United States

Department of

Agriculture

Forest Service

Giant Sequoia

National Monument

August 2010

Giant Sequoia 

National Monument

Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Volume 2 — Appendices
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Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2 1

Appendix A-Standards and Guidelines by Alternative
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Alternative A
Alternative A

Introduction

The following tables contain the existing and proposed standards and guidelines providing management direction

under Alternative A, the no-action alternative. As stated in Chapter 2, management direction for Alternative A

comes from the 1988 Sequoia National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan; in this appendix

also referred to as LRMP)(USDA Forest Service 1988a) as amended by the 1991 Kings River Wild and Scenic

River and Special Management Area Implementation Plan (KRSMA), the 2001 Sierra Nevada Forest Plan

Amendment (2001 SNFPA)(USDA Forest Service 2001c), and the 2007 Sierra Nevada Forests Management

Indicator Species Amendment (USDA Forest Service 2007a).

The standards and guidelines from the Forest Plan are those from the forest-wide list, as well as some used for

individual management emphasis prescriptions that are still in effect after the 2001 SNFPA amended the Forest

Plan (Forest Plan, Chapter 4, pages 4-16 to 4-39, and 4-42 to 4-90). The 2001 SNFPA standards and guidelines are

from the record of decision (USDA Forest Service 2001e, Appendix A. Note that the 2001 SNFPA Final

Environmental Impact Statement (USDA Forest Service 2001d), Volume 1, page 21, states, “This FEIS meets

Forest Service obligation regarding the NEPA processfor livestock grazing, oak management, old growth, wildlife,

fisheries, and riparian area management.” It also states, "Management direction and land allocations in existing

LRMPs that are not affected, modified, or in conflict with my decision will remain in effect" (2001 SNFPA, ROD,

page 3).

This section also contains the standards and guidelines proposed by the MSA or that need modification to comply

with the Clinton proclamation (Clinton 2000). The MSA standard and guideline recommendations are directly from

the MSA document (USDA Forest Service 2007a). Quotations from the Clinton proclamation are provided where

necessary to clarify where standards and guides need to be modified or eliminated.

However, the MSA recommended changes to specific management areas and associated management emphasis

described the Forest Plan prior to the plan's being amended by the 2001 SNFPA. Therefore, portions of the Forest

Plan and/or MSA recommended direction are shown as strikethrough text to more clearly display the current

management situation.

In addition, because of the elimination of the vegetation-based management areas per the 2001 SNFPA, several

standards and guidelines are now lumped together under the remaining management emphases(developed recreation,

water-oriented recreation, general dispersed recreation, and wildlife and dispersed recreation). They may appear

as duplicates where the language is exactly the same or redundant where there are slight variations in wording. The

action alternative all propose "clean up" of these redundancies as applicable.

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
Vegetation, including Giant Sequoia Groves

Alternative A-Vegetation Management

Vegetation, including Giant Sequoia Groves

Table 1 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for General Vegetation Management

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Timber/vegetation management

Timbersales under contract

as of the date of the

proclamation and timber

Apply uneven-aged managementsingle tree selection as

the principal Silvicultural system within foreground of

roads, trails, and high use sites that are sensitivity level

1.

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA (See

the following tables regarding

vegetation management in this

section): sales with a decision notice

signed after January 1,

Apply even-aged management or uneven-aged

management group selection within middle ground view

of roads, trails and high use sitesthat are Sensitivity level

Apply uneven-aged management

single tree selection as the principal

Silviculturalsystem within foreground

1999, but prior to

December 31, 1999, may

be completed consistent

1. The system to be selected will meet the assigned visual

quality objective and the silvicultural requirements of

the site. (MSA p. 84)

of roads, trails, and high use sites that

are sensitivity level 1 and streamside

management zones.

with the terms of the

decision notice and

contract. No portion of the

Monument shall be

Apply even-aged management or Silvicultural Systems

uneven-aged management group

selection within middle ground view

considered to be suited for

timber production, and no

part of the Monument shall 1. Both even-aged and uneven-aged silviculturalsystems

shall be evaluated and used on the forest as appropriate

to given site

of roads, trails and high use sites that

are Sensitivity level 1 and within giant

be used in a calculation or

provision of a sustained

yield of timber from the

Sequoia National Forest. 2. Uneven-aged management:

sequoia groves designated for

non-intensive management. The

system to be selected will meet the

a. Uneven-aged management shall be conducted as

regulation class 2, which corresponds to an average

rotation age of 140 years.

assigned visual quality objective and

the silvicultural requirements of the

site.

Removal of trees, except

for personal use fuel wood,

from within the Monument

area may take place only if

b. Both natural and artificial regeneration shall be used

as appropriate.

Apply uneven-aged management group

selection as the principal Silvicultural

system within foreground ofsensitivity

clearly needed for

ecological restoration and

maintenance or public

safety.

c. Openings created by group selection shall be limited

generally to two acres. Larger openings will be allowed

only where necessary to achieve specific silvicultural

goals that are stated in the applicable NEPA document

and only if approved by the forest supervisor.

level 2 roads and Trails, Monache

meadow viewshed, sherman pass

viewshed, and salmon Creek/big

meadow area. Within these areas

even-aged prescriptions are allowed

where terrain stand characteristics,

d. Apply uneven-aged managementsingle tree selection,

as the principal silvicultural system within foreground

of roads, trails and high use sites that are sensitivity level

1.

operational factors, or non-timber

objectives make this necessary and

justified by the project environmental

analysis.

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

e. Generally apply uneven-aged silvicultural systems in

Sensitivity Level 1, middleground areas. Allow

even-aged silvicultural systems in such areas only when

Utilize the following criteria to allow

even-aged silvicultural systems in

sensitivity level 1, middleground areas

when harvest practices and related

activities:

harvest practices and related activities: a) Do not visually

detract from a Class A landscape feature or an identified

focal point; b) Are screened by terrain; c) Occur at or

near perpendicular angle to the direction of travel; d)

Occur in low variety landscapes.

1. Do not visually detract from

class landscape feature or an

identified focal point;

f. Apply even-aged management or uneven-aged

management within middleground view of roads, trails

and high use sitesthat are sensitivity level 1. The system

to be selected will meet the assigned visual quality

objective and the silvicultural requirements of the site.

2. Are screened by terrain;

3. Occur at or near perpendicular

angle to the direction of travel;

Or

4. Occur in low variety landscapes

g. Apply uneven-aged management single tree or group

selection as the principal silvicultural system within

foreground of Sensitivity Level 2 roads and trails,

Apply even-aged management as the

principal silvicultural system on all

land to be managed for timber

production where unevenaged

management is not specified.

Sherman Pass viewshed, Salmon Creek-Big Meadow

area and other areas to be agreed upon in negotiations

over special areas. Within these areas even-aged

(LRMP p. 4-31) prescriptions are allowed only where terrain stand

characteristics, operational factors or non-timber

objectives make this necessary and justified by the

project environmental analysis. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 1)

Timbersales under contract

as of the date of the

proclamation and timber

All giantsequoias 3 feet or larger dbh in Converse Basin

shall be preserved, regardless of any other permitted

logging activity. Small giant sequoias may be cut along

with other species (MSA, page 27).

Retain all live conifer trees with dbh

of 30 inches or greater in westside

forest types. Retain montane

hardwoods with dbh of 12 inches dbh sales with a decision notice

or larger in westside forest types. signed after January 1,

Naturally occurring giantsequoia trees(under 3 feet dbh)

located inside of the Grove Influence Zone shall be

protected from all logging operations, including

Occasional mortality of larger trees is

expected to occur; however, design

prescribed burn prescriptions and

1999, but prior to

December 31, 1999, may

be completed consistent

techniques to minimize the loss of specifically the rootsystem. Every reasonable effortshall

large trees and large down material

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-28).

with the terms of the

decision notice and

contract. No portion of the

be made to protect naturally occurring giantsequoia trees

(under 3 feet dbh) located outside of the Grove Influence

Zone from road construction, cable logging, and other

logging activities (MSA pp. 20-21).

Monument shall be

considered to be suited for

timber production, and no

part of the Monument shall

be used in a calculation or

provision of a sustained

yield of timber from the

Sequoia National Forest.

Removal of trees, except

for personal use fuel wood,

from within the Monument

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

area may take place only if

clearly needed for

ecological restoration and

maintenance or public

safety.

Management emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

Removal of trees, except

for personal use fuel wood,

from within the Monument

Limit regeneration acres and stand

sizes by visual, fish and wildlife

considerations. (LRMP p. 4-52)

area may take place only if

clearly needed for

ecological restoration and

maintenance or public

safety.

Recognize fire risk created by

dispersed recreation use in activity fuel

treatment plans. (LRMP p. 4-52)

Removal of trees, except

for personal use fuel wood,

from within the Monument

Schedule no harvesting in SPNM

areas. (LRMP p. 4-52)

area may take place only if

clearly needed for

ecological restoration and

maintenance or public

safety.

Management emphasis 4 - wilderness

Do not permit harvesting. (LRMP p.

4-65)

Management emphasis 5-wildlife, - dispersed recreation

Utilize all methods of regeneration.

(LRMP p. 4-75)

Protect plantations from wildlife

damage throughout the establishment

period then encourage utilization of

forage. (LRMP p. 4-75)

Removal of trees, except

for personal use fuel wood,

from within the Monument

Limit openings to less than 25 acres in

size and greater than 300 feet apart.

(LRMP p. 4-75)

area may take place only if

clearly needed for

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

ecological restoration and

maintenance or public

safety.

Management Area: (CF6) Mixed Conifer- Emphasis grazing of livestock

Implementation: Activities that take place on or within

250 feet of a meadow require site specific investigation

during project planning to describe the risk of altering

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Limit

stand sizes and regeneration acres

around meadows. (LRMP p. 4-87)

the hydrologic characteristics. Proposed management

riparian conservation objective #2,

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, pp.

A-54-55)

activities need to consider direct and indirect effects on

the meadows hydrologic character. Activities will be

evaluated through an ID team process including

consulting with cooperating agencies, individuals and

permittees.

An initial assessment will be conducted to determine if

erosion is occurring in the meadow from readily

identifiable sources. If erosion is occurring identify

activities which are the cause. Existing adverse

conditions will be identified through the Watershed

Improvement Needs

Inventory (WINI) (FSH 2509.15, form FS-2500-7). Plans

will be developed from prioritized WINI inventories to

re-establish hydrologic characteristics and riparian

habitat. Native plant species will be given preference

when seeding is required in meadow and riparian

habitats.

Effects from offsite activities will be evaluated by

tracking past management activities and assessing stream

channel stability. Use the Sequoia NF Cumulative

Watershed Effects Working Guide, 1987 (FSH 2509.22

Sequoia Supplement #1) and Pfankuck Stream Reach

and Channel Stability Inventory rating system (BMP

7.8). (MSA, Appendix D, p.9)

Cutting methods

Removal of trees, except

for personal use fuel wood,

from within the Monument

Clearcutting and Other Forms of Even-aged

Management:

a. The Forest is taking steps to modify and reduce the

impacts of clearcutting. These stpes include such

measures as retention of existing reproduction where

Limit regeneration areas requiring

reforestation to 25 acres without

approval of the forest supervisor

Limit group selection regeneration

areas under uneven-aged management

to two acres without approval of the

forest supervisor (LRMP p. 4-31)

area may take place only if

clearly needed for

ecological restoration and

maintenance or public

safety.

feasible, identification and retention of wildlife clumps

within cutting units, retention of snags and

dead-and-down material, and greater retention of slash

and ground cover than has been customary. One example

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

of the Forest’s new approach is the use of modified form

of clearcutting called “Regeneration Mosaic” cutting,

which is defined in appendix 1 (of the MSA?)

b. Determination of Clearcut: Clearcutting as

regeneration harvest tool shall be used only where (a) it

is determined to be the optimum method to achieve

management objectives on site-specific basis; (b) the

potential environmental biological aesthetic, engineering

and economic impacts on the advertised sale area have

been assessed as well as the consistency of the sale with

the multiple use of the general area; (c) cuts are carried

out in manner consistent with the protection of soil,

watershed, fish, wildlife, recreation and aesthetic

resources and the regeneration of the timber resource

and (d) cut blocks patches or strips are shaped and

blended to the extent practicable with the natural terrain.

Clearcutting shall not be selected as harvesting method

primarily because it will give the greatest dollar return

or the greatest unit output of timber.

c. Size limits: (1) On cable ground, clearcuts and seed

trees cuts shall be limited to maximum size of 15 acres

unless site-specific analysis documents reasons for

exceeding 15 acres and the action is approved by the

Forest Supervisor. Where feasible,smaller openingsshall

be used. (2) On tractor ground where clearcutting orseed

tree cutting is used, no continuous opening shall exceed

ten acres in size even though the harvested area may

exceed ten acres without the approval of the Forest

Supervisor with specific reasons stated in the decision

document. (3) Limit regeneration areas requiring

reforestation to 25 acres without approval of the Forest

Supervisor. (4) Reasons for exceeding size limits are

responding to an insect or disease infestation; limitations

of cable logging (i.e., need to reach a corner); salvage

logging of fire-damaged trees; and limitations imposed

by the existing road configuration. It is the intent of the

USFS, however, to operate within the size limits

wherever feasible and to exceed them only rarely.

d. In clearcut units, healthy and vigorous advanced

regeneration will be saved wherever feasible including

on cable-logged ground. Clearcutting shall not exceed

600 acres per year annual average per decade. (MSA,

Exhibit N, pp. 2-3)

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Harvest system

Removal of trees, except

for personal use fuel wood,

from within the Monument

1.Use a variety of logging systems to harvest forest

products. Use ground-based systems (such as tractors)

on slopes of less than 35 percent, and aerial systems

Use variety of logging system to

harvest forest products. Generally use

ground-based system (such astractors)

on slopes of less than 40 percent, and (such as highlead, skyline, or helicopters) where slopes area may take place only if

aerial systems (such as highlead, exceed 35 percent, unless the Forest supervisor makes clearly needed for

skyline, or helicopters) where slopes

exceed 40 percent. (LRMP p. 4-32)

ecological restoration and

maintenance or public

safety.

a specific finding, based on the environmental

documentation that an alternative is preferable. 2. On

slopes greater than 60 percent timber harvesting will be

limited to Regulation Class 2 single tree selection via

helicopter. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 3)

Harvest location

Removal of trees, except

for personal use fuel wood,

from within the Monument

Mix of understocked and better stocked stands will be

harvested. The Forest will emphasize harvest and

restocking of understocked stands to the extent feasible.

Harvest timber during the first 10 years

primarily on better stocked high site

lands. Regenerate interspersed and

In determining what activities should occur on area may take place only if

understocked stands the full range of multiple use values

shall be considered. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 3)

nearby poorly stocked standsthat make

logical harvest units. About 20 percent

of the acres harvested and regenerated

will be poorly stocked stands. (LRMP,

p. 4-32)

clearly needed for

ecological restoration and

maintenance or public

safety.

Make logging slash and dead and down material available

for firewood throughout the forest. Make some green

material available for firewood. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 3)

Make logging slash and dead and

down material available for firewood

throughout the forest make some green

material available for firewood.

(LRMP p. 4-32)

Diversity

These forests need

restoration to counteract the

effects of a century of fire

In order to maintain forest diversity particularly within

the mixed conifer forest type, reforestation and timber

stand improvement prescriptionsshall generally emulate

Maintain the existing species

composition for major forest types

where reforestation and thinning

projects occur. (LRMP p. 4-32) existing species composition. Variation from this suppression and logging.

guideline will be the exception and will be discussed in Fire suppression has caused

(See standards and guidelines for old

forest emphasis and general forest.)

foreststo become denser in

many areas, with increased

dominance of

shade-tolerant

an environmental document. Commercial values will not

be the sole justification for increasing the proportion of

high value species.

species.

Provide for an array of early and late successional stage

habitat over time in each ecosystem. A minimum of 5

percent of the total area of each vegetative type in

Provide for an array of early and late

successional stages over time in each

forest ecosystem to assure that

long-term viability of forest wildlife forested lands will be maintained in each seral

species will be maintained. (LRMP p.

4-32)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

(See standards and guidelines for

old forest emphasis and general

forest, respectively)

stage/habitat type combination. Allocation of the habitat

type/seral stage combinations will be done on

compartment basis. (MSA, Exhibit N, pp. 3-4)

To enhance stand heterogeneity and to

maintain intact biological processes,

particularly soil biota that may be

affected by mechanical treatments, do

not mechanically treat the remaining

25 percent of the stand area.

To enhance stand heterogeneity, do

not mechanically treat the remaining

25 percent of the stand area. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-49)

Design vegetation treatments to provide for edge

corridors of cover and enhancement of special habitat

features such as meadows for wildlife. (MSA, Exhibit

N, pp. 3-4)

Design vegetation treatments to

provide for edge corridor of cover and

enhancement ofspecial habitat features

such as meadows for wildlife. (LRMP

p. 4-32)

Integrated pest management

Apply the principles of integrated pest management to

the control of competing vegetation, animal pests, and

diseases. Consider full range of management strategies

Apply the principles of integrated pest

management to the control of

competing vegetation, animal pests,

and disease. Consider full range of and techniques before prescribing treatment designed to

managementstrategies and techniques reduce damage from any forest pest. Strategies include

before prescribing treatment designed indirect control (which focuses on increasing host

to reduce damage from any forest pest. resistance to pests) and direct control (which seeks to

Strategies include indirect control reduce pest populations). Techniques include biological,

(which focuses on increasing host chemical, mechanical, manual, and prescribed fire in

resistance to pests) and direct control prescriptions considered in the control of pest damage.

(which seeks to reduce pest Control of competing vegetation will be within the scope

of regional direction based upon an approved

environmental impact statement. (MSA, Exhibit N, pp.

4-5)

populations). Techniques include

biological, chemical, mechanical,

manual, and prescribed fire in

prescription considered in the control

of pest damage. Control of competing

vegetation will be within the scope of

the PSW region DEIS of June 1983

entitled: vegetation management for

Reforestation. (LRMP p. 4-32 and 33)

True fir management

Removal of trees, except

for personal use fuel wood,

from within the Monument

During this plan period, the Forest will test the true fir

cutting and regeneration practices described in “The

Development of Policy and Guidelines for the

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

area may take place only if

clearly needed for

ecological restoration and

maintenance or public

safety.

Management of True Fir Forest Cover on the Sequoia

National Forest” (1983) incorporated into the Forest Plan

as appendix 2. All true firsales will be closely monitored

to determine if true fir regeneration is successful. When

the plan undergoes its five-year review, the Forest will

prepare written evaluation of its true fir policies based

upon this monitoring. The Forest Supervisor will make

a decision whether amendment of the policies, cessation

of true fir logging or other action is appropriate. A similar

written report, review, and management decision will be

made after the additional five years. The following true

fir sales are tentatively scheduled for sale between now

and 1995: (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 4)

Sugar pine management

1. Silvicultural prescriptions are to consider means of

maintaining the widest possible base ofsugar pine genes.

Generally this means protecting as many sugar pine trees

as possible while meeting land management plan

objectives and being compatible with timber harvest and

related activities. Current direction regarding sugar pine

retention is set forth in appendix 3 .

2. Continue to plant a modest mix (5-10 percent) ofsugar

pine along with other mixed conifer species even though

major gene resistantstock is not now available. This may

mean collecting seed from non-tested trees in order to

maintain a sugar pine seedbank. With resistantstock this

percentage could be increased.

3. Intensify the effort to collect sample cones from

candidate resistant trees. This is high priority.

4. Continue to protect trees that are known to carry

resistance. Collectseed from these treesfor ourseedbank.

(MSA, Exhibit N, p. 4)

Table 2 Alternative A-Standards and Guidelines for Old Forest and Other Areas

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Old forest emphasis areas: fuel treatments

Give priority to restoring historic fire return intervals where possible. Emphasize fire restoration in

pine and mixed conifer forests. In mixed conifer forests, fire return intervals vary by aspect and

topographic position, with most frequent burning on south- and west-facing aspects. (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, p. A-40)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Emphasize fuel treatments in stands at lower elevations with high fire hazard in the pine, mixed

conifer, eastside pine, and eastside mixed conifer forest types. Emphasize fuel treatments on the upper

two-thirds ofsouth- and west-facing aspects near roads. Use mechanical treatments where fire managers

determine a high potential for: (1) prescribed fire escape due to excessive fuel accumulations; (2)

unacceptable smoke impacts; or (3) canopy cover and old foreststructure loss due to excessive surface

and ladder fuels. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-40)

Design mechanical fuel treatmentsto remove the material necessary to achieve the following outcomes:

Stands with less than 40 percent canopy cover: Over 75 percent of the stand area, achieve an

average live crown base height of 15 feet and an average flame length of 6 feet or less if the

stand was to burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions.

Stands with 40 to 70 percent canopy cover: Over 75 percent of the stand area, achieve an average

live crown base height of 20 feet and an average flame length of 6 feet or less if the stand was

to burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions.

Stands with greater than 70 percent canopy cover: Over 75 percent of the stand area, achieve

an average live crown base height of 25 feet and an average flame length of 6 feet or less if the

stand was to burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-41)

To enhance stand heterogeneity and to maintain intact biological processes, particularly soil biota

that may be affected by mechanical treatments, do not mechanically treat the remaining 25 percent

of the stand area. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-41)

Where mechanical treatments are necessary, design treatments to achieve or approach the fuels

outcomes described above by reducing surface and ladder fuels less than 12 inches dbh. Apply

treatments to enhance stand heterogeneity. Allow incidental felling of trees between 12 and 20 inches

dbh where required for operability. Retain felled trees on the ground where needed to achieve down

woody material standards of 10 to 20 tons per acre in logs greater than 12 inches diameter at midpoint.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-41)

Do not reduce canopy cover in dominant and co-dominant trees by more than 10 percent across a

stand following mechanical treatments. (For example, if canopy cover in a stand’s dominant and

co-dominant trees is 80 percent, retain at least 70 percent canopy cover in dominant and co-dominant

trees following mechanical treatment.) (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-41)

In westside forest types, where pre-treatment canopy cover in dominant and co-dominant trees is

between 50 and 59 percent, design mechanical treatments to retain a minimum of 50 percent canopy

cover. Do not reduce canopy cover in stands that currently have between 40 and 50 percent canopy

cover in dominant and co-dominant trees, except where canopy cover reductionsresult from removing

primarily shade tolerant trees less than 6 inches dbh. In the eastside pine forest type, retain a minimum

of 30 percent canopy cover. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-41)

Strategically placed area fuel treatments may be needed in old forest emphasis areas to minimize

risks to human life and property, sensitive resources, or the old forest emphasis area from loss to

wildfire. When treatments are necessary, prescribed fire is the first priority for achieving the fuels

objectives. When prescribed fire will not achieve fuels objectives, use mechanical thinning as described

in the preceding paragraphs to achieve the fuels objectives. When this treatment will not achieve the

fuels objectives due to existing stand conditions, mechanical thinning of trees up to 20 inches dbh

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

and canopy reductions of up to 20 percent (refer to mechanical treatment standards and guidelines

for the threat zone) may be conducted in CWHR 4M and 4D standsto meet fuelsreduction objectives.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-41)

Conduct an analysis of suitable owl habitat before applying mechanical treatments that remove trees

up to 20 inches dbh and reduce canopy cover up to 20 percent in old forest emphasis areas. This type

of treatment may only be used when sufficient suitable owl habitat exists within 11⁄2 miles of a

California spotted owl nest site or activity center to satisfy the requirements of a home range core

area, as described in the standards and guidelines for delineating California spotted owl home range

core areas. Thistype of treatment may not be applied within 11⁄2 miles of the nestsite or activity center

if the requirements for delineating a home range core area cannot be met. Document this site-specific

analysis in the environmental analysis. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-41-42)

Retain all snags 15 inches or greater following stand-replacing events except to address imminent

hazards to human safety. Following stand-replacing events, dead trees may be removed to the extent

that project analysis recommends removal to benefit landscape conditions for old forest structure and

function. Conduct the project analysisto determine varying snag retention levels, considering landscape

position and site conditions (such as riparian areas and ridgetops), avoiding uniformity across large

areas. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-42)

General forest: fuel treatments

Design mechanical fuel treatments to removing the material necessary to achieve the following

outcomes:

Stands with less than 40 percent canopy cover: Over 75 percent of the stand area, achieve an

average live crown base height of 15 feet and an average flame length of 6 feet or less if the

stand was to burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions.

Stands with 40 to 70 percent canopy cover: Over 75 percent of the stand area, achieve an average

live crown base height of 20 feet and an average flame length of 6 feet or less if the stand was

to burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions.

Stands with greater than 70 percent canopy cover: Over 75 percent of the stand area, achieve

an average live crown base height of 25 feet and an average flame length of 6 feet or less if the

stand was to burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A,

p. A-49)

To enhance stand heterogeneity, do not mechanically treat the remaining 25 percent of the stand area.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-49)

Design mechanical treatments to achieve the fuels outcomes described above through understory

thinning to remove surface and ladder fuels up to 20 inches dbh. Focus treatments on removing

suppressed and intermediate conifer trees. Apply treatments to enhance stand heterogeneity. When

conducting treatments in dense stands with uniform tree size and spacing, introduce heterogeneity

into such stands by creating small (typically less than one acre), irregularly-spaced openings. Canopy

cover reductions may be needed to meet fuels objectives, but do not exceed a 20 percent reduction

in dominant and co-dominant trees. (For example, a stand’s canopy cover may be reduced from a

pre-treatment level of 70 percent down to 50 percent to meet fuels objectives.) (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, p. A-49)

In westside forest types, where pre-treatment canopy cover is between 50 and 59 percent, design

mechanical treatments to retain a minimum of 50 percent canopy cover in dominant and co-dominant

trees. In stands that currently have between 40 and 50 percent canopy cover, do not reduce canopy

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

cover of the dominant and co-dominant trees during fuels treatments, except where canopy cover

reductions result from removing primarily shade-tolerant trees less than 6 inches dbh. In the eastside

pine forest type, retain a minimum of 30 percent canopy cover. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-49-50)

For prescribed fire treatments, use multiple entries as needed to achieve fuels management objectives,

up to two burns per decade and four burns over 20 years. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-50)

Table 3 Alternative A-Standards and Guidelines for Reforestation and Plantation Management

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Vegetation and fuels treatments in plantations

In plantations(timberstrata classifications 0x, 1x, 2x, and 3x), apply

the necessary silvicultural and fuels reduction treatments to: (1)

accelerate the development of old forest characteristics, (2) increase

stand heterogeneity, (3) promote hardwoods, and (4) reduce risk of

lossto wildland fire. Use mechanical fuelstreatmentsto remove the

material necessary to achieve the following outcomes if the treated

plantation wasto burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions:

(1) wildland fire would burn with average flame lengths of 6 feet

or less, (2) the rate of fire spread would be less than 50 percent of

the pre-treatment rate of spread, and (3) fire line production rates

would be doubled. Achieve these outcomes by reducing surface and

ladder fuels and adjacent crown fuels. Treatmentsshould be effective

for more than 5 years. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-25)

Regeneration methods

Removal of trees,

except for personal

use fuel wood,

Plant all regeneration areas

requiring reforestation except

where natural seeding is prescribed

Plant all regeneration areas requiring reforestation except where

natural seeding is prescribed. Regeneration by natural seeding will

be applied primarily in the true fir type. (LRMP p. 4-32)

regeneration by naturalseeding will from within the

be applied primarily in the true fir Monument area

type and in areas where may take place

uneven-aged silvicultural practices only if clearly

are prescribed. (MSA, Exhibit N,

p. 3)

needed for

ecological

restoration and

maintenance or

public safety.

