest size and fewest numbers necessary 

to facilitate the safe loading of logs (to 

minimize compaction/loss of soil productivity).

DC Soils - Ecological and hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil 

compaction.

DC Soils - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soils - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3]

.

DC Soils - Vegetation and litter is sufficient to maintain and improve 

water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soils - Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with native 

plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is predicted. 

Carried forward through 

modified DC, GDs and 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 114) Locate/Design landings on slopes 

less than 15% (5-10% preferred, ensure 

proper drainage on all landings).

DC Soils - Ecological and hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil 

compaction.

DC Soils - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soils - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3]

.

DC Soils - Vegetation and litter is sufficient to maintain and improve 

water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soils - Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with native 

plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is predicted. 

Carried forward through 

modified DC, GDs and 

management 

approaches.
1106 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 118) Small site conversions to a lower 

successional state occur only where the rating 

of soil potential for revegetation and the 

erosion potential (TESH, January 7, 1985) are 

determined to be suitable and where the 

forage production rating is moderate or high.

DC All PNVTs - Diverse vegetation structure, species composition, 

densities, and seral states provide quality habitat for native and 

desirable nonnative plant and animal species throughout their life 

cycle and at multiple spatial scales. Landscapes provide for the full 

range of ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, including habitats for 

those species associated with late seral states and old growth forests.

ST All PNVTs - Within each PNVT, vegetation management activities 

shall be designed to maintain or move plant composition towards a 

moderate to high plant community similarity as compared to site 

potential.

Identification of grassland 

PNVTs eliminated need 

for this guidance. Now 

these kinds of projects 

fall within scope of 

desired conditions. 

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 122) Forage utilization standards for 

riparian areas will be determined for each 

allotment at levels permitting timely 

achievement of fisheries and T&E objectives. 

The following general utilization guidelines will 

guide revisions for allotment management 

plans. Areas in unsatisfactory riparian 

condition 0 – 45% Areas in satisfactory 

riparian condition 0 – 55% 

The above utilization guidelines are a starting 

point for development of allotment 

management strategies. Variations in soil 

productivity, species composition, and 

sophistication of management will be 

considered when actual utilization standards 

are set for each individual allotment during the 

allotment management plan revision process.

DC All PNVTs - Herbivory is in balance with available forage (i.e., 

grazing and browsing by authorized livestock, wild horses, and wildlife 

do not exceed available forage production within established use 

levels).

DC All PNVTs - Stand densities and species compositions are such 

that vegetation conditions are resilient under a variety of potential 

future climates. 

DC All PNVTs - Vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation and 

litter cover) is optimized [5] to protect and enrich soils and promote 

water infiltration. There is a diverse mix of cool and warm season 

grasses and desirable forbs species.

ST All PNVTs - Within each PNVT, vegetation management activities 

shall be designed to maintain or move plant composition towards a

moderate to high plant community similarity as compared to site 

potential.

DC Riparian Areas - The ecological function of riparian areas is 

resilient to animal and human use.

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian obligate species within wet meadows, 

around springs and seeps, along streambanks, and active floodplains 

provide sufficient [5] vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation, 

litter, and woody riparian species) to protect and enrich soils, trap 

sediment, mitigate flood energy, stabilize streambanks, and provide for 

wildlife and plant needs.

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian soil productivity is optimized as 

described by the specific TES map unit[5] as indicated by the vigor of 

the herbaceous vegetation community. Based on species composition, 

Carried forward through 

modified DC, ST, GDs 

and management 

approaches.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1107

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

ungrazed plant heights [7]range from 10 inches to 36 inches.

GD Riparian Areas - Wet meadows, springs, seeps and cienegas 

should not be used for concentrated activities (e.g., equipment 

storage, forest product or mineral stockpiling, livestock handling 

facilities, special uses) that cause damage to soil and vegetation.

GD Riparian Areas - Active grazing allotments should be managed to 

maintain or improve to desired riparian conditions.

DC Livestock Grazing - Livestock grazing and associated activities 

contribute to healthy, diverse plant communities, satisfactory condition 

soils, and wildlife habitat.

DC Livestock Grazing - Livestock grazing is in balance with available 

forage (i.e., grazing and browsing by authorized livestock, wild horses, 

and wildlife do not exceed available forage production within 

established use levels).

GD Livestock Grazing - Critical areas should be managed to address 

the inherent or unique site factors, conditions, values, or potential 

conflicts associated with them.

GD Livestock Grazing - Grazing use on seasonal allotments should 

be timed to the appropriate plant growth stage and soil moisture.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 123) Acquire riparian areas when 

funding becomes available or through 

exchange authorities.

GD Lands - Land acquisitions and exchanges should evaluate, and 

possibly include, associated beneficial encumbrances (e.g., water 

rights, mineral rights, easements, instream flow).

Management Approach Lands - Lands desirable for acquisition 

generally meet one or more of the following criteria: (1) lands that 

contain vital species habitat or vital wildlife habitat (e.g., calving areas, 

critical winter range); (2) lands needed for developed or dispersed 

recreation; (3) wetlands, riparian areas, and other water oriented 

lands; (4) lands that contain unique natural or cultural values; (5) lands 

that improve public land management, meet specified administrative 

needs, or benefit other NFS programs; (6) lands that provide needed 

access, protect public lands from fire or trespass, or prevent damage 

to public land resources; (7) lands that are needed to consolidate 

public landownership or meet research needs; (8) lands that are 

needed to meet programs prescribed or endorsed by acts or reports of 

Congress or the Department of Agriculture; (9) inholdings that contain 

needed access; or (10) undeveloped inholdings.

Carried forward through 

modified DC, ST, GDs 

and management 

approaches. Also found 

in FSM 2540
1108 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 124) Recreation use, including off-road 

vehicle use, will be prohibited or restricted and 

sites rehabilitated in areas in unsatisfactory 

condition, when recreation was a significant 

causative factor affecting condition.

DC Soils - Ecological and hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil 

compaction.

DC Soils - Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils - Soils are stable within their natural capability. Vegetation 

and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, 

topsoil loss) and contribute to soil deposition and development.

DC Soils - Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss rates [3]

.

DC Soils - Vegetation and litter is sufficient to maintain and improve 

water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils - Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices should be developed.

GD Soils - Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with native 

plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is predicted. 

Carried forward through 

modified DC, ST, GDs 

and management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 125) Maintain riparian and meadow 

communities by providing waters for wildlife 

and livestock away from sensitive riparian 

areas.

GD Riparian Areas - Wet meadows, springs, seeps and cienegas 

should not be used for concentrated activities (e.g., equipment 

storage, forest product or mineral stockpiling, livestock handling 

facilities, special uses) that cause damage to soil and vegetation.

Carried forward through 

modified GDs and 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 125) Establish exclosures to determine 

riparian vegetation potential on representative 

streams. 

Monitoring Plan Monitoring Question 8 - Conduct aspen/riparian 

monitoring in accordance with species’ specific protocols in both 

treated and untreated areas and in burned (within large wildfire burns) 

and unburned areas. Interdisciplinary team reviews the annual 

aspen/riparian ecological indicator species monitoring reports to 

determine trend.

Dropped exclosure 

establishment and 

maintenance. 

Establishing new riparian 

veg monitoring protocol.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 126) Limit moving of livestock from 

pasture to pasture or between allotments 

along the length of riparian areas except on 

approved routes as specified in annual 

permittee instructions. Approval will be granted 

only where it is determined that there is no 

alternative route and that riparian areas will not 

be damaged.

GL Livestock Grazing - To prevent resource damage (e.g., 

streambanks) and disturbance to federally listed and sensitive wildlife 

species, trailing of livestock should not occur along riparian areas. 

Where no alternative route is available, approval may be granted 

where effective mitigation measures are implemented (e.g., timing of 

trailing, number of livestock trailed at one time).

Carried forward through 

modified GDs and 

management 

approaches.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1109

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 137) Conduct water quality monitoring 

of primary contact recreation sites to standards 

of FSM 2540 and Arizona Water Quality 

Standards for full body contact waters 

(swimming and wading). (developed rec sites)

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward because 

it duplicates law, 

regulation, or policy 

found in FSM 2530 and 

7420

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 161) Coordinate with other resource 

functions to pursue instream flow rights to 

protect aquatic ecosystems, fish, and wildlife. 

MA 11.

SG (p 161) Review existing and potential 

water impoundments and water impoundment 

sites, and obtain water rights for developing 

and maintaining fishing and/or wetland 

conditions in lakes and streams. MA 11.

SG (p 161) Improvements such as wildlife 

spring developments, fish barriers, erosion 

control structures, trails, etc., can be 

authorized as long as they do not conflict with 

the management emphasis. MA 14. 

DC Water Resources – Instream flows provide for channel and 

floodplain maintenance, recharge of riparian aquifers, water quality, 

and minimal temperature fluctuations.

DC Water Resources – Streamflows provide connectivity among fish 

populations and provide unobstructed routes critical for fulfilling needs 

of aquatic, riparian dependent, and many upland species of plants and 

animals.

DC Water Resources – Water quantity meets the needs for forest 

administration and authorized activities (e.g., livestock grazing, 

recreation, firefighting, domestic use, road maintenance).

GD Water Resources – As State of Arizona water rights permits (e.g., 

water impoundments, diversions) are issued, the base level of 

instream flow should be retained by the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs.

GD Water Resources – Constraints (e.g., maximum limit to which 

water level can be drawn down or minimum distance from a connected 

river, stream, wetland, or groundwater-dependent ecosystem) should 

be established for new groundwater pumping sites permitted on NFS 

lands in order to protect the character and function of water resources.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species - Sufficient water should be left in 

streams to provide for aquatic species and riparian vegetation. 

DC Water Uses - Water developments contribute to fish, wildlife, and 

riparian habitat as well as scenic and aesthetic values.

DC Water Uses - Apache-Sitgreaves NFs water rights are secure and 

contribute to livestock, recreation, wildlife, and administrative uses.

DC Water Uses - Surface water is not diminished by groundwater 

pumping.

DC Water Uses - Dams, diversions, or other water control structures 

are designed, maintained, and operated to conserve water resources.

OBJ Water Uses - Annually, prepare at least one instream flow water 

Carried forward through 

modified OBJ, DC, ST, 

GDs and management 

approaches.
1110 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

rights application until water acquisition needs are complete to sustain 

riparian areas, fish, wildlife, and water-based recreation.

ST Water Uses - Streams on NFS lands with high aquatic values and 

at risk from new water diversions shall be preserved and protected 

with instream flow water rights.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 173) Except where permitted by 

outstanding rights; dams, diversions, or other 

water resource developments are prohibited.

Gauging stations will be allowed if a suitable 

location does not exist elsewhere on the river 

and if there is not significant adverse effect on 

the natural character of the area. MA 15

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers - Eligible and 

suitable wild river segments display unaltered landscapes where 

generally only ecological changes occur (very high scenic integrity) 

and provide primitive and/or semi-primitive nonmotorized recreation 

opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers - Eligible and 

suitable scenic river segments display landscapes which vary from 

slightly altered where human activities may be seen but do not attract 

attention (moderate scenic integrity) to natural appearing where 

human activities do not stand out (high scenic integrity) and provide 

semi-primitive nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded 

natural recreation opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers - Eligible and 

suitable recreational river segments display landscapes which vary 

from moderately altered where human activities are evident (low 

scenic integrity) to slightly altered where human activities may be seen 

but do not attract attention (moderate scenic integrity) and provide 

primitive, semi-primitive nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, 

and/or roaded natural recreation opportunities.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers - Each eligible 

river’s free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable values, and 

classification shall be sustained until further study is conducted.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers - Each suitable 

river’s free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable values, and 

classification shall be maintained until congressional action is 

completed.

Carried forward through 

modified DC, ST and 

management 

approaches.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 175 and 178) Improvements such as 

wildlife spring developments, fish barriers, 

erosion control structures, trails, etc., can be 

authorized as long as they do not conflict with 

the management emphasis.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers - Eligible and 

suitable wild river segments display unaltered landscapes where 

generally only ecological changes occur (very high scenic integrity) 

and provide primitive and/or semi-primitive nonmotorized recreation 

opportunities.

Carried forward through 

modified DC, ST and 

management 

approaches.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1111

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended) Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting 

or Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Gauging stations will be allowed if a suitable 

location does not exist elsewhere on the river 

and if there is no significant adverse effect on 

the natural character of the area. MA 16, 17

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers - Eligible and 

suitable scenic river segments display landscapes which vary from 

slightly altered where human activities may be seen but do not attract 

attention (moderate scenic integrity) to natural appearing where 

human activities do not stand out (high scenic integrity) and provide 

semi-primitive nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded 

natural recreation opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers - Eligible and 

suitable recreational river segments display landscapes which vary 

from moderately altered where human activities are evident (low 

scenic integrity) to slightly altered where human activities may be seen 

but do not attract attention (moderate scenic integrity) and provide 

primitive, semi-primitive nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, 

and/or roaded natural recreation opportunities.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers - Each eligible 

river’s free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable values, and 

classification shall be sustained until further study is conducted.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers - Each suitable 

river’s free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable values, and 

classification shall be maintained until congressional action is 

completed.

Air, Soil, 

Water, & 

Riparian

SG (p 181) Defer from grazing until critical 

watershed and riparian areas are satisfactorily 

restored. (Sandrock)

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. Not carried forward 

however established 

proposed RNA within 

allotment to potentially 

monitor semi-desert 

grassland ecosystem 

recovery. 
1112 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Aquatics and Fish

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Aquatics/Fish Goals (p 14): By the end of Decade 5, the 

Forest is attempting to achieve a 

management situation that can respond to 

local and national demands for wood 

products, livestock production, water yield, 

and a wide mix of recreation opportunities, 

including hunting and fishing, that range 

from the primitive to the urban. The goal is 

to produce these outputs and opportunities 

on a sustained basis while maintaining air, 

soil, and water resources at or above 

minimum applicable standards. Levels of 

outputs and uses are adjusted to be within 

long-term supply potentials, and to ensure 

the harmonious and coordinated 

management of all resources, each with 

the other, without impairing the productivity 

of the land. Non-renewable resources are 

adequately protected to ensure their future 

availability.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the 

life history, distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Healthy ecosystems provide a wide 

range of ecosystem services. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streams and aquatic habitats support 

native fish and/or other aquatic species providing the quantity and quality 

of aquatic habitat within reference conditions. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological conditions are 

capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, riparian 

dependent plant and animal species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Desirable nonnative fish species 

provide recreational fishing in waters where those opportunities are not in 

conflict with the recovery of native species.

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation activities occur within 

the ability of the land to support them and with minimal user conflicts. 

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation enhances the quality 

of life for local residents (e.g., social interaction, physical activity, 

connection with nature), provides tourist destinations, and contributes 

monetarily to local economies. 

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation use does not 

negatively affect wildlife habitat and populations. Negative interactions 

between people and wildlife are minimized.

DC Dispersed Recreation Water-based settings are available and the 

associated recreation opportunities (e.g., canoeing, fishing, waterfowl 

hunting) do not degrade aquatic resources. Developed recreation sites 

provide opportunities for people to camp, obtain information, and 

participate in day-use activities (e.g., picnic areas, fishing piers, scenic 

overlooks, wildlife viewing sites).

Retained as DCs in 

Overall Ecosystem 

Health, Aquatic 

Habitat and Species, 

Overall Recreation 

Opportunities, and 

Dispersed Recreation 

sections of the 

revised plan. 

Language specific to 

aquatics/fish 

opportunities and 

sustainability carried 

forward in 9 DCs. 

Also covered by 

Directives (FSM 2603, 

2620.2, 2630.3, 2634, 

2634.2, and 2640.3)
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1113

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Aquatics/Fish Goal (p 15): Maintain habitat to maintain 

viable populations of wildlife and fish 

species and improve habitat for selected 

species. This is accomplished “directly” 

through habitat management and 

“indirectly” through coordination of habitat 

management in conjunction with other 

resource activities. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the 

life history, distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed species and 

the continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative species. DC 

Water Resources Water quality meets the needs of aquatic species such 

as the California floater, northern and Chiricahua leopard frog, and 

invertebrates that support fish populations. 

GD Water Resources Streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes, 

wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should be protected 

from detrimental changes in water temperature and sediment to protect 

aquatic species and riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources Aquatic management zones should be in place 

between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to maintain 

water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streams and aquatic habitats support 

native fish and/or other aquatic species providing the quantity and quality 

of aquatic habitat within reference conditions.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streamflows, habitat, and water quality 

support native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and habitat. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological conditions are 

capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, riparian 

dependent plant and animal species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Aquatic species habitat conditions 

provide the resiliency and redundancy necessary to maintain species 

diversity and metapopulations.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species Annually, enhance or restore 5 to 15 

miles of stream and riparian habitat to restore structure, composition, and 

function of physical habitat for native fisheries and riparian-dependent 

species.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species During the planning period, complete 

Retained and 

modified as OBJs, 

DCs, STs, and GDs in 

the Overall 

Ecosystem Health, 

Water Resources, 

Aquatic Habitat and 

Species, Dispersed 

Recreation, Motorized 

Opportunities, 

Nonmotorized 

Opportunities, 

Livestock Grazing, 

and Minerals and 

Geology sections of 

the revised plan. 

Language specific to 

viability and habitat 

management for 

aquatics/fish was 

brought forward in 2 

OBJs, 8 DCs, 1 ST, 

and 11 GDs. Also 

covered by Directives 

(FSM 2601.2, 2602, 

2604.11, 2620.1, 

2622.01, 2670.12, 

2672.1, and 2672.32)
1114 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

at least five projects (e.g., remove barriers, restore dewatered stream 

segments, or connect fragmented habitat) to provide for aquatic and 

riparian associated species and migratory species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Management and activities should not 

contribute to a trend toward the Federal listing of a species. 

DC Dispersed Recreation Water-based settings are available, and the 

associated recreation opportunities (e.g., canoeing, fishing, waterfowl 

hunting) do not degrade aquatic resources.

ST Water Uses Special uses for water diversions shall maintain fish, 

wildlife, and aesthetic values and otherwise protect the environment.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads, motorized trails, or designated 

motorized areas should be located to avoid meadows, wetlands, seeps, 

springs, riparian areas, stream bottoms, sacred sites, and areas with high 

concentrations of significant archaeological sites. The number of stream 

crossings should be minimized or mitigated to reduce impacts to aquatic 

species. 

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails removed from 

the transportation network should be treated in order to avoid future risk 

to hydrologic function and aquatic habitat. 

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails should be 

designed and located so as to not impede terrestrial and aquatic species 

movement and connectivity. 

GD Nonmotorized Opportunities New nonmotorized routes should 

avoid meadows, wetlands, seeps, springs, riparian areas, stream 

bottoms, sacred sites, and areas with high concentrations of significant 

archaeological sites. The number of stream crossings should be 

minimized or mitigated to reduce impacts to aquatic habitat.

GD Nonmotorized Opportunities New trails and trail relocations should 

be designed and located so as to not impede terrestrial and aquatic 

species movement and connectivity. 

GD Livestock Grazing New livestock troughs, tanks, and holding 

facilities should be located out of riparian areas to reduce concentration 

of livestock in these areas. Existing facilities in riparian areas should be 

modified, relocated, or removed where their presence is determined to 

inhibit movement toward desired riparian or aquatic conditions. 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1115

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

GD Livestock Grazing To prevent resource damage (e.g., streambanks) 

and disturbance to federally listed and sensitive wildlife species, trailing of 

livestock should not occur along riparian areas. Where no alternative 

route is available, approval may be granted where effective mitigation 

measures are implemented (e.g., timing of trailing, number of livestock 

trailed at one time).

GD Minerals and Geology Streambed and floodplain alteration or 

removal of material should not occur if it prevents attainment of riparian, 

channel morphology, or streambank desired conditions. 

Aquatics/Fish Goal (p 15): Cooperate with the Arizona 

Game and Fish Department to achieve 

management goals and objectives 

specified in the Arizona Wildlife and 

Fisheries Comprehensive Plan, and on 

proposals for reintroduction of extirpated 

species into suitable habitat. Support the 

Arizona Game and Fish Department in 

meeting its objectives for the State. No 

unapproved species are introduced.

Management Approaches for Aquatic Habitat and Species The 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs assists Arizona Game and Fish Department 

(AZGFD) with efforts to protect and reintroduce native aquatic species 

where appropriate and control or eradicate nonnative species.

Document is outdated 

and language is 

covered in Directives 

(FSM 2603, 2610.2, 

2610.3, 2611, 2620.2, 

2630.3, 2640.42, 

2670.45, 2671.1, 

2672.24b). Retained 

as Management 

Approach for Aquatic 

Habitat and Species.

Aquatics/Fish Goal (p 15): Cooperate with the Arizona 

Game & Fish Department to achieve 

management goals and objectives in the 

Arizona Cold Water Fisheries Strategic 

Plan. 

Management Approaches for Aquatic Habitat and Species - The 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs assists Arizona Game and Fish Department 

(AZGFD) with efforts to protect and reintroduce native aquatic species 

where appropriate and control or eradicate nonnative species.

Document is outdated 

and language is 

covered in Directives 

(FSM 2603, 2610.2, 

2610.3, 2611, 2620.2, 

2630.3, 2640.42, 

2670.45, 2671.1, 

2672.24b). Retained 

as Management 

Approach for Aquatic 

Habitat and Species.

Aquatics/Fish Goal (p 15): Improve habitat for listed 

threatened, endangered, or sensitive 

species of plants and animals and other 

species as they become threatened or 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the 

Retained and 

modified as OBJs, 

DCs, and GDs within 

the Overall 
1116 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

endangered. Work toward recovery and 

declassification species.

life history, distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed species and 

the continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streams and aquatic habitats support 

native fish and/or other aquatic species providing the quantity and quality 

of aquatic habitat within reference conditions. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streamflows, habitat, and water quality 

support native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and habitat. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological conditions are 

capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, riparian 

dependent plant and animal species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Aquatic species habitat conditions 

provide the resiliency and redundancy necessary to maintain species 

diversity and metapopulations. 

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species Annually, enhance or restore 5 to 15 

miles of stream and riparian habitat to restore structure, composition, and 

function of physical habitat for native fisheries and riparian-dependent 

species. 

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species During the planning period, complete 

at least five projects (e.g., remove barriers, restore dewatered stream 

segments, or connect fragmented habitat) to provide for aquatic and 

riparian associated species and migratory species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Management and activities should not 

contribute to a trend toward the Federal listing of a species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management direction and 

species protection measures from recovery plans.

Ecosystem Health 

and Aquatic Habitat 

and Species sections 

of the revised plan. 

Also covered by 

Directives (FSM 

2601.2, 2602, 2604.2, 

2620.3, 2622.01, 

2670.11, 2670.12, 

2670.21, 2670.22, 

2670.31, 2670.32, 

2670.45, 2670.46, 

2672.1, and 2672.21) 

and ESA. Language 

updated in revised 

plan with 2 OBJs, 7 

DCs, and 2 GDs.

Aquatics/Fish Goal (p 15): Identify and protect areas that 

contain threatened, endangered, and 

sensitive species of plants and animals. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

Retained and 

modified as OBJs, 

DCs, and GDs within 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1117

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the 

life history, distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed species and 

the continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streams and aquatic habitats support 

native fish and/or other aquatic species providing the quantity and quality 

of aquatic habitat within reference conditions. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species. Streamflows, habitat, and water 

quality support native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and 

habitat. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological conditions are 

capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, riparian 

dependent plant and animal species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Aquatic species habitat conditions 

provide the resiliency and redundancy necessary to maintain species 

diversity and metapopulations. 

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species Annually, enhance or restore 5 to 15 

miles of stream and riparian habitat to restore structure, composition, and 

function of physical habitat for native fisheries and riparian-dependent 

species. 

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species During the planning period, complete 

at least five projects (e.g., remove barriers, restore dewatered stream 

segments, or connect fragmented habitat) to provide for aquatic and 

riparian associated species and migratory species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Management and activities should not 

contribute to a trend toward the Federal listing of a species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management direction and 

species protection measures from recovery plans.

the Overall 

Ecosystem Health 

and Aquatic Habitat 

and Species sections 

of the revised plan. 

Also covered by 

Directives (FSM 

2601.2, 2604.21, 

2622.01, 2670.11, 

2670.12, 2670.21, 

2670.22, 2670.31, 

2670.32, 2670.44, 

2670.45, 2670.46, 

2672.1, 2672.11, and 

2672.23) and ESA. 

Language updated in 

revised plan with 2 

OBJs, 6 DCs, and 2 

GDs.
1118 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Aquatics/Fish Goal (p 15): Increase opportunities for 

wildlife and fish oriented recreation 

opportunities. 

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation enhances the quality 

of life for local residents (e.g., social interaction, physical activity, 

connection with nature), provides tourist destinations, and contributes 

monetarily to local economies. 

DC Dispersed Recreation Dispersed recreation opportunities (e.g., 

hunting, fishing, hiking, camping) are available and dispersed recreation 

sites (e.g., campsites, trailheads, vistas, parking areas) occur in a variety 

of ROS classes throughout the forests.

DC Developed Recreation Developed recreation sites provide 

opportunities for people to camp, obtain information, and participate in 

day-use activities (e.g., picnic areas, fishing piers, scenic overlooks, 

wildlife viewing sites).

Language retained 

and modified as three 

DCs in the revised 

plan within the Overall 

Recreation 

Opportunities, 

Dispersed Recreation 

and Developed 

Recreation sections.

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Recreation Management, p 30): All 

plans must be consistent with Arizona 

Game and Fish Department’s Cold Water 

Strategic Plan (1995-1990) and the 

Arizona Trout Recovery Plan, and 

coordinated with the Arizona Game and 

Fish Department. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management direction and 

species protection measures from recovery plans.

Management Approaches for Aquatic Habitat and Species The 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs assists Arizona Game and Fish Department 

(AZGFD) with efforts to protect and reintroduce native aquatic species 

where appropriate and control or eradicate nonnative species.

DC Dispersed Recreation Water-based settings are available, and the 

associated recreation opportunities (e.g., canoeing, fishing, waterfowl 

hunting) do not degrade aquatic resources. 

Language retained 

and modified as two 

DCs, one GD, and a 

Management 

Approach in the 

revised plan within the 

Aquatic Habitat and 

Species and 

Dispersed Recreation 

sections. Also 

covered by Directive 

(FSM 2611) and ESA.

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Off-Road Vehicle Management, p 34 

and 35): Existing, as well as additional 

ORV closures are implemented when one 

or more of the following situations or areas 

exist, and ORV use is likely to occur that 

would result in significant adverse effects: 

All critical areas as defined in Section 2(b) 

of the Rare and Endangered Species Act 

of 1973. 

ST Motorized Opportunities Motorized vehicle travel shall be managed 

to occur only on the designated system of NFS roads and motorized trails

and designated motorized areas. 

ST Motorized Opportunities Unless specifically authorized, motorized 

cross-country travel shall be managed to occur only in designated 

motorized areas.

Language retained 

and modified as two 

STs in the revised 

plan within the 

Motorized 

Opportunities section. 

Also covered by 

Directive (FSM 

2670.44) and ESA.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1119

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Off-Road Vehicle Management, p 34 

and 35): Existing, as well as additional 

ORV closures are implemented when one 

or more of the following situations or areas 

exist, and ORV use is likely to occur that 

would result in significant adverse effects: 

Areas where there is agreement with the 

Arizona Game & Fish Department to 

maintain a quality hunting and fishing 

experience. 

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation activities occur within 

the ability of the land to support them and with minimal user conflicts.

ST Motorized Opportunities Motorized vehicle travel shall be managed 

to occur only on the designated system of NFS roads and motorized trails

and designated motorized areas. 

ST Motorized Opportunities Unless specifically authorized, motorized 

cross-country travel shall be managed to occur only in designated 

motorized areas.

Language retained 

and modified as one 

DC and two STs in 

the revised plan within 

the Overall 

Recreation 

Opportunities and 

Motorized 

Opportunities

sections.

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Wildlife Management, p 46): Manage 

threatened and endangered animal, fish, 

and plant habitat to achieve declassifying 

in a manner consistent with the goals 

established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service and the Arizona Game and Fish 

Department. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed species and 

the continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management direction and 

species protection measures from recovery plans.

Language retained 

and modified as two 

DCs and one GD in 

the revised plan within 

the Overall 

Ecosystem Health 

and Aquatic Habitat 

and Species sections. 

Also covered by 

Directives (FSM 

2670.21, 2672.21, 

and 2672.31) and 

ESA.

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Wildlife Management, p 46): Habitat 

management for Federally listed species 

will take precedence over unlisted species. 

Habitat management for endangered 

species will take precedence over 

threatened species. Habitat management 

for sensitive species will take precedence 

over non-sensitive species. 

Direction not carried forward into the revised plan. Directive (FSM 

2670.31) places top 

priority only on 

endangered, 

threatened, and 

proposed species. 

Also covered by ESA.
1120 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Wildlife Management, p 46): Implement 

threatened and endangered species

recovery plans. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed species and 

the continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management direction and 

species protection measures from recovery plans.

Language retained 

and modified as two 

DCs and one GD in 

the revised plan within 

the Overall 

Ecosystem Health 

and Aquatic Habitat 

and Species sections. 

Also covered by ESA.

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Wildlife Management, p 46): Carry out 

the appropriate management activities 

outlined in the Rocky Mountain Southwest 

Peregrine Falcon and Apache Trout 

Recovery Plans. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management direction and 

species protection measures from recovery plans.

Language retained 

and modified as one 

GD in the revised plan 

within the Aquatic 

Habitat and Species 

section. Also covered 

by Directives (FSM 

2670.12 and 2670.21) 

and ESA.

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 47): Continue to 

identify existing and potential habitat for 

peregrine falcons and Apache Trout as 

outlined in the Species Recovery Plans. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species.

GD Aquatic habitat and Species Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management direction and 

species protection measures from recovery plans.

Language retained 

and modified as one 

DC and one GD in the 

revised plan within the 

Aquatic Habitat and 

Species section. Also 

covered by ESA.

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 47): Monitor 

management practices within occupied 

and potential peregrine falcon, Apache 

Trout, bald eagle, loach minnow, and Little 

Colorado River spinedace habitat, and 

evaluate impacts. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management direction and 

species protection measures from recovery plans.

Language retained 

and modified as one 

GD in the revised plan 

within the Aquatic 

Habitat and Species 

section. Also covered 

by Directives (FSM 

2670.12 and 2670.21) 

and ESA.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1121

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 47): Monitor 

management practices within occupied 

and potential habitat of plants listed as 

threatened, endangered, state sensitive 

animals, or on the Regional Forester’s 

Sensitive Plant List. Manage sensitive 

species to sustain viability and prevent the 

need for listing as threatened or 

endangered. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the 

life history, distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed species and 

the continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological conditions are 

capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, riparian 

dependent plant and animal species. Aquatic species habitat conditions 

provide the resiliency and redundancy necessary to maintain species 

diversity and metapopulations.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Management and activities should not 

contribute to a trend toward the Federal listing of a species. 

Language retained 

and modified as 4 

DCs and one GD in 

the revised plan within 

the Overall 

Ecosystem Health 

and Aquatic Habitat

and Species sections. 

Also covered by 

Directives (FSM 

2670.12, 2670.22, 

and 2670.32).

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 59): Recovery 

activities will be pursued where pertinent.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed species and 

the continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative species. DC 

Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management direction and 

species protection measures from recovery plans.

Language retained 

and modified as 2 

DCs and one GD in 

the revised plan within 

the Overall 

Ecosystem Health 

and Aquatic Habitat 

and Species sections. 

Also covered by 

Directive (FSM 

2670.11) and ESA.

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 59): Monitor actions 

to determine effect of management 

practices on T&E species habitat and the 

need for a consultation with the U.S. Fish 

Monitoring Question Are habitats for threatened, endangered, sensitive, 

and other species for the forests being maintained or enhanced; meeting 

recovery objectives; moving toward desired conditions; and contributing 

to species viability? 

This direction was not 

carried forward 

because it duplicates 

law, regulation, or 

policy found in 

Directives (FSM 2634, 
1122 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

and Wildlife Service. 2671.45, and 2672.4) 

and ESA. Also 

brought forward in the 

revised plan in the 

Monitoring Strategy.

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 59): Monitor status 

of federal listings. If elevated to threatened 

or endangered status. Consult with U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service as needed.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward 

because it duplicates 

law, regulation, or 

policy found in the 

ESA and covered in 

Directives (FSM 

2601.2, 2670.11, 

2670.31, and 

2671.45).

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 59): All vegetation 

manipulations will be coordinated with 

threatened and endangered species 

requirements.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward 

because it duplicates 

law, regulation, or 

policy found in the 

ESA and covered in 

Directive (FSM 2634).

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 59): Studies by 

appropriate, qualified personnel will be 

conducted to ascertain suitability of 

reintroduction of endangered, threatened, 

proposed, and State listed native species 

to suitable habitat where not presently 

occupied.

Management Approaches for Aquatic Habitat and Species The 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs assists Arizona Game and Fish Department 

(AZGFD) with efforts to protect and reintroduce native aquatic species 

where appropriate and control or eradicate nonnative species.

Modified and included 

in the revised plan as 

a Management 

Approach.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1123

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 60): The Forest 

Wildlife Biologist will be consulted on all 

proposed activities, modifications, and 

other commitments of lands within known 

habitats of peregrine falcon, bald eagle, 

spotted owl, loach minnow, Little Colorado 

spinedace, and Apache Trout, threatened, 

endangered or sensitive plants. 

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward 

because it duplicates 

law, regulation, or 

policy found in 

Directives (FSM 

2670.45 and 

2670.46). 

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 60): When 

management practices are proposed in 

listed or proposed species habitats, the 

Forest Wildlife Biologist will evaluate the 

need for consultation of conference with 

the Fish and Wildlife Service and Arizona 

Game and Fish Department.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward 

because it duplicates 

law, regulation, or 

policy found in the 

ESA and covered in 

Directives (FSM 

2670.45 and 

2670.46).

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Threatened, Endangered, and 

Sensitive Species, p 60): Allow area 

closures to protect habitat of listed, 

sensitive, or proposed T&E species.

Management Approaches for Wildlife and Rare plants Where the 

need is demonstrated, seasonal road restrictions and area closures may 

be used to provide refuge in small and large blocks of land for a wide 

range of species.

Modified in the 

revised plan as a 

Management 

Approach. Also 

covered by FSM 

2670.44.

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Wildlife Management, p 60): Consult 

and cooperate with Arizona Game and 

Fish Department to achieve management 

goals and objectives specified in the 

Arizona Wildlife and Fisheries 

Comprehensive Plan and State-wide 

Strategic Plans. Cooperate with the Fish 

and Wildlife Service and other agencies 

and organizations as the need arises.

Management Approaches for Aquatic Habitat and Species The 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs assists Arizona Game and Fish Department 

(AZGFD) with efforts to protect and reintroduce native aquatic species 

where appropriate and control or eradicate nonnative species. 

Modified in the 

revised plan as a 

Management 

Approach. Also 

required by the ESA 

and covered in 

Directives (FSM 2603, 

2604.2, 2604.21, 

2610.1, 2610.2, 

2610.3, 2610.42, 
1124 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

2610.43, 2610.44, 

2611.1, 2612, 2613, 

2641, 2670.31, 

2671.1, 2671.4, 

2672.24b, and 2611).

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Wildlife Management, p 60): Cooperate 

with Arizona Game and Fish Department 

in evaluating proposals for reintroducing 

extirpated species into suitable habitat and 

on fish stocking and public access for 

fishing. 

Management Approaches for Aquatic Habitat and Species The 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs assists Arizona Game and Fish Department 

(AZGFD) with efforts to protect and reintroduce native aquatic species 

where appropriate and control or eradicate nonnative species. 

Modified in the 

revised plan as a 

Management 

Approach. Also 

covered in Directives 

(FSM 2601.2, 2603, 

2604.21, 2610.1, 

2610.2, 2610.3, 

2610.42, 2620.2, 

2620.43, 2620.44, 

2624.01, 2630.3, 

2635.01, 2640.2, 

2640.3, 2640.41, 

2640.42, 2641, 

2671.1, 2672.24b, 

and 2611).

Aquatics/Fish Forest-Wide Standards And Guidelines 

(Wildlife Management, p 62): Maintain 

habitat for viable populations of all existing 

vertebrate wildlife species.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the 

life history, distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed species and 

the continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streams and aquatic habitats support 

native fish and/or other aquatic species providing the quantity and quality 

of aquatic habitat within reference conditions.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streamflows, habitat, and water quality 

support native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and habitat. 

Retained and 

modified as OBJs, 

DCs, and GDs within 

the Overall 

Ecosystem Health 

and Aquatic Habitat 

and Species sections 

of the revised plan. 

Also covered by 

Directives (FSM 

2601.2, 2602, 

2604.11, 2620.1, 

2622.01, 2670.12, 

2672.1, and 2672.32) 

and ESA. Language 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1125

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological conditions are 

capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, riparian 

dependent plant and animal species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Aquatic species habitat conditions 

provide the resiliency and redundancy necessary to maintain species 

diversity and metapopulations. 

OBJ Aquatic habitat and Species Annually, enhance or restore 5 to 15 

miles of stream and riparian habitat to restore structure, composition, and 

function of physical habitat for native fisheries and riparian-dependent 

species. 

OBJ Aquatic habitat and Species During the planning period, complete 

at least five projects (e.g., remove barriers, restore dewatered stream 

segments, or connect fragmented habitat) to provide for aquatic and 

riparian associated species and migratory species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Management and activities should not 

contribute to a trend toward the Federal listing of a species. 

updated in revised 

plan with 2 OBJs, 6 

DCs, and 1 GD.

Aquatics/Fish MANAGEMENT AREA 3, Recreation 

(Standards and Guidelines, p 124): 

Prepare implementation plans for 

dispersed recreation use areas in those 

riparian areas associated with a viable 

fishery.

DC Dispersed Recreation Water-based settings are available, and the 

associated recreation opportunities (e.g., canoeing, fishing, waterfowl 

hunting) do not degrade aquatic resources. 

Modified language 

and changed to a DC 

in the Dispersed 

Recreation section of 

the revised plan. 

Aquatic/Fish MANAGEMENT AREA 3, Wildlife 

Management (Standards and 

Guidelines, p 125): Cooperate with 

Arizona Game and Fish Department to: 1. 

develop implementation plans for Arizona 

Cold Water Fisheries Strategic Plan; 2. 

plan lake and stream habitat improvement 

projects; 3. maintain a current fish habitat 

inventory; and 4. control fish populations, 

aquatic plants, and fish stocking to meet 

state fisheries management goals.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species Annually, enhance or restore 5 to 15 

miles of stream and riparian habitat to restore structure, composition, and 

function of physical habitat for native fisheries and riparian-dependent 

species. 

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species During the planning period, complete 

at least five projects (e.g., remove barriers, restore dewatered stream 

segments, or connect fragmented habitat) to provide for aquatic and 

riparian associated species and migratory species. 

Management Approaches for Aquatic Habitat and Species The 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs assists Arizona Game and Fish Department 

(AZGFD) with efforts to protect and reintroduce native aquatic species 

where appropriate and control or eradicate nonnative species. 

Reworded as 2 OBJs 

and a Management 

Approach in the 

Aquatic Habitat and 

Species section of the 

revised plan.

Also covered by 

Directives (FSM 

2601.2, 2603, 

2604.21, 2610.1, 

2610.2, 2610.3, 

2610.42, 2620.2, 

2620.43, 2620.44, 
1126 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

2624.01, 2630.3, 

2635.01, 2640.2, 

2640.3, 2640.41, 

2640.42, 2641, 

2671.1, 2672.24b, 

and 2611). 

Aquatics/Fish MANAGEMENT AREA 3, Wildlife 

Management (Standards and 

Guidelines, p 125): Manage for or 

maintain a least 60% of potential habitat 

capability for Apache Trout, Rainbow 

Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Loach 

Minnow, and Little Colorado Spinedace.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health - Ecological conditions for habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the 

life history, distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed species and 

the continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streams and aquatic habitats support 

native fish and/or other aquatic species providing the quantity and quality 

of aquatic habitat within reference conditions. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streamflows, habitat, and water quality 

support native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and habitat. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological conditions are 

capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, riparian 

dependent plant and animal species.

DC Aquatic habitat and Species Aquatic species habitat conditions 

provide the resiliency and redundancy necessary to maintain species 

diversity and metapopulations. 

Reworded as 6 DCs 

within the Overall 

Ecosystem Health 

and Aquatic Habitat 

and Species section 

of the revised plan.

Aquatics/Fish MANAGEMENT AREA 3, Wildlife 

Management (Standards and 

Guidelines, p 125 and 126): 

For Priority 1 and 2 Riparian Areas:

a) Aquatic resources:

(1) Manage for and maintain at least 80 

percent of near natural shade over water 

surfaces.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the 

life history, distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed species and 

the continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative species. 

Reworded as 6 DCs 

within the Overall 

Ecosystem Health 

and Aquatic Habitat 

and Species section 

of the revised plan. 

Also covered by FSM 

2636.4. 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1127

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

(2) Manage for and maintain at least 80 

percent of streambank total linear distance 

in stable condition.

(3) Prevent siltation not to exceed 20 

percent fines (<855mm) in riffle areas.

(4) Maintain 80 percent of the spawning 

gravel surface free of inorganic sediment.

(5) Manage for stream temperatures not to 

exceed 68 degrees F, unless not 

technically feasible.

(6) Manage for and maintain at least a 80 

Biotic Condition Index on all perennial 

streams.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streams and aquatic habitats support 

native fish and/or other aquatic species providing the quantity and quality 

of aquatic habitat within reference conditions.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streamflows, habitat, and water quality 

support native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and habitat. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological conditions are 

capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, riparian 

dependent plant and animal species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Aquatic species habitat conditions 

provide the resiliency and redundancy necessary to maintain species 

diversity and metapopulations. 

Aquatics/Fish MANAGEMENT AREA 11, Wildlife and 

Fish (Standards and Guidelines, p 161): 

Manage waters capable of supporting fish 

to maintain a fishery.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streams and aquatic habitats support 

native fish and/or other aquatic species providing the quantity and quality 

of aquatic habitat within reference conditions. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streamflows, habitat, and water quality 

support native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and habitat. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological conditions are 

capable of providing for self-sustaining populations of native, riparian 

dependent plant and animal species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Aquatic species habitat conditions 

provide the resiliency and redundancy necessary to maintain species 

diversity and metapopulations.

GD Water Resources Streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes, 

wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should be protected 

from detrimental changes in water temperature and sediment to protect 

aquatic species and riparian habitat.

Reworded as 4 DCs 

within the Aquatic 

Habitat and Species 

section of the revised 

plan, and one 

guideline within the 

Water Resources 

section of the plan.

Aquatics/Fish MANAGEMENT AREA 11, Wildlife and 

Fish (Standards and Guidelines, p 161): 

Manage lakes to improve fisheries habitat 

through construction of structures as 

selected based on analysis and 

professional judgment of the responsible 

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species During the planning period, complete 

at least five projects (e.g., remove barriers, restore dewatered stream 

segments, or connect fragmented habitat) to provide for aquatic and 

riparian associated species and migratory species. 

Rewritten as an OBJ 

in the Aquatic Habitat

and Species section 

of the revised plan. 
1128 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

official and resource specialist:

Aquatics/Fish MANAGEMENT AREA 11, Wildlife and 

Fish (Standards and Guidelines, p 161): 

Manage waters to perpetuate Apache 

Trout in order that this species can be 

delisted from the endangered category.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Management and activities should not 

contribute to a trend toward the Federal listing of a species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management direction and 

species protection measures from recovery plans. 

Modified as 1 DC and 

2 GDs in the Aquatic 

Habitat and Species 

section of the revised 

plan, as lentic 

systems are not part 

of recovery for this 

species. Also covered 

by ESA.

Aquatics/Fish MANAGEMENT AREA 12, Bear Wallow 

Wilderness Area (Standards and 

Guidelines, p 164): Cooperate with the 

Arizona Game and Fish Department in the 

management of the Threatened Apache 

Trout.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward 

because it duplicates 

law, regulation, or 

policy found in 

Directives (FSM 

2601.2, 2603, 2610.2, 

2671.1, and 

2672.24b) and ESA.

Aquatics/Fish MANAGEMENT AREA 17, East and 

West Forks Little Colorado River 

(Standards and Guidelines, p 179): 

Improve habitat capability for fish, and 

maintain stream channel stability. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the 

life history, distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape. 

DC Water Resources Water quality, stream channel stability, and 

aquatic habitats retain their inherent resilience to natural and other 

disturbances. 

DC Water Resources Stream channels and floodplains are dynamic and 

resilient to disturbances. The water and sediment balance between 

streams and their watersheds allow a natural frequency of low and high 

flows.

DC Water Resources Stream condition is sufficient to withstand floods 

without disrupting normal stream characteristics (e.g., water transport, 

Language now 

captured in 4 DCs 

from the Overall 

Ecosystem Health 

and Water Resources 

sections of the 

revised plan.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1129

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for 

Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

sediment, woody material) or altering stream dimensions (e.g., bankfull 

width, depth, slope, sinuosity).

Aquatics/Fish MANAGEMENT AREA 18, Sandrock 

(Standards and Guidelines, p 182): 

Cooperate with the Arizona Game & Fish 

Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service in the management of the Loach 

Minnow.

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This direction was not 

carried forward 

because it duplicates 

law, regulation, or 

policy found in the 

ESA and covered in 

Directives (FSM 2603, 

2604.2, 2604.21, 

2610.1, 2610.2, 

2610.3, 2610.42, 

2610.43, 2610.44, 

2611.1, 2612, 2613, 

2641, 2670.31, 

2671.1, 2671.4, 

2672.24b, and 2611).

Aquatics/Fish MONITORING PLAN: AQUATIC 

MACROINVERTEBRATES, 

LOACH MINNOW, LITTLE COLORADO 

SPINEDACE, APACHE TROUT, 

SPIKEDACE, RAZORBACK SUCKER, 

ROUNDTAIL CHUB, GILA CHUB (p 190-

192): 

Maintain and/or improve aquatic habitat 

effectiveness. Sustain viable habitats.

Meet recovery plans where completed.

Manage at appropriate levels to prevent 

listings as threatened or endangered. 

Monitoring Strategy -

Monitoring Question:

Are habitats for threatened, endangered, sensitive, and other species for 

the forests being maintained or enhanced; meeting recovery objectives; 

moving toward desired conditions; and contributing to species viability?

Monitoring Method:

Review implementation of biological opinion terms and conditions and 

aquatic habitat and population surveys using current approved 

methodologies. Review implementation and evaluate effectiveness of 

project mitigation measures affecting habitat. 

Modified monitoring 

strategy and 

methodologies to 

address outdated 

protocols and reduce 

costs.
1130 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Engineering 

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as amended). 

Page numbers refer to electronic 

version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Engineering Goal (P 17):

Provide and manage a serviceable 

road transportation system that meets 

needs for public access, land 

management, resource protection, and 

user safety. Provisions are made for 

construction/reconstruction, 

maintenance, seasonal and special 

closures, and obliterating unnecessary 

roads.

DC Motorized Opportunities A maintained road and motorized trail 

system is in place and provides for safety and access for the use 

(e.g. recreation, minerals, vegetation treatment, fire protection) of 

the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs

DC Motorized Opportunities Users have opportunities for 

motorized access and travel on a system of designated NFS roads, 

motorized trails, and motorized areas.

DC Motorized Opportunities The transportation system provides a 

variety of recreation opportunities including varying degrees of 

difficulty, from OHV trails to paved scenic byways, while limiting 

resource and/or user conflicts.

OBJ Motorized Opportunities Annually maintain at least 20 

percent of the passenger vehicle and 10 percent of the highclearance vehicle NFS roads.

OBJ Motorized Opportunities Annually maintain at least 20 

percent of NFS motorized trails.

ST Motorized Opportunities Motorized vehicle travel shall be 

managed to occur only on the designated system of NFS roads and 

motorized trails and designated motorized areas.

ST Motorized Opportunities Unless specifically authorized, 

motorized cross-country travel shall be managed to occur only in 

designated motorized areas.

Retained through detailed 

objectives, desired conditions, 

and standards throughout the 

new plan and Forest Service 

Manual 7700 – Chapter 7730

Engineering Standard and Guideline ( P 87):

Seasonally or permanently close 

existing roads prohibit off-road vehicle 

use or manage use when conflicts 

occur with wildlife and soil resource 

objectives. Generally limit closures to 

local roads in erosive soil areas, 

riparian areas, or wildlife areas that 

require specific management practices

DC Riparian Areas Soil compaction from forest activities (e.g., 

vehicle use, recreation, livestock grazing) does not negatively 

impact riparian areas.

DC Motorized Opportunities The location and design of roads and 

trails does not impede wildlife and fish movement.

DC Wildlife Quiet Areas WQAs lack disturbance from motorized 

vehicles, resulting in less stress to wildlife.

DC Research natural Area Recreation opportunities, although not 

encouraged, are semi-primitive nonmotorized.

ST Motorized Opportunities Motorized vehicle travel shall be 

Retained through detailed 

objectives, desired conditions, 

standards and guidelines 

throughout the new plan.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1131

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as amended). 

Page numbers refer to electronic 

version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

managed to occur only on the designated system of NFS roads and 

motorized trails and designated motorized areas.

ST Motorized Opportunities Unless specifically authorized, 

motorized cross-country travel shall be managed to occur only in 

designated motorized areas.

ST Motorized Opportunities Road maintenance and construction 

activities shall be designed to reduce sediment (e.g., water bars, 

sediment traps, grade dips) while first providing for user safety. 

ST Research Natural Area The Phelps Cabin RNA will be 

managed for nonmotorized access within the area; exceptions may 

be made for permitted research use.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized trails should 

be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl protected activity centers, 

northern goshawk post-fledging family areas, and other wildlife 

areas as identified; seasonal restrictions may be an option.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads, motorized trails, or 

designated motorized areas should be located to avoid meadows, 

wetlands, riparian areas, stream bottoms, sacred sites, and areas 

with high concentrations of significant archaeological sites. The 

number of stream crossings should be minimized or mitigated to 

reduce impacts to aquatic species.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur in riparian or wet 

meadow areas, unneeded roads or motorized trails should be 

closed or relocated, drainage restored, and native vegetation 

reestablished to move these areas toward their desired condition.

GD Motorized Opportunities As project occur, roads or motorized 

trails that contribute to negative impacts on cultural resources 

should be closed or relocated.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, redundant roads 

or motorized trails should be removed to reduce degradation of 

natural resources.

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails removed 

from the transportation network should be treated in order to avoid 

future risk to hydrologic function and aquatic habitat.

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails should be 

designed and located so as to not impede terrestrial and aquatic 
1132 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as amended). 

Page numbers refer to electronic 

version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

species movement and connectivity.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, existing meadow 

crossings should be relocated or redesigned, as needed, to 

maintain or restore hydrologic function using appropriate tools such 

as French drains, and elevated culverts.

GD Wildlife Quiet Area Hiding cover and travelways should be 

maintained to provide for security and connectivity of habitat. 

GD Recommended Research Natural Area Recommended RNA’s 

should be managed for nonmotorized access within the area to 

minimize ground disturbances and protect the resources which 

make these areas unique. 

GD Recommended Wilderness Only nonmotorized travel may 

occur in recommended wilderness. However, motorized use 

associated with grazing allotments may occur and should be limited 

to that needed to carry out required management practices and 

comply with the terms and conditions of term grazing permits. 

Engineering Standard and Guideline ( P 87):

Roads not needed for industry, public, 

and/or administrative use which are 

uneconomical to maintain or which are 

causing significant resource conflicts 

will be obliterated. Obliteration of 

unneeded roads and trails is a means 

of implementing Resource 

Access/Travel Management (RATM) 

decisions. Obliteration will be 

accomplished by mechanically 

destroying the facility or by 

implementing management strategies 

to discourage, eliminate, or prohibit 

traffic to allow natural vegetation to 

return to the site. The road or trail shall 

be removed from the inventory when 

obliteration is complete.

OBJ Overall Ecosystem Health During the planning period, 

improve the condition class on at least 10 priority 6th level HUC 

watersheds by removing or mitigating degrading factors. Footnote: 

Degrading factors include, but are not limited to, actions that cause 

or maintain high departure from historic vegetation conditions, 

unsatisfactory or impaired soil condition, nonfunctioning riparian 

areas, impaired species habitat, occurrence of invasive species, and 

unstable road and trail conditions.

OBJ Riparian Areas Within the planning period, relocate, repair, 

improve, or decommission a minimum of 4 miles of National Forest 

System roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage 

riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or 

compact floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas Annually, remove an average of 2 miles of 

unauthorized roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage 

riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or 

compact floodplain soils. 

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur in riparian or wet 

meadow areas, unneeded roads or motorized trails should be 

closed or relocated, drainage restored and native vegetation 

Retained through detailed 

objectives, desired conditions, 

and standards throughout the 

new plan, Forest Service Manual 

7700 – Chapter 7730 and 36 

CFR 212 Travel Management.

The term obliteration is now 

referred to as Road 

decommissioning – Activities that 

result in the stabilization and 

restoration of unneeded roads to 

a more natural state (36CFR 

212.1). It includes a range of 

activities from ripping and 

seeding to full reclamation by 

restoring the original topography. 

Road decommissioning results in 

the removal of a National Forest 

System road. 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1133

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as amended). 

Page numbers refer to electronic 

version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

reestablished to move these areas toward their desired condition. 

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, redundant roads 

or motorized trails should be removed to reduce degradation of 

natural resources.

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails removed 

from the transportation network should be treated in order to avoid 

future risk to hydrologic function and aquatic habitat. 

Engineering Standard and Guideline 

Management Area 1 (P 115):

Construct/reconstruct access roads 

minimal standard, and minimal density 

necessary for removing green 

firewood and in a manner to minimize 

resource impacts and ground 

disturbance and provide for user 

safety. Use collections from firewood 

permit surcharge to fund road work 

activities.

DC Motorized Opportunities A maintained road and motorized trail 

system is in place and provides for safety and access for the use 

(e.g. recreation, minerals, vegetation treatment, fire protection) of 

the Apache-Sitgreaves N.F.

DC Motorized Opportunities The location and design of roads and 

trails does not impede wildlife and fish movement.

ST Motorized Opportunities Temporary road construction shall 

minimize the impacts to resource values and facilitate road 

rehabilitation. Temporary roads shall be rehabilitated following 

completion of the activities for which they were constructed. 

ST Motorized Opportunities Road maintenance and construction 

activities shall be designed to reduce sediment (e.g., water bars, 

sediment traps, grade dips) while first providing for user safety.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, roads or motorized 

trails that contribute to negative impacts on cultural resources 

should be closed or relocated.

Retained through detailed 

objectives, desired conditions, 

and standards throughout the 

new plan, Forest Service Manual 

7700 – Chapter 7730 and 36 

CFR 212 Travel Management.

Funding mechanisms are a 

function of appropriation law, and 

WO, RO and Forest Budget 

direction/ advice, not plan 

direction.
1134 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Fire and Fuels

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as amended). 

Page numbers refer to electronic 

version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Fire/Fuels Fire and Fuels Management Fire 

is used as a resource management 

tool where it can effectively 

accomplish resource management 

objectives. (p. 17)

DC Wildland Fire Management •Human life, property, and natural and 

cultural resource are protected within and adjacent to NFS lands. 

•Wildland fires burn within the range of frequency and intensity of natural 

fire regimes. Uncharacteristic high severity fires rarely occur and do not 

burn at the landscape scale. •Wildland fire maintains and enhances 

resources and functions in its natural ecological role. •For all PNVTs, the 

composition, cover, structure, and mosaic of vegetative conditions 

reduce uncharacteristic wildfire hazard to local communities and forest 

ecosystems.

GD Wildland Fire Management •Wildland fire may be used to meet 

PNVT desired conditions and enable natural fire regimes. •Humaninduced impacts (e.g., smoke production, suppression actions) to natural 

processes, resources, or infrastructure attributable to wildland fire 

activities should be managed towards achieving objectives as identified 

in the applicable decision document.

Plan Direction carried forward 

with updates to comply with 

Federal Wildland Fire 

Management Policy (Forest 

Service and DOI, 2009). 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1135

Appendix I

Goshawk

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Goshawk Establish a minimum of three nest areas 

and three replacement nest areas per 

Post-fledgling family area. The nest areas 

and replacement nest areas should be 

approximately 30 acres in size. A 

minimum total of 180 acres of nest areas 

should be identified within each PFA.

Post-fledgling family areas (PFA) will be 

approximately 600 acres in size. Postfledgling family areas will include the nest 

sites and consist of the habitat most likely 

to be used by the fledglings during their 

early development. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants A minimum of six nest areas 

(known and replacement) should be located per northern 

goshawk territory. Northern goshawk nest and replacement 

nest areas should be located around active nests, in 

drainages, at the base of slopes, and on northerly (northwest 

to northeast) aspects. Nest areas should be 25 to 30 acres 

each in size.

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Northern goshawk postfledging family areas (PFAs) of approximately 420 acres in 

size should be designated around the nest sites.

The requirements in the new plan 

are the same as the old plan. The 

new plan nest areas plus PFAs add 

up to 600 acres (6x30=180 acres 

plus 420 acres), same as in the 

previous direction.

Goshawk Within PFAs General: Provide for healthy 

sustainable forest environment for the 

post-fledgling family needs of goshawks. 

The principle difference between within 

the post-fledgling family area and outside 

the post-fledgling family area is the higher 

canopy cover within the post-fledgling 

family area and smaller opening size 

within the post-fledgling family area. 

Vegetative Structural Stage distribution 

and structural conditions are the same 

within and outside the post-fledgling family 

area. 

DC Ponderosa Pine Northern goshawk post-fledging family 

areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area 

in mid-aged to old tree groups than northern goshawk 

foraging areas and the surrounding forest. 

DC Ponderosa Pine Northern goshawk nest areas have 

forest conditions that are multi-aged and dominated by large 

trees with relatively denser canopies than the surrounding 

forest.

DC Dry Mixed Conifer Northern goshawk post-fledging 

family areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 percent higher 

basal area in mid-aged to old tree groups than northern 

goshawk foraging areas and the surrounding forest. 

DC Dry Mixed Conifer Northern goshawk nest areas have 

forest conditions that are multi-aged but are dominated by 

large trees with relatively denser canopies than the 

surrounding forest

DC Wet Mixed Conifer Northern goshawk post-fledging 

family areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 percent higher 

basal area in mid-aged to old tree groups than northern 

goshawk foraging areas and the surrounding forest. 

The new plan direction, along with 

other Desired Conditions for 

forested types, provides the same 

direction as the previous plan. The 

previous direction specified higher 

canopy cover and smaller openings 

in PFAs; the increased basal area 

will provide both, as well as the 

requirement for nesting areas 

(which are within PFAs) to have 

denser canopies than surrounding 

stands.
1136 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

DC Wet Mixed Conifer Northern goshawk nest areas have 

forest conditions that are multi-aged but are dominated by 

large trees with relatively denser canopies than the 

surrounding forest

DC Spruce-fir Northern goshawk post-fledging family areas 

(PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area in 

mid-aged to old tree groups than northern goshawk foraging 

areas and the surrounding forest. 

DC Spruce-fir Northern goshawk nest areas have forest 

conditions that are multi-aged but are dominated by large 

trees with relatively denser canopies than the surrounding 

forest.

Goshawk Within nesting areas: The structure of 

the vegetation within nest areas is 

associated with the forest type, and tree 

age, size, and density, and the 

developmental history of the stand. Table 

5 of RM-217 presents attributes required 

for goshawks on locations with "low" and 

"high" site productivity. 

See above, also:

DC Ponderosa Pine Ponderosa pine forest is characterized 

by variation in the size and number of tree groups depending 

on elevation, soil type, aspect, and site productivity. The 

more biologically productive sites contain more trees per 

group and more groups per area, resulting in less space 

between groups. Openings typically range from 10 percent in 

more biologically productive sites to 70 percent in the less 

productive sites. Tree density within forested areas ranges 

from 20 to 80 square feet basal area per acre.

DC Dry Mixed Conifer The dry mixed conifer forest is 

characterized by a variety of size and number of tree groups 

depending on elevation, soil type, aspect, and site 

productivity. The more biologically productive sites contain 

more trees per group and more groups per area, resulting in 

less space between groups. Openings typically range from 10 

percent in more biologically productive sites to 50 percent in 

less productive sites. Tree density within forested areas 

ranges from 30 to 100 square feet basal area per acre. 

DC Wet Mixed Conifer The size and number of groups and 

patches vary depending on disturbance, elevation, soil type, 

aspect, and site productivity. Patch sizes vary but are 

frequently hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of acres. 

Groups of tens of acres or less are relatively common. There 

The new direction captures the 

degree of site variation within each 

vegetation type within the desired 

conditions themselves. The degree 

of site variation exhibited is based 

on more recent work than RM-217. 

See Desired Conditions for Use in 

Forest Planning in the 

Southwestern Region: Development 

and Science Basis (USDA, 2013) 

and also see Reynolds et al., 2013.

