United States 

Department of

Agriculture

Forest

Service

Pacific Northwest 

Region

March 2014

Final Environmental Impact Statement

APPENDICES

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Powers Ranger District

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Coos County, Oregon

Information Contact:

Wesley H. Crum, Forester

42861 Highway 242

Powers, OR 97466

Phone (541) 439-6200
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The U.S. Depart ment of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discimination

in all its programs and activities on the base of race, color, national

orgin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation,

or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication

of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should

contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil 

Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence 

Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964

(voice and TDD). USDA is an equal oppotunity provider and employer.

Printed on recycled paper
APPENDIX A

RESPONSES TO COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE MARCH 2012 

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

APPENDIX A

Final Environmental Impact Statement

EDEN RIDGE TIMBER SALES

Summary of Comments

And

Responses to Comments Received on the March 2012 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Compiled and edited by: Ken Grigsby

Wesley Crum

Contributors: Joni Brazier 

Steve Boyer

John Lowe

Holly Witt

Karla Cottom

Chris Park

Robin McAlpin

Dave Clayton

Ellen Goheen

August 2013
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

APPENDIX A

EDEN RIDGE TIMBER SALES

NOTICE AND COMMENT

The Draft Eden Ridge Timber Sales Environmental Impact Statement was made available for public 

review and comment under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1500-

1508), and Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for National Forest System Projects and Activities, 

(36 CFR 215). The Forest Service accepted written, electronic, and oral comments as provided in §215.6.

Copies of the March, 2012, Draft Eden Ridge Timber Sales Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and 

Appendices, along with an invitation to comment, were mailed to approximately 45 individuals and 

organizations who were involved with this project or who had requested a copy of the DEIS. A 45-day 

DEIS public Comment Period formally began on March 31, 2012, the first day following publication of a 

Notice of Availability (EIS #20120087) in the Federal Register Vol. 77 No. 62 (FR page 19281). The 45-

day comment period closed on May 14, 2012.

Four comment letters were received during the Comment Period. The original comment letters and 

copies of Forest Service review and coding are part of the Project Administrative Record (incorporated by 

reference). Comments and responses were used to clarify and improve documentation and analysis, and 

help the responsible official reach an informed, rational decision regarding Eden Ridge Timber Sales.

Each response letter was assigned a reference number (below). The comment letters were read and coded 

based on content and intent by a Forest Service planning team with oversight, review, and concurrence by 

the Forest Supervisor (the responsible official). As required by Forest Service policy, copies of the actual 

letters received by governmental agencies are contained at the end of this Appendix.

Letter

Ref. #

Date

Received Name Organization

D-01 4/25/12 Richard K. Nawa 

George Sexton

Doug Heiken

Francis Eatherington

Joseph Patrick Quinn

Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center

Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center

Oregon Wild

Cascadia Wildlands Project

Umpqua Watersheds

D-02 5/14/12 Andy Geissler American Forest Resource Council

D-03 5/14/12 Allison O’Brien USDI Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance

D-04 5/14/12 Christine Reichgott US Environmental Protection Agency

Additional comments directed to the DEIS were received from Richard Nawa (representing 

Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center, Cascadia Wildlands Project and Umpqua Watersheds) via a 

letter dated June 6, 2013. While this letter and these comments were received after the DEIS 

Comment Period had closed, the Forest has chosen to respond to substantive comments contained 

in this letter in a similar fashion as those received during the Comment Period. These groups 

already provided comment and have “standing” to appeal or object to this project, and comments from 

these groups represent the majority of substantive comments received on this project. 

The focus of the June 6, 2013 letter was to claim “changed circumstances” and “new information”

as associated with a June 6, 2013 BLM/F/NOAA Fisheries-Memorandum, with several Science 

Review Team documents and reports attached. There are several s sources of information that have 

been released or have “come to light” after the 2012 DEIS Comment Period. While true that the 

Interagency Scientific Review Team released their findings and the Regional Forester concurred with 

their report (the primary subject of the June 6, 2013 “supplemental” letter, this information was already 

being used by the Interdisciplinary Team to formulate the Final EIS, as was several other sources of 

information (for example new Primary Shade Zone widths). 
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-2

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

This information has been incorporated into the Final EIS (and is not new information regarding

the publication of the FEIS [and that step in the NEPA process]).

These additional comments are addressed toward the end of this document (after the ones received 

during the Comment Period) and substantive comments are referenced and responded to as 

Supplemental Comments (SC).

During Comment Analysis, comments were reviewed and sorted into two types — non-substantive and 

substantive. Substantive comments are responded to in this document. All input is part of the Project 

Administrative Record and available upon request.

Non-Substantive Comments

Non-substantive comments were not responded to in this document include comments which:

• Primarily focus on personal values or opinion or simply provide or identify a preference (vote) for 

an alternative considered (code 001)

• Restate existing management direction, laws or policies, and court opinions that were utilized in 

the design and analysis of the project (or provide personal interpretation of such), or restate 

analysis or information documented in the EIS (code 002)

• Provide comment that is considered outside the scope of the analysis (not in compliance with 

current laws and policies, is not relevant to the specific project proposal, or is outside of the 

responsible officials decision space) (code 003)

• Lack sufficient specificity to support a change in the analysis or permit a meaningful response, or 

are composed of general or vague statements not supported by data or research (code 004)

Substantive Comments

Substantive comments are review comments made by a commenter that offers a concern with factual 

basis that may have bearing on the decision being made. They include comments which:

• Provide new information pertaining to the Proposed Action or an alternative;

• Identify a new relevant issue or expand upon an existing issue;

• Identify a different way (alternative) to meet the underlying need for the Proposed Action;

• Identify a specific flaw in the analysis;

• Ask a specific relevant question that can be meaningfully answered or referenced; or

• Identify an additional source of credible research, which if utilized, could result in different 

effects.

FOREST SERVICE RESPONSE TO COMMENTS

Substantive comments are summarized below in bold, and followed by the agency’s response. 

Substantive comments addressing essentially the same topic or concern have been consolidated. Each 

consolidated comment references the comment letter(s) and relevant page numbers.

DEIS Corrections/Clarifications

This section provides a response to comments making reference to apparent errors in the DEIS document 

or in need of clarification for understanding. 

Comment #1: Clarification: road banking NWFP; historical road remediation and not within Coal 

Creek (050)

1a: The Forest Service has provided no citations to the Northwest Forest Plan or elsewhere that 

indicate the agency can “take credit” for historic road remediation in order to comply with this 

provision. (D-01, page 2)
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-3

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

1b: The information about past road decommissioning in the South Fork Coquille is misleading 

and plain wrong for Coal Creek. Decommissioning of roads in the South Fork Coquille watershed 

has not reduced road densities in Coal Creek Watershed. In fact, road densities have been 

measurably increased in the Coal Creek watershed due to recent federal timber sales (Table B-7; 

Appendix B-19). (D-01, page 2)

Response 1a:

The primary relevant citation regarding road miles in Key Watershed is found in the Northwest Forest 

Plan, Basis for Standards and Guidelines (NWFP page B-19),

“The amount of existing system and nonsystem roads within Key Watersheds should be reduced 

through decommissioning of roads. Road closures with gates or barriers do not qualify as 

decommissioning or a reduction in road mileage. If funding is insufficient to implement reductions, 

there will be no net increase in the amount of roads in Key Watersheds. That is, for each mile of new 

road constructed, at least one mile of road should be decommissioned, and priority given to roads 

that pose the greatest risks to riparian and aquatic ecosystems.”

Also note under Summary of Aquatic Conservation Strategy for Key Watersheds, (bullet 4), NWFP Page 

B-19:

 “Reduce existing system and nonsystem road mileage outside roadless areas. If funding is 

insufficient to implement reductions, there will be no net increase in the amount of roads in Key 

Watersheds.”

The situation for the Eden Ridge project therefore is; a portion of the Planning Area is within a Key 

Watershed; there are no roadless areas and under this Standard and Guideline, and there is to be no net

increase in the amount of roads. 

DEIS Appendix I, p. I-38 discussed the background and road decommissioning road bank. This 

information was summarized at DEIS page III-62 regarding Key Watersheds. The term “road bank” is 

used by this project to reflect the accounting of road decommissioning versus new road constructed, as 

discussed in the NWFP, page B-19. Note that the basis for this Standard and Guideline is “amount 

of existing system and non-system roads” and not road density (usually expressed in miles/sq. mi.). 

Also note that this Standard and Guideline is applicable at the fifth-field scale (the entire area 

designated as Tier 1 Key Watershed (and not to any of the smaller subwatersheds that comprise the larger 

fifth-field Key Watershed).

As summarized in DEIS Page III-61, 62:

“Road Decommissioning South Fork Coquille Watershed Road Bank

With the South Fork Coquille watershed, road decommissioning on the Powers Ranger District has 

been occurring since 1992. To date, the miles of decommissioned roads have totaled approximately 

61.1 miles (see Appendix I, Attachment A1). This amount of roads removed from lands allocated to 

other purposes than timber production, has created a “road bank”, that is, the current amount of road 

mileage through decommissioning is less than 1992 conditions. 

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project could construct roads to current environmental standards, and 

be located on the landscape to minimize effects to the environment and still result no net increase in 

the miles of roads within a Key Watershed. This is due to the “road bank” of decommissioned road 

miles, in compliance with this NWFP Standard and Guideline. The precise accounting of miles of 

decommissioned road compared to new road construction would depend on the final decision for 

Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project.”

 

1

Correct reference should be DEIS Appendix I, Attachment B
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-4

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Response 1b:

It is important to note the location/position of Eden Ridge Planning Area within the South Fork Coquille 

fifth-field Key Watershed and where the majority of past road decommissioning has occurred (see Map I2, DEIS Page I-4 and Map C-1, Appendix C). Most of the road decommissioning has occurred within the 

Johnson Creek, Delta Creek, and Headwaters South fork Coquille (aka Wooden Rock Creek) 

subwatersheds, because that is where most of the Forest Service managed lands occur, and it is where a 

more extensive network of existing roads exists from the past. There are very few existing Forest Service 

roads within the Eden Ridge Planning Area and within the Coal Creek sub-watershed, and therefore 

minimal opportunities to decommission existing roads that are not needed for future management.

While true that road density has or would increase in Coal Creek (6th field), that is not a violation of any 

Standard or Guideline for “amount of roads” (in miles, not density) within the entire fifth-field (and not 

just Coal Creek subwatershed). 

Referring to DEIS Appendix B, Table B-7 (page B-19), the only timber sales that have occurred within 

the Coal Creek 6th field sub-watershed are Backwoods Thin and Silver Doe Thin. There was no “new 

construction” of specified roads within Coal Creek Watershed associated with Backwoods Thin. For the 

Silver Doe Thin Timber Sale, the 5000290 and 5000297 Roads are reconstructed railroad grades. The 

miles of road for these timber sales was included in the cumulative road miles assessment (mentioned 

above and contained in DEIS Appendix I).

Further clarification and evidence regarding this “road bank” situation and the amount and locations of 

decommissioned roads will be provided in the Final EIS (see Section E, 1, d, and FEIS Appendix I and 

Appendix I2). Decommissioned roads within all sub-watersheds will be identified. 

Comment #2: A more relevant standard for large wood material is 20” (SIS LRMP) v. 36” (DEIS) 

(051)

The DEIS p III-15 says "In-channel large woody material in Region 6 is defined as a minimum of 

50 feet long with a dbh of 36 inches at the small end." A more relevant standard for large woody 

material in this project is 20” at the large end (Siskiyou National Forest Plan IV-45). The FS 

implies that wood smaller than 36" dbh has no aquatic value. (D-01, page 4)

Response:

The statement regarding in-channel large woody material at DEIS p. III-15 was in error. The correct 

definition should have been 36 inches diameter at the large end, per Stream Inventory Handbook v.2.12 

(2012). The large woody material standard from SNF Forest Plan IV-45 is also relevant as an overall 

standard for upland areas. There was no intent to imply that wood smaller than 36 inches has no aquatic 

value. This will be clarified in the Final EIS.

DEIS Chapter II - Alternatives

Alternatives Considered in Detail

Comment #3: Recommend temporary road construction and put into storage; railroad grades, 

temp culverts, etc. (100)

We recommend that new classified road segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9 be implemented 

as temporary construction. Post-harvest, the railroad grades reconstructed for log haul/yarder 

access would be put in “storage” (i.e. unclassified; p. I-10) for future use and would have minimal 

post-logging remediation. We recommend that reconstructed railroad grade road widths be kept to 

the minimum actually needed. Public motorized access to new road construction would be 

prohibited and blocked/gated if necessary. (D-01, page 1, 3)
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-5

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Response:

The definition and proposed use of temporary roads was contained in the DEIS beginning on Page II-27. 

Further explanation was contained in DEIS Appendix I. The important elements of what constitutes a 

“temporary road” are as follows:

“A temporary road is a road necessary for emergency operations or authorized by contract, permit, 

lease or other written authorization that is not a Forest road and that is not included in a Forest 

transportation atlas (36 CFR 212.1). For the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project, some new temporary 

road construction may be needed for candidate stand access. Temporary roads include those roads 

needed only for the purchaser’s use for a given timber sale(s), such as roads used to haul timber from 

landings to permanent National Forest System roads. 

The Forest Service and the purchaser must agree upon the location, resource protection requirements 

for road construction, clearing widths, and closure or rehabilitation requirements. Temporary roads 

are not constructed to serve long-term future uses and must be closed prior to closure of the timber 

sale (FSM 2432.34b). 

Temporary roads are proposed where it is likely that a one-time access is needed as part of a contract, 

for access to harvest units. They typically have a lower planning, design, and initial development cost 

than permanent system roads. Forest Service regulations (36 CFR 223.37) require temporary roads to 

be revegetated within ten years. These roads cannot be compared to engineered roads (permanent

system roads) as they are not designed for multiple uses or long-term resource protection (e.g., allweather maintenance).”

A recommendation to construct more roads as “temporary” does not consider that a permanent classified

system road is managed by the Forest Service and can be designed to a higher standard for resource 

protection in the short and long term. Temporary road construction is managed by the timber sale 

contract, and typically to a lesser standard. When sensitive areas are involved and there is a need to be 

very prescriptive on what type of road is used and how it is constructed (e.g., sensitive stream crossings), 

it is recommended they not be put in as a temporary crossing by the timber sale operator.

In addition, temporary roads are typically used in one season – constructed, used, and decommissioned, 

without needing to be over-wintered, as much as possible, particularly where stream crossings are 

involved. There would be more environmental risk involved with multi-year temporary roads. There 

would be an unacceptable level of disturbance, risk of sediment, etc. with having to pull out and re-install 

stream crossings to overwinter temporary roads multiple years, and too much engineering design required

to keep crossings in year round as a temporary road.

The Forest Service does not construct “unclassified roads”. These are typically skid roads, user created 

trails or old grades that are not inventoried (DEIS Page II-25). All new proposed classified (system) 

roads would be created and managed as operational Maintenance Level 2 roads and Maintenance Level 1 

when not in use for harvest activities. Under Maintenance Level 1, basic custodial maintenance is 

performed to keep damage to adjacent resources to an acceptable level and to perpetuate the road to 

facilitate future management activities. While being maintained at level 1, roads are closed to public 

motorized access and use (in concert with the Forest’s Travel Management Plan and Motorized Vehicle 

Use Map).

Therefore, it appears that the recommendation contained in this comment is closely aligned with what is 

actually being proposed. All proposed new or classified road reconstruction would include design to 

minimal widths to minimize resource impacts, as well as to keep construction costs down. Upon further 

consultation with the project hydrologist and soil scientist, they would not want to see the logging 

operation (e.g., temporary roads) put drainage crossings in on the following sites: S1, S3, S5, S7, S8, and 

S9. 
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-6

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

These locations in particular, need to have engineered designs to assure an adequate amount of protection 

from erosion and to water quality and ability to appropriately handle the potential range in stream flows 

and bedload passage. Considering the overall total length of this proposed new classified road and the 

amount of acres it is accessing, it is likely this road would need to be used multiple years during 

implementation of the Eden Ridge Project and therefore needs to be designed for that level of multi-year 

use. 

A final decision for the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project could include something less or different than 

the amount of new road construction proposed in DEIS Alternative 2 (and perhaps more or different than 

in DEIS Alternative 3). Alternative 4 would continue to propose no new classified roads.

Comment #4: Consider reduced system road construction in Coal Creek watershed (101)

We recommend that new Classified (system) road construction would be reduced from 4.45 miles in 

alternative 3 (II-83: Table II-25) to a maximum of 2.5 miles with increased use of temporary roads 

where permanent roads are now proposed. Reduced system roads and increased temporary roads 

would be emphasized in Coal Creek Watershed. (D-01, page 1, 3)

Response:

See Response to Comment #3, above, regarding temporary roads versus classified (system) roads. DEIS

Alternative 3 proposed less miles of classified road construction within areas of concern within the Coal 

Creek subwatershed, and DEIS Alternative 4 does not propose any new classified road construction for 

the project, including within the Coal Creek subwatershed. As noted above, a final decision could include 

all or parts of these alternatives, as well as a blending of existing or creation of new alternatives, which 

could include road construction at different levels than the alternatives analyzed in the DEIS.

Comment #5: Investigate use of temporary bridges (railroad flat car or log stringer) (102)

Railroad grades would be best developed as temporary new construction roads with narrow one 

way passage for log trucks. Perhaps engineers could find ways to span the railroad alignment at 

stream crossings. In 2007, [Assistant] Forest Engineer Ian Bayliss wrote an engineering report for 

Tracy Placer Mining Project that identified a railroad flat car or a log stringer bridge could span 

60 ft over Sucker Creek. We recommend that the Forest Service investigate the use of temporary 

bridges for use of longer railroad grades where stream crossings are needed (e.g. Road 5000299, 

5000442). (D-02, page3)

Response:

The use of railroad flat cars is not endorsed by the Forest Service. In order for a railroad flat car to be 

used, it would need to be tested for material strength and approved for commercial use. Testing of each 

piece necessary for the Eden Ridge project would not be practical. Most railroad flat cars that would be 

available for use as a bridge were removed from use on a railroad system because of longevity of service 

or risk of inability to carry designed railroad weight loads. 

In the case of Tracy Placer, the Forest Service (and the mining proponent) identified the use of a railroad 

car for the exclusive private access over one span for mining equipment and haul. This recommendation 

was potentially practical for that mining operation but would not be practical for extended commercial 

haul or public use. The option for a temporary bridge would always be one option to consider. Any 

specified temporary stream crossing would need to be designed by an engineer. 
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-7

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Comment #6: DEIS fails to identify a compelling fish and wildlife need for Riparian Reserve

treatments (103)

The [F should be D]EIS fails to identify a compelling fish and wildlife need for Riparian Reserve 

treatment. The only channels not meeting ACS objectives and in need of restoration are some areas 

along Coal Creek and mainstem Wooden Rock Creek where there would be artificial wood 

placement (III-134; II-31; H-26). We are not convinced that the potential benefits to riparian 

habitat outweigh the potential risk to water quality and aquatic resources. (D-01, page 4; D-04, 

page 3)

Response: 

The Northwest Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines for Timber Management within Riparian Reserves 

provides direction to:

“Apply silvicultural practices for Riparian Reserves to control stocking, reestablish and manage 

stands, and acquire desired vegetation characteristics needed to attain Aquatic Conservation Strategy 

objectives.” (USDI Bureau of Land Management and USDA Forest Service, page C-31; TM-1, c.)

This direction would be implemented through Eden Ridge Timber Sales, where the primary treatment 

objective in Riparian Reserves is to benefit riparian area functions, including future recruitment of large 

woody debris into streams. This objective ties in closely with Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objective 

(ACSO) 1; Maintain and restore complexity of watershed and landscape features, ACSO 8; Maintain and 

restore riparian plant communities and distribution of coarse woody debris, and ACSO 9; Maintain and 

restore habitat for riparian dependent species. 

For the Eden Ridge Planning Area, there is an overall need to restore riparian conditions for aquatic 

habitat, lost by historical railroad clear-cut logging. There is an initial need to restore riparian conditions 

for aquatic habitat in areas harvested in the past where there is a shortage of large wood for recruitment 

into streams. 

Riparian Reserve thinning would increase tree growth and lessen the time needed to establish future large 

wood delivery. Thinning would result in a long-term beneficial effect to fish habitat, by promoting the 

growth of large trees that would provide stream shade and large wood that creates complex instream 

habitats, thereby promoting vigorous fish populations. In the short-term, these treatments would remove 

smaller trees within Riparian Reserves; though, mitigation measures would be implemented to reduce the 

potential effect on short-term LWM recruitment, and eliminate the risk of adverse effect to the existing 

stream temperature regime.

Many Riparian Reserve areas within candidate stands are in need of some treatment (as seen the proposed 

treatment units associated with the Action Alternatives). The stream enhancement proposals (DEIS page 

III-134; II-31; and Appendix H-26) are within areas that currently have little to no large wood , are within 

areas of resident fish habitat (i.e., perennial streams) and have some access for enhancement activities. 

Some enhancement activities are also proposed within non-commercial units (DEIS Appendix H, page H27).

The DEIS stated (DEIS page I-6) that the need for this project and its variable density thinning treatments 

is..... “for tree stocking level control to reduce stand densities through intermediate harvest thinning 

treatments to sustain or increase tree growth and improve forest vigor and resiliency. Density 

management would release remaining trees from inter-tree competition for sunlight, water and soil 

nutrients when compared to untreated areas.”
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-8

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The stated Purpose of actions under Eden Ridge is to respond to the stated Need. Specific stand 

management objectives associated with the Purpose and Need for this proposal and treatment of Riparian 

Reserves (DEIS page I-6) included:

 “Improve habitat conditions for wildlife and fish. This means increasing vegetative and structural 

diversity and species; maintained or improved shading capability of streams; improved large 

wood retention and large wood recruitment, and providing suitable amounts of snags and/or 

replacement habitat for dependent species.”

The desired condition for Riparian Reserves within Eden Ridge candidate stands is for these riparian 

areas to acquire and continue to serve their existing aquatic ecosystem protection functions (effective 

stream shade, bank stabilization, provision of wood and leaf litter to the stream channel, etc.) at lower tree 

densities that are on a trajectory to develop high quality, sustainable riparian habitat (DEIS Appendix B, 

page B-25). 

The specific need for Riparian Reserve treatment was established through preliminary stand examination 

of the Eden Ridge Planning Area and documented at DEIS II-3 thru II-19, and in more detail in DEIS 

Appendix B, which confirmed overly dense conditions, both in the uplands and Riparian Reserve areas. 

Since the Eden Ridge Timber Sales DEIS was released, further field reconnaissance including stand 

examination and validation of Riparian Reserve areas has occurred for the project. Additional stand exam 

plots taken within Riparian Reserves during summer 2012 showed 165 out of 199 plots (83%) with 

relative density greater than 50%. Species composition is 91% Douglas-fir, 3% western hemlock, 3% 

Port-Orford-cedar, 2% tanoak and <1% chinquapin. Tree heights ranged 67 to 145 feet with an average 

height of 95 feet. Tree diameters ranged 12 to 27 inches with an average diameter of 17 inches. A 

qualitative assessment associated with the 2012 Riparian Reserve Stand Exams of large woody material 

noted 28%, 43%, 25% (of 114 plots) were in the “Heavy, Moderate and Light” categories respectively for 

existing conditions of down wood within Riparian Reserves.

Adoption and implementation of the 2011 Northwest Forest Plan Temperature TMDL Implementation 

Strategies with the FEIS (see Response to Comment #22) increases the primary shade zone width based 

on slope and tree height. Tree heights measured in Riparian Reserves during the 2012 stand exams 

indicate the primary shade zones for Eden Ridge Timber Sales would range 50 to 85 feet on both side of a 

stream course. 

Avoidance of these areas would allow for natural suppression processes to occur and produce snags (Lutz 

2005; Pabst 2003) that would be available for future recruitment of down woody material into the stream 

channel to restore (improve) conditions in concert with Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives.

Outside of the Primary Shade Zone is where riparian thinning would occur. These areas would be thinned 

to expedite large tree development while maintaining 50% canopy cover as silvicultural objectives to 

restore structural diversity goals stated in the ACSOs and expedite development of late seral conditions 

that were historically present in this area, and serve as recruitment sources for large wood (USDA 1995). 

Documentation of the most recent field reconnaissance including stand examination, validation of 

Riparian Reserve areas, and clarification of the current conditions, desired conditions and need for 

Riparian Reserve treatments will be included in the Final EIS (Chapter I). Also see response to 

Comments #19, #23 and #24 (below).

Comment #7: Retain Riparian Reserve treatments as “skips” and areas for snag creation (104)

Untreated Riparian Reserves would provide skips for variable density thinning. Thus it would 

seem prudent to retain Riparian Reserves as no treatment “skips”. We recommend that Riparian 

Reserves be evaluated for snag creation, not commercial thinning. We believe that partially 

reduced live tree densities could be achieved with snag creation and tree falling to improve habitat 

for wildlife. (D-01, page 4)
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-9

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Response:

Untreated portions of Riparian Reserves would provide skips from variable density thinning. Everywhere 

there is an operational restriction, there is a skip. Every Riparian Reserve has a “no-cut” channel 

protection zone of 25 feet with an additional no-treatment buffer (based on 2011 TMDL) of 50 – 85 feet 

for the primary shade zone of perennial streams. These “no-cut” zones are a skip in treatment of the 

stands and provide diversity for other resource concerns. 

It must also be remembered that variable density treatments would create non-uniform density and 

skipped areas within its prescription, and that not every parcel of every acre would currently be 

overstocked, and therefore in need of any treatment, nor would it be treated (thereby creating skips). 

Skips can also be strategically placed to protect hardwood thickets, minor tree species, pockets of large 

down wood, other unique stand attributes and inaccessible areas (see DEIS Figure II-1).

All treatment areas, as well as areas within Riparian Reserves that are not treated, would be evaluated for 

snag creation (see DEIS II-13):

“Evaluations would occur after density management treatments to assess potential needs for 

snag/down wood creation. In areas lacking adequate amounts of down woody material (include snags 

in calculations), green trees may be felled. Any leave trees damaged during harvest operations would 

be left standing or felled for safety, but left on site. The intent is to provide future snags or trees with 

cavities or deformities utilized by wildlife.”

Comment #8: DEIS fails to map Riparian Reserves that would be treated separate from 

Matrix....need spatially explicit information (105)

The DEIS indicates that action alternatives would include a mix of Matrix and Riparian Reserve 

(Table S-1; p.S-3) but the action alternative maps (II-8, II-9) fail to distinguish the extent of 

Riparian Reserves within units. Failure to map Riparian Reserves gives the false impression that 

none exist within units. Failure to map Riparian Reserves prevents us from making substantive 

comment about the accuracy of mapping according to standards and criteria identified in the NW 

Forest Plan (DEIS II-33). (D-01, page 5)

Response:

The DEIS Action Alternative maps did not include the extent of Riparian Reserves within each unit 

because it would have added more detail and complexity to maps that are already complex (making them 

harder to read and interpret). Inclusion of all estimated Riparian Areas may have also required several 

additional EIS maps, or changing the format of alternative maps to a larger size; that may have required 

them to be folded and separated from the body of the DEIS (as seen, for example, in the Travel 

Management EIS maps).

DEIS Tables II-12, II-16, and II-20 clearly identified the acres of Riparian Reserve within each included 

unit, and within each Action Alternative, separately from Matrix acres. These acres are estimated and 

include the “No-Cut Buffers” and Stream Channel Protection Zones as required by the Riparian Reserve 

Project Design Criteria (DEIS pages II-32 thru II-40). 

DEIS page II-33 does not make statements regarding the accuracy of mapping according to standards and 

criteria identified in the NW Forest Plan. Statements on DEIS page II-33 speak to the likely occurrence 

of Riparian Reserve areas that may need treatment, as determined during implementation:
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-10

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

“Thinning within Riparian Reserves associated with perennial streams within some candidate stands 

is proposed, based on field reconnaissance. Further investigation during implementation may identify 

Riparian Reserves that are currently fully functioning and not in need of thinning treatments. There 

are likely to be intermittent or perennial streams not yet identified. These areas would need to be 

identified through additional field reconnaissance and mapped in GIS. Some, all or none of these 

Riparian Reserves may need vegetative treatment to maintain or improve their function in accordance 

with the ACS.”

While Riparian Reserve treatments would employ Riparian Reserve Project Design Criteria, the actual 

variable density thinning silvicultural treatments within the outer (upland) portions of areas designated as 

Riparian Reserve (based on stream class and fish-bearing status), would be similar to Matrix treatments, 

or would not be treated. 

Comment #9: DEIS fails to report timber volume, size and number of trees from Riparian 

Reserves separate from Matrix (106)

The DEIS (p. 1-7) states that “commercial timber harvested from stand treatments would 

contribute to the Forest’s Probable Sale quantity.” This would only be true for commercial timber 

from matrix lands. The FEIS must estimate matrix volume separate from Riparian Reserve 

volume. (D-01, page 6)

Response:

See Response to Comment #8 above, regarding the location, conditions and objectives of Riparian 

Reserve treatments areas versus Matrix.

The statement under the first paragraph, last sentence, DEIS page I-7 (as quoted in the comment) should 

not have implied that all treatments would contribute to the Forest’s Probable Sale Quantity (PSQ). 

Under the Purpose and Need for Action section, DEIS page I-6, it appropriately stated:

“Contribution of Commercial Timber to the Probable Sale Quantity - Proposed candidate stands are 

primarily allocated to Matrix and contribute to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Probable 

Sale Quantity (PSQ). PSQ is the estimated output of commercial timber and other commodities 

assigned to the Forest under the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan.”

The comment correctly identifies that scheduled timber harvest (that contributing to PSQ volume) is 

associated with the Matrix allocation (NWFP page C-39); however, all commercial volume removed 

would be accounted for on an annual basis. This will be clarified in the Final EIS.

The age, size, density and other conditions associated with the current stands, and that which is estimated 

to be removed (and retained) is contained within the silvicultural treatment elements (DEIS pages II-3 

thru II-19) and in greater detail in DEIS Appendix B.

An estimate of volume quantity, size and number of trees to be removed, separated by allocation, are not 

important indicators and are not needed to make an informed and reasoned decision at this planning stage 

by the responsible official. The focus of analysis has been on the outcomes of treatments, and not on the 

outputs. NEPA requires the effects of an action to be analyzed and disclosed, and the Eden Ridge EIS 

meets those criteria by disclosing existing estimated stand densities, stand structure, species composition, 

and canopy closures and comparing them to desired conditions. These indicators more accurately 

respond to the issues and the effects on existing resources; such as, residual stand conditions, hydrology, 

soils, wildlife, and fish. 
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-11

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Further, a more precise accounting of volume extracted would be determined only after implementation

of the project under any forthcoming decision, and after application of the required Project Design 

Criteria and Mitigation Measures. This precision would be available on a unit-by-unit basis, as compiled 

as part of one or more of the several timber sales that would likely be forthcoming, if a decision is made 

(see DEIS Chapter II, Section 2, j). 

Comment #10: Ground based logging has been chosen due to economics; NFMA violation (107)

Proposed Ground Based Yarding violates NFMA and Siskiyou National Forest Plan. Note that 

NFMA requires that a given logging system cannot be chosen because of economics alone. 36 CFR 

219.27(b)(3). We believe that a fair and substantive NEPA analysis will indicate that tractor 

yarding in the planning area threatens the soil values and productivity of the proposed harvest 

units. It appears that all areas that meet slope requirements for ground based harvest (<35%) were 

allocated to that system because of economics. We recommend that substantial areas currently 

identified for ground based logging be logged with skyline. Skyline is recommended where ground 

based systems have high soil damage or there are multiple stream crossings through riparian 

reserves. (D-01, page 9)

Response: 

Analysis under NEPA has not chosen a logging system based on economics. Rather, the analysis under 

NEPA has predicted and analyzed an anticipated economical and realistic harvest system that would meet 

prescribed mitigation requirements and Project Design Criteria. Ground based harvest systems were 

predicted in order to be able to analyze and disclose the maximum potential disturbance that could occur 

with those allowable actions. Harvest yarding systems were predicted with full consideration of type of 

treatments, operational feasibility, and risk of adverse effects to soils and site productivity. 

All areas in the Proposed Action that were analyzed for ground-based logging systems (up to 35% slope), 

were designed to result in compliance with Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines. Further, in a timber 

sale contract, it is not the yarding system that is specified, it is the requirements of the standard of 

acceptable effects. In other words, any less disturbing yarding method that still meets all the mitigations, 

design features, etc. could be chosen by the operator to be used instead, such as helicopter or skyline. As 

further example, all sites analyzed for skyline could ultimately be helicopter logged, but could not likely 

be logged with ground based systems to meet standards. 

Other Action Alternatives included less roading and subsequently more skyline and helicopter logging 

systems (which also would meet Standards and Guidelines) were analyzed. Operational economics and 

feasibility is also an important issue for this project and an adequate range of alternatives was considered, 

in concert with meeting Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines. An anticipated yarding system was 

predicted in order to estimate the economic consequences. The NFMA requirement is in regard to 

economics solely and the comment provided has assumed unacceptable impacts resulting from economic 

based decisions, which is not the case for Eden Ridge Timber Sales. 

Comment #11: Skid trail spacing of 100 feet apart would exceed forest plan standards and 

guidelines, including roads and landings (108) 

Appendix I-18 states: “It is estimated that an average skid trail spacing of 100 feet apart would 

result in approximately 12% to 15% of the area being covered with skid trails.” Roads and 

landings would put soil damage over 15%. The Siskiyou National Forest Plan IV-44 states that:

“The total area of detrimental soil conditions should not exceed 15 percent of the total acreage 

within the activity area, including roads and landings.” We recommend that skid trails be spaced 

at 200 ft. to reduce soil impacts. (D-01, page 9)
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-12

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Response:

The statement regarding 100 foot language and ground based systems found at DEIS Appendix I, page I18 (also DEIS Chapter 2, Page II-21) was intended as a general statement. More specifically, it should 

have read “In general, skid trail spacing should average 80 to 100 feet apart. Assuming uniform 

conditions, a typical width of 12 feet; 80 foot spacing equals 15%, and 100 foot spacing equals 12%.”

Operationally, the spacing on every site is different and a range in spacing is allowable and needed to deal 

with site variations, and is not prescribed in the contract. Ultimately, what is important is that the overall 

Standard and Guideline is met. The Forest standard of 15% including roads and landings (as measured by 

each activity area (see 1998 Regional Soils Guidelines) would be met (regardless of yarding system or 

alternative).

Generally, the discussion of spacing is that which would result in the maximum allowable disturbance, 

which is what is analyzed, knowing that actual skid trail layout during implementation often results in 

wider spacing and much less disturbance, however and ultimately meeting the Standard and Guideline of 

15%, including roads and landings. This will be clarified in the Final EIS.

Alternatives or Elements to Consider

Comment #12: Consider an alternative of no commercial thinning or broadcast burning in 

Riparian Reserves (150)

Because the DEIS fails to identify a compelling fish and wildlife need for Riparian Reserve 

treatment, we recommend no commercial logging and no prescribed burning in Riparian Reserves. 

Tree felling would be permitted for disease control, access, skyline corridors, increased down wood, 

and temporary road construction but no Riparian Reserve trees would be removed. (D-01, page 4)

Response:

See Response to Comment #6 above, regarding need for treatment within Riparian Reserve. 

Consideration of no activities or treatments, including commercial extraction within Riparian Reserve

was documented in the DEIS (Chapter II, Section D, specifically Page II-82).

As discussed in DEIS Chapter II, Section C, 2, (Activity Fuels Treatments, Page II-19, 20); broadcast 

burning was not specifically proposed as an activity fuels treatment, as associated with variable density 

thinning treatments. 

The Interdisciplinary Team noted that the graphic shown in Figure II-19 (DEIS page II-39), may have 

implied that prescribed or “broadcast” burning was proposed, with the inclusion of special Project Design 

Criteria. This figure is not necessary for actions proposed under this project and this section and figure 

will be removed in the Final EIS. Text within the overall Riparian Reserve Project Design Criteria will 

be clarified to include criteria for location of hand piles and burning within Riparian Reserves.

Comment #13: Recommend limits be placed on gap creation similar to Equine Thin (151)

Variable density thinning would include gap creation of 1⁄4 to 2 acres to primarily treat laminated 

root rot infection centers (II-7). We recommend that limits be placed on gap creation similar to 

those in Equine Thin Decision (p. 4). We recommend that the Eden Ridge would stipulate that gaps 

would normally range from 0.25 to 1 acre in size and not over more than 5 percent of a unit. 

Larger gaps up to 2 acres would be permitted to treat laminated root rot and PL disease. If 

possible, gaps would be placed at least 1⁄4 mile from private land where clear-cut logging has created 

openings of 100 acres or more. (D-01, page 8)
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-13

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Response:

The range of sizes for gap creation for the Equine project was based on needs related to wildlife habitat

and diversity creation. The range of sizes for gap creation for the Eden Ridge project is primarily for 

management of existing diseases (see DEIS pages II-13 thru II-19, and DEIS Appendix B). Disease 

treatments could exceed one acre (as needed up to 2 acres) and would occur wherever disease exists, 

therefore not necessarily adjacent to private lands. These gaps also provide an opportunity to plant PortOrford-cedar for diversity and disease resistant stock.

Comment #14: Consider year round closure of all new roads/ coordinate with TMP SEIS (440, 441, 

449) (152)

We recommend that newly constructed roads from recent timber sales and this project have year 

round motorized closures to provide refugia for wildlife and reduce PL risk. Road 290 in section 27 

would be gated year round and road 448 in section 18 would be gated year round. These road 

closures appear consistent with proposed RRSNF Motor Vehicle Use Alternative 5 (DSEIS 

September 2011). However, Roads 440, 441 and 449 remain open in the DSEIS Map 4 with no 

seasonal closures. (D-01, page 8)

Response:

See Response to Comment #3 regarding Maintenance Level 1 roads. All new Eden Ridge classified roads 

would be designed and maintained as Level 1 roads, i.e., would be closed to motorized use (when not 

being used for commercial timber sale access). This status would provide refugia for wildlife and reduce 

risk of spread of PL.

Currently, the 5000290 is a Cost Share Road and has 2 gates that are closed year round. The 5000448 has 

a gate in section 18 that limits access to the Coos Forest Protection Association lookout tower which is 

also closed year round. The 449 Road has a gate that is seasonally closed. The 5000440 Road has a gate 

and is closed/blocked year round. The 441 is a Cost Share Road and is gated seasonally. These road 

closures/conditions will inform and be made consistent with the Forest’s Travel Management Process. 

Map 4 of the DSEIS for Travel Management may currently be inconsistent regarding these roads. 

Coordination will occur with current conditions, any forthcoming decision regarding Eden Ridge Timber 

Sales and the Forest’s ongoing Travel Management Process.

Comment #15: Recommend that pile burns be located away from large down logs and no 

broadcast burning (153)

There is a lot of large down wood (logs) on the forest floor in various states of decay. We 

recommend that the decision state that pile burns be located away from large down logs so that the 

down logs are not consumed by escaped pile burns. We recommend that there be no broadcast 

burning because it would likely consume valuable large down wood (DEIS II-76). (D-01, page 9)

Response:

As discussed at DEIS Page II-20, “Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for detrimental soil conditions 

and erosion (SNF-LRMP; pages IV-44-45) would be applied for this project. Slash piles have the 

potential to create severely burned and bare soils in the footprint of the piles. By minimizing the size and 

maximizing the spacing between piles, and burning in the winter and spring windows of opportunity 

when soil and fuel moistures are high, soil detrimental impacts and mineral soil exposure is minimized. 

This would also compliment the objectives of maximizing the retention of Large Woody Material (LRMP 

S&G 7-8). Large down woody material left from historical railroad logging represent a unique situation 

and every effort to avoid disturbance and maintain this existing material will be made. This will be 

clarified in the Final EIS.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-14

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Burn Plans would be required for any fuels treatment (DEIS Page II-76), and would specify forest 

features that would need protection from burning activities. Large down logs would be one of the 

elements to avoid in placement of burn piles, as well as others. This will also be clarified in the Final 

EIS. 

As discussed in Response to Comment #12 (above), broadcast burning was not specifically proposed as 

an activity fuels treatment, as associated with variable density thinning treatments.

Comment #16: Recommend mitigation measures be expanded to include specific tangible actions 

(154)

Regarding Units 303, 307, 308 and 309: we recommend that the mitigation measures on page III-19 

be expanded to include information about specific tangible action that would be taken to mitigate 

for road runoff. (D-04, page 4)

Response:

The Mitigation Measures mentioned on DEIS Page III-19 (Hydrologic Conditions, consequences), was 

stated as:

“Units 303, 307, 308 and 309: Sediment transport would be monitored by the sale administrator. 

Any visible sediment input to Coal Creek originating from these units would require implementation 

of mitigating measures that would capture/prevent sediment transport recommended by a soil 

scientist, hydrologist, or engineer.”

This statement in DEIS Chapter III was actually referring to the Mitigation Measures listed in DEIS 

Chapter II, page 70, “Special Haul Restrictions to Prevent Fine Sediment Delivery to Streams”. The 

monitoring is to be done by the Forest Service (not just the sale administrator). These measures mention 

maintaining road crowns, ceasing operations, and requiring the purchaser to place sediment filters to 

prevent any sediment from reaching any stream. Monitoring would identify the need and the types of 

actions could include cessation of operation, and sediment filters could include water bars, straw waddles, 

mulch, spreading slash, etc. This will be clarified in the Final EIS.

DEIS Chapter III - Affected Environment/Environmental Consequences

Hydrology

Comment #17: DEIS need to report road density for Coal Creek in 1994...and recent road density 

(200)

The DEIS needs to report the road density in Coal Creek when the Forest Plan was implemented 

(1994) and the increased road density from recent timber sales. This is important because the 

proposed action would further increase existing Coal Creek road density from 4.19 miles/sq. mi to 

4.62 miles/sq. mi (p. III-18[actually II-19]). Proposed Action road building would put Coal Creek at 

high risk for adversely impacting water quality and water yield (III-33; Table III-14). This is 

contrary to the intent of Standards and Guidelines for key watersheds. (D-01, page 2)

Response:

See Response to Comment #1. The Standards and Guidelines for Key Watersheds are applicable at the 

entire fifth-field of the South Fork Coquille watershed, not just sub-watersheds like Coal Creek. DEIS 

Chapter III, page III-2 discusses the assumptions regarding cumulative effects analysis. Cumulative 

effects analysis has considered the past effects of actions by determining the current conditions. This is 

more important because for this watershed, the current condition regarding road density is higher 

(primarily due to private timberland roading) than it would have been in 1994. 
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-15

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Hydrology Report presented the current road density as of 2009, the best available data for the entire 

sub-watershed (including private lands). It may have changed slightly (increased) since then but not 

much (and not from Forest Service actions). It is not clear as to why reporting the road density in 1994 or 

the change in road density since 1994 would be important to the analysis.

The table cited at DEIS page III-33 (Table III-14) displays percent of regeneration harvest by 

subwatershed, an element of hydrologic maturity, not the overall risk of cumulative watershed effects

(which is shown in Table III-15, page III-35). Here, the overall risk of adverse (cumulative) watershed 

effects for Coal Creek subwatershed is displayed as a “High” risk.

As stated in DEIS Appendix C, page C-28, the 1993 USDA/USFS cumulative effects protocol identifies 

that high risk ratings for road density begin at 4.6 miles/sq. mi. The Proposed Action would increase 

existing Coal Creek road density from 4.19 miles/sq. mi to 4.62 miles/sq. mi. (High risk) A 0.43 mi/sq.

mi. increase in road density (Table III-3, DEIS Page III-19) for a sub-watershed that already has a road 

density of over 4 miles/sq. mile is not a large increase. This increase (due to Forest Service actions) 

would occur within apportion of the Coal Creek Watershed that currently has few roads. Road density is 

one of the four indicators used to evaluate relative risk of adverse cumulative effects (DEIS page III-33). 

It must be remembered that a large portion of the Coal Creek sub-watershed (60%) is owned by private 

timberland interests, who have and will continue to intensively manage their lands with extensive road 

access and regeneration harvesting. Key Watershed standards and guidelines only apply to federallymanaged lands under the Northwest Forest Plan.

The Proposed Action (Alternative 2) under Eden Ridge would NOT put Coal Creek at an overall High 

risk (Table III-15, DEIS Page III-35), it would minimally add to a situation that is already at High risk. 

DEIS Alternative 3 would add 0.12 miles/sq. mi., and Alternative 4 would not increase road density. This 

will be clarified in the Final EIS.

Comment #18: DEIS analysis should document the size, gradient and other characteristics of 

streams adjacent to each logging area and effects of logging (201)

The NEPA analysis should disclose the effects of logging not only on absolute size of wood but on 

the size of wood relative to stream size and gradient. If the goal of logging is to create large trees 

faster, the NEPA analysis should document the size, gradient, and other characteristics of streams 

adjacent to each logging area and determine the size of wood that can serve key ecological and 

hydrological functions, then disclose the effects of logging relative to those relevant wood sizes. (D01, page 5)

Response:

Stream characteristics were documented in the DEIS beginning at Page III-14, and Appendix C 

(Hydrology Report); notably Page C–10; Coal Creek Level II Stream Survey, August 2010; Page C–12;

Stream Survey conclusions regarding large wood recruitment; Page C–13; Channel Morphology & Large 

Wood - Middle Fork Coquille; and Page C–15, Channel Morphology & Large Wood - South Fork 

Coquille.

Especially germane to this comment is the text of Appendix C, page C-22; Channel Morphology and 

Large Wood. “.....The Planning Area contains numerous small streams (only a few feet wide) that are 

first and second order channels, are intermittent or ephemeral, and may include boggy areas and seeps. 

Stream valleys are often V-shaped and the active channel less than ten feet wide. Small wood and 

vegetation are sufficient to provide channel and slope stability.” 
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-16

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

“NFS lands in the Planning Area have little opportunity to provide large wood to the main stems of Coal 

Creek or Wooden Rock Creek since the majority is located in the uplands away from the channel. 

Proposed Units 308, 309 and 315 are close enough to provide wood to Coal Creek. Units 202, 209, 212, 

213, and 214 are close enough to provide wood to Wooden Rock Creek. The remaining project units are 

too far away from large or mainstem channels to be an instream wood source, and/or are not drained by 

streams large enough to transport large wood.”

All proposed units have been harvested in the past; the largest diameter trees observed in Riparian 

Reserves associated with units was approximately 24”; the majority are 6” to 18” diameter. In-channel 

large woody material in Region 6 is defined as a minimum of 50 feet long with a DBH of 36 inches at the 

small end. Currently, none of the trees within Riparian Reserves of the Planning Area meet this criterion, 

with the exception of downed cull logs left by historical harvest activity. The role of LWM as a structural 

element is critical in the larger channels of Wooden Rock Creek and Coal Creek. 

See Responses to Comments #19, 20 and #24 (below) regarding the effects of treatments relative to 

woody material. The effects of treatments and connected actions on woody material will be clarified in 

the FEIS.

Comment #19: Agency cannot discount the value of small wood; must account for quantity and 

quality of wood (large wood) (202)

Seven pieces of small wood are just as likely to form a channel-spanning pool as a large piece of 

wood (Rosenfeld, J. S., and Huato, L. 2003; Relationship between LWD characteristics and pool

formation in small coastal British Columbia streams). This means that the agency cannot 

completely discount the value of small wood, and it shows the cumulative value of abundant small 

wood (which is often captured and exported by logging). NEPA analyses must account for the 

effects of logging on both the quantity and quality of wood. (D-01, page 5)

Response:

The DEIS and its documentation makes no intention to discount the value of small wood (see the 

“Purpose” portion of Purpose and Need, DEIS Page I-7, second bullet). The Purpose and Need section of 

Chapter I will be revised for the FEIS.

See Response to Comment #2, where an error in text regarding large down wood was identified. Riparian 

stands that would be treated are essentially identical to upland stands in terms of species, size and density. 

In other words, the stands are even aged and even sized. Protection buffers and Riparian Reserve Project 

Design Criteria specify leaving all down wood that currently exists or falls in these buffers. Variable 

density thinning would encourage residual trees to grow bigger and faster, even though some are as far as 

50-85 feet (based on 2011 TMDL) away from the streams due to buffers. When these residual trees are 

allowed to grow larger, they would attain the target size for large woody material. This will be clarified 

in the Final EIS.

Upon review of Rosenfeld and Huato (2003) (the science paper identified in this comment); it states that

large wood greater than 23 inches makes more difference than the 5 inch pieces of wood, if they make it 

to the stream channel along with having the root wad attached. Root wads would not be attached when 

trees are beyond the specified buffers (unless contained in landslides). Upslope trees cannot be compared 

to trees within or near the stream channel.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-17

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Comment #20: See Heiken 2010; Dead Wood Response to Thinning (203)

DEIS page III-137 says that alternatives that log less in riparian reserves "could result in an 

increase of future small diameter instream recruitment in perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral 

streams instead of mature, large woody material." However, this is not supported by any analysis 

nor is it consistent with the available analyses that have been done. See Heiken, D., 2010, Dead 

Wood Response to Thinning: Some Examples from Modeling Work. (D-01, page 5)

Response:

The complete citation from DEIS III-137 regarding the effects of Alternatives 3 and 4 states:

“There would be less riparian vegetation treated with Alternative 3 as compared to Alternative 2; 

even less for Alternative 4. Treating fewer riparian acres would promote less growth of larger trees 

as well as allow the growth of understory species to provide for diverse, healthy, riparian vegetation. 

By treating less riparian vegetation acres as compared to Alternative 2, other species would not come 

in under the current Douglas-fir dominated stand and would result in slowing down attainment of 

late-successional characteristics within the Riparian Reserve. This could result in an increase of 

future small diameter instream recruitment in perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams instead 

of mature, large woody material.”

The predictable effects are stated here as “could” result in an increase of future small diameter instream 

recruitment instead of mature, large woody material, and not an absolute. The preponderance of scientific 

literature supports the conclusion that reducing overly dense riparian stands promotes growth of larger 

trees as well as allow the growth of understory species to provide for diverse, healthy, riparian vegetation, 

thus maintaining and/or accelerating attainment of late-successional characteristics.

The D. Heiken 2010 citation was reviewed. http://www.slideshare.net/dougoh/effects-of-logging-ondead-wood-habitat. This is a “slide show” with NEPA examples from other projects on other Forests in 

the Region concerning dead wood and snags. There are quotes or tables/graphs from the NEPA 

documents with opinions and commentary from D. Heiken (Oregon Wild) added. These citations do not 

necessarily apply to the Eden Ridge project because of location, species, site conditions and stand ages of 

these other projects in relation to those of Eden Ridge. Further, this compilation of examples does not 

represent peer-reviewed scientific literature. 

Comment #21: Consider citing May, and Gresswell regarding sediment trapping and retention 

(204)

The DEIS states that “Debris dams composed of smaller wood also provides for effective sediment 

trapping and retention,” and the document describes processes related to trapping of sediment by 

woody debris in streams; however, the document does not provide references to support the 

statements. The Department recommends that the FEIS include two U.S. Geological Survey 2003

publications as supporting references: May, Christine L., and Gresswell, Robert E.; Processes and 

rates of wood accumulation in headwater streams of the Oregon Coast Range, and Large wood 

recruitment and redistribution in headwater streams in the southern Oregon Coast Range. (D-03, 

page 2)

Response:

These references were reviewed by the project hydrologist and fisheries biologist. These references do 

seem to support DEIS statements regarding sediment trapping and retention. It should also be 

remembered that this project is primarily variable density thinning, and not a clear-cut or regeneration 

treatment (as was the subject of the publication). While some overly dense material could be removed

within outer portions of Riparian Reserves, the goal of treatments is to grow residual trees to a larger size 

so that if for some reason (windstorm, slide, major flood) trees and/or snags falling outside of the buffers 

that reach the streams, would be larger in diameter.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-18

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Comment #22: Recommend using 2011 TMDL primary shade zone widths (205)

In order to support TMDL implementation, we recommend that the primary shade zone wide in 

the EIS be revised from those in Table II-11 in the DEIS (i.e., 50 to 60 feet depending on hill slope) 

to those in Table 4 of the 2011 Updated TMDL Strategy (i.e., 70 to 85 feet depending on hill slope. 

(D-04, page 4)

Response:

The 2011 TMDL primary shade zone width recommendations were not finalized or available during the 

preparation of the DEIS. While alternatives were analyzed and consultation with National Marine 

Fisheries Service was based on the lessor primary shade zone widths (who concurred with the Forest 

Service determination and effects), increasing these widths per the 2011 TMDLs would provide even 

more protection and be more conservative. The recommendation to utilize the 2011 TMDL primary 

shade zone widths will be adopted and the Final EIS document will appropriately reflect this change. 

Wildlife

Comment #23: Riparian treatments do not provide for wildlife due to removal of down wood; see

Dillingham and Manning (300)

Project design criteria for commercial thinning in Riparian Reserves (II-32, 33, 34) are 

unwarranted and illegal because trees that are potentially available to wildlife and down wood 

would be removed. Published reports indicate deleterious impacts to wildlife from thinning. 

Dillingham et al. (2008) found that thinning on the Siskiyou National Forest reduced song bird 

densities. New information has found that even light thinning significantly reduces prey species 

such as flying squirrels for at least 12 years (Manning et al. 2011). D-01, page 4)

Response:

Under Eden Ridge, none of the Action Alternatives propose to remove existing down wood. Project 

Design Criteria include Stream Channel Protection zones where no activities would occur. Within 

riparian treatment zones, variable density thinning could occur (if current conditions were overly dense). 

Thinning would potentially remove some smaller trees, which would have a minimal effect on

recruitment of future (not current) down woody material. For perennial streams, riparian no treatment 

buffers would range from 50-85 feet (based on 2011 TMDL) away from the stream course. Riparian 

Reserve buffer widths and thinning intensity would be based on stream type (perennial, intermittent or 

ephemeral), and fish presence. Thinning allows more light into the stand, which would increase brush 

cover and diversity (Brock et al., 2011). True riparian habitat and amounts of large wood adjacent to 

stream courses would not be degraded (or affected).

Dillingham et al. 2008 was reviewed. As stated in its Management Implications (Page 43 of

Northwestern Naturalist, 89(1):33-45):

“Commercial thinning temporarily moves stands out of the closed-canopy stage and accelerates 

development of conditions, such as a multi-storied canopy found in a late-successional 

forest.”.....“Species associated with mature forest and closed canopy forests... are likely to 

experience negative short-term effects caused by commercial thinning as a result of the decrease in 

conifer and deciduous canopy and understory vegetation. However, because some species positively 

responded to thinning, we recommend that thinning some mature (80 to 110-yrs-old) forest may be 

part of a balanced silvicultural program.”

This would be similar to what is being proposed under Eden Ridge; e.g., variable density thinning of 

younger, overly dense stands approaching a mature classification, but not late-successional forests.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-19

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Manning et al. 2011 was reviewed. As stated in their Conclusion (Page 123 of Forest Ecology and 

Management 264 (2012) 115–124):

“...our research makes it clear that densities of northern flying squirrels are particularly sensitive to 

thinning in young Douglas-fir forests, for at least 12 years after treatment. Whether observed 

decreases in density also mean decreases in population viability has not been adequately addressed, 

and will require comparison of flying squirrel reproductive fitness and survival rates between thinned 

and unthinned young stands.” 

Therefore while densities of flying squirrels were found to be lower in thinned stands, additional research 

is needed to determine whether thinning decreases overall survival rates of prey species. Thinning 

provides other ecological benefits by allowing trees to grow larger and faster, and to develop other 

suitable wildlife habitat characteristics (e. g., large limbs, larger crowns, etc.). 

As discussed at DEIS page III-92, based on historical observations and protocol surveys, there is no 

evidence of extensive use of the Planning Area or riparian areas by northern spotted owls. Use as 

foraging areas within habitat classified as dispersal is expected to continue after density management 

treatments. Given the current stand conditions (young forests that do not contain giant trees, large 

cavities, or large limbs, adequate levels of snags or down woody material, and not considered latesuccessional forest) it is also likely there is not currently an abundance of flying squirrels. Further, based 

on historical records and stand examination for this project, candidate stands are currently less than 80 

years old.

See Response to Comment #25 (below) for more discussion on Manning et al. 2011 and effects on prey 

species. Also see Response to Supplemental Comment #SC-5 regarding Anthony 2013 (below). 

Discussion regarding down wood and effects on prey species will be clarified the FEIS (Chapter III, 

Section E, 9).

Comment #24: DEIS fails to disclose that logging will delay recruitment of large wood (301)

One of the purposes of this project is to improve recruitment of large wood to benefit fish and 

wildlife. However, the DEIS does not show that logging will provide any benefits and it fails to 

disclose that logging will in all likelihood reduce and delay recruitment of large wood. (D-01, page 4)

Response: 

See Response to Comment #6, #19, and #20. Riparian treatments would not affect the immediate stream 

channel zone where most large wood would come from. Riparian stands that would be treated (in the 

outer portions of designated Riparian Reserves) are identical to upland stands in terms of species, size and 

density. Variable density thinning would encourage residual trees to grow bigger and faster, even though 

some are as far as 50-85 feet (based on 2011 TMDL) away from the streams due to buffers (Project 

Design Criteria). 

When these residual trees within treated areas are allowed to grow larger, they would become the target 

size for potential large wood recruitment, beneficial to fish habitat and wildlife. The majority of wildlife 

species utilize larger snags >18 inches (Mellen et al. 2009) and these larger diameters meet multiple life 

cycle needs, including eventual large down wood. Therefore, for riparian areas, treatments would be 

designed to maintain and restore (improve) recruitment of large wood.

Thinning in young stands promotes the development of larger diameter green trees faster over time than 

in un-thinned stands (Davis and Puettman, 2007; Harrington et al., 2005; Garman et al., 2003). However, 

the reduced competition from the thinning and snag creation reduces density-dependent mortality in the 

residual stands, allowing them to be healthier and live longer before succumbing to competition, insects, 

or disease to become a snag, and eventually downed wood. 
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-20

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Thinning provides other ecological benefits by allowing trees to grow larger and faster, and to develop 

other suitable wildlife habitat characteristics (e. g., large limbs, larger crowns, etc.).

Within treated and untreated riparian areas, additional snags could be created with KV funds if available,

where needed (DEIS page II-30). Not treating the dense portions of these stands would allow them to 

remain stunted for a longer period, which would delay future large wood recruitment. This will be 

clarified in the Final EIS.

Comment #25: DEIS uses outdated studies and incorrectly states that density management can

have short term adverse effects on prey species; see Manning 2011 (302)

[Regarding riparian thinning], the DEIS (III-95) uses outdated studies and incorrectly states that 

“[d] ensity management can have short term (less than 5 years) adverse impacts on prey species 

and foraging and dispersal habitat given the removal of vegetative cover for small mammals. 

However, Gomez et al. (2005) noted that commercial thinning in young stands of Coastal Oregon 

Douglas-fir (35-45 yr.) did not have a measurable short-term effect on density, survival or body 

mass of northern flying squirrels, an important prey species for spotted owls.” New information 

has found that even light thinning significantly reduces prey species such as flying squirrels for at 

least 12 years (Manning et al. 2011). (D-01, page 7)

Response:

As noted in Response to Comment #23 (above): Manning et al. (2011) was reviewed. Within this 

reference, the total effect on prey species of thinning younger stands was not addressed. In review of this 

paper, the word “riparian” was only used once, in the description of what separated the study areas. 

As discussed at DEIS Page III-96: “The resultant canopy closure (40-50%) and residual tree structure (the 

larger tree component) is likely to maintain the dispersal function of the treated stands. The reduced 

structural complexity, e.g., loss of snags and vertical canopy diversity, is a degradation of habitat quality 

for late-successional associated species but the effect on wildlife from this degree of change is likely 

minimal and dispersal habitat is likely to be maintained. Over the long term, the thinning should allow 

the remaining trees to reach a larger diameter and develop larger branches sooner than would be possible 

if no thinning were done.” 

Manning 2011 found that: “Most previous studies of northern flying squirrel response to thinning and 

similar silvicultural treatments have been short-term, and most have indicated negative effects on squirrel 

densities (Waters and Zabel, 1995; Carey, 2001; Bull et al., 2004; Holloway and Malcolm, 2006; Herbers 

and Klenner, 2007; Meyer et al., 2007a; Holloway and Smith, 2011). However, some of these short-term 

studies were unable to detect differences in northern flying squirrel densities between thinned stands and 

control stands (Ransome and Sullivan, 2002; 347 Gomez et al., 2005), most likely due to lack of 

statistical power (Holloway and Smith 2011). Our longer-term study provides evidence that the negative 

impacts of commercial thinning on northern flying squirrel can persist even after 11-13 years.

In addition, we found that intensity of thinning (Heavy vs. Light Thin) also significantly affected northern 

flying squirrel densities. Densities on average were twice as high in Light Thin and Gaps stands as in 

Heavy Thin stands, and this difference was consistent for the 2 years of our study.”

Conclusions documented in Manning 2011 discuss that: “More time and monitoring are also needed to 

estimate when impacted flying squirrel populations might recover to levels comparable with those in 

unthinned stands, and to compare the influence of various habitat features on that recovery. ......We 

recommend that future work on the Young Stand Thinning & Diversity Study sample flying squirrel 

populations for at least 3 consecutive years, and make more effort to quantify reproductive success, so 

that reproductive fitness and rates of survival and population growth can be compared among treatments. 

Until then, inferences about the negative effects of thinning on flying squirrels are incomplete.”
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-21

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Therefore, this more recent publication does not refute the work of Gomez 2005 and others. Project 

biologists reviewed and utilized all available science in regard to effects on prey species. 

A more recent publication regarding prey species are contained in a June 6, 2013 BLM/FS/FWS/NOAA 

Fisheries-Memorandum. The memo includes a paper on The Effects of Riparian Thinning on Marbled 

Murrelets and Northern Spotted Owls, authored by Robert G. Anthony (28 January 2013). This paper is 

part of several transmitted with additional comments directed to the DEIS received from Richard Nawa

(representing Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center, Cascadia Wildlands Project and Umpqua Watersheds) 

via a letter dated June 6, 2013. These additional comments (and specifically this paper) are addressed at 

the end of this document (after the ones received during the Comment Period).

Comment #26: Monitor and disclose impact on sooty grouse (303)

During the April 11, 2012 field trip we heard several different sooty grouse (formerly blue grouse) 

throughout the planning area. We recommend that wildlife staff develop a breeding season 

monitoring route that would report birds/mile similar to census routes used by ODFW. The Eden 

Ridge public forests may become very important to maintain a refugia for sooty grouse. (D-01, 

page 10)

Response:

Although sooty grouse may be of more concern elsewhere (e.g., High Cascades portion of the Forest),

they are not a Management Indicator Species (MIS) and have no special status for the Rogue RiverSiskiyou NF at this time. They are simply considered an upland game bird species. There is no 

overriding need to consider the Eden Ridge area as refugia for sooty grouse. 

This issue (and recommendation) will be included in FEIS Chapter I, in Section H, 4 and is considered

“out of the scope” of this environmental analysis.

Comment #27: Meadow restoration and manzanita cutting; retain 50% of existing shrub cover 

(304)

We object to excessive cutting of manzanita to enhance “meadows”. Please consider at least 50% of 

the existing shrub cover to be retained. Manzanita is an important food source for a variety of 

wildlife and provides nesting habitat for numerous birds. (D-01, page 10)

Response:

This comment is out of the scope of the Eden Ridge project (and will be included in FEIS Chapter I, in 

Section H, 4 [Out of Scope Issues]) as meadow restoration work is ongoing, as part of the Meadow 

Restoration and Enhancement Decision Memo, signed in November 2005. This type of treatment occurs

in the Planning Area, within Management Area 9; this allocation is excluded under Eden Ridge (DEIS 

page I-11). It is possible that this meadow enhancement work could be funded as non-essential KnutsonVandenberg [KV] funds, as associated with Eden Ridge Timber Sales, if Eden Ridge units were in 

proximity of meadows in need of restoration or enhancement treatments (see DEIS page II-30).

The need for meadow restoration is to maintain and restore these important and unique habitats across the 

landscape by removing or reducing competing vegetation (including some species of manzanita), thus 

curtailing encroachment of valuable meadow habitat.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-22

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Comment #28: Include a snag creation plan like Equine Thin (305)

Please include a snag creation plan similar to Attachment C from the April 2012 Equine Thin 

Project located in Gold Beach District. (D-01, page 1)

Response:

Upon review, the project wildlife biologist found no compelling difference between Attachment C of the 

Equine Project (Decision Notice) and what was proposed for Eden Ridge regarding snags (see DEIS Page 

II-12). In terms of documentation format, a Record of Decision for the Eden Ridge project will include 

required Mitigation Measures and Project Design Criteria, as an attachment.

Silviculture

Comment #29: Swiss needle cast occurrence not discussed (401)

Cascadia Wildands Scoping letter alerted the Forest Service to what appeared to be Swiss Needle 

Cast in the Plum Creek plantations that border the Eden Ridge units. The DEIS failed to 

determine if this is Swiss Needle Cast, and if so, how to avoid its occurrence on public lands. 

Simplifying the stands by increasing the percentage of Douglas firs, could promote Swiss Needle 

Cast. (D-01, page 10)

Response: 

Swiss needle cast was mentioned during scoping; the DEIS did not discuss it because presence of Swiss 

needle cast has not been confirmed nor has it been observed on Forest Service managed lands associated 

with Eden Ridge. Further, it has not been observed or confirmed on adjacent private forest lands.

Swiss needle cast (SNC) is the name of the foliage disease of Douglas-fir caused by the fungal pathogen 

Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii. It is known as a “cast” disease, because it causes the needles to be 

prematurely shed, or cast, from the tree, resulting in sparse tree crowns and reduced growth. Although it 

is called “Swiss” needle cast, the fungus that causes this disease is native to the western United States 

throughout the range of Douglas-fir, and is an exotic pathogen in Europe and New Zealand. However, the 

disease was first discovered in Douglas-fir plantations in Switzerland in the mid-1920s, and the name has 

persisted.

The topic of Swiss needle cast will be included in FEIS Appendix B, Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis 

Report).

Soils

Comment #30: DEIS fail to disclose detrimental disturbance from ground based yarding; Matrix 

and Riparian Reserves appear to be lumped together (500)

The project design features for Riparian Reserves (DEIS II 32-39) fails to address soil damage from 

ground based yarding systems. The estimated acres of detrimental disturbance for Matrix and 

Riparian Reserve appear to be lumped in Table III-21 (III-51) making it impossible to know how 

the alternatives vary with respect to detrimental disturbance per action alternative for Riparian 

Reserves. (D-01, page 7)

Response:

Ground based yarding in the upland portions of Riparian Reserves would be allowed under the Riparian 

Reserve Project Design Criteria. These criteria would limit skidding within 100 feet of stream courses, as 

well as other protective measures (see DEIS Chapter II, Page II-35). The estimated acres of detrimental 

disturbance in Table III-21 (page III-51) are estimated for Matrix and Riparian Reserve together. This is 

because the soils Standards and Guidelines are the same and would be met regardless of allocation. 
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-23

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The tables in DEIS Chapter II identify an estimated acreage of Riparian Reserve within each unit, by 

alternative. These estimates are for the total area of the Riparian Reserve allocation, not just amount of 

variable density thinning treatments with commercial extraction within the Riparian Reserve, which 

would be less, based on PDCs.

If the area of stream channel protection zones were estimated, variable by type of stream and fish-bearing 

status, the area of commercial variable density thinning treatments within each Riparian Reserve could be 

estimated. Then these acres could be calculated and multiplied by unit, with the estimated percent of 

detrimental conditions estimated by yarding system, and ultimately could be totaled by alternative. It is 

not clear as to why this would be meaningful and necessary information since all activity areas would 

meet Standards and Guidelines for soils and detrimental effects, regardless of allocation.

Port-Orford-Cedar (POC) Root Disease

Comment #31 Deferring to POC FEIS is not appropriate because it was programmatic (600)

Year round or wet season road closures (e.g., Roads 440, 441,449) would greatly increase the likely 

success of Phytophthora lateralis (PL) containment activities such as sanitation, wide gaps, and 

planting (II-18, 19). The DEIS fails to analyze reduced PL risk from increased road closures for 

motorized vehicles. Deferring to the POC FEIS is not appropriate because the POC FEIS was 

programmatic in nature. Site specific analysis of the environmental trade-offs between road 

closures and sanitation need to be addressed for this project. (D-01, page 8, 9)

Response:

The Forest and this project are bound to follow the 2004: Record of Decision and Land and Resource 

Management Plan Amendment for Management of Port-Orford-cedar in Southwest Oregon, Siskiyou 

National Forest. It directs projects to assess PL risk through the use of a Risk Key, which was done (see 

DEIS Appendix B). This project is not within the scope of evaluating the controversy over the 

effectiveness of sanitation treatments or the trade-offs between road closures.

As stated in the 2004 Record of Decision “Project-specific NEPA analysis will appropriately document 

the application of the Risk Key and the consideration of the available management practices. Application 

of the Risk Key and application of resultant management practices will make the project consistent with 

the mid- and large-geographic and temporal-scale effects described by the SEIS analysis, and will permit 

the project analysis to tier to the discussion of those effects” (Page 33).

Alternatives under this project are not proposing road closures to reduce PL risk, therefore they do not 

analyze the tradeoffs of a reduced risk. See Response to Comment #3 concerning the definition of 

Maintenance Level 1 roads; they are closed to year-round public motorized use by definition. Any use 

would allow citation of the violation under the (forthcoming) Travel Management Motor Vehicle Use 

Map. 

Measurably contributing POC and PL infection is present west of the private inholding around Doe 

Swamp. This area is mapped in the POC inventory as canopy cover 2, defined as 6-20% POC present in 

mapped polygons, which triggers the Risk Key (POC Risk Key, page 5). Alternative 2 proposes road 

reconstruction of an existing railroad grade and construction of a new system road ‘W’ to access Units 

326 and 327.

Application of the Risk Key for Eden Ridge Timber Sales included Recommended Management Practices 

related to road management as follows (POC Report Risk Key page 8): 

“Road Management Measures – Implement proactive disease-prevention measures including not 

building roads (e.g., Road ‘W’ through PL pockets in Units 326 and 327) or relocating the proposed

road to avoid infested areas.”
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-24

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

DEIS Alternative 3 responds to this management recommendation and would reduce the potential of PL 

infestation into healthy POC by deletion of this road. A final decision for this project could also be 

responsive to this recommendation.

Comment #32: Recommend all live legacy trees including POC not be killed or felled for any 

reason (601)

We recommend no commercial logging of any legacy trees. All legacy trees that are much older 

than average stand age would be retained as standing green, snags, or down wood. No sanitation 

logging or killing of live legacy Port Orford Cedar. (D-01, page 1)

Response:

Eden Ridge Timber Sales does not propose commercial logging of any legacy or remnant trees, including 

Port-Orford-cedar. The DEIS defined “remnant” which is synonymous with “legacy” on (footnote) DEIS 

Page II-41. Human safety requirements under OR-OSHA may require the felling of this type of tree 

should it be a human safety hazard; however, trees would either not be removed or would be used for 

instream restoration projects (see DEIS Page II-31).

Part of the Purpose and Need statement (DEIS Page I-6) included discussion on these types of trees:

“Older legacy (remnant) trees, minor conifer tree species (in portions of stands uninfected with root 

disease), hardwoods, existing snags and coarse woody material would be retained where feasible to 

maintain or improve forest diversity. Post-treatment objectives are to develop a sustainable forest 

resilient to drought, wind, insects, disease, fire and other natural disturbances.” 

Supplemental Comments; Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center 

Additional comments directed to the DEIS were received from Richard Nawa (representing Klamath 

Siskiyou Wildlands Center, Cascadia Wildlands Project and Umpqua Watersheds) via a letter dated June 

6, 2013. The focus of the June 6, 2013 letter was to claim “changed circumstances” and “new 

information” as associated with a June 6, 2013 BLM/F/NOAA Fisheries-Memorandum, with several 

(selected) Science Review Team documents and reports attached. 

These additional comments are addressed below; substantive comments are referenced and 

responded to as Supplemental Comments (SC). 

Within the June 6, 2013 letter, reference and comment (directed to the DEIS) was made to several key 

points associated with Spies, T. Pollock, M. and G. Reeves; 2013: Effects of Riparian Thinning on Wood 

Recruitment: A Scientific Synthesis (Science Review Team, Wood Recruitment Subgroup). On page 1 of 

that report, within the Executive Summary (Page 1), under “Approach”, the authors disclose”

“We used published empirical and theoretical studies, simulation modeling (done especially for this 

project) and professional opinion to synthesize the science. In general, there is very little published 

science about the effects of thinning on dead wood recruitment and virtually none on thinning effects 

on wood recruitment in riparian zones. We conducted some limited simulation modeling to illustrate 

some of the relationships between thinning and dead wood recruitment. The simulations (and 

comparison of models) were not comprehensive or a rigorous analysis of thinning effects and should 

be viewed as preliminary. Below we provide 15 key points from our efforts.”

These statements make it clear that there are no definitive findings regarding effects of thinning on wood 

recruitment in riparian zones and that more study is necessary. The key points provided are generalized 

from the literature that was reviewed. Further, the modeling done for this report and the findings 

presented are stated as “preliminary”.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-25

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The June 6, 2013 Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center letter makes reference (out of context) to several of 

the 15 key points from Spies 2013, and makes comment to the DEIS for Eden Ridge Timber Sales. 

Specific Forest Service response is contained below for these, as well as other comments based on 

attachments noted in the June 6, 2013 BLM/F/NOAA Fisheries-Memorandum. Following these 

responses, the complete text of the Spies report key points is provided, along with discussion 

regarding all 15 key points in relationship to the Eden Ridge Timber Sales project.

Comment # SC-1:

Reference is made to Spies et al. 2013; key finding #3; The DEIS fails to provide adequate site 

specific information about actual riparian conditions of the units that will have Riparian Reserve 

commercial treatments (e.g. proper riparian functioning condition class assessments, downcutting, 

migrating nickpoints, amount of wood in channels, sediment storage, etc.). (SC page 1)

Response:

This comment is similar to #8, #18, and #24; see responses to these comments above. As noted, since the 

Eden Ridge Timber Sales DEIS was released, further field reconnaissance including stand examination 

and validation of Riparian Reserve areas (that would receive treatment) has occurred for the project. 

Additional stand exam plots were taken within Riparian Reserves during summer 2012. Information 

provided in the DEIS and that which will be included in the FEIS provides adequate assessment of sitespecific conditions, in concert with this key point.

Comment # SC-2:

Reference is made to Spies et al. 2013; key finding #4; Contrary to what is stated in the DEIS, the 

proposed commercial thinning would be expected to degrade wildlife habitat and stream health 

because thinned stands would produce fewer large dead trees and less recruitment of dead wood to 

streams as described and quantified by Spies et al. 2013. ACS objective 6 would not be met (DEIS 

III-64). (SC Page 2

Response:

This comment is similar to #24; see response to this comment above. Based on review of all recent 

literature, it is acknowledged that there would likely be some decrease in recruitment of dead wood to 

streams. Thinning in young stands promotes the development of larger diameter green trees faster over 

time than in un-thinned stands. However, the reduced competition from the thinning and snag creation 

reduces density-dependent mortality in the residual stands, allowing them to be healthier and live longer

before succumbing to competition, insects, or disease to become a snag, and eventually downed wood. 

Thinning provides other ecological benefits by enhancing tree growth and other mature forest 

characteristics (e. g., multi-layered canopy, larger crowns, etc.). This will be clarified in the FEIS. 

The theme of ACSO #6 is primarily maintenance and restoration of in-stream flows to retain patterns of 

wood routing. None of the Action Alternatives would affect the patterns of riparian and aquatic habitat, 

nor adversely affect patterns of sediment, nutrient and wood routing (see FEIS Chapter III, Section E, 1). 

Comment # SC-3:

Reference is made to Spies et al. 2013; key finding #9; The DEIS fails to report the anticipated 

quantitative adverse effects to wood inputs (e.g. fewer future stems entering the stream channel) 

caused by proposed removal of commercial sized trees from this zone. (SC Page 2)

Response:

See response to Comment SC-2, above. This comment is essentially the same. There is no debate on the 

key point that most of the near stream wood inputs come from areas close to stream sources. This is why 

Riparian Reserve Project Design Criteria are designed to protect near-stream conditions and exclude 

commercial thinning treatments (see FEIS Chapter II, Section D, 3).
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-26

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Comment # SC-4:

Reference is made to Spies et al. 2013; key finding #15; The DEIS fails to disclose adverse impacts 

to forest health and terrestrial species due to significant and long term reductions in the numbers of 

dead and dying trees due to proposed Riparian Reserve thinning. (SC Page 2)

Response:

See response to Comment SC-3, above. This comment is essentially the same. Based on review of all 

recent literature, it is acknowledged that there would likely be some effect regarding recruitment of dead 

wood to streams in the short-term. It has been commonly understood for many years that healthy, diverse 

forests contain many dead trees, numerous terrestrial forest species require large dead or dying trees as 

essential habitat, and that abundant large snags and large down wood on the forest floor are common 

features of natural forests and essential for the maintenance of biological diversity. Effects to terrestrial 

species will be clarified in the FEIS. 

Comment # SC-5: 

Similarly we believe the DEIS is defective because it does not use the best available science 

regarding thinning impacts to spotted owls. We assert that no commercial treatment for Riparian 

Reserves is a minimum requirement to assure a well distributed spotted owl prey base while 

thinned upland stands recover as habitat for spotted owls (See Anthony 2013). (SC Page 2)

Response:

See Response to Comment #23 and #25 (above). Project biologists reviewed and utilized all available 

science in regard to effects on prey species. A recent publication regarding prey species is contained in a 

June 6, 2013 BLM/FS/FWS/NOAA Fisheries-Memorandum; this transmittal includes a paper on The 

Effects of Riparian Thinning on Marbled Murrelets and Northern Spotted Owls, authored by Robert G. 

Anthony (28 January 2013). 

Anthony found that “The published literature indicates that commercial thinning has negative effects on 

abundance of flying squirrels (Carey 2000; Manning et al. 2012; Wilson 2010; Gomez et al. 2005; Waters 

and Zabel et al. 1994, Waters et al. 2000) within the range of the spotted owl, and these effects may last 

up to 15 years or longer (Wilson 2010). Other studies in northeastern Oregon (Bull et al. 2004), southern 

British Columbia (Herbers et al. 2007, Ransome et al. 2004), coastal British Columbia (Ransome and 

Sullivan 2002), Ontario (Holloway and Malcolm 2006), and the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California 

(Meyer et al. 2007, Waters and Zabel 1995) have shown similar negative effects of commercial thinning 

on abundance of northern flying squirrels....” (Anthony 2013, Page 7)

“Based on these publications, it is safe to say that commercial thinning within the range of the northern 

spotted owl will have a negative effect on abundance of northern flying squirrels. Northern flying 

squirrels are the owl’s primary prey by number and biomass throughout most of their range; 

consequently, there is little doubt that commercial thinning will have a negative effect on abundance of 

flying squirrels as prey for spotted owls.” (Anthony 2013, Page 7)

However, as stated in Anthony 2013 (Page 7): “The long-term benefits of thinning in young plantations to 

create forests with characteristics of late-successional forests (e.g. large diameter standing and down 

wood) may outweigh any short-term negative effects on owls or their prey.” This is the objective of 

treatments under Eden Ridge.

As discussed at DEIS page III-92, based on historical observations and protocol surveys (and updates 

documented in FEIS Chapter III, Section 7), there is minimal use of the Planning Area by northern 

spotted owls (one historical owl home range). It’s likely this is primarily due to the lack of existing 

nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat within this historical home range, which is currently well below 

recommended thresholds for NRF.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-27

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Given current conditions (forests less than 80 years old that do not contain giant trees, large cavities, or 

large limbs, adequate levels of snags or down woody material, and not considered late-successional 

forest) stands are likely low-quality prey habitat and it is unlikely flying squirrels are abundant. Foraging, 

if occurring, is expected to continue after density management treatments. There could be a small 

decrease (perhaps 5-15 years) in owl prey species, but the overall impact to owls would be minimal 

because of the low-quality of the prey habitat and the history of limited use by nesting owls. This 

decrease in prey species would be outweighed by future long-term benefits to owls through a more rapid 

(10-30 year) availability of nesting and foraging habitat in the future. This will be clarified in the FEIS. 

Surveys for marbled murrelets have been conducted within the Planning Area over several years and 

many candidate stands (see FEIS Wildlife Report, Appendix G). No murrelets have been detected and no 

suitable habitat was discovered within the surveyed stands.

Therefore, this more recent publication does not refute the work of others, and does not support avoiding 

Riparian Reserve treatments, especially those proposed under Eden Ridge Timber Sales. 

Comment # SC-6:

The DEIS is defective because it does not adequately disclose uncertainty regarding reduced shade 

from commercial thinning in Riparian Reserves (See Leinenback et al. 2013). (SC Page 2)

Response:

As noted, a recent publication regarding reduced shade and temperature is contained in a June 6, 2013 

BLM/FS/FWS/NOAA Fisheries-Memorandum; this transmittal includes a paper on Effects of Riparian 

Management Strategies on Stream Temperature; Science Review Team Temperature Subgroup: Peter 

Leinenbach - USEPA Region 10 (January 17, 2013)

The management concern is that stream temperature in the summer may increase as a result of riparian 

management activities and negatively affect coldwater fishes, including salmon, trout, and associated 

aquatic ecosystems. This publication notes that “...in contrast to the well-documented impacts of 

clearcuts on shade and stream temperature, the effects of partial cutting and removal of trees in riparian 

areas have not been well studied and are more difficult to predict than the effects of clearcuts”.

The uncertainty expressed in this publication in is regard to effects of thinning. “...because the effects of 

thinning are lesser in magnitude compared to complete removal of riparian vegetation, landscape context 

(e.g., geology, geomorphology, and hydrology) plays a greater role and can make it more difficult to 

determine cause and effect (Thompson 2005). Furthermore, thinning may occur at different intensities 

and in various spatial configurations which may be difficult to model and evaluate experimentally.”

Under Eden Ridge Timber Sales, Project Design Criteria for Riparian Reserves (see FEIS Chapter II,

Section D, 3) are used to prevent shade reduction in riparian areas. Density management thinning is 

designed to improve stand health with treatments and/or commercial extraction while allowing attainment 

of or restoration of Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) Objectives under the Northwest Forest Plan. 

Project Design Criteria would ensure that water temperatures in these areas would not be affected in 

stream reaches. Much of the stream network in the Project Areas are small systems that are heavily 

vegetated, and have a large groundwater influence on water temperature. Proposed treatments would not 

impact shade producing trees, nor would it be impacting future large wood recruitment to fish habitat. 

The stream channels within the Project Areas are on average 3 feet wide for ephemeral and intermittent 

channels and 8-feet wide for perennial stream channels (see FEIS Chapter III, Section E, 12).

The following contains the complete text of the Spies et al. report (2013) key points, along with 

discussion regarding all 15 key points in relationship to the Eden Ridge Timber Sales project.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-28

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Key Point #1. Thinning is most beneficial in dense young stands. Existing literature and stand 

development theory suggest that the greatest potential ecological benefits of thinning to accelerate 

the development of older forest structure (e.g. large trees, large dead trees, spatial structural and 

compositional heterogeneity, etc.) comes in dense uniform plantations less than 80 years and 

especially less than 50 years old. The benefits of thinning for older forest ecological objectives are 

less clear in stands over 80 years of age. Hence, our report focused primarily on plantations less 

than 50 years of age. 

Discussion:

Variable Density Thinning proposed under Eden Ridge Timber Sales would occur in second growth 

predominantly Douglas-fir stands that are currently around 60 to 75 years old, having been regenerated 

from historical railroad logging. Being less than 80 years old, treatments would accelerate the 

development of older forest structure (e.g. large trees, large dead trees, spatial structural and 

compositional heterogeneity, etc.) as stated and in concert with Key Point #1. 

Also note that the majority of the Eden Ridge Planning Area was not necessarily artificially planted and is 

not tracked as a “plantation”. Long-time residents of Powers stated that aerial seeding was a post-harvest 

treatment implemented on the Eden Ridge area though no records currently exist to validate these 

statements (Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis, FEIS Appendix B). Under Eden Ridge Timber Sales, 

most Riparian Reserve acres overlap into overstocked drier upland forests. 

Key Point #2. Results may not be applicable to all stand conditions. For this synthesis, many of our 

conclusions were based on modeling the effects of thinning 30 to 40 year old Douglas-fir plantation 

stands that range in density from 200 to 270 trees per acre (tpa). We consider such stands 

moderately dense, as young plantation stand densities range from less than 100 to greater than 450 

tpa. In terms of dead wood production, higher density stands are likely to see more benefits from 

thinning, and lower density stands less benefits. 

Discussion:

As noted above, Variable Density Thinning proposed under Eden Ridge Timber Sales would occur in 

second growth predominantly Douglas-fir stands that are currently around 60 to 75 years old, making this 

recommendation less than directly applicable. Stands are currently overly dense, ranging from 

approximately 100 to over 500 tpa, as documented in the EIS and in the Preliminary Silvicultural 

Diagnosis, FEIS Appendix B. Most stands are at the high end of this range and would be expected to 

obtain ecological benefit from thinning.

Key Point #3. Accurate assessments of thinning effects requires site-specific information. The 

effects of thinning regimes on dead wood creation and recruitment (relative to no-thinning) will 

depend on many factors including initial stand conditions, particularly stand density, and thinning 

prescription—it is difficult to generalize about the effects of thinning on dead wood without 

specifying the particulars of the management regime and stand conditions. 

Discussion:

The environmental analysis process utilized for Eden Ridge Timber Sales has acquired site-specific 

information and data regarding current stand condition, stand density, and other characteristics of current 

conditions and proposed treatments within Riparian Reserves (see Response to Comment SC-1, above). 

Site-specific thinning prescriptions and other silvicultural treatments are documented in FEIS Chapter II, 

Section D, 2, a & c.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-29

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Key Point #4. Conventional thinning generally produces fewer large dead trees. Thinning with 

removal of trees (conventional thinning) will generally produce fewer large dead trees across a 

range of sizes over the several decades following thinning and the life-time of the stand relative to 

equivalent stands that are not thinned. Generally, recruitment of dead wood to streams would 

likewise be reduced in conventionally thinned stands relative to unthinned stands. 

Discussion:

It is acknowledged that there would likely be some effect regarding recruitment of dead wood across all 

size classes to streams in the short-term. Riparian Reserve thinning would increase tree growth and 

lessen the time needed to establish future large wood delivery. Thinning would result in a long-term 

beneficial effect to fish habitat, by promoting the growth of large trees that would provide stream shade 

and large wood that creates complex instream habitats, thereby promoting vigorous fish populations. In 

the short-term, these treatments would remove smaller trees within Riparian Reserves; though, mitigation 

measures would be implemented to reduce the risk of effect to the existing stream temperature regime and 

near-term large woody material recruitment. 

Eden Ridge is proposing Variable Density Thinning (which may not be the same as “conventional” 

thinning). The objective within Riparian Reserves is to accelerate development of late-successional stand 

conditions; increase conifer growth rates and provide for larger remnant conifers and hardwoods; restore 

riparian conditions for aquatic habitat, lost by historical railroad clear-cut logging; restore riparian 

conditions for aquatic habitat in areas harvested in the past where there is a shortage of large wood for 

recruitment into streams; and enhance aquatic conditions to trend toward and eventually meet the intent of 

Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives over the long term.

Key Point #5. Conventional thinning can accelerate the development of very large diameter trees. 

In stands that are conventionally thinned, the appearance of very large diameter dead trees 

(greater than 40”) may be accelerated by 1 to 20 years relative to unthinned plantations, depending 

on thinning intensity and initial stand conditions. Trees of such sizes typically begin to appear 5 to 

10 decades after thinning 30 to 40 year old stands. 

Discussion:

Based on the scientific literature, and silvicultural techniques, Eden Ridge Timber Sales is designed to 

obtain these conditions, and site-specific modeling determined results similar to this key point (see

Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis, FEIS Appendix B)

Key Point #6. Nonconventional thinning can substantially accelerate dead wood production. 

Stands thinned with prescriptions that leave some or all of the dead wood may more rapidly 

produce both large diameter dead trees in the short-term and very large diameter dead trees 

(especially greater than 40”) in the long-term, relative to unthinned stands. Instream wood 

placement gets wood into streams much sooner than by natural recruitment, and can offset 

negative effects of thinning on dead wood production. 

Discussion:

As noted above, Eden Ridge is proposing Variable Density Thinning (which may not be the same as 

“conventional” thinning, and may be considered “nonconventional”). There is no provision in the 

treatment prescription to remove any existing dead woody material; existing snags would be retained, or 

if felled for human safety reasons, would be left on site. No individual legacy trees (if present) would be 

removed. In addition, Eden Ridge Timber Sales has proposed to accomplish instream large wood 

placement as restoration (and may partially offset the effects of thinning on dead wood production, as 

stated in key point #6 (see FEIS Chapter II, Section D, 2, h).
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-30

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Key Point #7. Assessments of thinning effects may vary depending on the forest growth model. 

The previous statements are supported by three stand simulation models (FVS, ORGANON, and 

ZELIG). However, the magnitude and timing of effects of thinning on dead wood recruitment and 

stand growth varied among models. 

Discussion:

Eden Ridge Timber Sales utilized FVS modeling techniques (see Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis, 

FEIS Appendix B). It is recognized that models vary and results are not necessarily absolutes. This 

key point seems to be summarizing the findings in the scientific literature.

Key Point #8. Dead wood in streams comes from multiple sources. Dead wood in streams is 

primarily recruited through near-stream inputs (e.g. tree mortality and bank erosion) and 

landslides and debris flows. All types of recruitment are important and the relative importance 

varies with site and stream characteristics. 

Discussion:

This finding seems inherently obvious; instream wood comes from near-stream sources, and is delivered 

by near-stream inputs: bank erosion, landslide and debris flows. Eden Ridge Timber Sales recognized 

this in the assessment of aquatic biota (see FEIS Appendix H: Aquatic Biota Report).

Key Point #9. 95% of near-stream wood inputs come from within 82 to 148 feet of a stream. The 

distance of near-stream inputs to streams varies with forest conditions and geomorphology. 

Empirical studies indicate that 95% of total instream wood (from near-stream sources) comes from 

distances of 82 to 148 feet. Shorter distances occur in young, shorter stands and longer distances 

occur in older and taller stands. 

Discussion:

Again, this finding also seems inherently obvious; instream wood comes from near-stream sources, and it 

is dependent on the height of the trees and distance from the stream. Eden Ridge Timber Sales has 

developed Riparian Reserve Project Design Criteria designed to protect near-stream conditions and 

exclude commercial thinning treatments (see FEIS Chapter II, Section D, 3).

Key Point #10. Thinning can increase the amount of pool-forming wood under certain conditions. 

Thinning can increase the amount of pool-forming wood only when the thinned trees are smaller in 

diameter than the average diameter of pool-forming wood (which varies with stream size). 

Discussion:

No treatments under Eden Ridge Timber Sales would thin within Stream Channel Protection Zones, 

the most likely portion of a stream that would form pools with woody material (see Riparian Reserve 

Project Design Criteria; FEIS Chapter II, Section D, 3).

Key Point #11. The function of instream wood varies with size and location. Large instream wood 

can serve as stable “key” pieces that create instream obstructions and form wood jams by racking 

up numerous smaller pieces of wood that are mobile during high flows. Such wood jams typically 

consist of a wide range of piece sizes and provide multiple ecological functions that vary with 

stream size and gradient. 

Discussion:

This point was recognized by the Interdisciplinary Team: see Hydrology Report, FEIS Appendix C and 

FEIS Appendix H: Aquatic Biota Report.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-31

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Key Point #12. Effects of thinning on instream wood needs to be placed in a watershed context. 

Assessing the relative effect of riparian thinning on instream wood loads at a site and over the long 

term requires an estimation of the likely wood recruitment that will occur from the opposite bank, 

from upstream transport, and the rate of decay and downstream transport of wood from the site. 

Discussion:

This point was recognized by the Interdisciplinary Team: see Hydrology Report, FEIS Appendix C and 

FEIS Appendix H: Aquatic Biota Report. Watershed Analyses were done at the fifth-field scale, per 

direction in the Northwest Forest Plan.

Key Point #13. The ecological effects of thinning needs to be placed in a watershed context. 

Watershed-scale perspectives are needed to restore streams and riparian vegetation. The ecological 

effects of thinning on instream habitat will vary depending upon location in the stream network. 

Riparian management practices can be varied to match the ecological functions of streams. 

Discussion:

This point was also recognized by the Interdisciplinary Team: see Hydrology Report, FEIS Appendix C 

and FEIS Appendix H: Aquatic Biota Report. Watershed Analyses provided background and current 

conditions. Additional stream surveys have been conducted for the major stream courses within each 

fifth-field watershed (see FEIS Appendix C; Hydrology Report). Stand examinations were 

conducted in 2012 for Riparian Reserves and silvicultural prescriptions for portions of Riparian

Reserves that would be thinning would have site-specific parameters.

Key Point #14. Variation in thinning is essential (i.e., don’t do the same thing everywhere). 

Variation in thinning prescriptions will produce more variable forest and wood recruitment 

conditions, which may more closely mimic natural forest conditions. Using a variety of treatments 

is also consistent with the tenets of adaptive management in situations where the outcomes of 

treatments are uncertain. 

Discussion:

Variation is the key element of Variable Density Thinning (see FEIS Chapter II, Section D, 2, a). This is 

especially true for treatments within Riparian Reserves. Additional silvicultural disease treatments (FEIS 

Chapter II, Section D, 2, c, would also add to variation and diversity. A major tenet of adaptive 

management for Eden Ridge Timber Sales is the site-specific determination and validation of the 

presence and classification of Riparian Reserves, and proper application of Riparian Reserve Project 

Design Criteria (to be done at time of implementation).

Key Point #15. Healthy, diverse forests contain many dead trees. Numerous terrestrial forest 

species require large dead or dying trees as essential habitat. Some directly, others indirectly; to 

support the food web within which they exist. Abundant large snags and large down wood on the 

forest floor are common features of natural forests and essential for the maintenance of biological 

diversity.

It has been commonly understood for many years that healthy, diverse forests contain many dead trees, 

numerous terrestrial forest species require large dead or dying trees as essential habitat, and that abundant 

large snags and large down wood on the forest floor are common features of natural forests and essential 

for the maintenance of biological diversity.

These conditions are important aspects of the desired conditions for riparian areas, including the 

development and maintenance of late-successional forest habitat. Desired late-successional stand 

characteristics include some large trees (over 40” dbh) with large limbs and broken tops, multiple canopy 

layers of shade tolerant species, forbs and shrubs scattered in pockets throughout the stand, numerous 

large snags (over 20” dbh) and down logs in all decay classes. These conditions are the goal of Riparian 

Reserve treatments under Eden Ridge Timber Sales.
Appendix A – Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-32

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

DEIS COMMENTS FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES
Appendix 

A– Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-33

Eden Ridge Timber Sales
Appendix 

A– Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-34

Eden Ridge Timber Sales
Appendix 

A– Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-35

Eden Ridge Timber Sales
Appendix 

A– Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-36

Eden Ridge Timber Sales
Appendix 

A– Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-37

Eden Ridge Timber Sales
Appendix 

A– Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-38

Eden Ridge Timber Sales
Appendix 

A– Response to Comments on March 2012 DEIS Page A-39

Eden Ridge Timber Sales
APPENDIX B

PRELIMINARY SILVICULTURAL DIAGNOSIS

PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT

Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis

Prepared by

Stephen F. Boyer

Pacific Zone Silviculturist

January 12, 2012

Revised May, 2013
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-2

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................B-4

II. STAND IDENTITY AND LOCATION ..................................................................................B-6

A. RRSNF Existing Vegetation Layer ..........................................................................................B-6

III. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ..............................................................................................B-7

A. Physiography .............................................................................................................................B-7

B. Vegetation - Stand Conditions ..................................................................................................B-11

C. Forest Health .............................................................................................................................B-15

D. Stand History .............................................................................................................................B-19

E. Large Woody Material and Snags ...........................................................................................B-21

IV. MANAGEMENT DIRECTION .............................................................................................B-25

A. Desired Conditions ....................................................................................................................B-27

B. Silvicultural Objectives .............................................................................................................B-27

V. SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS ......................................................................................B-27

A. Variable Density Thinning (VDT) ...........................................................................................B-27

B. Forest Vegetation Simulator .....................................................................................................B-28

C. Simulated Treatments Discussion ............................................................................................B-38

D. Other VDT Treatments ............................................................................................................B-39

E. Port-Orford-Cedar Root Disease Treatments ........................................................................B-39

F. Riparian Reserve Treatments ...................................................................................................B-40

G. Non-Commercial Treatments ..................................................................................................B-40

H. Fuels Management ....................................................................................................................B-41

VI. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................B-42

TABLES

Table B-1. Alternative 2: Units, Acres and Proposed Logging Systems ...................................................B-5

Table B-2. Soil Map Units for Eden Ridge Planning Area .........................................................................B-8

Table B-3. Stand Competition; Curtin 1982 ................................................................................................B-12

Table B-4. Stand Exam Summaries, Eden Ridge Timber Sales ................................................................B-12

Table B-5. 2009 Stand Exam Summaries, Eden Ridge Timber Sales .......................................................B-14

Table B-6. Minimum Width of Primary Shade Zone (feet) based on Hill Slope and Tree Height .........B-15

Table B-7. Plantation Data in Eden Ridge Planning Area .........................................................................B-19

Table B-8. District Records of Commercial Timber Sale Activity within Planning Area .......................B-20

Table B-9. Eden Ridge 2009 Stand Exams - Down Woody Data (FSVEG Report 19) ............................B-22

Table B-10. 2009 Stand Exams Standing Dead (Snags) from Plot Data (FSVEG Report 19) ................B-22

Table B-11. Snag Data for Western Hemlock Plant Series.........................................................................B-24

Table B-12. Down Wood Data for Western Hemlock Plant Series ...........................................................B-25

Table B-13. Stand #199 .................................................................................................................................B-29

Table B-14. Stand 6032030-0199; 50 Year Stand Summary ......................................................................B-30

Table B-15. Stand #604 .................................................................................................................................B-32

Table B-16. Stand 6048010-0604; 50 Year Stand Summary ......................................................................B-33

Table B-17. Stand #802 .................................................................................................................................B-35

Table B-18. Stand 6048030-0802; 50 Year Stand Summary ......................................................................B-36
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-3

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

FIGURES

Figure B-1. Preacher-Bohannon, Landform Positions ...............................................................................B-9

Figure B-2. Port-Orford-Cedar Disease, Adjacent to 5000 Road and Associated Spurs ........................B-16

Figure B-3. Laminated Root Rot in Eden Ridge Planning Area ...............................................................B-17

Figure B-4. Planted Stands in Northeast Portion of Planning Area ..........................................................B-20

Figure B-5. Down Wood Conditions from Historical Railroad Logging ..................................................B-21

Figure B-6. Stand #199 (within ER Units 2/201) .........................................................................................B-28

Figure B-7. No Treatment 6032030-0199 .....................................................................................................B-29

Figure B-8. Thin to 35% Relative Density 6032030-0199 ...........................................................................B-30

Figure B-9. Growth Data Stand #199 ...........................................................................................................B-31

Figure B-10. Stand #604 (within ER Unit 320/324) .....................................................................................B-32

Figure B-11. No Treatment 6048010-0604 ...................................................................................................B-33

Figure B-12. Thin to 35% Relative Density 6048010-0604 .........................................................................B-33

Figure B-13. Growth Data Stand #604 .........................................................................................................B-34

Figure B-14. Stand #802 (within ER Unit 307) ............................................................................................B-35

Figure B-15. No Treatment 6048030-0802 ...................................................................................................B-36

Figure B-16. Thin to 35% Relative Density 6048030-0802 .........................................................................B-36

Figure B-17. Growth Data Stand #802 .........................................................................................................B-37

Figure B-18. Example Non-Commercial Treatments .................................................................................B-41

MAPS

Map B-1. Proposed Units for Eden Ridge Timber Sales (Alternative 2) ..................................................B-4

Map B-2. Existing Vegetation Layer and Alternative 2 Units ...................................................................B-6

Map B-3. Soil Mapping for Eden Ridge Planning Area .............................................................................B-8

Map B-4. Preacher-Bohannon Loams (Soil Map Units 46D and 46E) ......................................................B-9

Map B-5. Remote-Digger-Preacher (Soil Map Units 49E and 50E) ..........................................................B-10

Map B-6. Umpcoos- Rock Outcrop (Soil Map Unit 58F) ...........................................................................B-10

Map B-7. Existing Vegetation Polygons Exceeding 50% RD within Candidate Stands ..........................B-13

Map B-8 – Existing Vegetation Polygons >= 70% Canopy Cover within Candidate Stands ...................B-13

Map B-9. GPS Points of Laminated Root Rot Infection ............................................................................B-17

Map B-10. Previous Fires on Eden Ridge Planning Area ..........................................................................B-19

Map B-11. Standing Snags Occurring in Phytophthora lateralis Pockets .................................................B-23

Map B-12. Existing Vegetation Polygons, Cover Class 2 ...........................................................................B-40

ATTACHMENT A

2009 Stand Exam Locations

Stand #199 (within ER 2/201) 

Stand #604 (within ER 320/324)

Stand #802 (within ER 307) 

Stand #747 (within ER 906/905)

ATTACHMENT B

2012 Stand Exam Map
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-4

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

I. INTRODUCTION

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales project (ER) is located on the Powers Ranger District of the Rogue RiverSiskiyou National Forest. The Planning Area is approximately 6,516 acres of Forest Service land within 

the South Fork Coquille River and the Middle Fork Coquille River 5th-Field watersheds, and the 

Headwaters of South Fork Coquille River (aka Wooden Rock Creek), Coal Creek, Mill Creek, Lower 

Rock Creek and Myrtle Creek 6th-Field watersheds. The South Fork Coquille 5th-Field watershed was

designated as a Tier 1 Key Watershed by FEMAT in 1983 and selected for directly contributing to 

anadomous salmonid and bull trout conservation in the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA 1994). Adjacent 

private timber company lands owned by Plum Creek surround the Planning Area.

Alternative 2 proposes to treat seventy-five (75) units totaling 3,314 acres for harvest treatments, 

principally commercial thinning for stocking-level control (Map B-1) with some small group selection 

(gap treatments) to treat laminated root rot (Phellinus weirii) pockets and eradication treatments mostly in 

the understory, in areas infested with Port-Orford-cedar root disease (Phythophthora lateralis) and 

sanitation treatments along roadsides in areas with uninfested Port-Orford-cedar. Follow-up planting of 

resistant conifer seedlings is proposed for forest health and species diversity objectives in laminated root 

disease pockets. Nine (9) units totaling 363 acres are proposed for noncommercial treatments that include 

thinning small diameter trees, planting Port-Orford-cedar and removing disease-infected or damaged 

understory trees. 

Map B-1. Proposed Units for Eden Ridge Timber Sales (Alternative 2)
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-5

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table B-1. Alternative 2: Units, Acres and Proposed Logging Systems

Unit 

Number Logging Systems

Rounded 

Acres

Unit 

Number Logging Systems

Rounded 

Acres

Unit 

Number Logging Systems

Rounded 

Acres

001 Ground Based 187 302 Skyline 7 331 Skyline 13

002 Ground Based 137 303 Ground Based 12 332 Ground Based 44

003 Skyline 135 304 Skyline 6 333 Ground Based 86

004 Ground Based 8 305 Skyline 8 334 Ground Based 88

005 Ground Based 126 306 Skyline 15 335 Skyline 38

006 Ground Based 102 307 Ground Based 24 336 Skyline 49

007 Ground Based 70 308 Ground Based 13 337 Skyline 19

101 Ground Based 65 309 Ground Based 14 338 Skyline 24

102 Skyline 46 310 Ground Based 49 340 Skyline 19

103 Skyline 61 311 Ground Based 36 341 Ground Based 25

201 Ground Based 117 312 Skyline 38 342 Skyline 16

202 Skyline 57 313 Ground Based 93 343 Ground Based 18

203 Ground Based 19 314 Skyline 40 344 Skyline 30

204 Skyline 48 315 Skyline 26 345 Ground Based 17

205 Skyline 14 316 Skyline 33 401 Ground Based 8

206 Ground Based 25 317 Ground Based 74 402 Skyline 20

207 Ground Based 17 318 Ground Based 25 403 Skyline 5

208 Skyline 21 319 Ground Based 86 Total: 3314

209 Skyline 79 320 Skyline 37 Noncommercial

210 Ground Based 13 321 Skyline 16 900 900 85

211 Skyline 23 322 Ground Based 35 901 901 7

212 Skyline 26 323 Skyline 31 902 902 7

213 Skyline 22 324 Ground Based 95 903 903 5

214 Skyline 36 325 Ground Based 135 904 904 14

215 Skyline 29 326 Ground Based 155 905 905 140

216 Ground Based 17 327 Ground Based 47 906 906 82

217 Skyline 6 328 Skyline 52 907 907 12

218 Ground Based 17 329 Skyline 41 908 908 9

301 Skyline 13 330 Ground Based 18 Total: 363

Proposed logging systems are ground-based on 2,089 acres within thirty-nine (39) units and skyline on 

1,225 acres within thirty-six (36) units. To access treatment units, proposed new classified road 

construction is 10.8 miles, classified road reconstruction is 6.1 miles and 0.3 miles of temporary road 

construction. No logging system or road construction/reconstruction is proposed for treating noncommercial units. 

The Planning Area is primarily accessed by Forest Roads 3300, 3358 and Cost Share Road 5000 with 

secondary access provided by cost share roads 5000200, 5000210, 5000290, 5000297, 5000420, 

5000440, 5000441, 5000448 and 5000449. 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-6

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

This report is prepared as a preliminary silvicultural diagnosis, as required by FSH 2409.17 (Silvicultural 

Practices Handbook), section 8.22. Upon a final decision for Eden Ridge Timber Sales under NEPA, a 

site-specific silvicultural prescription would be developed for each individual stand identified for 

treatment and address each land allocation classification (Matrix, Riparian Reserve) during 

implementation. Silvicultural prescriptions would describe desired future conditions, specify tree 

spacing, target relative density (RD), preferred species, canopy retention, post-harvest treatments and 

other key stand components. Final silvicultural prescriptions would be approved by a Region 6 certified 

silviculturist. 

II. STAND IDENTITY AND LOCATION

Map B-2 displays proposed units for Alternative 2 overlaid onto the Rogue River-Siskiyou National 

Forest (RRSNF) existing vegetation layer stored in the Forest’s GIS reference library. The attribute table 

for the existing vegetation layer contains stand and location numbers for each polygon linked to FSVEG, 

the Forest Service’s corporate spatial layer for inventorying forest stands on National Forest lands. 

Additionally, a FACTS (Forest Activity Tracking System database) identification number is assigned to 

each existing vegetation polygon for tracking commercial and noncommercial vegetation treatments 

planned and implemented on forest stands.

Map B-2. Existing Vegetation Layer and Alternative 2 Units

A. RRSNF Existing Vegetation Layer

The existing vegetation layer was created through computer-automated delineation using eCognition 

software and populated with data derived from Gradient Nearest Neighbor (GNN) models produced by 

the Interagency Mapping and Assessment Project (IMAP). Forests stands with homogeneous forest types 

and structures were delineated across the entire Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest based on aerial 

imagery using eCognition software with a minimum stand size of 5 acres. 

The plot data used in the GNN models comes from a variety of sources: Forest Inventory and Analysis 

(FIA) Periodic and Annual plots, USFS Region 6 Current Vegetation Survey (R6-CVS), USFS Region 5 

Inventory (R5), Bureau of Land Management Current Vegetation Survey (BLM-CVS), and Bureau of 

Land Management Fire Effects Monitoring and Inventory Protocol (FIREMON) plots. This plot data was 

inputted to assign attribute conditions across the landscape based on Landsat Thematic Mapper data using 

direct gradient analysis and nearest neighbor models. 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-7

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Forest’s existing vegetation data is appropriate for mid-scale, broad watershed-level, planning efforts 

and is typically insufficiently accurate for site-specific uses on its own. The data is summarized here at 

the stand-level because it is currently the best-available data, and this is the level at which management 

actions are implemented. Though the data should provide appropriate information at the watershed level 

and appropriately guide planning efforts, it is recognized that specific site locations (stands) may not be 

sufficiently accurate at this scale. The proportion of a watershed or broad Planning Area in the given 

forest condition should typically be appropriately represented, even though specific stands may be 

insufficiently accurate.

The data presented in this existing vegetation layer needs to be ground-verified at the stand-level before 

stand silvicultural prescriptions are written. As stand-level information is gathered, the data provided 

here will be verified and the existing vegetation layer updated to reflect the most current and bestavailable data 1

.

III. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Location

ER Planning Area is located on Eden Ridge approximately four (4) air miles southeast of Powers, 

Oregon. The legal description of: Township 31 South, Range 10 West, Sections 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 

21, 29 and 30; and Township 31 South, Range 11 West, Sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27,

Willamette Meridian; Coos County, Oregon. 

Topography

Elevations range 2,080 to 3,540 feet. Slopes range from 0-10% on flat ridgetops to 80+% along steep 

inner gorges bordering Wooden Rock Creek and Coal Creek. Generally, aspect is south to southwesterly 

with easterly to westerly aspects along drainages and some northerly aspects in the Middle Fork Coquille 

River 5th-Field watershed in the northern half of the Planning Area. 

Precipitation

Average annual rainfall is 80 to 100 inches (Meyer, Amaranthus, 1979). A strong maritime influence 

results in high winter precipitation and moderate year-round temperatures (USDA, 1995).

A. Physiography

Eden Ridge is situated within the Coast Range Physiographic province to the northeast of South Fork 

Coquille River. This river forms the boundary between two major physiographic provinces, the Coast 

Range province to the north and the much older Klamath Mountain province to the south (USDI, 1994). 

The Coast Range consists of rhythmically bedded sandstone and siltstone that have only minor 

deformation, except along major faults. Mountains of the Coast Range are characterized by highly 

dissected ridges with very steep side slopes and narrow, sharply defined ridgetops. Bedrock commonly is 

exposed on the steeper slopes. The sedimentary rock is weakly consolidated and consequently easily 

weathered (USDA Soil Conservation Service, 1989). With the close maritime influence, the Coast Range 

has the highest average winter temperatures, the coolest summers and the greatest rainfall in Oregon (Orr 

et. al., 1992).

 

1 Pers. conv. and document ‘RRS Existing Veg metadata summary’ received from Guenther Castillon, Assistant Forest 

Silviculturist, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-8

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Geology

The Tyee Formation is present in large blocks on the Powers District spreading from Sand Rock 

Mountain to Eden Ridge, all along the south fork of the Coquille River, south from Hanging Rock, along 

Panther Ridge to Bald Knob. The Tyee Formation was deposited in the middle Eocene, approximately49 

million years ago (Orr et al., 1992). Tyee Formation is composed of thick rhythmically bedded, buff to 

greenish-gray sandstone with thin interbedded dark colored mudstone. Local coal beds are found in this 

unit (Meyer, Amaranthus, 1979).

Soils

Soils are derived from sedimentary bedrock, Tyee sandstone. Map B-3 displays Planning Area soil 

mapping. Table B-2 displays map unit composition and some soil characteristics (USDA SCS 1989). 

Map B-3. Soil Mapping for Eden Ridge Planning Area

Table B-2. Soil Map Units for Eden Ridge Planning Area

MU# Map Unit*

%Component

Surface texture/thickness

Depth/AWC

%Component

Surface texture/thickness

Depth/AWC

%Component

Surface texture/thickness

Depth/AWC

14F

Digger-Preacher-Umpcoos,

50-80% slopes

30% Digger, 

gravelly loam/6”, mod deep, AWC 

2-5”

30% Preacher, 

loam/14”, deep, AWC 6.5-12.5”

25% Umpcoos, 

very gravelly sandy loam/3”, 

shallow, AWC 0.5-1.5”

15F

Digger-Umpcoos-Rock outcrop, 

50-90% slopes

30% Digger, 

gravelly loam, mod deep, AWC 2-

5”

25% Umpcoos, 

very gravelly sandy loam/3”, 

shallow, AWC 0.5-1.5”

25% Rock outcrop

Hard fractured sandstone

24 Gardiner sandy loam

85% Gardiner

sandy loam/9” deep, AWC 6-6.5”

46D

Preacher-Bohannon loams, 

3-30% slopes

50% Preacher, 

loam/14”, deep, AWC 6.5-12.5”

30% Bohannon

gravelly loam/11”mod 

deep/AWC 2.5-6.5”

46E

Preacher-Bohannon loams, 

30-60% slopes

40% Preacher, 

loam/14”, deep, AWC 6.5-12.5”

30% Bohannon

gravelly loam/11”

mod deep/AWC 2.5-6.5”

49E

Remote loam, 

30-50% slopes

75% Remote

loam/5”, deep/AWC 6-8”

50E

Remote-Digger-Preacher complex, 

30-50% slopes

35% Remote

loam/5”, deep/AWC 6-8”

30% Digger, 

gravelly loam/6”, mod deep, 

AWC 2-5”

25% Preacher, 

loam/14”, 

deep, AWC 6.5-12.5”

58F

Umpcoos-Rock outcrop, 

70-99% slopes

40% Umpcoos, 

very gravelly sandy loam/3”, 

shallow, AWC 0.5-1.5”

25% Rock outcrop

Hard fractured sandstone

Deep = 40-60” Mod Deep = 20-40” Shallow = 0-20” AWC = Available Water Capacity

* see 1989 Soil Survey of Coos County for inclusions in map units.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-9

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table B-2 displays soil depth ranging from deep and moderately deep (Preacher-Bohannon) to shallow 

(Umpcoos-Rock Outcrop). Mapped soils are in General Soil Map Units 10 - Preacher-Bohannon; 11 -

Digger-Preacher-Remote; and 13 - Umpcoos-Rock Outcrop-Digger. Broad land use considerations 

describe productivity for Douglas-fir as high for general map unit 10, moderate for unit 11 due to soil 

fertility and low in unit 13 due to droughtiness and hazard of windthrow (USDA SCS, 1989). Map B-4

displays areas mapped as Preacher-Bohannon, the highest productivity soils in the Planning Area. 

Map B-4. Preacher-Bohannon Loams (Soil Map Units 46D and 46E)

Preacher-Bohannon loams: There are approximately 2,198 acres of this general soil map unit, formed in 

colluviums and residuum of the Tyee sandstone, siltstone and conglomerate. Soil thickness over 

sandstone ranges 10-60 inches. Soil erosion is high only when the duff and litter are disturbed. Water 

infiltration is rapid with high available water capacity for plant growth. Site productivity is high (Gross, 

1992a). Figure B-1 displays relative landform positions of Preacher and Bohannon soils. 

Figure B-1. Preacher-Bohannon, Landform Positions

Map B-5 displays Remote-Digger-Preacher soil associations mapped in the Planning Area.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-10

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Map B-5. Remote-Digger-Preacher (Soil Map Units 49E and 50E)

Digger-Preacher-Umpcoos association and Remote loam. There are approximately 1,428 acres of this 

general soil map unit. Rock outcrops occasionally present. Soil thickness ranges 20-60+ inches. Erosion 

hazard is low when the duff and litter are undisturbed. Site productivity is high (Gross, 1992b).

Map B-6 displays Umpcoos-Rock outcrop mapped in the Planning Area. 

Map B-6. Umpcoos- Rock Outcrop (Soil Map Unit 58F)

Umpcoos-Rock Outcrop-Digger. These are the shallowest soils with relatively lower site productivity 

and hazard of windthrow as described above for General Soil Map Unit 13. There are approximately 

1,867 acres of this general soil map unit in the Planning Area. 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-11

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

B. Vegetation - Stand Conditions

Overstory is dominantly composed of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) with subordinate amounts of 

western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and minor amounts of Port-Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis

lawsoniana). Hardwoods occur in the mid-story and understory and consist of chinquapin (Chrysolepis

chrysophylla), tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) and some red alder (Alnus rubra) occurring in 

riparian areas adjacent to streams. Conifer regeneration is mostly western hemlock with more localized 

profuse Port-Orford-cedar seedlings/saplings associated with drainages and areas with high water tables. 

Understory vegetation dominantly consists of salal (Gaultheria shallon), Pacific rhododendron

(Rhododendron macrophyllum), tall in places (> 10 feet), and lower covers of dwarf Oregongrape

(Mahonia nervosa), prince’s pine (Chimaphila Pursh), sword fern (Polystichum munitum), western 

twinflower (Linnaea borealis), woods rose (Rosa gymnocarpa), evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium

ovatum) and some grasses.

Plant Associations

The Eden Ridge Planning Area is in the western hemlock series with understory conifer regeneration 

dominantly composed of western hemlock seedlings and saplings. Western hemlock is considered to be 

the climax forest species throughout the Coast Range Province and is most efficient in soils of the Tyee 

sandstone parent material (USDI 1994).

The following southwest Oregon plant associations (Atzet et al., 1996) were keyed during field 

reconnaissance (listed in descending order of prevalence): 

Western Hemlock/Pacific Rhododendron-Dwarf Oregongrape (TSHE/RHMA3-BENE2-SWO). 

This plant association is the wettest of the western hemlock series and coolest of the coastal western 

hemlock plant associations. This association has a dense shrub layer consisting of Pacific rhododendron 

and salal.

Western Hemlock/Evergreen Huckleberry/Western Sword-Fern (TSHE/VAOV2/POMU).

This plant association is found in warm and wet environments. This association generally has multiple 

species of ferns with Oregon oxalis ground cover and rarely occurs on ridgetops or valleys.

Western Hemlock/Salal-Pacific Rhododendron-SWO (TSHE/GASH/RHMA3).

This plant association was keyed along the northeastern perimeter and is found in warm sites, drier than 

the above two plant associations and occurs commonly on upper slopes.

Current Stand Condition

Candidate stands are mostly single-storied in stem exclusion (Oliver, 1996) with scattered openings from 

root disease infection in the northern portion of the Planning Area that have more multi-layered structure 

from natural regeneration of conifers and hardwoods. Live crowns are receding from dense stand 

conditions with crown ratio ranging 15-20% on suppressed and intermediate crown class trees to 30-40% 

for dominant and codominant trees. Hardwood thickets of chinquapin are present and interspersed within 

stands and are associated with rocky, shallow soils (Atzet, Wheeler, 1989) and rock outcrops. Candidate 

stands are generally 60-70 years old. An older stand, located in the eastern corner of the Planning Area, is 

proposed for noncommercial treatments within Unit 900.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-12

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Relative Density

Relative Density (RD) is a measure of a stand’s occupied density compared to a theoretical maximum 

density. RD measures the number of trees per acre independent of site qualities such as light, water, and 

nutrients and serves as a measure of competition for growing space. Stocking level control to reduce 

stand density to a RD of 35-50% will allow stand vigor and growth to be maximized (Ellen 1984) by 

creating more growing space for retained trees and controlling inter-tree competition for site resources. 

Retained trees will ideally have 40% live crown ratios following treatment to respond to increased 

availability of site resources. A live crown ratio of 40% represents a generally acceptable level of 

individual tree vigor (Daniel et al., 1979). 

Relative Density index is used on ER for determining thinning treatment thresholds for candidate stands. 

RD is calculated using quadratic mean diameter and stand basal area (Curtis 1982) or by dividing a 

stand’s existing Stand Density Index (SDI) (Reineke 1933) by a maximum SDI characteristic of the 

stand’s species composition (Woodall 2009). The SDI maximum for Douglas-fir in Oregon of 595 was 

used for ER (Larsen, 2001, Daniel et al., 1979). Calculated RD numbers from the Curtis method describe 

stand competition as follows (Ellen 1984).

Table B-3. Stand Competition; Curtis 1982

70%+ Grossly overstocked (unmanaged mature stands)

60% Approximate “normal” stocking

50-70% Stand density sufficient to cause competition-related mortality

35-50% Stand vigor and growth are maximized

<35% Individual tree growth maximized

Previous environmental analysis of similar stands on Powers and Gold Beach Ranger Districts identified 

a RD of 50% as a threshold of undesirable competition-related tree mortality (USDA 2007). This RD 

threshold will be used for ER.

Previous timber stand exams were conducted in portions of proposed units in 1986 and 1999. Table B-4

displays previous stand summary information in 1986 and 1999 indicating dense stocking conditions 

exceeding treatment thresholds in most stands at the time of stand exam data collection. 

Table B-4. Stand Exam Summaries, Eden Ridge Timber Sales

1986 Stand Exams - Eden Ridge

ER Unit# (est) Stand Age 2011 Stand Age Ba/ Ac SDI RD

3 40 65 207 472 0.79

332, 333 43 68 253 463 0.78

333 38 63 171 309 0.52

340, 341 40 65 176 389 0.65

1999 Stand Exams - Eden Ridge

5,7,9 53 65 283 505 0.85

5,7,9 54 66 203 377 0.63

210, 332 51 63 240 469 0.79

332, 333 54 66 253 463 0.78

332, 333 51 63 280 498 0.84

340, 341, 342 57 69 250 428 0.72

340, 341, 342 58 70 262 504 0.85

216, 343, 344 53 65 222 412 0.69

Not in proposed unit 49 61 242 425 0.71

401, 402 50 62 230 476 0.80
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-13

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

A data query of the Forest’s existing vegetation GIS layer displays 1,996 acres exceeding 50% RD in 

candidate stands for Eden Ridge Timber Sales (Map B-7). Queried polygons are concentrated in the 

eastern portion of the Planning Area and are associated with the more productive Preacher-Bohannon 

soils. These areas are higher priority for treatment though computer-generated existing vegetation data 

would need ground verification at the stand-level for determining data accuracy and developing sitespecific silvicultural prescriptions (see RRS Existing Vegetation section description).

Map B-7. Existing Vegetation Polygons Exceeding 50% RD within Candidate Stands

RD >= 50% in blue shaded areas 

Canopy Cover

A data query of the Forest’s existing vegetation GIS layer displays most candidate stands exceeding 70% 

canopy cover for Eden Ridge Timber Sales (Map B-8). 

Map B-8. Existing Vegetation Polygons >= 70% Canopy Cover within Candidate Stands

Canopy Cover >= 70% in blue shaded areas 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-14

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

2009 Timber Stand Exams

Timber stand exams were conducted in 2009 to ground verify existing vegetation polygon information

located within candidate stands (see Attachment A for polygon locations). Table B-5 displays stand exam 

summaries. Attributes in parenthesis are for trees greater than or equal to 6” dbh for candidate stands 

proposed for commercial treatments.

Table B-5. 2009 Stand Exam Summaries, Eden Ridge Timber Sales # TSE plots location# stand# acres

ER unit (apprx)

Trees / ac

Canopy Cover+

Basal Area / ac

Tree

Species 

(based on 

plot data)

QMD SDI

RD

(Curtis)

Merch BF/ac*

10 yr 

Radial 

growth 

(20th/ 

inch)

3 6032030 199 17 2/201 544/

(244) 77% 333/(333)

82%PSME 

14%TSHE 

4%CACH

10.6/

(15.8)

597/

(560) 0.84 68,751 9-11, avg=10

3 6048010 604 5 320/324 96/

(96) 58% 253/(253) 100%PSME 22.0/(22.0)

340/

(340) 0.54 58,599 15-31, avg=24

4 6048030 802 21 307 1670/

(220) 81% 376/(372)

86%PSME 

8%TSHE 

6%CACH

6.4/

(17.6)

821/

(683) 0.89 106,689** 5-20, avg=11

8 6048010 747 38 906/905 (noncommercial) 152 50% 165

69%PSME, 

16%CHLA, 

10%TSHE, 

5%CACH

14.1 264 0.44 34,493 7-28, 

avg=17

+ Canopy cover projected by Stand Visualization System (SVS) from inventory conditions from FVS, version 6.21, ICASCA variant.

* Board foot volumes projected by FSVEG, Report 17.

** Estimated volume is unrealistic due to small sample size and 61” DF, 226’ tall present on one of the plots.

( ) Attributes for trees >= 6” dbh

High RDs, closed canopy conditions, receding live crowns and low average ten year radial growth

indicate suppressed growth is occurring in densely-stocked candidate stands. This is evidenced by the 

presence of standing 7-16” diameter snags from self thinning in stand #802 (see snag section). 

Additionally, root disease is present adjacent to stand #199 (within ER units #2 and 201, see laminated 

root rot section). These candidate units have a high percentage of susceptible tree species in the overstory 

predisposed to further infection and spread from root contact with infected trees.

2012 Riparian Reserve Stand Exams

Since the Eden Ridge Timber Sales DEIS was released, further field reconnaissance including stand 

examination and validation of Riparian Reserve areas has occurred for the project2. Additional stand 

exam plots taken within Riparian Reserves during summer 2012 showed 165 out of 199 plots (83%) with 

RD greater than 50%. Species composition is 91% Douglas-fir, 3% western hemlock, 3% Port-Orfordcedar, 2% tanoak and <1% chinkapin. Stand exams show that the majority of Riparian Reserves are 

densely stocked with a high RD, and that there is a lack of species diversity.

Stand exams showed tree heights ranged 67 to 145 feet with an average height of 95 feet. Tree diameters 

ranged 12 to 27 inches with an average diameter of 17 inches. Adoption and implementation of the 2011 

Northwest Forest Plan Temperature TMDL Implementation Strategies with the FEIS would increase the 

primary shade zone width based on slope and tree height (Table B-6). 

 

2 See Attachment B; Stand Exam Map, showing locations of plots within Riparian Reserves
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-15

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table B-6. Minimum Width of Primary Shade Zone (feet) based on Hill Slope and Tree Height3

Hill Slope

<30%

Hill Slope

30% to 60%

Hill Slope >60%

Trees < 20 ft. 12 14 15

Trees 20 to 60 ft. 28 33 55

Tree Height >60 to 100 ft. 50 55 60

Tree Height >100 to 140 ft. 70 75 85

Tree heights measured in Riparian Reserves during the 2012 stand exams indicate the primary shade 

zones for Eden Ridge Timber Sales would range 50 to 85 feet on both side of a stream course. These 

areas would allow for natural suppression processes to occur and produce snags (Lutz 2005; Pabst 2003) 

that would be available for future recruitment of down woody material into the stream channel to restore 

and maintain Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives.

Outside of the primary shade zone is where riparian thinning would occur. These areas would be thinned 

to expedite large tree development while maintaining 50% canopy cover as silvicultural objectives to 

restore structural diversity goals stated in the ACS objectives and expedite development of late seral 

conditions that were historically present in this area and serve as recruitment sources for large wood 

(USDA 1995). Field work in potential treatment units during the 2010 field season noted Riparian 

Reserves of 175 to 350 feet (one site potential tree = 175 feet) overlapping into upland forest types. 