Save viable existing reproduction

where feasible and incorporate into

silvicultural prescriptions for new

stands. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 3)

Save viable existing reproduction where feasible and incorporate

into silvicultural prescriptions for new stands. (LRMP p. 4-32)

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Utilize current state-of-the-art

regeneration techniques including

controlling pests, such as gophers,

and controlling competing

vegetation. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 3)

Utilize current state of the art regeneration techniques including

controlling pests such as gophers and controlling competing

vegetation. (LRMP p. 4-32)

To assure long-term site

productivity, meet regional soil

standards. Existing draft regional

Meet draft regional soil standards for long-term site productivity.

(LRMP p. 4-32)

NOTE: Regional soil quality standard and guidelines are in place. standards shall be followed until

final standards are adopted. (MSA,

Exhibit N, p. 3)

Suitable California spotted owl habitat

Prior to undertaking vegetation treatments in suitable California

spotted owl habitat with unknown occupancy, conduct surveys in

accordance with Pacific Southwest Region survey protocol.

Designate California spotted owl protected activity centers (PACs)

where appropriate based on survey results. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix

A, p. A-29)

Suitable northern goshawk nesting habitat

Prior to undertaking vegetation treatments in suitable northern

goshawk nesting habitat that is not within an existing California

spotted owl or northern goshawk PAC, conductsurveys using Pacific

Southwest Region survey protocols. Suitable northern goshawk

nesting habitat is defined as follows: (1) in the eastside pine forest

type, suitable nesting habitat is stands with an average tree size of

11 inches dbh or greater and at least 20 percent canopy cover; and

(2) in other forest types, suitable nesting habitat is stands with an

average tree size of 11 inches dbh or greater and at least 40 percent

canopy cover. Delineate PACs surrounding all known and newly

discovered northern goshawk breeding territories detected on

National Forest System lands. (Refer to the section on northern

goshawk PACs for detailed standards and guidelines.) (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-29)

Table 4 Alternative A-Standards and Guidelines for Hardwood (Oak+) Management

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Hardwood (oak) management

These forests need

restoration to

counteract the

In mixed conifer-hardwood stands,

leave at least 20 square feet per acre

basal area of oaks where this

currently exists.

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Maintain mast-producing oaks on

lands tentatively suitable for timber management in numbers

proportional to the current inventory. Where hardwood and conifer

coexist the goal is to increase conifers subject to leaving at least a

minimum of 20 square feet per acre basal Area of oak hardwood

dispersed over each timber compartment.

effects of a century

of fire suppression

and logging. Fire

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Where it currently exists in pure

hardwood stands maintain a

minimum average of 50 square feet

(LRMP p. 4-30)

Hardwood Management (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-27)

suppression has

caused forests to

become denser in

per acre basal area. Leave heavy many areas, with

mast-producing treesin any harvest

Where possible, create openings around existing California black of oaks.

oak and canyon live oak to stimulate natural regeneration.

increased

dominance of

shade-tolerant

Where it currently exists, leave a species.

minimum of 30 square feet per acre

basal area of oaks in mixed conifer

hardwood standsidentified as key

deer areas.

Retain the mix of mast-producing species where they exist within

a stand.

Manage hardwood ecosystems for a diversity of hardwood tree

size classes within a stand such that seedlings, saplings, and

pole-sized trees are sufficiently abundant to replace large trees that

die.

Live oakstands willnot be subject

to vegetative manipulations other

than prescribed burning, thinning

for vigor, or for wildlife and

watershed habitat improvement.

Retain all blue oak and valley oak trees except: (1)stand restoration

strategies call for tree removal; (2) trees are lost to fire; or (3) where

tree removal is needed for public health and safety.

In mixed hardwood-conifer or

hardwood stands, favor retention of

oak trees exhibiting active use

ascavity nesting sites or graineries.

(MSA pp. 30-31)

When planning prescribed fire or mechanical treatments in

hardwood ecosystems: (1) consider the risk of noxious weed spread

and (2) minimize impacts to hardwood ecosystem structure and

biodiversity. public health and safety.

During or prior to landscape analysis, spatially determine

distributions of existing and potential natural hardwood ecosystems

(Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2090.11). Assume pre-1850

disturbance levels for potential natural community distribution.

Work with province ecologists or other qualified personnel to map

and/or model hardwood ecosystems at a landscape scale

(approximately 30,000 to 50,000 acres). Include the following

steps in the analysis: (1) compare distributions of potential natural

hardwood ecosystems with existing hardwood ecosystems; (2)

identify locations where existing hardwood ecosystems are outside

the natural range of variability for potential natural hardwood

ecosystem distribution; and (3) identify hardwood restoration and

enhancement projects.

(Oak) Management emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

Enhance general dispersed recreation through stand management.

(LRMP p. 4-44)

Vegetation and fuels treatments in shrubfields

Design mechanical treatmentsin brush and shrub patchesto remove

the material necessary to achieve the following outcomes from

wildland fire under 90th percentile fire weather conditions: (1)

wildland fires would burn with an average flame length of 8 feet

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or less; (2) the fire’s rate of spread would be less than 50 percent

of the pre-treatment rate of spread; and (3) fire line production

rates would be doubled. Treatments should be effective for more

than 5 years. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-25)

Comments: 1

Sequoia Groves

Table 5 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Sequoia Grove Management

LRMP as MSA Proclamation

Amended

Giant sequoia

Manage giant Giant Sequoias: delete this whole section. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 5)

sequoia groves

with the objectives

of perpetuating the

species, preserving

the old growth

specimen trees and

producing

sustained yield of

sawtimber (LRMP

p. 4-33)

(1) Within this Plan period, it is desirable that the Sequoia National

Forest shall inventory all giant sequoia (3 feet or larger dbh) in each

.

Grove by size and approximate location in order to provide a suitable

data base for future protection of the sequoias; the Sequoia National

Forest shall request no less than $40,000 per year in its annual budget

request starting FY1992 and extending through the end of the Plan

period for giant sequoia inventory purposes, or until the inventory is

completed. Priority for inventory of Giant Sequoia Groves will be

pursuant to subparagraph (2), below (MSA p. 9).

(2) Within this Plan period, the Sequoia National Forest shall begin

to inventory and evaluate each grove for its fuel load build-up. based

on this inventory and evaluation, groves, or parts of groves, with risks

of catastrophic fire and/or exclusion of new giant sequoia regeneration

because of unnatural fuel load build-up will be identified and prioritized

for fuel load reduction treatment. Pursuant to this prioritization, the

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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LRMP as MSA Proclamation

Amended

Forest Service shall begin addressing the grove fuel load build-up

problems during the planning period, with public participation and

planning in accordance with NEPA] (MSA p. 9).

(3) Except as set forth in section ILB.2.a.(l), there shall be no new

road-building, logging or mechanized/ motorized entry (except for

entry on existing roads) within the final administrative boundary of

any grove during the period of time in which the Sequoia National

Forest activities are covered by the 1988 Land and Resource

Management Plan. For purposes of this Agreement, prohibited logging

shall mean any logging activity except logging conducted for the

limited and specific purpose of reducing the fuel load in the groves

pursuant to a grove specific fuel load reduction plan and grove-specific

EIS. The only salvage logging permitted in the Groves will be that

logging permitted and described in the previous sentence. It is agreed

that the methods to be used to remove specific trees from the groves,

as part of an adopted fuel reduction plan, shall be the most

environmentally sensitive available. The objective of fuel load

reduction plans shall be to preserve, protect, restore and regenerate

the giant sequoia groves, without unnecessary damage to any

old-growth trees in the Grove. Any logging component of a fuel

reduction program in a grove shall protect the old-growth pine, fir,

incense cedar and black oak components of the stand. Any tree

identified for removal under t h paragraph shall be so identified in the

field in consultation with a forester from either the Save-the-Redwoods

League ("League") or the Sierra Club ("Club"). (MSA pp. 10-11)

The Secretary of Agriculture

shall prepare, within 3 years of

this date, a management plan for

Complete Giant Sequoias: delete this whole section. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 5)

forest-wide giant

sequoia

management this Monument, and shall

promulgate such regulations for

its management as deemed

appropriate.

implementation

plan which makes

the final

assignment of

management

emphasis to each

grove. The final

assignment of

management

emphasis is

expected to fall

within the

following ranges

shown on table 4.3

of the LRMP:

Preservation (3900

acres)

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Amended

Non-intensive

(9300 acres)

Intensive (0) acres)

Except for

emergency

rehabilitation due

to catastrophic

events do not plan

any new

management

activities that will

affect giantsequoia

trees until the

forest-wide

management

implementation

plan is completed.

(LRMP p. 4-33)

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

d. Complementary management in grove influence zones and

outside of groves:

(1) Within the grove influence zone, only regulation class II, single

tree, small group uneven-aged management silvicultural prescriptions

will be permitted both before and after final administrative grove

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

influence zone boundaries are identified; provided, however, that If a within the Monument area may

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

more protective management designation also applies to the area, or

portions of the area (such as streamside management zones, SOHAs,

etc.), the more protective designation shall govern what, If any, logging

activity is allowed in the grove influence zone. (MSA p. 25)

(2) In all situations where logging or road construction is planned

outside of, but upslope of a grove, a special written notice shall be sent

to all appellants during initial development of project alternatives. This

notice shall explain fully the action proposed and shall include a

topographical map which specifically (1) locates the proposed cutting

unit or road to be built, (2) locates the grove boundary, (3) predicts

the distance between the two, and (4) specifies a date and time, no

sooner than 30 days, unless otherwise agreed upon, for the interested

parties to accompany the Forest Service into the field to review the

plan on the ground with the objective to resolve differences prior to

the preparation of an EA or EIS. The decision document for any such

activity shall include a specific finding that the grove will not be

harmed. (MSA p. 25)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as MSA Proclamation

Amended

Recognize the NOTE: boundaries all finalized under Bush proclamation.

following grove

boundaries pending C. Grove and grove influence zone boundary identification

development of the procedures:

Forest-wide

(1) The Sierra Club, the Save-the-Redwoods League, the timber

Industry ("industry") and the Forest Service shall each designate one

representative to serve on the Grove Boundary Team. The team shall

management grove

implementation

plan:

begin to identify final administrative grove and grove influence zone

1. Boundaries boundaries prior to September 15, 1990. The team shall follow the

that have standards and guidelines outlined in subparagraph 2 below in

been determining final administrative grove and grove influence zone

mapped. boundary lines. The team shall recommend final administrative grove

2. Where no and grove influence zone boundaries to the forest supervisor by

mapping has December 31, 1991, subject to paragraph II.B.2.c.(4). Copies of the

recommendations shall be sent to all parties, who shall have 45 days

from mailing to submit comments for the forest supervisor's

consideration. (MSA p. 11)

been done,

the type lines

from the

LMP data

base strata

maps will be

used.

(LRMP p. 4-33)

NOTE: boundaries all finalized in 1998.

Standards and guidelines for grove and grove influence zone

boundary identification:

(a) There will be two zones created adjacent to and external to the

hypothetical perimeter line of the outer-most known giant sequoia

trees in each grove. The first zone will be included within the final

administrative grove boundary. The second zone shall be called a grove

influence zone. (MSA p. 12)

(b) Though grove identification is a matter of interpretation, and some

adjacent groves shall be managed as If they were a single large grove

(aslater described in this Agreement),the Rundel Grove identifications

in the Forest Plan are used in this Agreement by name as the basis for

grove and grove influence zone boundary identification. (MSA p. 12)

(c) Sequoia grove boundaries have not yet been precisely defined.

Giant sequoias naturally occur in "scattered" locations outside of, or

on the periphery of, aggregations of giant sequoias consensually

recognized as sequoia "groves." (MSA p. 12)

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Amended

(d) The final administrative grove boundaries shall be identified to

include both (i) the area within a hypothetical perimeter line around

the outermost giant sequoia trees in the grove, and (ii) a buffer area

(which may differ in size for different groves, as later described)

beyond the hypothetical perimeter line which shall be included in the

final administrative boundary of a Grove. (MSA p. 13)

(e) In determining the hypothetical perimeter line around the outermost

giantsequoia treesin a grove (which becomesthe basisfor identifying

the interim protection zone and the administrative boundaries of the

grove and grove influence zone), the following guidelines shall apply:

i) Any naturally occurring giant sequoia (1 foot or larger dbh) which

is located within 500 feet of at least 3 other giant sequoias (each 1 foot

or larger dbh), shall always be included within the hypothetical

perimeter line; provided, however, that the Grove Boundary Team

may reasonably adjust the perimeter line for a specific grove so long

as there is a rational basis for the adjustment (such as topographic

features) and all participating team members agree to the adjustment.

(MSA p. 13)

(e) In determining the hypothetical perimeter line ..., the following

guidelines shall apply:

ii) Notwithstanding subsection (i) above, all giantsequoias consensually

recognized as being included in a grove identified in the Rundel Grove

list used in the Forest Plan shall always be included within the

hypothetical perimeter line. In other words, the guidelines for

identifying the hypothetical perimeter line shall not be used to fragment

the existing groves as identified by Rundel. (MSA p.13)

(e) In determining the hypothetical perimeter line ..., the following

guidelines shall apply:

iii) Where, as described later in this Agreement,several adjacent groves

are to be managed as if they were one large grove, the hypothetical

perimeter line, as defined, shall be a single line around the outermost

giant sequoia trees in the complex of groves, taken as a whole.

(MSA p. 14)

(f) Boundariesshall also be Identified for grove influence zones(which

may differ in size for different groves, as later described), which shall

be contiguousto each grove. (See Section B.2.d. regarding management

of grove influence zones.) (MSA p. 14)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as MSA Proclamation

Amended

(g) The parties agree that the grove and grove influence zone boundary

guidelines are minimum protection criteria. The parties also agree that

management protection such as SOHAs, roadless area management,

condor nesting sites, etc., may provide for protection of areas adjacent

to giantsequoia groves which exceed the minimum protection described

below. (MSA p. 15)

(h) Further, the parties also agree that the types of management

protection such as those set forth in (g) above may also minimize or

eliminate issues concerning precise grove and grove influence zone

administrative boundaries for many groves, as well the presence of

adjacent national park, state, Indian, or private lands. (MSA p. 15)

(i) Topographical features such as ridges may take precedence over

field distance measurements m finalizing boundaries of a grove and/or

grove influence zone where such features logically and physically

separate giant sequoias from the general forest. However, man-made

impacts such as existing roads shall not diminish the size of the grove

and/or grove influence zones, unless agreed upon pursuant to subsection

(k) of this section. (MSA p. 15)

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

j) Specific grove,grove influence zone, and isolated sequoia tree

standards and guidelines:

i) Black Mountain Grove: (a) The narrow corridor of general forest

between the Black Mountain Roadless Area and the Black Mountain

Grove in sections 1 and 12 will be a no logging, restricted mechanical

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

entry area. The extension of road 21S12, beyond its intersection with within the Monument area may

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

road 21S25 in section 1, shall be closed to the public. (b) The balance

of the Black Mountain Grove shall receive a 500-foot no logging,

restricted mechanical entry zone outside of the hypothetical perimeter

around the outermost giant sequoias in the grove within its final grove

boundary line and an added 500-foot grove influence zone. (MSA p.

15)

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

j) Specific grove, ii) Beknap/McIntvre/Wheel Meadow Grove

Complex: This will be treated as one large grove in drawing the

hypothetical perimeter line of outermost giant sequoias in the Grove.

The Grove Boundary Team may consider a no logging, restricted

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

mechanical entry zone that would extend north and east to Highway

190. The other boundaries of the grove shall include a 500-foot no

logging, restricted mechanical entry zone outside of the hypothetical

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

perimeter line of outermost giantsequoias of the grove within the final

grove boundary line and an added 500 foot grove influence zone. (MSA

pp. 16-17)

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Amended

No portion of the monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

j) Specific grove: iii) The greater Evans Grove Complex: The following

groves shall be integrated into this complex and managed as one large

grove in drawing the hypothetical perimeter line of outermost giant

sequoiasin the grove: Lockwood Grove, Evans Grove, Kennedy Grove,

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

Burton Grove, Little Boulder Grove, and Boulder Grove. There shall

be a 500-foot no logging, no mechanical entry zone outside of the

hypothetical perimeter line of the outermost giantsequoiasin the Grove

within the final grove boundary line and an added 500-foot grove

influence zone. (MSA p.17)

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

No portion of the monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

j) Specific grove: iv) Freeman Creek Grove and Watershed: (a) There

shall be no logging and no motorized vehicle use by the public

anywhere in the Freeman Creek Grove Management Area as shown

on the map, Exhibit E. The Sequoia National Forest shall manage this

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the monument area may

Area as a Botanic Area. (b) All land areas outside of the Botanic Area

but within the Freeman Creek watershed, west of Lloyd Meadow Road,

as designated on the map, Exhibit F, shall be managed by the

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

Regulation Class 11, single tree or small group selection uneven-aged

management prescription. There shall be no green timber sales

scheduled in the watershed west of the Botanic Area in this planning

period. Existing plantations may be managed; provided, however, that

no management prescription outside and upslope of Giant Sequoias

shall adversely impact the hydrology of the Sequoias. (c) The Freeman

Creek Trail from North Road to the Lloyd Meadow Road shall be

designated as sensitivity level 1. (MSA p. 17-18)

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

j) Specific grove: v) Indian Basin Grove: (a) There will be no logging

except for safety reasons m and near the Princess Campground area

south and east of Highway 180, and (b) a 500-foot no logging, restricted

mechanical entry zone outside of the hypothetical perimeter line of

the outermost giant sequoias in the grove within the grove boundary

plus an added 500 foot grove influence zone. (MSA p. 18)

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

j) Specific grove: vi) The following groves shall receive a 500-foot

no logging, restricted mechanical entry zone outside of the hypothetical

perimeter line of the outermost giant sequoias in the grove within the

grove boundary line plus an added 500 foot grove influence zone:

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

Bearskin Grove, Big Stump Grove, Deer Creek Grove, Grant Grove,

Landslide Grove, Long Meadow Grove, Packsaddle Grove, Peyrone

Grove, Red Hill Grove, Redwood Mountain Grove, Starvation Creek

Grove and Tenmile Grove. (MSA pp. 18-19) take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

NOTE: Delete reference to Tenmile Grove, as it does not exist. maintenance or public safety.

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Amended

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

j) Specific grove: vi) The following groves shall receive a 300-foot

no logging, restricted mechanical entry zone outside of the hypothetical

perimeter line of the outermost giant sequoias in the grove within the

grove boundary line plus an added 300-foot grove influence zone:

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

Powderhorn Grove, Alder Creek Grove, Abbott Creek Grove, Cherry

Gap Grove,Mountain Home Grove and Cunningham Grove. (MSA

p.19)

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

j) Specific grove: vii) The six hundred (600) acres of Converse Basin

Grove recommended for preservation (see section B.2.e.(2) below)

shall receive a 500-foot no logging, restricted mechanical entry zone

outside of the preservation area. (MSA p.19)

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

ix) The following groves, and their adjacent areas, are protected

because of other designations and do not require precise boundary

determinations for sequoia grove protection purposes: Agnew Grove

(Wilderness Area), Burro Creek Grove (to be proposed as Wilderness),

Deer Meadow Grove (protected portion of Agnew Roadless Area),

Dillonwood Grove (to be proposed as Wilderness), Maggie Mountain

Grove (Wilderness), Middle Tule Grove (part Wilderness and part to

be proposed as Wilderness), and Silver Creek Grove (to be proposed

as Wilderness). (MSA p. 20)

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

(j continued): Specific grove, grove influence zone, and isolated

sequoia tree standards and guidelines:

x) Naturally occurring isolated giant sequoia trees (3 feet or larger

dbh) located inside or outside of the grove influence zones shall be

protected by a restricted mechanical entry within an area equal to at

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

least 2/3 the height of the tree, provided; however, that only single tree within the Monument area may

selection logging is permitted in this area, so long as the giant sequoia

tree is protected from unnecessary logging damage. (MSA p. 20)

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

(j continued): Specific grove, grove influence zone, andisolated

sequoia tree: xi) Naturally occurring giant sequoia trees (under 3 feet

dbh) located inside of the Grove Influence Zone shall be protected

from all logging operations, including specifically protecting the root

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Amended

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

system. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect naturally

occurring giant sequoia trees (under 3 feet dbh) located outside of the

grove influence zone from road construction, cable logging, and other

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

logging activities. No additional buffer will be required for these trees,

though the Forest Service shall make an effort to preserve them within

wildlife clumps, within other small areas not logged under the

regeneration mosaic silvicultural prescription, or within areasreserved

to meet the seral stage diversity requirements. (MSA p. 21)

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

(j continued): Specific grove, grove influence zone, and isolated

sequoia tree: xii) Any detached naturally occurring group (10 or more

giant sequoia trees with at least 4 trees with a 3 foot or larger dbh)

located outside the grove influence zone, and not identified by Rundel

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

as included in an existing grove, shall be given the designation of

"grove" and given a 300-foot no logging, restricted mechanical entry

zone within the grove boundary and a 300 foot grove influence zone;

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

provided, however, that the Grove Boundary Team agrees with this

designation. If the Grove Boundary Team cannot agree, the unresolved

issue shall be submitted to the expert panel for its determination and

recommendation to the forest supervisor. (MSA p.21)

(j continued): Specific grove, grove influence zone, andisolated

sequoia tree: xiii) If previously unknown giant sequoia trees of any

size and number outside of the interim buffer or final grove boundary

are discovered, the applicable grove boundary and/or grove influence

zone shall be modified in accordance with the guidelines set forth in

this section. (MSA p. 22)

(k) The Grove Boundary Team may reasonably adjust final boundaries

of groves and/or grove influence zones, subject to final approval by

the forest supervisor, either to expand or contract these zones, for a

specific grove, so long as there is a rational basis for the adjustment

(such as topographic features) and all participating team members

agree to the adjustment. (MSA p. 22))

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

(l) With the exception of Converse Basin, these grove and grove

influence zone boundary line standards and guidelines are solely for

the purpose of protecting the Groves and the adjacent areas, and are

not intended as a "release" or a management prescription for other

areas of the Forest, which shall be managed or protected as otherwise

provided in the forest plan and in this Agreement. (MSA p. 22)

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

(3) If any logging is planned to occur within 1,000 feet of any interim

or final Grove Boundary, a special written notice shall be sent to the

appellants. This notice shall include a topographic map which

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

25

Alternative A
LRMP as MSA Proclamation

Amended

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

specifically (1) locates the boundary of the proposed cutting units (2)

locates the Forest Service interim or final grove boundary, (3) predicts

the distance between the two, and (4) specifies a date and time, no

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

sooner than 30 days, unless otherwise agreed upon, for the interested

parties to accompany the Forest Service into the field to review the

plan on the ground with the objective to resolve differences prior to

the preparation of an EA or EIS. (MSA p. 23)

NOTE: Agreement was reached on all final boundaries.

(4) If Grove Boundary Team members fail to reach unanimous

agreement on permanent grove and grove influence zone boundaries

for all groves prior to December 31, 1991, or within a reasonable time

thereafter, if a specific extended time period is agreed upon in writing

by all team members, an expert panel of three people shall be formed.

The Sierra Club and Save-the-Redwoods League shall appoint one

member, the Forest Service shall appoint one member (acceptable to

the timber industry), and the two appointees shall choose a third panel

member. All should have a background m giant sequoia protection.

The panel will address itself to each grove as to which the team failed

to reach agreement. the panel will review the maps, the differing

opinions of the team members, and will go into the field to review the

matter on the ground. The panel will make a formal, public written

recommendation to the forest supervisor for the boundary line of each

disputed grove. the forest supervisor shall, upon receiving the final

recommendations of the Grove Boundary Team and the expert panel

(if one is convened), issue a Plan amendment establishing the

boundaries of groves and grove influence zones. (MSA pp. 23-24)

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in this agreement (see section

B.2.e.(2) below, re: Converse Basin), each grove, with final

administrative grove boundaries determined as described herein, shall

remain outside the suitable land base. (MSA p. 24)

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

within the Monument area may

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

f. Regeneration of cut-over giant sequoia groves: (1)The objectives

of regenerating cutover giant sequoia groves will be to restore these

areas, as nearly as possible, to the former natural forest condition. (

Encourage giant

sequoia

reproduction.

Thinning will be (2) The forest shall implement the regeneration plan required by the

Stipulation for Entry of Judgment dated 12/27/89, in Sierra Club v.

US. Forest Service, Case No.CVF-87-263 EDP. (MSA p. 27)

done to enhance the

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
LRMP as MSA Proclamation

Amended

health and vigor of

the young trees.

(LRMP p. 4-33)

The Monument provides

exemplary opportunities for

biologist, geologist,

h. Research projects may be permitted if consistent with this

Agreement. Research projects are subject to NEPA. (MSA p. 28)

paleontologists, archaeologists,

and historians to study these

objects. These giant sequoia

groves and the surrounding

forest provide an excellent

opportunity to understand the

consequences of different

approaches to forest restoration.

Consider giant Giant sequoias: delete this whole section. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 5)

sequoia for

planting outside of

recognized groves

along with other

mixed conifers

where site

conditions favor its

survival and

growth. (LRMP p.

4-33)

Use stand Giant sequoias: delete this whole section. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 5)

management

prescriptions that

ensure the

maintenance and

replacement of

specimen trees so

that their total

number does not

decrease through

time. (LRMP p.

4-33)

Recommend Giant Sequoias: delete this whole section. (MSA, Exhibit N, p. 5)

research natural

area at Moses

mountain for the

further study of

giant sequoia in

natural setting.

(LRMP p. 4-33)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as MSA Proclamation

Amended

NOTE: Moses

Mountain Research

Natural Area

established in

1994.

No portion of the Monument

shall be considered to be suited

for timber production.

e. Special Area Designation

(1) The Sequoia National Forest shall manage the Freeman Creek

Grove Management Area as a Botanic Area. (See further discussion

in section B.2.c.(2)(j)(iv) above.) (MSA p. 26)

Old Forest and

General Forest

replaced

management

direction for

timber production

Removal of trees, except for

personal use fuel wood, from

(SNFPA ROD, within the Monument area may

take place only if clearly needed

for ecological restoration and

maintenance or public safety.

Appendix A, p.