Site productivity (site index) and site 

capability to provide the RM-217 

Table 5 criteria are determined by 

specialists using site (stand) level 

data collected for project activity 

analysis and implementation.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1137

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

is a mosaic of primarily even-aged groups and patches, 

which vary in size, species composition, and age. Grass, 

forb, and shrub openings created by disturbances may 

comprise 10 to 100 percent of the area depending on the 

type of disturbance.

DC Spruce-fir The size and number of groups and patches 

vary depending on disturbance, elevation, soil type, aspect, 

and site productivity. Patch sizes vary but are mostly 

hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of acres. There may 

be frequent small disturbances resulting in groups of tens of 

acres or less. A mosaic of primarily even-aged groups and 

patches, which vary in size, species composition, and age, is 

present. Grass, forb, and shrub openings created by 

disturbances may comprise 10 to 100 percent of the area 

depending on time since disturbances. Aspen is occasionally 

present in large patches.

Goshawk Human disturbance. Limit human 

disturbance in or near nest sites and 

PFAs during the breeding season so that 

goshawk reproductive success is not 

affected by human activities. The breeding 

season extends from March 1 through 

September 30. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants

Active raptor nests should be protected from treatments and 

disturbance during the nesting season to provide for 

successful reproduction. Specifically for northern goshawk 

nest areas, human presence should be minimized during 

nesting season of March 1 through September 30.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized trails 

should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl protected 

activity centers, northern goshawk post-fledging family areas, 

and other wildlife areas as identified; seasonal restrictions 

may be an option.

The new plan has different wording, 

but the guidance remains the same.

Goshawk Applicability: The northern goshawk 

standards and guidelines apply to the 

forest and woodland communities 

described below that are outside of 

Mexican spotted owl protected and 

restricted areas. Within Mexican spotted 

owl protected and restricted areas, the 

Mexican spotted owl standards and 

guidelines take precedence over the 

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. This precedence statement is no 

longer necessary and is not 

included in the new plan. The new 

plan sets direction for forested 

PNVTs that is designed to restore 

these systems to a level of 

ecological function similar to 

historical reference conditions. 

Protection of and requirements for 
1138 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

northern goshawk standards and 

guidelines. One or the other set of 

standards and guidelines apply to all 

forest and woodland communities but the 

Mexican spotted owl standards always 

take precedence in areas of overlap.

listed species, such as the Mexican 

spotted owl, already exist in law, 

regulation, and policy and are not 

duplicated in the plan. In addition, 

the statutory requirement to 

conserve listed species is met in the 

plan by guidance emphasizing 

actions that provide for listed 

species recovery.

Goshawk Establish, and delineate on a map, a postfledgling family area that includes six 

nesting areas per pair of nesting 

goshawks for known nest sites, old nest 

sites, areas where historical data indicates 

goshawks have nested there in the past, 

and where goshawks have been 

repeatedly sighted over a two year or 

greater time period but no nest sites have 

been located.

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants A minimum of six nest areas 

(known and replacement) should be located per northern 

goshawk territory. Northern goshawk nest and replacement 

nest areas should be located around active nests, in 

drainages, at the base of slopes, and on northerly (northwest 

to northeast) aspects. Nest areas should be 25 to 30 acres 

each in size.

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Northern goshawk postfledging family areas (PFAs) of approximately 420 acres in 

size should be designated around the nest sites.

The new plan guidance meets the 

same intent as prior plan guidance.

Goshawk Forest wide ST under Management for 

goshawk habitat. Survey the 

management analysis area prior to habitat 

modifying activities including a 1/2 mile 

beyond the boundary.

Forest wide GDs for goshawk 

inventories. For areas where complete 

inventories cannot be done, use aerial 

photographs to locate vegetative 

structural stages (VSS) 4-6 within the 

project area and inventory just those sites 

for goshawk nest areas using R3 

inventory protocol. All un-inventoried 

areas (VSS 1-3) will be managed to postfledgling family area (PFA) specifications 

while in that stage. If, while using this 

inventory option, evidence suggests 

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. Inventories for goshawks, while not 

specifically required, will need to be 

conducted in order to fulfill 

provisions of the new plan for 

disturbance, establishment of nest 

sites and PFAs, and other 

provisions in the new plan.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1139

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

goshawks are present (such as finding 

plucking perches or molted goshawk 

feathers) conduct a complete inventory as 

outlined above. 

Forest wide GDs for goshawk 

inventories. If forests have goshawks 

commonly nesting in stands classified as 

VSS 1-3, use the complete inventory 

methods for those areas. There may be 

situations where an area is classified as a 

VSS 3, based on the predominant VSS 

class, but in actuality a combination of 

VSS 4 & 5 predominate the area. For 

those situations, use the complete 

inventory methods. 

Goshawk Forest wide ST for goshawk habitats.

Limit human activity in nesting areas 

during the breeding season. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Active raptor nests should be 

protected from treatments and disturbance during the nesting 

season to provide for successful reproduction. Specifically for 

northern goshawk nest areas, human presence should be 

minimized during nesting season of March 1 through 

September 30.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized trails 

should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl protected 

activity centers, northern goshawk post-fledging family areas, 

and other wildlife areas as identified; seasonal restrictions 

may be an option.

The new plan guidance meets the 

intent of the previous guidance.

Goshawk Forest wide GD for goshawk habitats. 

Refer to USDA Forest Service General 

Technical Report RM-217 entitled 

"Management Recommendations for the 

Northern Goshawk in the Southwestern 

United States" for scientific information on 

goshawk ecology and management which 

provide the basis for the management 

guidelines. Supplemental information on 

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. The science in RM-217, as well as 

more recent work, has been 

incorporated into the plan 

components for all forested PNVTs, 

including those PNVTs (Ponderosa 

pine, Dry and Wet Mixed Conifer, 

and Spruce-fir) that are goshawk 

habitat. Survey protocols have 

changed since the 1996 ROD 
1140 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

goshawk ecology and management may 

be found in "The Northern Goshawk: 

Ecology and Management" published by 

the Cooper Ornithological Society as 

Studies in Avian Biology No. 16. In 

woodland forest cover types, use 

empirical data to determine desired 

habitat conditions. 

Forestwide GD for goshawk habitats. 

Use the R3 survey protocol to get 

complete coverage of the management 

analysis area (Kennedy and Stahlecker 

1993, as modified by Joy, Reynolds, and 

Leslie 1994.) Management analysis areas 

should be entire ecosystem management 

areas if possible. Complete at least one 

year of survey, but two years of survey 

should be done to verify questionable 

sightings, unconfirmed nest sites, etc. If 

nesting goshawks are found during the 

first year of inventory, a second year of 

inventory is not needed in that territory.

amended the forest plan; the 

current survey protocol is from 

2006, and may change in future. 

The new plan does not specify the 

monitoring protocol to be used 

because this may change.

Goshawk Forest wide GDs for goshawk home 

range. Manage for nest replacement sites 

to attain sufficient quality and size to 

replace the three suitable nest sites. 

Forest wide GDs for goshawk home 

range. Nest site selection will be based 

first on using active nest sites followed by 

the most recently used historical nest 

areas. When possible, all historical nest 

areas should be maintained. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants A minimum of six nest areas 

(known and replacement) should be located per northern 

goshawk territory. Northern goshawk nest and replacement 

nest areas should be located around active nests, in 

drainages, at the base of slopes, and on northerly (northwest 

to northeast) aspects. Nest areas should be 25 to 30 acres 

each in size.

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants A minimum of six nest areas 

(known and replacement) should be located per northern 

goshawk territory. Northern goshawk nest and replacement 

nest areas should be located around active nests, in 

drainages, at the base of slopes, and on northerly (northwest 

to northeast) aspects. Nest areas should be 25 to 30 acres 

each in size.

The new plan direction meets the 

intent of the previous direction.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1141

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Goshawk Forest wide GDs outside PFAs. The 

distribution of VSS, tree density, and tree 

age are a product of site quality in the 

ecosystem management area. Use site 

quality to guide in the distribution of VSS, 

tree density and tree ages. Use site 

quality to identify and manage dispersal 

PFA and nest habitat at 2 - 2.5 mile 

spacing across the landscape. 

DC Ponderosa Pine Ponderosa pine forest is characterized 

by variation in the size and number of tree groups depending 

on elevation, soil type, aspect, and site productivity. The 

more biologically productive sites contain more trees per 

group and more groups per area, resulting in less space 

between groups. Openings typically range from 10 percent in 

more biologically productive sites to 70 percent in the less 

productive sites. Tree density within forested areas ranges 

from 20 to 80 square feet basal area per acre.

DC Dry Mixed Conifer The dry mixed conifer forest is 

characterized by a variety of size and number of tree groups 

depending on elevation, soil type, aspect, and site 

productivity. The more biologically productive sites contain 

more trees per group and more groups per area, resulting in 

less space between groups. Openings typically range from 10 

percent in more biologically productive sites to 50 percent in 

less productive sites. Tree density within forested areas 

ranges from 30 to 100 square feet basal area per acre. 

DC Wet Mixed Conifer The size and number of groups and 

patches vary depending on disturbance, elevation, soil type, 

aspect, and site productivity. Patch sizes vary but are 

frequently hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of acres. 

Groups of tens of acres or less are relatively common. There 

is a mosaic of primarily even-aged groups and patches, 

which vary in size, species composition, and age. Grass, 

forb, and shrub openings created by disturbances may 

comprise 10 to 100 percent of the area depending on the 

type of disturbance.

DC Spruce-fir The size and number of groups and patches 

vary depending on disturbance, elevation, soil type, aspect, 

and site productivity. Patch sizes vary but are mostly 

hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of acres. There may 

be frequent small disturbances resulting in groups of tens of 

acres or less. A mosaic of primarily even-aged groups and 

patches, which vary in size, species composition, and age, is 

present. Grass, forb, and shrub openings created by 

disturbances may comprise 10 to 100 percent of the area 

The new plan direction, while it 

does not mention VSS, specifies 

that the variation in forested 

systems is a product of local site 

conditions and management must 

account for this and incorporate this 

variation into the variation in the 

vegetation type. This fully meets the 

intent of the old guidance.
1142 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

depending on time since disturbances. Aspen is occasionally 

present in large patches.

Goshawk Forest wide GDs within nesting areas. 

Limit dozer use for piling or scattering of 

logging debris so that the forest floor and 

herbaceous layer is not displaced or 

destroyed. 

DC Soil Soils are stable within their natural capability. 

Vegetation and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, 

gullies, root exposure, topsoil loss) and contribute to soil 

deposition and development.

DC Soil Soils provide for diverse native plant species [9]

. 

Vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation and litter) is 

distributed evenly across the soil surface to promote nutrient 

cycling, water infiltration, and to maintain natural fire regimes.

GD Soil Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil 

resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project 

specific soil and water conservation practices should be 

developed.

The new plan direction meets the 

intent of the previous direction.

Goshawk Forest wide GDs for human 

disturbance. Limit human activities in or 

near nest sites and post-fledgling family 

areas during the breeding season so that 

goshawk reproductive success is not 

affected by human activities. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Active raptor nests should be 

protected from treatments and disturbance during the nesting 

season to provide for successful reproduction. Specifically for 

northern goshawk nest areas, human presence should be 

minimized during nesting season of March 1 through 

September 30.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized trails 

should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl protected 

activity centers, northern goshawk post-fledging family areas, 

and other wildlife areas as identified; seasonal restrictions 

may be an option.

The new plan direction meets the 

intent of the previous direction.

Goshawk Forest wide ST for goshawk. When 

activities conducted in conformance with 

these standards and guidelines may 

adversely affect other threatened, 

endangered, or sensitive species or may 

conflict with other established recovery 

plans or conservation agreements; consult 

with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to 

resolve the conflict. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat 

management objectives and species protection measures 

from recovery plans.

This precedence statement is no 

longer necessary and is not 

included in the new plan. Protection 

of and requirements for listed 

species, such as the Mexican 

spotted owl, already exist in law, 

regulation, and policy and are not 

duplicated in the plan. In addition, 

the statutory requirement to 

conserve listed species is met in the 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1143

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

plan by guidance emphasizing 

actions that provide for listed 

species recovery.

Goshawk Forest wide ST for goshawk. Within the 

ranges of the Kaibab pincushion cactus, 

Pediocactus paradinei, and the Arizona 

leatherflower, Clematis hirsutissima 

arizonica, management activities needed 

for the conservation of these two species 

that may conflict with northern goshawk 

standards and guidelines will be exempt 

from the conflicting northern goshawk 

standards and guidelines until 

conservation strategies or recovery plans 

(if listed) are developed for the two 

species. 

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. These species do not occur on the 

forests. 

Goshawk Forest wide ST for NOGO Habitat:

Manage for uneven-age stand conditions 

for live trees and retain live reserve trees, 

snags, downed logs, and woody debris 

levels throughout woodland, ponderosa 

pine, mixed conifer and spruce-fir forest 

cover types. Manage for old age trees 

such that as much old forest structure as 

possible is sustained over time across the 

landscape. Sustain a mosaic of vegetation 

densities (overstory and understory), age 

classes and species composition across 

the landscape. Provide foods and cover 

for goshawk prey. 

Forest wide GDs outside PFAs. 

Woodland: Manage for uneven age 

conditions to sustain a mosaic of 

vegetation densities (overstory and 

understory), age classes, and species 

Concept retained, but specific text deleted. Replaced 

with: multiple DCs and GDs for forest and woodland 

densities, structure, arrangement, and function at the 

landscape, mid-scale and fine scale for All PNVTs and for 

each PNVT in the revised plan. As written, most revised plan 

DCs describe uneven-aged (multiple-aged) conditions that 

would make habitats more sustainable, providing both vertical 

and horizontal diversity, as well as tree age and species 

diversity. See new plan direction already presented in this 

crosswalk’s Vegetation section for addressing the existing 

plan’s “old growth” STs & GDs, wildlife “vertical and 

horizontal diversity” STs & GDs, deer/elk “hiding and thermal 

cover” STs & GDs, and “uneven-aged” management STs & 

GDs, as well as those presented in this crosswalk for MSO 

habitat. Those DCs and GDs are further supplemented in the 

revised plan with the following applicable for NOGO:

DC for Overall Ecosystem Health Large blocks of habitat 

are interconnected, allowing for behavioral and predator-prey 

interactions, and the persistence of metapopulations and 

Redundant with revised plan’s 

PNVT DCs and GDs. The revised 

plan presents a more holistic 

approach to providing wildlife 

habitat needs, including NOGO and 

its prey base. New plan direction is 

consistent with GTR RM-217 

(MRNG). Also see Desired 

Conditions for Use in Forest 

Planning in the Southwestern 

Region: Development and Science 

Basis (USDA, 2013).

Management Approach for All 

Forested PNVTs - Mexican spotted 

owl and northern goshawk are 

management indicator species 

(MIS) of forest density and 

structure. The treatment objective 

listed (Annually treat 5,000 to 
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composition well distributed across the 

landscape. Provide for reserve trees, 

snags, and down woody debris.

highly interactive wildlife species across the landscape. 

Ecological connectivity extends through all plant 

communities.

DCs for All PNVTs Herbaceous vegetation amount and 

structure (e.g., plant density, height, litter, seed heads) 

provides habitat to support wildlife and prey species.

DCs for Forests: PP •Northern goshawk post-fledging family 

areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area 

in mid-aged to old tree groups than northern goshawk 

foraging areas and the surrounding forest. •Northern 

goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are multiaged and dominated by large trees with relatively denser

canopies than the surrounding forest.

DCs for Forests: DMC •Northern goshawk post-fledging 

family areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 percent higher 

basal area in mid-aged to old tree groups than northern 

goshawk foraging areas and the surrounding forest. 

•Northern goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are 

multi-aged but are dominated by large trees with relatively 

denser canopies than the surrounding forest.

DCs for Forests: WMC •Northern goshawk post-fledging 

family areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 percent higher 

basal area in mid-aged to old tree groups than northern 

goshawk foraging areas and the surrounding forest. 

•Northern goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are 

multi-aged but are dominated by large trees with relatively 

denser canopies than the surrounding forest.

DCs for Forests: SF •Northern goshawk post-fledging family 

areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area 

in mid-aged to old tree groups than northern goshawk 

foraging areas and the surrounding forest. •Northern 

goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are multiaged but are dominated by large trees with relatively denser 

canopies than the surrounding forest.

OBJ for Woodlands: All Woodland PNVTs Annually, treat 

or maintain 5,000 to 15,000 acres to promote a highly diverse 

35,000 acres ...) would contribute 

to species viability. Uneven-aged 

management techniques are used 

primarily, and some even-aged 

management is used especially 

when managing species such as 

aspen and spruce. Even-aged 

treatments may be applied in the 

short term for forest health 

concerns (e.g., heavy dwarf 

mistletoe infections) to facilitate a 

transition to uneven-aged 

management.
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Plan Direction

structure.

DCs for Woodlands: Madrean Pine-Oak

•A mix of desired species

[10]

, ages, heights, and groupings of 

trees create a mosaic across the landscape.

•The majority of this woodland has an open canopy 

consisting of large trees and an herbaceous understory, with 

some groups of closed canopy. Overall, canopy cover is 10 to 

50 percent. 

•Snags, averaging 1 to 2 per acre, and older trees are 

scattered across the landscape. Coarse woody debris

averages 1 to 5 tons per acre.

•Understory vegetation includes evergreen oaks, mountain 

mahogany, grasses, and forbs.

•Ground cover consists of perennial grasses and forbs that 

frequently carry fire through the landscape.

•Grasses, forbs, shrubs, needles, leaves, and small trees 

support the natural fire regime. The larger proportion (60 

percent or greater) of soil cover is composed of grasses and 

forbs as opposed to needles and leaves. 

Mid-Scale Desired Conditions (100 to 1,000 acres)

•Some large patches in the Madrean pine-oak woodland are 

closed canopy, have multiple age classes, large trees, and 

old growth-like characteristics (e.g., numerous snags, large 

coarse woody debris) in order to provide for wildlife such as 

Mexican spotted owl and black bear, that need denser 

habitat.

•The size and number of groups and patches vary depending 

on disturbance, elevation, soil type, aspect, and site 

productivity. Patch sizes vary but are mostly tens of acres, 

with rare disturbances of hundreds of acres. There may be 

frequent small disturbances resulting in groups and patches 

of tens of acres or less. A mosaic of groups and patches of 

trees, primarily even-aged, that are variable in size, species 

composition, and age, is present. Grass, forb, and shrub 

openings created by disturbance may comprise 10 to 100 
1146 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

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Rationale for Deleting or 

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percent of the area depending on the disturbances.

•Woodland densities range from 15 to 50 square feet basal 

area per acre.

DCs for Woodlands: Piñon-Juniper – Savanna 

•The piñon-juniper savanna is open in appearance with trees 

occurring as individuals or in small groups and ranging from 

young to old. Overall, tree canopy cover is 10 to 15 percent, 

but may range up to 30 percent. 

•Scattered shrubs and a continuous herbaceous understory, 

including native grasses, forbs, and annuals, are present to 

support a natural fire regime.

•Grasses, forbs, shrubs, needles, leaves, and small trees 

support the natural fire regime. The larger proportion (60 

percent or greater) of soil cover is composed of grasses and 

forbs as opposed to needles and leaves. 

•Old growth occurs in isolated locations scattered throughout 

the landscape, as individual old trees or as clumps of old 

trees. Other old growth components may also be present 

including dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse woody 

debris), and/or structural diversity.

DCs for Woodlands: Piñon-Juniper – Persistent 

Woodland

•A mix of desired species

[10]

, ages, heights, and groupings of 

trees create a mosaic across the landscape. 

•Tree canopy cover is closed (greater than 30 percent), 

shrubs are sparse to moderate, and herbaceous cover is 

patchy. 

•Snags, averaging one to two per acre, and older trees with 

dead limbs and tops are scattered across the landscape. 

Coarse woody debris averages 2 to 5 tons per acre.

•Old growth includes old trees, dead trees (snags), downed 

wood (coarse woody debris), and/or structural diversity. The 

location of old growth shifts on the landscape over time as a 

result of succession and disturbance (tree growth and 

mortality).
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Plan Direction

GDs for Wildlife and Rare Plants •Management and 

activities should not contribute to a trend toward the Federal 

listing of a species. •Modifications, mitigations, or other 

measures should be incorporated to reduce negative impacts 

to plants, animals, and their habitats and to help provide for 

species needs, consistent with project or activity objectives.

Goshawk Forest wide GD outside PFAs: General:

The distribution of vegetation structural 

stages for ponderosa pine, mixed 

conifer and spruce-fir forests is 10% 

grass/forb/shrub (VSS1), 10% seedlingsapling (VSS2), 20% young forest (VSS 

3), 20% mid-aged forest (VSS4), 20% 

mature forest (VSS 5), 20% old forest 

(VSS6). NOTE: The specified 

percentages are a guide and actual 

percentages are expected to vary + or -

up to 3%. 

General concept retained, but prescriptive VSS 

provisions deleted. 

DCs for Overall Ecosystem Health –

•Natural ecological cycles (i.e., hydrologic, energy, nutrient) 

facilitate shifting of plant communities, structure, and ages 

across the landscape. Ecotone shifts are influenced at both 

the landscape and watershed scale by ecological processes. 

The mosaic of plant communities and the variety within the 

communities are resilient to disturbances.

•Ecological conditions for habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of native 

and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, 

well distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. 

Conditions provide for the life history, distribution, and natural 

population fluctuations of the species within the capability of 

the landscape.

•Habitat configuration and availability allows wildlife 

populations to adjust their movements (e.g., seasonal 

migration, foraging) in response to climate change and 

promote genetic flow between wildlife populations.

•Habitat quality, distribution, and abundance exist to support 

the recovery of federally listed species and the continued 

existence of all native and desirable nonnative species.

DCs for All PNVTs –

•Each PNVT contains a mosaic of vegetative conditions, 

densities, and structures. This mosaic occurs at a variety of 

scales across landscapes and watersheds. The distribution of 

physical and biological conditions is appropriate to the natural 

disturbance regimes affecting the area.

Revised plan’s DCs for all Forests, 

Woodlands, and PNVTs are 

consistent with GTR-217 (MRNG) 

and provide for sustainable 

goshawk habitat.

Uneven-aged management is 

emphasized as the silvicultural tool 

to help achieve a sustainable range 

of tree age/size classes across the 

NOGO’s habitat. See Desired 

Conditions for Use in Forest 

Planning in the Southwestern 

Region: Development and Science 

Basis (USDA 2013), including 

illustration of VSS class distribution 

as a form of uneven-aged 

management. 

Also see Reynolds et al., 2013 for 

further illustrations of how revised 

plan direction is consistent with the 

MRNG, especially for the frequentfire PNVTs (PP and DMC).

Management Approaches for 

Wildlife and Rare Plants - The

management approach is to provide 

a diversity of habitats, well 

distributed, with ecological 

conditions that support native and 
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Rationale for Deleting or 

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•Diverse vegetation structure, species composition, densities, 

and seral states provide quality habitat for native and 

desirable nonnative plant and animal species throughout their 

life cycle and at multiple spatial scales. Landscapes provide 

for the full range of ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, 

including habitats for those species associated with late seral 

states and old growth forests.

•Old growth is dynamic in nature and occurs in welldistributed patches that spatially shift across forest and 

woodland landscapes over time.

•Old or large trees, multistoried canopies, large coarse woody 

debris, and snags provide the structure, function, and 

associated vegetation composition as appropriate for each 

forested and woodland PNVTs.

•Stand densities and species compositions are such that 

vegetation conditions are resilient under a variety of potential 

future climates.

Also see DCs for Forests: Ponderosa pine, Dry Mixed 

conifer, Wet mixed conifer, Spruce-fir, Aspen; and DCs 

for Woodlands: Madrean pine-oak, and Piñon-juniper.

desired nonnative animal species 

over the long term. The forests also 

provide for wildlife and their needs 

consistent with recovery plans, 

biological opinions, conservation 

strategies, conservation 

assessments, management plans, 

memorandums of understanding 

(MOUs), and Forest Service 

direction. Species conservation 

assessments/strategies and 

agreements executed at the forest 

level are reviewed every 10 years 

and updated as necessary. The 

forests participate in the 

development and implementation of 

conservation plans and activities for 

identified species to help preclude 

Federal or State listing. Actions 

(e.g., closures, timing of treatments) 

are implemented to limit 

management impacts and 

disturbances and to help prevent 

listing of species as threatened or 

endangered.

Goshawk Forest wide GDs outside PFAs:

Spruce-fir: 

Canopy cover for mid-aged forest (VSS 4) 

should average 1/3 60% and 2/3 40%, 

mature forest (VSS 5) should average 

60+%, and old forest (VSS 6) should 

average 60+%. Maximum opening size is 

1 acre with a maximum width of 125 feet. 

Provide two groups of reserve trees per 

acre with six trees per group when 

opening size exceeds 0.5. Leave at least 

3 snags, 5 downed logs, and 10-15 tons 

Concept retained but prescriptive text deleted. Replaced 

with:

GDs for All PNVTs •During project design and 

implementation, precautions should be taken to reduce the 

potential for damage to residual vegetation in order to prevent 

premature or excessive mortality. •Project plans should 

include quantitative and/or qualitative objectives for 

implementation monitoring and effectiveness monitoring to 

assist in moving toward or maintaining desired conditions.

OBJ for All Forested PNVTs Annually, treat 5,000 to 35,000 

acres to reduce tree densities, restore natural fire regimes, 

promote species habitat and ecosystem health, reduce fire 

The majority of this forested PNVT 

lies within designated wilderness 

areas. Thus no SF acres in the 

revised plan are classified as 

suitable timberlands.

Much of the remaining habitat in 

this type needs restoration to 

sustainable conditions, where 

possible. From revised plan’s

Spruce-Fir forest Background

section:
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Plan Direction

of woody debris per acre (including the 

downed logs). 

hazard, maintain desired conditions, initiate recovery from 

uncharacteristic disturbance, and provide forest products, 

leaving a desired mix of species with the range of desired 

densities that are resilient to changing climatic conditions.

See all DCs for Forests: Spruce-Fir at Landscape Scale, 

Mid-scale, and Fine scale. (Listing them all here would be 

too lengthy and redundant)

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants- Modifications, mitigations, 

or other measures should be incorporated to reduce negative 

impacts to plants, animals, and their habitats and to help 

provide for species needs, consistent with project or activity 

objectives.

GDs for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events 

•Where conifer seed sources are lost or poorly distributed 

and/or deciduous tree species are not adequately 

resprouting, artificial regeneration (e.g., planting, seeding) 

should be used to promote movement toward desired 

conditions, provided adequate site conditions exist. 

•Management should emphasize long term reestablishment 

of native deciduous trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation 

to maintain ecosystem diversity. 

•An adequate number and size of snags and logs, 

appropriate for the affected PNVT, should be retained

individually and in clumps to provide benefits for wildlife and 

coarse woody debris for soil and other resource benefits.

STs for Wilderness and Primitive Area, and 

Recommended Wilderness •Objective(s) and strategies for 

all wildfires shall be identified. •Human-caused disturbed 

areas that do not complement wilderness characteristics will 

be rehabilitated to a natural appearance, using species or 

other materials native to the area.

GD for Wilderness and Primitive Area, and 

Recommended Wilderness Prescribed fire should be 

considered to reduce the risks and consequences of 

“Spruce-fir intergrades with the wet 

mixed conifer PNVT at lower 

elevations.

This PNVT’s overstory is currently 

(post-Wallow Fire) highly departed 

from reference conditions. There is 

a lack of aspen regeneration. There 

are also too few large to very large 

shade tolerant trees with closed 

canopies. Approximately 31 percent 

of this PNVT was reset to an early 

developmental state because of the 

2011 Wallow Fire. The natural fire 

regime is also moderately departed 

from reference conditions. 

Historically, principal ecological 

disturbance factors were insects, 

disease, and wind followed by 

infrequent high severity fires.” 
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Plan Direction

uncharacteristic wildfire within wilderness or escaping from 

wilderness by reducing unnatural fuel accumulations, if 

necessary to meet wilderness fire management objectives. 

Naturally occurring wildfires should be allowed to perform, as 

much as possible, their natural ecological role within 

wilderness.

Goshawk Forest wide GDs outside PFAs: Mixed 

Conifer: 

Canopy cover for mid-aged forest (VSS 4) 

should average 1/3 60+% and 2/3 40+%, 

mature forest (VSS 5) should average 

50+%, and old forest (VSS 6) should 

average 60+%. Maximum opening size is 

up to 4 acres with a maximum width of up 

to 200 feet. Retain one group of reserve 

trees per acre of 3-5 trees per group for 

openings greater than 1 acre in size. 

Leave at least 3 snags, 5 downed logs, 

and 10-15 tons of woody debris per acre, 

(including the downed logs). 

Concept retained but prescriptive text deleted. Replaced 

with:

GDs for All PNVTs •During project design and 

implementation, precautions should be taken to reduce the 

potential for damage to residual vegetation in order to prevent 

premature or excessive mortality. •Project plans should 

include quantitative and/or qualitative objectives for 

implementation monitoring and effectiveness monitoring to 

assist in moving toward or maintaining desired conditions.

OBJ for All Forested PNVTs Annually, treat 5,000 to 35,000 

acres to reduce tree densities, restore natural fire regimes, 

promote species habitat and ecosystem health, reduce fire 

hazard, maintain desired conditions, initiate recovery from 

uncharacteristic disturbance, and provide forest products, 

leaving a desired mix of species with the range of desired 

densities that are resilient to changing climatic conditions.

See all DCs for Forests: Dry Mixed Conifer at Landscape 

Scale, Mid-scale, and Fine scale. + also

See all DCs for Forests: Wet Mixed Conifer at Landscape 

Scale, Mid-scale, and Fine scale. (Listing them all here 

would be too lengthy and redundant)

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants- Modifications, mitigations, 

or other measures should be incorporated to reduce negative 

impacts to plants, animals, and their habitats and to help 

provide for species needs, consistent with project or activity 

objectives.

GDs for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events 

Much of the remaining habitat in 

types needs restoration to 

sustainable conditions. From 

revised plan’s DMC and WMC 

forests Background sections:

-DMC: “This PNVT’s overstory is 

currently (post-Wallow Fire) highly 

departed from reference conditions. 

The forest composition has shifted 

toward more shade tolerant species 

that are not adapted to fire, such as 

true firs. It also has too many 

stands with a closed canopy 

characteristic, and there is an 

underrepresentation of medium to 

very large size trees with an open 

canopy character. Approximately 25 

percent of this PNVT was reset to 

an early developmental state 

because of the 2011 Wallow Fire. 

The natural fire regime is also 

severely departed from reference 

conditions. Historically, fire burned 

relatively frequently (every 10 to 22 

years) and at low intensities. This 

historic regime kept the forest open 

and maintained fire-resistant 

species and an abundant 

herbaceous understory.” 

-WMC: “This PNVT’s overstory is 

currently (post-Wallow Fire) highly 
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Rationale for Deleting or 

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Plan Direction

•Where conifer seed sources are lost or poorly distributed 

and/or deciduous tree species are not adequately 

resprouting, artificial regeneration (e.g., planting, seeding) 

should be used to promote movement toward desired 

conditions, provided adequate site conditions exist. 

•Management should emphasize long term reestablishment 

of native deciduous trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation 

to maintain ecosystem diversity. 

•An adequate number and size of snags and logs, 

appropriate for the affected PNVT, should be retained 

individually and in clumps to provide benefits for wildlife and 

coarse woody debris for soil and other resource benefits.

departed from reference conditions. 

There is a lack of aspen 

regeneration and too few large to 

very large shade tolerant trees with 

a closed canopy characteristic. 

Approximately 35 percent of this 

PNVT was reset to an early 

developmental state because of the 

2011 Wallow Fire. The majority 

(approximately 74 percent) of the 

herbaceous understory vegetation 

within the wet mixed conifer forest 

is highly to severely departed from 

desired conditions. The natural fire 

regime is also moderately departed 

from reference conditions. Historic 

fire regimes were typically of mixed 

severity fires (every 35 to 50 years) 

and occasional high severity, stand 

replacing, crown fires (every 120 to 

400 or more years). Natural 

ecological disturbances in this 

PNVT typically occur at two spatial 

and temporal scales: large scale 

infrequent (mostly fire) and small 

scale frequent (e.g., fire, insects, 

disease, wind).” 

Analyses done for the revised

plan’s EIS show that increasing the 

annual treatment OBJ acres and/or 

the ASQ stated in the revised plan 

could jeopardize key habitat 

conditions for NOGO and MSO in 

the short-term (i.e., during life of the 

revised plan).
1152 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

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Rationale for Deleting or 

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Plan Direction

Goshawk Forestwide GDs outside PFAs.

Ponderosa Pine: Canopy Cover for midaged forest (VSS 4) should average 

40+%, mature forest (VSS 5) should 

average 40+%, and old forest (VSS 6) 

should average 40+%. Opening size is up 

to 4 acres with a maximum width of up to 

200 feet. One group of reserve trees, 3-5 

trees per group, will be left if the opening 

is greater than an acre in size. Leave at 

least 2 snags per acre, 3 downed logs per 

acre, and 5-7 tons of woody debris per 

acre, (including the downed logs).

Concept retained but prescriptive text deleted. Replaced 

with:

GDs for All PNVTs •During project design and 

implementation, precautions should be taken to reduce the 

potential for damage to residual vegetation in order to prevent 

premature or excessive mortality. •Project plans should 

include quantitative and/or qualitative objectives for 

implementation monitoring and effectiveness monitoring to 

assist in moving toward or maintaining desired conditions.

OBJ for All Forested PNVTs Annually, treat 5,000 to 35,000 

acres to reduce tree densities, restore natural fire regimes, 

promote species habitat and ecosystem health, reduce fire 

hazard, maintain desired conditions, initiate recovery from 

uncharacteristic disturbance, and provide forest products, 

leaving a desired mix of species with the range of desired 

densities that are resilient to changing climatic conditions.

See all DCs for Forests: Ponderosa pine at Landscape 

Scale, Mid-scale, and Fine scale. (Listing them all here 

would be too lengthy and redundant)

OBJ for Grasslands Decrease or maintain the woody 

canopy cover at less than 10 percent by treating up to 25,000 

acres annually.

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants- Modifications, mitigations, 

or other measures should be incorporated to reduce negative 

impacts to plants, animals, and their habitats and to help 

provide for species needs, consistent with project or activity 

objectives.

GDs for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events 

•Where conifer seed sources are lost or poorly distributed 

and/or deciduous tree species are not adequately 

resprouting, artificial regeneration (e.g., planting, seeding) 

should be used to promote movement toward desired 

conditions, provided adequate site conditions exist. 

•Management should emphasize long term reestablishment 

of native deciduous trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation 

to maintain ecosystem diversity. 

Much of the remaining habitat in 

this type needs restoration to 

sustainable conditions. From 

revised plan’s Ponderosa pine 

forest Background section:

“This PNVT’s overstory is currently 

(post-Wallow Fire) severely 

departed from reference conditions. 

There are too many stands in all 

diameter classes with a closed 

canopy characteristic, and there are 

too few large to very large size 

trees with an open canopy 

character. The majority (85 percent) 

of the herbaceous understory 

vegetation within ponderosa pine 

forest is highly to severely departed 

from desired conditions. 

Approximately 9 percent of this 

PNVT was reset to an early 

developmental state because of the 

2011 Wallow Fire. The natural fire 

regime is also severely departed 

from reference conditions. 

Historically, fire burned relatively 

frequently (every 2 to 17 years) and 

at low intensities that kept the forest 

open with abundant herbaceous 

cover. Some areas that appear to 

be ponderosa pine forest are 

actually historic montane/subalpine 

or Great Basin grasslands that have 

been encroached by conifer 

species.”

By removing trees to restore 

grasslands, natural fire breaks will 
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•An adequate number and size of snags and logs, 

appropriate for the affected PNVT, should be retained 

individually and in clumps to provide benefits for wildlife and 

coarse woody debris for soil and other resource benefits.

result to help prevent wildfire 

spread to adjacent NOGO and 

MSO habitat. 

Analyses done for the revised 

plan’s EIS show that increasing the 

annual treatment OBJ acres and/or 

the ASQ stated in the revised plan 

could jeopardize key habitat 

conditions for NOGO and MSO in 

the short-term (i.e., during life of the 

revised plan).

Goshawk Forest wide GDs within Nesting Areas 

General: Provide unique nesting habitat 

conditions for goshawks. Important 

features include trees of mature to old age 

with high canopy cover. 

DC Ponderosa Pine

Northern goshawk post-fledging family areas (PFAs) may 

contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area in mid-aged to old 

tree groups than northern goshawk foraging areas and the 

surrounding forest. 

•Northern goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are 

multi-aged and dominated by large trees with relatively 

denser canopies than the surrounding forest.

DC Dry Mixed Conifer:

Northern goshawk post-fledging family areas (PFAs) may 

contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area in mid-aged to old 

tree groups than northern goshawk foraging areas and the 

surrounding forest. 

•Northern goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are 

multi-aged but are dominated by large trees with relatively 

denser canopies than the surrounding forest

DC Wet Mixed Conifer:

Northern goshawk post-fledging family areas (PFAs) may 

contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area in mid-aged to old 

tree groups than northern goshawk foraging areas and the 

surrounding forest. 

•Northern goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are 

multi-aged but are dominated by large trees with relatively 

The new plan direction, along with 

other Desired Conditions for 

forested types, provides the same 

direction as the previous plan. The 

previous direction specified higher 

canopy cover and smaller openings 

in PFAs; the increased basal area 

will provide both, as well as the 

requirement for nesting areas 

(which are within PFAs) to have 

denser canopies than surrounding 

stands.
1154 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

denser canopies than the surrounding forest

DC Spruce-fir:

Northern goshawk post-fledging family areas (PFAs) may 

contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area in mid-aged to old 

tree groups than northern goshawk foraging areas and the 

surrounding forest. 

•Northern goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are 

multi-aged but are dominated by large trees with relatively 

denser canopies than the surrounding forest

Goshawk Forest wide GDs within PFAs. Sprucefir, Mixed Conifer and Ponderosa Pine

Cover Types: The nesting area contains 

only mature to old forest (VSS 5 & 6) 

having a canopy cover (measured 

vertically) between 50-70% with mid-aged 

VSS 6 trees 200-300 years old. Nonuniform spacing of trees and clumpiness 

is desirable.

Forest wide GDs within PFAs: Sprucefir: Canopy Cover for mid-aged forest 

(VSS 4) should average 60+% and for 

mature (VSS 5) and old forest (VSS 6) 

should average 70+%. 

Forest wide GDs within PFAs Mixed 

Conifer: Canopy Cover for mid-aged 

(VSS 4) to old forest (VSS 6) should 

average 60+%.

Forest wide GDs within PFAs: 

Ponderosa Pine: Canopy Cover for midaged forest (VSS 4) should average 1/3 

60+% and 2/3 50+%. Mature (VSS 5) and 

old forest (VSS 6) should average 50+%. 

Concept retained but prescriptive text deleted. Replaced 

with:

DCs for All PNVTs Landscape Scale Diverse vegetation 

structure, species composition, densities, and seral states 

provide quality habitat for native and desirable nonnative 

plant and animal species throughout their life cycle and at 

multiple spatial scales. Landscapes provide for the full range 

of ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, including habitats 

for those species associated with late seral states and old 

growth.

GD for All Forested PNVTs -Trees, snags, and logs 

immediately adjacent to active red squirrel cone caches, 

Abert’s squirrel nests, and raptor nests should be retained to 

maintain needed habitat components and provide tree 

groupings.

DCs for Forests: PP •Northern goshawk post-fledging family 

areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area 

in mid-aged to old tree groups than northern goshawk 

foraging areas and the surrounding forest. •Northern 

goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are multiaged and dominated by large trees with relatively denser 

canopies than the surrounding forest.

DCs for Forests: DMC •Northern goshawk post-fledging 

family areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 percent higher 

basal area in mid-aged to old tree groups than northern 

goshawk foraging areas and the surrounding forest. 

•Northern goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are 

Revised plan’s DCs and GDs are 

consistent with GTR-RM-217 

(MRNG), and provide for healthy 

and sustainable NOGO habitat at 

multiple scales.

Uneven-aged management is 

emphasized as the silvicultural tool 

to help achieve a sustainable range 

of tree age/size classes across the 

NOGO’s habitat.

See Desired Conditions for Use in 

Forest Planning in the 

Southwestern Region: Development 

and Science Basis (USDA 2013), 

including illustration of VSS class 

distribution as a form of unevenaged management. 
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Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

multi-aged but are dominated by large trees with relatively 

denser canopies than the surrounding forest.

DCs for Forests: WMC •Canopies are more closed than dry 

mixed conifer. •Tree density ranges from 30 to 180 square 

feet basal area per acre depending upon time since 

disturbance and seral states of groups and patches. •In mid-

aged and older forests, trees are typically variably spaced 

with crowns interlocking (grouped and clumped trees) or 

nearly interlocking providing for species such as red squirrel. 

Trees within groups can be of similar or variable species and 

ages. •Northern goshawk post-fledging family areas (PFAs) 

may contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area in mid-aged 

to old tree groups than northern goshawk foraging areas and 

the surrounding forest. •Northern goshawk nest areas have 

forest conditions that are multi-aged but are dominated by 

large trees with relatively denser canopies than the 

surrounding forest.

DCs for Forests: SF •Tree canopies in this forest are closed. 

An understory, consisting of native grass, forbs, and/or 

shrubs, is present in early seral states and is replaced by 

trees in later seral states.

•Old growth occurs over large, continuous areas. ... 

•Tree density ranges from 30 to 250 square feet basal area 

per acre, depending upon disturbance and seral states of the 

groups and patches. •Mid-aged to old trees grow tightly 

together with interlocking crowns. Trees are of the same size

and/or age class in early group/patch development. In late 

development, they may be multilayered. •Northern goshawk

post-fledging family areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 

percent higher basal area in mid-aged to old tree groups than 

northern goshawk foraging areas and the surrounding forest. 

•Northern goshawk nest areas have forest conditions that are 

multi-aged but are dominated by large trees with relatively 

denser canopies than the surrounding forest.

GDs for Wildlife and Rare Plants–

•Modifications, mitigations, or other measures should be 
1156 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

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Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

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Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

incorporated to reduce negative impacts to plants, animals, 

and their habitats and to help provide for species needs, 

consistent with project or activity objectives.

•Cool and/or dense vegetation cover should be provided for 

species needing these habitat components ... 

DCs for Wildlife Quiet Area

•WQAs provide blocks of core habitat to meet wildlife life 

stage requirements during the breeding, rearing, and, in 

some cases, the critical wintering period. 

•WQAs contribute to preserving natural behaviors and 

processes that sustain wildlife populations associated with 

each WQA (see below) {different for each WQA listed in the 

WQA section}.

•The Hulsey Bench WQA on the Alpine Ranger District 

provides Mexican spotted owl, northern goshawk, elk, deer, 

turkey, and bear refuge habitat.

•Middle Mountain WQA provides refuge for northern 

goshawk, turkey, deer, elk, and Mexican spotted owl amid 

extensive dispersed recreation on the Alpine Ranger District.

Goshawk Forest wide GDs within Nesting areas. 

Woodland: Maintain existing canopy cover 

levels. 

Forest wide GDs within PFAs. Woodland: 

Maintain existing canopy cover levels.

Deleted. Replaced with:

OBJ for Woodlands: All Woodland PNVTs Annually, treat 

or maintain 5,000 to 15,000 acres to promote a highly diverse 

structure.

GDs for Woodlands: All Woodland PNVTs 

•Treatments should leave single or small groups of medium 

to large native trees that are widely spaced with expanses of 

herbaceous vegetation and coarse woody debris to provide 

for soil productivity, traditional uses (e.g., piñon nut 

gathering), and wildlife needs such as foraging habitat for 

migratory birds (e.g., black-throated gray warbler, piñon jay) 

and other birds.

•Hiding cover, approach cover (by waters), and travel corridor 

cover should be provided where needed by wildlife.

DCs for Woodlands: Madrean Pine-Oak –

Background for Woodlands: 

Madrean Pine-Oak - This PNVT’s 

overstory is currently (2011) highly 

departed from reference conditions. 

There are too many acres of closed 

canopy conditions consisting of 

small, medium, or large trees. 

Medium to very large trees with 

herbaceous understory and open 

canopy are lacking. The 

herbaceous understory vegetation 

within the Madrean pine-oak 

woodland is split, nearly equally, 

between low to moderately 

departed and highly to severely 

departed from desired conditions. 

The fire regime is also severely 
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numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

•The majority of this woodland has an open canopy 

consisting of large trees and an herbaceous understory, with 

some groups of closed canopy. Overall, canopy cover is 10 to 

50 percent. •Some large patches in the Madrean pine-oak 

woodland are closed canopy, have multiple age classes, 

large trees, and old growth-like characteristics (e.g., 

numerous snags, large coarse woody debris) in order to 

provide for wildlife such as Mexican spotted owl and black 

bear, that need denser habitat. •The size and number of 

groups and patches vary depending on disturbance, 

elevation, soil type, aspect, and site productivity. Patch sizes 

vary but are mostly tens of acres, with rare disturbances of 

hundreds of acres. There may be frequent small disturbances 

resulting in groups and patches of tens of acres or less. A 

mosaic of groups and patches of trees, primarily even-aged, 

that are variable in size, species composition, and age, is 

present. Grass, forb, and shrub openings created by 

disturbance may comprise 10 to 100 percent of the area 

depending on the disturbances. •Woodland densities range 

from 15 to 50 square feet basal area per acre. 

•Single large trees or small groups are widely spaced 

between large expanses of herbaceous vegetation and 

shrubs.

DCs for Woodlands: Piñon-Juniper - Savanna The piñonjuniper savanna is open in appearance with trees occurring 

as individuals or in small groups and ranging from young to 

old. Overall, tree canopy cover is 10 to 15 percent, but may 

range up to 30 percent.

DCs for Woodlands: PJ - Persistent Woodland 

•A mix of desired species[10]

, ages, heights, and groupings of 

trees create a mosaic across the landscape. 

•Tree canopy cover is closed (greater than 30 percent), 

shrubs are sparse to moderate, and herbaceous cover is 

patchy.

OBJ for Grasslands Decrease or maintain the woody 

canopy cover at less than 10 percent by treating up to 25,000 

departed from reference conditions. 

Low severity surface fires frequently 

(every 3 to 8 years) burned through 

this PNVT maintaining an open 

stand structure. Some areas that 

appear to be Madrean pine-oak 

woodlands are actually historic 

semi-desert grasslands that have 

been encroached by woody 

species.

Background for Woodlands: PJ -

The piñon-juniper woodland can be 

divided into two subgroups: 

savanna and persistent woodland. 

This PNVT’s overstory is currently 

(2011) slightly departed from 

reference conditions. When 

compared to desired conditions, 

there are too many medium to very 

large trees with open and/or closed 

canopies. While there are too few 

seedlings, saplings, and small trees 

with open and/or closed canopies, 

understory vegetation is lacking in 

many areas. The majority (91 

percent) of the herbaceous 

understory vegetation within the 

piñon-juniper woodland is highly to 

severely departed from desired 

conditions. The current fire regime 

is similar to reference conditions. 

Many areas that appear to be 

piñon-juniper woodland are actually 

historic Great Basin grassland that 

has been encroached by woody 

species.
1158 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

acres annually.

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants Cool and/or dense 

vegetation cover should be provided for species needing 

these habitat components.

DC for Wildlife Quiet Area – The Hulsey Bench WQA on the 

Alpine Ranger District provides Mexican spotted owl, 

northern goshawk, elk, deer, turkey, and bear refuge habitat.

Given that many existing 

“woodland” acres on the ASNFs are 

not sustainable with an existing 

closed canopy condition, this 

existing plan direction is not 

restoration-based in many cases 

and will ultimately not favor the 

NOGO. Acres that have existing 

canopy cover densities more 

consistent with the DCs (especially 

PJ persistent woodland) will be 

treated to maintain that existing 

canopy cover. Project specialists 

will need to determine if existing 

acres that appear to be woodland 

are actually encroached grasslands 

in need of tree removal for 

grassland restoration.

Hulsey Bench WQA contains some 

PJ woodland.

Goshawk Forest wide GDs outside PFAs. Canopy 

Cover: Canopy cover guidelines apply 

only to mid-aged to old forest structural 

stages (VSS 4, VSS 5, and VSS 6) and 

not to grass/forb/shrub to young forest 

structural stages (VSS 1, VSS 2, and VSS 

3).

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. Canopy cover not defined in revised 

plan glossary. This GD is outdated 

since revised plan does not use 

VSS classes. DCs are designed to 

be consistent with MRNG.

Goshawk Forest wide GDs outside PFAs. 

Snags are 18" or larger DBH and 30 feet 

or larger in height, downed logs are 12 

inches in diameter and at least 8 feet long, 

woody debris is 3 inches or larger on the 

forest floor, canopy cover is measured 

with vertical crown projection on average 

Deleted. Replaced with:

DC for Forests: PP Snags and coarse woody debris are well 

distributed throughout the landscape. Ponderosa pine snags 

are typically 18 inches or greater in diameter and average 1 

to 2 per acre.

DC for Forests: DMC Snags and coarse woody debris are 

well distributed throughout the landscape. Snags are typically 

Glossary: Snags – “Standing dead 

or partially dead trees (snag 

topped), often missing many or all 

limbs and/or bark. Snags (generally 

12 inches or larger) provide 

essential wildlife habitat for many 

species and are important for forest 

ecosystem function”. 
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Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

across the landscape. 18 inches in diameter or greater and average 3 per acre.

DC for Forests: WMC There are 20 or more snags greater 

than 8 inches in diameter per acre and 1 to 5 of those snags 

are 18 inches or greater in diameter.

DC for Forests: SF In general, there are 13 to 30 snags 

greater than 8 inches in diameter per acre and 1 to 3 of those 

snags are 18 inches or greater in diameter.

Glossary: Coarse woody debris – Woody material, 

including logs, on the ground greater than 3 inches in 

diameter—a component of litter. Large coarse woody debris 

is often considered to be downed logs at least 12 inches in 

diameter and 8 feet in length.

Larger snag sizes are embedded in 

the DCs. Sizes of CWD are not 

repeated in the DCs, since they are 

consistently defined in the revised 

plan’s glossary.

The exact canopy cover 

measurement method to use is not 

specified in the revised plan 

because better scientific methods 

may be developed, which would 

require a forest plan amendment to 

utilize them.

Goshawk Forest wide GD at the management 

scale. 

Distribution of habitat structures (tree size 

and age classes, tree groups of different 

densities, snags, dead and down woody 

material, etc.) should be evaluated at the 

ecosystem management area level, at the 

mid-scale such as drainage, and at the 

small scale of site. 

Modified with:

Desired conditions are now set at these three scales:

Landscape Scale (10,000 acres or greater)

Mid-Scale (100 to 1,000 acres)

Fine Scale (less than 10 acres)

Ecosystem management areas 

(EMAs) were distinct geographic 

delineated areas across each 

ranger district, and are no longer a 

relevant designation under the 

revised plan. Thus, one scale below 

and one scale above the EMA level 

are also obsolete. Habitat structure 

distribution for each proposed 

project will now be analyzed for 

compliance with the revised plan at 

the scales stated for each 

applicable DC. The mid-scale is 

viewed as containing assemblages 

of the fine scale. The landscape 

scale is viewed as containing 

assemblages of the mid-scale. Also 

see Desired Conditions for Use in 

Forest Planning in the 

Southwestern Region: Development 

and Science Basis (USDA, 2013).
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Rationale for Deleting or 

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Plan Direction

Goshawk Forest wide GDs outside PFAs. The 

order of preferred treatment for woody 

debris is: 1) prescribed burning, 2) lopping 

& scattering, 3) hand piling or machine 

grapple piling, 4) dozer piling.

Forest wide GDs within nesting areas. 

Preferred treatments to maintain the 

desired structure are to thin from below 

with non-uniform spacing and use of hand 

tools and fire to reduce fuel loads. 

Lopping and scattering of thinning debris 

is preferred if prescribed fire cannot be 

used. Piling of debris should be limited. 

When necessary, hand piling should be 

used to minimize compaction within piles 

and to minimize displacement and 

destruction of the forest floor and the 

herbaceous layer. Do not grapple or 

Dozer pile debris. Manage road densities 

at the lowest level possible to minimize 

disturbance in the nest area. Use small, 

permanent skid trails in lieu of roads for 

timber harvesting.

Forest wide GDs for human 

disturbance. Low intensity ground fires 

are allowed at any time in all forested 

cover types, but high intensity crown fires 

are not acceptable in the post-fledgling 

family area or nest areas. Avoid burning 

the entire home range of a goshawk pair 

in a single year. For fires planned in the 

occupied nest area, a fire management 

plan should be prepared. The fire 

management plan should minimize the 

risk of goshawk abandonment while low 

intensity ground fire burns in the nesting 

area. Prescribed fire within nesting areas 

Preferred order of woody debris retention has been excluded 

from the new plan direction.

Desired Conditions for All PNVTs • Natural processes and 

human and natural disturbances (e.g., wildland fire, 

mechanical vegetation treatments) provide desired overall 

tree density, structure, species composition, coarse woody 

debris, and nutrient cycling. Natural fire regimes are restored. 

Uncharacteristic fire behavior is minimal or absent on the 

landscape. • Wildland fire maintains and enhances resources 

and, as nearly as possible, is allowed to function in its natural 

ecological role.• Old or large trees, multistoried canopies, 

large coarse woody debris, and snags provide the structure, 

function, and associated vegetation composition as 

appropriate for each forested and woodland PNVT.

GD All PNVTs • Restoration methods, such as thinning or 

prescribed fire, should leave a mosaic of untreated areas 

within the larger treated project area to allow recolonization of 

treated areas by plants, small mammals, and insects (e.g., 

long-tailed voles, fritillary butterflies). • Wildland fires may be 

used to meet desired resource conditions, maintain or 

promote desired vegetation species, and enable natural fires 

to return to their historic role.

DC for PP • The ponderosa pine forest is composed 

predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, top-killed, 

lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide snags and 

coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are 

well distributed throughout the landscape. Ponderosa pine

snags are typically 18 inches or greater in diameter and 

average 1 to 2 per acre. • Coarse woody debris, including 

logs, ranges from 3 to 10 tons per acre. Logs average 3 per 

acre within the forested area of the landscape.

DC for DMC • The dry mixed conifer forest is composed 

predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, top-killed, 

lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide snags and 

coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are 

well distributed throughout the landscape. Snags are typically 

18 inches in diameter or greater and average 3 per acre. • 
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Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

should be planned to move with prevailing 

winds away from the nest tree to minimize 

smoke and risk of crown fire developing 

and driving the adults off or consuming 

the nest tree.

Coarse woody debris, including logs, ranges from 5 to 15 

tons per acre. Logs average 3 per acre within the forested 

area of the landscape.

DC for WMC • The wet mixed conifer forest is composed 

predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, top-killed, 

lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide snags and 

coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are 

well distributed throughout the landscape. The number of 

snags and logs and amount of coarse woody debris varies by 

seral state ranging from 8 to more than 16 tons per acre. • 

Coarse woody debris, including logs, varies by seral state, 

ranging from 5 to 20 tons per acre for early-seral states; 20 to 

40 tons per acre for mid-seral states; and may be as high as 

35 tons per acre, or greater, for late-seral states. These 

conditions also provide an abundance of fungi including 

mushrooms and truffles used by small mammals.

GD for All Forested PNVTs •Trees, snags, and logs 

immediately adjacent to active red squirrel cone caches, 

Abert’s squirrel nests, and raptor nests should be retained to 

maintain needed habitat components and provide tree 

groupings.

GDs for Motorized Opportunities •New roads or motorized 

trails should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl 

protected activity centers, northern goshawk post-fledging 

family areas, and other wildlife areas as identified; seasonal 

restrictions may be an option. •As projects occur, redundant 

roads or motorized trails should be removed to reduce 

degradation of natural resources.

Goshawk Forest wide GDs for Ground Surface 

Layer. 

Manage road densities at the lowest level 

possible. Where timber harvesting has 

been prescribed to achieve desired forest 

condition, use small, skid trails in lieu of 

roads. 

Text deleted, but concept retained. Replaced with:

GD for Water Resources Projects with ground-disturbing 

activities should be designed to minimize long and short term 

impacts to water resources. Where disturbance cannot be 

avoided, project specific soil and water conservation 

practices and best management practices (BMPs) should be 

developed.

DC for Riparian Areas Sedimentation and soil compaction 

Since the existing plan GD was 

written, modern harvesting 

equipment has evolved to efficient 

vehicles that drive to every tree cut 

(e.g. feller-bunchers), which 

requires the revised plan to provide 

more holistic direction for soils and 

ground cover protections.
1162 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

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Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

from forest activities (e.g., vehicle use, recreation, livestock 

grazing) do not negatively impact riparian areas.

OBJs for Riparian Areas •Within the planning period, 

relocate, repair, improve, or decommission a minimum of 4 

miles of National Forest System roads or trails that add 

sediment to streams, damage riparian vegetation, erode 

streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact floodplain soils. 

•Annually, remove an average of 2 miles of unauthorized 

roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage riparian 

vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or 

compact floodplain soils.

DCs for Soil •Ecological and hydrologic functions are not 

impaired by soil compaction. •Soils are stable within their 

natural capability4. Vegetation and litter limit accelerated 

erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, topsoil loss) and 

contribute to soil deposition and development. •Soils provide 

for diverse native plant species. Vegetative ground cover 

(herbaceous vegetation and litter) is distributed evenly across 

the soil surface to promote nutrient cycling, water infiltration, 

and maintain natural fire regimes. •Logs and other woody 

material are distributed across the surface to maintain soil 

productivity. •Vegetation and litter are sufficient to maintain 

and improve water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil 

stability.

OBJ for Soil Annually, enhance or restore an average of 350 

acres within priority 6th level HUC watersheds, including 

treating the causes of State and federally designated 

impaired or threatened waters to improve watershed 

condition and water quality.

GDs for Soil •Projects with ground-disturbing activities 

should be designed to minimize long and short term impacts 

to soil resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, 

project specific soil and water conservation practices should 

be developed. •Coarse woody debris retention and/or 

creation should be used as needed to help retain long term 

soil productivity.

DCs for All PNVTs – •Natural processes and human and 

Site-specific mitigations for 

protecting more sensitive soils 

and/or more sensitive desired 

residual vegetation should be 

integrated into project activity 

designs and contracts for 

compliance with the revised plan, 

as well as post-project road 

closures.

Small skid trails may not be a 

suitable substitute for well-designed 

and maintained roads or using 

temporary roads. The revised plan 

recognizes the added resource 

value of using road 

closures/restrictions (either 

seasonal or year-round), and using 

temporary road construction for 

mechanized treatment access with 

post-project removal of temporary 

roads.

The revised plan also provides the 

framework to guide future changes 

to the transportation system. Once 

the final decision of this plan has 

been made, potential changes to 

the forests’ transportation system 

will be evaluated under this 

framework and through 

implementation of the Travel 

Management Rule (36 CFR § 212) 

as required by Executive Order 

11644. That analysis will consider 

potential resource impacts, access 
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Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

natural disturbances (e.g., wildland fire, mechanical 

vegetation treatments) provide desired overall tree density, 

structure, species composition, coarse woody debris, and 

nutrient cycling. ... •Organic soil cover and herbaceous 

vegetation protect soil, facilitate moisture infiltration, and 

contribute to plant and animal diversity and ecosystem 

function.

GD for All PNVTs -During project design and 

implementation, precautions should be taken to reduce the 

potential for damage to residual vegetation in order to prevent 

premature or excessive mortality.

GD for All Woodland PNVTS Mechanical restoration of 

woodlands should emphasize individual tree removal to limit 

ground disturbance.

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants Constructed features 

should be maintained to support the purpose(s) for which 

they were built. Constructed features should be removed 

when no longer needed.

DCs for Motorized Opportunities •A maintained road and 

motorized trail system is in place and provides for safety and 

access for the use (e.g., recreation, minerals, vegetation 

treatment, fire protection) of the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs. •As 

projects occur, redundant roads or motorized trails should be 

removed to reduce degradation of natural resources.

ST for Motorized Opportunities Temporary road 

construction shall minimize the impacts to resource values 

and facilitate road rehabilitation. Temporary roads shall be 

rehabilitated following completion of the activities for which 

they were constructed.

GD for Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized 

trails should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl 

protected activity centers, northern goshawk post-fledging 

family areas, and other wildlife areas as identified; seasonal 

restrictions may be an option.

Also see many more plan components listed for road 

density management in the Vegetation & Engineering 

needs, public input, and alternative

views rather than setting a uniform 

road density target.

Also see more rationale listed for 

road density management in the 

Vegetation & Engineering sections 

of this crosswalk.
1164 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

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Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

sections of this crosswalk.

Goshawk Forest wide GDs for Ground Surface 

Layer. Piling of debris should be limited. 

When necessary, hand or grapple piling 

should be used to minimize soil 

compaction within piles and to minimize 

forest floor and herbaceous layer 

displacement and destruction.

DC Soils Ecological and hydrologic functions are not 

impaired by soil compaction.

DC Soils Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils Soils are stable within their natural capability. 

Vegetation and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, 

gullies, root exposure, topsoil loss) and contribute to soil 

deposition and development.

DC Soils Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss 

rates [3]

.

