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DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 

MOTORIZED VEHICLE USE ON THE ROGUE RIVER-SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CHAPTER I - PURPOSE AND NEED 

A. CHANGES BETWEEN FINAL EIS and DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL EIS .....................................................I-1 

B. BACKGROUND AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................I-2 

C. LOCATION AND SETTING .........................................................................................................................I-5 

D. SCOPE AND SCALE ...................................................................................................................................I-6 

E. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION .........................................................................................................I-7 

F. PROPOSED ACTION ...................................................................................................................................I-7 

G. DECISION FRAMEWORK ...........................................................................................................................I-8 

H. OTHER RELATED NEPA ANALYSIS .........................................................................................................I-9 

I. MANAGEMENT DIRECTION ........................................................................................................................I-9 

1. Northwest Forest Plan ................................................................................................................................I-10 

2. Siskiyou Land and Resource Management Plan ......................................................................................I-11 

3. Rogue River Land and Resource Management Plan ...............................................................................I-12 

J. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ..............................................................................................................................I-12 

1. Scoping ........................................................................................................................................................I-14 

2. Significant Issues ........................................................................................................................................I-16 

3. Other Issues ................................................................................................................................................I-17 

4. Out of Scope Issues ....................................................................................................................................I-19 

K. PERMITS .....................................................................................................................................................I-22 

CHAPTER II - ALTERNATIVES 

A. CHANGES BETWEEN FINAL EIS and DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL EIS .....................................................II-1 

B. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................................II-1 

1. Strategy for Developing the Proposed Action and Alternatives ...........................................................II-1 

2. Identification of the Preferred Alternative .................................................................................................II-3 

C. ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS ..............................................................................................II-3 

1. National Forest System Roads and Trails ...............................................................................................II-3 

2. Alternative Development on the RRSNF ..................................................................................................II-10 

D. CORRECTIONS TO BASELINE MAPPING ................................................................................................II-11 

 
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E. ALTERNATIVE 1-No Action .......................................................................................................................II-13 

1. Function of the No Action Alternative ......................................................................................................II-14 

2. Description of the No Action Alternative .................................................................................................II-14 

F. ASSUMPTIONS AND ELEMENTS COMMON TO ACTION ALTERNATIVES ...........................................II-15 

1. Authorizations ............................................................................................................................................II-15 

2. Parking .........................................................................................................................................................II-16 

3. Dispersed Motorized Camping ..................................................................................................................II-17 

4. Land Management Plan Amendments .....................................................................................................II-18 

5. Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) .........................................................................................................II-20 

G. ALTERNATIVE 2 .........................................................................................................................................II-20 

1. Function of Alternative 2 ............................................................................................................................II-20 

2. Description of Alternative 2 .......................................................................................................................II-20 

3. Forest-wide Elements of Alternative 2 ......................................................................................................II-21 

4. District Specific Elements of Alternative 2 ...............................................................................................II-22 

a. Powers Ranger District Elements ........................................................................................................II-22 

b. Gold Beach Ranger District Elements .................................................................................................II-22 

c. Wild Rivers Ranger District Elements .................................................................................................II-22 

d. Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District Elements ...................................................................................II-23 

e. High Cascades Ranger District Elements ...........................................................................................II-23 

H. ALTERNATIVE 3-Proposed Action............................................................................................................II-23 

1. Function of Alternative 3 ............................................................................................................................II-23 

2. Description of Alternative 3 .......................................................................................................................II-23 

3. Forest-wide Elements of Alternative 3 ......................................................................................................II-24 

4. District Specific Elements of Alternative 3 ...............................................................................................II-26 

a. Powers Ranger District Elements ........................................................................................................II-26 

b. Gold Beach Ranger District Elements .................................................................................................II-26 

c. Wild Rivers Ranger District Elements .................................................................................................II-27 

d. Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District Elements ...................................................................................II-29 

e. High Cascades Ranger District Elements ...........................................................................................II-30 

I. ALTERNATIVE 4 ...........................................................................................................................................II-31 

1. Function of Alternative 4 ............................................................................................................................II-31 

2. Description of Alternative 4 .......................................................................................................................II-31 

3. Forest-wide Elements of Alternative 4 ......................................................................................................II-31 

4. District Specific Elements of Alternative 4 ...............................................................................................II-33 

a. Powers Ranger District Elements ........................................................................................................II-33 

b. Gold Beach Ranger District Elements .................................................................................................II-33 

c. Wild Rivers Ranger District Elements .................................................................................................II-34 

d. Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District Elements ...................................................................................II-36 

e. High Cascades Ranger District Elements ...........................................................................................II-38 

J. ALTERNATIVE 5-Preferred Alternative .....................................................................................................II-39 

1. Function of Alternative 5 ............................................................................................................................II-39 

2. Description of Alternative 5 .......................................................................................................................II-39 