Silvicultural (FVS) modeling of upland stands (page B-37) displayed higher tree mortality, lower tree 

diameters (QMD) and slower basal area growth for un-treated stands, compared to stands that were 

thinned. 

One conclusion in a recent ‘The Science of Thinning to Meet Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives in 

Northwest Forest Plan Riparian Reserves’ held October 30, 2012 at La Sells Stewart Center on the OSU 

campus workshop (Spies, Pollock, Reeves, Beechie) in Corvallis, Oregon noted thinning is most 

beneficial in dense young stands < 80 years old and has the greatest potential for ecological benefits to 

accelerate development of older forest structure. These larger green trees would be available to other 

processes (debris torrents, wind storms, etc.) for potential live delivery to the riparian system for future 

achievement of ACS objectives.

C. Forest Health

Port-Orford-Cedar Root Disease

Port-Orford-cedar (POC) root disease, Phytophthora lateralis (PL) is present in small portions of the ER 

Planning Area within drainages and roadsides adjacent to the 5000 Road and associated spur roads. Field 

observations noted variable amounts of standing small to medium diameter snags in PL pockets with 

scattered natural regeneration of POC seedlings and saplings. Infected and healthy POC seedlings occur 

intermingled with scattered overstory POC in proximity.

 

3 The approximate width of the primary shade zone and thus any treatment thereof should consider stream orientation, 

sinuosity, aspect, bank and channel stability, channel migration, channel width and potential for sediment loading. 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-16

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B-2. Port-Orford-Cedar Disease, Adjacent to 5000 Road and Associated Spurs

Unit 326 Unit 332 Unit 326

POC and occasionally Pacific yew are susceptible to PL. This disease can cause mortality within weeks 

of infection in the case of small trees and in one (1) to four (4) years when large trees are infected (Roth et

al., 1987). Trees usually lose all foliage two (2) to three (3) years after death. In areas where the disease 

has been active for several years, dead and dying trees with all degrees of foliage symptoms are visible 

(Hadfield et al., 1986).

POC decays more slowly than other tree species making it more valuable for nutrient supply, sediment 

storage and dissipating flow in the channel. PL infected areas may contribute some trees to streams 

through mortality. Dead trees may stand for a long period of time before being delivered to streams 

(USDA Forest Service, 1995). See POC Report and Risk Key assessment (Appendix B2) for more 

details.

Sudden Oak Death (SOD)

Currently the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area is outside the quarantine area for SOD. If new 

SOD infestations result in an expansion of the quarantine area boundary to include the Planning Area, 

compliance with state and federal quarantine regulations will be required. 

Laminated Root Rot

Laminated root rot is affecting forest health on portions of ER, particularly in the northern half of the 

Planning Area, in forest stands adjacent to FS Roads 5000440, 5000440003 and 5000448. Root rot 

pockets are approximately 1/8th to 1⁄4 acre with larger infection centers occurring within proximity to each 

other in the northeastern section (Map B-9).

Overstory tree species is dominantly composed of Douglas-fir in candidate units and across all of Eden 

Ridge. Stand-level infection is expected to increase as root rot pockets continue to expand in size from 

infected root contact with healthy susceptible trees. Disease infection extensively decays roots of 

susceptible host trees and either causes windthrow or mortality by destroying the tree’s ability to take up 

water and nutrients (Hadfield et al., 1986). Windthrow is more common with laminated root rot than 

other root pathogens and is present in candidate stands. 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-17

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Map B-9. GPS Points of Laminated Root Rot Infection

Although timber volume losses caused by laminated root rot are most conspicuous as tree mortality or 

windthrow, tree growth may also be reduced for several years before tree death (Bloomberg and Reynolds 

1985, Thies 1983). For commercial forest land in Oregon, reduction in wood volume is estimated to be 

40-70% on areas affected (Goheen and Hansen, 1993).

Figure B-3. Laminated Root Rot in Eden Ridge Planning Area

Unit 2 Unit 201

Laminated root rot spreads by root contact between uninfected trees when living roots penetrate infected 

roots. In pole-sized and larger trees, the root disease can spread outwards an average rate of one (1) foot

per year. This pathogen can live saprophytically in infected dead roots for fifty (50) years or more. Tree 

species present in candidate stands are listed in decreasing order of susceptibility:

Douglas-fir and white fir > western hemlock > Port-Orford-cedar

All hardwoods are immune

Mistletoe

Hemlock dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium tsugense) infection is present in a very few scattered overstory 

western hemlock trees in candidate stands. Effects are usually minor until hosts reach ages in excess of 

120 years (USDA Forest Service, 2008). 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-18

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Heavier mistletoe infection was observed in an older western hemlock stand located on a ridgetop within 

noncommercial Unit# 900. Noncommercial treatments to sanitize mistletoe from this stand should be 

carefully considered as this stand may be a unique feature of vegetative diversity at the landscape-scale in 

the context of surrounding younger forests dominantly composed of Douglas-fir, which is a non-host to 

this species of dwarf mistletoe. Chances of lateral spread are minimal.

Swiss Needle Cast

Swiss needle cast (SNC) is the name of the foliage disease of Douglas-fir caused by the fungal pathogen 

Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii. It is known as a “cast” disease, because it causes the needles to be 

prematurely shed, or cast, from the tree, resulting in sparse tree crowns and reduced growth. Although it 

is called “Swiss” needle cast, the fungus that causes this disease is native to the western United States 

throughout the range of Douglas-fir, and is an exotic pathogen in Europe and New Zealand. However, the 

disease was first discovered in Douglas-fir plantations in Switzerland in the mid-1920s, and the name has 

persisted.

Swiss needle cast was not discussed in the DEIS because presence of Swiss needle cast has not been 

confirmed nor has it been observed on Forest Service managed lands associated with Eden Ridge. 

Further, it has not been observed or confirmed on adjacent private forest lands.

The following quote is from: Fertilization Impacts On Swiss Needle Cast Disease Severity In Western 

Oregon (Robin Mulvey, David Shaw, Douglas Maguire, Douglas Mainwaring), page 62:

“Studies that have been conducted in the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand on the influence of 

silvicultural strategies (commercial and pre-commercial thinning and vegetation management) on 

volume growth and SNC severity in affected stands have also found no direct interaction between 

silvicultural strategies and disease severity (Hood And Sandberg 1979; Mainwaring et al. 2005; Shaw 

et al. 2011). In other words, various silvicultural strategies did not directly affect the host-pathogen 

interaction, but conferred the same relative benefits as in the absence of disease. This may be due to 

the specific mechanisms of infection and colonization in this pathosystem, which do not appear to be 

significantly affected by changes in host resource availability, vigor or nutritional status that might be 

expected under operational silvicultural treatments. There is no evidence that inducible or 

constitutive host defense responses play a role in this pathosystem, which, if present, might provide a 

logical means for altered host nutritional status to directly affect host susceptibility, as has been 

observed in other agricultural and forest pathosystems (e.g. Diplodia pinea) (Stanosz et al. 2004; 

Blogett et al. 2005; Wallis et al. 2011).”

Windthrow

In addition to windthrow trees being present in laminated root rot pockets, windthrown trees are evident 

along the perimeter adjacent to large openings created by timber harvest on private timber company lands. 

Windthrow creates pockets of variable-sized down wood, particularly where susceptible forest stands 

have a high percentage of western hemlock in the overstory tree species composition (e.g. Unit 213). 

Windthrow is also present on landforms with shallow soils (i.e., Umpcoos-Rock Outcrop-Digger).

Fire

The fire occurrence rate in the South Fork Coquille drainage is relatively low for lightening and humancaused fires. The fire occurrence interval for western hemlock series in the Klamath region is about 65 

years (USDA 1995). Previous reported fires mostly occur in the west half of the ER Planning Area (Map 

B-10). 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-19

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Map B-10. Previous Fires on Eden Ridge Planning Area

1964 Debris Burning 129 acres 1965 Campfire 20 acres

1970 Lightening 0.1 acres 2001 Lightening 0.5 acres

D. Stand History

Forest stands in the Eden Ridge Planning Area were extensively railroad logged in the 1920s and 1930s

with steam donkeys as railroad lines were constructed through the area. Large contiguous areas of postharvest early seral vegetation are visible on 1943 air photos taken of the Eden Ridge area (see compilation 

in FEIS Chapter III, subsection 14).

Stands artificially and naturally regenerated in the late 1930s and 40s, following this clear-cut timber 

harvest. Harvested areas were likely covered in slash or burned with abundant quantities of residual 

down wood still present today in many proposed units. Some areas in the northern section of the 

Planning Area appear to have incurred a forest fire during the logging operation4. 

Approximately 10% of the Planning Area has documentation of post-harvest reforestation treatments 

(Table B-7). Historical records for ten (10) plantations documented 648 acres of tree planting between 

1939 and 1943. Conifer species planted were Douglas-fir and Port Orford cedar. Approximately 232 

acres of understocked areas from poor seedling survival within plantations were naturally regenerated and 

later determined stocked between 1954 and 1963. 

Table B-7. Plantation Data in Eden Ridge Planning Area

Unit Year Logged Year Planted/ 

Acres

Tree Species 

Planted

Year Site Prep. 

or Release 

Year Natural 

Regen/ Acres

P-1 Early 1900’s 1939/44 ac 30,000 POC 1947 1954/11 ac

P-2 Early 1900’s 1940/36 ac 13,500 POC Unknown 1954/14 ac

P-3 Early 1900’s 1940/37 ac 25,300 POC Unknown 1954/15 ac

P-4 Early 1900’s 1941/144 ac 98,100 POC 1937 1954/68 ac

P-5 Early 1900’s 1942/57 ac 28,000 POC 1937 1954/27 ac

P-6 Early 1900’s 1942/100 ac 74,000 DF Unknown 1954/23 ac

P-7 Early 1900’s 1942/40 ac 28,000 DF Unknown 1954/18 ac

P-8 Early 1900’s 1946/48 ac 33,000 POC 1937 1963/24 ac

P-9 Early 1900’s 1946/127 ac 70M DF 1937 1954/26 ac

P-10 Early 1900’s 1946/15 ac 10M DF 1937 1954/5 ac; 1963/1 ac

Total Acres: 648 ac 232 ac

 

4

 Silver Doe Timber Sale, Silvicultural prescription, Stand Area Description.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-20

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

There are no records that stocking level control occurred on these plantations or naturally regenerated 

stands during the early stages of stand development. Field reconnaissance noted many areas that appear 

planted or pre-commercially thinned due to the spatial arrangement of overstory trees, particularly in the 

northeast portion of the Planning Area.

Figure B-4. Planted Stands in Northeast Portion of Planning Area

Unit 002

Long-time residents of Powers stated that aerial seeding was a post-harvest treatment implemented on the 

Eden Ridge area5though no records currently exist to validate these statements. 

Past Management

Table B-8 lists previous commercial timber sale activity within the Planning Area (since historical 

railroad logging in the 1920s and 1930s). None of the candidate stands for Eden Ridge Timber Sales are 

located within these previous contemporary timber sale units.

Table B-8. District Records of Commercial Timber Sale Activity within Planning Area

Timber Sale Year Remarks

Silver Doe Thin 2010-current Skinny Doe units 5, 6, 7 

Backwoods Thin 2000-2006

Silver Doe ATV #1 2006 Skinny Doe unit 19

Doe Swamp Thin 1997-2000

Sweeney Butte HCC 1969 southeast of Backwoods Thin # 6

Oversite Salvage 1961 along south boundary, east of Road 5000420

Unnamed HCC 1957 east of Backwoods Thin # 1

 

5 Pers. conv. with Eric Martz, Powers Ranger District silviculturist (retired).
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-21

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

E. Large Woody Material and Snags

Observations based on an informal walk through candidate stands prior to 2009 by the previous district 

silviculturist noted Large Woody Material (LWM), 20 inch plus diameter at breast height (dbh), limited 

on the forest floor. Where observed, LWM was in the class 4 and 5 range. Standing snags over 16 inch 

diameter are also limited with most snags being within the 8 to 11 inch diameter range. A qualitative 

assessment associated with the 2012 Riparian Reserve Stand Exams of large woody debris noted 28%, 

43%, 25% (of 114 plots) were heavy, moderate and light respectively for existing conditions of down 

wood within Riparian Reserves.

Current Condition – Down Wood

Stand self-thinning is evident in many stands proposed for treatment. High RDs exceeding stated density 

thresholds has caused tree mortality to occur in the suppressed and intermediate crown class trees. 

Correlations between living tree biomass and deadwood biomass emerge when stands exceed 75% RD 

(Woodall 2009). Down wood boles from self-thinning are smaller in diameter than historical logging 

slash, present around old railroad grades and in riparian areas. 

Figure B-5. Down Wood Conditions from Historical Railroad Logging

ER Unit 326 ER Unit 1

Root rot infection caused by laminated root (Phellinus weirii) contributes more localized pockets of down 

wood, particularly in the northern half of the ER Planning Area. Infected areas resemble between 1-DF-3 

and 2-DF-3 in the Pacific Northwest photo series (Maxwell 1980) which estimates 59 to 111 tons per acre 

of forest residue respectively. Laminated root rot centers are more susceptible to windthrow (Hadfield et 

al., 1986) and may supply important concentrations of down woody material as infected dead trees do not 

remain standing for very long. 

In addition to laminated root rot centers, windthrown trees are evident along the perimeter of the Planning 

Area adjacent to large openings created by timber harvest on private timber company lands. Down wood 

from windthrow is also present on landforms with shallow soils (e.g. Umpcoos/Rock outcrop).

Down woody material information using Brown’s transect protocol was recorded during 2009 stand exam 

data collection (see attachment A, for vegetation polygon locations). Table B-9 displays quantitative 

downed woody data for stands sampled. Down woody material present on stand exam plots is mostly 

associated with laminated root rot pockets and old railroad logging slash.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-22

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table B-9. Eden Ridge 2009 Stand Exams - Down Woody Data (FSVEG Report 19)

Location# stand#

ER

Unit #

(apprx)

Tons/ac 

(0-

0.24")

Tons/ac 

(0.25-

0.99")

Tons/ac 

(1-

2.99")

Sound 

Tons/ac 

(3+")

Rotten 

Tons/ac 

(3+")

Tons / 

ac 

(ALL)

Ave. 

Diam. 

3+ 

Rotten

Pieces/

acre 

(ALL)

Photo 

Series 

(1980)

6032030 199 2/201 0.64 1.98 3.87 0.00 43.87 50.36 19.60 168

1DF3 

4DF4

6048010 604 320/324 0.37 0.46 1.94 0.00 4.98 7.74 7.60 45

2DF4 

3DF4

6048030 802 307 0.59 1.80 2.90 1.41 8.05 14.75 6.00 533

2DF4 

3DF4 

4DF4

6048010 747 906/905 0.30 1.91 5.58 0.41 60.49 68.70 16.70 312

4DF4 

3MC3 

1MC4 

1DFHD4 

4DFHD4

In riparian areas of the South Fork of the Coquille watershed, large wood is delivered to stream channels 

by debris flows, streamside landslides, recruitment from adjacent riparian forests, and transport from 

upstream sites. Federal and private activities removed massive amounts of wood for salvage following 

the 1964 flood. Standing large wood has been lost from riparian areas primarily by harvest, scouring 

debris flows and salvage following windthrow (USDA Forest Service 1995). 

Current Condition – Snags

Currently there are scattered snags in ER due to stand density, past fires and forest disease conditions 

causing tree mortality. Table B-10 lists standing dead (snags) present on the 2009 stand exam plots.

Table B-10. 2009 Stand Exams Standing Dead (Snags) from Plot Data (FSVEG Report 19)

location# stand#

ER Unit #

(apprx) Total Stand 

Dead Species DBH Hgt TPA

6032030 199 2/201 0

6048010 604 320/324 0

6048030 802 307 5 PSME 7" 15' 37.4

PSME 11" 64' 15.2

PSME 13" 97' 10.8

PSME 16" 78' 7.2

PSME 15" 89' 8.1

6048010 747 906/905 2 PSME 28" 86' 0.8

PSME 42" 38' 0.4

Snags are deficient in two of the vegetation polygons inventoried in the eastern portion of the Planning 

Area, small 7 to 16 inch snags are present in an older stand in the western portion near Coal Creek and 

scattered larger 20+inch snags are present in the noncommercial units west of the 5000 Road.

Field reconnaissance in combination with GPS waypoints during summer 2011 noted clumps of five (5) 

to twelve (12), four (4) inch to thirty (30) inch diameter standing snags occurring in Port-Orford-cedar 

root disease pockets (Phytophthora lateralis) in the southern portion of the Planning Area adjacent to the 

5000 road (Map B-11). 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-23

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Map B-11. Standing Snags Occurring in Phytophthora lateralis Pockets

Most of the snags are < 12 inch diameter. Larger 24 inch to 32+inch diameter snags were observed 

interspersed in the overstory north of this road and below the southernmost waypoint. This area is 

currently outside candidate units proposed for commercial treatments and would be assessed for POC 

treatment needs and possible funding in the Sale Area Improvement (KV) plan. POC is not considered a 

desirable tree species for wildlife use as snag habitat5.

Land And Resource Management Plan (LRMP)

The Siskiyou National Forest LRMP (1989) is the existing policy direction for snags and coarse down 

wood objectives. However, scientific studies on wildlife habitat (Johnson, O’Neil, 2001) have

determined that snag retention based on biological potential is a flawed technique6. This technique was 

used for determining snag requirement standards and guidelines in the LRMP.

The Southwestern Oregon Provincial Interagency Executive Committee requested a province-wide 

process be developed for determining levels of snags and down woody material in forests in the late 

1990’s. As a result, landscape stratification based on Plant Association Groups (PAGs), was developed 

across the Forest. 

A key element of desired conditions for PAGs is down dead woody material. Existing large woody 

material varies depending on past logging operations and PAG in southwest Oregon. Desired levels of 

dead wood were modeled by PAG, based on Ecology Plot data, adjusted by past conditions with 

consideration of the DecAID7 advisory system. These models were intended to be used as a baseline for 

managers to develop prescriptions for landscape management. Treatment units proposed for ER are 

within the maritime western hemlock PAG model derived from this process (Siskiyou NF, 2000).

 

6

 Personal conversation: Dave Clayton, Rogue River-Siskiyou NF Wildlife Biologist, January 18, 2012

7 DecAID is a wood advisory tool for Washington and Oregon forests and is based on Habitat Model for Wildlife Tree Retention. 

USDA Forest Service, Region 6, Portland Oregon: Kim Mellen (editor) 2003. The title can be read as decayed wood advisor and 

management aid “decay-aid” or “decision-aid”.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-24

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Ecological processes within PAGs vary due to changes in climate, topography and soil. Each PAG has a 

mean and range for snags and down wood derived from ecological plot data. These recommended means 

and ranges (standard deviations) are broken into diameter classes: 6 to 9 inches, 10 to 19 inches and 20 

inches and greater and into decay classes: 1 through 5 (White, unpubl.). 

Because the Forest’s PAG data is at a finer scale, the Forest is currently using plant series data from new 

PAG classifications, delineated by geographical regions (Cascades, Siskiyous, Coast), for determining 

snag and down wood objectives on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest8. 

Snag Recommendations

The LRMP specifies a desired snag quantity of 185 to 235 snags per 100 acres delineated into hard and 

soft 11+, 15+, 17+ and 25+ snag diameter classes to maintain habitat capability of woodpeckers 

(indicators of cavity nesting species) at not less than 60% of potential population levels (LRMP, IV-33 to 

36). Snag quantities are dependent on woodpecker species present in the treatment area.

As previously discussed, the Forest is choosing to use plant series data derived from new PAG 

classifications to determine snag and down wood objectives. Table B-11 displays snag data for the 

western hemlock plant series in the coast geographic region.

9 This data reflects snag quantities present in 

older stands derived from PAG inventory plots and represents desired snag quantities to develop in 

candidate units post-treatment.

Table B-11. Snag Data for Western Hemlock Plant Series

COAST - Snags

SERIES Diameter

Minimum

TPA

Maximum

TPA

Mean

TPA

Standard

Deviation

TPA

Western Hemlock 0-10” 0 211.73 28.64 49.45

Western Hemlock 11-19” 0 42.74 7.93 12.51

Western Hemlock 20”+ 0.38 16.83 6.27 4.37

Large snags over 20 inch diameter are particularly essential for forest function. In addition, at least 96 

wildlife species in Oregon and Washington are associated with snags in forests, using snags for shelter, 

roosting and hunting. Most species use snags greater than 14 inch diameter (Rose et al., 2001). Ridges, 

upper thirds of slopes, and riparian areas or lower third of slopes are very important for late-successional 

dependent species. Snags in various size classes also are important to the recruitment pathways of the 

down, coarse materials important to soils. 

In areas where past management has resulted in a lack of large snags needed for cavity nesting species, 

snags would be created from live trees left in stands. Whenever possible, creation of a minimum of 2 or 

more snags per acre over 20 inch dbh within all commercially treated units should be part of each 

silvicultural prescription. Creation can be through girdling, topping the trees with chain saws, blasting, 

inoculation with heart rot fungi, or deliberate injury. These methods would open the trunk to 

development of a hollow core used by woodpeckers and a variety of other birds, mammals, and other 

wildlife. 

 

8 Pers conv. David Clayton, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Wildlife Biologist, January 18,2012

9

 Hochhalter (et al.) Ecology Group, Southwest Oregon Province, plant series data from PAG plots.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-25

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Large Wood Recommendations

As with snags, down logs are important for wildlife and aquatic ecosystem function. In addition, large 

coarse woody material is particularly important to maintaining and holding soils in place. The following 

table displays down wood data (pieces per acre, tons and size) for the western hemlock plant series in the 

coast geographic region10 and represents desired down wood quantity and size objectives.

Table B-12. Down Wood Data for Western Hemlock Plant Series

COAST – Down Wood 

SERIES

Diameter

Min PPA

Max PPA

Mean

PPA

Std Dev. 

PPA

Min 

TONS

Max 

TONS

Mean 

TONS

Std Dev 

TONS

Min 

LENGTH

Max 

LENGTH

Mean 

LENGTH

Std Dev 

LENGTH

Western Hemlock 0-10" 0 428 110 131 0 12 3 3 0 275 63 59

Western Hemlock 11-19" 0 184 52 46 0 35 11 8 5 120 64 37

Western Hemlock 20"+ 0 204 35 46 0 116 38 37 6 367 111 94

Under the Action Alternatives, snags and down wood would be retained to support ecosystem function 

(see Wildlife Report). Management activities shall be planned to maintain enough large woody material 

(dead and down) to maintain a healthy forest ecosystem (SIS LRMP 1989). LWM already on the ground 

would be protected from disturbance to the greatest extent possible during logging and other land 

management activities that might destroy the integrity of the substrate.

Evaluations would occur after density management treatments to assess potential needs for snag/down 

wood creation. In areas lacking adequate amounts of down woody material (include snags in 

calculations), green trees may be felled. Any leave trees damaged during harvest operations would be left 

standing or felled for safety, but left on site. The intent is to provide future snags or trees with cavities or 

deformities utilized by wildlife. 

IV. MANAGEMENT DIRECTION

Candidate stands proposed for treatment are located on suitable forest land designated as Management 

Areas 14 (General Forest) and 11 (Riparian) in the Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource 

Management Plan (USDA, 1989) and as Matrix or Riparian Reserve land allocations as amended by the 

1994 Northwest Forest Plan. No Late-Successional Reserves or other land allocations are proposed for 

treatment in this Planning Area.

The primary management goal for General Forest (MA 14) is to obtain full yield timber within the 

capability of the land and the management requirements of other resources (LRMP, IV-139). Most 

timber harvest and other silvicultural activities would be conducted in that portion of Matrix with suitable 

forest lands, according to standards and guidelines (NWFP, C-39). Applicable Standards and Guidelines 

for Matrix:

Provide specified amounts of coarse woody debris in matrix management. Manage to provide a 

renewable supply of large down logs well distributed across the matrix landscape in a manner that 

meets the needs of species and provides for ecological functions. Develop models for groups of plant 

associations and stand types that can be used as a baseline for developing prescriptions.

 

10 Hochhalter (et al.) Ecology Group, Southwest Oregon Province, plant series data from PAG plots.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-26

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Coarse woody debris already on the ground should be retained and protected to the greatest extent 

possible from disturbance during treatment which might otherwise destroy the integrity of the 

substrate.

The management goal for Riparian (MA 11) is to manage these areas under the principles of multiple-use 

while maintaining the integrity of these riparian ecosystems which includes streambank stability, 

vegetation, terrestrial and aquatic habitats (LRMP, IV-126). Riparian areas for treatment units within 

South Fork Coquille River 5th field watershed are designated as Prescription B under the Siskiyou NF 

LRMP (1989). Management activities may include commercial harvest, site preparation, planting, release 

and pre-commercial thinning to achieve management goals in Riparian areas. Timber management shall 

provide for maintaining stream temperatures without significant increase in critical summer temperatures.

The primary treatment objective in NWFP Riparian Reserves is to benefit riparian area and wetland 

functions, including future recruitment of large woody debris into streams (see hydrology report for more 

information on Management Direction in riparian areas). 

Applicable NWFP Standards and Guidelines for Timber Management within Riparian Reserves 

associated with Eden Ridge Timber Sales (NWFP page C-31; TM-1, c.) specifically ties to:

“Apply silvicultural practices for Riparian Reserves to control stocking, reestablish and manage 

stands, and acquire desired vegetation characteristics needed to attain Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy objectives.”

For the portion of Riparian Reserves located within Key Watersheds, standards and guidelines for Key 

Watersheds as well as standards and guidelines for Riparian Reserves apply (NWFP, C-30). Applicable 

Standards and Guidelines for Key Watersheds (NWFP, C-7):

Outside of Roadless Areas – Reduce existing system and non-system road mileage. If funding is 

insufficient to implement reductions, there will be no net increase in the amount of roads in Key 

Watersheds.

Additionally the programmatic Record of Decision and LRMP amendment for Management of PortOrford-Cedar in Southwest Oregon, Siskiyou National Forest (USDA 2004) amended Standards and 

Guidelines to have the following objectives for management of Port-Orford-cedar:

 Maintain POC on sites where the risk for infection is low.

 Reduce the spread and severity of root disease in high-risk areas to retain its ecological function 

to the extent practicable.

 Reestablish POC in plant communities where its numbers or ecosystem function have been 

significantly reduced.

 Reduce the likelihood of root disease becoming established in disease-free 7th field watersheds.

Project-specific NEPA analysis will appropriately document the application of the Port-Orford-Cedar risk 

key and the consideration of the available management practices (see POC Report, EIS Appendix B2). 

Application of the risk key and application of resultant management practices will make the project 

consistent with the mid- and large-geographic and temporal-scale effects described by the SEIS analysis, 

and will permit the project analysis to tier to the discussion of those effects (ROD, p 33).
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-27

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

A. Desired Conditions

The desired conditions for candidate stands in Matrix for Eden Ridge Timber Sales is sustainable, costefficient timber production, within LRMP standards and guidelines, to support current and future 

economies while managing tree stocking levels and species composition to improve forest health and 

resiliency. 

The desired condition for Riparian Reserves within candidate stands is for these riparian areas to continue 

to serve their existing aquatic ecosystem protection functions (effective stream shade, bank stabilization, 

provision of wood and leaf litter to the stream channel, etc.) at lower tree densities that are on a trajectory 

to develop high quality, sustainable riparian habitat. 

B. Silvicultural Objectives

The primary silvicultural objective for ER is to control existing dense tree stocking conditions within 

commercial stands to develop more sustainable, full yield timber production on suitable Matrix lands 

while harvesting projected density and disease-related tree mortality in support of the Forest’s Probable 

Sale Quantity. A secondary objective is to treat subordinate amounts of root disease infection to improve 

forest health and sustain or increase tree growth and vigor by retaining or planting non-host tree species. 

The primary silvicultural objective in Riparian Reserves is to benefit riparian area and wetland functions, 

including future recruitment of large woody debris into streams. This objective ties in closely with 

Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objective (ACSO) 1; Maintain and restore complexity of watershed and 

landscape features, ACSO 8; Maintain and restore riparian plant communities and distribution of coarse 

woody debris, and ACSO 9; Maintain and restore habitat to support well-distributed populations of native 

plant and riparian dependent species. For the Eden Ridge Planning Area, there is an initial need to restore 

riparian conditions for aquatic habitat, lost by historical clear-cut logging.

V. SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS

In order to produce sustained full yield timber from these stands, intermediate harvest treatments using 

variable density thinning (VDT) techniques are proposed. 

A. Variable Density Thinning (VDT)

VDT uses a combination of low and crown thinning to release larger dominant and co-dominant trees. 

Spacing between trees is variable depending on tree diameter distribution on the ground and thinning 

intensity. Individual stand characteristics would be heterogeneous and post-harvest tree spacing would 

not have a rigid, grid-like appearance. 

Intensity of density management treatments ranges from Light (150-225 trees per acre [tpa]), Medium 

(90-150 tpa) or Heavy (50-90 tpa) thinning with a target RD of approximately 35-50%. Tree species 

composition would be maintained or enhanced by favoring a diverse mixture of conifers and hardwoods. 

Stocking level control to reduce stand density to a RD of 35-50% would allow stand vigor and growth to 

be maximized (Ellen 1984) by creating more growing space for retained trees and controlling inter-tree 

competition for site resources. Retained trees would ideally have 40% live crown ratios following 

treatment to respond to increased availability of site resources. A live crown ratio of 40% represents a 

generally acceptable level of individual tree vigor (Daniel et al., 1979). 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-28

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Although maximum gross production in coastal Douglas-fir is obtained when RD exceed 40%, thinning 

to relative densities below this optimum may produce less growth per unit area but this would be offset by 

greater growth per tree (Drew and Flewelling,1979). Reducing treated stands to this target 35-50% RD 

range would achieve the desired future condition of sustainable, cost-efficient timber production while 

treating candidate stands to improve forest health and resiliency. 

The need for future thinning treatments would occur when stand density grows back to 50% RD, or when 

dominant and codominant trees have about 40% live crown ratios. For Douglas-fir, a live crown ratio of 

40% appears to correspond with a SDI of about 50% of the maximum SDI (i.e., 50% RD) (Long, 1985).

Untreated candidate stands would continue on a track of suppressed stand growth and lost economic 

opportunities to capture density and disease-related tree mortality.

B. Forest Vegetation Simulator

Stand growth attributes were projected with Forest Vegetation Simulator (USDA FS: Dixon 2002; Keyser 

2008 (revised October 4, 2011) on existing vegetation polygons within candidate stands proposed for 

commercial thinning treatments (see Table B-5 -2009 Stand Exam Summaries). Stand #199 is presented 

as an example and the following figures and tables are stand data for trees >= 6” dbh from simulations for 

no treatment and thinning from below treatments to 35% and 45% RD respectively. Stand Visualization 

System (McGaughey, 1997) was used to visually display no harvest and harvest treatments (i.e., no 

treatment and 35% RD treatment).

Figure B-6. Stand #199 (within ER Units 2/201)
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-29

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table B-13. Stand #199

Existing Condition: Location-Stand 6032030-0199

Age

Trees/ 

acre

Basal 

Area/ 

acre

Quadratic 

Mean 

Diameter

Relative 

Density 

(Curtis)

Canopy 

Cover

52 243 335 15.9 84 77

No Treatment - projected growth

62 238 363 16.7 89 79

72 220 374 17.7 89 79

82 195 374 18.8 86 78

92 176 374 19.8 84 77

102 158 373 20.8 82 76

Thin to 35% Relative Density - post harvest

52 68 150 20.1 33 43

Thin to 35% Relative Density - projected growth

62 68 168 21.3 36 46

72 68 186 22.5 39 48

82 67 206 23.7 42 51

92 67 225 24.8 45 53

102 66 243 25.9 48 54

Thin to 45% Relative Density - post harvest

52 93 189 19.3 43 51

Thin to 45% Relative Density - projected growth

62 92 210 20.4 46 54

72 92 231 21.5 50 57

82 92 253 22.5 53 59

92 89 270 23.5 56 60

102 87 286 24.5 58 62

Figure B-7. No Treatment 6032030-0199

 Current Conditions Projected 50 years
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-30

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B-8. Thin to 35% Relative Density 6032030-0199

 Post Harvest Projected 50 years

Table B-14. Stand 6032030-0199; 50 Year Stand Summary

No Treatment 35% RD Thin 45% RD Thin

Stand 

Attribute

Current 

Condition

50 

years 

postharvest

Stand 

Attribute

After 

Harvest

50 years 

postharvest

Stand 

Attribute

After 

Harvest

50 years 

postharvest

Relative 

Density 84 82

Relative 

Density 33 48

Relative 

Density 43 58

Trees 

per acre 243 158 

(-85)

Trees

per acre 68 66 (-2)

Trees 

per acre 93 87 (-6)

Canopy 

Closure 77 76

Canopy 

Closure 43 54

Canopy 

Closure 51 62

QMD 

Growth 15.9 20.8 

(+4.9)

QMD 

Growth 

20.1 

(+4.2)

25.9 

(+5.8)

QMD 

Growth 

19.3 

(+3.4)

24.5 

(+5.2)

Basal 

Area 

per acre

335 373 

(+38)

Basal 

Area 

per acre

150 243 

(+93)

Basal 

Area 

per acre

189 286 

(+97)

Retain 45% of BA, 

Remove 34,937 mbf/ac

Retain 56% of BA, 

Remove 27,187 mbf/ac, 

HTH again in 20 yrs (RD>=50)
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-31

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

2009 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060

Q

M

D

Year

No Action

Thin 35% RD

Thin 45% RD

Quadratic Mean Diameter Growth

Figure B-9. Growth Data Stand #199

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

2009 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060

Basal Area (ft2/acre)

Year

Basal Area Growth

Stand 0199

No Action

Thin 35% RD

Thin 45% RD
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-32

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B-10. Stand #604 (within ER Unit 320/324)

Table B-15. Stand #604

Existing Condition: Location-Stand 6048010-0604

Age

Trees/ 

acre

Basal 

Area/ 

acre

Quadratic 

Mean 

Diameter

Relative 

Density 

(Curtis)

Canopy 

Cover

56 96 256 22.2 54 57

No Treatment

66 95 283 23.3 59 61

76 95 310 24.5 63 63

86 94 337 25.6 67 66

96 94 365 26.7 71 68

106 92 388 27.8 74 69

Thin to 35% Relative Density - post harvest

56 51 177 25.3 35 43

Thin to 35% Relative Density - projected growth

66 51 197 26.7 38 46

76 50 217 28.1 41 49

86 50 238 29.5 44 51

96 50 260 30.9 47 53

106 50 281 32.2 49 55

Thin to 45% Relative Density - post harvest

56 72 220 23.7 45 50

Thin to 45% Relative Density - projected growth

66 72 243 24.9 49 53

76 72 267 26.2 52 56

86 71 291 27.4 56 59

96 71 315 28.5 59 61

106 71 339 29.7 62 63
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-33

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B-11. No Treatment 6048010-0604

 Current Conditions Projected 50 years

Figure B-12. Thin to 35% Relative Density 6048010-0604

 Post Harvest Projected 50 years

Table B-16. Stand 6048010-0604; 50 Year Stand Summary

No Treatment 35% RD Thin 45% RD Thin

Stand 

Attribute

Current 

Condition

50 years 

postharvest

Stand 

Attribute

After 

Harvest

50 years 

postharvest

Stand 

Attribute

fter 

Harvest

50 years 

postharvest

Relative 

Density 54 74 Relative Density 35 49 Relative Density 45 62

Trees

per acre 96 92(-4)

Trees 

per acre 51 50 (-1)

Trees 

per acre 72 71 (-1)

Canopy 

Closure 57 69 Canopy Closure 43 55 Canopy Closure 50 63

QMD 

Growth 22.2 27.8 

(+5.6)

QMD 

Growth 

25.3 

(+3.1)

32.2 

(+6.9)

QMD 

Growth 

23.7 

(+1.5)

29.7 

(+6.0)

Basal 

Area 

per acre

256 388 

(+132)

Basal 

Area 

per acre

177 281 

(+104)

Basal 

Area 

per acre

220 339 

(+119)

Retain 69% of BA, 

Remove 15,425 mbf/ac

Retain 80% of BA, 

Remove 6,729 mbf/ac, 

HTH again in 20 yrs (RD>=50)
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-34

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

35.0

Q

M

D

Year

No Action

Thin 35%

RD

Thin 45%

RD

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2009201020202030204020502060

T

P

A

Year

Trees per Acre

Stand 0604

No Action

Thin 35%

RD

Thin 45%

RD

Figure B-13. Growth Data Stand #604
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-35

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B-14. Stand #802 (within ER Unit 307)

Table B-17. Stand #802

Existing Condition: Location-Stand 6048030-0802

Age

Trees/ 

acre

Basal 

Area/ 

acre

Quadratic 

Mean 

Diameter

Relative 

Density 

(Curtis)

Canopy 

Cover

70 220 372 17.6 89 75

No Treatment

80 211 387 18.3 90 75

90 199 396 19.1 91 75

100 189 405 19.8 91 75

110 179 414 20.6 91 75

120 180 424 20.8 93 75

Thin to 35% Relative Density - post harvest

70 49 173 25.4 34 41

Thin to 35% Relative Density - projected growth

80 55 186 24.9 37 43

90 72 201 22.6 42 47

100 71 213 23.4 44 48

110 71 227 24.2 46 50

120 70 240 25.0 48 51

Thin to 45% Relative Density - post harvest

70 67 219 24.5 44 50

Thin to 45% Relative Density - projected growth

80 67 233 25.3 46 51

90 89 251 22.7 53 55

100 89 265 23.4 55 56

110 88 280 24.2 57 57

120 87 294 24.9 59 58
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-36

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B-15. No Treatment 6048030-0802

 Current Conditions Projected 50 years

Figure B-16. Thin to 35% Relative Density 6048030-0802

 Post Harvest Projected 50 years

Table B-18. Stand 6048030-0802; 50 Year Stand Summary

No Treatment 35% RD Thin 45% RD Thin

Stand 

Attribute

Current 

Condition

50 years postharvestStand 

Attribute

After Harvest50 years 

post-harvest

Stand 

Attribute

After 

Harvest

50 years 

postharvest

Relative 

Density 89 93 Relative Density 34 48 Relative Density 44 59

Trees 

per acre 220 180 (-40)

Trees 

per acre 49

70 (+21) 

trees grow 

into >= 6"

Trees 

per acre 67

87 (+20) 

trees grow 

into >= 6

Canopy 

Closure 75 75 Canopy Closure 41 51 Canopy Closure 50 58

QMD 

Growth 17.6 20.8 (+3.2)

QMD 

Growth 25.4 (+7.8)

25.0 (-0.4) 

trees grow 

into >= 6

QMD 

Growth 24.5 

(+6.9)

24.9 

(+0.4) 

trees grow 

into >= 6

Basal Area 

per acre

372 424 (+52) Basal Area 

per acre

173 240 (+67) Basal Area 

per acre

219 294 (+75)

Retain 48% of BA, 

Remove 50,482 mbf/ac

Retain 60% of BA, 

Remove 37,026mbf/ac, 

HTH again in 20 yrs (RD>=50)
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-37

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

2009 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050

Basal Area (ft2/acre)

Year

Basal Area Growth

Stand 0802

No Action

Thin 35% RD

Thin 45% RD

0

50

100

150

200

250

2009 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060

T

P

A

Year

Trees per Acre

Stand 0802

No Action

Thin 35% RD

Thin 45% RD

Figure B-17. Growth Data Stand #802
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-38

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

C. Simulated Treatments Discussion

FVS simulated treatments display higher tree mortality, lower tree diameter (QMD) growth and slower 

basal area growth projected over the next 50 years for the no treatment scenarios compared to thinning 

treatments to control stocking density. Tree mortality from dense stand conditions could otherwise be 

captured as timber harvest volume during thinning treatments that would release growing space to 

retained trees to grow into larger trees more quickly as displayed in the 50 year stand parameters.

Relatively stable stocking with low tree mortality after thinning treatments over the simulated timeframe 

meets the primary objective of sustainable harvest on lands allocated to Matrix. RD stays within the 

target 35-50% RD range for the thinning treatment to 35% RD and ranges 45-62% RD for the 45% RD 

treatment. A second thinning treatment opportunity is projected in 20 years for the 45% RD treatment 

when the stand again exceeds 50% RD. 

Residual tree stocking from active treatments falls within the ‘Heavy Thin’ category (50-90 tpa). 

Treatments to medium or light thin tree stocking conditions to retain more trees may be done in riparian 

reserves, stands with high height to diameter ratios (particularly plantations) or on landform positions 

susceptible to windthrow. Retained trees would be managed for future harvests, seed source, stand 

structure and creation of large diameter snags/down wood to meet habitat and soil productivity standards 

and guidelines. These stands are projected to produce high quality timber product while providing for 

multiple-resource benefits. 

Active treatments retained 45-69% (average 54%) and 56-80% (average 65%) of the initial basal area for 

the 35% RD and 45% RD treatments respectively. Thinning to retain higher amounts of basal area is 

anticipated where windthrow may be an issue adjacent to large openings. Harvest volume ranges 15,425-

50,482 MBF per acre and 6,729-37,026 MBF per acre for the 35% RD and 45% RD treatments 

respectively. These harvest volumes are likely overestimated, particularly for stand 0802, due to the 

small sample size during the 2009 stand exams and the tendency for FSVEG to overestimate stand 

volume 11. 

Exceptions occurred in stand 0604 where initial stand conditions had relatively lower stand density which 

permitted for increasing basal area growth and lower tree mortality over the next 50 years in the no 

treatment scenario, though QMD was still lower compared to both thinning treatments. Additionally, 

post-harvest QMD growth decreased and trees per acre increased for stand 0802 in approximately 20 

years due to initial stand conditions having small trees in the understory which grew into trees >= 6” dbh 

over the simulated timeframe affecting these stand parameters. QMD growth was still higher compared 

to no treatment.

A 61” diameter, 226’ tall Douglas-fir recorded in the plot data for stand 0802 was not retained over the 

simulated timeframe, though stayed in the stand longer with thinning treatments (10 years for no 

treatment versus 40 years for thinning treatment to 35% RD). These situations would receive a different 

‘Wide Thin gap’ treatment to release and retain these desirable trees within the stand and over the 

landscape.

Canopy cover was not reduced below 40% for thinning treatments and ranged 51 to 63% versus 69-76% 

for the no treatment scenario in 50 years. Canopy cover recovery is influenced by a variety of factors 

including tree species present after treatment, growth response of crowns to open space, and the amount 

of in-growth of hardwoods and conifers. 

 

11 Pers. conv. Guenther Castillon, Assistant Forest Silviculturist, FSVEG coordinator, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-39

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

A precautionary note, FVS simulated treatments generate numbers that should not be considered absolute 

values for stand parameters. These simulations are more valuable for displaying the relative differences 

between treatment scenarios. More refined number would be determined during collection of more 

extensive stand exam information and during the development of site-specific silvicultural prescriptions

to determine actual thinning intensity.

D. Other VDT Treatments

Gap Development

VDT may include creation of irregular shaped openings (i.e., gaps) interspersed within some thinning

units to primarily treat laminated root rot infection centers. Forest heath treatments would harvest all 

susceptible tree species (Douglas-fir, white fir, western hemlock) within and along the perimeter of 

infection pockets and 50-100’ out from the last symptomatic tree while favoring resistant or immune 

species for leave trees. Gaps may be site prepared and planted afterwards with Port-Orford-cedar 

seedlings (see planting) for improving stand health and stocking conditions to meet sustainable timber 

harvest objectives while enhancing structural and species diversity. Gap size is estimated to be 1⁄4 to 2 

acres depending on extent of infection centers and proximity to existing openings on adjacent private 

timber company lands. Larger gap sizes are estimated to occur in the northeastern corner to treat smaller 

connected root rot infection pockets (see Map B-11).

Additionally, portions of dense stands where live tree crowns are <15-20% and not likely to respond to 

thinning may also receive gap treatments. 

Skips

VDT may include no-thin areas (i.e., skips). Skips can be strategically placed to protect riparian areas, 

hardwood thickets, minor tree species, pockets of large down wood, other unique stand attributes and 

inaccessible areas. 

Wide-Thin Gaps

Wide-thin gaps (WTG) may occur around genetic trees selected for cone collection, Port-Orford-cedar 

root disease pockets favoring resistant trees (see POC root disease treatments), or release of desirable 

large trees from competing vegetation. Generally, one (1) to four (4) trees would be retained in WTG. 

The size of WTG would be approximately 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 acre.

Thinning treatments would be designed to hasten development of late seral conditions to enhance riparian 

and upland areas, as recommended in the South Fork Coquille watershed assessment (USDA 1995), by 

increasing stand growth through VDT, creating structural diversity through skip and gap treatments and 

improving forest health and resistance to forest pathogens. 

VDT treatments would harvest conifers with diameters ranging approximately 7-24 inches and larger. 

Extracted commercial timber volume is estimated to range eight (8) to twenty (20) thousand board feet 

per acre and could yield up to fifty-three (53) million board feet for the entire project.

E. Port-Orford-Cedar Root Disease Treatments

POC treatments are described in the POC Report and Risk Key assessment for ER (see FEIS Appendix 

B2).
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-40

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

F. Riparian Reserve Treatments

Proposed treatments in Riparian Reserves are similar to upland treatments in Matrix forests. Primary 

objectives are to enhance riparian stand attributes to meet the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives of 

the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA/USDI 1994). Compliance with Project Design Criteria for VDT 

treatments in Riparian Reserves (see EIS Chapter II) would be documented in the silvicultural 

prescription.

See Section III, B, above for a summary of Riparian Reserve conditions and the need for treatments. 

Although most stands exceed 70% canopy cover (Map B-8), a data query of the Forest’s existing

vegetation GIS layer shows some polygons within candidate stands having an open cover class (i.e., 10% 

<= canopy cover < 40%). Where present, Riparian Reserves within these existing vegetation polygons 

are tributaries to Coal Creek and would not receive active management treatments due to current 

conditions not meeting the minimum 50% canopy cover desired in Riparian Reserves. 

Queried polygons are within or encompass Alternative 2 proposed Units 310, 313, 314, 316, 318, 319, 

322, 323, 326, 329, 332, 333, 335, 337. Computer-generated existing vegetation data will need ground 

verification at the stand-level for determining data accuracy and development of site-specific silvicultural 

prescriptions.

Map B-12. Existing Vegetation Polygons, Cover Class 2

10% <= Canopy Cover < 40% in blue shaded areas

G. Non-Commercial Treatments

Non-commercial treatments are proposed for 363 acres within the ER Planning Area. Options include

restoration, rehabilitation, reforestation, removal or thinning of non-commercial sized trees. The purpose 

of Timber Stand Improvement is to comply with the National Forest Management Act of 1976 and the 

1989 Land and Resource Management Plan. 
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-41

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B-18. Example Non-Commercial Treatments

Unit 905

Portions of non-commercial treatment units have high height to diameter ratios on overstory trees and 

forest health issues with laminated root rot, shallow soils and windthrow (e.g., Unit 908). These areas 

may be treated by removing small diameter material for biomass and planting with POC and other 

resistant tree species. 

Plantation Treatments

Plantations with commercial-sized trees would be treated by VDT though may have a different prescribed 

tree spacing compared to adjacent stands due to closer spacing of planted trees. Some plantations within 

commercial unit boundaries may be considered non-commercial due to tree size, density and high height 

to diameter ratios. These areas may be treated (or skipped) by removing small diameter material for 

biomass and planting.

H. Fuels Management12

Harvest activities associated with Alternative 2 would add needles, limbwood, and tops to the existing 

fuel bed in varying degrees throughout each treatment area. Disturbed ground vegetation and larger 

woody material would contribute to the dead fuel loading. In comparison with the natural long-term 

accumulation of ground fuels, harvest would contribute fuels to the site at an accelerated rate. The fuels 

remaining after harvest would be mostly of the smaller size classes, as most of the larger fuels would be 

removed for utilization, unless contractual requirements specify that they be left on site. 

The estimated fuel bed remaining after harvest is best described as a Fuel Model 11- Light Logging Slash, 

of the Fire Behavior Fuel Models. The Photo Series For Quantifying Forest Residues (GTR PNW-51), 3-

DF-3-PC; with a substantial reduction 3.1-9.0 inch size class due to increased utilization also is 

representative of this fuel type. 

This fuel bed typically has 5 to10 tons per acres of 0 to 3 inch size class fuels. In the event of an unplanned fire start, the potential for rapid-fire spread would be higher than a stand in a natural condition (2 

to 7 chains per hour in a natural state, compared to 6 to 9 chains per hour after harvest). Below, are fuels 

treatment options considered for the proposed units. Implementation of these fuels treatment methods 

would likely be one or a combination of several treatments.

 

12 Input from Rick MacDonald, Fire Management Officer, Powers Ranger District
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-42

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

No treatment: This method would be appropriate for sites where fuel loadings fall well below LRMP 

Standard and Guideline recommended maximums. When residual fuels exceed the guidelines, not 

treating the fuels may be appropriate in areas of low risk where risks may be assumed for a period, until 

the hazard has been reduced by natural processes.

Hand piling fuels concentrations: This method would be effective in breaking up fuel continuity 

thereby reducing fire spread rates. Hand piling, followed by burning of the piles, can remove most fuels 

from a site. Hand piling is most effective in continuous moderate fuel loadings (25 to 50 tons per acre), 

and is less effective in scattered light fuels. This method may also be employed in areas where no other 

disposal methods are prescribed, or in conjunction with non-burning types of treatments, but where the 

risks may warrant some sort of hazard reduction; such as the piling proposed along Roads 2000, 5000, 

290, 440, and 448. On the commercially thinned units that are adjacent to the aforementioned roads, 

logging slash within 100 feet of these roads would be hand piled and burned.

Yarding of tops: This method would be effective in removing concentrations of the 0 to 3-inch size 

class fuels. In all treatment areas using ground-based or skyline yarding, tops of commercial trees would 

be left attached to a commercial log while yarding (Yard Tops Attached – YTA). The tops would be 

piled and disposed at the landing location.

Piling and Burning Landing Slash: This method would be effective in disposing of all remaining unmerchantable vegetation on log landings (piling and burning).

VI. REFERENCES

Atzet, T., White, D.E., McCrimmon, L.A., Martinez, P.A., Fong, P.R., Randall, V.D. 1996. USDA 

Forest Service, September 1996. Field Guide to the Forested Plant Associations of Southwestern Oregon. 

Technical Paper. R6-NR-ECOL-TP-17-96.

Atzet, T., Wheeler, D. 1989. USDA Forest Service. Key Species for Plant Associations on the Rogue 

River, Siskiyou, and Umpqua National Forests. Compiled by Anita Seda. R6-TM-TP-009-89. Updated 

1997. R6-NR-ECOL-TP-026-97.

Bloomberg, W.J., Reynolds, G. 1985. Growth loss and mortality in laminated root rot infection centers 

in second-growth Douglas-fir on Vancouver Island. Forest Science. 31: 497-508.

Curtis, R.O. 1982. A Simple Index of Stand Density for Douglas-fir. Forest Sci., Vol. 28, No. 1, pp 92-

94.

Daniel, T.W., Helms, J.A., Baker, F.S. 1979. Principles of Silviculture (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Book 

Company. New York. 500 pp.

Dixon, Gary E. comp. 2002 (revised frequently). Essential FVS: A user’s guide to the Forest Vegetation 

Simulator. Internal Rep. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest 

Management Service Center. CA Variant:

Drew, J.T. and Flewelling, J.W. 1979. Stand density management: An alternative approach and its 

application to Douglas-fir plantations. Forest Science. 25, pp. 518–532.

Ellen, Dave. 1984. Curtis’ Relative Density in Practical Use. An unpublished, informal paper, Estacada 

Ranger District, Mt. Hood National Forest.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-43

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Goheen, D.J., Hansen, E.M. 1993. Effects of pathogens and bark beetles on forests. In: Schowalter, 

T.B., Filip, G.M., eds. Beetle-pathogen interactions in conifer forests. London: Academic Press: 175-

196. 

Gross, E. 1992a. US Forest Service, 2520 Watershed Protection and Mgt, 5/1/1992 letter, Ed Gross, 

Siskiyou NF Forest Soil Scientist (retired). Soil interpretations for Skinny Doe Commercial Thin 

Environmental Assessment. Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Unpublished.

Gross, E. 1992b. US Forest Service, 2520 Watershed Protection and Mgt, 5/1/1992 letter, Ed Gross, 

Siskiyou NF Forest Soil Scientist (retired). Soil interpretations for Skinny Doe Commercial Thin 

Environmental Assessment. Units 1, 13, 14, 15 and 19. Unpublished.

Hadfield, J. S.; Goheen, D. J.; Filip, G. M.; Schmitt, C. L.; and Harvey, R. D. 1986. Root Diseases in 

Oregon and Washington Conifers. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Forest Pest 

Management. R6-FPM-250-86. Page 7; 27 pp.

Hamlin, J. 2009. Suggested Seedlot Bulking for Climate Change in Oregon. Proposed by Jim Hamlin, 

Umpqua National Forest Geneticist, USDA Forest Service. Information presented at the Port-Orfordcedar technical meeting, May 17-18, 2011. 

Hansen, E.M. 2000. Final Report on Demographics of Port-Orford-cedar on Sites Infested with P. 

lateralis for Many Years. Unpublished report. Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State 

University, Corvallis. 5 pp.

Hood, I.A.; Sandberg, C.J. 1979. Changes within tree crowns following thinning of young Douglas-fir 

infected by Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science. 9(2): 177-184.

Johnson, D.H., O’Neil, T.A. 2001. Wildlife –Habitat Relationships in Oregon and Washington. Oregon 

State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon. .736 pp.

Keyser, Chad E. comp. 2008 (revised October 4, 2011). Inland California and Southern Cascades (CA) 

Variant Overview – Forest Vegetation Simulator. Internal Rep. Fort Collins, CO: U. S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Management Service Center. 56p.

Larsen, D.R. 2001. Stand Density Index. Table 1. Suggested maximum SDI by species and source.

Long, J.N. 1985. A Practical Approach to Density Management. College of Natural Resources, Utah 

State University. Logan, Utah. Agricultural Experiment Station. Journal Paper No. 2939. 

Lutz, J.A., and C. B. Halpern. 2006. Tree mortality during early forest development: a long-term study 

of rates, causes, and consequences. Ecological Monographs 76(2):257-275.

Mainwaring, D.B.; Maguire, D.A.; Kanaksie, A.; Brandt, J. 2005. Growth responses to commercial

thinning in Douglas-fir stands with varying intensity of Swiss needle cast. Canadian Journal of Forest 

Research 35: 2394-2402.

Maxwell, W.G., Franklin, W.R., 1980. USDA Forest Service. Photo Series for Quantifying Natural 

Forest Residues in Common Vegetation Types of the Pacific Northwest. GTR##.

Meyer, L.C., Amaranthus, M.P. 1979. USDA Forest Service, November 1979. Siskiyou National Forest, 

Soil Resource Inventory. Pacific Northwest Region. 258 pp.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-44

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McGaughey, R. J. 1997. Visualizing forest stand dynamics using the stand visualization system. In: 

Proceedings, 1997 ASPRS-ACSM-RTI Spring Convention. 1997 April 7-10. Seattle, WA. Bethesda, 

MD: American Congress on Surveying and Mapping 4:248-257.

Oliver, C.D., Larsen, B.C. 1996. Forest Stand Dynamics. Updated Version. John Wiley & Sons Inc. 

IBSN 0-471-13833-9. 520 pp.

Orr, E.L; Orr, W.N.; Baldwin, E.M. 1992. Geology of Oregon, Fourth Edition. Kendall/Hunt Publishing 

Company. Dubuque, Iowa. 254 pp.

Pabst, R.J., T.A. Spies, M.N. Goslin, and S.L. Garmin. 2003. Development of late-successional forest 

structures after thinning young stands: A simulation study for the Oregon Coast Range. Poster presented 

at 2003 meeting of the North American Forest Ecology Workshop, Corvallis, OR.

Reineke, L.H. 1933. Perfecting a stand density index for even-aged forests. Journal of Agricultural 

Research 46 (7): 627-638.

Rose, C. L., B. G. Marcot, T. K. Mellen, J. L. Ohmann, K. L. Waddell, D.L. Lindley, and B. Schreiber. 

2001. Decaying wood in Pacific Northwest forests: concepts and tools for habitat management. Pp. 580-

623 in: D.H. Johnson and T. A. O'Neil, ed. Wildlife-habitat relationships in Oregon and Washington. 

Oregon State University Press, Corvallis OR.

Roth, L.F., Harvey, R.D., and Kliejunas, J.T. 1987. Port-Orford-cedar root disease. R6-FPM-PR-010-91. 

USDA Forest Service, PNW Region. 11 pp. 

Shaw, D.C.; Filip, G.M.; Kanaskie, A.; Maguire, D.A.; Littke, W. 2011. Managing an epidemic of Swiss 

needle cast in the Douglas-fir region of Oregon: The role of the Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative. Journal 

of Forestry. 109(2): 109-119

Spies, Pollock, Reeves, Beechie. 2012. The Science of Thinning to Meet Aquatic Conservation Strategy 

Objectives in Northwest Forest Plan Riparian Reserves. Workshop held October 30, 2012 at La Sells 

Stewart Center on the OSU campus, Corvallis, Oregon.

Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative Annual Report. 2011. Fertilization Impacts on Swiss Needle Cast 

Disease Severity in Western Oregon (Robin Mulvey, David Shaw, Douglas Maguire, Douglas 

Mainwaring)

Thies, W. G. 1983. Determination of growth reduction in Douglas-fir infected by Phellinus weirii. 

Forest Science. 29: 305-315. 

Thies, W. G.; and Sturrock, R. N. 1995. Laminated root rot in western North America. USDA Forest 

Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, and Canadian Forestry Service, Pacific Forestry Centre. 

Resource Bulletin PNW-GTR-349. 32 pp.

USDA Forest Service. 1989. Land and Resource Management Plan. Siskiyou National Forest, Pacific 

Northwest Region, Grants Pass, OR.

USDA Soil Conservation Service. 1989. Soil Survey of Coos County, Oregon. 269 pp.

USDI Bureau of Land Management. 1994. Watershed Analysis Middle Fork Coquille Analytical 

Watershed. BLM, Coos Bay District, Myrtlewood Resource Area.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-45

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USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management. 1994. Final Supplemental Environmental 

Impact Statement on Management of Habitat for Late Successional and Old-Growth Forest Related 

Species Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. Two volumes and appendices. Portland, OR.

USDA Forest Service. 1995. South Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis; Iteration1.0. Powers Ranger 

District, Siskiyou National Forest.

USDA Forest Service, 1996, 1997, 2001. Webb, L., White, D. Siskiyou National Forest Siskiyou 

Supplement – Guidelines for Harvest Prescriptions (Large Woody Material, Green Tree Retention, 

Wildlife Reserve Tree (Snag) Retention. Unpublished.

USDA Forest Service. 2000 (apprx.). White, D. Down Wood and Snag Guide for Southwestern Oregon, 

Plant Association Group Membership. Unpublished.

USDA Forest Service. 2004. Record of Decision and Land and Resource Management Plan 

Amendment for Management of Port-Orford-cedar in Southwest Oregon, Siskiyou National Forest. 

Portland, Oregon. 485 pp. 

USDA Forest Service. May 2007. Decision Notice, Coastal Healthy Forest Treatments, Chetco, Gold 

Beach and Powers Ranger Districts. Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest. 17 pp.

USDA Forest Service. 2008. Western Forestry and Conservation Association. Advanced Insect and 

Disease Field Session. Identification, Life Cycles, Control Measures and Silvicultural Regimes

handbook. Information presented at insect and disease field training session, July 14-17, 2008. Klamath 

Falls, Oregon

Woodall, C.W., Westfall, J.A. 2009. Relationships between the stocking levels of live trees and dead 

tree attributes in forests of the United States. USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Stations. 

Zobel, D.B.; Roth, L.F.; Hawk, G.M. 1985. Ecology, Pathology, and Management of Port-Orford-Cedar 

(Chamaecyparis lawsoniana). USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Experiment Station General 

Technical Report PNW-181. 161 pp.

Zobel, D.B. 2011. Suggested guidelines for planting POC, based on cruise data. Extracted from: Zobel, 

D. 2011. Port-Orford-cedar in Coos County – A historical perspective. Unpublished manuscript. 

Information presented at the Port-Orford-cedar technical meeting, May 17-18, 2011. South Slough 

National Estuarine Research Reserve Interpretive Center, Charleston, Oregon.
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-46

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT A

2009 Stand Exam Locations

Stand #199 (within ER2/201)
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-47

Eden Ridge Timber Sales # TSE plots location# stand# acres

ER unit (apprx)

Trees / ac

Canopy Cover+

Basal Area / ac

Tree

Species 

(based on 

plot data)

QMD SDI

RD

(Curtis)

Merch BF/ac*

10 yr 

Radial 

growth 

(20th/ 

inch)

3 6032030 199 17 2/201 544/

(244) 77% 333/(333)

82%PSME 

14%TSHE 

4%CACH

10.6/

(15.8)

597/

(560) 0.84 68,751 9-11, avg=10

+ Canopy cover projected by Stand Visualization System (SVS) from inventory conditions from FVS, version 6.21, ICASCA variant.

* Board foot volumes projected by FSVEG, Report 17.

** Estimated volume is unrealistic due to small sample size and 61” DF, 226’ tall present on one of the plots.

( ) Attributes for trees >= 6” dbh

Stand #604 (within ER 320/324)
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-48

Eden Ridge Timber Sales # TSE plots location# stand# acres

ER unit (apprx)

Trees / ac

Canopy Cover+

Basal Area / ac

Tree

Species 

(based on 

plot data)

QMD SDI

RD

(Curtis)

Merch BF/ac*

10 yr 

Radial 

growth 

(20th/ 

inch)

3 6048010 604 5 320/324 96/

(96) 58% 253/(253) 100%PSME 22.0/(22.0)

340/

(340) 0.54 58,599 15-31, avg=24

Stand #802 (within ER 307)
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-49

Eden Ridge Timber Sales # TSE plots location# stand# acres

ER unit (apprx)

Trees / ac

Canopy Cover+

Basal Area / ac

Tree

Species 

(based on 

plot data)

QMD SDI

RD

(Curtis)

Merch BF/ac*

10 yr 

Radial 

growth 

(20th/ 

inch)

4 6048030 802 21 307 1670/

(220) 81% 376/(372)

86%PSME 

8%TSHE 

6%CACH

6.4/

(17.6)

821/

(683) 0.89 106,689** 5-20, avg=11

Stand #747 (within ER 906/905)

 

 # TSE plots

location#

stand#

acres

ER unit (apprx)

Trees / ac

Canopy Cover+

Basal Area / ac

Tree

Species 

(based on 

plot data)

QMD SDI

RD

(Curtis)

Merch BF/ac*

10 yr 

Radial 

growth 

(20th/ 

inch)

8 6048010 747 38 906/905 (noncommercial) 152 50% 165

69%PSME, 

16%CHLA, 

10%TSHE, 

5%CACH

14.1 264 0.44 34,493 7-28, 

avg=17
Appendix B – Preliminary Silvicultural Diagnosis (Revised) Page B-50

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT B

2012 Stand Exam Map
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

APPENDIX B2

Port-Orford-Cedar Report

and

Risk Key Assessment

Eden Ridge Timber Sales 

Prepared by

Stephen F. Boyer

Pacific Zone Silviculturist

April 1, 2013 Revision
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-2

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

BACKGROUND

On most of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Port-Orford-cedar (POC) is concentrated in 

Riparian Reserves except on the Powers Ranger District where POC is well distributed across the 

landscape. 

The Powers Ranger District has the greatest concentration of POC occurring in the world, from the South 

Fork of the Coquille River to Iron Mountain. This district is also unique in having stands with POC stand 

components of up to 70 to 80 percent. Included within the district are the Port-Orford-cedar Research 

Natural Area, Big Tree Viewing Area, which includes the largest POC in the world at nearly 12 feet in 

diameter, and the Coquille River Falls Research Natural Area. 

The 2008 POC inventory showed 47,902 acres of POC present on the district, of which 2,349 acres 

(4.9%) are infested with POC root disease, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora lateralis (PL). 

Unfortunately the research natural areas are infested.

Phytophthora lateralis

PL is a virulent, non-native pathogen that was introduced into the native range of POC in the early 1950s 

and its place of origin is unknown. PL readily kills POC of all ages that are growing on sites favorable 

for infection. Once an area becomes infested, it is difficult to eradicate PL.

PL can cause mortality within weeks of infection in the case of small trees and in one to four years when 

large trees are infected (Roth et al. 1987). Trees usually lose all foliage two to three years after death. In 

areas where the disease has been active for several years, dead and dying trees with all degrees of foliage 

symptoms are visible (Hadfield et al. 1986).

PL is spread in the following ways (Hansen et al. 2000; Zobel et al., 1985):

-Human vectors over long distances via resting spore transported in infested plant material or soil.

-Locally via waterborne spores moving in ditches, streams, or overland flow.

-Via mycelia growing across root contacts and grafts between infected and uninfected POC.

PL is favored in areas of slow-moving or standing water and on poorly drained microsites, especially 

when such sites occur below roads. Susceptible areas are segregated by the following risk categories 

(USDA Forest Service, 2004: Record of Decision and Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment 

for Management of Port-Orford-cedar in Southwest Oregon, Siskiyou National Forest). 

High-risk Sites

Low-lying wet areas (infested or not) that are located downslope from already infested areas or below 

likely sites for future introductions, especially roads, are high risk sites. They include streams, drainage 

ditches, gullies, swamps, seeps, ponds, lakes, and concave low lying areas where water collects during 

rainy weather (USDA-FS 2004). High risk sites also include places with streamside POC within 100 feet 

below a road and non-streamside POC within 50 feet below a road or 25 feet above a road (Figure B2-1).
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-3

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B2-1. High-risk Sites

For the purposes of this analysis, probability (USDA-FS 2004, section 3&4, page 37) below 6.1% for 

spread and establishment of PL in previously uninfested areas is considered low risk. Probabilities of 

spread are based on literature and professional judgment of forest pathologists with substantial amounts of 

experience evaluating PL in the laboratory and in the field (USDA-FS 2004). Probability below 6.1% 

corresponds to Low-risk sites defined as follows:

Low-risk Sites

These are sites with characteristics unfavorable for spread and infection by PL. Low risk sites are defined 

as streamside POC greater than 100 feet from a road and non-streamside POC greater than 50 feet from a 

road. They are sites that do not meet the criteria for high-risk as previously defined.

EDEN RIDGE TIMBER SALES - CURRENT CONDITION

Plant Associations

The following southwest Oregon plant associations (Atzet et al., 1996) were keyed during field 

reconnaissance in Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area (listed in descending order of prevalence).

The wet characteristic of these plant associations are conducive to infestation and spread of PL.

Western Hemlock/Pacific Rhododendron-Dwarf Oregongrape (TSHE/RHMA3-BENE2-SWO). 

This plant association is the wettest of the western hemlock series and coolest of the coastal western 

hemlock plant associations. This association has a dense shrub layer consisting of Pacific rhododendron 

and salal.

Western Hemlock/Evergreen Huckleberry/Western Sword-Fern (TSHE/VAOV2/POMU).

This plant association is found in warm and wet environments. This association generally has multiple 

species of ferns with Oregon oxalis ground cover and rarely occurs on ridgetops or valleys.

Western Hemlock/Salal-Pacific Rhododendron-SWO (TSHE/GASH/RHMA3).

This plant association was keyed along the northeastern perimeter and is found in warm sites, drier than 

the above two plant associations and occurs commonly on upper slopes.

Port-Orford-Cedar Inventory

An updated POC inventory based on field verification was finalized in 2008 on the Powers Ranger 

District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. POC presence and PL root disease is mapped in 

the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area (Figure B2-2).
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-4

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B2-2. Port-Orford-cedar Distribution in Eden Ridge Planning Area

Field observations noted variable amounts of standing small to medium diameter snags in PL pockets 

associated with profuse natural regeneration of POC seedlings and saplings in the Eden Ridge Timber 

Sales Planning Area. Infected and healthy POC seedlings usually occur intermingled. 

Figure B2-3. Examples of PL Pockets – Eden Ridge Planning Area

Unit 326 Unit 332 Unit 326

Field reconnaissance in combination with GPS waypoints during summer 2011 noted clumps of five (5) 

to twelve (12) 4” to 30” diameter standing snags occurring in POC root disease pockets in the southern 

portion of the Planning Area adjacent to the 5000 Road. Most of the snags are < 12” diameter. Larger 

24” to 32+” diameter snags were observed interspersed in the overstory north of this road and below the 

southernmost waypoint. This area is not proposed for treatment in Eden Ridge Timber Sales. 
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-5

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B2-4. GPS Waypoints in Phytophthora lateralis pockets

Yellow dots = GPS way points

Most of Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area is mapped as canopy cover 1 in the updated inventory,

except polygons west and south of Doe Swamp private inholding (Figure B2-5). Canopy Cover 1 is 

defined as 2-5% canopy cover of POC foliage present in mapped polygons (see attached Polygon 

Attribute Table-Data Dictionary). Canopy cover is estimated during air photo interpretation and field 

verification in some cases. 

Figure B2-4. 2008 POC Inventory - Canopy Cover attributes

Yellow = Uninfected POC Red = Infected POC
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-6

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Canopy cover 1 can be considered to represent a level of POC that will not measurably contribute to land 

management objectives1. Where POC is a small percentage of the stand or does not provide unique stand 

attributes, its loss is probably not meaningful when measured against management objectives (USDA 

2004, p. 34). In these circumstances, the decision to manage for POC is determined by an

interdisciplinary team. The decision to manage and treat POC with canopy cover 1 in all Action 

Alternatives was made during an Eden Ridge Timber Sales IDT meeting in April 2011. 

Landscape-scale POC distribution should be considered while planning treatments for Eden Ridge Timber 

Sales since surrounding private timber company land is being managed for planted Douglas-fir on a 50-

year rotation. Dead and dying POC seedlings and saplings, likely infected with PL, are present in road 

ditches and drainages in the surrounding land ownership. PL has been diagnosed in dying POC 

regeneration alongside the 5000 Road west of the eight mile gate before entering into FS ownership (June 

14, 2011, field trip with Frank Betlejewski, Interregional POC Manager, retired). South Fork Coquille 

Watershed Analysis (1995) identified this watershed as containing the most important Port-Orford-cedar 

concentrations within its natural range (pg. T20).

Measurably contributing POC and PL infection are present west of the private inholding around Doe 

Swamp. This area is mapped as canopy cover 2, defined as 6-20% POC present in mapped polygons

Figure B2-5. POC and PL Infection West of Doe Swamp

 

1 Pers. conv. Frank Betlejewski, Interregional Port-Orford-cedar Program Manager (retired), Southwest Forest Insect and 

Disease Service Center.
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-7

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Tree planting 98,100 POC seedlings occurred in 1937 across 144 acres in this area (see stand history in 

Silvicultural Diagnosis Report, FEIS Appendix B). Many planted POC appear to be deformed with 

broken tops and are being out-competed and overtopped by larger Douglas-fir. This plantation is adjacent 

to the land ownership boundary with Doe Swamp. This private inholding was clear-cut harvested in 

2010. 

Figure B2-6. POC Plantation - Doe Swamp

Proposed treatment activities and road building through PL pockets in Eden Ridge Timber Sales Units 

326 and 327 can have potentially adverse effects to POC in this area. 

Figure B2-7. PL Pocket in Unit 326 Adjacent to Railroad Grade Proposed for Road Reconstruction
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-8

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Measurably contributing POC and PL are present south of Doe Swamp in Units 334 and 333 and the 

south end of Unit 336. A portion of FS Roads 5000 and 5000440 are within or adjacent to these mapped 

polygons (Figures B2-8, B2-9). 

Figure B2-8. Measurably Contributing POC in Units 333 and 334 

Figure B2-9. Measurably Contributing POC in Unit 336

A project-specific POC Risk Key assessment is required in areas with measurably contributing POC to 

help determine where risk reduction management practices would be applied and to comply with the 

LRMP amendment (USDA 2004). 
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-9

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR RISK KEY

The POC Risk Key is used to clarify the environmental conditions that require implementation of one or 

more of the disease controlling management practices listed in the 2004 Record of Decision (ROD) and 

Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment for Management of Port-Orford-cedar in Southwest 

Oregon, Siskiyou National Forest. The objectives of the amended POC management Standard and 

Guidelines are to:

 Maintain POC on sites where the risk for infection is low.

 Reduce the spread and severity of root disease in high-risk areas to retain the host’s ecological 

function to the extent practicable.

 Reestablish POC in plant communities where its numbers or ecosystem function have been 

significantly reduced.

 Reduce the likelihood of root disease becoming established in disease-free 7th field watersheds.

Program objectives are to maintain POC as an ecologically and economically significant species on 

National Forest (NF) lands. POC management will provide cost-effective mitigation for management 

activities that create appreciable additional risk to important uninfected POC though not to reduce all risk 

to all trees at all cost (USDA-FS 2004). In areas proposed for timber harvest and road building, 

mitigation would be required as described in the POC Risk Key assessment (USDA 2004, Appendix A). 

Project-specific NEPA analysis will appropriately document the application of the Risk Key and the 

consideration of the available management practices. Application of the Risk Key and application of 

resultant management practices will make the project consistent with the mid- and large-geographic and 

temporal-scale effects described by the supplemental EIS analysis for POC management, and will permit 

the project analysis to tier to the discussion of those effects (USDA FS, 2004). 

Application of the Risk Key

1a. Are there uninfected POC within, near, or downstream of the activity area that’s ecological, Tribal, 

or product use or function measurably contributes to meeting land and resource management plan 

objectives? Yes. 

1b. Are there uninfected POC within, near, or downstream of the activity area that, were they to become 

infected, would likely spread infections to trees whose ecological, Tribal, or product use or function 

measurably contributes to meeting land and resource management plan objectives? Yes

Measurably contributing POC and PL infection are present west of the private inholding around 

Doe Swamp. This area is proposed for commercial thinning treatments, road reconstruction of an 

existing railroad grade and construction of a new system road ‘W’ to access Eden Ridge Timber 

Sales Units 326 and 327. Both units would use ground based logging systems. 

Measurably contributing POC is present in Units 333 and 334 and the south end of Unit 336. Unit 

333 and 334 would have ground-based logging systems and Unit 336 would use a skyline yarding 

system. All units are proposed for commercial thinning.

A portion of FS Roads 5000 and 5000 440 are within or adjacent to Units 333, 334 and 336. 

Additionally, these roads would be used as the main haul route for timber sales in this portion of 

the Planning Area.

Ground disturbance would occur in these harvest units. Ground based logging systems would have 

a higher level of disturbance than skyline. All units have infested PL pockets from which inoculum

could spread to adjacent uninfected POC within unit boundaries. 
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-10

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Whether or not areas with POC are considered “measurably contributing” in the Eden Ridge 

Timber Sales Planning Area, landscape-scale POC distribution should be considered when 

prescribing treatments as surrounding private timber company land downstream from the Doe 

Swamp area is being managed for planted Douglas-fir on a 40-50 year rotation. The ecological 

value of maintaining healthy POC during treatment activities on Forest Service land should be 

considered important for retaining vegetation diversity.

1c. Is the activity area within an un-infested 7th field watershed as defined in Attachment 1? No. 

2. Will the proposed project introduce appreciable additional risk of infection to these un-infested PortOrford-cedars? Yes. 

Recommended Port-Orford-Cedar Root Disease Treatments for Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure B2-10 displays the recommended treatments (except planting) from the POC Risk Key and IDT 

discussions. Miles and acres of POC treatments in the following tables are estimated in GIS for roads and 

PL infestation polygons. Treatment extent would be field verified during site-specific project 

implementation.

Figure B2-10. Recommended POC Treatments
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-11

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Wide-Thin Gap Treatments

Wide thin gaps to remove all live POC within PL infection pockets and retain non-host tree species on 

site. Thin all live POC within 2 to 3 crown radii from last infected POC along the perimeter of infection 

sites to separate healthy POC from potential root contact with infected POC. Pile and burn all POC slash 

and follow-up underburn to potentially mitigate disease presence2. 

Field reconnaissance noted most infected POC within PL pockets to be sapling to small pole-sized trees 

with very few scattered overstory POC in candidate stands (except in plantation P-4 west of Doe Swamp). 

Wide Thin Gaps are anticipated to be mostly understory treatments.

Table B2-1. POC Wide-Thin Gap Treatments (Alternative 2)

Roadside Sanitation

Manage for non-susceptible tree species by removing all POC along road sides as follows:

 100-feet below roads at stream crossings, width of high water table.

 25 feet above roads and 50-feet below roads in non-streamside areas.

Figure B2-11. Roadside Sanitation Recommendation

 

2 Underburning was discussed and determined by Powers Fire to be undesirable due to cost, logistics of building fireline, current 

fuel loading from historical logging slash and associated fire suppression tasks.

Unit# PL Infestation Acres - GIS

103 0.2

320 1.1

325 0.8

326 19.3

327 1.5

329 0.4

331 1.5

332 1.5

333 0.1

334 0.7

335 0.8

336 0.1

905 2.2

906 1.2

Total Acres: 31.4
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-12

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table B2-2. POC Roadside Sanitation Treatments (Alternative 2)

Road ID

Alternative 2

Miles - GIS

5000 0.67

5000420 0.33

5000440 1.71

5000442 0.69

5000443 0.72

5000448 2.9

5000449 0.38

Road F 0.39

Road G 0.15

Road H 0.21

Road O 0.18

Road W 0.6

Road Z 0.35

Total miles: 9.3

Planting

Restore POC within its natural range by planting non-PL infested areas and low risk areas with resistant 

POC. Gaps from treatment of laminated root rot pockets may be planted with resistant POC seedlings for 

stand health and to enhance structural and species diversity within the Planning Area (presence, location 

and extent of laminated root rot infection to be determined during field layout). 

Recommended planting spacing is twenty-five (25) feet apart or in approximately ten (10) tree clusters at 

100-150 foot spacing to lessen the potential for root grafting (USDA 2004, ROD, page 36). These 

spacing guidelines can be flexible to meet site-specific conditions. Avoid stagnant water, but plant POC 

in areas that maximize chances of maintaining moist surface soil year-round. 

POC’s distribution in Coos County appears primarily to reflect edaphic conditions (Zobel, 2011). During 

introduction of disease-resistant POC, the General Soil Type Digger-Preacher-Remote is an appropriate 

soil type to plant POC (based on POC’s native distribution in historical cruise data in pre-harvest forests). 

Eden Ridge Timber Sales is within the ‘Oregon Transitional’ Block/Zone 340 (2,501-4,000 ft. elevation) 

for disease-resistant seed (Hamlin, 2005). Seed is collected from seed orchards established since 2001 at 

the Dorena Genetic Resource Center, USDA Forest Service, in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Seedlings should 

be grown primarily from this seedlot.

Plant openings created by WTG treatments in PL pockets with Douglas-fir where openings > 1⁄4 acre. 

Western hemlock is anticipated to naturally regenerate in openings and does not need be planted. Do not 

plant POC as these PL pockets are considered high risk and should be managed for non-host species to 

reduce the potential for long-term PL disease persistence on site. Post-planting tree netting of seedling 

terminal buds may be needed to reduce big game browse damage on Douglas-fir.

Climate Change Consideration 

Climate change could have potentially important consequences to the distribution of POC within its 

native range and associated biodiversity considerations. In anticipation of potential climate change and 

species migration, combine seedlots for sowing POC seed for planting as follows:

Original Lower Southern 

 Zone Elevation Zone Latitude Zone 

340 (50%) 325 (25%) 440 (25%)
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-13

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

If a lower elevation or southern latitude source is not available, then increase the original zone percentage 

accordingly (Hamlin, 2009).

The Tyee Formation is the dominant geologic type in the coastal mountains in Douglas, Lane, and 

Lincoln counties and extends as far north as Tillamook County. Tyee supports moderate performance of 

POC in terms of both its incidence and volume. Knowing the relative performance of POC on these 

edaphic units should help to decide where POC could be introduced during efforts to move its range north 

as climatic warming continues (Zobel, 2011).

Table B2-3 displays unit information with recommended POC treatments for Alternative 2.

Table B2-3. Alternative 2: Summary of Recommended POC Treatments

Unit Reference Estimated Unit Acres Silvicultural Prescription Proposed Logging System

001 187 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT GB

002 137 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT GB

003 135 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT S

004 8 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT GB

005 126 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT GB

006 102 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT/POC-RS GB

007 70 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT GB

101 65 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT/POC-RS GB

102 46 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT/POC-RS S

103 61 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT,/POC-WTG/POC-RS S

201 117 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT GB

202 57 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT S

203 19 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT GB

216 17 VDT/ POC-RS GB

319 86 VDT/ POC-RS GB

320 37 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT/ POC-WTG /POC-RS S

324 95 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT GB

325 135 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT/ POC-WTG /POC-RS GB

326 155 VDT/POC-WTG/ POC-RS/ GB

327 47 VDT/LRR/POC-PLT/ POC-WTG GB

328 52 VDT/ POC-RS S

329 41 VDT/POC-WTG/POC-RS S

330 18 VDT POC-RS GB

331 13 VDT/POC-WTG/ POC-RS S

332 44 VDT/POC-WTG/POC-RS GB

333 86 VDT/POC-WTG/POC-RS GB

334 88 VDT/POC-WTG/POC-RS GB

335 38 VDT/POC-WTG/POC-RS S

336 49 VDT/POC-WTG/POC-RS S

340 19 VDT/ POC-RS S

341 25 VDT/ POC-RS GB

342 16 VDT/ POC-RS S

343 18 VDT/ POC-RS GB

344 30 VDT/ POC-RS S

345 17 VDT/ POC-RS GB

905 140 VDT/POC-WTG/POC-RS N/A

906 82 VDT/POC-WTG/POC-RS N/A

VDT Variable Density Thinning (Commercial)

NCT Noncommercial Treatment

POC-PLT Port Orford Cedar; site prep and planting of resistant POC seedlings

POC-WTG Port Orford Cedar; Wide Thin Gap, eradication treatment

POC-RS Port Orford Cedar; Roadside Sanitation

LRR Laminated Root Rot; gap treatments centered around disease pockets, possible plant with POC and other species

GB Ground based logging systems

S Skyline logging systems

N/A No logging system proposed for noncommercial treatments
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-14

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Recommended Management Practices (Mitigation Measures)

Project Scheduling - Schedule commercial treatments and/or road building west and south of Doe 

Swamp to occur during the dry season (or wash project equipment).

Units 326, 327, 331, 333, 334 and 336.

Utilize Uninfested Water- Use uninfested water sources for equipment washing, road watering and other 

water-distribution needs or treat water with Clorox®bleach to prevent/reduce the spread of PL.

All units in Table B2-3 with ‘POC-WTG’ and/or ‘POC-RS’ prescribed.

Unit Scheduling- Conduct work in all timber sale units where PL is not present before working in units 

infested with PL. 

All Eden Ridge Timber Sales units (i.e., most PL infestation is in Units 326, 327 and 331 west of Doe 

Swamp).

Road Management Measures- Implement proactive disease-prevention measures including not building 

roads or relocating the proposed road to avoid infested areas.

Road ‘W’ through PL pockets in Units 326 and 327.

Resistant POC Planting- Previously described (see Table B2-3).

Washing Project Equipment- Wash project equipment prior to beginning work in uninfested project 

areas, when leaving infested areas to work in uninfested areas, and when leaving the project area to 

minimize the transport of infested soil to uninfested areas.

All Eden Ridge Timber Sales units.

Summer Rain Events- Apply contract clause to require cessation of harvest operations when indicators 

such as puddles in the roadway, water running in roadside ditches, or increases in soil moisture indicate 

an unacceptable increase in the likelihood of spreading PL.

Units 326, 327, 331, 333, 334 and 336.

Roadside Sanitation- Previously described (see Figure B2-11 and Table B2-3).

Site-Specific POC Management- Manage to favor POC uphill from creeks, on ridgetops and on welldrained sites to emphasize management of POC on sites where conditions make it likely that trees will 

escape infection. Emphasis may include priority retention during thinning or other silvicultural 

treatments and planting to increase the presence of POC in areas unfavorable to PL.

All Eden Ridge Timber Sales units.
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-15

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

REFERENCES

Atzet, Thomas, D.E. White, L.A. McCrimmon, P.A. Martinez, P Reid Fong, and V.D. Randall. 

1996. Field Guide to the Forested Plant Associations of Southwestern Oregon. Technical Paper R6-NRECOL TP-17-96. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Portland, Oregon.

Brasier C., T. Jung and W. Osswald (eds.). 2006. Progress in Research on Phytophthora Diseases of 

Forest Trees. In: Proceedings of the Third International IUFRO Working Party 07.02.09., September 11-

18, 2004, Freising, Germany. Forest Research, Farnham, UK. 188 pp. 

Betlejewski, Frank. Pers. Com., June 14, 2011; field trip to Eden Ridge Planning Area with 

Interregional POC Manager.

Erwin, D.C. and O.K. Ribeiro. 1996. Phytophthora Diseases Worldwide. The American 

Phytopathological Society. APS Press, St. Paul, MN. 562 pp.

Hansen, E.M. 2000. Final Report on Demographics of Port-Orford-cedar on Sites Infested with P. 

lateralis for Many Years. Unpublished report. Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State 

University, Corvallis. 5 pp.

Hadfield, J. S.; Goheen, D. J.; Filip, G. M.; Schmitt, C. L.; and Harvey, R. D. 1986. Root Diseases 

in Oregon and Washington Conifers. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Forest Pest 

Management. R6-FPM-250-86. Page 7; 27 pp.

Roth, L.F., Harvey, R.D., and Kliejunas, J.T. 1987. Port-Orford-cedar root disease. R6-FPM-PR010-91. USDA Forest Service, PNW Region. 11 pp. 

USDA Forest Service, September 1995. South Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis. Iteration1.0. Powers 

Ranger District, Siskiyou National Forest.

USDA Forest Service. 2004. Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Record of 

Decision and Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment for Management of Port-Orford-cedar in 

Southwest Oregon, Siskiyou National Forest. Portland, Oregon. 485 pp. 

Zobel, D.B.; Roth, L.F.; Hawk, G.M. 1985 Ecology, Pathology, and Management of Port-OrfordCedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana). USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Experiment Station 

General Technical Report PNW-181. 161 pp.

Zobel, D.B. 2011. Suggested guidelines for planting POC, based on cruise data. Extracted from: Zobel, 

D. 2011. Port-Orford-cedar in Coos County – A historical perspective. Unpublished manuscript. 

Information presented at the Port-Orford-cedar technical meeting, May 17-18, 2011. South Slough 

National Estuarine Research Reserve Interpretive Center, Charleston, Oregon.
PORT-ORFORD-CEDAR REPORT (Revised) Page B2-16

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Port-Orford-Cedar Field Inventory

Polygon Attribute Table - Data Dictionary

Polygon #: A number corresponding to a black number on the aerial photo as an identifier of 

individual polygons. This numbering system is sequential for each aerial photo. The 

Rogue/Siskiyou N.F. overall unique number for that polygon is shown in the margin directly to 

the left of this number.

POC Root Disease Presence/Absence: If coded 66 then POC Root Disease (Phytophthora 

lateralis) has been detected and delineated within the polygon. If coded 00 then no POC root 

disease has been detected or delineated within the polygon. Note: in some situations POC root 

disease may be present or shown on the Interregional Data Base for that area but the root disease 

killed trees were not detected on the 1997 aerial photo. 

Live POC Canopy Cover: This is the percent of the land within a polygon which is estimated to 

be covered by POC foliage. It represents the density or concentration of POC within a polygon 

and is done during photo interpretation with field verification in some cases. The codes used are:

1*- Canopy cover of POC within this polygon is 2 to 5%.

2 - Canopy cover of POC within this polygon is 6 to 20%

3 - Canopy cover of POC within this polygon is 21 to 40%

4 - Canopy cover of POC within this polygon is 40%+

* 2% is the lowest canopy cover of POC that can be reliably mapped using aerial photos or field verification . POC 

may be present outside of such classified polygons but its concentration is, on average, low. 

Survey Date: This is either the date when a polygon was field verified or the date of photo 

interpretation.

Estimated # of Live POC By Size Classes: This data is normally estimated during photo 

interpretation but for some smaller polygons the trees were counted during field verification. 

The size classes employed are: S = Small (less than 22" dbh); M = Medium (22" to 32" dbh); L = 

Large (32" +).

Estimated # of Dead POC By Size Class: The size classes are the same as for Live POC.

Field Verification Level This is the reliability of field verification to validate the work of photo 

interpretation and data integration on a given polygon. Due to the size of the analysis area and 

the limited amount of time available for this work it is not feasible to do more than briefly 

sample polygons. Learning the ecology of where POC is present and absent and applying this 

knowledge to areas away from roads is one of the important values of field verification. The 

codes used are: 1 - Field verification where the field person is reasonably confident that the 

polygon classifications are correct. 2- Field verification where the polygon is large and only a 

very small sample was examined or where distance observation (with and without binoculars) 

was done. 3 - Field verification was not done.

Source: The 1992 Interregional Data Base Codes were used along with year of data.

Remarks: Any useful information that the photo interpreter felt should be passed on to the data 

user. No more than 60 characters.
APPENDIX C

HYDROLOGY REPORT

EDEN RIDGE 

TIMBER 

SALES

Hydrology Report

Maureen Joplin, Hydrologist
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................C-3

II. BACKGROUND ...........................................................................................................C-5

III. MANAGEMENT DIRECTION .................................................................................C-5

IV. CURRENT CONDITIONS - CHANNEL CONDITION & MORPHOLOGY .....C-6

A. AQUATIC RESTORATION PLAN - SOUTH FORK COQUILLE ...................................................C-7

1. Wooden Rock Creek ....................................................................................................................................C-7

2. Coal Creek ...................................................................................................................................................C-8

B. SOUTH FORK COQUILLE WATERSHED ANALYSIS (1995) ........................................................C-8

1. Coal Creek ...................................................................................................................................................C-10

2. Coal Creek Level II Stream Survey, August 2010 .......................................................................................C-11

C. CHANNEL MORPHOLOGY & LARGE WOOD - MIDDLE FORK COQUILLE .........................C-13

D. CHANNEL MORPHOLOGY & LARGE WOOD - SOUTH FORK COQUILLE ............................C-15

V. CURRENT CONDITION - WATER QUALITY ......................................................C-17

VI. HYDROLOGIC EFFECTS MECHANISMS & ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK ....C-22

A. CHANNEL MORPHOLOGY AND LARGE WOOD ...........................................................................C-23

B. SEDIMENT DELIVERY .........................................................................................................................C-24

C. WATER YIELD (PEAK FLOWS) ..........................................................................................................C-25

D. WATER QUALITY – TEMPERATURE (S.F. COQUILLE TMDL, 2001) .......................................C-27

E. CUMULATIVE WATERSHED EFFECTS ...........................................................................................C-28

1. Hydrologic Maturity Assessment for Planning Area ...................................................................................C-29

2. Road Density Assessment for Planning Area ..............................................................................................C-29

3. Large Woody Material Assessment for Planning Area ...............................................................................C-30

4. Stream Temperature Assessment for Planning Area ....................................................................................C-31

5. Overall Risk of Adverse Cumulative Watershed Effects as of 2009 ...........................................................C-31

VII. HYDROLOGIC EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVES ...............................................C-33

A. NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE ................................................................................................................C-33

B. ALTERNATIVE 2 - DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION ............C-35

C. ALTERNATIVE 2 - DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF 

HARVEST THINNING ..........................................................................................................................C-34

D. ALTERNATIVE 2 - DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF 

YARDING ACTIVITIES AND LANDING CONSTRUCTION .........................................................C-36

E. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ACTIVITIES WITHIN RIPARIAN RESERVES ..........C-37

F. OVERALL RISK OF ADVERSE CUMULATIVE WATERSHED EFFECTS 

FROM PROPOSED ACTION ...............................................................................................................C-38

G. ALTERNATIVE 3 – DIRECT, INDIRECT, AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS .................................C-39

1. Direct and Indirect Effects ...........................................................................................................................C-39

2. Cumulative Effects ......................................................................................................................................C-40

H. ALTERNATIVE 4 – DIRECT, INDIRECT, AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS .................................C-40

1. Direct and Indirect Effects ...........................................................................................................................C-40

2. Cumulative Effects ......................................................................................................................................C-41

I. RESTORATION PROJECTS ..................................................................................................................C-41

VIII. REFERENCES .........................................................................................................C-42
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-2

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT 1

DATA SOURCES FOR GIS ANALYSIS – February, 2010

ATTACHMENT 2 

Products of GIS Analysis For Eden Ridge Timber Sales

February, 2010

MAPS

Map C-1. Watershed Index Map ......................................................................................................................C-4

Map C-2. 2010 Coal Creek Stream Survey Reaches .......................................................................................C-11

Map C-3. Existing Shade for Planning Area in South Fork Coquille Subwatersheds .....................................C-21

Map C-4. Existing Shade for Planning Area in Middle Fork Coquille Subwatersheds ...................................C-22

Map C-5. Subwatershed Road Density ............................................................................................................C-30

FIGURES

Figure C-1. Oblique View Looking South of Eastern Portion of Planning Area .............................................C-14

Figure C-2. Oblique View Looking South at Western Portion of Planning Area ............................................C-15

Figure C-3. Potential Considerations for Peak Flow Increases ........................................................................C-26

TABLES

Table C-1. Status of Impaired Stream Listings ................................................................................................C-18

Table C-2. Average Seven-day-Maximum Temperature Measurements .........................................................C-19

Table C-3. Average Existing and Potential Shade by Subwatershed ...............................................................C-20

Table C-4. Factors that Influence Stream Surface Shade ................................................................................C-27

Table C-5. Regeneration Harvest as Percent of Subwatershed ........................................................................C-29

Table C-6. Summary of Risk of Adverse Watershed Effects ..........................................................................C-32

Table C-7. Private Ownership by Subwatershed .............................................................................................C-32

Table C-8. Proposed Road Construction .........................................................................................................C-35

Table C-9. Road Density Increase by Subwatershed .......................................................................................C-35

Table C-10. Harvest Thinning by Subwatershed .............................................................................................C-36

Table C-11. Project Acreages by Logging System for Action Alternatives ....................................................C-37

Table C-12. Percent of Subwatershed Affected by Ground Based Equipment ................................................C-37

Table C-13. Project-wide Riparian Logging System Comparison by Action Alternative ...............................C-38

Table C-14. Units Located in Sensitive Watershed Areas – Proposed Action ................................................C-38

Table C-15. Units Located in Sensitive Watershed Areas – Alternative 3 ......................................................C-40
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-3

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EDEN RIDGE TIMBER SALES

APPENDIX C

HYDROLOGY REPORT

Maureen Joplin, Hydrologist August 16, 2011

Reviewed and Revised by Chris Park, Forest Hydrologist September 17, 2013

I. INTRODUCTION

Eden Ridge Timber Sales and its “Planning Area” are located on public lands administered by 

the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Powers Ranger District. 

The Proposed Action for this project (EIS Alternative 2) would enact the following vegetation 

management actions:

3,314 acres of commercial variable density management thinning treatments (in several

separate timber sales), on 75 Units, producing approximately 53 million board feet of 

commercial volume; ground-based systems would be used on approximately 2,119 acres, or 

64%; Skyline systems would be used on approximately 1,195 acres, or 36% of the treated 

area. Also included is use of approximately 31 miles of existing Classified roads, 

construction of 10.8 miles of new Classified road (in 43 segments), construction and 

decommissioning of 0.3 miles of temporary road, use and reconstruction of 6.1 miles of 

existing Classified road, and use of and maintenance of 5.5 miles of existing Classified road. 

Approximately 385 acres of non-commercial silvicultural treatments are also proposed.

Two other Action Alternatives (Alternatives 3 and 4) are also considered; see EIS Chapter II for 

more detail and maps regarding these alternatives, including no-action, that are analyzed 

herein.

The project focuses on forest stands clear-cut harvested in the 1920s and 1930s utilizing a 

railroad access system that is now overgrown (railroad grades) or in ruins (trestle stream 

crossings). This system has been largely replaced on both private and public timber lands by 

roaded access. Some National Forest System lands in the Planning Area that were previously 

harvested by railroad systems remain inaccessible by roads.

The Planning Area is located within a block of National Forest System lands that are surrounded 

by intensively managed, privately owned, timber production lands. The Forest Plan designates 

the Planning Area as “matrix”, where timber production is an expected use. The Powers 

Ranger District is considering timber harvest and road construction that would result in 

commercial harvesting in the area over the next 5 years.

The Planning Area falls within the South Fork Coquille River and the Middle Fork Coquille River 

5th-Field watersheds (see Map C-1). Two watershed analyses have been completed that cover 

the Planning Area and contain a synthesis of scientific knowledge about watershed trends and 

conditions at watershed scales as well as by smaller sub-watersheds. Water quality analysis 

and management planning has been completed for the South Fork of the Coquille River by the 

State of Oregon. The Forest Service has also completed a plan for aquatic restoration specific 

to the South Fork Coquille River. These documents are listed below along with the 

subwatersheds that contain the Planning Area:
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-4

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 Myrtlewood Resource Area, Coos Bay District, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. 

Middle Fork Coquille Analytical Watershed.

(Lower) Rock Creek and Myrtle Creek subwatersheds

 Powers Ranger District, Siskiyou National Forest, USDA Forest Service, 1995. South 

Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis.

Coal Creek, Headwaters South Fork Coquille (aka Wooden Rock Creek), and Mill Creek 

subwatersheds

 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, 2001. South Fork Coquille River Total 

Maximum Daily Load Allocation and Water Quality Management Plan.

 Powers Ranger District, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, USDA Forest Service, 

2007. Aquatic Restoration Plan, South Fork Coquille Watershed. This document 

includes summary information from both the SF Coquille Watershed Analysis and the 

Water Quality Management Plan.

Map C-1. Watershed Index Map
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-5

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

II. BACKGROUND

The Coquille River, formed by the confluence of its north and south forks, begins at the town of 

Myrtle Point. The South Fork, 62.8 miles (101.1 km) long, rises in southern Coos County, and 

flows generally north. It receives the Middle Fork, 40.3 miles (64.9 km) long, then joins the 

North Fork from the south at Myrtle Point. The combined river meanders generally west, past 

Coquille. It enters the Pacific at Bandon, about 20 miles (32 km) north of Cape Blanco 

(Wikipedia web site).

The nearest weather data collection station is located in Powers at an elevation of 286 feet. 

Weather in the coast ranges is moderated by the Pacific Ocean, especially in the summer when 

temperatures regularly drop to the 45 to 55 degree range. Average annual rainfall at Powers is 

about 61 inches with only a couple of these arriving as snow (Wikipedia Website). The Planning 

Area occurs along the ridgeline of mountains south of Powers at elevations ranging from 2,500 

to 3,500 feet above sea level. The Planning Area receives annual precipitation ranging from 

100-150” dominantly as rain (Oregon Climate Service, PRISM; Oregon Dept. of Forestry 

LocatOR website).

Although snow is common in the Planning Area, a persistent snowpack is unusual. The 

Planning Area is generally in a weather zone referred to as the “transient snow zone” (TSZ), 

characterized by both rain and snow. Rain-on-snow events are common during the winter and 

early spring and can result in sudden spikes in stream flow as rain and melting snow combine 

into runoff.

III. MANAGEMENT DIRECTION

The Northwest Forest Plan’s (NWFP) Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) has four 

components: Riparian Reserves, Key Watersheds, Watershed Analysis, and Watershed 

Restoration. It is guided by nine objectives which are meant to focus agency actions to protect 

ecological processes at the 5th-field hydrologic scale, or watershed, at the 6th and or 7th fields 

(subwatershed and or drainage), and at the site level. 

Standards and Guidelines for Riparian Reserves are located on pages C-30 through C-38 in the 

Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP). Timber harvest is prohibited in Riparian Reserves except 

where needed to attain Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives (refer to NWFP, page B-11).

The Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource Plan (LRMP) provides standards and 

guidelines for soil and water resources on pages IV-44 through VI-48. Management 

prescriptions for Riparian areas are provided on pages IV-124 through IV-128. LRMP riparian 

areas extend at least 100 feet to either side of perennial channels; 150 feet is recommended for 

Class I and II streams. This would be less than the buffer widths provided by the Northwest 

Forest Plan of one to two site potential tree heights (175 feet and 350 feet, respectively) and its 

additional buffer of one site potential tree height for ephemeral channels. 

The Siskiyou National Forest typically utilizes a standard site potential tree height of 175 feet for 

analysis purposes. For the project area, a stream network was generated from a digital 

elevation model. A mapped perennial channel is initiated when a collection area reaches 25 

acres. Field work verifying the presence of ephemeral or perennial channels was used to 

confirm the model was accurate. Mapping used for analysis of the alternatives displays the 

following riparian buffers:
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-6

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Class I Streams: perennial, fish habitat 350 feet

Class II Streams: perennial, non-fish bearing 175 feet

Class III Streams: ephemeral or intermittent 175 feet

Under Northwest Forest Plan direction, Key Watersheds are not a designated area or matrix, 

but overlay all allocations. A portion of the Planning Area is within a Key Watershed (South 

Fork Coquille River). Timber harvest cannot occur in Key Watersheds or Riparian Reserves 

unless watershed analysis is performed to characterize the aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial 

features within a watershed and to guide activities toward meeting Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy goals (ROD, page B-20, USFS, 1994). Outside of Inventoried Roadless Areas (RARE 

II) management direction is to reduce existing system and non-system road mileage. Under the 

Northwest Forest Plan, Basis for Standards and Guidelines (NWFP page B-19), there is to be 

no net increase in the amount of roads; “The amount of existing system and nonsystem roads 

within Key Watersheds should be reduced through decommissioning of roads.” 

The basis for this Standard and Guidelines is “amount of existing system and non-system 

roads” and not road density (usually expressed in miles/sq. mi.). This Standard and Guideline is 

applicable at the fifth-field scale (the area designated as Tier 1 Key Watershed (and not to any 

of the smaller sub-watersheds that comprise the larger fifth-field Key Watershed). 

Water quality in Oregon is managed in compliance with Section 303(d) of the 1972 Federal 

Clean Water Act by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). DEQ is responsible for designating streams and water 

bodies that require effluent limitations, and, for developing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) 

allocations that will ensure water quality standards are met. The most recent listing of impaired 

waters is available on a DEQ website as “Oregon’s 2010 Integrated Report 

http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/assessment/assessment.htm

The Coquille Subbasin has a completed TMDL that covers most of the Rogue River-Siskiyou

N.F. occurring in that Subbasin. In order to implement the State’s waste load allocations, 

federal land management agencies develop Water Quality Management Plans (WQMP) in 

cooperation with DEQ. A WQMP for the South Fork Coquille River above the Forest Boundary 

was completed in the year 2000; it addresses lands of all ownerships in this part of the 

watershed. On National Forest System lands, water temperature is the water quality parameter 

of most concern in this area.

The Siskiyou LRMP prescribes that vegetation on lands in the S.F. Coquille River Basin be 

managed to maintain water temperature. Oregon state Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) 

allocations require streams to meet state temperature standards. Since the South Fork Coquille 

River exceeds temperature standards, the state has determined that no water temperature 

increases from anthropogenic sources is allowable (refer to Water Quality section of this report).

IV. CURRENT CONDITIONS - CHANNEL CONDITION & MORPHOLOGY

Detailed descriptions of existing condition of the Planning Area may be found in watershed and 

water quality analyses cited above. Stream surveys were also conducted for Coal and Wooden 

Rock Creeks in 1991 and 1992, and are cited by the watershed analyses and the restoration 

plan. An additional stream survey was completed for Coal Creek in 2010. Information relevant 

to current condition in the Planning Area has been extracted and/or paraphrased from these 

documents and presented below in descriptions of existing condition.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-7

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

A. AQUATIC RESTORATION PLAN - SOUTH FORK COQUILLE

The South Fork Coquille (SFC) is a Tier 1 Key Watershed as defined by the Northwest Forest 

Plan (1994) and is approximately 108,300 acres (169 sq. miles) in size. In 2005, the Rogue 

River-Siskiyou National Forest engaged in an Integrated Work Planning process. As part of that 

process, fifth-field watersheds across the Forest were prioritized for resource value and 

restoration potential. The South Fork Coquille ranked as number 1 on the Forest for fisheries, 

water, and wildlife values. 

Past management activities on NFS land have increased upstream sediment delivery and 

depleted large wood recruitment into the streams. The primary limiting factors within the South 

Fork Coquille Watershed are:

 loss of mature forest within the Riparian Reserve;

 higher than optimum stream temperatures;

 in-stream fish habitat below potential condition;

 excessive fine sediment in stream channels; and

 obstructions at road crossings that inhibit upstream movement of fish and movement of 

large woody material to fish-bearing stream reaches. 

Excess bedload is most evident where it is stored in unconstrained reaches. Aerial photo 

interpretation illustrates aggradation has buried large boulders and created wide gravel bars, 

literally filling pools and covering riparian vegetation. Fish habitat in all sub-watersheds within 

the South Fork Coquille Basin were identified as being adversely impacted by high stream 

temperatures and lack of large woody debris. Bankfull width-depth measures in several 

streams are indicative of channel widening. Channel widening increases solar radiation on 

surface waters and decreases depths available for fish. (Restoration Plan - Executive 

Summary)

Change in late seral successional stage in Riparian Reserves from 100 years ago was found to 

be substantial in all subwatersheds. For Wooden Rock Creek drainage (upper portion of 

Headwaters SF Coquille subwatershed), late seral successional stage has declined from 89% 

100 years ago to a present level of 1%. Coal Creek subwatershed is similar with a decline from 

85% to 1%. (Original data from South Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis, Iteration 1.1, 

September 1995)

1. Wooden Rock Creek

Summer flows at its mouth have been determined to be roughly twice the volume as the 

mainstem South Fork Coquille, which makes Wooden Rock a significant tributary. The lower 

2.5 miles flows into a wide valley floor located on the gently dipping bedrock surface. Wooden 

Rock flows over both Tyee and Flournoy Formations that are dominated by sandstones. 

Weathering and erosion of these formations yields sand and gravel-sized substrate to the 

channel. The low gradient channel provides the best existing resident trout habitat above the 

Coquille River falls. 

Wooden Rock has the highest densities of both trout and large wood in the upper basin (Chen 

1991). Three large wood jams exist in the lower 2.5 miles of habitat. One jam has been 

estimated to contain over 50,000 cubic feet of wood. Increased trout densities appear to be 

related to increased amounts of cover. Three distinct reaches are separated by a series of 

barrier falls (at the 2.5-mile and 4.0-mile marks) in a stair step formation that prohibits upstream 

migration (Stream Survey, Summer 1992). 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-8

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Populations above the barriers appear to be exclusively rainbow trout, but at much lower 

densities. (Original information from South Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis, Iteration 1.1, 

September 1995).

2. Coal Creek

Coal Creek is a key cold water contributor to the South Fork Coquille River. A dual-pipe culvert 

just upstream of the confluence with the South Fork Coquille River creates a partial barrier to 

anadromous adult salmonids and a full barrier to lamprey. A project is currently planned to 

remove the two culverts and replace them with a bridge. The design has been completed with 

partial funding available. Grants are being explored for the remaining funding needed to 

implement the project. 

There are no other proposed restoration projects identified anywhere within Coal Creek or the

rest of the project Planning Area. The Aquatic Restoration Plan states (p.20) that little timber 

harvest had occurred in Wooden Rock, Coal, or Hayes Creek subwatersheds, therefore that 

plan concentrated on other areas. The Restoration Plan refers to “recent” harvest, i.e.,

managed stands less than 30 years old that contain densely stocked plantations that need 

thinning.

Roads Analysis performed for the Aquatic Restoration Plan rated the 3358 and 5000 roads as a 

high environmental concern based on the following factors:

 Percent of sub-watershed stream network with roads within one site tree height.

 Stream crossing frequency within the sub-watershed and on a per mile basis for each 

road segment.

 Number of miles of road in high erosion potential by sub-watershed and percentage of 

road segment in high erosion areas.

 Percent of road segment within one site tree height.

 Percent of sub-watershed stream system with roads within one site tree height.

 The presence of road crossings in streams containing coho salmon, coho salmon critical 

habitat, or coastal cutthroat trout within a sub-watershed and per each road segment.

 Whether or not it is a Northwest Forest Plan Key Watershed.

B. SOUTH FORK COQUILLE WATERSHED ANALYSIS (1995)

The Coquille Basin, including the South Fork, occupies the Klamath and the Coast Range 

Physiographic Provinces. These geologies produce fine grain sediments which are transported 

to stream channels. A strong maritime influence results in high winter precipitations and 

moderate year-round temperatures. Annual precipitation ranges from 50 to 110 inches per 

year, with very little snow pack. Thus, 90% of the mean annual discharge of the Coquille occurs 

from November to April, with less than 1% occurring during August and September. 

The Upper South Fork Coquille Watershed straddles the Klamath/Siskiyou province which is 

separated by the Coquille River Fault Zone (Dott 1971) from the Coast Range province. Both 

geologies weather rapidly and produce fine grain sediments that are transported to stream 

channels. Therefore, sediment inputs are naturally high. (Page 9)

Soils on the steep Tyee sandstones have a tendency to fail as debris flows which scour streams 

to bedrock and deposit sediment and large wood at tributary junctions. Rockfall is common 

where Tyee bluffs overlie softer formations. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-9

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Turbidity, or water clarity, affects fish habitat and recreational uses such as fishing and 

sightseeing making it a critical component of the river value. Water samples in the analysis 

area were rated as first, second and third lowest in turbidity (highest quality) of all samples 

(DEQ, 1993) from Coquille (RM 24.5) to above Rock Creek (RM 81.0)

The water of the South Fork is clear most of the year except during winter storms when 

sediment from banks and slides can cloud the water for short periods. During these higher 

flows, it has been observed that streams flowing through the Klamath Province rocks (Sucker, 

Johnson, and Rock Creeks) are less turbid than streams on the Coast Range rocks (Yager 

1995). 

An exception to this tendency is the turbidity contributed by slides and surface erosion from road 

construction, timber harvest, and natural landslides. Without historical turbidity measurements, 

water clarity changes can only be pieced together by anecdotal accounts from long time 

residents and historical sediment delivery estimates. The following is a summary of 

representative historical accounts: From 1934 to the 1940's:

"The river stayed clear during storms. There was only the Agness Road and the Pepper 

Road over Sand Rock Saddle down to Johnson Creek. The rest of the drainages had no 

roads. After the increase in logging and roads, the river started running muddy during high 

water and lots of debris was in it." (Townsend 1995)

From the 1970's until recently:

"The river would take up to a week to clear. It now clears in a couple of days." (Hallett 1995) 

"In the past, the clarity of the stream would return to normal in 8 days, but today it takes only 

2-3 days. Decreased logging, improved practices within the last decade, and paving of 

Forest Service Road 33 located along the river have improved the stream's clarity." (Stinson, 

1995) Sediment delivered from timber harvest and road construction significantly increased 

from 1940 through the early 1970's which would be associated with higher turbidity levels. 

The passage of time decreases in logging activity, decreases in road construction, and 

improved practices have recovered water clarity from past decades.

“A 1964 flood following a major storm likely mobilized considerable quantities of instream

wood, but the input, storage, and transport volumes are unknown. To evaluate the storm 

damage, the Forest Service assembled an evaluation committee in 1966. The committee 

found that "woody debris" buildup in streams greatly contributed to stream damage, and 

recommended that debris be removed from the stream channel. In response to that 

recommendation, state and federal regulations were made requiring removal of all debris 

from streams. As a result, private and federal activities removed massive amounts of wood 

for salvage or stream cleaning in the 1960's and 1970's.” (Page A8)

“All streams within the key watershed have less than desirable levels of large wood. The 

riparian zones within the key watershed are lacking late seral conditions that were present 

historically which serve as a recruitment source for large wood.” (Page A15) “Three large 

wood jams exist in the lower 2.5 miles of habitat. One jam has been estimated to contain 

over 50,000 cubic feet of wood.” “Anecdotal accounts indicate abundant log and beaver 

dams, most of which have been removed in association with timber production.” (Page A31, 

specific to Wooden Rock Creek)
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-10

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

1. Coal Creek

Coal Creek flows westward into the mainstem of the South Fork Coquille approximately one

mile upstream of the Forest Boundary. Coal Creek derives its name from short-lived coal 

mining operations that existed there. It is unknown what effect these activities may have had on 

the stream channel. The relatively steep, confined character of the channel has high energy 

and debris transport capabilities and is very stable. Its sensitivity to disturbance is considered 

very low and recovery potential excellent. This accounts for fairly quick recovery from repeated 

past large disturbances. 

The Coal Creek watershed has a broad upper flat and is steeply incised into the Tyee 

sandstones. A series of falls at the 1.4 river mile mark create an anadromous barrier for 

salmonids (Stream Surveys, 1989, 1992). Resident cutthroat and rainbow are present above 

this barrier. 

The lower reach flows through a narrow confined canyon with substrates dominated by bedrock 

with boulders. The gradient for the most part is steep exceeding 4 percent. Deep plunge pools, 

cascades, and high gradient riffles are abundant. Cover for fish is provided in the way of depth, 

surface turbulence, and bed roughness elements (Chen 1991). A few large wood 

accumulations are present, but average only two pieces of large wood per mile. The remaining 

wood is composed of smaller pieces resulting from logging (Stream Survey1992). 

In the upper portion of the surveyed reach, Coal Creek enters a wider valley floor which 

changes the gradient, wood accumulations, and habitat composition. There are deep pools 

created by large wood, cascades, low gradient glides, slower riffle habitat, and complex side 

channels (Chen, 1991). Streambed substrate changes from dominantly bedrock, to gravel and 

cobble. The channel is no longer confined and floodplains appear. The channel sensitivity to 

disturbance increases and its recovery potential decreases in this area. The lower gradient, 

variety of habitat types, density of juveniles, and deep holding pools indicate this section is key 

spawning and rearing area for winter steelhead.

Summer temperatures are 55oto 62 oF., which are cooler than the mainstem. When the 

mainstem's summer temperatures approach 70 oF., juvenile salmonids congregate in Coal 

Creek. Debris flows from Coal Creek have deposited a large fan in the South Fork Coquille. 

Numerous juvenile steelhead were observed in summer 1994 in the pools just below the 

culverts on Forest Road #33 (USDA, 1994).

Disturbance History, Sediment and Large Wood

Over the years, many wood jams were removed for merchantable timber and firewood, or to aid 

fish passage. A debris flow that swept down Coal Creek from a debris avalanche in the gorge 

was triggered by a 1974 storm, a 25-year storm event. The channel was scoured down to 

bedrock in many places. This event destroyed riparian vegetation up to 200 feet laterally along 

the channel, allowing alder to become established and dominate the riparian area. The 

absence of historical stream survey records make it difficult to determine how the channel has 

changed as the result of the debris flow; however, the channel appears to have recovered from 

both the natural and human disturbances. The debris flow may have altered the channel shape 

and substrate composition by creating more bedrock reaches.

Coal Creek differs somewhat from the other tributary watersheds in having extensive harvest in 

sensitive areas which contributed to sediment and loss of large wood. Coal Creek is the highest 

at 17%, Wooden Rock Creek is second highest at 10% within a range of 4 to17%.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-11

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

2. Coal Creek Level II Stream Survey, August 2010

The Coal Creek watershed is located in the Coast Range Physiographic Province and is 

comprised largely of sandstones from the Tyee Formation. The Tyee Formation is 

characterized by steep slopes (cliffs), fine textured soils derived from sandstone parent rock, 

and bedrock confined stream channels.

Geomorphology of the Coal Creek watershed ranges from broad gently sloped mountain tops 

(Eden Ridge) to steeply sloped and incised canyons and inner gorges. Also observed were 

small sections of unconfined flat-bottomed alluviated channels featuring mild stream gradients, 

wood jams, stored sediments, elevated terraces, side channels, and minor floodplain 

development. 

Tributary streams were generally moderate to high gradient, V-notched, and incised. Generally 

canyon widths were narrow and vary between 40 feet in Reach 4 to 80 feet in Reach 3. 

Channel sinuosity was low (1.02 – 1.09).

The stream survey extended 6.14 river miles from the mouth of Coal Creek and describes four 

reaches based on changes in stream flow and canyon morphology (Map C-2). The majority of

the survey is located on private lands with the exception of Reach 4. 

Map C-2. 2010 Coal Creek Stream Survey Reaches

The following is summary information from the individual stream survey reaches:

Reach 1 

 Rosgen channel type B2a; moderately entrenched, structurally controlled, boulder 

dominated; high end of the slope range for this channel type

 Inner steam banks generally stable

 Average stream gradient 5.7% (moderately steep)

 Medium and large class large wood material (LWM) lacking
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-12

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 Instream small class LWM scarce (15.1 pieces/mile)

 Inner riparian habitat consisted of small diameter alder, bigleaf maple, myrtle, vine 

maple, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock). 

 Outer riparian vegetation consists of a small tree class Douglas-fir forest in Reach 1

Reach 2 

 Rosgen channel type A2a+; steep, deeply entrenched and confined with structurally 

controlled (bedrock) slopes

 Inner steam banks generally stable

 Average stream gradient 13.7% (steep) with cascades and waterfalls (fish barriers)

 Medium and large class LWM lacking

 Instream small class LWM scarce (17.9 pieces/mile)

 Debris flow near end of reach at mouth of tributary entering Coal Ck. from the south

 Inner riparian habitat consists of small diameter alder, bigleaf maple, myrtle, vine maple, 

Douglas-fir, and western hemlock

Reach 3

 Rosgen channel type B3a; moderately entrenched in coarse materials at the high end 

of the slope range for this channel type

 Inner steam banks generally stable

 Average stream gradient 3.9% (mild to moderately steep) with small amounts of 

floodplain

 Medium and large class LWM lacking

 low gradient gravel dominated riffles and mid channel scour pools, moderate gradient 

cobble dominated rapids, plunge pools, and side channels

 instream small class LWM moderately abundant in Reach 3 (42.7 pieces/mile)

 Inner riparian habitat consists of small diameter alder, bigleaf maple, myrtle, vine maple, 

Douglas-fir, and western hemlock

 Outer riparian vegetation consists of early successional vegetation

 August 2010 stream discharge 6.84 cfs taken at beginning of reach

Reach 4

 Rosgen channel type A4; steep, deeply entrenched and confined; incised in coarse 

depositional materials.

 Inner steam banks generally stable

 Average stream gradient 9.2% (steep) with waterfalls

 Medium and large class LWM lacking

 steeply sloped narrow V-shaped canyon with a stream gradient of 9.2%

 several waterfalls ranging in height from 9 to 55 feet

 Instream small class LWM abundant (77 pieces/mile)

 Inner riparian habitat consists of small diameter alder, bigleaf maple, myrtle, vine maple, 

Douglas-fir, and western hemlock

 Outer riparian vegetation consists of a large tree class Douglas-fir and western hemlock 

forest early successional vegetation

The following discussion is extracted/paraphrased from the Coal Creek Level II Stream Survey, 

August 2010. This portion of the Stream Survey describes channel habitat and condition on 

Reach 4 of Coal Creek. Reach 4 occurs entirely within NFS land and is similar to other 

tributaries within the Planning Area, with one exception: many of the smaller upland streams 

visited during field examination contained large wood cull logs that were left by railroad era 

logging.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-13

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Reach 4 is located in a narrow V-shaped colluvial canyon. There is very little channel 

sinuosity in Reach 4 and stream gradient is steep (9.2%), however, gravel dominated ‘flats’ 

occur upstream of wood jams and waterfall sills. Estimated average canyon width is 40 feet. 

The high percent of channel substrate identified as sand and gravel is the result of small 

sediment being collected and stored behind wood jams and bedrock outcrops.

The riparian habitat in Reach 4 consists of a small and large tree class conifer forest of 

Douglas-fir and western hemlock. The riparian habitat, and conifer forest growing on adjacent 

hillslopes, is in a mid seral stage having regenerated from railroad logging that occurred in the 

1940s. The riparian vegetation is currently characterized by a relatively even-aged stand with 

a high degree of canopy closure. No roads or old skid trails were noted in the surveyed 

section of Reach 4. The mid seral riparian forest appeared to have matured to the point of 

being capable of providing instream small class woody material.

Reach 4 contains a moderately abundant amount of small class woody material but lacks 

material in the medium and large size classes. Wood counts totaled 59 pieces of woody 

material (nearly all small class) for a reach density of 79.7 pieces/mile. Specifically, 57 pieces 

of small class woody material and 2 pieces of medium class material. No large class woody 

material was observed in Reach 4. A mid seral riparian forest regenerating from past logging 

combined with stream cleanout operations would explain the absence of medium and large 

class LWM.

No fish were detected in Reach 4. Reach 4 contained several waterfalls ranging in height 

from 9 feet to 55 feet. The last fish seen were at the end of Reach 3 and in Tributary 11.

Stream Survey conclusions regarding large wood recruitment are as follows:

Large woody material, particularly medium and large class pieces are not common in Coal 

Creek, almost certainly as a result of past logging of the riparian forest and instream salvage 

logging. LWM densities increase on the portions of Coal Creek that flow across Forest 

Service land. On portions flowing across private timberland instream LWM is not common. 

Likewise, the riparian forest on publicly owned land is generally in a mid seral stage, 

regenerating from past logging but in most areas had matured to the point of providing small 

class LWM. Conversely, the riparian forest on private corporate land is in an early and 

pioneer seral stage and incapable of providing instream LWM. 

C. CHANNEL MORPHOLOGY & LARGE WOOD - MIDDLE FORK COQUILLE 

About 25% of the Planning Area lies within the Middle Fork Coquille watershed, along the 

watershed divide. Streams in this portion of the Planning Area flow northward and are first and 

second order streams, non-fish bearing, and dominantly ephemeral. Topography along the 

divide includes broad gentle slopes that give way abruptly to steep, often raveling, slopes and 

benches that dominate the upper Myrtle Creek subwatershed. This reflects the structural 

control of the Tyee sandstones (Figure C-1). Cliffs formed where the bedding is exposed

readily erode into steep ravines that bottom in a bench formed by a more resistant sedimentary 

layer. Most of this rugged topography is outside the Forest boundary. Channel substrate is 

generally fine grained sediment generated by eroding Tyee Formation sandstones or exposed 

weathered bedrock. Field examinations on NFS lands found well developed understory 

vegetation and woody material sufficient to provide structural elements to small channels 

characteristic of the area. Large, well decayed wood is present as cull wood left by historic 

logging.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-14

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure C-1. Oblique View Looking South of Eastern Portion of Planning Area

Green and yellow lines delineate the Forest boundary; purple mark the subwatershed divides. Coal Creek Canyon is 

visible in the background at the upper right. Gentle uplands dominate this area except for the headwater areas of the 

Lower Rock Creek subwatershed.

Benched topography supports shallow ponds or swampy areas, but true floodplains are scarce. 

Channels would be classified as Rosgen type A or B with substrates ranging from fine to small 

gravel, or bedrock where durable outcrops are exposed. In the Lower Rock subwatershed the 

watershed divide is broader and cliff-forming elements of the Tyee are more subtle. Streams in 

this area also drain a steep headwater area, but do not cut through nick points formed by 

prominent topographic benches (Figure C-2). Channel morphology is similar to that described 

above, with the exception of a single third order stream (Shields Creek).
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-15

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure C-2. Oblique View Looking South at Western Portion of Planning Area

Gentle uplands dominate this area except for the eroding bluffs (upper right area of photograph) of the Myrtle Creek 

subwatershed

D. CHANNEL MORPHOLOGY & LARGE WOOD - SOUTH FORK COQUILLE 

The Coal Creek and Wooden Rock Creek subwatersheds of the South Fork of the Coquille 

River contain about 75% of the Planning Area. They are underlain by the Tyee sandstone and 

contain topography that is formed by the even, sloping surface of sedimentary bedrock. 

Streams are typically deeply incised with substrates that vary from sand and gravel to 

sandstone bedrock. These channels steeply join the prominent canyon confining the lower 

half of Coal Creek. This canyon cuts the Tyee formation deeply—canyon walls extend up to 

700 vertical feet, and contains numerous bedrock nick points and waterfalls. 

Stream morphology along Coal Creek is dictated primarily by the bedrock of the canyon walls 

and bottom. The 2010 Stream Survey reports Coal Creek is steep and dominated by coarse 

gravel, boulders and bedrock in confined reaches. Also reported are two old log jams 

composed of large but decayed wood. Watershed analysis (1995) documents a powerful debris 

flow that scoured lower Coal Creek of sediment, wood, and vegetation. Log jams composed of 

large wood are capable of resisting the high flows of Coal Creek, as is evidenced by the 

remaining structures. It is likely that Coal Creek contained a series of such jams when “old 

growth” trees were the dominant vegetation. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-16

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Large wood is a common structural component in the Pacific Northwest that dissipates the 

energy of high flows and increases the retention time and quantity of sediment deposits. Large 

wood resulting from recruitment from late seral forests into streams forms a structural network 

that can trap sediment to depths of many feet. Removal of the structural wood results in erosion 

of the gravel deposits to bedrock. This was likely the case for confined reaches of Coal Creek. 

Older log jams are likely to eventually fail as a result of decay; any sediment retained by these 

structures would be transported to the South Fork Coquille. 

There is no large wood data available from private timber lands; NFS lands currently supply 

small size class woody material; however most of these lands are not in close proximity to Coal 

Creek. Little or no source of medium and large class woody material are currently available, 

therefore confined portions of Coal Creek will remain high gradient, bedrock channels that 

transport sediment and small wood to the S.F. Coquille. The alluvial fan at the mouth of Coal 

Creek bears witness to this mode of sediment transport and deposition. Functionally, Coal 

Creek would be considered in degraded condition since its ability to trap and retain sediment 

has been compromised by the loss of both in-stream and recruitable large wood. The current 

decayed condition of existing wood jams suggests that these structures will eventually fail and 

be transported downstream. Regeneration harvest activity on private land along Coal Creek 

has continued during the writing of this report. Opportunities for recruitment of large wood into 

Coal Creek are expected to remain low for the foreseeable future.

Three proposed units are located in the headwater area of the Mill Creek subwatershed. Field 

examination revealed first and second order streams that are ephemeral and well vegetated. 