DC Soils Vegetation and litter are sufficient to maintain and 

improve water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil 

resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project 

specific soil and water conservation practices should be 

developed.

GD Soils Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with 

native plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is

predicted. 

Carried forward through modified 

DCs, GDs and management 

approach.

Goshawk Forest wide ST for NOGO Habitat: 

Manage the ground surface layer to 

maintain satisfactory soil conditions i.e. to 

minimize soil compaction; and to maintain 

hydrologic and nutrient cycles.

DC Soils Ecological and hydrologic functions are not 

impaired by soil compaction.

DC Soils Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soils Soils are stable within their natural capability. 

Vegetation and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, 

gullies, root exposure, topsoil loss) and contribute to soil 

deposition and development.

DC Soils Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance soil loss 

rates [3]

.

DC Soils Vegetation and litter are sufficient to maintain and 

improve water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

GD Soils Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to soil 

resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project 

specific soil and water conservation practices should be 

Carried forward through modified 

DCs, GDs and management 

approach.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1165

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

developed.

GD Soils Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with 

native plant species when loss of long term soil productivity is 

predicted. 

Goshawk Forest wide GD for NOGO Habitat: 

Emphasize maintenance and restoration 

of healthy riparian ecosystems through 

conformance with forest plan riparian 

standards and guidelines. Management 

strategies should restore degraded 

riparian areas to good condition as soon 

as possible. Damage to riparian 

vegetation, stream banks, and channels 

should be prevented.

DC Water Resources Water quality, stream channel stability, 

and aquatic habitats retain their inherent resilience to natural 

and other disturbances.

DC Water Resources Vegetation and soil conditions above 

the floodplain protect downstream water quality, quantity, and 

aquatic habitat.

GD Water Resources Streams, streambanks, shorelines, 

lakes, wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water 

should be protected from detrimental changes [4]in water 

temperature and sediment to protect aquatic species and 

riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources Aquatic management zones should be 

in place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road 

locations to maintain water quality and suitable stream 

temperatures for aquatic species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streamflows, habitat, and 

water quality support native aquatic and riparian-dependent 

species and habitat.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological 

conditions are capable of providing for self-sustaining 

populations of native, riparian dependent plant and animal 

species.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species Annually, enhance or 

restore 5 to 15 miles of stream and riparian habitat to restore 

structure, composition, and function of physical habitat for 

native fisheries and riparian-dependent species.

DC Riparian Areas Natural ecological disturbances (e.g., 

flooding, scouring) promote a diverse plant structure 

consisting of herbaceous, shrub, and tree species of all ages 

and size classes necessary for the recruitment of ripariandependent species.

Retained through numerous 

objectives, desired conditions, 

standards and guidelines within soil, 

water, aquatic species, riparian and 

grazing sections.
1166 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

DC Riparian Areas Riparian-wetland conditions maintain 

water-related processes (e.g., hydrologic, hydraulic, 

geomorphic). They also maintain the physical and biological 

community characteristics, functions, and processes.

DC Riparian Areas Stream (lotic) riparian-wetland areas 

have vegetation, landform, and/or large coarse woody debris 

to dissipate stream energy associated with high water flow.

DC Riparian Areas Streams and their adjacent floodplains 

are capable of filtering, processing, and storing sediment; 

aiding floodplain development; improving floodwater 

retention; and increasing groundwater recharge.

DC Riparian Areas Vegetation and root masses stabilize 

streambanks, islands, and shoreline features against the 

cutting action of water.

DC Riparian Areas Willows (e.g., Bebb, Geyer, Arizona, 

Goodding’s) are reproducing with all age classes present, 

where the potential exists.

DC Riparian Areas Diversity and density of riparian forest 

vegetation provides for breeding, escape, hiding, and resting 

cover for wildlife and provides travelways between other 

habitat areas and seasonal ranges.

DC Riparian Areas The ecological function of riparian areas 

is resilient to animal and human use.

DC Riparian Areas Riparian obligate species within wet 

meadows, around springs and seeps, along streambanks, 

and active floodplains provide sufficient 

[5] vegetative ground 

cover (herbaceous vegetation, litter, and woody riparian 

species) to protect and enrich soils, trap sediment, mitigate 

flood energy, stabilize streambanks, and provide for wildlife 

and plant needs.

DC Riparian Areas Riparian soil productivity is optimized as 

described by the specific TES map unit

[5] as indicated by the 

vigor of the herbaceous vegetation community. Based on 

species composition, ungrazed plant heights 

[7] range from 10 

inches to 36 inches.

DC Riparian Areas Large coarse woody debris provides 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1167

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

stability to riparian areas and stream bottoms lacking 

geologic control (e.g., bedrock) or geomorphic features (e.g., 

functioning floodplains, stream sinuosity, width/depth ratio).

OBJ Riparian Areas Annually, move 200 to 500 acres 

toward desired composition, structure, and function of 

streams, floodplains, and riparian vegetation.

OBJ Riparian Areas Within the planning period, relocate, 

repair, improve, or decommission a minimum of 4 miles of 

National Forest System roads or trails that add sediment to 

streams, damage riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, 

cause gullies, and/or compact floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas Annually, remove an average of 2 miles 

of unauthorized roads or trails that add sediment to streams, 

damage riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, cause 

gullies, and/or compact floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas Within the planning period, enhance or 

restore 5 to 25 wet meadows, springs, seeps or cienegas to 

proper hydrologic function and native plant and animal 

species composition.

OBJ Riparian Areas Annually, work with partners to reduce 

animal damage to native willows and other riparian species 

on an average of 5 miles of riparian habitat.

GD Riparian Areas Ground-disturbing projects (including 

prescribed fire) which may degrade long term riparian conditions should be avoided.

GD Riparian Areas Wet meadows, springs, seeps and 

cienegas should not be used for concentrated activities (e.g., 

equipment storage, forest product or mineral stockpiling, 

livestock handling facilities, special uses) that cause damage 

to soil and vegetation.

GD Riparian Areas Active grazing allotments should be 

managed to maintain or improve to desired riparian 

conditions.
1168 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Lands and Minerals

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or 

retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 1987 Plan 

Direction

Lands and 

Minerals

Administer compliance with 36 CFR 228 (Forest 

Service surface use regulations). Fulfill Forest’s 

responsibilities regarding the processing of 

contests, suits, hearing, and appeals under the 

terms of the 1872 Mining Law.

36 CFR 228 regulations and appropriate 

environmental analysis are used to minimize 

potential adverse effects from mining activities. 

Review and administer Operating Plans to ensure 

that; 1) the proposed operations are reasonable 

methods of operations; 2) reclamation needs are 

properly addressed, 3) where appropriate, a bond 

to insure reclamation is secured, and 4) 

operations receive monitoring during operations. 

STs &GDs - Mining Law Compliance and 

Administration – Pg. 72-73

Direction not carried forward into revised 

plan. 

The Apache-Sitgreaves NFs would work 

with claimants to ensure their actions are 

consistent with overall plan guidance, laws, 

policy, and regulations.

Due to Public comments, clarification was 

needed in the Minerals and Energy section of the 

Plan Revision.

Regulations governing locatable minerals are 

found in 36 CFR § 228, Part A. The plan does 

not repeat existing law, policy, or regulation.

Locatable minerals are discussed in the 

“Minerals and Energy” section in chapter 3 of the 

EIS.

Lands and 

Minerals

Off-Road Vehicle activities will be managed to 

minimize conflicts with other uses, to prevent 

interference with the management of other 

resources, to prevent general environmental 

degradation, while providing a range of ORV 

opportunities. The three wilderness areas and the 

Blue Range Primitive Area are closed to ORV 

use. STs &GDs - Off-Road Vehicle Management, 

pg. 34.

The Resource Access and Travel Management 

(RATM) process will be used to determine the 

management strategies for all existing roads, 

trails, and areas. RATM will also consider the 

management of off-road and off-trail use by 

motorized vehicles with the objective of resolving 

user conflicts, eliminating wildlife harassment and 

resource damage. STs &GDs - Off-Road Vehicle 

GD Energy Corridor Energy corridors 

should be managed as nonmotorized areas 

to avoid conflicts with corridor operations 

and maintenance needs, although 

operations and maintenance activities may 

use motorized equipment.

Comments provided by the public requested that 

the plan address allowing for utilities users to 

have motorized access to the energy corridors as 

well as within the energy corridor.

Clarification was needed in the Plan Revision to 

address this concern so that only utility operators 

may use corridors for operations and 

maintenance. 

This guideline to manage energy corridors for 

nonmotorized travel has been modified to allow 

motorized equipment for operations and 

maintenance. 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1169

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or 

retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 1987 Plan 

Direction

Management, pg. 34.

New corridors are managed to maintain current 

resource protection and outputs to the degree 

possible. STs &GDs - Lands & Special Use 

Management, pg. 76.

Lands and 

Minerals

Request for transmission corridors are evaluated 

based on public need, economics, and 

environmental impacts of the alternatives. 

Emphasis is to use existing corridors to their 

capacity with compatible utilities, including 

upgrade power lines, before evaluating new 

routes.

New corridors through avoidance areas in the 

ponderosa pine and mixed Conifer vegetation 

types will be minimized and always avoided when 

feasible.

New corridors are managed to maintain current 

resource protection and outputs to the degree 

possible. 

In period 1, determine those special uses and 

rights-of-way grants with potential to highly impact 

the environment or other resource management 

and administer them per FSM standards. 

Inspections of permitted uses will be made where 

potential for serious damage to the environment 

exists where public health and safety could be 

seriously affected and when permits are reissued 

or transferred.

STs &GDs - Lands & Special Use Management, 

pg. 76.

GD Energy Corridor To limit impacts to 

undisturbed areas, new utilities (e.g., power 

lines, telephone lines, gas lines) should be 

co-located within existing corridors 

whenever technically feasible, within 

existing rights-of-way (including road rightsof-way), or follow major transportation 

routes. 

The following statement has been added to 

the Management Approaches for Energy 

Corridor section of the plan in chapter 3:

Energy utility companies also comply with 

maintenance standards enforced by the 

North American Electric Reliability 

Corporation.

There are increasing demands for goods, 

services, and forest access from growing 

populations and urban developments that border 

the forests. Many communities are surrounded 

by the forests and can be affected by adjustment 

to the forests’ land ownership. Commodity use 

and production have shown declines from the 

past. However, these forest uses contribute to 

sustaining the lifestyles and traditions of local 

communities. Energy resource demands also 

continue to grow.

There was a need to update and include more 

information in the Plan revision due to growing 

needs of the communities.
1170 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Mexican Spotted Owl

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

MSO Forest wide GD for MSO 

“Protected Areas”: 

In PACs: Manage (fuelwood 

harvest) within the following 

limitations to minimize effects 

on the owl:

In PACs: Retain key forest 

species such as oak. Retain 

key habitat components such 

as snags and large downed 

logs. 

In and outside of PACs:

Retain woody debris larger 

than 12 inches in diameter, 

snags, clumps of broad-leafed 

woody vegetation, and 

hardwood trees larger than 10 

inches in diameter at the root 

collar. 

Concept retained but specific text deleted. Replaced with:

DC for All PNVTS - Disjunct populations of Chihuahuan pine, 

Arizona cypress, and Rocky Mountain maple are present with the 

ability to reproduce on capable sites.

GD for All PNVTs -During project design and implementation, 

precautions should be taken to reduce the potential for damage 

to residual vegetation in order to prevent premature or excessive 

mortality. 

GD for All Forested PNVTS - Trees, snags, and logs 

immediately adjacent to active red squirrel cone caches, Abert’s 

squirrel nests, and raptor nests should be retained to maintain 

needed habitat components and provide tree groupings.

GD for All Forested PNVTs - Where a site-specific analysis 

indicates the need to reduce fire-kill of desired residual trees, fuel 

continuity and/or loading should be reduced before use of 

prescribed fire.

DCs for Forests: PP - •The ponderosa pine forest is composed 

predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, top-killed, 

lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide snags and 

coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are well 

distributed throughout the landscape. Ponderosa pine snags are 

typically 18 inches or greater in diameter and average 1 to 2 per 

acre. •Coarse woody debris, including logs, ranges from 3 to 10 

tons per acre. Logs average 3 per acre within the forested area 

of the landscape. •Where it naturally occurs, Gambel oak is 

present with all age classes represented. It is reproducing to 

maintain or expand its presence on capable sites across the 

landscape. Large Gambel oak snags are typically 10 inches or 

larger in diameter and are well distributed. •Where Gambel oak 

occurs, the majority are single trunk trees over 8 inches in 

diameter with full crowns.

GD for Forests: PP - Where Gambel oak or other native 

hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to retain for diversity, 

treatments should improve vigor and growth of these species.

ASNFs revised plan contains a total of 2 

PNVTS that cover the “Pine-oak” type as 

defined in the MSO Recovery Plan: the 

Ponderosa pine forest PNVT includes 

Pine-Gambel oak as a subtype, and 

MPO woodland.

ASNFs revised plan contains a total of 3 

PNVTs that cover the “Mixed Conifer” 

type as defined in the MSO Recovery 

Plan: DMC, WMC, and SF forests. The 

SF forest on the ASNFs is the low 

elevation, mixed species SF PNVT, 

which also can provide MSO habitat = 

see revised plan’s “Background” section 

for the SF forest PNVT.

Revised plan Glossary defines Snags

as “generally 12 inches or larger”. 

Coarse woody debris is defined as 

“Woody material, including logs, on the 

ground greater than 3 inches in 

diameter—a component of litter. Large 

coarse woody debris is often considered 

to be downed logs at least 12 inches in 

diameter and 8 feet in length.”

Hardwood and oak diameters stated in 

the revised plan imply measurement at 

diameter root collar (DRC), because 

these species are always measured at 

DRC. See “Diameter” definitions in 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1171

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

DCs for Forests: DMC - •The dry mixed conifer forest is 

composed predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, topkilled, lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide snags and 

coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are well 

distributed throughout the landscape. Snags are typically 18 

inches in diameter or greater and average 3 per acre. •Coarse 

woody debris, including logs, ranges from 5 to 15 tons per acre. 

Logs average 3 per acre within the forested area of the 

landscape. • ...Where they naturally occur, groups of Gambel 

oak are healthy and maintained or increased. ... 

•Where Gambel oak occurs, the majority are single trunk trees 

over 8 inches in diameter with full crowns.

GD for Forests: DMC - Where Gambel oak or other native 

hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to retain for diversity, 

treatments should improve vigor and growth of these species.

DCs for Forests: WMC - •The wet mixed conifer forest is 

composed predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, topkilled, lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide snags and 

coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are well 

distributed throughout the landscape. The number of snags and 

logs and amount of coarse woody debris varies by seral state 

ranging from 8 to more than 16 tons per acre. •There are 20 or 

more snags greater than 8 inches in diameter per acre and 1 to 5 

of those snags are 18 inches or greater in diameter. 

•Coarse woody debris, including logs, varies by seral state, 

ranging from 5 to 20 tons per acre for early-seral states; 20 to 40 

tons per acre for mid-seral states; and may be as high as 35 tons 

per acre, or greater, for late-seral states. These conditions also 

provide an abundance of fungi including mushrooms and truffles 

used by small mammals.

DCs for Forests: SF - •In general, there are 13 to 30 snags 

greater than 8 inches in diameter per acre and 1 to 3 of those 

snags are 18 inches or greater in diameter. •Coarse woody 

debris, including logs, varies by seral state, ranging from 5 to 30 

tons per acre for early-seral states; 30 to 40 tons per acre for 

mid-seral states; and 40 tons per acre or greater for late-seral 

states. These conditions also provide an abundance of fungi 

revised plan’s Glossary.

Sizes of snags, logs, and large trees to 

be retained at the project and activity 

level are dependent upon existing site 

conditions, capabilities, and objectives 

and should be determined by project 

interdisciplinary specialists using local 

data for the specific area while keeping 

MSO recovery needs in mind.
1172 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

including mushrooms and truffles used by small mammals.

DC for Forests: Aspen - Aspen may comprise 10 to 100 

percent of the area depending on disturbance (e.g., fire, insects, 

silvicultural treatments) in multistoried patches.

DC for Woodlands: MPO - Some large patches in the Madrean 

pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have multiple age 

classes, large trees, and old growth-like characteristics (e.g., 

numerous snags, large coarse woody debris) in order to provide 

for wildlife such as Mexican spotted owl and black bear, that 

need denser habitat.

GD for Woodlands: Madrean Pine-Oak - Where Mexican 

spotted owls are found nesting in canyons or on north slopes 

within the Madrean pine-oak woodland, adjacent treatments 

should be modified to meet the needs of foraging owls. 

GD for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events - Management 

should emphasize long term reestablishment of native deciduous 

trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation to maintain ecosystem 

diversity.

GDs for Wildlife and Rare Plants - •Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat management 

objectives and species protection measures from recovery plans. 

•Modifications, mitigations, or other measures should be 

incorporated to reduce negative impacts to plants, animals, and 

their habitats and to help provide for species needs, consistent 

with project or activity objectives.

MSO Forest wide GD for MSO in 

“Protected Areas”:

In PACs: Harvest conifers less 

than 9 inches in diameter only 

within those protected activity 

centers treated to abate fire 

risk as described below.

In PACs: Use combinations of 

thinning trees less than 9 

Deleted. Replaced with:

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants - Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat management 

objectives and species protection measures from recovery plans.

GD for All PNVTs -During project design and implementation, 

precautions should be taken to reduce the potential for damage 

to residual vegetation in order to prevent premature or excessive 

mortality.

GD for All PNVTs - Projects should include quantitative and/or 

qualitative objectives for implementation monitoring and 

effectiveness monitoring to assist in moving toward or 

The 2012 Revised MSO RP no longer 

specifies a 9-inch diameter upper cutting 

limit. 

While PACs remain unchanged, the 

“Protected Areas” terminology is no 

longer consistent with the 2012 Revised 

MSO RP. 

Mechanical fuel treatment is usually not 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1173

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

inches in diameter, mechanical 

fuel treatment and prescribed 

fire to abate fire risk in the 

remainder of the selected 

protected activity center 

outside the 100 acre "no 

treatment" area.

Protected Areas outside of 

PACs (MC and pine-oak forest 

on slopes over 40% not logged 

in past 20 yrs.):

Use combinations of thinning 

trees less than 9 inches in 

diameter, mechanical fuel 

removal, and prescribed fire.

maintaining desired conditions.

GD for Forests: All Forested PNVTs - Where a site-specific 

analysis indicates the need to reduce fire-kill of desired residual 

trees, fuel continuity and/or loading should be reduced before 

use of prescribed fire.

GD for Woodlands: Madrean Pine-Oak - Where Mexican 

spotted owls are found nesting in canyons or on north slopes 

within the Madrean pine-oak woodland, adjacent treatments 

should be modified to meet the needs of foraging owls. 

DCs for Wildland Fire Management: •Human life, property, and 

natural and cultural resource are protected within and adjacent to 

NFS lands. •Wildland fires burn within the range of frequency 

and intensity of natural fire regimes. Uncharacteristic high 

severity fires rarely occur and do not burn at the landscape 

scale. •Wildland fire maintains and enhances resources and 

functions in its natural ecological role. •For all PNVTs, the 

composition, cover, structure, and mosaic of vegetative 

conditions reduce uncharacteristic wildfire hazard to local 

communities and forest ecosystems.

GD for Wildland Fire Management - Wildland fire may be used 

to meet PNVT desired conditions and enable natural fire 

regimes.

Chapter 4. Table 8. Suitability of lands for timber production 

and tree cutting: Timber production is classified as not suitable 

in MSO PACs, while tree cutting is suitable if used to meet DCs 

for MSO and its habitat in PACs.

feasible, as most MSO PACs are on 

very steep, unroaded, inaccessible 

slopes. Hand thinning and prescribed 

fire remain the most practical tools of 

choice, to be determined by specialists 

at the project and activity level.

See revised forest plan’s definition of 

“Wildland fire.”

MSO Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. No seasonal 

restrictions apply. Treat fuel 

accumulations to abate fire 

risk. 

Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Use light prescribed 

burns in non-selected 

protected activity centers on a 

case-by-case basis. Burning 

DC for Overall Ecosystem Health •Natural ecological 

disturbances return to their characteristic roles within the 

ecosystem. Wildfire, in particular, is restored to a more natural 

function.

DC for all PNVTs • Natural processes and human and natural 

disturbances (e.g., wildland fire, mechanical vegetation 

treatments) provide desired overall tree density, structure, 

species composition, coarse woody debris, and nutrient cycling. 

Natural fire regimes are restored. Uncharacteristic fire behavior 

is minimal or absent on the landscape. • Wildland fire maintains 

Mgmt. Approach for Overall 

Ecosystem Health - Wildland fire has 

played an important ecological role in 

shaping the vegetation on the ApacheSitgreaves NFs. Forest managers utilize 

prescribed fire (planned ignitions) and 

wildfire (unplanned ignitions) to help 

reintroduce fire into the ecosystems, 

restore natural fire regimes, and remove 

excessive fuels. Fire may be used alone 
1174 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

should avoid a 100 acre "no 

treatment" area around the 

activity center. Large woody 

debris, snags, clumps of 

broad-leafed woody vegetation 

should be retained and 

hardwood trees larger than 10 

inches diameter at the root 

collar.

and enhances resources and, as nearly as possible, is allowed to 

function in its natural ecological role. •Diverse vegetation 

structure, species composition, densities, and seral states 

provide quality habitat for native and desirable nonnative plant 

and animal species throughout their life cycle and at multiple 

spatial scales. Landscapes provide for the full range of 

ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, including habitats for 

those species associated with late seral states and old growth.

GD for All PNVTs • During project design and implementation, 

precautions should be taken to reduce the potential for damage 

to residual vegetation in order to prevent premature or excessive 

mortality. • Restoration methods, such as thinning or prescribed 

fire, should leave a mosaic of untreated areas within the larger 

treated project area to allow recolonization of treated areas by 

plants, small mammals, and insects (e.g., long-tailed voles, 

fritillary butterflies).

or in combination with other treatments. 

Direction for managing wildland fire is 

found in the “Wildland Fire 

Management” section.

Background for all PNVTs -Vegetation

conditions for Mexican spotted owl 

(MSO) and other federally listed species, 

although not described in detail below, 

are managed consistent with the habitat 

requirements specified in the 

appropriate species recovery plan.

MSO Forest wide GD for MSO in 

Restricted Areas (Mixed 

conifer and pine-oak 

forests):

Attempt to mimic natural 

disturbance patterns by 

incorporating natural variation, 

such as irregular tree spacing 

and various patch sizes, into 

management prescriptions. 

Maintain all species of native 

trees in the landscape 

including early seral species. 

Allow natural canopy gap 

processes to occur, thus 

producing horizontal variation 

in stand structure. 

Text deleted but concept retained. Replaced with:

numerous DCs, STs, GDs and monitoring strategy. See 

crosswalk sections on old growth in particular for detailed 

components that provide for vertical diversity and some 

horizontal diversity. 

Additional revised plan components for native tree species and 

early seral tree species maintenance include:

DC for Overall Ecosystem Health - •Ecological conditions for 

habitat quality, distribution, and abundance contribute to selfsustaining populations of native and desirable nonnative plants 

and animals that are healthy, well distributed, connected, and 

genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the life history, 

distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape.

DC for all PNVTS – •Native plant communities dominate the 

landscape. •Species genetic diversity remains within native 

vegetation and animal populations, thus enabling species to 

adapt to changing environmental and climatic conditions.

•Diverse vegetation structure, species composition, densities, 

Background for all PNVTs -Vegetation 

conditions for Mexican spotted owl 

(MSO) and other federally listed species, 

although not described in detail below, 

are managed consistent with the habitat 

requirements specified in the 

appropriate species recovery plan.

The term “Restricted” MSO habitat 

became obsolete with the 2012 revision 

of the MSO RP.

Mgmt. Approach for All Forested PNVTs 

- Mexican spotted owl and northern 

goshawk are management indicator 

species (MIS) of forest density and 

structure. The treatment objective listed 

(Annually, treat 5,000 to 35,000 acres...)

would contribute to species viability. -

Cone collection, tree planting, and 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1175

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

and seral states provide quality habitat for native and desirable 

nonnative plant and animal species throughout their life cycle 

and at multiple spatial scales. Landscapes provide for the full 

range of ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, including 

habitats for those species associated with late seral states and 

old growth. •Disjunct populations of Chihuahuan pine, Arizona 

cypress, and Rocky Mountain maple are present with the ability 

to reproduce on capable sites.

GD for All Forested PNVTs - Healthy southwestern white pine 

should be retained to maintain the wide range of genetic 

variability that contributes to resistance against the nonnative 

white pine blister rust disease.

GD for Forests: PP - •Where Gambel oak or other native 

hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to retain for diversity, 

treatments should improve vigor and growth of these species.

DC for Forests: DMC - Southwestern white pine is present with 

the ability to reproduce on capable sites.

DC for Forests: SF - Corkbark fir is present with the ability to 

reproduce on late-seral sites appropriate for the species.

GDS for Forests: Aspen - •When managing for early seral 

states, competing conifers should be removed from aspen 

stands when needed to increase aspen longevity and increase 

diversity of aspen age classes. •Aspen restoration and retention 

efforts should include measures to ensure viability of aspen on 

the landscape.

GD for Landscape Scale Disturbances - •Where conifer seed 

sources are lost or poorly distributed and/or deciduous tree 

species are not adequately resprouting, artificial regeneration 

(e.g., planting, seeding) should be used to promote movement 

toward desired conditions, provided adequate site conditions 

exist. •Management should emphasize long term 

reestablishment of native deciduous trees, shrubs, and 

herbaceous vegetation to maintain ecosystem diversity. 

ST for Special Uses- •Special use authorizations for the 

collection of live species with limited distribution (e.g., some 

invertebrates, plants) shall include permit provisions to ensure 

natural regeneration are used to ensure 

the perpetuation of desired tree species.

Management Approach for Landscape 

Scale Disturbances - Based on site 

conditions, ecological restoration 

projects and activities focus on 

establishing and ensuring survival of 

native vegetation. Native tree and shrub 

planting follows plan guidelines for those 

individual forested and woodland 

PNVTs. To ensure their persistence, 

there is a focus on reintroduction of fire, 

protection of tree regeneration, 

treatment of insects and disease, or 

adjustment of management actions as 

needed. Additional direction found in the 

FSM 2400, Chapters 70 and 90, and 

FSM 2300, Chapter 20, guides 

managers in silvicultural practices, 

reforestation, and forest management in 

wilderness.
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the species persist onsite.

Additional revised plan components for horizontal diversity and 

canopy gap processes include:

DC for Forests: PP - The forest arrangement consists of 

individual trees, small clumps, and groups of trees with variably-

sized interspaces of grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Vegetation 

associations are similar to reference conditions. The size, shape, 

and number of trees per group and the number of groups per 

area vary across the landscape. Tree density may be greater in 

some locations, such as north-facing slopes and canyon 

bottoms.

DC for Forests: PP -Ponderosa pine forest is characterized by 

variation in the size and number of tree groups depending on 

elevation, soil type, aspect, and site productivity. The more 

biologically productive sites contain more trees per group and 

more groups per area, resulting in less space between groups. 

Interspaces typically range from 10 percent in more biologically 

productive sites to 70 percent in the less productive sites. Tree 

density within forested areas ranges from 20 to 80 square feet 

basal area per acre.

DC for Forests: PP - Interspaces surrounding tree groups are 

variably shaped and composed of a grass, forb, and shrub mix. 

Some may contain individual trees or snags.

DC for Forests: PP - Forest structure in the wildland-urban 

interface (WUI) may have smaller, more widely spaced groups of 

trees than in the non-WUI areas.

GD for Forests: PP - Where consistent with project or activity 

objectives, canopy cover should be retained on the south and 

southwest sides of small, existing forest openings that are 

naturally cooler and moister. These small (generally one-tenth to 

one-quarter acre) shaded openings provide habitat conditions 

needed by small mammals, plants, and insects (e.g., Merriam’s 

shrew, Mogollon clover, four-spotted skipperling butterfly). Where 

these openings naturally occur across a project area, these 

conditions should be maintained on an average of 2 or more 
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such openings per 100 acres.

DC for Forests: DMC - The forest arrangement consists of small 

clumps and groups of trees with variably-sized interspaces of 

grass, forb, and shrub vegetation associations similar to 

reference conditions. Size, shape, number of trees per group, 

and number of groups per area are variable across the 

landscape. Where they naturally occur, groups of Gambel oak 

are healthy and maintained or increased. Tree density may be 

greater in some locations, such as north-facing slopes and 

canyon bottoms. 

DC for Forests: DMC – The dry mixed conifer forest is 

characterized by a variety of size and number of tree groups 

depending on elevation, soil type, aspect, and site productivity. 

The more biologically productive sites contain more trees per 

group and more groups per area, resulting in less space between 

groups. Interspaces typically range from 10 percent in more 

biologically productive sites to 50 percent in less productive sites. 

Tree density within forested areas ranges from 30 to 100 square 

feet basal area per acre.

DC for Forests: DMC - Forest structure in the wildland-urban 

interface (WUI) may have smaller, more widely spaced groups of 

trees than in the non-WUI areas. 

DC for Forests: DMC -Interspaces surrounding tree groups are 

composed of a grass, forb, and shrub mix. Some may contain 

individual trees or snags.

GD for Forests: DMC - Where consistent with project or activity 

objectives, canopy cover should be retained on the south and 

southwest sides of small, existing forest openings that are 

naturally cooler and moister. These small (generally one-tenth to 

one-quarter acre) shaded openings provide habitat conditions 

needed by small mammals, plants, and insects (e.g., Merriam’s 

shrew, Mogollon clover, four-spotted skipperling butterfly). Where 

these openings naturally occur across a project area, these 

conditions should be maintained on an average of 2 or more 

such openings per 100 acres.

DC for Forests: WMC - The size and number of groups and 

patches vary depending on disturbance, elevation, soil type, 
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aspect, and site productivity. Patch sizes vary but are frequently 

hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of acres. Groups of tens 

of acres or less are relatively common. There is a mosaic of 

primarily even-aged groups and patches, which vary in size, 

species composition, and age. Grass, forb, and shrub openings 

created by disturbances may comprise 10 to 100 percent of the 

area depending on the type of disturbance. 

DC for Forests: WMC - Small openings are present as a result 

of disturbances (e.g., wind, disease). 

DC for Forests: SF - The size and number of groups and 

patches vary depending on disturbance, elevation, soil type, 

aspect, and site productivity. Patch sizes vary but are mostly 

hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of acres. There may be 

frequent small disturbances resulting in groups of tens of acres 

or less. A mosaic of primarily even-aged groups and patches, 

which vary in size, species composition, and age, is present. 

Grass, forb, and shrub openings created by disturbances may 

comprise 10 to 100 percent of the area depending on time since 

disturbances. Aspen is occasionally present in large patches.

DC for Forests: SF - Small openings are present as a result of 

localized disturbances (e.g., wind, disease).

MSO GDs for MSO Restricted 

(Nest/Roost in MC and Pineoak) : 

The following table displays 

the minimum percentage of 

restricted area, by MSO 

Recovery Unit, which should 

be managed to have nest/roost 

characteristics. The minimum 

mixed conifer restricted area 

includes 10% at 170 basal 

area and an additional 15% of 

MC or 10% of Pine-oak area at 

150 basal area. Minimum 20 

trees/acre over 18 inches 

diameter, + 10% total stand 

Table deleted. Concept retained. Replaced with:

DCs for All PNVTs Landscape Scale - Diverse vegetation 

structure, species composition, densities, and seral states 

provide quality habitat for native and desirable nonnative plant 

and animal species throughout their life cycle and at multiple 

spatial scales. Landscapes provide for the full range of 

ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, including habitats for 

those species associated with late seral states and old growth.

GD for All PNVTs - During project design and implementation, 

precautions should be taken to reduce the potential for damage 

to residual vegetation in order to prevent premature or excessive 

mortality. 

GD for Forests - All Forested PNVTs - Where a site-specific 

analysis indicates the need to reduce fire-kill of desired residual 

trees, fuel continuity and/or loading should be reduced before 

Background for all PNVTs -Vegetation 

conditions for Mexican spotted owl 

(MSO) and other federally listed species, 

although not described in detail below, 

are managed consistent with the habitat 

requirements specified in the 

appropriate species recovery plan.

The terms “Restricted” MSO habitat and 

“threshold values” became obsolete with

the 2012 revision of the MSO RP. Table 

C.3. is the replacement table of habitat 

criteria of “Minimum desired conditions 

for mixed conifer and pine-oak forest 

areas managed for Recovery 
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density index by 3 large tree 

size classes in MC, or 15% 

per3 large tree size class in 

Pine-oak. The variables are for 

stand averages, are minimum 

threshold values and must be 

met simultaneously. In project 

design, no stands 

simultaneously meeting or 

exceeding the minimum 

threshold values should be 

reduced below the threshold 

values unless a district-wide or 

larger landscape analysis of 

restricted areas shows that 

there is a surplus of restricted 

area acres simultaneously 

meeting the threshold values. 

Management should be 

designed to create minimum 

threshold conditions on project 

areas where there is a deficit 

of stands simultaneously 

meeting minimum threshold 

conditions unless the districtwide or larger landscape 

analysis shows there is a 

surplus. Table: Minimum 

Percentage of Restricted 

Area Managed for 

Nest/Roost Characteristics

use of prescribed fire.

DCs for Forests: WMC - •Canopies are more closed than dry 

mixed conifer. •Tree density ranges from 30 to 180 square feet 

basal area per acre depending upon time since disturbance and 

seral states of groups and patches. •In mid-aged and older 

forests, trees are typically variably spaced with crowns 

interlocking (grouped and clumped trees) or nearly interlocking 

providing for species such as red squirrel. Trees within groups 

can be of similar or variable species and ages.

DCs for Forests: SF - •Tree canopies in this forest are closed. 

An understory, consisting of native grass, forbs, and/or shrubs, is 

present in early seral states and is replaced by trees in later seral 

states. • Old growth occurs over large, continuous areas. ... 

•Tree density ranges from 30 to 250 square feet basal area per 

acre, depending upon disturbance and seral states of the groups 

and patches. •Mid-aged to old trees grow tightly together with 

interlocking crowns. Trees are of the same size and/or age class 

in early group/patch development. In late development, they may 

be multilayered.

GDs for Wildlife and Rare Plants –

•Activities occurring within federally listed species habitat should 

apply habitat management objectives and species protection 

measures from recovery plans.

•Modifications, mitigations, or other measures should be 

incorporated to reduce negative impacts to plants, animals, and

their habitats and to help provide for species needs, consistent 

with project or activity objectives.

•Cool and/or dense vegetation cover should be provided for 

species needing these habitat components ... 

DCs for Wildlife Quiet Area -

•WQAs provide blocks of core habitat to meet wildlife life stage 

requirements during the breeding, rearing, and, in some cases, 

the critical wintering period. 

•WQAs contribute to preserving natural behaviors and processes 

that sustain wildlife populations associated with each WQA (see 

below) {different for each WQA listed in the WQA section}.

nesting/roosting habitat” in the 2012 

MSO RP that replaces the now obsolete 

table in the existing forest plan. Before 

decision, every project must first consult 

with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

with respect to compliance with the 

revised (now current) MSO RP.

Specific numeric values or criteria from 

any species recovery plan are not 

displayed in the revised forest plan 

because if those values should change 

during the life of the forest plan, a forest 

plan amendment would be required first 

to adopt the new values. The GD stated 

is intended to provide the forests enough 

flexibility to more quickly adopt new 

recovery plans as they become available 

or are updated.

Meeting the higher stand densities 

stated in DCs for forested PNVTs, as 

well as the old growth aspects of the 

revised plan’s DCs, STs and GDs

should assist with ensuring the values in 

Table C.3. in the 2012 MSO RP could 

be met. Additionally, Wildlife Quiet 

Areas, Wilderness, Recommended 

RNAs (like the recommended Lower 

Campbell Blue RNA), and other MAs in 

the revised plan can contribute to 

meeting these habitat criteria. Project 

analysis will be required to analyze all 

such considerations at various scales

and build mitigations into project design 

if needed. 

The revised plan also uses “closed 

canopy” and/or “dense canopy” as terms 
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•The Hulsey Bench WQA on the Alpine Ranger District provides 

Mexican spotted owl, northern goshawk, elk, deer, turkey, and 

bear refuge habitat.

•Middle Mountain WQA provides refuge for northern goshawk, 

turkey, deer, elk, and Mexican spotted owl amid extensive 

dispersed recreation on the Alpine Ranger District.

•St. Peters Dome WQA on the Springerville Ranger District 

provides high quality spruce-fir habitat for dusky grouse, bear, 

and other high elevation species.

GDs for Wildlife Quiet Area -

•Hiding cover and travelways for wildlife should be maintained to 

provide for security and connectivity of habitat.

•Restoration treatments should consider the needs of wildlife 

(e.g., calving/fawning areas, wallows, game crossings) to 

minimize potential impacts to the species and their habitat.

Chapter 5 Table 12 - Monitoring Strategy questions:

- What is the effect of management upon habitat and population 

trends of management indicator species (Mexican spotted owl, 

northern goshawk, pronghorn antelope) across the forests? 

-How are management activities affecting late successional 

forest structure in relation to desired conditions?

-Are management activities moving vegetation communities and 

habitats closer to the desired condition identified at the 

appropriate scales?

to describe a more densely stocked 

forest condition.

MSO GDs for MSO Restricted 

(MC, Pine oak, and Riparian). 

Encourage prescribed and 

prescribed natural wildland fire 

use to reduce hazardous fuel 

accumulation. Thinning from 

below may be desirable or 

necessary before burning to 

reduce ladder fuels and the 

risk of crown fire.

Replaced with:

DC for All PNVTs - Natural processes and human and natural 

disturbances (e.g., wildland fire, mechanical vegetation 

treatments) provide desired overall tree density, structure, 

species composition, coarse woody debris, and nutrient cycling. 

Natural fire regimes are restored. Uncharacteristic fire behavior 

is minimal or absent on the landscape.

GDs for All PNVTs – •During project design and 

implementation, precautions should be taken to reduce the 

potential for damage to residual vegetation in order to prevent 

premature or excessive mortality. •Restoration methods, such as 

Revised plan DCs and GDs were used 

to capture this concept.
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thinning or prescribed fire, should leave a mosaic of untreated 

areas within the larger treated project area to allow 

recolonization of treated areas by plants, small mammals and 

insects (e.g., long-tailed voles, fritillary butterflies). •Wildfire may 

be used to meet desired resource conditions, maintain or 

promote desired vegetation species, and enable natural fires to 

return to their historic role.

GD for Riparian Areas- Ground-disturbing projects (including 

prescribed fire) which may degrade long term riparian conditions 

should be avoided.

GD for All Forested PNVTs- Where a site specific analysis 

indicates the need to reduce fire-kill of desired residual trees, fuel 

continuity and/or loading should be reduced before use of 

prescribed fire.

DCS for Wildland Fire Management- •Human life, property, 

and natural and cultural resources are protected within and 

adjacent to NFS lands. •Wildland fires burn within the range of 

frequency and intensity of natural fire regimes. Uncharacteristic 

high-severity fires rarely occur and do not burn at the landscape 

scale. •Wildland fire maintains and enhances resources and 

functions in its natural ecological role. •For all PNVTs, the 

composition, cover, structure, and mosaic of vegetative 

conditions reduce uncharacteristic wildfire hazard to local 

communities and forest ecosystems.

GDs for Wildland Fire Management- •Wildland fire may be 

used to meet PNVT desired conditions and enable natural fire 

regimes. •Human-induced impacts (e.g., smoke production, 

suppression actions) to natural processes, resources, or 

infrastructure attributable to wildland fire activities should be 

managed towards achieving objectives as identified in the 

applicable decision document. •Firelines, helispots, and fire 

camps should be located to avoid disturbance to critical species 

and impacts to cultural resources. •Aerial retardant drops should 

avoid threatened, endangered, proposed, or candidate, or 

identified sensitive species and waterways 

[11]

.
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MSO GDs for MSO Restricted (MC 

and Pine oak). 

Emphasize uneven-aged 

management systems. 

However, both even-aged and 

uneven-aged systems may be 

used where appropriate to 

provide variation in existing 

stand structure and species 

diversity. Existing stand 

conditions will determine which 

system is appropriate.

Extend rotation ages for evenaged stands to greater than 

200 years. Silvicultural 

prescriptions should explicitly 

state when vegetative 

manipulation will cease until 

rotation age is reached.

Text deleted, but concepts retained. Replaced with: 

See revised plan components and additional rationale listed in 

this crosswalk’s Vegetation section for existing plan’s “MA #1 

STs & GDs, pg. 107” which pertain to using uneven-aged and 

even-aged management systems.

Mgmt. Approach for All Forested PNVTs 

- Uneven-aged management techniques 

are used primarily, and some even-aged 

management is used especially when 

managing species such as aspen and 

spruce. Even-aged treatments may be 

applied in the short term for forest health 

concerns (e.g., heavy dwarf mistletoe 

infections) to facilitate a transition to 

uneven-aged management.

Rotation age is a concept specific to 

even-aged management and is the 

biological point at which thinnings no 

longer produce stand growth results. 

Longer rotation ages are set to ensure 

that the stand of trees reaches matureto-overmature age status, with some 

degree of decadence like snags 

developing over that period of time. 

Large tree size is also dependent on site 

capability, which in some cases 200 

years may or may not be adequate to 

achieve such a goal. This silvicultural 

tool was used in the existing plan as a 

surrogate means to ensure that large/old 

trees would be permitted to remain on 

the landscape in the event that evenaged management was employed more 

than uneven-aged cutting systems were. 

In cases when even-aged management 

is used, rotation age should be 

determined and documented by 

interdisciplinary specialists at the project 

and activity level, using site-specific 

information and objectives to move 

toward the revised plan’s DCs, including 

MSO habitat needs for recovery.
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MSO GDs for MSO Restricted 

Areas (MC, Pine oak, and 

Riparian): 

In pine-oak forests, retain 

existing large oaks and 

promote growth of additional 

large oaks. 

GD for Forests: PP - Where Gambel oak or other native 

hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to retain for diversity, 

treatments should improve vigor and growth of these species.

DC for Woodlands: MPO - Some large patches in the Madrean 

pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have multiple age 

classes, large trees, and old growth-like characteristics (e.g., 

numerous snags, large coarse woody debris) in order to provide 

for wildlife such as Mexican spotted owl and black bear, that 

need denser habitat.

GD for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events - Management 

should emphasize long term reestablishment of native deciduous 

trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation to maintain ecosystem 

diversity.

The term “Restricted” MSO habitat 

became obsolete with the 2012 revision 

of the MSO RP.

“Pine-oak” forests exist in two PNVTs in 

the ASNFs revised plan: Ponderosa pine 

PNVT (pine-Gambel oak is a subtype), 

and Madrean pine-oak PNVT.

MSO GDs for MSO Restricted 

Areas (MC, Pine oak, and 

Riparian). 

Retain substantive amounts of 

key habitat components: 

Snags 18 inches in diameter 

and larger, down logs over 12 

inches midpoint diameter, 

hardwoods for retention, 

recruitment, and replacement 

of large hardwoods. Save all 

trees greater than 24 inches 

dbh. 

Concept retained but specific text deleted. Replaced with:

DC for All PNVTS - Disjunct populations of Chihuahuan pine, 

Arizona cypress, and Rocky Mountain maple are present with the 

ability to reproduce on capable sites.

GD for All PNVTs -During project design and implementation, 

precautions should be taken to reduce the potential for damage 

to residual vegetation in order to prevent premature or excessive 

mortality.

DC for Riparian Areas - Diversity and density of riparian forest 

vegetation provides for breeding, escape, hiding, and resting 

cover for wildlife and provides travelways between other habitat 

areas and seasonal ranges.

GD for Riparian Areas - Ground-disturbing projects (including 

prescribed fire) which may degrade long term riparian conditions 

should be avoided.

GD for All Forested PNVTS - Trees, snags, and logs 

immediately adjacent to active red squirrel cone caches, Abert’s 

squirrel nests, and raptor nests should be retained to maintain 

needed habitat components and provide tree groupings.

GD for All Forested PNVTs - Where a site-specific analysis 

indicates the need to reduce fire-kill of desired residual trees, fuel 

continuity and/or loading should be reduced before use of 

The term “Restricted” MSO habitat 

became obsolete with the 2012 revision 

of the MSO RP.

The 2012 MSO RP directs managers to 

strive to retain trees over 24 inches as 

much as possible, and also over 18 

inches diameter, but stresses that 

removal of some trees these sizes 

should be done judiciously and only 

when necessary to meet specific 

resource objectives. It states on pg. 269 

that previous wording of this GD to not 

allow cutting any trees over 18 inches 

was misinterpreted.

Although not a separate PNVT in the 

revised forest plan, aspen is included 

here as an important hardwood habitat 

component within the mixed conifer, and 

spruce-fir PNVTs, and sometimes also 

occurs within the pine-oak (ponderosa 

pine) and some riparian forest PNVTs.
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prescribed fire.

DCs for Forests: PP - •The ponderosa pine forest is composed 

predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, top-killed, 

lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide snags and 

coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are well 

distributed throughout the landscape. Ponderosa pine snags are 

typically 18 inches or greater in diameter and average 1 to 2 per 

acre. •Coarse woody debris, including logs, ranges from 3 to 10 

tons per acre. Logs average 3 per acre within the forested area 

of the landscape. •Where it naturally occurs, Gambel oak is 

present with all age classes represented. It is reproducing to 

maintain or expand its presence on capable sites across the 

landscape. Large Gambel oak snags are typically 10 inches or 

larger in diameter and are well distributed. •Where Gambel oak 

occurs, the majority are single trunk trees over 8 inches in 

diameter with full crowns.

GD for Forests: PP - Where Gambel oak or other native 

hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to retain for diversity, 

treatments should improve vigor and growth of these species.

DCs for Forests: DMC - •The dry mixed conifer forest is 

composed predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, topkilled, lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide snags and 

coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are well 

distributed throughout the landscape. Snags are typically 18 

inches in diameter or greater and average 3 per acre. •Coarse 

woody debris, including logs, ranges from 5 to 15 tons per acre. 

Logs average 3 per acre within the forested area of the 

landscape. • ...Where they naturally occur, groups of Gambel 

oak are healthy and maintained or increased.

•Where Gambel oak occurs, the majority are single trunk trees 

over 8 inches in diameter with full crowns.

GD for Forests: DMC - Where Gambel oak or other native 

hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to retain for diversity, 

treatments should improve vigor and growth of these species.

DCs for Forests: WMC - •The wet mixed conifer forest is 

composed predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, topkilled, lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide snags and 

Sizes of snags, logs, and large trees to 

be retained at the project and activity 

level are dependent upon existing site 

conditions, capabilities, and objectives 

and should be determined by project 

interdisciplinary specialists using local 

data for the specific area while keeping 

MSO recovery needs in mind.
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coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are well 

distributed throughout the landscape. The number of snags and 

logs and amount of coarse woody debris varies by seral state 

ranging from 8 to more than 16 tons per acre. •There are 20 or 

more snags greater than 8 inches in diameter per acre and 1 to 5 

of those snags are 18 inches or greater in diameter. 

•Coarse woody debris, including logs, varies by seral state, 

ranging from 5 to 20 tons per acre for early-seral states; 20 to 40 

tons per acre for mid-seral states; and may be as high as 35 tons 

per acre, or greater, for late-seral states. These conditions also 

provide an abundance of fungi including mushrooms and truffles 

used by small mammals.

DCs for Forests: SF - •In general, there are 13 to 30 snags 

greater than 8 inches in diameter per acre and 1 to 3 of those 

snags are 18 inches or greater in diameter. •Coarse woody 

debris, including logs, varies by seral state, ranging from 5 to 30 

tons per acre for early-seral states; 30 to 40 tons per acre for 

mid-seral states; and 40 tons per acre or greater for late-seral 

states. These conditions also provide an abundance of fungi 

including mushrooms and truffles used by small mammals.

DC for Forests: Aspen- Aspen may comprise 10 to 100 

percent of the area depending on disturbance (e.g., fire, insects, 

silvicultural treatments) in multistoried patches.

DC for Woodlands: MPO- Some large patches in the Madrean 

pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have multiple age 

classes, large trees, and old growth-like characteristics (e.g., 

numerous snags, large coarse woody debris) in order to provide 

for wildlife such as Mexican spotted owl and black bear, that 

need denser habitat.

GD for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events- Management 

should emphasize long term reestablishment of native deciduous 

trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation to maintain ecosystem 

diversity.

GDs for Wildlife and Rare Plants - Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat management 

objectives and species protection measures from recovery plans. 

•Modifications, mitigations, or other measures should be 
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incorporated to reduce negative impacts to plants, animals, and 

their habitats and to help provide for species needs, consistent 

with project or activity objectives.

MSO GDs for MSO in Riparian 

Areas. Emphasize 

maintenance and restoration of 

healthy riparian ecosystems 

through conformance with 

forest plan riparian standards 

and guidelines. Management 

strategies should move 

degraded riparian vegetation 

toward good condition as soon 

as possible. Damage to

riparian vegetation, stream 

banks, and channels should be 

prevented. 

DC Water Resources - Water quality, stream channel stability, 

and aquatic habitats retain their inherent resilience to natural and 

other disturbances.

DC Water Resources - Vegetation and soil conditions above the 

floodplain protect downstream water quality, quantity, and 

aquatic habitat.

GD Water Resources - Streams, streambanks, shorelines, 

lakes, wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should 

be protected from detrimental changes [4]

in water temperature 

and sediment to protect aquatic species and riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources - Aquatic management zones should be 

in place between streams and disturbed areas and/or road 

locations to maintain water quality and suitable stream 

temperatures for aquatic species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species - Streamflows, habitat, and 

water quality support native aquatic and riparian-dependent 

species and habitat.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species - Habitat and ecological 

conditions are capable of providing for self-sustaining 

populations of native, riparian dependent plant and animal 

species.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species - Annually, enhance or 

restore 5 to 15 miles of stream and riparian habitat to restore 

structure, composition, and function of physical habitat for native 

fisheries and riparian-dependent species.

DC Riparian Areas - Natural ecological disturbances (e.g., 

flooding, scouring) promote a diverse plant structure consisting 

of herbaceous, shrub, and tree species of all ages and size 

classes necessary for the recruitment of riparian-dependent 

species.

DC Riparian Areas - Riparian-wetland conditions maintain 

water-related processes (e.g., hydrologic, hydraulic, 

geomorphic). They also maintain the physical and biological 

Retained through numerous objectives, 

desired conditions, standards and 

guidelines within soil, water, aquatic 

species, riparian and grazing sections.
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community characteristics, functions, and processes.

DC Riparian Areas- Stream (lotic) riparian-wetland areas have 

vegetation, landform, and/or large coarse woody debris to 

dissipate stream energy associated with high water flow.

DC Riparian Areas- Streams and their adjacent floodplains are 

capable of filtering, processing, and storing sediment; aiding 

floodplain development; improving floodwater retention; and 

increasing groundwater recharge.

DC Riparian Areas- Vegetation and root masses stabilize 

streambanks, islands, and shoreline features against the cutting 

action of water.

DC Riparian Areas- Willows (e.g., Bebb, Geyer, Arizona, 

Goodding’s) are reproducing with all age classes present, where 

the potential exists.

DC Riparian Areas- Diversity and density of riparian forest 

vegetation provides for breeding, escape, hiding, and resting 

cover for wildlife and provides travelways between other habitat 

areas and seasonal ranges.

DC Riparian Areas- The ecological function of riparian areas is 

resilient to animal and human use.

DC Riparian Areas- Riparian obligate species within wet 

meadows, around springs and seeps, along streambanks, and 

active floodplains provide sufficient 

[5] vegetative ground cover 

(herbaceous vegetation, litter, and woody riparian species) to 

protect and enrich soils, trap sediment, mitigate flood energy, 

stabilize streambanks, and provide for wildlife and plant needs.

DC Riparian Areas- Riparian soil productivity is optimized as 

described by the specific TES map unit 

[5] as indicated by the 

vigor of the herbaceous vegetation community. Based on 

species composition, ungrazed plant heights 

[7]

range from 10 

inches to 36 inches.

DC Riparian Areas- Large coarse woody debris provides 

stability to riparian areas and stream bottoms lacking geologic 

control (e.g., bedrock) or geomorphic features (e.g., functioning 

floodplains, stream sinuosity, width/depth ratio).

OBJ Riparian Areas- Annually, move 200 to 500 acres toward 
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desired composition, structure, and function of streams, 

floodplains, and riparian vegetation.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Within the planning period, relocate, 

repair, improve, or decommission a minimum of 4 miles of 

National Forest System roads or trails that add sediment to 

streams, damage riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, cause 

gullies, and/or compact floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, remove an average of 2 miles 

of unauthorized roads or trails that add sediment to streams, 

damage riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, 

and/or compact floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Within the planning period, enhance or 

restore 5 to 25 wet meadows, springs, seeps or cienegas to 

proper hydrologic function and native plant and animal species 

composition.

OBJ Riparian Areas - Annually, work with partners to reduce 

animal damage to native willows and other riparian species on 

an average of 5 miles of riparian habitat.

GD Riparian Areas - Ground-disturbing projects (including 

prescribed fire) which may degrade long term riparian conditions 

should be avoided.

GD Riparian Areas - Wet meadows, springs, seeps and 

cienegas should not be used for concentrated activities (e.g., 

equipment storage, forest product or mineral stockpiling, 

livestock handling facilities, special uses) that cause damage to 

soil and vegetation.

GD Riparian Areas - Active grazing allotments should be 

managed to maintain or improve to desired riparian conditions.

MSO GDs for MSO - Old growth:

Except where otherwise noted, 

implement forest plan old 

growth standards and 

guidelines to maintain and 

promote development of owl 

Existing plan old growth STs & GDs deleted. Replaced with: 

Forest/woodland density, structure, age classes, species, and 

vertical and horizontal diversity revised plan components 

pertaining to old growth are already displayed elsewhere = See 

revised plan direction already presented in this crosswalk’s 

Vegetation section for addressing the existing plan’s “old growth” 

STs & GDs, wildlife “vertical and horizontal diversity” STs & GDs, 

deer/elk “hiding and thermal cover” STs & GDs. Those DCs and 

Redundant with revised plan’s old 

growth components already addressed 

elsewhere in this crosswalk.

Management Approaches for Wildlife 

and Rare Plants - The forests provide 

for wildlife and their needs consistent 

with recovery plans, biological opinions, 
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habitat. GDs are further supplemented in the revised plan with the 

following direction applicable for MSO habitat:

GDs for Wildlife and Rare Plants - •Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat management 

objectives and species protection measures from recovery plans. 

•Modifications, mitigations, or other measures should be 

incorporated to reduce negative impacts to plants, animals, and 

their habitats and to help provide for species needs, consistent 

with project or activity objectives.

conservation strategies, conservation 

assessments, management plans, 

memorandums of understanding 

(MOUs), and Forest Service direction. 

The forests actively participate in 

implementation of recovery plan actions 

for federally listed species.

MSO GDs for MSO Other Forest 

and Woodland Types. 

Apply ecosystem approaches 

to manage for landscape 

diversity mimicking natural 

disturbance patterns, 

incorporating natural variation 

in stand conditions and 

retaining special features such 

as snags and large trees, 

utilizing appropriate fires, and 

retention of existing old growth 

in accordance with forest plan 

old-growth standards and 

guidelines. 

Concept retained, but specific text deleted. Replaced with:

DCs for Overall Ecosystem Health –

•Ecological components (e.g., soil, vegetation, water) are 

resilient to disturbances including human activities and natural 

ecological disturbances (e.g., fire, drought, wind, insects, 

disease, pathogens).

•Natural ecological disturbances return to their characteristic 

roles within the ecosystem. Wildfire, in particular, is restored to a 

more natural function.

•Natural ecological cycles (i.e., hydrologic, energy, nutrient) 

facilitate shifting of plant communities, structure, and ages 

across the landscape. Ecotone shifts are influenced at both the 

landscape and watershed scale by ecological processes. The 

mosaic of plant communities and the variety within the 

communities are resilient to disturbances.

•Ecological conditions for habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of native and 

desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions 

provide for the life history, distribution, and natural population 

fluctuations of the species within the capability of the landscape.

•Large blocks of habitat are interconnected, allowing for 

behavioral and predator-prey interactions, and the persistence of 

metapopulations and highly interactive wildlife species across the 

landscape. Ecological connectivity extends through all plant 

communities.

In the ASNFs revised plan, “Other 

Forest and Woodland Types” not 

already identified for MSO “Protected 

and Restricted” habitats (per the 1987 

forest plan amended to incorporate the 

1995 MSO RP) include the following 

PNVTS: PJ Woodland, various types of

Grasslands, and Interior Chaparral. 

The 2012 revised MSO RP now states 

(on page VIII) “Other forest and 

woodland types, such as ponderosa 

pine forest, spruce-fir forest, and pinyonjuniper woodland. No specific 

management is suggested for these 

habitat types, recognizing that current 

emphasis for sustainable and resilient 

forests should be compatible with needs 

of the owl.” On pages 268-269 it also 

uses the term “other forest types where 

hardwoods are a component of owl 

habitat”. The ASNFs grasslands and 

interior chaparral PNVTs do not typically 

contain hardwood trees, except in 

transitional ecotones, which are 

addressed here in the crosswalk.

Because the Ponderosa pine - Gambel 
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•Habitat configuration and availability allows wildlife populations 

to adjust their movements (e.g., seasonal migration, foraging) in 

response to climate change and promote genetic flow between 

wildlife populations.

•Habitat quality, distribution, and abundance exist to support the 

recovery of federally listed species and the continued existence 

of all native and desirable nonnative species.

•Watersheds exhibit high geomorphic, hydrologic, and biotic 

integrity relative to their natural potential condition.

DCs for All PNVTs –

•Each PNVT contains a mosaic of vegetative conditions,

densities, and structures. This mosaic occurs at a variety of 

scales across landscapes and watersheds. The distribution of 

physical and biological conditions is appropriate to the natural 

disturbance regimes affecting the area.

•The vegetative conditions and functions are resilient to the 

frequency, extent, and severity of disturbances (e.g., fire, insects 

and disease, flood, climate change, management activities). The 

landscape is a functioning ecosystem that contains all its 

components and processes.

•Natural processes and human and natural disturbances (e.g., 

wildland fire, mechanical vegetation treatments) provide desired 

overall tree density, structure, species composition, coarse 

woody debris, and nutrient cycling. Natural fire regimes are 

restored. Uncharacteristic fire behavior is minimal or absent on 

the landscape. 

•Wildland fire maintains and enhances resources and, as nearly 

as possible, is allowed to function in its natural ecological role.

•Native plant communities dominate the landscape.

•Species genetic diversity remains within native vegetation and 

animal populations, thus enabling species to adapt to changing 

environmental and climatic conditions.

•Vegetative connectivity provides for species dispersal, genetic 

exchange, and daily and seasonal movements across multiple 

spatial scales.

•Organic soil cover and herbaceous vegetation protect soil, 

oak type is a subtype of the ASNFs PP 

PNVT, and because the ASNFs SF 

forest fits the MSO RP definition of 

“mixed conifer” both of these PNVTS 

have already been addressed for the 

Protected and Restricted MSO amended 

1987 plan crosswalk items, thus not 

redundantly presented here. Likewise, 

old growth revised plan components 

specific to each PNVT are not repeated 

here as they are already covered 

elsewhere in this same crosswalk.
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facilitate moisture infiltration, and contribute to plant and animal 

diversity and ecosystem function.

•Diverse vegetation structure, species composition, densities, 

and seral states provide quality habitat for native and desirable 

nonnative plant and animal species throughout their life cycle 

and at multiple spatial scales. Landscapes provide for the full 

range of ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, including 

habitats for those species associated with late seral states and 

old growth. 

•Old growth is dynamic in nature, well distributed, and spatially 

shifts across forest and woodland landscapes over time.

•Old or large trees, multistoried canopies, large coarse woody 

debris, and snags provide the structure, function, and associated 

vegetation composition as appropriate for each forested and 

woodland PNVT.

•Vegetation conditions allow for transition zones or ecotones 

between riparian areas, forests, woodlands, shrublands, and 

grasslands. Transition zones may shift in time and space due to 

changing site conditions from disturbances (e.g., fire, climate 

change).

•Insect and disease populations are at endemic levels with 

occasional outbreaks. A variety of seral states usually restricts 

the scale of localized insect and disease outbreaks.

•Disjunct populations of Chihuahuan pine, Arizona cypress, and 

Rocky Mountain maple are present with the ability to reproduce 

on capable sites.

•Herbivory is in balance with available forage (i.e., grazing and 

browsing by authorized livestock, wild horses, and wildlife do not 

exceed available forage production within established use 

levels).

•Vegetation conditions within each PNVT should be similar to site 

potential.

•Shrub components contain a diverse array of native vegetation 

that is well distributed across the landscape to provide nutritional 

needs for browsers.

•Vegetation provides products—such as wood fiber or forage—to 
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help meet local and regional needs in a manner that is consistent 

with other desired conditions on a sustainable basis within the 

capacity of the land.

•Stand densities and species compositions are such that 

vegetation conditions are resilient under a variety of potential 

future climates. 