3. Forest-wide Elements of Alternative 5 ......................................................................................................II-40 

4. District Specific Elements of Alternative 5 ...............................................................................................II-41 

a. Powers Ranger District Elements ........................................................................................................II-41 

b. Gold Beach Ranger District Elements .................................................................................................II-42 

c. Wild Rivers Ranger District Elements .................................................................................................II-43 

d. Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District Elements ...................................................................................II-44 

e. High Cascades Ranger District Elements ...........................................................................................II-45 

 
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K. MITIGATION MEASURES COMMON TO ALL ACTION ALTERNATIVES ................................................II-45 

1. Public Safety ...............................................................................................................................................II-47 

2. Hydrology and Riparian Reserves ............................................................................................................II-47 

3. Erosion and Sedimentation .......................................................................................................................II-48 

4. Fish and Aquatic Species ..........................................................................................................................II-48 

5. Terrestrial Wildlife ......................................................................................................................................II-48 

6. Invasive Non-native Species .....................................................................................................................II-50 

7. Protection of Special Status Plant Species .............................................................................................II-52 

8. Naturally Occurring Asbestos (ADDED) ..................................................................................................II-53 

L. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ................................................................................................................II-54 

M. MONITORING COMMON TO ACTION ALTERNATIVES ...........................................................................II-55 

N. ALTERNATIVES AND ELEMENTS CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM DETAILED STUDY .........II-56 

1. Alternatives Related to Route Designation ...............................................................................................II-56 

2. Ideas Related to Management of Motorized Use ......................................................................................II-61 

O. COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES ..........................................................................................................II-64 

1. Description of the Alternatives Considered in Detail ..............................................................................II-64 

2. Comparison of Alternatives In Terms of Significant and Other Issues ..................................................II-65

CHAPTER III - AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 

A. CHANGES BETWEEN FINAL EIS and DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL EIS .....................................................III-1 

 

B. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................................III-1 

1. Analysis Framework ..................................................................................................................................III-2 

C. ATTAINMENT OF PURPOSE AND NEED .................................................................................................III-6 

1. Implement the Travel Management Rule ..........................................................................................III-7 

2. Provide a Designated and Managed System for Motorized Use .....................................................III-7 

3. Provide Consistent Direction in the Forest Plans ............................................................................III-8 

D. ENVIRONMENT AND CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH SIGNIFICANT ISSUES .........................III-8 

1. Water Quality and Erosion ........................................................................................................................III-8

a. Background and Analysis Framework ..............................................................................................III-9 

b. Effects Mechanisms ...........................................................................................................................III-13 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-14 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-24 

2. Botanical Areas and Special Plant Habitats ............................................................................................III-26 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-26 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-27 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-28 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-29 

3. Public Safety ...............................................................................................................................................III-30 

a. Background and Analysis Framework ..............................................................................................III-30 

b. Direct and Indirect Effects .................................................................................................................III-33 

c. Cumulative Effects ..............................................................................................................................III-34 

 
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4. Motorized Opportunities ............................................................................................................................III-35 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-35 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-37 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-39 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-49 

5. Roadless Character within Inventoried Roadless Areas ........................................................................III-50 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-50 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-52 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects .................................................................................................................III-53 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-55 

E. ENVIRONMENT AND CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH OTHER ISSUES ....................................III-55 

1. Soils - Site Productivity .............................................................................................................................III-56 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-56 

b. Effect Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ..................................................................................III-59 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-61 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-68 

2. Aquatic Conservation Strategy .................................................................................................................III-69 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-69 

b. Compliance with Riparian Reserve Standards and Guidelines ......................................................III-70 

c. Consistency with Aquatic Conservation Strategy for Action Alternatives ....................................III-71 

3. Air Quality - Vehicle Emissions ................................................................................................................III-73 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-74 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-75 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-76 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-78 

4. Air Quality - Dust and Asbestos ...............................................................................................................III-78 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-78 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-79 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-82 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-86 

5. Fire Risk ......................................................................................................................................................III-86 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-87 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-87 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-88 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-88 

6. Federally Listed and FS Sensitive Plants ................................................................................................III-89 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-89 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-91 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-92 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-97 

7. Invasive Non-native Plants ........................................................................................................................III-97 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-97 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-98 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-98 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-100 

8. Invasive Pathogens ....................................................................................................................................III-100 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-100 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-107 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-109 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-113 

 
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9. Terrestrial Wildlife Listed Species ............................................................................................................III-114 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-114 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-117 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects .................................................................................................................III-121 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-129 

10. Management Indicator Species ..............................................................................................................III-129 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-129 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-130 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-133 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-135 

11. Other Special or Rare and Uncommon Terrestrial Wildlife ..................................................................III-136 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-136 

b. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives .......................................................................................III-136 

c. Cumulative Effects ..............................................................................................................................III-138 