Channels have a steep to moderate gradient, are V-shaped with low sinuosity, and colluvial 

slopes. Substrates are dominated by sand, silt, and small gravel. Drainage from these units 

continues onto private lands where channels are also ephemeral. LWM in the small size class 

is supplied by the stands on NFS land. None of this material would be transported downstream 

since streams are too small to transport it, and there is no known landslide activity in this 

location. 

The Planning Area includes approximately four miles of Wooden Rock Creek along its eastern 

edge. The headwaters of Wooden Rock Creek are located on rounded, gently to steeply 

sloping topography. The main channel has a low gradient and a sinuous pattern with well 

developed floodplains. No stream survey information is available for this portion of the channel. 

Field examination of tributary channels near proposed units reveal that they are confined in Vor U-shaped valleys with low gradients allowing for the formation of small floodplains in some 

locations. Channel substrates include sand and gravel. Tributaries near proposed units wind 

through heavy vegetation and remnant large wood from historical logging. Large wood is 

present both as slope cover and as buried structural elements in the stream. Existing trees are 

large enough and in sufficient quantities to provide continued recruitment to the tributary 

channel.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-17

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

V. CURRENT CONDITION - WATER QUALITY

Water quality standards are established to protect beneficial uses of the State’s waters. 

Beneficial uses are assigned by basin in the Oregon Administrative Rules for water quality. The 

Planning Area occurs in the South Coast Basin which has beneficial uses listed below (Oregon 

Administrative Rule 340-041-0300; adopted by the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission, 

2003).

Public Domestic Water Supply

Private Domestic Water Supply

Industrial Water Supply

Irrigation

Livestock Watering

Fish and Aquatic Life

Wildlife and Hunting

Fishing

Boating Water Contact Recreation

Aesthetic Quality

Hydro Power

The state adopted new stream temperature standards in 2004 (OAR 340-041-0028). For 

stream temperature, the state has defined the following categories:

 Core cold water habitat: streams where temperatures are maintained within the range 

considered optimal for salmon and steelhead rearing. Temperature in these waters 

should maintain a seven-day average maximum no higher than 16oC (60.8oF).

 Salmon and trout rearing and migration: These waters are expected to maintain a 

seven-day average maximum no higher than 18oC (64.8oF), except during times and 

places of salmonid spawning.

 Migration corridors: Some major rivers in Oregon are designated as being migration 

corridors only, and the seven-day average maximum temperature should be no higher 

than 20oC (68oF). 

 Spawning: During places and times of spawning, the seven day average maximum 

temperatures are expected to be no greater than 13oC (55.4oF).

All streams in the South Fork Coquille drainage above the Forest boundary are designated 

“Core Cold-Water Habitat”. Streams that drain northward from the Planning Area into the 

Middle Fork Coquille River are designated “Salmon and Trout Rearing and Migration”. No 

additional criteria for spawning have been applied to streams within the Planning Area. This 

information is available to the public on DEQ’s website (refer to Fish Use Maps, figures 300a 

and 300b). Information regarding streams listed by the State as impaired is provided in Table 

C-1 with updated water quality standards for temperature.

The Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality and its partners prepared a Total Maximum Daily 

Load assessment and Water Quality Management Plan (TMDL/WQMP) for the Upper South 

Fork Coquille watershed in 2001. The assessment addressed temperature exceedences in 

303(d) listed streams and many of their tributaries, and concluded that “no thermal loads are 

available for allocation to anthropogenic sources in this system”. For the purposes of the 

Planning Area, this means that any increases in stream water temperature resulting from land 

management activities would be a violation of state water quality standards.

The Middle Fork Coquille River is listed as impaired for both dissolved oxygen (river mile 0 to 

11.2) and temperature (river mile 0 to 39.6) and a TMDL is needed. None has been prepared 

as of the date of this report.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-18

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table C-1. Status of TMDL Impaired Stream Listings

STREAM 

NAME AND 

RIVER 

MILES

PARAMETER 

FOR LISTING

SEASON WATER QUALITY 

STANDARD

BENEFICIAL USE 

PROTECTED BY 

STANDARD

STATUS

South Fork Coquille Watershed

Coal Creek

0 to 6.5 miles

Temperature Summer Rearing temperature 

17.8 C (64.0 F)

Anadromous fish 

passage; Salmonid 

fish rearing

Attaining: some 

pollutant 

standards are met

Wooden 

Rock Creek

0 to 7.9

Temperature Summer Rearing temperature 

17.8 C (64.0 F)

Anadromous fish 

passage; Salmonid 

fish rearing

Attaining: some 

pollutant 

standards are met

Hayes Creek

0 to 3.2

Temperature Summer Rearing temperature 

17.8 C (64.0 F)

Anadromous fish 

passage; Salmonid 

fish rearing

Attaining: some 

pollutant 

standards are met

Middle Fork Coquille Watershed

Myrtle Creek 

0 to 17

Sedimentation Undefined The formation of appreciable 

bottom or sludge deposits or 

the formation of any organic 

or inorganic deposits 

deleterious to fish or other 

aquatic life or injurious to 

public health, recreation, or 

industry may not be allowed.

Resident fish and 

aquatic life

Salmonid fish 

rearing

Salmonid fish 

spawning

Insufficient data 

to determine 

whether a 

standard is met.

Myrtle Creek 

0 to 17

Biological 

Criteria

Year 

Around

Biocriteria: Waters of the 

State must be of sufficient 

quality to support aquatic 

species without detrimental 

changes in the resident 

biological communities

Aquatic life Cat 5: Water 

quality limited, 

303(d) list, 

needed

Rock Creek

0 to 14.8 

miles.

Phosphate

Phosphorus

Summer Total phosphates as 

phosphorus (P): Benchmark 

50 ug/L in streams to control 

excessive aquatic growths

Aquatic Life Insufficient data

Rock Creek

0 to 14.8 

miles.

Sedimentation Undefined The formation of appreciable 

bottom or sludge deposits or 

the formation of any organic 

or inorganic deposits 

deleterious to fish or other 

aquatic life or injurious to 

public health, recreation, or 

industry may not be allowed.

Resident fish and 

aquatic life

Salmonid fish 

rearing’

Salmonid fish 

spawning

Insufficient data

Status - An assessment category assigned to each record based on evaluating water quality information using the 

assessment methodology decision rules. 

o Category 1: All standards are met. (This category is not used.) 

o Category 2: Attaining - Some of the pollutant standards are met. 

o Category 3: Insufficient data to determine whether a standard is met. 

 3B: Potential concern - Some data indicate non-attainment of a criterion, but data are 

insufficient to assign another category. 

o Category 4: Water is water quality limited but a TMDL is not needed. This includes: 

 4A: TMDL approved - TMDLs needed to attain applicable water quality standards have 

been approved. 

 4B: Other pollution control requirements are expected to address all pollutants and will 

attain water quality standards. 

 4C: Impairment is not caused by a pollutant (e.g., flow or lack of flow is not considered a 

pollutant.) 

o Category 5: Water is water quality limited and a TMDL is needed, Section 303(d) list. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-19

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table C-2, extracted from the WQMP, shows that stream temperatures in the mainstem South 

Fork Coquille exceed state standards and increase dramatically after flowing out of the Forest. 

Table C-2 indicates that none of the measured tributaries meet the current water quality 

standard for temperature. A stream survey of Coal Creek completed in August of 2010 reported 

stream temperatures ranging from 10oC to 16oC. The data provides confirmation that summer 

water temperature near the mouth of Coal creek hovers near the temperature standard; 

however, water in the most upstream reach of the survey is cooler than the temperature 

standard. The 2010 stream survey also measured the temperature of 11 tributaries to Coal 

Creek. Temperatures of these tributaries ranged from 11oto 16oC with all but one tributary 

cooler than 16oC.

Many factors can affect water temperature, and it is difficult to relate forest management 

activities directly to water temperature changes. It has become standard practice in the Pacific 

Northwest to utilize stream shading as a surrogate measure and predictor of long term water 

temperature changes. Effective shade from the forest canopy screens the water’s surface from 

direct rays of the sun. Highly shaded streams typically have cooler stream temperatures due to 

reduced input of solar energy (Brown 1972; Beschta et al., 1987). DEQ has assigned limits to 

solar radiation reaching streams by utilizing effective shade as a surrogate target for solar 

loading. For the South Fork Coquille Subbasin, DEQ has adopted a target of at least 82% 

effective shade. Percent effective shade can be linked to specific areas and, thus, to 

management actions needed to solve problems that cause water temperature increases (Park 

1993). Table C-3 lists existing and potential stream shade values, as well as other beneficial 

management goals contained in the WQMP (DEQ, 2001).

Table C-2. Average Seven-day-Maximum Temperature Measurements
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-20

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table C-3. Average Existing and Potential Shade by Subwatershed

*Private timber companies own land in these drainages

Stream shade provided by forest canopy is generally sufficient on small streams on NFS land 

within the Planning Area. Maps C-3 and C-4 display existing shade values for the Planning 

Area that were generated by the RAPID model. NFS riparian zones in the Planning Area are 

dominated by shade in the 85-100% category with scattered areas in the 65-84% shade 

category. Occasional spots in lower categories appear; many of these are adjacent to the 

Forest Boundary and probably reflect map/photo boundary location errors. Regeneration 

harvests present in 1996 are readily detected in Maps C-3 and C-4 as abrupt changes in 

existing shade from green to red/orange at the Forest Boundary. Existing vegetation was

derived from aerial photography from 1996; therefore it does not reflect more recent 

regeneration harvests that have occurred on private timber lands adjacent to the Planning Area. 

For a more recent assessment of harvest activity and road density, refer to the discussion of 

cumulative watershed effects section of this report.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-21

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Map C-3. Existing Shade for Planning Area in South Fork Coquille Subwatersheds
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-22

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Map C-4. Existing Shade for Planning Area in Middle Fork Coquille Subwatersheds

VI. HYDROLOGIC EFFECTS MECHANISMS & ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK

Hydrologic issues are examined in this report by describing the mechanisms for environmental 

effects as they relate to the proposed action and alternatives; followed by a description of the 

effect at the local and subwatershed scales. This report provides a context for effects by 

documenting levels of existing disturbance, discussing thresholds for watershed disturbance, 

and describing cumulative impacts that are based on the Action Alternatives in combination with 

reasonably foreseeable actions.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-23

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

A. CHANNEL MORPHOLOGY AND LARGE WOOD

Streams where treatments are proposed under the Eden Ridge Timber Sales are located on 

steep hillslopes and on more gentle uplands adjacent to subwatershed ridges. Field 

examination revealed channel substrates with exposures of resistant bedrock strata, or sand 

and gravel weathering products of less durable layers of the formation. The Planning Area 

contains numerous small streams (only a few feet wide) that are first and second order 

channels, are intermittent or ephemeral, and may include boggy areas and seeps. Stream 

valleys are often V-shaped and the active channel less than ten feet wide. Small wood and 

vegetation are sufficient to provide channel and slope stability. Wood falling into the channel 

cannot travel downstream due to the lack of streamflow and topographic confinement. 

Sediment transport in these small channels is moderated by the presence of heavy vegetation 

in the form of both trees and shrubs, and by wood present in the channel and on adjacent steep 

slopes. Wood falling directly into small channels contributes to their sediment capture and 

holding capacity. NFS lands in the Planning Area have little opportunity to provide large wood 

to the main stems of Coal Creek or Wooden Rock Creek since the majority is located in the 

uplands away from the channel. Proposed Units 308, 309 and 315 are close enough to provide 

wood to Coal Creek. Units 202, 209, 212, 213, and 214 are close enough to provide wood to 

Wooden Rock Creek. The remaining project units are too far away from large or mainstem 

channels to be an instream wood source, and/or are not drained by streams large enough to 

transport large wood. 

All proposed units have been harvested in the past; the largest diameter trees observed in 

Riparian Reserves associated with units was approximately 24”; the majority are 6” to 18” 

diameter. In-channel large woody material in Region 6 is defined as a minimum of 50 feet long 

with a DBH of 36 inches at the large end. Currently, none of the trees within Riparian Reserves

of the Planning Area meet this criterion, with the exception of downed cull logs left by historical

harvest activity. The role of LWM as a structural element is critical in the larger channels of 

Wooden Rock Creek and Coal Creek. Both these channels transport large amounts of sand 

and gravel since these are the weathering products of the surrounding sandstone. Wooden 

Rock Creek is dominated by low gradient reaches with floodplains that can easily store fine 

sediment with moderate amounts of instream wood. Debris dams composed of smaller wood 

also provides for effective sediment trapping and retention. Such is not the case for Coal Creek, 

a steep, confined, bedrock channel with low sinuousity and no floodplain. Coal Creek is 

dependent on large wood distributed throughout the mainstem channel to dissipate the force of 

storm events and to provide durable wood material for large log jams that can form sediment 

dams. 

Project activities could destabilize slopes and receiving streams by generating runoff from 

compacted roads and trails, and by intercepting and concentrating surface and subsurface 

water into erosive flows. Changes in flow and sediment load over time are primary forces in 

alteration of channel morphology. Road construction in subwatersheds that exceed generally 

accepted thresholds for road density is a concern, particularly if it occurs in mid- or lower slope 

positions where water is naturally more concentrated. New road construction or reconstruction 

on previously forested alignments (such as railroad grades) needs to be evaluated in terms of 

its ability to intercept and channel water both on upland slopes and at channel crossings.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-24

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

B. SEDIMENT DELIVERY

Reduced canopy cover following timber harvest can allow more direct raindrop impact on the 

soil surface, increase the amount of rain reaching the soil, and change the accumulation and 

melting pattern of snow. Thinning activities can induce changes in soil properties that can 

accelerate natural rates of erosion and sediment delivery to streams. 

Fine sediment-- especially clays that remain suspended except in very still water-- reduces 

water clarity, thus affecting water quality. Coarser sediment may bury stream gravels and pools 

or, change channel shape and flow in cases of high sediment input such as debris flows. 

Sediment delivery to the South Fork Coquille is a concern since this channel is critical habitat for 

coho salmon (below the town of Powers). Coal Creek and Wooden Rock Creek drain the 

Planning Area and are two major tributaries of the SF Coquille that provide cooler water. Debris 

flow activity has been documented in Coal Creek Canyon, and an alluvial fan at the mouth is a 

display of debris deposits. Watershed Analysis documents a severe debris flow in 1974 that 

resulted from a 25 year recurrence level storm event. The Powers Ranger District has had to 

clear the 33 Road of debris delivered at the mouth of Coal Creek repeatedly, in spite of two nine 

foot diameter culverts.

A reduced canopy cover could contribute to quicker runoff, which could increase sheet and rill 

and gully erosion as well as increase the erosive power of receiving streams. Compacted soils 

resulting from road/trail construction and the use of heavy equipment also contribute to 

increased runoff. Rapid re-growth of the understory after thinning typically balances removal of 

the canopy except where soil compaction discourages moisture infiltration and new growth. 

Harvest operations may trigger accelerated erosion in unstable areas if the combination of 

canopy removal, road reconstruction, and new road construction generates enough cumulative 

impact to result in increased or concentrated runoff. High risk areas include steep slopes 

associated with Riparian Reserves of higher order channels (3rd order and higher) within the 

transient snow zone.

Roads intercept runoff from upslope areas, so both existing and increased road density is a 

concern. The intercepted runoff and rain falling directly on the surface of the road is collected in 

a drainage ditch on the uphill side of the road. Roads also intercept near-surface groundwater 

flowing through the slope. The flow in the drainage ditch is periodically discharged underneath 

the road through a culvert to prevent excessive road erosion and flooding. This effectively 

concentrates flow on the hillside at the point the flow discharges from underneath the road. This 

concentrated flow often causes a channel to form which, during storm events, transports flow to 

streams more rapidly than prior to road construction. This has the effect of increasing the 

drainage network, thereby increasing peak flow and runoff speed. Roads, by increasing the 

drainage network, have the potential to increase peak flows through concentration of runoff and 

more rapid routing to stream channels (Wemple 1996). Roads create unprotected ditches, cut 

slopes and fills that can contribute sediment to streams. Elevated sediment is either stored or 

transported downstream and may contribute to morphological changes (filling of pools, channel 

widening) and/or degraded water quality. 

Densities under 2 miles per square mile are considered low; over 3 miles per square mile 

suggest a concern for sediment. Subwatersheds containing the Planning Area have road 

densities well over 4 miles per square mile (Watershed Analysis). 

Existing and proposed roads can have long term adverse effects on water and sediment 

transport that must be considered and mitigated during thinning treatment. Roads can also 

increase sedimentation through structural failure. Road structural failure is most commonly 

caused by culvert embankment failure and slope failure. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-25

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Models can be useful to estimate erosion and sediment delivery from fires, timber harvest and 

roads. The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) Model is a physically based erosion 

simulation model. This model has been parameterized for a large number of soils across the 

U.S. Like most models, it is generalized to cover a range of condition and can lack site 

specificity. It should only be applied in areas which dominant processes are driven by overland 

flow and snow melt. In soils with high infiltration capacities the model can over predict erosion

and sediment delivery. It is important when applying it that it is validated and calibrated to 

assure the predictions on within an acceptable range of accuracy. 

The model was used on the large Biscuit Fire of 2002. Over 200 erosion pin plots were 

established over a variety of soil types and rain fall intensities. When the model erosion rates 

were compared to the measured erosion rates, it was found to grossly over predict. The model 

was then calibrated with the measured data and it became a useful tool to quantify erosion for 

analysis purposes. When considering using the WEPP model on a project, it needs to be 

determined that the risk of the action warrants the rigors of monitoring to calibrate the model.

WEPP:Road is an interface to the WEPP model and is used to describe numerous road erosion 

conditions. Characteristics of each modeled road segment include: climate, soil and gravel 

addition, local topography, drain spacing, road design and surface condition, and ditch 

condition. The model predicts a single value for road prism erosion and for sediment leaving 

the buffer. The predicted values are, at best, within plus or minus 50 percent of the true value 

(Elliot et al., 1999). For Eden Ridge Timber Sales, it was decided not to utilize modeling to 

attempt to predict erosion and sedimentation values from proposed road segments since not all 

necessary input data are known, at the scale needed to provide any kind of meaningful 

estimated values, at this level of the planning phase.

C. WATER YIELD (PEAK FLOWS)

Stream response to storms and runoff is generally measured in terms of increased water flow 

volume and velocity. Precipitation and snowmelt increase stream flow until a peak is reached 

and stream flow declines toward ground-water supported levels. The speed and duration of 

stream response is a function of the size and drainage network configuration of the watershed, 

topographic and vegetative watershed characteristics, and storm/runoff event size and duration. 

Peak flows are categorized in terms of their return interval, that is, the estimated time interval 

between specified flood events. The two year return interval generally determines basic stream 

morphology since it occurs regularly over the long term and thus distributes the bulk of the long 

term sediment load (Rosgen 1996). Data for this interval is also more readily available than for 

longer intervals. Uncertainty regarding peak flow behavior increases with increasing recurrence 

interval because data is lacking for larger more infrequent storm events. Uncertainty also 

increases with size of the drainage basin because of increasing variability, especially from 

human induced watershed effects (i.e., reservoirs, urban development, water use) (Grant et al. 

2008). In forest management, peak flow increases are considered a primary contributor to 

increased risk of cumulative watershed effects (CWE). If project analysis demonstrates that no 

peak flow increases would be generated, or reasonably anticipated, direction to avoid CWE 

contained in the LRMP and NWFP are satisfied.

For the past several decades, watershed response to forest harvest has been studied 

quantitatively through paired watershed studies in small drainages. Streamflow response to 

primarily clear cut harvest and road construction has been measured and reported over a wide 

range of forested landscapes with an equally wide range of results (Moore and Wondzell, 2005). 

In a recent State-of-the-Science review (2008) Gordon Grant of Oregon State University 

presented conclusions based on a review of paired watershed studies. Grant selected studies 

that occurred primarily in the Pacific Northwest region and within the rain-on-snow hydrologic 

regime. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-26

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Of particular interest is the stated goal of Grant’s study to anticipate impacts resulting from 

current thinning forest practices based on results from past forest regeneration harvest 

practices. Grant’s (2008) analysis presents the following generally accepted conclusions 

regarding the change in peak flows resulting from forest harvest in small basins: 

Canopy removal increases peak flow as follows: 

• During the fall season, through reduced evapotranspiration 

• During the winter and spring through increased snow accumulation and melt 

• During all seasons through reduced rain/snow interception 

Canopy removal decreases peak flow:

 During all seasons by reducing fog drip.

Grant et al. (2008) observed that flows altering stream morphology are those with recurrence 

intervals greater than one year. Rosgen (1996) has shown that floodplain morphology is 

shaped by bankfull flows that correspond to the one to two year recurrence interval. Grant et al. 

(2008) places the upper limit of detection for changes in peak flow at the six year recurrence 

interval. Study data consistently shows that as storm events become larger, the increase in 

peak flow change decreases and the significance of the change becomes undetectable. 

Storm events become increasingly rare as magnitude increases; there are practical limits to the 

length of time stream flow has been recorded and to the accuracy of measurement of very large 

events. All of these factors contribute to the six year detection limit. With these limitations in 

mind, Grant et al. displayed how peak flow change measured within the rain-on-snow regime 

changes with the percent of area harvested. There is a general trend for peak flow increases to 

decline as harvest area drops. Once harvest acreage drops below the 15% level (for transient 

snow zone), peak flow changes are undetectable. For the rain dominated areas the harvest 

level generating detectable peak flow increases is about 29%. 

Grant proposed two classes of stream channel that are most susceptible to peak flow changes 

resulting from flows in the one to five year range of recurrence interval: gravel bed channels and 

sand bed channels. These are generally higher order streams (3rd order and up). In the 

Planning Area, these would be Coal Creek and Wooden Rock Creek. First and second order 

mountain streams typically are shaped by storm events with 10+ year recurrence intervals.

Grant (2008) provides a general guideline for assessing harvest peak flow effects in the table 

reproduced below. Roads may play a role in the generation of increased peak flows at the 

small basin scale. This is due to their ability to intercept and concentrate subsurface and 

surface water. Road networks combine with stream networks to accelerate water drainage from 

the land. Note also that thinning would be expected to generate a low risk of increased peak 

flows as compared to equivalent timber removal in large patches.

Cumulative Watershed Effects (CWE) analysis for the alternatives was performed by comparing 

the percent of (sixth field) subwatersheds affected by proposed activities with the thresholds 

provided by Grant et al. (2008). Comparisons included consideration of existing watershed 

condition, road density, and reduced hydrologic recovery in managed stands harvested less 

than 30 years previously. The study is based on regeneration harvest that changes the age 

class of a stand. Thinning does not change the age class of a stand.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-27

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure C-3. Potential Considerations for Peak Flow Increases

D. WATER QUALITY – TEMPERATURE (S.F. COQUILLE TMDL, 2001)

Stream temperature is an expression of heat energy per unit volume, which in turn is an 

indication of the rate of heat exchange between a stream and its environment. The heat 

transfer processes that control stream temperature include solar radiation, longwave radiation, 

convection, evaporation and bed conduction (Wunderlich, 1972; Beschta and Weatherred, 

1984; Sinokrot and Stefan, 1993; Boyd, 1997; Moore et al., 2005; Johnson 2011). With the 

exception of solar radiation, which only delivers heat energy, these processes are capable of 

both introducing and removing heat from a stream.

Anthropogenic increase in heat energy is derived from solar radiation as increased levels of 

sunlight reach the stream surface and raises water temperature. The pollutant (solar heat 

energy) is a source of stream temperature increase that is within management measures and is 

targeted in this TMDL.

Table C-4. Factors that Influence Stream Surface Shade

Description Measure

Season Date

Stream characteristics Aspect, Bankfull Width

Geographic Position Latitude, Longitude

Vegetative Characteristics Buffer Height, Buffer width, buffer Density

Solar Position Solar Altitude, Solar Azimuth

Over the years, the term shade has been used in several contexts, including its components 

such as shade angle or shade density. For purposes of this TMDL, shade is defined as the 

percent reduction of potential solar radiation load delivered to the water surface. Thus, the role 

of effective shade in this TMDL is to prevent or reduce heating by solar radiation and serve as a 

linear translator to the solar loading capacities. 

The percent effective shade is perhaps one of the easiest and straightforward stream 

parameters to monitor/calculate and is most helpful in directing water quality management and 

recovery efforts. Using solar tables or mathematical simulations, the potential daily solar load 

can be quantified. The measured solar load at the streams surface can easily be measured 

with a Solar Pathfinder or estimated using mathematical shade simulation computer programs 

(Boyd, 1996 and USFS, 1993).

Potential causes for water temperature increases would be associated with canopy removal at 

temporary and permanent stream crossings for both roads and skyline corridors. Canopy 

removal elsewhere on roads and for thinning outside the primary shade zone would not affect 

stream temperature since there is no surface water present.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-28

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

E. CUMULATIVE WATERSHED EFFECTS

The project Planning Area is surrounded by private timber production lands that have been, and 

continue to be, harvested by regeneration methods. Existing watershed disturbance as of 2009 

was analyzed for both private and NFS lands in project subwatersheds in order to provide a 

realistic context for the contributions of the Action Alternatives to cumulative watershed effects. 

For most of the Planning Area, risk for adverse CWE is at the moderate/high threshold level. 

Risk analysis utilized a process developed for the Pacific Northwest in response to a request 

from the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding determination of the cumulative effects to 

fish populations protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. 

The process is documented as Determining the Risk of Cumulative Watershed Effects Resulting 

from Multiple Activities (USDA, Forest Service, 1993). This process was developed by Forest 

Service fish biologists and hydrologists from Regions 1, 4 and 6, and reviewed by forest 

industry, National Marine Fisheries Service, and tribal representatives.

Evaluation of peak flow data in Oregon and Washington was conducted by Grant et al. (2008) in 

a publication titled Effects of Forest Practices on Peak Flows and Consequent Channel 

Response: A State-of- Science Report for Western Oregon and Washington. Discussions and 

conclusions in the Grant et al. report are relevant to, and update the analysis process developed 

in 1993 because peak flow changes are an indicator of watershed response to management 

actions and represent a host of indirect effects. Grant et al. states:

“In general, the magnitude of channel morphologic changes because of peak flow 

increases alone are likely to be much less significant than other impacts associated with 

forest harvest activities. Effects of deforestation on landslides, debris flows, and surface 

erosion are well documented (e.g., Reid 1993, Sakals et al. 2006, Sidle et al. 1985) and 

these are likely to have far more direct effects on channel structure than peak flows alone, 

as these processes typically involve direct introduction of sediment into stream channels. 

In particular, accelerated geomorphic processes associated with forest roads are likely to 

have some of the most pronounced effects on forest streams (e.g., Wemple et al. 2001).”

This section describes the indicators used for the assessment of existing watershed condition 

as of 2009, including modifications based on information provided in Grant et al. (2008) and 

based on the author’s professional judgment.

The 1993 USDA/USFS protocol provides a means of assessing the relative risk of incurring 

adverse cumulative effects from actions which, individually, would be “not likely to adversely 

affect” fish production. For the Planning Area, this protocol is used to assess the existing 

condition resulting from past and recent timber management on both National Forest System 

and privately owned lands. 

Grant et al. (2008) concluded that watershed studies at the scale of larger drainage areas (more 

than approximately four square miles) are rare, and that variables specific to a particular

watershed could influence study results more than timber harvest (for example basin condition 

and vegetation types). For this reason, 6th field subwatershed boundaries were used for 

analysis rather than the 5th field watershed boundary. In this case, the subwatersheds involved 

have a similar management history, geology, and soil characteristics (refer to Watershed 

Analyses, USFS 1995 and BLM, 1994). The Planning Area is contained in five subwatersheds 

that experience rain, fog and transient snow associated with a marine influenced climate (USFS 

Watershed Analysis, 1995). The Planning Area is dominantly in a precipitation regime 

dominated by rain, with rain-on-snow occurring at the highest elevations. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-29

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Watershed condition and channel condition rating factors used for this analysis are described 

below:

 Hydrologic Maturity (forest canopy recovery) -- A coarse filter for “immature vegetation” 

that is often used is the percent of clear cut (regeneration harvest) forested stands less 

than 30 years old. Watersheds with more than 30% of such stands are at high risk 

(USDA 1993). Likewise, Grant et al. (2008) predicted peak flow changes would become 

detectable when stands less than 30 years old occupy more than 29% of the area in 

rain-dominated zones, and more than 15% in the transient snow zone.

 Road Density -- areas that exceed 3.6 mi/sq.mi. in high relief watersheds, and that 

exceed 4.6 mi/sq.mi. in low relief watersheds are considered to be at high risk of 

adversely impacting water quality and water yield (USDA 1993).

 Temperature -- used as an indicator of habitat and channel condition (USDA 1993); 

stream temperature should not exceed fish tolerance or state thresholds.

 Large Woody Material -- used as an indicator of habitat and channel condition (USDA 

1993). 

1. Hydrologic Maturity Assessment for Planning Area

Forest canopy cover was assessed by inventorying stands less than 30 years old in the affected 

subwatersheds up to the year 2009 (see Attachment 1 for methodology). This assessment 

captures private timber land harvest activity as well as that on BLM and NFS lands. Table C-5

summarizes this assessment as percent of each subwatershed harvested and provides a risk 

rating. Harvest from 2005 to 2009 is provided to show where the most recent activity has 

occurred.

Table C-5. Regeneration Harvest as Percent of Subwatershed

Subwatershed Total Regeneration 

Harvest 1977-2009

Regen Harvest 

2005-2009

Risk Rating 

(USDA, 1993)

Coal Creek 41% 11% High

Headwaters SF Coquille 10% 2% Low

Mill Creek 23% 2% Moderate

Myrtle Creek 32% 8% High

Lower Rock Creek 40% 12% High

2. Road Density Assessment for Planning Area

Subwatersheds in the Planning Area would be classified as “low relief” for the purposes of road 

density threshold comparison. Table C-6 shows that except for Lower Rock Creek

subwatershed, existing road density for the project subwatersheds is at the moderate risk levels 

for low relief watersheds (below 4.6 mi./sq.mi). Lower Rock Creek subwatershed is in the “high 

risk” category.

Road density, expressed as miles/square mile is an easily calculated index of watershed 

disturbance and a useful coarse filter for determining current watershed condition as a basis for 

risk of cumulative watershed effects (USDA, 1993). Road density information has been updated 

to 2009 specifically for the subwatersheds in the Planning Area (see Attachment 1 for 

methodology). 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-30

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Map C-5 depicts road densities that include state/county and classified (BLM/FS) roads, but do 

not include temporary roads or skid trails (no data). High risk ratings begin at 4.6 miles/sq.mi. 

(USDA, 1993). The map below shows that most NFS lands in the Planning Area have densities 

less than 3.8 miles/sq.mile. NFS lands along the edges of the Forest/private land boundary 

have road densities higher than 3.8 miles/sq.mile. Subwatersheds that include the Planning 

Area would be rated “moderate” or “high risk” for watershed effects associated with roads.

Map C-5. Subwatershed Road Density

3. Large Woody Material Assessment for Planning Area

Coal Creek subwatershed forms the core of the Action Alternatives in that it contains the 

majority of the harvest units, proposed road construction, and haul routes. Other 

subwatersheds are peripherally involved along subwatershed divides. The 2010 Stream Survey 

for Coal Creek found little or no medium or large size class woody material and little potential for 

future recruitment (refer to detailed information under Existing Environment section of this 

report). 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-31

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Coal Creek would be rated “Poor” for large woody material, as an indicator of habitat and 

channel condition (USDA 1993) based on the condition of the main channel. According to 

watershed analyses and stream surveys, quantities of large woody material in stream channels, 

and quantities available for recruitment to stream channels, are low throughout the affected 

watersheds. 

Within the last 100 years, standing and downed conifers were removed from, and roads were 

built along, the majority of riparian areas in the Middle Fork Coquille River basin. Since red 

alder responds to heavy disturbance activities such as logging and road building, the riparian 

areas were converted from mixed conifer stands with a hardwood understory to red alderdominated stands with a shrub understory.” (P 16). 

“The entire length of the Middle Fork Coquille River and portions of nearly every tributary 

stream are constrained by roads. In general, the drainage has a deficit of in-stream structure 

(large woody debris) and channel complexity, with the exception of a few isolated stretches on 

some tributaries.” (P 17, 18)

4. Stream Temperature Assessment for Planning Area

Existing shade maps show that most streams on National Forest System land within the 

Planning Area are well shaded by the existing tree canopy. This is generally not the case on 

the mainstem channels, which have long reaches through private timber lands. Although both 

Coal Creek and Wooden Rock Creek contribute cooler water to the South Fork Coquille River, 

their temperatures at the confluences are at or higher than state standards. This suggests that 

subwatershed condition as a whole is not currently good enough to bring stream temperatures 

in these two subwatersheds into compliance with state standards. This is reflected in the 

State’s decision to allow no increase in water temperature that could result from management 

activities for the S. Fork Coquille. 

The main channel of Coal Creek is poorly shaded by trees; canopy cover is generally below 

64% shade. The channel is well shaded by the steep and narrow canyon through which it flows. 

Streams within the proposed units and on NFS land in the Planning Area are generally well 

shaded by conifers and occasional hardwoods such as big leaf maple, myrtle, and alder. 

RAPID analysis indicates that stream shading on NFS land is dominantly 84 percent to 100 

percent. Wooden Rock Creek, in the vicinity of the Planning Area, is dominated by shade 

values below 64% along the mainstem. Since this channel is oriented mainly north-south there 

is little opportunity for topographic shading during the warmest part of the day.

The Middle Fork Coquille River is also listed for temperature; however it is unlikely that the small 

amounts of runoff from lands in the Planning area have a measurable influence in such a large 

and actively harvested watershed. The State has yet to make a determination regarding the 

sources of elevated stream temperature in this watershed.

5. Overall Risk of Adverse Cumulative Watershed Effects as of 2009

Table C-6 summarizes the existing condition information and provides an overall risk rating for 

detectable watershed effects for each subwatershed in the Planning Area. Note that for all but 

the Headwaters S.F. Coquille subwatershed, the risk is “High”.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-32

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table C-6. Summary of Risk of Adverse Watershed Effects

Subwatershed Hydrologic 

Maturity 

Risk Factor

Road Density 

Risk Factor

Temperature

Effective 

Stream Shade 

Increase 

Needed

Large 

Woody 

Material

Overall risk 

of Adverse 

Watershed 

Effects

Coal Creek High Moderate 18% Poor High

Headwaters SF 

Coquille Low Moderate 16% Fair Moderate

Mill Creek Moderate Moderate (no data) Poor* High

Myrtle Creek High Moderate (no data) Poor* High

Lower Rock Ck High High (no data) Poor* High

*condition based on generalized description/history from watershed analysis

Table C-7 shows that private land holdings dominate each of the project subwatersheds, except 

for the Headwaters SF Coquille. Ongoing regeneration harvest on private lands is expected to 

continue. The risk for adverse cumulative watershed impacts (i.e., peak flow increases, channel 

morphology shifts), as assessed above, would remain at or somewhat above current levels. 

Based on recent harvest activity levels, it would be reasonable to assume that the risk of 

adverse watershed effects in the Headwaters SF Coquille subwatershed would remain at 

moderate levels when averaged over the entire subwatershed. Within the Headwaters 

subwatershed, private timber production land dominates the Wooden Rock Creek drainage.

The S.F. Coquille Watershed Analysis identifies Wooden Rock Creek as an important tributary 

to the S.F. Coquille within the Headwaters subwatershed. Wooden Rock Creek discharge is 

twice that of the main stem at the confluence and provides low temperature water into the 

temperature-sensitive S.F. Coquille. Increasing risk of adverse watershed effects resulting from 

continuing regeneration harvest on private lands is anticipated for the Wooden Rock Creek 

drainage (refer to Existing Shade Maps, showing low stream canopy along Wooden Rock 

Creek, and Oblique Views showing regeneration harvests). For this portion of the Headwaters 

subwatershed, risk of stream water temperature increases and risk of peak flow increases 

would be high.

Table C-7. Private Ownership by Subwatershed

Subwatershed Acres in 

Private 

Ownership

% of 

subwatershed

% of 

subwatershed 

harvested in the 

last 30 years

% of Private 

Subwatershed 

Acreage Estimated to 

be Available for 

Future Harvest

Coal Creek 6,000 60 41 19

Headwaters SF 

Coquille 9,904 25 10 15

Mill Creek 10,966 79 23 56

Myrtle Creek 17,918 89 32 57

Lower Rock Creek 21,481 84 40 44

Risk of adverse watershed effects in the remaining subwatersheds are at high levels and are 

likely to remain at high risk levels as a result of continuing regeneration harvest on private lands. 

Table C-7 indicates that large portions of the project subwatersheds have been regeneration 

harvested over the last 30 years, and much is still available. All but a few percent of the 

harvested acreage over the last 30 years have occurred on private timberlands. Private lands 

still available for harvest could maintain the risk for adverse watershed effect at a high level for 

decades. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-33

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The mainstem of Coal Creek has lost structural elements and is currently degraded in its ability 

to trap and store sediment. No substantial recovery of this condition is anticipated. Likewise, 

substantial improvements in water temperature in the S.F. Coquille River downstream of the 

Forest Boundary are unlikely given the overwhelming lack of existing shade along the river and 

the current harvest trends on the private uplands.

VII. HYDROLOGIC EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVES

A. NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE

Under this alternative, no direct effects from harvest or thinning activities would occur on 

National Forest System lands in the Planning Area. There would be no potential for changes to 

channel morphology, large woody material, sediment delivery, and peak flows as a result of 

NFS land management activities in the Planning Area. 

As noted above, the risk of adverse watershed effects in the remaining subwatersheds are at 

high levels and are likely to remain at high risk levels as a result of continuing regeneration 

harvest on private lands. Private lands still available for harvest could maintain the risk for 

adverse watershed effect at a high level for decades.

B. ALTERNATIVE 2 - DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION

The Proposed Action includes almost 11 miles of new permanent road construction and a third 

of a mile of temporary road. Road density is used as an indicator for increased risk of 

cumulative watershed effects (see Cumulative Watershed Effects). Under Alternative 2, road 

density increases would be minor in all subwatersheds except for Coal Creek where density 

would increase by approximately 0.43 miles/square mile to a total of 4.62 mi./sq. mi. (refer to 

Cumulative Watershed Effects). This number suggests that road density is a concern for 

sediment and that road placement and design should avoid or mitigate high risk areas.

Proposed new Classified (system) roads would cross approximately 1.6 miles of Riparian 

Reserve (see Table H-7, FEIS Appendix H, Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation for details). 

Proposed temporary roads would cross approximately 0.25 miles of Riparian Reserve. These 

disturbances would cause localized impacts associated with vegetation removal and surface 

disturbance within the road construction zone. For proposed system roads, this loss of 

vegetation would be permanent, as would the routing of streams through culverts and 

modification of both surface and subsurface slope runoff water flow. 

Field examinations along the railroad grade proposed for conversion indicate that subsurface 

slope flows in the area are minimal. The grade has cuts that expose up to 15 vertical feet of cut

bank. Few seeps were observed and the grade retains water at only a few locations within its 

3.5 mile length. Proposed system road construction would occur primarily along watershed 

divides and secondary ridgelines. Perennial channels are less than 10 feet wide (three feet or 

less of active channel is typical). There is an unnamed tributary bordering Unit 338 that

contains a channel with a relatively wide and saturated valley bottom of about 40 feet in the 

proposed crossing location. 

New road construction occurs mainly in the uppermost areas of the watershed where streams 

are first and second order. Most of these streams are ephemeral or intermittent and are dry 

during the summer months. Constructed stream crossings would occur on proposed new 

permanent roads and on existing railroad grades proposed for conversion to permanent road. 

These roads and crossings would not be anticipated to result in measureable increases to water 

temperature for the following reasons:
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-34

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

 All of the crossings are located on first and second order streams. These channels are 

only a few feet wide and have small discharges.

 Sun exposure would be 100% blocked as the water flows through the culvert. Exposure 

upstream and downstream of the culvert would occur over a few linear feet and would be 

reduced by adjacent forest canopy; this limited exposure is not enough to cause a 

measureable change in water temperature. 

 The largest watershed area above these crossings totals approximately 60 acres. 

Others are 30 acres or less. This presents very little drainage area to collect surface 

water to these crossings. Stream discharge from such small drainage basins is low, 

especially during the summer when ground water levels are lowest.

Skyline corridors would remove minor amounts of canopy in the primary shade zone where the 

corridor crosses perennial streams. Skyline corridors that cross Riparian Reserves are required 

to be 12 feet or less in width, and no less than 150’ apart, and be utilized with full log

suspension. Surrounding trees and understory would make shade loss resulting from these 

gaps in the canopy negligible. The open area would be occupied by the growth of neighboring 

trees within a few years. No measureable increase in water temperature is anticipated at 

corridor locations.

Proposed roads located in tractor Units 303, 307, 308 and 309 are exceptional among the 

proposed new roads in that they are located at the midpoint of the Coal Creek watershed near 

the main channel. Road Q1 crosses approximately 0.11 miles of private land, and would 

require a steep gradient (estimated at about 20%) for approximately 500 feet. Units 303, 307, 

308, and 309 are located in an area that is considered sensitive to hydrologic impacts; slope 

position and distance to Coal Creek are low. Sediment and runoff generated by road 

construction on these units could reach Coal Creek. The temporary road and its two crossings 

present surface disturbance that could shed sediment both during construction and during 

crossing removal and rehabilitation. The following mitigating measures are recommended for 

these units:

 Unit 309: Harvest treatment should be excluded from the zone between the south bank 

of Coal Creek and the slope break. This would avoid disturbance of oversteepened 

slopes that would shed sediment directly into Coal Creek.

 Units 303, 307, 308 and 309: Sediment transport would be monitored by the Forest 

Service. Any visible sediment input to Coal Creek originating from these units would 

require implementation of mitigating measures that would capture/prevent sediment 

transport recommended by a soil scientist, hydrologist, or engineer.

The haul route for the proposed project would utilize existing NFS and private system roads. 

Hauling to support the proposed sales would occur only during the dry season and during dry 

conditions. Haul roads would all be engineered for effective drainage and armored with rock to 

provide an all-weather surface. It is unlikely that sediment generated from use of haul roads 

under these conditions would exceed background levels. Field examination of the haul route 

indicates that fine sand and silt originate mainly from road cuts and ditches. Slope failures, 

visible rills and gullies are rare, occurring sporadically on oversteepened colluvial slopes or fills. 

Best Management Practices1for road maintenance would be sufficient to capture sediment that 

may be generated by proposed hauling.

 

1

This refers to the General Water Quality Best Management Practices, Pacific Northwest Region, November 1988. These are 

now used in concert with the National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management (April 2012). The purpose of 

the National BMP Program is to provide a standard set of core BMPs and a consistent means to track and document the use and 

effectiveness for BMPs on NFS lands.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-35

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The following tables (C-8 and C-9) show new road construction in relation to the affected

subwatersheds and road density increased by affected subwatersheds; all Action Alternatives 

are included in these table and are referenced below in the discussion of Alternative 3 and 4.

Table C-8. Proposed Road Construction

Subwatershed

New Road Construction

(miles)

Temp Road construction

(miles)

Alt.2 Alt 3 Alt.4* Alt.2 Alt.3 Alt. 4

Coal Creek 6.61 1.87 0.25 0.29 .03 0

Headwaters SF 

Coquille 2.27 1.31 0 0 0 0

Mill Creek 0 0 0 0 0 0

Myrtle Creek 0.78 0.54 0 0 0 0

Lower Rock Ck 1.15 0.68 0 0 0 0

Total 10.81 4.4 0.25 0.29 0.03 0

*Reconstruction along 3 rail grades includes new road construction where stream crossings replace 

railroad trestle bridges.

Table C-9. Road Density Increase by Subwatershed

Subwatershed

Square miles 

Existing 

Road 

Density 

(miles/sq.mi.)

New Road Construction Density 

Increase (Mi/sq.mi) 

Temporary Road Density 

Increase 

Proposed

ActionAlt.2

Alt. 3 

Reduced 

Roads

Alt. 4 

No New 

Roads

Proposed

ActionAlt.2

Alt. 3 

Low Risk 

Units & 

Roads

Alt. 4 

No New 

Roads

Coal Creek

15.55 4.19 0.43 0.12 0 .02 <0.01 0

Headwaters SF 

Coquille

62.86

4.25 0.04 .02 0 0 0 0

Mill Creek

21.77 3.94 0 0 0 0 0 0

Myrtle Creek

31.29 4.12 0.02 .02 0 0 0 0

Lower Rock 

Creek

39.91

4.68 0.03 0.02 0 0 0 0

C. ALTERNATIVE 2 - DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF HARVEST THINNING

Table C-10 displays acres proposed for commercial thinning and the percent of the 

subwatershed they would affect; all Action Alternatives are included in this table and is 

referenced below in the discussion of Alternative 3 and 4. Figures are low for all of the 

subwatersheds except Coal Creek. As shown in Table C-5, 41% of the subwatershed has been 

regeneration harvested in the last 30 years. Proposed commercial thinning presents stand 

impacts that are less severe than regeneration harvest (Grant et al., 2008); however, 

quantitative data is scant. Grant et al. (2008, Figure C-3) provide a generalized guide to impact 

levels on peak flows. Watershed impacts tend to be low for both rain-dominated and transient 

snow zone regimes up to about 40% harvest levels. Impacts rise to moderate in for the 40 to 

80% harvested range and jump to high at 100% harvest levels. Moore and Wondzell (2005) 

found that harvest effects on peak flows generally recover within 10 to 20 years. These figures 

are for regeneration harvest not for thinning. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-36

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Based on these guidelines, the proposed commercial thinning would introduce at most, a 

moderate risk of increasing or altering peak flow response in the Coal Creek subwatershed, and 

would introduce no detectable risk in the other project subwatersheds. Based on the discussion 

below, it is likely that the proposed thinning would have a low risk of increasing peak flows in 

Coal Creek.

The Action Alternatives contains elements that lower the potential risk of peak flow increases as 

follows:

 Harvest treatment would be a variable density thin. This would leave an intact and 

growing forest canopy to attenuate storm events.

 Avoidance of the primary shade zone--provides undisturbed buffer between harvest 

areas and stream channels. 

 Limitation on canopy removal in Riparian Reserve of 50% helps to maintain the 

mircoclimate

 Limitation of equipment use in Riparian Reserve—prevents compaction that may reduce 

water infiltration within 100’ of stream channels.

 Limitation of skid trail impacts—reduces potential for compaction that may cause 

increased runoff from storm events/snowmelt.

 Wet weather/seasonal use restrictions—prevents compaction of wet/saturated materials 

and displacement that could result in concentrated surface runoff.

 Harvest is concentrated in upper portions of watersheds where stream discharges are 

low.

Table C-10. Harvest Thinning by Subwatershed

Subwatershed Subwatershed 

Acreage

Acres of Proposed 

Commercial Thin Harvest

% of Subwatershed Affected 

by Proposed Commercial 

Thinning

Alt. 2 Alt. 3 Alt. 4 Alt. 2 Alt. 3 Alt. 4

Coal Creek 9,952 1,760 1,615 1,428 18% 16% 14%

Headwaters SF 

Coquille 40,233 585 637 642 1.5% 1.6% 1.6%

Mill Creek 13,935 33 33 33 <1% <1% <1%

Myrtle Creek 20,028 172 172 172 1% 1% 1%

Lower Rock Creek 25,544 764 783 783 3% 3% 3%

D. ALTERNATIVE 2 - DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF YARDING ACTIVITIES

AND LANDING CONSTRUCTION

Proposed yarding activities include those conducted by ground based heavy equipment 

(“tractors”) and those conducted by skyline cable equipment operating from a landing. Surface 

disturbance resulting from ground-based equipment utilizing limited skid trails can be limited to 

approximately 15% of the area. Skyline yarding typically disturbs approximately 5% of the 

surface area; helicopter operations are estimated at 2%

2

. Direct surface impacts are discussed 

in the soil report for this project. Hydrologic impacts resulting from tractor use would be low due 

to the design constraints of the project. 

 

2

Percentages derived from Geology & Soils Report; FEIS Appendix D.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-37

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Tractor units are limited to areas where slopes are 35% or less and equipment would not travel 

closer than 100’ to any stream channel. This effectively limits heavy equipment use to upland 

areas. Under the Proposed Action, tractor units account for approximately 2,119 acres (64%) of 

the total harvest acreage. Under LRMP standards and guidelines, a maximum of 15% or 318 

acres could incur direct surface disturbance from heavy equipment use. This number includes 

past disturbances within an activity area.

Skyline units have the same 15% LRMP soil disturbance limitation. Skyline yarding is capable 

of accomplishing harvest with surface disturbance of 5% of the activity area; equivalent to 

approximately 60 acres out of the 1,195 acres of skyline units. 

Table C-11. Project Acreages by Logging System for Action Alternatives

Logging 

System

Proposed

Action

Alt. 2

Alternative 

3

Alternative 

4

Ground Based 2,119 1,786 1,441

Skyline 1,195 941 457

Helicopter 0 513 1160

Total Acres 3,314 3,240 3,058

Table C-12. Percent of Subwatershed Affected by Ground Based Equipment

Subwatershed Subwatershed 

Acreage

Acres of Proposed 

Ground Based 

Commercial Thin Harvest

Alt.2 Alt.3 Alt.4

% of Subwatershed 

Affected By Ground 

Based Commercial 

Thinning

Alt.2 Alt.3 Alt.4

Coal Creek 9,952 1,189 947 654 12% 9.5% 6.5%

Headwaters SF 

Coquille 40,233 225 209 170 .5% .5% .4%

Mill Creek 13,935 8 8 8 <.1% <.1% <.1%

Myrtle Creek 20,028 65 46 33 .3% .2% .2%

Lower Rock Ck 25,544 632 576 576 2.5% 2.3% 2.3%

E. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ACTIVITIES WITHIN RIPARIAN

RESERVES

Proposed tractor acres contain approximately 407 acres of Riparian Reserve. Harvest would 

occur within the Riparian Treatment Zone which is approximately 2/3 of the total defined 

Riparian Reserve (one site potential tree height from the stream channel, each side), excluding 

the Primary Shade Zone. This would occur mainly along first and second order channels. Units 

307, 308 and 309 are the only exceptions in that they border the main channel of Coal Creek. 

These units are located in a hydrologically sensitive area due to their proximity to Coal Creek. 

Refer to mitigating measures recommended under the Direct and Indirect Effects of Road 

Construction discussion, above.

Project design eliminates most equipment use near Riparian Reserves. Skyline corridors that 

cross Riparian Reserves are required to be 12 feet or less in width, and no less than 150’ apart, 

and be utilized with full log suspension. Thinning near perennial streams would stop at the 

Primary Shade Zone. Riparian Reserve within skyline units is estimated to total 317 acres 

(Table C-13). Hydrologic impacts from skyline yarding are expected to be low since the 

overwhelming majority of the activity occurs in the uplands where stream widths are narrow.

No measureable water temperature increases are anticipated.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-38

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table C-13. Project-wide Riparian* Logging System Comparison by Action Alternative

Alternative Ground Based

Yarding Skyline Yarding Helicopter Yarding

Total 

Riparian

Harvest

Acres

Coal Creek 

Subwatershed 

Only

Total 

Acres

Riparian 

Acres

Total 

Acres

Riparian 

Acres

Total 

Acres

Riparian 

Acres

Proposed

Action Alt. 2 2,119 407 1,195 317 0 0 724 379

Alt. 3 1,786 315 941 258 513 122 695 347

Alt. 4 1,441 245 457 137 1,160 1,160 637 290

*actual estimated riparian harvest; does not include primary shade zone or skips

Under the Proposed Action (Alternative 2), some proposed units are located in areas that have 

a greater potential for hydrologic impacts. These units are listed in Table C-14. Their combined 

acreage is relatively small; however these units are would present more risk of measurable 

impact than the rest of the project. 

Table C-14. Units Located in Sensitive Watershed Areas – Proposed Action

Unit Number Logging

System

Acres Concern for Elevated Resource Damage

301, 302, 304, 305, 306 Skyline 49 Proximity to Coal Creek; location within Coal 

Creek canyon on steep slopes; requires new 

road construction 

303, 307, 308, 309 Tractor 63

312, 315, 321, 338 Skyline 104 Steep slopes adjacent to major tributaries of 

Coal Creek

Total Acres 214

F. OVERALL RISK OF ADVERSE CUMULATIVE WATERSHED EFFECTS 

FROM PROPOSED ACTION

The Proposed Action (Alternative 2) would present no measureable increase in risk for adverse 

cumulative watershed effects in the Headwaters SF Coquille, Mill Creek, Myrtle Creek or Lower 

Rock Creek subwatersheds. This is due to: 

 The minor involvement of these subwatersheds in the Proposed Action (refer to tables 

above).

 The location of units/roads at or near ridges and watershed divides where effects would 

be minimal.

Risk of adverse cumulative watershed effects in the Coal Creek subwatershed is currently 

high since the main channel is already in a degraded condition. Road density would be 

elevated slightly over existing levels and would be in the “High” range for this risk factor. The 

addition of the proposed harvest acreage and road construction within this degraded 

subwatershed may contribute to additional risk of adverse effects; however, limited stand 

management could be conducted without increasing risk if the impacts could be limited to the 

site scale. The following conditions would allow containment of impacts to the local or unit level 

(site scale): 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-39

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

 NFS lands contain hydrologically mature stands with large in-stream and upland wood 

present; this provides vegetative buffers that would counter increased runoff or 

sediment transport.

 NFS lands are located mainly in the uplands where streams are small and discharges 

are low; risk of hydrologic impact from this portion of watershed is low.

 The majority of the proposed units are located thousands of feet away from the main 

channel.

 Proposed thinning is designed to enhance the growth and vigor of the stand by 

removing intermediate and suppressed trees.

 Stream buffers and equipment limitations are designed to eliminate off-site impacts.

G. ALTERNATIVE 3 – DIRECT, INDIRECT, AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

1. Direct and Indirect Effects

The direct effects of Alternative 3 are similar to those described for the Proposed Action except 

for those areas where harvest and/or road construction has been eliminated, or where the 

logging system has been changed to “helicopter”. 

Tables C-9, 10, & 11 show the change in harvest acreage and road construction under all

Action Alternatives. Approximately 1.5 miles of new system road would be constructed within 

the defined Riparian Reserve; temporary road would be about 0.03 mile. Harvested acreage 

would not change except within the Coal Creek and Headwaters S.F. Coquille subwatersheds. 

The only substantial change is for the Coal Creek subwatershed where about 145 acres would 

be eliminated from proposed harvest; and about 122 acres would be harvested by helicopter.

Under Alternative 3, tractor units contain approximately 315 acres of Riparian Reserve. Harvest 

would occur on approximately 2/3 of the total defined width of Riparian Reserve (one site 

potential tree height from the stream channel, each side), excluding the Primary Shade Zone. 

Actual harvest would occur on about 695 acres, mainly along first and second order channels. 

Units 307, 308 and 309 are the only exceptions in that they border the main channel of Coal 

Creek. Mitigation for units located along Coal Creek is the same as that recommended for the 

Proposed Action. The following mitigating measures are recommended for these units:

 Unit 309: Harvest treatment should be excluded from the zone between the south bank 

of Coal Creek and the slope break. This would avoid disturbance of oversteepened 

slopes that would shed sediment directly into Coal Creek.

 Units 303, 307, 308 and 309: Sediment transport would be monitored by the Forest 

Service. Any visible sediment input to Coal Creek originating from these units would 

require implementation of mitigating measures that would capture/prevent sediment 

transport recommended by a soil scientist, hydrologist, or engineer.

Alternative 3 includes 258 acres within skyline units, and 122 acres within helicopter units of 

actual harvest within Riparian Reserve. Total actual harvest within the Riparian Reserve under 

Alternative 3 would be approximately 695 acres (refer to Table C-13). There is little change in

the acres of Riparian Reserve harvest between the Proposed Action and Alternative 3; however, 

the logging system utilized shifts more toward skyline and helicopter systems as shown in Table 

C-11.

Helicopter logging eliminates the ground disturbance associated with tractor logging and 

eliminates yarding corridors resulting from skyline yarding. Helicopter landings require larger 

areas (one to two acres) than log decks to accommodate landing clearances, fueling, and 

support vehicle parking. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-40

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Most of the units converted to helicopter logging under this alternative are in the upland areas 

that would be logged with tractors under the Proposed Action. As described under the 

Proposed Action, these areas would sustain direct effects of the logging system used but are 

not considered “sensitive” to disturbance. 

Some of the units located in sensitive areas of the subwatershed described under the Proposed 

Action (Table C-13) are eliminated, or the logging system changed, under this alternative. Units 

304 and 338 are eliminated; Units 307 and 308 would be harvested by helicopter instead of 

utilizing tractors supported by construction of Roads Q1-Q4 (1.4 mi.). Table C-14 information 

has been modified to reflect these changes and is presented in Table C-15 below.

Table C-15. Units Located in Sensitive Watershed Areas – Alternative 3

Unit Number Logging

System

Acres Concern for Elevated Resource Damage

301, 302, 305, 306 Skyline 43 Proximity to Coal Creek; location within Coal Creek 

303, 309 Tractor 26 canyon on steep slopes

312, 315, 321 Skyline 80 Steep slopes adjacent to major tributaries of Coal 

Creek

Total Acres 149

Road construction/reconstruction mileage is substantially reduced under this alternative. Most 

of the reductions are to roads located in areas with low hydrologic impact sensitivity: upland 

areas near the watershed divide and along ridgelines. Road Q4, as identified above, is an 

exception. Under Alternative 3, this road construction would be excluded, removing the most 

likely project-generated sediment source into Coal Creek.

2. Cumulative Effects

Under Alternative 3, the risk for cumulative adverse watershed effects remains small for all 

subwatersheds, except Coal Creek. Risk levels for the Coal Creek subwatershed are less than 

those in the Proposed Action due mainly to the reduction of road construction (refer to Table C8). Road density would be elevated slightly over existing levels but would remain in the 

“Moderate” range for this risk factor. The relatively small reduction in harvest is not likely to 

have an impact on cumulative effect risk since tree removal is limited to thinning (see discussion 

under the Proposed Action) and since the acreage involved is less than 4% of the 

subwatershed.

H. ALTERNATIVE 4 – DIRECT, INDIRECT, AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

1. Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 4 would eliminate new system road construction and reduce reconstruction to 1.3 

miles. Reconstruction includes 0.7 miles on an existing railroad grade; therefore, new road 

segments may need to be constructed at up to three first or second order streams that had 

previously been crossed with railroad trestle bridges. This would result in loss of approximately 

one acre of the Riparian Reserve to permanent stream crossings. These crossings account for 

approximately 0.25 miles of new construction in the Coal Creek subwatershed, but would not 

substantially add to the existing road density (Table C-8, 9). In the other project subwatersheds 

there would be no increase in road density over existing levels. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-41

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Site-scale surface disturbance and indirect effects resulting from road construction or 

reconstruction (refer to discussion under the Proposed Action) would be eliminated except at 

the three stream crossings discussed above; and, except for road surfacing and removal of 

trees/vegetation on the existing road/rail templates. Another change is for the Coal Creek 

subwatershed where about 332 acres would be eliminated from proposed harvest; and about 

255 acres would be harvested by helicopter.

Many upland units would be harvested using helicopter methods and some would be eliminated 

(refer to project alternative maps in FEIS). All of the units identified as being located in areas 

with high hydrologic resource sensitivity under Alternatives 2 and 3 would be eliminated from 

the harvest except for Units 312 and 315. Both of these units would be harvested by helicopters 

under this alternative, removing harvest disturbance associated with skyline logging on these 

units under Alternatives 2 and 3.

In the upland units, direct disturbance would be avoided, except for landings, on 1,160 acres 

that would be helicopter harvested. Helicopter landings would account for approximately 22 

acres with each landing being one or more acres in size. Landings would not be located in the 

Riparian Reserve and are generally on ridgelines or divides; they represent a minor, scattered 

surface disturbance that would have little to no hydrologic impact. 

Alternative 4 contains the least Riparian Reserve harvest and utilizes skyline and helicopter 

loggings systems most (refer to Table C-11). The remaining ground-based harvest of 1,441

acres would be limited by the LRMP standard and guide to 15% of the activity area subject to 

detrimental soil condition (refer to Soils Report for additional detail). 

2. Cumulative Effects

Alternative 4 presents the least ground disturbance of all of the Action Alternatives. Harvest 

acreage reductions between alternatives are low. Table C-11 shows only an 8% decrease 

between the Proposed Action and Alternative 4. Reductions in surface disturbance are gained 

by eliminating road construction and increasing use of helicopter logging systems. Table C-10 

shows the distribution of logging systems by harvest acres.

Alternative 4, like the others, presents no risk of adverse watershed effects in any subwatershed 

but Coal Creek. Ground based equipment harvest would include 15% of the subwatershed. 

Surface impact due to harvest by skyline and helicopter yarding would be a minor contribution to 

overall watershed disturbance. 

Coal Creek subwatershed has been 40% regeneration harvested in the last 30 years, therefore 

Alternative 4 could still contribute to the risk of adverse cumulative watershed effects. Grant et 

al. (2008) suggested that harvest alone is relatively benign in increasing peak flows except at 

levels above 80% harvest. Roads are responsible for the bulk of peak flow increases. Since 

Alternative 4 avoids new road construction and any significant contribution to subwatershed 

road density, it is unlikely that peak flow increases from NFS land in Coal Creek would occur.

H. RESTORATION PROJECTS

Similar and/or Related Actions are included under the Proposed Action and the Action 

Alternatives; they are designed as resource enhancement, restoration, or improvements, and 

are described in detail in FEIS Chapter II. These actions would occur in proximity to commercial 

and silvicultural stand treatments. Included are Non-Commercial Treatments proposed for 363 

acres, Snag/Down Wood Creation, Meadow Enhancement, Stream Enhancement, Native 

Grass/Forb Seeding, Invasive Plant Treatments, and Other Wildlife Opportunities.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-42

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Eden Ridge Project proposes to place 150 large trees in stream channels and adjacent 

floodplains to increase channel stability, rearing habitat, pool formation, spawning gravel 

deposition, channel complexity, hiding cover, low velocity areas, and floodplain function. Live 

and dead trees may be removed from riparian areas to provide wood for enhancement projects, 

under special conditions described in the Project Design Criteria. 

These actions would involve the use of log trucks and dump trucks for transport and excavatortype machinery, Spyders, cable yarders, draft horses, or helicopters for placement. 

Environmental effects, plans and designs would be consistent with Forest Plan direction, K-V 

opportunities, and watershed restoration plans (e.g., USDA FS 2006). 

Approximately 1 Mile of upper Coal Creek tributaries within Units 905 and 906 would have trees 

felled toward the channel and approximately 1 mile of Wooden Rock would have stream 

enhancement. Approximately 50 trees per mile would be placed within approximately 3 miles of 

stream (150 trees total, 22,650 cubic feet). The proposed enhancement is located in resident 

fish habitat ranging from ten miles to twenty seven miles upstream of critical coho habitat and 

three to eight miles for essential fish habitat (see FEIS Appendix H).

Stream Enhancement activities would include the placement of large wood into stream channels 

to alter channel morphology by increasing channel stability, pool formation, capture and 

deposition of in-channel gravels, development of low velocity areas, and improvement of 

floodplain function to improve fish habitat. Log placement could involve the use of cable, 

ground based equipment, horses, or helicopters, or felled directly into the stream (see Appendix 

H, Aquatic Biological Evaluation). Log placement activities could involve the localized 

disturbance, particularly when logs are buried into the stream bank, and where access is 

needed by ground based equipment. Disturbed areas would be minimized and restored through 

the application of Design Criteria and Mitigation Measures for operating in Riparian Reserves. 

Other Wildlife Opportunities involves the installation of nest/roost boxes for cavity nesting 

species, and would have no direct or indirect effects to hydrologic resources. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-43

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

VIII. REFERENCES

Beschta, R. L., Dilby, G.W., Brown, G.W., Holtby, L.B., and Hodstra, T.D. 1987. Stream 

Temperature and Aquatic Habitat, Fisheries and Forestry Interactions, pp 192-232. University 

of Washington.

Beschta, R. L., and J. Weathered. 1984. "TEMP-84: a computer model for predicting stream 

temperatures resulting from the management of stream vegetation." United States Department 

of Agriculture report WSDGAD 9 

Boyd, Matthew, and Debra Sturdevant. 1997. Scientific Basis for Oregon's Stream Temperature 

Standard: Common Questions and Straight Answers. Oregon Department of Environmental 

Quality, 

Brown, G.W. 1972. An improved temperature model for small streams. Water Resources 

Research Institute Report 16. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.

Bureau of Land Management. 1994. Myrtlewood Resource Area, Coos Bay District, Middle 

Fork Coquille Analytical Watershed.

Chen, G. K. 1991. South Fork Coquille Basin: Fisheries Summary. USDA Forest Service. 

Siskiyou National Forest, Powers Ranger District. Powers, Oregon. 17 pp.

DEQ, Coos Bay. 1993. Unpublished turbidity measurements.

Dott, R.H. 1971. Geology of the Southwestern Oregon Coast, west of the 124th Meridian: State 

of Oregon, Department of Geology and Mineral Industries Bulletin 69.

Flint, A.J., and Childs, S.W. 1987. Calculation of solar radiation in mountainous terrain. 

Agriculture and Forest Meteorology, Volume 40 Issue 3. Pp 233-249. Dept. of Soil Science, 

Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.

Elliot, William J.; Hall, David E.; and Scheele, Dayna L. 1999. WEPP:Road; WEPP Interface 

for Predicting Forest Road Runoff, Erosion and Sediment Delivery. Technical Documentation. 

USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station and San Dimas Technology and 

Development Center. http://forest.moscowfsl.wsu.edu/fswepp/docs/wepproaddoc.html

Furniss, M.J., Roelofs, T.D., Yee, C.S. 1991. Chapter 8, Road construction and maintenance. 

In: Meehan, W.R., ed. Influences of forest and rangeland management on salmonid fishes and 

their habitats. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 19:297-323.

Gordon E. Grant, Sarah L. Lewis, Frederick J. Swanson, John H. Cissel, and Jeffrey J. 

McDonnell. 2008. Effects of forest practices on peak flows and consequent channel response 

in western Oregon: a state-of-science report. Pacific Northwest Research Station, General 

Technical Report.

Hallett, Joe. 1995. Oral communications. Powers ranger District, Siskiyou National Forest.

Johnson, S.L. 2011. Factors influencing stream temperatures in small streams: substrate 

effects and a shading experiment. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2004, 

61(6): 913-923, 10.1139/f04-040.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-44

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Leinenbach, Peter – US EPA Region 10. 2013. Effects of Riparian Management Strategies on 

Stream Temperature; Science Review Team Temperature Subgroup: - In June 6, 2013 

BLM/FS/FWS/NOAA Fisheries-Memorandum.

Moore, D. and S. Wondzell. 2005. Physical Hydrology and the Effects of Forest Harvesting in 

the Pacific Northwest: A Review. Journal of the American Water Resources Association.

Moore, R., D. L. Spittlehouse, and Anthony Story. "Riparian Microclimate And Stream 

Temperature Response To Forest Harvesting: A Review1." JAWRA Journal of the American 

Water Resources Association 41.4 (2005): 813-834.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, 2001. South Fork Coquille River Total Maximum 

Daily Load Allocation and Water Quality Management Plan

Oregon DEQ, 2004/2006. Oregon’s 2006 Water Quality Status Assessment Report. 

Department of Environmental Quality, Portland, OR. 

Park, C. 1993. Shadow: Stream temperature management program users manual. Siskiyou 

National Forest, Grants Pass, Oregon. Version 2.3.

Reid, L.M. 1993. Research and cumulative watershed effects. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR141. Albany, CA: USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 

Rosgen, David. 1996. Applied River Morphology. Copyright Wildland Hydrology Inc., Hilton 

Lee Silvey. Printed by Printed Media Companies, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Sakals, M.F.; Innes, J.L.;Wilford, D.J.; Sidle, R.C.; Grant, G.E. 2006. The role of forests in 

reducing hydrogeomorphic hazards. Forest, Snow and Landscape Research. 80(1):11-22.

Sidle,R.C.; Pearce, A.J.; O’Loughin, C.L. 1985. Hillslope stability and land use. Water 

Resources Monograph No. 11. Washington, D.C.: American Geophysical Union. 

Sinokrot, B. A., and Stefan, H.G. 1993. Stream temperature dynamics: Measurements and 

modeling. Water Resources Research: Volume 29, Issue 7, pages 2299–2312.

Stinson, Rennay. 1995. Oral communications with Max Yager, Powers Ranger District, 

Siskiyou National Forest.

Townsend. Curt. 1995. Oral communication with Joe Hallett and Cindy Ticks (written 

documentation)” Powers ranger District, Siskiyou National Forest.

USDA Forest Service, 1989. “Land and Resource Management Plan for the Siskiyou National 

Forest. 

UDA Forest Service. 1989, 1992. Stream Surveys.

USDA Forest Service. 1993. “Determining the Risk of Cumulative Watershed Effects Resulting 

from Multiple Activities”.

USDA Forest Service. 1995. Powers Ranger District, Siskiyou National Forest, South Fork 

Coquille Watershed Analysis.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-45

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

USDA Forest Service. 2007. “Aquatic Restoration Plan, South Fork Coquille Watershed”.

USDA Forest service. 2010. Coal Creek Level II Stream Survey, August 2010

USDA Forest Service. 2012. National Best Management Practices for Water Quality 

Management on National Forest System Lands, Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical 

Guide. FS-990a. April 2012. 165 pg.

USDA Forest Service; Joni Brazier. 2012. Eden Ridge Timber Sales: Appendix D, Geology 

and Soils Report. Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest.

USDA Forest Service; Karla Cotton. 2012. Eden Ridge Timber Sales: Appendix H, Aquatic 

Biota Report and Biological Evaluation. Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest.

USDA Forest Service and BLM. 2011. Evaluation of the Northwest Forest Plan Aquatic 

Conservation Strategy and Associated Tools to achieve and maintain stream temperature water 

quality standards (update of 2005 Primary Shade Zone widths)

USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management. 1994. Record of Decision for 

Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within 

the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. 

USDA Forest Service, USDI Bureau of Land Management, ODEQ. 2005. Northwest Forest 

Plan Temperature TMDL Implementation Strategies, Pacific Northwest.

Wemple, B.C.; Jones, J.A.; Grant, G.E. 1996. Channel network extension by logging roads in 

two basins, western Cascades, Oregon. Water Resources Bulletin. 32: 1195-1207.

Wemple, B.C.; Swanson, F.J.; Jones, J.A. 2001. Forest roads and geomorphic process 

interactions, Cascade Range, Oregon. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. 26(2): 191–

204.

Wunderlich, T.E. 1972. Heat and mass transfer between a water surface and the atmosphere. 

Water Research Laboratory, Tennessee Valley Authority. Report No. 14, Norris Tennessee. 

Pp. 4.20.

Yager, Max. 1995. Oral communication regarding visual observations of turbidity: Powers 

ranger District, Siskiyou National Forest.

Website References

Wikipedia: “Coquille River, Oregon” and “Powers, Oregon”

Oregon Department of Forestry: LocatOR website).

Oregon Climate Service: Average Annual Precipitation; www.wrcc.dri.edu/pcpn/or.gif

Oregon’s 2004/2006 Integrated Report Database: 

www.deq.state.or.us/wq/assessment/rpt0406

Oregon’s 2010 Integrated Report DEQ website 

www.deq.state.or.us/wq/assessment/assessment.htm
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-46

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT 1

DATA SOURCES FOR GIS ANALYSIS – February, 2010

Process for Road Density Calculations and Logging Activity by Time Period for ER TIMBER SALE GIS Support (Cole 

Belongie, GIS SPECIALIST- DRM/CSA 2)

Road Density

1. Collected Road data for the 5 watershed areas (Coal Creek, Headwaters South Fork Coquille River, Mill 

Creek – South Fork Coquille River, Myrtle Creek, & Rock Creek) from Rogue River Siskiyou corporate data 

library (T\FS\Reference\GIS\r06_rrs\Data\Transportation.mdb\Transporation\RoadEvent & 

T\FS\Reference\GIS\r06_rrs\Data|WBD_SW_OR.gdb\rrsis_huc6) and BLM road data that covers highways 

and public roads (T\FS\Reference\GeoTool\r_06\DatabaseConnections\idb – sde.default as 

myself.sde\S_USA_OR.Transportation\S_USA_OR.HighwayBLM & S_USA_OR.RoadPublicBLM). 

2. Ran an “Identity” against the watersheds to find the miles of road for each watershed. Totaled the miles 

of road in each watershed and divided it by the area of the watershed. Broke down the numbers by the 

FS Roads, Other Roads, and All Roads combined for each watershed (table provide to resource staff).

3. Ran a “Kernel Line Density” Analysis on the linear road features for the watersheds. Used an output cell 

size of 100 x 100 meters and a search radius of 1 mile. The output was done in square kilometers and 

square miles (map provided). Reclassified the results into 4 classes using Natural Breaks (Jenks).

Logging Activity by Time Period

Data used for this analysis included:

 Change Detection Map (created by PNW FS Lab for Northwest Forest Plan Interagency Regional 

Monitoring Program) Data used for years of 1977 – 2002, 

http://www.reo.gov/monitoring/reports/10yr-report/map-data/index.shtml

 LANDSAT data 1979, 1989, 1999, 2005, & 2009 http://glovis.usgs.gov/

 NAIP imagery 2006 Half Meter and 2009, 1 meter (ArcGIS Image Service published by USDA Forest 

Service RSAC)

 Rogue River – Siskiyou Corporate & Regional Forest Service GIS data listed above including FS 

ownership (T:\FS\Reference\GIS\r06_rrs\data_sis/ownership)

Processes:

1. The PNW change detection map displays the stand-replacing fires and harvests that occurred between 

1972 and 2002 in the Oregon portion of the area governed by the Northwest Forest Plan. These 

disturbances were detected through a classification-based change detection process that was performed 

using a series of Landsat images (both MSS and TM). Disturbances are both geo-referenced and 

temporally referenced in approximately 4-year intervals. It should be noted that this layer does not depict 

partial disturbance, nor does it show stand-replacing disturbance unrelated to fire and harvest (i.e. 

landslides, river course changes, etc.) Only the “Cut” disturbances were used for this analysis ranging 

from 1977 – 2002.

2. The regional change detection raster data was “Extracted by Mask” to the 5 area watershed analysis area. 

The data was then converted to polygons and the pertinent years to the study were pulled out leaving 

only the 6 time periods that were relevant to the study (77-84, 84-88, 88-92, 92-96, 96-00, & 00-02). That 

data was also spilt to show only Non-FS land to calculate the acres of FS and Other logging activities.

3. The Landsat data from various years was acquired to supplement the PNW change detection data and to 

verify the polygons for the study area. The data was also used along with the NAIP imagery to heads up 

digitize logging activity polygons for the years not covered by the PNW change detection data. The 

downloaded Landsat bands from various Landsat Satellites were combined for each year acquisition to 

display the data in False Color. The False Color display was utilized to show healthy vegetation in red and 

to show bare soil, urban areas, etc. in a blue – green color. This makes spotting clear cuts and logging 

activity fairly easy. The GIS function of “Composite Bands” was used to combine the relevant Landsat 

bands and the correct display combinations were retrieved from various Landsat and NASA informational 

websites.
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-47

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

4. Potential logging activity was located on the Landsat images and then compared to the time period before 

and after to narrow down during which time period the logging happened. For example, if logging activity 

appeared on the 1999 Landsat imagery, the 1989 image was checked to see if that activity was identified 

then. If not, the 2005 image was checked to see if the area had started to regenerate, these checks 

allowed the time period and the validity of the logging activity to be verified. 

5. The NAIP imagery was also used to identify logging activity due to the good resolution and true color 

properties. This data was also used to refine the analysis. The 5 watershed area does contain some 

agriculture and small town environments. The NAIP imagery was used to differentiate the open 

agricultural land, wide river banks, and urban environments from the areas that could be potentially 

confused with logging activity from the Landsat imagery alone.

6. Heads up digitizing was done at various scales (averaging 1:24,000) to collect the data mostly for the time 

period from 200-2009. An attribute was added to the digitized polygons to track and discern ownership. 

During this process none of the polygons from the PNW change detection map that overlapped these 

years (ex. 1996 – 2002) were doubled counted. During this process 30 more polygons were also added to 

the years of 1979-1999 (totaling 540 acres). These polygons were determined to have been missed by the 

large scale regional analysis, dropped due to the resolution of the data, or partial disturbances mentioned 

above. 

7. All data for logging activity was gathered and an “Identity” function was run on the data in GIS to populate 

it with the watershed name in which it fell. The acres were then calculated for each polygon using the 

“calculate geometry” function in GIS. All ownership and Non-FS land were calculated separately allowing 

logging activity from FS land to be easily determined. Acres of logging activity were totaled for each time 

period (provided spreadsheet) by watershed and then divided by the watershed acres to get the 

percentage of watershed area.

Considerations:

Some judgment calls were made during the digitizing process. The best available data was used to eliminate 

as many errors as possible. The scale and accuracy of all data used for the analysis was the limiting factor in 

the final results. The change detection map created by the PNW was relied on for a majority of the historic 

data. 
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-48

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT 2 

Products of GIS Analysis For Eden Ridge Timber Sales

February, 2010

Logging Watershed Name Acres

Percentage 

of 

Watershed 

Acres Watershed Name

Watershed 

Acres

Cut 77-88 Coal Creek 319.74 3.21 Coal Creek 9967.09

Cut 88-00 Coal Creek 1465.42 14.70

Headwaters 

South Fork 

Coquille River 40172.39

Cut 99-05 Coal Creek 1233.62 12.38

Mill Creek-South 

Fork Coquille 

River 14058.37

Cut 05-09 Coal Creek 1113.09 11.17 Myrtle Creek 19987.13

Cut 77-88 Headwaters South Fork Coquille River 2601.79 6.48 Rock Creek 25543.11

Cut 88-00 Headwaters South Fork Coquille River 2026.16 5.04

Cut 99-05 Headwaters South Fork Coquille River 1419.72 3.53

Cut 05-09 Headwaters South Fork Coquille River 802.71 2.00

Cut 77-88 Mill Creek-South Fork Coquille River 954.97 6.79

Cut 88-00 Mill Creek-South Fork Coquille River 1069.35 7.61

Cut 99-05 Mill Creek-South Fork Coquille River 1010.70 7.19

Cut 05-09 Mill Creek-South Fork Coquille River 248.29 1.77

Cut 77-88 Myrtle Creek 858.25 4.29

Cut 88-00 Myrtle Creek 2143.64 10.73

Cut 99-05 Myrtle Creek 1867.09 9.34

Cut 05-09 Myrtle Creek 1562.64 7.82

Cut 77-88 Rock Creek 1546.85 6.06

Cut 88-00 Rock Creek 2961.10 11.59

Cut 99-05 Rock Creek 2657.66 10.40

Cut 05-09 Rock Creek 3137.86 12.28
Appendix C - Hydrology Report (Revised) Page C-49

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Forest Service Roads

Watershed Name Miles of Road

Area of 

Watershed 

(Sq. Miles)

Road Density 

(miles per sq. 

mile)

Coal Creek 9.76 15.58 0.63

Headwaters South Fork Coquille River 166.58 62.81 2.65

Mill Creek-South Fork Coquille River 16.60 21.98 0.76

Myrtle Creek 2.18 31.25 0.07

Rock Creek 2.89 39.94 0.07

Other Roads

Watershed Name Miles of Road

Area of 

Watershed 

(Sq. Miles)

Road Density 

(miles per sq. 

mile)

Coal Creek 55.52 15.58 3.56

Headwaters South Fork Coquille River 100.15 62.81 1.59

Mill Creek-South Fork Coquille River 69.97 21.98 3.18

Myrtle Creek 126.45 31.25 4.05

Rock Creek 184.04 39.94 4.61

All Roads

Watershed Name Miles of Road

Area of 

Watershed 

(Sq. Miles)

Road Density 

(miles per sq. 

mile)

Coal Creek 65.28 15.58 4.19

Headwaters South Fork Coquille River 266.73 62.81 4.25

Mill Creek-South Fork Coquille River 86.57 21.98 3.94

Myrtle Creek 128.63 31.25 4.12

Rock Creek 186.93 39.94 4.68

Total Miles of Roads 734.14
APPENDIX D

GEOLOGY& SOILS REPORT

Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Geology & Soils Report

/s/ Joni D. Brazier Date: September 30, 2011

 Joni D. Brazier, Soil Scientist Revised: September 16, 2013

 Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest

I. Introduction

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales project is located on the Powers Ranger District of the Rogue River –

Siskiyou National Forest. The Planning Area is approximately 6,516 acres and is located approximately 4 

air miles southeast of the city of Powers, Oregon at the closest point, with a legal description of: 

Township 31 South, Range 10 West, Sections 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29 and 30; and Township 31 

South, Range 11 West, Sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27; Willamette Meridian; Coos County, 

Oregon. Elevations range from 2,500 to 3,500 feet. It is located within a block of National Forest System 

lands which are surrounded by private timber production lands. 

The Proposed Action (Alternative 2) proposes to treat 3,314 acres on 75 units, with commercial harvest 

treatments. These harvest treatments would primarily include commercial thinning, but also include some 

small group selection (gap treatments) to treat laminated root rot (Phellinus weirii) pockets, eradication 

treatments mostly in the understory in areas infested with Port-Orford-cedar root disease (Phythophthora 

lateralis), and sanitation treatments along roadsides in areas with uninfested Port-Orford-cedar. In 

addition, 9 units totaling 363 acres are proposed for noncommercial thinning treatments.

Proposed logging systems include ground-based on 2,119acres within 39 units, and skyline (cable) 

systems on 1,195 acres within 36 units. To access treatment units, there is proposed approximately 10.8 

miles of new Classified road construction (in 43 segments), construction and decommissioning of 0.3 

miles of temporary road, reconstruction of 6.1 miles of existing Classified road, and maintenance of 5.5 

miles of existing Classified road.

This report will describe background geology and analyze effects to existing soil resources within the 

Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area, more specifically, soil productivity and slope stability. Strongly 

associated resources are described and analyzed in the following specialist’s reports:

a) Hydrology (FEIS Appendix C)

b) Silviculture (FEIS Appendix B)

II. Management Direction

Land management direction is contained in the Siskiyou National Forest (SNF) Land and Resource 

Management Plan (LRMP) (UDSA Forest Service 1989) as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan 

(USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management 1994). The Eden Ridge Planning Area 

contains three Management Allocations. The majority of the area is allocated to Matrix, as carried 

forward from the 1989 LRMP as General Forest Prescription (Management Area (MA) 14), as well as 

NWFP Riparian Reserve and LRMP Management Prescription MA-11, and LRMP Prescription Special 

Wildlife Sites (MA-9). However no harvest treatments are proposed in MA-9 areas.

The authorities governing Forest Service soil management are outlined in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 

2550 – Soil Management (WO Amendment 2500-2010-1, Effective November 23, 2010). Regional 

direction for maintaining and protecting the soil resource from detrimental disturbance to soil productivity 

is given in FSM 2500 – Watershed Protection and Management, Region 6 Supplement No. 2500-9801.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-2

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Siskiyou National Forest (SNF) LRMP provides standards and guidelines (S&Gs) for soil and water 

resources on pages IV-44 through IV-48. In regard to soils and geology, they include S&Gs for 

detrimental soil conditions, soil erosion, mass movement, and large woody material. 

Detrimental soil conditions include compaction, displacement, puddling, and severely burned soil 

conditions. Detrimental soil conditions are further defined in FSM 2500, Region 6 Supplement No. 2500-

98-1. On the Siskiyou National Forest, the total area of detrimental soil conditions should not exceed 15 

percent of the total acreage within the activity area, including roads and landings (S&G 7-2, page IV-44)

(Siskiyou National Forest, 1989).

Surface organic matter (duff, litter) is vital for protecting surface soils from erosion. Mineral soil 

exposure (loss of duff and litter) should not exceed the following limits (ibid.):

o 40% mineral soil exposed on soils classed low-to-moderate erosion hazard;

o 30% mineral soil exposed on soils classed high erosion hazard;

o 15% mineral soil exposed on soils classed very high erosion hazard.

Standards and Guidelines for large woody material stress the importance of addressing site-specific needs. 

In general, five to twenty pieces of large woody material per acre should remain on each site; material 

should be from a range of decomposition classes; each piece should be at least 20 inches in diameter at 

the large end and contain at least 40 cubic feet volume (ibid.). To better guide site-specific needs, 

additional tools based on Plant Association Groups (PAGs) and down wood information collected with 

stand exam data, are used to refine the large woody material prescriptions. Because the Forest’s PAG 

data is at a finer scale, the Forest is currently using plant series data from new PAG classifications, 

delineated by geographical regions (Cascades, Siskiyous, Coast), for determining snag and down wood 

objectives on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (refer to the Silvicultural Diagnosis, FEIS 

Appendix B, for more detail). 

In addition, the Northwest Forest Plan requires that all unstable areas and potentially unstable areas be 

managed as Riparian Reserve.

III. Affected Environment 

A. Geology

The South Fork Coquille River forms the boundary between two major physiographic provinces, the 

Coast Range Province to the north and the Klamath Mountain Province to the south (USDI Bureau of 

Land Management, 1994). The Eden Ridge Planning Area is just within the south end of the Coast Range 

Province. The Planning Area is almost entirely overlying the Tyee Formation. A small sliver of the 

Umpqua Formation is within the very northwest corner of the Planning Area; however no activities are 

proposed in this area in any of the alternatives, therefore it will not be discussed further in this report.

The Tyee Formation is prominent along the Central Oregon coast from approximately Salem southward 

to Myrtle Point (Beaulieu, 1971). South of Myrtle Point, isolated outcrops cap various ridge tops along 

the axis of a major syncline fold (ibid.), and the Eden Ridge Planning Area is an example of this (see Map 

D-1).

The Tyee Formation is of middle Eocene age (approximately 49 million years), and is made up of thick 

marine sediments deposited in a forearc basin from rivers with watersheds that extended into the interior 

of Idaho (Orr et al., 1992). Tyee sandstone is considered “arkosic”, or rich in white mica, quartz, and 

potassium feldspar, and matches the minerals of the Idaho batholith (Orr et al., 1992).
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-3

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

It is composed of thick rhythmically bedded, cliff-forming, buff to greenish-gray sandstone with thin 

interbedded dark colored mudstone; the sandstone is composed of medium to coarse-grained, micaceous, 

arkosic, and lithic wacke (Beaulieu, 1971; Meyer & Amaranthus, 1979). Some conglomerates of 

andesite, quartzite, chert, and basalt as well as local coal beds are also located in this formation (ibid.).

Map D-1. Geology of the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area (data from DOGAMI, 2009)

B. Slope Stability

The Tyee Formation exhibits northerly strikes and dips gently, meaning that it has not been as greatly 

folded and faulted as, for example, much of the Umpqua Formation it overlies (Beaulieu, 1971). This is 

exhibited in the relatively gently sloping topography of Eden Ridge over the majority of the Planning 

Area. Very steep slopes and cliffs are found bordering the gently sloping sandstone slabs, and are 

associated with fluvial processes where drainage systems have downcut through the resistant sandstone 

layers as the landmass has been subjected to tectonic uplift, which is still occurring. Soils on these steep 

slopes have a tendency to fail as debris flows (USDA Forest Service, 1995).

Where Tyee bluffs overlie softer siltstones, rock fall is common, and benches within the bluffs often 

result from large naturally-occurring deep-seated slumps and transitional failures (ibid.). An example of 

this can be seen in Figure C-2 within the Hydrology Report, which shows an oblique view of eroding 

bluffs and benches on the northern side of the Planning Area in the Myrtle Creek subwatershed. 
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-4

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The slopes to the north of and going below the 448 Road in Section 18 were examined for slope 

instability based on the indication this area is a deep seated slump (Meyer and Amaranthus, 1979). 

Benchy terrain was encountered with locations of very small seeps/sag ponds toward the western end. No 

evidence of current instability was found however, and a review of the recently clear-cut private lands to 

the north, downslope and within the same headwaters of Myrtle Creek, indicate this is not an active area 

of instability, though ancient movement gives the terrain its current shape.

An example of inner gorge instability is found along first order streams within the Planning Area on the 

southwest end (section 26, area of Proposed Action Units 307, 308), where streams are flowing through 

steep, V-shaped inner gorge systems. Flows are regularly cutting the toeslopes of these steep walls, 

resulting in localized bank failures and slumping, and trees tipping into and across the channel. A review 

of the forest landslide layer has no records of landslides on the forest in the Planning Area, and none were 

found during field reviews.

B. Soils

Soils in the Planning Area are developing from Tyee sandstone. Elevations range from approximately 

2,080 to 3,540 feet, with average annual precipitation ranging from 100 to 150 inches, predominantly as 

rain in the winter. A strong maritime influence results in typically moderate year-round temperatures.

Map D-2 displays the soil map units within the Planning Area, and Table D-1 lists these map units with 

some soil characteristics (USDA SCS, 1989).

Map D-2. Soils of the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area (data from USDA SCS, 1989)
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-5

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table D-1. Soil Characteristics of Soil Map Units within the Eden Ridge Planning Area

Map 

Unit

Map Unit Name Soil Characteristics

14F Digger-PreacherUmpcoos 

association, 50-

80% slopes

Digger (30%): Moderately deep; well drained; surface - gravelly loam/6” depth; subsoil 

- gravelly, v. gravelly, and v. cobbly loams; located on side slopes.

Preacher (30%): Deep; well drained; surface – loam/14” depth; subsoil – clay loam; 

located on ridgetops & side slopes.

Umpcoos (25%): Shallow; well drained; surface – v. gravelly sandy loam/3” depth; 

subsoil – v. gravelly sandy loam; located on very narrow ridgetops & steep side slopes 

along drainageways.

15F Digger-UmpcoosRock outcrop 

association; 

50-90% slopes

Digger (30%): Moderately deep; well drained; surface - gravelly loam/6” depth; subsoil 

- gravelly, v. gravelly, and v. cobbly loams; located on concave side slopes.

Umpcoos (25%): Shallow; well drained; surface – v. gravelly sandy loam/3” depth; 

subsoil – v. gravelly sandy loam; located on convex side slopes above rock outcrop & 

narrow ridgetops.

Rock outcrop (25%): Hard, fractured sandstone located on precipitous side slopes 

along drainageways & on very narrow ridgetops.

24 Gardiner sandy 

loam; 

0-3% slopes

Gardiner (85%): Deep; well drained; surface – sandy loam/9” depth; subsoil – loamy 

fine sand; located on floodplains.

33 Kirkendall silt 

loam; 

0-3% slopes

Kirkendall (80%): Deep; well drained; surface – silt loam/7”depth; subsoil – silt loam; 

located on floodplains.

44E Preacher-Blachly 

association; 

30-60% slopes

Preacher (60%): Deep; well drained; surface – loam/14”depth; subsoil – clay loam; 

located on broad ridgetops and benches of mountains.

Blachly (25%): Deep; well drained; surface – silty clay loam/7” depth; subsoil – silty 

clay; located on broad ridgetops and benches of mountains.

46D PreacherBohannon loams; 

3-30% slopes

Preacher (50%): Deep; well drained; surface – loam/14”depth; subsoil – clay loam; 

located on concave areas on benches, side slopes and broad ridgetops.

Bohannon (30%): Moderately deep; well drained; surface – loam and gravelly 

loam/11” depth; subsoil – gravelly loam; located on convex side slopes.

46E PreacherBohannon loams; 

30-60% slopes

Preacher (40%): Deep; well drained; surface – loam/14” depth; subsoil – clay loam; 

located on concave side slopes.

Bohannon (30%): Moderately deep; well drained; surface – loam and gravelly 

loam/11” depth; subsoil – gravelly loam; located on ridgetops and convex side slopes.

49E Remote loam; 30-

50% slopes

Remote (75%): Deep; well drained; surface – loam/5” depth; subsoil – gravelly & v. 

gravelly clay loam; located on side slopes of mountains.

49F Remote loam; 50-

75% slopes

Remote (75%): Deep; well drained; surface – loam/5” depth; subsoil – gravelly & v. 

gravelly clay loam; located on side slopes of mountains.

50D Remote-DiggerPreacher 

complex; 12-30% 

slopes

Remote (35%): Deep; well drained; surface – loam/5” depth; subsoil – gravelly & v. 

gravelly clay loam; located on narrow ridgetops & steeper side slopes.

Digger (30%): Moderately deep; well drained; surface - gravelly loam/6” depth; subsoil 

- gravelly, v. gravelly, and v. cobbly loams; located on narrow ridgetops & steeper side 

slopes.

Preacher (25%): Deep; well drained; surface – loam/14”depth; subsoil – clay loam; 

located on broad ridgetops & less sloping side slopes.

50E Remote-DiggerPreacher 

complex; 30-50% 

slopes

Remote (35%): Deep; well drained; surface – loam/5” depth; subsoil – gravelly & v. 

gravelly clay loam; located on convex side slopes & narrow ridgetops.

Digger (25%): Moderately deep; well drained; surface - gravelly loam/6” depth; subsoil 

- gravelly, v. gravelly, and v. cobbly loams; located on convex side slopes & narrow 

ridgetops.

Preacher (20%): Deep; well drained; surface – loam/14”depth; subsoil – clay loam; 

located on concave, less sloping areas.

58F Umpcoos-Rock 

outcrop 

association; 70-

99% slopes

Umpcoos (40%): Shallow; well drained; surface – v. gravelly sandy loam/3” depth; 

subsoil – v. gravelly sandy loam; located on ridgetops & in more gently sloping areas.

Rock outcrop (35%): Hard, fractured sandstone located on steeper areas along 

drainageways & on upper slopes of mountains.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-6

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

D. Soil Productivity

The main General Soil Map Units in the Planning Area are 10 – Preacher-Bohannon; 11 – DiggerPreacher-Remote; and 13 – Umpcoos-Rock outcrop-Digger. Natural productivity is rated as High for 

General Map Unit 10, Moderate for General Map Unit 11, and Low for General Map Unit 13 (USDA 

SCS, 1989). Refer to the Silviculture Report (FEIS Appendix B) for additional discussion of soil 

productivity, including maps displaying the location of soils based on productivity, and the vegetation 

communities they are supporting.

The following table (Table D-2) displays the relative sensitivities of each of the soil map units in the 

Planning Area to disturbance (Web Soil Survey: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/), based off of 

various soil properties. 

Table D-2. Sensitivities of Soils in the Planning Area to Selected Disturbances

Map 

Unit

Site Degradation 

Susceptibility

Soil Compaction 

Resistance

Soil Rutting 

Hazard

Erosion Hazard 

(Road/Trail)

Erosion Hazard 

(Off-Road, OffTrail)

Soil 

Restoration 

Potential

14F Highly susceptible Low Severe Severe Very severe High

15F Highly susceptible Low Severe Severe Very severe High

24 Moderately 

susceptible

Moderate Moderate Slight Slight High

33 Slightly susceptible Moderate Severe Slight Slight High

44E Highly susceptible Low Severe Severe Severe High

46D Moderately 

susceptible

Low Severe Severe Moderate High

46E Highly susceptible Low Severe Severe Severe High

49E Highly susceptible Low Severe Severe Severe High

49F Highly susceptible Low Severe Severe Very severe High

50D Moderately 

susceptible

Low Severe Severe Moderate High

50E Highly susceptible Low Severe Severe Severe High

58F Highly susceptible Low Slight Severe Very severe Moderate

The following paragraphs give a brief explanation of each rating, summarized from the Descriptions in 

the Web Soil Survey. Refer to the complete descriptions for more detail.

Site Degradation Susceptibility: Rates each soil for its susceptibility for soil degradation to occur during 

disturbance, seen conversely is the soil’s buffering capacity to resist change. Ratings represent relative risk of water 

and wind erosion, salinization, sodification, organic matter and nutrient depletion and /or redistribution, and loss of 

adequate rooting depth.

Soil Compaction Resistance: Rates each soil for its resistance to compaction, which is predominantly 

influenced by moisture content, depth to saturation, percent of sand, silt, and clay, soil structure, organic matter 

content, and content of coarse fragments.

Soil Rutting Hazard: This rating indicates the hazard of surface rut formation through the operation of 

forestland equipment. Soil displacement and puddling may occur simultaneously with rutting. “Slight” 

indicates soil is subject to little or no rutting; “Moderate” indicates rutting is likely; “Severe” indicates that ruts 

form readily.

Erosion Hazard (Road/Trail): Ratings indicate the hazard of soil loss from un-surfaced roads and trails. 

Ratings are based on soil erosion factor K, slope, and content of rock fragments. “Slight” indicates that little or 

no erosion is likely; “Moderate” indicates some erosion is likely, and roads/trails may require occasional 

maintenance, and that simple erosion-control measures are needed; “Severe” indicates that erosion is expected, 

roads/trails require frequent maintenance, and costly erosion-control measures are needed.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-7

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Erosion Hazard (Off-Road, Off-Trail): Ratings indicate the hazard of soil loss from off-road and off-trail 

areas after disturbance activities that expose the soil surface. Ratings are based on slope and soil erosion factor 

K, with soil loss caused by sheet or rill erosion where 50 to 75 percent of the surface has been exposed by 

logging, grazing, mining, or other kinds of disturbance.

Soil Restoration Potential: Rates each soil for its inherent ability to recover from degradation (i.e., soil 

resilience). Soil resilience is dependent upon adequate stores of organic matter, good soil structure, low salt and 

sodium levels, adequate nutrient levels, microbial biomass and diversity, adequate precipitation for recovery, 

and other soil properties.

Overall, the soils within the Eden Ridge Planning Area are sensitive to disturbances that can have an

adverse effect to soil productivity. Interestingly, these soils also show an inherent ability to recover well 

from these disturbances, either naturally or through implementation of restoration activities. This has 

been apparent in field reviews throughout the Eden Ridge area looking at the residual effects of past 

actions, discussed below.

The Eden Ridge Planning Area was extensively railroad logged in the 1920s and 1930s utilizing steam 

donkeys, and was likely covered in slash or burned. There is evidence indicating a wildfire burned 

through northern areas of the Planning Area as well during these historical harvest operations.

Field reviews looking at soil condition from these past impacts were conducted throughout the Planning 

Area, particularly focusing in stands being proposed for treatments with this project. Within the stands, 

outside of railroad grade impacts, no detrimental disturbance still measurable affecting site productivity 

was found. Decomposing organic litter is providing a consistent blanket across the forest floor to protect 

surface soils from erosion. Occasional evidence of soil displacement from gouging along a steam donkey 

trail was found, but soil pits and shovel resistance tests, as well as observation of vegetation cover, did not 

indicate a measureable difference inside and outside of that past direct disturbance 60 to 80 years later. 

Railroad grades, on the other hand, while in places are supporting large trees, are predominantly still 

heavily compacted and inhibiting or slowing vegetation establishment. These field observations validate 

the resiliency these soils have to disturbance and their ability to recover naturally over time when given the 

opportunity, particularly considering the high level of disturbance experienced in the 1920s and 30s. 

Recent stand management has occurred in the Planning Area, though none of these commercial timber 

sale units are within proposed stands for this project. An area that has experienced recent (early to mid2000s) thinning using skyline harvest systems was reviewed on the western end of the Planning Area 

(Backwoods Thin Timber Sale area, T31S, R11W, Section 27) during field analysis for this project. 

Sampling involved a walk-through focusing in particular on areas that would be expected to have the 

highest impacts, and included soil pits looking for changes in soil structure between undisturbed soils and 

soils within skyline corridors, soil shovel penetration resistance, and ocular review of effective 

groundcover and erosion. This review did not reveal any detrimental disturbance from the recent 

commercial thinning activity within the stands, let alone any measurable cumulative impacts to site 

productivity from the historical steam donkey/railroad logging. 

IV. Effects Mechanisms and Analysis Framework

A. Slope Stability

Slope stability can be impacted by management actions, through actions that alter soil holding strength of 

root systems through vegetation changes, change drainage patterns through soil movement or compaction, 

or undermine slopes. Specific activities as related to the Eden Ridge Timber Sales project include road 

construction and reconstruction, silviculture treatments, and logging systems.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-8

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Roads

Road building in forest land is widely recognized as one of the primary causes of debris avalanches in 

managed forests (Sidle, 1980). Roads change the surface and subsurface water flow patterns, which can 

cause concentrations of flow and soil saturation where it didn’t exist before, leading to a slope failure. 

Roads have the potential to accelerate slumps, earthflows, and possibly creep landslides (Megahan, 1986). 

The added weight of fill material on steep slopes, combined at times with improperly routed water that 

causes saturation of the fill slope, often results in eventual failure. Also road cuts in steep, unstable 

terrain can trigger debris avalanches by removing downslope support.

Road maintenance provides an opportunity to minimize risk of slope failures along road prisms, by 

providing proper drainage, and recognizing and improving areas that are recognized to be at risk of 

failure. Project Design Criteria and Mitigation Measures that have been designed for the Eden Ridge 

Timber Sales Project (FEIS Chapter II), including Best Management Practices (BMPs) for road activities 

in the National Core BMP Technical Guide (USDA FS, 2012) and the Region 6 General Water Quality 

Best Management Practices (USDA FS, 1988), have influenced the planning of road activities during 

project development, and would be implemented to minimize impacts of roads on slope stability.

Silviculture Treatments

Through increasing the depth of the saturated zone in the soil, and reducing root strength, the removal of 

trees can increase slope failures (Megahan, 1986). When the majority of vegetation is removed, such as 

in a clear-cut, the amount of water in the soil profile is increased for a time due to a reduction in plant 

uptake and transpiration, as well as reduction in canopy interception. Roots increase the strength of soil 

by helping to bind soil particles together, and to reinforce a soil mass by anchoring it to the underlying 

bedrock, particularly in shallower soils (Ziemer, 1981a). When trees die or are cut, the roots die and 

decay, resulting in a decline of reinforcement by the roots; approximately 50% of the original root 

reinforcement is lost within 2 years after deforestation, with 90% gone within 9 years (Ziemer, 1981a). 

However, if only some of the vegetation is removed, such as in a thinning, the loss of root strength is 

greatly reduced. This is because the remaining trees’ root systems are still there to anchor the soils, and 

they take advantage of the reduction in competition by expanding their root systems (Ziemer, 1981b). 

Based on the silvicultural treatments proposed (variable density and non-commercial thinning), it is not 

expected that there would be a measurable effect that would result in an increase in slope failures in the 

Planning Area (refer to effects discussion, below).

B. Soil Productivity

Soil productivity can be impacted by management activities, through actions that reduce effective ground 

cover, displace soil, cause soil compaction or otherwise adversely impact soil structure, destabilize slopes, 

and change nutrient cycling processes through vegetation and down wood manipulation. Specific 

activities as related to the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project include road construction and reconstruction 

(including temporary road construction and decommissioning), silviculture treatments, activity fuels 

treatments, helicopter landings and use of heavy equipment logging systems.

Roads

Of any of the forest management activities being proposed with this project, the road system being 

used/reconstructed/constructed is expected to result in the greatest opportunity for soil erosion per unit 

area (Megahan, 1986). However, project Design Criteria and Mitigation Measures that have been 

designed for the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project (FEIS Chapter II), including Best Management 

Practices (BMPs) for road activities in the National Core BMP Technical Guide (USDA FS, 2012) and 

the Region 6 General Water Quality Best Management Practices (USDA FS, 1988), have influenced the 

planning of road activities during project development, and would be implemented to minimize impacts 

of roads on soil productivity.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-9

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Existing System Roads (and historical railroad grades)

Existing system roads are considered a long term commitment of the soil resource to something other than 

soil productivity. The use of existing system roads during the implementation of this project would not 

result in a change to the current condition of the soils that are committed to supporting the transportation 

system. However, where system roads have been closed for a period of years, some level of road 

reconstruction and maintenance would be necessary to make them suitable for treatment access. 

Road (and railroad grade) reconstruction generally requires the removal of vegetation and the reshaping 

of the former road prism, possibly including ditches, from a road in disrepair. The road may have 

achieved some degree of restoration from past use, but whatever that degree, it would be reversed. The 

conditions of roads needing reconstruction vary greatly, from those with near complete restoration to 

those with hardly any. Reconstruction of these routes, however, has far less impact to soil productivity 

(since it had long since been comprised) than to native soil sites, and that is the benefit of reusing them 

over new construction. Nonetheless, soil is compacted and short-term erosion from newly exposed soils 

is likely.

New System Roads 

The construction of new system roads would be a long term commitment of the soil resource to 

something other than soil productivity. Road construction requires the removal of vegetation and the 

reshaping of the ground to form a road prism. Minimal disturbance would be on flat terrain where surface 

soils would be displaced during grading operations, and the surface compacted. On slopes, cut-and-fill 

slopes would be created, displacing a much greater amount of surface and subsurface soil and potentially 

bedrock, and affecting a wider area along the route due to creation of cut slopes and fill slopes.

Temporary Roads and Landings

Construction of temporary roads (and associated landings) detrimentally compact soils and contribute to 

erosion by allowing water to run overland rather than naturally infiltrate at the point of raindrop impact, 

resulting in indirect impacts on pathways for water movement. Properly designed and constructed 

temporary roads require structures for channeling this now-redirected water flow to desired locations. 

Temporary roads and landings are expected to have an irretrievable reduction in soil productivity since 

they are bladed (soil is mixed and displaced) and compacted. Even once rehabilitated, the soil profile is 

modified to a degree that may take many decades to return to the productive state of the undisturbed 

forest soils adjacent to it. Landings also, with their likely deep compaction, and soil mixing from 

construction and recurrent disturbance are expected to produce irretrievable reductions in soil 

productivity.

Nonetheless, their use is temporary, with the expectation that following use they would be returned to the 

highest degree of productivity reasonably achievable. 

Silvicultural Treatments

Silvicultural treatments being proposed include: commercial thinning (i.e. “variable density thinning”)

and non-commercial thinning. Variable density thinning may include the creation of irregular shaped 

openings (“gaps”), no-thin areas (“skips”), and wide-thin gaps and roadside sanitation that focus on 

selectively thinning to manage Port-Orford root disease issues. Non-commercial thinning would include 

the thinning or removal of non-commercial sized trees. These actions have the potential to affect soil 

productivity, and organic matter and large woody material through changes to vegetation. Detrimental 

disturbance as it relates to these silvicultural treatments will be discussed under Harvest Systems, below. 
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-10

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Vegetation uptakes nutrients from the soil in a mostly soluble, inorganic form, and converts them to an 

organic form for metabolism. Most of a tree’s nutrients are distributed in the leaves, twigs, and branches; 

as the tree discards leaves, branches, bark, or dies, the plants organic nutrients are returned to the soil. 

Organic material returned to the soil is decomposed and the nutrients are mineralized (i.e., converted to an 

inorganic form) by soil organisms depending on the soil’s physical conditions (such as moisture, 

temperature, aeration, etc...) (Farve and Napper, 2009). 

All of the silvicultural treatments manipulate to various extents the vegetation component that is a part of 

the nutrient cycle of the soils it is directly growing on. However, since all of these treatments maintain a 

component of the original forest system, including some overstory vegetation and the forest floor organic 

litter layer (i.e., they are not harvest systems such as clear-cuts that drastically change the vegetation 

component), it is not expected that direct or indirect effects to soil productivity as it relates to nutrient 

cycling would be measurable.

In the forest, precipitation is intercepted, retained, and redistributed by the tree canopy. Water ultimately 

evaporates from the canopy (interception) or drips through (through-fall) or runs down the stems (stem 

flow) to the forest floor. Tree canopies intercept precipitation, moderating and metering its fall to the soil 

surface. They also redirect this intercepted moisture toward the drip line of the tree, and away from the 

base of the trunk. In extreme rainfall conditions in the absence of deep-crowned tree cover, such as 

following clear-cut or shelterwood logging, the rate of water striking the surface could exceed the rate of 

the soil’s ability to absorb it, with localized sheet erosion a likely result. 

Such effects are generally only relevant to degrees of canopy removal associated with clear-cutting or 

shelterwood logging, or high intensity stand replacement fire. The treatments in the Eden Ridge Timber 

Sales Project, however, are non-commercial thinning, variable density thinning, or select removal of 

diseased or susceptible trees forming small gaps, where a measurable direct or indirect effect of this sort 

is unlikely, since there would still be various levels of an overstory component.

As discussed in Chapter II, prescribed amounts of snags and downed wood would be left on a per-acre 

basis consistent with historical fire regime effects and plant association (plant series) capabilities where 

existing amounts are below such levels. However, this mitigation is only effective where such snags are 

available in adequate numbers. Where they are not so available, there would be an opportunity to create 

more from remaining live trees. Refer to the Wildlife Report for further discussion on snags and downed 

wood (FEIS Appendix G). Snag creation would have a positive effect on long-term soil productivity 

since snags are a source of future down logs, which are an important component of long-term soil 

productivity. 

Harvest (Logging) Systems

Logging systems (ground-based, skyline-cable, and aerial) have the potential to adversely impact soil 

productivity through detrimental compaction, displacement, erosion, and loss of effective ground 

cover/organic matter. Ground-based systems typically have the greatest potential for effects, whereas 

aerial systems typically have the least potential for adverse effects.

Project Design Criteria and Mitigation Measures that have been designed for the Eden Ridge Timber 

Sales Project (FEIS Chapter II), including applicable best management practices (BMPs) for vegetation 

management activities in the National Core BMP Technical Guide (USDA FS, 2012) and the Region 6 

General Water Quality Best Management Practices (USDA FS, 1988), as well as Regional and Forest 

level Standards and Guidelines have influenced the planning of vegetation activities during project 

development, and would be implemented to minimize impacts of harvest activities on soil productivity.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-11

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Ground-based Systems (tractor, rubber-tired skidder, harvester-forwarder)

Ground-based logging systems have the greatest potential to adversely affect short and long-term soil 

productivity. Logging and other equipment can compact and ‘puddle’ soils over which they operate 

(landings, skid roads, roadways, etc.). Tractor, or ground based logging has the greatest potential to cause 

soil compaction, which decreases soil volume and pore space and modifies soil structure and results in a 

decrease in gas, water, and nutrient exchange, slows root penetration, and can aggravate soil drought, 

especially in Mediterranean climates such as that of SW Oregon (Atzet et al., 1989), though soil drought 

may be less of a concern here where there is a much stronger maritime weather influence. Puddling is the 

destruction of soil structure, primarily when wet, by severe compaction, to the point where ruts or 

imprints are made and the soil structure has been so destroyed as to prevent water from infiltrating into 

the soil profile. 

Compaction may inhibit occupation of the soil by organisms that assist in the decomposition of wood to 

soil organic material that improves site productivity, and help to aerate the soil. Compaction also 

possibly inhibits the growth of beneficial fungi (mycorrhizae) that provide nutrients to plant roots 

(Keslick, 1997). Ectomycorrhizal fungi form an essential interface between soil and trees. They usually 

colonize more than 90 percent of the feeder roots of host plants (Goodman and Trofymow, 1998). Plant 

development is also restricted in compacted soils due to poor aeration and impeded root growth. As a 

result, soil productivity is adversely affected (Floch, 1988).

Soil moisture content, soil characteristics, and force affect the level of compaction that can occur from 

harvest systems. Fine-textured soils dominated by expandable clay minerals, and well-graded, coarser 

textured soils are most likely to compact when moist, whereas finer textured soils dominated by nonexpandable clay minerals, and of poorly graded, coarser textured soils such as most pumice and coarse 

ash soils, are less affected by soil moisture (Atzet et al, 1989).

Compaction from logging activities is now routinely mitigated, by designating and minimizing the 

number of skid trails used; by requiring logging equipment to use only those roads and skid trails created 

during past timber harvest where feasible; using equipment and or techniques shown effective to prevent 

or minimize compaction (such as low psi (pounds per square inch) or operating on slash to disperse 

weight); and allowing operations only during conditions when soils are unlikely to be detrimentally 

compacted beyond the 15% LRMP allowances (such as on dry or frozen ground; or over deep snow with 

a firm base). These mitigations have been proven successful and are applied to all Action Alternatives in 

this project (FEIS Chapter II).

Detrimental displacement is defined as the removal of more than 50% of the soil’s ‘A’ horizon (topsoil) 

from an area greater than 100 square feet that is at least 5 feet in width. This displacement occurs by 

natural means, such as heavy rains that cause erosion on exposed surfaces (such as skid trails and skyline 

corridors), or by mechanical means such as churning tractor treads or dragging of logs across the ground. 

Erosion is a form of detrimental displacement. The majority of erosion occurs by sheet erosion (the even 

removal of thin layers of soil by water moving across extended areas of gently sloping land) and is 

difficult to detect, as there are no dramatic effects to alert one to its occurrence. Rills and gullies, 

however, are dramatic examples of erosion that are easily detected. 

Detrimental displacement is routinely mitigated by designating and minimizing the number of skid roads 

and skyline corridors used; requiring a minimum of one-end log suspension to prevent soil gouging; and 

placing percent slope limitations on ground-based harvest equipment. Additionally, erosion associated 

with skid trails and skyline corridors can be effectively mitigated by the placement of cross drains (water

bars); drainage dips; placement of down wood and slash; and erosion control seeding (or any vegetative 

cover on exposed soil). Mitigation measures specifically designed for this project can be found in 

Chapter II of the EIS. These measures have been used for many decades and there has been considerable 

monitoring and demonstration of their effectiveness. 
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Large woody material, such as large logs, and standing snags (future large down logs), are important 

components in the development and retention of productive soils. Snags are routinely felled if they are 

believed to be a safety hazard to operations. Operation of logging equipment can mechanically 

damage/destroy downed logs in advanced stages of decay. Logging and burning has the potential to 

eliminate these features, particularly those in advanced degrees of decay, from the landscape if care isn’t 

taken to retain them in adequate sizes, numbers, and distribution across the landscape. Project Design 

Criteria for maintenance of snags and downed wood is located in Chapter II of the EIS.

Skyline-Cable Systems

Using cables to suspend one or both ends of logs as they are pulled from the stand to the landing largely 

eliminates the potential for compaction and puddling within the stand. What remains, however, is the 

potential for detrimental soil displacement if one or both ends of the log are dragged across the ground 

from the stump to the landing. Full suspension (where the log is lifted entirely off the ground during 

yarding to the landing) and one-end suspension (where one end of the log is allowed to drag along the 

ground), are effective mitigations that are now regularly employed to minimize detrimental displacement, 

as well as the use of a pre-designated skid trail or skyline corridor layout (FEIS Chapter II). Skyline 

systems typically result in approximately 5% detrimental soil conditions.

Aerial Systems

Helicopter logging has the least impact of all logging systems on soil productivity. This is a form of full 

suspension, with no part of the log being drug across the ground, except for very short distances as logs 

are lifted off the ground from a central point between logs. Such logging eliminates any potential for 

equipment-generated detrimental soil displacement, compaction, or puddling and their attendant erosion 

effects. Helicopter logging does, however, require larger, though fewer landings, with the associated 

compaction and displacement effects, typically around 2%.

An exception to this is the practice of pre-bunching in helicopter units. Pre-bunching is the short-distance 

yarding (using small and lightweight yarding equipment) of numerous logs to a reduced number of 

collection sites within the stand where they would then be picked up by the helicopter. The potential soil 

benefit is the elimination of skid roads, with their multiple soil compacting and soil displacing passes by 

heavy equipment with logs in tow; but the practice still induces some level of soil compaction and 

displacement for short distances in single passes. 

Activity Fuels Treatments

Activity fuels treatment refers to the slash and accumulated fuel resulting from the proposed density 

management treatments. Several methods of activity fuels treatment are being proposed, and include the 

following: burning tree tops that were yarded to landing sites, and burning materials accumulated by 

harvest activity that is piled.

Project Design Criteria and Mitigation Measures that have been designed for the Eden Ridge Timber 

Sales Project (FEIS Chapter II), including applicable best management practices (BMPs) in the National 

Core BMP Technical Guide (USDA FS, 2012) and the Region 6 General Water Quality Best 

Management Practices (USDA FS, 1988), as well as Regional and Forest level Standards and Guidelines,

have influenced the planning of fuels treatment activities during project development, and would be 

implemented to minimize impacts of fuels treatments on soil productivity.

Leave Tops Attached 

This treatment requires that the top of the tree be yarded to the landing along with the last log (or whole 

tree if small enough). In some small tree cases, this practice may mitigate the potential for detrimental 

soil displacement from the dragging log end as the limbs of the top cushion and elevate that end and 

prevent soil gouging and displacement. 
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-13

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

With the increased interest in harvesting biomass, there has been an increased need to understand how 

removing the branches and needles from the site might be affecting short and long-term soil productivity. 

Most studies have been based on models and/or nutrient budgets which forecast likely effects; however 

long-term field studies have also been started. 

In a review of literature regarding the effects of whole tree harvesting on soil productivity, Farve and 

Napper (2009) refer to a summary of effects by Waring and Running (2007: 214) that found that “a 

whole-tree harvest can remove as much as three times the nutrients as compared to a conventional boleonly harvest....however, since the soil nutrient (belowground) pool contains most of the nutrient capital 

of a forest ecosystem (by several orders of magnitude), in general, removal of the whole tree during 

timber harvesting should result in only a small percentage of nutrient loss from the forest ecosystem.” 

With implementation of the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project, where only a portion of trees are being 

removed instead of all the trees, the impacts of leaving tops attached is expected to be even less, and 

likely immeasurable. Therefore this will not be analyzed further.

Handpile burning

Heat produced during the combustion of aboveground fuels (i.e., dead and live vegetation, litter, duff) is 

transferred to the soil surface and downward through the soil by several heat transfer processes (radiation, 

convection, conduction, vaporization, and condensation). As heat is transferred downward into and 

through the soil, it raises the temperature of the soil. The greatest increase in temperature occurs at, or 

near, the soil surface. Within short distances downward in the soil, however, temperatures can rapidly 

diminish so that within 2.0 to 3.9 inches (5 to 10 cm) of the soil surface the temperatures are scarcely 

above ambient temperature (Neary et al., 2005).

Typical physical effects to soil that can occur from fire include changes to soil structure (particularly as a 

result of loss of organic matter), changes in porosity and bulk density, loss of cover (i.e., canopy, litter, 

duff), water repellency, and runoff and erosion vulnerability. 

Organic matter plays a key role in soil structure in the upper part of the mineral soil at the duff-upper Ahorizon interface, in that it acts as a glue that helps hold mineral soil particles together to form aggregates. 

Fire can impact the organic matter content in soil by killing the living organisms at temperatures as low as 

122 to 140oF, and by destructively distilling to completely consuming nonliving organic matter at 

temperatures of 224oF and 752oF, respectively (Neary et al., 2005). 

Loss of the organic matter component in the soil breaks down the soil structure, which in turn results in a 

reduction in the amount and size of soil pore space. When the soil structure collapses, it particularly 

reduces the amount of macropore spaces, and increases the bulk density of the soil, resulting in a loss to 

soil productivity.

When fire results in the loss of canopy, litter, and duff cover, it exposes the mineral soil to erosion 

processes. The litter and duff layers also act as an insulator that protects the underlying soil layers from 

heating, and if they are consumed, it exposes the mineral soil to greater soil heating impacts. Fireinduced water repellency may occur when combustion of organic matter vaporizes hydrophobic organic 

substances that then move downward in the mineral soil and condenses into a water repellent layer. This 

in turn increases risk of soil erosion. Water repellent layers have the greatest impact within the first year 

after fire, as they tend to break down fairly quickly.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-14

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Typical chemical effects to soil that can occur from fire include nutrient losses, cation exchange capacity 

loss, and changes to pH. Nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient in wildland ecosystems, and as such 

requires special consideration when managing fire. Nitrogen loss increases with increasing temperatures 

through volatilization, with no loss of N at temperatures below 392oF all the way up to complete loss of N 

at temperatures above 932oF (Neary et al., 2005). The amount of N lost is generally proportional to the 

amount of organic matter combusted, and burning during moist litter and soil conditions have shown a 

decrease in the amount of total N lost compared to dry conditions (DeBano et al., 1979; cited in Neary et 

al. 2005). 

Nitrogen that is not volatized either remains as part of the unburned fuels or it is converted to highly 

available NH4-N that remains in the soil (DeBano et al., 1979; Covington and Sackett 1986; Kutiel and 

Naveh 1987; DeBano 1991; cited in Neary et al. 2005). This temporary increase in fertility from 

available N is usually short-lived and is quickly utilized by vegetation within the first few years after 

burning (Neary et al., 2005). 

The cation exchange capacity of soil can be impacted by fire through the destruction of organic matter. 

The negatively charged particles of organic matter adsorbs otherwise highly soluble positively charged 

cations, which prevents them from being leached out of the soil. As the amount of organic matter is 

destroyed from fire, so too is the soils cation exchange capacity. 

Cation nutrients (i.e., Ca, Mg, Na, K, NH4) become concentrated in the ash following fire, and can be lost 

in several ways such as volatization (but this takes very high temperatures), particulate loss in smoke, 

runoff and erosion, and there can be a long term loss of cations to leaching due to the soils reduction in 

cation exchange capacity. Cation exchange capacity rebuilds over time with new accumulation of organic 

matter. The release of soluble cations from the organic matter during combustion can temporarily 

increase soil pH, but this is dependent in part upon the amount and chemical composition of the ash. 

Thick layers of ash (termed the ash-bed effect) found from severe burning conditions tends to have the 

greatest impact on raising soil pH.

Typical biological effects to soil that can occur from fire include loss of microorganisms, loss of mesoand macrofauna, and loss of roots and reproductive structures such as seed banks. Impacts from fire to 

microorganisms as well as their recovery can be very complex because so many variables are involved. 

In general it can be stated that “intense wildfire can have severe and sometimes long-lasting effects on 

microbial population size, diversity, and function”, whereas at the other end of the spectrum, “lowseverity underburning generally has an inconsequential effect on microorganisms.” (Neary et al., 2005). 

This range of effects is in part related to the amount of organic matter impacted by fire, and the 

temperature and depth of soil heating. If both of these can be minimized, so will impacts to the microbial 

population in the soil. Effects of fire to meso- and macrofauna, such as mites, insects, and earthworms, is 

also highly variable, depending in part on species, habitat and adaptations. 

Whether or not plant roots and seed banks are destroyed by fire depends on how deep in the soil they 

reside, the fire severity and amount of soil heating, and the moisture content of the plant tissues and the 

soil. Higher moisture content tends to lower the temperature at which living biomass can be killed. Plant 

tissue can be killed at as low as 104oF, and seeds can be killed at as low as 122oF. 

Moist soil is a better conductor of heat into the soil so lethal temperatures may extend deeper into the soil 

surface. However, high moisture content in the litter and duff aids in facilitating a low severity 

underburn, which results in very little impact to roots and seeds except at the very surface of the litter 

layer.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-15

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Pile/concentrated slash burning increases the residence time of the fire due to concentrated fuels, which 

can lead to more consumption of organic matter, higher soil heating temperatures, heating deeper into the 

soil profile, and thus resulting in isolated patches of severely burned soils directly under the slash pile. 

Mitigations minimizing to the extent possible the size of the piles and burning during moist soil moisture 

conditions can reduce these impacts by keeping burn temperatures and soil heating as low as possible. 

Smaller burn scars tend to recover quicker as well due to the high amount of un-impacted soil around 

them that contribute to recolonization of soil microorganisms and other soil biota. 

The 1998 Regional Supplement to the Forest Service Manual (FSM 2520 R-6 Supplement 2500-98-1, 

Effective August 24, 1998) defines detrimentally burned soil as:

“The condition where the mineral soil surface has been significantly changed in color, oxidized to a 

reddish color, and the next one-half inch blackened from organic matter charring by heat conducted 

through the top layer. The detrimentally burned soil standard applies to a contiguous area greater 

than 100 square feet, which is at least 5 feet in width”.

Burning of slash piles should not exceed the detrimentally burned soil standard since individual burn piles 

are designed to be discontinuous and not greater than 10 feet in diameter. Even if these burn scars are 

taken into account, it is expected that less than 2 percent of the area would be left in a severely burned 

condition. 

Detrimental burning occurs when high intensity fire consumes organic matter above and within the soil, 

heating the soil to the point where the mineral soil surface changes color and the next one-half-inch 

deeper of soil organic matter is charred. This can happen under natural high-intensity wildfire conditions 

or by management actions beneath burn piles or ‘prescribed burns’ when the prescriptions are applied 

incorrectly or “escape” the parameters of their prescription and become overly intense. 

Detrimental burning is most likely under extreme fire weather and dry fuel moisture conditions where 

fuel accumulations are greatest. Reduction of this fuel through management action decreases the 

potential of high intensity fire and detrimental burning of the soil. In areas where fuels have been treated 

(reduced), it is common to have only approximately 20% of the soils in a wildfire-burned area to be in a 

detrimentally burned condition; this is half of what has been observed in areas where fuels had not been 

treated. 

Large woody material, such as large logs, and standing snags (future large down logs), are important

components in the development and retention of productive soils. Burning has the potential to eliminate 

these features, particularly those in advanced degrees of decay, from the landscape if care isn’t taken to 

retain them in adequate sizes, numbers, and distribution across the landscape. 

V. Environmental Consequences

A. Alternative 1 – No-Action

Under the No-Action Alternative, no project activities would take place. No slopes or soils would be 

disturbed from road management (construction, reconstruction, maintenance, decommissioning) 

activities. Slope stability throughout the Planning Area would continue at its natural rates, based on the 

natural conditions of the forest vegetation and climatic conditions. 

Soils would continue to develop along current trajectories and under natural vegetation and climatic 

conditions. The forest floor would remain intact, maintaining a natural level of effective ground cover. 

The current level of large woody material would be unaffected.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-16

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

B. Direct and Indirect Effects Common to Action Alternatives

1. Slope Stability

Roads

Many of the proposed roads are ridge top routes with no grade. There would be very little to no risk that 

these segments would fail or otherwise create slope instability. However, other roads would be on slopes 

with grade and/or would cross riparian areas, and/or reconstruct sections of old railroad grade trestles, 

where there could be an increased chance of failure at some point in the future. 

Therefore, only the miles of road with characteristics having increased risk are compared between Action 

Alternatives (Table D-3). The road characteristics are based upon the Proposed New Classified (System) 

Road Construction, and Proposed New Temporary Road Construction tables for each alternative in FEIS 

Chapter II (Table II-10 and Table II-11, respectively, for Alternative 2; Table II-14 and Table II-15, 

respectively, for Alternative 3), and field knowledge of the proposed routes. 

Table D-3. Miles of New Road with Conditions that Could Increase Risk of Slope Failure

Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 4

Miles of new classified and 

temporary road that crosses 

riparian/ has some grade/ 

reconstruction of railroad trestle

4.74 miles* 0.32 miles 0 miles

 *In Alternative 2, 1.61 miles of proposed new classified road T is included in this calculation.