•Vegetation conditions provide hiding and thermal cover in 

contiguous blocks for wildlife. Native plant species are present in 

all age classes and are healthy, reproducing, and persisting.

•Vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation and litter) is 

optimized to protect and enrich soils and promote water 

infiltration. There is a diverse mix of cool and warm season 

grasses and desirable forbs species.

•Grasses, forbs, shrubs, and litter are abundant and continuous 

to support natural fire regimes.

•The composition, density, structure, and mosaic of vegetative 

conditions reduce uncharacteristic wildfire hazard to local 

communities and forest ecosystems.

•Some isolated infestations of mistletoe provide for a diversity of 

habitat components (e.g., food, nesting, cover) for a variety of 

species such as owls, squirrels, and some birds and insects.

STs for All PNVTs -

•Across the planning unit, within each PNVT, vegetation 

management activities shall be designed to maintain or move 

plant composition toward a moderate to high plant community 

similarity as compared to site potential.

•Vegetation treatments shall include measures to reduce the 

potential for introduction of invasive plants and animals and 

damage from nonnative insects and diseases.

GDs for All PNVTs -

•During project design and implementation, precautions should 

be taken to reduce the potential for damage to residual 

vegetation in order to prevent premature or excessive mortality.

•Landscape scale restoration projects should be designed to 

spread treatments out spatially and/or temporally within the 
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project area to reduce implementation impacts and allow 

reestablishment of vegetation and soil cover.

•Restoration methods, such as thinning or prescribed fire, should 

leave a mosaic of untreated areas within the larger treated 

project area to allow recolonization of treated areas by plants, 

small mammals, and insects (e.g., long-tailed voles, fritillary 

butterflies).

•Wildland fires may be used to meet desired resource conditions, 

maintain or promote desired vegetation species, and enable 

natural fires to return to their historic role.

•Insect and disease infected trees should be removed to prevent 

spread beyond endemic levels.

•Project implementation should include bark beetle monitoring 

within and adjacent to all active slash-creating projects to help 

prevent beetle outbreak.

•Projects should include quantitative and/or qualitative objectives 

for implementation monitoring and effectiveness monitoring to 

assist in moving toward or maintaining desired conditions.

GD for Woodlands: Madrean Pine-Oak- Where Mexican 

spotted owls are found nesting in canyons or on north slopes 

within the Madrean pine-oak woodland, adjacent treatments 

should be modified to meet the needs of foraging owls. 

DCs for Woodlands: Piñon-Juniper – Savanna: 

•The piñon-juniper savanna is open in appearance with trees 

occurring as individuals or in small groups and ranging from 

young to old. Overall, tree canopy cover is 10 to 15 percent, but 

may range up to 30 percent. 

•Scattered shrubs and a continuous herbaceous understory, 

including native grasses, forbs, and annuals, are present to 

support a natural fire regime.

•Grasses, forbs, shrubs, needles, leaves, and small trees support 

the natural fire regime. The larger proportion (60 percent or 

greater) of soil cover is composed of grasses and forbs as 

opposed to needles and leaves. 

•Old growth occurs in isolated locations scattered throughout the 

landscape, as individual old trees or as clumps of old trees. 
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Other old growth components may also be present including 

dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse woody debris), and/or 

structural diversity.

•Fires are low to mixed severity (fire regime I), occurring every 1 

to 35 years.

DCs for Woodlands: Piñon-Juniper – Persistent Woodland:

•A mix of desired species[10]

, ages, heights, and groupings of 

trees create a mosaic across the landscape. 

•Tree canopy cover is closed (greater than 30 percent), shrubs 

are sparse to moderate, and herbaceous cover is patchy. 

•Snags, averaging one to two per acre, and older trees with dead 

limbs and tops are scattered across the landscape. Coarse 

woody debris averages 2 to 5 tons per acre.

•Old growth includes old trees, dead trees (snags), downed wood 

(coarse woody debris), and/or structural diversity. The location of 

old growth shifts on the landscape over time as a result of 

succession and disturbance (tree growth and mortality). 

•Fire is less frequent and more variable than in the savanna due 

to patchiness of ground cover. The fires that do occur are mixed 

to high severity (fire regimes II, III, IV, and V).

MSO Forest wide GDs for MSO. 

The activity center is defined 

as the nest site. In the 

absence of a known nest, the 

activity center should be 

defined as a roost grove 

commonly used during 

breeding. In the absence of a 

known nest or roost, the 

activity center should be 

defined as the best nest/roost 

habitat. 

Forest wide ST for MSO. 

Other forest and woodland 

types include all ponderosa 

pine, spruce-fir, woodland, and 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed 

species and the continued existence of all native and desirable 

nonnative species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute 

to the recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat management 

direction and species protection measures from recovery plans.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management 

objectives and species protection measures from recovery plans.

These are administrative designations 

and other measures that were included 

in the previous direction and came from 

the first Mexican spotted owl recovery 

plan. The new recovery plan 

designations of habitat are different, 

though PACs remain. Rather than cite 

the material from the recovery plan in 

the forest plan, including language on 

using the recovery plan provides for 

incorporating recovery plan designations 

as plan guidance while allowing for 

changes in the recovery plan to make 

their way into projects without the need 

to revise the forest plan.
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aspen forests outside 

protected and restricted areas. 

Forest wide ST for MSO. 

Protected areas include 

delineated protected activity 

centers; mixed conifer and 

pine-oak forests with slopes 

greater than 40% where timber 

harvest has not occurred in the 

last 20 years; and reserved 

lands which include 

wilderness, research natural 

areas, wild and scenic rivers, 

and congressionally 

recognized wilderness study 

areas. 

Forest wide ST for MSO. 

Restricted areas include all 

mixed-conifer, pine-oak, and 

riparian forests outside of 

protected areas. 

Forest wide ST for MSO.

Survey all potential spotted owl 

areas including protected, 

restricted, and other forest and 

woodland types within an 

analysis area plus the area 1/2 

mile beyond the perimeter of 

the proposed treatment area. 

Neither ST nor GD for MSO. 

As the foregoing example 

shows, the guidelines are the 

detailed information about 

implementation of the 

standards. While standards 

and guidelines both specify the 

management bounds and 

In terms of survey requirements, the 

forest must survey for owls in order to 

meet its legal obligation to consult on 

projects under Section 7(a)(2) of the 

ESA.

The provisions for allowing no timber 

harvest have also changed in the 

recovery plan since it is recognized that 

treatments to restore natural fire regimes 

are necessary to preserve owl habitat. 

Avoiding disturbance is adequately 

covered in new plan guidance 

addressed elsewhere, and treatment of 

PACs and other habitats will designed to 

meet recovery objectives.
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constraints, the standards 

contain no discretionary 

elements and the guidelines 

may occasionally contain 

discretionary elements. For 

example one of the Mexican 

spotted owl guidelines is "The 

Protected Activity Center 

should enclose the best 

possible owl habitat..." The 

terms "should" and "best" 

imply some discretion on the 

part of the person 

implementing the guideline. 

Neither ST nor GD for MSO. 

Submit protected activity 

center maps and descriptions 

to the recovery unit working 

group for comment as soon as 

possible after completion of 

surveys.

Neither ST nor GD for MSO. 

The corresponding guidelines 

read "Delineate an area of not 

less than 600 acres around the 

activity center using 

boundaries of known habitat 

polygons and/or topographic 

features. Written justification

for boundary delineation 

should be provided".

Neither ST nor GD for MSO. 

The Protected Activity Center 

boundary should enclose the 

best possible owl habitat 

configured in as compact a 

unit as possible, with the nest 
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or activity center located near 

the center.

Forest wide ST for MSO.

Provide three levels of habitat 

management - protected, 

restricted, and other forest and 

woodland types to achieve a 

diversity of habitat conditions 

across the landscape.

Forest wide ST for MSO.

Provide three levels of habitat 

management - protected, 

restricted, and other forest and 

woodland types to achieve a 

diversity of habitat conditions 

across the landscape.

Forest wide ST for MSO.

Establish a protected activity 

center at all Mexican spotted

owl sites located during 

surveys and all management 

territories established since 

1989. 

Forest wide ST for MSO. 

Allow no timber harvest except 

for fire risk abatement in mixed 

conifer and pine-oak forests on 

slopes greater than 40%where 

timber harvest has not 

occurred in the last 20 years.

Forest wide STs for MSO. 

Allow no timber harvest except 

for fuelwood and fire risk 

abatement in established 

protected activity centers. For 

protected activity centers 

destroyed by fire, windstorm, 
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or other natural disaster, 

salvage timber harvest or 

declassification may be 

allowed after evaluation on a 

case-by-case basis in 

consultation with U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service. Limit human 

activity in protected activity 

centers during the breeding 

season. In protected and 

restricted areas, when 

activities conducted in 

conformance with these 

standards and guidelines may 

adversely affect other 

threatened, endangered, or 

sensitive species or may 

conflict with other established 

recovery plans or conservation 

agreements; consult with US 

Fish and Wildlife Service to 

resolve the conflict. Monitor 

changes in owl populations 

and habitat needed for de-

listing.

Forest wide GD for MSO. 

Breeding season is March 1 to 

August 31. Conduct surveys 

following Region 3 survey 

protocol.

Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Delineate an area of 

not less than 600 acres around 

the activity center using 

boundaries of known habitat 

polygons and/or topographic 

features. Written justification 
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for boundary delineation 

should be provided.

MSO Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Generally allow 

continuation of the level of 

recreation activities that was 

occurring prior to listing. 

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities 

Recreation use does not negatively affect wildlife habitat and 

populations. Negative interactions between people and wildlife 

are minimized.

GD Dispersed Recreation Timing restrictions on recreation 

uses should be considered to reduce conflicts with wildlife needs 

or soil moisture conditions.

Dispersed campsites should not be located on or adjacent to 

archaeological sites or sensitive wildlife areas.

DC Motorized Opportunities The location and design of roads 

and trails does not impede wildlife and fish movement.

ST Motorized Opportunities Temporary road construction shall 

minimize the impacts to resource values and facilitate road 

rehabilitation. Temporary roads shall be rehabilitated following 

completion of the activities for which they were constructed.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized trails 

should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl protected activity 

centers, northern goshawk post-fledging family areas, and other 

wildlife areas as identified; seasonal restrictions may be an 

option.

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails should 

be designed and located so as to not impede terrestrial and 

aquatic species movement and connectivity.

GD Nonmotorized Opportunities New trails and trail 

relocations should be designed and located so as to not impede 

terrestrial and aquatic species movement and connectivity.

The new plan direction meets the intent 

of the previous direction.

MSO Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Protected Activity 

Center boundaries should not 

overlap.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute 

to the recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat management 

direction and species protection measures from recovery plans.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species. 

This is an administrative designation and 

was included in the previous direction 

from the first Mexican spotted owl 

recovery plan. The new recovery plan 

contains guidance on designating PACs. 

Rather than cite the material from the 

recovery plan in the forest plan, 
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GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management 

objectives and species protection measures from recovery plans.

including language on using the 

recovery plan provides for incorporating 

recovery plan designations as plan 

guidance while allowing for changes in 

the recovery plan to make there way into 

projects without the need to revise the 

forest plan.

MSO Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Require bird guides to 

apply for and obtain a special 

use permit. A condition of the 

permit shall be that they obtain 

a sub-permit under the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service

Master endangered species

permit. The permit should 

stipulate the sites, dates, 

number of visits and maximum 

group size permissible. 

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Collection of animals and plants 

does not negatively impact species abundance.

The new plan language broadens the 

intent to more than the MSO while not 

getting into specific requirements of 

permitting under existing law, regulation, 

and policy. 

MSO Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Road or trail building in 

protected activity centers 

should be avoided but maybe 

permitted on a case-by-case 

basis for pressing 

management reasons.

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities 

Recreation use does not negatively affect wildlife habitat and 

populations. Negative interactions between people and wildlife 

are minimized.

GD Dispersed Recreation Timing restrictions on recreation 

uses should be considered to reduce conflicts with wildlife needs 

or soil moisture conditions.

GD Dispersed Recreation Dispersed campsites should not be 

located on or adjacent to archaeological sites or sensitive wildlife 

areas.

DC Motorized Opportunities The location and design of roads 

and trails does not impede wildlife and fish movement.

ST Motorized Opportunities Temporary road construction shall 

minimize the impacts to resource values and facilitate road 

rehabilitation. Temporary roads shall be rehabilitated following 

completion of the activities for which they were constructed.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized trails 

The new plan direction meets the intent 

of the previous direction.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1201

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl protected activity 

centers, northern goshawk post-fledging family areas, and other 

wildlife areas as identified; seasonal restrictions may be an 

option.

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails should 

be designed and located so as to not impede terrestrial and 

aquatic species movement and connectivity.

MSO Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Harvest fuelwood when 

it can be done in such a way 

that effects on the owl are 

minimized. Manage within the 

following limitations to 

minimize effects on the owl: 

Harvest conifers less than 9 

inches in diameter only within 

those protected activity centers 

treated to abate fire risk as 

described below. Designate a 

100 acre "no treatment" area 

around the known nest site of 

each selected protected 

activity center. Habitat in the 

no treatment area should be 

as similar as possible in 

structure and composition as 

that found in the activity 

center. Retain key forest 

species such as oak. Retain 

key habitat components such 

as snags and large downed 

logs. 

Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Pre and post treatment 

monitoring should occur within 

all steep slopes treated for fire 

risk abatement. (See 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed 

species and the continued existence of all native and desirable 

nonnative species.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management 

objectives and species protection measures from recovery plans.

These are administrative designations 

and other measures that were included 

in the previous direction and came from 

the first Mexican spotted owl recovery 

plan. The new recovery plan 

designations of habitat are different, 

though PACs remain. Rather than cite 

the material from the recovery plan in 

the forest plan, including language on 

using the recovery plan provides for 

incorporating recovery plan designations 

as plan guidance while allowing for 

changes in the recovery plan to make 

their way into projects without the need 

to revise the forest plan.

In terms of survey and monitoring 

requirements, the forest must survey for 

owls in order to meet its legal obligation 

to consult on projects under Section 

7(a)(2) of the ESA.

The provisions for management 

activities have also changed in the 

recovery plan since it is recognized that 

treatments to restore natural fire regimes 

are necessary to preserve owl habitat. 

Avoiding disturbance is adequately 

covered in new plan guidance 
1202 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

monitoring guidelines)

Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Pre- and post-treatment 

monitoring should be 

conducted in all protected 

activity centers treated for fire 

risk abatement. (See 

monitoring guidelines)

Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Reserved Lands 

(Wilderness, Research Natural 

Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, 

and Congressionally 

Recognized Wilderness Study 

Areas). Allow prescribed fire 

where appropriate.

Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Select and treat 

additional protected activity 

centers in 10% increments if 

monitoring of the initial sample 

shows there were no negative 

impacts or there were negative 

impacts which can be 

mitigated by modifying 

treatment methods.

Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Select for treatment 

10% of the protected activity 

centers where nest sites are 

known in each recovery unit

having high fire risk conditions. 

Also select another 10% of the 

protected activity centers 

where nest sites are known as 

a paired sample to serve as 

control areas.

addressed elsewhere, and treatment of 

PACs and other habitats will designed to 

meet recovery objectives.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1203

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

Forest wide GD for MSO in 

PACs. Steep Slopes (Mixed 

conifer and pine-oak forests 

outside protected activity 

centers with slopes greater 

than 40% that have not been 

logged within the past 20 

years)

MSO GDs for MSO Restricted (MC, 

Pine oak, and Riparian) 

Manage to ensure a sustained 

level of owl nest/roost habitat 

well distributed across the 

landscape. Create 

replacement owl nest/roost 

habitat where appropriate 

while providing a diversity of 

stand conditions across the 

landscape to ensure habitat for 

a diversity of prey species.

DC All PNVTs Diverse vegetation structure, species 

composition, densities, and seral states provide quality habitat 

for native and desirable nonnative plant and animal species 

throughout their life cycle and at multiple spatial scales. 

Landscapes provide for the full range of ecosystem diversity at 

multiple scales, including habitats for those species associated 

with late seral states and old growth forests.

GD All PNVTs Restoration methods, such as thinning or 

prescribed fire, should leave a mosaic of untreated areas within 

the larger treated project area to allow recolonization of treated 

areas by plants, small mammals and insects (e.g., long-tailed 

voles, fritillary butterflies).

DC Ponderosa Pine Where it naturally occurs, Gambel oak is 

present with all age classes represented. It is reproducing to 

maintain or expand its presence on capable sites across the 

landscape. Large Gambel oak snags are typically 10 inches or 

larger in diameter and are well distributed.

DC Ponderosa Pine Old growth occurs throughout the 

landscape, in small, discontinuous areas consisting of clumps of 

old trees, or occasionally individual old trees. Other old growth 

components are also present including dead trees (snags), 

downed wood (coarse woody debris), and/or structural diversity. 

The location of old growth shifts on the landscape over time as a 

result of succession and disturbance (tree growth and mortality). 

DC Ponderosa Pine Where Gambel oak occurs, the majority are 

single trunk trees over 8 inches in diameter with full crowns.

GD Ponderosa Pine Where Gambel oak or other native 

hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to retain for diversity, 

The new plan guidance provides for the 

maintenance of owl nest/roost habitat 

within each forest type. This specificity 

meets the intent of the previous 

guidance while allowing for the different 

potentials for habitat development within 

these sites, as well as allowing for 

greater management flexibility to 

achieve these conditions.
1204 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

treatments should improve vigor and growth of these species.

DC Dry Mixed Conifer Old growth occurs throughout the 

landscape, in small, discontinuous areas consisting of clumps of 

old trees, or occasionally individual old trees. Other old growth 

components are also present including dead trees (snags), 

downed wood (coarse woody debris), and/or structural diversity. 

The location of old growth shifts on the landscape over time as a 

result of succession and disturbance (tree growth and mortality). 

DC Wet Mixed Conifer Old growth occurs over large, 

continuous areas. Old growth components include old trees, 

dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse woody debris), and/or 

structural diversity. The location of old growth shifts on the 

landscape over time as a result of succession and disturbance 

(tree growth and mortality).

DC Madrean Pine-Oak Some large patches in the Madrean 

pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have multiple age 

classes, large trees, and old growth-like characteristics (e.g., 

numerous snags, large coarse woody debris) in order to provide 

for wildlife such as Mexican spotted owl and black bear that need 

denser habitat.

GD Madrean Pine-Oak Where Mexican spotted owls are found 

nesting in canyons or on north slopes within the Madrean pineoak woodland, adjacent treatments should be modified to meet 

the needs of foraging owls. 

MSO GDs for MSO Livestock 

Grazing. Implement forest plan 

forage utilization standards 

and guidelines to maintain owl 

prey availability, maintain 

potential for beneficial fire 

while inhibiting potential 

destructive fire, maintain and 

restore riparian ecosystems, 

and promote development of 

owl habitat. Strive to attain 

good to excellent range 

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing and associated 

activities contribute to healthy, diverse plant communities, 

satisfactory condition soils, and wildlife habitat.

DC Livestock Grazing Range developments for livestock 

minimize impacts to wildlife and blend with the natural 

environment.

GD Livestock Grazing Forage, browse, and cover needs of 

wildlife, authorized livestock, and wild horses should be 

managed in balance with available forage so that providing for 

these needs remain at or move toward a healthy, persistent 

state.

DC for Overall Ecosystem Health Large blocks of habitat are 

The new plan guidance meets the intent 

of the previous guidance.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1205

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

conditions.

GDs for MSO Livestock 

Grazing. Implement forest plan 

forage utilization standards 

and guidelines to maintain owl 

prey availability, maintain 

potential for beneficial fire 

while inhibiting potential 

destructive fire, maintain and 

restore riparian ecosystems, 

and promote development of 

owl habitat. Strive to attain 

good to excellent range 

conditions.

interconnected, allowing for behavioral and predator-prey 

interactions, and the persistence of metapopulations and highly 

interactive wildlife species across the landscape. Ecological 

connectivity extends through all plant communities.

DC for All PNVTs Herbaceous vegetation amount and structure 

(e.g., plant density, height, litter, seed heads) provides habitat to 

support wildlife and prey species.

MSO GDs for MSO Monitoring. 

Monitoring and evaluation 

should be collaboratively 

planned and coordinated with 

involvement from each 

national forest, USFWS 

Ecological Services Field 

Office, USFWS Regional 

Office, USFS Regional Office, 

Rocky Mountain Research 

Station, recovery team, and 

recovery unit working groups. 

Population monitoring should 

be a collaborative effort with 

participation of all appropriate 

resource agencies. Habitat 

monitoring of gross habitat 

changes should be a 

collaborative effort of all 

appropriate resource agencies. 

Habitat monitoring of treatment 

effects (pre and post 

treatment) should be done by 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance exist to support the recovery of federally listed 

species and the continued existence of all native and desirable 

nonnative species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions contribute 

to the recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species 

Activities occurring within federally listed species habitat should 

apply habitat management direction and species protection 

measures from recovery plans.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Habitat conditions contribute to the 

recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Activities occurring within federally 

listed species habitat should apply habitat management 

objectives and species protection measures from recovery plans.

These provisions came from the first 

Mexican spotted owl recovery plan. The 

new recovery plan has monitoring 

provisions that vary from these. Rather 

than cite the material from the recovery 

plan in the forest plan, including 

language on using the recovery plan 

provides for incorporating recovery plan 

designations as plan guidance while 

allowing for changes in the recovery 

plan to make their way into projects 

without the need to revise the forest 

plan.

In terms of survey and monitoring 

requirements, the forest must survey for 

owls in order to meet its legal obligation 

to consult on projects under Section 

7(a)(2) of the ESA, and must also 

contribute to species recovery under 

Section 7(a)(1). There is no need to 

duplicate these requirements in the plan 

language.
1206 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

the agency conducting the 

treatment. Prepare an annual 

monitoring and evaluation 

report covering all levels of 

monitoring done in the 

previous year. The annual 

report should be forwarded to 

the Regional Forester with 

copies provided to the 

recovery unit working groups, 

USFWS Ecological Services 

field offices, and the USFWS 

Regional Office.

GDs for MSO Monitoring 

Rangewide. Track gross 

changes in acres of owl habitat 

resulting from natural and 

human caused disturbances. 

Acreage changes in vegetation 

composition, structure, and 

density should be tracked, 

evaluated, and reported. 

Remote sensing techniques 

should provide an adequate 

level of accuracy. In protected 

and restricted areas where 

silvicultural or fire abatement 

treatments are planned, 

monitor treated stands pre and 

post treatment to determine 

changes and trajectories in 

fuel levels; snag basal areas; 

live tree basal areas; volume 

of down logs over 12 inches in 

diameter; and basal area of 

hardwood trees over 10 inches 

in diameter at the root crown.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1207

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction) Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987 Plan Direction

GDs for MSO Monitoring 

Upper Gila RUs. Assist the 

recovery team and recovery 

unit working group to establish 

sampling units consisting of 19 

to 39 square mile quadrats 

randomly allocated to habitat 

strata. Quadrats should be 

defined based on ecological 

boundaries such as ridge lines 

and watersheds. Quadrat 

boundaries should not traverse 

owl territories. Twenty percent 

of the quadrats will be 

replaced each year at random. 

Using the sample quadrats, 

monitor the number of 

territorial individuals and pairs 

per quadrat; reproduction; 

apparent survival; recruitment; 

and age structure. Track 

population density both per 

quadrat and habitat stratum.
1208 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Plan

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Plan Mission Section Mission P. 14

The Apache-Sitgreaves Forest 

mission is to effectively and 

efficiently manage National 

Forest lands and resources to 

meet the needs and desires of 

the public while enhancing the 

environment. 

The Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Mission The Apache-Sitgreaves NFs staff 

strives to effectively and efficiently manage National Forest System lands 

and resources to meet the needs and desires of the public following 

applicable laws, regulations, and policies while enhancing the 

environment.

No substantive changes

Plan Goals Section Goal P. 14

By the end of Decade 5, the 

Forest is attempting to achieve a 

management situation that can 

respond to local and national 

demands for wood products, 

livestock production, water yield, 

and a wide mix of recreation 

opportunities, including hunting 

and fishing, that range from the 

primitive to the urban. The goal 

is to produce these outputs and 

opportunities on a sustained 

basis while maintaining air, soil, 

and water resources at or above 

minimum applicable standards. 

Levels of outputs and uses are 

adjusted to be within long-term 

supply potentials, and to ensure 

the harmonious and coordinated 

management of all resources, 

each with the other, without 

impairing the productivity of the 

land. Non-renewable resources 

are adequately protected to 

ensure their future availability. 

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological components (e.g., soil, 

vegetation, water) are resilient to disturbances including human activities 

and natural ecological disturbances (e.g., fire, drought, wind, insects, 

disease, pathogens).

DC Forest Products The Apache-Sitgreaves NFs provide a sustainable 

supply of forest products (e.g., small roundwood, sawlogs, biomass, 

firewood, cones, Christmas trees, wildlings) to businesses and individuals 

within the capability of the land.

DC Forest Products The collection of live plants, mushrooms, and other 

forest products does not impact species persistence onsite.

OBJ Forest Products Annually, prepare and offer up to an average of 

122,000 CCF from suitable timberlands resulting from sustainable harvest 

to provide wood products to businesses and individuals. 

OBJ Forest Products Annually, provide up to 94,000 CCF (119,380 

cords) of firewood for personal and commercial use.

OBJ Forest Products Annually, provide an average of 5,000 permits for 

Christmas trees.

ST Forest Products Authorizations to cut, collect, or use forest products 

for any personal, commercial, or scientific purpose (i.e., permits, 

contracts, agreements) shall include provisions to ensure the needs of 

wildlife, which depend upon those forest products, will continue to be met 

(e.g., fungi and cone collection with respect to overwinter forage needs of 

squirrels).

GD Forest Products Permits issued for forest products should include 

Overall goal from 1987 plan is 

carried forward and distributed 

through several places in the new 

plan. 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1209

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Goals have been identified for 

each resource.

stipulations to protect resources.

DC All PNVTs Herbivory is in balance with available forage (i.e., grazing 

and browsing by authorized livestock, wild horses, and wildlife do not 

exceed available forage production within established use levels).

DC All PNVTs Vegetation provides products—such as wood fiber or 

forage—to help meet local and regional needs in a manner that is 

consistent with other desired conditions on a sustainable basis within the 

capacity of the land.

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing contributes to the social, 

economic, and cultural diversity and stability of rural communities. 

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing and associated activities occur 

such that healthy, diverse plant communities, satisfactory condition soils, 

and wildlife habitat are maintained or improved.

DC Livestock Grazing Range developments for livestock minimize 

impacts to wildlife and blend with the natural environment.

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing is in balance with available 

forage (i.e., grazing and browsing by authorized livestock, wild horses, 

and wildlife do not exceed available forage production within established 

use levels). 

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing and associated activities do not 

negatively impact cultural resources.

GD Livestock Grazing Forage, browse, and cover needs of wildlife, 

authorized livestock, and wild horses should be managed in balance with 

available forage so that plants providing for these needs remain at or 

move toward a healthy, persistent state.

GD Livestock Grazing New range developments should be located to 

minimize impacts to scenic resources and reduce the potential for 

vandalism and livestock-vehicle conflicts. Range developments should be 

designed in consideration of public safety, especially in areas of 

concentrated recreation use.

DC Minerals and Geology Mineral materials (e.g., gravel, cinders) are 

available for road maintenance activities for the Forest Service 

transportation system, public road system, and ADOT use.

DC Minerals and Geology Mineral materials (e.g., cinders, decorative 

stone) are available to support resource management needs, personal 
1210 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

use, and commercial pursuits.

DC Minerals and Geology Lands where past mineral development or 

exploration has occurred are returned to stable conditions and vegetated 

with native species.

GD Minerals and Geology Existing designated mineral material 

collection areas and community pits should be utilized to the maximum 

before new areas are developed. Additional mineral material development 

should balance private and community needs while providing for 

sustainable administrative use. 

GD Minerals and Geology To reduce disturbances from human activities 

and prevent the spread of disease, bat gates should be constructed and 

installed in cave and mine entrances used as shelter for bats within 3 

years of discovery when there are no conflicts with cultural resources.

GD Minerals and Geology Caves and abandoned mines that are used by 

bats should be managed to prevent disturbance to species and spread of 

disease (e.g., white-nose syndrome).

DC Natural Landscape These areas contribute to ecosystem and 

species diversity and sustainability; serve as habitat for plants and 

animals; and offer wildlife corridors, reference areas, primitive and semi-

primitive nonmotorized recreation opportunities, and places for people 

seeking natural scenery and solitude.

DC Cultural Resources Significant cultural resources (i.e., 

archaeological, historic, traditional cultural properties (TCPs), known 

American Indian sacred sites) are preserved and protected for their 

cultural importance and are free from adverse impacts.

ST Cultural Resources Human remains shall not intentionally be 

excavated for educational purposes (e.g., research, field schools).

ST Cultural Resources Contracts, permits, or leases that have the 

potential to affect cultural resources shall include appropriate clauses 

specifying site protection responsibilities and liabilities for damage.

GD Cultural Resources Activities that have the potential to adversely 

affect cultural resources should be discouraged in areas with a high 

concentration of significant archaeological sites or in areas of cultural or 

religious significance to American Indians.

GD Cultural Resources Avoidance or protection measures should be the 

preferred method to prevent or minimize adverse effects to cultural 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1211

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

resources listed in, nominated to, eligible for, or unevaluated for the 

NRHP.

GD Cultural Resources Historic facilities that are eligible for the NRHP 

should be managed to retain their integrity.

Plan Management Emphasis Section 

MA 1 P. 95

Emphasize a combination of 

multiple uses including a 

sustained yield of timber and 

firewood production, wildlife 

habitat, livestock grazing, 

watershed, and dispersed 

recreation.

Manage for timber production 

using integrated resource 

management to achieve diverse 

stands protected from losses 

due to insects or diseases 

exceeding endemic levels.

Visual quality levels are 

generally modification, partial 

retention and retention. 

Maximum modification is allowed 

to manage insect or disease 

outbreaks or to harvest fire-killed 

timber.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological components (e.g., soil, 

vegetation, water) are resilient to disturbances including human activities 

and natural ecological disturbances (e.g., fire, drought, wind, insects, 

disease, pathogens).

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for the 

life history, distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the species 

within the capability of the landscape.

DC All PNVTs The vegetative conditions and functions are resilient to the 

frequency, extent, and severity of disturbances (e.g., fire, insects and 

disease, flood, climate change, management activities). The landscape is 

a functioning ecosystem that contains all its components and processes. 

DC All PNVTs Diverse vegetation structure, species composition, 

densities, and seral states provide quality habitat for native and desirable 

nonnative plant and animal species throughout their life cycle and at 

multiple spatial scales. Landscapes provide for the full range of ecosystem 

diversity at multiple scales, including habitats for those species associated 

with late seral states and old growth.

GD Woodlands: All Woodland PNVTs Mechanical restoration of 

woodlands should emphasize individual tree removal to limit ground 

disturbance.

GD Landscape Scale Disturbance Events Projects and activities should 

include both short and long term provisions for scenic integrity, especially 

in sensitive foreground areas (high and very high scenic integrity). 

DC General Forest Landscapes in the General Forest Management Area 

vary from moderately altered where human activities are evident (low 

scenic integrity) to natural where generally only ecological changes occur 

(very high scenic integrity). 

DC All PNVTs Insect and disease populations are at endemic levels with 

occasional outbreaks. A variety of seral states usually restricts the scale of 

Multiple Use and Sustained Yield 

are carried forward, distributed 

throughout the new plan in 

various DCs and GDs. 

Management of visual quality is 

likewise carried forward. 
1212 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

localized insect and disease outbreaks.

GD All PNVTs Insect and disease infected trees should be removed to 

prevent spread beyond endemic levels.

Plan Section MA 3 P. 123

Priority 1 areas will be placed 

under proper management by 

1992. Priority 2 areas will be 

placed under proper 

management by 1996. Proper 

management means that 

systems are in place and 

activities are scheduled that will 

put unsatisfactory areas on the 

road to recovery.

DC Water Resources Water quality, stream channel stability, and aquatic 

habitats retain their inherent resilience to natural and other disturbances.

DC Water Resources Water resources maintain the capability to respond 

and adjust to disturbances without long term adverse changes.

DC Water Resources Vegetation and soil conditions above the floodplain 

protect downstream water quality, quantity, and aquatic habitat.

DC Water Resources Instream flows provide for channel and floodplain 

maintenance, recharge of riparian aquifers, water quality, and minimal 

temperature fluctuations.

DC Water Resources Streamflows provide connectivity among fish 

populations and provide unobstructed routes critical for fulfilling needs of 

aquatic, riparian-dependent, and many upland species of plants and 

animals.

DC Water Resources Water quantity meets the needs for forest 

administration and authorized activities (e.g., livestock grazing, recreation, 

firefighting, domestic use, road maintenance).

DC Water Resources Stream channels and floodplains are dynamic and 

resilient to disturbances. The water and sediment balance between 

streams and their watersheds allow a natural frequency of low and high 

flows.

DC Water Resources Stream condition is sufficient to withstand floods 

without disrupting normal stream characteristics (e.g., water transport, 

sediment, woody material) or uncharacteristically altering stream 

dimensions (e.g., bankfull width, depth, slope, sinuosity).

DC Water Resources Floodplains are functioning and lessen the impacts

of floods on human safety, health, and welfare.

DC Water Resources Water quality meets or exceeds Arizona State 

standards or Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards for 

designated uses. 

DC Water Resources Water quality meets the needs of desirable aquatic 

species such as the California floater, northern and Chiricahua leopard 

frog, and invertebrates that support fish populations.

Proper management of riparian 

zones is carried forward in 

numerous places in the new plan. 

In addition to those listed here, 

see the section in this table 

labeled “Air, Soil, Water, & 

Riparian”
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1213

Appendix I

Resource

1987 Plan Content (as 

amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

ST Water Resources Consistent with existing water rights, water 

diversions or obstructions shall at all times allow sufficient water to pass 

downstream to preserve minimum levels of water flow that maintain 

aquatic life and other purposes of national forest establishment.

GD Water Resources Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long and short term impacts to water resources. 

Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices and best management practices (BMPs) should be 

developed.

GD Water Resources Streams, streambanks, shorelines, lakes,

wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water should be protected 

from detrimental changes in water temperature and sediment to protect 

water quality, aquatic species and riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources Aquatic management zones should be in place 

between streams and disturbed areas and/or road locations to maintain 

water quality and suitable stream temperatures for aquatic species.

GD Water Resources As State of Arizona water rights permits (e.g., 

water impoundments, diversions) are issued, the base level of instream 

flow should be retained by the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs.

GD Water Resources Constraints (e.g., maximum limit to which water 

level can be drawn down or minimum distance from a connected river, 

stream, wetland, or groundwater-dependent ecosystem) should be 

established for new groundwater pumping sites permitted on NFS lands in 

order to protect the character and function of water resources. 

GD Water Resources Short term impacts in watersheds containing 

Outstanding Arizona Waters may be allowed when long term benefits to 

water quality, riparian areas, and aquatic resources would occur.

GD Water Resources Treated wastewater may be used to provide 

wetland habitats.

GD Water Resources To protect water quality and aquatic species, 

heavy equipment and vehicles driven into a water body to accomplish 

work should be completely clean of petroleum residue. Water levels 

should be below the gear boxes of the equipment in use. Lubricants and 

fuels should be sealed such that inundation by water should not result in 

leaks.

DC All PNVTs Vegetation conditions allow for transition zones or 
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ecotones between riparian areas, forests, woodlands, shrublands, and 

grasslands. Transition zones may shift in time and space due to changing 

site conditions from disturbances (e.g., fire, climate change). 

DC Riparian Areas Natural ecological disturbances (e.g., flooding, 

scouring) promote a diverse plant structure consisting of herbaceous, 

shrub, and tree species of all ages and size classes necessary for the 

recruitment of riparian-dependent species.

DC Riparian Areas Riparian-wetland conditions maintain water-related 

processes (e.g., hydrologic, hydraulic, geomorphic). They also maintain 

the physical and biological community characteristics, functions, and 

processes.

DC Riparian Areas Stream (lotic) riparian-wetland areas have vegetation, 

landform, and/or large coarse woody debris to dissipate stream energy 

associated with high water flow.

DC Riparian Areas Streams and their adjacent floodplains are capable of 

filtering, processing, and storing sediment; aiding floodplain development; 

improving floodwater retention; and increasing groundwater recharge.

DC Riparian Areas Vegetation and root masses stabilize streambanks, 

islands, and shoreline features against the cutting action of water.

DC Riparian Areas Ponding and channel characteristics provide habitat, 

water depth, water duration, and the temperatures necessary for 

maintaining populations of riparian-dependent species and for their 

dispersal.

DC Riparian Areas Beavers occupy capable stream reaches and help 

promote the function and stability of riparian areas.

DC Riparian Areas Lentic riparian areas (e.g., wet meadows, fens, bogs) 

have vegetation and landform present to dissipate wind action, wave 

action, and overland flow from uplands.

DC Riparian Areas Wetland riparian areas are capable of filtering 

sediment and aiding floodplain development that contribute to water 

retention and groundwater recharge.

DC Riparian Areas Willows (e.g., Bebb, Geyer, Arizona, Goodding’s) are 

reproducing with all age classes present, where the potential exists.

DC Riparian Areas The spatial extent of wetlands is maintained.

DC Riparian Areas Sedimentation and soil compaction from forest 
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activities (e.g., vehicle use, recreation, livestock grazing) do not negatively 

impact riparian areas.

DC Riparian Areas Riparian vegetation consists mostly of native species 

that support a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate species and are 

free of invasive plant and animal species.

DC Riparian Areas Riparian-obligate species within wet meadows, 

around springs and seeps, along streambanks, and active floodplains 

provide sufficient

[10]

vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation, 

litter, and woody riparian species) to protect and enrich soils, trap 

sediment, mitigate flood energy, stabilize streambanks, and provide for 

wildlife and plant needs.

DC Riparian Areas Diversity and density of riparian forest vegetation 

provides for breeding, escape, hiding, and resting cover for wildlife and 

provides travelways between other habitat areas and seasonal ranges.

DC Riparian Areas The ecological function of riparian areas is resilient to 

animal and human use.

DC Riparian Areas Riparian soil productivity is optimized as described by 

the specific TES map unit[1

0]

under consideration as indicated by the vigor 

of the vegetation community. Based on species composition, ungrazed 

plant heights range from 10 inches to 36 inches.

DC Riparian Areas Floodplains and adjacent upland areas provide 

diverse habitat components (e.g., vegetation, debris, logs) as necessary 

for migration, hibernation, and brumation (extended inactivity) specific to 

the needs of riparian-obligate species (e.g., New Mexico meadow jumping 

mouse, Arizona montane vole, narrow-headed gartersnake).

DC Riparian Areas Large coarse woody debris provides stability to 

riparian areas and stream bottoms lacking geologic control (e.g., bedrock) 

or geomorphic features (e.g., functioning floodplains, stream sinuosity, 

width/depth ratio).

DC Riparian Areas Vegetation is structurally diverse, often dense, 

providing for high bird species diversity and abundance, especially 

neotropical migratory birds. It includes large trees and snags in the 

cottonwood-willow and mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forests to 

support species such as beaver, yellow-billed cuckoo, bald eagles, 

Arizona gray squirrel, and various bat species.

OBJ Riparian Areas Annually, move 200 to 500 acres toward desired 
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composition, structure, and function of streams, floodplains, and riparian 

vegetation.

OBJ Riparian Areas Within the planning period, relocate, repair, improve, 

or decommission a minimum of 4 miles of National Forest System roads 

or trails that add sediment to streams, damage riparian vegetation, erode 

streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas Annually, remove an average of 2 miles of 

unauthorized roads or trails that add sediment to streams, damage 

riparian vegetation, erode streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact 

floodplain soils.

OBJ Riparian Areas Within the planning period, enhance or restore 5 to 

25 wet meadows, springs, seeps, or cienegas to proper hydrologic 

function and native plant and animal species composition.

OBJ Riparian Areas Annually, work with partners to reduce animal 

damage to native willows and other riparian species on an average of 5 

miles of riparian habitat.

GD Riparian Areas Ground-disturbing projects (including prescribed fire) 

which may degrade long term riparian conditions should be avoided.

GD Riparian Areas Wet meadows, springs, seeps and cienegas should 

not be used for concentrated activities (e.g., equipment storage, forest 

product or mineral stockpiling, livestock handling facilities, special uses) 

that cause damage to soil and vegetation.

GD Riparian Areas Active grazing allotments should be managed to 

maintain or improve to desired riparian conditions.

GD Riparian Areas Storage of fuels and other toxicants should be 

located at least 100 feet outside of riparian areas to prevent spills that 

could impair water quality or harm aquatic species. 

GD Riparian Areas Equipment should be fueled or serviced at least 100 

feet outside of riparian areas to prevent spills that could impair water 

quality or harm aquatic species. 

GD Riparian Areas Construction or maintenance equipment service 

areas should be located at least 100 feet from riparian areas, and treated 

to prevent gas, oil, or other contaminants from washing or leaching into 

streams.

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing and associated activities 
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contribute to healthy, diverse plant communities, satisfactory condition 

soils, and wildlife habitat.

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing is in balance with available 

forage (i.e., grazing and browsing by authorized livestock, wild horses, 

and wildlife do not exceed available forage production within established 

use levels).

GL Livestock Grazing Critical areas should be managed to address the 

inherent or unique site factors, conditions, values, or potential conflicts 

associated with them.

GL Livestock Grazing New livestock troughs, tanks, and holding facilities 

should be located out of riparian areas to reduce concentration of 

livestock in these areas. Existing facilities in riparian areas should be 

modified, relocated, or removed where their presence is determined to 

inhibit movement toward desired riparian or aquatic conditions.

GL Livestock Grazing Forage, browse, and cover needs of wildlife, 

authorized livestock, and wild horses should be managed in balance with 

available forage so that providing for these needs remain at or move 

toward a healthy, persistent state.

GL Livestock Grazing To minimize potential resource impacts from 

livestock, salt or nutritional supplements should not be placed within a 

quarter of a mile of any riparian area or water source. Salt or nutritional 

supplements should also be located to minimize herbivory impacts to 

aspen clones.

GL Livestock Grazing To prevent resource damage (e.g., streambanks) 

and disturbance to federally listed and sensitive wildlife species, trailing of 

livestock should not occur along riparian areas. Where no alternative route 

is available, approval may be granted where effective mitigation measures 

are implemented (e.g., timing of trailing, number of livestock trailed at one 

time).

Plan Section MA 7 P. 138

Mount Baldy Wilderness

Acres: 7,079

The Mount Baldy Wilderness 

was designated as part of the 

National Wilderness 

Preservation System in 1970. Its 

DC Air Air quality related values, including high quality visual conditions, 

are maintained within the Class I airshed over Mount Baldy Wilderness.

DC Wilderness Ecological conditions are affected primarily by natural 

ecological processes, with the appearance of little or no human 

intervention. 

DC Wilderness Fire functions as a natural ecological process.

Wilderness area management 

was carried forward in 

accordance with law, policy, and 

regulation. 
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7,079 acres on the eastern slope 

of Mount Baldy lie entirely within 

the Springerville Ranger District 

of the Apache National Forest. 

Elevations range from 9,000 feet 

to 11,550 feet above sea level. 

Mount Baldy is an extinct 

volcano which has experienced 

three distinct periods of 

glaciation. The peak itself is on 

the Fort Apache Indian 

Reservation.

Two developed trails pass 

through the wilderness to the top 

of Mount Baldy. The West Fork 

Trail begins near the Sheep 

Crossing parking lot and 

ascends along the West Fork of 

the Little Colorado River. The 

East Fork Trail begins near 

Phelps Cabin and ascends along 

the East Fork of the Little 

Colorado River. The 2 trails 

meet near the top and continue 

to the summit. Each trail is 

approximately seven miles in 

length.

The average annual precipitation 

is about 45 inches. Half of this 

comes as snow. Severe 

thunderstorms and frequent 

showers are common during 

July and August. Range status 

data used in the development of 

this plan indicates that there are 

600 acres of full capacity range, 

DC Wilderness There is little evidence of human developments and little 

or no evidence of camping activity, unauthorized trails, trash, or other 

human impacts on the environment.

DC Wilderness Visitor use does not affect wilderness characteristics.

DC Wilderness Wilderness boundaries are posted and visible to visitors.

DC Wilderness There are unconfined opportunities for exploration, 

solitude, risk, and challenge. The nonmotorized trail system enhances the 

wilderness character. Where there is public demand, outfitters and guides 

provide services to visitors seeking a wilderness experience.

DC Wilderness Bear Wallow Wilderness provides outstanding 

opportunities for solitude and isolation. Encounters with small groups or 

individuals are infrequent.

DC Wilderness Within Mount Baldy and Escudilla Wilderness areas, trails 

concentrate use and provide access to popular destinations. Encounters 

with other users may occur. 

DC Wilderness Wilderness areas maintain natural landscapes where 

generally only ecological changes occur (very high scenic integrity) and 

provide primitive and/or semi-primitive nonmotorized recreation 

opportunities.

DC Wilderness Wilderness contributes to preserving natural behaviors 

and processes that sustain wildlife populations.

ST Wilderness Party size of 12 persons and/or 12 head of stock for 

hiking and riding groups in Mount Baldy Wilderness shall not be 

exceeded. A party size of 6 persons for overnight camping shall not be 

exceeded.

ST Wilderness Party size of 12 persons and/or 15 head of stock for 

hiking and riding groups in Escudilla and Bear Wallow Wilderness and the 

Blue Range Primitive Area shall not be exceeded.

ST Wilderness Objective(s) and strategies for all wildfires shall be 

identified.

ST Wilderness Fire management activities shall be conducted in a 

manner compatible with the overall wilderness management objectives 

(minimum impact suppression tactics).

ST Wilderness Human-caused disturbed areas that do not complement 

wilderness characteristics will be rehabilitated to a natural appearance, 
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of which 600 acres are in 

satisfactory condition. As new 

inventories become available 

they will be utilized to make 

future adjustments to these 

management area range status 

descriptions.

using species or other materials native to the area.

GD Wilderness New trail construction may be considered if the objective 

is enhancement of the wilderness character (e.g., increase solitude 

opportunities, restore naturalness).

GD Wilderness Trail maintenance should be coordinated around 

anticipated visitor high use periods to minimize encounters.

GD Wilderness Trails that have minimal use, detract from the wilderness 

character, or cannot practically be maintained or reconstructed should be 

obliterated.

GD Wilderness Prescribed fire should be considered to reduce the risks 

and consequences of uncharacteristic wildfire within wilderness or 

escaping from wilderness by reducing unnatural fuel accumulations, if 

necessary to meet wilderness fire management objectives. Naturally 

occurring wildfires should be allowed to perform, as much as possible, 

their natural ecological role within wilderness.

GD Wilderness Fire camps, helispots, and other temporary facilities 

should be located outside the wilderness boundary to protect wilderness 

character.

GD Wilderness Firelines and spike camps (i.e., a remote camp usually 

near a fireline) should not be constructed adjacent to trails or camp areas 

to protect wilderness values. 

GD Wilderness Grazing of pack stock should not occur except as 

authorized by the district ranger when adequate forage is available.

Plan MA 8 P. 141

Blue Range Primitive Area and 

Additions

The Blue Range was classified 

as a Primitive Area in 1933, to 

preserve its wilderness qualities. 

Its 187,410 acres include deep, 

rugged canyons separated by 

steep timbered ridges. The 

Mogollon Rim bisects the area 

and provides dramatic 

topographic features. Elevations 

DC Primitive Area The Blue Range Primitive Area and presidential 

recommended additions maintain natural landscapes where generally only 

ecological changes occur (very high scenic integrity) and provide primitive 

recreation opportunities, except along the designated road (36 CFR § 

293.17(a)).

All Wilderness DC apply to the entire Blue Range Primitive Area and 

presidential recommended additions until congressional action has been 

taken.

All Wilderness ST and GD apply to the entire Blue Range Primitive Area 

and presidential recommended additions until congressional action has 

Management of the primitive area 

was carried forward in the new 

plan. 
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range from 4,500 feet in the 

southern portion to 9100 feet 

along the Rim. This rapid 

change in elevation exposes 

several interesting and unique 

ecological and geological 

associations. Unusual and 

spectacular rock formations are 

common.

Several perennial streams have 

population of trout. The 

abundant deer herds are hunted 

each fall, and the 150 miles of 

trails provide good access 

throughout the area. The best 

time to hike this area above the 

Rim is in the spring or fall, 

whereas winter hiking is 

encouraged in the lower 

elevations. This area is not as 

heavily visited as are other 

wildernesses, so solitude is a 

prize reward to the hardy hiker.

Range status data used in the 

development of this plan 

indicated that there are 60,303 

acres of full capacity range of 

which 48,242 are in satisfactory 

condition and 12,061 are in 

unsatisfactory condition. As new 

inventories become available 

they will be utilized to make 

future adjustments to these 

management area range status 

descriptions.

been taken. 
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Plan MA 10 P. 157

Management Emphasis:

Emphasis protection of the 

natural ecosystem for research 

purposes.

GD Minerals and Geology Key cultural sites, research natural areas, and 

administrative and recreation sites with an investment in facilities should 

be withdrawn from mineral entry to protect resources and existing 

infrastructure.

GD Minerals and Geology Oil and geothermal leases should contain the 

“no surface occupancy” restriction in designated or recommended special 

areas (e.g., recommended wilderness, primitive area, eligible or suitable 

wild and scenic rivers corridors, research natural areas, botanical area, 

and wild horse territory), sacred sites, American Indian TCPs, and 

properties on the National Register of Historic Places to protect the unique 

character of these areas.

GD Special Uses Large group and recreation event special uses should 

not be authorized within wilderness, recommended wilderness, primitive 

area, wildlife quiet areas, eligible “wild” river corridors, riparian and 

wetland areas, cultural resource sites, Phelps Cabin Botanical Area, 

Phelps Cabin Research Natural Area, or recommended research natural 

areas to protect the unique character of these areas.

DC Research Natural Area The Phelps Cabin RNA provides 

opportunities for research, study, observation, monitoring, and educational 

activities that maintain the natural conditions for which the area was 

established.

DC Research Natural Area The Phelps Cabin RNA, outside of Mount 

Baldy Wilderness, exhibits landscapes that vary from natural appearing 

where human activities do not stand out (high scenic integrity) to natural 

where generally only ecological changes occur (very high scenic integrity).

DC Research Natural Area Recreation opportunities, although not 

encouraged, are semi-primitive nonmotorized.

ST Research Natural Area The Phelps Cabin RNA will be surveyed and 

posted with boundary signs within the planning period.

ST Research Natural Area The Phelps Cabin RNA will be managed for 

nonmotorized access within the area; exceptions may be made for 

permitted research use.

GD Research Natural Area Management measures should be used (e.g., 

fencing) to protect unique features.

GD Research Natural Area To minimize impacts to unique and sensitive 

plant species, recreational activities (other than use on the designated 

Additional direction added in new 

plan in response to identified 

needs for change from the 1987 

plan, including specifically: 

• Incorporate direction for special 

areas that were not included in 

the 1987 plan, including 

recommended research natural 

areas, the Heber Wild Horse 

Territory, scenic byways, and 

national recreation trails. 

• Recommend additional special 

areas (i.e., research natural 

areas) where needed. The intent 

is to recommend these areas in 

the revised forest plan; 

subsequent analyses would 

determine whether they should 

become official designated areas.
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trail) should not be encouraged.

GD Research Natural Area Research special use authorizations should 

limit impacts to sensitive resources, unique features, and species within

the RNA.

DC Recommended Research Natural Area The recommended RNAs 

provide opportunities for research, study, observation, monitoring, and 

educational activities that maintain the natural conditions for which the 

area was recommended.

DC Recommended Research Natural Area The Three Forks Closure 

Area (30 acres) of the recommended Three Forks RNA is free from 

human trampling and other disturbances to protect very sensitive and 

unique species, such as the Three Forks springsnail, California floater, 

New Mexico meadow jumping mouse, Chiricahua leopard frog, and loach 

minnow.

DC Recommended Research Natural Area The recommended Three 

Forks, Campbell Blue, Corduroy, and Sandrock RNAs, outside of any 

eligible or suitable wild and scenic river corridor, exhibit unaltered 

appearing landscapes where human activities do not stand out (high 

scenic integrity).

DC Recommended Research Natural Area The recommended Thomas 

Creek RNA exhibits slightly altered landscapes where human activities 

may be seen but do not attract attention (moderate scenic integrity).

DC Recommended Research Natural Area The recommended Phelps 

Cabin RNA addition (currently the Phelps Cabin Botanical Area), outside 

of any eligible or suitable wild and scenic river corridor, exhibits unaltered 

appearing landscapes where human activities do not stand out (high 

scenic integrity).

DC Recommended Research Natural Area Natural conditions prevail in 

the recommended Phelps Cabin RNA addition while providing an 

opportunity for interpretation, education, and research. 

DC Recommended Research Natural Area Unique plant species, 

including willows, paintbrushes, and gentians, thrive in the recommended 

Phelps Cabin RNA addition.

GD Recommended Research Natural Area To minimize impacts to 

unique and sensitive plant and animal species, recreational activities 

should not be encouraged.
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GD Recommended Research Natural Area If necessary, recommended 

RNAs should be fenced to manage unique features.

GD Recommended Research Natural Area Research special use 

authorizations should limit impacts to sensitive resources, unique features, 

and species within recommended RNAs.

GD Recommended Research Natural Area Recommended RNAs 

should be managed for nonmotorized access within the area to minimize 

ground disturbances and protect the resources which make these areas 

unique.

Plan MA 12

Analysis Areas: 381-385

Acres: 11,080

Bear Wallow Wilderness Area.

The newly established Bear 

Wallow Wilderness in eastern 

Arizona boasts a sizeable 

amount of virgin ponderosa pine 

for its size. Only a few trails 

provide access into and within 

this area, and only limited 

grazing of domestic livestock in 

the west half has kept this area 

pristine.

Bear Wallow Creek flows 

throughout the year, providing 

suitable habitat for the 

threatened Apache trout. Wildlife 

is abundant throughout the area. 

A majestic view from atop the 

Mogollon Rim is available to the 

hiker from the Rim Tail on the 

southern boundary of the 

wilderness.

Range status data use in the 

All DC, ST, and GD for Wilderness listed above for Mount Baldy 

Wilderness apply to Bear Wallow Wilderness. 

Wilderness area management 

was carried forward into the new 

plan. 
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development of this plan 

indicates that there are 600 

acres of full capacity range, of 

which 600 acres are in 

satisfactory condition. As new 

inventories become available 

they will be utilized to make 

future adjustments to these 

management area range status 

descriptions.

Plan MA 13

Analysis Areas: 91-94

Acres: 5,200

The Escudilla Wilderness, 

designated in 1984 and 

containing 5,200 acres, lies atop 

Arizona’s third highest peak, 

Escudilla Mountain. Its 10,912 

feet elevation provides 

marvelous vistas. It is home to 

several pristine, high elevation 

meadows which are comprised 

of relatively rare plant 

associations. Notable landmarks 

in or just outside the wilderness 

include Profanity Ridge, Terry 

Flat, Toolbox Draw, and the 

Punchbowl.

A trail takes the visitor to 

Escudilla Lookout where he/she 

can absorb vistas many miles 

distant. Because of the relative 

scarcity of water and the small 

size of this wilderness, day use 

is encouraged. Range status 

data used in the development of 

All DC, ST, and GD for Wilderness listed above for Mount Baldy 

Wilderness apply to Escudilla Wilderness.

Wilderness area management 

was carried forward into the new 

plan.
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this plan indicates that there are 

1500 acres of full capacity 

range, of which 1500 acres are 

in satisfactory condition. As new 

inventories become available 

they will be utilized to make 

future adjustments to these 

management area range status 

descriptions.

Plan MA 14

Acres: 7,176

Black River (Mainstem)

The 16 mile Black River is a 

major tributary of the Salt River 

and flows in a sometimes 

tortuous channel winding 

through conifer covered 

mountainous terrain. The river 

corridor provides important 

habitat to a wide range of 

animals; deer, elk, bear, and 

turkey to name a few. As well, 

the river provides nesting habitat 

for many bird species including, 

southern bald eagles and 

possible peregrine falcons.

The Black River provides a 

highly scenic, water based, 

semi-primitive recreation 

opportunity for those hardy 

individuals willing to take the 

time, as access is not easy.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible and suitable 

wild river segments display unaltered landscapes where generally only 

ecological changes occur (very high scenic integrity) and provide primitive 

and/or semi-primitive nonmotorized recreation opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible and suitable 

scenic river segments display landscapes which vary from slightly altered 

where human activities may be seen but do not attract attention (moderate 

scenic integrity) to natural appearing where human activities do not stand 

out (high scenic integrity) and provide semi-primitive nonmotorized, semiprimitive motorized, and/or roaded natural recreation opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible and suitable 

recreational river segments display landscapes which vary from 

moderately altered where human activities are evident (low scenic 

integrity) to slightly altered where human activities may be seen but do not 

attract attention (moderate scenic integrity) and provide primitive, semiprimitive nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural 

recreation opportunities.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Each eligible river’s 

free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable values, and classification 

shall be sustained until further study is conducted.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Each suitable river’s 

free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable values, and classification 

shall be maintained until congressional action is completed.

Management of wild and scenic 

rivers was carried forward and 

modified to reflect law, policy, 

and regulation. 
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Plan MA 15

Acres: 3,465

East and West Fork of the Black 

River

This Management Area includes 

a 14 mile segment of the West 

Fork of the Black River from the 

confluence of the East and West 

Forks of the Black River near 

Buffalo Crossing upstream to the 

forest boundary just south of the 

Mt. Baldy Wilderness. With the 

main stem of the Black River, 

this segment forms a continuous 

30 mile river segment from the 

headwaters to the forest 

boundary.

The West Fork of the Black 

River not only provides highly 

scenic water based recreation 

opportunities, it also represents 

a valuable fishery as well as 

habitat for a wide range of 

wildlife.

DC and ST for Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers apply to 

East and West Forks of the Black River. 

Process for identification of 

eligible and suitable Wild and 

Scenic River segments has been 

completed. Management of wild 

and scenic rivers was carried 

forward and modified to reflect 

law, policy, and regulation.

Plan MA 16

Acres: 11,534

Chevelon Canyon This

management area includes 29.9 

miles of Chevelon Creek from 

the confluence of Willow Canyon 

and Woods Canyon downstream 

to the forest boundary. Except 

for Chevelon Canyon Lake, the 

area will be recommended for 

addition to the Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System.

DC and ST for Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers apply to 

Chevelon Creek

Process for identification of 

eligible and suitable Wild and 

Scenic River segments has been 

completed. Management of wild 

and scenic rivers was carried 

forward and modified to reflect 

law, policy, and regulation.
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The corridor is a major drainage 

of the Mogollon Rim. Chevelon 

Creek cuts a scenic, steep, and 

twisting canyon through terrain 

covered with a mosaic of 

vegetation. Chevelon Canyon 

provides a canyon ecosystem 

relatively undistributed by human 

intrusion. It is a unique aquatic 

habitat in a relatively arid region 

with high semi-primitive 

recreation and wildlife values. 

This management area is not 

assigned any grazing capacity.

Plan MA 17

Acres: 2,360

East and West Forks Little 

Colorado River

The East and West Forks of the 

Little Colorado River possess a 

high quality semi-primitive nonmotorized water based 

recreation opportunities adjacent 

to the popular resort community 

of Greer.

In addition, within the corridor 

are several unique stands of 

willow deserving special 

protection.

DC and ST for Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers apply to 

East and West Forks of the Little Colorado River. 

Management of wild and scenic 

rivers was carried forward and 

modified to reflect law, policy, 

and regulation.
1228 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Range

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Range Emphasize maintenance and restoration of healthy 

riparian ecosystems through conformance with forest 

plan riparian standards and guidelines. Management 

strategies should restore degraded riparian areas to 

good condition as soon as possible. Damage to riparian 

vegetation, streambanks and channels should be 

prevented.

GD Water Resources Projects with ground-disturbing 

activities should be designed to minimize long and shortterm impacts to water resources. Where disturbance cannot 

be avoided, project specific soil and water conservation 

practices and best management practices (BMPs) should 

be developed. 

DC Riparian Areas Fine Scale Riparian obligate species 

within wet meadows, around springs and seeps, along 

streambanks and active floodplains provide sufficient[5}

vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation, litter, and 

woody riparian species) to protect and enrich soils, trap 

sediment, mitigate flood energy, stabilize streambanks, and 

provide for wildlife and plant needs. 

DC Riparian Areas Fine Scale Riparian soil productivity is 

optimized as described by the specific TES map unit [5] as 

indicated by the vigor of the herbaceous vegetation 

community. Based on species composition, ungrazed plant 

heights [7]

range from 10 inches to 36 inches

GD Riparian Areas Wet meadows, springs, seeps and 

cienegas should not be used for concentrated activities 

(e.g., equipment storage, forest product or mineral 

stockpiling, livestock handling facilities, special uses) that 

cause damage to soil and vegetation. 

GD Riparian Areas Active grazing allotments should be 

managed to maintain or improve to desired riparian 

conditions. 