A-49)

Comments: 2

Fire and Fuels

Table 6 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Treatments

1988 LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Fuel treatments in wildland urban intermix (wui) areas: defense zone

Design mechanical fuel treatments to remove the material necessary to achieve the following

outcomes (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-46).:

On over 90 percent of the stand area achieve an average flame length of 4 feet or less if the

stand was to burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions.

Stands with less than 40 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base height of

15 feet;

Stands with 40 to 70 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base height of 20

feet;

Stands with greater than 70 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base height of 25

feet.

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
1988 LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

To enhance stand heterogeneity, do not mechanically treat the remaining 10 percent of the stand

area (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-46)

Achieve the fuels outcomes described above through thinning from below to remove surface and

ladder fuels. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-46).

Fuel treatments in wildland urban intermix (wui) areas: threat zone

Design mechanical fuel treatments to remove the material necessary to achieve the following

outcomes (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, pp. A-47-48.):

On over 85 percent of the stand area achieve an average flame length of 6 feet or less if the

stand was to burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions.

Stands with less than 40 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base height of

15 feet;

Stands with 40 to 70 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base height of 20

feet;

Stands with greater than 70 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base height

of 25 feet.

To enhance stand heterogeneity, do not mechanically treat the remaining 15 percent of the stand

area. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-47)

Design mechanical treatments to achieve the fuels outcomes described above through understory

thinning to remove surface and ladder fuels up to 20 inches dbh. Focus treatments on removing

suppressed and intermediate trees. Apply treatments to enhance stand heterogeneity. When

conducting treatments in dense stands with uniform tree size and spacing, introduce heterogeneity

into such stands by creating small (typically less than 1 acre), irregularly-spaced openings. Canopy

cover reductions may be needed to meet fuels objectives, but do not exceed a 20 percent reduction

in the dominant and co-dominant trees. (For example, a stand’s canopy cover may be reduced from

a pre-treatment level of 70 percent down to 50 percent to meet fuels objectives.) (2001 SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, pp. A-47-48.)

In westside forest types, where pre-treatment canopy cover is between 50 and 59 percent, design

mechanical treatmentsto retain a minimum of 50 percent canopy cover in dominant and co-dominant

trees. In stands that currently have between 40 and 50 percent canopy cover, do not reduce canopy

cover except where canopy cover reductions result from removing primarily shade-tolerant trees

less than 6 inches dbh. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-48)

For prescribed fire treatments, use multiple entries as needed to achieve fuels management objectives,

up to two burns per decade and four burns over 20 years. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-48)

General Fuels/Fire Management

Table 7 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for General Fire/Fuels Management

1988 LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Fuel treatments in general forest

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
1988 LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Design mechanical fuel treatments to removing the material necessary to achieve the following

outcomes (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-49):

On over 75 percent of the stand area achieve an average flame length of 6 feet or less if the

stand was to burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions.

Stands with less than 40 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base height

of 15 feet;

Stands with 40 to 70 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base height of

20 feet;

Stands with greater than 70 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base

height of 25 feet.

To enhance stand heterogeneity, do not mechanically treat the remaining 25 percent of the stand

area. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-49)

Design mechanical treatments to achieve the fuels outcomes described above through understory

thinning to remove surface and ladder fuels up to 20 inches dbh. Focus treatments on removing

suppressed and intermediate conifer trees. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-49)

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
1988 LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Fuel treatment and protection planning - reforestation plans

Incorporate fuel treatment and protection planning into reforestation plans. Ensure that tree

stocking levels and silvicultural goals are consistent with fuel reduction objectives in plantations

located in high and moderate fire hazard and risk areas. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-25.)

The structural change to treatment acres by mechanical methods

The structural change to treatment acres by mechanical methods is limited to one per decade.

Treatments should be designed to be effective for at least 10 years. When subsequent entries

within 10 years are needed to reduce surface fuels, prescribed fire is the preferred method. When

burning opportunities are limited, mechanical treatments such as mastication and piling, are

allowed. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-25)

Fuel treatments in forested stands of large trees with moderate to dense canopy cover

Design mechanical fuel treatments to remove the material necessary to achieve the following

outcomes (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-26):

On over 75 percent of the stand area achieve an average flame length of 6 feet or less if the

stand was to burn under 90th percentile fire weather conditions.

Stands with less than 40 percent canopy cover , achieve an average live crown base height

of 15 feet;

Stands with 40 to 70 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base height of

20 feet;

Stands with greater than 70 percent canopy cover, achieve an average live crown base

height of 25 feet.

To enhance stand heterogeneity and to maintain intact biological processes, particularly soil biota

that may be affected by mechanical treatments, do not mechanically treat the remaining 25 percent

of the stand area. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-26)

Design mechanical treatments to achieve or approach the fuels outcomes described above by

removing surface and ladder fuels less than 12 inches dbh. Allow incidental felling of trees

between 12 and 20 inches dbh where required for operability. Retain felled trees on the ground

where needed to achieve down woody material standards of 10 to 20 tons per acre in logs greater

than 12 inches diameter at midpoint. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-26)

Do not reduce canopy cover in dominant and co-dominant trees by more than 10 percent across

a stand following mechanical treatments. (For example, if canopy cover in a stand’s dominant

and co-dominant trees is 80 percent, retain at least 70 percent canopy cover in dominant and

co-dominant trees following mechanical treatment.) (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-26)

In westside forest types, where pre-treatment canopy cover is between 50 and 59 percent, design

mechanical treatments to retain a minimum of 50 percent canopy cover in dominant and

co-dominant trees. Do not reduce canopy cover in stands that currently have between 40 and 50

percent canopy cover, except where canopy cover reductionsresult from removing shade-tolerant

trees less than 6 inches dbh. In the eastside pine forest type, retain a minimum of 30 percent

canopy cover. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-26)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
1988 LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

For prescribed fire treatments, use multiple entries as needed to achieve fuels management

objectives, up to two burns per decade and four burns over 20 years. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix

A, p. A-26)

Natural ignitions

Lightning-caused fires can be used to reduce fuel loads or to provide other resource benefits,such

as conserving populations of fire-dependent species. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A. p. A-12)

In wilderness limit the use of unplanned natural ignition prescribed fire to meeting planned

objectives when fuel loading and natural barriers will limit final fire perimeter to planned

boundaries under the most severe weather conditions. (LRMP p. 4-39)

Strategically placed fuel treatments

Strategically place fuel treatments across the landscape to achieve fuel conditions that reduce the

size and severity of wildland fires. Maintain 30 to 40 percent of each landscape (outside the

defense zone of the urban wildland intermix zone) in a condition that meets fuel management

objectives. (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-25)

Fire management

Meet at least once annually with cooperating agencies (Kern County, CDF, Sequoia and Kings

Canyon National Parks, BLM-Bakersfield District, Pine Flat Lake Corps of Engineers) to

coordinate prescribed burning plans for projects located on adjacent lands and to coordinate fire

protection activities. (LRMP p. 4-38)

Vegetation and fuels treatments in shrubfields

Design mechanical treatments in brush and shrub patches to remove the material necessary to

achieve the following outcomes from wildland fire under 90th percentile fire weather conditions:

(1) wildland fires would burn with an average flame length of 8 feet or less; (2) the fire’s rate of

spread would be lessthan 50 percent of the pre-treatment rate ofspread; and (3) fire line production

rates would be doubled. Treatments should be effective for more than 5 years. (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, p. A-25)

Fuel reduction treatments

Locate fuel treatments to interrupt wildland fire spread and reduce fire severity. Typically locate

treatment areas on the upper two-thirds of the slope, on south and west aspects, in mid- and lower

elevation vegetation types. Conduct fuel treatments in areas of high fire hazard and risk in the

following priority order: (1) urban wildland intermix zone, (2) old forest emphasis areas where

fire hazard and risk is greatest, (3) sensitive species habitats, and (4) general forest (2001 SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-25)

Integrated pest management

Implement moderate level of IPM with emphasis on protection of plantations and developed

recreation fee sites. (LRMP p. 4-39)

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
1988 LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Management emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

For the purposes

of protecting the

Focus fire prevention program on OHV users. (LRMP p. 4-45)

objectsincluded in

the Monument,

motorized vehicle

use will be

permitted only on

designated roads.

Management emphases 1 and 5 - general dispersed recreation, and wildlife and dispersed

recreation

Removal of trees,

except for personal

Focus fire prevention program on timber harvesting and recreational activities. (LRMP p. 4-53)

use fuel wood,

from within the

Monument area

may take place

only if clearly

needed for

ecological

restoration and

maintenance or

public safety.

Management emphases 2 and 3 - water oriented recreation, and developed recreation

Focus fire prevention program on recreational users. (LRMP pp. 4-55, 4-58, 4-60, 4-63)

Management emphasis 5 - wildlife and dispersed recreation

Focus fire prevention program on hunters. (LRMP p. 4-68)

Management emphasis 4 - wilderness

Use a “confine” or “contain” suppression strategy for wildfire when public safety will not be

compromised, adjacent resources can be protected and other management constraints (air quality,

watershed, etc.) can be met. A “Control” strategy will be applied to all other wildfires. (LRMP

p. 4-65)

Follow guidance for implementation of federal wildland fire management policy (Feb. 2009).

Use prescribed fire to enhance wilderness values. Planned and unplanned ignitions may be used.

(LRMP p. 4-65)

Limit and tightly control the use of mechanized equipment. (LRMP p. 4-65)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
Comments: 3

Air Quality

Table 8 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Air Quality

1988 LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Air quality

Establish visibility monitoring program and determine sensitive indicatorsfor each air quality related

value in national forest class Areas. Protect air quality related values by reviewing all projects and

management activities that may impact those values. (LRMP p. 4-27)

Minimize resource and air quality impacts from air pollutants generated by management activities

through use of the following control measures:

1. Follow dust abatement procedures;

2. Conduct an air quality analysisfor all projectsthat may impair air quality to determine impacts,

mitigations, and/or controls;

3. Respond to local planning authorities when development outside Forest jurisdiction may impact

forest resources;

4. Conduct prescribed burning activitiesin accordance with air pollution control district regulations

and with proper prescriptions to assure good smoke management.

(LRMP p. 4-27)

Minimize smoke emissions by following best available control measures (BACMs). Avoid burning

on high visitor days. Notify the public before burning.

Use the following documents for guidance and direction for smoke management and air quality

protection: (1) Interim Air Quality Policy on Wildland and Prescribed Fires, announced by the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1998; (2) Memorandum of Understanding between the

California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Forest Service, signed on July 13, 1999; (3) Smoke

Management Guidelines for Agricultural and Prescribed Burning under Title 17, currently being

revised by CARB; and (4) the Nevada Smoke Management Plan. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-32)

Coordinate and cooperate with other agencies and the public to manage air quality. Conduct prescribed

burns when conditions for smoke dispersal are favorable, especially away from sensitive or class I

areas. Use smoke modeling tools to predict smoke dispersion. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-32)

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
Comments: 4

Wildlife Habitat Management

General Wildlife Management

Table 9 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for General Wildlife Management

LRMP as Amended 1990 MSA Proclamation

Wildlife: general

Maintain the current program of direct habitat

improvement by submitting requests for funds to

appropriate county, state, and federal agencies.

(LRMP p. 4-28)

Use approved cooperative deer herd management

plans as a guide to deer habitat management.

(LRMP p. 4-28)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Protect sensitive, Furbearers

proposed for listing, and California species of

special concern with the long-term objective for

removal from Federal listing or to prevent them

from being listed.(LRMP p. 4-28)

b. Sierra Nevada red fox, pine marten and fisher will be

managed as sensitive species. Region 5 of the U. S.

Forest Service is developing Regional guidelines and

directives for furbearer management. In FY 1990 and

(See PAC and den site, LOP and other protocols

for Pacific fisher, American marten, California

spotted owl, northern goshawk, great gray owl, and

willow flycatcher below )

1991, the Forest will identify critical habitat for these

species in accordance with Region 5 Draft 1989

Guidelines for furbearer, or amendment thereto, and

provide interim protection of this habitat. The Forest will

use biological evaluations when surveys or historical

observations indicate the presence of furbearers within

a proposed project area, or when the proposed project

may have a potential effect on the species or their critical

habitats. Biological evaluationsshall be based on surveys

of the project area and shall evaluate habitats within the

project area m the context of the distribution of the

species within the Forest. Preference, when consistent

with Regional guidelines, will be afforded to the fisher

in its range from 4,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation and to

the marten between 8,000 and 13,000 feet in elevation.

(MSA p. 56)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

35

Alternative A
LRMP as Amended 1990 MSA Proclamation

Manage recreation activities by location and period of

use based on wildlife needs(e.g., excluding incompatible

use from key areas during fawning and/or nesting). (MSA

p. 105)

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended 1990 MSA Proclamation

Wildlife: federal threatened and endangered species

Follow recovery and management plan for the Bald Eagle

following species: California condor, peregrine

falcon, bald eagle, Little Kern golden trout. (LRMP

p. 4-27)

Protect important roost trees and feeding areas for

wintering bald eagles in the vicinity of Pine Flat

Reservoir and along the Kern River. (MSA p. 58)

(Only portion of Kern River in Monument, and there are

known locations where bald eagles winter.)

Management area: (ow10 oak woodland - emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

Delete the statement “limit type conversions” from the

Fish and Wildlife section, item 4, on page 4-44 of the

Plan. (MSA p. 38)

Limit type conversions. (LRMP p. 4-44)

Limit habitat management activities where

concentrated OHV use occurs. (LRMP p. 4-44)

Management area: (mc1) mixed chaparral - emphasis: 1 - general dispersed recreation

Delete the statement “convert chaparral types to annual

grass on slopeslessthan 10%” from the Fish and Wildlife

Section, item 2 on pages 4-46 and 4-69...of the Plan.

(MSA p. 38)

Convert chaparral types to annual grass on slopes

less than 10%. (LRMP p. 4-46)

Limit habitat management activities where

concentrated OHV use occurs. (LRMP p. 4-46)

Management Area: (CF1) conifer forest - emphasis 1-general dispersed recreation; and (CF3) emphasis 3 - developed

recreation

MSA Exhibit D: riparian and wetland standards and

guides. Exhibit D pp. 3-11

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Protect fisheries and

wildlife through compliance with Riparian and

Meadow Guidelines. (LRMP p. 4-52)

Critical aquatic refuges and riparian conservation

areas, riparian conservation objectives, SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, pp. 53-59

Management emphasis 4 - wilderness

Utilize prescribed fire for wildlife habitat

improvement work. (LRMP p. 4-65)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

37

Alternative A
Wildlife Regarding Grazing/Other Uses

Table 10 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Wildlife Associated with Other Uses

LRMP as Amended 1990 MSA Proclamation

Management area: (mc5) mixed chaparral – emphasis 5-wildlife and dispersed recreation

There should be a good

distribution of chaparral age

classes with the objective of

maintaining healthy viable stand.

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Desired age classes of mixed chaparral:

(LRMP p. 69)

0-20 years= 60%

20-30 years= 40% (MSA p. 36)

Strategically place fuel treatments across the landscape to achieve fuel

conditions that reduce the size and severity of wildland fires. Maintain

30 to 40 percent of each landscape (outside the defense zone of the urban

wildland intermix zone) in a condition that meets fuel management

objectives.

Vegetation and fuels treatments in shrubfields: Design mechanical

treatments in brush and shrub patches to remove the material necessary

to achieve the following outcomesfrom wildland fire under 90th percentile

fire weather conditions: (1) wildland fires would burn with an average

flame length of 8 feet or less; (2) the fire’s rate of spread would be less

than 50 percent of the pre-treatment rate of spread; and (3) fire line

production rates would be doubled. Treatments should be effective for

more than 5 years.

Delete the statement “convert

chaparral types to annual grass on

slopes less than 10%” from the

Convert chaparral types to annual grass on slopes less than 10%. (LRMP

p. 4-69)

Fish and Wildlife Section, item 2

on pages 4-46 and 4-69...of the

Plan. (MSA p. 38)

Implement vegetation

manipulation projects when crown

density of browse species is

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA; Implement vegetation manipulation projects

when crown density of browse species is greater than 70 percent or

average height exceeds five feet. (LRMP p. 4-69)

greater than 70 percent or average

height exceeds five feet. (MSA p.

36)

Vegetation and Fuels Treatments in Shrubfields: Design mechanical

treatments in brush and shrub patches to remove the material necessary

to achieve the following outcomesfrom wildland fire under 90th percentile

fire weather conditions: (1) wildland fires would burn with an average

flame length of 8 feet or less; (2) the fire’s rate of spread would be less

than 50 percent of the pre-treatment rate of spread; and (3) fire line

production rates would be doubled. Treatments should be effective for

more than 5 years.

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

38

Alternative A
LRMP as Amended 1990 MSA Proclamation

Develop water supplies on

intensively treated lands. (MSA p.

36)

Develop water supplies on intensively treated lands. (LRMP p. 4-69)

Forest Service Manual for issuance of special use permits for proposals

to develop water supply wells on NFS lands.

Conduct appropriate analyses when evaluating proposals and applications

for water wells or other activities that propose to test, study, monitor,

modify, remediate, withdraw or inject ground water on NFS lands (see

Technical Guide to Managing Ground Water Resources, FS-881, May

2007).

Treat vegetation on slopes greater

than 40% to establish a 31+ year

age-class rotation. (MSA p. 36)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Treat chaparral on slopes less than 40%

to establish a 40-60 year age class rotation. (LRMP p. 4-69)

Locate fuel treatments to interrupt wildland fire spread and reduce fire

severity. Typically locate treatment areas on the upper two-thirds of the

slope, on south and west aspects, in mid- and lower elevation vegetation

types. Conduct fuel treatments in areas of high fire hazard and risk in the

following priority order: (1) urban wildland intermix zone, (2) old forest

emphasis areas where fire hazard and risk is greatest, (3)sensitive species

habitats, and (4) general forest.

Vegetation and fuels treatments in shrubfields: Design mechanical

treatments in brush and shrub patches to remove the material necessary

to achieve the following outcomesfrom wildland fire under 90th percentile

fire weather conditions: (1) wildland fires would burn with an average

flame length of 8 feet or less; (2) the fire’s rate of spread would be less

than 50 percent of the pre-treatment rate of spread; and (3) fire line

production rates would be doubled. Treatments should be effective for

more than 5 years. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-25)

Follow regional wildlife coordination guidelinesfor burning prescriptions.

(LRMP p. 4-70)

Management area: (cf5) conifer forest - emphasis 5 - wildlife, dispersed recreation

MSA Exhibit D: riparian and

wetland standards and guides.

Exhibit D pp. 3-11

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Protect fisheries and wildlife through

compliance with Riparian and Meadow Guidelines. (LRMP p. 4-75)

Critical aquatic refuges and riparian conservation areas, riparian

conservation objectives, SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, pp. 53-59

Construct permanent water chances with built-in safeguards to protect

the aquatic and wildlife communities. (LRMP p. 4-75)

Create and/or maintain a

vegetative buffer strip along trails

to reduce impacts on wildlife.

(MSA p. 105)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Create and/or maintain a vegetative buffer

strip along OHV trails and areas designated for OHV use to reduce

impacts on wildlife. (LRMP p. 4-75)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended 1990 MSA Proclamation

Minimize old forest habitat fragmentation. Assess potential impacts of

fragmentation on old forest associated species (particularly fisher and

marten) in biological evaluations. Evaluate locations of new landings,

staging areas, and recreational developments, including trails and other

disturbances. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-27)

Management Area: (OW6) oak woodland – Emphasis Grazing of livestock

Maintain at least 50 square feet

basal area per acre of oaks where

it currently exists. (MSA p.32)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Maintain at least 20 square feet basal area

per acre of oaks where it currently exists. (LRMP p. 4-80)

Manage hardwood ecosystemsfor a diversity of hardwood tree size classes

within a stand such that seedlings, saplings, and pole-sized trees are

sufficiently abundant to replace large trees that die.

Retain all blue oak and valley oak trees except: (1) stand restoration

strategies call for tree removal; (2) trees are lost to fire; or (3) where tree

removal is needed for public health and safety. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix

A, p. A-27)

Wildlife: Large Tree Retention When Implementing Vegetation and Fuels

Treatments: Retain montane hardwoods with a dbh of 12 inches or larger

in westside forest types. Occasional mortality of larger trees is expected

to occur; however, design prescribed burn prescriptions and techniques

to minimize the loss of large trees and large down material. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-28)

Maintain understory vegetation to

provide horizontal and vertical

diversity. (MSA p. 32)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Maintain understory vegetation to provide

horizontal and vertical diversity (LRMP, p. 80).

Manage hardwood ecosystemsfor a diversity of hardwood tree size classes

within a stand such that seedlings, saplings, and pole-sized trees are

sufficiently abundant to replace large trees that die. (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, p. A-27)

Ensure a stable or upward trend in

supply of oaks. (MSA p. 32)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Provide continual supply of oaks (LRMP

p. 4-80).

Manage hardwood ecosystemsfor a diversity of hardwood tree size classes

within a stand such that seedlings, saplings, and pole-sized trees are

sufficiently abundant to replace large trees that die. (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, p. A-27)

There should be a good

distribution of all age classes of

oaks that will optimize acorn

Retain the mix of mast-producing species where they exist within a stand.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-27)

production. The desired objective

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended 1990 MSA Proclamation

is to establish good regeneration

and a healthy, viable stand. (MSA

p.33)

Management Area: (MC6) mixed chaparral - Emphasis Grazing of livestock

Provide wildlife adaptations in all

water developments. (MSA pp. 34

and 37)

Provide wildlife adaptations in all water developments. (LRMP p. 4-82)

Consider wildlife needs for cover

and edge in vegetation

manipulation projects. (MSA pp.

34 and 37)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA:Consider wildlife needsfor cover and edge

in chaparral type conversions and vegetation manipulation projects.

(LRMP p. 4-82)

Evaluate new proposed management activities within CARs and RCAs

during environmental analysisto determine consistency with the riparian

conservation objectives at the project level and the AMS goals for the

landscape. Ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented

to (1) minimize the risk of activity-related sediment entering aquatic

systems, and (2) minimize impacts to habitat for aquatic- or

riparian-dependent plant and animal species. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix

A, p. A-54)

Management Area: (CF6) conifer Forest – Emphasis 6-Grazing of livestock

MSA Exhibit D: riparian and

wetland standards and guides.

(MSA, Exhibit D, pp. 3-11)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Protect fisheries and wildlife through

compliance with Riparian and Meadow Guidelines. (LRMP p. 4-86)

Critical aquatic refuges and riparian conservation areas, riparian

conservation objectives. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, pp. 53-59)

Old Forest

Table 11 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Wildlife Regarding Old Forest, Snags and Down

Woody Debris

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Wildlife: old forest associated species

Minimize old forest habitat fragmentation. Assess potential impacts

of fragmentation on old forest associated species (particularly fisher

and marten) in biological evaluations. Evaluate locations of new

landings, staging areas, and recreational developments, including trails

and other disturbances. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-27)

Assess the potential impact of projects on the connectivity of habitat

for old forest associated species.

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Consider forested linkages(with canopy cover greater than 40 percent)

that are interconnected via riparian areas and ridgetop saddles during

landscape-level and project-level analysis. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix

A, p. A-27)

During landscape analysis, identify areas for acquisition, exchange, or

conservation easementsto enhance connectivity of habitat for old forest

associated species. Assign a priority order for these areas. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-28)

Wildlife: large tree retention: When implementing vegetation and

fuels treatments, retain all live conifer trees with a dbh of 30 inches or

greater in westside forest types and 24 inches or greater in the eastside

pine forest type. Retain montane hardwoods with a dbh of 12 inches

or larger in westside forest types. Occasional mortality of larger trees

is expected to occur; however, design prescribed burn prescriptions

and techniques to minimize the loss of large trees and large down

material. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-28)

Wildlife: tree species composition: Promote shade-intolerant pine

species (sugar pine and ponderosa pine) and hardwoods in westside

forest types. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-28)

Wildlife: snags and down woody material

No portion of

the monument

shall be

Maintain a minimum average of 1.5

snags per acre in each compartment.

(MSA p. 89)

AMENDED by 2001 SFNPA: Maintain a minimum average of 1.5

snags per acre in each compartment. Provide habitat for wildlife species

dependent on down logs and snags in timber harvested areas. (LRMP

p. 4-29) considered to

be suited for

timber

production.

Retain the following numbers of large snags after fuels treatments

except where: (1) snag removal is needed to address imminent safety

hazards; and (2) snag levels are reduced as a result of incidental loss

to prescribed fire. In westside mixed conifer and ponderosa pine forest

types, retain four of the largest snags per acre. In the red fir forest type,

retain six of the largest snags per acre. In eastside pine and eastside

mixed conifer forest types, retain three of the largest snags per acre.

In Westside hardwood ecosystems, retain four of the largest snags

(hardwood or conifer) per acre. Where standing live hardwood trees

lack dead branches, retain six of the largest snags per acre, where they

exist, to supplement wildlife needs for dead material. Use snags larger

than 15 inches dbh to meet this standard. Evaluate snag density on a

10-acre basis. The defense zone of the urban wildland intermix zone

and developed recreation sites are exempt from this standard and

guideline. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-28)

Following stand-replacing events (as a result of wildland fire, insects,

or diseases), do not conduct salvage harvest in at least 10 percent of

the total area affected by the stand-replacing event. This unsalvaged

acreage should be comprised of stands classified as California wildlife

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

habitat relationship (CWHR)size class 5 or 6 (average dbh of overstory

trees (snags) greater than 24 inches). As needed, use stands classified

as CWHR size class 4 (average dbh of overstory trees (snags) between

11 and 24 inches) to reach the 10-percent level. This standard and

guideline does not apply to the defense zone of the urban wildland

intermix zone. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-28)

Wildlife: incidental removal of vegetation and down woody material

Retain approximately 132 cubic feet

per acre of well-dispersed down logs.

Ideal log size is 20 inches in

diameter and 20 feet in length. (MSA

p. 91)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA; Retain approximately 132 cubic feet

per acre of well-dispersed down logs. Ideal log size is 20 inches in

diameter and 20 feet in length. (LRMP p. 4-29)

Incidental removal of vegetation and down woody material for activities

such as administering special use permits; maintaining recreation

developments; constructing, reconstructing, and maintaining roads,

trails, and rights of way; expanding resorts based on approved

development plans; and removing trees that present imminent safety

hazards may deviate from vegetation management standards and

guidelines. Exceptions to vegetation management standards and

guidelines may also include restoration activities, such as regenerating

aspen, managing sugar pine, and regenerating giant sequoia. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-29)

No portion of

the Monument

shall be

Leave 10% of the area of each

regeneration unit with untreated slash

for wildlife habitat. (MSA p. 91)

considered to

be suited for

timber

production.

Utilize management techniques

which will minimize charring of

downed woody material left for

wildlife cover and habitat. (MSA p.