Specifically, Alternative 2 miles in Table III-19 includes miles of road segments: B, F, J, S3, S5, S7, S8, 

S9, T (1.61 miles), U, W, and Z. Alternative 3 miles in Table III-19 includes miles of road segments: S3, 

S5, S7, S8, and S9.

Silvicultural Treatments

It is not expected that there would be an increased chance of slope instability due to the silvicultural 

treatments (commercial or non-commercial) being planned with the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project, 

under any Action Alternative. It is expected that the thinning treatments planned would not reduce the 

density of remaining live tree roots enough to cause a weakening of the soil-root reinforcement. The 

remaining trees’ root systems would respond to the reduction in competition and expand in the soil profile 

before the root systems of the cut trees had significantly decayed.

2. Soil Productivity

Roads

Under all Action Alternatives, the proposed road system would have an effect on soil productivity 

through increased likelihood of surface erosion, as well as a commitment of the soil resource to 

something other than supporting a forest ecosystem. The potential extent of the effects between each

alternative is shown in Table D-4. For the acreage of land taken out of productivity, the range is based on 

a minimum road width of 12 feet, and a maximum road width of 16 feet. Level of erosion from road 

surfaces compares the overall miles of road surface that would exist and have the potential to shed 

sediment, between alternatives.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-17

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table D-4. Estimated Acres of Total Commitment of Soil Resource/Loss of Soil Productivity

Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 4

Acres taken out of Productivity

(range based on est. road widths) 78 acres -104 acres 63 acres – 84 acres 56 acres – 74 acres

Long-term opportunity for Erosion: 

Miles of System Road (existing & 

new construct/reconstruct)

53.4 mi. 45.1 mi. 38.3 mi.

Short-term opportunity for Erosion: 

Miles of Temporary Road 0.3 mi. 0.03 mi. 0 mi.

Silvicultural Treatments

As discussed earlier, since all of the silvicultural treatments (commercial and pre-commercial) maintain a 

component of the original forest system, including some overstory vegetation and the forest floor organic 

litter layer (i.e., they are not harvest systems such as clear-cuts that drastically change the vegetation 

component), it is not expected that direct or indirect effects of proposed silvicultural treatments to soil 

productivity would be measurable.

Harvest (Logging) Systems and Pile Burning

Table D-5, below, provides an estimate of the maximum amount of detrimental disturbance that could 

potentially occur with each harvest system, per Action Alternative. However, implementation of Project 

Design Criteria and Mitigation Measures (FEIS Chapter II), such as limiting use of vehicles and 

equipment to dry soil conditions, or use of slash mats, is expected to result in less than the estimated 

acreages actually resulting in detrimental disturbance (in particular displacement and compaction), since 

these measures are designed to limit or reduce the overall impacts of the actions to prevent the creation of 

a detrimental condition. 

The detrimental soil conditions Standards and Guidelines are the same across all management areas and 

land allocations, and therefore no distinction between land allocations is made in estimating the acres of 

detrimental disturbance. Additional Project Design Criteria related to activities in Riparian Reserves, for 

example, within 100 feet of stream courses, limit detrimental disturbance adversely affecting soil 

infiltration capacity (i.e., detrimental compaction) to 10 percent, would result in even less total area 

experiencing detrimental disturbance from project activities.

In addition, review of recently commercially thinned stands utilizing skyline systems in the Eden Ridge 

Planning Area also showed no evidence of residual detrimental disturbance within the stands (Backwoods 

Thin field review, discussed in Section a. Background and Analysis Framework, Soil Productivity in this 

analysis), which is another indication that this is a worse-case scenario estimate of disturbance.

Table D-5. Estimated Acres of Detrimental Disturbance per Action Alternative

Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 4

Ground-based harvest system

(est. 15%)

318acres 268 acres 216 acres

Skyline harvest system (est. 5%) 60 acres 47 acres 23 acres

Aerial harvest system (est. 2%) 0 acres 10 acres 23 acres

Helicopter landings 0 acres 18 acres 22 acres

Pile & Burn* (est. 2%) 39 acres 30 acres 33 acres

Totals 417 acres 373 acres 317 acres

* Including Riparian Reserves, where some acres would include piling and burning, and potential for pile and burning in 

non-commercial treatment units.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-18

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Other Connected and/or Related Actions

Similar and/or Related Actions are included under the Proposed Action and the Action Alternatives; they 

are designed as resource enhancement, restoration, or improvements, and are described in detail in FEIS 

Chapter II, Section D, h. These actions would occur in proximity to commercial and silvicultural stand 

treatments. Included are Non-Commercial Treatments proposed for 363 acres within the ER Planning 

Area (see Table II-6 and MAP II-2), Snag/Down Wood Creation, Meadow Enhancement, Stream 

Enhancement, Native Grass/Forb Seeding, Invasive Plant Treatments, and Other Wildlife Opportunities.

Non-Commercial treatments proposed for 363 acres and associated fuel treatments are included in the 

discussion of effects to slope stability and soil productivity, discussed above in section b. Effects 

Mechanisms and section c. Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternatives.

Snag/Down Wood Creation would have no detrimental effect to soils, and would be expected to have a 

beneficial effect, including providing long-lasting microsites of increased moisture, increased mycorrhizal 

activity, asymbiotic nitrogen fixation, and a refuge for microorganisms that are critical to forest 

productivity (Amaranthus et al., 1989). 

Meadow Enhancement, Native Grass/Forb Seeding, and Invasive Plant Treatments would have no 

detrimental effect to soils, and would be expected to have a neutral to beneficial effect to soil 

productivity. These treatments involve the maintenance and enhancement of native vegetation 

communities, and protection of soils through appropriate vegetative cover.

Stream Enhancement activities would include the placement of large wood into stream channels to alter 

channel morphology by increasing channel stability, pool formation, capture and deposition of in-channel 

gravels, development of low velocity areas, and improvement of floodplain function to improve fish 

habitat. Log placement could involve the use of cable, ground based equipment, horses, or helicoptors, or 

felled directly into the stream (see Appendix H, Aquatic Biological Evaluation). Log placement activities 

could involve the localized disturbance of soil, particularly when logs are buried into the stream bank, and 

where access is needed by ground based equipment. Disturbed areas would be minimized and restored 

through the application of Design Criteria and mitigation measures for operating in riparian reserves. 

Other Wildlife Opportunities involves the installation of nest/roost boxes for cavity nesting species, and 

would have no direct or indirect effects to the soil resource. 

C. Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects area for the soil resource is the proposed treatment units and road systems in the 

Planning Area, and areas downslope of proposed treatments and road systems that could be impacted by 

soil movement/slope instability.

Past actions in these areas include the historical railroad logging and related burning/wildfires from the 

1920s thru 1940s. As discussed earlier in this report, the soils and slopes in the Planning Area are in a 

state of near to total recovery from those past actions, based on growth of vegetation, lack of erosion or 

other active mass wasting, and build-up of organic matter in the surface soils. Therefore proposed actions 

under the Action Alternatives would have no measureable adverse cumulative effect with these past 

activities within the stands. There are no other current or proposed activities in the Planning Area that 

would occur at the same location; therefore there are no other potential cumulative effects with any of the 

Action Alternatives.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-19

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

VI. References

Amaranthus, M. P., J. M. Trappe, and R. J. Molina. 1989. Long-Term Forest Productivity and the Living 

Soil. P. 36-52 in Maintaining the long-term productivity of Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems, Perry, 

D. A., et al. (eds.). Timber Press, Portland, OR.

Atzet, T., R.F. Powers, D.H. McNabb, M.P. Amaranthus, and E.R. Gross. 1989. Maintaining long-term 

forest productivity in Southwest Oregon and northern California. P. 185-201 in Maintaining the long-term 

productivity of Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems, Perry, D.A., et al. (eds.). Timber Press, Portland, 

OR.

Beaulieu, John D. 1971. Geologic Formations of Western Oregon (West of Longitude 121o30’). State of 

Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, Bulletin 70. 72 pg.

Farve, R., and C. Napper. 2009. Biomass Fuels and Whole Tree Harvesting Impacts on Soil Productivity 

– Review of Literature. USDA, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program. 2000-

Inventory & Monitoring 0920 1803-SDTDC, May 2009. 60 p.

Floch, R.F. 1988. Shovel logging and soil compaction: A case study. Master’s Thesis, Oregon State 

Univ., Corvallis, OR. May 1988. 

Goodman, D.M. and J.A. Trofymow. 1998. Comparison of communities of ectomycorrhizal fungi in 

old-growth and mature stands of Douglas-fir at two sites on southern Vancouver Island. Can. J. For. Res. 

28: 574-581. 

Keslick, J.A. Jr. 1997. Fact Sheets: “Dozer” blight. One absorptive structure, mycorrhiza. How to kill a 

tree. 

Megahan, W.F. 1986. Recent studies on erosion and its control in forest lands in the United States. In: 

Richard, F., ed. Range basin sediment delivery: Proceedings; 1986 August; Albuquerque, NM. IAHS 

Pub 159, Wallingford, Oxon, United Kingdom: 178-189.

Meyer, LeRoy C. and Michael P. Amaranthus. 1979. Siskiyou National Forest Soil Resource 

Inventory. 258 pg.

Neary, Daniel G.; Ryan, Kevin C.; DeBano, Leonard F., eds. 2005. Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects 

of fire on soils and water. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-vol.4. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 250 p.

Oregon Department of Geologic and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI). 2009. Oregon Geologic Data 

Compilation (OGDC) – Release 5.

Orr, E.L.; Orr, W.N.; and E.M. Baldwin. 1992. Geology of Oregon, Fourth Edition. Kendall/Hunt 

Publishing Company. Dubuque, Iowa. 254 pg.

Sidle, R.C. 1980. Slope Stability on Forest Land. Pacific Northwest External Publication PNW209, 

Oregon State University: Corvallis; 23 pg.

Siskiyou National Forest. 1989. Land and Resource Management Plan, Siskiyou National Forest. U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Region Six.
Appendix D – Geology & Soils Report (Revised) Page D-20

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. 

Web Soil Survey. Available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1988. General Water Quality Best Management 

Practices. Pacific Northwest Region. 86 pg.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1995. South Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis, 

Iteration 1.0. Siskiyou National Forest, Powers Ranger District.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1998. FSM 2520 – Watershed Protection and 

Management, R-6 Supplement No. 2500-98-1. Region 6, Portland, Oregon. 6 pg.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2010. FSM 2500 – Watershed and Air Management, 

Chapter 2550 – Soil Management, Amendment No. 2500-2010-1. Effective November 23, 2010. 

National Headquarters (WO), Washington D.C. 20 pg.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2012. National Best Management Practices for Water 

Quality Management on National Forest System Lands, Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide. 

FS-990a. April 2012. 165 pg.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1989. Soil Survey of Coos County, Oregon. 

269 pg.

U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 1994. Watershed Analysis, Middle Fork 

Coquille Analytical Watershed. Coos Bay District, Myrtlewood Resource Area. 80 pg.

Ziemer, R.R. 1981a. Root Strength (Botany), 1981 McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology.

Ziemer, R.R. 1981b. Some Effects of Silvicultural Options on the Stability of Slopes. New York, N.Y.: 

Natl. Counc. Paper Ind. For Air and Stream Improv.: 1981; Stream Improv. Tech. Bull. 344.
APPENDIX E

FIRE/FUELS AND AIR QUALITY REPORT

Appendix E – Fire/Fuels and Air Quality Report Page E-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

FIRE/FUELS and AIR QUALITY

REPORT

EDEN RIDGE TIMBER SALES

APPENDIX E

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Powers Ranger District

Coos County, Oregon

Prepared by:

Rick MacDonald, Powers Ranger District

Date: August 5, 2011

Minor Edits March 2013

I. Introduction

This report documents analysis of potential effects to the fire and fuels resources associated with the Eden 

Ridge Timber Sales Project. This report will describe the existing conditions or affected environment in 

relation to the area’s potential for wildfire, fuels and air quality; discuss applicable management direction; 

identify the issues or concerns relative to potential effects to these resources; and describe the potential

resource impacts.

II. Alternatives Considered in Detail

Alternative 1 - No-Action: Alternative 1 identifies and describes the current conditions of the physical, 

biological, social and economic environments associated with the treatment units. As required by NEPA, 

a no-action alternative is included and analyzed as a basis for which the Action Alternatives can be 

compared. Under this scenario, Alternative 1 - No-Action would not authorize variable density 

management and other connected actions to obtain the Purpose and Need for the Eden Ridge Timber Sale

Project.

The No-Action alternative should not be confused with a baseline, however. Whereas a baseline is 

essentially a description of the affected environment at a fixed point in time, the No-Action alternative 

assumes that other things would happen to the affected environment, particularly in a dynamic, changing 

ecosystem over time. How this ecosystem could change over time without the proposed management 

actions is discussed more fully in those affected resources that describe potential consequences.

Alternative 2 - Proposed Action: This alternative is the Proposed Action and is designed to meet the 

Purpose and Need for the project and area. The Proposed Action would commercially thin second growth 

conifer stands artificially and naturally regenerated following timber harvest in the 1920’s through the 

1940’s within lands allocated as matrix. Treatments would also include variable density thinning (VDT)

within Riparian Reserves that overlap into overstocked drier upland forests. This alternative would 

reflect the maximum potential effects in regard to the Relevant Issues. Alternative 2 would commercially 

thin 75 treatment units totaling approximately 3,314 acres. Harvest activities would use a combination 

skyline and ground based logging systems. 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

During tractor and skyline yarding activities, tops of trees removed from all proposed units would be 

yarded (YTA) and piled on landings. In addition, following timber harvest, concentrations of logging 

slash from units adjacent to Forest Roads 5000, 290, 440, and 448 would be piled by hand and burned up 

to 100 feet from the road(s) and all landing piles of slash would be burned.

Alternative 3: Alternative 3 would commercially thin 65 treatment units totaling approximately 3,240 

acres. Harvest activities would use a combination of helicopter, skyline, and ground based logging 

systems. During tractor and skyline yarding activities, tops of trees removed from all proposed units 

would be yarded (YTA) and piled on landings. In addition, following timber harvest, concentrations of 

logging slash from units adjacent to Forest Roads 5000, 290, 440, and 448 would be piled by hand and 

burned up to 100 feet from the road(s) and all landing piles of slash would be burned. On units where the 

logging system would be helicopter based, slash would be treated by YTA, piled and burned at landing 

sites.

Alternative 4: Alternative 4 would commercially thin 53 treatment units totaling approximately 3,058 

acres. Harvest activities would use a combination of helicopter, skyline, and ground based logging 

systems. During tractor and skyline yarding activities, tops of trees removed from all proposed units 

would be yarded (YTA) and piled on landings. In addition, following timber harvest, concentrations of 

logging slash from units adjacent to Forest Roads 5000, 290, 440, and 448 would be piled by hand and 

burned up to 100 feet from the road(s) and all landing piles of slash would be burned. On units where the 

logging system would be helicopter based, slash would be treated by YTA, piled and burned at landing 

sites.

III. Affected Environment – Fire / Fuels

Eden Ridge Planning Area falls within the South Fork Coquille River and the Middle Fork Coquille River 

5th-Field watersheds, and the Lower Rock Creek, Myrtle Creek, Headwaters South Fork Coquille River, 

Coal Creek, and Mill Creek 6th field watersheds. Watershed Analyses have been conducted within these 

drainages and contain a synthesis of scientific knowledge about watershed trends and conditions at 5th

field watershed scales as well as by smaller 6th field sub-watersheds. Elevations range from 

approximately 2,500 to 3,500 feet. The Planning Area includes approximately 6,516 acres and is located 

approximately 4 air miles southeast of the city of Powers, Oregon at the closest point, with a legal 

description of: Township 31 South, Range 10 West, Sections 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29 and 30; and 

Township 31 South, Range 11 West, Sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27; Willamette Meridian; Coos 

County, Oregon. 

The fire occurrence rate in the South Fork Coquille drainage is relatively low for lightening and humancaused fires. The fire occurrence interval for western hemlock series in the Klamath region is about 65 

years (USDA 1995). Previous reported fires mostly occur in the west half of the ER Planning Area (see 

Map B-11 in Silvicultural Diagnosis Report, FEIS Appendix B). There have been no substantial fires 

recorded in the Planning Area during the twentieth century. Most of the lightning storm events are 

accompanied by moderate and sometimes heavy rainfall. Under these circumstances, fires have 

sometimes been started, burned small areas, and then have been put out by the accompanying rainfall 

shortly thereafter. Most lightning fires have been detected while they are small in size, and have been 

suppressed before becoming larger than one acre.

The potential for human caused starts is considered low to moderate. Public and industrial users travel 

the main road through the area during the dry season, and industrial logging activity on the private lands 

within the Planning Area during the past decade has been quite active. Hunters frequent the area during 

the fall, but camping opportunities are limited.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The existing levels of dead and down fuels in the proposed treatment units are considered light, consisting 

primarily of fine limbwood from the self-pruning occurring in the second growth stands with a small 

amount of larger material left from historical railroad logging. In the Photo Series for Quantifying 

Natural Forest Residues in Common Vegetative Types of the Pacific Northwest (PNW-105, 1980), the 

classification 1-MC-3 closely represents the fuels present in these stands, with 2.5 to 5 tons per acre of 0 

to 3-inch material,. These fuels are compact and low to the ground, and are best described as a Fuel 

Model 8-Closed Timber Litter, of the Fire Behavior Fuel Models (Anderson 1982). 

Live ground fuels are also scattered and comprise a very minor amount of the available fuels. Salal and 

Oregon grape are the primary ground cover, and are considered a low to no threat component of the 

overall fuel picture due to its fire resistant nature. Wild Rhododendron and Evergreen Huckleberry make 

up the shrub layer of vegetation, with burning characteristics similar to salal. In general, ladder fuels 

capable of carrying a fire from the ground to the crowns of trees are minimal within these stands. The 

trees themselves are generally reaching a point where their bark thickness is more likely to tolerate the 

heat that is generated by the low to moderate intensity surface fire which may pass through the stands.

Fires, burning in this fuel model, are generally characterized by slow burning ground fires; with short 

flame lengths (less than 4 feet), and present only minimal control problems, under normal dry season 

weather conditions. High winds and temperatures, steep slopes, and low humidity can cause control 

difficulties in this fuel model; as well as create a more stand-damaging effect. Fire behavior is influenced 

by the shading and wind-breaking effects of the closed conifer canopy. This shading effect generally 

maintains a cooler microclimate, as opposed to an open-grown area where increases in solar radiation and 

wind tend to decrease fuel moisture and increase fire intensity. The closed canopy creates conditions 

conducive to cooler fire behavior by reducing fuel bed heating (a function of shading) and by buffering 

the prevailing wind speeds. While these stands could tolerate a surface fire, they are still vulnerable to an 

independent crown fire initiated from the outside (e.g., neighboring private timber lands), and carried into 

the Planning Area by unusual weather (wind) and/or topographic conditions. The closed canopy 

condition would readily allow fire to move from one crown to another. Steeper slopes would amplify this 

situation due to pre-heating. Such a fire would likely be lethal to the stand.

A. Management Direction

The activities associated with Eden Ridge Timber Sales are tiered to, and would be designed to comply 

with direction established in the 1989 Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan

(SNF-LRMP) as amended by the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan, as well as other amendments (see Chapter 

I). Fire management direction was amended from the 1989 LRMP in 2010 under the Fire Use 

Amendment. This amendment is an administrative action involving the modification and changing of the 

wording for management direction and Standards and Guidelines regarding appropriate management 

response to meet current federal and Forest Service fire terminology and policy.

The Biscuit Fire of 2002 provided considerable empirical evidence that many stands of commercial 

thinning size had poor chances of surviving a wildfire, where no fuels treatments had been employed. 

Many areas burned in the Biscuit Fire were similar to stands and conditions within the Planning Area. 

Therefore a goal of this project is to improve forest resiliency which would help control the possibility of 

stand replacement disturbances such as those created by severe wildfire (see Purpose and Need, Chapter 

I). The range of harvest treatments proposed with the Eden Ridge Timber Sales should consider stand 

and fuels treatment which would promote stand survivability, in the event that they are subjected to a 

wildfire, under unusual conditions.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

IV. Relationships of Fuels and Fire Effects on Thinning Aged Stands

Peterson, et al., 2005, Omi and Martinson, 2002, and Agee and Skinner, 2005 present a hierarchy of 

potential treatments to prevent stand replacement disturbances by fire. The initial step to be taken is to 

reduce the potential for a surface fire to get into the crowns of the trees in the stand. Research indicates 

that to keep a surface fire on the surface, breaking the ladder fuel chain, while concurrently raising the 

crown base height (with emphasis on raising crown base height), must be accomplished. The general 

recognized practice to accomplish this is to thin from below (Peterson, et al., 2005; Omi and Martinson, 

2002, and Agee and Skinner, 2005). The three papers referenced go on to say fuels created by any 

harvest operations must be reduced to the point where surface fire intensity will be low enough to prevent 

mortality of residual trees by crown fire initiation (keep the fire on the ground), as well as minimizing any 

lethal amounts of heat being applied to the base of the bole of the tree. Agee and Skinner (2005) state that 

timber stand improvement work, without treatment of the fuels created by such activities, were burned 

more severely than unmodified areas. Omi and Martinson (2002) also reach this same conclusion. Agee 

and Skinner (2005) said that whole tree harvest, with disposal of tops at the landing; is most effective at 

preventing surface fuel increases in the residual stand. 

The next level of treatment is to prevent the spread of an active crown fire, once it has been initiated. Fire 

can spread from crown to crown through heat transfer, via two mechanisms. Pre-heating of the crowns by 

an advancing surface fire will allow a passive crown fire (torching) to escalate to an active crown fire, and 

propagate in the direction of fire spread, so long as the surface fuels allow this pre-heating to occur 

(notwithstanding the thorough treatment of surface fuels), and by the continuity of the crowns which 

allow for the aerial spread of the fire. Combinations of steeper slopes, drier/hotter conditions, and the 

influence of wind can exacerbate this problem; and could lead to an independent crown fire, spreading 

through the crowns without the need of pre-heating by burning surface fuels, and regardless of the crown 

base height. Reducing the crown densities is the common recommendation. Given the proper degree of 

crown bulk density reduction, this chain can effectively be broken, causing the fire to drop back to the 

surface. There are general guidelines for addressing crown continuity. An example of a field based rule 

is that the distance between adjacent tree crowns should be the average diameter of the crown of the 

codominant trees in the stand (Peterson, et al. ,2005). Another rule of thumb taught at S-490 (Advanced 

Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations) is that thinning to a 75% canopy closure is generally adequate. 

Thinning to below these levels further reduces the risk of crown-to-crown fire spread.

Reduction of crown density can open up the understory so that mid-flame wind speed may be increased, 

fine fuel moisture may be reduced due to increased solar radiation (Agee and Skinner, 2005 and Omi and 

Martinson, 2002), and growth of fine herbaceous fuels may be promoted due to increased exposure to 

sunlight (Omi and Martinson ,2002).

Using the Fire Behavior Field Reference Guide (PMS 436-4), the effects to surface winds and fine fuel 

moistures, as a result of opening up the canopy can be described. Wind Adjustment Tables indicate that a 

wind speed of 10 mph at the 20 ft. level would result in a 1-2 mph mid flame wind speed (ground level);

in a fully sheltered stand, such as can be found with the existing condition. Implementation of the 

Proposed Action would leave the stand in a partially sheltered condition, with a resulting mid flame wind 

speed of 3 mph. The table itself offers only 3 levels of sheltering: Fully Sheltered, Partially Sheltered, 

and Unsheltered.

Fine Fuel Moisture Adjustment Tables offer two levels of comparison, Shaded (>50% shading) and 

Exposed (<50% shading) of surface fuels. The differences in fine fuel moisture corrections can range 

from 1-3%. The existing condition would be considered as shaded, any portion of the proposed action 

which opens up the canopy more than 50% would be considered exposed. Both the wind and fine fuel 

moisture components described above relate more to the probability of ignition and rate of fire spread, 

than to fire intensity, in the overall picture of fire behavior. The amount, size, and arrangement of the fuel 

left on site will dictate fire intensity and any resultant mortality.
Appendix E – Fire/Fuels and Air Quality Report Page E-5

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

These variable density treatments are designed to enhance overall forest vigor and resiliency. Density

management would release remaining trees from inter-tree competition for sunlight, water and soil 

nutrients when compared to untreated areas. More fire resistant stands would be created by retaining the 

largest of the existing trees while developing larger trees at a faster rate. Larger trees are more fire 

resistant in nature because of their thicker bark and higher crown base height. Post-treatment objectives 

are to develop a sustainable forest resilient to drought, wind, insects, disease, fire and other natural 

disturbances. 

V. Affected Environment – Air Quality

The Planning Area for Eden Ridge Timber Sales is approximately twelve miles west of the coastal crest. 

The combination of good air circulation along the Pacific coast and relatively limited industrial 

development has resulted in only minor air quality problems west of the coastal crest. Private lands do 

sometimes add to air quality effects from burning, on recently harvested areas. Air pollution from actual 

silvicultural treatments (e.g., cutting, yarding, equipment operation, hauling) are typically very minor and 

undetectable. Wildland fires that occasionally occur are the primary source of air quality problems in this 

area.

The nearest Class I Airshed is the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, approximately 30 miles south of the Planning 

Area. The nearest Smoke Sensitive Receptor Area (SSRA) listed in the Oregon Smoke Management Plan 

is the city of Coos Bay, about 38 miles to the north/northwest. 

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were established by the Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1963

and subsequently amended (as amended, at 42 USCA 7401 to 7671(q)). Primary air quality standards 

were established under the act to protect public health; secondary standards were established to protect 

public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects associated with the presence of ambient air 

pollutants.

Particle pollution, also called particulate matter or PM, is a complex mixture of extremely small particles 

and liquid droplets in the air (i.e., dust, soot and particles too small to see). When breathed in, these 

particles can reach the deepest regions of the lungs. Exposure to particle pollution is linked to a variety of 

significant health problems. Particle pollution also is the main cause of visibility impairment in the 

nation’s cities and National Parks.

To better protect public health and welfare for millions of Americans across the country, the EPA on 

September 21, 2006 issued the Agency’s most protective suite of national air quality standards for particle 

pollution ever. The final standards address two categories of particle pollution: fine particles (PM2.5), 

which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller; and inhalable coarse particles (PM10) which are 

smaller than 10 micrometers (a micrometer is 1/1000th of a millimeter; there are 25,400 micrometers in an 

inch). 

EPA strengthened the 24-hour fine particle standard from the 1997 level of 65 micrograms per cubic 

meter (p.g/m3) to 35~ig/m3, and retained the annual fine particle standard at 15p~g/m3. The Agency also 

retained the existing national 24-hour PM10 standard of 150p.g/m3. The Agency revoked the annual PM10 

standard, because available evidence generally does not suggest a link between long-term exposure to 

current levels of coarse particles and health problems.

To further comply with this direction, the Forest has several strategies to manage prescribed fire smoke: 

Curtailment, reduction, avoidance, dilution, and education. Also, since the early 1990s, harvest methods 

have changed from regeneration treatments to thinning and amounts of smoke-related pollutants have 

dropped dramatically, further reducing the amount of pollutants generated by prescribed burning.
Appendix E – Fire/Fuels and Air Quality Report Page E-6

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

A. Management Direction

The activities associated with Eden Ridge Timber Sales are tiered to, and would be designed to comply 

with direction established in the 1989 Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan

(SNF-LRMP) as amended by the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan, as well as other amendments.

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for air quality resources (SNF-LRMP; pages IV-48 through 50) 

would be applied to this project. As stated there, activities shall be planned: to maintain air quality at a 

level adequate for the protection and use of the National Forest resources, coordinate with the appropriate 

air quality regulatory agencies, reduce total suspended particulate emissions and minimize the impact of 

prescribed burning on smoke sensitive areas.

The use of fire would be limited in the implementation of the Proposed Action, or any of the Action 

Alternatives. Fire would be applied for the burning of landing slash, and burning of hand piled slash.

VI. Environmental Consequences: Fire / Fuels

Following review of the affected environment, alternatives considered and formal scoping with the 

public, the following concerns were identified for discussion:

FIRE/FUELS – What kind of effect would density management (thinning) treatments and other 

connected actions have on fuel loading and fire hazard conditions?

Modeling of crown fire initiation, the potential to sustain an active or independent crown fire, and the 

types of treatments needed to mitigate these problems, generally requires in-depth stand data (stand 

examinations). FVS-FFE (Forest Veg Simulator-Fire Fuels Extension) is the analytical tool which uses

stand exam data to estimate potential mortality and the type of fire burning within a given stand. The 

modeling uses a simulated silvicultural harvest prescription to remove trees from the stands. A simulated 

fire is then run through these stands under set weather and fuel moisture parameters, using surface fuel 

types assigned to most nearly represent the results of either the pre-harvest conditions, or post-harvest 

conditions representing different levels of fuel treatment.

Analysis for selected examples shows that in their existing condition most stands of the stands proposed 

for treatment would generally tolerate a wildfire burning under the 95th percentile conditions; with less 

than 25% potential mortality resulting from the fire (see table below). Fire characteristics tend to be 

surface fires, with low flame lengths, and the modeling shows that crown fires are difficult to initiate in 

all sizes/ages of stands. While the fuel models in these stands varied between Low to Moderate Load 

Conifer Litter models, the Moderate Load Conifer Litter model was used to represent a worst case 

scenario in the analysis.

FFE modeling results, % mortality based on Basal Area and type of fire:

Unit Existing Condition Post-Harvest, 

Leave Tops

Post-Harvest, 

Yard Tops

201 12%, Surface Fire 17%, Surface Fire 9%, Surface Fire

303 20%, Surface Fire 26%, Surface Fire 18%, Surface Fire

334 9%, Surface Fire 12%, Surface Fire 7%, Surface Fire

102 14%, Surface Fire 34%, Surface Fire 8%, Surface Fire

Alternative 1 – No-Action

Under the No-Action Alternative, no management activities within the Planning Area would occur. It 

would be expected that current stand conditions would continue to develop in a natural and undisturbed 

manner into the foreseeable future.
Appendix E – Fire/Fuels and Air Quality Report Page E-7

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Deep shading, tight canopy cover inhibiting air flow, low crown ratios, and advanced decomposition of 

the more volatile surface fuels aid in reducing fire severity in forested stands. The stands in the Eden 

Ridge Planning Area are reasonably resilient to the effects of wildfire in their current condition. These

stands have survived through many years of vulnerability to the potential adverse effects of fire, and have 

evolved into a condition of becoming more resistant and resilient to these effects. Crown base heights are 

generally raised and the fuel ladder would continue to be eliminated (both positive fire resistive 

attributes). They could tolerate most surface fires, with the only true threat to mass mortality being an 

independent crown fire situation.

This condition would not remain static over time however. While fuels in the majority of the areas 

proposed for commercial thinning presently constitute a low to moderate hazard, stand dynamics would 

slowly alter this situation over time. Natural foliage loss and self-pruning are presently contributing fine 

fuels to the litter layer. Suppressed and intermediate trees would slowly begin to die out and contribute 

larger fuels to the forest floor. This process is being somewhat offset by the meltdown (slow 

decomposition) of these same fuels, with the smaller more flammable fuels decomposing at a much faster 

rate than the larger fuels. The process of fuels build up and the inevitable changes in stand dynamics is a 

very slow cycle, possibly taking numerous decades to actually develop a noticeable hazard. The results of 

these processes would more readily facilitate fire spread and contribute to potentially higher severity fire, 

which can put the stand at an increasingly higher risk of mortality than currently exists. During this same 

time period, the trees themselves would be developing a thicker bark layer, making them more resistant to 

the effects of fire, countering (to a degree) the potentially higher fire severity created by fuels being 

contributed from the stand itself.

Alternative 2 - Proposed Action

Alternative 2 would commercially thin 75 treatment units totaling approximately 3,314 acres. Harvest

activities would use a combination skyline and ground based logging systems. During tractor and skyline 

yarding activities, tops of trees removed from all proposed units would be yarded (YTA) and piled on 

landings. 

In addition, following timber harvest, concentrations of logging slash from units adjacent to Forest Roads 

5000, 290, 440, and 448 would be piled by hand and burned up to 100 feet from the road(s), reducing the 

risk for human caused starts and essentially creating a ‘cleaner’, more defensible space along the 

aforementioned roads. All landing piles of slash would be burned or utilized as biomass material.

Based on resulting conditions, prescriptions and treatments would be designed, whereby in the event of an 

unwanted wildfire, the treated stands would be left in such a condition that wildfire would pass though 

without generating unacceptable levels of mortality, and provide an area where the fire can be managed 

by ground based initial attack resources.

Direct Effects - The direct effects of this project from a fire and fuels perspective would be a short-term 

increase in fuels loading and the associated fire hazard within the units as generated from activitygenerated slash. Such an increase would be ameliorated by implementing activity fuels treatments. Other 

untreated slash would be expected to reach a near natural condition within approximately 5 years. 

Treatments would occur from multiple sales over an extended period of time (i.e., 1 5 years or more) 

allowing concentrations to be spread out over the Planning Area.

The Variable Density Thinning (VDT) proposed for this project calls for modifying the existing canopy

cover to a condition of 35 to 50 percent. This action, in itself, generally reduces the potential for a 

running crown fire by opening up the spacing between tree crowns. 
Appendix E – Fire/Fuels and Air Quality Report Page E-8

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The primary concern to fire managers, related to fuels remaining after harvest, is the amount of the 

smaller diameter (0 to 3 inch) fuels that are left on site. These smaller fuels constitute a hazard from two 

points. The finer fuels are the most receptive to an ignition source (spark, match, lightning), and are the 

elements that promote rapid fire-spread and increased flame lengths. While the larger fuels (3 inches and 

greater) contribute to the duration and intensity of a fire (once one has started), the reduction of these 

fuels is of lesser importance than the reduction of the finer fuels, in the scheme of hazard reduction to 

reduce the potential for adverse effects of wildfire. Besides being of lesser importance in hazard 

reduction, the retention of this larger material would provide a multitude of other benefits, which enhance 

site productivity and complement other ecosystem values.

The stands are most vulnerable to the potential adverse effects of fire from the time the fine fuels (needles 

and small twigs) become cured, until these fuels drop to ground level and become part of the litter layer. 

Curing usually occurs within the first month of exposure to late spring/early summer like weather 

conditions. The needles would generally fall off the twigs by the second or third year following harvest. 

The twigs decompose at a slower rate, taking four to six years to fall from the main branches. Larger 

branch wood follows suit, taking upwards of eight to twelve years to decompose to ground level. Once 

these smaller diameter fuels (<1”) have all reached ground level, decomposition is rapidly accelerated, 

and the risks associated with a wildfire have substantially diminished. Without treatment, the first 0 to 5 

years present the window of highest risk.

Harvest activities (i.e., tractor and skyline yarding systems) associated with the Proposed Action would 

add needles, limbwood, and tops to the existing fuel bed in varying degrees throughout each treatment 

area. Disturbed ground vegetation and larger woody material would contribute to the dead fuel loading. 

In comparison with the natural long-term accumulation of ground fuels, harvest would contribute fuels to 

the site at an accelerated rate. The fuels remaining after harvest would be mostly of the smaller size 

classes, as most of the larger fuels would be removed for utilization, unless contractual requirements for 

down wood specify that they be left on site. The estimated fuel bed remaining after harvest is best 

described as a Fuel Model 11- Light Logging Slash, of the Fire Behavior Fuel Models. The Photo Series 

For Quantifying Forest Residues (GTR PNW-51), 3-DF-3-PC; with a substantial reduction 3.1-9.0 inch 

size class due to increased utilization also is representative of this fuel type. This fuel bed typically has 5 

to10 tons per acres of 0 to 3 inch size class fuels. In the event of an un-planned fire start, the potential for 

rapid-fire spread would be higher than a stand in a natural condition (2 to 7 chains per hour in a natural 

state, compared to 6 to 9 chains per hour after harvest).

Effects to the activity-generated fuel bed as a result from implementation of mechanical pre-bunching has 

shown that fuels are concentrated under the tracks of the machine as it travels over the area. Needles and 

small diameter limbs (fuels) are crushed / compressed. This condition actually accelerates the results of 

natural decomposition and subsequent faster response to a reduction of potential fire intensities.

Below, are fuels treatment options considered for the proposed units. Implementation of these fuels 

treatment methods would likely be one or a combination of several treatments.

No treatment: This method would be appropriate for sites where resulting fuel loadings fall well below LRMP 

Standard and Guideline recommendations by photo series (S&G 12-2, page IV-59). When residual fuels exceed 

the guidelines, not treating the fuels may be appropriate in areas of low risk where risks may be assumed for a 

period, until the hazard has been reduced by natural processes.

Hand piling fuels concentrations: This method would be effective in breaking up fuel continuity thereby 

reducing fire spread rates. Hand piling, followed by burning of the piles, can remove most fuels from a site. 

Hand piling is most effective in continuous moderate fuel loadings (25 to 50 tons per acre), and is less effective 

in scattered light fuels. This method may also be employed in areas where no other disposal methods are 

prescribed, or in conjunction with non-burning types of treatments, but where the risks may warrant some sort 

of hazard reduction. Due to the risk of human presence, hand piling is proposed along existing Level 2 

Classified Roads 5000, 290, 440, and 448. Within the commercially thinned units that are adjacent to these 

aforementioned roads (depending on Action Alternative), logging slash within 100 feet of these roads would be 

hand piled and burned.
Appendix E – Fire/Fuels and Air Quality Report Page E-9

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for detrimental soil conditions and erosion (SNF-LRMP; pages IV-44-

45) would be applied for this project. Slash piles have the potential to create severely burned and bare soils in 

the footprint of the piles. By minimizing the size and maximizing the spacing between piles, and burning in the 

winter and spring windows of opportunity when soil and fuel moistures are high, soil detrimental impacts and 

mineral soil exposure is minimized. This would also compliment the objectives of maximizing the retention of 

Large Woody Material (LRMP S&G 7-8). Burn Plans would be required for any fuels treatment (see 

subsection 10, Mitigation Measures, this Chapter), and would specify forest features that would need protection 

from burning activities. Large down logs would be one of the elements to avoid in placement of burn piles, as 

well as others.

Yarding of tops: This method would be effective in removing concentrations of the 0 to 3-inch size class fuels. 

In all treatment areas using ground-based or skyline yarding, tops of commercial trees would be left attached to 

a commercial log while yarding (Yard Tops Attached – YTA). The tops would be piled and disposed at the 

landing location.

Piling and Burning Landing Slash: This method would be effective in disposing of all remaining unmerchantable vegetation on log landings (piling and burning, or utilization as biomass material).

SNF-LRMP Standards & Guidelines (S&G) 7-2 (Detrimental Soil Conditions) directs that the application 

of fire be conducted so that thresholds for bare soil exposure are not exceeded. Burning of piles in the 

winter and spring windows of opportunity would best meet this objective, and would also compliment the 

objectives of maximizing the retention of Large Woody Material (S&G 7-8).

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for fire management (SNF-LRMP; pages IV-59 through 62, as 

amended) would be applied to this project. The fire hazard presented by natural, activity or prior activity 

fuels should be reduced to appropriate levels; and proposed activities should be designed and coordinated 

on the ground to help make the fuel treatment and fire protection as practical and economical as possible.

Indirect Effects - The indirect effects of this project from a fire and fuels perspective would be a slight 

increase in potential fire intensity due to reduced canopy closures. The reduction of canopy closure

would allow for an increase in solar radiation and air movement. Both of which, would potentially 

decrease fuel moistures and allow an herbaceous and shrub understory to develop. These conditions 

would continue to develop until the residual canopies grow together. At that time, the treated stands 

would return to near natural conditions.

Similar and/or Related Actions are included under the Proposed Action and the Action Alternatives; they 

are designed as resource enhancement, restoration, or improvements, and are described in detail in FEIS 

Chapter II, Section D, h. These actions would occur in proximity to commercial and silvicultural stand 

treatments. Included are Non-Commercial Treatments proposed for 363 acres within the ER Planning 

Area (see FEIS Table II-6 and MAP II-2), Snag/Down Wood Creation, Meadow Enhancement, Stream 

Enhancement, Native Grass/Forb Seeding, Invasive Plant Treatments, and Other Wildlife Opportunities.

The effects from these actions are minor is scope and context, and would minimally add to the 

consequences of the Action Alternatives. The largest of these actions (Non-Commercial Thinning) may 

generate the need for some fuels treatment, likely hand pile and burn; this consequence would be no 

larger than any one of the commercial density management units of similar size, would occur within 

several non-contiguous portions of the Planning Area, and not all at the same time.

Alternative 3

Alternative 3 would commercially thin 65 treatment units totaling approximately 3,240 acres. Harvest 

activities would use a combination of helicopter, skyline, and ground based logging systems. During 

tractor and skyline yarding activities, tops of trees removed from all proposed units would be yarded 

(YTA) and piled on landings. Similar and/or Related Actions are also included.
Appendix E – Fire/Fuels and Air Quality Report Page E-10

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

In addition, following timber harvest, concentrations of logging slash from units adjacent to Forest Roads 

5000, 290, 440, and 448 would be piled by hand and burned up to 100 feet from the road(s), reducing the 

risk for human caused starts and essentially creating a ‘cleaner’, more defensible space along the 

aforementioned roads. All landing piles of slash would be burned or utilized as biomass material. On 

units where the logging system would be helicopter based, slash would be treated by YTA, piled and 

burned at landing sites or utilized as biomass material.

Direct and Indirect Effects – The effects of Alternative 3 would be much the same as those described for 

Alternative 2, as the fuels treatment proposed for this alternative are the same, the only difference being 

the acres (3,240 as opposed to 3,314) proposed for treatment, and the inclusion of helicopter yarding and 

its associated helicopter landing sites. Fuels treatments for this alternative would continue to result in 

conditions that meet LRMP Standards and Guidelines.

Alternative 4

Alternative 4 would commercially thin 53 treatment units totaling approximately 3,058 acres. Harvest 

activities would use a combination of helicopter, skyline, and ground based logging systems. During 

tractor and skyline yarding activities, tops of trees removed from all proposed units would be yarded 

(YTA) and piled on landings. In addition, following timber harvest, concentrations of logging slash from 

units adjacent to Forest Roads 5000, 290, 440, and 448 would be piled by hand and burned up to 100 feet 

from the road(s), reducing the risk for human caused starts and essentially creating a ‘cleaner’, more 

defensible space along the aforementioned roads. All landing piles of slash would be burned or utilized 

as biomass material. On units where the logging system would be helicopter based, slash would be 

treated by YTA, piled and burned or utilized as biomass material at landing sites. Similar and/or Related 

Actions are also included.

Direct and Indirect Effects – The effects of Alternative 4 would as also be similar to those described for

Alternative 2, as the fuels treatment proposed for this alternative are the same, the only difference being 

the acres (3,058 as opposed to 3,314) proposed for treatment. Fuels treatments for this alternative would

continue to result in conditions that meet LRMP Standards and Guidelines.

Cumulative Effects

Analysis for determining cumulative effects is considered to include stand density reduction and activitygenerated fuels on fuel loading and fire hazard in the Eden Ridge Planning Area. This analysis relies on 

current environmental conditions as a proxy for the impacts of past actions. This is because existing 

conditions reflect the aggregate impact of all prior human actions and natural events that have affected the 

environment and might contribute to cumulative effects. Any other past, present or future treatment 

activities such as Four Does, Lookout Partner, Backwoods Thin (past), and Silver Doe (present), would 

be expected to meet LRMP Standards and guidelines. This cumulative effects area is considered adequate 

since the concern is relevant to activity-generated fuels.

Under all Action Alternatives, although there may be a short-term increase in fire hazard due to the 

generation of fine fuels, however there would be a long-term benefit by decreasing tree/crown spacing 

and roadside fuels so that defensive measures could be deployed.

The long-term combined (cumulative) effects of this project and other past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future projects from a fire and fuels perspective would be to reduce the risk to forest resources 

from high-intensity fire as described in the Action Alternatives. Stands would be more resilient to fire 

moving through it, both surface fire, and fire in the crowns. Although the surface fuel loading is not 

directly reduced the condition of the canopy would lessen any crown fire potential (Van Wagner 1977). 

The defensible space along the system roads as described in the Action Alternatives would be improved. 
Appendix E – Fire/Fuels and Air Quality Report Page E-11

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Stands along these roads would be thinned and slash would be treated with hand piling concentrations and 

YTA to help establish a defensible space if a wildfire were to start in the Planning Area, or adjacent 

private lands. This along with the removal of the future potential for natural tree mortality would 

contribute to reducing the potential for high severity, stand replacement wildfire in this portion of the 

forest.

VII. Environmental Consequences: Air Quality

Alternative 1 – No-Action

Under the No-Action Alternative, no management activities within the Planning Area would occur and 

there would be no direct, indirect or cumulative effect to air quality or the Class I Federal areas.

All Action Alternatives

All Action Alternatives (including the Proposed Action) would burn landing piles and hand piles which 

may affect air quality. Though the amount of burning may vary between Action Alternatives, the intent 

of this discussion of effects is to disclose to what extent burning activities would have on the air quality in 

the Coos Bay area, or to visibility in the Class I Federal area (Kalmiopsis Wilderness). Direct, indirect 

and cumulative analysis of all Action Alternatives relates to those activities which may affect the Coos 

Bay and Kalmiopsis Wilderness Class I Federal areas; therefore, effects analysis is combined below.

The use of prescribed fire would be limited in the implementation of the Proposed Action, or any of the 

Action Alternatives. Fire would be applied for the burning of landing slash and burning of hand piled 

slash. The Proposed Action (Alternative 2), calls for the treatment of 3,314 acres on 75 units. For the

purposes of this analysis, the assumption will be made that these treatments would be spread out over a 

period of 5 years or approximately 1 sale per year with 15 units per sale. Thus, on average, the Proposed 

Action could generate as much as 7.3 tons of PM, 5.4 tons of PM10, and 4.6 tons of PM2.5 per year, which 

is well below the thresholds defined in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Alternative 3 would 

produce approximately 86 % of the TSP produced by Alternative 2, and Alternative 4 would produce 

approximately 70 % of the TSP produced by Alternative 2. (Piled Fuels Biomass and Emissions 

Calculator, PNW Research Station, 04/2011).

SNF-LRMP Standards and Guidelines 8-1 would be followed. This standard states, “Management 

activities shall be planned to maintain air quality at a level adequate for the protection and use of National 

Forest resources and meet or exceed applicable Federal and State standards and regulations.” (36 CFR 

219.27(a)(12).

For the protection of Class I Area visibility values, as well as preventing any air quality degradation in the 

Coos Bay area, avoidance is the key to preventing any impacts due to human-generated pollutants, such 

as smoke created by slash disposal. Any burning planned to occur would require development of a Burn 

Plan, to include avoidance measures. Among various factors taken into account; detailing prevailing 

wind direction, timing, and coordination with regulatory agencies would ensure that any burning would 

occur during conditions where any smoke would not degrade air quality within the Coos Bay and/or 

visibility within the Kalmiopsis Wilderness (Class I Airshed). 

Further, burning would not take place during the visibility protection period of Class I Airsheds, which is 

July 1 to September 15. Using the direction and tools described above, slash disposal managers would

consult with Smoke Management agencies to determine what proper atmospheric conditions are best to 

assure that impacts to either are avoided. It the case of the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Action Alternatives, 

burning under conditions where transport winds and mixing heights are favorable, as well as following 

the daily Smoke Management forecast, would assure no adverse impacts to the nearest SSRA(Coos Bay), 

or the nearest Class I Airshed. As the majority of burning that would be done is pile burning, and can be 

accomplished in a broad window of opportunity, there is little risk of not being able to meet the slash 

disposal needs as a result of this constraint.
Appendix E – Fire/Fuels and Air Quality Report Page E-12

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Burning would not take place within 38 miles of the Coos Bay area or within 30 miles of the Kalmiopsis 

Wilderness (Class I Area). Further, burning would not take place during the visibility protection period of 

July 1 to September 15. Therefore there are no expected direct adverse effects to air quality in either the 

Coos Bay area or the Class I Area.

The potential for smoke produced by any of the proposed actions, to indirectly enter either of these areas 

would be mitigated by the avoidance methods such as implementation of the visibility protection period 

and not burning during weather conditions when smoke could travel to those areas.

Cumulative Effects

All past, present, and foreseeable future projects; have been, are, or would be conducted under the same 

air quality restrictions. Any other past, present or future treatment activities such as Four Does, Lookout 

Partner, Backwoods Thin (past), and Silver Doe (present), would be expected to meet LRMP Standards 

and guidelines. 

Burning under prescribed conditions is a component of each of the Action Alternatives. Since all burning 

would be prescribed and controlled, there would be ample opportunity to time burning when the 

atmospheric conditions are optimal for smoke dispersal. Likewise, there would be an opportunity to limit 

the size of burning events to control emissions. None of the Action Alternatives would result in a 

violation of NAAQS, or an appreciable reduction in air quality related values. 

Wildfires are a naturally occurring event and can be responsible for substantial amounts of pollutants, 

particularly CO and particulate matter. Due to aggressive fire suppression efforts over the past 50 years, 

an accumulation of unnaturally high fuel loadings exist within the unmanaged areas, creating an above 

average fire risk and hazard. Management activities proposed by this project have an objective to 

minimize the risk of a large wildfire occurrence. The emissions that would result from the proposed 

activities would be much less than those that might occur with a large-scale wildfire and can be timed to 

take advantage of favorable atmospheric conditions.

While the anticipated effects disclosed under the direct and indirect effects discussion to air quality may 

result in a minor, short-term increase in air emissions, they are minor in comparison to the ongoing effects 

of human occupation within the region, and insignificant, either alone or when considered in the context 

of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions.

REFERENCES

Agee, James K.; Skinner, Carl N. 2005. Basic principles of forest fuel reduction treatments. Forest 

Ecology and Management 211 83-96

Anderson H.E. 1982. Aids to Determining Fuel Models for Estimating Fire Behavior. USDA USFS. 

GTR-INT-122. Ogden, UT: Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station.

Omi, P.N., Martinson, E.J. 2002. Effects of fuels treatments on wildfire severity. Final report, Joint Fire 

Sciences Program. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.

Peterson, David L.; Johnson, Morris C.; Agee, James K.; Jain, Theresa B.; McKenzie, Donald; Reinhardt, 

Elizabeth D. 2005 Forest structure and fire hazard in dry western forests of the Western United States. 

Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-628. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific 

Northwest Research Station. 30p.

USDA Forest Service. 2010. Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice and Finding of No 

Significant Impact and Finding of Non-significant Forest Plan Amendments: Fire Use Amendment. 

Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest.
APPENDIX F

BOTANICAL RESOURCES REPORT

BOTANICAL RESOURCES REPORT

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Powers Ranger District

Clint Emerson

District Botanist

Revised April, 2013

CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................F-1

II. PROJECT AND EFFECTS SUMMARY ...............................................................................................F-1

III. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT .............................................................................................................F-2

A. BOTANICAL RESOURCES .....................................................................................................................F-2

1. Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Plants and Fungi ............................................................................F-2

2. Strategic Plants and Fungi ...........................................................................................................................F-3

3. Survey and Manage Plant and Fungi Species ..............................................................................................F-3

B. PRE-FIELD ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................................F-4

1. Sensitive Vascular Plant, Lichen, Moss and Liverworts ..............................................................................F-4

2. Sensitive Fungi ............................................................................................................................................F-5

C. FIELD INVENTORY RESULTS ...............................................................................................................F-7

IV. INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES ...............................................................................................................F-7

A. CURRENT CONDITIONS WITHIN THE PLANNING AREA ...............................................................F-8

V. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS .............................................................................................................F-9

A. EFFECTS ON THREATENED, ENDANGERED & SENSITIVE PLANTS & FUNGI SPECIES ..........F-9

1. Direct and Indirect Effects ...........................................................................................................................F-9

a. Oregon bensonia ...................................................................................................................................F-9

b. Sensitive Fungi .....................................................................................................................................F-10

2. Cumulative Effects ......................................................................................................................................F-11

B. EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEM FROM INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES ..............................................F-12

1. Direct and Indirect Effects ...........................................................................................................................F-12

2. Cumulative Effects ......................................................................................................................................F-12

VI. PROJECT DESIGN CRITERIA FOR BOTANICAL RESOURCES ...............................................F-13

VII. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................F-14

ATTACHMENT A .........................................................................................................................................F-17

Complete Table of Current Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, Strategic, and Survey and Manage Vascular Plant, 

Liverwort and Fungi Species Documented or Suspected to Occur on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, 

potential effects of the proposed project on these species, and rationale for determination of effects. 

ATTACHMENT B .........................................................................................................................................F-43

Bensonia Maps – Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT C .........................................................................................................................................F-47

Target Invasive Plant Species and Treatment List for the Westside of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

I. INTRODUCTION

This report will describe and analyze effects to botanical resources within the Eden Ridge Timber Sales

(hereto referred to as the project). It will cover Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive (TES) and Survey 

and Manage (SM) vascular plant, fungi, lichen and bryophyte species, and Invasive Plant species.

Closely associated resources are described and analyzed in the following specialist’s reports:

a) Dead and down wood quantities are discussed in the Wildlife and Silviculture reports.

b) Hydrologic and aquatic affects is in the Hydrology and Fisheries report.

c) General vegetation and forest ecology is discussed in the Silviculture Report.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for this project incorporates and summarizes the information 

in this report.

II. PROJECT AND EFFECTS SUMMARY

Project Summary: A detailed description of the proposal can be found in the EIS, Chapter I. In brief 

summary, the Proposed Action for the project proposes to use variable density thinning across 3,310 acres

of matrix and Riparian Reserve lands on the Powers Ranger District. Another 363 acres are proposed for 

non-commercial treatments that include thinning small diameter trees, planting Port-Orford-cedar and 

removing disease-infected or damaged understory trees. The project lies within the South Fork Coquille 

River and the Middle Fork Coquille River 5th-Field watersheds, and the Headwaters of South Fork 

Coquille River, Coal Creek, Mill Creek, Lower Rock Creek and Myrtle Creek 6th-Field watersheds, none 

of which are significant botanically. The South Fork Coquille 5th-Field watershed is designated as a Tier 

1 Key Watershed, selected for directly contributing to anadomous salmonid and bull trout conservation in 

the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA 1994). 

Effects Summary: No significant botanical issues were raised during internal or public scoping. Effects 

to botanical resources fall under the category “other issues”. Other issues as used in this environmental 

analysis are those that have been determined to be relevant, are used to disclose consequences, may affect 

design of component actions, may prescribe Project Design Criteria (PDC), or whose disclosure of 

environmental effects are required by law or policy. Other Issues differ from Significant Issues in that 

they often describe minor and/or non-variable consequences.

There are no populations, nor is there any habitat for any federally listed Threatened or Endangered plant 

or fungi species within the project. The project would have no effect on any Threatened or Endangered 

plant or fungi species or their habitat. 

Oregon bensonia (Bensonia oregana), a Sensitive vascular plant species, was found within the project. 

The planned project may impact individuals or habitat of Oregon bensonia, but will not likely 

contribute to a trend towards federal listing, or cause a loss of viability to the population or species 

within its range. The project will have no impact on any other Sensitive vascular plant, lichen or 

bryophyte species. PDCs focusing on avoidance of known sites of Oregon bensonia are recommended, 

the specifics of which are outlined later in this report. Sensitive fungi may be present within the Project

Areas but surveys were deemed impractical by Region 6 protocol. Based on existing data, the regional 

Interagency Special Status and Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP) provide literature review for this 

species.

Based on the Regional Assessment, this project may impact individuals or habitat of Sensitive fungi, 

but will not likely contribute to a trend towards federal listing, or cause a loss of viability to any

population or species within its range.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-2

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

High priority invasive plants are absent from the Planning Area. Several lower priority invasive plant 

species were documented along roads and landings. The risk of invasive plant species spread in the 

project area was determined to be low to moderate with implementation of the PDCs listed in Chapter

II of the EIS.

III. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

This section summarizes current botanical resources in the affected area and those components with the 

potential to be affected by the Proposed Action. Resources with no potential to be affected may be 

identified, but need not be analyzed. This information provides the baseline needed to understand 

impacts associated with the project.

The analysis area for botanical resources consists of:

 For vascular plants, lichens, mosses, liverworts and invasive plant species, the Eden Ridge 

Timber Sales Planning Area boundaries consisting of 6,516 acres of Forest Service land within 

the South Fork Coquille River and the Middle Fork Coquille River 5th-Field watersheds, and the 

Headwaters of South Fork Coquille River, Coal Creek, Mill Creek, Lower Rock Creek and 

Myrtle Creek 6th-Field watersheds.

 For fungi the scale of analysis is the PNW Region 6 of the Forest Service in Oregon and 

Washington. 

A. BOTANICAL RESOURCES

1. Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Plants and Fungi

Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 2670 outlines the policy and direction for the management of 

TES vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens and fungi and their habitat on Forest Service lands. FSM 

chapter 2670 requires a Biological Evaluation (BE) report in order to determine and document effects 

from proposed actions on TES species. This Botanical Resources report satisfies the BE 

requirement as stated in the Forest Service Manual.

The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 also contains language relating to diversity and 

species viability that guides decision and management of native plant species on Forest Service lands. 

The language in the currently used planning rule (1982) states “management prescriptions, where 

appropriate and to the extent practicable, shall preserve and enhance the diversity of plant and animal 

communities, including endemic and desirable naturalized plant and animal species, so that it is at least 

as great as that which would be expected in a natural forest and the diversity of tree species similar to 

that existing in the Planning Area.” This language led to the following additions to the Siskiyou 

National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan in1989:

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for Special Status Plants (see LRMP IV 26-27, 37)

Standards and guidelines applicable at the project level are:

1. Monitor the effects of management activities on TES plant species. If the results of monitoring

show a decline in species viability then, alter the management strategy.

2. Analyze the potential effects of all ground disturbing projects on TES plant species and habitat. 

Mitigate project effects to avoid a decline in species viability at the Forest level.

3. Map, record, and protect essential habitat for TES plant species. Species management guides 

should be prepared to address the effects of land management activities on local populations of 

TES at a broader scale, and to identify opportunities to enhance and develop habitat locally.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-3

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

2. Strategic Plants and Fungi

Strategic, is a new category of species established in May of 2007 by the Interagency Special Status and 

Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP). Strategic Species are not considered “sensitive” species under 

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2670. These are species listed by the Oregon Biological Inventory Center 

(ORBIC) as category 3 because of information gaps (i.e., distribution, habitat, threats) resulting in status 

or taxonomic uncertainties. 

These species may be rare or uncommon but the current level of scientific knowledge is not adequate

enough to make an accurate determination for listing as TES. ISSSSP staff in the Regional Office (RO) 

work in coordination with field offices to compile information to remove these uncertainties. The 

management requirement for this group of species is to record survey and location information in the 

agency’s corporate database: Natural Resource Information System (NRIS). Strategic species are not 

specifically targeted during surveys and in the event new sites are located active management is not 

required. However, the rarity of a given species will be taken into account when deciding whether or not 

a site should be protected. 

3. Survey and Manage Plant and Fungi Species

The 1993 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) and 1994 Record of Decision for Amendments 

to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents within the Range of the 

Northern Spotted Owl (also known as the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP)) created the Survey and 

Manage standard and guideline for all land allocations on the west side of the Cascades in Oregon, 

Washington and northern California and east Cascade forests within the range of the northern spotted owl.

The standard and guidelines were created to gain information that could help manage a set of lesser 

known and possibly rare taxa. Species of fungi, lichens, bryophytes and vascular plants were included to 

determine the status of their population viability. 

The original Survey and Manage provision of the NWFP was amended in 2001 and 2004. A recent U.S. 

Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s opinion reversed a U.S. District Court Western District of 

Washington’s order, in Conservation Northwest, et al v. Harris Sherman, et al and D.R. Johnson 

Company, Case 11-35729 (April 25, 2013). Projects that are within the range of the northern spotted owl 

are now subject to the survey and management standards and guidelines in the 2001 ROD, as modified by 

a 2011 Settlement Agreement. 

The Eden Ridge Timber Sale Project applies a 2006 Exemption from a stipulation entered by the court in 

litigation regarding Survey and Manage species and the 2004 Record of Decision related to Survey and 

Manage Mitigation Measure in Northwest Ecosystem Alliance v. Rey, No. 04-844-MJP (W.D. Wash., Oct. 

10, 2006). Also known as the Pechman Exemptions, the Court’s Order from October 11, 2006 directs: 

“Defendants shall not authorize, allow, or permit to continue any logging or other ground-disturbing 

activities on projects to which the 2004 ROD applied unless such activities are in compliance with the 

2001 ROD (as the 2001 ROD was amended or modified as of March 21, 2004), except that this order will 

not apply to: 

a. Thinning projects in stands younger than 80 years old;

b. Replacing culverts on roads that are in use and part of the road system, and removing culverts if 

the road is temporary or to be decommissioned; 
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-4

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

c. Riparian and stream improvement projects where the riparian work is riparian planting, obtaining 

material for placing in-stream, and road or trail decommissioning; and where the stream 

improvement work is the placement large wood, channel and floodplain reconstruction, or removal of 

channel diversions; and 

d. The portions of project involving hazardous fuel treatments where prescribed fire is applied. Any 

portion of a hazardous fuel treatment project involving commercial logging will remain subject to the

survey and management requirements except for thinning of stands younger than 80 years old under 

subparagraph a. of this paragraph.” 

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project meets Exemption a. because it entails no regeneration harvest and 

entails thinning in stands less than 80 years old (see Eden Ridge Silviculture Report, FEIS Appendix B1) 

Therefore, no specific Survey and Manage surveys were conducted for any plant or fungi species listed in 

the standards and guidelines.

B. PRE-FIELD ANALYSIS

Based on the applicable laws, policies and procedures outlined above, a review of potential TES plant and 

fungi species was conducted in order to determine the extent of botanical analysis needed for the project. 

The NRIS database was consulted in order to determine the potential likelihood of encountering TES 

plant and fungi species within this project. The results of the data query showed that Oregon bensonia is 

the only sensitive plant species previously known to occur within the planning/analysis area. 

1. Sensitive Vascular Plant, Lichen, Moss and Liverworts

An analysis of the 99 vascular plants, 17 mosses, 7 liverworts and 11 lichen species listed TES and either 

suspected or documented on the RRSNF was completed to determine potential habitat that should be 

surveyed (the complete list and analysis can be seen as Attachment A). The analysis considered the

location where the project would occur as well as the type, intensity and duration of disturbance the 

project would entail in relation to the quality of habitat present. Using GIS, digital aerial imagery and 

known variables such as elevation, aspect and surrounding vegetation type it was determined that the 

project is within the geographic distribution and elevation ranges and contains potential suitable habitat

for the following Forest Service Sensitive listed vascular plant, moss and liverwort species.

 

1

 The stands that have been examined including the sampling of tree ages indicate that the stands are currently around 60 to 75

years old (Crum, pers. com.)
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-5

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table F-1. List of Potential Sensitive Vascular Plant, Lichen, Moss and Liverwort Species with 

Habitat in the Eden Ridge TS Planning Area

Vascular Species Habitat/Distribution

Arctostaphylos hispidula

Gasquet or Howell’s 

manzanita

Forest edges, brush fields, barren ridgelines. Often on serpentine but not always. 

Usually found with other manzanita species especially A. columbiana. Fire 

dependent species. Occurs sporadically from Coos Co., OR south into Humboldt Co., 

CA. Nearest site to this project is about 15 miles to the southwest on the RRSNF. 

Bensoniella oregana

Oregon bensonia

Seeps, springs, moist meadows and wet roadside ditches along upper slopes and 

ridges. Range is restricted to the Coast and Siskiyou Mountains In extreme SW 

Oregon and NW California. Elevations 2,800 to 5,200 feet. Known sites within the 

Planning Area.

Carex crawfordii

Crawford’s sedge

Seeps, springs, moist meadows and wet roadside ditches along upper slopes and 

ridges. Range is restricted to the Coast and Siskiyou Mountains In extreme SW 

Oregon and NW California. Elevations 2,800 to 5,200 feet. Nearest site to the 

project is about 27 miles to the west.

Illiamna latibractreata

California globe mallow

Moist sites, stream sides in coniferous forests. Often in open or partial shade, 

disturbed ground, often recently burned. Elevation 300-4000 ft. Coos, Curry, 

Douglas, Jackson and Josephine Cos., OR; south to Humboldt Co., CA. The closest 

known site to the project is 5 miles to the southwest on RRSNF lands. 

Romanzoffia thompsonii

Thompson’s mistmaiden

Sunny vernally wet, mossy (esp. Bryum miniatum), rocky hillsides at 750-6,000 ft. 

Douglas, Jackson, Lane, Linn, Marion Cos., in foothills and west Cascades of OR. In 

relation to this Planning Area, there is a known site on BLM land within 20 miles to 

the east. 

Moss Species Habitat/Distribution

Codriophorus depressus

Forming mats on rocks in perennial or intermittent streams, and in the spray zone of 

waterfalls, between 400 and 11,000 feet elevation. Habitats are subject to scour at 

high water.

Liverwort Species Habitat/Distribution

Porella bolanderi

Forming shaded to partly exposed mats on a variety of rock types (siliceous, 

calcareous, and metamorphic) and trunks of Quercus, Umbellularia, and Acer 

macrophyllum (Piippo and Norris 1996). In the Pacific Northwest, known elevations 

range from 500-3,000 feet.

2. Sensitive Fungi

Rare ephemeral fungi, such as mushrooms, coral’s and club’s , are treated separately from the above 

listed species because of the difficulty in surveying and detecting them prior to projects being 

implemented. Surveys for species presence are often difficult, because fungi can be seen only when 

fruiting bodies are produced. Even with above-ground fruiting bodies present, their correlation with the 

extent and abundance of the fungal organisms underground is unknown (Straatsma and Krisai-Greilhuber 

2003). Because of the logistics and costs involved with completing surveys, which takes two years with 

several visits to each unit, the Forest Service Region 6 policy has been to manage these species at a 

broader landscape scale by conducting regional “strategic” surveys. These are surveys for the sake of 

finding new sites, not for clearance of a project. Therefore the effects analysis for fungi is based on 

existing knowledge of the distribution of each species and focuses on the likelihood of extirpation of a 

population.

The following table lists the Sensitive fungi species either documented or suspected on the RRSNF with 

the potential to be found in the Planning Area:
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-6

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table F-2. List of potential sensitive fungi that may occur in Planning Area

Arcangeliella camphorata (16)

Boletus pulcherrimus (22)

Dermocybe humboldtensis (4)

Phaeocollybia californica (35)

Phaeocollybia olivacea (99)

Rhizopogon chamaleontinus (1)

Rhizopogon ellipsosporus (7)

Rhizopogon exiguous (5)

*The number in parentheses represents the amount of known sites in the PNW as of 2007.

In order to determine the likelihood of finding Sensitive fungi species in the Planning Area several 

documents written by the Region 6 ISSSSP were referred to. These documents include: 

Fungi Effects Analysis Guidelines, 10/2008; Attachment 1- Likelihood of Occurrence Key, 9/2004; 

Attachment 2- Conservation Assessment for Fungi in Region 5 & 6, 7/2007; Attachment 4 – Potential 

Impacts to Fungi Table; and Habitat Summary for Sensitive Fungi Species, 2007. (ISSSSP website: 

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/sfpnw/issssp/species-index/flora-fungi.shtml) 

Most of the species in the table above are associated to some degree with forest floor litter, down woody 

material, host tree/shrub species, or a combination thereof. While this association is known, details about 

the requirements for forest floor litter or down woody material for most fungal species are not well 

understood, and host specificity is not often known beyond the broad categories of conifers hardwoods or 

plant families within these categories. Down woody material and forest floor litter are direct food sources

for fungi that play a role in decomposing organic material. Host trees (or shrubs in some cases) provide 

necessary carbohydrates to some fungi through transference of carbohydrates from the roots of the host to 

the fungus via an underground network termed mycelia.

Down woody material requirements for most fungal species are not well understood. Down woody 

material may function to retain moisture, allowing root tips to support active ectomycorrhizae (Harvey et 

al. 1976, Harvey et al. 1978, Amaranthus et al. 1989, Harmon and Sexton 1995). These fallen tree 

"reservoirs", large limbs, and stumps can provide refugia for seedlings and mycorrhizal fungi, especially 

in drier forest communities. As stands mature, the availability of downed wood may be crucial for 

establishment of fungi as well as plant seedlings (Kropp 1982).

Down woody material is a direct food source for wood-decaying fungi. Studies in Scandinavia and North 

America indicate that the presence of large down wood promotes higher diversity of wood-decay fungi 

species (Kruys, 1999, Crites and Dale 1998, Ohlson et al. 1997, Høiland and Bendiksen 1996, Bader et al. 

1995, Wästerlund and Ingelög 1981). Høiland and Bendiksen (1996) found that rare wood-inhabiting 

fungal species occurred primarily on long (average length = 11 meters) and well decayed (average decay 

Class III) down wood. When surface area is taken into consideration, fine woody debris appears to be 

equally important to species diversity (Kruys and Jonsson 1999). 

The presence of large, well decayed down wood in managed stands can provide habitat for both 

ectomycorrhizal and wood-decay fungi, as well as plant seedlings. For some fungi, spore dissemination 

into disturbed areas is the primary method of re-establishment. Remnant stands of late seral forest 

neighboring managed areas may serve as refugia (Clarkson and Mills 1994). In addition, resistant fungal 

propagules may remain in soils or down wood after disturbance (Baar et al. 1999). Regardless of the 

method of re-establishment, it may take a great deal of time before fungal species can be detected. 
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-7

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The size and scale of down woody material influence the range in size of fungal individuals. Fungal 

colonies can range in size from microscopic to many acres and can persist for years or decades (Smith et 

al. 1992, De la Bastide et al. 1994, Bonello 1998). Typically fungi are patchily distributed, in part due to 

patchy distribution of substrate (living host plants, down wood). Scattered islands of down wood 

throughout a management unit, including many sizes ranging from twigs to large logs, as well as a variety 

of decay classes, may provide better fungal habitat than one size or decay class of down wood 

homogeneously covering the forest floor. 

Data on quantities or coverage of down wood necessary to support a diversity of fungi in Pacific 

Northwest forests do not currently exist. In the dry forests of western Montana, Harvey et al. (1981) 

estimated that 25-37 tons of down wood per hectare are needed to support ectomycorrhizal activity 

necessary for forest communities developing after stand removal.

C. FIELD INVENTORY RESULTS

Surveys for the above listed vascular plant, lichen, moss and liverwort species were conducted between 

June and August of 2010 with revisits to some areas occurring in June of 2011. Surveys were conducted 

by contract (Siskiyou Biosurvey, LLC) and by agency botanists. High potential habitat areas were 

delineated prior to commencing surveys. The intuitive controlled survey method was utilized, so that 

each delineated habitat area was searched with a high degree of likelihood that TES species would be 

found if present. In accordance with Region 6 Forest Service direction, fungi surveys were not 

conducted.

Oregon bensonia was the only sensitive species found during surveys. It was relocated at a handful of 

historically known sites, as well as being located in several new areas, including within some of the 

proposed units and roads in this project. There were several sites found along the edge of existing road 

beds where wet conditions have persisted due to the change in hydrology caused by the roads original 

construction. Units/roads with sites include 007, 314, 318, 319 and 326 and road 5000-448 (see map in 

Attachment B for details). 

Based on results of downed wood material surveys during stand exams in some units in 2009 (Boyer, 

Silviculture Diagnosis, 2011) and from field observations during surveys for TES plant species, the 

Project Area appears to be stocked with coarse down wood probably due to debris remaining from 

historical railroad logging. There is sufficient substrate and habitat currently available for colonization by 

Sensitive saprophytic fungi, although there are less large diameter structures than desired. Though the 

structure and composition of the forest does not qualify it as old-growth, there is likely to be sufficient 

opportunity for colonization of the existing tree species by Sensitive ectomycorrhizal fungi. 

IV. INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES

Definition of an Invasive Plant

Those plant species designated as Invasive Plants by the Secretary of Agriculture or by the responsible 

State official. Invasive Plants generally possess one or more of the following characteristics: aggressive 

and difficult to manage, poisonous, toxic, parasitic, a carrier or host of a serious insect or disease, or being 

non-native or newly introduced and not common to the state. Generally, species that can survive and 

reproduce in a natural setting away from landscape areas are considered invasive.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-8

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Management Direction

Management direction on this subject is given in the Siskiyou NF LRMP under forest-wide standards and 

guidelines item 12-6: "Control of Invasive Plants should be accomplished in cooperation with state, 

county, and private organizations through Weed Control Districts or Coordinated Resource Management 

Agreements. Preventive management is critical to an effective control program."

In addition, this document incorporates by reference all the standards and guidelines described in the 

Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Record of 

Decision and Final Environmental Impact Statement Volumes I-III, 2005. That document amends the 

Siskiyou NF LRMP to include an updated set of information on preventing and managing invasive plant 

species in Region 6. 

Current Management Direction for Invasive Plants as stated in the Forest Service Manual 2080, 

Amendment No. 2000-95-5, effective November 29, 1995 states the following:

District Rangers are responsible for:

1. Determining the risk of Invasive Plant introduction or spread as part of the NEPA process for 

proposed actions, especially for ground disturbing and site altering activities.

2. Enforcing closures or prohibition orders issued under 36 CFR parts 261.50 (a) and 261.58 (t) and 

enforcing contract specifications intended to prevent and control the spread of Invasive Plants.

3. Ensuring that the contracts and permits contain appropriate clauses concerning the prevention 

or spread of Invasive Plants as described in the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant 

Program Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Record of Decision (September 2005).

Policy: When any ground disturbing action or activity is proposed, determine the risk of 

 introducing or spreading Invasive Plants associated with a proposed action.

A. CURRENT CONDITIONS WITHIN THE PLANNING AREA

Invasive plant surveys were completed as part of the TES plant surveys previously discussed. The 

Planning Area was found to be relatively void of invasive plants. There were no species that are 

prioritized for active manual or chemical treatments (see Attachment C, Priority Invasive Plants 

Documented or Suspected on the RRSNF for a list of priority species – A and T listed species) found 

during surveys.

Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), a T listed species, was found to be common along at least some 

portion of each existing road within the Planning Area. The district uses only biological controls when 

treating Tansy, no manual or spraying treatments are used. Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) was also found 

to be fairly common along roads and within old landings. The district is not actively treating bull thistle, 

as it is biennial, therefore it comes and goes quickly from locations and does not cause irreparable harm. 

Canadian thistle (Cirsium arvense) was found to be less common than the other two previously listed 

species but is more of a concern for persistence and harm to the environment. One historical site of 

Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is known from the Planning Area but was not able to be relocated 

during surveys. 
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-9

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

V. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

This section assesses the potential effects to botanical resources caused by implementation of each

alternative. Analysis focuses on the following “other” issues identified in Chapter I of the Environmental 

Impact Statement:

a) TES Plant and Fungi Species

b) Invasive Plant Spread

A. EFFECTS ON THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND SENSITIVE PLANTS AND

FUNGI SPECIES

1. Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1(No-Action)

The current condition would remain the same under this alternative. Natural processes would continue to 

progress in a random succession with an unknown future outcome. Known and unknown TES plant and 

fungi species that currently exist within the project boundary would respond and continue to evolve 

within the natural system. There would be no direct or indirect effects from implementing this 

alternative.

Action Alternatives

The differences in Alternatives 2, 3 and 4 have no bearing on effects to Oregon bensonia because under 

all Action Alternatives, the known sites found in Units 007, 314, 318, 319 and 326 would undergo 

vegetation treatments. Effects are relatively similar, (Alternatives 3 and 4 do not include Unit 314) and 

include subtle changes in alternative proposal acreages in relation to the larger landscape. For this reason, 

effects for each Action Alternative have been lumped in the discussion below.

a. Oregon bensonia

Direct and Indirect Effects

Direct effects to sensitive plants may include impacts such as trampling by foot or equipment, piling of 

vegetation or logs on known sites or any other soil disturbing activity that could potentially uproot 

individuals or a population. Examples of indirect effects are things like edge effect (Chen et al., 1992) 

which can cause changes in microclimatic conditions that may be necessary for a species to persist. If 

Project Design Criteria (PDC) were not implemented there is a high likelihood that the populations of 

Oregon bensonia found within treatment areas of this project would be directly impacted by workers or 

their equipment. There is also potential for indirect impacts from thinning due to the potential for lower 

relative humidity and moisture retention levels in the soil from decreased canopy and shade cover causing 

the sites to dry out. 

Avoidance of the populations located within this project is recommended so that direct and indirect 

effects are minimized to insignificant. The methods for avoidance are discussed in the PDC section 

below. Acknowledging there may be habitat and populations that were not found during the surveys of 

the project it is determined that the Eden Ridge Timber Sale Project may impact individuals or 

habitat, but will not likely contribute to a trend towards federal listing, or cause a loss of viability to 

the population or species. The Eden Ridge Timber Sales project will have no impact on any of the 

other Sensitive vascular plant, lichen, moss or liverwort species listed as having potential habitat in the 

project.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-10

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

b. Sensitive Fungi

Threats and impacts to fungi may occur at several scales. At a local habitat scale, impacts or threats could 

include anything that affects (removes, alters) the substrate on which fungi grow. Impacts may also occur 

on a larger scale as a result of the cumulative effects of many smaller local impacts. Local threats 

combined on larger scales could alter the distribution of populations across regional landscapes, resulting 

in the impairment of landscape-wide species persistence. For example, the loss of several populations 

within one area could truncate population continuity, inhibiting the ability of a species to disperse across 

distances. Such disjunct distributions can often result in expanding areas of extirpation. As cumulative 

effects may be difficult to address, perhaps the most useful strategy is to focus on what can be managed 

locally, assuming that cumulative effects would thus be minimized as well. 

Larger-scale, indirect effects (such as climate change or air pollution) are difficult to assess, given limited 

knowledge of even microhabitat requirements of most fungi. The effect of larger-scale issues on fungi 

populations remains unknown, and cannot be adequately addressed with the management options 

discussed in this document. 

Management activities may pose direct or indirect threats to fungal individuals or mycelial mats, 

depending on the timing or intensity of the activity. Types of activities that can result in threats to fungal 

individuals or alter habitat conditions beyond a given threshold of tolerance include activities that:

o intensively or extensively remove or consume the woody substrate, forest floor litter, or shrub 

hosts with which the species is associated;

o remove or destroy the fungal organism; or

o remove host tree species or significantly modify the microclimate at the species’ site.

The following table from the regional Interagency Special Status Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP) 

“Fungi Effects Analysis Guidelines” highlights potential impacts to Sensitive fungi:

Table F-3. Potential habitat impacts to sensitive fungi species

Thinning Increase in solar radiation up to 60%. Modification of forest floor conditions. 

Retention of large wood is an important factor in protecting Ectomycorrhizal (EM) and 

Saprobe/wood decaying species viability 

Direct Impacts Indirect Impacts

Removal of host 

trees necessary to 

sustain EM

Disturbance of 

mycelial network

Moisture retention capability

 overstory shade

 forest floor litter and duff 

 large wood

Nutrient source

Large woody material or host trees for regeneration of inoculum source

Soil compaction (less for helicopter)

 root growth and root tip availability for fungi

Alternatives 2 (Proposed Action), 3and 4 all propose thinning, not regeneration harvest and because the 

forest is early to mid seral in structure and composition, there is less potential for Sensitive fungi to occur. 

There is low probability of extirpating a population at the watershed or regional scale. 
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-11

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Impacts to sensitive fungi would be minimized by following a harvest prescription that leaves at least 40-

60% canopy and follows existing wildlife guidelines for the retention of Large Woody Material (LWM) 

to be left on the ground. The retention of legacy trees and downed woody material is beneficial for both 

mycorrhizal and wood/litter saprobe fungi species (Smith et al., 2002; Lemkuhl et al., 2004; Kranabetter 

et al., 2001). Therefore, in theory, there should be suitable substrate and habitat available for the 

continued and future colonization of sensitive fungi species within the stands proposed for treatment in 

this project.

Using the ISSSSP Attachment 1 - Likelihood of Occurrence Key it was determined that Outcome 2 was 

the likely scenario for this Planning Area. Outcome 2 in the document states the following:

Outcome 2: Reasonable likelihood of occurrence; low risk to species viability or trend toward 

listing

Because: 

a) The species is likely to occur in the proposed project area, but habitat requirements are too broad 

or too poorly understood to reasonably mitigate adverse effects through management of habitat at the 

project specific scale. Broad-scale inventories with management of all known sites may contribute 

toward species viability, and

b) Allocated Reserve areas (Northwest Forest Plan allocations, as well as reserve areas designated 

elsewhere) could provide for viability of the species or could help to ensure that the project would not 

contribute to the need to list.

With regard to Sensitive fungi species, implementing any of the proposed alternatives for the Eden Ridge 

timber sale may impact individuals or habitat but would not likely contribute to a trend toward federal 

listing, or cause a loss of viability to the species or population.

2. Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects are "those effects on the environment that result from the incremental effect of the 

action when added to past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency 

(federal or nonfederal) or person undertakes such other actions. 

Oregon bensonia

The scale considered for cumulative effects to Oregon bensonia is the extent of the species distribution 

(Coast and Siskiyou Mts. of Coos, Douglas, Josephine and Curry County, Oregon disjunct to the south in 

Humboldt County, California). There are roughly 60 populations of this species known in Oregon. 

Management of this species dates back to the early 1980s when Forest Service botanists began conducting 

surveys prior to proposed projects and recommending PDCs to protect populations of Oregon bensonia 

(Rare Plant Siting Forms, Gold Beach and Powers RD 1978-present). 

It is likely that adverse effects occurred to some populations of Oregon bensonia from past logging prior 

to the early 1980s. The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project would not incrementally increase any 

significant effects to Oregon bensonia because it would have no direct or indirect effects to the species 

with the proposed PDCs (avoidance and increased residual canopy cover) being implemented. 

Sensitive fungi

The scale considered for cumulative effects to Sensitive fungi is the Pacific Northwest Region 6 area in 

Oregon and Washington because this is the level used by ISSSSP biologists to develop the analysis tools 

that have allowed for the assessment of Sensitive fungi without doing field surveys to verify species 

presence or absence within projects. There is a high probability that adverse effects have occurred to 

several of the listed Sensitive fungi species in the past 100 or so years within the region. 
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-12

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Acknowledging that impacts may occur to Sensitive fungi sites, that are as yet unknown because of a lack 

of surveys and/or an inadequate protocol, is inevitable. Therefore it is can also be said that with these 

potential direct and indirect effects there would also be cumulative effects because of the certainty that 

there have been past impacts. There is also likely to be future impacts because of the lack of information 

on the distribution of these Sensitive species. Overall these effects are not likely to be significant enough 

to cause a loss of viability to a population or species.

B. EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEM FROM INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES

1. Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1 (No-Action)

There are no known high priority invasive plant species within the Planning Area. There would be no 

chance to infest new areas because no actions would occur if this alternative were chosen. This 

alternative would result in no direct or indirect effects with regard to invasive plant spread.

Action Alternatives

For effects discussion on invasive plant species, the alternatives are similar enough to lump together. 

Alternative 2 would treat 3,314 ac. and have the largest amount of new roads. Alternative 4 would have 

slightly less treatment acres (3,240), would have less new roads, and would include helicopter landings. 

Alternative 4 would treat the least amount of acres (3,058) and would have no new roads, but would have 

the largest amount of helicopter landings. 

Direct effects with regard to spreading invasive plants are actions such as parking road working 

equipment on an invasive plant site that has gone to seed, then moving the equipment to another area in 

the Planning Area and potentially spreading the seed to a new site. Several scenarios similar to this 

example have been considered and PDCs were developed (see FEIS Chapter II, Section D, 4, and 10, e) to 

avoid the introduction and/or spread of invasive species in the project. Direct effects would be minimized 

to insignificant by following the PDCs.

The removal of canopy in an area adjacent to an existing invasive plant site is an example of an indirect 

effect that could lead to further spread of that species by opening up bare ground and increasing available 

sun light. The actions proposed for this project have some potential to increase light and expose bare soil 

after thinning occurs, which has been shown to increase invasive plant colonization (Nelson et al., 2008).

With the limited amount of current seed source in the project this proposal has low to moderate risk of 

introducing or increasing invasive plants.

2. Cumulative Effects

All past, present, and foreseeable future projects within the Planning Area; have been, are, or would be 

conducted under the same PDCs and Mitigation Measures as would be required by this project. Any 

other past, present or future treatment activities such as Four Does, Lookout Partner, Backwoods Thin 

(past), and Silver Doe (present), would be expected to successfully mitigate the spread of invasive plant 

species. Mitigation Measures account for the potential spread from adjacent private lands.

Based on the limited potential for direct or indirect effects it is anticipated that there would be low to 

moderate risk of increasing cumulative effects on the spread of invasive plant species within the Project

Areas.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-13

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

VI. PROJECT DESIGN CRITERIA FOR BOTANICAL RESOURCES

Table F-4.

Resource 

Type

Project Design Criteria Objective Where Applicable Reference

Sensitive 

Vascular 

Plants

Layout aggregated retention 

zones or skips in areas 

where Bensoniella oregana

was found. A buffer of 100 

foot radius from the edge of 

each population is 

recommended.

Protect existing known sites of 

the sensitive plant Bensoniella 

oregana by avoiding direct 

trampling, maintaining coarse 

woody debris for moisture 

retention and maintaining the 

current amount of shade to 

light ratio.

Units 007, 314, 318, 

319 and 326. See 

map in Attachment B 

for details.

Draft Conservation Assessment 

for Bensoniella oregana, J. 

Ferriel, 2005; Management 

Recommendations for 

Bensoniella -Version 2.0; R. 

Holmes and L. Hoover; 1998.

Sensitive 

Vascular 

Plants

Populations of Bensoniella 

oregana found within the 

road prizm will be flagged 

prior to implementation of the 

project. No equipment or 

vehicles should be parked or 

driven within the flagged 

areas.

Protect existing known sites of 

the sensitive plant Bensoniella 

oregana by precluding any 

direct trampling of individuals 

or a population.

Road 5000-448. See 

map in Attachment B 

for details.

Draft Conservation Assessment 

for Bensoniella oregana, J. 

Ferriel, 2005; Management 

Recommendations for 

Bensoniella -Version 2.0; R. 

Holmes and L. Hoover; 1998.

Sensitive 

Vascular 

Plants

The site of Bensoniella 

oregana in unit 326 intersects 

with a proposed new road. 

The proposed new road 

should be moved further to 

the north of the buffer area. 

Protect existing known sites of 

the sensitive plant Bensoniella 

oregana by avoiding direct 

trampling, maintaining coarse 

woody debris for moisture 

retention and maintaining the 

current amount of shade to 

light ratio.

Proposed new road 

intersection with 

existing road in Unit 

326. See map in 

Appendix B for 

details.

Draft Conservation Assessment 

for Bensoniella oregana, J. 

Ferriel, 2005; Management 

Recommendations for 

Bensoniella -Version 2.0; R. 

Holmes and L. Hoover; 1998.

Sensitive 

Fungi

Avoid thinning below 40% 

canopy cover with 60% or 

above preferred. Use 

dispersed retention with 

random aggregate retention 

or skips as outlined in the 

Silviculture Report.

Allow for continued and future 

ectomycorrhizal colonization of 

remaining trees post-thinning.

Throughout the 

project areas.

Luoma et. al. 2004: Response of 

ectomycorrhizal fungus 

sporocarp production to varying 

levels and patterns of green-tree 

retention.

Sensitive 

Fungi

Maintain down wood in all 

stages of decay across 

forested landscapes.. 

Following the current forest 

standards should meet this 

criteria.

Many fungal species are 

associated with larger down 

woody material in advanced 

stages of decay. Allows for 

future saprophytic fungi 

colonization by retaining as 

much downed large wood as 

possible.

Throughout the 

project areas.

R. Huff and K. Cushman, 2007; 

Conservation Assessment for 

Fungi Included in Forest Service 

Regions 5 and 6 Sensitive and

BLM California, Oregon and 

Washington Special Status 

Species Programs.

Sensitive 

Fungi

Maintain all larger well 

decayed logs during stand 

treatments. 

In younger stands, following 

disturbance or harvest, the 

presence of large, well 

decayed down wood legacy 

can provide habitat for both 

ectomycorrhizal and wooddecay fungi, as well as plant 

seedlings. For some fungi, 

spore dissemination into 

disturbed areas is the primary 

method of re-establishment. 

Following forest standards 

should meet this criteria.

Throughout the 

project areas.

R. Huff and K. Cushman, 2007; 

Conservation Assessment for 

Fungi Included in Forest Service 

Regions 5 and 6 Sensitive and 

BLM California, Oregon and 

Washington Special Status 

Species Programs.

Invasive 

Plants

Depending upon funding 

availability collect KV funds 

to monitor and treat invasive 

species within the Planning 

Area for up to 5 years after 

completion of the project.

Avoid larger scale infestations 

by monitoring and treating 

invasive plants as soon as 

they are discovered within the 

Planning Area after work is 

complete.

Throughout the 

project areas.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-14

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Resource 

Type

Project Design Criteria Objective Where Applicable Reference

Invasive 

Plants

Before entering RRSNF 

lands the contractor is 

required to clean the 

undercarriage, tires, wheels 

and other parts of off-road 

equipment to prevent the 

spread of seed from off forest 

areas. When leaving RRSNF 

to work in other areas the 

contractor should clean 

vehicles again before 

returning to work on this 

project.

Prevent the introduction of 

invasive plant seed into the 

Planning Area from other 

projects that the contractor has 

worked on in the recent past. 

Throughout the 

project areas.

Pacific Northwest Region 

Invasive Plant Program, 

Preventing and Managing

Invasive Plants, Record of 

Decision; 2005.

Invasive 

Plants

Use locally collected native 

grass seed for erosion 

control, wildlife seeding and 

invasive plant abatement.

Prevent the inadvertent 

establishment of non-native 

grass species into the project 

area.

Throughout the 

project areas.

Pacific Northwest Region 

Invasive Plant Program, 

Preventing and Managing 

Invasive Plants, Record of 

Decision; 2005.

Invasive 

Plants

Use only certified weed free 

straw/mulch if needed for 

erosion control or other 

purposes during road 

construction.

Prevent the inadvertent 

establishment of non-native 

grass species into the project 

area.

Throughout the 

project areas.

Pacific Northwest Region 

Invasive Plant Program, 

Preventing and Managing 

Invasive Plants, Record of 

Decision; 2005.

Invasive 

Plants

All rock sources for road 

work/construction must first 

be inspected by a botanist on 

the district to ensure they are 

weed free before being used.

Prevent the inadvertent 

dispersal of invasive plant 

seed into the project areas.

Throughout the 

project areas.

Pacific Northwest Region 

Invasive Plant Program, 

Preventing and Managing 

Invasive Plants, Record of 

Decision; 2005.

VII. REFERENCES

Castellano, M.A., J. E. Smith, T. O’Dell, E. Cázares and S. Nugent. 1999. Handbook to Strategy 1 

Fungal Species in the Northwest Forest Plan. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 

General Technical Report PNW-GTR-476.

Chen, J., Franklin, J., Spies, T.; Vegetation Responses to Edge Environments in Old-Growth Douglas-Fir 

Forests; Ecological Applications, 2(4). 1992. pp. 387-396 1992.

Christy, J. A. and D. H. Wagner. 1996. Guide for the identification of rare, threatened or sensitive 

bryophytes in the range of the northern spotted owl, western Washington, western Oregon and 

northwestern California. USDI-Bureau of Land Management, Eugene District; USDA-Forest Service, 

Siuslaw National Forest; The Nature Conservancy; and The Northwest Botanical Institute.

Ferriel, J. 2005. Draft Conservation Assessment for Bensoniella oregana. USDA Forest Service. Rogue 

River-Siskiyou National Forest, Gold Beach, Oregon.

Hickman, James C. 1993. The Jepson Manual Higher Plants of California. University of California 

Press. Berkeley, CA. 1,400 pp.

Hitchcock, C. L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington 

Press. Seattle, Washington.

Interagency Special Status and Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP); 2011 

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/sfpnw/issssp/
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-15

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Kranabetter, J.M. and P. Kroeger. 2001. Ectomycorrhizal mushroom response to partial cutting in a 

western hemlock-western redcedar forest. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 31: 978-987.

Lawton, E. 1971. Moss Flora of the Pacific Northwest. The Hattori Botanical Laboratory. Nichinan, 

Japan.

 ehmkuhl, J.F., .E. Gould, E. Cázares, and D.R. Hosford. 200 . Truffle abundance and mycophagy by 

northern flying squirrels in eastern Washington forests. Forest Ecology and Management 200(1-3):49-65.

Luoma, D., Eberhart, J., Molina, R., Amaranthus, M.; Response of ectomycorrhizal fungus sporocarp 

production to varying levels of green tree retention. Forest Ecology and Management 202 (2004) 337–

354.

McCune, B. and L. Geiser. 1997. Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest. Oregon State University 

Press. Corvallis, Oregon.

Mullens, L. and Showalter, R. 2007. Rare Plants of Southwest Oregon, USDA Forest Service & USDI 

Bureau of Land Management. Grants Pass, Oregon.

Oregon Natural Heritage Program Data Base. 2006. Portland, Oregon.

Smith, J. E., R. Molina, M. M. P. Huso, D. L. Luoma, D. McKay, M. A. Castellano, T. Lebel, and Y. 

Valachovic 2002. Species richness, abundance, and composition of hypogeous and epigeous 

ectomycorrhizal fungal sporocarps in young, rotation-age, and old-growth stands in Douglas-fir 

(Pseudotsuga menziesii) in the Cascade Range of Oregon, USA. Canadian Journal of Botany 80: 186-

204.

USDA Forest Service. 1989. Final Environmental Impact Statement, Land and Resource Management 

Plan (LRMP), Siskiyou National Forest. Siskiyou National Forest, Grants Pass.

USDA Forest Service. 1991. Forest Service Manual: wildlife, fish, and sensitive plant management 

(Section 2670), WO Amendment 2600-91-3, effective 5/31/91.

USDA/USDI. 1994A. Final supplemental environmental impact statement on management of habitat for 

late-successional and old growth forest related species within the range of the northern spotted owl. 

Forest Service/Bureau of Land Management. Portland, Oregon.

USDA-Forest Service/USDI-Bureau of Land Management. 1994. Record of Decision for Amendments 

to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the 

Northern Spotted Owl, Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late-Successional and

Old-Growth Forest Related Species Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl.

USDA-Forest Service/USDI-Bureau of Land Management. 2001. Record of Decision and Standards and 

Guidelines for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other Mitigation Measures 

Standards and Guidelines. Portland, OR. 135 pp.

USDA-Forest Service/USDI-Bureau of Land Management. 2004. Record of Decision to Remove or 

Modify the Survey and Manage Mitigation Standards and Guidelines in Forest Service and Bureau of 

Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. 
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-16

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

USDA-Forest Service. 2007. Record of Decision to Remove the Survey and Manage Mitigation 

Standards and Guidelines From Forest Lands and Resource Management Plans Within the Range of the 

Northern Spotted Owl.

USDA Forest Service. 1978- 2008. Sensitive and endemic plant records and plant survey records on file 

at Gold Beach RD, Gold Beach, Oregon.

USDA Forest Service. 1989. Final Environmental Impact Statement, Land and Resource Management 

Plan (LRMP), Siskiyou National Forest. Grants Pass, Oregon.

USDA Forest Service. 1995. Forest Service Manual: Series 2000 - National Forest Resource 

Management, WO Amendment 2000-95-5, effective 11/29/95 - Invasive Plant Management.

USDA Forest Service. 1995. Current Management Direction for Invasive Plants, Forest Service Manual 

2080, Amendment No. 2000-95-5, effective November 29, 1995. Washington DC

USDA Forest Service. 1998. Pistol River Watershed Analysis. Gold Beach Ranger District. Gold Beach, 

OR.

USDA-Forest Service/USDI-Bureau of Land Management. ISSSSP Conservation Planning Tools.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/sfpnw/issssp/planning-tools/

USDA Forest Service. 2005. Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Program Final Environmental Impact 

Statement. Region 6, Portland, OR.

USDA Forest Service. 2008. Current Management Direction for Native Plant Revegetation, Forest 

Service Manual 2070, 2070.3 and 2070.46, effective February 13, 2008. Washington DC

USDA Plants Database. http://plants.usda.gov 2008.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-17

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT A

Complete Table of Current Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, Strategic and Survey and Manage Vascular Plant (118 species), Lichen (47 species), 

Moss (34 species), Liverwort (13 species) and Fungi (189 species) Species (Total=401 species) for the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest 

(RRSNF). List is from the Region 6 Regional Forester/Interagency Special Status and Sensitive Species Program, December 2011 and the Survey 

and Manage Settlement Agreement, July 2011. Species either known or suspected to have habitat within the analysis area are highlighted.

Definition of Effects Calls

NE = No Effect. This call is only used for species that are federally listed as Threatened or Endangered. All 

other calls relate to Forest Service Sensitive and Survey and Manage species.

NI = No impact. 

MIIH = May impact individuals or habitat, but will not likely contribute to a trend towards federal listing, or 

cause a loss of viability to the population or species

WIFV = Will impact individuals or habitat with a consequence that the action may contribute to a trend 

towards federal listing or cause a loss of viability to the population or species

BI = beneficial impact

N/A = Strategic species, though they may be very rare, do not currently have enough information known about 

them to qualify as Sensitive species and therefore do not require an effects call, unless they are concurrently 

listed as Survey and Manage.

VASCULAR PLANTS

Species Listing 

Category

Rogue-Siskiyou NF 

Occurrence Info Habitat/Distribution Effects Call Rationale For Determination of Effects

Adiantum jordanii

(California maidenhair fern) Sensitive Documented

Growing under myrtle-wood along intermittent stream banks, moist 

draws and within moist rocky crevices. Elevations less than 3600 feet. 

Known from about 22 occurrences along the Lower Rogue and Lower 

Umpqua river canyons of OR; very common in CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Allium bolanderi var. bolanderi

(Bolander’s onion) Strategic Documented Rocky clay soils including serpentine; < 1000 m (3280 ft.). N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Allium peninsulare

(peninsular onion) Sensitive Suspected Clay soils, including serpentine; 300--1100 m; Calif., Oreg.; Mexico (Baja California). NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Arabis macdonaldiana

(Macdonald’s rockcress) Endangered Documented

On barren to shrub covered rocky serpentine soil and Jeffrey pine 

woodlands at 500 to 4000 ft elevation. Range is confined to the heavily 

serpentinized bands of soil located along the far western portion of the 

CA/OR border within or near to the Kalmiopsis Wilderness south to Red 

Mtn, CA.

NE

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Arabis modesta

(Rogue canyon rockcress) Strategic Documented

Deep soil on steep slopes, cliffs, shaded canyon ledges; 150–500 m 

(500-1600 feet). Restricted range-Rogue Canyon in Josephine Co., 

near Provolt, Jackson Co.; Siskiyou Co., CA.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Arabis suffrutescens var. 

horizontalis

(Crater Lake rockcress)

Sensitive Suspected Peaks in the High Cascades on gravelly or stony slopes and dry pumice 

at 5500 to 8200 feet. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Arctostaphylos hispidula

(Gasquet or Howell’s manzanita) Sensitive Documented

Dry rocky ridges and gravelly soils, often on serpentine. Shrub 

communities or sparse forest, often growing with A. columbiana. Curry, 

Douglas and Josephine Cos., OR; south to Sonoma Co., CA.

NI

Suitable habitat present and within the geographic and 

ecological range of the species. The species was not 

detected during surveys of the planning area.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-18

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Arnica viscosa

(Shasta arnica) Sensitive Suspected Open, rocky, subalpine to alpine sites in the high Cascades of S. Oregon and N. California; 2000–2500 m (6500 to 8500 feet). NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Asplenium septentrionale

(grass-fern) Sensitive Documented On rock outcrops mostly consisting of breccia tuff materials; in the Cascades at mid to high elevations. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Bensoniella oregana

(Oregon bensonia) Sensitive Documented

Seeps, springs, moist meadows and wet roadside ditches along upper 

slopes and ridges. Range is restricted to the Coast and Siskiyou 

Mountains In extreme SW Oregon and NW California. Elevations 2,800 

to 5,200 feet.

MIIH

During surveys populations were found in units 007, 314, 

318, 319, 326 and along road 5550-448. Proposed project 

design criteria (PDC’s) will protect individual plants. If 

inadvertent impacts occur there is still no potential for listing 

this species as threatened or endangered because there are 

roughly 60 extant populations known in SW Oregon.

Botrychium minganense

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected

Meadows, open forest along streams or around seeps; 1500–3100 m. 

Not known from the Siskiyou or Coast Mts., only suspected on High 

Cascades RD. N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Botrychium montanum

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected

Shady conifer woodland, especially under Calocedrus along streams; 

1500–2100. Not known from the Siskiyou or Coast Mts, only suspected 

on High Cascades RD.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Botrychium pumicola

(pumice grape-fern) Sensitive Suspected

Grows in deep pumice soils created by the eruption of Mt. Mazama. 

Mostly restricted to within or near Crater Lake in the high Cascades 

mountains of Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Calachortus howellii

(Howell’s mariposa lily) Sensitive Documented

Serpentine soil, dry rocky slopes. Low to middle elevations, often on 

Ceanothus cuneatus covered slopes or in open Jeffrey pine stands. 

Restricted to the Illinois River Valley in Josephine County, Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Calachortus nudus

(Shasta star-tulip) Strategic Suspected

Moist, grassy areas, lake, bog margins; 1200–2500 m. Restricted to the 

eastern portion of the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains in Oregon and 

California.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Camassia howellii

(Howell’s camas) Sensitive Documented Dry, open serpentine slopes. Confined to an area east of I-5 between Sexton Mtn. and Merlin with a few outlying populations. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Camissonia graciflora

(slender-flowered eveningprimrose)Sensitive Documented Open or shrubby slopes, grasslands, oak woodlands, less than 4500 

feet. Eastern Siskiyou Mts. In Oregon down through California into Baja. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Carex capitata

(capitate sedge) Sensitive Suspected Wet meadows and bogs at high elevations. High Cascades and Great 

Basin; not expected in Siskiyou or Coast Mts. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Carex comosa

(bristly sedge) Sensitive Suspected Swamps and marshes and other wet places; sea level to 1,200 feet. Patchy distribution throughout N. America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Carex crawfordii

(Crawford’s sedge) Sensitive Suspected

Seeps, springs, moist meadows and wet roadside ditches along upper 

slopes and ridges. Range is restricted to the Coast and Siskiyou 

Mountains In extreme SW Oregon and NW California. Elevations 2,800 

to 5,200 feet.

NI

Suitable habitat present and within the geographic and 

ecological range of the species. The species was not 

detected during surveys of the planning area.

Carex klamathensis

(Klamath sedge) Sensitive Documented

Serpentine wetlands/Darlingtonia bogs at 1,300 to 1,800 feet. 

Restricted to Joephine County, Oregon w/isolated disjunct population 

near Redding, CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Carex nervina

(Sierra nerved sedge) Sensitive Documented Moist to wet places, often shaded, 3,600 feet and higher. East KlamathSiskiyou Mts. and Sierra Nevada Mts. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Castilleja schizotricha

(split-hair paintbrush) Sensitive Documented

On decomposed granite or marble, 5,000-6,000 feet, north aspects, in 

red-fir forest. Siskiyou crest in Jackson and Josephine Counties and 

south into the Red Buttes Wildnerness.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-19

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Cheilanthes covillei

(Coville’s lip-fern) Sensitive Documented Rock crevices, base of rocks, rocky slopes, sun to shade. West Cascades in Jackson Co.; also occurs in CA, NV, UT and AZ. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cheilanthes intertexta

(coastal lip-fern) Sensitive Suspected

Rock crevices, foothills to mid-montane. Current known sites in Oregon 

on andesite. Klamath Mtns. In Douglas and Jackson Cos., OR. Also 

occur in CA and NV.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Chlorogalum angustifolium

(narrow-leaved amole) Sensitive Suspected Open dry places, heavy soils in meadows and woodlands below 1,500 ft. 3 sites in Jackson and Josephine Cos., OR, more common in CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cicendia quadrangularis

(timwort) Sensitive Documented

Open places, vernally wet meadows; oak savannah. Klamath Mts., 

Columbia Basin, Willamette Valley. Also Sierra Nevada foothills and 

Coast Range CA; western S. America.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Clintonia andrewsiana

(Andrew’s bead-lily) Strategic Suspected

Found on alluvial terraces within 2nd  growth and old growth redwood 

forests. Known sites in OR are historical as the species is now 

considered extirpated.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Collomia mazama

(Mt. Mazama collomia) Sensitive Documented

Open woods, wet meadows, road cutbanks generally above 9,000 ft. but 

found between 4,500-6,000 ft. on the Rogue-Umpqua divide. Southern 

Cascades in Douglas, Jackson and Klamath Cos.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Coptis asplenifolia

(fernleaf goldthread)

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

N/A- not suspected on 

the RRSNF

Moist, coniferous forests, seeps, and bogs; 0-1500m; B.C.; Alaska, 

Wash. N/A No suitable habitat within the planning area. Not known in OR.

Coptis trifolia

(three leaf goldthread)

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

N/A- not suspected on 

the RRSNF

Wet to mesic, coniferous and mixed forests, bogs, willow scrub, and 

tundra, often associated with mosses; 0-1500m N/A No suitable habitat within the planning area. Only found in northern OR.

Corydalis aquae-gelidae

(coldwater fumewort)

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

N/A- not suspected on 

the RRSNF

Seeps, springs or streams with relatively cold water, a substrate of 

gravely sand, upper level canopy closure of 70 to 90 percent, and little 

herbaceous competition. Sites are between 370 m (1200 ft) and 1310 m 

(4260 ft) in elevation. Along the crest of the Cascades as far south as 

the Willamette NF.

N/A No suitable habitat within the planning area. Only extends 

south as far as the Willamette NF in the Cascades.

Cryptantha milo-bakeri

(Milo-baker’s cryptantha) Sensitive Documented Rocky or gravelly slopes, generally coniferous forests below 4,500 feet. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cupressus bakeri

(Baker’s cypress) Sensitive Documented

Dry forested, brushy or open slopes, usually rocky ground or serpentine 

soils at 3,800 to 6,000. West Cascades and East Siskiyou Mts. south to 

the Sierra Nevada.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cyperus acuminatus

(short-pointed cypress) Sensitive Suspected Edges of ephemeral pools, ponds, streams or ditches, below 1,200 ft. Klamath Mts. and Willamette Valley in OR. Also in WA, MT, CA, TX. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cypripedium fasciculatum

(clustered lady’s slipper)

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category C

Documented Open coniferous forest, sometimes with Pacific dogwood on north facing 

slopes and elevations 1000-3500 ft. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cypripedium montanum

(mountain lady’s slipper)

Survey and 

Manage 

Category C

Documented

Mesic to dry (rarely wet) coniferous, deciduous, and broadleaf evergreen 

forests, openings, and thickets, around shrubs on open slopes; 0--2400 

m; Alta., B.C.; Alaska, Calif., Idaho, Mont., Oreg. (Cascade and Siskiyou 

Mts.), Wash., Wyo.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Delphinium nudicaule

(red larkspur) Sensitive Documented Talus and well drained gravelly soils or rocky slopes. Jackson and Josephine Cos., OR; common in CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Dicentra pauciflora

(few-flowered bleedingheart) Sensitive Documented High elevation on rocky to gravelly soils. Josephine Co., OR south to the Sierra Nevada in CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Draba howellii

(Howell’s whitlow-grass) Sensitive Documented Granitic north facing rock crevices, above 4,000 feet. Restricted to the Klamath-Siskiyou Mts. in SW OR and NW CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-20

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Epilobium oreganum

(Oregon willow-herb) Sensitive Documented Darlingtonia fens and other wet serpentine areas at low elevations. Josephine Co., OR; CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Epilobium siskiyouense

(Siskiyou willow-herb) Sensitive Documented

Boulder fields, rock crevices and rocky slopes on serpentine soils at 

5,500 to 8,200 feet. Jackson and Josephine Cos., OR; Siskiyou and 

Trinity Cos., CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ericameria arborescens

(goldenfleece) Sensitive Documented

In OR occurring in openings of PSME/LIDE forest; disturbance and fire 

are necessary for germination. 1200-2700 ft. Known from 6 sites in 

Curry Co., OR; abundant in CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Erigeron cervinus

(Siskiyou daisy Sensitive Documented

In rocky places or crevices on solid rock. Also in open areas, medium to 

high elevations and sometimes glaciated areas. River and stream banks 

at lower elevations, usually near seeps or vernally wet areas. Siskiyou 

Mts. of Curry and Josephine Cos., OR and Trinity, Del Norte and 

Siskiyou Cos., CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Erigeron petrophilus

(cliff daisy) Sensitive Documented High elevation serpentine slopes and cliffs. Jackson and Josephine Cos., OR; CA Klamath and Coast Range. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Eriogonum lobbii

(Lobb’s buckwheat) Sensitive Documented

Gravelly ridges and talus slopes at moderate to high elevations. Not 

generally found on serpentine soils. Curry and Josephine Cos., OR; 

more common in CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Erythronium howellii

(Howell’s adder’s-tongue) Sensitive Documented Open woods, often on serpentine or in ecotonal areas. Illinois Valley OR south to Trinity Mts. in CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Eschscholzia caespitosa

(gold poppy) Sensitive Suspected Dry flats and brushy slopes below 3,500 feet. Josephine and Douglas Cos., OR. Throughout CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Eucephalis vialis

(wayside aster)

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Documented

Coniferous forest at elevations of 152 to 457 m (500 to 1,500 ft). 

Typically the species occurs on dry, upland sites dominated by P. 

menziesii. Interior valley species ranging from Linn Co., OR to Del 

Norte Co., CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Frasera umpquaensis

(Umpqua swertia) Sensitive Documented

Open woods or at edges of meadows. In mid to upper elevation true fir 

dominated forests or mixed conifer forests (4,000 to 6,000 feet). RogueUmpqua divide with small disjunct pops. Into Trinity Co., CA.NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Fritillaria gentneri

(Gentner’s fritillary) Endangered Documented

Open, dry low elevation sites in mixed oak-madrone woodlands, 

ponderosa pine woodlands, chaparral, and grasslands 1,000 to 5,000 ft. 

Often found on ecotones. Jackson and Josphine Cos., OR; Siskiyou 

Co., CA.

No Effect

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Galium kamtschaticum

(boreal bedstraw)

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

N/A- not suspected on 

the RRSNF

Moist, cold, coniferous forests in the silver fir or mountain hemlock plant 

associations, in wet canopy gaps. Northerly aspects, from 643-967 m 

(1930-2900 feet) in elevation

Circumboreal; in PNW AK to WA Cascade Range, does not extend 

south of Snoqualmie Pass

N/A No suitable habitat within the planning area. Not known or 

suspected in Oregon.

Gentiana newberryi

(Newberry’s gentian) Sensitive Suspected Sub-alpine wet meadows between 3,500 and 6,500 ft. Central Cascade’s OR south through the Sierra Nevada in CA and NV. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gentiana plurisetosa

(elegant gentian) Sensitive Documented Wet mountain meadows on granitic soils, 3,900 to 6,200 feet. Josephine Co., OR; Siskiyou, Trinity and Del Norte Cos., CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gentiana setigera

(Waldo gentian) Sensitive Documented Serpentine wet meadows and Darlingtonia bogs, seeps on slopes at elevations below 3,800 feet. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-21

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Hackelia bella

(beautiful stickseed) Sensitive Suspected Stream banks, roadsides, open slopes, forest openings 3,000 to 6,000 feet. Klamath Mts. and w Cascades Jackson Co., OR; n CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hastingsia bracteosa var. 

atropurpurea (purple flowered 

rush-lily)

Sensitive Documented Wet meadows, rocky seeps, serpentine Darlingtonia fens at lower 

elevations. Illinois Valley Josephine Co., OR. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hastingsia bracteosa var. 

bracteosa (large flowered rushlily)Sensitive Documented Wet meadows, rocky seeps, serpentine Darlingtonia fens at lower 

elevations. Illinois Valley Josephine Co., OR. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hieracium horridum

(shaggy hawkweed) Sensitive Suspected Rocky places, crevices; 1350–3300 m; OR, CA & NV. High Cascades, Sierra Nevada. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Horkelia hendersonii

(Henderson’s horkelia) Sensitive Documented Dry ganitic flats and rubbly talus slopes 6,000 to 7,000 feet. Known from Mt. Ashland in OR; and from one location in Siskiyou Co., CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Horkelia tridentata ssp. tridentata

(three-toothed horkelia) Sensitive Documented

Dry, open coniferous forest on granitic or igneous soils, 1,000 to 8,000 

feet. Ashland area only in OR; Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range and 

Modoc Plateau in CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Iliamna latibracteata

(California globe-mallow) Sensitive Documented

Moist sites, stream sides in coniferous forests. Often in open or partial 

shade, disturbed ground, often recently burned. Elevation 300-4000 ft. 

Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson and Josephine Cos., OR; south to 

Humboldt Co., CA.

NI

Suitable habitat present and within the geographic and 

ecological range of the species. The species was not 

detected during surveys of the planning area.

Keckiella lemonii

(bush beardtongue) Sensitive Documented

Rocky slopes, coniferous and mixed forests, chaparral, 600-6000 feet. 

Klamath Mts. in Jackson and Josephine Cos., OR; CA, NV more 

common.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Lewisia leana

(Lee’s lewisia) Sensitive Documented

Rocky or gravelly ridges or benches at higher elevations, often on 

serpentine soils. Klamath Mts. in Curry, Josephine, Douglas and 

Jackson Cos., OR; south to Fresno Co., CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Lilium kelloggii

(Kellogg’s lily) Strategic Suspected

Gaps and openings usually created by disturbance events; redwood 

forests, brushfields and roadsides. <3,500ft . Currently thought to be 

extirpated in OR; more common in N CA, Del Norte and Humboldt Cos.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Limnanthes floccosa spp. 

bellingeriana (bellinger’s meadow 

foam)

Sensitive Documented Vernal meadows/pools in full sun, basalt scablands 1,000-4,000ft. 

Jackson and Klamath Cos., OR; Shasta Co., CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Limnanthes gracilis ssp. gracilis

(slender meadow foam) Sensitive Suspected

Vernally wet meadows and stream edges, valleys and foothills, 

sometimes serpentine soils, <2,500ft,. Douglas and Josephine Cos., 

OR, particulary the Illinois Valley.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Lomatium cookii

(Cook’s lomatium) Endangered Suspected

Alluvial silt or clay deposits over serpentine bedrock, alluvial meadows, 

moist grasslands and along seasonal streams restricted to the Rogue 

and Illinois Valleys of Jackson and Josephine Cos., OR.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Lomatium engelmanii

(Englemann’s desert parsley) Sensitive Documented

Gravelly serpentine slopes in coniferous forest and open areas at mid to 

high elvations (3,000-6,000). Sisiyou Mts. Josephine Co., OR; Siskiyou 

& Trinity Cos., CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Lotus stipularis

(stipuled trefoil) Sensitive Documented Open forest, stream beds, ditches, chapparal and logged areas below 4,000ft. Josephine Co., OR; throughout CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Lupinus aridus ssp. ashlandensis

(Mt. Ashland lupine) Sensitive Documented

Sub-alpine, dry, gravelly openings on granitic soils in full sun at or near 

ridges (>7,000ft.). Known from one pop. on Mt. Ashland, Jackson Co., 

OR.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Lupinus tracyi

(Tracy’s lupine) Sensitive Documented

Dry openings, edges of forest, open woods, on granitic and 

metavolcanic soils at mid to high elevations. Known from a few sites in 

the Siskiyou Mts of Curry and Josephine Cos., OR; Siskiyous in CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Meconella oregana

(white fairy poppy) Sensitive Suspected

Vernally moist meadows and seeps on serpentine and/orgravelly/sandy 

soils. BC continuing south to the east Cascades to central California 

w/spotty populations occurring.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-22

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Mimulus bolanderi

(Bolander’s monkeyflower) Sensitive Documented Burns, openings in chaparral (especially Ceanothus cuneatus brush fields) & disturbed areas 1,000-2,500ft. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Mimulus congdonii

(Congdon’s monkeyflower) Sensitive Suspected

Oregon white-oak, wedgeleaf ceanothus and whiteleaf Manzanita 

chaparral 1,000-3,000ft. Applegate Valley in OR; Sierra foothills and 

Coast Range in CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Monardella purpurea

(Siskiyou monardella) Strategic Documented

Rocky, open serpentine scrub forest, chaparral, woodlands and 

montane forest, 1,400-4,000ft. Curry, Jackson and Josephine Cos., OR; 

to central CA in Coast Range and Klamath Mts.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Nemacladus capillaris

(slender nemacladus) Sensitive Suspected Dry slopes, burned areas, volcanic outcrops; 400–2100 m. Jackson Co.,OR; more common throughout CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ophioglossum pusilum

(Adder’s tongue) Sensitive Suspected

Open fens, wet meadows, marsh edges, grassy shores, pastures and 

roadside ditches. Occurs sporadically throughout the PNW spread 

across to the East Coast.

NI No suitable habitat within the planning area.

Pellaea andromedifolia

(coffee fern) Sensitive Suspected Rocky dry areas, rock crevices and under boulders often on steep slopes . S OR to Baja CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Pellaea mucronata ssp. 

mucronata (bird’s foot fern) Sensitive Suspected Rocky dry areas, all elevations. Josephine and Jackson Cos., OR; CA, NV and Mexico. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Perideridia erythrorhiza

(red rooted yampah) Sensitive Documented

Vernally moist depressions in heavy, poorly drained soils. Oak and Pine 

woodlands at low to mid elevations in the Cascades, serpentine habitats 

in the Siskiyous. Douglas, Klamath, Josephine & Jackson Cos., OR.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phacelia leonis

(Siskiyou phacelia) Sensitive Documented Rocky to sandy openings in coniferous forests. Ultramafic soils 3,900 to 6,500ft. Josephine Co., OR; Klamath Mts. CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Pilularia americana

(American pillwort) Sensitive Suspected Vernal pools, mud flats, lake margins, reservoirs. Rare throughout OR, CA and central and SE USA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Pinus albicaulis

(whitebark pine) Sensitive Documented Thin, rocky, cold soils at or near timberline, montane forests; 1300--

3700m; Alta., B.C.; Calif., Idaho, Mont., Nev., Oreg., Wash., Wyo.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Pinus sabiniana

(gray pine) Strategic Documented

Dry foothills on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, and in the coast 

ranges, nearly ringing the Central Valley of California; 30--1900m. 

Handful of populations in OR that may be from cultivation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Plagiobothrys figuratus ssp. 

corallicarpus (coral seeded 

allocarya)

Sensitive Suspected Vernally moist, rocky, open areas in grassland meadows. Jackson and 

Josephine Cos., OR. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Plagiobothrys greenei

(Greene’s popcorn flower) Sensitive Suspected Vernally wet areas, and along trails and roads. Jackson and Josephine Cos., OR; CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Platanthera orbiculata var. 

orbiculata (lesser round-leaved 

orchid)

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

N/A- not suspected on 

the RRSNF

Mesic to wet coniferous and deciduous forest, fen forest; 0--1500 m. Not 

currently known in OR. Mostly in Canada extending down into WA and 

ID on the west coast.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Poa rhizomata

(timber bluegrass) Sensitive Suspected Dry Douglas-fir and Ponderosa pine forest. Known from a handful of sites in Jackson and Lane Cos., OR; Trinity and Siskiyou Cos., CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Polystichum californicum

(California sword-fern) Sensitive Suspected

Creek banks and canyons in redwood and mixed evergreen forests, 

rocky open slopes to 3000 ft. Known from a few disjunct pops. In 

Douglas, Linn, Curry and Coos Cos., OR; common in CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rafinesquia californica

(California chicory) Sensitive Suspected Open sites in scrub, woodland; often common after fire; 100–1500 m, rare in OR, common throughout CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhamnus illicifolia

(redberry) Sensitive Documented Chaparral and oak woodlands below 5,000ft. Jackson Co., OR; common in CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-23

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Rhynchospora capitellata 

(brownish beakrush) Strategic Suspected

Moist to wet meadows, swales, seeps, stream banks, flatwoods, fens, 

and bogs; 0–1600 m. Known from 1 site in a Sphagnum bog near 

Brookings, OR; scattered sites across continental US.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ribes divaricatum var. pubiflorum

(straggly gooseberry) Sensitive Suspected Coastal bluffs, forest edges; 5–1485 m. Known from a handful of sites along the lower Rogue River in OR; more common in CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Romanzoffia thompsonii

(Thompson’s mistmaiden) Sensitive Documented

Sunny vernally wet, mossy (esp. Bryum miniatum), rocky hillsides at 

750-6,000ft. Douglas, Jackson, Lane, Linn, Marion Cos., in foothills and 

west Cascades of OR

NI

Suitable habitat present and within the geographic and 

ecological range of the species. The species was not 

detected during surveys of the planning area.

Rorippa columbiae

(Columbia cress) Sensitive Suspected

Wet seasonal inundations in riparian, lakeshore, vernal pool, ditch and 

playa habitats from near sea level to 5,300ft. PNW endemic. Only 11 

known pops.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Saxifragopsis fragariodes

(joint-leaved saxifrage) Sensitive Documented Rocky crevices, often in rock gardens, 4500 to 9000 ft. Curry and Josephine Cos., OR; CA & WA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Scheuzeria palustris var. 

americana (American scheuzeria) Sensitive Documented Floating mats, bogs, lake margins 1400–2000 m. CA to to Alaska, e N.America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Schoenoplectus subterminalis

(water clubrush) Sensitive Documented Quiet relatively shallow water. Lakes, ponds, marshes. Scattered in CA and OR to AK and east NE Canada and many eastern states. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Scirpus pendulus

(drooping bulrush) Sensitive Documented

Marshes and wet meadows, river terraces, ditches, 2500 to 3000 ft. 

Clackamas, Curry, Jackson, Josephine, Linn and Marion Cos., OR; one 

site in CA near Yreka.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Scoliopus bigelovii

(California fetid adders tongue) Sensitive Documented Redwood forest; Curry County, Oregon, common in California. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Sedum moranii

(Rogue River stonecrop) Sensitive Documented Rock outcrops in lower canyons. Found on greenstone outcrops on west or southwest slopes. Rogue River Canyon, Josephine Co., OR. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Sidalcea malachroides

(maple-leaved sidalcea) Strategic Suspected

Mostly within the range of Redwoods. Occurs in disturbed areas and 

clearings along the coast below 2,000ft. Coastal northern CA. Two 

historic sites in Oregon are no longer extant.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Sidalcea malviflora ssp. patula

(coast checker bloom) Sensitive Documented

Coastal. Open woodlands, openings within mixed forests, meadows, or 

grassy places at low elevations. Often serpentine. From Coos Co. OR 

south to Humboldt Co. CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Silene hookeri ssp. bolanderi

(Bolander’s catchfly) Sensitive Documented Oak woodland rocky knolls and slopes, often on serpentine, below 5,000ft. Josephine Co., OR; NW CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Silene. serpentinicola

(serpentine catchfly) Strategic Suspected Serpentine soils, chaparral, conifer forest; 100–800 m. Klamath Range CA. N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Solanum parishii

(Parish’s horse-nettle) Sensitive Documented Chaparral, oak/pine woodlands, meadows and brush fields in dry PSME or QUGA communities. Jackson, Josephine Cos., OR; south to Baja. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Sophora leachiana

(western sophora) Sensitive Documented

South or west facing slopes on disturbed open, sunny habitat. Mixed 

conifer hardwood vegetation. Endemic to small area in Josephine Co., 

OR.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Streptanthus glandulosus

(common jewel flower) Sensitive Suspected Serpentine or metamorphic (Franciscan formation), rocky, gen barren slopes, chaparral openings, steep woodland; 150–1400 m. OR and CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Streptanthus howellii

(Howell’s streptanthus) Sensitive Documented Dry rocky serpentine slopes in open conifer/ hardwood forests from 1000 to 4500 ft. SW OR, NW CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-24

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Tauschia howellii

(Howell’s tauschia) Sensitive Documented

Dry exposed ridges in gravelly granitic and serpentine flats, in coniferous 

forests at high elevations (6,600-7,100ft). Jackson Co., OR; Siskiyou 

Co., CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Trillium kurabayashii syn. = 

angustipetalum

(Siskiyou trillium)

Sensitive Documented Coniferous forest, woodland, and chaparral at low to mid elevations. 

Lower Rogue canyon Curry Co., OR; sporadically through CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Utricularia minor

(lesser bladderwort) Sensitive Documented In ponds or bogs in shallow, standing or slow moving water. Circumpolar in distribution. Several counties in OR. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Viola primulifolia ssp. occidentalis

(western bog violet) Sensitive Documented Serpentine Darlingtonia fens at lower elevations. Curry and Josephine Cos., OR; Del Norte Co., CA. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Wolffia columbiana

(Columbia water-meal) Sensitive Suspected Free floating in quiet water. Widely distributed throughout N. America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Zigadenus fontanus

(small-flowered death camas) Sensitive Suspected Dry, open to partial shade, on south-facing slopes and ridgelines. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

MOSSES

Species Listing 

Category

RRS National Forest 

Occurrence Info Habitat/Distribution Effects Call Rationale For Determination of Effects

Andreaea schofieldiana Sensitive Documented

Forming mats on dry and exposed to moist, shaded igneous rocks, 

montane to subalpine. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest. Southwestern 

British Columbia to Siskiyou and Del Norte counties, California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Anomobryum julaceum Strategic Suspected

Earth cliff crevices, on tussock tundra with seeps and late snow melt 

areas, and on granitic outcrops. Widespread in the temperate regions of 

the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Brotherella roellii

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

N/A- not expected on 

the RRSNF

Forms small glossy, golden yellow-green mats on rotten logs, stumps and 

the bases of red alder (Alnus rubra) trees in mixed low elevation 

deciduous and coniferous forest edges, usually in floodplains. Endemic to 

the Pacific Northwest, known only from SW BC and WA.

N/A Not expected in Oregon.