GD Livestock Grazing New livestock troughs, tanks, and 

holding facilities should be located out of riparian areas to 

reduce concentration of livestock in these areas. Existing 

facilities in riparian areas should be modified, relocated, or 

removed where their presence is determined to inhibit 

movement toward desired riparian or aquatic conditions. 

GD Livestock Grazing To minimize potential resource 

impacts from livestock, salt or nutritional supplements 

Guidelines were modified 

to be more explicit. 

Desired Conditions provide 

aspirational direction for 

Guidelines.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1229

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

should not be placed within a quarter of a mile of any 

riparian area or water source. Salt or nutritional 

supplements should also be located to minimize herbivory 

impacts to aspen clones

GD Livestock Grazing To prevent resource damage (e.g., 

streambanks) and disturbance to federally listed and 

sensitive wildlife species, trailing of livestock should not 

occur along riparian areas. Where no alternative route is 

available, approval may be granted where effective 

mitigation measures are implemented (e.g., timing of 

trailing, number of livestock trailed at one time). 

Range To improve rangeland condition and resolve conflicts 

with other resource objectives, improved allotment 

management plans will be developed using the 

Integrated Resource Management process. Allotment 

management plans will implement Forest Plan 

objectives. Improved allotment management plans will 

give equal consideration of innovative practices and 

techniques, structural and non-structural range 

improvements, non-use agreements, and stocking rate 

adjustment to achieve integrated resource objectives. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Aquatic habitat 

conditions contribute to the recovery of federally listed 

species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streamflows, habitat, and 

water quality support native aquatic and riparian-dependent 

species and habitat.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Wetlands are 

hydrologically functioning and have sufficient (composing 50 

percent of the wetland) emergent vegetation and 

macroinvertebrate populations to support resident and 

migratory wetland dependent species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Management and 

activities should not contribute to a trend toward the Federal 

listing of a species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat 

management direction and species protection measures 

from recovery plans. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Vegetation 

characteristics (e.g., density, litter) provide favorable 

conditions for water flow and quality.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Organic soil cover and 

herbaceous vegetation protect soil, facilitate moisture 

infiltration, and contribute to plant and animal diversity and 

ecosystem function. 

Standards and Guidelines 

were modified to be more 

explicit. Desired 

Conditions provide 

aspirational direction for 

Standards and Guidelines.
1230 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

DC All PNVTs at Mid-Scale Vegetative ground cover 

(herbaceous vegetation and litter cover) is optimized [5] to 

protect and enrich soils and promote water infiltration. There 

is a diverse mix of cool and warm season grasses and 

desirable forbs species.

DC All PNVTs at Fine Scale Herbaceous vegetation 

amount and structure (e.g., plant density, height, litter, seed 

heads) provides habitat to support wildlife and prey species. 

ST All PNVTs Within each PNVT, vegetation management 

activities shall be designed to maintain or move plant 

composition towards a moderate to high plant community 

similarity as compared to site potential. 

DC Grasslands Fine Scale

During the critical pronghorn fawning period (May through 

June [12]), cool season grasses and forbs provide nutritional 

forage; while shrubs and standing grass growth from the 

previous year provide adequate hiding cover (10 to 18 

inches) to protect fawns from predation.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Landscape Scale

Habitat conditions contribute to the recovery of federally 

listed species. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Management and activities 

should not contribute to a trend toward the Federal listing of 

a species. GL 65

Activities occurring within federally listed species habitat 

should apply habitat management objectives and species 

protection measures from recovery plans. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Modifications, mitigations, or 

other measures should be incorporated to reduce negative 

impacts to plants, animals, and their habitats and to help 

provide for species needs, consistent with project or activity 

objectives. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Active raptor nests should be 

protected from treatments and disturbance during the 

nesting season to provide for successful reproduction. 

Specifically for northern goshawk nest areas, human 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1231

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

presence should be minimized during nesting season of 

March 1 through September 30. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Rare and unique features 

(e.g., talus slopes, cliffs, canyon slopes, caves, fens, bogs, 

sinkholes) should be protected from damage or loss to 

retain their distinctive ecological functions and maintain 

viability of associated species. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants The needs of localized 

species (e.g., New Mexico meadow jumping mouse, Bebb 

willow, White Mountains paintbrush) should be considered 

and provided for during project activities to ensure their 

limited or specialized habitats are not lost or degraded.

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Constructed features should 

be maintained to standard or removed when no longer 

needed.

DC Cultural Resources Significant cultural resources (i.e., 

archaeological, historic, traditional cultural properties 

(TCPs), and known American Indian sacred sites) are 

preserved and protected for their cultural importance and 

are free from adverse impacts. 

GD Cultural Resources Activities that have the potential to 

adversely affect cultural resources should be discouraged in 

areas with a high concentration of significant archaeological 

sites or in areas of cultural or religious significance [13]

to 

American Indians. 

GD Cultural Resources Avoidance or protection measures 

should be the preferred method to prevent or minimize 

adverse effects to cultural resources listed in, nominated to, 

eligible for, or unevaluated for the NRHP. 

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing and associated 

activities contribute to healthy, diverse plant communities, 

satisfactory condition soils, and wildlife habitat. 

GD Livestock Grazing As areas are mechanically treated 

or burned, timing of livestock grazing should be modified as 

needed, in order to move toward desired conditions and to 

accomplish the objectives for the treatment. 
1232 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

GD Research Natural Area Management measures should 

be used (e.g., fencing) to protect unique features.

GD Recommended Research Natural Area If necessary, 

recommended RNAs should be fenced to manage unique 

features. 

DC Wilderness and Primitive Area There is little evidence 

of human developments and little or no evidence of camping 

activity, unauthorized trails, trash, or other human impacts 

on the environment. 

Range Basic allotment analysis will evaluate grazing capability. 

Determine and map which lands are suitable and 

unsuitable for livestock grazing. Benchmark transects for 

range condition trends will be maintained. Amend the 

Forest Plan, as appropriate, to reflect changes as new 

data becomes available.

DC All PNVTs at Landscape Scale Herbivory is in balance 

with available forage (i.e., grazing and browsing by 

authorized livestock, wild horses, and wildlife do not exceed 

available forage production within established use levels). 

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing is in balance with 

available forage (i.e., grazing and browsing by authorized 

livestock, wild horses, and wildlife do not exceed available 

forage production within established use levels. 

GD Livestock Grazing Forage, browse, and cover needs of 

wildlife, authorized livestock, and wild horses should be 

managed in balance with available forage so that providing 

for these needs remain at or move toward a healthy, 

persistent state. 

Allotment management 

Plans would address 

forage and utilization 

(through NEPA process) 

on site specific basis.

Range Reconstruct range structural improvements to original 

construction standards or better according to FSM 2244, 

and FSH 2209.22. Permittees will maintain range 

structural improvements operable condition according to 

FSM 2224, FSH 2209, and FSM 2320.

GD Aspen To preclude concentrated herbivore impacts, 

new surface water development should not be constructed 

within proximity to aspen stands (approximately a quarter of 

a mile). 

GD Grasslands New fence construction or reconstruction 

where pronghorn antelope may be present should have a 

barbless bottom wire which is 18 inches from the ground to 

facilitate movement between pastures and other fenced 

areas. Pole and other types of fences should also provide 

for pronghorn antelope passage where they are present. 

GD Grasslands

Pronghorn antelope fence and other crossings should be 

installed along known movement corridors to prevent habitat 

Additional standards and 

guidelines for wildlife, 

scenic resources, and the 

aspen PNVT.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1233

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

fragmentation.

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Constructed features should 

be maintained to standard or removed when no longer 

needed.

GD Scenic Resources Constructed features and 

landscape alterations should be designed to complement 

the natural setting. 

ST Livestock Grazing New or reconstructed fencing shall 

allow for wildlife passage, except where specifically 

intended to exclude wildlife (e.g., elk fencing). 

ST Livestock Grazing New livestock watering facilities 

shall be designed to allow wildlife access and escape. 

ST Livestock Grazing During maintenance of existing 

watering facilities, escape ramps that are ineffective or 

missing should be replaced. 

ST Livestock Grazing Constructed features should be 

maintained to standard or removed when no longer needed. 

ST Livestock Grazing New range developments should be 

located to minimize impacts to scenic resources and reduce 

the potential for vandalism and livestock-vehicle conflicts. 

Range developments should be designed in consideration 

of public safety, especially in areas of concentrated 

recreation use. 

Range Conserve soil and water resources; avoid permanent 

impairment of site productivity and ensure conservation 

of soil and water resources. The minimum soil and 

resource management requirement is to control surface 

water runoff and erosion at not less than tolerance 

conditions.

DC Soil Landscape Scale Ecological and hydrologic

functions are not impaired by soil compaction. 

DC Soil Mid-Scale Soil condition rating is satisfactory [2]

. 

DC Soil Mid-Scale Soils are stable within their natural 

capability. Vegetation and litter limit accelerated erosion 

(e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, topsoil loss) and contribute 

to soil deposition and development. 

DC Soil Mid-Scale Soils provide for diverse native plant 

species [9]

. Vegetative ground cover (herbaceous vegetation 

and litter) is distributed evenly across the soil surface to 

promote nutrient cycling, water infiltration, and to maintain 

natural fire regimes.

Guidelines were modified 

to be more explicit. 

Desired Conditions provide 

aspirational direction for 

Guidelines.
1234 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

DC Soil Mid-Scale Biological soil crusts (e.g., mosses, 

lichens, algae, liverworts) are present and reestablished if 

potential exists. 

DC Soil Fine Scale Soil loss rates do not exceed tolerance 

soil loss rates [3]

. 

DC Soil Fine Scale Logs and other woody material are 

distributed across the surface to maintain soil productivity

[14]

. 

DC Soil Fine Scale Vegetation and litter are sufficient to 

maintain and improve water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and 

soil stability.

GD Soil Projects with ground-disturbing activities should be 

designed to minimize long- and short term impacts to soil 

resources. Where disturbance cannot be avoided, project 

specific soil and water conservation practices should be 

developed. 

DC Riparian Areas Mid-Scale Soil compaction from forest 

activities (e.g., vehicle use, recreation, livestock grazing) 

does not negatively impact riparian areas. 

DC Dry Mixed Conifer Landscape Scale

Grasses, forbs, shrubs, needles, leaves, and small trees 

support the natural fire regime. The larger proportion (60 

percent or greater) of soil cover is composed of grasses and 

forbs as opposed to needles and leaves. 

DC Madrean Pine-Oak Mid-Scale Grasses, forbs, shrubs, 

leaves, needles, and small trees maintain the natural fire 

regime with a greater proportion of the soil cover as grasses 

and forbs as opposed to leaves and needles. 

DC Piñon-Juniper-Savanna Landscape Scale Grasses, 

forbs, shrubs, needles, leaves, and small trees support the 

natural fire regime. The larger proportion (60 percent or 

greater) of soil cover is composed of grasses and forbs as 

opposed to needles and leaves. 

DC Piñon-Juniper-Persistent Woodland Mid-Scale Grass 

and forb cover is maximized, based on site capability, to 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1235

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

protect and enrich soils. 

DC Grasslands Landscape Scale Perennial herbaceous 

species dominate and include native grasses, grass-like 

plants (sedges and rushes), and forbs, and in some 

locations, a diversity of shrubs. 

DC Grasslands Landscape Scale Vegetative ground cover 

(herbaceous vegetation and litter cover) is optimized (as 

defined by the TES map unit [5] under consideration) to 

prevent accelerated erosion, dissipate rainfall, facilitate the 

natural fire regimes, and provide wildlife and insect habitat. 

Ungrazed herbaceous vegetation heights [7]

range from 7 to 

32 inches [15]

depending on grassland type. 

DC Grasslands Fine Scale Average herbaceous 

vegetation heights [15]

vary by grassland PNVT and yearly 

weather conditions. Ungrazed herbaceous vegetation 

heights [7]

range from 7 to 29 inches in Great Basin 

grasslands, 7 to 26 inches in montane/subalpine 

grasslands, and 10 to 32 inches in semi-desert grasslands. 

Range Forest wide ST for Grazing. Forage use by grazing 

ungulates will be maintained at or above a condition 

which assures recovery and continued existence of 

threatened and endangered species. 

Forest wide GDs for Grazing. Identify key ungulate 

forage monitoring areas. These key areas will normally 

be 1/4 to 1 mile from water, located on productive soils 

on level to intermediate slopes, and be readily 

accessible for grazing. Size of the key forage monitoring 

areas could be 20 to 500 acres. In some situations such 

as high mountain meadows with perennial streams, key 

areas may be closer than 1/4 mile from water and less 

than 20 acres. Within key forage monitoring areas, 

select appropriate key species to monitor average 

allowable use.

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing and associated 

activities contribute to healthy, diverse plant communities, 

satisfactory condition soils, and wildlife habitat.

DC Livestock Grazing Range developments for livestock 

minimize impacts to wildlife and blend with the natural 

environment.

GD Livestock Grazing Forage, browse, and cover needs of 

wildlife, authorized livestock, and wild horses should be 

managed in balance with available forage so that providing 

for these needs remain at or move toward a healthy, 

persistent state.

DC for Overall Ecosystem Health Large blocks of habitat 

are interconnected, allowing for behavioral and predatorprey interactions, and the persistence of metapopulations 

and highly interactive wildlife species across the landscape. 

Ecological connectivity extends through all plant 

communities.

DC for All PNVTs Herbaceous vegetation amount and 

The new plan guidance 

meets the intent of the 

previous guidance.
1236 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page numbers 

refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

structure (e.g., plant density, height, litter, seed heads) 

provides habitat to support wildlife and prey species.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1237

Appendix I

Recreation

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Recreation Manage to ensure the maintenance of the existing 

diversity of recreation opportunities, settings, and 

activities.

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities The ApacheSitgreaves NFs offer a spectrum of recreation settings and 

opportunities varying from primitive to rural and dispersed to 

developed, with an emphasis on the natural appearing 

character of the forests.

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation activities 

occur within the ability of the land to support them and with 

minimal user conflicts.

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation enhances 

the quality of life for local residents (e.g., social interaction, 

physical activity, connection with nature), provides tourist 

destinations, and contributes monetarily to local economies.

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation 

opportunities provide for a variety of skill levels, needs, and 

desires in partnership with recreation permit holders, private 

entities, volunteer groups, community groups, and State, 

Federal, and tribal governments.

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

desired conditions 

Recreation Dispersed recreation in high-use areas is 

managed at a high intensity level, even though 

use will increase significantly. 

pp10, Issues

DC Dispersed Recreation Dispersed recreation opportunities 

(e.g., hunting, fishing, hiking, camping) are available and 

dispersed recreation sites (e.g., campsites, trailheads, vistas, 

parking areas) occur in a variety of ROS classes throughout 

the forests.

Retained and refined through 

desired condition

Recreation Concentrated Undeveloped Use Sites

1. 14-day stay limits may be imposed in desirable 

locations (water, view, solitude, etc.) within a 

concentrated undeveloped area. These sites will 

be posted or users personally notified by a Forest 

Officer.

2. 14-day stay limits may be imposed for entire 

concentrated dispersed use areas. These areas 

will be posted.

3. Stay limits will be imposed for a concentrated 

DC Dispersed Recreation Facilities for dispersed recreation 

activities are appropriate for the ROS class and scenic integrity 

objective of the location and are designed to the minimum 

necessary to protect natural and cultural resources.

DC Dispersed Recreation Access, parking, regulations, 

orientation, and safety information are in place to provide safe 

and enjoyable dispersed recreation opportunities.

DC Dispersed Recreation Winter nonmotorized areas provide 

a variety of nonmotorized recreation opportunities in a quiet, 

natural setting (including groomed and ungroomed ski trails). 

Noise from motorized use is uncommon in areas away from 

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

objectives, desired 

conditions and guidelines
1238 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

use area when the District Ranger feels any 1 or 

more of the following conditions are likely to occur:

a) A concentration of users because of their 

number, actions, or equipment would detract from 

the area’s natural setting or significantly reduces 

the quality of the standard recreational experience 

expected for the area.

b) Vegetation damage or soil compaction is a 

problem in the area and extended stay prevents 

even partial relief from these adverse effects.

c) Users tend to construct certain improvements or 

bring in equipment that detracts from the area’s 

setting and that normally doesn’t occur when visits 

are of shorter duration.

pp. 32 Standards and Guidelines

Undeveloped Portions of National Forest

The same criteria as for concentrated 

undeveloped use sites will be utilized to determine 

where stay limits are to be imposed.

pp. 32 Standards and Guidelines

main road corridors.

DC Dispersed Recreation Roads and trails provide a variety 

of opportunities to view natural landscapes and wildlife.

OBJ Dispersed Recreation Annually, rehabilitate, stabilize, 

revegetate, or relocate an average of five dispersed campsites 

to improve recreation opportunities and/or protect the 

environment.

OBJ Dispersed Recreation Within the planning period, work 

with the AZGFD, ADOT, and other partners to provide at least 

10 new wildlife viewing opportunities.

ST Dispersed Recreation Dispersed campsites shall not be 

designated in areas with sensitive soils or within 50 feet of 

streams, wetlands, or riparian areas to prevent vegetation and 

bank damage, soil compaction, additional sediment, or soil and 

water contamination.

GD Dispersed Recreation In dispersed areas, the priority for 

facilities or minor developments should be access and 

protection of the environment, rather than the comfort or 

convenience of the visitors.

GD Dispersed Recreation Timing restrictions on recreation 

uses should be considered to reduce conflicts with wildlife 

needs or soil moisture conditions.

GD Dispersed Recreation Dispersed campsites should not be 

located on or adjacent to archaeological sites or sensitive 

wildlife areas.

Recreation Outdoor Recreation

Manage the recreation resource to provide 

opportunities for a wide variety of developed and 

dispersed experiences. Provide for developed site 

and dispersed visitor use.

pp14, Goal

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities The ApacheSitgreaves NFs offer a spectrum of recreation settings and 

opportunities varying from primitive to rural and dispersed to 

developed, with an emphasis on the natural appearing 

character of the forests.

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation activities 

occur within the ability of the land to support them and with 

minimal user conflicts.

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation enhances 

the quality of life for local residents (e.g., social interaction, 

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

desired conditions and 

guidelines
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1239

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

physical activity, connection with nature), provides tourist 

destinations, and contributes monetarily to local economies.

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation 

opportunities provide for a variety of skill levels, needs, and 

desires in partnership with recreation permit holders, private 

entities, volunteer groups, community groups, and State, 

Federal, and tribal governments.

Recreation Recreation use, including off-road vehicle use, will 

be prohibited or restricted and sites rehabilitated in 

areas in unsatisfactory condition, when recreation 

was a significant causative factor affecting 

condition.

pp. 124 MA 3

DC Overall Recreation Opportunities Recreation activities 

occur within the ability of the land to support them and with 

minimal user conflicts.

ST Motorized Opportunities Motorized vehicle travel shall be 

managed to occur only on the designated system of NFS roads 

and motorized trails [16]

and designated motorized areas [17].

ST Motorized Opportunities Unless specifically authorized, 

motorized cross-country travel shall be managed to occur only 

in designated motorized areas.

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through desired 

conditions and standards

Recreation Where concentrated dispersed recreation conflicts 

with wildlife or riparian objectives, consider 

alternative recreation strategies to meet demand.

pp14, Goal

DC Dispersed Recreation Wildlife viewing areas are 

dispersed throughout the forests and provide opportunities to 

view waterfowl, migratory birds, elk, and other species.

DC Dispersed Recreation Access, parking, regulations, 

orientation, and safety information are in place to provide safe 

and enjoyable dispersed recreation opportunities.

DC Dispersed Recreation Water-based settings are available

and the associated recreation opportunities (e.g., canoeing, 

fishing, waterfowl hunting) do not degrade aquatic resources.

DC Dispersed Recreation Winter nonmotorized areas provide 

a variety of nonmotorized recreation opportunities in a quiet, 

natural setting (including groomed and ungroomed ski trails). 

Noise from motorized use is uncommon in areas away from 

main road corridors.

DC Dispersed Recreation Winter motorized areas provide a 

variety of motorized recreation opportunities with a variety of 

challenges including areas open to cross-country, over-snow 

motorized use, some with groomed or ungroomed trails.

DC Dispersed Recreation Roads and trails provide a variety 

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

objectives, desired 

conditions and guidelines
1240 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

of opportunities to view natural landscapes and wildlife.

OBJ Dispersed Recreation Annually, rehabilitate, stabilize, 

revegetate, or relocate an average of five dispersed campsites 

to improve recreation opportunities and/or protect the 

environment.

OBJ Dispersed Recreation Within the planning period, work 

with the AZGFD, ADOT, and other partners to provide at least 

10 new wildlife viewing opportunities.

ST Dispersed Recreation Dispersed campsites shall not be 

designated in areas with sensitive soils or within 50 feet of 

streams, wetlands, or riparian areas to prevent vegetation and 

bank damage, soil compaction, additional sediment, or soil and 

water contamination.

GL Dispersed Recreation In dispersed areas, the priority for 

facilities or minor developments should be access and 

protection of the environment, rather than the comfort or 

convenience of the visitors.

GL Dispersed Recreation Timing restrictions on recreation 

uses should be considered to reduce conflicts with wildlife 

needs or soil moisture conditions.

GL Dispersed Recreation Dispersed campsites should not be 

located on or adjacent to archaeological sites or sensitive 

wildlife areas. Within the planning period, accessible and 

wildlife-proof trash facilities should be provided in all developed 

sites where trash is collected.

Where trash facilities are provided, they shall be bear resistant. 

DC Motorized Opportunities The location and design of roads 

and trails does not impede wildlife and fish movement.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized trails 

should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl protected 

activity centers, northern goshawk post-fledging family areas, 

and other wildlife areas as identified; seasonal restrictions may 

be an option.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads, motorized trails, or 

designated motorized areas should be located to avoid 

meadows, wetlands, seeps, springs, riparian areas, stream 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1241

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

bottoms, sacred sites, and areas with high concentrations of 

significant archaeological sites. The number of stream 

crossings should be minimized or mitigated to reduce impacts 

to aquatic species.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur in riparian or 

wet meadow areas, unneeded roads or motorized trails should 

be closed or relocated, drainage restored, and native 

vegetation reestablished to move these areas toward their 

desired condition.

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails 

removed from the transportation network should be treated in 

order to avoid future risk to hydrologic function and aquatic 

habitat. 

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails 

should be designed and located so as to not impede terrestrial 

and aquatic species movement and connectivity.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, existing 

meadow crossings should be relocated or redesigned, as 

needed, to maintain or restore hydrologic function using 

appropriate tools such as French drains and elevated culverts.

Recreation UNAUTHORIZED USE.

There is increased emphasis on law enforcement, 

especially for cultural resources, ORV use, 

fuelwood theft, and vandalism. pp12, Issues

GD Motorized Opportunities After management activities 

occur in areas with high potential for cross-country motorized 

vehicle use, methods (e.g., barriers, signing) should be used to 

control unauthorized motorized use.

Changed to emphasize 

engineering and education 

first, does not repeat relevant 

law, regulation, and policy

Recreation Establish ORV use areas and closures as needed 

to meet demand and other resource objectives. 

Manage ORV use to provide ORV opportunities 

while protecting resources and minimizing conflicts 

with other users.

pp15, Goal

DC Motorized Opportunities A maintained road and 

motorized trail system is in place and provides for safety and 

access for the use (e.g., recreation, minerals, vegetation 

treatment, fire protection) of the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs.

DC Motorized Opportunities Users have opportunities for 

motorized access and travel on a system of designated NFS 

roads, motorized trails, and motorized areas.

DC Motorized Opportunities The transportation system 

provides a variety of recreation opportunities including varying 

degrees of difficulty, from OHV trails to paved scenic byways, 

while limiting resource and/or user conflicts.

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

objectives, desired 

conditions and guidelines
1242 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

DC Motorized Opportunities NFS roads, motorized trails, and 

motorized areas are easily identified on the ground (e.g., well 

marked).

DC Motorized Opportunities The road and trail system is accessible from local communities, State, county, and local 

public roads and trails.

DC Motorized Opportunities Loop trails exist for motorized 

trail users.

DC Motorized Opportunities Tread Lightly!® principles are 

commonly practiced.

DC Motorized Opportunities The location and design of roads 

and trails does not impede wildlife and fish movement.

ST Motorized Opportunities Unless specifically authorized, 

motorized cross-country travel shall be managed to occur only 

in designated motorized areas.

ST Motorized Opportunities Motorized vehicle travel shall be 

managed to occur only on the designated system of NFS roads 

and motorized trails 

[16]

and designated motorized areas 

[17]

.

GD Motorized Opportunities New motorized trails or 

additions to existing trails should include destinations and 

loops to provide for a variety of opportunities.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized trails 

should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl protected 

activity centers, northern goshawk post-fledging family areas, 

and other wildlife areas as identified; seasonal restrictions may 

be an option.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads, motorized trails, or 

designated motorized areas should be located to avoid 

meadows, wetlands, seeps, springs, riparian areas, stream 

bottoms, sacred sites, and areas with high concentrations of 

significant archaeological sites. The number of stream 

crossings should be minimized or mitigated to reduce impacts 

to aquatic species.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur in riparian or 

wet meadow areas, unneeded roads or motorized trails should 

be closed or relocated, drainage restored, and native 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1243

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

vegetation reestablished to move these areas toward their 

desired condition.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, roads or 

motorized trails that contribute to negative impacts on cultural 

resources should be closed or relocated. 

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, redundant 

roads or motorized trails should be removed to reduce 

degradation of natural resources.

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails 

removed from the transportation network should be treated in 

order to avoid future risk to hydrologic function and aquatic 

habitat. 

GD Motorized Opportunities Trail markings (e.g., signs) 

should be designed to complement the character of the 

surrounding lands.

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails 

should be designed and located so as to not impede terrestrial 

and aquatic species movement and connectivity.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, existing 

meadow crossings should be relocated or redesigned, as 

needed, to maintain or restore hydrologic function using 

appropriate tools such as French drains and elevated culverts.

GD Motorized Opportunities After management activities 

occur in areas with high potential for cross-country motorized 

vehicle use, methods (e.g., barriers, signing) should be used to 

control unauthorized motorized use.

Recreation Off-Road Vehicle Management

Off-Road Vehicle activities will be managed to 

minimize conflicts with other uses, to prevent 

interference with the management of other 

resources, to prevent general environmental 

degradation, while providing a range of ORV 

opportunities. The three wilderness areas and the 

Blue Range Primitive Area are closed to ORV use.

pp 34 Standards and Guidelines

DC Motorized Opportunities A maintained road and 

motorized trail system is in place and provides for safety and 

access for the use (e.g., recreation, minerals, vegetation 

treatment, fire protection) of the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs.

DC Motorized Opportunities Users have opportunities for 

motorized access and travel on a system of designated NFS 

roads, motorized trails, and motorized areas.

DC Motorized Opportunities The transportation system 

provides a variety of recreation opportunities including varying 

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

objectives, desired 

conditions and guidelines
1244 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

degrees of difficulty, from OHV trails to paved scenic byways, 

while limiting resource and/or user conflicts.

DC Motorized Opportunities NFS roads, motorized trails, and 

motorized areas are easily identified on the ground (e.g., well 

marked).

DC Motorized Opportunities The road and trail system is 

accessible from local communities, State, county, and local 

public roads and trails.

DC Motorized Opportunities Loop trails exist for motorized 

trail users.

DC Motorized Opportunities Tread Lightly!® principles are 

commonly practiced.

DC Motorized Opportunities The location and design of roads 

and trails does not impede wildlife and fish movement.

ST Motorized Opportunities Unless specifically authorized, 

motorized cross-country travel shall be managed to occur only 

in designated motorized areas.

ST Motorized Opportunities Motorized vehicle travel shall be 

managed to occur only on the designated system of NFS roads 

and motorized trails 

[16]

and designated motorized areas 

[17]

.

GD Motorized Opportunities New motorized trails or 

additions to existing trails should include destinations and 

loops to provide for a variety of opportunities.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized trails 

should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl protected 

activity centers, northern goshawk post-fledging family areas, 

and other wildlife areas as identified; seasonal restrictions may 

be an option.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads, motorized trails, or 

designated motorized areas should be located to avoid 

meadows, wetlands, seeps, springs, riparian areas, stream 

bottoms, sacred sites, and areas with high concentrations of 

significant archaeological sites. The number of stream 

crossings should be minimized or mitigated to reduce impacts 

to aquatic species.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1245

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur in riparian or 

wet meadow areas, unneeded roads or motorized trails should 

be closed or relocated, drainage restored, and native 

vegetation reestablished to move these areas toward their 

desired condition.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, roads or 

motorized trails that contribute to negative impacts on cultural 

resources should be closed or relocated. 

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, redundant 

roads or motorized trails should be removed to reduce 

degradation of natural resources.

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails 

removed from the transportation network should be treated in 

order to avoid future risk to hydrologic function and aquatic 

habitat. 

GD Motorized Opportunities Trail markings (e.g., signs) 

should be designed to complement the character of the 

surrounding lands.

GD Motorized Opportunities and located so as to not impede 

terrestrial and aquatic species movement and connectivity.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, existing 

meadow crossings should be relocated or redesigned, as 

needed, to maintain or restore hydrologic function using 

appropriate tools such as French drains and elevated culverts.

GD Motorized Opportunities After management activities 

occur in areas with high potential for cross-country motorized 

vehicle use, methods (e.g., barriers, signing) should be used to 

control unauthorized motorized use.

Recreation Maintain a variety of Forest trails, considering 

people’s needs. Includes foot and motorized and 

challenge and adventure opportunities, as well as 

opportunities for the handicapped.

pp15, Goal

DC Motorized Opportunities A maintained road and 

motorized trail system is in place and provides for safety and 

access for the use (e.g., recreation, minerals, vegetation 

treatment, fire protection) of the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs.

DC Motorized Opportunities Users have opportunities for 

motorized access and travel on a system of designated NFS 

roads, motorized trails, and motorized areas.

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

objectives, desired 

conditions and guidelines
1246 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

DC Motorized Opportunities The transportation system 

provides a variety of recreation opportunities including varying 

degrees of difficulty, from OHV trails to paved scenic byways, 

while limiting resource and/or user conflicts.

DC Motorized Opportunities NFS roads, motorized trails, and 

motorized areas are easily identified on the ground (e.g., well 

marked).

DC Motorized Opportunities The road and trail system is 

accessible from local communities, State, county, and local 

public roads and trails.

DC Motorized Opportunities Loop trails exist for motorized 

trail users.

DC Motorized Opportunities Tread Lightly!® principles are 

commonly practiced.

GD Motorized Opportunities New motorized trails or 

additions to existing trails should include destinations and 

loops to provide for a variety of opportunities.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads or motorized trails 

should be located to avoid Mexican spotted owl protected 

activity centers, northern goshawk post-fledging family areas, 

and other wildlife areas as identified; seasonal restrictions may 

be an option.

GD Motorized Opportunities Trail markings (e.g., signs) 

should be designed to complement the character of the 

surrounding lands.

DC Nonmotorized Opportunities Nonmotorized opportunities 

are available in a variety of settings that provide differing levels 

of challenge and seclusion.

DC Nonmotorized Opportunities Blocks of forest land 

accessible from populated areas are available for 

nonmotorized opportunities. These areas are free from the 

sights and sounds of motorized recreation.

DC Nonmotorized Opportunities Opportunities for primitive 

recreation are available.

DC Nonmotorized Opportunities A maintained and 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1247

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

environmentally sound nonmotorized trail network is in place, 

providing for user safety and access to locations of interest for 

a variety of uses.

DC Nonmotorized Opportunities Nonmotorized trails are 

defined and marked.

DC Nonmotorized Opportunities Destination and loop trails 

exist for nonmotorized users.

OBJ Nonmotorized Opportunities Annually, maintain at least 

20 percent of nonmotorized trails.

GD Nonmotorized Opportunities Trail markings (e.g., signs, 

blazes) should be designed to complement the character of the 

surrounding lands.

GD Nonmotorized Opportunities To maintain nonmotorized 

user opportunities, nonmotorized trails should not be colocated on open motorized routes.

Recreation Maximum group size will be limited to 25 persons 

and/or 35 head of pack and saddle stock. The 

responsible District has the option to further 

restrict group size if it is felt wilderness experience 

levels or values would be adversely impacted.

pp 42 Standards and Guidelines

DC Wilderness Visitor use does not affect wilderness 

characteristics.

DC Wilderness There are unconfined opportunities for 

exploration, solitude, risk, and challenge. The nonmotorized 

trail system enhances the wilderness character. Where there is 

public demand, outfitters and guides provide services to visitors 

seeking a wilderness experience.

DC Wilderness Bear Wallow Wilderness provides outstanding 

opportunities for solitude and isolation. Encounters with small 

groups or individuals are infrequent.

DC Wilderness Within Mount Baldy and Escudilla Wilderness

areas, trails concentrate use and provide access to popular 

destinations. Encounters with other users may occur. 

ST Wilderness Party size of 12 persons and/or 12 head of 

stock for hiking and riding groups in Mount Baldy Wilderness

shall not be exceeded. A party size of 6 persons for overnight 

camping shall not be exceeded.

ST Wilderness Party size of 12 persons and/or 15 head of 

stock for hiking and riding groups in Escudilla and Bear Wallow 

Wilderness and the Blue Range Primitive Area shall not be 

Retained, expanded, and 

updated with emphasis on 

resource protection and with 

quantitative changes through 

numerous objectives, 

desired conditions and 

guidelines
1248 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

exceeded.

GD Recommended Wilderness The wilderness 

characteristics of each recommended wilderness should 

remain intact until a congressional decision on wilderness 

designation is made. Characteristics include naturalness, 

opportunities for solitude, opportunities for primitive recreation, 

and identified special features.

Recreation Provide a wilderness management program that 

achieves the intent of the Wilderness Act of 1964 

and direction in FSM 2230. More specifically, the 

program must maintain enduring, high quality 

wilderness values while providing for quality 

wilderness recreation experiences. Allow wildfire 

to play a more natural role. Protect the current 

status of air quality related values (AQRV’s) in the 

Mt. Baldy Class I Airshed and in other 

wildernesses.

pp. 15, Goal

DC Wilderness Ecological conditions are affected primarily by 

natural ecological processes, with the appearance of little or no 

human intervention. 

DC Wilderness Fire functions as a natural ecological process.

DC Wilderness There is little evidence of human 

developments and little or no evidence of camping activity, 

unauthorized trails, trash, or other human impacts on the 

environment.

DC Wilderness Visitor use does not affect wilderness 

characteristics.

DC Wilderness Wilderness boundaries are posted and visible 

to visitors.

DC Wilderness There are unconfined opportunities for 

exploration, solitude, risk, and challenge. The nonmotorized 

trail system enhances the wilderness character. Where there is 

public demand, outfitters and guides provide services to visitors 

seeking a wilderness experience.

DC Wilderness Bear Wallow Wilderness provides outstanding 

opportunities for solitude and isolation. Encounters with small 

groups or individuals are infrequent.

DC Wilderness Within Mount Baldy and Escudilla Wilderness 

areas, trails concentrate use and provide access to popular 

destinations. Encounters with other users may occur. 

DC Wilderness Wilderness areas maintain natural landscapes 

where generally only ecological changes occur (very high 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive and/or semi-primitive

nonmotorized recreation opportunities.

DC Wilderness Wilderness contributes to preserving natural 

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

objectives, desired 

conditions and guidelines
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1249

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

behaviors and processes that sustain wildlife populations.

ST Wilderness Party size of 12 persons and/or 12 head of 

stock for hiking and riding groups in Mount Baldy Wilderness 

shall not be exceeded. A party size of 6 persons for overnight 

camping shall not be exceeded.

ST Wilderness Party size of 12 persons and/or 15 head of 

stock for hiking and riding groups in Escudilla and Bear Wallow 

Wilderness and the Blue Range Primitive Area shall not be 

exceeded.

ST Wilderness Objective(s) and strategies for all wildfires shall 

be identified. 

ST Wilderness Fire management activities shall be conducted 

in a manner compatible with the overall wilderness 

management objectives (minimum impact suppression tactics).

ST Wilderness Human-caused disturbed areas that do not 

complement wilderness characteristics will be rehabilitated to a 

natural appearance, using species or other materials native to 

the area.

GD Wilderness New trail construction may be considered if 

the objective is enhancement of the wilderness character (e.g., 

increase solitude opportunities, restore naturalness).

GD Wilderness Trail maintenance should be coordinated 

around anticipated visitor high-use periods to minimize 

encounters.

GD Wilderness Trails that have minimal use, detract from the 

wilderness character, or cannot practically be maintained or 

reconstructed should be obliterated.

GD Wilderness Prescribed fire should be considered to reduce 

the risks and consequences of uncharacteristic wildfire within 

wilderness or escaping from wilderness by reducing unnatural 

fuel accumulations, if necessary to meet wilderness fire 

management objectives. Naturally occurring wildfires should be 

allowed to perform, as much as possible, their natural 

ecological role within wilderness.

GD Wilderness Fire camps, helispots, and other temporary 

facilities should be located outside the wilderness boundary to 
1250 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

protect wilderness character.

GD Wilderness Firelines and spike camps (i.e., a remote 

camp usually near a fireline) should not be constructed 

adjacent to trails or camp areas to protect wilderness values. 

GD Wilderness Grazing of pack stock should not occur except 

as authorized by the district ranger when adequate forage is 

available.

Recreation Management emphasis: 

Emphasize wilderness recreation while 

maintaining wilderness resource values.

pp. 138, MA7; pp. 141, MA 8; pp. 162 MA 11; pp. 

165 MA 13

DC Wilderness There are unconfined opportunities for 

exploration, solitude, risk, and challenge. The nonmotorized 

trail system enhances the wilderness character. Where there is 

public demand, outfitters and guides provide services to visitors 

seeking a wilderness experience.

DC Wilderness Bear Wallow Wilderness provides outstanding 

opportunities for solitude and isolation. Encounters with small 

groups or individuals are infrequent.

DC Wilderness Within Mount Baldy and Escudilla Wilderness 

areas, trails concentrate use and provide access to popular 

destinations. Encounters with other users may occur.

DC Wilderness Wilderness areas maintain natural landscapes 

where generally only ecological changes occur (very high 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive and/or semi-primitive

nonmotorized recreation opportunities.

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

objectives, desired 

conditions and guidelines

Recreation Maximum camping group size is limited to 5 

persons or the number of members of an 

immediate family. Hiking and riding groups are 

limited to 25 participants.

pp. 139, MA 7

ST Wilderness Party size of 12 persons and/or 12 head of 

stock for hiking and riding groups in Mount Baldy Wilderness 

shall not be exceeded. A party size of 6 persons for overnight 

camping shall not be exceeded.

Retained, but updated with 

quantitative changes through 

new standard
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1251

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Recreation Recommend Chevelon Creek for addition to the 

Wild and Scenic Rivers System as a Scenic River. 

The recommendation will include 29.9 miles of 

Chevelon Canyon from the confluence of Woods 

Canyon and Willow Canyon downstream to the 

forest boundary except for Chevelon Canyon 

Lake. Pp. 175, MA 16

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. Process for identification of 

eligible and suitable Wild and 

Scenic River segments has 

been completed (see 

Eligibility Report for the 

National Wild and Scenic 

River System,

Apache-Sitgreaves National 

Forests May 2009)

Recreation Management Emphasis: 

Emphasize semi-primitive recreation opportunities 

while preserving the highly scenic qualities of the 

corridor. Manage for possible inclusion into the 

Wild and Scenic River System under a scenic 

classification.

pp. 168, MA 14

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable wild river segments display unaltered landscapes 

where generally only ecological changes occur (very high 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive and/or semi-primitive

nonmotorized recreation opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable scenic river segments display landscapes which 

vary from slightly altered where human activities may be seen 

but do not attract attention (moderate scenic integrity) to 

natural appearing where human activities do not stand out 

(high scenic integrity) and provide semi-primitive nonmotorized, 

semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural recreation 

opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable recreational river segments display landscapes 

which vary from moderately altered where human activities are 

evident (low scenic integrity) to slightly altered where human 

activities may be seen but do not attract attention (moderate 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive, semi-primitive

nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural 

recreation opportunities.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Each 

eligible river’s free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable 

values, and classification shall be sustained until further study 

is conducted.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Each 

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

desired conditions and 

standards 
1252 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

suitable river’s free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable 

values, and classification shall be maintained until 

congressional action is completed.

Recreation Recommend the mainstem of the Black River 

(approximately 16 miles) from the Buffalo Crossing 

area to the reservation boundary (see 

Management Areas Index Map) be designated as 

part of the National Wild and Scenic River System 

as a scenic river.

pp. 169, MA 14

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. Process for identification of 

eligible and suitable Wild and 

Scenic River segments has 

been completed (see 

Eligibility Report for the 

National Wild and Scenic 

River System,

Apache-Sitgreaves National 

Forests May 2009)

Recreation Maintain at least the current semi-primitive 

recreation opportunities.

pp. 169, MA 14

pp. 172, MA 15

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable wild river segments display unaltered landscapes 

where generally only ecological changes occur (very high 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive and/or semi-primitive

nonmotorized recreation opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable scenic river segments display landscapes which 

vary from slightly altered where human activities may be seen 

but do not attract attention (moderate scenic integrity) to 

natural appearing where human activities do not stand out 

(high scenic integrity) and provide semi-primitive nonmotorized, 

semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural recreation 

opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable recreational river segments display landscapes 

which vary from moderately altered where human activities are 

evident (low scenic integrity) to slightly altered where human 

activities may be seen but do not attract attention (moderate 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive, semi-primitive

nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural 

recreation opportunities.

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

desired conditions 

Recreation Within the boundaries of the river corridor, allow 

management actions that would cause a shift from 

acres classification as Roaded Natural to a 

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable wild river segments display unaltered landscapes 

where generally only ecological changes occur (very high 

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

desired conditions and 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1253

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

classification of semi-primitive, motorized, or nonmotorized.

pp. 169, MA 14

scenic integrity) and provide primitive and/or semi-primitive

nonmotorized recreation opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable scenic river segments display landscapes which 

vary from slightly altered where human activities may be seen 

but do not attract attention (moderate scenic integrity) to 

natural appearing where human activities do not stand out 

(high scenic integrity) and provide semi-primitive nonmotorized, 

semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural recreation 

opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable recreational river segments display landscapes 

which vary from moderately altered where human activities are 

evident (low scenic integrity) to slightly altered where human 

activities may be seen but do not attract attention (moderate 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive, semi-primitive

nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural 

recreation opportunities.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Each 

eligible river’s free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable 

values, and classification shall be sustained until further study 

is conducted.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Each 

suitable river’s free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable 

values, and classification shall be maintained until 

congressional action is completed.

standards

Recreation Management Emphasis:

Emphasize a wide spectrum of recreation 

opportunities similar to that which currently exists. 

Manage to maintain or enhance the scenic quality 

of the corridor.

pp. 171, MA 15

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable wild river segments display unaltered landscapes 

where generally only ecological changes occur (very high 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive and/or semi-primitive

nonmotorized recreation opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable scenic river segments display landscapes which 

vary from slightly altered where human activities may be seen 

but do not attract attention (moderate scenic integrity) to 

natural appearing where human activities do not stand out 

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

desired conditions 
1254 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

(high scenic integrity) and provide semi-primitive nonmotorized, 

semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural recreation 

opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable recreational river segments display landscapes 

which vary from moderately altered where human activities are 

evident (low scenic integrity) to slightly altered where human 

activities may be seen but do not attract attention (moderate 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive, semi-primitive

nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural 

recreation opportunities.

Recreation Recommend 14 miles of the West Fork of the 

Black River for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System. Recommend 7 miles for wild 

designation, 3 miles for scenic designation, and 4 

miles for recreation designation.

pp. 172, MA 15

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. Process for identification of 

eligible and suitable Wild and 

Scenic River segments has 

been completed (see 

Eligibility Report for the 

National Wild and Scenic 

River System,

Apache-Sitgreaves National 

Forests May 2009)

Recreation Management Emphasis:

Emphasize semi-primitive non-motorized 

recreation opportunities (except at Chevelon 

Crossing). Strive to maintain the current 

opportunities for solitude. Protect the high scenic 

values, and maintain the current wildlife habitat 

values.

174, MA 16

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable wild river segments display unaltered landscapes 

where generally only ecological changes occur (very high 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive and/or semi-primitive

nonmotorized recreation opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable scenic river segments display landscapes which 

vary from slightly altered where human activities may be seen 

but do not attract attention (moderate scenic integrity) to 

natural appearing where human activities do not stand out 

(high scenic integrity) and provide semi-primitive nonmotorized, 

semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural recreation 

opportunities.

DC Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligible 

and suitable recreational river segments display landscapes 

which vary from moderately altered where human activities are 

Retained, expanded and 

updated through numerous 

desired conditions and 

standards 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1255

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

evident (low scenic integrity) to slightly altered where human 

activities may be seen but do not attract attention (moderate 

scenic integrity) and provide primitive, semi-primitive

nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded natural 

recreation opportunities.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Each 

eligible river’s free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable

values, and classification shall be sustained until further study 

is conducted.

ST Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers Each 

suitable river’s free-flowing condition, outstandingly remarkable 

values, and classification shall be maintained until 

congressional action is completed.

Recreation Manage RNA’s for scientific research or baseline 

studies. Protect potential RNA’s pending 

implementation.

pp. 17, Goal

DC Research Natural Area The Phelps Cabin RNA provides 

opportunities for research, study, observation, monitoring, and 

educational activities that maintain the natural conditions for 

which the area was established.

ST Research Natural Area The Phelps Cabin RNA will be 

managed for nonmotorized access within the area; exceptions 

may be made for permitted research use.

GD Research Natural Area Research special use 

authorizations should limit impacts to sensitive resources, 

unique features, and species within the RNA.

DC Recommended Research Natural Area The 

recommended RNAs provide opportunities for research, study, 

observation, monitoring, and educational activities that 

maintain the natural conditions for which the area was 

recommended.

DC Recommended Research Natural Area The Three Forks 

Closure Area (30 acres) of the recommended Three Forks 

RNA is free from human trampling and other disturbances to

protect very sensitive and unique species, such as the Three 

Forks springsnail, California floater, New Mexico meadow 

jumping mouse, Chiricahua leopard frog, and loach minnow.

DC Recommended Research Natural Area The 

recommended Three Forks, Campbell Blue, Corduroy, and 

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through numerous 

desired conditions and 

guidelines
1256 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Sandrock RNAs, outside of any eligible or suitable wild and 

scenic river corridor, exhibit unaltered appearing landscapes 

where human activities do not stand out (high scenic integrity).

DC Recommended Research Natural Area The 

recommended Thomas Creek RNA exhibits slightly altered 

landscapes where human activities may be seen but do not 

attract attention (moderate scenic integrity).

DC Recommended Research Natural Area The 

recommended Phelps Cabin RNA addition (currently the 

Phelps Cabin Botanical Area), outside of any eligible or 

suitable wild and scenic river corridor, exhibit unaltered 

appearing landscapes where human activities do not stand out 

(high scenic integrity).

DC Recommended Research Natural Area Natural 

conditions prevail in the recommended Phelps Cabin RNA 

addition while providing an opportunity for interpretation, 

education, and research. 

DC Recommended Research Natural Area Unique plant 

species, including willows, paintbrushes, and gentians, thrive in 

the recommended Phelps Cabin RNA addition.

GD Recommended Research Natural Area To minimize 

impacts to unique and sensitive plant and animal species, 

recreational activities should not be encouraged.

GD Recommended Research Natural Area If necessary 

recommended RNAs should be fenced to manage unique 

features.

GD Recommended Research Natural Area Research special 

use authorizations should limit impacts to sensitive resources, 

unique features, and species within recommended RNAs.

GD Recommended Research Natural Area Recommended 

RNAs should be managed for nonmotorized access within the 

area to minimize ground disturbances and protect the 

resources which make these areas unique.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1257

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Recreation Campsite reservations for Outfitter/Guides will not 

be made.

GD Special Uses Commercial outfitters and guides should not 

be authorized to use developed campgrounds so those sites 

remain available for noncommercial forest visitors.

Retained, expanded, and 

updated through guideline

Recreation Region 3 operation and maintenance standards 

will be used for administration of developed sites, 

winter sports sites, and dispersed areas. Update 

operation and administration plans annually to 

reflect these standards. STs &GDs - Recreation 

Management, Pg. 31.

Issue and administer dispersed recreation special 

use permits and agreement to minimize user 

conflicts and ensure public safety and resource 

protection. STs &GDs - Recreation Management, 

Pg. 31.

Manage to ensure the maintenance of the existing 

diversity of recreation opportunities, settings, and 

activities. STs &GDs - Recreation Management, 

Pg. 31.

GD Special Uses Commercial outfitters and guides should not 

be authorized to use developed campgrounds so those sites 

remain available for noncommercial forest visitors.

The public commented due 

to competition for trailheads 

on a certain district with 

outfitter & guides. A 

guideline was added to 

reduce the competition with 

public recreationists.

The interdisciplinary team 

discussed the proposed 

change and concluded 

parking at trailheads could 

be allowed by outfitters and 

guides to reduce parking 

along roads that could 

interfere with safe travel. 

Restrictions at trailheads 

could be imposed during the 

outfitter-guide permitting 

process or through site 

specific analysis.
1258 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Vegetation

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Vegetation Chapter 2 Issues -Timber And 

Fuelwood - Pg. 7, & Chapter 3 

Summary of the Analysis of the 

Management Situation - pgs. 13 & 19:

Timber Volume Offered

(MMBF) - Decade 1 : 119 2/

2/ The 119 MMBF Allowable Sale Quantity 

(ASQ) is made up of 99 MMBF of 

sawtimber and 20 MMBF of products 

(roundwood). On May 15, 1990, a 

Settlement Agreement was signed in 

which the Parties agreed to an Interim 

Offering Schedule with a reduced rate of 

implementation, and to additional 

analysis to determine what the Offering 

Schedule should be for the remainder of 

the decade. The Interim Offering 

Schedule is documented in Table 3. If the 

Forest Supervisor determines that 

changes are needed to Table 3 prior to 

September 30, 1992, a meeting of the 

Parties to the Settlement Agreement will 

be convened to address the issues 

needing resolution. In the event that the 

Offering Schedule has not been revised 

to incorporate the recalculated ASQ prior 

to September 30, 1992, the Parties to the 

Settlement Agreement will reconvene to 

agree upon a revised interim Offering 

Schedule, with the harvest level not to 

exceed 83 MMBF of sawtimber per year.

Long-Term Sustained Yield Capacity = 

Deleted. Replaced with: 

OBJ for Forest Products - Annually, prepare and offer 

up to an average of 122,000 CCF from suitable 

timberlands resulting from sustainable harvest to provide 

wood products to businesses and individuals.

Obsolete ASQ, per NFMA it must be 

re-calculated upon re-assessment of 

suitable timberlands every decade. 

New assessment was done for 

revised plan with new ASQ.

The existing plan’s record documents 

show that plan amendment #4 

(signed Feb. 1991 = prior to Sept. 30, 

1992) was used to execute the May 

1990 settlement agreement which 

reduced the forest ASQ to 99 MMBF. 

Apparently the “83 MMBF” level was 

never made official. 

Wood volume is no longer measured 

in units of board feet (MBF, thousand 

board feet, or MMBF, million board 

feet). Units of CCF (hundred cubic 

feet) are now used. For comparison:

99 MMBF = 99,000 MBF = 198,000 

CCF.

Long-term Sustained Yield Capacity 

(LTSYC) is not a required plan 

component. The ASNFs’ LTSYC was 

re-evaluated and used in the 

calculation of the revised plan’s ASQ 

as disclosed in the plan’s EIS and 

supporting documentation.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1259

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

36,813 MCF

Vegetation Riparian Goal: 

Improve vegetation condition in riparian 

areas. This is an emphasis area for the 

plan. Improvements will be accomplished 

by reducing or, in some cases, 

eliminating adverse impacts from grazing, 

vehicles, and over-use by man. Page 16.

Identified as a “Need for Change” to describe the 

desired composition, structure, and cover of these 

vegetation communities that will result in resilient, 

functioning ecosystems... 

DC: Healthy ecosystems are diverse and self-sustaining, 

displaying a variety of conditions (e.g., composition, 

structure, function, processes) between and within them. 

Management Approach for Riparian Area: Treatments 

include those that restore and then maintain natural fire 

regimes, improve riparian condition, restore meadows or 

openings, repair gullies, and reduce erosion. 

GD for Water Resources: Streams, streambanks, 

shorelines, lakes, wetlands, and other bodies of water 

should be protected from detrimental changes in water 

temperature and sediment to protect aquatic species and 

riparian habitat. 

4th Level (Subbasin) to 5th Level (Watershed) HUC 

Watershed Scale DC for Aquatic Habitat and 

Species: Streamflows, habitat, and water quality support 

native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and 

habitat. 

6th Level (Sub-watershed) HUC Watershed Scale DC 

for Aquatic Habitat and Species: Habitat and 

ecological conditions are capable of providing for selfsustaining populations of native, riparian-dependent 

plant and animal species.

OBJ for Aquatic Habitat and Species: Annually, 

enhance or restore 5 to 15 miles of stream and riparian 

habitat to restore structure, composition, and function of 

physical habitat for native fisheries and ripariandependent species.

OBJ for Aquatic Habitat and Species: During the 

planning period, complete at least five projects (e.g., 

remove barriers, restore dewatered stream segments, or 

The intent of this riparian goal has 

been carried forward into revised 

Land Management Plan (LMP).
1260 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

connect fragmented habitat) to provide for aquatic and 

riparian associated species and migratory species.

GD for Aquatic Habitat and Species: To prevent 

degradation of native species habitat and the incidental 

or accidental introduction of diseases or nonnative 

species, aquatic species should not be transferred 

through management activities from one 6th level HUC 

watershed to another.

Vegetation Chapter 4. Management Direction -

GOALS - Timber, Pg. 16 :

On forested lands identified as suitable 

for commercial timber production, 

manage the timber resource to provide a 

sustained yield of forest products through 

integrated stand resource management. 

Timber management activities will be 

designed to integrate considerations for 

economic, water quality, soils, wildlife 

habitat, recreation opportunities, visual, 

and other values to meet forest plan 

objectives. Develop and implement a 

sustained yield program for firewood and 

other miscellaneous forest products 

including posts, poles, Christmas trees, 

and wildlings.

Replaced with:

DC for Overall Ecosystem Health - Healthy 

ecosystems provide a wide range of ecosystem services.

DC for All PNVTs - Vegetation provides products-such 

as wood fiber or forage-to help meet local and regional 

needs in a manner that is consistent with other desired 

conditions on a sustainable basis within the capacity of 

the land.

DC for All PNVTs - Ecosystem services are available as 

forests, woodlands, grasslands, and riparian 

communities successfully adapt to a changing and 

variable climate.

OBJ for All Forested PNVTs – Annually, treat 5,000 to 

35,000 acres to reduce tree densities, restore natural fire 

regimes, promote species habitat and ecosystem health, 

reduce fire hazard, maintain desired conditions, initiate 

recovery from uncharacteristic disturbance, and provide 

forest products, leaving a desired mix of species with the 

range of desired densities that are resilient to changing 

climatic conditions.

STs for All Forested PNVTs - •Regulated timber 

harvest activities shall occur only on those lands 

classified as suitable for timber production. •Harvesting 

systems shall be selected based on their ability to meet 

desired conditions and not strictly on their ability to 

provide the greatest dollar return.

OBJ for All Woodland PNVTs - Annually, treat or 

maintain 5,000 to 15,000 acres to promote a highly 

Background for Overall Ecosystem 

Health - The intent of this plan is to 

guide management efforts in the 

restoration and/or maintenance of 

ecosystems by maintaining or moving 

towards desired conditions. 

Treatment and product objectives are 

not cut volume-driven. Sustainable 

supplies of resources such as timber, 

recreation, and forage are byproducts 

of healthy, functioning ecosystems. 

PNVT acres restored toward the DCs 

should support more sustainable 

forests and woodlands resilient 

against losses to uncharacteristic 

disturbances like stand-replacement 

wildfire and severe insect outbreaks.

Sustained yield of forest products is 

directed by the Natl. Forest Mgmt. Act 

of October 22, 1976, and the Multiple 

Use-Sustained Yield Act of June 12, 

1960. 

The ASQ of 122,000 CCF was 

derived from cuts modeled to move 

each PNVT toward DCs while 

keeping the STs and GDs in mind, as 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1261

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

diverse structure.

OBJ for Grasslands - Decrease or maintain the woody 

canopy cover at less than 10 percent by treating up to 

25,000 acres annually.

DC for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events - The 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs landscapes retain the resiliency 

to survive landscape scale disturbance events.

DC for Forest Products - The Apache-Sitgreaves NFs 

provide a sustainable supply of forest products (e.g., 

small roundwood, sawlogs, biomass, firewood, cones, 

Christmas trees, wildlings) to businesses and individuals 

within the capability of the land.

OBJ for Forest Products - Annually, prepare and offer 

up to an average of 122,000 CCF from suitable 

timberlands resulting from sustainable harvest to provide 

wood products to businesses and individuals.

OBJ for Forest Products - Annually, provide up to 

94,000 CCF (119,380 cords) of firewood for personal 

and commercial use.

OBJ for Forest Products - Annually, provide an 

average of 5,000 permits for Christmas trees.

well as incorporating the LTSYC of 

the suitable timberlands, plus local 

demands, realistic budgets/ ASNFs’ 

workforce capacity, and industrial 

capabilities/ limitations. For example: 

The forest product OBJs in the 

revised plan include cut volumes 

reflecting the elimination of steep 

slopes and MSO PACs from the 

suitable timberland base. They also 

reflect reduced cuts modeled on 

suitable timberlands intended to 

simulate providing stand conditions 

for MSO replacement 

nesting/roosting habitat. These 

considerations during development of 

the cutting volume OBJs are intended 

to benefit soils, watershed, fisheries, 

wildlife, and timber program 

economic feasibility.
1262 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Vegetation Forest-wide STs & GDs, MA #1, MA #9, 

pgs. 68, 111, 153:

Slash created by timber harvest activities 

will be made available for fuelwood when 

feasible.

Deleted. Replaced with: 

OBJ for Forest Products - Annually, provide up to 

94,000 CCF (119,380 cords) of firewood for personal 

and commercial use.

GD for Soil - Coarse woody debris retention and/or 

creation should be used as needed to help retain long 

term soil productivity.

GD for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events - An 

adequate number and size of snags and logs, 

appropriate for the affected PNVT, should be retained 

individually and in clumps to provide benefits for wildlife 

and coarse woody debris for soil and other resource 

benefits.

Chapter 5 Monitoring Strategy question: Are outputs 

of goods and services being produced at a rate 

consistent with projections?

This has not been an issue, as an 

abundance of fuelwood has 

continued to be available for all 

demands. Some local concerns were 

shared during the revised plan’s 

development regarding reducing fuelloadings to minimize smoke from 

slash pile &/or broadcast prescribed 

burns, but this did not surface as a 

specific comment to the Draft Plan or 

DEIS. Volumes stated in the revised 

plan’s wood products OBJs reflect an 

average reduction from model cutting 

projections of 5% total harvest 

volume to be left on-site for soils 

DCs. In some cases additional slash 

needs to be left on-site to meet DCs 

for stabilizing ground cover after 

disturbances like severe wildfire. 

Less activity-created slash is being 

left on site now than when the 

existing plan was written, as more 

diverse industries can now utilize 

woody debris created from restoration 

operations. Slash left unclaimed by a 

contractor usually does become 

available for public fuelwood 

gathering after contract termination. 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1263

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Vegetation MA #1 – Wildlife, pg. 97:

Maintain structural diversity of vegetation 

within each diversity unit (10K) that are 

dominated by Forest or woodland 

ecosystems.

a) Manage for minimum of 20% of the 

forested area within a diversity unit to 

provide vertical diversity except in areas 

where uneven-aged management is 

used.

b) Manage for a minimum of 30% of the 

forested area within a diversity unit to 

provide horizontal diversity except in 

areas where uneven-aged management 

is used.

Deleted. Replaced with: numerous DCs, STs, GDs and

monitoring strategy. See crosswalk sections on old 

growth in particular for detailed components that provide 

for vertical diversity and some horizontal diversity. 

Additional revised plan components for horizontal

diversity include:

DC for Forests: PP - The forest arrangement consists of 

individual trees, small clumps, and groups of trees with 

variably-sized interspaces of grasses, forbs, and shrubs. 

Vegetation associations are similar to reference 

conditions. The size, shape, and number of trees per 

group and the number of groups per area vary across 

the landscape. Tree density may be greater in some 

locations, such as north-facing slopes and canyon 

bottoms.

DC for Forests: PP - Ponderosa pine forest is 

characterized by variation in the size and number of tree 

groups depending on elevation, soil type, aspect, and 

site productivity. The more biologically productive sites 

contain more trees per group and more groups per area, 

resulting in less space between groups. Interspaces 

typically range from 10 percent in more biologically 

productive sites to 70 percent in the less productive 

sites. Tree density within forested areas ranges from 20 

to 80 square feet basal area per acre.

DC for Forests: PP - Interspaces surrounding tree 

groups are variably shaped and composed of a grass, 

forb, and shrub mix. Some may contain individual trees 

or snags.