91)

Fall and remove hazard trees along maintenance level 3, 4, and 5 roads

and within or immediately adjacent (tree falling distance) to

administrative sites. Review by an appropriate resource specialist is

required prior to falling hazard trees along maintenance level 1 and 2

roads. Retain felled trees where needed to meet down woody material

standards. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-29)

Wolverine and Sierra Nevada red fox detections: Upon a detection Furbearers:

(photograph, track plate, or sighting verified by a wildlife biologist)

of a wolverine or Sierra Nevada red fox, conduct an analysis to d. The forest acknowledges the need

determine if activities within 5 miles of the detection have a potential to determine the distribution,

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

to affect the species. For a 2-year period following the detection, restrict

activities that are determined in the analysis to have an adverse impact

from January 1 to June 30. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-29)

status and trend of these species and

their habitats within the

Forest for biological evaluations,

interim management, and the

Forest Plan amendment. The forest

will request adequate funding

through the annual budgeting process

to accomplish this in an expeditious

manner. The forest will negotiate

with the region to locate funds if

possible for the 1990 field season to

commence a systematic, intensive

track plate survey of the forest. In

any event, the region shall provide

funds necessary to conduct the

survey by the end of the 1991 field

season. (Track plate survey will be

used unless the Forest Service

determines in consultation with Dr.

Reg. Barrett that another survey

method would provide better data.)

The track plate survey should include

as many otherspecies as practicable.

The Forest Service will

consult/confer with Dr. Reg.

Barrett of U. C. Berkeley in

designing this survey. (MSA p. 57)

California Condors

Table 12 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for California Condors

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

California condor

Lion Ridge Roadless Area...unregulated lands will be managed for

watershed, wildlife (old-growth species and condor), and recreation.

(MSA p.72)

NOTE: Fish and Wildlife Service

Condor Recovery Plan 1996.

Lion and Blue Ridges condor roosting sites will be protected. (MSA

p.72)

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

All previously inventoried giant sequoia trees with cavities identified

assuitable for use by a California condorshall be designated potential

condor nesting sites. All newly discovered giant sequoia trees with

cavities having a potential for condor nesting shall also be designated

potential condor nesting sites. (MSA p.59)

NOTE: This “requirement shall apply

until such time as the revised Condor

Recovery Plan is implemented.” The

Condor Recovery Plan was revised in

1996 and requires us to protect

“known” nesting sites but does not

mention potential nesting sites.

Determination of cavity suitability shall be based on the criteria found

in the May 4, 1984 Memorandum by K. Jiminez-Anderson (USDA,

Sequoia National Forest) entitled “Surveying Sequoiagigantea Groves

NOTE:Completed-(This “requirement

shall apply until such time as the

revised Condor Recovery Plan is

implemented.” The Condor recovery for Condor Nests and Roosting Trees,” with the following exceptions:

plan was revised in 1996. There is no the following criteria, described in the aforementioned memorandum

requirement in the 1996 recovery plan shall not be considered in determining cavity suitability (a) “perches

to evaluate potential nesting sites.) available for young and adults to utilize while hopping in and out of

nest,” and (b) “fairly easy approach from the air, and space below for

taking off.” (MSA p. 60)

No portion of

the Monument

shall be

No clear cutting shall occur within 1⁄2 mile of a potential condor

nesting site. (MSA p. 60)

considered to

be suited for

timber

production.

Construction of new permanent roads and trails for public use within

1⁄2 mile of any potential condor nesting site is prohibited. The spacing

of temporary roads and landings shall not be any closer than

three-eights of a mile. (MSA p. 60)

NOTE: The 1996 Condor recovery

plan states “that it is prudent to

continue the current U.S. Forest

Service restriction of human activities

within 2.4 km (1.5 mi) of California

condor nest sites on Forest Service

lands.” “Continue the enforcement of

adopted Forest Service guidelinesthat

protect known condor nest sites from

activities that could adversely modify

or destroy them and provide adequate

protection against human

disturbance.” There is no specific

guidance for potential nesting sites.

When California condors are released and are capable of nesting, the

Sequoia National Forest in consultation with the Condor Recovery

Team shall prepare and implement a road and trail closure plan. The

NOTE: Per the 1996 Condor Recovery

Plan continue the enforcement of

adopted Forest Service guidelinesthat

protect known condor nest sites from Forest and Condor Recovery Team shall follow the standards and

activities that could adversely modify guidelines outlined in the sub-paragraphs below in preparing this

or destroy them and provide adequate plan: (a) All roads (except roads currently paved and those named in

protection against human disturbance. (d) below) and trails within .5 mile of a potential nesting site shall be

closed to all use, and those within 1.5 miles shall be closed to

motorized use, from January 1 through June 30 each year. This closure

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

may be lifted after April 30 each year if the Sequoia National Forest

in consultation with the Condor Recovery Team has completed field

observations, after April 15, and has concluded that condors are not

actively nesting in the affected potential nesting area. The sole limited

exception to this closure shall be for Forest Service vehicles

conducting businessthat could not be postponed until after the closure

season. Logging-related uses and recreation uses are specifically

excluded during this closure period. (MSA p. 61)

(b) If the Forest Service determines that condors are nesting in the

area, roads and trails within 1.5 miles of the nesting sites shall be

closed for the balance of the calendar year. (MSA p. 61)

(c) Notwithstanding sub-paragraph (a) above, the following may

remain open: i) Road 21S05, for recreational use, with a seasonal

restriction on the operation of heavy equipment. ii) Road 21S94 from

Camp Nelson to the gate at the Tule River Indian Reservation. iii)

McIntyre Summer Home Tract. iv) Belknap Campground. v) Redwood

Meadow Campground. vi) Trail of One Hundred Giants. vii) Long

Meadow Campground. viii) 23S05 White River Road. ix) Quaking

Aspen Campground. x) Holey Meadow Campground. xi) If additional

potential nest sites are discovered, the Forest Service in conjunction

with the Condor Recovery Team shall determine if additional

campgrounds, road or other public uses may remain open. (MSA p.

61)

Perennial and intermittent streams upstream and within 1.5 miles of

an active nesting site shall not be drafted as a source of water for dust

abatement, prescribed burning, broadcast burning, or any other

purpose (except to fight wildfires) during the calendar year in which

a nest is active. (MSA p. 64)

No portion of

the Monument

shall be

The roost sites identified in the Sequoia National Forest shall remain

outside the suitable land base, and shall be designated Wildlife Habitat

Management Areas. (MSA p. 64)

considered to

be suited for

timber

production.

When California condors are released, the Forest Service, in

consultation with the Condor Recovery Team, shall prepare and

implement a road and trails closure plan. Additionally, all roads

(except currently paved roads) and trails within 1⁄2 miles of the roost

sites shall be closed to all public use. (MSA p. 64)

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Alternative A
Comments: 5

Owls

California Spotted Owl

Table 13 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for California Spotted Owl

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

California spotted owl PACs

The spotted owl habitat areas (SOHAs) established in the original forest plans would no

longer be a land allocation. FEIS, Volume 1, Chapter 2, page 38.

Delineate California spotted owl protected activity centers(PACs)surrounding each territorial

owl activity center detected on National Forest System landssince 1986. Owl activity centers

are designated for all territorial owls based on: (1) the most recent documented nest site, (2)

the most recent known roost site when a nest location remains unknown, and (3) a central

point based on repeated daytime detections when neither nest or roost locations are known.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-33)

Delineate PACs to: (1) include known and suspected nest stands and (2) encompass the best

available 300 acres of habitat in as compact a unit as possible. Select the best available

habitat for PACsto incorporate: (1) two or more tree canopy layers; (2) treesin the dominant

and co-dominant crown classes averaging 24inches dbh or greater; (3) at least 70 percent

tree canopy cover (including hardwoods); and (4) in descending order of priority, CWHR

classes 6, 5D, 5M, 4D, and 4M and other stands with at least 50 percent canopy cover

(including hardwoods). Use aerial photography interpretation and field verification as needed

to delineate PACs. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-33)

As additional nest location and habitat data become available, review boundaries of PACs

and make adjustments as necessary to better include known and suspected nest stands and

to encompass the best available 300 acres of habitat. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-33)

When activities are planned adjacent to non-national forest lands, check available databases

for the presence of nearby California spotted owl activity centers on non-national forest

lands. Delineate a 300-acre circular area centered on the activity center. Designate and

manage any part of the circular 300-acre area that lies on national forest lands as a California

spotted owl PAC. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-34)

Required

evaluation of

impacts for

Prior to undertaking vegetation treatments in suitable California spotted owl habitat with

unknown occupancy, conduct surveys in accordance with Pacific Southwest Region survey

protocol. Designate California spotted owl protected activity centers (PACs) where

appropriate based on survey results. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-34) projects within

1.5 miles from

the center of a

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

SOHA,

surveys and

evaluation in a

BE for timber

sales.(MSA

pp. 52-55)

When activities are planned within or adjacent to a PAC and the location of the nest site or

activity center is uncertain, conduct surveys to establish or confirm the location of the nest

or activity center. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-34)

Maintain PACs regardless of California spotted owl occupancy status, unless habitat is

rendered unsuitable by a catastrophic stand-replacing event and surveys conducted to protocol

confirm nonoccupancy. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-34)

California spotted owl PACs: limited operating period

Maintain a limited operating period (LOP), prohibiting activities within approximately

1⁄4-mile of the nest site during the breeding season (March 1 through August 31) unless

surveys confirm that California spotted owls are not nesting. The LOP does not apply to

existing road and trail use and maintenance or continuing recreation use, except where

analysis of proposed projects or activities determinesthat either existing or proposed activities

are likely to result in nest disturbance. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-34)

The LOP may be waived for individual projects or activities of limited scope and duration

or when a biological evaluation documentsthatsuch projects are unlikely to result in breeding

disturbance considering their intensity, duration, timing, and specific location. Where a

biological evaluation determines that a nest site will be shielded from planned activities by

topographic features that minimize disturbance, the LOP buffer distance may be reduced.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-34)

The LOP may be waived where necessary to allow for early season prescribed burning in

up to 5 percent of the California spotted owl PACs on a national forest per year. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-34)

The LOP may be modified or waived to assess the effects of prescribed fire and mechanical

treatments on breeding owls as a formal adaptive managementstudy developed in cooperation

with the Pacific Southwest Research Station. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-34)

California spotted owl PACs: fuel treatments

In PACs located outside the defense zone of the urban wildland intermix zone: Limit

stand-altering activitiesto reducing surface and ladder fuelsthrough prescribed fire treatments.

In forested stands with overstory trees 11 inches dbh and greater, design prescribed fire

treatments that have an average flame length of 4 feet or less. Prior to burning, conduct hand

treatments, including handline construction, tree pruning, and cutting of small trees (less

than 6 inches dbh), within a 1- to 2-acre area surrounding known nest trees as needed to

protect nest trees and trees in their immediate vicinity. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-35)

In PACs located inside the defense zone of the urban wildland intermix zone:Prohibit

mechanical treatments within a 500-foot radius buffer around the California spotted owl

activity center. Allow prescribed burning within the 500-foot radius buffer. Prior to burning,

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

conduct hand treatments, including handline construction, tree pruning, and cutting of small

trees (less than 6 inches dbh), within a 1- to 2-acre area surrounding known nest trees as

needed to protect nest trees and trees in their immediate vicinity. The remaining area of the

PAC may be mechanically treated to achieve the fuels reduction outcomes described for the

general forest land allocation. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-35)

Conduct vegetation treatments in no more than 5 percent per year and 10 percent per decade

of the California spotted owl PACs in the 11 Sierra Nevada national forests until a formal

monitoring and adaptive management approach is developed in coordination with the Pacific

Southwest Research Station. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-35)

Monitor the number of PACstreated at a bioregionalscale. Update the total number of PACs

to account for losses of PACs due to catastrophic events. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-35)

California spotted owl PACs: new roads, trails, off highway vehicle routes, recreational developments, and other

developments

Evaluate proposals for new roads, trails, off-highway vehicle routes, and recreational and

other developments for their potential to disturb nest sites. Mitigate impacts where there is

documented evidence of disturbance to the nest site from existing recreation, off-highway

vehicle route, trail, and road uses (including road maintenance). (SNFPA ROD, Appendix

A, p. A-35)

Designating California spotted owl home range core areas

Establish a home range core area surrounding each territorial spotted owl activity center

detected after 1986. The core area amounts to 20 percent of the area described by the sum

of the average breeding pair home range plus one standard error. Home range core area size

is 600 acres on the Sequoia National Forest. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-43)

Use aerial photography to delineate the core area. Identify acreage for the entire core area

on national forest lands. Delineate core areas to encompass the best available California

spotted owl habitat in the closest proximity to the owl activity center. Select the best available

contiguous habitat to incorporate: (1) two or more tree canopy layers; (2) treesin the dominant

and co-dominant crown classes averaging 24 inches dbh or greater; and (3) in descending

order of priority, CWHR classes 6, 5D, 5M, 4D and 4M and other stands with at least 50

percent tree canopy cover (including hardwoods). The acreage in the 300-acre PAC counts

toward the total home range core area. Delineate core areas within 1.5 miles of the activity

center. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-43)

When activities are planned adjacent to non-national forest lands, delineate circular core

areas around California spotted owl activity centers on non-national forest lands. Using the

best available habitat as described above, designate and manage any part of the circular core

area that lies on national forest lands as a California spotted owl home range core area.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-43)

California spotted owl home range core areas: fuel treatments

Fuel treatment standards and guidelines for California spotted owl home range core areas

are identical to those presented for old forest emphasis areas above, except for the urban

wildland intermix. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-44)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
Great Gray Owl

Table 14 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Great Gray Owl

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Great gray owl protected activity centers (PACs): designating great gray owl PACs

Establish and maintain a protected activity center (PAC) that includes the forested

area and adjacent meadow around all known great gray owl nest stands. Delineate at

least 50 acres of the highest quality nesting habitat (CWHR types 6, 5D, and 5M)

available in the forested area surrounding the nest. Also include the meadow or

meadow complex that supports the prey base for nesting owls. (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, p. A-38)

Conduct additional surveys to established protocols to follow up reliable sightings

of great gray owls. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-38)

Great gray owl PACs: limited operating period

Apply a limited operating period (LOP), prohibiting vegetation management activities

and road construction within 1⁄4-mile of active great gray owl nest stands during the

nesting period (typically March 1 to August 15). The LOP does not apply to: (1)

existing road traffic and road maintenance, (2) trail uses, and (3) other recreational

uses and activities, unless a biological evaluation documents that these activities will

result in nest disturbance. The LOP may also be waived for projects of limited scope

and duration. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-38)

Great gray owl PACs: new roads, trails, off-highway vehicle routes, recreational developments, and other developments

Evaluate proposals for new roads, trails, off highway vehicle routes, and recreational

and other developmentsfor their potential to disturb nestsites. Mitigate impacts where

there is documented evidence of disturbance to the nest site from existing recreation,

off-highway vehicle route, trail, and road uses(including road maintenance). (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-38)

Great gray owl PACs: grazing

In meadow areas of great gray owl PACs, maintain herbaceous meadow vegetation

at least 12 inches in height and covering at least 90 percent of the meadow. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-38)

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Alternative A
Comments: 6

Goshawks

Table 15 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Northern Goshawk

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Northern goshawk: designating northern goshawk PACs

Protect all active

goshawk nests until an

approved Sequoia

Delineate northern goshawk protected activity centers(PACs)surrounding all known

and newly discovered breeding territories detected on National Forest System lands.

Designate northern goshawk PACs based upon the latest documented nest site and

location(s) of alternate nests. If the actual nest site is not located, designate the PAC National Forest

based on the location of territorial adult birds or recently fledged juvenile goshawks

during the fledgling dependency period. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-36)

Goshawk Network is

established. Nest

protection will include

Delineate PACs to: (1) include known and suspected nest stands and (2) encompass

the best available 200 acres of forested habitat in the largest contiguous patches

possible, based on aerial photography. Where suitable nesting habitat occursin small

125 acres of habitat

having a restricted

operating season from

patches, define PACs as multiple blocks in the largest best available patches within April 1 to August 1 and

0.5 miles of one another. Best available forested stands for PACs have the following will include 50 acres of

characteristics: (1) trees in the dominant and co-dominant crown classes average 24 undisturbed suitable

inches dbh or greater; (2) in westside conifer and eastside mixed conifer forest types, habitat surrounding

stands have at least 70 percent tree canopy cover; and (3) in eastside pine forest each active nest site.

types, stands have at least 60 percent tree canopy cover. Non-forest vegetation (such

as brush and meadows) should not be counted as part of the 200 acres. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-36)

Each project will be

examined for active

goshawk nests with the

results reported in the

environmental

document for that

project. (MSA pp.

58-59)

As additional nest location and habitat data become available, review boundaries of

PACs and make adjustments as necessary to better include known and suspected

neststands and to encompassthe best available 200 acres of forested habitat. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-36)

When activities are planned adjacent to non-national forest lands, check available

databases for the presence of nearby northern goshawk activity centers on

non-national forest lands. Delineate a 200-acre circular area centered on the activity

center. Designate and manage any part of the circular 200-acre area that lies on

national forest lands as a northern goshawk PAC. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-36)

Prior to undertaking vegetation treatments in suitable northern goshawk nesting

habitat that is not within an existing California spotted owl or northern goshawk

PAC, conduct surveys using Pacific Southwest Region survey protocols. Suitable

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

northern goshawk nesting habitat is defined as follows: (1) in the eastside pine forest

type, suitable nesting habitat is stands with an average tree size of 11 inches dbh or

greater and at least 20 percent canopy cover; and (2) in other forest types, suitable

nesting habitat is stands with an average tree size of 11 inches dbh or greater and at

least 40 percent canopy cover. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-36)

When activities are planned within or adjacent to a PAC and the location of the nest

site or activity center is uncertain, conductsurveysto establish or confirm the location

of the nest or activity center. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-36)

Maintain PACs regardless of northern goshawk occupancy status, unless habitat is

rendered unsuitable by a catastrophic stand-replacing event and surveys conducted

to protocol confirm non-occupancy. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-36)

Northern goshawk PACs: limited operating period

Maintain a limited operating period (LOP), prohibiting activities within approximately

1⁄4-mile of the nest site during the breeding season (February 15 through September

15) unless surveys confirm that northern goshawks are not nesting. If the nest stand

is unknown, either apply the LOP to a 1⁄4-mile area surrounding the PAC or survey

to determine the nest stand location. The LOP does not apply to existing road and

trail use and maintenance or continuing recreation use, except where analysis of

proposed projects or activities determines that either existing or proposed activities

are likely to result in nest disturbance. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-37)

The LOP may be waived for individual projects or activities of limited scope and

duration or when a biological evaluation documents that such projects are unlikely

to result in breeding disturbance considering their intensity, duration, timing, and

specific location. Where a biological evaluation determines that a nest site will be

shielded from planned activities by topographic features that minimize disturbance,

the LOP buffer distance may be reduced. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-37)

The LOP may be waived where necessary to allow for early season prescribed

burning in up to 5 percent of the northern goshawk PACs on a national forest per

year. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-37)

Northern goshawk PACs: new roads, trails, off-highway vehicle routes, recreational developments, and other

developments

Evaluate proposalsfor new roads, trails, off-highway vehicle routes, and recreational

and other developments for their potential to disturb nest sites. Mitigate impacts

where there is documented evidence of disturbance to the nest site from existing

recreation, off highway vehicle route, trail, and road uses (including road

maintenance). (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-37)

Northern goshawk PACs: fuel treatments

In PACslocated outside the defense zone of the urban wildland intermix zone: Limit

stand-altering activities to reducing surface and ladder fuels through prescribed fire

treatments. In forested stands with overstory trees 11 inches dbh and greater, design

prescribed fire treatments that have an average flame length of 4 feet or less. Prior

to burning, conduct hand treatments, including handline construction, tree pruning,

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

and cutting of small trees (less than 6 inches dbh), within a 1- to 2-acre area

surrounding known nest trees as needed to protect nest trees and trees in their

immediate vicinity. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-37)

In PACslocated inside the defense zone of the urban wildland intermix zone: Prohibit

mechanical treatments within a 500-foot radius buffer around nest trees. Allow

prescribed burning within the 500-foot radius buffer. Prior to burning, conduct hand

treatments, including handline construction, tree pruning, and cutting of small trees

(less than 6 inches dbh), within a 1- to 2-acre area surrounding known nest trees as

needed to protect nest trees and treesin their immediate vicinity. The remaining area

of the PAC may be mechanically treated to achieve the fuels reduction outcomes

described for the general forest land allocation. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-37)

Conduct mechanical treatments in no more than 5 percent per year and 10 percent

per decade of the northern goshawk PACs in the 11 Sierra Nevada national forests

until a formal monitoring and adaptive management study is developed in

coordination with the Pacific Southwest Research Station. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix

A, p. A-37)

Comments: 7

Fisher, Marten and other Furbearers

Table 16 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Forest Carnivores

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Forest carnivore den sites: designating forest carnivore den sites

Fisher den sites are 700-acre buffers consisting of the highest Furbearers:

quality habitat (CWHR size class 4 or greater and canopy cover

greater than 60 percent) in a compact arrangement surrounding c. The Forest Plan shall be amended to

incorporate management practices, and

critical and other habitats, essential to the

verified fisher birthing and kit rearing dens in the largest, most

contiguous blocks available. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-39) conservation of these species after the

Region finalizes the appropriate guidelines

and directions. The Forest agreesto proceed

rapidly with any such Plan amendment and

to publish the proposed Plan amendment

within one year of the Region’s final

guidelines for any of the specified species.

(MSA pp. 56-57

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Marten den sites are 100-acre buffers consisting of the highest

quality habitat in a compact arrangement surrounding the den

site. CWHR types 6, 5D, 5M, 4D, and 4M in descending order

of priority, based on availability, provide highest quality habitat

for the marten. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-39)

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Forest carnivore den sites: limited operating periods

e. Exhibit H identifies certain closed canopy

(~40%) mature or old growth stands which

may meet some of the habitat requirements

Protect fisher den site buffers from disturbance with a limited

operating period (LOP) from March 1 through June 30 for all

new projects as long as habitat remains suitable or until another

Regionally approved managementstrategy isimplemented. The sequoia mediation agreement, for furbearers

LOP may be waived for individual projects of limited scope or may have the potential of being identified

and duration, when a biological evaluation documentsthatsuch as critical furbearer habitat. Until the

projects are unlikely to result in breeding disturbance furbearer habitat network is established,

considering their intensity, duration, timing, and specific

location. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-39)

biological evaluations will be used to

determine the potential effects on furbearers

and the establishment/maintenance of their

critical habitation and viable populations

where project proposals impact the above

identified areas. Where projects are

proposed impacting old growth stands in

Exhibit H, disclosure in the EA/EIS will

show analysis of such impacts on

maintaining adequate old growth resources

and need to maintain these areas for

furbearer habitat. The Forest Service shall

consult with the Department of Fish and

Game to determine whether these stands

should be protected as a means of meeting

the habitat/seral stage diversity

requirements. (MSA pp. 57-58)

Protect marten den site buffers from disturbance with a limited

operating period (LOP) from May 1 through July 31 for all new

projects as long as habitat remains suitable or until another

regionally approved management strategy is implemented.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-39)

Evaluate the appropriateness of LOPsfor existing usesin fisher

and marten den site buffers during environmental analysis.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-39)

Forest carnivore den sites: fuel treatments

Avoid fuel treatments in den site buffers to the extent possible.

If areas within den site buffers must be treated to achieve fuels

objectivesfor the urban wildland intermix zone, limit treatments

to mechanical clearing of fuels. Treat ladder and surface fuels

over 85 percent of the treatment unit to achieve fuels objectives.

Use piling or mastication to treat surface fuels during initial

treatment. Burning of piled debris is allowed. Prescribed fire

may be used to treat fuels if no other reasonable alternative

exists. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-39)

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Forest carnivore den sites: roads, trails, off-highway vehicle routes, recreational developments, and other developments

Evaluate proposals for new roads, trails, off highway vehicle

routes, and recreational and other developments for their

potential to disturb den sites. Mitigate impacts where there is

documented evidence of disturbance to the den site from existing

recreation, off highway vehicle route, trail, and road uses

(including road maintenance). (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-40)

Southern Sierra Fisher Conservation Area: activity-related standards and guidelines

Because the effects of prescribed fire on key components of Furbearers

fisher habitat are uncertain, give preference to mechanical

treatments over prescribed fire. However, prescribed fire may a. The Sequoia National Forest will manage

habitats and activities for threatened and

endangered species to achieve recovery

be applied to achieve restoration and regeneration objectives

for fire adapted giant sequoia. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-45) objectives, and for sensitive species, to

insure that they do not become threatened

or endangered because of Forest Service

actions (as specified in FSM 2670).

(MSA p. 55)

In areas outside the urban wildland intermix zone, manage each

planning watershed to support fisher habitat requirements.

Retain 60 percent of each 5,000- to 10,000-acre watershed in

CWHR size class 4 (average dbh of overstory trees between 11

and 24 inches) or greater and canopy cover greater than or equal

to 60 percent. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-45)

Prior to vegetation treatments, identify important wildlife

structures, such as large-diameter snags and coarse woody

material within the treatment unit. For prescribed fire treatments,

use firing patterns, fire lines around snags and large logs, and

other techniques to minimize effects on snags and large logs.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-45)

Evaluate the effectiveness of these mitigation measures after

treatment. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-45)

Comments: 8

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Alternative A
Willow Flycatcher

Table 17 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Willow Flycatcher

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Willow flycatcher habitat: activity-related standards and guidelines

Evaluate proposalsfor new concentrated stock areas(for example, livestock handling and management

facilities, pack stations, equestrian stations, and corrals) located within 5 miles of occupied willow

flycatcher habitat. Apply a broad landscape-level analysisin the biological evaluation for the project

to determine if such action will increase brood parasitism pressure by the brown-headed cowbird.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-61)

As part of landscape analysis, give priority to meadow restoration opportunities near or adjacent to

known willow flycatcher sites. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-61)

To the extent possible, construct no new roadsin potential willow flycatcher habitat. Potential willow

flycatcher habitat includes: (1) occupied willow flycatcher habitat; (2) known willow flycatcher

sites; (3) emphasis habitat; and (4) small, wet woody meadows (meadows less than 15 acres that

have standing water on June 1 and a deciduous shrub component). (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-61)

Beginning in 2001, initiate a 4-year cycle for conducting willow flycatcher surveys in all 82 known

willow flycatcher sites. In the first year, conduct willow flycatcher surveys to established protocols

in all 82 known willow flycatchersites. In the second year, conductsurveysin the known sites where

willow flycatchers were not found in the first-year survey. Surveys are not conducted in the third

and fourth years of the cycle of all known sites. After the fourth year, repeat the 4-year survey cycle

of all known sites. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-61)

If willow flycatchers are detected during the surveys of known willow flycatcher sites, eliminate

livestock grazing in the entire meadow (to the forested or other upland vegetation edge), beginning

1 calendar year after the detection in this occupied known site. Use permanent or electrical fencing

or otherwise ensure that livestock avoid these sites. If willow flycatchers are not detected during the

surveys of known willow flycatcher sites, allow late season grazing at utilization levels based on

habitat condition of these unoccupied known sites. Beginning in 2003, prohibit livestock grazing in

meadows of the 82 known willow flycatcher sites where surveys have not been completed. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-61)

In unoccupied known willow flycatchersites where late-season grazing is allowed, annually monitor

utilization of riparian vegetation using regional range analysis and planning guides. Every 3 years,

monitor willow flycatcher habitat using the following criteria: (1) rooting depth cores for meadow

condition, (2) point intercepts for shrub foliar density, and (3) strip transects for shrub recruitment

and cover. Include meadow condition assessments in geographical information systems (GIS)

coverages. If habitat conditions in unoccupied known willow flycatcher sites are not supporting the

willow flycatcher or are trending downward, modify orsuspend grazing in these areas. Use established

protocols to conduct these surveys. If these surveys detect willow flycatchers, only allow late season

grazing at utilization levels assessed according to habitat condition in these occupied emphasis sites.