Bruchia bolanderi Strategic Documented

Found ephemerally in the subalpine zone in montane wet meadows and 

along moist stream banks in the Cascade Range between 3500 and 5000 

feet.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Bryum calobryoides Sensitive Documented

Forming sods or occurring as individuals among other mosses, on both 

acid and basic rocks and soil in shaded to exposed boulder fields, 

montane to alpine meadows, cliffs, and outcrops. Elevations range from 

3,000 to 7,000 feet.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Buxbaumia aphylla Strategic Suspected

A pioneer on dry, mineral-poor soil (sandy, pumice, or clayey) and welldecayed wood, in exposed to shaded sites in forests, cutbanks of trails 

and roads, and recovering burns. Mostly 4,000 to 6,000 in the high 

Cascades.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Codriophorus depressus Sensitive Suspected

Forming mats on rocks in perennial or intermittent streams, and in the 

spray zone of waterfalls, between 400 and 11,000 feet elevation. Habitats 

are subject to scour at high water.

NI

Suitable habitat present and within the geographic and 

ecological range of the species. The species was not 

detected during surveys of the planning area.

Codriophorus rysyzardii Strategic Suspected

Shaded, moist rocks and cliffs along shady streams or in forests, often in 

the splash zone, but never aquatic 1000-6000 feet; PSME, TSHE, PISI 

forests. Endemic to northwestern North America, from Alaska to Oregon.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Didymodon norrisii Strategic Suspected

Rock outcrops, calcareous and volcanic boulders, fields, and cliffs in 

runoff areas, in low to moderate elevations (200-1500 m). Endemic to 

Western North America. Known only from CA, OR (Jackson Co.) and 

BC.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Encalypta brevicollis Sensitive Documented

On soil in shaded crevices in igneous rocks, along ridge tops with 

frequent fog penetration. Curry Co., OR; historic sites in WA; throughout 

Canada.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-25

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Encalypta brevipes Sensitive Documented

Soil on ledges and in crevices on cliffs, reported from both igneous and 

siliceous substrates (Horton 1983; Hedderson and Brassard 1992). Sites 

may be subject to frequent fog penetration. Circumboreal. In the Pacific 

Northwest known from Alberta, British Columbia, Washington, and 

Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Entosthodon fasicularis Sensitive Suspected

Occurring as individual plants or forming small sods on seasonally wet, 

exposed soil in seeps or along intermittent streams. It is usually hidden 

among grasses, other mosses, and litter. Habitats known to the author 

and described by McIntosh (2005) are grassland, oak savanna, grassy 

balds, and rock outcrops.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Grimmia anomala Strategic Documented

Forming small cushions on igneous or serpentine rocks, shaded or in 

crevices of exposed rocks, 4000-7000 ft. Circumboreal occurring in 

several states.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Helodium blandowii Sensitive Documented

Forming mats and small hummocks in medium to rich montane fens with 

calcareous groundwater. Circumboreal, extending south in the Cascade 

Range and Sierra Nevada to California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hygrohypnum alpinum Strategic Documented

Irrigated emergent, acidic rocks in montane streams; low to moderate 

elevations, 200--850 m ; B.C.; Alaska, Calif., Oregon, Idaho, Montana, 

Washington; Europe

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Iwatsukiella leucotricha

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

N/A- not expected on 

the RRSNF

Trunks and branches of conifers and occasionally on alder trees along 

exposed, higher elevation coastal ridges in Washington and Oregon. 

Globally this species occurs in Japan and adjacent eastern Asia. In the 

Pacific Northwest it is known from the coastal areas of Alaska,British 

Columbia, and Oregon.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Meesia uliginosa Sensitive Documented

Forming turfs in medium to rich montane fens 5000-6000ft. One of 

several species of so-called "brown mosses" that occur in mineral-rich 

fens. Circumboreal distribution.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Orthodontium gracile

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented

On boles of redwood trees in moist old growth or mature second growth 

forest. Within the range of redwoods from sw OR south to central coast 

CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Orthodontium pellucens Sensitive Documented

On boles of redwood trees in moist old growth or mature second growth 

forest. Within the range of redwoods from sw OR south to central coast 

CA.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Pseudocalliergon trifarium Sensitive Suspected

Medium to rich montane fens where it grows submerged to emergent in 

pools or on saturated ground, 5000-6000 feet. Circumboreal but rare 

throughout much of its range.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ptychostomum cyclophyllum Strategic Documented

Wet soil along the edge of ditches or among tree roots subject to 

inundation, wet seepage beside gravel runway, on silty-clay wet area of 

muskeg, on tundra. Widely distributed in world, only a few sites in OR 

from Jackson Co.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Racomitrium aquaticum

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

N/A- Not found in N. 

America

Occurs in Europe and Asia. Not known from N. America. See 

Codriphorus rhyzardii for this species in N. America. N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizomnium nudum

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Occurs in coniferous forests in Oregon mostly at mid to high elevations. It 

is known from low-gradient riparian zones within old-growth stands of 

silver fir with scattered Shasta red fir (Abies magnifica var. shastensis). 

The understory is often very sparse.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Schistostega pennata

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected Moist lowland forest and in most crevices and caves. On mineral soil in 

shaded pockets of overturned tree roots. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Scouleria marginata Strategic Suspected

Occurs on bedrock material or very large boulders along the margins of 

perennial river systems. It is frequently submerged but is usually 

exposed during periods of low water flow. The rock material may be 

granitic or volcanic in origin but must be large enough so it will not be 

moved during turbulent floodwater events.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-26

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Splachnum ampulaceum Sensitive Suspected

Forming green sods on old dung of herbivores, or on soil enriched by 

dung, in peatlands or other wetlands. The sodden, decomposed dung will 

scarcely be visible, or may be completely humified.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tetraphis geniculata

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

N/A- not expected on 

the RRSNF

Inhabits well rotted stumps and logs in shaded, humid locations at low to 

mid elevations. N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Thamnobryum neckeroides Strategic Suspected

Growning on rocks and trees, often in shaded, damp locations in mixed 

Doug-fir/western hemlock forest with Acer macrophyllum British 

Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington in PNW; world wide 

distribution but rare.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tomentypnum nitens Sensitive Documented

Medium to rich montane fens where it favors slightly elevated sites such 

as logs, stumps, or hummocks formed by Vacccinium uliginosum and 

Betula glandulosa. Circumboreal.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tortella fragilis Strategic Suspected Calcareous cliffs from sea-level to alpine elevations. Widespread world 

distribution. N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tortula mucronifolia Sensitive Documented

On soil, tree roots, and sheltered ledges and crevices of rock outcrops 

and cliffs at 5000-7000ft. ABMAS/ABCO forest. Widely distributed 

throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Trichostomum tenuirostre var 

tenuirostre Strategic Suspected

Occurs on damp to moist soil, soil over rock, peaty banks, humid cliffs, 

rarely on tree bases and logs that may be occasionally flooded. Sea 

level to sub-alpine. Widely distributed in the world but with very few sites 

in the Columbia Gorge in OR.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Triquetrella californica Strategic Suspected

On exposed to shaded soil, rocks, sand, or gravel in dry or moist 

situations. Reported from trails, roadsides, picnic areas, playgrounds, and 

rock outcrops from sea level to about 1600 feet elevation, within 10 miles 

of the coast. Endemic to CA and OR, very rare globally.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

LIVERWORTS

Species Listing 

Category

RRS National Forest 

Occurrence Info Habitat/Distribution Effects Call Rationale For Determination of Effects

Anastrophyllum minutum Sensitive Documented

On peaty soil at relatively high elevations (> 5500' asl) in the Tsuga 

mertensiana zone. Can be found on ledges or at the base of cliffs. 

Circumboreal distribution.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Calypogeia sphagnicola Sensitive Documented

Usually restricted to poor fens containing Sphagnum. Also found in 

serpentine influenced Darlingtonia fens growing among other liverworts 

(Sphagnum not present).

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cephaloziella spinigera Sensitive Documented Sphagnum bogs and fens at mid to high elevations. Widespread in 

boreal zone; very rare in OR w/only a few sites. N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Chilocyphus gemmiparus Strategic Documented

Found emergent to sub-emergent in clear cold montane streams flowing 

through meadows as well as forest. 5,000-7,000ft. Only 7 localities 

known, 5 of them are in Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cryptomitrium tenerum Sensitive Documented

Forming small to locally extensive mats on bare, usually shaded and 

humid soil on hillsides, rock outcrops, and streambanks. In Oregon 

between sea level and 1000 feet elevation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Diplophyllum plicatum

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Tends to occur in either Western hemlock/Douglas-fir stands with western 

red cedar present or Sitka Spruce older forests stands. It occurs in areas 

that sustain year-round cool habitats with high humidity which are fairly 

common along the immediate coast and in the Coast Range.

NI Potential suitable habitat is present but the species was not 

detected during surveys.

Herbertus aduncus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

N/A- not expected on 

the RRSNF

Found in cool, moist sites in a variety of forest types, often on moist cliffs 

in OR. More common in AK, BC and WA. N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Harpanthus flotovianus Sensitive Documented

Sphagnum bog and fens at higher elevations in the montane boreal zone. 

Widespread around the northern hemisphere in boreal and montane 

regions.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-27

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Kurzia makinoana

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Occurs on well-shaded, rotten wood and humic soil at low elevations, 

especially on stream terraces, darlingtonia bogs, floodplains, and other 

cool, moist forest locations.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Marsupella emarginata var. 

aquatica

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Restricted to streams with relatively fast moving water and rocky bottoms; 

in subalpine, montane situations. Widespread around the northern 

hemisphere in boreal and montane regions.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Porella bolanderi Sensitive Documented

Forming shaded to partly exposed mats on a variety of rock types 

(siliceous, calcareous, and metamorphic) and trunks of Quercus, 

Umbellularia, and Acer macrophyllum (Piippo and Norris 1996). In the 

Pacific Northwest, known elevations range from 500-3000 feet.

NI

Suitable habitat present and within the geographic and 

ecological range of the species. The species was not 

detected during surveys of the planning area.

Tritomaria exsectiformis

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Found on rotting wood and moist soil at the edge of very clear and cold 

springs in the high Cascades of OR. Arctic circumboreal distribution. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tritomaria quinquedata

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Occurs on wet humus over boulders, shaded cliffs, soil over exposed rock 

surfaces, decaying branches at the fringes of spray zones, and among 

heather on slopes.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

LICHENS

Species Listing 

Category

RRS National Forest 

Occurrence Info Habitat/Distribution Effects Call Rationale For Determination of Effects

Bryoria pseudocapillaris

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected

Grows in areas of frequent maritime fog on exposed trees (especially 

Sitka spruce and shore pine) and shrubs growing on coastal windswept 

dunes, rocky headlands, and in one case, coastal mountains, up to 500 

meters (1600 feet) above sea level within 15 km (10 miles) of the ocean

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Bryoria spiralifera

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected

Grows on exposed trees (especially Sitka spruce and shore pine) and 

shrubs on forested, coastal, windswept dunes and headlands at or near 

sea level within 3 km (2 miles) of the ocean

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Bryoria subcana Sensitive Documented

On bark and wood of conifers in forests of coastal bays, streams, dune 

forests, and high precipitation ridges and summits within 50 km (30 mi) of 

the ocean.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Buellia oidalea

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Suspected

On bark or wood of trunks and twigs of coniferous trees and broad-leaved 

trees and shrubs along the immediate Pacific coast, in open places such 

as dunes and salt marshes.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Calicium abietinum

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

On lignum or occasionally bark of conifer trees or lignum of oak logs and 

stumps, also fenceposts, especially in the open ecotone between forests 

and meadows. This species is mostly found in sparsely forested regions.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Calicium adspersum

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Suspected

Forming small crusts on bark of living Abies grandis, Pseudotsuga 

menziesii, Quercus sp., Sequoia sempervirens and Thuja plicata at or 

below 2,000 feet elevation usually occurs in relatively open stands in drier 

microhabitats where sheltered from precipitation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cetrelia cetrariodes

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

N/A- much further 

north Grows primarily on the bark of alder, and occasionally on mossy rock. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Chaenotheca chrysocephala

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Found on the bark of TSHE, THPL and other conifer species. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Chaenotheca ferruginea

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Found on the bark of TSHE, THPL and other conifer species. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Chaenotheca furfuracea

Survey and 

Manage 

Category F

Suspected Found on the bark of TSHE, THPL and other conifer species. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-28

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Chaenotheca subroscida

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Documented

Usually in shaded moist situations, esp. close to the base of trunks. On 

old THPL, PIEN trunks, decorticated stumps and dry twigs of Picea under 

canopy.

NI Potential suitable habitat is present but the species was not 

detected during surveys.

Chaenothecopsis pusilla

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Suspected Found on the bark of TSHE, THPL and other conifer species. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cladonia norvegica

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category C

Suspected On decaying bark or wood at the base of conifer trees and on decaying 

logs in humid forests, from sea level to 1300m elevation NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Collema nigrescens

Survey and 

Manage 

Category F

Documented On bark of hardwood trees and shrubs, including Garry oak, canyon live 

oak, big-leaf maple, cottonwood, and vine maple NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Collema undulatum var. 

granulosum Strategic Suspected On periodically moistened calcareous rocks or on mosses over rocks, occasionally on soil. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Fuscopannaria saubinetii

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

N/A Not known in Pacific Northwest. Previously mis-identified as this species 

but is now known as F. pacifica.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Heterodermia leucomelos Sensitive Suspected Occurs on large PISI on windswept forested headlands. Also in coastal 

redwood forests, low coastal scrub. Conifers in hyper-maritime localities. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Heterodermia sitchensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Suspected

Restricted to the immediate coast on twigs of Picea sitchensis on 

ridgetops exposed to ocean winds in old-growth temperate rainforest with 

TSHE. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hypogymnia duplicata

Survey and 

Manage 

Category C

N/A- not expected this 

far south

Grows as an epiphyte on mountain hemlock, western hemlock, Pacific 

silver fir, Douglas-fir and subalpine

fir in old-growth forests of the western Cascades, Olympics and Coast 

Range, primarily between 330 and 1660 m (1100-5450 ft) elevation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hypogymnia vittata

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

N/A- not expected in 

Oregon Not known in Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hypotrachnya revoluta

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Suspected

Within a few kilometers of the ocean and less than 1500 feet in elevation 

in

Picea sitchensis forest or open dunes and wetlands supporting scattered 

trees and shrubs; or exposed rocks.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Lecanora caesiorubella ssp. 

merrillii Strategic Documented

On bark of trees and shrubs, and on decaying wood (including redwood 

fenceposts) in dry, open deciduous or coniferous woodland, chaparral, 

and salt marsh from sea level to about 1500 ft elevation

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Lecanora pringlei Strategic Suspected

Siliceous, usually igneous rocks, often andesite; in crevices or sheltered 

faces of large, exposed outcrops; sometimes on the underside of rocks or 

overhangs. >5500 ft.

N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Schaeraria dolodes Strategic Suspected On bark of conifers and decaying wood in mature, dry, open forests. 

1,500 to 11,000 feet elevation. N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Leptogium burnetiae var. 

hirsutum

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

N/A Not suspected this far south. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Leptogium cyanescens

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected

On bark of Alnus, Salix, Picea, rotten logs and rocks in very humid areas 

either near the coast or in dense riparian areas. In the PNW known from 

2 localities in OR, 1 each in WA , BC and AK.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-29

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Leptogium teretiusculum

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Documented

Shaded and humid bark of hardwood trees in riparian areas. In southern 

Oregon and northern California the substrate is Quercus spp. In Idaho, 

the substrate is riparian Populus.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Lobaria linita 

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected

Old-growth coniferous forests w/PSME and ABAM. Mossy boulders on

north-facing rock outcrops. Grows on rock and boles of conifers. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Microcalicium arenarium

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Forms small colonies on free-living green algae or leprose lichens 

growing in drier microhabitats such as on bark, wood, root, and rock 

faces that are sheltered from precipitation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Nephroma bellum

Survey and 

Manage 

Category F

Suspected

Found in moist old-growth forests with a coastally-influenced climate. 

Strongly associated with riparian areas in old-growth forest. Often found 

on the branches of hardwoods.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Nephroma isidiosum

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

N/A Not known from the continental United States. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Nephroma occultum

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Documented Old growth and younger forests of Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla in the Cascade Range below approximately 3000 feet.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Niebla cephalota

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected On exposed coastal trees, shrubs (less often rock), always within sight or 

sound of the ocean. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Pannaria rubiginosa

 Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Suspected Moist lowland habitats, largest populations for OR and WA in coastal 

thickets of old shrubs on wet deflation plains. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Peltigera pacifica

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Documented Low elevation moist forests on soil, moss, rocks, logs, and tree bases. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Peltula euploca Strategic Suspected

Noncalcareous rock, in exposed, dry, or shaded and damp habitats. In 

southwestern Oregon it occurs on basalt in dry Quercus and Pinus 

ponderosa associations, and on at edges of vernal pools.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Platismatia lacunosa

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Oregon Coast Range 

Excluded From 

Management

Often on hardwood boles and branches in riparian forest. Also found in 

conifer forest both in 2nd and old growth. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Pseudocyphellaria perpetua

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected Coastal conifer forest and ericaceous scrub, mostly within a few km of the 

ocean.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

N/A – not expected 

this far south.

Mesic to moist old growth forest. Lower to mid canopy on conifer wood 

and bark. Southern extent is Lane Co., OR. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramalina pollinaria Sensitive Suspected

On bark, twigs, and wood of conifers, hardwoods, shrubs, and rarely rock 

along the immediate coast. Forest types are Picea sitchensis and Tsuga 

heterophylla associations.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Sigridea californica Strategic Suspected On bark of trees and shrubs, and on decaying wood in dry, open 

deciduous or coniferous woodland and chaparral. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Stenocybe clavata

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

N/A Not known from Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Teloschistes flavicans

Sensitive and 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected

Confined to forested headlands and dunes of the coastal fog belt, 

especially on capes or peninsulas. It occurs on exposed branches, twigs, 

and boles of Sitka spruce and shore pine.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-30

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Tholurna dissimilis

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

N/A Not expected this far south. Only known as far south as the central 

Oregon Cascades. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Umbilicaria hirsuta Strategic Suspected NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Usnea hesperina = U. 

schadenbergiana

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Suspected On conifers near the coast. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Usnea longissima

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Documented Coast Range on deciduous trees and shrubs as well as PSME. Often in 

or near riparian settings or on ridge tops above rivers. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur outside the suspected distribution, elevation range 

and/or specific habitat type for this species.

Usnea lambii Strategic Suspected On large boulders and rock faces in sub-alpine to alpine areas of the high 

Cascades. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

FUNGI

Species Listing 

Category

RRS National Forest 

Occurrence Info Habitat/Distribution Effects Call Rationale For Determination of Effects

Acanthophysium farlowii

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

N/A- Species occurs 

much father north

Saprophytic or parasitic fruiting on recently dead twigs of Abies, 

Psuedotsuga and Tsuga; fruits in spring. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Albatrellus avellaneus

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Occurs principally in coastal Sitka Spruce (50%) and Western Hemlock 

(38%) series, old growth forest, at elevations of 112-1094 (411) feet. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Albatrellus caeruleoporus

Strategic and 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Presumed mycorrhizal with Tsuga spp.. Found on Umpqua NF in sugar 

pine/Doug fir/Incense Cedar forest in a boulder field at 3,000 ft. Fruits 

September-November.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Albatrellus dispansus Strategic Suspected Lignicolous occurring under TSHE, PIMO, ABGR and THPL. N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Albatrellus ellisii

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Under conifers or mixed coniferous forests associated with Abies, Picea, 

Pinus, Pseudotsuga, Tsuga or Castanopsis. Fruits October-January.In 

Oregon and Washington: occurs principally in White Fir series (52%).

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Alpova alexsmithii

Sensitive and 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Occurs principally on soil in Pacific Silver Fir (44%) and Mountain 

Hemlock (44%) series at elevations of 2742-5764 (4851) feet. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Alpova olivaceotinctus

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Associated with Abies concolor or A. magnifica; possibly fruits yearlong. 

Endemic to California and Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Arcangeliella camphorata

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented

Occurs principally in soil and litter in Western Hemlock (44%), Tan Oak 

(31%) and Sitka Spruce (19%) series at elevations of 20-3039 feet. 

Associated species include Douglas fir, western hemlock, Pacific 

madrone, and incense cedar. Endemic to Oregon and Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Arcangeliella crassa

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Associated with various Pinaceae spp. in mixed forests containing ABCO, 

ABMAS, PICO, PIJE and PIPO. 2,000-2,200 ft. Endemic to California. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Arcangeliella lactarioides

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Associated with various Pinaceae spp. in mixed forests containing 

ABMAS and PIPO. 5000 feet and up. Endemic to California. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-31

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Asterophora lycoperdoides

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Grows parasitically on Russula and Lactarius spp. in coniferous forest. 

Widespread but locally uncommon in the Northern Hemisphere. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Asterophora

parasitica

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Grows parasitically on Russula and Lactarius spp. in coniferous forest. 

Widespread but locally rare in the Northern Hemisphere. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Baeospora myriadophylla

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Lignicolous, scattered to densely gregarious on decayed Abies spp. logs, 

sometimes buried deep within the logs, at mid to higher elevations. 

Widely distributed but rare to uncommon in North America and Europe.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Balsamia alba Strategic Suspected Unknown. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Balsamia nigrens = B. 

nigrenscens

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with various 

Pinaceae spp. particularly Pinus jeffreyi and Pseudotsuga menziesii at 

low to mid elevations. Endemic to California and Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Boletus haematinus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Associated with roots of Abies spp., particularly A. magnifica in the Sierra 

Nevada mountains, and A. lasiocarpa in Washington, in subalpine forests 

(cool and wet). Fruits August-October. Endemic to California and 

Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Boletus pulcherrimus

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented

In humus, associated with the roots of mixed conifers (for example Abies 

grandis, Pseudotsuga menziesii), and hardwoods (Lithocarpus 

densiflorus). Fruits in July-December. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Brauniellula albipes Strategic Suspected Unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Bridgeoporus nobilissimus

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category A

Suspected

Occurs principally in Pacific silver fir (73%) and Western Hemlock (23%) 

series on noble fir and true fir decadent trees, snags, and stumps greater 

than 1 meter dbh. Species occurs at elevations of 298-4328 (3354) feet, 

lower in Washington and at higher elevations in Oregon (above 2800’ in 

Oregon). Other woody associates include Douglas fir and Vaccinium sp. 

Sporocarp is visible yearlong.Endemic to Oregon and Washington, 

occurring in the Cascade Range.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Catathelasma ventricosa

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Solitary, scattered, rooting in deep humus under conifers (primarily Abies 

and Picea). Often very near to the coast. Distributed from the Pacific 

Northwest southward to northern California and in the Rocky Mountains 

and Southwestern mountains.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cazia flexiascus Strategic Suspected unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Chalciporus piperatus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category D

Suspected

Solitary, scattered in hummus in mixed woods, more prevalent in coastal 

forests. Widespread but locally uncommon in the Northern Hemisphere. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Chamonixia caespitosa

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented Solitary, scattered or in groups or small clusters in humus and soil 

(buried) under live oak. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Choiromyces alveolatus

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented

Solitary to gregarious in soil under trees in the woods; known only from 

western North America, numerous in the Sierra Nevada, also occurs 

along the coast.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Choiromyces venosus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

N/A- Not suspected or 

documented on the 

RRSNF

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with various 

Pinaceae spp., particularly Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla at low elevation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-32

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Chroogomphus loculatus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with various 

Pinaceae spp., particularly Tsuga mertensiana at 1,400 m elevation. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Chrysomphalina grossula

Strategic and 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented

Gregarious to caespitose on water-soaked coniferous wood, bark chips, 

debris (occasionally found on hardwood mixed with colonized coniferous 

wood) in mixed forests.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Clavariadelphus ligula

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented Scattered to gregarious on soil or duff, under mixed conifers. Widespread 

in Europe and North America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Clavariadelphus occidentalis

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented

Solitary to gregarious or in caespitose clusters of two or three sporocarps; 

on soil or duff under mixed deciduous-coniferous forests or deciduous 

forests. Distributed across western North America.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Clavariadelphus sachalinensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented Scattered to gregarious on soil or duff, under mixed conifers. Widespread 

in Asia, Europe, and northern North America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Clavariadelphus subfastigiatus

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Scattered to gregarious on soil or duff, under mixed conifers. Distributed 

across western North America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Clavariadelphus truncatus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented Scattered to gregarious on soil or duff, under mixed conifers. Widespread 

in Asia, Europe, and North America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Clavulina castanopes var. 

lignicola

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected Usually occurs on wood or bark. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Climacocystis borealis Strategic Documented

Parasitic and saprophytic; solitary or as overlapping clusters at the base 

of and on roots of living conifers and on logs and stumps; found yearround.NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Clitocybe senilis

Survey and 

Manage

Category B

Suspected Forms gregarious to subcaespitose sporocarps in duff, restricted to 

conifer forests. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Clitocybe subditopoda

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Forms gregarious to subcaespitose sporocarps in fairy rings on needle 

beds of Picea spp. And Pinus spp., in coastal to mid-elevation conifer 

forests.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Collybia bakerensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Usually found scattered to gregarious on fallen conifer logs; in California 

on Abies logs soon after melting snow above 2,500 m elevation in the 

Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges; in Washington on Tsuga logs.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Collybia racemosa = 

Dendrocollybia racemosa

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Documented

Gregarious, on rotting or mummified remnants of agarics or seldom in 

nutrient-rich leaf mulch, in forests. Widespread in the Northern 

Hemisphere but always locally rare.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cordyceps ophioglossoides

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Parasitic on various Elaphomyces species, including E. cervinus, E. 

granulatus, E. muricatus, and E.variegatus. Widespread but locally 

uncommon in the Northern Hemisphere.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius barlowensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Solitary to gregarious in coastal to montane conifer forests up to at least 

1200 m elevation. Widely distributed in western Washington and Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius boulderensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Sporocarps usually occur in association with the roots of various 

Pinaceae spp. Endemic to Oregon and Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius cyanites

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

On soil, solitary to gregarious or in widely scattered groups in conifer 

forests. Widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere in conifer, 

hardwood, and mixed forests.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius depauperatus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Caespitose or gregarious in moist to wet habitats with conifers, including 

Picea sitchensis, Thuja plicata, Tsuga heterophylla. Infrequent in northern 

California, Oregon, and Washington, also in Europe.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-33

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Cortinarius magnivelatus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Abies concolor, A. bifolia, A. magnifica, Picea engelmannii, and P. 

ponderosa above 1,500 m elevation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius olympianus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Sporocarps usually occur in association with the roots of various 

Pinaceae spp.; Enemic to the Pacific Northwest. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius speciosissimus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius tabularis

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius umidicola

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Sporocarps usually occur in association with the roots of various 

Pinaceae spp. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius valgus

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Solitary, scattered, gregarious or cespitose; sometimes locally abundant 

under Abies amabilis, Picea sitchensis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and 

Tsuga heterophylla. Occurs in west-side forests of Oregon and 

Washington. Also known from the Rocky Mountains and in Europe.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius variipes

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Sporocarps usually occur in association with the roots of various 

Pinaceae spp. Endemic to Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius verrucisporus

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Suspected

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Abies magnifica and possibly other Abies spp. Above 1,000 m elevation. 

Endemic to California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cortinarius wiebeae

Survey and 

Manage 

Category B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus ponderosa above 1,200m elevation. 

Endemic to Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cudonia monticola

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented Occurs on Picea spp. needles and coniferous debris. Endemic to western 

North America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Cyphellostereum laeve

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Scattered with various mosses (Polytrichum, Dicranella) in forests. 

Widespread but locally uncommon in the Northern Hemisphere. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Dermocybe humboldtensis

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Sporocarps usually occur in association with the roots of various 

Pinaceae spp. In CA it is found in stable dunes with dense VAOV and 

shorepine. Endemic to California and Oregon with only 5 known sites in 

the world.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Destunzia fusca

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Lithocarpus densiflorus, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga heterophylla

below 1,000m elevation. Endemic to California and Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Destunzia rubra

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Abies grandis, Arbutus menziesii, Lithocarpus densiflorus, Pseudotsuga 

menziesii, and Sequoia sempervirens below 650 m elevation. Endemic to 

California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Dichostereum boreale

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms resupinate sporocarps and is saprophytic on dead coniferous 

wood; associated with white-rot of fallen trees. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Elaphomyces anthracinus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

assorted Fagaceae in Europe and with Pinus ponderosa in Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Elaphomyces decipiens Strategic Suspected unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-34

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Elaphomyces reticulatus Strategic Documented unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Elaphomyces subviscidus

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Pinus contorta and Tsuga mertensiana at high elevation (2,200 m) NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Endogone acrogena

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Abies lasiocarpa.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Endogone oregonensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Picea sitchensis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga heterophylla below 

350 m elevation. Endemic to Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Entoloma nitidum

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Widespread, and sometimes locally abundant in moist western conifer 

forests where it occurs on humus and litter. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Fayodia bisphaerigera

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found among sticks and debris under hardwoods and conifers. 

Distributed across Western North America, also in Denmark. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Fevansia aurantiaca

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with various 

Pinaceae spp., particularly Abies lasiocarpa and Pseudotsuga menziesii. 

Endemic to Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Galernia atkinsoniana

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Single to gregarious, found with moss attached to dead roots, stems and 

leaves of mosses, saprobic or possibly parasitic, in Picea spp. and 

Pseudotsuga menziesii forests. Widely distributed in the Northern 

Hemisphere.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Galerina cerina

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Gregarious on mosses in sphagnum bogs. Also sometimes found on the 

mucky humus in sphagnum bogs or on colonizing mosses in burned 

areas. Widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Galerina heterocystis

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy E

Single to gregarious, attached to the base of the mosses and lower dead 

stems and roots; also in the soils close by Ranunculus spp. Various 

grasses mixed with mosses seem to be its preferred neighbors.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Galerina sphagnicola

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy E

Scattered to gregarious, apparently exclusively found in sphagnum bogs, 

at low to moderately high elevations. Widely distributed in the Northern 

Hemisphere but not known from Washington, Oregon or California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gastoboletus imbellus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Abies grandis, A. lasiocarpa, Tsuga mertensiana, with an understory of 

Antennaria lanata, Fragaria sp., Pachistima myrsinites, Sorbus sitchensis, 

and Vaccinium sp. At 1,650 m elevation. Endemic to Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gastroboletus ruber

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

assorted Pinaceae above 1,350 m in elevation, particularly Abies 

amabilis, A. procera, A. magnifica var. shastensis, Pinus monticola, or 

Tsuga mertensiana. Endemic to Oregon and Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gastroboletus subalpinus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

various Pinaceae above 1,550 m elevation, particularly Abies magnifica, 

Pinus albicaulis, P. contorta, and Tsuga mertensiana. Endemic to 

California and Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gastroboletus turbinatus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Hypogeous to emergent, scattered to grouped in lowland forests of Picea 

sitchensis-Tsuga heteropylla and Pseudotsuga menziesii to montane and 

subalpine Abies, Picea and Pinus spp. Distributed across Washington, 

Oregon, northern California, Idaho, Missouri, and Mexico.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gastroboletus vividus

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

various Pinaceae above 1,650 m elevation, particularly Abies magnifica

and Tsuga mertensiana. Endemic to California and Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-35

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Gastrosuillus amaranthii

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy E

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

various Pinaceae at 1,650 m elevation. Endemic to California. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gastrosuillus umbrinus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

various Pinaceae above 2,350 m elevation, particularly Pinus monticola. 

Endemic to California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gautieria magnicellaris

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Pinus spp. in Mexico and Abies concolor in the western North America 

above 1,650 m elevation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gautieria otthii

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Pinus ponderosa and other Pinaceae between 800 m and 1,650 m 

elevation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gelatinodiscus flavidus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms scattered to gregarious sporocarps on cones, twigs and foliage of 

Chamaecyparis nooktkatensis. It consistently fruits near or under melting 

snowbanks. Endemic to Oregon and Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Glomus radiatum

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis and Sequoia sempervirens below 1,650 m 

elevation. Endemic to California and Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gomphus bonarii

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Closely gregarious to caespitose, partly hidden in deep humus under 

Pinus and Abies spp.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gomphus clavatus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy F

Closely gregarious to caespitose, partially hidden in deep humus in 

coniferous forests. Widely distributed across northern temperate forests 

in North America and Europe.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gomphus kauffmanii

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Category E

Documented Closely gregarious to caespitose, partially hidden in deep humus under 

Pinus and Abies spp. Endemic to western North America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gymnomyces abietis

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Forms sporocarps beneath the soil surface associated with the roots of 

Abies spp. and possibly other Pinaceae above 1,000 m elevation. 

Endemic to the Pacific Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gymnomyces fragrans = Martellia 

fragrans

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented Found in association with the roots of Pseudotsuga menziesii or Tsuga 

mertensiana from 1,500 to 2,500 m elevation. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Gymnomyces nondistincta

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Abies amabilis and Tsuga 

mertensiana at 1,850 m elevation. Endemic to Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hebeloma olympianum

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Sporocarps usually occur in association with the roots of various 

Pinaceae spp. Endemic to Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Helvella crassitunicata

Sensitive and 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Scattered to gregarious on soil, especially along trails, in montane 

regions with Abies spp. Endemic to Oregon and Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Helvella elastica

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Typically gregarious on soil under conifers in damp areas although it does 

not routinely fruit in recently (within 2 years) heavily disturbed areas, it 

may fruit in open areas under conifers and in areas subject to limited foot 

traffic.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hydnotrya inordinata

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Sporocarps usually occur in association with the roots of Abies amabilis, 

Pinus contorta, Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga heterophylla from 

1,100 m to 2,00 m elevation. Endemic to Oregon.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hydnotrya subnix

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Sporocarps usually occur in association with the roots of Abies amabilis 

at 1,000 m elevation. Endemic to Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-36

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Hydropus marginellus

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Scattered to gregarious on wood of conifers (Abies, Pinus) in forests. 

Widespread in the Northern Hemisphere but uncommon in the Pacific 

Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hygrophorus caeruleus

Sensitive and 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected Occurs in soil in association with roots of Pinaceae spp. near melting 

snowbanks. Endemic to Oregon and Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hygrophorus karstenii

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hygrophorus vernalis

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Occurs in soil in association with roots of Pinaceae spp. near melting 

snowbanks. Endemic to California and Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Hypomyces luteovirens

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Obligate parasite of species in the Russulaceae. Forms a yellow to green 

to black perithecioid crustlike fruiting structure primarily on the gills of 

sporocarps. Widely distributed across North America.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Leptonia subeuchroa Strategic Suspected unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Leptonia violaceonigra Strategic Suspected Solitary, scattered, or in groups or tufts on ground in woods; widely 

distributed. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Leucogaster citrinus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented

Found in association with the roots of Abies concolor, A. lasiocarpa, 

Pinus contorta, P. monticola, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga 

heterophylla from 280 to 2,000 m elevation. Endemic to the Pacific 

Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Leucogaster microspores

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla at 330-1,000 m elevation. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Leucogaster odoratus Strategic Suspected Solitary to gregarious in soil or duff (usually buried) under western 

conifers. N/A

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Macowanites chlorinosmus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Picea sitchensis and Tsuga 

heterophylla below 200 m elevation. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Macowanites lymanensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Abies amabilis and A. lasiocarpa at 

1,700 m elevation. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Macowanites mollis

Sensitive and 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Abies grandis, Pseudotsuga 

menziesii, and Tsuga heterophylla above 1,000 m elevation. Endemic to 

Oregon and Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Marasmius applanatipes

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits on Pinaceae litter in forests above 2,000 m elevation. Endemic to 

California. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Martellia fragrans

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Pseudotsuga menziesii or Tsuga 

mertensiana from 1,500 to 2,500 m elevation. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Martellia idahoensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Abies amabilis, A. lasiocarpa, A. 

procera, Picea engelmannii, and Tsuga mertensiana from 1,200 to 1,650 

m elevation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Mycena hudsoniana

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Restricted to conifer forests and usually found on woody debris or duff 

near snow banks above 700 m elevation. Endemic to Oregon and 

Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-37

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Mycena overholtsii

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Restricted to conifer forests above 1,000 m elevation, particularly those 

with Abies spp. and usually found in gregarious, caespitose clusters on 

decayed wood near snow banks or just after snow melt.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Mycena quinaultensis

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Found in gregarious, caespitose clusters on senescent conifer needles or 

uncommonly on decayed wood in conifer forests. Endemic to the Pacific 

Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Mycena tenax

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented

Densely gregarious in duff under Abies, Pseudotsuga, Picea, and

Sequoia. Known from Washington, Oregon and California in the Pacific 

Northwest, and from Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New York.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Mythicomyces corneipes

Sensitive and 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Solitary to gregarious, along margins of bogs among mosses or on wet 

soil under conifers and Alnus spp. Widespread across western North 

America and northern Europe.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Neolentinus adhaerens

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Sporophytic on conifer logs. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Neolentinus kauffmanii

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Saprophytic, causing brown pocket rot in Picea sitchensis. Endemic to 

the Pacific Northwest. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Nivatogastrium nubigenum

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Solitary to gregarious or in small clusters on rotting conifers, often near 

melting snow or shortly after the snow disappears. Fairly common in the 

mountains of the west in the spring and early summer, especially on fir 

and lodgepole pine.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Octavianina cyanescens

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found with Tsuga mertensiana at 1,900 m elevation. Endemic to Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Octavianina macrospora

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Tsuga heterophylla. Endemic to 

Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Octavianina papyracea

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Pinaceae in forests dominated by 

Sequoia sempervirens below 650 m elevation. Endemic to California. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Otidea leporina

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Associated with Picea spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga 

heterophylla. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Otidea smithii

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented Solitary to gregarious on exposed soil, duff or moss under Populus 

trichocarpa, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia attenuata

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Documented

Scattered in humus soil and with mosses under conifers such as Picea 

sitchensis. Endemic to western North America from British Columbia 

south to Marin County, California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia californica

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented Associated with the roots of Abies amabilis, Picea sitchensis, 

Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia dissiliens

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Associated with the roots of Abies amabilis, Picea sitchensis, 

Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia fallax

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Documented

Scattered to gregarious in highly humus soil in mixed coniferous forests 

associated with Abies, Picea, Pseudotsuga, and Tsuga. Endemic to 

western North America. Restricted to localized areas in mature to oldgrowth forests in coastal, inland, and montane regions in British 

Columbia, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-38

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Phaeocollybia gregaria

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Associated with the roots of Picea sitchensis and Pseudotsuga menziesii. 

Endemic to Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia kauffmanii

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Documented Associated with the roots of Abies amabilis, Picea sitchensis, 

Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia olivacea

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Documented

Scattered or in arcs in mixed forests containing Fagaceae or Pinaceae in 

coastal lowlands. Endemic to western United States from central Oregon 

coast south to Santa Cruz Co., California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia oregonensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Associated with the roots of Abies amabilis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and

Tsuga heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia piceae

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Associated with the roots of Abies amabilis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and 

Tsuga heterophylla. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia pseudofestiva

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Scattered to ceaspitose under mature mixed conifers and hardwoods. 

Endemic to western North America occurring from British Columbia, 

Canada, south to California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia radicata =Naucoria 

radicata Strategic Suspected Solitary to loosely gregarious in autumn in coastal montane conifer (Tsuga, Pseudotsuga) forests. Endemic to Pacific Northwest. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia rufotubulina Strategic Suspected

Densely gregarious in loose bundles or troops from mid to late autumn in 

sandy loam under needle duff in moist mature mixed (Abies, Lithocarpus, 

Pseudotsuga, Sequoia) forests, generally also with Rhododendron and/or 

Vaccinum (particularly V. ovatum) present in the understory. Endemic to 

Pacific Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia scatesiae

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented

Associated with the roots of Abies spp. Picea sitchensis, and Vaccinium

spp. from sea level to 1,250 m elevation. Endemic to the Pacific 

Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia sipei

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented Associated with the roots of Abies amabilis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and 

Tsuga heterophylla. Endemic to Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phaeocollybia spadicea

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Solitary to scattered to closely gregarious in mature Picea sitchensis

stands in coastal lowland regions. Endemic to western North America 

from Washington south to California.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Phellodon atratus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Scattered to gregarious, often forming fused clusters; on ground under 

conifers. Endemic to Western United States. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the

known elevation range of this species.

Pholiota albivelata

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Apparently restricted to conifer forests and usually found as scattered, 

single sporocarps on fallen branches or other conifer debris. Endemic to 

the Pacific Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Plectania milleri Strategic Documented Associated with mixed conifers. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Podostroma alutaceum

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Solitary to clustered, occurring primarily in coniferous forests in the litter, 

in association with dead wood and possibly with the roots of trees. Across 

northern North America.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Polyozellus multiplex

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented Occurs in association with roots of Abies spp. in late-successional, midelevation, montane, conifer forests. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-39

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Psathyrella quercicola Strategic Suspected unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Pseudaleuria quinaultiana

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Solitary in association with Sitka spruce, Western hemlock, and Douglas 

fir in old-growth forests. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Psuedorhizina californica = 

Gyromitra californica

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented

Found fruiting on or adjacent to well-rotted stumps or logs of coniferous 

trees or on soil rich in brown rotted wood. Endemic to western North 

America from British Columbia, Canada, to northern California, east to 

Colorado, Montana, and Nevada.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria abietina

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented On conifer debris, rare but scattered through coniferous forests. 

Widespread across North America and Europe. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria amyloidea

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla. Endemic to California and Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria araiospora

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria aurantiisiccescens

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp. Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria botrytis var. 

aurantiiramosa

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria celerivirescens

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga 

heterophylla. Endemic to California and Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria claviramulata

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga 

heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria concolor f. marrii

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria concolor f. tsugina

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Solitary to gregarious, along margins of bogs among mosses or on wet 

soil under conifers and Alnus spp. Known only from Washington and New 

York.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria conjunctipes var. 

sparsiramosa

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected Occurs in coniferous forests. Distributed throughout the Pacific 

Northwest. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria coulterae

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected On coniferous debris, rare but scattered through coniferous forests. 

Endemic to Idaho, northeastern California, and eastern Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria cyaneigranosa

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria gelatiniaurantia

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-40

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Ramaria gracilis

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga 

heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria hilaris var. olympiana

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla. Endemic to Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria largentii

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pinus monticola, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and 

Tsuga heterophylla. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria lorithamnus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga 

heterophylla.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria maculatipes

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Tsuga 

heterophylla. Endemic to California and Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria rainierensis

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Abies spp., Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

herophylla. Endemic to California and Washington.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria rubella var. blanda

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits on wood in conifer forests. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria rubribrunnescens

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage

Strategy B

Suspected Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the surface of the ground. 

Associated with Pinaceae spp. Endemic to California and Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria rubrievanescens

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above ground, associated with 

Pinaceae spp. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria rubripermanens

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the ground, associated with 

Pinaceae spp. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria spinulosa var. diminutiva

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the ground, associated with 

Pinaceae spp. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria stuntzii

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the ground, associated with 

Pinaceae spp. Endemic to the Pacific Northwest. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria suecica

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected Occurs on litter in cool coniferous northern temperate forests, including 

the Pacific Northwest. Also known from eastern Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria thiersii

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the ground, associated with 

Pinaceae spp. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Ramaria verlotensis

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Fruits in humus or soil and matures above the ground, associated with 

Pinaceae spp. Endemic to California and Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-41

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Rhizopogon abietis

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Hypogeous to emergent, scattered to grouped, associated with Abies, 

Tsuga, Picea, and Pinus spp. Distributed across the Klamath Mountains 

in California and Oregon, north to the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and 

east to central Idaho and Wyoming; in the Eastern United States from 

Tennessee and Virginia, north to Ontario.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon atroviolaceus

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Hypogeous to emergent, scattered to grouped, associated with species of 

Abies, Picea Pinus, Pseudotsuga and Tsuga. Distributed across the 

Siskiyou Mountains and Cascade Range of Oregon, east to central and 

northern Idaho.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon brunneiniger

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented

Found in association with roots of assorted Pinaceae including Abies 

concolor, Pinus contorta, P. monticola, P. muricata, Pseudotsuga 

menziesii, Tsuga heterophylla, and T. mertensiana, from sea level to 

2,350 m elevation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon chamaleontinus

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented Found in association with the roots of Pseudotsuga menziesii and 

scattered Pinus lambertiana at 1,100 m elevation. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon clavitisporus Strategic Suspected unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon ellipsosporus

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented Found in association with the roots of Pseudotsuga menziesii and 

scattered Pinus lambertiana at 850 m elevation. Endemic to Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon evadens var. 

subalpinus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Usually found in association with the roots of Tsuga mertensiana or Abies

spp. from 1250 to 2,350 m elevation. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon exiguus

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented Found in association with the roots of Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla at 950 m elevation. Endemic to Oregon and Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon flavofibrillosus

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented

Found in association with the roots of various Pinaceae, including Abies 

concolor, A. lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, Pinus attentuata, P. contorta, 

P. lambertiana, P. muricata, or Pseudotsuga menziesii from 950 to 2350 

m elevation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon inquinatus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Pinus jeffreyi, Pseudotsuga 

menziesii and Tsuga heterophylla from 500 to 1,400 m elevation. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon rogersii Strategic Suspected unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon semireticulatus Strategic Documented unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon truncatus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Hypogeous to emergent, scattered to grouped associated with Pinaceae 

species particularly Pinus spp. Occurs in Sierra, Siskiyou, and Cascade 

mountains of northern California into the central Oregon Cascades, also 

from North Carolina to Nova Scotia.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhizopogon variabilisporus Strategic Suspected unknown NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Rhodocybe speciosa

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Usually found in gregarious caespitose clusters on rotten conifer wood at 

high elevation. Endemic to Washington. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-42

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Rickenella swartzii

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected Locally abundant in small troops on or among mosses under hardwoods. 

Widespread across northern temperate forests. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Russula mustelina

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Scattered to gregarious in montane coniferous forests, particularly with 

Abies spp. Endemic to western North America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Sarcodon fuscoindicus

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected Scattered to gregarious on soil. Endemic to western North America. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Sedecula pulvinata

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Abies concolor, A. lasiocarpa, A. 

magnifica, Picea engelmannii, and Pinus contorta above 2,000 m 

elevation.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Sowerbyella rhenana

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected

Fruits in scattered to gregarious or caespitose groups in duff of moist, 

relatively undisturbed, older conifer forests. One collection was noted to 

occur under Lithocarpus sp.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Sparassis crispa

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Solitary, typically within 2 m of the base of a living coniferous tree 

(Pseudotsuga, Pinus). Widespread in North America and Europe. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Spathularia flavida

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

In clusters or fairy rings on litter or woody debris of conifer and hardwood 

forests. Widespread in northern temperate forests. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Stagnicola perplexa

Sensitive & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Documented

Gregarious on rotten wood, occasionally buried deeply enough to appear 

“rooting” in wet or recently dried-up depressions in coniferous forests. 

Widely distributed across northern temperate forests.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Thaxterogaster pavelekii

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tremiscus helvelloides

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Solitary or more commonly crowded-caespitose in duff, soil, and rotten 

wood under conifers. Widely distributed in Northern Hemisphere. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tricholoma venatum

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found associated with roots of Pinaceae. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tricholomopsis fulvescens

Strategic & 

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Suspected Found solitary on decayed conifer wood above 1,000 m elevation. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tuber asa

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

heterophylla at 170 to 500 m elevation in Oregon; Pinus ponderosa in 

Nebraska.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tuber pacificum

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy B

Found in association with the roots of Pseudotsuga menziesii and Tsuga 

herophylla at 235 m elevation. Endemic to Oregon. NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Tylopilus porphyrosporus

Survey and 

Manage 

Strategy D

Solitary to scattered in soil, duff or on well-decomposed logs in 

association with the roots of Picea sitchensis and Pseudotsuga menziesii

in coastal to mid-elevation forests.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.

Urnula craterium Strategic Suspected

Solitary or more often in groups or clusters on or near rotting hardwood 

sticks and logs (the wood often buried); common in eastern North 

America in the spring.

NI

No suitable habitat within the planning area. The project will 

occur well outside the suspected distribution and/or the 

known elevation range of this species.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-43

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT B

Figure F-1. Oregon bensonia distribution in Eden Ridge Planning Area
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-44

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure F-2. Oregon bensonia buffered sites in Units 314, 318 and 319
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-45

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure F-3. Oregon bensonia buffer site in Unit 007.
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-46

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure F-4. Oregon bensonia site on proposed road in Unit 326
Appendix F - Botanical Report (Revised) Page F-47

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT C

Target Invasive Plant Species and Treatment List for the Westside of the Rogue RiverSiskiyou National Forest 

Species ODA 

Category

Treatment Where in Project

Wooly distaff thistle 

(Carthamnus lanatus)

A & T Manually pulling Not known in project.

Biddy-Biddy (Acaeana 

nova-zelandiae)

B Manually pulling and herbicide. Not known in project.

Broom – French, Scotch, 

Portuguese, Spanish

B Manually pulling and weed wrenching and 

herbicide of cut stems.

3353-350 road. Probably many 

other locations.

English ivy (Hedera helix) B Manually pulling and herbicide. Not known in project.

False Brome 

(Brachypodium sylvaticum)

B Manually pulling and herbicide. Not known in project.

Gorse (Ulex europaeus) B Manually by cutting, bulldozing, and weed 

wrenching. Herbicide of cut exposed stems.

Not known in project but along 

road leading to project.

Himilayan blackberry 

(Rubus discolor)

B Manually by cutting, bulldozing, and weed 

wrenching. Herbicide of cut exposed stems.

Not known in project.

Spotted knapweed 

(Centaurea maculosa)

B Manually by pulling and herbicide treatment. Not known in project.

Meadow knapweed 

(Centaurea pratensis)

B Manually by pulling and herbicide 

treatments.

Not known in project.

Japanese knotweed 

(Polygonum cuspidatum)

B Manually by pulling and injection of 

herbicide into stem canes.

Not known in project.

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum 

salicaria)

B Manually by pulling. Not known in project.

Tansy ragwort (Senecio 

jacobaea)

B & T Manually by pulling. Found along nearly every

existing road within the 

planning area.

Canadian thistle (Cirsium 

arvense)

B Manually by pulling and herbicide. Found sporadically within the 

planning area.

Italian thistle (Carduus 

pycnocephalus)

B Manually by pulling and herbicide. Not known in project.

Yellow starthistle 

(Centaurea solstitialis)

B & T Manually by pulling and herbicide. Not known in project.
APPENDIX G

WILDLIFE REPORT AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION

Wildlife Report

And

Biological Evaluation

EDEN RIDGE TIMBER SALES 

APPENDIX G

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Powers Ranger District

Coos County, Oregon

Prepared by: John Lowe, Wildlife Biologist

Date: August 15, 2011

Reviewed by: David Clayton, Forest Wildlife Biologist

Date: August 22, 2011

Reviewed and Revised by Holly Witt (Wildlife Biologist)

August 26, 2013
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................G-2

II. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................G-7

A. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN DETAIL ....................................................................G-7

III. PROPOSED, ENDANGERED, THREATENED & SENSITIVE SPECIES ........G-9

A. LATE-SUCCESSIONAL FOREST ........................................................................................G-10

1. Northwest Forest Plan Standard and Guideline C-44 ............................................................ G-10

B. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES AND CRITICAL HABITAT LISTED UNDER ESA .......G-11

1. Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) ............................................................... G-11

2. Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) ................................................................. G-16

C. EFFECTS TO SPECIES LISTED UNDER ESA AND CHU ...............................................G-17

1. Northern Spotted Owl ............................................................................................................ G-18

a. Direct and Indirect Effects .............................................................................................. G-18

b. Northern Spotted Owl Project Design Features - Mitigation Measures .......................... G-20

2. Marbled Murrelet .................................................................................................................. G-21

a. Direct and Indirect Effects .............................................................................................. G-21

b. Marbled Murrelet Project Design Features - Mitigation Measures ................................ G-23

3. Cumulative Effects –Spotted Owl and Murrelet .................................................................... G-24

D. FOREST SERVICE SENSITIVE SPECIES ..........................................................................G-25

1. Description of Species Habitat and Management Requirements ........................................... G-26

2. Direct and Indirect Effects of Action Alternatives................................................................. G-32

3. Cumulative Effects................................................................................................................. G-34

IV. MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES ...............................................................G-35

A. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES HABITAT AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS ...G-36

B. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ACTION ALTERNATIVES ............................G-41

C. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ......................................................................................................G-43

V. NORTHWEST FOREST PLAN TERRESTRIALWILDLIFE SPECIES ..............G-44

A. SURVEY AND MANAGE SPECIES ......................................................................................G-44

B. OTHER NORTHWEST FOREST PLAN SPECIES .............................................................G-45

C. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES, HABITAT AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS ..G-45

D. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ACTION ALTERNATIVES ............................G-47

E. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ......................................................................................................G-48

VI. NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRDS .................................................................G-49

A. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES, HABITAT AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS ..G-49

B. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ACTION ALTERNATIVES ............................G-50

C. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ......................................................................................................G-51

VII. DOWN WOOD AND SNAGS ...................................................................................G-52

VIII. LITERATURE CITED ............................................................................................G-55

Attachment A - Wildlife Project Design Features

Attachment B - Wildlife Analysis Area
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-2

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Powers Ranger District proposes intermediate commercial harvest treatments using variable density 

thinning techniques and other connected actions on approximately 3,314 acres of second growth conifer

stands artificially and naturally regenerated in the late 1930s and 40s, following clear-cut timber harvest 

during the 1920s through the 1930s. Commercial treatments under the Proposed Action are detailed in 

Environmental Impact statement (EIS) Tables and displayed on EIS Maps in chapter II. Candidate stands 

are located on suitable forest land primarily designated as the Matrix land allocation under the Forest Plan 

as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan. Within the 3,314 acres of treatments, also included are 

treatments within Riparian Reserves that overlap into overstocked drier upland forests (1,097 total acres). 

Commercial treatments would involve harvest of conifers with diameters 7 inches and larger dbh which is 

a viable product size under current and anticipated market conditions. No old residual trees (old growth) 

would be cut, except in instances where they are identified as danger trees. Estimated commercial 

volume could average 8 to 20 thousand board feet (mbf) per acre. Other wood product commodities are 

anticipated including biomass (chips), and firewood. Harvest treatments from this alternative could yield 

up to an estimated 53 million board feet and would be implemented utilizing multiple timber sale

contracts over an approximate 5-year period. 

Treatments would occur within the South Fork Coquille River and the Middle Fork Coquille River 5thField watersheds, and the Lower Rock Creek, Myrtle Creek, Headwaters South Fork Coquille River, Coal 

Creek, and Mill Creek 6th field watersheds. Treatments segregated by watershed were identified to assist 

with effects analysis and alternative formulation.

There are four alternatives in detail in the Eden Ridge Timber Sales EIS. These include Alternative 1 

(No-Action), Alternative 2 (Proposed Action), Alternative 3 and Alternative 4. Alternatives 2, 3 and 4 are 

referred to as “Action Alternatives.”

Alternative 1 is the No-Action alternative. It represents the current condition and is the basis for 

comparison of effects from implementation of the three Action Alternatives (Alternatives 2, 3 and 4).

Alternative 2, the Proposed Action, is designed to address and maximize attainment of the Purpose and 

Need outlined in EIS Chapter I. Alternative 2 also represents the maximum extent of proposed treatments 

and connected actions (e.g., harvest systems and roads). 

Alternative 3 is similar to and is based on the Proposed Action, but differs from the candidate stands and 

opportunities associated with the Proposed Action, with modifications that include only “high-moderate 

benefit/low risk” new roads. In relation to Alternative 2, this modification would reduce the treated area 

on some units resulting in a change in configuration, or in some cases, units would be combined or 

dropped. This alternative proposes helicopter logging systems, based on the change in access for 

conventional systems.

Alternative 4 is also based on the Proposed Action, but differs from the candidate stands and 

opportunities associated with the Proposed Action, with modifications that include only the use (with 

some reconstruction and maintenance) of existing roads for treatment access. This alternative also 

excludes some of the higher risk treatments within Riparian Reserves (primarily those associated with

perennial streams). In relation to Alternative 2 and Alternative 3, these modification would reduce the 

treated area on some units resulting in a change in configuration, or in some cases, units would be 

combined or dropped. This alternative also proposes helicopter logging systems, based on the change in 

access for conventional systems.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-3

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table G-1. Comparison of Action Alternatives by Activity

Activity Alternative 2 

(Proposed Action)

Alternative 3 Alternative 4

Thinning 2,217 acres 2,187 acres 2,093 acres

Riparian Reserves Thinning* 1,097 acres. 1,053 acres 965 acres

Est. Volume 53 MMBF 52 MMBF 49 MMBF

Logging System

Skyline 1,195 acres 941 acres 457 acres

Tractor 2,119 acres 1,786 acres 1,441 acres

 Helicopter 0 acres 513 acres 1,160 acres

Classified Road Construction 10.8 miles 4.5 miles .25 miles **

Temporary Road Construction 0.3 miles 0.3 miles 0

Classified Road Reconstruction 6.1 miles 4.1 miles 1.7 miles

* Total Riparian Reserve acres; actual harvest would be less due to Riparian Reserve Project Design Criteria

** Reconstruction along 3 rail grades includes 0.25 miles of new road construction where stream crossings replace rail trestle 

bridges.

Proposed activities include felling (for thinning), pre-bunching, yarding, piling, burning, temporary road 

construction, classified road construction, road reconstruction, hazard tree felling, landing construction, 

road maintenance, tree topping/girdling, down woody material creation, seeding with native grasses, 

log/rock hauling, and helicopter operations.

A summary of effects to species of concern is displayed in Table G-2 below. 

Table G-2. Effects Determination for Species of Concern

Species Action Alternative

2 3 4 Comments

Threatened and Endangered Wildlife

Northern spotted owl

NSO NLAA NLAA NLAA

Suitable habitat is not present in any treatment area. Dispersal habitat would be 

treated and maintained. Any pockets of remnant* trees found within proposed 

treatment units will be left untreated as Wildlife Areas to Protect. Some remnant trees 

may be felled as hazards but would be subject to PDF #9 Attachment A.

Northern spotted owl 

CHU NE NE N/A No CHU in Planning Area; includes 2008 CHU designations as well as final Revised 2012 Critical Habitat for the NSO (USDI FWS 2012). 

Marbled murrelet NLAA NLAA NLAA

Suitable habitat is not included in any treatment area. Any pockets of remnant trees 

found within proposed treatment units would be left untreated as Wildlife Areas to 

Protect. Some remnant trees may be felled as hazards but would be subject to PDF #9 

Attachment A.

Marbled murrelet 

CHU NE NE NE No CHU in Planning Area or Project Area; present along haul route.

Sensitive Species – Forest Service R6

American peregrine 

falcon MIIH MIIH MIIH

Potential disturbance to individuals and potential limited adverse effects to prey 

species. All activities within disturbance distance of known site would be seasonally 

restricted. 

Bald eagle NI NI NI No known nests on Powers RD or in the vicinity of the Planning Area.

Harlequin duck NI NI NI No medium to large stream riparian habitat in project

Lewis’s woodpecker NI NI NI No pine woodlands in Planning Area or along haul route.

Pacific fisher MIIH MIIH MIIH

Thinning (canopy closure reduction) may degrade up to 3,300 acres of foraging habitat, 

disturbance could occur. Some remnant trees may be felled as hazards but would be 

subject to PDF #9 Attachment A.

Townsend’s bigeared bat NI NI NI There are no known caves, wooden bridges or abandoned buildings within the project.

Fringed myotis MIIH MIIH MIIH Minimal, but some impacts to existing snags or trees with cavities could occur.

Northwestern pond 

turtle NI NI NI Suitable habitat in the Planning Area, but unlikely any alternative will impact turtles.

Foothill yellow-legged 

frog NI NI NI No treatments within suitable riparian buffers
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-4

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Species Action Alternative

2 3 4 Comments

Mardon Skipper NI NI NI No suitable habitat within treatment areas.

Johnson’s hairstreak MIIH MIIH MIIH Minimal, but some habitat degradation and disturbance could occur.

Coronis fritillary NI NI NI No suitable habitat within treatment areas.

White-headed 

woodpecker NI NI NI Outside of known range

Northern waterthrush NI NI NI Outside of known range

California Wolverine NI NI NI Outside of known range

Pacific Pallid bat NI NI NI Outside of known range.

Oregon spotted frog NI NI NI Outside of known range

Siskiyou mountain 

salamander NI NI NI Outside of known range.

California slender 

salamander NI NI NI Outside of known range.

Black salamander NI NI NI Outside of known range

Siskiyou short-horned 

grasshopper NI NI NI Outside of known range

Insular blue butterfly NI NI NI Outside of known range

Hoary elfin NI NI NI Outside of known range

Franklin’s bumblebee NI NI NI Outside of known range

Siskiyou Hesperian NI NI NI Outside of known range

Crater Lake tightcoil NI NI NI Outside of known range

Green sideband NI NI NI Outside of known range. Range limited to western slope of Coast Range and 

immediate adjacent Coast itself.

Traveling sideband NI NI NI Outside of known range

Chace sideband NI NI NI Outside of known range

Oregon shoulderband NI NI NI Outside of known range

Evening fieldslug NI NI NI Outside of known range

Management Indicator Species

Bald eagle Covered above

Northern spotted owl Covered above

Osprey NI NI NI No suitable habitat within treatment areas.

Pileated woodpecker VM VM VM

Minimal impacts to these species, but some impacts to existing snags or trees with 

cavities. Some remnant trees may be felled as hazards but would be subject to PDF #9 

Attachment A.

Woodpeckers (Acorn, 

Downy, Hairy, Northern 

flicker, Red-breasted 

sapsucker, whiteheaded woodpecker,& 

Lewis)

VM VM VM

American marten 

VM VM VM Minimal impacts, but canopy reduction could reduce habitat suitability until forest understory shrubs grow and restore canopy cover. Some remnant trees may be felled as 

hazards but would be subject to PDF #9 Attachment A.

Columbian blacktailed deer VM VM VM Beneficial impacts from improvement of forage; i.e., more grasses, forbs, and shrubs. 

Some minimal impacts from increased road miles and reduced thermal/hiding cover.

Roosevelt elk VM VM VM

Northwest Forest Plan Species

Bats (fringed, longeared, and long-legged 

myotis; silver-haired, 

pallid, and Townsend’s 

big-eared bats)

M M M

Minimal impacts to these species, but some impacts to existing snags or trees with 

cavities.

Great gray owl NI NI NI No Habitat

Red tree vole (Mesic 

Zone) M M M Canopy connectivity reduced and undiscovered nest trees may be felled. 

Del Norte salamander M M M Some talus habitat may be impacted. Known sites will be protected.

Neo-tropical Migratory Birds

All birds in this 

category

Variable impacts, but no more than M for any species, because the scale of impacts is small, compared to the 

availability of habitats within the watersheds and forest. 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-5

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Threatened & 

Endangered Species:

NE = No Effect

BE = Beneficial Effect

NLAA = May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect

LAA = May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect

CHU = Critical Habitat Unit

N/A = Not Applicable

All other species

NI = No Impact

BI = Beneficial Impact

MIIH = May Impact Individuals or Habitat, but will not likely contribute to a trend towards Federal listing 

or cause a loss of viability to the population or species

M – May affect some individuals or some habitat but effect is minimal

VM = Viability expected to be maintained

B – Beneficial

Note: some species are on more than one list

*Remnant trees = Generally large old trees that were not removed during earlier regeneration harvest activities or that survived 

stand replacement fires. In some cases they are single trees, while other areas have groups of older trees up to a half acre in size. 

These trees generally range from 34” dbh to in excess of 60” dbh and are often at least twice the diameter of the average tree in 

the stand they are located in. They often have a “wolfy” structure consisting of moss covered limbs/platforms > 4-6” diameter, 

and fire scars or charred bark. Generally, bark is thicker and more furrowed and crowns tend to be more flat topped, less 

“pointed” than younger trees.

Effects to Species of Concern

Species of concern are those species listed by the Endangered Species Act as Threatened or Endangered, 

the Regional Forester as Sensitive, Northwest Forest Plan Species, Management Indicator Species by the

Siskiyou Land and Resource Management Plan, or Birds of Conservation Concern including focal Neotropical Migratory Bird Species by Oregon-Washington Chapter of Partners in Flight in their published 

Landbird Conservation Plan (PIF 1999, 2000). Effects to species are generally based on the effects to 

their habitat or potential effects from disturbance during nesting season. 

The Forest consults with the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (per Section 7 of the Endangered Species 

Act) about any management activities which “may affect” individuals of listed species or their habitat. 

For detailed information on the natural history and management of the Forest’s Endangered and 

Threatened species, see the most recent programmatic “Formal Consultation on Timber Harvest, Meadow 

Restoration and Quarry Activities Proposed by the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (Tails # 13420-

2009-F-0146)(USDA, USDI 2009). Information in the referenced document was used in the subsequent 

determination of effects to Threatened species for this project.

Threatened and Endangered Species 

The effects determination for thinning and associated treatments for all Action Alternatives is May 

Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect (NLAA) for the northern spotted owl. Project Design Features

(PDFs) would ensure that no suitable habitat would be removed; however up to 3,314 acres of dispersal 

habitat may be treated and maintained. The Project Area and proposed haul route are located outside 

1992, 2008, and 2012 Critical Habitat Units (CHUs), therefore not applicable (N/A).

For the marbled murrelet, the effects determination for thinning and associated treatments is May Affect, 

Not Likely to Adversely Affect (NLAA) for all Action Alternatives. Project Design Features would

ensure that no habitat would be removed. Project Areas are located outside Critical Habitat Units 

(CHUs). The proposed haul route travels through marbled murrelet CHU; however, hauling is not 

expected to have any impact due to high use from private timber operations and public use accessing the 

National Forest. Therefore, the effects determination for marbled murrelet Critical Habitat is No Effect 

(NE).
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-6

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Sensitive Species

The determinations for Sensitive species that are NOT likely to occur in the Project Area is No Impact. 

For all Action Alternatives, the determinations for Sensitive species that are likely to occur in the Project 

Area is no more than May Impact Individuals or Habitat (MIIH), but would not likely contribute to a 

trend towards Federal listing or cause a loss of viability to the population or species, because of potential 

disturbance to individuals and limited adverse effects to habitat from treatments. Adverse effects are 

limited because the scale of impacts is very small compared to the scale of the distribution of these 

species and their habitat across the watersheds and forest. 

Management Indicator Species

Effects to Management Indicator Species (MIS), is based upon effects to their habitat. The determination 

for the bald eagle and osprey is No Impact because riverine habitat along major creeks and streams 

would not be impacted with this project under all Alternatives. Northern spotted owl is addressed as 

Threatened or Sensitive species. The determinations for woodpeckers (pileated, downy, hairy, acorn, 

white-headed, northern flicker, red-breasted sapsucker, Lewis’ woodpecker) would be M (may affect 

some individuals or some habitat but effect is minimal under all Action Alternatives), because some 

snags would likely be felled. The determination for American marten would be M, because mature 

habitat would be thinned reducing canopy cover from near 100% to 40-50% and some snags and remnant 

trees may be felled for safety. Late-successional habitat would not be removed however. The 

determinations for Columbian black-tailed deer and Roosevelt elk are M for all Action Alternatives 

because forage would be created by thinning while thermal cover would be reduced. Disturbance from 

humans may increase due to increased access to new areas from road construction/maintenance activities.

Northwest Forest Plan Species

The determination for bats (fringed, Townsend’s big-eared, long-eared, and long-legged myotis; silverhaired and pallid) and black-backed woodpecker is M – may affect some individuals or some habitat 

but effect is minimal because some potential habitat will be removed. Some large snags, which are 

habitat for these birds and bats, will likely be felled during treatments associated with operations. The 

determination for white-headed woodpecker and flammulated owl is No Impact, because the Project 

Area is outside the known range of the species. The determination for great gray owl is NI – no impact

because there are no meadows of 10 acres or greater within the Planning Area. The FAUNA database 

contains only one incidental sighting of a great gray owl within the Siskiyou portion of the Rogue RiverSiskiyou National Forest. This location is over 4 miles from the largest meadow (7 acres) in the Planning 

Area.

The determination for red tree vole is M - may affect some individuals or some habitat but effect is 

minimal. Surveys for the proposed treatment units are not required because they fall under the 2006 

Pechman Exemptions, thinning in forest stands younger than 80 years of age. However, past surveys 

have located nest trees in proposed treatment units. Those nest trees have been identified and marked as 

wildlife trees to protect. Some undiscovered red tree vole nest trees may be felled or blow down. 

Thinning may isolate individual tree canopies reducing inter-connected tree canopies which may be used 

by foraging and dispersing red tree voles. The determination for the Del Norte salamander is M – may 

affect some individuals or some habitat but effect is minimal because some talus habitat may be 

impacted. Past surveys have located occupied sites. These sites would be protected from ground 

compaction activities with a buffer of 100’ or one site tree length, whichever is greater.

Neotropical Migratory Birds/Landbirds (NTMB)

The effects to migratory birds/landbirds are variable depending on the habitat associations of the 

individual species, but no more than minimal (M) for any species. It is expected that project activities 

would fall some snags and thus have a potential adverse effect on cavity nesting birds in certain areas. 

However, all Action Alternatives would leave existing dead wood used by cavity-dependent species, and 

where needed, snags and down wood may be created. Disturbance to individuals and limited adverse 

effects to habitat from treatments are limited in scale when compared to the distribution of the species and 

habitats within the watersheds and Forest.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-7

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

II. INTRODUCTION

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project for the Powers Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou 

National Forest requires a Biological Evaluation to be completed (FSM 2672.4). It is Forest Service 

policy to protect the habitat of listed Threatened or Endangered species from adverse modification or 

destruction, as well as to protect individual organisms from harm or harassment as appropriate (Forest 

Service Manual (FSM) 2670.3). This Biological Evaluation was prepared for the proposed Eden Ridge 

Timber Sales Project, which would be authorized, funded, and conducted on the Rogue River-Siskiyou 

National Forest (RRSNF).

The purpose of this evaluation is to determine and document the possible effects that the proposed activity 

and alternatives would have on any Endangered, Threatened, Proposed, or Sensitive wildlife species 

(FSM 2672.4). A second objective of this evaluation is to ensure these species receive full consideration 

in the decision-making process, to maintain species viability and meet defined recovery goals. The 

Biological Evaluation process (FSM 2672.43) provides a description of office analysis, and mitigation 

activities necessary to ensure proposed management actions will not likely jeopardize the continued 

viability of:

Species listed or proposed to be listed as Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) by the USDI Fish and 

Wildlife Service. Species listed as Sensitive (S) by the USDA Forest Service Region 6 (USDA 

FS 2008, FSM 2670.44).

The Biological Evaluation is a 5-step process. Each Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive 

species (PETS) potentially occurring in the proposed Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project Area was 

evaluated based on these steps, (evaluation of impacts on a given species may be complete at the end of 

step #1 or may extend through step #5). 

Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) also directs each Federal agency to insure that any action

authorized, funded or carried out by such agency is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any 

Threatened or Endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical 

habitat. The ESA also directs each Federal agency to confer or consult with the appropriate Secretary on 

any action, which is likely to jeopardize or affect the continued existence of any species or its critical 

habitat.

A. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN DETAIL

No-Action Alternative

Alternative 1 is the No-Action Alternative. It represents the current condition and is the basis for

comparison of effects from implementation of the three action alternatives. Under No-Action, stands 

proposed for thinning treatment would continue to be overstocked, with intense competition for growing 

resources, e.g., sunlight, water, nutrients, space. This process maintains a relatively high canopy closure, 

preventing the establishment or growth of a grass/forb/shrub ground cover. Stands would continue to 

self-thin the intermediate and overtopped trees, while the co-dominate trees would continue to have poor 

crown development and slow diameter growth. Snag development, especially in the smaller tree classes, 

is promoted as trees in dominant position continue their advantage. 

Stand structure elements such as horizontal and vertical structural diversity, large down wood, snags and 

multiple canopy layers would likely develop in these stands if no thinning occurs. These characteristics 

would develop over a longer time period as the stand naturally progresses through the different stages of 

stand development. The No-Action Alternative promotes the availability of smaller snags and down 

wood while the Action Alternatives promote the availability of larger snags and down wood. 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-8

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Alternative 2 (Proposed Action)

The Powers Ranger District proposes variable density thinning treatments, Port Orford cedar sanitation 

and planting treatments, and other connected activities on approximately 3,314acres of candidate stands. 

These stands are located on suitable forest land designated as Matrix and Riparian Reserve land 

allocations under the Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan as amended by the 

Northwest Forest Plan. 

Alternative 2 proposes intermediate commercial harvest treatments using variable density thinning 

techniques and other connected actions on second growth conifer stands artificially and naturally 

regenerated following timber harvest during the 1920s through the 1930s, and regenerated in the late 

1930s through 1940s. Commercial treatments are detailed in Tables and Maps in EIS Chapter II. 

Candidate stands are located on suitable forest land primarily designated as the Matrix land allocation 

under the Forest Plan as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan. Within the 3,314 acres of treatments, 

also included are treatments within Riparian Reserves that overlap into overstocked drier upland forests 

(1,097 total acres). 

Approximately seventy-five (75) treatment units would be designed for timber harvest with associated 

harvest systems that would use a combination of ground-based, skyline and helicopter operations 

depending on soil, slope and hydrological concerns. Also included is an additional 363 acres of noncommercial silvicultural treatments.

Commercial treatments would involve harvest of conifers with a minimum of 7 inches dbh, which is a 

viable product size under current and anticipated market conditions. No old residual trees (remnant) 

would be cut, except in instances where they are identified as danger trees. Estimated commercial 

volume could average 8 to 20 thousand board feet (mbf) per acre. Other wood product commodities are 

anticipated including biomass (chips), and firewood. Harvest treatments from this alternative could yield 

up to an estimated 53 million board feet and would be implemented utilizing multiple timber sale

contracts over an approximate 5-year period. 

Treatments would occur within the South Fork Coquille River and the Middle Fork Coquille River 5thField watersheds, and the Lower Rock Creek, Myrtle Creek, Headwaters South Fork Coquille River, Coal 

Creek, and Mill Creek 6th field watersheds. 

To access the 75 units for treatment, approximately 31 miles of existing Classified roads would be used 

for the haul route and approximately 11 miles of new classified system road construction would be built, 

6.1 miles of reconstruction of existing classified roads, 5.5 miles of road maintenance and .3 miles of 

decommissioning and construction of new temporary roads within units are being considered these over a 

5-year period.

Alternative 3

This alternative is similar to and is based on the Proposed Action, but differs from the candidate stands 

and opportunities associated with the Proposed Action, with modifications that include only “high to 

moderate benefit/low risk” new roads. This theme was derived from comments received during scoping. 

Road “benefit” relates to the amount of area accessed for a given segment or length or road. A “high 

benefit” new road would be one that provides current and future access for a large area, as compared to a 

“low benefit” road which for its length and potential environmental impact, would access fewer acres. A 

“high risk” new road could be one that would require crossing high risk or a number of Riparian Reserve 

areas, or is in a position on the terrain that would allow surface runoff into perennial streams, or is a road 

that would have steeper grades and/or involve a large amount of cut and fill of material during 

construction. An assessment of the new roads associated with the Proposed Action (Roads Analysis) is 

contained in EIS Appendix H (Transportation and Logging Systems Report).
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-9

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

In relation to Alternative 2, this modification would reduce the treated area on some units resulting in a 

change in configuration, or in some cases, units would be combined or dropped. This alternative includes 

helicopter logging systems, based on the change in access for conventional systems.

Alternative 3 also responds to the goals and objectives outlined by the Land and Resource Management 

Plan (1989 Forest Plan) for the Siskiyou National Forest, as amended by the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan, 

and helps move the Planning Area toward desired conditions described in that plan. This alternative is 

also designed to improve overall forest health by stimulating natural processes that encourage more stable 

and resilient forest vegetative conditions, manage stand densities and species composition, and provide 

for a sustainable yield of commercial timber and other commodities, with less environmental impact and 

risk (primarily associated with roads), as compared to the Proposed Action.

Alternative 4

This alternative is also similar to and is based on the Proposed Action, but differs from the candidate 

stands and opportunities associated with the Proposed Action, with modifications that include only the 

use (with reconstruction and maintenance) of existing roads for treatment access. This alternative also 

excludes some of the higher risk treatments within Riparian Reserves (primarily those associated with 

perennial streams).

In relation to Alternative 2 and Alternative 3, these modification would reduce the treated area on some 

units, resulting in a change in configuration, or in some cases, units would be combined or dropped. This 

alternative includes helicopter logging systems, based on the change in access for conventional systems.

Alternative 4 also responds to the goals and objectives outlined by the Land and Resource Management 

Plan (1989 Forest Plan) for the Siskiyou National Forest, as amended by the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan, 

and helps move the Planning Area toward desired conditions described in that plan. This alternative is 

designed to improve overall forest health with less environmental impact and risk (primarily associated 

with roads and treatments in proximity to perennial streams), as compared to the Proposed Action or 

Alternative 3.

III. PROPOSED, ENDANGERED, THREATENED & SENSITIVE SPECIES

In compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)(1973 et seq.) and the Forest Service 

Biological Evaluation process for Proposed, Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive (PETS) wildlife 

species, the list of species potentially occurring within the RRSNF was reviewed. The January 31, 2008 

Pacific Northwest Region (R6) listing of species applicable to the RRSNF was reviewed in regard to 

potential effects on any of these species by actions associated with the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project. 

While there is an updated species list, projects initiated prior to December 9, 2011, may use the list that 

was in effect when the project was initiated.

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area was buffered by 2 miles (see Map Attachment B), which is

a northern spotted owl home range plus one half mile. This effects Analysis Area distance will 

encompass the home range of most of the species analyzed in this document. The term Project Area (or 

Areas), is used to describe where action would occur, such as units where forest thinning is proposed and 

where road construction or road improvements are proposed. 

The Plum Creek Timber Company owns approximately 30,000 of the 39,731 acres within the Analysis 

Area. Timber harvest activities on the surrounding private lands are typically on a 40-50 year 

regeneration rotation. These harvest activities keep the surrounding lands in a fairly consistent early 

successional vegetation stage. Additionally, 8,634 acres within the Analysis Area are managed by the 

USFS and the remaining 444 acres are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-10

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

A. LATE-SUCCESSIONAL FOREST

Two Threatened species (northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet have habitat (or may occur) within 

the fifth-field watersheds associated with the Analysis Area and use late-successional forest habitat for 

their survival needs. The most important habitat components these species need are very large trees with 

large cavities or platforms, which are needed for nesting. The majority of trees used for nesting by the 

marbled murrelet and the northern spotted owl are conifers greater than 50” dbh with unique structure, 

such as large limbs or cavities (Nelson and Hamer, 2003; Hamer and Nelson, 1995; LaHaye and 

Gutierrez, 1999; Forsman et al., 1982.

Based on GIS data (satellite imagery), there are about 3,300 acres proposed for treatment that are mature 

(21-32” dbh) forest. These stands are currently less than 80 years old based on historical records and 

stand examinations. They are dispersal-foraging habitat for northern spotted owls. The stands are not 

late-successional forest because they do not contain giant trees, large cavities, large limbs, or sufficient 

levels of snags or down wood.

“Late-successional forests are those forest seral stages that include mature [21-32” DBH or 80-200 years 

of age] and old-growth [>32” DBH or >180-200 years old] age classes.” (NWFP FSEIS Vol. 1, Glossary, 

p. 9 and ROD, p. B-1) (NWFP FSEIS Vol. 1, p. 3&4 – 13 and 3&4 - 26). “Although the processes that 

created the current late-successional and old-growth ecosystems are not completely understood, they 

include: (1) tree growth and maturation, (2) death and decay of large trees, (3) low-to-moderate intensity 

disturbances (e.g., fire, wind, insects, and diseases) that create canopy openings or gaps in the various 

strata of vegetation, (4) establishment of trees beneath the maturing overstory trees either in gaps or under 

the canopy, and (5) closing of canopy gaps by lateral canopy growth or growth of understory trees.” 

(NWFP ROD, p. B-2).

Although there are a number of characteristics in late-successional forest, quantification of latesuccessional or old-growth forest generally uses a combination of diameters (described above) and 

canopy closure (generally greater than 50%). These characteristics are used because diameter and canopy 

closure are easily measured and because these are the types of stands where the characteristics of latesuccessional forest are likely to begin developing or may already occur. For example, a stand which is 

sixty years of age could be dominated by 21-32” dbh trees with high canopy cover, but is not likely to 

contain giant trees, large cavities, or large limbs. This stand could also contain only a few large snags or 

minimal quantities of large down wood; therefore, this stand is only beginning to develop latesuccessional forest characteristics.

Patch sizes have been fragmented by past timber harvest and wildfire, thereby reducing the size and 

number of patches. There is a need to grow larger patches of older forest (LSRA, 1995). Existing latesuccessional forests are probably less diverse because of the decrease in low to moderate intensity fires 

over the past 100 years. Those fires increased stand diversity by creating gaps, snags and large down 

wood when trees burned.

1. Northwest Forest Plan Standard and Guideline C-44

While no late-successional forest would be affected by this project, the Northwest Forest Plan contains 

Standards and Guidelines which limit harvest of older forest in watersheds/analysis areas where little latesuccessional forest remains (Northwest Forest Plan ROD, page C-44). Standard and Guideline C-44 of 

the Northwest Forest Plan ROD establishes the need to provide for retention of old-growth fragments in 

watersheds where 15% or less is late-successional forest within 5th field watersheds. NWFP S&G (C-44) 

states,”...Within such an area, all remaining late-successional stands should be protected”. NWFP ROD 

B 1-4 discusses structure and composition of late-successional and old-growth forest ecosystems and does 

not limit the determination of such stands to diameter and canopy closure.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-11

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table G-3 lists the percent of late-successional and old-growth forest on Forest Service managed lands 

within the affected fifth-field watersheds. Both watersheds are above the 15 percent thresholds described 

above. The inclusion of other federally-managed lands (i.e., BLM) would add to these percentages.

Table G-3. Posthabitat1 Conditions within 5th field Watersheds

5

th Field Watershed Forest Service Acres % Late-successional % Old-growth

Middle Fork Coquille River 1,534 43% (653 ac) 1% (14 ac)

South Fork Coquille River 65,370 21% (14,001 ac) 14% (8,967 ac)

As part of implementation for the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project, an analysis exercise would be done 

to determine whether or not any 5-acre portion of a candidate stand contains 6 or more trees with potential 

late-successional structure. If an area contains 6 or more trees with potential structure, it constitutes 

potential suitable habitat. Any stand with a potential suitable habitat (remnant late-successional tree) 

component would be further assessed with a walk-through of the area that would be impacted (USDI, 

2006). If a late successional component is confirmed, that portion of the stand (or the entire stand) would 

be excluded from treatments (including 1⁄2 site tree un-thinned buffer). The intent is to exclude and 

protect small groups of remnant trees within treatment units. Stands have been examined and most 

remnants have already been excluded. However, if any remnant trees were missed, they would be 

protected in accordance with Project Design Feature (PDF) #6 in Appendix G and FEIS Chapter II 

Because the Eden Ridge Timber Sale project would not occur within or reduce late-successional or old 

growth forest, it would not affect (change or reduce) the current condition of late-successional forest, 

in conformance with Standard and Guidelines at Northwest Forest Plan C-44.

B. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES AND CRITICAL HABITAT LISTED UNDER ESA

1. Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina)

Habitat and Management Requirements

A detailed account of the taxonomy, ecology, and reproductive characteristics of the spotted owl is found 

in the Interagency Scientific Committee Report (ISC 1990) and the Record of Decision for Amendments 

to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents within the Range of the 

Northern Spotted Owl (USDA FS/USDI BLM 1994).

The spotted owl was federally listed as Threatened primarily due to the loss of suitable habitat. Spotted 

owls tend to be associated with forest stands in which many of the trees are more than 80 years old, and 

stands that contain some old-growth forest structures such as large, decadent live and dead trees. Spotted 

owls are year-round residents in suitable habitat. Generally, the greater the amount of forest greater than 

80 years old, the greater the probability for finding spotted owls within those forests. Approximately 90 

percent of existing spotted owl habitat occurs on federally managed lands. 

Suitable habitat refers to habitat that functions for nesting, roosting, and/or foraging. Spotted owls 

usually occupy larger forested stands exhibiting older forest structure that normally includes mature or 

old-growth conifers with limited fragmentation. The stand usually has multiple canopies, with the 

secondary canopy often composed of both conifers and hardwoods under a conifer over-story. Canopy 

closure at nest sites is usually 60 percent or greater, with conifers at least 21 inches dbh. Most spotted 

owl nests have been found in mature and old-growth forests. The northern spotted owl was listed as 

threatened throughout its range “due to loss and adverse modification of spotted owl habitat as a result of 

timber harvesting and exacerbated by catastrophic events such as fire, volcanic eruption, and wind 

storms” (USDI FWS 1990: 26114). 

 

1

 Posthabitat is defined as late-successional forest habitat (mature and old-growth), which is synonymous with nesting-roosting 

habitat for northern spotted owls.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-12

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

More specifically, threats to the spotted owl included low populations, declining populations, limited 

habitat, declining habitat, inadequate distribution of habitat or populations, isolation of populations within 

physiographic provinces, predation and competition, lack of coordinated conservation measures, 

inadequacy of regulatory mechanisms, and vulnerability to natural disturbance (USDI FWS 1992b). 

In their 2004 evaluation of the status of the northern spotted owl, Courtney et al. (2004) state that 

present major threats to the species include the effects of past and current timber harvest; loss of 

habitat to fire; and barred owls. The 2004 authors go on to state that other threats are also present 

but of threats identified at the time of listing, only one (predation linked to fragmentation) is not 

well supported.

Management direction for the northern spotted owl (NSO) has its basis in A Conservation Strategy 

for the Northern Spotted Owl (Thomas et al., 1990). Direction stems from the Northwest Forest 

Plan, which amended current forest planning documents and established a system of LateSuccessional Reserves (LSR) across the landscape to provide habitat for the recovery of spotted 

owl populations. Thomas et al. (1990) disclosed northern spotted owls’ use of old-growth forests 

almost exclusively and rarely use clear-cuts or young forest plantations. When young stands are 

used, they typically contain remnant large trees (Thomas et al., 1990). Where timber harvest has 

occurred, spotted owls are usually found in the remaining patches of old-growth and mature forest 

(Forsman 1982). Habitat features associated with forests used by spotted owls include 

multi-layered canopies, relatively high canopy closure, large diameter trees, and numerous snags 

and logs (Forsman 1982; Thomas et al. 1990). These stand features are related to requirements for 

feeding, nesting, and roosting (Forsman 1982). Spotted owls most commonly nest in tree cavities 

or on platforms created by debris or mistletoe infections (Thomas et al., 1990).

The primary prey species for northern spotted owls in the Analysis Area are dusky-footed woodrats 

(Neotoma fuscipes) and northern flying squirrels (Glaucomy sabrinus) (USDA Forest Service, 1996). 

Dusky-footed woodrats are occasionally abundant in early mixed-conifer forests and present in late stages 

of forest development (Carey et al., 1999). Northern flying squirrels are generally associated with older 

forests. Zabel et al. (1995) verified a trend of negative, linear relationship between home range size 

during the breeding season and the proportion of woodrats in the diet of northern spotted owls. The 

proportion of northern flying squirrels in the diet was positively correlated with home range size. 

Spotted Owl Recovery Plan

A primary spotted owl recovery goal of the 2011 Revised Recovery Plan is to conserve older stands that 

are either occupied or contain high-value spotted owl habitat. Long-term spotted owl recovery could 

benefit from forest management where the basic goals are to restore or maintain ecological processes and 

resilience. In general, to advance long-term spotted owl recovery and ecosystem restoration in moist 

forests in the face of climate change and past management practices; the principles recommended to be 

applied by land managers include:

1) Conserve older stands that have occupied or high-value spotted owl habitat as described in 

Recovery Actions 10 and 32. On Federal lands this recommendation applies to all land-use 

allocations outside of Congressionally Reserved Areas.

2) Management emphasis needs to be placed on meeting spotted owl recovery goals and long-term 

ecosystem restoration and conservation. 

3) Continue to manage for large, continuous blocks of late-successional forest.

Recovery Action 10 – Conserve spotted owl sites and high value spotted owl habitat to provide 

additional demographic support to the spotted owl population.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-13

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Recovery Action 32 – Because spotted owl recovery requires well distributed, older and more 

structurally complex multi-layered conifer forests on Federal and non-federal lands across its range, land 

managers should work with the Service to maintain and restore such habitat while allowing for other 

threats, such as fire and insects, to be addressed by restoration management actions. These high-quality 

spotted owl habitat stands are characterized as having large diameter trees, high amounts of canopy cover, 

and decadence components such as broken-topped live trees, mistletoe, cavities, large snags, and fallen 

trees (USFWS 2011).

During the development of the Proposed Action, any stands meeting the definitions under Recovery 

Action 32 were (or would be) excluded from proposed treatments ( any stand or portion thereof with 

existing high-quality spotted owl nesting, roosting, and foraging (NRF).

In their 2004 evaluation of the status of the northern spotted owl, Courtney et al. (2004) state that 

present major threats to the species include the effects of past and current timber harvest; loss of 

habitat to fire; and barred owls. The 2004 authors go on to state that other threats are also present 

but of threats identified at the time of listing, only one (predation linked to fragmentation) is not 

well supported.

In their five year status review of the spotted owl, Courtney et al. (2004) report that predation on 

spotted owls has not been directly observed though great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) are 

presumed to be a major spotted owl predator. Furthermore, an evaluation of numerous corpses 

strongly indicates predation as the cause of death (Courtney 2004). Miller (1989) does report 

predation of juvenile spotted owls by great horned owls and starvation as the two main causes of 

mortality. Johnson (1992) implicates northern goshawks (Accipiter gentiles), Cooper’s hawks 

(Accipiter cooperi), red-tailed hawks, and great horned owls as potential avian predators. 

In their work in western Oregon, Forsman et al. (1984) identify great horned owls as a spotted owl 

predator. The five year status review includes a report by Leskiw and Gutiérrez (1998) of perhaps 

having recorded the predation of a spotted owl by a barred owl (Strix varia); Gutiérrez et al. 

(1995) share that fisher (Martes pennanti) have been seen climbing in spotted owl nest trees and 

may eat spotted owl eggs and young. It appears then that predation of adult spotted owls, their 

young, and or eggs could be preyed upon by wildlife species associated with late seral conifer 

forest as well as those associated with edge habitat.

Management direction for the northern spotted owl has its basis in A Conservation Strategy for the 

Northern Spotted Owl (Thomas et al. 1990). Direction stems from the Northwest Forest Plan, 

which amended current forest planning documents and established a system of Late-Successional 

Reserves (LSR) across the landscape to provide habitat for the recovery of spotted owl 

populations. Thomas et al. (1990) disclosed northern spotted owls’ use of old-growth forests 

almost exclusively and rarely use clearcuts or young forest plantations. When young stands are 

used, they typically contain remnant large trees (Thomas et al. 1990). Where timber harvest has 

occurred, spotted owls are usually found in the remaining patches of old-growth and mature forest 

(Forsman 1982). 

Habitat features associated with forests used by spotted owls include multi-layered canopies, 

relatively high canopy closure, large diameter trees, and numerous snags and logs (Forsman 1982, 

Thomas et al. 1990). These stand features are related to requirements for feeding, nesting, and 

roosting (Forsman 1982). Spotted owls most commonly nest in tree cavities or on platforms 

created by debris or mistletoe infections (Thomas et al., 1990).
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-14

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Northern spotted owls generally inhabit older forested habitats because they contain the structures and 

characteristics required for nesting, roosting, foraging (NRF), and dispersal. A definition of NRF habitat 

in the Klamath Province is difficult to identify because of the variety of ecological types and frequent fire 

history (USDA Forest Service 1996). The Mt. Ashland LSR Assessment (USDA Forest Service 1996) 

identified stands which supported northern spotted owl as >17” average diameter and >60% canopy 

closure (CC). The Rogue River/South Coast Biological Assessment defines Nesting/Roosting/Foraging 

(NRF) habitat as >21” average diameter and >60% CC (USDA Forest Service, USDI Fish and Wildlife 

Service 2009c).

Zabel et al. (2003) identified habitat models for northern spotted owls in the Klamath Province of 

northern California which correctly classified owl-occupied sites with >85% accuracy. Within Douglasfir habitats below 6,000 ft. elevation in the Eastern Klamath Ecological zone, these sites were classified as 

>17” average diameter and >60% CC. Zabel et al. (2003) concluded that their model performed best at 

the 200 hectare radius (0.5 mi). 

Northern Spotted Owl Presence

In 2008 and 2009, the Forest Service surveyed to protocol the Eden Ridge Planning Area. No nesting 

owls were located. One detection of a single owl (sex unknown) occurred within the home range of 

historical owl site #290 (see below) in 2008. A single male NSO and a barred owl were detected 

incidental to murrelet surveys in 2009. These 2009 detections were within the Planning Area but outside 

of any known owl home range.

Known Owl Nest Sites (NSO Site #290) – There is one known owl nest site (#290) within the Planning 

Area in the Hayes Creek drainage (part of the Mill Creek subwatershed). In 2013 a private biologist 

reported that a pair of owls was located near the historical nest patch; no nesting was confirmed. The 

nearest treatment units to the nest site are 3⁄4 mile away (Units #401, 402 and 403 - totaling 32 acres). 

These units are within the home range but outside of the one-half mile core area around the nest site. The 

last confirmed nesting at site #290 was in 1998; however, surveys have not occurred annually. For this 

site, private biologists have also reported detections of a single spotted owl in 2010 and 2012, and a 

barred owl in 2011. As noted above, Forest Service surveys detected a single owl here in 2008.

Spotted Owl Environmental Baseline

Habitat data for northern spotted owl analyses was derived from Geographic Information System (GIS) 

coverages. The analysis is based on satellite imagery. The use of satellite imagery allows large areas to 

be assessed on a consistent basis and is considered the “best available” data that maps and provides 

consistent vegetation characteristics throughout the Analysis Area regardless of ownership. It is 

important to note some limitations in terms of the satellite imagery used for analysis as such, individual 

pixels of data may not exactly match on the ground. 

Information on general forest cover types on Forest Service and National Park Service lands in Oregon 

and Washington was obtained through a contract with Pacific Meridian Resources Company. The cover 

type data (Prehabitat) were produced using a combination of 1988 and 1991 Landsat imagery and were 

classified into vegetation categories based on tree size and stand structure. This cover type data was

classified into vegetation categories based on size, structure and canopy closure date. Data is updated 

when vegetation conditions changed (such as timber harvest). Prehabitat was updated and called 

Posthabitat after the Biscuit Fire.

Data available for habitat analysis in the Biscuit Fire Recovery Project could not be classified the same as 

Zabel et al. (2003) classified habitat in their best model for northern spotted owl habitat. The available 

data had the following tree size classifications: 1-9, 9-21, 21-32, and greater than 45 inches and canopy 

cover classifications at 10-40, 40-70, and greater than 70. Therefore, analysis for this project defines late 

successional forest habitat for northern spotted owls as near to Zabel et al. classifications for the Western 

Klamath area as possible.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-15

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

USDI Fish and Wildlife Service describe two types of habitats for spotted owls: nesting-roosting foraging 

(NRF) and dispersal. Survival of individuals and successful reproduction is dependent upon NRF and 

replacement of deceased spotted owls and colonization of developing NRF habitat is influenced by 

dispersal habitat. Late successional forest habitat described in the Northwest Forest Plan is synonymous 

with northern spotted owl NRF habitat as it was understood in 1994.

Late-successional forests are “stands dominated by conifer trees that are 21 to 32 inches dbh...” (NWFP 

FSEIS Vol. 1, p. 3&4- 26). Another definition: “Late-successional forests are those forest seral stages 

that include mature and old-growth age classes.” (NWFP FSEIS Vol. 1, Glossary, p. 9 and ROD, p. B-1). 

Areas with greater than 32” dbh with two or more canopy layers “would generally best fit the definition 

of old growth.” It is important to note that there are some limitations in terms of the satellite imagery 

used for this analysis. Field verification is necessary to validate the size classifications, because shadows, 

large crowns and closed canopies can be depicted as LS or OG. 

The Revised Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl, June 2011 includes Recovery Action 32 –

Because spotted owl recovery requires well distributed, older and more structurally complex multilayered conifer forests on Federal and non-federal lands across its range, land managers should work with 

the Service to maintain and restore such habitat while allowing for other threats, such as fire and insects, 

to be addressed by restoration management actions. These high-quality spotted owl habitat stands are 

characterized as having large diameter trees, high amounts of canopy cover, and decadence components 

such as broken-topped live trees, mistletoe, cavities, large snags, and fallen trees (USFWS 2011).

The Rogue River-Siskiyou NF and Medford BLM drafted guidelines identifying forest stands meeting 

Recovery Action 32. Forest stands meeting the described conditions are a subset of suitable habitat and 

actual stand conditions vary across the range. (USDA/USDI 2010).

The sub-basin that contains the proposed units, the Analysis Area, and 5th field watersheds contain 

approximately 36,328 acres of NRF and 22,471 acres of dispersal habitat.

Table G-4. Environmental Baseline of Spotted Owl Habitat (USDI 2009)

Watershed 

(major subbasins)Total Forest 

Acres

Habitat Capable 

Acres

Spotted Owl NRF 

Habitat Baseline

Spotted Owl 

Dispersal Habitat 

Baseline

Coquille Sixes 89,149 17,680 36,328 22,471

The Forest manages all or part of LSRs within the Forest as a portion of the network of reserves designed 

for the conservation of the spotted owl. These reserves theoretically either currently provide sufficient 

amounts of habitat and numbers of spotted owls to maintain local populations, or, if deficient in habitat or 

owls, should provide sufficient habitat and owls in the future. The NWFP (USDA FS and USDI BLM 

1994a) directs that LSRs be managed to improve late-successional forest conditions, therefore habitat for 

the spotted owl should improve accordingly over time within these reserves (USDI 2009).

Northern Spotted Owl Critical Habitat

There is no Northern Spotted Owl Critical Habitat designated within the Eden Ridge Planning/Analysis 

Area. Critical Habitat for the NSO was first designated in January 1992 (USFWS 1992) and was revised 

in 2008 (USDI FWS 2008a). Most recently, the USFWS completed another revision to the NSO Critical 

Habitat, resulting in the current designation of the final Revised 2012 Critical Habitat for the NSO (USDI 

FWS 2012). The Revised 2012 Critical Habitat for the NSO designation is the current statutory 

designation and countermands all other previous designations. Critical habitat for the northern spotted 

owl corresponds closely with those areas designated as Late-Successional Reserve in the Northwest 

Forest Plan (USDA and USDI BLM 1994). 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-16

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

2. Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus)

Habitat and Management Requirements

The marbled murrelet is a small seabird (Alcidae) that nests along the Pacific coast from Alaska to central 

California, and winters as far south as Baja California, Mexico. Murrelets forage at sea where they 

consume a diversity of prey species including small fish and invertebrates, but nest on large limbs in oldgrowth coniferous forests. 

In the Pacific Northwest, murrelets have been found as far inland as 53 miles (USDI FWS 1997). 

Dillingham et al. (1995), examining murrelet survey data for the Rogue River-Siskiyou N.F., found that 

no murrelets were detected more than 32 miles from the ocean, although surveys had been conducted up 

to 47 miles inland. The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project is approximately 28 miles from the ocean.

The 2009 status review (USFWS 2009d) reconfirmed the murrelet’s status as a Threatened species and 

summarized the terrestrial habitat. Throughout the forested portion of their range, marbled murrelet 

habitat use is positively associated with the presence and abundance of mature and old-growth forests, 

large core areas of old-growth, low amounts of edge and fragmentation, proximity to the marine 

environment, and increasing forest age and height (Hamer and Nelson, 1995b). In all cases, marbled 

murrelets focus on the presence of platforms used for nesting. Platform presence is more important than 

the size of the nest tree, and tree size alone is not a good indicator of the abundance of platforms (Evans 

Mack et al., 2003). The presence of platforms is the most important characteristic of marbled murrelet 

nesting habitat (Burger 2002). Individual tree attributes that provide platforms suitable for nesting 

include large or forked branches, deformities caused by broken tops or mistletoe infection, or other 

structures large enough to provide a platform for a nesting adult murrelet (Hamer and Nelson, 1995b).

Platforms are defined as limbs 4 inches (10 centimeters) in diameter or more and 33 feet (10 meters) or 

more above ground (Burger 2002). Tree diameter and height have been positively correlated with 

platform size and the abundance of platforms, but the relationship may change depending on the variety 

of tree species and forest types marbled murrelets use for nesting (Huff et al., 2006). Overall, nest trees in 

Washington, Oregon, and northern California have been greater than 19 inches (48 centimeters) dbh and 

greater than 98 feet (30 meters) tall (Hamer and Nelson, 1995). Other important attributes of the platform 

are vertical and horizontal cover and substrate. Known nest sites have platforms that are generally 

protected by branches above (vertical cover) or to the side (horizontal cover) (Huff et al., 2006). Marbled 

murrelets appear to select limbs and platforms that provide protection from predation (Luginbuhl et al.,

2001; Marzluff et al., 2000; Raphael et al., 2002) and inclement weather (Huff et al., 2006). Substrate, 

such as moss, duff, or needles, on the nest limb is important for protecting the egg and preventing it from 

falling (Huff et al., 2006). Murrelet habitat is mapped by using spotted owl NRF habitat as a preliminary 

screen. 

Range-wide habitat loss is by far the greatest terrestrial threat to murrelets. Timber harvest has reduced 

the amount of old growth forest habitat within western Oregon and Washington by more than 80 percent 

and it is likely disproportionate harvesting has occurred within the range of the murrelet compared with 

forests further inland (USDI FWS 1992b). The NWFP establishes all murrelet occupied stands on 

Federal lands as LSRs, which greatly restricts the habitat modification activities that can occur. In 1996, 

the Service designated murrelet critical habitat, which largely overlaps mapped LSRs within the murrelet 

range on Federal lands. Predation via corvids and or rodents is also considered a threat to reproductive 

success. 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-17

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

An account of the taxonomy, ecology, and reproductive characteristics of the marbled murrelet can be 

found in the 1988 species status review (Marshall ,1988), the final rule designating the species as 

threatened (USDI FWS 1992b), the final rule designating critical habitat for the species (USDI FWS 

1996), Ecology and Conservation of the Marbled Murrelet (Ralph et al. 1995), Recovery Plan for the 

Marbled Murrelet (USDI FWS 1997), and the Service’s BO for Alternative 9 (USDI FWS 1994) of the 

Final Environmental Impact Statement on Management of Habitat for Late-Successional and Old-Growth 

Forest Related Species Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (USDA and USDI 1994a). 

In 1995, it was estimated 1,077 occupied murrelet sites occurred within Washington, Oregon, and 

California. Suitable habitat for the murrelet was estimated at 2,561,500 acres of Federal lands in the 

listed range of this species (Ralph et al., 1995). Murrelet habitat is protected on Federal land under the 

NWFP. 

The loss of significant amounts of suitable, unoccupied murrelet habitat may hamper efforts to stabilize 

and recover this species. The Federal listing of the murrelet as Threatened was primarily based on the 

loss of late-successional forest and the subsequent reduction in the number of nest sites available to the 

murrelet (USDA and USDI 1994; Carter and Erickson 1992). This loss of habitat may also explain gaps 

in their inland distribution. 

Current management direction for the marbled murrelet comes from the Northwest Forest Plan ROD and 

the Marbled Murrelet Recovery Plan (USDA and USDI BLM 1994, USDI FWS 1997). If surveys 

determine a stand is occupied, a Late-Successional Reserve is set up to protect all contiguous existing and 

recruitment habitat (i.e., stands that are capable of becoming marbled murrelet habitat within 25 years) 

within one-half mile of the occupied site. Suitable habitat is generally 80 years old or more with trees 

averaging 32 inches dbh or more, with at least one platform > 5.9 inches in diameter containing nesting 

substrate (e.g., moss, epiphytes, duff) on that platform which has overhead protective cover (tree branch 

or foliage), and has an access route through the canopy that a murrelet could use to approach and land on 

the platform (USDI 2009).

Marbled Murrelet Presence

In 1996 and 1997, marbled murrelet surveys were conducted on one stand of suitable habitat within the 

Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project Area and adjacent to Unit 401. Murrelets were not detected during 

these surveys. Because surveys expire after five years, some project activities in Units 401 and 402, 

would be seasonally restricted to avoid disturbing nesting murrelets, if present.

In 2008 and 2009, murrelet surveys were conducted within and adjacent to proposed Eden Ridge Timber 

Sales treatment areas. No murrelets were detected (visually or aurally) within the surveyed stands. 

Surveyed areas consisted of small pockets and scattered, individual large trees (remnant structure), some 

of which could serve as nesting habitat. This type of stand is sometimes referred to as grey habitat. 

Surveys included all or portions of Alternative 2, Units: 001, 003, 004, 005, 006, 007, 101, 102, 203, 204, 

218, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330 and 331.

Marbled Murrelet Critical Habitat 

There is no designated murrelet Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) within the Planning Area, but there is

within the Analysis Area. The proposed haul route travels through marbled murrelet CHU, but would 

not impact the primary constituent elements of habitat for murrelets. 

C. EFFECTS TO SPECIES LISTED UNDER ESA AND CHU

A summary of presence, habitat and determination of effects with mitigation is shown in Table G-5.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-18

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table G-5. ESA Species & Critical Habitat Unit (CHU) Presence and Effects Determination

Wildlife Species Sighting/Habitat Habitat or Species Present

Determination of 

Effects with 

Mitigation

Federally Endangered, Threatened, or Proposed Species

Northern Spotted Owl

Suitable Habitat 

present/species known for 

area

Suitable habitat not affected 

by project/species may be 

affected (disturbance)

NLAA

Northern Spotted Owl 

Critical Habitat Unit

CHU not within Analysis 

Area CHU not present N/A

Marbled Murrelet Suitable Habitat present

/species not known for area

Habitat not affected by 

project/species may be 

affected

NLAA

Marbled Murrelet

Critical Habitat Unit

CHU not present within 

Planning Area

CHU present within Analysis 

Area along haul route NE

 

 NLAA = May Affect, Not likely to Adversely Affect

 NE = No Effect

 N/A = Not Applicable

1. Northern Spotted Owl

a. Direct and Indirect Effects

No-Action Alternative

The No-Action Alternative would not result in change in current levels of disturbance to spotted owl nest 

sites (along existing haul routes; see below). No spotted owl pairs would be affected by change to habitat 

and dispersal opportunities would not be reduced from current conditions. In the absence of large-scale 

disturbance (wildfire, insects, and disease) the densities of northern spotted owls would likely remain 

stable, notwithstanding other threats identified by the Sustainable Ecosystems Institute report (Courtney 

et al., 2004) which include barred owls and West Nile Virus.

Action Alternatives

Disturbance

There is the potential for disturbance from harvest operations to spotted owls dispersing through or 

foraging in the Planning Area. One historical owl home range (NSO site #290) occurs in the northwest 

corner of the Planning Area, but the nearest project activities would be 3⁄4 mile from this nest site (PDF 

#2, p. G-69). Because there are no other historical owl sites in the planning area and surveys have not 

detected breeding owls, disturbance to other owls is unlikely. Any incidental owl nesting sites, if found, 

would be protected by mandatory Mitigation Measures (see Wildlife Report PDF #3 and FEIS Chapter II) 

unless surveys show nesting is not occurring.

The haul route runs through one owl core area (0.5 mile) and three home ranges. As a result, owls could 

be disturbed by short-term noise, if they are present. Work on portions of Road 5000-210 would be 

seasonally restricted to minimize the potential for disturbance. The anticipated haul route utilizes roads 

already receiving high timber haul use off of private lands and portions are open to public use; therefore, 

owls may have developed a tolerance to motorized traffic and road activities on these roads.

Alternatives 3 and 4 include helicopter operations, which may be more disturbing (short term) 

than Alternative 2. There would be no disturbance to NSO site #290 from helicopters, because 

there are no helicopter units within one mile of the nest site.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-19

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Habitat

The Action Alternatives would commercially treat (variable density thin) and maintain up to 3,314 acres 

of spotted owl dispersal habitat and non-commercially treat up to 363 acres. The resultant canopy closure 

(40-50%) and residual tree structure (the larger tree component) would maintain the dispersal function of 

the treated stands. The reduced structural complexity, e.g., loss of some snags and vertical canopy 

diversity, is a degradation of habitat quality for late-successional associated species, but the effect on 

wildlife from this degree of change is likely minimal and dispersal habitat would be maintained. Over the 

long term, thinning under the Action Alternatives would allow stands to develop late-seral characteristics, 

such as large diameter trees, more quickly. This strategy is consistent with the 2011 Revised Owl 

Recovery Plan (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, 2011). There would be no effects to high-quality owl 

habitat (RA-32), because none exists within treatment units.

No snags or down woody material are proposed for removal during silvicultural treatments. There is 

potential for some existing snags to be felled (but not removed) as safety hazards. The potential would 

increase as the amount of acreage treated increases under each alternative.

The differences in habitat effects under Alternatives 2, 3 and 4 would not be measurable because they are 

due to small differences in acres proposed for treatment.

Under Alternative 2 and 3, no new road construction is proposed within any spotted owl home range (1.3 

miles). Alternative 4 does not include new Classified road construction. No known northern spotted owl 

nest patch (300 meter) occurs within the Project area or along the haul route. 

Critical Habitat

The Action Alternatives would not affect northern spotted owl critical habitat, because the Analysis 

Area and treatment units are not within northern spotted owl Critical Habitat Units (CHU). The nearest 

treatment unit to spotted owl CHU is over 1.5 miles and the nearest road identified for use during the 

Action Altenatives is over 0.8 mile from the nearest CHU.

Known Owl Sites

Under the Action Alternatives, owl site #290 would have thirty two acres of dispersal habitat treated and 

maintained within its mean home range. Nesting in 2011 and the 2008 detection of a single owl within 

the home range, indicates this site is recently active and dispersal and/or foraging could be occurring in 

this portion of the Planning Area. This owl site is currently below the thresholds for NRF (nesting, 

roosting, foraging) habitat recommended by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for site viability (40 

percent NRF for the home range, 50 percent for the one-half mile core area, and 70 acres for the 300 

meter nest patch). Owl site #290 contains 24 percent NRF in the home range, 31 percent in the core, and 

1 acre in the nest patch. The proposed thinning treatments would not decrease those amounts of NRF; 

however, thinning would promote the development of late-successional forest within this owl site and 

help ensure site viability.

Prey Species

Based on historical observations and surveys, there is evidence northern spotted owls are using the 

Planning Area for dispersal, and possibly, foraging. Harvest and vegetation treatments may improve 

foraging habitat conditions for prey (USDI, 2009). Lemkuhl et al. (2006) confirmed the importance of 

maintaining snags, down wood and mistletoe. While flying squirrels tend to increase in abundance in 

older forests, they can also be present in younger stands. Dusky-footed woodrats tend to be more 

abundant in younger and drier forest stands and bushy-tailed woodrats are often associated with cliffs, 

rocky outcrops, and talus, but they also occupy hollow trees and logs. Tree voles appear to show a 

positive correlation with stand age and are more abundant in old-growth forests.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-20

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The understory habitat conditions for prey food should increase over the next few years after treatment, 

until shrubs and residual trees respond to again close in the stand. In addition, residual trees, snags and 

down wood that are retained in the thinned stands would provide some cover for prey species over time, 

and would help minimize harvest impacts to some prey species. Some arboreal prey species would 

venture into harvest units a short distance for food. Northern spotted owls seldom venture far into nonforested stands to hunt. However, edges can be areas of good prey availability and potentially increased 

vulnerability (i.e., better hunting for owls) (Zabel 1995). The retained trees may respond favorably to 

more light and resources and gain height and canopy over time (USDI, 2009). 

Given current conditions (forests less than 80 years old that do not contain giant trees, large cavities, or 

large limbs, adequate levels of snags or down woody material, and not considered late-successional 

forest) stands are likely low-quality prey habitat and it is unlikely flying squirrels are abundant. Foraging, 

if occurring, is expected to continue after density management treatments. There could be a small shortterm (5-15 year) decrease in owl prey species, but the impact to owls would be minimal because of the 

low-quality of the prey habitat and the history of limited use by nesting owls. This decrease in prey 

species would be outweighed by future long-term benefits to owls and, more specifically, to owl nest site 

#290 through a more rapid (10-30 year) availability of nesting and foraging habitat in the future.

Effects Summary

The potential short-term adverse effects to dispersing owls from disturbance and to owl prey species from 

thinning would be balanced out by the long-term benefits of additional late-successional and NRF 

habitats. This approach is consistent with the Recovery Strategy in the 2011 revised owl recovery plan 

(p. II-11) which encourages active forest restoration (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, 2011).

Project Design Criteria would assure that no suitable habitat would be removed. Up to 3,314 acres 

of dispersal habitat would be treated and maintained as dispersal habitat. Because of the potential 

for disturbance to spotted owls, the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project is considered “may affect, 

not likely to adversely affect” for the northern spotted owl (NLAA).

The Action Alternatives would not affect northern spotted owl critical habitat, because the Analysis 

Area and treatment units are not within northern spotted owl Critical Habitat Units (CHU). 

b. Northern Spotted Owl Project Design Features - Mitigation Measures

Required Project Design Features (PDFs) have been developed for northern spotted owls on the Rogue

River-Siskiyou National Forest. The following table portrays zones of restricted operations and distances 

from specific activities for known activity centers:

If a new activity center is located, the following mitigation measures would be applied where appropriate:

Table G-6. Northern Spotted Owl Mitigation Measures and Affected Harvest Units

Activity Zone of Restricted 

Operation Harvest Unit

Blas of more than 2 pounds of explosive 1 mile Activity not proposed

Blast of 2 pounds or less of explosive 120 yards None

Impact pile driver, jackhammer, or rock drill 60 yards None

Type III-IV Helicopter or single-engine airplane 120 yards None

Type I or II Helicopter 0.25 miles None

Chainsaws, power tools (hazard trees, tree harvest, 

fuel reduction work, etc.) 65 yards None

Heavy equipment 35 yards None

Quarry operations 0.5 miles Activity not proposed
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-21

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Table G-7. Project Mitigation Measures for the Protection of Northern Spotted Owl

Any of the following Mandatory PDFs may be waived in a particular year if nesting or reproductive success surveys conducted 

according to the FWS-endorsed survey guidelines reveal that spotted owls are non-nesting or that no young are present that year. 

Waivers are valid only until March 1 of the following year. Previously known sites/activity centers are assumed occupied unless protocol 

surveys indicate otherwise. 

Disturbance

1) Work activities (such as tree felling, yarding, road construction, hauling on roads not generally used by the public, 

prescribed fire, muffled blasting) that produce loud noises above ambient levels, or produce thick smoke that would 

enter the stand, will not occur within specified distances (see above table) of any nest site or activity center of 

known pairs and resident singles between 1 March and 30 June (or until two weeks after the fledging period) 

– unless protocol surveys have determined the activity center to be not occupied, non-nesting, or failed in their 

nesting attempt. The restricted zone is 1.0 mile for any un-muffled blasting. This distance may be shortened if 

significant topographical breaks or blast blankets (or other devices) muffle sound traveling between the blast and nest 

sites. March 1 – June 30 is considered the critical early nesting period; the action agency biologist has the option to 

extend the restricted season during the year of harvest, based on site-specific knowledge (such as a late or recycle 

nesting attempt). The boundary of the prescribed area may be modified by the action agency biologist using 

topographic features or other site-specific information. The restricted area is calculated as a radius from the assumed 

nest site (point). 

Disturbance

2) If an active spotted owl nest or activity center is located within or adjacent to a Project Area, delay the 

project activity until September 30th or until an action agency biologist determines that young are not present. For 

a given situation, the “adjacent” distance is determined by the action agency biologist – if needed, contact Level 1 

team for guidance. If any project activity is so close to a known or suspected owl site that the disturbance would flush 

a nesting spotted owl, curtail the project activity until September 30. The field biologist has the discretion to conduct 

surveys and determine fledging activity. 

Disturbance

3)Smoke producing activities will not take place within 0.25 mile of known active northern spotted owl nests between 

1 March and 30 June (or until two weeks after the fledging period) unless smoke will not drift into the nest stand. 

Remnant 

Trees

Remnant trees will be retained. Remnant trees felled for operational needs will be retained on-site. PDF #9 

Attachment A.

Above-ambient noises further than these (Table G-6) distances from spotted owls are expected to have

ether negligible effects or no effect to spotted owls. The types of reactions that spotted owls could have 

to noise that the Service considers to have a negligible impact, include flapping of wings, the turning of a 

head towards the noise, hiding, assuming a defensive stance, etc. (USFWS 2003). 

If spotted owls are detected in or adjacent to treatment units, Project Design Criteria from the USDI Fish

and Wildlife Service Formal Consultation on timber harvest, meadow restoration and quarry activities 

proposed by the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest (TAILS #: 13420-2009-F-0146) dated August 27, 

2009 (USDA/USDI, 2009c) would be applied to proposed activities (PDF #2&3 Attachment A).

2. Marbled Murrelet

a. Direct and Indirect Effects

No-Action Alternative

The No-Action Alternative would not result in any change to marbled murrelet nest sites. No marbled 

murrelet would be affected by disturbance in habitat and nesting opportunities would not be reduced from 

current conditions. In the absence of large-scale disturbance (wildfire, insects, and disease) the densities 

of marbled murrelet would likely remain stable, notwithstanding other threats.

Action Alternatives
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-22

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Disturbance

Murrelet surveys have been conducted and no murrelets were detected (visually or aurally) within the 

Planning Area. There are no known occupied sites within the Planning Area. Activities near any 

unsurveyed (or surveyed and expired) suitable habitat would be seasonally restricted (see Wildlife Report 

PDF #7 and FEIS Chapter II). As a result, measurable adverse effects to murrelets through disturbance 

are unlikely.

Activities in Unit #401 and part of #402 would be seasonally restricted to prevent potential disturbance to 

nesting murrelets in adjacent habitat (because murrelet surveys have expired in this area)(Table G-8 and 

Wildlife Report PDF #7). Work on portions of Road #5000-210 would be seasonally restricted to 

minimize the potential for disturbance. The planned haul route utilizes roads already receiving high 

timber haul use off of private lands and portions are open to public use. If present, murrelets along this 

route may have developed some tolerance to motorized traffic and road activities.

Alternatives 3 and 4 include helicopter operations, so there is an increased risk of short-term disturbance 

to nesting murrelets if they were in nearby habitat. The risk would be minimized through seasonal 

restrictions on helicopter activities in all units within one-quarter mile of unsurveyed, suitable murrelet 

habitat. 

Habitat

Marbled murrelet habitat would not be removed or degraded by the proposed activities. Over the long 

term, thinning would allow the remaining trees to reach a larger diameter, and, possibly, develop larger 

branches sooner.

There are occasional scattered remnant trees2 within proposed treatment units. Field reviews have 

previously identified and removed scattered pockets of remnant trees from treatment areas and any 

subsequent pockets identified would also be excluded from treatment (see Wildlife Report PDF #6 and 

FEIS Chapter II). Remnant trees would be retained whenever possible. Remnant trees felled for safety or 

operational needs would remain on-site (see Wildlife Report PDF #9 and FEIS Chapter II). 

There would be no measurable effects to suitable murrelet habitat from proposed activities under all 

Action Alternatives, because habitat was excluded from treatment units. If any groups of large remnant 

trees were overlooked, they would be protected by PDF #6 (see Wildlife Report PDF #6 and FEIS 

Chapter II). Thinning would pose minimal risk to adjacent habitat from windthrow or desiccation 

because canopy cover would remain above 40-50 percent.

The differences in Alternatives 2, 3 and 4 in terms of potential habitat effects are minimal due to minor 

differences in alternative proposal acreages in relation to the larger landscape. 

Critical Habitat

The Planning Area is located outside any Critical Habitat Unit (CHUs). The proposed haul route travels 

through marbled murrelet CHU (within the Analysis Area); however, hauling is not expected to have any 

disturbance impacts beyond those already occurring from public use of the roads. There would be no 

effects to murrelet critical habitat from the Action Alternatives because there is no critical habitat 

designated within the Project Area, and there would be no effects to the primary constituent elements of 

murrelet habitat.

 

2

 Remnant trees = generally large old trees that were not removed during earlier regeneration harvest activities or that survived 

stand replacement fires. In some cases they are single trees, while other areas have groups of older trees up to a half acre in 

size. These trees generally range from 34” dbh to in excess of 60” dbh and are often at least twice the diameter of the average 

tree in the stand they are located in. They often have a “wolfy” structure consisting of moss covered limbs/platforms > 4-6” 

diameter, and fire scars or charred bark. Generally, bark is thicker and more furrowed and crowns tend to be more flat topped, 

less “pointed” than younger trees.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Project Design Features (FEIS Chapter II, Section 10, g) would assure that no suitable murrelet habitat 

would be removed or altered. Because of the potential for activities to disturb marbled murrelets, a “may 

affect, not likely to adversely affect” determination is made for the marbled murrelet (NLAA).

b. Marbled Murrelet Project Design Features - Mitigation Measures

To protect marbled murrelets from disturbance; the following are the Project Design Criteria from the

USDI Fish and Wildlife Service Formal Consultation on timber harvest, meadow restoration and quarry 

activities proposed by the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest (TAILS #: 13420-2009-F-0146) dated 

August 27, 2009 (USDA/USDI, 2009) would be applied to proposed activities.

Table G-8. Marbled Murrelet Mitigation Measures and Affected Harvest Units

Activity

Zone of 

Restricted 

Operation

Harvest Unit

Blast of 2 pounds or more of explosive 1 mile Activity not proposed

Blast of 2 pounds or less of explosive 120 yards Activity not proposed

Impact pile driver, jackhammer, or rock drill 120 yards Activity not proposed

Type III-IV Helicopter or single-engine airplane 120 yards Activity not proposed

Type I or II Helicopter 0.25 miles Activity not proposed

Quarry operations 0.5 miles Activity not proposed

Chainsaws, power tools (hazard trees, tree harvest, etc.) 120 yards 401 & part of 402

Heavy equipment 120 yards 401 & part of 402

Burning where smoke will drift into occupied sites or unsurveyed habitat 0.25 miles 401 & 402

Table G-9. Project Mitigation Measures for the Protection of Marbled Murrelet

Habitat

For Survey Area A - If the project removes or degrades suitable habitat, the project must be surveyed to protocol (current 

Pacific Seabird Group 2-year protocol to document presence/absence of the murrelet). If it is not feasible to complete the 

2-year protocol, the USFWS will be contacted on a case-by-case basis to discuss other means of ensuring that potential 

nest trees are not impacted. A new unmapped LSR must be established for any timber stand in marbled murrelet Survey 

Areas A or B that is determined to be or assumed to be occupied by marbled murrelet. (per NWFP ROD, page C-10).

Habitat

Occasionally individual hazard trees are found which have not been surveyed for murrelet use and which have the 

potential to support a murrelet nest. If these trees are an immediate threat to human safety, they will be cut. Otherwise, 

these trees will be removed during the non-nesting season (16 September to March 31) (UDSI 2009).

Disturbance

For Survey Area A - Work activities (such as tree felling, yarding, road and other construction activities, hauling on roads 

not generally used by the public, muffled blasting) which produce noises above ambient levels will not occur within 

specified distances (see above table) of any occupied stand or unsurveyed suitable habitat between April 1 –

August 5. For the period of August 6 – September 15, work activities will be confined to between 2 hours after 

sunrise to 2 hours before sunset. 

Disturbance

Blasting (open air/unmuffled) – No blasting activities 1 April through 15 September within 1.0 mile of occupied 

stands or unsurveyed suitable habitat. This distance may be shortened if significant topographical breaks or blast 

blankets (or other devices) muffle sound traveling between the blast and nest sites or less than 2 lbs of explosives are 

used.

Disturbance Clean up trash and garbage daily at all construction and logging sites. Keep food out of sight so as to not attract crows 

and ravens (predators on eggs or young murrelets).

Disturbance Recommended - Between 1 April and 15 September, concentrate disturbance activities spatially and temporally as much 

as possible (e.g., get in and get out, in as small an area as possible; avoid spreading the impacts over time and space).

Fuels

(I) Burning would not take place within 0.25 mile of known occupied marbled murrelet sites, or unsurveyed marbled 

murrelet habitat between April 1 and August 6 unless smoke will not drift into the occupied site. 

(II) All burning operations (except for residual “smokes”) will be completed in the period from two hours after sunrise to 

two hours before sunset. (IV) During helicopter operations, flights over suitable habitat will be restricted (helicopter should 

be a least 1,500 feet above ground level); if not possible, fly a minimum of 500 feet above suitable habitat (above 

canopy).
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

3. Cumulative Effects - Spotted Owl and Murrelet

Cumulative effects include the effects of past, present and foreseeable future state, local, or private 

activities that are reasonably certain to occur within the Analysis Area. Cumulative effects compound the 

effects of loss of habitat and harassment potential associated with timber harvest operations and other 

activities on both private and public lands. The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area is basically an 

island of Forest Service land, surrounded by private and Bureau of Land Management land. Due to the 

private ownership status of the area surrounding the Planning Area, vehicular access by the public is 

currently limited to the eastern portion. 

As previously noted, Plum Creek Timber owns approximately 30,000 of the 39,731 acres within the 

Analysis Area. These surrounding private lands are generally on a 40-50 year harvest rotation. Virtually 

all suitable nesting habitats for owls and murrelets have been removed from private lands during past 

harvest in the Analysis Area. After approximately 40 years of age, stands may provide dispersal habitat 

for spotted owls. Private harvest activities could disturb murrelets or owls nesting on adjacent federal 

lands or cause windthrow of adjacent suitable habitat.

The Forest Service manages approximately 8,634 acres within the Analysis Area. The remaining 444 

acres are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). BLM also consults with the U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service and complies with the Northwest Forest Plan, so effects to listed species are 

comparable to the Forest Service.

Present and foreseeable future federal actions that could affect Threatened wildlife species in the area 

include: fuels treatments, developed and dispersed recreation, timber harvest and vegetation treatments, 

reforestation, restoration, road management, and special uses. All of these activities would be designed to 

meet the objectives in agency management plans and the Northwest Forest Plan (including the Aquatic 

Conservation Strategy) (NWFP 1994, Siskiyou NF LRMP, 1989).

Density management effects from the activities proposed in the Eden Ridge FEIS could combine with 

effects from other Forest Service activities; such as, pre-commercial thinning, commercial thinning, 

meadow restoration, and danger tree felling. There are approximately 300 acres currently being thinned 

under the Silver Doe Timber Sale within the Planning Area. There are approximately 675 acres of 

plantation commercial thinning identified under the Coastal Healthy Forest Treatment (CHFT) Project 

within the Analysis Area. The resultant canopy closure (40-50%) and residual tree structure (the larger 

tree component) would maintain the function of this owl dispersal habitat. Owl and murrelet nesting 

habitat is typically excluded from thinning treatments.