12. Fisheries and Aquatic Species ...............................................................................................................III-138 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-138 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-140 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects .................................................................................................................III-141 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-159 

13. Visuals ......................................................................................................................................................III-160 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-160 

b. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives .......................................................................................III-161 

c. Cumulative Effects ..............................................................................................................................III-162 

14. Sound Level ..............................................................................................................................................III-162 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-163 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-163 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-165 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-167 

15. Enforcement .............................................................................................................................................III-167 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-167 

b. Assumptions and Analysis Framework ............................................................................................III-170 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-172 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-173 

16. Mining Access ..........................................................................................................................................III-174 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-174 

b. Regulatory Mechanisms and Analysis Framework .........................................................................III-175 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-178 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-179 

17. Cultural Resources ..................................................................................................................................III-180 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-180 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-181 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-181 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-184 

18. Climate Change ........................................................................................................................................III-184 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-185 

b. Analysis Framework ...........................................................................................................................III-186 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives ........................................................................................III-186 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-187 

19. Wild and Scenic Rivers ............................................................................................................................III-187 

Designated Rivers 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-187 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-190 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects .................................................................................................................III-191 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-194 

 
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Eligible Rivers 

a. Background .........................................................................................................................................III-194 

b. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework ................................................................................III-196 

c. Direct and Indirect Effects .................................................................................................................III-197 

d. Cumulative Effects .............................................................................................................................III-201 

F. OTHER EFFECTS .......................................................................................................................................III-201 

1. Relationships Between Local and Short-term Uses of the Human Environment and Maintenance or 

Enhancement of Long-term Productivity ................................................................................................III-202 

2. Environmental Justice and Civil Rights ....................................................................................................III-202 

3. Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot Be Avoided ..................................................................III-205 

4. Effects on Wetlands and Floodplains ......................................................................................................III-206 

5. Irreversible and Irretrievable Effects ........................................................................................................III-206 

6. Effects on Prime Farmland, Rangeland and Forest Land .............................................................III-206 

7. Energy Requirements of Alternatives ......................................................................................................III-206 

8. Executive Order 13443 – Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation..........................III-207 

G. CONSISTENCY WITH FOREST PLAN DIRECTION .................................................................................III-208 

1. Plan Amendments to Rogue River National Forest LRMP .....................................................................III-209 

2. Plan Amendments to Siskiyou National Forest LRMP ............................................................................III-213 

H. REGIONAL INTERAGENCY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REVIEW ............................................................III-217 

IV. REFERENCES 

V. LIST OF PREPARERS AND CONTRIBUTORS 

VI. LIST OF AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS TO WHOM COPIES OF THE STATEMENT ARE SENT 

GLOSSARY 

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX A – Reserved for the Response to Comments Between the DSEIS and FSEIS

APPENDIX B - Forest Plan Direction and Proposed Amendments 

APPENDIX C - Terrestrial Wildlife Species Accounts 

APPENDIX D - Watershed and Soil Characteristics 

APPENDIX E - Current Forest Orders 

APPENDIX F – Port-Orford Cedar Risk Analysis 

APPENDIX G – Aquatic and Fisheries Species Accounts 

APPENDIX H – Errata Sheet 
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LIST OF MAPS 

CHAPTER I NONE 

CHAPTER II 

Map II-1. Siskiyou Mountains RD, Parking for Dispersed Camping, Alternative 4 .......................... II - 37 

Map II-2. High Cascades RD, Parking for Dispersed Camping, Alternative 4 .................................. II - 38 

Map II-3. MVUM Publication Areas and Scale ................................................................................. II - 55 

CHAPTER III 

Map III-1. Inventoried Roadless Areas on the Rogue River-Siskiyou NF ........................................ III - 51 

Map III-2. Serpentine/Ultramafic Geology and Soil Areas - RRSNF ................................................ III - 58 

LIST OF TABLES 

CHAPTER I NONE 

CHAPTER II 

Table II-1. Road Maintenance Level Definitions ............................................................................. II - 4 

Table II-2. Motorized Trail Classification and Specifications .......................................................... II - 7 

Table II-3. Alternative 1 (No Action - Current Condition) Summary ................................................ II - 14 

Table II-4. Forest Plan Amendment Proposals by Alternative ........................................................ II - 19 

Table II-5. Alternative 2 (Current Condition) Summary ................................................................... II - 21 

Table II-6. Alternative 3 (Proposed Action) Summary .................................................................... II - 25 

Table II-7. Alternative 4 Summary .................................................................................................. II - 32 

Table II-8. Alternative 5 Summary .................................................................................................. II - 41 

Table II-9. Effectiveness and Feasibility of Mitigation Measures .................................................... II - 46 