Subsequently include these occupied emphasis sites in the 4-year survey cycle for known willow

flycatcher sites described above. In addition, survey emphasis habitat within 5 miles of these new

occupied sites. In emphasis habitats where these surveys do not detect willow flycatchers, apply the

grazing standard and guideline for meadows(the fourth standard and guideline described under RCO

#5 in section 14, Riparian Conservation Areas), and repeat the surveys in these areas every 3 years.

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

If willow flycatcher surveys of emphasis habitat within 5 miles of the 82 known willow flycatcher

sites are not completed within 5 years, only allow late season grazing in these emphasis habitats.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-61)

Apply late-season grazing in known willow flycatcher sites where flycatchers are not detected and

in occupied willow flycatcher emphasis sites during the willow flycatcher breeding season, which

extends from June 1 to August 31. These dates may be modified when multi-year monitoring data

support different dates for a particular breeding location. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-62)

Evaluate site condition of known sites and emphasis habitat. Those sitesthat no longer contain water

on June 1 and lack a deciduous shrub component may be removed from the conservation network.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-62)

Comments: 9

Botanical Resources and Nonnative Invasive Species

Table 18 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Plants

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Threatened, endangered, proposed, and sensitive (teps) plant species

Minimize or eliminate direct and indirect impacts from management activities on TEPS

plants unless the activity is designed to maintain or improve plant populations. (Forest

Service Manual 2670). (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-29)

Conduct field surveys for threatened, endangered, proposed, and sensitive (TEPS) plant

species early enough in the project planning process so that the project can be designed

to conserve or enhance TEPS plants and their habitat. Conduct surveys according to

procedures outlined in the Forest Service Handbook (FSH 2609.25.11). If additional field

surveys are conducted as part of project implementation, document the survey results in

the project file. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-29)

Ensure that all projects involving revegetation (planting or seeding) adhere to regional

native plant policies. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-30)

Invasive Nonnative Species

Table 19 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Invasive Nonnative Species Management

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Noxious weed management

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Alternative A
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Follow Forest Service Manual (FSM 2080) direction pertaining to integrated weed

management when planning weed control projects. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-30)

Inform forest users, local agencies, special use permittees, groups, and organizations

in communities near national forests about noxious weed prevention and management.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-30)

Work cooperatively with California and Nevada state agencies and individual counties

(for example, cooperative weed management areas) to: (1) prevent the introduction and

establishment of noxious weed infestations and (2) control existing infestations. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-30)

As part of project planning, conduct a noxious weed risk assessment to determine risks

for weed spread (high, moderate, or low) associated with different types of proposed

management activities. Refer to weed prevention practices in the Regional Noxious

Weed Management Strategy to develop mitigation measures for high and moderate risk

activities. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-30)

When prescribed in project-level noxious weed risk assessments, require off-road

equipment and vehicles (both Forest Service and contracted) used for project

implementation to be weed free. Refer to weed prevention practices in the Regional

Noxious Weed Management Strategy. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-30)

Minimize weed spread by incorporating weed prevention and control measures into

ongoing management or maintenance activities that involve ground disturbance or the

possibility of spreading weeds. Refer to weed prevention practices in the Regional

Noxious Weed Management Strategy. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-30)

Conduct follow-up inspections of ground-disturbing activities to ensure adherence to

the Regional Noxious Weed Management Strategy. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-30)

Encourage use of certified weed free hay and straw. Cooperate with other agencies and

the public in developing a certification program for weed free hay and straw. Phase in

the program as certified weed free hay and straw becomes available. This standard and

guideline applies to pack and saddle stock used by the public, livestock permittees,

outfitter guide permittees, and local,state, and federal agencies. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix

A, p. A-30)

Include weed prevention measures, as necessary, when amending or re-issuing permits

(including, but not limited to, livestock grazing, special uses, and pack stock operator

permits). (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-30)

All federal lands and

interests in lands within the

boundaries of this monument

Include weed prevention measures and weed control treatments in mining plans of

operation and reclamation plans. Refer to weed prevention practices in the Regional

Noxious Weed Management Strategy. Monitor for weeds, as appropriate, for 2 years

after project implementation (assuming no weed introductions have occurred). (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-30)

are hereby appropriated and

withdrawn from...sale,

leasing, or other disposition

under the public land laws

including...disposition under

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

all laws...other than by

exchange that furthers the

protective purposes of the

monument. Lands and

interests in lands within the

boundaries of the monument

not owned by the United

States shall be reserved as a

part of the monument upon

acquisition of title thereto by

the United States.

Conduct a risk analysis for weed spread associated with burned area emergency

rehabilitation (BAER) treatments. The BAER team is responsible for conducting this

analysis. Monitor and treat weed infestations for 3 years after the fire. (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, p. A-30)

During landscape analysis or project-level planning, consider restoring or revegetating

degraded ecosystemsto minimize the potential for noxious weed reinfestations. Adhere

to regional native plant policies for revegetation. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-30)

Consult with American Indians to determine priority areas for weed prevention and

control where traditional gathering areas are threatened by weed infestations. (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, p. A-31)

Complete noxious weed inventories, based on a regional protocol, within 3 years of the

signing of the record of decision for the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment. Review

and update these inventories on an annual basis. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-31)

As outlined in the Regional Noxious Weed Management Strategy, when new, small

weed infestations are detected, emphasize eradication of these infestations while

providing for the safety of field personnel. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-31)

Routinely monitor noxious weed control projects to determine success and to evaluate

the need for follow-up treatments or different control methods. Monitor known weed

infestations, as appropriate, to determine changes in weed population density and rate

of spread. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-31)

Comments: 10

Range Management

Table 20 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for General Range Management

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Range

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Allotment management plans will include specific

information on range condition, trends, livestock

grazing capacity, utilization maps and measurements,

NOTE: No standard needed, direction provided in FSH

2209.13- Grazing Permit Administration Handbook;

Chapter 90- Rangeland Management Decisionmaking

and forage and habitat allowances for wildlife and

they will assess grazing impacts on wildlife, fisheries,

water quality and other environmental values. Where

such information is lacking from an allotment

management plan, it shall be added when the plan is

next amended or renewed. Management plans will

develop strategiesto minimize or discourage livestock

use in botanical areas. Where livestock use isin direct

conflict with the values for which the botanical area

was established, that use will be eliminated. Where

livestock grazing is shown to be beneficial for the

endangered orsensitive species, it will remain. (MSA

p .39)

The quarterly project planning schedule shall include

the allotment plans that are scheduled for renewal or

amendment. (MSA p. 40)

NOTE: FSH 1909.15(7) Schedule of Proposed Action

(All decisions requiring a project record and written

decision document are on the Schedule of Proposed

Actions

The Plan shall be amended to change the lastsentence

to read, “Monitor the effectiveness of the Sequoia

National Forest’s Riparian and Wetlands Standards

and Guidelines. (MSA p. 39)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA:Meadows will be

grazed to allowable use standards as determined by

the height/weight or grazed plot method. (LRMP pg.

4-30)-

Underseason-long grazing: For meadowsin early seral

status – limit livestock utilization of grass and

grass-like plants to 30 percent (or minimum 6-inch

stubble height).

For meadows in late seral status – limit livestock

utilization of grass and grass-like plantsto a maximum

of 40 percent (or minimum 4-inch stubble height).

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-58)

NOTE: See also standards and guidelines for willow

flycatcher in the wildlife section.

In meadow areas of great gray owl PACs, maintain

herbaceous meadow vegetation at least 12 inches in

height and covering at least 90 percent of the meadow.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-38)

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Alternative A
Table 21 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Grazing in Hardwood and Chaparral

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Grazing and hardwood (oak) management

The Plan will be amended to clarify that Animal

Unit Months ("AUMs") allotted under the

Forest Plan will not be increased over recent

historic levels of approximately 68,000

annually. (MSA p. 28)

NOTE: (FSH 2209.13, Chapter 90: 92.23.2) A proposed

action that includes authorization of livestock grazing shall

also include the basic elements of an allotment management

plan because these elements will ultimately be obtained

directly from the NEPA-based decisions and will be included

in part 3 of the grazing permit forms...as an AMP.

Give priority to maintaining and enhancing blue

oak. (MSA p. 28)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Do not utilize mechanical

treatments of blue oak (LRMP pg 4-77).

Retain all blue oak and valley oak trees except: (1) stand

restoration strategies call for tree removal; (2) trees are lost

to fire; or (3) where tree removal is needed for public health

and safety (2001 SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, A-27)

Develop water, fences, trails, etc., to facilitate

optimum use of forage. (MSA p. 28)

Develop water, fences, trails etc. To facilitate optimum use

of forage. (LRMP pg. 4-77, 4-80)

NOTE: Current direction provided by Forest Service Manual

2240.3

Retain at least 700 1bs/acre residual dry matter

(RDM) as the utilization standard for livestock

use. (MSA pg. 28)

Grazing utilization in annual grasslands will maintain a

minimum of 60 percent cover. Where grasslands are in

satisfactory condition and annual precipitation is greater

than 10 inches, manage for 700 pounds residual dry matter

Winter grazing allotments will limit browse

utilization to a change of no more than 15% of

preferred browse or 5% of staple species to

(RDM) per acre. Where grasslands are in satisfactory

condition and annual precipitation is less than 10 inches,

manage for 400 pounds RDM per acre. Where grasslands

are in unsatisfactory condition and annual precipitation is heavily browsed conditions (form class 3 or 6).

greater than 10 inches, manage for 1,000 pounds RDM per Limited browsing will maintain browse in

acre; manage for 700 pounds RDM per acre where grasslands satisfactory condition and indicate that green

feed is available for wildlife during winter

"green up" (inadequate green forage period).

(MSA p. 29)

are in unsatisfactory condition and precipitation is less than

10 inches. Adjust these standards, as needed, based on

grassland condition. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-31)

Limit browsing to no more than 20 percent of the annual

leader growth of mature riparian shrubs (including willow

and aspen) and no more than 20 percent of individual

seedlings. Remove livestock from any area of an allotment

when browsing indicates a change in livestock preference

from grazing herbaceous vegetation to browsing woody

riparian vegetation. Herd sheep away from woody riparian

vegetation at all times. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-59)

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Allotment Management plans will emphasize

wildlife use of mast crops. (MSA p. 29)

Retain the mix of mast-producing species where they exist

within a stand. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-27)

Pursuant to a contract with the Forest Service,

the University of California through the Fresno

Foundation California Agricultural Technology

Manage hardwood ecosystems for a diversity of hardwood

tree size classes within a stand such thatseedlings,saplings,

and pole-sized trees are sufficiently abundant to replace

large trees that die. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-27) Institute, has completed and published in

November, 1989 a study of reproduction and

age-classfrequency of blue oaks on the Sequoia

National Forest. Based upon the results of this

study, the Sequoia National Forest will adopt

allotmentspecific minimum threshold levels of

oak recruitment for implementation in allotment

plan revisions beginning in 1991 or sooner as

specified in item (7) below. (MSA p. 29)

The Sequoia National Forest will identify

allotments where oak reproduction is at or

below the threshold level and will develop

To protect hardwood regeneration in grazing allotments,

allow livestock browse on no more than 20 percent of annual

growth of hardwood seedlings and advanced regeneration.

Alter grazing plansif hardwood regeneration and recruitment long-term strategies to increase recruitment of

needs are not being met. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p.

A-31)

oaksinto these stands. Upon renewal, allotment

management plans will be used to prescribe

managementstrategiesto improve management

of oak and enhance recruitment based on the

University of California study of the Sequoia

National Forest along with other studies. A

variety of strategies will be considered to

recruitment obtain an adequate recruitment of

oak. The Forest Service will monitor

recruitment of oak species into the stands as

part of allotment plan inspections and analysis.

(MSA p. 30)

Use prescribed fire as primary method to

accomplish age-class management. No more

than 60% of the vegetation should be in the

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Use prescribed fire as primary

method to accomplish age class management. (LRMP p.

4-82)

seedling/sprout-young age-class. Slopes over

40% are allocated to provide age-classes of 31+

years and older. (MSA p. 37)

Locate fuel treatments to interrupt wildland fire spread and

reduce fire severity. Typically locate treatment areas on the

upper two-thirds of the slope, on south and west aspects, in

mid- and lower elevation vegetation types. Conduct fuel

treatments in areas of high fire hazard and risk in the

following priority order: (1) urban wildland intermix zone,

(2) old forest emphasis areas where fire hazard and risk is

greatest, (3)sensitive species habitats, and (4) general forest.

Vegetation and Fuels Treatments in Shrubfields: Design

mechanical treatmentsin brush and shrub patchesto remove

the material necessary to achieve the following outcomes

from wildland fire under 90th percentile fire weather

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

conditions: (1) wildland fires would burn with an average

flame length of 8 feet or less; (2) the fire’s rate of spread

would be less than 50 percent of the pre-treatment rate of

spread; and (3) fire line production rates would be doubled.

Treatments should be effective for more than 5 years.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-25)

References to type conversion are to be deleted

from the Plan:

Convert chaparral types to annual grass on slopes less than

10 percent. (LRMP p. 4-82)

Delete the statement "convert chaparral types

to annual grass on slopes less than 10%" from

the Range section, item 2, on page 4-82 of the

Plan. (MSA p. 38)

Implement vegetative manipulation projects on

slopes less than 40% when crown cover of

browse species is greater than 70% or average

height exceeds 5 feet. (MSA p. 37)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Implement vegetative

manipulation projects on slopes less than 40 percent when

crown density of browse species is greater than 70 percent

or average height exceeds five feet. (LRMP p. 4-82)

Design mechanical treatments in brush and shrub patches

to remove the material necessary to achieve the following

outcomes from wildland fire under 90th percentile fire

weather conditions: (1) wildland fires would burn with an

average flame length of 8 feet or less; (2) the fire’s rate of

spread would be less than 50 percent of the pre-treatment

rate of spread; and (3) fire line production rates would be

doubled. Treatments should be effective for more than 5

years. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, p. A-25)

Develop watersupplies, fences, and trails where

needed on intensively treated lands. (MSA pp.

34 and 36)

Develop water supplies fences and trails where needed on

intensively treated lands(LRMP pg. 4-82)

Allotment Management Plans will be used to

prescribe management strategies for the first

three growing seasons to manage livestock

NOTE: No Standard needed- direction provided by FSH

2209.13, Chapter 90: 92.23.2: A proposed action that

includes authorization of livestock grazing shall also include

the basic elements of an allotment management plan because grazing to promote recovery of the mixed

these elements will ultimately be obtained directly from the chaparral community and maintain native plant

NEPA-based decisions and will be included in part 3 of the species diversity following prescribed fire.

grazing permit forms...as an AMP. Salting, managing water development, riding,

deferring or changing season of use and drift

fencing are some of the strategies to be

considered for implementation following fire

to maintain native plantspecies diversity. (MSA

p. 35)

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More than 50% of the prescribed fires are to

occur in the late summer and fall. (MSA p. 37)

Under season-long grazing: For meadows in early seral

status – limit livestock utilization of grass and grass-like

plants to 30 percent (or minimum 6-inch stubble height).

For meadows in late seral status – limit livestock utilization

of grass and grass-like plants to a maximum of 40 percent

(or minimum 4-inch stubble height). (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, p. A-58)

Comments: 11

Hydrology, Geology, and Riparian Areas

Watershed

Table 22 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Watershed RCO 1

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Riparian conservation objective 1

Implement project appropriate best management

practices and monitor their effectiveness following

protocols outlined in “Investigating Water Quality in

the Pacific Southwest Region: Best Management

Practices Evaluation Program” (USDA-FS, PSW

Region 1992). (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #1,

p. A-53)

For waters designated as “Water Quality Limited”

(Clean Water Act Section 303(d)), implement

appropriate State mandates for the water body, such

as total maximum daily load (TMDL) protocols.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #1, p. A-53)

Cumulative Watershed Effects Analysis: Use the

Sequoia National Forests cumulative watershed effects

(CWE) methodology for application within the forest

to assess each project for potential to incur cumulative

effects.

Conduct project-specific cumulative watershed effects

analysis following regional procedures or other

appropriate scientific methodology to meet NEPA

requirements. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #1,

p. A-53)

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The forest shall determine the proper size of the

watershed unit to be subject to CWE analysis based

on the identified beneficial use(s). The unit size will

generally range from 250 to 2,000 acres.

Each project NEPA document shall identify the

beneficial uses of water and the mostsensitive stream

reach(es) as part of the CWE analysis (p. 110).

Identification and Evaluation of Processes Within the

Watershed (CWE Analysis): The Sequoia National

Forest staff will determine the controlling processes

of concern (as required by FSM 2509.22, 7/88,

Amendment 1) in order to assess disturbance

coefficients and mitigation opportunities:

Where, according to established criteria, soil erosion

and sediment supply are determined to be controlling

processes, CWE shall analyze change in soil erosion

and sediment supply as processes independent of

change in annual peak flow run-off.

In assessing sediment impacts, relative changes in

erosion and sediment delivery rather than only the

amount of compaction shall be assessed.

CWE analysisshall identify the most crucial elements

in the watershed, i.e., the specific processes that are

controlling the system (e.g., rain-on-snow events and

surface erosion).

When sedimentation is identified as the controlling

process, the Sequoia National Forest shall modify its

disturbance coefficients to include evaluation of

sediment yield and transport. Where sedimentation is

identified as a dominant earth-forming process by

established criteria, the forest will identify erosional

processes affecting sites as mentioned above. The

forest will identify soil condition class and evaluate

it together with erodibility potential to give

information on site conditions that address sediment

yield.

In determining ERAS for any given project, the forest

shall state the assumptions that formed the basis for

its calculation, including any modifications ofstandard

ERA values that might have been made because of

site-specific observations, and shall distinguish

between existing and residual ERAS.

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Until such time as there is sufficient data to establish

the recovery rate in a given watershed, the forestshall

utilize a linear thirty year recovery rate. However, the

forest may use an exponential recovery rate instead

of a linear recovery rate if the forest determines

surface erosion to be the predominant hydrological

process impacting the streams and can provide either

references or on-site inventories to support these

recovery rates.

If a proposed project would increase ERAS to within

20 percent of the threshold of concern in a watershed,

the forest will perform an on-site review to determine

the actual recovery rates and to evaluate the effects

of the proposed project: (a) where field verification

is Impossible, the forest may assume a thirty year

recovery rate; (B) where field verification is

undertaken, the recovery rate should be based on a

time trend in the ERA for management units. The

ERA at any point in time is determined based on an

on-site inspection of site conditions (percent cover,

stand development, measure of soil disturbance, and

compaction, development of erosion pavements, etc.),

and a professional assessment of how these factors

influence on-site generation of parameters of concern

(peak flows,sediment, etc.). Factors used to judge the

ERA for a site will be explicitly recorded and data

sheets of site conditions (percent cover, etc.) will be

maintained by the forest to allow for future changes

in assessment relationships (MSA pp. 110-117).

Implement soil quality standards for soil loss,

detrimental soil compaction, and organic matter

retention to minimize the risk of sediment delivery to

aquatic systems from management activities. Ensure

that management-related activities, including roads,

skid trails, landings, trails, or other activities, do not

result in detrimental soil compaction on more than 5

percent of the RCA or 10 percent of the area in CARs.

Measure compaction using the procedures outlined

in Appendix F of the FEIS (SNFPA ROD, Appendix

A, RCO #1, p. A-53).

Identify existing and potential sources of sediment

delivery to aquatic systems. Implement preventive

and restoration measures, such as modifying

management activities, increasing ground cover,

reducing the extent of compacted surfaces, or

revegetating disturbed sites to reduce or eliminate

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

sediment delivery from these sources to aquatic

systems (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #1, pp.

A-53-54).

Evaluate new proposed management activities within

CARs and RCAs during environmental analysis to

determine consistency with the riparian conservation

objectives at the project level and the AMS goals for

the landscape. Ensure that appropriate mitigation

measures are implemented to (1) minimize the risk of

activity-related sediment entering aquatic systems,

and (2) minimize impacts on habitat for aquatic- or

riparian-dependent plant and animal species (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, RCO #1, p. A-54).

Identify existing uses and activities in CARs and

RCAs during landscape analysis. Evaluate existing

management activities to determine consistency with

RCOs during project-level analysis. Develop and

implement actions needed for consistency with RCOs

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #1, p. A-54).

Ensure that management activities do not adversely

affect water temperatures necessary for local aquatic

and riparian-dependent species assemblages (SNFPA

ROD, Appendix A, RCO #1, p. A-54).

Limit pesticide applications to cases where

project-level analysis indicates that pesticide

applications are consistent with riparian conservation

objectives. Prohibit application of pesticides to

livestock in RCAs and CARs (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, RCO #1, p. A-54).

Avoid pesticide applications within 500 feet of known

occupied sites for the California red-legged frog,

Cascade frog, Yosemite toad, foothill yellow-legged

frog, mountain yellow-legged frog, and northern

leopard frog unless environmental analysis documents

that pesticides are needed to restore or enhance habitat

for these amphibian species(SNFPA ROD, Appendix

A, RCO #1, p. A-54).

Prohibit storage of fuels and other toxic materials

within RCAs and CARs except at designated

administrative sites. Prohibit refueling within RCAs

and CARs unless there are no other alternatives.

Ensure that spill plans are reviewed and up-to-date

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #1, p. A-54).

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Alternative A
Table 23 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for RCO 2

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Riparian conservation objective 2

Maintain and restore the hydrologic connectivity of streams, meadows, wetlands, and other special

aquatic features by identifying roads and trails that intercept, divert, or disrupt natural surface and

subsurface water flow paths. Implement corrective actions where necessary to restore connectivity.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #2, p. A-54)

Ensure that culverts or other stream crossings do not create barriers to upstream or downstream

passage for aquatic-dependentspecies. Locate water drafting sitesto avoid adverse effectsto in stream

flows and depletion of pool habitat. Where possible, maintain and restore the timing, variability, and

duration of floodplain inundation and water table elevation in meadows, wetlands, and other special

aquatic features. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #2, p. A-54)

Prior to activitiesthat could affectstreams, determine if relevant geomorphic characteristics, including

bank angle, channel bank stability, bank full width-to-depth ratio, embeddedness, channel-floodplain

connectivity, residual pool depth, or channel substrate, are within the range of natural variability for

the reference stream type as described in the Pacific Southwest Region Stream Condition Inventory

protocol. If properties are outside the range of natural variability, implement restoration actions that

will result in an upward trend. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #2, p. A-55)

Prevent disturbance to meadow-associated streambanks and natural lake and pond shorelines caused

by resource activities (for example, livestock, off-highway vehicles, and dispersed recreation) from

exceeding 20 percent of stream reach or 20 percent of natural lake and pond shorelines. Disturbance

includes bank sloughing, chiseling, trampling, and other means of exposing bare soil or cutting plant

roots. This standard does not apply to developed recreation sites and designated off-highway vehicle

routes. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #2, p. A-55)

In stream reaches occupied by, or identified as “essential habitat” in the conservation assessment for,

the Lahonton and Paiute cutthroat trout and the Little Kern golden trout, limitstreambank disturbance

from livestock to 10 percent of the occupied or “essential habitat” stream reach. (Conservation

assessments are described in the record of decision.) Cooperate with state and federal agencies to

develop streambank disturbance standards for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. Use the

regional streambank assessment protocol. Implement corrective action where disturbance limits have

been exceeded. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #2, p. A-55)

Determine if the age class, structural diversity, composition, and cover of riparian vegetation are

within the range of natural variability for the vegetative community. If outside the range of natural

variability, implement restoration actions that will result in an upward trend. Actions could include

restoration of aspen or other riparian vegetation where conifer encroachment isidentified as a problem.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #2, p. A-55)

Cooperate with federal, tribal, state, and local governments to secure in stream flows needed to

maintain, recover, and restore riparian resources, channel conditions, and aquatic habitat. Maintain

in stream flowsto protect aquatic systemsto which species are uniquely adapted. Minimize the effects

ofstream diversions or other flow modificationsfrom hydroelectric projects on threatened, endangered,

and sensitive species and essential habitat as identified in conservation assessments. (Conservation

assessments are described in the record of decision.) (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #2, p. A-55)

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

During relicensing of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydroelectric projects, evaluate

modifications by the project to the natural hydrograph. Determine and recommend in-stream flow

requirements and habitat conditions that maintain, enhance, or restore all life stages of native aquatic

species, and that maintain or restore riparian resources, channel integrity, and fish passage. Provide

written and timely license conditions to FERC. Coordinate relicensing projects with the appropriate

state and federal agencies. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #2, p. A-55)

For exempt hydroelectric facilities on National Forest System lands, ensure that special use permit

language provides adequate in-stream flow requirements to maintain, restore, or recover favorable

ecological conditions for local riparian- and aquatic-dependent species. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A,

RCO #2, p. A-55)

Table 24 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for RCO 3

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Riparian conservation objective 3

Determine if the level of coarse large woody debris(CWD) is within the range of natural conditions

in terms of frequency and distribution and is sufficient to sustain stream channel physical

complexity and stability. If CWD levels are deficient, ensure proposed management activities,

when appropriate, contribute to the recruitment of CWD. Burning prescriptionsshould be designed

to retain CWD; however,short-term reductions below either the soil quality standards orstandards

in species management plans may result from prescribed burning within strategically placed

treatment areas or the urban wildland intermix zone. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #3, p.

A-56)

In plantations within RCAs or CARs, determine if the plantation will be able to provide a sufficient

supply of standing trees suitable for large wood recruitment. If there is not sufficient wood for

recruitment, develop a restoration program that will provide standing trees of the appropriate size

in the RCA or CAR. In developing the restoration program, ensure that proposed activities are

consistent with the riparian conservation objectives. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #3, p.