Disturbance could occur to murrelets and owls, if present, in adjacent suitable habitat. However, because 

activities are restricted during the breeding periods for most federal activities, adverse effects would 

remain unlikely to occur even when added to the disturbance potentially caused by activities on private 

lands. Also, because the Eden Ridge Planning Area contains minimal amounts of suitable nesting habitat 

and surveys found nesting was not occurring, there would be negligible risk of disturbance to nesting 

birds on Forest Service lands. There is no BLM land within disturbance distances for owls or murrelets.

Similar and/or Related Actions are included under the Action Alternatives; they are designed as 

resource enhancement, restoration, or improvements, and are described in detail in FEIS Chapter II, 

Section D, h. These actions would occur in proximity to commercial and silvicultural stand treatments. 

Included are non-commercial treatments proposed for 363 acres within the ER Planning Area (see Table 

II-6 and MAP II-2), snag/down wood creation, meadow enhancement, stream enhancement, native 

grass/forb seeding, invasive plant treatments, and other wildlife opportunities. 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-25

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The effects from these actions are minor in scope and context and would minimally add to the 

consequences of the Action Alternatives. In most cases the effects are beneficial to Federally-Listed 

terrestrial wildlife species. These actions would occur within several non-contiguous portions of the 

Planning Area and not all at the same time.

D. FOREST SERVICE SENSITIVE SPECIES

In compliance with the Forest Service Biological Evaluation process for Proposed, Threatened, 

Endangered, and Sensitive (PETS) wildlife species, the list of species potentially occurring within the 

RRSNF was reviewed. The January 31, 2008 Pacific Northwest Region (R6) listing of species applicable 

to the RRSNF was reviewed in regard to potential effects on any of these species by actions associated 

with the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project. 

Table G-10. R-6 Sensitive Species Known or Suspected to Occur on the RRSNF

NI = No Impact

MIIH = May impact individuals or habitat, but will not likely contribute to a trend towards Federal listing or cause a loss 

of viability to the population or species

R6 Sensitive Species Habitat Presence Species 

Presence

Determination of Effects 

with Mitigation

American peregrine falcon Habitat present Species present MIIH

Bald eagle Habitat present Species present NI

Harlequin duck No habitat Suspected NI 

Lewis’ woodpecker No habitat NI

White-headed woodpecker Not within range

Northern waterthrush Not within range

California wolverine Not within range

Pacific fisher Habitat present Suspected MIIH

Pacific pallid bat Not within range

Townsend’s big-eared bat Habitat present Suspected NI

Fringed myotis Habitat present Suspected MIIH

Northwestern pond turtle Habitat present Potential NI

Oregon spotted frog Not within range

Foothill yellow-legged frog Habitat present Suspected NI

Siskiyou mountains salamander Not within range NI

California slender salamander Not within range

Black salamander Not within range

Siskiyou short-horned grasshopper Not within range

Coronis fritillary No habitat NI

Mardon skipper No habitat NI

Insular blue butterfly Not within range

Hoary elfin Not within range

Johnson’s hairstreak Habitat present Suspected MIIH

Franklin’s bumblebee Not within range

Siskiyou Hesperian Not within range

Crater Lake tightcoil Not within range

Traveling sideband Not within range

Green sideband Not within range

Chace Sideband Not within range

Oregon shoulderband snail Not within range

Evening fieldslug Not within range
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-26

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Planning Area is outside the known range for the following species and they will not be discussed in 

this document further: white-headed woodpecker, northern waterthrush, California wolverine, 

Pacific pallid bat, Oregon spotted frog, Siskiyou mountains salamander, California slender 

salamander, black salamander, Siskiyou short-horned grasshopper, insular blue butterfly, hoary 

elfin, Franklin’s bumblebee, Siskiyou hesperian, pristine springsnail, Crater Lake tightcoil, Pacific 

walker, robust walker, green sideband, Chace sideband, traveling sideband, Oregon shoulderband, 

evening field slug.

1. Description of Species Habitat and Management Requirements

American Peregrine Falcon (Falco pergrinus anatum)

The American peregrine falcon was identified as an Endangered species in the 1970s and then delisted in 

1999. Peregrine falcons are typically associated with cliffs, which serve as nesting and perching sites. 

Nest site criteria include ledges, potholes, and small caves that are near water, inaccessible to mammalian 

predators, and offer protection from rain and snow, and heat and cold. Peregrine falcons feed almost 

exclusively on birds.

Cliffs with suitable ledges provide nesting habitat for peregrine falcons. Peregrine habitat on the Siskiyou 

portion of the Forest is managed in accordance with the Regional Forester's letter of July 19, 1999 

(USDA 1999b) and Standard and Guideline 4-5 of the Land and Resource Management Plan for the 

Siskiyou National Forest (1989). To date, six active nests are known on the Siskiyou portion of the 

Forest. On 25 August 1999, the USDI (1999) Fish and Wildlife Service removed (delisted) the American 

peregrine falcon throughout its range as a threatened species from the Federal List of Endangered and 

Threatened Wildlife, thereby removing all protections provided by the Act. A strategy for the 5-year 

monitoring plan that follows the delisting has been developed and is being implemented (FWS 2003). 

Evaluation of impacts of proposed actions on the peregrine falcon should follow the process described in 

FSM 2673.4 and be documented in the Biological Evaluation. If a proposed project may potentially 

adversely impact the species or its habitat, surveys using the Regional protocol should be conducted.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Bald eagles were listed as Endangered in Oregon and elsewhere by the FWS in 1967 (USDI FWS 1967). 

The bald eagle was removed from the federal list of endangered and threatened plants and wildlife by a 

ruling published in the Federal Register on July 9, 2007 and effective August 8, 2007 (72 FR37345). 

Bald eagles continue to be protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. The Act 

prohibits disturbance, recently defined by FWS as: “to agitate or bother a bald or golden eagle to a 

degree that causes, or is likely to cause, based on the best scientific information available, 1) injury to an 

eagle, 2) a decrease in its productivity, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or 

sheltering behavior, or 3) nest abandonment, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, 

or sheltering behavior” (50 CFR 22.3). 

The Final Environmental Assessment Proposal to Permit Take Provided Under the Bald and Golden 

Eagle Protection Act (USDI 2009) and Eagle Permits; Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular 

Localities; Final Rule (50 CFR Parts 13 and 22) finalizes permit regulations to authorize limited take of 

bald eagles and golden eagles under the Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act. 

Bald eagle habitat on the Rogue River-Siskiyou NF is protected and managed in accordance with the 

Pacific Bald Eagle Recovery Plan (USDI FWS 1986), and Standards and Guidelines 4-3 and 4-4 of the 

Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (USDA 1989). As part of the recovery 

plan, key nesting habitat areas have been identified on the Rogue River-Siskiyou NF along the Rogue, 

Illinois, and Sixes Rivers (USDI FWS 1986).
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Most bald eagles nest within 0.6 to 1.2 miles of aquatic foraging areas, which is typically a lake, 

reservoir, large river, or coastal estuary (Anthony et al., 1982; Stalmaster 1987; Anthony and Isaacs 1989; 

Johnsgard 1990; Garrett et al., 1993). Nest trees are usually the dominant trees in the stand, often much 

larger than the surrounding trees (Anthony et al., 1982; Stalmaster 1987). The nest trees provide adequate 

support for the large nests, an open flight path to the nest, and a view of the surrounding terrain 

(Stalmaster 1987). Although bald eagles usually nest near water, they will search areas away from water 

to find suitable structure for their nest (Anthony et al., 1982; Stalmaster 1987). Young stands are 

avoided, but eagles do desire large openings in the canopy provided by lakes, rivers, and meadows 

(Stalmaster 1987).

Roosting and perching habitat is also important. Roost trees are often the largest trees in the stand 

(Anthony et al., 1982). When selecting roost trees, eagles choose trees providing greater shelter versus 

trees close to food. On the other hand, trees used for perching are usually near water and food. Perches 

are used for resting, hunting, and eating. The species of tree is less important than the location and form 

of the tree (Stalmaster 1987).

Bald eagles require an abundant supply of food because of their large size. Bald eagles feed on fish, 

waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion (Stalmaster 1987; Johnsgard 1990). The specific diet may vary 

by season and location (Stalmaster 1987).

On the Rogue River-Siskiyou NF, major rivers provide the best habitat for bald eagles. The South Fork 

Coquille River is the nearest large river, approximately 2.2 miles SW of the Planning Area. The nearest 

known nest is approximately 4.5 miles NW of the Planning Area and there are no known nests on the 

Powers Ranger District. 

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project is considered a “No Impact” for the Bald Eagle because there are 

no known nests within disturbance distances from the project and the project is beyond the distance where 

most bald eagles nest. 

Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)

The harlequin duck is a short-distance east-west migrant that moves to breeding streams from Pacific 

coastal areas (Cooper and Wright, 1998). Harlequin ducks migrate northward and inland in spring, 

arriving at their breeding areas in the intermountain western U.S. late-April through mid-May, with males 

departing for west coast molting areas soon after females begin incubating (Spahr et al., 1991). Breeding 

females move to the coast later depending on breeding success and whether or not females abandon 

young. Non-breeding females also remain on rivers through the incubation period. Successful females 

and juveniles arrive on the coast in mid to late September. Some coastal breeding populations are 

probably non-migratory (Cooper and Wright, 1998). Young accompany their mothers to coastal molting 

or wintering areas in the late summer (Regehr et al., 2001). 

In Oregon, records of arrival on inland streams can be found from the first week of March, including a 

few reports of pairs (Dowlan 1996). Breeding occurs primarily on the rivers in northern Oregon, with 

occasional records from the Umpqua drainage. A pair was on Lost Creek in the McKenzie drainage in 

January, 1992, and an unspecified number of ducks was reported from the McKenzie in late February, 

1991. Pairs are seen on breeding streams in greatest numbers between the second week of April and the 

end of May, though a few records of pairs can be found through June. Some of these late observations 

appear to represent late-nesting or non-nesting pairs (Dowlan 1996). In September 2007, a female with 

young was photographed on the Powers RD (J. Lowe 2007, pers. com.). 

Inland, the harlequin duck dives for food in strong currents or fast-flowing streams, looking for prey on or 

near the bottom. Their diet is almost exclusively aquatic invertebrates, but also insects and a few small 

fish (Bellrose 1976). 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Harlequin ducks typically nest on the ground in well-concealed locations, usually on mid-stream islands 

(Wiggins 2005) although successful nest sites have also been located in tree cavities or cliff ledges which 

afford safety from high water (Street 1999). Occasionally harlequin ducks may nest up to 45m away from 

a stream (EUG BLM), but nests are typically located close (within 10m) to water and have some degree 

of vertical cover close to the nest (Bruner 1997; Robertson and Goudie, 1999). Nests may also be situated 

at the base of trees, on piles of woody debris, under fallen logs, or on sheltered banks (Robertson and 

Goudie, 1999). They will sometimes nest beside mountain lakes and lake outlets. They tend to breed in 

the same area in successive years. The male defends the female until incubation begins, then the pair 

bond ends (NatureServe 2010). The female harlequin lays her eggs in a mass of down; after the eggs are 

laid, the male migrates to the coast to molt (Street 1999). 

Harlequin ducks have been the focus of management actions in eastern North America, the Pacific 

Northwest, and in the Rocky Mountain states due to concern over declining populations. Relative to 

other species of ducks, they occur at low population densities and exhibit high breeding site fidelity, low 

reproductive rates, and delayed reproduction. All of these traits contribute to making harlequin duck 

populations particularly slow to recover from habitat degradation or loss (Wiggins 2005).

Suitable habitat for the species is not present in the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area; however, 

suitable habitat does exist within the watershed outside of the Planning Area. The Eden Ridge Timber 

Sales Project is a “No Impact” determination for the harlequin duck because suitable habitat for the 

harlequin duck does not exist in the Planning Area.

Lewis’ Woodpecker (Menalerpes lewis)

Lewis’ woodpeckers are migratory in southwestern Oregon, with sporadically large populations in the 

winter and scattered breeding pairs in the summer reported. Gilligan et al. (1994) reports that they are 

common breeders in summer in Jackson and Josephine Counties but in the last 10 years they have not 

been documented (N. Barrett 2008, pers. com.) and there are few recent breeding records (Janes et al., 

2002). This species is closely tied to the ponderosa pine/oak savannah habitats of eastern and southwest 

Oregon.

Nests are often in large ponderosa pine snags or mature oaks while the birds forage on insects and acorn 

meat. In winter they store acorn meat in crevices in trees and power poles. Because this woodpecker 

does not usually excavate its own cavity, they have a close tie to older snags within the forest that are 

likely to contain cavities and have crevices for food storage.

The population of Lewis’ woodpeckers has fallen dramatically across Oregon as pine – oak woodlands 

are lost (Gilligan et al., 1994). A contributing factor in the decline has been the spread of the European 

starling, which aggressively out-competes this species for available cavities. Habitat loss is due to a wide 

variety of concerns that include urbanization of valley floors, fire suppression and encroachment of 

conifer forests, timber harvest of pine components in the oak forests, etc.

Suitable habitat for the species is not present in the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project Area or along the 

haul route; therefore, a “No Impact” determination for Lewis’ woodpecker has been made for this 

project.

Pacific Fisher (Martes pennanti)

Pacific fisher was petitioned for listing by the Center for Biological Diversity and several other 

environmental organizations in November 2000. After a 12 month review, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service found Pacific fisher to be a distinct population segment (DPS) and gave a “warranted but 

precluded” decision to the petition, designating the West Coast DPS a Federal Candidate species (USDI 

2004). 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-29

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

According to reviews, the fisher occurs throughout most of Canada and possibly extreme southeastern 

Alaska. Its distribution extends south through several forested areas of the northeastern United States. In 

the western United States, fisher populations are known to occur in western Montana, the Idaho 

panhandle, the southern Sierra Nevada of California, the Klamath and Siskiyou mountains of 

northwestern California and extreme southwestern Oregon, and the southern Cascade Range of 

southwestern Oregon. There has been a recent fisher reintroduction effort in the Olympic Peninsula in 

2007 and 2008 (Happe et al., 2008).

The fisher is one of the most habitat-specialized mammals in western North America (Buskirk and 

Powell, 1994). Specialization appears to be tied primarily to denning and resting habitats. The varied diet 

of fishers suggests they may forage in a variety of habitats.

Fishers use landscapes at different spatial scales for different behaviors and activities (Powell 1994). For 

example, fishers may establish their home ranges at the landscape scale, forage at the patch scale, and 

select habitat for resting or denning at the patch scale as well as at a finer scale of habitat characteristics 

of elements within a patch (Powell 1994; Powell and Zielinski, 1994). 

Cavities in both conifers and hardwoods are used by fishers for resting. However, to create suitable rest 

cavities, trees must be old enough to have suffered the type of stresses that create infection courts for 

heartrot fungi, and large enough to form cavities large enough to be used by fishers (Zielinski et al., 

2004). Large trees also provide platform-type resting structures such as mistletoe brooms, clumped 

branches that support rodent nests, or rust brooms that can support the weight of fishers. Once these large 

trees die and fall, they become the type of log that fishers have been known to use as rest sites. Removal 

of understory and mid-story canopies around large structures may also reduce the effectiveness of the 

structure as a secure rest site because they contribute to the microclimate of the site. Under- and midstory canopies probably also provide some protection for female and juvenile fishers from predation or 

harassment by large raptors and mobbing by corvids because sight distance is reduced in dense, multistoried stands.

Fishers appear to be a generalist predator and opportunistic in their foraging strategies, which is reflected 

in their diverse diet (Zielinski and Duncan 2004; Aubry et al., 2002; Zielinski et al., 1999; Powell 1993). 

There is some indication of seasonal variation in the fisher’s diet (Zielinski et al., 1999) which is likely 

linked to seasonal abundance of prey and forage species. While fishers require structures provided by 

older aged or residual stands for denning and resting, they appear to use a wider variety of stands for 

foraging. Jones and Garton (1994) found that fishers did not use non-forested sites while resting or 

hunting, but they did use pole-sapling forests for hunting significantly more than for resting. The 

inclusion of berries in the diet of fishers suggests that they do forage, at least occasionally or seasonally, 

in more open stands where many fruit-bearing shrubs and forbs are found. 

Fishers have not been detected in the Analysis Area. There are 4 observations of fisher for the Powers 

Ranger District, the nearest being over 15 miles from a proposed treatment unit under the Eden Ridge 

Project. 

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii)

Townsend’s big-eared bats can be distinguished by their enormous ears, up to 40 millimeters in length 

and by the glandular masses on their muzzles. They are medium sized and have dull, soft hair. Their 

backs vary from brown, grayish brown, to black, with paler undersides. Their ears are by far the largest 

ears of any bat along the Oregon coast. Their flight membranes are dark brown and very thin.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-30

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

They occur in a wide variety of habitats, its distribution tends to be geomorphically determined and is 

strongly correlated with the availability of caves or cave-like roosting habitat (e.g., old mines) (Pierson et 

al., 1999). Saul and others (1977) found Townsend’s big-eared bats roosting in a variety of structures in 

southwest Oregon: caves, bridges, abandoned mines, barns and houses. Suitable roosts sites and 

hibernacula fall within a specific range of temperature and moisture conditions. The species may also use 

tree cavities for night roosting. 

Moths make up the majority of the diet for C. townsendii, but they will also ingest beetles, true bugs, and 

flies. Their flight is slow, and they are able to hover at a point that interests them. In addition to foraging 

on the wing, they will take insects from foliage. 

The proposed project does not affect caves, mines, wooden bridges, or buildings. The Eden Ridge 

Timber Sales Project would have “No Impact” on the Townsend’s big-eared bat because suitable 

habitat for this species would not be impacted. 

Fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes)

Csuti et al. (1997) considered this species a cave-dwelling bat, even though most of the specimens they 

examined were from buildings. It appears to be adapted to living in areas with diverse vegetative 

substrates. In SW Oregon, M. thysanodes appears to be a snag obligate and they are known to roost 

within and under the bark of snags (D. Clayton, pers. obs.). 

Current management direction is the Northwest Forest Plan ROD page C-43. This standard and 

Guideline provides additional protection for caves, mines and abandoned wooded bridges and buildings 

that are used as roost sites for bats. There are no documented sightings for the area, however, they are 

known to occur in the coast range and are suspected to occur within the Analysis Area. 

Northwestern Pond Turtle (Emmys marmorata marmorata)

Northwestern pond turtles are capable of living in a wide variety of aquatic habitats. The northwestern 

pond turtle inhabits marshes, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, sloughs, and slow moving portions of creeks and 

rivers (Nussbaum et al., 1983; Stebbins 1985; Brown et al., 1995). Pond turtles may also be found in 

abandoned gravel pits, stock ponds, and sewage treatment plants (Holland 1994). In the Rogue River 

drainage, records of pond turtle sightings are almost equally divided amongst rivers, larger-order streams, 

and small ponds (Holland 1994).

The size of habitats used by northwestern pond turtles is quite variable from place to place. Turtles have 

been observed using small ephemeral ponds only a few square meters in size (Holland 1994). On the 

other hand, turtles are also known to live in Upper Klamath Lake which covers an area of several dozen 

square kilometers. In areas where water is present only part of the year, turtles aestivate in the mud in the 

watercourse or in upland areas during late summer or early spring (Holland 1994). Pond turtles seem to 

prefer areas that possess some type of refugia such as undercut banks, submerged vegetation, rocks, logs, 

or mud (Nussbaum et al., 1983; Stebbins 1985; Holland 1994; Brown et al., 1995). Areas containing 

basking sites for thermoregulation such as rocks, logs, or emergent vegetation are also preferred 

(Nussbaum et al., 1983; Stebbins 1985; Holland 1994; Brown et al., 1995). Partially submerged logs, 

vegetation mats, mud banks, rocks, and tree branches provide areas for sunning (Nussbaum et al., 1983; 

Stebbins 1985).

There is some habitat for northwestern pond turtles within the Analysis Area. However, it is unlikely that 

any Action Alternative would impact turtles because suitable habitat would not be changed, removed or 

degraded by the proposed thinning activities or connected actions. Therefore, a “No Impact”

determination for northwestern pond turtle has been made for the project.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Foothill Yellow-legged Frog (Rana boylii)

Foothill yellow-legged frogs live in sections of low-gradient streams with exposed bedrock or rock and 

gravel substrates. They lay their eggs in late spring or early summer, and they attach them to the bottom 

of quiet scour-pools or riffles in gentle-gradient streams, often where there is only slight flow from the 

main river. Hatchlings cling to the egg mass initially, and then to rocks. Tadpoles live in pools that often 

have a connection to the main river flow, but little or no silt. Froglets live in pools with gravel and 

cobbles. 

Adults live in pool edges (often in a deep pool with sedge clumps around the edge), in bedrock at the edge 

of the main channel or under cobbles at the bottom of the pool (Corkran and Thoms, 1996). This is 

mainly a frog of rocky or gravelly streams in southwestern Oregon and is seldom seen far from water. 

Habitat is confined to the immediate vicinity of permanent streams below 1,800 feet, including those that 

may be reduced to waterholes connected by trickles during the dry season (Nussbaum et al., 1983). The 

FAUNA database contains no records of sightings of foothill yellow-legged frog in the Eden Ridge 

Timber Sales Analysis Area.

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project would have “No Impact” on the foothill yellow-legged frog 

because suitable habitat for this species would not be impacted. 

Mardon Skipper (Polites mardon)

Mardon skippers are univoltine, completing one life cycle annually. Adults typically emerge between 

May and July, but possibly later at higher elevations. Individuals live between five days and two weeks 

(Potter et al., 2002). A unique feature of this species is that it is reported as spending its entire life cycle 

in one location, without migration. Its dispersal distance is unknown. Eggs are laid into tufts of Festuca

spp. bunchgrass upon which the larvae feed for approximately 3 months. Hibernation is believed to occur 

in the grass as well (USDA and USDI BLM 2007).

Adult skippers feed on nectar from a variety of herbaceous plants though they also make use of other 

grass/forbs including such species as common camas (Camassia quamash), western buttercup 

(Ranunculus occidentalis), and Idaho blue-eyed-grass (Sisyrinchium idahoense). The southern Oregon 

populations are reported as occupying small (0.5 – 10 ac.) high-elevation (4,500 – 5,100 ft.) grassy 

meadows with mixed conifer forests. 

Surveys into areas neighboring known populations has expanded knowledge considerably from 37 known 

in 1999 to over 60 sites in 2004. Additional surveys in 2005 located approximately 11 additional sites in 

Oregon, and one additional site on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 

In 2005, four new Mardon skipper sites were located on Rogue River National Forest lands 6.5 km north 

of Medford District BLM sites in the southern Oregon Cascades. The 2007 total of approximately 73 

sites is almost double the number of sites known in 1999. However, this increase is likely not due to 

increased habitat or expanding populations, but instead due to increased survey effort in areas not 

previously surveyed (Kerwin and Huff, 2007).

There is a historical record of the skipper from 2 miles north of Gold Beach just inland of the beach. The 

skipper has been found at Lone Ranch Beach in Curry County north of Brookings during surveys in 2007 

(Ross 2007). In 2008, another new site was located in the Signal Butte area on BLM land approximately 

0.75 miles west of the Forest boundary (USDI, 2008). In 2009, a site was located in the Quosatana 

watershed on the Gold Beach Ranger District. In 2010, another site in the Signal Buttes area was 

discovered as well as a large site in the East Fork Pistol watershed was discovered. Occupied sites in 

Curry County have all been in wet serpentine meadow with adjacent dry meadow habitat. These habitat 

characteristics do not occur in any proposed treatment units. No records currently exist for the Powers 

Ranger District. 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The meadows in the Planning Area are typically sandstone, not serpentine, and are not included within 

proposed treatment areas. The Action Alternatives are not expected to impact Mardon skipper habitat and 

is very unlikely to affect individuals; therefore, the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project is considered “No 

Impact” for Mardon skipper.

Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni)

This small brown butterfly occurs in isolated pockets in the western mountains of California up into 

British Columbia. At lower elevations on the west slope of the Cascade Mountains and in the Coast 

Range, M. johnsoni feeds on Arceuthobium tsugense growing on large mature western hemlock in oldgrowth forests. 

Butterflies fly in the forest canopy most of the time, but may nectar on flowers in open areas along 

roadsides. At higher elevations in the Cascade Mountains, this species feeds on A. abietinum growing on 

true firs in subalpine forests. Southward, M. johnsoni is particularly associated with an Arceuthobium 

growing on Brewer spruce at high elevations in the Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon and 

northwestern California (Miller and Hammond, 2007). On the RRSNF, range maps indicate a population 

in the coastal mountains of Coos, Curry and Josephine counties. A second population is in northern 

Jackson County around Crater Lake National Park. 

This butterfly is an old-growth obligate and spends much of its time in the tops of mature conifer forests, 

making survey efforts extremely difficult. They do nectar on some plants, like Oregon grape and males 

come into damp earth sites, such as seeps and springs. Caterpillars feed on pine dwarf mistletoe 

(Arceuthobium campylopodum) which grows on pines and others conifers. It is also known to use coastal 

hemlock mistletoe. Timber harvest of mature forests may be a potential threat to this species 

(NatureServe 2010). 

Coronis Fritillary (Speyeria coronis coronis)

A relatively large (~ 3in.) butterfly that occurs in lower Rogue & Illinois River valleys of Jackson and 

Josephine counties. It is expected in Coos, Curry and Douglas counties and locally distributed in the 

Siskiyous.

The coronis fritillary inhabits lower elevation canyons and grasslands as well as mid-montane meadows 

and forest margins and openings (Pyle 2002). Caterpillars spend winter in first instar before feeding (Pyle 

2002). In spring larvae feed mostly on Viola hallii, found in rocky serpentine habitats (Hammond pers. 

comm.). Adults seem to move uphill shortly after emerging, probably in search of nectar (Warren 2005). 

Adults find nectar on bull thistle, other composites, and chokecherry (Pyle 2002). Females, at least, 

apparently return to basin habitats later in the season to deposit eggs. The single annual brood flies from 

mid-May to mid-September.

Rocky serpentine meadow habitat does not occur in the Analysis Area or within proposed treatment units. 

The project is not expected to impact habitat and is very unlikely to affect individuals. The Eden Ridge 

Timber Sales Project is considered a “No Impact “for coronis fritillary.

2. Direct and Indirect Effects of Action Alternatives

This sub-section discusses effects to species that were determined to be potentially affected by 

commercial thinning activities and/or connected actions (see above).

American Peregrine Falcon 

The presence of humans detected by a raptor in its nesting or hunting habitat can be a significant habitataltering disturbance even if the human is far from an active nest (Knight and Temple, 1995). Some 

peregrine falcons are extremely sensitive and refuse to breed if humans have been in the vicinity of their 

aeries (Olsen and Olsen, 1980). Even brief absence by parent birds can lead to missed feedings, predation 

on eggs or young, or to overheating, chilling, or desiccation of eggs or young (Suter and Joness, 1981). 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-33

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

There is one known peregrine falcon site within the Analysis Area. Three proposed treatment units 

associated with all Action Alternatives (#401, #402, and #403) are within the disturbance distances and 

would be seasonally restricted for all activities - January 1 to July 31. Additional units that are within 

disturbance distances (e.g., Units 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309 and 310) may require 

seasonal restrictions if helicopters are anticipated as the yarding system (Alternatives 2 and 3; Alternative 

4 only includes Unit 310). 

Until a Site Management Plan is developed, disturbance distances for seasonal restrictions have been 

designated at the maximum distance for the primary management zone of 800 m radius (Pagel 1991). 

However, based on the aspect, topography and location of the aerie, an additional 800 meters has been 

added to the NW half of the initial primary management zone radius. Maintenance activities on portions 

of Roads 5000-200, 5000-210, and 5000-290 would also be seasonally restricted January 1 to July 31 or 

until it has been determined by the district wildlife biologist that either fledging has occurred or that the 

site is unoccupied (see Wildlife Report PDF #10 and FEIS Chapter II). 

Any helicopter landing locations within 1 mile of the known or any newly found peregrine falcon sites 

would require approval of the district wildlife biologist prior to implementation (see Wildlife Report PDF 

#11 and FEIS Chapter II). 

All Action Alternatives of the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project “may adversely impact individuals, but 

not likely to result in a loss of viability on the planning area (Siskiyou National Forest), nor cause a 

trend to federal listing or a loss of species viability range wide” for the American peregrine falcon

due to the potential for disturbance to individuals and potential limited adverse effects to prey species 

from treatments. 

Pacific Fisher

Thinning may reduce existing canopy closure of between 70 to 100%, to between 40 and 50%, which 

could result in a reduction of denning, resting and foraging habitat for 10-15 years, until shrub and tree 

canopy closure. This would occur incrementally over the life of this project, since the proposed 3,314 

acres (Alternative 2) would be broken into multiple sales over an approximate 5 year span. Some 

remnant trees may be felled as hazards but would be subject to Wildlife Report PDF #9 (i.e., would not be 

removed; see FEIS Chapter II).

Although, Fisher have not been detected in the Analysis Area, suitable habitat is present and would be 

affected by the Action Alternatives. Occupation is assumed, therefore All Action Alternatives under the 

Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project “may adversely impact individuals, but not likely to result in a loss 

of viability on the planning area (Siskiyou National Forest), nor cause a trend to federal listing or a 

loss of species viability range wide,” for Pacific fisher because it could result in a reduction of denning, 

resting and foraging habitat.

Fringed Myotis

The project does not affect caves, mines, wooden bridges, or buildings. As such, no impact is expected to 

these potential bat roost sites. By design, the project maintains and promotes the development of large 

trees, large snags and decadent trees which could serve as roosting habitat. However, some larger 

snagsmay be felled as hazard trees during this project; they would not be removed or would be utilized as 

habitat improvement structures. 

Due to minor direct and indirect effects, the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project “may adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to result in a loss of viability on the planning area (Siskiyou National 

Forest), nor cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of species viability range wide,” under all Action 

Alternatives for fringed myotis because there may be some impacts to existing snags or trees with 

cavities. 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-34

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Johnson’s Hairstreak

Because surveys have not been conducted in the Project Area and potential habitat may occur in treatment 

units, occupation is assumed and all Action Alternatives for the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project “may 

adversely impact individuals, but not likely to result in a loss of viability on the planning area 

(Siskiyou National Forest), nor cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of species viability range 

wide” for Johnson’s hairstreak due to the removal of trees which may have mistletoe. Adverse effects 

are limited because the scale of impacts is very small compared to the scale of the distribution of this 

species and mistletoe would continue to persist within the Analysis Area, as should this species if it does 

occur.

Similar and/or Related Actions are included under the Action Alternatives; they are designed as resource 

enhancement, restoration, or improvements, and are described in detail in FEIS Chapter II, Section D, h. 

These actions would occur in proximity to commercial and silvicultural stand treatments. Included are 

Non-Commercial Treatments proposed for 363 acres within the ER Planning Area (see Table II-6 and 

MAP II-2), Snag/Down Wood Creation, Meadow Enhancement, Stream Enhancement, Native Grass/Forb 

Seeding, Invasive Plant Treatments, and Other Wildlife Opportunities. 

The effects from these actions are minor is scope and context, and would minimally add to the 

consequences of the Action Alternatives. In most cases the actual effects are beneficial to the above 

species. 

3. Cumulative Effects

Because this project would create minimal adverse effects on regionally sensitive wildlife species, 

cumulative effects would remain insignificant when added to the effects of past, present and foreseeable 

future activities likely to occur. The viability of all Region 6 Sensitive species within the Analysis Area 

would be maintained.

Cumulative Effects include the effects of past, present and foreseeable future State, local, or private 

activities that are reasonably certain to occur within the Analysis Area. Cumulative effects compound the 

effects of loss of habitat and harassment potential associated with timber harvest operations and other 

activities on both private and public lands. The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area is basically an 

island of Forest Service land, surrounded by Private and Bureau of Land Management land. Due to the 

private ownership status of the area surrounding the Planning Area, vehicular access by the public is 

currently limited to only the eastern portion. 

Present and foreseeable future actions that may affect Sensitive terrestrial wildlife species or habitats 

within the Analysis Area include: fuels treatments, developed and dispersed recreation, timber harvest 

and vegetation treatments, reforestation, restoration, road management, and special uses. All of these 

activities would be designed to meet the direction provided within the Land and Resource Management 

Plan (as amended) (and in accord with Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives (NWFP 1994, Siskiyou 

NF LRMP, 1989).

Density management effects of this project also combine with those of district-wide pre-commercial 

thinning, commercial thinning, meadow restoration, and danger tree felling. Approximately 8,634 acres 

within the Analysis Area are managed by the USFS. There are approximately 300 acres currently being 

thinned under the Silver Doe Timber Sale within the Planning Area. There are approximately 675 acres 

of plantation commercial thinning identified under the Coastal Healthy Forest Treatment (CHFT) Project 

within the Analysis Area.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Road access around the peregrine falcon site is not available to the general public.All access is through 

private gates, and the Forest Service has access through a Cost Share Agreement. However, it is likely 

that peregrine falcons have habituated to vehicular traffic from harvest activity on the private timber 

lands. There are other potential nesting and roosting sites within the Analysis Area on private lands. It is 

not known whether peregrine falcons utilize these areas. 

Density management projects could reduce canopy closure for 10-15 years until the shrub and tree 

canopies return. Stands that lack remnant tree structure likely only function as foraging habitat for fisher. 

Density management would likely increase growth and allow young stands to become suitable for fisher 

sooner than if they were not treated. No USFS projects, which would remove or degrade oldgrowth/remnant trees (other than felling when safety hazards), are occurring or are anticipated in the 

Project Area or Analysis Area.

Plum Creek Timber owns approximately 30,000 of the 39,731 acres within the Analysis Area. These 

acres appear to be on an approximate 40-50 year regeneration harvest rotation. There is little habitat on 

private land for Pacific fisher in the Analysis Area because the vast majority of it is non-forested. Jones 

and Garton (1994) found that fishers did not use non-forested sites while resting or hunting. The 

remaining approximately 444 acres of the Analysis Area are managed by the Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM), whose management practices are similar to the USFS.

There is potential for some existing snags or trees with cavities to be felled as hazards in conjunction with 

future Forest Service activities. This could occur on future CHFT thinning projects and hazard tree 

felling along open roads. Hazard tree felling is likely to have minimal cumulative impact to fringed 

myotis because of the intensity (only a few trees per mile). 

Activities on private lands within the Analysis Area are likely to have similar impacts. Past and current 

removal of snags as hazard trees along roads and within timber harvest units occur. There is likely little 

recruitment of future snags within private timber lands because of regeneration harvest practices. The 

amount and disposition of abandoned wooden bridges and buildings is unknown; however, the few that 

are known to exist would not be impacted by future Forest Service project. 

Since Johnson’s hairstreak is an old-growth obligate, it is not expected to occur in any CHFT projects. 

No other federal or private projects are anticipated to occur within the analysis area which would remove 

or degrade substantial numbers of old-growth/remnant trees. 

IV. MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES

Management Indicator Species (MIS) associated with the Siskiyou NF LRMP (USDA 1989) represent the 

issues, concerns, and opportunities to support recovery of Federally-listed species, provide continued 

viability of Sensitive species, and enhance management of wildlife and fish for commercial, recreational, 

scientific, subsistence, or aesthetic values or uses. Management indicators representing overall objectives 

for wildlife, fish, and plants may include species, groups of species with similar habitat relationships, or 

habitats that are of high concern (FSM 2621.1).

An indicator species represents all other wildlife species which utilize a similar habitat type. Indicator 

species act as a barometer for the health of various habitats and will be monitored to quantify habitat 

changes predicted by implementation of the Forest Plan (1989 pages IV-10 and 11, FEIS page III-102). 

MIS and habitats include bald eagle (habitat along major rivers), osprey (habitat along large rivers), 

spotted owl (late-successional forest), pileated woodpecker and American marten (mature/interior forest), 

black-tailed deer and Roosevelt elk (early successional forest stages, and woodpeckers/cavity nesters 

(wildlife trees [snags]). Bald eagle and spotted owl are discussed in an earlier section. 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-36

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Forest has developed the Siskiyou National Forest MIS Forest-Wide Environmental Baseline and 

Species Account (USDA Forest Service, 2012) to which this document incorporates by reference. Please 

refer to this document for background information that includes a more exhaustive review of habitat use 

and ecology, distribution of the species, Forest-level habitat evaluations, and viability assessments for 

Management Indicator Species.

Table G-11. Management Indicator Species and Habitat Requirements (SNF LRMP Page IV-11)

Species Habitat Represented

Bald eagle* Habitat along major rivers

Spotted owl* Old growth forest

Osprey Habitat along large rivers

Pileated woodpecker Mature/interior forest

Woodpeckers (others) Wildlife trees (snags) 

American marten Mature/interior forest

Black-tailed deer Early successional forest stages

Roosevelt elk Early successional forest stages

* Bald eagle is discussed in Forest Service Sensitive Species; spotted owl is discussed in Threatened Species, above.

A. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES HABITAT AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Ospreys are commonly observed along the South Fork Coquille River, the Rogue River, Elk River and in 

the Chetco fifth-field watersheds. This species is closely associated with open water (lakes, rivers, and 

streams). Ospreys historically have required large live trees (usually with broken tops) or large snags for 

nesting. By the mid-1970s they had begun to use artificial nest platforms, poles and other man-made 

structures (Marshall et al., 2003). Ospreys arrive during early spring (March), nest, and then leave for 

wintering grounds by October. Their primary diet includes fish and lamprey, which they hunt while in 

flight. Nests in Oregon are usually located within 2 miles of water and accessible fish populations 

(Marshall et al., 2003).

The nearest known osprey nest is approximately 1 mile from the haul route and over 3 miles from the 

nearest proposed treatment unit associated with the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project. Road construction 

and thinning treatment activities are not likely to occur near any undiscovered nests because activities 

would not occur near the main stem of the South Fork Coquille, where osprey are likely to nest. Project 

activities would not cut mature trees or large snags, except when determined to be a safety risk. As a 

result, it is unlikely that a potential nest tree would be removed or impacted. No impacts to osprey or 

their nesting habitat are likely to occur. 

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

Pileated woodpeckers are generally associated (feeds and breeds) with the Mixed forest habitat type, and 

is present in the Oak habitat type. Pileated woodpeckers use mature and older, closed canopy stands for 

nesting and roosting, but may use younger (40-70 years), closed-canopy stands for foraging if large snags 

are available; large snags and decadent trees are critical habitat components for pileated woodpeckers; 

down logs do not appear to be an important foraging substrate for pileated woodpeckers on the west side 

of Oregon and Washington (Hartwig et al., 2004; Mellen et al., 1992; Raley and Aubry, 2006).

In the Coast Range of western Oregon, pileated woodpeckers prefer deciduous riparian habitats and forest 

stands > 40 years of age for foraging, however, nests and roosts were located only in forest stands > 70 

years of age (Mellen et al., 1992). Nests were predominantly in broken topped snags; Douglas-fir was the 

primary species used, with a few nests in red alder. Roosts were in snags and live trees and substantially 

larger in dbh than nest trees; Douglas-fir was the predominant species used, but also red alder, big-leaf 

maple, and western redcedar (Mellen 1987).
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The selected alternative for the Northwest Forest Plan was determined to meet the NFMA requirement to 

provide for a diversity of plant and animal communities (USDA and USDI 1994a). The pileated 

woodpecker was one of 36 birds determined to be closely associated with late-successional and oldgrowth forests, with occurrence of large snags necessary for optimal habitat (USDA and USDI 1994b; 

3&4-177). A viability assessment was completed by the Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment 

Team (FEMAT) (1993). The viability outcome for the pileated woodpecker was 100 percent likelihood 

of Outcome A – “Habitat is of sufficient quality, distribution, and abundance to allow the species 

population to stabilize, well distributed across federal lands” (USDA and USDI 1994b; 3&4-179). This 

outcome determination was based on provisions of: 1) a large system of late-successional reserves, 2) 

standards and guidelines for Riparian Reserves, and 3) retention of green trees, snags, and coarse woody 

debris within the Matrix. 

A pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) habitat relationship model was developed in July 2011 as 

part of the ILAP (Integrated Landscape Assessment Project). The Wildlife Habitats module was led by 

Anita Morzillo of Oregon State University’s College of Forestry. The model was developed for western 

Oregon and Washington.

The Wildlife Habitat Relationship Model (WHR) was developed by reviewing the literature on pileated 

woodpecker habitat to determine vegetation types and structural stages used by the woodpecker. Each 

combination of VDDT (Vegetation Dynamics Development Tool) State Class and PVT (Potential 

Vegetation Type) was determined to be habitat or non-habitat for each VDDT modeling zone. 

Table G-12. Pileated Woodpecker Suitable Habitat Based on Literature Review by ILAP

Suitable Size 

Classes

Suitable 

Canopy 

Closures

Suitable Canopy 

Layers Suitable Cover Types Additional Habitat Info

Giant tree

(> 30” dbh)

Closed

(>60%) Multi-layered Douglas-fir >100 logs/ha with majority > 38cm

Large tree

(20 – 30” dbh)

Medium

(40-60%)

Douglas-fir/Bigleaf 

maple/grand-fir

>8 snags/ha with 20% >51 cm 

dbh

Medium tree

(15-20” dbh) Douglas-fir/hardwoods

The Forest Service has been implementing the NWFP and monitoring late-successional habitat trends 

since 1994. The 10-year monitoring report (Haynes et al., 2006) states “...it appears that the status and 

trends in abundance, diversity, and ecological functions of older forests are generally consistent with 

expectations of the Plan. The total area of late-successional and old-growth forest (older forests) has 

increased at a rate that is somewhat higher than expected, and losses from wildfires are in line with what 

was anticipated.” 

Woodpecker Group

The woodpecker group includes acorn, black-backed, downy, hairy, Lewis’, and white-headed 

woodpeckers, as well as northern flickers and red-breasted sapsuckers. These species are generally 

associated (feeds and breeds) with oak woodland, mixed forest, and/or grassland habitat types. 

Woodpeckers excavate nests in snags and trees. They also forage in decayed wood. White-headed and 

black-backed woodpeckers are unlikely inhabitants of the fifth-field watersheds. 

Acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus): This species is common in the Rogue Valley and 

adjacent hills and was thought to be likely extirpated in Coos Co, although a likely wandering or 

vagrant individual was observed for a period of 4 days in Powers during the spring of 2011 (Lowe 

pers. obs., 2011). Typically restricted to oaks, mixed conifer/oak, and tanoak, but uses adjacent 

stands (Marshall et al., 2003). 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus): This species is rare to locally common near the 

summit and on the west side of the Cascades. The westernmost extent of its range is in the Siskiyou 

Mountains. It has been found in most types of conifer forests but observations increase dramatically 

if the forest contains a high proportion of dead trees. It is most abundant in recently burned or beetle 

killed forests. 

Downy woodpecker (Picoides pubeseus): This species is found mostly at low to moderate elevation 

in deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, and less often in coniferous forests (Marshall et 

al., 2003). All but one of several nest reports from Oregon were in dead trees. A preference is shown 

for decayed wood for nesting, though sound wood is also utilized (Marshall et al., 2003). 

Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus): This species is resident in forests throughout Oregon with 

the exception of juniper. It is common throughout most of range, but uncommon to fairly common 

along the coast and in western interior valleys. Found primarily in mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine 

forests, as well as adjacent deciduous stands, especially during the breeding season (Marshall et al., 

2003). 

Lewis’ woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis): This species is associated with open woodland habitat near 

water. Primarily breeds in Oregon white oak, ponderosa pine, and riparian cottonwood communities 

and important components of this breeding habitat include open woodland canopy and large-diameter 

dead or dying trees. Formerly widespread, it is currently common year-round only in the white oakponderosa pine belt east of Mt. Hood (Marshall et al., 2003).

White-headed woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus): This species occurs mainly in open ponderosa 

pine or mixed-conifer forests dominated by ponderosa pine. A small population exists in true firs in 

the Siskiyou Mountains southwest of Ashland. In addition to uncut old-growth, they commonly use 

areas which have undergone various silvicultural treatments if large-diameter ponderosa pine and 

other old-growth components remain (Marshall et al., 2003). 

Red-breasted sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber): This species is found in moist coniferous coastal 

forest and mixed deciduous-coniferous forest west of the Cascade crest. Studies in the Oregon 

Cascades, Coast Range, and S. Washington Cascades showed increasing abundance with stand age 

and a close association with old-growth forest. Nest cavities are typically in large snags or live trees 

with decayed interiors (Marshall et al., 2003). 

Northern flicker (Colaptes auratus): Northern flickers are a common resident throughout Oregon 

(Marshall et al., 2003). Northern flickers may be encountered in almost any terrestrial habitat, but are 

generally most abundant in open forests and forest edges adjacent to open country. They typically 

avoid dense forest (Marshall et al., 2003). Most nests in forested areas are in older open forests, 

along older forest edges, and in larger-diameter remnant snags (Marshall et al., 2003).

American marten (Martes americana)

Hargis et al. (1999) stated that in North America, American martens are closely associated with mature 

conifer stands with complete canopy closure, and small (<100m), limited, and interspersed openings that 

are used as forage areas. Thomas et al. (1993) and Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team 

(FEMAT 1993) list marten as “closely associated” with late-successional and old-growth forests and the 

old-growth elements of large snags and down logs. The reports also indicate a strong relationship of 

marten with riparian areas. Buskirk (1992) reported that knowledge is almost completely lacking 

regarding behavioral or population responses of martens to such landscape attributes as stand size, stand 

shape, area of stand interiors, amount of edge, stand insularity, use of corridors, and connectivity. 

Marten use a variety of structures for rest and den sites. Resting and denning sites offer protection from 

predation and thermal stress; thus, availability of quality denning sites likely increases the rates of 

survival and fecundity in marten (Raphael and Jones, 1997).
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

In northwestern California, Slauson and Zielinski (2009) found marten rest sites primarily in old-growth 

stands, which were used disproportionate to their availability. In serpentine habitats, rock piles and shrub 

clumps made up 42% of rest sites.

Table G-13. Structures Used as Resting Sites by American Martens in Northwestern California

Structure Resting 

Sites

Comments

Snag 37% Primarily conifer, dbh range 41-140 cm (16-55”) 

Log 23% All conifer, diameter range 44-122 cm (17-48”)

Live tree 17% Conifer and hardwood, dbh range 57-165 cm (22-64”)

Slash pile 10% Used by a single male; composed of some large (>60 cm (32”) diameter) logs

Rock pile 8% Used more commonly in serpentine habitats

Shrub clump 6%

Sample Size 56

From Table 3 in Slauson and Zielinski (2009), comments added. (Klamath-Siskiyou and N. California Coastal Forest 

Ecoregions).

The diet of American marten is highly diverse. In the western United States in winter, most prey species 

are captured beneath the snow surface, but squirrels may be caught in trees (Buskirk and Ruggiero, 1994). 

Snags, downfall, and large woody material provide cover, denning sites, and access points to forage areas 

below the snow (subnivean habitat). 

Zielinski and Duncan (2004) found that in the southern Sierra Nevada, diets of both marten and fisher 

were more diverse than previously reported for North America. Of the major taxonomic groups, 

mammals were most common followed by insects and plants (mostly fruits).

An American marten (Martes americana) model was developed in July 2011 as part of the ILAP 

(Integrated Landscape Assessment Project). The Wildlife Habitats module was led by Anita Morzillo of 

Oregon State University’s College of Forestry. The model was developed for western Oregon and 

Washington.

The Wildlife Habitat Relationship Model (WHR) was developed by reviewing the literature on American 

marten habitat to determine vegetation types and structural stages used by the marten. Each combination 

of VDDT (Vegetation Dynamics Development Tool) State Class and PVT (Potential Vegetation Type) 

was determined to be habitat or non-habitat for each VDDT modeling zone. 

Table G-14. American Marten Suitable Habitat Based on Literature Review by ILAP

Suitable

Size Classes

Suitable Canopy 

Closures

Suitable

Canopy Layers

Suitable

Cover Types

Giant tree

(> 30” dbh)

Closed

(>60%) Multi-layered Alaska-cedar

Large tree

(20 – 30” dbh)

Medium

(40-60%) Cedar swamp habitats

Medium tree

(15-20” dbh) Douglas-fir

Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus)

Black-tailed deer are an edge adapted species using dense hiding cover during the day, emerging in the 

morning and evening to feed in more open areas (Maser et al., 1981). Throughout much of western 

Oregon, black-tailed deer reside year-round in relatively flat areas at mid to low elevations, on south 

facing slopes dominated by vine maple (Acer circinatum), huckleberry (Vaccinium spp), and salal 

(Gaultheria shallon) plant communities (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2008).
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Black-tailed deer rely upon several different successional stages of vegetation to meet their life needs. 

Areas with heavy canopy closure are used during all seasons. In summer, areas of heavy canopy closure 

are used to facilitate thermal regulation during periods of high temperatures. During winter, heavy 

canopy closure moderates temperatures and intercepts snowfall during winter storms. The reduction of 

snow depth under heavy canopy reduces energetic expenditure during movements of deer and provides 

areas of browse that would normally be under the snow surface. Areas with little or no overstory canopy 

cover are important for deer as forage areas. Forest gaps and natural openings provide optimal conditions 

for shrubs and forbs to grow, which deer depend on for forage.

Quality deer ranges provide both forested conditions for thermal regulation and hiding/escape cover 

interspersed with open areas for optimal foraging conditions. Decreased canopy closure in young stands 

should provide increased light and resources for forage plants.

Roosevelt Elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti)

Summer Roosevelt elk forage consists of a combination of lush forbs, grasses, and shrubs high in 

nutrients and easily digestible. Generally, higher elevation wet meadows, springs, and riparian areas in 

close proximity to forested stands offer these conditions for the longest period. Such areas provide 

nutritious forage and moist, cool places for bedding and escaping summer heat and insects (Oregon 

Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2003).

Elk achieve peak body condition during late summer and fall. Winter survival depends on fat reserves 

animals are able to store, thus, quality forage during summer and fall is crucial. Additionally, this forage 

is needed to meet the rigors of breeding and migration for those animals moving to winter ranges. The 

late summer/fall period can be critical on many elk ranges during drought years (Oregon Department of 

Fish and Wildlife, 2003). 

Winter is when elk survival is severely tested. Day length shortens, temperatures drop, and rain and snow 

increase. Forage becomes less abundant and accessible, and nutritional quality declines. Elk energy 

requirements can be high, and during this time they are dependent on stores of body fat. At this time they 

increasingly seek out an environment that helps minimize energy consumption. Such areas typically 

provide protection against weather and offer security for minimizing harassment or disturbance. During a 

typical winter, elk may lose 20 to 25 percent of their body weight. Elk losing more than 30 percent body 

weight likely will not survive (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2003).

Cover is an important component of elk habitat and provides both thermal and hiding properties. During 

summer it provides cooler, shaded areas for elk to bed during the heat of the day. During winter it 

provides a warmer, protected environment out of the cold, wind, rain, or snow. Lichens and other plants 

associated with cover can be an important source of forage for wintering animals. Adequate thermal 

cover reduces the energy needed by elk and contributes to over winter survival (Oregon Department of 

Fish and Wildlife, 2003). 

Deer and Elk Effects Mechanisms

Cook et al. (2004), reviewed four thermal cover studies conducted on elk and deer across North America 

and concluded that they indicate the thermal cover benefit attributed to dense forest cover is probably not 

operative across a considerable range of climate, including climates in boreal ecosystems of the 

northeastern United States, maritime ecosystems of the inland Pacific Northwest, and in cold, dry 

ecosystems of the central Rocky Mountains. 

Cook et al. (2004) also concluded that the experimental studies outlined above evaluated the weather 

moderating influences of forest cover (i.e., influences on wind speed, ambient temperature, and long- and 

short-wave radiation fluxes). They did not evaluate other potentially beneficial aspects of forest cover, 

which under some circumstances could include enhanced security, reduced snow depth and a better 

foraging environment. Thus, results of these experimental studies cannot be used to categorically reject 

all potential benefits of forest cover to elk.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Hiding cover is also referred to as security cover and allows elk to escape and hide from intrusions or 

disturbances. These intrusions can be human (hunters, vehicles, hikers, etc.) or natural (predators). 

Factors affecting elk security are topographic relief, vegetation density, and proximity to human activity. 

Hiding cover becomes more important if other components that provide security are absent. This can be 

particularly important where predator numbers or human intrusions are high. Inadequate security or 

hiding cover can make elk more vulnerable to predators, harvest by hunters, or other sources of mortality 

that can lead to abandonment of traditionally used areas. Regulating hunters can sometimes help, 

however this provides little benefit if predation and/or other human disturbance are occurring (Oregon 

Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2003).

Roads are a major contributor to habitat fragmentation because they divide large landscapes into smaller

patches and convert interior habitat into edge habitat. As additional road construction and timber harvest 

activities increase habitat fragmentation across large areas, the populations of some species may become 

isolated, increasing the risk of local extirpations or extinctions (Noss and Cooperrider, 1994). 

Heavily roaded areas may contain fewer patches of forest cover large enough to function effectively as 

habitat for elk. The direct impacts of roads and associated traffic on elk can be summarized in three basic 

categories: 1) Elk avoid areas near open roads, 2) Elk vulnerability to mortality from hunter harvest, both 

legal and illegal, increases as open road density increases, and 3) In areas of higher road density, elk 

exhibit higher levels of stress and increased movement rates (Rowland et al., 2004).

The adverse effects of roads and traffic on both deer and elk are numerous. High road densities and the 

associated traffic have been shown to decrease habitat quality and increase vulnerability for both deer and 

elk. Deer and elk are likely to be affected by the following road or motorized trail-associated factors: 

collisions, hunting, poaching, displacement or avoidance, disturbance at a specific site (Gaines et al., 

2003). Elk experience higher levels of stress when exposed to increased road density. Physiological 

indicators of stress, such as fecal glucocorticoids, have been observed in elk exposed to increased road 

density and traffic on roads (Millspaugh et al., 2001). Energetic costs of moving away from disturbance 

associated with roads may be substantial (Cole et al., 1997). During winter, when big-game species are 

on winter ranges, forage availability and value is generally low due to senescence of grasses and forbs. 

During this period open roads and the associated traffic have even greater detrimental effects on big-game 

due to their inability to escape harassment (disturbance) and both legal and illegal hunting pressure due to 

deep snow. In elk, if body fat is reduced below 9% as animals enter the winter period, the probability of 

surviving the winter is reduced (Cook et al., 2004).

B. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ACTION ALTERNATIVES

Pileated Woodpecker

Snags that pose a hazard to project operations would likely be felled and retained (see Wildlife Report 

PDF #12 and FEIS Chapter II). However, felled snags would still have woodpecker value as down wood 

foraging habitat. Trees damaged during operations may become future snags or trees with cavities. 

Additional snags would be created if funding is available. Non-commercial treatments that thin young 

stands are not expected to increase risks to pileated woodpeckers. All Action Alternatives under this 

project are expected to have minimal impacts to this species within the Planning Area, but there is the 

potential that an occasional existing snag or tree with cavities may be impacted. As a result, projects 

consistent with the NWFP are expected to maintain viability of mature forest associated with species such 

as the pileated woodpecker.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-42

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Woodpecker Group

Snags that pose a hazard to project operations would likely be felled and retained (see Wildlife Report 

PDF #12 and FEIS Chapter II). However, felled snags would still have woodpecker value as down wood 

foraging habitat. Trees damaged during operations may become future snags or trees with cavities. 

Additional snags would be created if funding is available. Non-commercial treatments that thin young 

stands are not expected to increase risks to cavity nesting woodpeckers. 

All Action Alternatives under this project are expected to have minimal impacts to these species within 

the Planning Area, but there is the potential that an occasional existing snag or tree with cavities may be 

impacted. Habitats such as oak woodland or grassland habitat types would not be affected. Projects 

consistent with the NWFP are expected to maintain viability of mature forest associated with species 

identified in the woodpecker group.

American Marten

The Forest Service FAUNA database contains no observations of marten within the Analysis Area and 

only 16 for the entire Powers Ranger District between 1979 and 1997, and none since. The nearest 

recorded sighting is over 7.5 miles from a proposed treatment unit. 

Thinning may reduce existing canopy closure of between 70 to 100%, to between 40 and 50%, which 

could result in a reduction of denning, resting and foraging habitat for 10-15 years when shrub and tree 

canopy closure increases. This would occur incrementally over the life of this project, since the proposed 

3,314 acres (under Alternative 2) would be broken into multiple sales over an approximate 5 or more year 

span. Remnant trees, snags and down wood suitable for denning & resting would be retained per PDF # 9 

(Wildlife Report and FEIS Chapter II), however some may be felled and retained. 

All Action Alternatives under this project are expected to have minimal impacts to these species within 

the Planning Area, but there is the potential that an occasional existing snag or tree with cavities may be 

impacted. Projects consistent with the NWFP are expected to maintain viability of mature forests and 

habitats associated with American marten.

Deer and Elk

Black-tail deer and Roosevelt elk use all successional stages to meet their habitat needs for cover, forage 

and reproduction. Natural or created openings provide the majority of foraging habitat, which is assumed 

to be the most restrictive habitat component in this region (Forest Plan FEIS, III-106-107). Deer and elk 

represent more than 180 wildlife species that need early successional stages to meet some or all of their 

requirements (Brown, 1985). 

Forage habitat is available within existing meadows, harvest units less than 10 years old and open canopy 

forested areas. Meadows and large grassy areas would be protected from disturbance. Corridors, skid 

trails, landings, slash piles; equipment operation and road construction would not be permitted within 

meadows and identified large grassy areas (see PDF # 14 in Wildlife Report and FEIS Chapter II). 

Forested conditions provide hiding (vegetation capable of hiding 90% of a standing adult deer or elk at 

200 feet or less), thermal cover (a forest stand > 40ft tall with > 70% canopy cover) and optimal cover (a 

forest stand with overstory, sub-canopy, shrub, and herbaceous strata and >70% canopy). Proposed 

thinning units currently provide hiding and thermal cover. 

Evidence is consistent that vehicular traffic on forest roads evokes an avoidance response by elk. Even 

though habitat near roads is not denied to elk, it may not be fully used (Lyon, 1983). Christenson et al. 

(1993) reported that even primitive roads that see little summer use are often used extensively during the 

hunting season.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-43

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Under Alternative 2, road construction of 10.8 miles of new road, 0.3 miles of temporary road and reconstruction of 6.1 miles of unclassified roads could potentially increase harassment. Although 

temporary roads are scheduled to be decommissioned after implementation and new system roads would 

be closed to motorized use unless being used for commercial operations, they still provide a vector for 

additional disturbance to deer and elk during implementation. They are also likely to increase nonmotorized use of the area during hunting season and during other recreational activities. Alternative 3 

would have less impact from new road construction and reconstruction. Alternative 4 would not include 

new roads, but harassment from helicopter operations would be the greatest of any Action Alternative,

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales project has the potential to improve forage for deer and elk by reducing 

canopy closure which would allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy and invigorate the grass, forb, and 

shrub component in the understory on an estimated 3,314 acres. Thermal cover is currently not limited 

and conditions would not substantially change over the Planning Area under any Action Alternative. The 

non-commercial treatment of 363 acres could also provide a forage benefit to big-game. This would 

depend upon the spacing of the residual stand. More open spacing would provide a greater benefit to biggame by allowing the understory forage component to grow which would increase forage.

The proposed density management treatments may affect some individuals or some habitat but effect 

is minimal for blacktail deer and Roosevelt elk because of loss of some thermal cover and adverse 

effects due to potential increased harassment from new and temporary roads. The increase in available 

forage from a more open forest would provide a beneficial effect. Projects consistent with the NWFP are 

expected to maintain viability of habitats associated with blacktail deer and Roosevelt elk

Similar and/or Related Actions are included under the Action Alternatives; they are designed as 

resource enhancement, restoration, or improvements, and are described in detail in FEIS Chapter II, 

Section D, h. These actions would occur in proximity to commercial and silvicultural stand treatments. 

Included are Non-Commercial Treatments proposed for 363 acres within the ER Planning Area (see FEIS 

Table II-6 and MAP II-2), Snag/Down Wood Creation, Meadow Enhancement, Stream Enhancement, 

Native Grass/Forb Seeding, Invasive Plant Treatments, and Other Wildlife Opportunities.

The effects from these actions are minor in scope and context, and would minimally add to the 

consequences of the Action Alternatives. In most cases the long-term effects would be overall beneficial 

to many MIS species, especially those associated with mature coniferous forests and a healthy shrub 

layer. Because project activities would be spaced out both spatially and temporally, direct effects to MIS 

species would be minor.

C. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

Cumulative Effects include the effects of past, present and foreseeable future State, local, or private 

activities that are reasonably certain to occur within the Analysis Area. Cumulative effects compound the 

effects of loss of habitat and harassment potential associated with timber harvest operations and other 

activities on both private and public lands. The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area is basically an 

island of Forest Service land, surrounded by Private and Bureau of Land Management land. Due to the 

private ownership status of the area surrounding the Planning Area, vehicular access by the public is

currently limited to only the eastern portion. 

Present and foreseeable future actions that may affect terrestrial wildlife Management Indicator species or 

habitats within the Analysis Area include: fuels treatments, developed and dispersed recreation, timber 

harvest and vegetation treatments, reforestation, restoration, road management, and special uses. All of 

these activities would be designed to meet the direction provided within the Land and Resource 

Management Plan (as amended) (and in accord with Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives (NWFP 

1994, Siskiyou NF LRMP, 1989).
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-44

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Density management effects of this project also combine with those of district-wide pre-commercial, 

commercial thinning, meadow restoration, and danger tree felling. Approximately 8,634 acres within the 

Analysis Area are managed by the USFS. There are approximately 300 acres currently being thinned 

under the Silver Doe Timber Sale within the Planning Area. There are approximately 675 acres of 

commercial thinning identified under the Coastal Healthy Forest Treatment Project within the Analysis 

Area. Around 50 acres are currently being treated and treatments on the remaining acres may occur 

within the next 10 to 15 years. Density management projects could reduce canopy closure for 10-15 years 

until the shrub and tree canopies increase. Density management would likely increase growth and allow 

young stands to become suitable for woodpecker foraging and/or nesting sooner than if they were not 

treated. No USFS projects, which would remove or degrade old-growth/remnant trees (other than felling 

safety hazards), are occurring or are anticipated in the Project Area or Analysis Area.

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales project has the potential to cumulatively impact foraging habitats for 

pileated woodpeckers and other cavity nesting woodpeckers due to the potential of reducing snag 

density for operator safety requirements. 

Plum Creek Timber owns approximately 30,000 of the 39,731 acres within the Analysis Area. These 

acres are on an approximate 40-50 year regeneration harvest rotation. There is little snag habitat on 

private lands for woodpeckers in the Analysis Area because the vast majority of it is in an early seral 

stage and most snags were felled for safety purposes during regeneration harvest activities. The 

remaining approximately 444 acres of the Analysis Area are managed by the Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM), whose management practices are similar to the USFS.

Stands that lack remnant tree structure likely only function as foraging habitat for American marten. 

Density management would likely increase growth and allow young stands to become suitable for marten 

sooner than if they were not treated. There is little habitat on private land for marten in the Analysis Area 

because the vast majority of it is in an early successional stage. 

Because there is minimal adverse direct or indirect effect from actions under this project on habitat for 

these species, there is not likely to be an adverse cumulative effect when considering the effects of past, 

present and foreseeable future other federal or private activities that are likely to occur within the 

Analysis Area. 

V. NORTHWEST FOREST PLAN TERRESTRIALWILDLIFE SPECIES

A. SURVEY AND MANAGE SPECIES

The 1993 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) and 1994 Record of Decision for Amendments 

to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents within the Range of the 

Northern Spotted Owl (also known as the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP)) created the Survey and 

Manage standard and guideline for all land allocations on the west side of the Cascades in Oregon, 

Washington and northern California and east Cascade forests within the range of the northern spotted owl. 

The standard and guidelines were created to gain information that could help manage a set of lesser 

known and possibly rare taxa. 

The original Survey and Manage provision of the NWFP was amended in 2001 and 2004. A recent U.S. 

Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s opinion reversed a U.S. District Court Western District of 

Washington’s order, in Conservation Northwest, et al v. Harris Sherman, et al and D.R. Johnson 

Company, Case 11-35729 (April 25, 2013). Projects that are within the range of the northern spotted owl 

are now subject to the survey and management standards and guidelines in the 2001 ROD.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-45

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Eden Ridge Timber Sale Project applies a 2006 Exemption from a stipulation entered by the court in 

litigation regarding Survey and Manage species and the 2004 Record of Decision related to Survey and 

Manage Mitigation Measure in Northwest Ecosystem Alliance v. Rey, No. 04-844-MJP (W.D. Wash., Oct. 

10, 2006). Also known as the Pechman Exemptions, the Court’s Order from October 11, 2006 directs: 

“Defendants shall not authorize, allow, or permit to continue any logging or other ground-disturbing 

activities on projects to which the 2004 ROD applied unless such activities are in compliance with the 

2001 ROD (as the 2001 ROD was amended or modified as of March 21, 2004), except that this order will 

not apply to: 

a. Thinning projects in stands younger than 80 years old: 

b. Replacing culverts on roads that are in use and part of the road system, and removing culverts 

 if the road is temporary or to be decommissioned; 

c. Riparian and stream improvement projects where the riparian work is riparian planting, 

 obtaining material for placing in-stream, and road or trail decommissioning; and where the 

 stream improvement work is the placement large wood, channel and floodplain reconstruction, 

 or removal of channel diversions; and 

d. The portions of project involving hazardous fuel treatments where prescribed fire is applied. Any 

 portion of a hazardous fuel treatment project involving commercial logging will remain subject to

 the survey and management requirements except for thinning of stands younger than 80 years old 

 under subparagraph a. of this paragraph.” 

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project meets Exemption a. because it entails no regeneration harvest and 

entails thinning only in stands less than 80 years old (USDI and USDA, 2011). 

Currently all treatment stands for all Action Alternatives are under 80 years of age and do not 

require Survey and Manage surveys. Based on the Silvicultural Report (FEIS Appendix B) and 

stand exams, the proposed stands range from approximately 53 to 73 years of age in 2011 (also see 

stand exam information in FEIS Chapter II).

B. OTHER NORTHWEST FOREST PLAN SPECIES

The 2001 ROD which amended the Northwest Forest Plan contains management recommendations for 

certain cavity nesting birds, Canada lynx, and some bat roost sites. The ROD requires additional 

protection for caves, mines, and abandoned wooden bridges and buildings that are used as roost sites by 

bats (which includes Townsend’s big-eared bat, a regionally sensitive species). The remaining species 

with additional mitigation measures were not considered because the Analysis Area is outside of their 

known ranges. Those species are: Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), white-headed woodpecker (Picoides 

albolarvatus), black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus), flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus), and 

pygmy nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea).

C. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES, HABITAT AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Survey and Manage Species

Del Norte Salamander (Plethodon elongates)

This species occurs in talus slopes protected by overstory canopy that maintains cool, moist conditions on 

the ground. The species is a slope-valley inhabitant, and sometimes occurs in high numbers near riparian 

areas. Riparian Reserves, in combination with Late-Successional Reserves and other reserves, will offer 

some protection to the species but substantial numbers also occur in upland areas. Additional mitigation 

options in this upland matrix include identifying locations (talus areas inhabited by the species) by using a 

standardized survey protocol [no longer required; the species is in Category D], then protecting the 

location from ground-disturbing activities. 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-46

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Protection includes designating a buffer of at least the height of one site-potential tree or 100-feet 

horizontal distance, whichever is greater, surrounding the location. Within the site and its surrounding 

buffer, maintain 40 percent canopy closure and avoid any activities that would directly disrupt the surface 

talus layer. Partial harvest within the buffer may be possible if 40 percent canopy closure can be 

maintained; in such cases, tree harvest must be conducted using helicopters or cable systems to avoid 

compaction or other disturbance of talus (see Wildlife Report PDF #4 and FEIS Chapter II).

Oregon Red Tree Vole (Arborimus longicaudus) 

The Oregon red tree vole is a nocturnal, arboreal mammal specialized in feeding on needles of 

Douglas-fir and other coniferous trees (Maser 1998). The species is endemic to western Oregon (Verts 

1998) primarily in coniferous forests of western Oregon (Csuti et al., 1997; Maser 1998). Red tree voles 

are most commonly found in Douglas-fir but may also be found inhabiting Sitka spruce and western 

hemlock in coastal areas. Red tree voles are usually associated with old-growth forests; however, they 

may occur in younger stands and may not be dependent on old-growth for survival (Aubry et al., 1991; 

Corn and Bury, 1991; Gilbert and Allwine, 1991). 

Nests are constructed of twigs and discarded resin ducts in the canopy of larger trees (Csuti et al., 1997; 

Maser 1998). Larger trees, at least 25 to 30 years old, are selected because they can provide the structural 

support for nests as well as adequate protection from inclement weather. In southwestern Oregon, the 

largest available trees are selected for nesting, even in old-growth (Carey 1991). Abandoned nests of 

birds and other small mammals are also used (Maser 1998). The home range of the red tree vole is one or 

more trees (Brown 1985) and they can spend their entire lives in the forest canopy (Carey 1991).

Portions of the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project were surveyed to protocol in 2001. Eighteen of 24 nest 

trees confirmed in the Planning Area were found in proposed treatment units. Current Survey Protocol 

states: “Survey results using this protocol should be considered valid for 5 years after completion of the 

survey.” Although the surveys are no longer valid and under the 2006 Pechman exemption, not required, 

all previously confirmed nest trees have been identified and marked as Wildlife Trees to Protect. . 

Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)

Within the range of the northern spotted owl, the great gray owl is most common in lodgepole pine forests 

adjacent to meadows. However, it is also found in other coniferous forest types. In some locations, such 

as on the Willamette National Forest west of the crest of the Cascade Range, at least some shelterwood 

harvesting seems to be beneficial for the species by opening up otherwise closed canopy cover for 

foraging. In doing so, consequences to species such as northern goshawk and American marten must be 

evaluated. Specific mitigation measures for the great gray owl, within the range of the northern spotted 

owl, include the following: provide a no-harvest buffer of 300 feet around meadows and natural openings 

and establish 1/4-mile protection zones around known nest sites. Protect all future discovered nest sites. 

Great gray owls forage in relatively open, grassy habitat including bogs, natural meadows, open forests 

and selective/regeneration harvest areas. Diet in western US is primarily pocket gophers and voles. Great 

gray owls tend to select nest sites in mature or remnant old-growth mixed-conifer forests near openings 

(within 200m of openings) that have sufficient prey numbers (Platt & Goggans, 1991). Suitable nesting 

habitat adjacent to natural openings 10 acres and larger is necessary to be surveyed. There are no natural 

meadows 10 acres or larger within the Planning Area.

Other NWFP Species

The 2001 Plan (S&G p. 37) requires the identification of and additional protection for caves, mines, and 

abandoned wooden bridges and buildings that are often used as roost sites for bats. Generally, presence is 

presumed for target species and does not require the identification of species. If a site is occupied, 

specific management direction is employed to protect the site. 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-47

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Townsend’s big-eared bat is one of the species which uses the above sites; however, because it is also a 

Region 6 Sensitive species, it is discussed in more detail under Forest Service Sensitive terrestrial species

section.

D. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ACTION ALTERNATIVES

Survey and Manage Species

Del Norte Salamander

To protect any talus habitat from ground disturbing activities that may cause compaction; a protection 

buffer of at least one site potential tree or at least 100 ft. horizontal distance, whichever is greater for all 

known Del Norte salamander locations (see FEIS Appendix G, Wildlife Report, Table G-15) would be 

designated. Maintain at least 40% canopy closure and avoid activities that would disturb the surface talus 

layer. Partial harvest within the buffer may be possible if 40% canopy closure can be maintained; in such 

cases, tree harvest must be conducted using helicopter or suspended cable systems to avoid compaction or 

other disturbance of talus (PDF #4; Wildlife Report, FEIS Appendix G, Attachment A).

There are 46 known Del Norte Salamander locations within the proposed units and one within a proposed 

non-commercial unit. Known sites include Units 006, 211, 303, 308, 322, 323, 326, 329, 331, 332, 333, 

334, 340, 341, and 342, and Non-Commercial Unit 906. 

Table G-15. Known Del Norte Salamander Locations

Alt 2 –

Unit #

Del Norte 

Sites

Alt 3 –

Unit #

Del Norte 

Sites

Alt 4 –

Unit #

Del Norte 

Sites

006 1 006 1 006 1

211 1 211 1 211 1

303 1 215 6 215 7

308 2 303 1 322 3

322 3 307 2 323 6

323 2 322 3 326 8

326 8 323 2 331 2

329 6 326 8 332 1

331 2 329 6 334 2

332 1 331 2 341 4

333 6 332 1 342 2

334 7 333 6

340 7 334 4

341 5 341 4

342 2 342 2

Alt 2 – Road #Q4

1 site

Non-Commercial Unit #906

1 site

Note: Some Protection Buffers overlap multiple units

All historical locations would be identified and given a protection buffer as described above. These 

buffers overlap multiple proposed treatment units in some cases. This project (all Action Alternatives) 

may affect some individuals or some habitat but effect is minimal.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-48

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Oregon Red Tree Vole (Arborimus longicaudus) 

Proposed treatments are expected to impact a maximum of 3,314 acres (Alternative 2) of potential red 

tree vole habitat. Trees with undiscovered red tree vole nests may be cut or blown down following 

treatment. Thinning would isolate individual tree canopies and reduce the current inter-connected tree 

canopies. This project (all Action Alternatives) may affect some individuals or some habitat but effect is 

minimal. 

Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)

The FAUNA database contains one incidental sighting of a great gray owl within the Siskiyou portion of 

the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. This location is over 2 miles from the nearest proposed 

treatment unit and over 4 miles from the nearest meadow or natural opening within the Project Area. This 

project would have no impact on great gray owls because suitable nesting/foraging habitat does not occur 

within or near the Project Area or the Planning Area.

Other NWFP Management Species

Other Northwest Forest Plan species potentially in the Project Area include bats that use caves, mines, 

and abandoned wooden bridges and buildings as roost sites. Because these features are not present in 

the project Area, there would be no adverse effects to these sites. 

Effects to Townsend’s big-eared bats from other project activities are discussed below under the Forest 

Service Sensitive terrestrial species (FEIS Section 9, below).

Similar and/or Related Actions are included under the Action Alternatives; they are designed as resource 

enhancement, restoration, or improvements, and are described in detail in FEIS Chapter II, Section D, h. 

These actions would occur in proximity to commercial and silvicultural stand treatments. Included are 

Non-Commercial Treatments proposed for 363 acres within the ER Planning Area (see FEIS Table II-6 

and MAP II-2), Snag/Down Wood Creation, Meadow Enhancement, Stream Enhancement, Native 

Grass/Forb Seeding, Invasive Plant Treatments, and Other Wildlife Opportunities.

The effects from these actions are minor is scope and context, and would minimally add to the 

consequences of the Action Alternatives. These actions would occur within several non-contiguous 

portions of the Planning Area, and not all at the same time.

E. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

Cumulative effects include the effects from past, present and foreseeable future State, local, or private 

activities that are reasonably certain to occur within the Analysis Area. Cumulative effects compound the 

effects of loss of habitat and harassment potential associated with timber harvest operations and other 

activities on both private and public lands. The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area is basically an 

island of Forest Service land, surrounded by Private and Bureau of Land Management land. 

Present and foreseeable future actions that may affect rare and uncommon terrestrial wildlife species or 

habitats within the Analysis Area include: fuels treatments, developed and dispersed recreation, timber 

harvest and vegetation treatments, reforestation, restoration, road management, and special uses. All of 

these activities would be designed to meet the direction provided within the Land and Resource 

Management Plan (as amended) (and in accord with Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives (NWFP 

1994, Siskiyou NF LRMP, 1989).

Density management effects of this project also combine with those of district-wide pre-commercial 

thinning, commercial thinning, meadow restoration, and danger tree felling. Approximately 8,634 acres 

within the Analysis Area are managed by the USFS. There are approximately 300 acres currently being 

thinned under the Silver Doe Timber Sale within the Planning Area. 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-49

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

There are approximately 675 acres of plantation commercial thinning identified under the Coastal Healthy 

Forest Treatment (CHFT) Project within the Analysis Area. Around 50 acres are currently being treated 

and treatments on the remaining acres may occur within the next 10 to 15 years. No USFS projects, 

which would remove or degrade old-growth/remnant trees, are occurring or are anticipated in the Project 

Area or Analysis Area. 

Plum Creek Timber owns approximately 30,000 of the 39,731 acres within the Analysis Area. These 

acres appear to be on an approximate 40-50 year regeneration harvest rotation. There is little habitat on 

private land for other rare and uncommon species in the Analysis Area. The remaining approximately 

444 acres of the Analysis Area are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), whose 

management practices are similar to the USFS.

Because there is minimal adverse effect from actions under this project on habitat for these species, there 

is not likely to be an adverse cumulative effect when considering the effects of past, present and 

foreseeable future other federal or private activities that are likely to occur within the Analysis Area. 

VI. NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRDS

In 1918, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) was passed to enforce a treaty between the United 

States, Mexico, and Canada. This law addressed the issue of poaching migratory birds - Under the 

M33TA, except as permitted by regulation, it is unlawful at any time, by any means or in any manner, to 

pursue, export, import, transport, or carry any migratory bird. It is the position of the Federal 

Government that the prohibitions of the MBTA do not apply to land management activities of Federal 

agencies or their employees acting in their official capacities.

In September, 2000, the USDA Forest Service Land Bird Strategic Plan was distributed. This plan set 

forth goals and actions to assist meeting the Forest Service commitment to provide habitat for sustainable 

resident and migrant landbird populations and monitor their populations through time. An Executive 

Order (EO) 13186) was signed in 2001. Provisions within this document directed agencies to integrated 

bird conservation principles, measures, and practices into agency planning process, restore and enhance 

habitat of migratory birds as practicable, and ensure that analysis evaluates the effects of actions on 

migratory birds, especially species of concern.

In December, 2008, the USDA Forest Service and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service signed a 

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Promote the Conservation of Migratory Birds (USDA, USDI 

2008). The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen migratory bird conservation by identifying and 

implementing strategies that promote conservation and avoid or minimize adverse impacts on migratory 

birds. Focus first on species of management concern along with their priority habitats and key risk 

factors. Within the National Forest System, conservation of migratory birds focuses on providing a 

diversity of habitat conditions at multiple spatial scales. The Rogue River-Siskiyou NF is within Bird 

Conservation Region 5 (Northern Pacific Forest) as described in Birds of Conservation Concern 2008, 

prepared by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USDI, 2008a). (Available online at: 

http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/SpecialTopics/BCC2008/BCC2008.pdf).

A. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES, HABITAT AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

This analysis is based on neo-tropical migratory birds/land bird focal species identified by Partners in 

Flight (PIF, 1999): Conservation Strategy for Landbirds in Coniferous Forest of Western Oregon and 

Washington. As per the Partners In Flight Bird Conservation Plan “... if you provide all of the habitats to 

some degree over some landscape, then you will probably be taking care of most if not all of the landbirds 

in that habitat. The conservation emphasis is on ecosystems, habitats, and habitat conditions, not 

species.” The list of birds in Table G-16 includes the species found in Birds of Conservation Concern 

2008 (USDI, 2008a) within Bird Conservation Region 5, which could be impacted by this project.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-50

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table G-16. Focal Migrant Bird Species and Associated Habitat 

Habitat Condition Habitat Attribute Bird Species

Coniferous forest Old-growth / 

Mature Large snags Vaux’s swift, pileated woodpecker

Coniferous forest Old-growth / 

Mature

Large trees; conifer cones; mid-story 

tree layers Brown creeper; red crossbill; varied thrush

Coniferous forest Mature / 

Young

Varied canopy closure; deciduous 

canopy & understory; complex 

forest floor

Hermit warbler, Hammond’s flycatcher; 

Pacific-slope flycatcher; Wilson’s warbler; 

winter wren, Northern goshawk, purple finch

Coniferous forest Young / Pole Deciduous canopy Black-throated gray warbler

Coniferous forest Pole Deciduous subcanopy / understory Hutton’s vireo

Coniferous forest Early-seral

Residual canopy trees, snags, 

deciduous vegetation; nectarproducing plants

Olive-sided flycatcher; western bluebird; 

orange-crowned warbler; rufous hummingbird

Coniferous forest Unique Mineral springs Band-tailed pigeon

Coastal scrub Early-seral Coastal fog belt, dense riparian 

shrub. Allen’s hummingbird

Oak woodlands 

(including nonforested prairie)Unique

California quail, western screech-owl, Nutall’s 

woodpecker, oak titmouse, wrentit, California 

thrasher, black-chinned sparrow, Oregon 

vesper sparrow, horned lark

Cliffs, waterfalls & 

forest Unique Cliffs near waterfalls within forested habitat. Black swift

Riparian Riparian Large trees adjacent to major rivers. 

Dense shrub habitat. Bald eagle, willow flycatcher

Large cliffs Unique Peregrine falcon

B. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ACTION ALTERNATIVES

Vaux’s swift and pileated woodpecker are associated with large snags; effects to these species would be 

minimal as Project Design Criteria would retain snag components in units and if funding is available, 

more would be created following treatment. The brown creeper; red crossbill and varied thrush are 

identified as old-growth/mature obligate species. Remnant trees and minor species including hardwoods 

would be retained thus having minimal effect to this species grouping. Hermit warbler is closely 

associated with a densely closed Douglas-fir canopy. 

Thinning treatment impacts have been reported as a 1-3 year slight reduction in relative abundance and 

abundance levels are similar to those in untreated stands in 5-15 years (PIF, 1999). Hammond’s 

flycatcher; Pacific-slope flycatcher, Wilson’s warbler, winter wren, northern goshawk and purple finch 

are most closely tied to deciduous canopy and complex forest floor/understory habitat which would be 

retained /increased in treatment prescriptions, therefore having minimal adverse to beneficial effects to 

the species overall.

Some species such as olive-sided flycatcher; western bluebird; orange-crowned warbler; rufous 

hummingbird may decrease in the short term because habitat may be removed during landing clearing and 

temporary road construction (approximately 20-40 acres). Effects to the peregrine falcon and bald eagle 

are addressed in the Forest Service Sensitive Species section (above).

Because of the limited acres of dry land grass sites, the biggest concern with NTMB on Forest Service 

lands may lie in degradation of riparian habitat and subsequent loss of brush cover favored by many 

species (Bock et al., 1992). Riparian habitat in the Project Area within the Stream Channel Protection 

Zone (within 25 feet) of true riparian habitat) would not be altered or impacted by the proposed activities 

due to the use of Riparian Reserve Project Design Criteria (see FEIS Chapter II). 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-51

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Since the majority of the species occupy or require a true riparian habitat component; the proposed project 

would not be impacting this habitat type. Potential treatments within the outer (upland) portions of 

Riparian Reserves may be treated with variable density thinning, which may allow for more brush cover 

due to increased space and light.

Overall, grass and shrub nesting birds are expected to benefit in the long-term under all Action 

Alternatives, because thinning treatments will allow grasses and shrubs to increase by adding light into 

the stands. Harvest activities would cause a short-term adverse effect through disturbance, but seasonal 

restrictions for other species would lessen impacts. 

Another benefit is the creation of some snag trees (usually 0.5 - 1 per acre) caused by logging activities or 

scorching from burning. There are mitigations to help limit damage to existing trees but some would 

occur; thereby creating some foraging and nesting habitat for woodpeckers and secondary cavity nesters. 

The remnants of some unburned or partially burnt piles may benefit nesting and cover habitat in areas that 

currently lack these components. 

Disturbance from operations and smoke during the nesting period for NTMBs could occur. Efforts would 

be made to reduce impacts to nesting. Timing of operations would occur outside of the spring 

breeding/nesting season as much as possible (May 15 to July 15) (see FEIS Chapter II). 

Effects to NTMBs from the Action Alternatives are variable depending on the habitat associations of the 

individual species. Impacts to habitat for some species may occur from commercial thinning of mature 

and younger forests, hazard tree felling, landing clearing/road construction. However, due to the limited 

amount of area affected by these actions within the Project Area, effects to NTMBs are expected to be 

minimal.

Similar and/or Related Actions are included under the Action Alternatives; they are designed as 

resource enhancement, restoration, or improvements, and are described in detail in FEIS Chapter II, 

Section D, h. These actions would occur in proximity to commercial and silvicultural stand treatments. 

Included are Non-Commercial Treatments proposed for 363 acres within the ER Planning Area (see Table 

II-6 and MAP II-2), Snag/Down Wood Creation, Meadow Enhancement, Stream Enhancement, Native 

Grass/Forb Seeding, Invasive Plant Treatments, and Other Wildlife Opportunities.

The effects from these actions are minor in scope and context, and would minimally add to the 

consequences of the Action Alternatives. In most cases the long-term effects would be overall beneficial 

to many NTMBs, especially species associated with mature coniferous forests and a healthy shrub layer. 

Because project activities would be spaced out both spatially and temporally, direct effects to NTMBs 

would be minor.

C. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

Cumulative Effects include the effects of past, present and foreseeable future State, local, or private 

activities that are reasonably certain to occur within the Analysis Area. Cumulative effects compound the 

effects of loss of habitat and harassment potential associated with timber harvest operations and other 

activities on both private and public lands. The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area is basically an 

island of Forest Service land, surrounded by Private and Bureau of Land Management land. Due to the 

private ownership status of the area surrounding the Planning Area, vehicular access by the public is 

limited to only the eastern portion.

Present and foreseeable future actions that may affect terrestrial wildlife species or habitats on the Forest 

include: wildland fire, fuels treatments, developed and dispersed recreation, timber harvest and vegetation 

treatments, reforestation, restoration, road management, and special uses. All of these activities would be 

designed to meet the direction provided within the Northwest Forest Plan and the local Land and 

Resource Management Plans (i.e., Forest Plans), and in accord with Aquatic Conservation Strategy 

objectives (NWFP 1994; Siskiyou NF LRMP, 1989).
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-52

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Density management effects of this project also combine with those of district-wide pre-commercial, 

commercial thinning, meadow restoration, and danger tree felling. Approximately 8,634 acres within the 

Analysis Area are managed by the USFS. There are approximately 300 acres currently being thinned 

under the Silver Doe Timber Sale within the Project Area. There are approximately 675 acres of 

commercial thinning identified under the Coastal Healthy Forest Treatment Project within the Analysis 

Area. Around 50 acres are currently being treated and treatments on the remaining acres may occur 

within the next 10 to 15 years. 

Plum Creek Timber owns approximately 30,000 of the 39,731 acres within the Analysis Area. These 

acres are on an approximate 40-50 year regeneration harvest rotation. There is little forest habitat on 

private lands for NTMBs in the Analysis Area because the vast majority of it is in an early seral stage and 

most snags were felled for safety purposes during regeneration harvest activities. The remaining 

approximately 444 acres of the Analysis Area are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 

whose management practices are similar to the USFS.

Because there is minimal adverse direct or indirect effect from actions under this project on habitat for 

these species, there is not likely to be an adverse cumulative effect relative to the availability of habitats 

within the overall Analysis Area and fifth-field watersheds.

VII. DOWN WOOD AND SNAGS

Observations based on an informal walk through candidate stands prior to 2009 by the previous district 

silviculturist noted large woody material (LWM), 20 inch plus diameter at breast height (dbh), limited on 

the forest floor. Where observed, LWM was in the decomposition class 4 and 5 range (soft). Standing 

snags over 16 inch diameter are also limited with most snags being within the 8 to 11 inch diameter range. 

Current Condition – Down Wood

Down woody material (large and small) fulfills a number of important ecological functions such as 

stabilizing surface soils, increasing organic content in soils over the long-term, providing habitat for the 

many organisms that depend on snags and down logs in various stages of decay, and ensuring adequate 

coarse woody material recruitment to meet the ecological needs of aquatic systems over time. 

Existing snag numbers are expected to be low due to stand age, and site-specific observations. Most 

thinning at the age treatment is being proposed (60 to 80 years old) are currently lacking snags of 

sufficient size (14 inch dbh and above). Under the Action Alternatives, snags and down wood would be 

retained to support ecosystem function (PDF #12; Attachment A). Management activities shall be 

planned to maintain enough large woody material (dead and down) to maintain a healthy forest ecosystem 

(SIS LRMP, 1989). CWM already on the ground would be protected from disturbance to the greatest 

extent possible during logging and other land management activities that might destroy the integrity of the 

substrate.

Current Condition – Snags

Currently there are scattered snags in ER due to stand density, past fires and forest disease conditions 

causing tree mortality. Snags are deficient in two of the vegetation polygons inventoried in the eastern 

portion of the Planning Area, small 7 to16 inch snags are present in an older stand in the western portion 

near Coal Creek and scattered larger 20+inch snags are present in the non-commercial units west of the 

5000 Road.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-53

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Field reconnaissance in combination with GPS location waypoints during summer 2011 noted clumps of 

five (5) to twelve (12), four (4) inch to thirty (30) inch diameter standing snags occurring in Port-Orfordcedar root disease pockets (Phytophthora lateralis) in the southern portion of the Planning Area adjacent 

to the 5000 Road. POC is not considered a desirable tree species for wildlife use as snag habitat3.

Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP)

The Siskiyou National Forest LRMP (1989) is the existing policy direction for snags and coarse down 

wood objectives. However, scientific studies on wildlife habitat (Johnson, O’Neil, 2001) have 

determined that snag retention based on biological potential is a flawed technique. This technique was 

used for determining snag requirement standards and guidelines in the LRMP.

The Southwestern Oregon Provincial Interagency Executive Committee requested a province-wide 

process be developed for determining levels of snags and down woody material in forests in the late 

1990s. As a result, landscape stratification based on Plant Association Groups (PAGs), was developed 

across the Forest. 

A key element of desired conditions for PAGs is down dead woody material. Existing large woody 

material varies depending on past logging operations and PAG in southwest Oregon. Desired levels of 

dead wood were modeled by PAG, based on Ecology Plot data, adjusted by past conditions with 

consideration of the DecAID4 advisory system. These models were intended to be used as a baseline for 

managers to develop prescriptions for landscape management. Treatment units proposed for ER are 

within the maritime western hemlock PAG model derived from this process (Siskiyou NF, 2000).

Ecological processes within PAGs vary due to changes in climate, topography and soil. Each PAG has a 

mean and range for snags and down wood derived from ecological plot data. Recommended means and 

ranges (standard deviations) are broken into diameter classes: 6 to 9 inches, 10 to 19 inches and 20 inches 

and greater and into decay classes: 1 through 5 (Siskiyou NF, 2000; White et al., unpubl.). 

Because the Forest’s PAG data is at a finer scale, the Forest is currently using plant series data from new 

PAG classifications, delineated by geographical regions (Cascades, Siskiyous, Coast), for determining 

snag and down wood objectives on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest1. 

Snag Recommendations

The LRMP specifies a desired snag quantity of 185 to 235 snags per 100 acres delineated into hard and 

soft 11+, 15+, 17+ and 25+ snag diameter classes to maintain habitat capability of woodpeckers 

(indicators of cavity nesting species) at not less than 60% of potential population levels (LRMP, IV-33 to 

36). Snag quantities are dependent on woodpecker species present in the treatment area. 

As previously discussed, the Forest is choosing to use plant series data derived from new PAG 

classifications to determine snag and down wood objectives 

Table G-17 displays snag data (trees per acre) recently derived for the western hemlock plant series in the 

coast geographic region.5 This data reflects snag quantities present in older stands derived from 

numerous PAG inventory plots and represents desired snag quantities (trees per acre) to develop in 

candidate units post-treatment.

 

3 Pers conv. David Clayton, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Wildlife Biologist, January 18, 2012

4 DecAID is a wood advisory tool for Washington and Oregon forests and is based on Habitat Model for Wildlife Tree Retention. 

USDA Forest Service, Region 6, Portland Oregon: Kim Mellen (editor) 2003. The title can be read as decayed wood advisor and 

management aid “decay-aid” or “decision-aid”.

5 Hochhalter (et al.) Ecology Group, Southwest Oregon Province, plant series data from PAG plots.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-54

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table G-17. Snag Data for Western Hemlock Plant Series

COAST - Snags

SERIES Diameter Average TPA

Western Hemlock 0-10” 28.64

Western Hemlock 11-19” 7.93

Western Hemlock 20”+ 6.27

Large snags over 20 inch diameter are particularly essential for forest function. In addition, at least 96 

wildlife species in Oregon and Washington are associated with snags in forests, using snags for shelter, 

roosting and hunting. Most species use snags greater than 14 inch diameter (Rose et al., 2001). Ridges, 

upper thirds of slopes, and riparian areas or lower third of slopes are especially important for latesuccessional dependent species. Snags in various size classes also are important to the recruitment 

pathways of the down, coarse materials important to soils. 

In areas where past management has resulted in a lack of large snags needed for cavity nesting species, 

snags would be created from live trees left in stands. Whenever possible, creation of a minimum of 2 or 

more snags per acre over 20 inch dbh within all commercially treated units should be part of each 

silvicultural prescription. Creation can be through girdling, topping the trees with chain saws, blasting, 

inoculation with heart rot fungi, or deliberate injury. These methods would open the trunk to 

development of a hollow core used by woodpeckers and a variety of other birds, mammals, and other 

wildlife. 

Evaluations would occur after density management treatments to assess potential needs for snag/down 

wood creation. In areas lacking adequate amounts of down woody material (include snags in 

calculations), green trees may be felled. Any Leave Trees damaged during harvest operations would be 

left standing or felled for safety, but left on site (PDF #12 Attachment A). The intent is to provide future 

snags or trees with cavities or deformities utilized by wildlife. 

Large Wood Recommendations

As with snags, down logs are important for wildlife and aquatic ecosystem function. In addition, large 

coarse woody material is particularly important to maintaining and holding soils in place. The following 

table displays down wood data (pieces per acre, tons and size) for the western hemlock plant series in the 

coast geographic region6 and represents desired down wood quantity and size objectives.

Table G-18. Down Wood Data for Western Hemlock Plant Series

COAST – Down Wood 

SERIES DIAMETER

Average 

PIECES 

PER ACRE

Average

TONS

Average 

LENGTH 

(feet)

Western Hemlock 0-10" 110 3 63

Western Hemlock 11-19" 52 11 64

Western Hemlock 20"+ 35 38 111

Under the Action Alternatives, snags and down wood would be retained to support ecosystem function.

Management activities shall be planned to maintain enough large woody material (dead and down) to 

maintain a healthy forest ecosystem (SIS LRMP, 1989). Large down woody material left from historical 

railroad logging represent a unique situation and every effort to avoid disturbance and maintain this 

existing material should be made. LWM already on the ground would be protected from disturbance to 

the greatest extent possible during logging and other land management activities that might destroy the 

integrity of the substrate.

 

6

 Hochhalter (et al.) Ecology Group, Southwest Oregon Province, plant series data from PAG plots.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-55

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americana) and fishers (Martes pennanti) in California. Journal of Mammology, 85(3):470-477.

Zielinski, W.J., N.P. Duncan, E.C. Farmer, R.L. Truax, A.P. Clevenger, and R.H. Barrett. 1999. Diet of 

fishers (Martes pennanti) at the southernmost extent of their range. Journal of Mammology, 80(3):961-

971.

Zielinski, W.J., R.L. Truax, G.A. Schmidt, F.V. Schlexer, and R.H. Barrett. 2004. Resting habitat 

selection by fishers in California. Journal of Wildlife Management, 68(3);475-492. 
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-66

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Attachment A

Wildlife Project Design Features (PDFs), Mitigation Measures and Opportunities

PDF

#

Project Design Features/Mitigation Measure Objective Where

1

Canopy cover within proposed stands will be 

maintained at 40% or greater. Decadent woody 

material such as large snags and downed wood will be 

retained per Forest Guidance (White 1994) providing 

benefits for spotted owl prey species.

Maintain northern spotted 

owl dispersal habitat.

All Units - All Alternatives -

Required to meet BABO 

Consultation

2

If an active spotted owl nest or activity center is 

located within or adjacent to a Project Area, or work 

activities that produce loud noises above ambient 

levels, or produce thick smoke that would enter the 

stand, will not occur within restricted distances of any 

spotted owl nest site or activity center of known pairs 

and resident singles between 1 March and 30 June (or

until two weeks after the fledging period) – unless 

protocol surveys have determined the activity center to 

be not occupied, non-nesting, or failed in their nesting 

attempt. The restricted zone is 1.0 mile for any 

unmuffled blasting. This distance may be shortened if 

significant topographical breaks or blast blankets (or 

other devices) muffle sound traveling between the blast 

and nest sites. March 1 – June 30 is considered the 

critical early nesting period; the action agency biologist 

has the option to extend the restricted season during the 

year of harvest, based on site-specific knowledge (such 

as a late or recycle nesting attempt). The boundary of 

the prescribed area may be modified by the action 

agency biologist using topographic features or other 

site-specific information. The restricted area is 

calculated as a radius from the assumed nest site 

(point). Restricted Distances: ≤1 mile for blast of 

more than 2 lbs. of explosive; ≤1/4 mile for Type I or II 

helicopters; ≤120 yards for blast of < 2 lbs of 

explosive and Type III-IV helicopters or single-engine 

airplanes; ≤65 yards for chainsaws; ≤60 yards for 

impact pile driver, jackhammer, or rock drill; ≤35 

yards for heavy equipment.

Limit harassment and 

disturbance to Threatened 

species (n. spotted owl).

Any newly discovered nest site 

within or adjacent to Project 

Area. 

Restricted: Portions of Road -

5000-210.

3

If an active spotted owl nest or activity center is 

located within or adjacent to a Project Area, delay the 

project activity until September 30th or until an action 

agency biologist determines that young are not present. 

For a given situation, the “adjacent” distance is 

determined by the action agency biologist. If any 

project activity is so close to a known or suspected owl 

site that the disturbance would flush a nesting spotted 

owl, curtail the project activity until September 30. 

The field biologist has the discretion to conduct 

surveys and determine fledging activity.

Limit harassment and 

disturbance to Threatened 

species (n. spotted owl).

Any newly discovered nest site 

within or adjacent to Project 

Area. No currently known nest 

sites impacted by this project.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-67

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

PDF

#

Project Design Features/Mitigation Measure Objective Where

4

Protecting talus habitat from ground disturbing 

activities, designate a buffer of at least one site 

potential tree or at least 100' horizontal distance, 

whichever is greater for all known Del Norte 

Salamander locations. Maintain at least 40% canopy 

closure and avoid activities that would disturb the 

surface talus layer. Partial harvest within the buffer 

may be possible if 40% canopy closure can be 

maintained; in such cases, tree harvest must be 

conducted using helicopter or high lead cable systems 

to avoid compaction or other disturbance of talus.

Protect all known Del 

Norte sites from activities 

that may cause 

compaction.

Known sites - Alt 2 Units: 006, 

211, 303, 308, 322, 323, 326, 

329, 331, 332, 333, 334, 340, 

341, and 342. Alt 3 Units: 006, 

211, 215, 303, 307, 322, 323, 

326, 329, 331, 332, 333, 334, 

341, 342 Alt 4 Units: 006, 

211, 215, 322, 323, 326, 331, 

332, 333, 334, 341, 342 Road 

Q4 and Non-Commercial Unit 

906

5

Exclude from treatment any stands meeting Recovery 

Action 32 high-quality spotted owl nesting, roosting, 

and foraging (NRF) habitat. To be determined by 

wildlife biologist

Protect n. spotted owl 

nesting, roosting, and 

foraging habitat.

All Units

6

As part of implementation, an analysis exercise will be 

done to determine whether or not any 5-acre portion of 

a candidate stand contains 6 or more trees with 

potential late—successional structure. If an area 

contains 6 or more trees with potential structure, it 

constitutes potential suitable habitat. Any stand with a 

potential suitable habitat (remnant late-successional 

tree component) will be further assessed with a walkthrough of the area that would be impacted (USDI, 

2006). If a late successional component is confirmed, 

that portion of the stand (or the entire stand) will be 

excluded from treatments (including 1⁄2 site tree unthinned buffer).

To protect potential highquality n. spotted owl 

nesting, roosting, and 

foraging habitat and 

potential marbled murrelet 

habitat.

All Units

7

For marbled murrelet Survey Areas A and B work 

activities (such as tree felling, yarding, road and other 

construction activities, hauling on roads not generally 

used by the public, muffled blasting) which produce 

noises above ambient levels will not occur within 

restricted distances of any occupied stand or 

unsurveyed suitable habitat between April 1 – August 

5. For the period of August 6 – September 15, work 

activities will be confined to between 2 hours after 

sunrise to 2 hours before sunset. Restricted Distances: 

≤1 mile for blast of more than 2 lbs. of explosive; ≤1/4 

mile for Type I or II helicopters; ≤120 yards for all 

other noises above ambient.

Limit harassment and 

disturbance to Threatened 

species (marbled 

murrelet).

Any newly discovered occupied

site within or adjacent to Project 

Area. 

RESTRICTED: 

All Alternatives - Unit 401 &

part of 402. Portions of Road -

5000-210.

8

For marbled murrelet, clean up trash and garbage 

daily at all project sites. Keep food out of sight so as 

to not attract predators [e.g., crows, ravens, and jays 

(predators on eggs or young birds)].

Limit harassment and 

disturbance to Threatened 

species (marbled murrelet) 

and other bird species.

Project Area

9

Remnant trees will be retained. Remnant trees felled 

for operational needs will be retained on-site.

Structural diversity for 

multiple species.

Project Area

10

Protect all existing and newly discovered peregrine 

falcon nest sites during the courtship period through 

the dispersal of young (January 1 - July 31). 

Implement Seasonal Restrictions on All Activities 

(January 1 to July 31) within disturbance distances.

Manage habitat for 

Sensitive species 

(peregrine falcon) viability 

and maintenance of 

populations throughout 

their existing range on the 

Forest.

Any newly discovered nests. 

One known nest site impacted 

by this project. 

ALL ACTIVITIES 

RESTRICTED: Units 401, 

402, and 403 (All Alternatives). 

Portions of Roads - 5000-200, 

5000-210, 5000-290.

Restrictions apply to Units 

302, 304, 306, and 308 if 

helicopters are anticipated as 

the yarding system.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-68

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

PDF

#

Project Design Features/Mitigation Measure Objective Where

11

Helicopter landing locations within 1 mile of the 

known or any newly found peregrine falcon nest sites

will require approval of the district wildlife biologist 

prior to implementation

Limit harassment and 

disturbance to nesting 

Sensitive species –

peregrine falcon.

Project Area

12

To the extent compatible with safety provisions retain 

all snags with tree diameter >=10”. Retain on site, all 

commercial size down-woody material. "Leave-trees" 

damaged during project operations will be left on site. 

The intent is to maintain or minimize the loss of 

existing snag numbers following all treatment 

activities. All snags felled for safety will remain on 

site.

Maintain wildlife reserve 

trees, snags, and down 

wood for multiple species.

Project Area

13

Leave trees damaged during harvest operations will 

be left standing or felled for safety, but left on site. 

The intent is to maintain damaged trees, which may 

become snags or develop cavities, to contribute to the 

large woody material needs following all treatment 

activities.

Management activities 

shall be planned to 

maintain enough large 

woody material (dead and 

down) to maintain a 

healthy forest ecosystem 

for multiple species.

Project Area

14

Do not operate equipment in or construct/locate 

corridors, skid trails, landings, slash piles, or any roads 

within meadows and identified grassy areas.

Protect grassy areas which 

provide habitat for deer, 

elk, and other wildlife.

Project Area

15

In conformance with the marking guidelines, within 

harvest units, leave up to 4 dominant / co-dominant 

trees per acre which contain nests, wildlife cavities, 

structural deformities, and/or damage likely to lead to 

snag formation.

Management activities 

shall be planned to 

maintain enough large 

woody material (dead and 

down) to maintain a 

healthy forest ecosystem 

for multiple species.

All Units

16

Decadent woody material such as large snags and 

downed wood will be retained per Forest Guidance 

providing benefits for spotted owl prey species. Multicanopied, uneven-aged tree structure will remain post 

treatment, providing important habitat features for 

spotted owl NRF habitat. If found, no spotted owl nest 

trees will be removed.

To provide and maintain 

important habitat features 

for spotted owl NRF 

habitat.

Project Area

17

Following harvest operations, if KV or stewardship 

funding is available, snags will be created by 

girdling, inoculation, or topping to increase snags to an 

average of 2 or more snags >20 inches dbh per acre 

representative of the dominant and co-dominant tree 

class.

Management activities 

shall be planned to 

maintain enough large 

woody material (dead and 

down) to maintain a 

healthy forest ecosystem 

for multiple species.

All Commercially Treated Units

18

Following harvest operations, if KV or stewardship 

funding is available, non-commercial treatments to 

enhance meadow and other grassy area conditions, 

may be enacted. Treatments may include removal of 

encroaching brush and conifers, underburning and 

vehicle access controls. Treatment of these sites would 

be directed by Wildlife Biologists.

Meadow enhancement, 

which provide habitat for 

deer, elk, and other 

wildlife.

Coal Meadows, Sweeney 

Meadows, proximity of Alt. 2 

Unit 316, and other identified 

locations within the Project Area

but outside of treatment units.
Appendix G – Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page G-69

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

PDF

#

Project Design Features/Mitigation Measure Objective Where

19

Following harvest operations, if KV or stewardship 

funding is available, seeding of disturbed sites

associated with logging skid trails, landings, temporary 

roads and burned slash piles will reduce the 

opportunity for non-native plants(including noxious 

weeds) to invade disturbed sites and reduce erosion 

from exposed mineral soils. Seeding exposed mineral 

soil with native grass seed (~4-8 lbs/acre) will restore 

and improve forage for wildlife that benefit from 

grasses and forbs; e.g. deer, elk, mice, rabbits and their 

predators.

Reduce erosion, provide 

wildlife forage, and 

minimize invasive species 

establishment.

Skid trails, landings, temporary 

roads and burned slash piles. 

20

Following harvest operations, if KV or stewardship 

funding is available, artificial nest/roost box creation 

may be appropriate.

Provide nesting sites for 

cavity nesters.

Any created gaps/openings 

within all treatment units, 

meadows or grassy areas, and 

riparian areas within the Project 

Area

Attachment B

Wildlife Analysis Area

0 1.5 3 

Fisher Local Populatio
APPENDIX H

AQUATIC BIOTA BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION 

AND SPECIALIST REPORT

Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Aquatic Biota

Biological Evaluation & Specialist Report

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Powers Ranger District

42861 Highway 242

Powers, OR 97466
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-2

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Title Page

Project Name: Eden Ridge Timber Sales (ER)

Project Location:

4

th Field HUC Coquille River 17100305

5

th Field HUC Lower South Fork Coquille River 1710030501

Middle Fork Coquille River 1710030502

6

th Field HUC Mill Creek 171003050106

Headwaters S. Fork Coquille River 171003050101

Coal Creek 171003050105

Lower Rock Creek 171003050206

Myrtle Creek 171003050209

Watershed Analyses (WA): Middle Fork Coquille Analytical Watershed (BLM 1994)

South Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis (USFS 1995) 

Land Allocation of Project Area: Matrix

 Riparian Reserve

Administrative Unit: Powers Ranger District, Rogue River-Siskiyou National 

Forest

Prepared By: Karla Cottom, Fisheries Biologist, Powers RD

Reviewed By: Susan Maiyo, Forest Fisheries Biologist, RRSNF

Document Date: September 15, 2011

Revised September 18, 2013
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-3

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

APPENDIX H

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................H-4

II. DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED SPECIES AND HABITAT .................................H-4

A. Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Fish Species ........................................................H-4

B. Status of Listed Species, Essential Fish Habitat, and Critical Habitat ..............................H-5

C. Description of Habitat Environmental Baseline ................................................................H-7

III. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ...................H-8

A. Alternative 2 - Proposed Action ........................................................................................H-8

B. Alternative 3 .....................................................................................................................H-8

C. Alternative 4 .....................................................................................................................H-9

IV. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ELEMENTS AND DESIGN CRITERIA ...........H-9

A. Overview of Eden Ridge Project Actions ..........................................................................H-9

B. Project Elements and Project Design Criteria ..................................................................H-10

1. Timber Felling and Yarding .................................................................................................. H-10

2. Timber Hauling ..................................................................................................................... H-17

3. Fuels Treatment ............................................................................................................H-18

4. Road Maintenance, Temporary Road Construction and Road Decommissioning, Road 

Reconstruction, Landing Construction, and New Road Construction ................................. H-18

5. Other Enhancement Activities ............................................................................................... H-25

V. EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVES ...............................................................................H-27

A. Effects of the No Action Alternative (Alternative 1) .........................................................H-27

B. Effects of the Proposed Action (Alternative 2) ..................................................................H-27

C. Effects of Alternative 3 .....................................................................................................H-32

D. Effects of Alternative 4 .....................................................................................................H-33

E. All Action Alternatives – Habitat and Watershed Condition Indicators ...........................H-33

VI. SUMMARY AND COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES ....................................H-36

VII. CONCLUSIONS AND DETERMINATIONS ........................................................H-36

VIII. LITERATURE CITED ............................................................................................H-38

ATTACHMENT A

Fish Distribution and Project Activities Map – Alternative 2
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-4

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

I. INTRODUCTION

The overall Planning Area is located on National Forest System Lands within two 5th-Field watersheds,

South Fork Coquille River and the Middle Fork Coquille River, which both have Watershed Analyses 

have been completed. The 6th Field watersheds within these 5

th Field watersheds are Lower Rock Creek, 

Myrtle Creek, Headwaters South Fork Coquille River, Coal Creek, and Mill Creek. Adjacent private 

timber company lands owned by Plum Creek surround the Planning Area. 

The Planning Area for the Eden Ridge Timber Sales (ER) is located on Eden Ridge approximately four 

(4) air miles southeast of Powers, Oregon. The legal description of: Township 31 South, Range 10 West, 

Sections 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29 and 30; and Township 31 South, Range 11 West, Sections 21, 

22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27, Willamette Meridian; Coos County, Oregon

Biological Evaluation Background Information

The Biological Evaluation process (FSM 2672.43) is intended to conduct and document activities necessary 

to ensure Proposed Actions will not likely jeopardize the continued existence or cause adverse modification 

of habitat for:

A. Fish species listed or proposed to be listed as Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) or Proposed

for Federal listing (P) by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

B. listed as Sensitive (S) by USDA, Forest Service.

II. DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED SPECIES AND HABITAT

A. Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Fish Species

In compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Forest Service Biological 

Evaluation (BE) process for Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive fish species (Siskiyou LRMP 

S&G 4-2; page IV-27), the USDA Forest Service Region 6 Sensitive Species List (updated December 2011) 

was reviewed and field reconnaissance was conducted in regard to potential effects on any of these species by 

actions associated with the Eden Ridge Timber Sales. The results are summarized in the Table H-1 below. 

Also see Attachment A (Fish Distribution and Project Activities Map).

Table H-1. Potentially Affected Species, Status, and Habitats Assessed (Pacific Northwest Regional 

Forester’s Sensitive Species (List updated December 2011)

Species/Habitat Pre-field Review Field Surveys

Common name Scientific Name

Existing Sighting or 

Potential Habitat

(Yes*/No**)

Habitat or Species 

Confirmed

(Yes*/No**)

Threatened Species

OC Coho Salmon Oncorhyncus kisutch Yes Yes

Southern DPS green 

sturgeon Acipenser medirostris No No

Southern DPS Pacific 

eulachon Thaleichthys pacificus No No

Critical Habitat

Southern DPS Pacific 

eulachon T. pacificus No No

Southern DPS green 

sturgeon A. medirostris No No

OC coho salmon O. kisutch Yes Yes
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-5

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Species/Habitat Pre-field Review Field Surveys

Common name Scientific Name

Existing Sighting or 

Potential Habitat

(Yes*/No**)

Habitat or Species 

Confirmed

(Yes*/No**)

Essential Fish Habitat

Coho salmon O. kisutch Yes Yes

Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha Yes Yes

Sensitive Species

SONCC Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha No No

PC chum salmon O. keta No No

OC Steelhead O. mykiss Yes Yes

Western ridged mussel Gonidea angulata Yes No

Highcap lanx Lanx alta No No

Scale lanx Lanx klamathensis No No

Robust walker Pomatiopsis binneyi No No

Pacific walker Pomatiopsis californica No No

Haddock’s Rhyacophilan 

Caddisfly

Rhyacophila haddocki Yes No

A caddisfly Namamyia plutonis Yes No

*Yes – The proposed project’s potential effects on these species will be further analyzed in this document.

**No – No further analysis is necessary, and a determination of “No Impact” is rendered.

B. Status of Listed Species, Essential Fish Habitat, and Critical Habitat

Oregon Coast Coho Salmon and Critical Habitat (Threatened)

Oregon Coast (OC) coho ESU was listed as Threatened on August 10, 1998 (63 FR 42587). This listing 

was reevaluated and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) determined listing OC coho was not 

warranted on January 17, 2006. The listing was once again reevaluated and NMFS determined a listing 

of threatened was warranted on February 4, 2008 (73 FR 7816). OC coho salmon critical habitat was 

designated as threatened also on February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7816). Final protective regulations for OC 

coho salmon were issued on February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7816). On April 28, 2009 NMFS announced that 

it was initiating a status review of OC coho. On May 26, 2010, NMFS affirmed the listing of the OC 

coho salmon as Threatened (75 FR 29489). 

Critical habitat is defined in Section 3(5)(A) of the ESA as “the specific areas within the geographical 

area occupied by the species Oregon Coast Coho on which are found those physical or biological features 

(I) essential to the conservation of the species and (II) which may require special management 

considerations or protection.” Section 7 of the ESA prohibits the destruction or adverse modification of 

designated critical habitat (CCH).

On the RRSNF, the South Fork Coquille River, though occupied by OC coho, is exempt from Critical 

Habitat designation due to economic benefits of exclusion outweighing the benefits of designation. 

Further, marine habitats are not included as critical habitat due to the difficulty in identifying specific 

areas critical to the species. The habitat indicators addressed in this BE that are pertinent to aquatic 

habitat health, also represents the primary constituent elements of proposed CH for OC coho salmon. 

Therefore, this analysis is sufficient for consultation of proposed CH.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-6

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

NMFS developed a list of Primary Constituent Elements (PCEs) that are essential for the conservation of 

OC coho, and which are based on the life history of the coho salmon. These PCEs are: freshwater 

spawning sites, freshwater rearing sites, freshwater migration corridors, estuarine areas, nearshore marine 

areas, and offshore marine areas. These PCEs in concert with OC coho distribution data, were used to 

delineate the spatial extent of the critical habitat. The lateral extent of this designation is limited to the 

ordinary high water mark (i.e., bankfull elevation). For the purposes of this BE, the PCEs are cross

referenced with the respective Habitat Indicators in Table H-2 below. 

Table H-2. OC Coho Critical Habitat Essential Habitat Features and Respective Habitat Indicators

PCEs of OC coho 

Critical Habitat Habitat Indicator

Freshwater Spawning 

Sites

Change in Peak/Base Flows, Water Temperature, Sediment/Turbidity, Chemical 

Contamination/Nutrients, Substrate

Freshwater Rearing 

Sites

Change in Peak/Base Flows, Floodplain Connectivity, Water Temperature, 

Sediment/Turbidity, Chemical Contamination/Nutrients, Water Quality Indicators, 

Riparian Reserves, Substrate, Large Woody Debris, Pool Frequency, Pool Quality, 

Width/depth Ratio, Off-channel Habitat, Streambank Condition

Freshwater Migration 

Corridors

Physical Barriers, Change in Peak/Base Flows, Water Temperature, 

Sediment/Turbidity, Chemical Contamination/Nutrients, Riparian Reserves, Substrate, 

Large Woody Debris, Pool Frequency, Pool Quality, Width/depth Ratio, Floodplain 

Connectivity, Off-channel Habitat, Streambank Condition

Estuarine Areas Physical Barriers, Water Temperature, Sediment/Turbidity, Chemical 

Contamination/Nutrients, Change in Peak/Base Flows, Water Quality Indicators, 

Riparian Reserves, Substrate, Large Woody Debris, Pool Frequency, Pool Quality, 

Width/depth Ratio, Floodplain Connectivity, Off-channel Habitat, Streambank 

Condition

Nearshore Marine 

Areas

N/A to RRSNF Actions

Offshore Marine 

Areas

N/A to RRSNF Actions

Essential Fish Habitat

Interim final rules for Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) under the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1855(b)) 

were published in the Federal Register/ Vol. 62, No. 244, December 19, 1997 and final rules published in 

the Federal Register/ Vol. 67, No. 12, January 17, 2002. These rules are pertinent to Chinook salmon and 

coho salmon habitat within the Southern Oregon Coastal Basin. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) has been 

defined by NMFS as “those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or 

growth to maturity.” This definition includes all waters historically used by anadromous salmonids of 

commercial value. 

Because federally listed Threatened fish species and/or critical habitat are present as associated with this

project, consultation requirements were conducted in accordance with the ESA (SIS LRMP S&G 4-2). A 

Biological Assessment (BA) was prepared for consultation purposes and is available on request. 

Action Area

The Action Area, as defined by the Endangered Species Act (ESA), is all areas to be affected directly or 

indirectly by the federal action and not merely the immediate area involved in the action [50 CFR § 

402.02]. The Action Area as written in Fish BA not only includes the immediate footprint of the harvest 

and road related activities, but any downstream reaches which may be affected indirectly. The ESA 

Action Area is also analyzed for Forest Service Sensitive Species.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-7

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Proposed Action is located within portions of the South Fork Coquille River 5th field and the Middle 

Fork Coquille River 5th field. Timber harvest, timber hauling and new road construction would occur 

primarily in Coal Creek 6th Field watershed and in the upper headwaters of 6th Field Watersheds: 

Headwaters S. Fork Coquille River, Lower Rock Creek and Myrtle Creek. Only timber haul activities 

adjacent to units would occur within the headwaters of Mill Creek -South Fork Coquille 6th field 

watershed.

OC Steelhead (Sensitive)

On the RRSNF, Oregon Coast (OC) steelhead occurs within the South Fork Coquille River and Sixes 

River drainages. The OC steelhead trout distinct population segment (DPS) was proposed as threatened 

under the ESA on August 9, 1996 (61 FR 41541), but was found not warranted for listing. OC steelhead 

is currently listed as a species of concern by NMFS and as a Sensitive Species by USFS Region 6. 

Potential effects to these species from this project are similar in scope and level of impacts as those listed 

in the August 2011 ER Thin Fish Biological Assessment; refer to this document for a complete analysis.

Other Species (Sensitive)

The Western ridged mussel aquatic species have been found in the Coquille River and their habitat is 

typical of some of the stream channels found in the Planning Area. Haddock’s Rhyacophilan caddisfly 

and Namamyia plutonis are two aquatic species that fall within the Oregon coast range and may have 

existing habitat at any of the instream sites in within the Planning Area, but none of these aquatic species 

have been confirmed within the affected watersheds. Potential effects to these species from this project 

are similar in scope and level of impacts as those listed in the 2011 Biological Assessment. 

None of the other aquatic species in Table H-1 have been found in either of the affected watersheds. 

SONCC Chinook salmon, PC chum salmon, highcap lanx, scale lanx, robust walker and pacific walker, 

are not known to occur or have suitable habitat within proximity to any of the proposed actions included 

within any of the Action Alternatives. As such, a No Impact determination is rendered and these species 

will not be discussed further within this document.

C. Description of Habitat Environmental Baseline

Information used in this analysis includes Geographic Information System data and Aquatic Habitat 

Inventories (Forest Service 2010). Properly Functioning Condition ratings are based on the NOAA Table 

of Population and Habitat Indicators, as modified by the Rogue River/South Coast Level 1 Team for the 

Klamath Province/Siskiyou Mountains.

Refer to Eden Ridge Timber Sales Biological Assessment, August 2011 for a complete description of the 

environmental baseline conditions.

This analysis evaluates the direct and indirect potential effects of the proposed actions on Oregon Coast 

coho, CCH, EFH and OC steelhead trout. There is no potential to affect CCH 8.8 miles downstream, 

while there is potential to affect EFH and OC steelhead trout. EFH and OC steelhead are located in the 

Action Area, so any potential effect to one (i.e., EFH) would obviously result in an effect to the other (OC 

coho).
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-8

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

III. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES

Under Alternative 1, the No-Action Alternative, no forest management actions would be taken. There

would be no thinning activities, road maintenance, or construction activities associated with this 

alternative.

A. Alternative 2 - Proposed Action

Alternative 2 proposes variable density thinning treatments, Port Orford cedar sanitation and planting 

treatments, laminated root rot treatment and other connected activities on approximately 3,680 acres 

within the Planning Area. The stands are located on suitable forest land designated as Matrix and 

Riparian Reserve land allocations under the Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource Management 

Plan as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan. Refer to EIS Chapter II for more detail on these 

treatments, including location maps.

Approximately 3,314 acres would be designed for timber harvest on 75 units with associated harvest 

systems that would use a combination of ground-based and skyline operations depending on soil, slope 

and hydrological concerns. Tractor, or ground-based systems, would be used on approximately 2,119

acres, or 64% of the treated area. Skyline systems would be used on approximately 1,195 acres, or 36% 

of the treated area. Helicopter systems are not proposed under this alternative but could be an option to 

reduce environmental effects if economics were favorable. Under this alternative, harvest systems were 

designed to meet specific environmental protection needs and Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines in the 

most cost-effective manner. 

It is estimated the Proposed Action could produce up to 53 million board feet from the 3,314 acres being 

considered, from multiple timber sales over approximately five years. Also included in this project is an 

additional 363 acres of non-commercial silvicultural treatments. Two yarding landings would be

Constructed/Reconstructed within the Riparian Reserve (RR).

To access the 3,314 acres of treatment, approximately:

 31 miles of existing roads would be used for Timber Haul route;

 0.3 miles of temporary Road Construction and Decommissioned (0.3 miles in RR);

 6.1 miles of Road Reconstruction of existing road or railroad templates (1.4 miles in RR);

 10.8 miles of New Road Construction would be built (1.6 miles in RR); and 

 5.5 miles of Road Maintenance within the units.

B. Alternative 3

Alternative 3 would enact the following vegetation management actions: 3,240 acres of commercial 

variable density management thinning treatments (in several separate timber sales), on 65 Units,

producing approximately 52 million board feet of commercial volume. Within the 3,243 acres of

treatments, also included are treatments within Riparian Reserves that overlap into overstocked drier 

upland forests (1,053 total acres).

Ground-based systems would be used on approximately 1,789 acres, or 55%; Skyline systems would be 

used on approximately 941 acres, or 29%; and helicopter systems would be used on approximately 513 

acres, or 16% of the treated area. Use of approximately 31 miles of existing roads, construction of 4.5 

miles of new road, construction and decommissioning of 0.03 miles of temporary road, use and 

reconstruction of 4.1 miles of existing road, use of and maintenance of 5.5 miles of existing road; and 363

acres of non-commercial silvicultural treatments are included.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-9

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

C. Alternative 4

Alternative 4 would enact the following vegetation management actions: 3,058 acres of commercial 

variable density management thinning treatments on 53 Units, producing approximately 49 million board 

feet of commercial volume. Within the 3,058 acres of treatments, also included are treatments within 

Riparian Reserves that overlap into overstocked drier upland forests (965 total acres).

Ground-based systems would be used on approximately 1,441 acres, or 47%; Skyline systems would be 

used on approximately 457 acres, or 15%; and helicopter systems would be used on approximately 1,160 

acres, or 38% of the treated area. Use of approximately 31 miles of existing roads, use and reconstruction 

of 1.74 miles of existing road, use of and maintenance of 5.0 miles of existing road; and 363 acres of noncommercial silvicultural treatments are included.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ELEMENTS AND DESIGN CRITERIA

A. Overview of Eden Ridge Project Actions

The actions of the project alternatives can be divided into five Project Elements (PE):

1. Timber Felling and Yarding

2. Timber Hauling

3. Fuels Treatment

4. Road Maintenance, Temporary Road Construction and Decommissioning, Road 

Reconstruction, Landing Construction/Reconstruction, and New Road Construction

5. Other Enhancement Activities

Table H-3. Summary of Project Elements by Alternative

Project Elements

Alternatives

1 2 3 4

1. Timber Felling and Yarding

Timber Harvest 0 acres 3,314 acres 3,240 acres 3,058 acres

Timber Harvest within RR 0 acres 1,097 acres 1,053 965 acres

2. Timber Hauling

Timber Haul 0 miles 31 miles 31 miles 31 miles

3. Fuels Treatment

Fuels Treatment 0 acres 1,600 acres 1,145 acres 1,300 acres

4. Roads

Temporary Road Construction and 

Decommissioned 0 miles 0.3 (0.3 miles in RR)

0.3 (0.3 miles in 

RR)

0.3 (0.3 miles 

in RR)

Road Reconstruction of existing 

road or railroad templates 0 miles 6.1 miles (1.4 miles in RR) 4.1 miles 1.74 miles

New Road Construction 0 miles 10.8 miles (1.6 

miles in RR) 4.5 miles 0.25 miles1

Road Maintenance 0 miles 5.5 miles 5.5 miles 5.5 miles

5. Other Enhancement Activities

Non-commercial silvicultural 

treatments 0 miles 363 acres 363 acres 363 acres

Snag/down wood creation, riparian 

snags, stream enhancement, native 

grass/forb seeding/invasive plant 

treatments

None Yes Yes Yes

 

1 Reconstruction along 3 rail grades includes new road construction where stream crossings replace rail trestle bridges.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-10

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

B. Project Elements and Project Design Criteria

1. Timber Felling and Yarding

a. Timber Felling – Commercial Silvicultural Treatments

The ER project proposes intermediate commercial harvest treatments using variable density thinning 

(VDT) techniques and other connected actions on approximately 3,314 acres of second growth conifer 

stands artificially and naturally regenerated following timber harvest during the 1920s through the 1930s. 

Design Criteria associated with commercial treatments are detailed in Table H-4.

Commercial treatments would involve harvest (felling and yarding) of conifers with diameters 7 inches 

and larger DBH which is a viable product size under current and anticipated market conditions. No old

residual trees (old growth; trees > 80 years old) would be cut, except for danger trees. Trees could be 

felled using mechanized feller-bunchers, cut-to-length harvesters, or hand (chainsaw) felling. The 

acreage of Riparian Reserves to be treated is likely to be less due to some areas not needing treatment.

The primary silvicultural objective for ER is to control existing dense stocking conditions and to treat 

subordinate amounts of root disease infection within candidate stands to improve forest health and to 

sustain or increase tree growth and vigor throughout treatment areas including the Riparian Reserve. 