Table II-10. Spotted Owl Restriction Distances ................................................................................ II - 49 

Table II-11. Murrelet Restriction Distances ....................................................................................... II - 49 

Table II-12. Disturbance Criteria for the Protection of Marbled Murrelet .......................................... II - 50 

Table II-13. Alternative Comparison .................................................................................................. II - 64 

Table II-14. Comparison of Alternatives - Significant Issues ............................................................ II - 65 

Table II-15. Comparison of Alternatives - Other Issues .................................................................... II - 66 

CHAPTER III 

Table III-1. Basin, Sub-basin or Watershed Listed Pollutants ........................................................ III - 10 

Table III-2. Summary of Motorized Use in IRAs by Alternative ....................................................... III - 55

Table III-3. Existing Condition of Soil Indicators – Rogue River-Siskiyou NF ................................. III - 61 

Table III-4. Alternative 2 Forest-Wide Soil Indicators ..................................................................... III - 62 

Table III-5. Alternative 3 Forest-Wide Soil Indicators ..................................................................... III - 63 

Table III-6. Alternative 4 Forest-Wide Soil Indicators ..................................................................... III - 63 

Table III-7. Alternative 5 Forest-Wide Soil Indicators ..................................................................... III - 64 

Table III-8. Summary of the Forest-Wide Soil Indicators by Alternative ......................................... III - 68 

Table III-9. Evaluation of Applicable NWFP Riparian Reserve Standards and Guidelines ............ III - 70 

Table III-10. Existing condition of the NFS roads and trails in relation to the location of geology 

 and soils that have the potential to contain NOA – Rogue River-Siskiyou NF ............. III - 82 

Table III-11. Alternative 3 Motorized Routes Surface Type within NOA Soils .................................. III - 84 

Table III-12. Alternative 4 Motorized Routes Surface Type within NOA Soils .................................. III - 84 

Table III-13. Alternative 5 Motorized Routes Surface Type within NOA Soils .................................. III - 85 

Table III-14. Motorized Routes - Areas More Likely to Contain Naturally Occurring Asbestos ........ III - 85 

Table III-15. Summary of the NOA Geology and Soils Indicators, per Alternative ........................... III - 86 

 
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CHAPTER III (continued) 

Table III-16. Comparison of Alternatives – Phytophthora lateralis and Port-Orford-cedar ............... III - 112 

Table III-17. Steps in the Biological Evaluation Process – Threatened Species ............................. III - 115 

Table III-18. Steps in the Biological Evaluation Process – Sensitive Species ................................. III - 116 

Table III-19. Harassment Distances from Various Activities for Spotted Owls ................................ III - 119 

Table III-20. Harassment Distances from Various Activities for Marbled Murrelet .......................... III - 120 

Table III-21. Effects Determination – Threatened Species .............................................................. III - 127 

Table III-22. Effects Determination – Forest Service Sensitive Species ......................................... III - 128 

Table III-23. Threatened and Sensitive Fish Species ...................................................................... III - 141 

Table III-24. Watersheds with Proposed Activities – Powers Ranger District ................................. III - 143 

Table III-25. Watersheds with Proposed Activities – Gold Beach Ranger District ........................... III - 144 

Table III-26. Watersheds with Proposed Activities – Wild Rivers Ranger District ........................... III - 148 

Table III-27. Watersheds with Proposed Activities – Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District .............. III - 151 

Table III-28. Watersheds with Proposed Activities – High Cascades Ranger District ..................... III - 152 

Table III-29. Visual Quality Objectives and Land Management Allocations .................................... III - 161 

Table III-30. Oregon Vehicle Standards: Allowable Noise Limits .................................................... III - 163

Table III-31. Human Decibel Exposure Time Guidelines ................................................................. III - 164 

Table III-32. List of Designated Wild and Scenic Rivers .................................................................. III - 188 

Table III-33. Comparison of Alternatives – Designated Wild and Scenic Areas .............................. III - 191 

Table III-34. List of Eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers ........................................................................ III - 196 

Table III-35. Comparison of Alternatives – Eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers .................................... III - 197 

Table III-36. Percent of County Populations with Disabilities .......................................................... III - 204 

LIST OF FIGURES 

CHAPTER I

Figure I-1. Key Excerpts from the 2005 Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212 Subpart B) ......... I – 3,4 

Figure I-2. Management Area Prescriptions - Siskiyou National Forest 1989 ................................. I - 12 

Figure I-3. Management Areas - Rogue River National Forest 1990 ............................................... I - 12 

CHAPTER II

Figure II-1. Examples of OHV Classes ............................................................................................ II - 7 

Figure II-2. High Cascades RD, Alternative 3, Proposed Play Area ................................................ II - 30 

CHAPTER III 

Figure III-1. Rogue River Basin 303(d) Listed Streams for Temperature ........................................ III - 11