DC for Forests: PP - Forest structure in the wildlandurban interface (WUI) may have smaller, more widely 

spaced groups of trees than in the non-WUI areas.

GD for Forests: PP - Where consistent with project or 

activity objectives, canopy cover should be retained on 

the south and southwest sides of small, existing forest 

openings that are naturally cooler and moister. These 

MA #1 in the existing plan covers all 

forested lands outside of wilderness 

and other designations. For similar 

revised plan uneven-aged/ even-aged 

components for woodlands, see the 

old growth items addressed 

elsewhere in this crosswalk.

10K (10,000 acre) diversity units are 

obsolete geographical delineations 

originally intended for use at the 

project level, but no longer useful 

because the “Landscape Scale” 

components in revised plan represent 

this size of analysis/management 

area.

Vertical and horizontal structural 

diversity of forested and/or woodland 

ecosystems should be obtained by 

treating toward the revised plan’s 

components with a greater emphasis 

on uneven-aged management. 

Horizontal diversity should result from 

the revised plan’s restoration 

emphasis to permit characteristic 

disturbances to resume their natural 

role in the ecosystem, with 

management actions striving to mimic 

those natural processes.

Also see revised plan Glossary 

definitions of interspaces and 

openings.
1264 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

small (generally one-tenth to one-quarter acre) shaded 

openings provide habitat conditions needed by small 

mammals, plants, and insects (e.g., Merriam’s shrew, 

Mogollon clover, four-spotted skipperling butterfly). 

Where these openings naturally occur across a project 

area, these conditions should be maintained on an 

average of 2 or more such openings per 100 acres.

DC for Forests: DMC - The forest arrangement consists 

of small clumps and groups of trees with variably-sized 

interspaces of grass, forb, and shrub vegetation 

associations similar to reference conditions. Size, shape, 

number of trees per group, and number of groups per 

area are variable across the landscape. Where they 

naturally occur, groups of Gambel oak are healthy and 

maintained or increased. Tree density may be greater in 

some locations, such as north-facing slopes and canyon 

bottoms. 

DC for Forests: DMC – The dry mixed conifer forest is 

characterized by a variety of size and number of tree 

groups depending on elevation, soil type, aspect, and 

site productivity. The more biologically productive sites 

contain more trees per group and more groups per area, 

resulting in less space between groups. Interspaces 

typically range from 10 percent in more biologically 

productive sites to 50 percent in less productive sites. 

Tree density within forested areas ranges from 30 to 100 

square feet basal area per acre.

DC for Forests: DMC - Forest structure in the wildlandurban interface (WUI) may have smaller, more widely 

spaced groups of trees than in the non-WUI areas. 

DC for Forests: DMC -Interspaces surrounding tree 

groups are composed of a grass, forb, and shrub mix. 

Some may contain individual trees or snags.

GD for Forests: DMC - Where consistent with project or 

activity objectives, canopy cover should be retained on 

the south and southwest sides of small, existing forest 

openings that are naturally cooler and moister. These 

Also see Desired Conditions for Use 

in Forest Planning in the 

Southwestern Region: Development 

and Science Basis (USDA, 2013).
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1265

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

small (generally one-tenth to one-quarter acre) shaded 

openings provide habitat conditions needed by small 

mammals, plants, and insects (e.g., Merriam’s shrew, 

Mogollon clover, four-spotted skipperling butterfly). 

Where these openings naturally occur across a project 

area, these conditions should be maintained on an 

average of 2 or more such openings per 100 acres.

DC for Forests: WMC - The size and number of groups 

and patches vary depending on disturbance, elevation, 

soil type, aspect, and site productivity. Patch sizes vary 

but are frequently hundreds of acres and rarely 

thousands of acres. Groups of tens of acres or less are 

relatively common. There is a mosaic of primarily evenaged groups and patches, which vary in size, species 

composition, and age. Grass, forb, and shrub openings 

created by disturbances may comprise 10 to 100 percent 

of the area depending on the type of disturbance. 

DC for Forests: WMC - Small openings are present as a 

result of disturbances (e.g., wind, disease). 

DC for Forests: SF - The size and number of groups 

and patches vary depending on disturbance, elevation, 

soil type, aspect, and site productivity. Patch sizes vary 

but are mostly hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of 

acres. There may be frequent small disturbances 

resulting in groups of tens of acres or less. A mosaic of 

primarily even-aged groups and patches, which vary in 

size, species composition, and age, is present. Grass, 

forb, and shrub openings created by disturbances may 

comprise 10 to 100 percent of the area depending on 

time since disturbances. Aspen is occasionally present in 

large patches.

DC for Forests: SF - Small openings are present as a 

result of localized disturbances (e.g., wind, disease).

Vegetation Forest-wide and MA #1 - Old Growth

Standards, pgs. 97-99 (for PJ 

woodland, PP, Aspen, MC and SF 

Modified with:

DCs for All PNVTs Landscape Scale: •Diverse 

vegetation structure, species composition, densities, and 

Percentage allocations overly 

prescriptive and outdated as per 

revised forest plan. This is now 
1266 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

forest types) :

Until the forest plan is revised allocate no 

less than 20% of each forested 

ecosystem management area (EMA) to 

old growth as depicted in the following 

table.

In the long term, manage old growth in 

patterns that provide for a flow of 

functions and interactions at multiple 

scales across the landscape through 

time.

Allocations will consist of landscape 

percentages meeting old growth 

conditions and not specific areas.

seral states provide quality habitat for native and 

desirable nonnative plant and animal species throughout 

their life cycle and at multiple spatial scales. Landscapes 

provide for the full range of ecosystem diversity at 

multiple scales, including habitats for those species 

associated with late seral states and old growth. •Old 

growth is dynamic in nature, well distributed, and 

spatially shifts across forest and woodland landscapes 

over time. 

GDs for All Forested PNVTs: •Where current forests 

are lacking proportional representation of late seral 

states and species composition on a landscape scale, 

old growth characteristics should be retained or 

encouraged to the greatest extent possible within the 

scope of meeting other desired conditions (e.g., reduce 

impacts from insects and disease, reduce the threat of 

uncharacteristic wildfire). 

ALSO SEE revised plan content presented in this 

crosswalk table for existing plan - Old Growth

Guidelines. 

captured by DCs, GDs, and 

Monitoring Strategy questions. EMAs 

are no longer a relevant designation 

under the revised plan. Under the 

new plan the forest is managed 

through a more holistic approach.

Project specialists determine best 

methods to analyze and manage at 

multiple scales, keeping forest-wide 

DCs in mind. 

Also see Desired Conditions for Use 

in Forest Planning in the 

Southwestern Region: Development 

and Science Basis (USDA, 2013).

Vegetation MA1 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement Guideline: Old Growth 

All analyses should be at multiple scales 

– one scale above and one scale below 

the ecosystem management areas. The 

amount of old growth that can be 

provided and maintained will be 

evaluated at the ecosystem management 

area level and be based on forest type, 

site capability, and disturbance regimes. 

Page 98.

The ecological DCs are described at multiple scales and 

may only be achievable over a long timeframe (several 

hundred years). Descriptions at various scales are 

developed to provide detail and guidance for the design 

of future projects and activities that help achieve the 

desired conditions over time. Descriptions under the 

landscape scale provide the “big picture” desired 

conditions for terrestrial resources across the larger land 

area. Descriptions at the mid-scale and fine scale 

provide further details necessary for guiding future site 

specific projects and activities. A combination of fine 

scale units add up to the mid-scale and a combination of 

mid-scale units add up to the landscape scale. 

Conversely, desired conditions for aquatic resources are 

described using watershed scales to help provide their 

relative importance or niche. Conditions for larger land 

Prescriptive: Project specialists 

determine scales of analyses keeping 

Forest-wide DCs in mind. The DCs in 

the revised forest plan are designed 

to account for scale (fine, mid, and 

landscape).
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1267

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

areas are described under the 4th level (subbasin) to 5th

level (watershed) watershed scale. More detailed 

descriptions for site specific conditions are described at 

the 6th level (sub-watershed) HUC watershed scale. Not 

all resources require a description at each scale.

Vegetation Forest-wide and MA #1 - Old Growth 

Guidelines (for PJ woodland, PP, 

Aspen, MC and SF forest types) :

Strive to create or sustain as much old 

growth compositional, structural, and 

functional flow as possible over time at 

multiple area scales. Seek to develop or 

retain old growth function on at least 20% 

of the naturally forested area by forest 

type in any landscape.

Consider the effects of spatial 

arrangement on old growth function, from 

groups to landscapes, including de facto 

allocations to old growth such as 

goshawk nest sites, Mexican spotted owl 

protected activity centers, sites protected 

for species behavior associated with old 

growth, wilderness, research natural 

areas, and other forest structures 

managed for old growth function.

In allocating old growth and making 

decisions about old growth management, 

use appropriate information about the 

relative risks to sustaining old growth 

function at the appropriate scales, due to 

natural and human-caused events.

Modified/Replaced with:

GD for All PNVTs: Projects should include quantitative 

and/or qualitative objectives for implementation 

monitoring and effectiveness monitoring to assist in 

moving toward or maintaining desired conditions.

DC for Riparian Areas Landscape Scale: Natural 

ecological disturbances (e.g., flooding, scouring) 

promote a diverse plant structure consisting of 

herbaceous, shrub, and tree species of all ages and size 

classes necessary for the recruitment of ripariandependent species. 

DC for Riparian Areas Fine Scale: Vegetation is 

structurally diverse, often dense, providing for high bird 

species diversity and abundance, especially neotropical 

migratory birds. It includes large trees and snags in the 

cottonwood-willow and mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forests to support species such as beaver, 

yellow-billed cuckoo, bald eagles, Arizona gray squirrel, 

and various bat species. 

OBJ for Forests: All Forested PNVTs: Annually, treat 

5,000 to 35,000 acres to reduce tree densities, restore 

natural fire regimes, promote species habitat and 

ecosystem health, reduce fire hazard, maintain desired 

conditions, initiate recovery from uncharacteristic 

disturbance, and provide forest products, leaving a 

desired mix of species with the range of desired 

densities that are resilient to changing climatic 

conditions.

DCs for Forests: PP Landscape Scale: •The 

ponderosa pine forest is a mosaic of structural states 

ranging from young to old trees. Forest structure is 

Redundant with much of the revised 

plan’s goshawk and MSO direction. 

Percentage allocations overly 

prescriptive and outdated as per 

revised forest plan. Also see Desired 

Conditions for Use in Forest Planning 

in the Southwestern Region: 

Development and Science Basis 

(USDA, 2013).

DCs and GDs throughout the revised 

plan, and the plan’s monitoring 

strategy, were needed to address 

distinct differences in old growth 

characteristics, structure, spatial 

arrangement, and function in a 

holistically integrated plan, at multiple 

scales, by each PNVT. 

The concept of “old growth” is further 

recognized in the revised plan as a 

late successional stage of forest or 

woodland development, which is not 

static at any scale.

Specialists determine best methods 

to quantify appropriate percentage of 

old growth to manage at the project 

level. 

For the ASNFs revised plan, Mexican 
1268 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

variable but uneven-aged and open in appearance. 

Sporadic areas of even-aged structure may be present 

on 10 percent or less of the landscape to provide 

structural diversity. •Old growth occurs throughout the 

landscape, in small, discontinuous areas consisting of 

clumps of old trees, or occasionally individual old trees. 

Other old growth components are also present including 

dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse woody 

debris), and/or structural diversity. The location of old 

growth shifts on the landscape over time as a result of 

succession and disturbance (tree growth and mortality). 

DCs for Forests: PP Mid-Scale: •The tree group 

mosaic comprises an uneven-aged forest with all age 

classes, size classes, and structural stages present. 

Occasionally, patches of even-aged forest structure are 

present (less than 50 acres). Disturbances sustain the 

overall age and structural distribution. •Northern 

goshawk post-fledging family areas (PFAs) may contain 

10 to 20 percent higher basal area in mid-aged to old 

tree groups than northern goshawk foraging areas and 

the surrounding forest. •Northern goshawk nest areas 

have forest conditions that are multi-aged and dominated 

by large trees with relatively denser canopies than the 

surrounding forest. DCs for Forests: PP Fine Scale: 

•Trees typically occur in irregularly-shaped groups and 

are variably spaced with some tight clumps. Tree crowns 

in the mid- to old-aged groups are interlocking or nearly 

interlocking providing for species such as Abert’s 

squirrel. •Trees within groups are of similar or variable 

ages and may contain species other than ponderosa 

pine. Tree groups are typically less than 1 acre and 

average 1⁄2 acre. Mid- to old-aged tree groups consist of 

approximately 2 to 40 trees with interlocking canopies. 

DCs for Forests: DMC Landscape Scale: •The dry 

mixed conifer forest is a mosaic of conditions composed 

of structural states ranging from young to old trees. 

Forest structure and density are similar to ponderosa 

pine forest. Forest appearance is variable but unevenspotted owl and northern goshawk 

are management indicator species 

(MIS) of forest density and structure. 

The forest and woodland treatment 

objectives listed in the revised plan 

would contribute to species viability 

and prevent loss of old growth acres 

due to natural and human-caused 

events. 
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Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

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1987

Plan Direction

aged and open. Sporadic areas of even-aged structure 

may be present on 10 percent or less of the landscape to 

provide structural diversity. 

•Old growth occurs throughout the landscape, in small, 

discontinuous areas consisting of clumps of old trees, or 

occasionally individual old trees. Other old growth 

components are also present including dead trees 

(snags), downed wood (coarse woody debris), and/or 

structural diversity. The location of old growth shifts on 

the landscape over time as a result of succession and 

disturbance (tree growth and mortality). DCs for 

Forests: DMC Mid-Scale: •The dry mixed conifer forest 

is characterized by a variety of size and number of tree 

groups depending on elevation, soil type, aspect, and 

site productivity. The more biologically productive sites 

contain more trees per group and more groups per area, 

resulting in less space between groups. Interspaces 

typically range from 10 percent in more biologically 

productive sites to 50 percent in less productive sites. 

Tree density within forested areas ranges from 30 to 100 

square feet basal area per acre. •The mosaic of tree 

groups is composed of uneven-aged forest. All age 

classes and structural stages are present. Occasionally, 

there are small patches (less than 50 acres) of evenaged forest present. Disturbances sustain the overall age 

and structural distribution. •Northern goshawk postfledging family areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 

percent higher basal area in mid-aged to old tree groups 

than northern goshawk foraging areas and the 

surrounding forest. •Northern goshawk nest areas have 

forest conditions that are multi-aged but are dominated 

by large trees with relatively denser canopies than the 

surrounding forest. DCs for Forests: DMC Fine Scale: 

•Trees typically occur in irregularly-shaped groups and 

are variably spaced with some tight clumps. Tree crowns 

in the mid- to old-aged groups are interlocking or nearly 

interlocking providing for species such as red squirrel. 
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Plan Direction

•Interspaces surrounding tree groups are composed of a 

grass, forb, and shrub mix. Some may contain individual 

trees or snags. •Trees within groups are of similar or 

variable ages and one or more species. Tree group sizes 

typically are less than 5 acres, but often less than 1 acre, 

and at the mature and old stages consist of 

approximately 2 to 50 trees. DCs for Forests: WMC 

Landscape Scale: •The wet mixed conifer forest is a 

mosaic of structural stages and seral states ranging from 

young to old trees. The landscape arrangement is an 

assemblage of variably-sized and aged groups and 

patches of trees and other vegetation associations 

similar to reference conditions. •Old growth occurs over 

large, continuous areas. Old growth components include 

old trees, dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse 

woody debris), and/or structural diversity. The location of 

old growth shifts on the landscape over time as a result 

of succession and disturbance (tree growth and 

mortality). DCs for Forests: WMC Mid-Scale: •The size 

and number of groups and patches vary depending on 

disturbance, elevation, soil type, aspect, and site 

productivity. Patch sizes vary but are frequently 

hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of acres. Groups 

of tens of acres or less are relatively common. There is a 

mosaic of primarily even-aged groups and patches, 

which vary in size, species composition, and age. 

•Uneven-aged groups and patches, comprising about 20 

percent of this PNVT, provide for species such as the 

black bear and red-faced warbler that need multistoried 

canopies with dense low- to mid-canopy layers. •Tree 

density ranges from 30 to 180 square feet basal area per 

acre depending upon time since disturbance and seral 

states of groups and patches. •Northern goshawk postfledging family areas (PFAs) may contain 10 to 20 

percent higher basal area in mid-aged to old tree groups 

than northern goshawk foraging areas and the 

surrounding forest. •Northern goshawk nest areas have 

forest conditions that are multi-aged but are dominated 
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Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

by large trees with relatively denser canopies than the 

surrounding forest. DCs for Forests: WMC Fine Scale: 

•In mid-aged and older forests, trees are typically 

variably spaced with crowns interlocking (grouped and 

clumped trees) or nearly interlocking providing for 

species such as red squirrel. Trees within groups can be 

of similar or variable species and ages. DCs for 

Forests: SF Landscape Scale •The spruce-fir forest is 

a mosaic of structural stages and seral states ranging 

from young to old trees and is composed of multiple 

species. The landscape arrangement is an assemblage 

of variably-sized and aged groups and patches of trees 

and other vegetation similar to reference conditions. 

•Tree canopies in this forest are closed. An understory, 

consisting of native grass, forbs, and/or shrubs, is 

present in early seral states and is replaced by trees in 

later seral states. •Old growth occurs over large, 

continuous areas. Old growth components include old 

trees, dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse woody 

debris), and/or structural diversity. The location of old 

growth shifts on the landscape over time as a result of 

succession and disturbance (tree growth and mortality). 

DCs for Forests: SF Mid-Scale: •The size and number 

of groups and patches vary depending on disturbance, 

elevation, soil type, aspect, and site productivity. Patch 

sizes vary but are mostly hundreds of acres and rarely 

thousands of acres. There may be frequent small 

disturbances resulting in groups of tens of acres or less. 

A mosaic of primarily even-aged groups and patches, 

which vary in size, species composition, and age, is 

present. •Uneven-aged groups and patches, comprising 

about 20 percent of this PNVT, provide for species such 

as the MacGillivray’s warbler and Swainson’s thrush that 

need multistoried canopies with dense low- to midcanopy layers. • Tree density ranges from 30 to 250 

square feet basal area per acre, depending upon 

disturbance and seral states of the groups and patches. 

•Northern goshawk post-fledging family areas (PFAs) 
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New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

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1987

Plan Direction

may contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area in midaged to old tree groups than northern goshawk foraging 

areas and the surrounding forest. •Northern goshawk 

nest areas have forest conditions that are multi-aged but 

are dominated by large trees with relatively denser 

canopies than the surrounding forest. DCs for Forests: 

SF Fine Scale •Mid-aged to old trees grow tightly 

together with interlocking crowns. Trees are of the same 

size and/or age class in early group/patch development. 

In late development, they may be multilayered. DCs for 

Forests: Aspen Landscape Scale: Areas of aspen 

occur and shift across the forested landscape. They are 

successfully regenerating and being recruited into older 

and larger size classes. Size classes have a natural 

distribution, with the greatest number of stems in the 

smaller size classes. 

OBJ for Forests: Aspen: Aspen dominated and 

codominated acres within forested PNVTs, representing 

a range of age classes, are maintained on at least 

50,000 acres during the planning period. DC for 

Woodlands: MPO Landscape Scale: •A mix of desired 

species[10]

, ages, heights, and groupings of trees create 

a mosaic across the landscape. DC for Woodlands: 

MPO Mid-scale: •Some large patches in the Madrean 

pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have multiple age 

classes, large trees, and old growth-like characteristics 

(e.g., numerous snags, large coarse woody debris) in 

order to provide for wildlife such as Mexican spotted owl 

and black bear, that need denser habitat. •The size and 

number of groups and patches vary depending on 

disturbance, elevation, soil type, aspect, and site 

productivity. Patch sizes vary but are mostly tens of 

acres, with rare disturbances of hundreds of acres. 

There may be frequent small disturbances resulting in 

groups and patches of tens of acres or less. A mosaic of 

groups and patches of trees, primarily even-aged, that 

are variable in size, species composition, and age, is 
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numbers refer to electronic version.

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direction)

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Plan Direction

present. DC for Woodlands: PJ – Savanna Landscape 

Scale: •Old growth occurs in isolated locations scattered 

throughout the landscape, as individual old trees or as 

clumps of old trees. Other old growth components may 

also be present including dead trees (snags), downed 

wood (coarse woody debris), and/or structural diversity. 

DC for Woodlands: PJ - Persistent Woodland 

Landscape Scale: •A mix of desired species[10]

, ages, 

heights, and groupings of trees create a mosaic across 

the landscape. •Tree canopy cover is closed (greater 

than 30 percent), shrubs are sparse to moderate, and 

herbaceous cover is patchy. •Old growth includes old 

trees, dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse woody 

debris), and/or structural diversity. The location of old 

growth shifts on the landscape over time as a result of 

succession and disturbance (tree growth and mortality). 

DCs for Interior Chaparral: •In the early seral state, 

chaparral contains an herbaceous component in the 

understory. Later seral states are dense, nearly 

impenetrable thickets with considerable leaf litter. 

Standing dead material may accumulate in areas that 

have not burned for several decades. Chaparral is in a 

constant state of transition from early to late seral state 

and back again, with fire being the major ecological 

disturbance.

Chapter 5. Monitoring Strategy Table 12. questions:

-Are management activities moving vegetation 

communities and habitats closer to the desired condition 

identified at the appropriate scales? -How are 

management activities affecting late successional forest 

structure in relation to desired conditions?

Vegetation MA1 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement Guideline: Old Growth

Use quantitative models at the 

appropriate scales when considering the 

importance of various factors. These 

models may include, but are not limited 

Direction not carried forward into revised plan. Prescriptive: Project specialists 

determine scale(s) of analyses and 

what modeling methods and 

analytical procedures are most 

appropriate for the level(s) of project 

and resource analyses. 
1274 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

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New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

to: Forest Vegetation Simulator, 

BEHAVE, and FARSITE. Page 99.

Vegetation MA #1 - Old Growth Standards &

Guidelines, pgs. 97-99: 

-Forested sites should meet or exceed 

the structural attributes to be considered 

old growth in the 5 primary forest cover 

types in the southwest as depicted in the 

following table.

The Minimum Criteria for the Structural 

Attributes Used to Determine Old-Growth 

= TABLE on existing plan pg. 99 (for 

PJ woodland, PP, Aspen, MC and SF 

forest types).

REPLACED with:

DC for All PNVTs Landscape scale: •Old or large 

trees, multistoried canopies, large coarse woody debris, 

and snags provide the structure, function, and 

associated vegetation composition as appropriate for 

each forested and woodland PNVT.

DCs for Forests: PP Landscape Scale: •The 

ponderosa pine forest is composed predominantly of 

vigorous trees, but declining, top-killed, lightning-scarred, 

and fire-scarred trees provide snags and coarse woody 

debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are well 

distributed throughout the landscape. Ponderosa pine 

snags are typically 18 inches or greater in diameter and 

average 1 to 2 per acre. •Coarse woody debris, including 

logs, ranges from 3 to 10 tons per acre. Logs average 3 

per acre within the forested area of the landscape. DCs 

for Forests: DMC Landscape Scale: •The dry mixed 

conifer forest is composed predominantly of vigorous 

trees, but declining, top-killed, lightning-scarred, and firescarred trees provide snags and coarse woody debris. 

Snags and coarse woody debris are well distributed 

throughout the landscape. Snags are typically 18 inches 

in diameter or greater and average 3 per acre. •Coarse 

woody debris, including logs, ranges from 5 to 15 tons 

per acre. Logs average 3 per acre within the forested 

area of the landscape. DCs for Forests: WMC 

Landscape Scale: •The wet mixed conifer forest is 

composed predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, 

top-killed, lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees 

provide snags and coarse woody debris. Snags and 

coarse woody debris are well distributed throughout the 

landscape. The number of snags and logs and amount of 

coarse woody debris varies by seral state ranging from 8 

to more than 16 tons per acre. DCs for Forests: WMC 

Mid-Scale: •There are 20 or more snags greater than 8 

Table in existing plan was unclear if 

criteria constituted STs or GDs. Some 

table criteria were left unclear as “not 

determined”.

Prescriptive and outdated table 

criteria not consistent with best 

available recent science. See revised 

plan Glossary for three definitions 

and Appendix B for description of 

southwestern old growth. 

Project specialists determine best 

methods to analyze and implement at 

the project level. 

Will be monitored through relevant 

plan monitoring strategy questions. 
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New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

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Plan Direction

inches in diameter per acre and 1 to 5 of those snags are 

18 inches or greater in diameter. •Coarse woody debris, 

including logs, varies by seral state, ranging from 5 to 20 

tons per acre for early-seral states; 20 to 40 tons per 

acre for mid-seral states; and may be as high as 35 tons 

per acre, or greater, for late-seral states. These 

conditions also provide an abundance of fungi including 

mushrooms and truffles used by small mammals. DCs 

for Forests: SF Landscape Scale: •The spruce-fir 

forest is composed predominantly of vigorous trees, but 

declining top-killed, lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred 

trees provide snags and coarse woody debris. Snags 

and coarse woody debris are well distributed throughout 

the landscape. DCs for Forests: SF Mid-Scale: •In 

general, there are 13 to 30 snags greater than 8 inches 

in diameter per acre and 1 to 3 of those snags are 18 

inches or greater in diameter. •Coarse woody debris, 

including logs, varies by seral state, ranging from 5 to 30 

tons per acre for early-seral states; 30 to 40 tons per 

acre for mid-seral states; and 40 tons per acre or greater 

for late-seral states. These conditions also provide an 

abundance of fungi including mushrooms and truffles 

used by small mammals. 

DC for Woodlands: MPO Landscape scale: Snags, 

averaging 1 to 2 per acre, and older trees are scattered 

across the landscape. Coarse woody debris averages 1 

to 5 tons per acre. 

DC for Woodlands: Piñon-Juniper – Savanna 

Landscape Scale: Old growth occurs in isolated 

locations scattered throughout the landscape, as 

individual old trees or as clumps of old trees. Other old 

growth components may also be present including dead 

trees (snags), downed wood (coarse woody debris), 

and/or structural diversity.

DCs for Woodlands: PJ - Persistent Woodland 

Landscape Scale: Snags, averaging one to two per 

acre, and older trees with dead limbs and tops are 
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New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

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1987

Plan Direction

scattered across the landscape. Coarse woody debris 

averages 2 to 5 tons per acre.

Chapter 5. Monitoring Strategy Table 12. questions: 

-Are PNVTs and habitat needs being provided for and 

contributing to desired conditions?

-How are management activities affecting late 

successional forest structure in relation to desired 

conditions? 

-Are the standards and guidelines prescribed being 

incorporated in NEPA documents and implemented in 

projects and activities?

ALSO SEE revised plan content presented in this 

crosswalk table for existing plan - Old Growth 

Standards. 

Vegetation MA1 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement Guideline: 

In forested areas of a diversity unit, 

create or modify created openings so 

they have a Patton edge shape index of 

at least 1.4 and have at least a medium 

edge contrast. Page 101.

GDs for PP and DMC Forests: Where consistent with 

project or activity objectives, canopy cover should be 

retained on the south and southwest sides of small, 

existing forest openings that are naturally cooler and 

moister. These small (generally one-tenth to one-quarter 

acre) shaded openings provide habitat conditions 

needed by small mammals, plants, and insects (e.g., 

Merriam’s shrew, Mogollon clover, four-spotted 

skipperling butterfly). Where these openings naturally 

occur across a project area, these conditions should be 

maintained on an average of 2 or more such openings 

per 100 acres. 

Mid-Scale DCs for WMC and SF Forests: The size and 

number of groups and patches vary depending on 

disturbance, elevation, soil type, aspect, and site 

productivity. Patch sizes vary but are frequently 

hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of acres. Groups 

of tens of acres or less are relatively common. There is a 

mosaic of primarily even-aged groups and patches, 

which vary in size, species composition, and age. Grass, 

forb, and shrub openings created by disturbances may 

The term “openings” is included in 

the Glossary of Terms.
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Plan Direction

comprise 10 to 100 percent of the area depending on the 

type of disturbance. 

Fine Scale DCs for WMC and SF Forests: Small 

openings are present as a result of disturbances (e.g., 

wind, disease). 

Mid-Scale DC for MPO: The size and number of groups 

and patches vary depending on disturbance, elevation, 

soil type, aspect, and site productivity. Patch sizes vary 

but are mostly tens of acres, with rare disturbances of 

hundreds of acres. There may be frequent small 

disturbances resulting in groups and patches of tens of 

acres or less. A mosaic of groups and patches of trees, 

primarily even-aged, that are variable in size, species 

composition, and age, is present. Grass, forb, and shrub 

openings created by disturbance may comprise 10 to 

100 percent of the area depending on the disturbances.

Included in the Glossary of Terms: Openings –

Generally persistent treeless areas having a fairly distinct 

shape or size, occurring naturally due to differences in 

soil types as compared to sites that support forests or 

woodlands. Openings include meadows, grasslands, 

rock outcroppings, and wetlands. In contrast, created 

openings result from disturbances like severe fire or 

windthrow, or management activities to intentionally 

create space for new tree regeneration. Natural and 

created openings are not the same as interspaces found 

in the frequent-fire forests or woodlands.

Vegetation MA1 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement Guideline: 

Manage to provide a variety of stand 

sizes, shapes, crown closure, edge 

contrast, age structure, and interspersion. 

Page 101.

Landscape Scale DC for Overall Ecosystem Health: 

Large blocks of habitat are interconnected, allowing for 

behavioral and predator-prey interactions, and the 

persistence of metapopulations and highly interactive 

wildlife species across the landscape. Ecological 

connectivity extends through all plant communities. 

Landscape Scale DC for Overall Ecosystem Health: 

Habitat configuration and availability allows wildlife 

populations to adjust their movements (e.g., seasonal 

The intent of this guideline has been 

carried forward into revised LMP in 

numerous places because it 

encompasses more than wildlife and 

fish habitat.
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Plan Direction

migration, foraging) in response to climate change and 

promote genetic flow between wildlife populations. 

Landscape Scale DC for All PNVTs: Diverse 

vegetation structure, species composition, densities, and 

seral states provide quality habitat for native and 

desirable nonnative plant and animal species throughout 

their life cycle and at multiple spatial scales. Landscapes 

provide for the full range of ecosystem diversity at 

multiple scales, including habitats for those species 

associated with late seral states and old growth. 

Mid-Scale DC for all PNVTs: Vegetation conditions 

provide hiding and thermal cover in contiguous blocks for 

wildlife. Native plant species are present in all age 

classes and are healthy, reproducing, and persisting. 

Fine Scale DC for all PNVTs: Herbaceous vegetation 

amount and structure (e.g., plant density, height, litter, 

seed heads) provides habitat to support wildlife and prey 

species.

Mid-Scale DC for Riparian Areas: Diversity and density 

of riparian forest vegetation provides for breeding, 

escape, hiding, and resting cover for wildlife and 

provides travelways between other habitat areas and 

seasonal ranges. 

GDs for all Forested and Woodland PNVTs: Hiding 

cover, approach cover (by waters), and travel corridor 

cover should be provided where needed by wildlife. 

Mid-Scale DC for MPO: Some large patches in the 

Madrean pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have 

multiple age classes, large trees, and old growth-like 

characteristics (e.g., numerous snags, large coarse 

woody debris) in order to provide for wildlife such as 

Mexican spotted owl and black bear, that need denser 

habitat. 

OBJ for Wildlife and Rare Plants: Annually, improve 

wildlife habitat connectivity by removing at least five 

unneeded structures (e.g., fence). 
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numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

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Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

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Plan Direction

MA for Wildlife and Rare Plants: Large scale wildlife 

habitat restoration treatments benefit multiple species 

while small projects address the needs of localized 

species. 

Vegetation MA1 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement Guideline: 

Manage for interspersion of conifer 

groups when present. Limit conifer 

groups to 1 acre groups per 10 acres of 

aspen. Page 101.

Landscape Scale DC for Aspen: Areas of aspen occur 

and shift across the forested landscape. They are 

successfully regenerating and being recruited into older 

and larger size classes. Size classes have a natural 

distribution, with the greatest number of stems in the 

smaller size classes.

Mid-Scale DC for Aspen: Aspen may comprise 10 to 

100 percent of the area depending on disturbance (e.g., 

fire, insects, silvicultural treatments) in multistoried 

patches.

The intent of this guideline has been 

carried forward into revised LMP.

Vegetation MA1 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement Guideline: 

Where there has been manipulation to 

induce aspen regeneration, manage 

livestock to protect regeneration. Page 

101.

GD for Aspen: To preclude concentrated herbivore 

impacts, new surface water development should not be 

constructed within proximity to aspen stands 

(approximately a quarter of a mile).

MA for Aspen: Aspen restoration efforts may include 

providing/improving substitute forage away from aspen, 

removing conifer competition, fencing to exclude 

ungulates, and range management practices (e.g., salt 

locations; herding; timing, intensity, frequency, and 

duration of livestock use)

The intent of this guideline has been 

carried forward into revised LMP.

Vegetation MA1 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement Guideline: Meadows are 

natural openings greater than 1 acre. 

Each meadow greater than 1 acre will be 

managed toward or maintained with at 

least 40% of the perimeter in timber 

stands that provide cover. Page 102.

GD for PP and DMC Forests: Where consistent with 

project or activity objectives, canopy cover should be 

retained on the south and southwest sides of small, 

existing forest openings that are naturally cooler and 

moister. These small (generally one-tenth to one-quarter 

acre) shaded openings provide habitat conditions 

needed by small mammals, plants, and insects (e.g., 

Merriam’s shrew, Mogollon clover, four-spotted 

skipperling butterfly). Where these openings naturally 

occur across a project area, these conditions should be 

maintained on an average of 2 or more such openings 

per 100 acres.

Meadows are now referred to as 

“openings” in the revised LMP and 

no size limitations are given. 
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Mid-Scale DC for WMC and SF Forests: The size and 

number of groups and patches vary depending on 

disturbance, elevation, soil type, aspect, and site 

productivity. Patch sizes vary but are frequently 

hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of acres. Groups 

of tens of acres or less are relatively common. There is a 

mosaic of primarily even-aged groups and patches, 

which vary in size, species composition, and age. Grass, 

forb, and shrub openings created by disturbances may 

comprise 10 to 100 percent of the area depending on the 

type of disturbance.

Mid-Scale DC for SF: The wildland-urban interface 

(WUI) is comprised primarily of grass/forb/shrub 

vegetation. Structures in the WUI are surrounded by 

grassy openings with very few or no trees. These 

conditions result in ground fires.

Fine Scale DC for SF: Small openings are present as a 

result of localized disturbances (e.g., wind, disease).

Mid-Scale DC for MPO: The size and number of groups 

and patches vary depending on disturbance, elevation, 

soil type, aspect, and site productivity. Patch sizes vary 

but are mostly tens of acres, with rare disturbances of 

hundreds of acres. There may be frequent small 

disturbances resulting in groups and patches of tens of 

acres or less. A mosaic of groups and patches of trees, 

primarily even-aged, that are variable in size, species 

composition, and age, is present. Grass, forb, and shrub 

openings created by disturbance may comprise 10 to 

100 percent of the area depending on the disturbances.

Vegetation MA1 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement Guideline: Evaluation of 

existing and potential cover considers 

open road densities, topography, and 

tree, shrub, and herbaceous species to 

determine effective cover. The presence 

of species, such as Gambel oak, New 

Mexico locust, juniper, aspen, and 

GD for all Woodland PNVTs: Hiding cover, approach 

cover (by waters), and travel corridor cover should be 

provided where needed by wildlife.

Landscape Scale DC for MPO: The majority of this 

woodland has an open canopy consisting of large trees 

and an herbaceous understory, with some groups of 

closed canopy. Overall, canopy cover is 10 to 50 

Cover and BA/GSL are not discussed 

in the same context within the revised 

plan compared to the 1987 plan, 

however, there are numerous GD and 

DCs that deal with cover and BA in 

the revised plan
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1281

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

bigtooth maple, or topographic features, 

will require less BA/GSL to meet cover 

requirements. Page 102.

percent.

Landscape Scale DC for MPO: Ground cover consists 

of perennial grasses and forbs that frequently carry fire 

through the landscape.

Landscape Scale DCs for MPO and PJ Woodlands: 

Grasses, forbs, shrubs, needles, leaves, and small trees 

support the natural fire regime. The larger proportion (60 

percent or greater) of soil cover is composed of grasses 

and forbs as opposed to needles and leaves.

Landscape Scale DC for PJ Savanna Woodland: The 

piñon-juniper savanna is open in appearance with trees 

occurring as individuals or in small groups and ranging 

from young to old. Overall, tree canopy cover is 10 to 15 

percent, but may range up to 30 percent.

Landscape Scale DC for PJ Persistent Woodland: 

Tree canopy cover is closed (greater than 30 percent), 

shrubs are sparse to moderate, and herbaceous cover is 

patchy.

Mid-Scale DC for PJ Persistent Woodland: Grass and 

forb cover is maximized, based on site capability, to 

protect and enrich soils.

Fine Scale DC for Grasslands: During the critical 

pronghorn antelope fawning period (May through June), 

cool season grasses and forbs provide nutritional forage; 

while shrubs and standing grass growth from the 

previous year provide adequate hiding cover (10 to 18 

inches) to protect fawns from predation.

DC for IC: Ground cover consists primarily (85 to 95 

percent) of shrub litter (e.g., small stems, leaves).

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants: Cool and/or dense 

vegetation cover should be provided for species needing 

these habitat components (e.g., Goodding’s onion, black 

bear, White Mountains chipmunk, western yellow-billed 

cuckoo).

GD for Livestock Grazing: Forage, browse, and cover 

needs of wildlife, authorized livestock, and wild horses 
1282 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

should be managed in balance with available forage so 

that plants providing for these needs remain at or move 

toward a healthy, persistent state.

DC for Wildland Fire Management: For all PNVTs, the 

composition, cover, structure, and mosaic of vegetative

conditions reduce uncharacteristic wildfire hazard to local 

communities and forest ecosystems.

DC for Wildlife Quiet Area: Bear Springs and 

Cottonwood Seep WQAs provide quality travel, hiding, 

and thermal cover along the Mogollon Rim (Black Mesa 

and Lakeside Ranger Districts) for a wide variety of 

species ranging from turkeys to mountain lions. The 

WQAs provide an abundance of browse species 

important for deer and elk.

GD for Wildlife Quiet Area: Hiding cover and 

travelways for wildlife should be maintained to provide 

for security and connectivity of habitat.

Landscape Scale DC for PP: Where it naturally occurs, 

Gambel oak is present with all age classes represented. 

It is reproducing to maintain or expand its presence on 

capable sites across the landscape. Large Gambel oak 

snags are typically 10 inches or larger in diameter and 

are well distributed.

Fine Scale DC for PP and DMC Forests: Where 

Gambel oak occurs, the majority are single trunk trees 

over 8 inches in diameter with full crowns.

GD for PP and DMC Forests: Where Gambel oak or 

other native hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to 

retain for diversity, treatments should improve vigor and 

growth of these species.

Landscape Scale DC for DMC: The forest arrangement 

consists of small clumps and groups of trees with 

variably-sized interspaces of grass, forb, and shrub 

vegetation associations similar to reference conditions. 

Size, shape, number of trees per group, and number of 

groups per area are variable across the landscape. 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1283

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Where they naturally occur, groups of Gambel oak are 

healthy and maintained or increased. Tree density may 

be greater in some locations, such as north-facing slopes 

and canyon bottoms.

Mid-Scale DC for PP, DMC, WMC and SF Forests: 

Northern goshawk post-fledging family areas (PFAs) 

may contain 10 to 20 percent higher basal area in midaged to old tree groups than northern goshawk foraging 

areas and the surrounding forest. 

Mid-Scale DC for PP: Ponderosa pine forest is 

characterized by variation in the size and number of tree 

groups depending on elevation, soil type, aspect, and 

site productivity. The more biologically productive sites 

contain more trees per group and more groups per area, 

resulting in less space between groups. Interspaces 

typically range from 10 percent in more biologically 

productive sites to 70 percent in the less productive 

sites. Tree density within forested areas ranges from 20 

to 80 square feet basal area per acre.

Mid-Scale DC for DMC: The dry mixed conifer forest is 

characterized by a variety of size and number of tree 

groups depending on elevation, soil type, aspect, and 

site productivity. The more biologically productive sites 

contain more trees per group and more groups per area, 

resulting in less space between groups. Interspaces 

typically range from 10 percent in more biologically 

productive sites to 50 percent in less productive sites. 

Tree density within forested areas ranges from 30 to 100 

square feet basal area per acre.

GD for Community-Forest Intermix: Due to the greater 

values to be protected (e.g., homes, property), tree basal 

areas should be at the lower end of the desired range 

and openings should occur at the higher end of the 

desired range (as described in the applicable PNVT 

desired conditions).
1284 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Vegetation MA #1, pgs. 100-102:

The following table lists basal area (BA) 

and growing stock levels (GSL) which 

experience has shown fully meet hiding 

and thermal cover requirements in even 

age ponderosa pine and mixed conifer 

when there are no cover effects from 

topographic features or other species. 

The presence of more than 1 size class 

may reduce the amount of BA/GSL 

required to provide effective cover. 

Before determining that cover must be 

obtained by managing stands in suitable 

lands for these BA/GSL’s, conduct field 

examinations to evaluate cover 

distribution needs and to determine 

whether other factors contributing to 

effective cover are present.

Table deleted. Replaced with:

DC for All PNVTs – Vegetation conditions provide hiding 

and thermal cover in contiguous blocks for wildlife. 

Native plant species are present in all age classes and 

are healthy, reproducing, and persisting.

GD for All PNVTs -Projects should include quantitative 

and/or qualitative objectives for implementation 

monitoring and effectiveness monitoring to assist in 

moving toward or maintaining desired conditions.

DC for Riparian Areas - Diversity and density of riparian 

forest vegetation provides for breeding, escape, hiding, 

and resting cover for wildlife and provides travelways 

between other habitat areas and seasonal ranges.

GD for Forests: All Forested PNVTs - Hiding cover, 

approach cover (by waters), and travel corridor cover 

should be provided where needed by wildlife.

GD for Woodlands: All Woodland PNVTs -Hiding 

cover, approach cover (by waters), and travel corridor 

cover should be provided where needed by wildlife.

DC for Grasslands Fine scale - During the critical 

pronghorn antelope fawning period (May through June), 

cool season grasses and forbs provide nutritional forage; 

while shrubs and standing grass growth from the 

previous year provide adequate hiding cover (10 to 18 

inches) to protect fawns from predation.

DC for Wildlife and Rare Plants – Wildlife are free from 

harassment and disturbance at a scale that impacts vital 

functions (e.g., breeding, rearing young) that could affect 

persistence of the species.

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants – Modifications, 

mitigations, or other measures should be incorporated to 

reduce negative impacts to plants, animals, and their 

habitats and to help provide for species needs, 

consistent with project or activity objectives.

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants – Cool and/or dense 

vegetation cover should be provided for species needing 

Unclear if the existing plan table is a 

ST or GD. Pertains to deer and elk 

cover, as defined on pg. 100 of 

existing plan. Growing stock level is 

no longer used as a measure of 

forest or timber stand density. 

Majority of pine and mixed conifer are 

now to be managed as uneven-aged. 

Too prescriptive for a strategic forest 

plan, with detailed cover criteria for 

large ungulate habitat. Revised plan 

strives to provide programmatic 

direction for cover needs of all wildlife 

species. By restoring PNVTs toward 

revised plan DCs, habitat conditions 

are expected to be similar to the 

forest and woodland structures that 

provided adequate cover for these 

species to become established with 

stable populations. 

Project specialists are to determine 

adequate density and structure of 

vegetation combined with topographic 

features on a site-specific basis using 

latest science and local data.

Management approach is to provide a 

diversity of habitats, well distributed, 

with ecological conditions that 

support native and desired nonnative 

animal species over the long term. 

The forests also provide for wildlife 

and their needs consistent with 

recovery plans, biological opinions, 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1285

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

these habitat components (e.g., Goodding’s onion, black 

bear, White Mountains chipmunk, western yellow-billed 

cuckoo).

GD for Wildlife Quiet Area - Hiding cover and 

travelways for wildlife should be maintained to provide 

for security and connectivity of habitat.

GD for Wildlife Quiet Area - Bear Springs and 

Cottonwood Seep WQAs provide quality travel, hiding, 

and thermal cover along the Mogollon Rim (Black Mesa 

and Lakeside Ranger Districts) for a wide variety of 

species ranging from turkeys to mountain lions. The 

WQAs provide an abundance of browse species 

important for deer and elk.

Chapter 5. Monitoring Strategy - Are habitats for 

threatened, endangered, sensitive, and other species for 

the forests being maintained or enhanced; meeting 

recovery objectives; moving toward desired conditions; 

and contributing to species viability?

Chapter 5. Monitoring Strategy -Are PNVTs and 

habitat needs being provided for and contributing to 

desired conditions? 

conservation strategies, conservation 

assessments, management plans, 

memorandums of understanding 

(MOUs), and Forest Service direction. 

The forests work collaboratively with 

the AZGFD to plan and implement 

projects that make progress toward 

the forests’ desired conditions and 

help achieve conservation actions 

specified in the Arizona State Wildlife 

Action Plan. Large scale wildlife 

habitat restoration treatments benefit 

multiple species while small projects 

address the needs of localized 

species. 

Vegetation 3. Gambel oak is important for cover, and 

patches of oak near nesting areas are an 

important consideration when selecting 

areas for retaining slash. Other species 

such as New Mexico locust and current 

also can provide cover. Oak stands in the 

nesting areas should be evaluated for 

opportunities to manage for cover.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health: 

Ecological conditions for habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that 

are healthy, well distributed, connected, and genetically 

diverse. Conditions provide for the life history, 

distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the 

species within the capability of the landscape.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health:

Habitat quality, distribution, and abundance exist to 

support the recovery of federally listed species and the 

continued existence of all native and desirable nonnative 

species.

The 1987 Plan direction was modified 

to ensure that Gambel oak (and other 

species) were recognized as an 

integral component of the landscape 

and of a functional forested system 

where it occurs naturally. The cover 

and tree species needs were made 

broader to ensure that the needs of 

more species than turkey were 

addressed.
1286 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

DC All PNVTs:

Diverse vegetation structure, species composition, 

densities, and seral states provide quality habitat for 

native and desirable nonnative plant and animal species 

throughout their life cycle and at multiple spatial scales. 

Landscapes provide for the full range of ecosystem 

diversity at multiple scales, including habitats for those 

species associated with late seral states and old growth 

forests.

Vegetation conditions allow for transition zones or 

ecotones between riparian areas, forests, woodlands, 

shrublands, and grasslands. 

Transition zones may shift in time and space due to 

changing site conditions from disturbances (e.g., fire, 

climate variability).

Vegetation conditions provide hiding and thermal cover 

in contiguous blocks for wildlife. 

Native plant species are present in all age classes and 

are healthy, reproducing, and persisting.

Herbaceous vegetation amount and structure (e.g., plant 

density, height, litter, seed heads) provides habitat to 

support wildlife and prey species.

OBJ All Forested PNVTs:

Annually, treat 5,000 to 35,000 acres to reduce tree 

densities, restore natural fire regimes, promote species 

habitat and ecosystem health, reduce fire hazard, 

maintain desired conditions, initiate recovery from 

uncharacteristic disturbance, and provide forest 

products, leaving a desired mix of species with the range 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1287

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

of desired densities that are resilient to changing climatic 

conditions.

GD All Forested PNVTs:

Hiding cover, approach cover (by waters), and travel 

corridor cover should be provided where needed by 

wildlife.

DC Ponderosa Pine: 

Where it naturally occurs, Gambel oak is present with all 

age classes represented. It is reproducing to maintain or 

expand its presence on capable sites across the 

landscape. Large Gambel oak snags are typically 10 

inches or larger in diameter and are well distributed.

Where Gambel oak occurs, the majority are single trunk 

trees over 8 inches in diameter with full crowns.

GD Ponderosa Pine: 

Where Gambel oak or other native hardwood trees and 

shrubs are desirable to retain for diversity, treatments 

should improve vigor and growth of these species.

DC Dry Mixed Conifer:

The forest arrangement consists of small clumps and 

groups of trees interspersed within variably-sized 

openings of grass, forb, and shrub vegetation 

associations similar to reference conditions. Size, shape, 

number of trees per group, and number of groups per 

area are variable across the landscape. Where they 

naturally occur, groups of Gambel oak are healthy and 

maintained or increased. Tree density may be greater in 

some locations, such as north-facing slopes and canyon 

bottoms.
1288 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Where Gambel oak occurs, the majority are single trunk 

trees over 8 inches in diameter with full crowns.

GD Dry Mixed Conifer:

Where Gambel oak or other native hardwood trees and 

shrubs are desirable to retain for diversity, treatments 

should improve vigor and growth of these species.

Vegetation MA1 Range O&M Guideline: Where 

open meadows and parks in the 

pine/mixed conifer type are to be 

maintained, eliminate invading overstory 

vegetation, stabilize gullies to raise the 

water table, scarify the soil, and seed with 

appropriate grass and forage species. 

Control grazing though management 

and/or fencing to establish the 

revegetation. Page 106.

Management Approach for Overall Ecosystem 

Health: Treatments include those that restore and then 

maintain natural fire regimes, improve riparian condition, 

restore meadows or openings, repair gullies, and reduce 

erosion.

Mid-Scale DC for Soil: Soils are stable within their 

natural capability4. Vegetation and litter limit accelerated 

erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, topsoil loss) 

and contribute to soil deposition and development.

Management Approach for Soil: Restoration

treatments may include seeding, mulching, stabilization 

of gullies, or obliteration of unauthorized routes.

OBJ for Riparian Areas: Within the planning period, 

relocate, repair, improve, or decommission a minimum of 

4 miles of National Forest System roads or trails that add 

sediment to streams, damage riparian vegetation, erode 

streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact floodplain 

soils.

OBJ for Riparian Areas: Annually, remove an average 

of 2 miles of unauthorized roads or trails that add 

sediment to streams, damage riparian vegetation, erode 

streambanks, cause gullies, and/or compact floodplain 

soils.

Management Approach for All Woodland PNVTs: 

Treatment methods may include wildland fire, 

mechanized and hand thinning, leaving woody debris 

scattered across the ground, soil erosion control, 

The intent of this Range O&M 

Guideline has been carried forward 

into the revised LMP in numerous 

places.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1289

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

stabilizing gullies to restore water tables, planting grass, 

and chemical treatments. The majority of treatments are 

focused in the Madrean pine-oak woodlands (primarily 

burning) with some treatments occurring in piñon-juniper.

Management Approach for Grasslands: Management 

Approaches for Grasslands

The management approach is to maintain and improve 

grasslands by eliminating competing conifers, leaving 

woody debris scattered across the ground, stabilizing 

gullies to restore water tables, and reseeding with native 

species. Treatments are located in restorable and 

treatable grasslands, primarily in the Great Basin and 

semi-desert grassland PNVTs. Obliteration and 

rehabilitation of unauthorized roads and trails may be 

needed. There is an emphasis to provide enough grass 

to reduce topsoil loss and allow fire to spread and 

resume its role in maintaining grasslands. Pronghorn 

antelope is a management indicator species (MIS) for 

grassland restoration. The treatment objective listed 

above would contribute to their viability.

Management Actions for Overall Ecosystem Health: 

Restore watersheds through treatments to reestablish 

and then maintain natural fire regimes, improve riparian 

condition, restore meadows or openings, repair gullies, 

and reduce erosion. 

Management Actions for Soil: Restore areas by 

seeding, mulching, stabilization of gullies, and 

obliteration of unauthorized routes.

GD for RNA: Management measures should be used 

(e.g., fencing) to protect unique features.

Possible Management Actions for Vegetation 

Management: Work with the Arizona Game and Fish 

Department to address concerns about long term aspen 

reestablishment. Restore aspen by providing/improving 

substitute forage away from aspen, removing conifer 

competition, fencing to exclude ungulates, and range 
1290 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

management practices.

Possible Management Actions for Riparian Areas: 

Improve riparian conditions by removing non-riparian

species, planting or restoring native species, stabilizing 

or eliminating roads, encouraging beaver colonization, 

and constructing fencing. Treatments may include 

restoration of hardwood and cottonwood galleries, 

restoration of upland conditions by removing 

encroaching trees and/or reducing tree densities, and 

restoration of infrequent fire.

Management Actions for Riparian Areas: Riparian 

conditions may be improved by such techniques as 

removing non-riparian species, planting or restoring 

native species, stabilizing or eliminating roads, 

encouraging beaver colonization, or constructing fencing.

Management Actions for Riparian Areas: In high 

impact areas, partnerships may be formed to construct 

and maintain exclosure fencing.

Management Actions for Aspen: Aspen restoration 

efforts may include providing/improving substitute forage 

away from aspen, removing conifer competition, fencing 

to exclude ungulates, and range management practices 

(e.g., salt locations; herding; timing, intensity, frequency, 

and duration of livestock use).

GD for Aspen: To preclude concentrated herbivore 

impacts, new surface water development should not be 

constructed within proximity to aspen stands 

(approximately a quarter of a mile).

Vegetation MA1 Non-Sale Reforestation 

Guideline: 

In mixed conifer stands that contain 

aspen, encourage aspen regeneration as 

a minor stand component (less than 50% 

of total stocking) at the time of 

regeneration, through location of skid 

trails, landings, and temporary roads. 

Landscape Scale DC for Aspen: Areas of aspen occur 

and shift across the forested landscape. They are 

successfully regenerating and being recruited into older 

and larger size classes. Size classes have a natural 

distribution, with the greatest number of stems in the 

smaller size classes.

Mid-Scale DC for Aspen: Aspen may comprise 10 to 

100 percent of the area depending on disturbance (e.g., 

The intent of this Non-Sale 

Reforestation Guideline has been 

carried forward into the revised LMP 

in numerous places.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1291

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Page 106. fire, insects, silvicultural treatments) in multistoried 

patches.

OBJ for Aspen: Aspen dominated and codominated 

acres within forested PNVTs, representing a range of 

age classes, are maintained on at least 50,000 acres 

during the planning period.

GD for Aspen: Restoration of aspen clones should 

occur where aspen is overmature or in decline to 

maintain a sustainable presence of this species at the 

landscape level.

GD for Aspen: When managing for early seral states, 

competing conifers should be removed from aspen 

stands when needed to increase aspen longevity and 

increase diversity of aspen age classes.

GD for Aspen: Aspen restoration and retention efforts 

should include measures to ensure viability of aspen on 

the landscape.

Vegetation MA1 Timber Sale Guideline: Maintain 

the existing total acreage of aspen stands 

on the Forest. This may be done by 

eliminating existing stands and creating 

new ones to replace them, maintaining 

existing stands, or a combination of both. 

Page 108.

Landscape Scale DC for Aspen: Areas of aspen occur 

and shift across the forested landscape. They are 

successfully regenerating and being recruited into older 

and larger size classes. Size classes have a natural 

distribution, with the greatest number of stems in the 

smaller size classes.

Mid-Scale DC for Aspen: Aspen may comprise 10 to 

100 percent of the area depending on disturbance (e.g., 

fire, insects, silvicultural treatments) in multistoried 

patches.

OBJ for Aspen: Aspen dominated and codominated 

acres within forested PNVTs, representing a range of 

age classes, are maintained on at least 50,000 acres 

during the planning period.

GD for Aspen: Restoration of aspen clones should 

occur where aspen is overmature or in decline to 

maintain a sustainable presence of this species at the 

landscape level.

GD for Aspen: When managing for early seral states, 

The intent of this Timber Sale 

Guideline has been carried forward 

into the revised LMP.
1292 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

competing conifers should be removed from aspen 

stands when needed to increase aspen longevity and 

increase diversity of aspen age classes.

GD for Aspen: Aspen restoration and retention efforts 

should include measures to ensure viability of aspen on 

the landscape.

Vegetation MA1 Timber Sale Guideline: Manage 

aspen stands for a combination of timber, 

aesthetic and wildlife values. Aspen will 

be included in commercial timber sales to 

the extent needed to meet management 

objectives, including aspen regeneration. 

Page 108.

Management Actions for Forest Products: Timber

production and tree cutting are used to help achieve 

vegetation desired conditions, as well as contribute to 

the local and regional economy.

Management Actions for Forest Products: Tree 

cutting on lands not suitable for timber production may 

occur for such purposes as restoration, salvage, fuels 

management, insect and disease mitigation, protection 

or enhancement of biological diversity or wildlife habitat, 

research or administrative studies, or recreation 

consistent with other management direction.

Landscape Scale DC for Aspen: Areas of aspen occur 

and shift across the forested landscape. They are 

successfully regenerating and being recruited into older 

and larger size classes. Size classes have a natural 

distribution, with the greatest number of stems in the 

smaller size classes.

Mid-Scale DC for Aspen: Aspen may comprise 10 to 

100 percent of the area depending on disturbance (e.g., 

fire, insects, silvicultural treatments) in multistoried 

patches.

OBJ for Aspen: Aspen dominated and codominated 

acres within forested PNVTs, representing a range of 

age classes, are maintained on at least 50,000 acres 

during the planning period.

GD for Aspen: Restoration of aspen clones should 

occur where aspen is overmature or in decline to 

maintain a sustainable presence of this species at the 

landscape level.

GD for Aspen: When managing for early seral states, 

The intent of the revised LMP is to 

guide management efforts in the 

restoration and/or maintenance of 

ecosystems by maintaining or moving 

towards DCs. Sustainable supplies of 

resources such as timber, recreation, 

and forage are byproducts of healthy, 

functioning ecosystems.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1293

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

competing conifers should be removed from aspen 

stands when needed to increase aspen longevity and 

increase diversity of aspen age classes.

GD for Aspen: Aspen restoration and retention efforts 

should include measures to ensure viability of aspen on 

the landscape.

Vegetation MA1 Timber Sale Guideline: Clearcuts 

will be the preferred method of aspen 

regeneration. Conifers will be removed 

from regenerated aspen stands. Page 

108.

GD for Aspen: Restoration of aspen clones should 

occur where aspen is overmature or in decline to 

maintain a sustainable presence of this species at the 

landscape level.

GD for Aspen: When managing for early seral states, 

competing conifers should be removed from aspen 

stands when needed to increase aspen longevity and 

increase diversity of aspen age classes.

GD for Aspen: Aspen restoration and retention efforts 

should include measures to ensure viability of aspen on 

the landscape.

The intent of this Timber Sale 

Guideline has been carried forward 

into the revised LMP.

Vegetation MA1 Timber Sale Guideline: Natural 

regeneration with site preparation will be 

the only regeneration method for aspen. 

Page 108.

ST for All Forested PNVTs: On lands suitable for timber 

production, timber harvest and wildland fire intended to 

create openings for tree regeneration shall only be used 

when there is reasonable assurance of restocking within 

5 years after final regeneration harvest. Restocking level 

is prescribed in a site-specific silviculture prescription for 

a project treatment unit and is determined to be 

adequate depending on the objectives and desired 

conditions for the plan area. In some instances, such as 

when lands are harvested or prescribed burned to create 

or maintain openings for firebreaks and vistas, it is 

appropriate not to restock.

GD for All PNVTs: Wildland fires may be used to meet 

desired resource conditions, maintain or promote desired 

vegetation species, and enable natural fires to return to 

their historic role.

Management Actions for All Forested PNVTs: The 

use of wildland fire to burn large areas is expected to be 

an important tool to manage some aspen and insect and 

The intent of this Timber Sale 

Guideline has been expanded in the 

revised LMP to provide for more 

flexibility in the management of 

aspen.
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Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

disease populations. Uneven-aged management 

techniques are used primarily, and some even-aged 

management is used especially when managing species 

such as aspen and spruce.

Management Actions for Aspen: Where appropriate, 

aspen may be seeded, planted, or transplanted. Wildland 

fire, sometimes over large acreages, may be used for 

regeneration or maintenance of aspen. Management 

activities that kill or stress overstory trees (e.g., 

clearcutting, fire) may be used since they mimic natural 

disturbances and enhance aspen regeneration.

GD for Aspen: Restoration of aspen clones should 

occur where aspen is overmature or in decline to 

maintain a sustainable presence of this species at the 

landscape level.

GD for Aspen: When managing for early seral states, 

competing conifers should be removed from aspen 

stands when needed to increase aspen longevity and 

increase diversity of aspen age classes.

GD for Aspen: Aspen restoration and retention efforts 

should include measures to ensure viability of aspen on 

the landscape.

GD for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events: Where 

conifer seed sources are lost or poorly distributed and/or 

deciduous tree species are not adequately resprouting, 

artificial regeneration (e.g., planting, seeding) should be 

used to promote movement toward desired conditions, 

provided adequate site conditions exist.

Vegetation MA1 Timber Sale Guideline: 

The preferred site preparation method for 

aspen will be by prescribed broadcast 

burning. Page 108.

Management Actions for All Forested PNVTs: The 

use of wildland fire to burn large areas is expected to be 

an important tool to manage some aspen and insect and 

disease populations. Uneven-aged management 

techniques are used primarily, and some even-aged 

management is used especially when managing species 

such as aspen and spruce.