Felling actives would be designed using VDT techniques. VDT uses a combination of low and crown 

thinning to release larger dominant and co-dominant trees. Spacing between trees is variable depending 

on tree diameter distribution on the ground and thinning intensity. Individual stand characteristics would 

be heterogeneous and post-harvest tree spacing would not have a rigid, grid-like appearance. 

Intensity of density management prescription treatments ranges from light, medium or heavy thins with a 

target relative density (RD) of approximately 35-50%. Tree species composition is maintained or 

enhanced by favoring a diverse mixture of conifers and hardwoods. Trees per acre (TPA), including the 

Riparian Reserves, is described as light thin equals a range of 150-225 per acres, medium thin equals a 

range of 90-150 TPA, and a heavy thin equals 50-90 TPA. 

Approximately 80% of the treatment would consist of medium thins based on productivity of the 

landscape. Areas within units that occur on the perimeter of existing openings or are predominately 

western hemlock may receive no thinning or light thin buffers to prevent wind throw. 

VDT may include creation of irregular shaped openings (i.e., gaps) interspersed within some thinning 

throughout the units, including the Riparian Reserve. Gaps would primarily treat root disease pockets by 

removing all tree species predisposed to infection. Gap size is estimated to be 1⁄4 to 2 acres depending on 

extent of root disease and proximity to existing openings on adjacent private timber company lands. 

VDT may include no-thin areas (i.e., skips). Skips can be strategically placed to protect hardwood 

thickets, minor tree species, pockets of large down wood, other unique stand attributes and inaccessible 

areas.

Wide-thin gaps (WTG) may occur around genetic trees selected for cone collection, Port-Orford-cedar 

root disease pockets favoring resistant trees, or dominant tree release of desirable trees from competing 

vegetation. Generally, one (1) to four (4) trees would be retained in WTG. The size of WTG would be

approximately 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 acre.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-11

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table H-4. Overall Design Criteria for Timber Yarding and Felling within Riparian Reserves

Channel Project Activities Buffer

Riparian 

Reserve PDCRR Name

Range of 

Commercial 

Prescriptions 

Outside of Buffer 

(TPA)

Ephemeral and 

Intermittent

Non-fish

Bearing 

Streams

No-cut buffer except for 

hazard trees, corridor or 

anchor trees (for skyline 

cable yarding) may be felled 

and left at site, no 

commercial removal.

Stream side to 25 feet 

along both sides of 

channel.

One site 

potential tree 

height each side 

of stream (175 

feet each side; 

total width 350 

feet)

Stream Channel 

Protection Zone

Light Thin = 150-225, 

Density management and 

commercial extraction

allowed.

25 feet from stream side 

to edge of Riparian 

Reserve, along both 

sides of channel, based 

on one site potential tree 

height.

Riparian 

Treatment Zone

Light Thin = 150-225, 

Ephemeral and 

Intermittent

Non-fish

Bearing 

Streams

No-cut buffer except for 

hazard trees, corridor or 

anchor trees (for skyline 

cable yarding) may be felled 

and left at site, no 

commercial removal.

Stream side to 35 feet 

along both sides of 

channel.

One site 

potential tree 

height each side 

of stream (175 

feet each side; 

total width 350 

feet)

Stream Channel 

Protection Zone

Medium Thin = 90-150

Density management and 

commercial extraction

allowed.

35 feet from stream side 

to edge of Riparian 

Reserve, along both 

sides of channel, based 

on one site potential tree 

height.

Riparian 

Treatment Zone

Medium Thin = 90-150, 

Ephemeral and 

Intermittent

Non-fish

Bearing 

Streams

No-cut buffer except for 

hazard trees, corridor or 

anchor trees (for skyline 

cable yarding) may be felled 

and left at site, no 

commercial removal.

Stream side to 40 feet 

along both sides of 

channel.

One site 

potential tree 

height each side 

of stream (175 

feet each side; 

total width 350 

feet)

Stream Channel 

Protection Zone

Heavy Thin = 50-90.

Density management and 

commercial extraction

allowed.

40 feet from stream side 

to edge of Riparian 

Reserve, along both 

sides of channel, based 

on one site potential tree 

height.

Riparian 

Treatment Zone

Heavy Thin = 50-90.

Perennial

Non-fish

Bearing 

Stream

No-cut buffer (same as 

Ephemeral and Intermittent

Streamside to 50-85 feet 

along both sides of 

channel

Same as above.

Primary Shade 

Zone (includes 

Stream Channel 

Protection Zone)

Light Thin = 150-225, 

Medium Thin = 90-150, 

Heavy Thin = 50-90.

Density management and 

commercial extraction 

allowed (same as Ephemeral 

and Intermittent).

50-85feet from stream 

side to edge of Riparian 

Reserve, along both 

sides of channel, based 

on one size potential 

tree height.

Riparian 

Treatment Zone

Light Thin = 150-225, 

Medium Thin = 90-150, 

Heavy Thin = 50-90.

Perennial

Fish Bearing 

Streams

No-cut buffer (same as 

Ephemeral and Intermittent

Same as Perennial 

Non-fish Bearing 

Stream

Two site 

potential tree 

height each side 

of stream (350 

feet each side; 

total width 700 

feet)

Same as 

Perennial 

Non-fish Bearing 

Stream

Light Thin = 150-225, 

Medium Thin = 90-150, 

Heavy Thin = 50-90.

Density management and 

commercial extraction 

allowed (same as Ephemeral 

and Intermittent).

Same as Perennial 

Non-fish Bearing 

Stream, except Riparian 

Treatment Zone extends 

from 50-85’ buffer limit 

to edge of two sitepotential tree buffer

Same as 

Perennial 

Non-fish Bearing 

Stream

Light Thin = 150-225, 

Medium Thin = 90-150, 

Heavy Thin = 50-90.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-12

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Thinning treatments within Riparian Reserves are designed to enhance development of late seral 

conditions as recommended in the South Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis (1995) by moving stand 

structure forward by increasing tree growth through density management, creating structural diversity 

through skip and gap treatments, and to improve forest health and resistance to forest pathogens. 

Site-specific silvicultural prescriptions would be developed for each individual stand identified for 

treatment and address each land allocation classification (Matrix, Riparian Reserve) during 

implementation. Silvicultural prescriptions would describe the desired future condition; specify tree 

spacing, target residual density (RD), preferred species, canopy retention, post-harvest treatments and 

other key stand components. Final silvicultural prescriptions would be approved by a Region 6 certified 

silviculturist. 

b. Timber Felling – Laminated Root Rot Silvicultural Treatments

Laminated root rot (Phellinus weirii) disease infection extensively decays roots of susceptible host trees 

and either causes windthrow or mortality by destroying the tree’s ability to take up water and nutrients 

(Hadfield et al., 1986). Wind throw is more common with laminated root rot than other root pathogens. 

Tree species present in proposed treatment units are listed as follows in decreasing order of susceptibility: 

Douglas-fir and white fir> western hemlock > Port-Orford-cedar. All hardwoods are immune. Proposed 

treatment sites would occur outside of the Riparian Reserve since disease infection prefers a drier 

environment to subsist. These gaps would be openings of 1⁄4 acre in size up to 2 acres located in the upper 

portions of watersheds. These gaps would be 10% or less of the individual unit and would equal less than 

1% of the entire 5th field watersheds.

Laminated root rot is affecting forest health on portions of Eden Ridge Planning Area, particularly in the 

northern half in forest stands adjacent to FS roads 5000440, 5000440003, and 5000448. Treatments for 

non-commercial silvicultural treatments are the same as described for the commercial silvicultural 

treatments, including no-cut buffers. Irregular shaped openings 1⁄4 to 2 acres for tree yield (Matrix) 

reasons centered on root rot pockets may be created to treat portions of stands infected with laminated 

root rot. No more than fifteen percent of the acres within each unit would be treated. 

Gap Development Treatment

Approximately 330 acres (.1%) of Gap Development Treatment would be treated out of the total project 

3,300 acres and is only within the Coal Creek 6

th field watershed. These openings would not occur within 

the watersheds with the same year and would be planted with POC following the treatment.

Treatments would fall all susceptible tree species within and along the perimeter of infection pockets 

while favoring resistant or immune species for leave trees. Gaps may be site prepared and planted 

afterwards with Port-Orford-cedar seedlings for stand health and enhance structural and species diversity 

within a stand.

c. Timber Felling – Port Orford Cedar Root Disease (POC) Silvicultural Treatments

Port Orford cedar root disease (Phytophthora lateralis) (PL) treatment consists of Wide Thin Gaps, 

roadside sanitation and tree planting resistant POC seedlings. Proposed activities would occur mostly in 

Riparian Reserves.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-13

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Wide-Thin Gap Treatments (WTG)

Fall all live POC within PL infection sites. Leave non-susceptible tree species on site. Thin out all live 

POC within 2 to 3 crown radii (50-100 feet) from last infected POC along the perimeter of infection sites 

to separate healthy POC from potential root contact with infected POC. Pile and burn all POC slash and 

follow-up underburn to potentially mitigate disease presence. Sites can be planted with non-susceptible 

tree seedlings. This treatment would likely be an understory treatment of infested POC seedlings, 

saplings and small poles and not result in creation of a gap in the overstory canopy.

Roadside Sanitation

The Roadside Sanitation is located on ridge top roads. Treatment would manage for non-susceptible tree 

species by removing all POC along road sides and high risk sites as follows:

 100-feet each side of roads at stream crossings.

 25 feet above roads and 50-feet below roads in areas with measurably contributing POC.

Only one headwater perennial stream crossing is located in a proposed new classified road construction 

(road ‘W’) for accessing unit 327, which is approximately 4 miles above the CCH habitat. All other 

treatments if near stream crossings are on ephemeral or intermittent streams. Approximately 104 acres 

(.031%) of Roadside Sanitation would be treated out of the total project 3,300 acres. 

Planting

POC would be restored within its natural range by planting non-PL infested areas with resistant POC 

seedlings. Also, laminated root rot pockets would be planted with resistant POC seedlings after 

treatments as described in the section on laminated root rot.

d. Timber Felling -- Non-Commercial Silvicultural Treatments for Instream Enhancement

Removal or thinning of 150 non-commercial sized trees is proposed for 363 acres within the ER Planning 

Area. When occurring within Riparian Reserve, most of the trees would be directional felled toward the 

creek for future instream enhancement and left onsite. A few of the trees in Unit 345 or any other unit

located near a road and outside of the Riparian Reserve may be removed via log truck and placed 

instream during a future instream enhancement project. 

The purpose of the non-commercial treatments is to improve the health and vigor of Riparian Reserves for 

future large wood instream recruitment within the South Fork Coquille 5th Field Watershed. The project 

acres with these stand conditions that would benefit from these treatments are located in Units 900, 901, 

902, 903, 904, 905, 906 and 345 (see EIS for detail). Portions of proposed units for non-commercial 

treatments have high height to diameter ratios on overstory trees and forest health issues with laminated 

root rot, shallow soils and potential wind throw. Approximately 50 trees per mile would be placed within 

approximately 3 miles of stream (150 trees total, approximately 22,650 cubic feet of wood). The 

proposed enhancement is located in resident fish habitat ranging from two miles to seven miles upstream 

of CCH.

e. Timber Yarding

As noted above, tractor, or ground-based systems, would be used on approximately 2,119 acres, or 64% 

of the treated area. Skyline systems would be used on approximately 1,190 acres, or 36% of the treated 

area. Helicopter systems are not proposed under this project but could be an option if economics were 

favorable. Some terrain would require partial suspension (or full suspension) systems on stands that had 

previously been cable logged without suspension in the past. 
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-14

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Project Design Criteria for Timber Felling and Yarding

Project Design Criteria for Riparian Reserves (PDCRR) (Park 2005) are used to prevent shade reduction 

in riparian areas. Density management thinning is designed to improve stand health with treatments 

and/or commercial extraction while allowing attainment of or restoration of Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy (ACS) objectives under the Northwest Forest Plan. Riparian buffers originally estimated were 

adjusted slightly wider for ephemeral and intermittent non-fish bearing streams with medium and heavy 

thin buffers, a change from 25 feet to 35 feet and 40 feet respectively, as suggested by NMFS in order to 

facilitate an expeditious consultation. NMFS suggested that the buffer change would reflect their concern 

for addressing activities in riparian areas in relation to riparian buffer adequacy and loss in the short-term 

of small wood contribution to streams. 

Exposure to direct solar radiation, as described in the PDCRR will often cause a dramatic increase in 

stream temperatures. When shaded throughout the entire day, far less heat energy would be transferred to 

the stream. The ability of riparian vegetation to shade the stream depends on vegetation height, density, 

stream width and position relative to the stream. 

Thinning can affect stream temperature by removing shade trees. The amount of shade lost depends on 

stream width, tree height and stream orientation. The following figure display thinning effects similar to 

those proposed under this project, for one mile of stream. Most daily solar radiation occurs between 

10am and 2pm. Trees that provide stream shade during this time are considered “primary shade trees”. 

Primary shade trees are inside the buffers and would not be removed and would remain on site. Figure 

III-4 displays buffer width as a function of angular canopy density for mature trees. A mature tree is 

defined as an individual tree that has reached most of its potential height growth. 

At a point the shade density increases very little as the sun’s angle decreases or the sun gets lower in the 

sky. This is the secondary shade zone. The primary shade tree zone for mature trees varies from 50 to 85

feet in width (see discussion on updated TMDLs below). Very little additional shade is gained when the 

sun is low enough to intercept the secondary shade trees. Therefore, in dense stands such as the 

plantations proposed for treatment, trees outside the “primary shade zone” can be thinned with a neutral 

effect on stream shade. 

Figure H-1. Buffer Widths and Angular Canopy Density

Riparian Reserve treatments and project design elements fall into three categories; fish-bearing 

perennial streams, non-fish-bearing perennial streams, and intermittent and ephemeral streams

(see next sections).
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-15

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

General Design Criteria for Riparian Reserves

 No density management treatment would reduce the existing overstory canopy within 

Riparian Reserve to less than 50% (on average at the stand level).

 No commercial extraction of trees would occur within 25 ft. of stream course.

 Commercial extraction of trees would occur outside of variable, no-treatment stream course 

buffers, according to stream category and thinning intensity (see Table H-4).

 To reduce the risk of sediment delivery, soil compaction or the loss of soil infiltration capacity in 

the riparian area to the streams, yarding activities, within 100 feet of stream courses, pre and 

post activity would not result in a loss of more than 10% of the soil infiltration capacity

which reduces concerns for sediment reaching the stream. This activity would include 

existing skid trails, which could be re-utilized as necessary and then be deep ripped (as feasible) 

to re-establish soil infiltration capacity. 

 Yarding activities should achieve full suspension over the active channel2. To facilitate log 

suspension with skyline operations, corridors for cable rigging would be allowed to pass through 

Riparian Reserves. A maximum clearing width of 12 ft. is required and logs may be yarded 

through this corridor if necessary. Corridors must be spaced at a minimum of 200 feet apart if 

they pass through Riparian Reserves. Corridor “rub trees” within the Riparian Reserve, even if 

damaged, would either be left standing or felled and left in place.

 Hand piles and burning should be no closer than 25 ft. from stream channel to maintain ground 

vegetation.

Design Criteria for Perennial Streams

This includes permanently flowing perennial fish-bearing and nonfish-bearing streams. The primary 

concern regarding yarding Riparian Reserves with fish bearing streams is prevention of sediment delivery 

to streams, prevention of concentrated overland flow, wood recruitment, and maintenance of stream 

temperatures. 

Project design features would follow direction provided in NWFP Temperature TMDL Implementation 

Strategies 20113. This involves protection, maintenance and enhancement of existing stream shade, and 

maintenance of the existing micro-climate, ambient air temperature, and air movement. 

The primary difference between fish-bearing and nonfish-bearing stream is the width of the entire 

Riparian Reserve (which is differentiated by fish-bearing status) as shown below:

Fish-bearing Riparian Reserve widths are two site potential tree heights each side of stream 

course (175 ft. X 2 = 350 ft. each side; total width 700 ft.).

Nonfish-bearing Riparian Reserve widths are one site potential tree height each side of 

stream course (175 ft. each side; total width 350 ft.).

The Stream Channel Protection Zone is from the edge of stream course up to 25 feet. No commercial 

extraction) would occur within 25 ft. of the active stream channel.

 

2 Active channel is the bank full width of flowing perennial or intermittent streams.

3 Northwest Forest Plan Temperature TMDL Implementation strategies were updated in 2011 (Evaluation of the Northwest 

Forest Plan Aquatic Conservation Strategy and Associated Tools to achieve and maintain stream temperature water quality 

standards- USFS and BLM). Recommended Primary Shade Zone widths were increased over the September 9, 2005 version. 
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-16

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Primary Shade Zone is an area where canopy retention standards to meet TMDL Implementation 

Strategies, however some density management, fuels reduction or other enhancement treatments could 

occur. The Primary Shade Zone is an area where no commercial extraction would occur (larger trees 

felled for skyline corridor clearing would be left), however some density management or other 

enhancement treatments could occur. Distance from active stream channel varies according to height of 

existing overstory trees and hill slope in immediate area. The following table establishes the width of the 

Primary Shade Zone.

Table H-5. Primary Shade Zone Width, Based on Adjacent Hill Slope within Perennial Streams

Hill Slope

<30%

Hill Slope

30% to 60%

Hill Slope >60%

Tree Height >60 – 100 ft. 50 ft. 55 ft. 60 ft.

Tree Height >100– 140 ft. 70 ft. 75 ft. 85 ft.

The Temperature Implementation Strategies allow the distances in the above table to be less (but not less 

than 25 ft.) if the trees are located on a south facing slope (175-185 degree azimuth) and therefore do not 

provide stream shade. Note: no large wood, old residual trees (old growth; trees>80 years old), with a 

potential for instream recruitment would be cut).

Figure H-2. Riparian Reserve Design Elements – Perennial Fish & Non-Fish Bearing Streams

Design Criteria for Non Fish-bearing Intermittent and Ephemeral Streams

Seasonally flowing intermittent and ephemeral non-fish-bearing streams have buffers established for the 

prevention of sediment delivery to streams, prevention of concentrated overland flow, and maintenance of 

micro-climates, ambient air temperature and humidity. There are no fish-bearing ephemeral and 

intermittent stream channels.

The primary difference between perennial and intermittent/ephemeral stream are the buffers for no-cut, 

and density management and commercial extraction. The intermittent/ephemeral Riparian Reserves and 

non-fish bearing Riparian Reserves are the same, one site potential tree heights on each side of stream 

course (175 feet on each side; total is 350 feet); see Table H 4.

Stream Channel Protection Zone 

(50-85 feet:

includes 25 Foot No Cut Buffer) 

Riparian 

Treatment 

Zone

Two Site Potential Tree Heights

(Fish bearing) 

One Site Potential Tree Height

(Non-fish Bearing)

Riparian 

Treatment 

Zone

Total Riparian 

Reserve Width 
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-17

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure H-3. Riparian Reserve Design Elements – Ephemeral and Intermittent Stream Channels

2. Timber Hauling

The only haul route segment adjacent to EFH with a gravel-surface is the remaining 200 feet of road 

NFSL 5000 with a 12 percent slope, which parallels Coal Creek. This section of road is crowned, has two

ditch relief culverts which drains into an 80 feet vegetated buffer. The remaining road segment of haul 

route coming from the gravel-surface road is a 50 feet asphalt-surfaced segment, which drains around a 

corner into a well vegetative buffer before reaching the stream. The haul routes from the units are gravel 

surfaced roads down to the paved NFSL Road 3300 adjacent the South Fork Coquille River. Table H-6 

displays the amount of haul occurring over perennial stream crossings within the most impact being in the 

Coal Creek 6th Field. At the junction of the NFSL Road 5000 and NFSL Road 200, the entire haul merges 

into the NFSL Road 5000 for approximately one mile. The timber haul would average about 14 

truckloads daily from this location down the 5000 Road.

Table H-6. Summary of Perennial Stream Crossings That Would Occur during Haul

Watershed Number of Perennial 

Stream Crossings

South Fork Coquille 5th Field ,Headwater South Fork 6

th Field watershed 3

South Fork Coquille 5th Field, Coal Creek 6th Field watershed 22

South Fork Coquille 5th Field, Mill Creek 6th Field watershed 4

TOTAL 29

Design Criteria for Haul

OPERATIONS WITHIN THE NORMAL OPERATING SEASON (June 1 to Oct 31st). Project design

features would be implemented to make it unlikely that sediment would reach stream channels. 

 Road crown would be maintained.

 Operations shall cease at any time when the travel way of the road is wet and turbid water or fines 

are observed moving off the road surface to ditch lines that deliver to EFH or any stream type.

 If fine sediment is observed to be moving off the road surface to ditch lines or streams due to timber 

sale activities, the Forest Service is responsible to have the Timber Sale Purchaser place sediment 

filters to prevent this sediment from reaching any stream.

Total Riparian 

Reserve Width 

Riparian 

Treatment 

Zone

One Site 

Potential

Tree Height

One Site 

Potential

Tree Height

Riparian 

Treatment 

Zone

Stream Channel Protection Zone

(25-40 feet; includes No-Cut 

Buffer 25 feet)
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-18

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

IF OPERATIONS OUTSIDE THE NORMAL OPERATING SEASON: November 1 through May 31st

are allowed, the following rules must be applied to timber haul on gravel roads adjacent EFH or any 

stream type stream channels:

Operations shall cease at any time when the travel way of the road is wet and turbid water or fines 

are observed moving off the road surface to ditch lines that deliver to EFH or any stream type. 

If fine sediment is observed to be moving off the road surface to ditch lines or streams due to 

timber sale activities, the Forest Service is responsible to have the Timber Sale Purchaser place 

sediment filters to prevent this sediment from reaching any stream.

Road Rutting: No hauling down the gravel road surface if rutting is occurring, indicating the 

subsurface is wet. 

Wet weather conditions must be monitored daily by the Forest Service for the chance of 

precipitation, especially 1 inch of rain in 24 hours.

3. Fuels Treatment

Activity fuels treatment refers to the slash and accumulated fuel resulting from the proposed density 

management treatments. While there may be some slash from previous harvesting or from natural 

conditions, the majority of material would be generated through density management treatment and 

commercial removal. Activity fuels treatments proposed for this project include only those that are 

predicted to be necessary to obtain a resultant and acceptable fuels/fire risk. Several methods of activity 

fuels treatment are being proposed, and include the following: burning tree tops that were yarded to 

landing site, burning materials accumulated by harvest activity that is piled (by hand or mechanical 

equipment), or under burning.

4. Road Maintenance, Temporary Road Construction and Road Decommissioning, Road 

Reconstruction, Landing Construction, and New Road Construction

The Eden Ridge Planning Area currently has a minimal existing road network, because it has not been 

vegetatively managed for many decades, and when the logging that created the candidate stands of today 

were created, most of the area was logged by railroad systems. Most of the existing roads evolved from 

these early railroad grades but do not adequately serve the Planning Area for today’s needs and systems. 

The current existing road system within Eden Ridge, overall, is currently managed and maintained.

Refer to FEIS Chapter II for the general locations of road use, proposed reconstruction/road

decommissioning, road reconstruction and maintenance needs associated with the 6th field watersheds. 

There would be 23 Intermittent/Ephemeral Non Fish bearing crossings built and 12 perennial crossings in 

the 3.19 miles of road activities that would occur in Riparian Reserve under Alternative 2.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-19

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table H-7. Summary of All Road Activity in Riparian Reserves

Road System –

By Road Type

Road Number or 

Unit

Number of 

Intermittent/Ephemeral 

Non-fish Bearing

Road Crossings

Number of 

Perennial Road 

Crossings

Total

Road Segments 

Miles

Distance 

from 

CCH/EFH

Temporary Road (Access) Construction – New Roads to be Built in Riparian, No Existing Template. Decommission 

Afterwards

Q4 1 1 0.21 9.3/2.3

R 0 0 0.03 9.4/2.4

Total Crossings/Miles 1 1 0.25 Total Miles

Road Reconstruction

5000299 0 1 0.57 11.7/4.7

5000442 1 0 0.25 11.0/4.0

5000442.1 1 0 0.07 11.0/4/0

5000443 2 0 0.28 11.7/4.7

5000446 1 0 0.09 11.8/4.8

5000451 2 0 0.11 4.2/5.2

Total Crossings/Miles 7 1 1.36 Total Miles

New Permanent Road Construction

B 2 0 0.16 8.8/8.8

F 1 0 0.17 11.7/11.7

J 0 1 0.05 23.6/4.6

O4 4 0 0.10 14.5/7.5

S1 0 1 0.06 9.8/2.8

S3 0 1 0.06 9.7/2.7

S5 0 1 0.05 10.3/3.3

S6 1 0 0.06 10.3/3.3

S7 0 2 0.11 11.0/4.0

S8 1 0 0.04 10.3/3.3

S9 3 0 0.05 12.0/5.0

T 1 0 0.10 17.5/10.5

U 0 1 0.12 14.5/7.5

W 1 3 0.33 15.4/8.4

Z 1 0 0.13 15.6/8.6

Total 

Crossings/Miles 15 10 1.58 Total Miles

Grand Total – Proposed Crossings

and Miles of Roads to be Built in 

Riparian Reserves

Intermittent/Ephemeral

Crossings

23

Perennial Road 

Crossings

12

Total Miles

3.19

a. Road Maintenance

This activity includes several routine related activities which maintain drainage, cuts and fills and 

surfacing of the road prism to accommodate light and commercial road traffic; while maintaining the 

integrity of the road facility and minimizing effects to natural resources adjacent to the road. Much of 

this work is done with a motor grader, dump trucks and backhoe and includes travel way surface 

maintenance, drainage ditch maintenance, culvert cleaning, surface rock replacement, shaping of the 

roadway and ditches by blading, removal of slough materials, compacting and other mechanized and hand 

work. 
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-20

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

It is estimated that road maintenance would be needed on the road system utilized for this project, over at 

least ten years. The FS Road 290 that access some of the timber sales is gated to prevent public access 

during periods when POC disease could spread. 

b. Temporary Road (Access) Construction & Decommissioning

Under Alternative 2, approximately 0.29 miles of new temporary road is proposed, in two segments, not 

longer than 0.25 miles in length (Table H-8). Temporary roads include those roads needed only for the 

purchaser’s use, such as roads used to haul timber from landings to permanent National Forest System 

roads. The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project may need other new temporary road construction for 

candidate stand access if it minimizes resource damage. These roads would be built and removed by the 

operator as part of the Forest Service timber sale or stewardship contract.

Table H-8. Proposed Temporary Road (Access) Construction & Decommissioning

Road 

Segment 

Reference

Length 

(miles) Notes

Distance to Coho 

Critical Habitat

(Stream 

Miles)/EFH

Q4 0.25 No template, crosses a intermittent 

channel

9.3/2.3

R 0.03 Short spur; joins with existing road 9.4/2.4

TOTAL 0.29

c. Road Reconstruction

Reconstruction involves maintenance and improvements to existing road or railroad template, to make 

them suitable for logging equipment and harvest treatment access. Reconstruction involves restoring a 

road to operational condition. 

Road repairs could have one or more of the following work items: removing fallen trees, cleaning out 

culvert inlets, removing and disposing of small cut slope slides, falling danger trees, replacing minor 

amounts of road surfacing, replacing, adding additonal drainage structures, etc. Treatments could include 

grading, clearing, restoring road width loss, or stabilizing a cut or fill (embankment) slope that was lost 

due to storm damage, by placing riprap materials (large boulders) against existing slopes, and may 

include widening and surface rock replacement.

Table H-9. Road Reconstruction in Relation to CCH/EFH

Road Numbers Distance to 

CCH/EFH (miles)

5000291 8.9/1.9

5000298 10.0/3.0

5000299 26.8/19.8

5000299.1 9.9/2.9

5000442 18.5/11.5

5000442.1 11.4/4.4

5000443 11.8/4.8

5000446 23.8/4.8

5000447 4.6/4.6

5000448.1 10.7/3.7

5000451 4.2/4.2
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-21

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

d. Landing Construction/Reconstruction

Some of the areas associated with the candidate stands have an existing network of roads and landings 

from previous harvests. However, there would also be a need for some additional areas created for log 

landings. These would primarily occur in areas where no landing currently exist or where a change in 

logging systems (e.g., where skyline logging is now prescribed in areas previously railroad logged). Two

existing landings are known to exist in the Riparian Reserve and outside of the Primary Shade Zone.

Site L-13 is an existing landing with a primary road located within it. It is situated where 90% of the 

landing is upslope of the road and 10% of the landing is downslope of the road, approximately 100 feet 

above the stream channel above the break in slope. The 10% section of the landing is where the yarder

would be located and in a well vegetated site.

Site L-14 is a new landing and is located adjacent to the main haul route road and would be situated

completely above the road. The road is located approximately 80 to 100 feet above the stream channel. 

The riparian zone buffer consists of large trees and a brush and forbs well vegetative component. The 

yarder would be stored away from the stream on the upslope side of the road.

Design Criteria for Landings in Riparian Reserve

All landings, designated skid trails, staging or decking within Riparian Reserves would:

 Be of minimum size as possible to only allow operations;

 Be located above the break in slope above the stream channel;

 Landing slopes would be armored with logs or other woody material capable of protecting the 

slope surface;

 Landing surfaces would drain away from the stream channel during use, and, would be 

revegetated/mulched after use; and

 Landing site restoration would consist of :

-Loose soil material on the downslope side would be pulled back.

-Placement of slash on bare soils located on the downhill slope.

 All new landings will be at least 100 feet away from stream channels.

Landing site restoration would consist of:

o Placement of slash on bare soils located on the downhill slope.

o Loose material on the downslope side would be pulled back.

o Be of minimum size as possible to only allow operations;

o Be located above the break in slope above the stream channel;

o Have a well vegetated strip between the work site and the stream channel, which is a 

minimum or greater of the no-cut buffers;

Table H-10. Landings in Riparian Reserves

Landing in Riparian

Distance to Coho 

Habitat/EFH Existing or New

Perennial or Intermittent

L-13 9.0/2.0 Existing Perennial, non-Fish Bearing

L-14 (unit 309) 9.4/2.4 New Perennial, Fish Bearing (non CCH)
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-22

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

e. New Road Construction

In order to adequately and efficiently access the Planning Area for today’s management systems, there is 

a need for additional classified roads. Given the current situation, these new access roads could not be 

developed without the need to cross some drainages designated as Riparian Reserve. A total of 

approximately 11.1 miles of new road construction is proposed. Of the 11.1 miles of road, 0.3 miles 

would be temporarily contructed, used then decommssioned. The remaining new road construction 

would include approximately 10.8 miles, in 43 segments, ranging from 0.11 miles to 1.93 miles. Most of 

the new roads would be managed as Maintenance Level 1 (closed until further need). New permanent 

roads in Riparian Reserve total 1.58 miles.

All proposed new system roads would be rocked as needed to minimize erosion and allow for extended 

use during wet conditions. As specified Classified (system) roads, all new roads (including those crossing 

Riparian Reserve) would be engineered and designed to minimize environmental impacts. Designed 

roads constructed on NFSL would be accomplished to standards appropriate for the intended uses; 

considering safety, cost of transportation, and impacts on lands and resources. Designed roads would be 

constructed as stable and durable structures to facilitate maintenance during and after use and monitored 

every five years. 

This design would include necessary drainage facilities, adequate erosion control, closure devices, and 

resource protection devices. Closure of all new construction of system roads would typically be 

accomplished via a road entrance closure of native materials (logs, earth, boulders) after timber sale 

activites had occurred, placing them into Maintenance Level 1 Status.

Table H-11. Proposed New Road Construction, Location and Distance to CCH

Road 

Segment 

Reference

Road Length

(Contiguous -

miles)

Notes

Distance to Coho 

Critical 

Habitat/EFH

(Stream Miles)

A 0.23 Ridgetop road, skyline access, no grade 4.3/4.3

B 0.74 Crosses some riparian; some grade up to 10% 9.1/9.1

C 0.03 Begins on PVT; ties to road M for FS access 24.3/5.3

D 0.60 Ridgetop road, skyline access, no grade 28.5/9.5

E1 0.34 Ridgetop road, skyline and GB access, no grade 24.0/5.0

E2 0.22 Ridgetop road, skyline and GB access, no grade 24.05.0

E3 0.20 Ridgetop road, skyline access, no grade 24.05.0

F 0.39 Crosses riparian, minimal grade 7.9/7.9

G 0.15 Ridgetop road, skyline access, no grade 3.7/3.7

H 0.21 Ridgetop road, skyline access, no grade 3.33.3

I 0.09 Ties to existing route planned for reconstruction 23.9/4.9

J 0.08 Crosses riparian; provides GB access 23.8/4.8

K 0.36 Begins on PVT; for FS skyline access 23.3/4.3

L 0.01 Begins on PVT; for FS skyline access 23.5/4.5

M 0.81 Ties to road C for FS access, minimal grade 28.1/9.1

N 0.04 Begins on PVT for FS access 23.1/3.1

O1 0.28 First segment for skyline access; minimal grade 23.6/4.6

O2 0.23 Second segment for GB access; minimal grade 23.5/4.5

O3 0.24 Third segment for skyline access; minimal grade 23.4/4.4

O4 0.18 Additional segment for skyline access; minimal grade 23.2/4.2

P1 0.06 Begins on PVT, ties to P2 for FS access 8.9/1.9

P2 0.08 Ties to P1 for FS access 9.0/2.0

P3 0.13 Ridgetop skyline access 9.3/2.3

P4 0.11 Ridgetop skyline access 9.4/2.4

Q1 0.11 Begins on PVT; ties to roads Q2 for FS access 9.1/2.1

Q2 0.05 Second segment for GB access 9.1/2.1

Q3 0.10 Second segment for GB access 9.1/2.1

S1 0.09 Joins existing road with existing road planned for reconstruction 10.0/3.0
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-23

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Road 

Segment 

Reference

Road Length

(Contiguous -

miles)

Notes

Distance to Coho 

Critical 

Habitat/EFH

(Stream Miles)

S2 0.12 Joins existing road with existing road planned for reconstruction 9.9/2.9

S3 0.06 Construction of old railroad grade trestle to classified road 10.0/3.0

S4 0.15 Additional segment for GB access 9.9/2.9

S5 0.05 Construction of old railroad grade trestle to classified road 10.0/2.0

S6 0.24 Additional segment for GB & skyline access 11.9/4.9

S7 0.11 Construction ti bypass old railroad grade trestle 10.2/3.2

S8 0.04 Construction ti bypass old railroad grade trestle 10.4/3.4

S9 0.06 Construction ti bypass old railroad grade trestle 10.8/3.8

T 1.93 Crosses some riparian; some grade up to 10% 13.0/6.0

U 0.38 Crosses some riparian; minimal grades 14.6/7.6

V 0.14 Ridgetop road, skyline & GB access, no grade 11.3/4.3

W 0.61 Crosses some riparian; minimal grades 12.0/5.0

X 0.22 GB access; minimal grade 11.6/4.6

Y 0.18 GB access; minimal grade 12.0/5.0

Z 0.35 Crosses some riparian; some grade up to 10% 11.9/4.9

TOTAL 10.81

Design Criteria for Road Maintenance, Temporary Road Construction and Reconstruction, Road 

Decommissioning, and Landing Construction

General Design Criteria

 Minimize hydrologic connectivity and sediment delivery from roads. This includes roads inside 

and outside of Riparian Reserves. Road drainage would be routed away from potentially unstable 

channels, fills, and hillslopes.

 All exposed soils near streams would be mulched for erosion control measures.

 No side-casting (placement of unconsolidated earthen waste materials resulting from road 

construction or maintenance) in Riparian Reserves

 Minimize or avoid disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths, including diversion of streamflow 

and interception of surface and subsurface flow when considering constructing or reconstructing 

roads or landings either inside or outside of Riparian Reserves.

 New or replaced permanent stream crossings would be designed to accommodate at least the 100-

year flood, including associated bedload and debris.

 Where physically feasible, construction or reconstruction of stream crossings would avoid 

diversion of streamflow out of the channel and down the road 

 All designated skid trails, staging or decking within Riparian Reserves would:

o Be of minimum size as possible to only allow operations;

o Be located above the break in slope above the stream channel;

o Have a well vegetated strip between the work site and the stream channel, which is 

minimum or greater of the no-cut buffers.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-24

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Temporary Road Construction and Decommissioning Design Criteria

Temporary Road Construction and Decommissioning would be managed in accordance with water quality 

Best Management Practices4(BMPs) R-23. In order to prevent continued low level casual use, and to 

minimize resource impacts, such roads would be obliterated at the completion of their intended use. 

Effective obliteration is generally achieved through a combination of the following measures:

o Temporary culverts are removed and natural drainage configuration is re-established;

o Road surfaces are ripped;

o Sideslopes are reshaped and stabilized; road is effectively drained; and

o Road is blocked to further use, and road is returned to vegetation production through revegetation 

(seeding, planting browse species, or hardwood/conifer trees).

o Temporary roads built would be closed after the season of use of if kept open over winter would

be winterized. Drainage work to winterize temporary roads would include water bars at suitable 

intervals and out sloping.

New Road Construction Project Design Criteria

Some of the new classified roads would cross Riparian Reserves under specially designed Project Design 

Criteria for Riparian Reserves (see below).

 No new road construction is proposed nor would be allowed to cross or disturb any fish 

bearing perennial stream, especially the banks of fish bearing portions/tributaries of Coal Creek 

and Wooden Rock Creek. 

 New classified road construction would only be allowed to cross non fish bearing perennial 

streams or intermittent streams and would include engineering design as Operational 

Maintenance Level 2 roads during use and Maintenance Level 1 (Table H-11) when not in use 

for harvest activities. 

 Perennial channels will be dewatered or water would be rerouted during construction with 

manufactured or natural sediment filters would be placed within the channel to prevent sediment 

from discharging downstream. 

 New permanent stream crossings would be designed to accommodate at least the 100-year flood, 

including associated bedload and debris.

 Relief ditch spacing would get spaced and the road sloped such that water does not channelize 

when leaving the relief culvert. 

 Roads would be designed to minimize hydrologic connectivity and sediment delivery. This 

includes roads inside and outside of Riparian Reserves. Road drainage would be routed away 

from potentially unstable channels, fills, and hillslopes.

 No side-casting (placement of unconsolidated earthen waste materials resulting from road 

construction or maintenance) in Riparian Reserves

 Minimize or avoid disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths, including diversion of streamflow 

and interception of surface and subsurface flow when considering constructing or reconstructing 

roads or landings either inside or outside of Riparian Reserves.

 Where physically feasible, construction of stream crossings would avoid diversion of streamflow 

out of the channel and down the road.

 

4

This refers to the General Water Quality Best Management Practices, Pacific Northwest Region, November 1988. These are 

now used in concert with the National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management (April 2012). The purpose of 

the National BMP Program is to provide a standard set of core BMPs and a consistent means to track and document the use and 

effectiveness for BMPs on NFS lands.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-25

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

5. Other Enhancement Activities

Also included are Non-Commercial Treatments proposed for 363 acres within the ER Planning Area; 

these hand treatments and associated fuel treatments are included in the discussion of effects from timber 

felling and fuel treatments above.

a. Snag/Down Wood Creation

In areas where past management has resulted in a lack of large snags needed for cavity nesting species, 

snags may be created from live trees left in stands. Creation can be through girdling, topping the trees 

with chain saws, blasting, inoculation with heart rot fungi, or deliberate injury. These methods would 

open the trunk to development of a hollow core used by woodpeckers and a variety of other birds, 

mammals, and other wildlife. Whenever possible, creation of snags over 14” DBH should be part of each 

prescription through top removal or girdling. Evaluations would occur after density management 

treatments to assess potential needs for snag/down wood creation. In areas lacking adequate amounts of 

down woody material (include snags in calculations), green trees may be felled.

b. Riparian Snags

Snags and down large coarse wood would be retained to support forest function. This project is planned 

for down logs to be retained and are considered excess only when all site considerations have met and in 

accordance with Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines.

Large woody material (LWM) fulfills a number of important ecological functions such as stabilizing 

surface soils, increasing organic content in soils over the long-term, providing habitat for the many 

organisms that depend on snags and down logs in various stages of decay, and ensuring adequate large

woody material recruitment to meet the ecological needs of aquatic systems over time. 

Within Riparian Reserve, prescriptions would account for future large woody material recruitment. If 

residual trees are felled (e.g., human safety or skyline corridors), provisions for replacement trees would 

be made during operations. Whenever possible, creation of snags over 20” DBH within riparian areas of 

each treatment unit should be part of each prescription through top removal, inoculation or girdling. 

Throughout the Riparian Reserves, snags 10 inches diameter or greater are not considered a fuel or safety 

hazard. Site specific treatments such as hand piling would depend on specific fuel loading and wildlife 

recommendations. 

There would be long term biological diversity beneficial effects from accelerating the development of 

late-successional conditions within Riparian Reserves to enhance the recovery of the northern spotted owl 

and marbled murrelet, improving stand conditions to reduce the likelihood of future stand replacement 

fires, restoring species diversity, adding snags and down wood, and reducing the effects of fragmentation 

in the long term. 

Snag/Down Wood Creation Design Criteria

In areas where past management has resulted in a lack of large snags needed for cavity nesting species, 

snags would be created from live trees left in stands. Whenever possible, creation of 2 or more snags 

over 20” DBH within each treated acre should be part of each silvicultural prescription. Creation can be 

through girdling, topping the trees with chain saws, blasting, inoculation with heart rot fungi, or deliberate 

injury. These methods would open the trunk to development of a hollow core used by woodpeckers and a 

variety of other birds, mammals, and other wildlife. 
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-26

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Evaluations would occur after density management treatments to assess potential needs for snag/down 

wood creation. In areas lacking adequate amounts of down woody material (include snags in 

calculations), green trees may be felled. Any leave trees damaged during harvest operations would be left 

standing or felled for safety, but left on site. The intent is to provide future snags or trees with cavities or 

deformities utilized by wildlife. 

c. Stream Enhancement

The Eden Ridge Project proposes to place 150 large trees in stream channels and adjacent floodplains to 

increase channel stability, rearing habitat, pool formation, spawning gravel deposition, channel 

complexity, hiding cover, low velocity areas, and floodplain function. Live and dead trees may be 

removed from riparian areas to provide wood for enhancement projects, under special conditions 

described in the Design Criteria. This action would involve the use of log trucks and dump trucks for 

transport and excavator-type machinery, spyders, cable yarders, draft horses, or helicopters for placement. 

Plans and designs would be consistent with Forest Plan direction, K-V opportunities, and watershed 

restoration plans (e.g., USDA FS 2006). Approximately 1 Mile of upper Coal Creek tributaries within 

Units 905 and 906 would have trees felled toward the channel and approximately 1 mile of Wooden Rock 

would have stream enhancement. Approximately 50 trees per mile would be placed within approximately 

3 miles of stream (150 trees total, 22,650 cubic feet). The proposed enhancement is located in resident 

fish habitat ranging from 10 miles to 27 miles upstream of CCH and 3 to 8 miles for EFH.

Stream Enhancement Design Criteria

 Place LW and boulders only in those areas where they would naturally occur and in patterns that 

closely mimic that which would naturally occur for that particular stream type. 

 LW includes whole conifer and hardwood trees, logs, and root wads. LW size (diameter and 

length) should account for bankfull width and stream discharge rates. When available, trees with 

rootwads should be a minimum of 1.5 x bankfull channel width, while logs without root wads 

should be a minimum of two times the bankfull width. Place wood in a manner that most closely 

mimics natural accumulations of LW for that particular stream type. Structures may partially or 

completely span stream channels or be positioned along streambanks. 

 No conifers should be felled in the riparian area for in-channel large wood placement unless 

conifers are fully stocked and are consistent with Project Design Criteria in vegetation treatment 

categories. Felled hazard trees can be used for in-channel wood placement. 

 LW may be buried into the streambank or channel but shall not constitute the dominant 

placement method of LW. 

 Tree Removal for LW Projects:

o Trees may be removed by cable, ground based equipment, horses or helicopters, or felled 

directly into the stream. Felled trees may be stock-piled for later instream enhancement projects. 

o Individual trees or small groups of trees (<5) should come from the periphery of permanent 

openings (roads etc.) or from the periphery of non-permanent openings (e.g., plantations, along 

recent clear-cuts, etc.). 

o Trees selected for LW enhancement projects must be spaced at least one site potential tree 

height apart and at least one crown width from any trees with potential nesting structure for

ESA-listed bird species. 

 Instream work would occur during the ODFW instream work period.

d. Native Grass/Forb Seeding

Exposed mineral soil (landings and temporary roads) may be seeded with native grass seed to restore and 

improve forage for wildlife that benefit from grasses and forbs; e.g., deer, elk, mice, rabbits and their 

predators. Seeding may also reduce the opportunity for non-native plants (including noxious weeds) to 

invade disturbed sites and reduce erosion. 
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-27

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

e. Invasive Plant Treatments

Monitor and treat invasive plants within Project Area boundaries to reduce/eliminate current populations 

and reduce the future spread of non-native vegetation. Treatment would be completed in disturbed areas 

within the watersheds by hand pulling only.

V. EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVES

A. Effects of the No Action Alternative (Alternative 1)

With this alternative, no activities would occur; therefore there would be no direct (or indirect) effects 

from this alternative. The consequences of this alternative would be that riparian stands would continue 

to have natural suppression occurring, and younger non-dominant trees would continue to die off. The 

stands would continue on the same trajectory of attaining late-successional habitat characteristics of large 

diameter trees, multi-storied canopy, and a diverse species component, but it could take several hundred 

years for this to occur through the natural process of stand development.

B. Effects of the Proposed Action (Alternative 2)

The overall effects of Alternative 2 have been analyzed for ESA listed coho salmon and its critical habitat 

and coho and Chinook essential fish habitat in the 2011 Eden Ridge Timber Sales Biological Assessment. 

The effects for listed aquatic species and their habitat are similar to the effects for OC steelhead since they 

occupy similar habitat. The effects analysis from the biological assessment is summarized in this section; 

refer to the August 2011 ER Thin Fish BA for a complete analysis. 

As stated earlier, the proposed activities under the ER Timber Sales were split into five project elements: 

1) Timber Felling and Yarding, 2) Timber Hauling, 3) Fuels Treatment, 4) Road Maintenance, Temporary 

Road Construction and Decommission, Road Reconstruction, Landing Construction/Reconstruction and 

New Road Construction, and 5) Other Enhancement Activities. Below is a table which displays 

proximity of project activities in relation to EFH.

Table H-12. Proximity of Project Elements to EFH within Coal Creek 6th Field Watershed

Project Elements (PE) Distance to EFH*

Timber Felling and Yarding 1.8 miles > 10.5 miles 

Timber Hauling (Gravel Roads) *50 feet to100 feet > 

10.5miles

Fuels Treatment 1.8 miles > 10.5 miles

Road Maintenance, Temporary Road Construction and Decommission, Road 

Reconstruction, Landing Construction/Reconstruction and New Road 

Construction

1.8 miles > 10.5 miles

Other Enhancement Activities 1.8 miles > 10.5 miles

*OC Steelhead habitat is one mile above EFH.

**This section of road is about 200 feet long and immediately leaves the EFH and travels up the ridge where 

it normally is about 1.8 mile > 10.5 miles above EFH.

The effects analysis from the Biological Assessment analyzed Alternative 2 and are summarized in this 

section; refer to the August 2011 ER Timber Sales Fish BA for the complete analysis. Effect analysis for 

the other Action Alternatives is contained below.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-28

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Direct Effects

The Proposed Action for Eden Ridge Timber Sales has only stream enhancement activities occurring 

directly within the stream channels that contain fish or fish habitat. The direct effects from the Proposed 

Action are expected to be on resident fish only (non-Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive fish 

species). Therefore, there would be no impact to any Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive fish 

species.

Indirect Effects

The Proposed Action for Eden Ridge Timber Sales would be removing some trees within the Riparian 

Reserve. In the Project Area, only Unit 309 is adjacent a fish bearing perennial stream channel in the 

Coal Creek Drainage. The harvesting that is occurring within this Riparian Reserve would be providing a 

25-foot Stream Channel Protection Zone and a 50-85 foot Primary Shade Zone for the Perennial Stream 

Channel. These zones would not allow any removal of vegetation for timber harvest. There is a small 

chance that during project implementation that a few trees may be felled within these two zones for 

skylines and road building. . However, the project is designed to not allow tree removal within these two 

zones except the road crossings and skyline corridors. With the possibility that a few trees are removed 

from the Primary Shade Zone or the Stream Channel Protection Zone, it is unlikely to affect water 

temperatures in stream reaches. Much of the streams in the Project Area are small systems that are 

heavily vegetated, and have a large groundwater influence on water temperature. 

All the other units are upstream of the fish bearing perennial stream or they are located on non-fishbearing ephemeral or intermittent stream channels. The harvesting that is occurring within the Riparian 

Reserve would be at least providing a 25-foot Stream Channel Protection Zone for all channels, and a 50-

85 foot Primary Shade Zone for Perennial Stream Channels. These zones would not allow any removal of 

vegetation for timber harvest. 

The harvesting of timber within Riparian Reserves is designed to promote growth of larger trees as well 

as allow the growth of understory species to provide for diverse, healthy, riparian vegetation. By 

allowing other species to come in under the current Douglas-fir dominated stand, the project would put 

these stands on a trajectory of attaining late-successional characteristics sooner within the Riparian 

Reserve.

The Stream Channel Protection Zone (25 foot no cut buffer on either side of the channel) is a buffer 

designed to protect the actual riparian area that occur along stream channels. This buffer width provides 

protection from ground based activities and harvesting of vegetation. These buffers would protect all 

species that utilize the riparian areas within the project. This area of protection would ensure that water 

temperatures in these areas would not be affected, and that there would be a source of small woody 

material for aquatic species that depend upon the riparian areas, along with ensuring that groundwater 

flow would continue to maintain the riparian zones at the project scale. 

The proposed timber harvest would not impact shade producing trees that would have an effect on aquatic 

habitat, nor would it be impacting future large wood recruitment to fish habitat. The stream channels 

within the Project Area are on average 3 feet wide for ephemeral and intermittent channels and 8-feet 

wide for perennial stream channels. If any of the trees cut by thinning harvest were to fall into a channel, 

they are 10 times greater in length than the streams are wide, and would not move with the flows typically 

occurring in these channels. Much of these pieces of LWD would not have naturally made it downstream 

to stream reaches where fish are present.

There is a causal mechanism for Timber Hauling and Road Maintenance since these activities would 

occur near EFH. Specifically, along the haul road (NFSL 5000) where two relief culverts are located 

along a rocked road that parallels EFH for about 200 feet. There are no stream crossings or bridges along 

the haul route in proximity of EFH. 
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-29

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The haul route does cross perennial streams that flow into Coal Creek; which are well over two miles 

upstream of EFH if sediment from haul was to reach the stream the sediment would not move 

downstream to EFH. The remaining 11 miles of the haul route are not in proximity with EFH. There is 

approximately 50 million board feet of timber that could be removed with this project. On average one 

truckload of timber would contain 5,000 board feet. This would equate to approximately 11,000 

truckloads of timber to be hauled over the haul route that exits along Coal Creek over an approximate five 

year period (seasonal hauling of approximately 14 truckloads per day).

The activities of Timber Hauling and Road Maintenance are extremely unlikely to deliver sediment to 

EFH. The main haul route for the project consists of maintained, gravel surfaced roads with an 

engineered drainage system. These roads are designed for all-weather use and carry year-round truck 

traffic generated by private timber harvest. The Forest Service is currently implementing the Coastal 

Healthy Forest Treatments Project 2007 along this same haul route. Existing traffic levels have resulted 

in no known detrimental sediment contributions to Coal Creek. Haul traffic in support of the proposed 

action is well within the design limits of the haul route.

Approximately 200 feet of NFSL Road 5000 is adjacent to EFH. This section of road is relatively steep, 

well maintained gravel surfaced road, with a crown. Approximately 800 feet of the road in this section 

(which contains a tight switchback) receives surface water from itself and about six acres of adjacent 

hillside. Drainage of this area is provided by the two relief culverts onto naturally vegetated slopes 

adjacent to Coal Creek. These relief culverts on the crowned road, partially drain to vegetative buffers 

(50-80 feet), while the other part of the road crown drain onto steeply sloped dissipater transporting onto a 

steep slope that ends at the channel. Sediment delivery could occur from runoff during rain events and 

deliver to EFH. At this time, there is no indication that sediment is being delivered to the stream in the 

200 feet of the haul route that is adjacent Coal Creek. Project design features would minimize road 

generated sediment entering EFH as described below:

OPERATIONS WITHIN THE NORMAL OPERATING SEASON (June 1 to Oct 31st).. 

Project design features would be implemented to make it unlikely that sediment would reach stream 

channels. 

Road crown would be maintained.

Operations shall cease at any time when the travel way of the road is wet and turbid water or fines are 

observed moving off the road surface to ditch lines that deliver to EFH or any stream type.

If fine sediment is observed to be moving off the road surface to ditch lines or streams due to timber 

sale activities, the Forest Service is responsible to have the Timber Sale Purchaser place sediment filters 

to prevent this sediment from reaching any stream.

IF OPERATIONS OUTSIDE THE NORMAL OPERATING SEASON: November 1 through May 31st

are allowed, the following rules must be applied to timber haul on gravel roads adjacent EFH or any 

stream type stream channels:

Operations shall cease at any time when the travel way of the road is wet and turbid water or fines are 

observed moving off the road surface to ditch lines that deliver to EFH or any stream type. 

If fine sediment is observed to be moving off the road surface to ditch lines or streams due to timber 

sale activities, the Forest Service is responsible to have the Timber Sale Purchaser place sediment filters 

to prevent this sediment from reaching any stream.

Road Rutting: No hauling down the gravel road surface if rutting is occurring, indicating the subsurface 

is wet. 
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-30

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Wet weather conditions must be monitored daily by the Forest Service for the chance of precipitation, 

especially 1 inch of rain in 24 hours.

Adding additional rock to the road where needed to ensure that hauling occurs on a durable surface.

Restricting grading/cleanout in ditches that delivery water to EFH; this will retain vegetation that 

captures fine sediment.

If a cross drain or relief culvert is determined to contribute sediment to EFH, then appropriate sediment 

controls will be installed to prevent sediment delivery.

The road maintenance that would occur with this project would upgrade the road by placing new rock 

on the surface of this road and improving drainage along the road. In the long term the road 

maintenance would reduce the amount of sediment coming off the road by preventing erosion of the 

native substrate, and by preventing saturation and failure of the travel way and associated drainage 

system

The amount of sediment which could reach EFH would be insignificant and indistinguishable from 

background levels. Sediment derived from Timber Haul would be primarily directed to ditch lines and 

then out of the ditch lines via ditch relief culverts to the forest floor with little to no sediment above 

existing levels. Sediment could be transported to stream channels along the two hundred feet of road 

adjacent Coal Creek where the road and ditch line are connected to streams. Road Maintenance work 

completed prior to haul and Road Maintenance work conducted after haul would further reduce the 

amount of off-site sediment movement after hauling. Any sediment generated as a result of the proposed 

haul would be immeasurable. Lastly, a wet weather restriction on when log haul can occur would 

minimize sediment generation on the surface of the road where it could wash into the ditch lines. 

Timber Hauling and Road Maintenance design criteria in conjunction with the distance from EFH would

minimize sediment effects to OC coho. The criteria have been designed to minimize sediment delivery to 

EFH, however there is a chance during the first major storm event after operations have ceased there 

would be an initial input of sediment. Any sediment yield to Coal Creek from Timber Hauling and Road 

Maintenance under the Proposed Action would be undetectable from the small amounts already generated 

at this location, and therefore insignificant.

There is a causal mechanism for sediment generation on units since Temporary Road Construction and 

Decommission, Road Reconstruction, Landing Construction/Reconstruction, New Road Construction and 

Other Enhancement Activities are occurring near perennial streams approximately two miles to 11 miles 

above EFH. The stream enhancement component of Other Enhancement Activities would occur within 

Coal Creek approximately three to eight miles upstream of EFH. New Road Construction would consist 

of 12 perennial crossings and at least 23 intermittent channels crossings in the Coal Creek subwatershed. 

The closest perennial crossing associated with a proposed activity unit is over two miles above EFH. 

This crossing is on a small channel that is approximately two feet wide and flows intermittently below the 

road crossing for approximately 1,500 feet before flowing into Coal Creek approximately two miles 

above EFH. The remaining crossings are approximately three miles above EFH and the remaining nine 

perennial crossings are over two miles upstream from EFH and will not be further analyzed.

Landing Construction/Reconstruction would occur within Riparian Reserves at two locations, L-13 and 

L-14. L-13 is an existing landing site located mostly uphill (90%) of the main haul road, approximately 

50 feet from a non-fish bearing perennial stream and two miles from EFH. HL-14 is new landing located 

immediately uphill of the main haul route road. Downhill of the main haul route is a resident fish bearing 

section of Coal Creek approximately 80 to 100 feet downslope, and 2.4 miles from EFH.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-31

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The activities of Temporary Road Construction and Decommission, Road Reconstruction, Landing 

Construction/Reconstruction, New Road Construction and Other Enhancement Activities are extremely 

unlikely to deliver sediment to EFH approximately two miles to 10.5 miles downstream to EFH in Coal 

Creek. The closest perennial crossing associated with a proposed road activity unit is over two miles 

above EFH. The next two closest crossings are approximately two miles above EFH and the remaining 

nine perennial crossings are over two miles upstream. There is no probability construction of roads 

would modify peak or base flows, because openings created by new roads would be of insufficient size to 

affect flows.

All but two landings are located outside of the Riparian Reserves. Landing Construction/Reconstruction

would have adequate vegetative cover or mulch material to prevent erosion and retain local sediment. 

The two landings 308 and 309 located inside of the Riparian Reserve have been field reviewed by a 

hydrologist and an engineer. These landings are not within areas occupied by flowing water or ripariandependent vegetation. Trees yarded to the landings could disturb slopes of the landing and generate 

sediment that would wash into stream channels. In order to prevent this, landing slopes would be 

armored with logs or other woody material capable of protecting the slope surface. Landing surfaces 

would drain away from the stream channel during and after use, and, would be revegetated and mulched 

after use. All landings are subject to season of use restrictions. These design features in addition to the 

two mile+ distance from EFH ensure that sediment would not be delivered to EFH. 

Temporary Road Construction and Decommission, Road Reconstruction, Landing 

Construction/Reconstruction, New Road Construction and Other Enhancement Activities design criteria

in conjunction with the distance from EFH would minimize sediment effects to EFH. The criteria have 

been designed to minimize sediment delivery to EFH, however there is a chance during the first major 

storm event after operations have ceased there would be an initial input of sediment. 

Any sediment yield to Coal Creek from Temporary Road Construction and Decommission, Road 

Reconstruction, Landing Construction/Reconstruction, New Road Construction and Other Enhancement

Activities under the Proposed Action would be undetectable from the small amounts already generated at 

this location, and therefore insignificant.

Overall, the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project Proposed Action has been designed to minimize impacts to 

aquatic habitats. Field reconnaissance during implementation by Interdisciplinary Team specialists would 

refine this project to only apply vegetation management where needed. Project Design Criteria and 

Mitigation Measures were developed to minimize impacts to water quality, Riparian Reserves, and 

aquatic habitats. 

Cumulative Effects

Past activities that have occurred on National Forest System lands are documented in the Silvicultural 

Diagnosis Repot (EIS Appendix B). Table B-7 lists previous commercial timber sale activity within the 

Planning Area (since historical railroad logging in the 1920s and 1930s). None of the candidate stands for 

Eden Ridge Timber Sales are located within these previous contemporary timber sale units.

The most recent activity is primarily commercial thinning and has not been observed to result in increased 

measurable sediment delivery to streams within the Coal Creek Watershed. These projects would have no 

adverse cumulative effects when combined with the effects of the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project. In 

general, there are several different types of foreseeable projects that occur across the landscape in these

watersheds such as non-commercial thinning for fuels reduction and meadow restoration. These projects 

are designed to avoid treatments in Riparian Reserves. There would be some prescribed burning 

associated with these projects that would not impact Riparian Reserves or aquatic habitats. The 2007

Coastal Healthy Forest Treatments Project has one or two candidate stands within the Eden Ridge 

Planning Area that may eventually be thinned (but is not as yet, planned or scheduled).
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-32

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Activities that occur off forest are primarily timber harvests within private timberlands and are seen to be 

impacting upstream reaches of the Coal Creek Drainage. Under the Oregon Forest Practices Act, timber 

harvest is allowed to occur within riparian areas; however a one tree buffer is necessary along fish bearing 

streams. These restrictions reduce the amount of sedimentation that occurs on private lands. Some 

sedimentation may occur from areas where there are intermittent stream channels or where perennial nonfish bearing streams are found. This increase in sedimentation could impact fish habitat by filling in pool 

habitat and reducing spawning habitat. 

In general, the Oregon Forest Practices Act provides direction for protection and maintenance of 

important aquatic habitats across the state. Currently on private lands, small landslides have been 

observed to be contributing sediment to the immediate channel but no observed sediment has been

reaching listed species habitat.

Overall, cumulative effects on NFS and private lands from past and present project actions have impacted

large woody material that would provide habitat to fish within these watersheds; the Eden Ridge Project 

does not propose to impact riparian areas adjacent to stream channels with listed species present. 

Although there is a slight chance that sediment might be delivered to fish habitat from roads and the haul 

route, the amount of sediment delivered is expected to be of a small quantity, and during a time of year 

when the amount of sediment being created by this project would not be measurable beyond background 

levels naturally within the stream channels. The overall predicted cumulative effect for the affected 

watershed would be an immeasurable contribution of sediment from landslides from private land and 

above Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive fish species habitat. This effect is likely to occur 

only when the winter rains come and it would be part of the background sediment. 

C. Effects of Alternative 3

Direct Effects

Alternative 3 for Eden Ridge Timber Sales has only stream enhancement activities occurring directly 

within the stream channels that contain fish or fish habitat. The direct effects from this alternative are 

expected to be on resident fish only (non-Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive fish species). 

Therefore, there would be no impact to any Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive fish species.

Indirect Effects

Effects from this alternative are expected to be similar to the effects of the Proposed Action (Alternative 

2). This alternative would reduce the number of trucks hauling down the road but since the amount of 

sediment that may enter the stream channel due to log haul activities and road maintenance activities is 

not measurable, the effects are similar to the Proposed Action. 

There would be less riparian vegetation treated as compared to Alternative 2. Treating fewer riparian 

acres would promote less growth of larger trees as well as allow the growth of understory species to 

provide for diverse, healthy, riparian vegetation. By treating less riparian vegetation acres as compared to 

Alternative 2, other species would not come in under the current Douglas-fir dominated stand and would 

result in slowing down attainment of late-successional characteristics within the Riparian Reserve. This 

could result in an increase of future small diameter instream recruitment in perennial, intermittent, and 

ephemeral streams instead of mature, large woody material.

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects for this alternative would be similar to those listed for the Proposed Action.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-33

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

D. Effects of Alternative 4

Direct Effects

Alternative 4 for Eden Ridge Timber Sales has only stream enhancement activities occurring directly 

within the stream channels that contain fish or fish habitat. The direct effects from this alternative are 

expected to be on resident fish only (non-Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive fish species). 

Therefore, there would be no impact to any Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive fish species.

Indirect Effects

Effects from this alternative are expected to be similar to the effects of the Proposed Action and 

Alternative 3. This alternative would reduce the number of trucks hauling down the road but since the 

amount of sediment that may enter the stream channel due to log haul activities and road maintenance 

activities is not measurable the effects are similar to the Proposed Action. 

There would be less riparian vegetation treated as compared to Alternative 2. Treating fewer riparian 

acres would promote less growth of larger trees as well as allow the growth of understory species to 

provide for diverse, healthy, riparian vegetation. By treating less riparian vegetation acres as compared to 

Alternative 2, other species would not come in under the current Douglas-fir dominated stand and would

result in slowing down attainment of late-successional characteristics within the Riparian Reserve. This 

could result in an increase of future small diameter instream recruitment in the project’s perennial, 

intermittent, and ephemeral streams instead of mature, large woody material.

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects for this alternative would be similar to those listed for the Proposed Action.

E. All Action Alternatives – Habitat and Watershed Condition Indicators

The NMFS “matrix of pathways and indicators” (NMFS 1996), was used to help determine the effects of 

the Action Alternatives (Alternatives 2, 3, and 4). This process was intended to be utilized when 

considering project level effects at the watershed scale. 

All Action Alternatives would result in a neutral effect to the following indicators: 

Temperature: Timber Felling and Yarding, Timber Hauling, Fuels Treatment, Road Maintenance, 

Temporary Road Construction and Decommission, Road Reconstruction, Landing 

Construction/Reconstruction, New Road Construction, and Other Enhancement Activities would not 

affect shade to the extent to causes changes in stream temperature to EFH >0.8 miles away. The 

Proposed Action would result in a neutral (0) effect to the temperature indicator. The Proposed Action 

for Eden Ridge Timber Sales would harvest trees within the Riparian Reserve. Only unit 309 is adjacent 

to a non-Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive species fish bearing perennial stream channel, in 

the Coal Creek drainage. The harvesting that would occur within the Riparian Reserve adjacent to the

fish bearing stream segment would be located outside of the 25-foot Stream Channel Protection Zone and 

an additional 50-85 foot Primary Shade Zone for the Perennial Stream Channel. These zones would not 

allow any removal of vegetation for timber harvest. 

There is a small chance that during project implementation that a few trees may be cut within these two 

zones, however the project is currently designed to not allow tree removal within these two zones. In the 

likelihood that a few trees are removed from the Primary Shade Zone or the Stream Channel Protection 

Zone, it is unlikely to affect water temperatures in the adjacent stream reaches. Much of the streams in 

the Project Area are small systems that are heavily vegetated, and exhibit a large groundwater influence 

on water temperature. 
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-34

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

All the other units are upstream of fish bearing perennial streams or they are located on non fish bearing 

ephemeral or intermittent stream channels. The harvesting that would occur within the Riparian Reserve 

would be located outside of the 25-foot Stream Channel Protection Zone for all channels, and an 

additional 50-85 foot Primary Shade Zone for Perennial Stream Channels. These zones would not allow 

any removal of vegetation for timber harvest. 

The harvesting of timber within the Project Area is designed to promote growth of larger trees as well as 

allow the growth of understory species to provide for diverse, healthy, riparian vegetation. By allowing 

other species to come in under the current Douglas-fir dominated stand, the project would put these stands 

on a trajectory of attaining old growth characteristics sooner within the Riparian Reserve.

The Stream Channel Protection Zone (25 foot no cut buffer on either side of the channel) is a buffer 

designed to protect the actual riparian area that occur along stream channels. This buffer width provides 

protection from ground based activities and harvesting of vegetation. These buffers would protect all 

species that utilize the riparian areas within the project. This area of protection would ensure that water 

temperatures in these areas would not be affected, and that there would be a source of small woody 

material for aquatic species that depend upon the riparian areas, along with ensuring that groundwater 

flow would continue to maintain the riparian zones at the project scale. 

The proposed timber harvest would not impact shade producing trees, nor would it impact future large 

wood recruitment to fish habitat. The stream channels within the Project Area are approximately 3 feet 

wide for ephemeral and intermittent channels and 8-feet wide for perennial stream channels. If any of the 

trees removed by thinning harvest were to fall into a channel, they would be at least 10 times greater in 

length than the streams are wide, and would not move with the flows typically occurring in these 

channels. Much of these pieces of LWD would not have naturally made it downstream to stream reaches 

where fish are present.

Chemical contamination/nutrients: Timber Felling and Yarding, Timber Hauling, Fuels Treatment, 

Road Maintenance, Temporary Road Construction and Decommission, Road Reconstruction, Landing 

Construction/Reconstruction, New Road Construction, and Other Enhancement Activities would have a 

neutral (0) effect since there is no causal mechanism on the Chemical Contamination/Nutrients 

indicator.

Physical barriers: There is no causal mechanism for Timber Felling and Yarding, Timber Hauling, 

Fuels Treatment, Road Maintenance, Temporary Road Construction and Decommission, Road 

Reconstruction, Landing Construction/Reconstruction, New Road Construction, and Other Enhancement

Activities to affect this indicator because no culverts would be installed or replaced on any fish bearing 

streams as a result of these timber sales. Because no PEs would create or remove barriers for fish, these 

timber sales would result in neutral (0) effect to the physical barrier indicator.

Large woody debris: Timber Hauling, Road Maintenance, Temporary Road Construction and 

Decommission, Road Reconstruction, Landing Construction/Reconstruction, New Road Construction and 

Other Enhancement Activities would have a neutral (0) effect on Large Woody Debris. Thinning 

prescriptions are designed to create a large tree forest within Riparian Reserves. These effects occur from 

0.8 miles to 11.7 miles in distance away from EFH and 0.8 miles from OC steelhead trout and based on 

the topography, size of the stream channels, and distance from EFH, trees in the Riparian Reserve are not 

expected to affect EFH downstream

Off-channel habitat, refugia, width/depth ratio, stream bank condition, floodplain connectivity: The 

elements would have a neutral (0) effect on Off-channel Habitat, Width: Depth Ratio by Channel Type, 

Stream bank Condition, and Floodplain Connectivity because the PE’s for this project would not occur 

within stream channels. The activities are 1.8 miles to 12.7 miles upstream of EFH and 0.8 miles above 

OC steelhead trout. These activities are not occurring in a location that would affect coho salmon, EFH 

or OC steelhead.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-35

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Changes in peak and base flows: There would be a neutral (0) effect to Peak and base Flows from the 

ER project. There would be no effect to peak and base flows from Timber Hauling, Fuels Treatment, and 

Road Maintenance. These PE’s have no causal mechanism to impact peak or base flows as they are not 

creating openings that would increase runoff from rain events nor changing flow regimes in any channels 

or increasing road densities. Temporary Road Construction and Decommissioning, Road Reconstruction 

and Landing Construction/Reconstruction, New Road Construction would have a discountable 

insignificant negative (-) effect on peak or base flows in Coal Creek due to increased road densities.

The Timber Felling and Yarding of trees and Other Enhancement activities would have a neutral (0) 

effect on changes in peak and base flows for the following reasons: 

 The Action Alternatives would occur over small, scattered areas of each subwatershed. 

 Proposed harvest units contribute fractional runoff to the receiving mainstem channels.

 Impact thresholds are based on regeneration harvest leaving a wide margin of safety for impact 

assessment resulting from proposed thinning. 

 FS lands are hydrologically recovered.

 Surface disturbance is slight in the Riparian Reserve (see Riparian Project Design Criteria in PE 

section. 

 Direct surface disturbance resulting from tractor yarding is limited to gentle slopes and ridgeline 

units.

 Variable Density Thinning leaves variable canopy retention from 40% to 60% in uplands (Matrix) 

and equal or greater than 50% in riparian zones, with the exception of Port Orford Cedar Root 

Disease Silvicultural treatments (POC). POC would be treated with Gap Development Treatment to 

treat portions of stands infected with laminated root rot. The total amount of openings created from 

the POC treatment within Coal Creek 6th field watershed (9,952 acres) would be .1%. Therefore, 330 

acres of small openings from POC treatments, scattered throughout the project, would only occur in 

.003% of the Coal Creek 6th field watershed. 

Increase in drainage network, road density: Due to the small magnitude of road density increase (0.9 

percent), a neutral effect to temperature, and a discountable insignificant negative effect to the sediment 

and pool character & quality habitat indicators from these PEs, the ER Thin project would have an 

insignificant negative effect to the road density/location indicator in the Coal Creek 6th field watershed.

Sediment & Pool Character & Quality Indicators: Timber Felling and Yarding, Fuel Treatment. 

There would be a neutral (0) effect to the Sediment and Pool Character & Quality Habitat indicators 

from Timber Felling and Yarding. The project design features for activities in the Riparian Reserves 

would provide adequate vegetative buffers to filter sediment, distance from EFH, location of units in 

stable terrain and ridge top/midslope and no ground based machinery in the RR, would ensure that the 

sediment would not be delivered to EFH. There would be a neutral (0) effect to the sediment and pool 

character & quality habitat indicators from the Fuel Treatment. The PDCs for Fuel Treatment activities 

in the Riparian Reserves would provide adequate vegetative buffers to filter sediment and distance from 

EFH would ensure that the sediment would not be delivered to EFH. 

The No Action Alternative would not alter the Planning Area on National Forest System land. Thus, no

effect to aquatic species or habitat would occur. 

All of the Action Alternatives, 2 through 4, would have a similar effect to Endangered, Threatened, 

Proposed or Sensitive aquatic species due to the potential of sediment entering the stream channel from 

the “Timber Hauling and Road Maintenance” activities along the haul route. This amount of sediment 

for all Action Alternatives is non-measurable. 
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-36

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

VI. SUMMARY AND COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES

Table H-13. Comparison of Effects to Fish Species by Alternative and Activity Type

Alternative

Timber 

Felling and 

Yarding

Timber Hauling Fuels 

Treatment

Road Maintenance, 

Construction and 

Decommissioning

Stream 

Enhancement

1 Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral

2 Neutral Potential sediment 

from haul route Neutral Potential sediment from haul route Neutral

3 Neutral Potential sediment 

from haul route Neutral Potential sediment from haul route Neutral

4 Neutral Potential sediment 

from haul route Neutral Potential sediment from haul route Neutral

All of the Action Alternatives, 2 through 4, would have similar effects to aquatic habitats and a neutral 

effect on Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive aquatic species from the “Stream Enhancement 

and Fuels Treatment” activities.

Specific to Alternatives 3 and 4, there would be less riparian vegetation treated from “Timber Falling” as 

compared to Alternative 2. Falling fewer trees in the riparian areas would promote less growth of larger 

trees as well as less growth of understory species to provide for diverse, healthy, riparian vegetation. By 

falling less riparian vegetation as compared to Alternative 2, other species would not come in under the 

current Douglas-fir dominated stand and this would result in a longer timeframe to attain late-successional 

habitat characteristics within the Riparian Reserve, when compared to Alternative 2. This could result in 

a smaller average size of future LWD recruited within the project’s perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral 

streams above fish habitat, when compared to Alternative 2.

Effects to Endangered, Threatened, Proposed or Sensitive aquatic species are similar under all of the 

Action Alternatives, 2 through 4. This is due to the same site specific design elements being included in 

all of these alternatives. The differences in activities between Action Alternatives are not large enough to 

create any measurable difference downstream on aquatic species.

VII. CONCLUSIONS AND DETERMINATIONS

Alternative 1 – No Action

Alternative 1 would have no direct, indirect or cumulative effects to SONCC coho salmon, SONCC coho 

CH, OC coho salmon, OC coho CH, Southern DPS green sturgeon, Southern DPS Pacific eulachon (or 

their Critical Habitat), SONCC Chinook salmon, OC steelhead, PC chum salmon, western ridged mussel, 

highcap lanx, scale lanx, robust walker, Pacific walker, Haddock’s Rhyacophilan caddisfly, or A 

caddisfly (Namamyia plutonis) since there is no action. Therefore, a “No Impact” determination is 

rendered. 

Action Alternatives - Alternatives 2, 3 and 4

The indirect and cumulative effects from Alternative 2, 3 and 4 would result in an overall nonmeasureable negative sediment effect to OC coho salmon and its critical habitat and OC steelhead on the 

Powers Ranger District. Thus, a May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect determination is rendered 

for OC coho salmon, No Effect determination to OC coho salmon critical habitat, Will Not Adversely 

Affect Essential Fish Habitat for coho salmon or Chinook salmon and May Impact Individuals or 

Habitat, But Will Not Likely Contribute to a Trend Towards Federal Listing or Cause a Loss of 

Viability to the Population or Species OC steelhead trout due to the non-measureable sediment delivery 

of the hauling and road maintenance activities.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-37

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Conferencing and Consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has been ongoing for 

Eden Ridge Timber Sales. Pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act and implementing 

regulations at 50 CFR 402, the Forest Service prepared a Biological Assessment (disclosed as part of 

DEIS Appendix H). A Letter of Concurrence was received on February 27, 2012, that concurred with the 

Forest Service determination of “May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect (NLAA)” for Oregon Coast 

coho salmon and their designated critical habitat (ref. 2011/03685). 

This letter also transmitted the results of analysis of the effects of Alternative 2 on Essential Fish Habitat 

EFH), pursuant to section 305(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 

and implementing regulations at 50 CFR 600.920. NMFS concluded that the proposed actions would not 

adversely affect EFH designated for Pacific salmon, and that no additional conservation measures were 

provided. 

While alternatives were analyzed and consultation with National Marine Fisheries Service was based on 

the lessor primary shade zone widths (who concurred with the Forest Service determination and effects), 

increasing these widths per the 2011 TMDLs would provide even more protection and be more 

conservative. 

These Alternative would have a No Impact to Southern DPS green sturgeon, Southern DPS Pacific 

eulachon (or their Critical Habitat), SONCC Chinook salmon, PC chum salmon, western ridged mussel, 

highcap lanx, scale lanx, robust walker, Pacific walker, Haddock’s Rhyacophilan caddisfly, or A 

caddisfly (Namamyia plutonis) because these species are not known to occur or have suitable habitat 

within proximity to any of the proposed activities.

Table H-14. Summary of Conclusion of Effects

Endangered, Threatened, 

Proposed or Sensitive Species

Alternatives

1 2 3 4

OC coho NE NLAA NLAA NLAA

OC coho CH NE NE NE NE

EFH – coho NE NLAA NLAA NLAA

EFH – Chinook NE NLAA NLAA NLAA

Southern DPS green sturgeon, (and 

Critical Habitat) NE NE NE NE

Southern DPS Pacific eulachon (and 

Critical Habitat) NE NE NE NE

SONCC Chinook salmon NI NI NI NI

OC steelhead NI MIIH MIIH MIIH

PC Chum NI NI NI NI

Western ridged mussel NI NI NI NI

Highcap lanx NI NI NI NI

Scale lanx NI NI NI NI

Robust walker NI NI NI NI

Pacific walker NI NI NI NI

NE = No Effect

NLAA = Not Likely to Adversely Affect

NI = No Impact

MIIH = May Impact Individuals or Habitat, But Will Not Likely Contribute to a Trend Towards Federal Listing or 

Cause a Loss of Viability to the Population or Species
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-38

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

VIII. LITERATURE CITED

Joplin, M. 2011. Personal Communication, Hydrologist, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Hadfield, J. S.; Goheen, D. J.; Filip, G. M.; Schmitt, C. L.; and Harvey, R. D. 1986. Root Diseases in 

Oregon and Washington Conifers. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Forest Pest 

Management. R6-FPM-250-86. Page 7; 27 pp.

May, Christine L. and Gresswell, Robert E. 2003. Processes and rates of wood accumulation in 

headwater streams of the Oregon Coast Range, USA; Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, v. 28, pp. 

409-424.

May, Christine L., and Gresswell, Robert E. 2003. Large wood recruitment and redistribution in 

headwater streams in the southern Oregon Coast Range, USA; Canadian Journal of Forest Research, v. 

38, pp. 1352-1362.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2012. Letter of Concurrence for Forest Service 

determination of “May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect (NLAA)” for Oregon Coast coho salmon 

and their designated critical habitat (ref. 2011/03685). 

Park, C.S. 1993. SHADOW stream temperature management program, USDA, USFS, Pacific Northwest

Region.

Park, C, Jubas, H. 2005. Channel and shade monitoring for the 1996 Waters Thin Fuels Reduction 

Project, Rogue Siskiyou National Forest.

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. 2007. Coastal Healthy Forest Treatments EA.

Rosenfeld, J. S., and Huato, L. 2003. Relationship between LWD characteristics and pool formation in 

small coastal British Columbia streams.

Rosgen, D.L. 1996. Applied River Morphology, Published by Wildland Hydrology.

Spies, T. Pollock, M. and G. Reeves. 2013. Effects of Riparian Thinning on Wood Recruitment: A 

Scientific Synthesis. June 6, 2013 BLM/FS/FWS/NOAA Fisheries-Memorandum.

USDA Forest Service. 1988. General Water Quality Best Management Practices. Pacific Northwest 

Region. 

USDA Forest Service. 1989. Final Environmental Impact Statement, Land and Resource Management 

Plan Siskiyou National Forest. Siskiyou National Forest, Pacific Northwest Region. 

USDA Forest Service. 1991. Forest Service Manual: wildlife, fish, and sensitive plant management 

(Section 2670), WO Amendment 2600-91-3, effective 5/31/91.

USDA Forest Service. 1995. South Fork Coquille Watershed Analysis. USFS Powers Ranger District.

USDA Forest Service. 2007. “Aquatic Restoration Plan, South Fork Coquille Watershed”.

USDA Forest Service. 2010. Coal Creek Stream Survey Report. USFS Powers Ranger District Files.
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-39

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

USDA Forest Service. 2011. Regional Forester’s (updated) Sensitive species list.

USDA Forest Service. 2011. Biological Assessment for Eden Ridge Timber Sales; August 2011.

USDA Forest Service. 2012. National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on 

National Forest System Lands, Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide. FS-990a. April 2012. 

USDA Forest Service. 2012. Stream Inventory Handbook; LEVEL I & II. Pacific Northwest Region. 

Version 2.12.

USDI BLM 1994 Middle Fork Coquille Analytical Watershed

USDA Forest Service and BLM. 2011. Evaluation of the Northwest Forest Plan Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy and Associated Tools to achieve and maintain stream temperature water quality standards

(update of 2005 Primary Shade Zone widths)
Appendix H – Aquatic Biota Biological Evaluation (Revised) Page H-40

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT A Fish Distribution and Project Activities Map – Alternative 2
APPENDIX I

TRANSPORTATION AND LOGGING SYTEMS REPORT

SOUTH FORK COQUILLE ROAD DECOMMISSIONING

MONITORING REPORT

APPENDIX I - TRANSPORTATION AND LOGGING SYSTEMS REPORT (Revised) Page I-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

APPENDIX I

TRANSPORTATION AND LOGGING SYSTEMS REPORT

(Project Specific Roads Analysis)

(Economic Analysis)

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

January 2011

Revised June 2013
APPENDIX I - TRANSPORTATION AND LOGGING SYSTEMS REPORT (Revised) Page I-2

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................I-3

A. Who Worked on this Analysis and Report? ........................................................................I-3

B. Background and History of Planning Area .........................................................................I-4

C. Summary of Proposed Action and Alternatives ..................................................................I-4

II. MANAGEMENT DIRECTION ...............................................................................................I-5

A. Planning Area Land Allocations ..........................................................................................I-5

B. Management Direction for Roads .........................................................................................I-6

C. Transportation Planning .......................................................................................................I-7

D. Roads Analysis .......................................................................................................................I-8

III. CURRENT ROAD INFORMATION ....................................................................................I-9

A. Definitions of Roads ...............................................................................................................I-10

B. Current Road Inventory – Eden Ridge Planning Area ......................................................I-10

C. Existing Uses ...........................................................................................................................I-13

D. Analysis of Existing Roads ....................................................................................................I-13

IV. LOGGING SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................I-16

A. Analysis Process (paper and field) .......................................................................................I-17

B. Logging System Options ........................................................................................................I-18

Ground Based Systems ..................................................................................................I-18

Skyline .............................................................................................................................I-20

Helicopter ........................................................................................................................I-21

C. Mitigation Measures and Potential Contract Language ....................................................I-23

V. ROAD ACCESS NEEDS ...........................................................................................................I-25

A. Existing Road (Access) Systems ............................................................................................I-25

B. Proposed New Classified Roads ............................................................................................I-26

C. Temporary Road (Access) Systems and Landings ..............................................................I-29

D. Matrix Analysis of New Roads .............................................................................................I-30

VI. ECONOMICS ..........................................................................................................................I-32

A. Background ............................................................................................................................I-32

B. Economic Assumptions ..........................................................................................................I-33

C. Economic Performance of Alternatives ...............................................................................I-36

D. Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Economic Effects of Alternatives ..................................I-37

VII. SOUTH FORK COQUILLE NWFP KEY WATERSHED ...............................................I-37

A. Background ............................................................................................................................I-38

B. Road Decommissioning Road Bank .....................................................................................I-39

C. Analysis of Decommissioned Roads Post 1994 ....................................................................I-39

D. Road Bank Summary and Conclusion .................................................................................I-42

ATTACHMENT A

Example preliminary logging “paper plan” .................................................................................I-44
APPENDIX I - TRANSPORTATION AND LOGGING SYSTEMS REPORT (Revised) Page I-3

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

TRANSPORTATION AND LOGGING SYSTEMS REPORT

(Project Specific Roads Analysis)

(Economic Analysis)

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Eden Ridge Planning Area currently has a minimal existing road network and when the logging 

that created the candidate stands of today were created, the area was logged by historical railroad 

systems. Most of the existing roads evolved from early railroad grades but do not adequately serve the 

Planning Area for today’s needs and systems. This report documents the basis for application of 

potential logging systems and provides the basis for road use and proposed new road construction. 

Current policy requires the Forest Service to undertake a scientifically-based road analysis procedure, 

at an appropriate scale and coordinated with other ecosystem analysis, in order to make better 

decisions regarding road management. This report is prepared as a project-specific Roads Analysis. 

Road mileage within designated Key Watershed under the Northwest Forest Plan in relation to 

Standards and Guidelines is also analyzed.

This report also includes an economic analysis of the alternatives considered in detail for the proposed 

timber sales projects. Proposed road related activities that serve the proposed logging systems are 

primary elements of costs associated with these alternatives.

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Who Worked on this Analysis and Report?

Transportation and logging systems planning for the Eden Ridge Planning Area and Timber Sales Project 

was conducted by several individuals. There were two preliminary logging plans including road needs

done via an analytical or “paper planning” process. One plan was done by Pat Murphy (previous Powers 

RD presale forester), the other by Mike Dearborn (Pacific Zone Environmental Coordinator – now 

retired). Both of these individuals possessed extensive experience in logging systems and/or road design, 

or timber sale administration. These plans were done with different objectives regarding use of existing 

roads on adjacent Plum Creek lands. Since both of these people left before completion of this project, a 

logging and transportation plan was contracted with a Forest Service Enterprise Team (Steve 

Rheinberger, forester, logging engineer) for further logging systems/transportation planning input. Steve 

developed an extensive preliminary paper plan in February of 2010.

These initial plans were primarily based on a set of potential treatment units (those developed for scoping 

under NEPA). Further silvicultural and field verification of candidate stands required a revised paper 

transportation and logging system plan, including more of an interdisciplinary approach for resource 

protection. In the spring of 2010, Ken Grigsby (former Forest Service presale specialist with extensive 

logging system and transportation planning experience) developed an updated paper plan based on the 

previous plans and the current configuration of candidate stands. This planning was done with assistance 

from Maureen Joplin, Project Hydrologist.

To this point, these plans were not extensively reviewed for applicability or feasibility in the field. In the 

fall of 2010, Wesley Crum (Powers presale forester with extensive logging systems and timber 

experience) took over the transportation and logging system development responsibilities. Wes spent 

considerable time in the field verifying the feasibility of stand treatments and the application of the 

transportation and logging system planning. 
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Wes field verified all the proposed roads (both existing and proposed). Later, a core Interdisciplinary 

Team documented all candidate stands and the associated roads needs utilizing a GIS Analyst. Road 

reconstruction and maintenance needs were identified and reviewed by Robin McAlpin, Powers 

Operations Manager. Final documentation of this report was prepared by Ken Grigsby (NEPA 

contractor) and Wesley Crum.

B. Background and History of Planning Area

The building of the Coos Bay, Roseburg and Eastern Railroad from Coos Bay to Myrtle Point in the 

1890’s created a transportation system which eventually opened up the timber of the Coquille Valley. 

Between 1912 and 1915, the Smith-Powers Logging Company extended this line up the South Fork of the

Coquille to the billions of board feet of timber which the firm owned in ‘the vicinity of Rural, Oregon. 

Re-naming the post office Powers in 1915, the company platted a town and created a booming logging 

activity in the region (Beckman 1978). Although C. A. Smith went bankrupt in 1919, the successor firm, 

the Coos Bay Lumber Company, continued work in the area through the 1920s to the early 1950s. 

Branch rail lines extended up, Salmon Creek, up the Coquille to Land Creek, and to the southeast up Eden 

Ridge. The logging operations in the region passed to the Georgia-Pacific Corporation when that firm 

purchased the Coos Bay Lumber Company in 1952 (Beckham and Hartmann 1977).

The Eden Ridge area was extensively railroad logged as the lines were constructed through the area. 

Back then, future forest management was not a concern, so stands were left to regenerate naturally. Most 

of the area was covered in slash, or burned as the fire hazard was very high. Most likely, brush was a 

major component for 15 to 20 years. Eventually, conifer and hardwoods overtopped the brush and the 

shrubs died back. Today the stands are still in transition to fewer hardwoods and the dominant conifers 

are out competing other conifers. Management records (that were found) show assessments of 

stocking/planting needs during WWII, or from 1939 to 1942. This is the time when the "Bill Rider" 

caused the adjacent lands to be transferred to private ownership. It is assumed that the private timber 

companies did not want the cutover area which is now referred to as the Planning Area for the Eden 

Ridge Timber Sales. The stands that have been examined as well as the sampling of tree ages indicate 

that the trees are currently around 60 to 70 years old (Crum, pers. com.)

Eden Ridge Planning Area falls within the South Fork Coquille River and the Middle Fork Coquille River 

5th-Field watersheds, and the Lower Rock Creek, Myrtle Creek, Headwaters South Fork Coquille River, 

Coal Creek, and Mill Creek 6th field watersheds. Watershed Analyses have been conducted within these 

drainages and contain a synthesis of scientific knowledge about watershed trends and conditions at 5th

field watershed scales as well as by smaller 6th field sub-watersheds. 

C. Summary of Proposed Action and Alternatives

The Powers Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is proposing variable density 

thinning and other silvicultural treatments designed to control stocking and maintain or improve overall 

forest health and resiliency within the Eden Ridge Planning Area. 

Stand inventory records and walk-thru examinations have identified thousands of acres of regenerated 

conifer stands within the Eden Ridge Planning Area that were initiated by natural or artificial regeneration 

in the late 1930s through 1940s, following clear-cut timber harvest in the 1920s and 1920s.

Currently, dense tree stocking conditions have developed in many stands as a result of stand growth 

leading to increased inter-tree competition for site resources essential for tree health, vigor, growth and 

development. Limited availability of site resources within these dense stands is resulting in 

environmentally stressed trees and vegetation. Additionally, there are two forest pathogens; Port-OrfordCedar root disease (Phytophthora lateralis) and laminated root rot (Phellinus weirii) affecting forest 

health in small portions of the Planning Area. 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The action proposed by the Forest Service to meet the Purpose and Need is variable density thinning and 

other silvicultural treatments designed to control stocking and maintain or improve overall forest vigor 

and resiliency, contribute commercial timber to the Probable Sale Quantity, and improve Riparian 

Reserve conditions, designed to meet Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives from within the 6,516-

acre Eden Ridge Planning Area. 

The Project Area for the Proposed Action includes approximately 3,300 acres and is located 

approximately 4 air miles southeast of the city of Powers, Oregon at the closest point, with a legal 

description of: Township 31 South, Range 10 West, Sections 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29 and 30; and 

Township 31 South, Range 11 West, Sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27; Willamette Meridian; Coos 

County, Oregon. Elevations range from 2,500 to 3,500 feet. 

There are four alternatives considered in detail in the Eden Ridge Timber Sales EIS. These include 

Alternative 1 (No-Action), Alternative 2 (Proposed Action), Alternative 3 and Alternative 4.

Alternative 1 is the No-Action alternative. It represents the current condition and is the basis for 

comparison of effects from implementation of the three Action Alternatives (Alternatives 2, 3 and 4).

Alternative 2, the Proposed Action, is designed to address and maximize attainment of the Purpose and 

Need outlined in EIS Chapter I. Alternative 2 also represents the maximum extent of proposed treatments 

and connected actions (e.g., harvest systems and roads). 

Alternative 3 is similar to and is based on the Proposed Action, but differs from the candidate stands and 

opportunities associated with the Proposed Action, with modifications that include only “high-moderate 

benefit/low risk” new roads. In relation to Alternative 2, this modification would reduce the treated area 

on some units resulting in a change in configuration, or in some cases, units would be combined or 

dropped. This alternative proposes helicopter logging systems, based on the change in access for 

conventional systems.

Alternative 4 is also based on the Proposed Action, but differs from the candidate stands and 

opportunities associated with the Proposed Action, with modifications that include only the use (with 

some reconstruction and maintenance) of existing roads for treatment access. This alternative also 

excludes some of the higher risk treatments within Riparian Reserves (primarily those associated with 

perennial streams). In relation to Alternative 2 and Alternative 3, these modification would reduce the 

treated area on some units resulting in a change in configuration, or in some cases, units would be 

combined or dropped. This alternative also proposes helicopter logging systems, based on the change in 

access for conventional systems.

II. MANAGEMENT DIRECTION

A. Planning Area Land Allocations

For this portion of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF), land management direction is 

contained in the Siskiyou National Forest (SNF) Land and Resource Management Plan (USDA Forest 

Service 1989) as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of 

Land Management, 1994). 

The Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning 

Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl, is now commonly known as the Northwest 

Forest Plan (NWFP). This ROD, jointly signed by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior, amended 

the Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP or Forest Plan) and other 

existing plans within the range of the northern spotted owl. 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

This amendment, which became effective on May 20, 1994, provided additional goals, objectives, 

standards, and guidelines for resource management. It added several new land allocations, each with its 

own set of Standards and Guidelines. These land allocations overlay and merge with the allocations from 

the 1989 SNF LRMP. 

The direction in the Northwest Forest Plan supersedes the SNF LRMP allocations where it is more 

restrictive or provides greater benefits to late-successional ecosystems. Direction from the SNF Forest 

Plan is retained where it is more restrictive or is unaffected by the Northwest Forest Plan.

The Eden Ridge Planning Area contains two Management Allocations/Prescriptions that would be 

affected by proposed actions. A brief description of applicable Management Allocations/Prescriptions is 

provided below. More detailed descriptions can be found in the Northwest Forest Plan, and the Siskiyou 

National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. 

Matrix

This allocation emphasizes obtaining a full yield of timber within the capability of the land. Most 

scheduled timber harvest and other silvicultural activities would be conducted in that portion of the 

Matrix with suitable forest lands (NWFP, page C-39). Matrix lands allocated under the NWFP that 

include all areas not otherwise designated to a more protective status under the LRMP. The Eden Ridge 

Planning Area primarily includes lands allocated to Matrix, as carried forward from the 1989 LRMP as

General Forest Prescription (Management Area 14).

Riparian Reserve

An estimated total of 2,600 acres within the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area are managed as 

Riparian Reserves. As allocated under the NWFP, Riparian Reserve includes lands along all streams, 

lakes, ponds, wetlands, unstable areas, and potentially unstable areas that are subject to special Standards 

and Guidelines designed to conserve aquatic and riparian-dependent species. The NWFP establishes a 

minimum protection buffer equal to the height of one site-potential tree, along each side of the riparian 

feature, which in the case of the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project, is 175 feet. For perennial fish-bearing 

streams this distance is two site-potential trees (or 350 feet). 

B. Management Direction for Roads

Current direction for road management is found in the Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMP) 

for the Siskiyou National Forest (1989). The SNF LRMP states, in part, to “Plan, design, operate and 

maintain a safe and economic transportation system to provide efficient access for the movement of 

people and materials involved in the use and protection of National forest Lands.” (Forest Management 

Goal 15; LRMP Page IV-2. Within the Forest Plan, specific Forest-Wide Standards and Guidelines for 

the Transportation System are summarized below:

FACILITIES: TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

11 -1 (LRMP page IV-56)

Transportation planning analysis shall be conducted to compare feasible alternatives where choices that maximize 

net public benefits are not obvious from environmental and resource considerations. Direction for transportation 

planning is found in FSM 771 0, Transportation Planning, and the Transportation Planning Handbook, FSH 7709 55.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The analysis for transportation alternatives should:

1. Identify viable alternative routes from the planning area to available access points.

2. Identify the long- and short-term needs for each road (service life).

3. Determine the traffic criteria for each route.

4. Evaluate existing and potential mineral material sources considering site development and rehabilitation as 

described under Minerals.

5. Estimate development, maintenance, and user costs for economic comparison of alternatives.

6. Recommend the road system and standards to meet the needs identified.

7. Document the analysis, decisions, and management direction for preferred routes.

CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION

11-2 (LRMP page IV-57)

The Road Development Plan includes the multiyear Capital Investment Program, the multiyear Timber Sale Program, 

and the Transportation information System (TIS).

Design standards shall be based on resource management objectives, environmental constraints, user safety, 

environmental factors, traffic requirements, vehicle characteristics, road user, and economics.

New and reconstructed roads shall be planned, constructed, and managed to carry the anticipated traffic safely with a 

minimum impact to the land and other resources. In coordination with project interdisciplinary teams, specified 

construction methods shall Include provisions for reducing environmental Impacts, with emphasis to:

1. Minimize impacts to soil and water values.

2. Establish or protect native vegetation on cut and fill slopes and other disturbed sites off the roadway.

3. Limit the spread of Port-Orford-cedar root disease where risk is present, and

4. Limit the spread of noxious weeds where risk is present.

5. Protect other resource values.

TEMPORARY ROADS

11-3 (LRMP page IV-57)

Construction of Temporary roads' should normally be discouraged. Roads planned and constructed as Temporary 

roads should be Obliterated as part of the project work. Methods used, timing, and mitigation and designed to reestablish vegetative cover on the disturbed area within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 10 years after the

termination of contract, lease or permit (36 CFR 219.27(a)(Il)). Those roads which subsequently are determined to 

be needed for additional use, or those not Obliterated as planned, shall be entered into TIS with appropriate road 

management objectives developed.

C. Transportation Planning

Current Agency direction for transportation planning is found in Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2409.18 

-Timber Sale Preparation Handbook; Chapter 30 - Project Analysis and Design - Gate 2:

33 - TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

33.1 - Transportation Planning in Project Design

Plan integrated transportation and logging systems for the analysis area. Ensure that the requirements for 

construction, operation, and maintenance of roads for commercial timber sale use are consistent with harvesting 

procedures and with the Forest plan, and that they are likely to achieve resource management objectives. Apply 

the following rules:

1. Integrate the transportation planning process with other resource analyses to ensure that the road system 

requirements meet documented resource management objectives.

2. Consider alternative road systems and timber harvest methods in the transportation planning process.

3. Document National Forest System roads selected in planning on the transportation atlas as long-term or 

short-term facilities.

4. Analyze existing National Forest System roads to ensure that, before timber sale use, the roads meet the 

requirements of FSM 7720.

5. Justify recommendations for exclusions of commercial use on National Forest System roads by a 

statement of the reasons for exclusion, other alternatives considered, and the costs involved.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

6. Consider using low-standard or controlled temporary road construction when salvaging timber resulting 

from catastrophic damage.

33.2 - Planned Capacity

Plan for timber sale haul roads with the capacity to safely handle the scheduled traffic. Apply the following 

rules:

1. Permit no road use if the use would cause irreparable damage to the road or unacceptable impacts to 

adjacent resources. Damage does not include normal wear and tear correctable by maintenance activities.

2. If the additional traffic generated by an individual sale exceeds the operational limits of a road, authorize 

the additional use only if one or more of the following conditions apply:

a. Road construction occurs in advance of the sale.

b. Traffic management controls can be implemented within the limits of the facility. For public safety, 

restrict public access in situations where low-standard or temporary roads are used for quick access to 

salvage.

c. Road reconstruction occurs as a requirement of the sale.

3. Use appropriated funds to finance that portion of the reconstruction needed to accommodate the traffic on 

the road prior to the sale.

4. Design roads constructed on National Forest System lands to standards appropriate for the intended uses; 

consider safety, cost of transportation, and impacts on lands and resources. Design and construct roads as 

stable and durable structures to facilitate maintenance during and after use. Include necessary drainage 

facilities, adequate erosion control, gates or other closure devices, and resource protection devices. 

33.3 - Specified Roads (Classified permanent system)

Use specified roads when:

1. Road requirements are necessary to minimize temporary impacts on resources, especially, land, water, 

wildlife, and air.

2. Construction is required to maintain a quality that permits future use without need to re-accomplish or 

replace work that is currently in satisfactory condition. Construction should minimize repeated 

impacts and avoid unacceptable risks to resources. It should not result in higher future capital 

expenditures that could be required if, for example, roads had to be rebuilt or relocated for each sale.

3. Pavement structures are needed for structural support or to prevent erosion from traffic or natural 

elements, with sufficient depth for wear and maintenance during and at the termination of the sale.

4. Construction requirements result in the lowest total transportation cost (construction, hauling, and 

maintenance) for the sale, while ensuring safety and minimizing temporary or extended resource 

impacts.

D. Roads Analysis

Forest Service Manual Chapter 7710 provides direction to conduct transportation system planning and 

analysis using the best available science at the appropriate scale and in conjunction with other analyses to 

inform transportation management decisions. Ensure that road construction, reconstruction, and 

maintenance standards or criteria are guided by Roads Analysis and documented through the use of road 

management objectives.

When proposed road management activities (road construction, reconstruction, and decommissioning) 

would result in changes in access, such as changes in current use, traffic patterns, and road standards, or 

where there may be adverse effects on soil and water resources, ecological processes, or biological 

communities, those decisions must be informed by Roads Analysis.

Current policy requires the Forest Service to undertake a “scientifically-based” Road Analysis procedure, 

at appropriate scales and coordinated with other ecosystem analyses, in order to make better decisions 

regarding road management. Roads Analysis at the forest-scale will generally provide a broad context for 

informing road management decisions. Site-specific projects may be informed by a project-scale Roads 

Analysis.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Forest Service Responsible Officials are directed to use a Roads Analysis process to ensure that road 

management decisions are based on identification and consideration of social and ecological effects. 

Roads Analysis: Informing Decisions About Managing the National Forest Transportation System (FS643) has been provided as guidance for conducting a science-based roads analysis. 

This document describes the process that was used to evaluate the current road system for current and 

future needs associated with the Eden Ridge Timber Sales and its Planning Area. The goal of this project 

scale analysis is to compare the need for roads to access the Planning Area, with the effects roads have on 

natural resources.

This Roads Analysis is not a decision document. It is designed to provide a site-specific assessment of 

existing conditions within its analysis area and aid land managers in making more informed decisions in 

managing National Forest lands for multiple uses. 

At the Forest scale and in conformance of the Roads Management Policy, a more general assessment of 

roads in the northwestern portion of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest was conducted and 

compiled in 2004 (Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Roads Analysis). The guidance provided in this 

document was used to assist is project-specific analysis for Eden Ridge Timber Sales.

III. CURRENT ROAD INFORMATION

The following discussion includes the basis for use of existing roads. These roads are organized into four 

types; existing Forest Service Classified (or permanent system) roads, existing unclassified roads on 

National Forest System Lands (NFSL), existing roads currently under a Cost Share Agreement with 

adjacent private landowner interests, and roads that are private roads (not inventoried or managed by the 

Forest Service. The Eden Ridge Planning Area currently has a minimal existing road network and when 

the logging that created the candidate stands of today were created, the area was logged by historical 

railroad systems. Contemporary forest and road management has included Doe Swamp Thin, Skinny Doe 

thin, 4 Does Thin, Silver Doe Thin, Backwoods Thin and Lookout Partner Timber Sales.

Considerable effort was made during this planning effort to correctly locate and inventory existing roads 

systems discussed in this section. In many cases, roads appearing on maps or in database inventories 

were determined to be incorrect based on field examination. These anomalies occurring in several ways, 

e.g., some roads being tracked and mapped as existing Classified roads were in fact not correct. 

In other cases, roads existed and are being used that were not being tracked as Classified roads. 

Unclassified roads likewise were found to be in error, either existing as Classified roads or not existing 

but were being tracked as unclassified roads. In order to facilitate use, existing Cost Share roads and the 

inventory of adjacent privately managed roads was updated for this project.

A. Definitions of Roads

The following definitions are from Forest Service Manual (FSM) 7705 and are pertinent to this roads 

analysis process.

Forest Roads. As defined in Title 23, Section 101 of the United States Code (23 U.S.C. 101), any road 

wholly or partly within, or adjacent to, and serving the National Forest System and which is necessary 

for the protection, administration, and utilization of the National Forest System and the use and 

development of its resources. 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Roads are further defined:

Road. 

A motor vehicle travelway over 50 inches wide, unless designated and managed as a trail (36 CFR 

212.1). For this analysis, a road may be classified, unclassified, or temporary.

a. Classified Roads.

Roads wholly or partially within or adjacent to National Forest System lands that are determined to be 

needed for long-term motor vehicle access, including State roads, county roads, privately owned roads,

National Forest System roads, and other roads authorized by the Forest Service.

b. Temporary Roads.

Roads authorized by contract, permit, lease, other written authorization, or emergency operation not 

intended to be a part of the forest transportation system and not necessary for long-term resource 

management.

c. Unclassified Roads.

Roads on National Forest System lands that are not managed as part of the forest transportation 

system, such as unplanned roads, abandoned travelways, and off-road vehicle tracks that have not been 

designated and managed as a trail; and those roads that were once under permit or other authorization 

and were not decommissioned upon the termination of the authorization.

Transportation Facility Jurisdiction. The legal right to control or regulate use of a transportation 

facility derived from fee title, an easement, an agreement, or other similar method. While jurisdiction 

requires authority, it does not necessarily reflect ownership.

It is important to note that roads occurring on Forest Service managed lands are not public roads in the 

same sense as roads under the jurisdiction of public road agencies, such as State or Counties. Forest 

Service roads are not intended to meet the transportation needs of the public at large. Instead, they are 

authorized only for the administration and utilization of National Forest System Lands (NFSL). Although 

generally open and available for public use, such use is at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture. 

Through authorities delegated by the Secretary, the Forest Service may restrict or control use to meet 

specific management direction.

B. Current Road Inventory – Eden Ridge Planning Area

The Roads Analysis process starts with an inventory of all roads in the Planning Area. There are various 

scales that can be used when assessing road systems. This Roads Analysis utilizes a project-scale roads 

analysis area. The Analysis Area for this assessment includes those roads that access or are proposed to 

be used in conjunction with Eden Ridge Timber Sale activities (see Table I-2). A database was developed

to inventory all roads that are within the Analysis Area. 

Digital files representing road locations were secured from the Forest Service Geographic Information 

Systems (GIS) for the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. A review of aerial photos was completed to 

locate and add any additional roads that were not displayed on the digital maps in order to include as 

much of the existing road system as possible. 

The entire Analysis Area was then ground verified and road needs determined for use. Existing roads are 

recommended for use where attainment of the Purpose and Need would be accomplished; roads not 

meeting this objective would not. These files were combined and edited to create one set of roads within 

the Analysis Area.
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Classified Road Systems

The following discussion includes the basis for use of (Classified or permanent system) roads. Forest 

System Roads are under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service and are deemed necessary for protection, 

administration, and use of NFSL. These roads are inventoried, maintained, and managed by the Forest 

Service. Generally, these NFS roads are identified as Maintenance Level 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, under the 

following definitions.

Table I-1. Road Maintenance Level Definitions

Level 1

Basic custodial maintenance is performed to keep damage to adjacent resources to an acceptable level and 

to perpetuate the road to facilitate future management activities. While being maintained at level 1, roads 

are closed to vehicular traffic.

Level 2 Assigned to roads open for use by high clearance vehicles. Traffic is normally minor, usually consisting of 

one or a combination of administrative, permitted, dispersed recreation, or other specialized uses. 

Level 3 Roads in this maintenance level are typically low speed, single lane with turnouts and spot surfacing. Some 

roads may be fully surfaced with either native or processed material. 

Level 4 Most roads are double lane and aggregate surfaced. However, some roads may be single lane. Some 

roads may be paved and/or dust abated. 

Level 5 These roads are normally double lane, paved facilities. Some may be aggregate surfaced and dust abated. 

Most of the currently existing Classified road system within Eden Ridge is currently managed as 

Maintenance Level 1 or 2.

Unclassified Roads

The Eden Ridge Planning Area contains additional roads, trails or grades that are not inventoried, 

maintained, or currently managed by the Forest Service. As noted above, some unclassified roads were 

found to be in error, either existing as Classified roads or not existing but were being tracked as 

unclassified (non-classified) roads. Further use of correctly inventoried unclassified roads is discussed 

below under proposals for construction, reconstruction or use as part of the Eden Ridge Timber Sales 

Project.

Cost Share Roads

The Eden Ridge Planning Area is completely surrounded by private lands owned and managed for timber 

production. There is an extensive network of existing roads to facilitate access to these lands. In the past, 

some of these roads also facilitated access to NFSL and cooperative Cost Share Agreements were put in 

place. 

These agreements require a proportionate share of use, maintenance and reconstruction of roads that serve 

mutual benefit. The intent of the cost share agreement is to eliminate the need for duplicate road systems 

and share in the cost and maintenance of these facilities that benefit both parties. While some cost share 

roads currently exist, construction, reconstruction and/or use of additional cost share roads is discussed in 

the next section. Some existing roads on private lands are also being proposed to be added to existing 

Cost Share agreements to minimize the need for construction of new roads.

There are approximately 17.35 miles of roads within the Planning Area. Figure I-1 shows the Planning 

Area and its current condition regarding roads.
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Figure I-1. Eden Ridge Planning Area - Current Roads
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C. Existing Uses

COMMERCIAL - Usually non-Forest Service employees conducting commerce activities, such as 

delivering goods and services in, adjacent to, or out of the National Forest. Commercial use of the roads 

within this Roads Analysis is primarily related to delivery of goods and services e.g., hauling of 

commercial timber to attain timber commodity output goals.

RECREATION – Typically members of the public who use Forest Service roads to access trails, campsites, 

hiking, hunting, sightseeing and other similar activities. These roads also allow public use of firewood 

and special forest products.

ADMINISTRATIVE - Forest Service or other agency employees acting in official capacity conducting dayto-day work activities. Administrative access needs include, but are not limited to, law enforcement, fire 

prevention and control, resource surveys, road maintenance, and other activities associated with managing 

land, vegetation, water, fish, and wildlife.

D. Analysis of Existing Roads

This analysis utilizes a project-scale roads analysis area. The Analysis Area for this assessment includes 

those roads that access or are proposed to be used in conjunction with Eden Ridge Timber Sale activities 

(see Table I-2 and I-3). A database was developed to inventory all roads that are within the Analysis

Area. 

Roads Analysis identified a need for all existing roads for long-term management of the Forest, and 

for access to recreation opportunities. Most of the existing roads are typically open to the public and 

maintained for vehicular traffic. These existing roads provide the long-term transportation network 

necessary to meet forest management objectives. 

The existing road system is programmed to receive annual maintenance in accordance with established 

road management objectives. However, over the last decade, a limitation on road maintenance funds on 

the Forest has resulted in a backlog of maintenance work to reduce brush, clean out drainages, and repair 

road surfaces on many of the existing roads in the Eden Ridge Planning Area. There are drainage 

improvements which would need to be implemented prior to commercial haul, in order to protect water 

quality. Many of the culverts on the roads are in poor condition or undersized, and in need of 

replacement. Many of the roads are becoming brushed in.

Table I-2. Proposed Classified Road Use

Classified Road Use Reference Miles

3300000 1.21

3358000 1.01

5000000 10.36

5000200 4.25

5000210 0.75

5000290 3.00

5000297 1.10

5000420 0.34

5000440 5.06

5000441 0.56

5000445 0.11

5000448 2.90

5000449 0.38

Classified Road Use Total 31.03
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Table I-3. Proposed Classified Road Use with Maintenance and Reconstruction

Classified Use & Maintenance Reference Miles

2000 0.76

2600100 0.26

5000444 0.42

5000445 0.89

5000446 0.35

5000450 1.01

5000670 1.75

5000671 0.06

Classified Use & Maintenance Total 5.50

Classified Use W/Reconstruction 5000291 0.10

5000298 0.18

5000299 2.02

5000299.1 0.03

5000442 1.24

5000442.1 0.18

5000443 0.72

5000446 0.31

5000447 0.19

5000448.1 0.45

5000451 0.65

Classified Use W/Reconstruct Total 6.07

South Fork Coquille Watershed

The 2004 Forest-level Roads Analysis document did not present data specific to the South Fork Coquille 

watershed. However, GIS data was developed for the South Fork Coquille Aquatic Restoration Plan 

USDA August 2007) in support of Roads Analysis. 

Issues regarding management of the roads within the Analysis Area were divided between those relating 

to potential or actual environmental effects (termed “environmental costs”) and those issues related to the 

ways that the roads are utilized (termed “road benefit”). To model these issues, factors were developed 

and analyzed using GIS software programs. 

The values for each of the access need categories were summed to get a composite benefit rating for each 

road segment. These composite scores were broken down into three categories to get an overall road 

benefit rating of High, Medium, or Low. However, if any of the roads received a rating of a 3 for any 

category, then the overall road benefit rating would be High due to the high need for access.

The overall environmental cost and road benefit ratings were applied to the matrix shown in Figure I-2. 

This matrix is a tool (from the Forest-level Roads Analysis) to aid in developing site-specific 

recommendations for Forest road management decisions.

The following is an explanation of terms used in this matrix:

Consider decommission: Generally, roads with a low road benefit rating would be candidates to decommission. 

Decommissioning includes treatments that range from blocking the entrance, scattering limbs on the roadbed, 

revegetating, water barring, removing road fills, re-establishing drainage-ways, and pulling back unstable road 

shoulders; to full obliteration by re-contouring slopes. 

Keep: Roads that have a high or medium road benefit would generally be kept on the system. There may be 

opportunities to change maintenance levels to help decrease maintenance costs. 
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Keep road and review for further analysis and/or mitigation: Roads in this category have a need to maintain 

access but also have environmental concerns. Further analysis that is more site-specific may be necessary to 

determine how to best mitigate the environmental effects. Measures such as resurfacing, improving drainage 

structures, gating to reduce use but still allow access, or even reconstruction may be employed to mitigate the 

environmental effects. 

Figure I-2. Roads Analysis Matrix

Rating Low Medium High 

Low 

Consider 

decommission Keep Keep 

 

 

 

Medium 

Consider 

decommission Keep Keep 

High 

Consider 

decommission

Keep road and 

review for 

further analysis 

and/or 

mitigation 

Keep road and 

review for 

further analysis 

and/or 

mitigation 

Figure 9 in the South Fork Coquille Aquatic Restoration Plan shows the road system in the South 

Fork Coquille watershed rated from a low to a high environmental concern. Road segments within each 

sub-watershed (6th field HUC) were rated for several factors, generally receiving a higher score if the road 

segment was near streams within riparian zones for much of its length. A sub-watershed rating was also 

developed to assist with restoration planning. The factors that were used to develop the environmental 

concern ratings were:

(1) Percent of sub-watershed stream network with roads within one site tree height.

(2) Stream crossing frequency within the sub-watershed and on a per mile basis for each road 

segment.

(3) Number of miles of road in high erosion potential by sub-watershed and percentage of road 

segment in high erosion areas.

(4) Percent of road segment within one site tree height.

(5) Percent of sub-watershed stream system with roads within one site tree height.

(6) The presence of road crossings in streams containing coho salmon, coho salmon critical habitat, or 

coastal cutthroat trout within a sub-watershed and per each road segment.

(7) Whether or not it is a NWFP Key Watershed.

Factors (1), (2), and (3) were used to develop low, medium, and high ratings for road erosion potential. 

Factors (4) and (5) were used to develop low, medium, and high ratings for the potential of roads to 

impact the delivery of large wood to channels. Factor (6) was used to develop low, medium, and high 

ratings for the potential of roads to impact coho salmon and cutthroat trout. For factor (7), a watershed or 

sub-watershed was given a low rating if it was not in a Key Watershed and a high rating if it was. 

Road Benefit 

Environmental 

 Cost 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

For each road segment, the ratings for erosion potential, potential to block delivery of large wood, 

potential to impact coho salmon and cutthroat trout, and Key Watershed were summed to give the 

summary rating shown in Figure 9. Those roads identified as of high and medium resource concern in 

this first iteration of Roads Analysis should be considered candidates for field checks to assess the 

impacts on aquatic habitats.

In Figure 9, roads segments shown in Red are where the Roads Analysis indicates the greatest benefit 

would be achieved for reduction in sediment delivery to streams and provide large wood contributions to 

streams. 

For the Roads Analysis, data was also developed to rate the need for keeping roads for access (road 

benefit). This data was developed in a manner similar to that used for the environmental concern ratings. 

The factors that went into the access ratings were recreation needs, fire needs, vegetation management 

needs, special uses (mining), and road maintenance facilities (quarries, water sources, borrow sources, 

waste areas, access to private lands, access to public agency lands, and road maintenance condition).

Within the Eden Ridge Planning Area, Roads analysis performed for the Aquatic Restoration Plan rated 

the 3358 and 5000 Roads as a high environmental concern based on the environmental factors

identified above. However, these roads also have a high benefit potential in regard to the potential 

commercial and administrative needs associated with the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project. This suggests 

that based on need, keep roads and review for further analysis and/or mitigation.

Middle Fork Coquille

The 2004 Forest-level Roads Analysis document did not present data specific to the Middle Fork Coquille 

watershed. There has been no detailed analysis within the watershed in support of Roads Analysis. This 

primarily due to the fact that there is minimal acreage of NFSL within this watershed; most of the area is 

owned by private timber management companies. It is apparent that roads may be rated as moderate to 

high environmental concern based on the environmental factors identified above. Middle Fork 

Coquille is not a NWFP Key Watershed. The few roads on NFSL within this watershed are primarily 

located on moderate to flat topography on stable soils. These roads also have a high benefit potential in 

regard to the potential commercial and administrative needs associated with the Eden Ridge Timber Sales 

Project. This suggests that based on need, keep roads and review for further analysis and/or mitigation.

Although road segments may fall into certain categories, no decision is inferred by this document. 

Management direction and objectives from other relevant documents need to be reviewed and considered 

before final recommendations for action are made. Decisions to implement new road facilities or road 

improvement activities would be made following analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act 

(NEPA). Because Roads Analysis is a dynamic process, changed conditions may make it necessary to 

supplement this document. Future analysis should build from this document and/or other Roads Analysis 

documents.

Further discussion is contained within this document regarding proposed new access needs, based on 

proposed logging system needs for management of the Eden Ridge Planning Area Matrix lands.

IV. LOGGING SYSTEMS

As noted above, in the fall of 2010, Wesley Crum (current Powers Forester) assumed the transportation 

and logging system development responsibilities. Considerable time was spent the field determining the 

feasibility of stand treatments and the application of the transportation and logging system planning. 

Both existing and proposed transportation and logging systems were ground verified. Later, a core 

Interdisciplinary Team documented all candidate stands and the associated roads needs utilizing a GIS 

Analyst. 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Field work was accomplished per FSH 2409.18 – Timber Sale Preparation handbook; Chapter 30 –

Project Analysis and Design, Gate 2:

31.1 - Field Reconnaissance

Conduct field reconnaissance to develop sale designs. Since the most critical decisions involving funding and 

resource expenditures are required at Gate 2, conduct a more intensive field reconnaissance at Gate 2 than at 

Gate 1. Leave adequate flagging, stakes, marks, or other tracks in the field to ensure that sale preparation 

activities can continue in the most cost-effective manner practicable. FSM 2361 includes techniques for 

obtaining required archaeological resource clearances and FSM 2672.4 provides guidance on preparing 

biological evaluations.

In salvage situations, use existing data and professional judgment to hasten the analysis process. The Land and 

Resource Management Planning Handbook, FSH 1909.12 and 36 CFR 219.27(d)(2)(iii) direct that unit size 

limitations must not apply to the size of areas harvested as a result of natural catastrophic conditions such as 

fire, insect and disease attack, or windstorm. Follow Regional guidelines for exceptions to unit size limitations 

in these situations.

31.2 - Documentation

In timber sale project design documents include sufficient site-specific information, preliminary sale design, 

and appropriate management guidance to facilitate sale plan implementation at 

Gate 3. A timber sale project plan may include one or more timber sales or permit areas and must include the 

following:

1. Approximate cutting unit location and size.

2. Nature and condition of timber stands proposed for harvest.

3. Silvicultural prescriptions.

4. Selected logging systems information.

5. Locations and standards of local, collector, and specified roads.

6. Planned fuel treatments.

7. Location of key resource values.

8. Preliminary design for resource improvements.

9. Zones or areas with specific management requirements, constraints, or mitigation requirements.

10. Financial and economic information as described in section 32.

A. Analysis Process (paper and field)

Considerations for Application of Logging Systems

All candidate stands have all been previously clear-cut harvested, with the majority of the Eden Ridge 

Planning Area being previously logged via historical railroad systems. Past treatments had different (and 

typically less) consideration for sensitive slopes, sensitive soils and sensitive riparian areas. The entire 

area was logged with “steam donkey” cable systems. Past cable yarding systems, as associated with 

railroad transport, employed “high lead” or systems that did not require or utilize log suspension (as 

would be required today). Some terrain would today require partial suspension (or full suspension) 

systems on stands that had previously been cable logged without suspension in the past. 

The proposal of system(s) to be used in any given stand is based on existing classified road access, new 

system or temporary road construction needs, as well as economic and technical feasibility identified for 

each treatment unit. The two primary concerns involved with use of the various logging systems is the 

potential detrimental effects to soils and the construction of new roads. New classified or temporary 

roads may be necessary due to the need for a change in the logging system design or to access areas that 

retain no access, reflecting an adherence to current standards and guidelines set forth in the Forest Plan. 

Soil concerns elevate when ground based equipment is considered for use on steeper slopes, sensitive 

riparian areas, sensitive soil types, or unstable areas.
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Conversely, there is an operational concern for economics between the various systems being considered, 

i.e., ground based systems are most economic from an operational cost viewpoint, skyline systems 

increase in operational costs, and aerial (full suspension or helicopter) systems are the most costly. Road 

access and landing accessibility and construction costs are also factors to consider.

Considerations in Logging Systems and Transportation Access Planning

The Analysis Area for logging systems and transportation access planning includes those roads that

access or are proposed to be used in conjunction with Eden Ridge Timber Sale activities. Potential units 

were proposed considering logical and economic access for these systems. Planning then further 

segregated and rearranged systems and potential logging settings considering:

-Logical 6th field watersheds within the two 5th fields

-Refined silvicultural opportunities (exclusion of too young or not overly dense)

-Consideration of “inner gorges” as defined by hydrology

-Exclusion of clearly unsuitable areas

-Exclusion of stands clearly representing late-successional habitat

-Logical road access considering existing and proposed roads (including segments)

-Logging systems (separate each unit not mixing logging systems)

-Consideration of logical operational setting size

See Attachment A for an example of the detailed “paper planning” accomplished for the Eden Ridge 

Timber Sales Project.

B. Logging System Options

Within the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project, logging system options for stands that provide opportunities 

for commercial extraction include ground-based systems, skyline cable systems, and aerial (helicopter) 

systems. 

Ground Based Systems

This term refers to a group of logging methods that are considered ground-based, and may also include 

mechanized harvesting equipment. Typically, logs are harvested using mechanized heavy equipment to 

skid the logs to a landing area, where they would be loaded onto a truck. These ground-based systems are 

usually utilized on terrain where slopes are less than 25-35 percent. The maximum percent slope for 

ground based systems, as designed for the Eden Ridge Planning Area is 35%.

In all cases, all proposed skid trails should be pre-designated by the operator and approved by the Forest 

Service before felling and skidding. Skid trails should not be allowed to cross specified stream channels 

or only at Forest Service approved locations. In general, skid trail spacing should average 100 feet apart 

and located on the fall line, especially if using harvester-forwarder (cut-to-length [CTL]) systems due to 

the forwarder’s high center of gravity. In general, skid trail spacing should average 80 to 100 feet apart. 

Assuming uniform conditions, a typical width of 12 feet; 80 foot spacing equals 15%, and 100 foot 

spacing equals 12%. 

Landings for units with ground based systems can generally be located on gentle ground. If the project 

specifies that tops be left attached to the top log in ground based units, some log processing would be 

needed on the landings (i.e., the whole tree system, see below). This need would require slightly larger 

landings in order to accommodate the residual slash from the top log and residual limbs. Log processing 

can be accomplished by a relatively small and inexpensive “pull-thru” log processor or a more expensive 

and more efficient mechanical processor. 

The following table displays several examples of equipment configurations for the ground based systems.
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Table I-4. Examples of Equipment Configurations

Tractor - In this conventional system, a cutter will fall to lead toward designated skid trails, then limb and 

buck the tree in the bed where it landed when it was felled. Three methods of skidding can then be 

utilized, loader or shovel yarding, grapple or choker skidding. Shovel yarding consists of a heal boom 

loader grabbing the logs and swinging them towards the landing in stages. Grapple skidding uses swing 

grapples attached to the rear of the tractor. The clamps pick up one end of the log and the operator 

positions the log for skidding. When several logs are bunched, the grapple can pick up several ends at 

one time and skid the turn to the landing. The third method involves chokers that are attached to the logs 

and a tractor equipped with a winch pulls the logs from their beds into the skid trail. When a group of 

logs are assembled into a turn, the chokers are gathered together, the leading ends of the logs are 

suspended above the ground behind the tractor by way of an integrated arch or similar apparatus, and the 

trailing end of the logs drag along the ground on the way back to the landing. At the landing, a front-end 

or a knuckle-boom loader is used to sort and load logs decked at the landing onto log trucks. 

“Winch/line” Some areas of timber harvest where slopes generally exceed 35% slope but are relatively 

small – usually less than 250 feet wide –can be reached by a winch line from a ground based machine or 

reached from a road by a winch line or loader. The tractor uses a “bull line” to pull the logs to the skid 

trail or road. These areas are usually inside larger ground based inclusions and are considered part of the 

ground based system.

Rubber-tired Skidder - This system is essentially the same as tractor logging in technique, although the 

skidding equipment has some operational and functional differences. While most tractors have steel 

tracks with cleats that run along a rigid rail and tend to churn up some soil when it turns, rubber-tired 

skidders are often articulated in their middle instead of a rigid frame, and they displace somewhat less 

topsoil than a tractor would when it turns. Both types of equipment can have advantages, depending on 

the situation. 

Typically, tractors can work on somewhat steeper slopes, while skidders are faster and average skidding 

distances can be somewhat longer. By virtue of the fact that both tractors and skidders bear the weight of 

one end of the logs being skidded, the weight of the machine skidding logs is not evenly distributed, but is 

instead concentrated near the back of the machine. This configuration can create disproportionately 

higher ground pressure on the soils being skidded upon than the machines rated or calculated pressure (in 

pounds per square inch) would indicate. 