A-56)

Table 25 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for RCO 4

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Riparian conservation objective 4

Within CARs, in occupied habitat or “essential habitat” as identified in conservation assessments for

threatened, endangered, or sensitive species, evaluate the appropriate role, timing, and extent of

prescribed fire. Avoid direct lighting within riparian vegetation; prescribed fires may back into riparian

vegetation areas. Develop mitigation measures to avoid impacts to these species whenever

ground-disturbing equipment is used. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #4, p. A-56)

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Use screening devices for water drafting pumps. (Fire suppression activities are exempt.) Use pumps

with low entry velocity to minimize removal of aquatic species, including juvenile fish, amphibian

egg masses and tadpoles, from aquatic habitats. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #4, p. A-56)

Design prescribed fire treatments to minimize disturbance of ground cover and riparian vegetation

in RCAs. In burn plans for project areas that include, or are adjacent to RCAs, identify mitigation

measures to minimize the spread of fire into riparian vegetation. In determining which mitigation

measures to adopt, weigh the potential harm of mitigation measures, such as fire lines, against the

risks and benefits of prescribed fire entering riparian vegetation. Strategies should recognize the role

of fire in ecosystem function and identify those instances where fire suppression or fuel management

actions could be damaging to habitat or long-term function of the riparian community. (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, RCO #4, p. A-56)

Where catastrophic events--such as drought, fire, flooding, wind, or insect damage--result in degraded

stand conditions, allow salvage harvesting and fuelwood cutting in RCAs and CARs consistent with

the assessment of the RCOs for the area. Ensure that present and future woody debris needs are met.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #4, p. A-57)

Post-wildfire management activitiesin RCAs and CARsshould emphasize enhancing native vegetation

cover, stabilizing channels by non-structural means, minimizing adverse effects from the existing

road network, and carrying out activities identified in landscape analyses. Post-wildfire operations

shall minimize the exposure of bare soil. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #4, p. A-57)

Allow mechanical ground-disturbing fuels treatments, hazard tree removal, salvage harvest, or

commercial fuelwood cutting within RCAs or CARs when the activity is consistent with RCOs.

Projects providing for public health and safety, such as the felling of hazard trees or fuel reduction

activities within the defense zone of the urban wildland intermix zones, are permitted. Utilize low

ground pressure equipment, helicopters, over the snow logging, or other non-ground-disturbing actions

to operate off of existing roads when needed to achieve RCOs. Prior to removing trees within RCAs

or CARs, determine if existing down wood is sufficient to sustain the stream channel physical

complexity and stability required to maintain or enhance the aquatic- and riparian-dependent

community. Ensure that existing roads, landings, and skid trails meet best management practices.

Minimize the construction of new skid trails or roadsfor accessinto RCAsfor fuel treatments,salvage

harvest, commercial fuelwood cutting, or hazard tree removal. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #4,

p. A-57)

Prior to implementing ground-disturbing activities within suitable habitat for the California red-legged

frog, Cascade frog, Yosemite toad, foothill yellow-legged frog, mountain yellow-legged frog, and

northern leopard frog:

Assess and document aquatic conditions using the Pacific Southwest Region Stream Condition

Inventory protocol, and

Develop mitigation measures(such astiming of activities, limited operating seasons, avoidance)

to avoid impacting these species.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #4, p. A-57)

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

During fire suppression activities, consider impacts to aquatic- and riparian-dependent resources.

Where possible, locate incident bases, camps, helibases, staging areas, helispots, and other centers

for incident activities outside of RCAs or CARs. During presuppression planning, determine guidelines

for suppression activities, including avoidance of potential adverse effects to aquatic- and

riparian-dependent species as a goal. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #4, p. A-57)

Assess roads, trails, OHV trails and staging areas, developed recreation sites, dispersed campgrounds,

special use permits, grazing permits, and day use sites during landscape analysis. Identify conditions

that degrade water quality or habitat for aquatic- and riparian-dependent species. At the project level,

determine if use is consistent with otherstandards and guidelines or desired conditions. If inconsistent,

modify the use through redesign, rehabilitation, relocation, closure, or re-directing the use to a more

suitable location. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #4, p. A-57)

Monument

withdrawn

from new

Require solid waste facilities (such as waste rock and tailings dumps) to be located outside riparian

conservation areas. Where no reasonable alternative to locating these mine waste facilities in riparian

conservation areas exists, locate and design them with the goal of ensuring mine waste facility stability

and preventing potentially toxic releases. Ensure the following measures are applied: (1) analyze mineral leases.

mine waste material using the best conventional sampling methods and analytical techniques to Mineral use

only to benefit

monument

resources.

determine its chemical and physicalstability characteristics; (2) locate and design mine waste facilities

using best conventional techniquesto ensure massstability and prevent acid or toxic material releases;

(3) ensure that reclamation and reclamation bonds are sufficient to ensure long-term chemical and

physical stability of mine waste facilities; and (4) monitor mine waste facilities after operations have

ceased to ensure that chemical and physical conditions are consistent with aquatic management

strategy goals.(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #4, pp. A-57-58)

Allow saleable mineral activities, such as sand and gravel mining and extraction, in riparian

conservation areas only if measures that protect the integrity of aquatic, riparian meadow ecosystems

are implemented. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #4, p. A-58)

Table 26 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for RCO 5

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Riparian conservation objective 5

Assess the hydrologic function of meadow habitats and other special aquatic features during range

management analysis. Ensure that characteristics of special features are, at a minimum, at proper

functioning condition, as defined in the appropriate technical reports: (1) “Process for Assessing

PFC” TR 1737-9 (1993), “PFC for Lotic Areas” USDI TR 1737-15 (1998) or (2) “PFC for Lentic

Riparian-Wetland Areas” USDI TR 1737-11 (1994). (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #5, p. A-58)

Prohibit or mitigate ground-disturbing activities that adversely affect hydrologic processes that

maintain water flow, water quality, or water temperature critical to sustaining bog and fen ecosystems

and plant species that depend on these ecosystems. During project analysis, survey, map, and develop

measures to protect bogs and fens from such activities as trampling by livestock, pack stock, humans,

and wheeled vehicles. Criteria for defining bogs and fens include, but are not limited to, presence of:

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(1) sphagnum moss (Spagnum spp.), (2) mosses belonging to the genus Meessia, and (3) sundew

(Drosera spp.) Complete initial plant inventories of bogs and fens within active grazing allotments

prior to re-issuing permits. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #5, p. A-58)

Locate new facilities for gathering livestock and pack stock outside of meadows and riparian

conservation areas. During landscape analysis, evaluate and consider relocating existing livestock

facilities outside of meadows and riparian areas (RCA42). Prior to re-issuing grazing permits, assess

the compatibility of livestock management facilitieslocated in riparian conservation areas with riparian

conservation objectives.

Under season-long grazing:

For meadows in early seral status: limit livestock utilization of grass and grass-like plants to

30 percent (or minimum 6-inch stubble height).

For meadows in late seral status: limit livestock utilization of grass and grass-like plants to a

maximum of 40 percent (or minimum 4-inch stubble height).

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #5, p. A-58)

Determine ecological status on all key areas monitored for grazing utilization prior to establishing

utilization levels. Use regional ecological scorecards and range plant list in regional range handbooks

to determine ecological status. Analyze meadow ecological status every 3 to 5 years. If meadow

ecologicalstatusis determined to be moving in a downward trend, modify orsuspend grazing. Include

ecological status data in a spatially explicit geographical information system database. (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, RCO #5, pp. A-58-59)

Under intensive grazing systems (such as rest-rotation and deferred rotation) where meadows are

receiving a period of rest, utilization levels can be higher than the levels described above if the meadow

is maintained in late seral status and meadow-associated species are not being impacted. Degraded

meadows (such as those in early seral status with greater than 10 percent of the meadow area in bare

soil and active erosion) require total rest from grazing until they have recovered and have moved to

mid- or late seral status. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #5, p. A-59)

The grazing standards specified in standard and guideline FW-G04B (above) may be modified to

assess the effects of grazing intensity and frequency on willow flycatcher site occupancy or

demography. Such modifications must be part of a formal managementstudy developed in cooperation

with the Pacific Southwest Research Station. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #5, p. A-59)

Limit browsing to no more than 20 percent of the annual leader growth of mature riparian shrubs

(including willow and aspen) and no more than 20 percent of individual seedlings. Remove livestock

from any area of an allotment when browsing indicates a change in livestock preference from grazing

herbaceous vegetation to browsing woody riparian vegetation. Herd sheep away from woody riparian

vegetation at all times. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #5, p. A-59)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
Table 27 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for RCO 6

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Riparian conservation objective 6

Recommend and establish priorities for restoration practices in:

(1) areas with compaction in excess of soil quality standards; (2)

areas with lowered water tables; or (3) areasthat are either actively

down cutting or that have historic gullies. Identify other

management practices, for example, road building, recreational

use, grazing, and timber harvests that may be contributing to the

observed degradation. (SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #6, p.

A-59)

Reclaim abandoned mine sites that are degrading aquatic riparian

and meadow ecosystems. First priority is to reclaim sites with

hazardous or toxic substances located within CARs and RCAs.

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, RCO #5, p. A-59)

Delineate and evaluate riparian areas

prior to implementing any project

activity. [FSM 2526.03-3] (MSA, Exhibit

D, Standard #2, p. 2)

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA Delineate and evaluate riparian areas

prior to implementing any project activity. (LRMP p. 4-30)

RCA widths shown in Table II.C.1 may be adjusted at the project

level if a landscape analysis has been completed and a site-specific

RCO analysis demonstrates a need for different widths. STREAMSIDEMANAGEMENTZONE

DESIGNATION

RCO #1, items 6 and 7.

Implementation: Streamside Management

Zones will be established and maintained

for all "streamcourses and wetlands

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, pp. A-52 and 54)

affected by management activities.

Project plans will be designed to include

site-specific prescriptions for the

prevention of sedimentation, stream

damage, and the protection of riparian

dependent species.

Table 2 displays the appropriate

Management Requirements and

Constraints with respect to stream type

and Class. (MSA, Exhibit D, Guideline

#5, pp. 5-6)

Landings and non-system roadsthat have

been put to bed, that are located within

streamside management zones, and that

RCO #1, items 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

would be inconsistent with these Riparian

Standards and Guidelines, will not be

reopened and reused unless the Sequoia

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

National Forest makes a specific finding,

based on a project environmental

document, that using such roads or

landings would cause less harm to

riparian resources than building new

roads and/or landings. (MSA, Exhibit D,

Guideline #5, pp. 5-6)

Conduct monitoring of ... individual

management practices, to determine how

well objectives have been met and how

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA:Monitor the effectiveness of the

sequoia national forest riparian standards and guidelines. (LRMP

p. 4-30)

closely management standards and

RCO #1, items 1 and 6. guidelines have been applied (NFMA,

NEPA, FSM 1922.7, 36 CFR 219.12k).

RCO #2, and RCO #3. (MSA, Exhibit D, Standard #8, p. 3)

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, pp. A-53-56)

And

Soil Hydrologic Function

Soil moisture regime is unchanged where productivity or potential

natural plant communities are dependent upon specific soil

drainage classes. Use natural soil drainage classes (USDA

Handbook No. 18, Soil Survey Division Staff, 1993) to evaluate

the effect of management induced watertable or subsurface flow

changes on plant growth or potential plant community composition.

(SNFPA FEIS, Appendix F, p. F-4)

Implementation: Maintain a protective

ground cover of duff, litter, plants,

downed woody debris, and slash within

a filter strip.

RCO #1, items 5 and 6;

RCO #2, items 1, 4 and 6;

RCO #3, items 1 and 2;

Where percentage of ground cover

resulting from management activity is

below 50 percent, an interdisciplinary

And

Soil organic matter is maintained in amounts sufficient to prevent

significant short or long-term nutrient cycle deficits, and to avoid

detrimental physical and biological soil conditions.

analysis is required to develop

appropriate mitigation to negate

environmental consequences. Designate

stream crossings are an exception to this

direction. Prescribe surface organic matter in amountsthat would not elevate

wildfire risk or severity to the point that desired organic matter

for nutrient cycling cannot be achieved or maintained because of Groundcover percentages in filter strips

affected by management activities can be

estimated by the use of photo guides.

increased wildfire risk potential. If there is no viable alternative

for providing surface organic matter without elevating wildfire

risk, prescribe an amount that does not significantly increase Treatments designed to increase the

wildfire risk and monitor soil nutrient status. Apply mitigation efficiency of this filter strip may include

measures if decreased nutrient supply has the potential to affect the establishment of living plants,

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

introduction of litter, slash, or other

treatments as identified. (MSA, Exhibit

D, Guideline #4, pp. 5-6)

ecosystem health, diversity or productivity. The prescribed amount

shall not reduce the amount needed for soil cover to prevent

accelerated erosion (section 2.2, paragraph 1a).

Use the kinds and amounts of organic matter identified below.

These may be supplemented with local analyses and adjusted to

levels appropriate for specific ecological types.

(1) Soil organic matter in the upper 12 inches of soil is at least 85

percent of the total soil organic matter found under natural

conditions for the same or similar soils. Soil organic matter is used

as an indicator of soil displacement effects on nutrient and soil

moisture supply. Detrimental displacement is the loss of either 5

centimeters (2 inches) or one-half of the humus enriched top soil

(A-horizon), whichever isless, from a 1 metersquare area or larger.

(2) Surface organic matter is present in the following forms and

amounts:

(a) Fine organic matter occurs over at least 50 percent of the area

and is well-distributed.

Fine organic matter includes plant litter, duff, and woody material

less than 3 inches in diameter. The dry weight of fine organic

matter without woody material is about 0.2 to 3 tons per acre.

The preference is for fine organic matter to be undisturbed, but if

disturbed, the quantity and quality should avoid detrimental short

and long-term nutrient cycle deficits.

Determine minimum organic layer thickness and distribution

locally and base it on amounts sufficient to persist through winter

season storms and summer season oxidation.

Use the presence of living vegetation that could contribute

significant annual litter fall to compensate for conditions when

immediate post-disturbance fine organic matter coverage is too

thin or less than 50 percent.

If the soil and potential natural plant community are not capable

of producing fine organic matter over 50 percent of the area, adjust

minimum amounts to reflect potential soil and vegetation

capability.

(b) Large downed woody material is a critical component of old

forest wildlife habitat and in addition provides for moisture

retention, and microhabitat for soil flora and fauna. The minimum

amount of large woody debris required to maintain habitat and

moisture supplies adequate to sustain site productivity varies by

ecological type. Forests should develop reference variability for

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

large down woody material for ecological units. Adjust the

minimum logs per acre to account for ecological type potential

(FSH 2090.11) and specific site needs as data becomes available,

recognizing that data is currently lacking for certain eastside pine

and hardwood types.

In general and in areas without more specific large downed woody

material requirements determined by ecological type, use the

following guidelines:

There should be at least 5 well-distributed logs per acre

representing the range of decomposition classes (Maser et al.,

1979). Desired logs are at least 20 inches in diameter and 10 feet

long. Do not count logs less than 12 inches in diameter or stumps

as large woody material. Protect logs in decomposition classes 3

through 5 from mechanical disturbance. To alleviate the risk of

adverse fire effects and wildfire, dry weight of large woody

material should be less than about 3 tons per acre and dry weight

of fine organic matter and large woody material together should

amount to less than about 6 tons per acre except where standards

and guidelines for wildlife call for more.

To help meet fuel management objectives, minimum logs can be

adjusted to take advantage of short-term large woody material

contributions in snag recruitment areas. In areas with sufficient

snags and deficient large down woody material, excess snags may

be felled after prescribed burning treatment to help replenish logs

lost in burning. Large woody material and fine organic matter

amounts (except when needed for essential erosion control) may

be reduced to meet fuel management objectives in strategic fuel

treatment areas, on fuel breaks, and in other critical areas. Evaluate

or monitor soil nutrient status in fuel treatment areas and other

areas that lack sufficient large woody material and fine organic

matter. (SNFPA FEIS, Appendix F, pp. F-3-4)

Soil buffering capacity

Do not add materials to the soil in amounts sufficient to alter soil

reaction class, buffering, or exchange capacities, or microorganism

populations to the degree that significantly impairs soil

productivity, bioremediation potential, soil hydrologic function,

or the health of humans or animals. (SNFPA FEIS, Appendix F,

p. F-5)

Meadows

Consider meadows smaller than 2 acres as part of the riparian

areas. (LRMP p. 4-30)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

AMENDED by 2001 SNFPA: Develop meadow management See MEADOW HYDROLOGY

standards and guidelines. (LRMP p. 4-30)

(MSA, Exhibit D, Guideline #6, p. 9)

RCO #2;

FORAGE UTILIZATION

RCO #5.

Implementation:

(SNFPA ROD, Appendix A, pp. A-54-55 and A-58-59)

A. Livestock will not be permitted to

graze in meadows until Kentucky

bluegrass heads begin to emerge; and/or

Nebraska sedge flowers are almost open.

(BMP 8.2)

B. Allowable Use Factors will be

established for each key meadow to

assure maintenance of vegetative stability

and site productivity.

C. Cattle will be distributed in a manner

consistent with moderate forage

utilization within meadows.

Plant height/weight ratios will be used to

monitor the results. (BMP 8.3)

D. Grazing will cease in time to permit

regrowth sufficient to store carbohydrates

for initial spring growth (as specified in

individual allottment plans). (MSA,

Exhibit D, Guideline #7, p.10)

Soil Quality

Table 28 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Soil Quality

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Soil productivity

The Plan shall be amended to incorporate the soil

quality objectives and soil quality standards set

forth in the Draft FSH 2509.18 Soil Management

a. Soil loss should not exceed the average rate of soil

formation. Maintain sufficient soil cover to prevent

accelerated soil erosion from exceeding the rate of soil

formation. Use the California Soil Survey Committee Handbook (FSH 1989, R-S, Supp. 1) dated

Soil Erosion Hazard Rating system (R-5 FSH 2509.22, September 1988 (attached as appendix to

Monitoring Plan) as interim direction pending

finalization. Any more stringent standard set forth

in the Plan or the Agreement shall govern.

Ch. 50) to determine the kind, amount and distribution

ofsoil cover necessary to avoid detrimental accelerated

soil erosion. Locally adapted standard erosion models

and measurements can be used to refine soil loss

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

The Plan shall also be amended to include the

following standards to protect forest soils: (a.) Site

preparation measures will be devised to retain

tolerances and effective ground cover requirements.

Relevant ranges in ground cover for many ecological

types can be found in regional ecological guides

(R4-ECOL-99-01, R5-ECOLTP- 003 & substantial ground cover and still reduce the risk

PSW-GTR-169, R5-ECOL-TP-004). (SNFPA FEIS

Appendix F, p. F-2 )

of catastrophe fires. (b.) Silvicultural prescription

shall be designed to main" soil organic matter and

provide for the continual recruitment of coarse

Prescribe the kinds and amounts of soil cover that

would not elevate wildfire risk or severity to the point

that fuel management and soil quality objectives cannot

woody debris. (c.) Aftersite prep, as much organic

material as possible shall be left on the ground for

sod protection, consistent with fire protection,

be met. If there is no viable alternative for providing wildlife, reforestation and other resource needs as

soil cover without elevating the risk of adverse wildfire specified in project NEPA document. (d.) Jackpot

effects, prescribe minimum soil cover needed to avoid

detrimental soil loss. (SNFPA FEIS, Appendix F, p.

F-2 )

burning, gross yarding, and/or lop-and-scattershall

be evaluated as alternatives to broadcast burning

as a means of reducing slash and for site

preparation. These options shall be discussed in

b. Soil porosity should be at least 90 percent of total

porosity found under natural conditions. A 10 percent

reduction in total soil porosity corresponds to a

each timber sale EA or EIS. Consistent with

reduction of clearcutting and other appropriate

considerations, the Forest Service shall reduce the

threshold soil bulk density that indicates detrimental amount of broadcast burning on the forest. (e.)

soil compaction. Measure initial soil porosities within Where broadcast burning is prescribed, the

an activity area where there is a potential for soil environmental documentation and decision notice

compaction to occur. For post-activity assessment, shall include documentation of

measure adjacent uncompacted areas. Compare specific-justification for the practice. The

threshold porosity with post-activity porosity in the prescription shall have an objective of leaving

rooting zone between 6 and 10 inches below the soil ground cover commensurate with the erosion

surface to evaluate the potential for detrimental soil potential of each specific site. Slope will be

compaction. Additional depth or zones may be considered within the site analysis. Each broadcast

evaluated if necessary to better describe conditions/

rooting zones at a site. (SNFPA FEIS, Appendix F, p.

F-2)

burn shall be monitored to determine whether the

prescribed ground cover objective has been met,

and the monitoring results shall be included in the

annual report required by the monitoring plan and

five year renew sections described in the MSA.

(MSA pp. 128-130)

Soil strength, infiltration, or other alternative

measures of detrimental compaction: Recent

scientific studies within the project area also indicate

that soil strength measured with a cone penetrometer

is a useful indicator of detrimental compaction (Powers

2000, personal communication; Powers and Fiddler

1997). It is recommended that soil strength be

measured early in the growing season when soils are

at or near field capacity. Comparisons between

disturbed and undisturbed soils need to be made while

soil moisture conditions are similar.

Alternatively, soil strength can be monitored

throughout the growing season to detect changes in

potential growing season brought on by compaction.

An increase of greater than 500 kPa between disturbed

and undisturbed sites is considered detrimental soil

disturbance. The 6-10-inch zone is recommended as

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

the most sensitive zone for measuring soil strength

based on recent research experience. Potential exists

for developing correlations between infiltration and

porosity and then using infiltration to determine

detrimental compaction, such as the rangeland

condition work being done in Region 4. Forests are

encouraged to develop local guidelines following

standard scientific method and peer review for soil

strength, infiltration, or other alternative measures of

detrimental soil compaction, before substituting them

for porosity measurements. (SNFPA FEIS, Appendix

F, p. F-3)

c. Organic matter is maintained in amountssufficient

to preventsignificantshort or long-term nutrient cycle

deficits, and to avoid detrimental physical and

biological soil conditions.

Prescribe surface organic matter in amountsthat would

not elevate wildfire risk or severity to the point that

desired organic matter for nutrient cycling cannot be

achieved or maintained because of increased wildfire

risk potential. If there is no viable alternative for

providing surface organic matter without elevating

wildfire risk, prescribe an amount that does not

significantly increase wildfire risk and monitor soil

nutrientstatus. Apply mitigation measuresif decreased

nutrient supply has the potential to affect ecosystem

health, diversity or productivity. The prescribed amount

shall not reduce the amount needed for soil cover to

prevent accelerated erosion (section 2.2, paragraph

1a).

Use the kinds and amounts of organic matter identified

below. These may be supplemented with local analyses

and adjusted to levels appropriate for specific

ecological types.

(1) Soil organic matter in the upper 12 inches of soil

is at least 85 percent of the total soil organic matter

found under natural conditions for the same or similar

soils. Soil organic matter is used as an indicator of soil

displacement effects on nutrient and soil moisture

supply. Detrimental displacement is the loss of either

5 cm (2 inches) or one-half of the humus enriched top

soil (A-horizon), whichever is less, from a 1 meter

square area or larger.

(2) Surface organic matter is present in the following

forms and amounts.

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

(a) Fine organic matter occurs over at least 50 percent

of the area and is well distributed. Fine organic matter

includes plant litter, duff, and woody material lessthan

3 inches in diameter. The dry weight of fine organic

matter without woody material is about 0.2 to 3 tons

per acre.

The preference is for fine organic matter to be

undisturbed, but if disturbed, the quantity and quality

should avoid short and long-term nutrient cycle

deficits. Determine minimum organic layer thickness

and distribution locally and base it on amounts

sufficient to persist through winter season storms and

summer season oxidation.

Use the presence of living vegetation that could

contribute significant annual litter fall to compensate

for conditions when immediate post-disturbance fine

organic matter coverage is too thin or less than 50

percent.

If the soil and potential natural plant community are

not capable of producing fine organic matter over 50

percent of the area, adjust minimum amountsto reflect

potential soil and vegetation capability.

(b) Large downed woody material is a critical

component of old forest wildlife habitat and in addition

provides for moisture retention, and microhabitat for

soil flora and fauna. The minimum amount of large

woody debrisrequired to maintain habitat and moisture

supplies adequate to sustain site productivity varies by

ecological type. Forests should develop reference

variability for large down woody material for

ecological units. Adjust the minimum logs per acre to

account for ecological type potential (FSH 2090.11)

and specific site needs as data becomes available,

recognizing that data is currently lacking for certain

eastside pine and hardwood types.

In general and in areas without more specific large

downed woody material requirements determined by

ecological type, use the following guidelines:

There should be at least 5 well-distributed logs per

acre representing the range of decomposition classes

(Maser et al., 1979). Desired logs are at least 20 inches

in diameter and 10 feet long. Do not count logs less

than 12 inches in diameter or stumps as large woody

material. Protect logs in decomposition classes 3

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

through 5 from mechanical disturbance. To alleviate

the risk of adverse fire effects and wildfire, dry weight

of large woody material should be less than about 3

tons per acre and dry weight of fine organic matter and

large woody material together should amount to less

than about 6 tons per acre except where standards and

guidelines for wildlife call for more.

To help meet fuel management objectives, minimum

logs can be adjusted to take advantage of short-term

large woody material contributionsin snag recruitment

areas. In areas with sufficientsnags and deficient large

down woody material, excesssnags may be felled after

prescribed burning treatment to help replenish logs

lost in burning. Large woody material and fine organic

matter amounts (except when needed for essential

erosion control) may be reduced to meet fuel

management objectives in strategic fuel treatment

areas, on fuel breaks, and in other critical areas.

Evaluate or monitor soil nutrient status in fuel

treatment areas and other areasthat lack sufficient large

woody material and fine organic matter. (SNFPA FEIS,

Appendix F, pp. F-3-4)

Soil hydrologic function

Soil Moisture Regime is unchanged where productivity

or potential natural plant community are dependent

upon specific soil drainage classes. Use natural soil

drainage classes(USDA Handbook No. 18, Soil Survey

Division Staff, 1993) to evaluate the effect of

management induced watertable or subsurface flow

changes on plant growth or potential plant community

composition.

Soil buffering capacity

Do not add materials to the soil in amounts sufficient

to alter soil reaction class, buffering or exchange

capacities, or microorganism populationsto the degree

that significantly impairs soil productivity,

bioremediation potential, soil hydrologic function, or

the health of humans or animals.

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Alternative A
Geology and Minerals

Table 29 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Minerals and Geology

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Minerals and geology

All federal lands and interest in lands within the

boundaries of this Monument are hereby appropriated and

withdrawn from...locating, entry and patent under the

Evaluate requests for leaseable minerals and mineral

material on project basis before authorizing users. Ensure

that these activities can be conducted in an environmentally

mining laws and from disposition under all laws relating

to mineral and geothermal leasing, other than by exchange

that furthersthe protective purposes of the Monument. (1)

sound manner and that they are integrated with the planning

and management of other national forest resources. (LRMP

p. 4-36)

All federal lands and interest in lands within the

boundaries of this Monument are hereby appropriated and

withdrawn from...locating, entry and patent under the

Include provisions to minimize adverse environmental

impacts to surface resources in operating plans (36 CFR

228). Upon the completion of any mineral activities on the

mining laws and from disposition under all laws relating

to mineral and geothermal leasing, other than by exchange

that furthers the protective purposes of the Monument.

forest provisions will be made for the timely reclamation

of disturbed area with the ultimate goal being full surface

production and use of land. (LRMP p. 4-36)

Complete geologic resource inventory to order 3 standards.