Management Actions for Aspen: Where appropriate, 

The intent of this Timber Sale 

Guideline has been expanded in the 

revised LMP to provide for more 

flexibility in the management of 

aspen.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1295

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

aspen may be seeded, planted, or transplanted. Wildland 

fire, sometimes over large acreages, may be used for 

regeneration or maintenance of aspen. Management 

activities that kill or stress overstory trees (e.g., 

clearcutting, fire) may be used since they mimic natural 

disturbances and enhance aspen regeneration.

Mid-Scale DC for Aspen: As an early seral species, 

aspen reproduction and recruitment benefit from low 

severity surface fires in association with ponderosa pine 

and dry mixed conifer forested PNVTs, and mixedseverity fires in association with wet mixed conifer and 

spruce-fir forested PNVTs.

Vegetation MA #1 STs and GDs, pg. 107:

Manage aspen stands under the evenaged system using the clearcut method. 

Aspen Regeneration TABLE. 

Table deleted. Replaced with: 

DCs for Forests: Aspen Landscape Scale: •Areas of 

aspen occur and shift across the forested landscape. 

They are successfully regenerating and being recruited 

into older and larger size classes. Size classes have a 

natural distribution, with the greatest number of stems in 

the smaller size classes. DCs for Forests: Aspen MidScale: •Aspen may comprise 10 to 100 percent of the 

area depending on disturbance (e.g., fire, insects, 

silvicultural treatments) in multistoried patches. •As an 

early seral species, aspen reproduction and recruitment 

benefit from low severity surface fires in association with 

ponderosa pine and dry mixed conifer forested PNVTs, 

and mixed-severity fires in association with wet mixed 

conifer and spruce-fir forested PNVTs. •Aspen may 

comprise 10 to 100 percent of the area depending on 

disturbance (e.g., fire, insects, silvicultural treatments) in 

multistoried patches. •As an early seral species, aspen 

reproduction and recruitment benefit from low severity 

surface fires in association with ponderosa pine and dry 

mixed conifer forested PNVTs, and mixed-severity fires 

in association with wet mixed conifer and spruce-fir 

forested PNVTs. OBJ for Forests: Aspen: •Aspen 

dominated and codominated acres within forested 

PNVTs, representing a range of age classes, are 

Specific aspen regeneration acreages 

listed by ranger district in the existing 

plan’s table are obsolete and too 

prescriptive for a programmatic forest 

plan. The revised plan directs 

maintaining a minimum of 50,000 

aspen acres during the planning 

period, but provides flexibility for 

managers to decide where this OBJ 

is best met at the project level, which 

also may include restoration of 

younger age classes if needed. New 

science focuses on aspen recruitment

which shows promise of reaching 

maturity, rather than on aspen 

regeneration which is too young or 

small to certify as established aspen 

that will reach maturity. New science 

also is showing that healthy aspen 

areas can develop into multiple-aged 

canopies (uneven-aged structure) 

when protected long-term from 

repeated ungulate browsing. Where 

appropriate, aspen may be seeded, 

planted, or transplanted. Wildland 
1296 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

maintained on at least 50,000 acres during the planning 

period. GDs for Forests: Aspen: •Restoration of aspen 

clones should occur where aspen is overmature or in 

decline to maintain a sustainable presence of this 

species at the landscape level. •Aspen restoration and 

retention efforts should include measures to ensure 

viability of aspen on the landscape.

fire, sometimes over large acreages, 

may be used for regeneration or 

maintenance of aspen. Even-aged 

management activities that kill or 

stress overstory trees (e.g., 

clearcutting, fire) may be used since 

they mimic natural disturbances and 

enhance aspen re-establishment.

Vegetation MA #1 STs & GDs, pg. 107: 

Silvicultural prescriptions will emphasize 

uneven-age management where 

possible. Even-age management may be 

used in special circumstances as 

determined through the IRM process.

Timber stands will generally be managed 

for timber production using uneven-aged 

systems. Shelterwood or clearcutting may 

be used for special purposes.

GDs for MSO Restricted Areas (MC 

and Pine- oak): Emphasize unevenaged management systems. However, 

both even-aged and uneven-aged 

systems may be used where appropriate 

to provide variation in existing stand 

structure and species diversity. Existing 

stand conditions will determine which 

system is appropriate.

Modified and Replaced with:

DCs for Overall Ecosystem Health Landscape Scale: 

•Natural ecological cycles (i.e., hydrologic, energy, 

nutrient) facilitate shifting of plant communities, structure, 

and ages across the landscape. Ecotone shifts are 

influenced at both the landscape and watershed scale by 

ecological processes. The mosaic of plant communities 

and the variety within the communities are resilient to 

disturbances. DCs for All PNVTs Landscape Scale: 

•Each PNVT contains a mosaic of vegetative conditions, 

densities, and structures. This mosaic occurs at a variety 

of scales across landscapes and watersheds. The 

distribution of physical and biological conditions is 

appropriate to the natural disturbance regimes affecting 

the area. •Diverse vegetation structure, species 

composition, densities, and seral states provide quality 

habitat for native and desirable nonnative plant and 

animal species throughout their life cycle and at multiple 

spatial scales. Landscapes provide for the full range of 

ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, including habitats 

for those species associated with late seral states and 

old growth. 

STs for Forests: All Forested PNVTs: •Regulated 

timber harvest activities shall occur only on those lands 

classified as suitable for timber production. •On lands 

suitable for timber production, even-aged stands shall 

have reached or surpassed culmination of mean annual 

increment (95 percent of culmination of mean annual 

increment of growth, as measured by cubic volume) prior 

MA #1 in the existing plan covers all 

forested lands outside of wilderness 

and other designations. For similar 

revised plan uneven-aged/ even-aged 

components for woodlands, see the 

MSO and NOGO items addressed 

elsewhere in this crosswalk, as well 

as those for old growth items.

To meet revised plan’s holistic DCs 

for diverse forest structure of multiple 

size classes and age classes, 

uneven-aged silviculture systems will 

be inherently required in most cases 

for frequent-fire forest/woodland 

PNVTs, except when responsible 

disease management, standreplacement disturbance events, or 

insect outbreaks dictate otherwise, as 

directed in the revised plan. 

Management Approach for all 

Forested PNVTs: 

Uneven-aged management 

techniques are used primarily, and 

some even-aged management is 

used especially when managing 

species such as aspen and spruce 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1297

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

to regeneration harvest, unless the following conditions 

have been identified during project development: (1) 

when such harvesting would assist in reducing fire 

hazard within the wildland-urban interface, or (2) when 

harvesting of stands will trend landscapes toward 

vegetation desired conditions (e.g., uneven-aged 

structure). •Harvesting systems shall be selected based 

on their ability to meet desired conditions and not strictly 

on their ability to provide the greatest dollar return. 

•Clearcutting shall be used only where it is the optimum 

method for meeting desired conditions. •If individual 

harvest openings created by even-aged silvicultural 

practices are proposed that would exceed 40 acres, then 

National Forest Management Act (NFMA) direction

regarding public notification and regional forester 

approval shall be followed. These requirements do not 

apply to the size of areas harvested because of natural 

catastrophic conditions such as, but not limited to, fire, 

insect and disease attacks, or windstorms. •On lands 

suitable for timber production, timber harvest activities 

shall only be used when there is reasonable assurance 

of restocking within 5 years after final regeneration 

harvest. This also applies where wildland fire is used to 

create openings for tree regeneration purposes on 

suitable timber lands. Restocking level is prescribed in a 

site specific silvicultural prescription for a project 

treatment unit and is determined to be adequate 

depending on the objectives and desired conditions for 

the plan area. In some instances, such as when lands 

are harvested or prescribed burned to create openings 

for firebreaks and vistas or to prevent encroaching trees, 

it is appropriate not to restock.

GDs for Forests: All Forested PNVTs

•On single species dominated sites, uneven-aged 

management may be used where less than 20 percent of 

the host tree species—or less than 25 percent of the 

area—is infected by dwarf mistletoe. Thinning and 

(as is appropriate to these species’ 

silvics). Even-aged treatments may 

also be applied in the short term for 

forest health concerns (e.g., heavy 

dwarf mistletoe infections) to facilitate 

a transition to uneven-aged 

management.

Management Approaches for 

Forest Products: 

Timber production and tree cutting 

are used to help achieve vegetation 

desired conditions, as well as 

contribute to the local and regional 

economy. Uneven-aged silvicultural 

systems are emphasized and evenaged systems are used where 

appropriate. Tree cutting on lands not 

suitable for timber production may 

occur for such purposes as 

restoration, salvage, fuels 

management, insect and disease 

mitigation, protection or enhancement 

of biological diversity or wildlife 

habitat, research or administrative 

studies, or recreation consistent with 

other management direction.

The concept of timber stands is 

retained in the revised plan, but is 

further modified to clarify that 

assemblages of uneven-aged tree 

groups at the fine to mid scales can 

comprise a stand. The IRM 

(Integrated Resource Management) 
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Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

under-burning may be used to keep dwarf mistletoe 

levels from increasing. Even-aged management or 

deferral should be considered when greater than 20 

percent of the host species, or 25 percent of the area, is 

infected with dwarf mistletoe. •On single species 

dominated sites, thinning should not be attempted where 

more than 80 percent of the host species—or 90 percent 

of the area—is infected with dwarf mistletoe. 

Regeneration and/or deferral may be used in these 

cases. However, in the Community-Forest Intermix

Management Area additional treatment options may be 

used. •On mixed species dominated sites, even-aged 

management or deferral should be used instead of 

uneven-aged management where more than 50 percent 

of conifer trees (excluding white fir) are infected by dwarf 

mistletoe. •Where a seed cut treatment (even-aged 

method to promote natural seedling establishment) is 

applied for dwarf mistletoe control, it should be followed 

within 10 years of seedling establishment by a final 

removal treatment or other effective means to prevent 

further infection. DC for Forests: PP Landscape Scale: 

•The ponderosa pine forest is a mosaic of structural 

states ranging from young to old trees. Forest structure 

is variable but uneven-aged and open in appearance. 

Sporadic areas of even-aged structure may be present 

on 10 percent or less of the landscape to provide 

structural diversity. DC for Forests: PP Mid-Scale: •The 

tree group mosaic comprises an uneven-aged forest with 

all age classes, size classes, and structural stages 

present. Occasionally, patches of even-aged forest 

structure are present (less than 50 acres). Disturbances 

sustain the overall age and structural distribution. DC for 

Forests: DMC Landscape Scale: •The dry mixed 

conifer forest is a mosaic of conditions composed of 

structural states ranging from young to old trees. Forest 

structure and density are similar to ponderosa pine 

forest. Forest appearance is variable but uneven-aged 

and open. Sporadic areas of even-aged structure may be 

process is obsolete terminology, but 

is still accomplished through the 

interdisciplinary NEPA process.

Other terminology in the revised plan 

such as “multiple-stories” or “multiple 

canopy layers” also usually describes 

uneven-aged conditions, while 

“single-storied” can describe evenaged. See revised plan’s Glossary

for definitions of “Even-aged” and 

“Uneven-aged”.

Also see Desired Conditions for Use 

in Forest Planning in the 

Southwestern Region: Development 

and Science Basis (USDA, 2013).
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1299

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

present on 10 percent or less of the landscape to provide 

structural diversity. DC for Forests: DMC Mid-Scale: 

•The mosaic of tree groups is composed of uneven-aged 

forest. All age classes and structural stages are present. 

Occasionally, there are small patches (less than 50 

acres) of even-aged forest present. Disturbances sustain 

the overall age and structural distribution. DC for 

Forests: WMC Landscape Scale: •The wet mixed 

conifer forest is a mosaic of structural stages and seral 

states ranging from young to old trees. The landscape 

arrangement is an assemblage of variably-sized and 

aged groups and patches of trees and other vegetation 

associations similar to reference conditions. DC for 

Forests: WMC Mid-Scale: •The size and number of 

groups and patches vary depending on disturbance, 

elevation, soil type, aspect, and site productivity. Patch 

sizes vary but are frequently hundreds of acres and 

rarely thousands of acres. Groups of tens of acres or 

less are relatively common. There is a mosaic of 

primarily even-aged groups and patches, which vary in 

size, species composition, and age. •Uneven-aged 

groups and patches, comprising about 20 percent of this 

PNVT, provide for species such as the black bear and 

red-faced warbler that need multistoried canopies with 

dense low- to mid-canopy layers. DC for Forests: SF 

Mid- Scale: 

•The size and number of groups and patches vary 

depending on disturbance, elevation, soil type, aspect, 

and site productivity. Patch sizes vary but are mostly 

hundreds of acres and rarely thousands of acres. There 

may be frequent small disturbances resulting in groups 

of tens of acres or less. A mosaic of primarily even-aged 

groups and patches, which vary in size, species 

composition, and age, is present. Grass, forb, and shrub 

openings created by disturbances may comprise 10 to 

100 percent of the area depending on time since 

disturbances. Aspen is occasionally present in large 
1300 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

patches.

•Uneven-aged groups and patches, comprising about 20 

percent of this PNVT, provide for species such as the 

MacGillivray’s warbler and Swainson’s thrush that need 

multistoried canopies with dense low- to mid-canopy 

layers. 

DC for Forests: Aspen - Landscape Scale -

•Areas of aspen occur and shift across the forested 

landscape. They are successfully regenerating and being 

recruited into older and larger size classes. Size classes 

have a natural distribution, with the greatest number of 

stems in the smaller size classes.

Plan Appendix B. Vegetation Conditions and 

Management Practices Table 14 displays silvicultural 

systems and management practices appropriate for 

meeting desired PNVT species composition, forest 

structure, and function. 

Vegetation Forest-wide STs & GDs + MA #1 STs & 

GDs, pgs. 68, 111, and 153: Harvest of 

miscellaneous forest products, such as 

Christmas trees, posts, poles, etc., will be 

planned to meet integrated management 

goals.

Replaced with:

DC for All PNVTS Landscape Scale: •Vegetation 

provides products—such as wood fiber or forage—to 

help meet local and regional needs in a manner that is 

consistent with other desired conditions on a sustainable 

basis within the capacity of the land. OBJ for Forests: 

All Forested PNVTs: •Annually, treat 5,000 to 35,000 

acres to reduce tree densities, restore natural fire 

regimes, promote species habitat and ecosystem health, 

reduce fire hazard, maintain desired conditions, initiate 

recovery from uncharacteristic disturbance, and provide 

forest products, leaving a desired mix of species with the 

range of desired densities that are resilient to changing 

climatic conditions. DCs for Forest Products: •The 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs provide a sustainable supply of 

forest products (e.g., small roundwood, sawlogs, 

biomass, firewood, cones, Christmas trees, wildlings) to 

businesses and individuals within the capability of the 

land. •The collection of live plants, mushrooms, and 

Forest products include wood (timber, 

biomass, firewood) and special forest 

products. Special forest products 

include floral greenery, Christmas 

trees and boughs, mushrooms, 

wildlings (transplanted trees, shrubs, 

or herbaceous plants), cones, 

medicinal plants, cuttings, herbs, 

nuts, berries, and decorative wood. 

When cut on suitable timberlands, 

miscellaneous forest products like 

poles sold by permit are included in 

the total annual CCF wood volume 

objective in the revised plan.

Wood products are viewed in the 

revised plan as a secondary benefit 

of treatments that are intended to 

restore the forests’ ecological 

composition, structure, and function 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1301

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

other forest products does not impact species 

persistence onsite. OBJ for Forest Products:

•Annually, prepare and offer up to an average of 122,000 

CCF from suitable timberlands resulting from sustainable 

harvest to provide wood products to businesses and 

individuals. •Annually, provide up to 94,000 CCF 

(119,380 cords) of firewood for personal and commercial 

use. •Annually, provide an average of 5,000 permits for 

Christmas trees. ST for Forest Products: 

•Authorizations to cut, collect, or use forest products for 

any personal, commercial, or scientific purpose (i.e., 

permits, contracts, agreements) shall include provisions 

to ensure the needs of wildlife, which depend upon those 

forest products, will continue to be met (e.g., fungi and 

cone collection with respect to overwinter forage needs 

of squirrels). GD for Forest Products: •Permits issued 

for forest products should include stipulations to protect 

resources.

to a healthier, resilient condition. 

Timber production and tree cutting 

are used to help achieve vegetation 

desired conditions, as well as 

contribute to the local and regional 

economy. Tree cutting on lands not 

suitable for timber production may 

occur for such purposes as 

restoration, salvage, fuels 

management, insect and disease 

mitigation, protection or enhancement 

of biological diversity or wildlife 

habitat, research or administrative 

studies, or recreation consistent with 

other management direction. Other 

desired forest products, such as 

house logs, are available through 

permits or small sales. Areas may be 

identified for forest product removal 

(e.g., Christmas tree, firewood). 

Woody biomass not removed by 

project operations may be made 

available to meet public or industry 

needs. Plan direction and 

interdisciplinary input are used to 

develop additional project specific 

and/or resource specific conditions to 

be included in all forest product 

permits and contracts issued. 

A variety of partnerships and 

authorities are used for making forest 

products available to forest users 

(e.g., procurement contracts, 

stewardship contracts, forest 

products permits). The forests also 

use the Tribal Forest Protection Act to 

collaboratively work with adjacent 
1302 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

tribal governments to carry out 

restoration projects. Tribes culturally 

affiliated with lands on the ApacheSitgreaves NFs may gather trees, 

portions of trees, or forest products

free of charge for noncommercial 

traditional and cultural purposes. The 

gathering of forest products or 

temporary closures of forest lands 

may occur for traditional and cultural 

purposes if requested by a tribe. 

These activities are authorized by 

USC Title 25 Indians, Chapter 32A 

Cultural and Heritage Cooperation 

Authority, Sections 3051-3057.

Vegetation MA #1 and MA #9, pgs. 112 & 153:

Forest Insect and Disease Management

Reduce loss of timber production through 

the control of root rots.

1) In root rot centers, salvage dead and 

dying trees during scheduled harvests.

2) Remove susceptible trees within 1 to 2 

chains of the border of the center.

3) Do not invest in the thinning or planting 

in an infection center.

Replaced with:

DC for Overall Ecosystem Health Landscape Scale: 

•Ecological components (e.g., soil, vegetation, water) are 

resilient to disturbances including human activities and 

natural ecological disturbances (e.g., fire, drought, wind, 

insects, disease, pathogens). DCs for All PNVTs

Landscape Scale: •The vegetative conditions and 

functions are resilient to the frequency, extent, and 

severity of disturbances (e.g., fire, insects and disease, 

flood, climate change, management activities). The 

landscape is a functioning ecosystem that contains all its 

components and processes. •Insect and disease 

populations are at endemic levels with occasional 

outbreaks. A variety of seral states usually restricts the 

scale of localized insect and disease outbreaks. ST for 

All PNVTs: •Vegetation treatments shall include 

measures to reduce the potential for introduction of 

invasive plants and animals and damage from nonnative 

insects and diseases. GD for All PNVTs: •Insect and 

disease infected trees should be removed to prevent 

spread beyond endemic levels.

GDs for Forests: All Forested PNVTs: •Tree species 

MA #9 was not carried forward in the 

revised plan, because is now 

included with wilderness.

Science continues to evolve 

regarding detailed management 

prescriptions for root diseases, which 

thus have been deleted. Forest 

Pathologists provide the most current, 

best available science as treatment 

recommendations to Silviculturists at 

the project and activity level. The 

revised plan further defines endemic

levels of native diseases and 

recognizes that in that status they 

perform a natural role in the 

ecosystem that may help meet some 

revised plan DCs.

The PNVTs (see specific PNVTs and 

revised plan appendix B) are 

validated at the project or activity 

level for application of plan desired 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1303

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

that are less susceptible to root disease should be 

retained within areas of root disease infection to reduce 

spread of disease. 

DC for Forests: WMC Fine-Scale and Spruce-Fir Fine 

Scale: •Small openings are present as a result of 

disturbances (e.g., wind, disease). 

GD for Woodlands: All Woodland PNVTs: •Tree 

species that are less susceptible to root disease should 

be retained within areas of root disease infection to 

reduce spread of disease. GD for Community-Forest 

Intermix: •To reduce fire hazard and spread of insects 

and disease onto adjacent lands, slash should be treated 

(e.g., removal, pull back, relocation, burned) as soon as 

possible. Chapter 5. Monitoring Strategy: Are insect 

and disease populations within reference conditions? Are 

their population levels compatible with achieving 

vegetation desired conditions and management 

approaches? Appendix A. Climate Change and 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Planning: 

Numerous considerations listed for native and nonnative 

diseases and pathogens.

conditions.

Timber production and tree cutting 

are used to help achieve vegetation 

desired conditions, as well as 

contribute to the local and regional 

economy. Tree cutting on lands not 

suitable for timber production may 

occur for such purposes as 

restoration, salvage, fuels 

management, insect and disease 

mitigation, protection or enhancement 

of biological diversity or wildlife 

habitat, research or administrative 

studies, or recreation consistent with 

other management direction.

As treatments are planned, forest 

managers consider native species 

resiliency in order to avoid loss of 

genetic diversity, including the 

widespread elimination of a particular 

native woody species and/or certain 

genotypes/phenotypes of any 

species. Managers also consider the 

impacts of insects and disease. 

Appropriate cutting methods and/or 

fire are used to manage mistletoe and 

other insect and disease infestations. 

The use of wildland fire to burn large 

areas is expected to be an important 

tool to manage some aspen and 

insect and disease populations. 

Native tree and shrub planting follows 

plan guidelines for individual forested 

and woodland PNVTs. To ensure 

their persistence, there is a focus on

reintroduction of fire, protection of 
1304 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

tree regeneration, treatment of 

insects and disease, or adjustment of 

management actions as needed.

Vegetation MA #1 and MA #9, pgs.112 & 155:

Reduce loss of timber production to dwarf 

mistletoes through silvicultural controls.

1) No live trees will be left as potential 

snags if they are infected with dwarf 

mistletoe unless they are girdled or 

poisoned.

2) No live dwarf mistletoe infected 

overstory trees, including those used as 

seed sources will be left in areas with 

established regeneration

Replaced with:

DC for Overall Ecosystem Health Landscape Scale: 

•Ecological components (e.g., soil, vegetation, water) are 

resilient to disturbances including human activities and 

natural ecological disturbances (e.g., fire, drought, wind, 

insects, disease, pathogens). DCs for All PNVTs

Landscape Scale: •The vegetative conditions and 

functions are resilient to the frequency, extent, and 

severity of disturbances (e.g., fire, insects and disease, 

flood, climate change, management activities). The 

landscape is a functioning ecosystem that contains all its 

components and processes. •Insect and disease 

populations are at endemic levels with occasional 

outbreaks. A variety of seral states usually restricts the 

scale of localized insect and disease outbreaks. ST for 

All PNVTs: •Vegetation treatments shall include 

measures to reduce the potential for introduction of 

invasive plants and animals and damage from nonnative 

insects and diseases. GD for All PNVTs: •Insect and 

disease infected trees should be removed to prevent 

spread beyond endemic levels. GDs for Forests: All 

Forested PNVTs: •On single species dominated sites, 

uneven-aged management may be used where less than 

20 percent of the host tree species—or less than 25 

percent of the area—is infected by dwarf mistletoe. 

Thinning and under-burning may be used to keep dwarf 

mistletoe levels from increasing. Even-aged 

management or deferral should be considered when 

greater than 20 percent of the host species, or 25 

percent of the area, is infected with dwarf mistletoe. •On 

single species dominated sites, thinning should not be 

attempted where more than 80 percent of the host 

species—or 90 percent of the area—is infected with 

dwarf mistletoe. Regeneration and/or deferral may be 

MA #9 was not carried forward in the 

revised plan, because is now 

included with wilderness.

Science has shown that dwarf 

mistletoe-diseased young trees 

(spread to them from other infected 

host trees above or near them) often 

do not live to reach maturity, and can 

be a forest or woodland sustainability 

issue, which is better addressed in 

the revised plan’s direction using 

best, most recent science.

Appropriate cutting methods, 

regeneration, and/or fire would be 

used to accomplish vegetation 

treatment objectives and to manage 

dwarf mistletoe and other insect and 

disease infestations. Possible 

vegetation management practices are 

identified in revised Plan “Appendix 

B. Vegetation Management 

Practices.”

From revised plan’s All Forested 

PNVTs Management Approach:

“Even-aged treatments may be 

applied in the short term for forest 

health concerns (e.g., heavy dwarf 

mistletoe infections) to facilitate a 

transition to uneven-aged 

management.”
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Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

used in these cases. However, in the Community-Forest 

Intermix Management Area additional treatment options 

may be used. •On mixed species dominated sites, evenaged management or deferral should be used instead of 

uneven-aged management where more than 50 percent 

of conifer trees (excluding white fir) are infected by dwarf 

mistletoe. •When thinning dwarf mistletoe infected sites, 

as much mistletoe should be removed as possible 

without sacrificing the healthiest, most desirable trees for 

the particular site (in some situations, this may involve 

retaining some trees in the upper canopy that are lightly 

infected to meet multiple resource objectives). •Where a 

seed cut treatment (even-aged method to promote 

natural seedling establishment) is applied for dwarf 

mistletoe control, it should be followed within 10 years of 

seedling establishment by a final removal treatment or 

other effective means to prevent further infection.

GDs for Community-Forest Intermix: •Where more 

than 80 percent of the host species or 90 percent of the 

area is infected with dwarf mistletoe (if regeneration or 

deferred treatment is not feasible), then thinning from 

below and/or prescribed fire should be used as needed 

for fire hazard reduction. •To reduce fire hazard and 

spread of insects and disease onto adjacent lands, slash 

should be treated (e.g., removal, pull back, relocation, 

burned) as soon as possible. Chapter 5. Monitoring 

Strategy: Are insect and disease populations within 

reference conditions? Are their population levels 

compatible with achieving vegetation desired conditions 

and management approaches? Appendix A. Climate 

Change and Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land 

Management Planning: Numerous considerations listed 

for native and nonnative diseases and pathogens.

Also see Conklin and Fairweather, 

May 2010: Dwarf Mistletoes and their 

Management in the Southwest 

(especially Section 3a. - National 

Forest plans)

Vegetation MA #1 and MA #9: Bark Beetles, pgs. 

112 & 155:

Reduce ponderosa pine stands’ 

susceptibility to attack by IPS [sic] 

Replaced with:

DC for Overall Ecosystem Health Landscape Scale: 

•Ecological components (e.g., soil, vegetation, water) are 

resilient to disturbances including human activities and 

Dozens more bark beetle species are 

now active across the ASNFs in 

addition to just the three listed in the 

existing plan. Prevention/control/ 
1306 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

beetles.

1) Do not carry out slash creating 

activities on the same area for 2 or more 

consecutive years.

2) Maximize utilization of all trees cut 

during silvicultural treatments.

3) Treat slash in low elevation pine 

stands to make it unfavorable beetle 

habitat.

4) In precommercial thinning projects in 

low elevation pine, cut trees only during 

the period of July 1 through December 

31.Reduce mixed conifer stands’

susceptibility to attack by Douglas fir 

beetle.

1) Harvest over mature stands first 

consistent with other resource objectives.

2) Remove harvested logs within 1 year 

of felling.

3) Thin stands periodically to maintain 

vigor.

Reduce susceptibility of Engelmann 

Spruce stands to Engelmann bark beetle.

1) Schedule over mature stands for 

harvest first, subject to other resource 

objectives.

Remove defective, unsound, unhealthy 

trees during regeneration harvests.

2) Salvage wind-thrown trees as soon as 

possible.

3) Treat all green spruce slash over 6 

inches DIB to make it unsuitable for bark 

beetle habitat. 

natural ecological disturbances (e.g., fire, drought, wind, 

insects, disease, pathogens). DCs for All PNVTs

Landscape Scale: •The vegetative conditions and 

functions are resilient to the frequency, extent, and 

severity of disturbances (e.g., fire, insects and disease, 

flood, climate change, management activities). The 

landscape is a functioning ecosystem that contains all its 

components and processes. •Insect and disease 

populations are at endemic levels with occasional 

outbreaks. A variety of seral states usually restricts the 

scale of localized insect and disease outbreaks. ST for 

All PNVTs: •Vegetation treatments shall include 

measures to reduce the potential for introduction of 

invasive plants and animals and damage from nonnative 

insects and diseases. GD for All PNVTs: •Insect and 

disease infected trees should be removed to prevent 

spread beyond endemic levels. •Green slash and decked 

logs should be managed, in a timely manner, to make 

them unfavorable bark beetle habitat. •Project 

implementation should include bark beetle monitoring 

within and adjacent to all active slash-creating projects to 

help prevent beetle outbreak. GDs for CommunityForest Intermix: •To reduce fire hazard and spread of 

insects and disease onto adjacent lands, slash should be 

treated (e.g., removal, pull back, relocation, burned) as 

soon as possible. Chapter 5. Monitoring Strategy: Are 

insect and disease populations within reference 

conditions? Are their population levels compatible with 

achieving vegetation desired conditions and 

management approaches? Appendix A. Climate 

Change and Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land 

Management Planning: Numerous considerations listed 

for native and nonnative insects, including bark beetles. 

management recommendations for 

each beetle species and host tree 

species are much too detailed to 

include in a programmatic forest plan.

Site specific beetle population levels 

(endemic versus epidemic) are best 

addressed with actions at the projectlevel, as advised by forest 

Entomologists, which can vary from 

one year to the next. Only general 

beetle direction is included in the 

revised plan, with the caveat that all 

projects and actions should move the 

area toward plan DCs for forest and 

woodland sustainability and restored 

natural role of beetles in the 

ecosystem.

Revised plan Management 

Approach for All PNVTs: Managers 

consider the impacts of insects and 

disease. Appropriate cutting methods 

and/or fire are used to manage 

mistletoe and other insect and 

disease infestations. Large project 

areas (generally larger than 500 to 

1,000 acres) creating green slash for 

2 or more consecutive years are 

generally spaced over 2 miles apart 

from each other to help prevent bark 

beetle population buildup. To further 

reduce bark beetle occurrence, 

managers attempt to effectively treat 

slash within approximately 30 days of 

slash creation.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1307

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Vegetation MA #1 and MA #9, pgs. 112 & 155:

Reduce the amount of wood volume lost 

to stem decays.

1) Remove infected, unsound and 

defective trees at the first opportunity.

2) Strictly enforce all contractual 

provisions that will minimize wounding of 

residual trees during logging.

Replaced with: 

GD for All PNVTs: •During project design and 

implementation, precautions should be taken to reduce

the potential for damage to residual vegetation in order 

to prevent premature or excessive mortality. 

GD for Forests: All Forested PNVTs: •Where a sitespecific analysis indicates the need to reduce fire-kill of 

desired residual trees, fuel continuity and/or loading 

should be reduced before use of prescribed fire.

GD for Forests: Aspen: •Aspen restoration and 

retention efforts should include measures to ensure 

viability of aspen on the landscape.

GD for Forest Products: •Permits issued for forest 

products should include stipulations to protect resources.

Although stem decays in some 

conifer species can be a concern, this 

plan content was modified in the 

revised plan for Aspen in particular, 

because this species is most 

susceptible to stem decays as a 

result of bark/bole wounding by any 

form of physical damage, including 

logging equipment and prescribed 

fire. Once introduced, stem decays 

often cause mature tree mortality, 

and/or prevent younger trees from 

reaching maturity. Loss of wood 

volume has become less a concern 

than loss of desired conditions that 

trees provide (i.e. not sustainable). 

Plan direction and interdisciplinary 

input are used to develop additional 

project specific and/or resource 

specific conditions to be included in 

all forest product permits and 

contracts issued.

Vegetation Forest-wide STs & GDs + MA #1 STs & 

GDs, pgs. 86 and 113: 

Road Maintenance and Management, 

Timber Sale Preparation and 

Administration 

Road densities should be planned to 

economically balance road costs and 

skidding costs. Permanent road densities 

should average 3.5 miles/square mile or 

less, unless topography dictates higher 

densities to economically remove the 

timber. Also, open road densities after 

Timber sale activities cease should 

Deleted. Replaced with:

DCs for Overall Ecosystem Health, Landscape Scale: 

•Healthy ecosystems provide a wide range of ecosystem 

services. •Watersheds exhibit high geomorphic, 

hydrologic, and biotic integrity relative to their natural 

potential condition. OBJ for Overall Ecosystem Health 

- During the planning period, improve the condition class 

on at least 10 priority 6th level HUC watersheds by 

removing or mitigating degrading factors2. 2Degrading 

factors include, but are not limited to, actions that cause 

or maintain high departure from historic vegetation 

conditions, unsatisfactory or impaired soil condition, 

nonfunctioning riparian areas, impaired species habitat, 

occurrence of invasive species, and unstable road and 

trail conditions. GD for Soil -Projects with groundRoad and skidding cost 

considerations for timber operations 

were included in the final 

determination of Suitable 

Timberlands, as mapped in the plan 

revision EIS. 

The rigid and/or arbitrary road 

densities stated per square mile in 

the existing plan may not be 

appropriate forest-wide. They were 

intended as a de-facto measure to 

reduce road-related impacts to soils, 

waters, vegetation, recreation quality, 

and wildlife/fish habitat. The revised 

plan provides managers flexibility to 
1308 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

average 2.0 mi/sq. mi. or less. disturbing activities should be designed to minimize long 

and short term impacts to soil resources. Where 

disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and 

water conservation practices should be developed. GD 

for Water Resources - Projects with ground-disturbing 

activities should be designed to minimize long and short 

term impacts to water resources. Where disturbance 

cannot be avoided, project specific soil and water 

conservation practices and best management practices 

(BMPs) should be developed.

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants - Constructed features 

should be maintained to support the purpose(s) for which 

they were built. Constructed features should be removed 

when no longer needed.

GD for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events -

Erosion control mitigation features should be 

implemented to protect significant resource values and 

infrastructure such as stream channels, roads, 

structures, threatened and endangered species, and 

cultural resources. 

DCs for Motorized Opportunities: •A maintained road 

and motorized trail system is in place and provides for 

safety and access for the use (e.g., recreation, minerals, 

vegetation treatment, fire protection) of the ApacheSitgreaves NFs. •Users have opportunities for motorized 

access and travel on a system of designated NFS roads, 

NFS motorized trails, and motorized areas25. 25The 

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs will designate NFS roads, NFS 

motorized trails, and motorized areas through a separate 

travel management analysis. •The transportation system 

provides a variety of recreation opportunities including 

varying degrees of difficulty, from OHV trails to paved 

scenic byways, while limiting resource and/or user 

conflicts. •NFS roads, motorized trails, and motorized 

areas are easily identified on the ground (e.g., wellmarked). •The road and trail system is accessible from 

local communities, State, county, and local public roads 

determine site-specific road 

densities/management appropriate 

for the resource conditions and 

transportation needs within any 

project area.

It provides for protection & 

management of healthy/ sustainable 

soils, watersheds, and wildlife 

connectivity, which are the primary 

resource concerns associated with 

national forest system roads and 

motorized trails. 

The revised plan also provides the 

framework to guide future changes to 

the transportation system. Once the 

final decision of this plan has been 

made, potential changes to the 

forests’ transportation system will be 

evaluated under this framework and 

through implementation of the Travel 

Management Rule (36 CFR § 212) as 

required by Executive Order 11644. 

That analysis will consider potential 

resource impacts, access needs, 

public input, and alternative views 

rather than setting an arbitrary road 

density target.

Site specific open road density and 

temporary road construction needed 

for timber/thinning operations should 

to be determined at the project level 

to meet revised plan’s DCs, OBJs, 

STs, and Suitability direction for each 

revised plan MA and PNVT the 

project area occupies, per revised 

plan’s definitions of system roads, 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1309

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

and trails. •The location and design of roads and trails 

does not impede wildlife and fish movement.

OBJ for Motorized Opportunities: •Annually, maintain 

at least 20 percent of the passenger vehicle and 10 

percent of the high-clearance vehicle NFS roads. STs 

for Motorized Opportunities: •Temporary road 

construction shall minimize the impacts to resource 

values and facilitate road rehabilitation. Temporary roads 

shall be rehabilitated following completion of the 

activities for which they were constructed. •Road 

maintenance and construction activities shall be 

designed to reduce sediment (e.g., water bars, sediment 

traps, grade dips) while first providing for user safety. 

GDs for Motorized Opportunities: •New roads or 

motorized trails should be located to avoid Mexican 

spotted owl protected activity centers, northern goshawk 

post-fledging family areas, and other wildlife areas as 

identified; seasonal restrictions may be an option. •New 

roads, motorized trails, or designated motorized areas 

should be located to avoid meadows, wetlands, seeps, 

springs, riparian areas, stream bottoms, sacred sites, 

and areas with high concentrations of significant 

archaeological sites. The number of stream crossings 

should be minimized or mitigated to reduce impacts to 

aquatic species. •As projects occur in riparian or wet 

meadow areas, unneeded roads or motorized trails 

should be closed or relocated, drainage restored, and 

native vegetation reestablished to move these areas 

toward their desired condition. •As projects occur, roads 

or motorized trails that contribute to negative impacts on 

cultural resources should be closed or relocated. 

•As projects occur, redundant roads or motorized trails 

should be removed to reduce degradation of natural 

resources. •Roads and motorized trails removed from 

the transportation network should be treated in order to 

avoid future risk to hydrologic function and aquatic 

habitat. •Roads and motorized trails should be designed 

temporary roads, & unauthorized 

roads.

Approval of temporary road 

construction is contingent on the 

completion of an environmental 

analysis that addresses road 

construction and road obliteration, 

including setting timelines.

When routes are removed from the 

transportation system, follow-up 

treatments may include outsloping 

roadbeds, removing stream crossing 

structures, breaching drainage 

ditches, removing unstable fills, 

maintaining or restoring fish passage, 

and removing invasive weeds. 

Measures (e.g., education, signage, 

law enforcement, seasonal road 

closures) are used to discourage 

encroachment of motorized vehicles 

into nonmotorized areas and to 

protect wildlife, infrastructure, and 

other resources. Emphasis is placed 

on reducing user conflict and 

resource damage. Resource damage 

from vehicle use is rehabilitated as 

soon as possible.
1310 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

and located so as to not impede terrestrial and aquatic 

species movement and connectivity. •As projects occur, 

existing meadow crossings should be relocated or 

redesigned, as needed, to maintain or restore hydrologic 

function using appropriate tools such as French drains 

and elevated culverts. •After management activities 

occur in areas with high potential for cross-country 

motorized vehicle use, methods (e.g., barriers, signing) 

should be used to control unauthorized motorized use. 

GDs for Natural Landscape MA: •Limited cross-country 

motorized vehicle use may be authorized for 

administrative purposes. •Temporary road construction 

and motorized equipment may be used in order to 

achieve ecological desired conditions.

Chapter 4, Table 10. Suitability for new designated 

motorized areas, NFS roads, NFS motorized trails, 

and temporary road construction on the ApacheSitgreaves NFs: NFS roads and Temporary road

construction is suitable for the following revised plan 

MAs: General Forest, Community-Forest Intermix, High 

Use Developed Recreation Area, Energy Corridor, Wild 

Horse Territory. Temporary road construction is also 

suitable for the following revised plan MAs: Wildlife Quiet 

Area, Natural Landscape. NFS Roads/Temp roads are 

also suitable in Eligible or suitable wild and scenic river 

corridor segments not classified as wild (FSH 1909.12 

Chapter 82.51); and in Areas with high concentration of 

significant archaeological or historic sites, only where 

construction or rerouting of a NFS road or motorized trail 

will protect and/or reduce impacts to cultural resource 

values.

Vegetation MA 2 Woodland Management 

Emphasis: 

Emphasize fuelwood production, wildlife 

habitat, watershed condition, and 

livestock grazing. Other resources are 

managed in harmony with the 

Landscape Scale DC for Overall Ecosystem Health: 

Ecological conditions for habitat quality, distribution, and 

abundance contribute to self-sustaining populations of 

native and desirable nonnative plants and animals that 

are healthy, well distributed, connected, and genetically 

diverse. Conditions provide for the life history, 

The revised LMP provides direction 

for fuelwood harvest, wildlife habitat 

within the woodland PNVTs, and 

managed livestock grazing, and 

meets the intent of this provision.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1311

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

emphasized resources. Page 116. distribution, and natural population fluctuations of the 

species within the capability of the landscape.

Landscape Scale DC for Overall Ecosystem Health: 

Large blocks of habitat are interconnected, allowing for 

behavioral and predator-prey interactions, and the 

persistence of metapopulations and highly interactive 

wildlife species across the landscape. Ecological

connectivity extends through all plant communities.

Landscape Scale DC for Overall Ecosystem Health: 

Habitat configuration and availability allows wildlife 

populations to adjust their movements (e.g., seasonal 

migration, foraging) in response to climate change and 

promote genetic flow between wildlife populations.

Landscape Scale DC for All PNVTs: Vegetation 

provides products—such as wood fiber or forage—to 

help meet local and regional needs in a manner that is 

consistent with other desired conditions on a sustainable 

basis within the capacity of the land.

Mid-Scale DC for All PNVTs: Vegetative ground cover 

(herbaceous vegetation and litter) is optimized to protect 

and enrich soils and promote water infiltration. There is a 

diverse mix of cool and warm season grasses and 

desirable forbs species.

Fine Scale DC for All PNVTs: Herbaceous vegetation 

amount and structure (e.g., plant density, height, litter, 

seed heads) provides habitat to support wildlife and prey 

species.

GD for All Woodlands: Treatments should leave single 

or small groups of medium to large native trees that are 

widely spaced with expanses of herbaceous vegetation 

and coarse woody debris to provide for soil productivity, 

traditional uses (e.g., piñon nut gathering), and wildlife 

needs such as foraging habitat for migratory birds (e.g., 

black-throated gray warbler, piñon jay) and other birds.

GD for All Woodlands: Hiding cover, approach cover 

(by waters), and travel corridor cover should be provided 
1312 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

where needed by wildlife.

Mid-scale DC for MPO: Some large patches in the 

Madrean pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have 

multiple age classes, large trees, and old growth-like 

characteristics (e.g., numerous snags, large coarse 

woody debris) in order to provide for wildlife such as 

Mexican spotted owl and black bear, that need denser 

habitat.

DC for Forest Products: The Apache-Sitgreaves NFs 

provide a sustainable supply of forest products (e.g., 

small roundwood, sawlogs, biomass, firewood, cones, 

Christmas trees, wildlings) to businesses and individuals 

within the capability of the land.

OBJ for Forest Products: Annually, provide up to 

94,000 CCF (119,380 cords) of firewood for personal 

and commercial use.

ST for Forest Products: Authorizations to cut, collect, or 

use forest products for any personal, commercial, or 

scientific purpose (i.e., permits, contracts, agreements) 

shall include provisions to ensure the needs of wildlife, 

which depend upon those forest products, will continue 

to be met (e.g., fungi and cone collection with respect to 

overwinter forage needs of squirrels).

DC for Livestock Grazing: Livestock grazing and 

associated activities occur such that healthy, diverse 

plant communities, satisfactory condition soils, and 

wildlife habitat are maintained or improved.

DC for Livestock Grazing: Livestock grazing is in 

balance with available forage (i.e., grazing and browsing 

by authorized livestock, wild horses, and wildlife do not 

exceed available forage production within established 

use levels).

GD for Livestock Grazing: Forage, browse, and cover 

needs of wildlife, authorized livestock, and wild horses 

should be managed in balance with available forage so 

that plants providing for these needs remain at or move 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1313

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

toward a healthy, persistent state.

Vegetation MA2 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement: 

Manage areas that are harvested for 

fuelwood. a) Emphasize openings on 

existing and potential big game range. 

Retain thermal and hiding cover on north 

and east exposures. Page 117.

Mid-Scale DC for All PNVTs: Vegetation conditions 

provide hiding and thermal cover in contiguous blocks for 

wildlife. Native plant species are present in all age 

classes and are healthy, reproducing, and persisting.

Fine Scale DC for All PNVTs: Herbaceous vegetation 

amount and structure (e.g., plant density, height, litter, 

seed heads) provides habitat to support wildlife and prey 

species.

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants: Cool and/or dense 

vegetation cover should be provided for species needing 

these habitat components (e.g., Goodding’s onion, black 

bear, White Mountains chipmunk, western yellow-billed 

cuckoo).

Mid-Scale DC for Grasslands: Woody (tree and shrub) 

canopy cover is less than 10 percent.

Fine Scale DC for Grasslands: During the critical 

pronghorn antelope fawning period (May through June), 

cool season grasses and forbs provide nutritional forage; 

while shrubs and standing grass growth from the 

previous year provide adequate hiding cover (10 to 18 

inches) to protect fawns from predation.

OBJ for Grasslands: Decrease or maintain the woody 

canopy cover at less than 10 percent by treating up to 

25,000 acres annually.

GD for Grasslands: Restoration treatment of grasslands 

should result in a woody canopy cover of less than 10 

percent; more than one treatment may be required.

GD for Grasslands: Mechanical restoration of 

grasslands should emphasize individual tree removal to 

limit soil disturbance.

Management Actions for Grasslands: The 

management approach is to maintain and improve 

grasslands by eliminating competing conifers, leaving 

woody debris scattered across the ground, stabilizing 

gullies to restore water tables, and reseeding with native 

The revised LMP provides direction 

for fuelwood harvest, wildlife habitat 

within the woodland PNVTs, and 

managed livestock grazing, and 

meets the intent of this provision.
1314 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

species.

Vegetation MA2 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement: 

Manage areas that are harvested for 

fuelwood. b) Manage fuelwood sales to 

break up large areas of single-age 

classes. Page 117.

GD for All Woodlands: Treatments should leave single 

or small groups of medium to large native trees that are 

widely spaced with expanses of herbaceous vegetation 

and coarse woody debris to provide for soil productivity, 

traditional uses (e.g., piñon nut gathering), and wildlife 

needs such as foraging habitat for migratory birds (e.g., 

black-throated gray warbler, piñon jay) and other birds.

Landscape Scale DC for MPO: A mix of desired 

species, ages, heights, and groupings of trees create a 

mosaic across the landscape.

Landscape Scale DC for MPO: The majority of this 

woodland has an open canopy consisting of large trees 

and an herbaceous understory, with some groups of 

closed canopy. Overall, canopy cover is 10 to 50 

percent.

Mid-Scale DC for MPO: Some large patches in the 

Madrean pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have 

multiple age classes, large trees, and old growth-like 

characteristics (e.g., numerous snags, large coarse 

woody debris) in order to provide for wildlife such as 

Mexican spotted owl and black bear, that need denser 

habitat.

Fine Scale DC for MPO: Single large trees or small 

groups are widely spaced between large expanses of 

herbaceous vegetation and shrubs.

Landscape Scale DC for PJ: The piñon-juniper 

savanna is open in appearance with trees occurring as 

individuals or in small groups and ranging from young to 

old. Overall, tree canopy cover is 10 to 15 percent, but 

may range up to 30 percent.

The revised LMP provides direction 

for fuelwood harvest and provides for 

a diversity of age classes, size 

classes and spatial arrangement, and 

meets the intent of this provision.

Vegetation MA2 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement: 

c) Leave cavity excavated trees, shrubs, 

and oak in openings created for wildlife 

Landscape Scale DC for PP: Where it naturally occurs, 

Gambel oak is present with all age classes represented. 

It is reproducing to maintain or expand its presence on 

capable sites across the landscape. Large Gambel oak 

snags are typically 10 inches or larger in diameter and 

The revised LMP provides direction 

for fuelwood harvest, wildlife habitat 

within the woodland PNVTs, and 

managed livestock grazing, and 

meets the intent of this provision. 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1315

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

habitat. Page 117. are well distributed.

Landscape Scale DC for DMC: The forest arrangement 

consists of small clumps and groups of trees with 

variably-sized interspaces of grass, forb, and shrub 

vegetation associations similar to reference conditions. 

Size, shape, number of trees per group, and number of 

groups per area are variable across the landscape. 

Where they naturally occur, groups of Gambel oak are 

healthy and maintained or increased. Tree density may 

be greater in some locations, such as north-facing slopes 

and canyon bottoms.

Fine Scale DC for PP: Where Gambel oak occurs, the 

majority are single trunk trees over 8 inches in diameter 

with full crowns.

GDs for PP and DMC Forests: Where Gambel oak or 

other native hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to 

retain for diversity, treatments should improve vigor and 

growth of these species.

Landscape Scale DC for MPO: Understory vegetation 

includes evergreen oaks, mountain mahogany, grasses, 

and forbs.

GD for MPO: Where Mexican spotted owls are found 

nesting in canyons or on north slopes within the Madrean 

pine-oak woodland, adjacent treatments should be 

modified to meet the needs of foraging owls.

DC for Community-Forest Intermix: Where potential 

occurs, pure deciduous stands (e.g., aspen, Gambel 

oak) act as natural firebreaks and enhance scenery.

Incorporating management direction 

to guide future projects to provide 

habitat to maintain viable populations 

of existing native and desired 

nonnative vertebrate species in the 

planning area has been identified as 

one of the “Needs for Change.”

Vegetation MA2 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement Standard and Guideline 

(Pages 116-117): 

The alligator juniper component of the 

ponderosa pine is managed primarily for 

maintenance and enhancement of wildlife 

habitat by the following criteria: 

- In areas where alligator juniper 

Landscape Scale DC for All PNVTs: Old or large trees, 

multistoried canopies, large coarse woody debris, and 

snags provide the structure, function, and associated 

vegetation composition as appropriate for each forested 

and woodland PNVT.

GD for All Woodlands: Treatments should leave single 

or small groups of medium to large native trees that are 

widely spaced with expanses of herbaceous vegetation 

The revised LMP provides DCs for 

the retention of large trees for the 

maintenance and enhancement of 

wildlife habitat within the forested and 

woodland PNVTs. The revised LMP 

defines “large” trees into two diameter 

groups: large trees in woodlands and 

large trees in forests. Large trees in 
1316 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

comprise less than 50 percent of the total 

basal area, retain live alligator juniper 

trees > 12 inches D.B.H. Page 117.

- In areas where alligator juniper 

comprise more than 50 percent of the 

total basal area, live trees > 12 inches 

D.B.H. may be removed if < 25 percent of 

the crown is living. Page 117.

- In both of the above cases, some live 

trees < 12 inches D.B.H. may be 

removed. Retain at least 40 percent of 

the trees. Page 117.

and coarse woody debris to provide for soil productivity, 

traditional uses (e.g., piñon nut gathering), and wildlife 

needs such as foraging habitat for migratory birds (e.g., 

black-throated gray warbler, piñon jay) and other birds.

Landscape Scale DC for MPO: The majority of this 

woodland has an open canopy consisting of large trees 

and an herbaceous understory, with some groups of 

closed canopy. Overall, canopy cover is 10 to 50 

percent.

Mid-Scale DC for MPO: Some large patches in the 

Madrean pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have 

multiple age classes, large trees, and old growth-like 

characteristics (e.g., numerous snags, large coarse 

woody debris) in order to provide for wildlife such as 

Mexican spotted owl and black bear, that need denser 

habitat.

Fine Scale DC for MPO: Single large trees or small 

groups are widely spaced between large expanses of 

herbaceous vegetation and shrubs.

woodlands are approximately 10 

inches and greater in diameter and 

consist of piñon, juniper, oak, and 

other “dwarf” tree species where 

diameter is measured at the root 

collar (DRC). Large trees in forests 

are approximately 20 inches and 

greater that dominate montane and 

subalpine zones, and they are 

measured at “breast height” (DBH). 

Large trees are valued for their 

longevity in providing old growth 

habitat and for their added ability to 

enhance structure diversity.

Vegetation MA2 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement: 

e) Retain Ponderosa pine stringers as 

inclusions. Page 118.

Fine Scale DC for Riparian Areas: Vegetation is 

structurally diverse, often dense, providing for high bird 

species diversity and abundance, especially neotropical 

migratory birds. It includes large trees and snags in the 

cottonwood-willow and mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forests to support species such as beaver, 

yellow-billed cuckoo, bald eagles, Arizona gray squirrel, 

and various bat species.

ST for All Forested PNVTs: Regulated timber harvest 

activities shall occur only on those lands classified as 

suitable for timber production.

The revised LMP defines grasslands, 

woodlands, interior chaparral, and 

riparian forested PNVTs as areas not 

suitable for timber product; however, 

tree cutting may be used to move 

toward the vegetation desired 

condition.

Vegetation MA2 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement: 

Manage for at least an average of 100 

snags per 100 acres on 40 percent of the 

pinyon-juniper woodland acres in each 

diversity unit. Snags are at least 9” 

Landscape Scale DC for All PNVTs: Old or large trees, 

multistoried canopies, large coarse woody debris, and 

snags provide the structure, function, and associated 

vegetation composition as appropriate for each forested 

and woodland PNVT.

Landscape Scale DC for MPO: Snags, averaging 1 to 2 

The revised LMP provides direction 

for number of snags per acre within 

the woodland PNVTs. Large trees in 

woodlands are approximately 10 

inches and greater in diameter and 

consist of piñon, juniper, oak, and 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1317

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

diameter at the root collar and at least 10” 

high. Page 118.

per acre, and older trees are scattered across the 

landscape. Coarse woody debris averages 1 to 5 tons 

per acre.

Mid-Scale DC for MPO: Some large patches in the 

Madrean pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have 

multiple age classes, large trees, and old growth-like 

characteristics (e.g., numerous snags, large coarse 

woody debris) in order to provide for wildlife such as 

Mexican spotted owl and black bear, that need denser 

habitat.

Landscape Scale DC for PJ Savana Woodland: Old 

growth occurs in isolated locations scattered throughout 

the landscape, as individual old trees or as clumps of old 

trees. Other old growth components may also be present 

including dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse 

woody debris), and/or structural diversity.

Landscape Scale DC for PJ Persistent Woodland: 

Snags, averaging one to two per acre, and older trees 

with dead limbs and tops are scattered across the 

landscape. Coarse woody debris averages 2 to 5 tons 

per acre.

Landscape Scale DC for PJ Persistent Woodland: Old 

growth includes old trees, dead trees (snags), downed 

wood (coarse woody debris), and/or structural diversity. 

The location of old growth shifts on the landscape over 

time as a result of succession and disturbance (tree 

growth and mortality).

other “dwarf” tree species where 

diameter is measured at the root 

collar (DRC). The revised LMP meets 

the intent of this provision. 

Vegetation MA2 Range Improvement, Range 

Forage Improvement Maintenance: 

Where seral grasslands are maintained in 

the pinyon-juniper woodland, eliminate 

invading vegetation through mechanical, 

chemical, or planed fire treatments on a 

maintenance schedule averaging once 

approximately every 25 years. Stabilize 

gullies, scarify the soil, and seed 

Landscape Scale DC for All PNVTs: Vegetation 

conditions allow for transition zones or ecotones 

between riparian areas, forests, woodlands, shrublands, 

and grasslands. Transition zones may shift in time and 

space due to changing site conditions from disturbances 

(e.g., fire, climate change).

Landscape Scale DC for Grasslands: Perennial 

herbaceous species dominate and include native 

grasses, grass-like plants (sedges and rushes), and 

Many of the areas that appear to 

woodland are actually grasslands that 

have been encroached by conifer 

species. Along with the mentioned 

reference from the revised LMP; the 

Management Approaches for 

Grasslands is to maintain and 

improve grasslands by eliminating 

competing conifers, leaving woody 
1318 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

disturbed soils with a mix tailored for the 

site. Seed suitable areas in all range 

condition classes. Control grazing 

through management and/or fencing to 

allow for adequate revegetation of treated 

areas. Page 119.

forbs, and in some locations, a diversity of shrubs.

Landscape Scale DC for Grasslands: Herbaceous 

vegetation and litter provide for and maintain the natural 

fire regime (fire regime I and II). In semi-desert 

grasslands, the natural fire return interval is 

approximately every 2 to 10 years. In Great Basin 

grasslands the natural fire return interval is 

approximately every 10 to 30 years. In 

montane/subalpine grasslands it ranges from 

approximately 2 to 400 years, depending on the adjacent 

forested PNVT.

Mid-Scale DC for Grasslands: Woody (tree and shrub) 

canopy cover is less than 10 percent.

Fine Scale DC for Grasslands: Average herbaceous 

vegetation heights vary by grassland PNVT and yearly 

weather conditions. Ungrazed herbaceous vegetation 

heights20 range from 7 to 29 inches in Great Basin 

grasslands, 7 to 26 inches in montane/subalpine 

grasslands, and 10 to 32 inches in semi-desert 

grasslands.

OBJ for Grasslands: Decrease or maintain the woody 

canopy cover at less than 10 percent by treating up to 

25,000 acres annually.

GD for Grasslands: Restoration treatment of grasslands 

should result in a woody canopy cover of less than 10 

percent; more than one treatment may be required.

GD for Grasslands: Mechanical restoration of 

grasslands should emphasize individual tree removal to 

limit soil disturbance.

DC for Livestock Grazing: Livestock grazing and 

associated activities occur such that healthy, diverse 

plant communities, satisfactory condition soils, and 

wildlife habitat are maintained or improved.

DC for Livestock Grazing: Livestock grazing is in 

balance with available forage (i.e., grazing and browsing 

by authorized livestock, wild horses, and wildlife do not 

debris scattered across the ground, 

stabilizing gullies to restore water 

tables, and reseeding with native 

species. Treatments are located in 

restorable and treatable grasslands, 

primarily in the Great Basin and semidesert grassland PNVTs. Obliteration 

and rehabilitation of unauthorized 

roads and trails may be needed. 

There is an emphasis to provide 

enough grass to reduce topsoil loss 

and allow fire to spread and resume 

its role in maintaining grasslands.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1319

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

exceed available forage production within established 

use levels).

DC for Livestock Grazing: Critical areas should be 

managed to address the inherent or unique site factors, 

condition, values, or potential conflicts associated with 

them.

DC for Livestock Grazing: As areas are mechanically 

treated or burned, or after large disturbances, timing of 

livestock grazing should be modified as needed, in order 

to move toward desired conditions and to accomplish the 

objectives for the treatment or disturbed area.

DC for Livestock Grazing: Forage, browse, and cover 

needs of wildlife, authorized livestock, and wild horses 

should be managed in balance with available forage so 

that plants providing for these needs remain at or move 

toward a healthy, persistent state.

Vegetation MA2 Range Improvement, Range 

Forage Improvement: 

Small site conversions to a lower 

successional state occur only where the 

rating of soil potential for revegetation 

and the erosion potential (TESH, January 

7, 1985) are determined to be suitable 

and where the forage production rating is 

moderate or high. Page 119.

Landscape Scale DC for Overall Ecosystem Health: 

Ecological components (e.g., soil, vegetation, water) are 

resilient to disturbances including human activities and 

natural ecological disturbances (e.g., fire, drought, wind, 

insects, disease, pathogens).

Management Approaches for Overall Ecosystem 

Health: Highest priority treatments are those that remove 

risk factors that may threaten the integrity of the 

watershed, specifically those that cause low geomorphic, 

hydrologic, and biotic integrity relative to the watershed’s 

natural potential condition and that lead to unstable 

drainage networks or to conditions which may not 

support beneficial uses of water.

Landscape Scale DC for Soil: Ecological and 

hydrologic functions are not impaired by soil compaction.

Mid-Scale DC for Soil: Soil condition rating is 

satisfactory (Satisfactory soil condition exists when 

indicators signify that soil function is being sustained and 

soil is functioning properly and normally. The ability of 

soil to maintain resource values and sustain outputs is 

The intent of this Range 

Improvement, Range Forage 

Improvement item has been carried 

forward into revised LMP. Using 

Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey for the 

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests” 

(Laing et al., 1987, as amended) as 

the primary reference for soil 

capability, soil loss, vegetation 

composition and cover, and litter 

cover has been cited several times 

throughout the revised LMP.

The Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey

(TES) for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs 

was developed using local, regional, 

and southwestern U.S. research data 

collected prior to its publication in 

1987. The forests use ground cover 

and vegetation canopy cover 
1320 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

high).

Mid-Scale DC for Soil: Soils are stable within their 

natural capability4. Vegetation and litter limit accelerated 

erosion (e.g., rills, gullies, root exposure, topsoil loss) 

and contribute to soil deposition and development.

Fine Scale DC for Soil: Soil loss rates do not exceed 

tolerance soil loss rates.

Fine Scale DC for Soil: Logs and other woody material 

are distributed across the surface to maintain soil 

productivity

Fine Scale DC for Soil: Vegetation and litter are 

sufficient to maintain and improve water infiltration, 

nutrient cycling, and soil stability.

OBJ for Soil: Annually, enhance or restore an average 

of 350 acres within priority 6th level HUC watersheds, 

including treating the causes of State and federally 

designated impaired or threatened waters to improve 

watershed condition and water quality.

GD for Soil: Projects with ground-disturbing activities 

should be designed to minimize long and short term 

impacts to soil resources. Where disturbance cannot be 

avoided, project specific soil and water conservation 

practices should be developed.

GD for Soil: Severely disturbed sites should be 

revegetated with native plant species when loss of long 

term soil productivity is predicted.

GD for Soil: Locally collected seed should be used 

where available and cost effective. Seeds should be 

tested to ensure they are free from noxious weeds and 

invasive nonnative plants at a State certified seed testing 

laboratory before acceptance and mixing.

GD for Soil: Coarse woody debris retention and/or 

creation should be used as needed to help retain long 

term soil productivity.