Harvester-Forwarder - A harvester and forwarder are two separate pieces of equipment. The harvester 

(while traveling on pre-designated harvester trails) reaches its boom out to cut the tree, and lays it on its 

side approximately perpendicular to the axis of the skid trail. Rollers on the cutting head then pull the 

tree through delimbing knives which drops the limbs in the harvester trailing front of the harvester as they 

are severed. 

GB System Equipment configuration Notes

Whole tree

Feller/buncher, grapple skidder, 

processor, loader, (mechanized 

felling)

Logs processed on landing. Manual 

felling may be required in some units for 

oversized trees, i.e., greater than 24”. 

CTL Harvester, forwarder, loader 

(mechanized felling)

Logs processed in woods. Manual felling 

may be required in some units for 

oversized trees, i.e. greater than 24”.

Conventional Manual felling, grapple or cable 

skidder, loader

Process logs in woods or at landing (if at 

landing add processor in equipment).
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As each pre-determined length of log has been fed through the harvester head, logs are cut to length and 

allowed to fall into a stack of uniform length logs alongside the harvester trail. As the harvester travels 

through the stand, it rides on the layer of limbs that act as a cushion to help minimize soil compaction. 

Later, a forwarder uses the same trails to pick up the logs, load them onto its bunk, and transport the logs 

to the landing, completely free of the ground instead of dragging them behind the machine. Because the 

logs are transported free of the ground, the weight is evenly distributed over all of its wheels, so the 

resultant ground pressure is less than with other ground based systems. This method not only minimizes 

soil compaction, but it virtually eliminates any exposure of subsoil so there is rarely any detrimental 

displacement or erosion. Because of the specialized equipment, there is a slightly higher cost, compared 

to tractor or rubber-tired skidder.

Skyline

Is a system that transports logs from stumps to landings using a wire rope cable that is suspended between 

a tower and a tail tree. This cable (or skyline) functions as an overhead track for a load-carrying carriage. 

Logs are lifted by cables or other devices attached to the carriage and pulled into a skyline corridor. The 

carriage is then pulled to the landing by a mainline powered by a yarder. The skyline provides vertical lift 

so that the logs have their leading end suspended above the ground during inhaul. In some cases, the 

entire log may be suspended above the ground.

Skyline logging is generally specified where road access is available, on slopes greater than 35%, and/or 

where soil or water conditions are a concern. Typical skyline systems can effectively yard logs out to 

1,000 to 1,200 feet. This capability inherently affects road locations where the yarder is positioned. 

In all cases, one-end log suspension would be required in all skyline units. Where logs are to be yarded 

across specified stream channels or wet areas, full log suspension would be required over the designated 

stream channel. In order to get adequate deflection in some units, the skyline may have to be rigged 

across major streams and/or existing roads.

Guyline anchors are needed and within the Eden Ridge Planning Area, should be adequate in most areas. 

However, in some locations multiple stump anchors, machine anchors, and/or “deadman” anchors may be 

needed. Guyline anchors should generally be green Douglas-fir 15” to 26” DBH and 40+ years of age. 

Guy trees would have to be felled before using the stumps as anchors. Tail tree and tail tree anchors

would be needed on most skyline corridors. Tree sizes should be from 15” to 26”+ in most locations 

(Douglas-fir). Tail tree rigging heights may be up to 50 feet. Tree sizes and rigging heights should be 

guided by OR-OSHA Chapter 437, Division 6.

Skyline landings would mostly be located in the road prism. Landing orientation would utilize both 

parallel and centralized (radial) configurations. In some cases, landings would need to be placed on 

narrow roads, therefore, a swing boom type yarder would be necessary. If the project specifies that tops 

be left attached to the top log in skyline units, some log processing may be needed on the landings (i.e., 

the whole tree system). This would require slightly larger landings and/or the back-haul of slash in order 

to accommodate the residual slash from the top log and residual limbs. Log processing could be 

accomplished by a relatively small and inexpensive “pull-thru” log processor or a more expensive and 

more efficient mechanical processor. 

Examples of the skyline equipment considered are displayed in the table below. The yarders in the table 

can be found in the local area (southern Oregon, northern California) and are currently in use. Skyline 

equipment would consist of a yarder/tower combination (see below), log loader, landing cat (D6 type), 

pull-thru or mechanical processor (if needed), mechanical slack pulling carriage, and radio. Labor would 

generally consist of the following: yarder engineer (1), loader operator (1), chaser (1), hooktender (1), 

rigging slinger (1), choker setter (1), and processor operator (1, if needed).
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The left-hand table is the configuration that could typically be used. Where guyline anchors are 

inadequate (i.e., machine anchors are not feasible) and average external yarding distances are less than 

1,000 feet, the right-hand table (converted loader) could also be used.

Table I-5. Examples of Skyline Yarders

The following carriage is in widespread use in the local area and could match-up with the yarders 

displayed above.

Table I-6. Example of Skyline Carriages

Attribute Value Notes

Make Eagle

Model Eaglet Radio controlled

Weight 1,200 Pounds

Skyline min diameter 0.625 Swaged

Skyline max diameter 1.125 Swaged

Mainline min diameter 0.500 Swaged

Mainline max diameter 0.625 Swaged

Dropline diameter 0.625 Mainline

Slackpulling method Carriage Mainline off yarder

Multi-span capability Yes Open sided

Skyline clamp Yes

Yarder drums required 2 Minimum

Horsepower 14

Helicopter

This logging system utilizes medium or heavy-lift helicopters to transfer the logs from where they are cut 

to a landing where they are loaded on trucks for haul to a mill. Helicopters are divided into three classes, 

depending on their lift capabilities. Helicopters have high operating costs and are usually utilized where 

there are concerns for ground disturbance or where road building is not desired. Aerial systems (e.g., 

helicopters) would be a system used to accomplish commercial density management where existing 

access systems are not available or would cause extensive resource damage if utilized. 

Helicopters can be used to move material from the treatment area sites, and move them to processing 

areas (i.e., landings). From the landings, material can then be removed from the forest by trucks, utilizing 

existing classified roads suitable for such use. The use of helicopters allows for full suspension of trees or 

material from the treatment area to the landing area and does not create excessive ground disturbance via 

skid trails or skyline corridors. 

Attribute Value Notes

Make Diamond

Model D2000

Type Swing boom Can operate on 

narrow roads

Tower height 42 Feet

Skyline 0.875 Diameter

Skyline 2,000 Length

Mainline 0.625 Diameter

Mainline 1,900 Length

Haulback 0.500 Diameter

Haulback 3,200 Length

# guylines 3

Horsepower 216

Attribute Value Notes

Make Yoader Conv. loader

Model Tri winch

Type Swing boom Can operate on 

narrow roads

Tower ht 40 Feet

Skyline dia 0.750 Diameter

Skyline 1,000 Length

Mainline 0.625 Diameter

Mainline 1,500 Length

Haulback 0.5625 Diameter

Haulback 1,900 Length

# guylines 0

Horsepower 230
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This system (helicopter) can be utilized where there is no directly adjacent road access. There are 

limitations however on the flight distance and elevation change from the landing to the stand where 

material would be transported. Landings must be within a distance of approximately 1 mile from the 

treated stand. There are also other factors to consider regarding helicopter systems and economic 

feasibility, including turn size, maintenance and fuel storage landings, etc.

Within the Eden Ridge Planning Area, numerous potential log and service landings are available (see 

Figure I-3, below). Helicopter landings, in general, have an average size of about 80 feet by 200 feet and 

are located as close as possible to the harvest units they serve. However, the actual landing size and 

location can vary widely depending on terrain, slope, volume flown per acre, and flight direction. In 

general, landings should be cleared of trees and stumps and leveled as much as possible. In some cases, 

some surrounding green tree might have to be removed to facilitate flight direction. Some of the landings 

associated with the Eden Ridge Planning Area may be located on private land or private roads. These 

locations would need approval from the private land holder if used. Service landing(s) need to be no 

more than 1 mile from the harvest units (less if possible) and accessible by highway fuel trucks.

The recommended equipment for this system would consist of a medium lift or light lift helicopter (sea 

level payload of 4,500 pound to 8,000 pounds). In addition, at least two loaders and various support 

vehicles would also be needed. Labor would consist of about 10 woods and landing crew personnel as 

well as pilots, support labor, and service labor. 

Figure I-3. Potential Helicopter Landing Sites

1

4

2

3

9

8

7

6 5

22

21

20

19

18

16

17

15

14 13

12

11

10

0 0.2 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6

Miles
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Prebunching

This system can be subordinate to any of the above systems. It typically involves machine cutting, 

weighing, and bundling logs to make log transport more efficient. A tracked, self-leveling machine can 

typically work on ground up to 40% slope gradient, with no adverse effect to soils (minimal additional 

detrimental soil effects within soils Standards and Guidelines). By making one pass through the stand 

and walking on slash and compacting and dispersing it, slash treatment costs can be bypassed and fire 

danger lessened. 

Use of this equipment can make all phases of the ground based, skyline, and helicopter logging 

considerably more economical and can also treat the slash at the same time. While pre-bunching could be 

used in any systems (where slopes allow), it is especially applicable to helicopter systems. The biggest 

cost factor in helicopter logging is the aircraft cost per hour; anything that can boost the volume per hour 

produced can bring down unit costs. Pre-bunching timber in a thinning into flyable bundles with a “cutto-length” processing machine has been proven to maximize volume flown per hour. Production can be 

increased as the turns fly faster, loading is consistent, no excess weight (slash) is flown, landing impact 

and size are minimized, and labor and loading costs are cheaper. The estimated savings from this type of 

operation is estimated to be about 20% to 25%.

C. Mitigation Measures and Potential Contract Language

Note: Other methods and equipment may be identified during sale preparation and/or field verification.

C(T)6.42# - Special Yarding/Skidding Methods. (1/93) Methods other than those specified may be 

approved. When appropriate, such approval shall include changes in Current Contract Rates and Sale 

Area Map shall be revised.

YARDING/SKIDDING METHODS UNITS

1. All skyline logging will be done with equipment capable of suspending all skyline areas

one end of the log; up to 150 foot lateral yarding required to skyline corridors

2. The carriage shall be positioned such that during lateral

yarding, logs are yarded away from stream courses

3. Yarding corridors shall target a spacing of no closer than 150 feet all skyline areas

as much as possible

4 Skyline corridors shall be only wide enough to allow free passage

of the carriage and turn of logs. Corridors shall normally not exceed

12 feet in width

5. A carriage capable of a means of pulling slack and maintaining a fixed all skyline areas

position on the skyline during lateral in-hauls is required

6 Location of all skyline roads and tail trees shall be agreed upon all skyline areas

by the Forest Service prior to felling

7. Tail trees and intermediate supports may be necessary all skyline areas

to achieve suspension requirements

8. All yarding across designated stream courses and all skyline areas

within 50 feet slope distance of designated streams

must be done with the logs suspended free

of the ground
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

9. All yarding across wet areas must be done with the logs all skyline areas

suspended free of the ground

10. Helicopter yarding specified. Logs must be broken free all helicopter areas

of their beds vertically and totally suspended during the

in-haul except that during log pick-up, logs may move up to 50 ft. 

in any direction from their original lay when required by local

conditions or circumstances

11. Trees shall be felled, insofar as safety permits, to angle all ground based areas

in the direction of skidding

12. Tractor or forwarder skid roads shall be located and all ground based areas

approved by the Forest Service prior to felling

13. Skid trails shall be located, as much as possible on all ground based areas

skid trails used in previous logging operations

14. Skidders will stay on approved skid trails and landings all ground based areas

at all times. Skid trails will be on average 100 ft. apart

15. Skidders equipped with an integral arch and winch system all ground based areas

capable of elevating the leading ends

16. Ground based skidding equipment shall not operate on all ground based areas

slopes greater than 35 percent unless otherwise approved

by the Forest Service

YARDING/SKIDDING EQUIPMENT PAYMENT UNITS

1. The carriage must be capable of lateral yarding up to 150 all skyline areas

feet perpendicular from the skyline (either side) 

2. A yarding system (helicopter) capable of lifting and transporting all helicopter areas

logs fully suspended at least 3,000 ft.

Potential Prospectus Language:

Note: Other prospectus statements may be identified during field verification and/or sale preparation.

1. Payload analysis calculations for skyline equipment were based on a 7/8 inch diameter skyline, 42-foot 

tower, 40-foot log length, and motorized carriage. One end log suspension and full log suspension was 

analyzed using the above configuration.

2. In order to get adequate skyline deflection for payloads, tail trees may be necessary in some skyline units 

and skyline settings. 

3. In order to get adequate skyline deflection for payloads, intermediate supports may be necessary in some 

skyline units and skyline settings (multi-span skyline system).

4. Multiple stump guyline anchors or machine anchors may be needed on some landings.

5. A helicopter yarding system capable of lifting 4,500 pounds at an elevation of 3,500 feet above sea level at 

69 degrees F, and transporting logs fully suspended at least 3,000feet uphill and downhill.

6. Prebunching may be allowed in helicopter units on slopes less than 50% upon approval by the Forest 

Service.

7. Ground skidding on slopes greater than 35% by use of winch lines or loaders may be allowed in small, 

localized areas upon approval by the Forest Service.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

V. ROAD ACCESS NEEDS

Since the majority of the area being previously logged via historical railroad systems, the proposal of 

system(s) to be used in any given stand is based on existing classified road access, new system or 

temporary road construction needs, as well as economic and technical feasibility identified for each 

treatment unit. 

The two primary concerns involved with use of the various logging systems is the potential detrimental 

effects to soils and the construction of new roads. New classified or temporary roads may be necessary 

due to the need for a change in the logging system design or to access areas that retain no access, 

reflecting an adherence to current standards and guidelines set forth in the Forest Plan. Soil concerns 

elevate when ground based equipment is considered for use on steeper slopes, sensitive riparian areas, 

sensitive soil types, or unstable areas. 

In some cases, other concerns regarding engineering, logging systems, cultural protection etc. required 

new roads to be considered in lieu of the existing templates.

Conversely, there is an operational concern for economics between the various systems being considered, 

i.e., ground based systems are most economic from an operational cost viewpoint, skyline systems 

increase in operational costs, and aerial (full suspension or helicopter) systems are the most costly. Road 

access and landing accessibility and construction costs are also factors to consider.

A. Existing Road (Access) Systems

Product Transport or Haul

Hauling involves loading and transporting logs or other products on log trucks along roads associated 

with the harvest activity areas. These roads need to be in a safe and acceptable condition for this purpose, 

and could require reconstruction or maintenance prior to this use. Hauling occurs on all road surface 

types including asphalt, aggregate gravel, and native-surfaced. 

Classified Road Maintenance

This activity includes several related activities which maintain drainage, cuts and fills and surfacing of the 

road prism to accommodate light and commercial road traffic; while maintaining the integrity of the road 

facility and minimizing effects to natural resources adjacent to the road. Much of this work is done with a 

motor grader, dump trucks and backhoe. 

Road maintenance includes travel way surface maintenance, drainage ditch maintenance, culvert cleaning, 

surface rock replacement, shaping of the roadway and ditches by blading, removal of slough materials, 

compacting and other mechanized and hand work. Classified road maintenance involves activities of a 

lesser scale and effect than Classified road reconstruction. Note that some items associated with routine 

road maintenance are sometimes included in contracts and identified as road reconstruction.

It is estimated that road maintenance would be needed on the road system utilized for this project, over a 

number of years. This would vary according to the Actions Alternatives due to stand treatment locations, 

the proposed harvest access and logging system, and the conditions preceding the need for the road. Road 

maintenance renders the road durable and useable, and when not further needed, allows it to be in a 

storage condition that minimizes effects on soil, water and other resources. 

Road maintenance includes use of rock quarries and water sources, roadside brushing, grading, ditching, 

rocking of perennial stream crossings on native surface roads and other activities needed to maintain the 

road facility in good condition. Maintenance work is usually performed commensurate to the use of the 

road and the condition of the road.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Classified Road Reconstruction

Reconstruction involves maintenance and improvements to existing Classified (system) roads, to make 

them suitable for logging equipment and harvest treatment access. Reconstruction involves restoring a 

Classified system road to its previous operational condition. Road repairs could have one or more of the 

following work items: removing fallen trees, cleaning out culvert inlets, removing and disposing of small 

cut slope slides, falling danger trees, replacing minor amounts of road surfacing etc. Treatments could 

include grading, clearing, restoring road width loss, or stabilizing a cut or fill (embankment) slope that 

was lost due to storm damage, by placing riprap materials (large boulders) against existing slopes, and 

may include widening and surface rock replacement.

Previously existing spur roads, skid roads, or old railroad grades could be reconstructed and utilized for 

development of Classified road access. This would place the impacts on areas already affected and lessen 

the environmental impact associated with new road construction in undeveloped areas. A reconstructed 

Classified road is often more environmentally sound than a temporary road because it is designed to a 

higher standard. When closed for a long period of time, a Classified road can be a more stable facility 

when left in a storage condition. 

It is estimated that road reconstruction would be needed on portions of the road system utilized for this 

project, over a number of years and projects. This would vary according to the Actions Alternatives due 

to stand treatment locations, the proposed harvest access and logging system, and the conditions 

preceding the need for the road. Performing road repairs could also be accomplished by future 

commercial timber sales or stewardship contracts that would include requirements to perform minor road 

reconstruction work and applicable road maintenance work. 

Culvert replacement may occur in some stream channels and drains that relieve road ditches. Many 

culverts in channels are determined to be undersized to handle the water and sediment from areas above 

the structure. Culverts have a lifespan and effectiveness that diminishes as rust and corrosion decrease 

the strength and integrity of the structure. These culverts would be replaced as necessary. This project 

provides the opportunity to upgrade culverts for additional resource protection and enhancement.

Work would entail excavating the fill covering the current culvert and removing the culvert. Fills placed 

over the new pipe would be compacted and the road prism shaped to provide good drainage in and around 

the new culvert. Project Design Criteria and preventive mitigation measures would be used to minimize 

stream channel disturbance at the site and reduce the amount of unconsolidated material remaining in the 

channel after installation of the new culvert is completed. 

B. Proposed New Classified Road Access

New Classified roads were determined to be necessary to minimize temporary impacts on resources, 

especially, land, water, wildlife, and air. These new Classified roads are necessary to maintain a quality 

that permits future use without need to re-accomplish or replace work that is currently in satisfactory 

condition. Construction should minimize repeated impacts and avoid unacceptable risks to resources. It 

should not result in higher future capital expenditures that could be required if, for example, roads had to 

be rebuilt or relocated for each sale or entry.

New Classified road construction is designed to result in the lowest total transportation cost (construction, 

hauling, and maintenance) for the intended management use, while ensuring safety and minimizing 

temporary or extended resource impacts (FSM 2432.34 and FSM 7700). Timber sale contracts may 

authorize construction of both specified Classified roads and temporary roads. 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

All proposed new Classified roads would be created and managed as Maintenance Level 1. System roads 

are for long-term, multiple management needs, often with some potential for future use every five-to-ten 

years. At this time, the critical vehicle has been identified as a skyline yarder, and the design vehicle has 

been identified as a log truck. The traveled-way width would be 12 feet plus curve widening, fill 

widening, and turnouts, unless the critical vehicle dictates otherwise.

All proposed new system roads would be rocked to minimize erosion and allow for extended use during 

wet conditions. The more complex new roads (and those crossing Riparian Reserve) would be engineered 

and designed to minimize environmental impacts. Closure of all new construction of system roads would 

be accomplished via a road entrance closure of native materials (logs, earth, boulders) after timber sale 

activities had occurred, placing them into Maintenance Level 1 Status. Armored drain dips would be 

installed on all new roads (instead of ditch relief culverts) to reduce long-term maintenance costs. 

Some new Classified roads would cross Riparian Reserves, under specially designed Project Design 

Criteria (see Section 3, Project Design Criteria For Riparian Reserves, FEIS Chapter II).

In addition, some of these proposed new Classified roads would potentially be constructed under terms of 

existing or new Cost Share Agreement (subject to discretion of private landowners).

Figure I-4 shows the results of transportation and logging systems planning and analysis, as 

portrayed by the Proposed Action.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure I-4. Eden Ridge Timber Sales Proposed Logging Systems and Access Needs
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

C. Temporary Road (Access) Systems and Landings 

Temporary Roads

A temporary road is a road necessary for emergency operations or authorized by contract, permit, lease or 

other written authorization that is not a Forest road and that is not included in a Forest transportation atlas 

(36 CFR 212.1). Some new temporary road construction may be needed for candidate stand access. 

Temporary roads include those roads needed only for the purchaser’s use for a given timber sale(s), such 

as roads used to haul timber from landings to permanent National Forest System roads. The Forest 

Service and the purchaser must agree upon the location, resource protection requirements for road 

construction, clearing widths, and closure or rehabilitation requirements. Temporary roads are not 

constructed to serve long-term future uses and must be closed prior to closure of the timber sale (FSM 

2432.34b). 

Temporary roads are proposed where it is likely that a one-time access is needed as part of a contract, for 

access to harvest units. They typically have a lower planning, design, and initial development cost than 

permanent system roads. Forest Service regulations (36 CFR 223.37) require temporary roads to be 

revegetated within ten years. These roads cannot be compared to engineered roads (permanent system 

roads) as they are not designed for multiple uses or long-term resource protection (e.g., all-weather 

maintenance).

In this analysis, a temporary road is defined as a created travel way, for the purpose of transporting logs 

that is built, utilized, and decommissioned (obliterated) over the course of the treatment/harvest operation. 

These temporary roads would not be surfaced (rocked) and would be used during dry conditions only. 

They would be built and removed by the operator as part of the Forest Service timber sale or stewardship 

contract. 

In constructing these temporary roads, no large diameter trees (e.g., late-seral or “old growth” type trees 

would be felled for road clearing. In many cases, these temporary roads are essentially access to or an 

extension of a landing (a few hundred feet), or could actually be a travel way of several hundred feet. 

Temporary roads are considered as part of the affected (detrimental) soil conditions under the Soil Quality 

Standards and Guidelines. Maximum percent of area for detrimental soil conditions would be 15 percent 

for an activity area (including roads and landings: SNF LRMP Standards and Guidelines for Soils; 7-2).

Temporary roads would be managed in accordance with water quality Best Management Practices1

(BMPs) R-23. In order to prevent continued low level casual use, and to minimize resource impacts, such 

roads and landings would be obliterated at the completion of their intended use. Effective obliteration is 

generally achieved through a combination of the following measures:

o Temporary culverts are removed and natural drainage configuration is re-established;

o Road surfaces are ripped;

o Sideslopes are reshaped and stabilized; road is effectively drained; and

o Road is blocked to further use, and road is returned to vegetation production through revegetation 

(seeding, planting browse species, or hardwood/conifer trees).

 

1 This refers to the General Water Quality Best Management Practices, Pacific Northwest Region, November 1988. These are 

now used in concert with the National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management (April 2012). The purpose of 

the National BMP Program is to provide a standard set of core BMPs and a consistent means to track and document the use and 

effectiveness for BMPs on NFS lands.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Landings

Some of the areas associated with the candidate stands have an existing network of roads and landings 

from previous harvests. However, there would also be a need for some additional areas created for log 

landings. These would primarily occur in areas where no landing currently exist or where a change in 

logging systems (e.g., where skyline logging is now prescribed in areas previously ground based or 

railroad logged).

These additional landings are highly variable by Action Alternative and the selected logging system. For 

example, helicopter systems typically require larger (up to 1 acre) landing areas, whereas a tractor system 

could utilize areas barely larger than a road-width, although tractor and skyline systems would typically 

require many more landings.

Temporary road (and landing) locations and stabilization measures are typically determined by the Forest 

Service, with agreement by the contractor/purchaser. The Forest Service may request the advice of a 

watershed specialist in determining the most appropriate location and stabilization measures to be applied. 

Special stabilization measures would be required if need for a temporary road would extend for more than 

one year (seasonal mitigation measures).

D. Matrix Analysis of New Roads

As with the existing road system, issues regarding management of the roads within the Analysis Area 

were divided between those relating to potential or actual environmental effects (termed “environmental 

costs”) and those issues related to the ways that the roads are utilized (termed “road benefit”). These 

values were developed by the Interdisciplinary Team and the overall environmental cost and road benefit 

ratings were applied similar to the Roads Analysis Matrix shown in Figure I-1. This matrix is a tool 

(from the Forest-level Roads Analysis) to aid in developing site-specific recommendations for road 

management decisions.

For the Eden Ridge Timber Sales analysis, a “high benefit” new road would be one that provides current 

and future access for a large area, as compared to a “low benefit” road which for its length and potential 

environmental impact, would access fewer acres. A “high environmental cost” new road could be one 

that would require crossing high risk or a number of Riparian Reserve areas, or is in a position on the 

terrain that would have increased likelihood of surface runoff entering a perennial stream, or is a road that 

would have steeper grades and/or involve a large amount of cut and fill of material during construction. 

As used in the Roads Analysis Matrix, road environmental costs were categorized into three levels; 

HIGH, MEDIUM (MED) or LOW, and road benefits were categorized into three levels; HIGH, 

MEDIUM (MED) or LOW

An assessment of the new roads associated with the Proposed Action, location and access notes and 

environmental costs and road benefits is presented in the table below.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table I-4. Proposed New Classified (System) Road Construction 

Road 

Segment 

Reference

Approx. 

Length 

(miles)

Notes Environmental

Cost Road Benefit

A 0.23 Ridgetop road, skyline access LOW HIGH

B 0.74 Crosses some riparian; some grade up to 10% MED HIGH

C 0.03 Begins on PVT; ties to road M for FS access LOW HIGH

D 0.60 Ridgetop road, skyline access LOW HIGH

E1 0.34 Ridgetop road, skyline and GB access LOW HIGH

E2 0.22 Ridgetop road, skyline and GB access LOW HIGH

E3 0.20 Ridgetop road, skyline access LOW MED

F 0.39 Crosses riparian, minimal grade MED HIGH

G 0.15 Ridgetop road, skyline access, no grade LOW HIGH

H 0.21 Ridgetop road, skyline access, no grade LOW HIGH

I 0.09 Ties to existing route planned for reconstruction MED MED

J 0.08 Crosses riparian; provides GB access HIGH LOW

K 0.36 Begins on PVT; for FS skyline access LOW HIGH

L 0.01 Begins on PVT; for FS skyline access LOW HIGH

M 0.81 Ties to road C for FS access, minimal grade LOW HIGH

N 0.04 Begins on PVT for FS access LOW MED

O1 0.28 First segment for skyline access; minimal grade HIGH MED

O2 0.23 Second segment for skyline access; minimal grade LOW MED

O3 0.24 Third segment for skyline access; minimal grade LOW MED

O4 0.18 Additional segment for skyline access; minimal grade LOW MED

P1 0.06 Begins on PVT, ties to P2 for FS access HIGH LOW

P2 0.08 Ties to P1 for FS access HIGH LOW

P3 0.13 Short spur; skyline access LOW MED

P4 0.11 Short spur; skyline access LOW MED

Q1 0.11 Begins on PVT; ties to roads Q2 for FS access MED MED

Q2 0.05 Segment for skyline access MED MED

Q3 0.10 Segment for GB access MED MED

S1 0.09 Joins existing road with existing road proposed for reconstruction MED HIGH

S2 0.12 Joins existing road with existing road proposed for reconstruction MED HIGH

S3 0.06 Construction of new road to avoid railroad trestle MED HIGH

S4 0.15 Segment for GB access LOW MED

S5 0.05 Construction to bypass old railroad trestle MED HIGH

S6 0.24 Additional segment for GB & skyline access LOW MED

S7 0.11 Construction to bypass old railroad trestle MED HIGH

S8 0.04 Construction to bypass old railroad trestle MED HIGH

S9 0.06 Construction to bypass old railroad trestle MED HIGH

T 1.93 Crosses some riparian; some grade up to 10% MED HIGH

U 0.38 Crosses some riparian; minimal grades MED MED

V 0.14 Ridgetop road, skyline & GB access LOW MED

W 0.61 Crosses riparian; GB access HIGH MED

X 0.22 Skyline access; minimal grade LOW LOW

Y 0.18 GB access; minimal grade LOW MED

Z 0.35 Crosses riparian; some grade up to 10% MED MED

TOTAL 10.81

Proposed new temporary roads were also evaluated using the same system.

Table I-5. Proposed New Temporary Road Construction

Road 

Segment 

Reference

Length 

(miles) Notes

Q4 0.25 No template crosses riparian HIGH LOW

R 0.03 Short spur; joins with existing road LOW LOW

TOTAL 0.29

This analysis suggests that for Action Alternative development and consideration, opportunities 

associated with new roads could utilize modifications that include only “high to moderate road 

benefit/low to moderate environmental risk” new roads.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

VI. ECONOMICS

Activities associated with the Proposed Action or its alternatives may generate various economic 

benefits/costs and overall present net values or benefit cost ratios. The economic value (cash flow) of 

commodities provided under these proposals may be less than the associated costs. 

Under all Action Alternatives, varying amounts of commercial timber would be made available to the 

local wood products industry. Revenue sharing from harvested timber would provide contributions to 

federal, state, and county budgets relative to the amount of timber offered for sale.

This report includes an economic analysis of the alternatives considered in detail for the proposed timber 

sales projects. Proposed road related activities that serve the proposed logging systems are primary 

elements of costs associated with these alternatives.

A. Background 

Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan

The decision to provide a sustainable and predictable supply of commercially valuable timber was made 

and documented in the Record of Decision for the Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource 

Management Plan Final EIS (USDA 1989), as amended. The Forest Plan was designed to achieve the 

following Forest-wide goals (LRMP ROD-10):

1. Provide a balance of resource management that will maintain a healthy Forest ecosystem, and help 

to supply local, regional and National social and economic needs.

2. Provide a sustained yield of resource outputs at a level that will promote the stability of local

communities.

Timber sale projects are expected to maximize net public benefits while achieving management goals for 

other resources in the most economically efficient manner and to contribute toward having total timber 

sale program benefits equal or exceed the total costs over time.

The lands of the Siskiyou National Forest have demonstrated their capacity to produce timber. Timber

supply is critical to the communities of southwest Oregon. The amount of timber supplied by the Forest

has been and will continue to be an important part of the economic picture. Timber production also

contributes to the National economy, generates receipts to Oregon counties, and contributes to the overall

economic health of the Nation (LRMP ROD-26).

The Matrix land allocation, as stated in the Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and 

Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl:

“The matrix consists of those federal lands outside the six categories of designated areas

(Congressionally Reserved Areas, Late-Successional Reserves, Adaptive Management Areas, 

Managed Late-Successional Areas, Administratively Withdrawn Areas, And Riparian Reserves). 

Most timber harvest and other silvicultural activities would be conducted in that portion of the matrix 

with suitable forest lands, according to standards and guidelines. Most scheduled timber harvest 

(that contributing to the probable sale quantity [PSQ] not taking place in Adaptive Management 

Areas) takes place in the matrix. The matrix includes non-forested areas, and forested areas that are 

technically unsuitable for timber production, and therefore do not contribute to PSQ”
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Riparian Reserve treatments are to restore lands along all streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, unstable areas, 

and potentially unstable areas that are subject to special Standards and Guidelines designed to conserve 

aquatic and riparian-dependent species. Standards and Guidelines apply to activities in Riparian Reserves 

that may otherwise retard or prevent attainment of Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) objectives, as 

defined in the 1994 ROD for the Northwest Forest Plan.

“Apply silvicultural practices for Riparian Reserves to control stocking, reestablish and manage 

stands, and acquire desired vegetation characteristics needed to attain the Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy objectives.”

“New roads will be constructed as needed during the planning period to achieve the objectives specified

in the Forest Plan. This is highly variable from year to year: the locations and extent of roading will be

determined through site specific analyses at the project level.” (LRMP ROD-22).

Analysis Area

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Planning Area is situated southeast of Powers, Oregon. Centrally located,

commercial timber products have historically and are currently being transported to the communities of 

Broadbent, Myrtle Point, Coquille, Coos Bay, Bandon, Brookings, Glendale, Winston/Dillard, Roseburg 

and surrounding areas. Timber industry jobs include a variety of logging, forestry and mill positions. 

The current level of timber harvesting on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has dropped 

substantially from the levels of the mid-1980s. This decrease has contributed to a decline in the number 

of local jobs associated with the wood products industry in this and surrounding areas. Eden Ridge

Timber Sales are proposed for several sale auctions and awards in the next five years (under separate and 

unique sales and sale names). There are three Action Alternatives plus a No-Action Alternative being 

considered. 

The geographic scale used to assess economics includes the project activity units (Project Areas) 

associated with the Eden Ridge Timber Sales and the surrounding communities that would be affected by 

the proposed project.

B. Economic Assumptions

Outputs

The estimated sale volume varies with each alternative between a high of 53,130 thousand board feet 

(MBF) in Alternative 2, the Proposed Action, 52,028 MBF in Alternative 3, to a low of 49,175 MBF in 

Alternative 4 (Table I-6). The difference in volume between the alternatives is a reduction in treatment 

acres due to harvesting systems and engineering considerations. After the “no harvest” Riparian Reserve 

acres are deducted (based on Riparian Reserve Project Design Criteria), an average volume per acre of 

commercial product is used to calculate the total harvest volume by yarding system and alternative. 

Table I-6. Projected Treatment Acres and Volume by Alternative

Alt.

Ground 

Based Acres 

minus 8% RR 

No Harvest

Skyline 

Acres minus 

8% RR No 

Harvest

Helicopter 

Acres minus 

8% RR No 

Harvest

Total 

Treatment 

Acres

Total 

Tractor 

Volume 

MBF

Total 

Skyline 

Volume 

MBF

Total 

Helicopter 

Volume MBF

Total Volume 

MBF 

Harvested

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 1,939 1,097 0 3,036 33,933 19,197 0 53,130

3 1,641 863 469 2,973 28,718 15,102 8,208 52,028

4 1,324 420 1,066 2,810 23,170 7,350 18,655 49,175

Harvest volume is estimated at an overall average of 17.5 MBF/acre (not a target or a threshold)
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Yarding Costs

Current costs and values were used which may not reflect future costs and values, but will show a relative 

comparison that should remain relatively consistent into the future. Currently, log values are near a 

historical low and costs are high due to recent increases in fuel costs. It can be expected that log values 

would increase as the economy improves and demand increases.

For this analysis, the costs are from logging systems and transportation needs by alternative. Each 

proposed yarding system has associated costs that have been averaged based on past timber sale 

appraisals on similar terrain (Table I-7).

Table I-7. Estimated Yarding Costs by Alternative

Alt.

Ground Based 

Yarding Costs 

@210/MBF

Skyline Yarding 

Costs @250/MBF

Helicopter Yarding 

Costs@465/MBF

Total Yarding 

Costs

1 0 0 0 0

2 $ 7,125,825 $ 4,799,375 $0 $ 11,925,200 

3 $ 6,030,675 $3,77,625 $ 3,816,487 $ 13,622,787 

4 $ 4,865,700 $ 1,837,500 $ 8,674,575 $ 15,377,775 

Note: Costs are meant to be used for the relative comparison of alternatives only and do not represent actual appraised 

costs

Roading Costs

New road construction, reconstruction of existing rail road grades, reconstruction of existing non-system 

roads and maintenance of system roads were identified and proposed in an effort to try and reduce 

associated harvest costs. Alternatives 2 and 3 propose new roads to increase access to harvest units and 

reduce harvest cost. Alternative 4 uses the existing system roads and only proposes reconstruction of a 

portion of an existing rail road grade. 

Additional costs are applied to the road construction, reconstruction and maintenance incurred by each 

alternative (Table I-8). The unit costs used for this analysis were determined by using current bid rates 

from recent projects in the area and by using local knowledge of construction practices. The rate per mile 

is not specific to individual roads but rather an average cost per mile of road. Maintenance estimates 

were determined in the same manor with the addition of surface rock replacement assuming 1/10th of an 

inch of rock loss per 10 mmbf of haul. Maintenance collections for Roads 33 and 3358 were estimated 

using current bid rates from recent contracts. The need for collections in lieu of performance is due to 

multiple users at the same time.

Table I-8. Transportation Cost Estimates

ALT 1 ALT 2 ALT 3 ALT 4

Road Type Miles Cost Miles Cost Miles Cost Miles Cost

Classified 31.03 31.03 $0.00 31.03 $0.00 31.03 $0.00

CUM 0 7.77 $234,654 7.77 $234,654 6.37 $192,374

CUW/R 0 3.74 $594,860 2.08 $419,440 1.89 $185,220

New 

Construction 0 10.45 $1,736,790 7.66 $1,273,092 0 $0.00

Maintenance 31.03 $62,000 52.99 $1,701,987 48.54 $1,580,910 39.29 $1,238,885

TOTALS 31.03 $62,000 52.99 $4,268,291 48.54 $3,508,096 39.29 $1,616,479
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Classified: This designation is the existing roads system including the 33 and 3358 Roads that access the Planning Area. 

CUM: Classified Use and Maintenance. This designation is existing roads that are not part of the National Forest Road System 

and would need some improvement before becoming part of the system. These roads would be added to the National Forest 

Roads System through the Cost-Share Roads Program.

CUW/R: Classified Use with Reconstruction. This designation consists mainly of abandoned railroad grades. The old rail 

grade prism is present but clearing and grubbing of trees and stumps, establishing drainage, placing crushed aggregate and cut 

and fill slope repairs would be needed. 

New Construction: This designation is where no existing template or prism exists. 

Maintenance: This designation is for the maintenance of the all roads as a result of log haul for this project, except for 

Alternative 1, the No-Action alternative. This cost represents the cost of reoccurring maintenance needed regardless of hauling 

activities.

Revenue

The benefit basis of this analysis is the timber sale revenue from the estimated volume. The present value 

of benefits is based on current log prices for timber sold in Region 6 obtained through the Transaction 

Evidence Appraisal System. This amount reflects deductions for logging, general logging overhead, road 

construction, road re-construction, road maintenance, and temporary developments. Additional 

deductions may include special tree falling costs, slash disposal, environmental protection, engineering 

design, and operator profit and risk margin.

Economic Indicators

The demands for timber harvest are most affected by regional and national economics as well as costs 

from other markets. One of the outputs and effects is the determination of Present Net Value (PNV), 

which estimates the maximum value that might be attained by maximizing the net value of priced outputs 

under a non-declining flow policy. This benchmark serves as a basis for an economic comparison 

between benchmarks and alternatives, as well as a basis for determining the effects of various constraints 

on outputs and costs. Further discussion is found in the SNF-LRMP Standards and Guidelines where 

economic analysis shall be included when areas have alternatives with substantial roading and harvesting, 

and choices that maximize net public benefits are not obvious from environmental and resource 

considerations. Present Net Value or Least Cost are appropriate measures of economic efficiency to use 

in this analysis (SNF LRMP, page IV-39).

The ratio of benefit to cost (B/C) is a useful parameter of economic efficiency intended to complement 

the PNV calculations associated with projects. The ratio is simply the total discounted benefits divided 

by the total discounted costs and reflects an average value rather than the total return to the government. 

This ratio is a measure of cost efficiency given different levels of investment among the alternatives. It 

does not reflect benefits from future use of a road system developed for future harvests after this entry.

Cost increases, with all other factors held constant would reduce the likelihood that a proposed project

would sell. It is desirable to have stumpage values greater than logging costs for projects to be 

economically feasible. Cost efficiency analysis utilizing PNV calculations can provide an indication of 

whether or not a timber sale would be “cost efficient”. Increasing logging costs, with all else held 

constant, would result in projects being below cost.

It is important to recognize the impact more expensive harvest methods such as helicopter yarding in lieu 

of road construction with cable yarding or ground based methods has on the economic feasibility of a 

project. Historical information has shown that the cost to ground base (tractor) yard (with associated 

construction for road access) is the least expensive operation. As yarding systems change to cable 

(skyline) and helicopter, these costs increase. Helicopter yarding is considered a very expensive system 

due to the price of equipment, fuel, and required support of equipment and personnel.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

C. Economic Performance of Alternatives

Alternative 1 (No-Action)

The No-Action Alternative would not commercially harvest any timber, and therefore, would not generate 

a PNV or B/C for meaningful comparison to the Action Alternatives. Road maintenance costs for this 

alternative (Table I-8) represents the cost of reoccurring system road maintenance needed regardless of 

hauling activities.

Action Alternatives

The result of the economic analysis shows that the Proposed Action (Alternative 2) is the most 

economically feasible (Table I-9). The Proposed Action has the highest positive net present value and 

benefit cost ratio. The Proposed Action utilizes no helicopter yarding by adding engineer specified, low 

impact roads and spurs to allow access for tractor and cable yarding. Alternatives 3 and 4 have negative 

B/C ratios with Alternative 4 having the lowest PNV. Generally, this decrease of returns among the 

alternatives is reflected in the use of a greater % of high-cost yarding, (i.e., helicopters) as opposed to 

conventional yarding systems.

Table I-9. Present Net Value and Benefit/Cost Ratio Comparison between Alternatives

Alternative Volume in 

MBF

Total Estimated 

Benefit or Revenue 

from Sale of Timber

Total Estimated 

Cost

Present 

Net Value PNV

Benefit-Cost 

Ratio (B/C)

1 No Action 0 0.00 $ 62,000.00 $ (62,000.00) 0.00

2 Proposed Action 53,130 $ 16,515,991.80 $ 16,193,491.00 $ 322,500.80 1.02

3 Less Roads–Some Heli 52,028 $ 16,173,268.65 $ 17,130,883.50 $ (957,614.85) 0.94

4 Least Roads–Max Heli 49,175 $ 15,286,540.50 $ 16,994,254.00 $ (1,707,713.50) 0.90

Note: Based on a market value of $310.86 per MBF; values and costs are meant to be used for the relative comparison of 

alternatives only and do not represent expected selling values or actual costs associated with a particular timber sale

Region 6 uses Log Lines for west side forests in Oregon, as the basis of relative stumpage values for 

western Douglas-fir. Market stumpage value or the price per thousand board feet of timber contributes 

the most to this economic analysis, assuming road and yarding costs remain the same. Slight changes in 

logging costs or road construction costs do not change the B/C ratio as must as market price. To 

demonstrate, an outcome of an 11.5% increase for the price per MBF, Table I-10 summarizes the effect to 

the point where Alternative 4 is at a break-even, otherwise the point where money spent and money 

returned is the same (B/C = 1.0). The cost to maintain the road system is included in the No-Action 

Alternative to demonstrate the associated cost of the existing road system.

Table I-10. PNV and B/C Comparison between Alternatives with an 11.5% increase in $/MBF

Alternative Volume in 

MBF

Total Estimated 

Benefit or Revenue 

from Sale of Timber

Total Estimated 

Cost

Present 

Net Value PNV

Benefit-Cost 

Ratio (B/C)

1 No Action 0 0 $ 62,000.00 $ (62,000.00) 0.00

2 Proposed Action 53,130 $ 18,361,051.66 $ 16,193,491.00 $ 2,167,560.66 1.13

3 Less Roads–Some Heli 52,028 $ 17,980,041.69 $ 17,130,883.50 $ 849,158.19 1.05

4 Least Roads–Max Heli 49,175 $ 16,994,254.00 $ 16,994,254.00 $ 0.00 1.00

Note: Based on a market value of $345.59 per MBF; values and costs are meant to be used for the relative comparison of 

alternatives only and do not represent expected selling values or actual costs
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

D. Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Economic Effects of Alternatives

Alternative 1 (No-Action)

The No-Action Alternative would not commercially harvest any timber, and thus no sawtimber or other 

forest products would be provided to regional mills, thus no economic value derived from the sale of 

forest products. No-Action would not support direct, indirect, and induced employment. It would not 

result in increased income to the regional or local economy (including the counties). Current levels of 

employment in the wood products sector would not change under this alternative.

Action Alternatives

All Action Alternatives could be economically viable, depending on current selling values, timber volume 

per acre, yarding systems required, proposed road construction, system road maintenance and the posttimber harvest projects. These factors would vary by individual timber sales, the units and logging 

systems they include, the road construction they include, etc. In general, the primary indirect and 

cumulative effect on timber harvest-related employment would occur from commercial timber harvest 

associated with the Action Alternatives from individual sale in estimated selling years of 2014-15 through 

approximately 2017-20. The Action Alternatives would provide some opportunity for timber harvestrelated employment, and higher revenues. 

Alternative 2 would provide higher net value than Alternative 3 and substantially more than Alternative 4. 

Though the combined economic benefit from implementation of any of the Action Alternatives is 

expected to be positive, each of the action alternatives from the project would have a localized beneficial 

effect for the socio-economic environment of southwestern Oregon. The Action Alternatives would also 

have an indirect benefit in the form of revenues going toward the National Forest Fund (NFF). Portions 

of revenue generated by the sale of timber from the Action Alternatives would be available to the county 

for roads and schools. 

Cumulative

Given that the current log prices and reasonably foreseeable future of the regional economy, the 

speculation is that prices will continue to be low during the life of this proposed project. In an 

economically depressed area such as southwestern Oregon, the work provided by this project is 

potentially substantial. The project and its Action Alternatives are primarily proposed within the land 

allocation intended for the purposes of sustained timber production. The silvicultural prescriptions are 

generally an intermediate treatment, and designed to include all attributes essential for ecologically 

sustainable land management. Roads constructed, reconstructed or otherwise used and maintained by the 

Forest Service or cooperators would not only provide feasible treatments to meet the Purpose and Need 

and objectives or this project, but would provide for future management needs to achieve quality land 

management under the sustainable multiple-use management concept to meet the diverse needs of people.

VII. SOUTH FORK COQUILLE NWFP KEY WATERSHED

The Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) was designed to facilitate the management and restoration of 

aquatic ecosystems within lands covered by the Northwest Forest Plan (1994). Specifically, the strategy 

is intended to protect anadromous fish habitat on federal lands within the range of Pacific Ocean 

anadromy. 

According to the Northwest Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines, the ACS was developed to improve 

and maintain the ecological health of watersheds and aquatic ecosystems contained within them on public 

lands. The four primary components of the ACS are designed to operate together to maintain and restore 

the productivity and resiliency of riparian and aquatic ecosystems; they include: 1) Riparian Reserves; 2) 

Key Watersheds; 3) Watershed Analysis; and 4) Watershed Restoration. 
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Under Northwest Forest Plan direction, Key Watersheds are not a designated area or matrix, but overlay 

all allocations. Key Watershed designation is a component of the ACS that is applied to watersheds that 

contain at-risk fish species or anadromous stocks and that provide high quality water and fish habitat. 

The South Fork Coquille fifth field watershed is designated as Key Watershed (the Middle Fork Coquille 

fifth-field watershed is not).

A. Background

South Fork Coquille River is a Key Watershed for which Watershed Analysis has been performed (see 

FEIS Chapter I and Hydrology Report, FEIS Appendix C). An Aquatic Restoration Plan was prepared in 

2007 (see Hydrology Report). As documented in the Restoration Plan, the South Fork Coquille (SFC) is 

a Tier 1 Key Watershed as defined by the Northwest Forest Plan (1994) and is approximately 108,300 

acres in size. In 2005, the Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest engaged in an Integrated Work 

Planning process. As part of that process, fifth-field watersheds across the Forest were prioritized for 

resource value and restoration potential. The South Fork Coquille ranked as number 1 on the Forest for 

fisheries, water, and wildlife values.

Timber harvest cannot occur in Key Watersheds or Riparian Reserves unless watershed analysis is 

performed to characterize the aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial features within a watershed and to guide 

activities toward meeting Aquatic Conservation Strategy goals (NWFP ROD, page B-20, USFS, 1994). 

Outside of Inventoried Roadless Areas (RARE II) management direction is to reduce existing system and 

non-system road mileage. 

According to the Northwest Forest Plan, Basis for Standards and Guidelines (NWFP page B-19: Roadless 

Areas and Key Watersheds; third paragraph):

“The amount of existing system and non-system roads within Key Watersheds should be reduced

through decommissioning of roads. Road closures with gates or barriers do not qualify as

decommissioning or a reduction in road mileage. If funding is insufficient to implement reductions, 

there will be no net increase in the amount of roads in Key Watersheds. That is, for each mile of new 

road constructed, at least one mile of road should be decommissioned, and priority given to roads 

that pose the greatest risks to riparian and aquatic ecosystems.”

Also note under Summary of Aquatic Conservation Strategy for Key Watersheds, (bullet 4), NWFP Page 

B-19:

 “reduce existing system and nonsystem road mileage outside roadless areas. If funding is 

insufficient to implement reductions, there will be no net increase in the amount of roads in Key 

Watersheds.”

The situation for the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project therefore is; a portion of the Planning Area is 

within a Key Watershed; there are no roadless areas associated with this project, and under this Standard 

and Guideline, there is to be no net increase in the amount of roads. Note that this basis for this 

standard and guidelines is “amount of existing system and non-system roads” and not road density 

(usually expressed in miles/sq. mi.). Also note that this Standard and Guideline is applicable at the 

fifth-field scale (the area designated as Tier 1 Key Watershed (and not to any of the smaller subwatershed 

that comprise the larger fifth-field Key Watershed).
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

B. Road Decommissioning Road Bank

The term “Road Bank” is used by this project to reflect the accounting of road decommissioning versus 

new road constructed, as discussed in the NWFP, page B-19. As noted above, the primary relevant 

citation regarding road miles of new construction versus road decommissioning in Key Watershed is 

found in the Northwest Forest Plan, Basis for Standards and Guidelines (NWFP page B-19).

Within the South Fork Coquille Watershed, road decommissioning on the Powers Ranger District has 

been occurring since 1992 (prior to but in anticipation of the Northwest Forest Plan ROD of 1994). 

Insight from the Watershed Analysis and the FEMAT process helped the district to begin its road 

decommissioning process earlier than many other districts, which lead the district to begin serious 

decommissioning in 1992. Evidence was provided in DEIS Appendix I for the historical road 

decommissioning situation (Linderman letter to the Region, who was asking for that information at that 

time). The DEIS stated the miles of decommissioned roads within the South Fork Coquille Watershed 

have totaled approximately 61.1 miles (see DEIS Appendix I, Attachment B; File Code 7720-1 regarding 

Road Mileage changes in Key Watersheds, 1999). The basis of this disclosure was the amount of roads 

removed from lands allocated to other purposes than timber production, creating a “road bank”, that is, 

the current level of road mileage, through decommissioning, as well as any new construction, was less 

than the 1992 road mileage conditions. 

Based on public comment on the DEIS, and internal need for clarification, the situation regarding the 

“Road Bank” of decommissioned roads within the South Fork Coquille fifth-field watershed has been 

revisited in the FEIS. While the situation as assessed in 1999 remains valid and correct to the best of 

anyone’s knowledge, internal review has identified that the precise accounting of decommissioned road 

miles needs to begin with the issuance of the NWFP ROD, i.e., after April 13, 1994 (and not in 1992). In 

addition, there is a need to provide substantial evidence that supports the decommissioning action (i.e., 

NEPA decisions, contracts for work, etc.), and evidence that decommissioned roads qualify as restoring 

“hydrologic function”, thus meeting the NWFP definition of “decommission” Monitoring is needed to 

provide this evidence.

In the FEMAT Glossary (the basis of the NWFP), “Decommission” is defined as:

“To remove those elements of a road that reroute hillslope drainage and present slope stability hazards. 

Another term for this is “hydrologic obliteration.” Examples of the types of treatments that may assist in 

restoring watersheds (from FSH 7700) are as follows:

7734.1 – Decommissioning Treatments

Decommission a road by reestablishing vegetation and, if necessary, initiating restoration of 

ecological processes interrupted or adversely impacted by the unneeded road. Decommissioning 

includes applying various treatments, including one or more of the following: 

1. Reestablishing former drainage patterns, stabilizing slopes, and restoring vegetation;

2. Blocking the entrance to a road or installing water bars;

3. Removing culverts, reestablishing drainages, removing unstable fills, pulling back road 

shoulders, and scattering slash on the roadbed;

4. Completely eliminating the roadbed by restoring natural contours and slopes; and

5. Other methods designed to meet the specific conditions associated with the unneeded road.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

C. Analysis of Decommissioned Roads Post 1994

It is important to note the location/position of Eden Ridge Planning Area within the South Fork Coquille 

fifth-field Key Watershed and where the majority of past road decommissioning has occurred (see FEIS 

Map I-2, and Map C-1, FEIS Appendix C). Most of the road decommissioning has occurred within the 

Johnson Creek, Delta Creek, and Headwaters South fork Coquille (aka Wooden Rock Creek) 

subwatersheds, because that is where most of the Forest Service managed lands occur, and it is where a 

more extensive network of existing roads exists from the past (see Figure I-5, below). 

There are very few existing roads within the Eden Ridge Planning Area and within the Coal Creek 

subwatershed, and therefore minimal opportunities to decommission existing roads that are not needed for 

future management.

A 1998 Transportation and Road System Analysis (update to 1995 South Fork Coquille Watershed 

Analysis) listed a number of road segments that had been decommissioned starting in 1992 through 1998. 

That total was determined to be 45.39 miles. From that listing, 20.22 miles were determined to have been 

decommissioned post April 1994, the date of the NW Forest Plan. Note that decommissioned roads were 

counted if the restoration action occurred after April 1994, even if they were part of a NEPA decision 

prior to that. After a search of the local files it was determined that some type of record existed that 

indicated a decommissioning action had taken place on 19.37 miles. Also note that over 22 years has 

passed since many of the NEPA decisions and contract documentation was prepared that resulted in road 

decommissioning actions. That is a long time to informally retain district records, explaining why not all 

records could be located.

In addition to the decommissioning, new road construction had taken place on a variety of different 

Federal projects in the South Fork Coquille Watershed from April 1994 to present, totaling an estimated 

4.2 miles. The following table (Table I-11) summarizes decommissioned roads, for which records were 

located, that provide evidence that decommissioned roads qualify as restoring “hydrologic function”, thus 

meeting the NWFP definition of “decommission” Figure I-6 (below) shows the approximate location of 

decommissioned roads in relation to the South Fork Coquille Watershed and subwatersheds within, since 

1994.

Table I-11. Road Bank Summary of Miles “Decommissioned” since April 1994

Post April 1994 decommissioned road miles -19.37

New constructed roads miles Post April 1994 +4.20

Current “Road Bank” miles with documented 

decommissioning evidence

-15.17
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure I-6. South Fork Coquille Watershed - Decommissioned Roads Since 1994
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Implementation and Effectiveness Validation and Monitoring

In support of Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project, additional review and validation of records and 

monitoring, including field monitoring occurred in 2012 and 2013. This review was conducted by the 

Forest Hydrologist, Forest Soil Scientist, Powers Forester, and Powers Road Managers in order to 

confirm that contract actions were correctly applied, that the road was in fact decommissioned, and that 

actions were effective at restoring “hydrologic function”, thus meeting the NWFP definition of 

“decommission” 

Documentation is contained in the Project Record that documents findings by this review, for each road 

identified as decommissioned, as well as road summaries. This review confirmed the effectiveness of 

decommissioning and confirmed the quantity of miles of decommissioning for the “Road Bank” 

assessment. 

Documentation (including photo series of effectiveness monitoring) for selected decommissioned roads is 

contained in a May 15, 2013Monitoring Report – Monitoring of Roads Decommissioned in the South 

Fork Coquille since the Northwest Forest Plan in April, 1994 (Appendix I2). As noted in this report, it 

does not cover all roads that have a record of being decommissioned in the South Fork Coquille 

watershed. As monitoring continues, findings of other roads will be documented in similar follow-up 

reports.

The 2013 Monitoring Report determined that 10.9 miles of the roads assessed in the field were roads that 

had been properly decommissioned, and that their condition is meeting the intent of the Aquatic 

Conservation Strategy objectives in the Northwest Forest Plan. Table I-12 identifies these findings.

d. Road Bank Summary and Conclusion

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales project could construct up to 10.8 miles (under Alternative 2; Alternative 3 

is 4.45 miles) of new Classified (system) roads to current environmental standards, and be located on the 

landscape to minimize effects to the environment. Under Alternative 2, 9.09 miles of proposed new 

construction would occur within the South Fork Coquille Key Watershed.

Therefore, additional road construction under any Action Alternative could occur with no net increase in 

the miles of roads within a Key Watershed (see Table I-12.). This is due to the “Road Bank” of

decommissioned road miles, in compliance with this NWFP Standard and Guideline. Records indicated 

that approximately 15 miles of decommissioned road are contained within the South Fork Coquille Key 

Watershed. Filed monitoring has determined that nearly 11 miles were found to be properly 

decommissioned. 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Table I-12. Summary of Roads Monitored and found to be Properly Decommissioned

Road 

Number

Year 

Decommissioned 

Miles

Decommissioned

3347-020 1994/1996 -4.1

3347-140 1994/1996 -1.31

3347-144 1994/1996 -0.2

3358-160 1994/1996 -2.28

3300-510 1996 -1.75

5000-680 2000 -1.26

Total -10.9

Additional miles are also likely to be properly decommissioned; monitoring will continue and findings of 

other roads will be documented. The precise accounting of miles of decommissioned road compared to 

new Classified road construction would depend on the final decision for Eden Ridge Timber Sales 

Project.

This analysis has noted that there actually has been many more miles of roads that have been 

decommissioned in the South Fork Coquille Watershed since 1992, not all of which have been confirmed 

and/or accounted for. The Forest Service is not banking these road miles (see 2012 DEIS). Therefore, 

the actual quantify of miles of decommissioned roads across the landscape and within this watershed may 

actually be higher than summarized above. Natural decommissioning processes are also at work when 

roads become impassable. 
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

ATTACHMENT A

Example preliminary logging “paper plan”
SOUTH FORK COQUILLE ROAD DECOMMISSIONING MONITORING REPORT Page I2-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Appendix I 2

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Monitoring Report – Monitoring of Roads Decommissioned in the South Fork Coquille since 

the Northwest Forest Plan in April, 1994

May 15, 2013 Joni Brazier, Forest Soil Scientist

Chris Park, Forest Hydrologist

Background

The Eden Ridge Timber Sale is proposing new road construction in the South Fork Coquille watershed. 

The purpose of this monitoring report is to document how many miles of road have been effectively 

closed using appropriate decommissioning techniques in that watershed since the Northwest Forest 

Plan and of those miles, how many are meeting the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives as defined

in the Northwest Forest Plan Record of Decision. This report documents findings of office and field 

reviews of the following roads: 3347-020, 3347-140, 3347-144, 3358-160, 3300-510 and 5000-680.

This report does not cover all roads that have a record of being decommissioned in the South Fork 

Coquille watershed. As monitoring continues, findings of other roads will be documented in similar 

follow-up reports.

The Northwest Forest Plan Record of Decision, Standards and Guidelines states:

B-19 “there will be no net increase in the amount of roads in Key Watersheds. That is, for each mile of 

new road constructed, at least one mile of road should be decommissioned, and priority given to roads 

that pose the greatest risks to riparian and aquatic ecosystems.”

The South Fork Coquille is a Key Watershed. Multiple miles of road have been decommissioned in the 

watershed since April 1994. One of the main road decommissioning contracts, implemented in 1994 & 

1995, is the Johnson/Rock Creek Road Stabilization contract. In 1995, Mark Weinhold, District 

Hydrologist, field surveyed roads that were decommissioned under this contract, and wrote detailed 

monitoring reports. The roads he monitored included 3347-020, 3347-140, 3347-144, 3353-260, and 

3358-160, and his findings were similar in all of the roads. He concluded that the road decommissioning 

was inadequate with thousands of cubic yards of sediment remaining at road stream crossings that 

could fail and deliver to the stream channels. Weinhold recommended to the District Ranger at the 

time, Carl Linderman, that the roads be re-entered and properly decommissioned. His findings included:

 Fill at stream crossings were left with vertical banks and not laid back at a stable angle.

 Fill in swales left in place with their pipes. He noted the swales were filled in over seep channels and 

with culvert plugging as a candidate for a debris flow.

 Only the first section of the culvert was removed with fill pulled over the inlet of the second section.

 The contract plans called for the fill to be removed to the culvert. As a practice at the time these 

roads were constructed, several feet of fill were placed in the channel bottom and the culvert placed 

on top of that. When the stream crossings were decommissioned fill was removed to the culvert 

leaving several feet of fill in the channel bottom.
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Eden Ridge Timber Sales

In the engineering records at the Powers Ranger District there is a 1996 contract called South Fork 

Coquille Road Decommissioning (“Phase II”) to re-enter all of the roads addressed in the Weinhold 

monitoring and properly stabilize the stream crossings and address other deficiencies. No follow-up 

monitoring documentation could be found of the implementation of “Phase II”, or other 

decommissioned roads, showing that the stream crossing fills and culverts were properly removed, and 

therefore it could not be concluded that these roads were properly decommissioned, or that their 

condition is meeting the intent of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives in the Northwest Forest 

Plan. 

Follow-up Field Monitoring

To verify if decommissioned roads in “Phase II” utilized effective decommissioning techniques and that 

their condition is meeting the intent of the Aquatic Conservation Strategies in the Northwest Forest 

Plan, roads were field monitored in 2012 and 2013. To assess condition, the recently developed 

“National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on National Forest System Lands” 

technical guide was utilized. Using the monitoring protocol “After Road Decommissioning – Roads F”, a 

project specific monitoring form was developed (Attachment A). The roads were walked, field 

notes/pictures taken and the monitoring form completed. The monitoring team consisted of Joni 

Brazier, Forest Soil Scientist, Robin McAlpin, Road Manager, Wes Crum, District Forester and Don Kay, 

District Engineer. 

Roads that were field reviewed in the “Phase II” contract included 3347-020, 3347-140, 3347-144, and

3358-160. The same contractor did all of the roads and the field review findings were consistent 

between the roads. Treatment included culvert removal, fill removal, cross ditches, ripping, outsloping 

the roadbed, filling in of the ditch, earth barricades and seeding. Between 2,000 to 6,000 cubic yards of 

fill was removed with each road and the fill contoured in a stable area. 

Since the roads were decommissioned they have experienced three 50 year storm events and several 5 

to 10 year events. One 50 year event occurred the winter of 1996-1997 and two the winter of 2011-

2012. The roadbeds were found to be well vegetated with Douglas fir, alters, shrubs and grass. Most of 

the stream crossing fills and culverts were removed and the banks pulled back, they were stable and 

vegetated in. 

Three culverts at stream crossings on the 3347-020 road were found not to be fully removed. Of those, 

only one on a small stream had the potential to deliver 10 cubic yards. While the decommissioned 

stream crossings were stable, bank material cracking and movement of between 10 to 20 cubic yards 

were noted at a few of the stream crossings. This could slowly deliver over a period of time and is not 

considered an adverse risk to the stream channels and water quality. The concern is the potential for a 

large amount of material delivered all at once which was the condition prior to Phase II. To be 

conservative, the length of each affected segment is subtracted out of the total miles of 

decommissioned length for the 3347-020 road, resulting in a subtraction of 0.04 miles (200 feet).

In addition to the “Phase II” contract roads, road 3300-510 and 5000-680 were field monitored. 

Completed monitoring forms for all of the roads can be found in Attachment A.
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Following three 50 year events and several storms of magnitude, the field 2013 monitoring found no 

storm damage to the aquatic ecosystem from these decommissioned roads. No failures were noted that 

would have delivered a single mass of sediment to the stream channels causing adverse effects. Results 

of the field monitoring showed the completed decommissioning eliminated the risk of storm damage 

that could have occurred if the roads were not treated. 

Summary of Findings

Road Number Year 

Decommissioned Miles Decommissioned

3347-020 1994/1996 4.14 Yes: 4.10 mi.

3347-140 1994/1996 1.31 Yes

3347-144 1994/1996 0.2 Yes

3358-160 1994/1996 2.28 Yes

3300-510 1996 1.75 Yes

5000-680 2000 1.26 Yes

Total 10.94 10.9

Note: The location of these decommissioned roads is shown on Figure I-6 of FEIS Appendix I, 

Transportation and Logging Systems Report 
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ATTACHMENT A

Hydrology

Powers Road Decommissioning Appraisal for ER

Date: 4/24/2013 Reviewer(s): Joni Brazier, Wes Crum

Forest Service road number or road identifier: 3347020

Road Length: 4.28 mi. (4.14 mi. covered in the1994 road decommissioning contract).

Year Decommissioned: 1994 – Johnson/Rock Ck. Road Stabilization Contract; reworked in 1996 – South Fork Coquille Road 

Decommissioning (Phase II) Contract.

*Note that all Mile Posts (MPs) used are based on the 11/05/1990 Road Log mile posts*

What decommissioning treatments were prescribed (NEPA, Contract, etc.)?

Culvert removal, fill removal, cross ditches, ripping with winged rippers, seeding, fertilizing, outsloping the roadbed, earth barricade.

Drainage Crossings

Waterbody crossings present? 19 perennial, 4 ephemeral 

Number of crossings present in the entire length of the decommissioned road prior to decommissioning? __23____

Number of crossings treated or decommissioned in the entire length of road? ____21_________

Were the culverts removed? All drainage crossing culverts were pulled, save for 3 with details below:

One small perennial channel culvert (36” diameter) was only partially pulled (MP 1.48). The inlet section was pulled, but the second 

half was left, with some fill above the culvert removed to form a drainage dip. Culvert is currently functioning but if it were to plug, 

potential for roughly 10 cubic yards of fill to become mobilized with culvert failure (Photo 1). Approximately 25 feet of roadbed 

length affected.

One perennial channel culvert (48” diameter) was left (MP 1.93). The culvert is separated into two sections and is partially buried in 

the stream channel boulder/cobble substrate. Stream channel is vertically and laterally stable with no potential for storm damage 

(Photo 2).

One ephemeral culvert (18” diameter) was left (MP 3.14), which is located at the headwaters of a small drainage below a talus slope 

with shallow fill (2 to 3 feet), no erosion or deposition from running water. No risk of failure. This crossing was reviewed in 1995 

during effectiveness monitoring of the 1994 decommissioning work by M. Weinhold (district hydrologist/civil engineer), with same 

conclusion (Photo 3). Approximately 25 feet of roadbed length affected.

Was the fill removed and the natural stream channel reestablished? 

Of the remaining 21 drainages where culverts were removed, the majority of crossings are vertically and laterally stable or 

experiencing minor adjustments over time (for example, re-establishing step-pool morphology and/or minor lateral adjustments as 

meanders develop and the channel gets influenced by vegetation and woody debris), exhibiting the natural range of erosion and

deposition processes seen in these systems. (Examples Photos 4, 5).

The drainage crossing at MP 2.63 has a vertical, actively eroding fill cut bank on the right bank (looking downstream) roughly 25 feet 

high by 25 feet long that is being exacerbated by the channel forming a meander in this location due to boulders in the channel that 

have deflected flow into the bank. At the time of this review there was roughly 4 to 5 cubic yards of sediment deposited at the base 

of this cut bank. The natural channel above and below is a boulder/cobble dominated step-pool system. The channel downstream 

of the crossing at the time of this review was not inundated with finer sediment, indicating the stream has adequate flows to mobilize 

this material through the system during high flows. This fill slope will continue to erode over time until it reaches a stable angle of 

repose. (Photo 6). Approximately 100 feet of roadbed length affected.
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Ditches

Did the contract or plan include provisions for drainage patterns? Yes, including outsloping, cross ditch construction, and pull 

back of fill.

Were cross-drains removed? Not all cross-drains were removed; however, the ones that were left were not showing evidence of 

water flow. These cross-drains were typically located where natural drainage was re-established upslope from their location, cutting 

off their historic runoff flows.

What treatments were applied to dewater the ditch? Out sloping the road bed, pulling back fill and placing against the toe of the 

cutbank to fill in ditch and shape to out slope, and installation of cross ditches. (Examples Photos 8 – 11).

Road Entrance

Is entrance to the decommissioned road physically blocked? The entrance of the decommissioned road is blocked through 

removal of the bridge on Rock Creek, as well as an earthen berm past the Rock Creek stream crossing. There is evidence of a two 

track ATV trail fording Rock Creek during low flows and travelling up the decommissioned roadbed, over the earth berm, terminating 

at a mining claim access point at approx. MP 0.49. Appears to be a low level of use, with no erosion issues.

Decommissioning Treatments

Were the specifications relating to erosion control methods, decommissioning methods, operating schedules, channel 

stabilization, dewatering/control of turbidity, slope stabilization, drainage, road bed treatments, revegetation, and site 

access implemented fully?

Select one:

Yes / No (please see comments, below)

If No, which specifications were not implemented fully? Select all that apply

a. Erosion control methods

b. Decommissioning methods

c. Operating schedules

d. Channel stabilization

e. Dewatering/control of turbidity

f. Slope stabilization

g. Drainage patterns

h. Road bed treatments

i. Revegetation/vegetation establishment

j. Site access

Comments:

Three drainage culvert crossings were not removed as prescribed in the contracts; however, two of these crossings have no risk of 

erosion/deposition potential, and one, if it were to plug and fail, would mobilize only approximately 10 cubic yards of fill material. 

One crossing that did not have fill adequately pulled back is eroding material at a pace that is not overwhelming the stream’s ability 

to move the material through the system over time (based on observation of no excessive deposition in the natural channel below 

the crossing).

One section of road, between MP 2.68 and 2.72 was prescribed pull back of fill which was overall successful; however the pullback 

did not extend far enough, resulting in a short section of road exhibiting fill slumping now (roughly 50 feet), with low risk of reaching 

any live water. (Photo 7).

Despite these few locations where decommissioning treatments were not originally implemented fully, road 

decommissioning treatments on the 3347020 road have effectively greatly reduced the risk of road related failures and 

sedimentation, and have improved the condition of the riparian and aquatic resources in the area, and therefore is meeting 

Northwest Forest Plan Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives.
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Photo 1. MP 1.48 partially pulled culvert.

Photo 2. MP 1.93 culvert.

Photo 3. MP 3.14 culvert left.
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Photo 4. MP 0.67/0.68 decommissioned crossing at confluence of 2 stream forks.

Photo 5. MP 2.52 decommissioned crossing.

Photo 6. MP 2.63 crossing with actively eroding fill cut bank.
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Photo 7. MP 2.68 (approx.) fill pullback (foreground) with fill slumping where it wasn’t pulled back (background).

Photo 8. Example of a cross ditch.

Photo 9. Example of fill pull back.
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Photo 10. Example of pulling fill out of crossing and outsloping it on the upland roadbed, obliterating original road 

surface.

Photo 11. Example of fill pull back, placing drainage crossing fill on upland roadbed, and outsloping, 
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Hydrology

Powers Road Decommissioning Appraisal for ER

Date: 4/10/2013 Reviewer(s): Robin McAlpin

Forest Service road number or road identifier: 3347140

Road Length: 1.31 miles Year Decommissioned: 1994, reworked in 1996

What decommissioning treatments were prescribed (NEPA, Contract, etc.)?

Culvert removal, cross ditches, ripping with winged rippers, out sloping roadbed, earth barricade, seeding, removal of 4165 CY of 

material. 

1994 contact removed most of the culverts. 1996 contract removed fill material at 48” culverts.

Drainage Crossings

Waterbody crossings present? Live streams at 48” culvert sites

Number of crossings present in the entire length of the decommissioned road prior to decommissioning? ___20__

Number of crossings treated or decommissioned in the entire length of road? ______20_______

Were the culverts removed? Yes, with the exception of 2 -18 ditch relief culverts but the inlets were intentionally blocked

Was the fill removed and the natural stream channel reestablished? Yes 

Comments/Observations

Ditches

Did the contract or plan include provisions for drainage patterns? 

Yes, the ditches were filled and the road heavily out sloped in steeper areas.

Were cross-drains removed? 

Ditch relief culverts were removed with the exception of 2-18 inch culverts that had the inlets intentionally blocked. These culverts 

were not passing water, no signs of water at the outlets.

What treatments were applied to dewater the ditch? The roadbed was outsloped. 

The material from the outside shoulder was placed in the ditch.

Road Entrance

Is entrance to the decommissioned road physically blocked? Yes, with an earthen mound.
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Decommissioning Treatments

Were the specifications relating to erosion control methods, decommissioning methods, operating schedules, channel 

stabilization, dewatering/control of turbidity, slope stabilization, drainage, road bed treatments, revegetation, and site 

access implemented fully?

Select one:

Yes 

If No, which specifications were not implemented fully? Select all that apply

a. Erosion control methods

b. Decommissioning methods

c. Operating schedules

d. Channel stabilization

e. Dewatering/control of turbidity

f. Slope stabilization

g. Drainage patterns

h. Road bed treatments

i. Revegetation/vegetation establishment

j. Site access

Comments:

The roadbed for the most part has heavily stocked with 4’-6’Dougfir. 2 18-inch culverts remain in place, but the inlets were 

intentionally blocked, and no water has passed through the culverts. This project did not show any signs of soil movement or 

instability on the entire length. 

The 2 48-inch culverts at MP 0.66 and MP 1.02 have had the entire fills removed, have been sloped back and the slopes are 

stable. The 2 crossing had a channel width of running water 24” wide and depth of 6-8”. Neither site showed signs of erosion. 

Both sites had alder growth of approx. 6”d at ground height. See attached pictures.

Photo 1. Example of a removed ditch-relief culvert.
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Photo 2. Overview of one of the 48-inch culvert removals and fill pull back on a live stream, and revegetation of conifers 

on upland sections of decommissioned roadbed.

Photo 3. Channel and bank condition at one of the 48-inch culvert removal sites.

Photo 4. Channel and bank condition at the other 48-inch culvert removal site.
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Hydrology

Powers Road Decommissioning Appraisal for ER

Date: 4/10/2013 Reviewer(s): Robin McAlpin

Forest Service road number or road identifier: 3347144

Road Length: 0.2 miles Year Decommissioned: 1994

What decommissioning treatments were prescribed (NEPA, Contract, etc.)?

Outsloping roadbed, seeding, 

Drainage Crossings

Waterbody crossings present? none

Number of crossings present in the entire length of the decommissioned road prior to decommissioning? ___0__

Number of crossings treated or decommissioned in the entire length of road? ______0_______

Were the culverts removed? None existed 

Was the fill removed and the natural stream channel reestablished? N/A 

Comments/Observations

Ditches

Did the contract or plan include provisions for drainage patterns? 

Yes, the ditches were filled and the road was outsloped.

Were cross-drains removed? 

None existed

What treatments were applied to dewater the ditch? The roadbed was outsloped. 

The material from the outside shoulder was placed in the ditch.

Road Entrance

Is entrance to the decommissioned road physically blocked? Yes, with an earthen mound on 3347140
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Decommissioning Treatments

Were the specifications relating to erosion control methods, decommissioning methods, operating schedules, channel 

stabilization, dewatering/control of turbidity, slope stabilization, drainage, road bed treatments, revegetation, and site 

access implemented fully?

Select one:

Yes 

If No, which specifications were not implemented fully? Select all that apply

a. Erosion control methods

b. Decommissioning methods

c. Operating schedules

d. Channel stabilization

e. Dewatering/control of turbidity

f. Slope stabilization

g. Drainage patterns

h. Road bed treatments

i. Revegetation/vegetation establishment

j. Site access

Comments:

The roadbed for the most part has heavily stocked with 4’-6’Dougfir. No drainage structures existed in the original road. No 

signs of soil movement on project. No photo examples are attached.
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Hydrology

Powers Road Decommissioning Appraisal for ER

Date: 4/11/2013 Reviewer(s): Robin McAlpin

Forest Service road number or road identifier: 3358160

Road Length: 2.28 miles Year Decommissioned: 1996

What decommissioning treatments were prescribed (NEPA, Contract, etc.)?

Culvert removal, cross ditches, earth barricade, seeding, removal of approx.. 2600 CY of material.

Drainage Crossings

Waterbody crossings present? Live stream at 2 culvert removal sites

Number of crossings present in the entire length of the decommissioned road prior to decommissioning? ___8__

Number of crossings treated or decommissioned in the entire length of road? ______5_______

Were the culverts removed? Yes, with the exception of 3 -18 ditch relief culverts.

Was the fill removed and the natural stream channel reestablished? Yes 

Comments/Observations

8 culverts is an estimate based on what was found during this review.

Ditches

Did the contract or plan include provisions for drainage patterns?

The plans do not specifically require the ditches to be filled in, nor am I able to determine if a ditch was originally constructed. 

Currently the ditches do not exist, either they have sloughed in from the steep cut slopes or they were filled in by decommissioning, 

Can’t tell for sure. 

Were cross-drains removed?

C Ditch relief culverts were removed with the exception of 3-18 inch culverts that had the inlets intentionally blocked. These culverts 

were not passing water, no signs of water at the outlets.

What treatments were applied to dewater the ditch?

The ditches no longer exist, if they ever did.

Road Entrance

Is entrance to the decommissioned road physically blocked? Yes, with an earthen mound.
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Decommissioning Treatments

Were the specifications relating to erosion control methods, decommissioning methods, operating schedules, channel 

stabilization, dewatering/control of turbidity, slope stabilization, drainage, road bed treatments, revegetation, and site 

access implemented fully?

Select one:

Yes 

If No, which specifications were not implemented fully? Select all that apply

a. Erosion control methods

b. Decommissioning methods

c. Operating schedules

d. Channel stabilization

e. Dewatering/control of turbidity

f. Slope stabilization

g. Drainage patterns

h. Road bed treatments

i. Revegetation/vegetation establishment

j. Site access

Comments:

The roadbed for the most part is revegetating itself with fir and alder. 3 18-inch culverts remain in place, but are not function. 

The 2 larger excavations are stable and are running water today. Neither site showed signs of erosion. Both sites had alder 

growth of approx. 6”d at ground height. See attached pictures.

Photo 1. Example of outsloped, decommissioned roadbed and revegetation.
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Photo 2. Example of fill slope pull-back, with a removed ditch-relief culvert in background.

Photo 3. Channel and bank condition at one of the 2 larger culvert fill excavation sites.

Photo 4. Channel and bank condition at the other larger culvert fill excavation site.
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Hydrology

Powers Road Decommissioning Appraisal for ER

Date: 3/2013 Reviewer(s): Wes Crum

Forest Service road number or road identifier: 3300510

Road Length: 1.75 miles Year Decommissioned: 1996

What decommissioning treatments were prescribed (NEPA, Contract, etc.)?

Culvert removal, cross ditches, earth barricade, seeding, removal of 2980 CY of material.

Drainage Crossings

Waterbody crossings present? Live stream at 60” and 48” culvert sites

Number of crossings present in the entire length of the decommissioned road prior to decommissioning? ___14__

Number of crossings treated or decommissioned in the entire length of road? ______11_______

Were the culverts removed? Yes, with the exception of 3 -18 ditch relief culverts.

Was the fill removed and the natural stream channel reestablished? Yes 

Comments/Observations

14 culverts is an estimate based on what was found during this review.

Ditches

Did the contract or plan include provisions for drainage patterns?

Yes, water bars. 

Were cross-drains removed?

Ditch relief culverts were removed with the exception of 3-18 inch culverts.

What treatments were applied to dewater the ditch?

In the pull back or culvert removal areas, the ditches were filled in using that material. In the remaining areas, the ditches remained 

intact but did not evidence of running water for the entire length.

Road Entrance

Is entrance to the decommissioned road physically blocked? Yes, with an earthen mound.
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Decommissioning Treatments

Were the specifications relating to erosion control methods, decommissioning methods, operating schedules, channel 

stabilization, dewatering/control of turbidity, slope stabilization, drainage, road bed treatments, revegetation, and site 

access implemented fully?

Select one:

Yes 

If No, which specifications were not implemented fully? Select all that apply

a. Erosion control methods

b. Decommissioning methods

c. Operating schedules

d. Channel stabilization

e. Dewatering/control of turbidity

f. Slope stabilization

g. Drainage patterns

h. Road bed treatments

i. Revegetation/vegetation establishment

j. Site access

Comments:

The roadbed for the most part is revegetating itself with fir and alder. 3 18-inch culverts remain in place, but are not function. 

The 60-inch and 48-inch culverts at MP 0.84 and MP 1.55 have had fills removed, have been sloped back and the slopes are 

stable. The 2 crossing had a channel with running water. Neither site showed signs of erosion. Both sites had alder growth of 

approx. 6”d at ground height. See attached pictures.

Photo 1. Stream crossing at MP 0.84.
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Photo 2. Stream crossing at MP 0.84.

Photo 3. Stream crossing at MP 1.55.

Photo 4. Stream crossing at MP 1.55.
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Hydrology

Powers Road Decommissioning Appraisal for ER

Date: 4/2013 Reviewer(s): Don Kay

Forest Service road number or road identifier: 5000680

Road Length: 1.26 miles Year Decommissioned: 2000

What decommissioning treatments were prescribed (NEPA, Contract, etc.)?

Earthen barricade, Culvert removal, Reform of stream channels, construction of Waterbars. 

Drainage Crossings

Waterbody crossings present? Yes

Number of crossings present in the entire length of the decommissioned road prior to decommissioning? ____5_________

Number of crossings treated or decommissioned in the entire length of road? ____5_________

Were the culverts removed? Yes

Was the fill removed and the natural stream channel reestablished? Yes

Comments/Observations

Old slope failure @ MP 0.65.

Ditches

Did the contract or plan include provisions for drainage patterns? Yes

Were cross-drains removed? Yes

What treatments were applied to dewater the ditch? Excavated fill placed against cutbank, waterbars put in place.

Road Entrance

Is entrance to the decommissioned road physically blocked? Yes. Earthen mound.

Decommissioning Treatments

Were the specifications relating to erosion control methods, decommissioning methods, operating schedules, channel 

stabilization, dewatering/control of turbidity, slope stabilization, drainage, road bed treatments, revegetation, and site 

access implemented fully?

Select one:

Yes 

If No, which specifications were not implemented fully? Select all that apply

a. Erosion control methods

b. Decommissioning methods

c. Operating schedules

d. Channel stabilization

e. Dewatering/control of turbidity

f. Slope stabilization

g. Drainage patterns

h. Road bed treatments

i. Revegetation/vegetation establishment

j. Site access
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Comments:

The roadbed is re-vegetating with fir and alder. Moss and Salal have covered approximately 90% of the road surface. There is 

no evidence of defined water channeling in the roadway. 

Photo 1. Berm at beginning of road.

Photo 2. Culvert removal at stream crossing. 

Photo 3. Culvert removal at stream crossing.
APPENDIX J

HERITAGE RESOURCES

Appendix J – Heritage Report (Revised) Page J-1

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Specialist Report, Heritage Resources

Eden Ridge Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Prepared by: Draft: August 2011

KRISTEN HAUGE, Archaeologist Revised; Final EIS: November 2013

SUMMARY

The Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project (all Action Alternatives) would have an adverse effect on 

the Smith-Powers Logging Railroad system, a historic property eligible to the National Register of 

Historic Places under criteria A, C and D. 

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been completed documenting mitigation measures 

agreed upon through consultation with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) 

under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). A Notification of Adverse Effect was also 

submitted to the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation (ACHP) to allow their participation. 

Government-to-government consultation was conducted with the Coquille Indian Tribe (CIT), the 

federally recognized tribe identified as having aboriginal ties to the Planning Area. No comments 

were received. 

I. Introduction

A. Analysis Methods

The analysis methods used for cultural resources consist of a review and synthesis of all pertinent 

literature, records, and documentation available on the history and prehistory of the project and 

surrounding areas, and generally bounded by the Planning Area. This information includes not 

only that available from a variety of generalized sources, but also that information resulting from 

several years’ worth of Forest Service heritage resource inventories conducted within and 

adjacent to the Planning Area, as well as any information that might be received through 

consultation with the Tribe. The information on the results of these previous inventories and 

previously documented cultural resources also allows some idea of the type, frequency and 

location of cultural resources likely to be found within the Planning Area.

This synthesis of past data is then used during field inventories conducted of the proposed 

activities’ areas of potential effect (APE) and adjacent areas of high site probability. Information 

from past inventories may be used to cover a current APE if upon review it meets current 

inventory standards. Additional inventory is then conducted of the APE in areas where no 

previous inventory was conducted, where previous inventory was not adequate or around known 

sites to relocate and verify their location.

When no cultural resources are located within the project’s area of potential effect or when the 

project meets specific terms, the project may proceed under the terms of the Programmatic 

Agreement among the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Pacific Northwest 

Region (Region 6), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Oregon State Historical 

Preservation Officer Regarding Cultural Resource Management in the State of Oregon by the 

USDA Forest Service (R6 PA), 2004. Should survey results locate cultural sites or indicate 

adverse effects, this agreement requires full case-by-case consultation with SHPO under Section 

106 of the NHPA.
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Under case-by-case consultation, once field inventory is complete, identified cultural resources 

within the project’s APE are analyzed to determine their eligibility to the National Register of 

Historic Places (NRHP) as historic properties. This analysis may also consider whether individual 

features are contributing or non-contributing to the eligibility for large or multi-featured sites. For 

those sites considered eligible, the potential effects of the project on that historic property are 

analyzed. Where adverse effects may occur to a historic property, measures are designed to 

mitigate these effects. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is consulted for 

concurrence on each of these three steps. The consultation on all three steps is usually 

conducted simultaneously. Federally-recognized tribes are included in these consultations where 

Native American sites are involved.

B. Measurement Indicators

The measurement indicators for cultural resources are the effects to historic properties. These 

effects may be beneficial or adverse. Beneficial effects could include stabilizing a historic 

property such as controlling erosion through an archaeological site, restoring and maintaining a 

historic building, or reducing fuel concentrations around a historic property to reduce the potential 

for a wildfire to impact it. As management actions beneficial effects are designed and agreed 

upon through consultation conducted under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 

(NHPA) with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO).

Adverse effects are impacts to the integrity of the property, destroying a portion or all of the 

historic property and the information that it could yield, or destroying characteristic features or 

integrity of the historic property. A direct adverse impact occurs during the activity itself, such as 

when a road is built through a historic property and the construction process destroys the site. An 

indirect adverse impact can occur as a side effect of the activity or after the activity is complete, 

such as runoff from a road that eventually erodes a historic property adjacent to it. In some cases 

where a beneficial action is possible, a no action determination that does not implement the 

beneficial action could be adverse if it allows greater degradation or deterioration of the historic 

property.

C. Regulatory Framework

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires federal agencies, such as 

the Forest Service, to take into account the effects of their actions, or undertakings, on historic or 

archaeological properties. This act also establishes the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation 

(ACHP) as the oversight agency which consults with federal agencies to review undertakings 

which have the potential to affect significant historic properties, although generally, this 

consultation and review capacity is delegated to State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO). The 

NHPA also provides for Native American groups to be included in consultations where prehistoric 

sites are involved.

Project area inventories and consultation under Section 106 of the NHPA must be completed prior 

to project implementation. In some cases the consultation process has been streamlined or 

by-passed by agreement to facilitate project completion when certain conditions are met. 

Generally, these conditions include adequate inventories where no sites are located in a project's 

area of potential effect (APE), or particular site and project types which have recurring similar 

impacts which have allowed predetermined mitigation measures to be developed by agreement 

with SHPO, or projects with a low likelihood to impact historic properties. Documentation under 

these agreements is submitted to the SHPO in an annual report, and may or may not be 

submitted prior to project implementation. Section VII below includes a list of such agreements 

which affect the consultation process for projects on the Gold Beach and Powers Ranger 

Districts. 
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Both NHPA and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) prohibit the disclosure of 

the nature and location of cultural resource sites where a likelihood of harm to the sites could 

occur through disclosure. The intent of this prohibition is to protect sites from vandalism and 

looting, and to retain confidentiality of sites culturally significant to American Indian Tribes. ARPA

also establishes civil and criminal penalties for individuals removing or damaging archaeological 

resources on federal lands.

The Land and Resource Management Plan for the Siskiyou National Forest (USFS, 1989) 

requires compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for areas where 

the commercial removal of timber is proposed.

Any cultural resource survey has the potential for missing unique and/or significant sites. 

Avoidance or mitigation of effects will be implemented under expedited consultation with Indian 

tribes, SHPO and ACHP (as provided for under 36 CFR 800.111) for any new site discovered 

during the course of project activities.

Other laws and regulations relevant to cultural resource management are briefly described in 

section VI below. 

D. Tribal Regulatory Framework

The Forest Service has a government-to-government responsibility to all federally-recognized 

Tribes. In addition, American Indian Tribes are afforded consideration under the National Historic 

Preservation Act (Section 2), NEPA, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act 

(NAGPRA), and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) among other Executive 

orders and policy. Federal guidelines direct Federal agencies to consult with modern American 

Indian tribal representatives who may have concerns regarding Federal actions that may affect 

religious practices, and other traditional cultural uses, as well as cultural resource sites and 

remains associated with American Indian heritage. Federally-recognized Tribes whose aboriginal 

territory falls within a project area are afforded the opportunity to voice concerns for issues 

governed by NHPA, NAGPRA, or AIRFA.

The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) protects the “inherent right of the freedom to 

believe, express, and exercise their traditional religions” (P.L. 95-442, 92 Stat. 1065; 7 U.S.C. 

2269). 

The forest has identified the Coquille Indian Tribe as having general concerns about the 

management of activities within the Planning Area. These concerns include, but are not limited 

to, access to sites, use and possession of sacred objects, and the freedom to practice sacred 

worship ceremonies.

II. Land Use of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

The history and prehistory of the Siskiyou National Forest is treated in the Cultural Resource 

Overview of the Siskiyou National Forest (Beckham, 1978). 

The archeological record attests to a continuous human occupation of southwest Oregon for the 

last nine thousand years. At the time of Euroamerican contact the Native American groups either 

inhabiting or using the general vicinity were the Upper Coquille. 
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-4

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The history of these Athabascan speaking peoples is unclear, but it is theorized that successive 

waves of Athabaskan speakers with slightly different cultural adaptations immigrated into 

southwest Oregon over time. Several independent groups, speaking different dialects, inhabited 

much of southwestern Oregon from the beaches to the upland forests. 

The year 1856 marked the sunset of the era of Native American dominance in the area. This year 

marked the conclusion of the Rogue Indian Wars. Following the wars the remaining aboriginal 

population was removed to the Grande Ronde or Siletz reservations. Some individuals escaped 

relocation or were allowed to return to their homelands, mainly because of intermarriage with the 

white settlers. Some of these people or their families received land claims (Indian Allotments) in 

the area after the passage of the Dawes Act.

Some of the first European settlers in the area were miners attracted to the region during the gold 

rush era of the mid-1800's. In southwest Oregon gold was first discovered on the coast at places 

like Gold Beach (named for the gold rich, black sand deposits found there) and later in the Rogue 

River. Large mining districts were established within what would become the Kalmiopsis 

Wilderness and along the Rogue, Chetco and Illinois Rivers and their tributaries. Mining activities 

and its impacts on the land have had major and long lasting effects on the surrounding 

environment. 

Following the miners were the early settlers, farming in the flat lands along the rivers and creeks, 

and grazing cattle and sheep in the surrounding hills. These early settlers adopted a lifestyle 

characterized as a "subsistence living economy" in which the people lived off the land, using the 

abundant natural resources to supplement what they grew on small agricultural plots, in a manner 

similar to earlier aboriginal inhabitants, but with the addition of farming and modern technology 

(Beckham, 1979).

These pioneers brought along with them a few cattle for their milk, hides and flesh and introduced 

the effects of grazing to the watersheds. These emigrants and their descendants would scatter 

throughout the surrounding canyons planting fruit trees, thereby introducing new species, building 

trails, often over older aboriginal routes, and harvesting timber for cabins, firewood and many 

other uses.

With the establishment of the Siskiyou National Forest various trails, lookouts, camps and 

telephone lines were constructed during the first three decades of this Forests history. The 

creation of the Forest Reserve signaled an end to the assault on the public domain by timber 

speculators, land fraud experts, mill owners and dishonest politicians (Beckham, 1978).

Local histories exist in the form of family journals, manuscripts and photo collections. Oral 

histories, often compiled later in time, are also an invaluable source of information. After 

settlements became well established, the history of the area is better documented in the form of 

newspaper articles, tax, land ownership and mining records, religious, birth, death and marriage 

records.

A. Eden Ridge Tract

The Eden Ridge Tract has a unique history within Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lands. 

Originally included in the C.A. Smith Lumber and Manufacturing Company holdings, Eden Ridge 

played a role in the extensive logging history and economic development of Coos Bay and the 

surrounding county. 
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-5

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

From the early days of Coos County, the area has been relatively isolated from the rest of Oregon 

by the steep range of coastal mountains. Coos Bay, a natual harbor, provided access to the 

rapidly expanding markets in California through the ports of the San Francisco Bay. While coal 

from nearby coal mines was an early export and economic driver of the area, by the turn of the 

century the virgin forests of the area were drawing interest and would become the economic 

driver that would shape the growth and fuel the industry of the county for most of the next century. 

Figure J-1: Vicinity Map

As the timber of the east coast was logged out, the immense industrial enterprise that had been 

built there began to seek other sources of timber and the virgin forests of Coos County were 

enticing, drawing the attention of such leaders of the timber industry as Weyerheuser, Menasha 

and C. A. Smith. By the early 1900s, these men and their companies began acquiring 

timberlands in often fraudulent transactions, locking up thousands of acres in corporate 

ownership. 

The effects of these companies would shape the fortunes of the counties where they operated, 

providing good employment and development while they were booming, followed by lean times as 

the forests were liquidated and the companies moved on. 
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-6

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The early settlements in the Coos Bay region were founded in the 1850s. While the area was 

relatively isolated from the rest of the state, internally, numerous small rail lines were constructed 

to transport the timber and coal to the sea port at Coos Bay where it could be shipped to markets. 

The longest and best known of the rail lines was the Coos Bay, Roseburg and Eastern Railroad 

and Navigation Company which was constructed between Myrtle Point and Marshfield (later 

renamed Coos Bay) by 1893. With its aspirations in its name, this 28 mile stretch of railroad 

linked to the Beaver Hill coal mines along with some of the virgin stands of Douglas-fir and 

Port-Orford-cedar. While most of the smaller lines were eventually abandoned, this 28 mile line 

was purchased by the Southern Pacific in 1906 when they announced intentions to build a 

railroad from Eugene to Coos Bay. Although these plans were finally realized 10 years later when 

the Willamette Pacific Railroad was completed from Eugene to Coos Bay (Robbins, 2006:, it was 

the stretch between Myrtle Point and Coos Bay that would play a role in the logging at Eden 

Ridge.

The C. A. Smith ‘System’

Born in Sweden in 1852, Charles Axel Smith came to the United States in 1867. Educated in 

Minnesota, it was there he would make the contacts that brought him into the timber industry. His 

logging entrepreneurship helped him build a successful timber operation in Minnesota, at one 

time running the largest mill manufacturing white pine in Minneapolis. As the timber of the 

northeast was depleted, he began acquiring timberlands in the Coos Bay area and he would bring 

with him the contacts and entrepreneurship that would allow him to build a business in Coos Bay 

that would be the largest employer in the area for over half a century. 

The head of Smith’s west coast operations was the C.A. Smith Lumber and Manufacturing 

Company. This company was supported by several subsidiary companies and by 1911 was 

described as a ‘system’ where different operations were carried out under separate branches of 

the organization (American Lumberman, 11 November 1911: 62). Even under foreclosure in 

1922, ‘the entirety of the property, its raw material, transportation, mills and distribution systems, 

as a living organization’ (American Lumberman, 4 February 1922: 59) was seen as contributing 

to the value of a company that continued to produce under market lows.

Based in Marshfield, Oregon, the company reached into the nearby woods as well as through the 

shipping lanes to Bay Point, California. The mill built, between 1906 and 1908, brought the 

company fame as the most modern and largest electric mill in the world. The mill began operation 

in 1907, and between 1907 and 1911, the output of the company expanded from 25 MMBF to an 

estimated 150 MMBF (American Lumberman, 11 November 1911: 62), and over the next 10 

years would reach as much as 180 MMBF per year (The Timberman, August 1918: 35; American 

Lumberman, 4 February 1922: 59). By 1912, as the company had run through their nearby timber 

holdings, the logging operations run by the Smith Powers Logging Company would need to 

expand the rail from Myrtle Point to new timber holdings up to fifty miles from Marshfield, and up to 

3,000’ in elevation. 

Among the many experienced lumbermen Smith had drawn after him to Oregon was an 

experienced lumberman and railroad logger from Minnesota named Albert Powers. He was the 

man chosen by Smith to run the woods side of the operations providing the logs to the mills and 

markets that Smith directed. Under the direction of Al Powers, the Smith Powers Logging 

Company extended the Southern Pacific Rail line from Myrtle Point up the Coquille River towards 

the community that would be named after him, Powers. The line to Powers, completed in 1915, 

would continue to be extended into the nearby creeks and Eden Ridge which together held over 

10 billion feet of timber, and would provide the raw material for one of the largest railroad logging 

operations of its time. 
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-7

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

By 1918, Albert Powers was known as a man who ‘delivered the goods’ using all available 

technologies as well as creating new solutions to get the timber off of near vertical slopes typical 

of the country, to the mill (The Timberman, 1918: pg 33). The terrain he logged was “a sort of 

moving picture panorama of rock, sand and trees. The sliding ground was pretty hard on his 

trestles but he lashed them with wire rope to the stumps on the side hills above and held them“ 

(The Timberman, 1918: pg 33). The company was logging up to 180 million feet a year (The 

Timberman, 1918: pg 35), bringing employment to the area, and making Powers “a modern little 

city of some 1700 inhabitants” (The Timberman, 1918: pg 33). 

Constructed between 1916 and 1924, much of the rail line Powers constructed was characterized 

by log trestles which could provide a relatively straight and level rail way without the expense of 

excavating the railroad grades, although in some sections the cost was $50,000 per mile (The 

Timberman, 1918: pg 34). The Eden Ridge line required five switchbacks to ascend to 3400 feet 

in the 15 miles from Powers and was purported to access six to seven billion feet of timber (The 

Timberman, 1918: pg 34). 

Another main line ran up Salmon Creek and required two tunnels and five switchbacks to gain 

some 600 feet in elevation in the seven miles from the town of Powers. The rail line was 

purported to access about four billion feet of timber (The Timberman, 1918: pg 33). While logging 

would continue on Eden Ridge for over two decades, in 1928 the Salmon Creek railroad along 

with timber lands in the Sixes River was sold to the Port Orford Cedar Products Company of Coos 

Bay. 

During the war years, the prices of logs rose, and army men were deployed to aid in the extraction 

of timber used in planes and ships used in the war effort. In 1918, 182 soldiers were among the 

800 men employed by the Smith-Powers company (The Timberman, 1918: pg 35). The soldiers 

worked alongside their civilian fellows, in plain dress and were relieved of the duty of saluting 

during the logging work although they did have separate sleeping quarters. The soldiers along 

with the Loyal Legion of Loggers were seen as beneficial in forestalling the rise of the I.W.W 

efforts (The Timberman, 1918: pg 35) which were affecting so many of the camps.

Camp 2 was in operation just within the current Eden Ridge project area by 1919. Camps were 

supported by a train of five construction cars to house and feed the crews (The Timberman, 1918: 

pg 35). Two of the cars were sleeping quarters, with a mess hall car, the kitchen and cook’s 

quarters in a fourth car, and the heating unit and shower facility made up the last car. 

The camps moved with the operations of logging and by 1936, a second camp at Doe Swamp 

was in operation with a capacity of 400 men. This camp was run until 1941 when the Coal Creek 

Camp took over near the switchbacks and operated until the mid 1950s when it was relinquished 

to the Forest Service by Georgia Pacific. As the logging operations drew to a close, many of the 

rails were salvaged for use elsewhere.
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-8

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Figure J-2: Map of the Southern Pacific Line and Smith-Powers 

Logging Railroads
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-9

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The Coos Bay Lumber Company

While the rail lines were being built and the logs were being cut, Smith was going through financial 

difficulties. The low timber prices of the glutted market in 1914 proved the previous expansion of 

Smith’s business interests to be ill-timed, and he lost control of his companies to a liquidating 

committee and over the next eight years the organization of the company would be restructured 

until the final foreclosure in 1922. Smith would be reinstated as President under the direction of 

the executive committee of the newly renamed Pacific States Lumber Company (American 

Lumberman, 4 February, 1922: 58) and the Coos Bay and Powers operations would continue as 

the Coos Bay Lumber Company. Smith would die just three years later in 1925. 

While the economic struggles of the parent C.A. Smith Lumber and Manufacturing Company 

affected the organization and name of the company, the effects on the ground were slow to come, 

and some were mostly unnoticed (Stevens, N.D.). Albert Powers remained at the helm of the 

logging operations until 1926, when his son Fred Powers took on the reins to the consternation of 

the men who looked to ‘Uncle’ Al Powers for leadership. Despite the uncertainty of such 

restructuring, the company continued to produce the logs supplying the mills of the Coos Bay 

Lumber Company, and it was noted that even in the low production year of 1920, the men out of 

Powers continued to produce at respectable rates. 

From the time the mill began operations in Coos Bay in 1908, through the C.A. Smith Lumber and 

Manufacturing Company’s reorganization as the Coos Bay Lumber Company, this company and 

its subsidiaries, was the largest employer in the county. Its holdings of Port- Orford-cedar were 

considered to be over half of the stumpage in existence (American Lumberman, 4 February, 

1922: 58). The legacy would continue after they sold to Georgia Pacific in 1956 until they were 

displaced as the largest employer by Weyerhaeuser in the 1970s. 

Profiles

Charles Axel Smith: 

Charles Axel Smith was born 1852 in Sweden, came to the US in 1867 and died in 1925 after 

building large lumber industries in two states. Educated in Minnesota, he entered the lumber 

trade there building his first lumber business as the largest white pine manufacturer in 

Minneapolis. 

Albert Powers: 

Albert Powers was born on a farm in Ontario, Canada in 1861, and died in 1930. ‘Uncle’ Al 

Powers was a man known to ‘deliver the goods’ managing camps, rails, and loggers to supply the 

nearly 500,000 board feet of timber a day which the mills in Coos Bay processed. 

The C.A. Smith Lumber and Manufacturing Company: 

Based in Marshfield, Oregon, the C.A. Smith Lumber and Manufacturing Company was the main 

company of C.A. Smith’s lumber system. The centerpiece of the company was the mill built 

between 1906 and 1908 in Marshfield that was the largest electric mill of its time. 

Low lumber prices in 1914 would force CA Smith from the helm as the company went through 

foreclosure. In 1922 the company would reemerge as the Pacific States Lumber Company with 

the Coos Bay operations run by the Coos Bay Lumber Company. 

Smith-Powers Logging Company:

This logging and railroad side of the C.A. Smith Lumber and Manufacturing Company was run by 

Albert Powers, an experienced Minnesota logger. 
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-10

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Coos Bay – Marshfield: 

Early settlements around Coos Bay included Empire, Marshfield and North Bend. Settled in the 

1850s, the nearby coal and virgin forests helped drive early development in the area. Marshfield 

became the center of C.A. Smith’s logging interests after the turn-of-the-century and he built the 

largest electric mill of its time to manufacture lumber from the nearby forests. Renamed Coos Bay 

in 1944, the timber industry would remain an economic mainstay of the region until its collapse in 

the 1980s. 

Powers – Rural – Wagner’s Ranch – North Carolina Settlement: 

Established in 1873 by settlers coming from North Carolina, Rural, as its 1890 post office was 

named, was a homesteading settlement for the first several decades of its existence (Peterson 

and Powers, 1977 [1952], pg 126). The coming of the Smith-Powers Logging Company railroad 

marked the heyday of the newly renamed community of ‘Powers’, and by 1918 the population of 

the community was reported as 1,700 (The Timberman, pg. 33). The town of Powers prospered 

for many years along with the logging of the surrounding forests. The slowing of logging has 

impacted the community which is now listed with a population of 723 (in 2009 from 

http://www.city-data.com/city/Powers-Oregon.html 14 December 2011).

The Siskiyou National Forest – the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest: 

The Siskiyou National Forest was established on October 5th in 1906 by proclamation and 

acquired all of the Coquille National Forest (established by Public Proclamation in 1907) in 1908. 

At that time it did not include the lands known as the Eden Ridge Tract that comprise this project 

area. During the Depression, many northwest timber owners would abandon cutover lands to 

reduce their tax burden. Instead of abandoning their lands to the county, in 1933 the Coos Bay 

Lumber Company proposed to convey their lands to the Forest Service. In return the Forest 

would extend their boundaries, and thereby fire protection, to the adjacent lumber company lands. 

This agreement was made into Public Law 131 passed by Congress withdrawing the entirety of 

T31S R10 and 11W into the Siskiyou National Forest on June 10, 1935. The lands within the 

current Eden Ridge project area were relinquished to the Siskiyou National Forest between 1938 

and 1941, but no other lands were conveyed to the forest under this agreement 1958 PLO 1610 

revoked the earlier law and the northern Siskiyou National Forest boundary was returned to its 

earlier location with the exception of the Eden Ridge Tract. 

III. Overview

A. Cultural Resource Surveys and Sites

Past inventories and site reports are on file at the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Medford, 

Oregon and in the appropriate district offices. These reports potentially contain information on the 

nature and location of archaeological or historic sites which is confidential in nature and may not 

be available under the Freedom of Information Act (FSH 6209.13 11.22). The purpose of this 

exemption is to protect sites from harm, and to retain the confidentiality of sites culturally 

significant to American Indian tribes. 

Past cultural work within the Eden Ridge area includes three project inventories which recorded 

some of the remains from the Eden Ridge railroad logging activities. The sites recorded were 

described as highly degraded by ongoing use, fire, logging and natural deterioration, and were 

found not eligible to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These surveys did not 

record the entire rail system within the Eden Ridge Tract, and were conducted when the whole 

system was not yet 50 years old, the standard age at which sites are analyzed for eligibility to the 

National Register of Historic Places as historic properties.
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-11

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

The current inventory documented the entire Smith-Powers logging railroad at Eden Ridge as a 

system including over eighteen miles of railroad grade, camps, day-use activity areas, and skid 

trails. Taken altogether as a railroad logging system, the Smith-Powers Logging Railroad was 

found to convey the historic activities that occurred at Eden Ridge. The site is eligible to the 

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) because of its association with the early logging of 

the Pacific Northwest as it influenced the development of Coos Bay and the nearby town of 

Powers (Criterion A). In addition, certain features within the system may also be eligible under

Criterion C and D of the NRHP (36 CFR 60.4). 

 Criterion A considers a site’s association with events that have made a significant 

contribution to the broad pattern of our history. The whole railroad logging system is related 

to the early logging and economic development of the Pacific Northwest and Coos Bay. 

 Criterion C considers how a site might embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, 

period, or method of construction. This applies to many of the railroad features that exhibit 

engineering techniques specific to railroads and historic logging methods such as railroad 

grades and skid trails with donkey sets.

 Criterion D considers sites that have or may be likely to yield information important in history 

or prehistory. This applies to many of the camps and day-use activity areas which could yield 

further information about the daily lives of the loggers and the technologies being used to 

build the logging system.

While the Smith-Powers Logging Railroad system is considered eligible, the integrity of individual 

features is also taken into consideration. During the site recordation process of the Smith-Powers 

Logging Railroad, each recorded feature was rated for its integrity and ability to convey the 

historic activities in the Eden Ridge Tract. Those considered to have integrity, are considered 

contributing features. Features that lack integrity, by either past impacts or natural deterioration, 

were found non-contributing. While both contributing and non-contributing features are a part of 

the site, the effects analysis could yield different determinations for each given the same impact. 

Effects to contributing features would require mitigation measures, while effects to 

non-contributing features may not.

Of the over eighteen miles of railroad grade that ran through the Eden Ridge tract, about ten have 

already been converted to classified roads. These roads largely run in the old railroad grades 

following the original grades and curvature of the railroad, with some detours around former 

trestles and draws. Many of the other railroad-specific features of these grades have been altered 

or destroyed by road maintenance activities, but taken as a whole, these roads still convey the 

original railroad system within the Eden Ridge Tract. 

Intact railroad grades, and even some of the grades that have been converted to roads already, 

still retain some of the engineering features distinctive to the railroad logging systems built by 

Smith-Powers. Tonsfeldt (2012) states, “The railroads built by Smith-Powers and its successor 

firms on the Eden Ridge represent textbook examples of civil engineering and railroad 

construction of a quality and sophistication seldom found on railroad logging systems. Hard rock 

cuts and fills, and extensive trestling made this system expensive to build, but the quality of 

earthwork and ballasting insured that it would be durable. Indeed, much of the main line grade is 

successfully re-used as forest roads.” 
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-12

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Other features of the site include camps, donkey sleds, trestle and skid trail remains. The 

remains of the Doe Swamp Camp are still evident in a cut over area on a private land in-holding 

within the Eden Ridge area, most of the buildings are collapsed and the few buildings remaining 

are failing. Many other buildings related to these logging activities are to be found in the town of 

Powers itself. The other camps have largely been salvaged at the end of the logging activities 

with many of the buildings and other materials removed. Day-use activity areas have the remains 

of several activities including skidding, equipment maintenance and living activities. Many of the 

camps or day-use activity areas may yield more information about the lives of the loggers, their 

living conditions, or the industrial construction activities at Eden Ridge. 

The remains of numerous trestles lie along the railroad grades, and in some case alongside the 

current classified road system. The conditions of the trestles range from failed with upright bents 

still in place, to nearly indiscernible with only a few timbers or spikes sticking out of the vegetation 

to indicate the past. Taken along with the grade, these remains still show the original location of 

the railroad on the landscape. 

While many of the skid trails were visible on the 1943 aerial photographs, on the ground the 

condition of these trails varies with some having donkey mounds spaced along the trail, along with 

anchor trees, stumps, or down log features.

B. Consultations

The Forest has consulted with SHPO under the R6 PA Stipulation III (B)6: Historic Properties 

Adversely Affected which requires case-by-case review of the project under the National 

Historic Preservation Act (36 CFR 800.5). The Forest has developed measures with SHPO to 

mitigate the adverse effects of the project on the Smith-Powers Logging Railroad at Eden Ridge. 

These measures have been incorporated into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SHPO 

that documents these measures; a copy of this MOA is attached to this report (Attachment A).

A Notification of Adverse Effect has been submitted to the Advisory Council of Historic 

Preservation (ACHP) with no response received.

The Forest has consulted with the Coquille Indian Tribe to solicit their concerns regarding the 

Planning Area and this project throughout the NEPA process with no response received.

IV. Effects

A. Potential Effects & Mitigation Measures

The effects on cultural resource sites may vary with the type of site, as well as the type of project. 

Subsurface cultural materials may be more protected than standing structures, or cultural 

materials lying on top of the surface. In addition, all sites may be impacted by activities which 

draw people into an area, increasing the likelihood of vandalism, looting or incidental damage 

done through use of an area. 

Where avoidance of a significant cultural resource site is not possible, measures are developed to 

mitigate or limit the effects of the project. Where the loss of the site, or a portion of the site will 

occur, the loss can mitigated by data recovery or interpretation of the history of the site. Data 

recovery generally includes a synthesis of known information about the site, and a plan for further 

research to retrieve further information from the site. Further information may be retrieved 

through excavation and analysis of the results, or researching and documenting the relevant 

records and histories about the site. 
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-13

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

Interpretation of the site is generally intended to inform the public about the history of the area to 

provide greater enjoyment of their cultural environment. Limiting the extent of disturbance to a 

site could include modifying the operating season of a project so that soil disturbance is kept to a 

minimum, directional felling of trees, using certain techniques or technology, or limiting the area 

where operations can take place to only a portion of the site. 

The Forest consults with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on the mitigation 

of adverse effects to historic properties in the state of Oregon considered eligible to the National 

Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Specific mitigation measures for adverse effects to the 

Smith-Powers Logging Railroad are documented in the Memorandum of Agreement between the 

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office 

Regarding the Eden Ridge Timber Sales Project, Coos County, Oregon. This MOA includes the 

mitigation measures that are required for the predicted effects to the Smith-Powers Logging 

Railroad, and which are summarized here. 

 A Forest Archaeologist will aid in the layout of timber sales to ensure that key features are 

identified on the ground for avoidance. 

 Limit impacts to the railroad grade during road construction and logging activities. This 

includes constructing minimal road width and limiting construction activities to one ‘lane’ 

where sidings exist, leaving fill and cut features intact. The siding areas are not to be used 

as turn outs. Most of the historical features also lie along the old grades. Those features 

that retain some integrity will be avoided. 

 In some cases, timber may be removed from within the feature boundary by directional 

felling and keeping equipment outside the feature. Skid trail features that still retain 

donkey mounds and other associated features will be avoided. Where necessary, 

designate yarding corridors crossing perpendicular to linear features. 

 An Archaeologist will monitor during road construction to note type and quantity of 

artifacts/features, to recover information from artifacts and features uncovered during 

project implementation and note unusual artifacts. Spot check monitor throughout the 

various sales. The Forest will provide brief reports documenting any materials or features 

recovered during monitoring activities for the Oregon SHPO. 

 Include contract clause C6.24 which provides for the protection of cultural resources 

regardless of when they are discovered. If concentrations of artifacts/features are 

discovered during project implementation, stop and notify a Forest Archaeologist, and the 

concentration shall be avoided. Concentrations of artifacts could be similar to the day-use 

features avoided, could be a dump or single donkey sled, or could be a variety of artifacts 

dispersed over an area of several acres. Coordination with the Archaeologist and SHPO 

will determine final treatment of the area. 

 Eden Ridge historical railroad logging provides an opportunity to bring interpretive 

displays to the public. Interpretive products are to include a Passport in Time (PIT) 

volunteer project, a popular article on the history of the Smith-Powers Logging Railroad on 

Eden Ridge, and a traveling exhibit. Results of the PIT project will be documented and 

submitted to the Oregon SHPO.

 The Forest will prepare a final report incorporating all information from monitoring, 

Passport in Time, implementation activities, or other sources into a single report amending 

the site record for the Oregon SHPO. 
Appendix J – Heritage Report Page J-14

Eden Ridge Timber Sales

B. Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative 1

Under this alternative, no actions are proposed and any previously recorded, or as yet 

undiscovered sites or railroad grades; they would remain undisturbed. There are no identified 

on-going impacts to historic properties that would continue because of no action.

Action Alternatives

The three Action Alternatives all propose to convert some of the railroad grades to classified 

roads, an adverse effect to an eligible historic property. Alternative 2 would have the greatest 

effect, converting 4.4 miles of railroad grade; Alternative 3 has the next greatest effect 

converting 3 miles, and Alternative 4 converts one mile of railroad grade. Mitigation measures 

specific to conversion of the contributing railroad grades roads include:

 Limiting road-building impacts to a single-lane road with designated turnouts;

 Avoiding railroad construction features such as fill, cut and borrows;

 Archaeological monitoring of road-construction activities and documentation of any 

additional findings; and

 Development of products interpreting the history of the Smith-Powers Logging Railroad at 

Eden Ridge including a Passport in Time (PIT) volunteer opportunity, a popular article, 

and a traveling exhibit.

In addition, based on the number of acres affected, Alternative 2 would have the greatest affect 

to existing sites, followed by Alternative 3. Alternative 4 would have the least effect on sites. 

However, the effects based on acreages would be mitigated by avoiding contributing site features 

during project implementation. Mitigation measures specific to sites include:

 Avoid contributing features such as skid trails, day-use activity areas and camps; and

 Limiting crossings of linear features such as skid trails.

All mitigation measures for project impacts to contributing features have been developed in 

consultation with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. As noted above, a Memorandum 

of Agreement (MOA) has been developed between the Forest and SHPO describing the 

mitigation provisions; a copy of this MOA is attached to this report (Attachment A).

If additional sites are encountered in the course of additional inventory or during project 

implementation, Forest specialists would consult with the State Historic Preservation Office, as 

required by law, to determine the significance of the discovery and the effects of the project upon 

them. The Coquille Indian Tribe would be included in these discussions where Native American 

sites are involved. Mitigation would be accomplished and may include avoidance of the sites, or 

scientific investigation.

C. Cumulative Effects

Before the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 was implemented, project planning 

did not include consideration of impacts to historic properties. Any projects such as timber 

harvest, road building, fire suppression activities etc. that occurred prior to this, had the potential 

to adversely impact historic properties, and many of these projects occurred in areas considered 

high probability for cultural resources.
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Since the 1970s, cultural resource inventories have been conducted to locate cultural resources 

prior to project implementation. The knowledge of sites found during earlier inventories, and the 

refinement of the inventory process to locate properties, currently allows impacts from projects to 

be avoided or mitigated. While natural deterioration is ongoing, the current condition and trend of 

the historic record is that historic properties are being protected from project impacts.

Information from the sites, their location and nature help to inform about the history of the area. 

Knowledge of the location and condition of historic properties also allows the potential for 

management action to abate or mitigate natural processes which affect the historical record.

Wild fire and suppression activities may impact cultural resources. Public actions on Forest 

Service lands have the potential to impact heritage resources. Generally these impacts are 

minimal because they are dispersed. However, when actions begin to concentrate impacts to 

known heritage resources, management actions can be taken to mitigate those impacts.

Cumulatively, this project would continue the impacts to the railroad grades of converting them 

into the current road system. Most of the major railroad grades with the most railroad-related 

engineering would be converted at the end of this project. The mitigation measures that would 

limit road-building activities to singles lanes, and avoid impacting related features such as borrow 

pits, cuts and fill grades would allow many of these engineering features to remain after the 

project. Other features such as camps, day-use areas and skid trails that are contributing 

features would also be avoided. Interpretive products would bring the history of the Smith-Powers 

Logging Railroad to a larger audience.

D. Consistency with Regulatory Framework

The guidelines of the Forest Plan and that of other jurisdictions were recognized in the 

development of all Action Alternatives. In addition, the laws and policies that govern cultural 

resource management on Federal lands are coordinated with the State Historic Preservation 

Officer (SHPO) of Oregon, who serves in an advisory capacity. The policies of the Forest Service 

and the SHPOs are consistent.

V. Consulting Parties

The Advisory Council of Historic Preservation (ACHP) oversees Cultural Resource Programs and 

Laws at the National level. They work with the State Historic Preservation Offices and resolve conflicts 

of determinations of significance or effects between the SHPOs and federal agencies. When 

significant cultural resources will be adversely affected, the Advisory Council works with the SHPO 

and federal agency to develop appropriate mitigation measures.

The Oregon State Preservation Office (OR SHPO) reviews recommendations for site significance, 

and mitigation measures when sites cannot be avoided for sites located on the Gold Beach and 

Powers Ranger Districts.

Coquille Indian Tribe have general concerns about the management of the Rogue River-Siskiyou

National Forest, on the Powers Ranger District along the South Fork of the Coquille River. The 

Powers Ranger District lies within the aboriginal territory of the Coquille Indian Tribe. Project 

proposals in this vicinity are submitted to the Coquille Indian Tribe to solicit their concern during the 

planning phase under a government-to-government relationship. Where American Indian sites may 

be affected in this area, mitigation measures are developed in consultation with the Coquille Indian 

Tribe, as well as the State Historic Preservation Office.
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VI. Cultural Resource Laws & Regulations

36 CFR 60 describes the process for nominating sites to the National Register. Web. 01 December 

2010 

<http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=b42048a07bd6c7c745d457841af90950;rgn=

div5;view=text;node=36%3A1.0.1.1.26;idno=36;cc=ecfr>.

36 CFR 800 describes the process for meeting compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act 

(36 CFR CH VIII 7-1-93 Edition) Web. 01 December 2010 < http://www.achp.gov/regs-rev04.pdf>.

American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 (AIRFA) requires agencies to make a good faith 

effort to learn about Indian religious practices and consider any adverse impacts on them in their 

decision-making practices. The consideration of intangible, religious, ceremonial, or traditional 

cultural values and concerns which cannot be tied to specific cultural sites/properties could be 

considered under AIRFA. Web. 01 December 2010 

<http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations/documents/policy/statutes/American_Indian_Religous_F

reedom_Act.pdf>.

Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) [16 USC 470aa - 470mm, PL 

96-96]provides for criminal and civil penalties for anyone collecting artifacts or damaging 

archaeological sites on federal lands without a federally issued permit to excavate for research 

purposes. Web. 01 December 2010 

<http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations/documents/policy/statutes/ARPA_PL96-95.pdf>.

Executive Order 11593 of 1971 provides for the protection and enhancement of the cultural 

environment. Web. 01 December 2010 

<http://www.apfo.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/eo11593.pdf>.

Executive Order 13007 of June 1996, Indian Sacred Sites directs Federal land managers to "(1) 

accomodate access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites by Indian religious practitioners and 

(2) avoid adversely affecting the physical integrity of such sacred sites". Furthermore it states that 

"where appropriate, agencies shall maintain the confidentiality of sacred sites". Web. 01 December 

2010 

<http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations/documents/policy/executiveorders/EO13007_5_24_96.pdf>.

Forest Service Handbook (FSH 6209.13 11.2, 11.22) describes the exemption of the location and 

nature of archaeologic and historic sites from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. This 

Handbook chapter is currently being revised as of 12/01/2010.

Forest Service Manual – Chapter 2360 Heritage Program Management (FSM 2360.1-2368.1)

clarifies Heritage Program direction and requirements to line officers. This includes direction on the 

confidentiality of cultural resource information. Available Web. 01 December 2010 

<http://www.fs.fed.us/cgi-bin/Directives/get_dirs/fsm?2300>.

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended through2006 [16 USC 470] (NHPA) 

requires federal agencies to take into consideration the effects of their activities or permitted activities 

on cultural resources. The NHPA also requires management of historic properties. Web. 01 

December 2010 <http://www.achp.gov/docs/nhpa%202008-final.pdf>.

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Sites eligible for or on the National Register must be 

managed to protect and enhance their cultural value, or to mitigate their loss. Sites are determined 

eligible by their a) importance to major events or affairs of history, b) their association with people who 

played significant roles in history, c) characteristics unique to a style, period or event in history or d) 

their potential to yield more information about history.
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Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA) recognizes the 

rights of the Indian Tribes and Native American organizations as caretakers of human remains, 

funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony with which they can demonstrate a 

reasonable biological or cultural affiliation. As part of this recognition, this statute conveys to such 

groups the rights to decide upon the disposition of such items. Web. 01 December 2010 

<http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/tribalrelations/documents/policy/statutes/American_Indian_Religous_Freed

om_Act.pdf>.

VII. Agreements with SHPO and ACHP regarding Cultural Resources

Programmatic Agreement among the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service 

Pacific Northwest Region (Region 6), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the 

Oregon State Historical Preservation Officer Regarding Cultural Resource Management in the 

State of Oregon by the USDA Forest Service (R6 PA), 2004 allows Forests meeting agreement 

conditions to streamline the Section 106 process as follows: 

o Allows programmatic review of undertakings, which by definition, would be considered 

undertakings, but typically have negligible potential to affect historic properties (appendix A).

o Allows programmatic review of undertakings which may have some limited potential to affect 

historic properties, but may be inspected, monitored or otherwise identified (appendix B).

o Allows programmatic review of activities that have no potential to cause effects to historic 

properties (appendix c).

o Allows programmatic review of No Effect or Historic properties avoided projects

VIII. References

Beckham, Stephen Dow

1978 Cultural Resource Overview of the Siskiyou National Forest. USDA Forest Service, Rogue 

River-Siskiyou National Forest, Medford, Oregon.

Beckham, Stephen Dow, & Hartmann, Glenn D. 

1977 Cultural Resource Overview of the Eden Ridge Tract, Coos County, Oregon. USDA Forest Service, 

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Medford, Oregon.

Lansing, William A. 

2007 Can’t You Hear the Whistle Blowin’: Logs, Lignite, and Locomotives in Coos County, Oregon

Peterson, Emil R. and Alfred Powers 

1952 A Century of Coos and Curry: History of Southwest Oregon. Coos-Curry Pioneer and Historical 

Association, Coquille. Binfords & Mort, Publishers, Portland, Oregon.

Robbins, William G. 

2006 [1998] Hard Times in Paradise, Coos Bay, Oregon Revised Ed. University of Washington Press, Seattle 

WA.

Tonsfeldt, Ward.

2012 Reconnaissance of Historic Railroad Logging Resources, Eden Ride Tract, Powers Ranger 

District, Siskiyou National Forest. Bend, Oregon

USDA Forest Service.

1989 Land and Resource Management Plan, Siskiyou National Forest. Rogue River-Siskiyou National 

Forest, Medford, Oregon.

Ward, B.H.

1973 Logging on the Oregon Coast in Pacific News Volume 13 No. 9 
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The Bend Bulletin

Oregon’s Future Seaport City

1927 The Bend Bulletin. 2 December: 3

The American Lumberman

The Personal History and Public and Business Achievements of One Hundred Eminent Lumbermen of 

the United States

1905 The American Lumberman: 630

The Personal History and Public and Business Achievements of One Hundred Eminent Lumbermen of 

the United States

1911 The American Lumberman: 395-396

Realization of a Great Commercial Dream. The World’s Most Advanced Example of a Lumber 

Manufacturing & Distributing Organization. 

1911 The American Lumberman. 11 November: 43-142

Popular Lumberman Resumes Executive Direction of Big Coast Organization

1922 The American Lumberman. 4 February: 58-59

The Timberman

Mountain Logging in Southwestern Oregon

1918 The Timberman. August: 33-36

Coos Bay District

1918 The Timberman. January: 57-58

IX. Glossary

Area of potential effects (APE): "means the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking 

may directly or indirectly cause alterations in the character or use of historic properties, if any such 

properties exist. The area of potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of an undertaking 

and may be different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking". [36 CFR 800.16 

incorporating amendments effective August 5, 2004]

Cultural Resource Site: the physical remains of human activity (including historic and prehistoric 

artifacts, ruins, buildings, structures, burials, petroglyphs, etc.) having scientific or social values. See 

also "historic property".

Indian Tribe: “means an Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including 

a native village, regional corporation or village corporation, as those terms are defined in section 3 of 

the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602), which is recognized as eligible for the 

special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as 

Indians.” [36 CFR 800.16 incorporating amendments effective August 5, 2004]

Historic Property: "means any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object 

included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the 

Secretary of the Interior. This term includes artifacts, records, and remains that are related to and 

located within such properties. The term includes properties of traditional religious and cultural 

importance to an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization and that meet the National Register 

criteria." [36 CFR 800.16 incorporating amendments effective August 5, 2004]
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National Register (NRHP): "means the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the 

Secretary of the Interior." [36 CFR 800.16 incorporating amendments effective August 5, 2004]

Undertaking: "means a project, activity, or program funded in whole or in part under the direct or 

indirect jurisdiction of a Federal agency, including those carried out by or on behalf of a Federal 

agency; those carried out with Federal financial assistance; and those requiring a Federal permit, 

license or approval. [36 CFR 800.16 incorporating amendments effective August 5, 2004].
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ATTACHMENT A
Appendix 

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Appendix 

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Appendix 

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Appendix 

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Appendix 

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Appendix 

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