(LRMP p. 4-36)

All federal lands and interest in lands within the

boundaries of this Monument are hereby appropriated and

withdrawn from...locating, entry and patent under the

mining laws...

Seek resolution of situations where activities questionably

based on the 1872 mining law conflict with management

needs. (LRMP p. 4-36)

All Federal lands and interest in lands within the

boundaries of this Monument are hereby appropriated and

withdrawn from...locating, entry and patent under the

mining laws...

Review all withdrawals to meet the bureau of land

management schedule. Priorities will be coordinated by

the regional office. (LRMP p. 4-36)

All federal lands and interest in lands within the

boundaries of this Monument are hereby appropriated and

withdrawn from...locating, entry and patent under the

mining laws...

Utilize care where valid existing rights are exercised in

withdrawn areas to insure the integrity of the area for the

purpose for which the area is withdrawn. (LRMP p. 4-36)

NOTE: There are no valid existing rights (mining claims)

in the Monument.

1. There are no mineral leases and no valid existing mining claims in the Monument.

Comments: 12

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
Human Use, including Recreation, Scenery and Socioeconomics

Table 30 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for General Use and Law Enforcement

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

General

Projects will be started only after following and completing the NEPA requirements. (LRMP

p. 4-16)

Contact public land agencies to coordinate management activities. (LRMP, p. 4-16)

Contact will be made with organizations or groups where proposed actions could affect the

management of private lands so that actions can be coordinated and mitigation provided if

appropriate. (LRMP p. 4-16)

Search and rescue

Provide assistance as requested by the sheriff in search and rescue operations.

Enforcement

Emphasize coordination with local law enforcement agencies and intensive violation prevention

programs.

Urban intermix areas

Manage viewshed as sensitivity level 1 with adjustments based on project-level EA. (LRMP

p. 4-26)

Rural community and human resources

Meet human and community needs where feasible by providing employment and training

opportunities, particularly for the elderly, disadvantaged, and minority communities. Volunteers

and other human resource programs will help accomplish planned work while meeting budget

constraints. (LRMP p. 4-36)

Provide where feasible an environment that promotes the active participation of all segments

of the public in the management of the forest.

a) Promote the use of symbol signing for the hearing impaired.

b) Use bilingual personnel, brochures, and signing in areas heavily used by the hispanic

community. (LRMP pp. 4-36 and 37)

Ensure over time that forestservice facilities are responsive to the design needs of the physically

challenged. (LRMP p. 4-37)

Ensure that federally conducted and assisted programs administered by the Forest Service

(including contracting opportunities and special-use permits) are responsive to the needs of

minority groups. (LRMP p. 4-37)

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Alternative A
Table 31 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Recreation - General, Developed, and Dispersed

LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

General recreation

Recreation opportunity spectrum ROS: Manage the forest to provide

recreation opportunities within the parameters established by each ROS

class. Follow the “Recreation Opportunity Spectrum User’S Guide” to

determine the applicable activities, physical settings, and recreation

experiences for each ROS class.

The ROS classes are:

P-Primitive

SPNM- Semi-primitive nonmotorized

SPM- Semi-primitive motorized

RN- Roaded natural

R-Rural

U-Urban

(LRMP p. 4-16)

Develop special management direction to deal with exceptionally heavy

recreation use in areas such as Hume Lake, the lower Tule River canyon,

and the Lloyd Meadow area. (LRMP p. 4-16)

Review and participate in the preparation orstate recreation plans. (LRMP

p. 4-16)

Maintain interpretive plan for the forest. (LRMP p. 4-16)

Provide basic information about recreation opportunities on the forest

through publications. (LRMP p. 4-16)

Continue coordination with the National Park Service to help facilitate

users and management activities for the benefit of park resources (e.g.,

permit issuance for park backcountry users where access begins on the

national forest. (LRMP p. 4-17)

General developed recreation sites

Manage vegetation to maintain or improve recreation values. (LRMP p.

4-17)

Pursue development of the peppermint mountain resort as detailed in the

final environmental impact statement. (LRMP p. 4-17)

Study the feasibility of constructing either Mitchell-Maddox or Sherman

Pass ski areas with potential development of one in decade two with

expansion in decade three manage these areas to maintain options for

future development. (LRMP p. 4-17)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

Emphasize day use opportunities (e.g., overlooks, interpretive signing)

to complement existing facilities. (LRMP p. 4-17)

Consider elderly and handicapped standards during construction

rehabilitation and reconstruction of facilities.(LRMP p. 4-17)

Manage existing destination sites to complement dispersed activities.

(LRMP p. 4-17)

Increase occupancy through extended seasons. An objective will be to

increase recreation visitor days (RVDs) by an estimated 10 percent).

(LRMP p. 4-17)

Rehabilitate developed sites on an average 20year cycle using established

forest priority lists. (LRMP p. 4-17)

Maintain fee sites at standard level and non-fee sites at less than standard

level over time move the non-fee sites toward standard level with an

objective to obtain about 50 percent shift during the first decade. (LRMP

p. 4-17)(1)

Continue the pack-in pack-out policy in lightly used recreation areas.

(LRMP p. 4-17)

Evaluate potentials and take opportunities to convert small under-utilized

camp and picnic sites to undeveloped occupancy spots. (LRMP p. 4-17)

Emphasize expansion of existing water-oriented sites where use dictates

resource protection and average utilization exceeded 40 percent of

theoretical capacity. (Apply maximum 10 percent increase, or 600

persons-at-one-time [PAOT] each decade). (LRMP p. 4-17)

Develop new sites during first and second decade only where new water

developments and/or licensing actions occur or to facilitate wilderness

access. (An objective is an estimated 5 percent or 300 PAOT increase).

(LRMP p. 4-17)

Manage potential developed sites during the first decade to maintain values

for future development. (LRMP p. 4-17)

Develop barrier free interpretive trails with emphasis at Indian Basin near

Princess campground, Hume Lake District and Redwood Campground,

Hot Springs District during the first decade. (LRMP p. 4-18)

NOTE: Tasks completed

Management emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

Build and manage new facilities to enhance dispersed recreation

opportunities. (LRMP pp. 4-43 and 51)

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

Perpetuate large tree cover and revegetate openings when any developed

recreation site is capable of growing trees. (LRMP pp. 4-43 and 51)

ROS PAOT/ACRE

SPNM 7

SPM 9

RN 13

R 17

(LRMP pp. 4-43 and 46)

ROS capacity guidelines for developed sites:

ROS PAOT/ACRE

P 5

SPNM 7

SPM 9

RN 13

R 17

(emphasis on SPNM and SPM) (LRMP p. 4-51)

Management emphasis 2 - water-oriented recreation

Develop picnic grounds and campgrounds when need increases in the

priority listed:

a. Rehabilitate existing

b. Expand existing

c. Develop new.

Emphasis RN and R areas. (LRMP pp. 4-54, 56, and 59)

Develop programs and methods of presentation for interpretive services

(beyond self-service levels) at key selected locations in semi-primitive

motorized areas. Observation sites will be stressed in SPM areas. (LRMP

pp. 4-54 and 59)

Perpetuate large tree cover and re-vegetate openings when any developed

recreation site is capable of growing trees. (LRMP pp.4-54, 56, and 59)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

ROS capacity guidelines for developed sites:

ROS PAOT/ACRES

PM 9

RN 13

R 17

(emphasis on SPM and RN) (LRMP pp. 4-54, 57, and 59)

Establish system trailsthat provide for access between developed facilities

and water/streamside. (LRMP pp. 4-54 and 57)

Manage developed sites to increase dispersed recreation opportunities.

(LRMP pp. 4-54, 57, and 59)

Design new constructed or reconstructed facilitiesto a standard conducive

to recreational type vehicles. (LRMP pp. 4-54 and 59)

Establish system trails which provide for safe access between developed

facilities and water/streamside. (LRMP p. 4-59)

Management emphasis 3 - developed recreation

Develop picnic grounds and campgrounds as the need increases in the

priority listed:

a. Rehabilitate existing

b. Expand existing

c. Develop new.

(LRMP p. 4-61)

Perpetuate large tree cover and revegetate openings when any developed

recreation site is capable of growing trees. (LRMP p. 4-61)

ROS capacity guidelines for developed sites:

ROS PAOT/ACRE

SPNM 7

SPM 9

RN 13

R 17

(emphasis on SPM, RN, R) (LRMP p. 4-62)

Provide for issuance of new permits for expansion of existing ski area

(Shirley Meadow) and for new ski areas. (LRMP p. 4-62) (2)

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

Manage developed recreation facilitiesto minimize dispersed use impacts

within the MIZs. (LRMP p. 4-62)

Do not locate new recreation sites where fish habitat cannot be adequately

protected. (LRMP p. 4-62)

Management emphasis 4 - wilderness

Limit the amount and kind of primitive structural campsite improvements.

(LRMP p .4-64)

Management emphasis 5 - wildlife and dispersed recreation

Build and manage new facilities to enhance dispersed recreation

opportunities. (LRMP p. 4-66)

Perpetuate large tree cover and revegetate openings when any developed

recreation site is capable of growing trees. (LRMP pp. 4-66 and 74)

ROS capacity guidelines for developed sites:

ROS PAOT/ACRES

PNM 7

SPM 9

RN 13

R 17

(LRMP p. 4-66)

Develop new facilities to enhance dispersed recreation opportunities.

(LRMP p. 4-68)

ROS capacity guidelines for developed sites:

ROS PAOT/ACRE

SPNM 7

SPM 9

RN1 3

R 17

(emphasis on SPNM and SPM) (LRMP p. 4-69)

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

ROS capacity guidelines for developed sites:

ROS PAOT/ACRE

P 5

SPNM 7

SPM 9

RN 13

R 1 7

(emphasis on SPNM and SPM) (LRMP p. 4-74)

Limit new development to RN areas where key wildlife habitat will not

be affected (LRMP p. 4-74).

Develop new facilities which increase dispersed recreation opportunities

and are located at least one-quarter mile from meadows. (LRMP p. 4-74)

Dispersed recreation management

Emphasize pack-in pack-out policy. (LRMP p. 4-18)

Provide for variety of dispersed uses including both summer and winter

activities consistent with resource protection and maintaining recreation

opportunities. (LRMP p. 4-18)

Emphasize opportunities for increasing dispersed recreation.(LRMP p.

4-18)

Manage heavier used dispersed areas (e.g. Kern River and off-highway

vehicle use areas on the plateau) at the standard level.(LRMP p. 4-18)

Identify and respond to potential problems created by targetshooting with

the objective to minimize user conflicts. (LRMP p. 4-18)

Utilize lessthan standard level management in lightly used areasincluding

wilderness. (LRMP p. 4-18)(3)

Provide sanitation facilities in the areas of or during periods of

concentrated use where either increased management presence or resource

protection is necessary and/or potential development exists for which a

specific site plan is prepared. (LRMP p. 4-18)

Management emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

Increase opportunities for public enjoyment and benefits with emphasis

on OHV use, hiking, equestrian use, fishing, hunting, and viewing. (LRMP

p. 4-43)

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

ROS capacity guidelines for all activities:

ROS PAOT/ACRES

PNM .055

SPM .80

RN 2.00

R 3.50

(LRMP p. 4-43)

Increase opportunities for public enjoyment and benefits with emphasis

on OHV use, hiking, equestrian use, and viewing as primary activities.

(LRMP p. 4-46)

ROS capacity guidelines for all activities:

ROS PAOT/ACRES

PNM .01

SPM .80

RN 1.50

R 3.00

(emphasis on SPNM and SPM) (LRMP p. 4-46)

Increase opportunities for public enjoyment and benefits with emphasis

on hiking, equestrian use, cross-country skiing and trail camping in

nonmotorized areas; and OHV (including oversnow vehicles), driving for

pleasure, and viewing in motorized areas. (LRMP p. 4-51)

ROS capacity guidelines for all activities:

ROS PAOT/ACRE

P .03

SPNM .055

SPM .80

RN 2.30

R 3.75

(LRMP p. 4-52)

Management emphasis 2 - water-oriented recreation

Develop and manage opportunities for increasing public enjoyment and

benefits with emphasis on driving for pleasure and viewing scenery in

rural class areas. (LRMP pp. 4-54, 57, and 59))

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

ROS capacity guidelines for all activities:

ROS PAOT/ACRES

PM .80

RN 2.00

R .50

(emphasize SPM and RN) (LRMP p. 4-55)

ROS capacity guidelines for all activities:

ROS PAOT/ACRES

PM .80

RN 2.00

R 3.50

(emphasize SPM and RN) (LRMP p. 4-57)

ROS capacity guidelines for all activities:

ROS PAOT/ACRES

PM .80

RN 1.50

R 3.00

(emphasis on SPM and RN) (LRMP p. 4-60)

Management emphasis 3 - developed recreation

Develop and manage opportunities for increasing public enjoyment and

benefits. (LRMP p. 4-62)

ROS capacity guidelines for all activities:

ROS PAOT/ACRE

P .03S

PNM .005

SPM .80

RN 2.30

R 3.75

(emphasis on SPM, RN, R) (LRMP p. 4-62)

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

Management emphasis 4 - wilderness

Permit camping within 100 feet of live streams only when terrain does

not allow appropriate space further away. (LRMP p. 4-64)

Management emphasis 5 -wildlife and dispersed recreation

Increase opportunities

for public enjoyment

and benefits. (MSA pp.

104-105)

Increase opportunities for increasing public enjoyment and benefits with

emphasis on hiking, equestrian use, fishing, hunting, and viewing. (LRMP

p. 4-66)

ROS capacity guidelines for all activities:

ROS PAOT/ACRE

SPNM .055

SPM .80

RN 2.00

R 3.50

(LRMP p. 4-67)

Increase opportunities

for public enjoyment

and benefits. (MSA pp.

104-105)

Increase opportunities for public enjoyment and benefits with emphasis

on hiking, hunting, equestrian use, and viewing. (LRMP p. 4-69)

ROS capacity guidelines for all activities:

ROS PAOT/ACRE

SPNM .01

SPM .80

RN 1.50

R 3.00

(emphasis on SPNM and SPM) (LRMP p. 4-69)

Increase opportunities

for public enjoyment

and benefits.

Increase opportunities for public enjoyment and benefits with emphasis

on equestrian use, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing and trail camping

in nonmotorized areas; and driving for pleasure and viewing in motorized

areas. (LRMP p. 4-74)

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

ROS capacity guidelines for all activities:

ROS PAOT/ACRE

P .03

SPNM .055

SPM .80

RN 2.30

R 3.75

(emphasis on SPNM and SPM) (LRMP p. 4-75)

Winter snow dispersed recreation

Motorized vehicle use

will be permitted only

on designated roads,

Permit both wheeled ATVs and tracked over-snow vehicles to travel

cross-country on snow throughout the Sequoia National Forest except

where closed by law, wilderness, and PCT, or by forest supervisor order

to prevent resource damage facility damage and/or user conflicts. (LRMP

p. 4-20)

and non-motorized

mechanized vehicle use

will be permitted only

on designated roads and

trails, except for

emergency or

authorized

administrative purposes

or to provide access for

persons with

disabilities. No new

roads or trails will be

authorized within the

monument except to

further the purposes of

the Monument.

Manage over-snow vehicles and cross-country ski opportunities

recognizing the need for segregating conflicting uses. (LRMP p. 4-20)

Explore development of commercial opportunities such as overnight/hut

system for winter activities. (LRMP p. 4-20)

Undertake planning effort to identify the specifics of winter recreation

activities including motorized and non-motorized uses. (LRMP p. 4-20)

Non-motorized (e.g., horses, hikers--non-mechanized)

Keep open the entire planning area. (LRMP p. 4-20)

Establish and maintain public pastures to enhance overnight camping

opportunities. (LRMP p. 4-20)

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

Cross-country travel

may be restricted to

prevent resource

damage. (MSA p. 107)

Water-oriented use

Whitewater floating:

a) Continue implementation of Kern River Whitewater Floating

Management Plan until revised as part of the Kern River Wild and Scenic

Management Plan.

b) Develop and implement Kings River Whitewater Floating Management

Plan as part of the Kings River Special Management Area Plan in

cooperation with the Sierra National Forest. (LRMP p. 4-21)

North Fork Kern River:

a) Lloyd Meadows Road: designate and manage sitesfor day and overnight

use including regulated parking during the managedseason throughout

the first decade. (LRMP p. 4-21)

Maintain current mix of dispersed/developed, night/day use along the

Tule river. (LRMP p. 4-21)

Hume Lake area:

a) Emphasize development of facilities to enhance dispersed day use

recreation; expand no overnight facilities.

b) Complete recreation action plan for the Hume lake basin during the

first decade. (LRMP p. 4-21) NOTE: Task complete.

Wild and scenic rivers

Manage rivers in accordance with the final legislation on wild and scenic

river designation. (LRMP p. 4-21)

Prepare river management plan for each designated river or special

Management area including final boundary descriptions.(LRMP p. 4-21)

Classify the national forest segments of designated rivers at their highest

eligible level (refer to LRMP FEIS appendix E). (LRMP p. 4-21)

NOTE: Task complete.

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

Office of information and interpretive services

Provide educational and user services to assist resource management

programs to maintain outputs to resolve management problems and to

change visitor behavior. (LRMP p. 4-22)

Provide for and maintain present facilities and programs at high level

emphasizing self-service. These include recreation site and trailhead

bulletin boards, publications, media releases, and self-service information

stations. (LRMP p. 4-22)

Provide other programs and facilities at moderate level. These include

7-day seasonal information desks, resource management interpretive signs,

three-forest interpretive association (3FIA) programs, exhibits, interpretive

trails, outdoor programs, and self-guided auto tours. Use specialized media

to promote dispersed use. (LRMP p. 4-22)

1. Current national direction is to manage all sites to standard.

2. Shirley Meadow is outside the Monument.

3. National direction is to manage all sites to standard.

Off-Highway Vehicle Use

Table 32 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Use

LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

Wheeled off-highway vehicles (ohvs) (including mountain bikes)

Study use and develop monitoring plan to identify and

resolve conflicts between mountain bikes and other

users. (LRMP p. 4-18)

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized

Wheeled vehicles

Allow wheeled vehicle travel on designated routes,

trails, and off highway vehicle (OHV) areas. Each

national forest may designate where OHV use is

vehicle use will be permitted only on designated

roads and trails, except for emergency or authorized

administrative purposes or to provide access for

allowed. Unless otherwise restricted by existing forest persons with disabilities. No new roads or trails will

plans or other area-specific standards and guidelines,

allow cross-country travel by over snow vehicles.

(SNFPA ROD Appendix A, p. A-32)

be authorized within the monument except to further

the purposes of the monument.

OHVs may be used on designated routes on the sequoia

national forest except where closed by law (i.e.

wilderness and pacific crest trail) or by Forestsupervisor

order to prevent:

a)resource damage (e.g. soil compaction, vegetation

damage, wildlife disturbance, fire).

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

b)Facility damage (e.g. roads, trails, signs, fences) and

c)User conflicts(e.g. motorized and non-motorized use)

to maintain specific recreation

opportunities/experiences.(LRMP p. 4-18)

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized

vehicle use will be permitted only on designated

OHVs are legitimate uses of the national forest the forest

will increase opportunities for OHV vehicles through

development of OHV trail facilities. Areas of OHV

emphasis are identified and are displayed on the roads and trails, except for emergency or authorized

accompanying map these are areas of the national Forest administrative purposes or to provide access for

persons with disabilities. No new roads or trails will

be authorized within the monument except to further

the purposes of the monument.

towards which ohv use will be directed and management

priority placed accommodating/administering this

activity this will not preclude ohv use in other areas of

the forest nor will it preclude non-OHV use within the

emphasis area rather managers will direct priorities in

trail designation construction, public information, etc.

toward emphasis areas as a way to draw usersfrom other

areas. User accountability via signing maps and other

user education and cooperative actions in concert with

other forest management activities will be emphasized.

OHV planning and management will be coordinated

with federalstate and local agencies adjacent landowners

and other interested individuals and organizations.

Monitoring of the effects of OHV use will be undertaken

the forest OHV plan will be revised and implemented

consistent with the management objectives or the forest

Plan.(LRMP pp. 4-18 and 19)

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized

vehicle use will be permitted only on designated

Following are vehicle use zones:

Zone A: closed (estimated 264000 acres).Areas

permanently closed to all motorized/mechanized

vehicles- Wilderness and pacific crest trail (PCT)

roads and trails, except for emergency or authorized

administrative purposes or to provide access for

persons with disabilities. No new roads or trails will

be authorized within the monument except to further

the purposes of the monument.

Zone B: restricted (estimated 855000

acres).Approximately 71,000 acres of this total are to

be managed as SPNM. Therein there are no designated

routes in these areas. (LRMP p. 4-19)

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized

vehicle use will be permitted only on designated

Wheeled vehicle use, including OHVs, is limited to

designated routes only subject to:

a) Seasonal or permanent restrictions to prevent

resource damage, facility damage and/or user conflicts.

roads and trails, except for emergency or authorized

administrative purposes or to provide access for

persons with disabilities. No new roads or trails will

be authorized within the monument except to further

the purposes of the monument.

b) Incidental access off designated routes or system

roads if provided by permit (e.g. firewood gathering

mining activities, access to permitted facilities.

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

c)Incidental access to dispersed area camp locations

immediately adjacent to system roads (e.g. generally

within 200 feet where no resource damage occurs) and

d) Specific restriction as to type of vehicle on certain

facilities (e.g. 2-, 3-, or 4-wheels or other design

criteria). (LRMP p. 4-19)

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized

Obtain public involvement whenever changes to the

OHV management action Plan are necessary based on

trail standards and guidelines. (LRMP p. 4-19) vehicle use will be permitted only on designated

roads and trails, except for emergency or authorized

administrative purposes or to provide access for

persons with disabilities. No new roads or trails will

be authorized within the monument except to further

the purposes of the monument.

Enforce state laws for noise control the use of approved

spark arresters and green stacker registration as part of

overall OHV administration activities. (LRMP p. 4-19)

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized

vehicle use will be permitted only on designated

Use location and design criteria for OHV trails that will

hold down the speed of vehicles. (LRMP p. 4-19)

roads and trails, except for emergency or authorized

administrative purposes or to provide access for

persons with disabilities. No new roads or trails will

be authorized within the monument except to further

the purposes of the monument.

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized

vehicle use will be permitted only on designated

Consistent with the forest plan identify (in cooperation

with the state other agencies and user groups)

opportunities to develop segments of trail that support

the concept of statewide trail system. An objective of roads and trails, except for emergency or authorized

this system is to connect use areas and provide administrative purposes or to provide access for

opportunities for long distance trail touring. (LRMP p.

4-20)

persons with disabilities. No new roads or trails will

be authorized within the monument except to further

the purposes of the monument.

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized

vehicle use will be permitted only on designated

Forest Trail

Plan:

a) 4WD trails; roads and trails, except for emergency or authorized

administrative purposes or to provide access for

b) open riding

and

compensation

credit;

persons with disabilities. No new roads or trails will

be authorized within the monument except to further

the purposes of the monument.

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

c) trail plan

involvement

(MSA pp.

102-104)

Management emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized

vehicle use will be permitted only on designated

Emphasize providing and maintaining a comprehensive

network of OHV trails in Roaded Natural ROS class

areas. (LRMP p. 4-43)

roads and trails, except for emergency or authorized

administrative purposes or to provide access for

persons with disabilities. No new roads or trails will

be authorized within the Monument except to further

the purposes of the Monument.

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized

vehicle use will be permitted only on designated

Emphasize providing and maintaining a comprehensive

network of OHV trails. (LRMP p. 4-46)

roads and trails, except for emergency or authorized

administrative purposes or to provide access for

persons with disabilities. No new roads or trails will

be authorized within the Monument except to further

the purposes of the Monument.

Management emphasis 2 - water-oriented recreation

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads.

Direct OHV use to areas away from concentrations of

people (e.g., campgrounds and other heavily used areas)

(LRMP p. 4-55 and 57).

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads.

Direct OHV use to more suitable areas away from

concentrations of people (e.g., campgrounds and other

heavily used areas). (LRMP p. 4-60)

Management emphasis 3 - developed recreation

Motorized vehicle use will be permitted only on

designated roads.

Direct OHV use to areas away from concentrations of

people (e.g., campgrounds). (LRMP p. 4-62)

Management emphasis 5 -wildlife and dispersed recreation

Manage

recreation

activities by

Manage OHV use by location and period of use based

on wildlife needs(e.g., excluding OHVsfrom key areas

during fawning and nesting). (LRMP p. 4-67, 69, and

75) location and

period of use

based on

wildlife needs

(e.g.,

excluding

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

incompatible

use from key

areas during

fawning and

nesting).

Trails

Table 33 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Trails Management

LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

Trails

No new roads or trails will be

authorized within the

Monument except to further the

purposes of the Monument.

Allow changes and increases to the existing trail system on the forest (new trail

construction). Project-specific EAs will be used to determine if some new trails

need to be constructed in popular areas to possibly replace trails causing resource

and facility damage and/or receiving low use. These types of trails will be

abandoned to prevent user conflicts and/or to meet other needs. (LRMP pp. 4-23

and 24)

No new...trails will be

authorized within the

Monument except to further the

purposes of the Monument.

Maintain, relocate, or reconstruct 50 percent of the trail system during the first

decade .Emphasize preventing resource damage, including signs to facilitate use.

(LRMP p. 4-24)

Maintain trails consistent with ROS concepts at levels determined by the trail

system analysis procedures, with priority given to dispersing users and preventing

further deterioration of the resources. (LRMP p. 4-24)

Develop and maintain trail/transportation system that emphasizes loop trails.

(LRMP p. 4-24)

Enhance present opportunities by emphasizing management actions that will link

campground and other sites to existing trails, tie trails together to create loops and

multi-day opportunities, and resolve user conflicts (through designation or design

to serve the needs of different trail users). Accessing new (not currently accessed)

areas will be lower in priority than the above actions. (LRMP p. 4-24)

Maintain system trails to minimize trail degradation and to protect off-site

resources.(LRMP p. 4-24)

The Management Plan shall

contain a transportation plan for

the Monument that providesfor

Undertake trail system planning to provide comprehensive look at and identify

specifics of all uses (e.g., hiking, equestrian, ohv). (LRMP p. 4-24)

visitor enjoyment and

understanding about the

scientific and historic objects

in the Monument, consistent

with their protection.