Management Approach for Soil: The forests 

emphasize restoration treatments in priority 6th level 

provided for each mapping unit to 

establish resource value ratings for 

soil and plant health for many 

management activities, particularly in 

the analysis and monitoring of 

restoration treatments and for grazing 

allotment management. The TES will 

be updated as new information is 

available to reflect current conditions 

and concepts. Ecological site 

descriptions will be developed using 

the TES as a baseline for further 

refinement of resource value ratings. 

This is a Management Approach for 

Soil
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1321

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

HUC watersheds that have a high risk to ecologic 

sustainability.

Landscape Scale DC for All PNVTs: Organic soil cover 

and herbaceous vegetation protect soil, facilitate 

moisture infiltration, and contribute to plant and animal 

diversity and ecosystem function.

Landscape Scale DC for All PNVTs: Vegetation 

conditions within each PNVT should be similar to site 

potential (Similarity refers to a method of comparing the 

composition of the existing plant community to the 

potential natural plant community as described by the 

ecological unit in the “Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey for 

the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests” (Laing et al., 

1987, as amended)).

Mid-Scale DC for All PNVTs: Vegetative ground cover 

(herbaceous vegetation and litter) is optimized (Based on 

site capability as defined by the specific ecological unit 

under consideration in the “Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey 

for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests” (Laing et al., 

1987, as amended)) to protect and enrich soils and 

promote water infiltration. There is a diverse mix of cool 

and warm season grasses and desirable forbs species.

DC for Livestock Grazing: Livestock grazing and 

associated activities occur such that healthy, diverse 

plant communities, satisfactory condition soils, and 

wildlife habitat are maintained or improved.

GD for Livestock Grazing: Critical areas should be 

managed to address the inherent or unique site factors, 

condition, values, or potential conflicts associated with 

them.

Vegetation MA2 Range Improvement, Range Forage 

Improvement: When seeding is 

necessary, sites are seeded with a mix 

that emphasizes creating a balance 

between warm and cool season grasses. 

Control grazing through management 

GD for Soil: Locally collected seed should be used 

where available and cost effective. Seeds should be 

tested to ensure they are free from noxious weeds and 

invasive nonnative plants at a State certified seed testing 

laboratory before acceptance and mixing.

Mid-Scale DC for All PNVTs: Vegetative ground cover 

This item is prescriptive: Project 

specialists determine project recovery 

activities and set of required 

mitigation measures to insure 

success of specific projects. 

However, principles for ecological 
1322 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

and/or fencing to allow for adequate 

revegetation protection of treated areas. 

Page 119

(herbaceous vegetation and litter) is optimized to protect 

and enrich soils and promote water infiltration. There is a 

diverse mix of cool and warm season grasses and 

desirable forbs species.

GD for Livestock Grazing: As areas are mechanically 

treated or burned, or after large disturbances, timing of 

livestock grazing should be modified as needed, in order 

to move toward desired conditions and to accomplish the 

objectives for the treatment or disturbed area.

GD for Livestock Grazing: Constructed features should 

be maintained to support the purpose(s) for which they 

were built. Constructed features should be removed 

when no longer needed.

restoration and resilience as outlined 

in FSM 2020 are the basis for 

ecological restoration projects and 

activities.

Vegetation MA3 Land Management Planning, 

Planning and Inventory: 

Recovery activities such as fencing, 

vegetation projects, and special 

management prescriptions will be 

maintained until the affected area(s) are 

brought into satisfactory condition and as 

long thereafter as necessary to maintain 

the area(s) in satisfactory condition, or 

until they are replaced by more effective 

techniques. Page 124.

GD for Soil: Projects with ground-disturbing activities 

should be designed to minimize long and short term 

impacts to soil resources. Where disturbance cannot be 

avoided, project specific soil and water conservation 

practices (Soil and water conservation practices – Set of 

practices, which when applied during implementation of 

a project, protects soil and water quality to the level 

required by beneficial uses. These lead to the formation 

of site-specific BMPs during project planning.) should be 

developed.

GD for Water Resources: Projects with grounddisturbing activities should be designed to minimize long 

and short term impacts to water resources. Where 

disturbance cannot be avoided, project specific soil and 

water conservation practices and best management 

practices (BMPs) should be developed.

GD for Aspen: To preclude concentrated herbivore 

impacts, new surface water development should not be 

constructed within proximity to aspen stands 

(approximately a quarter of a mile).

GD for Aspen: Aspen restoration and retention efforts 

should include measures to ensure viability of aspen on 

the landscape.

Overall direction within the revised 

LMP is geared more toward 

mitigation to prevent resource 

damage and to protect treatment 

activities.

However, this item is prescriptive: 

Project specialists determine project 

recovery activities and set of required 

mitigation measures to insure 

success of specific projects.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1323

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Management Approach for Aspen: Aspen restoration 

efforts may include providing/improving substitute forage 

away from aspen, removing conifer competition, fencing 

to exclude ungulates, and range management practices 

(e.g., salt locations; herding; timing, intensity, frequency, 

and duration of livestock use).

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants: Modifications, 

mitigations, or other measures should be incorporated to 

reduce negative impacts to plants, animals, and their 

habitats and to help provide for species needs, 

consistent with project or activity objectives.

GD for Wildlife and Rare Plants: Constructed features 

should be maintained to support the purpose(s) for which 

they were built. Constructed features should be removed 

when no longer needed.

GD for Livestock Grazing: As areas are mechanically 

treated or burned, or after large disturbances, timing of 

livestock grazing should be modified as needed, in order 

to move toward desired conditions and to accomplish the 

objectives for the treatment or disturbed area.

GD for Livestock Grazing: Constructed features should 

be maintained to support the purpose(s) for which they 

were built. Constructed features should be removed 

when no longer needed.

Vegetation MA3 Wildlife & Fish O&M, Wildlife 

Management: b) Vegetation resource 

(where the site is capable of supporting 

woody plants):

(1) Manage for and maintain at least 60 

percent of the woody plant composition in 

three or more riparian species.

(2) Manage for and maintain at least 

three age classes of riparian woody 

plants, with at least 10 percent of the 

woody plant cover in sprouts, seedlings, 

and saplings.

Identified as a “Need for Change” to describe the 

desired composition, structure, and cover of these 

vegetation communities that will result in resilient, 

functioning ecosystems.

DC for Maintenance and Improvement of Ecosystem 

Health: Healthy ecosystems are diverse and selfsustaining, displaying a variety of conditions (e.g., 

composition, structure, function, processes) between and 

within them.

Landscape Scale DC for All PNVTs: Each PNVT 

contains a mosaic of vegetative conditions, densities, 

and structures. This mosaic occurs at a variety of scales 

The intent of this has been carried 

forward into revised LMP.
1324 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

(3) Manage for and maintain at least 60 

percent near natural shrub and tree 

crown cover.

(4) Determine need and rehabilitate 

riparian areas through seeding and 

planting woody species in areas that are 

in unsatisfactory condition. Page 126.

across landscapes and watersheds. The distribution of 

physical and biological conditions is appropriate to the 

natural disturbance regimes affecting the area.

Management Actions for Overall Ecosystem Health: 

Treatments include those that restore and then maintain 

natural fire regimes, improve riparian condition, restore 

meadows or openings, repair gullies, and reduce 

erosion. 

GD for Water Resources: Streams, stream banks, 

shorelines, lakes, wetlands, and other bodies of water 

should be protected from detrimental changes in water 

temperature and sediment to protect aquatic species and 

riparian habitat. 

4th Level (Subbasin) to 5th Level (Watershed) HUC 

Watershed Scale DC for Aquatic Habitat and 

Species: Streamflows, habitat, and water quality support 

native aquatic and riparian-dependent species and 

habitat. 

6th Level (Sub-watershed) HUC Watershed Scale DC 

for Aquatic Habitat and Species: Habitat and 

ecological conditions are capable of providing for selfsustaining populations of native, riparian-dependent 

plant and animal species.

OBJ for Aquatic Habitat and Species: Annually, 

enhance or restore 5 to 15 miles of stream and riparian 

habitat to restore structure, composition, and function of 

physical habitat for native fisheries and ripariandependent species.

OBJ for Aquatic Habitat and Species: During the 

planning period, complete at least five projects (e.g., 

remove barriers, restore dewatered stream segments, or 

connect fragmented habitat) to provide for aquatic and 

riparian associated species and migratory species.

Landscape Scale DC for Riparian Areas: Natural 

ecological disturbances (e.g., flooding, scouring) 

promote a diverse plant structure consisting of 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1325

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

herbaceous, shrub, and tree species of all ages and size 

classes necessary for the recruitment of ripariandependent species.

Mid-Scale DC for Riparian Areas: Willows (e.g., Bebb, 

Geyer, Arizona, Goodding’s) are reproducing with all age 

classes present, where the potential exists.

Mid-Scale DC for Riparian Areas: Riparian-obligate 

species within wet meadows, around springs and seeps, 

along streambanks, and active floodplains provide 

sufficient[10]

vegetative ground cover (herbaceous 

vegetation, litter, and woody riparian species) to protect 

and enrich soils, trap sediment, mitigate flood energy, 

stabilize streambanks, and provide for wildlife and plant 

needs.

Fine Scale DC for Riparian Areas: Vegetation is 

structurally diverse, often dense, providing for high bird 

species diversity and abundance, especially neotropical 

migratory birds. It includes large trees and snags in the 

cottonwood-willow and mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forests to support species such as beaver, 

yellow-billed cuckoo, bald eagles, Arizona gray squirrel, 

and various bat species.

Vegetation MA3 Timber Sales, Timber 

Management: 

Use vegetation manipulation, e.g. 

salvage, thinning, slash piling, planting, 

seeding, only where needed to enhance 

riparian objectives. Page 128.

DC Riparian Areas Sedimentation and soil compaction 

from forest activities (e.g., vehicle use, recreation, 

livestock grazing) do not negatively impact riparian 

areas. 

GD Riparian Areas Ground-disturbing projects 

(including prescribed fire) which may degrade long term 

riparian conditions should be avoided.

GD Riparian Areas Wet meadows, springs, seeps and 

cienegas should not be used for concentrated activities 

(e.g., equipment storage, forest product or mineral 

stockpiling, livestock handling facilities, special uses) that 

cause damage to soil and vegetation.

This provision has been carried over 

to the revised plan where riparian 

forested PNVTs are not suitable for 

timber production; however, tree 

cutting may occur when consistent 

with movement toward DCs.
1326 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Vegetation MA5 Timber Sales, Timber Resource 

Management Planning & Inventory: 

No timber activities are planned unless 

requested for maintenance of the desired 

setting, or hazard tree removal. If harvest 

is necessary, follow standards and 

guidelines found in management area. 

Page 138.

GD for High Use Developed Recreation Area: 

Management should focus on operation and 

maintenance, safety, aesthetics, and control of noxious 

weeds and nonnative invasive species.

Management Actions for High Use Developed 

Recreation Area: Recreation site plans describe the 

detailed management for each high use developed 

recreation area, including vegetation management plans 

for campgrounds. In addition to recreation use, other 

uses (including livestock grazing, timber management, 

and wildlife management) may occur in combination with 

surrounding recreation and scenic desired conditions

This has been carried over to the 

revised plan where high use 

developed recreation areas and 

developed recreation sites are not 

suitable for timber production, 

however tree cutting may occur.

Vegetation MA10 Research Natural Areas, 

Management Emphasis: 

No vegetative management practices are 

planned in this management area. Page 

139.

Background for Research Natural Area: RNAs are 

physical or biological units in which current natural 

conditions are maintained insofar as possible. These 

conditions are ordinarily achieved by allowing natural 

physical and biological processes to prevail without 

human intervention. However, under unusual 

circumstances, deliberate manipulation may be utilized 

to maintain the unique feature that the RNA was 

established to protect. Research natural areas (RNAs) 

are considered special areas by the Forest Service. 

RNAs are part of a national network of natural areas 

designated in perpetuity for research and education 

and/or to maintain biological diversity on NFS lands. 

RNAs are principally for non-manipulative research, 

observation, and study. However, RNAs can be used for 

manipulative research to help quantify and understand 

ecosystem processes and to improve forest 

management practices.

Management direction for RNAs is 

provided in FSM 4063 – Research 

Natural Areas.

Vegetation MA15 Wildlife & Fish Habitat 

Improvement: Timber harvesting and 

road building will not occur in the 7 mile 

wild segment of the West Fork of the 

Black River. Page 173.

Direction for timber cutting within eligible or suitable wild 

river corridors is found in FSH 1909.12, Chapter 82.53. 

Eligible or suitable wild (8.6 mi.) and scenic (3.0 mi.) river 

corridors associated with the West Fork of the Black 

River have not been classified as suitable for timber 

production, and tree cutting is not suitable in segments 

Management direction for eligible or 

suitable wild and scenic rivers is 

provided in FSH 1909.12 – Land 

Management Planning Handbook 

Chapter 80 – Wild and Scenic River 

Evaluation 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1327

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

classified as wild (8.6 mi.) except where needed in 

association with a primitive recreation experience such 

as to clear trails. Direction for roads within eligible or 

suitable wild river corridors is found in FSH 1909.12 

Chapter 82.3; “No roads, railroads, or other provision for 

vehicular travel within the river area.” Direction for roads 

within eligible or suitable scenic river corridors is less 

restrictive.

Vegetation MA #15, pg. 173:

Timber management including harvesting 

is an applicable activity within the scenic 

corridor. However, timber management 

objectives for all projects within the 

corridor must have the objective of 

maintaining or enhancing the recreation 

opportunities. Examples of a recreation 

objective would be: (1) removal of overmature and other hazardous trees in 

concentrated use areas, (2) removal of 

diseased or insect infested, as well as 

other susceptible trees to stop the spread 

that threatens the natural appearances 

(as perceived by the recreation users) of 

the corridor, and (3) silvicultural 

prescriptions aimed at expanding the 

vegetation diversity to prevent insect and 

disease epidemics from threatening the 

area. 

Replaced with:

Lands Suitable for Timber Production, Chapter 4, 

Table 8: Eligible or suitable wild and scenic river 

corridors are not suitable for timber production, but tree 

cutting is generally suitable for uses such as safety, 

firewood, and trail clearing where needed in association 

with a primitive recreation experience (FSH 1909.12 

Ch.82.51). General Forest MA: Timber production and 

tree cutting are suitable. Recommended Research 

Natural Area MA: not suitable for timber production, but 

tree cutting for research purposes is allowed.

GDs for Landscape Scale Disturbance Events: 

•Felling of hazard trees (either dead or alive) should be 

limited to those which could hit a road, recreation site, 

building, or other infrastructure to protect places where 

humans, vehicles, or developments would most likely be 

present. •Projects and activities should include both 

short and long term provisions for scenic integrity, 

especially in sensitive foreground areas (high and very 

high scenic integrity). DC for All PNVTs: The vegetative 

conditions and functions are resilient to the frequency, 

extent, and severity of disturbances (e.g., fire, insects 

and disease, flood, climate change, management 

activities). ST for All PNVTs: Vegetation treatments 

shall include measures to reduce the potential for 

introduction of invasive plants and animals and damage 

from nonnative insects and diseases. DCs for Eligible 

and Suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers: •Eligible and 

suitable wild river segments display unaltered 

MA15 mapped in 1987 plan = East & 

West Forks of the Black River above 

Buffalo Crossing. This MA does not 

exist in the revised plan because 

most segments of these corridors are 

now mapped as Eligible Wild and 

Scenic Rivers. Portions not classified 

as such are located within the revised 

plan new MAs “General Forest” and 

“Recommended Research Natural 

Area” = Three Forks.

Hazard trees may be removed along 

roads to meet guidance in FSM 2330 

(publicly managed recreation 

opportunities) and FSM 7700 (travel 

management).

The revised plan lists the east fork 

and west fork of the Black River as 

having eligible wild and scenic river 

segments totaling: 24.6 miles 

classified as “wild,” 5.2 mile as 

“scenic,” and 8.2 miles as 

“recreational,” and some segments 

have no such classifications.
1328 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

landscapes where generally only ecological changes 

occur (very high scenic integrity) and provide primitive 

and/or semi-primitive nonmotorized recreation 

opportunities. •Eligible and suitable scenic river 

segments display landscapes which vary from slightly 

altered where human activities may be seen but do not 

attract attention (moderate scenic integrity) to natural 

appearing where human activities do not stand out (high 

scenic integrity) and provide semi-primitive

nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, and/or roaded 

natural recreation opportunities. DCs for Developed 

Recreation: •Forest vegetation in developed sites is 

healthy (species, size, and age) and complements 

recreational activities, scenery, and human safety. 

•Developed campgrounds are places where structures 

and human caused vegetation changes may be seen but 

they do not dominate the view or attract attention (low to 

moderate scenic integrity). Human activities in the areas 

visible from campgrounds (foreground to middle ground, 

300 feet to 4 miles) should not attract attention or stand 

out, and the landscapes should appear natural 

(moderate to high scenic integrity). •Eligible and suitable 

recreational river segments display landscapes which 

vary from moderately altered where human activities are 

evident (low scenic integrity) to slightly altered where 

human activities may be seen but do not attract attention 

(moderate scenic integrity) and provide primitive, semiprimitive nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, and/or 

roaded natural recreation opportunities. DC for 

Recommended Research Natural Area: •The 

recommended Three Forks, Campbell Blue, Corduroy, 

and Sandrock RNAs, outside of any eligible or suitable 

wild and scenic river corridor, exhibit unaltered appearing

landscapes where human activities do not stand out 

(high scenic integrity).

Developed campgrounds within the 

east fork include: Diamond Rock, 

Deer Creek, Aspen, Raccoon, Horse 

Spring, Buffalo Crossing; within the 

west fork is West Fork campground.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1329

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

Vegetation 3. Gambel oak is important for cover, and 

patches of oak near nesting areas are an 

important consideration when selecting 

areas for retaining slash. Other species 

such as New Mexico locust and current 

also can provide cover. Oak stands in the 

nesting areas should be evaluated for 

opportunities to manage for cover.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for 

habitat quality, distribution, and abundance contribute to 

self-sustaining populations of native and desirable 

nonnative plants and animals that are healthy, well 

distributed, connected, and genetically diverse. 

Conditions provide for the life history, distribution, and 

natural population fluctuations of the species within the 

capability of the landscape.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, 

distribution, and abundance exist to support the recovery 

of federally listed species and the continued existence of 

all native and desirable nonnative species.

DC All PNVTs Diverse vegetation structure, species 

composition, densities, and seral states provide quality 

habitat for native and desirable nonnative plant and 

animal species throughout their life cycle and at multiple 

spatial scales.

DC All PNVTs Landscapes provide for the full range of 

ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, including habitats 

for those species associated with late seral states and 

old growth forests.

DC All PNVTs Vegetation conditions allow for transition 

zones or ecotones between riparian areas, forests, 

woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands. 

DC All PNVTs Transition zones may shift in time and 

space due to changing site conditions from disturbances 

(e.g., fire, climate variability).

DC All PNVTs Vegetation conditions provide hiding and 

thermal cover in contiguous blocks for wildlife. 

DC All PNVTs Native plant species are present in all 

age classes and are healthy, reproducing, and 

persisting.

DC All PNVTs Herbaceous vegetation amount and 

structure (e.g., plant density, height, litter, seed heads) 

provides habitat to support wildlife and prey species.

OBJ All Forested PNVTs Annually, treat 5,000 to 

The 1987 Plan direction was modified 

to ensure that Gambel oak (and other 

species) were recognized as an 

integral component of the landscape 

and of a functional forested system 

where it occurs naturally. The cover 

and tree species needs were made 

broader to ensure that the needs of 

more species than turkey were 

addressed.
1330 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

35,000 acres to reduce tree densities, restore natural fire 

regimes, promote species habitat and ecosystem health, 

reduce fire hazard, maintain desired conditions, initiate 

recovery from uncharacteristic disturbance, and provide 

forest products, leaving a desired mix of species with the 

range of desired densities that are resilient to changing 

climatic conditions.

GD All Forested PNVTs Hiding cover, approach cover 

(by waters), and travel corridor cover should be provided 

where needed by wildlife.

DC Ponderosa Pine Where it naturally occurs, Gambel 

oak is present with all age classes represented. It is 

reproducing to maintain or expand its presence on 

capable sites across the landscape. Large Gambel oak 

snags are typically 10 inches or larger in diameter and 

are well distributed.

DC Ponderosa Pine Where Gambel oak occurs, the 

majority are single trunk trees over 8 inches in diameter 

with full crowns.

GD Ponderosa Pine Where Gambel oak or other native 

hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to retain for 

diversity, treatments should improve vigor and growth of 

these species.

DC Dry Mixed Conifer The forest arrangement consists 

of small clumps and groups of trees interspersed within 

variably-sized openings of grass, forb, and shrub 

vegetation associations similar to reference conditions. 

Size, shape, number of trees per group, and number of 

groups per area are variable across the landscape. 

Where they naturally occur, groups of Gambel oak are 

healthy and maintained or increased. Tree density may 

be greater in some locations, such as north-facing slopes 

and canyon bottoms.

DC Dry Mixed Conifer Where Gambel oak occurs, the 

majority are single trunk trees over 8 inches in diameter 

with full crowns.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1331

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version.

New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified 

direction)

Rationale for Deleting or Modifying 

1987

Plan Direction

GD Dry Mixed Conifer Where Gambel oak or other 

native hardwood trees and shrubs are desirable to retain 

for diversity, treatments should improve vigor and growth 

of these species.
1332 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Wildlife and Fisheries

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Maintain habitat to maintain viable 

populations of wildlife and fish species 

and improve habitat for selected species. 

This is accomplished “directly” through 

habitat management and “indirectly” 

through coordination of habitat 

management in conjunction with other 

resource activities.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for 

habitat quality, distribution, and abundance contribute to 

self-sustaining populations of native and desirable nonnative 

plants and animals that are healthy, well distributed, 

connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for 

the life history, distribution, and natural population 

fluctuations of the species within the capability of the 

landscape.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, 

and abundance exist to support the recovery of federally 

listed species and the continued existence of all native and 

desirable nonnative species.

DC Water Resources Vegetation and soil conditions above 

the floodplain protect downstream water quality, quantity, 

and aquatic habitat.

DC Water Resources Streamflows provide connectivity 

among fish populations and provide unobstructed routes 

critical for fulfilling needs of aquatic, riparian dependent, and 

many upland species of plants and animals.

DC Water Resources Water quality meets the needs of 

desirable aquatic species such as the California floater, 

northern and Chiricahua leopard frog, and invertebrates that 

support fish populations.

GD Water Resources Streams, streambanks, shorelines, 

lakes, wetlands, seeps, springs and other bodies of water 

should be protected from detrimental changes [4]

in water 

temperature and sediment to protect aquatic species and 

riparian habitat.

GD Water Resources Aquatic management zones should 

be in place between streams and disturbed areas and/or 

road locations to maintain water quality and suitable stream 

temperatures for aquatic species.

GD Water Resources To protect water quality and aquatic 

The new plan language expands 

upon the language in the old plan. 

The new plan not only establishes 

desired conditions for wildlife and 

fish, it also specifies the conditions 

required for viability and what types 

of “direct” habitat management are 

necessary as well as the “indirect” 

types of coordination that are 

necessary. Where more general 

provisions are insufficient, the plan 

specifies the species to be 

considered during habitat 

management activities.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1333

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

species, heavy equipment and vehicles driven into a water 

body to accomplish work should be completely clean of 

petroleum residue. Water levels should be below the gear 

boxes of the equipment in use. Lubricants and fuels should 

be sealed such that inundation by water should not result in 

leaks. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions 

contribute to the recovery of federally listed species. 

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Streamflows, habitat, and 

water quality support native aquatic and riparian-dependent 

species and habitat.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat and ecological 

conditions are capable of providing for self-sustaining 

populations of native, riparian dependent plant and animal 

species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Native fish, reptile, 

amphibian, and invertebrate populations are free from or 

minimally impacted by nonnative plants and animals.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Aquatic species habitat 

conditions provide the resiliency and redundancy necessary 

to maintain species diversity and metapopulations.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Desirable nonnative fish 

species provide recreational fishing in waters where those 

opportunities are not in conflict with the recovery of native 

species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Wetlands are 

hydrologically functioning and have sufficient (composing 50 

percent of the wetland) emergent vegetation and 

macroinvertebrate populations to support resident and 

migratory wetland dependent species.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species Annually, enhance or 

restore 5 to 15 miles of stream and riparian habitat to 

restore structure, composition, and function of physical 

habitat for native fisheries and riparian-dependent species.

OBJ Aquatic Habitat and Species During the planning 

period, complete at least five projects (e.g., remove barriers, 
1334 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

restore dewatered stream segments, or connect fragmented 

habitat) to provide for aquatic and riparian associated 

species and migratory species.

ST Aquatic Habitat and Species When drafting 

(withdrawing) water from streams or other water bodies, 

measures will be taken to prevent entrapment of fish and 

aquatic organisms and the spread of parasites or disease 

(e.g., Asian tapeworm, chytrid fungus, whirling disease).

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Management and 

activities should not contribute to a trend toward the Federal 

listing of a species.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat 

management direction and species protection measures 

from recovery plans.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species To prevent degradation 

of native species habitat and the incidental or accidental 

introduction of diseases or nonnative species, aquatic 

species should not be transferred through management 

activities from one 6th level HUC watershed to another.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Sufficient water should 

be left in streams to provide for aquatic species and riparian 

vegetation.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Projects and activities 

should avoid damming or impounding free-flowing waters to 

provide streamflows needed for aquatic and riparian-

dependent species.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species The needs of rare and 

unique species associated with wetlands, fens, bogs, and 

springs should be given priority consideration when 

developing these areas for waterfowl habitat and other uses.

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species When new water 

diversions are created or existing water diversions are 

reanalyzed, measures should be taken to prevent 

entrapment of fish and aquatic organisms.

DC All PNVTs Native plant communities dominate the 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1335

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

landscape.

DC All PNVTs The range of species genetic diversity 

remains within native vegetation and animal populations, 

thus enabling species to adapt to changing environmental 

and climatic conditions. 

DC All PNVTs Vegetative connectivity provides for species 

dispersal, genetic exchange, and daily and seasonal 

movements across multiple spatial scales. 

DC All PNVTs Organic soil cover and herbaceous 

vegetation protect soil, facilitate moisture infiltration, and 

contribute to plant and animal diversity and ecosystem 

function.

DC All PNVTs Diverse vegetation structure, species 

composition, densities, and seral states provide quality 

habitat for native and desirable nonnative plant and animal 

species throughout their life cycle and at multiple spatial 

scales. Landscapes provide for the full range of ecosystem 

diversity at multiple scales, including habitats for those 

species associated with late seral states and old growth 

forests.

DC All PNVTs Herbivory is in balance with available forage 

(i.e., grazing and browsing by authorized livestock, wild 

horses, and wildlife do not exceed available forage 

production within established use levels).

DC All PNVTs Shrub components contain a diverse array of 

native vegetation that is well distributed across the 

landscape to provide nutritional needs for browsers.

DC All PNVTs Shrub components contain a diverse array of 

native vegetation that is well distributed across the 

landscape to provide nutritional needs for browsers.

DC All PNVTs Rare or unique plant communities (e.g., 

agaves, Chihuahuan pine) are intact and persisting.

DC All PNVTs Herbaceous vegetation amount and 

structure (e.g., plant density, height, litter, seed heads) 

provides habitat to support wildlife and prey species.

ST All PNVTs Vegetation treatments shall include 
1336 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

measures to reduce the potential for introduction of invasive 

plants and animals and damage from nonnative insects and 

diseases. 

GD All PNVTs Restoration methods, such as thinning or 

prescribed fire, should leave a mosaic of untreated areas 

within the larger treated project area to allow recolonization 

of treated areas by plants, small mammals and insects (e.g., 

long-tailed voles, fritillary butterflies).

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Habitat conditions contribute 

to the recovery of federally listed species. 

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Habitat is well distributed and 

connected.

Wildlife are free from harassment and disturbance at a scale 

that impacts vital functions (e.g., breeding, rearing young) 

that could affect persistence of the species.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Collection of animals and 

plants does not negatively impact species abundance.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Localized rare plant and 

animal communities are intact and functioning.

GL Wildlife and Rare Plants Management and activities 

should not contribute to a trend toward the Federal listing of 

a species.

GL Wildlife and Rare Plants Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat 

management objectives and species protection measures 

from recovery plans.

GL Wildlife and Rare Plants Modifications, mitigations, or 

other measures should be incorporated to reduce negative 

impacts to plants, animals, and their habitats and to help 

provide for species needs, consistent with project or activity 

objectives.

GL Wildlife and Rare Plants Cool and/or dense vegetation 

cover should be provided for species needing these habitat 

components (e.g., Goodding’s onion, black bear, White 

Mountains chipmunk, western yellow-billed cuckoo).
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1337

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

GL Wildlife and Rare Plants Active raptor nests should be 

protected from treatments and disturbance during the 

nesting season to provide for successful reproduction. 

Specifically for northern goshawk nest areas, human 

presence should be minimized during nesting season of 

March 1 through September 30.

GL Wildlife and Rare Plants Any action likely to cause a 

disturbance and take to bald and golden eagles in nesting 

and young rearing areas should be avoided per the Bald 

and Golden Eagle Protection Act. 

GL Wildlife and Rare Plants Prairie dog controls [18]

should 

not be authorized except when consistent with approved 

State of Arizona Gunnison’s prairie dog conservation 

strategies.

GL Wildlife and Rare Plants Rare and unique features 

(e.g., talus slopes, cliffs, canyon slopes, caves, fens, bogs, 

sinkholes) should be protected from damage or loss to 

retain their distinctive ecological functions and maintain 

viability of associated species.

GL Wildlife and Rare Plants The needs of localized 

species (e.g., New Mexico meadow jumping mouse, Bebb 

willow, White Mountains paintbrush) should be considered 

and provided for during project activities to ensure their 

limited or specialized habitats are not lost or degraded.

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Increase opportunities for wildlife and fish 

oriented recreation opportunities.

DC Dispersed Recreation Dispersed recreation 

opportunities (e.g., hunting, fishing, hiking, camping) are 

available and dispersed recreation sites (e.g., campsites, 

trailheads, vistas, parking areas) occur in a variety of ROS 

classes throughout the forests.

DC Dispersed Recreation Water-based settings are 

available and the associated recreation opportunities (e.g., 

canoeing, fishing, waterfowl hunting) do not degrade aquatic 

resources.

DC Wildlife Quiet Areas WQAs provide undisturbed, 

nonmotorized hunting opportunities

The plan language has been 

modified but retains the same intent 

as the old plan.
1338 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Manage threatened and endangered 

animal, fish, and plant habitat to achieve 

declassifying in a manner consistent with 

the goals established by the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service and the Arizona Game 

and Fish Department.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, 

and abundance exist to support the recovery of federally 

listed species and the continued existence of all native and 

desirable nonnative species.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species Habitat conditions 

contribute to the recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Aquatic Habitat and Species Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat 

management direction and species protection measures 

from recovery plans.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Habitat conditions contribute 

to the recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat 

management objectives and species protection measures 

from recovery plans.

GD Livestock Grazing To prevent resource damage (e.g., 

streambanks) and disturbance to federally listed and 

sensitive wildlife species, trailing of livestock should not 

occur along riparian areas. Where no alternative route is 

available, approval may be granted where effective 

mitigation measures are implemented (e.g., timing of 

trailing, number of livestock trailed at one time).

The language in the new plan 

specifies “recovery” rather than 

“declassify.” This is more 

appropriate. The new plan language 

meets the same intent and provides 

more specificity for some resources.

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Implement threatened and endangered 

species recovery plans.

DC Aquatic Habitats and Species Habitat conditions 

contribute to the recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Aquatic Habitats and Species Activities occurring 

within federally listed species habitat should apply habitat 

management direction and species protection measures 

from recovery plans.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Habitat conditions contribute 

to the recovery of federally listed species. 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Activities occurring within 

federally listed species habitat should apply habitat 

management objectives and species protection measures 

from recovery plans.

The new plan language is different 

but provides the same direction as 

the old plan.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1339

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Develop structural wildlife improvements.

a) Build all new fences in accordance with 

wildlife standards. (FSH 2609.11)

b) Make livestock water available to 

wildlife.

GD Grasslands New fence construction or reconstruction 

where pronghorn antelope may be present should have a 

barbless bottom wire which is 18 inches from the ground to 

facilitate movement between pastures and other fenced 

areas. Pole and other types of fences should also provide 

for pronghorn antelope passage where they are present.

GD Grasslands Pronghorn antelope fence and other 

crossings should be installed along known movement 

corridors to prevent habitat fragmentation.

ST Livestock Grazing New or reconstructed fencing shall 

allow for wildlife passage, except where specifically 

intended to exclude wildlife (e.g., elk fencing). 

ST Livestock Grazing New livestock watering facilities 

shall be designed to allow wildlife access and escape.

GD Livestock Grazing During maintenance of existing 

watering facilities, escape ramps that are ineffective or 

missing should be replaced. 

GD Wildlife Quiet Areas Fences surrounding and within 

WQAs should be inspected and improved to allow wildlife 

movement within and outside of the areas. Fences should 

be removed if no longer needed.

DC Water Uses Water developments contribute to fish, 

wildlife, and riparian habitat as well as scenic and aesthetic 

values.

OBJ Water Uses Annually, prepare at least one instream 

flow water rights application until water acquisition needs 

are complete to sustain riparian areas, fish, wildlife, and 

water-based recreation.

ST Water Uses Special uses for water diversions shall 

maintain fish, wildlife, and aesthetic values and otherwise 

protect the environment. 

The guidance in the new plan for 

both fences and livestock water 

meets the same intent and is also 

more specific.

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Maintain habitat capability through direct 

treatments of vegetation, soil, and water.

c) Retain vegetation screening at known 

game crossings.

Vegetation Screening:

DC All PNVTs Vegetative connectivity provides for species 

dispersal, genetic exchange, and daily and seasonal 

movements across multiple spatial scales.

Direction in the new plan meets the 

same intent of previous direction for 

vegetation screening at game 

crossings and provides more 
1340 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

d) Avoid placement of roads in meadows 

whenever feasible and obliterate or 

relocate roads in key meadows presenting 

conflicts.

DC All PNVTs Vegetation conditions provide hiding and 

thermal cover in contiguous blocks for wildlife. Native plant 

species are present in all age classes and are healthy, 

reproducing, and persisting.

GD All Forested PNVTs Hiding cover, approach cover (by 

waters), and travel corridor cover should be provided where 

needed by wildlife.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Modifications, mitigations, or 

other measures should be incorporated to reduce negative 

impacts to plants, animals, and their habitats and to help 

provide for species needs, consistent with project or activity 

objectives.

GD Motorized Opportunities New roads, motorized trails, 

or designated motorized areas should be located to avoid 

meadows, wetlands, seeps, springs, riparian areas, stream 

bottoms, sacred sites, and areas with high concentrations of 

significant archaeological sites. The number of stream 

crossings should be minimized or mitigated to reduce 

impacts to aquatic species.

GD Motorized Opportunities As projects occur, redundant 

roads or motorized trails should be removed to reduce 

degradation of natural resources.

GD Motorized Opportunities Roads and motorized trails 

should be designed and located so as to not impede 

terrestrial and aquatic species movement and connectivity.

GD Nonmotorized Opportunities New trails and trail 

relocations should be designed and located so as to not 

impede terrestrial and aquatic species movement and 

connectivity.

DC Wildlife Quiet Areas WQAs lack disturbance from 

motorized vehicles, resulting in less stress to wildlife. 

GD Wildlife Quiet Areas Hiding cover and travelways for 

wildlife should be maintained to provide for security and 

connectivity of habitat.

direction for roads in meadows.

Wildlife & Special consideration will be given to 

critical big game winter ranges in areas 

DC All PNVTs Herbivory is in balance with available forage 

(i.e., grazing and browsing by authorized livestock, wild 

The new plan direction broadens 

previous direction to consider all 
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1341

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

Fisheries where big game winter range has been 

determined to be a limiting factor in 

achieving big game objectives. In those 

areas, no new year round grazing or new 

winter grazing by domestic livestock will 

be allowed unless their inclusion in a

grazing system better meets big game 

objectives.

New land acquisitions in these critical 

winter range areas will not be used for 

domestic livestock grazing unless their 

inclusion in a grazing system better meets 

big game objectives.

horses, and wildlife do not exceed available forage 

production within established use levels).

DC All PNVTs Shrub components contain a diverse array of 

native vegetation that is well distributed across the 

landscape to provide nutritional needs for browsers.

DC All PNVTs Vegetation provides products—such as 

wood fiber or forage—to help meet local and regional needs 

in a manner that is consistent with other desired conditions 

on a sustainable basis within the capacity of the land.

GD Livestock Grazing Forage, browse, and cover needs of 

wildlife, authorized livestock, and wild horses should be 

managed in balance with available forage so that providing 

for these needs remain at or move toward a healthy, 

persistent state.

wildlife needs and habitat, not 

exclusively big game winter range. 

Big game winter range is to be 

considered under new plan direction; 

other potential wildlife and game 

needs are also to be considered.

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Install antelope passes, let down fences, 

electric fences, or elk jumps wherever 

necessary to reduce wildlife/fence 

conflicts.

GD Grasslands New fence construction or reconstruction 

where pronghorn antelope may be present should have a 

barbless bottom wire which is 18 inches from the ground to 

facilitate movement between pastures and other fenced 

areas. Pole and other types of fences should also provide 

for pronghorn antelope passage where they are present.

GD Grasslands Pronghorn antelope fence and other 

crossings should be installed along known movement 

corridors to prevent habitat fragmentation.

ST Livestock Grazing New or reconstructed fencing shall 

allow for wildlife passage, except where specifically 

intended to exclude wildlife (e.g., elk fencing). 

GD Wildlife Quiet Areas Fences surrounding and within 

WQAs should be inspected and improved to allow wildlife 

movement within and outside of the areas. Fences should 

be removed if no longer needed.

New plan direction is more extensive 

and specific.

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

b) Implement the Forest snag policy. 

Provide at least 55% of a diversity unit 

with at least 180 snags per 100 acres. In 

high priority areas, including both edge 

habitats adjacent to meadows or water, 

DC All PNVTs Old or large trees, multistoried canopies, 

large coarse woody debris, and snags provide the structure, 

function, and associated vegetation composition as 

appropriate for each forested and woodland PNVTs.

DC Riparian Areas Vegetation is structurally diverse, often 

New plan direction provides snag 

densities that are specific to 

vegetation types; average snag 

densities are to be applied to the 

entire vegetation type, not just 55% 
1342 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

manage for an average of 280 snags per 

100 acres.

dense, providing for high bird species diversity and 

abundance, especially neotropical migratory birds. It 

includes large trees and snags in the cottonwood-willow and 

mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forests to support 

species such as beaver, yellow-billed cuckoo, bald eagles, 

Arizona gray squirrel, and various bat species.

GD All Forested PNVTs Trees, snags, and logs 

immediately adjacent to active red squirrel cone caches, 

Abert’s squirrel nests, and raptor nests should be retained to 

maintain needed habitat components and provide tree 

groupings.

DC Ponderosa Pine The ponderosa pine forest is 

composed predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, 

top-killed, lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide 

snags and coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody 

debris are well distributed throughout the landscape. 

Ponderosa pine snags are typically 18 inches or greater in 

diameter and average 1 to 2 per acre. 

DC Ponderosa Pine Where it naturally occurs, Gambel oak 

is present with all age classes represented. It is reproducing 

to maintain or expand its presence on capable sites across 

the landscape. Large Gambel oak snags are typically 10 

inches or larger in diameter and are well distributed.

DC Ponderosa Pine Old growth occurs throughout the 

landscape, in small, discontinuous areas consisting of 

clumps of old trees, or occasionally individual old trees. 

Other old growth components are also present including 

dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse woody debris),

and/or structural diversity. The location of old growth shifts 

on the landscape over time as a result of succession and 

disturbance (tree growth and mortality). 

DC Dry Mixed Conifer The dry mixed conifer forest is 

composed predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, 

top-killed, lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide 

snags and coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody 

debris are well distributed throughout the landscape. Snags 

are typically 18 inches in diameter or greater and average 3 

of the area as under the previous 

plan. Snag densities under the new 

plan are therefore as high or higher 

than those required under the old 

plan.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1343

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

per acre. 

DC Dry Mixed Conifer Old growth occurs throughout the 

landscape, in small, discontinuous areas consisting of 

clumps of old trees, or occasionally individual old trees. 

Other old growth components are also present including 

dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse woody debris), 

and/or structural diversity. The location of old growth shifts 

on the landscape over time as a result of succession and 

disturbance (tree growth and mortality). 

DC Dry Mixed Conifer Openings surrounding tree groups 

are composed of a grass, forb, and shrub mix. Some 

openings may contain individual trees or snags. 

DC Wet Mixed conifer The wet mixed conifer forest is 

composed predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining, 

top-killed, lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide 

snags and coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody 

debris are well distributed throughout the landscape. The 

number of snags and logs and amount of coarse woody 

debris varies by seral state ranging from 8 to more than 16 

tons per acre. 

DC Wet Mixed conifer Old growth occurs over large, 

continuous areas. Old growth components include old trees, 

dead trees (snags), downed wood (coarse woody debris), 

and/or structural diversity. The location of old growth shifts 

on the landscape over time as a result of succession and 

disturbance (tree growth and mortality).

DC Wet Mixed conifer There are 20 or more snags greater 

than 8 inches in diameter per acre and 1 to 5 of those snags 

are 18 inches or greater in diameter. 

DC Spruce-Fir The spruce-fir forest is composed 

predominantly of vigorous trees, but declining top-killed, 

lightning-scarred, and fire-scarred trees provide snags and 

coarse woody debris. Snags and coarse woody debris are 

well distributed throughout the landscape. 

DC Spruce-Fir Old growth occurs over large, continuous 

areas. Old growth components include old trees, dead trees 
1344 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

(snags), downed wood (coarse woody debris), and/or 

structural diversity. The location of old growth shifts on the 

landscape over time as a result of succession and 

disturbance (tree growth and mortality).

DC Spruce-Fir In general, there are 13 to 30 snags greater 

than 8 inches in diameter per acre and 1 to 3 of those snags 

are 18 inches or greater in diameter.

DC Madrean Pine-Oak Snags, averaging 1 to 2 per acre, 

and older trees are scattered across the landscape. Coarse 

woody debris averages 1 to 5 tons per acre.

DC Madrean Pine-Oak Some large patches in the Madrean 

pine-oak woodland are closed canopy, have multiple age 

classes, large trees, and old growth-like characteristics 

(e.g., numerous snags, large coarse woody debris) in order 

to provide for wildlife such as Mexican spotted owl and black 

bear that need denser habitat.

DC Pinon-Juniper Savanna Old growth occurs in isolated 

locations scattered throughout the landscape, as individual 

old trees or as clumps of old trees. Other old growth 

components may also be present including dead trees 

(snags), downed wood (coarse woody debris), and/or 

structural diversity.

DC Pinon-Juniper-Persistent Woodland Snags, 

averaging one to two per acre, and older trees with dead 

limbs and tops are scattered across the landscape. Coarse 

woody debris averages 2 to 5 tons per acre.

DC Pinon-Juniper-Persistent Woodland Old growth 

includes old trees, dead trees (snags), downed wood 

(coarse woody debris), and/or structural diversity. The 

location of old growth shifts on the landscape over time as a 

result of succession and disturbance (tree growth and 

mortality). 

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants During treatments, snags 

should be retained in the largest diameter classes available 

as needed to meet wildlife or other resource needs. 

GD Landscape Scale Disturbance Events An adequate 
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Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

number and size of snags and logs, appropriate for the 

affected PNVT, should be retained individually and in 

clumps to provide benefits for wildlife and coarse woody 

debris for soil and other resource benefits. 

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Provide big game, non-game, and upland 

game habitat in aspen.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for 

habitat quality, distribution, and abundance contribute to 

self-sustaining populations of native and desirable nonnative 

plants and animals that are healthy, well distributed, 

connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for 

the life history, distribution, and natural population 

fluctuations of the species within the capability of the 

landscape.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Habitat quality, distribution, 

and abundance exist to support the recovery of federally 

listed species and the continued existence of all native and 

desirable nonnative species.

DC All PNVTs Diverse vegetation structure, species 

composition, densities, and seral states provide quality 

habitat for native and desirable nonnative plant and animal 

species throughout their life cycle and at multiple spatial 

scales. Landscapes provide for the full range of ecosystem 

diversity at multiple scales, including habitats for those 

species associated with late seral states and old growth 

forests.

DC All PNVTs Vegetation conditions provide hiding and 

thermal cover in contiguous blocks for wildlife. Native plant 

species are present in all age classes and are healthy, 

reproducing, and persisting.

GD All Forested PNVTs Hiding cover, approach cover (by 

waters), and travel corridor cover should be provided where 

needed by wildlife.

DC Aspen Areas of aspen occur across the forested 

landscape and are successfully regenerating and being 

recruited into older and larger size classes. Size classes 

have a natural distribution, with the greatest number of 

stems in the smaller size classes.

The plan components for Aspen will 

provide for the desired conditions for 

wildlife species which use the Aspen 

vegetation type since this will provide 

a good distribution of Aspen across 

the landscape as well as a 

distribution of different stages of 

Aspen development across the 

forests. The new plan thus provides 

greater specificity as to how habitat 

for wildlife is provided in the Aspen 

vegetation type.
1346 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

DC Aspen Aspen may comprise 10 to 100 percent of the 

area depending on disturbance (e.g., fire, insects, 

silvicultural treatments) in multistoried patches.

DC Aspen As an early seral species, aspen reproduction 

and recruitment benefit from low severity surface fires in 

association with ponderosa pine and dry mixed conifer 

PNVTs, and mixed-severity fires in association with wet 

mixed conifer and spruce-fir PNVTs.

OBJ Aspen Aspen dominated and codominated acres 

within forested PNVTs, representing a range of age classes, 

are maintained on at least 50,000 acres during the planning 

period.

GD Aspen To preclude concentrated herbivore impacts, 

new surface water development should not be constructed 

within proximity to aspen stands (approximately a quarter of 

a mile).

Restoration of aspen clones should occur where aspen is 

over mature or in decline to maintain a sustainable presence 

of this species at the landscape level.

GD Aspen When managing for early seral states, 

competing conifers should be removed from aspen stands 

when needed to increase aspen longevity and increase 

diversity of aspen age classes.

GD Aspen Aspen restoration and retention efforts should 

include measures to ensure viability of the aspen stand.

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Protect active raptor nest tree groups and 

advise Wildlife biologist of location. 

Manage raptor nest tree groups as 

stands, if possible. Nest group consists of 

nest tree and adjacent trees and is 

maintained as follows:

- Other raptors – An area extending to 200 

feet from active nests is left uncut.

- Protect bald eagle winter roosts with a 

300 foot uncut buffer zone around the 

GD All Forested PNVTs Trees, snags, and logs 

immediately adjacent to active red squirrel cone caches, 

Abert’s squirrel nests, and raptor nests should be retained to 

maintain needed habitat components and provide tree 

groupings.

DC Ponderosa Pine Northern goshawk nest areas have 

forest conditions that are multi-aged and dominated by large 

trees with relatively denser canopies than the surrounding 

forest.

DC Dry Mixed Conifer Northern goshawk nest areas have 

forest conditions that are multi-aged but are dominated by 

The new direction in the plan 

provides the same level of protection 

for raptor nests without specifying 

arbitrary buffers. The new direction 

provides protection from disturbance 

and provides guidance on the habitat 

elements needed to provide and 

maintain raptor habitat.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1347

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

roost. Prohibit road development in the 

roost and buffer zone.

large trees with relatively denser canopies than the 

surrounding forest.

DC Wet Mixed Conifer Northern goshawk nest areas have 

forest conditions that are multi-aged but are dominated by 

large trees with relatively denser canopies than the 

surrounding forest.

DC Spruce-Fir Northern goshawk nest areas have forest 

conditions that are multi-aged but are dominated by large 

trees with relatively denser canopies than the surrounding 

forest.

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants A minimum of six nest areas 

(known and replacement) should be located per northern 

goshawk territory. Northern goshawk nest and replacement 

nest areas should be located around active nests, in 

drainages, at the base of slopes, and on northerly 

(northwest to northeast) aspects. Nest areas should be 25 

to 30 acres each in size.

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Northern goshawk postfledging family areas (PFAs) of approximately 420 acres in 

size should be designated around the nest sites.

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Active raptor nests should be 

protected from treatments and disturbance during the 

nesting season to provide for successful reproduction. 

Specifically for northern goshawk nest areas, human 

presence should be minimized during nesting season of 

March 1 through September 30.

GD Wildlife and Rare Plants Any action likely to cause a 

disturbance and take to bald and golden eagles in nesting 

and young rearing areas should be avoided per the Bald 

and Golden Eagle Protection Act. 

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Cover corridors are laid out to connect 

treated areas, or breaks in terrain to 

provide interconnecting cover corridors. 

Known or suspected routes of game travel 

are used to lay out cover corridors.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Ecological conditions for 

habitat quality, distribution, and abundance contribute to 

self-sustaining populations of native and desirable nonnative 

plants and animals that are healthy, well distributed, 

connected, and genetically diverse. Conditions provide for 

the life history, distribution, and natural population 

The new plan direction is both more 

extensive and provides for wildlife 

species other than game species.
1348 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

fluctuations of the species within the capability of the 

landscape.

DC Overall Ecosystem Health Large blocks of habitat are 

interconnected, allowing for behavioral and predator-prey 

interactions, and the persistence of metapopulations and 

highly interactive wildlife species across the landscape. 

Ecological connectivity extends through all plant 

communities.

DC All PNVTs Vegetative connectivity provides for species 

dispersal, genetic exchange, and daily and seasonal 

movements across multiple spatial scales

GD All Forested PNVTs Hiding cover, approach cover (by 

waters), and travel corridor cover should be provided where 

needed by wildlife.

GD All Woodland PNVTs Hiding cover, approach cover (by 

waters), and travel corridor cover should be provided where 

needed by wildlife.

DC Wildlife and Rare Plants Habitat is well distributed and 

connected.

GD Wildlife Quiet Areas Hiding cover and travelways for 

wildlife should be maintained to provide for security and 

connectivity of habitat.

DC Natural Landscape These areas contribute to 

ecosystem and species diversity and sustainability; serve as 

habitat for plants and animals; and offer wildlife corridors, 

reference areas, primitive and semi-primitive nonmotorized 

recreation opportunities, and places for people seeking 

natural scenery and solitude.

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Wildlife use will be controlled in areas in 

unsatisfactory condition where wildlife use 

is a significant causative factor affecting 

condition.

DC All PNVTs Herbivory is in balance with available forage 

(i.e., grazing and browsing by authorized livestock, wild 

horses, and wildlife do not exceed available forage 

production within established use levels).

DC Riparian Areas: The ecological function of riparian 

areas is resilient to animal and human use.

DC Livestock Grazing: Livestock grazing is in balance with 

The new plan direction meets the 

intent of the previous direction with 

out mandating wildlife control. Where 

resource concerns occur and wildlife 

is a contributing factor, control is not 

precluded (as demonstrated by the 

Standard in the Livestock Grazing 

section).
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1349

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Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

available forage (i.e., grazing and browsing by authorized 

livestock, wild horses, and wildlife do not exceed available 

forage production within established use levels). 

ST Livestock Grazing New or reconstructed fencing shall 

allow for wildlife passage, except where specifically 

intended to exclude wildlife (e.g., elk fencing). 

GD Livestock Grazing Critical areas should be managed to 

address the inherent or unique site factors, conditions, 

values, or potential conflicts associated with them.

GD Livestock Grazing Forage, browse, and cover needs of 

wildlife, authorized livestock, and wild horses should be 

managed in balance with available forage so that providing 

for these needs remain at or move toward a healthy, 

persistent state.

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Evaluate need, maintain and improve 

meadows by eliminating competing 

conifers, stabilizing gullies to restore water 

tables, and reseeding with species 

desirable to wildlife.

DC Soil Soils are stable within their natural capability. 

Vegetation and litter limit accelerated erosion (e.g., rills, 

gullies, root exposure, topsoil loss) and contribute to soil 

deposition and development.

GD Soil Severely disturbed sites should be revegetated with 

native plant species when loss of long term soil productivity 

is predicted.

GD Soil Locally collected seed should be used where 

available and cost effective. Seeds should be tested to 

ensure they are free from noxious weeds and invasive 

nonnative plants at a State certified seed testing laboratory 

before acceptance and mixing.

DC Grasslands Woody (tree and shrub) canopy cover is 

less than 10 percent.

OBJ Grasslands Decrease or maintain the woody canopy 

cover at less than 10 percent by treating up to 25,000 acres 

annually. 

GD Grasslands Restoration treatment of grasslands should 

result in a woody canopy cover of less than 10 percent; 

more than one treatment may be required.

GD Grasslands Mechanical restoration of grasslands 

All aspects of the previous direction 

are retained under new plan 

direction. The new plan also sets 

desired conditions for when action is 

needed to remove encroaching 

conifers.
1350 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

should emphasize individual tree removal to limit soil 

disturbance. 

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Evaluate need and construct fences 

where necessary to protect key meadows 

from grazing.

DC All PNVTs Herbivory is in balance with available forage 

(i.e., grazing and browsing by authorized livestock, wild 

horses, and wildlife do not exceed available forage 

production within established use levels).

DC Riparian Areas The ecological function of riparian 

areas is resilient to animal and human use.

DC Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing is in balance with 

available forage (i.e., grazing and browsing by authorized 

livestock, wild horses, and wildlife do not exceed available 

forage production within established use levels). 

ST Livestock Grazing New or reconstructed fencing shall 

allow for wildlife passage, except where specifically 

intended to exclude wildlife (e.g., elk fencing). 

GD Livestock Grazing Critical areas should be managed to 

address the inherent or unique site factors, conditions, 

values, or potential conflicts associated with them.

GD Livestock Grazing Forage, browse, and cover needs of 

wildlife, authorized livestock, and wild horses should be 

managed in balance with available forage so that providing 

for these needs remain at or move toward a healthy, 

persistent state.

The new plan direction meets the 

intent of the previous direction with 

out mandating fencing. Where 

resource concerns occur fencing is 

not precluded (as demonstrated by 

the Standard in the Livestock 

Grazing section).

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Maintain existing antelope range. DC Grasslands During the critical pronghorn fawning 

period (May through June [12]

), cool season grasses and 

forbs provide nutritional forage; while shrubs and standing 

grass growth from the previous year provide adequate 

hiding cover (10 to 18 inches) to protect fawns from 

predation. 

OBJ Grasslands Decrease or maintain the woody canopy 

cover at less than 10 percent by treating up to 25,000 acres 

annually. 

GD Grasslands Restoration treatment of grasslands should 

result in a woody canopy cover of less than 10 percent; 

more than one treatment may be required.

The new plan direction is more 

specific about requirements for 

maintaining existing antelope range.
Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan 1351

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

GD Grasslands New fence construction or reconstruction 

where pronghorn antelope may be present should have a 

barbless bottom wire which is 18 inches from the ground to 

facilitate movement between pastures and other fenced 

areas. Pole and other types of fences should also provide 

for pronghorn antelope passage where they are present.

GD Grasslands Pronghorn antelope fence and other

crossings should be installed along known movement 

corridors to prevent habitat fragmentation.

DC Wildlife Quiet Areas 

Woolhouse WQA on the Lakeside Ranger District provides 

high quality winter range for pronghorn antelope and elk 

within a busy and heavily used wildland-urban interface. 

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Manage waters capable of supporting fish 

to maintain a fishery.

DC Aquatic Habitat and Species 

Desirable nonnative fish species provide recreational fishing 

in waters where those opportunities are not in conflict with 

the recovery of native species.

DC Dispersed Recreation Dispersed recreation 

opportunities (e.g., hunting, fishing, hiking, camping) are 

available and dispersed recreation sites (e.g., campsites, 

trailheads, vistas, parking areas) occur in a variety of ROS 

classes throughout the forests.

DC Dispersed Recreation Water-based settings are 

available and the associated recreation opportunities (e.g., 

canoeing, fishing, waterfowl hunting) do not degrade aquatic 

resources.

New plan direction maintains the 

intent of the old plan direction while 

clarifying the need to balance 

desirable nonnative fish with native 

fish.

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Manage waters to perpetuate Apache 

Trout in order that this species can be 

delisted from the endangered category.

DC Aquatic Habitats and Species Streams and aquatic 

habitats support native fish and/or other aquatic species 

providing the quantity and quality of aquatic habitat within 

reference conditions [8].

DC Aquatic Habitats and Species Native fish, reptile, 

amphibian, and invertebrate populations are free from or 

minimally impacted by nonnative plants and animals.

New plan direction is broadened to 

cover more than Apache Trout.

Wildlife & 

Fisheries

Manage for or maintain habitat capability 

for Arizona trout, rainbow trout, brook 

DC Aquatic Habitats and Species 

Desirable nonnative fish species provide recreational fishing 

New plan direction maintains the 

intent of the old plan direction while 
1352 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Appendix I

Resource 1987 Plan Content (as amended). Page 

numbers refer to electronic version. New Plan Direction (and or retained/modified direction)

Rationale for Deleting or 

Modifying 1987

Plan Direction

trout, brown trout, loach minnow, and 

spinedace at least 60% of potential.

in waters where those opportunities are not in conflict with 

the recovery of native species.

clarifying the need to balance 

desirable nonnative fish with native 

fish.
Appendix I

Footnotes for Appendix I

[1] Degrading factors include, but are not limited to, actions that cause or maintain high departure from 

historic vegetation conditions, unsatisfactory or impaired soil condition, nonfunctioning riparian areas, 

impaired species habitat, occurrence of invasive species, and unstable road and trail conditions.

[2] Satisfactory soil condition exists when indicators signify that soil function is being sustained and soil is

functioning properly and normally. The ability of soil to maintain resource values and sustain outputs is 

high.

[3] Tolerance soil loss rates are the maximum rates that soil can erode and not reduce long term soil 

productivity. These were established for each terrestrial ecosystem mapping unit component and are 

described in the “Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests” (Laing et al., 

1987, as amended).

[4] Detrimental changes are described in species-specific literature (e.g., recovery plans, listing and critical 

habitat designations, conservation strategies).

[5] Based on the site capability as defined by the specific map unit under consideration in the “Terrestrial 

Ecosystem Survey for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests” (Laing et al., 1987 as amended).

[6] The spatial extent of wetlands is delineated in the 2011 RMAP (Regional Riparian Mapping Project) 

found in the forests’ GIS database.

[7] Plant height source material: Vine 1960; Hermann 1970, 1975; Hitchcock and Chase 1971; McDougall 

1973; Correll and Correll 1975; Gould 1977; Martin and Hutchins 1980; Benson and Darrow 1981; 

Hickman 1993; Cronquist et al., 1997; Ruyle and Young 1997; Welsh et al., 1997; Hurd et al., 1998; 

Barkworth et al., 2003, 2007; Flora of North America 2008; and Springer et al., 2009.

[8] Reference conditions are described in species-specific literature and research. 

[9] Species composition and cover amounts and the amount of vegetation and litter needed for soil 

protection are described by ecological unit in the “Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey for the Apache-Sitgreaves 

National Forests” (Laing et al., 1987, as amended).

[10] Based on site capability as defined by the specific ecological unit under consideration in the “Terrestrial 

Ecosystem Survey for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests” (Laing et al., 1987, as amended).

[11] See the Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant on National Forest System Land. Final 

Environmental Impact Statement. USDA Forest Service for species-specific information.

[12] Fawning may extend through mid-July in the high elevation montane/subalpine grasslands.

[13] Sacred sites as defined in E.O. 13007, traditional cultural properties as defined in National Register 

Bulletin 38, traditional cultural purposes as defined in the 2008 Farm Bill Section 8102, Subtitle B.

[14] The amount of woody material varies by PNVT; see vegetation desired conditions.

[15] Measured on ungrazed plants as an indicator of vigor.

[16] The system of NFS roads and motorized trails is identified in the I-WEB database.

[17] In 2012, there are no areas designated for motorized cross-country travel.

[18] Controls do not include State authorized hunting.
Appendix I

1354 Programmatic FEIS for the Apache-Sitgreaves NFs Land Management Plan

Literature Cited

Conklin, D.A., Fairweather, M.L. (2010). Dwarf mistletoes and their Management in the 

Southwest. USDA Forest Service, Southwestern Region, R3-FH-10-01. 23 pp. 

[http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/resources/health]

Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land 

Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park 

Service (Forest Service and DOI). (2009). Guidance for Implementation of Federal 

Wildland Fire Management Policy. [online] URL: 

http://www.nifc.gov/policies/policies_documents/GIFWFMP.pdf. 

Reynolds, Richard T., A.J. Sanchez. Meador, J.A. Youtz, T. Nicolet, M.S. Matonis, P.L. Jackson, 

D.G. DeLorenzo, A.D. Graves. (2013). Restoring the composition and structure in 

southwestern frequent-fire forests: a science-based framework for improving ecosystem 

resiliency. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-310. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 76 pp. 

USDA, Forest Service - Southwestern Region. (2013). Desired Conditions for Use in Forest 

Planning in the Southwestern Region: Development and Science Basis. Final white paper 

by USFS Region-3 Planning Team members for use by the 1982-rule revision forests. 

Albuquerque, NM. 

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. (1986). Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey 

Handbook. Southwestern Region (Region 3), Albuquerque, NM.