VOLUME 2 Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices

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Alternative A
LRMP as amended MSA Proclamation

Implement mitigation measures in all projects posing an impact on the long-term

forest trail system. Measures will include such items as signing, protection, or

visual quality values; rehabilitation of trails following project completion; and/or

relocation of trails around areas where impacts dictate. Timing will be such that

user inconvenience is minimized. (LRMP p. 4-24)

Manage the Pacific Crest Trail in accordance with Secretary of Agriculture guides

and standards, and the regional approved management Plan. (LRMP p. 4-24)

Relocate system trails out of meadows where unacceptable damage is occurring.

(LRMP p. 4-24)

Management emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

Maintain and develop trailsto meet user needs and protect resource values. (LRMP

pp. 4-43, 46, and 51)

Management emphasis 2 - water-oriented recreation

Maintain and develop trailsto meet user needs and protect resource values. (LRMP,

pp. 4-54, 57, and 59)

Management emphasis 3 - developed recreation

Retain and maintain trails to protect resource values. (LRMP p. 4-62)

Management emphasis 4 - wilderness

Develop loop trails. (LRMP p. 4-64)

Management emphasis 5 -wildlife and dispersed recreation

Maintain and develop trailsto meet user needs and protect resource values. (LRMP

pp. 4-66, 69, and 74)

Wilderness

Table 34 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Wilderness Management

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Wilderness

Manage the Golden Trout Wilderness within the framework established by the approved interim

wilderness management plan. (LRMP p. 4-24)

Prepare wilderness management plans for the Sequoia National Forest portions of areas designated

wilderness by the 1984 California act (e.g., Monarch and Jennie Lakes Wilderness Areas). Planning

will be coordinated with adjacent forests or agencies. Continue current management actions pending

completion and approval of management plans. (LRMP, pp. 4-24 and 25)

Use prescribed fire to enhance wilderness values (e.g., long-term plant diversity) in all wilderness

areas in locations and under conditions described in wilderness management plans. (LRMP p. 4-25)

Giant Sequoia National Monument, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendices VOLUME 2

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Use confine or contain suppression strategy for wildfire when public safety will not be compromised,

adjacent resources can be protected, and other management constraints (air quality, watershed, etc.

can be met). Apply control strategy to all other wildfires. (LRMP p. 4-25)

Utilize confinement as suppression strategy when the potential fire size will generally not exceed 100

acres. (LRMP p. 4-25)

Authorize outfitter-guide services in wilderness areas established in 1984 when public need is

demonstrated and wilderness objectives can be maintained. (LRMP, p. 4-25)

Develop or improve trailhead facilities. (LRMP p. 4-25)

Establish and maintain public pastures to enhance overnight camping opportunities. (LRMP p. 4-25)

Emphasize pack-in pack-out policy. (LRMP p. 4-25)

Kings River Special Management Area

Table 35 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for the Kings River Special Management Area

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Standards for All Zones

Arch sites: Sites are maintained in a condition that will permit an evaluation of significance and if

appropriate, listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Significant sites are protected to permit

future data recovery (KRSMA MP p. 53)

Suitable fish habitat: R-5 minimum management requirements, FLMP guidelines, riparian standards

and guidelines, best management practices are being applied in a way that supports the objectives

established in the SMA and WSR EIS and plan; and project-specific NEPA documents. (KRSMA MP

p. 53)

Management of SMA and WSR: Periodic reviews, to evaluate the effectiveness of management

directions and monitoring plan, indicate that the documents reflect the current environmental social

and administrative needs in the area. (KRSMA MP p. 53)

Transportation system: The transportation system’s effectiveness meets the opportunity class and

zone objectives. Project-specific NEPA documents and the forest's trails plan reflect the objective in

the SMA and WSR EIS and plan. (KRSMA MP p. 54)

Water quality: implementation of BMPs and project design do not permit a decrease in water quality.

(KRSMA MP p. 54)

TES species: Project plans and prescriptions are implemented as designed, consistent with the biological

evaluations. (KRSMA MP p. 54)

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Standards for South Fork Zone

Public use areas consistency with opportunity class III:Dispersed recreation impacts are temporary,

and are commonly only fire ringsin the turnouts along Highway 180. Impactsfrom recreational activities

may be evident to the visitor. Use areas are generally >50 feet apart and are fewer than two per 320

acres. (KRSMA MP, p. 57)

Management of Highway 180, Boyden Cavern, and Grizzly Falls: Adequate parking is provided,

sanitation facilities meet current needs, and all facilities complement the area’s naturalscenic resources

(KRSMA MP p. 57)

Zone away from Highway 180, Boyden Cavern, and Grizzly Falls: A low probability of meeting

other parties or forest users during low use periods (<50 percent chance), a possible encounter with

other recreationists during the spring (25 to 50 percent chance). (KRSMA MP p. 57)

Management focus on river-based and unique opportunities: All resource conditions, social

conditions, and management activities reflect the characteristics described for opportunity class II and

the objectives for this zone. (KRSMA MP p. 57)

Standards for Verplank Zone

Campsite consistency with opportunity class II:Campsites are small and temporary. Some facilities

are provided. Impacts from recreational activities may be evident to the visitor. Campsites are >50 feet

apart and are fewer than 5 per 320 acres. (KRSMA MP p. 58)

Few encounters between travelers: A low probability of meeting other parties or forest users during

low use periods (<50 percent chance), a possible encounter with other recreationists during the spring

(25 to 50 percent chance). (KRSMA MP p. 58)

Scope of OHV, grazing, and vegetation management: Use of forest resources and OHV use of

designated routes is consistent with the long-term protection of the area’s natural, archaeological, and

scenic resources. (KRSMA MP p. 58)

Management focus to balance recreation with maintaining natural environment: All resource

conditions, social conditions and management activities reflect the characteristics described for

opportunity class II and the objectives for this zone. (KRSMA MP p. 58)

Standards for Converse Zone

Campsite consistency with opportunity class I: Campsites are small and temporary. No facilities are

provided. Impacts are not evident to the visitor. Campsites are >100 feet apart and are fewer than two

per 320 acres. (KRSMA MP p. 59)

Human Developments: No large developments are permitted, and small developments are temporary

or subordinate to the environmental setting. (KRSMA MP p. 59)

Few encounters between travelers: Extremely low probability of meeting other parties or forest users

during low use periods (<25 percent chance), a possible encounter with other recreationists on the

National Recreation Trail and the Yucca Point Trail (25 to 50 percent chance). (KRSMA MP p. 59)

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Alternative A
LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Management emphasizes maintaining natural environment: All resource conditions, social

conditions, and management activities reflect the characteristics described for opportunity class I and

the objectives for this zone. (KRSMA MP p. 59)

Standards for Boole Zone

Campsite consistency with opportunity class II: Campsites are small and temporary. Some facilities

may be provided. Impacts from recreational activities may be evident to the visitor. Campsites are >50

feet apart and are fewer than five per 320 acres. (KRSMA MP p. 60)

Few encounters between travelers: A low probability of meeting other parties or forest users during

low use periods (<50 percent chance), a possible encounter with other recreationists during the Boole

Tree Trail (25 to 50 percent chance). (KRSMA MP p. 60)

Scope of OHV, grazing, and vegetation management: Use of forest resources and OHV use of

designated routes is consistent with the long-term protection of the area’s natural, archaeological, and

scenic resources. (KRSMA MP p. 60)

Management focus to balance recreation with maintaining natural environment: All resource

conditions, social conditions, and management activities reflect the characteristics described for

opportunity class II and the objectives for this zone. (KRSMA MP p. 60)

Standards for Kings River Corridor Zone: (NOTE: Only portion of this in Monument)

Dead and down material: Ten tons per acres of dead and down materialshould be available for wildlife

and recreational campfire building. (KRSMA MP p. 61)

Human developments: Not more than five developments per a 320-acre area. Developments include

structures and facilities for recreation and non-recreation activities. (KRSMA MP p. 61)

Vandalism impacts to visuals: No more than three new occurrences of graffiti vandalism or defacing

of natural features located anywhere within the zone per year. (KRSMA MP p. 61)

Dispersed campsites: No more than five sites within a quarter-mile length of the river corridor.

Dispersed site locations should not impact the experience of other campers. (KRSMA MP p. 61)

Group camping (encourage use outside SMA/WSR corridor): No more than five declined requests

for group camping. The existing accommodationsfor group camping should meet user needs. (KRSMA

MP p. 62)

Few encounters between travelers: Fifty percent probability of no more than five encounters with

other parties. (KRSMA MP p. 62)

Conflicts between users: No more than five reported or otherwise documented conflicts between

different types of users (e.g. anglers and rafters) (KRSMA MP p. 62)

Public safety: No more than four accidents per year within the zone, with attention to rafting incidents.

Accidents are incidents where there is either an incident report filed by a forest officer, or if a forest

visitor requires medical attention. (KRSMA MP p. 62)

Public parking that protects resource and provides public safety: Public parking space should be

provided at a level that protectsthe resource and providesfor public safety and comfort. Visitorsshould

find adequate parking at trailheads, raft put-ins, and raft take-outs.

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Congestion at launch site: Rafting groups do not wait longer than 60 minutes to launch. (KRSMA

MP p. 63)

Groups encountered on river per day: Maximum of 17 parties per day. (KRSMA MP p. 63)

Comments: 13

Visuals, Cultural, Lands, and Special Uses

Table 36 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Visual Resources

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Visual resources

Maintain visual quality to the VQO level specified. Consider these minimum, but strive for

higher visual quality whenever practical and when compatible with other resource objectives.

(LRMP p. 4-23)

Accept occasional short-term departure from adopted visual quality objectives (VQOs) that

will lead to long-term desired visual character. Require documented decision based on an

environmental analysis whenever proposed activity or development reduces the visual quality

below the adopted VQO. (LRMP p. 4-23)

Manage Highway 180, Highway 190, Highway 178, Sierra Way (sm990), the Western Divide

from quaking aspen to the ponderosa, the Generals Highway, the PCT, and heavily used trails

that lead directly into wilderness as sensitivity level 1. (LRMP p. 4-23)

Manage about 270 miles of roads and 200 miles of trail as sensitivity level 2. (LRMP p. 4-23)

Manage the following viewshed assensitivity level 1: Monache Meadows, Sherman Pass, and

Salmon Creek/Big Meadow. (LRMP p. 4-23)

Manage the remainder of the forested land as either sensitivity level 2 or 3. Exceptions occur

in the following ROS classes where the greatest visual impact allowed will be: SPNM=PR,

SPM=M, RN and R=MM, with M as the primary VQO. (LRMP p. 4-23)

Manage the remainder of the non-forested lands according to ROS classes. The recommended

maximum visual impact allowed will be: SPNM=R, SPM=PR, RN and R=MM, with M as

the primary VQO. (LRMP p. 4-23)

Initiate corrective action to meet adopted when landscape rehabilitation is needed. (LRMP p.

4-23)

Consider visual concerns of individual landowners and agencies within and adjacent to National

Forest System lands when planning national forest management activities (see timber

management, silvicultural systems). (LRMP p. 4-23)

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Manage activities to reflect where ever possible the form, line, color, texture of natural

occurrences when viewed from middle ground and Background distances. (LRMP p. 4-23)

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Management emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

Protect large or unique tree character in foreground (FG) R and PR zones (VQO classes).

(LRMP pp. 4-44 and 53)

Use M as minimum VQO with emphasis on R and PR (VQO classes). (LRMP pp. 4-45 and

48)

When corrective action is to be taken, landscape rehabilitation requirements are:

Adopted VQO field season after plan

R first

PR third

M fifth (LRMP p. 4-48)

Design edges and openings to meet the VQO (VQO classes):

R & PR—feather, vary edge density

M—feather only (LRMP p. 4-48)

Achieve visual variety through random mosaic pattern by varying:

a. vegetation density

b. age classes

c. distribution of treatments. (LRMP p. 4-48)

Introduce landscape enhancement to improve scenic quality. (LRMP p. 4-48)

Remove trees selectively to improve visual amenities within high use areas, vista points, and

along interpretive trails. (LRMP p. 4-53)

Use MM as minimum VQO with emphasis on PR (VQO classes). (LRMP p. 4-53)

Management emphasis 2 - water-oriented recreation

Protect large or unique tree character in FG R or PR zones (VQO classes). (LRMP p. 4-56)

Use M as minimum VQO with emphasis on R and PR (VQO classes). (LRMP p. 4-56)

Protect large or unique tree character in FG zones. (LRMP p. 4-58)

Use PR as minimum VQO (VQO class). (LRMP p. 4-58)

Insure visual variety through design of random mosaic patterns by varying:

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a. vegetation density;

b. age classes; and

c. distribution of treatments. (LRMP p. 4-61)

Use M as minimum VQO with emphasis on R and PR (VQO classes). (LRMP p. 4-61)

Management emphasis 3 - developed recreation

Protect large or unique tree character in FG R and PR zones (VQO classes). (LRMP p. 4-63)

Remove trees selectively to improve visual amenities within high-use areas, at vista points,

and along interpretive trails. (LRMP p. 4-63)

Increase species diversity of native species. (LRMP p. 4-63)

Use M as minimum VQO with emphasis on R and PR (VQO classes). (LRMP p. 4-63)

Management emphasis 4 - wilderness

Maintain P VQO (VQO class). (LRMP p. 4-65)

Management emphasis 5 -wildlife and dispersed recreation

Open undeveloped vistas for viewing scenery. (LRMP p. 4-68)

Use M as minimum VQO with emphasis on R and PR (VQO classes). (LRMP pp. 4-68 and

71)

Design edges and openings to meet the VQO (VQO classes:

R and PR – feather, vary edge density

M – feather only

MM – not applicable. (LRMP p. 4-70)

Manage visual variety through random mosaic pattern by varying:

a. vegetation density and diversity

b. age class

c. distribution of treatments. (LRMP p. 4-71)

Protect large or unique tree character in FG R and PR zones (VQO classes). (LRMP p. 4-76)

Remove trees selectively to improve visual amenities within high-use areas, vista points and

along interpretive trails. (LRMP p. 4-76)

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LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Specify vegetative clearings less than 5 acres in R and PR zones (VQO classes). (LRMP p.

4-76)

Use M as minimum VQO with emphasis on PR (VQO classes). (LRMP p. 4-76)

Permitted Uses

Table 37 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Permitted Uses

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Recreation management (private permitted uses)

Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to

affect existing special use authorizations; existing

uses shall be governed by applicable laws,

regulations, and management plans.

Prepare future use determinations needs assessments for

resorts, recreation residence tracts, and organization camps

with permits due to expire during the planning period (attempt

three year lead time) when potential use conflicts are identified

when the public need for the use has diminished; when

unacceptable resource damage is occurring; or when an

alternate use is proposed or has evolved without forest service

approval. (LRMP p. 4-20)

Prepare future use determination needs assessmentsfor resorts

and organization sites prior to issuing new permits, when

existing facilities are sold, and new termination dates are

requested and the criteria listed above is applicable. (LRMP

p. 4-20)

Encourage development of recreation uses on private lands

permit uses and/or activities on national forest system lands

only after full consideration of the opportunities provided by

others both public and private. (LRMP p. 4-20)

Permitted uses

Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to

affect existing special use authorizations; existing

uses shall be governed by applicable laws,

regulations, and management plans.

Maintain at least 50 percent of boating capacity on rivers and

lakes within appropriate ROS class for the noncommercial

public. (LRMP p. 4-21)

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Alternative A
Cultural Resources

Table 38 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Cultural Resources

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Cultural resources

Comply with 36 CFR 800 regulations by completing cultural resource

inventories prior to any action which may affect cultural resources.

Develop follow-up actionsfor evaluation, protection, and/or interpretation

as result of inventory findings. (LRMP p. 4-25)

Protect cultural resources from the effects of Forest Service or Forest

Service-authorized undertakings, unauthorized use, and environmental

damage. FSM 2300 Chapter 2360.3.

Inventory:

a) Conduct inventories as necessary occasionally doing

non-project-specific surveys which will result in partial achievement of

the 1995 target for the total forest inventory.

b) Complete archaeological reconnaissance reports and site records to

allow evaluation of site significance.

c) Release those site locations declared not significant for other

management activities.

d) Approach systematically the reduction of the existing forest backlog

of sites to be evaluated. Those types of sites deemed more potentially

critical in the forest overview will receive priority. (LRMP p. 4-25)

Protection:

a) Post and sign (e.g., tractors prohibited or Antiquities Act) selected

cultural resource sites where such signing will not endanger the sites.

b) Monitor number of sites for protection visits will be on revolving

basis, and prioritized according to resource significance and vulnerability

as developed in the forest overview.

c) Develop and provide interpretive brochuresforselected sites. (LRMP

pp. 4-25 and 26)

Interpretation: Conduct on-ground interpretation at number ofsites where

highly significant properties exist or near developed sites where high

level of use or exposure is possible (i.e., properties adjacent to

campgrounds or historic logging activities in the vicinity of

campgrounds). (LRMP p. 4-26)

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Ethnographic: regularly consult with Native Americans as interested

parties on proposed undertakings. (LRMP p. 4-26)Establish and maintain

effective relationships with federal, state, tribal, and local governments

and historic preservation organizations at all levels of the Agency to

ensure protection of cultural resources and to promote heritage program

efficiencies. FSM 2300 Chapter 2360.3.

History:

a) Interview key knowledgeable informants occasionally for

project-specific information. Bring together and organize archival

resources according to forest archival policy.

b) Promote interpretation through 3FIA. (LRMP p. 4-26)

The monument provides exemplary

opportunities for biologists, geologists,

paleontologists, archaeologists, and

historians to study these objects. These

sites have the potential to shed light on

the roles of prehistoric peoples,

including the role they played in shaping

the ecosystems on which they depended.

Outstanding opportunities exist for

studying forest resilience to large-scale

logging and the consequences of

different approachesto forest restoration.

Management emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

Establish specific program needs and direction to begin resolution of

deficiencies in the forest CRM program, with priority established as

follows—archaeology, history, ethnography.

Table 39 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Lands (Real Estate)

LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Lands

Survey, mark, and post all property lines to Forest Service

standards; give priority to those lands needed for

management activities and where high potential for

encroachment exists. (LRMP p. 4-37)

Grant new non-recreation special-use permits or easements

only when suitable private land is not available and they

would not conflict with forest management objectives.

(LRMP p. 4-37)

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Continue minimum level of administration of special uses

that meet current direction except where higher levels are

warranted on case-by-case basis. (LRMP p. 4-37)

All federal lands and interests in lands within the

boundaries of this monument are hereby appropriated

and withdrawn from...sale, leasing, or other disposition

Acquire available private land and dispose of public land

only where needed to reduce administrative costs, foster

resource programs, or resolve administrative problems and

have favorable benefit-cost ratio. (LRMP p. 4-37) under the public land lawsincluding...disposition under

all laws...other than by exchange that furthers the

protective purposes of the monument. Lands and

interestsin lands within the boundaries of the monument

not owned by the United States shall be reserved as a

part of the monument upon acquisition of title thereto

by the United States.

Acquire rights-of-way needed for management activities

and to provide public access to national forest system

lands. (LRMP p. 4-37)

Respond to interagency transfer proposals, as needed.

(LRMP p. 4-37)

All federal lands and interests in lands within the

boundaries of this monument are hereby appropriated

and withdrawn from...sale, leasing, or other disposition

Review existing withdrawals to determine if they should

be continued and for how long. (LRMP p. 4-37)

under the public land lawsincluding...disposition under

all laws...other than by exchange that furthers the

protective purposes of the monument. Lands and

interestsin lands within the boundaries of the monument

not owned by the United States shall be reserved as a

part of the monument upon acquisition of title thereto

by the United States.

Comments: 14

Facility Operations and Maintenance

Table 40 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Facilities (Including Roads)

1988 LRMP as Amended MSA Proclamation

Energy:

All federal lands and interests in lands within the

boundaries of this monument are hereby

appropriated and withdrawn from entry, location,

Encourage energy development, when sources are available,

as long as the development is consistent with other standards

and guidelines. (LRMP p. 4-37)

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selection, sale, leasing, or other disposition under

the public land laws including, but not limited to,

withdrawal from locating, entry, and patent under

the mining laws and from disposition under all

laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing...

The establishment of this monument is subject to

valid existing rights.

Facilities (including roads)

The management plan shall contain a transportation

plan for the monument that provides for visitor

enjoyment and understanding about the scientific

and historic objects in the monument, consistent

with their protection.

Provide additions to the transportation system to meet the

needs of resource management.

a) Construct approximately 24 miles of local roads per year

(20-year average). These roads usually range from 0.5 to 1.5

milesin length and are normally single lane with earth surface.

No new roads or trails will be authorized within

the Monument except to further the purposes of

the Monument.

b) Reconstruct approximately 18 miles of local roads per year

(20-year average). These roads usually range from 1.0 to 4.5

miles in length and normally consist of clearing surface

reshaping curve widening and drainage work.

c) Construct approximately 5.9 miles per year of collector

roadsin the first decade to provide accessto currently unroaded

areas. These roads are normally 3 to 7 miles in length and are

usually single lane roads but constructed to higher standard

than local routes. Higher standards may consist of flatter

grades, larger radius curves, more turnouts, and may have

surface stabilization. (LRMP p. 4-37)

Manage the road system to assure resource protection, provide

safe access and accommodate resource management needs.

a) Emphasize maintenance of arterial and high volume

collector roads to provide high degree of user comfort.

b) May not maintain for user comfort collector roads with low

traffic volumes.

c) Open roads to public travel unless closure is necessary to

ensure resource protection, road investment protection, or for

other management reasons. (LRMP p. 4-38)

Road construction, reconstruction, and relocation

To protect watershed resources, meet the following standards

for road construction, road reconstruction, and road relocation:

(1) design new stream crossings and replacement stream

crossings for at least the 100-year flood, including bedload

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and debris; (2) design stream crossings to minimize the

diversion of streamflow out of the channel and down the road

in the event of a crossing failure; (3) design stream crossings

to minimize disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths,

including minimizing diversion ofstreamflow and interception

of surface and subsurface water; (4) avoid wetlands or

minimize effects to natural flow patterns in wetlands; and (5)

avoid road construction in meadows.

Conduct an integrated interdisciplinary transportation analysis,

following the national roads analysis procedures, as part of

landscape analysis. Complete unclassified road inventories

for each national forest within 10 years. (SNFPA ROD,

Appendix A, p. A-32) (1)

Rehabilitate, replace, or relocate existing buildings to support

forest management. (LRMP p. 4-38)

Maintain buildings at least to minimum level that protects

health and prevent building deterioration. (LRMP p. 4-38)

Improve signing of road closures to include the reason for

closure. (LRMP p. 4-38)

Maintain selected roadsfor OHV enthusiasts. (LRMP p. 4-38)

Management emphases 1 - general dispersed recreation, 2 - water-oriented recreation, 3 - developed recreation, 5

-wildlife and dispersed recreation

No new roads or trails will be authorized within

the Monument except to further the purposes of

the Monument.

Limit road developments in SPM ROS areas to low density,

local roads. (LRMP pp. 4-44, 4-47, 4-53, 4-55, 4-58, 4-60,

4-63)

Management emphasis 1 - general dispersed recreation

Maintain trailhead access roads at a minimum of level 3.

(LRMP pp. 4-44, 4-47, 4-53)

Management emphasis 2 - water-oriented recreation

Maintain trailhead access roads and primary access routes to

developed facilities at a minimum of level 3. (LRMP pp. 4-55,

4-58, 4-60)

Management emphasis 3 - developed recreation

Maintain all roads used to access developed recreation sites

at a minimum of level 3. (LRMP p. 4-63)

Management emphasis 4 - wilderness

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Construct and maintain trail bridges consistent with wilderness

uses. (LRMP p. 4-65)

Maintain administrative facilities consistent with wilderness

values. (LRMP p. 4-65)

Management emphasis 5 -wildlife and dispersed recreation

Maintain trailhead access roads at a minimum of level 3.

(LRMP pp. 4-67, 4-70, 4-76)

Management emphasis 5 -wildlife and dispersed recreation

Use seasonal closure as a tool to protect key wildlife values.

(LRMP p. 4-76)

1. Travel management is current road analysis procedure and unclassified roads are now labeled unauthorized roads.

Comments: 15

Special Interest and Research Natural Areas

Table 41 Alternative A: Standards and Guidelines for Special Areas, Botanical Areas, and Research Natural

Areas

1988 LRMP as Amended 1990 MSA Proclamation

Botanical areas

The Baker Point (750 acres), Bald Mountain (4140 acres),

Inspiration Point (270 acres), Slate Mountain (490 acres), and

Ernest Twisselman (860 acres) areas are classified as botanical

areas, and management plans will be developed pursuant to 36

CFR 294.1(a) and the authority vested in the regional forester

by the Chief of the Forest Service. (LRMP pg. 4-26)NOTE:

Baker Point, Bald Mountain, Inspiration Point and Twissleman

are outside the Monument.

The Sequoia National Forest shall manage

this area [Freeman Creek Grove

Management Area] as a botanic area. (MSA

p. 17)

There shall be no logging and no motorized

vehicle use by the public anywhere in the

Freeman Creek Grove Management Area

as shown on the map Exhibit E. (MSA p.

17)

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1988 LRMP as Amended 1990 MSA Proclamation

Special areas per MSA - NOT synonymous with special interest areas

5. The California Riding and Hiking Trail

should be addressed, and appropriate visual

protection shall be determined, in the

forthcoming trail plan. (MSA p. 75)

NOTE: This trail extends outside the Monument so it will be

addressed in the forest plan revision.

Lion and Blue Ridges. Condor roosting

sites will be protected. (MSA p. 75)

NOTE: The Condor Recovery Plan was revised in 1996 and

requires us to protect “known” nesting sites.

Note: Only Starvation Grove and Lion

Ridge are within the Monument.

Rancheria Road: The southern portion of

the Western Divide Highway, known as the

Rancheria Road (from the Kern/Tulare

County line south to the Kern Canyon) will

be managed under a foreground partial

retention visual quality objective. (MSA p.

75)

Research natural areas

Protect and manage the following potential RNAs as if they are

already established pending their final establishment or release

by Chief of the Forest Service: Mosesm Mountain (960 acres),

South Mountaineer Creek (1325 acres), Church Dome (1380

acres) and Long Canyon (1000 Acres). (LRMP p. 4-26)

NOTE: only Moses Mountain and South Mountaineer Creek

areas are in the Monument.

Prepare establishment reports for submission to the Chief for

the following areas recommended by the regional RNA

committee for final establishment: Church Dome, South

Mountaineer Creek, and Moses Mountain. (LRMP p. 4-26)

NOTE: only Moses Mountain and South Mountaineer Creek

are in the Monument, and Moses Mountain designated as a

RNA 1994.

National landmarks

Continue coordination with the National Park Service to conduct

onsite landmark evaluation studiesfor the following sites: Moses

Mountain, Long Canyon, Bald Mountain, Inspiration Point.

These candidate areas will be adequately protected and managed

within the foregoing classifications until final resolution. (LRMP

p. 4-27)

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NOTE: only Moses Mountain is in the Monument.

Comments: 16

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